The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVII No. 31 // 2024-07-31

The Nugget

SMOKE ON THE WATER

Creators celebrate the business of art

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

“I didn’t think I was a creative person; my older sister was the artist in our family.”

It was a surprising statement to hear from successful artist and “possibilitarian” Kelly Rae Roberts onstage at Fir Street Park last week.

Her story was part of a keynote panel on the business of art, featured at a

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

Suttle Lake under a haze of wildfire smoke. As of press time, there had been no significant fires in Sisters Country — yet the area has been hit with heavy layers of smoke from fires elsewhere in Oregon, California, and perhaps even Canada. Smoke has periodically caused unhealthy air quality and forced cancellation of events. Air quality forecasts indicate a few potentially lighter days this week, but potential for diminished air quality over the coming weekend.

The land of Deschutes County, like other counties, is divided up into interesting shapes. A school district here, a parks and recreation district there, a House of Representatives district that might change from District 2 to District 5. Maps for land use zoning determine whether folks can develop their properties, whether they must grow trees or

on page 15

Grant jumpstarts pickleball courts

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

PubTalk event in Sisters last week. EDCO (Economic Development for Central Oregon) describes PubTalk as “a happy hour aimed at bringing together different facets of the business community in one place to network, share ideas, and further local businesses.”

Also sharing insights onstage was panelist Katie

Metolius wolf pack triples in size

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

With the addition of at least four pups, the Metolius wolves, a pair first identified in 2021, are now six in number, possibly more. Four sets of tracks have been observed by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) wolf biologist Aaron Bott. The average litter size is five.

Bott has thus far been

unable to capture the new arrivals on trail cameras. The den is believed to be on private land in a mosaic of public and private property.

The minimum known count of wolves in Oregon at the end of 2023 was 178 wolves, according to the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management annual report released April 24. This is the same number documented in 2022 and

See WOLVES on page 20

Pickleball has been named America’s fastestgrowing sport for the third year in a row in the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report. The report shows participation grew 51.8 percent from 2022 to 2023. In 2023, the 65+ age group was tied for having the second highest number of participants.

In 2023 alone there were over 35 million pickleball players and it was growing exponentially at a rate of 158 percent over the last three years.

The raging popularity of pickleball is in evidence in Sisters where hundreds of devotees compete vigorously, not just in the sport, but for court time. There are no public courts in Sisters. All are in private subdivisions, one of which —Sage Meadow — is home to Pine Valley Tennis Club (PVTC).

In a creative transaction designed to vastly increase the number of courts in Sisters, PVTC has donated the land on which the courts sit to a 501(c)(3) foundation thereby avoiding any tax liability. In turn the foundation — SOAR — sold the land for

$333,000 and will donate the proceeds to Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD).

At the same time, SPRD is awaiting approval of its $750,000 grant application to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The grant funds and additional funding from the City of Sisters will enable SPRD to build eight pickleball courts along with other amenities when SPRD takes over the property of the former Sisters Elementary School.

The SOAR Foundation was originally founded in 1995 and was the predecessor to SPRD. In 2004, the SOAR Foundation raised more

than $1 million to build the Coffield Community Center that serves as the headquarters for SPRD programs.

“Having access to an additional source of funding is critical to the growth and prosperity of SPRD,” said Jennifer Holland, executive director of SPRD. “While the funding from property taxes and the local option levy help subsidize a portion of our operating expenses, the ability to increase our capabilities to better serve the community through an outside funding organization will be important to meet the needs

PICKLEBALL on page 18

Pickleball is a very popular sport in Sisters Country.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

JAROD GATLEY

OPINION

Editorial…

Let’s all do better

Last Thursday, I got a message from a man who had submitted a letter to the editor a couple of weeks ago. He was disappointed that we ran a letter in response to his that — in a negatively personal way — dismissed his substantive argument essentially as “drinking the Koolaide,” referring to the 1979 mass suicide of the Jonestown cult in Guyana. That kind of hyperbole has become so common that we get desensitized to it. It’s over the top — and not much of a contribution to an actual debate.

The writer said that the experience makes him disinclined to participate in the discourse. He has a legitimate grievance.

Let’s all try to do better. The Nugget is going to be more attentive to the guardrails when letters tread into the territory of personal swipes, and we ask that letter writers work a little harder to avoid taking them. We want as

full and as vigorous a discourse in Letters to the Editor as the community is interested in having. Disagreement — vehement disagreement — is great. But let’s argue for persuasion, not just to vent or to grandstand. If you disagree with a letter-writer’s stance, go after them on the substance. Argue with others the way you would want them to argue with you.

We’ve got a long few months of roiled up politics ahead of us. This is a diverse community with diverse views and we can and must air them. But let’s do it in a way that casts light instead of just stoking heat — and all of us work a little harder to do better.

Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

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.

Food sovereignty

To the Editor:

In response to commentary on the Sisters Community Garden:

Last week Bailey Diemer made an excellent point, one that seems to be forgotten in our current worldview: Food Sovereignty. When considering the best use of a space, how can we seriously be comparing growing our

own food with cherishing a lawn?

I agree with Bailey’s observation that no one uses that exceptionally large lawn. I have two young children, we play at Cliff Clemens playground. Sometimes, people walk across the lawn to get to the playground. I see a lot of deer poop in that lawn. I see a human on a lawn mower riding above that lawn. But only

See LETTERS on page 16

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Cliff Clemens Park is a gem

By Marlene McCormack Guest Columnist

Despite the afternoon heat a few weeks ago, a demure elderly woman (older than I am but not by much) was knocking on doors in my neighborhood. She held a yellow, lined tablet she had repurposed into a petition to garner signatures. Her cause, she explained, was to stop the Sisters Community Garden from laying claim to a goodly portion of Cliff Clemens Park on Larch Street. I declined to sign it at the time because, well, this was the first I heard about it.

Today I now agree with that petitioner. The garden needs to find another place to go. I sympathize with their plight: the organization must vacate their acreage at the Sisters Eagle Airport. However, staging a land grab on an already established park is not the solution. Cliff Clemens Park is a gem of a green space located in a close-knit neighborhood.

Why is it a gem? If you seek quiet time, go to Clemens Park. It’s within easy walking or driving distance from Sisters’ bustling downtown. It is devoid of the activity routinely found at Village Green, Creekside, and Fir Street parks.

Locals and visitors of all ages and places enjoy the park’s expanse of green. There’s room for everyone who stops in. There is no stage, no gazebo, no splash pad, no covered barbecue areas. The open space is the main attraction. Families have picnics, children run and play, teens can catch some rays without feeling self-conscious, visitors toss balls for their dogs. Sometimes a casual soccer game forms. A Little Free Library greets you at the entrance. Residents from The Lodge in Sisters, the independent/assisted living center just across the street, can sit on a shaded bench and drink in the view of the Three Sisters mountains. This park emits tranquility — plus sunsets can be phenomenal.

There are days when dawn and dusk turn the place into a small wildlife viewing area. You may be lucky

enough to see rabbits, deer, and quail. Woodpeckers, doves, blackbirds, and jays frequent the park bringing their cacophony of chirps and coos until the heat of the summer day requires everyone to take a break.

The City of Sisters master plan calls such a place an open space which is “left primarily in their natural state and managed to provide limited passive recreation opportunities.” That describes Clemens Park ‘to a T,’ as the saying goes. People from all over now enjoy full-time access to all of the park, but this garden would greatly limit that access with its fences, noise, and locked gates.

The organization’s deer fencing and accompanying tarps against the wind would obstruct views. The “fragrance” of compost and manure and the steady hum of greenhouse fans come along with such a project. Of course, any wildlife would now be unwelcome. In fact, so is anyone who hasn’t paid for a plot. You see, the title “Community Garden” is misleading. It’s more accurate to call it a paid membership garden located within the community (but that’s a long handle). Anyone is welcome to rent a plot but that “community” is limited to about 50 or so subscribers depending on how many plots are rented.

I agree that the Sisters Community Garden does great work and outreach. I honestly support the concept of a community garden, but typically such a project is placed somewhere not currently in use — like a vacant lot. Clemens Park is not a vacant lot. But there is a defunct garden at Sisters Middle School to consider. Maybe someone has an alternate suggestion?

If any case, let the Sisters City Council know how you feel. Personally, I feel the garden people and council can do better. Check out the city’s master plan online as well as the garden’s web pages. Make your opinion known either way.

In the meantime, I hope that lady with the petition returns. I’m ready to sign.

Views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily shared by the Editor or The Nugget Newspaper.

PHOTO BY STEVE MATTHEWS

COMMUNITY

Sisters State Park is a local gem

Many readers may be surprised to know that there is an Oregon State Park in Sisters.

Sisters State Park was established in 1939. The park was named for the adjacent town of Sisters. The original 41 acres was purchased by Louis W. Hill for $1,532.

After he purchased the land (see map on page 17), Hill donated it to the State of Oregon for a park or some other public purpose. It was Hill’s desire to preserve the old-growth pine forest on the property for use and enjoyment of future generations. Hill also wanted to ensure that the property was not

used for any purpose that might create a traffic hazard at the adjacent highway junction.

In 1983, the State transferred ownership of 13 of the 41 acres to the City of Sisters. The area given to the city is on the west side of Highway 20. The city used the land to create two municipal parks adjacent to the remaining state park property. The city established a day-use picnic area on the north side of Squaw Creek (renamed Whychus Creek).

On the south side of the creek, the city took over the state’s existing campground. The day-use site is called Creekside Park while the camping area is known as Sisters Creekside Campground. Both parks

are owned and maintained by the City of Sisters. The remaining state park property is east of the two municipal parks.

In 1990, the City created a park master plan that identified how the two creek side parks would be developed. However, the city never submitted the plan to the State for approval. A subsequent city plan in 2011 suggested that a playground and volleyball courts be built at the park site. The plan also recommended that the existing restroom facilities be renovated, electrical upgrade be made to park lighting, and a kiosk with a city map be installed.

Apparently, no action

Supporting citizen soldiers

Nugget

John Grant and Jim Cunningham have walked in each others’ tracks over 50 years of service. The two men were squadron mates in special air operations during the Vietnam War. Both went on to careers as pilots for United Airlines, and both continued to serve in the military — Cunningham in the Oregon Air National Guard, Grant with the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

“He went into the Reserves, I went to the Guard — that’s the only difference as far as our service went,” Cunningham told The

Now, the two men, both living in Sisters, are promoting support for citizen soldiers through the ESGR program. ESGR stands for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

According to the Department of Defense, “ESGR, a Department of Defense office, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military

Paying tribute to rock legends

The music of Led Zeppelin will thunder and roar across downtown Sisters on Saturday night as Hardtails Bar & Grill hosts Valhalla, a tribute to one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music.

Vocalist Larry Smith told The Nugget, “We have the privilege and honor to do probably the best band that ever existed.”

Recreating the potent sound of Led Zeppelin is

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

no easy task. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham each brought unique elements to a mix that combined heavy blues, British folk music, and a touch of psychedelia that dominated both radio and massive venues through the 1970s.

Smith said that he discovered at about age 12 that his voice matched up with that of Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant.

“I have a copy-cat voice

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.

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Dire ctor s

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Jim and Dee McCormick and Dan and Linda Shaw serve as hosts at Sisters Creekside Campground.

See ESGR on page 19

See VALHALLA on page 16

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

See STATE PARK on page 17

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

SISTERS WEATHER FORECAST

Wednesday

July 31 • Sunny 92/59

Thursday August 1 • Mostly Sunny 100/64

Friday August 2 • Mostly Sunny 99/65

Saturday August 3 • Partly Cloudy 92/60

Sunday August 4 • Mostly Sunny 96/60

Monday August 5 • Sunny 96/60

Tuesday

August 6 • Sunny 97/58

Sisters cyclists ‘send it’ at local bike park

By Tatum Cramer Correspondent

Sisters Bike Park 242 is located on the edge of the Sisters High School parking lot. It provides an outlet for kids, of all ages, to get a little dusty and ‘send it’ while riding their bikes.

In October 2015, the bike park received donations to start building a small pump track. In April of 2016, the big pump track was created. Then, in September of 2016, SPRD received a parks and recreation development grant to keep expanding the park.

Much like everything else, when COVID hit all the work and excitement for the bike park came to a halt.

After sitting for years without maintenance or care, the track was overgrown with weeds. The small and large pump tracks needed work before they were rideable again.

In the summer of 2023, the bike park received a new set of grants, which helped restore it back to its full potential. This required dedicated volunteers that rebuilt jumps, pump tracks, and miscellaneous dirt work so the park could be ready for the grand opening.

Project managers Michelle and Steve Smith helped find dozens of volunteers to come together and restore the bike park for its grand reopening in October of 2023.

Michelle is the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) representative for the Sisters area. Her

volunteer work and commitment to the bike park has not gone unnoticed. Through her love for mountain biking, as well as getting kids outside, she shines when it comes to leadership and bringing people together around a common goal. Her organizational skills are admirable and her bubbly spirit fills everyone around her with smiles. Michelle operates with such precision that things she is in charge of are guaranteed to run smoothly.

Steve is a dedicated mountain biker through and through. Not only does he love riding his bike, he loves teaching others about everything on two wheels. Through coaching the kids and putting on clinics, he is opening kids’ eyes to what is possible on a

bike. Steve makes every kid feel welcome and his teaching style centers around having fun!

Without these two dedicated individuals, as well as everyone who has volunteered and helped throughout the years, the bike park would not exist.

The bike park recently hosted skills clinics.

“The bike park is a great way to expand kids’ enjoyment for action sports instead of ball and stick sports,” said Kevin Formalarie, a volunteer at the Sisters Bike Park 242 . Volunteers like Formalarie are always needed. Through volunteering to help run clinics and assisting with bike

park maintenance the park can stay safe and fun.

“When it comes to my hope and goals for the bike par, I hope we can get more community involvement and that people come to respect the time and effort it takes to build and maintain this park,” said Michelle Smith.

The Sisters bike park asks that you not climb, run, or jump on the bike park area. This type of use tends to break down the dirt features, so only use the bike park if you are on a bike.

If you have questions or wonder about how to get involved in volunteering or registering for clinics email sistersrep@cotamtb.com.

Bike Park 242 is being discovered by cycling enthusiasts.

PHOTO BY TATUM CRAMER

What do we say to our kids?

By Edie Jones Columnist

What do we say to our kids when the news brings events unconscionable to most of us adults? Of course, I’m referring to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

That’s just one example. Our kids hear and see much. This is what they are growing up with, what seems to be becoming the norm of our society. How do we explain it? How do we counter it in a way they will understand?

Probably the easiest thing to keep in mind is to balance whatever you say with your own values, sharing thoughts about things that are good and bad, and how you react to them. Letting your child know you are angry or upset is valuable in that it teaches that all feelings are valid. The important message that goes with this is that even though we can’t control what others do we can control how we respond and react.

Asking your kids their thoughts about what they saw is a good place to begin. Listen and determine how much they took in, their feelings as it happened, and what they think would be the best thing to do if something like that were to happen near them.

One way to help kids do this is to have them imagine being the victim or someone in harm’s way and ask them what they would do. Talk about that solution with them, was it the best thing to do, or might there be a better way to respond if it ever happens again.

If your kids see news of wars with children starving and no place to live, talk to them about what they saw. Talk about what they have, helping to build an appreciation for the many blessings around us. If they are old enough to understand about donations this is a great time to encourage part of their allowance or money received as a gift going to a cause they can relate to.

Young ones, old enough to understand rules, will also benefit from discussions of why there are rules of behavior. Recently, a friend shared the rules she and her husband had for their three-year-old grandchild who was visiting. “Be Kind, Be Safe, Be You.”

When you think about it, each of these covers many nuances that could be applied to the shooting incident. Even a young child knows that the shooter

was not kind, that he was attempting to hurt Mr. Trump. As far as being safe, what a great time to talk about people who are there to help them be safe, such as Secret Service agents (or teachers, friends, and parents). As far as “being you,” that is what Mr. Trump was demonstrating, and even though there are times when bad things may happen it’s important to know what’s important to you.

Most importantly, talk with your kids. Don’t wait for them to bring something up if you think they are aware of or are impacted by something they saw. Remembering to use openended questions is often hard to do. In these kinds of discussions, they are much more valuable than questions that can be answered with a “yes” or a “no,” which often results in closing down conversations.

I remember far too vividly a phone conversation I had with a grandson who is usually very chatty when I forgot the above. Asking him if he had enjoyed an event he attended, he answered, “yes” and became quiet. I responded with, “Would you like to go again?” His answer again was “yes.” Followed with, “I’ve got to go Grandmom.” Did I learn anything from this exchange? Only that I missed a wonderful opportunity to know more about this young man and what was important to him.

We adults often don’t have answers for our kids about things they see or learn about. It is okay to say “I don’t know. What do you think?” Responses from them will usually give you more words to use to say what you really would like to say.

Commentary...

Grandpa’s Tweezers

By Susan Carroll Guest Columnist

Tattoos are done in a variety of styles, subjects and colors, and the motivations behind getting them, are as varied as the tattoos themselves. It’s not unusual to see a heart, a boyfriend’s face, or even an exotic animal — but tweezers?

Approaching the counter at The Hen’s Tooth I look toward the young woman behind the counter and notice a tattoo on her arm of a tweezer. The story behind this tattoo connects to a small box on the counter with the label Grandpa’s Tweezers.

Upon asking, I discover that Fred Westendorf, created Grandpa’s Tweezers. His granddaughter Jill tells me that Fred invented the tweezers for all the mill workers whose job hazard was nasty slivers. Fred experienced many mill changes in ownership over the years, from Whittier to Diamond to Brooks Scanlon to Brooks Resources, yet over all the years he was the mill’s grinder man.

He would make a special tweezer out of a planer blade. Fred continued making tweezers until his death at 90 on September 25, 2013. He spent his last year mentoring a neighbor in tweezermaking, which has allowed Grandpa’s famous tweezers to continue.

Four of Fred and Donna’s five children were school teachers (three of the four taught their entire careers in the Redmond School District). Their other son and his wife were retailers who began selling Fred’s tweezers in their gift shop, The Hen’s Tooth, in Sisters, Oregon. The store, now in its 46th year, is run by Fred and Donna’s granddaughter Heather and her husband Brian. Heather grew up in the store, began managing it in 2013 and eventually took over ownership of the family business.

Heather and her cousin Jill (another granddaughter, also employed at the store) talk daily to customers about their Grandpa and his tweezers. Each has such fond memories of Grandpa and treasure their tweezer made by him. In his honor, Jill has

a tweezer tattoo on her arm! She says, “My tattoo, though the smallest of all my tattoos, has the strongest meaning to me. Not only is it a conversation piece to which I get to speak about Grandpa and the man he was, to me it’s a reminder that even the smallest and simplest of ideas can become world famous! I carry Grandpa’s love with me everywhere I go!”

Grandpa’s Tweezers have been the top selling item in the store since the early 1980s when Fred began producing them outside of the mill. Heather, her parents and grandparents, all have treasured serving others through their small retail “mom & pop.” The sign above each door at The Hen’s Tooth summarizes their primary focus: “May the moments eggperienced within this nest and the love from our hearts BLESS all who enter here.”

ally Lauderdale Jacobson Principal Broker 541-678-2232 Real estate experience you can trust!

A tattoo tells a story...

PHOTO BY SUSAN CARROLL

By Kema Clark

Riding for the Sackett brand Book Covers

Louis L’Amour is one of the most realistic authors ever published. His descriptions of the country traveled in each book make you feel like you’re in the middle of the desert, or high on a mountain, or wherever the travels are. And the personalities of his characters cover all kinds of people, so you understand exactly what they’re thinking and feeling in the moment.

There are a couple of ways to read his series on the Sackett family. You can read them in chronological order, or in the order that L’Amour wrote them. I chose the order he wrote them because I love our U.S. West, but whatever way you choose will be the right one for you.

L’Amour started with a few members of the Sacketts that lived in Tennessee and decided to move westward. The first book he wrote in the series was “The Daybreakers.” Tyrel, Orrin, and Tell are three brothers born and raised in Tennessee. Long Higgins, whose family has been feuding with the Sacketts for years, shows up at Orrin’s wedding determined to murder Orrin. Orrin’s future wife Mary sees Higgins and shoves Orrin aside, but she gets killed by the shot. Tye steps in to save his brother by calling out Higgins and killing him in a fair shooting.

Since the law in that area was kin to the Sacketts, Tye

doesn’t want to put one of his relatives in the middle of what could be a feud with others. Tye heads home and lets Ma know what happened. She immediately tells him to take their best horse and head west to find “a place with deep, rich soil and a mite of game in the hills” for the family to move to. Tye’s Pa had been a “wandering and knowing man, never to home long” and Ma had been “talking up the west” ever since Pa died. She knows it’s the right time to get started.

By the time Tye gets to Texas, he’s out of money and food, but rides up to the fire of a group of riders who are moving a huge herd of cattle. Since he’s still in his patched, homespun clothes and farmer boots, they assume he’s not prepared for the west and the way they do business. Little do they know — but will soon find out — he’s the fastest man with a gun that ever sat around that fire — and most other fires. Within a couple of hours, Orrin rides up and that’s the start of the Sackett saga.

L’Amour has great descriptions of the west as the cattle herd continues on through Texas, Kansas, and beyond. Every book opens up more of the West. As Tye put it, “Suddenly something happened to me, and it happened to Orrin too. The world had burst wide open, and where our narrow valleys had been, our hogbacked ridges, our huddled towns and villages, there was now a world without end or limit.”

The men they meet at that first fire, and many more men and women they meet in “The Daybreakers,” will continue to be a big part of their lives — most will make a positive impact, but many are just bad people.

Tell Sackett is in the second book — titled appropriately “Sackett” - and many other relatives will be showing up later. Some of the future books backtrack the Sackett Family

from England in the 1500s, through Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee in the 1600s – 1700s, to New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado in the 1800s.

One of the main things I love about the Sackett series is that the bad guys never win the final fight. The Sacketts are always ready to defend family, friends, and honest people in need of help. Although many want to see what’s over the next hill, all of them are hard workers at any job they take on.

L’Amour wrote more than 80 incredible novels, so when you’re done with the Sacketts, you have plenty to keep adding to your reading list. Make your list and get going on your great escape.

“For one who reads, there is no limit to the number of lives that may be lived, for fiction, biography, and history offer an inexhaustible number of lives in many parts of the world, in all periods of time.”

— Louis L’Amour

Debates set for congressional race

By Julia Shumway Oregon Capital Chronicle

U.S. Rep. Lori ChavezDeRemer has agreed to participate in four televised debates ahead of the general election in Oregon’s closest congressional district.

Chavez-DeRemer’s announcement continues more than a month of negotiations over debates since her Democratic opponent, state Rep. Janelle Bynum, challenged her to three debates –one hosted by a Portland TV station, one hosted by a Bend TV station, and one livestreamed debate hosted by an organization with a print or radio news outlet.

Chavez-DeRemer accepted debate offers from Central Oregon Daily and KTVZ, both based in Bend, as well as KATU and KOIN, based in Portland. The 5th Congressional District stretches from central Oregon to the eastern edge of Portland, crossing the Cascades.

Nick Trainer, a senior advisor for Chavez-DeRemer’s re-election campaign, said the first-term congresswoman is eager to highlight her accomplishments and reputation for bipartisan work to as many Oregonians as possible.

“On the other hand, her

opponent has had a frontrow seat to failed policies that have spelled disaster for Oregon,” Trainer said. “We look forward to hearing Janelle Bynum apologize for solidifying Measure 110 and creating an unprecedented drug crisis and at the same time apologize to victims for working to let criminals loose on the streets while undermining law enforcement.”

In his Friday statement, Trainer said Bynum had evaded questions about her opinions on President Joe Biden’s fitness for another term. Biden ended his presidential campaign Sunday and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Bynum endorsed Harris on Monday, saying she was “the candidate to meet this moment.”

Bynum campaign manager Blakely Wall reiterated Bynum’s eagerness to debate.

“Janelle Bynum is eager to face Lori Chavez-DeRemer on the debate stage to highlight her record of standing up for Oregonians and her vision for the future,” Wall said. “Lori talks a big game in Oregon but still refuses to hold in-person town halls and she owes her constituents answers on why she goes to Washington and puts the extreme MAGA agenda ahead of us.”

Obituaries

2024

Sally Jo (Manning) Hancock was born in 1930 to Ben and Loretta (Kelley/ McCrary) Manning in Port Angeles, Washington. Sally Jo was raised in Seattle, Washington, attending school at Queen Anne High School. Sally Jo struggled with health during her early years, missing significant portions of her grade school. But her mother, who was a teacher always made sure Sally Jo was academically where she should be, even graduating from high school early. Sally Jo recounted times when their house on Queen Anne Hill was used for monitoring blackout drills for the whole city of Seattle during World War II.

In 1947, while attending the University of Washington she met her future husband, Donald E. Hancock. They married in 1950. Early in their marriage they lived in California for a brief amount of time, Albany, Oregon, and eventually settled into the suburbs of Portland. Sally Jo was a stay-at-home mother when their children were young, however, once the children were old enough to stay by themselves, Sally Jo returned to college. She eventually earned her Master of Science degree in Speech/ Language Pathology and Audiology from Portland State University. Sally Jo then worked for Portland Public Schools doing what she loved best: working with children who had special needs in speech and language development.

Sally Jo retired from Portland Public Schools in 1986. After retirement she and Don moved to their summer home at Carlyon Beach (Olympia, Washington). Sally Jo began to help with the Olympia Senior Center where she achieved multiple Presidential Awards

for Volunteerism. Sally Jo also became very active in Wrinkles of Washington both in set design and in performances and the Aloha Sweethearts (taking 3rd in their senior class at a Hawaiian competition).

Sally Jo has been a member of the White Rose Circle of Kappa Delta Sorority for 50-plus years and a member of Zeta Phi Eta (National Professional Fraternity in the Communication Arts and Sciences). Once she and Don moved to Bend, she became active in the American Legion Auxiliary as a volunteer. Most recently, the Hancock family lived at The Lodge in Sisters.

Sally’s husband, Don passed away in March 2024.

Sally Jo is survived by her two sons and their spouses; her daughter and spouse; multiple grandchildren; greatgrandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Sally Jo and Don will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland at a later date in a double ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the Hancock family requests that any donation be made to Mary GordonBrannan Speech and Hearing Sciences Endowed Scholarship: https://giving. psuf.org/gordon-brannan.

Raymond Joseph (Joe) Gunterman

December 11, 1947 – July 18, 2024

Raymond Joseph (Joe) Gunterman, long time resident of Sisters, died July 18, following a years-long battle with ALS. He was a wonderful friend, father, and grandfather.

Joe was born on December 11, 1947, to Oleita Lightfoot and Raymond Edward Gunterman in Louisville, Kentucky, and attended the University of Kentucky, graduating with a degree in sociology.

On December 20, 1969, he married Connie Ann Neeley and soon after was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Joe served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel and went on to have a second career leading training and development for Hamilton County in Cincinnati, Ohio. After retiring a second time in 2007 Joe and Connie moved to Sisters where they spent many years fishing, hiking, and exploring all the natural wonders of the West. He also continued his life of service, volunteering in many roles and as an active member of his church, helping his neighbors and members of the community.

Joe is survived by his wife, Connie Gunterman; two sons, Peter and Cory; four grandchildren, Amelia, Archer, Carver, and Cedar; and brother Peter Gunterman.

Although there are no public or formal services planned at his request, we’d ask that you celebrate his life in your own way and remember the moments of joy he brought to so many. His ashes will be interred at the Fort Stevens Military Cemetery on the Oregon coast, close to the waters and forests he loved to explore.

Expressions of sympathy can be made at ALS association Oregon Chapter’s website, https:// alsoregon.org and click on

Waterston writing prize names winner

Leath Tonino has been officially selected as the winner of the 10th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize by guest judge and acclaimed Law and Order actor Sam Waterston.

Tonino’s winning submission, “Limbo Wilds: A Journey into the Wilderness Study Areas of the Desert,” captures a deep sense of introspection and urgency regarding wilderness conservation. Throughout the piece, the protagonist navigates conflicting desires between enjoying Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and advocating for its protection in the face of legislative challenges.

The 10th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremony celebrating Tonino and featuring author Tucker Malarkey will take place at the High Desert Museum on September 26, 2024. For tickets to the event, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/ waterston-prize.

Malarkey, a nationally bestselling author known for critically acclaimed novels like “An Obvious Enchantment” and “Resurrection,” has ventured into nonfiction with

Sally Jo (Manning) Hancock 1930 –

Author shares memories of rustic cabin life

Writer and retired fisheries scientist Dennis Dauble will present his new memoir, “A Rustic Cabin: Finding A Sense Of Place” at Paulina Springs Books on Monday, August 5, at 6:30 p.m. Dauble is the author of several popular books including “Bury Me With My Flyrod: The Unvarnished Truth About Flyfishing” and “Fishes of the Columbia Basin.”

“A Rustic Cabin” is about carpenter ants, jaybirds, cornbread, wild trout, forest gnomes, Indian legends, racoons, secret creeks, organized religion, 100-year floods, s’mores, packrats, Adirondack chairs, and other affairs of rustic cabin life.

After searching the slopes of northeastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains for five years, Dauble stumbles upon a circa 1940 log cabin located inside a former dude ranch/hot springs resort in the Umatilla River canyon. Through it all — the fixups, 100-year flood, passing of loved ones — 19 years of

ownership have passed with no regret.

Part natural history, part memoir, and part practical advice, “A Rustic Cabin” is an entertaining account of one man’s dream of owning a cabin near a rushing trout stream. His love of place and family will raise your spirit and fill your heart with delight.

Imagining natural beauty in Sisters

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Aesthetics and health and wellness are a life-long passion for Kimberly Canaday.

With a deep medical background, including board certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, she brings science-based, safe, and effective practices to bear in her practice, Imagine Natural Beauty, helping people in Sisters look and feel their best.

“Helping people — that’s what drove me into medicine in the first place,” she told The Nugget . “How people feel about themselves is so core to their health and wellbeing. To look their best, I think, is what (clients) initially come in for. That can influence other choices you make, how you take care of your body. I think it’s all connected.”

of the work is important to Canaday — she wants to help her clients enhance their own natural beauty.

Canaday, and they moved to Eugene.

“I made it about four years in Eugene, but I couldn’t do the nine months of gray,” she said.

Gary Lewis, TV host and author of “Fishing Central Oregon and Fishing Mount Hood Country,” says of “A Rustic Cabin”: “If you care deeply about your sense of peace, your sense of place in the world, perhaps you, like Dennis Dauble, have dreamt of “A Rustic Cabin.” In these pages infused with memories of work and wisdom, of fortitude and forgiveness, redolent of the essences of moss and morels, one finds the recipe for simple living.”

the world, perhaps you, Rustic Cabin.” In these and wisdom, of fortitude

Imagine Natural Beauty offers a full range of services, from botox, to micro needling, to chemical peels, to Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) treatments that use the client’s own blood to generate a fibrin matrix that releases growth factors.

“There’s nothing smarter than the body’s own repair system,” Candy says of PRF treatment.

Canaday offers a complementary consultation to help determine a client’s needs and develop a plan of action. Sometimes, different modalities are applied at different times to produce the best results. The “natural” aspect

Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave.

That consultation is honest, and Canaday will tell a client if she doesn’t think they need the treatment they think they want.

“I feel there’s an ethical way of doing cosmetics that gets drowned out a little bit,” Canaday said.

With her medical background and command of anatomy, Canaday can work safely with her clients, manage expectations realistically, and create a plan for achieving desired goals.

“I don’t see people as dollar signs, I see them as relationships,” Canaday said.

Canaday has lived in Sisters for the past decade, commuting to Bend for work. She had been living in Napa, California, when she met her husband, Bob

The couple moved to Sisters, and Canaday found work in the medical field, initially as a cardiology nurse.

“I did cardiology for two years, and then I did aesthetics for eight,” she said.

She opened her solo practice in Sisters in May, located at 473 W. Hood Ave., Suite 101.

“I knew I wanted to create my own space and be in charge of my services and how I do it,” she said.

She is looking forward to being more immersed in the Sisters community.

For more information on Imagine Natural Beauty, visit https://www.imagine naturalbeauty.com.

Kimberly Canaday brings a deep medical background to bear on her passion for aesthetics and health and wellness.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Dennis Dauble.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Stars over Sisters

By Finn Stancliff Correspondent

Perhaps the most visually impactful constellation of summer is Scorpius. There are at least two reasons for this. First, the arrangement of its brightest stars actually does resemble a scorpion, complete with claws, heart, tail, and yes, even the stinger. Secondly, because the Milky Way runs through this part of the sky, many dazzling star fields are found here.

While Scorpius can be seen on the southeastern horizon at about midnight as early as May, its full visual potential isn’t on display until the months of July and August. To find the celestial arachnid this month, look about 17 degrees above the southern horizon at nightfall to find Antares, a bright, orange-colored star that denotes the scorpion’s heart. You’re there.

Though often referenced in modern day pop-culture, Scorpius is of ancient origin. The Babylonians were the first to recognize the collection of stars, and its given name was a result of the shape it took. Alternatively, some nautical cultures identified the pattern of stars as a longshoreman’s hook. From our location here in Central Oregon, nearly all the constellation can be viewed; for latitudes north of +80 degrees none of it can be seen.

There is a plethora of lore associated with the constellation. In mythology,

Scorpius was a scorpion sent by the goddess Gaia, protector of Earth, to humble the vaunting hunter Orion who proclaimed he could defeat any beast. Due to its small stature, Orion didn’t spot the creature and stepped on it. While Scorpius was instantly crushed, Orion fell victim to its venom soon after.

Due to its position adjacent to the Milky Way, Scorpius is home to a wealth of spectacular deep sky objects. Globular cluster M4 was discovered in 1746 by Swiss astronomer JeanPhilippe Loys de Cheseaux.

Lying at a distance of 6,000 light-years, it is the closest globular cluster to our solar system. In 1781 French astronomer Charles Messier discovered M80, a globular cluster located 33,000 lightyears away. It is regarded as the densest cluster of its type.

One of the most interesting objects in Scorpius is NGC 6302, a bipolar planetary nebula, known as the Bug or Butterfly Nebula because of its shape. A dying star that was once about five times the mass of the sun is at the center of the nebula, shedding material in its outer

atmosphere into nearby space, forming a gaseous envelope. This body is about 3,800 light-years away.

Two of the year’s finest events will grace our skies this month. The first is the Pereid meteor shower, which will peak on the evening of August 11 and the morning of August 12. Between 50 and 75 meteors per hour are expected. A first quarter moon sets around midnight, so it’s likely observers will see more shooting stars from midnight to dawn on August 12.

Then on Wednesday morning, August 14, the planets Mars and Jupiter will come into conjunction, and appear to be separated by less than 0.3 degrees in the sky. To witness this event, face to the east between 4 and 5 a.m. The action takes place in the constellation of Taurus.

With wildfire season upon us here in Central Oregon, make the most of your stargazing opportunities! Take advantage of smoke-free nights to stargaze. If it’s smoky in Sisters when the meteor shower and conjunction arrive, consider seeking out a less smoky location, if possible.

Dark Sky Tip: Use responsible lighting practices to illuminate your property at night. Excessive lighting contributes to increasing light pollution that is unhealthy to humans and animals.

WRITING: Winner described as ‘wonderfully original’

Continued from page 7

“Stronghold,” a compelling narrative detailing one man’s quest to preserve salmon habitats in both the U.S. and Russia. “Stronghold” received accolades as an editor’s pick from prestigious publications including The New York Times , National Book Review , Outside , and Forbes

Tonino, a full-time freelance writer from Colorado, emphasizes that true desert literacy transcends mere knowledge of a place. Rather, he says, that he embraces the complexities and mysteries of our environment. With a rich background in creative nonfiction, Tonino has contributed over 150 pieces to publications like Outside , Men’s Journal , and High Country News , and is the author of several essay collections and a forthcoming book of nature poems. Guest judge Sam Waterston, brother of Prize founder Ellen Waterston, called the piece “wonderfully original” in his comments, noting, “Like other little-visited and vulnerable parts of the planet, to those who don’t already know the answer, ‘Why the desert?’ can be the end of the conversation…the writer knows how to make it the beginning — how to invite us in.”

See WRITING on page 11

The Butterfly Nebula is a bipolar planetary nebula located at a distance of 3,800 light-years in the constellation of Scorpius.

PHOTO COURTESY NASA/ESA/HUBBLE

Historic Guided Walking Tours

Join ree Sisters Historical Societ y for a free tour of Downtown Sisters L andmarks on August 7, 11, 21, 25, or the Camp Polk Pioneer Cemetery on August 21. 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. Reservations are needed, so stop in the Sisters Museum on Fri/Sat/Sun, call 541-54914 03 or email museum@ threesistershistoricalsociety.org with your contact info.

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.

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

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 31, and August 7 and 14 at 10:30 a .m. in the Communit y Room at Sisters Library. Go to https:// www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ kids/programs for more info.

A NNOUNCEMENT S

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Wednesday, July 31

Astronomy Frontiers

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Hall

Saturday, August 3

Metolius Interpretive Walk Camp Sherman Bridge

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.

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.

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 .

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

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 Lunches for Seniors

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

Friends of the Metolius Interpretive Walks

Join amateur botanist David Miller on this free interpretive walk sponsored by the Friends of the Metolius . Saturday, August 3, f rom 9 to 11 a.m., David will share his knowledge and love of the many beautif ul plants that live in this incredibly pristine and diverse habitat. Learn to identif y some plants , trees , and shrubs that perhaps you’ve wondered about. Meet near the Camp Sherman Bridge fish-viewing platform. Children are more than welcome, but dogs are not appropriate. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water. For information call 541-550 -1441.

Sisters Garden Club Meeting

Sisters Garden Club invites the public to their monthly meeting on Saturday, August 10 . ere will be a presentation by Carrie Leahy, general manager with Moonfire and Sun Garden Center. She will share tips about high deser t gardening. e meeting is at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hw y., starting at 10 a .m. with doors opening at 9:30.

Americ an Legion and VFW

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

Sisters Garden Journal

Sisters Garden Club has a Garden Journal that is available for $15 at Paulina Springs Books , e Gallimauf ry, ree Sisters Floral, C&C Nursery, & Metamorphosis, all in Sisters e multiyear journal includes pages for notes on weather, monthly garden activities , plant details , and more. Sales support the Club and other local nonprofits . Get your copy now ey make great gif ts . Call 97124 6-040 4 for more information

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

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.

Central Oregon Federated Republican Meeting COFRW (Central Oregon Federated Republican Women) meet s the first ursday of every month f rom 10:45 a.m. (registration) to 1 p.m. at Aspen Lakes Golf Club in Sisters. Come learn f rom guest speakers , and hear and question local and state candidates. Meetings include lunch for $27. RSVP required to attend. Learn more about upcoming meetings and speakers, and RSVP at COFRWBend@gmail.com.

Announce Your Celebr ations!

Sisters community birth engagement, wedding , anniversar y notices may run at no charge Email lisa@ nug getnews .com or drop them o at e Nug get o ce, 4 42 E Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Snow flake Boutique Craf t Show

Qualit y craf t-consignors wanted for the 48th Snowflake Boutique, November 1 & 2, 2024. e next jur y will be Saturday, August 10 , beginning at 9:30 a .m. at the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. Additional juries will be held through October. Info at http:// www.snowflakeboutique.org or call Pat 541-383-1821 or Kim 541- 640-2536

SUNN Y is gentle 1-year-old lady came to HSCO with her kitten. Sunny spent some time in one of our wonderful foster homes until her kitten was ready to find its own home and is now ready to find a place to call her own. It takes some time for Sunny to get to know you, but once she settles in she has a lot of love to give.

Francois’ Workshop 541-549-0605 541-815-0624

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

WRITING: Prize event set at High Desert Museum in September

Continued from page 9

“We are honored to welcome our outstanding winner Leath Tonino and nationally bestselling author Tucker Malarkey to this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremony,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Their passionate exploration of the natural world aligns perfectly with the Prize’s mission to celebrate and elevate desert landscapes through the power of literary nonfiction.”

The two finalists for this year’s Prize are Paige Buffington of Gallup, New Mexico, and Charles Hood of Palmdale, California.

Buffington (Navajo) received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2013 and a Master of Fine Arts with a focus in poetry in 2015. She’s won various writing awards for her poems.

Hood has spent his career working and living in the Mojave Desert and has won numerous awards for his poetry and nonfiction work. This is his fourth time as a Waterston Prize finalist.

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize, established in 2014 by author Ellen Waterston, honors literary nonfiction that celebrates desert landscapes. As the winner of this year’s prize, Tonino will receive a $3,000 cash award, a writing residency at Playa in Summer Lake, Oregon, and the reading and reception at the High Desert Museum on September 26.

“The combination of Prize winner Leath Tonino, renowned author Tucker Malarkey, and my accomplished and wonderful actor brother Sam Waterston makes for a special 10th anniversary 2024 Awards ceremony. Sincere thanks to all three for their help in promoting the Prize and the literary arts in general,” said Prize founder Ellen Waterston. “To see how the Waterston Desert Writing Prize has evolved in 10 years couldn’t be more exciting.”

In 2020, the High Desert Museum — which has long hosted events for the Prize — adopted the program. The mission and goals of the Prize complement those of the High Desert Museum, emphasizing the importance of protecting deserts and creating important conversations about the issues affecting them.

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize and to purchase your tickets to the Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony visit www.highdesertmuseum.org/ waterston-prize.

Sisters-Area Events & Enter tainment

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

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

TUESDAY • AUGUST 6

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

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.

THURSDAY • AUGUST 8 (cont.)

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk

Dede Montgomery presents "From First Breath to Last: A Story About Love, Womanhood and Aging" 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Luckey's Woodsman Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. B.

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.

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 9

Sisters Depot Courtyard Live Music: Vianna-Bergeron Brazilian Jazz 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets $20 at www.sistersdepot.com/our-events.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 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: Dust Devils 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

SATURDAY • AUGUST 10

Hardtails Live Music: Gold Dust a tribute to Fleetwood Mac 8 to 10 p .m. 21+. Tickets $20 at www.BendTicket.com.

Sisters Depot Courtyard Live Music: Skybound Blue 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets $5 at www.sistersdepot.com/our-events.

Luckey's Woodsman Live Music: Whiskey and Cold Fingers "Serenade in the Shade" Saturday music series. 4 to 7 p.m. BBQ special. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave. Ste. B. The Barn Live Music: Brother Gabe Trio 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

Pine Meadow Ranch Art Workshop: Natural Dyes Series Madelaine Corbin presents "Shibori and Resist Pattern Making." 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 11

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Scott Fox 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages

Sisters Community Church Live Music: An Evening of Worship part of 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.

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 12

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Alex Dunn "Big Lawn Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Free for all and for all ages

TUESDAY • AUGUST 13

Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Kar yn Ann 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com. Paulina Springs Books Book Talk

Lola Milholland presents "Group Living and Other Recipes" 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 14

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: Leadbetter Duo 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 15

Luckey's Woodsman Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd. 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.

First RangerCascade leaves his mark

By Maret Pajutee | Correspondent

The wild expanse of forests we enjoy in the foothills of the Cascade mountains are not there by chance. It took concerted thought for the future when in 1893, Congress established the precursor of National Forests, the Forest Reserves. people

Forest land was being developed fast as the Government encouraged settlement of the West. The Homestead Act of 1862 gave 160 acres of free land to any citizen over 21, with certain other requirements. The Timber and Stone Act of 1878 further allowed settlers to buy another 160 acres of non-mineral land for $2.50 an acre to supply building materials for their ranch or farm. Many homesteads failed to thrive and lands were sold to speculators or timber companies. Road companies acquired thousands of acres of free land and sometimes failed their promise to build roads in exchange.

The new Cascade Forest Reserve bounded four million acres from the Columbia to nearly the California border. The Southern portion went from Crater Lake to the Three Sisters and McKenzie Pass. First on the scene was a Ranger who would become a legend. Cyrus James Bingham, was known as “Cy,” and “The Mountain Man of the Cascades.”

Cy Bingham was born in Michigan in 1870. He came west on a train at 20 to work at the Bohemia Mines. He married adventurous Connie Boggan and in 1903 was hired by the Government to be the first Ranger for the South Cascade Forest Reserve. He brought Connie and a pack string of five horses. Reports say they traveled without a tent for the first three years and could pack their entire camp in an hour and a half and be gone.

A 1980 history of the Malheur National Forest quotes Cy on those early years. “That was the best five years of my life, I laid up more real money. I received $75 a month. There was all the deer I wanted, fish everywhere, game a plenty, and one season Mrs. Bingham canned 150 jars of wild blackberries. We traveled the mountains making trails and would go all summer and but never meet but a few people.”

He had to supply his own horses, saddles, tools, and food.

Descriptions of Cy Bingham are

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his

supersized. They note his imposing stature, including weight, height, shirt, hat, and shoe size. Also mentioned are his industrious cabin building, and fame as a barbecue master. But his most famous legacy was his habit of creating dendroglyphs (or arborglyphs) — tree carvings — at his favorite campsites across the Cascade mountains. This left a record of his route, with his name, date, and sometimes other details.

These forest mementos are known as “Cy Bingham trees” and mark his travels from long ago. Maybe 20 or fewer still survive today in remote places that have not burned or been logged. “Blazes on the Skyline” (Cox 1988) describes the Cy Bingham trees that have survived. None are known to exist on the Sisters Ranger District, but several are found near the Three Sisters and McKenzie Pass.

Cy was reportedly a very good Ranger. Perhaps wrong-doers were intimidated by his size, but he was also reportedly fair and just. He

carried a six shooter and wore a giant hat for a giant job. He was a timber cruiser, fire lookout, firefighter, trail builder, and peacemaker. The high country was overgrazed, and in the disputes between cattle and sheep men, livestock and people died.

Reserves changed from the Department of Interior to the of

Rangers to remain on his staff, his work on the new Deschutes

Cy mediated the armed conflicts during the Oregon Cattle and Sheep War, and did body retrieval when that didn’t work. The creation of grazing allotments helped end the war, but Cy had to make it happen, they say, without ever drawing his firearm. He wrote poetry about lakes. In 1905, after various scandals, the administration of the Reserves changed from the Department of Interior to the Department of Agriculture. New leader Gifford Pinchot chose only the best Forest Rangers to remain on his staff, including Cy, who continued his work on the new Deschutes

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National Forest. He laid out the scenic Skyline Trail along the crest of mountain country and, during quiet times, built cabins.

Cy rose to the post of Malheur Forest Supervisor from 1907 to

1920. He then resigned and served as sheriff of Grant County for 12 years where he was called “The Biggest Sheriff in Oregon” at over six feet tall and 300 pounds. He was said to have made more arrests in seven years than in the previous 12, and continued as arbitrator of wrongdoings and range wars, through many years of Prohibition (1920-1933).

A Salem, Oregon newspaper provides an account of Cy’s famous barbecue skill, on display at a charity event in 1929. He was said to have been perfecting the art of barbecue for 40 years. His particular requirements included the construction of a fantastically huge pit, lined with 1,500 fire bricks, 4,000 regular bricks, and 13 yards of soil. He then needed a three-day supply of beer as he tended the fires to create the perfect coals to roast five cattle, termed “beeves” in the article. They served up 300 gallons of coffee and used 20 pounds of beans for pork and beans.

His poem to an old friend, circa 1925, looked back on life in wild forests:

“Them days are gone forever, when a Ranger’s life I led, And I camped beneath those hemlocks, used fir boughs for my bed, when I used to spear the dollys, shoot the black tail from the licks, and keep tab on the horse bell from the glades along the creeks.” He asks, “Old man, where have you been since we roamed this land, and when I asked, what does this mean, so many camps I see and autos parked, where once we tried tied our horses to the trees…”

old tree with strange markings. Then look closely. Did a cougar scratch or is it a long lost message from Cy?

tied our horses to the trees…”

In 1932, Cy fell into ill health and resigned as Sheriff. He and Connie moved in with their

children in California and he passed away in 1937 at the age of 66. They brought him home to be buried in an old outpost in Canyon City in Grant County.

Portraits OF SISTERS

Next time you are out in the mountains keep your eyes peeled for an

Who at age 2 had a destiny-defining moment and remembers it? John Miller did. In 1944, while holding his father’s hand on a casual walk through a hay field in West Virginia, three B-17s clad in Army green buzzed the treetops. A copilot, donning the infamous leather cap, flashed a broad grin and waved to John as he raced by “I knew, in that very moment, that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to fly,” John says. Those B-17s headed to Europe to fight in World War II and John would later begin an extensive pursuit of what would become a 31-year flying career in the United States Air Force. Today his resume is a long list of numbers and acronyms indicating the numerous hours spent in a variety of fighter aircraft — no less than nine. Most notably, Miller flew in the F-4 Phantom II (Vietnam) and later the A-10 Warthog, finishing his career in the KC-10 and KC-135 (aerial refueling tankers). He retired as a ranking colonel in 1997 and moved to Sisters in 2001. He founded the COCC Aviation Program in 2005 — where he still teaches — and helped launch the Aviation Program at Sisters High School. Aviation runs in his blood but Miller’s success, despite the many twists and turns of fate throughout his 82 years on earth, he credits to God. He says, “I see God’s hand sometimes in the rear view mirror. But where would I be without him? I just wouldn’t be.”

Maybe you will find an undiscovered Cy Bingham tree, a secret of his longago alpine haunts, guarded now by nutcrackers and the hawks.

PHOTO AND STORY BY Cody Rheault

Wyden takes on rogue Obamacare agents

By Julie Appleby Oregon Capital Chronicle

Health insurance agents who fraudulently enroll consumers in Affordable Care Act health plans could be subject to criminal charges — and civil penalties of $10,000 to $200,000 — under legislation introduced by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.

Wyden, a Democrat, first promised the bill in May, when he called on federal regulators to do more to combat sketchy Obamacare enrollment schemes. Often, consumers who are targeted don’t know they’ve been enrolled or that their coverage has been switched to a new plan until they lose access to preferred doctors, learn they have different deductibles, or find they owe taxes for Affordable Care Act insurance premium subsidies.

The schemes exploit the federal health insurance enrollment system, which requires only minimal proof of identity — a name, birth date, and state — for a broker to create or access an account. The lure is monthly commissions paid by insurance companies — amounts that are only about $25 per person but can add up when multiplied across transactions.

“It is critical for these bad actors to be held criminally responsible and implement common sense consumer protections so working families can confidently purchase quality, affordable health insurance that works for them through honest brokers,” Wyden said in a statement.

See WYDEN on page 17

Resources for Evacuation Zone and fire awareness

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

Many websites and other resources exist, helping people prepare for fire season and potential evacuation. What follows is not an exhaustive directory, but a selective list of useful sites and apps, some specific to the issue of finding your evacuation zone.

Genasys Protect — https://protect.genasys.com

Find your evacuation zone and get familiar with other zones that may correspond with your escape route or simply where you like to travel. This service, formerly known as Zonehaven, is limited to several Oregon counties including Deschutes. The Camp Sherman and Suttle Lake areas in Jefferson County are not included.

Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery — https://wildfire.oregon.gov/ evacuations

A State of Oregon resource, this site includes a live fire map and estimates of how many people and addresses are currently under evacuation alerts at levels 1, 2, and 3. Links include emergency alert signup, wildfire prevention, emergency preparedness information and checklists, and wildfire recovery resources.

Watch Duty — https:// app.watchduty.com

Watch Duty is an incredible tool that may raise your anxiety level steeply—but at least you’ll know what’s going on around the state. It may also increase your respect for our firefighters and the agencies that deploy them, as you come to realize just how many small fires start up and are snuffed out on any given day.

Select the Layers menu to choose what information will be overlaid on your interactive map: current fires, current air quality from

Watch Duty allows users to overlay various sources of information, such as current fires, air quality, and air currents. Drilling down or zooming in will show more fires and include information such as each fire’s name and evacuation status, if any.

PurpleAir, red flag warning areas, air currents, and historical burn perimeters among them. Live wildfire cameras add to the suspense and dystopian allure.

It is possible to find your evacuation zone through Watch Duty, but it’s oddly hidden. Genasys (above) provides a more straightforward approach. Just so you know: on Watch Duty, you can drill down by clicking on an active fire. Its information will pop up; at that point, you may see solid black lines on your map, indicating evacuation zones. From there you can scoot the map around to find your home or other relevant location.

See app.watchduty.com from a web browser, or download the app to your phone. Don’t forget to set Notifications for Deschutes County; you can choose to be notified only when new fires are first reported, or to receive alerts for all updates on all fires.

In addition to Watch Duty alerts, be sure to sign up for the county’s evacuation and emergency alert system.

Deschutes County —

www.deschutes.org

The county’s website is clunky to navigate, particularly if you don’t happen to know the exact title of the department that would handle the concern you’re trying to research. For emergency preparedness, try www. deschutes.org/health/page/ emergency-preparedness. Clicking on deschutes. org/emergency forwards users to a third-party service with a long URL that begins with https://experience.arcgis.com. This is a legitimate

web address, not a fraud attempt. Current incidents are listed, along with evacuation information and links to DSCO.

The county’s 911 page enables residents to sign up for emergency alerts to their phones. Find it at www. deschutes.org/911. Here you’ll also find information on scanners, reporting nonemergency situations, and online reporting resources regarding incidents to Bend Police, Redmond Police, and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DSCO).

EVACUATION:

agriculture, or whether it’s suitable for industrial use. What about evacuation zones?

This reporter made five web searches and seven phone calls to various fire departments, ranger stations, and county departments before finding the answer to the question: How can a Deschutes County resident look up their evacuation zone? The easiest way seems to be a third-party website called Genasys Protect (see “Resources for Evacuation Zone and Fire Awareness,” on page 14).

Genasys states that “all zones in Genasys Protect are published by the county and are authoritative. Genasys works directly with each county we serve and all information for a zone or county listed on the site has been approved by the county.”

The first three letters represent the name of the city, in this case SIS for the city of Sisters and surrounding areas. The last three numbers form a unique code that distinguishes one evacuation zone from the others in the same area.

“This system is consistent across your county and makes it easy for first responders to plan and execute evacuations,” according to Genasys Protect. Similar to how airports are named, “the zone identifier system provides each zone with a globally unique ID so there is no confusion about which zone is being referred to.”

Occasionally, usually during an active emergency, authorities will split an

existing evacuation zone into smaller parts. One Sisters Country zone, SIS-056, might be split into SIS-056-A and SIS-056-B, for example.

Recent searches on Genasys showed evacuation zones for Deschutes, Jackson, and Josephine Counties in Oregon, along with a tiny slice of Jefferson near Panorama Park and a considerable chunk of Klamath County.

The maps on Genasys are accompanied by descriptions. For example, Zone SIS-033 includes “areas Northeast of Sisters including the airport, Eagle Air Estates, & Barclay Meadows.” Much of Southwest Sisters is designated SIS-056, including areas south of Hwy 242, west of Elm Street, and north of Brooks Scanlon Logging Road. Between the maps and the words, determining the evacuation zone of any given location is fairly simple. Some outlying areas have their own evacuation zones: if we leave off the “SIS” appellation, Tollgate is 028, Crossroads is 052, and Whychus Creek Canyon Estates comprises most of 023. Black Butte Ranch encompasses a whopping three zones of its own: 004, 006, and 007.

In Sisters Country, evacuations are carried out by

Deschutes County Sheriff Office (DSCO) and the United States Forest Service (USFS). According to Ian Reid, Sisters District Ranger, DSCO handles evacuations of most private land in the county.

Reid said on July 25 that this season, “There have been no evacuations in Sisters Country up to now.”

As for Deschutes National Forest itself, in an evacuation situation USFS “would close a section, then do sweeps” to ensure that people in the forest got out.

Evacuations require a flexible dance between DSCO and USFS.

Reid said, “It’s complicated. It kind of all depends.” He described the process as integrated, saying that the two agencies “work really well together.”

“We work closely with DSCO to evacuate areas such as campgrounds,” he added.

Even if you know your evacuation zone and receive alerts on your phone, it’s important to note that evacuation routes—the specific roads people should take as they evacuate their danger zone—change during fire events. For additional resources and alert signups, see “Resources for Evacuation Zone and fire awareness” on page 14.

Colorado folk band headed to Sisters

The SFF Presents Summer Concert series continues at Sisters Art Works with Elephant Revival performing on Thursday, August 1. Returning to touring after a four-year hiatus, Elephant Revival is a unique collection of multi-instrumentalists blending elements of Celtic, Americana, Folk, and Indie Art Rock. The Coloradobased group is performing just two west coast dates before heading to the midwest and beyond on a fall tour.

The band consists of Bonnie Paine (vocals, cello, djembe, washboard, musical saw), Bridget Law (fiddle, vocals), Dango Rose (upright bass, mandolin, vocals), Charlie Rose (banjo, pedal steel, mandolin, vocals), Darren Garvey (drums, percussion, vocals), and Daniel Sproul (guitars, vocals).

The music they create together is like weather systems meeting in the sky, with Bonnie’s warmly haunting voice either merging with the rhythms and melodies of the band or providing a counterpoint and transforming it. Performing what they’ve

referred to as “transcendental folk” music, their sound is ethereal, soul-stirring, and uplifting all at once.

The final concert of the series will be 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. Both concerts will be held at the Sisters Art Works venue located at 204 W. Adams Ave. in Sisters. Doors open at 6 p.m. with shows starting at 7 p.m. Additional band and ticket information is available at https://www.sffpre sents.org/concerts. These are general admission, all-ages shows. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. In an effort to reduce waste, 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. Bring low-back festival chairs or blankets. Only service animals are permitted inside the venue. Follow @SFFPresents on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Elephant Revival is returning to touring with a performance at Sisters Art Works on Thursday, August 1.

PHOTO PROVIDED

from page 2

a handful of times have I seen much else on that lawn.

There is a social movement called Food Not Lawns (the name derived from the Food Not Bombs movement which acts to give free prepared food to the public in protest of wars, poverty, and the destruction of our environment). Food Not Lawns takes this idea one step further — grow the food ourselves. Food Sovereignty is about personal and community freedom, empowerment, and basic needs. To grow our own food is a basic need and right. That right should not be up against delusions of leisure. Not to mention the absurdity of maintaining lawns with our limited, precious water and the weekly expenditure of fossil fuels.

The proposed garden space is a small fraction of Cliff Clemens field. I’d love to push this issue and suggest that we turn the entire field into a garden. Use water responsibly. Give people a true opportunity to work land. Add bigger community plots that could actually curb food security. Grow a small orchard of food-offering trees. A quarter-acre plot is simple. Let’s be profound.

Bailey, I’m going to join you down in that hole if we can’t get our priorities straight.

Carys Wilkins

s s s

E-bikes on trails

To the Editor:

E-bikes make biking easier, even when one is pedaling, making any road or trail, hill or surface more accessible. That feeling of power starting with a toddler’s first trike is undeniable. However, it would seem most folks who are using e-bikes because of health or age issues, would not choose certain trails with any measure of inherent risk, but would stick to hard surfaces. I speak of Peterson Ridge, the system now being considered by the Forest Service for inclusion.

Those who walk or ride “regular” bikes, mountain or hybrid, still must have the strength and control to navigate some very rocky stretches, as well as narrow curves. Upper trails are steep and winding, hardly just meant for outdoor cruising. Fortunately, a short ride up Highway 242 offers several paved roads with little traffic for miles through the woods, as well as fun dirt roads open to anyone. It seems that those who choose risky trails are not usually over 65 or physically debilitated, but rather those younger seeking the thrill, or my friend Paul’s “fun.”

But when does the e-biker’s fun become a nightmare for the many walking alone or with dogs, or the slower regular bikes? When faster e-bikes must slow for others, will they simply go out and around to keep going? Can you guarantee that these faster riders will “always” slow down and wait on narrow stretches?

Definitely not, as we have had to jump aside quickly on Suttle Lake, Shevlin Park, and on sidewalks here in town, so far illegal for e-bikes! We see pre-teens riding them, despite new laws, have had a rider take off through lawns and empty private lots in our neighborhood, just because they have power, and watched them shoot through stop signs. I’ve even seen a mountain bike run over chipmunks, albeit slower and accidentally, and no, regular bikes do not go 20 miles per hour on trails. Bike and dog or person collisions are dangerous at any speed! How am I supposed to know which class of e-bike just ran me off a trail, when I am not a rider? Who will be monitoring which bikes are used?

I am all for e-bikes on wide trails like the Lake Creek Trail, where walkers needn’t jump aside, or paved roads, but Peterson Ridge is an urban system designed for walking and unpowered bikes, highly populated because it is close. And now the Forest Service is also considering awarding contracts to two vans, carrying 15 riders each, to visit our trails for group

or individual riding. Do you know how that additional use, not to mention the speed factor, will affect wear on the trails? Do you understand that the Sisters Trail Alliance maintains over 200 miles of trails with all volunteers? Would you e-bike fans have “fun” loading huge bags of bentonite onto the trails to mix in wheelbarrows, to dump out and spread and roll with a heavy roller to keep surfaces more solid? Do you know who keeps the brush cleared, the fallen trees sawed and moved, and how after every muddy season must repair the damage careless “regular” bikes have caused? Would you give up your Saturdays to volunteer as trail usage increases manyfold? Do you know it takes volunteers to walk and ride every mile of trails year around to keep track of maintenance needs? Kindly step up and offer your time!

Please leave our prized Peterson Ridge for walking and slower biking.

Wendie

Vermillion

To the Editor:

Editor’s note: A version of this letter was published in the April 27, 2022, edition of The Nugget. In light of the current decision process regarding Class 1 e-bikes on local trails, Mr. Collis requested that it be republished in a slightly edited form.

Regarding allowing e-bikes on trails:

1. Not all e-bikes are the same: Pedal-assist e-bikes are a different animal compared to throttle-assist e-bikes that can be propelled without pedaling, just like a motorcycle. Pedalassist e-bikes do not move unless pedaled (no throttle), and just like traditional bikes, the rider (and gravity) provides the power to get and keep the bike moving. To say the pedalassist e-bikes are motorized in the same way that a throttle-assist e-bike or motorcycle is, is just not true. Therefore, I argue that they should be treated differently with regard to trail access.

2. Not all e-bike riders are the same. The vast majority of pedal-assist e-bikers that I know and have met are vastly experienced on mountain bikes and are using them simply because their age or health prevent them from enjoying biking like they once did. I, for example, am a 61-year-old cancer survivor. I started riding mountain bikes in the 1980s and have probably logged more miles on a mountain bike than I have on my two feet. Biking has always been a central part of my life, bringing me more joy than just about any other activity.

To say that if you can’t handle the physical demands of biking without assist, then you don’t belong on singletrack trails reeks of arrogance and lacks compassion for those that may need a little help to continue to participate in an activity that they love.

3. Biking in designated wilderness areas is not allowed in any form: I, like most mountain bikers, am in favor of the restrictions that are already in place to protect our wilderness areas and the wilderness experience. There is a prohibition on all mechanized transport in designated wildness areas. If people are not wanting to share the trails with bikers, then they have access to millions of miles of trails in the wilderness areas where bikes are not allowed. I find it odd that mountain bikers could support a prohibition of pedal-assist e-bikes on singletrack trails given all that we mountain bikers had to go through to share trails with hikers; what’s up with that?

4. E-bikes are noisy: Poppycock! Perhaps when you are right next to an e-bike you can hear the low hum of the motor, but again, the noise made by an e-bike is not at all like the noise produced by a motorcycle, snowmobile, or ATV — not even in the same universe.

Public lands belong to everyone. Like it or not, e-bikes are here to stay. We need to find a way to provide all people with access to trails; old/young, fit/unfit, or healthy/health-compromised, we all need

VALHALLA: Band pays tribute to Led Zeppelin

Continued from page 3

of Robert Plant — which is not a bad thing to have,” he said.

The creative guitar of Jimmy Page was foundational to the sound, and Andrew Matthews recreates the legendary riffs and runs.

“He’s an amazing guitarist, and he’s only 21,” Smith said. “He’s got the soul of a thousand-year-old man.”

Drummer John Bonham, whose untimely detain in 1979 ended Led Zeppelin’s run, was also essential to the sound, with power and a unique playing style that Smith describes as being just a fraction behind the beat, making the sound big Valhalla drummer Ritchie Roth understands how to recreate that feel.

John Paul Jones, who played bass and keyboards, was often under appreciated as a key element of the Led Zeppelin sound. Allen Stores fills that understated but vital role.

The ultimate goal is to pay homage to an iconic rock band — and to entertain. Smith and the rest of Valhalla bring their own musical talent to bear to immerse themselves in music they love. They work hard to make their shows a full rock experience, and not just a run through reproductions of studio albums.

“In the real scheme of things, we’re just actors who are playing a role that was already created for us,” he said.

Showtime is at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 3. For tickets, visit: https://bendticket.com/ events/valhalla-a-tributeto-led-zeppelin-8-3-2024/ tickets.

Valhalla pays tribute to the powerful music of Led Zeppelin at Hardtails Bar & Grill on Saturday, August 3.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said July 19 that more than 200,000 people have complained about unauthorized Obamacare enrollment or plan switches this year.

KFF Health News began reporting on Affordable Care Act enrollment schemes this spring.

CMS’ directive last week also detailed new rules aimed at thwarting the problem by blocking agents from making changes to consumers’ coverage unless they are already “associated” with that policyholder’s account, or take other steps to verify that they have consumers’ permission.

Wyden’s proposal, introduced Wednesday and cosponsored by Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Patty Murray of Washington, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, would call on federal regulators to begin verifying that consumers have granted consent to brokers for ACA enrollment or plan switches, and to notify consumers whenever a change is made to their accounts or coverage.

The civil penalties would range from at least $10,000, in cases of straightforward negligence, to as much as $200,000 for agents who “knowingly and willfully” submit fraudulent information.

Wyden’s bill faces a seemingly impossible climb, landing in a very polarized Senate during an election year.

But next year, the ACA will be in the spotlight as Congress must decide whether to extend beyond 2025 enhanced subsidies that help people purchase coverage. Increased subsidies were instituted under the Biden administration at the height of the pandemic and are considered a key factor behind recent record ACA enrollment.

Some Republican lawmakers have demanded investigations of ACA enrollment-switching schemes, which they allege may be part of a larger problem of brokers or consumers misstating their incomes to garner insurance subsidies. Obamacare supporters say the complaint is a partisan effort to stop the enhanced subsidies from becoming permanent.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, sent a letter July 8 to CMS questioning how federal regulators verify incomes for those who get subsidies and what enforcement efforts are underway.

STATE PARK: Area is important infrastructure

Continued from page 3

was taken to implement those plans. In 2014, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department notified the city that no new development will be allowed in either of the municipal parks until a new Creekside Park Master Plan is submitted and approved.

The City created such a master plan in 2015 and has systematically made improvements, most recently the extensive renovation of the covered footbridge to improve handicap access and provide viewing bump outs of the creek.

Creekside Park, one of five city parks, is highly visible and a frequently used area for picnicking. It serves as an unmarked rest stop for many long-distance drivers who prize its shade and tranquility.

Less visible and less known to locals is Sisters Creekside Campground which offers a total of 60 camp sites including 28 full hookup sites. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and a picnic table. The campground has restrooms and coin operated showers as well as an automated sewer discharge site.

In addition, there is an overflow section with five dry camp sites.

The campground is critical to Sisters’ hospitality structure as pointed out by Explore Sisters Executive Director Scott Humpert.

“Creekside Campground is a gem,” he said. “Given Sisters’ relatively

limited lodging availability, Creekside significantly adds to a diverse mix of overnight accommodations and provides a unique option for guests whether they are traveling in an RV, biking, or hiking.

“Conveniently located just off Highway 20, the campground is beautifully situated along Whychus Creek and offers quick access to Creekside Park along with a host of desirable amenities. Not only can visitors camp right in the heart of the city, but they are also steps away from shopping, dining, recreation, and events, which contributes to economic impact throughout the community.”

City Manager Jordan Wheeler speaks of the campground’s importance.

“Creekside Campground is a unique amenity that supports our local economy and tourism industry while also providing funding for our community’s local park

system,” he said. “The campground is situated in a great location for visitors to easily experience all that our beautiful and vibrant town has to offer. Improvements to the campground and its growth in popularity have increased the revenues that the city then budgets towards the maintenance and upkeep of our other city parks.”

The campground generates around $330,000 in revenue to the City each year.

The Nugget met with the camp hosts Jim and Dee McCormick and Dan and

Linda Shaw. They chatted effusively about the high marks the campground routinely receives from guests. Ranging in origin from Australia and New Zealand to Europe, campers fill the facility to near capacity much of the season.

Likewise, the camp hosts heaped praise on the quality of the campground users.

The city and state have had on-again, off-again conversations for the best use and ultimate ownership of the remaining 28 acres which remain treed.

Continued from page 16

to have the ability to be outdoors on trails. I know my health and well-being depend upon it.

Ken Collis

s s s

The American house

To the Editor:

I’ve read numerous letters in The Nugget the past few weeks about the present American political scene, from readers on both sides of the aisle. Unfortunately most were so far off the mark from the truth and reality and causes and blame and giving credit as to be pointless. And all the demonizing of one another and wide swaths of Americans, too. Words have consequences. Serious consequences.

It reminded me of a scene in the movie “Gandhi,” where India is tearing itself apart after the British partition of colonial India into independent India and Pakistan. Hindu vs. Muslim. And the people of India, former countrymen, are massacring each other by the hundreds of thousands in an orgy of blood and guts. Unimaginable cruelty for months and months. When Gandhi hears the latest round of awful news, he says, “Stop it! For God’s sake, STOP IT!” Those words apply today. Here.

I think another quote I read recently, especially applies:

“We must keep the faith because we are one people. We are brothers and sisters. We all live in the same house. The American house.” — John Lewis Barry Clock

s s s

Destined for World War III?

To the Editor:

Destined for World War III? I don’t think we are

PICKLEBALL: Popular sport lacks public courts in Sisters

Continued from page 1

of this growing community.”

Bob Winn, PVTC Treasurer said,“We have a growing base of pickleball enthusiasts, and we wanted to find a way to expand the court capacity in the area. Having a certified non-profit like the SOAR Foundation allowed us to transfer the full value of our land to a worthy cause. We see this as a winwin for the community.”

Pickleball is a combination of three different sports: tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, played on a smaller version of a tennis court. You can either play singles or doubles which means there will be two or four people playing on the court at once. Each competitor has a ping pong paddle in their hand and hits a plastic ball back and forth to the other side.

The winning point is awarded to the competitor who either misses the ball on their side or if the opponent knocks the ball out of bounds. This is not a sport that requires vast amounts of agility and cardio, as does tennis. It is easier and more manageable, making it a good sport for people of all ages, including kids and seniors.

at this point but there seems to be enough hate and or evil apparent in our world that would indicate potential. The division within America is high, a weakness which may put us at great risk from our enemies. Just prior to Biden’s last address, for the first time our military intercepted Russian jets and two Chinese bombers in joint patrol off Alaska.

After the attempt to assassinate Trump, suddenly, a call to pull back on the vitriol. To do that we must conduct an analysis IAW method suggested by our Border Czar VP Harris. We need to determine what or who is the “root cause” of all the hate, lies, and misinformation. As it turns out one of the greatest hoaxes of our generation was revealed during the first Biden/Trump 2024 debate. The mainstream press and entire Biden administration lied, covered up, and withheld the truth about a person not capable of heading the greatest nation on earth. Sadly, those glued to fake news were duped while those attuned to FOX and alternate news outlets saw the truth unfold as did our enemies.

Time for Joe to go? Not so fast. Throughout the period Joe was in office an even greater fear on both sides of the aisle; Harris could possibly take over given her extreme left views (all on video). She had attacked Joe for being racist, yet he still selected her as his VP; why? On July 12, this year Joe made it perfectly clear “I’m running and I’m going to win!” July 24, Joe gave his withdrawal speech claiming necessity to save democracy and finish out his term; Harris coronated as Dem’s official candidate for President of the United States. Joe never revealed why he did drop out, but we all know it was “the easy way or the hard way.”

Harris got zero votes in the 2020 primary and zero votes in this year’s Democratic primary; and “Make America Great” is the end of Democracy? Are “we the people” really that stupid?

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me! I’m voting for the convicted felon who withstood eight years of endless hate and an

assassination attempt; never wavering on a vision of making America great vs. havoc, weakness, and maybe World War III.

Jeff Mackey s s s

Keeping Sisters healthy, one ride at a time To the Editor:

Looking at so many medical ride needs for Sisters Transportation and Rideshare (STARS) this week, I am experiencing emotions I need to share with the community.

I feel gratitude for drivers who selflessly volunteer their time to give doctor appointment rides to residents who are unable to drive because of health challenges; respect and admiration for dispatchers who book rides on Tuesday and Thursday and monitor rides seven days a week; and awe for managers who have accomplished so much in building this successful community service for Sisters Country. I also feel a bit sad to know that there may be passengers this week we cannot help because we have more needs than we have drivers. When voicing my concerns last year to a St. Charles representative that this could happen, she told me to never focus on what we cannot do, but on what we are doing. I have taken this to heart and know that the 573 round trip rides completed and 25,000 miles driven over the last year are meaningful.

Just a few hours a week from volunteers have made a real difference in making Sisters more livable and that is what I focus on as I send my praise to volunteers. To the community, please join me in recognizing and supporting STARS volunteers who are “Keeping Sisters healthy, one ride at a time.” Feel the need to help? Learn more at starsride.org or on our Facebook page. I welcome your comments: Rennie Morrell, STARS Executive Director, rennie@starsride.org.

Rennie Morrell

Daisy, an illustrator and muralist. Both artists have created thriving art businesses in part due to licensing deals and online community that developed around blogging in the mid 2000s. Both now live in Sisters.

Daisy always wanted to be an artist, and graduated from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2009.

“I never looked back and I became a freelance illustrator,” she told the crowd.

Roberts, on the other hand, transformed from a social worker to an artist. She worked on an infectious disease unit, helping people who were diagnosed with AIDS in the 1990s, cancer patients, and in emergency rooms, in Oakland, California.

“It was very intense,” Roberts said. “I was working on my life-career balance.”

In her 30s, she found herself making Christmas cards. She thought, “Whoa, this feels good! Off I went into that exploration. It was a revelation to me.”

She brought her art to the hospital to share with patients, families, doctors, and staff. They encouraged her to pursue her art.

Daisy described her work being picked up by a “Mommy Blog,” inspiring her to launch an Etsy shop. Soon, her art was licensed by Target, Hallmark, and

ESGR: Businesses can show support for citizen soldiers

Continued from page 3

commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of nearly 2,300 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states.”

ESGR conducts employer outreach to promote the hiring of Guard/Reserve personnel, and works with Guard or Reserve personnel and their families to help the transition back into work after a deployment.

Currently, Grant is active in Sisters seeking Statements of Support from local businesses. The businesses don’t have to currently employ Guard or Reserve personnel; the statement simply documents a businesses support for citizen soldiers.

Veterans who see a statement of support in a business appreciate it because it shows “you value what the Guard and Reserve do for the country.”

American Greetings, among others. She wrote a book.

“I was on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday,” she exclaimed, “just for having an Etsy shop and an Instagram.”

In addition to the keynote panel, the PubTalk event featured sponsors and local business supporters. Shannon Thorson, founder of Sisters Makers and a designer and maker in her own right, encouraged the audience to think of economic development differently. Rather than focusing on bringing in companies from outside, “what’s been super exciting for me to witness is this idea of economic calibration.”

Economic calibration, according to Thorson, doesn’t celebrate growing for the sake of growth. Instead, “we build community and we create balance.” She hopes that efforts such as Sisters Makers will promote “multigenerational living here in Sisters, and preserving the culture.”

“You know what?” Thorson asked. “Sisters is really expensive... You’ve got to be really successful. You’ve gotta know what you’re doing and you’ve gotta have a support system.”

Willa Bauman is a manager for local nonprofit Seed to Table, leading up their program Sisters Farmers Market. She spoke of the market’s recent expansion and celebrated last season’s total visitor count of 19,000. The crowd applauded at that number.

A booth at Sisters Farmers Market is a lot cheaper than

“There’s never any cost to the employer,” Cunningham noted.

The two men emphasize that there are advantages to hiring national Guard and Reserve personnel. They are mature, disciplined, and capable people who make excellent employees.

“They bring skill sets that they can transfer to civilian employ,” Cunningham said.

National Guard and Reserve personnel are vital to American defense. Grant

rent in Sisters, Bauman said. “You can make what you sell and have passion for the work you’re doing,” she continued. “This is what farmers markets across the nation do.... We’re trying to support a truly local micro-economy.”

EDCO’s Eric Strobel caught the crowd up on current business happenings in Sisters. He referenced Bivvi Camp — “that’s where the magic is” — and the upcoming availability of light industrial space in Sisters.

He spoke of Sisters Makers, which co-hosted the event. Attendees nibbled food from Luckey’s Woodsman inside the Makers building alongside Fir Street Park.

“To have a small business incubator in Sisters is going to be phenomenal,” Strobel said.

“Two of our largest employers are expanding,” he noted, referring to Metabolic Maintenance and Personalized Nutrients.

The co-owners of Bivvi presented a pitch to potential investors. The company creates unique A-frame tiny-home trailers, many of which are used as external guesthouses or for shortterm rentals on platforms like Hipcamp and Airbnb.

Dylan Woock, co-founder and CEO, took to the Songbird Stage with Kyle Robeson, co-owner and Build Lead. “Bivvi was founded in 2019 in Portland, Oregon, months before we went into a lockdown because of a global pandemic,” Woock said.

The pandemic led to increased popularity of

notes that homeland air defense is dependent upon the National Guard, whose pilots and air crews he describes as “top of the line.”

Cunningham, who commanded the Oregon Air National Guard, said that “the two best fighter wings in the whole force are in this state.”

Those interested in signing a statement of support may contact Grant at migrant. esgr@gmail.com.

BY

outdoor recreation and glamping.

“If anyone’s tried to book a yurt on recreation.gov, or a fire lookout, good luck,” he said.

Woock envisioned building a “little tiny escape pod” to help people get out of their houses.

Bivvi’s early growth was “astronomical,” according to Woock. The company is now based in Sisters. The co-owners expressed pride in building by hand, using American made parts and regional suppliers. Turnaround is about one month for current orders,

depending on whether windows and doors are on-hand from suppliers.

For more information about the PubTalk program, see edcoinfo.com.

Guests of EDCO’s PubTalk explored Bivvi’s “Base Camp” model, a contemporary A-frame mini-trailer.

PHOTO

TL BROWN

John Grant and Jim Cunningham work with ESGR — Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve — to promote the integration of citizen soldiers in the workforce.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

WOLVES: Predators

have a tough life — and short life span

from page 1

does not include 10 wolves translocated to Colorado in 2023 to help establish a wolf population there.

This annual count is based on verified wolf evidence (like visual observations, tracks, and remote camera photographs). The actual number of wolves in Oregon is higher, as not all individuals present in the state are located during the winter count.

A total of 22 packs were documented (down from 24 in 2022), and 15 of those packs met the criteria as breeding pairs, with another 13 groups of two or three wolves also identified.

There were four breeding pairs in Western Oregon in 2022 through December 2023. In late December 2023, three Gearhart Mountain wolves were found dead east of Bly, including the breeding female of the pack. The loss of the fourth breeding pair in 2023 represents a setback in moving to Phase 2 in the West Zone (Western Oregon).

Under the Wolf Plan, ODFW must document four breeding pairs for three consecutive years to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2, which offers more flexibility for responding to livestock depredation under the State’s Wolf Plan. Now the clock resets, and the earliest the West Zone can move into Phase 2 is 2027.

Bott told The Nugget , “People see or hear about wolves and automatically assume their numbers grow, but wolf mortality is high. The average life span is only three to four years.”

In addition to normal hardships, poaching keeps the numbers somewhat constant.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon State Police are seeking information regarding the illegal killing of three gray wolves and two golden

eagles in Wallowa County in Eastern Oregon. The deaths occurred in an area of known wolf activity, as defined by ODFW. A $25,000 reward is offered for any information that leads to an arrest, a criminal conviction, or civil penalty assessment.

From February through March, OSP Troopers located the remains of the wolves, eagles, a cougar, and a coyote in the Lightning Creek drainage, a tributary to the Imnaha River. This location is within the Snake River Wildlife Management Unit and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, approximately 11 miles northeast of the town of Imnaha, Oregon. Testing and examinations conducted by the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory determined the female gray wolf, male gray wolf, and uncollared gray juvenile wolf, two golden eagles, cougar, and coyote were poisoned.

Wallowa County is located east of Highway 395 where gray wolves are not listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act but are protected by Oregon state law. Eagles are federally protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

“This would be the female’s third season for birthing,” Bott said. “We’re guessing she was not sexually mature in her first year and possibly had pups in her second season, but they did not survive.”

Approximately 40 to 60 percent of wolf pups die in their first year.

There are two wolf packs in the Warm Springs AKWA (Area of Known Wolf Activity). In the Warm Springs pack the count stands at seven, a gain of three. The White River pack clocked two, down from four the year before and nine at the end of 2020.

The number of known gray wolves in Oregon has grown from 158 to 178 in the last five years.

Bott does not hold out much hope of collaring any of the Metolius wolves.

Wolf pups from the Imnaha pack captured on an ODFW trail cam in 2015.

PHOTO COURTESY ODFW

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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CATEGORIES:

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

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.

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

• 8 x 20 dry box

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• In-town, gated, 24-7 EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

103 Residential Rentals

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

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

104 Vacation Rentals

Downtown Vacation Rentals

Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net

Great pricing. 503-730-0150

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

107 Rentals Wanted

65-year-old female seeking room to rent in Sisters. Can help with housekeeping. 541-306-9274

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

201 For Sale

Heartland GENERATOR.

2800 watt. Never used. Still in box. $250. Call 541-549-0408.

FOR SALE: Bronze statues. $50 apiece. Call 971-237-4033.

FOR SALE: Horse collar mirror with the hames and matching straps with medallions. $150.00 Call 971-237-4033.

202 Firewood

• SPRING SPECIAL • SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD

• SINCE 1976 • KINDLING

Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir

DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES

– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com Order Online! 541-410-4509

205 Garage & Estate Sales

Moving Estate Sale in Redmond! 4602 SW Yew Leaf Ct. Fri. & Sat., 9-4

Furniture, dining & pub tables, bedroom sets, kitchenware, home & holiday decór, jewelry, patio furniture, fire pit table, bbq, electric fireplace, flowerpots, hanging baskets, Craftsman & Milwaukee tools & more! View pics @ estatesales.net

– Hosted by Happy Trails!–DOWNSIZING SALE

Things from every room in the house. Garden, holiday items. 516 S. Spruce St. Sat. 9-4, Sun., 9-2

HERITAGE USA

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

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths?

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

301 Vehicles

Harley Heritage soft tail, 2000, $8,000. Text for more pics, 541-419-2502

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

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

CUSTOM CAR GARAGES HEATED, 110 POWER $275 • 541-419-2502

401 Horses ORCHARD GRASS HAY ALFALFA TRITICALE

New crop. No rain. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $240-$360/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

403 Pets

Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits brandosbyjulie.etsy.com

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

SISTERS WHISKERS

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

Lhasa Apso puppies, purebred. Hypoallergenic, 11 weeks old. Potty trained, socialized in loving home with children. Located in Bend. 808-268-8556

500 Services

SMALL Engine REPAIR

Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

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

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

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

GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

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

– Sisters Oregon Guide –Pick up a copy at the Nugget!

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC

Cable jobs, security cameras, WAPs. CCB #191099 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729

502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

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

GORDON’S LAST TOUCH Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau

• Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008

504 Handyman

JONES UPGRADES LLC

Home Repairs & Remodeling Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Fences, Sheds & more. Mike Jones, 503-428-1281

Local resident • CCB #201650

600 Tree Service & Forestry

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: Difficult Answer: Page 22

TimberStandImprovement.net

Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496

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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

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601 Construction

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

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

603 Excavation & Trucking

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

Full Service Excavation

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

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888

Drainfield

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

METOLIUS PAINTING LLC

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

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

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

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

Small horse property in need of MANURE MANAGEMENT help. Summers only. Starting 2 days a week, $20/hr. 18 and over. 541-410-2209

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

803 Work Wanted

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

999 Public Notice

Conciliation Court Summons Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 7/17/2024

District Court

St. Louis County, Sixth District Court File Number: 69DU‐CO‐24‐572

Joey Lee DeVlieger vs Tess Miller, Jack Bloom

1. You are summoned to appear at a hearing in this Conciliation Court (Small Claims Court) case. This means you must appear at the hearing scheduled for: August 19, 2024, 11:45 AM Conciliation Hearing

Before the presiding judge at the following location:

St. Louis County District Court

100 North 5th Avenue West Duluth, Minnesota 55802-1285 (218) 221‐7560

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com

Custom Homes

Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects

Becke William Pierce

CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com

From Ground to Finish

Accurate and Efficient

541-604-5169

CCB#233074

• Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com 541-390-1206 beavercreeklog@yahoo.com

Log repairs, log railing, log accent, log siding, etc. CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond UPLOADED EVERY TUESDAY! The Nugget Newspaper C L A S S I F I E D S are at www.NuggetNews.com

• 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!

& Cooling, LLC

• New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com CCB #195556 541-549-6464

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

STEVE'S HAULING Yard and other debris, landscaping services, etc. 707-328-8370

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

701 Domestic Services

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

Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC

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

802 Help Wanted

Hiring for 2 days per week. Stop by the store, 111 W. Cascade in Sisters Sisters Athletic Club is looking for a PT front desk person. Evening shift Tuesdays and Fridays, 4 to close, 2 weekend shifts per month. Please submit resume to darcey@sistersathleticclub.com. Starts at $16/hr. Includes free gym membership.

2. If the defendant does not appear at the hearing, the plaintiff may win this case by default, which means the plaintiff could be awarded a money judgment against the defendant. The judgment could include the amount the plaintiff requested in the Statement of Claim as well as other fees and costs approved by a judicial officer.

3. If the plaintiff does not appear at the hearing, this case may be dismissed. If the defendant has filed a counterclaim, then a default judgment could be entered against the plaintiff.

4. The Defendant may bring a counterclaim against the Plaintiff. A counterclaim must be filed at least seven days before the Conciliation Court hearing. Jennifer Miller Court Administrator

St. Louis County District Court 100 North 5th Avenue West Duluth, Minnesota 55802-1285 (218) 221‐7560

SUDOKU SOLUTION

for puzzle on page 21

Livestock farmers under new oversight

By Alejandro Figueroa Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon farmers raising sheep, chicken, or cows will soon have to comply with new state rules.

Environmental groups and some small farm advocates say the changes bring much-needed clarification on who qualifies for a permit usually reserved for large, commercial-scale livestock farms, while some agriculture trade groups say the changes put more undue burden on farmers.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is wrapping up a process that began after some farm and environmental groups lobbied state legislators for more regulatory oversight on large, commercial-scale livestock farms.

The agency is proposing several changes to the state’s confined animal feeding operation, or CAFO, permit program as a result of the Senate Bill 85 reform package signed into law last year by Gov. Tina Kotek. Some of the proposed changes include stricter water use and construction requirements, as well as a clarified definition of a CAFO.

A CAFO permit is a water quality protection permit that outlines protections for sources of water like rivers, creeks, lakes, and groundwater from nutrient pollution caused by animal waste.

On water use, livestock farmers will only be able to use up to 12,000 gallons of water per day for animal drinking water. Before, livestock farmers did not have to disclose how much water they were using or where they planned to get it from.

That change comes as some areas across Oregon are dealing with rapid groundwater depletion due to over-pumping, which is causing wells to run dry, and affecting residential communities and irrigated farming operations.

Perhaps a more significant change is a clarified definition of a CAFO. In early 2023, ODA issued a public notice requiring small raw dairy farms to apply for a CAFO permit, even if that farm only had just a handful of cows, which would have been financially burdensome for many small farms. The decision led to public outcry and even a lawsuit against the state from some small raw milk producers. The agency later reversed that decision.

Now, the draft rules define a CAFO as a livestock operation that houses

animals in buildings or pens for 12 hours or more per day for more than 120 days per year.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture also established a lower limit threshold on when a small farm needs to apply for a CAFO permit. Before, any farm with fewer than 200 dairy cows, for instance, that met the requirements for a CAFO had to apply for the permit.

“Technically every farm in the state could have been asked to get a CAFO permit if they had any animals on site,” said Alice Morrison, co-director at the nonprofit Friends of Family Farmers. “We don’t need to apply a standard that was designed for a certain type of farm to literally every farm in Oregon.”

The new clarification means farmers with fewer than 20 dairy cows, or fewer than 250 laying hens will not be required to get a CAFO permit unless they produce over 100 gallons of water or manure per day.

Morrison said she sees the clarification as a significant win for small, diversified livestock farmers.

Other groups, like the Oregon Farm Bureau, the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, and the Northwest Chicken Council view more regulation as an unneeded burden on the industry and local food supply chain.

Bill Mattos, president of the Northwest Chicken Council, said the changes will just saddle producers with more paperwork and requirements.

“The challenging environment for agriculture and the pressure from urban growth, lack of land availability, and advocacy groups who oppose animal agriculture are all creating greater risks to our local food supply,” he said. “However, we think that the changes to the proposed SB 85 rules are largely in line with the authority granted in SB 85 and the legislative intent.”

The state Department of Agriculture is asking people to weigh in on the changes to the CAFO program. Public written comments are due by July 22. The agency will likely adopt the changes later this summer.

This story was originally published by Oregon Public Broadcasting, a Capital Chronicle news partner. Republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.