The Nugget Vol. XLVII No. 22
POSTAL CUSTOMER
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
www.NuggetNews.com
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Sisters honors the fallen in ceremony By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
For many, Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer, and it is observed with picnics, barbecues, and time in the outdoors. The day has more profound meaning, a point that was driven home with ceremony and decorum at Sisters’ annual Memorial Day Observance, hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8138, American Legion Post 86, and Sisters Band of Brothers o n M o n d a y, M a y 2 7 . “We gather today not for a barbecue or a day off, but for a solemn purpose,” said keynote speaker, U.S. Air Force veteran Gene Hellickson. That purpose is to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in America’s wars. Solemn, however, does not connote sadness, Hellickson noted. In proper context, it is, in fact, a day for celebration, too. “Memorial Day is not an exercise in sadness,” he said. “It is a reaffirmation that they did not die in vain. Memorial Day is a time for remembering — but also a time for celebrations and family gatherings.” Hellickson urged the large gathering at Village
Correspondent
Sisters Trails Alliance has selected a new executive director. Stephanie Presley came on board as of May 6. Presley brings years of experience leading volunteer organizations and community coalitions, working with boards of directors and collaborating with local, state, and federal stakeholders on a wide range of projects and programs. “The board is delighted to welcome Stephanie as our new executive director,” said STA board chair Forest Tancer. “We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber and experience
Inside...
From hazards to habitat By Maret Pajutee Correspondent
Bowe served as Master of Ceremonies. Mayor Michael Preedin, a U.S. Air Force veteran, welcomed the audience to the annual observance, and made a point of introducing City Manager Jordan
Many of us who live in Sisters have experienced that sinking feeling when we see a dark column of smoke on a hot summer day. Living in fire-prone forests, the loss of our homes to a wildfire is a real threat. If we are lucky, we still have house insurance, but many homeowners have had their policies cancelled after the loss of over 4,000 homes to Oregon wildfires in 2020, the state’s most expensive natural disaster. We also live near rivers that have been altered in the past to reduce flooding, grow crops, and improve grazing. Stream channels were deepened, consolidated, and straightened. Nature’s engineer and hydrologist, the American beaver, was an integral part of maintaining river ecosystems, but was hunted to near extinction by the mid-19th century to make fur coats and hats. These actions worked to dry meadows and wetlands that
See MEMORIAL on page 9
See HAZARDS on page 18
PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT
Redmond High School’s Marine Junior ROTC squad performed a ceremonial folding of the Stars and Stripes during Memorial Day Observances on Monday, May 27. Green Park to take inspiration from those who heroically sacrificed their lives in service to their country to become better citizens and to “strive for a world in which such sacrifices are no longer necessary.” The theme of service was echoed in U.S. Navy veteran
Sisters Trails Alliance names new director By Sue Stafford
PRE-SORTED STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sisters, OR Permit No. 15
who shares our passion for STA’s mission to enhance the outdoor experience in Sisters Country. Stephanie will be an inspiring leader to continue to strengthen our multi-use trails system and our commitment to conservation and preservation of our environment.” Stephanie, her husband Nate, and 10-yearold daughter Arya moved to Sisters in August 2023, settling in Tollgate. The previous 15 years they lived outside Seward, Alaska, where Presley worked for the Kenai Peninsula borough (county) in natural hazard mitigation, and resource and See STA on page 6
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Jim Horsley’s invocation, where he noted that those who died in America’s wars enabled citizens to live in freedom — “freedom to do not what we want to do, but what we ought to do for our country and our community.” U.S. Army veteran and VFW Post Commander Pat
Sisters Stampede ‘nothing but fun’ By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
After weeks of belownormal temperatures and incessant winds, Sunday was a picture perfect spring day. And it was the backdrop for the 15th running of the Sisters Stampede, an annual Memorial Day weekend mountain bike race for 579 riders, nine to 70-plus. “I don’t know why they call it a race,” said MJ Miller of Vancouver, Washington, making her fourth appearance, this time with her brood of three — ages 12, 10 and 7. “This is nothing but fun. I know there are some who are here for time and to win, but look around. This is more like ‘let the good times roll.’” She wasn’t alone in her assessment. Tee Baker of Announcements...............10 Entertainment ................. 11
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
The Sisters Stampede was a fun event for riders of all ages. For some it was a competitive race, for others, an enjoyable ride. Boise, Idaho, told The Nugget “I’m here just to have a good time. I guess somebody will tell me my time, but who
cares? I’ll be with my friends from Bend and Corvallis. It’s
Obituaries .......................14 Crossword ...................... 20
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See STAMPEDE on page 14