The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLIX No. 20 // 2026-05-20

The Nugget

Sisters woman receives prestigious recognition

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Erin Borla of Sisters finds herself in the company of the most prominent philanthropists in America, named to second-annual 2026 TIME100 Philanthropy list recognizing singular figures who are shaping the future of giving.

Time Magazine stated:

“By telling stories about the world’s most influential givers, leaders, advocates, and thinkers, we hope to inspire others to give, and to consider the profound impact that this

See BORLA on page 17

City and Fire District call the public to action

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

The Sisters Camp Sherman Fire District (SCSFD), in recognition of the current fire season, is pleading to the public to clear any fire fuels within five feet of structures on their property and to register with Deschutes Alerts.

In May 2025, the City of Sisters Council had a joint workshop with SCSFD in which they conducted a fire emergency simulation that enabled a quick coordinated response to the Flat Fire that occurred that September. On May 13, 2026, the Council met again with SCSFD board, with Fire Chief Tony Prior presenting the dire forecast for the fire season and the urgency for property

and/or business owners in the City and County to assure a five-foot noncombustible zone perimeter around any structures. Chief Prior stated SCSFD’s goals are to “significantly reduce the probability of home ignitions and increase [wildfire] readiness.”

The forecast is concerning, per Chief Prior, due to the “well below average snow pack” and predictions for an above average hot summer with a severe El Niño forecasted that might also increase lightning storms. Prior added that the County is nonetheless expecting to have a normal amount of precipitation this summer.

Councilor Michael

See PREPARE

Developer seeks zone change along Hwy. 20

A local developer will go before a Deschutes County hearings officer this week in a bid for a zone change on 20 acres of property along the south side of Highway 20 at the eastern edge of Sisters. Willitts LLC is seeking a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the designation of the property from Agricultural (AG) to Rural Residential Exception Area (RREA) and a Zone Change to rezone the subject property from Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) to Multiple Use Agricultural (MUA-10). Bill Willitts told The Nugget

See ZONE CHANGE on page 14

Sisters woman celebrates a century

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Born at the doctor’s house in White Sulphur Springs in north central Montana, on May 20,1926, Linn Watson spent her first eight years growing up on her family’s cattle and sheep ranch in Watson, MT. Watson was a town founded by Linn’s grandfather, John Alexander Watson, who emigrated from Scotland at age eight in 1848.

Linn’s first few years of school were spent in a one-room log schoolhouse which she reached in the winter by riding her pony through the northern Montana snow. As a child, Linn learned the value of hard work helping with ranch chores. She fondly remembers her ranch years including her bottle-fed bummer lamb who unceremoniously bucked her off when she attempted to take a ride. Other memories of the ranch are of her parents, her

sister, aunts and uncles, and her dogs, Jiggs and Lonnie. When Linn was eight, she moved with her mom, dad, and older sister Leslie to Bozeman, MT, where they lived until Linn was 14. They then moved to the Portland suburb of Parkrose where she graduated from high school.

Linn has an innate talent

for music and to this day still plays her piano. She attended Willamette University majoring in music, despite having no classical training. With her mezzosoprano voice, she was a member of Portland Choraliers for years, as well as Sing Out Portland. She also played the washboard and kazoo. She has perfect pitch and could transpose any music into a different key with ease. After moving to Sisters in 1996, she provided musical accompaniment for Black Butte School until retiring at age 86.

The day after graduating from Parkrose High School, she was hired by a Portland business as a file clerk and then became a mail clerk which she loved. After her time at Willamette University, she married John Richard Savage on Easter weekend in 1949 in the chapel at Willamette University

OPINION

Letters to the Editor…

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

Rezoning

To the Editor:

Deschutes County is considering rezoning two properties along Highway 20 between the running horses sculptures and Sisters to allow luxury rural development. (See story, page 1).

This rezoning would benefit private interests at the expense of Oregon’s Land Use Planning goals to protect farmland, scenic views, and to set clear boundaries around our cities and towns.

Converting these protected farmlands would be in violation of the input and values of the citizens of Oregon, and particularly the citizens and land use planners in Sisters who

have gone through a lengthy and arduous process to expand our Urban Growth Boundary to allow for more residential development. It would be unethical for the Deschutes Planning Commission to bypass the will of the people to enrich private interests. We have only to look at Southern California to see where that leads. Deschutes County is accepting public comments on these two proposed rezones until May 31. You can send your comments to Caroline.House@ deschutes.org.

Susanna DeFazio

s s s

See LETTERS on page 14

Sisters Weather Forecast

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

www.nuggetnews.com | 541-549-9941

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

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, PO Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. 3rd Class Postage Paid at Sisters, OR.

The Nugget is available to pick up free at The Nugget office and at businesses throughout Sisters and Tumalo; mail subscriptions are available in the 97759, 97756, 97730, and 97703 zip codes for $55/year; subscriptions outside these zip codes: $70/year, $45/six months (or less).

Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius, editor@nuggetnews.com

Creative Director: Jess Draper, jess@nuggetnews.com

Community Marketing Partner: Kimberly Young, ads@nuggetnews.com

Classifieds & Circulation: Wendy Bachmeier, nugget@nuggetnews.com

Billing: accounting@nuggetnews.com

Proofreading: Kema Clark

Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen

Tap the brakes on UGB plan

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

The Sisters Planning Commission is taking up the weightiest land use issue facing Sisters: where the city will grow over the next couple of decades. They have been presented with a “concept” that would expand the Sisters Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) by 318.60 acres. Their decision about whether to recommend adoption of that concept is a significant step in a long process that will determine Sisters’ future path.

There are real questions about the viability of the concept they will be working with. Those questions are reflected in the split vote among the city councilors to send the concept to the planning commission for review.

Sisters City Council voted 3-2 last fall to approve Concept Aa for expansion of the UGB. Concept Aa defines a UGB expansion area map northeast of the City. Concept Aa does not include 58 acres northeast of Sisters High School, owned by McKenzie Meadows Village (MMV), LLC. The owners of that property have pushed hard to get the City to reconsider including that property for UGB expansion.

As part of that push, they surveyed property owners in the “Barclay Meadows” area northeast of Sisters, an area of about 120 net acres that makes up a substantial portion of Concept Aa. They asked property owners if they would be in favor of amending their covenant codes and restrictions to allow density and cluster housing, to which respondents resoundingly gave a “no.” That raises a question as to whether enough of the land proposed for the UGB expansion will ever really be available for the kind of development that meet Sisters’ affordability goals.

Of course, MMV has a dog in the fight — but the survey does raise questions about whether Concept Aa confuses the map with the territory. It won’t do Sisters any good to bring in land for further development that has very little chance of ever actually being developed.

The owners of MMV have made strong representations to the City that they are ready to develop as soon as possible, with the assurance that 30 percent of the housing will be “affordable.” If a significant goal of the City is to make land available

for workforce housing, this proposal should get another look.

It would have been better for everyone if MMV had gotten their ducks in a row sooner; the UGB expansion process got underway when the property was not yet zoned in a way that would make its inclusion in the UGB possible. The Board of County Commissioners acted unanimously and on an emergency basis to allow a zone change that qualified the MMV’s 58-acre property northeast of the Sisters High School for consideration. The UGB project already had momentum, and an indication from Oregon Land Watch that they would not appeal Concept Aa (they have appealed the county’s MMV zone change; a decision is expected later this month).

It’s tempting for the City to take what may appear to be the path of least resistance, and carry on with the momentum of Concept Aa. That urge is made more acute by a process deadline of January 1, 2027. If the City doesn’t get through its UGB process by then, some work would be considered outdated and need to be redone, causing delay and expense.

But it is important that Sisters’ UGB expansion works not only on paper, but in the dirt. Perhaps the City can seek dispensation from the State to extend their deadline. It appears that the plan will be appealed whichever way the Concept Aa decision goes. Central Oregon Land Watch has indicated they will appeal if the the MMV land is included. MMV has indicated they will appeal if it’s not. Councilor Gary Ross had it right when he insisted that neither potential appeal should sway decision makers from making the best call possible on UGB expansion. The planning commission should tap the brakes on Concept Aa. The UGB expansion is going to be delayed by someone somehow — we might as well make sure that the City has got it as right as they can get it.

The City of Sisters Planning Commission will hold an in-person public hearing on the proposal for UGB expansion at Sisters City Hall on Thursday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. Meeting information, including a Zoom link, can be found on https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/ meetings.

Building the old high school

By Mark Mew Correspondent

By December, 1938, the work of the Sisters school board to acquire the conceived high school was winding down. The board’s effort to secure the funding and various approvals in time for the following school year had been a clear success. The project was transitioning into the hands of the architect and the builder. And like the board, these two gentlemen would have but six months to complete their jobs.

The Public Works Administration, in streamlining its processes, had come to favor the Colonial Revival architectural style for schools it funded. It is

not surprising, then, that this is the kind of design selected for Old Sisters High School by architect John Isted.

The Colonial Revival was a free interpretation of the traditional Colonial style. At the time, the public—and by extension the PWA—favored the Colonial look. To quote historic preservationist Michael Hall, “Because of the long-standing associations linking education with citizenship…civic imagery was apparently deemed appropriate for high school design, perhaps because these buildings represented a level of serious, almost adult, education to which most Americans could only recently aspire…”

The newer Colonial Revival style kept the general look and feel of its traditional predecessor, but deviated subtly as necessary to accommodate modern educational programs and to take advantage of modern (or readily available) construction materials. And construction contractor Bud Hart would make good use of local materials.

The board was successful in acquiring property across the road from the two-story, 1912 school building. The parcel—Block 1 of the Davidson Addition—occupies most of the triangle created by today’s Highway 20, Cascade Avenue, and Locust Street.

Sisters to mark Memorial Day with ceremony

The Sisters veterans community will mark Memorial Day with a gathering at Sisters Village Green Park at 11. a.m. on Monday May 25.

The Memorial Day observances are a long-standing tradition in Sisters, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 8138, American Legion post 86, and Band of Brothers-Sisters.

This year’s keynote speaker is Brigadier General Jim Cunningham. The general served as the Commander of Oregon National Guard. With Joint Force Headquarters in Salem, he had the overall responsibility for the

organization, training and equipage of seven units and over 2,100 personnel within the state.

General Cunningham gained combat experience serving as a forward air controller in the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War.

As a civilian General Cunningham is a retired Captain for United Airlines and is a member of the Central Oregon Veterans Outreach Program.

Lunch will follow the observances, and everyone in the community is invited.

Sisters Athletic Club teaches youth to swim

Sisters Athletic Club just completed a four-week third grade learn-to-swim program, which provided free swim instruction to 75 elementary school students in the Sisters community. The program gave young swimmers the skills and confidence they need in and around the water — a critical life-safety skill for children of all backgrounds.

Joe Hosang, director of human resources for the Sisters School District, said, “I continue to be amazed by this community. Recently, I read an article about the

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills

Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383. Alcoholics Anonymous

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 the Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440.

Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Sunday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration

Central Oregon F ly Tyers Guild

For Saturday meeting dates and loc ation, email: steelef ly@msn.c om

Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info.

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 Cen tral O regon

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.

Go 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 ith Dementia Sisters Care

Partner Suppor t Group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Park & Recreation

District Communi ty Center. 5 41-588 -0547.

Mili tary Parent s of Sisters Meetings are held quarter ly; please c all 5 41-388 -9 013.

Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys, 11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. 5 41-5 49 -6 469.

Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., m eeting 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 Woodworkers First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97

Sisters Bridge C lub Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sistersb ridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregi ver Suppor t G roup 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Park & Rec. Communit y Center. 5 41-588 -0547. (Meets with Living W ell With Dementia Sisters)

Sisters Cribbage C lub Wednesdays, 11 a.m. at The Lodge, 411 E. Car penter Lane. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.

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

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

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

Sisters Kiwanis 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at SPR D in Sisters 541- 632- 3663

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Element ar y School Commons. 9 17-219 -8298

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m., at SPR D. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.

Sisters Veterans no- host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welcome, 5 41-241-6 56 3.

Sisters Trail s Alliance Board M eetings take p lac e every other month, 5 p.m. In -person or zoom. Contact: info@ sisterstrails.org.

Songwriters Sharing Circl e All ages welcome. 2nd Wednesday 6 p.m., at The Hub, 5 41-977-8 49 4.

Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of D irectors M eets 2nd Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSID Off ic e. 5 41-9 03 -405 0.

Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 541- 419-1279

VF W Post 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., The Hub, 291 E. M ain Ave. sistersveterans@gmail. com.

SCHOOLS

Black But te School Boa rd of D irectors 2nd Tuesday, 3:3 0 p.m. 5 41-595 -6203. See schedule www.blackbutte.k12.or.us/

Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule at www.ssd 6.org. 541- 549-8 521 x5 002.

construction of the old Sisters High School. The article noted that ‘six months to the day since 15 people approached the school board with the idea, construction — fully funded — was underway.’ Close to 90 years later, that same spirit is still alive and well in Sisters.

“With one five-minute phone call to Tate Metcalf [owner of the Sisters Athletic Club], swim lessons for our elementary students were suddenly happening. His response was simply, ‘Yep, I

CITY & PARKS

Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3 0 p.m., Siste rs Cit y Hall 541- 549- 6022

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Direc tors 2nd Tues., 4 p.m., Sisters Communit y Recreation C enter. 541- 549-20 91

Sisters Planning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City

FIRE & POLICE

Black

Black But t e Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., BB R Fire Station. 5 41-595 -2 28 8 Cloverdale RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Wed., 5:3 0 p.m., 6743 3 Cloverdale Rd. 5 41-5 48 -4 815. c loverdalef ire.com. Sister s- Camp She rman RFPD Board of Direc tors 3rd Tuesday 9 a.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 5 41-5 49 -0771. Sister s- Camp She rman RFPD Drills Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 5 41-5 49 -0771.

Art board seeks members

The City of Sisters is recruiting for the new Public Art Advisory Board.

The board will serve as an advisory body to the City Council and staff on public art initiatives. The Public Art Board will play a key role in shaping how art is experienced throughout the community. From recommending new public art projects to advising on placement, acquisitions, and long-term maintenance, board members will directly influence the landscape of Sisters.

The City seeks five individuals who bring both expertise and enthusiasm for the arts. The goal is to build a group that balances professional experience with community perspective. The proposed board composition includes: at least one member representing a local arts or cultural organization, two practicing professionals, such as artists, designers, architects, or individuals with public art experience, and two at-large community members with a strong interest in the arts, public spaces, or community development. The majority of members must reside within the city limits, though one nonresident may serve if they live within the Sisters School District boundaries.

Interested applicants are invited to apply during the recruitment period May 18-June 12. Qualified candidates will then be interviewed by a selection committee, with final appointments made by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Meetings are proposed for the fourth Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m.

More information and applications can be found at https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/ public-art-advisory-board.

Food cart offers Detroit-style pizza

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Cliff Abrahams knows pizza.

“I’ve been in pizza forever,” he said.

For several yeas, he has served up his specialty Detroit-style pizza through Abe Capanna’s in Bend — and now he’s brought that specialty to Sisters with a new food cart in the courtyard at Eurosports.

Detroit-style pizza is defined as a rectangular, deep-dish pizza, built from the bottom up, with the cheese piled directly on the dough and running all the way to the edge, with the sauce and toppings layers on top of the cheese. It’s baked traditionally in blue steel pans.

“We do Detroit-style for sure — but there’s a nuance to it,” Abrahams said.

Abe Capanna’s Neighborhood Pizzeria uses a premium mozzarella blend for its cheese, and meatballs and marinara and other fixings are homemade. They also make a homemade tiramisu. There are gluten-free options.

“I knew Detroit-style would be novel,” he said. “I felt like it would be really consistent… It’s exceptional because we use exceptional product.”

Abrahams said that the name is a play on his own last name, and whimsically created as a kind of enigmatic Italian persona for the business. He launched Abe Capanna’s at Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5 in Bend in 2020 to great success, and recently secured the spot in the Eurosports courtyard.

He found owner Brad Boyd easy to work with and thought his pizza would appeal to visitors and locals alike.

“It was really agreeable, the way he works,” Abrahams said. “We’re a little more curated brand; we thought it would be a good fit for Sisters. We love our neighbors. We’re happy to complete the court.”

Abrahams is focusing on establishing a good relationship with the neighborhood, building up local clientele and preparing for a busy tourist season. Abe Capanna’s is set to be open for summer hours Wednesday–Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., though Abrahams notes that he’s open a half day on Sunday until he fills out his staffing.

Pizza can be delivered through DoorDash or Uber Eats, and customers will be able to order through his website starting next week. Orders may also be placed at 541-633-0318.

SAA adds venues to 4th Friday Artwalk

By Helen Schmidling Correspondent

Two new venues will join the Sisters Arts Association’s Fourth Friday Artwalk this week. Sisters Museum explores historic photos from an earlier era as showcased in their exhibit “Ranching and Farming Around Sisters.” Then come play in the clay at Sisters Clay Collective , which will be open for demos, browsing, class signups, and enrolling new members.

Galleries are open all day, with Artwalk taking place between 4 and 7 p.m. Artists will be on hand to greet visitors, and light refreshments will be served. Each gallery features a place to sign up for SAA’s Quick Draw, a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates, thanks to a generous donation from Susan Bird, Broker, Stellar Realty Northwest.

Here is what’s happening in the galleries.

Toriizaka Art presents acrylic and mixed media by Henriette Heiny, and work by ceramicist Peter Roussel. “Gilded Rift” is Henriette’s newest work — a gilded

rupture that courses across the surface, opening a luminous divide where crimson depths meet flowing whites and burnished gold. For Peter, clay is a connection between past and present. His work is designed to be felt as much as it’s intended to be seen.

This month at the Campbell Gallery , the Sisters High School AP Art and Design class showcases their portfolio, including work in multiple mediums from five students: Abi Duda, Serafina Smith, Julissa Camacho Castro, Hailey Handley, and Reagan Riemer. The class is taught by Bethany Gunnarson.

Hood Avenue Art features Oregon Sunstone Jewelry by Elyse and Steven Douglas, fused glass work by Susie Zeitner, and framed photography by Scott Cordner. The geological formation of Oregon sunstone is attributed to volcanic activity, which has resulted in the presence of copper inclusions that give the stone its distinctive color variations: yellow, orange, red, and even green. Each piece

Susie Zeitner creates is fabricated in her studio and fused at 1500 degrees. Scott Cordner’s work shows a complete connection from capture of landscape to hand made frames for his images. The Rickards Gallery showcases the art of John Sherry. As the son of an artist mother and photographer father, he settled on pastels as his medium of choice. Derived from his own photographs, his pastels adhere to the concepts of interesting subjects and good composition, from cars and trains to landscapes and

coffee cups.

Stitchinʼ Post presents “The Magic of Horses,” by June Jaeger. Her fascination with horses began when she was about 5 years old, and her textile art captures the agility, grace, and gentle kindness of horses she’s come to know throughout her life.

Wildflower Studio features new work by local artist David Rock. He specializes in realistic landscape murals using both airbrush and brushwork. Look for some of his smaller local landscapes in the gallery, in addition to new work by Edie Shelton and Mark Seekins.

Sisters Gallery & Frame hosts printmaker Denise Kester from Ashland. She specializes in monoprint and monotype viscosity printing as well as multimedia, drawing, painting, and handmade books. She will also present a talk called “Art, Hope, and Important Things to Remember,” on Saturday at 4 p.m. The program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited to about 35. Also new this month, the fine jewelry of Timber Lark. With only a few tools, he makes each piece by hand — pendants, earrings, bracelets — shaped slowly, deliberately, simply. Also, be sure to check

out the work of local artists on the SAAʼs Art Walls around town. Art Walls are in various nongallery locations including The Barn, Fika Sisters Coffeehouse, Sisters Bakery, and The Hub For additional information or to join SAA, visit www.sistersarts association.org. New members are welcome, and you do not need to be an artist to join.

City snapshot – fewer unhoused and Council’s Corner

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Deschutes County and the City of Sisters saw a marked reduction in the population of unhoused people in the annual Point In Time count.

• Assistant City Manager Kerry Prosser reported to City Council on May 13, that the County’s unhoused numbers came down 19 percent from last year and Sisters saw a 20 percent reduction; 1,706 and 99 unhoused, respectively. Prosser added the transitional housing efforts in both Bend and Redmond are working. Council President Sarah McDougall advised caution in assuming this is a trend. Per McDougall’s involvement with several entities addressing the unhoused, fluctuations through the years to these percentages are likely.

• The City of Sisters’ monthly newsletter, The Roundup, will include one member of council reporting on City goals, community issues, and/or progress on projects. This month’s Roundup includes the first edition of the Councilor Corner. Mayor Jennifer Letz shares wildfire mitigation and resilience news. To read or signup for The Roundup go to the City website and click on “Newsletter” in the tan area at bottom left of the home screen, https://www. ci.sisters.or.us.

• Sisters Habitat for Humanity Director Peter

Hoover shared that SH4H is recognized as the most successful creator of affordable homes than any other H4H in Oregon. SH4H has provided over 100 affordable homes in Sisters and Councilors expressed gratitude and were happy to continue the City’s support of SH4H.

Hoover reported that the new Larch Commons will be taking applications for home ownership from buyers at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI) for 19 units and six other units are for workforce buyers at or below 120 of AMI. In 2026, the estimated AMI for a four-person household in Deschutes County, Oregon ranges from $114,300 to $120,200. The SH4H Larch Commons homes will have monthly owner loan payments at $1,400 for the 19 units and $1,800 for the six units. The lowest twobedroom rental in the City is $1,350 with the median single family home rental at $3,038.

• Economic Development of Central Oregon (EDCO) Sisters Area Director Eric Strobel presented progress on the August 2025 community initiatives as determined by the 20-member Sisters Country Economic Development advisory. The strategies include a ‘move, start, grow’ (MSG) program and ‘table setting’ goals; move new companies here, start new local companies, grow existing companies, and expand community

resources to accelerate MSG. Strobel reported that GFP Response has moved here, five new business startups added 12 new jobs, and several companies are growing, Sisters Meat and Smokehouse being one. For ‘table setting’ efforts Strobel highlighted that Soul Blossom child-care went from serving four to now 17 families.

Now in its 24th year, GFP Response is a national turnkey rapid-response emergency management, logistics, and disaster response contractor. GFP contractors have three sites in Oregon, two in California, one in Texas, and one in Alabama.

Strobel partners with local businesses, districts, and entities to facilitate connectivity, assist businesses with their employees’ transit needs and housing needs, and to support local wildfire mitigation efforts.

Strobel noted that over the past five years, the City has seen a 31.1 percent growth in employment. The top 10 employers in the City are; Black Butte Ranch, Sisters School District, Sisters Coffee Company, United States Forest Service, Sisters Bakery, Personalized Nutrients, Sisters Athletic Club, FivePine Lodge and Conference Center, BASX Solutions, and Ray’s Food Place.

BASX Solutions is a leading national manufacturer of modular structures and cleanroom solutions and

leased 27,190 square feet of light industrial space in Three Peaks Industrial Park late 2024.

• Council reviewed for approval Ordinance 546 which amended the City’s municipal code to remove conflicting ‘open burning’ provisions. Code Compliance Officer Jacob Smith stated that municipal code section 8.15.130 would be removed and 8.10.20 enhanced to ensure ‘open burning’ is generally prohibited except where explicitly allowed. Councilor Cheryl Pellerin advised aligning to local fire district code. After discussions on specificity regarding burn pits, bonfires, and burn barrels, Council provided changes to the ordinance. Council approval is moved to May 27.

• Republic Services (RS) General Manager Erica Haitsma returned for the fourth time to request rate increases. The window of time for approval is closing as increases need to be implemented July 1. Council

will be keeping the recycling center open for another six months, will revisit the concern about glass recycling next January, and the City will advise businesses and the public that the local recycling center will be going away. Council generally did not find RS’s case for a 12 percent increase convincing. Councilor Michael Preedin voiced deep concern, considering local fire hazard conditions, that the day rental of a dumpster for local neighborhoods or communities to remove fire fuels from their properties went from $200 to $800. Haitsma took notes. Another public meeting will be scheduled.

Sisters family finds a new home

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Dana and Kellen Charpentier and their three children popped a giant balloon filled with confetti in the entryway of their new home on Friday, May 15. The balloon was filled with more than confetti — it also contained the keys to their new place, a home made accessible to them through the First Story program of Hayden Homes.

Local dignitaries from Hayden Homes and the City of Sisters applauded as the Charpentiers’ youngest held up the keys.

The 1,055-square-foot triplex unit on Hill Street was originally built by Hayden Homes in 2020 and then sold by First Story to a local single mom and her son, Jennifer and Guiseppe. They lived there for five years, achieving the kind of stability and upward mobility the program is designed to create.

When they were ready to move to a new stage of life in Sisters, First Story exercised its first option to purchase, and the home became part of the Fresh Start

program, which is geared toward preserving long-term affordable homeownership opportunities.

It was an opportunity the Charpentiers were keen to take up.

Kellen Charpentier recounted his family’s move out of Southern California in 2020.

“We didn’t know where we were going to be, where we were going to go,” he said. Their path led them through Sisters, and like many people, the allure was strong.

“Sisters is such a special place that we know this was it,” he said. “We didn’t know how we would make it happen.”

The Charpentiers were renters, a situation that was

less than optimal for a young family seeking to put down roots.

“We never felt like this was permanent; we never had that security,” he said.

Homeownership in Sisters seemed out of reach for the working couple. Dana works for the school district, and Kellen works at The Open Door.

“Financially, we thought five to 10 years from now would be more feasible for us,” Kellen said.

First Story changed that equation.

First Story is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), founded in 1998 by Hayden Watson of Hayden Homes, headquartered in Redmond. First Story provides a zero-down, no-interest, 30-year loan for a newly built or remodeled home to individuals and families who qualify and earn 80 percent or less of the area median income before taxes (ranges from $64,000-$98,000 depending on household size in Deschutes County).

The program is for firsttime homebuyers, who are required to complete homebuyer education and financial coaching courses. Families

in Sisters do so through NeighborImpact.

The Charpentiers qualified, and May 15 marked the culmination of a process that materially changes their lives.

“It still doesn’t seem real,” Kellen said.

First Story Executive Director Claire Duncan noted that the home lies in Hayden Homes McKenzie Meadows Village — a neighborhood that offers a lot to young families.

“I can’t think of a better place to raise a family than right here,” she said.

Hayden Homes and First Story executives praised the City of Sisters for having the

vision to allow creation of a neighborhood with varying housing types.

“That has now become a model for the state,” said Deb Flagan, Hayden Homes VP. She also singled out Curt Kallberg, who was on hand for the observances. The Kallberg, Reed, and Willitts families were the original owners of the property.

Flagan said they were “just incredible partners who could have done something else with the land [and] chose to invest in the place where they raised their children.”

For more information on First Story, visit www.firststory.org/.

Pulver is district champ in tennis

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The boys tennis squad placed third at the Boys Tennis District 4 Tournament, held on Thursday and Friday, May 14-15. Three players, Dominic Pulver, Joseph Derksen, and Jack Murray played exceptionally well and punched their tickets to the state tournament May 22-23 in Corvallis.

Dominic Pulver was stellar throughout the tournament and came out on top as the District Champion in singles.

Pulver set a blistering tone with a 6-1, 6-0, victory over Rhett Loughiller of The Dalles in the quarterfinals. He used his powerful forehand as a weapon to dictate the tempo and never allowed Loughmiller to find any kind of rhythm. Coach Vince Grace noted that it was a statement of intent that showed he was ready for the pressure of the big stage.

Grace told The Nugget that in the semifinals Pulver was operating at a level of composure that is rare in high school athletics. Pulver dominated play and defeated Peavy of Stanfield 6-0, 6-1.

Grace said, “That score line requires a level of focus that is nearly impossible to break. He played high-percentage tennis, forced his opponent into uncomfortable positions, and remained virtually error-free.”

The championship final against Olivera of Madras gave Pulver his ultimate test. He started the match with a flawless 6-0 first-set win.

Grace said, “He faced a heavy push in the second. This is the moment where matches are won or lost. Dominic didn’t blink. He adjusted his depth, stayed patient through the long rallies, looked for opportunities to put it away, and changed the pace of his shots, keeping his opponent off balance for

the 6-0, 6-4 win.”

Of Pulver’s performance throughout the tournament, Grace said, “Dominic’s tournament run was an absolute masterclass. Winning a District Championship is a massive achievement, but doing it in the fashion he did — surrendering a mere eight games across the entire tournament — is rare. He didn’t just play the ball this week; he played the moment. He represented Sisters High School with the kind of poise and competitive spirit that defines our program.

“Four years in the making, this milestone is a direct reflection of Dominic’s work ethic, growth, and tactical maturity,” added Grace. “He didn’t just rely on raw talent; he controlled the tempo of every match, stayed mentally unshakable under pressure, and peaked exactly when it mattered most. Watching him stand on top of that podium after four years of relentless grinding was a proud moment for our team and community. He is locked in and ready to make serious noise in Corvallis.”

The doubles duo of Joseph Derksen and Jack Murray finished as District Runners-up. The pair put together a hardfought run to secure second place in the tournament, and Grace noted that they proved how tough they are under pressure, playing in some of the most competitive, highstakes matches of the entire tournament.

In the quarterfinals battle, the duo opened with a thriller against Riversides’ Zamora and Sanchez. They dropped a tight first set in a tiebreak, dug in and took the second set 6-4, and then outlasted Zamora and Sanchez in a tense 10-6 tiebreaker.

They carried that momentum into the semifinal match and with clean, aggressive play defeated Koalchuk and Torres of The Dalles in straight sets, 6-3. 6-3.

In the championship against Stanfield’s top duo, Angel and Sanchez, Derksen and Murray pushed it to the end. They dropped a close first set 5-7, and then battled to 6-6 in the second, before Stanfield edged out the tiebreak (7-3) to take the title.

“This senior duo showed incredible grit when the stakes were highest,” said Grace. “What stands out most about Jack and Joseph is their high-level communication and situational chemistry. When they dropped a set or faced a break point, there was no panic — just an immediate huddle, a tactical adjustment, and total trust in one another. They play a heavy, aggressive style of doubles that translates perfectly to state-level competition. They’ve earned this trip, and they are going to be a tough out for anyone in Corvallis.”

The top seeds for Sisters took home medals, but the entire squad contributed in the third place finish.

Wes-on Dean (senior) fought hard in a tough opening matchup against Sharp of Stanfield, but fell 1-6, 0-6. Grace noted that Dean represented the Outlaws program with class and left it all out on the court to cap off his high school career.

Silas Green (sophomore) lost his match but pushed Alec Jamieson(Condon’s veteran senior) to the brink in the quarterfinals. Green dropped the first set 3-6, but battled back to claim the second second 6-3, which forced a high-stress tiebreaker where he fell 4-10.

Grace said, “For a sophomore to show that level of composure and tactical adjustment bodes incredibly well for the future of the program.”

Tristan Marshall and Lino Barberis got a tough draw and faced the eventual tournament champions (Angel and Sanchez) from Stanfield. The duo fell 1-6, 1-6.

“As a freshman-junior pairing, it was a massive test,” said Grace. “What I loved was that they didn’t let the moment get too big for them. They stayed locked in, stayed positive, and used every game to adjust to that championship-level pace. Getting that kind of baseline experience under their belts is exactly what builds the foundation for future district runs.”

Landon Kirkpatrick (freshman) and Styopa Myagkov (senior) drew a veteran and disciplined pair from The Dalles in their first match.

“Talk about a pairing with

great energy,” said Grace. “Landon, coming in as a freshman, and Styopa, wrapping up his senior year, brought a fantastic blend of youthful hustle and veteran leadership to the court. Even when the games weren’t falling our way, their communication never wavered and they kept fighting for every groundstroke and volley until the final handshake.”

At the end of the tournament the Outlaws took home the third-place trophy.

“Every single one of these guys contributed to our team points, which put us right in the thick of things to secure third place overall as a team,” said Grace. “More importantly, the way they conducted themselves on the court, supported each other from the sidelines, and handled the pressure showed the true culture of our program. The future is incredibly bright, the senior leadership set a flawless standard, and we have one more week of elite tennis ahead of us.”

Acclaimed nature author to visit Sisters

Paulina Springs Books will host acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane for a special event on Wednesday, June 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Belfry. The evening will feature Macfarlane in conversation with Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston discussing his newest book, “The Book of Birds,” and the paperback release of “Is a River Alive?”. The evening will bring together two celebrated voices for a wide-ranging discussion on

literature, landscape, birds, rivers, and the living world.

Macfarlane is internationally admired for writing that illuminates the deep relationships among language, place, memory, and the natural world. His work has inspired readers across disciplines, from literature and conservation to walking, art, and ecology, making this a rare opportunity for Central Oregon audiences to hear from one of the defining nature writers of

his generation.

Following the discussion, guests will have the opportunity to continue the evening with an intimate dinner among the stacks at Paulina Springs Books. Seating is extremely limited for this post-event gathering, which offers guests the chance to dine alongside Robert Macfarlane and Ellen Waterston in the bookstore. The dinner menu is developed in collaboration with Chef Jackson Higdon and is inspired by themes and imagery from Macfarlane’s work.

Event tickets are $35 and include a pre-signed copy of “The Book of Birds.” Ticket holders have the option of purchasing one $15 guest ticket. Dinner tickets are $100 and include a threecourse meal and a beverage.

Tickets, dinner information, and menu details are available at PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

Robert Macfarlane’s Sunday Times - and New York Times-bestselling books include “Is a River Alive?”, “Underland,” “Landmarks,” “The Old Ways,” “The Wild Places,” and “Mountains of the Mind,” as well as a booklength prose-poem, “Ness. ”His work has been translated into more than thirty languages, won prizes around

the world, and been widely adapted for film, music, theatre, radio, and dance. He has also written operas, plays, albums, choral works, and films including River and Mountain, both narrated by Willem Dafoe.

Macfarlane has collaborated closely with artists including Olafur Eliasson, and with the artist Jackie Morris he co-created the internationally bestselling books of nature-poetry and art, “The Lost Words” and “The Lost Spells.” In 2017, the American Academy of Arts and Letters awarded him the E.M. Forster Prize for Literature, and in 2023 in Toronto he was the inaugural winner of the Weston

International Award for a body of work in the field of non-fiction.

He is presently working on a graphic novel retelling of the “Epic of Gilgamesh.”

COMM UN IT Y AN NOUNCE ME NTS

Jour ney th rough Sisters

Bu er i s a n i ntel ligent 2-mont h-

Histor y 202 6 H istorica l Wal ki ng Tou rs i n t he Camp Pol k H istorica l Cemeter y sta r t u rsday, May 21. Guided w alk s sta r t at 10 :3 0 a .m. at 6 985 Cemeter y Rd., Sisters . e cemeter y i s not handicap accessible and w alk s i nc lude u ne ven grou nd . R eg ister at www ca mppolk pioneercemeter y.org.

Craf t & Connec t: Mend and Repa ir at the Ra nch

May 2 6 , 2 to 4 p. m. at P ine Meadow R anc h Center for Ar t s & A gr ic ultu re, 6 84 67 ree Creek s R d. Bring a sma ll projec t a nd a ny m ater ia ls you need to work a longside ot her c om mu nit y members and A rt ist i n R esidence, V ic

St ud io Tours at Pi ne Meadow Ra nch

May 2 8 , 5 to 6 :3 0 p. m. at P ine

Meadow R anc h Center for Ar t s & A gr ic ultu re, 6 84 67 ree Creek s R d. Gue st s wi l l be g uided on a tou r of the studios, w here r esident arti st s a re e xper imenti ng , conduc ting resea rc h, a nd de velopi ng ne w work d uring thei r t ime at t he R anch. e arti sts’ pract ice s i nc lude wr it ing a nd a v ar iet y of v isua l ar t for ms. e e vent beg in s prompt ly at 5 p. m. R eg istrat ion i s requi red at h ps:// roundhou sefoundation .or g/ events/. For more i nfo c al l 5 4190 4- 070 0 or ema i l i nquiries@ roundhou sefoundation .org.

Memorial Day Ceremony

Mond ay, M ay 2 5 , at 11 a .m. gather at S isters V il lage Green

Pa rk for obser va nce s s ponsored

by t he Veteran s of Foreig n War s

Post 8138 , A merica n L eg ion

Post 8 6 , a nd Band of Brothers-

Si sters. Brigadier G eneral

Ja mes Cunni ng ha m i s key note spea ker. L unc h fol lowi ng. A ll are i nv ited

Neig hbors Need Me dica l Rides. You Ca n Help

Aging , d isabled , a nd u nderserved pas sengers depend on STAR S volunteer d river s to reac h med ic a l appoi nt ment s and t he demand i s g rowi ng.

Fi rst Fr id ay Fa mi ly Fun Bi ngo Night Fr id ay, June 5 . L oc al s a nd vi sitor s of a l l age s welcome! i s i s a c ash e vent . D in ner for purchase beg in s at 5 p. m. Ga mes beg i n at 5:3 0 p. m. $20 packet i nc lude s t hree c ard s for each of 10 game s w it h a loc al merc ha nt g i ca rd awa rde d a s a pri ze, plu s a n add it iona l c ard for t he 11t h game featuri ng $10 0 c ash pri ze. 5 0/5 0 R a e option: t ic ket s a re $ 2 eac h or 6 for $10 . H al f of r a e sale s w il l bene t STA RS . e

541-549-0605 541-815-0624

SIST ER S COMM UN IT

Y FOOD RE SOURCE S

Free Lu nches for Seniors

COACO o ers no-cost

socia l lunc h e ver y Tuesd ay, 11 a .m. to 1 p. m. at Sisters

Commun it y C hu rc h, 130 0 W. McK en zie Hwy

No reser vation s neede d. No -cost Grab-N-Go

lu nc hes weekly on

Wednesday a nd u rsday, from 12:3 0 to 1 p. m. Cal l 541-79 7-93 67

Week ly Food Pa nt ry

COR E M arket , loc ated at 22 2 N. Trinit y Way i n

Si sters. Mondays , 1 to 2 p. m. I nfo: 5 41-588 -2 332.

Free Week ly Meal

Serv ice

Famil y K itchen hos t s a week ly to-go hot mea l on Tuesdays , 4:3 0 to 5:3 0 p. m., at Sisters Com mu nity

Church, 130 0 W. McK en zie

Hw y. I nfo: www

Fami lyKitc hen.org.

Free Pet Food

Need pet food for you r dog or c at? Cal l t he Fur ry

Fr iend s pet food b an k at 541-79 7- 40 2 3 to s chedule you r pic kup. L oc ated at 412 E. M ai n Ave., Ste. 4, beh ind e Nug get.

Kiwa nis Food Ba nk

Located at 382 W. M ai n Ave. Weekly d istr ibut ion i s u rsday s f rom 9 a .m. to 2 p. m. I nfo: 5 41-632 -3 663. — SPONSORED BY —

Spindler-Fox . e y h ave plent y of needles , t hread , f abric , a nd a fe w f u n tool s to t r y out , plu s suppor t to help you t ac kle you r mend ing pile or lea r n a new repa ir. R ef use d is posabi lity, suppor t one a nother, a nd repai r the world toget her. Fre e a nd open to t he public. R eg istrat ion i s requi red at h ps:// roundhou sefoundation .or g/ events/. For more i nfo c al l 5 4190 4- 070 0 or ema i l i nquiries@ roundhou sefoundation .org.

Th ree Sisters Histor ical Societ y Free g uided Wal ki ng Tou rs: Heritage Homes or H istoric Bu ildi ngs Dow ntow n. E xplore the c ha r m a nd some of t he r ic h stor ies of Sisters’ past. E ac h tou r i s about one m ile long a nd ta kes one hou r. For d ates , t imes , and reser vation s , go to www th reesistershi stor ic al societ y.org under t he “ Wa lk ing Tou rs” t ab 541- 610- 6323

Black Butte Conser va nc y 2nd An nual Native Pl ant Sa le

May 2 3 , 10 a .m. to 2 p. m. at the Black Bu e R anc h G eneral

Store. Nat ive f avor ite s l ike Id aho Fescue, Pen stemon, Ya rrow, G olden Cur ra nt , a nd Vine M aple w il l be ava il able e y a re e xpanding t heir inventor y t hi s yea r! Preorder pl ant s M ay 1 to M ay 15 a nd pic k t hem up at t he sale or vi sit t he store on M ay 2 3 a nd choose you r f avor ites. Joi n them i n g rowi ng bio diversit y ac ros s t he Black Bu e reg ion. Any quest ion s about t he event , plea se c ontac t lead volunteer

Cathy M ic k , c t hmick @g ma il com, 5 03 -780 -4329.

Widows’ Suppor t Group

Widow s of a l l age s a re i nv ited to joi n t hi s s upport ive group of loc a l women to sh are e xper ienc es , stories , and f riendship i n a safe envi ronment. S ha re a pot luc k of sa lads, con nec t w it h others w ho tr uly u nderst and , a nd nd hope together. Monthl y gat heri ngs are t he r st Friday of e very mont h, beg inning June 5 , f rom 11:3 0 a .m.-1 p. m. i n t he Fireside Room at Sisters Com mu nity Church, 130 0 McK en zie Hwy, Si sters. For quest ions , contact Ci ndy V ice (513-22 6-1222) or Melody C arlson (541- 81535 40).

Fu rr y Fr iend s need s Volu nteers

Help proces s bo le s a nd c an s one d ay a week , Monday or Fr id ay. Volunteers r e-bag bo le s a nd c an s i nto ou r blue fu nd ra iser bags , t hen t ake t hose bags , a long w it h t he f ul l blue bag s d ropped o on e Nugget porch, to t he Bo leDrop at Rays. e t ime commitment

i s u su ally about 3 0 m inutes , someti mes les s a nd somet imes a l i le longer. For more in form at ion or to vol unteer, c al l 541-79 7- 40 23

Prayer Boards, Boxes & Bi nders

Satu rd ay, M ay 3 0, 2 to 4 p. m. at Sisters Com mu nit y C hu rc h, 13 0 0 McK en zie Hwy. Create a per sona li zed prayer boa rd , box or binder to help you remember to pray at t hi s f un women’s e vent . Bring you r ow n decorat ing m ater ia ls. To regi ster, go to s isterschurch org/events. For more i nfo, c al l 541-389- 6859

Kiwa nis Buck aroo

Brea kfast

Su nd ay, June 14, f rom 7 to 11 a .m. at t he Sisters R odeo

Grou nd s. A du lt s $15 , K id s ages 4 -12 a re $7, a nd c hi ld ren 3 yea r s & u nder a re f ree. for in form at ion, c al l 5 41-632 -3 663.

JOI N STA R S NOW to help. You c hoose w hen you d rive. It s e xible , mea ni ng ful, a nd di rectl y s upport s neig hbors who u rgently depend on STAR S to get to c are. Tra ining and m ileage rei mbur sement prov ided . L ea r n more a nd apply: h ps://www st ar sr ide. org/dr ive-for-us

Livi ng Well With Dement ia Sisters Suppor t Groups Suppor t g roups meet t he 2nd and 4 t h Wed ne sd ay of t he mont h f rom 1 to 2:3 0 p. m. at Si sters Com mu nit y R ec reat ion Center. e E arly Stage Support Group meet s i n t he W hychus Room . e Care Partner G roup meet s i n t he Metol iu s R oom. For i nfor mation c al l 5 41-58805 47

Ca lling Al l Submariners Joi n t he Memor ia l Day ser vice at t he L ion’s C lub Park at Crooked R iver R anc h on Mond ay, M ay 2 5 , at 11 a m. For di rect ions , T EX T Fra n at 5 41527-5484. e nex t meeti ng wi l l be at t he A merica n L eg ion Ha l l i n R ed mond , 70 4 S W 8th St , at 1 p. m. on Sunday, M ay 31. A l l a re welcome. For more in form at ion, please contact: Exec ut ive O cer, om Keaney: 917-716 -0137 or Master C hief Yeoma n, Fra n Davi s: 5 41-527-5 48 4 T EX T.

Acclaimed fiddler joins festival lineup

The 2026 Sisters Folk Festival lineup is officially complete with the announcement of six final artists set to perform throughout downtown Sisters on September 25-27. Joining this year’s bill are legendary bluegrass fiddler Michael Cleveland, Black Banjo Reclamation Project founder Hannah Mayree, along with Sway Wild, Matt the Electrician, Raynes, and Schmid & Guest, rounding out a dynamic roster of boundary-pushing artists from across the folk music tradition.

Cleveland’s career has helped shape the sound of modern bluegrass music. A 12-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, Grammy winner, and National Fiddlers Hall of Fame inductee, Cleveland has performed and recorded with artists including Béla Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel, Billy Strings, and Vince

Gill. His band, Flamekeeper, is a seven-time recipient of IBMA’s Instrumental Group of the Year award, and in 2026, Cleveland is featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents: State of the Music exhibit, recognizing his lasting impact on bluegrass and roots music. Another notable addition is Hannah Mayree, an artist and musician whose work as a banjoist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and vocalist has been both a historic excavation into folk music, and a window into the future of the genre. On the cusp of releasing a second studio album, Mayree continues to push folk traditions forward through solo, duo, trio, and full-band performances rooted in Black string music and genre-blurring experimentation. Beyond the stage, Mayree is the founder and creative director of the Black

Banjo Reclamation Project, a global initiative creating musical, cultural, and placebased spaces for Black and Afro-Diasporic communities to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and use the banjo as a tool for reinvention.

The full 2026 lineup also includes Tommy Emmanuel, Ozomatli, Brandy Clark, John Gorka, Margo Cilker, Mason Via, Thunderstorm Artis, Cristina Vane, Toubab Krewe, Eli West, Dean Johnson, Maya De Vitry, The Paperboys, Scottish Fish, Gadan, Bandits on the Run, Mama’s Broke, Banshee Tree, Chris Eldridge & Kristin Andreassen, Joslyn & the Sweet Compression, Lone Piñon, Madeline Hawthorne, Jordan Smart, Rosine, Spencer LaJoye, Wolf Jett, and Pete Mroz. The final festival lineup will feature more than 30 acts representing a wide spectrum of roots music

from around the world.

Three-day festival passes are available at the advance price of $245 for adults and $90 for youth ages 17 and under. Children under fiveattend for free. Single-day tickets will be released in July alongside the full performance schedule. All ticket prices include fees for maximum transparency.

Tickets are expected to sell out in advance. Early purchase is encouraged at https:// aftontickets.com/SFF2026. For more information and artist details, or to listen to the 2026 Sisters Folk Festival Playlist, visit https://www. sistersfolkfest.org/lineup.

SISTERS-AREA EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY • MAY 20

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Handbuilding: Playful Farm Animals" a unique ceramic workshop participants learn beginning handbuilding techniques while they form three or four legged playful farm animals with local artist Nancy Dasen. Session one includes making forms that can be used for vases, pitchers, planters or sculptures while the second session will include surface design with underglazes 5:30-7:30 p.m. $150 Registration and more info: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Info: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

THURSDAY • MAY 21

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Music Bingo! BINGO

6 to 8 p.m. Match song clips to your bingo card and win fun prizes! More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 Info: call 541-549-2471

FRIDAY • MAY 22

Spoons Family Game Night Bring the whole crew! We’ve got all the classics ready to play ... or bring your own game No reservations needed. Info: 541-719-0572

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Geoffrey Louis Koch 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com.

Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 4 to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. Information: www.sistersarts.org.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Bill Powers Bend-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. 6 to 8 p.m. No cover. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20 paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

SATURDAY • MAY 23

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Mike Biggers & Jim Cornelius Americana music 6 to 8 p.m. No cover. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool car to display, or just come look — different every week.

Free Info: 541-549-2471

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

SUNDAY • MAY 24

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Lickety Split Original music grounded in American roots traditions, including jug band stomps, vaudeville blues, old time 2 to 4 p.m. No cover. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

MONDAY • MAY 25

Spoons Open Mic Bring your talent (or come cheer) and enjoy a night of local music hosted by Jordan Lewis Lee. 6 to 8 p.m., sign-ups open at 5:30 p.m. Info: 541-719-0572

TUESDAY • MAY 26

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • MAY 27

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Info: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Handbuilding: Playful Farm Animals" a unique ceramic workshop participants learn beginning handbuilding techniques while they form three or four legged playful farm animals with local artist Nancy Dasen. Session two will include surface design with underglazes 5:30-7:30 p.m. $150 Registration and more info: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

THURSDAY • MAY 28

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: 55th Birthday & 5.5-Year Milestone Celebration 5 to 10 p .m.

Bob Baker on the patio 6 to 8 and Jordan Wolfe upstairs 8 to 10! Live music food, and community. Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com.

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Bob Welch presents“ Writer: How to Craft Nonfiction.

6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Bees & Brews (and Mead!)

5 to 6 p.m. Gather with local beekeepers to discuss all things bees and the upcoming beekeeping season. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Music Bingo! BINGO 6 to 8 p.m. Match song clips to your bingo card and win fun prizes! More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 Info: call 541-549-2471

FRIDAY • MAY 29

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20 paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa 6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Chris Beland

6 to 8 p.m. Accomplished Santa Maria singer/songwriter new to Central Oregon who makes music for the dreamers of the world. No cover. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

Spoons Family Game Night Bring the whole crew! We’ve got all the classics ready to play ... or bring your own game No reservations needed. Info: 541-719-0572

SATURDAY • MAY 30

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

COMMUNITY &

DENNIS MCGRE GOR & THE SPOILERS Sat., June 6 • 7 p.m. TheoriginalSpoilers aregettingback together toperform the entire album and more!Comejoininthecelebration! bendticket.com...$22.94

Pub opens 30 minutes prior to shows 302 E. Main | 541-815-9122 Rent The Belfry!Seewebsite for info: BelfryEvents.co m

SATURDAY • MAY 30 (cont.)

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Meet the Meadmaker: Facility Tour 4 to 5 p.m. Behind-the-scenes tour of the ranch winery barrel room, and farm, with ranch history and stories plus optional guided flight with a special barrel taste (if available). More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool car to display, or just come look — different every week. Free Info: 541-549-2471

SUNDAY • MAY 31

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

MONDAY • JUNE 1

Paulina Springs Books Poetr y Gathering "The Pause Button," an informal monthly gathering for poets and poetry enthusiasts Bring a poem or two to share. Listen, discuss, and write. Free 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Spoons Open Mic Bring your talent (or come cheer) and enjoy a night of local music hosted by Jordan Lewis Lee. 6 to 8 p.m., sign-ups open at 5:30 p.m. Info: 541-719-0572

TUESDAY • JUNE 2

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Pool Tournament 5:30 p.m. Info: 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 3

The Belfr y Author conversation: Robert Mcfarlane presents“The Book of Birds" and "Is a River Alive?" This is a rare chance to hear one of the most influential contemporary nature writers. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets and more information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Info: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • JUNE 4

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Music Bingo! BINGO 6 to 8 p.m. Match song clips to your bingo card and win fun prizes! More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 Info: call 541-549-2471

FRI/SAT • JUNE 6 & 7

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "From Fiber to Form: Sculptural Paper Casting" In this two-day, foundational paper-making workshop students transform pulp into unique cast-paper sculptures Starting with dry abaca pulp we dive into the process of reconstituting, blending, dying and casting sheets with a traditional mold and deckle This method of papermaking and casting demonstrates a DIY way of adapting the traditional craft to a personal studio setting 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $190 Registration and more info: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

Outlaws prep for districts with Twilight Meet

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Brooke Duey, the lone senior on the Outlaws track and field team, was honored at the Three Sisters Twilight meet Friday, May 15, that served as a tune-up for this week’s Special District 1 meet set for Thursday and Friday, May 21-22, at Sutherlin High School.

Duey has had a stellar career as a four-year varsity athlete specializing in the 300meter hurdles and the 4x400 relay where she has been a state qualifier and placer.

Creswell, La Pine, Pleasant Hill, and North Lake joined the Outlaws for a lowkey meet that still featured some season best efforts.

Freshman Kaia Backouris produced yet another personal best in the 300 hurdles, lowering her time to 47.81 seconds. Althea Crabtree finished as the runner-up in her best time of the season (50.75) and Duey was right on her heels in 50.84.

Special District 2 is loaded with hurdlers, including state leader Sydney Schreiber of La Pine (45.26), Kylie Leonard of Creswell (46.64), Jordyn Lee of Creswell (47.78), and Backouris. The automatic state qualification time regardless of place is 48.81 so the district could easily see more than the two automatic qualifiers if they can match or improve past performances.

Crabtree, a two-year state qualifier, cleared 10 feet in the pole vault, equaling her best. She currently ranks

sixth among 3A vaulters. In addition, she has run the fourth-fastest time in the 100 hurdles in 3A and second in the Special District 2 behind La Pine’s Schreiber.

Selah Sanford breezed to wins in the 100 (12.61) and the 200 (26.61), events in which she is ranked among the top in the 3A classification. She added the open 400 to her repertoire and ran a lifetime best of 1:01.98.

Like the 300 hurdles, Special District 2 has speedy girls in the 100, with five athletes posting times faster than the auto-qualifier of 12.91, including Sanford, whose best is second in the district at 12.50 seconds. The 200 also includes five girls under the mark of 26.59.

Shanitah Few won the high jump at 4-feet-8-inches and Mary Roberts clocked her best time ever in the 800 meters at 2:44.82.

On the boys side, JB Greenwood uncorked his personal best in the long jump, soaring 19 feet 9 inches to win the event. Fellow sophomore Jasper Jensen ran a personal best in the 800 (2:13.93) and won the high jump at 5 feet 10 inches.

Teams competing at the Special District 2 meet include Sisters, Sutherlin, Creswell, Elmira, Glide, La Pine, Siuslaw, Harrisburg, and Pleasant Hill.

The top two finishers in each event along with autoqualifiers will then go on to compete at the OSAA Track and Field Championships set for Hayward Field in Eugene May 28 and 29.

Girls win middle school district title

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Scoring in every event launched the Sisters Middle School eighth-grade track team to a resounding win on Tuesday, May 12, at the Greater Central Oregon Middle School Championships held at the home track.

The Outlaws produced individual champions in seven of the 15 events on the way to racking up 169 points for the team title. Crook County (130.5), Jefferson County (82), Elton Gregory (62.5), Obsidian (44.5), Warm Springs Academy (22.5), and Culver (10) completed the scoring.

Echo Wilkie won three individual events to lead the scoring, placing first in the 100 meters (13.29), the 200 (27.33), and the 400 (1:02.42). She also ran on the third-place 400-meter relay team that included Catie Beaver, Sydney Welbourn, and Lena Cheney.

Cheney won the discus (83-feet-9-inches), placed third in the shot put (30-feet8.5-inches), and fourth in the javelin (80-feet-9-inches).

Emmry O’Neill took command of the 1,500 from the gun and won in a personal best of 5:58.34, while Sydney Hudson (2:42.03) and Rylah Henry(2:47.8) went one-two in the 800, also in personal-best times.

The Outlaws pole vaulters swept the top three spots with Navah Dalton winning with a clearance of eight

feet, while Pyper Vedder and Hudson cleared 7-feet6-inches and seven feet respectively.

Quinn Hagen brought in points from the jumps, tying for second in the high jump (4-feet-6-inches) along with teammate Sydney Welbourn, finishing fourth in the long jump (14-feet-3.25-inches) while also running a personal best of 18.76 to place second in the 100-meter hurdles.

Some eighth-grade boys had record-breaking performances at the meet as well. The 4x400-meter relay team of Augustus Nibur, Gavin Schultz, Jax Pfister, and Layne Smithers broke the school record with a time of 4:04.62. Nibur moved up to fifth on the all-time list in the 1500 with a time of 4:43.84, while Schultz’s 57.77 in the 400 pushed him into sixth all-time.

Toad Elder led the seventh grade boys teams with wins in the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay, along with Finnley McShane, Gavin Dickman, and Hudson Rude.

“We had a huge turnout — over 90 athletes participated this season,” said head coach Sarah Crabtree. “Kids tried new events, the 400, distance running, pole vault and were very successful! They were a very supportive group, always celebrating each other’s successes.”

Habitat to host home dedications

Sisters Habitat for Humanity will celebrate the dedication of the final five homes at Woodlands, a 10-cottage affordable housing community in Sisters, on Friday, May 29. The community is invited to attend both the home dedication ceremonies and an open house to meet the new homeowners, tour the completed homes, and learn more about local efforts to expand affordable and workforce housing opportunities in Sisters.

The home dedication ceremony will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by a community open house 4 to 6 p.m. Woodlands was developed to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for individuals and families earning 80 percent or less of the Area Median Income, including many of the workers who help make Sisters a vibrant and thriving community — teachers, healthcare workers, hospitality staff, tradespeople, service industry employees, and more.

“This milestone represents years of hard work, community partnership, and a shared commitment to ensuring that people who work in Sisters have the opportunity to live here,” said Peter Hoover, executive director of Sisters Habitat for Humanity. “We are excited to celebrate these homeowners and invite the community to see firsthand the impact affordable homeownership can have on families and our community as a whole.”

Guests attending the open house will have the opportunity to meet the new homeowners, tour the cottages, learn more about Sisters Habitat’s affordable housing initiatives, and enjoy light refreshments and community connection.

Writer offers advice on connecting with readers

Award-winning writer and writing teacher Bob Welch will present his new book called “Writer: How To Craft Nonfiction Stories That Touch Your Readers’ Hearts, Souls & Funny Bones” on Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m., at Paulina Springs Books.

After more than half a century of award-winning nonfiction writing and two decades of leading Oregon’s Beachside Writers Workshop, Bob Welch shares the secrets to writing that will help you leave your readers changed forever.

“Writer” is unlike any other book on the craft, blending the mental side of the craft with practical, fingers-on-the-keyboard steps to painting with words. The book is sprinkled with the author’s trademark touches of heart, humor, and hope. Fun, feisty, and philosophical, “Writer” will stretch any nonfiction writer, especially those new to the craft, with ideas, approaches, and advice not found elsewhere.

From the myth of writer’s block to the wonder of showing instead of telling, Welch shares the concepts that helped him become a twotime winner of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists’ “Best Writing” award, helped him write the 2019 Book of the Year (as chosen by Track & Field Writers of America) and helped him become an Oregon Book Award finalist. Welch, a former RegisterGuard columnist and adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, breaks his book into seven parts: Mindset, Obstacles, Tools, Gather, Write, Genres, and Process.

The result includes photos, graphs — even

Springs Books.

breakdowns of his own columns — why he wrote them as he did. As the author of the popular “Heart, Humor & Hope” Substack column, Welch offers a personal style that reflects his “respect the reader” approach to writing.

A former National Writers Workshop presenter, he views “Writer” as a culmination of a lifetime of learning about the craft he loves.

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

Outlaw makes quarterfinals at District

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws tennis squad traveled to Hermiston for District competition on Thursday and Friday, May 14-15.

Senior Hudson Jacobs was the highlight for the Outlaws as she won both her first and second rounds before falling in the quarterfinals.

In the first round, Jacobs defeated Anderson of Condon in a very close 7-6 (7-4) first set and then forged ahead with a 6-3 win in the second set.

“The key to her win was that she handled the gusty, windy weather better than her opponent,” said Coach Bruce Fenn. “She had strong ground strokes with great follow-through that earned her the win.”

In the second round she defeated Pacheco of Madras, and once again under very windy conditions. Jacobs blanked Pacheco 6-0 in the first set with powerful first serves and a backhand that

was deep and powerful and hard to return.

“She just kept getting better,” said Fenn. “She moved well around the court and played with enthusiasm and confidence. It was a special match.”

In the quarterfinals, Jacobs fell to Valencia of Irrigon. Valencia was very consistent on her forehand side and outlasted Jacobs with her extended long groundstroke points.

The doubles team of junior Jayden Durtschi and sophomore Molly Fredland got a 7-5, 6-2 win in the first round against Young and Dennett of Weston-McEwen. It was the first time all year that the duo had played together in a match and Fenn told The Nugget that the pair had to learn each other’s strengths quickly and work together to find success.

They won in a close first set and then came back with great play in the second

See TENNIS on page 16

Sisters 2031

To the Editor:

In the May 6 edition, under the heading “Sisters 2031,” a letter writer stated that, in the past, folks came to Sisters “because it was quiet.”

We moved here in late 2021 from a (very) large city back East, and what attracted us was the environment (lakes and mountains), the arts culture (galleries and concerts), and the small town friendliness of the people here. Our neighbors and friends all came here from large cities to the West of us, and places like Dallas, Columbus, Boston and Denver. None came for the “quiet.” They came for the vibrancy we offer. Careful, measured growth is essential to the future of this community as is the tourist dollars that help drive the economy.

Towns that say “no more growth” slowly fade away. That’s not the vision I hold for Sisters.

Brad Earl

s s s

Getting older

To the Editor:

Thank you for the timely article written by Siobhan Gray, MD, in last week’s Nugget

At the age of 72, I very much appreciate and can relate to what she had to say about our bodies no longer being able to keep up with what our brains tell us that we can still do. It never occurred to me that “preparing physically for an active retirement” was something I needed to do. I very much hope that younger readers will heed the warning to do the work necessary to maintain physical strength, balance, and energy. I am blessed with a robust spiritual, intellectual, financial, and relational life, but if I could go back in time, there are some things I would change so as to have been a better steward of the body God gave to me!

Terry Hardin

s s s

From the superintendent

To the Editor:

At the May School Board meeting, we had the privilege of hearing from students involved in the Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition (IEE) program. Their presentations highlighted thoughtful research and creative problem-solving focused on environmental stewardship, habitat connectivity, and protecting local ecosystems. Students shared projects exploring wildlife crossings along Highway 20, biodiversity preservation, and educational

outreach efforts connected to Whychus Creek. Their passion, collaboration, and commitment to caring for the natural world reflected the very best of student learning in Sisters School District.

The Board meeting also included updates on important district work related to enrollment planning, student transitions, staffing, and ongoing efforts to support safe and healthy learning environments. Recent smoke and air quality events created challenges for our schools, and those experiences provided valuable opportunities for reflection and improvement as the district continues prioritizing student and staff safety. We appreciate the thoughtful feedback and collaboration from community members as we continue those conversations.

In addition, the District Budget Committee approved the proposed 2026-27 school year budget. The approved budget reflects continued investment in students, staff, and district operations while maintaining responsible financial planning for the future. We are grateful to the members of the Budget Committee and district staff who dedicate significant time and effort to this important process.

One especially meaningful moment during the meeting was the recognition of longtime educator Samra Spear, who reflected on 34 years of service in Sisters School District as she prepares for retirement. Her heartfelt comments about relationships, memories, and the enduring care she holds for this community serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact educators have on generations of students and families. As we approach the end of the school year, we also recognize and deeply appreciate the handful of longtime staff members who will be retiring from Sisters School District this year. While it is difficult to see such dedicated individuals move on from their daily roles in our schools, their contributions have helped shape the culture, traditions, and success of this district for many years. Though we will miss their presence, we are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact they leave behind and wish them the very best in the next chapter of their lives.

As we look ahead to graduations, end-ofyear celebrations, and summer opportunities, we remain deeply thankful for the support of our families, staff, volunteers, and greater Sisters community. Together, we continue building experiences that prepare students for bright futures while strengthening the connections that make this district such a special place.

To stay connected with district news and updates, we encourage community members to sign up for our newsletter at https:// district.ssd6.org/.

Curt Scholl Superintendent

s s s

ZONE CHANGE: Property is in the viewshed at entry to town

Continued from page 1

that the rezoning would allow for future potential expansion of lodging for the adjacent FivePine Resort. He said that he could not speak to the potential number of lodging units on the property.

“We haven’t really gone that far,” he said. “I don’t even want to speculate.”

Critics of the proposal, including Central Oregon Land Watch, argue that the land should be kept in EFU zoning “for the current and future farm use of nearby farm properties.” They also argue that the land is “essential to the scenic view from Highway 20 of the Cascades and the Three Sisters, which give the city of Sisters its name.”

The applicant argues that the land is not suitable for farming, has not been in agricultural use for a long time, and that there is no potential for future use by surrounding operations. They note that land adjacent to the west is used for effluent from the City of Sisters’ wastewater treatment.

They further note that the parcel in question “was

created in its current size and configuration in 2004, in a 16-lot subdivision entitled ‘FIVEPINE’. The 15 other lots are part of the FivePine Resort development. Importantly, the owner was required to stub a street and utilities to the 20-acre parcel labeled ‘Lot 16’ on the plat, indicating knowledge that the lot would not remain outside of the city in EFU zoning.”

Central Oregon Land Watch further argues that, “The properties are adjacent to an existing UGB (urban growth boundary) and would frustrate the purpose of the UGB by allowing unnecessary development on rural farmland and stretching public services and infrastructure beyond the UGB.”

This zone change and plan amendment request is a separate and unrelated land use matter to the effort by Willitts and other owners to get a 58-acre property on the west side of Sisters included in the planned expansion of the Sisters UGB.

The hearing is set for Thursday, May 21, at 1 p.m. at the Deschutes Services Building, first floor, Barnes & Sawyer Rooms, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend. The meeting may be viewed via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/82327831548.

Targeting oil producers on insurance

By Alex Brown Oregon Capital Chronicle

Desperate to get a handle on rising property insurance costs driven by natural disasters, some state lawmakers are opening up a new line of attack in the effort to force oil companies to bear the cost of climate change effects.

In three states, Democratic lawmakers introduced bills this session that would allow insurance companies or state attorneys general to take action against oil companies to offset the rising costs of insurance.

While none of the measures became law this session, they signal the increasing urgency in states where wildfires, floods, and other disasters have driven up the cost of insurance premiums and led some insurers to stop writing new policies.

The proposals follow other state-led efforts to demand payment from fossil fuel producers for the mounting damages caused by climate change. States and municipalities have filed more than three dozen lawsuits over the industry’s role in the climate crisis, claiming companies violated a variety of laws, including consumer protection, public nuisance, failure to warn, fraud, and racketeering.

Meanwhile, a handful of states have passed or introduced “climate Superfund” bills that use attribution science — a new field of research — to calculate the cost of disasters and charge fossil fuel companies for their role in causing them.

Those efforts have drawn fierce opposition and legal challenges from oil companies and conservative groups.

Now, some Democrats are using a similar premise to try to put large oil companies on the hook for the fast-growing insurance crisis.

In many states, property insurance costs have

skyrocketed as insurance companies have paid out increasing claims for wildfires, hurricanes and floods. Some insurers have stopped writing policies in certain areas.

California and some other places have seen a surge of new policies on state-backed “last resort” insurance plans after residents failed to find coverage on the private market. California’s program, known as the FAIR Plan, was hit with billions in losses and sought a massive rate hike following the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025.

A bill in California would empower the state attorney general to sue fossil fuel companies to recover insurance costs. That measure failed to advance out of committee last month, with Republicans and some Democrats expressing concerns about fuel prices among other issues.

A bill in Hawaii would allow insurance companies to seek damages from fossil fuel companies for their role in causing disasters worsened by climate change. Any proceeds gathered from actions against polluters would be factored into insurance rates.

The bill passed both the House and Senate, but failed to advance when a conference committee ran out of time before a deadline earlier this month, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

“[T]he largest oil and gas corporations, who knowingly contributed to the drought conditions that made the Maui fires worse, pay nothing while continuing to rake in billions of dollars in profit

every year,” Democratic state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole wrote in a Honolulu Civil Beat op-ed. “Hawaiʻi taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill for Big Oil’s deception.”

Meanwhile, a similar bill in New York, allowing both insurance companies and the state attorney general to take action against oil companies over insurance costs, has been introduced but has not yet had a hearing in committee.

As with all legislation targeting the fossil fuel industry, the insurance bills have encountered fierce opposition and powerful lobbying campaigns. If enacted, the proposals would undoubtedly face lawsuits. Fossil fuel companies have long argued that they extracted and sold their products while following a suite of federal regulations, insulating them from state claims of harm.

States have countered that the companies knew about the dangers of climate change but lied to the public, noting the successful campaign to hold tobacco companies accountable for deception even though their products were sold legally.

This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Oregon Capital Chronicle, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Republished under Creative Commons license

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 courtesy of https://oregon capitalchronicle.com.

got it.’ The next communication I was getting about swim lessons was pictures from Megan Storey of students swimming in the pool.

“Beyond grateful! It’s a reminder that things don’t always have to be complicated when people care and want to serve. We appreciate Tate and the Sisters Athletic Club more than they know.”

Sisters Athletic Club made the program accessible to all participating students by covering more than half of the total program cost.

School board member Asa Sarver’s efforts secured a grant that offset the remaining expenses. The club had offered the free swim lessons pre-COVID and was excited to work with the school to offer this program again.

from school. We got better at swimming and learned how to be safe when playing in water.”

“Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury in children, and access to swim instruction can be lifesaving. I’m proud that we can provide this program to every third grader at no cost to the families or the tax payers.” said Metcalf.

“Throughout the program, we saw tremendous growth in students’ swimming skills and confidence in the water, while also creating meaningful memories together. Water safety is especially important in a community like ours, surrounded by lakes, rivers, and outdoor recreation opportunities. We are proud to provide this experience for our students and hope to continue the program for many years to come.” SWIM: Program makes

“Teaching children to swim is one of the most impactful investments we can make in our community,” said Metcalf. “We are grateful to Asa Sarver, all of the teachers and Principal Megan Storey for making this program possible for every single student. Aquatics Director Rosie Horton and her team of swim instructors masterfully managed the wide variety of students’ swimming skills.”

One of the swimmers was Brayden Eldridge, who said, “I had a lot of fun doing swim lessons with my friends

He also pointed to established research demonstrating the cognitive and behavioral benefits that movement and play provide young students during their school day.

Principal Megan Storey of Sisters Elementary School echoed that enthusiasm.

“We are incredibly grateful to Sisters Athletic Club for partnering with

us to host the third grade swim program,” she said.

TENNIS: Lady Outlaws turned in a solid season on court

Continued from page 13

where they returned serves better, were more consistent, communicated better, and moved together well on the court. They also hit better volleys at the net for winners.

In the second round, Durtschi and Fredland fell 2-6, 5-7 to Pope and Burts of Madras.

Fenn said, “It was a learning experience for them, and a big challenge. I’m proud of their positivity and sticking together as a team.”

Sisters’ freshman duo, Clara Bilderback and Brennan Johnson also got a win in the first round. They beat Bond and Barahona of Weston-McEwen 6-4, 6-4. The pair earned the win due to hitting the ball with better follow-through, and serving well.

“It was exciting for them to get their first win ever in a major tournament,” said Fenn.

In the second round, Bilderback and Johnson lost 1-6, 3-6 to Ewing and Magdalene of Irrigon, a

more experienced doubles team.

Ella Panozzo took her opponent to a tiebreaker but ultimately lost the match to Escamilla of Umatilla with scores of 4-6, 6-2 (4-10). After the first set loss, Panozzo came back with consistency and a forceful backhand which got her the win. Unfortunatley, in the tiebreaker she suffered some knee issues that affected her ability to move around on the court.

Fenn said, “Ella has been a leader on the team all year long and she wanted to win badly, but her injury prevented her from playing her best tennis.”

Of the tournament Fenn said, “Everybody came to play with focus, energy, and enthusiasm. It was the combination of two months of work and effort to get to this point to actually play their best tennis of the year.”

“This tournament was a springboard for the team to focus and commit to improve this summer as they participate in the summer junior tennis team. It will help prepare them to be more confident in all areas of their game which will give them more success next season.”

field has on our future.”

Borla has served since 2020 as the executive director of the Roundhouse Foundation, based in Sisters. She also hosts a podcast titled “Funding Rural.”

“Grantmaker Erin Borla champions giving in rural areas — philanthropy that she believes has the potential to curb polarization and help bridge rural-urban divides,” Nicole Wallace wrote in the Time Magazine citation.

Borla says she does not know how she was included on the list.

“They don’t tell you how they find you,” she said.

She was pleased and somewhat taken aback to find herself recognized among the leading philanthropists in the nation, including well-known figures such as Idris Elba and Willie Nelson.

“Even when you know ahead of time, in the moment it’s, ‘Oh, there’s some big dogs — and me,’” she said.

“I know a few of the others on the list; we’ve worked with them,” she said. “A couple of them have been on the podcast, which is really exciting. These are folks that I work with and know the level of their work.”

Borla and the other 99 philanthropists will gather for an event in New York City on May 21. She hopes that gathering will be an opportunity to learn from

colleagues — and for them to learn about Roundhouse Foundation’s efforts.

That work often cuts against the grain of “Big Philanthropy.” Borla notes that many entities measure the impact of their work by the number of people served. That doesn’t work in lowerpopulation rural areas. Borla emphasizes that just impacting a few people can represent a significant proportion of a small community — and that impact reverberates.

Roundhouse Foundation has recently provided bridge funding for public broadcasting, grants for rural libraries to improve and expand collections, and worked with

rural communities on building food bank capacity and planning for major disasters.

“The closer we get to one another, the more we’re able to recognize and see ourselves in other people,” she says.

Roundhouse plans to grant in the range of $21 million in 2026.

Shelter expands services in Sisters

As it approaches its second year of operations at 222 N. Trinity Place, the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter / CORE — is marking significant growth, a facility remodel, and new board leadership.

The fully volunteer-run organization credits its survival and expansion to the deep generosity of the local community.

What began as a seasonal emergency shelter has evolved into a bustling community resource hub —a growing network of care.

Over the past year, CORE has experienced a rising demand for services from both housed and unhoused vulnerable residents.

To meet these complex needs, the shelter has partnered with various county agencies and nonprofits to host specialized onsite aid, including:

• Employment assistance: Job search and placement support through WorkSource.

• Specialized care: Peer recovery support and dedicated veterinarian services thru C.A.M.P. for pets.

• Family stability: Target housing assistance and specialized family aid.

• Mobile medicine: The upcoming return of the Mosaic Mobile Medical Van to provide critical healthcare.

In a major milestone for what the organization characterized as “guest dignity and health,” CORE has completed an extensive indoor remodel. The facility now features fully integrated, onsite shower and laundry services. Previously, these essential services were hosted offsite by a supportive local business and church.

To commemorate the completion of the project, CORE will host a public ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event offers community members an opportunity to tour the campus and learn more about shelter operations.

are very concerned about season

Preedin asked, “what percentage of fires are human caused?” Chief Prior replied that humans cause up to 75 percent of the fires that Oregon experiences annually. Prior noted that there have been several recent illegal burns in the area due to outdoor burning without a permit. He added that this may be partially due to the fact that the permitted outdoor burning window was ended early by SCSFD in May rather than until June 1. He shared that the threat of fire season is much longer — May through October.

Clearing one’s defensible space in the “zero to five feet” zone from structures is key to protecting property and lives. Chief Prior and Council members recognized that it is difficult for owners to clear that which they spent years and funds to create — gardens with bushes, trees, and covering ground areas with bark or wood chips.

However, “We are in very different times,” said Prior.

Removing fire fuels from within five feet of structures should be every property owner’s goal. Anything that can burn (vegetation, outdoor furniture, tires, wood stacks, door mats, rugs, etc.) should be removed to create the five-foot noncombustible zone. If possible, wood fences or gates that are attached to structures should be detached or replaced with metal, leaving at least five feet of separation.

Prior shared that SCSFD recently completed 33 defensible space assessments in one day in the Crossroads community West of the City and 12 more were conducted there the following two days. These free fire department inspections provide property owners with guidance in fire mitigating actions to take and which are of the highest priority. With this information, property owners determine what they are able to do and when. If there are financial burdens or physical inabilities, owners should express these limitations to the SCSFD staff and perhaps funding or volunteers can be found to assist.

All business owners or residents in Deschutes County registered with Deschutes Alerts received an afternoon

call alert May 15 (and a text if a cell phone and email). That alert was not an emergency but rather an annual request from the County for registrants to update any changes in personal information (new address, new email, physical assistance needed during an evacuation, etc.). Persons not registered would not have received this query from the County.

It is highly recommended by the City, Council, and SCSFD to register with Deschutes Alerts, https:// www.deschutescounty. gov/288/Emergency-Alerts.

Deschutes Alerts include: emergency evacuations (fire, flood, public welfare, etc.), natural disasters (fire, flood, etc.), missing or endangered individuals, severe weather, hazardous material incidents, and neighborhood emergencies.

Deschutes Alerts provide fire emergency threat level (1= Ready; 2= Set; 3=Go) for one’s location. When the alert states an evacuation is required (Level 3 for your location), the emergency exit route is provided to assure one does not head into danger.

Chief Prior shared that SCSFD has applied for a grant through Congresswoman Bynum and Senators Merkley and Wyden, to purchase an Air Curtain Burner (ACB) on wheels. Prior explained an ACB is an incinerator that is an environmentally regulated machine used for highefficiency, onsite disposal of wood waste, trees, and brush (not for needles or weeds). The machine forces high velocity air over a fire box, it traps the smoke and particulate matter under high temperatures which significantly reduces emissions compared to open burning. Depending on the size of an ACB, they can process from one to 15 tons of wood waste per hour into small volumes of ash producing biochar. Biochar is used for soil mulch/fertilizer.

If successful in receiving grant funding and securing an ACB, large property owners or communities planning to limb up trees and remove small trees and bushes, will be encouraged to contact SCSFD to provide the free service of running removed woody materials through the ACB. The owner or community could then use the biochar or it can be donated to local community gardeners or farmers. Biochar is not to be used in the noncombustible materials zone.

pssst...

typed medical records. She also has copious photo albums all labeled.

and they honeymooned at Crater Lake Lodge. As newlyweds, they lived on a houseboat on the Willamette River until baby #2 arrived.

Hobbies throughout her life have naturally included music in one form or another. When she was younger, she was a member of Volks Walkers, an international walking group. She loved to dance and as a youngster was formally trained in ballet, jazz, tumbling, and baton twirling.

activities in Sisters including singing in the choir at New Hope Church, helping at the Kiwanis Food Bank until a couple of years ago, playing piano at Black Butte School, and working in the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Shop, as well as working in the Habitat office and making lunches for volunteers working on the houses.

Some of her costumes have been saved, particularly those sewn by her father when her mother was sidelined by illness.

Linn crocheted dozens of shawls, many of which were donated or given to family members. For all her life, Linn has loved to garden, tending pots of flowers each summer. Unfortunately, last summer many of her pots and garden décor were taken from her front porch, one by one. Her daughter Annie said, “She is a natural gardener. She could plant a button and grow a shirt.”

She donated so many hours to Habitat for Humanity that they suggested she apply for a house. She did and in 2003 she moved into the home on St. Helens Avenue where she still lives. Linn said the thing she likes best about Sisters is the people.

Linn has been an avid reader all her life, reading a book a day. She has slowed down a little, reading maybe two books a week, including historical nonfiction, biographies, and some mysteries.

Linn’s 100th birthday will be marked by a party for her at the Tumalo Community Church where she is a member. When Linn was interviewed over a week ago, she had already received 50 birthday cards in response to a posting by her daughter in the Rural Life magazine asking people to send her cards. 100:

Linn had a number of jobs in Portland including as a church secretary where she typed the Sunday bulletins and ran them off on a handcranked mimeograph machine. She also worked at Millers of Hollywood, a men’s and women’s clothing store. Her longest employment was as a claims adjuster for U.S. Bank. She typed 90 words per minute with complete accuracy before typewriters could correct and computers weren’t commonplace. She remained at the bank until she retired. After that, she worked at the Salvation Army Thrift Store and did thousands of hours of volunteer work at church, food banks, and at Baloney Joe’s in Portland, a nonprofit homeless shelter operating near the east end of the Burnside bridge in the 1980s.

One of Linn’s biggest roles was as a mother to four children born in four years in the 1950s – two boys (born on the same day one year apart) and two girls. Baby number five, a girl, came along in 1960. Annie (Andrea), her youngest, said, “She was always there when I needed her.”

Linn’s five children have provided her with 12 grandchildren who produced 20 great-grandchildren with two great-great-grandchildren. Most of the descendants reside in Oregon and Idaho. Linn saved all her children’s report cards and when they left the nest, she provided each of them with complete

World travel has been enjoyed by Linn including several cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. Her first cruise in 1975 was to Alaska with her mother who had become blind and had always wanted to take a cruise. Linn visited Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, spent a month in the Holy Land, and six weeks in Europe. She saw the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which delighted her. Linn also took dozens of trips with senior groups to many destinations in the U.S. and Canada.

Linn came to Sisters one weekend in 1996 to visit another of her daughters, and decided to stay. For a while she lived in a log house that was located where Sisters Movie House is now. The property sold, the house was demolished, and she moved to an apartment in Sisters. She became involved in numerous volunteer

Linn has seen monumental changes in her 100 years. Annie teases her that “she

literally went from corsets to the internet.” There was no indoor plumbing in the house where she was raised until moving to Bozeman. She was born 81 years after the end of the Civil War, eight years after the end of World War I. She was threeyearsfivemonthsold when the stock market crashed in October 1929. She was 15 years old when the U.S. entered

World War II. Linn was 41 years old when Amana introduced the first counter-top microwave oven, and to this day she has never had one in her house. She has lived through 18 U.S. presidents. She was born when the most common way to travel from the U.S. to England was by steamer ship and the most common way to travel in the States was by train. And now, we are sending people beyond the moon.

SISTERS SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

August 20, 1952-May 11, 2026

Susan Ann Donegan, aged 73, died on May 11 in Central Oregon of complications from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her family. She was born in Dayton Ohio, August 20, 1952, to Patricia Ann Freese and Donald Edgar Donegan. She grew up on Feldman Ave, in Dayton, the eldest of 11 cousins, all living and playing on that one street. Susan graduated from Fairmont East High School in Kettering, earned a B.S. in Foreign Language Education from Ohio State University followed by an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University after moving to Southern California with her first husband, Jeffrey Whiting, in 1975.

She became the first woman stock broker in Pasadena, California. After a career in finance with Pacific Mutual Investment Company, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo, she turned her passion for travel into a thriving business and opened Business or Pleasure Travel Consulting in 1989, a travel agency and bookstore in San Anselmo, California, where she was living with her second husband, Jack Anderson, and their two children.

Her travel career continued until retirement in 2014, with stints at Rocky Mountaineer Railroad, the Auto Club of Southern California and as Vice President ,with Trafalgar Tours. Anticipating retirement, she moved to Waitsburg, Washington,

Paul

Joseph Knippel 1950-2026

Paul Joseph Knippel, a previous resident of Sisters, Oregon, passed away from natural causes on May 1.. Born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, in 1950 to Walter and Mary Knippel, Paul moved with his family to Southern California in 1960, where he grew up to attend Chatsworth High School. After briefly attending junior college, he enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1968, serving his country until he was honorably discharged in 1970.

Paul then met his first wife, Diane Garrow (nee Jacobson). They were married on March 25, 1972, and the couple eventually found their way to Bend, where they had their two sons, Kevin (45) and Mark (43). Paul began his career as a plumber shortly after the birth of Kevin, and remained a plumber until he retired. Following his

outside of Walla Walla, purchased and renovated a dilapidated 1885 folk Victorian house and built a small orchard, vegetable and rose garden in the town she grew to love.

Susan published her first family history book in Waitsburg, documenting her maternal Irish ancestors.

She was on the board of directors of the Waitsburg Historical Society and the Rural Youth Enrichment.

In 2023, she moved to Bend, to be close to her daughter, and then met the love of her life.

Susan is survived by her son, E. Scott Anderson and grandson, Jason Anderson, of San Anselmo; her daughter, Emma S. Anderson and son-in-law, Eric Bomblatus, of Bend ; her late-in-life partner, Dwight J. Hardin of Sisters; and sister Patti K. Witt, brother D. Scott Donegan and sister-in-law Susan Latsko Donegan, two nieces and two nephews and several grand-nieces and several great-nephews.

She was blessed with life-long friends, her Waitsburg community and the new friends who welcomed her to Sisters.

divorce from Diane, Paul moved to Sisters, where he lived until 2001.

Paul spent his retirement years traveling the United States and Costa Rica. He moved all around the country, visiting old friends from Seattle to Arkansas. He landed in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for his final days. Paul is survived by his two sons, Kevin and Mark Knippel; his two grandchildren, Elise and Jacob Knippel; and his siblings Cindy Sullentrup, Jim Knippel, and Dennis Knippel.

Jacquelynne Hardester Marble

April 27, 1936-May 3, 2026

Jacquelynne Hardester Marble passed peacefully on Sunday, May 3, with her daughter and her fabulous caregivers by her side. She loved her family, the outdoors, travel, cooking, gardening, good food and wine, good books, great conversations, cats, and the company of friends.

Jackie was born to Reed and Marion Hardester of Middletown, California, on April 27, 1936. After graduating from Middletown High School in 1954 she briefly attended the University of California – Berkeley where she met the love of her life, Duane. Jackie and Duane were married in Middletown in 1956 and would spend 65 glorious years together, seeing a lot of the United States and visiting several countries, to include a year abroad in Uppsala, Sweden, and Cambridge, England.

A teaching job at the University of Pennsylvania brought them to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Jackie gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Kimberley, in September 1960. They soon after moved to Evanston, Illinois, and Northwestern

Robin Marie Rodgers

December 22, 1963 – April 28, 2026

Robin Marie Rodgers, 62, passed away at home on April 28, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on December 22, 1963, in San Rafael, California, to Richard and Lois Lloyd, Robin grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and determination that would shape the way she lived her life. After moving back to Black Butte Ranch in 1980, she attended Redmond High School, where she met the love of her life, Steve Rodgers. Together, they built a life full of adventure, laughter, hard work, and deep love for their family and friends.

Robin was the heart of her family. She was a devoted wife to Steve, a loving mother to Kris and Candice, and an incredibly proud grandmother to four grandchildren who brought endless joy to her life. Nothing made her smile more than sharing photos and videos of her grandkids with friends or talking about the moments she treasured with them.

University, and rounded out the family with the birth of Douglas in May of 1964.

Jackie and Duane moved to Buffalo, New York, in the early ’70s, where they lived for over 15 years. Jackie was a member of the Women’s Club at the University of Buffalo, a gourmet cook, and an avid gardener.

They moved to Columbus, Ohio, in 1987 where Jackie again found good friends, gardening and cooking, in their Upper Arlington neighborhood and at Ohio State University.

Jackie and Duane moved to Florence, Oregon, in 2003 after Duane’s retirement from teaching, where she immediately dove into developing her own beautiful, bear-approved garden, making friends with her neighbors, and contributing to the local Florence Garden Club. Her garden was featured in House of Dreams Magazine

In 2018, Jackie and Duane moved to Sisters to become the first residents of The Lodge Retirement Community, where she was sometimes known as Queen Jackie. Avid readers both, their large collection of

She had a vibrant spirit and a way of making people feel instantly welcomed and cared for. Whether gathered around a kitchen table, out on a hiking trail, or spending time with close friends, Robin brought warmth, humor, and genuine kindness everywhere she went. She loved the outdoors and she never shied away from joining Steve in his latest adrenaline-fueled adventure. Robin was also hardworking and ambitious, successfully running multiple businesses throughout her life. No matter how busy life became, she always made time for the people she loved. Her family and friendships were the center

mystery and science fiction helped provide the initial stock for The Lodge library.

Jackie moved to Bend in 2024 and enjoyed the superb care and friendship at High Lakes Advanced Care.

Reunited with Duane, and her sisters Marianne and Debbie, Jackie is survived by her brother Walter Hardester, her sisters Deanie Wilmsen, Karen Lipscomb, and Kathy McIntosh, her children, Kim Schnell and Doug Marble, and her grandchildren, Elizabeth and Brendan. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any memorial contributions be made to the Oregon Coast Humane Society in Florence, Oregon, https://www.oregoncoasthumanesociety.org.

of everything she did.

Those who knew Robin will remember her for her beautiful smile, strong faith, generous heart, and the steady love she gave so freely to others. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and deep connection that will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.

Robin is survived by her beloved husband, Steve Rodgers; her daughter, Candice; her son, Kris; her four cherished grandchildren; her sisters, Vickie, Sally, and Sandy; and her brother, Rick. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Lois Lloyd, and her in-laws, Gary and Diane Rodgers.

A celebration of Robin’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, at 1 p.m. at Wellhouse Church in Sisters.

In honoring Robin, her family hopes those who knew her will remember her by spending time with the people they love most, embracing adventure, and sharing kindness wherever they go.

OLD SCHOOL:

Construction was swift and on budget

Surveying of the property began December 6, 1938. Aubrey Perry and Art Richards did the survey work. It took them a couple of days. Hart hired Seth Lind, of Redmond, to serve as project superintendent. They began digging, pouring concrete, ordering supplies, and signing up subcontractors.

On January 13, 1939, the Redmond Spokesman reported that the steel reinforced concrete foundation was done. The wall framing was being reinforced with steel, too, to conform with PWA fireproofing requirements.

The walls were up and the roof finished by February 1. The PWA declared the building 38 percent complete.

By March 1, the structure was 59 percent finished. The heating and ventilation system was partially done, and the electrical was 70 percent complete. About half of the knotty pine millwork had been installed.

By April 1, the status was 98 percent complete. Brick façade work and interior plastering were done. Plumbing was at about 80%. Most of the light fixtures had been installed, and painting and flooring were almost done.

By May 1, Hart’s crew was mostly finishing up with miscellaneous chores, including locker and window shade installation.

Hall lists some of the furnishings ordered that spring: “Three ‘#201 Teachers Desks’ were purchased at a cost of $29.50 each from Northern School Supply of Portland (total $88.50). Locally, from the Bend Furniture Company, ‘30 only No 7147 Student Chairs @ $5.75 each’ were purchased (total $172.50).

In addition, unknown equipment was purchased from the Pacific Stationary Company for $17.25 and from City Drug Company of Bend for $47.25.”

The school was done. The PWA’s contract price was $19,631.80. Hart was paid $20,085.55 (which included labor, materials, and other costs). Isted was paid $1,224.68 for architectural work and project management. It is believed that no workers were injured on the job.

The school’s exterior features a red brick veneer over a steel reinforced wooden frame, topped by a steeplypitched hip roof with gray composite shingles. The gable above the entrance is painted white, as is other trim, including the wooden frames of the impressive double-hung windows. These large window sets provide generous natural light to the building’s interior.

Inside, four large classrooms are laid out essentially in each corner. Most striking is the locally milled knotty pine wainscoting, which remains in excellent condition today. Into the hallway wainscoting are set full size steel lockers, also in exceptional condition today. The basement is of very heavy “strengthened and hardened” concrete and steel. There are suggestions that the decision makers in 1939 anticipated the coming war, and built a basement that could serve as a bomb shelter.

The main floor of the building is about 5,400 square feet. The basement is about 820 square feet. Total square footage is approximately 6,220.

Bud Hart and John Isted kept their promises.

Old Sisters High School opened, on schedule, on September 6, 1939.

Next week: Operation of the Old Sisters High School.

ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

CLASSIFIED RATES

COST:

$3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.

DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 5 PM preceding Wednesday publication.

PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. Major credit cards accepted with a 3% processing fee. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four weeks. CATEGORIES:

102 Commercial Rentals

Warehouse/Office Space

723 N. Curtis Ct., Unit C 1,217 SF, monthly lease, $1,217/mo, includes water and garbage. Call 541-610-3016. For Rent

Small professional office space for lease, includes waiting room and bathrooms. 392 E Main Street, Sisters. 541-977-2819

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

•8 x 20 dry box

•Fenced yard, RV & trailers •In-town, gated, 24-7 EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

MINI STORAGE

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

Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access.

Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.

103 Residential Rentals

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

Have a Home to Rent? Place an ad at 541-549-9941 or nugget@nuggetnews.com!

104 Vacation Rentals

Downtown Vacation Rentals

Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom info@SistersVacationRentals.net

Great pricing. 503-730-0150

107 Rentals Wanted

Professional Female looking to rent a room in Sisters, preferably with a private bath. Or looking to rent an ADU, if a room in the main house is not available.

Please call or text Ms. M at 805-794-1515.

201 For Sale

2017 Wolf Creek 840 truck camper.  Four-seasons insulated, fully equipped and ready to go. Solar and TV ready.  Back awning, automatic jacks. $17,999.  Call 541-390-8899

202 Firewood

DRY SPLIT CORDS $250 CUT OFFS $100 • COMPOST SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD •SINCE 1976 • Fuel Reduction Forestry 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

IT'S BACK! ANNUAL MEMORIAL WEEKEND COOL STUFF SALE!!!

1632 W HILL AVE.,  SISTERS FRI. MAY 22 to SUN. MAY 24 9 TO 5 FRI-SAT, 9-1 SUN. SALESMAN SAMPLES: CLOTHING, SOCKS, HATS, BEDDING, ELECTRONICS, FLEECE BLANKETS...ALL NEW.

SHINY ROCKS: "JEWELERS TAKE NOTE" SHAPED AND POLISHED STONES, GRINDERS, POLISHERS WITH ATTACHMENTS AND WHEELS, AND MORE. SPORTING GOODS: NEW & USED FISHING RODS AND REELS, SOME VINTAGE. FLY & SPINNING EQUIPMENT. CAMPING & EXERCISE EQUIP, "newer expensive tread mill."

USED CLOTHING PLUS FISHING AND OUTDOOR APPAREL, NAME BRANDS, GREAT E-BAY ITEMS PLUS LOTS OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS/FURNITURE, ETC. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!

206 Lost & Found

Black Benchmade folding pocket knife. Lost May 13, near Sisters Coffee Co. or Recycling Center. 509-949-3086.

301 Vehicles HEATED GARAGE power, lights, security. $275/mo. Jack 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

403 Pets

SISTERS WHISKERS

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

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

Caring, loving pet care in my home. Daily rates and in town. Cheryl 541-420-7875

500 Services

Junk Removal, Dumpster Rentals & Demolition Services – Done Right. Remove-Junk.com 541-719-8475

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

CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS

SMALL Engine REPAIR

Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers

Sisters Rental

331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

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

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC

Audio/video, data networking, WIFI, security camera, alarms. CCB #191099 541-306-0729

502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

GORDON’S LAST TOUCH

Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau

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

M & J CARPET CLEANING

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

504 Handyman AlpenGlow Handyman Services

Small & Large Jobs 20+ Years Experience CCB#180099

Call/Text: 541-728-8607

AlpenGlowHandymanServices. com • Credit Cards Accepted

505 Auto Repair BURLINGTON AUTOMOTIVE

Mobile Mechanic in Sisters Diagnostics, Inspections, Oil Change, Tune-up, and more! Wide variety of vehicles and skid steer loaders. (503) 509-9354

600 Tree Service & Forestry TimberStandImprovement.net Tree

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

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150

Bend Window Works, LLC is offering a 10% discount on new window coverings. FREE in-home consultation. Same day in-home repair services available. New and repaired blinds make rentals look better! Contact us at 541-383-2455 or andy@bendblinds.com.

•Wildfire Fuels reduction •Debris Chipping/Mastication •Forest Health Thinning •Wildfire Cleanup & Restoration • Tree Removal Will Moore, 541-409-5404

ISA Certified Arborist We are the experts you’ve been looking for! LCB# 100129 & Oregon Professional Logger 71395048 Tree Removal • Tree Pruning Good for Trees. Good to People. SparTreeArborist.com (916)619-6317

They're at NuggetNews.com ~ Uploaded every Tuesday afternoon at no extra charge! Call 541-549-9941 Deadline for classified is Friday by 5 p.m.

Answer: Page 23

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

601 Construction

CASCADE VALLEY CONTRACTING, LLC

General Contractor CCB#180099

Custom Remodels • Additions

•Decks • Firewise Upgrades 20+ Years Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Call/Text 541-728-8607

Construction & Renovation

Custom Residential Projects

All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

Earthwood Timber

•Recycled fir and pine beams

•Mantels and accent timbers

•Sawmill/woodshop services

EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

Lara’s Construction LLC.

CCB#223701

Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate 541-350-3218

Landscape & Construction LLC

LCB#8874 CCB#224224

Serving Oregon since 1991 503-849-6090

Creating beautiful outdoor living spaces * custom patios & decks

*water & fire features * outdoor kitchens * pavilions * barns everythingoutdoors@ymail.com

Rooted in family, Built with pride CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553

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

Custom Homes Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects

Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com — Serving Sisters Since 2010 — 602 Plumbing & Electric — GEORGE’S —

A 63-year tradition for Sisters www.georges-septic-service.com

Electrical Service & Repair

Est. 1947, CCB#54572

Local in Sisters 503-357-2146

603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation

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

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888

Drainfield

•Minor & Major Septic Repair

•All Septic Needs/Design & Install

General Excavation

•Site Preparation

•Rock & Stump Removal

•Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation

•Building Demolition

Trucking

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

•Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

•The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

Residential & Commercial

CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977

www.BANR.net

BRANCHWATER EXCAVATION & SEPTIC, LLC

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

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

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

LOCAL CONSTRUCTION

SERVICES & HOME MAINT.

Remodels • Landscaping

Firewise Maintenance

Decks & Much More!

Pease Co. Contracting

Call Tanner at 541-588-0136.

Big and small jobs! CCB# 256258

SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC. “Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling

•New Construction

•Water Heaters 541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial

Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587

Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com

CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860

Sisters Owned and Operated Serving all of Central Oregon

•Residential • Commercial

•Industrial • Service

Hot tubs/Saunas • Generators

Car Chargers • Panel Upgrades Light upgrades 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

605 Painting

Interior/Exterior Painting Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327

peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491

~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620

www.frontier-painting.com

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

PROPERTY CLEANUP AND ITEM REMOVAL SPECIALIZING IN PINE NEEDLES AND CONES. OFFERING OTHER SERVICES CALL THE WORKIN' MAN 541-610-2926.

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

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

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

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

541-408-4204 sophia@branchwater excavation.com

Sisters owned and operated Josh & Sophia McCarthy Experience you can trust.

All Septic Systems: New Install & Repairs * Driveway Refurb & New * Fire Breaks * Site Prep *Land Clearing & Clean Up FREE ESTIMATES

Eastern Cascade Solutions

Landscaping & Construction www.easterncascadesolutions. com • 541-233-7195

LCB #9958 • CCB #222039

701 Domestic Services

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

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

802 Help Wanted

Looking for Experienced Payroll and HR Specialist with established company located in Sisters. If interested, please submit resume to Jan@gfpenterprises.com

NOW HIRING:

Program Manager Sisters Trails Alliance | Half-Time | $28–$30/hr Lead our Accessible Trails initiative and support the Sisters Trail Additions & Realignments (STAR) trail expansion project. Ideal candidates bring project management experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for outdoor recreation and inclusion. Primarily remote with occasional field and community work. Full job description: sisterstrails.org

THE GARDEN ANGEL LANDSCAPING

is filling crew lead and crew member positions. We want YOU to join us for an awesome season this year! thegardenangel@gmail.com 541 549 2882

901 Wanted • • • • • •

J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC

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

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

Alpine Landscape Maintenance An All-Electric Landscape Company.

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

• SERVICE TO PROVIDE? BUSINESS TO PROMOTE? VEHICLE FOR SALE? HOUSE TO RENT? LOOKING FOR LAND? GARAGE TOO FULL? Advertise in The Nugget Newspaper's CLASSIFIEDS For no additional cost your classified goes ONLINE! Go to www.NuggetNews.com DEADLINE: Friday by 5 p.m. Call 541-549-9941

for puzzle on page 22