The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLIX No. 29 // 2026-07-22

The Nugget

Lightning sparks

major fire in Sisters Country

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

When thunderstorms rolled across Sisters Country on Wednesday, July 15, locals knew they would bring trouble. Lightning spiked the sky, and experienced hands knew that the rain that accompanied the

storm wouldn’t be enough to prevent fires in the droughty conditions.

Sure enough, on Thursday, a tendril of smoke rose to the northeast of Sisters. Soon, the Akawa Butte Fire, sparked by lightning in Jefferson County, was up and running — hitting 10,325 acres by press

Public input sought on forest project

The Sisters public can weigh in on a major project the Sisters Ranger District is planning for 17,500 acres north of Sisters.

The Deschutes National Forest is starting a public comment period on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Sisters Canyons Active Restoration Project (SCARP).

The project area, approximately 17,500 acres, is immediately north of the City of Sisters and includes areas north of Highway 20, along Indian Ford Creek, within Stevens Canyon, and along Forest Service Roads 2050 and 2055.

According to the Forest Service, the purpose of this project is to maintain and improve forest resiliency and to address the potential risk of large-scale high

severity wildfires, insects, and disease.

The proposed action includes approximately 14,400 acres of thinning of various kinds, mowing, and/or prescribed burning.

Two site-specific Forest Plan Amendments are proposed for amending scenery requirements on about 220 acres to allow for effi-

cient prescribed burning. In addition, a well-established user trail within an isolated Forest Service parcel by Deer Ridge Road would be added to the Forest Service trail system.

The proposal calls for commercial thinning of variable density of trees up to 21-inches in diameter at breast height (DBH).

According to the draft

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Voters will likely decide in an upcoming election whether to choose their county commissioners by district rather than “at large.” Voters have already approved expanding the Deschutes County Commission to five seats.

Lance Richardson points to the spot where he saw the first tendril of smoke from the Akawa Butte Fire on Thursday. He had an almost identical vantage point for the Flat Fire last summer.

time on Monday.

The location of the fire was so reminiscent of last year’s devastating Flat Fire that it induced profound dismay in many folks in Sisters, especially those who had endured evacuation last summer. The prevailing sentiment was expressed by a Sisters woman on Monday

morning: “This is getting old.”

The fire made a run on Sunday night, July 19, that threatened four homes on the Forest Road 2050 several miles north of town (the fire is estimated at over 10 miles from Sisters city limits).

See FIRE on page 16

Electing Deschutes County Commissioners by geographic district means each voter is registered in one of five county districts based on their residential address and will only vote for a County Commissioner when their District Commissioner’s term ends every four years or the district commissioner seat is otherwise vacated.

County Commissioners Tony DeBone and Patti Adair voted July 15 to approve a

See DISTRICTING on page 19

Fire suppression system demonstrated

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

With fires burning just over the horizon, fire professionals from around Sisters Country were among the dozens on hand last Tuesday for a demonstration conducted by Wildfire Water Solutions (WWS) and GFP Response, the latter based in Sisters. WWS operates from Los Angeles and Warm Springs.

The event was about intro-

ducing a different procurement and operational model for delivering Expeditionary Wildfire Infrastructure.

Wildfire Water Solutions (WWS) and GFP Response demonstrated the capabilities of a wildfire water delivery system in Cloverdale last week.

In oversimplified terms, imagine a high-pressure, high-volume rapid deployment of water sprayers and nozzles capable of delivering thousands of gallons of water a minute to approaching fire hundreds of feet away fed by water as far as 50 miles from the source.

“Tuesday’s demonstration

may be many people’s first introduction to Wildfire Water, but it’s not our first experience operating in the Pacific Northwest,” WWS CEO Mike Echols told The . “Over the past three fire seasons, Wildfire Water has responded to incidents in Washington, Oregon, California, and today support a long-term sole source contract with Los Angeles

Department of Water and Power.”

Jeff Puller is fire marshal for Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. He was on hand for the demonstration.

“It was impressive,” he said. “The capabilities and professionalism of GFP was on full display. Knowing that they are right in town is a

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.

Suburb of Bend?

To the Editor:

In regard to the UGB proposal, consider this: If Sisters is approved to add 1,100 homes/ dwelling units targeted towards “more affordable,” this will mean up to 3,100 (1,100 x 2.5 persons per household) more people in Sisters. If these units are “more affordable” than Bend, guess where most of the purchasers will be coming from? Yep, Bend. Crowded, congested Bend, where residents would jump at the chance to move to quiet, beautiful Sisters. More affordable housing also means investors will purchase homes in the new UGB area of Sisters and promptly rent them out because it will be much more profitable for them than buying and renting homes in Bend.

In the winter, those former Bend residents will cry out for Sisters’ businesses and shops to stay open past 5 p.m. since they are used to having almost round-the-clock access to grocery and retail stores, fast food chains, gas stations, etc. Certainly they will petition for a Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Subway, Jack in the Box, and an Arby’s. And for grocery stores? Sisters’ grocery stores (Ray’s, Oliver Lemon’s, to name the top two) are too expensive and not within the “affordability” of the likely new residents coming to Sisters. Bring on a Safeway, or an Albertsons or even a Food Warehouse. And shopping? Goodness, Sisters has no retail stores like a Target or a Home Depot or a Walgreens. We’ll have to get those. Otherwise, our former Bend residents will have to do their shopping in Bend, and think of all of that lost revenue.

Oh, and those 3,100 additional people? Where will they work? Where will the kids go

to grade, middle, and high school? There are no businesses in town that could support all of them. The downtown area does not have room to accommodate the shops and businesses that would be needed. Guess what? They will work in Bend and commute back and forth because the cost of housing in Sisters is “more affordable.” Day care for the children of the families moving here? We must provide that. And adequate, accessible medical care including an urgent care center. Police and fire must be increased as well. And our current road infrastructure is inadequate now. Surely we’ll have to have more roads, stop lights, signs, roundabouts, to manage the increased traffic.

And the upshot of all of this? Sisters will no longer be a destination for tourists; it will merely be a suburb of Bend. Is this really what you want, Sisters? I say “Hell No.” I hope you do, too.

Chris Shepherd

s s s

Happy birthday

To the Editor:

The band was great; the food was great — wonderful party.

It’s not so hard turning 98 surrounded by great friends and family. I am so fortunate to have lived in a wonderful place as Sisters, Oregon, for so many years (47) and have seen so many changes (most of them good). From 720 to over 3,000 population. Thanks one and all for keeping an old lady happy.

Maggie Bull

s s s

Sisters Weather Forecast

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Oregon elections are secure

By Randy Staples Oregon Capital Chronicle

When Dennis Richardson was elected Oregon secretary of state, on the same day and party ticket as Donald Trump first was elected president, he moved quickly to look into a subject Trump talked about then and ever since: Voter fraud and election corruption.

The following February, Richardson reported what he found in the Oregon voting system: Some areas for improvement, but generally a system that works well and cleanly. Once a skeptic of the Motor Voter registration system, he had revised his view, saying it “actually has strengthened us in some ways.”

He warned against unfounded claims of voting problems because “it causes greater distrust of the government. … I want to make sure that the citizens of the state can trust their (voting) system.”

Richardson did not stop looking for bugs in the system, however, and he found some. In September 2017, he reported his office had found 54 possible instances of voter fraud, across Oregon, in the previous year’s general election — in an election where 2,051,448 ballots were cast, or about 0.002 percent. And those were simply questionable votes. Upon investigation, nearly all cases were found not to merit criminal charges.

In 2020, the Legislative Fiscal Office reviewed vote by mail in Oregon and found the state attorney general’s office (which handles cases of voter fraud) “obtained 38 criminal convictions for voter fraud out of the 60.9 million ballots in Oregon elections cast over a 19-year period. That amounts to a rate of .00006 percent. These figures demonstrate that voter fraud is exceedingly rare in Oregon, and is no more widespread in vote by mail elections than it is in polling place elections.”

The Trump administration has piled on, implicitly accusing many states, Oregon among them, of failing to keep people who shouldn’t be voting from casting ballots.

Intuitive or not, the Oregon voting process is secure.

Bear in mind that most

election administration happens at the county level. Clerks in Oregon’s 36 counties are most directly responsible for distributing ballots and counting those returned, and the process is handled by local people. The secretary of state, who does have responsibility for overseeing election processes, is mainly concerned with ensuring the counties are acting properly. That’s worth remembering: Any claim that elections have been corrupted is really an accusation that all our county clerks have been — and there’s no evidence of that.

The statewide system seems robust. Each ballot has a unique bar code, and they are tracked through the system. (During election periods, voters can obtain notices from the state about when their ballot was received by county officials, and where it is in the system.)

The 2020 legislative audit said “There are numerous processes built into Oregon’s vote by mail system to ensure integrity, including unique barcodes to track ballots, signature verification to prove voters’ identities, and election security plans filed by county elections offices. Vote by mail also leaves a paper trail that can be audited. In fact, two academic studies have concluded that the election results in vote by mail elections are generally more accurate than the election results in polling place elections.”

Cyberattacks are always a threat, but so far the system seems well protected (and regularly reviewed), and the core counting and related processes aren’t linked to the internet.

On the back end, the initially-reported election results are rechecked in several ways. Since 2008 the state has overseen after-election audits which include human hand counts to verify the accuracy of the machine counts. Many other states take similar steps, and around the nation the results have been generally the same: Mistakes are rare. To be human-made and human-operated is to be less than perfect. But the babble from the beltway notwithstanding, Oregon’s mechanisms for voting come remarkably close.

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Tour puts spotlight on manufacturers

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

The Made in Sisters Tour returned last Thursday to showcase the diverse economy of Sisters. EDCO’s (Economic Development Central Oregon) Made in Sisters Tour is a guided walking tour of local companies shaping the economy, giving guests an inside look at how products are designed, built, and brought to life.

Participants meet team members, learn about each company’s process, see behind the scenes of their operations along with an update from EDCO. Lunch

was included, and the tour offered a unique opportunity to connect with the businesses driving innovation and growth in the region.

Thursday’s business cavalcade was BASX, Sisters Coffee Co.’s roastery, and Boxkill. BASX Solutions headquartered in Redmond is Deschutes County’s second-largest full-time employer with over 1,100 workers. Their Sisters operation is engaged in modular cleanrooms for major international customers.

Sisters Coffee is outgrowing their production center in Sun Ranch Business Park as they expand to five locations and keep up with a

fast-growing wholesale and e-commerce sectors.

Boxkill is the new kid on the block and wowed the roughly 60 participants with its prototype 234-squarefoot “tiny” home that borrows on yacht and RV compact technology.

Boxkill says it has developed a building method that relies on precision-formed metal components instead of the wood-frame assembly used in most residential construction, an approach the company says is aimed at lowering the cost of building a home.

Rising construction costs

DCSO to host National Night Out event

Folks in Sisters interested in getting a closer look at the operations of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will get their chance on Tuesday, August 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sisters Village Green Park.

Deputies, canine units, and search and rescue will be on hand, along with emergency vehicles in a public safety display that allows residents and visitors to get to know the personnel who protect and serve the community. The event is part of

National Night Out, a nationwide program that seeks to build a sense of connection and community between law enforcement and the people they serve.

Sisters is served by a cadre of deputies designated to the community, operating under a contract between the City of Sisters and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Patrol vehicles feature the City of Sisters logo as a way of emphasizing the community connection.

Sisters Rodeo bridles ticket scammers

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

A number of Sisters Rodeo fans who bought their tickets from what they thought were legitimate sellers were an unwitting part of a sophisticated scam. They arrived at the arena with stolen tickets. A wave of ticket fraud is exploiting a simple vulnerability in the liveevent industry: by the time a stolen credit card is flagged, the tickets bought with it are already sold, and the money is gone. Unlike old-fashioned counterfeit tickets sold on street corners, the most damaging schemes start with stolen payment data acquired through phishing, malware, data breaches, or account

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. 5 41-771-2 211.

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 Par tner Suppor t Group. 2nd & 4th

Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Community Recreation 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 & 4t h Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs 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 T he Lodge, 411 E. Car penter L ane. 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 3rd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-410 -739 0. 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.

takeovers. Criminal organizations don’t steal cards one at a time. Many hold access to thousands of compromised accounts bought on underground marketplaces. With the numbers in hand, the fraud moves fast. Automated bots buy tickets to concerts, sports matches, and theater shows within seconds of going on sale, before the transactions can be flagged. Because the purchases run through legitimate vendors, the tickets are real, at least for the moment. That legitimacy is what makes the scheme work. The stolen tickets are quickly listed on resale sites, social media, or classified ads, often priced below market

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

FIRE & POLICE

Black

How Oregon agencies use drones

By Mia Maldonado Oregon Capital Chronicle

When Oregon lawmakers in 2013 passed a law establishing some of the state’s earliest guidelines for public drone usage, not a single state or local agency was using drones.

The law prohibited the use of armed drones and restricted their use in law enforcement surveillance to cases involving a search warrant or life-threatening emergencies, such as search and rescue situations. It also required the Oregon Department of Aviation in 2016 to establish a registry of every public agency’s drone.

Since then, public use drones have become a part of everyday operations for public safety, wildfire mitigation, and infrastructure repair.

The aviation agency has registered a total of 1,172 public drones in its system, with 690 remaining active. Most registered drones come from cities and counties. State agencies make up about one-third of registered drones.

Oregon State Police has the most drones of any state agency, with 66 registered in the aviation department’s database as of late June.

The most common reason state police deploy drones is to document evidence from car crashes that can be used in court, said Sgt. William Bush, who in 2016 became the agency’s first drone pilot.

“Every minute that we can save in documenting a scene and getting those roadways open, we save ourselves the probability that those secondary crashes occur,” Bush said in a phone interview.

Drones also help state police during special operations, for instance by showing them if there’s a gap in the perimeter during pursuits.

“In other scenarios, we’re able to get close to vehicles in vehicle standoffs to see

...we’re able to get close to vehicles in vehicle standoffs to see whether or not the suspect is armed or if they’re actively making threats with any form of weapon... — Sgt. William Bush

whether or not the suspect is armed or if they’re actively making threats with any form of weapon, which can kind of just help us adjust the temperature with which we’re dealing with it,” he said.

The agency has deployed 660 flights this year as of early July.

Lawmakers in 2025 tried to update the regulations so law enforcement could use drones without warrants for broader emergencies, but the bill died in the committee process, much to Bush’s disappointment.

Despite local law enforcements supporting the bill, it faced intense opposition from political advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon and the farmworkers union Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, or PCUN, who cited concerns about potential surveillance abuse, particularly for marginalized communities.

About 97% of the 1,100 letters sent to lawmakers of testimony were in opposition.

“As a private citizen, I’m equally concerned about maintaining my privacy at all times,” Bush said. “However, when it comes to law enforcement, we’re really only using these things to do the very best we can to keep ourselves, the general public, and suspects safe.”

Behind Oregon State Police, Oregon’s forestry,

transportation, and fish and wildlife departments make up the top drone users among state agencies.

At the Oregon Department of Forestry, it’s hard to find a part of the agency that doesn’t use drones, said Cole Lindsay, the agency’s northwest area aviation coordinator.

Since the agency began its drone program in 2017, it has used drones to monitor wildfires and buildings, detect invasive species, and conduct tree counts.

Lindsay said drones don’t replace workers, but build efficiency.

“People are valuable and people are expensive, and we don’t want anybody to be wasting any time or to get hurt,” he said. “And so there’s many times where you can arrive on the scene of a fire or to a job site out in the woods and be able to launch a drone and get an idea what is happening around you much better than you would without it.”

Dozens of survey, maintenance, and geology staff also use drones at the Oregon Department of Transportation to monitor landslides and map difficultto-reach areas. The agency deployed drones 770 times in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife uses drones to focus on habitat and vegetation and wildlife counts, tracking everything from seals and sea lions to nesting birds and elk. The agency conducted 402 drone flights in 2025.

“The drone aerial view provides better data than boat surveys that is cheaper, safer, and easier to deploy than occupied aircraft,” said agency spokesperson Michelle Dennehy.

Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, courtesy of https://oregon capitalchronicle.com.

SAA’s Artwalk — The colors of summer

By Helen Schmidling Correspondent

The colors of summer permeate the galleries of Sisters during this week’s Fourth Friday Artwalk, sponsored by Sisters Arts Association. Galleries are open all day, with featured artists and light refreshments taking the stage starting at 4 p.m.

Hood Avenue Art focuses on four artists: Susan Yokoyama, Ruth Carroll, Layne Cook, and Annie Hinkes. Susan combines the rustic look of hand building with the magic of the potter’s wheel, resulting in unique items glazed to produce sparkling effects and patterns. Her special interest is Japanese tea bowls done with the raku process. Ruth paints still life and figurative works, but her favorite subjects are landscapes and seascapes, both in Oregon and California. With a background in textile printing and design, Layne is fascinated by all aspects of painting including composition, the role of light and shadows, the use of color and the value of restraint in using color. Annie is the creator of Ana Eugenia Jewelry, a small line

of handmade jewelry.

Rickards Gallery is hosting painter David Mensing and glass artist Mare Schelz. David’s paintings include landscape and floral images infused with rich color and depth of understanding that reflects his personal faith. Mare creates intricate mosaics in glass that capture both specific landscapes and abstract interpretations of nature. Wildflower Studio features current original works by Kathy Deggendorfer, created in watercolor using saturated pigments and varied lines to depict vibrant flowers, small-town landscapes, and birds. This show will include new original framed paintings, prints, and tiles. Also, look for new berry bowls, pinch pots and mugs by Hunter Teig, along with many gift items like candles, room sprays, and diffusers.

Toriizaka Art’s wildlife watercolorist Don Zylius demonstrates his wet

wash watercolor technique, sharing the inspiration, process and passion behind his work. Don’s signature style blends realism with a dreamlike sense of wonder. Born in 1935, Don has lived and painted in Sisters for decades, and is widely recognized for the rich detail, natural color, and evocative moods of his paintings.

Sisters Gallery & Frame explores the Animal Kingdom this month. The roundup includes images by gallery artists Danae Miller, Randall Tillery, Wendy Birnbaum, Barbara Berry, J. Chester Armstrong, Kimry Jelen, Jennifer Hartwig, Michelle Deaderick, Caroline Stratton-Crow, and Summer Derrickson. Jewelry maker Timber Lark will be creating his delicate pendants and earrings from local hardwoods and silver.

Exquisite quilts by Sisters artists Helen Brisson and Judith Beaver will remain on display in the Campbell Gallery through the end of July, although the gallery itself may not be open for

Artwalk, depending on the road construction on Adams Avenue.

Stitchin’ Post’s Fiber Art Gallery displays “Printed Then Stitched,” a digital and manual fiber art show by Sharon Carvalho, opening with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Sharon’s art is about variety. She created textiles from her own photographs and art using Photoshop Elements. Original patterns and designs were captured digitally, photoedited, and then printed onto linen, quilted and embellished by hand.

The Makers Studio, Sisters Clay Collective, welcomes anyone interested in doing pottery to stop by between 4 and 8 p.m. There will be opportunities to try hand building and throwing under supervision of instructors, and sign-ups for classes, workshops, and events. The Clay Collective is located between Fika and Sisters Airport on East Sun Ranch Drive.

The Hub’s Art Walls

feature mother and daughter Diane Goble, who creates acrylic pours, and Cat Connor, photographer. Concurrently C4C will celebrate its 10th Anniversary with art and music at the Hub and in Fir Street Park.

The Barn Art Walls feature Randy Redfield’s colorful abstract wood panels. Sisters Bakery displays whimsical art created by Megan Nielsen of Canyon and Cove Art.

Fika Sisters continues to show the father-daugher collection of Sloane Earl’s fantasy art and Brad Earl’s eclectic and nostalgic acrylics.

Outlaws tennis ace to play in college

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

Dominic Pulver started playing tennis and taking lessons when he was four years old, but when he got into elementary school baseball took over. Dominic played baseball all the way through middle school and when he hit high school he decided he wanted to try something different. That was to go back to his first love — tennis.

From his freshman through his senior year, Pulver played at Sisters High School’s (SHS) tennis team’s No. 1 singles spot. He earned a second-place district finish his freshman year, and was just one match short of making it to state. His sophomore year he placed fourth at district, and qualified for state, where he finished sixth. A second-place finish and sixth place at state came his junior year.

As a senior he took the top spot at No. 1 at district and again placed sixth at state.

Pulver told The Nugget that during the summer between his junior and senior year, he took private lessons, which was to help him figure out his backhand and serve.

Not long ago, a good friend of his, Malachi Walker of Crook County, told him he was going to attend Ottawa University in the fall and told Pulver he should check it out.

Walker texted Pulver Ottawa University Coach Samuel Murphy’s phone number and Pulver reached out. Dominic let Coach Murphy know he was interested, and asked if there were any open spots on the tennis team.

Murphy responded, and they set up a time for a phone call. Pulver told The Nugget that after about an hour of conversation Coach Murphy told him he thought he’d be a perfect fit for the team. Pulver was offered a half-ride scholarship.

This summer, Pulver has

been preparing for his college season ahead. He’s worked to sharpen his match toughness, refine his shot selection, and elevate his overall level.

He competed in two tournaments in Sunriver, the first a junior tournament, and the second an adult tournament called the Sunriver Solstice. Pulver did well in both, placing second in singles and first in doubles with partner Marcos Munoz, a foreign exchange student from Crook County, in the first tournament, and third in singles play in the second.

Just a week ago he competed in the Madras Invitational, a tournament for high school students and/ or athletes 20-and-under. He placed first in doubles play with his SHS teammate Joseph Derksen.

Pulver told The Nugget that tennis is quite different than other sports.

“In tennis there’s a rating system and after matches your scores are sent in and it either raises or lowers your rating,” said Pulver.

Pulver’s goal as a freshman is to either play at No. 4 or No. 5 doubles, and by the end of his sophomore year he hopes to be in the top three in singles play.

He will head south to Surprise, Arizona, which is

20 minutes west of Phoenix, on August 16. He will be practicing and playing tennis year-round.

“I’m very excited to continue playing the sport I love,” said Pulver. “I’m also excited to go live my own life and figure things out. I’m looking forward to playing with Malachi (Walker) and I’m sure we’ll be practicing a lot together.”

Pulver plans to pursue a degree in business finance, and hopes to eventually become a financial advisor or an accountant.

Of his top tennis player, SHS tennis coach Vince Grace said, “This summer, Dominic has taken on strong

competition week after week, showing the drive, consistency, and work ethic that defines successful college athletes. Dom doesn’t just play matches; he studies them, learns from them, and comes back better the next time.”

Grace also noted that Pulver’s mental game matured tremendously over his high school career.

“Dominic learned how to compete with poise, reset quickly after tough points, and stay fully locked in during pressure moments. That ability to manage momentum and maintain emotional discipline became one of his greatest strengths, and it’s a big part of why he rose to the top of our program.

“I’m proud of Dominic and excited to see him bring that same energy, determination, and competitive maturity to his college team in Arizona,” added Grace. “SHS will miss his leadership and presence on the courts, but Arizona is getting a great one — an athlete ready to contribute, grow, and make an immediate impact. With the grit, determination, and mental toughness he has shown me, I fully expect him to break into the top tier at the next level and establish himself as one of their top 10 players.”

Church to host free barbecue

Summer fun is often centered around food. And so it will be on Sunday, July 26, at 5 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters, located at 121 Brooks Camp Road.

The community is invited to a free barbecue. All are welcome to this intergenerational event, whether 4 years of age or 102. Play is the theme of the evening, and fun activities are planned for everyone.

Participants can sit under the shade trees of the church’s beautiful lawn and visit with friends, or compete in corn hole. There will also be bubbles to chase, hopefully face painting, and possibly musical chairs for those who love to move from place to place.

“It will be a great time to get to know your neighbors, learn about connections you enjoy, or socialize with your family,” said Edie Jones, who is helping to organize the event. “ Perhaps there’s a senior who lives across the street who would enjoy an outing. Adopt a grandparent and bring them with you. Visitors to Sisters or tourists here for the weekend are encouraged to join us. Come, play, eat a delicious meal, and help spread the fellowship and friendliness for which Sisters is known.”

Alt country duo to play at Frankie’s

Southern Oregon altcountry and Americana songwriter Jimmy Fretwell will bring his original music to Sisters on Wednesday, July 22, for an intimate evening performance at Frankie’s Kitchen & Cocktails.

Fretwell will be joined by his wife, Dee Fretwell, on bass for the 6 to 8 p.m. performance, bringing their stripped-down duo sound to one of Central Oregon’s most celebrated music communities.

Blending folk, country, and American roots influences, Jimmy Fretwell’s music pairs timeless songwriting with a contemporary alt-country sound. His songs are built around honest storytelling, memorable melodies, and the kind of lived-in authenticity that has long defined the best of Americana music.

Fretwell has performed at nationally and regionally

recognized events including Wintergrass Music Festival, Folk Alliance International, and OrcasFest, among others. His newest studio album, “analog dream,” was released in February 2026, with additional new music planned for later this year. A raw-cut album released on July 11th, “The Shaniko Sessions, Vol 1,” was recorded at a productive artist residency earlier this spring that was hosted by the Oregon Bluegrass Association.

The July 22 performance marks an opportunity for Central Oregon audiences to experience Fretwell’s music in the intimate setting of Frankie’s, a familiar Sisters gathering place formerly known as Sisters Depot, located at 250 W. Cascade Ave. in Sisters.

Tickets may be purchased at https://frankiesin sisters.com/event-category/ live-music/.

Sisters author hosts book signing

Sisters author Julia Huni will be on hand at Ear Expressions on Friday, July 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. for a book signing. She is marking the release of her latest novel, “A Rider’s Guide To Dragon Healing.”

Huni describes her work as “hopeful science fiction and cozy fantasy full of heart and humor.”

“A Rider’s Guide To Dragon Healing” is the third book in the Dragons of Safe Haven series.

The only thing harder than mending a dragon’s wing is softening his rider’s heart. Tyge de Xerrist would rather face a Borgonne army than trust his dragon’s life to a witch. But exiled to Safe Haven with Sundri’s wing torn to shreds, the surly

Outlaw to play volleyball in college

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

Audrey Sybesma has played volleyball since she was in fourth grade. It all started with the Outlaws Volleyball Club that former coach Rory Rush started, and Sybesma continued to play through her senior year at Sisters High School.

Sybesma has played mainly at the right side position and her senior year she earned first-team all-league honors at that spot, and was also all-state honorable mention. The team also took the league title and advanced to state.

In addition to playing for Sisters High, Sybesma played club ball for COVC (Central Oregon Volleyball Club) for five years. During that time the team travelled to numerous cities to compete, including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Reno, and Spokane. The team went to nationals Sybesma’s sophomore year and played well.

Coach Keri Green of Lane Community College had seen Sybesma play at different tournaments and in the middle of club season this past year the two connected. Audrey went to an open gym and played with the Titans and a couple of weeks later she got an official offer, which she accepted.

rider is out of options. Sarai Lavigne is a Tier One Healer who has spent years mending the wounds of war. She’s ready to save Sundri, but his rider is her most stubborn patient yet. Even as Sarai and Tyge clash over dragonlore and ancient grudges, they must work together to get Sundri back in the sky.

Julia Huni studied Computer Science and National Security, both of which she ignores completely when making up stories involving computers and politics. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, she worked on a NASA program for 18 months and thus considers herself a rocket scientist.

Ear Expressions is located at 221 W. Cascade Ave.

Sybesma will head to Eugene the end of July and her first practice will by August 1. The team will start their official play with a tournament on August 21, in Centralia, Washington. Of her next big volleyball step, Sybesma said, “I’m excited, but a little bit nervous about balancing school, volleyball, and social life. But, I am excited to meet new people and play with new people. I just want to have fun.”

Sybesma’s current plans are to become a dental hygienist.

Toothpick Shaker returns to Eurosports courtyard

Bend-based rockers

Toothpick Shaker return to a familiar stage on Friday, July 24, playing a free show from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Eurosports courtyard as part of the Early Evening Summer Music Series.

A longtime favorite of the series, Toothpick Shaker delivers two sets spanning five decades of rock — from Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Pink Floyd to U2, Stone Temple Pilots, and Foo Fighters — with a few surprises in between. Their shows lean on songs everyone knows and can’t help singing along to, played with the energy of a band that genuinely loves playing music for everyone.

The band features Matthew Gwinup on vocals and guitar, Travis Palladino on lead guitar, Mark Knippel on bass, and Greg Allen rounding out the rhythm section.

“We love the combo of a bike shop, food trucks, good beers, and great people,” said Allen. “Kids and adults dancing all evening — it’s our favorite place to play, hands down.”

With plenty happening in Sisters that evening, Toothpick Shaker promises an easy call for music lovers: familiar songs, a family- and dog-friendly courtyard, local food carts, and cold beverages on hand.

Admission is free. Eurosports is located at 223 E. Hood Ave., Sisters.

Sisters Country birds

By Douglas Beall Correspondent

The high pitched whistling of the Hooded Merganser [lophodytes cucullatus] is often heard in the spring within forested freshwater wetlands. These “Mergies” are the smallest of their species in North America. They nest high — 10 to 90 feet — in tree cavities and lay five to 13 white eggs and will occasionally deposit the eggs in the nest of another Hooded Merganser nest. One nest was discovered to contain 44 eggs. A long incubation period of from 26–41 days, and within 24 hours the young are coaxed to jump the nest by their mother on the forest floor. Their diet consists of crayfish, aquatic insects, mollusks, small fish, and some vegetation. They use sight to find their prey and possess the unique ability to change the refractive

properties of their eyes to improve underwater vision. The young are able to dive under water when they are one day old. The oldest Hooded Merganser known was 14 years old.

A collection of Mergansers is known as a “raft,” “paddling,” “brace” or a “flush” of ducks. To view more images of these Mergies, visit http://abird singsbecauseithasasong. com.

Author event features guided meditation

Author Hilary Conway will present her new book “Radical Wellness: Pathways to a Healthy Body, Mind, and Planet” at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature guided meditation, readings from her book, and meaningful conversation about what it means to live with radical wellness.

“Radical Wellness: Pathways to a Healthy Body, Mind, and Planet” invites readers to discover how small, intentional changes can spark joy, resilience, and healing that ripple outward, transforming not just your life, but the world around you.

Conway shows how selflove becomes the foundation for sustainable wellness. This practical guide offers tools for building mental resilience, creating habits that stick, making mindful choices that nourish both body and Earth, and finding deeper connection and purpose in turbulent times. “Radical Wellness”

demonstrates how caring for yourself is the first step toward caring for the world.

Hilary is a certified wellness practitioner based in Portland. She combines her background in psychology and education with her passion for holistic health. She specializes in nurturing the connection between mind, body, and spirit through plant-based nutrition, mindfulness practices, and sustainable wellness habits that benefit both individual and environmental health.

Through her coaching practice and workshops, Hilary guides others in building lives of purposeful wellness founded on self-love and environmental stewardship.

When not working with clients, she can be found hiking Pacific Northwest trails, practicing yoga, playing tennis, volunteering at the Bird Alliance or spending time with her family, friends, and pugs.

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

Peaks 360 development sparks important debate about rural housing

By Dani Nichols Columnist

The Peaks 360 development on a 710-acre privately-owned parcel between Redmond and Sisters has been approved by the Deschutes County Commission for a rezone from Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) to Rural Residential (RR10). In the process, it has garnered quite a bit of attention in the public and the media, both positive and negative. But before I get into the rezoning, land use, and other concerns, it’s important to lay out the playing field: Oregon is, in legislative and governing terms, a fairly young place.

In 1947, not even 100 years ago, the legislature approved allowing counties to zone private land. In 1973, Governor Tom McCall made a famous speech to the legislature, attacking “sagebrush subdivisions, coastal condomania, and the ravenous rampages of suburbia.”

This was the birth of Oregon land-use planning, and it was a remarkably bipartisan effort. In 1973, Senator Hector Macpherson, a Republican farmer from Linn County, and Senator Ted Hallock, a Democrat from Portland, were the chief sponsors of what became Senate Bill 100, which still governs our land use to this day.

“You could write a book on all the zoning and miszoning,” said Matt Cyrus, president of the Deschutes County Farm Bureau. “The advisory committee identified types of lands that should be zoned for agriculture and defaulted any unknowns into farm or forest… the original zoning was a broad brush.”

Cyrus contends that because of the broad brush effort of that committee, mistakes were made that we are still dealing with, especially when it comes to EFU land. Cyrus has skin in the

agricultural game — he is a sixth generation Oregon farmer, who still farms in Deschutes County. His father was part of the original committee, making sense of SB 100 and attempting to divide the land into reasonable categories.

Deschutes County Commissioners Tony DeBone and Phil Chang came down on opposite sides of the rezoning approval, but both, when talking to The Nugget, stressed the need to understand the history and the importance of SB 100 and its subsequent effects on Oregon land use, specifically in Deschutes County. (I wasn’t able to get a comment from Commissioner Adair; she voted in favor of the development.) After speaking with both of them, it seemed clear to me that there are no bad guys here, as tempting as it is to try to find a villain. The reality is, our elected officials are doing their best to serve what they see as the highest good for the county.

“It’s tricky as a decision maker,” DeBone said. “But, there’s no history of agriculture on this land [referring to the Peaks 360 development acreage]; there’s marginal soil, no water rights — it’s within the right of the private property owner to get a landuse lawyer involved and ask for a rezone.”

Asking for a rezone is one thing, but to Phil Chang, there’s been too much of it. Deschutes County has approved more EFU to rural residential rezoning than any other county in the state. He’s concerned both about the inefficiencies of rural residential plots for housing purposes (many more houses could be built within the urban growth boundary) and the potential detriment to both wildlife habitat and other EFU properties.

“I see agricultural value on that land,” he said. “It’s not bad for dry land grazing,

and it’s surrounded by working farms and important mule deer habitat.”

ODFW made a report asking that this property be part of a mule deer habitat rezone, a map which was proposed, but never approved by the county.

Cyrus thinks the benefit of the development is worth the cost.

“This property is the furthest thing from farmland; its not farmable,” he said.

“You put houses out there, they will have an opportunity to have a horse or cow and they’ll be customers for those of us selling hay. Those are the very people who buy my hay and that property will increase in value, and subsidize schools, sheriffs, and more services to the county.”

DeBone voted for the Peaks 360 rezone and seemed to have a similar point of view, although one of his key points was the contention

BY

that people want a small rural lifestyle, and it’s important to create opportunities for that.

“People want quality of life,” he said. “They want to strive for a nice piece of land and a vision of a rural life. Are we all in a crab pot pulling each other down or are we supporting growth?”

In the RR 10 zoning, each parcel can be 10 acres with a half-acre of irrigated land

COMM UN IT Y A NNOU NCEM EN TS

10 th An nual Hoodoo Challenge/Race to the Top

Satu rd ay, July 2 5 . H al f

ma rathon s ta rt s at 8 a .m. , 5K st art s at 9 a .m . L ive music a nd lu nc h ser ved a er t he race!

R eg ister at h ps://ultrasig nup. com/regi ster.aspx?did=13318 4 .

Interpretive Wa lk s:

Su mmer 2026

Free Sat urday mor ning w alks o ered by F riends of t he

Metolius . K id s a re welcome, but please no dogs . Wea r stu rdy footwea r a nd bring w ater Ju ly 25, 9 to 11 a.m. Pl ant ID Wa lk along the Metolius Am ateu r bot an ist Dav id M il ler wi l l sha re h i s k nowledge a nd love of t he many beaut if ul pl ants , t rees, a nd shr ubs t hat perhaps you ’ve wondered about For in form at ion, ca ll 541-55014 41.

Notice of Elec tion for Sisters City Counci l

Notice i s hereby g iven t hat a Genera l E lect ion w il l be held on November 3 , 2 026 , for t hree position s on t he Sisters Cit y Counci l . e r st d ay to le for a Cit y Cou nc i l pos it ion w as

SIST ER S COMM UN IT Y FOOD RE SOURCE

S

Sisters Kiwa nis Commun it y for Kids Ra ff le draw ing

Wednesday, July 2 2 at 12 p.m

Ticket s a re $ 20.0 0 eac h at h ps://sistersk iw an is .org / commun it y-for-kids-ra e/. Ten g reat , f antasti c bundle s of pr izes provided by a n a mazi ng group of S isters b usinesses . A ll proceed s go to s uppor t K iw an is projec t s for loc a l k id s a nd t heir f amilies . 5 41-419 -1933.

10 0+ Women Who Ca reSister s 10 0 + Women W ho Care- Si sters pool s i nd iv idua l don at ions to f und loc a l nonpro t s nomi nated by it s members Prev iou s rec ipient s i nc lude Ha rmony Far m Sanctua ry, STARS, Famil y A ccess Network (FA N), Seed to Table, Fu rr y Friends Fou nd at ion, Meal s on W heels , StirrUp Pu rpose, C OR E M arket, Livi ng Wel l w it h Dementi a, and Sisters Com mu nity

Fi rst Fr id ay Fa mi ly Fun

Bi ngo Night

Fr id ay, A ug ust 7th . 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 pr ize, plu s a n add it iona l c ard for the 11t h game featuring $10 0 cas h pri ze. 5 0/5 0 R a e opt ion: ticket s a re $ 2 eac h or 6 for $10

Ha l f of r a e pot w il l bene t

COR E – Commun it y Outreach, R esou rces , a nd E mergenc y –

Si sters . e Epi scopa l C hu rc h of t he Tra ns gu ration, 121 Brook s Camp R d., Sisters . I nfo: 541-549-70 87

An nounce Your Celebrat ions!

Bi rth, eng agement, weddi ng , and m ilestone a nn iversa ry notice s f rom t he Sisters commun it y m ay r u n at no ch arge on t hi s A nnou ncements page . A l l s ubmi ssion s a re subjec t to e diting for s pace Em ai l nug get@nugget ne ws com or d rop o at 4 42 E . M ai n Ave. Deadline i s 5 p.m . on Fr id ay s.

Wednesday, June 3 , 2 026 . To be el ig ible one must be a q ua li ed elec tor i n O regon, a c ur rent regi stered voter i n t he Cit y of Si sters , a nd must h ave been a resident of t he Cit y for 12 mont h s preceding t he elect ion. Cit y Cou nc i l pos it ion s a re nonpa rt isan . E lect ion m ater ia l s c an be fou nd on t he Cit y website at: www.c i. sisters.or.u s . e term s of C ou nc ilor M ic hael

Leadersh ip I niti at ive. 100 + Women W ho Care- Si sters wi l l hold a qua rterly meeti ng on u rsday, July 2 3 . New members a re welcome; t here i s no membership fee. For more in form at ion on how to a end a meeti ng , joi n t he g roup, or nomi nate a nonpro t , ema il

10 0w wc .Sisters@g ma il .com or ca ll/tex t 5 41-912 -0 75 0

St ud io Tours at Pi ne Meadow Ra nch Tuesday, July 2 8 , f rom 5 to 6:3 0 p. m., at t he P ine Meadow R anch Center for A rt s & A gr ic ultu re.

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

R oom . 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

Volu nteers Needed to Help

Horses

Ca lling a l l hor se lover s! H appy

Trail s Hor se R escue i n Tum alo need s volunteers! Ca n you help t hem help hor ses? New Volu nteer O rientation i s t he

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

Engage w it h c ur rent A rt ist s i n R esidence . i s e vent i s f ree and open to t he public . Space i s l im ited so r eg istrat ion i s requ ired . R eg istrat ion a nd more in fo: rou nd housefou nd at ion. org/events

rst a nd t hird Sunday s of t he mont h at 10 a .m . or c al l to schedu le! Lear n more at h ps:// www.h appy trai lshr.org

Preedin, Cou nc ilor Gar y R oss, and Cou nc ilor C hery l Pel leri n wi l l end on December 31, 2 026. Al l t hree a re e ligible to apply for reelect ion . Candidates a re encouraged to obt ai n elect ion material s by A ug ust 4, 2 026.

Al l l ing requi rement s for incu mbents must be c ompleted

by 5:0 0 p.m . on A ug ust 18, 2026, a nd new c andidates by 5: 0 0 p.m . on A ug ust 2 5 , 2 026. For quest ion s about t he process , em ai l Mon ic a Bur meister at mbur meister@ci.sisters .or.us , or stop by Cit y H al l at 52 0 E Cascad e Avenue.

Th ree Sisters Histor ical Societ y Wa lk ing Tours 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 dates , 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

Honey Bees & Brews

Mont hly soc ia l gat heri ng at L az y Z R anc h e very 4t h u rsday at 5 p.m . A ll beekeepers a nd w an na-bees welcome. F or more i nfo: C lyde, 458-20 6- 8470

Volu nteer at Sisters Habitat for Hu ma nity

Help build hope a nd homes i n Sis ters, con nec t w it h new people, m ake f riends , a nd m ake a d i erence i n ou r com mu nity

Volu nteer tod ay! L ea r n more at www.sistershabitat.org/volu nteer or c al l 5 41-5 49 -1193.

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

JOI N STA R S NOW to help ag ing , d isabled , a nd u nderserved pas sengers reach medica l appoi nt ment s . You choose w hen you d rive. I t’s ex ible, 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.sta rsride org/dr ive-for-us

Bible St udy for AL L 6:3 0 p.m . e ver y u rsday i n t he eat re room at e L odge i n

Si sters , 421 E . Car penter L n. 541-233- 6189

Su mmer Concer t Series 2026

Su nd ay, A ug ust 15 , at 5:3 0 p.m at Sisters Com mu nit y C hu rc h, 13 0 0 McK en zie Hwy, enjoy

Je Miller B and . Food t ruck s av ai lable . Don at ion s s upport COR E . For i nfor mation go to s isterschurch .com/event s. Cont ac t i nfo@si stersc hu rc h. com.

Ba ha’i Fa it h For i nfor mation, devot ions, study g roups, etc ., cont ac t S hauna R ocha 5 41-6 47-982 6 • www.bah ai .org www.bah ai .u s • www.bah aiteac

SISTERS-AREA Events & Enter tainment

WEDNESDAY • JULY 22

The Suttle Lodge Shakespear on the Lawn Guerrilla Shakespeare on the lawn: William Shakespeare’s "Cymbeline." 7p.m. Tickets: https://thesuttlelodge.com/ happenings/upcoming/shakespeare-at-suttle Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Jimmy & Dee Fretwell 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets and more information: www.frankiesinsisters.com/our-events/. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip played).

THURSDAY • JULY 23

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Suzy Vitello presents Griftopia" at 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Frankie's in Sisters Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent, 6 to 8 p.m. Sign ups, 5:30 No cover; outside in the courtyard Info: frankiesinsisters.com. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Cut, Score & Etch: Intro to the Laser Cutter Workshop" Through live demonstrations, participants will learn the basics of file preparation, material safety and machine operation while exploring the creative possibilities of laser cutting and etching on a range of mediums. Various times. $25 Registration and info: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

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

5 to 6 p.m. Gather with local beekeepers to discuss all things bees! 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

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Sun Threaders ft Travis Ehrenstrom 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free FRIDAY • JULY 24

Ear Expressions Book Release Party: Julia Huni presents "A Rider's Guide to Dragon Healing," a combination of fantasy, clean romance, and mystery Author signing, snacks, swag, and prizes 4 to 7 p.m. 221 W. Cascade Ave., Ste. B, Sisters Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Jesse Meade 6 to 8 p.m. Eugene-based acoustic guitarist, singer/songwriter No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

The Barn Live Music: Ky Burt & The Feel Goods 6 to 8 p.m. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa

6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Courtyard at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20 paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Toothpick Shaker 5 to 7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

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

SATURDAY • JULY 25

Hoodoo Hoodoo Challenge/Race to the Top 10th Annual event! 1/2 marathon starts at 8 a.m., 5K starts at 9 a.m. Live music and lunch served after the race! All proceeds go to Sisters Kiwanis Club Register at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133184

The Hub Art Class: "Large, Colorful Paintings" with Paul Alan Bennett 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Painting will be in tempera on large pieces of black roofing paper All materials provided. Bring your own lunch. $150 Contact Paul at pbennett3@gmail.com or 541-588-0156 for more details or to register. The Hub is located at 291 E. Main Ave. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Paper Weaving Workshop" 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. In this workshop participants use colorful and patterned paper to weave unique designs and collages $45. Registration and more info: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Jazz Folks Classic jazz quartet, 6 to 8 p.m. $5 in advance/$10 at the door Tickets and info: frankiesinsisters.com.

Hardtails Live Music: Guitar Gods

8 to 10 p .m. in The Yard $10 cover begins at 7 p.m. Info: hardtailsdivebarandgrill.com.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Lickety Split 6 to 8 p.m. Original music grounded in American roots traditions, including jug band stomps, vaudeville blues, old time No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

The Barn Live Music: Smoke Drifters 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

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 • JULY 26

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Meet the Meadmaker: Facility Tour 2 to 3 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.

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

Sisters Saloon Live Music: ABluestics

6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages

MONDAY • JULY 27

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Matt Mitchell 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

TUESDAY • JULY 28

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

WEDNESDAY • JULY 29

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 • JULY 30

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Double Jump 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Hilar y Conway presents "Radical Wellness: Pathways to a Healthy Body Mind, and Planet," an evening of guided meditation, reading, conversation. 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com. 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

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Tracing the Landscape Workshop" introduces close sensing as a way of paying attention to the environment through movement, observation, and drawing Through guided outdoor exercises, participants will explore their surroundings and reflect on their connection to the natural world. 1 to 5 p.m. $90 Registration and more info: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

FRIDAY • JULY 31

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Bob Baker, Brian Odell & Brandon Ficquette 6 to 8 p.m. $10. Tickets and info: frankiesinsisters.com.

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

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Danilson Duo 6 to 8 p.m. Husband-and-wife team known for their soulful harmonies. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

The Barn Live Music: Joel Chadd 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Mortal Soulstice 5 to 7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

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

SATURDAY • AUGUST 1

Hardtails Live Music: Major Dudes Steely Dan tribute. 8 to 10 p .m. in The Yard Tickets: BendTicket.com.

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

Lazy Z Ranch Wines International Mead Day with live music by Lilli Worona. Celebrate on the ranch with mead! Noon to 8 p.m.; live music 6 to 8 p.m. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

SAT/SUN • AUGUST 1 & 2

Sisters High School Backcountr y Offroad Expo

Two-days of offroad and outdoor community with offroad trucks, adventure vans, trailers, rooftop tents, campers, gear builders, brands, educational talks, food trucks, music camping DIY showcase, For Sale vehicle section, and a raffle benefiting the Humane Society. After the expo, attendees can join an optional guided trip featuring two nights of camping and a full day exploring the scenic backroads of Deschutes National Forest Use code SISTERSFREE for free admission and CAMPING20 for 20% off weekend camping Info: BackcountryOffroadExpo.com.

SUNDAY • AUGUST 2

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

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

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Dr y Canyon Stampede 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages

MONDAY • AUGUST 3

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Jeshua Marshall 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages 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.

TUESDAY • AUGUST 4

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

WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 5

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Wolfhouse Records Dirty Jazz 6 to 8 p.m. Free Info: www thesuttlelodge.com. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • AUGUST 6

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

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Jenn Donahue presents "Becoming the Warrior: Harnessing Your Inner Strength to Silence Self-Doubt." The framework is designed to move those who feel stuck and afraid to feeling equipped to take action. 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Skillethead 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

FRIDAY • AUGUST 7

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Chris Beland 6 to 8 p.m. Singer/songwriter recording artist. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Five Pint Mar y 5 to 7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

Episcopal Church of Transfiguration Family BINGO Bingo Night 11 games/$20 prizes $2 raffle tickets to benefit CORE. Meal option at 5 p.m., games start at 5:30 All ages welcome All cash event. 121 Brooks Camp Rd Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa 6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Courtyard at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Hardtails Music: DJ Chris Ossig 8 to 10 p .m., doors at 7, in The Yard Low-back lawn chairs welcome Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20 paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • AUGUST 8

Hardtails Live Music: Chained to Stone 6 to 9 p.m., doors at 7, in The Yard Low-back lawn chairs welcome Lazy Z Ranch Wines Meet the Meadmaker: Facility Tour 2 to 3 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 • AUGUST 9

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Jazz Folks 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Language Gathering 4 to 6 p.m. Practice, listen to or converse in another language! Italian, French, Spanish speakers planning to attend, and all languages welcome, for friendly conversation at this free community event. Hosted by Bend Language Institute. Info: bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or 541-728-3022.

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music, community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

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

MONDAY • AUGUST 10

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Dive Bar Theology 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

TUESDAY • AUGUST 11

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

Fee hikes threaten psilocybin industry

By Jake Thomas Oregon Capital Chronicle

State regulators are seeking steep fee hikes on Oregon’s nascent psilocybin industry, a move that critics say would push the already high price tag of a legal mushroom trip even higher while causing more businesses to close.

The Oregon Health Authority in late June announced proposed fee increases that would affect virtually every corner of the industry, aiming to financially sustain the groundbreaking program. Among the biggest changes would be doubling annual license fees from $10,000 to $20,000 for psilocybin manufacturers and service centers where adults 21 and older take supervised trips.

The potential fee increases come after a wave of service center closures, raising doubts about the viability of Oregon’s legal psilocybin experiment that voters approved in 2020. The state has issued licenses to 39 service centers, about half of which have expired or been surrendered, according to state figures.

“I don’t think the industry can survive this,” said Ryan Reid, the co-founder and operations director of Bendable Therapy, a Bend-based service center. “I think (what) you’re going to see over the next couple years is a major contraction to where there’s just a few people surviving.”

Oregon’s psilocybin program is not supported by taxpayer money and is instead funded through fees, health authority spokesperson Erica Heartquist said in an email. Because revenue has not kept up with rising costs, she continued, “the only option is increasing fees” despite the program’s cost-saving efforts.

Heidi Pendergast, Oregon director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, which advocates for psilocybin access, called the proposed fee increases “unprecedented” and out of line with other licensing costs for the cannabis businesses and health-oriented professions.

An individual psilocybin session can cost between $850 and $3,000, which has meant clients have skewed white and wealthier. Pendergast said she anticipates clients would see higher costs from the fee increases, which would mostly take effect next year.

The uncertainty comes as psilocybin continues gaining acceptance as a mental health treatment and as the state has opened the door to integrating it with the medical system. Pendergast described the program as safe, noting that just a sliver of the estimated

22,000 people who have used legal psilocybin have reported adverse events since service centers opened in 2023.

“This program really deserves to be part of the behavioral health framework in this country,” she said.

One licensed lab

As the head of Rose City Laboratories, Daniel Huson oversees Oregon’s only licensed and accredited psilocybin testing laboratory.

Despite being a linchpin in the state’s psilocybin system, he said the $26,000 his lab made last year from compliance testing didn’t cover all of its costs, including the $10,000 annual licensing fee. Huson continued offering the testing because he’s passionate about how psilocybin can positively change people’s lives.

Regulators are seeking to double the annual laboratory licensing fee starting January 2029, later than the other hikes.

Since the lab began testing psilocybin in 2023, Huson said he’s increased the cost of a compliance test from $250 to $600, which he expects to rise further. Without a regulatory change of course, he said the industry may not be viable over the next two years and his lab will stop offering psilocybin testing in 2029,

potentially leaving the state without a psilocybin testing lab.

“There’s no incentive to be a testing laboratory because it’s expensive,” he said. “And they’re going to be in trouble.”

No more discounts

The proposed changes would also eliminate reduced fees for nonprofits, veterans, and low-income people. Currently, each pays half the annual fee for a manufacturer or service center license. If regulators’ proposed changes take effect, those license holders would see their licensing fees quadruple to $20,000.

Nearly a third of Oregon’s roughly 400 psilocybinrelated licenses qualify for a reduced fee, according to the health authority’s Heartquist.

As a nonprofit service center, Bendable Therapy is focused on accessibility over its margins, said Reid. The elimination of reduced fees, he said, would mean increased costs for clients and less money for scholarships to make its services more affordable.

“This is a tight industry, and we’ve done a good job surviving,” he said. “But this is just going to make it that much harder and just really increase the costs and reduce access for our customers.”

Facilitators, who guide clients through psilocybin sessions, would see their annual licensing fees double to $4,000 — with discounts for veterans and low-income applicants eliminated. They typically work part time as contractors.

Reid said his center will subsidize the licensing costs of the centers’ six facilitators. Plus, regulators’ changes would increase the cost of a permit needed to work in a center from $25 to $200. In total, he expects licensing costs to increase by as much as $50,000.

Campaign promise

The ballot initiative campaign that legalized psilocybin in Oregon promised to make the life-altering substance safe, accessible, and affordable — without ongoing costs to taxpayers after a startup period.

However, a health authority budget document states the industry’s slow growth has meant it hasn’t generated enough license fees to cover the program’s cost. The authority blamed local restrictions on psilocybinrelated businesses, as well as challenges getting banking and insurance for an industry centered on a federally illegal drug. It also blamed unexpected administrative costs.

Pendergast said it’s common for new programs to require additional funding before they are self-sustaining and called for more budget transparency before the fees increase.

“This is really a matter of how we are right-sizing regulation for this program,” she said.

Dr. Eric Lee started Space Psychedelic Clinic in 2024 on what he called a “shoestring” budget in “not a gorgeous location” in Portland that allows him to charge $925 for an individual session. He expects to weather the fee increase and plans to move into a larger building to accommodate demand.

But he doesn’t think other centers will survive and wants other states considering legal psilocybin to take note of what’s happening in Oregon.

“There is a vast segment of the population that will just never be able to use legal psychedelics because of the price point,” he said, adding, “I don’t think people want that from this law, and I think it’s a huge part of why the business is failing.”

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

Sisters Business Association July Mix and Mingle at The Nugget Newspaper

PEAKS 360:

Development plan brings mixed feelings

Continued from page 9

(such as a yard or other residential landscaping) off of an exempt domestic well. There seems to be some disagreement over the water use, with proponents saying that these wells will not impact local water tables because of the depth of the wells and strength of the deep aquifers below Central Oregon. But opponents to the development disagree.

Chang is especially concerned about the water-use issue. Knowing that’s probably not something I will solve in one news story, I asked about the other side of the coin — what might be a benefit to the development, from his point of view?

To Chang, the expanding tax base and growth opportunities wasn’t a strong enough reason to vote for the project.

“Sure, I could find great uses for that tax money,” he said. “But this zoning law is how we protect agriculture and open land in Oregon. This is the system we have. [Peaks 360] is an inefficient use of the land for housing, and we need to protect the EFU status if we want local agriculture to compete.”

On the other hand:

“Listen, I liked Sisters in the 1970s,” Cyrus said. “Our family was here when there was nobody else… … everybody knew everybody and waved to everyone. But, Sisters was almost a ghost town at that time and tourism revitalized it. If you’re not growing you’re dying. The people that buy those homes will pay a disproportionate amount of taxes and all the economic activity around those homes help us to keep Sisters going, pay for Redmond fire…”

While I wasn’t able to get comments from the Peaks 360 team, the website is chock-full of local sustainability and agriculture experts asserting the viability of the project. It’s billed as a “off-grid capable housing community” and the documentation asserts that the water and services costs will be minimal.

Still, it’s probably only a weathervane of more change to come. As Chang warned, we have had lots of these rezones in Deschutes County, and some 30,000 rural residential properties already exist in the county.

“What’s one thing you want Nugget readers to know about this project,” I asked DeBone. His answer? “Statewide land use needs to be discussed. People are upset because of a 50-year-old law. We need to look at it again to make sense of how to move forward.”

Know your local trails

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

A big lure for folks living in Sisters Country or visiting is the remarkable variety of hiking experiences to be found at our doorstep. Thanks in great part to Sisters Trails Alliance, the plethora of trail opportunities is enviable and a statewide magnet.

Ask most hikers how a trail rates and they’ll probably talk about mileage or elevation gain. But there’s another detail that shapes a hike just as much: the route’s basic geometry. Whether a trail loops back on itself, dead ends at a viewpoint, or drops hikers miles from where they started changes everything about how a day on the trail unfolds and how much planning it takes to get there and back.

Trail systems, from our Deschutes National Forest to nearby BLM lands or state parks, are typically built around a handful of recurring designs. Knowing them can help hikers choose the right route for their time, transportation, and tolerance for retracing their steps.

The most familiar is the out-and-back: hike in, then walk the same path back out. It’s the simplest design to navigate, since there’s only one trail to follow, and distance is easy to calculate, whatever the mileage in, double it for

the round trip.

Out-and-backs are the standard choice for reaching a single destination like a lake, waterfall, or summit, and hikers can turn around at any point without losing the trail. The tradeoff is repetition: the scenery on the return trip is the same scenery from an hour before.

A loop solves that problem by returning to the trailhead along a different path entirely, so hikers see new terrain the whole way. Loops make efficient use of trail mileage and are common in parks designed for day hikes, though missing a junction can add unplanned distance.

The lollipop design splits the difference. Hikers walk an out-and-back “stick” from the trailhead, circle a “candy” loop at the far end, then return the way they came. It’s become one of the most common modern trail layouts because it lets trail systems offer a loop experience without building multiple access points or parking areas.

A few variations build on that idea. A figure-eight strings two loops together at a shared junction, giving hikers the option to cut a hike short or extend it. A balloon loop is a lighter version of the lollipop. Rather than completing a full loop at the end, the trail simply circles a feature, such as a meadow or lake, before

heading back down the same approach. A horseshoe behaves like a loop that never quite closes; the start and end points sit near each other, sometimes just a few hundred yards apart, often because a road, river, or private property blocks the final connection.

and

Not every trail is meant to be a full route. A spur trail is a short dead-end branching off a main trail, typically leading to an overlook, waterfall, historic cabin, or fire lookout. Hikers see it and turn back. A tie trail, or connector, serves a different purpose: rather than ending at a destination, it links two separate trails, letting hikers build custom loops, shorten a hike, or reach a trailhead they wouldn’t otherwise access.

At the other end of the spectrum are point-to-point routes, sometimes called through-hikes, which start and finish in different locations entirely: ridge traverses, river-valley routes, and longdistance backpacking trips among them such as the internationally prominent PCT just west of Sisters.

These require a shuttle, a second vehicle, or public transit, but reward hikers with continuously new scenery. A ridge traverse follows a mountain crest between two points,

often crossing multiple summits along the way, while a true traverse crosses over a mountain or range rather than climbing and descending the same slope, moving from one drainage basin into another, for instance, or over a mountain pass.

A summit trail, by contrast, is built specifically to reach a peak, usually as an out-andback and often steepest in its final stretch.

Larger trail systems sometimes abandon a single route altogether. A network trail such as our world class Peterson Ridge system offers a web of intersecting paths — loops, spurs, and connectors combined — that hikers can link together freely, often with a map or GPS in hand. A hub-and-spoke system instead radiates multiple spur trails outward from one central junction or campground, common near lakes and visitor centers.

For a gentler introduction to any of these systems, interpretive nature trails such as offered by the Deschutes Land Trust or the highly popular Whychus Overlook Trail offer a short, often quartermile to two-mile walk paired with signage on local plants, wildlife, or history.

And on any shared trail, know when to yield.

Psilocybin raises safety concerns

By Shaanth Nanguneri Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon’s landmark effort allowing adults older than 21 to access psilocybin has evolved beyond “strictly medical uses” and may be allowing more people to enroll in the program than is safe, according to a new study.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University published their findings in mid-June in the International Journal of Drug Policy, drawing upon 2025 data from the Oregon Health Authority.

The study notes most patients in Oregon’s program come from high-income backgrounds and outside of Oregon. They found that few people had an adverse reaction to the psychedelic drug, but that a significant proportion of clients in Oregon reported using psilocybin services for general health and wellness. The other top two reasons for participation in the service last year were change in perspective and “expanded consciousness,” according to state data.

Oregon is the only state in the nation to use a “supported adult use” model for psilocybin access, meaning individuals only have to be supervised by a licensed facilitator at a service center and can access the drug for their own personal reasons. But researchers warned that the program raises “several safety concerns,” particularly when individuals are seeking psilocybin for serious medical issues.

David Yaden, an associate professor of psychedelic research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said the program’s “risk profile” was better than he expected, pointing to a low number of reported negative responses involving psilocybin. But he said that there is still a possibility that concerns are not being fully reported.

“Some people reported seeking out psychedelic services for general well-being while others reported seeking out services to treat medical or psychiatric conditions,” he wrote in an email. “There is some ambiguity about whether the services were designed to support these kinds of medical treatment related reasons, and this is an area for further discussion and consideration on the policy level.”

The findings come as Oregon is charting a four-year plan from 2025 to 2029 aiming to destigmatize the use of psilocybin “as a culturally responsive option for healing and wellness” following its decriminalization in 2020. State health officials have pointed to research showing

the use of psilocybin for healing in Indigenous communities as well as addressing depression, alcohol and tobacco dependency, and trauma.

Psilocybin, a drug which often comes in the form of mushrooms, creates a chemical compound similar to the chemical messenger serotonin, helping to regulate functions such as mood, appetite, cognition, and perception. Research has shown that it can alter the brain’s ability to both strengthen and weaken neural pathways, but there is less information available about the effects of numerous other compounds that are a part of psilocybin mushrooms.

Erica Heartquist, a spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority, noted in a statement that Oregon voters passed Oregon’s Psilocybin Services Act in November 2020 and that state law comes with its own “broad eligibility criteria” that is “not expanded by the agency.”

She pointed to a fact sheet on the program, which notes that “psilocybin products consumed must be cultivated or produced by a licensed psilocybin manufacturer, tested by a licensed laboratory, and may only be provided to a client by a licensed psilocybin service center during an administration session.”

The new study isn’t the only recent research conducted on Oregon’s psilocybin program. A federallyfunded study announced in February by Oregon Health & Science University aims to examine the safety and effectiveness of access to psilocybin in community settings rather than highly-regulated laboratories.

Todd Korthuis, a leader of that effort and co-director of the university’s Oregon Psilocybin Evaluation Nexus, said the study provides useful insight into Oregon’s program. He said his group would also be releasing their own findings in July detailing how individuals respond to psilocybin up to 72 hours after treatment, rather than on the day of receiving it. That data will allow researchers to evaluate whether more negative reactions to psilocybin occur for individuals who turn to the drug for serious issues such as trauma or depression.

“I am cautiously optimistic that expanding services through state regulated programs will be a good thing, but we won’t know that for sure until we have long term data on people accessing these services,” Korthuis said.

Republished under Creative Commons license

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, courtesy of https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/.

in effect until further notice and applies throughout the Sisters-Camp Sherman, Cloverdale, and Black Butte Ranch Fire Districts.

Continued from page 1

Local Deschutes County fire resources, structural and wildland firefighters worked through the night and were able to save the homes.

Moderate fire activity on Monday, accompanied in some areas by light rain, allowed wildland fire crews to continue strengthening existing lines and building lines around the new area of the fire, according to Oregon Department of Forestry reports.

A fire camp has been established at Sisters Rodeo grounds, and motorists are advised to drive with caution as fire-related traffic is ongoing in the area. A shelter has been established at Sisters High School, 1700 McKinney Butte Rd.

On Sunday, a fire broke out at Highway 126 and Oak Lane between Redmond and Sisters, reportedly caused by a property owner shooting an exploding target with a .223 rifle. The ensuing fire caused immediate evacuations and diverted resources from the Akawa Butte Fire. Firefighters got a handle on the blaze, and no homes or structures were lost. The property owner was reportedly cited for reckless endangering and reckless burning.

Given the extreme conditions and the numerous fires taxing resources across the region and the state, effective immediately, the Northwest Fire Agencies — including the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District, Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District, and Black Butte Ranch Rural Fire Protection District — implemented a ban on all recreational burning. The agencies will also follow the regulated-use closures established by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the public use restrictions implemented by Central Oregon Fire Management Service to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

The burn ban will remain

All open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, and fires used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or other bottled fuels are exempt from this prohibition.

“With multiple fire resources committed to the Akawa Butte Fire, Red Flag conditions affecting much of the region, and hot, dry weather expected to persist over the coming weeks, firefighters will remain heavily engaged in responding to new wildfire starts and suppressing the Akawa Butte Fire,” said Sisters-Camp

Sherman Fire District Public Information Officer Julie Spor, in a prepared release. “Human-caused wildfires resulting from carelessness or negligence place unnecessary demands on limited emergency resources and increase the risk to firefighters, our communities, natural resources, visitors, and neighboring private lands.”

The command team fighting the fire has established a Facebook page where they post video briefings and other fire information at https://www.facebook.com/ akawabuttefire.

The Nugget provides updates on its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ NuggetNews/ and at www. nuggetnews.com. Submit fire photos and other fire-related stories or information to editor@nuggetnews.com.

Initiative Petition 28 may not make ballot

By Mia Maldonado Oregon Capital Chronicle

A controversial initiative petition to ban killing or harming animals in Oregon with almost no exceptions may not qualify for the November ballot.

The petition failed the first round of the signature verification process, a spokesperson for the secretary of state’s office told the Capital Chronicle. However, it could still reach the ballot if it passes a second, larger review.

Framed as an anti-animal cruelty petition, Initiative Petition 28 is an effort led by Portland-based vegan advocates to expand the state’s animal cruelty laws to include hunting, fishing, breeding, farming, and research. Essentially, it would ban killing or injuring animals in all cases except for self-defense or veterinary care.

It’s highly unpopular among Oregonians across the political spectrum, but petitioners submitted 142,784 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office earlier this month — more than the 117,173 required to qualify for the ballot.

The Oregon Secretary of State’s Election Division

must verify those signatures using statistical analysis across two random pools. The first round uses a smaller sample of 1,000 signatures, and examines if the signatures match each person’s voter registration records.

“In the first sample, 804 of the sampled 1,000 signatures were found to be valid,” said Connor Radnovich, a spokesperson for the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. “Once the standard statistical formula was applied, it was determined that the petition did not have enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.”

The signature verification team has moved on to a second, larger sample. The secretary of state has until Aug. 2 to complete the verification process.

Before submitting signatures, the lead petitioners in a newsletter said they had already conducted their own signature verification process, removing 8,000 signatures from their original collection that were duplicates or from people who weren’t registered to vote.

If the petition doesn’t make the ballot, there would be no statewide citizen initiative on the general election ballot, Radnovich said.

great asset for us. It was good to see what Wildfire Water could bring to the table. Having a secondary water source can be very helpful for communities and seeing them roll out a thousand feet of 10-inch line in minutes and being able to put sprayers on fire to prevent spread adds a lot of efficiency.”

The Nugget asked Echols why Sisters was chosen to showcase their system held at the Cyrus farm in Cloverdale.

“Central Oregon is one of the nation’s premier wildland fire environments, making it an ideal location to demonstrate Expeditionary Wildfire Infrastructure. The Flat Fire

last year also underscored the importance of giving Incident Management Teams additional options, not only for supporting suppression operations but also protecting entire communities when they are threatened,” he explained.

“The Cyrus family deeply cares about their community, recognized the importance of bringing together wildfire professionals to explore new capabilities that may benefit future preparedness and response, and generously allowed us to utilize their property. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and hospitality.”

The Cyrus family has a long-standing relationship and record of volunteerism with Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District.

GFP is an emergency response solution provider.

Their services include emergency mobile services, specializing in base camp solutions and emergency management.

GFP offers logistical housing for over 10,000 and meal catering for over 12,000 people daily.

They provide on-site mobile restrooms, showers, heating/AC, beds, and laundry services. The tents come in multiple sizes and can be arranged inside to accommodate sleeping, gathering, and/ or meeting spaces.

They are best known for their support services in wildfire to various state and federal agencies.

When asked about the opportunity or partnership with GFP, Echols replied, “GFP is a national leader in Expeditionary Support Infrastructure — housing, feeding, and sustaining responders. Wildfire Water provides Expeditionary Water Infrastructure. Together, we provide Incident Management Teams with an integrated procurement and operating model that simplifies ordering, reduces incident administrative burden, and strengthens incident support through a single partnership while providing what each organization does best.”

As wildfires grow larger

and more complex, the demand for water grows with them and so do the distances crews must haul it. That logistical strain is what Wildfire Water is trying to solve. The company’s core offering, which it calls Expeditionary Water Infrastructure, separates the job of moving water from the job of applying it, so tactical crews can spend less time shuttling supply and more time putting water where it counts. Contrary to a common assumption, the challenge usually isn’t locating water. Most wildfires burn near substantial sources like lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, even the ocean. The harder

problem is transporting large volumes of that water to where and when firefighters actually need it, which is the gap Wildfire Water says its system is designed to fill. That capability isn’t limited to active fire response, either. The same infrastructure concepts can be deployed ahead of a fire, through temporary, pre-positioned systems or permanent, remotely monitored installations that protect communities, critical infrastructure, and other high-value assets before flames ever arrive. Deployable or permanent, the goal is the same: make sure water availability is never the limiting factor.

TICKET SCAM: Rodeo has been assisting those scammed

value to move fast. Buyers have little reason for suspicion: at the time of sale, the ticket is genuine.

Sisters Rodeo was not immune to the thievery, which cost it untold hours to unravel and efforts to recoup its losses. “We did everything we could to make the problem right with our fans and the poor folks whose cards were fraudulently used,” said Brian Greig, president of Sisters Rodeo Association.

“Our ticket team led by Jeri Buckman went the extra mile and beyond to assist the folks scammed, the banks, law enforcement, and our ticket processor to minimize their and our losses,” he added. “The Rodeo was never at fault but we took an attitude of help and care. It was very important to our reputation.”

The scheme unravels only after the cardholder spots the unauthorized charge and calls the bank. Once the bank reverses the transaction, the vendor cancels the tickets tied to it, sometimes after they’ve already changed hands. By then, the scammer has the resale buyer’s money and is gone.

The result is a chain of victims. The cardholder loses access to funds and must replace a card. The resale buyer may not learn the ticket is worthless until turned away at the venue gate. The vendor absorbs the

lost inventory and chargeback fees. Banks cover the losses, and organizers field the angry customers.

Ticket fraud appeals to organized crime for practical reasons: tickets are high-value, easy to convert to cash, and delivered digitally, leaving no shipping trail. Sellouts create urgency that discourages questions, and scattered victims make investigations difficult. Often the fraud is complete within hours, long before a stolen card is reported.

The scale is hard to pin down precisely, but the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center receives thousands of reports each year involving event ticket fraud, with losses growing alongside online ticket resale. Industry analysts put fraud losses tied to digital goods broadly — tickets, gift cards, travel bookings, and downloads — in the billions annually.

Consumer advocates advise buyers to be wary of sellers who demand payment through apps like Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo’s friendsand-family option, or who push cryptocurrency or wire transfers, all of which offer little recourse if something goes wrong. Deep discounts, refusal to use a reputable platform, high-pressure tactics, and screenshots in place of transferable digital tickets are also warning signs.

Greig cautions fans to buy tickets only from their official website.

“Tickets will go on sale in October. Avoid lastminute buying when scammers are at their worst,” he admonished.

have pushed homeownership out of reach for a growing share of buyers in many markets, a trend widely documented across the housing industry in recent years as material prices, labor shortages, and land costs have climbed. Builders and industry groups have proposed a range of responses, from prefabricated housing to modular units to changes in local zoning rules.

Boxkill’s approach centers on forming roll-stock metal into building components using custom machinery, rather than assembling structures primarily from lumber and other materials on site. According to the company, the components are manufactured in a controlled setting and then brought to the building site, a process the company says reduces the amount of on-site labor required compared with conventional stick-built construction.

The company says this shift from manual on-site assembly to factory-style manufacturing can speed up production timelines and reduce some of the variability that comes with weather delays, subcontractor scheduling, and other on-site factors common in traditional building.

Boxkill also says its method uses substantially less raw material to construct a home of a given size than conventional building techniques, and that the manufacturing process is designed to limit material waste. The company describes its finished homes as smaller in footprint than typical single-family houses, built with fewer components overall.

The company frames its work as part of a broader case for rethinking standard construction practices, arguing that assumptions built into conventional building methods — from material choices to on-site assembly sequences — should be reexamined rather than treated as fixed.

Boxkill says its goal is to produce homes it describes as durable and affordable while reducing the environmental footprint of the manufacturing process.

The Nugget visited with Boxkill’s creators and founders, Paul Rawlins and Andrew Schar. Our first question and the one they always get is: where did the name come from? “Don’t just think outside the box… kill it,” they replied in unison.

“We have seven kids between us who have gone through Sisters schools,” Rawlins informed us. “They are in a world of unaffordable homes as so many trying to live in Sisters.” Schar said: “We have spent about two years designing and six

months building the prototype. Our vision is create a replicable model… homes and even factories… that communities everywhere can use to solve housing challenges.”

“We are targeting a starting price of $120,000 for the Boxkill 200 unit,” Rawlins said. “We are actively engineering our units to meet International Residential Code (IRC) standards.”

“This important process ensures safety, quality, and code compliance for broad residential and ADU uses,” Schar added. “It will take a few months to complete, after which we’ll be ready to move forward with production and delivery.”

They have been visited by Mayor Letz and others of city council, and are in discussion with local developers to find a location in Sisters to move from prototype to reality.

Eric Strobel, EDCO’s Sisters Country director, praised the tour.

“Sisters is home to an incredible mix of businesses that are creating products with local roots and global reach,” he said. “The Made in Sisters Tour gives people a rare opportunity to step inside these companies, meet the people behind them, and gain a deeper appreciation for the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit that help make Sisters such a vibrant place to live and do business.”

DISTRICTING:

Voters may decide on issue in November

Continued from page 1

draft ballot title to put a proposal before the voters in the November election, the above paragraph becomes a reality in 2028.

The matter is contentious, and the July 15 meeting reflected that.

While the drafted ballot title had been published in the package the week before the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) July 15 meeting, during said meeting Commissioner DeBone presented a revised draft ballot title changing a few words and adding a new paragraph. It was not clear whether the maximum word count was exceeded. If it was exceeded, the title approval may need to be revisited by the BOCC. If not over the word limit, the revised draft ballot title will be filed and publicly posted. The title includes the ballot title, the purpose, and summary of the measure and its effects. Voters dissatisfied with the title can petition the circuit court for review of the title after the filing date through the next seven days.

Both DeBone and Adair are lame ducks — they will no longer be commissioners in January 2027. DeBone lost his position in the May election. Adair will vacate her position in December and is running for U.S. House of Representatives Congressional District 5.

BOCC Vice Chair DeBone explained that after the public in November 2024 approved a

measure to increase the number of County Commissioners from three to five positions, he was hearing that voters thought they had voted to create districts. DeBone said he was trying with this title to “complete what the voters had started.”

BOCC Chair Phil Chang noted that the ballot measure passed by voters to increase the County Commissioner positions by two did not include the words “district” or “districts.” Commissioner Adair pointed out that in Chang’s argument for the measure in the voters’ pamphlet, indicated creating districts might be the next step. Chang responded that he is not opposed to having the County divided into districts if it is done in accordance with the law, using an unbiased process, and applies “at large” or similarly inclusive voting.

In mid-2025 the BOCC agreed 2-1 to create a District Map Advisory Committee (DMAC). The BOCC appointed a seven-member DMAC who were restricted to creating a five-district map. Before November 2025, the DMAC had voted 4-3 for Map C. In the first quarter of 2026, the BOCC decided to put Map C before the public for a vote in November. The Title includes the draft District Commissioner map, aka Map C.

Currently, all County commissioner candidates are elected “at large.” This allows all registered voters in the County to vote for candidates in each open BOCC position every two years; the BOCC’s four-year terms are staggered.

(See sidebar at right.)

The title asks the public to approve a division of the county into five commissioner districts and to approve a change to the county election law replacing voting “at large.” The title notes that BOCC Candidates must have lived within a county district for the past year or more and the electorate votes only for a district commissioner in which the voter is registered. Thereby each voter’s ballot will only show the BOCC candidates within their commissioner district every four years unless vacated sooner.

Two individuals spoke in support of the title and both had been DMAC members: former County Commissioner Phil Henderson and Planning Commissioner Chair Matt Cyrus. Their support lauded the DMAC process, declared that district Map C is fair, and expressed the fairness of having county districts.

Of the 17 citizens who spoke against the title only one had been a DMAC member, Mayor Melanie Kebler. The concerns raised in opposition were that the title:

• Is unconstitutional and will be appealed potentially costing the county upwards of $300,000.

• Includes Map C created in an illegal process ignoring some of Oregon State statutes for creating districts.

• Is not a continuation of the measure passed in 2024 increasing the BOCC positions by two, but rather a means to continue minority rule within the County.

• Creates an as yet unconsidered financial expense after 2030 to redistrict after each decadal census.

• Should wait until

Current Deschutes County Commissioner elections

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) has had three members since 1918. In January 2027 the BOCC will have five members. BOCC Chair Phil Chang continues in Position 2 until the end of 2028. Four BOCC positions will be filled with new commissioners. Two new commissioners will replace BOCC Vice Chair Tony DeBone and Commissioner Patti Adair, positions 1 and 3, respectively and two new commissioners will fill the new positions 4 and 5.

In the May election, any BOCC candidate for a position who won more than 50 percent of the total votes

sometime after the fivemember BOCC (with four new members) are instated in 2027.

• Creates political and

became a BOCC Candidate Elect who will begin serving in January 2027. If no commissioner candidate for a position received more that 50 percent, the two candidates with the most votes will compete to win the position in November.

After the May election, the BOCC Candidates Elect are Jamie Collins in position 1 and Rick Russell in position 4.

In the November 3 election BOCC candidates Amy Sabbadini and Lauren Connally will compete for Position 3 and Morgan Schmidt and Rob Imhoff will vie for Position 5.

Voting for BOCC candidates is at large — all registered voters can vote to fill BOCC positions 3 and 5 in November.

financial divisions between voters of each district and pits BOCC members against each other to compete for limited resources.

The Avenir Realty Team: Maddie Fischer, Suzanne Carvlin, Hilary Saunders, Heather Blaine, Paula (Maddie’s Mom)

Kellen Klein and Citizens4Community • City of Sisters Corndog Company of Central Oregon

Deschutes County Board of Commissioners

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Deschutes Cultural Coalition

Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration

Earthwood Timber Frame Homes • Explore Sisters Honor Flight of Central Oregon

Jim Cornelius and The Nugget Newspaper

Kiwanis of Sisters • Martin Cascade LLC

Mid-Valley Quilt Guild • Molasses Bakery

Oregon Department of Transportation

The Pony Express • The Roundhouse Foundation

Salem Star Quilts of Valor

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Sisters Astronomy Club • Sisters Business Association

Sisters Rotary Club • Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Corps

Lyndsey and the St. Charles Team • Stitchin’ Post

Casey and Stagecoach Adventures

Sharon and the team at the U.S. Post Office of Sisters

Our UPS, FedEx, and Amazon delivery teams

And to all of our Sponsors, Volunteers and Quilters

The individuals and organizations recognized above represent just a few of the many people who helped make this year’s Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show possible To our volunteers, sponsors, donors, quilters, the businesses that proudly displayed quilts, community partners, and everyone who shared their time, talents, and enthusiasm — thank you. Together, you transformed Sisters into a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of quilting We are truly grateful. WWW.SOQS.ORG

Getting on with it, one flight check at a time

By Sherry Steele Columnist

In Sisters, we are lucky to have mountains that look steady even when the rest of us are trying to remember where we put our glasses. Getting older sneaks up on a person. One day you are making weekend plans, and the next day your calendar looks like it belongs to a very busy medical clinic.

Still, aging is not just aches, appointments, and mysterious noises coming from knees that used to be quiet. It is also a season with rewards. Older folks around Sisters are still visiting with neighbors, watching the light change on the mountains, starting new projects, and finding good reasons to keep going.

The future holds more than doctor appointments, though some weeks the refrigerator calendar may argue otherwise. It holds conversations, friendships, memories, laughter, small plans, and the chance to learn something new or help someone else. Sometimes it simply holds the gift of being here.

Every morning, when my eyes open, I do what I call my flight check. Is everything still working? Can I move? Can I think clearly enough to be trusted with coffee? Can I laugh? If the answer is yes — or close enough — I tell

INPUT: Forest project is slated to begin in 2027 north of Sisters

Continued from page 1

environmental assessment, “Ponderosa pine would be favored for retention focusing on heavier removal of western juniper and incense cedar. Ponderosa pine trees would be thinned throughout the diameter size range. Western juniper that are 21-inches DBH or larger and do not meet old-growth specifications may be girdled/felled and left onsite as needed to meet objectives.”

“Shaded fuel break” thinning would “reduce fuels in strategic locations along roads and property lines to improve fire suppression and firefighter and public ingress/egress during a wildfire response. Post treatment conditions would generally consist of well-spaced large pine trees as individuals and pockets of 2-3 trees.”

myself, “Let’s get on with it.”

If something is not working, I try to fix it. If it cannot be fixed, I try to live with it, work around it, or at least give it a stern talking-to. Aging may slow us down, but it does not have to stop us from hoping, learning, laughing, or looking forward.

Maybe that is one quiet lesson of growing older in a small town: we learn to pay attention. We notice seasons more, value friends more, and understand that a peaceful morning, a useful task, or a good chair can make a day worthwhile.

I try to learn something new every year. I choose something doable with my current abilities and state of mind, then make it part of daily life. Learning is rewarding. It can last all year—and sometimes longer.

So here is my question for you, gentle reader: What are you planning for the rest of your life? It does not have to be grand. Maybe it is calling an old friend, taking a walk, writing down a memory, or finally cleaning out that drawer we all pretend not to see.

Tell me what keeps you going and what you would like me to write about next. Around here, we are all just doing our morning flight checks—and getting on with it.

Small tree thinning would “reduce stand density close to historic conditions to increase growth of residual trees, reduce stress from drought, insects, and disease, and improve fire resilient species composition.”

To view and download the draft Environmental Assessment, visit fs.usda. gov/r06/deschutes/ projects/351294. Submit electronic comments using CARA at cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/ CommentInput?Project =351294. Alternatively, comments may be mailed to: Sisters Ranger District, 694 N. Larch St., PO Box 249, Sisters, Oregon 97759. Hand-delivered mail will be accepted at 201 N. Pine St. during normal business hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

All comments must be submitted or postmarked by August 14, 2026. A decision is expected in early 2027.

Off-road expo to roll into Sisters

Backcountry Offroad Expo is coming to Sisters High School August 1-2.

The expo brings together the offroad and outdoor community for a weekend of vehicles, gear, education, camping, and connection. The consumer-facing outdoor trade show will feature offroad vehicles, adventure vans, trucks, trailers, rooftop tents, campers, outdoor equipment, builders, brands, and local businesses.

Attendees will have the chance to explore different setups, meet the people behind the builds, enjoy food trucks, listen to live music, participate in community activities, enter the raffle, camp onsite, participate in the DIY contest, shop the For Sale vehicle section, and learn from educational talks and demos throughout the weekend.

The adventure doesn’t end when the expo closes. Following the event, attendees can continue the experience by joining BOE Encore, a guided adventure with Backland Adventures featuring two nights of camping and a full day exploring the scenic

Offroad Expo will bring off-roading enthusiasts together at Sisters High School next month.

backroads of the Deschutes National Forest. The optional post-expo trip is open to all vehicles and offers another opportunity to experience Central Oregon alongside the community.

Johnson RV is the event’s presenting partner.

Backcountry Offroad Expo was created to feel more like a gathering than a traditional trade show. The goal is to create a welcoming space for anyone who loves the outdoors.

“Oregon has one of the strongest outdoor communities in the country, and Sisters felt like a natural fit

for Backcountry Offroad Expo,” said Merrisa Petersen, founder of Backcountry Offroad Expo. “We’re excited to bring together people who love exploring, learning, and spending time outside, while creating a place where everyone feels welcome no matter what they drive or how they adventure.”

Attendees can use code SISTERSFREE for free admission and CAMPING20 for 20 percent off of camping passes for the weekend (camping includes Friday and Saturday nights). All proceeds from the raffle go directly to the Humane Society.

By Chester Allen

Patagonia: Not spoiled yet Tight Lines

In late February, I found myself casting thumb-sized beetle flies to very big rainbow and brown trout in Chilean Patagonia.

It gets the blood pumping and hands shaking when you see a 27-inch wild brown trout cruise up to your Chubby Chernobyl dry fly — and then suck it down in a tiny dimple.

The jumps, big, scorching runs, and sheer power of these trout are addictive.

There are so many astounding trout in this part of Chile — I was staying at Patagonia Baker Lodge right on the world-famous Baker River. In fact, my first nice fish of the trip— an 18-inch rainbow trout hooked on Lago General Carrera — didn’t impress my guide at all.

“Let’s find a big one,” he said, as he slipped out the barbless hook and watched the fish swim off.

Now, an 18-inch rainbow on our own Metolius River is a big deal. Photos are taken and friends are emailed or texted when you get home. The Metolius has a lot of big trout, but hooking and landing them is a constant challenge.

The culture at Patagonia Baker Lodge celebrates catching and releasing very big rainbow and brown trout—especially brown trout that are longer than 24 inches. Beautiful color photos of grinning anglers holding brown trout up to 30 inches long line the beautiful hallways of this plush lodge.

Of course, catching and releasing massive trout is exactly why I took multiple flights to get to Patagonia. My journey included a marathon 11-hour overnight journey from Dallas, Texas to Santiago, Chile. Then there was another 2.5 hour flight from Santiago to the beautiful town of Coyhaique in southern Patagonia. Then there was a four-hour drive — mostly on gravel roads — to finally reach the Patagonia Baker Lodge.

After this epic journey,

it was astounding to sink into the luxury of Patagonia Baker Lodge, which including gourmet meals, great accommodations, and warm hospitality from everyone. And the fishing was sensational.

After a few days of this, I wondered if the Metolius, the Deschutes, and all the other wonderful waters in Sisters Country would pale in comparison to the sublime trout, scenery, food, and people at Baker Lodge.

I know people who got a big taste of Patagonia, New Zealand, or even Montana or British Columbia, and they came home to Central Oregon wrecked, spoiled anglers. They now rarely fish on local waters.

Before I left on the trip, Heather stood in my home office and watched me pack.

“So, you’re going almost to Antarctica to fish for the exact kind of trout you catch here,” she said. “Tell me again why you’re going so far and spending so much.”

“Big trout, a wild beautiful land, cool people — and it’s summer down there while it’s winter right here,” I said. “I’m stealing a couple weeks of summer in February.”

I could go on and on about the great fishing and all the new friends I made. I regularly talk to three of the Patagonia Baker River Lodge guides on Instagram. But the key part is that I now plan to visit Patagonia — Chile or Argentina — every other year. I think about Patagonia all the time.

So, what about here in Central Oregon?

On the long flight home, I found myself hoping to see Metolius trout rising to Blue Wing Olive mayflies.

When I got home, I unpacked, ran some laundry and went to bed. A few hours later, I woke up. It was cloudy and a chilly 40 degrees. Nothing feels colder than a humid 40 degrees after being in 80-degree, summery weather 24 hours earlier. I ate breakfast, bundled up, and headed to the Metolius.

When I got to the river, I found native Redside rainbow trout dimpling in a favorite run. It was hard to see the Blue Wing Olives, as four or five of them would easily fit on a quarter. But the fish on Frustration Flats could see them just fine.

My hands were shaking while I tied on a size 20 Sparkle Dun dry fly. I cast the fly to a rising trout. The 14-incher tipped up and stared at my fly while it drifted downstream. The picky fish turned away and rejected my fly.

“Oh, boy,” I thought happily. “I’m home.”

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

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CATEGORIES:

101 Real Estate FOR SALE

4 BR, 2 BATH CONDO AT BLACK BUTTE RANCH

Fabulous views, newly updated Lodge Condos #35 & 36

Great location on the ranch!

corrielake.realtor@gmail.com

Stellar Realty NW 541-521-2392

HOME FOR SALE

1005 E. Horse Back Trail 1807 SF single level

3 BD/2BA $689,000. 541-420-1143

Updated home, easy 55+ living. $395,000 541-316-8025

4 bed, 1,900 SF, faces park. $535,000 541-316-8025

102 Commercial Rentals

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

Cowboy Court Apartments

2 bedroom 2 bath. $1,695/month, RSD $1,650. 1 year lease. Vacates 8/12/26. Some pets considered (dogs & cats OK with add'l $350 RSD per pet). 2nd floor unit in the back building. W/S/Garbage/ landscaping is paid. Approx. 1,000 sq. ft. NO SMOKING. 154 W Adams Ave. #225 Dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer, deck, garbage disposal, granite countertops, energyefficient windows, storage, plank flooring throughout, electric heat w/air conditioning, off-street parking - one reserved space (covered space $20/Month).

104 Vacation Rentals

Downtown Vacation Rentals

Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom www.SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150

201 For Sale A new Weber Master-Touch 22" kettle charcoal grill, Assembled, charcoal, & chimney. $250. 541-549-4876. It's All About Sisters! SISTERS OREGON GUIDE Published by The Nugget Visit us online at SistersOregonGuide.com

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 HUGE GARAGE SALE

July 24 - 25, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 69427 Crooked Horseshoe Dr., Sisters. Follow the signs! Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150

301 Vehicles

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

302 Recreational Vehicles

2021 Tiffin Open Road Allegro 34PA, $120,000, 43,300 miles, Ford 7.3 liter gas engine, new tires, many upgrades. Shown by appointment. Mark 541-668-1524 or Deb 402-496-9579.

RV A/C NOT KEEPING UP?

Restore cooling performance * Clean coils * Improve airflow Mobile RV Appliance Repair www.JackrabbitRV.com 602-429-9221.

401 Horses

Orchard Grass Hay For Sale $250/ton, 541-408-6258

ALFALFA

TRITICALE

ORCHARD GRASS HAY New 2026 crop. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $250-$350/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

403 Pets

Mini Golden Doodle Puppies

Special pricing considerations for seniors and service dog prospects goldenlegacydoodles.com 541-647-7630

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

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

HAVE A SERVICE TO PROVIDE? Place your ad in The Nugget

CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS

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.

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

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

502 Carpet & Upholstery

M & J CARPET CLEANING Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090 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 Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825 S I C K L Y T R E E S ? Check the Nugget's classified advertisers for professionals to help you!

•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 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

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

Tree Removal • Tree Pruning Good for Trees. Good to People. SparTreeArborist.com (916)619-6317

Answer: Page 23

601 Construction

Construction & Renovation

Custom Residential Projects

All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

Custom Homes • Additions

Residential Building Projects

Serving Sisters area since 1976

Strictly Quality

CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764

John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

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

Lara’s Construction LLC.

CCB#223701

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

Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me. All projects: From new construction to those little projects you don't seem to get to. My team of local subcontractors and I will get it done right, fair, and pain-free so you can make your spouse happy.

Call Jared 503-949-9719

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians

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

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

Custom Homes Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects

Becke William Pierce

CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com

— Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

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

Pat Burke

LOCALLY OWNED

CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062

www.sistersfencecompany.com

Home Hardening Services / Assessments / Ember Defense

Retrofits / Vulcan Vent Certified / Gain Defensible Space CCB# 218954

www.cascadiadesignbuildllc.com

Call Adam 541-974-2282

Earthwood Timber

•Recycled fir and pine beams

•Mantels and accent timbers

•Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

602 Plumbing & Electric

SERVICE

541-419-3148

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

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

SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.

“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling

•New Construction

•Water Heaters 541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial

Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587

Electrical Service & Repair

Est. 1947, CCB#54572

Local in Sisters 503-357-2146

Licensing for

Construction Contractors –An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. The state provides detail online at www.oregon.gov/CCB.

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

•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!

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

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

604 Heating & Cooling

ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

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

Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service

Residential & Commercial Heating • Ductless Air Conditioning • Maintenance Installation • Repair 541-588-5667 SistersHeatingAir.com

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

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

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

Alpine Landscape Maintenance An All-Electric Landscape Company.

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

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

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

J&E Landscaping

Maintenance LLC

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

Need some earth moved? Check out the Nugget's C L A S S I F I E D S for professionals to get the job done!

Eastern Cascade Solutions

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

LCB #9958 • CCB #222039

Part Time Sales Associate Love people, fabric, and creativity? Stitchin' Post is seeking a friendly, dependable team member to join our retail staff. Three days per week; may require weekends. Apply in person at Stitchin' Post, 311 W. Cascade Ave., Sisters, or email diane.j@stitchinpost.com. 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

SUDOKU SOLUTION

for puzzle on page 22

| BLACK BUTTE RANCH

| Susan Bird

1109 W

YAPOAH CRATER DRIVE | SISTERS

Modern elegance and comfort in this unique 3-bedroom home featuring exquisite custom chandeliers in each bedroom and integrated LED lighting throughout. Updated cabinetry, st ate-of-the-art appliances (2025), and a captivating dining area with a

13400 FOXTAIL GCC99 | BLACK BUTTE RANCH

Beautifully updated condo on 18th fairway captures picturesque views of 1st and 9th fairways with Black Butte as the backdrop. Light-filled interior and easy indooroutdoor living perfect for unwinding or hosting. Opportunity for a full-time home, vacation escape, or incomeproducing property. $875,000 MLS#220219714 | Corrie Lake

723 N FREEMONT STREET | SISTERS

Plenty of natural light and

14866 BLUEGRASS LOOP | SISTERS

This single-level, open floor plan, Crossroads subdivision home, built in 2014, on 1 acre, offers so much! 24x30 insulated shop with 200-amp service and double att ached garage with 400-amp service. Both with ductless heat pumps! Plus, covered RV Parking. Tot ally fenced with 2 gates and plenty of parking. The entire interior freshly professionally painted. $649,000 MLS#220222058 | Susan Bird

Meticulously maint ained Fuqua EnerGWise home in The Pines. Pride of ownership shines throughout this move-in-ready home featuring an inviting open floor plan with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a versatile den/office. This is low-maintenance living at its finest in one of Sisters’ most sought-after communities. $435,000 MLS#220224808 | Cary Kiefer

12900 HAWKS BEARD, LODGE CONDO 35/36 | BLACK BUTTE RANCH

Exceptional condo presents a rare opportunity as both luxury retreat or income-producing investment. Extensively renovated in 2024, residence blends mount ain charm with modern sophistication. Vaulted greatroom features wood ceiling and stone fireplace. Premium st ainless$999,000

71190 FIDDLENECK

Amazing mount ain views! Tucked at the end of a quiet road, this stunning 5+ acre property offers the kind of privacy, views, and flexibility that are getting harder and harder to find. With breatht aking mount ain views and a level landscape, this is truly a blank canvas ready for whatever your heart desires. Property is mostly fenced for privacy. $649,000 MLS#220218714 | Cary

1035 E HORSE BACK TRAIL | SISTERS

Thoughtfully designed with a desirable primary suite on the main level, this home features numerous upgrades including quartz countertops, designer updated lighting, and t asteful finishes throughout. Enjoy light-filled living spaces and step outside to your own peaceful private backyard oasis, perfect for relaxing and entert aining. $699,000 MLS#220224488 | Corrie Lake

Low-stress living with access to all that Sisters has to offer in this lovingly cared-for 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,691 sq. ft. townhome. The covered front porch overlooking open space is a private oasis. The off-street parking, alley access, and a garage add convenience and exceptional storage. As your own home or a rent al, this property is exceptional. $489,000 MLS#220217074 | Jennifer McCrystal