The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVIII No. 24 // 2025-06-11

The Nugget

News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Kids Fest draws enthusiastic crowd

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

If you drove past the former elementary school Saturday afternoon and saw flashing emergency lights atop patrol cars and a fire engine, you may have been momentarily alarmed.

It wasn’t an emergency; it was a full-on festival. The lights — and an occasional siren — were playful demonstrations put on by Deschutes County Sheriff deputies with an assist by Black Butte Police Department along with Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District.

Families from across the community gathered at the Sisters Community Recreation Center for the annual Kids Fest, an event that continues to grow in both size and spirit. Formerly known as Kids Carnival, this year marked the third installment of the celebration, drawing approximately 400 attendees and featuring more than 40 exhibitors.

Hosted by Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD), Kids Fest spotlighted local organizations that provide valuable programs and services to youth and families. Highlights included

a hands-on Truck Zone, a bike safety course led by the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, and two milestone ceremonies: a ribbon cutting for SPRD’s newly completed preschool playground and a groundbreaking for the future community park.

“This event truly celebrates being a kid in Sisters,” said Jennifer Holland, executive director of SPRD. “We couldn’t have done it without

City hosts houselessness ‘community conversation’

There is no more urgent topic in Sisters right now than how the Sisters community addresses the population living in the forest outside of town. Many of those people work in Sisters but cannot afford housing here; others prefer living in the forest. There is much concern for this population in the community, but also concerns about fire danger and personal security.

The City of Sisters is inviting local folks to attend a second Community Conversation on Houselessness on Tuesday, June 24, from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Sisters Park & Recreation District Community Center. The event, hosted by a coalition of local organizations and agency partners, will focus

on how the community can work together to address houselessness in the Sisters area.

The first Community Conversation in October 2024 gave residents a chance to voice their questions, concerns, and suggestions about houselessness in the Sisters area. Based on this input, the partners developed four strategic priorities and a related action plan. Their June 24 meeting is designed as an opportunity to introduce the action plan and gather community feedback. Community participation and insights are important as locals address houselessness in Sisters Country.

Priorities from the action

our incredible exhibitors and generous sponsors.”

Holland expressed gratitude to Sisters Dental for returning as the title sponsor, as well as to supporting sponsors Mid Oregon Credit Union and St. Charles Health System.

“Thank you to everyone who braved the heat to spend the afternoon with us and make some fun memories,” she added.

The event, from 1:00 to 3:30, was held under sunny skies and slight breezes.

Sisters High School Jazz Band, Sisters Ukelele group, and Sisters Dance Academy performers boosted the already lively mood as parents and kiddos wandered the campus.

The new Community Park on campus is under construction with completion scheduled for fall.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity launches new development

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

The ground rumbled and vibrated for days around the corner of Larch Street and Adams Avenue as crews from Robinson & Owen Heavy Construction began laying in the infrastructure that will underlay 26 small, affordable homes in Sisters Habitat for Humanity’s Larch Commons development. The homes will range from one to three bedrooms and from 900 to 1,300 square feet in size. They are on very small lots, which was a critical aspect of making the $10 million project pencil. The City of Sisters Cottage Overlay Zone along Adams Avenue allowed for the housing types that will be featured in the development.

“That helped make it

See HOMES on page 21

Sisters Rodeo’s supporting cast

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

The 85th Sisters Rodeo opens Wednesday night with Xtreme Bulls. Some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the business will be the stars of this year’s five-day spectacle. Many hold champion status with the buckles to prove it. Several will come into Sisters this week at or near the top in Pro Rodeo rankings as our rodeo is a favorite for fans and performers alike. It’s not just the riders and ropers that will keep the action fast, and occasionally furious. It takes a whole cast of highly skilled players to pull it off.

Most obvious will be the bullfighters and rodeo clowns who have one role – protecting cowboys from the bulls. These skilled and fearless performers work as either

bullfighters, barrel men, or entertainers, each whose job is to distract the bull long enough to allow the cowboy to safely escape the arena. They will gladly place

themselves in harm’s way, jeopardizing their own wellbeing for the safety of the cowboy. Agile, athletic and

See RODEO on page 26

Letters to the Editor…

Western

To the Editor: Traveloregon.com states on their website: “Sisters, Oregon: DISCOVER the Old West Town-Sisters is a vibrant, artsy community with charming 1880s facades and smalltown ambience.”

Sisters is nationally known for hosting the “Biggest little rodeo in the World” every year attracting people from all over to come and spend time and money in our little town.

Affordable housing

By Steve Woodside Guest Columnist

of Champions held at the Sisters Rodeo grounds.

This sculpture recognizes Sisters as a thriving art community and one of its local artists, Dyrk Godby, whose painting was the inspiration for Con Williams sculpture.

This bronze would be a tribute to the history of Sisters and complement the 1880s-themed architecture throughout town.

It wasn’t until after reading The Nugget’s article about the proposed bull sculpture at the roundabout that we became captivated by the story of Lane Frost, a champion bull rider, competing on a Sisters-raised unridden champion bull, Red Rock, at the Challenge

Therefore, we would like to add our 100 percent support to the proposed installation of the bucking bull bronze sculpture at the roundabout on the East end of town.

Harv and Cathy Moen

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. See LETTERS on page 20

Sisters Weather Forecast

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In the discussion of affordable housing in Sisters, T. Lee Brown and Susan Cobb have taken a few swings to try and address the issue. Based on their previous writings, it is difficult to remove the progressive bias from what is clearly an issue for a tourist-centric city like Sisters. The framework for two of the three articles is centered around definitions, but I am far more confused after reading the three articles than when I started, and perhaps that is the point. Assuming a decent credit history and low debt, a person can generally afford to buy a house at 2.5 to 3.5 times their gross income. In the example T. Lee Brown provided, a teacher, making the median salary of $58,000 would be able to afford to buy a $200,000 house. Are there $200,000 houses in Sisters? How many $200,000 houses can be built based on land availability and cost, labor, materials, and other regulations? Perhaps there are two married teachers; then the house price becomes $400,000. Again, not a lot of inventory for houses at that price point. If the teacher decides to rent, the reasonable rent, at 30 percent of gross income, would be around $1,450 per month. While there are some apartments that rent at this price point, there are not many options. Frankly, more apartments, at this rental amount or lower, feels like the only realistic solution to the question of housing availability.

For the worker making $15/hour at a fast-food restaurant, there are no viable housing options, and, honestly, there has rarely been an expectation that a person working in the fast-food industry as a server would make enough to live independently, as these jobs, historically, have been held by high school students who are getting their first taste of work life, and enjoy the additional income while living in the comfort of their parent’s house. If there is “privilege,” as T. Lee Brown calls it, it feels like it may be that our high school students do not have jobs after school like many of us experienced growing up.

Housing that supports the successful operation of running a city like Sisters, should be a bipartisan issue,

but T. Lee Brown’s column is a masterclass in irony. “Do words matter?” she writes. Yes, they do. “But sometimes, in pursuit of various agendas, we warp our language…” she writes, and then proceeds to pursue an agenda by warping the language.

First, her cards get fully laid on the table when she uses the phrase “brutally capitalistic society” to describe living in the United States. I am not truly sure what she means by this when all evidence suggests otherwise, but yes, the United States is primarily a capitalist, democratic society, which is the absolute worst, except for every other form of economy and government.

Second, she states that “smart people, usually privileged ones, strategize and invest with the express intent of making more money.” I have known many smart people and a few really dumb ones, but I have yet to meet a person who invests to lose money. And, if we are going to discuss definitions, what does “privileged” even mean when it comes to investing money to make more money? Making money is the express intent of investing regardless of whether you were born with a plastic spoon or silver spoon.

The issue I see in identifying the solution to a poorly defined problem, is that it always comes down to increased taxes – whether it is increased property taxes, transient lodging taxes, and other taxes that are soon to be proposed. If we truly lived in a brutally capitalistic system, we wouldn’t fall back on socialist tendencies to create an artificial marketplace. More importantly, the people that can’t afford increased taxes are the people who are finding it difficult to find housing here in the first place.

Based on Oregon’s historic mismanagement of tax revenue, it would be naïve to think that the tax money will actually go towards solving the problem of available housing. Nor do price controls, or restricting who can buy what property when it tends to limit supply rather than grow it. The marketplace must decide, and good old supply and demand remains undefeated in determining who lives here, what shops remain open, and how the city develops in the future.

Music series kicks off in Sisters

The vibrant sounds of favorite local band The Gypsy Travellers will launch the 11th Annual “Early Evening Summer Music Series” on Friday, June 13, with a free live performance at Eurosports, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Based in Sisters, Gypsy Travellers bring a joyful, high-energy mix of Americana, folk, and blues, perfect for dancing barefoot in the grass or simply soaking in a beautiful Central Oregon evening. Their music is both uplifting and deeply soulful, drawing from many influences while staying rooted in rich

traditions.

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383.

Alcoholics A nonymou s

Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills

Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration

Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild

For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets 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.

Outlaws name new head football coach COMMUNITY

The band features the talents of each member contributing their own style. The members include Cruz Asbell (bass), Tamra Asbell (lead vocals), Tyrell Beatty (lead guitar/vocals), Brooke Miracle (backup vocals and percussion), Leif Anderson (acoustic guitar), and Scott Crabtree (percussion, trumpet, vocals). Most of the band has a hand in writing original songs. With tight harmonies, vibrant instrumentation, and a genuine connection to their audience, Gypsy Travellers have quickly become a local favorite for music lovers of

all ages.

“We’ve been busy working on new songs in new ways, and can hardly wait to share these,” said Crabtree.

The show marks the opening night of Eurosports’ beloved Early Summer Music Series, a seasonal celebration of live music, local food, and community spirit, running every week from June 13 through September. Performances are outdoors in Eurosports’ shady courtyard, which is family- and dog-friendly, with a variety of local food carts on-site and cold

See

Post office access remains unchanged

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

The road work around Sisters Post Office has raised questions about the impact on patrons entering and leaving the facility. Patrons will still enter and exit the way they always did.

However, the experience of turning at the intersection of East Barclay Drive and North Larch Street where the Post Office is located should be more pleasant and safer, for two reasons:

One, the turns will be

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

Hayden Hudson, who has lived in Sisters all his life, and has played football since he was in elementary school, will take the reins as the Outlaws new head football coach this fall.

Football has always been a part of Hudson’s life, officially starting with flag football when he was in the fifth grade. From there it was middle school and high school football, where he played as an offensive lineman. During his high school career the team went to the State Championships twice, but unfortunately came up

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

Council on Aging of Cent ral O rego n Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43 East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’ Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061. G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church. 541-771-2211

Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Siste rs Communit y Church. M ater ials provided. 541- 408 -8 505.

Hero Q uilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 5 41-6 68 -1755

Living Well W ith Dementia Sisters

Care Par tner Suppor t Group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Library Communit y Room. 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., meeting by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158

Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church. 5 41-5 49 -6157.

Sisters Area Woodworke rs First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97

Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregi ver Sup por t G roup 3rd Wednesday., 10:30 a.m., Siste rs Episcopal Church. 503 -616 -8712.

Sisters Cribbage C lub M eets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at S PR D. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.

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

Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m. Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.

Sisters Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at S PR D in Sisters 541- 632- 3663

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.

radius, a gentle rounding, and not the tight 90-degree perpendicular turns that currently exist. Trucks and longer vehicles especially will have an easier time.

Two, the new scheme provides for landscaped “bump outs.” A curb extension — also known as a bulb-out, or bump-out — is a traffic calming measure that widens the sidewalk for a short distance. This reduces the crossing distance and allows pedestrians and drivers to

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

Sisters Trails A lliance Board Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In- person or zoom. Contact: info@sisterstrails.org

Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 1st Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSI D Of fice. 5 41-9 03 -405 0.

Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279.

VF W Po st 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:3 0 p.m., Pine Meadow V illage Clubhouse, 596 W Jef ferson Ave. 541-241- 6563

SCHOOLS

Black Bu tt e School

Board of Direc tors 2nd Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203

Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule at www.ssd 6. org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002.

short.

“That was a bummer!” said Hudson. “It was such a fun opportunity. We were a cohesive unit and we had some great stars, like Cory McCaffrey, Nate Jackson, Jeff Sampson, and Jared Hasskamp.”

Hudson graduated in 2010 and went on to play one year of football at Pacific University, where he met his wife Kyla. They live in Sisters with their twoyear-old son Declan, and one more on the way.

Hudson shared with The Nugget what he loves about football.

CIT Y & PARKS

Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters Cit y Hall 541- 549- 6022

Sisters Park & Recreation District

Board of Dire ctor s 2nd & 4th Tues., 4 p.m., C of f ield Center. 5 41-5 49 -2091.

Sisters Pl anning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022.

FIRE & POLICE

Black Bu tt e Ranch Polic e Dept. Board of Dire ctor s M eets monthly 541- 59 5-2191 for time & date

Black Bu tt e Ranch R FPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., BB R Fire Station. 5 41-595 -2 28 8 Cloverdale R FPD

Board of Dire ctor s 3rd Wed., 5:3 0 p.m., 6743 3 Cloverdale Rd. 5 41-5 48 -4 815. c loverdalef ire.com.

Sister s- Camp She rman R FPD Board of Dire ctor s 3rd Tuesday, 5 p.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 5 41-5 49 -0771. Sister s- Camp She rman R FPD Drills Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 5 41-5 49 -0771.

Bipartisan legislation aims at mitigating wolf predation

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

In an era where bipartisanship is rare, both Republicans and Democrats in Salem passed legislation aimed at helping ranchers who lose stock to wolf predation. The House on Tuesday, June 3, passed SB 777 on a vote of 44-12 with three excused. The Senate passed the bill on March 25 on vote of 28-1 and with one excused. It’s on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Sen. Todd Nash, R-Enterprise, ushered the bill through the Senate, while Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, shepherded the bill through the House. “I’ve been working on wolf management and depredation issues for nearly two decades, both on the Fish and Wildlife Commission and now in the Legislature,” Levy said in a press release. “SB 777 A reflects years of hard work and real-world experience — it finally gives our ranchers a fair, workable system that acknowledges the true cost of coexisting with wolves. I’m proud to see it pass with

strong bipartisan support.”

Ranchers and stockmen are generally praising its passage. The bill allows increased compensation, including multipliers for confirmed and probable wolf kills — up to five times fair market value for some animals — capped at $25,000. The bill also requires counties to allocate at least 50 percent of grant funds toward nonlethal deterrence methods, such as fencing, lighting, and range riders. The bill aims to both reduce conflict and improve accountability.

In a statement to The Nugget , Sisters-based Wolf Welcome Committee said it opposes SB 777’s passage for the following reasons: “A fair, full market value compensation plan already exists for livestock killed/injured in Deschutes County. $4,620 was awarded in 2024 in compensation. In 2025, three ranchers received $45,000 for non -lethal prevention tools.

“The exaggerated claims by ranchers that wolves are a threat to their economic stability is shown in USDA reports on Oregon’s

cattle mortality by wolves. Last year’s 69 confirmed wolf depredations, out of 1,250,000 cattle, equals a .0006 percent mortality rate. Compare this to a 40% mortality rate from livestock respiratory/ digestive tract diseases!

“A five-times market value payout for a dead animal disincentivizes the use of non-lethal co-existence tools and does not support the original intent of the Oregon Wolf Plan.”

Adam Bronstein, Oregon director of Western Watershed Project, had similar views. “ODFW biologists who are tasked with making wolf-kill determinations are under tremendous pressure to return positive findings and are often bullied and pressured by ranchers under the current reimbursement program. SB 777 would make the situation much worse by sweetening the pot. Let’s not forget that these are taxpayer dollars going to an already highly subsidized private industry. Governor Kotek should veto the bill,” he said.

Jen Patterson is strategic initiatives manager, Deschutes County

Administrative Services, and serves as the staff person of the county to the Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Committee.

For there to be any compensation for livestock losses from wolf predation, Oregon counties must have a fully functioning committee. In Deschutes County the committee is made up of two representatives who own or manage livestock, two who support wolf conservation and two business representatives — persons with a strong working knowledge of the issue. The seventh member is one of the county commissioners, in this case Phil Chang.

Patterson could not make either of her two livestock producers available to The Nugget . The Nugget has observed that livestock producers are often reticent to discuss wolf predation on the record for fear of being considered insensitive at best or bad people at worst. Moreover, they are concerned that activists may encroach on their property or disturb their way of life.

Testifying before the legislature, Diana Wirth, president-elect of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, recounted a harrowing incident where a wolf attacked her cattle, leaving lasting scars — both physical and psychological.

“To this day, we cannot work her with our dogs,” she said, highlighting the ongoing trauma experienced by both animals and humans.

Beryl Nelson, representing the Douglas County Livestock Association, voiced support for the bill, arguing that a healthy livestock industry is essential for reducing wildfire risks and providing quality food. He stressed the importance of adequate compensation for wolf damage to ensure the sustainability of Oregon’s agricultural sector.

In 2012, only eight counties were eligible for funding; however today 18 of Oregon’s 36 counties have established wolf depredation committees.

SB 777 is the first major change to the wolf depredation program in over 10 years.

Furry Friends sees increased need in Sisters

It was business as usual at the Furry Friends pet food bank last Thursday.

“We had 23 families who came by for pet food and we gave out 16 bags and 46 cans of dog food, 15 bags and 160 cans of cat food, and 12 tubs of litter along with lots of dog and cat treats,” said Furry Friends Foundation founder and operator Kiki Dolson. “In addition there was one large crate, a large dog bed, a large harness, dog and cat toys, plus grooming supplies and shampoo. It was a successful day, with a big price tag.”

The pet food bank distributes approximately 2.5 tons of pet food a month.

Furry Friends Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, operates a year-round pet food and pet supply bank in Sisters. They also sponsor free vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries through the FixBend program.

“One of our recent success stories is Tom (pictured),” Dolson said. “Before a volunteer reached out to Furry Friends Tom was a very matted, fully-intact male cat, wreaking havoc in a local neighborhood with the other cats. With a Furry Friends sponsorship, Tom is now neutered, fully vaccinated, and looking his best self.”

Dolson confirmed that Furry Friends is seeing more requests from homeless people. However, Dolson said, most of their clients continue to be Sisters residents: 40 percent of those are seniors living on fixed incomes.

Cash donations are vital to serving the individuals and families who rely on help from Furry Friends.

“Sisters is a very giving community but our private donations are down almost $5,000 for the year and pet food costs have soared,” Dolson said. “We welcome cash donations of any amount and are looking for more $10 monthly donors to join our current list. It all adds up and is fully tax deductible.”

The blue bag bottle and can drive (cans are located on the east porch of The Nugget Newspaper office) continues to be a major funding source, but to put that in perspective the average cost of a bag of dog food now is equal to about 400 bottles and cans.

“There is a lot of competition with other worthy nonprofits in area for those same bottles and cans, so we are thankful for that support,” Dolson said.

There is some confusion with the trailer by City Hall that is Brightside Animal Shelter’s drop off site. That is a different organization.

Recently there has been an influx of folks reaching out for help with end of life for their pets.

“Imagine having a dog that is suffering and it is time to let him go but you don’t have the money to pay for euthanasia,” Dolson said.

Furry Friends has been there to help at one of the most important times for a pet owner’s peace of mind.

Dolson reports that the

pet food bank has a great crew on Thursdays, with lots of activity. Sandy and Kelly are the heavy lifters, with Judy often bagging up the canned food to go out. Marcy, Gloria, Amy, and Jeannie round out the afternoon crew.

It’s a busy place that day, open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; they welcome pet food donations, broken bags are okay, and clean used pet supplies, too. It all goes right back out.

When dogs aren’t visiting, you may get a chance to meet Moxie the handsome tuxedo cat who lives on the corner when she comes by for some treats. She has let it be known she only likes the “mixed grill” flavor.

Volunteers are needed at the pet food bank for the Thursday 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. time slot. Friends are encouraged to sign up together for the once-a-month shift.

The Furry Friends pet food bank is located at 412 E. Main (behind The

Nugget Newspaper office). Donations can be dropped off there, mailed to PO Box 1175, or donated online at www.furryfriendsfound ation.org For more information how you can help call 541-797-4023.

Outfitting Sisters with ‘a darn good hat’

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Stacey Squire is on a mission to outfit folks in Sisters — locals and visitors alike — with “a darn good hat.”

Sisters Hats + Co. has moved to an expansive new location in the Town Square building at 161 East Cascade Suite D, where Squire and her staff offer an expansive selection in a wide range of style, along with custom fitting services to ensure that their customers walk out with a hat they will love to wear.

A quality hat serves multiple purposes: It shades us from the sun and keeps the rain off our head — and at the same time it is an expression of our personal style and way of life.

Squire’s own love for a good hat stems from her own

Western, outdoor lifestyle.

“This all, obviously, comes from my love of horses,” she said. “And you can’t have a horse if you don’t have a darn good hat.”

Sisters Hats + Co. offers a broad spectrum of hat styles, from quality felt cowboy hats to newsboy caps — but the mainstay of Squire’s line is SunBody Hats. These are not “straw” hats — they are made of Guatemalan palm, which is far more durable than straw, and can be soaked and shaped, cleans up well after a long trail ride in the Central Oregon cinders, or after a full day of gardening in the Sisters Country sun.

You can find a SunBody in every style, from a smallbrimmed fedora to a widebrimmed vaquero hat. And Sisters Hats + Co. will make sure you walk out with the shape, size, and style that

suits you. That’s very important to Squire.

“I don’t want them to end up with a hat they don’t wear,” she said.

That entails some real hands-on, personal customer service. You don’t just go into the shop, grab a hat, and plop it on your head. The folks at Sisters Hats + Co. will talk to you about the purpose of the hat — whether it’s a fashion statement or a practical piece of equipment (or both).

Then they’ll help find the right shape for the purpose, and for your personal style. They’re not afraid to tell you a hat doesn’t work for you and help you find something that does.

And then they’ll make sure it fits right — because a hat has to fit right if it’s going to share your adventures day in and day out, and carry the memories those adventures

bring.

“Most of our customers are so appreciative of the process,” Squire said.

A hat is a functional necessity in a place like Central Oregon, but Squire knows that a hat is a lot more than that. It’s a way of making a statement without words.

“How great is it to put your hat on and be who you are and say what you want to say — and you don’t even have to say it,” she said.

She notes that some customers are a bit shy of a bigbrimmed hat — but she quietly encourages them to give a wider brim a try.

“I push the big brim, because I know it will spark something in them that they will like,” she said with a smile.

Squire was raised in a rural environment in Northern California.

“I grew up working hard, with parents who taught me to pluck a chicken before I could dot an ‘i,’” she said. Her father was a sculptor,

and Squire picked up an aesthetic sensibility by osmosis.

“I think I got it in my blood,” she said.

Those aesthetic sensibilities are on full display in the shop — artfully laid out, colorful, and welcoming.

“Everything is inspired by nature — the colors you see in nature,” she said.

Squire says she just brings the elements together, and they do the work themselves.

Sisters Hats + Co. has a strong dedication to promoting the work of small makers. Squire believes that the world is “over-branded,” too fixated on names.

“I love small-maker goods,” she said. “They’re more about the quality of

Our ar tisans are 3rd-generation meat and smoke exper ts, and we’ll cut your meat to order. We’ve got tasty sandwiches and NW craft beer on tap! Have you tried our Alaskan seafood? The perfect addition to a mixed grill feast for Father’s Day!

Open house celebrates school’s extensive remodel

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

The sweet, two-classroom schoolhouse in Camp Sherman has become an updated, three-classroom building with new amenities and spaces. The community celebrated with an open house last Thursday at Black Butte School (BBS).

Thirteen-year-old Gavin Schultz has attended BBS since second grade. “I’m definitely going to remember it when I’m old and gray,” he said. “I’ve made lots of good friends. I could almost say that I’m friends with everybody in the school.”

Before the remodel, “the old school was very charming and great and awesome. With the change, the layout’s different, everything looks a little different.”

To Schultz, though, the school still feels the same. “All the teachers have their signature flair; they put up stuff on the walls,” he said.

BBS is the only school in its tiny district. Camp Sherman residents voted to allocate $2 million in

bond funds for the upgrade construction. The Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program provided another $2 million.

Delaney Sharp, principal and teacher, said many projects had made their way onto BBS’s to-do list: asbestos removal, new roof, additional classroom, office space, and updated bathrooms among them.

Importantly, security needed to be improved. Before, the door opened “right into a classroom with kids,” said Sharp. “Back in the day when it was built, it was an open door... people could come in and out. In the modern day, we wanted a more secure entryway.”

BBS leadership realized “it made sense to go for the bond, ask for funding from the community, and be able to get it done all at once, instead of piece-mealing it out over years,” he explained.

After breaking ground last June, the project moved quickly. “We came in on time and on budget, which is not something you hear on very many big projects these

days,” said Sharp.

“Now, for the first time, I have an office,” he exulted, “where I can close a door and have a phone call. Before I had my phone in my classroom.”

The fundamentals of BBS will remain the same. “What makes BBS special has not changed. We’re still a small school with mixed-grade classrooms, a K–8 model. We’re not trying to grow big,” Sharp explained.

Enrollment at BBS hovers around 25–30 kids. Most live in Camp Sherman, with transfer students from Sisters rounding out the student body.

Small class sizes in a small school create “meaningful, lifelong connections,” said Sharp. “There’s some alumni here tonight who

met and became friends as little kids in the school, and they’re still friends as adults, hanging out.”

Outdoor education is a hallmark of BBS. “That’s really Camp Sherman, right? That’s our culture out here: getting kids outdoors, connecting with the natural world.” Flow in and out of the building, into the forest, has improved with the

remodel, Sharp said. Kindergartener Mila and her second-grade sister Josie go to BBS. “They just love it,” according to their mother, McKenzie Ruckman.

The family moved from Bend to Camp Sherman five years ago. Ruckman’s husband has worked year-round at nearby Hoodoo Ski Bowl

Polachek takes field as girls soccer coach

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

Ken Polachek has been selected as the new head coach for girls soccer. He is excited about the opportunity that lies ahead.

Polachek has been both a player and a coach. He started to play the sport when he was four years old and played through high school and into college. Polachek played his freshman year at West Linn and the following two years at Wilsonville High School as a center defensive player or outside defender. He was named second team all state his junior year and the team made the playoffs both his sophomore and junior year.

He didn’t play soccer his senior year and regrets that decision.

“It was a mistake,”

Polachek said. “There was a change in coaching personnel, and I just decided not to play. My decision not to play is one of the non-highlights of my high school career.”

In addition to school ball, Polachek played on a club team (West Linn/Wilsonville Club) from fifth grade through his junior year, where the team won league several times.

After high school, he attended Portland Community College and for three years played inner city games on a men’s league in Portland. After college he played an additional eight years.

His coaching experience began in 2002 and 2003 with his former club coach from Wilsonville, where he helped coach the sixth and seventh grade boys soccer team. Later, from 2011-2014, Polachek was the assistant coach for the F.C. Fire Club fifth through eighth grade boys team.

Polachek and his family moved to Sisters in 2015, and he coached a coed team

through SPRD.

Ken shared with The Nugget that he has three passions, which is anything with two wheels, motor or not, and soccer.

“Soccer is a game about life,” said Polachek. “You learn so much about yourself and the teammates around you. You learn who you can lean on, who you can trust, and who’s going to motivate and push you.”

Polachek is definitely a big fan of the sport, and has not only played personally and coached, but has watched his two boys play as well, not only locally, but with big club teams that have travelled to Las Vegas, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Seattle, to just name a few. He also made a trip to Spain to watch his son play in an huge international tournament.

“I understand strategic positioning and game tactics that extend beyond American style to Spanish style and UK style,” said Polachek. “There are too many influences here in the U.S. and we haven’t nailed down our style of play.”

Polachek told The Nugget that he will definitely implement a certain style of play.

“We will run a modified version of total football (soccer),” said Polachek. “We won’t pass over 20 yards. Everything will be quick

Soccer is a game about life. You learn so much about yourself and the teammates around you. You learn who you can lean on, who you can trust, and who’s going to motivate and push you.

— Ken Polachek

with short passes with lots of off the ball movement and everybody supporting every position.

“Competition on the outside is growing and if we don’t commit to being involved in that outside competition we won’t be the powerhouse we used to be,” added Polachek.

He’s very excited to be

back on the field coaching, instead of just being a parent on the sidelines.

“I’d like to stick around and I’d like to see the team get back to its former glory of consistently being high in the playoffs,” said Polachek. “I realize it’s not going to be an overnight process, but with time and consistency we’ll produce results.”

GO FISH GROUP

will meet at Sisters Community Church on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m . Our speaker will be Garrett Lesko and will present the program on “Euro Nymphing 101.” For more information call Gar y 541-771-2211.

e Peaceful Presence

Projec t Connection Cafes

Communit y members come together for supportive dialogue around personal experiences with serious illness , dying , and grief. ese gathering spaces provide compassionate human connection on di cult matters of the heart. e Sisters will meet at the Sisters Librar y June 18 f rom 3 to 4:30 . ere is no charge and all are welcome. Info call: 541-293-8636.

Weekly Food Pantry

Wellhouse Food Pantr y has a new name: CORE Market . It is still located at 222 N . Trinity Way in Sisters . Market hours are now Mondays , f rom 1 to 2 p.m. Info: 541-588-2332.

Sisters Downtown

Walking Tours are back! ree Sisters Historical Societ y is happy to announce the return of these f ree, family-friendly, and docent-led tours. Set for 22, tickets are required and available exclusively on the Eventbrite website. Go to Eventbrite.com, for location choose “Sisters”, for event choose “ ree Sisters Historical Society ” Scroll down, and click on June 22 to view options for any of the other dates as well. Donations are always welcome. Learn about the histor y of the buildings , and the businesses and people that inhabited them.

Sisters Garden Club

Monthly Meeting

Sisters Garden Club invites the public to our monthly meeting on Saturday, June 21. Join us for a presentation by Mimi Schaefer with the Sisters Community Garden. She will speak about the benefits of community gardening. e meeting is at Sisters Community Church , 130 0 W. Mckenzie Hwy. at 10 a.m., doors open at 9:30.

Sisters Community Church VBS

“True North” is coming to Sisters Communit y Church , June 23–27, 2025 , 9 a .m. to Noon. VBS is f ree and open to the community. To register, go to sisterschurch.com/ events . For questions , contact Cindy, c vice@sisterschurch.com Sisters Community Church is located at 130 0 W. McKenzie Hw y., Sisters; 5 41-549-1201. Free Lunches for Seniors

For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers

a f un, no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. No reservations needed. No-cost Grab-N-Go lunche s take place weekly on Wed . and urs ., from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367

A NNOUNCEMENT S

Mobile Employment Resource Van (MERV) coming to Sisters COIC - WorkSource Oregon is providing job and career ser vices in Sisters to any job-seeking individual (help with a résumé, interview skills, connecting with employers). e MERV will be stationed at Sisters Park s & Recreation District Community Center parking lot, 611 E Cascade Ave., June 24, and July 2. Info: contact Matt Olsen, mobile employment counselor, molsen@coic.org.

2025 Lec ture SeriesCare & Stewardship: rough Action and Art

Join us on ursday, June 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for the second lecture in our 2025 lecture series . We are excited to host Allison (Alli) French, of Talent Maker Cit y, and internationally acclaimed photographer, Nanc y Floyd, to discuss their diverse experiences in caretaking and stewardship; Alli, as a visionar y educator, while Nanc y brings us closer to the natural world through the lens. is event is f ree and open to the public . Registration is required at https:// roundhousefoundation.org/ events/. For more info call 5419 04- 070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture 68467 ree Creek s Rd., Sisters

Help Make Puppets for Big Ponderoo

Join local artist Debra Fisher on Friday, June 13 , f rom 11 a.m. to noon for three days of puppet making and community connection at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture. e vision for the series is to create a bev y of bee puppets that can be paraded around the 4th Friday Artwalk and the Communit y Celebration which opens the Big Ponderoo Festival. e bees will be joined by the sun goddess and salmon puppets f rom last year’s Festival. is event is f ree and open to the public . Registration is required at https:// roundhousefoundation.org/ events/. For more info call 5419 04- 070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture 68467 ree Creek s Rd., Sisters

Housing Applications

Available

Sisters Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for six a ordable homes in Sisters . Apply online at www sistershabit at.org/apply-forhousing or pick up a paper copy at our Administrative O ce. Applications are due by Friday, June 13 at 3 p.m. Visit www sistershabit at.org for full details

Free Weekly Meal Service

Family Kitchen hosts weekly togo hot meals on Tuesdays , 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy Visit www.FamilyKitchen .org

TSHS Introduces a Heritage Homes Tour!

On Saturday, June 21, ree

Sisters Historical Societ y will host their inaugural walking tour of nine historic homes in the Village Green area . Your guides will share stories of the buildings’ histor y and their inhabitants f rom the 1910-1970 era, including a sheri , a doctor, forestr y workers , f armers , and loggers . Do you know what the Village Green was before becoming a park? is f ree tour will begin at 10 am, cover about a mile, and take about an hour. Families are welcome. Tickets are required and available on the Eventbrite website. Go to Eventbrite.com, for location choose “Sisters”, for event choose “ ree Sisters Historical Societ y ” and scroll down. If you have any questions , call Diane at 541- 610- 6323

Monthly Song writers’ Sharing Circle

Be in a creative community and be inspired while sharing songs , being a great listener, and providing feedback. Second Sunday of the month, 6 -8 p.m., in the Sisters Folk Festival “JA M Studio” upstairs in the Sisters Art Works building , 20 4 W. Adams Ave. Free. Info: 541-977-8494, jessaneene@msn.com

Camp Polk Pioneer Cemeter y Tour

e one-hour tour begins with a brief histor y and focuses on key ancestors who helped bridge pioneer travel bet ween the Willamet te Valley and Prineville, settling in the Sisters area . To join a tour go online to www Eventbrite.com, Camp Polk Cemeter y Tour, leave phone number in case of cancellatio n, ursdays , June 19, July 17, August 21, 10:30 a .m. Free.

Sisters Careg iver Support

A f acilitated support group for caregivers of those with chronic or life-shor tening diseases meets 10 :30 to 11:30 a .m. on the third Wednesday of ever y month at Sisters Episcopal Church of e Transfiguration, 121 Brook s Camp Rd . For more information, please call 503-616 -8712.

Living Well With Dementia Sisters Suppor t Groups

Living Well now o ers t wo support groups . A support group for the care partners and f amily of those diagnosed with some form of dementia meet s on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month f rom 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Sisters Library Communit y Room. A support group for the person diagnosed with some form of dementia in the early stages meets the same days and times , also at Sisters Library. Info: 541-588-0547.

Summer Solstice 1 Mile Walk & Resource Fair

Let ’ s walk For dementia awareness! Join our easy, onemile community walk to raise awareness for dementia, and stay for a resource f air designed for all care partners , whether you’re supporting a person with dementia or any other illness . June 21, 8 to 11:30 a .m., Reed Stadium parking lot, 2155 McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters For more information go to LWWDS .com or call 541-5880547

Summer Solstice Gathering & Labyrinth Walk

Join us to celebrate the change of seasons June 20 at 7 p.m. Wear white or bright colors — it’s a festive occasion! Bring a drum, flute, or bell if you like. Water bottle & sun hat recommended. Free of charge; donations welcome. Sisters Community L abyrinth, intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 242, with driveway on Hood Ave. More info: sisterscommunitylabyrinth.org.

Weekly Food Pantry

Wellhouse Food Pantr y has a new name: CORE Market . It is still located at 222 N . Trinity Way in Sisters . Market hours are now Mondays , f rom 1 to 2 p.m. Info: 541-588-2332.

PET OF THE WEEK

DAVE

Meet Dave! is f riendly, housetrained, and cratetrained pup enjoys the company of other dogs out and about. He’s a dog park favorite, but can be more selective with dogs he shares a home with. He’d do best as the only pet or with a compatible, respectful animal. Dave has lived peacefully with a dog-sav vy cat and thrives in an adultonly home where routine and structure help him feel secure. He’s ver y f riendly with sta and volunteers, always eager for attention and a ection. If you’re interested in Dave, stop by the shelter to say hello!

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

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES

Baha’i Faith

For information, devotions, study groups , etc., cont ac t Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteaching s.org

Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s 452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 541-977-5559; 10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting

e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 121 N Brook s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org

8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship

10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship

e Resting Place meeting at Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us

5 p.m. Sunday Worship

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 541-815-98 48

11 a .m. S aturday Worship

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831

www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.com

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har ring ton Loop Rd . • 541-389-8960 www.sistersna z.org • info@sistersnaz .org

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational)

130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com

7:30 a .m. Daybreak Ser vice • 9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship

St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391

5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 9 a .m. Sunday Mass 12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a .m. Tuesday-Friday Mass Wellhouse Churc h 442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a .m. Sunday Worship

EUROSPORTS: Concerts are held in the food cart courtyard

Continued from page 3

beverages available.

“This series is about bringing people together,” said Eurosports owner Brad Boyd. “It’s bikes, live music, lots of food choices, and summer evenings in Sisters. Having Gypsy Travellers kick it off is just the kind of magic we look forward to all year.”

Admission is free. Furry companions are welcome.

People can learn more about The Gypsy Travellers and listen to songs at www.thegypsytravellers. com. People can discover more about Eurosports at www.eurosports.us.

On Friday, June 20, local favorite Toothpick Shaker is taking the stage for an evening of familiar tunes and feel-good rhythms, delivering a dynamic mix of classic rock, reggae, and beloved oldies from 5 to 7 p.m.

Toothpick Shaker is more than just a cover band; they’re a party waiting to happen. Known for their infectious classic rock and timeless covers, this Bendbased band brings a soulful, rhythmic sound that guarantees good vibes. Expect familiar tunes that bring back great memories, spontaneous jams, and vocals that will have you singing along from the first note.

Boyd can attest to their dedication and fan appeal: “The first year they played for us, it was mid-June and 38 degrees! They performed their second set inside a food cart to stay warm because they wanted to keep playing! Every year, people end up singing along and dancing to them. They are a definite fan-favorite for all ages.”

Toothpick Shaker features the collaborative talents of Matthew Gwinup’s commanding vocals, Travis Palladino’s blistering guitar solos, Mark Knippel’s infectious basslines, and Greg Allen’s rock-solid rhythms converge to create a musical force that’s both familiar and thrillingly fresh. They blend the timeless energy of classic rock with the infectious hooks of pop and a sprinkling of modern rock, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

“Toothpick Shaker has something for everyone,” Boyd said. “They’re a rare blend of being really accomplished and yet feeling so approachable — giving off a really friendly vibe. We’re lucky to have them play in Sisters.”

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

SISTERS-AREA Events & Enter tainment

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 11

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

The Barn Live Music: Honey Don't 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

Sisters Rodeo Arena Sisters Rodeo Xtreme Bulls

6:30 p.m. Tickets at www.sistersrodeo.com. SOLDOUT

Hardtails After Rodeo Party — Live Music by Party in the Back! 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. $10 cover. Info: bit.ly/hardtails-fb

Sisters Saloon Sisters Rodeo After Pa rty — Live Music by Dr y Canyon Stampede 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. under the big tent on the patio No cover; all ages www.SistersSaloon.net.

THURSDAY • JUNE 12

Paulina Springs Books Cursive Writing Course Hands-on introduction to cursive writing 4 p.m. 3-week class for students and adults. Free; registration required: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Lareida Buckley presents "Stories from the Sheriff 's Daughter," 6:30 p.m. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Sisters Rodeo Arena Sisters Rodeo

6:30 p.m. Tickets at www.sistersrodeo.com.

Hardtails After Rodeo Party — Live Music by Sleepless Truckers 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. $10 cover. Info: bit.ly/hardtails-fb

Luckey's Woodsman Trivia: Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m. Info: luckeyswoodsman.com.

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Cover City 5 to 8 p.m. Advance tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 12th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 For information call Eurosports at 541-549-2471

Sisters Saloon Sisters Rodeo After Pa rty — Live Music by Joe Slick Band 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. (music 'til 12) under the big tent on the patio $10 cover; 21+. www.SistersSaloon.net.

FRIDAY • JUNE 13

Sisters Coffee Co Live Music: Kolby Knickerbocker on the patio 3 to 5 p.m. Info: instagram.com/sisterscoffee/ Sisters Rodeo Arena Sisters Rodeo 7 p.m. Tickets at www.sistersrodeo.com. SOLDOUT .

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Jeff Miller & The Congregation 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center

Sisters Saloon Sisters Rodeo After Pa rty — Live Music by Joe Slick Band 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. under the big tent on the patio $10 cover; 21+. www.SistersSaloon.net.

Hardtails After Rodeo Party — Live Music by Sleepless Truckers 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. $10 cover. Info: bit.ly/hardtails-fb

The Barn Live Music: Critical Blues Band 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Gypsy Travellers

5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • JUNE 14

Cascade Avenue Sisters Rodeo Parade

9:30 a.m. Celebrating the 85th anniversary of Sisters Rodeo! Come cheer on your favorite entries. Info: www.sistersrodeo.com.

Sisters Rodeo Arena Sisters Rodeo

1 p.m., 7 p.m. Tickets at www.sistersrodeo.com. SOLDOUT

Hardtails After Rodeo Party — Live Music by Sleepless Truckers 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. $10 cover. Info: bit.ly/hardtails-fb

Sisters Saloon Sisters Rodeo After Pa rty — Live Music by Joe Slick Band 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. under the big tent on the patio $10 cover; 21+. www.SistersSaloon.net.

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

Paulina Springs Books Knitting Circle Bring your own project and supplies. This is not a workshop but there are experienced knitters in the group who are happy to help those just starting out. (Second Saturday.) Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

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

SUNDAY • JUNE 15

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Featuring live music community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

Sisters Rodeo Arena Sisters Rodeo

1 p.m. Tickets at www.sistersrodeo.com. SOLDOUT

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble

11 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 18

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

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

THURSDAY • JUNE 19

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Kate Hamberger presents "Dances With Fire: Lessons in Life, Faith & Firefighting," 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

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

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, Lecture: "Care & Stewardship: Through Action and Art" with Nancy Floyd and Allison French. 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Registration and info: www.roundhousefoundation.org/events/. Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Klassixs Ayreband 5 to 8 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center

Sisters Depot Live Music: Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent, 6 to 8 p.m. Sign ups start at 5 :30 Upstairs at "Frankie's." Info: sistersdepot.com/our-events.

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 12th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 For information call Eurosports at 541-549-2471

FRIDAY • JUNE 20

Sisters Coffee Co Live Music: Jacob & Amanda Wallace on the patio 3 to 5 p.m. Info: instagram.com/sisterscoffee/

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Heller Highwater Band 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center

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

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • JUNE 21

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

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: John Hoover & The Mighty Quinns 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Pack Basket Weaving Workshop" with Rose Holdorf A two-day workshop, June 21-22. Materials supplied. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $165 Registration: www.roundhousefoundation.org/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 • JUNE 22

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

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Bobby Lindstrom Band 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 25

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $50 buy-in, freezeout. The Barn Live Music: Two Trick Pony 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

THURSDAY • JUNE 26

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Kota Dosa 5 to 8 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Gar y Lark presents "Coming Down the Mountain," 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 12th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 For information call Eurosports at 541-549-2471

Luckey's Woodsman Trivia: Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m. Info: luckeyswoodsman.com.

FRIDAY • JUNE 27

Village Green Park Big Ponderoo Community

Celebration Art activities for all ages 5:30 to 8 p.m. Free concert (no ticket required) 6 to 8:30 p.m. including The Wilder Flower with Outlaw Strings, Kota Dosa , and Yarn. Presented by SFF Presents. More information at www.bigponderoo.com.

Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. For additional information go to www.sistersarts.org.

Sisters gets ready to celebrate Fourth of July

The partnership between the Rotary Club of Sisters and Citizens4Community (C4C) returns this coming Independence Day to host the 2nd Annual Sisters 4th Fest in Village Green Park. Sisters 4th Fest is free, family-friendly, locally oriented, and open to the public from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Events featured this year will include a pancake breakfast, a classic car show, live music from the Dry Canyon Stampede, line dancing, a fun run, fire truck tours, pie eating contest, lawn games, and a kids’ zone.

Launched in 2024 to fill the void left by Rumble on the Runway at the Sisters Airport, the half-day event harks back to the small-town Independence Day celebrations of yesteryear — the type of gathering that brings a community together for good, clean fun, friendship, and festivities.

Sisters 4th Fest is also community-driven. Sponsors already on board include BASX Solutions, Blazin Saddles, Bliss Roofing, the City of Sisters, Fathom Realty, Hayden Homes, Les Schwab Tire, The Nugget Newspaper , Mid Oregon Credit Union, Next Phase Realty, St. Charles Medical Foundation, Sisters Bakery, Sisters Business Association, Sisters Park and Recreation, and Rescued Living.

The event website can be found at https://sister s4thfest.com/. To volunteer, email rotaryofsisters@gmail. com.

Developers continue to bet on Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

At a time when over 100,000 square feet of commercial space is available to rent or lease in Sisters, some of it on the market for nearly three years, developers like Rob Moneyhan still see plenty of upside.

Moneyhan’s newest project — Third Garage — is out of the ground, walls going up, on Lundgren Mill Drive, just west of Sun Ranch Drive in Sisters’ growing northeast corner.

He sees the area as ripe for expansion, close to both recent residential and commercial growth. The project is immediately across the street from homes in the ClearPine Subdivision and within walking distance to the Post Office, Fika Sisters Coffeehouse, a home furnishing store, Sisters Coffee Co. roastery and an eclectic blend of artisans, a soon to be craft brewer, a distillery, and Sisters Eagle Airport and business park.

Indeed, the northeast

quadrant, is a developing business hub comfortably integrated with residential use.

Moneyhan says his concept matches the growth in population for Sisters that will necessitate more small businesses, everything from personal grooming to home repair to medical services.

“Our key is flexibility, being able to configure to a wide range of business needs,” Moneyhan said. “We could go as low as 900 square feet, but we expect most of our tenants to fall into our 1,326 to 1,844-square-foot bays. These are typical floor plans for light industrial tenants.”

Third Garage Light Industrial can combine spaces for larger businesses ranging from 3,688 to 7,376 sq. ft. “That’s the flexibility we’re taking about,” Moneyhan explains. “We have 10 roll up doors that can handle a mix of business types, even a restaurant operator.”

He’s encouraged by the large-scale Sisters

Woodlands project and Third Light’s proximity to the Barclay Bypass.

The predominantly steel and glass structure consists of two wood-framed buildings, 11, 964 sq. ft. in total, connected by a covered breezeway. Its muted colors allow it to be blended into a mixed-use neighborhood.

Moneyhan, who divides his time between Lake Oswego and Sisters, says that the residential neighbors have been accepting of the project. He’s protecting

trees on the project and will plant others to match the surrounding environment.

“I may be one of the first tenants,” he said with a grin.

As a golfer he’s contemplating a business with two golf simulators.

There is parking for 32 cars plus considerable street parking. He hopes to have the buildings under roof in November and ready for occupancy next spring. Interested tenants can reach him at leasing@thirdgarage. com.

Obituary

Elizabeth Christine Miles (née Greenway)

Elizabeth Christine Miles (née Greenway) passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, in Vancouver, Washington, at the age of 67. Born on July 17, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, Elizabeth — known to all who loved her as Beth

— lived a full and vibrant life, giving wholeheartedly to her family, her work, and all those lucky enough to know her.

Beth built a long and respected career as an escrow officer, working across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Her colleagues knew her not only for her professionalism and sharp instincts but also for her warmth, wit, and unmistakable sense of humor. She had a quick tongue, a big laugh, and a clever comeback for just about everything-traits that made her a joy to be around.

She is survived by her loving children, Lindsay Miles, Christina Schulz, and Hillary Miles; and

Telling tales of firefighting,

Lareida Buckley will present her new book, “Stories From The Sheriff’s Daughter” on Thursday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m., at Paulina Springs Books. Buckley crafts a poignant narrative that offers a glimpse into the unique upbringing of a young girl growing up next to a smalltown Texas county jail.

Dive into the heart of rural Texas with Lareida Buckley’s “Stories From the Sheriff’s Daughter,” a captivating novel that paints a vivid portrait of life in a smalltown community. Through Buckley’s skillful storytelling, readers are transported back to the 1950s and ’60s, where the simple joys and complex challenges of everyday existence come to life. From the bustling atmosphere of the county jail to the quiet moments of introspection, this novel offers a rich tapestry of experiences that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

In “Stories From the Sheriff’s Daughter,” Buckley explores the intricate journey from childhood to adulthood against the backdrop of a unique upbringing. Through a series of engaging episodes, readers witness the protagonist’s evolution as she grapples with the complexities of family, community, and identity.

Buckley’s journey is one of remarkable achievements and a pioneering spirit. Born with a thirst for knowledge and a drive for excellence, she embarked on her academic path at Texas A&M University, where she graduated with honors in 1968. As one of only thirty-four women in her graduating class, Buckley distinguished herself through her academic

her cherished grandchildren, Alex Schulz, Abigail Schulz, Christopher Daily, Shelby Daily, and Jenice Mendoza Miles. She also leaves behind her beloved sisters, Suzy Colbry, Judy Sims, and Gail Williams.

Beth was preceded in death by her brother, John Greenway III, whose memory she held close to her heart.

law enforcement

brilliance and determination to succeed in a predominantly male-dominated campus.

Following her undergraduate studies, Buckley pursued her passion for literature and information sciences by enrolling in the University of Hawaii’s prestigious Graduate School of Library Science. It was here that she honed her skills in research, cataloging, and information retrieval, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling career in library services.

After completing her graduate studies, Buckley made the decision to make Hawaii’s Big Island her home. Drawn to the island’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and sense of community, she found herself captivated by its charms and decided to establish roots there. For almost 50 years, Buckley has immersed herself in the island’s rich tapestry of life, becoming an integral part of its fabric and contributing to its diverse communities.

On Thursday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m., Kate Hamberger will offer her memoir, “Dances With Fire: Lessons in Life, Faith & Firefighting.” Hamberger, a wildland firefighter with years of experience battling blazes across the West, delves into the

physical and mental demands of the job, the complex dynamics within firefighting crews, and the profound impact that this high-stakes profession has on those who risk their lives to protect our national forests and wildlands.

“I wrote Dances with Fire to give people insight into what it’s like on the fireline,” said Hamberger. “It’s more than just a job; it tests you in every possible way. I wanted to share the stories, both the triumphs and the tragedies, to honor those who have dedicated their lives to this work.”

Hamberger was a wildland firefighter on several hotshot crews and a helicopter crew on the front lines of some of the most significant wildfires in history, while working her way through college. The memoir offers vivid accounts of the eerie beauty of fire in the wilderness, and the emotional toll of witnessing nature’s fury. But it’s also deeply personal, revealing how Hamberger navigated the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and how the experience shaped her identity and worldview.

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

Sisters gets ready to rodeo

Not all the action at Sisters Rodeo takes place in the arena. In true Western fashion, rodeo crowds disperse into town to kick up their heels to country music in after parties at the local watering holes.

Hardtails Bar & Grill will kick off with Party In The Back Band on Wednesday night after Xtreme Bulls. They’ll then showcase music by the perennial favorite Redmond-based band Sleepless Truckers, June 12-14 on the stage in the enclosed courtyard. The Sleepless Truckers describe themselves as “Combining the Grit of Americana, the Swagger of Southern Rock, and the Raw Power of Red Dirt while putting our own Stamp on the Classics like Waylon, Willie, Merle, Cash, Paycheck, and D.A.C. (David Allan Coe).”

Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill has been hosting a Sisters Rodeo After Party for four decades. They’ll kick off Wednesday night with a free concert with local favorites Dry Canyon Stampede, playing on the patio stage from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, they’ll host the Joe Slick Band for a party under the tent.

Up and down the avenues, barkeepers and food purveyors will either increase hours, add music, or otherwise try and meet the merriment demands of fans and the 500plus cowboys and cowgirls who will perform or work in the rodeo — and the horde of fans who will cheer from the stands.

On Saturday morning, many businesses will open early to provide treats for those attending the Sisters Rodeo Parade, which proceeds down Cascade Avenue starting at 9:30 a.m.

On Sunday morning, Sisters Kiwanis will host the annual Kiwanis Buckaroo Breakfast — an

all-you-can-eat fundraiser that includes hotcakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, and juice. It’s open to everybody from 7 to 11 a.m. and is often a good opportunity to mingle with rodeo performers and stock handlers.

Hitting the trail…

Art at the Ranch raises funds to support Sisters High School Arts department, including providing college scholarships for students pursuing art degrees.

12 p.m. Plein Air artists set up their easels by the

3

4:30

SISTERS HATS: Shop will have some fun rodeo activities

their product shining than they are about ‘the brand.’”

An example is bags and pocketbooks from the family-operated Rail 3 Ranch.

“I try to support them as much as possible,” Squire said. “I love what they stand for. I love to offer things that people aren’t seeing everywhere. I love craftsmanship that can never be taken out of human hands.”

Sisters Hats + Co. is ready

to rodeo this week. They’ll have fun special activities and offerings, including Bex Custom burning designs into hats, art from Alexa Oxenrider, photo ops with a full-size Rip Wheeler (“Yellowstone”), and a raffle for a Fringe wild rag.

And you can get your SunBody hat soaked and shaped and ready to hit the rodeo arena and the Sisters watering holes in fine style.

As Stacey Squire says, “It’s a simple pleasure, but it runs deep when somebody has a darn good hat.”

For more information visit www.sistershatsandco.com.

“There are 11 players on the team and everyone has to work together to achieve a common goal,” he said. “It’s a family game. The people you play with become some of your closest friends for the rest of your life.”

Hudson’s coaching career started as a volunteer in 2012 at Sisters High School (SHS), and in 2013 he was officially hired as the SHS offensive line coach. He’s been on the sidelines coaching ever since, and in addition to coaching the offensive line, he’s also coached wide receivers, linebackers, and spent a year as the defensive coordinator.

The Nugget learned that many of the things Hudson will use as the head coach he learned from former SHS coach Bob Macauley, especially the five pillars, which he plans to implement once again.

The five pillars include: ACE (attitude, concentration, and effort), What it is … is (the most important play is always the next one, and you can’t change the past, so move forward), Iron Sharpens Iron — players sharpen one another, Sudden Change (Life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you respond), and Put Yourself on the Shelf.

Hudson’s main goal for the Outlaws this fall is to compete in league play and find a spot in the playoffs. In addition, he hopes to put

together a schedule for a JV team, which has been lacking the last several years.

Hudson is very excited about being the new head coach.

“Outlaw football has always been very big to me,” he said. “Being able to coach where I went to high school is something special and I look forward to every moment I’ll have doing it.”

A big mentor in Hudson’s life in regards to football is former SHS coach Clyde Powell.

“He’s the reason I got into coaching,” said Hudson. “He opened up my passion for football further than just being a player and made me realize coaching can be just as rewarding.”

Hudson also noted that his ability to coach comes from his wife’s support.

“Kyla encouraged me to apply for the job,” said Hudson. “She knows football is my passion. She is always there to not only support me, but the team as well.”

Hudson will have an entirely new coaching staff

to help him out this fall, with the exception of Jim Gurney, who will return and hold the title of defensive coordinator as well as coach the quarterbacks.

Joining Hudson is Nick Orlandini, who will coach the running backs and the outside linebackers, and Shane Kelly, who will coach the receivers and the defensive backs.

Hudson told The Nugget that he plans on sticking around as a coach as long as the school will keep him. “I’ll be an Outlaw as long

Solstice gathering to take place in newly reconstructed city park

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

Locals have gathered at Sisters Community Labyrinth to mark the change of seasons ever since it was built over a dozen years ago. This year, the Summer Solstice Labyrinth Walk takes place Friday, June 20, at 7 p.m. in what is now called Sisters Gateway Park.

The labyrinth was founded and built by a Ford Foundation leadership cohort on U.S. Forest Service land, with community support and donations. In recent years, the land was bought by the City of Sisters.

Progress on its transformation into a park and transportation hub has been rapid in the last year. Solstice will be the first time that an official labyrinth gathering has taken place in six months. Walkways and pathways have been installed and improved throughout the park site, some trees removed, lights and roadways added.

While such changes alter the contemplative environment of the labyrinth, supporters expressed gratitude to the City, its public works department, and the City Parks Advisory Board. The labyrinth was retained in the new hub design, and the City has brought the labyrinth’s leadership into the planning process.

Summer solstice marks the first day of summer, after months of dark days growing longer and longer. At solstice, the sun will appear at its highest elevation in the sky.

In some communities, the longest day of the year is celebrated with huge bonfires. In Sisters, where a big fire would be unwelcome and unwise in summer months, a nonreligious labyrinth walk takes place. (Winter solstice labyrinth walks typically feature a fire.)

“Our labyrinth walks allow us to appreciate together our relationships to the rhythms of

the solar system and nature,” said Pat Leiser, a member of the committee that oversees the labyrinth. “The tradition of labyrinths is related to the solar system and its path, winding back and forth.”

Labyrinths follow a variety of designs and patterns, such as the famous Chartres design upon which Sisters Community Labyrinth is based. These patterns appear to reference the movement of the five visible planets in the night sky, according to Leiser.

Without a telescope, ancients and moderns alike have charted the five visible “wandering stars” of our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Marking the seasons by walking the looping paths of the labyrinth “honors our capacity to understand the movement” of the heavenly bodies, Leiser said. Walking the labyrinth also encourages contemplation of “our own personal experiences of doubt and hope through the seasons of darkness and light.”

For summer solstice, a brief gathering will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday the 20th, followed by walking the labyrinth. For a celebratory feel, organizers suggest that participants wear white or bright colors. Participation is free of charge; donations are optional.

Folks are welcome to bring flowers along with drums, bells, or other small musical instruments. Natural, organic

items may be brought to place on the boulder at the labyrinth’s center in honor of this special day.

Participants are advised to bring water bottles and wear sun hats; decorating the hat is optional. Appropriate shoes should be worn for walking on a flat surface where small rocks and sticks can end up underfoot, with pine cones and shrubbery nearby.

“Please leave dogs, alcohol, recorded music, and smoking at home,” organizers advise.

Sisters Community Labyrinth is located across Highway 242 from Les Schwab and XPress Printing, where Highways 20 and 242 meet. On-site restrooms and the driveway on West Hood Avenue are expected to be open despite continuing construction. Some participants may park along nearby roadsides and walk over to the event.

Sisters Community Labyrinth Committee runs this local attraction under the auspices of Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD). A group of four adult committee members and one youth ambassador plan activities, clean and maintain the area, lead gatherings, and handle funding.

Area residents will gather to celebrate the longest day of the year by walking Sisters Community Labyrinth together on June 20. Here, participants in a previous summer solstice walked to the beat of a drum.

Fundraising will soon be underway to cover expenses appropriate for the labyrinth’s changed surroundings, along with professional communications and promotional services.

Sisters Gateway Park, home of the community labyrinth, occupies the forested triangle of land at the confluence of Sisters’ two west-end highways. Formerly known as East Portal, its new name was selected by area residents in a survey last summer. Also new are the labyrinth

Books Games Events

Fun for everyone!

group’s website and newsletter signup. Users can navigate to www.sisterscommunity labyrinth.org, where they will be legitimately forwarded to a Mailchimp-based web page. There, users can join the email list and learn more about the labyrinth, upcoming events, the labyrinth’s history, and ways to donate.

OPEN 9:30 AM –7 PM Mon-Sat, 9:30 AM –5 PM sun

THURSDAYS, JUNE 12, 19, 26 • 4PM

Cursive Writing Course ... A fun, hands-on introduction to cur sive writing. T hr ee-week c lass is perfect for students and adults who want to lear n or br ush up on their cursive skills Writing in cursive can improve fine motor skills, boost spelling and r eading compr ehension, and help with memor y and focus Fr ee; r egistr ation requir ed: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 • 6:30PM

LAREIDA BUCKLEY pr esents Stories From The Sheriff’s Daughter, a captivating novel that paints a vivid por tr ait of life in a small town

SATURDAY, JUNE 14 • 4PM

Knitting Circle ... Bring your own pr oject and supplies. T his is not a wor kshop, but there ar e experienced knitter s in the group w ho ar e happy to help those just star ting out. (SecondSaturday of the month.)

THURSDAY, JUNE 19 • 6:30PM

KATE HAMBERGER pr esents Dances With Fire: Lessons in Life, Faith & Firefighting. Vie w the challenging wor ld of wildland fir efighting Kate w as a wildland fir efighter on sever al hotshot cr e ws and a helicopter cr ew on the fr ont lines of some of the most significant wildfir es in histor y.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26 • 6:30PM

GARY LARK pr esents Coming Down the Mountain, a poetr y collection that never str ays far fr om home, but instead goes deep into the soil, river s, and people, examining past and present with the steady eye of someone who loves this place and also keenly under stands that our time her e is fr agile and finite.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 • 12-7PM

‘Sisters Writes’ Pop-Up Book Fair and Signing Event ... Come by during Big Ponder oo weekend to meet local authors (Valarie Ander son, Linda Jones Weber, Chuc k Lesowske, Dawn Jac kson, Melody Car lson, Kit Tosello) who meet weekly to suppor t eac h other’s wor k. Books av ailable for purc hase

MONDAY, JULY 7 • 5:30PM

THE PAUSE BUTTON: A Monthly Poetry Gathering ar ound the table to take a moment to pause for poetr y exploration. Bring a poem or two to shar e. Listen, discuss, and do a little writing No experience necessar y. (First Mondayof everymonth.)

Loving the lupines

By Maret Pajutee Correspondent

In the world of blue flowers, one local beauty is named after a fur-bearing animal for all the wrong reasons. Lupines are a common wildflower abundant along the rivers, roadsides, and in the forests of Sisters. The word “Lupine” comes from “lupus,” the Latin word for wolf.

At one time, people believed these lovely flowers drained or “wolfed” down the nutrients in the soil. However, the exact opposite is true. Lupines are a member of the pea family and play a role in enriching soil so other plants benefit. They are called a “pioneer species” because they can convert atmospheric nitrogen to a form useable by other plants. Although our atmosphere is made of 80% nitrogen, it is in a form unusable by most organisms. Nitrogen-fixing plants like the lupine have a friendly relationship with bacteria that live on their roots and extract nitrogen from the air, converting it to useable ammonia in exchange for sugars produced by the plant.

This gives lupines the extraordinary ability to quickly colonize disturbed habitats and enrich the soil so other plants can follow. Ecologists found a single prairie lupine plant in the deep ash and empty landscape after the Mt. St. Helens eruption of 1980. Within a few years that area became a biological hot spot and was colonized by other plants, insects, and small mammals.

In the past decades when over 50% of the Sisters Ranger District burned in large wildfires, many beautiful lupine explosions have been seen. After the 2002 Eyerly fire, spectacular displays of lupines grew on Green Ridge, buzzing with bees and sweetly scenting the air. Prescribed fires can also bring beautiful lupine displays.

Lupines can be a bit tricky to identify but three common local species stand out. The showy Bigleaf Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) grows in moist areas along the

Metolius River, its tributaries, and wet meadows near Indian Ford Creek. If it looks similar to lupines in your garden, it is because it’s a close relation. Many colorful cultivars of Bigleaf lupine are sold in nurseries and are a good companion plant in your garden beds because of their soil enriching abilities.

A common wildflower in local pine forests is the Tailcup Lupine (Lupinus argenteus var. heteranthus or Lupinus caudatus) . It’s a bit confusing in botanical guides because of changing nomenclature, but it’s easiest to identify by a close look at the flower which has a small spur sticking up behind the top banner petal of the flower.

A favorite silvery blue wildflower abundant in dry forests is Velvet Lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus) . Its leaves have long hairs which give it a soft silvery white appearance. It is drought tolerant and a favorite of bees. It is particularly abundant along roads in the Metolius Basin

this summer. Many lupines grow easily from seed and can be fun to try to grow in your native plant garden. Collecting the seeds is a bit of a trick. When the seed pods mature they pop and fling the seeds out and about. To capture the seeds, you must collect a bloomedout stalk that has some beige to brownish intact seed pods, pick off the pods, and then let them dry in a paper bag or under a net. The seeds can be directly sown in autumn to overwinter or you can follow internet advice on how to scarify the seed to break their hard seed coat and plant in the spring in a sunny spot. After handling lupine seeds or other plant parts, wash your hands. Some native plants are toxic and lupines contain alkaloid

chemicals that are poisonous if ingested. Luckily, they are very bitter and not too appetizing to humans, but sheep and cattle have been known to be poisoned by eating lupine seeds or flowers. Whether you enjoy lupines in your garden or in their natural habitats, their blooms are a major showy player in the fleeting summer wildflower show. And deep underground they are doing a special job, as plant pioneers, building better soil for their companions that follow.

FS moves ahead with Green Ridge project

The Deschutes National Forest has signed the final decision for the 25,000-acre Green Ridge Landscape Restoration Project which is located 13 miles north of Sisters.

According to the Forest Service, the purpose of the Green Ridge project is to restore and maintain forest health and resiliency and reduce the risk of largescale, high severity fires. Additionally, the project will maintain or improve habitat for northern spotted owl, mule deer, and other sensitive species.

“My final decision incorporates dozens of public and agency comments and field visits, best available science, and strikes a solid balance between active forest and fuels management and protection of habitat critical to some of the last remaining northern spotted owls on the Sisters Ranger District,” said Sisters District Ranger Ian Reid.

Forest restoration treatments are needed to move the area towards more natural, historic forest conditions which will increase landscape resilience to largescale wildfires and insect and disease outbreaks, the Forest Service asserts.

“Alternative 3-modified” was selected and approves treatment activities on about 17,500 acres of the project area. Several meaningful changes were made to

address concerns about impacts to northern spotted owl habitat, large trees, deer habitat, and the Metolius Late Successional Reserve.

“The planning and approval process for the Green Ridge Landscape Restoration Project has taken many years and Friends of the Metolius has been involved at every step along the way,” said Doug Hancock, President of the Friends of the Metolius nonprofit group. “As the process is near conclusion, we support the project because it is a compromise necessary to begin restoring forest health on the Green Ridge landscape.”

Treatment activities will include commercial and noncommercial thinning, mowing and mastication, prescribed burning, trail reroutes, road closures and decommissioning, and tree planting. The road closures and decommissioning will provide a 10 percent increase in core wildlife habitat across the project area.

Austin Smith Jr., Natural Resources Manager for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, said, “Given the importance of maintaining timber and other crucial resources as well as protecting our region from wildfire throughout our ceded lands, we offer our full support of the Forest Service’s Green Ridge project. The Confederated Tribes of

Warm Springs were closely involved through every step of the process, including offering input upon the scope and project management plan. We value our continued, productive partnership with the USDA and the U.S. Forest Service.”

Restoration treatments may begin within the project area as soon as spring of 2026 and are tentatively slated to continue through 2040, with prescribed burning continuing beyond this date. This summer, Forest Service employees will be preparing the project area for upcoming vegetation management contracts to start implementation of forest thinning.

Project documents can be viewed on the Deschutes National Forest website here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ deschutes/projects/48454. A copy of the signed Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact is available at: https://usfs-public. box.com/s/sfza5zlaz 6vj4prxj6g7iao0nk8d57yp. Members of the public may also contact Lauren DuRocher, Environmental Coordinator on the Sisters Ranger District by email at lauren.durocher@usda.gov with questions about the project.

For more information about the project, visit storymap: https://arcg. is/1TaT003, or reach out to the Sisters Ranger District at 541-549-7700.

Continued from page 2

Affordable housing

To the Editor:

Thank you T. Lee Brown for calling out developers for their “affordable” housing. Let’s rename it for what it actually is: market value housing.

When I moved here seven years ago, there were still some places I could afford to buy, on a meager income. I feel very fortunate I arrived when I did! If I had waited a year I would have been shut out . I understand real estate markets fluctuate and inflate. This is the third property I have owned. But when a worker in town cannot afford even one of the new apartments and has no option but to camp in the woods, something is wrong in our society. I understand developers have one goal, and that is to turn a profit.

But I ask, is all this new development for wealthy retirees? Is this mentality “if we build it they will come?”

I cannot imagine all the apartments being filled; certainly not by local folks who work here, as they are expensive.

Kathyn Vaughan s s s

Enemy within

Response to Jean Sage:

In the June 4 edition of The Nugget, Jean Sage expressed her feelings of being troubled by John Miller’s reference to “the enemy within.”

I can certainly understand her position if taken from the viewpoint of being political, but if you take the viewpoint from having been a veteran who served in combat, I think you may conclude Colonel Miller has every right to speak out. My own father who served in World War II and Korea would be in total disbelief regarding the intentional destruction of our country politically and morally from within, perpetrated on we the people over the last 10 years (or even much longer).

Every war or conflict our military has been sent to confront, was against tyranny of some sort or another dating back to our own Declaration of Independence from England. Also remember, Jean, that your husband took a solemn oath to defend our nation against enemies both foreign and domestic. And that, Jean, includes “the enemy within.”

I’m hoping, Jean, that you may find the answer as to who/what is the “enemy within” that Colonel Miller referred to. Thank God for having eyes to see and ears to hear what is revealed and exposed every day regarding the corruption, deception, hate, and outright lying by the past Biden administration, Democrats, and the reprobates in the mainstream press.

Jean, I don’t know if you’ve ever been to Arlington National Cemetery and gazed across the thousands of graves or witnessed a ceremony at the gravesite of the Unknown Soldier, but I can assure you it is very emotional. I know of not one individual buried there sacrificing their life for men in women’s sports, pornography in grade schools,

mutilation of children to change their sex at an early age, open borders, forced experimental shots, or DEI.

My prayer for America, Jean, is the return to One Nation Under God. Imagine “love your neighbor” vs. the endless hate projected within, and lately self-proclaimed terrorists being groomed in many of the ‘elite’ colleges.

I remain optimistic as the Marxist agenda we witness is not shared by most law-abiding and common-sense patriotic Americans.

Jeff Mackey

To the Editor:

s s s

Justice at last

Earlier this week a jury in El Salvador, after 11 hours of deliberation, found three senior Salvadoran officers guilty of the planned 1982 assassination of four Dutch journalists in El Salvador. The news made national and international headlines. The ethical and moral courage of the victims’ families, the investigators in Holland and at ICE, the judge and jury in El Salvador, and the Salvadoran journalists who daily risked harassment, imprisonment, voluntary exile, and ridicule by their own government cannot be praised enough.

“A five-member jury sentenced the defendants, now in their 80s or 90s, to 15 years in prison after an 11-hour session on the first day of the trial,” attorney Pedro Cruz said outside the courthouse. “In a crime that shocked the world, Koos Koster, Jan Kuiper, Hans ter Laag, and Joop Willemsen were killed while filming a television documentary.”

(https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/06/killers-ofdutch-journalists-in-el-salvador-convicted-at-last/) (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/04/world/ americas/el-salvador-killings-dutch-journalists-1982.html)

On both a professional and personal note please permit me to thank you for publishing one of my own past stories. Pertaining to both the El Mozote massacre in El Salvador where over 1000 men, women, elderly, children, and infants were brutally butchered, on orders from now convicted war criminal General Jose Guillermo Garcia, 91, who also gave the order for the murders of the Dutch journalists. Also convicted was former police colonel Francisco Antonio Moran, 93, and former 4th Brigade commander Mario Reyes Mena, 85. Reyes Mena, given U.S. citizenship now many years ago via the CIA’s quiet authority to do so under U.S. law, is facing extradition back to El Salvador at this time. Garcia, who had immigrated to the U.S., had been removed some time ago due to his ties to other war crimes.

Garcia is now convicted by extension for those murdered in and around El Mozote — Moran’s conviction indicts him for all those he is responsible for killing or ordering being murdered...of the three he is indeed a Beast beyond imagination — and Reyes Mena’s conviction reminds us that even the CIA cannot defer Justice forever.

As you know I was contacted in 2016 by the ICE War Crimes Unit on behalf of the Dutch

Prosecutor’s Office in Holland and asked to assist in the Dutch effort to bring the three to trial. In 2018, I was interviewed by the Dutch at ICE’s station in Portland, Oregon. This due to my own service in El Salvador (1982-1985). I continued to provide expert research and information to the Dutch team which they found invaluable. My cooperation was officially rooted in my commitment to the Truth as an honorably retired Oregon law enforcement officer and former deputy/detective with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Thank you for the editorial space you granted me on Frontier Partisans (www.frontierpartisans. com) and for the many conversations we had about this matter. Your insights, observations, and historical knowledge base regarding Mexico and Central/ South America was both relevant and immensely helpful. Our community in Sisters is well served by The Nugget Newspaper and its editor — a journalist and author himself who is not afraid to stand fast when he is right.

Greg Walker (ret) s s s

Message from Sisters Schools

To the Editor:

The June 4 School Board Meeting was a strong reflection of the resilience, growth, and shared commitment that define the Sisters School District. From the outstanding achievements of students — such as seven AVANZA Award recipients and state champion Mae Roth — to reports of academic gains and innovative new programs, the meeting showcased a school year marked by meaningful progress. Highlights of the meeting included iReady data indicating continued improvement across elementary grades in both math and literacy, a remarkable 95% participation rate in the PreACT at the high school level, and the launch of the Portrait of a Graduate initiative at Sisters Middle School, encouraging eighth-grade students to reflect on values like community, learning, and personal passion.

While the new Sisters Elementary School was completed last year, the district now celebrates the official conclusion of the full bond project, with the Bond Oversight Committee delivering a final report confirming that all funds were spent appropriately and in alignment with the bond’s intent.

This moment in time also marks significant leadership transitions. With heartfelt gratitude, we honor Joan Warburg and Tim Roth, who will be leaving their roles as principals of Sisters Elementary and Sisters Middle School, respectively. Both have served this district with unwavering dedication, care, and vision. Joan’s leadership, tireless advocacy for students, and deep commitment to early learning have helped lay a strong foundation for hundreds of young learners. Tim’s guidance, innovative spirit, and care for middle school students helped shape a culture of belonging and academic growth. Their impact on students, staff, and families will be felt for years to come. They leave behind not only a legacy of excellence, but also a lasting sense of heart, purpose, and community.

See LETTERS on page 21

HOMES: Applications begin in July or August

feasible from a financial standpoint to build,” said Sisters Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Peter Hoover.

Nineteen of the homes will be classified as “affordable” — accessible to those earning less than 80 percent of Area Median Income. (AMI). AMI is variously calculated from $77,400 to $114,300. Six of the units will be “workforce housing” — accessible to up to 140 percent of AMI. One of the homes will be fully American With Disabilities

Act (AMA)-accessible. One home will be priced at market value.

Applications will be available in July or August, depending on the speed of progress. There will be three stages of offerings as the project unfolds.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity is working with Kevin Eckert and BUILD, LLC to bring the project to fruition. Robinson & Owen is building in the infrastructure and CS Construction of Bend will build the homes.

A number of state and local grants will help to fund the project:

• LIFT (Local Innovation & Fast Track): $3,040,000

• LIFT Supplemental: $760,000

• City of Sisters Affordable Housing Grant: $182,000

• City of Sisters Urban Renewal Agency Workforce Grant: $400,000.

“These grants do not cover the cost of the project,” Hoover emphasized. “The project costs are significantly higher than the total of these grants. Sisters Habitat heavily subsidizes each home to ensure it is affordable to members of the community.”

Eckert notes that the City grants will “cover the SDCs (systems development charges) that we will be paying back to the City.”

The developers expect to cut the ribbon on the first houses in February 2026.

Live music Friday afternoon...

See the events calendar on page 11 for upcoming performers. Check out www.doccosden.com to learn more about

LETTERS

Continued from page 20

In addition, sincere appreciation is extended to Edie Jones and Jenica Cogdill, whose terms on the Sisters School Board conclude at the end of this month. Edie and Jenica have served with integrity, empathy, and a steadfast focus on student success. Their voices have helped guide important district decisions and supported Sisters School District through seasons of growth and challenge. The positive difference they’ve made, both in boardroom conversations and in quiet moments of support, is truly appreciated.

As the school year comes to a close, I want to give thanks to the entire staff, students, families, volunteers, and community members for your unwavering support and collaboration. It is this collective spirit that makes Sisters such a remarkable place to live and learn. Best wishes to the Class of 2025 — may your future be as bright as the path you’ve paved.

As these transitions and initiatives unfold, the District remains committed to collaboration, transparency, and a deep dedication to students and families. The future is bright — and it is being built together. To stay informed, visit https://district. ssd6.org and subscribe to the weekly district newsletter.

Curt Scholl Superintendent

Nugget Poetry Corner

young cowBoy wyatt, bold and Brave

By DanaWand

Young Cowboy Wyatt, bold and br ave

Wanted to make a her oic save.

He slid of f his hor se and r an in a hurry

To a maiden tossed fr om her mare in a flu rry

Of hooves, w hinnies and w hir ls of dirt

Up she stood, br ushing dust fr om her calico shir t.

A r eal cowgir l w as she, it w as easy to see,

Not a single tear shed for that badly scraped knee.

He pic ked up her hat, appr oving the band

Of r ed leather br aid as she held out her hand

Gr atefulness shone in her sweet smile and eyes.

“Thanks a lot, cowboy. Gotta go. Time flie s.”

She w histled then mounted her hor se, Ricoc het, Turned around, tipped her hat, and trotted aw ay

“Wait!” yelled the cowboy, “What is your name?”

“Ro-de-o Rory,” he hear d her pr oc laim.

Young Cowboy Wyatt, bold and br ave

Watc hed her ride off tow ar d Old Rock y Cave,

Wher e legends of bobcats and rustler s were bor n.

Guilt filled his hear t, for he’d f ailed to for ew ar n

The r odeo gal of the dangers that lur k Wild critters in caves many times go ber serk.

Bac k on his steed he hur riedly climbed, Sur e his ar ri val would be well-timed

To help out the rosy c heeked, f laxen hair ed girl, Wyatt held up his lasso, set to unfur l.

His plan w as to r ope any fierce, snar ling thing

As he nudged his hor se Ruger to start galloping, They followed the dust clouds left in her wake

Past tumble weeds, coyotes, and a r attling snake

Her cour age impr essive, he w anted to spend Many fun days with his ne wly found friend.

He quic kly rode on until he could see That gal r esting under the shade of a tr ee.

To gether they shared their snac ks and their drinks. We both ride so well, Ror y says what she thinks.

“Why don’t we put on a Wild West show?”

“Woo hoo,” answered Wyatt, “I’m r eady, let’s go.”

“Br onc riding, bar rel racing .. .I think we’ ll be gr eat!”

‘”Yehaw!” he agr ees, “Come on, can’ t wait.”

Young Cowboy Wyatt, bold and br ave, And Rodeo Ror y eac h gave a wave

As they saunter ed onto the r odeo gr ounds, Amidst all the lights and thunderous sounds

Of spectators eager to hear them perform

“Oh, Say Can You See” on the center platfor m.

Ar ound the arena eac h carried a flag,

Then setting them down, began to play tag

Standing on hor seba ck, next flipping around, They r eac hed down to pic k up their hats fr om the ground

The cr ow d was excited and even amazed.

But Wyatt and Ror y wer e not even fazed

The colorful antics pleased eve ryone ther e, So they pr omised to come bac k, year after year.

Young Cowboy Wyatt, bold and br ave, And Rodeo Ror y might see you, then wave

If you happen by their r ustic corr al, They’ ll smile, tip their hats, and say, “Howdy, Pal!”

Title Nine

By PaulAlanBennett

Mr s. Maurices was washing up the dishes fr om the dinner’s 3-cheese blintzes

While her husband dried the plates

Then she w ater ed the hisbiscus

And w atc hed the fine meniscus as it for med across the surface

She began to contemplate…

“When I w as a gir l in high school if they had that Title Nine

Would my life have been much dif ferent

Would my life have been more mine?

I might have been a gr eat pole v aulter

Thrown a javelin or two

But ther e wer e no gir l spor ts bac k then

Now that histor y is thr ough”

So, Mr s. Maurices, she gave her husband kisse s

Of f to bed they did proceed as the c lock let out its c hime

But as she drifted of f to dr eamland

She could feel her self pole v aulting o’er the bar at 13 feet

If they had that Title Nine

And the cr ow d would stand and c heer her

As she landed on her bac k

Among those bouncy r ub ber mats

That wer e placed there by the track

Then she’d moonwalk ‘cr oss the surface

With a smile upon her face

She had set a ne w sc hool r ecor d

That the year s would not erase

Title Nine is fine and dandy for the gir ls acr oss this countr y

Who excel in those activities that equal those of men

But for women over 60 – like Mr s. Maurices

She can only just imagine

How good she might have been

OPEN HOUSE:

School got a longawaited remodel Continued from page 8

for 18 years. Finding a closer place to live was important; so was finding a good school.

“The size was a real draw,” she said of BBS. “Programs like the skiing and swimming were also a draw.”

The remodel sits well with Ruckman. “I love the new transition...it has kept its old charm, but we’ve got the comforts that are helping kids focus on learning, like being nice and warm, having more bathrooms, having the great common space.” See related article, at right.

Tim Bickler has been part of the Camp Sherman community for 13 years. The school adds “a sense of cohesiveness” to the town, he said. “It’s something to rally around. They have the events, performances—it brings people together.”

He remembers driving by the school when he was a little kid living in Salem. “We went to Hoodoo a lot, and hunted and fished over here,” he said.

The remodel retains the school’s small-town, midcentury look facing the road. “I think it’s beautiful, they’ve done a just wonderful job,” Bickler said. “It’s a feelgood thing when you drive by.” His wife, Karen LaJoy, served on the school board throughout the project’s funding and completion.

Principal Sharp described the remodel as “a huge group effort. It took a lot of people to make this happen, over a lot of years. The community passed the bond; we’re super grateful.”

He thanked Camp Sherman residents, the State of Oregon, volunteers, school board members, parents, and staff. Sharp appreciated the hard work of the contractors and consultants: SĀJ Architecture, HMK Company, and Griffin Construction.

“That was cool, to see so many people get involved and come together for this goal of enhancing the school. Having that involvement, all these people paddling in the same direction — it actually went really smoothly.”

Sharp concluded, “It was a testament to all the people coming together and having a shared vision.”

The evolution of a Commons

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

A large, pleasant room played host to kids, community members, and Black Butte School staff during last Thursday’s open house. Light streamed in from high windows as four kids crowded around a book together. Contemporary woodwork and finishes displayed the school’s recent remodel and new finishes.

The ceiling and its rafters, however, suggested a different story.

The iconic little school building was originally built in 1951, designed by Wayne Korish. The Commons, as the room is now called, was a 1960s addition.

“It was a covered basketball court, but it didn’t have walls,” explained Jennie Sharp, performing arts teacher.

Bear Brown attended the school decades ago, when her mother taught there. According to school staff, Brown told the story of how she and her classmates had to climb a rope in physical education class in that very room.

Brown, who is now the Board Chair for Black Butte School District, pointed out the green bracket where

the rope once hung over a sawdust pit. She expressed thanks to remodel designers at SĀJ Architecture for keeping the hardware memento intact during the Commons remodel.

The rope itself had been laid out horizontally at the event for all to see.

Beyond the rope and its pit, the remainder of the old structure used to house the basketball court. Walls were built to enclose the space, probably in the 1980s, according to Sharp. “There were still basketball hoops when we got here ten years ago.”

At that time, “it was a big, open space and we could have the whole school in a circle in here,” she said. Since the remodel, the Commons serves that function again. “The students can eat lunch in here all together, which creates community.”

Sharp will teach performing arts in the Commons as well. The school’s shows, beloved of local residents, will still take place in the larger Camp Sherman Community Hall, which was also designed by Wayne Korish.

Wayne’s son Kit Korish, an alumnus of Black Butte School, attended the open house, looking over the

architectural drawings his father created for the school’s 1951 construction.

Sharp noted that the Commons had trouble retaining its open feel and large capacity over time. “You find needs for space,” she explained. “The library was started in one corner. The head teacher office was in this other corner, without real walls or a door.” A teacher prep area and a photocopier inched their way in.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought change to the school’s activities. Before, students from kindergarten through eighth grade were split between two classrooms. To comply with social distancing requirements, Black Butte School divided its small student body of 20–30 students into three groups.

The third class group met in the Commons, “and all of a sudden it wasn’t the Commons anymore; it was all of these different things,” Sharp described. “There was a classroom going on, and no privacy for the principal.”

The change ended up bringing positive results.

“Covid, because it forced us to split into three, helped us reimagine how the teaching and learning went here,”

Sharp explained. “I think it’s so much better for the kids to be in the three groups.”

With the remodel, “now we have a beautiful third classroom, plus the Commons.”

Sharp is coordinating efforts to update and improve the Toni Foster Memorial Library within the Commons. A cozy seating area draws students together. The revamped library “is a really nice space for the kids to come and study and get excited about reading,” she said.

Volunteers and staff are preparing to implement a proper system for searching and checking out books, which the small library currently lacks.

The school’s update included a new room, tucked discreetly off the main Commons area, which provides temperature-controlled space for technological needs. An expanded Commons kitchen enables teachers to cook with students.

Throughout the changes, the old basketball court beams preside over this historic space. Sharp enthused, “It’s the same room, this ceiling is the old ceiling, but we have our Commons back.”

— Ginger Kretschmer

SISTERS LOCATIONS:

• Angeline’s Baker y • Bedouin

•Best Western Ponderosa Lodge • Bi-Mart

• Black Butte Realty Group

• Cabin Creek Home & Style • Cascade Fitness

• Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s • Central Oregon Eyecare

•Chevron/McDonald’s • Countr y Coffee

• Dair y Queen • Dixie’s • Eurosports

• Fika Sisters Coffeehouse • First Interstate Bank

• FivePine Lodge • GrandStay Hotel & Suites

• Habitat Thrif t Store

•Hard Tails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

• High Camp Taphouse

• Hoyt’s Hardware & Building Supply

• Lef t Coast Lodge • Les Schwab Tire Center

• Luckey’s Woodsman • Makin’ it Local

• Martolli’s of Sisters • Mid Oregon Credit Union

• Oliver Lemon’s • Paulina Springs Books

• Philadelphia’s Steak & Hoagies • Pine Desert Dental

• Ponderosa Properties • Rancho Viejo

• Ray’s Food Place • Sinclair Gas Station

• Sisters Ace Hardware • Sisters Apothecar y

• Sisters Art Works • Sisters Athletic Club

• Sisters Baker y • Sisters Bunkhouse • Sisters City Hall

• Sisters Coffee Co.• Sisters Community Church

• Sisters Creekside Campg round

• Sisters Dino Market •Sisters Depot

• Sisters Elementar y School •Sisters Feed & Supply

• Sisters Galler y & Frame Shop • Sisters High School

• Sisters Inn & Suites • Sisters Librar y

• Sisters Liquor Store • Sisters Meat and Smokehouse

• Sisters Middle School • Sisters Moto

• Sisters Movie House & Café • Sisters Nails & Spa

• Sisters Post Off ice •Sisters Pumphouse & Countr y Store

• Sisters Ranger Station • Sisters Rental

• Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill

• Sisters School Administration Building

• Sisters Veterinar y Clinic • Ski Inn Taphouse & Motel

• Sno Cap Drive In• Space Age F uel • Spoons Restaurant

• Sisters Park & Recreation District

• St. Charles Family Care • Stellar Realty Northwest

• Suttle Tea • Takoda’s Restaurant & Lounge

• The Barn in Sisters • The Galler y Restaurant

• The Gallimaufr y • The Lodge Retirement Community

• The Nugget Front Porch

• The Pony Express • The Slow Down State

• Three Creeks Brew Pub • Three Sisters Floral

• Western Title & Escrow Company • Your Store

Three Sisters Floral 243 N. Elm St., Sisters

BBR & CAMP SHERMAN:

• Black Butte Ranch General Store

• Black Butte Ranch Post Off ice

• Black Butte Ranch Welcome Center

• Camp Sherman Post Off ice • Metolius River Lodges

REDMOND & TERREBONNE:

• Bi-Mart • Oliver Lemon’s Terrebonne • M&W Market

• The Ranch Market • Sisters Meat and Smokehouse

TUMALO:

• Pisano’s Pizza • Shell Station • T umalo Coffeehouse

• T umalo Farmstand • T umalo Feed Co.

Clearing the bar…

Senior Spencer Tisdel competed at the OSAA 3A track and field championships May 30 at Hayward Field in Eugene where he cleared 12 feet in the pole vault. This was left out of last week’s article.

Bill would stop subsidy of data center power

By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle

Bobcat kittens under rehab

Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center, has admitted two orphaned bobcat kittens for rehabilitation. The young siblings were rescued after being found alone at a rest stop near Tygh Valley in Wasco County, with no sign of their mother, who is suspected to have been killed by a vehicle. After an initial night in the care of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the kittens were transferred to Think Wild on May 19, 2025.

At intake, both kittens were estimated to be approximately four weeks old, underweight, hypothermic, and had diarrhea and external parasites. They had also been fed an inappropriate diet prior to arrival. Since then, they have received aroundthe-clock care, including antiparasitic treatments, supportive fluids, proper nutrition, a bath, and their first round of vaccines.

Over the past week, the kittens have shown promising signs of recovery. “They are gaining weight steadily, their coats are cleaner and healthier, and they are beginning to exhibit more natural bobcat behaviors like hiding, hissing, and avoiding human presence,” said Savanna Scheiner, lead wildlife technician at Think Wild.

To minimize the risk of habituation, the kittens are cared for under strict protocols, including limited human interaction, use of camouflage gear, and grooming techniques that simulate maternal care. The tentative plan is to raise the kittens with as little human contact as possible and release them back into the wild after ample live prey testing and once they are old enough to survive on their own.

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are elusive native predators

PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG

found throughout Oregon. They are most active at dawn and dusk and prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Young bobcats remain with their mothers for 9–12 months to learn vital hunting and survival skills. Orphaned kittens face extremely low survival chances in the wild without rehabilitation. With proper care, rescued bobcats can return to their natural habitat and play a vital role in balancing local ecosystems.

To support the care of these young bobcats and other patients like them, Think Wild invites the community to make a donation to the nonprofit wildlife center. Contributions are tax-deductible, and help cover food, medical treatment, and housing needs. Donations directly support the rehabilitation of Central Oregon’s native wildlife and can be made at www. thinkwildco.org/support-us/ donate.

Oregon is close to ensuring data center owners pay what they owe for their growth following several years of painful residential electricity hikes driven in part by rising energy demand from the facilities.

House Bill 3546, also called the POWER Act, passed the Senate on a partyline vote Tuesday and with bipartisan support in the House on Thursday. Five Republican representatives voted with Democrats to pass it, and Gov. Tina Kotek is expected to sign it.

State Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, was one of two Republicans excused from voting on bills Thursday. Levy’s family business in 2021 sold farmland to Amazon for a data center and receives wastewater used for farm irrigation from another Amazon data center. But under House rules, she would have had to vote on the bill if she had been on the House floor.

The POWER Act would clear the way for the Oregon Public Utility Commission

to ensure charges for grid expansion and infrastructure needed to power data centers are not passed onto residential and commercial customers by creating a separate customer class for data centers. Those centers are the fastest-growing energy users in the state. The state’s Public Utility Commission, a threeperson governor-appointed group, is charged with regulating the rates of privately owned electric and gas utilities in Oregon.

Shannon Kellogg, a lobbyist and vice president for Amazon, said on LinkedIn that company officials asked Oregon lawmakers more than a month ago to pause consideration on the bill so they could allow more time for “a more comprehensive solution that advances shared goals without unintended consequences, or consider additional amendments.”

The bill’s chief sponsor, Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, noted in a news release following the vote that a single 30 megawatt data center uses as much energy in one year as the entire city of Ashland, and can be built in less than two years.

RODEO: Event is a multi-faceted and challenging endeavor

Continued from page 1

pulling off some acrobatic moves, clowns entertain contestants and spectators alike.

The clown in this case is JJ Harrison – a Sisters crowd favorite of many years.

Pickup men: These highly skilled riders on horseback race in to help cowboys off the rough stock when their 8 second ride is complete.

Pickup men assist the saddle bronc and bareback riders to dismount after their rides, and help free cowboys who get hung up in their rigging — not infrequent. Once the cowboy is safe, they loosen the flank strap that is tightened like a belt around the horse.

Riding at a full gallop, the strap is pulled from the horse. The pickup men then herd the animal to the exit gate to clear the arena for the next contestant. They also work to coax bulls to the exit gate when their ride is done.

While most spectators focus on the cowboys, pay attention to the skills of the pickup men and their horses. Pickup men are true cowboys who dazzle with their roping and riding skills formed of the old west.

The rough stock crew: This gritty crew assists the stock contractor in the care of the animals as they are guided into the chutes to ready for their ride. They also aid the cowboys in mounting and adjusting their equipment and open the chute gate when the cowboy indicates he is ready to go.

They keep the announcer and timers informed throughout the event so they can share with the crowd the names of the cowboys and animals coming out of the chute.

In most cases, when the ride is over and the horse or bull exits the arena, this crew eases the animals through the “stripping chute” where their rigging is removed. After the rigging is detached, the animal is taken back to their pen or stall to relax.

HOUSELESS:

Issue is very prominent in Sisters

Continued from page 1

plan are:

• Priority A: Support & Services — Coordinate services and support for the unhoused.

• Priority B: Safety — Effectively manage safety concerns and mitigate risks.

The rare exception was last year’s rodeo when a newbie bull named Party Bus did not cooperate and, to the horror of the fans, jumped the fence landing in the stands before exiting. After a frantic chase and a few minor injuries, Party Bus was railed into the pens.

At the end of the night, this crew also assists the stock contractor in feeding and caring for the animals. These guys are key to successful rough stock events.

Judges: They can make or break a rodeo contestant. Depending upon the event, judges will be stationed on horseback or on foot.

Among their various duties are evaluating the contestants and the animals in each event, as both rider and animal are being scored. During the roping and wrestling events they monitor the barrier rope to ensure a fair start for the calf or steer.

Calves are timed in the tiedown to be certain that their legs are tied securely for at least six seconds. Critically, judges ensure the humane treatment of animals.

These are a few of the many, and sometimes complex, rules of rodeo.

Watching over it all: Perched above the arena in the “crow’s nest” the announcer and timers have a bird’s eye view of the arena and chutes. They keep track of events, contestants, animal athletes, scores, and times.

The rodeo announcer keeps fans informed of what is happening in the arena. Well-versed in the sport of rodeo they educate, inform, and entertain spectators. They serve as host for the event, lead in honoring the American Flag, and banter with the clown. They are the glue that holds it all together.

Timers keep the official time of the timed events, sound the buzzer after eight seconds in the rough stock events and keep the announcer informed of the official times and scores and the name of the cowboy or cowgirl that is in the arena.

So, when you are captivated by a rider, take a closer look at the behind-the-scenes stars who help make it the thrill it is.

• Priority C: Housing Transitional to Affordable — Support for programs that address affordability.

• Priority D: Coordination of information & Community Education — Keep citizens informed about ongoing initiatives.

Sisters Park & Recreation District Community Center is located at 611 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters. For more information visit www.ci.sisters.or.us.

BARCLAY: Road changes will smooth out turns around post office

Continued from page 3

see each other when parked vehicles would otherwise block visibility.

A curb extension is formed by an angled narrowing of the roadway and a widening of the sidewalk.

Traffic flow at the post office is counter intuitive. We drive (and generally walk) on the right, so it is natural to want to enter the post office parking lot from North Larch Street by the opening on the right. Don’t. That’s the exit. Enter from the left parking opening.

It is designed this way intentionally so that drivers using the curbside drop boxes can access them from the driver side window.

Both the entry and exit are one-way, but dozens of

cars violate this pattern daily, often resulting in jams.

Also, you may not enter the parking lot from the east end openings; only from Larch. The east or rear openings are for official mail vehicles only. This, too, is frequently violated.

In Oregon, parking in a parking lot against the flow of traffic is generally considered improper parking and can result in a fine. While the specific fine amount may vary depending on the jurisdiction, a typical fine for improper parking is $45 plus court costs.

VISITING? NEW TO THE AREA?

Be sure and pick up a complimentary copy of the Sisters Oregon Guide located on stands throughout Sisters and Central Oregon or stop by The Nugget Newspaper Office at 442 E. Main Av e., Sisters.

The guide chock full of Sisters Country information. The best hikes, where to eat, local hot spots, calendar of events, and much more! SistersOregonGuide.com

Be alert to safety when paddleboarding on moving water

The Oregon State Marine Board is urging people who recreate on stand up paddleboards (SUPs) atop moving water (primarily rivers) to always wear a life jacket and never wear a Velcro ankle or leg leash that is designed for general flatwater use or the surf zone.

“There’s an emerging trend when we look at the causes for fatalities in recent years, where a person, otherwise well outfitted, died because their leash to the SUP became entangled in brush or other debris on area rivers,” said Brian Paulsen, boating safety program manager for the Marine Board. “Most ankle leashes used by SUP users are not designed for quick release. If you get it tangled on rocks or downed trees, the leash can make escape nearly impossible.”

Most SUPs are equipped with a leash so the paddleboard can stay within reach if the user falls off. On moving water, though, the leash can be deadly.

“Quick-release leashes are available and designed specifically for moving water. It’s worn around the waist or can be attached to the life jacket. Leashes attached to a jacket are easier for the paddler to grab and deploy,” says Paulsen.

Stand up paddleboarding incidents and fatalities were infrequent prior to 2019. Between 2020 to 2024, there were three SUP injuries beyond first aid and 10 fatalities, where either a life jacket wasn’t worn, or the person became entangled in an obstruction on moving water without a quick-release

CORRECTION

The photo accompanying Maret Pajutee’s story “Remembering Sisters in the ’60s — those red roads,”

leash. Entanglements do happen with life jacket straps as well, however, the chance of survival from drowning is greatly improved. It’s important for paddlers to make sure the straps on their life jackets are tucked back into the jacket itself, and the slack is not allowed to dangle.

Life jackets are required to be “readily accessible” on stand up paddleboards. Another thing to keep in mind is that if a jacket is sitting at the bow of the board and the paddler falls off, the board can easily flow out of reach — no board and no life jacket to help the paddler in need. This is why the Marine Board advocates that all paddlers wear their life jackets. There isn’t time to put one on in an emergency.

Belt-pack inflatable life jackets are a great option for stand up paddleboarders. It’s imperative to know how to properly wear this style of life jacket. The life jacket buckles in the back and inflates from the front, where the deployment tab is located.

“SUPs are very popular, available at big box stores, provide access to local waterways, and are a lot of fun,” says Paulsen. “But understanding the basics is crucial.”

Paulsen suggested people review safety information for SUPs and visit the Marine Board’s Paddling page for trip planning, with safety in mind. There’s also a FREE online paddling course in both English and Spanish that covers basic strokes, different environmental conditions to take into consideration, and, of course, safety equipment.

Cowboy up!

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

There is no more iconic symbol of America than the cowboy.

People the world over project their understanding of the American character onto this working man on horseback. For some, the cowboy represents classic American virtues: hard work, loyalty, self-reliance, quiet resilience, a willingness to do the hard, right thing, regardless of consequences. For others, the term “cowboy” is a pejorative, denoting cocky, heedless recklessness, profligacy, and an all-to-easy default to violence to solve problems.

The dichotomy has existed since the first American cowboy saddled up to drive Texas cattle up the Chisholm Trail to the Kansas cowtowns, where the beef on the hoof would be shipped east to feed the burgeoning cities of an America bursting with the energy and appetite of the Industrial Revolution.

In those early days — the 1860s and ’70s — respectable town folk looked askance at the rowdy young riders who drove the great trail herds north. They were mostly very young — often teenagers — and when they hit a town after months of eating dust, getting soaked in thunderstorms and river crossings, getting the little sleep they could on the ground, they blew off steam in the way that young men do. Things got rowdy. With a few exceptions, the cowboys were just high-spirited and rough in their ways; very few were actually malicious and violent. But they did make a helluva ruckus.

Right from the get-go, there was something romantic about their image, with the picturesque hats, boots, spurs, and chaps — and possibly a six-gun. They knew it themselves; when they set out on a spree in one of those cowtowns, they often started by getting a portrait made in a photographic studio.

If you’re looking for diversity, inclusivity, and ethnic representation in a historical phenomenon, you’ll find it in the world of the cowboy. Around

20 percent of the old-time cowboys were Black, and another 15 percent or so were of Mexican descent — more on ranches in the Southwest. Many native peoples took readily to cowboying, and do to this day.

Edward Charles Abbott, known as Teddy Blue, left us the finest memoir of the old trail driving days in his book “We Pointed Them North.” Teddy Blue was an old-school cowboy himself — and he encapsulated the rough virtues that define the American Cowboy:

“In person the cowboys were mostly medium-sized men, as a heavy man was hard on horses, quick and wiry, and as a rule very good natured; in fact, it did not pay to be anything else. In character there like never was or will be again. They were intensely loyal to the outfit they were working for and would fight to the death for it. They would follow their wagon boss through hell and never complain. I have seen them ride into camp after two days and nights on herd, lay down on their saddle blankets in the rain, and sleep like dead men, then get up laughing and joking about some good time they had had in Ogallala or Dodge City. Living that kind of a life, they were bound to be wild and brave. In fact, there was only two things the old-time cowpuncher was afraid of, a decent woman and being set afoot.”

This weekend’s 85th Sisters Rodeo celebrates the cowboy and the Western way of life. Nowadays, women as much as men embody the cowboy spirit. In fact, the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR) campaign “Be Cowboy” explicitly emphasizes that the values embodied in that spirit are shared by people of all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life.

Whether you are a realdeal cowboy or your hat and boots come out one weekend a year, making yourself the kind of person Teddy Blue describes — good natured, loyal, wild, and brave — is something to aspire to and something to celebrate.

Cowboy up, and enjoy the Biggest Little Show in the World.

FUN & GAMES

SUDOKU

Easy Peasy!

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small nine-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

MATH SQU ARE WE’RE HIRING!

Use the numbers 1 through 16 to complete the equations. Each number is used once. Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation. Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

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

CLASSIFIED RATES

COST:

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

DEADLINE: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. VISA & MasterCard accepted. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four (4) weeks and upon approval of account application.

CATEGORIES:

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

Room for Rent

10’x12’ in 2,000 sf house

$800/mo. incl. utilities/internet. No pets/smoking.

Crossroads Loop | 321-252-8312

PONDEROSA PROPERTIES –

Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002

Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com

Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Unique upstairs 3 bedroom, 2 bath with all appliances. Private entrance. Move-in special: 1st month free with 18-month lease. $2,600 monthly. — 541-549-0792 —

104 Vacation Rentals

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

www.SistersVacation.com

Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150

201 For Sale

Exercise bike: back rest, folds to 22"X19". Heated massage chair: reclines, folds to 12"X26". Marianne 541-904-4683

FURNITURE FOR SALE

Antique double size wooden bed frame with new mattress and box springs. Paid $585 for bed, $179 for mattress and springs. Asking $400 for set. Fabric covered couch. Hardly used, no damage. Paid $1,099, asking $500.

Glass topped coffee table with drawers, perfect shape. Paid $845, asking $400. Vintage three-drawer dresser, asking $200. Please call 541-410-2890 or 541-410-2870 for more information or to see the furniture. Please leave a message, we will contact you.

202 Firewood

• SPRING 2025 • NEW DISCOUNT PRICES

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 541-699-7740

203 Recreation Equipment

Inflatable, frameless pontoon boat. Search Dave Scadden's 2025 Raptor Lite Speed X5. Hardly used, length 9', width 54", diameter 16", easy to put together, take apart and put in the back of a car. $650. Bob 541-401-0723

205 Garage & Estate Sales

Estate Sale Thurs., June 12, & Fri., June 13. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 69462 Lasso Sisters, OR 97759

Everything must go. Household goods, pictures, snow chains, dog kennels, dolls, glassware, etc. 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

2008 GMC SIERRA

1500, 4 door extra cab, AWD/4WD, V8, 224k miles, good condition mechanically, excellent tires, new brakes, canopy. $10,900. Call 541-419-6276

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

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

CLASSIC CAR STORAGE! Oversized, lights/power, $275/m • 541-419-2502

401 Horses

GRASS HAY

New 2025 crop. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $240-$340/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

403 Pets

I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com Home of Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits • 541-306-7551 • Julie Caring, loving pet care in my home. Daily rates and in town. Cheryl 541-420-7875

SISTERS WHISKERS

Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org – Sisters Oregon Guide –Pick one up throughout town!

500 Services

SMALL Engine REPAIR

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

Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines CAREGIVER 15 YEARS Working in Sisters. Great references. 503-274-0214

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

I am Dan the Mobile Barber and I will come to you with 35 years experience barbering. I serve Sisters, Redmond, and Terrebonne. Give me a call at 541-233-6395.

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

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 541-383-3455 or andy@bendblinds.com.

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Extend internet to shop, security cameras, Starlink. CCB #191099 541-306-0729

502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

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

GORDON’S LAST TOUCH

Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008

504 Handyman

3 Sisters Handyman Services 20+ years experience No job too large or small. Snow removal services available. Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Call Nate 907-748-4100 sistershandyman@gmail.com CCB# 253556

600 Tree Service & Forestry

• Wildfire Fuels reduction

• Debris Chipping/Mastication

• Forest Health Thinning • Land & Lot Clearing • 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 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

TimberStandImprovement.net

Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825

– All You Need Maintenance –Tree removal, property thinning & clearing, forestry mastication & mulching, stump grinding. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

Answer: Page 30

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

601 Construction

Construction & Renovation

Custom Residential Projects

All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC.

General Contractor

Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74

A “Hands-On” Builder

Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016

To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians

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

Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me. All projects: From new construction to those little projects you don't seem to get to. My team of local subcontractors and I will get it done right, fair, and pain-free so you can make your spouse happy. Call Jared 503-949-9719

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

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

INSPIRED CUSTOM HOMES

www.teeharborconstruction.com 541-213-8736 • CCB#75388

Plumbing & Electric

INC.

603 Excavation & Trucking

ROBINSON & OWEN

Heavy Construction, Inc.

All your excavation needs

*General excavation

*Site Preparation

*Sub-Divisions

*Road Building

*Sewer and Water Systems

*Underground Utilities

*Grading

*Sand-Gravel-Rock

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

CCB #124327

541-549-1848

Full Service Excavation

Free On-site Visit & Estimate

Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888

Drainfield

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

• All Septic Needs/Design & Install

General Excavation

• Site Preparation

• Rock & Stump Removal

• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation

• Building Demolition Trucking

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

• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

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

604 Heating & Cooling ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com

Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.

CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462

All Landscaping Services

Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740 Flow State Property Improvements LLC Spring landscape cleanups & debris removal, pine needle removal, bark and gravel refreshing. Contact Steve at 541-316-9959 or email flowstatepi@gmail.com.

Alpine Landscape Maintenance An All-Electric Landscape Company.

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

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

LCB #9958 • CCB #222039

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

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

Part Time Sales Associate

We are looking for a friendly, reliable, team player who enjoys working with the public in a retail environment. You must be willing to work some weekend days. Applications available at Stitchin' Post, 311 West Cascade in Sisters or by email diane.j@stitchinpost.com. Questions? Contact diane.j@stitchinpost.com

STORE CLERK - Must be able to lift 45 lbs. 18 years old +. Starting at $17/hr.

We are Hiring! Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping, Barista & Maintenance/ Landscaping. PT/FT. We are proud to offer flexible schedules and excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com 13375 SW Forest Service Rd. 1419, Camp Sherman

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062

www.sistersfencecompany.com

Information on Licensing for CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS ~

An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. The state of Oregon provides detail at the Oregon Construction Contractors Board online. More information is at www.oregon.gov/CCB

Earthwood Timber

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services

EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com

Custom Homes

Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects

Becke William Pierce

CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com

— Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling • New Construction • Water Heaters 541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured

CCB #87587

SERVICE 541-419-3148

63-year tradition for Sisters www.georges-septic-service.com Ridgeline Electric, LLC Serving all of Central Oregon

Commercial

Service

• CCB #234821

CCB #195556 541-549-6464

605 Painting EMPIRE PAINTING

Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining

CCB#180042 541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk 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, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, thatching, aerating, irrigation, mowing. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com

701 Domestic Services

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897 I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051

802 Help Wanted Brand 33 at Aspen Lakes Golf Course

We’re hiring for the following positions: Sous chef/lead cook, line cook, prep cook, servers, beverage cart, dishwasher, day time bartender, golf course greenskeeper. Seasonal FT/PT. Competitive wages DOE. Email accounting@aspenlakes.com

Work with Vacasa this summer in Sisters and Black Butte as a Piecework Housekeeper cleaning vacation homes. Employment dates 5/11-9/26. Piece rate pay ranging $40-$225 per unit with average $110 per unit. $22/hour for paid training, required meetings, and non-post reservation cleans. $1,000 sign-on bonus paid $500 after 30 days and $500 after 90 days of employment. Apply online at www.vacasa.com/careers.

They're on the Web at www.nuggetnews.com

Uploaded every Tuesday afternoon at no extra charge! Call 541-549-9941 Deadline for classified is Monday by noon

puzzle on page 29

Schools get some relief on retirement costs

By Natalie Pate, OPB

Courtesy Oregon Capital Chronicle

In a budget season rife with cuts and constraints, school districts have some good news.

The Oregon Public Employees Retirement System, known as PERS, has announced a reduction in pension contribution rates for K-12 school districts.

Agency leaders said the one-time move will provide much-needed budget relief to districts across the state for the 2025-27 biennium.

“Thanks to the support of Gov. Kotek and the Legislature,” Oregon PERS Director Kevin Olineck said, “we were able to recalculate employer contribution rates and deliver real, measurable cost reductions for our school employers.”

School districts, large and small, are facing another

year of multi-million-dollar budget deficits. And they were expecting a big hit from PERS.

Back in the fall, school leaders learned that the increase in PERS costs in the upcoming biennium was going to be more than Gov. Tina Kotek’s initial budget increase for the State School Fund. In other words, despite her investing more in education, that money would be wiped out quickly by the rising costs of Oregon’s retirement system.

But in December, Kotek doubled the proposed increase in K-12 spending, which more than offset the PERS increase.

Lawmakers further reduced the costs this spring by passing Senate Bill 849.

The bill, introduced by Kotek at the request of PERS officials, changes how the state retirement agency distributes

money from its School Districts Unfunded Liability Fund. That brought down the estimated retirement costs for schools from $670 million to just over $500 million.

The changes from the bill reduce some of the burden on school districts to absorb rising retirement costs. Contribution rates for school employers will drop 1.68 percentage points as a result, reducing costs by about 6% over the next biennium. For school districts, this translates into $168 million in savings statewide — money that can now be used for other needs.

It’s not certain yet how these rates will continue or change for school districts in the next biennium. Analysts are already expecting an increase in 2027-29, followed by a significant decrease.

But for now, the change is significant for local districts.

In Portland Public Schools, for example, this change is expected to pay for dozens of teachers. That’s a welcome development considering the state’s largest school district had a $40 million budget gap when approving its budget for next school year.

“[This bill] is estimated to reduce our expenditures in one year (by) about $7.6 million, which is equivalent to about 50 teaching positions,” explained Michelle Morrison, chief financial officer for PPS, when giving testimony to lawmakers in April.

“As you are aware, the School District Liability Fund has been kind of sitting and unable to offset our costs actively in the moment,” she said to lawmakers. “So, this is an excellent opportunity, while those rate increases are significant, to put those dollars to work.”

The Oregon School Employees Association, AFT-Oregon, the Oregon School Boards Association, and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators were among the supporters of the bill. It passed with only four dissenting votes in the Oregon Senate and unanimously out of the Oregon House.

Louis De Sitter with the Oregon Education Association spoke to that in his testimony.

“I think the bipartisan nature of the bill,” he said, “and the fact that both management and labor are so supportive of this, is indicative of a really good process, and a bill that we do believe will have a big impact for our districts across the state.”

This article was originally published by Oregon Public Broadcasting.

• Clearing & removal of trees, stumps, brush

• Sewer, water, electrical, and drainage lines

• Foundation excavation and backfill; site grading

• Curbs, driveways, patios, and RV pads • Gravel and asphalt driveways; concrete sidewalks • Rock and border retaining walls