The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVIII No. 31 // 2025-07-30 by Nugget Newspaper

Makin’ it to the top...

GFP expands footprint in Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

GFP Enterprises is one of those businesses in Sisters that is largely unknown outside the industry in which they operate. In this case, that’s hazard, disaster, and emergency response. GFP operates with high degrees of logistical complexity, including multiple full-service base camps for FEMA and state governments in response to hurricanes or other natural disasters including wildfire.

A record number of runners took on the Kiwanis Run to the Top at Hoodoo Ski Resort. Seestory,page12.

Committee to draft five county districts

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recently confirmed their seven appointments to the District Mapping Advisory Committee (DMAC) and worked to finalize the DMAC guidelines. Since the November 2024

election, when voters in Deschutes County approved an increase to the number of county commissioners from three to five, the BOCC has been considering creating five county districts. A few public meetings on the topic over the past five months culminated in BOCC’s decision to create an independent

See DISTRICTS on page 13

Fire district earns kudos for budget

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District consistently earns awards for the quality of its budget work. Since the awards recognize good stewardship of taxpayer dollars, the recognition that has come year after year for a decade constitutes a feather in the cap of the district.

The Government Finance Officers Association presented Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District with the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This is the 10th consecutive year that District staff

See BUDGETon page 15

GFP, founded by Don Pollard, has international experience as well, having deployed equipment and/ or personnel to some of the

See GFP on page 11

Big bull business bucks into Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

If you didn’t get your fill of rodeo last month at the 85th Sisters Rodeo, you may have been one of the roughly 1,000 who attended the Third Annual Red Rock Futurity. Held Saturday at the rodeo grounds in ideal weather, more than 100 future rodeo bulls gave it their best in hopes of moving into the professional rodeo circuits.

Nearly two dozen bull breeders rolled into Sisters intent on advancing their stock — and fortunes. Futurity rodeos are events specifically designed for young, inexperienced rodeo animals, typically horses and bulls. Unlike traditional rodeos where the focus is predominantly on the skill of the rider, futurity rodeos place a spotlight on the talent and potential of the animals. These events are generally for horses and bulls that are in their first or second year of training.

Futurity rodeos are akin to the junior or minor leagues in other sports. They provide

a platform for young rodeo animals to develop their skills and gain experience in a competitive environment. This early exposure is essential for producing the next generation of champion rodeo animals. Horses and bulls need a certain number of competitive rides before they can advance to the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association).

Futurities allow breeders and owners to evaluate the

genetic lines of their animals in a competitive setting. It’s an opportunity to see how the offspring of certain sires and dams perform, which is invaluable for future breeding decisions.

Futurity rodeos also have a significant economic aspect. They offer substantial prize money, which can be a major incentive for breeders and trainers to develop

See BULL on page 14

Bull breeders got an opportunity to show off their bucking stock in a futurity event at Sisters Rodeo Grounds last weekend.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

PHOTO BY JACK TURPEN

OPINION

Letters to the Editor…

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

Independence Day

To the Editor:

I am still feeling a positive afterglow from the C4C and Rotary organized “Sisters 4th Fest at the Village Green Park.” My hat’s off to their achieving “A Good Ol’ Fashioned Independence Day.”It truly felt that way. It felt like a time in America when meanness and political fighting did not prevail. I had the astonished thought at one point: “Good Heavens, the America I’ve experienced most of my life is still alive.“I participated in the 4th festivities through a “Kids Plant Beans” activity some Sisters Community Gardeners and I set up for the kids. It was so fun for us to help kids ages two to 14 pot soil, pick from a large variety of bean seeds, plant, and water their beans. They took home their pots and a cartoon of what would be happening to that

out-of-sight bean before it pushed its first leaves above the soil surface. They left us gardeners with warmed hearts. We gave away sunflower plants too. It was truly wonderful to watch families stroll across the park, some with a sunflower cradled under an arm, their kids clutching their precious pots of planted beans.

Nancy Bright s s s

Barclay intersection

To the Editor:

The intersection at East Barclay Drive and Camp Polk Road is too tight a turn for 18-wheelers.

I was on East Barclay Drive waiting in the left turn lane to Camp Polk Road and nearly

See LETTERS on page 8

Sisters Weather Forecast

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

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Accountability for fire?

By Steve Woodside Guest Columnist

Living in Sisters demands a unique vigilance. We navigate a delicate balance: managing well water, planting deer-resistant shrubs, and maintaining roads through harsh winters. But above all, we bear a profound responsibility to protect our community during fire season.

I gave up burning yard debris years ago. Standing watch for hours to ensure a fire didn’t escape wasn’t worth the risk. Now, I haul clippings to the transfer station, knowing it’s my duty to keep my neighbors safe. This is accountability in action — a small sacrifice to prevent catastrophe. Yet, as I scan the horizon daily for smoke plumes, I’m struck by a glaring gap in our collective response to wildfires: we rarely learn who starts them, and even less often, what consequences they face.

In recent years, Sisters has faced its share of scares. I have personally endured two evacuations, several Level 2 alerts, and this year, a Level 1 warning tied to the nearby Alder Springs Fire. Updates flood in about fire perimeters, containment percentages, and air quality, but one question remains unanswered: Who caused it?

When lightning sparks a blaze, like recent fires in Crook County, news outlets are quick to clarify the cause. But when a fire is human-caused — especially from illegal campfires, reckless debris burning, or negligence — the silence is deafening. Why?

into a truck engine near the Almeda Fire, sparking a secondary blaze that destroyed 14 homes. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

These cases, though rare in their specificity, show that consequences can be severe — but only if the culprits are identified and held accountable. Yet, such examples are the exception, not the rule. Most human-caused wildfires, like the main Almeda Fire or countless smaller blazes, come with no named perpetrator.

Newsrooms seem reluctant to dig deeper, perhaps to avoid legal entanglements or because investigations lag. But this silence protects no one. It leaves us guessing, playing a grim game of “who started it?” as we watch smoke rise. Without publicizing names and penalties, we lose a powerful deterrent.

Imagine reading that John Smith, a careless camper, started a 10,000acre fire and now owes millions in restitution or must spend months restoring the burn site. Wouldn’t that make the next person think twice before lighting an illegal campfire?

This is not about shaming; it is about clarity.

This lack of transparency troubles me. Without naming those responsible and publicizing their penalties, we miss a critical opportunity to deter future firestarters. Accountability is not just about punishment; it is about sending a message that carelessness has consequences.

In 2017, a 15-yearold threw fireworks into Eagle Creek Canyon, igniting a fire that scorched nearly 48,000 acres in the Columbia River Gorge. The teen, identified only as “A.B.” due to juvenile status, faced a staggering $36.6 million restitution order, five years of probation, and 1,920 hours of community service.

Naming fire-starters and their penalties — whether fines, jail time, or community service — creates a visible line between action and consequence. It tells the reckless: You will be found out, and you will pay. Oregon law allows the state to pursue firefighting costs from negligent parties, as seen in cases like the Stouts Creek Fire in 2015, where a homeowner’s lawnmower sparked a 26,000-acre blaze. But without consistent reporting, these efforts remain invisible, undermining their impact. We deserve better. Local media should press for answers, not just about fire growth but about who ignited it and what they owe — financially, legally, or morally.

Lucas Rietmann and Laura Readman ran a four-mile stretch of the Metolius River on a bluebird Saturday.

In 2020, Michael Jarrod Bakkela poured gasoline

If we want fewer fires, we need more than warnings and evacuations. We need accountability that resonates, from Sisters to every fire-prone corner of Oregon. We need to stop letting carelessness slide and start making consequences clear, because if people can fool around with fire without finding out, our forests— and our community—will keep paying the price.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

StirrUp Purpose supporters gathered on Friday, July 25, to receive donation checks totaling $9,400 from 100 Women Who Care-Sisters. StirrUp will now be able to expand its hippotherapy program in Sisters Country.

Celebrating with a camera-shy Rockstar, one of the horses that will work at Pole Creek Ranch, are (r) Terry Scherer of Sisters and founder Penny Campbell, who accepted the funds for the program.

100 Women support horse program

The latest beneficiary of 100 Women Who Care’s unique fundraising organization is StirrUp Purpose, which uses equine movement to offer physical, occupational, and behavioral health therapy to children and adults with disabilities.

On July 24,100 Women Who Care-Sisters donated $9,400 to help bring this effective therapy to local residents. According to county data,14.1 percent of the population in Sisters has some form of disability, and StirrUp Purpose has a substantial waiting list for its services at Pole Creek Ranch.

At their third quarterly

meeting of 2025, the group gathered at the SistersCamp Sherman Fire District Community Hall to hear presentations from three nonprofits nominated by group members: The Peaceful Presence Project, StirrUP Purpose, and the Sisters Festival of Books. After the presentations, members voted to fund StirrUp Purpose with their individual donations of $100. Founder and Director Penny Campbell illustrated the benefits of hippotherapy in her presentation with an impactful story of a toddler who came into the program unable to crawl, reach out for objects, or sit up longer

Book fest announces workshop series COMMUNITY

than a moment or two.

Within weeks, thanks to the gentle movement of her horse and the guidance of a trained volunteer, this little one had achieved a great deal: She was able to sit on her horse with much improved balance, engage with her environment, toys, and books, and even mimic some speech. Her first words? “Da-Da” and then “DeeDee”—the name of her horse.

Although a relatively new organization, StirrUp Purpose benefits from Campbell’s extensive experience with hippotherapy.

Honoring a geography pioneer

By Maret Pajutee Correspondent

Many of us might wish this place was still a local’s secret. But check out the license plates on that long string of cars on your next escape to that lake that should remain nameless. It’s less than 20 miles from Sisters, up an increasingly challenging narrow road, ending in tooth rattling washboard. But then you arrive at alpine meadows, and cross small rushing creeks with wildflowers. You drive into the glacial cirque with a moraine lake frequented by eagles, osprey, kayaks, fishermen, paddle boarders, dogs, and kids catching tiny frogs.

Heart-shaped Three Creek Lake is watched over by the high cliffs of Tam McArthur Rim, a favorite alpine hike destination that offers the rewards of intimate views of a volcanic landscape and the high country around Broken Top and the Three Sisters mountains. The round-trip hike is five miles, starting at an elevation of 6,550 feet and reaching 7,730 feet at its highest point. The USDA.gov website rates it as moderately difficult and “crowded.” But it remains an important trek for many who long for the high country.

How did the name of a Pacific Power and Light

The 2025 Sisters Festival of Books will host a compelling series of creative and community-focused workshops from Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14. Designed to be inclusive and accessible, all workshops are offered on a “pay what you can” basis, with a suggested donation of $35. Full workshop descriptions, including times and locations, are available at SistersFoB.org. Keep your eyes peeled for a full festival schedule and author lineup, which will be announced

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

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

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

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

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

Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild

For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info. Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.

Council on Aging of 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.

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 2nd Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSI D Of fice 541- 903- 4050

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 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.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.

next week.

• All About Publishing! Ever wanted insider insight into the publishing industry? In this open-format “ask me anything” session, Laura Stanfill — publisher of Forest Avenue Press and author of “Imagine a Door” — answers your most pressing questions about query letters, agents vs. editors, distribution, and more. Whether you’re new to publishing or polishing a manuscript, bring

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.,

FIRE & POLICE

See PIONEER

What does it mean to ‘care’ about housing?

By Erik Dolson Columnist Opinion...

On page 8 of the July 23, 2025, issue of The Nugget, “guest columnist” Bill Willitts wrote about the need for affordable housing in Sisters.

I’ve known Bill Willitts for many years and would be among the last to doubt his empathy or honesty, but we need to examine his arguments.

He compares the price of a house at the median level in Sisters and the income needed to afford that house. (Roughly speaking, the median price is that of a house where half the houses are more expensive, and half are less expensive.)

Willitts wrote that the median price of houses in Sisters is $840,061. But he does not give us the boundary of houses he includes in calculating that median price. Houses within Sisters’ city limits? The 97759 zip code? The Sisters School District?

In his third paragraph, where he calls for a “shared understanding of the facts,” Willitts acknowledges that his income figures are gathered for all of Deschutes County, including areas such as La Pine and Redmond where incomes similar to those at Black Butte, Aspen Lakes, and Indian Ford are not enjoyed.

By using county-wide income figures, but housing prices that may include exclusive and expensive developments near Sisters, Willitts makes an apples to oranges comparison.

Willitts uses a definition of affordability from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that housing should cost no more than 30 percent of household income or it is “cost- burdened.”

Willitts writes the income to afford his “median” house “without being burdened” is $201,771. To relate the numbers as Willitts does is misleading, more so when he writes “Sisters teachers, firefighters, and senior home

care-givers are certainly not earning over $200,000 per year!”

Let’s pretend (absurdly) that houses at Black Butte Ranch, Cascade Meadow Ranch, Indian Ford, and Aspen Lakes make up “half plus one” of all houses in his chosen area, and each is valued at $2 million. Now we have a median house price of $2 million.

Just on a rough basis in our “pretend scenario,” but using a similar methodology, a family of four would need an income of $480,370 to afford the median house price. Ridiculous, yes?

But Willitts does something similar.

He writes that “Alarmingly, Sisters has a $325,875 affordability gap between our current median home price and what our community’s median wage earner can afford. Our city has priced out our own workforce.”

In fairness, there is no doubt that many of those who work in Sisters are unable to afford to buy a house here. Sisters has experienced what can only be called explosive growth over the last several years, and apartments have made up a significant contribution to housing. Why does Willitts ignore rental housing in his equations?

It’s easy to agree that home ownership is desirable for individuals and community, but when we are talking about availability and affordability of housing, ignoring apartments may be ignoring a huge factor in what’s

available.

Willitts also does not share how the disparity between what he claims is a lack of affordability relates to actual need. How many of his “Sisters teachers, firefighters, and senior home care-givers” are there? How many “affordable homes” do we need in Sisters to provide an opportunity for home ownership?

This is important because the demand for “affordable homes” in Sisters is effectively infinite. There are factors pushing up price (and profits) beyond anyone’s control, what I’ve long called the “Ponderosa Premium.”

Central Oregon is a great place to live, with beauty, recreational opportunities, relatively low crime rates, often pleasant weather. People want to live here. Homes in places where people want to live are more expensive.

And that’s another problem with Willitts’ analysis. Sisters has seen promises of “affordability” melt in the heat of the market, even recently. I have seen no longterm way to keep what was intended as affordable from creeping up in price.

Nor is there an effective way to “reserve” these affordable homes for local “Sisters teachers, firefighters, and senior home caregivers” instead of attracting buyers from out of the area able to pay a higher price for the benefits of living in the Sisters community, leaving locals with lower incomes still unable to find housing

they can afford.

Wages often fail to keep up, whether it be Sisters, Port Townsend, Aspen, Sun Valley, etc.

“That’s kind of just the way it is,” a realtor told me not long ago when I was advocating for affordable housing. “People at the lower end of the wage scale in a desirable community often have to find housing some place else.”

Harsh, but it clarifies the conundrum. Perhaps we are focused on the wrong side of the equation, and it’s not affordability of housing that’s the problem but wages that are too low to allow workers to share more fully in this community we value so highly.

If that idea seems too radical, perhaps we might consider housing subsidies for qualified buyers/renters. Let the market dictate prices, but provide needed assistance for those who work in Sisters. Pay for it with a hike in property taxes.

Don’t like taxes? We pay for affordable housing now with invisible cost shifts, or restrictions on use of private property.

Another possibility? Sisters is surrounded by public land. If we have a housing crisis and it’s a social problem, take a quarter-section (160 acres) of flat ground out Three Creeks Road and build a high-density village of government-owned, rentcontrolled apartments and homes with preference given to those who work in Sisters.

There are consequences

Sisters has seen promises of “affordability” melt in the heat of the market... — Erik Dolson

when we seek to avoid laws of economics. In a “free” society with a market economy, desirability and affordability are inversely correlated. Chasing affordability for its own sake may result in unchecked growth.

We need to be careful not to do the wrong thing for the right reasons.

Again, Bill Willitts is an extremely empathetic man who no doubt feels deeply the plight of others and hopes for the best for our community.

Still, I was dismayed that Willitts did not declare in his “guest column,” nor did The Nugget include, the important fact that Willitts is a developer with a housing project in the works for which he is seeking an expansion of the Sisters Urban Growth Boundary. Self-interest should not prevent Willitts from expressing an opinion, but acknowledgment would have been appropriate.

Editor’s note: Erik Dolson is correct. Bill Willitts’ interest in including his McKenzie Meadows property in the UGB should have been noted. That was an oversight on the part of the Editor. — Jim Cornelius

Outdoor movies on tap in Sisters this summer

Local nonprofit Citizens4Community (C4C) is teaming up with Kendall Auto Group to launch a free outdoor movie series in Sisters this summer. “Let’s Watch!” will bring community members together under the stars for four free, family-friendly films at iconic locations around town.

Powered by a vision of community connection — and with a 16-foot inflatable screen literally powered by an electric truck, courtesy of Kendall Auto Group — the series is about more than just movies. Each evening includes pre-film games and activities, concessions for purchase, and a chance to support a different local nonprofit or cause.

Let’s Watch! kicks off on Thursday, August 7, with a screening of “Cars” at Village Green Park. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m. for lawn games and fire truck tours at Sisters Fire Hall, with the film beginning at sundown (approximately 8:15 p.m.). Concessions will be provided for free by C4C and the Sisters Fire Corps. Community members are invited to bring their fanciest vehicles for a casual pre-film car show. An award will be granted to the vehicle most closely matching one from the movie!

The series will continue through August and September with the following films, dates, and locations:

• Friday, August 22 — “Encanto” at Sisters Art Works building, co-hosted by SFF Presents. Doors at 7 p.m., movie at 8 p.m. Concession sales will benefit SFFP’s local arts and music programming.

• Friday, September 12 — “The Sandlot” on the Sisters Community Church little league fields. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for pre-film kickball and lawn games, movie at 7:30 p.m. Concession sales will benefit Sisters Little League.

• Saturday, September 20 — series concludes with “Top Gun” on the tarmac at Sisters Eagle Airport. Doors at 6:15 p.m., movie at 7:15 p.m. Concessions will benefit Sisters veterans.

“This series is really about creating joyful, lowbarrier ways for people to come together in public spaces,” said Kellen Klein, executive director of C4C. “We’ve had so many folks propose this idea to us, and we finally found the right partners to make it happen. We’re so grateful to Kendall Auto Group and our other series sponsors — Arends Realty Group, St. Charles Health System, Sisters

Community Church, and Deschutes Public Library — for their help in keeping this series free and accessible to the community.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring low-back chairs or blankets, but leave dogs and outside alcohol at home. Each night offers concessions available for purchase, with all proceeds directly benefiting local nonprofits.

“The Kendall Cares program exists to create memorable and impactful experiences for the Central Oregon community, and thanks to Citizens4Community, our dream of developing a movie series for families of all ages is coming to life,” said Megan Cornett of Kendall Auto Group’s Community Relations department. “We are so excited to be a sponsor of these memorable summer nights, supporting incredible beneficiaries and creating access to experiences that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to see you there!”

For more details about each movie night, visit citizens4community.com/events or follow C4C on social media.

A 16-foot inflatable

Sisters sees annual ‘invasion’ from the Pacific Crest Trail

By Stuart Ehr Correspondent

We’re being invaded! Not the invasion of, say, a quilt show, a music festival, or rodeo, where the invaders show up in great mobs around a single predictable weekend.

No, this annual invasion is subtle, and you’ll miss it if you’re not paying attention. However, you can be a willing participant and help out in unique ways.

The only prerequisites are a curious mind and a generous heart.

Sisters is a well-regarded resupply town on the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile continuous foot path between the Mexican and Canadian borders.

According to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, (PCTA), they issued 6,840 permits this year for northbound (starting at Mexico) “NOBOS” and ”SOBOs,” (starting at Canada hiking south), and a small group of section hikers.

They represent all 50 states, as well as through-hikers from 45 countries.

These invaders are not tied to a local event but to a destination far from here.

You’ll see them in town from now till September. However, the peak of the invasion here in Sisters, also called the ”bubble, ” is around August 1.

Many thru-hikers are back-timing their arrival to Cascade Locks for PCTA Trail Days Festival, August 15-16.

Tips for spotting a genuine, in-the-wild-thru-hiker

They walk with a purpose. They are in great shape. Their shoes are usually worn (one of four pair they’ll wear out on the PCT). Their clothes are dirty and so are they. Although layers of dust and dirt are oft hidden by their underlying deep tans that began 2,000 miles ago.

They may carry or have hiking poles strapped to their pack. It is a nice tight “kit,” as the Brits call backpacks. A floppy sun hat seen dropping to the edge of their sunglasses, hiding “raccoon eyes” is another tell.

The majority would agree that a thru-hike does not conjur up the picture of an idyllic vacation. After all it is a 4-5 month journey filled with 700 miles of desert at the beginning, boredom, injuries, mosquitos, sunburn, more blisters. thunder storms, insatiable (hiker) hunger, dangerous river crossings and a 13,200ft. pass crossing.

Why spend a lot of money and prep time to attempt a thru-hike? You’ll have the chance to ask a thru-hiker directly about their motivations, usually wrapped in a story that is full of drama and tough life choices.

Every thru-hiker will have a different story of what brought them to “The Trail.”

All along the Pacific Crest Trail are hundreds of kindhearted folks, who look out for the welfare of thru-hikers from all over the world. They are known simply as “Trail Angels.”

Bend-based Michael Dupras is arguably the most prolific Trail Angel in Central Oregon.

Last year he assisted more than 300 thru-hikers that needed a hitch or help with gear or a doctor’s visit!

Why does he put thousands of miles on his car every hiking season? As a fellow backpacker, Michael has experienced hard times on trail where he needed some help.

“For me, it is all about paying it forward,” Dupras said.

Trail Angel Liana Ottaviano has been a Trail Angel for 10 years, and offers more than a hitch now.

“We started by driving past REI looking for hikers, asking them if they needed a place to stay. Since then, we listed ourselves on

various hiker websites, and now I am the administrator of the Central Oregon

Specializing in home and commercial repairs and improvements that take between two hours and two days to complete:

CABINET

Sisters will see a peak of hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail passing through the area this week.

PCT: Sisters is a stop on the

trailhead and if that will work for both of you.

Here are some more ways to “Angel” and help thru-hikers directly:

PCT Trail Angel Facebook group. My household mainly offers lodging (showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, a hiker box, electronics charging,” she said.

There is a fee to stay at Liana’s place, but it is minimal to cover electricity for washing clothes, and lengthy hot showers to wash off the trail.

So you met someone that has “the thru-hiker look.” Here are a few questions to confirm they are indeed thru-hikers:

“Where are you hiking, what’s your final destination?”

If they don’t say Canada or Mexico but they’re hiking the PCT, you might be looking at a section hiker. Just ask, “section hiking?”

Ask their “trail name.” Ninety-five percent of thru-hikers have had one bestowed upon them from fellow thru-hikers, often over a humorous event.

Since most thruhikers are watching the calendar, they will usually stay just a night, or possibly two if they get into Sisters late in the day. They have grocery shopping to do as well as find replacement gear that is worn, broken, or lost, usually at Hike-N-Peaks, Bi-Mart, or Ace Hardware.

Ask will they need a “hitch” around town, possibly to Creekside Campground, or a hotel or laundromat, a recommendation for an eatery. Find out when they might need a hitch to the

Sign up at Hike-N-Peaks outdoor gear store. They will put your name and phone number down as a resource for thru-hikers. Creekside Campgound maintains a list as well.

The Facebook page, Central Oregon Pacific Crest Trail Angels (admin by Liana) is another great resource to connect. There you can see present and upcoming needs from thru-hikers, and how you might help.

There are three hard and fast rules if you want to be a Trail Angel:

You cannot ask for money for giving a thru-hiker a hitch (or else they would have just called an Uber). That said, most thru-hikers will offer money at the end of the hitch. But not everyone has the budget to offer

remuneration. It costs about $1,200/mo to stay on trail, so be “surprised” and grateful if they offer you money for the hitch. Most will, but don’t ever count on it!

Don’t be a creep. Don’t communicate in a way that makes hikers uncomfortable. You do, and the community will blacklist you. We take the reputation of our hiking community and Angels seriously. Keep the conversation light. Remember, you’re there to build bridges, not talk

world politics. Why be a trail angel?

Liana has built up experiences through her many years that make it worth all the work.

“I enjoy it greatly!” She said. “The best part is meeting the hikers and listening to their stories. They are all ages, from all parts of the world, with vastly different experiences on trail and off. And they are so thankful for Trail Angels, it really makes us feel good to be a small part of their journey.”

“For me, it is all about paying it forward.. — Michael Dupras, Trail Angel, Bend, Oregon

If you answered the call to become a trail angel, you may hear a little bell ringing as the last thru-hiker leaves Sisters. Know then that you have finally gotten your wings!

T HANK YOU!

To all the merchants, sponsors, and individuals whose generous support helped make the 2025 Sisters O utdoor Q uilt Show – and our 50th Anniversar y celebration – tr uly extraordinar y. We are deeply grateful to our community par tners and the 400+ volunteers who dedicated thousands of hours to br ing this beloved event to life. T hanks to your effor ts, we welcomed over 12,000 guests from across the country and around the wor ld. T his milestone year would not have been possible without each and ever y one of you! Together, we continue to share, celebrate, and inspire –stitching a vibrant future for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and the community of Sisters for generations to come.

Q uilt Show Sponsors provide the financial suppor t that makes this free event possible We tr uly could not do it without your suppor t.

SP ONSORS!

OU R COMMUNI TY PA RT NERS help to make this event possible, and we tr uly appreciate each and ever y one...

The City of Sisters • Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department

Lt. Chad Davis and the Deschutes County Sheriff ’s Department • The Roundhouse Foundation

Stitchin’ Post and their staff • The Nugget Newspaper • Oregon Department of Transportation

Central Oregon Quilt Guilds • Sisters Rotar y • Kiwanis Club of Sisters • Sisters Dance Academy Heart of Oregon Corps YouthBuild • Sisters Park & Recreation District/Astronomy Club

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Explore Sisters • High Countr y Disposal

Honor Flight of Central Oregon • St. Charles Foundation • Earthwood Timber Frame Homes

Sisters Business Association • Citizens4Community • Friends & Vine • The Wheatfield Shop

Paulina Springs Books • Laurie & Keith with Central Oregon Realty Group

Donna Marshall, Stellar Realty NW • Sam Humphreys and Sisters Habitat for Humanity

A SP ECIAL T HANK YO U TO OUR

I NCREDIBLE VO LUNT EERS...

To the hundreds of volunteers – both near and far – who gave their time, energy, and heart to the 2025 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show: we are endlessly grateful. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and dedication helped us celebrate our 50th Anniversary in unforgettable fashion. Whether you were hanging quilts at dawn, greeting guests, guiding traffic, or lending a hand behind the scenes, you were essential to ever y stitch of this year’s success.

Your spirit is what makes this show so special!

We look forward to partnering with all of you for our 51st Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show next year! Reserve your sponsorship now by calling SOQS at 541-549-0989.

typical thru-hiker.

COURTESY PAUL COLLIN PHOTOGRAPHYS

Continued from page 3

She was instrumental in the success of Healing Reins, a decades-old similar organization in Bend, and StirrUp Purpose works closely with Treehouse Therapies to ensure a comprehensive and effective treatment plan for its clients.

During the one-hour meeting, members of 100 Women Who Care-Sisters also listened intently to presentations from The Peaceful Presence Project and the Sisters Festival of Books.

Peaceful Presence

Co-founder and Program Manager Kari Sims Anthon made the presentation for her organization, which assists individuals and families facing serious and terminal illnesses, death and grief. Peaceful Presence donations help make these services accessible to every person who desires support, regardless of ability to pay.

From Lane Jacobson, founder and director of the Sisters Festival of Books, the women learned how this annual special event benefits local authors, readers, children, and the community. Jacobson emphasized the role that a community-centered nonprofit, such as the Festival, plays in connecting readers, writers and storytellers in a celebration of literature as a hub for cultural enrichment and engagement.

The 100+ Women Who Care-Sisters group has added a “plus sign” to its name and is actively seeking new members, noting that there is no limit to its membership rolls. This social organization has no membership fees; members simply pledge to donate $100 to the nonprofit selected by the group at its quarterly meetings.

For more information, contact 100wwc.sisters@ gmail.com or call or text 541-912-0750.

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

had my front end altered by an 18-wheeler making the tight left turn onto East Barclay Drive.

I had to go into reverse and back up to allow the truck pulling a huge flatbed trailer to make the tight left turn onto East Barclay Drive from Camp Polk Road.

The intersection does not have enough real estate to allow extra long vehicles to navigate the turn from Camp Polk Road to East Barclay Drive.

The left turn onto Camp Polk Road from East Barclay Drive is also poorly marked; you must cross a yellow line to enter the turn lane.

I am sure the City traffic engineer is busily working on an improvement to what is effectively one half of a small roundabout.

The intersection needs more real estate for large vehicles to navigate safely without entering the lanes of other vehicles.

Bob Brown s s s

Roundabout

To the Editor:

I’d like to encourage the Sisters City Council and selection committee to continue recognizing and honoring one of the most remarkable legacies to come out of Sisters: the incredible legacy of Red Rock, the legendary bull born and raised right here in Sisters, and his unforgettable rivalry with champion rider Lane Frost.

Red Rock wasn’t just any rodeo bull. He was an icon. He earned his place as the PRCA Bucking Bull of the Year in 1987. Known for his unmatched power and intelligence, Red Rock was never successfully ridden in regular competition— not once in over 300 attempts. That changed when he met Lane Frost in the 1988 “Challenge of the Champions,” a historic event that included a stop at our very own Sisters Rodeo. Frost, a world champion known not only for his talent but also his humility and sportsmanship, managed to ride Red Rock multiple times showing a level of skill and heart that captivated the country. Their story became rodeo legend, even inspiring the film “8 Seconds.” But for those of us in Sisters, it’s more than a movie — it’s part of our local identity.

Let’s make sure future generations know that Red Rock

came from Sisters and that Lane Frost helped write one of the most inspiring chapters in rodeo lore. History happened here!

Installing a sculpture at the roundabout is our chance to pay tribute and to preserve a part of our identity. Their story is a part of us, it’s a part of our DNA, and it deserves to be remembered.

Rebecca Gilman

To the Editor:

s s s

Dark sky

Saturday evening’s “Dark Sky Party” to “celebrate Sisters, Oregon, becoming an International Dark Sky Community” was treated to a SHS parking lot full of bright lights and not a “Dark Sky.” Somehow, an unfortunate confluence of disinterest, laziness, and incompetence resulted in those lights not being extinguished during this event.

The Starshine attendees were less seriously affected but the Sisters Astronomy Club members attending with telescopes were essentially unable to show the night sky objects as they normally do for our Stars Over Sisters star parties. As I need to see the sky to find interesting objects to show people, I could not show anything to the attendees. A couple of other telescopes were Go-To scopes so objects could be found, but observing them with the strong lighting was nearly impossible.

Our club has had inconsistent results in the past when trying to coordinate with SHS buildings and grounds to have the lights extinguished and the sprinklers turned off.

Other questions arise: why are these lights required to be on for these long periods at all when there are (apparently) no high school activities going on? Why are these lights not “Dark Sky” compliant (except, perhaps, not projecting upward) and operating at “warmer temperatures” such as 2700K or 3000K? They are very much operating toward the blue end of the spectrum which is a detriment to, basically, all life.

Jim Hammond Sisters Astronomy Club (Charter Member and former Vice-chair)

Continued from page 8

s s s

Forgetting what makes us free

To the Editor:

After reading William Barron’s column in the July 23 Nugget, over multiple times I can only ask: Is there some point or conclusion being made, or even some recommendations based on problems he seems to imply exist based on numerous questions being asked?

Maybe Mr. Barron can answer his own questions by going back to our founding Declaration of Independence to find the source of truths they believed to “be self-evident,” “endowed by our Creator,” with “Men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Is not our last election in fact the fulfillment of these few words loud and clear? For the past eightplus years Americans have witnessed what is seen and heard, and voted based on two completely different directions of leadership offered. Freedom is not forgotten! Suggest Mr. Barron visit Arlington National Cemetery.

Jeff Mackey

s s s

Share information

To the Editor:

As we navigate the busy summer season, Explore Sisters would like to express our gratitude to the incredible individuals, volunteers, businesses, and organizations who make Sisters such a vibrant and welcoming place through the thoughtful creation of community events. From signature celebrations like the Sisters Rodeo, Outdoor Quilt Show, and Folk Festival to monthly art walks, seasonal markets, and grassroots gatherings, each event reflects the character, creativity, and heart of this special community. These events not only bring joy to residents and visitors alike, they also strengthen our local economy, support small businesses, and foster a

sense of connection. It’s no small feat to bring people together, especially with the level of care and hospitality Sisters is known for. Guests are amazed by the spirit of this town and the warmth they experience.As the destination management organization for Sisters, we are honored to promote your efforts and share your stories. Thank you to everyone who contributes their time, talent, and heart to make it all happen. We encourage community members to share with us upcoming happenings that would be of interest to our guests. Events can be submitted directly through our website at exploresisters.com/ events or by emailing us at hello@exploresisters. com. Sharing your events and experiences helps us spotlight what makes Sisters so unique and ensures both locals and visitors stay connected to everything our community has to offer.

Scott Humpert, Executive Director

s s s

A false accusation

To the Editor:

A long time ago in Sisters, I sat with my fiancé at the time who happened to be African American. I was talking about him adopting my son who does not have a father in his life. In the distance someone said, “What white woman would allow a black man to be their white child’s father?” In the distance another voice said that he was a drug dealer.

The man they were referring to was a Bronze Star recipient and a Marine. He had never been arrested before in his lifetime. The next day an officer had cuffs on him briefly to question him. He was shortly released.

It was a sad day for me because he left Sisters thinking all the cops in Sisters were racist. This isn’t true. At this point in time, I know that the caller was the racist individual. The cops did their job by questioning an innocent man, but the problem is that they defend the racist.

The officer today (Editor’s note: She is referring to a conversation last week) stated that they need to protect the Constitution and that people have the right to say what they want to. Although I believe

most officers are in the right and try their best, it is a sad day when the Constitution is protecting racist remarks that lead to a false [action]. There was no drug deal. We were in love, holding hands. There was a misunderstanding between the cops and myself, and yet no apologies to my fiancé or myself for degrading him and detaining him. He left Sisters never to return due to the racist call to the officers. He felt harassed, degraded, and violated.

We are no longer engaged and my son was never adopted by him. There were people in the background laughing as the Sheriff’s Department questioned him.

I may never know the answer to my longing question as to who falsely accused him because the Sheriff’s Department has to uphold the Constitution. Maybe the Constitution needs to change and someone should be held accountable for making a clear false accusation.

Kristina Derksen s s s

Roundabout

To the Editor:

Driving round-about the High Desert east of Sisters, it soon becomes clear that the Old Westthemed artwork on display, while pertinent, is also repetitious. Prineville has “War Paint,” a sculpture celebrating a legendary bucking horse and the area’s rodeo heritage. Bend has “Two Bits” commemorating the city’s logging era with a pair of draft horses pulling logs. Other examples of roadside art in tribute to pioneer heritage abound. At its new (and likely its last) major roundabout, Sisters gets but one chance to set itself apart while telling our city’s unique story. That story includes but is certainly not limited to horses, bulls, and buckaroos.

The most appropriate way to honor the collectively iconic themes for which Sisters is revered may be in the form of a tiled mural, merging elements in a way that sculpture alone can’t readily

See LETTERS on page 16

SISTERS LIBRARY EVENTS

Summer with the Librar y in Sisters: Wednesday, July 30, 5–7 p.m. Sisters High School. Come celebrate Summer with the Librar y at Sisters High School. e librar y and several communit y organizations will be sharing games, activities, prizes, f ree books, and community information Questions? Contact Betsey at betseya@deschuteslibrar y. org

Professor Universe: A Comedic Science Show

Friday, August 1, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Science concepts presented in fun and interactive per formances . In “Found in the Stars” kids will learn how gravity, matter, and stars are connected; how stars are born and become black holes; and how light is made of photons , changes color with energy, and includes invisible “colors” that exist beyond the rainbow. Suggested ages 6+, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver How to Read a Painting Have you ever l ooked at a painting and wished to understand it more? Gain practice in visual and contextual analysis of the more common symbols and tropes s een in Western painting . Registration required. Friday, August 8, no on, online only. For more information visit www deschuteslibrary.org

Around the World in 30 Instruments with Four Shillings Short Enjoy a global music performance by a husband and wife duo. urs day, July 31, 1:30–3 p.m.

Bookends: Pizz a and Taco

Tuesday, August 5, 1–2 p.m. A story-ﬁlled celebration with your favorite reading buddies . A laugh-out-loud goo d time inspired by "Piz z a and Taco" by Stephen Shaskan. Meet the hilarious foo d b esties , Piz z a and Taco, through a lively read-aloud of their ﬁrst graphic novel adventure. en stick around for games , crafts, and silly activities . Create your own foo d characters and vote on fun deb ates — just like Piz z a and Taco do! is program is intended for children grades kindergar ten through 3rd. Questions? Contact Sheila Grier sheilag@ deschuteslibrary.org (call or text) 541-617-7071

Online Find dozens of stor y times and other fun programs for kids, available 24/7 on the librar y YouTube channel: dpl.pub/storytime.

A NNOUNCEMENT S

National Night Out, Sisters

An event for community members to interact with DCSO D eputies , K-9s, Search & Rescue, and emergency vehicles . Tuesday, August 5

6-8 p.m. Village Green Park, 125 E . Washington St.

Craf t Consignors Wanted Qualit y craf t-consignors wanted for the 49th Snowﬂake Boutique, November 7–8 , 2025 . Next jur y will be Saturday, August 9, beginning at 9 a .m. at Redmond Senior Center. Additional juries will be held through October Info: www.snowﬂakeboutique org or call Brenda 541-350 -4120 or Pat 541-383-1821.

New community work space open Citizens4Community (C4C) has opened a community work space at 291 E. Main Ave (next to Fir Street Park). " e Hub" o ers donation-based coworking , meeting space, a shared kitchen, nonproﬁt resources , rotating art displays, and more. Operating hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a .m.–4 p.m. Information: www.sistershub.org

Sisters Historical Walking Tours

Learn about Sisters’ fascinating histor y during an easy-going morning walking tour. ree Sisters Historical Societ y o ers two di erent docent-led w alks: the Downtown L andmarks Tour and the Heritage Home Tour. Admission is free, they cover less than a mile, and last approximately one hour. Start time is 10 a .m. Pre-registration is required at least 24 hours prior through Eventbrite.com , or call the museum at 541-549-1403.

Landmark Tours will be on Wed 8/6 , Sundays 8/3 , 8/17, 9/7, and u. 9/25 . Heritage Home Tours will be on Saturdays 8/9 and 9/6

Learn more about the history of some of our buildings and fun stories about the businesses and the interesting people who occupied them.

Americ an Legion and VFW VF W Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86 meet the ﬁrst Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at Pine Meadow Village Clubhouse, 596 W. Je erson Ave. Email sistersveterans@gmail.com for information

Volunteer at Sisters Habitat for Humanity

Help us build hope and homes in Sisters , connect with new people, make f riends, and make a di erence in our community Volunteer today! Learn more at www.sistershabitat.org/ volunteer or call 541-549-1193.

C4C launches online volunteer dashboard

Citizens4Community (C4C) has developed a new online dashboard for local volunteer roles . Nonproﬁts can post Sisters Country-based volunteer needs for f ree, and community members c an search for oppor tunities aligned with their interests and availabilit y. Learn more at volunteerinsisters.org

Monthly Songwriters’ 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 (August 10), 6 –8 p.m., in the Sisters Folk Festival “JA M Studio” upst airs in the Sisters Art Works building , 20 4 W. Adams Ave Free. Info: call/text 541-977-8494, or email jessaneene@msn.com.

10 0+ Women Who Care–Sisters

10 0+ Women Who CareSisters is delighte d to announce that it has added a “+” to its name! Having topped 100 memberships , the group is actively recruiting women to join and support that beautif ul “+ ” 100WWC pools donations to f und local nonproﬁts nominated by its members

More than $51, 00 0 has been donated since the group’s founding in March 2024. ere is no membership fee, but one must be a member to attend the quarterly meetings. For more information or a membership application, email 10 0w wc.Sisters@gmail.com or call/text 541-912-0750.

Community Grants

Prog ram Accepting Applications e Cit y of Sisters is seeking to award grants to nonproﬁt communit y groups and other entities that meet the grant criteria for the 2025/26 ﬁscal year. e cit y will award up to $30, 00 0 in grants for Sisters community project s. Interested organiz ations should submit a Communit y Grant application and letter of interest by July 31, 2025 , attention Rebecca Green, Cit y Recorder. Applications are available on our website: https://www ci.sisters .or.us/administration/ page/communit y-grants. For information contact Rebecca Green at 541-323-520 6 or recorder@ci.sisters.or.us.

Open Studio at PMRCA A Wednesday, July 30, 4– 6 p.m. Open Studio of the 2025 residenc y season at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture! Presenters for this event include Interdisciplinary Artist Jazmyn Crosby, Multidis ciplinar y Artist Barbara Holmes , Multidisciplinar y Artist Scott Kildall, and Multimedia Artist Ket zia Schoneberg 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 e address for this event is: Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 ree Creek s Rd., Sisters Furr y Friends Volunteers Needed Furr y Friends Foundation (FFF) is seeking volunteers to help at the pet food bank on ursdays f rom 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. It is helpf ul if you can lif t up to 4 0 pounds to assist client’s loading their pet food order. FFF is located at 412 E . Main, behind e Nug get’ s o ce. Call or text Kiki at 541-797-4 023 for more details

Living Well With Dementia Sisters New Support Group Living Well now o ers a new Early Stage Support Group We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month f rom 10 –11 a .m. at Sisters Park s and Rec Communit y Center in the Whychus Room. For more information call 541-588-0547.

Living Well With Dementia Sisters Suppor t Group Living Well o ers a support group for the care partners and f amily of those diagnosed with some form of dementia. ey meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month f rom 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Sisters Park & Recreation District Community Center in the Whychus Room. For more information call 541588- 0547

Free Pet Food

Budget tight this month, but you still need pet food for your dog or cat? Call the Furr y Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4 023 to schedule your pickup. Pickups available ursdays , beginning at 12:30 p.m. Located at 412 E. Main Ave., Ste. 4, behind e Nug get

LIL PEEP

She's comfortable both indoors and out, making her the per fect companion for a variet y of homes. Lil Peep has lived with both cats and dogs , and she gets along well with everyone. Whether she's lounging in the sun or exploring the yard, she's always ready for a cuddle or a play session. Bring Lil Peep home and add extra love to your life! Lil Peep's adoption fee is sponsored!

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

Wellhouse Churc h 442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com

Continued from page 1

most remote areas in the world. Among them Papua New Guinea, Chile, Panama, and Wainwright, Alaska.

They are a major employer in Sisters with approximately 27 fulltime employees that live in Central Oregon, over half in Sisters. And another 65-75 seasonal employees that get about 90 hours per week of work for six months or more during any given year.

“Our seasonal workforce actually get more than the 2,080 hours per year that is the typical full-time employee,” Pollard told The Nugget . “Most of our fulltime employees in Sisters are our upper management, including finance/administration and food service operations management, base camp project managers, and a couple of our fire management staff.

“Overall, our company has about 50 full time employees spread over nine locations from Sisters to Alabama. We have another 450 seasonal staff throughout the country.”

They have been headquartered for years on West Sisters Park Drive in a 10,500-square-foot office/ warehouse building. In two major purchases just in the last two weeks the firm has upped its building space to 43,000 square feet.

It acquired the 32,460-square-foot multipurpose building at the corner of North Larch Street and East Barclay Drive previously owned and occupied by Metabolic Maintenance who recently sold. The building was listed at $6 million.

To cover its expected growth, GFP also purchased the 9,445-square-foot building immediately next door,

formerly occupied by Three Creeks Brewing Co., who ceased operations last year. It had been listed for $2.75 million.

Its current building on Sisters Park Drive is now on the market for an asking price of $2,175,000.

“We outgrew our current location many years ago,” Pollard said. “We do not have near enough room for our equipment and staff. We have three or four staff members sharing offices in some cases. I have been looking for a new site in Sisters for a few years now. We did not want to have to move our headquarters somewhere else just because we couldn’t find any land or buildings suitable for us. When we saw the Metabolic Maintenance building for sale I immediately called and arranged a showing. It checked almost all the boxes.”

Pollard explained the opportunity: “I then noticed the Three Creeks building and extra bare lot was for sale as well. By purchasing and moving to the new locations, we avoid having to force our staffing to move somewhere else to keep their jobs. We also are in a better position to service our Pacific Northwest customer base as we can now stage our mobile kitchens, mobile showers, mobile laundry trailers, mobile restroom trailers, and other resources right here in Sisters.

“We have 19 acres in Southern California that currently stages over 400 trailers for us. Now we can space these out a bit and respond with more capability to fires or disasters in the Pacific Northwest.”

When talking about their low visibility, in Sisters, Pollard says, “Most people in our community don’t realize they have one of the largest providers of base camp assets and resources in the United States right here in their little town of Sisters.

SUDOKU Level: Diﬃcult Answer: Page 23

“We actually do more base camp and disaster/crisis work now than we do fire response work. We can literally feed and house up to 10,000 people with our own assets from multiple locations. But we like being known as the little fire company tucked away in the industrial area.”

In addition to Sisters, GFP operates in Salem, Pendleton, and Klamath Falls in Oregon, Lindsay and McCloud in California, Jackson, Mississippi, and

Corsicana, Texas.

There is a cost for GFP to remain in Sisters.

“We may have had to pay more to stay here in Sisters due to real estate pricing compared to other areas, but now nobody (including myself) has to move, and we can continue to live where we want to live,” Pollard said. “We have always been a strong supporter of our community, consistently supporting local churches, local nonprofits, and the schools.

We have always been a strong supporter of our community...

— Don Pollard

We love the community of Sisters. We have been here for 25 years, and we are very happy we have found the facilities we need to stay here for at least another 25 years.”

Runners take on Kiwanis Run to the Top at Hoodoo

By Jeff Omodt Correspondent

It was a perfect day for a trail run in Central Oregon as runners gathered for the ninth annual Kiwanis Run to The Top at Hoodoo Ski Resort. Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Sisters, the race is gaining a reputation as one of the most difficult trail runs in the Pacific Northwest. Runners commented.

“It’s an awesome race, with a beautiful location, but it’s really, really hard. It’s a simple concept… with an evil twist. Run a 5K or half marathon trail course around the beautiful and scenic Hoodoo Ski resort then finish the last mile gaining over 1,000 feet as you climb to the top of

Hoodoo Mountain.

“We always strive to give all our runners an opportunity to challenge themselves in a beautiful scenic outdoor setting,” said Race Director Matt Kirchoff.

Temperatures were still in the 60s as the runners set out at 8 a.m. for their 13.2 or 3.1 mile adventures.

This year marked one of the biggest fields ever for the event with 144 entries (56 half marathoners and 88 running the 5K). Runners ranged from four to 79 years old.

“It was fun again this year to see entire families running together. We had a lot of couples, father-son, and mother-daughter teams this year… it was all about family runners” said Berni Huggett,

registration volunteer.

One of the crowd favorites this year was the Wood family of Camp Sherman, Kiel and Hazel with their two sons Alden, four, and Carson, six. The boys’ enthusiasm was contagious. And they managed (somehow) to cross the finish line at the top of the mountain.

This year’s race also had another notable milestone. Suzy Ramsey, one of the visionary founders and inventors of this challenge has handed off the race director leadership role to Teresa Cravens. Over 10 years, Suzy has fearlessly (almost) navigated permits, sponsorships, volunteers, and even a year of Covid rules. A job well done. Teresa says “We still see a lot of opportunities to enhance and expand the experience we offer to our runners. We will build on our success.”

The race attracts a lot of repeat visitors. Again, this year Scott Abrams of Bend returned to compete in his eighth consecutive year.

He said “I plan to keep doing this as long as I can, I’m only 69!”

Top finishers included:

Half Marathon Men:

1. John Peckham Sisters, OR (21) 1:33:12

2. Joshua Bibbee Waldport, OR (27) 1:40:42

3. Chase Anspach Terrebonne, OR (23) 1:43:39

Half Marathon Women

1. Nell Baker Seattle, WA (24) 1:54:28

2. Michele Desilva Bend, OR (41) 2:11:38

3. Stefanie Cummings Bend, OR (40) 2:43:50

5K Men

1. Will Strachan Terrebonne, OR (34) 0:30:19

2 Nick Showalter Bend, OR (29) 0:32:45

Runners started in near-perfect conditions.

& Ent

Events

JULY 24 — AUGUST 3

Caldera Theater, Bend Musical:

“Voiceless: A Musical" by Anne Fenn, music and lyrics by Deena Kamm. Production is a community collaboration. Tickets & info: www.voicelessamusical.com.

WEDNESDAY • JULY 30

Suttle Lake Lodge Play: "As You Like It" written by William Shakespeare, directed by Raechel Gilland, presented by Guerrilla Shakespeare Co 7 p.m. Tickets $20-25 at www our.show/guerrillashakes Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em, 21+, 5:30 p.m.–close upstairs. $50 buy-in, freezeout.

The Barn Live Music: Leadbetter and Moore 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com. Expo Center Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo Central Oregon's largest annual event returns for the 105th edition. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond. Info: expo.deschutes.org/p/fair/.

THURSDAY • JULY 31

Sisters Librar y Live Music: Four Schillings Short presents a free family music education concert: “Around the World in 30 Instruments.” 1:30 to 3 p.m. Info: https://dpl.libnet.info/event/13339811. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Sounds of the Ground: Making Music with Soil." In this sound composition workshop with Scott Kildall, participants will interact with electronic sensors to capture live soil data that translates into a soundscape 4 to 5 p.m. $10. Registration and more info: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Use'ta Do Benji Nagel showcases his talented friends every Thursday 6 to 8 p .m. Free Info: www thesuttlelodge.com. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night Family-friendly Free 5:45–6:30 p.m. Sign up: 5:30 Expo Center Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo Central Oregon's largest annual event returns for the 105th edition. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond. Info: expo.deschutes.org/p/fair/.

The race is produced with an army of volunteers. More than 30 Kiwanis members, families, and friends spend months planning and executing all the details that need to come together to make it a great event for the runners. Local sponsors

provide donations and services to make it all happen. That included this year Hoodoo, Ray’s Food Place, Therapeutic Associates, In loving memory of Sisters Kiwanian Warren P. Seaward, David and Laura Hiller, May Fan MD (Summit Medical), Greenridge Physical Therapy and Wellness, Best Day Brewing, Crux Fermentation Project, Ablis CBD Infusion, Hike-N-Peaks. Jeff Omodt is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Sisters.

3. Joseph Tysoe Portland, OR 54 0:33:60

5K Women

1. Grace Perkins Bend, OR (25) 0:31:22

Events & Enter tainment

2. Camile Laakmann Bend, OR (17) 0:36:39

3. Ella Rosling Bend, OR (17) 0:39:31

FRIDAY • AUGUST 1

Luckey's Woodsman Anniversary Party with Pig Roast & Live Music food starts at 3 p.m. Smooth Jazz 2 to 4 p.m., Dust Devils 4 to 6 p.m., The Gypsy Travellers 6 to 8 p.m. 352 E. Hood Ave., Sisters

The Yard at Hardtails Live Music: Cheyenne West Band 7–10 p.m. hardtailsoregon.com/events. Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Catherine Loyer 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets req.: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15; paulinaspringsbooks.com. Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Cover Story 5-7 p.m. Free Info: 541-549-2471 Expo Center Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo Central Oregon's largest annual event returns for the 105th edition. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond. Info: expo.deschutes.org/p/fair/.

SATURDAY • AUGUST 2

The Yard at Hardtails Live Music: Got Your 6 four-piece, high-energy classic rock hits cover band, 7 to 10 p .m. No cover. Info: hardtailsoregon.com/events. The Barn Live Music: Joel Chadd Band 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage; thebarninsisters.com. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Introduction to Mordants for Natural Dyeing" with Madelaine Corbin. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Bring your cool car to display, or just come look. Free Info: 541-549-2471

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: John Hoover & The Mighty Quinns 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center Expo Center Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo Central Oregon's largest annual event returns for the 105th edition. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond. Info: expo.deschutes.org/p/fair/.

SUNDAY • AUGUST 3

Sisters Saloon Live Music: T5 Jazz 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors, music, community booth, kids activities. Info: www.sistersfarmersmarket.com. Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Expo Center Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo Central Oregon's largest annual event returns for the 105th edition. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond. Info: expo.deschutes.org/p/fair/.

MONDAY • AUGUST 4

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

WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 6

The Barn Live Music: Matt Mitchell 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 • AUGUST 7

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Rob Gregerson 5 to 8 p.m. Advanced tickets req.: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Skillethead Benji Nagel showcases his talented friends every Thursday 6 to 8 p .m. Free Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.

The Barn Live Music: In the Rounds 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.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 Info: call 541-549-2471

The Wood family makes it to the top.

PHOTO BY JEFF OMODT

DISTRICTS: Move is result of commission expansion

Continued from page 1

committee (the DMAC) to assess and advice the BOCC with a draft of a five-district Deschutes County map by November 18. The BOCC will review and approve the drafted map (with or without changes), and then submit a legislative measure of their five-district map in the May or November 2026 election.

The five-district measure is a separate election effort from electing four Deschutes County Commissioners in 2026. For details on how this measure may impact the county seat elections, see July 2 issue of The Nugget, “Voting in 2026 might get complicated,” (http://bit. ly/3GLoOdJ).

The seven DMAC members are Ned Dempsey of Bend and Bernie Brader of La Pine appointed by County Commissioner Tony DeBone, Matt Cyrus of Sisters and Phil Henderson of Bend appointed by County Commissioner Patti Adair, and Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, Andrew Kaza of Redmond, and Carol Loesche of Bend appointed by County Commissioner Phil Chang. Each Deschutes County Commissioner also appointed alternates whose names will be made public if any DMAC member resigns.

FRIDAY

In the Wednesday, July 23, BOCC meeting, the project management team (DMAC facilitator Neil Bryant, former Deschutes County Clerk Nancy Blankenship, and current Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison) fielded BOCC questions about and additions to the fourpage DMAC guidelines. The members of the project team had created the draft guidelines and will incorporate BOCC’s inputs. The project team’s later role is to advise, provide data, and facilitate DMAC meetings. They will not vote in said meetings.

The BOCC modified or affirmed the following DMAC guidelines:

• Members will follow the ground rules and expectations, adhere to Roberts Rules of Order, and maintain nonpartisanship.

• The project team will provide the DMAC with population counts as of 2020 census for Deschutes and number of voters registered in Deschutes County in 2020 and currently — the latter is updated daily in Deschutes County Clerk’s office.

• Each district’s population is to be similarly sized. Although a five percent variance between the largest and smallest defined districts is allowed. BOCC noted that a little over that variance might also be acceptable considering the Secretary of State uses a 10 percent variance when defining districts.

• The assigning of a

• AUGUST 8

Sisters Art Works Live Music: East Nash Grass + Community Dance with Outlaw Strings. Free Gates at 5:30 p.m., show at 6 p.m. Bring your low-back chair Info: www.sffpresents.org/concerts.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114. Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Major Dudes 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

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

SATURDAY • AUGUST 9

Sisters Depot Live Music: Bob Baker and Mark Barringer Creative arrangements of favorite artists from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Excellent guitar vocal, and violin. 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations: 541-904-4660

The Yard at Hardtails Live Music: One Way Out Allman Brothers Band tribute, 8 p.m. Tickets, $20 at BendTicket.com.

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

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Bundle Dyeing and Ecoprinting with Flowers" with Madelaine Corbin. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

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

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

district’s number will be by lot as pulled by the DMAC.

• BOCC rejected the idea of drafting two district map alternatives (one of five districts and the other of four districts with an at-large county commissioner seat) since doing increases the DMAC members work load and time.

• Each of the 50 precincts in Deschutes County (see map) are to remain whole — each precinct is in only one district.

The current estimated population of Deschutes County is 212,573 and that of Bend is 107,812. Based on these estimated population counts; the five new

SUNDAY • AUGUST 10

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Big Treble

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

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors, music, community booth, kids activities. Info: www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble

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

MONDAY • AUGUST 11

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

districts will each have around 42,514 people and Bend will be divided into at least three districts while keeping each of their 20 precincts whole. Weekly DMAC meetings will begin the week of September 8, ending on or before November 18;

Building & Renovating w ith Innovative Design and Energy-Sav ing Ideas!

Our team believes quality, creativity, and sustainability matter. We want your home to be a work of art worthy of containing your life — Mike & JillDyer, Owners

the meeting day of week is to be determined. DMAC members will attend an orientation meeting in August. Each member has a vote and will be assigned individual county emails. Their meetings, schedule, agendas, and contents will be open to the public.

WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 13

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 Suttle Lodge Live Music: Wolfhouse Jazz 6 to 8 p.m. Outside; free Info: thesuttlelodge.com.

The Barn Live Music: Pete Kar tsounes 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

THURSDAY • AUGUST 14

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Skillethead Benji Nagel showcases his talented friends every Thursday 6 to 8 p .m. Free Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.

The Barn Live Music: In the Rounds 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.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 Info: call 541-549-2471

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

FRIDAY • AUGUST 15

The Yard at Hardtails Live Music: Heller Highwater 7 to 10 p.m. Info: hardtailsoregon.com/events.

541-420-8448 dyerconstructionrenovation.com

FRIDAY • AUGUST 15 (cont.)

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

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Lilli Worona & Mike Biggers 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

SATURDAY • AUGUST 16

The Yard at Hardtails Live Music:

The Rolling Tones Rolling Stones tribute band, 8 p.m. Tickets, $20 at BendTicket.com. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Intermediate Natural Dyeing: Achieving the Spectrum with Overdyeing" with Madelaine Corbin. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

The Barn Live Music: Funk Around and Find Out 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

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

SUNDAY • AUGUST 17

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Double Wide 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors, music community booth, kids activities. Info: www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

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

Sisters Community Church Live Music: Station Camp Summer Concert Series on the lawn. 6 p.m. Free (donation to local nonproﬁts who provide assistance for those in need in our community, is appreciated). Bring chairs or blanket. More info at www.sisterschurch.com.

Single home sales in Sisters languish

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Realtors as recently as six months ago were bemoaning the dearth of inventory in Sisters Country. Not so now. There are 123 single family or townhomes for sale in zip code 97759. The trouble now is that they are not selling. At least not for the price asked, or in a reasonable time frame.

In 2022 and into 2023 buyers competed for homes often buying them for more than the listing price in heated bidding wars. Most homes took only two to three weeks to sell. Now it takes 66 days. Even in 2024 when interest rates were close to six percent, homes sold in 44 days on average.

Just three months ago Sisters was considered a balanced market, meaning buyers and sellers had equal advantage. That’s now moved to a buyers’ market according to Realtor.com.

While price drops for homes are now commonly being lowered about $10,000 for every month on the market, prices remain stubbornly high in Sisters, and beyond affordability for most firsttime home buyers or any family with less than $200,000 in household income and about $175,000 for a down payment.

However, compared to June of 2024, this June was a bit easier on buyers’ wallets. The average price last month was $860,783, down

from $1,044,065 the prior June. Likewise, the median price dropped from $888,780 to $750,000. Of the 24 homes sold in June of 2024 seven exceeded $1 million whereas this June the number was five.

The median price is the better gauge of a market.

But the price per square foot increased from $424 to $455 as smaller, newer homes impact the market.

The total of all sales in 2024 was $25.06 million and only $21.52 million this June.

Of the 122 homes listed on Zillow, 59 (virtually half) carry a price tag greater than $1 million including 18 over $2 million. Only 24 are offered that were once considered affordable — $450,000 to $750,000.

Even in Pine Meadow Village, one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Sisters, where rarely did a buyer historically have a choice of more than two properties, five are in competition.

To purchase the median home in Sisters with a 10 percent down payment results in a mortgage payment of $4,748.55 per month principal and interest at today’s 30year rate of 6.74 percent.

To qualify for such a loan would require a household income of $166,611. The median household income for Sisters is $93,115. For Bend it’s $95,527 and for Oregon it’s $80,160.

(Source: United States Census)

BULL: Event has become part of Sisters’ summer

Continued from page 1

top-quality rodeo animals.

In 2024, rodeo’s popularity reached an all-time high, accumulating 43 million fans and ranking seventh among major sporting events. Soldout rodeo performances like Sisters Rodeo are the norm, and membership, payouts, and retail sales continue to grow.

A young animal with DNA-verified parentage can be worth as much as $100,000 if he has superstar bloodlines. A proven bucking bull can fetch as much as $500,000. One can get started in the industry by buying a quality DNA-verified cow and bull for several thousand apiece.

In other words, the business of rodeo isn’t for the faint of heart. And it was all business Saturday. Even the fans in the stands seemed to have at least a peripheral connection to animal side of rodeo.

“Let’s admit it,” said Preston Morrissey of Prineville, a breeder. “Fans

want the most ornery, meanest baddest bulls out there. Real rodeo fans are just as much in love with the bull as the cowboy. And if the cowboy gets roughed up by the bull, all the better.”

He went on to explain that like any athlete, bulls must be trained. It’s a multi-year process and it’s “heartbreak hotel” most of the time. “It costs a ton to feed and house a bull. They get injured, too, and there are vet bills. It’s not like taking your dog into the vet for a checkup.”

Depending on the bull’s age, they are ridden not with a rider but a dummy weight. The older the animal the heavier the weight.

At the Red Rock Futurity, yearlings carried a 15-pound dummy which is designed to be released at four seconds out of the shoot. The twoyear-olds carried 25 pounds for the same four seconds.

Three- and four-year-old bulls have a live rider who, like in pro rodeo, needs to stay on the bull for eight seconds to be scored.

Red Rock Futurity in Sisters, produced by High Desert Bucking Bull Association, is the fifth stop of a seven event, multi state

tour that includes Idaho Falls, Hermiston, Browning, Montana, Ogden, Utah, Green River and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Local businesses commonly sponsor or have a financial interest in the stock.

Bull naming is a partylike ritual that can leave lasting impressions on fans. Who can forget the legendary bull, Red Rock, for whom the Futurity is named? Or more recently, the bull Party Bus, who jumped the arena fence at the 2024 Sisters Rodeo and became an instant international social media celebrity.

The top-ranked fouryear-olds coming into Sisters Saturday included Shazam, Scary Larry, Wild Ninja, Scarface, Jaws and Unabomber.

“You have to admit breeders have a sense of humor,” said Ward Crenshaw of Redmond.

A good time was had by all beginning with a meet and greet at Takoda’s Friday and an after party at Sisters Saloon Saturday night. Fans were treated to mini-bulls, ranch broncs, and a lamb scramble in addition to some serious bulls.

Wildfire survivors to pay taxes

By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle

A bill that would have provided some federal tax relief on settlements paid to survivors of utility-caused wildfires died in the final hours of the Oregon legislative session in June, despite early bipartisan support.

Advocates of the proposal that would have required utilities to cover the cost of federal income taxes on settlements to wildfire survivors attributed the failure to a last-minute decision by Democratic lawmakers to tweak the bill and roll it into a completely different package in the final days of the session.

Because it failed to pass, wildfire survivors who receive settlements from an at-fault utility after January 2026 will have to pay federal income taxes on the settlement, pending intervention from Congress. A federal law exempting such settlements from federal income taxes expires at the end of the year.

BUDGET: District has a decade of recognition for work

budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.

Under federal income tax rates, that leaves the average fire survivor turning over about one-third of their PacifiCorp settlement to the federal government, Berne said. The Oregon Legislature passed a bill in 2024 exempting settlements from state income taxes.

Requiring utilities to pay

When Senate Bill 926 passed the Oregon Senate in April, it included provisions requiring utilities that cause a wildfire to pay federal income taxes on settlements awarded to

The average amount that utility PacifiCorp, owner of Oregon-based Pacific Power, has been ordered to pay to survivors of several of the 2020 Labor Day fires is roughly $5 million, according to Cody Berne, an attorney for Portland-based law firm Stoll Berne who represents wildfire victims. Juries have found PacifiCorp responsible for at least four of the catastrophic wildfires that killed nine people and destroyed thousands of homes in September 2020, and many of the affected are still awaiting their day in court.

survivors.

It also included language prohibiting Oregon’s private investor-owned utilities from recovering wildfire lawsuit costs from ratepayers — including fines, fees and settlements — if the company was found by a court or jury to have acted recklessly or negligently in causing the fire. It also prohibited companies from raising rates to pay for repairing or replacing wildfire-damaged infrastructure if the company was found by court or jury to have been at fault for the fire.

Under the bill, electric utilities indebted by a wildfire judgment and pending trials would not have been allowed to send dividends, income, interest, or profits to corporate owners and shareholders and would have had to pay ninw percent interest on any damages awarded to wildfire victims starting from the date of the fire, rather than the date the damages are awarded.

The underlying point of the bill was to get PacifiCorp to move faster in settling with survivors of the 2020 Labor Day Fires.

Continued from page 1

has been recognized. In addition to receiving the award, the District’s budget received special recognition for strategic goals and strategies. Special recognition is given when all three reviewers give the highest possible score in particular categories.

The award represents a significant achievement by the District. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award, the staff had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s

Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

Finance Manager Julie Spor said, “Receiving this award for the 10th consecutive year is a reflection of our team’s ongoing commitment to financial transparency, strategic planning, and responsible stewardship of public funds. Preparing the budget is both a technical and collaborative effort, and I’m proud to work alongside dedicated staff and committee members who hold our work to the highest standards. It’s an honor to contribute to a process that directly supports the safety and service our District provides to the community.”

Baked Deliciousness!

LETTERS

Continued from page 9

accomplish. Such a mural could be two-sided (visible to both eastbound and westbound traffic) and set within a stone framework with the outline of the Three Sisters along its crest.

Brian Turner

To the Editor:

s s s

Visiting Sisters

These events not only bring joy to residents and visitors alike, they also strengthen our local economy, support small businesses, and foster a sense of connection. It’s no small feat to bring people together, especially with the level of care and hospitality Sisters is known for. Guests are amazed by the spirit of this town and the warmth they experience.

As the destination management organization for Sisters, we are honored to promote your efforts and share your stories. Thank you to everyone who contributes their time, talent, and heart to make it all happen.

We encourage community members to share with us upcoming happenings that would be of interest to our guests. Events can be submitted directly through our website at exploresisters.com/events or by emailing us at hello@ exploresisters.com. Sharing your events and experiences helps us spotlight what makes Sisters so unique and ensures both locals and visitors stay connected to everything our community has to offer.

Scott Humpert Executive Director

Pig roast celebrates a milestone

Jackson Higdon has a passion for food and for the outdoors — passions he combines in creative ways whenever possible, whether it’s hauling a kitchen deep into the woods and mountains for an adventure, providing meals packages for those trekking into the wilderness — or roasting a pig in the back yard.

On Friday, August 1, he’s inviting the whole community to Luckey’s Woodsman Trail Kitchen for a pig roast starting at 3 p.m., and he plans on feeding everybody who shows up. The meal is on a “pay what you can” basis, with a suggested donation of $18.

It’s all part of a celebration of 69 years of family legacy in the woods of Central Oregon, and five years in business as Luckey’s Woodsman, with a food cart in Bend and a twoyear-old location in Sisters.

Very few restaurants survive for five years, Higdon notes.

“Ninety-five percent of restaurants that open today

will not make it five years from now,” he told The Nugget. “For us, it’s a big deal.”

True to his communityoriented nature, a big deal for him and his staff means an opportunity to reach out and bring people together over food, music, and good times.

“I just want you to come out and enjoy this moment with us,” he said.

The pig is local — and so

is the music. The afternoon will start with smooth jazz, kick into bluegrass with Dust Devils, and culminate in a set by The Gypsy Travellers. Higdon is proud and somewhat taken aback to have hit an important milestone, and is looking forward to sharing it with the Sisters community.

“It’s mind-blowing to think that I’m already here,” he said. “And I also feel like I’m just getting started.”

Chris Brophy took The Nugget hiking with her in Newfoundland, Canada, including a stop in Cape Spear for a photo at “The Most Easterly Point” in Canada.”

company executive and place name expert end up on an alpine ridge he never visited? Lewis Ankeny “Tam” McArthur had a family lineage of explorers, map makers, politicians, and historians. Born in 1883 in The Dalles, Oregon, he grew up on a farm in Rickreal and later Portland. His mother, Harriet Nesmith McArthur was one of the organizers of the Oregon Historical Society in 1898 and served on its board of directors from its beginning until 1924. Tam wrote for The Oregonian newspaper for a time and later filled roles at the Pacific Power and Light Company until his retirement in 1948.

Friends described him as having a passion for accuracy and a deep curiosity in the many things he found interesting, including completing a topographic map of Oregon, and place names. He had a keen memory and was called a “walking encyclopedia.”

In 1914, Governor Oswald West appointed him to what later became the Oregon Geographic Names Board, where he served as board secretary for 35 years. This position allowed him to study the history of Oregon place names from many sources, even writing postmasters all over Oregon, asking how their town got its name. He served as president and director of the Oregon Historical Society for many years.

An Oregon Historical Quarterly article from 1955 by Omar C. Spencer offers insights from Tam’s close friend, Robert W. Sawyer. Sawyer was publisher of the Bend Bulletin from

1919-1953, after buying the paper from George P. Putnum (Amelia Earhart’s husband). Sawyer described Tam as having a broad knowledge of Oregon history and intimate knowledge of the journals and writings of explorers, traders, trappers, naturalists, miliary officers and settlers. Tam interviewed pioneer Oregonians who were still living at that time. His winning personality helped him in his research.

Sawyer said, “He had a capacity for making and keeping friends, and because there was fun, entertainment and satisfaction in being his friend he had eager responses from each to his calls for aid. There were associations with the federal agencies engaged in works relating to the geography of Oregon. There were his simple, but living and straightforward writing style, his passion for accuracy and the right word.”

Tam published the first edition of “Oregon Geographic Names” in 1928, and a second edition in 1944. He passed away in 1951 at the age of 68 and his second wife Nellie Pipes finalized the third edition soon after his death.

Tam’s son Lewis Linn McArthur went on to publish editions four through seven of the now classic reference. The seventh edition weighs over four pounds and contains details regarding what is known about the origin and meaning of 6,200 place names. It includes a CD with maps that show the locations of over 1,600 post offices, and nearly 1,300 communities and geographic features.

Lewis L. was schooled by his father from an early age to continue his work. In a 2008 article and interview by Erin McCullugh Peneva titled “The Importance of Memory and Place” he recalled his vigorously intellectual

upbringing. “We were always brought up in history... in the breakfast room, we all sat around the table — the six of us, the four kids and my mother and father — and on the wall there was that map of Oregon, the base map. If some question came up, [Father would] say, ‘show me on the map,’ and you would have to get up and go over and look at it. He would tell you about where it was and you would go over and find it.

“My father would sit there and expatiate on all sorts of things, including the problems of the precession of the equinox. He would talk about other scientific things. He had a wealth of information. He would ask questions and we were supposed to be able to respond or to give something interesting that was going on.”

After Tam’s death, there was a call to commemorate his contributions by naming a feature after him. His friend Robert Sawyer suggested the unnamed broken caldera

above Three Creek Lake, which was then approved by the U.S. Names Board. In August of 1954, Sawyer, Lewis L., and other friends and relatives hiked up to the rim to scatter his ashes on “Tam McArthur Rim.” Lewis L. said his father would probably have objected to his nickname “Tam” being used.

To reduce overcrowding, protecting wilderness character and your experience, visiting the rim requires a wilderness day use permit.

Permits can be obtained through Recreation.gov and are released in two batches, 40% are available 10 days in advance, and 60 percent are available two days in advance. Please leave no trace of your travels and stay on the trail to protect this iconic place for present and future generations. And if you love maps and history, perhaps give a nod of thanks to Tam’s spirit on that wild alpine ledge as you gaze across the Cascades.

A sign near Three Creek Lake recounts Tam McArthur’s story.

PHOTO BY MARET PAJUTEE

Musical theater show debuts in Central Oregon

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

“Voiceless: a Musical” received its world premiere in Bend last Thursday and will continue its run next weekend. A Sisters local was instrumental in developing the show, motivated by personal history as well as dedication to the local theater community.

Canadian writer Anne Fenn lost her voice for a year in an experience she called “bizarre.” The cause turned out to be muscle tension dysphonia, a medical condition with a fascinating twist (no spoiler!). (See related interview on page 19.)

Fenn’s published essay about her experience caught the eye of Central Oregon performer, songwriter, and voice coach Deena Kamm.

The founder of Sing Bend, she specializes in helping people express themselves through their voices. Around Bend, she’s known for the Public (ROCK) Choir, where she encourages people to “sing their faces off, because it feels good.”

Fenn, meanwhile, specializes in writing and comedy, with decades of experience in television, film, print, and radio — and satirical songs, too.

They were a dream duo in the making. Six years later, in collaboration with local community theater groups, their ambitious musical has hit the boards for the public to enjoy.

As of opening night, the show was still finding its feet. While the phrase “world premiere” sounds fancy, it simply indicates the first time a show is publicly performed. Script, music, and lyrics are typically changed and refined in future workshops and productions.

A world premiere might be thoroughly rehearsed with a cast of professionals. Or it might be a small community production with a limited budget and varying levels of vocal ability among the cast, which is the case for the “Voiceless” premiere.

Expectations should be calibrated accordingly. Still, it’s exciting to witness the early stages of what may evolve into a hit show on Broadway.

“Voiceless” knits together a swath of interrelated themes: self acceptance, creative expression, neurodiversity and mother-daughter relationships. Oh, and actual knitting, too.

No spoilers here, but it’s safe to say audiences can expect bowl singing, chakra twirling, yarn bombing, champagne swilling, tap dancing, and tree hugging.

For Sisters-based producer Marla Manning, the musical’s story has a personal component. When Manning’s mother was a young girl, she lost her voice for a year— after her parents separated, and lied to her about the separation.

“Years ago, with snail mail

as a main form of communication, this was very possible,” Manning elaborated. “She went on to become a successful teacher, married with children. But I believe that she never emotionally outgrew this experience for the rest of her life. This had a profound effect on me and our relationship.”

The founder of nonprofit Silent Echo Theater Company in Sisters, Manning helped bring “Voiceless” to the stage in collaboration with Ellipse Theater Community. Last year, Silent Echo took the lead presenting table readings in Sisters, an important part of developing the show.

The premiere run, directed by Richard Choate, takes place in Caldera High School’s pristine theater space. Michelle Mejashi choreographed the dance numbers.

Kamm herself, the lyricist and songwriter, plays the lead role of Addy with sincerity and commitment.

Addy’s beloved niece Gigi, who is on the autism spectrum, is performed with spot-on realism and great comic timing by Brittany Lampe. The character was inspired by writer Fenn’s niece in real life, who is named Gigi.

Onstage, Addy has started a small business that employs Gigi and other people with ASD (autism spectrum disorder). Spectrum Services and its four neurodivergent

Portraits OF SISTERS

When Aidan Moye grabs his guitar, a pen and paper music is where his heart is. “It helps me process things. things, life in general,” he says. He grew up in Sheridan, his dad played bass, and by age 16 Aidan was learning ho his own guitar. In 2017, he moved to Sisters to appr brother-in-law and worship pastor Brandon Richardson. Sisters struck him as the idyllic place to be. “It felt like a Hallmark movie her unique, I knew I’d like it here.” Aidan’s musical career with a released single titled “Here on Hold” and his first EP fall. He’s also pioneered music at Sisters Coffee (wher kitchen manager) — a free event hosted every Frida and builds a unique community around you,” he sa and hear what others share while creating a space has many irons in the fire as a 26-year-old up-and-coming musician. he’s dishing up a fresh slice of avocado on toasted sourdough br Coffee customers, or developing chord progressions to a song disc own words, Aidan finds his strength in good famil Or as he aptly puts it, “faith, friends, and a quad shot latte k

characters steal the show on more than one occasion with an irresistible mix of honesty, awkwardness, and hilarity. That energy is needed in the first act, which faces problems with pacing and repetitiveness. Don Delach as Dr. Stone helps enliven act two, when Addy actually loses her voice and the show picks up steam. Christie Capucci’s honed singing voice and performance as Addy’s steely mother Liz lends gravitas to the final scenes.

Additional events have been scheduled to complement the musical’s subject matter. An all-day conference August 9 will delve into creative self-expression, mental health, neurodiversity, and living with authenticity. Attendance is $20 and includes meals. Another event, “Unbroken Voices:

Stories Beyond the Silence,” took place at The Flying Horse Gallery in Sisters.

The show itself runs through this weekend at Caldera High School Theater, July 31 and August 1–3. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. Matinees on Saturday and Sunday take place at 2 p.m.

The entrance fee is unlisted on the event web page, which notes that seniors get a discount. The window for purchasing online tickets has closed; for details about ticketing, email info@ etcbend.org.

For more information about admission, schedule, and location map, visit voice lessamusical.com. For details about the conference, click “Immersive.”

To learn about Silent Echo, see silentechotheater company.org.

The ensemble sings at the fictional Spectrum Services, employer of people on the autism spectrum, in the world premiere of “Voiceless: a Musical.”

PHOTO BY T. LEE BROWN

PHOTO AND STORY BY Cody Rheault

It’s about love: an interview with Anne Fenn

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

She’d written screenplays. Won awards. Written for television and film. Come up with satirical lyrics for songs. But had Anne Fenn ever written for the theater before “Voiceless: a Musical?”

“Not really,” the Torontobased writer told The Nugget. After she was approached by Bend resident Deena Kamm to co-write a musical based on Fenn’s experience with losing her voice for a year, she set out to work with this new form. (See related article on page 18.)

She already knew how to “develop the characters, crisis points, the inner needs and outer needs of characters.” An additional challenge lay in this particular process, though.

“I was basing it on myself, and I’ve never had to do that,” she said. The musical is personal and heartfelt, sometimes dark, lightened by humorous subplots and fun characters.

It integrates themes ranging from fraught motherdaughter relationships to neurodiversity. Fenn described working on “Voiceless” as therapeutic.

“The fun part is Gigi,” she said buoyantly. Gigi is the grown niece of lead character Addy, the one who loses and regains her voice in more ways than one.

“I do have a niece named Gigi,” explained Fenn. “She did change my life...She is the most delightful creature I have ever known.”

As a person with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), “she’s so honest and guileless; she just always speaks what she’s feeling and she’s very interested in other people.”

This honesty is reflected

in the show’s funny, truthful song “Typical Neurotypicals.”

Kamm first contacted Fenn about the possibility of writing a musical together after reading Fenn’s essay about losing her voice.

“My mom died right when Deena contacted me. She was about to die... I was looking after her,” Fenn said. In the musical, Addy’s mom Liz is mostly portrayed as icy and relentlessly critical.

“Originally I was writing it very honestly in the sense that I never really got to know my mom,” she said. Their relationship was “pretty true to what you see in the play.”

Some reconciliation and hopefulness wended their way into the show’s final scenes. But the ending of “Voiceless” was originally “more bleak and true to life.”

Fenn and her mother “never made up.”

As time went on, Fenn came to forgive and accept her mom. “Last year I suddenly went — this is a musical, people want to feel good! It’s already heavy and psychological enough.”

Feedback from workshops and table readings of the evolving show made it clear that “musicals are meant to bring joy and entertain, not

meant to make you leave in a dark mode. I was happy to make adjustments.”

Fenn and Kamm rewrote the ending to demonstrate how people can make progress on tough family relationships and psychological issues.

“In my view there’s very little written about bad mother-daughter relationships,” Fenn said. “I don’t see it a lot in theatre or TV or movies... people don’t understand that not everyone gets unconditional love from their mother. It’s not represented out there. I wanted to explore it.”

Fenn describes “Voiceless” as a mainstage musical that’s “a bit big for community theater, but they’ve done a great job given the task.” Learning from the musical’s current incarnation in Bend, Fenn plans to evolve the script.

“I want to trim it a lot,” she explained. With her experience in screenwriting, Fenn is accustomed to the process of honing a script.

What’s next? The hope is that a producer or theater company will pick up the musical and stage its next iteration. It might be a good fit for Toronto or Portland, Fenn said, “and then take it

from there.”

Broadway is the eventual goal. “Deena is one of the most ambitious, driven, and capable women I’ve ever known,” said Fenn. “Our goal has always been Broadway, from the beginning. We know the odds; something like 3% of musicals are successful.”

Kamm planned to star in the Bend production; after that, the duo hopes to see other actors take on the role of Addy.

Fenn is impressed by Kamm’s stamina and creativity. “She composed all the songs on her own during Covid.... She’s so brilliant. I’m just so lucky she found me.”

Currently, Fenn is working on a novel, writing two screenplays, and a comedy series with Robin Duke, a fellow Canadian who was on Saturday Night Live in the ‘80s. The series is about “a group of old people who move into a big house

co-wrote the

“Voiceless: a Musical,” premiering in Bend in late July and early August.

together so they don’t have to die alone.”

She also teaches at Humbert College in Toronto; she and Duke “were professors of comedy, if you can believe it.”

Contemplating “Voiceless,” Fenn said, “it is about love, as corny as it sounds. You have to love yourself in order to love at all... I spent most of my life trying to learn that lesson. I’m better

Anne Fenn (left) and Deena Kamm

new musical

PHOTO BY T. LEE BROWN

True story inspires novel

Stacy Kean will present her book, “The Nazi Housewife of Queens, New York” at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, August 7, at 6:30 p.m. Kean, a firsttime author, based this historical fiction novel in part on the true story of the first Nazi war criminal who lost her U.S. citizenship and was extradited to Germany in one of the longest war crime trials in German history.

Discover the intersection of two lives in 1950s America—an ordinary Queens housewife harboring a dark Nazi past and a survivor seeking justice. In this tense and shocking tale, their paths collide, unraveling a complex quest for truth across time. Based on actual events, this astonishing story follows the path of two women seeking to establish peaceful new lives in America and leave the devastation of World War II behind, but a shocking discovery upends their lives and locks them in a decades-long journey to confront the past.

Kean is a native Oregonian

BOOK FEST: Sessions are on a sliding fee scale to enable access

Continued from page 3

your curiosity and leave with clarity.

• Spiritual Justice and Cultivating Action in Our Community: Led by awardwinning author and spiritual counselor R.G. Shore “The Ocean Inside Me,” this workshop explores how healing the self empowers collective action. Participants will engage in practices for nervous system regulation, energy protection, and compassionate activism, fostering a grounded approach to spiritual justice work in their communities.

• The Writer’s Emotional Toolkit: Building Resilience and Courage as a creative writer can be

and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Oregon. An award-winning communicator, she has built a career in nonprofit communications and marketing. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, the Historical Novel Society, and the Oregon Historical Society. The mother of an adult daughter, Stacy and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, with a three-legged cat. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around Oregon and baking.

emotionally taxing—but it doesn’t have to be isolating. Creative writing coach Meredith Evridge and writeradvocate Caela McKeever guide participants through self-care, curiosity, and courage-building practices to develop a personalized emotional toolkit. You’ll leave with strategies to help you maintain a sustainable and fulfilling writing life.

• Gender Benders: Facilitated by writer and educator Chris Vega, this generative writing workshop offers a safe, affirming space to explore gender, identity, and self-actualization through storytelling. Participants will work to release limiting narratives and write new ones that reflect their authentic selves. Open to all, regardless of gender identity. For information and to register for workshops, visit SistersFoB.org.

Catching some air…...

Aurora, age seven, from Powell Butte, one of dozens of kids who catch air all year round at the “242” — Sisters multi-course bike park.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Author Stacy Kean.

PHOTO BY PROVIDED

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. 484 W. Washington Street Two suites available Suite D, 1181 sq. ft. Suite C/F, 805 sq. ft. 503-522-6306

103 Residential Rentals

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

PONDEROSA PROPERTIES

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

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

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

Cowboy Court Apartments

2 bedroom 2 bath. Rent is $1,600 a month, RSD is $1,600, some pets considered (dogs & cats OK with add'l $350 RSD per pet). This has a lease thru 8/31/2026. Current tenants vacate 8/20/2025.

Unit is 1st floor unit in the front building. W/S/Garbage is paid. #105, 154 W Adams Ave. Dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer, patio, garbage disposal, granite countertops, energy efficient windows, storage, plank flooring throughout, electric heat w/air conditioning, off-street parking - one reserved space (covered space $20/Month), owner pays landscaping, approx. 1,000 sq. ft., NO SMOKING.

104 Vacation Rentals

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

201 For Sale

Cuckoo clock $195. Tires 235 40R 19 Kinergy $325, Kona bike w/stand $225, ladies golf set new w/pink bag $115, Lqd Force wkbrd $50, Infinity 6030 spkrs & NexD amp 400/4 $97. 503-952-6280

CHRISTIAN BOOKS

inside "A Touch of Faith" 141 W Main Ave, Sisters NEED TO SELL YOUR #!@^?

For results, advertise in THE NUGGET!

202 Firewood

• SUMMER 2025 • NEW DISCOUNT PRICES

SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD

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Order Online! 541-410-4509 541-699-7740

LODGEPOLE FIREWOOD

BEST DEAL IN YEARS SistersForestProducts.com 541-410-4509

205 Garage & Estate Sales

ESTATE SALE!

DON’T MISS IT!

Life brings change… come treasure hunt!

Sage Meadow, Sisters, OR (Follow signs for address) Thurs, Fri., Sat., Aug. 7–9

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily

What you’ll find: Antique & Stickley Furniture, Tools & Electronics, Jewelry, Vintage Kitchen Items, Waterford, Tea Sets, Bedding & More! Sewing Supplies, Fabric, Notions, Fishing Gear/Camping Supplies, Lamps, Art & Home Décor. Unique finds & quality pieces — priced to sell! Whether you’re a collector, DIYer, or bargain hunter, you’ll discover treasures you can’t leave behind. Come early for the best selection!

HUGE SALE!!

Clothing, handbags, tools, indoor & outdoor furniture, artwork, pottery & ceramics, books, and more! Fri. 8/1 thru Sun. 8/3, 10-3 69019 Holmes Road, Sisters Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!

Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806

Sharie 541-771-1150

Vehicles CLASSIC CAR STORAGE! Oversized, lights/power, $275/m • 541-419-2502 We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

SISTERS WHISKERS

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

500 Services

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.

I AM A CAREGIVER Looking for work in Sisters, Part-Time Please call Lynn 503-274-0214.

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.

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

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

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

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

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC

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

502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

GORDON’S LAST TOUCH

Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau

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

600 Tree Service & Forestry

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

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

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

• 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

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

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

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

Deadline is Monday, NOON, to place your classified ad. Call 541-549-9941

I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com Home of Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits • 541-306-7551 • Julie

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

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

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

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

HAVE A

PROPERTY TO SELL?

Advertise it in The Nugget

Pat Burke

LOCALLY OWNED

CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062

www.sistersfencecompany.com

Construction & Renovation

Custom Residential Projects

All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

Custom Homes • Additions

Residential Building Projects

Serving Sisters area since 1976

Strictly Quality

CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764

John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

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

Earthwood Timber

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com

LOCAL CONSTRUCTION

SERVICES & HOME MAINT. Remodels • Landscaping

Firewise Maintenance

Decks & Much More! Pease Co. Contracting Call Tanner at 541-588-0136. Big and small jobs! CCB# 256258

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

Construction Contractors

Licensing Information ~ An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. For additional details visit www.oregon.gov/CCB

Custom Homes

Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects

Becke William Pierce

CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com — Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

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

602 Plumbing & Electric

Ridgeline Electric, LLC

Serving all of Central Oregon

• Residential • Commercial

• Industrial • Service 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

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CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860 — GEORGE’S — SEPTIC SERVICE 541-419-3148

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

SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.

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• New Construction

• Water Heaters 541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587

603 Excavation & Trucking

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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

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CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977

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Your Local News Source! www.nuggetnews.com Breaking

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

604 Heating & Cooling

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

#195556

Commercial

Ductless

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

STEVE'S HAULING Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370 All Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740

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

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

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

Alpine Landscape Maintenance An All-Electric Landscape Company.

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

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

LCB #9958 • CCB #222039

– 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

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC

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

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

802 Help Wanted

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.

Now Hiring

Housekeeping Team Member

Join the crew at our cozy camp-style retreat nestled in the forest!

We're looking for friendly, dependable individuals to join our housekeeping team at Lake Creek Lodge. PT/FT. We offer flexible schedules & excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com 13375 SW FS Rd. 1419 Camp Sherman

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 W. Cascade Ave. in Sisters or by email diane.j@stitchinpost.com. Questions? Contact diane.j@stitchinpost.com

999 Public Notice

PUBLICATION FOR: DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF PIERCE JUVENILE DEPARTMENT THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO 1. JOSEPH VARGAS, father of ADILYNN VARGAS; DOB: 07/07/10; Cause No. 25-7-00479-5; A Dependency Petition was filed 04/18/25. AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

A Fact Finding Hearing will be held on this matter on: September 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at Pierce County Family and Juvenile Court, 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma WA 98406. You are summoned to appear at the hearing on the date, time, and place set forth above. The court expects you to appear in person unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from being able to do so. If appearing by zoom please use the below information and expect the court to inquire about the reasons for your appearance by zoom. Participate in this hearing by video at https://zoom.us/join or telephone at 253-215-8782 using Zoom Meeting ID 983 8387 6659, Passcode 256739. YOU SHOULD BE PRESENT AT THIS HEARING. THE HEARING WILL DETERMINE IF YOUR CHILD IS DEPENDENT AS DEFINED IN RCW 13.34.030(6). THIS BEGINS A JUDICIAL PROCESS WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERMANENT LOSS OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS. IF YOU DO NOT APPEAR AT THE HEARING THE COURT MAY ENTER A DEPENDENCY ORDER IN YOUR ABSENCE. To request a copy of the Notice, Summons, and Dependency Petition, calls DCYF at 1-800-423-6246. To view information about your rights in this proceeding, go to www.atg.wa.gov/DPY.aspx. DATED this 17th day of July, 2025.

By:________________________ MELINDA DANIA

Deputy

County Clerk

PUBLISH July 30th, August 6th and August 13th 2025.

Premium Title Agency, Inc.

DBA PTS Foreclosure Services

7730 Market Center Ave Suite 100, El Paso, TX 79912

TS No.: 2025-00047-OR

ACCOUNT NO.: 250898 MAP NO.:181202CC05534

TRUSTEE'S NOTICE OF SALE

T.S. Number: 2025-00047-OR

Reference is made to that certain trust deed made by Lesley A. Casto and Anthony E. Casto as grantor, to AMERITITLE as trustee, in favor of HYPERION CAPITAL GROUP, LLC.,AS LENDER MORTGAGE

ELECTRONIC

REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., MERS is a separate corporation that is acting solely as a nominee for Lender and Lender`s successors and assigns, as beneficiary, dated 12/11/2006 recorded on 12/14/2006, in the Records of Deschutes County, Oregon, in book --- at page --- and/or as fee/file/instrument/microfilm/rec eption No. 2006-81638, covering the following described real property situated in the abovementioned county and state:

ACCOUNT NO.: 250898 MAP NO.:181202CC05534

Lot Thirty-two (32), WESTBROOK VILLAGE, PHASE II, Deschutes County, Oregon Commonly Known As: 61644 GEMINI WAY, BEND, OR 97702

Both the beneficiary Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Mortgage Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-QA3 and the trustee Premium Title Agency, Inc. DBA PTS Foreclosure Services have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said trust deed and a Notice of Default has been recorded pursuant to ORS 86.752(3). The default for which the foreclosure is made is the grantor’s failure to pay when due the following sums:

TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE AS OF 05/24/2025: $34,856.04

TOTAL REQUIRED TO PAYOFF AS OF 05/24/2025: $313,602.34

Because of interest, late charges, and other charges that may vary from day-to-day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. It will be necessary for you to contact the Trustee before the time you tender reinstatement or the payoff amount so that you may be advised of the exact amount you will be required to pay.

By reason of the default, the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by said trust deed immediately due and payable, said default being the following: Installment of Principal and Interest plus impounds and/or advances which became due on

05/01/2024 plus late charges, and all subsequent installments of principal, interest, balloon payments, plus impounds and/or advances and late charges that become payable. Therefore, notice hereby is given that Premium Title Agency, Inc. DBA PTS Foreclosure Services the undersigned trustee will on 09/11/2025 at the hour of 01:00 PM, Standard of Time, Front Entrance, Deschutes Courthouse, 1100 N.W. Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703 as established by ORS187.110, in the County of Deschutes, State of Oregon, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by grantor of the said trust deed, together with any interest which the grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said trust deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee.

Notice is further given that any person named in ORS 86.778 has the right, at any time prior to five (5) days before the date last set for sale, to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred) and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation or trust deed, and in addition to paying the sums or tendering the performance necessary to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and trust deed, together with trustee’s and attorney fees not exceeding the amounts provided by ORS 86.778. In construing this notice the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale has been issued by the Trustee. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the Trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and

exclusive remedy. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney.

If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holder’s rights against the real property only. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligation. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representation or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential properties sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential properties should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale.

NOTICE TO TENANTS: TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY HAVE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS AFFORDED TO THEM UNDER ORS 86.782 AND POSSIBLY UNDER FEDERAL LAW. ATTACHED TO THS NOTICE OF SALE, AND INCORPORATED HEREIN, IS A NOTICE TO TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT

REAL PROPERTY AND WHICH SETS FORTH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE COMPLIED WITH BY ANY TENANT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE AFFORDED PROTECTION, AS REQUIRED UNDER ORS 86.771.

Premium Title Agency, Inc. DBA PTS Foreclosure Services

Dated:

Premium Title Agency, Inc. DBA PTS Foreclosure Services 7730 Market Center Ave Suite 100, El Paso, TX 79912

Trustee Phone number: (866) 960-8299

Dated: STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF EL PASO

On________________________ before me,

Personally appeared who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Notary Name (Seal) FOR TRUSTEES SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL (866) 960-8299