The Nugget
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Wild West Cup riders thunder in Cloverdale
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
The Sisters Polo Club was home Saturday and Sunday to some of the best polo to be found in Oregon. Certainly, the turf would be at the top of most lists.
“It’s like carpet,” exclaimed Lisa Abercrombie from Bend, one of the roughly 100 spectators who came out each day to watch the action.
Polo is an equestrian ball sport played between two teams on horseback. Each seeks to score goals by hitting a small ball into the opponent’s goal, using a long mallet. The equestrian sport is renowned for its blend of speed, strategy and elegance. It requires exceptional coordination between horse and rider.
Polo is one of the oldest known team sports. Its origins date back 2,000 plus years to Persia, where it was initially a training exercise for cavalry. These ancient matches were not just a sport, but a spectacle. They reflected the status and power of the players, who were often from the nobility or warrior class.
The setting in Cloverdale, while lacking any pretense of nobility, was stunning, with the Three Sisters peaks in the background, crystal blue skies, and surrounded by some of the best hay and alfalfa in all of Oregon, lush and tall awaiting its second cutting.
Affordability, selection are hurdles for shoppers
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Concerns about affordability and variety of selection are hurdles to local shopping. Those were among the key findings from an online survey conducted by this reporter. More than 100 participated via the social media app, Nextdoor, and 200-plus took part via Facebook.
Forty-seven percent cited affordability (price/cost) as their primary reason for not buying local. Forty percent said small selection or variety keeps them away from Sisters shops. But they still go “downtown” with some regularity. In a typical month, 31 percent venture downtown at least weekly, 24 percent go once or twice a month,
14 percent go a few times a week, and 15 percent head downtown at least daily. Fifteen percent said they go “rarely.“
When it comes to grocery shopping, 40 percent do less than 10 percent of their buying in Sisters; 50 to 75 percent of their grocery purchases were made in Bend. Some shop in Redmond and a small percentage get groceries online.
For gas or diesel, 46 percent of respondents said they buy none, or less than 10 percent, of their fuel in Sisters, where the lowest price for regular unleaded is $4.09/gallon compared to Redmond and Bend where it can be found for $3.39 a gallon or less.
Deschutes County not done with MMV
By Susan Cobb Correspondent
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
“It’s kind of like ice hockey on horses,” mused Matt Pettibone from Bend,
See RIDERS on page 17
The players were relaxed, jovial, and exhibited no royal tendencies.
Owners of a 58-acre parcel of land that has become a focus of discussion around expansion of Sisters’ Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) cleared one major land use hurdle last week. On August 6, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (DC-BOC) — Tony DeBone, Patti Adair, and Phil Chang — approved the McKenzie Meadow Village (MMV), LLC application for a zone change and comprehensive plan amendment. This is a first and crucial step if the property is to be considered for inclusion in an expanded UGB. The approval is subject to deliberations on a final decision document.
See MMV on page 8
CORE is growing — good food
By Susan Cobb Correspondent
Community Outreach, Resources, and Emergency Shelter (CORE) has sprouted a community garden at their establishment on Trinity Way.
CORE member Frank Shirley looked out at the big back yard at 222 Trinity Way, and noticed several raised beds that had not been used for years. He wondered if the community of folks who avail themselves of the many services offered by CORE, might want to grow their own food. When Frank presented the idea to their visitors, Deb shot her hand up saying, “Pick me, Pick me!” She was first on a limited list of 11 (number of raised beds available).
The planting beds are flourishing. Deb is growing big healthy plants; cherry and regular tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, watermelon, corn (yes, corn cobs are growing), peas, and zucchini.
Another of the CORE garden community, Sherri, has grown plants that will produce cherry tomatoes (her daughter’s favorite), zucchini, bottleneck squash, and strawberries. Sherri stated she had never tried to do a garden in the high desert before and is very pleased to see it being so successful. Frank is, “thrilled with the enthusiastic participation and
Frank Shirley is proud of the growth of a community garden.
PHOTO BY SUSAN COBB
Polo players took to the field in Cloverdale, displaying the skill, grace, and courage required to compete in an ancient sport.
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.
How democracy dies
To the Editor:
Pete Hegseth, a high-profile backer of Project 2025, recently reposted a video of Doug Wilson, a Christian nationalist pastor whose church openly believes women should not vote. In the clip, Wilson declares his desire for America — and the entire world — to be “Christian,” while another pastor dreams of a society where only the husband casts the household’s ballot, supposedly after “discussing it” with his wife.
Let’s be clear: This isn’t “family values.” This is a direct attack on women’s political power and a step toward dismantling our democracy. The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920. Women have been full citizens for over a century. Yet, here we are, with influential voices trying to drag us back to an era when we were property, not participants.
History shows that when authoritarians come for rights, they start by targeting marginalized voices. If we shrug this off, we signal that women’s rights are negotiable. They are not. Every voter — male or female — must see this rhetoric for what it is: a warning. If they can erase our vote, they can erase yours.
Silence is complicity. Speak up. Organize.
Vote — while we still can.
Colette Whelan
s s s
Roundabout art
To the Editor:
Genius! Jonas Tarlen has made the best suggestion yet for the roundabout art. I taught middle school for 13 years and am ashamed I didn’t think of it first. The roundabout can be landscaped appropriately with the suggested circular fence adorned with art created by our students (elementary, middle, or high). I would even suggest that it become an annual art project for a various grade(s).
They could pick a theme, learn about it, and then work on their art throughout the year. In the spring, last year’s art comes down, and the new art goes up for the following year.
Keep it all simple, and the rotating nature of the projects means that anyone who doesn’t like something only needs to wait a year. Thank you, Jonas! If we do decide on the rodeo theme (god-forbid), I’m putting Party Bus up for nomination instead of Red Rock.
Walter Major
Sisters Weather Forecast
See LETTERS on page 9
Perennial question: Why don’t they just…
By Jim Corenlius Editor in Chief
We get a lot of questions at The Nugget , which is appropriate, seeing as how we’re in the business of providing information. Many times those questions are delivered with the prefix, “Why don’t they just…”
Why don’t they just build a bypass around Sisters to alleviate traffic congestion?
Why don’t they just put a moratorium on building so Sisters doesn’t grow?
Why don’t they just ban camping in the forest near town?
Why don’t they just build a tiny home camp for homeless people?
The “why don’t they just” question assumes that there are straightforward solutions to the issues that confront us, if only “they” would do the simple, obvious thing. It also often carries the implication that “they” are lazy, incompetent, or maybe corrupt. We’ve all done this. We do it on a personal level.
Why doesn’t she just leave that deadbeat? Why doesn’t he just quit his job and get a better one?
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Mostly when we do that we’re just venting — but we don’t account for how heedless we’re being. When someone is doing the best they can, trying to balance competing values or mitigate potential negative outcomes, operating under pressures and constraints we may not be able to see, the last thing they need to hear is “why don’t you just…” None of us want our thorny and complex problems judged that way.
Of course, we can’t allow ourselves to be paralyzed by complexity to the point where we can’t take action. There is value to breaking complicated things down into simple parts. A while back, my shooting buddy and I hit a plateau. We were shooting well, but having trouble hitting the speed standard we had adopted.
My compadre consulted our pistol-craft guru, and the word came back: “Just shoot faster.” It was so flippant and reductive that it cracked us up — but it was good advice. He elaborated: We needed to let go of accuracy — tough for a proud pistoleer to do — and focus strictly on speed. Then we could build accuracy back
in. It worked (and continues to be a work-in-progress).
Sometimes you can break something complicated down into a series of simple solutions. It still takes a ton of work that may not be evident to those outside.
When we don’t see action, we often assume that nothing is happening, that nobody is working a problem. In many cases, there are people working on an issue — but it’s not ripe yet for a public reveal. There are people quietly working right now on the challenges surrounding homelessness and longterm forest-dwelling in Sisters Country, figuring out what may or may not be possible, what may or may not be desirable. Their ideas may bear fruit or they may never get past the discussion phase, but they are working, tacking through complicated and contradictory needs, values, and interests.
The U.S. Forest Service comes in for a lot of “why don’t they just…” on this matter. It’s not an unreasonable question when it comes to the enforcement of the 14-day camping stay limit. Why don’t they just enforce their existing rules? Fair enough. They’ve actually answered the question a number of times, but the answer is unsatisfying to many folks in the community. Basically, they have limited enforcement capacity, and the sanction for violation doesn’t carry sharp enough teeth to be a deterrent.
Which leaves the deeper and more difficult issues to be dealt with, and no straightforward answers to be had.
When the Forest Service does take action on things like removing abandoned vehicles from the forest, the bureaucratic handcuffs that have been imposed upon them in recent months make it almost impossible for them to talk about what they do — which helps no one, including the agency.
The broader point is that the “why don’t they just…” question isn’t the best way to call for action. It often overlooks a lot that has been done, and it can be unfair, and serves only to put people on the defensive. Perhaps a better question is: “How can we do this better?”
And it never hurts to ask, “How can I help?”
to provide nonprofit community, coworking, and event space.
The Hub takes shape in Sisters
By T. Lee Brown Correspondent
A pleasant building sits at the corner of East Main Avenue and North Spruce Street, shaded by trees and surrounded by colorful landscaping. Its newest tenant provides space for nonprofit organizations and offers donation-based coworking space, along with hosting events and Sisters Farmers Market’s indoor activities.
Nonprofit organization Citizens4Community (C4C) has taken on the lease of the building at 291 E. Main Ave., quickly assembling community support and donations from local businesses, evolving both the space and the vision for it.
“The vision is a pro-social community workspace,” said
executive director Kellen Klein, “where people can come together for working, learning, collaborating.”
Named “The Hub” in Sisters, the building now provides office headquarters for nonprofits C4C and Explore Sisters.
Sisters Farmers Market, a program of nonprofit Seed to Table, uses The Hub’s lofty common space on Sundays. The outdoor portion of the market is held in Fir Street Park, which lies at the building’s west doorstep.
Yet another nonprofit organization sits just behind The Hub: the tiny, historic former library that now houses Three Sisters Historical Society & Museum.
Already immersed in local nonprofits, The Hub building appears poised for success. “Our hope is that we
can make this accessible as possible to the community,” Klein said.
He’s widened his vision for coworking and meeting spaces since starting this journey. Not just nonprofits but anyone can join in on a donation basis: freelancers, remote workers, local businesses, folks needing a spot to work on their laptops or sit around tables.
“With plenty of desks, gigabit internet, cozy lounge furniture, shared kitchen, a bookable meeting area, and much more,” according to C4C’s outreach materials, “The Hub is the perfect space to get to work in service of Sisters Country. Whether you’re a local nonprofit volunteer, entrepreneur, burgeoning artist or just passing through
Air show returns with thrilling performances
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
The 25th Air Show of the Cascades in Madras is August 22-23, and already folks in Sisters Country are counting down the days.
“We wouldn’t miss it for anything,” said Robert Malone in Sisters, figuring this will be at least his 10th or 11th show.
“At first it was just something to do with the grandkids who were toddlers, but now it’s all they talk about. It’s now a family tradition and it keeps getting better.”
Malone’s entire extended family from Portland and
Wenatchee, Washington, come down for the event, making it the centerpiece of their summer.
The mood of the Air Show is universally good times had by all ages, especially teens, that hard to please age segment seemingly glued to their phones.
“My boys are all about the Air Show,” said Kyle Everly, who spends summers at Black Butte with three teen boys — 17, 15, and 14. “And their sister (11) does not want to be left out — so much happening in such a short time.”
The packed schedule
Rodeo queen tryouts set
Do you have what it takes to represent the western way of life, lead with poise and grit, and carry the rodeo tradition into the next generation? The Sisters Rodeo Association is now accepting applications for its 2026 Rodeo Queen Contest and invites young women from across the state of Oregon to step into the arena who are between the ages of 18-25.
“This annual tradition is more than a crown; it’s a life-changing opportunity to serve as a rodeo ambassador, gain leadership and public speaking experience, and make lasting connections in
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 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Library Communit y Room. 5 41-588 -0547. (M eets with Living Well With Dementia Sisters)
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.
the rodeo community,” the association stated.
The contest will be held on September 7 at the Sisters Rodeo grounds. Applications are due by Thursday, September 4.
The competition includes horsemanship competition, a speech and personal interviews, and community engagement and ambassador duties throughout the year.
“We’re looking for candidates who love rodeo, are passionate about representing our sport and community, and want to grow
CIT Y & PARKS
Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters Cit y Hall 541- 549- 6022
Sisters Park & Recreation District
Board of Dire ctor s 2nd & 4th Tues., 4 p.m., C of f ield Center. 5 41-5 49 -2091. Sisters Pl anning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022.
FIRE & POLICE
PHOTO BY T. LEE BROWN
Citizens4Community Director Kellen Klein stands at the downtown building the organization has leased
Dozens of couples square up in Sisters
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Sisters High School commons was the scene Thursday, Friday, and Saturday when about 100 square dancers from California, Washinton, and Oregon gathered for the Central Oregon Roundup. It was open for three classifications — Mainstream, Plus, and Advanced with round dancing Phase II to IV thrown in.
The Round-up is sponsored by the High Desert Dancers of Bend, Red Rock Squares of Redmond and Sagebrush Shufflers of Prineville. It began Thursday night with the Trails End Dance featuring local Oregon callers and cuers – Jim Steele, Roger Putzler, and Scott Zinser. And ended Saturday evening with mainstream dance from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
In all, the dancers swung and promenaded at least 15 to 20 hours, and on Saturday showing no fatigue. To the contrary. To a person they were exuberant. It was nearly nonstop.
Mainstream is a total of 68 rounds; there are 32 additional calls for a total of 100, and Advanced offers 46 additional calls for a total of 146.
They were led by caller Michael Kellogg and cuer MaryAnn Callahan. A person who cues a round dance speaks out a dance maneuver which the dancers then execute. The cuer does not sing out calls like a square dance caller might. In round dancing, they are as unobtrusive as possible.
Kellogg, from Los Angeles, is straight out of central casting with a massive, chest-length beard. He has bright blue eyes that smile constantly and an announcers’ voice — the
classic broadcast-style radio voice that was the go-to for movie trailers, radio and TV advertisements, and was the common sound for most professional broadcasters on radio and TV.
Kellogg just returned from Frankfurt, Germany, where he was an invited caller in an international challenge convention. He explained the basics to The Nugget: “Square is a configuration of four couples. The couples are designated ‘Heads’ and ‘Sides.’ The heads are called such because they are in line with the stage.”
Kellogg who is 64 and has been calling since he was 21 talks rapturously about the social and health benefits of square dancing, not to be confused with line dancing. “Many here have never met before and will form immediate friendships and share their passion.”
“Square dancing is dancing and thinking,” he points out.
Moving in rhythm keeps you physically fit. Medical practitioners say that aerobic exercises are the best, and studies have shown that square dancers can walk up
to five miles in a single night. Square dancers burn up to 400 calories for each 30 minutes of dancing. It’s aerobic exercise that also helps coordination, balance, endurance, and cardiac function and helps keep muscles toned and healthy. Learning the basic steps is as easy as walking, proponents say.
He talked at length about the origins of square dancing and its deep connection to our U.S. history. Begun in England when six men did formation dancing, these dances further evolved in America, where they arrived with European settlers.
After the American Revolution, the quadrille became especially popular.
Quadrilles were originally danced from memorized steps and sequences, but as African American slaves played music for the dances, they began calling out the steps. This practice became common by the early 1900s and gave rise to the modern caller. Between 1940 and 1960, modern western square dance evolved from the western style of traditional square dance that had formed in the United States.
Traditional Western square dancing was promoted beginning in the 1930s by Lloyd Shaw, who solicited definitions from callers across the country to preserve that dance form and make it available to other teachers. The American folk music revival in New York City in the 1950s was rooted in the resurgent interest in square dancing.
The official dance of Oregon is square dancing along with 30 other states.
Books Games Events Fun for everyone!
OPEN 9:30 AM –7 PM Mon-Sat, 9:30 AM –5 PM sun
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 • 6:30PM
GABRIEL URZA, critically acc laimed writer and criminal defense attor ney, pr esents The Silver State, a gripping and thought-pr ovoking legal thriller.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17 • 4PM
‘Bunkhouse in the Bookstore’ brings Wester n music and stor ytelling featuring local singer-songwriters Jim Cor nelius and Mike Bigge rs Western photographer and documentary filmmaker Cr aig Rullman will discuss his work. Event is a fundraiser for the forthcoming documentar y film “T he Califor nia Rose.” Suggested donation is $20.
MONDAY, AUGUST 18 • 5:30PM
PSB FICTION BOOK CLUB discussing Crow Talk by EILEEN GARVIN
All ar e welcome – no need to have r ead the book to dr op in! Meeting thir d Monday; info at paulinaspringsbooks.com.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 • 6:30PM
$ 6 30PM
GEORGE SORENSEN pr esents Hot Dish
Confidential: That Year My Friends
Taught me to Cook, an unforgetta ble jour ney of flavor, camar aderie, and adventure
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 • 5:30PM THE PAUSE BUTTON: A Monthly Poetry Gathering ar ound the table to take a moment to pause for poet ry explor ation. Bring a poem or two to shar e. Listen, discuss, and do a little writing No experience necessar y. (First Mondayof everymonth.)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 4:30PM
Knitting Circle ... Bring your own pr oject and supplies. T his is not a wor kshop, but there ar e experienced knitter s in the gr oup w ho ar e happy to help those just star ting out. (SecondSaturdayof the month.)
Square dancers from across the region gathered at Sisters High School for three days of dancing.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
PINES
By T. Lee Brown
In the last few years, the app WatchDuty has increased my awareness of how many small fires start up in our area. The app alerts me that a fire has started a couple miles from my home in the forest; by the end of the day, that little fire has usually been extinguished. I’m impressed by our firefighters, who are responding to far more incidents than I previously knew.
But, like guest columnist Steve Woodside, I don’t always know who or what started these fires. I don’t know whether any humans involved might have suffered consequences for their actions or negligence.
Unlike most small towns, we’re fortunate to have lively, engaged, hyperlocal media — this very newspaper, which appears in print and online. What if first responders sent a weekly summary of fire activity to The Nugget, whose editorial
staff could decide which bits to run in print, and which to post on its website?
Woodside wrote, “This is not about shaming; it is about clarity.” I’m mostly in agreement with him: transparency is very important, and providing information to the public reduces the mistrust many folks feel toward institutions including government entities and media outlets.
But I’m not above experiencing shame or at least sheepishness when I’ve done something thoughtless or ignorant. (You’ll no doubt be shocked to hear it happens rather often.) That awful, burning sensation helps me learn, inducing me to pause a moment before making my next big blunder.
Naming the people who started or may have started fires — or just happened to have a fire on their property, at their campsite — might help all of us take these matters more seriously. (Minors should be excepted.) If the people involved have a moment of uncomfortable emotion about it? Too bad.
If getting personal seems too harsh: how about publishing general information each week, about fires large and small? A running log of facts and statistics could give us more perspective on the dangers we face.
Three small fires caused by lightning, snuffed out after a thunderstorm? Good to know. A fire in a housing development, caused by burning pine needles, even though the owners thought
they were doing it right and had a permit? Good to know. Brush fire caused by shortterm, recreational campers at a campground or dispersed camping? Good to know. Mini forest fire caused by long-term campers, whether you want to call them unhoused, homeless, or forest dwellers? Good to know.
In terms of camping, long or short term, I wouldn’t mind knowing where these folks are from and how they heard about Sisters and our camping areas. I’d like to know whether they have much experience with fires, forests, or camping.
Collecting this data would help determine how to improve education and outreach on these subjects.
Campgrounds and dispersed camping areas could provide a unique, powerful point of communication. The U.S. Forest Service could partner with local organizations to educate campers, whether the campers like it or not. A nature-loving group akin to Sisters Trails Alliance might attract many a volunteer to the effort.
Local campground hosts could be recruited, people like me who have an enormous emotional and financial investment in whether this place burns to the ground. Currently, campground management is offloaded to out-of-state companies that often hire random campground hosts in Quartzsite, hosts who know little about Deschutes National Forest, our flora and fauna, our particular issues and dangers.
Some hosts reach out to campers; others are reluctant to enter a conflict, enforce a policy, or have a friendly chat. These days, hosts are usually assigned to multiple campgrounds, miles from each other, and can’t keep an eye on all of them.
I’ve personally educated dozens of clueless campers in the area, usually by telling them to put out the danged campfire before they go to sleep or drive away.
One time a family of city folk from California camped in the site next to us at a local campground. Around midnight, their fire was going strong, complete with flames.
So I woke the parents up in their tent. They were drunk as skunks, and rolled back over to sleep. Guess who put that fire out?
Woodside mentioned ending the practice of burning pine needles around Sisters. A few years ago, one of those piles sneaked out a tendril of fire, invisible under topsoil and debris, far from the burn pile — on a property near our house. I called 911 and proceeded to write an article about it, without naming names.
Hopefully the incident made an impression on the property owners, even minus the shaming factor; it made an impression on me, that’s for sure. I became more careful about my family’s pine needle burning. This year we took the debris to the dump (thank you, kind neighbor, for loaning us your trailer).
Whether through shame or information, enforcement or education, the Sisters community would do well to embrace sensible new approaches to communicating about fire danger — and reducing it.
From cheesecake to co-working: The Hub spans many uses
By T. Lee Brown Correspondent
Owned by the City of Sisters, the building at 291 E. Main Ave. has undergone multiple changes of purpose over the years. Last Sunday, it hosted vendors selling cheesecake, mushrooms, and handmade pasta, acting as auxiliary indoor space for Sisters Farmers Market.
Several days before, the building — newly dubbed The Hub in Sisters — provided a work spot for a local with a laptop, while Citizens4Community (C4C) held a meeting nearby. Sun streamed in from windows and skylights. (See related article, page 3.)
For years the building housed the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, which provided a tourist information center with staff to greet visitors.
When the Chamber moved its headquarters across town, a new organization called Sisters Makers made a bid for the building’s lease. With ambitious plans under the leadership of founder Shannon Thorsen, Makers offered low rents for makers and small agricultural concerns seeking downtown presence.
A membership model for coworking was rolled out, though it didn’t catch on widely. The entryway became a visitor information vestibule run by Explore Sisters.
Small business classes were held in the building’s community area, which the farmers market took over on Sundays for free workshops and vending space.
Kellen Klein, C4C’s executive director, intends to keep space available for such activities.
“Sisters Makers, I owe a lot of credit to them. They initiated this concept,” said Klein. “We’ve taken it and expanded it and grown on it.”
Willa Bauman manages Sisters Farmers Market as an employee of its parent organization, Seed to Table. She has been pleased with the building’s transition.
“Kellen has been great to work with,” she said. “We have worked with C4C for a long time, and so this is just a wonderful partnership that makes sense for the market and for Seed to Table. We’re
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really excited that this keeps the building in community use.”
The Hub building helps vendors vend and shoppers shop, especially in conditions of excess heat and murky air. According to Bauman, rates of wildfire, heat, and smoke have increased since Seed to Table took the market under its wing in 2020.
For 2025, when weather or smoke are forecast to be uncomfortable but still safe for the market to remain open, the market declares a Special Thanks Day.
At the info booth, Bauman and volunteers give away $5 coupons that can be spent on any vendor’s wares— encouraging shoppers and community members to come on down, and thanking them for their ongoing support.
The Hub provides respite from heat and smoke, for vendors and customers alike. Even on cooler market days with clear air, the building has become an integral part of Sisters Farmers Market’s offerings.
“So far this year we hosted two cooking demos for kids with Crumbs Kids plus a workshop with School of
Ranch,” Bauman explained. More free, public activities are planned for the 2025 market season, including a food dehydration workshop with OSU Extension Service Master Food Preservers.
The indoor space is home to seven vendors on Sundays at the market. Many of them sell products that melt on hot days, including candles and soaps, along with sensitive foods like cheesecake and fresh pasta.
Explore Sisters rents private office space in The Hub, and its vestibule will remain in place at the Main Avenue doorways to the building. “It won’t be a staffed visitor center,” noted Klein.
As for Makers? Its future isn’t entirely certain. Eric Strobel, the Sisters Country Director for Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), is also president of Sisters Makers.
He said that when Makers founder Thorsen moved away from Sisters months ago, “the board had to decide, do we want to be responsible for a City-owned building, on a full-time basis?” They decided the answer was no.
Klein and Strobel ran into each other at Hoodoo Ski Bowl and talked about C4C taking over the building lease.
“I think it’s a great fit,” Strobel proclaimed.
The board of Makers will meet this summer to firm up its plans.
“I see us partnering more,” Strobel mused, “definitely with C4C, Central Oregon Community College, Small Business Development
Center, and School of Ranch.”
Klein credited Strobel for helping transition the building to an expanded vision for community. Strobel said Makers is looking for board members and possibly a part-time director. Further details and contact information are available online at sistershub.org, sistersmakers.com and sistersfarmersmarket.com.
HOUSING APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Applic ations are available starting August 11, 2025 for T WO Habitat homes loc ated in Sisters.
Download the application at www.sistershabitat.org/apply-for-housing or pick up a paper copy at Sisters Habitat Administrative O ce. Visit www.sistershabitat.org for complete details.
APPLICATIONS MUST
Market-goers shopped for wares inside The Hub building along with outdoor booths at Sisters Farmers Market last Sunday.
PHOTO BY T. LEE BROWN
HUB: Facility has a new life and purpose serving community
Continued from page 3
town, there’s a seat for anyone who believes in the power of connection.”
A sound-proof phone booth enables users to take a private call. The building’s high-ceilinged common area can be rented as an event space as well.
Tea and hot chocolate are available in the kitchen, but no coffee, “Our thinking is that we have four or five coffee shops within a few blocks’ radius,” Klein said. “We’d rather have folks have a break from their screens and patronize local businesses.”
Lockers are available for folks don’t want to lug their gear around while heading out for a latte.
The revenue model can be described as gift economy, sliding scale or pay-whatyou-can model. “While there is no charge to use the space, we hope you’ll consider donating to C4C to keep the space accessible and support our broader community building work,” the organization website’s states.
Many of The Hub’s amenities were provided by local businesses, including Sisters Coffee’s donation of chairs and branded coffee mugs. “Our first hundred visitors get a mug,” explained Klein.
“It’s been cool to see people form the community come out and support this,” he said. Among them are folks who donated plants, and interior designer Layla Conway, who helped “envision an aesthetic for the space.”
Like the building’s previous tenant, Sisters Makers, C4C invites artists to show their work in the space (see related article, page 6).
C4C enables art sales, and scheduled The Hub’s launch party to coincide with a Fourth Friday Artwalk.
Klein considers it an Artists in Residence program, beginning with two local artists: recent Sisters High School graduate Timber Bionda and textile artist Megan Kelso (not to be confused with the GirlHero comic artist of the same name).
The nonprofit hub idea resonates with Willa Bauman, who manages Sisters Farmers Market. “We really need that in Sisters; we have such a civically engaged community, but we really need a space downtown for offices and meeting space,” she said.
Under C4C’s leadership, the building is beginning to meet that need. Upcoming events include a workshop on finding and applying for grants, featuring Susan Taylor of the Grant Lab. A group called Sisters Writes has booked space for their meetups.
Sip & Mingle, the monthly member networking event of Sisters Business Association, scheduled The Hub for its August gathering. Sisters Farmers Market continues to welcome vendors and shoppers on Sundays.
Co-working is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to4 p.m., on a donation basis. The entry door for co-working is tucked in at the back of The Hub building, on its south side.
For more information, see citizens4community. com, sistersfarmersmarket. com, sistersmakers.com and sistershub.org.
Homes needed for surrendered dogs
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO), is working to find loving homes for 12 Toy Australian Shepherds surrendered from a Tumaloarea property on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Bend Fire & Rescue had responded to the property on Tumalo Reservoir Road for a reported structure fire. While there, firefighters observed multiple dogs living in filthy conditions and requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Benn Smith responded to the scene and found the dogs on the property. He discovered extensive accumulations of animal waste inside the home and in the basement.
After speaking with the owner, 38-year-old David De Persio, 12 dogs were voluntarily surrendered and taken to HSCO. De Persio was cited for Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, and the charge is being elevated to a Class C Felony under Oregon law due to more than 11 animals being on scene.
The surrendered dogs are generally healthy but undersocialized, meaning they will
do best in homes where they can receive extra one-onone attention, training, and patience. All have received veterinary examinations and age-appropriate vaccinations and will be spayed or neutered before adoption.
The 12 Toy Australian Shepherds were processed for adoption through the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Anyone interested in providing a home for one of these dogs should visit the shelter at 61170 SE
27th Street in Bend,, or visit their website www.hsco. org for more information on the process. As of press time a couple pups were still available for adoption.
Caring for animals from neglect cases often requires significant resources. Community members who want to help but are not able to adopt can make a donation to support the ongoing care of these dogs and others in need by visitingwww. hsco.org.
A dozen Toy Australian Shepherds were surrendered to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in an animal neglect case.
The developers will create and submit two options of a final decision document that include provisions. The DC-BOC will have a final meeting (date to be determined) to review and approve or not, one of two decision documents. The provisions relate to the various public concerns including a buffer to 200 feet on either side of Trout Creek, to preserve the riparian and scenic corridors, and assure forest connectivity for migratory species.
MMV owners applied for two changes to their county property of 58 acres; one for a Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan (DCCP) amendment from Forest to Rural Residential Exception Area (RR10) which requires a DCCP Goal 4 exception (a goal to conserve forest lands), and a zone change from Forest Use 2 (F2) to MultipleUse Agricultural (MUA10).
Two public hearings were required for this type of request to the county. The first was a hearings officer review and recommendation
to the DC-BOC held on April 7. Hearings Officer Tommy Brooks, subsequently, had recommended approval. The second was for the DC-BOC to review of the hearings officer’s discovery and recommendation and any additional public input and to come to a decision.
At several points during the meeting Commissioner Chang raised concerns that DC-BOC decision to approve should include provisions. Commissioner DeBone responded that current county code and procedures would assure public concerns were addressed. Chang reminded DeBone that the county code only assures a 100-foot riparian setback. Chang also noted that Tollgate residents requested a safety buffer to their water pump station located on the northwest corner of the 58 acres. Chang later offered that, “the scenic corridor [unobstructed forest viewing along Interstate Highway 20] would likely not be impacted,” but that MMV owners could assure that by developing at a lower density the parts of the MMV property closest to the highway.
Before, during, and between the two hearings, there had been ample opportunity for the public to
submit written comments or provide testimony. Including recent written submissions and testimony in the second hearing, over 200 public comments were recorded or written into the record. With few exceptions, the public input in opposition expressed environmental impact concerns of developing the MMV property, assuming it would be included in Sisters Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion, rather than concerns about the specific request before the county.
The public’s opposition focusing on development relative a future UGB expansion in Sisters is not surprising given that the MMV owners have been forthright as to their intent to develop their MMV property to create housing units to help mitigate the current affordable housing deficits in Sisters. MMV owners also made public their intent to assure 30 percent of the units will be affordable, and as noted in the second hearing, they intend to provide a buffer to Tollgate’s pump station and to protect the perennial Trout Creek.
Representative of Hayden Homes, Jenn Kovitz shared that Hayden Homes and MMV currently have a letter of intent to assure that 30 percent of the
homes developed would be affordable for purchase at 130 percent or lower of the area median income (AMI) and at 80 percent of AMI or below for rentals.
In opposition to the MMV application, Central Oregon Land Watch (COLW) Staff Attorney Rory Isbell presented documents to the DC-BOC, which he said, “included what Land Watch believe are several errors by the Hearings Officer.” Isbell shared that COLW also believe, “there is a threshold matter in the case that needs to be addressed in order for anyone to judge if the applicant meets the applicable criteria.” Isbell noted that COLW remains unconvinced that the MMV application satisfied the Goal 4 Exception criteria as their application lacked land use clarity.
MMV representative, Christopher Koback, reminded the DC-BOC that Sisters affordable housing deficit is a current problem and requested they approve without further delay. Besides the MMV owners reiterating their requests to the DC-BOC
to approve their application, testimony in support included Directory of Sisters Habitat for Humanity Peter Hoover, Superintendent of Sisters School District Curt Scholl, and Central Oregon Builders Association Executive Vice President Tim Knopp. The UGB Steering Committee (SC) recommended to Sisters City Council to move forward with the expansion process using Concept A, which does not include consideration of the MMV property. UGB-SC Chair Therese Kollerer, emphasized in the second hearing that the UCB-SC decision came after a year of careful consideration and that Concept A will satisfy Sisters’ expansion needs in a timely manner. Community Planning Director Scott Woodford noted that regardless the recent decision by the DC-BOC, he sees no need for the UGB-SC to reconsider their recommendation to council. Woodford added that decisions to adjust the current UGB expansion process or not remain the purview of Sisters City Council.
To the Editor:
One more consideration, please, regarding the new roundabout art question. While Mr. Tarlen’s suggestion of a continuation of the colorful animal/fish/birds art is understandable in theory, I’m concerned with safety and the need for something not so distracting. Moving through that roundabout often requires total attention, caution, and carefulness. The choice of art needs to not be a visual distraction. It isn’t like, for instance, the intersection in Redmond, at Hwy. 97, where one can take in the artwork while waiting for all the light changes.
Another round of applause to our other roundabout’s scene. It blends in beautifully, and is a subconscious reminder to watch for deer on the roadways as we move through town. Something to think about.
Cindy Erickson
s s s
To the Editor:
As an artist myself, I know it’s hard to please everyone and to make something that carries a specific idea about a place. Sisters Country is beloved of hikers, bikers, music lovers, artists, rodeo lovers, history buffs, people who fish and hunt, shop and eat, and collect butterflies. No single image can encompass it all.
It’s the land itself that creates these opportunities. A multi-level roundabout with a High Desert garden theme — seasonal native wild flowers and shrubs, appropriate irrigation, and periodic care, would remind us all of our beautiful environment, even in traffic. A landscape architect could do this beautifully.
Former Sisters resident, Joellyn Loehr
s s s
Circle of Friends wrote:
Our hearts are full after our annual Changing Futures event! Thank you to each and every person who came out to support our local youth. We are grateful to our community for helping us raise 140 percent of our goal. Your continued support means the world to Circle of Friends.
To the Editor:
Sunday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Con Williams, long-time, well-known bronze sculptor of the Red Rock and Lane Frost maquette (small preliminary model) that is currently on display at Dyrk Godby’s art gallery. I was interested to learn the process of creating a bronze and the bid he received from Eagle Bronze in Lander, Wyoming, to create the sculpture that many in the Sisters community are proposing to the City Council as the roundabout artwork. A tribute to a friendly, athletic, famous bull — never ridden in his career — that was raised and lived in Sisters on Mert Hunking’s ranch. Con started at the beginning and led me step by step through the lengthy and intricate process — over 30 steps and hundreds of hours. He then provided each line item of the bid, not including his time and the extensive work he does at the foundry after working with the sculpture in his shop. He created the maquette in one-fifth life size and the foundry will enlarge it to 1.4 percent.
The costs associated will be the hiring of the foundry engineer, enlarging the maquette, molding, casting, building a cradle for transport, transportation, and installation of the final sculpture. That number alone is over the allotted $175,000 from the City. There will be a steel frame inside of the sculpture that will be attached to a base that will be bolted onto a platform below. It will be engineered to withstand heavy winds and inclement weather so as not to fall over. It will weigh 2,500 pounds and stand 14 feet tall at the tip of the tail.
Con had heard of the concerns brought up about people possibly wanting to cross the roundabout path to get to the statue. He is willing to be sure there is a maquette that can be placed with the plaque in town so that there will be something that people can take pictures of and touch.
With the expenses associated for a bronze
QUEEN: Candidate represents Sisters event statewide
Continued from page 3
as leaders,” said Aly Fazz, Queen Advisor. “Our queen becomes the face of our rodeo and travels to events across Oregon; it’s a year of incredible memories and impact.”
Oregon residents ages 18-25 can apply. They must be riders with access to a horse and transportation. The competition draws young women with strong communication skills and a love for the rodeo way of life. No prior pageant or rodeo queen experience is required,
just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
The Sisters Rodeo Queen serves as a representative across Oregon, making appearances at community events, rodeos, parades, and school programs. Past titleholders have gone on to compete at the state and national level and have become leaders in agriculture, business, and education.
Visit https://sistersrodeo. com/queen-tryouts/ for full contest rules, application packet, and important dates. Follow the Rodeo on Facebook and Instagram www.facebook.com/ sistersrodeoassociation/ https://www.facebook.com/ sistersrodeoassociation/.
SISTERS LIBRARY EVENTS
rive Central Oregon Get help with housing list s, medical access, m ental health resources, v eterans services, s ocial security applications , and much more. rive Central Oregon sta help you navigate the complex forms, websites, and waitlist s needed to access the se resources . All appointments are first-come first-s er ved and last for 30 minutes. Friday, August 15, 10 a .m.–1 p.m
Anxiet y:
e Good and the Bad Learn more about managing anxiety. Tuesday, August 19, 12-1 p.m. Learn what anxiety is , underst and levels of anxiety, t ypes of treatments, and when to ask for help.
Marianne Straum ord is a recently retired psychiatrist, living in Sisters
Kindergarten Story Time Stories, s ongs, and a craft for children entering kindergarten, 5–6 years . is sp ecial stor y time will focus on the positive, through silly stories , s ongs, and a super fun craft! Wednesday, August 20, 10:30–11 a .m Camp Kinder Camp-themed activities, crafts and games to support learning . urs days, August 21, 28, at 1:30 p.m.
Online: Story Times Find dozens of stor y times and other fun programs for kids , available 24/7 on the librar y YouTub e channel: dpl.pub/storytime.
New community work space
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.
Historic al 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 andmark s Tour and the Heritage Home Tour. Tours are free, start at 10 a .m., distance is less than a mile. and they last approximately one hour. Pre-registration required at least 24 hours prior through Eventbrite.com, or call 541-54914 03 . L andmark Tours are on Sundays 8/17, 9/7, and u. 9/25. Heritage Home Tour takes place Saturday 9/6 . Learn about the histor y of some of our buildings and hear f un stories about the businesses and the interesting people who occupied them.
A NNOUNCEMENT S
Living Well With Dementia Sisters Suppor t Groups
Living Well o ers a support group for the care partners and f amily of those diagnosed with some form of dementia, and now o ers a new Early Stage Support Group. Both groups meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month f rom 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Sisters Park & Recreation District Community Center. e E arly Stage Support Group meets in the Whychus Room. e Care Partner Group meet s in the Metolius Room. For more information call 541588- 0547
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.
Sisters High Deser t Chorale Welcomes New Singers
Come sing with us this f all as we prepare for our holiday concerts in December. We are a f unloving community mixed chorus that meets at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters weekly on Monday evenings f rom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Our first rehearsal is September 8 . No audition is required . For more information, contact C arol Lisek at carolshdc@gmail.com
Camp Polk Pioneer Cemeter y Tour
ursday, August 21, 10:30 a .m.; free. e Camp Polk Pioneer Cemetery, est . 1880 on 2.1 hilltop acres , located three miles north of Sisters at 69875 Camp Polk Rd. has 325 headstones and some 70 veterans . e one-hour tour begins with a brief history and focuses on key ancestors who helped bridge pioneer travel bet ween the Willamette Valley and Prineville, settling in the Sisters area . To join a tour go to www.Eventbrite.com, Camp Polk Cemeter y Tour, leave a phone number in case of cancellation
Weekly Community Meditation: Mondays
5:30 -6:30 p.m.; no charge. Ten minutes of stretching and breathwork , followed by a 20 -minute guided meditation session and a 20-minute silent meditation session. Inspire Dance and Fitness Studio, 592 N . Sisters Park Ct., Ste. B . Info: Bonnie Rose, 541-306 -3320.
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 Announce Celebrations! Sisters community birth, engagement, wedding , and milestone anniversar y notices may run at no charge on this Announcements page.
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.
Furr y Friends Volunteers
Needed Furr y Friends Foundation 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 clients loading their pet food order. FFF is located at 412 E . Main, behind e Nug get o ce. Call or text Kiki at 541-797-4 023 for info.
Annual Central Oregon Submarine Base Picnic Held at Quince Park in Redmond on Saturday, August 16 , at noon. All submariners and their f amilies , and folks interested in the Silent Ser vice are welcome to join us . Bring a salad, dessert, or sandwiches (enough for yourself and two others). Ice chests available ere is a signal at 5th & Quince, the intersection by Home Depot. Go west on Quince, and the parking is on the right bet ween 10th & 11th. For information contact Commanding O cer Rick Neault , 530 -434 -1102 ; Financial O cer Lonnie Powers , 541-4193545; or Master Chief Yeoman Fran Davis , 541-527-5484.
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.
Ce lebration o f Life
for Irene Liden
Saturday, August 23, 11 a .m
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
121 Brook s Camp Rd . Sisters
Family, f riends , and all in our communit y who knew Irene are welcome No black, please.
Recording will be available later on YouTube
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
Friends of the Metolius Interpretive Walks: Plant ID: Walk Along the Metolius
On Saturday, August 16 , 9 a .m. to 11 a .m., Amateur botanist David Miller will share his knowledge and love of the many beautiful plants that live in this incredibly pristine and diverse habitat. Learn to identif y plants, trees , and shrubs that you've wondered about. Leader: David Miller. For more information call 541-550 -1441.
HICCUP
Hiccup has a knack for turning the ordinar y into epic fun. She's curious, clumsy in the cutest way, and always first to investigate anything new. With her playful spirit and gentle purrs , she's ready to grow into your brave little sidekick . Kittens like Hiccup are f ull of fun but need dedicated adopters who can provide enrichment and socializ ation.
Francois’ Workshop 541-549-0605 541-815-0624
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA)
386 N . Fir St. • 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 S er vice • 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship
St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391 5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 9 a .m. Sunday Mass 12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a
Running commentary
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
In the fall of 1978, I arrived on the University of Oregon campus as a freshman. As an avid and competitive runner I looked forward to being immersed in the atmosphere of “Track Town, USA” built on the tremendous tradition of Bill Hayward, Bill Bowerman, and the current Duck coach, Bill Dellinger, who had taken over the role from Bowerman in 1973.
The Ducks were coming off their fourth NCAA cross country title from the previous year that included what is now considered one of the deepest and most talented group of runners in the school’s history featuring future Olympians, Bill McChesney, Alberto Salazar, Don Clary, Matt Centrowitz, and Art Boileau, not to mention Rudy Chapa who broke the American record for 3,000 meters while attending Oregon.
Dellinger, a former Duck and a three time Olympian himself, including a bronze medal in the 5,000 in 1964, is the only distance coach enshrined on both the Cross Country and Track and Field coaching Hall of Fame.
Coach Dellinger died June 27at age 91, and I attended a memorial for him at Hayward Field July 30, on the eve of the U.S. National Championship meet. It was out of reverence for a coach who never quite got out of the shadow of his predecessor Bowerman, despite his own
successes.
I attended the memorial for three main reasons: I knew I would see friends and acquaintances from my Oregon years, I wanted to hear the speakers, and I wanted to acknowledge my own gratitude for the man.
I had two main encounters with Dellinger during my time at Oregon. The first came that freshman year as I finished a run near Hayward Field and saw a group of runners gathered at the south end of the track for what looked to be the start of a workout. Curious, I approached the fence at the north end to watch and soon a man began walking toward me on the backstretch of the track. He asked me if I wanted to join the group, which was open to allcomers. He asked me what my best mile time was and went on to explain that some of the guys at the workout were my speed, but others were as fast as 4:10, and some might ultimately make the Oregon team. He went on to ask what kind of racing I had been doing recently and how it was going. When I replied I had interest in road racing, including marathoning, he suggested that I continue that, but that I was still welcome to join the Saturday track workout if I wanted. He warned that a lot of young men ended up injured or frustrated trying to keep up.
The man was Bill Dellinger. I took his advice and focused on road racing during my college years. I
had no business trying to run with those track guys. As a coach now myself, I have come to appreciate even more over the years that he did two important things: he took interest in me and he was straightforwardly honest.
My second encounter with Dellinger came three years later when I signed up for a class he taught for future track and field coaches. Again, it was only much later I understood how lucky I was to have one of the most decorated coaches in distance running history as an instructor. His methods are timeless and effective. In all, he coached 29 years at Oregon winning five NCAA titles and developing numerous All-Americans and individual winners. Interestingly, most people don’t realize that Steve Prefontaine, the most famous of all Duck runners, was coached by Dellinger and Bill Bowerman. The movies about Prefontaine show little evidence of how important Dellinger was to Pre.
I have now coached for over 40 years and felt kinship with Dellinger, as his former athletes spoke of his care for his athletes even as they work to reach the pinnacle of the sport. He was described as patient in a way that allowed his runners to develop into the best versions of themselves. His athletes trusted him because he himself had “done the work” and because he coached in a friendly-firm manner. Given that he grew up in Oregon,
attended UO, and ultimately experienced community through his work resonated with me.
As I watched the U.S. Championships, which serve as a qualifier for the World Championships set for September in Tokyo, and witnessed Cole Hocker, a former Duck who won the Olympic gold medal for 1,500 meters in 2024, win the 5,000 meters at Hayward Field, I felt certain some magical thread of Dellinger’s contribution to the Oregon tradition remained alive.
Firefighters knock down small blaze
Quick response from firefighters corralled a small fire that broke out along the 100 spur road near South Pine Street early on Saturday evening, August 9.
U.S. Forest Service firefighters were first on the scene. A witness reported seeing an RV driver running toward the fire with a fire extinguisher just as crews were arriving. Sisters-Camp Sherman firefighters also responded.
The blaze was kept to about a 50-foot perimeter and was quickly doused and mopped up. Officials say the fire was human caused and the specific cause remains under investigation.
The blaze very close to town is a reminder that Central Oregon is in the peak of wildfire season. High temperatures early this week continue to dry out vegetation increasing the risk for wildfires.Interagency fire resources responded
See BLAZE on page 23
Former Oregon runner Cole Hocker shown here in a prelim of the 1500 at the USATF Championships.
PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG
how successful it is.” He has the beds on a sprinkler system which he monitors once each morning and afternoon. Frank reported since their community garden is fenced in, they have not had any deer or other kinds of planteaters invade the beds. He is thinking to add another six raised beds before the next growing season. Shirley donated the seeds.
Frank noted that Sisters Community Garden will be moving to the site. They will have plenty of space on either side of the CORE community garden, including space for their green house.
According to Director Luis Blanchard, CORE is growing in many other ways. Blanchard expounded on CORE’s services and numerous people and entities providing various supports:
were selected by visitors to the closet. Over the past seven months Elizabeth has tracked 1,300 articles of clothing going to those in need. The clothes range for ages and sizes, and are in good condition. In the future, FAN may provide children’s clothing.
• CORE has helped several unhoused to find ways to get home to their family outside of Sisters or this state. Community Care Fund helps finance bus tickets or gas money to those returning home.
• Through CORE connections, Rollins Automotive assists with automechanical services. In July, they helped three locals get their modes of transportation into working condition.
• Sisters Community Church provides funds to cover utility bills of CORE participants dealing with increased medical bills and low funds. The church also helps with auto repair expenses.
help split and deliver wood to the site. Last winter, CORE was able to give 20 cords to Family Access Network.
CORE’s successes are all about donations of time and materials by its members, local businesses (many more than those highlighted above), and the obvious generosity and caring of the Sisters community. Luis is so very impressed by and thankful for this community. More about CORE is here, https://coresisters.org. CORE: Service program
• CORE can overnightcold-shelter 28 individuals. For smoke or heat, CORE can accommodate 80-plus during the day. Frank noted CORE accommodated between five and 10 people over several freezing nights last winter.
• CORE provides free clothing for adults within a room-closet on site. Elizabeth Kirke manages this asset and noted that last week 80 articles of clothing
E vents & Ent er tainment Events
• Ed Staub Energy charges a discounted rate of $1.75 per gallon for propane to individuals CORE identifies for cooking or heating in homes or recreation vehicles.
• Jeff Konen, retired from Management at Consolidated Plumbing Supplies, manages leadership of CORE’s Wood Ministry. The Ministry provides firewood to the community. Through CORE’s connection with CrossFit owner Ryan Hudson, the Get Strong Guys
• Local Doug Little (owner of several laundry facilities in Central Oregon) has donated two commercial washers and dryers. They will be installed and running in about two weeks. Luis indicated it will reduce current cleaning expenses including no need of travel time.
• Jeff also arranged discounts on all the plumbing fixtures for a new shower room which will have two walk-in safety showers. The showers will be ready sometime next month.
these remodels at the site.
• The Food Pantry at the site is a total success. Numerous locals with fixed low-incomes see deficits late in the month. This is evidenced in attendance at the Food Pantry where about 70 people come early in a month and that number increases by 20 or so, by end of month.
Events & Enter tainment
• CORE’s general contractor Jared Vogt is discounting his work on
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 Yard at Hardtails Live Music: Heller Highwater 6–9 p.m. hardtailsoregon.com/events.
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.
Luckey's Woodsman Trivia: Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m. Info: luckeyswoodsman.com.
The Barn Live Music: In the Rounds 6 to 8 p.m. Outdoor stage. www thebarninsisters.com.
Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Gabriel Urza presents "The Silver State," 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 12th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 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
Angeline's Baker y Live Music: Bon Bon Vivant 7 p.m. Their dynamic sound fuses the pulse of New Orleans with the grit of indie and the heart of Americana. Tickets at bendticket.com.
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
Paulina Springs Books Live Music and Storytelling: "Bunkhouse In The Book Store" featuring Western music and storytelling from singersongwriters Jim Cornelius, Mike Biggers, and special guests, plus Western photographer and documentary filmmaker Craig Rullman. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Event is a fundraiser for the forthcoming documentary film “The California Rose.” Suggested donation, $20 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.
MONDAY • AUGUST 18
The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Fog Holler "Big Lawn Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Free; all ages
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 20
The Barn Live Music: TEB 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 21
The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Muddy Souls Benji Nagel showcases his talented friends every Thursday 6 to 8 p .m. Free Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Eric Leadbetter 5 to 8 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 12th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 Info: call 541-549-2471
Sisters Depot Live Music: Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent, 6 to 8 p.m. Sign ups, 5 :30 Info: sistersdepot.com/our-events.
FRIDAY • AUGUST 22
Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. Information: www.sistersarts.org.
Makin’ it Local Art Walk & Live Music Artist reception with Cheryl Chapman and Jennifer O’Reilly 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy Oregon wine and beer sampling gingersnap cookies, and live music by Stacie Lynn Johnson and Mystic Info: www.makinitlocal.com.
Sisters Art Works Outdoor Movie: "Encanto" Free Gates at 7 p.m., movie at 8. Bring low-back chair or blanket. Presented by C4C and Kendall Auto. Info: www citizens4community.com/events.
CORE’s raised garden beds are flourishing.
PHOTO BY SUSAN COBB
Country singer boosts baseball program
By Matt Van Slyke Correspondent
A Sisters sports organization is bringing a rising country star to town for a one-night-only benefit concert.
It all started in a watering hole in Music City, where artist George Shingleton knocked the socks off of several members of the Bandit Sports Club youth baseball program.
“A lot of us parents from the Bandits team took a trip to Nashville,” explains Colby Summer, head coach of the Bandits’ 11U team. “We were in a little podunk bar, and there was George singing in the corner. All of a sudden, we’re like, ‘Man, that guy’s pretty darn good!’ Before you know it, we’re throwing out songs for him to sing, and he just absolutely killed it.”
Shingleton’s blend of bluegrass, gospel, southern rock, and outlaw country was once featured on the hit TV show “Yellowstone.” Like many others in Nashville, he is a step away from making it big.
“We have, maybe, a possible star in the making. He’s been doing it for a long time, and he’s really incredible,” Summer said.
Back at home, during a fundraising brainstorm, an idea flashed among Bandits
board members like a neon sign outside a honky-tonk:
“What if we flew him out, booked an awesome venue, and made it somewhat affordable for a couple to come have a great night out with the community. All the stars kind of aligned to do something special for Sisters,” said Summer.
The group began pulling strings with connections at Pole Creek Ranch and to Mr. Shingleton.
“We’re flying him out — him and his band and his wife. George has never been to Oregon before, so we’re gonna hit him with some Sisters hospitality,” said Summer. “One of our parents on the team has a rental in Black Butte Ranch and is letting the whole band stay at the place.”
What follows will be a dinner and lengthy concert by Shingleton. The experience, set for Thursday, September 11 at 5 p.m., also
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includes drinks and a silent auction, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Bandit Sports Club.
“We started with one baseball team, and we’re trying to expand that to three teams next year: 14U, 12U, and 10U. I’ll coach the 12U team. So this is all going towards next year’s plans,” said Summer.
Those plans include building on a recent field renovation to improve the dugouts and bleachers at the Sisters Park and Recreation District fields, which Sisters Little League, Outlaws baseball and softball, and adult softball leagues use as well.
Money raised at the concert will also help offset the rising costs of tournament dues, safety gear, and equipment.
“Sports in today’s world are just expensive. A lot of parents have multiple kids, so multiple sports. Fundraising is absolutely
a vital piece to making it affordable for families to do this,” Summer said. Tickets for the benefit concert are available for $150 per person. For the price of admission, each attendee will be provided two drink tickets and get to enjoy a sit-down dinner plus a three-hour concert at the scenic Pole Creek Ranch in Sisters. Summer describes it as an adult-only event and a fun way to give back to the community and to people who have been giving the team fundraising money.
“What a great opportunity for them to come out without their kids and have a date night. I think it is an incredibly good value. If you go into Bend, we all know how much that costs to go to a concert. To have dinner and drinks right here in our backyard, we’re pretty excited about it.”
To purchase tickets, visit www.banditssportsclub.com and click the link at the top of the home page.
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FRIDAY • AUGUST 22 (cont.)
Sisters High School Sports Field Starshine Stargazing Tour 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the brilliance of Central Oregon's incredible night sky together with a local naturalist and educator. You'll hear an ancient story about the stars, locate constellations, and see visible planets, the moon, and other astronomical objects through a 6" telescope Tickets and info: starshine-theater.com/sisters-stargazing
The Yard at Hardtails Live Music: Cheyenne West Band 7–10 p.m. hardtailsoregon.com/events. Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Summer Groove Band 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/eventcenter
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Switchback 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dogfriendly Info: 541-549-2471
SATURDAY • AUGUST 23
Village Green Park Luau Hawaiian dinner with live music by Sisters Ukulele Players & Halau O' Hula Hawai'i Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Sisters benefitting Sisters School District Nature Path. Tickets, $25/adults, $10/kids at www.sisterskiwanis.org/luau. The Yard at Hardtails Live Music: The Major Dudes Steely Dan tribute band, 8 p.m. Tickets, $20 at BendTicket.com.
Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Naturally Dyed Yarn for Handweaving" with Madelaine Corbin. A twoday workshop August 23-24, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration: roundhousefoundation.org/events. The Barn Live Music: Sweet Old Souls 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
SATURDAY • AUG. 23
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
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Jeff Miller & The Congregation 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharity events.com/event-center
Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Intermediate Fiber Workshop: Sew and Apron with Naturally Dyed Fabric" with Madelaine Corbin. Two-day workshop, August 30 and 31 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration: roundhousefoundation.org/events.
SUNDAY • AUGUST 24
Sisters Saloon Live Music: Catfish Stu & The Hush Puppies 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 25
The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Blair Borax "Big Lawn Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Free; all ages
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 27
The Barn Live Music: Vibeshiftas
6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em, 21+, 5:30 p.m.–close, upstairs. $50 buy-in, freezeout.
THURSDAY • AUGUST 28
The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Skillethead Benji Nagel showcases his talented friends every Thursday 6 to 8 p .m. Free Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.
THURSDAY • AUG. 28 (cont.)
Paulina Springs Books Author reading: George Sorenson presents "Hot Dish Confidential:" That Year My Friends Taught me to Cook," 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
The Barn Live Music: In the Rounds 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
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: Heller Highwater Band 5 to 8 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/eventcenter
FRIDAY • AUGUST 29
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Pete Kar tsounes 6 to 9 p.m. Advanced tickets required: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center Sisters High School Sports Field Starshine Stargazing Tour 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the brilliance of Central Oregon's incredible night sky together with a local naturalist and educator. You'll hear an ancient story about the stars, locate constellations, and see visible planets, the moon, and other astronomical objects through a 6" telescope Tickets and info: starshine-theater.com/sisters-stargazing
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Bob Baker & Mark Baringer 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
SATURDAY • AUGUST 30
The Yard at Hardtails Live Music: Valhalla Led Zeppelin tribute band, 8 p.m. Tickets, $20 at BendTicket.com.
George Shingleton.
thrills a packed house year after year.
Its name is somewhat deceptive as the program goes way beyond airplanes. There’s motorcycle stunt riding. And there’s car show, an impressive event in itself.
Starting with this year’s 25th Anniversary of the Airshow, the Les Schwab Car Show will be featuring the Alley Scrapers Car Club with a multitude of Lo-Rider cars and pickups. Lo-Rider demonstrations will occur both Friday and Saturday.
Live music by Chasin’ Bandits and Precious Byrd keep rhythm to the action in the skies and on the ground. And come with an appetite especially on the Friday night opening when a fish and chips dinner will be available for the first 1,000.
The food court is an attraction onto itself with 30 food and beverage choices for any time of the day, from donuts and coffee to barbecue and tacos to pizza and Thai. The aromas fill the 100-acre venue, easily overpowering the smell of jet fuel.
Yes, jets. This year is a first appearance in Madras by Patriots Jet Team, the
largest civilian-owned aerobatic jet team in the western hemisphere that began with the vision of one person, Randy Howell. Fueled by a passion for aviation since childhood, it became Howell’s mission to create a six-jet precision demonstration team that could entertain, inspire, and educate.
The Patriots Jet Team, unique in its kind, represents an all-encompassing blend of passion, inspiration, integrity, and professionalism, captivating audiences from all over North America with exhilarating aerobatic performances.
World class aerobatics pilot Anthony Oshinuga will leave crowds gasping, some averting their eyes as he defies gravity with heart-stopping twists and turns. With no shortage of hard work and dedication, Oshinuga made history in 2015 when he became the first African American to enter the Reno Air Race National Championships and secure a second place victory as a rookie.
Prepare to be captivated by Wing walker Sam and Mike Tryggvason, an aerobatic pilot couple whose passion is taking them to thrilling heights. With pilot Mike at the controls of the “Showcat” biplane, Wing walker Sam steps out onto the wings and combines technical skill with artistic flair to deliver a breathtaking
performance.
In addition to piloting Sam’s thrilling wingwalking routine, Mike will also perform a dazzling twilight aerobatic performance featuring LED lighting, smoke effects, and wingtip pyrotechnics.
Wingwalking is not for the faint of heart. Wingwalker Sam will be securely harnessed to the wings of the highly modified Grumman “Showcat” biplane, experiencing speeds up to 150 mph and G-forces of up to 4G.
The routine is a symphony of synchronized movements, with pilot Mike executing loops, rolls, and even inverted flight, all while Sam maintains her poise and precision. Moving from different positions on the aircraft, even onto the top wing, requires exceptional balance and bravery.
And the list goes on with the added benefit that the Air Show shares the stage with an aviation museum. The Erickson Aircraft Collection displays a vintage aircraft collection started by Jack Erickson in 1983.
The collection features over twenty rare aircraft, most of which are still in flying condition. The newly named Collection will
feature rare aircraft such as the P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, Ki43 Hayabusa, F4U Corsair, SBD Dauntless, Grumman Duck, and B-17 Flying Fortress. Renny Price will be in attendance, a larger than life character who is beloved throughout the airshow world as much for his one-of-a-kind personality as he is for his aggressive aerobatic routines. Flying the legendary Russian Sukhoi-29, Price is known as one of the world’s greatest aerobatic pilots.
— Robert Malone
Veterans love the Air Show, which honor them with free admission. Kids under five are also gratis. For the complete rundown and to order tickets that will soon be scarce visit cascadeairshow. com.
Keep moving Roundabout SISTERS
Bill Bartlett Columnist
My editor asked me to write about what keeps me so fit (for my age). I winced. Did I disabuse him of that notion or qualify what he meant by “fit”?
True enough my BMI (body mass index) is under 25 and no hiding it — I’m of a certain age where we tend to ignore the passing of years.
But “fit”? Okay, let’s play along. I’ve never met a gym that I didn’t dislike. Not for me —and not for want of joining multiple times only to forget in a week where it is. However, it is universally agreed, and I concur, that going to a gym or place of workout is the fastest, direct, year-round route to better conditioning — aerobic and anaerobic.
For me, “fit” isn’t a body state but a state of mind. As long as I’m moving, I’m also
feeding an aging body. The obvious health benefit is a byproduct of just moving, getting out, putting one foot in front of the other. No days off.
Living where we do makes it an easy lift. Outside our door is the world’s best equipped gym. It’s not hard at all and no dues. I just put myself on a trail, preferably alongside water or one with panoramic vistas. I frequently write about them for our regular Trail Gram features. A natural high that most everybody around these parts experiences to one degree or another.
Or I get myself on my bike which is now pedal assisted — yes, an e-bike. I can honestly say though that the motor is only used for occasional sudden uphills or steep inclines. Otherwise, what’s the use? If you let the motor do the work, it’s moving but you’re not.
For moving about town, particularly useful as I cover events like the Quilt Show, Big Ponderoo, and the Folk Festival, I’m on my scooter. You know, like the kids have. Also, electric. And the best bang for a buck I ever spent. Not that I don’t pay a price by getting teased. “Did you see that old guy on the scooter?”
When winter comes, I go to a different outdoor gym — Hoodoo where incidentally you ski free if you’re over 75. I carry my snowshoes in the car (second best bang for the buck) so no excuse
to not keep moving because of snow.
Now, would I do any of this without motivation? Can’t say because I am never without my motivators. The first, curiosity. The second, my dogs. I feel super guilty if I don’t have them on the trail at least five times a week.
Robbie, shown here as we explore, is also a certified therapy dog. We work at St. Charles in Redmond on Wednesdays and the Redmond Airport on Mondays. Together we encounter about 9,000 persons a year all the while moving — floor to floor, room to room, area to area.
I can’t say enough of the value of volunteering. Nor can the Mayo Clinic:
“Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Research has found that volunteering among adults, age 60 and over, provided benefits to physical and mental health. Volunteers report better physical health than nonvolunteers. Research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older.
“Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.”
stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and general illness. In addition, people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when
controlling for age, gender, and physical health.”
Tip. Get a pedometer or if you have a smart watch make sure you are getting 10,000 steps a day, or at least 7,500 after age 75. It’s not about speed. Not about endurance. Or strength. It’s pretty simple — keep moving.
The Nugget is committed to partnering with the Sisters business community so we all can succeed. This campaign includes expanded Sisters business coverage in August and September issues of The Nugget, opportunities for print and online advertising packages at discounted rates, and an exciting new social media feed on NuggetNews.com.
For some of this work, we’re partnering with the Small Business Association here in town, which is working to help local businesses find resources, networking and educational opportunities to help them succeed and thrive. You can connect with Sisters Business Association and support their mission at www.sistersba.com.
Working together, we can build prosperity and vibrancy in our community Keep it local, and keep it strong.
at
Reduced
Bill Bartlett’s secret to staying fit for active freelance reporting for The Nugget is simple. Keep moving.
Songwriter to host CD release concert
Steve Vujnovich (Stevie V) will hold a CD release concert at Sisters Depot Friday, September 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The concert will include songs from his new album “Pages In Between” and will feature the musicians who contributed their talents to the project. These very special guests will include the Jenner Fox Band, Benji Nagel, Beth Wood, Dennis McGregor, as well as others.
“Sometimes we dream, and that’s it — or a thought comes then leaves like a passing rain cloud. I have always dreamed of saying what I feel or sharing a story without judgment or repercussion — and becoming a singer songwriter has given me that medium,” said Vujnovich.
Steve is thrilled to be able to bring “Pages In Between” live to the Sisters Depot. Steve noted it took 59 years of life experiences to create this moment.
“Not only did this project turn out to be a musical therapeutic journey — it’s also an acknowledgement to the people who mentored me and made themselves available to me and still do,” he said. “I’m super grateful to them all. I had a lot to say, and they helped me to learn to say it in song.”
Vujnovich said that he thought long and easy about how he would share this evening — do it solo, or throw band together, or maybe just host a listening party.
“Then it came to me like a gentle exhale — what better way to do this than to ask the key artists who participated in the mentoring and studio work to perform ‘Pages In Between’ with me, live on stage!”
To his delight, they were all on board to support this experience. He invites Sisters to join and witness what the willingness to step outside of one’s comfort box looks and sounds like.
Sixteen percent of surveytakers buy at least 75 percent of their gas in Sisters; 32 percent of that group buy in Bend.
In tabulating apparel and footwear spending, 59 percent bought no clothing or shoes in Sisters, with another 20 percent whose purchases were less than 10 percent locally. Some 29 percent made such purchases online.
When survey takers go “downtown,” 38 percent said it is to dine, 26 percent to shop, 10 percent for medical or business appointments, and 21 percent said to walk or stroll while five percent mentioned an event like the Quilt Show or Folk Festival.
Shopkeepers in Sisters appear to be in a challenging environment, with half or more of their potential customers dissatisfied with their prices or product selection.
“I’d like to shop more in Sisters but I work in Bend and when I get home nothing’s
open,” one respondent commented. “On the weekend I’ve got house chores, church, yard work and don’t make it to town. And when I do shop downtown, it’s hard to find everything on my list.”
Sisters eateries have better traction with local customers than other types of merchants. Forty-eight percent dine once or twice a month in Sisters; 34 percent weekly and nine percent more than once a week. They also dine in Redmond, with 34 percent eating there once or twice a month; 60 percent eat in Bend once or twice a month, and nine percent have a dining experience in Bend weekly.
Forty-three percent of respondents live inside the city limits; 50 percent live in zip code 97759 but outside the city limits, and the remainder live in Camp Sherman or Tumalo.
Twenty-three percent have resided in Sisters Country 20 years or more; 19 percent have been here 10 to 20 years. The biggest group have called Sisters home for five to 10 years.
Consistent with known demographics of affluence, 51 percent of survey takers report a household income of
over $100,000 and another 24 percent are in the $75,000 to $100,000 category.
Affluence does not appear to translate to a willingness to spend locally if prices are perceived to be higher.
“Just because I can afford to shop in town, doesn’t mean I do,” said one respondent. “I’m not in the habit of throwing my money away.”
Home affordability has been top of mind for Sisters citizenry for years. By almost every measure, however, overall affordability makes it difficult for household earners under $140,000 per year to make it in Sisters.
According to Best Places To Live, a national data ranking firm, it takes $11,940 per month ($143,280 annually) to be able to afford to live in Sisters, which is 27 percent higher than the national average and 11.1 percent higher than Oregon overall.
A typical home costs $748,000, which is 121.2 percent more expensive than the national average of $338,100, and 59.7 percent more expensive than the average Oregon home, at $468,400.
Data tracker Zumper
reports that the median apartment rent in Sisters last week was $2,095 a month, five percent higher than the national average. Forty-five percent of rents are $1,501 to $3,000 and 12 percent of rental units range from $3,000 to $4,500 monthly.
Note: Through the months of August and September, The Nugget is putting a spotlight on local business in a “Keep It Local” campaign, expanding our coverage of the local business community and we’re offering advertising incentives for businesses to get their message out to the community. For some of this work, we’re partnering with the Small Business Association here in town, which is working to help local businesses succeed and thrive.
Steve Vujnovich.
12960 Hawks Beard Unit #63 Black Butte Ranch
Merchants respond to shopping survey
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
The Nugget asked the Sisters Business Association (SBA), who represent some two-dozen retail operators, how they would address the perception that local shopping is unaffordable.
“The Sisters Business Association sees this data as both a reality check and an opportunity,” said SBA President David Moore. “It reinforces the vital role the SBA plays in supporting and advocating for the businesses that serve Sisters Country. Our mission is to help local businesses thrive and that means listening to our community and responding in meaningful ways.
“As business owners ourselves, we understand that running a small business or living in a seasonal, rural mountain town comes with significant extra costs. Rent, insurance, fluctuations in foot traffic, and limited inventory buying power all impact pricing. On top of that, the labor shortage, driven by a lack of affordable housing and childcare — makes it even harder to keep up.”
Moore went on to say, “Many local shops and restaurants are already offering wages of $18–$22 per hour, on par with Bend, but still struggle to attract and retain staff. We often hear, ‘just pay more’ or ‘offer benefits,’ and we would love
to but when the majority of consumer spending goes to Bend, Redmond, or online, margins disappear.”
The Nugget asked Moore to address the issue of variety and selection.
“Let’s zoom out,” he said. “Sisters has a population of roughly 3,300 within city limits, and around 7,000 in the 97759 zip code. Within that market, we have about 55 retail storefronts and over 25 restaurants and food establishments — from galleries and boutiques to gear shops and full-service dining.
“That’s nearly eight retail stores per 1,000 residents — several times higher than the national average. Most towns of our size simply don’t have that level of variety. The only reason Sisters can support that volume is because we serve both locals and visitors — and when either side of that equation drops off, it becomes unsustainable.”
As to the matter of store hours, Moore said, “We’re encouraging more businesses to stay open later during First Fridays and other coordinated events. The reality, though, is that it’s not sustainable for a business to stay open late if no one shows up. Owners still have to cover wages, utilities, and insurance — whether two people walk in or twenty. We need both sides: merchants willing to adapt and a customer base willing
RIDERS: Sport has ancient roots — and a royal pedigree
Continued from page 1
himself a hockey player watching his first polo match. He was impressed with the speed and teamwork of the sport; its precision.
It does come with a price. The cost of a polo pony varies widely, depending on several factors. Young, untrained ponies typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000. Welltrained ponies with a good pedigree can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more.
Haley Skidmore from Sisters barrel races and didn’t think much of the price.
“Heck, a starter quarter horse in my sport can run way more than that,” she said.
When she was told that each polo player typically has a string of ponies, five, six or more, she gulped.
She, like so many others in Sisters Country, came primarily to see the horses. Although there is crossover in the breeds used to play and they can be of any size, the best polo ponies are of thoroughbred blood whose main qualities are heart, speed, wind, stamina, with
the ability to accelerate, stop, and turn quickly and whose temperament is amenable to the rigors of the game.
At the Wild West Cup there was stock from Argentina, a perennial powerhouse in polo. Players from Argentina and England also joined in the competition of five teams with 80 horses. It was the first competitive polo in Central Oregon in at least five years.
Polo is played on a 10-acre grass field, 300 yards in length by 160 yards, which is the approximate area of nine football fields. Goal posts are set eight yards apart on either end of the field. As horses race down the field their thundering hooves stir excitement and a sense of awe.
Bryan Fellows is a ranch hand and wrangler on a 400 head cattle ranch in Terrebonne. “I’ve always wanted to do this, see these
I have seen some fine looking cutting horses in my day, but these horses… they’re something else. — Bryan Fellows
horses and the game. I live on the back of a horse and have seen some fine looking cutting horses in my day, but these horses… they’re something else.”
He was impressed how they work in such tight quarters often bunched up with shouting riders swinging a mallet and trying to get the perfect angle.
Sisters Polo Club is on land off George Cyrus Road owned by RJ Schreiber — who played both days — and his father.
Obituaries
Patricia (Pat) A. Mostek
January 22, 1938 – July 20, 2025
Patricia Ann Mostek, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 20, at the age of 87.
Pat was born January 22, 1938, in La Platte, Nebraska, to Pete and Emma Taylor. She married the love of her life, Stephen (Steve) E. Mostek on June 9, 1956. They moved from Nebraska to Alameda, California, in 1957 and then to Union City, California, in 1965. Together they had two sons, Stephen D. and Kenneth J.
Pat was a homemaker and loved to cook, knit, visit thrift stores, and watch the San Francisco 49ers. Although in the last few years of her life she became a Kansas City Chiefs fan. She and Steve owned Mostek’s Machine Shop and Pat did the bookkeeping for their business for 40+ years.
She is preceded in death by her husband Steve, her son Kenneth, her grandson Trevor, and her sister Margie. She is survived by her son Stephen (Jenny), and her sister Janice Smith. She also leaves behind her grandson Ryan, great grandsons Jacob and Avin, and adopted in her heart, Steven and Lizzie, along with many other extended relatives and friends.
After Steve’s passing in
2021, she moved to Sisters, Oregon, to be closer to her son and daughter-inlaw. She truly enjoyed her time in Oregon, making new friends and visiting many wonderful places. In March 2025, she moved to Bend, Oregon to be closer to her good friend Eva and her doctors after being diagnosed with cancer.
Pat fought her cancer battle without complaint, stayed positive and was strong in her faith as she went to join her sweetheart, Steve, on July 20, 2025. As per Pat’s wishes, she was cremated and her ashes will be scattered at a later date along with her husband’s, Steve.
The family is forever grateful to Partners in Care, Aubrey Place staff, Visiting Angels, and St. Charles Healthcare for the wonderful care they provided Pat during the last few months of her life.
Pat will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Ann (Annie) Marland
May 12, 1947– July 30, 2025
Ann (Annie) Marland passed away in Sisters, Oregon, on July 30, 2025. She was a native Oregonian born May 12, 1947, in Burns to Robert and Davida Marland. Annie graduated from Burns High School in 1965. Her journey after graduation took her to enrolling at the University of Oregon, leaving to go work for Aetna Insurance for 20 years. Annie finished her education receiving a degree from Marylhurst University. She then went to work for Great Source Educational Consulting
with Vicki Spandel and moved to Sisters in 2000 to work with Vicki there.
After the office in Sisters closed, Annie enjoyed volunteering in her beloved Sisters with the Sisters Trail Alliance, Sisters Folk Festival, and helped in developing the STARS program. Her efforts to become involved and to better her community will be fondly remembered.
Annie is survived by her sister Merideth Croft (Dan), nieces Stacy Croft, and Jennifer Feeney (Brian)
Samuel Donald Richardson
August 3, 1984 – June 16, 2025
Samuel Donald Richardson, known as “Sam” to his friends, was born on August 3, 1984, in Portland. Sam passed away at the age of 40 on June 16 at St. Charles Hospital in Redmond, OR.
Sam is survived by his parents, Kirk and Charlotte Richardson; his younger brother, Hank Richardson, and Hank’s partner, Hanh; along with many cousins and other extended family.
Sam was a gregarious and kind soul who excelled at track & field and crosscountry in his youth at Jesuit
High School. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2006 with a degree in Political Science. He was a lifelong enthusiast of miniature wargaming and roleplaying games, a passion he carried with him to the end. A voracious reader of horror, fantasy, and science fiction, Sam especially loved the works of H.P. Lovecraft. He had a mind like a steel trap, possessed a legendary curiosity, and was a powerful writer in his own right. Sam made friends with nearly everyone he
and their children Conner and Madelyn Feeney.
A casual celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sisters Fire Hall Community Room, 301 S. Elm St.
met, possessing a rare and effortless savoir faire, and forged strong bonds with animals wherever he went. A memorial service will be held by the Richardson family at St. Elizabeth’s Parish (4112 SW 6th Avenue Dr.) on Marquam Hill in Southwest Portland on September 12 at 11 a.m.
NUGGETEERS
Craig
Rullman stalked out of the woods nine years ago to lend his pen and a lifetime of unique experience to The Nugget as a columnist.
Working together, we can build prosperity and vibrancy in our community. Keep it local, and keep it strong.
Time at The Nugget : 9 years
Position: Freelancer Writer — “Bunkhouse Chronicle,” occasional features
Favorite part of the job: Letters from readers
Nugget stories written (all time): 187
Most newspapers carried: One (but he carried it a looong way)
Outside interests: Photography, documentary filmmaking, horses, shooting sports, consuming books
Your suppor t of The Nugget helps us suppor t local businesses. While our costs continue to rise, we have held steady on our adver tising rates because we know we can’t simply pass those cost burdens on to our adver tisers, who are facing rising costs across the board. Direct suppor t from readers in the form of Suppor ting Contributions is vital to continuing the work of the newspaper, which is, itself, a long-time par t of Sisters’ small business community. eaders who value the paper and make direct suppor ting contributions help us cover the cost of repor ting the news and serving as an opinion platform for the community.
ou can make suppor ting contributions
at www.nuggetnews.com, send a check to P.O. Box 698,
OR, 97759, or stop by the of fice at 442 E. Main Ave.
Are you seeking to find a small and welcoming f aith community?
Please join us for our traditional Christ-centered worship service at 10 a.m. each Sunday. to
The Nugget Newspaper Crossword
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 386 N. Fir St., Sisters • 541-549-5831 www.shepherdofthehillslutheranchurch.com
LETTERS Continued from page 9
sculpture of the size needed to make it look life-like, we could not have one of any theme without extra funding beyond the $175,000 the City of Sisters is allotting for the roundabout artwork. The generous donation of $200,000 from one of our own residents makes this piece possible and provides us with the opportunity to give a stunning, beautiful gift to the City and citizens of Sisters and Sisters Country.
The City Council will hold a workshop about the roundabout artwork Wednesday August 13, at 5:30 p.m. and public input will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Kathleen Naranjo
To the Editor:
s s s
More please
What a delightful Nugget last week (August 6)! There were heartwarming stories of fish restoration, a new community trail, your editorial “Keep it local; keep it strong” updates about the Sisters food offerings, the butterfly count, and T. Lee Brown’s introductory column about small business insights.
I also appreciated the Chush Falls article.
We live in a great community with lots of unsung heroes. It was nice to hear about some of the good things happening. More, please!
Chris Shepherd
To the Editor:
s s s
Stolen plants
About two months ago, a huge flower pot full of soil and flowers beginning to come up was stolen from my front porch. Also taken was a big green pot with legs, full of violets — and my property marker.
This week, a friend and I were admiring some lovely orange lilies that one of my daughters planted for me in a pot in the yard. That pot and lilies are now gone.
In all my years in Sisters, I never before have had anything missing. I hope this isn’t a trend in Sisters, and we won’t need to fence in our whole yards. It makes you wonder — what next?
Linn Watson
s s s
Young musicians from the Outlaw Strings led a dance instruction session at SFF Presents’ Hometown Hang on Friday.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
CLASSIFIED RATES
COST:
$3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.
DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 5 PM preceding Wednesday publication.
PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. Major credit cards accepted with a 3% processing fee. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four weeks.
CATEGORIES:
102 Commercial Rentals
Office space available, three days a week, Downtown Sisters, $300. LMT, esthetics, or other practitioner. 541-420-2400
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
The Grove at Sunset Meadows
Apartments in Sisters, OR Lease today and claim your move-in-special! 1- and 2-bedroom homes, available for immediate move-in 210 North Woodson, Sisters 541-719-8191
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
104 Vacation Rentals
Downtown Vacation Rentals
Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net
Great pricing. 503-730-0150
201 For Sale
Furniture for sale!
Antique double size wooden bed frame with new mattress and box springs. Paid $585 for bed, $179 for mattress and springs. Asking $250 OBO for set.
Fabric covered couch. Hardly used, no damage. Fall colors. Paid $1,099, asking $200 OBO. Glass topped coffee table with drawers, perfect shape. Paid $845, asking $200 OBO. Leather recliner, paid $700, asking $250 OBO.
Please call 541-410-2890 or 541-410-2870 for more information or to see the furniture. Please leave a message, we will contact you.
202 Firewood
LODGEPOLE FIREWOOD
BEST DEAL IN YEARS
SistersForestProducts.com 541-410-4509
• SUMMER 2025 • NEW DISCOUNT PRICES
SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS
DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD
• SINCE 1976 •
Fuel Reduction Forestry Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir
DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES
– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com
Order Online! 541-410-4509 541-699-7740
205 Garage & Estate Sales
Multi-family yard sale. Thurs. 8/14 - Fri. 8/15, 9 - 4. Sat., 8/16, 9 - 1.
Lots of great stuff! Crossroads, 14439 Trout Court
Multi Family Yard Sale
Thurs. 8/14 - Fri. 8/15, 9 to 4
Jewelry, camping, youth mountain bike, tools, saddles, soap-making supplies, school supplies, clothing and more! Crossroads, 14434 Pole Court
Huge yard sale! Fri. 8/15 & Sat. 8/16, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Skill Saw $25, Warner ladder $125, Ryabi 4.5 grinder, Craftsman 3/4" Drill $25, Craftsman Lawn Mower $50, Toro lawn mower $100, 7 steel shelves/poles $80, Drill 1/2" $20, Freezer $150, Mt. Bike $75, 10 pair good men jeans 36x32, lots of men/women clothing, miscellaneous household goods. 14739 Bluegrass Loop, Crossroads, Sisters Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150
SISTERS WHISKERS
Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org
Bend Window Works, LLC is offering a 10% discount on new window coverings. FREE in-home consultation. Same day in-home repair services available. New and repaired blinds make rentals look better! Contact us at 541-383-2455 or andy@bendblinds.com.
Junk removal, 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
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
Cheryl 541-420-7875 I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com Home of Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits • 541-306-7551
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
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
Construction & Renovation
Custom Residential Projects
All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448
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
INSPIRED CUSTOM HOMES
www.teeharborconstruction.com 541-213-8736 • CCB#75388
LOCAL CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES & HOME MAINT.
Remodels • Landscaping
Firewise Maintenance
Decks & Much More! Pease Co. Contracting Call Tanner at 541-588-0136. Big and small jobs!
CCB# 256258
Custom Homes
Additions - Remodels
Residential Building Projects
Becke William Pierce
CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384
Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com
— Serving Sisters Since 2010 —
602 Plumbing & Electric
Ridgeline Electric, LLC
Serving all of Central Oregon
• Residential • Commercial
• Industrial • Service 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821
Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com
CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860
SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.
“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling
• New Construction • Water Heaters 541-549-4349
Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CCB #87587
A 63-year tradition for Sisters www.georges-septic-service.com
603 Excavation & Trucking
BANR Enterprises, LLC
Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls
Residential & Commercial
CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977
www.BANR.net
Full Service Excavation
Free On-site Visit & Estimate
Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com
541-549-1472 • CCB #76888
Drainfield
• Minor & Major Septic Repair
• All Septic Needs/Design & Install
General Excavation
• Site Preparation
• Rock & Stump Removal
• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation
• Building Demolition Trucking
• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24
Whatever You Want!
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
ACTION AIR
Heating & Cooling, LLC
Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com
CCB #195556 541-549-6464
Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service
Residential & Commercial Heating • Ductless Air Conditioning • Maintenance Installation • Repair 541-588-5667
SistersHeatingAir.com 605 Painting
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks
CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620
www.frontier-painting.com
EMPIRE PAINTING
Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining
CCB#180042
541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk Interior/Exterior Painting
Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327
peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491
606 Landscaping & Yard
Maintenance
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
– 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
Eastern Cascade Solutions
Landscaping & Construction
www.easterncascadesolutions. com • 541-233-7195
LCB #9958 • CCB #222039
701 Domestic Services
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC
Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
802 Help Wanted
Hiring for full-time and part-time housekeeping. Please call with questions. 541-280-8769
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,
SUDOKU SOLUTION
for puzzle on page 22
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
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE is now 5 p.m. on Fridays Call 541-549-9941 or email Kema at nugget@nuggetnews.com
SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORD RETENTION ANNOUNCEMENT
This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Sisters School District's policy of destroying special education records upon the expiration of six years from the date that services end. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state and federal laws unless the parent/guardian or adult student notifies the Sisters School District. Otherwise, the Sisters School District will be destroying any unclaimed Special Education records for students who exited Special Education services in the district in the year prior to and including 2018-2019. If you have records that would be available for claiming, please contact our Special Services Record Secretary at 541-549-4045 x5777 before September 15, 2025.
Firefighters quickly knocked down a small human-caused fire on the 100 spur road near South Pine Street last weekend.
BLAZE: Central Oregon is in the height of fire season
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to several new humancaused wildfire starts over the past week, which means they were all preventable. Approximately 85 percent of all wildfires in the United States are human-caused, and the majority are accidental. Some outdoor activities are prone to start fires such as equipment use, grilling, burning yard debris, and dragging trailer chains. In an effort to prevent these fires from starting, the public is reminded to check and follow current fire restrictions. Information for restrictions on private lands can be found by visiting Oregon Department of Forestry: Restrictions & closures: Fire: State of Oregon. If recreating on public lands, be aware that Central Oregon public lands are currently in Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions which prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires across the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville BLM except within designated, developed campgrounds. Under Stage 1
Public Use Fire Restrictions internal combustion engines, including chainsaws, are prohibited between 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more details on public use restrictions and a full list of designated campgrounds where campfires are permitted in Central Oregon, visit https://centraloregonfire. org/2025/07/15/deschuteswilderness-areas-addedto-stage-1-public-use-firerestrictions-starting-july-18/. Be prepared and stay safe during wildfires.
• Call 911 to report a suspected wildfire. Remember, if you see something, say something.
• Learn about preparing homes and communities for wildfires atwww.firewise. org.
• Wildfires create smoke, which can affect people of all ages. Track wildfire smoke in your local area at AirNow. gov.
• Do not fly drones near wildfires. Drones endanger pilots and firefighters and bring suppression efforts to a stop. Learn more at https:// www.knowbeforeyoufly.org/ avoid-wildfires.
Visitcentraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. For smoke and air quality information visit fire.airnow.gov.
PHOTO BY KELLEN KLEIN
