Sisters salutes...

• A huge heartfelt THANK YOU from Tom and Mary Tomjack.

On Saturday evening, August 1, while we were out of town, the evening thunderstorm exploded over our homes and property on Eagle Top Butte in the Plainview area. A direct strike set a stand of junipers on fire very close to our newly built home. We are so grateful to our neighbors on Fryrear Ranch Road and Panorama Ranch who acted quickly, summoning the help of the Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department. We also want to thank the three Forest Service employees who, anticipating lightning strikes, were parked in the area and also responded immediately, dragging hoses up a steep hill to contain the blaze.

We are so fortunate to live in this community where neighbors care for one another, volunteers respond quickly to a call and our U.S. Forest Service has young men and women who are trained for quick action. We would also like to thank our builder, Curt Kallberg, who responded to our late-night weekend call. Without hesitation he said he was on his way and drove to check out the situation and stayed until all was well.

• Hunter English and the English family would like to thank the wonderful staff at South Valley Bank & Trust of Sisters for supporting Hunter and our local 4H program by purchasing his 4H market hog at the Deschutes County Fair market animal auction. We appreciate South Valley's efforts to be involved with the Sisters community.

• The Military Parents of Sisters would like to thank the following people for making our recruit send-off a success: Our emcee, Col. John Miller; our entertainers, Austin E, Nathan Woodworth, and The Girls from Co. B; Pastor Ed Beacham; and the fine families of Colt Houck, Marc Peck, and Thomas Schantz (our newest recruits).

We acknowledge that this fabulous send-off would not be what it was if it were not for our incredible veterans. To each one of you, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done for us and the spirit within you that continues to serve our great country.

• Sisters Mayor Lon Kellstrom said:

While attending the grand opening for the new Sisters Bi-Mart this morning, I was impressed by how well the store and the signage had turned out. It fits in quite well with the Western architectural theme for Sisters. Hats off to Bi-Mart for a job well done, and welcome to the City of Sisters.