BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commisioners took another step toward allowing a Sisters farm to hold weddings.  They heard recommended changes to the property's submitted wildlife plan, to address concerns that wildlife would be harmed if weddings were held there. Deschutes County Commissioner Alan Unger and the other commissioners approved the proposed changes.  "Well, I'm comfortable with the approach the staff proposed.  I think it's great to get rid of the juniper trees and put grass in.  We all know there are more conditions to be met on this property in the future."

John Shepherd of Sisters has been trying for several years to win approval to hold farm weddings on his property.  He is applying to the county as a "private park" to hold these weddings. He would allow wedding guests to participate in several different activities on his property following the cermeony, like dancing  listening to music or badmitten.