Paisley, Oregon, population approximately 200. We are located on the Oregon Outback highway, 150 miles southeast of Bend, in south central Oregon. The climate is mild with warm summers and short mild winters, without the rain and fog found on the west side of the state. Stop at our City Park (in the middle of town, on the highway) for free public rest rooms, gas station/garage, and mini-market. Sandwiches at the Saloon are great and lots of historic items on display. Have a great country meal at "The Homestead." Don't pass up their Biscuits and gravy and add sausage gravy to your hash browns!

Paisley, Oregon. One hundred years of tradition --- UNHAMPERED BY PROGRESS.

Interesting perspective: “A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning, while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees the neighbor hang up the wash outside. "That laundry is not very clean, she said, she doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs another laundry soap.
The husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang out the wash, the young woman would make the same comment.
About on month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband, "Look! she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?
Her husband said, "I got up early this morning and washed the windows.
And so it is with life: What we see while watching others, depends on the purity of the window which we look through. "
*** Gary Casteel ***

Calling someone a "liar" and "bitter" demonstrates more about yourself than the person you are attempting to insult. Especially when the basis of that persons frustration is watching unethical actions and inability to accomplish the task others swore to complete. As for being "smarter", look at what has failed to be accomplished in the past year and our continuing civic and economic decline.

I rest my case.

"Better wash your windows."

Remember, half the people you know are below average.

Celebrating - our 60,000th visitor to this web page!

On June 8, 2005 I put a counter on this page. We have already gone over 60,000 "HITS." This is proving to be a very busy web page!

Are you aware that this is the very FIRST city web page in Lake County, Oregon, on-line in 1998?

Lake District Hospital Bond Issue Passes!

We can all now look forward to a progressive and even more effecient hospital in the not to distant future. Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Lake District Hospital, Rosvi Casteel, R.N. would like to thank the Board members, the hospital administration and the entire staff for the many, many hours of hard work to design the new facility. She would also like to thank the voters for approving this important bond issue. The final vote was 1,456 YES, and 1,256 NO and a turn out of 88.5%.
As the development progresses, this web page will keep everyone informed.
SEE Guestbook for comments.

What is happening to Paisley - and why?
The Paisley Historic Saloon is following the path of other Paisley businesses. It is closing its doors. Now we are informed that the Paisley School will be unable to fully, financially function next year. Will it remain as strictly an Elementary School? Will it close totally? How many jobs will be lost?

Personal opinion: I believe Paisley has two primary reasons for this continuing decay. The first is that we have gone for many years without any quality leadership. Not one City Council has been effective in development of any civic or economic base. They never helped any businesses to retain functionality. They never developed any economic recruitment programs. They never worked with other communities, organizations (isolation is still the policy) or grant development personnel.

I also believe the second most important reason we are facing a continued decline is that the community itself has an apathy and lacks both the courage and foresight to confront an ineffective local government. A wise man once said, "most people get the government they deserve." What have our residents done to help prevent our continuing decline? What did we do when we had three council members that looked for a way to change the tide?

Paisley residents, do you know (or care) what the City of Paisley is doing with your money?

Why doesn't the City of Paisley make public the City finances? It IS public information. How much do we have in our savings? How much income did the City receive in the past five years? How much did we spend and for what and to whom? How much went to the City from the past festivals and how was it spent? What happened to the money that was made at the rodeo that was to go to the City of Paisley? A good example of what is required is the Town of Lakeviews web page. Our City Council should look at: Lakeview financial ststement.

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. Thomas Jefferson.

Rural Factoid!

Rural residents are nearly twice as likely to die from unintentional injuries other than motor vehicle accidents than are urban residents. Rural residents are also at a significantly higher risk of death by gunshot than urban residents.

Rural residents tend to be poorer. On the average, per capita income is $7,417 lower than in urban areas, and rural Americans are more likely to live below the poverty level. The disparity in incomes is even greater for minorities living in rural areas. Nearly 24% of rural children live in poverty.

People who live in rural America rely more heavily on the federal Food Stamp Program, according to The Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire. The Institute's analysis found that while 22 percent of Americans lived in rural areas in 2001, a full 31 percent of the nation's food stamp beneficiaries lived there. In all, 4.6 million rural residents received food stamp benefits in 2001, the analysis found.

Abuse of alcohol and use of smokeless tobacco is a significant problem among rural youth. The rate of DUI arrests is significantly greater in non-urban counties. Forty percent of rural 12th graders reported using alcohol while driving compared to 25% of their urban counterparts. Rural eighth graders are twice as likely to smoke cigarettes (26.1% versus 12.7% in large metro areas.)

Hypertension was also higher in rural than urban areas (101.3 per 1,000 individuals in MSAs and 128.8 per 1,000 individuals in non-MSAs)

The suicide rate among rural men is significantly higher than in urban areas, particularly among adult men and children. The suicide rate among rural women is escalating rapidly and is approaching that of men.

Medicare payments to rural hospitals and physicians are dramatically less than those to their urban counterparts for equivalent services. This correlates closely with the fact that more than 470 rural hospitals have closed in the past 25 years.

Abuse of alcohol and use of smokeless tobacco is a significant problem among rural youth. The rate of DUI arrests is significantly greater in non-urban counties. Forty percent of rural 12th graders reported using alcohol while driving compared to 25% of their urban counterparts. Rural eighth graders are twice as likely to smoke cigarettes (26.1% versus 12.7% in large metro areas.) **

This information is provided by The National Rural Health Association. For more information see: Rural Health Care Association

Oregon city takes active position to be "green" AND to save its residents energy costs.

The City of Ashland has expanded its policy of selling excess power from residential solar panels for the purpose of encouraging larger-scale projects. Residents could receive credits on their power bills for systems up to 25 kilowatts by feeding the extra electricity back into the city electric grid. The city raised the amount up to 50 kilowatts as more individuals may be taking advantage of federal and state tax incentives.(With more days of sunshine, and less energy requirements, why hasn't the City of Paisley taken steps to do something similar for its residents?).

USDA awards grant to Christmas Valley.

The Christmas Valley Valley Domestic Water Supply Distric now has $489,000.00 for upgrading and maintaining their water system. In addition, another $1,200,000.00 in loans from Oregon Economic Development will be added to this upgrade project. (I wonder why the City of Paisley has not submitted ANY requests to help the city and its residents?)

Watch Out: Fake News Phishing E-Mails Are Getting More Official-Looking.

A new tactic is being used by phishers, those shameless people wanting your private info and access to your PC. They were sending out spam that looked like stunning news headlines in the hopes that you'd be suckered into clicking. Now, they're getting a little more cunning, going for somewhat less sensational headlines and more official looking e-mails that are even catching some security-savvy users off guard.
Valleywag received one such e-mail claiming Microsoft had purchased AOL and looked to be an official dispatch from MSNBC. It linked to a page that was appeared to be hosted at MSNBC.com, but behind the scenes routed clickers to a bogus Web site that prompted users to install a new version of Adobe's Flash plugin for Web animations. In actuality, the users were installing a Trojan Horse that gave attackers access to their PCs. More proof that everything you read on the Internet isn't true -- and that most people are definitely out to get you.

Larry Duckworth holds fishing event for children.

Once again, Larry does something for the community. Almost 30 kids, some who had never been fishing, caught some nice fish in a private pond on the ZX Ranch. One family came from Klamath Falls and the 12 year old that caught the limit (five fish) in the fastest time, came from Portland. Thanks once again Larry. This community is in your debt. THANKS!

















Oregon DOES NOT provide Senior or Disabled discounts at State Parks. They also DO NOT provide discounts to disabled vets except for service connected disabilities! WHY NOT? We should be ashamed to treat them in this manner. Don't they deserve it?

The following is a letter from Marcy Teal: Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept. Information Center 1-800-551-6949
"The Oregon State Parks are funded by user fees, park maintenance and repairs are funded by lottery dollars. Additional funding is not available to offer a disability discount. The State parks offer ADA accessible campsites and restrooms but there is no fee reduction. The Federal parks do offer some type of senior or disability discount. For more information on the forest service parks pass program, call toll free 800-270-7504 or check on line at www.fs.fed.us/r6/passespermits/index.shtml"
"Please call or e-mail with your mailing address if you would like a packet of information mailed out on the Oregon State Parks."

I wrote a letter complaining about this unfair treatment of our Seniors, Disabled, and our Disabled Vets to our Governor, Senators and Congressional reps. The following are the responses I received:

"Thank you for contacting me regarding Oregon State Parks. As a federal legislator, I do not have jurisdiction over state or local matters. I urge you to contact your state and local represenatives about this matter." Gordon H. Smith, United States Senator

"Thank you for sharing your ideas and concerns. I believe citizen input is vital to a strong and healthy society and I urge your continued involvement. Should your comments require an additional response, appropriate staff will contact you. I look forward to hearing from you in the future. Sincerely, Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor

"Thank you for contacting me regarding the high price of admittance to Oregon State Parks. I appreciate hearing from you, and I share your concern.
Like you, I believe that America owes its veterans a great debt, and we must honor the commitment we have made to them. With this in mind, I have cosponsored the Public Land Military Pass Act. This legislation establishes a new kind of admittance pass only available to veterans for a low yearly rate of $10.00 which would allow them to visit all of our country's beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for no additional fees. This bill has passed the Senate Committee on Energy and National Resourses and is awaiting further action on the Senate floor.
However, this legislation does not address admission to state parks because the federal government does not have jurisdiction over those parks. To ensure that your concerns are heard and fully addressed, I have taken the liberty of forwarding your inquiry to Governor Kulongoski. I have asked the Governor to reply to you directly and to provide me a copy of his response. Please be assured when related matters come before me in the Senate, I will keep your thoughs in mind."
Ron Wyden, United States Senator (July 31, 2008)

Lake District Hospital CEO Gordon Ensley and Lake Health District board Chairperson Rosvi Casteel, R.N. display the plaques available in honor of loved ones as a fund raiser for the hospitals new Chapel. The first two plaques were donated by Rosvi Casteel for her mother, Violet Van Buskirk and her son, Gary Casteel Jr.

A new fundraiser is in place at Lake District Hospital, with proceeded to benefit the new chapel that will be part of the hospital expansion. According to Lake District Hospital Board Chairperson, Rosvi Casteel R.N., citizens may sponsor a name of a loved one on what will be a "memory wall." For a minimum donation of $100.00, a plaque featuring the honored individuals name is purchased, and engraved at an additional cost of $10.00. All funds received for the memory wall will be deposited into the hospital's donation-specific fund budgeted this year, and will be utilized for the new chapel. Ms. Casteel noted that the new chapel was among her late mother Violet Van Buskirk's final wishes prior to her December 2007 passing.

Fisher King Fly Shop.

Paisley now has an active Fly Shop. They sell all types of fly fishing equipment, give classes for all skill levels, and run the Chewaucan Challenge Tournament. Check out their new web page... Fisher King

Paisley Parish Nurse Office now closed.

For over ten years one resident R.N. has been the Paisley Parish Nurse for ALL residents of Paisley. She is no longer able to continue. Any R.N. in Paisley that would like to assist our community, please contact the Paisley Fanily Center. If you need emergency medical care, CALL 911!

Why is Lake County unheard at the state level?

The fact is that 80 percent of Oregonians live within 20 miles of the Willamette River, and rightfully, enjoy 80 percent of the representation in both legislative chambers. That reality leaves more than 80 percent of Oregon’s geographic area, and 20 percent of her people, to be represented by only 9 Senators and 18 Representatives. In Fact, 13 Senators and 26 Representatives live in districts located entirely or partly within Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.

Moreover, the effective representation or our more rural citizens is further diluted because a significant number of other Senate and House districts also include portions of that Willamette River corridor. It is readily apparent to those who do not live in that Willamette River corridor that rules and regulations that may be perfectly reasonable and appropriate for that heavily populated portion of Oregon, are neither appropriate nor reasonable for those who live in less densely populated area.

Will the last person to leave Paisley, please turn off the lights?

Just as three progressive individuals are elected to the Paisley City Council, some behind the scenes activities arrange for them to be recalled and replaced by those wanting the city to remain unchanged, which means to continue to die. Those of us with positive hope for the future of Paisley have been seriously disappointed and have lost our temporary optimism. They want Paisley to "REMAIN THE SAME." Well, as for remaining the same, lets look at the last ten years...

Two markets ... Now one market and it is for sale.

Two beauty Shops ... Now one and it is for sale.

Saloon now up for sale and may close if not sold.

School enrollment was 120+ ... Now 80 and may close in one to two years.

The saw mill hired several residents at a family wage...The Mill is now closed.

School dorm has some VERY good news. It will open this fall with 15 students, being monitored with a new couple of Dorm partents.

Video Store opened ... then closed in three months.

Gift store opened ... then closed and is for sale.

Paisley Lions Club WAS a great asset...it has now desolved!

Forest Service employees drop by 40%

Lioness Club, the single group that did the most for Paisley, has now changed into the "V.I.P.s". No longer the Lioness, but still doing what they can for the community. (Great ladies!)

The Mosquito Festival did not happen this year. It is unlikely to happen in 2009. After over 25 years, it has died.

The Parish Nurse Office that helped several hundred residents and school children has closed its doors.

Several homes are now for sale ... NO buyer interest, despite the home values are now LESS than they were ten-years ago! (If offered what I spent building my house and property TEN YEARS AGO, I would sell in a heart beat! ANY OFFERS?)

City population was over 360 ... Now it is less than 200 and dropping.

What will be remaining in Paisley in the next ten years? Will the school be vacant? Will the Forest Service close? Will Main Street be nothing but closed buildings? I honestly hope that my vision will be totally inaccurate. Unfortunately, the trend toward decay is continuing, primarily because of a handfull of individuals and some 1940 attitudes and NO governmental leadership or vision. If ANYONE has some positive news about economic or social development in Paisley, PLEASE let me know and I will HAPPILY post it on this page.

What are our gas prices as compared to the rest of Oregon? Where can you find the least expensive gas?

Look at this new Web site that lets you send a FREE printed postcard to the U.S. servicemen and women stationed overseas. All you do is pick your favorite card, enter your message and then Xerox does the rest! Visit www.LetsSayThanks.com and send the troops some mail today.

To send a card... Click on * Support our Troops. *.

Your PC's enemy.

The two primary sources of damage to your PC are heat and moisture. The system can accumulate dust from its surroundings. Depending on your environment, you may need to clean your system once a month. Prior to cleaning, always unplug your computer AND its components. You will need a can of compressed air, mild cleaner, anti-static clothes and anti-lint clothes. Make sure you never spray any cleaner directly to any component, rather spray directly on the cloth. Start with your key board. Turn it upside down and shake it to loosen crumbs.You can also give it a few shots of compressed air to help looses dirt. Wipe your key board down with a mild cleaner or use the wipes such as Lysol. Make sure the cleaner doesn't contain any bleach.

Using a household vacuum with a dust brush, vacuum the air ports to your monitor. Then wipe its case with a mild cleaner and lint free cloth. Refer to your users manual on the proper cleaner to use on the screen.

What's happening in Lake County this month?

To find out... Click on * Activities *.

I have posted pictures and maps of the Winter Rim Fire of 2002.

This involved ALL of the Paisley and nearby communities. It, along with the Toolbox fire and the Silver Fire, burned almost 150,000 acres. The pictures are fantastic and frightening! Click to see them and read the details..., * Winter Rim Fire of 2002 *.