Holidays in Sisters 2020 Pages 11-14
The Nugget Vol. XLIII No. 49
POSTAL CUSTOMER
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
www.NuggetNews.com
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Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Alpine magnificence...
PHOTO BY KRIS KRISTOVICH
As winter approaches Sisters Country, the skies at sunset have been spectacular.
COVID cases continue to climb in Sisters The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Sisters climbed to 78 as of November 25, up from 61 the previous week and from 51 the week before that. For many weeks, the count had held at 35. The recent spike in confirmed cases matches a significant spike in Deschutes County and across Oregon. As of last Monday morning (November 30), St. Charles Health System reported 29 COVID19 patients. Two of the COVID-19 patients were in the ICU, none of the patients on a ventilator.
Hospital capacity, particularly for ICU beds, is a primary concern for healthcare providers. The sharp spike in cases and hospitalizations threatens to strain or overwhelm capacity state- and region-wide. The two-week “freeze” imposed by Governor Kate Brown effective November 18 ends on December 2. The state will then shift to county-by-county restrictions based on assessed-risk level. Last week, the Governor announced four different See COVID-19 on page 18
Sisters cold weather shelter can’t open By Sue Stafford Correspondent
The cold of winter has arrived in Sisters with nighttime temperatures well below freezing, forecasts for snow, and the need for the requisite warm hats, gloves, and coats. For someone who is
Inside...
currently unhoused, living outside or in their car, the winter weather is much more than a seasonal inconvenience. Winter temperatures can claim lives of those who lack shelter or a source of heat. See SHELTER on page 19
Winter conditions set in on forest As winter weather conditions bring snow to the high country of the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, forest managers encourage visitors to stay safe, be prepared, and to be aware of recreation regulations on the National Forests. The mingling of sunny days with winter storms can
create the perception that the national forest lands are fully accessible. However, forest managers know that during this time of transition it is easy to get stuck — especially as you head to higher and remote areas across Central Oregon. Recently, the National Forests and area Search and
Rescue units have seen an uptick in people getting stuck on forest roads. Many people requiring rescue are not prepared if things go wrong. Generally, when snow depth is three inches or greater, it is not safe to be on a forest road. Forest roads are not See WINTER on page 16
And ‘snow it begins’ for active winter By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Thanksgiving day is the unofficial start of the snowmobile season. This fourth Thursday of the month, the caravan from points east snakes through downtown before light breaks and heads out Three Creek Road the 11 miles to the Upper SnoPark. By 6:15 a.m. there are already 13 rigs being unloaded. Within an hour, some 50 are packed up in the plowed lot. The later arrivals I am told needed a thermos refill at Dutch Bros, who strained to keep up with orders. Among the first are Ty Walker, 39, and his 16-yearold son, Cody, from Bend. I ask them why Sisters when
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Snowmobilers were out in force on Thanksgiving — the unofficial kickoff for winter recreation season. they have so much terrain closer to home? “Less crowded, more friendly,” Ty tells me. They explain further that
there is less conflict between cross-country skiers and snowshoers, or with people See SNOWMOBILES on page 22
Letters/Weather ............... 2 Obituaries .........................7 Events .............................. 9 Crossword .......................19 Real Estate ................ 22-24 Meetings .......................... 3 Announcements................ 8 Holidays in Sisters .......11-14 Classifieds................. 20-22 Of a certain age .............. 23