The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLIII No. 51 // 2020-12-16

The Nugget Vol. XLIII No. 51

POSTAL CUSTOMER

News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

www.NuggetNews.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Painting the town...

A career in raptor rescue

Sisters man killed in Highway 20 wreck

By Katy Yoder Correspondent

Rescuing an injured raptor is best left to the professionals. Large birds of prey like golden or bald eagles with wingspans sometimes close to eight feet, require expert handling and a licensed rehabilitator. In Sisters, for the past 20 years, Wild Wings Raptor Rehabilitation was the place to call when a raptor needed help.

As of January of 2021, Gary Landers, a permitted raptor rehabilitator is retiring.

He and his wife Kellie have dedicated countless hours rescuing injured animals.

For Landers, helping raptors has been a volunteer vocation born of his passion for wild animals and See LANDERS on page 17

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

Sisters Elementary School students turned out for their annual window-painting spree, getting downtown Sisters into the holiday spirit.

High school sports further shortened

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

In response to the spike in COVID-19 cases around the state over the past month, the Oregon Schools Athletics and Activities Association (OSAA) announced last week that it will further condense the competitive seasons planned for this school year — down to six weeks apiece for all sports and will move winter sports to late spring.

The latest changes shuffle the order of the three competitive sports seasons and shorten each season to about six weeks from the nine originally planned.

In its press release the OSAA wrote, “While disappointed that we need to adjust our original schedule, we believe that keeping three distinct seasons, albeit in shortened seasons, maintains potential opportunities for all students moving forward.”

Inside...

Traditional “fall” sports of soccer and cross country will begin official practices on February 22, while volleyball, as an indoor sport, will only take place if the virus diminishes enough for the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to give the green light. As a full contact sport, football falls into the prohibited category until further notice as well.

The fall sports will conclude by April 11.

The next season on the calendar, beginning practice April 5, will feature traditional “spring” sports, including golf, baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field. This season will conclude by May 23.

The final season of the year, starting May 10, features “winter” sports including basketball, wrestling, and swimming. The rationale of having indoor sports later in See SPORTS on page 19

PRE-SORTED STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sisters, OR Permit No. 15

A Sisters man died in a single-vehicle wreck east of town on Saturday.

Oregon State Police reports that on Saturday, December 12, at approximately 1:40 P.M., Oregon S t a t e P o l i c e Tr o o p e r s and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 20 near milepost 8 in the area of Fryrear Road.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Highlander operated by Neil Muller, age 35 of Sisters, was eastbound when it went off the roadway and struck a utility pole.

Muller sustained fatal injuries. The wreck closed Highway 20 in both directions for an extended period.

STARS provides essential service

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

“The service offered by STARS means we can continue to live in Sisters,” Joann Powers told The Nugget.

Powers is 87 years old and doesn’t like to drive in Bend traffic, where her husband Bill has regular medical appointments. By calling the dispatch center for Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) on Tuesday or Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Bill can arrange for a free ride to Bend and back with a STARS volunteer who has passed a background check and has approved automobile insurance.

“I call Tuesday and Thursday between 10 and 3 and give them enough time to find a driver for me. They like to have at least 48 hours notice,” Bill explained.

“In Sisters we don’t have good ways to get to appointments in other cities. If you hire someone, it costs $100

PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD

Volunteer driver Ann Marland, right, greets Lorraine Barrier, who uses STARS transport services to get to physical-therapy appointments. roundtrip to Bend and back.”

So, Bill’s choices are to take the bus or call STARS. With his vision issues, taking the bus is problematic and the bus schedule doesn’t fit with his appointment times.

“I think it’s great,” Bill said of the STARS program.

“They are all good drivers and very pleasant. During the pandemic, they are doing a temperature check when they pick me up, we both wear

masks, and use disinfectant.”

“I would absolutely recommend STARS to anyone needing a ride to a medical appointment,” Bill added. “I think it’s a great service for the community and for me.”

There is no charge for the rides and drivers don’t accept tips. If a passenger wants to somehow show their appreciation, they are See STARS on page 18

Letters/Weather ............... 2 Obituaries .......................10 Entertainment .................13 Fun & Games ................... 26 Classifieds................. 28-29 Meetings .......................... 3 Announcements...............12 Fit for Sisters ...................19 Crossword .......................27 Real Estate ................ 30-32

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Let’s start with the truth

By Mary Chaffin Guest Columnist

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.

To the Editor: Do you find climate-change talk offputting or just plain scary? Fortunately, author Mary DeMocker published a book in 2018 that makes facing the facts of climate change not at all daunting: “The Parent’s Guide to the Climate Revolution (100 Ways to Build a Fossil-Free Future, Raise Empowered Kids, and Still Get a Good Night’s Sleep).” Like her title declares, it is a handy book for parents who want answers to help their children step into this future with knowledge and it provides actions for a family to mitigate the climate crises as their children grow. It’s like a bathroom book because each of the 100 chapters is only one-to-three-pages long. Ordered the paperback at Paulina Springs Books and got it two days later. Heard about it from a fellow member of Bend Citizens Climate Lobby, www.citizensclimatebend.

org, Marjorie Thelen of Burns. Marjorie is a published author herself and thus her suggestion was held in high regard. Author Mary DeMocker lives in Eugene, and is the co-founder and former creative director of Eugene’s 350.org chapter. Her book was recommended by the New York Times, featured on NPR and is a 2019 Oregon Book Award finalist.

Susan Cobb

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To the Editor: In these post-2020-election days, I’d like to request that the editorial board at The Nugget exercise their best judgment, and not lend ink to Letters To The Editor that contain factual errors. We are exposed See LETTERS on page 16

Sisters Weather Forecast

Courtesy of the National Weather Service, Pendleton, Oregon

Wednesday Thursday

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Rain

Rain/Snow

PM Showers

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46/34

40/29

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47/34

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The Nugget Newspaper, LLC Website: www.nuggetnews.com 442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, Oregon 97759 Tel: 541-549-9941 | Email: editor@nuggetnews.com Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759.

Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon.

Editor in Chief: Jim Cornelius Production Manager: Leith Easterling Creative Director: Jess Draper Community Marketing Partner: Vicki Curlett Classifieds & Circulation: Lisa May Owner: J. Louis Mullen

The Nugget is mailed to residents within the Sisters School District; subscriptions are available outside delivery area.

Third-class postage: one year, $55; six months (or less), $30. First-class postage: one year, $95; six months, $65.

Published Weekly. ©2020 The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All advertising which appears in The Nugget is the property of The Nugget and may not be used without explicit permission. The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. assumes no liability or responsibility for information contained in advertisements, articles, stories, lists, calendar etc. within this publication. All submissions to The Nugget Newspaper will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyrighting purposes and subject to The Nugget Newspaper’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially, that all rights are currently available, and that the material in no way infringes upon the rights of any person. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of artwork, photos, or manuscripts.

Letters to the Editor that are filled with “alt-facts” are dismaying. Before we can have productive discussions about policy, we must agree on the facts. But that is difficult when a right-wing media machine churns out broadly-shared falsehoods.

From Jeff Mackey’s LTE, December 9 — Assertion: “…

[Democrats] concocted the biggest failed hoax in history with a Russian connection that in fact was based on a fake dossier paid for by Hillary Clinton and the DNC.” Facts: Department of Justice Inspector General Horowitz concluded: “…the FBI opened Operation Crossfire Hurricane on July 31, 2016, just days after its receipt of information from a Friendly Foreign Government (FFG) reporting that, in May 2016, during a meeting with the FFG, then Trump campaign foreign policy advisor George Papadopolous suggested that the Trump team ‘had received some sort of suggestion from Russia that it could assist this process with the anonymous release of information during the campaign that would be damaging to Mrs. Clinton (and President Obama).’” It was this information that sparked the FBI investigation, not the Steele dossier.

The Senate Intelligence Committee, chaired by Republican Senator Rubio, found Paul Manafort, Trump’s campaign chair, had a longstanding relationship with Russian intelligence agent Kilimnik, whom Manafort provided with internal polling data and campaign strategy. The Senate report stated: “Manafort worked with Kilimnik starting in 2016 on narratives that sought to undermine evidence that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election.”

Those are the facts and they are damning. Attorney General Barr’s efforts to deceive the public with his distorted “summary” of the Mueller Report notwithstanding, it, Horowitz’ report, and the Senate report together paint a detailed picture of the “grave counterintelligence threat.” The FBI’s decision to launch an investigation was justified.

Assertion: “…the drummed-up impeachment initiated behind closed doors … again dragged our nation thru months of invented testimony with not one witness claiming to have actual evidence of laws broken or specific violations of the Constitution.”

Facts: Investigative depositions frequently happen behind closed doors. Republicans on the relevant House committees

attended and participated in these depositions, despite their disingenuous complaints.

Trump pressured Ukrainian President Zelensky to “investigate” Joe Biden, the opponent Trump most feared running against, by withholding an important meeting and crucial defense support. (Withholding defense support was illegal because it had already been approved by Congress.)

Ambassador Sondland testified he worked with Trump’s attorney Giuliani on Ukraine matters at the President’s “express direction.” Diplomat Holmes testified that he heard Trump discussing the Biden “investigation” during a call between Trump and Sondland.

Other brave witnesses, like Ambassador Yovanovitch and Lt. Col. Vindman, testified despite fears for their personal safety and careers due to a vengeful Trump.

Both the Russia investigation and the impeachment trial starkly revealed the dire national security threat Trump poses because he elevates his personal interests above the Constitution he swore to preserve, protect, and defend.

Trump has now combined subversion of our national security with attacks on our elections, the crown jewel of our democracy. But our institutions have held. The votes were counted and recounted.

Dozens of lawsuits were resolved, none validating any of the alleged voting fraud.

The Supreme Court, with three Trump-appointed justices, twice sternly rebuffed Trump’s baseless claims. Third Circuit Trump-appointee Judge Bibas wrote: “Free, fair elections are the lifeblood of our democracy. Charges of unfairness are serious. But calling an election unfair does not make it so.

Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here. Another Trump appointee, Judge Ludwig, held: “A sitting president who did not prevail in his bid for reelection has asked for federal court help in setting aside the popular vote based on disputed issues of election administration, issues he plainly could have raised before the vote occurred…This court allowed the plaintiff the chance to make his case and he has lost on the merits. In his reply brief, plaintiff ‘asks that the Rule of Law be followed.’

It has been.”

This is the truth, not the “altfacts” of those who urge Nugget readers to rely on disreputable news outlets. I welcome a civil discussion about where we can go from here to heal our country’s divisions. #TruthMatters and #FactsMatter. We must agree on them before we can undertake that vital task.

Opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily shared by the Editor or The Nugget Newspaper.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Sisters student honored for essay

PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD

On Thursday, December 10, the Sisters VFW Post 8138 presented the 20192020 Voice Of Democracy award to Anna R. Mensing.

Anna was presented a letter of achievement and commendation as well as a check for $400 in front of Sisters High School to comply with COVID-19 requirements.

Bill Anttila reported that “Masks were removed in 38 degree temperatures with a deep breath to take the photo.”

This is the second year in a row that Anna, a senior, has won this prestigious award.

M e n s i n g ’s essay follows...

The incredible impossible

By Anna R. Mensing My fingers flip through the silky pages, pausing briefly to read a few excerpts from the inky e n g r a v i n g s o n p a p e r.

“Darling Elra:” one of the pages reads, “Today autumn’s coat of many colors is covered with a fleecy mantle of fresh snow.” This opening line is from a letter from my great-grandfather, Russell Prohl, to his wife, Elra. The book in my hands is a collection of the hundreds of letters written between them during WWII. This specific letter See ESSAY on page 23

Sisters Garden Club donated winter clothing to Family Access Network (FAN) and provided for other needs in their holiday season of giving.

Garden club cultivates kindness

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

‘Tis the season of giving and the members of the Sisters Garden Club showed their holiday spirit last week with donations distributed to the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, Sisters Family Access Network (FAN), and to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department for their Giving Tree Drive.

Giving is nothing new for the Garden Club. Every year in the past, the members have gathered for their annual holiday party in early December.

At that event, all the members would bring donations for a local charity. COVID19 robbed them of their party this year but couldn’t stop them from doing good in the community.

“This year we haven’t been able to meet in person as a group since February due to COVID-19 restrictions. So, on Monday and Tuesday last week our members dropped off their donations to Tim’s and my house for us to make the distributions to three of our Sisters charity organizations,” said Ruth Palmer, the

communications coordinator for the Sisters Garden Club.

She explained further, “We found out FAN was in need of snow boots and gloves for children ages 912 and gift cards for Ray’s, Bi-Mart, McDonald’s and Subway. Kiwanis Food Bank was in need of canned food, and Sisters Fire Department needed tag fulfilment for their Giving Tree. Our members rallied to make these gifts available.”

These gardeners do more than plant flowers and vegetables — they cultivate kindness.

Coping during the 2020 holidays Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

The school counselors in the Sisters School District have continued focusing on the social/emotional wellbeing of students during the pandemic as well as in response to the loss of three local teenagers earlier this year in accidents.

The holiday season, while designed to be a time of joy and togetherness, can be particularly challenging during

times of unusual stress, such as a global pandemic or following the loss of loved ones.

Sisters Middle School counselor Brook Jackson shared an article compiled by staff at the Mayo Clinic with parents in a recent school newsletter in response to these issues. The article appeared on the clinic’s website at www.mayoclinic.org.

Under normal conditions See COPING on page 22

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect gatherings, please contact individual organizations for current meeting status

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Lunch Tuesdays, noon, Sisters Community Church. 541-480-1843.

Al-Anon Mon., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. / Thurs., 10 a.m., East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Wednesday (September-June), Stitchin’ Post. All are welcome. 541-549-6061.

541-610-7383.

Friends of the Sisters Library Board Alcoholics Anonymous Thurs. & of Directors 2nd Tuesday, 9 to 11 a.m., Sun., 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Sisters Library.www.sistersfol.com.

Transfiguration / Sat., 8 a.m., Episcopal Go Fish Fishing Group 3rd Monday, Church of the Transfiguration / Mon., 7 p.m. Sisters Community Church. All 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran ages welcome. 541-771-2211.

Church / Big Book study, Tues., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Heartwarmers (fleece blanketmakers) 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 1 p.m., Sisters City Gentlemen’s meeting, Wed., 7 a.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Hall. Materials provided. 541-408-8505.

Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Thurs., Hero Quilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran 4 p.m. 541-549-1028 or 541-719-1230.

Church / Step & Tradition meeting, Fri., Citizens4Community, Let’s Talk noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran 3rd Monday, 5:30 to 8 p.m. RSVP at Church. 541-548-0440. citizens4community.com Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Military Parents of Sisters Meetings Support Group 1st Tuesday, noon, are held quarterly; please call for details.

541-388-9013.

SPRD bldg. 800-272-3900.

Oregon Band of Brothers – Sisters Black Butte Ranch Bridge Club Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., BBR community Chapter Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., room. Partner required. 541-595-6236. Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-549-6469.

SAGE (Senior Activities, Gatherings Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild & Enrichment) Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.

For Saturday meeting dates and to 4 p.m. at Sisters Park & Recreation location, email: steelefly@msn.com.

District. 541-549-2091.

Central OR Spinners and Weavers Sisters Aglow Lighthouse Guild One Saturday per month, Jan. 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., Ponderosa Lodge thru Oct. For schedule: 541-639-3217.

Meeting Room. 503-930-6158.

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 4 p.m., meeting by Zoom. 541-549-6157.

Sisters Speak Life Cancer Support Group 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 1 p.m.

Suttle Tea. 503-819-1723.

Sisters Area Woodworkers 1st Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 541-639-6216.

Sisters Trails Alliance Board 1st Monday, 5 p.m. Sisters Library.

Public welcome. 808-281-2681.

Sisters Astronomy Club 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m., SPRD. 541-549-8846.

Sisters Veterans Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-903-1123.

Sisters Bridge Club In-person gathering suspended until further notice. Three Sisters Irrigation District For free online bridge info, Board of Directors 1st Tuesday, call Barbara 541-914-6322.

4 p.m., TSID Office. 541-549-8815.

Sisters Caregiver Support Group 3rd Tues., 10:30 a.m., The Lodge in Sisters. 541-771-3258.

Three Sisters Lions Club 2nd Tuesday, noon, Ray’s Food Place community room. 541-419-1279.

Sisters Cribbage Club Please call for details. 541-923-1632.

VFW Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86 1st Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-903-1123.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors 4th Tuesday, 6 p.m.

Location information: 541-549-1193.

Sisters Kiwanis Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Brand 33 Restaurant at Aspen Lakes. 541-410-2870.

Weight Watchers Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. weigh-in, Sisters Community Church. 541-602-2654.

SCHOOLS

Sisters Parent Teacher Community 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Sisters Saloon. 541-480-5994.

Black Butte School Board of Directors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black Butte School. 541-595-6203.

Sisters Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting by Zoom.

541-668-6599.

Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wed. monthly, SSD Admin Bldg. See schedule online at www.ssd6.org. 541-549-8521 x5002.

Sisters Red Hats 1st Friday.

Location information: 541-279-1977.

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Thursdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 541-760-5645.

Sisters Middle School Parent Collaboration Team 1st Tuesday, 2 p.m., SMS. 541-610-9513.

CITY & PARKS Sisters City Council 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall.

541-549-6022.

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Directors 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., SPRD bldg. 541-549-2091.

Sisters Planning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-549-6022.

FIRE & POLICE Black Butte Ranch Police Dept.

Board of Directors Meets monthly.

541-595-2191 for time & date.

Black Butte Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thursday, 9 a.m., Black Butte Ranch Fire Station. 541-595-2288.

Cloverdale RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Wed., 7 p.m., 67433 Cloverdale Rd. 541-548-4815. cloverdalefire.com.

Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Tuesday, 5 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 541-549-0771.

Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Drills Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 541-549-0771.

This listing is for regular Sisters Country meetings; email information to lisa@nuggetnews.com

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

City snapshot

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

• The December 9 Council meeting marked the end of term for two councilors, Richard Esterman and Mayor Chuck Ryan, neither of whom sought re-election. Councilor Andrea Blum was re-elected to another four-year term. The two newly elected councilors, Gary Ross and Jennifer Letz, will be sworn into office at the January 13, 2021 Council meeting.

• At last week’s City Council meeting, councilors voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the City Municipal Code 5.50.090, which provides additional grounds for hardship exemptions for shortterm-rental operators, such as wildfire and other natural disasters.

• Due to a change in State law regarding requests for public information, the City has adopted public records request policy and procedures, replacing and superseding Records Request 103.

The new policy requires that anyone requesting any public information from the City must submit their request on the correct City form which can be found on the City website. If the information benefits the general public, there will be no charge.

Forms can be scanned and emailed, faxed, or mailed to City Recorder Kerry Prosser.

• In response to requests from local businesses to continue the use of “parklets” on public right-of-way in front of their establishments, Council agreed to extend the temporary program, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic until April 2021, at which time it will be reviewed. The use of the parklets allows restaurants to seat patrons outside in the public right-of-way.

• A Public Improvement Contract has been approved

by Council with Cascade Civil Corporation of Redmond in the amount of $77,422 for the Creekside Park bridge improvements project. When finished, the bridge will be fully ADA accessible. City Public Works Director Paul Bertagna said they hope to have the work completed by mid-March. If it isn’t completed, the bridge will stay closed when the campground opens on April 1.

A majority of the funding for the project came from a grant awarded by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

• Anderson Perry & Associates Inc. and the City have a professional services agreement for the Lazy Z Master Plan in an amount not to exceed $48,317. AP will design possible concepts for the property owned by the City located on the west

Need a bike for Christmas?

side of Highway 20 beyond the FivePine campus. The project will include data collection, a topographical survey, and identification of constraints and opportunities for the property. The concept selected will be used for developing a long-term road map and future bidding.

Walker-Macy is the landscape architectural firm involved.

The project is expected to take six to nine months to complete. The newly established Public Works Advisory Board will be involved in the project and will review the plan before it goes to the Planning Commission and the City Council.

• With Deschutes County being the fastest growing county in the state (up 220 percent since 1980), the County’s Community Development Department is considering implementing new codes and regulations that would better protect rural communities from wildfires.

They are considering requiring fire-resistant building material for new construction and requiring defensible space for existing structures.

A survey of county residents was conducted last week, and the results will be presented to the County Commissioners in early 2021. The Sisters City Council approved sending a letter of support for the suggested new codes and regulations.

• There is a new sound abatement wall being constructed in front of Sisters Mobile Home Park on Highway 20. When completed, it will have yearround landscaping in front of the wall, it will be painted a muted color selected by the City, and it may include some kind of public art or mural.

(See related story, page 8.)

• As reported by a local citizen, there is currently a dangerous place along Camp Polk Road where deer are crossing the road on a regular basis and being hit by cars as drivers come around a blind corner. There are several spots where drivers can’t see very far ahead. If traveling along Camp Polk Road, slow down and watch for deer.

• Be sure and check out the Comprehensive Plan Online Open House on the City website (www.ci.sisters. or.us), read about the Plan, and fill out the survey to be sure your voice is heard for the decisions being made about the future of Sisters.

Blazin Saddles’ annual bicycle donation drive has seen extraordinary participation — and the Sisters bike shop is seeking people to benefit from the community’s generosity.

“The bike drive is going crazy this year,” said shop owner Casey Meudt. “We have had more bikes dropped off to us this year than ever before. We have kids’ bikes, adult bikes, mountain bikes, commuter bikes and more so if you or someone you know that lives in or around Sisters could use some help this year in the form of a bicycle, please contact us.”

The bikes donated are not new but Blazin Saddles is cleaning, tuning and replacing parts as needed.

We will be providing bikes on a first-come, firstserve basis so it is not guaranteed everyone will get a bike,” Meudt noted.

Those who wish to nominate themselves or others in need can do so until December 19. To sign up,

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Casey Meudt is tuning and cleaning donated bikes which will be gifted this Christmas. visit the store at 413 W. Hood Ave., call 541-7191213, or email casey@ blazinsaddleshub.com.

“In order for the request to count we need first and last name, phone number or email, height, age and gender of each individual requesting a bike,” Meudt said.

Sixth Annual s Blazin Saddle

Open for curbside pick-up or takeout!

Thursday-Saturday, 4 to 7 p.m.

Weekly dinner & wine to-go specials 391 W W. C Cascade d A Ave. | 541 541-549-2675 549 9 2675 corkcellarswinebistro.com

We’re Planning Tours Over the River And Through The Woods for 2021!

HOLIDAY

BIKE DRIVE

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

THROUGH DECEMBER 19!

Check out our website at www.touchofclasstours.com for scheduled tours, then give us a jingle to reserve your trip, making new friends and lasting memories in the New Year. 541-508-1500

Flu shots at no cost to you!

The Sisters community has been very generous this year indeed, donating more bikes than ever before!

We have kid bikes, adult bikes, mountain bikes, commuter bikes and more.

And we’ve reconditioned all of them in time for Christmas!

If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else living in or around Sisters to receive a bike, sign up at the store, or call, or email casey@blazinsaddleshub.com with first/last name, phone number or email, height, age and gender of each individual needing a bike. Recipients of a bike will be contacted so they can pick up the bike before Christmas.

A Ages 44-64

Insurance will be billed. While supplies last.

Expires 12/31/20. Call for an appointment.

541-548-2899 | yourcaremedical.com 3818 SW 21st Pl., Ste. 100, Redmond • Open every day

Bicycle Sales, Service, Rentals

541-719-1213 719 1213 | 413 W W. Hood Ave Ave., Sis Sisters Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. www.blazinsaddleshub.com

Journey through

Thyme Jodi Schneider Columnist

Shop local for your holiday season menu

“There’s no place like home for the holidays,” the classic song says, and as we cruise into the winter holiday season during an upsurge of COVID-19, experts across the country have insisted that staying home is the best and safest option.

COVID-19 related closures and restrictions have impacted many small businesses in challenging ways.

We hear “shop local,” “support local,” and “eat local.”

This holiday season it’s really time to follow through and support local and family-owned and operated businesses. These restaurants and shops employ our neighbors, the ownership/ management/staff dine and

shop locally themselves and they keep our town the great community that it is.

So, with the holiday season now in full swing, it’s more important than ever to keep local small businesses at the top of your mind when working on your holiday dinner shopping list. Shopping local means healthier and more tasty food options. It also means keeping safe from large chain-store crowds.

To show we care for these businesses, it’s important for us to shop local and eat local. Every local business and restaurant relies on us to continue operations, just as we rely on them to keep our community unique and to boost our local economy.

Let’s do the best we can to support them this holiday season.

Consider a safe foodtakeout experience at one of Sisters’ local restaurants to continue supporting them during these difficult times.

The Nugget’s “Let’s Eat Close To Home” special insert in last week’s edition offers a wide variety of options for take-out service in Sisters.

Purchase a gift card from a local restaurant for a loved one or treat your kids to a grab-and-go art or painting project from a local craft store to work with on Christmas day.

Plan your traditional dinner by ordering a fresh turkey or ham from Newport

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Market and then picking up locally at Oliver Lemon’s Sisters. They are trying to make healthy foods as accessible to their customers as possible. You can pick up their premade deli dishes for delicious sides such as candied yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc., to go with your turkey or ham.

If you don’t feel like having traditional cuisine this year, call out for a delicious pizza.

How about a traditional holiday meal without all the fuss of cooking? Ray’s Food Place in Sisters has complete ready-to-go traditional holiday meals.

The Willamette Valley’s family-operated Hazelnut Hill offers online orders from the nut and candy business for hazelnut toffee, brittle, hazelnut pancake/waffle mix and more.

Another reason to shop local: Good customer service can be hard to find at the big chain stores during the holidays due to retail employees often being stretched too thin in their work schedules. Small business owners build their own business from scratch and they do it because they are passionate about keeping their products and services exclusive to their community.

Help grow our community by shopping local and give the hard-working small-business owners in Sisters the opportunity to thrive beyond the pandemic.

5

Forest Service land sold for $2.8 million The 31.56-acre parcel of USDA Forest Service land located off of Highway 20 in Sisters recently sold for $2,818,244. Brokers Robert Raimondi, CCIM and Graham Dent, partner with Compass Commercial Real Estate Services represented the Forest Service in the deal. The Forest Service sold the property to finance the construction of a new ranger station building on the parcel they will retain at the intersection of Highway 20 and South Pine Street.

“The Deschutes National Forest is excited to use the proceeds from the sale of this parcel to assist in replacing the ranger station in coming years. A new ranger station will allow for continued customer service and stewardship of the Sisters Ranger District into the future,” stated Holly Jewkes, Forest Supervisor, Deschutes National Forest.

The Forest Service land deal started four years ago in 2016, with over 66 acres of land for sale. The amount of land for sale grew to be approximately 80 acres, which later split into three parcels, one of which sold in 2019.

“The Forest Service approached this as a true team effort. They educated us and

The Deschutes National Forest is excited to use the proceeds from the sale of this parcel to assist in replacing the ranger station...

— Holly Jewkes the City of Sisters came to the table and gave it a priority,” broker Robert Raimondi stated.

Broker Graham Dent commented, “This was an exciting process to be a part of.

This project will be a catalyst for the growth of downtown Sisters and will deliver much needed developable land to the community.”

Developer PX2 Investments, LLC, a Sistersbased development group, acquired the 31.56-acre parcel of land. Although no specific development plans have been disclosed, the buyers were successful in obtaining zoning changes in October that would allow for a mix of residential multi-family, commercial and industrial development. Tim Kizziar, Principal Broker with Stellar Realty NW in Sisters, represented the buyers.

6

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Sisters schools snapshot — keeping an eye on the ‘red zone’

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

• Sisters Elementary School Principal Joan Warburg praised school district nurse Trish Roy for her professionalism and hard work during the pandemic in helping the entire district in navigating and managing health protocols, contacting families, and keeping students cared for. She is grateful to have had all of the grades in school the past month.

The preschool expects to be up to 12 students by the end of January and has a maximum capacity of 18.

Warburg acknowledged the hard work and sacrifice all of her staff have undertaken to keep the elementary school open for in-person learning. Warburg also reported that she has been corresponding with families about their plans for the second semester since some of her students are doing Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) or Sisters Educational Options (SEO) full time. Staff and students are preparing for the possibility of having to return to CDL after January 4 depending on how COVID infection rates look over the upcoming weeks.

• Alison Haney, principal of Sisters Middle School, also lauded nurse Trish Roy for being a “health administrator” for the district. She presented an abbreviated version of a complex document showing the plans that have been made for when the middle school will be able to return to school in person in the months ahead.

Students will be split by alphabet and attend school two days per week in person and carry a total of four classes at a time. In response to being asked about data showing academic progress, Haney reported that it has been a challenge to collect

data due to being on distance learning and because of the high number of new students for which they don’t have baselines. Plans are in place for further assessments/testing in the second half of the year.

Haney also commented that, in addition to all the normal workload, her staff has continued to work on the district mission/vision.

Haney also reported that attendance rates for fifth through eighth grades range from 92-96 percent so far this year.

• Sisters High School Principal Joe Hosang also showed the work being done in preparation for students being back in school, including the physical space needed for students and staff. The high school student schedule would remain largely the same as they are keeping during CDL. Hosang shared statistics about how students are doing in regard to passing rates during the six-week terms and the efforts by staff — including counselors and teachers — to keep students on track. Hosang believes that having the students carry just two or three core classes at a time has made it much easier for them to manage distance learning. Students have benefited from Limited In Person Instruction (LIPI), which may be in jeopardy if the region remains in the red zone regarding infection rates.

He also reported the graduation rates have continued to improve markedly since 2013, which is a big part of the school improvement work that the high school has been doing. The district reported a 92-percent graduation rate for last year.

Hosang also mentioned that getting feedback from students about how things are going continues to be helpful as adjustments are made.

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budget updates including that property-tax revenue is back on track and is three percent ahead of the same period last year. The Student Investment Account (SIA) came in at about one-third of what was originally expected due to state budgets, with a total of about $266,000 in the fund. (The SIA was established as an enhancement of the State School Fund and school districts were able to apply for grants through the program, which Sisters received.)

• Special Programs Director Martha Hindman’s observations are that Sisters schools are doing as well as any district she has heard about. She noted an increase in students in special programs, many due to moveins, particularly at the middle school. She is continuing to work on the state-mandated Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling program with the school counselors.

• Enrollment is up a bit according to Superintendent Curt Scholl. He noted his concern for the social/emotional challenges for students under the COVID-19 restrictions. Overall, he is hearing positive things about how the schools in Sisters are succeeding under the hybrid and CDL models of instruction. Scholl acknowledged the obvious challenges in the weeks to come as infection rates in Deschutes County, including the Sisters community, have continued to climb, leaving the district in the red zone, which means the in-person instruction may be largely impacted heading into January. He is awaiting updated news from the Governor’s office and the Oregon Health Authority.

• In other business, the board voted 5-0 in favor of pursuing a school bond in 2021 that will dovetail with the current bond that is being retired in the next year. The bond would be a continuation of the current tax rate

and can be used for schoolbuilding and other improvements. This vote allows for the creation of a political action committee to be formed in order to promote the bond.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 6, at 6 p.m.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

7

Are gyms safe harbors in COVID-19 pandemic?

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

When Governor Kate Brown announced a return to restrictions on businesses and gatherings in a “two-week freeze” to combat a spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, gyms across Oregon went dark again.

But evidence is accumulating that indicates that gyms are not a vector for spreading the coronavirus — and that preventing people from using gyms for exercise may be having a negative impact on the health and wellness of many Americans.

Last week, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announced results from a study conducted

by University of Oregon’s Consulting Group (OCG).

IHRSA’s report by Melissa Rodriguez states that: “By examining the correlation between weekly gym attendance data with the following week of positive COVID-19 rates, researchers found a non-statistically significant correlation between COVID19 case rates and gym attendance.” (More information may be found at https://www. ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/ industry-news/universityresearch-gyms-are-low-riskfor-covid-transmission).

The University of Oregon study used data from Colorado. Tate Metcalf, owner of Sisters Athletic Club (SAC) and secretary of the Oregon Health and Fitness Alliance board of directors explains:

“They chose Colorado because they have intense contact tracing,” he said.

Colorado and several other states have allowed gyms to keep operating because they see no correlation between gym visits and COVID-19 cases.

“We have been talking to stakeholders, and we do not feel this is one of the higher-risk settings because people are wearing masks at the gym. Gyms are ensuring social distancing and also cleaning their equipment. So we are comfortable allowing it,” said Jill Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Health & Environment.

Metcalf said that he hopes Oregon will take heed.

“I’m hopeful that changes are made in Oregon, that we follow what other states have done,” he said.

In Sisters, some gyms have provided outdoor workout opportunities, but not everyone can handle working out outdoors, especially as winter weather sets in.

Metcalf notes that local gym owners have done a lot to mitigate potential for COVID-19 spread and create a safe indoor environment.

“Those of us who are in the industry and really care are doing it right,” he said.

At SAC, Metcalf has significantly upgraded air filtration to kill virus spread through the air and purchased an electrostatic gun to kill viruses on surfaces. When the gym was open, patrons sanitized equipment before and after use, and the workout spaces were reconfigured to

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keep people widely separated.

“Distance people enough, and it’s going to be safe,” Metcalf said. “And we have that capability.”

Metcalf thinks that the work gyms have done to create safe environments can be used as a model for other types of business while precautions remain in place as vaccines are rolled out.

I’d like to see that science will prevail and we can be part of the solution as far as ‘here’s what works.’

— Tate Metcalf “I’d like to see that science will prevail and we can be part of the solution as far as ‘here’s what works,’” he said.

There are odd anomalies in the state-mandated restrictions that may have more to do with how gyms are categorized than with their actual impact on spread. Gyms are considered part of the recreation sector. Physical therapists are part of the healthcare sector.

For years, Therapeutic Associates has used SAC for rehabilitation programs. They still do, even with the gym closed.

“Physical therapy has access to our equipment,” Metcalf said. “So they can use it and evidently that’s safe, but our members can’t use it.”

Metcalf is not merely making a special pleading for his business sector.

“If gyms were the secondbiggest source of outbreaks of COVID, I’d be the first to say we all have to shut down,” he said.

But the science is showing that is far from being the case — and the negative effects of cutting off people’s access are significant.

Metcalf notes that much of SAC’s clientele is older, and they need to maintain mobility and strength to maintain their safety, well-being, and quality of life. Some are able to mitigate blood pressure or diabetes issues through exercise. He saw all of those benefits severely impacted in the first shutdown last spring.

“It was gut-wrenching,” he said. “You could just see that they’d aged a year in just that short time. It was shocking to see, actually.”

Many in the fitness industry point out that maintaining health and fitness is important in avoiding illness and could be a factor in averting severe cases of COVID-19.

Exercise is widely understood to have important mental-health benefits, including staving off depression, which is a looming threat for many in a time of crisis and turmoil.

Metcalf recognizes that SAC and other gyms won’t soon be able to return to being social gathering places as they used to be, but they have remained a refuge for people stressed by conditions.

“For a lot of our members, that was the one place… that they allowed themselves to go, because they felt safe in it,” he said.

Metcalf and other members of the health and fitness industry hope that the mantra “follow the science” means that studies that show gyms taking appropriate precautions are a safe environment are taken into account — and that policies in Oregon change.

“If the metrics don’t change, it’s going to be a long time before gyms can operate,” he said. “Allow us to help the people who really, really need it.”

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Inside the ‘castle’ walls Correspondent

So, you’ve been driving into town from Bend or Redmond all these years and just past the Highway 20/126 merge you see the FivePine campus. Hardly give it a second thought, right? What’s on the other side of the road never really registered. Until last week, that is, when those huge pre-cast concrete blocks rose up from the ground to form a two-foot-thick wall, eight feet tall.

The block design is meant to look like hand hewn limestone as you might find in European castles or New England mansions. The top blocks on the wall somewhat resemble ramparts.

These boys are big — really big. Each one weighs 4,050 pounds and is six feet long. You’re not bringing one home in your pickup.

Why this wall that stretches over 300 feet? According to Yvette Mathis, who has

managed Sisters Mobile Home Park for eight years, they have a dual purpose. The first is obvious: privacy. The second is a sound barrier, not to keep noise from the tenants on the other side of the wall from reaching you but to keep traffic sounds from disturbing the residents. Seems a two-foot-thick wall of concrete is really good at the job.

An earthen berm would have looked more natural and have been an efficient sound attenuator. The only problem is that the Park couldn’t give up that much land footage.

The blocks have a far smaller footprint. They have landscaping in front, streetside, that when mature will reduce the wall’s presence which at first look is a bit imposing.

It’s all part of a 37 percent increase in units. Twelve new pads will grow the Park from 32 to 44 spots. The new pads can accommodate vehicles and/or trailers up to 45 feet long. Each pad has full hookup with 30-50 amp

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

The new concrete wall just past the Highway 20/126 junction at the east end of town is a sound and privacy barrier for a growing Sisters Mobile Home Park. electric and City water and sewer. Internet is wired to each pad if tenants wish to set up a direct bill account with BendBroadband. All the comforts of home — on wheels.

Sisters Mobile Home Park caters to longer-stay renters, not overnight or weekend campers. Parks like this are an important source of affordable-housing in the Sisters market. While many of the RVs and manufactured homes in the community are self-contained, the Park has on-site shower and laundry

facilities for its renters, some of whom have been there for years.

Mathis notes the holiday lighting at night on the wall

Nominations open for teacher award

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

In a year that has challenged teachers in ways no one ever imagined, the annual call for nominations for the Oregon Teacher of the Year likely has more meaning than ever before.

In a recent press release the Oregon Department of Education, along with the Oregon Lottery, announced that nominations for the Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year are open through January 31, 2021.

Recognizing the strength of the teaching staff in the Sisters School District, administrators Curt Scholl, Joe Hosang, Alison Haney, and Joan Warburg all encourage local parents and students to consider making a nomination.

“We have such amazing teachers all the way through our system and this is a way for us to honor them,” said

We have such amazing teachers all the way through our system and this is a way for us to honor them. I hope that some of our school community members will consider submitting nominations.

— Curt Scholl Superintendent Scholl.

The purpose of the program is to honor exemplary teachers from every region of Oregon via nominations funneled through Education Service Districts throughout the state. The High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) covers the schools in Sisters.

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Nominated teachers will have until March 27, 2021 to complete their applications and regional winners will be announced in May 2021. One regional winner will ultimately be named the Oregon Teacher of the Year in September.

Anyone can nominate their favorite teacher by accessing the website at www.oregonteacherofthe year.org .

Regional winners will receive a cash prize of $500 and, according to the press release, “be celebrated across the state.”

The Teacher of the Year will receive $5,000 and their school will receive a matching amount. The Teacher of the Year will serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

“I hope that some of our school community members will consider submitting nominations,” said Scholl.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

9

For the love of history

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Long-time Sisters resident David Banks remembers a day long ago when he rode down Cascade Avenue on the back of a Triumph motorcycle on his way to the B Bar B tavern.

He was familiar with Sisters because his parents had a place at Black Butte Ranch where he visited often.

When things changed for him in Palo Alto, California, where he was living, he made the decision to “matriculate north,” to Sisters. He had a best friend in Tumalo and Banks decided to settle in Tollgate, where he and his wife Adrienne raised their children, John and McKenzie, who attended Black Butte School, graduating from Sisters High School.

“I came to Sisters before we had sewers,” Banks recalled.

He remembers hearing stories of the earlier days in Sisters from Tom Craven, who had lived in Sisters long enough to play six-man football in high school. Banks soaked up all Craven’s stories because he loves history, always has.

“History was the only subject in school I had an aptitude for. That and recess,” Banks joked.

He remembers liking to hear his grandpa’s stories and watching old war movies, learning about past times.

Surprisingly, Banks didn’t major in history at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, but rather geology. He related how he failed mineralogy, which he said “is like the organic chemistry of geology.”

When Banks joined the working world, it was not in geology but rather in the advertising field and later in marketing communications.

Along the way, he indulged his love of history by picking up historic memorabilia, some of which is now finding a home in the newly opened Sisters History Museum where Banks volunteers.

After moving to Sisters,

Banks served as the manager of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce when it was housed in the little Maida Bailey building, which is today located next door to the Chamber visitors center. Given the history of that building, Banks always thought it would make a fun museum, but he’s very happy with the location of the new museum in an historic house on the corner of East Cascade and North Larch Street.

For the past six years, Banks has been deeply involved in the Northwest Civil War Council’s re-enactments each May out in a meadow near Camp Sherman.

Those events draw participants from across the Pacific Northwest who portray realistically what life was like in the 1860s, complete with authentic clothing, tools, rifles, food and daily activities.

The re-enactment is not a glorification of the institution of slavery, over which the war was fought, but rather, Banks emphasized, living history about the time period of the war to be experienced and learned from. The event had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19, but Banks is hopeful next May will see its return.

During one day of the re-enactment, students are invited to come experience the encampment. There have been more than 1,000 school children who have had the opportunity to participate in the activities. Before coming to the Metolius location, re-enactments took place at MacIver State Park, Fort Stevens, and Willamette Mission State Park.

Given the current atmosphere around things like the Civil War and its monuments, Banks was asked about the impact of changing attitudes on the re-enactment events.

“We have to be careful,” he said. “We are not trying to resurrect slavery. Rather, we are recreating a period of history in an effort to learn more about both sides. That

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includes using symbols, such as the Confederate battle flag, which is correct to the period.”

Banks went on to explain, “People who don’t understand why we do the re-enactment might assume we must be racist, but we are simply reenacting history as accurately as possible.”

As a volunteer for the museum (he recently strung all the outside Christmas lights), Banks conducts research and has provided some valuable artifacts to their collection. He recently discovered a letter written by a soldier posted at Camp Polk in 1865 to his family back in the Willamette Valley. Banks also donated the 1938 General Electric radio in the museum, which back in the day was referred to as “talking furniture.” The first radio station in Bend, KBND, began broadcasting in 1938.

Banks put an amplifier in the radio and an iPod loaded with old radio programs that visitors to the museum can listen to. There is also a recording of Warm Springs elder Wilson Wewa recounting the legend of Green Ridge and the Metolius River, accompanied by Native drumming.

“The museum is a great place to volunteer,” Banks said. “Having a museum puts Sisters on the map. We all know about current-day Sisters with the rodeo, quilt show, and folk festival. When you walk into the museum and start looking at the exhibits, you realize how remarkable it was what the early settlers in Sisters had to do to establish the town. It shows how different and interesting daily

PHOTO PROVIDED

David Banks, right, at a Civil War reenactment in Camp Sherman with “Abe Lincoln.” life was 70 to 100 years ago.”

Banks thinks the museum is a great place for school children and is hopeful the museum can link up with the schools.

“We need history,” emphasized Banks, “because it presents us with ambiguity.

Activities and beliefs that were part of everyday life in the past, may be thought of as repugnant today. But learning

to live with ambiguity helps build maturity and helps young people become adults.”

Banks believes that what is going on in today’s world is an example of “presentism” — judging people of another time by the standards of today, leading to attempts to erase or change history.

“Museums can increase knowledge and understanding of the world,” Banks said.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Oregon suspends license of doctor who refuses to wear mask SALEM (AP) — The Oregon Medical Board has indefinitely suspended the medical license of a doctor who said at a pro-Trump rally that he doesn’t wear a mask at his Dallas, Oregon, clinic and doesn’t require his staff to wear face-coverings either.

Dr. Steven LaTulippe also said at the November 7 rally in Salem that he encourages others not to wear masks, according to KGW-TV. A state order requires healthcare workers to wear a mask in healthcare settings.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say multiple studies have shown that cloth masks are effective in slowing the transmission of the coronavirus.

Oregon regulators voted late Thursday to suspend LaTulippe’s license immediately due to concerns about patient safety.

LaTulippe did not respond to a request for comment from KGW-TV and has previously declined to comment.

The suspension prevents LaTulippe, who ran a family medicine clinic called South View Medical Arts, from practicing medicine anywhere in the state.

The Multnomah County Republican Party posted a video of LaTulippe’s speech at a “Stop the Steal” postelection rally on YouTube.

“I and my staff, none of us, not once, wore a mask in my clinic,” LaTulippe said, adding that people should “take off the mask of shame.”

He has said publicly that he has treated about 80 patients for COVID-19, but incorrectly equated the virus to the “common cold.”

Despite his public statements urging people to not wear masks, LaTulippe told NBC News that he does ask patients who have suspected cases of COVID-19 to wear a mask in his clinic. He said he treats them after other patients have left for the day, and in a back room that is disinfected before and after use.

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Obituary Michael Guy Duggan May 1, 1942 — November 22, 2020

In a quiet ceremony, Molly, Scott, Heidi and their families laid their father, Michael G. Duggan to rest next to their mother, Diann Newsom Duggan, in Pankey cemetery. With respect to the rampages of COVID, it was an intimate burial in the place Mike and Diann had chosen with their three children and families bearing witness.

Michael Guy Duggan was born in Medford, on May 1, 1942 to William and Rosellen Duggan. He was raised in Sams Valley, where his family were founding settlers in the valley and many of them are buried in both Pankey and Jacksonville cemeteries. Graduating from St. Mary’s High in 1960, Mike attended Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) where he obtained his associates in construction management.

Mike Duggan and Diann Newsom married in 1962.

Mike worked in the family construction business, building a subdivision in Sams Valley that still boasts the family names, including Duggan Road. Mike and Diann continued to live in Sams Valley, where Heidi and Scott were both born.

In 1968, Mike and Diann moved to Portland, where Mike started working for general contractors in Portland until he started his own construction company.

His brother, Denny, joined him working in construction and to this day it is easy to point out the many freeway

lights that they installed.

Molly was born while in St. Paul, where they renovated a turn of the century Victorian home with the help of many members of their families and friends.

The call of smaller towns led them to Central Oregon where the family settled in the Lone Pine valley outside of Redmond. Mike designed and built one of the first true log cabins in Central Oregon, again with help of family and friends. Over his life he built and remodeled many homes for his family while also providing a simple life of ranching, farming, sports and construction.

One of his most endearing legacies was when he joined Jay Moberly to run the Rafter V Ranch which later became the DD Ranch.

With his family once again pitching in, Mike and Diann brought to life the first pumpkin patch in Central Oregon. Families from far and wide would visit to see Grandpa Mick drive the tractor for hayrides, find a pumpkin and buy one of Grandma Diann’s famous wreaths.

The DD Ranch became a home for many. Countless parties, gatherings and the infamous Fourth of July party are where the best memories are found.

Baseball games in the front hay field, cattle brandings, weddings and a good cup of coffee with a little Irish in it could always be found.

Mike and Diann knew no strangers.

Michael Guy Duggan passed on November 22, 2020 at 5:32 a.m.; his

favorite time of day. He is survived in death by his children, Heidi J. Ellsworth and husband Tim Ellsworth, Scott Duggan and wife Merry Duggan, and Molly Duggan Gehley and husband Steve Gehley; his sister, Dixie McKannay and husband Bruce McKannay; and five grandchildren, James Ellsworth and wife Annaliese Ellsworth, Megan Ellsworth, Kelley Duggan, Anya Gehley and Jacob Gehley.

M i ch ae l a n d D i a n n are buried at Pankey Park Cemetery in Sams Valley.

Their children invite all to stop by and say their goodbyes when they are passing through the Medford, Oregon area. They would like that.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Michael G. Duggan’s name to Partners in Care Hospice

H o u s e ( w w w. p a r t n e r s bend.org/donate-to-bendhospice/) and/or the American Cancer Society Mosaic Page in honor of Mike and Diann Duggan (www.main.acsevents.org/ goto/duggan).

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

11

Commentary...

Community stands together

By Carol Statton Columnist

Twenty years. It seems like a long time and yet in many ways has passed by like the blink of an eye.

October marked the 20th anniversary of my family’s move to Sisters; a move that was difficult for me because I was leaving a place that felt like my forever home. I couldn’t imagine any place away from the ocean making me feel as complete, and yet, the life that was awaiting me within the Sisters community was to hold more than I could ever imagine possible.

As we all began our new lives here, we got involved and connected. It felt like a pretty natural ease into a brand-new and welcoming community. I took a position at Multnomah Publishers and then needed to work remotely for my brother.

One day while at a physical therapy appointment, Greg Zadow mentioned being busy enough to need a parttime front desk person and asked me to keep my ear open. I later mentioned my desire to be working within the community again and my interest in the position.

Greg was a little reluctant,

knowing my background, and worried that the position wouldn’t offer enough.

Almost 19 years later, I hope that he knows he gave me an opportunity that went far beyond anything I could have hoped for.

Life over these past 20 years has held some unimaginable challenges.

There have been so many lives lost within this community, so many people battling life-threatening conditions, so many uncertainties. The recession came and we, along with many others, watched our lives turned upside down. We experienced epic losses and watched as a big reset button was pushed. Despite all of the uncertainties and heartbreaks, we were strengthened by Sisters. Community stands together and cares for one another and Sisters is that community.

The people of Sisters have strong belief systems and values; they speak and fight for what is important to them. Sometimes that evokes great progress and sometimes there have been lines drawn in the sand over issues that then became battles. Battles can become ugly and have substantial costs, however battles do

reveal the very real fact that people care enough to fight for what they value.

Over the past two decades, there have been a number of battles and there have been some casualties; there are some wonderful people who, with dedicated intentions, tried to be a force for good but had the embattled experience drive them away. That is tragic because we should always strive to build each other up, even when there are differences. A community is strongest when everyone is encouraged to do their best and rewarded for the efforts expended — even when we disagree.

Our population has grown tremendously and with that comes concern; concern over expanding neighborhoods, low-income housing, increasing crime and lack of jobs. Those same concerns have been here to some degree for as long as I have and yet, no matter the growth, Sisters is still a truly special and unique community offering a quality of life getting harder and harder to find in our country.

2020 will most likely be remembered first as the year

of a pandemic and losses sustained because of it; however just like the previous years categorized by a recession or epic wildfires, we are so much more than that. This year has also been about coming together when we couldn’t literally do that and it is still about supporting one another to the best of our abilities. Local businesses need our support now more than ever. These committed business owners have sustained blows that were unforeseeable and that no amount of planning or saving up for could sustain.

Every dollar spent within the Sisters community is literally a life-saving decision for this precious town.

When I reflect back over the past 20 years and about my own highs and lows, I feel such a tremendous sense of gratitude for this community. It is here where our lives were redesigned, and thanks to this community, recreated. It is here within this community that I was able to take a dream and see it realized and supported — and it is here that I have known the very best of humanity.

I always say that if you

have to go through something really hard, this is where you want to be. And, if you want to breathe life into a dream, the sense of connectedness here will offer a supportive foundation. Are there downsides?

Well, of course every place has a few of those, mostly because we are made up of humans and we humans can fail at times. But the positives so far outweigh the negatives — and I have 20 years of witnessing and experiencing that!

The world is getting tighter as our populations grow and expand outward.

People will continue to come here, or desire to come here, because Sisters is truly a gem. Change will happen, as it has over the past 20 years, but we can do this well when we stay together and support one another.

I’ve lived in so many places throughout my life and I have never experienced a community quite like this.

My zip code needed to change a few years ago as we were re-entering homeownership, but this community has been and remains my home community — and for that I feel truly blessed.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

A N N O U N C E M E N T S See’s Candies Sales

The Kiwanis Club of Sisters will be holding their annual See’s Candies sales fundraiser in a trailer in the Ray’s Food Place parking lot.

Place your order by visiting the Kiwanis See’s Candies trailer. Price list is online at SistersKiwanis. org. Sales continue through Thursday, December 24. Pick up orders at the trailer from noon to 5 p.m. every day. Support Kiwanis in their efforts to provide scholarships and career-change assistance as well as a number of other service projects. All profit goes back to the community.

PET OF THE WEEK Humane Huma Hu mane ne SSociety ocie oc iety ty o off Central Cent Ce ntra rall Or Oreg Oregon egon on 541-382-3537

Christmas Dinner

On Christmas Day, the SistersCamp Sherman RFPD and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Association invite the public to the Annual Sisters Community Christmas Dinner. This year, meals will be available for takeout only and can be collected from the Sisters Fire Station Community Hall located at 301 S. Elm St. between 1 and 3 p.m. Everyone in the community is welcome. For further info and to reserve meals, contact SistersCamp Sherman RFPD at 541-5490771, info@sistersfire.com or via the Sisters Fire Facebook page.

Weekly Food Pantry

Wellhouse Church has a weekly food pantry on Thursdays. Food is currently being distributed drive-through style from 12:30 until all food is distributed at the Wellhouse Market building, 222 N. Trinity Way. People in need of food may drive through the parking lot and pick up a bag of food for their household. Other Sisters-area churches are joining with Wellhouse Church to contribute both financially and with volunteers to help sustain the program. Info: 541-549-4184.

Volunteer with Habitat!

Sisters Habitat for Humanity’s Thrift Store, ReStore, and construction sites need more volunteers! Are you interested?

New Volunteer Orientations take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at noon in the Sisters Habitat office, upstairs at 141 W. Main Ave. CDC protocols are followed. RSVPs are required as space is very limited in the Meet PEANUT, a de ddelightfully del elilig lightfully socially distanced meeting f i dl 1-year-old 1 ld pitty itt bboy friendly room. Each person must wear who is eager to meet his forever a mask and sanitize their hands family! Peanut is a goofy pup when entering the building. A who would benefit from a little mask will be provided if needed. structure and training. This Please contact Marie at marie@ energetic boy would make an sistershabitat.org or 541-549-1193 excellent jogging partner or hiking buddy for an adventurous to save your spot.

family here in Central Oregon. If you are looking to add a friendly and playful pitty pup to your family then Peanut is the dog for you! Come meet Peanut today!

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Sisters History Museum

Three Sisters Historical Society seeks history enthusiasts to volunteer in our new museum.

Don’t know anything about Sisters history? No problem, we will provide training so that you can lead our guests through the museum and its exhibits. Enjoy sharing our Sisters history and learning special stories that few people know! Interested? Leave a message at 541-904-0585 or email to tshsvolunteers@gmail.com.

Deschutes Public Library Online Programs

Deschutes Public Library virtual events are now being featured on the Virtual Calendar on the opposite page. Parents, don’t miss the opportunity to pick up a Winter Wonderland craft kit at any library location during open hours on Saturdays (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Sisters) in December while supplies last. Info: 541-312-1032.

Free Weekly Grab-N-Go Lunches For Seniors

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon is serving seniors (60+) free Grab-N-Go lunches on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays each week. The lunches are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis drive-through style from 12 to 12:30 p.m. at the Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. Mckenzie Hwy. Seniors may drive through the parking lot and pick up a meal each day of service.

Come on by, no need to make a reservation. Info: 541-678-5483.

Furry Friends Needs Your Help

Furry Friends Foundation (FFF) needs your support in this time of crisis. During the holiday season, please consider a donation to this vital Sisters-area program. FFF operates two pet-food banks, a coat and pet-supply bank and sponsors free spay/neuters/ vaccinations. For more info call 541-797-4023. Mail your donation to PO Box 1175, Sisters, OR 97759 or donate online at www. furryfriendsfoundation.org

Services Christmas Church in Sisters Country

Christmas Services at Christmas Eve at Sisters Sisters Community Church Church of the Nazarene

Sisters Community Church is hosting a “Blue Christmas” service on Saturday, December 20 at 6 p.m. The service is intended for those who are mourning and seeking a quiet service of devotion and reflection. All are invited to Sisters Community Church Thursday, December 24 for a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. Please register at www. sisterschurch.com/events. For info call 541-549-1201.

Join a candlelight Christmas Eve gathering in person or online at sistersnaz.org on Thursday, December 24 at 3 and 5 p.m.

All measures will be followed to ensure a safe yet joyful setting.

The church is located at 67130 Harrington Loop Rd, off Gist Road. For more info call 541-3898960 or visit sistersnaz.org.

Christmas Services at St. Edward the Martyr

Mass at St. Edward the Martyr Roman Catholic Church for Christmas Eve will be held at 5:30 Highland Baptist Church and 8 p.m.; Christmas Day Mass Both contemporary and traditional Christmas Eve Services is scheduled for 9 and 11 a.m.

Solemnity of Mary Mass will be will be held at Highland Baptist at 5:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve and at Church, 3100 SW Highland 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Please Ave. in Redmond, on Thursday, December 24 at 4 and 6 p.m. For call 541-549-9391 for reservations.

Following all COVID safety more information, call 541-548requirements.

4161 or go to hbcredmond.org.

Antiques & Jewelry Donations Needed

Sisters Kiwanis takes donations of antiques, collectibles and jewelry throughout the year for its annual Antiques, Collections & Jewelry Sale, held on Saturday every Memorial Day weekend. Your donation is tax-deductible! For more information and to arrange for pickup of large or small items, please call Pam at 541-719-1049.

Career Funds Available

Applications are available for the Sisters Kiwanis Career Opportunity Fund to help adult residents of Sisters establish an occupational path. Pick up forms at the Kiwanis House, corner of Oak and Main, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursdays, and during regular hours from the Sisters Habitat for Humanity office. For more info, call 541-410-2870.

Please call the church before attending to verify current status of services as restrictions are adjusted.

SISTERS-AREA CHURCHES Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N. Fir Street • 541-549-5831 10 a.m. Sunday Worship shepherdofthehillslutheranchurch.com Sisters Community Church (Nondenominational) 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 10 a.m. Sunday Worship (with signing) sisterschurch.com | info@sisterschurch.com St. Edward the Martyr Roman Catholic Church 123 Trinity Way • 541-549-9391 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 8 a.m. Monday-Friday Mass Calvary Church (NW Baptist Convention) 484 W. Washington St., Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288 10 a.m. Sunday Worship | ccsisters.org The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 68825 Brooks Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 8:30 a.m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship (Sunday school, childcare) 10:15 a.m. Episcopal Sunday Worship (Sunday school, childcare)

Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-549-9971 10 a.m. Sunday Worship Sisters Church of the Nazarene 67130 Harrington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960 | sistersnaz.org 10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship | 2sistersnaz@gmail.com Wellhouse Church 442 Trinity Way • 541-549-4184 | wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a.m. Sunday Worship (Indoor & Outdoor Venues available) Vast Church (Nondenominational) 541-719-0587 • 5 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Worship at 442 Trinity Way (Wellhouse building). See vastchurch.com for details.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 386 N. Fir St. • 541-595-6770, 541-306-8303 11 a.m. Saturday Worship The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 452 Trinity Way • Branch President, 541-420-5670; 10 a.m. Sunday Sacrament Meeting Baha’i Faith Meetings Devotional Gatherings, Study Classes and Discussion Groups. Call for location and times • 541-647-9826

Tales from a

Sisters Naturalist

by Jim Anderson

The clean-up crew Did ya’ ever think When the hearse goes by That some sweet day you’re gonna die?

They’ll put you in a neat pine box And cover you over with soil and rocks Well, all goes well for about a week And then the pine box begins to creak The bugs crawl in, the bugs crawl out Into your stomach and out of your mouth And the worms play pinochle on your chin… * Harley Poe (Edited by Jim Anderson) Back when I was a kid, that’s a poem my uncles turned into silly song we sang while stuffing hay into the back of the barn, shoveling cow manure, cleaning the outhouse, picking corn or apples, and other chores on the farm in West Haven, Connecticut.

When I left the farm, went into the Navy, began flying, and in my later years began studying the whys and wherefores of Nature, the tune just faded away. My grandparents, parents and uncles have gone out among

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

the stars, but memories still linger.

When my dear pals from Sisters, Brent McGregor and his sidekick, Kara Mickaelson, built my beautiful pine coffin, they were careful to make sure the lid wouldn’t come down tight, and when I saw that feature, out came that old song.

If you happen to be at the Fort Rock cemetery when they put me under the soil with my old buckaroo pals Reub Long and Shorty Gustafson, you may like to sing along with me, “Did ya’ ever think…”

Death is a process of renewal. Just think how crowded this beautiful old earth would be if everything that is born or hatched lived forever. Forget it!

The Master Plan for Life is laid out in such a way that renewal is a vital part of the setup.

So, when that spectacular picture at right arrived in my email from my friend Kris Kristovich of Sisters, I about jumped out of my chair — which I really can’t do anymore.

Everything in that picture speaks of death and renewal.

Whoever (hawk? weasel?) left all the gopher guts laying around led to Kris’s discovery.

That small pile of offal began to decay and guess who smelled it? Yep, that multi-colored carrion beetle.

“Oh boy,” she must have said, beginning to drool.

And you can see her laying an egg on the awful offal while she’s dining on it, and — of all things — there are mites dining on her. What a collection!

Carrion beetles perform a much-needed service in

the natural world by recycling dead animals. Now, if that carrion beetle hadn’t got there and it all took place in June, the other busy cleanup creatures, such as turkey vultures, would probably have arrived first and beat the beetles to it.

Turkey vultures are said to be the only bird with a sense of smell, but I’m not so sure. I’ve seen robins eating worms and wonder if they smell them before they see them. I’ve also watched ravens suddenly make a swing while patrolling Santiam Pass with snow on the ground drop down to dig something out of the snow and gobble it down.

There’s no getting around the fact that carrion beetles put off a powerful stink.

That’s why taxidermists who use them to clean up trophy skulls and such, refer to them as “stink beetles.”

Kris can tell you that as well; he had to get pretty close to that whole scene to get that remarkable photo.

You can even buy these beetles if you’d like to.

They’re called “Buffalo Beetles” by some sellers.

You can get about a thousand of them for $22.60 from one outfit.

Another supplier that sells carrion beetles even gives instructions to potential buyers: “Cleaning a small skull with dermestid (carrion) beetles requires 2,500 beetles to clean it.

To clean a beaver skull, use 6,000-7,000 beetles.

Cleaning an average deer requires 12,000-15,000 beetles. Consequently, for cleaning a large skull, like a bear, use 25,000-35,000 beetles.”

So, death, in some areas, is big business. But to me

PHOTO BY KRIS KRISTOVICH

Carrion beetle doing its thing. Look closely to see mites dining on her! it’s far more than that. It’s the story of life. I’m a strong believer of ongoing life in the great bye-and-bye.

Further evidence comes from frequent personal experiences I’m having as I approach my time — like the other night just as I was going to sleep. Suddenly a

Things to participate in online while staying safely at home.

DEC

16 WED

17

THUR

Hope

DEC

19 SAT DEC

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 • 6 P.M.

20 SUN

This season can be hard for those going through painful passages in their lives. Blue Christmas welcomes those with heavy hearts to a quiet service of music and devotion.

Please invite all who may need comfort.

DEC

We will follow all current safety directives.

Please go to our website www.sisterschurch.com to reserve your spot and for updates to our program.

Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy.

tiny pinpoint of light opened my eyes and I thought I heard my mom calling my name.

So, when you come upon a carrion beetle pig-out, think of all the good they’re doing, recycling life all the wonderful ways that nature does it.

Calendar

DEC

A SERVICE OF WHEN THE NIGHT IS LONG

13

22 TUES DEC

28 MON

Deschutes Public Library: Tin Foil Icicles 10 a.m. Kids can create their own icicles from aluminum foil and other supplies from home. Go to www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/.

Deschutes Public Library: Dennis McGregor Solo Performance 4 p.m. Enjoy songs accompanied by illustrations from his book, “You Stole My Name.” Go to www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/.

Deschutes Public Library: Holiday Cocktails Demonstration 6 p.m. Perfect your mixology skills to make tasty holiday drinks at home. Go to www.deschuteslibrary. org/calendar/.

Deschutes Public Library: DIY Indoor Snow 3 p.m.

Kids can create their own DIY snow from simple household ingredients! Registration required to reserve a supply kit; kits are limited. Go to www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/.

Deschutes Public Library: Who Stole Christmas?

6 p.m. Explore the Pagan origins of the holiday and winter solstice in this live, interactive Zoom presentation. Go to www. deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/.

Deschutes Public Library: DIY Holiday Decor 10 a.m.

Take-home craft to assemble felt mistletoe décor and a reindeer ornament. Registration required for a supply kit. Go to www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/.

Deschutes Public Library: Rhodd Caldwell Reads “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” 3 p.m. Watch lavish illustrations accompanying the reading. Go to www. deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/.

Deschutes Public Library: Christmas in Mexico — Importance and Adaptations 5 p.m. Explore the diverse traditions of Christmas celebrations in Mexico with Dr. Enrique Chacón. Go to www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/.

Deschutes Public Library: Mexican New Year — Traditions and Rituals 4 p.m. Anna (Mendez) Johnson shares some humorous and practical Mexican traditions.

Go to www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/.

14

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Commentary...

Too big to fail

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

A giant corporation is in financial trouble. It’s overextended itself and cannot manage its debt load. A recession brought on by long and costly wars has shrunk its market. The company is so integral to the functioning of the nation — and so many members of its government are heavily invested in it — that it simply cannot be allowed to fail.

So, the government steps in, with a policy that will have unforeseen consequences that shake the world.

That thoroughly modern and familiar scenario was the catalyst behind an event that led directly to the American War of Independence: The Boston Tea Party of December 16, 1773.

The East India Company was, at its founding in 1600, a modern innovation — one of the world’s early joint stock companies. It was a “chartered company,” granted a charter from the government of England for monopoly on trade from the Indian subcontinent and eventually China. A similar chartered company left its footprints here in Oregon: The Hudson’s Bay Company.

The Company wasn’t just a trading concern. It had its own military forces (imagine Amazon with an army, navy and air force) and

over the course of a century would establish its rule by force, bribery, and diplomacy across most of what is now India.

In 1773, the Company was in trouble. It owed a massive debt to the government of Great Britain.

Markets had shrunk in a contraction after the Seven Years War (known in America as the French & Indian War) which was, in effect, a world war. It was awash in a massive overstock of Chinese tea, some 17 million pounds of unsold surplus.

Meanwhile, Great Britain was locked in a years-long roil with its American colonies over taxes Parliament had imposed to recoup the cost of defending its possessions from the French. The British government considered such taxes merely asking the Colonies to foot their fair share of the bill for victory in the French & Indian War; many colonists saw the taxes — imposed without colonial representation — as acts of tyranny.

By 1773, Parliament had rescinded almost all of the objectionable taxes — except for the 1767 Tea Act. The Tea Act granted the British East India Company license to export their tea to the American colonies at a subsidized rate that undercut colonial merchants, with a minimal tax remitted to Great Britain. Win-win-win.

The East India Company could offload their massive

PUBLIC DOMAIN

The Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16, 1773. tea surplus and pay down some debt, the British government could gently assert its right to tax the colonies, while the colonists could enjoy Chinese tea on the cheap.

The colonists weren’t having it. Several cities turned away East Indiamen ships and made them return to Britain. Others refused to offload the tea, which was simply left to spoil. In Boston, Massachusetts Lt. Governor and Chief Justice Thomas Hutchinson refused to allow three tea ships to return to Britain, while the anti-tax Sons of Liberty refused allow the tea to be offloaded.

On December 16, a party of Sons of Liberty dressed up as Mohawk Indians boarded the ships at Griffin’s Wharf and dumped 340 chests of tea —worth about $1 million in today’s dollars — into Boston

Harbor. It was an orderly act of property destruction — no tea was stolen, the ships were left undamaged and Sons of Liberty protesters even reportedly swept the decks clean after their action.

The proverbial then hit the fan.

The British government was furious at the destruction of Company property and imposed harsh measures known as the Coercive

Acts to bring Boston to heel and enforce repayment for the tea. For all intents and purposes, they imposed martial law on the city, and brought in troops to maintain order and enforce the Acts.

A powder train was laid that would explode less than two years later in the villages west of Boston known as Lexington and Concord.

The echoes of that explosion resound to this day.

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The Nugget Newspaper h has been delivering the news, opinions, and interesting stories of Sisters for over 40 years. It is mailed to all homes in the Sisters School District free of charge and available by subscription subsc pt o outside outs de the t e area. a ea.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

15

A whole lotta hay

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

We’ve all seen them: Those really long flatbed, semi-trucks stacked with hay bales (or is it the more nutritious alfalfa?) inching through town. The drivers look happy for the most part.

Maybe not so much on those crowded summer weekends when traffic crawls. Some smile for photos or blow their air horns for the begging teens as necks snap to look.

We only notice the westbound rigs, the loaded ones.

Seems like one every 20 or 30 minutes and that would be a good guess. On their return trips they are empty and barely noticeable with their slimmed down profile.

Where are they coming from and where are they going?

Their origins are the prodigious 300- to 400-acre irrigated fields surrounding Christmas Valley, Prineville, Madras, John Day, Burns and Vale to the Idaho border.

Their destination? Mainly Tillamook and Marion Counties.

Hay is for horses and beef cattle, but in this case it’s mostly alfalfa for dairy cows. Not just any cows but the prized Holsteins, Jerseys, G u e r n s e y ’s , Ay r s h i r e s , brown Swiss and milking shorthorns common to the Tillamook County Creamery Association, Darigold (Northwest Dairy Association), and Organic Valley cooperative. Cheese, not milk, is the most-produced product. There are

around 22,000-25,000 head in Tillamook County alone, about one for each of the 26,000 persons in the County.

Oregon is 19th in state rankings for total milk production but always in the top 10 for dairy quality. It’s the State’s fourth-largest commodity. A typical dairy is 350 to 400 cows on a 300-acre farm. The alfalfa trucked here through town is not the cow’s only diet but critical to health and longevity. A diet of 10 pounds per day and 24,000 cows translates to 120 tons per day just for Tillamook.

Those massive, densely packed bales we see are typically four by four by eight feet and weigh 1,200 to 1,500 pounds each. Even if gold or yellow on the outside, cut in an inch or two and they are lush green even months after cutting.

The rigs coming through town are carrying about 40 such bales, roughly 25 to 30 tons. That means at least five truckloads just for dairy cows, just for Tillamook, which accounts for only onefifth of Oregon’s total dairy herd.

Hay, of course, also passes through town bound primarily for beef cattle.

Some hay, alfalfa, Timothy and other grasses are grown in the Valley and along the coast but nothing like what is produced in Central and Eastern Oregon where the longer and drier growing season yields two to three cuttings a year versus barely one for the wetter climes

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PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

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541-510-4464 | www.hazelnuthill.com Give the gift of locally roasted, premium coffee this holiday season! Coffee subscriptions available on our website, or stop by the cafe. New merchandise and holiday gift boxes also adorn the cafe. Not sure what to choose? Buy a gift card for your loved one and treat them to a coffee date. www. sisterscoffee.com | customercare@sisterscoffee.com Dan’s Gourmet Baskets are filled with your favorite Dan’s treats. We have over ten baskets to choose from filled with Dan’s Honey Smoked Steelhead, Dan’s Spread, handmade Beecher’s Flagship cheeses, gourmet English toffee, fancy cashews, boutique cookies and more. Order online or give us a call!

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that great cheese, a portion of which is bound for Japan and South Korea.

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16

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

to a continual onslaught of falsehoods regarding this election on social media – most of which are easily disproven with just a small amount of effort. Facts are facts. Articles or statements that claim to be fact should be verified by the editorial board, else they risk losing their journalistic integrity – guilt by association.

A simple example of this would be Jeff Mackey’s (ranting and breathless) letter published on December 9. While you can take umbrage with nearly any sentence in this missive, it’s easy to verify/disprove his statement that Democrats “concocted the biggest failed hoax in history with a Russian connection…”

I’d refer the editorial staff (and Mr. Mackey) to the Republican-led Senate Intelligence committee’s report on the Russia investigation, which was released in August 2020. The report clearly and unambiguously outlines known connections between the Trump campaign (Manafort/Stone/ WikiLeaks, etc.) and Russian assets, and portrays these intentional actions as a “grave” counterintelligence threat.

Let’s drop the hyperbole and move forward with the task at hand. The Nugget owes its readership an honest effort, and would better serve the community by maintaining the highest journalistic standards possible and not wasting column space and ink on these divisive diatribes.

Brian Wilson Editor’s note: The Nugget endeavors to provide as open a forum as possible for local voices to weigh in on local, regional and national issues. Letters to the Editor are the opinions of the writer. Some local folks write more than others. Not all letters are published and all are subject to editing.

Mr. Mackey’s characterization of the Russia inquiry as a “hoax,” while asserted vehemently, is not a statement of fact — it is a characterization, based, presumably, upon Mr. Mackey’s interpretation of the facts of the matter. It is, by definition, his opinion.

Mr. Wilson counters that claim and deploys evidence to bolster his argument.

Readers are left to discern which opinion should carry more weight. This is the way discourse is supposed to work, and The Nugget continues to appreciate the engagement of our readers.

Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

s

s

s

To the Editor: What if Nobel Laureate Kary Mullis, the inventor of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, said PCR was never intended to test for infectious disease and is unreliable for that purpose? What if a PCR COVID test is not binary, meaning there is no absolute positive or negative result like a pregnancy test?

What if several scientists and virologists, including Dr. Tony Fauci, said the PCR test for COVID is not believable when the test is run at 35 cycles or higher? What if the World Health Organization recommends 45 cycles and labs comply?

What if coronavirus death rates are inflated because there is no universal definition of a coronavirus death and the CDC instructed doctors and hospitals to record all deaths, presumed or confirmed for coronavirus, as the primary cause of death regardless of other factors?

What if U.S. deaths from the seasonal flu, heart disease and diabetes are all unexplainably sharply lower for 2020? What if a recent Johns Hopkins study found that U.S. deaths, from all causes, is on track to be average for 2020?

What if former Pfizer vice-president and chief scientific advisor Michael Yeadon, Ph.D., said — there is absolutely no need for vaccines to extinguish the pandemic, I’ve never heard such nonsense, you don’t vaccinate people who aren’t at risk from a disease and you don’t set about planning to vaccinate millions of fit and healthy people with a vaccine that hasn’t been extensively tested on human subjects?

What if some CDC scientists and members on the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices own vaccine patents?

What if these same scientists and doctors partner with and profit from pharmaceutical companies for research grants and vaccine development? What if Dr. Tony Fauci owns numerous vaccine patents?

What if Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates — a person with no medical background — became the voice for the vaccine industry after investing billions into vaccine development and donating over $250 million to journalism and media outlets? What if Bill Gates called for individually digitized medical and vaccination certificates that are tracked?

What if Ticketmaster announced plans to require digital proof of COVID immunity before selling you a ticket? What if several airlines are pushing for vaccination certificates? What if digital vaccination certificates and contact tracing could be used to track your daily activities and decide if you are permitted to work, travel or attend gatherings?

JK Wells

Brown releases budget proposal

By Sara Cline Associated Press/Report for America

SALEM (AP) — In a year where Oregon has weathered a global pandemic that has killed more than 900 residents, forest fires that ravaged 1 million acres and ongoing protests in the state’s largest city, Governor Kate Brown’s budget proposal attempts to mitigate the effects of the turmoil.

The Democrat’s 20212023 proposed budget and policy agenda, which was released Tuesday, relies heavily on securing additional coronavirus relief funds as current monies are set to expire on December 31. For months Brown has urged

Congress to immediately reinstitute the $600 supplemental benefit for unemployment and enhance federal employment compensation.

“2020 has challenged Oregon in unimaginable ways. We have been tested to the core, and the most vital needs of Oregon families — health, safety, education, housing, and the ability to earn a living — have all been challenged in new ways,” Brown said.

Brown said not everyone would be happy with the budget.

“The pandemic has led to a state budget shortfall that will require not only scrapping plans for long-needed investments, but also making

small but difficult cuts in services and programs that affect Oregonians’ lives daily,” the budget document said.

A significant amount of the cuts fell on public safety and included the closure of three prisons in the next two years.

In addition Oregon faces a $718 million budget gap for the Oregon Health Plan, largely due to the pandemic.

Some of that gap will require “cost savings and asking our already-stressed health system to share in the sacrifice.” This could include lower than anticipated compensation for healthcare providers, which resulted in See BUDGET on page 30

SHOP Sisters.

Give LOCAL. Bring Smiles The Nugget Newspaper is on a mission to deliver the news and opinions of the greater Sisters area to its residents. We also take pleasure in sharing the heartwarming stories that put a smile on your face as you read; tales of overcoming hardships, neighbors stepping up to help, a community that never quits putting its best foot forward.

Readers of The Nugget Newspaper can support our mission by supporting our advertisers, as we will continue to do in any way possible through and beyond the pandemic. We encourage you to do business locally.

Those who would like to make a financial contribution to support SISTERS-AREA SMALL BUSINESSES and NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS can contribute advertising dollars that will allow them to get the word out about their goods and services to the entire Sisters community through the printed and digital Nugget.

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Visit NuggetNews.com and click on “Subscriptions & Support,” choose “Sponsor Small Business Advertising in The Nugget” then indicate which business you’d like to provide funds for on the form, or drop a check in the mail with a business noted on the memo line to: The Nugget, PO Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759.

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LANDERS: Long-time rehabilitators are retiring Continued from page 1

his desire to heal their injuries and return them to their habitats. Achieving that goal hasn’t been easy. He and Kellie worked diligently to give injured raptors every chance to fly free once again.

But experience has shown that often it’s not possible.

Realizing that the odds are not with the animals hasn’t stopped the couple from doing all they can.

When he got started, Landers wasn’t an expert on raptors.

“I did a two-year apprenticeship under wildlife rehabber, Jane Stevens, who’s from Sisters,” he said.

Landers spent 18 years focused on raptor-only work because Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) staff told him raptors were the injured animals most frequently found by the public.

The more animals he rescued the more he knew he needed to learn. It took a lot of self-training, reading books and talking to veterinarians.

“One of my best mentors here was Dr. Little Liedblad from Broken Top Veterinary Clinic,” said Landers. “She had a couple decades of experience with wildlife. As a wildlife rehabilitator you have to have a sponsoring vet for prescription and scheduled medications. You also need access to their surgical skills and x-rays. That’s a requirement of the state and federal wildlife service.

She agreed to take me on and I learned so much from her. Many times the lessons were hard knocks. This is a volunteer vocation with a lot of heartache. You’re there to save them but the majority will not get to the place where they can be released and survive on their own.”

The couple volunteered

their time and never received a salary from their nonprofit. All the donations they received went to the care, medical supplies, services and feeding of the birds.

“We did it for the love of the animals,” said Landers.

“They captured me. I still have a falconry hawk and will continue to fly her.

She’ll continue to be my connection.”

The Landers are in the process of donating their aviaries to Think Wild, a wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit in Bend.

“They are the hope of the future for raptor rehabilitation. Think Wild has a great staff and many volunteers.

They’re up and running and have passed their tests to rehab raptors” said Landers.

“We’re still formalizing the donation of the buildings.

We’d like to get them a number of our cages, which will make it easier for them to get started.”

Until Think Wild is ready to receive raptors, there may be a period of time when there’s no one available to receive the injured birds.

Landers suggests that the best way to find out who’s doing animal rehabilitation for what animals is to go to the ODFW website section called, “Living with Wildlife,” which has a list of wildlife rehabilitators in Oregon. Kellie plans to put contact information for Think Wild on their Facebook page.

“People don’t realize that Central Oregon’s growing population has created more traffic, and more birds getting hit. There’s less good habitat and more people out in habitats finding injured birds,” Landers said.

Landers has been handling most of the injured birds in the area, but he says the need has gone beyond the ability for one or two people from a home rehabilitation situation.

He and Kellie are thrilled that an organization like Think Wild is stepping up.

Until the end of the year,

PHOTO PROVIDED

Kellie Landers with a bald eagle.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon they’ll continue to work.

“We just did a release of a great horned owl and are still picking up birds. But as of Jan. 1, my licenses and permits to take in raptors will be retired,” he said.

Gary’s next interest is in a much smaller species of flyers. He joined the Central Oregon Beekeepers Association.

“We purchased a couple of hives which are still empty. We will be getting two honey bee colonies in May. We don’t want to compete or overwhelm the native bee populations so we’re just going to keep a few colonies. That will be something that keeps me connected to nature,” he said. “We have good forage for them on our property.”

Kellie is not sure what’s next for her. She used to do hospice work in Redmond and might go back to that.

“It’s been a blessing and privilege to work with these guys but also very sad,” she said. “Sometimes working with the birds felt a bit like hospice. The last six to eight months with COVID has been very dismal. In three days, we had a bald eagle with an obliterated wing in Camp Sherman. The next day it was a golden eagle whose leg was caught and amputated in an illegal leg-hold trap. The third day it was an owl hit by a car and blinded in both eyes.”

“That’s the heartache that weighs on you,” Gary said.

Think Wild Executive Director Sally Compton says they’re building new enclosures. “There will be a 72-foot long raptor cage for eagles, hawks, vultures and owls. The Landers’ aviaries will be for triage, immediate rehab needs, and longer-term patients. It will give us more room to take care of more animals at once with the best quality care,” said Compton.

The nonprofit spent all

17

PHOTO PROVIDED

Gary Landers with a young golden eagle he taught to hunt through falconry. last year fundraising to have proper facilities. The building materials are scheduled to arrive next month.

“We’ll be ready around early spring and have submitted for federal bird permits. With COVID, they’re behind on permitting. There’s a lot of moving parts coming together,” said Compton.

“People can always call our wildlife hotline if they find an injured animal and we’ll try to put them in touch with the best recommendation for

that animal. We have a dedicated network of volunteers throughout Central Oregon for pick-ups and rescues when necessary. We’re hoping for March at the latest for being ready to help any species of native bird of prey. We are dependent on volunteers and will do volunteer orientations this spring. It’s a great way for people to make a difference.”

To learn more about Think Wild, visit www.thinkwildco. org/or call 541-241-8680.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Gary Landers releasing an immature bald eagle.

18

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

STARS: Transportation is key service for Sisters seniors Continued from page 1

encouraged to make a donation to STARS, which Bill said he does.

Joann has been heavily involved in senior programs for a long time and was part of getting the Age Friendly Sisters Country program established in Sisters.

Another satisfied passenger is Lorraine Barrier, who receives rides with STARS to her physical therapy appointments at Green Ridge Physical Therapy in Sisters, following a fall in her kitchen which broke her femur in three places, injured her knee, and created the need for a hip replacement.

At almost 88 years of age, Lorraine has been a goer her entire life, rounding up wild horses, serving on the ski patrol, and being a pilot.

Prior to her fall, she was walking five miles a day.

“I like to stay in shape,” Lorraine explained.

Therefore, her physicaltherapy appointments are very important. Not being able to drive, she would need to rely on other people to get to her appointments.

Her daughter heard about STARS and her problem was solved. With her husband in a long-term facility, the added expense of transportation costs would have been a burden.

“They saved my life. I couldn’t afford everything,” Lorraine said.

For three months, two times a week, STARS volunteers have picked her up

Annie (Marland) and Karen (Waddell) are helpful and understanding. With the isolation of the pandemic, it is so fun to have a chat with them on the way there and back.

I think it’s one of the best things to happen in Sisters.

— Lorraine Barrier near Holmes Road, driven her to Green Ridge Physical Therapy, returned in an hour to pick her up, and returned her home. She has also gotten a ride to Costco to get her hearing aids.

Barrier makes a donation every month as a way to say thank you to STARS. She would like to volunteer for them as a way to pay it forward.

“Annie (Marland) and Karen (Waddell) are helpful and understanding. With the isolation of the pandemic, it is so fun to have a chat with them on the way there and back. I think it’s one of the best things to happen in Sisters,” Lorraine said about STARS. “They are a wonderful group of girls. I can’t praise them enough.

I’m so grateful. I’d really be in trouble without them.

I’ll tell everybody about the service.”

During the pandemic STARS has expanded their services to include pickup • Large organic produce selection • Huge organic & natural selection storewide • Meat cut & ground fresh daily

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Located in the Cascade Village Shopping Center, Bend Open every day, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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and delivery of preordered and prepaid groceries, health care products, and prescription refills. More information on this service is available on the website.

The STARS program is one of the Action Teams under the umbrella of Age Friendly Sisters Country, which was established in 2019 with a seven-member board of concerned Sisters citizens. The organization has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the eight Age Friendly communities in Oregon.

To learn more about Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) visit www.agefriendlysisters.com and click on Action Teams.

To arrange a ride, call the dispatch office at 541-904-5545 on Tuesday or Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. The rides are for non-emergency medical appointments only and are available to Sisters residents of any age.

PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD

With money from a Sisters Community Grant, Age Friendly Sisters was able to purchase cleaning supplies and disinfectant for the STARS volunteer drivers to use to keep themselves and their clients safe. STARS volunteer Annie Marland, left, met with Ace owners Daly Haasch and Brandon Beech to pick up the supplies which were sold at a discount. The red buckets were donated by Ace so each driver could carry their supplies in their car.

HOLIDAY DEADLINES

The Nugget will be closed Fri., Dec. 25 through Fri., Jan. 1 (Don’t worry, you’ll still get your Nugget!)

DECEMBER DEADLINES: Issue of December 23 (regular deadlines) Display advertising ............................................Friday at noon Announcements & Events ............................Friday at 5 p.m.

Classifieds...............................................................Monday at noon Letters to the Editor & Obituaries ............Monday at 10 a.m.

Issue of December 30 (early deadlines) Display advertising ............................................Tues., Dec. 22 at noon Announcements & Events ............................Thurs., Dec. 24 at noon Classifieds...............................................................Thurs., Dec. 24 at noon Letters to the Editor & Obituaries ............Not running this issue Issue of January 6 (early deadlines) Display advertising ............................................Tues., Dec. 22 at noon Announcements & Events ............................Thurs., Dec. 24 at noon Classifieds...............................................................Mon., Jan. 4 at noon Letters to the Editor & Obituaries ............Mon., Jan. 4 at 10 a.m.

OFFICE PHONE 541-549-9941 News & Letters to the Editor: Jim Cornelius, 541-390-6973 (cell), editor@nuggetnews.com Display Advertising: Vicki Curlett, vicki@nuggetnews.com, 541-699-7530 (cell) Classifieds, Subscriptions, Announcements, Events: Lisa May, lisa@nuggetnews.com

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SPORTS: Sisters is in the OHA’s “red zone” Continued from page 1

the year stems from the hope that indoor activities will be able to resume by that point.

This season will run through June 27.

At this point, state playoffs and championships remain in the plans.

Sisters High School Athletic Director Gary Thorson understands the move, but wishes the circumstances could work out better for student athletes.

“I am sure all of the athletes and coaches are disappointed that the seasons were pushed back and shortened once again but under the circumstances it was the best option,” he said. “No one wants to see anybody lose a season again like last spring, and this gives all the sports the best chances for getting the chance to compete. As I talk with our coaches and other coaches and athletic directors around the state, the consensus is something is better than nothing and everyone will do what they can to give our kids a great experience.”

There are challenges woven into the new calendar, including dealing with weather conditions in Sisters Country. For example, cross country and soccer might be battling significant winter conditions at the start of their season.

Thorson, as a coach himself, understands the challenges as well as anyone and hopes everyone can continue to make the best of a very difficult situation.

He said, “This is very hard on everyone involved in our programs as well as the parents, but again we have to keep reminding ourselves delayed and shortened sport seasons pale in comparison to other things that people are going through right now.”

Thorson doesn’t want to see kids walk away from

I want to see kids join teams and be involved.

For the sake of our kids, I hope people in our community and leaders throughout the state will do their part in helping to get the kids back in the classrooms and on the fields.

— Gary Thorson sports because of the constant changes and shortened seasons, especially because athletics is one way for kids to cope with the social and emotional challenges everyone is facing due to restrictions that have dated back to last March. He said that training, following local OHA guidelines, is still allowed through that start of the “fall” season in February.

Sisters remains in the red zone per OHA, which is the most restricted level when it comes to safe-training guidelines. According to Thorson, coaches are contacting team members to help them understand what is available and allowed.

“All of the kids in our district are hurting without school as well and we need to turn the corner on this whole thing as soon as we can,” he said. “I want to see kids join teams and be involved.

For the sake of our kids, I hope people in our community and leaders throughout the state will do their part in helping to get the kids back in the classrooms and on the fields.”

The OSAA also governs activities including choir and band competitions and has not defined those seasons. The executive board is delaying that decision in the hope that students will be allowed to be indoors in time to prepare and complete a season in the final part of the school year.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Fit For

Sisters Andrew Loscutoff Columnist

Muscle memory can save your physique Exercise enthusiasts always fear losing the physicality they’ve accumulated meticulously with sweat equity over months or years of constant struggle under the resistance of gravity.

Perhaps they’ve succumbed to injury, have a long vacation, or — worst of all — are summoned for jury duty. Fear not, there’s a phenomenon that will delight those anxious about losing time in the gym.

Muscle memory is a topic that many gym coaches and skilled learners talk about.

“It’s like riding a bike,” they’ll say. Learn the skill and return to it with ease.

What about muscles’ adaptation to exercise and how they will return to those adaptations after some time off? Without the same stimulus a muscle or muscular systems will detrain rather quickly. A two-weeks lag brings drops in maximal strength; four weeks noticeable size; eight weeks and you could forget those muscles were ever there.

However, during all the time it took lifting weights to build the muscles, something else occurred. Muscle cells have nuclei, which are kind of like operating systems for the muscles’ physiological processes. They help with protein synthesis into new muscle tissue and regenerative effects. A more robust set of nuclei poses a greater ability to adapt to weight training.

When a person undergoes a period of weight training they develop more muscle nuclei. These nuclei are respondent to weight training and are under the guise of hyperreactivity to weight training. This means they will return to form much quicker than the time it took to gain in the first place.

Take, for example, a

19

person who undergoes an operation: If they have been a lifter in the gym, developing numerous muscle-building programmed nuclei, they will recover so much quicker than a nonexerciser. It’s amazing to see how fast some professional athletes rebound after injury.

The timeline one is under for these adaptations has two factors. First, the actual nuclei stick around for up to three months. There is however a genetic phenomenon: This is where the DNA of a person’s muscles switches to producing more after being in a period of constant exercise for years.

This is why an athlete may always have a more “physical” look to them. In studies of Olympians from generations ago, their muscularity was very different from the Average Joe’s.

Fear not if extended time away from fitness is a card life deals out. Muscle can be regained quickly. If you are less-than-motivated to strength-train, take these lessons and consider the implications. Next time an injury, surgery, or simply winter season comes, will muscles be lost forever? Know that a strong body is a capable and able body, otherwise its decay is inevitable.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Sisters Tie Trail is STA’s backyard secret

By Craig F. Eisenbeis Columnist

The Sisters Tie Trail is a frequently overlooked allseason outdoor opportunity that actually begins right in town. This trail is not at all wild, especially at the eastern, in-town end. However, it couldn’t be more convenient or accessible. This inviting path is part of the local trails network established and maintained by The Sisters Trail Alliance (STA) for the enjoyment of the public.

The trailhead is located off North Pine Street where the pavement ends. From the STA kiosk, the trail takes off north and west for a little over six miles to the Indian Ford Campground on Highway 20 west of town.

There are so many access points along the way, however, that it’s easy to stitch together a little jaunt of almost any distance of your own choosing.

The trail is suitable for strolling, hiking, jogging, trail biking and horseback riding; and the best part is that it doesn’t require any advance planning, permits, or extensive equipment. It’s not usually very crowded, either. On our recent excursion we saw only a handful of other outdoor enthusiasts, and they weren’t even on the actual trail.

That’s actually one of the weak points of this trail.

There are so many crossroads and alternative options that it’s sometimes hard to stay on the right path, in spite of the presence of a copious amount of trail signage. On the other hand, it’s pretty hard to get lost, since the entire area is completely surrounded by Sisters-area roads.

Still, be sure to pick up a free trail map at the STA kiosk. There are many good trail apps for your phone that will show your location along the route, but always remember that electronic devices can fail or

lose power. For that reason, I recommend that every hiker always carry a compass and a map.

Yes, I know that’s old school; but I still consider a compass to be an essential safety device anytime you’re in the woods. As long as you have a compass on this trail, all you have to do is walk in a straight line in any direction; and you can easily find your way out to a road.

For the first couple of miles, at the south end of the trail, some of the route seems unnecessarily close to civilization. Cars can be seen and heard as the trail parallels Pine Street on its way out of town. Outside the city limits, this extension of Pine Street was formerly known as Squawback Road.

For joggers and dog walkers who want to escape from COVID isolation and stay off the busy roads, this is the route for you. This trail is about as flat as a trail can be and is suitable for everyone.

I’m a slow hiker but have covered the entire distance in a little over two hours.

Heading north from town, the trail passes through National Forest lands of familiar second-growth ponderosa pine and juniper.

The initial stretch borders Trapper Point and the Indian Ford Ranch subdivisions of Sage Woods and Indian Ford Meadows.

The first couple of miles constitute an area of particular potential confusion because of the multitude of old dirt roads and tracks, so keep an eye out for the “Sisters Trails” markers.

The STA has done a good job of marking most of the trail. Still, there are a couple of spots where the proliferation of roads and paths make it necessary to pay close attention.

At about the halfway point, the trail turns west by an old gravel pit and becomes a little bit “wilder” and shifts almost entirely

PHOTO BY CRAIG F. EISENBEIS

The Sisters Tie Trail skirts the edge of a picturesque rock extrusion. to a single track trail as the route roughly parallels Indian Ford Creek at a (considerable) distance.

The trail can be accessed at any number of intermediary points, and the gravel pit is one of them. The trail is not close to the creek but often parallels what we used to call the “High Ditch.” The High Ditch, which is no longer in use, carried irrigation water from the creek to portions of Indian Ford Ranch when it was still a “working ranch.” Back then, my father and I frequently rode this area on horseback. In those days, there were still many remnants of old abandoned homesteads throughout the area.

The northernmost end of Pine Street, near where it ends on Indian Ford Road, is another alternative access point. This northern end of Pine “Street” is extremely rough and in very poor condition. When we were there last week, there were large “pond-sized” puddles covered with ice. The most scenic parts of the Tie Trail are between here and Indian Ford Campground.

As the trail continues farther west, it’s obvious that this part of the forest receives more moisture, as

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there are many young pine trees popping up. We saw frequent signs of wildlife along this part of the route, particularly where the trail skirts the edge of a large and picturesque rock extrusion.

After diverting around the southern portion of a large block of private land, the trail creeps ever closer to Indian Ford Creek; and willows and aspens appear on your right. A short side trip will reveal the creek itself and lush wetlands full of life.

You can also start your hike

from the campground at the northwest end of the Sisters Tie Trail or explore just the most scenic parts of the trail from the campground.

The Sister Tie Trail really is an all-season outdoor playground. Case in point, even in the event of heavy snowfall, this flat and open forest area is also a perfect area for snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing. Remember, however, even though it’s close to home, always be properly equipped for emergency winter conditions.

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Bend man gets two years for spitting on police officer BEND (AP) — A Central Oregon man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after spitting on a police officer and saying he was infected with COVID-19.

The Bulletin reports that 36-year-old Daniel Ray Stubblefield received the sentence Thursday in Deschutes County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to aggravated harassment and menacing.

Three other cases against him were dismissed as part of a plea deal.

Police on March 23 responded to a report that Stubblefield was intoxicated and assaulting another person. Stubblefield was taken into custody because he had

two arrest warrants involving different cases.

Police say Stubblefield told an officer he had COVID-19, coughed loudly and repeatedly, and four times spat on the officer’s face. The officer later tested negative for COVID-19.

Stubblefield has struggled with mental health issues and alcohol, his attorney said.

Stubblefield said he was embarrassed by his run-ins with the law.

“Most of the time, I can’t even remember these things when I’m told what I’ve done,” he told Judge Alison Emerson. “I just wake up in jail. I’ve been trying very hard to beat this addiction.

I’m sorry to all that I’ve hurt.”

OLCC won’t enforce redemption In an effort to help stores comply with capacity and operational restrictions, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission will continue its non-enforcement posture regarding bottle bill redemption requirements for stores within both the “extreme” and “high” COVID-19 risk levels, as defined by the Oregon Health Authority.

The new risk levels are designed to be county specific in an effort to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19.

The OLCC temporarily will not take enforcement action against retailers that choose not to accept the return of beverage containers

for redemption while in “extreme” or “high” risk levels.

Retailers that choose to do so can still accept containers for redemption.

Even if stores choose not to accept container returns at this time, a 10-cent deposit will still be assessed on the purchase of all eligible beverage containers.

BottleDrop redemption centers, operated by the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) will remain open. OBRC and retailers will also continue to operate BottleDrop Express drop sites, and Dealer Redemption Centers.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

21

Winter travel: Know before you go ’Tis the season to be … stranded?

Winter weather is here, and Oregon Office of Emergency Management State Search and Rescue Coordinator Scott Lucas says Oregon is seeing an uptick in lost or stranded travelers on foot and in vehicles. He is reminding Oregonians and visitors of ways to stay safe.

The search and rescue community in Oregon stands ready to respond when needed, but citizens need to do their part to be prepared for winter travel — and to avoid getting into trouble in the first place. That means having food, water, maps and other items needed for comfort and safety in the event you get lost or stranded.

Also, knowing your route and weather conditions before you go is important, said Lucas.

“Technology should not replace sound planning when using GPS in your car, or for an adventure on foot like going out into the woods with your family this holiday season to look for a tree,” he said. “Careless planning can result in discomfort, injury — or worse yet — loss of life. It is a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car, and extra supplies when you travel on foot.”

Lucas recommends not relying on GPS alone and using resources for Oregon travel like tripcheck.com or calling 511 for road conditions.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management Search and Rescue program supports a broad spectrum

PHOTO COURTESY CORVALLIS MOUNTAIN RESCUE

A vehicle was stranded and the driver needed to be rescued recently after GPS led the driver astray on a dangerous route in Linn County. of search and rescue operations in Oregon. That mission includes coordinating activities of state and federal agencies involved in search and rescue, liaising with

the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and other organizations, and providing on-scene search and rescue coordination when requested.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

COPING: Feelings are strained this holiday season Continued from page 3

PHOTO BY DOUGLAS BEALL

Song Sparrow.

Sisters Country birds

By Douglas Beall Correspondent

Ah the common Song Sparrow, (Melospiza melodia) — our winter companion, chirping their way through cold soggy weather.

Unnoticed by many, loved by a few, the Song Sparrow is a bright light if you are enjoying the small things. It sings from a high perch to claim territory and flicks its tail to the sparrow rhythm, as it tells a story of weeds and grasses and seeds. Look closely, they possess ornamental patterns of russet and gray and white stripes.

Songs enable the sparrow to tell a neighbor from a stranger that could pose a threat. Tunes also play an important role in helping females stay near their mates. A female will prefer her mate’s melodious, complex trills to those of all other Song Sparrows, although she repays him

with harsh chatter during nest building. Maybe it’s because she builds the nest alone.

Females incubate the blue-green eggs with brown spots for 12 to 14 days and the young are fed by both parents for five to six days. The chicks can fly well in 17 days and are on their own in 20 days. Their diet consists of grains, seeds, berries and grass.

This familiar sparrow is one of the most diverse and widespread songbirds in North America, with 24 diagnosable subspecies.

They have been known to produce six broods a year.

Even so their population has decreased by 30 percent from 1970 to 2014.

Groups of Song Sparrows are referred to as a “choir,” a “chorus,” or a “flock” of sparrows.

For more Song Sparrow photos visit www.abird singsbecauseithasasong. com/recent-journeys.

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the holidays can still include what the article termed the “unwanted guests” of stress and depression in people trying to juggle the demands of dealing with things like shopping, meal preparation, decorating and entertaining, but under the added challenge of grappling with a seemingly never-ending and dangerous pandemic, the strain on well-being might be higher for everyone than ever. Add to that a layer of grief, and self-care can become more essential than ever.

Some of the highlights of the article stood out.

One bullet point recommended acknowledging your feelings honestly as you move through the holidays, especially if you are already experiencing grief or feel at a loss because you know that you won’t be able to gather with the people most important to you due to pandemic restrictions. It’s perfectly normal to be feeling sadness and grief, especially under the current circumstances.

A healthy reaction to these emotions is to reach out to others and let them know how you are doing.

Additionally, seeking out resources, even online, can be of help, including grief or depression support groups, religious organizations, or other mental health outlets including organizations such as Oregon-based Lines for Life (www.linesforlife. org) which offers what they call the “Safe and Strong Helpline.”

On the flip side, if you seem to be doing okay, reach out to someone who you are concerned about. A quick text, phone call or video chat can mean the world to someone who is feeling down.

Of course, when feeling down it’s easy to fall into bad habits, so the article underlines the importance of keeping basic healthy routines of eating well, being active, and sleeping, but also includes a reminder to not overindulge with social media, particularly regarding current news and politics, and to find quiet time for such things as prayer, yoga, and meditation.

Making attainable, lowstress plans can help keep a balance as well. We all feel best when we accomplish things, so rather than everything having to be perfect or like it was in the past, it is recommended to keep holiday plans manageable, even if it means not keeping all the traditions for the time being.

Gift buying can be very stressful for a number of reasons, including going over budget or just from the hectic nature of holiday shopping. Since most humans feel good about keeping within a budget (less stress) and doing things for others, some recommendations included

that, rather than emptying the bank account on gifts for too many people, hone things down to a simple gift exchange within your immediate family, focus on making something homemade, or decide to do volunteer work in honor of someone to whom you would normally give a gift.

One of the most important suggestions in the article included the message of giving yourself a break by occasionally “taking a breather” in ways such as going outside to look at the stars, listening to music, or curling up with a good book. Additionally, giving yourself permission to set boundaries for yourself by saying “no” to requests from others. If you are grappling with loss, grief and/ or trauma, your friends and family will understand if you don’t take them up on every invitation. It’s good to let them know how you are feeling.

It can be hard to pace yourself through the holiday season in a normal year, but given the challenges of 2020 for much of the Sisters community Jackson wants to give parents and students as much support as possible.

“We at the schools want to do all we can for our kids and their families,” Jackson said.

The Nugget is serving customers by email, phone,

and curbside!

In accordance with current state mandates, our office is closed to the public at this time.

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ESSAY: Winner moves on to regional competition Continued from page 3

dates November 9, 1944, and was written in Belgium.

Russell, was deployed in the U.S. Army as a military chaplain from 1942 to 1945.

“The lights are about to go out!” His letter concludes.

“May I take you with me to dream land? Love, Russell.”

One hundred and seventy-six years before my great-grandfather fought in WWII, our founders witnessed a victory of their own — the founding of our country. They had fought through ideas and concepts for hundreds of days to form what would become our constitution. It’s hard to imagine their excitement, their worries, and their hopes as they theorized what would become of this country. How would we have felt if we were in their shoes? What would we have imagined to be the next steps of our nation? Would our founding fathers have imagined my great grandfather standing on a battleship near the beaches of Normandy praying for the souls that now fled to land?

Impossible. I believe it to be impossible for anyone to conceptualize the things our country has overcome and accomplished. Impossible for anyone to consider the growth, the change, the triumph and the loss we would endure. Impossible for our founding fathers to envision the country we would become.

Take for example August 18, 1920, when women across America celebrated the ratification of the 19th amendment: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on the account of sex.” On July 26, 2016 Hillary Clinton became the first female presidential nominee on a major political party ticket. Before her, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earheart, Ruth Bader Gisberg, and many other eminent women would play a part in the evolution of a woman’s place in America; the fight for an equal place in America. Did our founding fathers envision these legendary women taking part in historical change and growth? Impossible. Women would play a part in the evolution of a woman’s place in America; the fight for an equal place in America.

Did our founding fathers envision these legendary women taking part in historical change and growth?

Impossible.

On March 25, 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. led and marched alongside thousands of nonviolent protesters from the streets of Selma

to the capital of Montgomery, Alabama. June 6, 2020, hundreds of thousands of Americans in over 550 cities raised fists to rekindle the Black Lives Matter movement. It is astounding what can be accomplished when we walk together fists raised.

It’s astounding the change we have seen in the history of civil rights and the steps taken to a better future for all. Did our founders envision this evolution of culture? Impossible.

On December 7, 1941, the skies cried as hundreds of Japanese planes descended on the U.S. Naval base of Pearl Harbor, throwing America into the Second World War. Tens of millions of lives would be lost and mourned. America would never be the same. My great grandfather, Russell, was one of those men fighting, not only for our country, but for what he believed in.

On August 9, 1945, Russell wrote “My Darling: The best news is thrilling when simply told. When you receive this I should be on my way home.” I consider my great grandfather a hero, and I consider myself blessed that he was one of the few that got to return home.

But nonetheless, war is a simple sign that Americans will never stop fighting for what we believe in. Did our founding fathers imagine this triumph? Impossible.

One of my favorite passages from the letters between my great-grandparents is one where Russell describes his goals after the war. Among other things he writes “I plan to lend a helping hand to those who have been fighting so valiantly for ‘my brother of another color.’ I want to awaken the church to recognize the ‘problem’ of the overage of women in the next 25 years as a blessing that can be used to the glory of God and the salvation of blood-bought souls.”

My great grandfather didn’t get to see MLK march across the bridge at Selma.

He didn’t get a chance to vote a female president into office, but he did use his abilities to better America as much as he could. In this letter he writes: “My ambitions

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pictured left to right: Vice Commander Earl Schroeder, Quartermaster Jeff Mackey, Commander Pat Bowe, award winner Anna R. Mensing and Service Officer Bill Anttila. may take me anywhere,” which I take to be a mantra that captures just how much potential is ingrained in the mechanics of our country. I believe there is no possible way our founding fathers could have envisioned our country today. We are so much more than anyone could have expected. We are capable of overcoming adversity, accomplishing change, fighting injustice and pursuing victory. We will never stop pushing for a better future for all, and we will never stop pressing on to the country we all hope for. We are a nation impossible to envision, but incredible in our accomplishments.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Gov. expects 100K Oregonians Student writing competition underway to be vaccinated by year end Young writers from desert landscapes, through of Oregon, majoring in early SALEM (AP) — Governor Kate Brown said Friday she expects 100,000 Oregonians to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of 2020.

Healthcare workers, who number about 360,000 people in Oregon, will be the first to be vaccinated, she said in a news conference. An expected 147,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are expected to arrive before January. Brown said there are no other commitments from the federal government, KOIN reported.

Hospitals will be the primary sites of immunizations, she said.

Brown stressed that equity and equality was at the center of the plan to distribute the vaccine. Her office added that Brown will not be in the first group for vaccination.

On Friday, the Oregon Health Authority reported 1,611 new COVID-19 cases with record numbers of hospitalized patients.

“The upward trend is extremely worrisome,” Dr. Dean Sidelinger said during the governor’s news conference. He said hospitalizations have increased 70 percent since November.

Oregon, however, has some of the lowest case rates in the country, Sidelinger said.

Two Oregon counties continue push to join Idaho LA PINE (AP) — People in two counties in rural Oregon voted to push their lawmakers to consider moving their communities into Idaho, which they say is more representative of their political views.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reports the chances of Jefferson and Union counties joining Idaho are slim as it would require votes by both Oregon and Idaho legislatures and the U.S. Congress. But that’s not necessarily the goal, at least not yet.

“I’m not really sure what the chances are, if you’re going to put into odds or bet on it,” said Mike McCarter, a retired plant nursery worker and firearms instructor from La Pine who led the petition drive to get on the ballot. “But if we don’t attempt to do something like that we continue to go down a road of frustration about the state Legislature not paying attention to rural Oregon.”

McCarter and his supporters have been working for several years to build momentum for shifting Oregon’s border to put some of the state’s more rural, and politically conservative, counties to Idaho.

They say that, because state politics are dominated by more populous — and more politically progressive — communities along the I-5 corridor, large swaths of the state are ignored.

Similar measures failed in Wallowa and Douglas counties. But the votes in Union and Jefferson counties means local lawmakers must start having twice-a-year conversations with Idaho officials.

The Democraticdominated state Legislature doesn’t seem likely to take up the cause anytime soon.

But McCarter thinks the November 3 vote was the first victory in a long process: He’s hoping to push similar ballot measures in 11 other counties as soon as next year.

Crook, Deschutes, Harney, Jefferson and Lake counties are now invited to submit essays exploring desert landscapes to the High Desert Museum’s Waterston Student Essay Competition.

The Waterston Student Essay Competition, now in its second year, is part of the Waterston Desert Writing Prize. It’s open to students in grades nine through 12, in public or private school, or home-schooled, who live in Crook, Deschutes, Harney, Jefferson and Lake counties.

Submission is free. Students may submit essays of 750 to 1,000 words of nonfiction prose to waterston@ highdesertmuseum.org from now through May 1.

The submissions will be judged on originality, clarity of expression, accuracy, and their contribution to the understanding and appreciation of desert regions.

“Opening a Waterston Prize to students fosters young writers and helps them grow a new appreciation for this region,” said Prize founder Ellen Waterston.

“We received some thoughtprovoking submissions last year, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s young voices will share.”

Author and poet Ellen Wa t e r s t o n s t a r t e d t h e Waterston Desert Writing Prize in 2014. Through six years of growth, the High Desert Museum has been a strong partner to the organization, promoting the Prize and hosting the annual awards ceremony and reception. On September 17, 2020, the Waterston Desert Writing Prize announced another huge step — its official adoption by the High Desert Museum.

The mission of the Prize is to strengthen and support the literary arts and humanities in the High Desert region through recognition of literary excellence in nonfiction writing about

community interaction with the winning authors of the annual prize, and presentations and programs that take place in association with the prize.

“The Waterston Desert Writing Prize speaks to the core of the Museum mission — to celebrate and expand the knowledge of the High Desert landscape,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “The adoption is an incredible honor for us and we will continue its mission, vision and legacy in perpetuity.”

The winner of the 2020 inaugural Student Essay Competition was Al Lehto of Redmond Proficiency Academy. The winning essay, “Badlands,” told the story of the many hours the author spent with their mother painting in the Oregon Badlands, now a federally recognized wilderness area just east of Bend. Lehto now attends the University

childhood education.

The submission period will open for the signature Waterston Desert Writing Prize on January 1, 2021.

Emerging, mid-career and established nonfiction writers are invited to apply. The Prize honors literary nonfiction that illustrates artistic excellence, sensitivity to place and desert literacy with the desert as both subject and setting. Inspired by Ellen Waterston’s love of the High Desert, a region that has been her muse for more than 30 years, the Prize recognizes the vital role deserts play worldwide as ecosystems and in the human narrative.

For more information about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize, visit www. h i g h d e s e r t m u s e u m . o rg / waterston-prize. To submit an entry for the Student Essay Competition, visit www.highdesertmuseum. org/waterston-student-prize.

DOES YOUR STUDENT HAVE A TEACHER THAT HELPS THEM BETTER UNDERSTAND MATH? OR ONE THAT TAKES AN INTEREST IN THEIR UNIQUE ABILITIES? HAVE YOU SAT IN ON A ZOOM CLASS AND BEEN AMAZED AT HOW THE TEACHER CONNECTED WITH THE STUDENTS?

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THANK Students or parents can write personalized thank-you messages* and send them to leith@nuggetnews.com or drop them off at The Nugget office, 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters.

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Pursuit ended in fatal shooting of suspect A man suspected of two armed robberies in Bend was killed in a confrontation with police on Highway 22 in Linn County after a chase that ran through Sisters and over Santiam Pass.

On Tuesday, December 8, around 10:15 p.m., Bend Police responded to 911 calls of an armed robbery at Dutch Bros. Coffee located at 603 SE 3rd St. and Domino’s Pizza located at 235 SE Yew Ave. in Bend.

According to police, the suspect, later identified as 27-year-old Brad Masters of Bend, walked up to Dutch Bros. Coffee at the north drive-through window, brandished a handgun, demanded money and then left on foot.

The suspect then entered the Domino’s Pizza, allegedly brandished a handgun and demanded money. He then stole a car from a Domino’s employee and fled prior to officers arriving on scene.

The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Information was given to the Oregon State Police and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office regarding the armed robbery and the stolen vehicle.

A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on the Bend Parkway near milepost 138 and observed the stolen vehicle driving south at a high rate of speed.

The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle. The deputy lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Romaine Village. As

Celebrate the

a perimeter was being set up in the area, another deputy was watching Highway 20 just west of Tumalo. As the deputy was watching, a blue passenger car passed him at a high rate of speed, estimated at 90 to 100 miles per hour. The deputy was able to catch up to the vehicle and confirm it was the stolen vehicle.

The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle sped up and continued driving west on Highway 20. The deputy discontinued pursuing as he got close to the City of Sisters.

A Black Butte Police Officer was east of Sisters set up with spike strips, but the vehicle was able to bypass them. Once the deputy was west of the City of Sisters he attempted to catch up to the vehicle again. The deputy continued trying to stop the vehicle until he reached the county line.

The deputy was alone at this time, so the decision was made to discontinue pursuing the vehicle.

Deputies from Linn County and Troopers from Oregon State Police located Masters in the stolen vehicle westbound on Highway 22 about five miles east of Gates and stopped the car with spike strips. Masters allegedly exited the vehicle and a confrontation ensued in which troopers and deputies shot and killed Masters.

No law enforcement officers were injured.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

25

Oregon hospital workers face strain

By Andrew Selsky Associated Press

SALEM (AP) — Working long shifts while trying to save coronavirus patients without getting sick themselves, healthcare workers are facing incredible stress.

With coronavirus infections spreading at record levels, taxing the capacity of many hospitals, nurses and doctors in Oregon say they are finding little relief.

“In addition to the challenges of working on the front lines of a pandemic, nurses are also confronting the same challenges everyone in their community does. That means daycare and school closures, and personal health risks. In southern Oregon — wildfires, sick family members.

And they’re just exhausted,” said Kevin Mealy, spokesman for the Oregon Nurses Association.

An interview with an emergency room nurse in Oregon gives a picture of what kind of strains they’re working under. He spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid possible retaliation. Mealy said hospitals have threatened to discipline or fire nurses who discuss hospital operations.

For the nurse, holidays are another grinding, and dangerous, workday as he pulls long shifts at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford to fill staffing gaps.

The hospital was already short-staffed because nurses are hard to find, and fewer traveling nurses are available, he said. Plus, almost 10% of the emergency room nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors at the hospital have become infected with COVID-19, he said.

Once his shift ends, he disposes of his personal protective equipment — which he said there is a good supply of — and drives home, where he finds it almost impossible to relax.

He can’t go out. He can’t see his grown daughter or his mother. Indoor service at restaurants and bars is prohibited under a statewide lockdown, and gyms are closed.

Even if they were open, he’d avoid going.

“I have to self-quarantine because I’m exposed to COVID nonstop. So it would be irresponsible of me to go around other people, except for essential groceries and stuff,” he said. “You’re working 12-hour shifts and then

you’re at home, and for sleep pretty much.”

Even at home, the job intrudes for the nurse.

In the 380-bed hospital, alarms go off constantly as patients’ oxygen levels drop or blood pressure changes.

Those alarms haunt him in his sleep. He hears them in dreams and they jolt him awake.

“That kind of stress of having to be at work all the time, it doesn’t go away,” he said.

The nurse said his emergency room is very busy, handling up to 40 patients at a time who show COVID-19 symptoms. They are swabbed and X-rayed, he said.

Overflow patients are sent to a surgical floor. The hospital’s critical-care unit has 15 beds, and seven are occupied

by COVID-19 patients who are intubated, the nurse said.

Managers of the medical center are increasing staffing levels to accommodate the influx of patients, Amanda Kotler, vice president of nursing, told KTVL, a Medford TV station.

Mealy said the public should take heed of what’s happening in the hospitals, and take precautions like keeping social distance.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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L H Q R U H N G K L L O R D Q O M B P

SUDOKU (EASY)

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small nine-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Sisters salutes...

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

27

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

By Jacqueline E. Mathews, Tribune News Service

— Last Week’s Puzzle Solved —

“Circle of Peace” by Reina Barnes-Rubio.

• Three Sisters Lions Club would like to congratulate eighth-grade student Reina Barnes-Rubio for her winning art piece, “Circle of Peace.” Reina, with the assistance of Judy Fuentes, middle school art teacher, worked remotely to create her art piece and submit it to the club for consideration in the nationwide Lions Club competition.

The theme of this year’s competition was “Peace around the World.” Reina’s piece was submitted for statewide competition and hopefully will win the state competition and move onto the national Lions Club competition. Reina was awarded a certificate and a cash award for her winning entry.

• Karen Keady wrote: Here in our beautiful little town many small business owners, as well as restaurants, are struggling to make it through this difficult time. What is amazing to me is the ingenuity and strength of people as they forge ahead, creating ways to survive and even thrive as we all become weary of the struggle.

I always remember what my mom used to say.

Having lived through the Great Depression, she told us as kids that when things are going well it is easy to be of good cheer but when times are tough and things are difficult, that shows the

true strength of character, how one handles adversity. Mom showed us how to trace our feet on cardboard to make insoles for our shoes when we could not afford new ones and our soles grew thin. I remember those lessons well growing up.

We have lost some businesses here in Sisters, hardworking people who have had to close because of this pandemic. That is a sad loss.

During my days at work, I meet a diverse group of women and men, a few of them, like myself, business owners. I see the spirit of Sisters in each and every one. On Saturday, Dan, owner of Dan’s Smoked Salmon, drove to my place to deliver at no extra charge a beautifully wrapped gift basket I purchased for a friend. In each basket he includes local goodies from Sisters Meat and Smokehouse and various other merchants. A win-win for all!

At Thanksgiving, The Open Door Gallery, owned by the Rickards family, offered a five-course meal to feed five to six people for $175, which included a second five-course meal to give to a family in need.

What an amazing town we live in with such generous hard-working families.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and I think he lives close by!

Classifieds are online at

NuggetNews.com

This Week’s Crossword Sponsors

WELL PUMP SERVICE

Pump & Electrical Contractor

PRESSURE TANKS • CONSTANT-PRESSURE SYSTEMS FREQUENCY DRIVES • MOTOR CONTROLS • PUMPS A Division of

Sisters Owned CCB#178543

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Zach 541-420-8170

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Let’s talk.

Karen Kassy

Financial Advisor

541-549-1866 Ho Holidays olidays liidays ys at Essentials E Essential e tia Skincare Ski Skinc kincare kin are re

New Client Gift Bags full of Goodies!

Free ee sam samples ples l ÉÉminence minence i e Or O Organic rganiic pr pproducts, rod odu duct u ts, ch choc chocolates h olat l tes & mo more!

Facial in an Organza Bag

Essentials Skincare

Cleanse, eexfoliate, xffoliliatte, masque, ser se serum, eru rum, rum m m moisturize... oistturriz ize.... $20 ize

10% Off

s ate ific ble SistersEssentials.com t

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all body-care products and starter sets

4922 EE. Main 49 Main i Ave Ave. Ave • Open Open Mon Mon.-Sat., Mon Sat Satt Flexible Flexibl ibl ble Hou Hours Houurs Karen Keady Esthetician/Owner • 541-480-1412

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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: $2 per line for first insertion, $1.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1 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 $2 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: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication.

PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement.

VISA & MasterCard accepted.

Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four (4) weeks and upon approval of account application.

CATEGORIES: 101 Real Estate 102 Commercial Rentals 103 Residential Rentals 104 Vacation Rentals 106 Real Estate Wanted 107 Rentals Wanted 200 Business Opportunities 201 For Sale 202 Firewood 203 Recreation Equipment 204 Arts & Antiques 205 Garage & Estate Sales 206 Lost & Found 207 The Holidays 301 Vehicles 302 Recreational Vehicles 401 Horses 402 Livestock 403 Pets 500 Services 501 Computer Services 502 Carpet Upholstery Cleaning 503 Appliance Repair & Refinish 504 Handyman 505 Auto Repair 600 Tree Service & Forestry 601 Construction 602 Plumbing & Electric 603 Excavations & Trucking 604 Heating & Cooling 605 Painting 606 Landscaping & Yard Maint.

701 Domestic Services 702 Sewing 703 Child Care 704 Events & Event Services 801 Classes & Training 802 Help Wanted 803 Work Wanted 901 Wanted 902 Personals 999 Public Notice

C L A S S I F I E D S 101 Real Estate

FSBO 10 acres next to Sisters Rodeo grounds. Large 5 BR, 3 BA home, barn, and shop. $595K. 541-419-0272.

Please no agents.

THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER Your Local News Source! www.nuggetnews.com Breaking News / Road Reports Weather / Letters / Blog

102 Commercial Rentals

FOR LEASE – Approx.

420 sq. ft. office suite available at 220 S. Pine St. building. Suite is light & bright, with views of Hood Ave. Email: lorna@nolteproperties.com or phone – 541-419-8380.

Lorna Nolte, Principal Broker Lic. #200105010 CASCADE STORAGE (541) 549-1086 • (877) 540-1086 581 N. Larch – 7-Day Access 5x5 to 12x30 Units Available 5x5 - 8x15 Climate Control Units On-site Management Ground-floor suite, 290 sq. ft.

581 N Larch St. Available now, $325/month. Call 541-549-1086.

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.

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS • 8 x 20 dry box • Fenced yard, RV & trailers • In-town, gated, 24-7 Kris@earthwoodhomes.com Prime Downtown Retail Space Call Lori at 541-549-7132 Cold Springs Commercial Office space for lease. The Place on Main. 101 Main Ave. in Sisters. Three spaces available. $575/month and up. Call Ralph 541-390-5187 Prime retail space available in the Gallery Annex building (Sage Antiques location). Call Jim at 541-419-0210 for more info.

103 Residential Rentals

PONDEROSA PROPERTIES –Monthly Rentals Available– Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com Printed list at 221 S. Ash, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC

104 Vacation Rentals

201 For Sale

Holiday shopping from the comforts of home.

Shop www.youravon.com/ joannacooley Or call/text Joanna ~ 541-588-0886 ~ Shop local!

403 Pets

Black Butte WINDOW CLEANING Commercial & Residential.

18 years experience, references available. Safe, reliable, friendly.

Free estimates. 541-241-0426

Female pot-bellied pig.

5 months, pet-friendly and cute. $50. 541-350-1627.

Adorable puppies. Mini fox terrier/shihtzu & mini-dachshund.

501 Computers & Ready Jan. 1. 3 girls, 2 boys. $450 each. 541-350-1627.

Communications SISTERS SATELLITE FURRY FRIENDS TV • PHONE • INTERNET helping Sisters families w/pets.

Your authorized local dealer for FREE Dog & Cat Food DirecTV, ViaSat HS Internet No contact pick-up by appt. and more! CCB # 191099 412 E. Main Ave., Ste. 4 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729 541-797-4023 Technology Problems?

Bend Spay & Neuter Project I can fix them for you.

Providing Low-Cost Options for Solving for business, home & Spay, Neuter and more!

A/V needs. All tech supported.

Go to BendSnip.org Find Hope in God’s Character Jason Williams or call 541-617-1010 Transformed by God’s Nature Sisters local • 25 yrs. experience Three Rivers Humane Society Daily readings accompanied by 541-719-8329 Where love finds a home! See the beautiful illustrations explore the FREE LASERJET PRINTER doggies at 1694 SE McTaggart attributes of God as revealed in HP LaserJet 5200 (black and in Madras • A No-kill Shelter Scripture. Readers are white laser printer), plus two Go to ThreeRiversHS.org encouraged to know God more 16A cartridges. or call 541-475-6889 deeply and be spiritually Stop by The Nugget to look at transformed in the midst of trials 500 Services or pick up. and suffering. Available at MOVING TRUCK FOR HIRE THE NUGGET LogBridgeBooks.com, Amazon, –COMPLETE MOVING, LLC– NEWSPAPER & Paulina Springs Books, Sisters.

Sisters' Only Local Moving Co.!

Two exp. men with 25+ years 502 Carpet & Upholstery 202 Firewood comm. moving. Refs! ODOT Lic. Cleaning SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS Class 1-B • Call 541-678-3332 GORDON’S DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD ~ WEDDINGS BY KARLY ~ LAST TOUCH • SINCE 1976 • Happy to perform virtual or Cleaning Specialists for Doug Fir – Lodgepole – Juniper in-person weddings.

CARPETS, WINDOWS DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES Custom Wedding Ceremonies & UPHOLSTERY – 18155 Hwy. 126 East – 20+ years • 541-410-4412 Member Better Business Bureau SistersForestProducts.com revkarly@gmail.com • Bonded & Insured • Order Online! 541-410-4509 Serving Central Oregon • DERI’s HAIR SALON • FIREWOOD, dry or green Since 1980 Call 541-419-1279 Lodgepole, juniper, pine.

Call 541-549-3008 GEORGE’S SEPTIC Cut & split. Delivery included.

M & J CARPET CLEANING TANK SERVICE eaglecreekfire@yahoo.com Area rugs, upholstery, tile & “A Well Maintained 205 Garage & Estate Sales dryer-vent cleaning. Established Septic System Protects & family-owned since 1986.

Happy Trails Estate Sales! the Environment” 541-549-9090 Selling or Downsizing?

541-549-2871 Locally owned & operated by...

BOOKKEEPING SERVICE 504 Handyman Daiya 541-480-2806 ~ Olivia Spencer ~ LAREDO CONSTRUCTION Sharie 541-771-1150 Expert Local Bookkeeping!

541-549-1575 Phone: (541) 241-4907 301 Vehicles Maintenance / Repairs www.spencerbookkeeping.com Insurance Work CCB #194489 We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality RV repairs, yard cleaning, Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Home Customizations, LLC hauling, have references. Call Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 Res. & Commercial Remodeling, Andersen’s Almost Anything at Sisters Car Connection da#3919 Bldg.

Maintenance & Painting 541-728-7253.

SistersCarConnection.com Chris Patrick, Owner SMALL Engine REPAIR homecustomizations@gmail.com CAR TO SELL? Lawn Mowers, CCB #191760 • 541-588-0083 Place your ad in The Nugget Chainsaws & Trimmers No job too small. $15-25/hour.

Sisters Rental 401 Horses 40 years in the trade. References 331 W. Barclay Drive available.

541-549-4563.

541-549-9631 JONES UPGRADES LLC Authorized service center for Home Repairs & Remodeling Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Fences, Sheds & more.

Kohler, Kawasaki Engines Mike Jones, 503-428-1281 Local resident • CCB #201650

~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Miniature horse for sale!

Private Central OR vac. rentals, 13 y.o., fully trained. Great with Property Management Services seniors and kids. Jumps, lunges, 541-977-9898 drives. Healthy, sweet boy. www.SistersVacation.com Cart/harness included.

CASCADE HOME & $1,500 OBO. Contact Cara at VACATION RENTALS drinkwardc@gmail.com.

Monthly and Vacation Rentals Certified Weed-Free HAY. throughout Sisters Country.

Orchard Grass or Alfalfa Hay, (541) 549-0792 Sisters. $275 per ton.

Property management Call 541-548-4163 for second homes.

CascadeVacationRentals.net TRITICALE MEADOW GRASS HAY 50% Off Furnished Condo ORCHARD GRASS HAY 2 BR/2 BA. Downtown.

Available March thru May, 2021. New crop. No rain. Barn stored.

3-tie bales. $185-$250/ton. Hwy. Rent one month or more.

126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895 Call 503-730-0150.

600 Tree Service & Forestry

Snow removal, junk removal, garage & storage clean-out, yard & construction debris.

You Call – We Haul!

541-598-4345.

SNOW REMOVAL Residential driveways & sidewalks. Commercial snow blower & front loader.

Guaranteed lowest prices.

Call 541-678-3332.

TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT Tree care and vegetation management Pruning, hazard tree removal, stump grinding, brush mowing, certified arborist consultation, tree risk assessment qualified, wildfire fuels assessment and treatment, grant acquisition, lot clearing, crane services.

Nate Goodwin ISA-Cert. Arborist PN-7987A CCB #190496 * 541.771.4825 Online at: www.tsi.services

Sisters Tree Care, LLC Preservation, Pruning, Removals & Storm Damage Serving All of Central Oregon Brad Bartholomew ISA Cert. Arborist UT-4454A 503-914-8436 • CCB #218444 Top Knot Tree Care can handle all of your tree needs, from trims to removals.

Specializing in tree assessment, hazard tree removal, crown reduction, ladder fuel reduction, lot clearing, ornamental and fruit tree trimming and care.

• Locally owned and operated • • Senior and military discounts • • Free assessments • • Great cleanups • • Licensed, Insured and Bonded • Contact Bello @ 541-419-9655, Find us on Facebook and Google CCB#227009 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 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 4brostrees.com Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

601 Construction

JERRY WILLIS DRYWALL & VENETIAN PLASTER All Residential, Commercial Jobs 541-480-7179 • CCB #69557

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT CCB: 288388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

C L A S S I F I E D S

Lara’s Construction LLC. CCB#223701 Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues & all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate.

541-350-3218 CASCADE GARAGE DOORS Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553

SIMON CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Residential Remodel Building Projects Bruce Simon, Quality craftsman for 35 years 541-948-2620 • CCB #184335 bsimon@bendbroadband.com

Construction & Renovation Custom Residential Projects All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448 LAREDO CONSTRUCTION 541-549-1575 For ALL Your Residential Construction Needs CCB #194489 www.laredoconstruction.com

Custom Homes • Additions Residential Building Projects Serving Sisters area since 1976 Strictly Quality CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-549-9764 John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

SUDOKU Level: Moderate Answer: Page 31

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small nine-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

CENIGA'S MASONRY, INC. Brick • Block • Stone • Pavers CCB #181448 – 541-350-6068 www.CenigasMasonry.com Carl Perry Construction LLC Construction • Remodel Repair CCB #201709 • 541-419-3991 JOHN NITCHER CONSTRUCTION General Contractor Home repair, remodeling and additions. CCB #101744 541-549-2206 SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC. General Contractor Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels Since ’74 A “Hands-On” Builder Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016 To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523 McCARTHY & SONS CONSTRUCTION New Construction, Remodels, Fine Finish Carpentry 541-420-0487 • CCB #130561

ROBINSON & OWEN Heavy Construction, Inc. All your excavation needs *General excavation *Site Preparation *Sub-Divisions *Road Building *Sewer and Water Systems *Underground Utilities *Grading *Snow Removal *Sand-Gravel-Rock Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #124327 (541) 549-1848 TEWALT & SONS INC. Excavation Contractors Sisters’ Oldest Excavation Co. Our experience will make your $ go further – Take advantage of our FREE on-site visit!

Hard Rock Removal • Rock Hammering • Hauling Trucking • Top Soil • Fill Dirt Ground-to-finish Site Prep Building Demolition • Ponds & Liners • Creative & Decorative Rock Placement • Clearing, Leveling & Grading Driveways Utilities: Sewer Mains, Laterals Water, Power, TV & Phone Septic System EXPERTS: Complete Design & Permit Approval, Feasibility, Test Holes.

Sand, Pressurized & Standard Systems. Repairs, Tank Replacement. CCB #76888 Cellular: 419-2672 or 419-5172 • 541-549-1472 • TewaltAndSonsExcavation.com

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– 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

701 Domestic Services

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

802 Help Wanted

Home caregiver needed. 2-3 shifts per week. 541-598-4527.

803 Work Wanted

Home Health Professional Strong medical, domestic, and personal care experience.

Please call 541-420-0501.

YOUR SOURCE for up-to-date Sisters news! www.NuggetNews.com

999 Public Notice

CITY OF SISTERS LOCUST-CEDAR ALLEY WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT Bids due 2 p.m., January 14, 2021 INVITATION TO BID Custom Homes Sealed bids for the construction Residential Building Projects of the City of Sisters, Concrete Foundations Locust-Cedar Alley Water Becke William Pierce Main Replacement Project, CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 addressed to the City Recorder, Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com City of Sisters, Oregon will be 604 Heating & Cooling Earthwood Timberframes received until 2 PM local time at ACTION AIR • Design & construction City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Heating & Cooling, LLC • Recycled fir and pine beams Avenue, P.O. Box 39, Sisters, Retrofit • New Const • Remodel • Mantles and accent timbers Oregon, on January 14, 2021 Consulting, Service & Installs Kris@earthwoodhomes.com and then publicly opened and actionairheatingandcooling.com CCB #174977 read at 2 PM at City Hall, in CCB #195556 Sisters, Oregon. Bids shall be 602 Plumbing & Electric 541-549-6464 clearly labeled: Locust-Cedar R&R Plumbing, LLC 605 Painting Alley Water Main Replacement > Repair & Service Project. Improvements generally ~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ > Hot Water Heaters include the construction of two Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. > Remodels & New Const.

6-inch water mains, seven water Refurbishing Decks Servicing Central Oregon services, trenching and patching, CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 Lic. Bond. Ins. • CCB #184660 and appurtenant improvements www.frontier-painting.com 541-771-7000 between Locust St. and Cedar St. CURTS ELECTRIC LLC 606 Landscaping & Yard in Sisters, Oregon. This project is – SISTERS, OREGON – required to comply with FHWA Maintenance Quality Electrical Installations Buy America guidelines which All Landscaping Services Agricultural • Commercial stipulate that steel, iron, and Mowing, Thatching, Hauling...

Industrial • Well & Irrigation manufactured products used in Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740.

Pumps, Motor Control, the project are produced in the Barns & Shops, Plan Reviews United States.

Contractors will be CCB #178543 required to submit Certificates of 541-480-1404 Materials Origin prior to delivery From design to installation we MONTE'S ELECTRIC of such products. can do it all! Pavers, water • service • residential The invitation to bid, plans, features, irrigation systems, sod, • commercial • industrial specifications, addenda, and plants, trees etc.

Serving all of Central Oregon notification of bid results for this 541-771-9441 LCB #8906 541-719-1316 project may be viewed at Sisters bendorganiclandscaping.com lic. bond. insured, CCB #200030 City Hall at 520 E Cascade SWEENEY Avenue, Sisters, OR 97759; or PLUMBING, INC. printed or ordered on line from “Quality and Reliability” Premier Builders Exchange at Repairs • Remodeling www.plansonfile.com.

Complete landscape construction, • New Construction There will be no Pre-Bid fencing, irrigation installation & • Water Heaters Conference for the trouble-shooting, general 541-549-4349 Locust-Cedar Alley Water cleanups, turf care maintenance Residential and Commercial Main Replacement Project. and agronomic recommendations, Licensed • Bonded • Insured This project is subject to the fertility & water conservation CCB #87587 provisions of ORS 279C.800 management, light excavation. through 279C.870 regarding 603 Excavation & Trucking CCB 188594 • LCB 9264 payment of prevailing wages.

541-515-8462 BANR Enterprises, LLC Bidders must be registered with Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, J&E Landscaping Maintenance the Construction Contractors Hardscape, Rock Walls LLC Clean-ups, raking, mowing, Board (ORS 701.055) or the bid Residential & Commercial hauling debris, gutters. will not be received or CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 considered. www.BANR.net jandelspcing15@gmail.com Published December, 9, 2020

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

BUDGET: COVID-19 has had devastating impact for many Continued from page 16

hospitals decrying the budget.

“She has chosen to propose direct cuts to hospitals in the middle of the biggest public health crisis in a century,” said Becky Hultberg, the president and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. “Cuts of this magnitude could force hospitals to reduce service to Oregonians during a pandemic.”

However, Brown’s budget would keep the state’s main school fund relatively unchanged at $9.1 billion. In addition, the governor’s budget stabilizes education funding by drawing $215 million from the Education Stability Fund for public schools.

The governor’s recommended biennium budget spending plan is $100.2 billion in total funds spending, including $25.6 billion in General Fund and Lottery Funds. It will be considered by lawmakers when they convene in Salem in January. The Legislature is controlled by Brown’s fellow Democrats.

As lawmakers wait to see if Congress will pass another COVID-19 relief package, Brown’s proposed budget calls for federal funds for COVID-19 testing, health services,

rent forgiveness, targeted mortgage relief, additional $600 payments in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Insurance, a renewal of the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, child care support and more flexible Coronavirus Relief Fund support for local and state governments.

In addition to applying federal funds towards pandemic response, the governor’s budget invests $30 million in public health modernization “to better prepare Oregon’s public health system to respond to events like the current pandemic.”

The budget also includes $17.9 million in investments in a range of strategies to protect seniors living in assisted living and nursing homes where there have been an abundance of COVID-19 outbreaks. Oregonians who are 80 or older account for more than half of the state’s COVID-19 deaths.

Those also struggling during the pandemic are smallbusiness owners and workers.

Restaurants have been forced to close their doors, only allowing takeout, as an effort to slow the spread of the virus and sometimes results in closing their doors for good. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, about 200 restaurants, or 2%, have permanently closed in the state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating financial impact on many Oregon businesses and working families,” said Charles Boyle, the governor’s deputy communications director.

The governor’s budget also seeks to maintain funding for the Oregon Worker Relief Fund, Oregon Worker Quarantine Fund, and the COVID-19 temporary paid leave program, to continue to support Oregon workers during the pandemic. In addition, the budget maintains funding for the Oregon Employment Department to ensure Oregon workers are paid the benefits they are owed, as well as for Oregon OSHA, to ensure workplace protections

continue to be enforced.

As people have lost their jobs, their housing at times has also been at risk.

Brown is also proposing that $65.9 million be invested into housing and homelessness, $350 million be used for rent assistance and $250 million for affordable-housing development funds.

While COVID-19 has put economic stress on Oregonians, Portland has also been rocked by ongoing protests over police issues.

The governor is calling for reforms in the justice system, from expanding police-accountability measures, reforming courts and stabilizing the Department of Corrections budget going forward.

In addition, the pandemic has exacerbated disparities in education. One of the largest challenges for rural and impoverished students is access to the internet. Brown is proposing an investment of $118 million in broadband expansion statewide will connect an additional 50 urban

and rural communities that currently lack access.

Lastly the governor is working to tackle the issues of wildfires, which burned a million acres, destroyed hundreds of homes, and killed at least nine Oregonians this year.

Brown’s budget dedicates $189.5 million to rebuild communities impacted by the fires. In addition, the governor’s Wildfire Economic Recovery Council will also have access to an additional $170 million of communitydevelopment resources.

Funds will support debris cleanup, tree removal, sheltering and housing, food assistance and community infrastructure The proposed budget invests $30 million in the Oregon Department of Forestry and sets aside $40 million to address recommendations from the Governor’s C o u n c i l o n Wi l d f i r e Response. The budget also invests $73.7 million in fire preparedness, response, and prevention resources.

Planning a Home Construction or Renovation Project?

Our team believes quality, creativity, and sustainability matter. We want your home to be a work of art worthy of containing your life.

— Mike & Jill Dyer, Owners

541-420-8448

dyerconstructionrenovation.com

CCB#148365

Health, wellness and quality of life is a top priority for people in Central Oregon!

Having a healthy, active lifestyle is just the tip of the iceberg.

Besides our individual physical health, overall wellbeing depends on other aspects of life as well like mental, oral, ocular, environmental, educational, financial, family, and pet health.

e l p m a s

Advertise in Focus On Health if you offer:

Fitness programs and gear • Beauty treatments Spa and massage services • Chiropractic, acupuncture and physical therapy Healthy food and supplements • Home cleaning services Senior living communities and programs • Veterinary and pet training services Financial and retirement management guidance

FOCUS ON HEALTH is a 2-week promotion in The Nugget Newspaper January 20 & 27, 2021 Each participating business receives a full-color ad both weeks and a 150-word mini-story with photo in one issue.

Total cost is just $275 Save $300 over regular rates!

Space and ad content deadline is Friday, January 8, 2021.

Ad size: 2.85" wide by 3.52" high.

Space is limited and this popular section sells out!

Call Vicki at 541-549-9941 to reserve your space.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

31

‘Our kids are the sacrifices’: Parents push schools to open

By Sara Cline Associated Press/Report for America

LAKE OSWEGO (AP) — The activism of Jennifer Dale began when she watched her third-grade daughter struggle with distance learning, kicking and screaming through her online classes.

The mother of three initially sent emails to her local school officials with videos of the disastrous school days for her middle daughter, Lizzie, who has Down syndrome.

Over time, she connected with other parents and joined several protests calling for school buildings to reopen.

Now she helps organize events and has become a voice for what has become a statewide movement of parents calling for children to return to school in Oregon, one of only a handful of states that has required at least a partial closure of schools as long as local coronavirus infections remain above certain levels.

“This just isn’t plausible anymore. It’s not fair to the kids, who I am afraid aren’t getting an adequate education,” Dale said during an interview at her home in Lake Oswego as she juggled her work and helping her children who are distance learning. “Something needs to change. It is not working, and our kids are the sacrifices.”

In debates nationwide about opening schools, parents unhappy with distance learning are taking increasingly vocal roles in calling for more in-person instruction through grassroots organizing and legal challenges.

As the surge in coronavirus cases brings a new round of school closings, lawsuits by parents have followed in states including New York, California, and Pennsylvania, arguing that remote learning is falling short of state education standards and causing harm to students.

In many communities, parents have turned out at demonstrations for school reopenings, often greeted by groups of other protesters including teachers and their union supporters asking for improved safety measures before students return.

The movement has gained substantial traction in

SUDOKU SOLUTION for puzzle on page 29

Oregon, where parents have organized protests across the state, including one at the state Capitol in October that drew hundreds of parents.

They have submitted petitions with thousands of signatures, posted anecdotes on social media, and written to state officials.

A coalition of parent groups in the state is demanding that Oregon officials remove statewide barriers to in-person learning by January 6 — the 300th day since the vast majority of students were last in a classroom.

Based on data from the state’s education department, around nine percent of Oregon public school students have returned for in-person school or a hybrid schedule, a result largely of stringent metrics set by Governor Kate Brown for school reopening.

Initially, schools weren’t eligible to reopen their buildings, with some exceptions, unless the state’s positivity rate remained for three consecutive weeks below five percent — a number the state has not met since early July.

New reopening metrics were announced in October, allowing counties to transition toward in-person learning once they have fewer than 200 new infections per 100,000 residents. But still, state officials said only about 20% of Oregon students

would be eligible for in-person learning.

Similarly in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio set one of the strictest metrics in the country — ­ schools would close citywide if the city reached a three-percent positivity rate. But, as businesses in the city reopened, parents argued that the metric should be revisited and that students should begin returning to the classroom.

On Sunday, de Blasio abandoned the three-percent threshold, announcing that students Pre-K through elementary school, who have opted for in-person learning, will return to school buildings on December 7.

Dale’s daughter Lizzie was allowed to begin attending a portion of her classes at her school in Oregon in October, as part of an arrangement for special education students. She wears a face shield and as the only student in the classroom, she does not get to see any friends, but she prefers it to “computer school.” Dale’s other children are continuing with distance learning.

Severe illness from the virus among children and teens is rare, particularly in younger ones, but they can often spread the disease without showing any symptoms.

School administrators say they see little evidence of virus spread inside schools.

Real Estate Guide for Hire!

• Keen Sense of Direction • Excellent Navigator & Explorer • Knowledgeable Storyteller • Outgoing & Enthusiastic • Always Finds A Way Back Home

Ross Kennedy Principal Broker

Loan Originator NMLS #1612019 Licensed in the State of Oregon

541-408-1343

Serving Black Butte Ranch & The Greater Sisters Area

While officials universally stress the importance of inperson education, states have taken different approaches on risk tolerance with the virus.

States including California, Hawaii, New Mexico and North Carolina also require school districts to meet similar metrics in order to reopen for hybrid or in-person learning. On the other end of the spectrum, governors in states including Arkansas, Florida, Iowa and Texas have ordered that schools make in-person learning available.

During a recent day at Dale’s home, she juggled her children’s schoolwork with

her own work and preparing meals. As the school day ended, Lizzie watched TV, her son, Charlie, played with his toys, and her daughter, Maddi, FaceTimed a friend.

For the first time in the day, she sat in her home office and focused on her job.

She looked over the most recent COVID-19 cases.

They were continuing to rise.

“At this point I am nervous they won’t return at all this school year,” Dale said.

“It’s time to begin learning to live with COVID,” she said.

“We have learned how to do this elsewhere, like grocery stores and restaurants. We can’t hide forever.”

Grounded in your community • Superior closing experiences • Strong relationships that last • Services and online resources that are second to none

Stop by and visit with Shelley Marsh & Tiana Van Landuyt.

220 S. Pine St., Ste. 102 | westerntitle.com | 541-548-9180

32

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Serving the Sisters, Camp Sherman and Black Butte Ranch Areas

Ponderosa Properties R E A L T O R S

A N D

P R O P E R T Y

M A N A G E M E N T

At Ponderosa Properties… …It’s About th e People ON TOP OF MCKINNEY BUTTE Overlooking the Cascade mountains and Sisters, this property has a combination of special features not often found. Main house has a rustic yet modern interior with knotty pine & accented by juniper logs. Exciting 3-level floor plan, high vaulted ceilings & spaces filled with Cascade view windows providing natural light. The 9.9-acre rural lot features detached guest accommodations w/ garage & long-term cell site camouflaged into the charming architecture. End-of-the-road privacy – forested with ample sunlight – dramatic setting with Cascade views – private guest accommodations – income stream – what more could you want! $999,000. MLS#220110633

LAKE CREEK LODGE, #18-U2 Turnkey in every sense of the word! 1/4 interest in this 3-bedroom, 3-bath cabin at historic Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman. Set on a small rise overlooking the creek basin, this vacationready cabin offers quality throughout. Knotty-pine paneling, plank fir floors, stone/gas fireplace, butcher-block countertops, stainless appliances, farm kitchen sink, tile bathroom & showers, cedar decks, stone exterior accents & locked owner storage. Enjoy the common area, tennis, pool, creek & open spaces. Nearby trails lead to the Metolius River and U.S. National Forest. $224,500.

MLS#220103280

Kevin R. Dyer 541-480-7552

Rad Dyer 541-480-8853

Debbie Dyer 541-480-1650

Shane Lundgren 541-588-9226

CRS, GRI, Principal Broker

GRI, Broker

ABR, CCIM, CRB, CRS, GRI, Principal Broker

Broker

Carol Davis 541-410-1556 ABR, GRI, Broker

Greg Davidge 808-281-2676 Broker

Catherine Black 541-480-1929

CRS, Broker, Realtor Emeritus - 40+ years

Jackie Herring 541-480-3157 Broker

541-549-2002 1-800-650-6766 ACREAGE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Enjoy the mountain views & beautiful setting on 9.3 acres near Sisters. Custom 4-bed./3.5-bath, 3,330 sq. ft. home with family room, separate office & double garage. Three separate outbuildings offer incredible possibilities to protect your RVs, indulge hobbies & house overflow guests. There is a 36x40 shop with 2nd level guest suite, 48x60 RV barn with 1,650 sq. ft. finished studio, 12x12 greenhouse & gardening area plus high-fenced landscaped grounds for the master gardener. So many amenities and possibilities. Only minutes to town in a secluded, quiet neighborhood off of Barclay Drive. $1,950,000. MLS#220113206

16676 JORDAN ROAD Mountain views! Part of the original Lazy Z Ranch. Fenced on two sides with Kentucky black fencing. Power close by. Septic feasibility in place, may need new evaluation. Close to town, yet off the beaten path, overlooking a 167± acre site of the R&B Ranch, which currently is not buildable. Needs well. Owner will consider short terms. $407,500.

MLS#201802331

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE! This 2.5 acre property is waiting for your dream home. Level land with a nice mix of pines and junipers. Paved access and a community water hookup available. A separate shop or RV building is allowed. Just minutes to Sisters. Bring your builder and let’s walk the property corners. $299,000.

MLS#220112822

RIVER FRONT PROPERTY In the City of Sisters with water, power & sewer to the property, storage shed, & approval for 2,500 sq. ft. home. Distance of building setback from river is difficult to obtain, making this a rare property. Large ponderosa & cottonwood trees plus 200± ft. of river frontage, accessible at multiple points. Peterson Ridge Trail system less than a block away. Miles of walking, jogging & mountain bike trails through the USFS just down the road with additional access to river on public land. So private, yet walking distance to Sisters. $479,900. MLS #202002392

BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN VIEW Beautiful mountain view acreage located in the secluded Lower Bridge Basin near the Deschutes River. Views of all mountains from Mt. Jefferson to Broken Top. There is a very private elevated building site in the NE corner of the lot with huge mountain views and southern exposure. Lower Bridge Estates offers paved streets, electric power and phone. The lot is approved for a standard septic system. There is abundant BLM land in the area and the nearby Deschutes River corridor is great for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. $229,000. MLS#201702313

MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Mountain views from this 83-acre parcel. Tree groves or open skies…choose your estate-caliber homesite. US Forest Service public land borders one-half mile for added privacy. A water hookup available if desired or drill your own. Horses, hermits or homebodies, a beautiful spot to create your custom dream. Eight miles to the Western town of Sisters. $980,000. MLS#220103712

www. P onderosa P roperties.com 221 S. Ash St. | PO Box 1779 | Sisters Guy Lauziere 541-410-9241

Broker

The Locals’ Choice!

EXCITING NEW TOWNHOME Located in The Peaks at Pine Meadow Village.

Two bedrooms, 2 baths and 1,455 sq.ft.

Contemporary style and design features upperlevel living for privacy and view from the greatroom. Practical kitchen opens to a large spacious living/dining with vaulted ceilings and lots of windows to let the natural light in. Propane fireplace provides a cozy and warm living space in the cooler months. Ductless heat pump and lower-level radiant floor heating gives yearround efficiency. Master is on the entry level and enjoys a large closet and luxurious bathroom.

Guest suite is located off the greatroom, as well as an enjoyable upper-level patio to enjoy the outdoors. An auto courtyard leads to the attached garage. $432,500. MLS#202000020

GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE A beautiful setting overlooking Aspen Lakes' 16th Fairway with tee-to-green fairway views.

The vista includes fairway ponds and a forested ridge/open space as the backdrop. Ponderosa pines and open skies highlight this large homesite ideal for your custom-home dreams.

Underground utilities and water available, septic approval and close to Aspen Lakes Recreational Center. $299,500. MLS#220106225

NEW TOWNHOME! Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Ultra-modern interior design features upper-level living. Light and bright greatroom with south-facing windows, cozy propane fireplace and high vaulted ceilings.

Sunny patio with mountain view and feeling of openness. Comfortable upper-level master suite with high ceilings, plenty of closet space and spacious bathroom. Also, a half-bath plus utility room upstairs for convenience. Lower level has 2 bedrooms plus guest bathroom. Heat pump on upper and efficient in-floor radiant heating on lower level. Single attached garage. $449,000.

MLS#202000015

7773 NW 89TH COURT Views of the Cascades and Black Butte from 9.07 acres of gently sloping land. This property is located within the highly desirable Lower Bridge Estates just outside of Terrebonne. Your ur dream home project has been given a head start here as the improvements to date include a private pr well, septic system stem m installed in 2003 and power available. expenses le.. These significant improvement improve improv havee already been inves invested on behalf of this property’s perty’s erty’s lucky nnew owners. Outdoor lovers will also appr appreciate the close proximity to public land ap access and the fishing opportunities to be realized on the scenic Deschutes River. $320,000.

MLS#220108557

G N I D N E P