The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLV No. 52 // 2022-12-28

News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

2023 will mark 30 years that my wife Marilyn and I have lived in Sisters.

Newly-married in 1993, we were California refugees, getting out of a state that had gone rotten with riot and congestion. We grew up on the fringes of the great concrete jungle, so we were oriented toward mountains and ponderosa pines, and we found what we were looking for in Sisters.

We chose the place because Marilyn had a job offer from Phil Arends, who operated a thriving travel agency called Desert Wings Travel. Times they were a-changin’ though. The advent of the Internet and the hammer blow of 9/11 revolutionized the travel industry, and now, except for boutique outfits, travel agencies are a relic of an earlier age. Phil Arends reinvented his career, and is a successful real estate agent; Marilyn moved into the medical field and now works for an ear-nose-and-throat clinic in Bend and Redmond.

Change is inevitable, and we adapt and overcome.

Over three decades, we’ve seen a lot of changes in Sisters. When we got here and moved into a double-wide trailer right across the street from Sisters Elementary School, there were fewer than 700 people living within the city limits of Sisters. And those city limits were smaller than they are now. The downtown retail zone was a cluster of mom-and-pop operations, and the Industrial Park was really just getting started. There was no sewer system, so there were significant limits on what a person could do with their property. Sisters Middle/High School was just a year old, located at what is now just the middle school — and

Keeping it neighborly

people were thrilled to have high school students back in town for the first time in decades.

A lot of the change and growth in the subsequent decades has been beneficial. Sisters always punched well above its weight in creating cultural events, and now we’re internationally renowned for our Rodeo, our arts and music events, our business innovators. Not without struggles and hard times, we’ve created schools that have helped launch our children out into a challenging and rapidly changing world.

A diverse cadre of people has made Sisters their home; some have built thriving businesses and careers in everything from engineering to building world-class musical instruments. Many of them have volunteered in roles from building trails to mentoring children.

When you work for a small-town newspaper, you get an up-close view of community conflicts, and Sisters has had its share. Some of them have gotten pretty mean-spirited. But most of the time, even in the midst of turmoil, Sisters has been a neighborly place, where people pitch in and help each other, lift their community up, and take on sometimes daunting challenges in a spirit of working for a common good.

Folks who have been here for a while sense that Sisters is at another crossroads —maybe a tipping point —where our identity as a community is at risk. There’s a paradox that every good place faces, when you hit a point where what is good in your community and environment attracts so many people to enjoy it that you risk losing the very qualities that brought the multitudes to your doorstep.

For many folks, it feels like Sisters is there.

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

Website: www.nuggetnews.com 442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 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

The Nugget is mailed to residents within the Sisters School District; subscriptions are available outside delivery area. Third-class postage: one year, $70; six months (or less), $45. First-class postage: one year, $110; six months, $80.

Marilyn and I have been blessed to live here for the past 30 years, and we’ve tried to contribute to the manifest good of this place. We have cherished memories here, and treasured friendships.

Honestly, we weren’t drawn here so much for the attractions of small-town life. We wanted woods and mountains, and we got ’em. But you can’t be in a place like this for long without finding your place in the warp and weft of community. What I have come to prize most about Sisters is a seemingly small quality — but I firmly believe that everything good flows from it. That’s neighborliness. Taking a minute to stop and talk to someone you haven’t seen for a while. A wave and a howdy from across the street — to someone you’ve never seen before. Two trucks stopping on Main Avenue, the drivers shooting the breeze, with traffic just moving around, with nobody thinking to honk their horn.

That kind of neighborliness is hard to maintain when there are thousands of people around, with a lot on their mind and their agenda. But it’s a critical element of who we are, and who I, at least, hope we can remain. That takes mindfulness — but we’re pretty good at that around here. So, here’s my New Year’s resolution: Let’s keep Sisters neighborly.

Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Sisters Weather Forecast

Wednesday Dec. 28 Partly Cloudy 40/29

Thursday Dec. 29 Rain/Snow 43/36

Sunday Jan. 1 Partly Cloudy 39/27

Friday Dec. 30 Rain/Snow 43/30

Monday Jan. 2 Snow Showers 39/29

Saturday Dec. 31 Rain/Snow 41/29

Tuesday Jan. 3 Rain/Snow 40/29

JANUARY

Fire destroys shop in Camp Sherman

Firefighters responded to a structure fire in a detached shop building early morning on December 31 in Camp Sherman. The fire was reported at 3:38 a.m. on Metke Lane. The fire engulfed a large shop building, which was located near a barn. Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the barn. Preliminary loss estimates for the building and contents are $175,000.

Public works crew keeps city moving

While many of us were relaxing after holiday celebrations, the six-person Public Works crew were out in the cold and snow, starting at about 9 p.m. in the downtown core to plow the streets. They started in the downtown commercial area so that Tewalt & Sons Excavators could come in at about 1 a.m. and haul away the mounds of snow created by the plows. From downtown, they moved out into all the neighborhoods.

Due to continued snowfall overnight the crew kept working straight through until 3 p.m. the next afternoon, having to retrace their steps twice. A newly acquired City truck plow made the crew’s work go faster than with their old equipment.

Vigil marks January 6 Capitol riot

Sisters residents commemorated the January 6, 2021 riot at the United States Capitol with a lively online event. Members of Indivisible Sisters hosted 72 attendees, gave rousing speeches, and presented guest speaker Jamie McLeodSkinner, a local candidate who has personal experience related to authoritarian governments.

Master of Ceremonies Mary Chaffin opened with a land acknowledgment to tribes that historically lived in or roamed upon what is now called Sisters Country. She drew attention to “the grievous wound to our democracy” served by the insurrection. Last January represented the only time “in 244 years that we didn’t have peaceful transition of power” after a presidential election, she observed.

Storms were good, but won’t bust drought

Looking out the window at the Three Sisters or hiking along Whychus Creek, one might think the deep snow and partial flooding would be a good predictor that our years-long drought might be alleviated. Not so fast say the folks who make a living measuring and tracking these things. Drought maps produced by the National Integrated Drought Information System indicate Sisters Country is still in category D3-Extreme Drought as is 57.9 percent of Oregon overall.

Local restaurant says farewell

Many within Sisters have heard that a beloved local dining establishment is in its final days of serving guests with great food, coffee, and microbrews. Hop & Brew will be open through January 15, and then must close their doors due to a building ownership change with new plans for the site.

Seed to Table hits fundraising goals

Finishing up their final fundraising efforts for 2021, the Seed to Table Oregon team is extending a heartfelt “thank you” for all the generous donations.

Audrey Tehan, founder and executive director, is feeling gratitude and optimism for the coming growing season. The board and staff ramped up fundraising goals because of increased demand for produce and a 30 percent rise in K-12 farm-based education.

City to enforce Dark Skies ordinance

At last week’s City Council workshop, Community Development Director Scott Woodford brought before Council a proposal for Sisters Development Code amendments related to the dark-sky lighting code.

Staff is proposing anticipated amendments for the code in early 2022 and asked for Council input. With the input received last week, staff will prepare specific development code amendments for Planning Commission and City Council review, including a public hearing, with approval in the spring.

City offers $675,000 for East Portal

The City of Sisters is offering the U.S. Forest Service $675,000 to purchase the 14.51acre East Portal property.

The property is located at the eastern terminus of Highway 242 at the northwest corner of west Highway 20 and Highway 242 and bordered on the west by West Hood Avenue. It is the final parcel of USFS land that was available for sale to help support redevelopment of the Sisters ranger station.

Venue of sheriff’s presentation stirred controversy

The topic of Sheriff Shane Nelson’s Tuesday, January 18 presentation at Aspen Lakes near Sisters — the effects and consequences of Oregon’s Ballot Measure 110 — wasn’t particularly controversial. The venue and the audience were.

Nelson was asked to make a presentation at the regular meeting of People’s Rights Oregon 5 (PR OR5). He chose the topic. The event was portrayed in local media as a “closed-door meeting.” The Sheriff’s Office then invited The Nugget to attend and report on the presentation, to which PR OR5 organizers agreed.

Sheriff warns on effects of drug policy

Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson thinks that Ballot Measure 110 — the Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative passed by voters in 2020 — sounded good in theory, but brings negative unintended consequences.

Measure 110 makes personal possession of a controlled substance a violation subject only to a maximum fine of $100, and established a drug addiction treatment and recovery program funded in part by the state’s marijuana tax revenue and state prison savings.

Nelson is supportive of some of the thinking behind the ballot measure, regarding ensuring that resources are made available to get users and addicts “back on track.” However, he asserted removing enforcement and the threat of incarceration from the equation handicaps the effectiveness of intervention.

Nelson emphasized that manufacture or sale of drugs is still treated as a crime.

Fourth-graders march on MLK Day

Fourth-grade teacher Clay Warburton takes to heart the need for students, even at the elementary school level, to understand the courage, bravery, and persistence of the people involved in America’s Civil Rights Movement and how they can discover their own ways to make a difference. To that end, Warburton helped lead about 50 people — students, parents, and other community members — on a walk around Sisters, “The March for Hope,” on Martin Luther King Day.

Habitat dedicates two new homes

Ryan Mantell and Joyce Johns can now lay their heads in new homes of their very own, thanks to the work of Sisters Habitat for Humanity and Heart of Oregon’s YouthBuild program. Members of both organizations and a variety of community members braved a biting wind January 20 to mark the dedication of the two new homes, located in the ClearPine subdivision at the northwest corner of Sisters.

Wildfire, traffic top citizen concerns

Residents generally feel very safe in Sisters and are not worried about being a victim of crime. Those sentiments were revealed in the results of a public safety survey conducted by the City at the end of 2021.

The two most important issues for those responding to the survey were wildfire prevention (28.8 percent) and traffic safety (28 percent). The other issues ranked as follows: preserving livability — 19 percent; houseless/homeless support — 10 percent; environmental sustainability — 6.4 percent; code enforcement — 2.9 percent; noise enforcement — 2.9 percent; and “other” — 2 percent.

Festival to offer Bluegrass camp

The inaugural Sisters Folk Festival Bluegrass Jam Camp for intermediate-level musicians aged 18 and up is scheduled for June 23-26, 2022, outdoors at Sisters Art Works.

The four-day program will focus on musicianship and collaboration through ensemble practice and performances on the traditional bluegrass instruments.

The event will culminate in a final concert by camp participants that will be open to the public.

FEBRUARY

New SES building project on track

Ground will not likely be broken for the new Sisters Elementary School until early spring 2022, but Superintendent Curt Scholl confirmed that the project is moving forward as expected.

“Yes, the building schedule is ambitious, but we are sticking with the plan to open in the fall of 2023 at the new site,” he said.

Law enforcement contract seen as success

Sheriff Shane Nelson is satisfied with the way the nearly two-year-old revised law enforcement with the City of Sisters is going.

“I feel like we’ve got excellent coverage,” he told The Nugget. “And, most important thing about it is having the relationship with the community.”

The City of Sisters and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) agreed to a $711,200 annual contract in March of 2020. The contract allows for a DCSO lieutenant and three deputies to be stationed in Sisters. City staff interacts directly with Lt. Chad Davis, who reports to the sheriff.

Greaney named Civics Teacher of the Year

Sisters High School (SHS) social studies and language arts teacher Gail Greaney received the honor of being named the 2021-22 Civics Teacher of the Year by the Classroom Law Project of Oregon.

Greaney, who has taught at SHS for 16 years, learned of the award in November and was recognized by her peers on December 3, 2021 at the annual civics conference for teachers, sponsored by the Classroom Law Project.

Bulge is reminder that we live among volcanoes

Scientists have detected an increase in the rate of uplift of the ground surface in the Three Sisters volcanic region of the Central Oregon Cascade Range. The United States Geologic Survey released an information statement from the Cascades Volcano Observatory with respect to Three Sisters Volcano (complex). The volcanoes’ status remains normal/green, and there is no sign of an imminent eruption. Episodes of increased uplift have been observed in this area before and are attributed to small pulses of magma moving deep into the volcanic region.

School district acquires Wildhaven Preserve

Sisters schools will soon have an exceptional outdoor environmental education classroom in the Sisters backcountry. The Wildhaven Preserve, a 160acre property in the Stevens Canyon area that has been cared for and protected as far back as 1970, became the responsibility of the Sisters School District following a transfer from the Nature Conservancy, which had overseen the land since 1982.

Greaney named CIVICS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Gail Greaney holds her award for being named the Civics Teacher of the Year.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG

Shining on the slopes...

Firefighters get live-fire training

Firefighters and personnel from Sisters, Cloverdale, Black Butte Ranch, Bend, Redmond, and Crooked River Ranch engaged in training drills on property that is now part of Sisters Woodlands just off Pine Street on the west side of Sisters on February 13. The developers offered structures formerly part of Sisters Ranger District facilities on the site for use in training exercises. Firefighters practiced search and rescue along with fire attack, ventilation, and exposure protection.

Heuberger medals in State swimming

MARCH

Sisters youth want to save dark skies

In a presentation to the City Council on February 23, members of Sisters High School Astronomy Club presented data highlighting the increase in light pollution of Sisters’ dark skies, and the importance of protecting those skies. Students making the presentation included sophomores Molly Greaney and Kaleb Woods, and junior Lizzie McCrystal, with work on the presentation also done by Paola Mendoza.

Biggest Little Show to get bigger

New lighting has being installed at Sisters Rodeo Grounds. The low-energy, highoutput LED lamps will dramatically improve illumination for the upcoming 80th Sisters Rodeo, June 8-12. This year’s Rodeo will be telecast live on the Cowboy Channel and RFD TV, and the new lighting makes this viable.

Black Butte inks McCance as new CEO

Shawn McCance, who has served as Black Butte Ranch’s CFO since May of 2018 and its interim CEO since the departure of Jay Head last summer, has been named chief executive officer, effective immediately.

He came to Black Butte from Auberge Resorts Collection, whose portfolio includes Pronghorn, a high-end property in Bend.

Laird Superfood names new CEO

Jason D. Vieth, 49, is the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Laird Superfood (NYSE-LSF), Sisters’ largest full-time employer and rapidly growing, plant-based producer of human food products. He will also serve as a director.

The appointment was announced by Paul Hodge, Jr., who will step down as founding CEO in a planned transition.

Vieth’s extensive experience in the food and beverage industry includes his most recent position as executive vice president of Sovos Brands, where he managed the Breakfast and Snacks Group.

Spa owner hit with $14,000 in fines

Mike Boyle of Sisters has been hit with significant fines by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT). Boyle is facing civil and criminal charges in association with alleged actions committed at Hop in the Spa in Sisters.

Jeff Van Laanen, compliance and licensing manager for OBMT, told The Nugget that the board met in executive session on January 31 and elected to charge Boyle with 13 violations of ORS 687.021 (1) (a) (practicing massage without a license); and one violation of ORS 687.021 (1) (c) (improperly advertising that the person engages in the practice of massage).

Sisters marks passing of Glenn Miller

Sisters builder and leader of the Sisters Rodeo, Glen Miller died last week after a long period of ill health.

Sisters Rodeo Association made the announcement, reflecting on the giant boot prints Miller made in Sisters.

“Holding the position as our Rodeo president for 21 years he invested so much of his life into our organization,” the Association statement noted. “No one else has led the Rodeo with more vision and inspiration than him.”

Miller first served as Sisters Rodeo Association President in 1988. He convinced the board of directors to join the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

City investigating new tourism model

Sisters is moving toward a holistic approach to tourism, considering the benefits for the visitors balanced with the quality of life for the residents. The City Council and City staff are investigating a fairly recent development in the tourism industry known as destination management. Destination management involves coordinating tourist activities across multiple agencies, businesses, and organizations to manage visitor impacts on the area while improving livability for the local residents.

Coach moves back to college ranks

Neil Fendall recently accepted the job as defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the Southern Oregon University Red Raiders (SOU) and is already on the job in Ashland. Fendall, who coached football for five years in Sisters beginning in 2015, most recently held the head position at the new Caldera High School in Bend.

Clayten Heuberger brought home two medals from the OSAA 4A/3A/2A/1A championships held Saturday, February 19, at Tualatin Valley Swim Center, completing a stellar season for the junior. Heuberger placed third in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 55.86. In the 50-yard free, Heuberger kept pace in a very close race, setting a new personal best of 22.86 to place fourth.

Sisters filmmaker to debut in Texas festival

“The Outside Circle: A Film of the Modern West” will have its world premiere in “the best little documentary film festival in Texas” March 23-27. Thin Line Fest is in its 15th year in Denton, Texas.

Sisters writer Craig Rullman makes his directorial debut with the film. According to Rullman, the festival slot is a major step in getting wide distribution for the documentary, which was filmed in Paisley and northern Nevada. Sam Pyke of Hill Shadow Pictures in Sisters is cinematographer on the film. Sisters filmmaker Cody Rheault also contributed to the film.

Fires imperil homeowner’s insurance in Sisters Country

After the catastrophic fires and resultant claims losses from Western states wildfires, a number of insurance carriers have dropped homeowners insurance altogether. Others have raised rates or limited the areas they will insure. Local agents report they are often unable to write policies for new homeowners in much of 97759.

“If you live outside the city limits, we basically cannot write you,” Jennifer Burroughs, an agent with Farmers Insurance in Sisters, said.

Cocaine trafficking bust in Sisters

A traffic stop on Highway 20 in Sisters, at about 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2, capped a long-term Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team investigation with the arrest of Dorian Jay Decker, 28, of Bend.

The students are asking Council to update and fully implement the City’s dark-sky ordinance, which was written in 2010 with five years given for implementation. Up to this year, little has been done and Council is intent on changing that. The students would like to see public education to raise awareness regarding appropriate lighting as well as enforcement of the code.

City to contract for water conservation expertise

The City of Sisters, in recognition of the worsening drought picture, is in the final stages of being able to hire outside consultants to prepare a water conservation plan. City Manager Cory Misley said: “We are trying to get ahead of the problem. Even though the City itself is in a fairly good water position.”

City welcomes new principal planner

Matthew Martin is the newest member to join the City of Sisters staff. He is principal planner in the Community Development Department.

Whychus Creek set for restoration next to campground

If all goes according to plan, instream and bank restoration work on Whychus Creek, where it runs between Creekside Park and Creekside Campground — from the Locust Street bridge to the Highway 20 bridge — should take place in August 2022. This according to Mathias Perle, restoration program manager for the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, in his report to the City Parks Advisory Board, who held their March 2 meeting at the creek.

Masks coming off at Sisters schools

The statewide mask mandate comes to a close March 12 and leaves the management of COVID-19 guidelines and protocols in the hands of the local school district. Sisters School District Superintendent Curt Scholl says the District is in a good position to manage the local situation moving forward. He said he doesn’t have any real concerns about the lifting of the mandate at this point.

Promoters are equally excited about other improvements, including new vendor sections, food trucks, and new viewing areas with large-screen TVs, enabling guests to meet in the food or vending area without missing any of the action.

Hunters support wildlife crossing

A coalition of hunters, anglers, Tribal representatives, and conservation groups released a priority list of wildlife crossing project needs across the state where wildlifevehicle collisions create hazards for drivers and animals. One of the identified projects would include work on Highway 20 between Suttle Lake and Bend.

Sisters skier is slalom champion

Outlaws skier Bela Chladek is the state champion slalom skier. He is the first athlete from Sisters High School to take first place at a high school ski-racing championship. His outstanding performance in the High School State Championship Alpine Ski Race at Mt. Hood Meadows led an astonishing Outlaws run that put the boys team in second place for the slalom — a second away from the top of the podium.

The boys brought home two State trophies, a second-place trophy in the slalom, and a third-place trophy in the combined. This accomplishment is a very big deal, as the boys had to compete against all the big schools in the state. (Skiing is not divided by school size.)

There have been only four top-three trophies in ski racing for Sisters in the last 20 years; one in the early 2000s, one two years ago, and two this year.

Bruce Fenn takes the reins as girls tennis head coach

Bruce Fenn was recently hired as Sisters High School’s new head coach for girls tennis. He’s passionate about the sport and has devoted his life to playing, coaching, and teaching tennis. He’s a certified tennis teaching professional with the United States Professional Teaching Association. Fenn always thought and dreamed of being a basketball star, but when he joined the tennis team in high school his dreams shifted. From that point on he’s played the sport, coached numerous high school squads, and taught private lessons as a pro.

Bela Chladek became the Outlaws’ first-ever state skiing champion March 4, winning the High School State Championship Alpine Ski Race slalom by three seconds. Chladek led the boys ski team to an outstanding second-place finish, just a second behind Lincoln High School.

PHOTO BY BRAD TISDEL

Fiber optic Internet coming to Camp Sherman

Residents in Camp Sherman have the opportunity to indicate their interest in obtaining fiber optic broadband. Connectivity currently is poor, unreliable, or nonexistent. Blue Mountain Networks in Hermiston and Sureline Broadband in Madras are partnering to bring the project to fruition.

Sureline has already invested significantly in a feasibility analysis, as well as applied for a conditional use permit with the U.S. Forestry Service. They plan to use existing poles running through the Deschutes National Forest that are being decommissioned by Central Electric Cooperative.

Sisters says ‘no big deal’ to mask rule change

Up and down the streets and in and out of businesses small and large, The Nugget found the same thing Saturday when it canvassed the town regarding the March 12 lifting of the Oregon mask mandate: a laissez-faire attitude.

There was no huge collective sigh of relief or celebration. One restauranteur said: “I thought about having a maskburning ceremony on our patio, but then thought the better of it. I don’t need the one or two customers who would be offended to spoil it for everybody. And it’d be my luck that the deck would catch fire.”

Building community in Sisters

An annual rite of spring has returned to Sisters. A contingent of students from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, spent a week working with Sisters Habitat for Humanity at job sites in Sisters.

Such exercises in volunteerism and community-building were a regular feature of Sisters Habitat’s year, but they were cut off in March 2020 due to COVID-19.

“This is the first group back, and it happens to be the same great college,” said Christine Carriger, who manages Sisters Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.

High risk for wildfire continues in Sisters

Sisters is probably going to be in the high or extreme risk category for wildfire according to the Statewide Map of Wildfire Risk. Sisters Fire Chief Roger Johnson said that risk level would be due to the city’s small geographic footprint and its proximity to the Deschutes National Forest on three sides.

Rodeo celebrates return with kickoff party

After a two-year layoff, Sisters Rodeo is saddling up for it’s traditional June run. But already it’s spurring out into the community arena — with a kickoff party set for Saturday, April 2 on Sisters Saloon’s outdoor patio.

Track coach running strong after six decades

Monday, February 28, the first official day of high school spring practice, marked the start of Jim Anderson’s 61st season as a high school coach, as he returned to the track at Reed Stadium to mentor a new crop of pole vaulters for the Outlaws track-and-field team.

Strong opposition emerges against Thornburgh Resort

The public raised a unified voice against the sale of 400 acres of Department of State Lands (DSL) land on Cline Buttes to the developer of the proposed Thornburgh destination resort that would include three golf courses, six manmade lakes, and over 900 homes.

With more than 200 attendees at DSL’s virtual public hearing on March 10 via Zoom, there was only time allotted to take questions and testimony from about 55 attendees, all of whom spoke against the sale for a variety of reasons. According to DSL, more than 1,800 written comments were submitted into the public record as of the March 10 hearing. The opposition to the land sale is based on several water concerns, the current use of the land by many for recreation, its use by large wildlife as a winter range as well as habitat for other non-game wildlife species, and its proximity to the already established Eagle Crest Resort.

Portraits OF SISTERS

Youth basketball a slam dunk

Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) wrapped up a dynamic basketball season after taking a year off due to the pandemic. Some 125 athletes were on the court this winter between SPRD’s youth basketball league and a tournament league offered by Outlaws Boys Basketball, a committee of SPRD. The season wrapped up with a successful Sisters Shootout basketball tournament on Presidents’ Day weekend that drew 53 teams from around the state and California, bringing over 1,500 people to Sisters.

Leprechauns run through Sisters

Green-clad runners and walkers filled the streets in the first annual Lucky Leprechaun walk and run, held Saturday, March 12, near downtown Sisters. Race Director Kelly Bither, who also put on the Ugly Sweater Run in December, felt ecstatic about the way the event turned out: “The race went great. It was so nice to see so many smiling faces. With so much turmoil in the world today it’s good to take a morning to come together and create lasting memories with friends and family.”

Community Easter Egg Hunt returns

The Easter Bunny will be present for the annual Easter Egg Hunt co-sponsored by the Sisters-Camp Sherman and

Cloverdale Fire Departments. The event will take place on Easter Sunday, April 17, at the adjoining Creekside Park and Three Sisters Overnight Park.

Sisters Country faces ongoing drought

When you measure the Upper Deschutes and Crooked River basins’ snowpack, where Sisters lies: 82 percent total with one station at 70 percent and six others of the 14 stations under 80 percent. But snowpack isn’t as important as snow-water equivalent. And it’s only March with nothing of consequence in the forecast. Deschutes Basin Watermaster Jeremy Giffin said, “We’re 71 percent of average on our snowpack.”

APRIL

Quick action saves a life in Sisters

Quick efforts of citizens who witnessed a sudden cardiac arrest saved a life in Sisters last week. Off-duty Bend Fire Captain/Paramedic Luke Stott and retired Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Jeff Johnson were having a business meeting at a local restaurant on Wednesday, March 30, in Sisters when another patron suddenly collapsed in front of them suffering a cardiac arrest. Their swift actions in initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and a rapid response by the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, saved this person’s life.

Erik Himbert’s

life revo lv ed ar ound music. Thumping on his grandma’s piano to her praises is among his earliest memories, a springboard to a life that has traversed 30 years of musical endeavors. graduated from Azusa P acific University with degrees in ministry and music and specializes in the guitar and drums. Punk bands re his jam and studios hired him to play on their albums. But in 2009, on the icy slopes of a Southern California ski resort, his life changed rever. A botched landing on his snowboard left his back broken a nd paralyzed him from the waist down at 31 years old. Erik describes the challenges of paralyzation numerous, but larger mental battle. “It humbled me to realhow much help I now need,” he says. “I used be athletic, independent; now I can’t even change a lightbulb on my own.” But despite injury his talents haven’t abated. Erik works with Sisters Community Church in worship and tech and teaches music privately on the side. He’s spent 20 years working with churches within the worship leader capacity, and he says that is his life’s passion. Erik also hosts his Yo uTube channel, Godspeed Garage, where he r estores vintage cars and fuels his side hobby of auto mechanics. He says, “Working on cars is often the mental escape I need when everything else starts to weigh on me.”

om an early age,

PHOTO AND STORY BY Cody Rheault

CEC races to get ahead of wildfire season

Central Electric Cooperative (CEC), whose service area covers 5,300 square miles and includes parts of three national forests, spends large sums of money every year in pruning or removing trees that could fall on high-voltage lines. To put that in perspective, the City of Sisters is 1.88 square miles. This is in addition to the cost of pole replacement and line upgrades. Over 95 percent of all CEC power distribution is on above-ground cable. Much of it runs through or near heavily treed areas, some of which cross deep canyons or steep hillsides.

Community Garden honors Bob Lawton

Members of Sisters Community Garden gathered Saturday for a work party and to bid retiring Garden Manager Robert “Bob” Lawton farewell. A cold wind blew, interspersed with snatches of sun and sprinkles of snow. Lawton was presented with a memory book and a golden rake in thanks for all his help and commitment.

New path installed on Pine Street

The installation of an eightfoot-wide multi-use path along the west side of North Pine Street, from West Main Avenue all the way north to the City limits, is currently underway. The project is being done by Odyssey Contracting LLC with a price tag of $170,247.50. A projected completion date is June 30. The project is funded by a $100,000 grant from Oregon Department of Transportation and money from systems development charges.

Sisters housing costs continue to soar

Nothing has slowed the market for single family homes in Sisters. To the contrary, March set yet another recent record with 38 transactions totaling $29,182,132. The average sale price was $767,951 and the median price was $712,500.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity receives Malachi 3:10 Award

Sisters Habitat for Humanity was presented the Malachi 3:10 Award from Habitat for Humanity International at the recent Affiliate Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. “Malachi 3:10” is in reference to a scripture in the Old Testament book of Malachi regarding the importance of tithing. The award celebrates Habitat affiliates in the United States that have embraced Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The award commemorates Sisters Habitat for Humanity’s lifetime milestone of tithing $500,000 to a variety of Habitat affiliates around the world including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, Nepal, and Bangladesh. These funds have helped build 145 homes.

Art project connects through creativity

Colorful glass work by 220 Sisters Middle School students now graces the landscaping adjacent to the entrance of Sisters Art Works at 204 W. Adams Ave. in Sisters. The permanent art installation represents hours of work by students under the guidance of art teacher Judy Fuentes and renowned Sisters glass artist Susie Zeitner, assisted by volunteers from Sisters Folk Festival.

YEAR IN

Youth plant trees in Sisters Country

A small crew of tree planters strode across the rough country, shovels in hand and bags full of ponderosa pine seedlings on their hips. Mason and Ethan Gardner, both 17, and 16-year-old Kodee Sweat were in their second week of a planting project conducted under the auspices of the Sisters Ranger District. The crew from Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council’s Youth Compass program are teenagers working for $14 an hour and credit toward a high school diploma. On Friday, they were expected to get about 500 seedlings into the ground.

Writing for film makes author a happy camper

Sisters resident Melody Carlson began writing books with little more than a can-do attitude, a yellow legal pad, and a dream. Thirty years and over 300 published books later, Carlson has long since exchanged her legal pad for a typewriter and her typewriter for a computer. But with the same unwavering pluck, she has now entered an all-new creative realm — writing for film. Recently Carlson was on location in Colorado to observe production of “The Happy Camper,” the film adaptation of her novel of the same name.

Sisters woman helps resolve cold case

Kylie Tigard of Sisters plans to bury her cousin Tammy on what would have been her birthday, April 18. The ceremony, which will be supported by the Patriot Guard of Oregon and other veterans groups, will bring “sadness and a sense of closure” to a long and tragic story that began in 1980, when Tamara (Tammy) Tigard went missing at the age of 20 from her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. What would later be determined to be Tigard’s body was found on April 18, 1980, on an Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, riverbank. The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office investigated the murder, which would become their “most publicized Jane Doe case.”

Due to the condition in which she was found, she became known as “The Lime Lady.” She became a 40-yearlong cold case.

Through DNA databases, the DNA Doe Project located the last living relatives of Tammy Tigard — her first cousins, Kylie Tigard and Conan Tigard. Kylie lives in Sisters. In 2020, Detective Cathy Foote with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office contacted Kylie, asking if she was related to a Tamara Tigard. Kylie had taken a DNA test for family heritage reasons. She noted that Detective Foote was nearly in tears when they talked — she had been working the cold case for most of her career.

Trish Roy is Oregon School Nurse of

the Year

School nursing requires a unique skill set in normal times. Throw in a two-year pandemic and new, ever-changing priorities arise. Through it all, Trish Roy, the nurse for Sisters Middle School and Sisters High School, navigated the stormy seas with what Superintendent Curt Scholl called “grace and calm.” Her steady presence and unwavering commitment to students earned Roy the honor of being named Oregon School Nurse of the Year in a ceremony held April 21 in Ashland at the annual state conference for school nurses.

ODFW confirms wolves in Metolius Basin

There are wolves in the Metolius Basin. According to ODFW, the minimum known count of wolves in Oregon at the end of 2021 was 175 wolves, an increase of two wolves over the 2020 minimum known number of 173. This annual count is based on verified wolf evidence (like visual observations, tracks, and remote camera photographs). The actual number of wolves in Oregon is higher, as not all individuals present in the state are located during the winter count. The report lists two wolves in a 9.4-mile circumference “estimated wolf area” in the Metolius Basin. Camp Sherman lies on the western fringe of that circle; the bulk of the territory lying toward the east and north.

Funding will confront wildfire crisis

A major infusion of cash will bolster local efforts to face down the annual crisis of wildfire in the West. The Forest Service announced

$131 million in funding last week to begin implementation of “Confronting the Wildfire Crisis: A Strategy for Protecting Communities and Improving Resilience in America’s Forests,” including $29.1 million in funds directed to increasing treatments on two landscapes in the Pacific Northwest — in central Washington and here in Central Oregon. In Central Oregon, the selected landscape covers state, private, and federal lands on the east side of the Cascades, including the Deschutes National Forest (DNF) and Crooked River National Grassland.

Rodeo poster features breakaway roping

Sisters Rodeo Association is adding a new event this year, Ladies Breakaway Roping, which is featured in this year’s poster. According to Director Rodger Dwight, the poster’s theme follows posters of the past and includes the traditional Three Sisters mountains as seen from the rodeo grounds.

“Allison Bruns, this year’s featured artist, has done a beautiful job of showing the drama of the new event,” Dwight said.

City has new code compliance officer

Central Oregon native Jacob Smith has assumed the duties of code compliance officer for the City of Sisters. This is a new staff position. Smith comes to his job in Sisters after working for the City of Redmond for 15 years, 13 of those as the code compliance officer, which was a new position in Redmond when he started. He built the program from the ground up, which is what he will be doing in Sisters. During his time in Redmond, Smith reported there were 15,000 code violations with a 96 percent voluntary compliance rate.

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

Brad Tisdel and Susie Zeitner worked on a new installation at Sisters Art Works.

Kodee Sweat was part of a COIC work crew out planting ponderosa seedlings south of Sisters last week.

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

MAY

Hedrick to step down from board

The biggest news from the Sisters School District board of directors meeting on Wednesday, May 4, came just before adjournment: Board Chair Don Hedrick, who has served for over 11 years, announced that he would be stepping down effective at the June meeting. He said, “It’s been an honor to be on the board for 11 years, and the reasons are mostly, I am going to say, age-related.

Sisters churches poised to reunite

Sisters Community Church and VAST Church will officially reunite on Sunday, May 22, under the name Sisters Community Church. “This wasn’t an organizational agreement; this was a family conversation,” Pastor Ryan Moffat told The Nugget. “This was a relational move.” The coming together of the churches marks the closing of a rift that developed a decade ago.

Laird CEO squelches

rumors

Laird Superfoods (NYSE LSF) released its first quarter 2022 financial results late Thursday after markets closed. Net sales increased 26 percent year over year to $9.3 million. Its net loss, however, was $14.1 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, nearly triple its net loss from the comparable quarter in 2021: $5.3 million, or $.60 per share.

The Sisters-based producer of all-natural, plant-based, health-focused consumer products is burning through its cash at a pace that has caused some in Sisters to question its viability going forward. The company’s stock that once traded in excess of $60/share recently traded as low as $1.88 and ranged between $2.15 and $2.87/share the day following the release of the report.

Senator Merkley visits Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends hosted a special guest on Friday, April 29, as U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley stopped by to acknowledge the $93,000 federal grant awarded to the nonprofit. Merkley, who has served in the Senate since 2009, spent most of the visit asking staff members and adult mentors about the program and the impact it has on the youth of Sisters.

Outlaw Open golf fundraiser is back June 3

After a two-year hiatus, the Outlaw Open golf tournament, dinner, and auction is returning to the June calendar as a fundraiser for athletics and other cocurricular activities for Sisters schools.

City approves purchase of East Portal

The East Portal in Sisters is one big step closer to being in City hands. The Sisters City Council and its Urban Renewal Agency approved a purchase and sale agreement with the U.S. Forest Service last week for the 14.61-acre property located at 460 W. US 20, the eastern terminus of Highway 242, the McKenzie Highway.

County expands services for ‘forest dwellers’

David Fox, the new Deschutes County case manager working with people who are experiencing houselessness in Sisters and La Pine, is working to establish relationships with area forest dwellers, to facilitate toward working together on hopes and goals for the future. Fox helps people get new identification, dental appointments, etc. — basics that are necessary yet difficult to access when one is feeling defeated, with no resources and no support.

Police seek man who made school threat

School was disrupted in Sisters last Thursday, after an unspecified threat to a Sisters school was phoned in to 911, originating from a Bend number. According to Lt. Chad Davis of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the threat was very vague and part of a longer message. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office determined that Charles Matthew Schmiel is the person responsible for the threat made to the unnamed Sisters school on May 5. DCSO released an appeal to the public for information on Schmiel’s whereabouts.

Police nab suspects in Sisters burglary

An investigation and a highrisk traffic stop led to the arrest of two men in connection with a burglary at a residence located in the 60000 block of George Cyrus Rd. east of Sisters. The burglary was reported on May 1. Responding deputies found that the main residence and outbuildings on the property had been broken into and property had been taken. Deputies also found a large flatbed trailer on the property that had been loaded with a large amount of machinery and equipment from the outbuildings.

Sisters Rhythm and Brews Festival returns

After a two-year hiatus, Sisters Rhythm and Brews Festival will be returning to in 2022. We are elated to be back this summer,” said Festival cocreator Joe Rambo. “Once again making use of our beloved Village Green Park!”

Jammin’ at

Major lacrosse tourney returns to Sisters

After two years on hiatus, the Sisters Annual Lacrosse Invitational (SALI) will be back on the field in Sisters this month. This year marks the 16th year of this iconic event. Now operated by Thump Lacrosse, SALI brings over 50 girls and boys lacrosse teams to Sisters from all over the Northwest, Northern California, and Idaho. It has become one of the largest lacrosse events in the western United States.

Outlaws compete at state track meet

The return to Hayward Field for the first time since 2018 gave high school trackand-field athletes a look at the world-class facility and a chance to experience the fabled magic. “The kids were in awe when we walked on Thursday afternoon and saw the stadium for the first time,” said Coach Dennis Dempsey. “It’s unbelievable.” Six members of the Sisters Outlaws team competed May 20-21 at the OSAA Track and Field Championships.

Benji Nagel and friends played music to celebrate the season opening of Mahonia Farms’ produce stand in Sisters.

PHOTO BY KATY YODER

Gravel riders grind it out in Sisters

Who are these guys? That was the question being asked all weekend as Sisters area campgrounds filled to overflowing and hotels put out No Vacancy signs. Some 443 cyclists entered the Cascade Gravel Grinder, the second stage in a four-stage gravel bike extravaganza that began with The Gorge Gravel Grinder April 24, in Dufor, Oregon. The three-day event concluded Sunday here and saw riders from as far as Vermont, New York, Florida, Hawaii, and Alaska. Twelve riders from four Canadian provinces competed. In total grinders are estimated to have spent $400,000 in Sisters.

Lady Outlaws crowned SALI Champions

The Lady Outlaws played through intermittent rain and high winds on Saturday, and snowy, windy conditions on Sunday, to make it to the championship game of Sisters Annual Lacrosse Invitational (SALI). They defeated West Linn in a final score of 7-5 to win it all.

Bookstore marks 30 years in Sisters

Paulina Springs Books has been a community cornerstone in Sisters for the past three decades. The staff and its legion of customers and friends will celebrate those 30 years next weekend.

Voters say

fire district

‘yes’ to

Voters overwhelmingly approved a levy that will enhance staffing and coverage for the Cloverdale Fire District east of Sisters. Sixty-eight percent of voters in the District said “yes” to a 69 cents-per-$1,000 levy that will provide a sustainable level of 24/7 staffing by fire officers/EMTs. Fire Chief Thad Olsen told The Nugget that he is relieved that the measure passed by such a wide margin, after voters rejected a larger levy a year ago.

Outlaws hit high note in competition

Tyler Cranor, the Sisters School District’s band director, says that the current lineup of the Sisters High School Jazz Band is the “best-sounding band we’ve ever had.” That’s not just a proud teacher’s opinion — it’s backed by the judges at last weekend’s Oregon Music Education Association State Jazz Competition held at Mt. Hood Community College, where the Outlaws took firstplace honors in the 4A division.

JUNE

Bringing people together with music

Tom Nechville is renowned among instrument makers for his innovative banjo design. While his main factory remains in Minnesota, he and his partner, Linda Leavitt, a talented bluegrass and folk musician, have located Banjos West at 411 E. Main Ave. in Sisters. They plan a lot of activity around bluegrass jams at their retail shop.

“This new phase of my life is more oriented around the hands-on dealing with the people of the community,” Nechville said.

That new phase kicks off like a brisk bluegrass tune on Saturday, June 11.

Traditional archers hit the mark

Roughly 300 archery enthusiasts showed up for the 13th annual three-day rendezvous event known as Stick & Sage. Held under a special-use permit issued by the Deschutes National Forest, the group gathered just west of Camp Sherman, deep in the woods.

Lenny Ferris leads TACO (Traditional Archers of Central Oregon).

“We have 140 registered archers this year, the first after a COVID hiatus. That’s down from our usual 150-200, probably due to the cost of gas,” he said.

With family, friends, vendors, and the curiosity seekers, it grew the crowd to some 300 who came to see the 8,000-yearold practice.

Fire season has arrived in Sisters

The day after the region’s fire chiefs closed outdoor burning in Central Oregon, an escaped burn on Wednesday, June 1 on a property on Wilt Road north of Sisters drew a heavy response from local firefighters, who were able to knock the blaze down.

Seven engines and two water tenders from SistersCamp Sherman Fire District, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Oregon Department of Forestry responded.

City urges water conservation

Despite above-normal precipitation levels and below-normal temperatures in April, state climatology experts predict it will be warmer and drier than normal in the coming summer months. Snowpack and reservoir levels are currently below average for this time of year, and ongoing drought conditions are affecting both the local community and natural resources. With that prediction, the City of Sisters is encouraging community members to conserve water and reduce water waste.

Sisters Rodeo return makes big splash

Sisters Rodeo’s return made a big splash — literally. As in the sight and sound contestants and animals made as they splashed about in a wet, soggy, yet exhilarating event.

J.J. Harrison, rodeo clown, made the best of it, with antics ranging from belly flops on the soaked field to mud bathing.

The payout for the Sisters Rodeo topped $200,000, a new record and the highest payout of any rodeo for the week.

Outlaw Open draws supporters

The weather held, the golf was good, and the food was tasty at the Outlaw Open Golf athletic fundraiser held at Aspen Lakes June 3. Just over 80 golfers from all over the region and as far away as Seattle took part in the afternoon event, according to the Outlaws’ Head Football Coach Clayton Hall.

The forest is a productive ‘farm’

It’s easy to forget that the Forest Service is part of the Department of Agriculture. Our forests are the largest farms in the country, producing dozens of harvestable crops — trees primarily. In our own Sisters District of the Deschutes National Forest, over $13,000 was collected in May alone for permits to harvest inside its borders for items other than trees.

Chief among those are pine cones and mushrooms. Over a month-long period, one permitted crew will harvest upward of 2 million cones. And they are but one of several permit holders farming the cones.

Every May and June, dozens of professional mushroom pickers comb the forest rounding up chanterelles, matsutakes, morels, and oyster mushrooms, with morels being the dominant variety by far. Most of our Deschutes National Forest-harvested mushrooms will end up in Asia by way of Washington, where buyers camped with the pickers will send them once dried.

Man arrested for murder near Sisters

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 22-year-old Alexander Mark Smith of Redmond for murder and multiple other charges in connection with the death of 55-year-old Sisters-area resident Tina Lynn Klein-Lewis.

Lewis’ body was found on Tuesday, May 31, on her property at 67450 Cloverdale Rd., which is near the intersection with Hwy. 20 east of Sisters. According to the district attorney, she was found by her boyfriend in the bucket of a tractor.

City has sufficient water

The City of Sisters currently has enough water rights for the next 20 years, according to Public Works Director Paul Bertagna in his report to the joint workshop of the City Council and the Planning Commission on June 15.

Sisters’ water supply is 100 percent groundwater from wells drilled in 1975, 1992, 2007, and 2021.

Sisters High School science students, with support from a range of community members, launched two high-altitude balloons last week at Sisters Eagle Airport. The balloons carried student-designed experiments.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

Pine Meadow Ranch hosts outdoorschool activities

Sixth-graders from Sisters Middle School descended on the Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture (PMRCAA) May 18 and 19 for outdoor school. This was a first for both The Roundhouse Foundation and the teachers and students, as the outdoor school had previously been held at a venue which hosts kids for overnight stays.

With uncertainty over COVID prevalence and protocols, Sisters Middle School Science Teacher Melissa Stolasz pivoted to a day-camp model for 2022.

‘New’ event fees under effect in Sisters

Some folks in Sisters have gotten upset recently at fees charged to local organizations for public facilities used during events. Such an occurrence happened last week when a citizen posted on social media that the City of Sisters was “robbing the veterans” by charging them a fee for use of the Village Green Park for the annual Memorial Day observance.

Earl Schroeder, the senior vice commander of the Sisters VFW Post 8138, was the person who dealt directly with the City regarding applying to use the park on Memorial Day.

“I’m not upset with the City. They have been very fair.” Schroeder told The Nugget.

The fees have been in place for more than two years — but their impact is just now coming to people’s attention as Sisters gets back into the swing of hosting multiple events after the pandemic derailed them.

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Newport takes helm at Citizens4Community

Josie Newport, who became the new executive director of Citizens4Community (C4C) as of May 4, wants to assure that all sectors of the community will avail themselves of the platform provided by C4C.

Wildfire bill could be costly for homeowners

Senate Bill 762, adopted last June, provided legislative direction to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) regarding the wildland-urban interface, statewide fire risk mapping, and prescribed fire, directing the Department to review and clarify the enforcement of rules pertaining to forestland and baseline standards for unprotected and under-protected lands in Oregon.

But for those living in Tollgate, Black Butte Ranch, Sage Meadow, or any number of large-scale subdivisions that abut the Deschutes National Forest, they are coming under the effects of SB 762. The sweeping legislation is a $220 million authorization bill to help Oregon modernize and improve wildfire preparedness.

The legislation provides direction and funds to several state agencies. For ODF the bill, among other things, provides legislative direction regarding the WUI (wildland-urban interface); statewide fire risk mapping; prescribed fires; directing the Department to review and clarify the enforcement of rules pertaining to forestland; baseline standards for unprotected and under-protected lands in Oregon; and establishes grant programs to improve forest restoration and resiliency.

Launch is science education in action

Sisters High School science students launched multiple experiments into the stratosphere on Wednesday, May 25, in what has become an annual rite of spring for the Outlaws.

Students developed experiments to test the effects of middle stratosphere conditions on everything from the elasticity of rubber bands and the adhesiveness of tape to the function of batteries and viability of seeds and sprouts and mushrooms and mold.

Science teacher Rima Givot noted that, since the program has been in play for six years, students are now able to build on previous students’ work.

Trail adopters and sawyers honored by Sisters Trails Alliance

Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) took time to recognize the approximately 30 members who serve as trail adopters and the eight who are sawyers. The

former adopt a section of the 200-plus miles of STA trails, committing to walk them every month or so as observers. They are looking for damaged trail beds, possibly washed out from rain or snow, downed trees, dangerous limbs, or any manner of obstacles that otherwise impede safe enjoyment of the popular hiking trail network.

Grateful seniors wrap up high school

One by one, as the four student speakers delivered their addresses Friday, June 10 at the 74th Sisters High School commencement, a clear theme emerged: gratitude. Perhaps having the final months of senior year return largely to normal following nearly two years of pandemic tumult gave the class of 2022 enough breathing room to allow them to reflect on the good in their lives.

From start to finish, thankfulness, joy, and celebration marked the ceremony, which was held in a packed Sisters High School gym after two years of socially distanced commencements at the Sisters rodeo

grounds.

One hundred and three graduates received diplomas, 19 of them honors diplomas.

City faces serious decisions on growth

At a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission, members of City staff and consultants from APG-MIG provided the latest draft reports on “efficiency measures” and housing plan updates. These projects attempt to address continuing growth in Sisters, as well as the need to meet state-mandated planning requirements.

The consultants and staff were looking to receive direction from both bodies on which strategies make sense. The questions they were asked to consider when providing feedback included: Are we missing any housing strategies? Are we missing any efficiency measures? Are any of the strategies/ measures non-starters for you? Which strategies/measures do you like the most and should be most prioritized?

Al Krause

caught a lovely image of a mule deer doe with a couple of fawns in the Cloverdale area.

PHOTO BY AL KRAUSE

Sisters Garden Club Puzzle Sales

e 25th Anniversar y Edition

“Quilt s in the Garden” Puz zle make great gif ts!. Puz zles are currently available for purchase for $20 at the following locations: Ray ’s Food Place, e Gallimauf ry, Fika Sisters Co eehouse, and Metamorphosis Salon. Purchase puzzles now before they are all gone. Contact 971-246-040 4 for more information

Celebr ations set at December community lunches Each Tuesday in December at the Sisters Community Church, lunches are sponsored by Council on Aging of Central Oregon. ere will be seaso nal entertainment. e no-charge, in-person lunche s are held at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy., 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. e year will be closed out on December 27 with a Happy New Year celebration No reser vations are necessary For more information call Emma Fried- Cassorla at 541-323-0 432.

Fre e Lunches For Seniors e Council on Aging of Central Oregon is ser ving seniors (60+) free lunche s on Tuesdays, Wednesdays , and ursdays at the Sisters Community Church located at 130 0 McKenzie Hw y., Sisters . e Tuesday meal is sit down f rom 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. and also o ers activities and information about health, communit y resources , and nutrition. On Wednesdays and ursdays lunche s are o ered drive-through style, f rom 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. and seniors can drive through the parking lot to pick up a meal on those days . Come on by ; no need to make a reser vation. For more information call 541-678-5483.

Hunter Education Class Starts Februar y 7, 2023. For information call Rick Cole 541-420- 6934.

Sisters Cold Weather Shelter Winter Meals

Sisters Cold Weather Shelter is unable to o er overnight shelter this year. ey will be o ering hot meals twice a week at the following locations December through Februar y : Mondays 2-4 p.m. at Wellhouse Church, 222 N. Trinit y Way ; ursdays 2-4 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy. Email sisterscoldweathershelter@gmail. com for more info.

Parkinson’s Suppor t Group

Are you a person experiencing Parkinson’s disease (PD) or a care partner/f amily member desiring to better support your loved one with PD? We invite you to join our support group to experience f riendship, shared experiences , and a better understanding of PD. Please join us the second ursday of the month 1-2:30 p.m. at the Sisters Librar y, 110 N . Cedar St. Sisters

For more information contact Carol Pfeil, program coordinator of Parkinson’s Resource s of Oregon, 541-6 68-6599 or carol@ parkinsonsresources.or

Fre e Weekly Meal Ser vice

Family Kitchen is hosting a weekly to-go hot meal ser vice on Tuesdays f rom 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. For more information visit www FamilyKitchen.org.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Caregiver Support Group

elma’s Place Adult Day Respite Program in Redmond host s a monthly support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer ’ s or another dementia-related disease. e support group is held every third Wednesday of the month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. is is a f ree family-caregiver support group featuring local organiz ations Call 541-548-3049.

Weekly Food Pantr y e Wellhouse Church will have a weekly food pantr y on ursdays at 4:30 p.m. (222 N Trinit y Way) Both drive-through pick-up and shopping-st yle distribution are available. Call 541-549-4184 for information

is handsome pup needs an active home interested in training and structure. He has some of the basics and building o that would be ideal

He is crate trained . A home without toddlers or felines is ideal, and his canine f riends need to be his size or bigger based on histor y. If you’re ready for a long-term commitment to pour your heart and soul into, come down to HSCO and ask to meet Pippin!

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES

Chapel in the Pines

Camp Sherman • 541-549-9971

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831

10 a .m. Sunday Worship www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.com

St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391

5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 9 a .m. Sunday Mass • 8 a .m. Monday-Friday Mass

e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s 452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 541-420-5670 ;

10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting

Calvar y Church 484 W. Washing ton St. , Ste. C & D • 541-588- 6288 10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 386 N . Fir St. • 541-595- 6770, 541-30 6-8303 11 a .m. S aturday Worship

Baha’i Faith

Currently Zoom meeting s: devotions , course trainings , informational firesides. Local contac t Shauna Rocha 541- 647-9826 • www.bahai.org or www.bahai.us

Wellhouse Churc h 442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a .m. Sunday Worship

e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 68825 Bro ok s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship 10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship www.episcopalsisters.com

Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har ring ton Loop Rd . • 541-389-8960 www.sistersna z.org • info@sistersnaz .org 10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational) 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com

POLICY: Nonprofits , schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions are subject to editing and run only as space allows. Email nug get@nug getnews com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave

Roundhouse Foundation supports local community projects

The Roundhouse Foundation, a Sisters-based philanthropy organization that supports innovative programs in Oregon’s rural communities, has announced final selections in its spring grant cycle. Supported programs and projects fall into the organization’s four focus areas, which are fundamental in building thriving rural areas: arts and culture; environmental stewardship; social services; and education. A total of $1.4 million was awarded to 75 organizations working across Oregon to support rural and tribal communities.

Customers save the day at Sisters Farmers Market

A busy crowd, live music, and sunshine characterized opening day at Sisters Farmers Market last Sunday. So did wild bursts of wind, smatterings of hard rain, and a runaway booth tent. The wind carried Seed to Table’s extra-large pop-up canopy into the air — complete with metal poles — then landed it on the next row of vendor booths. People scattered to avoid getting hit, then they moved right back in, toward the looming canopy rather than away from it. Customers throughout Fir Street Park helped vendors remove tent walls, prop up signs, and hold down poles in the wind.

CEC helps develop fire prevention drones

Brains4Drones, a small robotics company specializing in developing artificial intelligence (AI) on drones, will work with Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) to refine real-time visual intelligence sensors for off-the-shelf drones to perform inspections of power lines and vegetation encroachment.

“We are thrilled to partner with Brains4Drones and serve as a resource in their research efforts to enhance dronebased solutions to perform aerial inspections of our electric system more efficiently in high-risk wildfire areas,” said CEC President and CEO Dave Markham.

Fire officials weigh in on wildfire bill

Fire Chief Roger Johnson of Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District is vigilant in an effort to catch sparks of what he thinks might be undue concern among Sisters Country property owners as to their potential cost of hardening their dwellings to mitigate fire risk.

Chief Johnson sought to clarify: “In order for the requirements of SB 762 to apply to your property, it must be classified as high or extreme risk and be identified as being within the WUI. Homes outside of these classifications should not be subject to the requirements of SB 762.

IN REVIEW

Golden eagle is growing up

Stormy, the newest golden eaglet to be raised in the nest on Whychus Creek, will leave the nest sometime soon. Parents Petra and Rocky have cared for Stormy since the eaglet’s hatching during the stormy weather in early April. The eaglet is strong and nearly ready to fledge, according to Jim Hammond, who monitors the canyon’s eagle cam.

Folk Festival disperses $9,000 to schools

Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) delivered checks totalling $9,000 to Sisters School District as part of their efforts to support music and arts programming in the community. A check for $4,000 was given to the Sisters GRO scholarship fund to be disbursed among seven students; $3,000 went toward the Sisters High School (SHS) Americana luthier program; and $1,000 was given to the SHS visual arts program and Sisters Middle School band and choir program, respectively.

Sarver will fill school board spot

The Sisters School Board selected Asa Sarver to fill the vacancy created by Don Hedrick’s resignation, at a special meeting held June 23. The result came a week after the Board deadlocked on the initial vote due to board member David Thorsett’s absence.

Cycling in Sisters…

Explore Sisters documents approved

Sisters will soon have a new organization in charge of tourism.

The Sisters City Council voted last week to approve

the organizational documents (articles of incorporation and bylaws) for Explore Sisters, a new destination management organization (DMO), that will strive to balance community needs with fostering the evolution of the local tourism economy.

Three of hundreds of riders cross the finish line at Village Green Park Sunday after a five-day, 362-mile, 33,650-foot-elevation-gain ride that started in Sisters.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

PHOTO

JERRY

JULY

Sisters works to preserve dark skies

Outdoor string lights prompted much discussion at last week’s Planning Commission workshop regarding the proposed Development Code amendment to the Dark Skies ordinance. As growth and attendant light pollution threaten one of Sisters’ special features — dark, star-spangled night skies — more attention is being drawn to measures necessary to protect that night sky. The Sisters City Council made it one of their goals to update and fully implement the City’s Dark Skies ordinance in the Sisters Development Code (Section 2.15.400), which was adopted in 2010 but never fully implemented or enforced.

Quilt Show is a Sisters sensation

Quilters journeyed to Sisters from across the states. Apart from Oregon and neighboring states, the majority of visitors were predominantly from southern and southeastern states, where quilting has deep roots. Left behind were whatever concerns they had about record inflation and gas prices. It was Quilt Week in Sisters and in they came, flashing broad smiles — and their wallets. Quilters traditionally spend generously across town.

Shopkeepers and food-andbeverage purveyors strained to meet demand, complaining privately about the hardship imposed by continuing staffing shortages, which left some customers unable to complete purchases.

YEAR IN

Local duo takes pickleball gold

Riley McHugh and Georgie Scott recently won the mixed doubles 4.0 level gold medal at the 2022 USA Pickleball Northwest Regional Championship in Spokane, Washington. This level is the highest rated level for the 70-74 age bracket. This win provides them a “golden ticket” to the November national championships in Indian Wells, California.

McHugh, a Sisters resident, plays at the Pineview Tennis Club in Sage Meadow and is a member of the Sisters Country Pickleball Club. Scott lives in Eagle Crest and plays for the Eagle Crest Pickleball Club. This is their third trip to nationals in mixed doubles.

Ricochet-sparked

fire

highlights safety issues

Firefighters were called to the Zimmerman Butte cinder pit last week to extinguish a brush fire caused by a bullet that ricocheted into the nearby sage, igniting it. The area, close to Sisters, is popular with target shooters. The flames were doused quickly, nobody was injured, and no citations were issued, officials deciding it was a one-off, unintended event.

Compliance enforcement reduces fire risk

Sisters’ new code compliance officer (CCO), Jacob Smith, has been busy monitoring the city’s overgrown grass and weeds, which can create a fire risk as they dry out.

Our wet spring provided extra moisture, which promoted healthy growth of a variety of vegetation. Hot summer temperatures will soon dry out a good share of that vegetation, which should be cut down now to a maximum height of four inches.

Planes, classic cars make festive Fourth

A throng of celebrants 2,000 strong turned out to Sisters Eagle Airport on Monday for the annual Fourth of July Fly-In that has become one of Sisters’ signature events.

The Independence Day celebration was about more than just airplanes. There was a 5k run, a vintage car show, demonstrations by Cascade RC (remote control) Flyers Club, and a pancake breakfast served by Rotary Club of Sisters.

John Leavitt retires from Sisters Rodeo

John Leavitt is hanging up his spurs as a member of the Sisters Rodeo Association board of directors.

“It’s time,” he told The Nugget. “It’s been 45 years.”

More housing is coming to Sisters

When completed, the planned Sunset Meadows housing development by Woodhill Homes will provide 130 new dwelling units on one of the last available large parcels of land in Sisters, according to Woodhill CEO George Hale.

The 12.85-acre parcel is located on the McKenzie Highway (Highway 242) between West Hood Avenue and North Brooks Camp Road. The development will include three distinct types of housing. On the back of the property will be 76 three-story marketrate apartments. There will be surface parking for the professionally managed apartments. There will be 17,000 square feet of open space around the apartments and along Highway 242, with two to three amenities for the residents.

Sisters grad is Miss West Virginia

Roy Gannon was selected as the National American Miss 2022 Miss West Virginia.

Gannon is in her fourth year at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia, where she is studying for a degree in hospitality and tourism. She will spend her year of service volunteering, making appearances at local events, and promoting her platform, The I Got This Project: The Motto That Motivates.

Turkish-American artist Ayla Gizlice

during a residency at Pine Meadow Ranch.

PHOTO BY LYNN WOODWARD

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Sisters priest has work to do in India

Fr. Sibi Poulose, priest at St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church in Sisters, has accomplished much for God by the age of 41, and, in another 18 months, he will be returning to northern India to continue the work by establishing a behavioral health mission dedicated to offering housing, support, and services for residents dealing with addiction and mental health issues.

Airport owner explains hangar plans

Plans for the airplane hangars at Sisters Eagle Airport and a document filed with Deschutes County sparked a round of rumors in Sisters Country. The way the document was worded created the impression that 100 new condominium hangars would be built at the local facility.

Airport owners Benny and Julie Benson told The Nugget that this is not what is planned.

“We are offering the option for the 10 existing hangar renters to purchase their hangar unit. In order for buyers to get financing, banks require ‘condo-izing’ the hangars under a shared roof and walls, and a land lease declaration, similar to what condos are. This enables individual ownership of the units, with a ground lease from the Sisters Airport.”

Currently, there are 10 airplane hangars owned by the airport and leased to pilots. In May 2022, Sisters Airport Property, LLC filed a ground lease between them as landlord and SAP Hangars Condominium (tenant) to allow SAP to develop, lease, maintain, and use as a leasehold condominium, the 10 existing hangars.

Runners conquer Hoodoo summit

It was a perfect day for a trail run in Central Oregon as runners gathered for the sixth annual Kiwanis Run to the Top at Hoodoo on Saturday. Temperatures were still in the 50s as the runners set out at 8 a.m. for their 13.2- or threemile adventures.

It’s a simple concept with an evil twist: Run a 5K or halfmarathon trail course around the Hoodoo Ski resort, then complete the last mile, climbing over 1,000 feet to the top of Hoodoo Butte.

Produced by Kiwanis Club of Sisters, the race has become a favorite of local runners who really want to push themselves. This year marked the biggest field ever for the event, with 160 entries (85 half-marathoners and 75 running the 5K).

Sisters women make connection with Ukrainian refugees

Thirteen women, members of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, are engaged in Prayer Shawl Ministry. The ministry in Sisters has been ongoing for years. The latest beneficiaries are 10 women refugees from Ukraine who have sought asylum in Ireland.

St. Charles Health System

CEO steps down

St. Charles Health System CEO Joe Sluka is stepping down after eight years at the helm of the regional hospital system. The move was not entirely unexpected, given the recent news of the financial crisis in which Central Oregon’s only hospital chain finds itself.

Creek restoration work set to begin

Large equipment will be arriving at Creekside Park during the week of July 25, in preparation for work being done on Whychus Creek between the Locust Street bridge and Highway 20.

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the City of Sisters are partnering to restore areas on both sides of the creek and improve instream conditions for fish. Exclusion fencing will go up the week of July 25, with work slated to begin the week of August 1. Sisters residents may notice dump trucks hauling rocks and logs for use on the project. The materials are being moved from a Forest Service staging area on Three Creek Road to Elm Street and over to Creekside Park.

August through October, Whychus Creek won’t be accessible to the public from either side, with exclusion fencing keeping people a safe distance from the work.

City manager moving on

After four years at the helm as city manager, Cory Misley is leaving Sisters as of September 1 to take a position at Portland State University (PSU) as a project manager for Oregon Solutions.

The program Misley is joining is located at the National Policy Consensus Center in the Hatfield School of Government. Misley will be one of two project managers, with a total staff of 10 people in the project.

AUGUST

Pickleballers bring home the gold

Members of the Sisters Country Pickleball Club (SCPC) came home with medals from the Pacific Northwest Pickleball Classic tournament played over five days at the Pine Nursery courts in Bend

in temperatures well above the 100-degree mark. The Sisters Country Pickleball Club boasts 150 members.

Jim Kane, SCPC, and Stephen Turner, Bend PC, won gold in the men’s doubles for 55-plus, 3.5 level. Tracey Nichols, SCPC, and Cori Perry, Portland, earned bronze medals in the women’s doubles, 35-plus, 4.0 level.

Fire risk map axed

On August 4, just five weeks after publishing a wildfire risk map, the state Forestry Department axed it.

That move follows a chorus of complaints from Republican state lawmakers and residents in southern and eastern Oregon who said the rollout of the map was clumsily handled and led to people losing their property insurance or having premiums doubled. They said the Oregon Department of Forestry was illequipped to handle the impacts of the map in the middle of fire season.

An evening squall that moved across Sisters Country on August 17, made for a spectacular sunset at Black Butte Ranch.

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

BBR police officer set to retire

Kelvin Lettenmaier is, in the estimation of Black Butte Ranch Police Chief Jason Van Meter, “the epitome of a community police officer.”

On August 3, Officer Lettenmaier, 57, was to work his final shift as a Black Butte Ranch police officer, after two decades of service that made him a beloved figure at the resort community eight miles west of Sisters.

Plans for Locust Street roundabout advance

The proposed roundabout at Locust Street and Highway 20 is closer to reality, according to Bob Townsend of Oregon Department of Transportation Region 4.

Townsend told City Council at their July 27 workshop that Sisters has been selected to receive $5 million from the “Enhance” portion of the 202427 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Projects in this category are aimed at improving safety and redirecting congestion on some of Oregon’s busiest roadways. The $5 million will help to replace the intersection with a four-legged, single-lane roundabout that will help traffic flow smoother and more safely.

The proposed time frame for the project calls for preliminary engineering and rights-of-way acquisition between now and 2023, with an official project bid secured by late 2023. Substantial construction is scheduled for completion prior to Memorial Day 2024.

Rhythm & Brews Festival returns

After a two-year pandemicrelated hiatus, Sisters Rhythm & Brews Festival is back this weekend, Friday and Saturday, August 12 and 13.

Joe and Jenn Rambo, the founders and directors of the Festival, are excited to bring a collection of 11 artists for the 2022 Festival. A few of the artists are returning from the 2019 Festival, including Eric Gales and Mr. Sipp.

Two cougars shot near Sisters

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers shot and killed two cougars in a neighborhood northeast of Sisters on August 21.

Troopers, Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies, and personnel from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to a report that two cougars were treed on a property in the Foothill Loop area east of Camp Polk Road and near Indian Ford Creek. Neighbors told The Nugget that a property owner’s dog had been barking incessantly at the treed cats.

“Based on the location, it was determined that they were a threat to the neighborhood and [they] were euthanized,” OSP reported.

High school athletics raises bar

In response to a noticeable uptick in poor behavior among fans and athletes alike, the Oregon School Activities Association has established higher expectations for everyone involved in high school athletics in Oregon.

Step one in this change process requires that all coaches, athletic directors, and game officials take part in a training to stop racist and other discriminatory incidents from taking place during high school sporting events.

City plans for water system upgrades

The critical concerns for Sisters’ water system are storage capacity, transmission-line capacities, and aging/undersized infrastructure. Over the next two decades, the City projects investing millions of dollars in the water system.

The Sisters City Council has received a system evaluation and recommended capital improvement projects to the City water system from Anderson Perry & Associates consulting engineers and Public Works Director Paul Bertagna.

The update is intended to modify outdated sections of the 2017 water plan and update the population projections through the 20-year planning period.

Riders in Sisters test endurance

Honoring a Sisters veteran…

Sixty-one equestrians from four states gathered at Sisters Cow Camp for a day of endurance riding competition. There was a 50-mile course run by 18, a 30-mile limited-distance route that had 36 riders, and seven riders came out for a 12-mile introductory course.

Known as the Historic Santiam Cascade Endurance Ride, the Sisters-based group has been around for 58 years.

Planning for alternate route ramps up

The complete alternate route around downtown Sisters is closer to a reality as planning and right-of-way acquisition for the Locust/Highway 20 roundabout is ramping up. The third piece of the alternate route involves improvements to Barclay Drive.

The project began in July 2022, with completion of design and bidding tasks expected by March 2023. Construction will occur between March and November 2023.

When the Locust/Highway 20 roundabout and Barclay Drive improvements are complete, trucks and through traffic will be able to enter the roundabout at either end of town to access Barclay Drive, which will carry traffic around Cascade Avenue.

EF Hutton makes unsolicited bid to acquire Laird Superfood

Laird Superfood, headquartered on Lundgren Mill Drive in Sisters, has received a takeover offer from investment bank EF Hutton. Laird, which last week announced a first-half net loss of $19 million, said the approach has been made via a special purpose vehicle of EF Hutton for $3 a share, in what it called an “unsolicited offer.”

“The Laird Superfood board of directors will carefully review the proposal and determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of the company and all Laird Superfood shareholders,” the business said in a brief statement August 17.

Sisters 4-Hers shine at fairgrounds

Outside, it was all fun and games. Inside the animal barns, it was all business. As record numbers of Deschutes County Fairgoers delighted in the myriad thrilling rides, some with lines requiring a 20-minute wait, members of the Cloverdale Livestock Club were at work garnering scores of ribbons. Conner Cyrus, for example, scored 17 ribbons over the weekend.

Sisters Habitat honors volunteers

Sisters Habitat for Humanity honored their hardworking volunteers at the 14th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue in Village Green Park on Wednesday, August 17. Sisters Habitat boasts nearly 200 volunteers, who serve in many capacities from board and committee members to homebuilders and Thrift and ReStore workers. Collectively in the past year, Sisters Habitat volunteers served over 24,500 hours — averaging 471 hours per week.

Sisters veterans gathered last week to present a Quilt of Valor to Bob Grooney of Sisters. Grooney is a 93-year-old Marine veteran, who joined the service at the age of 15 during World War II. At the age of 16, he fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The Quilt of Valor was crafted by Sandra Radtke of Bend. Bob Grooney was a pioneering businessman in Sisters, founding The Gallimaufry and Sisters Liquor Store. He served the Sisters Kiwanis Club and the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce for many years.

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Blues festival rocks Sisters

After a two-year hiatus, the Sisters Rhythm & Brews Festival graced the Village Green stage in downtown Sisters last weekend. The weekend was full of blue skies, cold brews, and some of the best blues artists in the country. Many attendees carried over their tickets from 2020 for the 2022 shows.

Buckaroo film now available for streaming

Florida-based Horse.TV has acquired the worldwide subscription video rights to “The Outside Circle: A Movie of the Modern West,” written and directed by Sisters resident Craig Rullman. It is now available for streaming.

The movie was filmed over two years, in five western states, and features interviews with acclaimed Sisters author and historian Dr. Larry Len Peterson, Western scholar Dr. Jeremy Johnston of the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming, film director and photographer John Langmore, founding member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Cary Schwarz, and international performer and cowboy celebrity Waddie Mitchell.

Truck got stuck at Suttle Lake

A semitruck driver who was apparently seeking a place to rest for the night got badly stuck at Suttle Lake last week. His damaged truck ultimately had to be hauled out by a towing crew. The driver attempted to make a turn the truck could not negotiate and ran over boulders and stumps. The truck’s cargo container was crunched and it popped a tire, leaving it stranded.

Sisters songwriter releases new album

Beth Wood, poet and local musician, is releasing her latest full-length album.

Wood moved to Sisters from Portland in April of 2020, having always had a soft place in her heart for the Sisters community after coming here for many years as an artist and instructor for Sisters Folk Festival and the Americana Project song camp.

Outlaws get good turnout for football squads

The Outlaws football program currently has 40 players on the roster, up 10 from last season. With the added numbers the Outlaws will have a full nine-game JV schedule.

Sisters Habitat changes income guidelines

At its meeting last Tuesday evening, the Habitat Board of Directors voted to increase the salary threshold to 80 percent of area median income for Deschutes County. The previous salary threshold was 60 percent. Under the new schedule, a family of three with an income between $28,350 and $64,800 may qualify to purchase a Habitat home.

SEPTEMBER

Grant funds available to help with wells

Deschutes County is partnering with NeighborImpact to offer a domestic well assistance grant and loan program. More than $527,000 in available.

“As groundwater levels decline, we continue to see an increased demand for domestic water assistance across the county,” said Commissioner Phil Chang. “We’re grateful that these funds are available to assist residents who are experiencing issues.”

Funding for the program was provided through SB 5561. The County received $585,200 from the State to provide local domestic and community well assistance.

Shelter receives support, needs space

Support has been tremendous from community members for the Cold Weather Shelter, board members reported at their meeting last week.

They pointed to the volunteer monitors, mainly from the local churches, who serve meals and cover the Shelter from 5:30 to 10 p.m. There have been monetary as well as material donations.

The City Council just awarded a $1,250 grant for pantry provisions. A benefit concert this summer at Sisters Community Church netted $3,600 in donations for the Shelter. Angeline’s Bakery provided leftover baked goods last year. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Sisters Church of the Nazarene each provided one meal a week during shelter season. The Family Kitchen provided meals as well. Sisters residents have provided propane, water, and gasoline on occasion.

The major problem facing the Shelter this year is the lack of a location. The Shelter board reported they have the resources to pay for renting space(s), but appropriate spaces are scarce. They need room to put four to six sleeping mats on the floor, bathroom facilities, and some type of kitchen availability.

Thirty years of Sisters High School

Thirty years ago this week, Sisters School District welcomed high school students into a brand-new building, marking the first time since 1967 that grades 9-12 did not have to be bussed to Redmond.

Not only did the school opening change the lives of Sisters teenagers, it transformed the town in many ways. What was created — in essentially a grassroots effort — was a school that has since gained notoriety for its unique programming, culture, and opportunities for young people.

Planning underway for East Portal

Initial planning has begun on the proposed multi-modal transportation hub slated for the East Portal property. A concept workshop involving multiple entities was held last week to begin brainstorming what would be needed to make the site work for all those involved.

The officials in attendance broke into working groups that provided for a balanced distribution of perspectives. Each participant had an opportunity to work with a group to use tools to produce site layout options. The Kittleson consultant team was available to all the groups to answer questions.

Girls soccer moves up in state rankings

The Lady Outlaws kicked off league play with a 8-0 shutout at Creswell on Tuesday, September 6, and at home two days later finished with a 0-0 tie against Pleasant Hill. Pleasant Hill has been the conference champs for the past two years. With the tie, the Outlaws moved up to second in the 3A state rankings.

Glory Daze car show returns

The Glory Daze Car Show returned to downtown Sisters on September 24. An anticipated 100-plus cars will span over four blocks of East Main Avenue. Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) has expanded the popular event to accommodate more cars.

Outlaws crowned champs at tourney

The Lady Outlaws volley ball team took top honors at the Cascade Invitational held on Saturday, September 10. They played extremely well in the morning pool play and went undefeated against upper classification teams, which included Cleveland (6A), Stayton (4A), and Astoria (4A), and entered bracket play as the No. 1 seed.

Pilot project drives wreckage from forest

The initial test of community responsiveness to a growing problem in Sisters’ forest resulted in the removal of the remains of an RV that burned to the ground in 2020. The carcass was located a few hundred yards from North Pine Street and close to popular hiking trails. The area, adjacent to the ClearPine subdivision of 97 houses, has long been home to dozens of seasonal dwellers who camp in a myriad of temporary dwellings, from singleperson tents to cars to RVs. This particular vehicle, when intact, was nearly 30 feet in length.

The project was a tripartite action of a private citizen, a nonprofit, and the Forest Service.

Aspen Lakes has buyer interest

Go to aspenlakes.com and you will be greeted by an invitation to join “the world’s first NFT private golf resort and gated residential community, located in Sisters, Oregon.” There’s a lot to unpack, but at core is the sale of Aspen Lakes to outside investors. It’s shrouded in mystery, and the Cyrus family, current owners, are bound by an NDA (nondisclosure agreement) that binds them from discussing the matter.

The Nugget has unearthed a corporation in South Dakota that matches the description of the proposed purchaser. Matt Cyrus did not deny the location of the pending purchasers.

Cyrus told The Nugget: “If all goes well, we hope to close in October or November.”

Country Fair coming back to Sisters

This is the 25th year the Episcopal Church has supported the Sisters community through its Country Fair. Through the years the church has contributed over $250,000 to local support agencies such as Family Action Network, Kiwanis Food Bank, NeighborImpact, Sisters Habitat for Humanity, Healthy Beginnings, Bethlehem Inn, Circle of Friends, and Saving Grace.

Brewing up a hop festival in Sisters

The fresh hop IPA is brewed and the crisp air has the feel of harvest time. It must be the season for the Sisters Fresh Hop Festival.

Three Creeks Brewing Company will honor Oregon’s hops crop in the 11th annual Sisters Fresh Hop Festival in Sisters on September 24, at their local production facility in the industrial park.

Creek restoration near completion

A handsome new cedar splitrail fence runs along the top of the bank adjacent to Whychus Creek in Creekside Park. A matching fence will be installed on the other side of the creek in the Creekside Campground. The cedar fence material was provided by Hoyt’s Hardware & Building Supply. The installation is being done by a work crew of high school students from Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council’s alternative education program.

The fences are part of the final in-city creek restoration work being overseen by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) in partnership with the City. The UDWC raised $350,000 in grant funds for the project. Additionally, the City secured grant funds and allocated some City budget for their parts of the project.

Restoring a Sisters Country landmark

On the east shore of Suttle Lake, the picnic shelter is getting an overdue facelift. Friends of the Metolius and the Forest Service are dedicating time and resources to rehabilitate the common-use shelter for extended use and restoring it to near-original condition.

Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the officially named Cinder Beach Community Kitchen Shelter is a testament to hard work and craftsmanship during the Great Depression. Men were hired to build recreational structures and conduct conservation work as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal legislative efforts to employ young men and bolster the economy.

The Suttle Lake picnic shelter was an original structural mainstay before the Suttle Lodge was developed, one of four historical original buildings in the area, and acted as the meeting center for the former camping area.

City

OCTOBER

program

manager takes new position

After more than three years as the program manager for the City’s Public Works Department, Troy Rayburn left Sisters as of September 30 for a position as city administrator in White Salmon, Washington.

Sisters centenarian to be honored

Reaching 100 years of age is something to be celebrated — and that is exactly what Doris Johnson, a resident of The Lodge senior living facility in Sisters, will be doing this October.

Two parties are planned for Doris, one for family and friends on October 9, then On Monday, October 10, her actual birthday, the residents and staff at The Lodge will gather to honor Doris as she turns 100.

Town Hall will address homelessness

Colleen Thomas seeks to “demystify” the people who are experiencing homelessness in Sisters Country. She is hoping that a “Houseless in Sisters” Town Hall event set for Thursday, October 20, at the Sisters Fire District Community Hall will go a long way toward doing that.

Thomas, Deschutes County’s homeless services coordinator, is one of five panelists who will participate in the forum, sponsored by Citizens4Community and The Nugget Newspaper.

‘One big party’ at Sisters Folk Festival

“Ridiculously excited.”

That was how Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser described his feelings to the Sisters Folk Festival audience Saturday at Sisters Art Works. He and partner, cellist Natalie Haas, last performed at the Festival in 2016. He was describing the joy he felt at being back in Sisters before a wildly enthusiastic crowd.

That excitement was shared by audiences all weekend, as 31 acts from across the land and oceans filled eight venues starting Friday night and ending Sunday afternoon. The music was matched by the weather, both spectacular.

The abundance of Harvest Faire

Some 200 vendors — nearly a fourth making their first Sisters appearance — took over three blocks of Main Avenue on Saturday and Sunday in postcard-perfect weather for Harvest Faire, sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. Attendees were treated to a festival setting with food options, music at Fir Street Park, and, of course, shopping of the arts-and-crafts variety.

Local developer sues state for $30 million

After 17 years of trying to build an “eco-resort” somewhere in Oregon, Camp Sherman resident Shane Lundgren and his partner Jim Kean, of Dutch Pacific Resources, are suing the state of Oregon for $30 million. They claim the state has not lived up to their agreement that the partners had pre-approved development rights to build their ecoresort elsewhere in the state, outside the Metolius Basin.

The case was filed in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, which originally approved the resort.

Sisters High School Hall of Fame inducts new members

The Sisters High School Hall of Fame inducted four individuals, one team, and an organization on October 8, at the high school.

The first inductees of the night were the 2007 volleyball team and its coaches Diane Bremer and Don Minson, who entered the state tournament ranked fourth but battled through match after match to win the state title.

Sara Small, class of 2012, is one of the most decorated athletes in Sisters High School history as a three-sport athlete: soccer, basketball, and trackand-field. Small still plays soccer professionally overseas, was a first-team All-State selection as goalkeep.

The next inductee, 2007 grad Audrey Tehan, was recognized for her athletic contributions and involvement with the Integrated Environmental Expedition (IEE) program at Sisters High School.

Dusty Macauley was recognized for his accomplishments as a quarterback.

Julia Rahm, from the class of 2010, was inducted for her deep involvement in the performing arts at Sisters High School and her leadership in diversity education and the human dignity coalition.

Family Access Network (FAN) was inducted as a special community contributor.

When student becomes teacher

“Many of the kids who enroll in the flight science classes are curious about flying, but Max is one of the few who are passionate about it, really committed,” Sam Monte of Outlaw Aviation told The Nugget.

He was describing Max Tintle, a 2019 Sisters High School graduate. Tintle completed the academic course work, and “with huge support from my parents” got enough inflight hours to earn his pilot’s license.

Now, Tintle is himself a CFI — Certified Flight Instructor — with Leading Edge Aviation in Bend. He currently has six students under his tutelage. Tintle holds a CFII certificate, meaning he can instruct pilots seeking their instrument rating.

Sisters schools enrollment numbers up

Sisters School District is seeing an increase in enrollment numbers to start the 202223 school year. One of the most notable statistics is the number of students attending Sisters Elementary School.

As of October 3, the numbers were the highest at the elementary school, totaling 398 students. There are 90 second graders, the highest grade level numbers in the school. Sisters Middle School came out at 356 and Sisters High School at 393, with high numbers in the ninth and 10th grades. The total number of students in in-person and online stood at 1,147.

New four-way stop set for Main Avenue

A traffic safety improvement in downtown Sisters will be in effect starting Thursday, October 20. Watch for a new four-way stop at the intersection of East Main Avenue and North Larch Street.

The need for a four-way stop at the Larch-Main intersection was identified in the Sisters 2021 Traffic Safety Audit conducted by the City’s traffic engineer, including a traffic count to determine trip numbers from all four directions.

University students to work on sustainability

Students from the University of Oregon Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) visited Sisters on Friday, October 7, to meet with City staff and personnel from the Sisters School District (SSD) and Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD).

They toured the school district administration building and the elementary school with Superintendent Curtis Scholl to get an initial overview of the facilities. They also walked around town to observe traffic, sidewalks, parks, paths, parking, and transitions to other uses in the neighborhood.

The Sisters City Council earlier approved $85,000 for an agreement with the University of Oregon for their SCYP during school year 2022/23. The school district and SPRD have joined in and will benefit from the program, while reimbursing the City $15,000 for the fall classes.

Students will work on actual City, SSD, and SPRD projects, and plans related to their coursework on campus. In the fall quarter, they will be working mainly with the school district on how to repurpose the current elementary school and administration building, possibly including use by SPRD.

Art programing back at Movie House

Continuing a tradition dating back to 2017, Sisters Movie House announced that special one-night-only arts presentations will return on Thursday, October 20.

Outlaws celebrate big win on homecoming night

The Outlaws enjoyed a beautiful, crisp fall evening for their homecoming football game, and their senior night ceremony. Before kickoff, Sisters’ 11 seniors were honored for their contributions to the football program in front of a big Outlaws crowd.

Dumanch takes new role in public works

Jackson Dumanch, the City’s new public works project coordinator, is a young man with a firm handshake, who looks you in the eye when you meet him. Before taking his new job, he worked as a utility technician for the City of Sisters Public Works Department for 2.5 years, where he was a certified playground safety inspector in addition to his many other duties.

Lady

Keeping an eye on the Metolius

Readers of The Nugget have noted seemingly low flows at the headwaters of the Metolius River, one of Sisters Country’s most beloved and revered resources.

The latest reading by Oregon Department of Water Resources (ODWR) shows 55 CFS (cubic feet per second). In June of 2018 that was 102 CFS, followed a year later by a 95.6 reading, and last June it registered 74.

Kyle Gorman, ODWR regional manager in Bend, recalls his very first reading of the headwaters in 1991 when it logged in at 61 CFS. The stream, its source bubbling from underground springs, closely parallels water years, and the past three years have seen highly elevated drought throughout Central Oregon. So Gorman is not surprised by the measurements. He’s not alarmed, but concerned.

Outlaws

earn a crown

The Lady Outlaws soccer squad emerged as conference champs after a 1-0 win over Central Linn on October 19. But the win and claiming the conference title didn’t come easy. In order for the Outlaws to have a chance, Central Linn had to finish with a tie in their game against Pleasant Hill on October 17, and then the Outlaws had to beat Central Linn on the road on the 19th. That’s just what happened. Central Linn ended their game with Pleasant Hill in a 1-1 tie, and on the 19th the Outlaws edged out the Cobras 1-0.

Two hundred goats mow meadow in Sisters Country

It takes 200 goats 21 days to clear 50 acres of vegetation. This ancient form of mowing is having a resurgence, with a powerful demonstration right here in Sisters Country.

Homeowners in Cascade Meadow Ranch have hired Scott Martin to tackle weeds on a 50-acre portion of the Ranch’s 310 acres of common area.

The Ranch, with 24 twoacre lot homes, is surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest, giving homeowners lots of incentive to mitigate wildfire risk. Conventional tractors with mower attachments are not practical, unable to navigate

YEAR IN REVIEW

easily among the ponderosa pines and other obstacles.

They turned to Martin from Terrebonne, who has a few hundred Boer goats.

Hearing continued on Sisters development

Council chambers at City Hall was packed last Thursday, October 20, for a Sisters Planning Commission public hearing on a proposed 12.92acre residential development along the McKenzie Highway at the west end of Sisters.

The hearing addressed a master planned development, tentative subdivision, and minor partition on the Sunset Meadows property located in the multifamily residential district (MFR).The heavily treed property is located along the north side of Highway 242 across from Pole Creek Ranch, and backs up to The Pines senior housing community and the Oxbow Flats apartments on the north. The Episcopal Church is to the west across Brooks Camp Road, and the East Portal owned by the City is to the east across Hood Avenue.

Woodhill Homes is seeking approval to allow for a 71-lot residential development with 22 lots for single- family detached dwellings, 48 lots for attached townhomes, and one parcel for a multi-family residential development, including approximately 72-124 units.

Repairing the Whychus Creek riparian zone

Sisters Elementary School (SES) students had the opportunity to get their hands dirty at their hometown creek last week.

For the last month, the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) has been working with students on planting plants, trees, and grasses along the riparian zone of Whychus Creek at Creekside Park. The planting is part of the larger restoration project taking place in that area of the creek.

The species students are planting are all native to the area and will help protect the creek bank and prevent erosion into the creek. The UDWC collaborates with the Sisters schools throughout the year — working with juniors in the IEE class, and this fall, working with elementary age kids to promote ownership and stewardship of their community and creek.

NOVEMBER

Outlaws boys are district cross-country

champs

A 500-mile round trip and a new classification with relatively unknown competition didn’t thwart the Outlaw boys cross-country team on its way to the district title. They claimed the crown in convincing fashion, earning a berth to the state championships.

Travel fatigue did not appear to be a factor at the October 28 meet at Pendleton Community Park, where the Outlaw boys faced off with the other Special District 3 teams in the 3A classification.

The race came down to the Outlaws versus the Outlaws, as reigning state champion Enterprise provided the closest threat. But with five Sisters runners finishing in the top 12 the win ended up being clearcut.

Home sales cool

The numbers are in for the first 30 days of October, and sales of single-family homes in zip code 97759 show a marked decline in activity. Last year in the time period there were 31 sales transacted with a total value of $24.94 million. This October the number of sales, 20, dropped a third to $19.33 million.

Outlaws headed to State

The Lady Outlaws volleyball team punched their ticket to the big dance with their 3-0 win over Westside Christian in the second round of playoffs on October 29. They will head to the state tournament held on Friday and Saturday, November 4-5 at Springfield High School. Their first match of the tourney will be against St. Mary’s on Friday at 1:15 p.m.

Josie Patton named Goalkeeper of the Year

Senior Josie Patton was a First-Team All-League pick and earned top recognition as Goalkeeper of the Year in the All-League voting. Patton has been a four-year starting goalie for the Outlaws, and last year was also named Goalie of the Year in 4A.

Boys soccer announces AllLeague selections

The Outlaws soccer squad had four players who earned All-League honors, including Tate Kaczmarek, Gus Patton, and Vincent Christian, who were all First-Team picks.

Those we lost...

Hal Henry Reitmeier

Gordon Ray Burgess

Lonny

Stewart Weitzman

Don Berry

Thomas James

Willy Frits Alexander

Dee AnDyke Passed January 26, 2022

Terrance Warren Watson December 6, 1938

Shawna Dawn (Hutchinson) Bell

Allen J Ver Bouwens Passed January 31, 2022

Jeannette Jentzsch Harding

Betty Lou Farm

Gail VanZyl

Glenn Miller Passed February 2022

Carol Jean LeFavor (Hardy)

Dr. Duane F. Marble

Kimberly Lynn Ward-Cary

Trudy Deloris Foss

Janice Lee Girt

Ronald “Ronnie” Barton

Shirley Jean von Kalinowski

James Leroy McGregor

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

we lost...

Russell John Ribb, Jr.

Pamela Jean Kundert

Jimmy Ralph

Rollo “Skip” Simpson Wheeler Jr.

Dolores

Gilbert

Celia May (Park) Nix

Beverly Israel Eigner

Nathan (Nate) Lipscomb Passed July 2022

Shirley

James

Sylvia Faye Foster May 2, 1933- August 23, 2022

Loretta May Moon (Clark)

Kenneth Harlan Knox

Joseph John Leonardi

Jim Anderson March 27, 1928

Robert Ernest Grooney

Luke Demro Gardinier

Allen

Marie Conklin

Robert “Bo” Neal

Debra Sue Van Cleave

Albert Lloyd French III

George

Jack Gulick

Rodney Gene Moss

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Sisters woman earns philanthropy fellowship

Erin Borla, executive director and trustee for The Roundhouse Foundation, has been selected for the National Center for Family Philanthropy Fellows Program. The program is designed to accelerate the learning and development of family philanthropy leaders, while also defining and elevating effective practices in the sector.

Sisters man busted for fentanyl, meth

Detectives from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team arrested a 46-year-old Sisters man on multiple drug charges November 11.

According to Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), the CODE Team concluded a short-term investigation with the arrest of Paul Weston of Sisters.

Commercial real estate boom in Sisters

There’s a real estate boom in Sisters. Commercial real estate is on fire. Drive all over town and excavators are leveling dirt, concrete is being poured, and walls are going up.

What’s driving it? Speculation mostly, and with the economy in flux and many economists predicting a recession soon (some saying that we are already in it), such investments may not pay off quickly.

Population grows to 3,064 in official census

The 2020 population census is still being tabulated almost two years later in some locales, but for Sisters the numbers are in. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sisters is home to 3,064 persons living in 1,661 dwelling units (1.84 per household). There were 1,172 families or other living arrangements recorded.

The census also revealed that 49.7 percent are employed in Sisters, and 57.6 percent work in Oregon. The Sisters median household income is $75,662 as compared to $68,937 for Deschutes County and $65,667 for Oregon.

Sisters schools honor veterans

Sisters schools honored local veterans with their annual assemblies at all three schools. The Sisters High School assembly took place on November 9 in the auditorium, with the entire student body and teachers present, as well as 15 local veterans from different branches of the military, who sat in the front to be recognized.

The assembly, which is put on by the Associated Student Government every year, included a video message from staff and students about what veterans mean to them and why they are thankful to them.

Sisters breaks ground for new school

While there has already been tree clearing over the last few months, on a frosty, sunny morning last Thursday, October 27, Sisters School Board members, architects, builders, and Superintendent Curt Scholl made Sisters Elementary School construction official with a groundbreaking ceremony, using gold shovels to commemorate work that will create a full K-12 campus.

Science series to return to Sisters

After being derailed by the pandemic, “Frontiers in Science,” the popular lecture series presented by the Sisters Science Club, will return to The Belfry next spring.

Neuroscience and genetics will be the topics for the February and April events, featuring two accomplished researchers and teachers.

Ride program salutes its volunteers

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” is the common, heartfelt sentiment voiced by Sisters residents who receive free rides to nonemergency medical appointments in Sisters, Redmond, and Bend courtesy of Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS). Volunteer drivers, dispatchers, and action team members were honored at the first-ever STARS Volunteer Appreciation gathering.

Seasoned council will lead Sisters

The 2023 Sisters City Council will see only one newcomer, Susan Cobb, who will take the seat vacated by retiring Council President Nancy Connolly, who has served for eight years. Gary Ross and Michael Preedin were reelected to serve for four years, and Cobb will serve for two. They join continuing Council members Andrea Blum and Jennifer Letz.

Eight Sisters football players named to All-League teams

Eight Outlaw football players were selected to All-League teams, including junior Justin DeSmet and senior Jessey Murillo, who were First-Team selections. Adam MaddoxCastle, a senior, earned SecondTeam, All-League Running Back, and was also a SecondTeam Defensive Back pick. Senior Hudson Symonds was a Second-Team Offensive Lineman pick, Senior Henry Rard was a Second-Team Center pick, and also earned Honorable-Mention Defensive Lineman. Mason Sellers, a senior, earned Second-Team Linebacker. Senior Brody Duey was a Second-Team pick as a punter, and earned Honorable Mention as a kicker. Senior Easton Moore rounded out the All-League picks, earning Honorable-Mention Quarterback.

C L A S S I F I E D S

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

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102 Commercial Rentals

220 SW PINE ST., SUITE 106

For lease 582 SF RETAIL space coming available soon. Great location with on street parking. Email lorna@nolteproperties.com or phone 541-419-8380. Lorna Nolte, Principlal Broker Lic #200105010

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

103 Residential Rentals

For Rent - new Earth Advantage Platinum home in beautiful ClearPine development.

Craftsman style features 3 BR, 2 BA, 1985 sq. feet with open floorplan. All top-of-the-line LG appliances incl. refrigerator, DW, microwave, front-load washer & dryer. See Zillow.com for more details. Call or text Cindy at 805-286-6302.

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

18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com Order Online! 541-410-4509

205

Estate Sales

Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150

301 Vehicles

SISTERS SATELLITE

TV • PHONE • INTERNET

Your authorized local dealer for DirecTV, ViaSat HS Internet and more! CCB # 191099 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729

Technology Problems? I can fix them for you. Solving for Business & Home Computers, Tablets, Networking Internet (Starlink), and more! Jason Williams Sisters local • 25 yrs. experience 541-719-8329

Oregontechpro.com

502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning GORDON’S

LAST TOUCH

Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau

• Bonded & Insured •

Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008

M & J CARPET CLEANING

LOLO TREE WORKS

Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services.

ISA Certified Arborist

Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638 Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912

Custom Homes • Additions Residential Building Projects Serving Sisters area since 1976 Strictly Quality CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764 John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

104

Services

GEORGE’S SEPTIC

TANK SERVICE

“A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871

~ WEDDINGS BY KARLY ~ Happy to perform virtual or in-person weddings. Custom Wedding Ceremonies 20+ years • 541-410-4412 revkarly@gmail.com

• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279

- SNOW REMOVALDriveways and walkways only. J&K Irrigation & Landscaping 541-771-5847 LCB# 100204

MOVING TRUCK FOR HIRE –COMPLETE MOVING, LLC–Sisters' Only Local Moving Co.! Two exp. men with 25+ years comm. moving. Refs! ODOT Lic. Class 1-B • Call 541-678-3332

BOOKKEEPING SERVICE

~ Olivia Spencer ~ Expert Local Bookkeeping! Phone: 541-241-4907 www.spencerbookkeeping.com

SMALL Engine REPAIR

Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines

Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090

504

Handyman

SISTERS HONEYDO

General repairs, interior painting and trim, carpentry, drywall, lighting, and much more-just ask. 25+ yrs. Maint. exp./local refs. Scott Dady 541-728-4266 JONES

Beaver Creek Log Homes LLC 541-390-1206 beavercreeklog@yahoo.com Log repairs, log railing, log accent, log siding, etc. CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 288388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com

Construction & Renovation

Custom Residential Projects All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

Earthwood Timberframes

• Design & shop fabrication

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services www.earthwoodhomes.com

SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC.

General Contractor Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74 A “Hands-On” Builder Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016 To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523

CENIGA'S MASONRY, INC.

Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris.

You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475 www.NuggetNews.com

Brick • Block • Stone • Pavers CCB #181448 – 541-350-6068 www.CenigasMasonry.com

TOO MUCH STUFF? Call 541-549-9941 and place an ad in The Nugget!

Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation. CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462

All Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling and SNOW REMOVAL Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740

From design to installation we can do it all! Pavers, water features, irrigation systems, sod, plants, trees etc. 541-771-9441 LCB #8906 bendorganiclandscaping.com J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, gutters. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com

701 Domestic Services

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897 I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051 802

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Rush named Coach of the Year

The Lady Outlaws had a stellar league season and finished with a 11-1 record — all sweeps, except for two matches. Six Outlaw players stood out and earned All-League recognition — and Coach Rory Rush was named Coach of the Year.

Growth concerns a focus of City policy

Concerns about the pace and nature of growth in Sisters loom large as the City of Sisters works on its housing plan. At their November 17 meeting, the Planning Commission approved resolutions acknowledging the Sisters Housing Plan Update and the Efficiency Measures Report related to the updated Comprehensive Plan. Following those two approvals, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing addressing proposed text amendments to Sisters Development Code to support the recommendations of the Sisters Housing Plan Update and Efficiency Measures Report.

No action on winter campground use

A small storm of rumor has been brewing in town regarding the possibility of Creekside Campground becoming a location for houseless camping this winter. According to Mayor Michael Preedin, “No one has currently come forward with a proposal to use the campground in the winter. No one on the City Council or City staff has made such a request.”

Council passes on city manager candidates

After a month of advertising the city manager opening in Sisters, screening applicants, narrowing the field to three finalists, and a week of panels, receptions, tours, and a final interview in front of the City Council, the Council decided not to offer the position to any one of the three candidates –Ron Tinseth, Keith Witcosky, or Simon Kim. The City will begin the process over again.

DECEMBER

Tree poaching on the rise in forest

Tree thieves increase in numbers and are more brazen as we enter firewood season, and as a cord of wood is selling for $275 to $295 in Sisters Country. In Central Oregon a cord of firewood is up about 25 percent from a year ago, which itself was up double digits from 2020.

The Sisters District Ranger’s office issues permits for about 3,000 cords annually. That might only be half or less of the wood taken, however, as poachers help themselves to trees.

Sisters youth shine in robotics competition

A group of Sisters youths built a Lego robot and turned it loose in First Lego League competition at Mountain View High School on December 11. Their robot made an outstanding run and the group just missed qualifying for state.

The Broken Top Builders have been practicing every week since September for the competition. The program is designed to build Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills, while fostering teamwork, cooperation, and an understanding of how innovation can address realworld challenges.

Christmas comes early for students

Nine Sisters High School students got an early and unexpected Christmas present when they arrived at the Circle of Friends clubhouse on December 8. Awaiting them were MacBook laptops provided through a federal grant obtained by Circle of Friends last year, which was partially earmarked for providing technology opportunities for young people in the program.

Middle

schoolers launch Mission

Possible to aid houseless

Sisters Area Director of Young Life Shannon Miller is blown away, not only by the ownership 39 middle school girls have taken in spearheading a project designed to ease the burden of Sisters residents experiencing houselessness, but by the success of their recent fundraiser.

With frigid weather bearing down, the girls’ vision is to provide practical items to area residents who could use a hand up.

The girls responded to their leaders’ question, “How are you going to pay for all that?” by raising a cool $3,000 through a massive bake sale.

Explore Sisters hires director

Scott Humpert is the new executive director for Explore Sisters, the community’s new destination management organization. He brings more than a decade of experience in the tourism and destination marketing and management world to the job, most recently as the senior marketing manager for Explore Lincoln City. Humpert is an Oregon native who’s lived in the state his entire life.

Sisters man arrested in string of thefts

Noah Kirshner of Sisters has been arrested in connection with a series of vehicle breakins in the local area. Kirshner, 23, has been arrested repeatedly over a period of years in connection with similar thefts. The most current arrest occurred on November 29, after a concerned citizen made a report to Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office regarding possible stolen property that might be connected to a string of thefts in the neighborhood of Squaw Creek Canyon Estates.

Planning Commission to rule on development

The Sisters Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled to make a decision on the controversial proposed Sunset Meadows development along Highway 242 at their meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

At the conclusion of the December 8 Planning Commission meeting, the public hearing on Sunset Meadows was closed, and the written record left open for submittal of additional information.