The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVI No. 52 // 2023-12-27

The Nugget Vol. XLVI No. 52

www.NuggetNews.com

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News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

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

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Community connections One of the most gratifying aspects of newspaper work is the connections you make.

We writerly folk are often introverts by temperament — most comfortable wandering our own mental landscape or absorbed in a book. Those of us get pushed or pulled into journalism are pushed out into a wider world, compelled by the demands of the work to enter other people’s spheres, engage with them and tell their stories.

We’re lucky. I feel especially fortunate doing this work in a small town, where the connections forged through telling the community’s stories are no passing thing. I have come to know artists and activists, public servants, and entrepreneurs. Through The Nugget, I interact with school kids and community elders; creative thinkers and big-hearted volunteers. Folks who are experiencing wonderful success, and some who are going through struggles and hard times.

It’s a privilege and an honor to tell their stories, which are always surprising and have more ups and downs and twists and turns than what might appear on the surface.

Some of those folks have become close friends — and I might not have ever made a connection with them if it weren’t for the work I do.

I got to thinking about this after reading an article on Politico a couple of days ago on Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s campaign to combat loneliness as a threat to our health and well-being. I shared it with Kellen Klein, executive director of Citizens4Community.

Kellen is one of those folks who I connected with

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

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it’s designed and how we use it that ultimately determines whether it helps or hurts us.”

Well, OK, good start. I guess. Like he said, maybe a bridge to offline connection.

Offline connection is better. Nothing beats sitting down with someone face to face and having a conversation. Or walking together on a trail, whether you’re talking or not (the Sisters High School IEE concept of “noble silence” is, well, noble). You don’t always need conversation to be connected. I have an innate bias in this direction, but I believe nothing connects people quite like the shared experience of live music.

We have so many opportunities for real connection in Sisters — and we can sustain those even as the community grows and changes. Among the “tools” for combatting loneliness and isolation identified at that Town Hall was the simple willingness to extend an invitation to somebody — for coffee, dinner, going to a show.

The flip side of that, the group agreed, is that you have to be willing to say “yes” when someone reaches out.

I feel pretty lucky that my job actually requires me to say “yes” a lot. Sure, I still need to get my woods time in, by myself. But the work has created connections for me that have made my life infinitely richer.

So, I guess my message to someone I’m grateful for goes out to the whole lot of you. Thanks for being who and what you are.

through work. Might not have crossed paths otherwise, and I’m glad I did. I like the guy, even though he makes cracks about the condition of my hat.

C4C and The Nugget partnered on an October Town Hall discussion of the epidemic of loneliness and isolation that has alarmed the surgeon general and launched an effort by St. Charles Family Health to mitigate it.

Among the takeaways from the Town Hall: Loneliness and isolation do plague folks in Sisters — and we’re in a lot better shape than most places.

The Politico piece found Surgeon General Murthy out on college campuses encouraging connection. He served up a five-day challenge to write and send a message to someone you’re grateful for in 45 seconds — and do that for five days running. The idea was to show the digitally dependent — who feel that constant screen time has created more isolation than connection — that the technology actually can be “used for good.”

“What we’ve heard from many students is that social media in its current form has ended up making many of them feel worse about themselves and about their friendships,” Murthy told Politico. “We also know that during the height of the pandemic, being able to video conference with their friends was actually a blessing and a great way to stay in touch.

“Part of the reason we have people use their phones to send that message is as a reminder: We can use our technology in positive ways to strengthen connection, but we have to be really intentional about it. If those can be bridges to offline connection, that’s even better.

It’s not about tech being good or bad. It’s about how

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

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

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Cover background photo by Cody Rheault. Published Weekly. ©2023 The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All advertising which appears in The Nugget is the property of The Nugget and may not be used without explicit permission. The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. assumes no liability or responsibility for information contained in advertisements, articles, stories, lists, calendar etc. within this publication. All submissions to The Nugget Newspaper will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyrighting purposes and subject to The Nugget Newspaper’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially, that all rights are currently available, and that the material in no way infringes upon the rights of any person. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of artwork, photos, or manuscripts.

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Sisters Weather Forecast Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Dec. 27 Cloudy

Dec. 28 Partly Cloudy

Dec. 29 Mostly Cloudy

Dec. 30 Mostly Cloudy

45/34

44/28

39/29

42/29

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Dec. 31 Mostly Cloudy

Jan. 1 Mostly Cloudy

Jan. 2 PM Showers

45/31

45/31

44/32

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR Sisters Red Hats 1st Friday. For location information, please call: Al-Anon 541-848-1970.

Mon., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Sisters Area Woodworkers First Lutheran Church. 541-610-7383.

Noon, Aspen Lakes. 541-760-5645.

Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 541-231-1897.

Alcoholics Anonymous Sisters Astronomy Club 3rd Tuesday, Sisters Veterans Thursdays, Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills East of the Cascades Quilt Guild noon, Takoda’s Restaurant.

7 p.m., SPRD. 541-549-8846.

Lutheran Church 4th Wed. (September-June), Stitchin’ 541-903-1123.

Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 Post. All are welcome. 541-549-6061.

Sisters Trails Alliance Board Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church p.m. at Sisters Community Church.

Meetings take place every other month, Go Fish Fishing Group 3rd Monday Wednesday, 7 a.m.,Gentlemen’s Email sistersbridge2021@gmail.com.

5 p.m. In-person or zoom. Contact: meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran 7 p.m., Sisters Community Church.

Sisters Caregiver Support Group info@sisterstrails.org.

541-771-2211.

Church 3rd Tues., 10:30 a.m., Sisters Episcopal Three Sisters Irrigation District Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Heartwarmers (fleece blanketmakers) Church.

541-719-0031.

Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Sisters Board of Directors Meets 1st Tuesday, Lutheran Church Community Church. Materials provided. Sisters Cribbage Club Meets 11 a.m. 10 a.m., TSID Office. 541-549-8815. every Wed. at SPRD. 509-947-5744.

Thursday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of 541-408-8505.

Three Sisters Lions Club 2nd the Transfiguration Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Spoons Sisters Garden Club For monthly Hero Quilters of Sisters Thursday, Friday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com. Restaurant. 541-419-1279.

1 to 4 p.m. 541-668-1755.

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

VFW Post 8138 and American Sisters Habitat for Humanity Board Military Parents of Sisters Meetings 541-548-0440.

Legion Post 86 1st Wednesday of the of Directors 4th Tuesday, 6 p.m. are held quarterly; please call for Saturday, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of month, 6:30 p.m., Main Church Building Location information: 541-549-1193. details.

541-388-9013. the Transfiguration Sisters Community Church.

Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Sisters Kiwanis Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild 541-549-1462 (John). a.m., at Aspen Lakes Golf Course.

Chapter meets Wednesdays, For Saturday meeting dates and SCHOOLS 541-410-2870.

11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. location, email: steelefly@msn.com.

541-549-6469.

Black Butte School Citizens4Community Community Sisters Parent Teacher Community Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Board of Directors 2nd Tuesday, Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters 3:45 p.m., Black Butte School.

Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Visit Elementary School Commons.

541-595-6203 503-930-6158. citizens4community.com for location.

917-219-8298.

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Lunch In-person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grab-and-go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs.

12:30 to 1 p.m. Sisters Community Church. 541-480-1843.

Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at Sisters Community Church. 541-549-6157.

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

Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wednesday monthly, Sisters School District Administration Building. See schedule online at www. ssd6.org. 541-549-8521 x5002.

CITY & PARKS

Sisters City Council 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-549-6022.

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Directors 2nd & 4th Tues., 4 p.m., Coffield Center. 541-549-2091.

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

FIRE & POLICE Black Butte Ranch Police Dept.

Board of Directors Meets monthly.

541-595-2191 for time & date.

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

Cloverdale RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Wed., 5:30 p.m., 67433 Cloverdale Rd. 541-548-4815. cloverdalefire.com.

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

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Raising thousands for food security

JANUARY Aspen Lakes sale postponed

The proposed sale of Aspen Lakes Golf Course, owned by the Cyrus family, has been postponed. The Wyant family of Salem formed a South Dakota corporation named Rhue Resorts, Inc. with the intent to purchase the golf course and adjoining property in excess of 1,000 acres, to develop as a destination resort. When the deal was announced in September 2022, Matt Cyrus said he expected the sale to close in October, possibly November.

Now in a statement posted on Facebook on December 29, 2022, Cyrus tells golf members that the deal is still pending.

Cindy Wyant, Rhue CEO, told The Nugget on December 30, 2022 that they made the decision to pull back on the NFT membership drive amidst the worldwide turmoil surrounding the FTX debacle.

Fire District shines during holidays

Thanks to generous donations of gifts and money over the past six weeks, the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire and Ambulance Association was able to provide Christmas gifts to 150 children who live within the Sisters or Black Butte School Districts. Gifts were distributed to families on December 17 along with gift certificates for food from Sisters Kiwanis Club. Pet food and gifts from Furry Friends Foundation were distributed separately. The three programs served 128 families.

Temporary Sisters Library arrives

The temporary building arrived at the corner of Cedar and Main in two parts, the first rolling into Sisters on December 28. Delivery of the second half was delayed three times due to snowy weather conditions over Oregon’s mountain passes. It arrived January 3. Construction crews have been assembling the building and IT staff will wire it for service. The temporary space will give the public continued access to some services and resources, including pickup of customer holds, browsing of new and best-selling books, and use of public computers.

As food insecurity reaches crisis levels in Central Oregon, Newport Avenue Market and Oliver Lemon’s shoppers and employees helped bridge the gap, raising over $76,044.

Throughout December, shoppers donated money to the Food for February fundraiser, and the 100 percent employee-owned markets matched the funds.

Families to break ground on homes

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Outlaws turned in a very strong performance on the slopes to kick off their season.

Sisters housing market cools off

The fourth quarter of 2022 saw a significant cooling off of the residential real estate market when compared to the same quarter in 2021. For 2022 there were 59 sales that closed, for a total of $51.48 million, between October 1 and December 31.

That compares to 84 homes sold in the same period in 2021 for an aggregate of $66.53 million.

Sisters embraces bereaved family

The family of Maria Aviles Tapia, who died in a single-vehicle car accident on December 23, is profoundly grateful to the Sisters community for the outpouring of support the family has received in the face of their tragedy.

Still a ways to go to bust drought

While recent rains and snows are a welcome sign, and indeed there is some slight improvement to our years-long drought, the numbers say we have a long road ahead. Sisters Country is still clocking in at D2 (Severe Drought) as compared to a year ago on this date when we were recording D3 (Extreme). Just a few miles away, Bend remains at D3, and our friends in Prineville are at D4 (Exceptional). Over the pass is still rated as Abnormally High.

New councilors sworn in

Three City councilors were sworn in January 11. Returning councilors Michael Preedin and Gary Ross were elected to fouryear terms and Susan Cobb to a two-year term. Following the oath of office, all five received training on roles, protocols on public meetings, and records and ethics from the City attorneys of Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis. Councilors reelected Michael Preedin to serve as mayor for the next two years, and Andrea Blum was elected Council president.

Three families broke ground on their future Sisters Habitat for Humanity homes in the Village Meadows neighborhood on January 23. Heart of Oregon Corps YouthBuild will be constructing one of the homes, and Sisters Habitat volunteers will build the other two homes. Each home takes 3,500 to 4,000 volunteer hours to complete.

Development wins conditional approval

Woodhill Homes’ application for their Master Plan development Sunset Meadows, on a 12.92-acre property in the multi-family residential district (MFR) at 15510 McKenzie Highway on the west side of town, won approval — with conditions — from the Planning Commission at their January 19 meeting.

Majestic...

Former Deschutes County Sheriff dies

Former Deschutes County Sheriff Les Stiles has died.

Stiles was elected as the seventh sheriff of Deschutes County, serving from 2001 to 2007.

Director takes reins at Explore Sisters

The first executive director of Explore Sisters, Scott Humpert, told The Nugget that the primary goal for the new destination management organization (DMO) is to sustain Sisters’ quality of livability by managing tourism to insure they attract “the right person at the right time in the right place.”

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Mt. Washington beautifully shrouded in snow and clouds.

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Wee wi W wish wis i s h you y uaM Merry erry er rry C Christmas h rris rist istm mas ass and Happy New Year!

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Sisters schools looking at state school funding

Sisters School District (SSD) is looking forward to the next two years and the state budget that will be proposed mid-2023, determining the funding for schools for the 2023-2025 biennium. According to discussions with the legislative forums over the last couple of months, the budget number that the State had come up with so far was a school fund of $9.52 billion.

Based on previous years and working on Sisters’ budget, the state number that SSD needs to fully fund all services — special programs, paying staff, operations, mechanical etc. — is $10.3 billion.

What’s behind a fence in Sisters

Ashley Okura, one of the family owners of Ponderosa Lodge, explained the long history of the new 1,700-lineal-foot fence being erected around the perimeter at a cost of some $50,000. She wanted to add context to reporting that the new fence was “partly” to shield the property from illegal camping at the edge of their property. Okura says the fence will serve many purposes and has been in the works since 2016. She acknowledged that nearby homeless encampments were a source of concern and complaints from some guests.

Sisters Folk Festival presents new event

Sisters Folk Festival is launching a brand-new music festival bringing progressive bluegrass and Americana music to two stages in June.

Big Ponderoo will take place June 23-25, 2023 at Sisters

Art Works and Three Creeks Brewing Co. production facility. Organizers are also planning the Ponderoo Arts Experience to take place throughout the week, with workshops and artist sessions that explore selfexpression through visual arts.

FEBRUARY Jean Nelson-Dean retiring from Forest Service

Jean Nelson-Dean has been working with federal natural resource agencies for close to 20 years. Her journey started in archaeology and quickly evolved into combining her love for the forest and natural lands with her communications experience. She’s now retiring from her position as Deschutes National Forest public information officer.

Affordable housing project slated

A City Council goal for 2022/23 is to identify land in the city and find a development partner(s) for a future multi-family workforce housing rental project. By December 2026 Sisters hopes to meet that goal. The City received a proposal in August 2022 from NW Housing Alternatives (NHA) for a minimum-40-unit apartment building. The tentative housing location is a portion of a vacant lot at 322 N. Trinity Way in Sisters.

Wildfire risk map put on hold

A wildfire risk map that was rolled out last year, and quickly withdrawn in the face of significant backlash over concerns about insurance coverage, has been placed on hold again.

PHOTO BY T.L. BROWN

Marchers and their canines gathered at the bronze horse statue at the corner of Cascade and Larch for Sisters’ third March for Hope on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Organizer Clay Warburton holds a “Be the Change” sign in one hand and a golden retriever in the other.

Good paying jobs go begging in Sisters

Job boards, those online recruiting engines, are chockfull of well-paying jobs in Sisters. And worker shortages have been particularly hard on restaurants in Sisters, with most not able to be open as many hours or days as they’d like.

In all, there are nearly 300 job openings for work in Sisters.

Autobahn reopens to delight of families

The last few weekends have been the scene of squeals of joy and broad smiles at Ski Hoodoo, where barely sufficient snow and enough staff have allowed the Autobahn tubing park to reopen. Having been closed nearly in its entirety since the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular family activity has resumed on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Man arrested, threats assessed

Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff ’s Office (DCSO) arrested a 27-year-old Sisters man in an incident at Takoda’s restaurant in Sisters on January 31. According to

Habitat officers pick up hammer

Sisters Habitat for Humanity welcomed their new board of directors on January 24. The gavel (a hammer) was passed from outgoing President Bob Buchholz to the new board president, Joe Rambo.

Sisters to host ski championships

The Sisters alpine ski race team will host the 2023 OISRA (Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association) State Championships at Hoodoo this year. This is the first time in over two decades that Hoodoo has hosted the championship alpine ski race.

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Finding community and friendship in work is a difficult feat, but the Sisters Skate Alliance managed to embed that outcome within the skatepark expansion project in their hometown of Sisters. The recent construction that the local park underwent over the past year is both extensive and impressive.

Daniel O’Neill, a math teacher of 17 years and lifelong skateboarder, describes the project as “a way of allowing kids to realize that they can be powerful contributors to their community.

DCSO reports, an allegedly intoxicated man was refusing to leave the restaurant, and being aggressive with the staff.

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541-549-9631

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Mon-Fri: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

541-549-6061

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW DMO takes on tourism

For 47 years Sisters Chamber of Commerce has supported and promoted local businesses. Part of that time they also had a contract with the City of Sisters to act as the local visitors center and promote tourism. In recent years a new concept for promoting tourism has evolved worldwide known as destination management, which goes beyond just attracting tourists, to welcoming visitors in a viable and sustainable way that respects the needs and wishes of residents. Enter Explore Sisters destination management organization (DMO), an independent nonprofit organization with its own board of directors and recently hired executive director, Scott Humpert.

Greg Willits, Explore Sisters board chair, believes they will be able to nimbly adjust marketing strategies to avoid too much or too little tourism.

High Camp Taphouse Removing trees to promote forest — feeding Sisters health and serving Nepal

Nurbu and Pema Sherpa opened High Camp Taphouse last summer. Their reasons for opening the business were twofold: They love offering food that expands the horizons of American palates. And the couple’s longtime efforts to help those in need required an income source. For them, sharing the tastes of Nepal and the Himalayas is a perfect way to raise money and awareness about the needs of the region’s most vulnerable.

Washington man arrested in robbery

Deputies with Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 42-year-old Washington resident after he allegedly robbed a man camped off the 100 road spur at the west end of Sisters.

Pie in the Face...

The removal of 177 juniper trees from 18 lots in the High Meadow neighborhood off Indian Ford Road is creating what participants in the project consider a win-win situation.

The homeowners are improving the resiliency of their Firewise community and improving the environment for their ponderosa pines. The junipers are being removed as intact trees that will be taken up to Deschutes Land Trust’s Rimrock Ranch, where the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is coordinating another Whychus Creek restoration project along 1.5 miles of the valley floor.

VFW educator of the year

Joan Warburg, principal of Sisters Elementary School, was this year’s recipient of the Sisters Branch of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 8138 Educator of the Year award. The award recognizes an instructor within the Sisters schools that shows dedication to support of patriotism at their school.

School works to improve reading

PHOTO BY JACK TURPEN

Sisters High School’s “Pie in the Face” raised $4,001 for FAN (Family Access Network). The event was part of the school’s annual Pageant scheduled for April 15. Students will host a pasta feed fundraiser on March 5.

The Sisters Elementary School (SES) teachers and staff are making strides to increase literacy and reading levels at the elementary level, particularly in kindergarten and first grade. Principal Joan Warburg presented to the Sisters School District School Board in January the highlights of SES Literacy Instruction Programming, outlining the adoption of a core-based curriculum that offers literacy experiences around a common text.

PHOTO BY STU EHR

Erik Himbert, a 10-year resident of Sisters and paraplegic, is on his feet again and able to walk — with the assistance of cutting-edge exoskeleton technology and his safety partner Rick Retzman.

Three swimmers medal at State

Clayten Heuberger, Joseph Souza, and Ella Bartlett all medaled at the OSAA 4A/3A/2A/1A swimming championships held February 17-18 at Tualatin Hills Swim Center.

Rezoning approved for housing development

An affordable housing apartment project in Sisters cleared a big hurdle last week. The Planning Commission approved a modified version of the City’s application for rezoning of Heavenly Acres from Urban Area Reserve (UAR) to Public

Facilities and Institutions (PFI) and Multi-Family Residential (MFR), to accommodate the proposed apartment project.

Sisters may add another deputy

Under the current contract that went into effect July 1, 2020, deputies assigned in Sisters provide 160 hours of patrol coverage. Lieutenant Chad Davis presented to Sisters City Council last Wednesday about adding an additional deputy to the three existing ones. During the discussions leading up to the new contract, they spoke about having a lieutenant who serves as a defacto police chief and three or four patrol deputies to provide law enforcement within the city.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Sunset Meadows development will go forward

During Sisters Planning Commission’s January 19 hearing on the Sunset Meadows housing development by Woodhill Homes, the commissioners approved the master plan with the condition that the multifamily apartments, which were slated for the last phase (of five) of the development, would be built as phase three.

MARCH Cooper second at state wrestling

Senior Ben Cooper capped his wrestling career at Sisters High School with a runnerup finish at the OSAA 3A Wrestling Championships held Friday, February 24 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland. Cooper’s finish is the highest at the state tournament in Sisters High School history.

Nordic skiers race at state meet

The Sisters High Nordic ski team completed its season at the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association-Nordic State Championships held February 24-25 at Mt. Bachelor.

Boys hoops falls in second round of state playoffs

The Outlaws started their week on Wednesday, February 22 with a 41-37 win on the road against Neah-Kah-Nie in the first round of the 3A State Playoffs. Three days later they traveled to Tigard to take on the No.1-ranked Westside Christian Eagles, and fell with a final score of 43-62.

Aviation program getting back in the air

Over the past summer Sisters Aviation experienced some challenges, which concluded in the program no longer being able to fly. Although classes never stopped at Sisters High School, the opportunity to take flight lessons at Sisters Eagle Airport was no longer an option. But thanks to COCC and Leading Edge, both located in Bend, flight instruction is being brought back to Sisters.

Leading Edge has agreed to provide flight instruction to SHS student pilots at the Sisters Eagle Airport.

SSD to seek local option funding

The Sisters School District is set to seek a fifth renewal of the local option tax levy. The local option renewal has been ongoing for 24 years, providing essential funding for the unique programs Sisters schools are able to offer. Superintendent Curt Scholl will file for the local option levy to be on the ballot for the May election. The local option levy renewal is the same amount of 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Black Butte School Sheriff’s office to seek bond funding investigates The Black Butte School vandalism District has referred to voters a $2 million school bond measure that, if passed, would provide funds to repair and update aging facilities, replace the HVAC system and roof, and improve safety. The School Board took the action on February 1, and voters will decide in the May 16 election.

Downtown site to be redeveloped

Equipment knocked down the building that formerly housed Hop in the Spa last week. New owner of the property, Roger Johnson, of Sisters, is working on plans to redevelop the site. The building on Cascade Avenue was completely removed. It had stood empty for months in the wake of the closure of Hop in the Spa after its owner, Mike Boyle, of Sisters, was indicted on September 7, 2021, on multiple counts of practicing massage without a license, two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree; five counts of sexual abuse in the third degree; and one count of assault in the fourth degree.

Sisters trails vandals caught on camera

About six months ago Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) changed their logo and set about applying it to hundreds of trail marker signs on its 192mile network. The decals were positioned over the existing ones. Since that time vandals have systematically and steadfastly removed the new decals.

The STA is not looking to have the couple prosecuted, provided they come forward and promise to stop their behavior and reimburse STA for its costs.

March 7 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of gunfire vandalism affecting the new construction in the 600 block of North Reed Street in Sisters. Deputies were advised a property manager had completed a site visit of the new-construction homes and witnessed what is suspected to be bullet holes in the siding, interior drywall, and a window.

Avalanche claims life on Black Crater

An avalanche took the life of a 46-year-old backcountry skier from Bend on March 2.

City Council gives green light to Heavenly Acres

A rezone project in the neighborhood where many Sisters churches are located is included in the comprehensive plan map and zoning map amendment to rezone the subdivision on the west side of Sisters from Urban Area Reserve (UAR) to Public Facility/Institutional (PF/I) as well as Multi-Family Residential (MFR). The rezone will involve seven lots, with a total of 27.3 acres of land being rezoned under the new categories of MFR and PF/I. The Planning Commission recommendation was that one lot be zoned as MFR with the potential for affordable housing, with the remaining six to be zoned as PF/I. The City Council voted to approve the comprehensive plan map and zoning map amendment to redesignate and rezone Heavenly Acres as proposed.

Road 16 to be rebuilt this spring

The Sisters Ranger District and Deschutes National Forest road crew plan to reconstruct the non-paved portion of FS Road 16 this spring and early summer.

The road surface has degraded to a condition that is difficult for vehicles to safely navigate.

Ski & Ride program celebrates 50th anniversary

Black Butte School’s (BBS) Ski & Ride program celebrated its 50th anniversary at Hoodoo Ski Bowl last Friday. Ski & Ride is a partnership between BBS and Hoodoo.

Radio station launches in Sisters

Sisters is the new headquarters for Jive Radio. KJIVE (96.5 FM/www.jiveradio.org), a noncommercial independent station owned by OpenSky Radio Corp., has its first-ever formal studio located in The Belfry.

Lucky Leprechauns loop around town in annual run

The luck of the Irish smiled upon over 200 greengarbed runners and walkers, as Saturday morning dawned bright and clear for the second annual Lucky Leprechaun 10K and 5K on March 11.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW City Council approves Outlaw skiers Parks Master Plan compete at State

The City of Sisters has a parks plan that encompasses all the parks within city limits, with plans for future use, improvements, and additions of new parks. There hasn’t been an update to the Sisters Parks Master Plan since 2016. Last week, the City Council voted in a public hearing to approve the comprehensive plan amendment to update the Sisters Parks Master Plan as proposed.

Hall case comes back to Deschutes County

According to District Attorney Steve Gunnels, a number of cases have been or are expected to be returned to Deschutes County for review and potential retrial. That includes the case of Jeremy Shane Hall, who had been the pastor of a Sisters church and was convicted on February 2, 2007 on five counts of sex abuse in the first degree, and one count of unlawful sexual penetration. The charges and conviction stemmed from a 2005 incident. The verdict was not unanimous. The jury returned the guilty verdict with 11 of 12 jurors making the call.

Sisters man lauds proton therapy

Longtime Sisters resident Bill Willitts is on a mission to reach as many men as he can to educate them about the value of proton therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer — a treatment which has a cure rate of 85-90 percent. After undergoing 39 proton therapy treatments beginning December 4, 2022, Willitts is back home in Sisters and feeling spry.

7

Winter Carnival...

The Outlaws Alpine Ski Team raced in the Oregon High School State Championships held at the Hoodoo Ski area Wednesday through Thursday, March 1-3. Despite a lot of new, soft snow, which can be problematic for ski racing, the event came off as a big success.

Volunteers providing services

The Community Leadership team is working with the City of Sisters, Sisters Ranger District, houseless representatives, volunteers, NeighborImpact, and YouthBuild to provide two weekly services to those living in the forest. In October, the team began a garbage collection service every Wednesday in the woods off North Pine Street.

And about a month ago, water delivery to the campsites began on Fridays.

APRIL Wheeler selected as city manager

Jordan Wheeler, the current city manager in Sandy, was unanimously selected by City Council to become Sisters’ new city manager, pending negotiations.

SPRD seeks to renew local option

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Directors will seek renewal of the local option levy originally approved by voters in 2018. Measure 9-160 will appear on the May 16 ballot to renew a levy in the amount of 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation — the same amount as in 2018.

Hoodoo Ski Area hosted its annual celebration with a torchlit descent of the slopes, live music, and fireworks — all on a spectacular bluebird day.

PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY

Local fire districts to Rumbling in snow purchase engines on Peterson Ridge

Six Central Oregon fire departments are receiving new fire apparatus as a result of the Office of State Fire Marshal’s Response Ready Oregon Initiative. Funding for the program was a result of the passage of Senate Bill 762 in the 2021 legislative session. New apparatus in Sisters Country include a water tender for Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District and a Type 3 fire engine for Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.

Local students aid India orphanage

Every year Wellhouse Academy and Wellspring Preschool participate in a 40 Days of Kindness Project. This year, inspired by a program presented by Holy Cow Sisters founder Jared Vogt and his partnership’s work to help orphans near Thippalakatta, India, students collected their spare change for 40 days to make a donation toward the cost of a $900 water buffalo. The school’s outpouring yielded $450 for the cause.

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Good weather and a variety of activities brought hundreds to Sisters Park & Recreation District’s Kids Carnival, which included dancing, bicycle safety, face painting, exploring trucks, and planting seeds.

Snow piles up in Sisters

Sisters Middle School hosts STEAM Expo

No records are being set, in spite of what seems like a ton of snow, but there’s more snow than in the last few years.

Hoodoo delighted skiers and boarders with a 123-inch base April 5. The snow has been good all season. By March they had booked 130,000 skier days.

Artist and pastor complete storytelling project

The Reflections of Jesus Project at Sisters Community Church is near completion. The art collection, which includes nearly 40 paintings and pastoral commentaries, is being produced by local artist Jim Horsley and Pastor Steve Stratos.

The annual STEAM Expo April 12 showcased some of the science, technology, engineering, art, and math learning happening at Sisters Middle School. Visitors experienced exhibits and activities from stop-motion animation to squeegee art to fiddle musical chairs.

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The 21st edition of the Peterson Ridge Rumble trail run turned out to be one for the record books, not only weatherwise, but in distance. Thanks to a heavy dumping of snow at higher elevations overnight, which continued into the race day, the normal 40-mile ultra portion of the Rumble was scaled back to 36 miles, and minutes after the runners left the starting line it was pared down another 10 miles after reports of impassable conditions on the Windigo Trail.

As a result, two runners can claim course records for a firstever Peterson Ridge Rumble “marathon,” according to Race Director Sean Meissner.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Elementary school to Sisters fire chief honored by peers become rec center

Sisters School District and Sisters Park & Recreation District have announced that they intend to develop a partnership that will repurpose the current elementary school site into a community recreation center once the new elementary school opens.

Homeless population increases in Sisters

PHOTO PROVIDED

Firefighter/Paramedic Rachel Ulm joins the ranks of career firefighters with Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District after serving for three-and-ahalf years as a resident volunteer with the District. She is the first female firefighter in the District in 17 years, and only the second woman to hold the position in District history.

Frazee is Rodeo Lady Outlaws will compete in Germany grand marshal

Several players from the Sisters High School girls soccer team have banded together and formed the Oregon Outlaws Football (Soccer) Club to compete at the Laila Cup in Hamburg, Germany, July 24-28. Two hundred teams from 20 nations will be in attendance.

Sisters pioneers honored by OSU

Keith and Connie Cyrus of Cloverdale and Connie Hatfield of Sisters were made permanent members of the Diamond Pioneer Registry at Oregon State University. The College of Agricultural Sciences annually honors people whose lifetime contributions to agriculture, natural resources, and the people of Oregon and/or Oregon State University have been significant. The award publicly recognizes their accomplishments as individuals who have contributed to the well-being of their community, industry, or state.

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Fans of Sisters Rodeo have for years seen Gary Frazee doing what he does best — working hard to make the event come off smoothly. Sisters Rodeo is recognizing his contributions, naming Frazee grand marshal for the 2023 Sisters Rodeo Parade. Gary, his wife DeAnn, and their family have been attending the rodeo since 1969, and he became a member in 2005.

Wolverine spotted in mountains near Sisters

A sighting of a wolverine east of Santiam Pass on April 6 was confirmed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Video of the wolverine crossing the highway can be viewed at https://www.you tube.com/shorts/Q0kSPFqiiww.

ODFW Deschutes District staff confirmed tracks near the video location.

The 2023 annual Point-inTime Survey shows the number of persons living in nontraditional housing in Sisters increased from 55 to 64. In all of the tri-county region of Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties the number increased more dramatically, from 785 to 1,012.

MAY Celebrating trees in Sisters

The City and students celebrated Arbor Day last week with a tree-planting event at Cliff Clemens Park. Twelve Sisters Elementary School students planted six trees.

Rodeo Assoc. marks passing of Leavitt

The man described as the “heart and soul of Sisters Rodeo” has gone up the trail.

Sisters Rodeo announced last weekend that John Leavitt, a longtime Sisters businessman and Rodeo Association board member, has died.

Leavitt owned Leavitt’s Western Wear in Sisters (now Dixie’s) for many years, and, as Sue Stafford recently noted in a column, he was always ready to welcome new folks to town.

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Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Fire Chief Roger Johnson was awarded the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association President’s Award. Chief Bill Boos, president for the Association, presented the award for Chief Johnson’s outstanding work and unwavering dedication to bringing updated legislation to the State of Oregon Fire Service.

Craig earns coveted fire service designation

Deputy Chief Tim Craig, of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, has successfully completed the process that awards the professional designation of Chief Training Officer (CTO). The Commission on Professional Credentialing met April 4 to confer the designation. Chief Craig becomes one of only 214 CTOs worldwide.

Habitat, Weed part ways

Thursday, May 4, was Sharlene Weed’s last day as staff leader for Sisters Habitat for Humanity. Weed has been with the organization for 27 years and will be honored for her long service “not only to Habitat but for her time on City Council and her prominent role in Sisters Cold Weather Shelter,” said Joe Rambo, board president of the local affiliate of the nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home.

SPRD turns 25

Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) is celebrating 25 years of being a special district.

Wind ensemble headed to State

Sister High School’s wind ensemble is made up of some extremely hardworking musicians. Their determination shines through in their qualification to compete at Oregon State University for the OSAA State Championship. This is the first time the band has attended the competition in 13 years.

Sisters hotel named ‘Property of the Year’

GrandStay Hospitality, LLC, the franchisor for GrandStay Hotels, held its 2023 Brand Conference event at the Hyatt Regency in Bloomington, Minnesota last month. The GrandStay Hotel & Suites in Sisters received the prestigious 2022 Property of the Year award, which is the highest honor for hotel operations.

Mary Flande selected to Hall of Fame

Mary Flande, who spent 20 years working for the Sisters School District as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, was inducted into the Oregon Athletic Directors Hall of Fame at the group’s 54th Annual Conference and Banquet held at Sunriver Resort Saturday, April 17.

Homeowners insurance continues to be concern

Facing double-digit premium increases or the inability to get renewed, many property owners in Sisters Country are scrambling to lower their costs or obtain new coverage. Some report being canceled as the risk of wildfire is causing insurance carriers to reassess exposure.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Fire consumes two forest dwellings

A fire of undetermined origin consumed two trailers/ RVs in the forest just west of Sisters late Saturday night, May 13. The occupants of the RVs appeared to have departed the scene. There were no injuries to firefighters or other responders.

Students launch science balloons

On a sunny spring day in Sisters, May 16, Sisters High School chemistry students launched two stratospheric balloons from Sisters Eagle Airport, loaded with students’ experiments. The chemistry classes have been launching weather balloons every year since 2015. This year, 37 students participated.

Spoons’ grand reopening

Spoons Restaurant is relocating in Sisters. After being on Cascade Avenue since opening in 2017, owner Doug Stevens finally had the opportunity to move locations to a bigger space that will complement their increase in sales and business.

Lady Outlaws crowned district tennis champions

Gordon qualifies for state golf tourney

Trent Gordon finished fifth at the boys 3A/2A/1A Special District 2 Golf Tournament held on Monday and Tuesday, May 8-9, at the Chehalem Glenn Golf Course in Newberg.

Gordon’s score as an individual qualified him for the state tournament May 15-16 at Tokatee.

Musicians represent community at State

For the first time in 13 years, Sisters High School wind ensemble qualified to attend Oregon State Activities Association’s annual state competition for bands. The group left May 10 with 20 musicians and first-year band director Kayla Golka. They placed seventh.

ODFW confirms wolf depredation

Sisters Country is the scene of the first livestock loss to wolves in Deschutes County.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has for the first time confirmed wolf depredation in the county, as a rancher in the Lower Bridge area lost a steer to the wolves known as the Metolius pair.

Local youth earns aviation scholarship

The Lady Outlaws brought seven players to the 4A/3A/2A/1A Special District 4 Tennis Tournament in Pendleton May 12-13 and emerged as the champs. The Outlaws took a first, third, and fourth place in singles, and placed a doubles team in the quarterfinals for a total of 17 points, double the closest rival team.

Timber Bionda of Sisters has received a unique fullscholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 1345 of Bend and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI. The Ray Aviation Scholarship program provides up to $11,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly.

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Big ol’ hailstones…

Council authorizes UGB study

The Sisters City Council approved a professional services agreement with Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG) for an Urban Growth Boundary Sufficiency Analysis. Cost of the study is not to exceed $25,905. Sisters is somewhat unique because the UGB is also the city limits. With increased development, and more people wanting to move to the area, the discussion of an expansion of the boundary has come up.

Outlaws are league baseball champs

Phenomenal pitching helped the Outlaws close out league play with a 14-4 record and their first title since 2017.

Boys fourth at district track meet

Two seniors and a sophomore will represent Sisters High School at the OSAA Track and Field Championships after qualifying at the 3A Special District 4 Championships held May 18-19 at Siuslaw High School in Florence.

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Last week’s thunderstorm dropped hail over Sisters Country. Out near the Sisters Rodeo Grounds, the hailstones were big enough to cause damage.

SHS Jazz Band takes second at State

Sisters musicians shone in the spotlight at Mt. Hood Community College where the Oregon Music Education

Association held its annual State Jazz Championship. More than 24 schools attended the event. The Sisters High School Jazz Band qualified for the 3A event, which they attended with their group of 15 musicians.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

A N N O U N C E M E N T S Sisters Garden Club Journal

Sisters Garden Club has a Garden Journal that is available for $15 at Paulina Springs Books, The Gallimaufry, Three Sisters Floral, Home Styled, & Metamorphosis, all in Sisters.

The multi-year journal includes pages for notes on weather, monthly garden activities, plant details, and more. Sales support the Club and other local nonprofits. Get your copy now.

They make great gifts. Please call 971-246-0404 for questions.

Pet Food Drive

The annual Furry Friends (FF) Pet Food drive is going on now and is held in conjunction with the Kiwanis and local fire department’s Spirit of Giving campaign. Donations of pet food can be dropped off at the FF office. Monetary donations are welcome and can be mailed to P.O. Box 1175, Sisters 97759 or made online at www. furryfriendsfoundation.org. For more info call 541-797-4023.

Free Weekly Meal Service

Family Kitchen hosts weekly togo hot meals on Tuesdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy. Visit www.FamilyKitchen.org.

Free Lunches for Seniors

For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon offers a fun, no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy. No reservations needed. No-cost Grab-N-Go lunches take place weekly on Wed. and Thurs., from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

SISTERS LIBRARY COMING EVENTS

Know Stories: Japanese American InternmentIncarceration Camps

Sisters Habitat Volunteers Needed

Are you looking for something fun to do with your free time?

Volunteer with Sisters Habitat for Humanity! Call 541-549-1193.

STARS Seeks Volunteers to Transport Patients

Help Sisters Country residents get to nonemergency medical appointments in Sisters, Redmond, and Bend. Attend a free two-hour training. Emails from STARS dispatchers allow you to accept dates and times that work for your schedule, and a mileage reimbursement is included. Learn more at www. starsride.org. STARS is an AFSC Action Team.

Hunter Education Class

Starts February 14, 2024. Register online at odfw.com For info call Rick Cole 541-420-6934.

Weekly Food Pantry

The Wellhouse Church hosts a weekly food pantry Thursdays at 3 p.m. at 222 N. Trinity Way. Both drive-through pick-up and shopping-style distribution are available. Info: 541-549-4184.

Sunday School for Children

Church of the Transfiguration is now offering Sunday School for children, ages 5 to 12, regardless of church affiliation, during both Sunday worship services.

Protestant/ecumenical service is at 8:30 a.m. and Episcopal service begins at 10:15 a.m. The church address is 121 Brooks Camp Rd. Sisters. For info call Margaret Doke at 541-588-2784.

STARS Seeks Dispatch Volunteers

While working from home, help STARS transport Sisters Country residents to nonemergency medical appointments. Needed: A computer, the ability to use online apps, and a telephone.

Call 541-904-5545. STARS is an AFSC Action Team.

Making a Difference Made Easy in Sisters Country

Yukiko Flennaugh shares her father’s experience during WWII. John Nakada was an 11-year-old boy when the U.S. entered WWII. John’s daughter, Yukiko Flennaugh, will share what Japanese Americans experienced in internment camps and show short videos of her father telling stories. John and his wife raised their four children in Bend and his daughter is honored to share his story on Tuesday, January 9 at noon in the Sisters Library Community Room.

Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) fiscally sponsors three great Action Teams, and two of them currently need your help to advance their projects to improve livability in Sisters Country. Help the Family Friendly Restroom Team get their project (literally!) off the ground by going to www. agefriendlysisters.com and following the links to volunteer.

Go to starsride.org to learn more about their Action Team. Call AFSC directly at 541-241-7910 to learn more about what we do.

Storytelling Essentials Workshop

Central Oregon Federated Republican Meeting

Join Claire Brislin, a writer, educator, and creative coach, for this youth workshop on how to write fabulous stories. For middle-school and high school students age 11 and up in the Sisters Library Community Room on Tuesday, January 9 at 3:45 p.m. Registration is required at https://www. deschuteslibrary.org/kids/ programs.

COFRW (Central Oregon Federated Republican Women) meets the first Thursday of every month from 10:30 a.m. (registration) to 1 p.m. at Brand 33 at Aspen Lakes Golf Club in Sisters. Come learn from quality speakers, and hear and question local and state candidates.

Meetings include lunch for $27.

RSVP required to attend. Learn more about upcoming meetings and speakers, and RSVP at www.COFRW.net.

Sisters French Club

Your Announcement Here

For people interested in French culture and language, Sisters French Club meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at The Barn, 171 E. Main Ave. All levels are welcome. The next meeting will be August 7. For more information, visit Facebook @SistersFrenchClub.

Announce Your Celebrations!

Birth, engagement, wedding, and milestone anniversary notices from the Sisters community may run at no charge on this Announcements page. All submissions are subject to editing for space. Email nugget@ nuggetnews.com or drop off at 442 E. Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Volunteer Opportunities in Sisters

Sisters Country Connects is a website that allows volunteers to connect with opportunities to serve in Sisters Country.

Organizations post volunteer needs and those seeking to serve can read details about opportunities and find contact information. Find the website at www.sisterscommunity.org/ volunteer/.

Schools, churches, nonprofit, recreational and community groups: this is your page to announce your free gatherings and events! Regularly occurring Sisters Country meetings are listed on the Sisters Area Meeting Calendar on page 3 and special events or featured meetings can be listed on this page. All submissions are subject to editing and run only as space allows. Email nugget@ nuggetnews.com or drop off at 442 E. Main Ave. Your text must include a “for more information” phone number. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Save the Rubberbands

Business owners: Are you the recipient of a bundle of Nuggets each week? Those fat rubberbands are highly valued by the Nuggeteers that bundle your papers each week. If you can save them, we’d love to use them again. Questions? Call 541549-9941.

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Sisters Garden Club Meeting

Sisters Garden Club invites the public to the monthly meeting on Saturday, January 13. There will be a presentation by Robine Bots, founder of Harmony Farm Sanctuary. Her message is “It is with small, everyday acts of love and kindness, no matter the species, that the world becomes a better place.” The meeting is at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. Mckenzie Hwy. The meeting starts at 10 a.m., with doors opening at 9:30.

We ing A ncement

Wiltse W iltse & R asmusse asmussen

Toby and Ronda Wiltse of Sisters are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Sage Wiltse, to Quinn Rasmussen, son of Dave and Cindy Rasmussen of Bend.

The wedding and reception was celebrated at Suttle Lake Lodge on September 16, 2023. The bride and groom honeymooned in the islands of Fiji.

DIESEL

This 2-year-old rottweiler/ German shepherd mix has many friends at HSCO. He is earnestly working on his exuberance and “indoor manners” as he has been outside only the past year. He is a staff favorite here at HSCO and he can’t wait to learn how to please his people.

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The couple met in middle school and graduated from Summit High School in 2014.

The couple resides in Bend, Oregon, where Sage is an emergency department nurse at St. Charles Bend and Quinn is a scientist at Seran Bioscience in Bend.

541-549-2275 • 541-549-8836

SISTERS-AREA CHURCHES

Chapel in the Pines Baha’i Faith For information, devotions, study groups, etc., contact Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153 Shauna Rocha 541-647-9826 • www.bahai.org • www. 10 a.m. Sunday Worship bahai.us • www.bahaiteaching.org Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) Wellhouse Church 386 N. Fir Street • 541-549-5831 442 Trinity Way • 541-549-4184 10 a.m. Sunday Worship https://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com www.shepherdofthehillslutheranchurch.com 10 a.m. Sunday Worship St. Edward the Martyr Roman Catholic Church The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 123 Trinity Way • 541-549-9391 121 N Brooks Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship 12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a.m. Tuesday-Friday Mass 10:15 a.m. Episcopal Sunday Worship The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints www.transfiguration-sisters.org 452 Trinity Way • Branch President, 541-420-5670; Sisters Church of the Nazarene 10 a.m. Sunday Sacrament Meeting 67130 Harrington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960 Calvary Church www.sistersnaz.org • info@sistersnaz.org 484 W. Washington St., Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288 10 a.m. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org Sisters Community Church (Nondenominational) Seventh-Day Adventist Church 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 386 N. Fir St. • 541-815-9848 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Saturday Worship www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com

POLICY: Nonprofits, schools, churches, birth, engagement, wedding, and anniversary notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions subject to editing and run as space allows. Email janice@nuggetnews.com or drop off at 442 E. Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Lady Outlaws district New BBR Lodge set track champs to make memories

The girls track team scored in 16 of 17 events, racking up 137.5 points to yield a 3A Special District 4 Championship May 18-19. The Outlaws will send athletes in nine events to State May 25-26 at Hayward Field in Eugene.

Voters pass local option levies

The results of the May 16 election are in for the two Sisters School Board positions: Jeff Smith was reelected to Sisters School District (SSD) Position 3, and Asa Sarver was the victor for Position 4.

The local option levy renewal passed by a wide margin.

Beloved business has new owners

Beacham’s Clock Company located at 300 W. Hood Ave. celebrated Ed and Kathi Beacham’s 45 years as one of the finest clock shops in the country and welcomed the Recksiek family of Utah as they assume ownership of the business.

Sisters group seeks funding for shelter

The amount of funding for combating homelessness in Central Oregon has grown to nearly $35 million with the recent addition of $13.9 million provided to Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.

The newest tranche of money comes from the $98 million pot enacted by Senate Bill 5019 that gives sole authority of the funds’ disbursement to Gov. Tina Kotek. With SB 5019 funds on hand, a handful of homeless advocates in Sisters, loosely confederated under an ad hoc Sisters Community Leadership Initiative, has tapped Cold Weather Shelter to apply for $1,458,578 of the $13.9 million pool. SCWS is the only legally constituted group in Sisters eligible for a share.

Escaped debris burns cause brush fires

Fire crews quickly extinguished an escaped burn pile, which had spread to nearby vegetation May 23, containing the fire at an estimated 1/8 acre.

In a second incident, on May 24, fire crews put out a small brush fire that reignited from an old burned pile of debris. Again, the fire is estimated at 1/8 acre.

Vohs makes top of podium in track

Gracie Vohs got to experience the rare air of the top of the podium after winning the 400 meters at the OSAA 3A Track and Field Championships held May 25 and 26 at Hayward Field in Eugene. Her joy doubled when she returned to the podium with her teammates after the quartet won the 4x400meter relay. The girls finished fifth as a team, four points shy of a team trophy.

Staff at Black Butte Ranch (BBR) are ready for BBR homeowners, the Central Oregon community, and visitors from around the globe to make memories within their new space. Standing proudly with ponderosa pines, the new lodge is 22,100 square feet and has expansive windows. The architecture and décor was created to capitalize on the setting and offer a variety of spaces for dining, sharing a drink with friends, or hosting all kinds of events from weddings to intimate evenings and large special events.

Firefighters knock down blaze west of town

A brush fire believed to be human-caused broke out on Wednesday afternoon, May 31, off Cold Springs Cutoff Road west of Sisters. Firefighters from multiple agencies were able to catch the fire and keep it to 1/4 acre.

JUNE Student faces expulsion over fires

Gas station hearing set for June 15

A Sisters High School freshman was arrested on May 31, in connection with two fires in girls bathrooms that led to the evacuation of the school.

Authorities withheld the name of the juvenile female.

The controversial proposal to redevelop the Space Age Gas station at the corner of Cascade Avenue and Pine Street will go before the Sisters Planning Commission for a public hearing on Thursday, June 15.

SHS graduates Class of 2023

Firefighting day camp brought girls together

Wanted man taken into custody

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a couple wanted in Marion County without incident in Sisters on May 31. While the arrest came off smoothly, the incident attracted a lot of attention in town because local businesses had to briefly suspend operations and law enforcement personnel deployed an armored vehicle in the arrest. Deputies located the man inside a vehicle in the Mainline Chevron parking lot, seated in the front passenger seat under a blanket, sleeping.

Sisters in Sisters celebrates one-year anniversary

Sisters in Sisters celebrated its one-year anniversary with food and drinks at The Barn on Thursday, during Pride Month. The monthly meetup offers a casual gathering space for LGBTQIA+ folks and their allies the second Thursday of every month, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Bicycle rider injured in crash

First responders came to the aid of an injured bicyclist on Sunday morning after he crashed down a 15-foot cliff.

The rider said he was cut off by another bicyclist while traveling approximately 40 mph on Highway 242 outside Sisters.

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Bond funds to upgrade Black Butte School

The voters in Camp Sherman passed a $2 million school bond for Black Butte School with approval of Measure 16-105 in the May 16 election.

The 90 Sisters High School seniors who received diplomas at Friday’s 75th commencement had plenty to celebrate as they moved from students to alumni. There was little sign and barely a mention of the pandemic that disrupted nearly half of their four-year journey, but challenges of those years are undeniable.

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On May 20 the United States Forest Service and nonprofit SheJumps partnered to host Wild Skills Junior Wildland Firefighting at Scout Lake Campground in Sisters. The full-day event offered girls aged 8 to 14 an opportunity to learn fundamental outdoor skills and insights into the world of wildland fire. The programming was made possible through a grant received by Fire Management Officer Andrew Myhra, based in Sisters Ranger District.

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Sisters Habitat dedicates 77th home

The 77th Sisters Habitat dedication ceremony was held on Bluebird Street in the ClearPine neighborhood earlier this month, to celebrate the completion of Ben and Nicole Harris’ new home.

Rodeo brings the Western action

Stetson Wright of Milford, Utah won All-Around Cowboy at Sisters Rodeo, sending him home with an exquisite equine sculpture carved by Sisters artist J. Chester “Skip” Armstrong, sponsored by the U.S. Bank Sisters branch. The exceptional trophy is a reflection of the homegrown quality of Sisters Rodeo — one of the aspects of the event that draws top competitors and sold-out crowds.

City staff urges denial of gas station plan

City staff has recommended denial of the application for the owner of the Space Age gas station to rebuild the current facility. The recommendation is based on one development standard: compatibility.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Scholarships aid Sisters grads

This year, there are about 89 graduating seniors, each with their own ambitions for the future. Around 51 of these students’ college tuition were supported by the scholarships distributed through the nonprofit organization SistersGRO. They’ve distributed over $275,800 in scholarship money to Sisters students this year.

Neighboring fire units train in Sisters

Sisters folks were startled when driving past Metabolic Maintenance at North Larch Street and East Barclay Drive.

Fire crews from Redmond, Jefferson County, and Black Butte Ranch were assembled in the firm’s parking lot. The big fire trucks with aerial ladders extended and towering over the structure. Thankfully no smoke, no fire. Six personnel were getting aerial certification.

Finding the fantastic in Sisters museum This year’s hay crop Sisters is the 12th home for The Fantastic Museum. It is looking good originated at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and has had several owners and a somewhat fantastic journey. It is now the property of Jim Schmit, a legend in business who has made and lost millions of dollars. He is a colorful character and every bit as entertaining as the museum’s contents. The museum is located at 121 E. Cascade Ave.

Summer basketball camp draws crowd

The Outlaws Summer Hoops Camp brought 78 youth to the annual event — the largest turnout in several years.

Incoming fourth through eighth graders attended the three-day camp, which was held June 20-22 at Sisters High School.

If price is any indicator, the hay grown around Sisters is tops. Every week the USDA puts out a market report for all commodities, including hay.

Last Friday’s report confirmed what hay growers locally and equestrians already know.

Premium+ grade alfalfa was fetching $350 a ton. For grass hay, Oregon clocked in at $360.

More specifically, in Sisters Country, first-cutting premium alfalfa was garnering as much as $400.

Community supports new hospice house

The residents of Sisters Country provided generous support for the recently completed Hospice House at Partners In

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Volunteers make inaugural Big Ponderoo roll

Big Ponderoo — a first of its kind music fest — went off without a hitch in large part due to some 264 volunteers who did all sorts of front-line and back-office work. Festival staff, no strangers to premier music events, had the know-how and commitment to pull off a massive undertaking so close to the annual Sisters Folk Festival.

City Council adopts camping ordinance

Sisters City Council moved forward with adopting an ordinance to establish camping regulations and a camping removal policy within the City of Sisters at their June 14 meeting. The purpose of the ordinance is to create some sort of boundary regarding camping on public property. Situations will be handled according to these regulations, and at the discretion of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Sisters.

JULY Police nab fugitives near Sisters

A Black Butte Ranch police officer deployed spike strips to stop a fugitive’s vehicle, and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies took two men into custody on Highway 20 west of Sisters last week. The men arrested were suspects in a shooting incident in Redmond.

Sisters woman serves in U.S. Navy

Petty Officer Third Class Emma Young, a daughter of Sisters residents, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore in Lemoore, California.Young joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Young serves as an aviation ordnanceman.

Grass roots effort to tackle Alzheimer’s in Sisters

More than 50 attended the first of what organizers say will be a continuing series of events in Sisters to grow awareness of and develop strategies to tackle the increasing devastation of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Trails outfit expands mission

Sisters Trails Alliance has adopted a new mission statement: “To protect and preserve the outdoor experience through the stewardship of multi-user, non-motorized trails and their adjacent wild places.” The group is signaling its intention to take a broader, more active role in preserving the outdoor experience.

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Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: The Holy Broke, from Spokane, here to share their rowdy commingling of country, punk, blues, and surf rock fueled by one of Arkansas’ most formidable yodelers. 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30.

Tickets, $10, at www.bendticket.com.

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Paulina Springs Books Game Night 5 to 8 p.m.

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SUNDAY • DECEMBER 31

Hoodoo Ski Area All-Day New Year’s Eve Celebration An all-day party on the mountain. Lifts run 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., live music in the lodge until midnight, and professional fireworks show shortly after 9 p.m. Family-friendly atmosphere. Non-skiers welcome. Info: www.skihoodoo.com.

The Belfry Live Music: New Year’s Eve with Reb & The Good News and Bend Burlesque 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Get your glitter on! Reb & the Good News, a Portland-based funk, world, and soul group brings optimism and cathartic release to the dance floor. Catchy horns and sultry vocals soar over grooves that you can’t help but move to! Bend Burlesque brings sassy vignettes throughout the evening. Tickets, $42, at www.bendticket.com.

Hardtails NYE Live Music: The Blake Harris Band 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Classic rock and more! Free, no cover.

New Year’s Eve food and drink specials all night.

For more information call 541-549-6114.

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 3

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Dirty Jazz with Wolfe House Records 6 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets, $15, at www.bendticket.com.

Paulina Springs Books First Wednesday Open Mic Bring a poem, song, or short story to share — or come listen!

5 minutes per reader. 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

THURSDAY • JANUARY 4

Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Megan Diana brings her unique dream country disco style and her album, Cabin Fever, wrote during an artist residency at Suttle in 2020.

6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30. Tickets, $10, at www.bendticket.com.

Entertainment & Events Calendar listings are free to Nugget advertisers.

Non-advertisers can purchase a listing for qualified event for $40/week.

Submit items by 5 p.m. Fridays to jess@nuggetnews.com.

EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Sisters celebrates the quilter’s art

Sisters gets a lot of bull

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show ended Saturday in brilliant sunshine with breezes so light they never caused a ripple in the hanging quilts — all 1,166 of them. Estimates suggest 8,000 to 10,000 patrons rolled into town, eating and shopping to the delight of local eateries and merchants.

Ninety bulls came to Sisters Rodeo Grounds Saturday for the inaugural Red Rock Bucking Bulls Futurity. This was not a contest of cowboys but of the bulls themselves, and between breeders and stock contractors.

Volunteers answer the bell for SOQS

Adriene Steffen of Sisters is closing out a stellar high school rodeo career with a trip to the National High School Rodeo Finals in Gillette, Wyoming to be held this July 16-22. She will compete in four events: Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Cutting, and Reined Cow Horse. Steffen is coming into the world’s largest rodeo in a strong position: She is Oregon’s High School Rodeo State Champion in Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, and AllAround Cowgirl.

It takes over 300 volunteers to run SOQS. They perform all manner of services seemingly tirelessly and joyfully. Many were obvious by their printed red T-shirts. Most were regularlooking folk with broad smiles and enthusiastic attitudes.

Hoodoo turns into an archery range

The parking lot at Ski Hoodoo looked like an outdoor camping show as 1,000 archers from around the globe set up camp for the second leg of the Hoyt Northwest Mountain Challenge. The first occurred June 9-11 at Tamarack in Idaho.

The series ends at Stevens Pass, Washington July 28-30. All three venues are ski resorts.

Planning Commission denies expansion

With a unanimous vote at their July 13 public hearing, all seven members of the Sisters Planning Commission agreed to deny the Space Age application to redevelop their gas station at 411 W. Cascade Ave.

Sisters cowgirl is a champion

Concerns about new homeless shelter in Sisters arise

The planned emergency shelter at 192 W. Barclay Dr. is a concern to some in the community. Mayor Michael Preedin has received a large number of calls regarding the location and use of the commercial property, a 6,000-square-foot, two-story structure. Much of the curiosity revolves around zoning and permitting. City Planning Director Scott Woodford said, “It will all be driven by HB2006. The legislation overrides any other consideration for permitting.”

County scraps mule deer inventory

At its June 26 meeting the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to withdraw the County’s mule deer inventory update project.

The project had included community conversations about the potential creation of the 2023 Mule Deer Winter Range Combining Zone. In May, the Deschutes County Planning Commission deliberated on the zone following two public hearings in April and recommended approval by a 5-1 vote.

Runners tackle Hoodoo summit

The seventh annual Hoodoo Challenge: Run to the Top may have provided runners with the biggest challenge in the event’s history on July 22. The event, sponsored by Sisters Kiwanis, included a half-marathon and a five-kilometer run. Hot, dusty conditions and debris from recent logging added to the normal challenge of finishing at the top of the 5,700-foot summit, according to race organizer Suzy Ramsey. Despite the difficulties, the top three finishers in the half-marathon broke the previous record on the course.

Kallberg earns Wemme Trophy

The Wemme Trophy is awarded each year to auto racers who “keep the memory of classic automobile racing alive in Portland.” Sisters racer Curt Kallberg’s name has been added to the trophy for his significant contributions.

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Tanker fire disrupts Sisters About midnight on Saturday, July 29, a vehicle northbound on Cloverdale Road came through the intersection and collided with a westbound gasoline tanker truck on Highway 126. The truck carried a 5,000-gallon tank, with another 6,000-gallon tank on a trailer. The result was a spectacular fire that posed significant challenges. The driver got the truck stopped where there was minimal spread to adjacent land, and firefighters quickly doused small spot fires. The main fire was significant and had major effects. Direct flame impingement on the power line knocked out power, and Internet cable was also taken out by the fire. Power was restored after about four hours. Internet and cell phone service would be out or significantly disrupted in Sisters through Sunday.

PHOTO BY JOEL TONNESON

Seed to Table gets financial backing

Sisters’ agricultural education outreach program and the Farmers Market got an infusion of nutrients to nurture its seeds.

The Ford Family Foundation gave a $25,000 grant to Seed to Table’s educational programming that serves close to 1,500 student visits per year through farm-based education on the farm and in the classroom.

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Sisters School District has a growing population of Latino students.

Helping them thrive is the mission of Latino Community Liaison Gabriel Cobos.

“I work with both parents and students,” Cobos says. “Mostly I work with parents.”

That can mean translating documents, or interpreting for parents at meetings and at parent-teacher conferences. It can also mean connecting families with community resources, from medical services to mentors for students.

“For me, the most important thing is keeping a good relationship with them,” he says.

It’s all about helping Latino families feel comfortable and welcome in Sisters.

Cobos emphasizes that, while a warm embrace from the community is important, so, too, is a willingness on the part of families to integrate into the community.

“I would like to see our Latino families be more integrated into the community,” Cobos says. “They shy away from going out there and talking with someone who is different from them. Sometimes I think that comes with time.”

Learning English is key to integration, for both students and adults.

“The language is a huge piece,” Cobos says. “Once our families have the language, they become more confident.”

Confidence leads to more involvement.

Cobos also stages events to bring people together, such as a Culture Day, in which families share their culture and food in the schools.

Cobos grew up in Houston, Texas, and found early that he wanted to help people who had few resources.

“I myself was an ESL (English as a Second Language) kid growing up,” he said.

He worked in Colorado Springs before coming to Central Oregon where he worked in the Redmond schools. The position that opened at Sisters School District was perfectly suited to his background, experience, and passion. He sees a strong culture of inclusion in Sisters schools.

“I’ve seen them go out of their way to help not only Latinos but anyone who’s here,” he says.

Cobos notes that Latino parents have a strong desire to see their children better themselves. For Cobos, that means focusing on learning.

“I would love to see more students prioritize education,” he says. “I would love to see that from both students and parents.”

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He is encouraged by seeing parents taking classes, sometimes on top of a very full work schedule. He works with them to help their children succeed.

He says that it’s vital that parents “know how important it is to be involved in their kids’ education. We have a responsibility as educators to help with that.”

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Climber dies on North Sister

A 21-year-old Bend man, Joel Tranby, died in a fall near the summit of North Sister on Monday, July 17.

AUGUST Sisters businesses impacted by fire

For much of July 30, the entirety of Sisters, Black Butte, and a good portion of Redmond were without Internet as a result of a fire that occurred when a passenger vehicle hit a gas tank truck headed toward Sisters.

Power was out four to six hours, depending on location.

Local 4-H club celebrates 75 years

4-H has been around for 121 years, and for 75 of those years 4-H has thrived in Sisters Country as Cloverdale Livestock Club.

Hilgers takes over SHS athletics

Matt Hilgers has taken over the role of athletic director for Sisters High School following Gary Thorson’s tenure of fiveand-a-half years.

Sisters lifter sets deadlift record

Julie Tadlock loves lifting weights. The Sisters woman took it to the barbell in exceptional fashion at the U.S. Powerlifting Association national championships in New Orleans, Louisiana. Competing in the 50- to 54-year-old category and the 115-pound weight class, Tadlock notched four consecutive world records in the deadlift with lifts of 102.5, 105, 107.5, and 110 kilograms.

City working to preserve dark skies

The City of Sisters is trying to keep up with advances in technology in order to preserve Sisters’ night skies. The Sisters City Planning Commission discussed updating the City’s current dark-skies standards and outdoor lighting ordinance in a work session. Updating the dark-sky standards is one of the City Council’s 2023-24 goals.

An outdoor lighting ordinance sets the standards for lighting the city streets, residences, and businesses at night, and how to best keep areas safe and well-lit while not contributing to light pollution that decreases the visibility of the night sky.

Work begins on Sunset Meadows

Work has begun on the Sunset Meadows development

by Woodhill Homes located between Felicity Lane and Highway 242. Trees are being removed to make way for street construction. The entire 12.92 acres was approved as three parcels, one for the singlefamily homes and townhouses, one for apartments, and a third one on the southeast corner of the property bounded by West Hood Avenue and Highway 242, which will be an open space with trees.

Controversy about shelter intensifies

Sisters City Council chambers were packed to overflowing August 9. The intense interest in the scheduled City Council workshop revolved around an application by Sisters Cold Weather Shelter for City approval to operate an emergency shelter at 192 W. Barclay Dr. The proposed siting has stirred citizenry in vociferous opposition or support. Some 35-40 attendees had to stand in the doorway or vestibule, straining to hear. Another 100 attended by Zoom.

Pump your own gas

For the first time in 72 years, Oregon motorists can grab a fuel nozzle and pump gas into their cars on their own, since a decades-old ban on self-serve gas stations has been revoked.

In a pickle over court shortage

With the exception of two courts at the elementary school, all others — the few that exist in Sisters — are private, and wait times to play are growing.

It is frustrating to picklers that Sisters lacks municipal courts.

The two at the school are in need of resurfacing, but given that the new roundabout at the east portal will bump up against the courts there are no plans to improve them.

Sisters restaurant to be featured on food program

After months of rumors, High Camp Taphouse confirmed in a Facebook post that the Sisters restaurant will be featured in an episode of Guy Fieri’s popular food program “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”

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Sisters Woodlands partners with Habitat for Humanity

In what looks like a firstof-its-kind partnership, Sisters Woodlands is partnering with Sisters Habitat for Humanity to build affordable homes for lowincome dwellers. Designating the lots to Habitat was not a requirement but a voluntary election. Ten cottage lots will be integrated throughout the development as part of their final master plan approved by the City last year.

SAR rescues hikers on Three Sisters

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) spokesman Sgt. Jason Wall reported that on August 5 at approximately 6 p.m., DCSO Search and Rescue was dispatched to two lost and disorientated hikers between North and Middle Sister, near Hayden Glacier. Due to poor weather conditions and remote location, the unit requested assistance from a helicopter.

15 miles of 242 closes due to fire

In an abundance of caution, ODOT announced Friday that it was closing 15 miles of the 82-mile McKenzie-Santiam Scenic Byway (Highway 242) between mileposts 61 and 76 due to activity from the Lookout Fire, reported on August 5, which so far has consumed over 11,000 acres.

The closure is 14 miles west of Sisters. The popular Dee Wright Observatory at milepost 77.5 remains open.

Metal grinding causes brush fire

A contractor grinding metal in cheat grass on Mountain View Road on August 3 sparked a brush fire. SistersCamp Sherman Fire District crews were dispatched to the fire at 11:27 a.m. and found approximately one acre of grass and juniper on fire near a cabin under construction. The cabin was not damaged. The fire was contained at 3.8 acres.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Monitoring the Metolius wolves

The pair of wolves known as the Metolius pair are presumed — but not confirmed — to be a male and female. On April 19, 2022 a new AKWA (Area of Known Wolf Activity) was designated in the Metolius wildlife management unit. Since August of 2021, there have been public reports of two wolves.

New application submitted for shelter

The Sisters Cold Weather Shelter (SCWS) board has reapplied for the emergency shelter proposed by the board to the City of Sisters initially on June 27. The new application is effective starting August 15.

Firefighters slow Juniper Creek Fire

Firefighters from Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue, contractors, and local partners significantly slowed Juniper Creek Fire through an aggressive initial attack. Firefighters established a control line around the fire and were continuing firefighting operations night and day. The Juniper Creek Fire is located near the Three River area west of Lake Billy Chinook. It’s 16 miles northeast of Sisters.

Explore Sisters laying tourism groundwork

Explore Sisters is tasked with promoting tourism that fits in well with the community values of Sisters. The work of the organization, which is one year old, has not been very visible to the public. The organization is funded through a lodging tax of 8.99 percent on room rates for overnight lodging of less than 30 days. Transient Lodging Tax is the City’s second largest general fund income source.

Heavy lifting to inspire Sisters

Two Sisters athletes set national records in their class in powerlifting competition last month. Don Frosland, 68, 242 pounds, bench-pressed 264 pounds and deadlifted 405 for records. Debi Braun, competing in the 70-74 category in the 148pound weight class, benched 110 pounds and deadlifted 171 pounds for records. Both are well enough pleased with their accomplishment at the U.S. Powerlifting Associationsanctioned Summer Strength Wars meet at the Strength Warehouse in Bend last July.

SEPTEMBER Gunterman passes baton on chorale

High Desert Chorale conductor Connie Gunterman has retired and moved to Portland for reasons of family health.

Gunterman took the reins of the Sisters singing group in 2016.

New school is on time and on budget

The new Sisters Elementary School will open on time, and come in on budget — despite the pressures of inflation. Curt Scholl and the Sisters School District team offered a tour of the construction of the new elementary school located across McKinney Butte Road from the high school. The new elementary will be 80,000 square feet, including the mechanical areas.

Mixed signals for Sisters housing

Local realtors say the market for single-family homes in Sisters has cooled dramatically but a look at the numbers tells a slightly different story. August 2023 showed signs of resiliency compared to August of 2022. Last year in August saw 35 single-family homes sell in Sisters Country for $31.7 million. This August saw a slight decline to 32 sales for a total of $27.5 million.

Council votes ‘no’ on shelter application

Sisters City Council came to a 3-2 contingent decision to deny the application of the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter (SCWS) organization for an emergency homeless shelter at 192 W. Barclay Dr. in Sisters.

Sisters hosts prestigious horse event

The Godby Farm in Sisters hosted officials from the KWPN (Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands) for a keuring event on Thursday, September 7. A “keuring” is an official inspection by a jury, wherein Dutch Warmblood horses are evaluated for their adherence to breed standards and fitness for participation in events such as dressage, hunter-jumper, or harness. Horse owners from around Central Oregon brought their mares and foals to a tradition-filled evaluation.

Board rules against spa owner

The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists has issued a final order assessing $13,000 in civil penalties against Michael Boyle, former owner of Hop in the Spa in Sisters, and an additional assessment of Department of Justice costs to a total of $50,000.

Wetland restoration is a success

One year ago, armed with a passion to restore the native habitat, the Sisters Ranger District set their efforts on this lower swamp southeast from Black Butte Ranch, for restoration. Indian Ford Creek, once subtle, now ripples through the meadow. This once-barren landscape harbors abundant life once again.

Car show was a big draw in Sisters

Volunteers methodically marshaled 102 pristine cars and trucks — several dating over 80 years, some coming from over 100 miles away — into position as they lined the three blocks of Main closed to regular traffic for the Glory Daze Car Show.

The event, sponsored by Sisters Park & Recreation District, is growing in popularity. Next year the event may need to add another block.

City ruling is a final ‘no’ on shelter

After weeks of heated debate and discussion across the community, the Sisters City Council officially said “no” to the application by the nonprofit Sisters Cold Weather Shelter for an emergency shelter to be located at 192 W. Barclay Dr. in Sisters. The Council voted 4-1 on September 19 to adopt written findings by staff supporting denial of the application.

Sisters welcomes thousands for weekend

On any given summer Saturday or Sunday some 500 to 1,000 tourists make their way to Sisters. Last weekend that number swelled to 2,000-3,000 as visitors feasted on four events: the Giddy Up 5K/5Miler Ranch Run through picturesque Pole Creek Ranch, the Glory Daze Car Show, the 2023 Artist Studio Tour, and the 12th annual Sisters Fresh Hop Festival — not to mention Sisters Farmers Market. This unordinary ordinary weekend in Sisters also included three weddings, one packing a ranch, and another with nearly 200 guests at Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration — a formal affair complete with a crossed-swords military honor guard.

OCTOBER

Transcontinental Sisters immersed in horse ride nears music over weekend completion in Sisters The 2023 Sisters Folk

A 21-year-old woman named Gin Szagola rode her horse, Finley, through Sisters, amidst her trek from New Jersey to the Oregon shore.

That’s 3,450-miles across 10 states. More amazing is that this is her third cross-country adventure; the first was on foot and the second on a bicycle. In 2019, she became the youngest woman to have walked across the U.S. solo.

Festival — the 26th — opened Friday under Portland-like weather, with a steady mist under overcast skies, the temperature just barely reaching 50.

Appearing on seven stages scattered around town, artists did their best to boost the mood and stay warm. Attendees warmed to their sounds and musicianship. Beer sales dipped and coffee and cocoa sales soared.

PHOTO BY DANIELLE NICHOLE

Horsemanship skills set Destiny Wecks apart from her competitors in the trials to become Sisters Rodeo Queen. She will represent the 84th Sisters Rodeo at events across the Pacific Northwest.

Neighborhood changes its name

District welcomes new firefighters

A substantial contingent of residents turned out September 29 to mark the renaming of their neighborhood. The subdivision off Wilt Road north of Sisters formerly known as Squaw Creek Canyon Estates is now officially Whychus Canyon Estates. The neighbors unveiled an updated and restored sign.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District is introducing two new career firefighters with a history of service to the Sisters community. Rachelle Otasu and Jack Wales both served as volunteers with the District, and now have been hired as fulltime firefighters.

The Sisters School-Based Health Center (SBHC), located adjacent to Sisters High School, will expand its operations from two to four days a week, thanks to a partnership between Mosaic Community Health, St. Charles Health System, and Deschutes County. Mosaic will assume operations of the health center on October 18 in a building owned by Deschutes County.

Under Mosaic, which operates six additional SBHCs throughout Central Oregon, the health center will provide a pediatric-trained medical provider, a full-time behavioral health consultant, a community health worker, plus clinical pharmacy, Oregon Health Plan enrollment, and nutritionist support.

Deschutes County Behavioral Health staff will also be located on-site.

Handel Automotive in Sisters was recently honored as the Technet Professional ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year. He’ll fly to Florida in November for an awards banquet, which comes with a $3,000 recognition.

Auto technician School-based health earns elite honor center to expand Chad Van Handel of Van

National commander visits American Legion Post

Veterans from American Legion Post 86 gathered at Spoons café in Sisters on September 26 to greet newly elected National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer, who is on a whirlwind tour of posts across the nation. Seehafer was elected national commander of The American Legion on August 31 in Charlotte, N.C., during the 104th national convention.

Wecks is 2024 Sisters Rodeo Queen

Destiny Wecks of Enterprise was chosen as the 2024 Sisters Rodeo Queen at the Sisters Rodeo grounds from a group of four highly qualified cowgirl competitors in September.

Wecks will be traveling the Columbia River Circuit in the Pacific Northwest while representing the 84th Sisters Rodeo.

Roundabout set for March launch

Construction of a new roundabout at Locust Street and Highway 20 is still set to get underway in March 2024, Oregon Department of Transportation Central Oregon Region Manager Bob Townsend told the Sisters City Council in a workshop on October 11.

STARS recognizes volunteers

Last Thursday, October 10, the bar at Three Creeks Brew Pub was full of good food, good friends, and good feelings as the Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) organization gathered for their second annual volunteer appreciation event. In all of 2022, they provided 328 rides covering 12,000 miles.

So far in 2023, that number has already increased to 360 rides for 15,000 miles with several months left in the year.

Rallying to clean up Sisters’ forest

In a scene resembling “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” members of the Gambler 500 roared into Sisters Sunday and weeded out no fewer than eight abandoned cars and two burntout RVs, the latter within sight of Ponderosa Lodge and residents on North Pine Street. It was a herculean effort that took dozens of volunteers with some heavy equipment and a 20-yard dumpster thrown in.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

17

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Lady Outlaws crowned VB champs

The Lady Outlaws clinched the league title with their 25-13, 25-10, 25-16 win over Creswell at home on Tuesday, October 17, which gave them the championship title two years in a row.

Outlaws earn league laurels in soccer

The boys soccer squad won both their games this past week and captured the league crown for the second consecutive year.

They posted a 2-0 shutout at home against Pleasant Hill on Tuesday, and two days later held on for a 5-4 win at home against Creswell.

Girls soccer clinch back-to-back league crowns

The Lady Outlaw soccer squad continued their dominance over league opponents this past week. They logged an 8-0 win at La Pine on Tuesday, October 17, and with the win clinched the league title.

Outlaws capture league title in football

The Outlaws defeated the Siuslaw Vikings 27-20 at home in Friday night’s homecoming game, and with the win captured the league title.

NOVEMBER Sisters Fire honors longtime volunteers

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District was built by volunteers — people who stepped up to fill needs from fighting fires to building fire stations.

The Fire District is celebrating those who helped make the Fire District what it is today with a permanent plaque honoring long-time volunteer service.

The plaque, mounted at the entrance to the Fire Hall at 302 S. Elm St., was unveiled in a ceremony on Friday afternoon, October 27. The inaugural honorees are Tom Haynes, Chuck Newport, Rita Hodge, and Dave Moyer. The plaque has room for additional names to be added over the years.

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PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG

The Outlaw Hall of Fame inducted six individuals and one community group at the annual ceremony held at Sisters High School on Sunday afternoon, November 12. From left to right: Ryan Pollard, Dr. Judah Slavkovsky, Dr. Amber Leis, Steve Hodges, Erin Borla, and Jeff Barton.

Library reopens to delighted crowds

The long wait is over.

Library users of all ages gathered Saturday in brisk temperatures at the doors of Sisters Library for its grand reopening celebration. By noon, when the dedication began, more than 100 were on hand. Throughout the afternoon hundreds more streamed in to see the significant upgrades to the 8,300-squarefoot, 18-year-old structure.

Involvement, gratitude counter loneliness

Two points emerged from an exploration of the loneliness and isolation epidemic now impacting people across the nation, and here in Sisters and elsewhere: The most effective ways to counter these negative feelings are to get engaged in your community, and start your day with gratitude.

Young soccer players show improvement

The boys JV soccer squad improved tremendously over the course of the season and finished with a 3-3 record. The squad saw increased numbers and carried 20 players on their roster. That growth allowed the team to play their first full season of 11 vs. 11 in all of their games this year, something that hasn’t happened the last five years.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Outlaws finish perfect league season on the gridiron

The Outlaws wrapped up their perfect league season with a 20-7 win at home over Harrisburg on Friday night.

Prior to the contest the Outlaws honored their eight senior players: Justin DeSmet and Tony Gonzalez (running backs), Tristen Madron (receiver), Rope Chew, Scott Henderson, Dolan Pool, Jayden Vogt, and Chance Hamlington (all linemen).

XC boys repeat as District champs and girls place second

For the second year in a row the Outlaws boys cross-country team made the 500-mile round trip to Pendleton Community Park for the Special District 3 Championships and came away with the team title, earning a return trip to the OSAA State Championships. The Outlaws won in convincing fashion over Enterprise/Wallowa County as all five scorers placed in the top 16 among a field of 60 runners.

JV volleyball perfect on season

The girls JV volleyball squad had a tremendous season, wrapping up league play with a perfect 12-0 record, dropping only one set. In their final tournament against all 5A schools they defeated Bend High, Mountain View, Ridgeview, Crook County, and Redmond, with their only loss a close match against Caldera.

Eight players made up the Lady Outlaws’ roster and were coached by Jason Myhre.

Outlaws are state volleyball champs

The Lady Outlaws volleyball squad battled through three opponents to take first place at the state tournament last weekend in games. The tournament was exciting and nerve-racking to the very end.

Camp Sherman’s Cycling team on new playground a hit a roll in Sisters

After five years of planning, fundraising, and delays, Black Butte School and the Camp Sherman community finally have a new playground. Kids are overjoyed with this new, beautiful, nature-integrated play structure. The playground incorporates logs of hazard trees cut from within the footprint of the playground. Other play elements include an ADAaccessible pathway, ramp, and nest swing, tetherball and volleyball, a parkour challenge course, and some old-schoolstyle monkey bars. In keeping with the historical flavor of the school, the 1960s-era merry-goround has been retained.

Groundbreaking set for new ranger station

A brand-new Sisters Ranger Station will begin to rise from the forest floor at the west end of Sisters, starting with groundbreaking on the headquarters site this month. The new building is expected to be completed in 2025.

Outlaws compete at state XC meet

The Sisters Outlaws boys and girls teams wrapped up the 2023 cross-country season at the OSAA State Championships at Lane Community College on November 4, finishing fifth and seventh respectively.

Girls soccer advances to semifinals

The Lady Outlaw soccer squad defeated St. Mary’s in the quarterfinals of the state tournament at home in Sisters on Saturday, November 4. Coach Brain Holden told The Nugget he believes this is the first time in approximately 16 years that the Outlaws have made it to the semifinals. They were to travel over the hill and face No. 1 Valley Catholic in the semifinals on November 7.

Sisters Outlaws Mountain Bike Team pedaled to a fourthplace finish in state competition this fall — an outstanding result considering that the team has only five high school riders.

Coach Jon Fogarty has been building the program since its inaugural season in 2022, when they didn’t field enough high school riders to represent their school. They started with 10 total — four middle school and six high school riders.

One dropped out, but that still left enough to represent SHS. Senior racer Will Fogarty took overall honors in the South Conference, and was poised to make a hard run at the state title.

Housing market continues to feel headwinds

The market for single-family homes in Sisters Country remains depressed as compared to the heady 2021 sales picture. Sales for September and October of this year are eerily similar to the same months for 2022 – a stagnation of sorts as buyers retreat in light of 30-year fixed mortgage rates that sat Friday at a breathtaking 8.09%, having exceeded 8.5% two weeks earlier. These are the highest rates since November of 2000.

Outlaws lose a heartbreaker

The Outlaw football squad battled through injuries the entire season to finish with a perfect league record, but fell 22-26 in the final seconds in the first round of the state playoffs.

Four decades of serving Sisters

Dr. Bonnie Malone, longtime Sisters chiropractor, is retiring and closing her clinic as of November 27. For over 42 years in Sisters, Malone has been deeply engaged in the life of the community, well beyond her chiropractic practice.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG

The weather was uglier than the sweaters, but the fun was beautiful in the annual Ugly Sweater Run.

Boys soccer falls in Sisters foundation first round of playoffs invited to D.C.

The Outlaws took on a tough Delphian team on the turf at McMinnville High School on October 28, and suffered a 2-1 loss. The turf field and nerves played a factor as both teams took time to settle into the game.

JV football ends successful season

The 21 players on the JV football squad finished their season at 8-1, their only loss the first game of the season. Jim Gurney and Jordon Wilkins teamed up to coach the Outlaws, Gurney primarily as a defensive coach, and Wilkins as the offensive coach.

Sisters men arrested on drug, weapon charges

A father and son were both arrested on November 13 for distributing illegal narcotics in Central Oregon. The arrests came as the result of a longer-term investigation by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team that was concluded when drug agents executed search warrants at two different locations in Redmond and Sisters. Arrested were David Hanegraaf Jr. and David Hanegraaf Sr. Hanegraaf, Sr., age 64, is a Sisters-area resident.

Project to improve overlook

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) has received a $30,000, three-year general operations grant from The Roundhouse Foundation, supporting nonemergency medical transportation for Sisters Country residents.

Roundhouse said the multi-year grant was awarded to acknowledge the great work STARS does in the community and to provide sustainable support in the coming years. STARS volunteers get people to medical appointments.

Among the volunteers are John Finley (driving), Tom Gonsiewski, Gayle Sawyer, and Rennie Morrell.

A forthcoming project will make Whychus Overlook views more accessible to those in wheelchairs. The highly popular Whychus Creek Scenic Overlook Trail, just 5.5 miles from town, is a barrier-free trail and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, while the trail is wheeled-chair friendly, upon reaching the walled viewpoint if one cannot stand, they can see the mountains but not the steep canyon with flowing water cascading over rocky riffles.

Thanks to the aspirations of the STA Board and its cadre of volunteers, this problem will be solved by notching the wall.

Erin Borla, president of Sisters-based Roundhouse Foundation, was invited last month to participate in a gathering in Washington D.C., where the White House Domestic Policy Council and National Endowment for the Arts discussed the “whole-of-government” approach to arts and culture.

Sisters makes change to holiday tradition

Sisters’ hometown parade and tree lighting have become beloved traditions for locals and visitors alike. They’re happening again this weekend — but in a new way. Sisters Park & Recreation District is combining two holiday favorites into one spectacular event called the Holiday Palooza.

Holden named Player of the Year

Marley Holden was a unanimous vote for Player of the Year for the Special District 3 in girls soccer; the first time a Sisters player has received that honor since 2010. The four-year starter for the Lady Outlaws was also a First-Team pick. She led the team in goals for the second consecutive year this season, with 20 goals. She also recorded 10 assists.

DECEMBER Jeremy Fields honored for work

Those who have worked with Jeremy Fields in his capacity as Sisters Ranger District’s Special Forest Products coordinator, or in his work with the unhoused population in Sisters’ forests, know that he approaches his work with exceptional dedication, and with humility and a high degree of respect for all. His work was recognized last week in the U.S. Forest Service’s Regional Forester’s Honor Awards ceremony held in Portland. Fields was named Region 6 Employee of the Year. Region 6 covers all of Oregon and Washington.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW C4C names executive director

Kellen Klein was chosen as the new full-time executive director of Citizens4 Community (C4C) as of midNovember. He has been serving as the interim director for the past five-and-a-half months, and recently signed a two-year contract with the board. Klein said he is thrilled with his position.

Boyle takes plea in abuse case

Michael Boyle of Sisters pleaded guilty via Alford plea to multiple criminal counts in Deschutes County Circuit Court on Monday, December 4. Boyle pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sex abuse in the first degree, two counts of third-degree sex abuse, and three counts of practicing massage without a license.

Black Butte School wins Firebusters activity

Black Butte School students in Camp Sherman enjoyed activities with Buster the Fire Dog and fire service personnel last week as the winner of an event through the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative (Co-Op) and their 37th Annual Firebusters Fire & Life Safety program.

Tree poachers strike in Sisters

While Sisters Ranger District Special Forest Products Officer Jeremy Fields and local volunteer Therese Kollerer were out on a Forest Service volunteer clean-up and patrol on December 4, they stopped to examine the site of a crime.

Someone had felled a very large, green old-growth ponderosa pine. The felling of a large, important tree — one that the Forest Service had gone out of its way to protect during fuels treatment in the area — is a stark example of a problem that is plaguing the Sisters Ranger District. Tree poachers are felling trees in the area around Tollgate, up Forest Road 16 (Three Creek Road), and elsewhere.

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

Soccer players earn All-State

The girls soccer squad wrapped up a perfect league season, made it to the state semifinals, and to top it off had three players make all-state teams. Marley Holden was a first-team pick and Izzy Schiller and Katie Ryan were both second-team selections.

SHS unveils new media center

Just a few weeks ago a well-equipped media center was set up at the heart of the school. Junior Jack Turpen was at the helm of this project, which spanned the week-long Thanksgiving break.

Aided by woodshop students, AV, and leadership members, they began building this room over Thanksgiving break. The bulk of the process lay in obtaining enough grant money to purchase the necessary equipment. However, once this obstacle was overcome, it only took a little less than two weeks to fully set it up.

The multi-functional media center serves as a place to record Outlaw News, the primary news source for SHS students, including editing computers and a green screen.

This space is used for taking photos of seniors, art, and the yearbook.

ESD superintendent to retire

High Desert Education Service District (ESD) Superintendent Paul Andrews announced that he will retire at the end of June 2024. Andrews has been with the region’s Education Service District for 25 years.

Lego robotics team off to State

Last year, the Broken Top Builders Lego robotics team came close to going to the state tournament with a team of nine.

This year, with a smaller team, they placed second for Central Oregon, and will be advancing to state competition in Hillsboro on January 13.

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Broken Top Builders placed second in Central Oregon Lego robotics competition, earning a spot in the Oregon state tourney.

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19

20

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Sam Ethan Simone Passed October 3, 2022

Janard “Jan” Everett Allsman

Those we lost...

Lynn (Audrain) Berg

June 14, 1945 – December 28, 2022

John L. Gragg

November 8, 1941 – December 9, 2022

John Paul Anderson

April 11,1935 — December 14, 2022

Lester W. Stiles, Deschutes County Sheriff (ret.)

December 7, 1945 – January 6, 2023

Kenneth Ray Lindsay

Sylvia Lee Reinhardt

August 22, 1944 – January 3, 2023

Allan Borland June 14, 1955 — 2023

March 11, 1935 – February 7, 2023

April 8, 1927 — January 2, 2023

Marilyn T. O’Hern

Mable Lucille (Lucy) Grittman

Passed January 16, 2023

David Lloyd Hurtley

August 10, 1938 — February 12, 2023

Harry Thomas “Tom” Davis, Jr.

Laurence Alan Dyer

August 30, 1928 – March 19, 2023

Bill Moore 1934 – 2023

May 16, 1939 — March 2, 2023

Charles R. “Chuck” Marshall 1930 — 2022

Abner Callaway Allen Jr. Passed January 13, 2023

Roger Allen Nelson

Ruth Lois Lovegren July 1, 1932 — January 27, 2023

Alfred Theodore “Ted” Goodwin June 29, 1923 – December 27, 2022

August 12, 1948 – December 28, 2022

Suzi Tewalt

Nancy Ellen Hoff

January 18, 1983 — March 14, 2023

November 15, 1947 – March 4, 2023

Virginia Rhett

June 20, 1931 — January 10, 2023

Feb. 12, 1945 – Feb. 1, 2023

Rodney “Rocky” Doane Davis

Adam T. Wood

September 21, 1939 – January 28, 2023

Edward Derksen

August 11, 1942 — March 6, 2023

Madeline Carol Wilbur Hurtley

August 9, 1940 — March 22, 2023

Sylvester “Van” Van Oort 1925 — 2023

Full text of obituaries can be read at

www.NuggetNews.com

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

21

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

Those we lost...

Roberta Jean Achterhof

Judith Ann Dillewaard Passed April 24, 2023

October 10, 1922 – May 25, 2023

Phillip Keller

Richard “John” Leavitt

Charles William Harper

December 23, 1942 — March 25, 2023

Passed March 27, 2023

Doris Bell Johnson

Passed May 27, 2023

David W. Snow

Nancy Jeanne Ream

Janie Buell

Gudrun Kibak

April 8, 1936 — July 21, 2023

October 9, 1949 — July 23, 2023

June 17, 1950 — June 15, 2023

Passed August 2, 2023

February 12, 1946 — April 25, 2023

Thomas (Tom) Molloy aka “Big Tom”

September 20, 1945 — March 28, 2023

Delores (Morton) Hopper December 26, 1926 — April 4, 2023

Anne Sherwood Witte Gerke

April 9, 1940 – March 19, 2023

Jimmy Crow

November 2, 1953 – April 22, 2023

Dean Duvall 1955 – 2023

David Eugene Carlson March 3, 1939 — May 5, 2023

Lorna Mae Grabe

April 30, 1928 – May 8, 2023

Carla Jean Merrell Passed May 24, 2023

Steven Edward Little April 9, 1953 – May 27, 2023

Bill Duff

1930 — June 30, 2023

Richard E. John 1937 — July 30, 2023

Casey Benjamin Johnson March 28, 1980 – September 12, 2023

Dinzel Zemko

William “Dave” Moyer

April 23, 1920 — July 31, 2023

Nancy Ann Jones

Charles “Chuck” Lindstrom

November 15, 1946 — July 7, 2023

August 24, 1934 – July 17, 2023

May 3, 1958 – August 28, 2023

Lawren Marie Stone July 10, 1951 — August 19, 2023

Kim Marie McCarthy Sept. 10, 1965 — Sept. 20, 2023

Kathryn Wiquest Harner October 7, 1937 – September 26, 2023

Mary Poncy

October, 3, 1927 – October 5, 2023

22

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

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201 For Sale 201 For Sale 4th Sister Condominiums 4th Sister Condominiums Chainsaws & Trimmers Chainsaws & Trimmers November 24, 2003CLASSIFIED – October 21, 2023 RATES CLASSIFIED RATES Furnished studio apt.Furnished for lease.studio apt. for lease.

COST: $2 per line forCOST: first insertion, $2 per line$890/month. for first insertion, Sisters Rental Sisters Rental No pets$890/month. or smoking.No pets or smoking. $1.50 per line for each $1.50additional per line for each additional 331 W. Barclay Drive 331 W. Barclay Drive Bill:per435-901-0200.

Bill: 435-901-0200. insertion to 9th week, insertion $1 pertoline 9th week, $1 line 541-549-9631 541-549-9631 wjahsman@gmail.com wjahsman@gmail.com 10th week and beyond 10th (identical week and beyond (identical Authorized Authorized service center for service center for ad/consecutive weeks).ad/consecutive Also includedweeks).Fully Also Furnished included Fully Furnished Rentals.

Rentals.

Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, in The Nugget online classifieds in The Nugget at noonline classifieds at no Short-term, Short-term, minimum 30 nights.minimum 30 nights. additional charge. additional There is charge. a There is a Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Cub Cadet, Briggs Cub & Stratton, Low fall/winter rates. rates. minimum $5 charge minimum for any $5 chargeLow forfall/winter any Kohler, Kawasaki Engines Kohler, Kawasaki Engines 503-730-0150 503-730-0150 classified. First line =classified. approx. 20-25 First line = approx.

20-25 characters, each additional characters, line each = additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. approx. Letters, 25-30 characters. Letters, Pilates chair split-pedal stability chair Pilates split-pedal stability spaces, numbers and punctuation spaces, numbers = 1 and punctuation = 1 forstay those who need to stay Ideal for those who Ideal need to character. Any ad copy character. changesAny will ad copy changes will Located in Sisters, we in Sisters, we in a seated or uprightLocated position, in a seated or upright position, be charged at the first-time be charged insertion at the first-time insertion specialize in payroll solutions specialize in payroll solutions achieving a full-body workout. achieving a full-body workout. rate of $2 per line. rate of Standard $2 per line. Standard that fit that fit your needs! Give usyour a callneeds! Give us a call abbreviations allowed abbreviations with the allowed with the Call or text 503-910-2645 Call or text 503-910-2645 HOME & CASCADE HOMECASCADE & The Nugget approval classified of The Nugget classified on how we for STUFF? more informationforonmore how information we February 11, 1933 —approval November of 2, 2023 TOO MUCH STUFF? TOO MUCH PROPERTY RENTALS department. NOTE: department.

Legal notices NOTE: PROPERTY Legal notices RENTALS can help you and your business. can help you and your business.

Advertise your excess Advertise your excess Monthly Rentals throughout Rentals throughout placed in the Public placed Notice insection the PublicMonthly Notice section Contact jennifer@ Contact jennifer@ with an ad in The Nugget! with an ad in The Nugget! are charged at the display are charged advertising at the display advertising Sisters Country.

Sisters Country. makinandassociates.com, makinandassociates.com, rate. rate.

541-549-0792 541-549-0792 DEADLINE: MONDAY, DEADLINE: noon MONDAY, noon or call 503-826-7909. or call 503-826-7909.

202 Firewood 202 Firewood Property management Property management preceding WED. publication. preceding WED. publication.

FOREST PRODUCTS GEORGE’S SEPTIC SISTERS PRODUCTS GEORGE’S SEPTIC homes. FOREST SISTERS for second homes. for second PLACEMENT & PLACEMENT PAYMENT: & PAYMENT: DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD TANK SERVICE DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD TANK SERVICE Office, 442 E. MainOffice, Ave. 442 Phone, E. MainCascadeHomeRentals.com Ave. Phone, CascadeHomeRentals.com • SINCE 1976 • • SINCE 1976“A• Well Maintained“A Well Maintained 541-549-9941 or place 541-549-9941 online at or place online at PONDEROSA PROPERTIES NuggetNews.com. Payment NuggetNews.com. is due PONDEROSA Payment is duePROPERTIES KINDLING Septic System Protects KINDLING Septic System Protects –Monthly Rentals Available– –Monthly Rentals upon placement. upon VISA placement. & VISA & Available– Doug – the Environment” Doug Fir – Lodgepole – Fir – Lodgepole the Environment” MasterCard accepted.

MasterCard Billing accepted.

Billing Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 Hardwood – Juniper – Fir 541-549-2871 Hardwood – Juniper – Fir 541-549-2871 available for continuously available for run continuously runhrs./day, Full details, Full details, 24 go to: 24 hrs./day, go to: WOOD SALES DRIVE-IN WOOD DRIVE-IN SALES classified ads, after classified prepaymentads, of after prepayment of • DERI’s • DERI’s HAIR SALON • HAIR SALON • PonderosaProperties.com PonderosaProperties.com first four (4) weeks first and four upon (4) weeks and upon – 18155 East 541-419-1279 – – 18155 Hwy. 126 East – Hwy. 126 Call Call 541-419-1279 list at 221 S. Ash, Sisters Printed list at 221 S.Printed Ash, Sisters approval of account application. approval of account application.

SistersForestProducts.com SistersForestProducts.com Ponderosa LLC Properties LLC CATEGORIES: Ponderosa Properties Order Online! 541-410-4509 Order Online! 541-410-4509 October 25, 1930 –CATEGORIES: November 2, 2023 101 Real Estate 101 Real Estate *** HOLIDAY SPECIAL *** HOLIDAY *** SPECIAL *** 102 Commercial Rentals 102 Commercial Rentals 2 months free with214-month months free with 205 Sales Garage & Estate Sales 205 14-month Garage & Estate 103 Residential Rentals 103 Residential Rentals lease.

1051 Cascade lease.

Ave. 1051 Cascade Ave. HERITAGE USA HERITAGE USA 104 Vacation Rentals 104 Vacation Rentals Rent $2,850.00 monthly Rent with $2,850.00Open monthly with 106 Real Estate Wanted 106 Real Estate Wanted Open daily 10:30 a.m.

– 5daily p.m.10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. lease. Deposit $3,300.00. lease. Pet Deposit on $3,300.00.

Pet onAve., Sisters.

107 Rentals Wanted 107 Rentals Wanted 253 E. Hood Ave., Sisters.

253 E. Hood 200 Business Opportunities 200 Business Opportunities approval plus deposit/pet approval rent.plus deposit/pet rent.

Happy Trails Estate Happy Sales Trails Estate Sales 201 For Sale 201 For Sale New laminate flooring Newinlaminate main flooring in main 202 Firewood 202 Firewood and online auctions! and online auctions!

Junk removal, newJunk home, removal, new home, living, dining, kitchen, living, laundry, dining, kitchen, laundry, 203 Recreation Equipment 203 Recreation Equipment Selling, Downsizing, Selling, or Deaths?

Downsizing, or Deaths? garage & storage clean-out, garage & storage clean-out, and 1/2 bath. New stainless and 1/2 bath. steel New stainless steel 204 Arts & Antiques 204 Arts & Antiques Locally owned & operated Locallyby... owned & operated by... yard construction, construction, debris. yard debris.

205 Garage & Estate Sales 205 Garage & Estateappliances, Sales range, microwave, appliances, range, microwave, Daiya 541-480-2806Daiya 541-480-2806 You Call – We Haul!

You Call – We Haul!

206 Lost & Found 206 Lost & Founddishwasher, and refrigerator. dishwasher, All-and refrigerator. AllSharie 541-771-1150Sharie 541-771-1150 207 The Holidays 207 The Holidays 541-719-8475 541-719-8475 new paint interior. This newspacious paint interior. This spacious 301 Vehicles 301 Vehicles home has the perfect home layout, has the perfect layout, 302 Recreational Vehicles 302 Recreational Vehicles master suite on mainmaster floor, suite 1/2 on main floor, 1/2 401 Horses 401 Horses May 22, 1958 – November 5, 2023 402 Livestock 402 Livestock Level: Easy Answer: Page 23 bath and laundry onbath mainand floor, laundry 3 on main floor, 3 403 Pets 403 Pets spacious vaulted ceiling spacious vaulted ceiling 500 Services 500 Services bedrooms, and full bath bedrooms, upstairs, and full bath upstairs, 501 Computer Services 501 Computer Services with abundant storage with closets. abundant storage closets.

502 Carpet Upholstery502 Cleaning Carpet Upholstery Cleaning 503 Appliance Repair 503 & Refinish Appliance Repair & Refinish Two-car garage withTwo-car off-street garage with off-street 504 Handyman 504 Handyman parking, walk to town, parking, school, walk to town, school, 505 Auto Repair 505 Auto Repair south end of Sisters.south Available end of Sisters. Available 600 Tree Service & Forestry 600 Tree Service & Forestry now.

Attached ADU now. rented Attached out, ADU rented out, 601 Construction 601 Construction separate entrance, over separate garage. entrance, over garage.

602 Plumbing & Electric 602 Plumbing & Electric 603 Excavations & Trucking 603 Excavations & Trucking North West PropertyNorth West Property 604 Heating & Cooling 604 Heating & CoolingManagement, pleaseManagement, call please call 605 Painting 605 Painting 541-548-7368 for touring.

541-548-7368 for touring.

606 Landscaping & Yard 606Maint.

Landscaping & Yard Maint. www.nwp.management www.nwp.management for for 701 Domestic Services701 Domestic Services 702 Sewing 702 Sewing details. details.

703 Child 703 Child Care May 15, 1949 – November 21,Care 2023 704 Events & Event Services 704 Events & Event Services 801 Classes & Training 801 Classes & Training 802 Help Wanted 802 Help Wanted 803 Work Wanted 803 Work Wanted 901 Wanted 901 Wanted 902 Personals 902 Personals 999 Public Notice 999 Public Notice

Those we lost...

Michael Burke

Jaden Harvey Wiles

Marilyn Losli Brownawell

Leon Lewis Foster

Carol Sorrels

SUDOKU

John Henry Nagel III

TENANT PLACEMENT TENANT PLACEMENT “nothing’s more expensive “nothing’s more expensive than bad tenants” than bad tenants” call or text mike 541.588.2028 call or text mike 541.588.2028 mikez@wetdogpnw.com mikez@wetdogpnw.com

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

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

C L A S S I F I E D S

501 Computers & Communications

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 3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Cable jobs, security cameras, WAPs. CCB #191099 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729

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 Earthwood Timberframes • Design & shop fabrication • Recycled fir and pine beams • Mantels and accent timbers • Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com

Full Service Excavation

23

J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, gutters, thatching, aerating, irrigation.

Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com – All You Need Maintenance – Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing.

Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

Custom Homes Additions - Remodels Residential Building Projects Free On-site Visit & Estimate Becke William Pierce Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 .com Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com 541-549-1472 • CCB #76888 Drainfield • Minor & Major Septic Repair • All Septic Needs/Design & Install 701 Domestic Services General Excavation • Site Preparation Organizing, decluttering, • Rock & Stump Removal downsizing, moveouts 502 Carpet & Upholstery • Pond & Driveway Construction Fast working/honest/$20 hr.

Preparation Cleaning 541-588-4186.

Lara’s Construction LLC. • Building Demolition M & J CARPET CLEANING CCB#223701 BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Trucking Area rugs, upholstery, tile & Offering masonry work, Home & Rentals Cleaning • Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, dryer-vent cleaning. Established fireplaces, interior & exterior WINDOW CLEANING! Boulders, Water & family-owned since 1986. stone/brick-work, build Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897 • Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, 541-549-9090 barbecues, and all types of I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Belly masonry. Give us a call GORDON’S Specializing in Commercial, for a free estimate 541-350-3218 • The Whole 9 Yards or 24 LAST TOUCH Residential & Vacation Rentals.

Whatever You Want!

Cleaning Specialists for CENIGA'S MASONRY, INC. Licensed, Bonded & Insured.

CARPETS, WINDOWS 541-390-1206 Brick • Block • Stone • Pavers 541-977-1051 604 Heating & Cooling & UPHOLSTERY beavercreeklog@yahoo.com CCB #181448 – 541-350-6068 House Cleaning ACTION AIR Member Better Business Bureau Log repairs, log railing, www.CenigasMasonry.com Sisters & Black Butte Heating & Cooling, LLC • Bonded & Insured • log accent, log siding, etc.

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Free Consult 503-750-3033 Serving Central Oregon CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond Factory Trained Technicians –CLASSIFIEDS– Consulting, Service & Installs Since 1980 Since 1983 • CCB #44054 It pays to advertise in actionairheatingandcooling.com Call 541-549-3008 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553 The Nugget, your local CCB #195556 Licensing for "Yellow Pages" for Sisters!

541-549-6464 504 Handyman Construction Contractors – Deadline to place your ad is JONES UPGRADES LLC Custom Homes • Additions 605 Painting An active license means Monday before noon...

Home Repairs & Remodeling Residential Building Projects your contractor is bonded and ~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Call 541-549-9941 Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Serving Sisters area since 1976 insured. The state provides detail Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Fences, Sheds & more.

Strictly Quality 704 Events & Event at the Oregon CCB online.

Refurbishing Decks Mike Jones, 503-428-1281 CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 Visit www.oregon.gov/CCB Services CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 Local resident • CCB #201650 541-280-9764 www.frontier-painting.com ATTENTION CRAFTERS: 602 Plumbing & Electric John Pierce SPRING FAIR EMPIRE PAINTING 600 Tree Service & jpierce@bendbroadband.com SWEENEY March 22-24 at Douglas Interior and Exterior Painting Forestry PLUMBING, INC. County Fairgrounds and Staining 4 Brothers Tree Service “Quality and Reliability” Our 47th year!

Booths available CCB#180042 Sisters' Premier Tree Experts!

Repairs • Remodeling for quality crafts.

For information 541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk – TREE REMOVAL & • New Construction send SASE to Spring Fair 2024, METOLIUS PAINTING LLC CLEANUP – • Water Heaters PO Box 22, Dillard, OR 97432 or Meticulous, Affordable Native / Non-Native Tree 541-549-4349 Pat Burke innerspacefamily@gmail.com.

Interior & Exterior Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Residential and Commercial LOCALLY OWNED 541-280-7040 • CCB# 238067 Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Licensed • Bonded • Insured 801 Classes & Training CRAFTSMAN BUILT Storm Damage Cleanup, CCB #87587 CCB: 288388 • 541-588-2062 DO YOU OFFER 606 Landscaping & Yard Craning & Stump Grinding, www.sistersfencecompany.com Ridgeline Electric, LLC workshops or classes?

Maintenance Debris Removal.

Serving all of Central Oregon Let our readers know!

– FOREST MANAGEMENT – • Residential • Commercial Call 541-549-9941 to place your Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush • Industrial • Service ad or go to NuggetNews.com Mowing, Mastication, Tree 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821 Deadline is Mondays by noon Thinning, Large & Small Scale • • • • • • • • • • CLASSIFIEDS! Alpine Landscape Maintenance Projects!

It pays to advertise in Fall yard cleanup and landscape Serving Black Butte Ranch, 803 Work Wanted From Ground to Finish The Nugget Newspaper maintenance.

Camp Sherman & Sisters Area POSITION WANTED; Accurate and Efficient Deadline is Monday Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 since 2003 for Companion Caregiver.

541-604-5169 before noon, 541-549-9941 or alpine.landscapes@icloud.com ** Free Estimates ** Looking for part-time; must be CCB#233074 online at NuggetNews.com Owner James Hatley & Sons close to Sisters downtown.

Uploaded every Tuesday 541-815-2342 References upon request. at no additional cost to you!

4brostrees.com Please call 503-274-0214 Licensed, Bonded and Insured 603 Excavation & Trucking CCB-215057 Keeping Sisters Country 901 Wanted BANR Enterprises, LLC Beautiful Since 2006 TimberStandImprovement.net Shop space for Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Uncompromising quality. Local candcnursery@gmail.com Tree Removal & Pruning hobbyist/woodworker.

Hardscape, Rock Walls and personal. You can trust me.

541-549-2345 TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 Looking for about 300-400 sq. ft.

Residential & Commercial All projects: From new 541-771-4825 All Landscaping Services Call Jay 503-789-7183 CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 construction to those little Mowing, Thatching, Hauling LOLO TREE WORKS www.BANR.net projects you don't seem to get to.

Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740 Tree Services: Tree Removal, My team of local subcontractors ROBINSON & OWEN Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, and I will get it done right, fair, Heavy Construction, Inc. Emergency Tree Services. and pain-free so you can make All your excavation needs ISA Certified Arborist your spouse happy. *General excavation for puzzle on page 22 Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter Call Jared 503-949-9719 *Site Preparation lolotreeworks.com Complete landscape construction, *Sub-Divisions Call / Text: 503-367-5638 fencing, irrigation installation & *Road Building Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, *Sewer and Water Systems CCB #240912 debris cleanups, fertility & water *Underground Utilities conservation management, *Grading 601 Construction excavation. *Sand-Gravel-Rock Construction & Renovation PERENNIAL BUILDING LLC CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 Licensed • Bonded • Insured Custom Residential Projects Local | Quality | Experienced www.vohslandscaping.com CCB #124327 All Phases • CCB #148365 www@perennialbuilding.com 541-515-8462 541-549-1848 541-420-8448 541-728-3180 | CCB #226794

SUDOKU SOLUTION

The Nugget Vol. XLVI No. 52

POSTAL CUSTOMER

News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

www ww www.NuggetNews.com w.Nu Nugg N gget etNe tN News ws .com c om

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

Wedn We W Wednesday, dnes d esda dayy, December dda Dee c D 27, 2023

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THE NUGGET NEEDS 35 NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS to maintain bulk mailing rates into the new year.

Please consider supporting your community newspaper by gifting a subscription to a loved one outside the free Sisters Country delivery area...

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