Ugly Sweater Run attracts over 200
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
An annual tradition, the Ugly Sweater Run, sponsored by RunSistersRun, attracted more than 200 runners and walkers who “donned them now their gay apparel” and took on a five-kilometer course on the north side of Sisters Saturday, December 7.
The run started and finished at Fir Street Park with the afterparty spilling over to The Barn. Holiday outfits ranged from outlandish sweaters to full-on Christmas trees.
Participants of all ages navigated the course, including William Strachan of Terrebonne who won the race while pushing a double stroller. He finished in 19:10.
Evelyn Young was the first female across the line in 20:26, good enough for fifth place overall among a total of 216 finishers.
Local finishers in the top10 males included Augustus Nibur (ninth) and Carter Anderson (10th), while a slew of local females placed in the top 10 including Josie Ryan
(fourth), Brooke Duey (fifth), Jacqueline Endres (sixth), Naomi Bennette (eighth) Rima Givot (ninth), and Riley Davis (10th). Nibur and Davis are both middle school students, while Anderson, Ryan, Duey, and Bennette are high school aged.
Race director Kelly Bither
counted the event as another successful kick-off to the Christmas season.
Winners of the Ugly Sweater/costume contest included:
• Ugly Sweater overall winner: Shannon McWeeney.
• Ugly Sweater Couple: Dan and Angie Neal.
• Ugly Sweater Family 1: Hood Family.
• Ugly Sweater Family 2: Pink Elf — Ward Family. Proceeds from the event will support Living Well with Dementia in Sisters and the Sisters High School alpine ski team which served as volunteers for the race.
Sisters shelter set to open with additional services
By Sue Stafford Correspondent
Among the ponderosas at 222 N. Trinity W., there is a beehive of activity in the building owned by the Oregon Network Ministries and rented by Sisters Cold Weather Shelter.
According to shelter coordinator Sharlene Weed, they have “successfully transitioned to operating the Wellhouse Market food pantry on Thursdays at 3 p.m.”
They have opened their “front room community space for anyone to use on Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.” The furniture for the community room was donated by Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.
Work is also underway to set up necessary supplies being brought out of storage to equip a shelter space.
“We plan to be ready in January and will try to open if there is an extreme weather event before that,” Weed told The Nugget.
The building just became available this fall so time has been short to get prepared to open the shelter. Normally, they would have been planning all summer, but they have only been able to start mobilizing recently, in addition to taking over the food pantry.
“Like any new endeavor, the shelter has experienced growing pains. We are evolving to meet the needs of people living in difficult conditions in the Sisters
community,” said Weed, “by providing essential and lifesaving support to our most vulnerable neighbors.”
The Emergency Shelter Declaration, which was only approved by City Council on November 20, has an attachment outlining weather conditions and temperatures that would trigger opening a shelter. Despite the conditions over the last several weeks, the shelter was unable to open because they are still getting set up, recruiting
Major employer expands to Sisters
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
BASX Solutions, a leading national manufacturer of modular structures and cleanroom solutions, has leased 27,190 square feet of light industrial space in Three Peaks Industrial Park. The 15.59-acre park sits on the northern section of former Forest Service property, located on the north side of West Barclay Drive and bordered by North Pine Street on the east and the Ponderosa Best Western property on the west side. To the north is Forest Service land, and across Barclay to the south is the site of The Woodlands.
The park has 14 lots, on which three have been developed and a fourth is
See EMPLOYER on page 31
volunteers, doing background checks, and hiring paid overnight monitors. A shelter is much more than just a warm space. Because of everything involved in opening and running a shelter, they can’t open one night, be closed the next two, and re-open on the fourth night, based on weather conditions.
“SCWS will monitor the weather and mobilize when there are at least three
See SHELTER on page 22
The Hood family won in the Ugly Sweater Family Category in the Ugly Sweater Run on Saturday, December 7.
PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG
OPINION
Editorial…
A thank you from The Nugget
The staff here at The Nugget want to thank our readers and advertisers for working with us as we implement our new subscription program. The response has been gratifying, with so many people signing up to make sure they continue to get their weekly Nugget in their mailbox.
As this program becomes fully implemented, we want to make sure we are communicating clearly about the various ways to support local journalism.
Subscriptions
The Nugget Newspaper will continue to be a “free” publication, maintaining community connection. The Nugget is charging delivery cost for mailbox subscriptions — not as an additional revenue stream, but as a means to recoup ever-increasing costs. You can still pick up your Nugget around town for free. In addition to all the local businesses where you’ve always been able to pick up a free Nugget, the post offices in Sisters, Black Butte Ranch, and Camp Sherman will also have Nuggets on a rack or counter where you can grab a copy with your mail. And we’re working on expanding distribution points. You can subscribe online by hitting “Subscribe” at the top of The Nugget website homepage at www.nuggetnews.com. Or you can call us at 541-549-9941, or visit the office at 442 E. Main Ave. We’re always glad to see
you. (Note that we’ll be out of the office for Christmas break December 24-January 1).
Supporting Contributions
Supporting Contributions are separate from subscriptions — they are a direct contribution from readers to The Nugget and are designated to support our cadre of freelance reporters, columnists, and photographers — the folks who gather and report the news or provide insight and commentary through their columns. You can make a direct supporting contribution by clicking “Donate” at www.nuggetnews.com — or call or come in.
Support Local Business
Our advertisers — in print and online — are the financial engine that keeps The Nugget going. When you shop, dine, and hire services locally, you support those advertisers, and The Nugget — and the economic vitality of our community as a whole.
We appreciate all of our readers and advertisers and the community we serve. This, of all seasons, is one of gratitude — and we’re thankful for all of you.
Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief — and the staff of The Nugget Newspaper
Letters to the Editor…
The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer’s name, address, and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond, or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is 10 a.m. Monday.
Tone it down
To the Editor: Immigration & the law: Believing that one cannot be part of a solution unless he or she recognizes and identifies the problem, I offer this to my neighbors here in “Sisters Country.” There is no need for misleading or incendiary language in expressing one’s viewpoint. Many of us do it without
thinking, almost reflexively. A letter appearing in last week’s Nugget provides an example typical of this: The author thanks “Sheriff (sic) Vander Kamp for his open and unwittingly timely response to law enforcement and immigrants in the November 13 edition” of The Nugget
I find nothing in Sergeant Vander Kamp’s
See LETTERS on page 8
Sisters Weather Forecast
The Nugget Newspaper, LLC
Website: www.nuggetnews.com
442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759 Tel: 541-549-9941 | Email: editor@nuggetnews.com
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: Kema Clark
Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen
Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon. The Nugget is available to pick up free at The Nugget office and at businesses throughout Sisters and Tumalo; mail subscriptions are available in the 97759, 97756, 97730, and 97703 zip codes for $55/year; subscriptions outside these
Disappointed in presidential election
By Bruce Campbell Guest Columnist
Needless to say, I’m very disappointed with the way the election turned out. I think America is about to go into one of the worst eras in its history. This is really going to put us to the test. Not just any test but a biblical Sodom and Gomorrah type test. I think, in the long run, we will be OK, but sometimes you got to go through hell to get to heaven.
I think that Kamala Harris did an exceptional job in her campaign considering she had to parachute behind enemy lines, slog up a slippery, muddy hill against the wind and had to do everything perfect all in a hundred days or so, while wearing high heels. She almost pulled it off. I think what killed it was misogyny, racism, just plain ignorance, and the demos misreading the electorate in a big way.
Also, worst of all, the 90 million eligible Americans who didn’t vote.
The most astonishing thing to me was the fact that even a small majority of Americans voted for even the possibility of fascism as opposed to Democracy. Some people don’t even know the difference. Some people welcome it, thinking they’re finally going to be able to do whatever they want, to whoever they want, without repercussions. Some people didn’t care one way or the other as long as they could get cheap eggs and gas.
All of them are going to be surprised.
It’s already started. The unbelievable clown car cabinet he’s proposing just gets crazier every day. Between sexual predators, conspiracy nut jobs, road kill eaters, and pet dog killers this team of sycophants has got to be the worst cabinet in maybe even world history. I can’t think of any third world country that went this far down. Trump always liked to be number one.
Here’s a quote from Winston Churchill: “Many forms of government have been, and will be, tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that Democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those
The unbelievable clown car cabinet he’s proposing just gets crazier every day.
other forms that have been tried from time to time…”
So now we’re going to impose severe tariffs on our biggest trading partner Mexico because Trump blames them for fentanyl. Isn’t that like blaming the prostitute instead of the john? If we weren’t buying all these drugs they wouldn’t be coming here. If we don’t want to pay a decent wage to Americans to do the lowest jobs, then people wouldn’t cross the border to take those jobs. The only way you’re going to get people to stop coming here in such droves is to help Mexico (and the other South American countries) with creating better conditions for its people so that they want to stay. One way to do that is to build factories down there to provide more work.
A thought on the Hunter Biden pardon: Jared Kushner’s father Charles pleaded guilty to 18 federal charges including illegal campaign donations, tax evasion, and witness tampering. The witness tampering had to do with (get this) Kushner, after finding out his own sister and her husband were cooperating with the feds, hired a prostitute to seduce his sister’s husband and take him to a motel that had video cameras hidden in it to blackmail him into not testifying. It worked. Kushner then sent the tape to his sister anyway. Wow what a family man. Witnesses tampered. After spending two years in federal prison, Trump pardoned him. So if you want to shame Joe Biden and all the democrats for getting his last son out of a prison sentence for crimes that most people wouldn’t have been indicted for, where he may have been in physical danger, I say, shut up! This was small “h” hypocrisy compared to all-caps HYPOCRISY of the Trump administration’s pardons. All I can say is, I hope you think the cheap eggs and gas is worth all this and good luck with that ever happening.
Band inspires and entertains
By
Music students at Sisters middle and high schools experienced a rare opportunity last week as the five member Celtic group Scottish Fish spent time with the Americana and Outlaw Strings students in a workshop and concert.
After spending over three hours with students on Thursday, the group played a sold-out show at The Belfry Friday night, December 6, in which the middle school fiddle players performed as the opening act.
The visit from the Boston-based quintet came about through SFF Presents’ Artist in Residency program, according to Brad
Tisdel, the talent coordinator for SFF Presents.
“The artist residency from Scottish Fish, combined with the sold-out concert at The Belfry was an inspiring experience for our kids and community,” said Tisdel. “The band sharing their experience with our kids, the kids opening the show, the parents being there to support their kids, and the concert itself was extraordinary.”
Outlaw Strings is led by Sisters Middle School science teacher Melissa Stolasz who is operating the group as a club before school.
Currently more than 30 middle school students are involved and most are playing fiddle in the “Continuing Fiddle” program, though
some students are working together with piano and cello as well. At the high school level, students are learning fiddle, guitar, cello, piano, and bass through electives taught by Steven Livingston, Kayla Golka, and Stolasz. Dance band groups are forming at both levels, according to Stolasz. Stolasz and her husband Jeff hosted the five young women — Ava Montesi (fiddle), Caroline Dressler (fiddle), Giulia Haible (cello, piano), Julia Homa (fiddle, piano), and Maggie MacPhail (fiddle, piano) — at their home.
“Having them at our home was an absolute blast and we discovered we
See BAND on page 23
Vo-Ag education faces challenges
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Last week’s Nugget profiled four children, ranging in age from eight to 15, all in attendance at Sisters schools. Each lives on farmland and raises livestock. Each talked about how they could benefit if the Sisters School District offered an agribusiness or agriscience curriculum, as every other district in central Oregon does.
The Nugget talked at length about the possibilities of such a program with Sisters Schools Superintendent Curt Scholl. Scholl appreciated the longing for an ag-based curriculum under the umbrella of Career and
Technical Education (CTE) which, according to Oregon’s Department of Education, embraces education, passion, and curiosity to fuel the future for Oregon students.
CTE programs use 21st century technology to support students in acquiring technical skills, professional practices, and academic knowledge critical for career success in high-wage, in-demand careers.
Scholl enumerated the obstacles to providing such programs, chief among them funding.
“In face of the current budget environment and the expectation of significant
The Santiam Wagon Road Scam: Part 2
By Randal O’Toole Correspondent
The Santiam Wagon Road was originally built in 1866 to collect tolls, but the road’s owners also convinced Congress to give them a huge land grant if they extended the road to the Idaho border. This made them eligible for 861,512 acres of federal land. In 1871, they sold the wagon road (which, in the Cascade Mountains at least, was still producing toll revenue) and the land grant for
SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR
BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS
Al -Anon
Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383.
Alcoholics A nonymou s
Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills
Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration
Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild
For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om
Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter will not have their regular meetings in November or December
Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.
Council on Aging of Cent ral O rego n Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43 East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’ Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061. G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church. 541-771-2211
Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Siste rs Communit y Church. M ater ials provided. 541- 408 -8 505.
Hero Q uilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 5 41-6 68 -1755
Living Well W it h D ementia Sisters
Care Par tner suppor t group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:3 0 p.m. T he Lodge in Sisters. 5 41-6 47-0 052.
Milita ry Parent s of Sisters M eetings are held quarter ly; please c all for details. 5 41-388 -9 013.
Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys, 11:3 0 a.m., Takoda’s Rest aurant. 541- 549- 64 69
Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158
Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church. 5 41-5 49 -6157.
Sisters Area Woodworke rs First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97
Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.
Sisters Caregi ver Sup por t G roup No meeting in December
Sisters Cribbage C lub M eets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at S PR D. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.
Sisters Garden C lub For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.
Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m.
Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.
Sisters Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Lodge in Sisters. 5 41-6 32-3663.
Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298
Sisters Red Hat s 1st Friday. For location infor mation, please c all: 541- 8 48 -1970.
Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.
Sisters Veterans no- host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welcome, 5 41-241-6 56 3.
Sisters Trails A lliance Board Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In- person or zoom. Contact: info@sisterstrails.org
Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 1st Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSI D Of fice. 5 41-5 49 -8 815
Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279.
VF W Po st 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 541-241- 6563
SCHOOLS
Black Bu tt e School
Board of Direc tors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203
$160,000 (about $4 million today) to two Californians, H.K.W. Clarke and Alexander Weill. Clarke paid $20,000 and Weill, acting as a representative of a French bank called Lazard-Freres, paid the other $140,000. The 18.5 cents per acre they paid sounds cheap but produced a good return for the previous owners, who had probably spent less than $30,000 building the road and got most or all of it back in tolls.
Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule online at www ssd6.org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002. CIT Y & PARKS
Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3
PHOTO BY JACK TURPIN
Scottish Fish spent hours will local students before playing a sold-out performance at The Belfry last week.
Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
See SCAM on page 25
King tides display their fury along Oregon’s Coast
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
A woman in Cannon Beach was caught by a massive sneaker wave a few weeks ago and nearly washed to sea. The drama was captured on a phone camera by a passerby who coaxed her back to shore as she appeared dazed and disoriented. The video has been viewed some 600,000 times.
Such happenings do not stop thousands of Oregonians, many from Sisters Country, from flocking to the coast to witness powerful king tides. The first king tides of the season occurred November 15-17. The next is scheduled for December and then again January 11-13.
The January phenomenon matches with hundreds of Central Oregonians who head to the coast for whale watching. Marsha and Keith Blaine, who winter in Camp Sherman, take in all three each year, drawn to what Marsha describes as “majestic.”
“You have to see it with your own eyes,” Keith said. “It’s kind of like the Grand Canyon – you simply can’t describe it adequately.”
King tide is a frequently used term describing exceptionally high tides or the highest tides of the year. Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. King tides, also called perigean spring tides, occur when the moon is new or full and is at its closest point to orbiting Earth.
When the sun and moon are at their closest distance to Earth, their gravitational pull is immense, producing higher tides. With king tides, the ocean water level rises higher than usual and coastal rivers often swell.
Flooding often occurs in low-lying areas, especially when king tides are accompanied by a winter storm.
It’s those storms that are magnets for visitors wanting to witness nature in full fury and magnitude.
November’s king tides were created by a Beaver Supermoon. This was the fourth and final Supermoon of the year making the moon appear bigger and brighter than normal.
Bert Rollins of Sisters and three of his photographer pals make the trek once or twice each year to capture the waves. “November’s were recorded at 28 feet, not a record,” Rollins said. “We’ve seen 50-footers regularly at Shore Acres (State Park).”
The record for Oregon is 60 feet near Astoria in December of 2018.
King tides also provide joy and anticipation for shells and other treasures as the receding waves reveal unseen finds. Cory Levitt in Tumalo is often on the king tide scene with his metal detector. “You can’t believe all the things I’ve found,” Levitt smiles. “Coins, jewelry, even a Japanese bus token from years ago.”
While stunning and awe inspiring, waves from king tides are extremely dangerous and not to be taken lightly. Deaths have occurred and many injuries reported every year. Rescuing somebody caught in a sudden wave is also fraught with risk.
The Coast Guard and National Weather Service are urging the public who visit coastal beaches during King Tides to be on alert for dangerous surf and potentially fatal sneaker waves.
“Sneaker waves are disproportionately large waves which surge unexpectedly up the beach without warning. They are characterized by insignificant heights within period groups of small waves, giving the appearance of light sea conditions.
“The sudden rush of water
will immerse the dry shore and send large logs rolling, becoming dangerous projectiles. Other hazards include being swept out to sea and immersion into cold water. Sneaker waves are the deadliest natural hazard on the West Coast; it is of the upmost importance to practice sound judgement prior to and while patronizing coastal beaches.”
King tides are spectacular but can be dangerous. Sisters folks enjoy going to the coast when the phenomenon is in action.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Girls basketball launches into preseason play
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Lady Outlaws started their preseason with a 62-29 win at home over Santiam Christian (SC) on Thursday, December 5, but the following day fell 54-48 on the road at Cottage Grove (CG).
In Thursday’s action, freshmen Maddie Durham and Verbena Brent scored Sisters first points of the contest. The team played well in transition and Audrey Corcoran led the squad with seven points in the period, despite a sore back. The SC Eagles had a 6-0 run to end the quarter and close the gap to 14-8.
Corcoran stayed hot in the second period and put up eight more points, mainly off steals and breakaway layins. Shae Wyland also helped in the scoring effort and Durham hit a nice long ball off a Corcoran assist. Sisters closed out the half with a 16-point advantage, 34-18.
Coach Paul Patton said, “At halftime we talked about continuing to run, but taking better care of the basketball. We also discussed how to defend their pick-and-roll action better.”
In the third period, Wyland put up eight points, and Jorja Christianson chipped in with five, including a nice threepointer on a baseline outof-bounds play. At the close of the third the Outlaws had extended their lead to 52-25.
Norah Thorsett came in for Corcoran in the final period, and according to Patton, did a nice job of taking care of the ball. Patton was pleased that all 10 players on the roster got in good minutes in both halves of the contest.
Corcoran led the team in scoring with 17 points in three quarters of play, and also did a great job at the point, defended the ball well, and stole several passes. Wyland scored 16 points, and did a great job on the boards. Brent and Christianson scored seven points each, and Durham added six.
“What the team did well in the game was transition offense and defensive hustle,” said Patton. “What we need to improve on is our defensive rebounding, as they got a lot of second and third shots at the basket. But overall, I’m really pleased with our season opening effort. The girls tried to run our system with some positive results and now we have to keep building on it.”
In Friday’s contest the Outlaws got off to a fast start with Corcoran grabbing a steal on the opening tip-off and converting on a break-away lay-in. Durham followed on the Outlaws next possession with a threepointer. Corcoran had eight points in the quarter and at the end of the first period Sisters was on top 16-12.
Sisters stuttered in the second quarter and was only able to score four points, while the
CG Lions scored 15.
“They went to a 1-2-2 zone defense, and we struggled to figure it out, settling for quick perimeter shots or shots off the dribble,” said Patton. “Their best player, Mariah Bailey, got going and scored seven points, including a three-pointer.”
At the half the Outlaws trailed by seven, 20-27.
Patton said, “At halftime we talked about being more principled in our offensive attack by moving the ball more quickly from side-toside and getting our cutter going to create better player movement as well.”
In the third period the Outlaws offense picked back up, and Corcoran led the way with nine points, including a long ball. Patton told The Nugget that Sisters did a better job of putting pressure on the rim and getting to the foul line. Unfortunately, the Outlaws were only able to convert two of their 10 attempts from the line.
The Outlaws did cut into
the Lions’ lead a bit, but Bailey stayed hot for the Lions and put up nine points in the quarter. At the end of three the Outlaws were down 37-41.
CG stretched their lead to 11 early in the final quarter. The Outlaws clawed their way back to within five late in the period, sparked by steals and breakaway baskets from Wyland and Corcoran.
Patton told The Nugget that the Outlaws just couldn’t get any of their wide open three-pointers to fall and CG hit two threes on their end, which gave them the sixpoint victory.
Corcoran led Sisters scoring effort with 22 points. Durham scored eight, and Wyland and Brent added six points each. Wyland was the rebounding and steal leader with 14 and six respectively.
Corcoran followed with nine rebounds and five steals.
“I was really pleased with our competitive effort on a back-to-back game night,” said Patton. “Even when the
lead crept up to double digits a couple times, we continued just playing basketball and pulled back within striking distance at the end. CG is a 4A playoff quality team. We just had a low production second quarter that put us in too big of a hole to dig out of. With more practice we will certainly improve our offensive efficiency and get more dialed in to our disruptive defensive strategy.
“Audrey was once again stellar for us in the scorebook, but we didn’t have a second player get into the double digits like CG did, with Bailey going 23 and [Makya] Alsup with 18,” added Patton. “I believe we have other capable scorers on the floor, but we just have to get them in the spots where they can make shots.”
Patton noted that the Outlaws rebounding effort was better than in their previous game, with Wyland and Corcoran leading in that area. Brent also had four big boards for the Outlaws.
Winter traditions light the dark nights in Sisters Country
By T. Lee Brown Correspondent
Winter solstice is an ancient celebration, evidenced by sacred sites such as Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland. Immense stones were aligned to illuminate the sun as it rose for solstice, and are still used as ceremonial sites on this special day.
Candles and fires characterize winter solstice and related celebrations of light in darkness. Sisters Community Labyrinth organizers will light a contained fire at the large boulder in the labyrinth’s center the evening of December 21 (see related article page 7).
Participants gather here— halfway through the silent labyrinth walk—to bask in the light, share a few words or songs, and place stones around the great rock.
Long ago, inhabitants of Ireland, Britain, and Northern Europe faced a season of snow and cold, when deciduous trees shed their leaves, their branches stark against the dim winter sun.
Global warming was not yet a concern. These ancestors lacked central heating and electric lights, making the fires and the hopeful sight of greenery more essential.
The Holly & the Ivy, as the old song goes, brought still-bright evergreens into homes to welcome good spirits and banish bad ones. Mistletoe, wreaths, garlands of fir boughs, and evergreen trees indoors stem from these origins. Traces of evergreen branches have been found in Neolithic sacred sites.
Ancient Norse peoples created one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, Jól. Themes of light, fire, and feasting were common threads.
Jól evolved into Yule, celebrated among Germanic peoples and adopted by Christians of Britain and America. Yuletide features a burning yule log and lasts for the twelve days of Christmas.
Gatherings throughout the northern hemisphere pop up around the time of
winter solstice. In Wales, one was Alban Arthan. For the Romans it was Saturnalia.
For Christians it is Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Church services, lighting of candles, singing, and crêches or nativity scenes are among the traditions honored.
Contemporary Western peoples often partake in a secular, consumerist way, with Santa Claus, elves, gifts, parades, and Christmas trees.
Following a lunar calendar, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah falls in solstice season some years. It celebrates the miraculous oil lamplight and involves lighting candles in the menorah.
Modern-day Druids trace the Welsh solstice tradition, Alban Arthan, to legends of King Arthur Pendragon. The storied king brings with him light for the people of what is now the United Kingdom.
Arthur is symbolically reborn as the Sun Child or Mabon at winter solstice. Sources connect King Arthur to the Celtic word for bear, artos, the Celtic bear goddess Artio, and the constellation Ursa Major, which is visible year-round and contains the Big Dipper.
Wassailing on Twelfth Night originally took place in southern England, in pre-Christian times. People gathered in apple orchards to ensure a good harvest. A cider drink was passed around in the wassail cup; celebrants drummed and banged with sticks.
A Wassail king and queen are still nominated by celebrants in the UK. These royals lead other revelers a merry dance around the trees.
The Mari Lwyd is a wild custom practiced in Wales and Cornwall. Revelers carry the skull of a horse on a pole through the streets. It’s decorated with ribbons and flowers, a candle sometimes burning inside the skull.
Participants sing bawdy tunes, dance boisterously, and tell bad jokes. The procession culminates at the village tavern.
Among Americans today, its closest cousin might be
SantaCon, a pub crawl in many cities, inspired by the Cacophony Society. People dress as Santa Claus, stagger through the streets, mob taverns and bars, and generally cause mayhem.
Back in Old Portland, Oregon (the early 2000s), one of the earlier SantaCon cities, the merriment culminated at The Jasmine Tree tiki bar for Hail Santa!, an annual music and performance event.
Solstices draw big crowds, but a variety of nature-oriented traditions celebrate additional points in the turning of the Great Wheel of the Year — the passing of seasons, one to the next.
Vernal (spring) and autumnal (fall) equinoxes are celebrated, dividing the year into four seasons with the solstices. Sisters residents can often be seen walking the labyrinth on those days.
Some folks extend the tradition into cross-quarter days, which fall halfway through each larger season. Coming up soon is February’s Candlemas, a.k.a. Imbolc.
Candlemas is also the feast day of Irish patron saint St. Brigid, “Brigid’s Day,” a national holiday in Ireland.
“You might see me and a few friends walking the labyrinth on February 2, too,” said a participant who lives near Sisters.
The remaining cro
cross-quarter days — which sometimes attract casual labyrinth walkers — are Mayday (Beltane, Béaltaine), the Gaelic Lughnasadh in August, and the familiar Samhain season, encompassing Halloween, Día de los Muertos, All Hallow’s
Books Games Events
Eve, All Souls Day, and All Saints’ Day.
To join the Winter Solstice Gathering and Silent Meditation Labyrinth Walk, meet at East Portal at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 21. See sisterscommunity labyrinth.org for details.
w books! Kit Tosello will pr esent The Color of Home, and Melody Car lson will pr esent The Christmas Tree Farm Open 9:30 AM –7 PM Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM –5 PM sunday
Sisters folks join a long history of winter solstice traditions; last year, local songwriter Kathy Marshall provided a song.
PHOTO BY JAN MCGOWAN
Fire and labyrinth walk set for solstice
By T. Lee Brown Correspondent
“Celebrate the rebirth of the Sun!” exhorts an invitation from Sisters Community Labyrinth. All are invited to join the group’s Winter Solstice Gathering & Silent Meditation Walk on Saturday, December 21, at 6 p.m.
Celebrants can expect a short, non-religious welcome ceremony followed by a silent walking meditation through the labyrinth. Halfway through the walk sits a large boulder at the labyrinth’s center.
Walkers are invited to meet there, at the fire, sharing words and song on the shortest, darkest day of the year. Participants may carry stones to represent saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new year, along with the increasing sunlight to come.
After walking back through the labyrinth to its entrance, revelers can socialize and drink tea and cocoa.
The labyrinth’s winter events typically last around an hour.
Why a rebirth?
Traditionally in some cultures, winter solstice is viewed as a time of renewal.
“The old pass away to make room for the new,” explained an announcer on the BBC.
The sun of the old year has died, waning every day since summer solstice happened in June. In the depth of winter, on the sun’s shortest day, people since time immemorial have celebrated the return and rebirth of the sun. After solstice, the days will slowly grow longer and lighter.
The committee that runs the labyrinth invites participants to bring a special object such as a stone, marking the death and rebirth of
the sun. Natural objects are encouraged, including rocks, crystals, or wooden items (no plastic).
“Embrace the new year and bid adieu to the old one,” Sisters Community Labyrinth invited in an email. “We’ll meet halfway through the labyrinth walk, and place our special objects at the center boulder.”
Participants should dress warmly, bring a flashlight, and perhaps a candle to carry during the silent meditation walk. Bringing a mug for tea and cocoa is optional. The event is free of charge.
No bathrooms will be available at the park on this night. Pets and playing music are not allowed, with the exception of the invited musical guest at the
labyrinth’s center.
“In June, we’ll have a louder celebration for Summer Solstice,” the labyrinth’s announcement explained.
Sisters Community Labyrinth is located in the East Portal park at the corner
of Highway 242 and West Hood Avenue. East Portal is under construction. Parking is suggested on nearby roadsides or parking lots.
For information or to join the mailing list, see the new website at www.sisters communitylabyrinth.org.
Pat Leiser of Sisters Community Labyrinth Committee speaks with participants at last year’s winter solstice, gathering around the fire.
PHOTO BY JAN MCGOWAN
remarks indicating that they were made “without meaning to” or “through ignorance” or “through lack of knowledge or awareness.”
The author has “noticed a shift in the new administration’s game plan as to how to coerce, bargain, threaten local law enforcement to aid I.C.E. in transporting illegals to “concentration camps.” No mention is made of what that shift is.
I hope that all law enforcement agencies will work together under the law and not at cross purposes. If local cops pick up someone for an offense and discover that the alleged offender is in this country illegally, it would be aiding and abetting criminal behavior to merely look the other way. Letting I.C.E. do its job is not the same as doing it for them.
Finally, and to my point, further language in the letter trivializes the Holocaust by comparing it to the legal apprehension of those guilty of violating our laws by vetted qualified sworn officers of the law in order to merely return them from whence they came. When the ovens go up on those 1,400 acres down there along the border in Texas and people start going in and not coming out, we can revisit the issue. ‘Til then let’s all just tone it down a bit.
Ross Flavel
s s s
A note from the city
To the Editor:
On behalf of the City of Sisters and our local agency and nonprofit partners, thank you to all who participated in the Community Conversation on Houselessness in October. Over 90 community members gathered at the new Sisters Elementary School to discuss this important issue. Following presentations from local organizations
and nonprofits, participants shared their concerns, ideas, and questions in lively table discussions.
The key themes from those conversations included housing and sheltering, safety, support services and systems, provider coordination, and community education and information. The full notes and summary from the meeting is posted online at https://bit.ly/sistershouseless. We invite all community members to review the report and share additional thoughts with us via the comment section on the website.
The public input so far also indicated that our community partnership needs to improve our efforts in key areas: providing more public communication and information to keep people informed about new and ongoing initiatives; coordinating more effectively with agency partners and nonprofits; and developing concrete next steps along with an actionable plan. The community partnership is committed to meeting regularly, developing an actionable plan, and further informing and engaging with the public.
One of the questions frequently asked was about plans for an emergency cold weather shelter this winter. On that front, last month the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-22 which authorizes temporary shelter facilities during severe weather emergencies. Under this model, the declaration of an emergency allows local organizations to set up and operate emergency overnight shelters during severe winter weather. For information about the rules and parameters, visit https://bit.ly/ sisterscoldweather.
We’re pleased to share that so far the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter has secured a location and submitted the necessary documents to be able to operate a temporary emergency cold weather shelter at 222 N. Trinity Way through March 15. This building, which has been used as a cold weather shelter in the past under emergency authorizations, also continues to serve as a food bank and community resource center. For more information about
their plans, please contact the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter.
Reflecting on the summer of 2023 and the processing of the emergency shelter application and the ensuing public hearings, the community’s response to staying engaged and bringing ideas to the table that meet the needs of Sisters is much appreciated. There is still much more work to be done, but we believe these initial steps to bring our partners together and invite the community to be a part of solutions will deliver better outcomes for all.
Jordan Wheeler City Manager
s s s
Biden pardon
To the Editor:
The Nugget’s Jim Cornelius gives us a history lesson on the origins of the presidential pardon, but tells us next to nothing about the facts relating to the pardon of Hunter Biden by President Biden. According to historian and newsletter author Heather Cox Richardson, Trump-appointed Special Counsel David Weiss charged Hunter Biden with firearms and tax offenses that, according to U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, would not have been charged if he had been anyone other than the President’s son.
The pardon came after Trump’s announcement that he plans to appoint conspiracy theorist Kash Patel to head the Department of Justice (DOJ). Patel’s appearances in right wing media suggest he is obsessed with Hunter Biden, including statements about Hunter Biden’s laptop that prove Hunter and Joe Biden engaged in crimes with Ukraine and China. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) spent two years investigating these allegations and turned up nothing,
See LETTERS on page 24
increases in cost, especially around PERS (retirement) increases, funding any new program will be difficult,” he said.
“We may even be looking at cuts,” Scholl warned. “And if we move a teacher into a new CTE area, then we risk losing other CTE courses.”
He also talked about the roadblocks to finding an adequate teacher, and meeting the certification process. Proponents often point out that within the community there are highly skilled business owners or workers who would volunteer to teach welding for example.
“Yes,” Scholl said, “it is possible to have teachers from industry who do not hold teacher certificates, but they still must hold a valid CTE license specific to the course.”
The District has a wellestablished CTE program now covering four areas — culinary arts, flight science, health science, and manufacturing/design/construction with 23 classes for credit. Scholl is a proponent of CTE. Indeed, one of his own children completed culinary arts and works in a gourmet food store in Sisters.
Outside funding
Most CTE is funded by Perkins grants. Each year under the Perkins statute, Congress appropriates approximately $1.4 billion dollars in State formula grant funds under Title I to develop more fully the academic knowledge and technical and employability skills of secondary and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs and programs of study.
However, they are used essentially to underwrite and support existing programs, not new ones.
Proponents think that some seed money exists within the local community. There has been vocational agriculture at Sisters High School previously in 2009 and 2010, supported in part by $10,000 raised from area farmers, ranchers, and ag-related businesses.
Local and regional grants remain an option. And, some suggest, a possible realignment of existing CTE programs, like woods and the greenhouse project.
Agrarian roots in Sisters Country Community members who embrace the establishment of vocational agriculture point to the farm to table and organic movement in Sisters. Seed to Table and the Farmers Market are two highly popular initiatives that
represent a growing synergy, they say, for strengthening Sisters agricultural heritage.
Kellen Klein, executive director of C4C, speaking for himself and not the organization, talks about the value of vocational ag.
“I don’t have hard data to back my notion, but personally I definitely perceive a need. A good portion of SSD students live on rural lands and farms. Many of them will likely inherit the family business or choose to pursue agriculturally oriented careers. If we want to prevent ‘brain drain’ and help create local economic opportunities for kids, it makes sense to me to invest in vocational ag education.
“Plus, vocational ag is about so much more than just ‘farming.’ Well-designed programs can help develop skills in business, finance, entrepreneurship, engineering, and more. The best job I ever had (aside from my current one, of course!) was working on a ranch in Colorado during college. The maintenance, project management, customer service, and team building skills I learned there have been incredibly applicable to my career and personal life.”
A study by Purdue University finds that “ag kids” do better than their peers in standardized and admissions testing. Their
ACT scores average 23.5 vs. 20.8 for all other students. Likewise, their SAT scores at 1152 compared to 1068 for non-ag takers.
Passions for vocational ag run deep in Sisters Country. Matt Cyrus, a farmer in Cloverdale, is a perennial appellant to the school board in pursuit of some level of vo-ag. “Basically, there are two tracks for kids in Sisters — McDonald’s and college,” he says. “We always find money for everything but ag science.”
Value of vocational education rises
For years, parents, teachers, and counselors told high
school graduates that college was the only certain path to success. But today, college costs have soared requiring substantial private loans. Over 44 million Americans carry $1.7 trillion in student loan debt. This reality has pushed families to view trade school with fresh eyes.
More and more college students graduate with piles of student loan debt — often not finding the job of their dreams. There has also been a persistent shortage of skilled workers driving up wages. Those factors drive a resurgence in vocational education.
Sisters is home to many agricultural operations.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Anti-Tra cking Forum
Human tra cking is not just a distant issue—it’s happening right here in Central Oregon . M Perfectly believes education is one of the most powerful tools to combat this crisis . Join M Perfectly for an anti-tra cking forum presented by J Bar J ’s Anti-Tra cking Project . is important event will take place on ursday, December 12, from 10:30 a .m. to 12 noon at the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter located at 4 42 N . Trinit y Way Register now for this FREE event with limited seating at www.bit ly/m-per fectly
A Course in Miracles Study Group
Interested in exploring the principles of love, forgiveness, and inner peace? “A Course in Miracles” study group has formed near Sisters , meeting the first Sunday of each month Cont act Steven at 541-6 68-3834 or srudnit@gmail.com
Black But te Ranch RFPD Meeting Canceled
e regularly scheduled board meeting for December is canceled. Next board meeting will be ursday, January 23. Questions? Call (541) 595-2288.
Happy Trails Horse Rescue Seek s Volunteers
Calling all horse lovers! Happy Trails Horse Rescue needs volunteers! Can you help them help horses? New Volunteer Orientation the first and third Sundays at 10 a .m. or call 541-241-0783 to schedule! Learn more at https://www happytrailshr.org.
Weekly Food Pantry
e Wellhouse Church hosts a weekly food pantr y ursdays at 3 p.m. at 222 N . Trinit y Way Both drive-through pick-up and shopping-st yle distribution are available. Info: 541-549-4184.
Free Weekly Meal Service
Family Kitchen hosts weekly togo hot meals on Tuesdays , 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy Visit www.FamilyKitchen .org
Free Lunches for Seniors
For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers a f un, no-cost social lunch ever y Tuesday, 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy. No reser vations needed. No-cost Grab-N- Go lunches take place weekly on Wed . and urs ., f rom 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.
Living Well With Dementia Sisters Suppor t Groups
Living Well now o ers t wo support groups . A support group for the care partners and family of those diagnosed with some form of dementia meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month f rom 1-2:30 p.m. at Sisters Senior Living , 411 E Carpenter Ln. A support group for the person diagnosed with some form of dementia in the early stages meets the same days and times , also at e Lodge. Info: 541-6 47-0 052.
A NNOUNCEMENT S
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, December 12
Anti-Trafficking Forum
Sisters Cold Weather Shelter
Thursday, December 12
Black Butte School Plays Camp Sherman Community Hall
Fri. & Sun., December 13 & 15
Chorale & Bell Concert
Sisters Community Church
Saturday, December 14
Wreaths Across America Village Green Park
Monday, December 16 Go Fish Group Meeting
Sisters Community Church
Sisters High Deser t Chorale and Bell Choir Concert
e Sisters High Deser t Chorale and Bell Choir will present their 2024 Winter Concer t on Friday, December 13 , at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 15, at 2:30 p.m . Both per formances will be held at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hw y. e concer t is f ree and refreshments will be provided Wreaths Across America
Ceremony
On Saturday, December 14, at 10 a .m., there will be a ceremony hosted by local veteran groups at Village Green Park to honor the veterans buried in Camp Polk Cemeter y. Join us to remember the fallen, honor those who ser ve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. e public is invited
PET OF
TH E WEEK
BILLY
Billy is a curious boy needing some extra patience and love from his adopter. It may take a little time for Billy to warm up and adjust to his new home, but once he does he will be your next best friend! Billy would do best in a home with adults or respectful children. Stop by the shelter to meet Billy today!
Winter Story time Plays at Black But te School
On ursday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m., come for a cozy evening in the historic Camp Sherman Communit y Hall. Enjoy students per forming t wo short plays: “ e Mitten” and “ e Real Deal.” is event is free and open to the public . Call 541-5956203 for more information
STAR S Seeks
Dispatch Volunteers
While working from home, help STAR S transport Sisters Country resident s to nonemergenc y medical appointments . Needed: A computer, the abilit y to use online apps, and a telephone. Call 541-9 04-5545
Go Fish Group Meeting
Go Fish Group fly-fishing club will meet on Monday, December 16 , at Sisters Communit y Church at 7 p.m. e program, presented by Gar y Lewis of Sisters and Bend, will be on “Big Trout L akes to Fish Spring and Summer”. For more information, call 541-771-2211.
Hunter Education Class Starts Februar y 11, 2025 . Register online at odf w.com . For info call Rick Cole 541-420 -6934.
Sisters Habitat
Volunteers Needed
Are you looking for something fun to do with your free time?
Volunteer with Sisters Habit at for Humanity! Call 541-549-1193.
Sisters Garden Journal
Sisters Garden Club has Garden Journals that are available for $15 at Paulina Springs Book s & e Gallimaufr y here in Sisters . e multiyear 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. ey make great gif ts . Please call 971-246040 4 for questions
Announce Your Celebr ations!
Sisters community birth, engagement, wedding anniversar y notices may run at no charge Email nug get@ nug getnews .com Deadline is 5 p.m . on Fridays
Christmas Church Service s
e Resting Place
A Christmas ser vice will be held by e Resting Place, meeting at Sisters Communit y Church, on Sunday, December 22, at 5 p.m. All are welcome
Sisters Community Church
On Saturday, December 21, from 3 to 4 p.m., come to Blue Christmas, a m essage of hope for those whose hearts are hurting. On Tuesday, December 24, choose b et ween two afternoon ser vices
Outdoors at Fir Street Park at 4:30 p.m. is a celebration for the whole f amily, including hot cocoa, singing Christmas songs , the Christmas story, and candle-lighting. e Christmas Eve indoor, candlelight ser vice begins at 5:30 p.m. at 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. For more information call 541-549-1201 or go to sisterschurch.com
Christmas Masses at St . Edward the Mar tyr Christmas masses will be held at St. Edward the Martyr Roman Catholic Church, 123 N . Trinit y Way on Tuesday, December 24, at 5:30 p.m. (Vigil Mass) and Wednesday, December 25, at 9 a .m. (Christmas Day Mass) Call 541-549-9391 or visit stedwardsisters.org.
Christmas Eve in Camp Sherman All are welcome to the Chapel in the Pines Christmas Eve ser vice, which will be held at the Camp Sherman Communit y Hall (F. S . Rd . 1419) ere will be Christmas carols, a devotional, and gif ts for the children! e ser vice begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 24. Questions? Contact Kathi at 541-815-9153
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
Attend ser vices on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, at the Episcopal Church, 121 N Brooks Camp Rd. ere will be a f amily ser vice & children’s nativity pageant beginning at 4 p.m. All children are invited to participate in the pageant welcoming the Christ child. A traditional ser vice with holy communion takes place at 9 p.m. Info: 541-549-7087 or visit www.transfiguration-sisters .org
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Wellhouse On Tuesday, December 24, at 4 p.m., Wellhouse will host a communit y gathering with refreshments at 4 42 N . Trinity Way. Following at 5 p.m. will be a Christmas candlelight ser vice with storytelling for children and a gif t to take home. For info call 541-549-4184 or go to wellhousechurch.org.
SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES
Baha’i Faith
For information, devotions, study groups , etc., contac t Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings .org
Calvar y Church
484 W. Washington St. , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288 10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org
Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s 452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 5 41-977-5559; 10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting
e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 121 N Brook s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org
8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship
10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship
e Resting Place meeting at Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us 5 p.m. Sunday Worship
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 541-815-9848
11 a .m. S aturday Worship
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831 www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.com 10 a .m. Sunday Worship
Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har rington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960 www.sistersnaz .org • info@sistersnaz .org
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational) 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com
7:30 a .m. Daybreak Ser vice • 9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship
St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391
5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 9 a .m. Sunday Mass
12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a .m. Tuesday-Friday Mass Wellhouse Churc h 442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
POLICY: Nonprofits, schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on
allows . Email lisa@nug getnews .com or drop o at
Outlaws open season with back-to-back wins
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws opened their preseason play with back-to-back wins; a 76-45 win over Santiam Christian (SC) at home on Thursday, December 5, and a day later a 68-65 win on the road at Cottage Grove (CG).
Sisters jumped out quick with a 5-2 lead against SC on Thursday with Kieren Labhart starting the scoring with an offensive rebound putback. The Outlaws led the entire period with Landen Scott scoring six points and Labhart and Will McDonnel hitting big threes that helped the Outlaws close out the period on top 16-10.
The SC Eagles came back in the second quarter and cut the Outlaws’ lead to one point, 20-19, on a three pointer from junior Clayton Slegers with 5:15 left in the period. Sisters responded with a 13-2 run as teams headed into the half. Highlights in the quarter for the Outlaws were a driving layup with a foul and made free-throw from Kale Gardner, a defensive rebound and coast-to-coast layup from Labhart, a coast-to-coast contested layup from Gardner, and a reverse lay-up from Scott.
SC scored the first four points of the third quarter, and then Labhart scored on an offensive rebound putback. The Outlaws tried to switch defenses to their 2-3 zone, but the Eagles got hot from the three-point line, as Slegers hit three long balls within one and half minutes of play, which cut the Outlaws’ lead to 38-36. That was as close as the Eagles would get. The Outlaws went on a 15-1 run with just over four minutes left in the quarter. Scott scored 11 points in the quarter and at the end of three the Outlaws held a 53-37 advantage.
The Outlaws kept their foot on the gas, scored 23 points in the final period, and held the Eagles to eight. Scott hit two shots from behind the arc, and Gardner and Oliver Bernhardt also hit long balls to help in the final scoring effort. Scott led the team with 29 points, and seven rebounds, followed by Labhart who scored 17 points and pulled down seven boards. Gardner finished with 10 points and nine rebounds, McDonnell seven points and five rebounds, and Bernhardt with six points and five rebounds.
Coach Chad Rush said, “It was great to get out on the floor for the first time this season and battle another opponent. The boys played very well, responding multiple times to challenges from
the Eagles. It was great to see the resiliency of the team during those moments, as being able to stop an opponent’s run as quickly as possible is a key to having a successful season. I was pleased to see the selfless play as three players scored in double figures. It was a great start to the season and I look forward to building upon this victory.”
A day later the Outlaws took the long bus ride to CG and started off a bit slow. The Lions boast a roster with tall players, and the daunting size difference affected the Outlaws early with several altered shots at the rim and blocked shots from the 6-foot-5-inch and 6-foot-9inch Lions big men. At the close of the first quarter the Outlaws trailed 7-14.
Sisters chipped away at the Lions’ lead in the second period. A bucket from Bodie Schar cut the Lions’ lead to 16-19. CG took a timeout with four minutes left in the quarter and Rush challenged the Outlaws to win the next four minutes. The team did just that and went on a 14-9 run to close out the quarter and take a two-point lead, 30-28. Gardner scored nine points in the period.
Teams traded baskets to start the third quarter, but after a three-pointer from Labhart and two layups from Scott, the Outlaws were on top 37-32. The Lions regrouped and outscored the Outlaws 16-4 the rest of the period, and after three Sisters found themselves down 41-48.
Rush said, “We began to abandon our ball movement on offense that was working before and began to take quick shots with little to no passing.”
In the final period the Outlaws were able to regroup and get back to their defensive intensity on the one side
of the floor. They limited the Lions’ transition points and forced tough, contested shots the entire quarter. On offense, they moved the ball, and their strategy of pushing pace and tiring out the Lions’ two big men began to take effect. The Outlaws got multiple shot opportunities at the rim and in transition that had not been available earlier in the game, and walked off the court with a three-point victory.
Gardner led the scoring effort with 22 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and four assists. Scott scored 19 points, and had three assists, and Labhart scored 14 points and pulled down six boards. Bernhardt pitched in with six points.
“I was really proud of the boys tonight,” said Rush. “Playing a back-to-back game with the second game on the road, especially early in the season, is a tough task. We knew we had a very different challenge than the previous night because of the Lions’ size and length. Our players did an outstanding job of executing our game plan of fronting their big men and making it difficult for them to get points.
“All of our players took on that challenge and made them work extremely hard to try and get the ball,” added Rush. “That strategy, as well as wanting to push the pace to tire them out, paid off in the fourth quarter when we were able to get shots in the paint that we were not able to get early in the game. That is due to our ability to run our offense and take advantage of a tired defense.”
The Outlaws were to play at Trinity Lutheran on Tuesday, December 10. They will play at Mazama on Friday, December 14 spend the night, and then take on Klamath Union on Saturday, December 13.
Students spill the tea on Revolution
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
Sons of Liberty dumped tea into Boston Harbor; a mob of angry colonials pelted British Redcoats with rocks and snowballs; Thomas Jefferson and John Adams toiled over a draft of the Declaration of Independence — and it all occurred in a classroom at Sisters Middle School on December 4.
Eighth grade students in Deb Riehle’s U.S. History classes concluded weeks of study of colonial Boston and the American Revolution with a classroom presentation attended by family members. The presentation featured a series of brief skits depicting the highlights of the American Revolution — the Boston Massacre, the Boston
Tea Party, the surrender of British troops at Saratoga and Yorktown, and the final peace agreement in 1783 that made the United States a free and independent republic.
The presentation made by three different classes over the day capped studies that brought the colonial and revolutionary era to life for the students. Over a period of weeks, the students created characters to live and work in the cityscape of colonial Boston, giving them backstories and occupations that brought to life that formative era some 250 years ago.
“We definitely grew in our understanding of colonial Boston,” said Alexis Olivia Lowe, who served as the narrator for the presentation.
She said that the biggest takeaway from the study was
that the colonies prevailed despite being much weaker than the British Empire of the time.
“I did not realize that the British people put up such little fight to it,” she said, noting that “passion can make you do more than just talent and supplies.”
In addition to the history they took in, students also learned to collaborate through the project, Lowe said. She expressed appreciation for the work Riehle put into making the work engaging and exciting for the students.
“I’m so thankful that I have her as my teacher,” she said.
Riehle said that the students will embark on a similar project later this year on the American Civil War.
Book store event marks solstice
Paulina Springs Books will host its third annual Solstice Book Flood, a community gathering and paperback book exchange, on Wednesday, December 18, at 6 p.m. The gathering was inspired by the Icelandic tradition of “Jolabokaflod,” or “The Christmas Book Flood,” in which books are given as gifts in the days leading up to Christmas and friends and family sit around, read, and enjoy each other’s company.
Solstice Book Flood Celebration is a community gathering, a paperback book exchange, an evening full of book talk, and a chance to enjoy each other’s company while celebrating the changing season. Folks are encouraged to bring a favorite paperback book for the exchange, and to be prepared to write a few sentences about why the book is meaningful for them. All of the paperbacks will be gathered up, collected, and
arranged on the big tables, and folks can browse the books to pick out one that speaks to them. The evening will begin with some brief readings and reflections on the changing season. Light snacks and refreshments will be available, and the store is offering 10 percent off any single transaction for folks who participate in the book exchange.
For more details and information about how the paperback book exchange will work, please visit www. paulinaspringsbooks.com.
“More than anything, this is an evening intended for sharing in our love of books and for enjoying each other’s company during the holiday season,” Lane Jacobson, owner of Paulina Springs Books, said. “The more the merrier, so we encourage you to bring along any friends and family that you think will have fun.”
Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave.
Sisters Middle School students staged skits to depict key moments during the American Revolution in a special presentation on December 4 to conclude their study of colonial America. Here they commemorate the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
Holidays in Sisters
are a special time, surrounded by natural beauty, the bonds of a strong community, and friends and family who bring us joy.
SHOP LOCAL FOR FINE HOLIDAY GIFTS
Roam Facial Studio
Holiday showcase set in Sisters
The Sisters High School music department invites the community to participate in the Holiday Showcase, Friday, December 13, 6:30 p.m. at Sisters High School. This fun and festive concert will feature bands and choirs from Sisters High School as well as several community performances to celebrate the holiday season.
“The Holiday Showcase is one of my favorite concerts of the year,” said Sisters Middle School and new Sisters High School Choir Director Steven Livingston. “We get to involve the community and really celebrate who we are as a collective.”
This year, concertgoers can expect lively performances, a silent auction, and cookie sales as The Holiday Showcase is one of few fundraisers for the Music Department at the High School. A suggested donation of $5 per person is requested at the door. All the proceeds will be split between the SHS choir and band programs to help support students attending competitions and workshops throughout the state. Especially of interest this year is to raise enough funds to help purchase new uniforms, reduce the cost for students to attend the spring choir trip to Portland, and to help the band program purchase a new-tothe-school euphonium and other replacement equipment needs. Silent auction items include Hayden Homes Amphitheater concert tickets,
A Date Night Basket, a family or senior photo shoot from RISE Graphic Design, a beautiful quilt from Stichin’ Post, and much more.
“Music is a huge part of my life,” said freshman Frankie Borla. “I love playing drums in the jazz band and spending time learning new music.”
Band Director Kayla Golka has enjoyed their new role teaching band at both Sisters Middle School and Sisters High School this year.
“Working with students at all ages and levels to share the love of music is such an amazing opportunity. Music can add so much to students’ lives – including helping them better understand the importance of being part of a team, hard work, and dedication, and can even improve their creativity and lead to success in other areas of their schoolwork,” they said.
The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the silent auction and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The community is encouraged to bring their holiday spirit and join in the celebration of music at Sisters High School.
For more information on the holiday showcase call 541-549-4045. To make a donation to the music department, mail checks or money orders to Sisters High School, 1700 W. McKinney Butte, Sisters, OR 97759, “Music Department Donation” in the memo line.
With 20 years in the cosmetics and skincare industry, Sarah Woods has acquired in-depth knowledge of current and leading product formulations and ingredients. And she’s built her success on the foundation of meaningful relationships.
Roam Facial Studio
Give the gift of healthy and beautiful skin — to yourself or someone you love — at Roam Facial Studio.
“My approach is more to the whole body, looking at inside balance promoting optimal skin health and topical product support to create balance,” she says. “I understand clients are also not only wanting to feel their best, but look their best, and I am up to date with the latest technologies to bridge the gap between holistic practices and medical skincare modalities to hydrate, tighten, and brighten the skin.”
That’s especially important during the holidays.
Roam is not just a place to improve on your overall skincare and body care wellness, but a luxury studio that is meant to feel like an extension of home.
PHOTO BY RISE GRAPHIC
Commentary…. Finding meaning in Christmas
— By Steve Stratos, Columnist —
As we approach another Christmas, the birth of the Christ Child, how should we celebrate? It is more than Santa and his reindeer, more than sugar fairies dancing in our heads, more than the estimated $1.1 trillion spent in 2023 and more than the annual pilgrimage to church.
As we examine the story in the Bible, what are the implications and how shall we then respond to the child in the manger. Let me share with you four practical implications that the gift of Christmas can have in our lives to make our communities more fruitful:
the child in the manger. This is His gift to us.
The Apostle John introduces his biographical story of Jesus in chapter 1 by saying, “the Word was God…, …everything that was made was made by Him. He was light and life…, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1-4, 14). God became human.
There were many ideologies and multitudes of gods at the time. There were Epicureans, Stoics, Hedonists, and SelfRighteous Religiosity, all looking for the ultimate reality and purpose to live a more meaningful life. Christmas tells us there is a logos, a reason, to live that can bring light, love, and fullness that dispels darkness. God becoming human teaches humans how to live with purpose. The Christ child gives us an intentional way to live that is logical and meaningful. We learn to connect with God. We all could benefit if we found that gift under our tree, a purpose driven life. This is the first implication.
The second implication is Christmas teaches us to get involved by serving others. Christmas is about loving your neighbor. It is about getting involved, serving others, helping the poor, the homeless, the aged, cultivating a caring community. It is about loving those who disagree with you and you them. Our community will flourish when we genuinely care about others and seek ways to serve them. We are better together with motivations of healing and serving. This is why a child is born on Christmas Day. He came to serve. It was the gift of example. Jesus said he came not to be served but to serve and give His life for others. We are to be the gift that promotes others at our expense. These are the values of
The third implication is Jesus brings comfort amid our suffering. We often ask why God allows so much suffering if He is so good. We see brokenness and grieving all around us. We see people mistreating one another in multitudes of ways and we ask “Why.” While we don’t often know the why of suffering, we do know it is not because God doesn’t love us. God sent His beloved son. Jesus enters our world and takes on all the suffering, abuse, misunderstanding culminating in being beaten and crucified for loves sake, for us. God understands and cares about our sufferings.
Christmas can be a difficult time for many who have lost loved ones. As God grieves with us, we learn to grieve with others. The God who brings comfort in identifying with our pain has too suffered and died. We can find comfort in Him who died for us and share the comfort with others in their grief and suffering.
The fourth implication is the gift of hope the Christ Child brings. In His life He gave us an example of how to live. In His death and resurrection, He reveals the power to do it. He brings hope for the future, a transcendent hope that brings us courage, confidence, and change. Thru His death He made a way to live a life of freedom. He showed us that reality is not limited to the material world that we taste and touch, but He is the Ultimate Reality. We can know Him! We can experience new life thru His resurrection. Can we make Him known not in our rhetoric but in the living hope of a resurrected new life.
Village Interiors
My prayer, my gift this Christmas is a commitment to make Jesus Christ matter in a world that desperately needs what His gift of Christmas can mean for us all. This is God becoming human. Author Bruce Milne puts it this way: “worship Him without cessation, obey Him without hesitation, love Him without reservation, and serve Him without interruption.” Oh yeah, and “Love your neighbor as yourself!”
Merry Christmas!
Steve Stratos is a pastor at Sisters Community Church
Village Interiors is back in Sisters — and ready to help you decorate your home!
For the past seven years, Village Interiors Home Furnishings has been in downtown Bend. But now they have relocated back to Sisters where they started Village Interiors Home Furnishings in 1991.
It’s good to be back home and in the same location as the Design Center on Barclay Drive. Together, Village Interiors can help you with any home decorating needs, from remodeling and reupholstering, to furnishing your home.
From rustic to modern, colorful to classic, Village Interiors has what you’re looking for. Furniture, custom sofas and chairs, accessories, faux floral, custom-to-your-specificsize area rugs, lamps, pillows, art, and more. All of Village Interiors’ items are carefully curated and gathered from all over the world to offer a selection you won’t find anywhere else. Come see all of Village Interiors’ items for the holiday season. They have an amazing assortment of items to help you check off the names on your gift list! Come on in and experience Village Interiors all over again!
There is possibly nowhere south of the North Pole that has more Christmas spirit than the home of Richard and Sherry Flaherty.
Each year in this season, the house at 15686 Trapper Point Rd. blossoms into a spectacular Christmas display — inside and out. Hundreds of decorations, from a train set to an elaborate Italian nativity diorama, to Santas of every size and description fill
— By Jim Cornelius, Editor
though
View the Flaherty’s exterior display this holiday season at: 15686 Trapper Point Rd.
virtually every room of the house. Sherry Flaherty told The Nugget that they started decorating at the beginning of November and it was “quick and easy.” Quick being 10 days or so of work, though Sherry said they went at a relaxed pace. Richard Flaherty has lived in Sisters for about 30 years; Sherry for 13. Each year, they go all-out on Christmas. Richard says with a
Gypsy Wind Clothing
You’re sure to find a perfect gift with a visit to Gypsy Wind.
There’s colorful, comfortable, and fashionable clothing from scarves to shawls to sweaters to hats and more — all at affordable prices. You can put a lot of check marks on your list — but why not shop for yourself, too, and look fabulous at your holiday parties with something unique and affordable?
Shopping at Gypsy Wind is an experience. Seeing and touching the fabric gives you a true appreciation for its beauty. Personalized shopping means you can find just what you’re looking for. The folks at Gypsy Wind love helping men shop for wives, daughters, girlfriends, or moms, and you can always give the gift of a shopping experience at Gypsy Wind with a gift certificate (get a $50 gift certificate for $40 this holiday season).
And if you are planning to change your latitude for a while this winter, be sure to visit the tropical travel room, too, featuring wonderful sundresses for just $39.
Wherever the winds of winter take you this holiday season, be sure that they steer you into the Gypsy Wind.
Christmas….
Editor in Chief —
meaning, like a pair of large stars that was gifted to Sherry by her best friend’s husband after the friend died. Others have been with Richard for 20 to 30 years.
chuckle that “it’s a little over the top.” But that’s part of the fun.
“My first wife was really into it, and we started collecting as we went,” Richard explained. “Along came Sherry, and she loved it, too, and we just went with it.”
Some of the decorations have personal
The couple recounted a recent visit from a family from England who walked past the house. The young children were enthralled by the outside decorations, so the Flaherty’s invited the family inside to see the rest of the fantastical display.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said Richard. “I wish there were more kids.”
The couple welcomes visitors to walk or drive by to take in the display.
“We love sharing what we have,” Sherry said.
Si ers Folk Fe ival
Save the date! The Sisters Folk Festival is back for its 28th year on September 26-28, 2025. Please join us for a multi-genre, intimate discovery festival that brings amazing artists to seven stages throughout downtown Sisters — where All The Town’s A Stage.
Sisters Folk Festival proudly brings both high-profile and lesserknown artists, songwriters, and bands together to perform in a variety of settings, including expansive tents, a historic former church, and courtyard venues at local establishments.
Three-day festival tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The initial 500 tickets will be offered at a holiday price of $195 (limit two per person), the next 800 tickets will sell at the early bird price of $210, and the remaining inventory will sell at an advance price of $235 for all three days of performances. Ticket prices now include all fees. Information and tickets at www.SistersFolkFest.org.
Give the gift of music this season — and be sure to secure your spot at the festival, which is sure to sell out again this year.
E Sun Ranch Dr Mon.-Sat., 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Santa loves his furry friends…
Chloe sat for her portrait with Santa Claus last week at Cascade Pet Spa. Proceeds from the photo shoot were donated to Furry Friends Foundation, which helps families in need to provide for their pets. Photoprovided.
The
Family & friends afar will appreciate a gift subscription to The Nugget Newspaper... the gift they get to open again every week!
Order online at NuggetNews.com/subscribe or by phone at 541-549-9941.
Nugget Poetry Corner
A Time to Die
Alissa Cowan~Inspiredby Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
We don’t like to think a bout our last day on this ear th
It’s all we’ ve ever known fr om the day of our bir th
When all is said and done, and we br eathe our last br eath
When we ar e at peace within and lay down to r est
What happens w hen we c lose our eyes and don’t answer anymore questions?
When we don’t look bac k, when ther e ar e no more, “I forgot to mentions”?
Then people bounce bac k for a day to see the last smiles
To receive hugs fr om those who could tr avel the miles
Then the br eathing gets heavy and tu rns to the worst
Those fe w last moments befor e leaving this ear th
That final br eath to release the one
Their body is earthbound and their spirit set fr ee
No mor e pain or suf fering, a ne w life is meant to be
The Heavens open wide, the light shines so bright
All the memories, all the stories, re gr ets and hopes, ar e done
All w ho have gone before them gather to say ‘it’s all right’
The Heavens rejoice as a ne w one comes home
While we ar e left on this ear th, feeling alone
Grief, anger, unbelief, it happened so suddenly
One moment they wer e her e and now they ar e fr ee
Lor d, comfor t us in our grief, help us not to fear
May we cr y without shame and mour n, as You’ ve allowed, with our loved ones near
It’s a beautiful honor to witness a life well lived and full of days
We ar e thankful that we could take par t, now with the Lord they can pr aise
With total peace that sur passes all under standing
No mor e str esses, from w hat life on ear th w as demanding
Jesus! Yeshua! Fr eedom inside
The very essence of Love, now to abide
A Portrait of Splendor
Edie Jones
Ice cr eam cones – v anilla – poking up through the blue.
The Three Sisters Mountains. A spectacular view. White, compact, with ledges exposed. Ice fields, yes – no meadows or roads
Shar p thr ough the sky, pr otruding above, a por tr ait of splendor – cherished – and loved, by all of us here, who linger, and gaze, at winter s’ fir st snow – in awe – amazed.
Advent
Edie Jones
Advent is her e, a time to reflect.
A time to give thought – and car efully select what’s impor tant and what’s not.
A time for change, expand, and grow, slow down, go inw ar d, and r eac h deep, to decide with our hear ts w hat to kee p.
How do we pr epare for that wonder ous day – w hen a ba by slept in a cr adle of hay? What must we do to open our minds, to His message of peace and love?
The gr ace, that comes fr om above. As we aim to – keep – and let go, may this time of reflection help us go slow, and thoughtfully move with car e.
Advent is her e so we can pr epare, and leave behind w hat we ventur e fr om to be r eady – when the Christ c hild comes.
Have an original poem that you’d like to share?
Email submissions to jess@nuggetnews.com. Publication is subject to space av ailability and disc retion of The Nugget Newspaper
— Story by Bill Bartlett, Correspondent
Cooking tops Sisters holiday traditions
Readers continue to share their favorite celebrations and activities surrounding the holidays and a clear favorite has emerged — baking.
Gingerbread house photo by Tabitha Cottrell
Hayride photo by Jim Cornelius
Take Mayor Michael Preedin for example.
“My favorite holiday tradition is making my grandma’s clam dip that is best with wavy potato chips – perfect addition on either Thanksgiving or Christmas Day where grazing on food is encouraged and counting calories is discouraged,” he said.
“Gingerbread cookies? That’s easy peasy,” she said waving her hand as if swatting away the idea. “Houses. That’s where the action is,” she said gleefully.
City Manager Jordan Wheeler weighed in: “Christmas for me is a time to spend time with and enjoy precious moments with my family and a lot of our traditions revolve around food! Our annual holiday rituals include baking and decorating cutout cookies for Santa with my daughters, making homemade eggnog and cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, and traveling north to visit family and share in the cooking of Christmas brunch and dinner. As my daughters have grown it’s been fun to watch them recognize and look forward to all the wonderful and cheery traditions of the season.”
Linda Goebel, from Black Butte Ranch, tickled us with this one: “Not sure you want this in your family newspaper. My Grandfather loved to make mixed drinks. During the Great Depression on Christmas mornings, when there was precious little under the tree, he made French 75s for the family — before breakfast!
“A French 75, named after a [French] cannon … is made from a mixture of gin, lemon juice, and sugar in a highball glass. Champagne is then added and ice. Mighty good. And after one of these who cared what was, or was not, under the tree? Thanks, Grandfather! We always have French 75s at Christmas — but not before breakfast!”
“Over a three-week period, our grandchildren in Bend and Redmond — seven in number — put their creative genius to work in making bird houses, doll houses, playhouses, all from gingerbread recipes. Icing acts as the concrete and shingles. Gum drops make doors and windows. And M&Ms make doorknobs and other fixtures. Marshmallows for chimneys.
“They’ve used peppermint sticks, licorice — the list is too long to tally,” she said. “This year we’re going to try lighting some.”
One after another mentioned some tasty delicacies like red velvet reindeer cake. Or, the Johnstons’ Kransekake — a Scandinavian celebration dessert that literally means ‘wreath cake.’ The tower of ringshaped cookies whimsically decorated with royal icing is worthy of being the center of any celebration.
Snowy Pinecones are made with crunchy cereal exteriors and creamy peanut-butterand-chocolate-hazelnut centers that don’t need baking.
The Hartmanns in Cloverdale bake an ugly sweater cake every year.
The Roths in Sisters don’t celebrate Christmas, but that doesn’t stop them from baking. Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms are their favorite to celebrate Hanukkah. Each cookie is coated in festive sprinkles and pressed with a chocolate gelt coin — a traditional Hanukkah present — while still warm.
Same with the Aarons who make decorated dreidel cookies. A dreidel is a spinning top, with four sides, each marked with a different Hebrew letter.
The gift that makes everyone’s dreams come true, with no returns!
STITCHIN’ POST
A gi card opens up a world of options! We have fabrics, yarns, art & quilting supplies, books, pa erns, gi s, and more! 541-549-6061 | www.stitchinpost.com
For Ruth Crew, it’s all about gingerbread.
If food helps make the season merry, Sisters will have a joyful holiday indeed.
FRIENDS & VINE WINE BAR & SHOP
Celebrate the holidays with friends and family! 30 wines by the glass, three ight levels and 350+ bo les. Gi cards and gi “stockings” available. 541-965-3284 | friendsandvine.com
ROOTBOUND FOOD CART
Give the gi of a fresh, locally sourced, healthy meal this holiday season. Local women-owned food cart located at e Barn. 541-595-8246 | rootboundfoodcart.com
MAKIN’ IT LOCAL
Treat yourself and give the gi of art this holiday. Celebrate Oregon arts and the Love of Local at Makin’ it Local. 541-904-4722 | www.makinitlocal.com
LUCKEY’S WOODSMAN
Give a gi card for our restaurant farm-to-table food and camper kits. $10 o when you buy $50 worth of gi cards. We cater holiday meals too! 541-904-4450 | www.luckeyswoodsman.com
LAKE CREEK LODGE
Spread some cheer with gi cards for a relaxing stay in a cozy cabin, some delicious pastries, or some cool merchandise! 541-588-2150 | lakecreeklodge.com
SHIBUI SPA
Give a Gi of Wellness! A Shibui Spa gi certi cate is the perfect way to show your loved one just how much they mean to you. 541-549-6164 | shibuispa.com
SISTERS GROOMERY
Give the gi of grooming! Treat your pet to premium care. Holiday appointments and gi certi cates available. Book now! 541-639-2891 | sistersgroomery.com
TAKODA’S RESTAURANT
Our gi cards make great stocking stu ers! We welcome you to dine in with friends or take-out for quick and delicious holiday meals at home. 541-549-8620 | www.takodassisters.com
Holiday Events in Sisters Country
Thursday • December 12
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on
Winter Storytime, a performance by Black Butte School, 6:30 p.m. at Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 Metolius River, Camp Sherman. Students will perform two short plays: “ e Mitten” and “ e Real Deal.” Free and open to the public. Information: 541-595-6203
December 12-15
“What the Dickens” Play presented by Silent Echo eater Company ursday, Friday, Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. at Sisters Middle School, 15200 McKenzie Hwy. Tickets & information: www.silentechotheatercompany.org
Friday • December 13
Holiday Showcase at Sisters High School auditorium, 7 p.m. A showcase of acts from within our community. Suggested donation of $5 to support choir and band programs.Information: steven.livingston@ssd6.org
Thursday • December 19
C4C Hosting Let’s Sing! at Sisters Senior Living, 4–4:45 p.m., 411 E. Carpenter Ln.; then at e Barn, 5:15 p.m., 171 E. Main Ave. Sip cocoa, celebrate, play games, and sing at this free family-friendly caroling party! Info: www.citizens4community.com
Winter Concert presented by Sisters High Desert Chorale and Bell Choir. 7 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Highway. Concert is free, but patrons are asked to make a small donation to cover the cost of refreshments.
Saturday • December 14
Santa Claus is Visiting Sisters Bakery, 251 E. Cascade Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon. Photos, letter writing, and treats. Information: www.facebook.com/ sistersbakeryoregon
Winter Dance Recital: City Sidewalks presented by Sisters Dance Academy at Sisters High School auditorium, 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets & information: www.danceinsisters.com
Holiday Watercolor People Blobs Class 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at Sisters Library, 110 N. Cedar St. Lee Kellogg will teach you how to make people from blobs of watercolor paint. All levels of skill welcome. Turn your new skills into greeting cards! Information & registration: dpl.libnet.info/ event/12267195
Saturday • December 21
Pictures with Santa at Sisters Depot, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., by donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Parents can take free photos while kiddos tell Santa what they wish for. Come early to reserve your spot. Info: www. sistersdepot.com
Santa Claus is Visiting Sisters Bakery, 251 E. Cascade Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon. Photos, letter writing, and treats. Information: www.facebook.com/ sistersbakeryoregon
Sunday • December 22
Breakfast with Santa at Sisters Depot. Seatings at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12 p.m. Reservations required: www.sistersdepot. com
Tuesday • December 24
Visit with Santa at Spoons, 473 E. Hood Ave., 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Information: 541-719-0572
Wednesday • December 25
Sunday • December 15
Breakfast with Santa at Black Butte Ranch Lodge. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., reservations required. Information: BlackButteRanch.com/Holidays Winter Concert
presented by Sisters High Desert Chorale and Bell Choir. 2:30 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Highway. Concert is free, but patrons are asked to make a small donation to cover the cost of refreshments.
Wednesday • December 18
Solstice Book Flood community gathering and paperback book exchange at Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., 6–7:30 p.m. Information: paulinaspringsbooks.com
Community Christmas Dinner at Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station, 301 S. Elm St. Information: www.sisters re.com
December 26-31
Carriage Rides at Black Butte Ranch 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets required, book early at: BlackButteRanch.com/ Holidays
Tuesday • December 31
New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring Company Grand with Kota Dosa at e Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., 8 p.m. Tickets & information: www.belfryevents.com
Winter in Paris with Haute Melange at Ski Inn Taphouse, 310 E. Cascade Ave., 6–8:30 p.m. Tickets at the door. www.sisterstaphousehotel.com
Obituaries
Shawn Colleen Mitchell-Hoegh
January 19, 1969 – November 19, 2024
Shawna Colleen Mitchell-Hoegh, 55, of Redmond Oregon, was ushered into the presence of her Savior on November 19, 2024. She was born in 1969 in Portland, Oregon, to Reverend Skip and Shay Mitchell. She is survived by husband Mark Hoegh, a daughter Tefna, two grandchildren, Ainsley and Jase, a brother Shane and her parents.
Shawna’s life was full and very active even though having many “autoimmune diseases.” She did not let her illnesses define her life. Her magnetic personality extended beyond her family as she often became a nurturing figure to her daughter’s friends, earning the affectionate title of “second mom.” Even when confronting her own health challenges of 18 years, her servant’s heart shone brightly, a testament to her resilience.
Shawna’s love for horses, a passion that started in her youth, blossomed into a triumphant career as an accomplished equestrian. Admired for her skillful riding, she proved herself a formidable competitor, ultimately claiming world champion titles with her horse Davina. Her husband Mark lovingly supported her endeavors.
A woman of profound Faith in Jesus, Shawna rejoiced in her church
community and was instrumental in guiding many to embrace their spiritual journeys alongside her and her husband Mark.
Shawna’s spirit, an embodiment of unconditional love and grace, will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Shawna’s “Celebration of Life” will be held in the spring in Sisters, Oregon, to facilitate those friends in the valley needing to cross the mountain safely.
Obituaries Policy: The Nugget Newspaper does not charge a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries may be up to 400 words and include one photo. Obituary submissions must be received by 10 a.m. on Monday to editor@nuggetnews. com or hand delivered to 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters.
Dr. John Halisey “Spike” Kennedy
February 9, 1930 – November 5, 2024
Dr. John Halisey “Spike” Kennedy of Portland and Camp Sherman, died peacefully in his sleep at age 94 on November 5, 2024.
Born in Newark, Ohio on February 9, 1930, to Eve and William Kennedy, Spike was the youngest of three children and spent his youth in Newark where he developed a lifelong passion for trains.
A pioneer in his field, Spike was Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon (RIO) at Good Samaritan Hospital, one of the nation’s first centers dedicated to physical rehabilitation and recovery. He also served as President of the Multnomah County Medical Society and as a Trustee of the Oregon Medical Association.
A graduate of Denison University (Phi Gamma Delta) and Ohio State University, he earned degrees in Internal Medicine and a specialty in Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine. Spike met the love of his
life, Barbara June Spiegel, while they were both undergrads at Denison.
They married in 1955 during his second year of medical school and shared 65 happy years.
In 1970, Dr. Kennedy relocated from Ohio to Portland, Oregon, with his wife and four children to join RIO. The Kennedys still talk about the epic, crosscountry road trip they took in the family station wagon.
The Kennedy family quickly adapted to life in Oregon where they converted a historic barn into a cherished family residence. For over five decades, the Portland home was the heart of countless celebrations, including holiday gatherings, RIO-themed parties, community events, and family milestones. The family has many fond memories of spending summers together at their Camp Sherman cabin on the Metolius River.
Dr. Kennedy is remembered for the countless lives he touched through his groundbreaking medical work, his lifelong love of locomotives, and his devotion to his family. He traveled on every passenger rail line in the U.S. and Canada
SISTERS-ARE
and on the Orient Express. He always wore his train pin hat and suspenders and often shared these adventures with his grandchildren.
Dr. Kennedy is survived by children Hal Kennedy (Holly), Lori Kennedy (Reynold Schweickhardt), Sean Kennedy (Michael Hubbard), and Tara Kennedy Barton (Bruce); seven grandchildren, John Kennedy (Amanda Moreland), Sarah Kennedy, Anne Kennedy, Campbell Schweickhardt (Bree), Katie Schweickhardt, Demaree Barton, Will Barton, and two great-grandchildren, Jane and Claire Kennedy. His beloved wife Barbara predeceased him in 2020. Visit www.legacy.com for full obituary and service information.
A Events & Enter tainment
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 11
The Belfr y Live Music: Dean Johnson with Ian George 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presented by The Whippoorwill Presents. Tickets and info: www.bendticket.com.
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
THURSDAY • DECEMBER 12
Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Sisters author Kit Tosello ("The Color of Home") in conversation with another Sisters author, Melody Carlson ("The Christmas Tree Farm") 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
THURS–SUN • DECEMBER 12-15
Sisters Middle School Play: “What the Dickens” presented by Silent Echo Theater Company Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (except 12/14). Rated PG-13 Tickets and information: www.silentechotheatercompany.com.
FRIDAY • DECEMBER 13
Sisters High School Holiday Showcase 7 p.m. A showcase of acts from within our community. Suggested donation of $5 to support choir and band programs. Info: steven.livingston@ssd6.org
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 14
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby
8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 15
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 • DECEMBER 18
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
THURSDAY • DECEMBER 19
Luckey's Woodsman Xmas Themed Trivia 5:30 p.m. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. B.
FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 21
The Belfr y Live Music: Never Come Down with Skillethead – Solstice Celebration! 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Weaving together modern and traditional styles of American music Presented by HomeTown – Benji Nagel Presents. Tickets and info: www.belfryevents.com.
Sisters Depot Live Music: Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent in a lively atmosphere. 7 to 9 p.m. Info: sistersdepot.com/our-events.
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 22
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.
FRIDAY • DECEMBER 27
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 29
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.
TUESDAY • DECEMBER 31
The Belfr y Live Music: New Year's Eve featuring Company Grand with Kota Dosa 8 p.m. Dance party! Tickets & info: belfryevents.com.
Ski Inn Taphouse Live Music: Winter in Paris with Haute Melange 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets $15 at the door, 310 E. Cascade Ave. Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.
WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 1
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
Volunteers have prepared a new shelter that is ready to open during severe, cold conditions.
SHELTER: Volunteer opportunities are open for citizens
Continued from page 1
consecutive days of extreme weather forecasted,” Weed explained.
“We are asking all community members interested in volunteering to attend an orientation and training on Tuesday, December 17, at 5:30 p.m.,” said Weed.
The training will be held at the Trinity Way building.
Running the shelter takes many volunteer hands performing a wide range of tasks. If someone wants to be involved in any way with the shelter — monitoring, preparing/serving food, interacting with guests, setting up when the shelter is open, updating and monitoring social media, or fielding phone calls — call 541-588-2332 or show up on December 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Luis Blanchard, SCWS president, explained in a fundraising letter, “In the past year the SCWS has grown our forest outreach efforts to provide caring community connections through showers, laundry, food, clothing, and essential supplies. We have reached over 70 individuals in the past year, averaging 30 each month. The supportive relationships formed have often been the catalyst for someone taking the next step toward a better life.”
Blanchard continued, “To prepare for growth, we recently completed a strategic
Sisters salutes...
Jim and Sally Maxwell said:
“Having lived in Sisters Country for 30 years we want to thank all our wonderful businesses and service providers and neighbors. We’ve got everything we could possibly need right here without the hassles of the big city! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
planning process. The plan maps out our core services: forest outreach, community gathering space, food pantry, and emergency shelter. As we embrace these expanded services, we are also working to rebrand the organization. Stay tuned in the coming months for a new name that more accurately reflects our evolving mission.”
Volunteer opportunities exist in all the different areas of service, as well as on the board of directors.
Weed concluded, “We are grateful for the outpouring of support, warm clothing, supplies, and monetary donations to help our operations.”
Email sisterscold weathershelter@gmail.com for information.”
OVERNIGHT SHELTER ACTIVATION THRESHOLDS
Winter weather conditions Recommended actions
PHOTO PROVIDED
BAND: Student musicians were thrilled to participate
have a lot of mutual friends through our long years of involvement with fiddle camps,” said Stolasz.
Four of the five members of Scottish Fish have known each other since age five and have been playing together since they were no older than the middle school students they got to work with.
“I think that’s part of why this visit was so successful, “ said Stolasz, “since the kids could so easily relate to these women, who are still only in their early 20s.”
On Thursday the group spent over three hours with about 40 middle and high school students at the middle school.
“Our time with them started with an awe-inspiring one-hour mini concert,” said Stolasz. “They played some of the Christmas mash-up tunes that are part of their Christmas show, and they took requests from us, which meant we got to hear some of our favorites, and then they played some tunes from their new album that they recorded last week. When they were done they revealed they had just debuted those new tunes live for the first time with us! It was amazing.”
Stolasz continued, “After this hour of being inspired,
we got to pick up our instruments and get into small groups with them. We split into a chord crew and 3 different fiddle levels and focused into learning a tune with them.”
As for the musicians themselves, they appeared smitten with their experience in Sisters.
“It’s super special what you have here in this community and in the schools,” said Julia Homa. “It actually makes me sort of envious and if I had this going in my hometown in my school, I would have been totally immersed in it.”
Caroline Dressler said, “It’s amazing how there is sort of a ‘liquid border’ between the schools and the community and it shows in how well they communicate with adults.”
Stolasz said she had as much fun watching the audience at the concert as she did listening to the musicians.
“There were a lot of kids in the audience and all ages present were having such a good time, “ she said. “I think adults understood how meaningful it was for our kids to have gotten to spend time with Scottish Fish.”
Tisdel concluded, “It’s been wonderful to see Outlaw Strings blossom under the direction of Melissa Stolasz and our high school program and be inspired with mentorship by artists like these young women.”
Himalayan dinner benefits Nepal
The Cascades Academy MUSE Club will host a Himalayan Dinner and Silent Auction to support Ten Friends (www.tenfriends. org), a Sisters-based nonprofit that supports a number of projects in Nepal. The event is set for Thursday, December 12, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Cascades Academy, 19860 Tumalo Reservoir Rd., Bend.
The evening will include speaker updates of Ten Friends Nepal projects, a raffle, a delicious dinner of Dal Bhat (Nepali dish of lentils and rice), a large silent auction, and lots of old and new friends of Ten Friends!
Earlier this year in August, five high school students — Ella Eby, Cooper Merrill, Styopa Myagkov, and Ava Riehle of Sisters High School, and Jake Jacobi of Summit High School — accompanied Mark LaMont, Sisters High School teacher, Bruce Abernethy, current Ten Friends Board Chair, and Mary Meador, MD, on a lifechanging month’s adventure in Nepal.
Through the 20 years since Ten Friends began, Mark LaMont and Rand Runco, original founders and both long-time Sisters teachers, have taken over 65 high
school students with them to Nepal where the students have benefitted from assisting Ten Friends with their projects (e.g. orphanages, girls school, libraries, water and sanitation). Many of these students have supported Ten Friends through the years in several different capacities. Styopa Myagkov, a local student who traveled with Ten Friends this year, will be speaking at the upcoming MUSE Club event about his experiences in Nepal. To register for the upcoming MUSE Club event, visit Ten Friends Project (www. tenfriends.org).
Louisa LaMarr, Past Cascades
Friends Board and sponsors; and Sunita Gurung,
The 2024 Ten Friends contingent arrives in Nepal. L-R: Dinesh Khakurel, Hopeful Home Orphanage Co-Chairman;
Academy Student; Jake Jacobi, Ava Riehle, Styopa Myagkov, Cooper Merrill, Ella Eby, Ten Friends Student Youth Corp representatives; Mark LaMont, Bruce Abernethy, and Mary Meador, M.D., Ten
Himalayan Education Center Director.
PHOTO PROVIDED
NeighborImpact celebrates milestone
NeighborImpact, a cornerstone of support for individuals and families in Central Oregon, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Founded on December 5, 1984, the organization has grown into a vital community resource, providing nearly one million services annually to 75,000 Central Oregonians — equivalent to one in three residents.
Founded as the Central Oregon Community Action Agency Network (COCAAN), Neighbor Impact began with two staff members, an annual budget of $144,585, and a mission to offer energy assistance and weatherization services. The nonprofit has grown into an organization with a $50 million budget, 270 staff members, and programs spanning food distribution, housing, childcare, Head Start, financial lending, and more.
“What started as a small effort to address basic needs has grown into a comprehensive organization that touches nearly every aspect of life for those we serve,” said Scott Cooper, Executive Director of NeighborImpact. “This milestone is a moment to honor our history and reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Central Oregon.”
The organization’s first food bank was launched in 1990, distributing shelf-stable goods directly from a truck. Today, NeighborImpact distributes 6.4 million pounds of
The column “Navigating the holidays in a season of grief” (The Nugget, December 4, page 11 ) was published under an incorrect byline. The column was written by Todd Veenhuis, President & Founder-Kim’s Hope.
food annually, serving thousands across the region.
Under the leadership of Executive Directors Mark Chambers, Terry Lynch, Sharon Miller, and Scott Cooper, the organization’s programs now include affordable housing, early childhood education, homeownership initiatives, and much more.
With support from local governments, businesses, donors, and volunteers, NeighborImpact has delivered over $30 million annually in direct financial assistance to families in need.
“A favorite quote of mine (attributed to various people) is: ‘If what you’ve done yesterday looks large to you, you haven’t done much today.’ I embrace that,” said Cooper. “For 40 years, NeighborImpact has been doing good, but think how much more, working together, we can do in the decades to come.”
LETTERS
Continued from page 8
yet Patel insists the DOJ should focus on Hunter Biden as soon as Trump loyalist Patel is in charge of the Justice Department.
Trump’s people, including lawyer Rudy Giuliani and his ally Lev Parnas, spent more than a year trying to promote false testimony against Hunter Biden by their Ukranian allies. Earlier this year, in a documentary produced by Rachel Maddow, Parnas publicly apologized to Hunter for his role in the scheme.
As legal commentator Asha Rangappa noted, “People criticizing the Biden pardon need to recognize that for the first time, the FBI and Justice Department could literally fabricate evidence or collaborate with a foreign government to ‘find’ evidence of a ‘crime’ with zero accountability.”
While much of American media has been consumed with President Biden’s pardon of his son, the important story, which affects the future of the nation, is that Trump has nominated a deeply problematic candidate to run what could be the nation’s most important department. Biden’s mistrust of our legal system under Trump is a profound warning for us all.
Roger Detweiler
s s s
Message from the school district
To the Editor:
The Sisters School District held its final meeting of 2024, addressing several key topics. Enrollment numbers have stabilized, and
the new elementary school is nearing completion, with only minor details remaining. The board also discussed its collaboration with Parks & Recreation on repurposing the old elementary school into a Community Center, as well as the impact of PERS on the district over the next two biennials.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by 12 ninth-grade Biology students, who shared their findings from this year’s Trout Creek Conservation Area (TCCA) Forest Ecology Study. They reviewed the history of the TCCA, highlighted focal species, and presented key conclusions and recommendations for future forest management. The students also fielded questions from the school board and community members, expressing a desire to participate in discussions about land use decisions on adjacent properties. Their insights will inform the Forest Service and Deschutes Land Trust on managing the TCCA.
Additionally, David Thorsett, who has served on the Sisters School District Board of Directors for over five years, announced his resignation. He will remain in his position until a new board member is appointed. Community members interested in this role can find details and application forms at the District Office.
Lastly, I encourage everyone to stay informed by signing up for the weekly district newsletter at ssd@ssd6.org.
Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday season!
Curt Scholl, Superintendent s s s
Clarke and Weill bought the company on the recommendation of Thomas Edenton Hogg, who was promoting a rail line from Yaquina Bay to Boise and who hoped the line could follow the route of the Willamette Valley wagon road. Clarke and Weill agreed to allow Hogg to act as a local land sales agent, but instead he used the land grant as collateral to borrow money to build his railroad, which he didn’t have the right to do.
Hogg completed his railroad as far as Idanha in the Cascade Mountains and then ran out of money. When Clarke and Weill sued Hogg for using their lands as collateral (which made selling land difficult as there was a lien against them), he disappeared for several years and it wasn’t until 1894 that they were able to clear up the title to the lands.
Sales were slow even after 1894. There was little market for the timberlands as wood was extremely abundant and Oregon timber was inaccessible to markets. Most of the grasslands were too dry for growing crops, and cattle ranchers were content to graze their livestock on federal lands, which at that time cost nothing. Most of the people who did buy some of the land ended up going broke trying to farm it and were unable to make their mortgage payments.
By 1910, the bank still
owned almost 800,000 acres of the land grant. Payday finally came when a businessman from St. Paul, Minnesota, Watson Davidson, agreed to buy the Willamette Valley company for $6 million. It had taken 39 years from when the bank had bought the company from the original road builders, but that still represented an almost 10 percent annual rate of return on the bank’s 1871 investment.
Davidson, who called his new enterprise the Oregon & Western Colonization Company, represented a group of investors that included Louis Hill. Hill was the son of James J. Hill, who had built the Great Northern, Spokane, Portland & Seattle, and Oregon Trunk Railways. The Oregon Trunk had just arrived in Bend in 1910, crossing the wagon road near Smith’s Rock, and Davidson and Hill no doubt believed the railroad would lead to a land boom.
Land sales didn’t go as quick as Davidson hoped and most of his other partners sold out their shares to Hill and Davidson. This left Hill owning half the company and Davidson most of the other half. For Hill, the cost of this land was a small share of his wealth and he could afford to wait for its value to increase. Davidson, however, had his fortune on the line, putting a strain on their relationship as he wanted to take actions to increase sales and Hill didn’t seem to care.
Finally, Davidson suggested to Hill that they divide the lands in two and Hill asked him to make a suggested division. In 1917, Davidson brought him a
proposal that essentially used Sisters as a dividing line. West of the divide was most of the timber, which hadn’t yet produced any revenue at all for the company. East of the river was most of the farmland, which had produced most of the revenue up to that point. Davidson gave Hill a choice of the timber lands or farmlands.
Louis ended up taking the western lands that had the smaller number of acres. In making this choice, Hill may have realized something that Davidson might not have known about the timber. According to Oregon & Western Colonization publications, the eastern half of the lands included 41,000 acres of timber land stocked with an estimated 320 million board feet of pine. The western half included 126,000 acres with about 650 million board feet of pine.
The western forests, however, also contained an estimated 4.9 billion board feet of what the publications described as “fir.” True fir was and largely still is considered a trash species. It isn’t as strong as pine, it isn’t as pretty as pine, and where pine wood gives off a wonderful odor, white fir in particular is known to loggers as “piss fir” because of its foul odor.
But the 4.9 billion board feet of timber in the western forests wasn’t really fir.
Instead, it was Douglas-fir, a completely different species in a completely different genus. Structurally, Douglasfir wood is stronger than pine. It isn’t quite as pretty as pine, but it does have a nice odor.
As of 1910, Oregon timber landowners hadn’t yet figured out how to market Douglasfir, often selling it as “Oregon pine.”
Davidson probably didn’t know the true value of what he considered to be the smaller half of the land grant. For that matter, Louis Hill may not have known either, but he was willing to wait until the market for timber became strong enough to provide him with a return.
The eastern lands continued to be sold by the Oregon & Western as buyers could be found. Farmlands went first, but the company had a difficult time interesting ranchers in the range lands that made up most of its holdings. It probably would have been forced to let the lands go for
taxes as those ranchers felt free to run their livestock on federal lands. Davidson himself went bankrupt trying to keep the company going.
In 1934, however, Congress passed the Taylor Grazing Act, which set up a system requiring ranchers to pay fair market value for grazing livestock on the federal lands. This boosted the value of the lands owned by Oregon & Western, which sold nearly all of its remaining land by 1950. In the mid1950s, the Oregon & Western Colonization Company sold its remaining assets, which were mainly some mineral and water rights, to a Washington man named Tony Fernandez. What is left of them is currently owned by his son, Daniel Fernandez. Meanwhile, it took a few decades, but the share of the land grant claimed by Louis Hill turned out to be a bonanza for Hill and his descendants. That will be the subject of part 3 of this story.
Jack Frost nipped at Sisters
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
PHOTO BY ANGELA LUND
PHOTO BY DALE GRIMSMAN
PHOTO BY JESS DRAPER
FUN AND GAMES
WINTER W ORDFIND
S R W T B T B Q F X L O N S
C N P O I X B L D R P U L U
B X O P N R C C I V O E Z E
X S L W F S Q O W Z D S W U
O Q G F F G U L Z D Z C T S
A D F N Y L V D I Y F A E Y
W I N T R Y A N B C Q L R W
F F N Q M M G K H I C S D D
G N I Z E E R F E I H K E J
Y R E T S U L B C A I I T E
S A W Q D E X I C Z L I E V
S N O W S T O R M L L N H D
C Y X Q X V O M Q N Y G Z Y
M L O Z B D A M B E B M Q I
Find words forward, backward, horizontally, or diagonally.
SNOWFLAKE COLD SLEDDING FREEZING SNOW ICY ICICLES WINTRY BLIZZARD CHILLY BLUSTERY SNOWSTORM FROSTY SKIING
SUDOKU Easy Peasy!
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.
C OMPLETE THE W ORD S
FIND 1O DIFFERENCE S, THEN COLOR
Outlaw wrestlers open season
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
In his third year as head coach, Dave Kemp has developed the largest team in recent history for the Sisters Outlaws — and the outlook is bright for both the boys and girls teams.
The competitive season opened on a strong note at the two day Adrian Irwin Tournament hosted by Bend High School December 6-7.
The tournament featured 12 schools, six from the 5A classification.
“We went up against opponents from some large schools and many seasoned athletes across the board,” said Kemp.
With 15 boys and 10 girls on the roster this year, Kemp will be able to fill more weight classifications throughout the season.
“With nine volunteer helpers and more kids than we’ve had in a long time, the wrestling room is filled with energy and determination,” he said. “As a coaching staff, we are using advanced training techniques, emphasizing rapid development, efficient skill-building, and fostering a competitive mindset.”
The top returnees from last year had the highest placement at the Irwin tournament.
Kisten Elbek, a senior, captured the top spot at the tournament, achieving three first-round pins including a 24-second pin in the finals.
“Her control and precision
set the tone for the entire team,” said Kemp.
Sierra Jaschke took the runner-up spot in her weight class and showed “impressive tenacity” according to Kemp.
Two other girls placed fifth in their first outing, “Goose” Henderson and Brooklyn Cooper, which provided valuable team points to the Outlaws’ total.
On the boys side senior Carter Van Meter placed second in a very competitive 132-pound weight class.
“Carter had some thrilling matches and ended up losing to Riley Flack, a multiple state champion, from La Pine in the finals,” said Kemp.
Tyson Kemp, a junior, also placed second, but lost the final due to a knee injury suffered in the semifinals when he beat Clayton Waldron, a 5A district champion from Mountain View.
Another veteran of the team, Jace Owens, placed fifth at 165 pounds, showing “continued growth and resilience,” according to Kemp.
Looking ahead, Kemp said, “Our wrestlers are building momentum, and the combination of growing participation, experienced coaching, and hard work is setting the stage for an exciting season. Both our girls and boys teams are showing their potential, and we’re thrilled to see how far their dedication will take them.”
The wrestlers are scheduled to compete December 13-14 at Culver.
APPLIANCE
Carter Van Meter celebrates a win in Outlaws wrestling. He placed second in his weight class in the Adrian Irwin Tournament.
PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG
This Week’s Crossword Sponsors
ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
CLASSIFIED RATES
COST: $3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.
DEADLINE: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. VISA & MasterCard accepted. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four (4) weeks and upon approval of account application.
CATEGORIES:
101 Real Estate
Need $10-$15,000 for 3-6 months. $2,000 cash, $8,000 materials at Lowes/Home Depot. Excellent returns. Only $18,000 on first mortgage. 541-410-4743
102 Commercial Rentals
STORAGE WITH BENEFITS
8 x 20 dry box
Fenced yard, RV & trailers
• In-town, gated, 24-7 EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com
MINI STORAGE
Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies. OFFICE/RETAIL
SPACE FOR RENT
Great location across from Ace Hardware. Several space types available. Call owner
Jim Peterson/RE Broker. 503-238-1478
Office Space for Rent at Nugget Properties, LLC. 412 E. Main Ave. Available immediately. Approx. 200 sq. ft. Contact Jim Cornelius at 541-390-6973.
103 Residential Rentals
CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS
Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792
Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com
Move-in Special! 50% off the first full month's rent
2 BR, 2 BA 1st-floor unit in front building, #102 at Cowboy Court Apartments, 154 W Adams Ave. $1,600/mo. W/S/Garbage Paid, dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer, patio, garbage disposal, granite countertops, energy efficient windows, storage, plank flooring throughout, electric heat w/air conditioning, off-street parking - 1 reserved space (covered space $20/Month), some pets considered (dogs & cats OK with add'l $350 RSD per pet), owner pays landscaping, approx. 1,000 sq. ft., NO SMOKING, RSD $1,600, Lease thru November 30, 2025.
PONDEROSA PROPERTIES
–Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002
Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com
Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC T H E N U G G E T N E W S P A P E R 5 4 1 - 5 4 9 - 9 9 4 1
~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Private Central OR vac. rentals, Property Management Services 541-977-9898
www.SistersVacation.com
201 For Sale
Hydrow rowing machine
Used 5 times, like brand new. Stores upright. Buyer pick up. Retails $2,500, marked down to $900. 503-319-9338, text only.
202 Firewood
• WINTER 2024 • SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS
DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD
• SINCE 1976 • Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES
– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com
Order Online! 541-410-4509 541-699-7740
205 Garage & Estate Sales
Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!
Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths?
Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150
206 Lost & Found
Have you seen this quilt? This quilt is missing and the maker would like to have it back. Significant personal value. If you have any information on its whereabouts, call or text to: 971-263-4158.
301 Vehicles
We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com
401 Horses
ORCHARD GRASS HAY ALFALFA
TRITICALE
New crop. No rain. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $240-$360/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895
403 Pets
SISTERS WHISKERS
Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org
WANT a FURRY FRIEND?
Check out the "Pet of the Week" highlighted on The Nugget's Announcements page.
500 Services
GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE
“A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871
Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475
• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279
SMALL Engine REPAIR Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines
501 Computers & Communications
3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC
Extend internet to shop, security cameras, Starlink. CCB #191099 541-306-0729
M & J CARPET CLEANING
Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090 GORDON’S LAST TOUCH
Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY
Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008
3 Sisters Handyman Services 20+ years experience No job too large or small. Snow removal services available. Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Call Nate 907-748-4100 sistershandyman@gmail.com CCB# 253556
600 Tree Service & Forestry
4 Brothers Tree Service Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal.
– FOREST MANAGEMENT –Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects!
Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 4brostrees.com
Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057
LOLO TREE WORKS Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638
Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912
TimberStandImprovement.net
Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825
JS Mulching LLC Forestry mulching, Land clearing. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured 541-401-9589
– All You Need Maintenance –Tree removal, property thinning & clearing, forestry mastication & mulching, stump grinding. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
C L A S S I F I E D S ! It pays to advertise in The Nugget Newspaper Deadline is Monday before noon, 541-549-9941 or online at NuggetNews.com Uploaded every Tuesday at no additional cost to you!
SUDOKU Level: Moderate Answer: Page 30
601 Construction
Custom Homes
Additions - Remodels
Residential Building Projects
Becke William Pierce
CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384
Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com
From Ground to Finish
Accurate and Efficient
541-604-5169
CCB#248916
INSPIRED CUSTOM HOMES
www.teeharborconstruction.com
541-213-8736 • CCB#75388
Construction & Renovation
Custom Residential Projects
All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448
Earthwood Timberframes
• Design & shop fabrication
• Recycled fir and pine beams
• Mantels and accent timbers
• Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com
New construction, addition, remodel. Large and small projects. Contact for estimate.
Excavation: septic system, site prep, demolition, road and driveway construction. 541-325-3020
sales@gardnercontractingllc.com
Custom Homes • Additions
Residential Building Projects
Serving Sisters area since 1976
Strictly Quality
CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764
John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com
541-390-1206
beavercreeklog@yahoo.com
Log repairs, log railing, log accent, log siding, etc.
CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond
Pat Burke
LOCALLY OWNED
CRAFTSMAN BUILT
CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062
www.sistersfencecompany.com
SPURGE COCHRAN
BUILDER, INC.
General Contractor
Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74 A “Hands-On” Builder
Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016
To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523
Lara’s Construction LLC. CCB#223701
Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate 541-350-3218
Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me. All projects: From new construction to those little projects you don't seem to get to. My team of local subcontractors and I will get it done right, fair, and pain-free so you can make your spouse happy. Call Jared 503-949-9719
CASCADE GARAGE DOORS
Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553 THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER 602 Plumbing & Electric SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC. “Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling
• New Construction • Water Heaters 541-549-4349
Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587
Ridgeline Electric, LLC
Serving all of Central Oregon
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Service 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821
Commercial
Residential
Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas
monteselectric@hotmail.com
603 Excavation & Trucking
BANR Enterprises, LLC
Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls
Residential & Commercial
CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977
www.BANR.net
Full Service Excavation
Free On-site Visit & Estimate Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com
541-549-1472 • CCB #76888
Drainfield
• Minor & Major Septic Repair
• All Septic Needs/Design & Install
General Excavation
• Site Preparation
• Rock & Stump Removal
• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation
• Building Demolition Trucking
• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!
ROBINSON & OWEN
Heavy Construction, Inc.
All your excavation needs
*General excavation
*Site Preparation
*Sub-Divisions
*Road Building
*Sewer and Water Systems
*Underground Utilities
*Grading
*Sand-Gravel-Rock
Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #124327 541-549-1848 604 Heating & Cooling ACTION AIR Heating & Cooling, LLC Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs
actionairheatingandcooling.com
CCB #195556 541-549-6464
605 Painting
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks
CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com
JUNE PINE PAINTING
Interior & Exterior Painting
Staining & Deck Restoration 541-588-2144 • CCB# 252954
Interior/Exterior Painting
Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327
peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491
EMPIRE PAINTING
Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining CCB#180042
541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk
Construction Contractors
Licensing Information ~ An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. For additional details visit www.oregon.gov/CCB
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.
CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462
STEVE'S HAULING Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370
All Landscaping Services
Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740
Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345
– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing.
Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
701 Domestic Services
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC
Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING!
Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897 704 Events & Event Services
CENTRAL OREGON'S LARGEST GUN & KNIFE SHOW! December 14 and 15. Saturday, 9-5 • Sunday, 9-3 Deschutes County Expo Center
ADMISSION: General $10; Military/Vets $8; 2-day pass $16; Children under 12 are free. For info call 503-363-9564 WesKnodelGunShows.com
Experienced in pearl and stone bead knotting on silk. Flexible part-time piecework At home or at The Jewel. Phone Jan, 541-977-1514 Computer help with eBay and scanning. 541-588-6486
Black Butte School District is hiring a District Clerk/Business Manager and School Counselor. More info at blackbutte.k12.or. us/employment or 541-595-6203 Office & Communications Assistant: Be part of the affordable housing solution! Responsibilities include reception services, authoring newsletters, interacting with our partners and supporters, and related tasks. Schedule is M-F 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For full job description visit www.sistershabitat.org. To apply, email cover letter and resume to director@sistershabitat.org. Seed to Table Seeks Associate Director: Apply by Dec. 22 Based in Sisters, Oregon, Seed to Table seeks an Associate Director to advance our work building community through fresh produce. This is a full-time, in-person position. Salary range is $78-85k, depending on experience, plus benefits. See the website for details: https://www.seedtotableoregon. org/join-our-team
803 Work Wanted
POSITION WANTED for part-time Caregiver in Sisters. Client needs change, creating new openings. Please call 503-274-0214
SERVICE TO PROVIDE? BUSINESS TO PROMOTE? VEHICLE FOR SALE? HOUSE TO RENT? OFFICE TO LEASE? LOOKING FOR LAND? GARAGE TOO FULL? NEED SOME HELP? Advertise in The Nugget Newspaper's CLASSIFIEDS For no additional cost your classified goes ONLINE! Go to www.NuggetNews.com DEADLINE: Every Monday by noon. Call 541-549-9941
SUDOKU SOLUTION
for puzzle on page 29
Have a service to offer? Place a classifed ad in The Nugget. $3.50/line (or less!) Call 541-549-9941 802 Help Wanted BEAD STRINGER WANTED
Opening on school board
The Sisters School District will be appointing one community member to fill a vacancy on the School Board.
David Thorsett, who has served on the Sisters School District Board of Directors for over five years, announced his resignation at the December 4 school board meeting. He will remain in his position until a new board member is appointed.
The person appointed will serve on the School Board until the next elections and the end of the term on June 30, 2025. To be eligible, a candidate must live in the school district, not be an officer or employee of the district, and be a qualified voter in the district.
Candidates should participate in school activities, be a positive problem solver and commit time to review materials and attend school board meetings.
Contact Amy Bionda, School Board Secretary, via email amy.bionda@ssd6. org or pick up an application at the District Office. The application deadline is 4 pm on Friday, December 20.
EMPLOYER: Move marks an economic development coup
Continued from page 1
under construction with a fifth in planning.
The building is owned by Roth Home, who occupy one sixth of the building. BASX, in taking the remaining five bays to assemble surgical suites, will create 30 jobs.
BASX Solutions specializes in custom-engineered products catering to healthcare, military, high tech, and construction fields. Its modular surgical suites are critical components in natural disasters, battlefield conditions, or expansions of an existing facility.
Co-founder Dave Benson is a resident of Sisters, and told The Nugget “Naturally, living here, I am delighted that we can expand our footprint into the Sisters community.”
BASX has over 525 employees in Redmond working under 200,000 square feet of roof.
“We would have taken the entire building had it been available,” Benson said. “There are simply no buildings of this size that meet our needs in Redmond.”
Sisters commercial developers are banking on the dwindling supply of flexible use, light industrial real
estate in Bend and Redmond. The space being taken by BASX languished for nearly two years and several other commercial developments have been slow to attract tenants.
As Sisters grows, however, developers are convinced that a mini commercial boom is underway, and cite several tenants who have added Sisters to their operations portfolio.
Benson’s team decided against the larger Laird building C that has remained empty for two years following Laird’s departure in 2022 from Sisters. “That would
have been a good choice for us,” Benson said, “but because it sits directly across the street from residential homes, I didn’t want our truck activity to disturb the neighbors. Living in Sisters, it was important to me to be a good neighbor.”
Mayor Michael Preedin said, “How great is it that a quality company is coming — it’s very exciting! Welcome BASX. I want to thank Eric Strobel, our fantastic EDCO representative, as well as City and County officials for their part in helping BASX to locate a portion of their operations
The Nugget will be closed
into Sisters. A couple dozen or more living wage jobs are just what the Sisters community needs, and it feels like a perfect fit.”
In 2021, BASX was acquired by AAON Inc., a publicly traded, large scale HVAC manufacturing company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with facilities in Kansas City, Missouri, and Longview, Texas. AAON has been in the HVAC industry for 35 years with sales for the most recent quarter of $327 million. It trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol AAON. It closed Friday at $137.25 per share.
Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, January 1
Subscriptions, Events... Friday, December 13 at 5 p.m.
Displa y advertising... Tuesday, December 17 at Noon
Classifieds, Announcements, Letter s to the Editor, Obituaries... Friday, December 20 at 10 a.m. (January 1 issue is Year in Review – no Letters or Obituaries)
Office phone 541-549-9 941 News & Letters to the Editor: Jim Cornelius, 541-390-6973 (cell), editor@nuggetnews.com
Advertising: Vicki Curlett, vicki@nuggetnews.com
Classifieds, Subscriptions, Announcements: Lisa May, lisa@nuggetnews.com Events, Poetry: Jess Draper, jess@nuggetnews.com
BASX will create 30 jobs in its forthcoming Sisters operation, assembling surgical suites.
PHOTO PROVIDED
