Citizens weigh in on Sisters’ growth
By Sue Stafford Correspondent
With a standing-room-only crowd of over 200 people filling the cafeteria of the new elementary school, the City and their consultants, MIG, presented an overview of the process involved when considering an expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), with time for smallgroup discussions concerning the five alternatives presented and providing feedback to the City.
Based on his experience in numerous other communities, both large and small, MIG consultant Matt Hasty told the assemblage Monday evening,
See GROWTH on page 19
Travel trailer catches fire in Sisters forest
A travel trailer was reported on fire approximately one quarter mile north of Best Western Ponderosa Lodge in Sisters at 10:48 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11. The fire was reported by a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) employee. According to Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, the occupant of the trailer was able to exit but sustained moderate burns trying to extinguish the fire.
A USFS engine and Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District crews arrived to find the fire extinguished, and contained to the trailer. Crews
on scene provided medical care to the occupant who was transported by a Black Butte Fire District medic unit to St. Charles Medical Center.
Other responding agencies included Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Fire Marshals Office.
The cause of the fire was determined to be improper disposal of burning material.
Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District encourages all residents and visitors in Sisters Country to have working fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in homes and recreational vehicles.
Driving dangers arrive with winter weather
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Sisters woke up to less than an inch of snow last Thursday, but it sat on top of ice for much of the day. The scene repeated itself throughout the weekend. Even seasoned drivers were surprised at how slick the roads were. For several days temperatures barely climbed to a point where the roads completely dried out.
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) sanded and sprayed, yet drivers remained frustrated with
See WINTER on page 23
Wild turkeys subject of complaints
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Wild turkeys are high on the list of things folks in Sisters Country would like to see less of.
“They’re a menace, and a safety issue,” said Chester Wilcox, who is a regular driver on Camp Polk Road, a hotspot of consternation over the birds.
“We get regular complaints about that flock,” said Andrew Walch, district biologist for Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) in Bend.
The flock in question numbers over 100, and is easily found when visiting
the Camp Polk Cemetery or Deschutes Land Trust’s Camp Polk Meadow Preserve.
Then there’s the flock of a dozen or more that routinely roams Village Green Park,
and the intersection of South Elm Street and Black Crater Avenue.
Other flocks populate
See TURKEYS on page 20
Wild turkeys have made themselves a bit of a nuisance in Sisters County.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Sisters Dance Academy staged its annual holiday dance recital at the Sisters High School Auditorium on Saturday, featuring young dancers from preschoolers to high schoolers in a variety of dance styles.
PHOTO BY KELLI CARTER RISE GRAPHIC DESIGN
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.
Thankful for school system
To the Editor:
Something to be thankful for: The public school system.
I could go into the history of my personal benefits, my children’s benefits, and my grandchildren’s benefits from this system, but I won’t. Instead, an overview of my direct experience of 63 years participating in this system.
The teachers: Overall they are great! Like any aspect of the world, there will be some you love and some you don’t. But this I know: Teachers are dedicated, caring, intelligent people who do their very best to achieve excellence in their profession. They spend an inordinate amount of time designing
See LETTERS on page 12
Sisters Weather Forecast
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Website: www.nuggetnews.com
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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 zip codes: $70/year, $45/six months (or less).
Spirit of the season…
An American origin story in a Sisters school
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
It did this old history nerd’s heart good to watch a classroom full of middle schoolers reenacting some of the high points of the American Revolution earlier this month.
I was a Bicentennial child. The spark of my love for history was already burning in my 10-year-old soul by 1975-76, and the Bicentennial observances poured gasoline on the fire. My passion for history has enriched my life in ways I can’t even begin to enumerate. It’s touched everything I am and do. I hope that some of those kids in Deb Riehle’s U.S. History class catch that fire.
Riehle constructed the unit on colonial America and the Revolution so that the students created a character who lived and worked in colonial Boston. The object is to make the history come alive. That’s tremendously important. The history of our founding is so wrapped up in civic pieties that we forget that real people struggled, bled, and died to create the nation in which we live.
political opponents were run out of the country or killed. In areas where law and order broke down, gangs of thugs — Patriot or Loyalist — held sway, and nobody’s life or property was safe. The Congress that nobly pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to American independence also behaved with a discouraging level of venality. Their inability to properly support the Continental Army almost led to its disintegration. General George Washington spent as much effort fighting Congress as he did fighting the British.
The founding documents of our nation, which have proved remarkably resilient over more than two centuries, were not holy writ inscribed by the finger of God — they were wrangled over, often with great vitriol, by men who could be as blindly and nastily partisan as any political player today. The slanders and calumnies heaped upon opposition politicians in the early American Republic by a fiercely partisan press would make today’s social media keyboard warriors blush.
In short, things in the founding days of the American Republic were not as different from today as we might think. It is only the patina of time and the crafting of a civil mythology around the founding that has made it seem like a golden age from which we have fallen far.
It is particularly valuable in these fractious times, when our politics have become so passionate that families and friendships fracture over them, to recognize that we have seen all of this before. From 1765 to 1775, politics in the American colonies were almost too hot to touch. You might even call them toxic. Then, as now, families and communities split in rancor, as some tied their identity to loyalty and responsibility to the Crown, while others aggressively asserted their perceived rights as Englishmen — and then as Americans. Then as now, partisans believed fervently that they had the right of things, and that their adversaries were bent on destruction.
In 1775, rancorous politics erupted into a shooting war — a conflict that in many communities was as much a civil war as it was a contest between colonists and the Empire. While there were high principles at stake, selfinterest was no less a motivator than it is today. And there was plenty of uncivil behavior to go around. Protesters rioted and destroyed property;
To recognize the messy and often nasty politics of the founding era is not to denigrate the creation of the Republic — quite the opposite. It is to recognize that — despite being deeply flawed humans, often eaten up with personal ambition, greed, and every other one of the seven deadly sins — the founders built a nation that has weathered many a storm. We have often fallen short of our own principles — but those principles remain a high standard for a polity that protects and promotes life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
That’s all a bit much for a middle schooler to take in — but an introduction like what they got through their studies this fall prepares them for more exploration and a deeper understanding down the line. Here’s hoping that they take that journey.
PHOTO BY KELLI CARTER RISE GRAPHIC DESIGN
Holiday Showcase brings seasonal spirit
By Olivia Nieto Correspondent
Finding seasonal activities isn’t a difficult task in the town of Sisters.
The Holiday Showcase, hosted at Sisters High School (SHS), was just one of the events that took place recently, and was a major success and increased the holiday spirit of all participants to a new height.
The SHS Jazz Choir directed by Steve Livingston, as well as the Concert and Jazz Bands directed by Kayla Golka, were major parts of the concert.
The Concert Band
kicked off the performance by playing “Feliz Navidad,” and “Last Christmas,” while the Jazz Band performed “Silver Bells” with guest vocalist Serafina Smith and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
The Jazz Choir followed by performing, “Carol of The Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “We Three Kings,” “Bidi Bom,” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
The student-led SHS Jazz Combo, newly reinstated this year with a handful of high school students, also performed renditions of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “My Favorite Things.”
The Sisters Dance Academy continued their annual participation. The Junior Ensemble performed “Frosted Window Panes,” and the Advanced Jazz Ensemble brightened the mood with “New York” before intermission.
The Holiday Showcase was made even more special by a number of community-member performances. Trey Hinkle played his own arrangement of several holiday piano songs, siblings Ty Salhberg and SHS senior Emma Sahlberg performed a vocal duet, followed by musical duo Brian Cash
Local business reaches 50-year milestone
By
There is a small number of businesses in Sisters that have operated continuously for 50 years. Hair Caché is one of them. On January 1 they will hit that milestone. When opened for business on January 1, 1975, by Mary Norseen, she set up in the back corner of a dentist’s office on the southwest corner of North Elm Street and West Main Avenue.
There was barely room for her one chair, and not by design but by space limitation, she named it Hair Caché (as in stash). Some
10 years later the business moved to its present location on East Main Avenue, about 500 feet away. It was a new building then housing multiple tenants, and the owners constructed her section as a custom-built, five-station salon.
It had two subsequent owners, Terry Leavitt and Linda Churchill. Churchill worked in the salon for seven years, before becoming its owner for 18 years. She sold the salon to Theresa and Jeff Robertson 25 years ago and retired.
The Robertson’s were
Ringing in the New Year with music event
Company Grand, a powerhouse nine-piece band known for their dynamic original compositions and high-energy covers, will be headlining an unforgettable New Year’s Eve, with the eclectic and funky Kota Dosa, bringing their signature sound all the way from New Orleans.
Company Grand is no ordinary band. With a distinctive blend of musical styles and captivating performances, they have quickly become a force to be reckoned with. The group’s epic
SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR
BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS
Al -Anon
Mon., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 541- 610-73 83 Alcoholics Anonymous
Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meet ing, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Thursday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 541- 54 8- 04 40 Saturday, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Transf iguration
Central Oregon Fly Tyer s Guild For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA)
Sisters Chapter will not have their regular meetings in November or December
Ci tizens4Communit y Communit y Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:3 0 a.m. Visit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for location
Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Lunch In -person communit y dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab -and -go lunch Tues Wed. Thurs. 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters Communit y Church 541- 48 0-18 43
East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September-June), Stitchin’ Post All are welc ome. 541- 549- 60 61
Go Fi sh Fishing Group 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Sisters Communit y Church 541-771-2211
Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Sisters Communit y Church Materials provided 541- 40 8- 8505
Hero Quilters of Sisters Thursday 1 to 4 p.m. 541- 668 -1755
Living Well With D ementia Sister s Care Partner suppor t group. 2nd & 4th Weds ., 1-2:30 p.m. The Lodge in Sisters. 541- 647- 00 52
Milita ry Parent s of Sister s Meetings are held quar terly; please call for details. 541- 38 8- 9013
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 4t h Saturday, 10 a.m., meet ing by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158
Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church 541- 549- 6157
Sisters Area Woodworker s First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 541-231-18 97
Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:3 0 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.
Sisters Caregi ver Support Group No meeting in December
Sisters Cribbage Club Meets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at SPRD 50 9- 947- 5744
Sisters Garden Club For mont hly meetings visit: SistersGardenClu b.com.
Sisters Habitat for Humani ty Board of Director s 4t h Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.
Location information: 541- 549-1193
Sisters Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Lodge in Sisters. 541- 632- 3663
Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sister s Elementary School Commons. 917-219- 8298
Sisters Red Ha ts 1st Fr iday. For location information, please call: 541- 84 8-1970
Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 541-76 0- 5645
Sisters Veterans no -host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welc ome, 541-241- 6563
Sisters Trails Alliance Board Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In -person or zoom. Cont act: info@sisterstrails.org
Three Sister s Irrigation District Board of Director s Meets 1st Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSID Of fice 541- 549- 8815
Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 541- 419-1279
VF W Post 8138 and American Legion Po st 86 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 541-241- 6563
SCHOOLS
Black Bu tt e School
Board of Director s 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black Butte School. 541- 59 5- 6203
front duo, Lucas and Haley, combine jaw-dropping lead vocals with stylish songwriting and sassy musicianship to keep the dance floor alive.
Backing them is a rhythm section that’s impossible to ignore: Tyler Cranor on bass, Conner Bennett on guitar, Patrick Ondrozeck on drums and keys, and Meshem Jackson on drums and percussion. The rhythm section infuses the band’s sound with an infectious
Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wednesday mont hly, Sisters School District Administration Building. See schedule online at www ssd6.org 541- 549- 8521 x5 002.
CITY & PARKS
Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall 541- 549- 6022
Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Director s 2nd & 4t h Tues 4 p.m., Coff ield Center 541- 549-20 91
Sisters Planning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall 541- 549- 6022
FIRE & POLICE
Black Bu tt e Ranch Po lice Dept Board of Director s Meets mont hly. 541- 59 5-2191 for time & date
Black Bu tt e Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m. BB R Fire Station. 541- 59 5-2288 Cloverdale RFPD Board of Director s 3rd Wed., 5:30 p.m., 6743 3 Cloverdale Rd. 541- 54 8- 4815 cloverdalefire.c om
Sister s- Camp Sherman RFPD Board of Director s 3rd Tuesday, 5 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 541- 549- 0771
PHOTO BY KELLI CARTER RISE GRAPHIC DESIGN
The Schooligans — Julie Cash, Kayla Golka, Melissa Stolaz, and Steve Livingston — performed a special songand-dance number, “Sisters,” inspired by the nostalgic movie “White Christmas.”
Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Museum art exhibit explores urban wildlife
A new art exhibition that places wildlife against urban backdrops opened December 7, at High Desert Museum. “Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker” shares imagery of wildlife native to the High Desert — gray fox, black bear, pronghorn antelope, and others. They stand in the foreground with urban encroachment in the background—the fox on railroad tracks, the black bear in front of a 7-Eleven, and the pronghorn antelope by housing developments.
“These paintings are dynamic and colorful,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “They also tell an important story of wildlife across the High Desert — where migration paths have been interrupted and wildlife faces increasing obstacles.”
Baker grew up in Los Angeles and spent her childhood exploring the hills and canyons near her home, searching for animal bones and other evidence of wild creatures. Her desire to collect and archive elements of a vanishing landscape became the inspiration for the series of paintings in the exhibition.
Southern California.
Baker will be at the High Desert Museum to talk with visitors about “Neighbors” on Thursday, December 19, from 4 to 7:30 p.m., during Winter Nights activities. For more information, visit www.highdesertmuseum.org/ winter-nights.
“Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker” is open through April 6, 2025, and is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation. For more information, visit www.highdesert museum.org/hilary-baker.
Folk Festival tickets available
Discounted tickets to the 2025 Sisters Folk Festival go on sale online on Wednesday, December 18, at 10 a.m. The 28th annual music festival will take place September 26–28, 2025, at several venues around downtown Sisters.
Three-day festival tickets will be available through a tiered pricing model, with discounts given to those who purchase first. These discounted tickets have sold out in a matter of minutes in the past, so be sure to set a reminder. The first 500 tickets will be offered at a special holiday price of $195 (limit two per person); the next round of tickets sold will be available at an earlybird price of $210 per ticket (limit four per person); and the final round of remaining tickets will be sold at the advance price of $235 per ticket. Tickets for youth ages 17 and under are $90 each, children under 5 years old enter for free.
In 2025, SFF Presents has included all fees in the ticket prices for maximum transparency, the organization reports.
SFF will begin making lineup announcements in the early spring and single-day festival tickets
will be available for purchase next summer after the performance schedule is published. Refunds are available through July 31, 2025, less a $10 processing fee.
She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her Master of Fine Arts from the Otis Art Institute. Her work is included in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, the Crocker Art Museum, the Broad Art Foundation, Temple University, and the University of
Follow @SistersFolk Festival on Instagram and Facebook for updates and additional information. Tickets can be purchased online at www.AftonTickets. com/SFF2025.
“Night” by Hilary Baker.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Sisters Folk Festival is offering an early discount for the September event.
PHOTO BY ROB KERR
Outlaw girls break out at Culver wrestling tourney
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
It’s a new era for girls wrestling at Sisters High School.
Following their most recent competition at Culver December 13 and 14, Coach Dave Kemp announced, “The future of girls wrestling in Sisters has arrived!”
In what Kemp called “a groundbreaking display of strength, determination, and teamwork,” the Sisters girls wrestling team made his tory at a recent tournament, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. The Sisters squad took an impressive third place among 22 teams, a high water mark of success for the program.
Senior Kisten Elbek had another standout perfor mance, winning her second consecutive tournament championship and starting her year with a perfect 7-0 record, including an impres sive seven pins, according to Kemp.
Elbek met Emillia CavanHarris of Heppner-Ione in the final match, who she pinned after 2:16.
Joining Elbek as a cham pion was junior Sierra Jaschke, who dominated her division with four first-round pins, earning her first tourna ment championship. In the championship round, Jaschke
CORRECTION
The Outlaws wrestler in the photo accompanying the story “Outlaw wrestlers open season,” The Nugget December 11, page 28, was incorrectly identified. The wrestler is Tyson Kemp.
took down Hannah Monroy of Madras in just 56 seconds.
In addition to the champions, several other Sisters wrestlers delivered notable performances, according to Kemp.
Brooklynn Cooper, despite being out all week due to illness, showed remarkable resilience and took third place in her divi-
Goose Henderson rounded out the team’s top performances with a fourth-place finish.
The tournament, which drew 96 girls from across the region, served as a testament to the increasing popularity and competitiveness of girls wrestling.
Kemp said, “Sisters’ remarkable showing in this
and junior Carter Van Meter both went 2-2 in the tournament in a really tough 132pound bracket.
“Zack pulled off a late come-from-behind win against a senior from Joseph when he pinned him in the last few seconds of the third round,” said Coach Kemp.
Sisters scored a total of 29.5 points to finish 19th among 22 teams. Crook County, a perennial power from the 4A ranks, won the tournament with 201 points.
“We are excited to get all the boys healthy again before our tournament this weekend,” said Coach Kemp.
Coach Dave Kemp and the girls wrestling team.
Lady Outlaws trounce Trinity Lutheran
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Lady Outlaws posted a convincing 75-49 win on the road at Trinity Lutheran (TL) Tuesday, December 10. Audrey Corcoran took the tip off and opened the scoring with a shot from behind the arc. Corcoran continued to rack up the points due in large part to steals and break-away lay-ups. She was aggressive in the half-court game with driving shots to the rim and pull up jumpers. She finished the first quarter with 16 of the Outlaws’ 22 first-quarter points. Shae Wyland scored four points on a couple of transition baskets and Paityn Cotner added two off a loose ball and lay-up. At the close of the first period the Outlaws held a 22-12 lead.
Five Outlaws scored points in the second period, with freshman Maddie Durham leading the way with two long balls from behind the arc. Sisters put up 18 points, limited the Saints to 11, and at the half were on top 40-23.
In the third, TL’s Ella Prelog found her range and hit a trio of three pointers, all back-to-back, to cut a bit into the Outlaws’ lead. Even with the nine big points, the TL Saints were never able to catch the Outlaws and at the end of the third Sisters held a commanding 59-41 advantage.
Sisters kept the pressure on in the final period, and won by 26. The Outlaws’ two freshmen, Verbena Brent and Durham, led in scoring with seven and five points respectively. The Saints were worn down as the Outlaws pushed the tempo all night and held them to just eight points in the quarter.
Corcoran led the Outlaws with 29 points, six steals, and five assists. Durham had
Audrey obviously stood out with her scoring 29 points, but many of those were generated by her tough defense...
— Coach Paul Patton
her best game of the season and finished with 16 points (including four from behind the arc) and 10 rebounds. Wyland put up eight points, and also tallied 10 rebounds and three steals. Brent scored nine and had three steals, Jorja Christianson contributed six points, Cotner added four, and Norah Thorsett hit a long ball for three.
Coach Paul Patton said, “Audrey obviously stood out with her scoring 29 points, but many of those were generated by her tough defense creating transition scores. Maddie had a great game as well and found her comfort zone on the varsity basketball court to knock down four threes. Verbena was also superb, especially with her tough defense.
“Shae was her usual amazing self, outran people upand-down the court, pulled down rebounds, and blocked shots,” added Patton. “Jorja had a good game as well as she netted buckets in three quarters. Paityn left the game early in the second half with an ankle injury and we hope it’s not serious because we really need her tough allaround play on both ends of the court.”
Shae was her usual amazing self, outran people up and down the court, pulled down rebounds, and blocked shots.
— Coach Paul Patton
Boys hoops team falls in overtime
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws traveled to Trinity Lutheran (TL) on Tuesday, December 10, where the teams battled back and forth in a nail-biting contest that went into overtime and ended in a 65-66 Outlaws’ loss.
Sisters was evenly matched up against the TL Saints, a talented 2A squad that is a state contender at that level. In the first quarter, the score went back and forth, with neither team holding more than a three-point lead.
Kale Gardner scored Sisters’ first points off a three-pointer on a nice pass from Oliver Bernhardt, and Kieren Labhart downed a long ball on a Bodie Schar assist with just over one minute left in the period to give the Outlaws an 18-15 lead. That was quickly erased when the Saints’ senior Andrew Imhoff hit a three to tie the score 18-18 to end the first quarter.
Sisters scored the first four points of the second quarter, a floater in the key by Landen Scott, followed by an offensive rebound putback by Labhart, which put the Outlaws up 22-18. The score stayed close, was tied four times, and at the half was even at 30-30.
TL scored the first bucket of the third quarter, but then Garrett Sager hit back-toback lay-ups to give the Outlaws a two-point edge at 34-32. The score tied again at 34-34, and then Sager hit a spinning lay-up, and on the next possession found a cutting Bernhardt for a lay-up at the rim, which gave the Outlaws a 38-34 advantage. Sisters maintained a threeto four-point lead until the Saints cut the lead to one point with 50 seconds left in the quarter. Sisters closed out the period with a transition lay-up from Levi Szesze and
a driving lay-up from Scott with three seconds left on the clock, and headed into the final period up by five, 48-43. Sisters only scored two field goals in the final quarter. They did have chances to put the game away at the foul line, but only went six-for-10 in the home stretch which kept the Saints alive.
With 18 seconds left on the clock the Outlaws were up by three. The Saints called a time out, and drew up a play for their super-senior, Imhoff, who hit a tough, contested three-pointer with a hand in his face with seven seconds left. The Outlaws inbounded the ball, and got a shot off from Scott, but it bounced off the front of the rim, and the game went into overtime.
In overtime, with 2:40 left on the clock, Sager got a defensive stop and scored on a transition lay-up and pass from Scott to put the Outlaws on top 63-61. Sisters missed four free throws and found themselves down by three with 14 seconds left in the game. The Outlaws were unable to convert on a threepoint attempt, but Bernhardt found Labhart under the basket for a lay-up and cut the lead to one, 65-6 with 4.6 seconds left.
The Saints inbounded the ball and the Outlaws immediately fouled. TL missed both their shots at the foul line and the Outlaws had one final chance. Gardner grabbed the rebound, found
a streaking Sager and made the long pass. Sager took it to the three-point line, and put up a shot at the buzzer that just rattled off the rim, and the Outlaws had to record the loss.
Scott finished the night with 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Gardner scored 16 points, and pulled down seven boards, and Labhart contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, and one blocked shot. Sager scored eight, and Szesze added six.
Coach Chad Rush said, “This was a great game! These teams were evenly matched and the competition throughout the quarters showed that. We hurt ourselves in a couple of categories (9/20 from the free throw line and 21 turnovers) that ultimately provided the Saints an opportunity to stay within striking distance and eventually pull out the onepoint overtime victory.
“I was proud of the boys for the way they competed throughout the whole game,” added Rush. “This is a type of game that you cannot simulate in practice, so to be able to go through this early in our season will ultimately help us in the future when we face similar situations that presented itself tonight. I am looking forward to getting back on the floor at Mazama and see what the team took away from this game and how we will have improved.”
Lady Outlaws beat 4A teams on the road
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Lady Outlaws traveled to Klamath Falls and beat 4A Mazama 64-44 on Friday, December 13, and a day later posted a 64-43 win over 4A Klamath Union (KU).
Sisters jumped out quick in Friday’s contest against the Mazama Vikings and at the close of the quarter were on top 25-8. Audrey Corcoran led the scoring spree with nine points, Shae Wyland put up eight, Paityn Cotner contributed five, and Verbena Brent added three.
The Outlaws scoring slowed a bit in the second period, but six different players put points on the board, including Jorja Christianson and Maddie Durham, who each hit a long ball from beyond the arc. Sisters defense was excellent as they held Mazama to just five points in the quarter. The Outlaws held a 37-13 lead as teams entered the half.
Coach Paul Patton said, “At the half we agreed we were doing a good job of controlling the boards on both ends and looking to fastbreak, but thought we could do a better job moving the ball on offense and communicating on defense.”
Sisters put up 11 points in
the third, nine from Corcoran and two from Cotner. The Vikings scored nine points, five which came from the foul line, and at the end of three Sisters was up 49-22.
Corcoran caught a painful knee to the thigh near the end of the third, and took a break in the fourth. Sisters emptied their bench and allowed girls who usually only play JV get some time on the court at the varsity level. Mazama had a bit more success as a result and doubled their score with 22 points. Sisters added 15 in the period and won the contest by 20.
The Outlaws were only eight for 19 from the foul line for 42 percent and will work to improve in that area.
Corcoran finished the night with 19 points and Wyland scored 14. Brent had her best scoring night so far with 10.
Cotner tallied seven, Stella Moen, who stepped up from JV had six, and Christianson added five. Additional stats were unavailable.
Patton did note that Wyland was strong on defense, rebounding, and was a big part of the Outlaws’ scoring on the offensive end.
Patton said, “I was thrilled with our fast start against a squad that looked like they might give us some trouble.
They were tall and athletic, but we just outplayed and outshot them.”
A day later the Outlaws notched a victory over 4A Klamath Union.
Once again Sisters got off to a fast start with Corcoran putting up nine points in the first period. Christianson hit two threes and Durham hit one from long range. The Outlaws’ defense was very active, and the refs were calling it tight. KU got to the foul line 12 times in the period and made six. At the close of the first quarter Sisters held a 22-8 lead.
Wyland and Durham both picked up two quick fouls and were on the bench most of the second quarter. Corcoran scored nine additional points and Christianson hit her third three-pointer of the contest. The Outlaws’ defense held the KU Pelicans to nine points in the quarter. Teams entered the half with the Outlaws on top 38-17.
Patton said, “At halftime we talked about just continuing to do what we were doing to build the lead — tough defense, no second shots, and move the ball on offense.”
In the third the Outlaws got a bit impatient on the offensive end and their quickshot misses gave the Pelicans opportunities to take it the
other way. KU scored 21 in the quarter, while the Outlaws put up 15.
In the final quarter, the Outlaws tightened up their defense and held the Pelicans to just five points. Sisters held onto the lead and recorded the 21-point victory.
Corcoran scored 28 points, and Christianson had her best game so far with 14 points, including four three-pointers. Brent had her second 10-point game in a row and was steady on both ends of the court. Cotner tallied six, and Durham added five. The team was 54 percent from the free-throw line, an improvement from the previous night.
Patton said, “It was a great team-effort win, with our subs stepping up with big minutes when we got into foul trouble. It was nice to see us get tested a little bit with foul trouble and the other team going on a run. The team responded well
with players filling in and the team pushing back with our own offensive surge.”
“Althea (Crabtree) was great filling in at the post with strong defense and rebounding,” added Patton. “Norah (Thorsett) played well at three different positions throughout the game. Paityn stood out and chipped in six points and played pesky defense on their best players. Stella played in all four quarters at the wing for us and was good defensively. We’re a little banged up right now from the hardfought games, but hopefully we’ll heal up quickly because we’ve got three games next week.”
The Lady Outlaws were scheduled to play at Culver on Tuesday, December 17. They will play at home against South Umpqua on Thursday, December 19, and on Friday will play on the road at Gervais.
Building & Renovating with Innovative Design and Energy-Saving Ideas! Our team believes quality, creativity, and sustainability matter. We want your home to be a work of art worthy of containing your life — Mike & JillDyer, Owners 541-420-8448 dyerconstructionrenovation.com
By T. Lee Brown
Happy holidays, y’all! Here we are in beautiful Sisters Country, awaiting snow and hoping there’ll be enough for a New Year’s Eve party at Hoodoo. Awaiting the first night of Hanukkah, which falls on Christmas Day this year.
Awaiting prezzies and family dinners, Santa Claus and Midnight Mass. Awaiting song and candles. Awaiting whatever traditions we’ve inherited or created for ourselves, with our biological families, adopted families, or families chosen in adulthood.
Personally, I’m a sucker for holiday cards and classic holiday playlists studded with the Mormon Tabernacle
Choir, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby. Oh, and getting our Christmas tree tag at Bi-Mart, then driving west of town with our trusty saw to help the U.S. Forest Service thin out the young firs.
Holiday cheer can extend to both consumption-happy Black Friday shoppers and post-punks who celebrate Buy Nothing Day. It brings merry tidings to boisterous yuletide punch drinkers and abstemious Lutherans alike; somehow I grew up among both.
The darkest, shortest days of the year can use a little holiday splendor, feasting, and lights — for atheists, Baptists, Kwanzaa celebrants, Episcopalians, woods-wandering winter witches, Krampus fans, agnostics, and solstice-loving SBNRs (Spiritual But Not Religious, the fastest-growing spiritual category among Americans).
It’s also a fraught time of year for many. Gatherings can mean conflicts. Some may invoke big stuff: past traumas, political arguments, long-held religious disagreements.
Others may come down to the strain and stresses of hosting out-of-town guests or traveling to someone else’s location. Or just grousing about food: Why can’t
Cousin Emma eat ham like everyone else? Darned vegans! Etc.
My family will undoubtedly experience some of these issues. I hope we’ll be able to see each other as real and whole human beings, as loving people who are allowed to have differences when it comes to opinion, spiritual practice or lack thereof, and of course, food.
When we do get stressed out — and we will — I hope we’ll remember to stop and breathe. Those who get wound up easily, and you’ll just have to guess as to whether I am among them, may do well to duck out of the house and take a long walk in the forest.
Or savor a long bath. Or hide in a darkened room, watching Netflix for an hour to escape the hubbub. Or find it necessary to drive into town on a suddenly essential errand.
About that Netflix thing: sometimes our digital devices soothe us and provide a nonalcoholic, non-vapey route to escapism. Grabbing a phone to photograph the family around the Christmas tree might be great. Ditto setting up a short FaceTime with loved ones far away.
But largely, our phones and tablets disconnect us from our surroundings, from
the people we’ve decided to be with during this special if hectic season. They even disconnect us from ourselves: our feelings, thoughts, and bodies.
All this is obvious, if we keep an eye on ourselves and those around us. Science and research and fancy things like that also show it’s true. Too much tech — the normal amount most of us are exposed to every day — is fragmenting and distracting.
Spending loads of time on screens is bad for our moods any time of the year. It leads to depression, anxiety, and the physical consequences of scrolling or gaming all day. We’re sitting on our butts instead of getting exercise and partaking in the mood-enhancing goodness of nature and the outdoors.
So yeah. Consider asking for phone-free times at holiday get-togethers. No phones at the table. No TV or radio blathering in the background throughout the festivities. Just real people, hanging out.
Sure, someone will dash outside (or monopolize the bathroom — not cool!) to spend a little quality time with their 3,500 closest friends on TikTok. Still, establishing a norm of putthe-phone-away can really help folks come together.
If I sound a bit giddy, it’s
because I do love the holidays, warts and all. I was once attacked during this time of year, and the trauma lingered; it was worth working through and getting past.
Some folks experience moods, emotions, seasonal affective disorder, or family chaos to such a degree that this time of year cannot be embraced. To them I extend heartfelt healing beams. I hope you get through it okay and come out the other side. It might be helpful to join in the Blue Christmas service at Sisters Community Church on Saturday, December 21, at 3 p.m. for those having a hard time or experiencing grief.
If you feel wretchedly depressed or suicidal, consider reaching out for professional help. Mental health practitioners can tell you: you’re not alone. Tons of people call this time of year in pain and overwhelmed. If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 on your phone, or in Deschutes County try 541-322-7500 extension 9. You can also call 800-875-7364 or get to the new-ish Stabilization Center in Bend. I’ve heard it’s great! It’s open 24/7.
However your holiday season rolls out, I wish you and yours the best season possible.
Outlaws boys basketball squad splits games on the road
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws made the trek south to Klamath Falls to take on the Mazama Vikings and the Klamath Union (KU) Pelicans in non-league matchups on Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14. They defeated the Vikings 72-50 on Friday and then fell 72-64 the following day to KU.
In the first quarter against the Vikings on Friday, the score stayed fairly even. Neither team led by more than three points, and the lead changed six times throughout the period. Kale Gardner got the Outlaws on the scoreboard first when he scored on a driving lay-up just 20 seconds into the contest. Landen Scott and Kieren Labhart each hit a triple and at the close of the first quarter the Outlaws held a 21-18 lead.
Mazama held the Outlaws scoreless for the first twoand-a-half minutes of the second period. Sisters finally scored when Labhart took a pass from Scott and hit his second three-pointer of the night, which gave the Outlaws back the lead at 24-22. Scott and Labhart scored eight and seven points respectively — all of Sisters’ second quarter points. At the half Sisters was on top 36-29.
The Outlaws increased their lead at the start of the
third. Twenty seconds in, Gardner hit Labhart under the basket for a contested layup. Mazama hit a three-pointer on their next possession to make it 38-32, but that was as close as they would get the remainder of the game. Oliver Bernhardt scored five consecutive points to take the Outlaws to a 43-32 advantage. Sisters’ defense held the Vikings to nine points in the quarter using a combination of their pressure man-to-man defense and their aggressive 2-3 zone defense. That stellar defense helped increase the Outlaws’ lead to 17 at the close of the third.
Just 20 seconds into the final period, Gardner drove to the basket and found Garrett Sager for a wide-open layup. Bernhardt connected on another long ball and a cutting lay-up, and led the team with five points in the quarter. Sisters closed out the contest with a 22-point victory.
Scott finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, Labhart had 16 points and five rebounds, and Bernhardt tallied 15 points. Gardner added six points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Bodie Schar and Sager pitched in with four points each.
Coach Chad Rush said, “I felt this was a great team win for the Outlaws. After making the slow trip down to Klamath
Falls, we were able to come out aggressively and set the tone early. The Vikings shot the ball well to start the game, but we were able to stay with our game plan and we eventually outlasted them, forcing them into continued contested jump shots, which they eventually started missing.
“It was good to be able to see us be able to switch defenses tonight and have success, something we have not been able to do so far this season,” added Rush. “I believe that will only help us as the season continues.”
A day later the Outlaws lost by eight in a hard-fought battle against KU.
Sisters missed several open lay-ups at the start of the first quarter, while the Pelicans connected on a couple of three-pointers to jump to an early lead. The Outlaws were able to settle in behind scores from Gardner, and took a five-point lead at the close of the first period.
Midway through the second period the Outlaws were up by nine, but the Pelicans went on an 11-0 run to take the lead. With just seconds left on the clock, Gardner found himself at the free-throw line with
the Outlaws down by two. He made the first and missed the second attempt. The ball bounced around in the paint, and Bernhardt scooped it up and hit a banking jump shot to give the Outlaws a one-point lead at the half.
Rush told The Nugget that the Outlaws committed costly turnovers in the second period, and gave up important possessions which allowed the Pelicans to eventually take the lead and hold onto it for most of the quarter.
In the third, Sisters outscored the Pelicans 17-14 and increased their lead to four as teams headed into the final period. Scott connected on a triple and two lay-ups, and finished the quarter with eight points. Bernhardt also hit a long ball for the Outlaws that stopped a Pelican run.
The Pelicans ramped up the pressure in the final period and the Outlaws weren’t able to respond. Sisters did have a chance late in the quarter, when they were down by six and called a timeout. The Outlaws forced a turnover and converted the lay-up to cut the lead to four.
However, that would be as close as the Outlaws
would get. The Pelicans hit their free-throws down the stretch, and grabbed offensive rebounds on the ones they missed.
Sisters committed 10 costly turnovers in the final quarter, gave up five offensive boards, and couldn’t execute on offense. As a result, KU outscored them 27-15 and earned the win.
Gardner led the Outlaws with 21 points, Scott scored 13, Labhart had 12, and Bernhardt added seven.
Rush said, “This was a game I was worried about, as it was a quick turnaround on back-to-back games against a very athletic and talented team. This was a game where we were unable to handle the adversity and pressure the Pelicans put on us, and the final result showed that.
“Despite having 24 turnovers in the game and allowing 12 offensive rebounds, we still very much had a chance to win this game,” added Rush. “I am hoping this loss will be something that we will learn from and can build us for the future.”
The Outlaws will host South Umpqua on Thursday, December 19.
Sisters School Board Has One Opening
e Sisters School District will be appointing one community member to fill a vac anc y on the School Board . e person appointed will ser ve on the School Board until the next election and the end of the term on June 30 , 2025. To be eligible, a candidate must live in the school district, not be an o cer 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. Cont act Amy Bionda , School Board Secretary, via email amy bionda@ssd6.org or pick up an application at the District O ce. e application deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, December 20 , 2024. Applicants will be notified of inter view times
Protec ting Yourself f rom Scam and Fraud
On ursday, January 9, f rom 10 a.m. to noon, Living Well with Dementia Sisters will present a seminar on learning how to outsmart scammers and stay safe online. is event will be held at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Communit y Hall, 301 S . Elm St. Attendance is free. Reserve your spot by emailing an R SVP to Bill@LW WDS.com.
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
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 every 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.
A NNOUNCEMENT S
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Saturday, December 21
Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser Bi-Mart
Saturday, December 21
Winter Solstice Gathering Sisters Community Labyrinth
Winter
Solstice Gathering & Silent Labyrinth Walk
Celebrate the darkest day of the year & the rebirth of the Sun with community & fire. Nonreligious welcome gathering , followe d by silent walking meditation. Cocoa & tea to follow. Saturday, December 21, at 6 p.m., at Sisters Community Labyrinth in East Portal, Hw y 242 & W. Hood Ave. Area is under construction; see p arking details at sisterscommunit ylabyrinth.org
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
Free Pet Food
Budget tight this month, but you still need pet food for your dog or cat? Call the Furr y Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4023 to schedule your pickup. Pickups available ursdays , beginning at 12:30 p.m . Located at 412 E . Main Ave., Ste. 4, behind e Nug get
PET OF
TH E WEEK
Humane Societ y of Central Oregon 541-382-3537
BLUE BELL
Blue Bell is a 4-year-old Siamese mix with a gentle and curious nature. He loves f ace rubs , exploring his surroundings , and balancing quiet indoor time with outdoor adventures . Blue Bell would thrive in a peaceful home where he can enjoy life at his own pace. SP S ONSORED ALLAN GODSIFF SHEARING 541-549-2202
Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser for SHS Tennis
Bring any unwrapped gif ts to Bi-Mart on Saturday, December 21, f rom 10 a .m. to noon. Sisters High School tennis team will do the wrapping for you. Donations will be accepted but are not required . For questions , contact Bruce at 419-8 06-0167 or Vince at 541-706-1392
Hunter Education Class
Starts Februar y 11, 2025. Register online at odf w.com . For info call Rick Cole 541-420 -6934.
STARS Seeks Volunteers to Transpor t Patients
Help Sisters Countr y residents get to nonemergency medical appointments in Sisters , Redmond, and Bend . Attend a free t wo-hour training. Emails from STARS dispatchers allow you to accept dates and times that work for your schedule, and a mileage reimbursement is included. Learn more at www starsride.org and volunteer to keep Sisters healthy one ride at a time.
Sisters Garden Journal
Sisters Garden Club has Garden Journals that are availabl e for $15 at Paulina Springs Book s & e Gallimauf r y here in Sisters e multiyear journal includes pages for notes on weather, monthly garden activities, plant details , and more. Sales suppor t the Garden Club and other local nonprofits . Get your copy now. ey make great gift s . Please c all 971-246-040 4 to ask questions and find more information.
Christmas Church Service s
Sisters Community Church
e Resting Place
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.
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
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
On Sunday, December 22, at 10 a.m., come attend a Christmas carol worship ser vice. Tuesday, December 24, at 4 p.m., there will be a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight ser vice including Christmas carols and a Christmas stor y and message All are welcome! For more information call 541-549-5831.
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.
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 nativit y 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 in Camp Sherman
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
SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES
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
All are welcome to the Chapel in the Pines Christmas Eve ser vice, which will be held at the Camp Sherman Communit y Hall (Forest Service 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 — SPONSORED BY —
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 this page. All submissions subject to editing and run as space allows . Email lisa@nug getnews .com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays
Holiday Events
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
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
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
Pole Creek Ranch Holiday Fest Horse-drawn wagon rides, festive cra s, farm animal petting area, food truck on site, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 15425 Old McKenzie Hwy. Wagon ride tickets: www.polecreek.com
Monday • December 23
Cookies with Santa at Sisters Senior Living, 2–3:30 p.m. Free for residents, kids, and families. Information: 541-549-5634
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
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
SISTERS-AREA EVENTS & Enter tainment
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
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
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. Musician sign ups open at 6:30 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.
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
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
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
loved one just how much they mean to you.
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
and integrating lessons for their students. Many times, this includes raising extra money in their spare time to make sure students have supplies to enhance the learning experience (such as books, art supplies, etc.).
Teachers are involved in continuous professional education for quality improvement of their teaching skills. This benefits the teachers’ expertise, thereby improving the quality of education for the students. Secondarily, this benefits their colleagues as the standard of expertise and professionalism continuously improves and that standard of practice becomes the expectation for everyone involved in the public school system.
Whether we like it or not, the world in which we live is continuously changing. Teachers rise to this challenge in the process of continuous quality improvement while adhering to standards of practice.
The student is a whole person, bringing with them all the challenges in their lives to school. Teachers know this. That is why schools strive to create an environment that supports students, parents, and families. After all, the family is the biggest influence on a child. Teachers know this. That is why they include families in the process. I suggest that if you have questions regarding these statements, just ask to be a volunteer at a school and/or speak with the staff to see if you may observe the process.
I for one am so thankful that I have had the experience of participating in my children’s education. Not only for the educational part, but also I got to know their friends, the parents, and the staff. This makes for strong schools, strong communities, and strong students. This contributes to a society that has knowledge of critical thinking, communication skills, and an expectation that all citizens have value. Most of all it elevates caring, safety, and the knowledge that one is valued. And with all those skills our children will be caring, confident individuals. With these attributes in their “toolbox,” they will be able to be true to themselves and speak that truth to power.
Vikki Hickmann
s s s
Window on homelessness
To the Editor:
I belong to a Facebook group for senior women. This
group revolves around recreational camping. The number of senior women that are doing “RV life” or “Van Life” is mostly due to the fact that their Social Security is woefully insufficient for them to be able to remain in their houses, or they have suffered a medical set back that has caused them to lose everything.
This is a travesty! Women who have worked all of their lives at jobs, raised families, have often been the sole breadwinners in their homes, now are a growing population of the unhoused, masquerading as “Happy Campers.”
These are not women who are mentally ill or have addiction problems. Just regular old grandmas trying to put a good face on an unthinkable situation. They are trying to do it with grace and working hard to find joy as part of a growing population caught in this situation. This is so wrong on all levels. I will probably be joining them in the next three years.
In preparation for this possibility, I have already purchased a small travel trailer. I camp in it for fun now, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that if things go bad, I will at least have some form of roof over my head. So if your grandma/ older mom invests in an RV, keep an eye on her. Make sure she knows you love her.
Michelle Poutre
s s s
Pray for our nation
I read Bruce Campbell’s December 11 column about the presidential election.
The people have spoken in a sweeping win for America, and the principles of our Constitution. Our nation is a Republic, and we intend to keep it!
Amongst other things, we the people are tired of high inflation, wide open borders, lawfare, and a weak foreign policy that led to our enemies flexing their muscles. We were lied to repeatedly that everything was OK.
There are some like Bruce that call our President-elect a fascist. In what way? Interesting that Mr. Trump is a friend of Israel and the Jewish people. Also, note the Israeli flags at some of his rallies. That is not being a fascist!
God has given this nation a reprieve. We must be in prayer every day for our nation and our leaders.
Richard Gray
The Santiam Wagon Road Scam: Part 3
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. While some claimed they never actually finished the road, they ended up getting more than 861,000 acres of federal land.
Fifty years later, most of this land was in the hands of two Minnesota businessmen, Watson Davidson and Louis Hill. Hill was the son of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway, and he was wealthy enough that he could afford to wait for the lands to grow in value.
Davidson was not, and to resolve tensions over how fast they should sell the lands, Davidson offered to split them in two. Hill agreed to take most of the timberlands west of Sisters while Davidson got the larger number of acres, mostly range lands, between Sisters and the Idaho border.
Acquiring the timberlands put Hill in something of an ethical dilemma. His father, the Empire Builder, has been called a Robber Baron but he had a strong ethic that, among other things, prevented him from personally profiting from transactions that could have benefitted all of the railroad’s stockholders. At the same time, federal laws discouraged — if not forbade — railroads from owning enterprises that ship things on the railroads.
The Hills had encountered this dilemma before when, in about 1900, they spent a few million dollars buying 67,000 acres of mineral lands in northern Minnesota. They soon realized that the iron ore beneath those lands was worth far more than they paid, so they decided to give the lands to Great Northern stockholders.
To get around the federal law prohibiting railroads from carrying goods made by enterprises they owned, in 1906 the Hills created the Great Northern Iron Ore Properties Trust and gave it to Great Northern Railway stockholders on a share for share basis. At the time, James J. Hill personally owned less than 5 percent of Great Northern’s stock, which that was enough to ensure he didn’t lose money. Over the next 109 years, the trust earned more than half a billion dollars—approximately $100 for every dollar the Hills originally invested. In 1917, a little more than
a decade after the iron ore trust was created, Louis Hill created a similar trust for his timberlands. Louis wasn’t as generous as his father, however, and he limited the beneficiaries of his trust to his family. Actually, he created six different trusts, one for each of his four children, one for his wife, and one for himself. The trusts included other securities owned by Hill but would earn no timber revenue for the next two decades.
Shortly after Louis Hill acquired the wagon road timber lands, Dave Mason, a forestry professor at the University of California, Berkeley, quit his job to start a forestry consulting firm in Portland. Mason was a prophet of sustained yield forestry, which he described as “limiting the average
See ROAD SCAM on page 17
Avoid a fire over holidays
The Red Cross Cascades Region (RCCR) encourages everyone to follow simple steps to prevent home fires from holiday decorations.
“December is the peak time for home fires involving candles and holiday decorations,” said RCCR CEO Priscilla Fuentes. “Help protect your family by using battery-operated candles, making sure you have working smoke alarms, and practicing your two-minute escape plan with everyone in your household.”
• If you use candles, keep them away from anything that could burn, and place them out of reach of pets and children. Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.
• Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and
fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
• If buying an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators, and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
• If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
• Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantel.
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help.
Art showcase will mark new year
Makin’ it Local will celebrate the year-end and new beginnings on Friday, December 27, during the Fourth Friday Art Walk from 4 to 7 p.m. The celebration will include a group showcase featuring new work by Kathy Deggendorfer, Megan Marie Myers, Lindsay Gilmore, Rachel Dantona, James Parsons, Quail Lane Press, Green Bird Press, Mitch Jewelry, Julie Hamilton, Susan Luckey Higdon, Kara Frampton, Cheryl Chapman, Kari Phillips, Terri Axness, and Sheila Dunn.
Makin’ it Local’s “famous” gingersnaps cookies will be served.
Makin’ It Local is located at 281 W. Cascade Ave.
both in retail in Ontario, Oregon. Jeff was the local Bi-Mart manager and neither had any experience in hair or skin care. They were desirous to be in Central Oregon and like so many entrepreneurs took the plunge.
They both enrolled in what was then called “barber” college in Boise, graduated following an 18-month course and were credentialed in both Idaho and Oregon. Rather than taking the slow path of working their way up the employee chain, moving from salon to salon, they relocated to Bend and jumped right in and bought Churchill’s salon.
They’ve never looked back.
“My dad, grandpa, and uncle were all barbers, so I come by it naturally,” Theresa said.
“I’ve never regretted a minute of it,” Jeff added.
Both beam when describing their experience in Sisters.
“We have close, personal relationships with our clients,” Jeff explained. “When you’re touching people and standing right beside them for years, they become like family,” Theresa said.
Some of their clients have been with them for many years, several are fourth generation customers.
“From their first haircut to balding,” Jeff said.
About half of their clients are couples.
Bruce Williams in Sisters
typifies a Hair Caché client.
He said, “I’ve been going to the Hair Caché for my haircuts ever since arriving in Sisters in 2004. Jeff laughed and was somewhat surprised recently when I told him that calculated out to about 180 times I’ve sat in his barber chair.
“A perfect haircut every time and a comfy, friendly, happy place to chat for half an hour while getting trimmed up. When my young grandsons moved to Central Oregon a while back, they too started going to Jeff. Didn’t take them long to discover his kids’ candy stash. It’s definitely a kid-friendly place.”
Donna Marshall has similar thoughts.
“It’s such a wonderful feeling just to walk in and feel so welcome,” she said.
Theresa talks about the special moments like doing the hair of somebody undergoing chemo. They count their success by hugs.
“I’m used to getting 10 a day,” Theresa said.
Jeff said, “Hugs are handshakes around here.”
They use a paper appointment book, don’t take credit cards, and don’t have a website. “We’re blessed to have such loyal clients,” said Theresa. “They tell our story best.”
Hair Caché is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 152 E. Main Ave.
Hair Caché will mark 50 years in business on January 1. Theresa and Jeff Robertson have owned and operated the salon for 25 years.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Obituary
Arnold and Dorothy Showalter welcomed Jeanne into their family on September 2, 1931, in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1941 the family moved to Portland, Oregon.
Jeanne met her future husband, Hal Busch, in 1945 when they were both having a great time roller skating. During Hal’s enlistment in the Coast Guard, they were married on April 8, 1950. Hal spent two more years in the Coast Guard. They shared and enjoyed life’s adventures together for 75 years. They were blessed with three children: Ken, Kevin, and Lori. Jeanne and Hal lived in Portland and moved to Sisters in 1997.
Besides Jeanne’s commitment to Hal and her children, she loved Jesus and had a deep faith. They were active in Sisters Community Church, with Bible studies, and interaction with many friends. They were always ready to help wherever needed and have influenced the lives of many people.
Over the course of Jeanne’s life, she had many experiences. In 1949, she was selected to represent her high school as a princess in the Portland Rose Festival. She also was a secretary in the grade school and high school in which
her children were students. She and Hal played golf all over the West Coast including Alaska and loved fishing at Diamond Lake. Jeanne was an accomplished seamstress making her children’s clothes, doll clothes, quilts, and wall hangings. And, yes, she loved her cats!
Jeanne is survived by her husband Hal, the children and their spouses, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her parents and sister Joanne preceded her in death.
Jeanne’s Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, in the Fireside Room at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy., Sisters, OR 97759. If you wish, contributions in Jeanne’s name may be made to: Sisters Community Church, Benevolence Fund. Private interment will be at Deschutes Memorial Gardens, in Bend, Oregon.
SHOWCASE:
and Rachel Otasu who livened the atmosphere with a traditional Irish jig and “Christmas for Cowboys.” Lastly — and much to SHS students’ delight — The Schooligans, a group made up by Choir Director Steve Livingston, Band Director Kayla Golka, Musical Education Assistant Julie Cash, and Fiddle/Science Teacher Melissa Stolaz, performed “Snow,” and “Sisters,” from the nostalgic movie “White Christmas,”
but with reinvented lyrics.
The showcase is a major fundraiser for the SHS Band and Choir programs, and, thanks to parent volunteers, there were more opportunities to donate than ever. From basket raffle tickets to “Break-a-Leg” kits that included glowing pins and necklaces you could buy for performing students, all attending were encouraged to help give back to the programs.
“My favorite moment was seeing all 25-plus raffle and auction items that Erin Borla and The Roundhouse Foundation collected and set up. Thanks to them and our generous and supportive community we were able to
raise just under $4,000…this evening warmed my heart!” said Golka.
To end the night the audience was encouraged to stand up and join in on a festive sing-along while performers sang with them on stage.
“It was exciting to see everyone showing up to share their talents in support of the music program and all of our amazing students,” said Livingston.
The evening was a success and left both participants and audience members feeling festive, and proud of their friends and family who were part of it. Additional holiday acts are welcome to apply in the fall of 2025.
PHOTO BY KELLI CARTER RISE GRAPHIC DESIGN
Senior Jazz Choir member Serafina Smith joined the SHS Jazz Band for a beautiful performance of “Silver Bells.”
Jeanne Elizabeth Busch September 2, 1931 – November 30, 2024
Seek out a conversation
To the Editor:
I always enjoy reading the opinion letters in The Nugget as it lets me know what some of my fellow citizens think about current events. After reading Bruce Campbell’s guest editorial in last week’s Nugget, I realized that some people are fearful that the world as we know it is coming to an end. This despite the fact that Trump spent four years as President, and failed to replace our Republic with a fascist dictatorship as predicted. Maybe he will get that done this time around, or maybe that is merely hyperbole served up by the scare mongers on MSNBC and CNN?
Mr. Campbell also claims that Kamala Harris did “an excellent job” in her campaign, which is an opinion that is devoid of facts. She avoided the press, gave nonsensical answers to the few questions she did take, and picked a deeply flawed VP candidate that leaned even more left than she did. After spending over a billion dollars to buy the election, a majority of Americans still chose the candidate with felony convictions. How anyone can come to the conclusion that she ran an excellent campaign is beyond me. Most Democrat pundits are calling her a terrible choice that handed the election to Trump.
Mr. Campbell goes on to accuse a majority of American voters of being “ignorant” or “racist” which is not going to win anyone over to his point of view. I would suggest that he (and anyone else who harbors his views) should try inviting someone with a Trump hat out for coffee and have a conversation. You might learn something about your neighbors that doesn’t fit your preconceived stereotypes.
Carey Tosello
s s s
Give the new kids a chance
To the Editor:
The first amendment ensures freedom of speech. I guess that’s what you could call the “Disappointed in presidential election” editorial in the December 11 Nugget written by Bruce Campbell (not Carpenter). The left had Wall Street, celebrities, universities, foundations, a billion dollars in 100 days, and more. Everything except the people. How did they miss half of the Latino vote, and one quarter of the black vote shifting out from under their control? The emperor’s clothes wore a bit thin. Perhaps DEI, open borders, world chaos, hyperinflation, and many other forces initiated by leftist policies “woke” up the electorate.
The “clown car” cabinet? Interesting term. The bar, as set by the Obama and Biden administrations, is low. My favorite is James Clapper, who has admitted lying to Congress,
retains his security clearance, and after Obama, pivoted to CNN where he promoted the infamous dossier lies, and signed onto the “51 intelligence authorities” analysis that deemed Hunter’s laptop a “Russian information operation,” thus securing the 2020 election. You can’t make this stuff up!
Give the new kids a chance. It really can’t get much worse. Remember the “weaponizing the justice system” is what the left does. Why do you think everyone with even a tangential connection to the administration wants a pardon before Joe gets his afternoon nap?
Mark Tyler
s s s
Forest plan will increase logging
To the Editor:
The Forest Service is proposing to amend the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP). The NWFP was created to protect old-growth forests and wildlife.
The new plan proposals would weaken the protection of public forests.
The NWFP was implemented in response to excessive logging ravaging many acres of public patrimony with massive clearcuts that turned public forests into industrial tree farms.
By the 1980s, it was obvious that old-growth forests and other natural [areas] would soon be exterminated, along with the numerous species that depended on them, like the spotted owl.
In 1994, in response to public outrage over the carnage, the Clinton Administration implemented the NWFP to slow the destruction of our national forest heritage.
The 1994 NWFP prioritized ecosystem recovery and required protections for mature (80+ years old) and old-growth forests.
These changes have turned some of our public forest lands into carbon sinks, reducing GHG emissions and contributing to climate warming. The NWFP also protected many forested watersheds, which are the spring wells of many municipalities. Forest protection has slowed the extinction of numerous species that depend on these old-growth forests.
The Forest Service’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has four alternatives. Its preferred action, Alt B, would be a disaster for our forests.
Logging under Alternatives B could exceed one billion board feet annually, doubling 2023 logging levels and tripling the most recent 10-year average.
It raises the age class of “mature” or late successional stage forests from 80 to 120 years, effectively opening up 824,000 acres to logging. Post-fire logging of large old snags—the most essential biological legacy from wildfires—would be subject to logging.
In matric stands of 200-year-old
See LETTERS on page 18
annual cut to the production capacity” of a forest. This compared to most timber landowners of the time, who bought land, cut the trees, and then often let the land go for taxes.
Mason wrote in 1927 that sustained yield “is most advantageously applied to a unit of forest area sufficiently large to supply continuously an efficient sized plant operating at or near capacity converting the forest products into salable material.” In other words, sustained yield required a block of timber that was several tens of thousands of acres in size. Louis Hill’s timber holdings qualified, and soon Mason was courting Hill to be able to manage his forests.
Hill hired Mason in 1937. One of the first things they did was sell about 50,000 acres of land east of the Cascades to Bend sawmill Brooks-Scanlon. In 1943, the company built a logging railroad from Bend to Sisters and from there to its lands on the south and east sides of Black Butte. Timber cutting continued until 1994.
Since 1978, the lands have gone through a series of owners. Brooks-Scanlon was taken over by Diamond International, which was taken over by Cavenham Forest Industries, which was taken over by Crown Pacific, which sold the lands to Willamette Industries. In 2002, Weyerhaeuser bought Willamette Industries in a hostile takeover. It then sold the former grant lands to various parties including the Deschutes River Land Trust.
About 100,000 acres of west side timberlands remained in the Hill family trusts. Most of any wood produced from these lands would be shipped over
the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway, which was half owned by the Great Northern. By 1937, however, Louis Hill no longer worried about the ethics of mixing railroads with shippers because he had retired as president and chairman of the board of Great Northern and, though he remained on the board, had sold all but one share of his stock in the company.
Hill died in 1948 and left his fortune, including his share of the timberlands, to a foundation he set up called the Lexington Foundation, later the Louis & Maud Hill Family Foundation, and even later the Northwest Area Foundation. The charity continues to make donations to non-profit groups in the states once served by the Great Northern Railway.
The other Hill trusts made up most of his legacy to his family. They were so important to the family that his son, Louis Hill Jr., lived in Sweet Home for several years so he could learn the forestry business direct from Dave Mason and his associates at Mason, Bruce & Girard.
Before he died, Louis Hill Sr. appointed a bank called First Trust to act as trustee for the family trusts. The trustee and Mason, Bruce & Girard agreed to have two sawmills that later became Willamette Industries cut all the old-growth timber on the land by 1986. After that, timber harvests and revenues dramatically declined because most of the trees growing on the land were too young to be merchantable.
One of the forest managers called the following years a “black hole” because revenues would be so low.
The trustees believed this still met Mason’s sustained yield principles because they had reforested the land and expected to eventually have more timber to harvest.
Apparently, however, they didn’t warn the entire Hill family that this was
going to happen. When Hill’s children and grandchildren learned that they weren’t going to earn much money from the forests for a few decades after 1986, they were shocked.
Maud Hill Schroll, Louis Hill’s daughter, immediately tried to fire First Trust and the forest managers who, in her opinion, had mismanaged the land her father left the family. First Trust fought this and the court agreed that she didn’t have the right to do so. Apparently, Louis Hill gave his wife the right to change the trustee but neglected to give any other family members the right to do so after she died.
The trusts will expire in 2026 and family members will then be able to decide what to do with their lands. In the meantime, some of them were forced to scramble for income to continue to live in the lifestyles to which they had been accustomed. Don’t feel too badly for them, though, as they continue to live in fabulous homes in places like Pebble Beach, California, where Louis Hill’s grandson, James J. Hill III, owns a large mansion.
Much of the history of the Hill Family Trust is from the court decision in the lawsuit between Maud Hill Schroll and First Trusts, which is downloadable from www. streamlinermemories.info/ GN/HillTrustCourtDecision. pdf.
Back home…
Sisters’ iconic stallion statue is back in his home along Cascade Avenue. The sculpture was damaged in a vehicle accident on October 30. No citations were issued in the accident. Repairs are estimated around $10,000 and will be covered by insurance.
PHOTO COURTESY PAUL BERTAGNA
“old-growth” forests, logging to preclude fire would be permitted, even though such logging has been shown to increase wildfire spread.
It advocates logging up to a third of dry, east-side Oregon forests for “forest health” and fire hazard reduction — both questionable logging outcomes. Without going into the weeds, logging often opens forests to greater wind penetration and drying, which have been shown to increase fire spread, not reduce it.
Furthermore, the FS has broad discretion in determining what is defined as a “dry forest,” meaning it could log other forest types.
The plan calls for logging up to 964,000 acres of dry forest landscape in the next 15 years, an area about four times the size of Mount Rainier National Park!
The preferred alternative of the NWFP revision will be a disaster for public forests.
While the status quo has numerous problems, the proposed alternatives are more problematic. Interested citizens can write the FS and ask them to choose Alt-A, which maintains the current NWFP regulations. Send copies of your comments to Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden.
George Wuerthner s s s
Alternative to expansion
To the Editor:
I did attend the Open House regarding the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) on December 9, arriving in plenty of time to peruse the five options and look at maps. Every option was for expansion. Did anyone consider not growing? If not, why not, considering the water issues, sewer issues, wildlife issues, traffic issues, and other aspects of the human environment.
I thought the mayor, extolling the virtues of Sisters, would offer an alternative by suggesting we pursue Sisters as an Area of Critical State Concern, as had occurred for the Metolius. That was not even mentioned.
We did experience a very professional presentation, covering the period from 2019 to the present. Despite an offer that questions would be forthcoming, there was time for only three.
We were then to break up into facilitated small groups and, as you might expect, in an elementary school cafeteria, there was not enough seating, let alone adult seating. I was part of the group that left, realizing, despite obvious interest by the size of the group, an acknowledgement that we were not having an open dialogue.
197.628 which deals with this process, lists economic development, needed housing, transportation, public facilities and services, and urbanization. The last word should interest us for that is the direction Sisters is moving towards. In addition, the land-use program should manage the effects of climate change.
The Metolius Area of Critical State Concern was official on April 2, 2009, pursuant to ORS 197.405 (4). The Legislature also approved that the management plan must limit development of a small-scale recreation community. Individual items such as water, how clusters of homes, and ingress and egress to those homes, etc. were to be managed by the approved plan.
I for one would recommend more discussion about the UGB and that it be held in an adult-sized venue.
Phyllis Lewis
NYE MUSIC:
Event has multiple Sisters connections
Continued from page 3
groove, guaranteed to get everyone moving. And if that wasn’t enough, Company Grand’s horn section is a highlight, with Keemun Senff (trumpet), Dan Flagg (trombone), and Steve Prazak (sax and flute). Each a seasoned player with decades of experience in orchestras and bands, they bring a level of sophistication and punch to every performance.
Completing the night’s musical journey is Kota Dosa, a collective with a presence and sound that is just as eclectic as their roots. With ties to London, New York, New Orleans, and Oregon, Kota Dosa blends blues, funk, rock, and reggae into a seamless and energetic mix that’s taken them to top venues like NUBLU, City Winery in NYC, and Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans. Their vibrant performances at
festivals such as NOLA Funk Fest and Freret Fest have made them a New Orleans favorite.
Adding a fun touch to the evening, Tyler Cranor, former jazz band teacher at Sisters High School, will be making the trip from Las Vegas to join Company Grand for this performance. Cranor was a big influence for Simon Rhett, a jazz band alum from Sisters High School. Now Rhett, the saxophonist for Kota Dosa, is excited to share the bill with
Cranor, and offer a glimpse of his hometown roots with the NOLA based group. The band has a few more shows lined up in Oregon, giving them an opportunity to explore the vibrant music scene and natural landscape of Oregon. Both bands bring unmatched energy to the stage, creating a night that is sure to leave audiences craving more.
Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through www.bendticket.com.
Company Grand will lead a New Year’s celebration at The Belfry December 31–January 1. The event features some special Sisters connections among the featured musicians.
PHOTO PROVIDED
GROWTH:
December 9, that the interest shown by citizens of Sisters was exemplary.
Based on inventories conducted by the City of residential and employment lands available to accommodate projected growth over the next 20 years, the City will need new developable land (about 250 acres) not currently within the UGB, which is identical to the city limits. This is despite zone changes made in 2021 intended to increase the efficiency of land to help accompany growth in the City. The population projections come from Portland State University’s Population Research Center which forecasts significant growth over the next 20 years for Sisters and all of Deschutes County.
The entire UGB process is a requirement of the State of Oregon which directs that all cities in Oregon must maintain a 20-year supply of buildable land. In addition, there are criteria that must be met for land to be approved for a UGB expansion. The City is required to create a study area that is between one-half mile and one mile from the current boundary, based on certain criteria.
The State land-use laws adopted in the ’90s were meant to specifically limit urban sprawl and protect farm and forest land throughout the state. Sisters is mostly surrounded by land zoned for forest or farm use, much of which is part of Deschutes National Forest. Land not zoned for farm/forest uses is a higher priority when considering a UGB expansion and is classified as Priority One.
The City is required to first look at Priority One lands when planning a UGB expansion. If there isn’t enough developable land there to meet the needs of the City, the analysis can be expanded to include lower priority lands.
The Priority One area extends one mile north and east of the area around Sisters Eagle Airport and the North Sisters Business Park. Indian Ford Creek and Whychus Creek run through the area. It contains vacant land as well as rural residential subdivisions with lot sizes from two to 20 acres, many with CC&Rs (conditions, covenants and restrictions).
At the December 9 meeting, attendees were presented with five alternatives for possible UGB expansion lands. Among the five alternatives, they encompass all Priority One land in the study area. Each alternative has sufficient land to meet the City’s identi fied need for new housing,
jobs, parks, and other public facilities.
Attendees broke into small discussion groups to consider the five alternatives, keeping in mind four different factors that the City can use to make decisions about where to expand.
• Factor 1: efficient accommodation of identified land needs.
• Factor 2: orderly and economic provision of public facilities and services.
• Factor 3: environment, energy, economics, and social consequences.
• Factor 4: compatibility with nearby agricultural and forest activities.
They discussed which of the criteria were most important, the pros and cons of each alternative, and what the new neighborhoods should look like.
At the conclusion of the table discussions, each group was asked to identify what they thought were the two most important considerations when evaluating the five alternatives — for example, affordability and protecting natural resources. Those were all collected and will be utilized by the City in their process.
In the next phase of the UGB process, the City will create a “preferred alternative,” which may be a hybrid of more than one of the five alternatives.
The City website (www. ci.sisters.or.us) provides maps of the five alternatives as well as all the information from the Open House and space to add thoughts and comments. You can also find more information about the project, next steps in the process, and sign up for automatic email updates on the City website. The next UGB Steering Committee meeting will take place in late January 2025 when the refined UGB Alternatives and Evaluation Report will be presented.
The UGB process is lengthy, at least several years from start to finish. The City is only part way through the process. Establishing a new UGB doesn’t mean any development begins right away. Property owners within the new UGB must request annexation into the City before development can begin. Some owners may request annexation and others may not.
UGB Online Open House
If you couldn’t make it to the community open house on the Urban Growth Boundary Amendment on December 9, 2024, there’s still plenty of time to have your voice heard. You can review the same information presented at the in-person open house and provide your feedback in the online open house, which is now available at www. ci.sisters.or.us through early
January 2025. Please click the red banner on the city home page for access to the online open house.
Additional project information, including next steps in the process, can also be found on the UGB Amendment page of the City website (click UGB Amendment icon at the bottom of the homepage).
You can also sign up for automatic email updates on the process, so you don’t miss any important meetings and have access to the latest work products.
The next steps in the process will be for the city to summarize the feedback received from the in-person and online open house. An evaluation report will be finalized which
scores each of the UGB Alternatives based on the required State review criteria.
The information, along with refinements to the UGB Alternatives, will be shared with the public at the next UGB Steering Committee meeting in late January. Planning Commission and City Council workshops on the subject will occur in February. The goal is to have a Preferred UGB Alternative by the spring of 2025, which will be subject to formal approval through a land-use process with adoption anticipated to be Fall of 2025.
For more information contact Scott Woodford, community development director, at 541-323-5211 or email swoodford@ci.sisters.or.us.
Continued from page 1
areas of Sisters Country, a good number of which produce complaints about their behavior.
Many residents enjoy observing wildlife, including wild turkeys. However, providing food in residential areas to attract wild turkeys can become a public safety threat for you and your neighbors, biologists warn.
Wild turkeys, not native to Oregon, are opportunistic foragers with a wide diet of leaves, grass, seeds, berries, insects, worms, snails, frogs, and small reptiles. Thus, they can thrive in a variety of natural habitats.
They also can inhabit residential areas, particularly where they are being fed.
Feeding wild turkeys in residential areas isn’t good for them, and can compromise the overall health of wild turkey populations, Walch advises.
Wild turkeys are supposed to cover large land areas while foraging throughout the day. Providing food repeatedly causes them to congregate, which results in a build-up of droppings and unnaturally increases contact between flocks.
unwelcome nuisance and cause considerable damage to you or your neighbor’s property.
Once aggressive behavior is established, it’s difficult to change. Another problem with feeding wild turkeys in residential areas is they’ll remain in a neighborhood or community, which can eventually lead to pecking and scratching cars, tearing up flower beds and depositing turkey droppings on driveways, sidewalks, yards, and porches. Turkeys have been known to begin roosting on roofs and awnings, which can result in considerable property damage, biologists say.
“The best way to prevent these issues is to simply not feed them,” Walch said. “The same with deer and elk. It’s just not good for them.”
ODFW acknowledges that well-intentioned people often feed deer, elk, and other wildlife without realizing the problems feeding can create.
Artificial feeding concentrates wildlife, which leads to the easier spread of disease and parasites and easier take by predators. Feeding deer and elk attracts their natural predators like cougars and coyotes to areas of human activity.
— Andrew Walch District Biologist for
These conditions can encourage disease outbreaks, and the spread of disease through wild turkey populations.
ODFW reports that wild turkeys generally travel in family groups or small flocks, consisting of five to 20 individuals. They forage for food by passing through an area picking at everything edible and even scratching to find food covered by leaves or grass. A flock of birds will quickly find most of the edible food in an area and move on to new areas in search of other forage.
Flocks will roost in trees at varying locations throughout their home range. The typical wild turkey home range is several square miles. Like all wildlife, urban dwelling species are best left as wild as possible. Animal foraging, resting, disease transmission, and populations may be altered when people interact with wildlife.
These changes may result in undesirable consequences to both wildlife, people, and pets. When urban turkeys behave like their wild counterparts, damage to people’s property is generally minor and tolerable. However, when turkey behavior is changed, these birds can become an
Once wildlife associate people with giving them food, they come to expect it. Feeding will invite more deer and elk to your property, and encourage them to stay.
Artificial feeding can cause deer and elk to become habituated to humans and aggressive towards them.
Concentrating deer and elk in human-settled areas can lead to an increase in vehicle collisions and conflicts between wildlife and pets as well as damaging habitat by encouraging excessive grazing.
It’s OK to haze marauding turkeys – to a point. Chasing them (without making physical contact), waving your arms or clapping your hands and yelling at them, or making loud noises using an air horn, or banging pots and pans is acceptable.
Spraying with a strong water jet from a hose or waving or swatting at (but not hitting) with a broom. Try opening and closing a large umbrella while facing them. Do not allow your pets to chase them, as injury may occur.
If you’re driving, and suddenly come upon a flock in the road, and your options are to drive off the road or hit the turkeys, do the latter Walch suggests. It’s a matter of driver safety.
His bottom line: “If you really care about them, stop feeding them.”
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102 Commercial Rentals
Roughly 900 sq. ft. at 392 E. Main Ave., bottom SW unit. Beautiful sunlight, with a mountain view.
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103 Residential Rentals
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104 Vacation Rentals
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201 For Sale
Hydrow rowing machine
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202 Firewood
• WINTER 2024 • SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS
DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD
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– 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!
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301 Vehicles
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401 Horses
ORCHARD GRASS HAY ALFALFA TRITICALE
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403 Pets
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies ready for their forever homes January 10, 2025. Check out my website at www.CavaliersAtElkRun.com. Call 541-413-0912 for more info. SISTERS WHISKERS
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501 Computers & Communications
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502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
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M & J CARPET CLEANING Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090 504 Handyman
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
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
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
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601 Construction From Ground to Finish Accurate and Efficient 541-604-5169
CCB#248916
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Construction & Renovation Custom Residential Projects All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448 THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER
Easy Answer: Page 22
Earthwood Timberframes
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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
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602 Plumbing & Electric
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• Residential
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SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC.
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Lara’s Construction LLC.
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604 Heating & Cooling
ACTION AIR
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605 Painting
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Interior/Exterior Painting
Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327
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EMPIRE PAINTING
Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining CCB#180042
541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks
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– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
701 Domestic Services
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC
Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051 www.nuggetnews.com
802 Help Wanted
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 BEAD STRINGER WANTED
Experienced in pearl and stone bead knotting on silk. Flexible part-time piecework At home or at The Jewel. Phone Jan, 541-977-1514
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803 Work Wanted
POSITION WANTED for part-time Caregiver in Sisters. Client needs change, creating new openings. Please call 503-274-0214
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603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation
Free On-site Visit & Estimate Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com
541-549-1472 • CCB #76888
Drainfield
• Minor & Major Septic Repair
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• Rock & Stump Removal
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• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!
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Walls Needing a Touchup? Check the Classifieds!
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
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
for puzzle on page 21
numerous fender benders, and vehicles sliding into ditches.
There were coffeehouse grumblings about lack of cinders on approaches to intersections.
“It’s a skating rink out there,” said Lyle Walton, who reported a few cars on East Barclay Drive that slid into the swales.
Many stayed home and church parking lots Sunday were noticeably thinner. Downtown merchants were shoveling about two inches Sunday, wondering if it was even worth opening for the day.
“Nobody wants to be out when it’s like this,” said Maddie Kaufman, clearing a path in front of the shop where she works.
Lt. Chad Davis, who heads the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Sisters substation, and other experts have many driving tips for winter weather driving but their key takeaway: slow down.
Davis told The Nugget , “Once your vehicle is ready to go, clear all your windows so you can see properly out of your vehicle. Too often we see drivers who have only a
small section of their windshield cleared, which limits their ability to see other vehicles or hazards on the roads. Wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers are buckled up as well.
“Once you start driving, slow down. Leave early for trips, so you have plenty of time to drive slower and anticipate slowdowns or traffic crashes.”
The advice seems simple enough, yet speed is the number one cause of winter road accidents in most states. Many accidents occur at intersections.
“Brake well in advance of intersections, stop signs, or signals. Try to slow down in a controlled manner and then roll up to intersections. Increase your following distance between the vehicle you are following, in
anticipation of other vehicles losing control or stopping suddenly. Pay attention to other vehicles and anticipate what other drivers may do in front of you,” Davis said.
The U.S. Department of Transportation says, “Over 70 percent of the nation’s roads are in snowy regions, which receive more than five inches average snowfall annually. Nearly 70 percent of the U.S. population lives in these snowy regions. Snow and ice reduce pavement friction and vehicle maneuverability, causing slower speeds, reduced roadway capacity, and increased crash risk.
“Average arterial speeds decline by 30 to 40 percent on snowy or slushy pavement. Freeway speeds are reduced by 3 to 13 percent in light snow and by 5 to 40 percent in heavy snow. Heavy snow
and sleet can also reduce visibility. Lanes and roads are obstructed by snow accumulation, which reduces capacity and increases travel time delay.
“Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet. Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement annually. Every year, nearly 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet. Snow and ice increase road maintenance costs.”
“Patience is the key,” ODOT managers say. “Allow extra time to get where you’re going and allow extra
stopping distance. There is less traction on slick, snowy roads. Brake gently to avoid skidding or sliding. If the wheels lock up, ease off the brakes.”
Fog has been a problem as well with the airport in Redmond having seen as many as 50 percent of all flights cancelled on several days over the last two weeks. Reduced visibility is a major cause of winter collisions, with many drivers following too closely to the vehicle in front of them. If you can’t see the road, don’t drive through. Stop, back up, turn on your hazard lights. Wildlife is also disoriented in heavy snow causing more collisions which can be fatal to vehicle occupants mostly from swerving to avoid the animal only to hit a tree, pole, or barrier.
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