Careful out there…
Sisters growth plans spark pushback
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
The City of Sisters is well into its state-mandated, process of periodically evaluating its Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to see if there will be enough land to meet population projections.
In Sisters currently, the UGB essentially corresponds
to the city limits.
As Sisters’ population steadily increases, with projections indicating that there will not be adequate housing inventory within the existing 1.88 square miles area, the City has invited its citizens to participate in the comprehensive study of if, when, how,
See GROWTH on page 6
Keep bird feeding safe in winter
By Elise Wolf Correspondent
Picture this: A chickadee lands on your carefully crafted pinecone feeder, coated with peanut butter or suet and seeds. You’re feeling good about helping local wildlife. But wait! There’s a catch here.
Feathers are more than
beautiful—they’re an essential survival tool. Their intricate structure includes thousands of tiny barbs that lock together to form a waterproof shield and provide insulation. They are an engineering masterpiece that makes NASA jealous! In winter, down feathers trap
See FEEDING on page 13
ASPIRE program seeks new volunteers
By Olivia Nieto Correspondent
The New Year marks a cultural beginning to new promises, ideas, and mindsets. You may have the resolution to give more to others; being a part of the ASPIRE (Access to Student Assistance Programs In Reach of Everyone) program as a volunteer mentor is a great way to fulfill this desire.
Between rain and snow, road conditions have been a bit treacherous in Sisters Country. Drivers are advised to take it slow and allow plenty of stopping distance.
The goal of ASPIRE is to normalize and celebrate the future. They do this through furthering student preparation for a post-high school life through experience under community mentorship.
on page 15
Outlaws set school scoring records
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
Senior Landen Scott and sophomore Audrey Corcoran, both key players for the Outlaws basketball program this year, broke Sisters High School’s basketball scoring records, and just within eight days of each other.
Scott has started on the varsity squad for three years and last year, as a junior, was selected to the First Team All-League Mountain Valley League. Last year he was also awarded the Team Player Award by the Outlaws coaches. Corcoran is a sophomore, a starter on the varsity squad this year, and also started last year as a freshman. She earned Second Team All League honors last year as well.
Scott scored 39 points on December 28, when the Outlaws played 4A North Marion, to break Eli Harrison’s 37-point record from the 2010-2011 season. Corcoran scored 37 points on December 20, in the Lady Outlaws game with 2A Gervais to break Taylor
Nieri’s 34-point record that she secured in the 2012-2013 season.
Scott said, “I want to thank God, my coaches, and my family for the opportunities they provide. Shoutout to my teammates for their great passing and leadership. It’s really amazing and such an honor to break the record.”
Corcoran said, “I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to break the school record. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and
I am so grateful for a team that supports me in everything, and is overjoyed when I accomplish my goals.”
Both coaches shared with The Nugget their thoughts on their players’ individual accomplishments.
Coach Chad Rush said, “Landen is a very dedicated player. He is what you would call a gym rat — always in the gym. Landen works really hard on his game and it
See RECORDS on page 8
Senior Landen Scott and sophomore Audrey Corcoran both set new Outlaws basketball scoring records just days apart.
PHOTO BY RONGI YOST
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Letters to the Editor…
Roundabout
To the Editor:
Sometimes I think people who haven’t been here for over a year should be wearing some kind of an arm band. I went through the roundabout, minding my own business, when someone was laying on their horn throughout, until I pulled over to let them pass. Then I realized they were from California. I’m sorry if I ruined their day.
Happy New Year.
Craig Cathcart
s s s
Free speech
To the Editor:
I believe in free speech. For the
individual and the press as stated in the First Amendment. Is there any responsibility contained within this amendment for the right of free speech to be given to all U.S. citizens equally? Do citizens believe that egalitarianism is inherent in the first amendment as it applies to free speech? If one considers “money” to be free speech does the fact that one person can contribute $250 million and another contributor might only be able to give $1,500 — does this support an egalitarian argument in relation to free speech? The $1,500 is .00006 percent of a vote compared to the 100 percent vote of a person(s) that contributes $250 million. Does not seem very egalitarian to me. I believe all citizens should work toward developing a statement
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. See LETTERS on page 8
Sisters Weather Forecast
The Nugget Newspaper, LLC
Website: www.nuggetnews.com
442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759 Tel: 541-549-9941 | Email: editor@nuggetnews.com
Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon.
Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius
Production Manager: Leith Easterling
Creative Director: Jess Draper
Community Marketing Partner: Vicki Curlett
Classifieds & Circulation: Lisa May
Proofreader: Kema Clark
Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen
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).
Prioritize workforce housing with UGB
By Bill Willitts Guest Columnist
The vibrant economy of Sisters is at risk. Essential members of our workforce have been priced out of the housing market. Our teachers, firefighters, grocery clerks, and small business employees can no longer afford to live here and own a home. As a result, our community is experiencing disruption.
There is a way to change course. Our City and its leaders can take the bold action required to build housing for our workforce in Sisters. The current Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion process presents a real opportunity to build housing that Sisters residents can actually afford. But we must ensure that producing housing for our workforce is the central value guiding any future expansion.
In the early 2000s, during the previous Sisters UGB expansion, the median income was $45,000, and the cost of a house was $210,000. At that time, it took approximately five times the annual income to own a home. Fast forward to 2024, the median income has risen to $84,000, while the cost of a home has skyrocketed to $850,000. The gap between median income and the cost of a home has ballooned to ten times the annual income. In the early 2000s, members of our local workforce had the opportunity to own a home in our community. Such opportunities are no longer available.
guiding our city’s future expansion. And Oregon’s land use laws require us to weigh such values when determining whether and how to expand our city’s UGB.
Oregon’s land use Goal 14 (“Urbanization”) emphasizes the need for cities of all sizes to prioritize housing production to support fair and equitable housing outcomes and access to opportunity. Oregon State House Bill 2001 — passed in 2023 — specifically names equitable housing production as a factor to be considered within Goal 14. Furthermore, the City of Sisters’ latest Comprehensive Plan includes Objective 3.3, which reads: “To ensure that land brought into the UGB to meet the residential needs provides adequate public facilities and a mix of market rate and affordable housing units.”
I urge my fellow Sisters residents to participate in the City’s online UGB Open House. As you do, consider whether and how the areas of expansion presented will result in meeting our dire need for housing. If lands cannot produce adequate and attainable new housing for our workforce, should they be brought into our city? If there is not adequate land available in the five options currently presented, the City must slow down its UGB expansion process to allow time to consider additional alternate sites that will actually produce the housing we need.
We haven’t seen the mountain skyline much in the last couple of weeks — but the snow-blanketed peaks should come out from behind the clouds this week.
PHOTO BY KRIS KRISTOVICH
My wife and I have lived in Sisters for 30 years. The last time the city expanded the UGB, the property I co-owned with several other local developers, McKenzie Meadows Village, was incorporated.
As part of Sisters’ 2005 Comprehensive Plan’s statement of purpose to “protect the welfare of our citizens,” we committed to building one affordable housing unit for every ten units developed at McKenzie Meadows Village. I’m proud to say we fulfilled that commitment.
As a property developer, Sisters business owner, and member of the UGB Expansion Steering Committee, I firmly believe that producing sufficient housing for our workforce must be the central value
I also urge our City Councilors to think ahead. Any new lands annexed into the UGB must prioritize workforce and affordable housing. City Councilors and staff must be bold: any new lands annexed into the UGB must be masterplanned with 30 percent required affordable and workforce housing (80 percent Area Median Income and below for rentals; 80 to 130 percent Area Median Income for ownership). Our workforce deserves to live near their jobs, be close to their children, and thus contribute to a vibrant local economy. In my belief, this is the most critical issue facing our community. We need the right land, sufficient time, and an active community-wide commitment to get this right.
Giving program.
Locals shine in Spirit of Giving
Bells were ringing and carols were sung at the Aspen Lakes Estates Owner’s Holiday Party on December 5 at Brand 33 Lodge. And neighbors had good reasons to celebrate and exchange warm Christmas greetings.
Outshining their generous donation in 2023 by 33 percent, this special community delivered $5,690 toward the SistersCamp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District’s sponsorship of “Spirit of Christmas Giving 2024.”
Providing Christmas gifts and much-needed financial assistance to Sisters community families
Sisters nonprofit is a fundraising success COMMUNITY
this holiday season was especially important to the generous hearts of the Aspen Lakes neighborhood.
Six years ago, the neighborhood social committee elected to join the collective Sisters Country efforts of the local fire department, while sharing and enjoying their annual Holiday Potluck Dinner.
Every neighbor was personally invited by the social committee to share a special holiday evening together, and this year’s potluck gathering was overflowing with delicious homemade fare.
Attendees were warmly welcomed with a glass of champagne upon entering
the beautifully decorated Brand 33 Club House, and homeowners who wished to contribute to the Sisters Community in a meaningful and charitable manner were able to do so by purchasing gift cards and making donations for local children, then depositing them in the fireman’s boot and helmet — which overflowed with generosity and kindness.
This event brought special meaning to the annual holiday gathering, and the community of Aspen Lakes very much looks forward to continuing this tradition of local giving in 2025.
Beth Wood to teach songwriting class
SFF Presents will host a six-week songwriting workshop at Sisters Art Works (204 W. Adams Ave.) with local artist Beth Wood beginning on January 28. Registration is now open at https://aftontickets.com/ bethwoodsongs. Participants must be 18 or older to enroll.
The class, “Songs Forever: A 6-Week Workshop/Playshop for Songwriters,” will take place every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. January 28March 11 (no class March 4). Under the guidance of instructor Beth Wood, participants will build a supportive community of songwriters to
usher in new songs and finetune songs in progress.
“I love sharing what I have learned and what works for me in songwriting. I love supporting other songwriters in their creative process and in sharing their work. I love what happens when people who love songs gather to geek out about songs!” said Beth Wood of her intention behind this class. “Bring your open heart, your open mind, and your curious spirit.”
In this interactive workshop, aspiring writers will dive into exercises and games and listen deeply
Sisters Transportation and RideShare (STARS) announced that its year-end ride sponsorship drive has raised a total of $8,100.
The STARS volunteer rideshare program provides Sisters Country residents with free non-emergency rides to medical appointments in Sisters, Bend, and Redmond. STARS “riders” are unable to drive themselves or afford private ride companies, and many rely on the service regularly. Each STARS ride costs an average of $50 and the organization set a goal of raising $5,000
SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR
BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS
Al -Anon
Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383.
Alcoholics A nonymou s
Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration
Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild
For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter will not have their regular meetings in November or December
Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.
Council on Aging of Cent ral O rego n Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43
East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’ Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061.
G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church. 541-771-2211
Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s)
2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Siste rs Communit y Church. M ater ials provided. 541- 408 -8 505.
Hero Q uilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 5 41-6 68 -1755
Living Well W it h D ementia Sisters
Care Par tner suppor t group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:3 0 p.m. T he Lodge in Sisters. 5 41-6 47-0 052.
Milita ry Parent s of Sisters M eetings are held quarter ly; please c all for details. 5 41-388 -9 013.
Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys, 11:3 0 a.m., Takoda’s Rest aurant. 541- 549- 64 69
Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158
Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church. 5 41-5 49 -6157.
Sisters Area Woodworke rs First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97
Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.
Sisters Caregi ver Sup por t G roup No meeting in December
Sisters Cribbage C lub M eets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at S PR D. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.
Sisters Garden C lub For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.
Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m.
Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.
Sisters Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Lodge in Sisters. 5 41-6 32-3663.
Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298
Sisters Red Hat s 1st Friday. For location infor mation, please c all: 541- 8 48 -1970.
Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.
Sisters Veterans no- host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welcome, 5 41-241-6 56 3.
Sisters Trails A lliance Board Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In- person or zoom. Contact: info@sisterstrails.org
Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 1st Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSI D Of fice. 5 41-9 03 -405 0.
Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279. VF W Po st 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 541-241- 6563
SCHOOLS
Black Bu tt e School Board of Direc tors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203
— the equivalent of 100 sponsored rides — during its fundraiser, which kicked off on Giving Tuesday in late November and ran through December of 2024.
According to Rennie Morrell, STARS’ Executive Director, “This is our organization’s first sponsorship drive, and we are so humbled by the community’s incredible support. To be able to report that we exceeded our campaign goal by more than 50 percent is truly amazing and it reinforces what
Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule online at www ssd6.org. 5
Aspen Lakes residents gather annually to support the local fire district’s Spirit of
Craig Rullman Columnist
Sometimes, when the gods are being generous, we cross paths with incredible people whose accomplishments stand apart, and whose ability to reflect the lessons of great physical and spiritual challenge encourage us to examine our own lives. So it is with Ruby Gates, 60, who is on a quest to circumnavigate the globe in her sailboat, single-handed.
I met Ruby at Black Butte Ranch, where she gave a presentation after completing the first leg of her adventure — sailing her 39-foot boat Makani from Mexico to Tahua-ta, in French Polynesia. In 2024, she was the only woman to accomplish that feat alone, crossing 3,000 miles of the Pacific Ocean in 30 days.
This was only the beginning of her voyage which, when she is finished, will put her in the rarified air of the world’s great adventurers. On this leg, she encountered a de-masted ghost ship, the almost hallucinatory appearance of a sailing drone, onboarding squid, a great line of threatening squalls, whales that kept her up on constant watch for fear they would surface beneath her vessel and destroy the rudder, and a frightening brush with a mystery boat that might have been — and behaved like — pirates.
These are some of the raw facts of her adventure, beautifully recorded in her online blog, but I wanted to know what drives someone to embrace this kind of challenge, mindful that the world’s oceans are still the last frontier, still full of incredible dangers but likewise incredible payoffs — an irresistible siren song for those with an ear to hear it.
At 50, having raised two daughters and built her own businesses, Ruby was invited to sail from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to Australia. She knew nothing about sailing but was in a place in her life that the answer could only be “Yes.”
“I didn’t even know what to be scared of,” she says, but over the next seven months she sailed over 8,500 miles across the North Pacific and into the South Pacific, from
Kiribati to Samoa, Tonga to Fiji, from New Caledonia to Brisbane. The hook was set, and what followed was a sudden, thorough, and lifechanging obsession. She sold her house. She sold her businesses. And for the next seven years she sailed the world, learning to be a sailor in the ancient waters of the Mediterranean, Mexico, and French Polynesia.
It’s probable that most of us, at one time or another, have considered such drastic changes in our own lives. But most of us won’t act. Maybe it is a kind of divine conversion, a sudden awareness that there are alternatives to how we live, that a parallel universe still exists. It would be easy, and an enormous mistake, to underestimate the courage it takes to embrace the radical re-direction that Ruby chose. And maybe that was my answer. Maybe that thing, that courage and unwavering commitment, is what makes the difference between real adventurers and the rest of us, who throw foam bricks from the sofa and only wish we had the guts.
“Fear is a fantasy,” Ruby told me. “It can define a vision of us” and so become crippling and preventative. She sees it sometimes in her students — she teaches five women a year to sail — who come to learn sailing with a limited vision of themselves. Ruby, like all great teachers, helps them defeat their fears by teaching them to concentrate on the task at hand, to master one thing at a time, like the complicated
demands of properly anchoring a boat. Over time, she says, her students begin to realize that their own potential far outweighs their fears. Out at sea, which is a lonely place on the very best of days, Ruby has routines to keep herself focused on the relentless nature of singlehanded sailing — meditation and breathing techniques she learned from free divers. And it is precisely those demands, the life-affirming responsibilities, that motivate her. At sea, Ruby told me, “You don’t worry about the color of your lipstick. There is too much to do, and the distractions are gone. You wake up to how stupid stuff is, how we are habituated to external noises. It’s almost a reboot. You get to be alive in a certain way.”
Which may be something the rest of us are missing. This “certain way” is demanding. It’s physically engaged. It’s both primal and mentally charged by the awesome responsibility of measuring risk, minute-byminute, hour-by-hour, dayby-day. But the reward is enormous.
Approaching land at the end of her journey, whose lushness she could smell before she could see, Ruby wrote: “My last night at sea invites all the squalls and seas and swells and rains into one final midnight party. We rage all night like teenagers whose parents are gone for the weekend. I kiss the wind and dance with the squalls. I’m grateful, I’m relieved, I’m happy with accomplishment and humbled by the
fragility of my life.”
Soon, Ruby will return to Tahiti, where Makani waits at anchorage, the sails stored safely belowdecks. It will be cyclone season. And then she will set sail again. For herself, certainly, but maybe also for the rest of us, who need someone like Ruby to remind us that life is much, much, larger than we sometimes think it is. And, as ever, for the living.
You can follow Ruby Gates on her website seanixie.com, and on Instagram #rubyatsea.
Ruby Gates sails the world
The Bunkhouse Chronicle
Ruby Gates is sailing the world solo.
PHOTO COURTESY RUBY GATES Makani is a 39-foot sailboat.
PHOTO COURTESY RUBY GATES
Outlaws fall to North Marion on the hardwood
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws got back on the hardwood at home on Saturday, December 28, against the North Marion (NM) Huskies. They made a valiant comeback in the second half but in the end lost by six, 68-74.
The teams stayed within two points of each other until the 4:30 mark in the first quarter. From there the Huskies went on a 2-10 run and the Outlaws went down 9-19. Sisters responded with an 8-0 run of their own and cut the lead back to two at 17-19. Landen Scott hit his second three-pointer of the period with 40 seconds left in the quarter, however the Huskies made a turn-around fade-away shot with just seconds left and took a fourpoint lead, 20-24, to close out the first quarter. Scott put up 18 of the Outlaws 20 points.
NM struck first to open the second quarter and extended their lead to seven, and a short time later went on a 10-0 run to increase their lead to 14. Sisters only scored nine points in the period and at the half trailed 29-48. The Outlaws committed nine turnovers in the quarter and the Huskies scored 14 points off those turnovers.
Sisters regrouped at the half and ramped up their defensive execution and intensity and started the third quarter with a 14-7 run in the first four minutes to cut the Huskies lead to 12 points. During the run the Outlaws scored on four consecutive possessions, a Will McDonnell three-pointer, a Garrett Sager transition layup, a Scott transition offensive rebound and putback, and another McDonnell three-pointer.
In the final quarter the Outlaws came out and scored 15 points, while they held the Huskies to just five points in five and a half minutes, and made it a five-point game at 60-65. Later, Kale Gardner connected on a floater in the middle of the key which cut the Huskies lead to three points, 68-71, with 27 seconds left in the game, the closest the Outlaws had been since being down 7-9 in the opening quarter.
Sisters was forced to foul to try and stop the clock. The Huskies converted three of their four attempts at the line and posted the
six-point victory.
Scott was the top scorer and broke the school record with 39 points on the night. Kieren Labhart scored nine points and pulled down seven rebounds, and McDonnell followed with eight points and five rebounds. Bodie Schar scored five points and had five boards, and Gardner added four points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Coach Chad Rush said, “We knew this game was going to be a tough matchup for us. We were down two players due to injury and vacation, and several others were recovering from sickness. North Marion is a very good program that has done very well in the past and was playing well this season.
“Our defensive intensity and pride was missing for much of the first half, which dug us a big hole at the half,” Rush added. “I was very proud of the team for the way they took our halftime talk about not giving up, showing grit, and grinding back into
the game from the defensive end to heart, and were able to get back in the game. Despite the loss, this is the type of game that will prepare us for where we want to be as a team and what our goals are for this season. I’m excited to get back in the gym and prepare for our next set of games against more quality opponents during our Sisters Tournament.”
Just before the holiday break on Friday, December 20, and following a game on the road the previous night, the Outlaws defeated the Gervais Cougars on the road in a final score of 74-42.
The Cougars scored the first basket of the contest and that would be their only lead. Sisters took control and went on a 10-0 run. Gardner started the scoring with a driving layup, followed by a score from Labhart on an outof-bounds play. Scott scored Sisters next six points. Later, the Cougars closed the gap to two, but Gardner hit a threepointer from the top of the key to extend the Outlaws’
lead to 19-14 to close out the first quarter. Oliver Bernhardt scored the first four points of the second period, and Sisters went on to take a commanding lead. Sisters outscored the Cougars 16-3 in the first four minutes and was capped by a Labhart three-pointer that took the Outlaws to a 38-19 advantage. McDonnell scored six of the final eight points in the quarter and at the half Sisters was on top 44-24.
In the final period the Outlaws went on a 13-2 run that stretched their lead to 31 points, and included two long balls from Scott, and another from Bernhardt.
Scott scored 18 points, and had three steals and three assists. McDonnell scored 14 and had eight rebounds. Bernhardt also scored 14 points. Gardner tallied 13 points, five assists, and three steals, and Labhart added seven points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Rush said, “Back-to-back
I was very proud of the team for the way they took our halftime talk about not giving up...
—Coach Chad Rush
games are always difficult especially when the second game is on the road. I was proud of the way the team came out and took control of the game early and never looked back. Everyone played their role and contributed to the victory. I am looking forward to our games over the Christmas break as we play some very tough opponents that will give us a true sense of where we stand heading into league play.”
The Outlaws hosted their annual Sisters Tournament Thursday through Saturday, January 2-4.
apet, bond with a dr agon, and discover your signet! Costumes ar e highly encour aged, with prizes for the best dr essed. Games, trivia, and light snac ks
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 • 6:30PM
WILLIAM STAFFORD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION andPoetryOpenMic (Sign up at 6 p.m.)
Poet William Staf ford, who spent much of his life in Or egon, would have been 111 this month. His fir st major collection of poems w as published when he was 48, winning the National Book Aw ar d in 1963. He published mor e than 65 volumes We will celebr ate by sharing our favorite William Staf ford poems! Bring a poem or two to shar e – Staf ford’s or your own!
GROWTH:
Residents want no-growth option on UGB
Continued from page 1
and why the city may need to expand.
The City has produced extensive documents, slide show presentations and held public input sessions. This has served to catch the attention of citizens who are opposed to any increase in the UGB, and they are becoming more vocal (see Letters to the Editor).
The Nugget has made contact with more than a dozen such opponents. When asked to define what no growth looks like, the answers are somewhat vague. They are more apt to describe a nostalgic longing for the city as they knew it when they first arrived. Robin Holm who moved to Cloverdale in 1978 remembers when horses were ridden to town.
She, like others, are concerned about the increase in traffic if there is not a
moratorium on growth.
“Shut the darn door,” she said. “Progress? Why? Just for the sake of it?”
She says that if it weren’t for her age, she’d move to Joseph, or someplace like it, where growth she claims would be naturally limited by being the end point of a road.
She came from Alaska for “quaint and quiet” and wants it to remain that way. She “doesn’t want Sisters to go the way of Bend.”
Several, like Linda Wolff ( see letter, page 9 ), are not stating opposition per se but ask pointedly why the City doesn’t talk about a nogrowth option.
With few exceptions, those we interviewed believe this is driven by — as they say — “greedy developers.”
Also, without exception, those speaking out self-identify as “old,” living in Sisters Country at least 20 years, but not residing within the city limits. Many of the group came to escape urban sprawl.
They worry that urbanites moving to Sisters are
changing the town’s character.
Craig Eisenbeis owns property that one of the possible areas of annexation runs directly through his land.
“My principal observation is that this is not a legitimate attempt at ‘urban growth,’ because the area proposed is already fully developed and divided, and there is no possibility whatsoever of any ‘expansion’ in this area. It seems most likely to be a heavy-handed land grab at a larger tax base,” he wrote in an email to The Nugget
Eisenbeis, like many other area residents, has had lengthy exchanges with city planners who are spending an increasing amount of time explaining the requirements for UGB planning.
By self-admission, some readers tell us that despite their best effort they do not fully comprehend the ramifications. They do not want to appear as “knee jerk reactionaries,” but for the most part are concerned about growth.
The Nugget took Susan DeFazio’s question as to
“why can’t the city just lawyer up and fight” to City Manager Jordan Wheeler and Community Development Director, Scott Woodford (see DeFazio letter, December 25). They jointly responded: “We don’t know of any other town or city in Oregon that has been successful in challenging state law to stop growth and suspect it would be an uphill battle, especially given the acute affordability housing challenges Sisters and the State currently face and the heightened focus from the State to increase housing supply to address housing affordability.”
Scot Davidson left the Planning Commission on which he served in protest to the approval of Sunset Meadows subdivision. He speaks at length and with passion — a trait among all with whom we spoke.
“I have some up-close experience on how this assumption appears as a foregone conclusion, that expansion is the only answer,” he said. “While I understand that
state law mandates us to plan for growth and that additional housing is essential, I don’t believe that suburban sprawl is the best or only answer for Sisters.
“The city has diligently followed the prescribed process and reviewed opportunities for land use efficiency. By my observation, this is a process of going through the motions with the understanding that we will eventually land here. I saw little effort to push back on the state requirements or to explore more innovative ways to foster growth while enhancing the quality of life for current residents.”
Citizens have until Friday to participate in the Sisters UGB Expansion Online Open House found at https://survey.alchemer. com/s3/8118554/SistersUGB-Open-House. Or visit https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/ community-development/ page/urban-growth-boundary-amendment-faqs for frequently asked questions and updates.
Restoring Conklin House — a point of historical pride
By Susan Cobb Guest Columnist
In August of 2024, when a developer was requesting code changes to allow variances from current code for a plot of land in north Sisters, the Three Sisters Historical Society (TSHS) wrote and submitted a plea to preserve and protect the remnants of Sisters’ oldest homestead and what we now call the Conklin House. An excerpt from the ‘brief history’ which TSHS sent to the city with their plea:
“JJ Smith’s 1886 homestead went from Pine St. (east) to Locust St. and Cascade to ways north of Barclay. Alex Smith, who bought the property in 1898, together with his brother Robert, platted the town of Sisters in 1901, from Elm St. to Larch, and Cascade to Adams Ave. In 1904 Robert Smith sold a lot in the southeast corner of the original homestead, at Locust and Cascade, to the Sisters School District #9 where a two-room schoolhouse was built for $1,800.”
Additionally, in our Sisters 2005 Comprehensive Plan, “In 1888 the Camp Polk post office was moved to the village of Sisters and
given the name of its adopted town. This post office was located on the homestead of John Smith, who had filed homestead rights in 1886 and received title in 1891.”
The TSHS piece goes on to indicate that with the arrival of the 1911 Trunk railroad, John Dennis purchased the remains of the homestead and built the 1912 Hotel Sisters. Then Frank Shaw purchased the property to the east side of Locust St. and established the Sisters Fair from 1914 to 1917. The two-room school house on Dennis’ property was moved and enlarged to be on the west side of Locust, and also housed the exhibits during the Sisters Fairs. Time passed. The Hitchcock family owned the sawmill, and Ethel Hitchcock in 1949 bought the property north of the old school house, and eventually her son, Maurice Hitchcock, developed the airport. The Hitchcock and Dennis heirs sold the properties to Harold Barclay in 1953. The Conklins purchased the property in 1970, and created the guest house.
According to the TSHS the City of Sisters’ 2003 Survey of the buildings in town designated the
Conklin House as an historic structure. According to Oregon Law as of 1997 all historic and cultural designations were initiated at the request of the property owners through the comprehensive plan text amendments. Additionally, in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan updated in 2021, in Goal 3 — Maintain the Unique Community Character, the fourth bullet states, “Preserve history, historical sites, and avoid demolition
of older homes.”
Given this long history from an 1886 homestead to 2025 — 139 years, the many prominent Sisters families who developed that property, and the excellent current site of the Conklin House — how is it that we are going to ignore its previous historical designation, ignore its import through influential families to build up our town and community, ignore our planning commitments, and allow it to simply disappear?
Would it not be better as a City and collective community to buy the property from the current owners, restore the Conklin House to its former beauty with manmade pond and developed gardens, and establish it as an active historical museum and small park, gifted to the TSHS to maintain with continued funds sourced through applicable county and state programs? It would be a point of pride for our town, would it not?
The Conklin House site in Sisters.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Continued from page 2
of the associated problem, think about a plan to get back to an egalitarian approach, work to implement it, and then evaluate if the goal toward equality is progressing. I would like to hear any ideas of moving toward fairness and equality as it relates to free speech.
Vikki Hickmann
s s s
Lose our voice, lose our choice
To the Editor:
We are so lucky to live in this country. We need to make sure those representing us are speaking the truth. We need to insure our rights, and make sure the law is upheld on behalf of all of us, not just the wealthy.
Why have we let ourselves be fooled by someone who does not respect us, does not respect the rule of law? If we want to be entertained, we watch sports, a movie, our children, a joke… we don’t want to be watching someone make fools of us, speak ill of our country, and degrade those who can’t speak for themselves. The media shines a spotlight on a man who has been found liable for sexual abuse, guilty of fraud, and an attempted coup (January 6, 2021, false electors, claims of a stolen election), of outright lies, of money laundering, election fraud, and convicted 34 times in a court of law and who is now a convicted felon, a felon
But because some find him entertaining, they excuse his ugly rhetoric.
This man is to be the next President. Let that sink in for a minute. You can say these trials, held in a courtroom, with a judge, jury, proper representation by attorneys on both sides, do not mean this man is guilty, but you would not have a leg to stand on because he has been found guilty. Being rich, he can play with the truth, call the media corrupt, call the judges corrupt, call the jurists corrupt, call those who testified against him corrupt, call those who don’t agree with him corrupt — but when you look at the facts, with the truth staring right at you, reality sets in and you realize, this is who will be representing you.
This man who will be the President has shown us in the last few weeks how he will govern, and who he wants to lead the important governmental departments of this country. A lot of those he has chosen are billionaires who paid for these positions or have very sketchy backgrounds (like Gaetz), and some are just yes-men! All of us watching this should be saying to ourselves, why is he doing this? Is he using fear and outright lies to put us in our place?
Why is this man not in jail for the crimes he committed? The answer to that one is, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to give him immunity, to let him run amok and do
whatever illegal acts he wishes without any repercussions when he returns. Remember Watergate, “No man is above the law, including you, Mr. President.”? Remember?
This country was built and fought for by brave, honest, hard-working men and women and we should speak up against wrongdoing. If we don’t, we will only have ourselves to blame for letting our children, our environment, and our country down. Be the one to speak up, make a difference, and be responsible in keeping this country strong, both here and abroad. Our democracy depends on it and we can’t let wealthy oligarchs rule us. If we lose our voice, we lose our choice.
Diane L. Hodgson
s s s
Importance of The Nugget Newspaper
To the Editor:
Sisters and Sisters Country is lucky and blessed to have The Nugget Newspaper as a very important “glue” that helps make our community a community.
Just imagine, if you will, what Sisters would be like without The Nugget ? No local sports, City news, interesting articles, letters to the editor, and many other items of information and interest that’s nice to know and know about.
Where am I going with this commentary? Simple: I suggest that everyone in town that is able should make a supporting contribution to The Nugget every year. A check to The Nugget of $50-$120/year ($10/month) would go a long way to helping our local newspaper be financially healthy and a weekly part of our lives.
Please don’t take The Nugget for granted. They need our financial support and the new year is a good time to start.
Bruce Rognlien
Editor’s note: The Nugget appreciates the support of readers like Bruce Rognlien. All supporting contributions are earmarked to paying the freelance reporters, photographers, and columnists who provide the content that fills The Nugget each week. You can make a supporting contribution at www.nuggetnews.com (click “Supporting Contribution” button at top right); mail P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759; or call 541-549-9941.
s s s
Subject of complaints
To the Editor:
It is becoming increasingly more heartbreaking to read a newspaper or watch the daily newscasts on TV, all of which depict yet another act of violence, crime, and man’s See LETTERS on page 9
RECORDS: Players on both varsity squads excelled
Continued from page 1
shows with his scoring ability. I am excited to have been a part of Landen breaking this record. He has worked really hard over the years and I’m happy that he has this honor to add to his list of accomplishments.
“He’s 5 a fiery competitor that has put a lot of time in the gym to grow and improve as a basketball player,” added Rush. “He is oftentimes the last player to leave the gym after practice. Outside of scoring, I am very proud of the effort and dedication Landen is putting into the defensive end of the floor this year. He has accepted guarding the opponents primary scorer many times this year and has done a good job. This just goes to show his desire to be
successful at everything he does.”
Coach Paul Patton stated, “Audrey broke the school record against Gervais, which was an unusual situation as we were playing without several of our usual substitute players due to illness or family travel. So, Audrey ended up playing more than she normally would in such a lopsided game. When I saw that she had 26 points at halftime I thought we’d go ahead and push for the record in the third quarter.
“Audrey is a dynamic player who can score in a variety of ways,” added Patton. “She’s quick on the drive to the basket, can stop on a dime for the midrange jumper, and she can hit the three-pointer as well. She also works hard on the defensive end of the court and isn’t afraid to crash the boards for rebounds. She is a quiet leader who has the highest respect from her teammates.”
Library offers winter reading challenge
Make the most of winter’s long days by joining Deschutes Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge. The Winter Reading Challenge (January 1 –March 20) is an opportunity to explore new genres, read diverse authors, and participate in fun activities for the chance to win great prizes from the library.
Adults (ages 18+) can sign up online via Beanstack https://dpls.beanstack.com/ reader365 to complete challenges, such as reading a memoir, choosing a book with snow on the cover, or looking up an interesting fact from the New York Times, using your library card. Get a BINGO to win a free book, available at all library locations. Participants who complete the Winter Reading Challenge will be automatically entered into the grand prize drawing, which includes gift cards to local coffee shops and bookstores.
“It’s a great time to think about what you’re reading for the new year and dis cover a favorite genre,” says Community Librarian Paige Bentley-Flannery. “Whether you enjoy the artful storytell ing of a biography or relax ing with an audiobook, the Winter Reading Challenge has something for everyone. This is the third year we’ve hosted the Challenge and we appreciate all the ways it brings the community together. We enjoy partnering with local businesses to offer fabulous prizes to winners at the end of the challenge, and a free book to anyone that completes a BINGO.”
LETTERS
Continued from page 8
inhumanity to man. When I read Bill Bartlett’s Nugget article about “Wild turkeys subject of complaints” ( The Nugget, December 18), it served as a timely reminder of how extremely fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful community as Sisters.
Mr. Bartlett’s article definitely put into perspective just how blessed our community is, and should give pause to those who believe that our wild turkeys “are a menace and a safety issue.” Consider the “audacity” of having to slow down/stop so that a flock of these turkeys, or any other wildlife, are able to cross the road! We should be grateful that we can afford a vehicle to drive, shelter to drive to and from, and an area in which the majority of the population remains safe, rather than being faced with crime, violence, and Man’s inhumanity to Man.
Perhaps I should refrain from wearing rose-colored glasses, but I believe there are far worse scenarios occurring in our world to consider and deal with rather than complaining about some of God’s creatures, great and small. If anyone only has a complaint about our wildlife interfering with our driving speed, you are indeed blessed.
Janet Swarts
To the Editor:
s s s
No growth option
Two previous Nugget letters to the editor have questioned why the City of Sisters did not pursue or even consider a nogrowth option at the urban growth boundary open house.
I will be the third to ask the question, and I have heard many others, along with the idea of starting a petition requesting that a no-growth option be the focus.
I am very curious why there has not been a response to the question?
Linda B. Wolff
To the Editor:
s s s
Roundabout art
The stallion statue at the east entrance to the city of Sisters is iconic. It is also difficult to see given the new traf
roundabout? It would again welcome folks coming into town from the east with a symbol of Sisters past, present, and future!
The city would not have to spend a fortune on a new piece of artwork; it would just have to add some boulders or metal sagebrush artwork around the stallion. Please consider relocating this symbol of Sisters to the roundabout, where it would be again highly visible. Thank you!
Terry Hardin
To the Editor:
s s s
Thank you to Sisters
To the City of Sisters and surrounding areas — we would just like to thank you all, for your support and kindness over these last nearly 14 years of doing business in this great little town. First, we thank all our past and present employees. We could not have done this without you! All our terrific locals who kept us going year round! We could not have survived without you all!
We came from humble beginnings with a dream to open a bar & grill and to see what would happen. People told us we would not last six months! Had a sheriff come in soon after we opened to tell us he would be shutting us down through all the DUIs he would get coming out of the bar. To others telling us, “This building is cursed, every business has failed that’s ever been in here!” Quite the start to overcome! Then after a few years, they started saying, “You broke the curse!”
We have had a few DUIs, but never made the OLCC “watch” list, we are happy to say! Also, we never had one OLCC violation in all those years. Another proud achievement for us. Lottery was a game changer. We wanted to prove that we could operate without the lottery first, and we also did that, getting the lottery in about two years after we opened! So thank you all.
We had a 10-year plan to sell and retire somewhere warm. Well, we now have a home in sunny Arizona, and the sale took almost 14 years, but hey, we would not have done this without all of you! We made many lifelong friends too. Bonus! We are not saying goodbye, as we will see you all from time to time, as family still lives in Sisters. Steve will be back to help Marvin, the new owner, and show him the ropes for his first Rodeo and first summer concert.
Thank you all. Have a great new year!
Steve and Darcy Macey, Hardtails Bar & Grill
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.
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 dispatcher s 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 LIBRARY COMING EVENTS
Family Story Time
Interactive story time with books , songs , and rhymes for children ages 0-5 years ese stories and songs are designed to support early literacy skill development, social-emotional awareness , and f amily engagement. is 30 -minute program is on Wednesdays , January 8 , 15, 22, and 29, at 10:30 a .m. in the Community Room at Sisters Library. Go to https:// www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ kids/programs for more info.
e Basics of AI and ChatGPT
On Tuesday, January 14, f rom 11 a.m. to noon at Sisters Librar y Communit y Room, join this program, designed to provide the basics of AI literacy and f amiliarize you with the capabilitie s of ChatGPT. Learn how to use ChatGPT as a tool for enhancing your work, task automation, and project completion. By the end of the program, participants will have gained a solid understanding of AI principles and practical experience in using AI tools empowering them to integrate these skills into their academic or professional projects . is program is provided by Neesh.ai, a leading innovator in the AI industry, dedicated to enhancing human creativity and intelligence with advanced AI tools and solutions. Participants must bring their own laptops or other electronic devices for use. is program is recommended for ages 16+ Please be prepared to create a f ree ChatGPT account or make one prior to the program. More information at www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ calendar/.
A NNOUNCEMENT S
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, Januar y 9
Protecting Yourself from Scam Fire Station Community Hall
Saturday, Januar y 11
Sisters Garden Club Meeting
Sisters Community Church
Sisters
Garden Club Meeting
Sisters Garden Club invites the public to their monthly meeting on Saturday, January 11, at 10 a .m., w ith doors opening at 9:30. P resentation will be by A shley Joyce, owner and veg gie enthusiast at Bend Urban Gardens . She will present solutions to the most common challenges we face in growing food in our high deser t yards . e meeting is at Sisters Communit y Church , 130 0 W McKenzie Hwy. C all 971-246040 4 for more information
Monthly Songwriters’ Sharing Circle
Be in a creative community and be inspired while sharing songs , being a great listener, and providing feedback. Second Sunday of the month, 6 -8 p.m., in the Sisters Folk Festival “JA M Studio” upstairs (chairlif t available) in the Sisters Art Works building , 20 4 W. Adams Ave. Free. Info: 541-977-8494, jessaneene@msn.com
Hunter Education Class
Starts Februar y 11, 2025 . Register online at odf w.com . For info call Rick Cole 541-420 -6934.
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. Sale s supp or t the Garden Club and other lo cal nonprofits . Get your copy now ey make great gif ts Plea se call 971-24 6-040 4 to ask questions and find more information
Public Pickleball Courts
ere are pickleball courts available 7 days a week at the middle school tennis courts, for play when school is not in session. All of the tennis cour ts are permanently lined for pickleball. ere are three temporar y nets up against the fence that can be moved out onto the court and used, or bring your own nets . Please put the net back when you are done. Info: Karen at 503-871-4172.
Weekly Food Pantr y 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
Habitat rif t Store
Temporar y Closure
Sisters Habitat for Humanity will tempor arily close the rif t Store at 211 E . Cascade Ave. f rom Sunday, January 26 until Monday, Februar y 10, to make store improvement s. Storewide inventory-reduction sale is happening now. Donation intake will halt f rom Tuesday, Januar y 14 to Tuesday, Februar y 11. Sisters Habit at appreciates the community’s support and regrets the interruption to the public.
Sisters 4 -H Dog Group for Youth
Have fun and meet new friends while learning about care & training of dogs , including anatomy, parasites , feeding , di erent sports that dogs can do, and more. Sisters K9 Paws 4-H encourages youth to set goals and helps to develop selfconfidence and problem-solving
In August group members can show their dog at the Deschutes County Fair 4-H Dog Show. is group is open to children 9-18 years of age who weigh as much as their dog. Projects are available for Cloverbud children ages 5 to 8 . Register at Deschutes Count y Extension 4-H, 541-548-6088, ext. 2. For more information, cont act: Nanc y Hall 541-9044433, nancyhall4h@gmail.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
Announce Your Celebr ations!
Sisters community birth, engagement, wedding , anniversar y notices may run at no charge Email lisa@ nug getnews .com Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays
Living Well With Dementia Sisters Suppor t Groups
Living Well now o ers t wo support groups . A support group for the care partners and family of those diagnosed with some form of dementia meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month f rom 1-2:30 p.m. at Sisters Senior Living , 411 E Carpenter Ln. A support group for the person diagnosed with some form of dementia in the early stages meets the same days and times , also at e Lodge Info: 541-6 47-0 052.
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 541-797-4 023 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
Sisters French Club
For people interested in French culture and language, Sisters French Club meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at e Barn, 171 E . Main Ave. All levels are welcome. For more information, visit Facebook @SistersFrenchClub.
Sisters Careg iver Support
A f acilitated support group for caregivers of those with chronic or life-shor tening diseases meets 10 :30 to 11:30 a .m. on the third Wednesday of ever y month at Sisters Episcopal Church of e Transfiguration, 121 Brook s Camp Rd . For more information please call 503-616 -8712.
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 , 130 0 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.
PET OF TH E WEEK
Humane Societ y of Central Oregon 541-382-3537
MILO
Milo, a 2.5-year-old shepherd mix , is the per fect blend of gentle soul and playf ul spirit . He’s housetrained, crate trained, knows his commands , and—bonus he’s a fetch superstar! is sweet boy is looking for an adult-only home with a consistent routine and an adopter ready to invest in his happiness . Whether it’s a hike, a training session, or just hanging out after a good game of fetch, Milo’s loyalty and love will shine through 541-549-2275 • 541-549-8836
— SPONSORED BY —
SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES
Baha’i Faith
For information, devotions, study groups , etc., contac t Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings .org
Calvar y Church 484 W. Washington St. , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288 10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org
Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s 452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 5 41-977-5559; 10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting
e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 121 N Brook s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org
8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship
10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship
e Resting Place meeting at Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us 5 p.m. Sunday Worship
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 541-815-9848
11 a .m. S aturday Worship
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831 www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.com 10 a .m. Sunday Worship
Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har rington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960 www.sistersnaz .org • info@sistersnaz .org 10 a .m. Sunday Worship
Sisters Community Church (Nondenominational) 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com
7:30 a .m. Daybreak Ser vice • 9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship
St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391
5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 9 a .m. Sunday Mass 12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a .m. Tuesday-Friday Mass Wellhouse Churc h 442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
POLICY: Nonprofits , schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on 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
Lady Outlaws host annual Sisters Shootout
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Lady Outlaws hosted the annual Sisters Shootout Thursday through Saturday, January 2-4. Teams in attendance were: 3A Sisters, Banks, Valley Catholic and Taft, and 4A Madras, Junction City, Henley, and 5A Caldera.
Sisters started the tourney with a matchup against the Junction City (JC) Tigers on Thursday, and fell in a final score of 52-56. On Friday they suffered a hard 61-62 loss to Taft, but rebounded on Saturday with a big 64-47 victory over Madras.
On Thursday against JC, teams scored back-and-forth and the score was tied up five times in the first quarter. Maddie Durham hit a big three early in the period to give the Outlaws a 7-6 advantage. Audrey Corcoran led the scoring effort with 10 points and at the end of the quarter the Outlaws trailed by three, 16-19. JC had five different players contribute points, and was led by Elise Hartle who scored eight.
Sisters defense did a great job in the second quarter, holding the Tigers to just four points, while putting up 11 points of their own. At the half the Outlaws were up by four, 27-23.
The Outlaws were outscored 11-23 in the third period. Midway through the quarter the Tigers went on a 9-0 run and took a threepoint lead at 36-39. Durham hit a field goal, and then the Tigers closed out the period on a 7-0 run. At the end of three the Outlaws were down 38-46.
Sisters clawed their way back in the final period. The Outlaws went on an 8-0 run late in the game. Corcoran hit a three, then stole the ball and dished it off to Shae Wyland for a layup, Jorja Christianson hit a field goal, and the run ended with another layup from Wyland. Verbena Brent hit one of two free throw attempts with 51 seconds left on the clock and closed the gap to two at 52-54, but JC hit a field goal with 12 seconds left and won by four, 52-56.
Corcoran scored 24 points, Durham scored 11, Wyland contributed eight, and Christianson added five.
Coach Paul Patton said, “Audrey scored 17 points in the first half, but in the second half they committed to locking her down with their best defender and she was limited to just seven more points. We did have some other girls step up and score buckets for us, but we have to work on how to run some actions to free Audrey up when teams do that.
“They turned out to be just a little deeper than us,” added Patton. “But, I was still pleased that we played such a competitive game against a quality opponent. Junction City is a 4A school whose only losses this year have come against the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the state.”
On Friday, the Lady Outlaws suffered a heartbreaking one-point loss to Taft. The Tigers entered the tournament 8-1 and ranked No. 2 in the state at the 3A level.
The Outlaws struggled at the start of the contest as the Tigers came out with energy and a full-court press. Sisters committed eight turnovers in the period, and the Tigers capitalized and converted those turnovers into fastbreak buckets on every one. At the close of the first the Outlaws trailed 7-22.
Patton said, “Before the start of the second quarter we talked abut how there was a lot of basketball left to play and that if we could just take better care of the ball and keep them off the offensive boards that we could claw our way back into the game.”
The Outlaws came into the second period determined to turn the game around. They did just that and outscored the Tigers 24-11 to come to within two at 31-33. Wyland was the star of the quarter as she dominated in all facets of the game: scored five points, blocked four shots, rebounded on the offensive and defensive end, and dished out several assists.
In the third, the Outlaws scored nine, and the Tigers put up 10. Norah Thorsett hit a three-pointer with 10 seconds left in the period to close the gap to three, 40-43.
Taft came out and scored six straight points to start the final period, and a short time later the Outlaws found themselves down by eight, 44-52. Sisters had a hard time hitting their shots and the Tigers seemed to get all their shots to fall. Finally, at the five minute mark, Christianson hit a long ball to close the gap to two at 50-52. Sisters kept within two-tofour points of the Tigers. With just over two minutes left, Wyland hit both her free throws to make it a one-point game, 58-59. Corcoran followed with a three to give Sisters their first lead of the game at 61-59.
The Tigers evened the score 61-61 with a tough baseline jump shot with just over a minute left on the clock, were fouled and hit one of two free throws to retake the lead. With 17 seconds left on the clock the Outlaws got the ball out of bounds, but unfortunately
turned it over. Time ran out and Sisters took the loss.
Corcoran scored 19, Christianson had her best scoring game of the season with 15, Wyland tallied 13, and Brent recorded 10. Wyland led the rebounding effort with 13 and also had five blocked shots in the contest.
Senior Shae Wyland said, “I’m so proud of all the girls after being down by 17 at the end of the first quarter and feeling the energy shift in the second and come back to within three. I was proud of us for having fight in us to keep going after that hard first quarter. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we learned so much. Having to fight and then holding onto that fight the next three quarters. I think that will really help us in league.”
Patton said, “I was impressed with how our girls battled back after falling behind early in the game and how we did it so quickly. It was good for us to have a close game against a good team and it gives me hope that once we clean things up a bit that we’ll have a good chance at winning games like this in league play.”
Sisters wrapped up tournament play with a decisive 64-47 victory over Madras on Saturday.
Teams were evenly matched the first quarter of play, but Sisters 11 turnovers in the period was once again an issue which limited their scoring opportunities. At the close of the quarter the score was tied 13-13.
Play was fairly even in the second period as well. Both teams played scrappy defense and scoring didn’t come easy. Wyland scored four of the Outlaws’ nine points. Madras put up 10 points and at the half the Outlaws trailed by one, 22-23.
Patton said, “Our key focus in the second half was to cut down on the turnovers by remaining calm under pressure and finding the easier pass. We also wanted to be more disruptive with our defense and communicate better.”
The Outlaws did just that, and only had one turnover in the quarter. Corcoran put up 10 points in the quarter, Paityn Cotner scored six including a three from the top of the key, and Brent added four. At the close of the third the Outlaws had stretched their lead to 45-28.
Sisters continued to score in the final period. Durham hit a three and converted on four of her six free throws. The Outlaws bench came in and wrapped up the win.
Corcoran scored 26, Brent 12, Wyland 11, and Cotner nine. Wyland and Corcoran both had nine rebounds.
Patton said, “It was great to get a win in our third game of the tournament after two close losses. But, those losses against good teams prepared us to be successful against a good Madras team. Audrey had a good all-around game with her usual high scoring, but also being a more active rebounder and dishing out some nice assists. Paityn, who always gives us strong defense, had a breakout game offensively which was good to see. Verbena was tough on both ends of the court guarding their point guard. Shae deserves to be commended for playing three games in a row with a painfully sprained thumb on her dominant left hand.
“After a relatively easy preseason schedule I think this tournament with games against quality opponents did a great job of preparing us for some upcoming tough league contests,” added Patton. The Outlaws have two more non-league games before league play begins: a road trip to Douglas on Tuesday, January 7th, and then a home contest against Burns on Saturday, four days later.
FRIDAY • JANUARY 10
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SUNDAY • JANUARY 12
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.
MONDAY • JANUARY 13
Paulina Springs Books Poetr y Gathering "The Pause Button," an informal monthly gathering for poets and poetry enthusiasts Bring a poem or two to share. Listen, discuss, and write. Free 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
FRIDAY • JANUARY 17
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
THURSDAY • JANUARY 16 The Belfr y Live Music: Handmade Moments a duo of multi-instrumentalists with Jet Black Pearl opening, 7 to 10 p .m. Tickets and information: www.belfryevents.com.
cocktail. 7 to 10:35 p.m.
SATURDAY • JANUARY 18 The Belfr y Live Music: Shook Twins bring indie folk/pop; Glitterfox opens with an
Kenneth M. Scott of Leaburg, passed away quickly from cardiac arrest on Friday December 20, 2024, at his home. He was born in Griffin, Georgia, the son of the late Thomas Leroy Scott, Sr. and Bessie Mae on April 19, 1943. He had one brother, the late Tommy Scott, Jr. Ken, enlisted in the Navy at the age of 15. He then enlisted in the Coast Guard at age 17 and was stationed in Florida, New York, and Greece. In 1963, he was stationed in Southern California where he lived until 1970. It was here that he was married to Doris C. and had his firstborn K.C. Scott in 1965. Shortly after devoting his life to Jesus and finding a calling to pursue metal art forms, in 1970 Ken moved north with K.C.
In early 1971, Ken relocated to Eugene, Oregon, where he met and married Marji Grenz in 1973. Ken and Marji shared a love of art and enjoyed creating one
of a kind works together. Ken and Marji had two daughters, Willow and Brianna, and resided on the McKenzie River until they divorced in 1999.
Ken was a pioneer in his field and brought a diverse range of inspiring metal creations to an appreciative market throughout his career. He fashioned works of bronze statuary, scenic wall sculpture, garden art, steel creatures, gazebos, fire pots, architectural adornment, forged chandeliers, lighting and more. He opened four galleries in and around Lane County as well as Sisters,. They were: The River Run Gallery, Thru The Roof, Ken Scott Sculptures, and The Imagination Gallery. His sculptures were also carried in countless other galleries, installed at the state capital, the Sea Lion caves, used in parades and school plays, on college campuses, and displayed in many homes and businesses.
Ken left an impression
Connie Rickards (Hartford)
March 22, 1959 – December 30, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Connie Rickards (Hartford) on Monday December 30. Connie was born in Dallas Oregon, on March 22, 1959, and moved to Central Oregon and spent the rest of her life in Sisters and surrounding areas.
She was a proud grandmother, a sister, and a beloved mother to Aaron Hartford and Andy Hartford. Connie was the most selfless, caring, and loving woman to everyone
that she met. Some of her favorite memories was when she would watch all of her granddaughters when they were little, as well as being able to watch them grow up. Connie was a lover of music, summertime, and most importantly spending time with her family.
Connie will be dearly missed and survived by her son Aaron, her brother Bob, as well as her 6 grandkids Kaylyn Scott, Alex Hartford, Skyelar Hartford, Sara Hartford, Emily
wherever he went and will be remembered fondly for his creative energy, originality, over the top, funloving and generous ways. His legacy of creativity and love will be cherished by many.
“Gratitude makes room for more.” — Ken Scott
Ken Scott is survived by his children: K.C. Scott; Willow Travis and Brianna Schulze. Ken is also survived by his halfsister Linda Yucca. Ken’s grandchildren are Amanda Hazelton, Kyler Scott, Emerson Travis, A’Marie Travis, Nai’a Travis, Tuck Shulze, JoEvva (JoJo) Schulze, and great grand children Melody Hazelton and Isaiah Hazelton.
Hartford, and Andrew Hartford.
As Connie would say “Akuna Matata” — means no worries for the rest of your days.
Obituaries Policy: The Nugget Newspaper does not charge a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries may be up to 400 words and include one photo. Obituary submissions must be received by 10 a.m. on Monday to editor@nuggetnews.com or hand delivered to 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters.
Christopher Douglas Carlson
December 25, 1956 – December 22, 2024
Chris passed peacefully into his heavenly home three days before Christmas (also his birthday). For two tough years, he put up a gallant fight against a relentless case of FTD (frontaltemporal dementia), yet maintaining his sweet spirit and cheerful smile until the end. His final days were spent in the comfort of his home surrounded by loving family and friends.
Chris will be missed by many. Those who knew him can attest to his kind heart, genuine smile, and keen sense of humor. He couldn’t let a veteran, sporting a vet’s cap, pass without graciously thanking him for his service, engaging in conversation. Some called Chris a ‘gentle giant,’ but he was also a guy’s guy who thoroughly enjoyed the great outdoors. He loved hiking, hunting, cowboy hats, old pickup trucks…and his wife of more than 46 years.
Chris also loved helping people. Whether volunteering on the rodeo grounds, getting a houseless hitchhiker a new pair of boots, assisting a neighbor with a snow-filled driveway, fixing a stranger’s flat tire,
delivering firewood… Chris was always eager to lend a hand. He gave us a great example of a true servant’s heart.
Chris was also an amazing builder and remodeler and always insisted on leaving everything better than he found it. Even a campground space! In fact, that is exactly how he left this life — better than he found it!
Chris will be missed greatly by his wife, Melody Carlson; sons, Gabe and Luke Carlson; as well as relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Melody expresses her gratitude to the amazing community support and encouragement during Chris’ final year. She’s also grateful to Partners in Care for their hospice care.
A memorial service will be scheduled at Sisters Community Church in the upcoming year.
Kenneth M. Scott
April 19, 1943 – December 20, 2024
FEEDING: Greasy feathers are dangerous for bids
Continued from page 1
warm air, keeping birds cozy.
In summer, feathers protect against heat.
Here’s the catch: When fats or oils get on feathers, they gum up those delicate barbs, creating gaps that let water and cold air reach a bird’s skin. Clean feathers are crucial for survival — nature’s version of an allweather survival suit.
Imagine a bird landing on a shortening-covered pinecone or an exposed suet cake. As it hops around feeding, its feet or feathers pick up small amounts of fat. Later, while preening (with feet or bill), the bird spreads the grease onto its plumage. Sadly, birds can’t fix it — bird saliva can’t remove oils any more than we can wash oil off our hands without soap.
For birds, greasy feathers are a deadly liability. Compromised birds may spend days desperately trying to fix their feathers, taking time away from feeding and becoming weaker by the day. Many succumb to starvation or hypothermia, hidden from sight as they struggle.
Feed Safely, Feed Smart
First, choose the proper feeders. Avoid exposed suet balls, fat-slathered pinecones, or fats spread on trees. These allow direct contact with greasy substances. Instead, opt for cage-style suet feeders that prevent birds from standing on the food. Squirrel-proof feeders are especially effective.
Next, pick the right location. Place feeders in the shade to keep fats from melting, and avoid feeding birds in forested areas with more nutritious options.
Selecting the proper fats is also crucial. True suet, the hard fat from a cow’s loin, is ideal because it stays dry and crumbly, even in warmer conditions. Pure peanut butter is another safe option if you pour off the oil. Avoid soft fats like vegetable oils, bacon grease, or fatty meat trimmings—they spread easily and can harm feathers.
Additionally, clean feeders regularly with hot, soapy water to prevent grease buildup, and replace suet weekly during winter. Birds also benefit from breaks in suet feeding, encouraging them to seek more nutritious natural foods. Finally, avoid feeding suet in spring and summer. During these seasons, birds need high-protein diets to raise their young, and suet doesn’t match the nutritional value of insects or seeds.
Better Alternatives for Birds
Sunflower seeds, which are nearly 50 percent fat and 22 percent protein, provide excellent nutrition without the risks of greasy feathers. Gelatin-based wreaths with de-hulled sunflower seeds are another bird-safe option and make a fun craft project. These small steps will support your feathered friends safely, making you an ally in their survival. Birdfriendly recipes are available at www.nativebirdcare.org.
Elise Wolf directs Native Bird Care Avian Rescue in Sisters.
FOCUS on Health
Having a healthy, active lifestyle is just the tip of the iceberg.
Besides our individual physical health, overall wellbeing depends on other aspects of life as well like mental, oral, ocular, environmental, educational, financial, family, and pet health
A woodpecker getting fat on feet and belly — which can be dangerous for birds.
PHOTO BY STEVE BYLAND, DEPOSIT PHOTO A goldfinch on wreath with bird-safe gelatin and sunflower seeds.
PHOTO BY ELISE WOLF
Outlaws Alpine ski team boasts big squad this winter
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws Alpine Ski Team is growing, boasting 32 racers and three provisional seventh and eighth grade racers who are set to hit the slopes this season. The 35 racers are ready to showcase their skills in both slalom and giant slalom events. The events will challenge the athletes to navigate courses marked by gates, combining technical precision with speed as they race down the mountain.
Sisters racers enter the season with depth and experience and will be led by 11 seniors. Ten of these seniors, Emerson Backus, John Berg, Ella Eby, Tallis Grummer, Kiara Martin, Cooper Merrill, Ava Riehle, Lauren Sitz, Spencer Tisdel, and Jack Turpen have all dedicated four years to the program. The Outlaws’ other senior, Lily Holtsberg, joins them this year.
“These seniors form the backbone of the team and they bring not only refined racing skills but also a deep understanding of the sport’s mental challenges and team dynamics,” said Coach Natalie Grummer. “Their experience spans countless training sessions, league races, and state championships. As they enter their final season they are poised to set a high standard of excellence and mentorship that will influence the program for years to come.”
Also back for another year are: juniors Payten Adelt, Joseph Derksen, Brooke Duey, Styopa Myagkov, and sophomores Spencer Davis, Abi Duda, Pia Grummer, and Ben Hayner.
Grummer told The Nugget that these juniors and sophomores are a solid group that bring the team’s core strength and have already proven themselves on the race course. They all have developed strong technical skills and many have qualified for state championships in previous seasons.
New to the team include freshmen Carter Anderson, Casey Bennett, Michael Clayton, River Dalton, Simon Farmer, Grace Hudson, Jasper Jensen, Khloe Kohl, Mac Maloney, Felix Montanez, Mary Roberts, Nona Smith, and Georgia West. All are new to racing, but Grummer noted that their natural athleticism and enthusiasm for skiing have already shown promise during the early training sessions. The addition of these skiers will strengthen the team’s depth and ensure a bright future for the Sisters racing program.
The three middle
schoolers who are joining the team as provisional racers are eighth graders Laef Doyle and Cormac Lichvarcik, and seventh grader Sydney Welbourn. These young racers will get to compete against other middle schoolers in the league, and will carry forward the strong traditions of Sisters High School ski racing in the years to come.
“High school ski racing offers something truly special,” Grummer said. “Our program is designed to develop not just racers, but well-rounded skiers who love the sport. We encourage our athletes to explore all aspects of skiing - whether that’s ripping through gates, charging through powder, or tackling challenging terrain. This comprehensive approach means our athletes aren’t just getting better at racing, they’re becoming exceptional all-mountain skiers who will enjoy this sport for life.”
This season the team will compete in six Emerald Ski League races, where individuals will be able to score points for themselves and their team, with the goal to improve each week, and ultimately qualify for the Oregon State Championships.
Last season both Spencer Tisdel and Tallis Grummer qualified from the Emerald League for the prestigious Western States High School States Championships held at Mammoth Mountain, California, where they proudly represented Team Oregon.
With the larger and growing team, the Outlaws Alpine Ski Team is now the biggest winter sport. They are also in a building year with the coaching staff. Coach Gabe Chladek will be taking a supporting role after serving as head coach for eight seasons, while Coach Natalie Grummer will be taking the lead as the season progresses. The collaborative team of coaches include Ann Brewer, Rima Givot, Darcy Davis, and Matthew Grummer, who each bring their unique coaching skills and background to the team’s leadership, both on the mountain and at the weekly dry land conditioning practices.
Grummer said, “It takes a good deal of knowledge and skill to coach, train, and put on races for not only the Sisters teams, but in collaboration across the 15 schools and the nearly 100 high school racers in our league. Our program’s strength lies
in its community and support from our mountain resorts. With each race requiring over 30 adult volunteers, our families’ dedication goes above and beyond other school sports, from driving racers to the mountain, being on the hill putting on our races, hosting team dinners, and fostering team spirit, their effort is invaluable to our success.
“The team’s partnership with Hoodoo Ski Area continues to be crucial to the team’s success,”Grummer added. “As the Outlaw’s home mountain, Hoodoo provides dedicated training and racing space, which is a vital resource for the program’s growth and development. While many mountains have restricted ski racing, Hoodoo has ensured the Sisters team has the ability to thrive and grow. Unlike other school sports which can take place on school grounds, we are dependent on the great relationship with Hoodoo to support us with dedicated hill space to train and race. We are very proud to be their home team. This season’s early mountain opening has already allowed the team extended pre-season
The team’s partnership with Hoodoo Ski Area continues to be crucial to the team’s success... — Coach Natalie Grummer
training time.”
The Outlaws season was scheduled to kick off January 5 at the Kelsey’s Memorial Race at Mt. Hood Meadows. This year marks the seventh annual Kelsey’s Race and they are expecting upwards of 500 racers to participate in the state-wide opener where all the Oregon Leagues come together for a non-scored race. They don costumes and win fun prizes, including new skis, and they share homemade cookies on the slopes.
Beginning January 15, the Outlaws will compete in their first of six Emerald League races across Hoodoo and Willamette Pass, and will conclude their season at the OISRA State Championship Race at Mt. Ashland Ski Resort in early March.
VOLUNTEERS: Program mentors students for post-graduation
This year ASPIRE has a new College and Career Specialist, Dana Charpentier (“Coach C” to students). Charpentier has worked at Sisters High School for three years, student-teaching and fulfilling roles as a physical fitness/track coach. She moved from San Diego to Sisters with her three children because she “wanted to be involved in an amazing school.”
However, a recent YouthTruth Survey taken by Sisters High School students pointed out the lack of preparation they felt for life beyond high school.
“We really want to normalize talking about the future. The earlier you do it the better, it’s not scary, it’s just a normal conversation,” said Charpentier.
To improve this gap the ASPIRE Program is pushing for as many volunteers as possible to pair with students for the new year. Being an ASPIRE mentor is a great opportunity to create a connection with younger generations and help guide local high school students who may feel lost or indecisive when it comes to their future.
Mentors don’t need to have college education, nor do they need to invest tremendous amounts of their time into their mentorship role. They do, however, need to have a drive to support students and guide them as needed.
All mentor training happens when you sign up, so there’s no prerequisite knowledge needed. Anybody can be a mentor and any SHS student can participate in the ASPIRE Program.
“This isn’t about pressure, just support. We want all junior and senior parents to know all students are encouraged to be a part of the ASPIRE program,” says SistersGRO Executive Director Regan Roberts. “ASPIRE is for everyone, no matter financial or social factors. It’s not a pie, everyone can get a slice.”
ASPIRE works closely with SistersGRO, a local scholarship program at Sisters High School, and this year they’ve introduced Carol Zosel as the newest member of the GRO board. SistersGRO scholarships open late January for students, but applications for ASPIRE mentorship are welcome at any time.
Those interested may contact Charpentier at dana. charpentier@ssd6.org. For further information, contact Sisters High School at 541-549-4045.
Nordic team heads down the trail
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
In its first outing of the Nordic ski season the Outlaws’ team competed at Meissner Sno-Park last month in what coach Jeff Hussman described as a great start to the season.
Two first-time racers for the girls’ team Ava Riehle and Ella Eby held their own on the 5K classic style course.
Riehle (21:22) and Eby (25:02) placed 29th and 44th respectively among 54 finishers.
“These two showed a lot of heart in their very first races and they are only going to get better,” said Hussman.
Freyja Leitheiser of Bend High won the race in a zippy 14 minutes 39 seconds.
Summit took the team trophy among six teams represented.
Spencer Tisdel was the top finisher for the boys in 16 minutes 14 seconds earning
him 18th place among 67 racers.
Ben Hayner clocked 17 minutes 40 seconds for 25th place and his debut.
Finnegan Clark came across the line in 21:38 for 53rd place, rounding out the finishers for Sisters.
“It was a good start for the boys,” said Hussman. “They came into the season in pretty good condition from cross-country running and will only get better with their ski technique as we get more time on the snow.”
Will Mowry of Bend High cruised to victory in 12 minutes 59 seconds.
Summit won the team title among the eight teams represented from both the Northern and Southern leagues.
50th Annivers ary Kick-Off Par
Ben Hayner races down the trail in Outlaws Nordic action.
PHOTO BY JEREMY ROCKWELL
Outlaws have mixed results in Sisters Shootout
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws hosted their annual Sisters Shootout Thursday through Saturday, January 2-4. Teams in attendance were: 3A Warrenton, Valley Catholic, Banks, Taft, and Sisters and 4A Junction City, Madras, and Henley.
Sisters won one of their three games played. They suffered a close 51-54 loss to Banks on Thursday, came back on Friday and defeated Warrenton in an exciting 50-48 finish, and wrapped up play on Saturday with a disappointing 49-60 loss to Madras.
On Thursday Sisters matched up against Banks and trailed the entire contest.
The Outlaws were slowed down at the start of the contest by the Braves’ tough 2-3 zone, and only put up two points in the first five minutes of play. The Braves jumped out to a nine point advantage, 2-11, and took control of the game. Landen Scott scored all seven of the Outlaws’ points and at the close of the quarter the Outlaws trailed 7-15.
In the second period, the Outlaws had a 6-3, and an 8-2 run, which closed the gap to six at the half. Will McDonnell and Oliver Bernhardt each hit long balls from behind the arc, Bernhardt’s coming with just three seconds left in the quarter. McDonnell put up five of the Outlaws’ 16 second quarter points and at the half Sisters was down 23-29.
Scott scored the first points of the third period on a full court transition layup and cut the Braves lead to four. Banks maintained the lead, and late in the quarter went on an 8-4 run to go up by 10 at the end of the period. Once again, Scott scored all of the Outlaws 13 third quarter points.
The Outlaws’ deficit grew to 12 points early in the final period, but then they mounted a 7-0 run and cut the Braves’ lead to three. McDonnell hit a three-pointer, Bernhardt scored on a transition layup and Scott scored a twopointer at the rim.
Banks hit a couple of free throws and pushed their lead back to five. Kale Gardner answered with a three pointer from the corner with 1:29 left on the clock and cut the lead to two at 51-53, the closest the Outlaws had been since the opening basket.
Unfortunately, the Outlaws were forced to foul and the Braves hit one of their two free-throws to give them the final three-point victory.
Scott finished with 27 points, four rebounds, and
three assists. McDonnell scored eight points, pulled down four boards, and had four assists. Kieren Labhart tallied six points, and Gardner and Bernhardt each added five points. Gardner also had three assists and Bernhardt had six rebounds.
Coach Chad Rush said, “This was another frustrating game for the Outlaws against a team they felt they had a chance to win against. The match-up 2-3 zone gave us problems most of the game and it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that we finally started to figure out how to effectively score against the zone.
“I am once again proud of the team for not giving in when the odds were against us, but instead battled and fought to the very end, giving themselves an opportunity at the final horn,” added Rush.
On Friday the Outlaws played a great game in their two-point win over Warrenton.
Rush told The Nugget that the Outlaws were determined to bounce back from their tough loss against Banks the previous night. The Outlaws came up against another zone defense, and knew they had to be disciplined in their offensive approach, unlike the night before.
Sisters scored the first three points of the game when Labhart scored a layup at the rim and connected on one of two free throws. Neither team was able to put many points on the scoreboard in the first period as both defenses had control. Midway through, Bernhardt connected on a three pointer up top with two minutes left in the quarter, and Labhart closed out the scoring with a short shot under the basket to give the Outlaws a 9-6 advantage.
Scott got the scoring going in the second quarter with a mid-range floater that just beat the shot clock buzzer. With the score tied at 16-16, the Outlaws went on a 6-0 run and increased their lead to six. Bernhardt scored on a transition layup, and hit a three-pointer in the run. With 25 seconds left in the half, the game was tied 22-22. McDonnell was fouled on a three-point attempt at the buzzer and connected on two of three free throws to give the Outlaws the 24-22 lead at the break.
The Outlaws got a defensive stop to start the third period, and Gardner converted a transition layup at the other end. The score stayed close throughout the quarter, and with two minutes left McDonnell connected on a long ball, with an assist from Levi Szesze to put the Outlaws on top 33-32. Unfortunately, that was the last Outlaws’ score,
and the Warriors scored four straight points and closed out the quarter wtih a three point lead at 33-36.
Sisters went down by five early in the final period, but then surged back and went on a 12-2 run to go up by five and take control of the game. Garrett Sager, Scott, Szesze, Bernhardt, and McDonnell all scored points for the Outlaws in that run. The Warriors cut the Outlaws lead back to three, and then Labhart scored Sisters final field goal to put them back up by five with just under a minute left to play.
At the 16-second mark, the Outlaws were only up by one. Labhart connected on one of his two free throws and made it a 50-48 game. The Warriors had one final chance to tie to take the lead with four seconds left, but McDonnell blocked the offensive player’s shot attempt, gathered the rebound, and outlet the ball to Gardner to secure the victory.
Bernhardt led the scoring effort with 12 points, followed by Labhart who scored nine. Scott, Gardner, and McDonnell put up eight points each. Gardner also had seven rebounds and four assists, and Scott recorded five rebounds. Szesze pitched in with three points and four assists and Sager finished with two points and six rebounds.
Gardner said, “Our team battled through adversity and pushed together towards the end of the game and won it on defense. Overall as a team we played together and that reflected in our success.”
“This was a gritty win against a very aggressive and physical Warrior team,” said Rush. “I was proud of how the team responded tonight after a disappointing loss the night before. Tonight our focus was to play from in front instead of finding ourselves having to play from behind and for the most part, we were able to do that, especially early in the game. To make a defensive stop on the final play of the game was great to see.”
Sisters wrapped up their tournament play on Saturday with a disappointing loss against the Madras White
Buffaloes.
Sisters came into the game with their 2-3 defense in an attempt to try and stop the interior play of the White Buffaloes. Rush told The Nugget that this strategy worked in the early part of the first period as Sisters forced long jump shots that were missed and gathered up by the Outlaws. Late in the quarter Madras did connect on three longs balls on three consecutive possessions to go on a 9-0 run. The White Buffs quickly went from being down by four to being up by three points at the close of the period.
The Outlaws kept fighting in the final period. Labhart and Scott hit back-toback layups and cut the lead to nine just 40 seconds into the quarter. Unfortunately, that nine-point margin would be as close as the Outlaws would get. The White Buffs hit timely shots and free throws and kept a safe lead. Time expired and the Outlaws took the loss.
The Outlaws scored the first five points of the second quarter, which included a three from Bernhardt from the baseline, and a layup from McDonnell. Unfortunately, the Outlaws were held scoreless for three minutes and their momentum from the fast start quickly faded. With just over two minutes left, Labhart scored a lay-up that cut the White Buffs lead to two, 25-27. Sisters outscored the Buffs 13-12 in the quarter and at the half were down by three, 28-31.
Sisters struggled at the start of the third and were outscored 2-10 in the first four minutes of the period. With just over a minute left in the quarter Scott stole the ball, took it to the rim for a lay-up, and was fouled. He converted the free throw to get the Outlaws within 10 at 31-41. Sisters scoring slump only gave them five points in the period, while the Buffs put up 15. At the close of the third the Outlaws trailed 33-45.
Scott finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, and Gardner and Labhart each scored 10. Bernhardt contributed nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Rush said, “We knew this was going to be a tough game against a very good Madras team with their size and athleticism. For not playing a lot of zone defense prior to this game, I thought the team did a good job of executing that part of the game plan. We struggled offensively against the physicality and toughness of Madras. This will only serve to help us learn how to get better at this as we head into conference play and face a similar style of defenses in several of our conference foes. With just two more non-league games left on the schedule, we will look to regroup from a tough and challenging three-day stretch and clean up some areas to get ourselves ready for conference play.”
The Outlaws will travel to Douglas on Tuesday, January 7, and on Saturday, four days later, they will host the Burns Highlanders.
alive. They were alive in every sense. They were free and unafraid to grapple with the challenge, using every skill they had. Joy was at the center of the work and a reward met them at the end.
Little Ernie was out of his mind, and he danced and danced with pure joy.
drugs or things that are injurious to others here.)
I’ve been crafting and painting my entire life. I’ve done everything from wood carving to airbrushing. I’ve also been amazed at the number of intelligent people who have said to me, “aren’t you afraid to try that?”.
promise is that we can have much more than that.
We made special Christmas boxes for the Scotties to open on Christmas morning. Each box was wrapped in holiday paper and filled with some of the dogs’ favorite treats.
It took them more than 20 minutes to reach the treats. Scotties are tenacious and never give up. For nearly half an hour the pack was fully alive. They pushed, pulled, bit, dug, tore, jumped on, and danced around their prey. We laughed at their antics more than we ever had before. It was the best morning we had witnessed in more than 40 years of Scottie Christmas games.
The thrill of the work made all three Scotties truly
Jesus said that he had come that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly. What we watched was an excellent example of being alive at the highest level. This is life at its best for a Scottie, and we can have a full life when we are open to all the good that life has to offer.
The Bible tells us that life is the greatest blessing we can receive from God on this earth. “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.
Jesus told us that those who followed him would have the light of life. What is this life we are being told about?
When we are truly alive we are filled with God’s peace and joy. We are truly alive when we are unafraid. Fear is the great dampening cloud that causes us to limit our verve and pursuit of new and glorious experiences. (I’m not talking about doing
Why be afraid? What is the worst thing that can happen? If the project doesn’t work out, it can be tossed out and started again, and this is true of most new things you may want to try, even new challenges at work.
What holds us back so much and how can faith in God change that?
Simply put, TRUST in God, true deep faith that our Creator is with us, and will help us when we need help, sets us free of fear. Knowing that death on this earth is only a transition to another world, dimension, or something else, means that we are free from limitation. This is not an endorsement for stepping in front of a car to see if we can stop it. This is support for trying new things, exploring new ideas, taking new challenges, and making the most of life’s waiting opportunities.
We have all experienced some times of joy and freedom from fear, but the
This column would suggest that if your life is not filled with joy, and if you find yourself living with a lot of fear—fear of failure, fear that your world is going to end, fear that you will never be successful, for example— begin your new quest with a deep dive into the spiritual teachings of the Man from Nazareth.
Why did so many people follow Jesus? Because he taught them how to vanquish fear. When Jesus was alive, the world was ruled by the Romans. If you were not a Roman citizen, it was a tough life. People needed and wanted to lift the veil of fear, and Jesus gave them a way to do that.
It begins with love. Once your heart is filled with love, the love of God, the love of all people—not just your friends and those you agree with—and the love of the beauty of God’s earth, you begin to see everything in a new way. As your love of God grows, your trust in the goodness of all God’s creation grows, and your fear begins to melt away.
When you are sending good vibrations out, good vibrations come back to you. People you never knew before
It’s a new year, dive into life and do something that you have never done before.
become your friends and help you discover the beauty in life. Life gets better each day, and you begin to find more and more joy. You blossom and begin to be truly alive.
On Christmas morning the Scotties discovered a new game. They spent the rest of the day trying to get me to give them more boxes. That made me look for more opportunities to offer them games where they had to work for their treat. We now have bags with treats inside that they can rip apart. They love new challenges.
We need challenges. We all want to be alive. Faith is a great beginning. It’s a new year, dive into life and do something that you have never done before. What have you got to lose?
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. — Isaiah 41:10
Program teaches rural living skills
By Sue Stafford Correspondent
Have you ever wanted to learn to make your own soap? Or how to drive a tractor? How about harnessing the sun by making a solar system for your trailer or RV?
These and a multitude of other classes are offered by the School of Ranch (SoR), the brainchild of Mark Gross who came from the tech sector in California to Redmond in July 2020, moving to Terrebonne two years ago where he enjoys a “national park view” and welcome silence. When needing to learn skills such as cutting down a tree, Gross recruited Kaleb Watson through Craigslist, as a “man of the land” to help him. After the tree was handled, together they developed the School of Ranch, with the mission of teaching subjects on rural living in Central Oregon. Watson has since moved to Arizona and has a branch of SoR there.
SoR aims to bring people together around common interests, including potlucks and time to share stories, thus creating new relationships. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that pays for itself through class fees, grants, fundraising, and donations. Classes are taught by Central Oregon citizens skilled in a variety of subjects. In 2024, SoR workshops were attended by 1,791 people, an 80 percent increase over 2023.
According to Gross, high school students serve as paid interns who are responsible for SoR marketing materials, publishing, and registration. Tasks are posted to an internal online board, and they take the ones they want, working when and where they want. They train each other, check each other’s work, and write the SoR
operations manuals. They have real responsibility, real accountability, and earn $20 an hour. For every 60 hours they work, they earn one-half elective credit toward their high school diploma.
A sampling of workshops coming up this winter includes a beginner-friendly workshop in Sisters to help participants learn the essentials of woodcarving, traditional soap making in Redmond, transforming seasonal local fresh foods into delicious, nutritious dishes, and raising chickens.
SoR also offers a large selection of on demand workshops. When five people preregister for a specific workshop, it will be added to the schedule with a determined meeting time. Examples include intro to safe and skilled tractor driving, practical carpentry for ranch and farm, motor maintenance and repair for women, handyman basics, and goat cheesemaking. Workshops are held throughout Sisters, Redmond, Bend, and Tumalo.
One of the SoR members suggested their horse program include a horse-focused book and video club, to meet monthly starting in January. The club is free to join, but registration is required.
On January 24, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Redmond, Equine Game Night – Trivia will provide an evening of fun, a community potluck, and friendly competition with cash prizes, all while supporting SoR programs. Registration is required.
A newer program being offered is SoR Extend, which matches skilled senior mentor volunteers with people who will help with chores while learning skills from the mentor. Retired nurse Carol Fox raises goats for fun. She wanted a volunteer interested in learning goat husbandry in exchange for help. SoR Extend matched her with Melissa Dugan, a hobby farmer interested in goats and willing to help in exchange for learning.
According to their website, SoR Extend’s purpose is to extend the time our seniors can do what they love, where they love. They enable people to extend a helping hand. They extend the tradition that Central Oregon is a community rooted to its land and its people.
For more information about School of Ranch, and
School of Ranch creates whimsical graphics for its program encouraging learning of rural living skills.
to register for any events and workshops, go to their website at https://schoolof ranch.org and choose from
the drop-down menu. Annual memberships are available for $100, entitling members to reduced workshop fees.
Author offers poems from heart of a cowgirl
Author Barbara Knight will celebrate her 85th birthday January 15 with the Big Dog Saloon at Crooked River Ranch.
Knight just recently received her first order of her eighth published book, “Poems From The Heart Of A Cowgirl.”
Her first book, “The Rescue with Penny the Mustang Pony” was copyrighted and published in 2004, followed by six more “Penny the Mustang Pony” books. “The Cowboys,” “The Storm,” “The Lost Boy,” “The Stampede,” “The Forest Fire,” and then in 2011, “The Day the Indians Came,” completed her seven book series, illustrated by a dear friend and artist, the late
WOOD: All levels of experience are welcome
Continued from page 3
to learn from each other’s songwriting process. There will be time for writing, time for offering and receiving feedback, and weekly writing prompts to take home. Students will consider how to use melody, form, dynamics, variation, and tension to deliver a story or emotion with maximum impact. All levels of songwriting experience are welcome; class is limited to 12 participants and will fill.
Dale “Wink” Burgess.
After 12 years of marketing and selling the Penny the Mustang Pony books she compiled 22 poems written over the previous 20 years, and with illustrations by local artist Cari Papen and through Page Publishing of Conneaut, Pennsylvania, she published “Poems From The Heart Of A Cowgirl.”
Knight’s newest book can be ordered online through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. The “Penny the Mustang Pony” books can be ordered directly at bar2knight@gmail.com. She will be participating in vendor events in Sisters and surrounding Central Oregon communities throughout the summer.
Suggested tuition for the course is $180 per person for all six sessions. SFF Presents will offer a paywhat-you-can pricing model to interested participants for a minimum tuition of $60 per person. Full scholarships are available on a case-bycase basis; contact info@sffpresents.org to request one. Classes will take place in the JAM Studio at Sisters Art Works. For more information, visit https://www.sffpresents.org/songs-forever.
STARS: Fundraising efforts have been successful
Continued from page 3
we’ve always known about Sisters Country residents; they step up for one another with generosity and heart. The 152 rides that have been sponsored will help keep our neighbors healthy. On behalf of the STARS team and all of our riders, thank you!”
Demand for STARS’ services has increased by 33 percent over the last year, for a total of 725 rides equaling 32,350 miles. The success of this campaign boosts the organization’s ability to keep
pace with the growing need in the community. Morrell says sustainability is a top priority, and one that requires more than financial contributions. “Every monetary donation helps us cover insurance, mileage reimbursements, and fuel costs associated with rides, so year-round financial support is critical. But those rides wouldn’t happen without our team of volunteer drivers and dispatchers. Drivers are welcome to provide as many or as few rides as they would like, and the more drivers we have, the more people we can serve and support.” For more information about becoming a STARS volunteer or to sponsor a ride, visit www.starsride.org.
Beth Wood will teach songwriters in a SFF Presents class.
PHOTO PROVIDED
ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
CLASSIFIED RATES
COST: $3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.
DEADLINE: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication.
PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. VISA & MasterCard accepted. Billing
for
ads, after prepayment of
four (4) weeks and upon approval of account application.
102 Commercial Rentals
Office Space for Rent at Nugget Properties, LLC.
412 E. Main Ave. Available immediately. Approx. 200 sq. ft. Contact Jim Cornelius at 541-390-6973.
STORAGE WITH BENEFITS
8 x 20 dry box
Fenced yard, RV & trailers
• In-town, gated, 24-7 EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com
Roughly 900 sq. ft. at 392 E. Main Ave., bottom SW unit. Beautiful sunlight, with a mountain view.
3 rooms: staff room & reception. Call or text 925-588-5956
MINI STORAGE
Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.
OFFICE/RETAIL
SPACE FOR RENT
Great location across from Ace Hardware.
Several space types available. Call owner Jim Peterson/RE Broker. 503-238-1478
Residential Rentals
HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS
Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792
Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com
PONDEROSA PROPERTIES
Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC
Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!
Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806
Sharie 541-771-1150
301
We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397
Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com 401 Horses
ORCHARD GRASS HAY ALFALFA TRITICALE
New crop. No rain. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $220-$360/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895
403 Pets
Mini sheepadoodle - 12 wks, Blue Merle female. Quiet, friendly, affectionate. Good start on potty training, crate and loves car rides. $1,500 firm. Call or text 503-550-3637
SISTERS WHISKERS
Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org
500 Services
GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE “A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871
Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475
• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279
SMALL Engine REPAIR Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers
Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines
501 Computers & Communications
3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Extend internet to shop, security cameras, Starlink. CCB #191099 541-306-0729
502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
GORDON’S LAST TOUCH Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY
Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008
M & J CARPET CLEANING
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
– 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
Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057
LOLO TREE WORKS
Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist
Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com
Call / Text: 503-367-5638
Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com
CCB #240912
TimberStandImprovement.net
Tree Removal & Pruning
TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825
JS Mulching LLC Forestry mulching, Land clearing. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured 541-401-9589
601 Construction
Earthwood Timberframes
• Design & shop fabrication
• Recycled fir and pine beams
• Mantels and accent timbers
• Sawmill/woodshop services
EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com
New construction, addition, remodel. Large and small projects. Contact for estimate. Excavation: septic system, site prep, demolition, road and driveway construction. 541-325-3020
sales@gardnercontractingllc.com
CASCADE GARAGE DOORS
Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553
Custom Homes • Additions
Residential Building Projects
Serving Sisters area since 1976 Strictly Quality CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764
John Pierce
jpierce@bendbroadband.com
VIEW OUR Current Classifieds every Tuesday afternoon! Go to NuggetNews.com
C L A S S I
JUNE PINE PAINTING
Interior & Exterior Painting
Staining & Deck Restoration
541-588-2144 • CCB# 252954
Pat Burke
LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT
CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062
www.sistersfencecompany.com
SPURGE COCHRAN
BUILDER, INC.
General Contractor
Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74
A “Hands-On” Builder Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016
To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523
Lara’s Construction LLC.
CCB#223701
Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate 541-350-3218
Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
JUNE PINE PAINTING
Interior & Exterior Painting
Staining & Deck Restoration
541-588-2144 • CCB# 252954
Interior/Exterior Painting Deck Refinishing
Residential and Commercial
Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327
Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587
peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491
Interior and Exterior Painting
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
Remodels
All Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740
Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com
CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860
Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.
& Install
General Excavation
• Site Preparation
• Rock & Stump Removal
CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462
– All You Need Maintenance –
• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation
Interior/Exterior Painting
Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327
peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491
EMPIRE PAINTING
Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining CCB#180042 541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
All Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740
Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345
1. A Sisters tourist went closer to a mule deer buck to get a great selfie with him since he’s so friendly. He wasn’t.
2. A pedestrian patted a strange dog on the head to see if it was friendly. It wasn’t.
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!
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
*Road Building
*Sand-Gravel-Rock
Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #124327 541-549-1848
BANR Enterprises, LLC Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls Residential & Commercial
Heating & Cooling, LLC
Retrofit • New Const • Remodel
Consulting, Service & Installs
actionairheatingandcooling.com
CCB #195556
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks
CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620
www.frontier-painting.com
• Building Demolition Trucking
Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation. CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462
• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
701 Domestic Services
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!
ROBINSON & OWEN
Heavy Construction, Inc. All your excavation needs
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
*General excavation
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
*Site Preparation
*Sub-Divisions
*Road Building
*Sewer and Water Systems
802 Help Wanted
*Underground Utilities
*Grading
*Sand-Gravel-Rock
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CCB #124327 541-549-1848
BANR Enterprises, LLC
– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
701 Domestic Services
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
802 Help Wanted
3. A driver sped up to see if she could beat the train to the crossing. She couldn’t.
4. A man peed on an electric wire to see if it was hot. It was.
5. A business owner cut their advertising to see if they could save money. They didn’t.
We are Hiring! Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping. PT/FT. We are proud to offer flexible schedules and excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com
Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls
Residential & Commercial
CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net
13375 SW Forest Service Rd. 1419, Camp Sherman
803 Work Wanted
POSITION WANTED for part-time Caregiver in Sisters. Client needs change, creating new openings. Please call 503-274-0214
We are Hiring! Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping. PT/FT. We are proud to offer flexible schedules and excellent compensation.
Keeping Sisters Country
Podcasts cast light on early childhood development
By Edie Jones Columnist
Wanting to be up to date on information, I Googled Early Childhood Podcasts and was blown away. The number of choices was amazing. I perused the list, and opened “The Everything ECE Podcast.”
The interviewer, Carla West of the Early Childhood Academy was leading a discussion with Cheryl Lundy Swift, about kindergarten readiness. I highly recommend it for all parents and grandparents of young children.
Dr. Swift is the Director of the Professional Learning and Academic Partnership for Learning Without Peers, a program addressing the decline of readiness by preschool-aged children since the Pandemic; a ratio of 55 percent to 47 percent, a dramatic drop.
That means kindergarten teachers welcomed children who didn’t know the alphabet, could not write their names, didn’t know how to sit in a circle and pay attention, or play with other
children. The pandemic had deprived them of the normal experiences that would have brought them up to speed.
Having been the director of a parent/child program for families with children from birth through three years old, I find this alarming. There is so much that children need to be exposed to during the first three years of life. Without that exposure, their brain is deprived of messages that stay with them for a lifetime and, even though they can be learned, skills that often fall behind if not addressed.
During the podcast social-emotional growth, phonetical awareness, playbased learning, literacy, and motor development were highlighted. Lack of exposure in all these areas are factors holding kids, born in late 2019 – 2022, back. The podcast emphasized many strategies that help eliminate this deficit. Everything suggested can be done with any young child by a parent, caregiver, or grandparent. They aren’t hard or take special training.
Modeling is one of the
easiest things to accomplish. When setting the table, counting out the number of forks (while identifying them) teaches math and literacy. Reading aloud (from birth) produces sounds that later equate to spoken words and words on a page. Moving your finger under words and from the top of a page, downward, helps a young mind know that we read from left to right and top to bottom. Pointing out the names of letters and whether they are lower or upper case prepares a child to recognize them in their name. As they start to learn to write that name, starting at the top of the letter and moving your hand down gives a heads-up on how it is done. The podcast talked about the difficulty lefthanded children have in learning to write in a righthanded society, and gave suggestions.
Much learning happens when we are aware of how we speak. When I take my dog for walks, I talk to him. This morning, as he tried to get a drink from yesterday’s puddle, now frozen, I said
out loud, “What happened to the water?” If he had been a child, I would have encouraged an answer. Walking a little more I noticed his nose tracing a path around our yard and was reminded how deprived the children of the Pandemic were when not allowed to touch anything. Everything was off-limits because it would give them germs. Not only could they not learn by touch and textures, they developed anxieties about exploring and were discouraged from wondering about the world.
As his nose trailed in a new direction I asked, “Who was here last night? Was it the squirrel? I haven’t seen the squirrel all winter. Where do you think he has gone?” If he had been a child, thinking could have happened, and resulted in a response. Keep in mind, “yes-or-no” questions require little thinking. Openended questions encourage thought and the give-andtake of dialogue.
The podcast talked about what was lost by the need to wear masks. Children learn language by sound, and by
Nugget Poetry Corner
The Jimmy Carter Cutout
Paul Allen Bennet
The cutout of Jimmy Car ter at the Habitat Stor e
Gr eeted me with a smile as I enter ed the fr ont door
watching our mouths form words. That couldn’t happen during the pandemic.
A story was told of a kindergartener unable to hold a pencil or a crayon. Isolated from the modeling of peers, he never crawled, walking from the get-go. Without the developmental step of crawling, he hadn’t developed the shoulder muscles that would transfer skills to his fingers and allow the dexterity needed to hold a pencil.
Other fine motor skills were lost because of technology. Kids can click on keyboards yet may not know how to use scissors. Limiting screen time and encouraging cutting or even picking up items using kitchen tongs will help. Large motor skills were also affected by lack of movement; however, these can be built over time.
Programs called “Mat Time and Squawker” (a parrot puppet) were talked about in relation to playbased instruction and music. All of which left me wishing to be back in the classroom or, at least, have young grandchildren living nearby.
It’s a New Year!
Edie Jones
I went bac k to the men’s rack found a nice shir t to wear
I w as hungr y so I went to the town’s baker y
Paid my 5 bucks, went outside and enjoyed the fr esh ai
Found a seat by the window, piece of pie and coffee
I took out my shir t in the poc ket found a note
That an old man had written and this is what he wr
I once w as a young man but then I gr ew old
I died in the winter fr om a ter rible cold
I wr ote this note down just a fe w days befor e
Then my wife took my clothes to the Habitat Stor e
The shir t that you bought holds a sweet memory
Of a time in my life when I was healthy and fr ee
On a hot summer’s day on the beac h I did w alk
When I met a young woman and we star ted to talk
We played in the water, we dove in the bay
We swam with the turtles, even saw a sting ray
The shir t that you’ re holding was a gift she gave me
A r eminder of the time w hen we played by the sea
r o ottee: k m me e a
I w as touc hed by the stor y that I r ead in his note
So, I took it bac k to Habitat to show them what he wr ote
Eac h told a dif fer ent stor y of this love he had known
Oh, the things that we donate they all have a past
A ne w year’s upon us. What will it bring?
Joy, and excitement or songs that we sing of displeasur e – sadness – all that’s gone wr ong?
Will we gr eet Father Time with Bah Hum Bug, a fr own?
Oh, I hope not! It doesn’t seem right.
So muc h can c hange as we sleep thr ough the night.
Often – w hen our eyes open wide, the wor ld’s muc h brighter w hen we look outside.
The world will be di ffer ent. It’s then, not now. We could even wake up and shout, WoW! What looked so bleak the day befor e, now sends us out knocking on door s.
Door s to adventur es, door s of ne w dr eams.
Doable solutions, incredible sc hemes.
So – look on the bright side if all seems bad.
Shake of f those Bah Hum Bugs Rejoice. Be glad
Welcome Father Time, it’s a Ne w Year
Challenges yes, yet – Pr omise is here
And they told me many people found a note in his clothes
Most stories ar e forgotten though with a note they may last
And the smile may say it all w hen we enter the fr ont door
On the face of Jimmy Car ter at the Habitat Stor e or o w weeaar r e essh h air
Jump at the chance to dance and sing
Be r eady for change, whatever it brings
Have an original poem that you’d like to share?
READ THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER TO...
• be informed
• connect with community
• hear someone else’s perspective on a topic
• discover local businesses & organizations and what they offer
• have something fresh to talk to your neighbor about
CONTRIBUTE TO THE NUGGET BY...
• talking about what you’ve read in The Nugget with another person
• sharing your perspective in a Lette r to the Editor or opinion column
• becoming a correspondent
• shopping at a local business
• advertising your business
• submitting an original poem
• selling something in the classifieds
• recognizing a good deed done in a “Sisters Salutes”
• buying a subscription for yourself or a family member
• hiring local service professionals
• sending in a great photo of life in Sisters
• being a “supporting contributor” with a one-time or recurring financial gift to support community journalism
541-549-9941 •
E.
• PO
698, Sisters, OR 97759 • www.nuggetnews.com News and Opinion: Jim Cornelius, 541-390-6973 (cell), editor@nuggetnews.com Advertising: Vicki Curlett, vicki@nuggetnews.com • Events, Poetry: Jess Draper, jess@nuggetnews.com Classifieds, Subscriptions, Announcements: Lisa May, lisa@nuggetnews.com Working together, we spin the threads that connect our community in a rich and colorful tapestry. We appreciate you, Sisters!