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The Nugget Vol. XLIX No. 2

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News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

ODOT assures Sisters roads will get plowed Flat Fire

aerial tactics questioned

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Last Wednesday, January 7, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek called on state lawmakers to repeal House Bill 3991 and work on a new, long-term transportation funding solution. The bill, which Kotek pushed vigorously and signed into law in November, increased the state gas tax by six cents, raised DMV fees, and boosted the state payroll tax to support public transportation and transportation infrastructure. A successful voter referendum froze most o f th o s e tax and fee increases, preventing the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) from accessing the new revenue the law was designed to generate. The immediate question in Sisters was, “will the roads get plowed?” The Nugget asked Kacey Davey, ODOT’s public information officer for Central Oregon, what to expect. “While Governor Kotek has called for a repeal of HB 3991, that repeal has

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

In response, Kotek is asking lawmakers to repeal the bill entirely and instead pass legislation redirecting all existing ODOT funds, except those reserved for public transit, toward road maintenance and operations.

The embers have long cooled on the devastating Flat Fire last August that came perilously close to Sisters and which caused five structure losses in Sisters Country. There were no deaths or injuries. The Flat Fire burned 23,346 acres ranking as the fifth largest wildfire in Oregon for the fire year and its cause still under investigation. Its suppression costs exceeded $29 million. That’s 22 percent of the entirety of ODF’s (Oregon Department of Forestry) cost of the just concluded fire season. Rumors and criticism persist regarding the fire’s cause (see The Nugget, November 18, 2025) and more recently, how it was managed. The

See ODOT on page 20

See FLAT FIRE on page 8

PHOTO PROVIDED

The trucks and plows will continue to roll out of the Sisters ODOT maintenance yard, despite political developments in Salem. not taken effect. Until the Legislature acts and the governor signs a repeal, current law remains in place. ODOT is continuing to operate using existing funding,” Davey said. Because the referendum has put the law on hold until at least the November 2026

election, Kotek argues that keeping HB 3991 in place creates immediate financial strain for ODOT. Without new revenue, the agency is still required to absorb implementation costs tied to the law, increasing uncertainty, and delaying meaningful progress.

Irrigation board member City successes via partnerships settles ethics complaint By Susan Cobb Correspondent

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Three Sisters Irrigation District (TSID) board member Marc Thalacker, who serves as the organization’s secretary and treasurer, was on the receiving end of two ethics complaints filed with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. Both accused Thalacker of materially benefitting from his stake in Krah USA, LLC, a Prineville manufacturer of large diameter, custom HDPE pipe for irrigation and municipal water systems. In one complaint Thalacker was said to have gained personally from TSID’s floating solar project. The Commission concluded “….does not indicate that the TSID’s floating solar project would create an opportunity

Inside...

for Marc Thalacker or his business, Krah USA LLC, to financially benefit. “Thus, it does not appear that Marc Thalacker violated ORS 244.040(1) when he took actions in his official capacity to promote and advance the TSID’s floating solar project. “The information available during this preliminary review appears to be insufficient to constitute a substantial, objective basis for believing that Marc Thalacker has violated ORS 244.040(1) and ORS 244.120(2).” The Commission issued an order of Dismissal for that complaint on December 12, 2025. In the second complaint where TSID purchased or See ETHICS on page 9

Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz and City Manager Jordan Wheeler rang in the new year with a presentation on the state of the City. Opening the presentation, Mayor Letz emphasized that, “This amazing City does not work without partnerships.” The City’s presentation was at a joint meeting of the Sisters Rotary and Kiwanis clubs held at Sisters Camp Sherman Fire District’s community hall. These two clubs have found partnering increases their ability to get things done. (Learn more here, https://sistersrotary.org and https://sisterskiwanis. org.) The City’s presentation covered status, 2025 accomplishments, and a peek into 2026. For more on future efforts see story on page 15. In attendance were

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz and City Manager Jordan Wheeler presented the “state of the City” at a joint meeting of Sisters Kiwanis and Sisters Rotary at the Sisters Fire District Community Hall last week. members from Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and representatives from several local districts, including the fire district,, Sisters Park and Recreation District, Sisters School District Six , and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Others present were from City staff, local

volunteer organizations, nonprofits, and City Councilor Gary Ross. Mayor Letz noted the current statistics for the City: The current population estimate is 3,834 (about 12,000 in Sisters Country), median age is 49.8, number See CITY on page 14

Letters/Weather ............... 2 Announcements...............10 Student of the Month .. 12-13 Fun & Games ....................18 Crossword .......................21 Meetings .......................... 3 Entertainment ................. 11 Portrait of Sisters ............15 Poetry .............................19 Classifieds................. 22-23

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Letters to the Editor… The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer’s name, address, and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond, or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is 10 a.m. Monday.

Illegal act of war To the Editor: Jim Cornelius’s editorial (“Thoughts on a strategic manhunt,” The Nugget, January 7, page 19) on Maduro is a credulous piece of jingoistic cheerleading with only a brief acknowledgement that things like this are “complicated” and that we have a tendency to “blow the long game.” It’s akin to praising a bank robber for handling the getaway car like an F1 driver rather than discussing the theft. It’s all the more embarrassing because it’s already clear a deal has been made with Maduro’s lieutenants and we needed some cool explosions for the rubes watching at home. Basically, it’s a replay of the bin Laden raid, except Delta guys can apparently pilot helicopters better than SEALS, and this time there won’t be roided up psychos arguing over who killed the bad guy. They did make sure to fire a missile at Hugo Chavez’s tomb though, surely an integral part of this stunning manhunt. Anyway, if your reaction to an act that kills 80 people is “flawlessly executed,” maybe refrain from commenting. Regardless, the logistics of the raid don’t really matter. Here is the only thing that does matter: the United States committed a blatantly illegal act of war under international law, violating another nation’s sovereignty by kidnapping their head of state and killing a reported eighty people in the process. Now, you can think Maduro is an evil

illegitimate dictator and you can think Venezuela will be better off now, but that doesn’t matter either. The only thing that matters is whether you believe the United States is bound to the same laws as every other nation on earth. If your answer is yes, condemn this and call for Maduro’s release. Any other answer means you’re just an American chauvinist who thinks we get special rules because we’re the best. Which is fine. But own it and don’t dress it up with sanctimonious moralizing and valorization of our brave operators. Ultimately, we either get international order or the law of the jungle. While the latter may seem fine right now, I guarantee you’ll only feel that way while America still holds all the guns. Jim does acknowledge America’s horrible track record with illegal regime change — which should have been the entirety of the piece rather than an aside — so I’ll just add, we’re not even a week into this travesty and the usual jackals are salivating over their next meal. Mexico and Colombia have been put on notice via the drugs canard. Iran, because what else, oil. Greenland, because it’s big on the map and big is good. And of course Cuba, so that we can satisfy Little Marco and the ghost of Sal Trafficante. Maybe they’ll even get a chance to desecrate Castro’s grave! I suppose my response is the “politicization” of the flawless manhunt which Jim See LETTERS on page 9

Sisters Weather Forecast Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

January 14 Sunny

January 15 Sunny

January 16 Sunny

January 17 Mostly Sunny

January 18 Sunny

January 19 Partly Cloudy

January 20 Partly Cloudy

57/33

49/27

43/27

46/28

46/29

49/32

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Published Weekly. ©2026 The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All advertising which appears in The Nugget is the property of The Nugget and may not be used without explicit permission. The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. assumes no liability or responsibility for information contained in advertisements, articles, stories, lists, calendar etc. within this publication. All submissions to The Nugget Newspaper will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyrighting purposes and subject to The Nugget Newspaper’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially, that all rights are currently available, and that the material in no way infringes upon the rights of any person. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of artwork, photos, or manuscripts.

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Speak truth to power By Susan Cobb Guest Columnist

Some people are questioning why anyone stands with signs at the Wild Stallion rallying corner in the City of Sisters. It’s about rights. The United States Constitution gives its citizens the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom to petition in the 1791 First Amendment allowing citizens to request change in governance. Freedom of assembly allows citizens the right to publicly peacefully protest governance in a march, convention, or rally on public property. Sidewalks are considered “free spaces.” The peaceful part is not always adhered to by the protestors but more often, violence comes from those wanting protests to cease. U.S. citizens have conducted thousands of protests. Here are notable reasons why people protest: • Boston Tea Party — December 1773 which led to the birth of a nation in 1776. • Coxey’s Army March — July 1894 was a call for public works jobs which were implemented in the New Deal of 1944. • Women’s Suffrage March — March 1913 which led to the 19th Amendment of 1920, giving women the right to vote but black, Asian, or indigenous women’s suffrage came later. • Wo m e n ’s R i g h t s March — 1848 for equality and rights to choose (now called bodily autonomy) slowly most states gave women equal rights. Prochoice rallies ended January 1972 with Roe v. Wade. Women do not have equal rights nationally. • Bonus Marches — May thru June 1932, World War I veterans, promised bonuses to be paid in 1945, asked for the bonuses immediately; the bonuses were granted by U.S. Congress May 2024. • Civil Rights Marches (primarily in Alabama) 1963-65 and; • March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom — August 1963, focused on racial equality and included Martin Luther King Jr’s, “I have a dream,” speech. Both culminated in the Civil Rights Bill of 1965. • March on the Pentagon — October 1967 and; • Kent State Shootings

— May 1970, both were peaceful protests to end the Vietnam War. The violent reaction was by the National Guard. • Stonewall Uprising — June into early July 1969 for fair and equal treatment of gays (now called LGBTQI+) included the request to marry. Gays were allowed into the military in 1993 and were given the right of marriage nationally in June 2015. • Earth Day Rallies – April 1970 was the largest national protest in U.S. history at the time. Earth Day events are global and continue to this day calling on all humans to be good stewards of Earth. • Right to Life marches — January 1973 to June 2022 ended when Roe v. Wade decision was revoked. • National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights — October 1979 (results noted above). • Rallies to end AIDS — 1983 thru 1988 to get national health to address the pandemic of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Historically, this was the fastest change to U.S. policy. • Hands Across America — 1986 protested against poverty. Poverty is increasing. • Iraq War Protests — 2003 against the War in Iraq which ended December 2011. • Women’s March — 2017 to current, was the first to protest against the then executive branch. Women’s marches also advocate for women’s rights including bodily autonomy. • March For Our Lives — 2018 a rally for gun control in response to numerous U.S. mass shootings. • Hands Off Protest — April 2025 protested the defunding and elimination of social programs and entities of the U.S. government. • No Kings I rally — June 2025, and No Kings II rally – October 2025, largest national protest since Earth Day of 1970, both resist authoritarian rule. People don’t protest without reason, and they do so confronting fear. The means to improve governance, is not top-down but rather, bottom-up. Change may take years to centuries to occur, and can be readily reversed if not codified. Speaking truth to power is a U.S. citizen’s right, privilege, and duty.

Views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily shared by the Editor or The Nugget Newspaper.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Singer-songwriter to be showcased

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Age Friendly Sisters Country board has decided to pause the organization’s efforts.

Advocacy group to take a pause Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC), a homegrown nonprofit having supported numerous local initiatives over its sevenyear existence, announced recently it will be taking a pause. With the resignation of three long-serving Board members, this pause will ideally let new blood lead the organization in fiscally sponsoring new, as yet unidentified, communityled programs to improve livability in Sisters Country, the board stated. Sisters Country enjoys a bounty of nonprofits and service organizations to address a wide variety of pressing needs in the community. The OR-DOJ website (https://justice.oregon. gov/charities) lists 88

nonprofits registered in zip code 97759. Add to that the churches operating under similar rules, plus regional and national groups serving Sisters but registered elsewhere — and there is a wide choice of volunteer and Board opportunities for those who want to give back to our community. Competition for board members and volunteers is a constant constraint. In a release, the group stated that, “Despite its best efforts, AFSC has arrived at a juncture that calls for it to step back and let the emergence of new blood and new solutions sprout wings.” AFSC has approached Sisters “livability,” as measured by the World Health Organization, from

several angles: • Improving transportation to nonemergency medical appointments by matching folks who do not drive with volunteer drivers (the STARS volunteer ride-share program, 2020-2024); • Working with the City of Sisters and the Vision Project to achieve WHO “Age Friendly” status for our City (2020-2025); • Providing comfort to residents who can no longer have a live pet by supplying them with an animatronic dog, cat, or bird (the Romeo’s Joy project 2024); • Encouraging local businesses to install restroom baby changing tables (the Family-Friendly Restroom See GROUP on page 16

Singer-songwriter Doc Cosden has been named one of eight runnersup award winners in the Portland Folk Festival Song Contest for his original song “Tangerine Sky” — a reflective Americana piece rooted in the Sisters landscape and shaped by themes of resilience, hope, and quiet beauty. “Tangerine Sky” was recognized for its lyrical depth and emotional storytelling, drawing from Cosden’s high-desert narrative style and understated melodic approach. The song reflects his signature blend of acoustic songwriting and honest, lived-in storytelling. The track features a

collaboration with Stevie V (Spotify: “The Pages In Between”) who contributed to the song’s melodic structure and instrumental phrasing, helping shape its atmospheric and emotional tone. The studio version also features local favorites Beth Wood, Benji Nagel, Bob Baker, Brent Alan, and Sue Moore. “This song reflects that first moment — the first time you begin to see color again after loss,” said Cosden. “That moment when beauty starts to return after trauma and heartbreak. It’s a reminder that even after pain, See SINGER on page 16

School district offers ‘Listening to Learn’ This month, Sisters School District will host a series of family listening sessions for families who have chosen educational options outside of the district. According to Sisters school leadership, these sessions are designed to create space for open, respectful conversation about families’ experiences, what they were looking for in an educational setting, and what they believe helps their children thrive. “Sisters School District has always believed that strong schools are built through strong relationships,

with students, families, and the broader community,” said Superintendent Curt Scholl. “As education continues to evolve, so must our commitment to listening, learning, and improving.” The listening sessions will take place on the following dates and locations: • Monday, January 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Sisters Elementary School Library. • Tuesday, January 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Sisters Middle School Library. • Wednesday, January 28, See LEARN on page 10

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS Al-Anon Mon., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541-610-7383. Alcoholics Anonymous Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,Gentlemen’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., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration • Friday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541-548-0440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration • Sunday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelefly@msn.com.

Citizens4Community Community Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Visit citizens4community.com for location. Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Lunch In-person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab-and-go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs. 12:30 to 1 p.m. Sisters Community Church. 541-480-1843. East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September-June), Stitchin’ Post. All are welcome. 541-549-6061. Go Fish Fishing Group 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Sisters Community Church. 541-771-2211. Heartwarmers (fleece blanketmakers) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Sisters Community Church. Materials provided. 541-408-8505. Hero Quilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 541-668-1755. Living Well With Dementia Sisters Care Partner Support Group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Park & Recreation District Community Center. 541-588-0547. Military Parents of Sisters Meetings are held quarterly; please call 541-388-9013.

Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-549-6469. Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503-930-6158. Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at Sisters Community Church. 541-549-6157. Sisters Area Woodworkers First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 541-231-1897. Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters Community Church. Email sistersbridge2021@gmail.com. Sisters Caregiver Support Group 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Library Community Room. 541-588-0547. (Meets with Living Well With Dementia Sisters). Sisters Cribbage Club Wednesdays, 11 a.m. at The Lodge, 411 E. Carpenter Lane. 509-947-5744. Sisters Garden Club For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com. Sisters Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors 4th Tuesday, 4:30 p.m. Location information: 541-549-1193. Sisters Kiwanis 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at SPRD in Sisters. 541-632-3663.

Sisters Parent Teacher Community 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298. Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m., at SPRD. 541-760-5645. Sisters Veterans no-host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Restaurant. All veterans welcome, 541-241-6563.

SCHOOLS Black Butte School Board of Directors 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m., Black Butte School. 541-595-6203 Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wednesday monthly, Sisters School District Administration Building. See schedule at www.ssd6. org. 541-549-8521 x5002.

CITY & PARKS Sisters Trails Alliance Board Meetings take place every other month, Sisters City Council 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 5 p.m. In-person or zoom. Contact: 541-549-6022. info@sisterstrails.org. Sisters Park & Recreation District Three Sisters Irrigation District Board of Directors 2nd & 4th Tues., Board of Directors Meets 2nd 4 p.m., Coffield Center. 541-549-2091. Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSID Office. Sisters Planning Commission 541-903-4050. 3rd Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Sisters Three Sisters Lions Club 2nd City Hall. 541-549-6022. Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Spoons Restaurant. 541-419-1279. FIRE & POLICE

VFW Post 8138 and American Legion Black Butte Ranch Police Dept. Post 86 1st Wednesday of the month, Board of Directors Meets monthly. 6:30 p.m., The HUB, 291 E. Main Ave. 541-595-2191 for time & date. sistersveterans@gmail.com. Black Butte Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., This listing is for regular Sisters Country meetings; email information to nugget@nuggetnews.com. BBR Fire Station. 541-595-2288.

Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Outlaws split games on hardwood By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Sisters Outlaws picked up a 63-50 road win over Sweet Home on Tuesday, January 6, defeating the 4A Huskies, who will drop to the 3A Mountain Valley Conference next season. On Saturday they fell 48-55 In a tough loss to Burns. In Tuesday’s match up against Sweet Home the Outlaws started the game slowly, missing several easy looks and struggling to find their offensive rhythm. With the score tied at 4-4, Sisters caught fire, ripping off an 18-5 run to close the first quarter with a commanding 22-9 lead. Sweet Home responded in the second quarter by switching to a triangle-andtwo defense in an effort to slow the Outlaws’ attack. The Huskies face-guarded Will McDonnell and Kieren Labhart while the remaining three defenders played a match-up zone behind them. It was a defensive look Sisters had not seen before, and it caused problems. The Outlaws were held scoreless for more than four minutes in the period before Labhart finally broke through with a putback off an offensive rebound. Those would be Sisters’ only points of the quarter. Sweet Home ramped up its intensity and poured in 15 points to erase the deficit, sending the teams into halftime tied at 24-24. The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading baskets. The Huskies briefly grabbed the lead twice, but once Bauer Ellis knocked down a three-pointer in front of the Outlaws’ bench to give Sisters a 39-37 edge, the momentum shifted for good. The Outlaws would not trail again. “The Outlaws started to figure out the Huskies junk defense,” said Coach Chad

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Rush. “The shots started to fall that didn’t in the second period.” Sweet Home cut the lead to just two points, early in the fourth quarter at 48-46, but Sisters responded with a decisive 12-0 run to put the game out of reach. McDonnell led all scorers with 28 points Charlie Moen added 11, Teegan Schwartz scored eight, Labhart finished with seven, and Ellis contributed six. “This was a good game for us,” Rush said. “We once again built a big lead early and then saw that lead disappear. Unlike some previous games, we were able to bounce back, maintain our focus, and take the momentum back late. I was proud of the growth I saw in that regard. Hopefully, this experience helps us as we head into some tough battles in league play.” On Saturday the Outlaws traveled to Burns for its annual matchup with the Hilanders, who entered the contest ranked No. 6 in the 3A classification. From the opening tip, the game was tough and physical, living up to its billing as a hard-nosed nonleague contest. Burns set the tone early by controlling the offensive glass in the first half, scoring more than a third of its points on second-chance opportunities. Despite that challenge,

the Outlaws stayed composed and held a slim 14-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. Sisters pushed the margin to eight points midway through the second quarter, but a welltimed Burns timeout sparked a 14-1 Hilanders run. Even so, the Outlaws trailed by just one at halftime, 27-28. Offense proved hard to come by for Sisters in the second half, as they struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Burns continued to attack the boards and applied steady pressure on the defensive end. Sisters made one final push and closed to within three points late, but the Hilanders were steady at the free-throw line down the stretch. The Outlaws couldn’t overcome the deficit. McDonnell led Sisters in scoring in every quarter but the second, finishing with 24 points. Moen, Schwartz, and Ellis each added six points. “This was a team I thought we matched up well with and had chances to take home the road victory in a tough gym,” said Rush. The game marked the Outlaws’ final non-league contest. Rush noted the focus now shifts to preparation for league play. Sisters was scheduled to open league action at home against Harrisburg on Tuesday, January 13, before traveling to Creswell on Friday.

Red Cross seeks blood donors The American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage this winter, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now. The Red Cross reports that blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather and packed schedules made it even tougher to ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for critical care. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait. Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now. Sisters residents may make an appointment to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. There are no blood drives scheduled in the immediate future for Sisters. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at

check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. For the seventh year, the Red Cross and the National Football League are partnering in January for National Blood Donor Month to urge individuals to kick off 2026 with a blood donation. As a thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give January 1-25 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LX giveaway. The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/ SuperBowl.

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Integrity. Commitment. Success. “Becoming a member of Sisters Athletic Club was the best life decision. Most of my dear friends are from the club. It also helped me deal with my late husband’s fight with dementia as well as his passing in 2015. The club is clean, coffee is great, and I LOVE my recumbent bike.” — Becki Neal, SAC member since 2011

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Practitioner seeks to increase people’s ‘health span’ By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Most people hope for a long life. For Dr. Siobhan Gray of PeakMD Health in Sisters, the pursuit of longevity is incomplete if it’s just focused on a number. She is interested in “how to increase a person’s health-span.” PeakMD Health seeks to provided advanced diagnostics and personalized care to help patients extend “the years lived in strength, clarity, and purpose.” Dr. Gray, who has lived in Camp Sherman for the past nine years, recently launched the PeakMD clinic in the space where Daybreak Wellness has been at 615 N. Arrow Leaf Trail. She is retaining the services offered by the former clinic as Daybreak Recovery Spa, which will operate in conjunction with and in support of her medical practice. Those services include a range of massage modalities and other services that promote recovery and restoration for everyone from competitive athletes to people who are simply engaged in active lives. “I’m integrating those with my patient packages,” she explained. “But you can still do those independently as well. I think recovery is really important. It’s something that people often neglect.” Dr. Gray has had an extensive career in emergency medicine, and was seeking a change toward a practice

more focused on “health optimization” when she connected with Diane Flowers at Daybreak Wellness. “I became a member when they first opened,” she said. When Flowers determined that she wanted to focus on her massage therapy work and health coaching, it turned out to be an opportunity for both practitioners. “We just kind of naturally aligned with what we wanted to do,” Dr. Gray said. “We’re kind of still collaborating, even though she’s not the business owner anymore.” Dr. Gray had been commuting to Portland for her work, while living in Camp Sherman. “While my career in emergency medicine was rewarding, I found myself drawn to a broader mission — helping people build lifelong health, not just treating illness when it arises,” she wrote on the PeakMD website. She is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine and has done a fellowship in genetics-based health care as well as pursuing specialty training in hormonal medicine. She builds her program around what she calls the North Framework, using the points of a compass as a metaphor. North represents Purpose; South is the Body — sleep, nutrition, and exercise; East is the mind — developing a calm nervous system; West is connection and community. “It’s an easy, good way to talk about it,” Dr. Gray said. “It’s not overwhelming.”

While she offers a onetime precision consultation that can help a patient lay out a roadmap, Dr. Gray says, “I love to work with people for a longer journey.” Her patient packages are six months in duration and have a particular focus of the patient’s choosing: longevity; metabolic health; midlife/menopause; peak performance. “Each of those is six months, and you see me throughout,” she said. They also include health coaching sessions with Flowers. Dr. Gray collects data on body composition; VO2 Max (the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise); resting metabolic rate; lab testing; and genetic testing. The packages use those precision diagnostics combined with personalized medicine, and restorative therapies to help each patient reach their individual goals — finding their “North.” The packages are self-paid, and are highly personalized for people who are serious about optimizing their health and well-being. The program is focused and

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Dr. Siobhan Gray offers personalized health care designed to optimize health and well-being. intensive. “It’s designed for people who are all-in,” said Dr. Gray. As Dr. Gray develops her practice, she’s looking forward to teaching an active

role in Sisters. “I really want to integrate into the community,” she said. For more information, v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w. p e a k mdhealth.com/.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Outdoor recreation advocates warn of threat to industry By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

The outdoor recreation industry generates $16 billion in spending and employs 192,000 people full and parttime, according to state statistics. Activities like skiing, rafting, climbing, and hiking are not only a major economic engine — especially in Deschutes County — they are also a key element of many people’s identity as Oregonians. Advocates are warning that a decade-old legal case is threatening the viability of that industry, and people’s ability to access the activities they love. And, they argue, there are knock-on effects that impact fitness clubs and gyms as well. The City Club of Central Oregon took on this topic on Thursday, January 8, in a forum held at Central Oregon Community College titled, “Slippery Slopes: Why Oregon’s Recreation Industry Is On Thin Ice.” The concern stems from the 2014 Bagley vs. Mt. Bachelor ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court. Myles Bagley was an 18-year-old snowboarder when he was paralyzed after a terrain park jump went wrong. Bailey had signed a liability release, but the court found that the waiver was “unconscionable” — that it was unclear, and the “take-it-or-leave-it” nature of the contract represented an unfair disparity of bargaining power between a corporation and an individual. The actual case was settled, but the Supreme Court decision itself has left liability waivers as an essentially unenforceable dead letter in the state. That, say industry advocates, has created a crisis. “It is a full-on insurance crisis,” said David Byrd, director of Risk and Regulatory Affairs, National Ski Areas Association. Byrd asserts that insurance companies are leaving the state of Oregon — similar to the crisis in homeowners’ insurance due to wildfire. In fact, Byrd noted, ski resorts are also facing problems due to wildfire-related property insurance struggles. “We’re being hit from both sides,” he said. Jordan Elliott, president, Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association, said that insurance rates have increased seven-fold at Mt. Bachelor in the past five years, which has pushed recreation costs up for consumers — and there is concern that resorts and outfitters will simply not be able to obtain insurance — or financing — at all. “The banks are looking at this stuff,” Elliott said. Elliott several times emphasized that he and other

recreation advocates take to heart the devastating impact Myles Bagley suffered in being rendered paraplegic in his accident. “This is our community, and it breaks my heart that this happened to him,” Elliott said. Lauren Bagley, the mother of Myles Bagley, sent a letter to the City Club — which was read in full at the start of the forum — expressing disappointment at what she perceives as the forum adopting and pandering to the framing of the issue as presented by the recreation industry. Bagley argues that waivers attempt to inhibit or circumvent a constitutional right to seek redress in court for wrongdoing or negligence on the part of operators. Myles Bagley has testified previously on the matter before the Oregon legislature. Last year he told legislators, “Without liability, ski resorts have no financial incentive to ensure that their man-made terrain park features and other runs are safe. There are some factors in ski injuries that are beyond the control of ski operators, but they shouldn’t be able to shirk liability for man-made equipment or enhancements to the slope or keeping runs open when they are too dangerous and should be closed.” The question of the enforceability of liability waivers goes well beyond the slopes. River outfitters and

backcountry guides also face premium increases or difficulty obtaining insurance. Popular athletic events could also be affected. Tate Metcalf, who serves as secretary for the Oregon Health & Fitness Alliance, said that the liability waiver enforceability issue has impacted health clubs and gyms, including his own Sisters Athletic Club (SAC), which he has operated for the past 24 years. He said that insurance costs have increased by three- or four-fold across the industry — and many clubs and gyms are having a hard time finding and retaining insurance. “The last year, my insurance company ... dropped me, even though I’ve never had a claim,” he told the forum audience. Metcalf said he had to approach 20 providers before he found one that would cover the club. He notes that rock walls and swimming pools put clubs and gyms into a higher risk category. SAC does not have a rock wall, but it does have a pool, which Metcalf has always considered a critical part of the operation, providing aquatic exercise, and a resource for aquatic therapy. SAC is up for sale. Metcalf was asked if the liability waiver and insurance issue has been a factor in his ability to sell the business. “Yeah, it has come up,’”

PHOTO BY JIM /CORNELIUS

Sisters Athletic Club owner Tate Metcalf explained to a City Club of Central Oregon forum how rendering liability waivers unenforceable in Oregon has impacted his ability to secure insurance for his business. he said. “I can’t say it has stopped a sale, but it definitely has come up.” Metcalf emphasized that his industry relies on waivers to protect themselves, not in order to evade their responsibilities. “We got into this industry

because we’re about people,” he said. “We want to make them healthier, not put them at risk.” The Oregon legislature has attempted to take on the issue, but a bill to address it failed to See THREAT on page 18

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Community needs for seniors to age in place By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Sisters is a small town (population: 3,834) with a large percentage of senior citizens 65 and over (approximately 2,052). Many of those seniors are currently, or are hoping to, age well in their homes, for which planning and needed local services are necessary. Serving Our Seniors (SOS) is a small group that has spent since last April listening to what seniors want/ need while aging in place. This action was spurred when the only large, assisted living facility in Sisters relinquished their assisted living license, leaving three small adult care homes to provide for seniors needing assisted living. Surveys acted as conversation starters at facilitated community listening sessions. Information garnered from those sessions was compiled and synthesized into common themes. The following needs were identified: • Transportation for groceries and shopping needs. • A list of trustworthy,

vetted people to assist seniors (live-in help, respite, visitors, drivers, home maintenance). • Help with downsizing and transitioning out of larger homes. • How to prepare for comprehensive planning. • Community center, resource center, or hotline, SPRD programming with vans for seniors. • Local urgent care, pharmacy on weekends, other emergency services. • Costs of care and services. • Help with legal planning (will, trust, power of attorney, advance directive, financial planning). • Those living alone have safety and service needs. • What happens to people without friends or family nearby. The main reason respondents want to remain in their homes as they age: • Keep my sense of independence 81.1 percent. • Want to stay in Sisters, not move elsewhere, 71.6 percent. • Financial considerations, 56.2 percent. • Want to stay in my

neighborhood, 46.7 percent. Of 169 respondents, an overwhelming majority (65.1 percent) stated they live independently in their own home. While living alone, 38.5 percent of the respondents said that to do so, they rely on family or trusted friends who live nearby and can help when needed. Faith communities and agencies also help meet some needs. Most of the seniors (76.9 percent) do not have assistance with chores, but those who do, receive help with home maintenance (20.1 percent), traveling to appointments (13 percent), shopping (8.3 percent), and daily/ weekly medical services (8.3 percent). In case of an unexpected event, once again, local relatives, friends, and an agency will be the resources used. Of significant importance, 14.8 percent indicated they don’t have anyone to assist them. From survey results, listening sessions, and needs assessments, SOS identified unmet needs and gaps in service. They also conducted meetings with health experts and visited other Oregon

communities to see different models for serving seniors. The following are possible approaches for consideration in Sisters and could be explored at the March 8 Community Conversation Forum: • Senior Resource Coordinator. • A system to match needs to resources (consider the Village model). • Elder planning, education, and guidance. • Affordable and accessible housing options. • Senior Center with activities and information on senior resource providers. • N o n m e d i c a l transportation. • Medical case management.

• Home maintenance, modification, repairs. • Sisters area senior resource provider list. • Caregivers support groups. Based on the SOS goal of bringing an informed discussion to the community, articles are scheduled for the next two months in The Nugget. A Senior Resource Fair on February 17 will feature over 20 agencies who currently provide services to seniors in Sisters. A March 8 Community Forum will provide the opportunity for citizens/groups interested in addressing senior needs to gather, meet other likeminded residents, and brainstorm possible solutions for currently unmet senior needs.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

FLAT FIRE: Critics have questioned initial air response Continued from page 1

use of aerial firefighting is in the crosshairs of several firewatchers, some with professional firefighting experience, who argue that aerial attack was not handled optimally. The argument is that fire managers did not get resources on scene fast enough, and that there were not enough resources deployed. The fire was managed by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and its External Communications Manager Derek Gasperini disputes the negative assessment. He provided The Nugget with a minute-byminute account of the initial attack. • August 21, 2025 at 4:34 p.m., the Henkle Butte Lookout in Sisters reported black smoke in the Geneva area. • 4:36 p.m. – Ground and aviation resources were dispatched.

• 4:43 p.m. – Initial resource arrives on scene, estimated at 2.5 to five acres, on private ODF protected lands, moderate rate of spread. • 4:57 p.m. – Additional aviation and heavy equipment ordered, fire is in heavy fuels, with increasing fire behavior. • 5:01 p.m. – Private drone observed in area, aircraft notified, law enforcement ordered, aircraft responding instructed to hold, additional ground resources responding. • 5:21 p.m. – Updated to 45 acres. • 5:27 p.m. – Fire scene airspace cleared by Air Attack (aerial commander). “There was a recreational drone flying in and over the area as the initial attack was beginning. There was about 26 minutes during that critical incident response that we couldn’t fly water, air attack, anything over that fire area because that drone was there,” Gasperini said at the time. Oregon 5th District House Representative Janelle Bynum along with three western-states co-signers

PHOTO PROVIDED

Records give a near minute-by-minute account of how the Flat Fire fight unfolded have introduced the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act which at its core seeks to ban drones in areas of active wildfires. The sighting of recreational drones near the Flat Fire in the early hours of the fight delayed the aerial attack on the fire by nearly a half hour. By 7:40 p.m. a total of 17 engines, five dozers, three water tenders, two hand crews, 12 overhead, three

helicopters, seven singleengine air tankers, one Air Attack spotter, and two LEOs (foam suppression helicopters) were ordered and on scene. There is some criticism of Oregon’s general policy to not deploy aerial assets at night (see story below) unlike California whose terrain is similar. “Generally, aerial assets are deployed when they are safely available and they

make the most tactical sense for suppression efforts,” Gasperini said. Aerial resources are used when their use will be tactically significant. ODF does not have a strict no-night use of aerial resources. Safety is paramount. Nighttime aerial firefighting may stay engaged after sunset to give ground crews greater advantage to further construct control lines when humidities rise and winds subside.”

Oregon avoids night flights on fires due to safety concerns By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Oregon generally does not use aircraft to fight wildfires at night because, it is believed, nighttime aerial firefighting poses significant safety risks while offering limited operational benefit. The decision is not rooted in a lack of resources or urgency, but in an evaluation of how wildfires behave after dark and how aircraft function in complex terrain. In a 130-page scientific report prepared in March of 2024 by NASA, experts say the primary concern is pilot and crew safety. Wildfire aircraft routinely fly at low altitudes and reduced speeds in order to drop water or fire retardant accurately. At night,

visibility drops sharply, even with moonlight or artificial illumination. Pilots must contend with unseen hazards such as ridgelines, tall trees, power lines, radio towers, and rapidly changing smoke conditions. Oregon’s rugged landscape marked by steep mountains, deep valleys, and dense forests amplifies these dangers. Smoke often settles into valleys overnight, further obscuring vision and making flight conditions unpredictable. Because wildfire conditions can shift rapidly, the margin for error becomes very small, and the consequences of a mistake can be catastrophic. Effectiveness is another limiting factor. Fixed-wing air tankers

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and helicopters rely heavily on visual references to place drops precisely. In darkness, even with advanced instruments, it becomes difficult to ensure that water or retardant is delivered exactly where it will do the most good, report Australian researchers. A poorly placed drop may have little impact on fire behavior, especially if ground crews are not in a position to reinforce it immediately. Since aerial firefighting is most effective when closely integrated with ground operations, limited nighttime visibility and coordination challenges reduce the overall value of flying at night. Coordination itself is more difficult after dark. Aerial firefighting requires tight communication

among pilots, air attack supervisors, dispatchers, and firefighters on the ground. Maintaining safe separation between aircraft is harder when visual contact is limited, warns the Forest Service’s Night Operations Plan. In addition, many airbases, reload facilities, and support crews are not staffed or equipped for nighttime wildfire operations, further complicating logistics. Only a small number of aircraft and crews are certified and trained for nighttime wildfire missions, typically helicopters equipped with nightvision goggles. These specialized resources are expensive and scarce, and they are usually reserved for situations where

nighttime flying provides a clear advantage, such as emergency medical evacuations or rare, high-risk fire scenarios threatening lives or critical infrastructure. At the same time, wildfire behavior often moderates at night according to research by Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and reduced winds can slow fire spread, making nighttime an ideal window for ground crews to work more safely and effectively. Firefighters use these conditions to strengthen fire lines, conduct controlled burnouts, and secure containment. Experts say, Oregon’s approach reflects a balance between risk and reward.

No love in Sisters? WE’VE HEARD RUMORS OF “NO LOVE IN SISTERS.” If you have a love story you would like to share with the community to dispel this rumor, please submit your story of 450 words or less for possible publication in The Nugget to editor@nuggetnews.com by Sunday, February 8.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

ETHICS: Effect on board status is unclear after ruling Continued from page 1

rented goods and services from Krah and/or provided TSID personnel to perform work for Krah, labor which was reimbursed by Krah, the Commission found Thalacker in violation. “But for Marc Thalacker’s official position with TSID, Krah USA LLC would not have had the same opportunities to obtain a financial benefit; thus, Marc Thalacker engaged in prohibited uses of office.” Thalacker and the Commission agreed to a settlement of the complaint. The parties agreed that Thalacker wished to conclude this matter by agreeing to the terms and conditions in the Commission’s stipulated final order without completing the investigative phase. Thalacker will pay a civil penalty, as authorized by ORS 244.350(1)(a), in the amount of $4,000 in order to settle and compromise the matter by not later than March 7, 2026. In exchange, “the Commission releases, settles, and compromises any and all claims, allegations, and charges which have been asserted by the Commission in this case against Thalacker.” Thalacker further agreed that he will initiate no claims, litigation, or other action against the Commission as a result of these proceedings. The Commission is still in the investigative stages of complaints lodged against Thalacker’s fellow board member, Karl Nulton. Nulton and the third board member, Don Boyer are not running for reelection in the upcoming January 20 annual meeting of TSID. Mark Koos and Joe Elwing are in nomination to replace them. The Nugget asked TSID if Thalacker will continue to serve on the board or face any consequences for the Commission’s findings. “The District does not yet have a position on this issue and will not have one until after the new board is seated at the January meeting and has had an opportunity to consider the issue,” said Emilia Ellington, the district’s manager.

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Send an email to editor@nuggetnews.com

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

expected to see, but I’ll close with an inverted echo of his hope for political unification — this is a cause for bipartisan condemnation. Sadly, it will not be the last. Josh Curtis

How much truth can you handle? To the Editor: On May 4, 1970, the Ohio National Guard was sent to the Kent State University campus by a very conservative governor to quell the mostly peaceful anti-war protests going on there. The guard ended up shooting several people, killing four. This act, not in just my opinion, was the catalyst for mainstream America to start turning against the war in Vietnam. Within two years we were out of the war. I wonder how many students, moms, teachers, and ordinary people will have to die before mainstream America will wake up to what is really going on. Probably a lot more than four. The original and very effective Antifa in this country was the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Army Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. They fought fascism to a standstill and eventual defeat in World War II. Right now, in this country, we have a fascist government. It’s not a possibility somewhere down the road, it’s here now. If you support the Trump regime and had relatives in World War II, I question wether you have the right to feel pride in what they did for our country and the world. Jesus tries to teach us to love thy neighbor, to respect the stranger, to look at a person’s deeds rather than their words, to judge not or so be judged, to turn the other cheek, all basic tenets of true Christian life. The MAGA mainstream considers themselves Christian and thinks that Donald Trump was sent by God to straighten us out (Donald Trump is about as close to God as I am to being 25 years old, rich, and handsome). Given the deeds done and being done in Trump’s name, I question wether the followers of his way can verily call themselves Christian. I think they should consider the possibility that they may be playing for the wrong team. So, here we are, living in a fledgling fascist country, citizens being shot, people being sent to foreign prisons

without a trial, no more of our surplus food being sent to needy persons both here and abroad, blatant racism, a large part of the populace super glued to their vanity media, and another part watching the state run propaganda stations and buying all the lies along with useless health supplements. Time to decide people, which side of the truth you are going to be on. Accepting the truth can be a lot harder than believing what you want to be true. Someone once said, “A man’s life expands in direct proportion to how much truth he can handle.” Bruce Campbell

Civilized leaders To The Editor: So-called “Delta Force” will go down in history as a “highly successful strategic manhunt,” according to Jim Cornelius (“Thoughts on a strategic manhunt, The Nugget, January 7, page 19). This sort of takeover, the strategic manhunt, may be a key element of the “American Way of War,” predating the United States becoming a nation, as set forth by Cornelius in his recent commentary. I stipulate to these statements, as I am not as well versed in American war history as many. Cornelius goes on to describe historical and global examples of this American way of war. He opines that the recent “flawless execution” of Delta Force will be politicized by “just about everyone.” I hope that is true. Further, I suggest that everything is political, and just because this “American Way of War” is part of our pre-national and national history, I will never celebrate such a “flawless, clean and satisfying” mission like Operation Absolute Resolve. It is actually pretty shameful, considering it was never approved or even presented to Congress. It is compounded by the fact that the leader of the United States is literally no better. The pot calling the kettle black. I have yet to see any actual evidence of alleged drug smuggling into North America. The American Way of War, like other hostile institutions which have darkly defined this country, is greatly antiquated and requires an intellectual, and civilized, See LETTERS on page 11

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Scholarship season opens at SHS The application window for Sisters High School students to apply for the local scholarships through the Graduate Resource Organization (GRO) is now open and will run through Friday, February 6. Regan Roberts, executive director of GRO, presented to the senior class in a school assembly on January 8 in order to orient seniors to the application process. “We encourage all students pursuing post-high school education to apply for the GRO awards,” said Roberts, “and we want to support them all along the way. Roberts will be available at the high school Mondays and Wednesdays during the application window and students can also contact her directly digitally. Volunteers from the ASPIRE program, which support students in future planning, will also be available to support students through the process, along with the school counselors. Targeted support for students and parents will take place on Wednesday, January 21, at 6 p.m. and pizza will be provided. Roberts confirmed that eight new scholarships will be offered in 2026 totaling over $35,000 bringing the anticipated total for the year to over $300,000. Some of the scholarships are renewable for up to four years. The new scholarships include; • The Access to Opportunity Scholarship. • The Aurora Scholarship. • Chinese Language Scholarship. • Fika Sisters Coffeehouse Scholarship. • Founders Scholarship. • Make Us Proud Scholarship.

LEARN: District to talk with homeschool families Continued from page 3

6 to 7:30 p.m.; Sisters High School Library. “Our district’s strategic plan is grounded in a clear commitment: Belong. Prepare. Inspire, ” Scholl stated. “We are continuously examining how well our schools help students feel connected and valued, how effectively we are preparing them for an ever-changing world, and how we can better inspire students to discover what excites them and gives their learning purpose. “We understand that families have choices in

• Rescued Living Scholarship. • Whychus Creek Scholarship for Futures in Healing. Additional new donations have also allowed GRO to offer the minimum scholarship amount to be raised from $500 to $1,500 for the Pegasus Award. Reneé Reitmeier, the owner of Fika Sisters Coffeehouse, explained her motivation to add a scholarship. “This community has poured so much kindness into my small business over the past six years,” she said. “Through my coffee shop, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible high school students who inspire me daily. I felt that starting this scholarship would be a meaningful way to give back — to invest in the same young people and community that have supported me from the very beginning.” Central Oregon Daily News featured Sisters GRO following the kick-off assembly to shine further light on the scholarship program. “As executive director this time of the year when the students are working on the scholarships is my favorite season,” said Roberts. She went on to acknowledge her gratefulness for all the donors and others who make Sisters GRO happen. “Keeping in mind that all of the scholarships offered through Sisters GRO come directly from the local community certainly makes it newsworthy,” said Roberts. “The Sisters community is so supportive and generous to our students.” For information about Sisters GRO, visit www.sisters gro.org.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS SISTERS LIBRA RY

Hunter Education Class

EVENTS

Starts March 3, 2026. Register online at www.odfw.com. For more information call Rick Cole at 541-420-6934.

Family Story Time

Fly Tie Fun!

Wednesday, January 14 and 21, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Sisters Library - Community Room. Interactive story time for children 0-5 yrs.

Quiet Writing Time

Thursday, December 15, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Sisters Library - Meeting Room. Enjoy a quiet space with the benefit of others’ company.

Mo-Tea-Vation: A Bullet Journal Workshop

Thursday, January 15, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sisters Library Community Room. Sip tea while learning to design your days with purpose.

Thrive Central Oregon Drop-In Consultations

Friday, January 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sisters Library Study Room. Drop-in social services assistance. For a phone appointment call 541-782-1022 or email info@ thrivecentraloregon.org.

Sunday, January 18, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Camp Sherman Community Hall. Warren Snyder will be tying his favorite BH Pheasant Tail Nymph to start the evening. Bring your own fly tying tools and materials to tie your favorite Metolius River patterns to share with like-minded fly tyers. Contact Warren at 541420-4437.

Check-In Circle: Come As You Are A welcoming space to be seen and heard. The group follows a series of simple check-ins that offer structure without pressure and honesty without performance. First and third Mondays. Next meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. on January 19, at The Hub, 291 E. Main Ave. RSVP to Michael Grant at 503-688-4881.

Pentecostal Bible Study

Held at The Lodge in Sisters, 411 E. Carpenter Ln. 6:30 p.m. every Thursday in the Theater Room. For information call 541-233-6189.

100+Women Who Care

100+ Women Who CareSisters is actively recruiting women to join the group, which pools individual donations to fund local non-profits nominated by its members. More than $72,000 has been donated since the group’s founding in 2024. There is no membership fee; the group meets quarterly. For more information, email 100wwc.Sisters@gmail.com or call/text 541-912-0750.

PET OF THE WEEK Humane Society of Central Oregon

541-382-3537

SISTERS COMMUNITY

FOOD RESOURCES Free Lunches for Seniors

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

Weekly Food Pantry

CORE Market, located at 222 N. Trinity Way in Sisters. Market hours are Mondays, 1 to 2 p.m. Info: 541-5882332.

Free Weekly Meal Service

Family Kitchen hosts a weekly to-go hot meal on Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. Info: www. FamilyKitchen.org.

Free Pet Food

Need pet food for your dog or cat? Call the Furry Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4023 to schedule your pickup. Located at 412 E. Main Ave., Ste. 4, behind The Nugget.

Kiwanis Food Bank

Located at 382 W. Main Ave. Weekly distribution is Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: 541-632-3663.

JUDO

Judo is friendly with adults, walks nicely on leash, and is house trained. He can be dogselective, so he would do best with older children and a calm, loving home where he is the only dog. Looking for a loyal buddy with polished basics? Come meet Judo.

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Black Butte Veterinary Clinic 541-549-1837

SISTERS-AR EA CHURCHES

where their children enroll. Families make these decisions thoughtfully and for many reasons, often based on what they believe will best support their child’s learning, well-being, and sense of belonging. As a public school and community partner, we believe it is both our responsibility and our opportunity to better understand these choices. Not to persuade or defend, but to listen, to learn, and to grow. “We are grateful to the families who are willing to share their experiences and perspectives. By listening first, we strengthen our ability to build schools that reflect our community’s values and support every student’s success.”

Baha’i Faith For information, devotions, study groups, etc., contact Shauna Rocha 541-647-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings.org

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N. Fir St. • 541-549-5831 www.shepherdoft hehillslutheranchurch.com 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Church of the Nazarene 67130 Harrington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960 www.sistersnaz.org • info@sistersnaz.org 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 452 Trinity Way • Branch President, 541-977-5559; 10 a.m. Sunday Sacrament Meeting The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 121 N Brooks Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org 8:30 a.m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m. Episcopal Sunday Worship The Resting Place meeting at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us 5 p.m. Sunday Worship Seventh-Day Adventist Church 541-241-6086 11 a.m. Saturday Worship

Sisters Community Church (nondenominational) 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com 8 a.m. Daybreak Service • 10 a.m. Sunday Worship St. Edward the Martyr Roman Catholic Church 123 Trinity Way • 541-549-9391 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a.m. Tuesday-Friday Mass The Wednesday Bible Study Home Church (nondenominational) Call for time and location • 541-728-2717 Wellhouse Church 442 Trinity Way • 541-549-4184 htt ps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

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

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

LETTERS

Continued from page 9

update. Let’s begin with intelligent and civilized leaders. Jackie Page

Trump lies To the Editor: It seems to me our world is spinning faster and faster, and I’m not sure where it is headed. Our current president ran a campaign promising “America First” and the avoidance of foreign entanglements. Well, that didn’t last long. A coup d’état to remove Venezuelan president Maduro was just the latest. Since returning to office, he has used the U.S. military on hundreds of individual strikes across at least seven foreign countries and two maritime regions between 2024–2026; 626 U.S. airstrikes overseas according to ACLED data reported by Military Times. Was this something he had planned all along? We don’t really know because he lies about any and all things he does or did. Unfortunately, he has given a green light to all members of his administration to lie as much as he does. A veil of lies shrouds his Presidency and his second term in office. He uses his “Truth Social” site as a means to sell his lies and deception. His spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt uses her podium to cover for his misspoken words and intended deceptions. Kristi Noem makes false claims intent on vilifying the thousands and thousands of Venezuelan “murderers and drug dealers” illegally in the U.S. Remember, they are eating our dogs. Oh, was that Haiti? ICE raids across the U.S. Portland in flame

due to riots which necessitates the National Guard being sent into the city? And one more error perpetrated by presidential lies. Venezuelan oil belongs to us, the United States. Yes, American oil companies helped develop the oil fields in Venezuela, but so did companies from Great Britain (PB), France (Total), Italy (ENI), Norway (Statoil), Spain (Repsol), and drilling contractors from around the World. Several Canadian gold mining companies Crystalles and Gold Reserve Inc. had their gold concessions seized. Any mention of their losses or that some of the oil or gold belongs to them? And then today Trump said that he is going to use “my own morality” as he lays out a vision of what will restrain his vision of power. And we have had a pretty clear picture of Trump’s morality. Rob Phelps

Awash in questions To the Editor: As we close out the first year of President Trump’s second term, I am awash in questions: Will substituting our personal opinions for science weaken American leadership in biotechnology and medicine? Will our top researchers pursue jobs abroad? Will changing vaccine recommendations lead to an increase in hospitalizations and preventable deaths? When our federal government deports over a million undocumented migrants, who builds our homes? Who harvests our crops? Who provides care for our children and our elderly? When the United States weakens its support for NATO while insisting that Ukraine give up territory to Russia in exchange for peace, how long

WE’RE HIRING!

before Putin sends his armies into Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Georgia? Will we abandon Europe to another tyrant? When the federal government cuts Medicaid and SNAP benefits, how will rural hospitals and medical clinics survive? How will we feed the poor? What other programs and services will states be forced to cut without federal support? How will small companies survive when tariffs eat away at their profitability by increasing supply chain costs? When the burden of import taxes is shifted to consumers, how will we afford healthy food? When we whitewash our history, how do we celebrate every individual who contributed to the building of our great nation? How do we learn from our mistakes? Finally, when we put a dagger into the heart of the green revolution, how much quicker will our planet warm? When insurance companies no longer write homeowner policies in areas experiencing more violent weather patterns, more frequent fires, and spreading drought, how will communities recover? Will states be able to absorb recovery costs once borne by FEMA? Mitchell Luftig

McKenzie Meadows Village To the Editor: McKenzie Meadows Village, LLC seems to spend more time than most aspiring property developers arguing on their own behalf within these pages. By controversially seeking to reclassify forest lands that have benefited the community See LETTERS on page 20

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SISTERS-AREA EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 14 Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • JANUARY 15

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Jacob Miller Firesides Music Series inside The Skip Bar & Restaurant, 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations required: www.thesuttlelodge.com. Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Steve Stenkamp presents "Lost Oregon Ski Areas." 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

FRIDAY • JANUARY 16

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • JANUARY 17 Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

SUNDAY • JANUARY 18

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

TUESDAY • JANUARY 20

The Belfry Frontiers in Science Lecture Series: “Dark Skies, Why We Should Care" with Rima Givot and Scott Woodford presented by Sisters Science Club. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m. Adults $5 at the door; teachers and students free.

TUESDAY • JANUARY 20 (cont.)

Sisters Ski Inn Live Music: Mark Barringer & Bob Baker 6–8 p.m. bobbakerviolin.com/calendar. Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 21

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Dirty Jazz Come hang and listen to jazz with Wolfe House Records 6 to 8 p.m. $15, or free for Suttle guests. Info: www.thesuttlelodge.com. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

SUNDAY • JANUARY 25

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

TUESDAY • JANUARY 27

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Pool Tournament 5:30 p.m. Info: 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 28

THURSDAY • JANUARY 22

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: David Guterson presents "Evelyn in Transit." 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

FRIDAY • JANUARY 23

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Carrie Jennings Firesides Music Series inside The Skip Bar & Restaurant, 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations required: www.thesuttlelodge.com.

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Jeshua Marshall Firesides Music Series inside The Skip Bar & Restaurant, 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations required: www.thesuttlelodge.com. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com. Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

SATURDAY • JANUARY 24

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Tasting Room Live Music: Justin Little album release concert featuring Aidan Moye (guitar), Benji Nagel (dobro and lap steel), Taylor Rheault (violin), Aaron Moore (upright bass) and Brent Alan (keys). 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Located at 68540 U.S. 20. Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

THURSDAY • JANUARY 29 FRIDAY • JANUARY 30

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • JANUARY 31

Frankie's Live Music: Justin Little, Aidan Moye & Scott Crabtree — three local songwriters, one intimate room, all for a good cause: Citizens for Community. 7 to 9 p.m. Limited seating! Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com. Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Event listings are $40/week. Submit items by 5 p.m. Fridays to jess@nuggetnews.com.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Outlaws post historic victory over Burns By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Outlaws girls basketball squad earned a historic road victory on Saturday, January 10, defeating Burns 52-39 for their first win over the Lady Hilanders in more than 20 years. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, they squeaked out a 33-27 road win at Sweet Home (4A). In the matchup against Burns, the Outlaws came out sharp from the opening tip, building a 17-12 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Outlaws defense then took over in the second period, holding Burns to just six points and stretching the advantage to 34-18 at halftime. The second half proved to be a much closer contest, as Burns regrouped and played with renewed intensity. However, Sisters stayed composed and continued to execute. Audrey Corcoran helped steady the Outlaws with two timely three-pointers in the third quarter, allowing Sisters to maintain control and fend off any momentum the Hilanders tried to build. Despite the tighter play after halftime, Sisters closed out the game with poise to secure the monumental victory. The Outlaws finished the night with their lowest turnover total of the season at 13. “I’m super-proud of these girls,” said Coach Kevin Cotner. “Burns is not an easy place to walk into and out of with a win, as evident of our record over the last 20-plus years. I thought the girls executed at the highest level of the season offensively. We were patient with our reads and looked to hit our weak-side cutters in motion. We shared the ball well, made the right passes to create advantage situations in transition, and took high-percentage shots from the inside out. We’ve been preaching execution and patience offensively for the past couple of weeks, and it was a beautiful thing to watch it play out against Burns.” Cotner noted that Corcoran turned in her best performance of the season, pushing the ball in transition and knocking down big perimeter shots. He also praised Verbena Brent for her relentless effort and noted she is a workhorse who brings energy to the team every time she steps on the court. Maddie Durham once again led the Outlaws offensively, scoring from the perimeter and attacking effectively from the high post. “Maddie’s decision-making and her kickout passing when she was double-teamed were on point tonight,” said Cotner. Cotner told The Nugget the win was a major confidence builder as the Lady Outlaws prepare to enter what he called the toughest league in the state. The Mountain Valley Conference currently features the No. 3,4, 6, and 7 ranked teams. “Although we’ve had a tremendous preseason, the fight starts now,” Cotner said. “These girls are warriors, and I’m excited to be in the battle with them.” Earlier in the week at Sweet Home, the Lady Outlaws built a commanding first-half lead and held on just long enough to escape with a 33-27 win. Sisters came out with energy, applying a fast-paced, full-court press that immediately paid dividends. The Outlaws scored off multiple steals that led to transition baskets and surged to a 13-0 lead with 2:30 left in the first quarter. Sweet Home eventually settled in and outscored Sisters 8-6 over the final stretch, but the Outlaws still held a comfortable 19-10 lead at the end of one. The momentum continued in the second See VICTORY on page 19

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

CITY: Officials cite partnerships, volunteerism Continued from page 1

of households is 1,377, and the median home price is $743,000. Letz explained that ‘Sisters Country ‘is defined primarily as outside the City’s boundaries but within the City’s fire and school districts in Deschutes County. City Manager Wheeler presented some administrative and financial information. He shared that of the 3,834 citizens there are approximately 2,600 voters and the City is fully supported by only 20 employees. Wheeler finds the participation by and volunteerism of citizens impressive. Many citizens from the City and Sisters Country apply and if appointed serve on one or more of five committees. Wheeler shared that two committees are required by Oregon State law – planning and budget. The other three are boards as required per City Council resolutions – City Parks Advisory Board, Public Works Advisory Board, and the Urban Forestry Board. Wheeler noted later, in a reply to a question, that in 2025 City Council resolved to have a Public Arts Advisory Board which will soon be recommending outdoor art for

various locations including in the Locust Street roundabout. Wheeler presented the City’s “very good financial situation”: • The City is run and maintained with economic efficiency both in the low number of personnel and the responsible management of funds by staff and City Council. The operating budget is only 25 percent of the total budget. • The City Council and staff are proactive in reserving funds for unforeseen issues or emergencies — 57 percent of the total budget of $35,238,661 is in reserves. • The City does not have a police force and instead contracts with DSCO for public safety expending only 25 percent of the general fund (a subset of total budget). According to a quick Google search, the average expense in Oregon cities on public safety is 62 percent of a city’s general fund. • Due to the City’s excellent credit rating, the City is able to secure the best interest rates for loans for large projects. • The partnerships with local districts, county, and local nonprofits to work on common goals brings an efficiency and effectiveness that other cities find laudable. Mayor Letz found that being involved in such partnerships to control the Flat Fire was the most notable

example of a successful coordinated effort during a complex and intense emergency situation. Several emergency entities involved expressed admiration for the partnering that occurred. Wheeler pointed to slides showing the City revenues. For the past fiscal year the City received $1.7 million in property taxes, $1.6 million in utility fees (water and sewer), and $1.1 million in transit lodging taxes [these amounts are rounded up]. Additional revenues less than one million dollars each came from system development charges, franchise fees, and local and state gas taxes.

Although the gas taxes are declining, Wheeler said that was more than covered in the increases in transit lodging taxes received. Mayor Letz shared that the revenues from the Creek Park Campgrounds fully pay for the annual maintenance of City parks. A resident of Sisters Country wanted to know why two-thirds of the total population who are located in Sisters Country don’t have more of a say in what happens in the City. Wheeler explained that owners in Sisters Country pay property taxes to the county and districts in which they reside for school or fire. Even though their mailing address

may indicate Sisters, their tax payments do not fund the City. Wheeler noted that of the property taxes paid to the county by those who live within the City limits, 19 percent is returned to the City of Sisters. Nonetheless, Wheeler reiterated that the City intentionally includes members from the broader Sisters community to join a City board or committee. Locals are also welcomed to share their thoughts with the City. Councilor Gary Ross added that all public input is equally considered — City Council does not distinguish relative to the City’s boundary.

The Nugget Newspaper...

READ IT YOUR WAY!

• Pick up a FREE print copy of The Nugget at locations throughout Sisters, and at select locations in Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman, Tumalo, and Redmond. • Have the paper delivered to your mailbox. Subscription costt 0, covers postage and handling. $55/year inside 97759, 97730, 97703, 97759, $70/year all other zip codes. Subscribe at www.nuggetnews.com/subscribe or call 541-549-9941. • Read the digital version for FREE. Looks just like the print edition but read the PDF on your eReader or computer. Email jess@nuggetnews.com to be added to the list. m • Read stories online at NuggetNews.com — most stories from the paper are free to read. Visit NuggetNews.com anytime! • Read ALL the stories online at NuggetNews.com with an online subscription. Supports community journalism and gives you access to extra content, behind the scenes, and more. $50/year; visit NuggetNews.com/subscribe. • Substack...Search for “Nugget From A Small Town” by Jim Cornelius to read more from your favorite Editor in Chief!

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

City of Sisters looks to the future as we move into 2026 By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Sisters City Manager Jordan Wheeler and Mayor Jennifer Letz shared 2025 successes and some 2026 efforts in progress or about to begin during a joint meeting of Sisters Kiwanis and Rotary clubs on January 6. Beyond the successfully coordinated management of the Flat Fire, as mentioned in the related article page one, Mayor Letz and City Manager Wheeler shared these past and future highlights: • Dark Skies Community designation was achieved last year, making The City of Sisters (City) the largest community in Oregon having such a designation. To maintain the program, the City will be rolling out the Dark Skies Lighting incentives Program to City residence, which includes a rebate of a limited amount with proof of purchase. • Community Partners on Houselessness was formed in 2025. The coalition includes local unhoused support entities and groups, developers, nonprofits, US Forest Service, Sisters Camp Sherman Fire District, and the City. They meet monthly to continuously work on

creative and effective solutions for the unhoused. • The Sisters Civic Leadership Academy (SCLA) is rolling out its third academy this year in partnership with Citizens for Community (C4C). The executive director of C4C, Kellen Klein, was present and shared that from the first two academies of 22 graduates in total; one was elected to City Council, three joined the Sisters Country Vision Team, three serve on City boards and committees, two serve on local nonprofit boards, one launched a civics program at Sisters high school, two created a local leadership book club, and one is pursuing a dual masters in nonprofit management and public policy at the University of Oregon. The City will soon be seeking applicants for the 2026 SCLA cohort of about a dozen individuals. • The City Council requested and City staff completed new municipal defensible space code which Council reviewed and approved. Sisters is one of only a few cities in Oregon to have completed such a code changes. The City will complete work this spring mitigating defensible spaces around all municipal

structures to set the example for the entire community. • The leadership of City Council and efficient work by staff assured that the State code R327 for building hardening for any new development is now the City’s development code. This code has no impact on existing structures. Sisters was the first city in Oregon to officially incorporate R327. • Barclay Drive phase one was completed and phase two (the City Council hopes will be the last phase but that depends on funding) will be completed this year or spring of 2027. • Sewer system improvements to add a new pump off Pine Street will be completed this year. • Since Sisters’ water reservoir is reaching its sustainable duration, construction of a new one begins in 2026. • The North West Park master plan is very near completion and the City will seek final public comments before the final plan is reviewed and approved by City Council. • The Urban Growth

Boundary (UGB) expansion project is in the “Preparation of the Application” phase. This phase will prepare the UGB map and findings for a review by the City and Deschutes County — each entity will have public hearings. Once approved by both entities, these official land use applications will go to the Deschutes County Land Use Department for acknowledgment. There will be a 21-day appeal period. Other UGB work ensues, but as to annexing, no owners within the expanded areas will be able to submit requests to annex their properties until sometime in 2027, at the earliest. • Other projects

Sisters Dental WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

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mentioned; the development of Trinity Place with 40 units of affordable housing has broken ground, the Adams Avenue streetscape improvements project will be implemented, the signage master plan (to show where things are as one wanders around Sisters) will be completed, and the Elm Street pathway for pedestrians to safely walk from the Village Green Park up Tyee Drive to Peterson Ridge will be completed including an improved pedestrian bridge over Whychus Creek. Mayor Letz invites the public to participate in an open house at City Hall, January 26, 5 p.m., to set new goals.

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Portraits OF SISTERS

Her business card says “Hair Engineer” and “Hair Mechanic,” but is known for more than just clipping locks. “My job is more like 80 percent therapist and 20 percent hair dresser,” she says. “People tell you things they never tell anyone else.” What’s said in the chair is often surprising, or downright outlandish, and after building that foundation of trust, losing a customer is like losing a family member. Customers trust their hair to one of the longest running hairdressers in Sisters who has a profound love for community. Born and raised in Sisters, Deri attended beauty school in 1991. She’s a second-generation business owner. Her father owned SnoCap, the 79 gas station, and the car wash for many years. Her daughter runs her own business as well — Cedar Studio as an esthetician. “I feel that a good haircut helps you feel better, it gives you way more confidence,” she says. She believes so much in a good haircut that she prices her service for anyone. She keeps them low enough so, “anyone working a minimum wage job can afford a haircut on three-hours pay.” Her love for community goes beyond the salon chair, too. In 2002 she was a charter member of the Three Sisters Lions Club, and helped start the community Thanksgiving Dinner in 2011. Now with 34 years in the business Deri’s Hair Salon shows no signs of stopping. Deri continues to share her love for community and people one haircut at a time.

Deri Frazee

T HI S M ONT H ’S “ P ORTRA ITS O F SISTE RS” PRESE N TE D BY:

PHOTO AND STORY BY

Cody Rheault

541.419.5577 | tim@kizziarproperty.com Licensed In The State of Oregon

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

GROUP: Advocates have many successes to point to Continued from page 3

PHOTO BY EMILY GREEN

Doc Cosden’s song “Tangerine Sky” has been honored.

SINGER: Contest recognized Sisters songwriter Continued from page 3

there’s still something worth holding onto.” The Portland Folk Festival Song Contest highlights songwriters whose work demonstrates originality, strong storytelling, and connection to the folk and Americana traditions. Cosden is a Sisters-based songwriter whose music blends Americana, folk, and roots influences with deeply personal storytelling. He

performs both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians throughout the region, principally with Stevie V. The song is to be released on all streaming services in January 2026. For a pre-release listen, scan the QR code below.

Team 2024-2025); • Luring residents of all generations out of their homes for isolation-busting community singing events (Sing Your Hearts Out, Sisters! 2024 and 2025); • Co-sponsoring a public forum focused on how residents can move their ideas from paper to community action (What Do You Do With An Idea, 2024); • Combatting isolation and helping older adults age in place at home while addressing fire resiliency (the RAKE IT yard clean-up project, 2024-2025); • Bringing neighbors together for mutual support (Tollgate Villages, stopped by COVID in 2020); • Showing community support for COVID vaccines (Nugget ad featuring head shots of about 50 residents, and numerous supporting organizations, 2021). While AFSC board size has varied from five to seven members, almost all board members have extended their terms because, despite

AFSC’s success in the community, new board members are not stepping up to join. The current board has reached its collective limit. “We’d love to turn more community ideas into reality, but we’re burnt out,” said current Board President Judy Smith, who gave a combined six years to AFSC and the STARS organization. “We have to balance honoring the vision of our founders — Chris Laing, Dixie Eckford, and Toni Landis — with the reality of our other responsibilities, both familial and community.” During their planned inactive status, AFSC will no longer provide fiscal sponsorship for their Action Teams. The Serving Our Seniors (SOS) Action Team is currently wrapping up their community survey with plans for late winter public meetings to review the most pressing needs of older adults in Sisters. AFSC will continue to support SOS through the conclusion of this process, with the hope that the conclusions reached in these meetings will spur community action and the visionary support of another 501(c)(3) organization. And, without a fresh infusion of management

talent and volunteers, the RAKE IT neighbor-supported yard clean-up Action Team vows to continue clearing local properties of flammable debris “one yard at a time,” without a fiscal sponsor. This project not only mitigates fire risk in town but also busts isolation and introduces neighbors to neighbors. “AFSC sees some big challenges ahead and hopes someone will come forward to tackle such issues as the isolation of older, sometimes disabled adults who still live rurally, often in older homes with acreage in the outer reaches of Sisters Country, or the perplexing conditions that create neighbors who are strangers to each other, both downtown and in our subdivisions,” Smith stated. AFSC is grateful to the residents of Sisters, to the businesses and other nonprofits who have supported them both financially and with pledges of volunteer support, and also to the local and regional funders who have supported their projects. For more information or to explore ways to support AFSC’s mission, visit https://www.agefriendly sisters.com/.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS

Nugget ? ? The N E W S PA P E R ?

Jim and Cathy Nicholson at Valley of the Temple, Sicily, Italy, where they spent a month exploring the island.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Songwriters circle up to support new nonprofit Central Oregon singersongwriters Alicia Viani, Megan Alder, and Beth Wood will team up for evening of community and song in support of the Open Arts Center in Bend on Friday, January 23 at 7 p.m. This will be the first time these three artists have shared the stage, and they will be presenting songs in an “in-the-round” format, taking turns offering their songs and the stories behind them. This format creates unique opportunities for harmonies and spontaneous collaborations and is a favorite way of these three artists to present their work. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will go to Open Arts Center. The Open Arts Center is a nonprofit creative arts center that provides free and accessible after school programming, self-directed learning, and community-sourced mentorship for Central Oregon’s teens, between the ages of 12-18. Half of the center is also dedicated to

adult working artists and creative community members to rent studio space, become a member, offer workshops, or just drop in for a day of making. Sisters resident Beth Wood has been writing, performing, and teaching fulltime for 30 years, delighting and inspiring audiences with her exceptional musicianship, intelligent writing, powerhouse voice, and warm and commanding stage presence. Wood has released fifteen albums and four books of poetry. During her long tenure as a full-time touring troubadour, Wood played concerts in listening rooms, clubs, festivals, and alternative venues across all 50 states. Hailing from the Columbia River Gorge, Megan Alder is a vocal powerhouse performing upbeat swing and Americana music. She delivers her original songs with raw grit and soul. Influenced by artists like Billie Holiday and

PHOTO PROVIDED

Alicia Viani.

Megan Alder.

Beth Wood.

Bonnie Raitt, Alder leads her band with fearless flat picking. She performs as a solo artist with live loops and kazoo flare. Her latest EP, “Dark Side,” features four original songs recorded live in Parkdale, Oregon, available on all platforms. “I have a memory of people having guitars and singing no matter where we were or which language was spoken,” Oregon-based songwriter Alicia Viani says of her childhood, much of which was spent overseas, “and how easy it is to share music with people, which

speaks to the entire point of why we play songs—to connect and not feel alone.” Each of her songs is commanded by a voice that feels entirely human, turning moments of deep complexity and heartbreak into warm jazzy, country folk that finds easy paths into the heart, much like the musical moments she cherishes from her childhood. Viani tackles complex current events such as the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and racism, but all in the gentle form of a personal story to invitingly navigate typically avoided

topics. Viani’s desire for utmost connection is embodied by the sensitive ballads that make up her thoughtfully penned self-titled debut album, which released in the Spring of 2020. Open Arts Center is located at 999 Northeast 2nd Street, Bend. Tickets are on a sliding scale basis from $20 to $50. Advance tickets can be purchased at https:// www.theopenartscenter.org/ events./ The show will be seated with light refreshments available. The is an alcohol-free venue.

The Nugget Newspaper says “thank you” to our many mail subscribers — both near and far! We appreciate your readership and support of the mission of The Nugget, your community newspaper! If you’d like to have The Nugget delivered to your mailbox each week, or sent to friends or family, visit NuggetNews.com/subscribe or call 541-549-9941.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

THREAT: Legislation is expected to address issue in 2026 Continued from page 6

get out of committee last year, despite having bipartisan support. Bipartisan legislation is expected to come up again in 2026. Rep. Emerson Levy participated in the City Club forum, and committed to working on the issue. “I have my constituents saying, ‘I can’t afford insurance’ — and we know that to be true,” she said. Levy, whose 53rd District includes Sisters, said that legislation must ensure that waivers are clear, visible, and understandable. Any legislation, she said, would cover only “ordinary negligence” not “gross” or willful negligence, and would only apply to adults. District 54 Representative Jason Kropf, who also participated in the forum, said that legislation needs to define inherent risk, and establish what are the standards of responsibility for ski areas. He cited Colorado, where ski resorts established standards of practice and responsibility for themselves, as an example of a framework he would support.

The last year, my insurance company ... dropped me, even though I’ve never had a claim. — Tate Metcalf “I think that’s a model we could adopt in Oregon,” he said. Byrd emphasized that legislation must provide for summary judgement if the elements of a waiver are clearly met, so that the insured do not have to absorb extensive court costs to demonstrate that they met whatever an established standard demands. Without action soon, advocates argue, it will become increasingly difficult for recreation industry entities to operate in Oregon, and access to the kind of activities that Oregonians build their identity around will become less accessible to the public due to cost or lack of availability. And, given the scope of the industry, that would have a serious economic impact. “Oregon has a terrible business climate,” Byrd said. “This is one of the things we need to address on that.”

FUN & GAMES

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

Are you seeking to t find a small and welcoming faith community? Please join us for our traditional Christ-centered worship service at 10 a.m. each Sunday.

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 386 N. Fir St., Sisters • 541-549-5831

www.shepherdofthehillslutheranchurch.com

Their New Baby Boy Arrived...

The Anttila’s of Harrison Street, New Castle, PA, welcomed their third child, William (Billy), Sat. morning, Jan. 19, 1946. A handsomely cute towhead baby boy with sparkly blue eyes. He was born into the now called BABY BOOMER era, post WWII, part of the Greatest Generation. Bill made his way to Oregon and to Sisters in 1971, after his tour in Vietnam. After a decade of life, his travels brought him through Sisters again in 1981, while on hi his way tto see th the Mt. Saint Helens eruption site. Upon his return from OR, he told Joanne he would retire there. They were married that summer. In 2005 Bill bought a house in Sisters, he retired in 2007 from CA Youth Authority and moved to Sisters full time. Upon completing his move, Bill was offered a position with the Sisters HS-FLEX program. For the next decade Bill worked a variety of educational positions for SSD and at SCA, volunteered at many non-profits in Sisters and surrounding areas. This gave Bill an opportunity to meet many wonderful people op and build friendships. an

This coming Monday, Bill will be ssaying, “Hello Eighty!” As you see Bill around town, wish him a

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY!

WORDFIND Find words forward, backward, horizontally, or diagonally.

A U J K A H C V K N E D T P F F W D S E H E S X I U S U

L Z R A A M Y R T V L F U N

AVALANCHE BINDINGS BOOTS GLOVES GOGGLES

X B T A U L A F E O M O I G

U M Z B P O A X M L E A O L

S T O O B A S N M G T E N A

I Z A F K O W T A I K Q N O R K C U N H J L H E A G S S

HELMET JACKET MITTENS MOUNTAIN PARKA

Z S N L D D S C V S T Y W M O D N Q S D E E L S G O E S

C G O G G L E S Q E D L B Z

POLES SCARF SKIS SLEDS SNOWBALLS

A R S V G D N M I I D T N T I E B N L S H Y W J O T Y P

F S N O W B A L L S F K Q C

SNOWBOARD SNOWMEN STORM SUNGLASSES TOBOGGAN

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

The Outlaws swim team splashed into the New Year with fast times at a sprint meet hosted by Sweet Home High School January 10, that included only short distance events and relays. The Sisters girls placed seventh among 11 teams with 140 points, with five swimmers contributing to the scoring including the winning 200-yard freestyle relay team of Lola Mae Magner, Rylie Bick, Ryah Nordell, and Kate Singleton that clocked 1:57.5 seconds. The same group took second place in the 200-yard medley relay in a time of 2:14.59. Magner picked up a second place in the 50-yard breaststroke (35.71), while Singleton took third in the 50-yard free (28.54). Bick picked up a third place as well in the 200-yard free (2:34.56) and Ryah Nordell placed sixth in the 50-yard butterfly (34.14). Isla Rhyne placed 13th in the 50-yard freestyle (37.67). The boys team tallied 80 points overall to finish ninth among 10 teams. Senior Trent Gordon placed highest for the team with a seventh place finish in the 50-yard free (28.19). Tobann Bionda, Joseph Derksen, Dakota Smithers, Tristan Kay, and Gage Scott also competed for the Outlaws. Philomath won the meet with 279 points to edge runner-up Stayton with 273.5. “Entries were limited to three events per athlete, so we did about as well as we could,” said head coach Alex Bick. “It was a good showing and a positive outlook for when we compete at District next month.”

VICTORY: Two halves of game gave mixed emotion Continued from page 13

quarter as Sisters locked down defensively, allowing just two points. At the other end, the Outlaws executed efficiently and entered halftime firmly in control 29-12. What followed, however, was a much different story. Sweet Home adjusted defensively and held Sisters to just four points in the third quarter and scoreless in the fourth. The Outlaws had numerous attempts in the paint but their shots just would not fall. But, Sisters’ strong first half proved to be just enough, as they clung to a six-point victory. Cotner told The Nugget he was pleased with the team’s early execution, but felt a missed adjustment contributed to the second-half struggles. “I felt we executed our full-court press almost flawlessly in the first half and probably should have gone back to it in the second half,” said Cotner. “I could tell we were running out of gas mentally and had some different lineups in the game, so I made the decision to continue with our half-court defensive sets. Looking back, that was probably a mistake that I take responsibility for.” Offensively, Cotner said the Outlaws must continue to improve their execution against pressure. “We need to continue to focus on execution, particularly wing entry passes and pressure-release options,” he

said. “We are having a hard time getting into any kind of continuity when we are pressured, and that is something we will continue to work on in practice.” Cotner praised Paityn Cotner, who had to play out of position as they were shorthanded, and also Verbena Brent for her contribution. “I thought Paityn did a great job filling in at point guard,” said Cotner. “She spends zero minutes of practice time in that position, so being able to transition into that role in crunch time is a valuable addition to our team. And, Verbena continued to excel in our transition game, receiving some incredible assists throughout the game, most notably the two-pass layin from Audrey Corcoran to Althea Crabtree, and the one-touch advance to Verbena for the layin.” “I was proud of the girls’ grit and resolve tonight,” said Cotner. “It is not easy to watch a game that you dominated in the first half continue to slip away in the second. I thought they continued to fight and give maximum effort even with the frustration of shots not falling. We were very fortunate to come away with the win.” Cotner summed up the night simply. “I am not sure I have ever experienced two halves with such opposing emotions. This is a game where you are thankful for the win, you figure out how to fix mistakes, and move on to the next.” The Lady Outlaws will open league play at home on Tuesday, January 13, against Harrisburg, before heading to Creswell on Friday.

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Nugget Poetry Corner The Raid By Gabrielle Bohme Here they come! Soldiers marching. Here they come, soldiers of war! Cruel eyes staring, hard and glaring. These soldiers that are marching. Why do you come? To take my home? Don’t you care? These soldiers marching. They take my sisters. They grab my brother. Where is my mother? My father is gone. They say, “Another day” “We will come again and take you away!” These marching soldiers of war.

DAY BEGINS By Beth Eckert my heart breaks open. standing on the lawn watching the dawn rise through the brilliant clouds slowly coloring the sky with amber, yellow and orange. i stare without a care, into the cold crisp air. time is stilled. sun appears in quiet brilliance, as the day begins.

I’m Done By Wendy Bachmeier Well, the other day I went to L.A. ‘Cuz my dear old aunt, she passed away. Her service there was sweet, I’d say, and I cried. But while we were grieving and stories were weaving, I drowned my sorrows with chocolate eating and woke the next day blotchy and itching, with a bad rash. My hands were covered with little red bumps So I wrapped them up; they looked like stumps. And I tried to be patient taking my lumps, But I sighed.

CCB#148365

Swimmers seeing success

Until the next day when I lost my way And tripped in the dark and on my face I lay With a twisted foot, bumpy hands, and in pain, So I prayed. Some friends they found me in the mire. They helped me up and got me a medical stuff buyer. Now I’ve got a knee scooter; I’m a high flyer! Oh, what fun! I’d like to think things aren’t so dire, But I guess my weight is another quagmire, ‘Cuz now my knee scooter has a flat tire, and I’m stuck!

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So, here I sit with my foot up high, My hands in bandages wrapped up tight, My poor knee scooter is now retired, And I’m done. I’m done, I’m done, I guess I’ll sit here in the sun Writing poems and dumb puns, ‘Cuz I’m done. Some days are just down-right rough, And I’m stuck with more than my share of stuff. It’s a good thing God helps me to be tough, ‘Cuz he’s enough.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

ODOT: Governor seeks repeal of bill she supported Continued from page 1

She says this emergency action is necessary to prevent layoffs planned for the spring and to protect basic transportation services amid risks from severe weather and infrastructure failures. “For now, there are no immediate changes to the Sisters maintenance facility or statewide operations. However, ODOT continues to face significant funding uncertainty. If additional resources are not identified, ODOT may need to reduce services in the future, which could include impacts to maintenance operations across the state. Any specific changes would depend on legislative action and funding decisions that have not yet been made,” Davey added. Kotek describes her strategy as one to redirect, repeal, and rebuild. While the short-term goal is stabilizing ODOT’s finances, the governor has acknowledged that the rebuilding phase remains largely undefined. She has emphasized that lawmakers must pursue new ideas rather than revisit approaches that failed in the past. According to Kotek, the state faces both an immediate crisis and a longer-term need to invest sustainably in transportation infrastructure. The repeal effort raises important constitutional questions. While Oregon lawmakers have the authority to repeal laws at any time, the Constitution also grants voters the right to hold referendums. Courts generally evaluate whether a replacement

law is meaningfully different from the original or merely an attempt to bypass a public vote. Repealing HB 3991 would remove it from the ballot entirely, making the planned referendum unnecessary. Many Republicans argue that once signatures are verified, the measure must still go before voters, regardless of repeal. HB 3991 itself emerged after lawmakers failed to pass a broader transportation package during the 2025 regular session. Drafted by the governor’s office, it was a scaled-down version of that earlier proposal, carrying over key elements such as gas tax and fee increases, but in a narrower form designed to pass during a special session. While most tax increases remain frozen, some provisions of the law took effect on December 31, including accountability measures for ODOT and a new $30 annual registration fee for electric vehicles and high-mileage vehicles. Those provisions will remain in place until lawmakers convene and act. Until then, the DMV will continue collecting the fee, with refunds only possible through legislative action.

LETTERS

Continued from page 11

for many years, by posting highly-visible “no trespassing” signs at all corners, and by presenting an air of righteous inevitability about their project, MMV has become Exhibit A in how the area’s recent development push can breach community trust, just as it can divide and disconnect natural habitat that has long been integral to our high quality of life here in Sisters Country. As one walks the quiet, forested path connecting Sisters High School with Tollgate, just west of the McKenzie Meadows property, one comes to a wooden bridge spanning seasonal Trout Creek, recently flowing from winter rains. A signboard is here, highlighting what makes the surrounding Trout Creek Conservation Area special. A student, walking home from school, might pause to learn about the unique and increasingly threatened species found here: the Peck’s penstemon, the white-headed woodpecker, and the flammulated owl. The scene is idyllic, a perfect counterpoint to the rushing world beyond. The signboard faces east, where you can watch as Trout Creek flows onward, leaving the preserve in a mere one hundred feet to cross the forested McKenzie Meadows property, before entering public land once more. Trout Creek’s journey, like the view of these natural surroundings, remains an unbroken one for now. The all-encompassing pine forest, through the wisdom of prior zoning decisions, still pays no heed to lines drawn on a map. The spring wildflower, the bird of prey, and the mule deer continue to disperse however opportunity affords them. Those who walk and recreate here know the value in leaving this land for the things it has always

offered us, and the peril in yet more shortsighted development that leaves us all the poorer down the road. Brian Turner

Not either-or in forest I was reading George Wuerthner’s January 7 commentary, “Defensible space is a community investment,” nodding my head in agreement until I got to, “We need a paradigm shift in public policy from degrading forests through logging and other fuel-reduction measures to a focus on home and community.” I disagree. It’s not an either/or situation. Although Wuerthner is right that fire-safety resources are finite, Sisters would be safer from wildfire if higher fuel break standards were met in nearby wildlands. Fuel breaks, where trees are properly spaced and limbed and shrubs are cleared to remove ladder fuels, are effective at forcing to the ground fires approaching town through tree crowns in the surrounding forest. On all but the windiest days, they make it easier for firefighters to slow or stop the fire before reaching town, and reduce the intensity of ember showers that do reach town. The U.S. Forest Service would be well served improving fuel breaks west of Sisters, and the same for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management around Whychus Canyon. As Wuerthner states, defensible space and home hardening are the most important projects homeowners and neighbors can do, but another essential part of wildfire safety in the rural West is strategically located fuel breaks, which federal land agencies usually need to take the lead on building. Nicholas Denniss

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Where to pick up your FREE copy of The Nugget… SISTERS LOCATIONS:

• Sisters Apothecary • Sisters Art Works • Suttle Tea • Takoda’s Restaurant & Lounge • Sisters Athletic Club • Sisters Bakery • The Barn in Sisters • The Gallery Restaurant • Angeline’s Bakery • Bedouin • Sisters Bunkhouse • Sisters City Hall • The Gallimaufry •Best Western Ponderosa Lodge • Bi-Mart • Sisters Coffee Co.• Sisters Community Church • The Lodge Retirement Community • Black Butte Realty Group • Sisters Creekside Campground • The Nugget Front Porch • Cabin Creek Home & Style • Cascade Fitness • Sisters Dino Market •Sisters Depot • The Pony Express • The Slow Down State • Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s • Central Oregon • Sisters Elementary School • Three Creeks Brew Pub • Three Sisters Floral Eyecare •Chevron/McDonald’s • Country Coffee •Sisters Feed & Supply • Western Title & Escrow Company • Your Store • Dairy Queen • Dixie’s • Eurosports • Sisters Gallery & Frame Shop • Fika Sisters Coffeehouse • Sisters High School • Sisters Inn & Suites BBR & CAMP SHERMAN: • First Interstate Bank • FivePine Lodge • Sisters Library • Sisters Liquor Store • Black Butte Ranch General Store • GrandStay Hotel & Suites • Habitat Thrift Store • • Sisters Meat and Smokehouse • Black Butte Ranch Post Office Habitat ReStore • Sisters Middle School • Sisters Moto • Black Butte Ranch Welcome Center •Hard Tails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill • Sisters Movie House & Café • Camp Sherman Post Office • High Camp Taphouse • Sisters Nails & Spa • Sisters Post Office •Sisters • Metolius River Lodges • Hoyt’s Hardware & Building Supply Pumphouse & Country Store • Left Coast Lodge • Les Schwab Tire Center • Sisters Ranger Station • Sisters Rental REDMOND: • Luckey’s Woodsman • Makin’ it Local • Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill • M&W Market • The Ranch Market • Redmond • Martolli’s of Sisters • Mid Oregon Credit Union • Sisters School Administration Building Library • Sisters Meat and Smokehouse • Oliver Lemon’s • Paulina Springs Books • Sisters Veterinary Clinic TUMALO: • Philadelphia’s Steak & Hoagies • Ski Inn Taphouse & Motel • Sno Cap Drive In • Pisano’s Pizza • Shell Station • Tumalo • Pine Desert Dental • Ponderosa Properties • Space Age Fuel • Spoons Restaurant Coffeehouse • Tumalo Farmstand • Tumalo Feed Co. • Rancho Viejo • Ray’s Food Place • Sisters Park & Recreation District • Tumalo Home • Sinclair Gas Station • Sisters Ace Hardware • St. Charles Family Care • Stellar Realty NW

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

City offers outdoor lighting rebate Starting on January 15, 2026, the City is launching an outdoor lighting rebate program for residential property owners within the city of Sisters to help defray the costs of replacing outdoor lighting fixtures in accordance with the city’s Dark Skies lighting ordinance. The goal of the rebate program is to reduce light pollution by removing lighting that is too bright and not downcast and/or fully shielded and replacing them with compliant lighting. Doing so will help ensure the star-filled skies remain for viewing, protect wildlife and human health, and help us all be good neighbors with our lighting. Recently, the City updated the Dark Skies outdoor lighting ordinance to address community concerns about increasing light pollution in Sisters. Shortly after, the community received special designation as a DarkSky Community by DarkSky International (the largest community in Oregon). In addition to recognition, one requirement of the designation and the ordinance is to bring all noncompliant lighting into conformance with the new ordinance within five years of its adoption, or by February of 2029. To help address lighting noncompliance, the City Council budgeted $5,000 for the first round of the lighting rebates. To make this rebate go as far as possible, the allowance is up to $50/lighting fixture with a maximum of $200/property and owner. If this is successful, it will likely be expanded in the future to include multi-family, commercial, and industrial properties. How does one know if

their lighting is out of conformance? First, go outside and look at them, preferably at night. Do your lights shine up towards the sky (fully or at least partially)? If so, they are not considered downcast and the fixtures may have to be replaced. Walk to your property line. Can you see all or a portion of the light source (i.e. the bulb) directly? If so, the lighting is not fully shielded. Now, look at the specifications on your light bulb for the lumens and correlated color temperature (or CCT), which describes the “warmth” or “coolness” of white light measured in Kelvins. If it is above 850 lumens and/or 3,000 K, then they are not in compliance with the lighting ordinance and need to be warmer in color (think yellow/orange). A simple solution is to replace the light bulbs. “Light pollution is unique because every person can have an instant positive influence on reducing its effect; simply by modifying our outdoor lighting, each person’s actions add up very quickly to preserving a special resource of being able to see a star-filled night sky while also caring for our community member’s health and the needs of wild creatures who depend on night darkness”, said local high school science teacher and Dark Skies advocate Rima Givot. For more information or to apply, visit https:// w w w. c i . s i s t e r s . o r. u s / community-development/ page/dark-skies-lightingrebate-program and/or call Scott Woodford, Community Development Director at 541-323-5211, or Jacob Smith, Code Enforcement Officer at 541-323-5214.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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: FRIDAY AT 5 PM preceding Wednesday publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. Major credit cards accepted with a 3% processing fee. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four weeks. CATEGORIES: 101 Real Estate 102 Commercial Rentals 103 Residential Rentals 104 Vacation Rentals 106 Real Estate Wanted 107 Rentals Wanted 200 Business Opportunities 201 For Sale 202 Firewood 203 Recreation Equipment 204 Arts & Antiques 205 Garage & Estate Sales 206 Lost & Found 207 The Holidays 301 Vehicles 302 Recreational Vehicles 401 Horses 402 Livestock 403 Pets 500 Services 501 Computer Services 502 Carpet Upholstery Cleaning 503 Appliance Repair & Refinish 504 Handyman 505 Auto Repair 600 Tree Service & Forestry 601 Construction 602 Plumbing & Electric 603 Excavations & Trucking 604 Heating & Cooling 605 Painting 606 Landscaping & Yard Maint. 607 Irrigation 701 Domestic Services 702 Sewing 703 Child Care 704 Events & Event Services 801 Classes & Training 802 Help Wanted 803 Work Wanted 901 Wanted 902 Personals 999 Public Notice

C L A S S I F I E D S

102 Commercial Rentals

301 Vehicles

We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Office Space for Rent. Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Available January. Located 392 Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 East Main, in the red brick bldg. Sisters Car Connection da#3919 New paint and new flooring. SistersCarConnection.com Interested? Call 541-588-2213. WORKSHOP SPACE 1,277 sq. ft., heated, roll-up. Available Feb. 1., $1,550/month. Call Phil at 541-280-3751. STORAGE WITH BENEFITS • 8 x 20 dry box • Fenced yard, RV & trailers • In-town, gated, 24-7 EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com MINI STORAGE Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631 Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.

103 Residential Rentals Live on a Lake! Private 850 sf. 1 bed/1 bath apt. in lake home 14 miles west of Sisters. $1425/mo. No pets/ no smoking. 541-977-0011 www.apartments.com/31401lovegren-ln-sisters-or/k5n49y9/

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401 Horses

ORCHARD GRASS HAY ALFALFA TRITICALE New 2025 crop. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $240-$340/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

403 Pets

Caring, loving pet care in my home. Daily rates and in town. Cheryl 541-420-7875

SISTERS WHISKERS Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org

500 Services

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792 Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

104 Vacation Rentals

Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150

201 For Sale

Grumman 17' Standard Aluminum Canoe. $500 eBay up to $1,200. 541-923-1020.

202 Firewood

DRY SEASONED PINE/JUNIPER FIREWOOD Brad, 541-306-9963

NEW DISCOUNT PRICES SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD • SINCE 1976 • Fuel Reduction Forestry Doug Fir – Lodgepole – Hardwood – Juniper – Fir DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES – 18155 Hwy. 126 East – SistersForestProducts.com Order Online! 541-410-4509 THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER

205 Garage & Estate Sales

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150

206 Lost & Found

FOUND PROPERTY Aluminum Scaffolding shayes11991@gmail.com

SMALL Engine REPAIR Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631 Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines

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

AlpenGlow Handyman Services Small & Large Jobs 20+ Years Experience CCB#180099 Call/Text: 541-728-8607 AlpenGlowHandymanServices. com • Credit Cards Accepted

JUNK REMOVAL & EXT. HOME SERVICES Fire/Tree/Storm/Estate cleanup, manure removal, pressure washing, demo/excavation/land clearing. 541-784-8522 brushmasterlandmanagementllc

600 Tree Service & Forestry

TimberStandImprovement.net Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825

Tree Removal • Tree Pruning Good for Trees. Good to People. SparTreeArborist.com (916) 619-6317

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

• Wildfire Fuels reduction • Debris Chipping/Mastication • Forest Health Thinning • Wildfire Cleanup & Restoration • Tree Removal Will Moore, 541-409-5404 ISA Certified Arborist We are the experts you’ve been looking for! LCB# 100129 & Oregon Professional Logger 71395048

4 Brothers Tree Service Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP – Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk 601 Construction Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency CASCADE VALLEY Storm Damage Cleanup, CONTRACTING, LLC CUSTOM WINDOW Craning & Stump Grinding, General Contractor CCB#180099 COVERINGS Debris Removal. Custom Remodels • Additions Bend Window Works, LLC – FOREST MANAGEMENT – • Decks • Firewise Upgrades is offering a 10% discount on Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush 20+ Years Licensed, Bonded, new window coverings. FREE Mowing, Mastication, Tree Insured. Call/Text 541-728-8607 in-home consultation. Same day Thinning, Large & Small Scale in-home repair services available. Projects! New and repaired blinds make Serving Black Butte Ranch, rentals look better! Contact us at Camp Sherman & Sisters Area 541-383-2455 or since 2003 Custom Homes andy@bendblinds.com. ** Free Estimates ** Additions - Remodels Owner James Hatley & Sons Residential Building Projects 541-815-2342 Becke William Pierce 4brostrees.com CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 Licensed, Bonded and Insured Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com CCB-215057 — Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475

SUDOKU Level: Difficult

Answer: Page 23

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

MOBILE MECHANIC • Sisters • Bend • Redmond • RV | Auto | Small Engine • 503-400-1369 •

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Audio/video, data networking, WIFI, security camera, alarms. CCB #191099 541-306-0729 UPLOADED EVERY TUESDAY! The Nugget Newspaper C L A S S I F I E D S are at www.NuggetNews.com

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

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

C L A S S I F I E D S Full Service Excavation

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 Earthwood Timber • Recycled fir and pine beams • Mantels and accent timbers • Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

LOCAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES & HOME MAINT. Remodels • Landscaping Firewise Maintenance Decks & Much More! Pease Co. Contracting Call Tanner at 541-588-0136. Big and small jobs! CCB# 256258

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

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com

602 Plumbing & Electric

Electrical Service & Repair Est. 1947, CCB#54572 Local in Sisters 503-357-2146 SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC. “Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling • New Construction • Water Heaters 541-549-4349 Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587

Sisters Owned and Operated Serving all of Central Oregon • Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Service Hot tubs/Saunas • Generators Car Chargers • Panel Upgrades Light upgrades 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

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

— GEORGE’S — SEPTIC SERVICE 541-419-3148

A 63-year tradition for Sisters www.georges-septic-service.com

603 Excavation & Trucking CASCADIA DESIGN BUILD Remodel / Renovate / Repair Full home remodel, little home fixes, and everything in between. cascadiadesignbuildllc.com 541-974-2282

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

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

BANR Enterprises, LLC Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls Residential & Commercial CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net ROBINSON & OWEN Heavy Construction, Inc. All your excavation needs *General excavation *Site Preparation *Sub-Divisions *Road Building *Sewer and Water Systems *Underground Utilities *Grading *Sand-Gravel-Rock Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #124327 541-549-1848

"We advertised for a part-time employee in The Nugget and had over a dozen applicants within days! It was a great way to reach out to the community and find the right fit for our company." Krista West

Free On-site Visit & Estimate Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail 803 Work Wanted .com Complete landscape construction, Male Caregiver/Retired Nurse 541-549-1472 • CCB #76888 fencing, irrigation installation & Available for in-home care. Drainfield design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, FT/PT. References available. • Minor & Major Septic Repair debris cleanups, fertility & water Tony 541-598-4527 • All Septic Needs/Design conservation management, & Install excavation. 999 Public Notice General Excavation CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 • Site Preparation LEGAL NOTICE www.vohslandscaping.com • Rock & Stump Removal Directors’ Positions 541-515-8462 • Pond & Driveway Construction Three positions on the Board Preparation of Directors at Central Electric • Building Demolition Cooperative, Inc. are up for Trucking election. They are: • Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, District # 2 Boulders, Water Tumalo Eastern Cascade Solutions • Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, District #3 Landscaping & Construction Belly Madras www.easterncascadesolutions. • The Whole 9 Yards or 24 District # 5 com • 541-233-7195 Whatever You Want! Terrebonne LCB #9958 • CCB #222039

604 Heating & Cooling

Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service Residential & Commercial Heating • Ductless Air Conditioning • Maintenance Installation • Repair 541-588-5667 SistersHeatingAir.com

ACTION AIR Heating & Cooling, LLC Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com CCB #195556 541-549-6464

605 Painting

Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860

STEVE'S HAULING Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370

~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com

Interior/Exterior Painting Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327 peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345

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

– All You Need Maintenance – Pine needle removal, hauling, snow removal, moss removal, lawn care, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122 HAVE A SERVICE TO PROVIDE? Place your ad in The Nugget

Pursuant to the By-Laws of the Cooperative, members 701 Domestic Services who live in that district are I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC eligible to run for election. Specializing in Commercial, Applications and information Residential & Vacation Rentals. for candidates, including Licensed, Bonded & Insured. district boundaries and 541-977-1051 eligibility requirements, are BLAKE & SON – Commercial, available at the Cooperative’s Home & Rentals Cleaning office at 2098 NW 6th Street in WINDOW CLEANING! Redmond Oregon. Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897 The application process involves several steps and 802 Help Wanted must be completed and filed at the same cooperative office by 5:00 PM, February 6, 2026.

NuggetNews.com NOW HIRING Housekeeping and Maintenance Team Members Join the crew at our cozy camp style retreat nestled in the forest! We're looking for friendly, dependable individuals to join our team at Lake Creek Lodge. PT/FT. We offer flexible schedules & excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com 13375 SW FS Rd. 1419 Camp Sherman

SUDOKU SOLUTION for puzzle on page 22

PUBLIC NOTICE

Sisters Urban Renewal Agency Annual Report

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

FOCUS on Health Health, wellness, and quality of life are top priorities for people in Central Oregon! Having a healthy, active lifestyle is just the tip of the

iceberg. Besides our individual physical health, overall well-being depends on other aspects of life as well,

like mental, oral, ocular, environmental, educational, financial, family, and pet health.

Advertise in Focus On Health if you offer:

• Chiropractic, acupuncture, & physical therapy • Beauty treatments • Fitness programs and gear • Spa & massage services • Veterinary & pet services • Healthy food & supplements • Home cleaning services • Senior living communities & programs • Financial & retirement management • Self-enrichment opportunities (dancing, indoor gardening, cooking classes, reading, art and music lessons, travel, volunteering)

FOCUS ON HEALTH is a 2-week promotion in The Nugget Newspaper January 28 & February 4, 2026 Each participating business receives a full-color ad (3” wide by 3.31” tall) both weeks and a 170-word mini-story in one issue written by one of our professional writers. Reserve your space and submit a high-resolution logo and copy (or camera-ready ad) by Friday, January 16, 2026.

Space is limited and this popular section sells out!

Call Kimberly, 541-549-9941, to reserve your space by Fri., Jan. 16. READ PREVIOUS “FOCUS ON HEALTH” ARTICLES AND BUSINESS STORIES ONLINE...