Sun shines on Sisters’ annual trail run
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
The runners in the 23rd annual Peterson Ridge Rumble were blessed with a shining spring day during which to traverse the trails in courses covering 20, 27, and 40 miles on Sunday, April 13. A chilly morning transformed into a perfect temperature for distance running.
Evan Moreau and Ashley Nordell, both of Sisters, captured top honors on the 40-mile course. Moreau finished in 4 hours 50 minutes for a 29-minute margin of victory. Nordell finished third overall in the race in 5 hours and 32 minutes, just over an hour ahead of the second-place female.
Forty-seven runners completed the 40 miles course that included a trek from Sisters Middle School, out the Brooks Scanlon Road, up and over Eagle Rock to the upper reaches of the Peterson Ridge Trail system, back down and around a loop to Cow Camp, and back to the Middle School.
In the 27-mile “marathon” Alex Fierar of Bend finished
Runners enjoyed near-perfect conditions for the Peterson Ridge Rumble last Sunday — and no matter how hard they were working, they looked like they were having fun.
in 3:38:09 edging Felice Kelly of Portland, the top woman, who crossed the line in 3:40:06. Addie Lutzo was the lone finisher from Sisters in 21st place with a time of 5:08:07. Thirty-three runners completed the race.
Kyle Bodnyk of Bend topped the field of 138
County hears zone change request
By Susan Cobb Correspondent
The owners of McKenzie Meadow Village (MMV), LLC, got their first hearing on April 7, on a zone change that could allow the property to be brought into the Sisters Urban Growth Boundary for residential development.
The property owners — the Reed family, Bill Willitts and Curt Kallberg — had submitted an application at the end of last year requesting a Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan (DCCP) amendment from Forest to Rural Residential Exception Area (RR10), a DCCP Goal 4 exception (a goal to conserve forest lands), and a zone change from Forest Use 2 (F2) to Multiple-Use Agricultural (MUA10).
On April 7, Deschutes
County Senior Planner
Haleigh King opened the initial hearing of the MMV application. Hearings Officer Tommy Brooks was there to consider the application and review all written and oral testimony and would later make an impartial recommendation to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. The commissioners will subsequently have a public hearing and make the final local decision.
King shared a few “for the record” statements including receiving, just before the hearing, a written comment from the Department of Land Conservation and Development, “. . . alluding to some criteria that they did not see was included in the burden of proof.”
runners in the 20-mile race, completing the distance in 2:13:36, just 35 seconds ahead of Finn Miller of Bend (2:14:11). Grace Perkins of Bend earned the top women’s spot in fifth place overall with a time of 2:30:48.
Finishers included local Sisters runners Grace
Scrocca (2:50:16), Ashlee Francis (3:17:26), Beau Fitzke (3:20:13), Kara Beaver (3:48:39), and Ginger Kretschmer (5:05:19), among others.
Former Sisters Outlaws cross country runners
Danger: debris fires rekindle
In what has become a rite of spring in Sisters Country, local firefighters were called out to douse a brush fire sparked by a debris fire that had rekindled.
On the evening of April 10, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District personnel responded to a report of smoke in the Whychus Canyon Estates area and discovered an active brush fire caused by rekindled debris piles. The 911 call was received at 7:39 p.m., and crews located the fire at 7:58 p.m.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a debris burn pile that had not been properly extinguished. The fire had spread into nearby vegetation, prompting a multi-agency response. The homeowner was present at the scene and unaware that the piles had reignited.
See FIRES on page 8
Action called for in wildfire forum
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
Citizens who attended a forum on wildfire preparedness on Sunday, April 13, at Sisters Elementary School went home with plenty of work to do.
The forum was deliberately designed to use an hour-and-half of talk to spur ongoing action — and that mission appeared to have succeeded.
“People appreciated having so much actionoriented information,” said Kellen Klein of Citizens 4 Community (C4C), who moderated the event, co-sponsored by The Nugget, Sisters Rotary, and Sisters Kiwanis.
Action-oriented information included the latest best-practices in creating defensible space, which was reinforced by vivid imagery from a “Good Morning America” segment that demonstrated how ember showers can ignite a home — or not — depending on how close combustible materials are to the home.
touching the home — including gates and fencing. A fivefoot “moat” of non-combustible hardscaping should be created around the home; vents should be screened
Fire experts urge that no combustible materials be
Sandy Reilly talked about go-bags and boxes with some of the 150 attendees at a forum on wildfire preparedness.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG
OPINION
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.
Growth and fire insurance
To the Editor:
The editor’s recent words drawn from Joni Mitchell (April 9 Nugget Editorial “pave paradise to put up a parking lot”) may be much more prophetic than he intended when considered within the current discussion over wildfire risk.
A major driver to that discussion relates to fire insurance; dramatic rate increases, some companies deciding not to offer fire insurance, etc. Could it be that the density and magnitude of property values relative to claim-cost risk in this area has reached a breaking point
for the insurance companies? No one operating a non-government business is going to wager $100 for the chance to win $1.
It has been my observation over decades that a principal driver of the local government is to “increase the tax base” to create more revenue to spend on the ever growing “needs” that governments identify they can “help” with. Local governments’ objective is always to encourage and facilitate growth and development.
The future is created through a myriad of little decisions whose consequences in the
See LETTERS on page 5
Sisters Weather Forecast
The Nugget Newspaper, LLC
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The Nugget is available to pick up free at The Nugget office and at businesses throughout Sisters and Tumalo; mail subscriptions are available in the 97759, 97756, 97730, and 97703 zip codes for $55/year; subscriptions outside these zip codes: $70/year, $45/six months (or less).
Pause UGB expansion
By Bill Carmichael Guest Columnist
In reference to Jim Cornelius Editorial, “No black hats here” (The Nugget, April 9, page 2), I agree with him that the three families who own the 58-acre parcel in question (Reed, Willits, Kallberg) have done many wonderful things for Sisters community, and are deserving of the compliments Jim gave them in his editorial. I have lived in Sisters Country for 45 years and have done business with two of these three families myself. Yes, these are honorable men, exceptional families.
However, basing our decision to approve UGB expansion on the good reputations of these families is a mistake. The issue that Jim Cornelius did not mention in his editorial was the issue of whether Sisters is even ready for UGB expansion at all.
I believe we as a community are not ready and we need to put a pause on all development and UGB expansion plans until we have more discussion about the giant “elephant in the room” called “Affordable Housing.”
Affordable housing does not exist in Sisters even though good intentions have given their best efforts.
Sisters costs $1,350 per month. Based on the 30 percent of income standard, it would require a 48 hour per week job paying a minimum $24.50 per hour. Very few service industry people make that much monthly income. And it is why, based on Apartments. com, we have 188 apartments currently for lease in Sisters, some being on the market for almost 300 days. It is unrealistic to think that expanding the UGB and then starting another housing development that promises 30 percent to be “affordable housing” is actually going to happen. Doing the same thing again is like the famous cartoon of Charlie Brown trying to kick the football.
If the standard hourly wage in Sisters for service industry people ranges from $14 to $20, and that annual amount is calculated for a full-time 48-hour work week, it amounts to about $34,000-$48,000 per year. Thirty percent of that would amount to $935-$1,200 per month for affordable rent. There is nothing in Sisters for rent that meets that criterion.
Please people — do the math! Either wages must increase, or builders will need to find new options that guarantee affordability, or some other solution needs to be found. The state-mandated regulations are over 50 years old. This antique “one size fits all” approach is not a viable solution for a city like Sisters, surrounded by national forest and protected farmlands.
Most of the developments in recent years approved by the Sisters City Council and the Planning Commission have centered around the attempt to build affordable housing by building apartment complexes. We now know, based on vacancy rates, that either workers who need them still cannot afford them or those who can afford them do not want to live in them or raise their families in them. A couple of weeks ago I had an op-ed column that discussed in detail how these apartments are not affordable to the service industry here (cooks, waiters, clerks, janitors, entry level construction, housekeepers, etc.). These are the people making an hourly wage ranging from $14 to $20 per hour.
Even a studio apartment currently for rent in
Expanding the UGB will do nothing to solve this problem. It will only create more pressure on roads, sewers, water, schools, and other infrastructure, needing more service workers who have no place they can afford to live.
It is time to stop using these two words “affordable housing.” It is time to stop this folly of apartments everywhere you look, destroying the ambiance of this town. And it is time to pause all new construction and any discussion of UGB expansion until we discuss and find creative solutions.
Views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily shared by the Editor or The Nugget Newspaper.
Joelene Wacey Lewis and Rodeo Queen Jenna Singer unveiled Lewis’ artistic interpretation for this year’s Sisters Rodeo poster. The unveiling, an annual extravaganza, was held at Dixie’s with dozens of guests and the Sisters Rodeo Board of Directors and honorees on hand. The 2025 rodeo is the 85th production.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
poster unveiled…
COMMUNITY
Boulders block unauthorized use
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Drivers who frequent FS Road 100, also known as the “spur” road connecting North Pine Street to Highway 20, discovered large boulders last week along the road strategically placed at seven locations. The rocks, some weighing more than 1,000 pounds, are aimed to prevent further intrusion into the forest.
According to Kaitlyn Webb, Public Affairs & Partnership Staff Officer for the U.S. Forest Service, “Boulders are being placed to close off unauthorized, user-created routes. We have observed multiple violations of our travel management plan in that area. We approach violations of forest rules and regulations
with the ‘Three E’s’ — first with education and then engineering and enforcement when needed.
“Placement of boulders is the engineering phase. Boulders are being placed to ensure compliance with travel management regulations and discourage cross country travel. An intended outcome is to confine dispersed camping to appropriate areas.”
The areas blocked have grown from a car-size layby to around 5,000 or more square feet. The previously accessible unpaved pullouts were frequented by UPS, Amazon, and FedEx drivers taking a break in the shade.
Willy Crandall, an electrician from Redmond who often works in Sisters, regularly ate his lunch on the side of the road.
“I get it,” he said. “A few bad apples spoiling the bunch, but it was a nice spot – quiet, shady, a break from the streets.”
CJ Lawrence, who lives in the Clearpine subdivision which is adjacent to the road, is relieved to see the boulders.
“Anything to slow down the growth of illegal camping,” she said.
The roughly half-mile long road has long been a source of contention among recreationalists and residents of Clearpine and North Pine Street who worry that the influx of houseless who use the road will result in a fire that could have catastrophic consequences to their neighborhood.
The boulders were hauled to the sites and placed by Forest Service personnel.
Film explores tech impact on kids
A free film screening and panel discussion at Sisters Elementary School on Thursday, April 17, will explore how digital life is shaping youth development, relationships, and mental health.
Local nonprofit Citizens4Community (C4C), in partnership with Well Wired, a regional parent-led healthy tech advocacy group, will host a free viewing of “Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age – Elementary Edition.” This modified version of the acclaimed “Screenagers” documentary series zeroes in on tech wellbeing issues faced by elementary school-age kids, their families, and educators.
Doors to the event at Sisters Elementary School Commons open at 5:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 6 p.m.. The film is appropriate for anyone aged 10 and over. Free childcare is available from Starshine for kids nine and under, and concessions will be for sale courtesy of the Sisters Parent Teacher Committee (SPTC). Free registration is requested at citizens4community.com/events/ screenagers.
Following the event, representatives from C4C and Well Wired will be joined on stage by SES fourth grade teacher Clay Warburton and pediatric neuropsychologist
Singing for community in Sisters
Portland’s Low Bar Chorale took advantage of spring-like weather on April 5 to return to The Belfry for Age Friendly Sisters Country’s second annual “Sing Your Hearts Out, Sisters!” evening. A full house welcomed them warmly back to Sisters for a rousing evening of singing, dancing and socializing.
The singing was loud, the band — Ben Landsverk’s revolving corps of talented touring musicians supplemented this year by a girl drummer, a horn section,
SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR
BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS
Al -Anon
Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383.
Alcoholics A nonymou s
Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration
Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild
For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info.
Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.
Council on Aging of Cent ral O rego n Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43 East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’ Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061.
G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church. 541-771-2211
Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Siste rs Communit y Church. M ater ials provided. 541- 408 -8 505.
Hero Q uilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 5 41-6 68 -1755
Living Well W ith Dementia Sisters
Care Par tner suppor t group. 2nd & 4th Weds 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Senior Living. 541- 647- 0052
Mili tary Parent s of Sisters Meetings are held quarter ly; please c all 5 41-388 -9 013.
Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys, 11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. 5 41-5 49 -6 469.
Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158
Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church. 5 41-5 49 -6157.
Sisters Area Woodworke rs First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97
Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.
Sisters Caregi ver Sup por t G roup 3rd Wednesday., 10:30 a.m., Siste rs Episcopal Church. 503 -616 -8712.
Sisters Cribbage C lub M eets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at S PR D. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.
Sisters Garden C lub For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.
Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m.
Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.
Sisters Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Lodge in Sisters. 5 41-6 32-3663.
Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298
Sisters Red Hat s 1st Friday. For location infor mation, please c all: 541- 8 48 -1970.
Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.
Sisters Veterans no- host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welcome, 5 41-241-6 56 3.
Sisters Trails A lliance Board Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In- person or zoom. Contact: info@sisterstrails.org
Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 1st Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSI D Of fice. 5 41-9 03 -405 0.
Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279.
VF W Po st 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:3 0 p.m., Pine Meadow V illage Clubhouse, 596 W Jef ferson Ave. 541-241- 6563
SCHOOLS
Black Bu tt e School
Board of Direc tors 2nd Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203
Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule at www.ssd 6. org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002.
and three knock-out vocalists — was in top form, and the audience left with big smiles on their faces.
The local Zumba troupe put their dance moves out on the floor during the first set with a larger group than last year. There were snack cups in the bar area to replenish spent calories. The audience complied with the request to wear name tags, and people introduced themselves to others around the small high-top tables, which were ideal for
CIT Y & PARKS
Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters Cit y Hall 541- 549- 6022
Sisters Park & Recreation District
Board of Dire ctor s 2nd & 4th Tues., 4 p.m., C of f ield Center. 5 41-5 49 -2091. Sisters Pl anning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6
FIRE & POLICE
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Forest Service personnel placed large boulders along the FS 100 spur road to discourage unauthorized traffic into the surrounding woods.
The art of wheat weaving on display
A wheat field gently waving in the wind is a beautiful sight — but few of us know that wheat can be turned into exquisite works of art.
Rita Weber, a Sisters straw artist, will be hosting a free special event “Explore the Art of Wheat” on Wednesday, April 23, at the meeting room in the Sisters Best Western Ponderosa Lodge. The event is on a drop-in basis from 4:30 to 7 p.m. She will be joined by members of The National Association of Wheat Weavers (NAWW) who will demonstrate spinning straw, weaving techniques, and simple plaiting instructions for the public. All ages are welcome to attend.
Weber grew up on a farm outside of Condon. She learned early about growing and harvesting wheat, driving tractors, and harvesting the crop. It wasn’t until years later that she learned how to plait the straws, making beautiful pieces of art.
She told The Nugget that in the early 1990s, she saw a piece made by Alene Rucker of Arlington, and was entranced.
“It was intricate,” she recalled. “I just remember that I was awestruck. I didn’t know you could do that with wheat.”
She asked Rucker to teach her, and she and her mother Marva Erickson both took up the craft.
“We self-taught after that for five or six years,” Weber said.
Straw can be spun into beautiful threads, first produced in Switzerland in the 18th century. The straw
was used to adorn hats of the rich and famous around the world. Straw can also be split open, smoothed flat, then glued side by side to form marquetry. Wheat/ straw paper is made by soaking small pieces of straw into a mash, straining thin amounts of straw fibers, then allowing it to dry. Hundreds of plaits have been used by wheat weavers around the world. Straw is beautiful when dyed a variety of colors, then worked into designs.
Care must be taken to hand cut the wheat, remove the leaf from each straw, and sort straws according to size. All straw must be soaked until pliable before plaiting. Black-bearded wheat, having a thick straw wall, must be soaked in hot water for a few hours. Other varieties of wheat may only need to be soaked for 20 minutes.
Weber has taught multiple classes from kindergarten-aged children to adults, has taught classes at their national conventions, and has been an Artist in Residence for several elementary schools. She has held national offices in NAWW and is currently the editor of Gleanings, the association’s magazine.
Weber and her husband Garry became so deeply involved in NAWW in an effort to maintain and build enthusiasm for this form of folk art.
“It’s really important to keep the craft and the art alive,” she said.
The couple chaired conventions in Portland and Idaho, and decided to take
on leading the event again this year.
“We said, ‘Why not Sisters?” she said. “This is a great place.”
The Webers discovered Sisters driving many times between their home in Eugene and Rita’s home place near Condon.
“We would do that many times a year,” she said. “I said, ‘you know, I’d like to live there.’”
The couple bought property in 2013 and built here in 2019.
Now they’re hosting a major arts event in their home town.
The title of this year’s gathering is “Weaving Out West.”
NAWW is a nonprofit organization whose primary objective is to preserve and promote the ancient folk art of wheat weaving and various forms of straw artistry. The organization was formally organized in 1987 and has grown in membership including wheat weavers from Canada, United Kingdom, Scotland, Belarus, Ukraine, Netherlands, Australia, and Italy, as well as across the United States.
Wheat weavers from multiple states will be gathering in Sisters April 24-26. Members can attend a variety of classes and will learn new techniques from master straw artists, including a teacher formerly from Ukraine.
For more information, email: wheatweaver12@ gmail.com.
Wednesday, A pr il 23
Drop in from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Best Wester n Ponderosa L odge in Sisters.
Free and approp riate for all ages!
Spin straw into golden straw threads
Fla en an opened straw for straw applique • Make straw paper
Tr y your hand at weaving straw taught by Master Weavers. Make a small wheat token to take
Rita Weber is leading efforts to preserve the folk art of wheat weaving.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
from page 2
aggregate are not always understood when each little decision is made. We are seeing one of those “consequences” in this current debate. If the trend line to the future is to increasingly reduce the fire risk in response to increasing property value density, the lowest risk will be reached when this area has been urbanized. In other words, take down most of the trees and scrape away all the native ground cover. This thought might seem ludicrous now but in which future time or generation will it not?
How ironic it would be that this area become urbanized to the very conditions that most came here, or choose to stay here, to escape and avoid.
Some argue that others have a right to come here. Some criticize past generations for “selfish decisions” or poor decisions that failed to conserve, preserve, or otherwise protect or create opportunities for later generations. These are the more important decisions we face in the present moment.
To finish up with Joni Mitchell: “Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you’ve got till its gone.”
Michael ONeal
s s s
We used to be the good guys
To the Editor:
On March 15, in direct defiance of federal court orders, the Trump administration delivered over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members to a megaprison in El Salvador and paid $6 million to the president of El Salvador to take them. The kidnapping was done based mostly on the men’s tattoos. Incomprehensibly, eight women were also sent to the all-male prison but had to be returned. Over 130 Venezuelans had pending immigration court hearings and at least 90% had no U.S. criminal record at all.
CECOT is a giant human warehouse where prisoners are crammed onto metal platforms four
levels high with no mattresses or blankets, 6.5 square feet of space per prisoner. Lights are on 24 hours per day. Inmates are allowed out of their cells for only 30 minutes a day but never allowed outside. They are not allowed to talk. There are no books, no phone calls, no visitors, no rehabilitation programs. Because the men were not charged with a crime, they have no access to lawyers. They are routinely tortured, starved, and killed.
The Trump regime is using fear to sell us the lie that all of this is necessary, the legal system doesn’t work, and only they can keep us safe. Yet when a government grants itself the power to deny due process to some, it can just as easily deny it to anyone. Without the rule of law, no one is safe. Without the rule of law, democracy cannot survive.
Beyond the immeasurable suffering inflicted on immigrants and their families, consider how these cruel policies are affecting our society — making more and more of us increasingly comfortable with the suffering of others. It’s horrifying to watch Fox News hosts show dehumanizing footage of prisoners bent over at the waist, shackled, their heads shaved while they almost gleefully warn that viewers need to be afraid and self-deport or this could happen to you.
This is happening to all of us. We need to come together in solidarity and show what it means to be an American to all those who have lost their courage and humanity in the cult of Trump. We can’t give up on the idea of America the beautiful: Land of the free, home of the brave with liberty and justice for all.
Terry Weygandt
s s s
Limousine liberals
To the Editor:
A missionary friend of mine once said that among Christian leaders there is a joke that most Christians will be raptured upside down, because they will be desperately holding on to their worldly possessions. This is, of course, true for Christians and non-Christians alike that we speak virtue and
love in public, but privately will fight to the death if we believe our money or stuff is at risk. Even if we have been deceived, and it is not, in fact, our money. In some circles, we call these people NIMBY’s, for Not in My Backyard.
When it comes to progressives who do this, we call these hypocrites Limousine Liberals. These folks will shout “peace and love!” and then throw a brick through your Tesla windshield. Or, “respect my pronouns!” while they beat you with their wooden sign.
It is for this reason that I am thankful for the people who came out for the meaningless day of protest, because these folks have unmasked themselves for all to see. These are the people who would rather see the United States collapse under the weight of its financial deficit just so that they can continue to draw money from the nearly bankrupt Social Security and Medicaid entitlements. These are the people who have heard for 30 years that Social Security is an underfunded Ponzi scheme, and made no effort to build their own retirement nest egg.
“Hands off my money!” they will scream. Not according to the Supreme Court, (Flemming v. Nestor, 1960) who ruled that contributions to Social Security do not create a contractual right to benefit. Congress can alter, or cut them at any time. It’s not your money!
Humans retiring at the age of 65, thinking they can then live off the largesse of the government, that is the taxpayers, is so relatively new in the history of humankind, that only the Baby Boomer generation believes this to be true. This is why the silver-haired protesters line our streets. They want the rest of society to pay for them to not have to work.
In true Nugget fashion, some progressive will write a response to this and call me and my fellow conservatives all sorts of names, absent any facts or evidence, but I would caution you to tread carefully because we conservatives are likely paying for your entitlements today, and perhaps deserve a bit more respect.
Steve Woodside
FORUM: Event is first in two-part series on wildfire in Sisters
with tight mesh; decking should be converted to composite materials, and homes should have composite roofs and siding.
Panelist Steven Lord, Community Risk Specialist, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, noted that the District does home assessments and can provide specific recommendations for improving fire hardening.
Mayor Jennifer Letz told the audience that the City of Sisters is finalizing code to require new development to meet more stringent homehardening standards, and is leading by example by making its own properties more fire safe.
Doing the defensible space and home hardening work as individuals and neighbors is critical, not only directly to fire safety, but also to navigating an increasingly acute crisis where homeowners see their insurance premiums skyrocket — or find themselves without coverage at all.
“If we’re going to fix the insurance problem and protect our homes, we’re going to have to do it on the neighborhood level,” said panelist Craig Letz, Principal and Co-Owner of Tamarack Wildfire Consulting.
Sgt. Nathan Garibay, Emergency Services Manager, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, also emphasized the importance of home-hardening in the context of being evacuated in the face of a wildfire emergency.
If homeowners do the work, he said, “you can leave your home with a high degree of confidence that it’ll be there when you come back.”
Personal responsibility comes into play with preparedness for evacuation, too. Lord said that people should enter fire season — which has really already begun — living at “Level 1,” which translates to “Be Ready.” Know how you would leave your house if you have to do it quickly, and have a go-bag or box ready with essential items that you can grab if you have to leave at a moment’s notice.
Rotarian Sandy Reilly manned a table at the C4C forum with information on go-bags and boxes and noted a high degree of interest from the crowd, which was estimated at about 150 people.
Reilly said he thought the audience came away with a strong understanding of the inevitability of fire in Sisters Country, the importance of home-hardening and personal preparedness, and a good impression of the efforts the City of Sisters has made to prepare for wildfire emergencies.
Kiwanian David Hiller
concurred, noting that the people he talked to while leaving the forum really appreciated the information and came away with a heightened awareness of the dangers of fire in town.
That danger was highlighted at the opening of the forum, as C4C board member Bruce Rognlien, who has lived part-time in Sisters since 1962, recounted his and his wife’s experience in surviving the Pacific Palisades Fire in Los Angeles in January, when an ember storm driven by fierce winds led to the near-total destruction of the community. The Rognlien’s home was one of a handful that survived.
Rognlien noted that the Pacific Palisades community was passive about defensible space and home hardening because they couldn’t conceive of a firestorm ripping through the town itself. He warned that Sisters is every bit as vulnerable.
“This town has been in a fire zone forever — and it always will be,” he said.
Lord noted that 85 percent of fires in the region are human-caused — and are therefore preventable. Panelists agreed that significant danger comes from unattended or improperly extinguished campfires and rekindling debris burns (see story, page 1).
Lord noted that the Fire District has distributed fire extinguishers to houseless people camping in the forest
Meeting set on food facility
A neighborhood meeting/ open house will be hosted by BUILD LLC for a proposed food and beverage facility located at 700 and 750 W. Canopy Way in the Sisters Woodlands Development.
The meeting is set for Tuesday, April 22, at 5 p.m. at 631 N. Sisters Woodlands Way in the model home across from the project site.
The properties sit within the North Sisters Business Park (NSBP) Zone in the City of Sisters. Current zoning allows for a large variety
of uses, including food and beverage facilities. Outdoor open space and landscaping are being integrated into the site planning. According to the developer, the project has been designed to be in compliance with Sisters Development Code, and the current proposal does not require the development team to apply for any deviations or variances.
The team intends to make their formal land use application this spring, with construction anticipated to begin
in fall of 2025.
The project consists of an open beverage hall with ground floor, second-level loft, and rooftop terrace seating. Currently, three fully self-contained kitchens within the overall facility are included in the proposal for three independent food operators. The facility is approximately 3,600 square feet.
If you cannot attend the meeting but want project information, contact BUILD LLC at woodlands@buildllc. com.
as a fire-safety measure. That paid dividends last summer, when those extinguishers were used to douse a fire that started at a houseless camp. He emphasized the importance of making sure that yard debris pile fires are dead out and can’t be rekindled when fuels dry out and the wind kicks up. Debris pile fires happen every year in Sisters, and have the potential to lead to catastrophe. Burning is illegal inside city limits.
An audience member expressed frustration that businesses continue to sell firewood in the height of fire season when campfires are banned in the forest.
“Why can’t we do something about that?” he asked.
Mayor Letz said that the City of Sisters has limited ability to regulate the activities of businesses, but they can raise awareness.
“A conversation around that might be helpful,” she said.
Another audience member questioned the value, ecological soundness, and effectiveness of the money spent on forest treatment versus home hardening.
Craig Letz asserted the importance of reintroducing fire into a fire-adapted landscape, but acknowledged that wildfire isn’t just a problem originating in the forest.
“It’s not just a public lands problem; it’s an urban problem as well,” he said. “We have to do both.”
C4C created extensive take-home packets with actionable information, which can be accessed at https://citizens4community. com/events/spring-forum-25.
A second forum on the crisis in wildfire insurance coverage is set for Sunday, May 18, at 4 p.m., at the Sisters Elementary School Commons. Information on that forum may be found at https://citizens 4community.com/events/ spring-forum-25-part-2.
Audry Van Houweling, PMHNP Columnist
Generally, this has a way of working, but there are those days when the balance of compartmentalization seems too much or too little; days when emotions feel too heavy and days when emotions feel too distant.
It never fails to intrigue me how, amid struggle and uncertainty, the human mind adapts. Our world is facing numerous challenges, and to be fair has always faced numerous challenges. Nevertheless, given the immediacy of media at our fingertips and our ever-more connected global landscape, secondary trauma is hard to avoid and overlaps on top of personal traumas. For many of us, our nervous systems are primed and on guard — ready for when the so-called “other shoe drops.”
Compartmentalizing emotion is one of the primary means by which humans cope and maintain functionality when facing trepidation and uncertainty. It is evolutionary to minimize the gravity of emotion when the priority is survival. Emotional processing can be counterproductive, and nearimpossible in the absence of safety. And yet, unchecked, compartmentalization can also lead to detachment, cognitive dissonance, and apathy — all things plaguing our world today.
In my day job, it is a practice listening to stories of trauma and loss, maintaining an empathetic presence, and also a therapeutic shield.
Compartmentalization is a spectrum. While often essential to survival, compartmentalization can also help facilitate productivity, focus regulation, and selflessness. My concern is on the edges of this spectrum when compartmentalization is too much or too little. How do we find better balance in staying emotionally connected but not emotionally saturated, empathetic without becoming overwhelmed, engaged without becoming consumed?
Find opportunities to emote
Many of us easily provide space for others to emote while we limit our own emotional expression. If these limitations are too rigid, we can become a bit emotionally constipated. We need to acknowledge emotion, digest it, metabolize its
messaging, and let it pass. When we disregard our own emotion it becomes far easier to disregard emotion in others. Stoicism can become cold or bitter. Emotions are not always convenient, but they are messages that can facilitate important action. Find ways to acknowledge and release. Put it on the schedule. For me, emotional catharsis is best found on the back of my horse under the mountains, with music, and running through woods.
Connecting to meaning It is not my place to tell anybody what is meaningful, but it is important that I tell them that the search for meaning is worth it if not imperative to emotional resilience. Finding meaning allows us to better integrate suffering as something that can coexist with peace. This ability to straddle paradox, buffers against denial and detachment. Suffering, as awful as it can be, can also be a catalyst to finding meaning and deepening connection. It is also completely expected that many of us will have our share of existential
moments when meaning feels elusive and when we question the point of it all, but these moments can also be opportunities to more carefully evaluate personal values and beliefs.
Shake it up a bit
When we operate in compartmentalization mode for too long, life can start to feel a bit robotic. Routines, perceived control, and predictability feel paramount while spontaneity and lightness take a backseat. It is important that we give ourselves opportunities to be awed and to intermittently shake ourselves out of detachment. I prefer to go to wild places where comfort is not guaranteed and where my senses must be enlivened. Also, spending time with my niece and nephews in their toddlerhood seems to do the trick.
Find your battlefield
Find something worth fighting for. Yes, some fights might ask for a fist or a trigger, but some of the best fights are not out of violence or vengeance, but the stubborn insistence to shepherd the values of dignity and
It is important that we give ourselves opportunities to be awed and to shake ourselves out of detachment.
respect for ourselves, our neighbors, our community, our country, and our planet. Fight with acts of kindness, fight with facts, fight with humility, fight with service, fight with advocacy, and fight with wellness that preserves our stamina. A good fight is a good antidote against detachment. We all deserve intermittent breaks of emotional respite. Those breaks are also too often a privilege. We can mindfully compartmentalize without mindless detachment. We can strategically postpone emotion and also intentionally acknowledge emotion. We can restrain and we can act. Cheers to staying engaged, resting well, and staying connected.
Charting the rocky course of senior living in Sisters
By Sue Stafford Correspondent
The senior living facility that has been at the center of tumultuous changes over the past several weeks has a new name. Last week, an announcement indicated the facility formerly known as The Lodge at Sisters, then Sisters Senior Living, would now be The Lodge Retirement Community.
As of April 24, The Lodge will no longer accept Medicaid, meaning 15 residents have had to find alternate housing. They are also pulling their certification as an assisted living facility, which means residents will all be independent and will have to contract individually with an outside provider for any assistance they may need. That has caused other residents to also find alternate housing. There are currently 36 residents at The Lodge.
This is the latest development in a tangled history.
Construction began on the building in December 2017. The land on Carpenter Lane was purchased by Sisters Lodge Holdings LLC on June
FIRES: Wind can rekindle debris piles days later
Continued from page 1
Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District responded with 12 firefighters and eight emergency vehicles. Additional support came from neighboring agencies, a Type 3 engine and three firefighters from Black Butte Ranch Fire District; a Type 3 engine, a Type 6 engine, and six firefighters from Cloverdale Fire District; and two Type 6 engines and two firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding crews, the fire was contained without further damage to surrounding properties.
Chief Tony Prior of Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District issued a reminder to residents and contractors: “Please make sure your burn piles are completely out before leaving them unattended. It’s essential to comply with outdoor burning regulations, register your burns at www.sistersfire. com, and ensure your fires are dead out!”
Outdoor burning can be safe when done responsibly, the Fire District asserts. The Fire District urges everyone to stay vigilant, especially as conditions become warmer and drier heading into fire season.
9, 2015, for $750,000, two years after a contract to purchase land from McKenzie Meadows Village expired. On July 14, 2017, Sisters Lodge Holdings LLC sold the property for $1 million to Thrivify LLC.
Thrivify was a new LLC with five members — Revivify LLC, Retrac LLC (Jeff Carter), TDLC LLC, Thrive 1967 LLC (Sean Blackburn), and Thrive 1969 LLC (Chris Blackburn). The Lodge was constructed in 2018-19 by the Blackburn’s Salem business, Clutch Industries. The 64,750-square-foot facility has 62 living units.
According to Clutch Industries website, The Lodge was their “first venture into commercial construction, showcasing our ability to meet the specific needs of the retirement community, using meticulous planning and leveraging local expertise. This project has set a foundation for future endeavors, reflecting our ongoing commitment to excellence and community service.”
Since completing The Lodge, Clutch has completed six other projects all in the Salem-Keizer area, none of them senior facilities.
Chris Blackburn and Sean Blackburn are the owners of Clutch Industries. Chris Blackburn says on his website that he is engaged in “adaptive reuse,” which is the process of reusing an existing building for a purpose other than that for which it was originally built or designed.
Since The Lodge opened in March 2019, it has changed management companies and executive directors several times. After receiving a $10 million loan, Thrivify and Sisters Lodge LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 3, 2023, and were assigned to bankruptcy on June 23, 2023. The trial proceeded to bankruptcy court with Revivify LLC the plaintiff v. Thrivify LLC defendants. Petitioning creditors included Clutch Industries and the two Blackburns, with a variety of interested parties and a host of creditors. The opinion, filed on August 12,
2024, found for the defendants, stating the plaintiffs are not entitled to any of the remedies they seek.
Chris Blackburn purchased The Lodge out of bankruptcy following the decision in August 2024, for $4.76 million. The name was changed to Sisters Senior Living (SSL) and a new management company, Artegan, was hired. According to Deschutes County DIAL, the market valuation of the 411 E. Carpenter LLC dba The Lodge in Sisters LLC is land $2,936,160 and structure $16,655,920 for a total real market value of $19,592,080.
According to residents of SSL, assurances were made that nothing would change.
The 1.7 acres in front of SSL along Barclay might be used to build employee housing so SSL employees could live close to their work. Not long after, there was a For Sale sign on the property.
On February 24, 2025, all residents and their families received notification of major changes at SSL effective April 24, 2025, regarding Medicaid
and assisted living. Residents and staff of SSL reported that last week workmen were in the facility taking measurements for the installation of stoves, dishwashers, and washers and dryers in some of the individual units.
Staff confirmed that the name of SSL has been changed to The Lodge Retirement Community to reflect its change to an independent living facility for residents aged 55+. They have a threeyear business plan in place.
Despite repeated attempts by The Nugget to contact Chris Blackburn for comment and to answer some questions about the future of SSL/The Lodge, he has never responded.
He reportedly has not been to The Lodge since the February 24 announcement of changes being made. Staff were instructed to not speak with the media.
(Information for this story came from legal documents, previous Nugget articles, Deschutes County records, internet searches, and personal interviews).
Roth sets Outlaws pole vault record at home meet
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
The best was saved for last at Saturday’s home track meet.
All 16 other events had been completed, the stands stood empty, and senior Mae Roth stood alone on the runway with her pole vault pole in hand as her coach and a smattering of friends looked on.
Roth looked down the runway with the bar set at 11-feet9-inches, one inch higher than Sara Small’s school record set over a decade ago. On a flawless day of jumping in which she surpassed her previous best of 11 feet on her way to this moment, Roth looked completely in her element. When she stormed down the runway, flew skyward, and cleared the bar, her friends, family, and coaches erupted in cheers and the new school record holder, smiling wildly, joined them in celebration.
Adding to the sweetness of the moment, Roth’s win pushed the Outlaws girls team past Madras for the team title 137 to 129.5.
An hour or so after absorbing her accomplishment, Roth said, “I couldn’t have done this without my amazing coaches Coach Charpentier and Coach Anderson, who have inspired me and been through the ups and downs of this amazing sport with me. The support that we give as teammates in the Outlaws track and field family is the
foundation of our success, and I was lucky to have that today. I’m thankful for this team and this sport and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for all of us.”
Other top performances in the meet included Audrey Corcoran’s win in the 100 meters (13.13), with freshman Selah Sanford right behind in 13.24. Brooke Duey nabbed first in the 300 hurdles in 50.32 as the only other top event winner for the girls team.
Althea Crabtree picked up some points with secondplace finishes in the high jump (4-feet-1-inches), pole vault (nine feet), and 100 hurdles (17.45), while Nona Smith added to the score with a runner-up finish in the 400 (1:01.27), which was a personal best, and a third-place in the 200 (27.11), a blink behind Corcoran who took second with a time of 27.09. She also ran on both the 400and 1600-meter relays that placed second.
Winners on the boys’ side include John Berg in the 400 (53.34), Bauer Ellis in the 800 (2:06.32), George Roberts in the 3000 (9:40.33), and the 1600-meter relay team of Spencer Tisdel, Thomas Hamerly, Ellis, and Berg (3:46.06).
In the field, Reid Woodson set a personal record of 41-feet-8-inches in the triple jump for second place and notched a third place in
the long jump (19 feet 5.5 inches). Tisdel took third in the pole vault (11-feet 3inches) and Teegan Schwartz took third in the triple jump (38-feet 4.5-inches).
Madras won the team title with 171 points, followed by Sisters, Redmond, Burns, La Pine, Glad, and Santiam.
Head Coach Jonathan Kelly said, “I’m really happy with how the team is developing. We’ve set multiple
PRs in our meets this week and I think we’re starting to see the product of a lot of the work they’ve done since last season.
“Of course I’d like to highlight Mae Roth’s performance in the pole vault especially — she jumped 11-feet-9-inches to break our school record. She improved her PR from 10-feet-6-inches to 11-feet-9inches in a week!” he added.
“Reid Woodson also broke
his previous best triple jump in both of our meets this week and George had a great solo run in the 3,000 for a personal best. I think they and many other athletes are primed for big breakthroughs as the weather continues to get warmer.”
The Outlaws travel to La Pine Saturday, April 19, for a meet including 16 other teams mostly from the 2A and 3A ranks.
Mae Roth soared over an 11-foot-9-inch bar to set a new Sisters High School pole vault record.
PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG
Science Education Fundraiser
e Sisters Science Club will hold a Science Education Fundraiser on Sunday, April 27, f rom 2 to 5 p.m. at FivePine Lodge & Conference Center, 1021 E Desperado Trail. Learn about what’s happening with science in our schools . Funds raised will be for science-related field trips , science teacher conferences, and updated science equipment Hors d’oeuvres & drinks provided. Reser vations at Eventbrite on the SSC website: www.sistersscienceclub.org.
ose unable to attend may donate through the website. For more info, call/text 541-706 -1838.
Sisters Beekeepers Mee t Plea se join area beekeepers for a monthly social gathering at e Barn on ursday, April 24 at 5 p.m. All beekeepers and wanabees welcome. Contact Clyde for more information at 458-20 6-8470
Arbor Day Celebration
e Cit y of Sisters invites the communit y to a tree planting adjacent to the new sidewalk/ roundabout near Creek side Park on Friday, April 25, f rom 10 to 11:30 a .m. Activities , snack s, and swag for both children and adults . Help plant a tree or come to just learn about trees
e Peaceful Presence
Projec t Connection Cafés Communit y members will come together at weekly “Connection Cafés” for supportive dialogue around personal experiences with illness , death, and grief ese gathering spaces provide compassionate human contact and ensure that people’s health-related social needs are being addressed proactively.
e Sisters Connection Cafés will meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, April 2 to June 18 , f rom 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Sisters Library Participants may attend one café or all. ere is no charge, and all are welcome. Info: 541293-8636
Sisters Museum Opens
New Exhibit
e Sisters Museum is proud to announce that their newest exhibit, “Ranching and Farming Around Sisters,” has opened. Early visitors have called it “informative” and “ fascinating.” It traces properties in the area back to the 180 0s with maps, photos , artif acts , and stories to share. Stop by the Museum at 151 N . Spruce on a Friday or Saturday f rom 10 a .m. to 4 p.m., to view the exhibit.
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday, April 16
Wildfire Preparedness Fair
Sisters Fire Hall
Monday, April 21
Go Fish Group Meeting
Sisters Community Church
Wildfire Preparedness Fair
Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire
District invites you to a communit y event on wildfire preparedness . Local, count y, and state agenc y professionals will speak on the upcoming wildfire season and their respective planning. Guest presenters from Cit y of Sisters , OSU Extension O ce (fire-resistive plants), Sisters Ranger District, Deschutes Count y Health, and State of Oregon (state of homeowners insurance). Additional experts will be on hand to answer questions at the booth space. Wednesday, April 16 , 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S . Elm St. Questions? Contact Steven Lord, community risk and fire specialist, at 541-549-0771.
Care & Stewardship: Art & Ecolog y Stewarding the Oregon Coastline
Family Fun Bingo Night
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Family Fun Bingo Night at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25 . ree cards for each of 10 games for $20. Food available for purchase. 50/50 Win/Win Ra e Option ticket s are $2 each or 6 for $10 . Ra e proceeds will be split half to the winner and half to Habit at for Humanit y in honor of Jan Baldwin’s 32 years of ser vice! Great Bingo prizes supporting local merchants awarded at the end of each game. Fun for all ages!
PET OF THE WEEK
Humane Societ y of Central Oregon 541-382-3537
Join the Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture for the first lecture in the 2025 Lecture Series on ursday, April 24, f rom 4 to 6 p.m. Speakers include Jane Bacchieri and Chanel Hason of the Elakha Alliance in conversation with Josie Iselin. is event is free and open to the public . e event will be held in Pine Meadow Ranch’s Classroom, 684 67 ree Creek s Rd . Registration is required at https:// roundhousefoundation.org/ events/. For more info call 5419 04- 070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org
Let’s Talk Dementia: Clear & Compassionate Guide Class
Living Well with Dementia Sisters presents “Let’s Talk Dementia,” a series of sessions for care partners and families of those diagnosed with dementia. Feel f ree to join for all monthly sessions throughout 2025 or just one. On ursday, April 24, f rom 10:30 to 11:30 a .m., at Sisters Librar y, the topic is “Creating a Roadmap: Making Choices With Confidence.” RSVP online at www.LWWDS .com. Questions: call 541-588-0547 or email Debbi@LW WDS.com.
A Celebration of Life for Jan Baldwin will be held at noon on Saturday, April 19, at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters. A reception will follow.
SHS Class of 2025
Fundraising Online Auc tion
Join a community-wide online auction to raise f unds for the SHS Class of 2025 graduation field trip and festivities! Jump online April 21–24 to bid on some incredible items. If you prefer not to bid, there is also a place to donate on the same site. https://bit.ly/SHS -2025-auction.
Go Fish Group Meeting
Go Fish Group will meet on Monday, April 21, at Sisters Communit y Church at 7 p.m. e speaker will be Drew Shane, of Bend, who will present the program on “Fly Fishing Beyond Your Comfor t Zone.” For more information, please call Gar y at 541-771-2211
Ea ster Church S & Event s
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Come celebrate the source of our hope. Maundy ursday service on April 17, at 4 p.m., includes a celebration of the Last Supper. Good Friday Service April 18 , at noon, with a meditation on “Christ Crucified.” Outdoor Easter Sunris e Ser vice at 8 a .m. on Sunday, April 20 , including a f ree E aster breakfast, and Easter Worship Celebration at 10 a .m. For more information call 541-549-5831.
PIGGY MINAJ
With a name like that, you know that Pig g y Minaj gives “main character ” energy. She has lived with children in her previous foster home and has experience being handled.
— SPONSORED BY —
Sisters Church of the Nazarene You’re invited to celebrate the hope of Easter — Jesus is alive! 67130 Harrington Loop Rd . Continental breakfast at 9:30, worship ser vice at 10 a .m., followe d by E aster eg g hunt for children. For more information, call 541-389-8960 or email info@sistersna z.org.
St . Edward the Mar tyr Easter ser vices are as follows: Holy ursday, April 17: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m.; Good Friday, April 18: Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m., a nd e Passion Ser vice at 7 p.m.; Holy Saturday, April 19: E aster Vigil at 8:30 p.m.; E aster Sunday, April 20 : Mass at 9 a.m. For more information go to www.stedwardsisters .org
Church
Co
Good Friday Ser vice on Friday, April 18 , at 6 p.m. E aster Services, Sunday, April 20: Sunris e ser vice at 6:13 a .m.; Regular ser vices at 8 and 10 a.m. Hot cross buns ser ved at 9:30 a .m. Children’s classes during 10 a .m. ser vice, but children are welcome at all services. For more information call 541-549-1201, or info@ sisterschurch.com.
Fire Depar tment
Easter Eg g Hunt
Kids age 0 to 11 are invited to the annual Easter Egg Hunt co-sponsored by the SistersCamp Sherman and Cloverdale fire districts . e hunt is on, regardless of weather, Easter Sunday, April 20, at 1 p.m. at the adjoining Creekside Park and Sisters Creekside Campground. e Easter Bunny will be present to greet all. Arrive 20 minutes early so kids can be divided into age groups. Be prompt, as the eggs go f ast! For information cont act Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 541-549-0771.
SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES
Baha’i Faith
For information, devotions, study groups , etc., contac t Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings .org
Calvar y Church
484 W. Washington St. , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288
10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org
Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s 452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 5 41-977-5559; 10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting
e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 121 N Brook s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org
8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship
10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship
e Resting Place meeting at Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us 5 p.m. Sunday Worship
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 541-815-9848
11 a .m. S aturday Worship
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831 www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.com 10 a .m. Sunday Worship
Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har rington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960 www.sistersnaz .org • info@sistersnaz .org 10 a .m. Sunday Worship
Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational) 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com
7:30 a .m. Daybreak Ser vice • 9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship
St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391
5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 9 a .m. Sunday Mass 12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a .m. Tuesday-Friday Mass
Wellhouse Churc h 442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
POLICY: Nonprofits, schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions subject to editing and run as space allows . Email lisa@nug getnews .com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays
sters
By Chester Allen
No matter the weather Tight Lines
The weather forecast was horrible.
High winds — 20 mph, with snow and rain — was the story on the National Weather Service website. This was bad, mostly because of wind. Rain and snow can spark good fly fishing for trout on the Metolius River, but high winds shut everything down.
So… go or no go?
The National Weather Service is usually very accurate when it comes to predicting the unpredictable weather here in Sisters Country, but a forecast doesn’t always come completely true. What if there is snow — but no wind at all?
A gentle snow — flakes drifting vertically onto the water — often gets a great Blue Wing Olive mayfly hatch going on the Metolius and other local rivers.
It’s tempting to rely on the handy Internet forecast, but I wouldn’t know for sure unless I made the 25-minute drive to the river. And I wanted to know for sure.
What’s more, I knew for sure that few anglers would be on the river on this wintery March 15.
Changing conditions
When I got to the Metolius, I parked at Allen Springs Campground and hiked downstream to a favorite spot — one that can be great this time of year. But it was cold, windy and snowing — hard.
I didn’t see any hatching mayflies, and the gusts of wind made it hard to get a good euro nymphing drift, mostly because a strong wind pushes around the neon-colored section of leader — called a sighter — and it’s almost impossible to tell when a trout four feet under water has eaten the fly.
It’s kind of like trying to do a puzzle in the dark.
After a couple of hours, I gave up and headed to the Camp Sherman Store for one of their great sandwiches. As I ate — ham and Swiss on wheat bread
with all the trimmings — the wind just stopped.
I finished my lunch while I was driving downstream to Allingham Bridge. The smooth, clear water just downstream of the bridge is one of the toughest places to fish a dry fly in Oregon. The wild trout see tons of flies all year long, and they are very, very picky.
I once saw a guy thrash his fly rod on the smooth currents in frustration as many trout fed on a mixed hatch of caddis and mayflies.
“I’ve shown those $@%&* trout every fly in my box,” he said. “And nothing!”
Yeah, I’ve been there too — more than once — but I didn’t beat the river into a froth. I just found another spot.
Yet on this day, several
trout were rising to a nice hatch of size 20 Blue Wing Olives — a tiny, grayish fly that is almost invisible on a gray day.
Fluffy snowflakes drifted down to the mirror-like water — it looked like the flakes were drifting up from the bottom of the river and kissing with an identical flake falling toward the surface. I almost got vertigo — the sensation of not knowing what was up and what was down — but the rings of rising trout grounded me.
As they always do.
I inched into position and tied on a size 20 Sparkle Dun on a long 6X tippet. I made a downstream reach cast, and the fly drifted right over the trout. I could see the fish react — or ignore my fly. Five casts showed that the trout didn’t want the Sparkle Dun. In fact, it
looked like the trout was rising to an invisible fly, as it didn’t eat any of the winged natural mayflies on the water.
I watched this fish — and a few others — for 10 minutes, and not one trout rose to a winged natural.
I tied on a size 20 Almost There Baetis —a pattern by Bucky McCormick that imitates a mayfly that couldn’t get out of its nymphal skin when it swam to the surface. Metolius fish really like flies that match bugs trapped in the surface film.
The trout was rising next to a bed of green water weeds— the weeds in the Metolius, a spring creek, are always green.
On the second cast, the trout rose and ate my fly. A couple of minutes later, I snapped a quick photo of the fish. Then the
SISTERS-AREA Events & Enter tainment
WEDNESDAY • APRIL 16
Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Rod Scher presents "Ship of Lost Souls: The Tragic Wreck of the Steamship Valencia." 6:30 p.m. More info: www.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).
Makin' it Local Sisters Business Association's Sip and Mingle networking event for all Sisters-area business owners, managers, and guests Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres Doors open at 5 p.m., networking 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free 281 W. Cascade Ave.
THURSDAY • APRIL 17
Luckey's Woodsman Trivia: Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m. Info: luckeyswoodsman.com.
Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Joel Chadd 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Inside The Skip Bar & Restaurant. Tickets, $10, at www.bendticket.com.
FRIDAY • APRIL 18
The Belfr y Live Music: Boy Named Sue — Oregon’s finest horn band tribute to Johnny Cash and other country legends by Cuchulain. 7 p.m. Tickets and info: www.belfryevents.com.
Sisters High School Commons ART(ifacts) Annual interactive art experience featuring high school art showcase, live music, upcycled T-shirts, hands-on art fun, silent auction. 5-7 p.m. $7 per person or $25 per family Tickets and merch available at the door by cash/check, or pre-pay online: bit.ly/SHS-ARTifacts2025
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering Nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SATURDAY • APRIL 19
Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Marie Bostwick presents "The Book Club for Troublesome Women," 1 p.m. More info: www.PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.
Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Time Lapse Video to Capture a Sense of Place Workshop" with Ben Erlandson. A one-day workshop exploring different methods of time lapse video to focus on a sense of place. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10. Registration: roundhousefoundation.org/events.Sisters Depot Live Music: Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent in a lively atmosphere. 7 to 9 p.m. Info: sistersdepot.com/our-events. Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool car to display, or just come look — different every week. Free Info: 541-549-2471
SUNDAY • APRIL 20
Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble
11 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
TUESDAY • APRIL 22
TUESDAY • APRIL 22 (cont.)
Sisters Saloon Bingo Night in Sisters 6 to 8 p.m. BINGO upstairs on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
WEDNESDAY • APRIL 23
Best Western Ponderosa Lodge Explore the Art of Wheat Watch Straw Masters spin stra w, make wheat paper demonstrate straw applique techniques, and showcase their wheat straw work. Learn to plait wheat straw. Drop in 4:30-7 p.m. Free event for all ages Info: wheatweaver12@gmail.com.
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
THURSDAY • APRIL 24
Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Lynne Spriggs O’Connor presents "Elk Love: A Montana Memoir," 6:30 p.m. More info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Flying Horse Gallery Collage Your Story An inclusive night of storytelling and collaging featuring author Joanie Lindenmeyer. Presented by Out Central Oregon. 6-8 p.m. $38 Tickets and info: https://www.flyinghorsegallery.com/events. Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Finom 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Inside The Skip Bar & Restaurant. Tickets, $10, at www.bendticket.com.
FRIDAY • APRIL 25
Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Joanie Lindenmeyer will read from three recent books and discuss the continual theme of the 3 C’s: Courage, Confidence and Collaboration. 10 a.m. More info: www.PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.
Makin’ it Local "Takin' The Stage" Art Walk & Live Music 4 to 7 p.m. enjoy oregon sparkling wine from Sokol Blosser, light hors d'oeuvres Deschutes Brewery IPA, our “famous gingersnaps cookies, live music from the Outlaw Jazz Combo plus an artist showcase featuring new creations by Cheryl Chapman (Silly Dog Art Glass) Info: www.makinitlocal.com.
Paulina Springs Books StorySLAM "Fresh" Live storytelling competition. Come to tell a story or to listen. 6:30 p.m. $10. Storyteller sign ups at paulinaspringsbooks.com. Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. For additional information go to www.sistersarts.org.
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SATURDAY
• APRIL 26
The Belfr y Live Music: Uncle Jesse and the Trapper Keepers 90s party band playing your favorite tunes! 7 p.m. Tickets and info: www.belfryevents.com.
Studio 6000 Printmaking Class: Intro to Collagraph with Barbara Kennedy 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 26 and 27, $80 For information and to register, email pbennett3@gmail.com.
The Belfr y Frontiers in Science Lecture Series: “Beaver-Human Coexistence: Past, Present, and Future" with Dr. Maureen Thompson 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 Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Bob Baker & Mark Barringer 6 to 8 p.m., free Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.
Classes held at 211 E. Sun Ranch Dr #103
Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, "Art & Algae: A Seaweed Cyanotype Workshop" with Josie Iselin. Join us for this unique workshop where participants will experiment with cyanotype printing and natural materials to create their own striking blue-and-white prints. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $100 Registration and info: www.roundhousefoundation.org/events.
wind roared back to life.
Good weather, bad weather, time fishing on the Metolius is always worth the effort.
PHOTO BY CHESTER
Drainfield Restoration
It’s a moment to dread: Your drainfield is failing. Fall and winter are coming on and you have to get this taken care of
What are you going to do? How much is this going to cost? Replacing it and tearing up your yard is dauntingly expensive, running into the thousands of dollars. But you have an option.
What if you could restore your drainfield without replacing it?
fraction of the cost of replacement.
Drainfield Restoration blasts air into the soil, breaking up biomat and compaction, restoring the soil’s original leaching capacity. They can also jet inside lines and remove tree roots that are often the culprit in drainfield problems in Sisters Countr y. It’s a oneday project — and it works for years.
Turn to Drainfield Restoration. As Central Oregon’s only factor y-trained Terralift operator, they c an restore your drainfield for a
In business since 1 995, Drainfield Restoration has saved clients thous ands of dollars across the state of Oregon. For tips on restoration and care of your septic system, visit www.RestoreYourSeptic.com.
Sisters Fence & Deck
Sisters Fence & Deck has built a reputation across Sisters Countr y for superior qualit y of work , exceptional customer service, and reliabilit y. Spring is the per fe ct time to get your deck refinished or rebuilt. Sisters Fence & Deck’s equipment and technique make that job thorough and efficient — a great way to get your place in shape to enjoy through the summer
They can handle any kind of fence project you c an throw at them, from a simple backyard fence to extensive ranch and agriculture fencing. They work comfortably with
4
Brothers Tree Ser vice
Trees are the pride and joy of many a property owner in Sisters Countr y. But they can be a problem when they break and fall and crash to the ground — or on your deck, your house, or your car.
Now is the time to act to protect your proper ty and your safety — with a c all to 4 Brothers Tree Ser vice
Caring for your trees — or dealing with a problem — requires a wide range of knowledge and experience; the right equipment for the job; and a commitment to safety and reliabilit y.
That’s what 4 Br o thers Tr ee Ser vice brings to bear, with a full range of ser vices — tree removal; pruning; stump grinding; fire fuel reduction; lot cleaning; commercial thinning.
4 Brothers is well equipped to handle any tree -ser vice job. Deep knowledge and the right equipment helps ensure that work is done in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible
Now is the time to assess the condition of y our trees. 4 Brothers Tree Ser vice is ready to help
all kinds of materials, and vir t ually eve ry aspect of a project is handled in-house W ildfir e -har dened mat erials ar e r eally impor tant in Sisters Countr y and they can incorporate noncombustible materials into your project to keep your home safe. R eliabilit y and long-t erm sa tisfaction with their work is critical to their success. They also do ever y thing they c an to use local suppliers to keep the economy strong. If you have a project you really want to get done this spring or summer, there’s still room
Ever y thing Outdoors
Getting home and landscape “hardened” to the threat of wildfire is absolutely critical for Sisters Countr y homeowners today. Ever y thing Outdoors offers solutions to homeowners who need to make changes to meet increasingly stringent insurance requirements — while still keeping their landscape looking good and feeling like home
Ever y thing Outdoors w orks with ne w composite decking material that meets stringent ratings, and uses concrete pavers creatively to mitigate the threat from embers and sparks that c an ignite a blaze
miles from the edge of a wildfire. “Firewise” landscaping that removes brush and makes the home landscape more resilient can still look good — and Dave Kelly brings 35 years of experience to bear in making it all come together He does the work himself through every phase, from design to construction. He advises clients to plan ahead for projects, and notes that estimates are free. Get on his list now — there’s still time to make your project happen.
Contact Ever ything Outdoors and make your home safe — and beautiful.
Roam Natural Skincare
Non-invasive treatment to cleanse, extract, hydrate, and eveal an instant glow
(Reg. $249)
Taking ca re of your skin is t aking ca re of y ourself It ’s more than aesthetics, it’s critical self-care — and it’s never been more impor tant than it is right now. Stress and a sometimes-harsh environment c an take a toll on us, inside and out. Roam Natural Skincare in Sisters provides a refuge and an oasis that also enhances your well-being and qualit y of life.
Sarah Woods is continually enhancing her offerings — as with Roam’s Hydrafacial™ treatment. It’s a six-in-one treatment where you will receive a cleanse, mechanic al and
Touch of Class Tours
We’re all eager to travel — and Touch of Class Tours is looking ahead to 2025.
With ove r 39 years in business, Connie Boyle has created an exceptional tr ave l experience for her customers with her personal touch. She loves to interact with her clients and enjoys honoring special occasions like bir thdays and annivers aries.
“I’ve been passionate about this since I stepped on my first [travel] coach,” Connie says. “And I think people feel that.”
Connie goes above and beyond to create specialized t ours. Ev er y thing about
Touch of Class Tours is carefully thought out, with decades of experience helping to make sure every thing goes as smoothly as possible
“ There’s a lot of p lanning that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t know about,” Connie says. “ That should not be their worr y.”
Book now for 2025 and 2026 t ours: Branson & Le ave nw or th for Christmas, Branson Music Fest (April), and Caribbean Cruise 2026. S ee tour schedule at www touchofclasstours.com.
chemical ex foliation, painless ex tractions, medical- grade LED light therap y, and hy dration through infusing the s kin with correctiv e serums, leaving y ou with the best glow and skin of your life.
With a deep background in skincar e, Woods has created a studio with an aesthetically comfort able atmosphere where clients feel safe t alking about how they’re feeling in their skin and their body. Woods offers high- qualit y skincare products associated with luxur y spas, with clean ingredients, ethically produced.
C & C Nurser y
Sisters communit y knows it’s well-andtruly spring when C & C Nurser y opens for the season on Pine Street behind Space Age Fuel Station. This year, the season will kick off on April 23
the knowledgeable staff can provide advice and tips to ensure your success.
C & C Nurser y specializes in helping folks in Sist ers build strong, successful landscapes using cold-hardy, deer-re sistant, and Firewise trees, bushes, conifers, and perennials. Perennials that attract pollinators — butterflies and bees — are a specialty. Not only c an you get the plants you need to make your home environment beautiful,
Made To Nourish
Nothing is more critical to our well-being and peace of mind than enjoying healthful, nutritious meals. That can be a big challenge when you have food allergies or sensitivities. A new diagnosis can be daunting; you don’t know what you should eat and you may be afraid you’ll neve r be able to fully enjoy eating again. That’s where Amanda Ramirez and Made to Nourish shine.
Amanda is a Nutritional Therapist and a Personal Chef She specializes in creating nutrient- dense organic meals that accommodate food allergies and special diets.
C & C Nurser y is famous for its hanging baskets which you’ll see on Sisters’ streetlight poles throughout the summer They expect a good supply by Memorial Day — but you don’t want to wait too long to get yours. They are very popular and go quickly
In addition to the nurser y business, C & C handles all aspects of landscape maintenance — and they are hiring hardworking c apable people who like to work outdoors.
She also runs and interprets comprehensive blood work panels to help determine specific dietar y needs.
Through this w ork , M ade to N ourish can bring joy and safety back into people’s kitchens and daily lives. Weekly meal prep ser vice is available, as well as special occasion catering for small private events.
“I l ove to do small, priva te dinners, and my focus is on farm-to- t able meals,” Amanda says.
Ingredients are organic, sourced from local regenerative ranches/farms when possible
River front Painting
With nearly a decade of painting experience in Central Oregon, River front Painting has become the go -to painting contracto r fo r many customers, who know the y are getting a high- qualit y, professional job done at a fair price
River front Painting handles all aspects of painting — interior and ex terior, including deck refinishing, lacquer and stain, interior cabinets — the whole gamut
can enjoy it through the summer Book now to make sure you get on the schedule, and take advantage of discounts being offered through the months of May and June
Owner-operator Travis Starr understands that bringing a painting crew in to y our home requires a level of trust and comfort
Painting and refinishing c an make your home look and feel brand new — and this is the season to get that work done so you
All of River front’s painters are friendly and likable and comfo rt able to have around y our home. That’s r eflect ed in fiv e -star re views consist ently praising Riv er fron t Painting’s professional, timely, high- qualit y work
carry Honda, Ariens, Stihl, Gravely, and Cub Cadet.
Expert saves deer from trap
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Coleen McNerney and her husband Craig Rychlick are used to wildlife roaming their yard. From their vantage point in Whychus Canyon Estates they have seen their limited share of cougars, coyotes, bobcats, and an occasional fox, but are entertained daily by an abundance of deer.
“There is a dozen or so in the herd,” McNerney told The Nugget. “But it’s usually four or five that routinely visit. I think they are checking in on us,” she chuckles describing their regularity and closeness to the house. “We can often get six to eight feet from them.”
On a recent Thursday they were startled to see a doe with a contraption seemingly stuck to its snout. Sure enough it was a jumbo size rat trap. “She didn’t seem in distress, but we were worried. She looked pregnant,”
McNerney said. “It looked like she could take in water but not food.”
The next day, seeing her again, they called ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) and were told that there was only one person in the office that day and the office could not be left unattended.
Neighbors had joined in a watch party trying to keep tabs on the deer over the weekend.
On Monday morning, not waiting for a call back, they again called ODFW and within short order a wildlife expert was dispatched.
The biologist, Zac Kendall, took charge keeping humans away. He darted the deer who became immobilized within a minute or two and Kendall put a distress hood over the animal while deftly removing the trap which had been laced with what seemed to be peanut butter.
A check of the jaw and mouth showed no injury
despite the unshakable tension of the spring-loaded trap.
Kendall revitalized the deer administering a reversal agent and after a wobbly start the doe ambled off to join her herd.
If you encounter a wild animal in distress, the first step is to ensure your safety and the animal’s and then contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or ODFW. Do not approach the animal, try to feed it, or attempt to move it yourself unless instructed to do so by a professional.
Safety first. Stay calm. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could frighten the animal further, says the American Animal Hospital Association.
Maintain distance. Keep a respectful distance from the animal, ideally at least 100 yards. Avoid contact. Do not attempt to touch or pet the animal, as it may bite or scratch in fear.
$7,000 in value with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting Rotary community programs.
Nugget Poetry Corner
The Nurse and the Old Tattooed Man
by Paul Alan Bennett
The nur se washed the feet of the old tattooed man
n
Then with the nail clipper s she held in her hand
She trimmed his toes one-by-one w hile he explained
All the stories behind each tattoo he had made
“I wor ked as a r anger, In forests, built trails
I’ d often see eagles and cougar s and quail
I had all these cr eatur es tattooed on my skin
To remind me of Mother Nature and the world I lived in”
He had snakes on his for ear ms and wolves on his thighs
On his nec k w as a r aven with faded blac k eyes
Though his skin was quite wrinkled and saggy with age his tattoos did tell of a full life he’ d made
She dried of f his feet going gentle and slow
When she noticed the tattoos of star s on his toes
And she just had to ask, the meaning of this
Then he smiled and leaned bac k touc hed his lips with a kiss
“T hose stars ar e my mom, sisters, daughters and wife
Those stars repr esent the women in my lif e
They ar e my foundation on w hic h I still stand ”
With a nod of his head said the old tattooed man
She helped him put bac k on his slipper s and soc ks
And he thanked her pr ofusely for her time and their talk
As they star ted to par t, this nur se and old man
He noticed the tattoo of a star on her hand
When he asked her its meaning this was her reply
“T his star is my dad, my favorite guy
He taught me to love what I do with my hands
So, w hile I trim nails, I think of my dad”
They looked at ea ch other no need for more words
Through a meeting of hear ts on this they concur red
That the women and men who stood for these sta rs
Were the ones who made them be the people they ar e
Perhaps our dads give to each of us hands
And the women a foundation on w hic h we do stand
Whatever you do, w homever you ar e
Just know that you come fr om the world of the stars
Zach Kendall, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife biologist, approaches tranquilized deer to remove rodent trap from her lip.
PHOTO PROVIDED
SweetEasy Co. on West Cascade Avenue hosted the 2025 Rotary Club of Sisters Mega Raffle. Owner Kara Lappe pulled the first ticket belonging to Baylee Reitmann, who will have first choice of 41 prizes totaling over
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
SHS pageant set for Saturday
By Olivia Nieto Correspondent
The annual Sisters High School Pageant takes place this Saturday, April 19, at 6 p.m. in the SHS Auditorium. This event is a highlight for a large portion of the community, acting as a major fundraiser and opportunity to give outstanding students the spotlight. All profits from the evening are raised for FAN (Family Access Network), which provides essential resources for Central Oregon families in need.
“The pageant is exceptional in the sense that you get a chance to celebrate some of the best and brightest in this generation. It gives us a chance to look at some pretty extraordinary young people and do it while benefiting the needy in our community,” states teacher coordinator Jami Lyn Weber.
Senior students who act as contestants are selected by teachers for their spirit and involvement throughout their years at SHS. This year, there are 16 contestants forming eight duos. Each duo has prepared different forms of entertainment based on Netflix shows and movies. A few of this year’s examples include “The Office,” “Stranger Things,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Ferris Bueller.”
“I’m really looking forward to everyone coming out and watching the event to enjoy all our talents and videos we worked so hard on. I hope everyone has as much fun watching it as we did making it,” said participant Solei Planty.
As the pageant has progressed over the years, its technology has progressed along with it.
“Freshman year I ran tech and served as a coordinator,” said participant Jack Turpen. “From the AV side of things, it’s our favorite event that we put on. The show is incredibly technologically advanced and is all hands on deck for Outlaw Media. I’m really looking forward to being in it this year! For the past four years I’ve been behind the scenes putting the show on, this year I’m putting action into all these ideas I’ve been saving up.”
This evening is the culmination of months of planning and hard work. Community support of any kind is highly appreciated and encouraged.
“We’ve all worked really hard for this event to not only help FAN but to put on an eventful night,” said student coordinator Emma Long.
“There’s a lot to be said about continuing to meet your neighbors, sitting down next to someone and learning who they are and why they’re here. We’re still recovering from COVID but this is one of those events worth getting out of your pajamas and coming to,” stated Weber.
Tickets are $10 and available to purchase at https://givebutter. com/2025SHSPAGEANT, where the pageant will also be livestreamed.
Outlaws get three tennis matches
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws traveled to Sherman on Thursday, April 10, and competed in two varsity singles matches and one doubles match. Sisters No. 1 and No. 2 singles players both logged wins in their matches.
Dominic Pulver (No. 1) came out on top 6-3, 6-0, in his match against Alvaro Ambriz.
Coach Vince Grace said, “Dominic showcased excellent first serves, played smart, and utilized a powerful forehand to dominate the match. His key challenge was maintaining focus throughout, which he handled effectively.”
Jack Murray (No. 2) beat Ben Avila 6-1, 6-2.
“Jack impressed with sharp slices and strong play at the net on his approach shots,” said Grace. “He’s honing his ability to step in and meet the ball proactively rather than waiting for it to come to his racket. Jack’s serve is a formidable asset, and he continues working on improving his first-serve consistency. His effective use of slicing was instrumental in securing the win.”
Silas Green and Liam Hubbell, Sisters No. 1 doubles team, had an evenly matched game against their opponents, which culminated in a nail-biting tiebreaker, which Sherman narrowly won.
“Silas and Liam demonstrated excellent hustle, communication, and aggressive ball play, refusing to give up easily, said Grace. “The match was highly competitive and could have gone either way.”
With the remaining time, Sisters players enjoyed some informal matches, and utilized Sherman’s two courts to play against some of their top girls’ players. Grace told The Nugget that everyone had a chance to participate and have fun.
On Saturday Sisters faced Riverside in a match at Madras. The Outlaws secured a hard-earned victory over the Raptors with a score of 2-1.
Murray, at No. 1 singles, defeated Jason Zamora with impressive scores of 6-1, 6-1.
Grace said, “Jack demonstrated exceptional skill, leveraging his strategically placed slice and serve-plusone strategy effectively throughout the match. His consistent focus on improving his serve paid off, providing a strong confidence boost as the team works towards readiness for district play.”
Weston Dean, No. 2 singles, triumphed over Angel Sanchez in straight sets with scores of 6-3, 6-0. His consistent ground strokes and hustle allowed him to reach some of Sanchez’ toughest shots.
Grace noted that Dean’s focus and understanding of how to use the slice
effectively in windy conditions proved invaluable, and highlighted his commitment to continuous improvement.
Green and Levi Brigado paired up for the first time and faced a tough challenge in their match against Montana and Bravo in the No. 1 doubles match. Despite the 0-6 first set loss, the duo regrouped, found their rhythm in the second set, and narrowly lost 4-6.
“Their ability to adapt and work together on the court as first time partners was a testament to their determination and growing synergy,” said Grace. “With continued practice focusing on doubles strategies, their teamwork and skills showed promising development.”
Grace added, “Sisters’ victories in the singles matches was a result of the players’ relentless commitment to practice and their ability to perform as a cohesive unit. From Jack’s strategic execution to Weston’s unwavering focus and Silas and Levi’s determination to gel as a team, the effort put into preparation truly shone on the court. This victory was more than just a win — it was a celebration of the power of teamwork and dedication.”
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, April 8, the Outlaws fell 0-6 on the road against Bend.
The Outlaws were scheduled for a match at Madras on Tuesday, April 15.
Montana author presents memoir
Montana writer Lynne Spriggs O’Connor will celebrate her new memoir “Elk Love: A Montana Memoir” with a reading at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m.
“Elk Love” is the grand prize winner of 2025 Chanticleer International Book Award and the 2025 Hearten Award for Uplifting and Inspiring Nonfiction.
“Elk Love: A Montana Memoir” tells the story of a world-weary museum curator and a bereaved rancher coming together amidst the dazzling beauty and seasonal rhythms of a cattle ranch in a hidden Montana mountain valley — a wide-open, windfilled place where words give way to the wisdom of nature.
Having spent ten summers on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation near Glacier National Park — part of her fieldwork for a PhD in Native American Art History — Spriggs thinks of Montana as her healing place. When she moved to “Big Sky Country” from the East Coast in a quest to reset her life, she arrived with high hopes.
Her new start in Great Falls, a farming and military town in central Montana, was not what she imagined. Her dream of being more connected to nature in the American West comes alive when she meets Harrison, a handsome but cantankerous rancher. With her dog Willow by her side, visits to
his hidden valley lead her to bugling elk, dancing birds, and night-calving in blizzards. In a modern world where listening is rare, “Elk Love” explores an intimate place where loneliness gives way to wonder, where the natural world speaks of what matters most.
Before moving to the rural West, Spriggs curated exhibitions of folk and self-taught art at the High Museum in Atlanta. She also worked in the film industry as Production Coordinator for Spalding Gray and Jonathan Demme on the iconic Swimming to Cambodia. After landing in Montana, she curated “Bison: American Icon,” a major permanent exhibit for the Charlie Russell Museum on bison in the Northern Plains. For the past 15 years, she and her husband have lived on a cattle ranch in an isolated Montana mountain valley, where her life centers on writing, animals, and family.
RUN: Annual event draws local and out-of-town runners
Continued from page 1
Deanna Dekay Czarneckiclass of 1997, (3:32:16) and Rachel Beck, class of 2000, (3:46:23) came over from the Eugene area for the race.
Augustus Nibur, a seventh grader at Sisters Middle School, was the youngest finisher in 4:15:11. His mother, Owhyee Weikel-Madgen finished in 4:45:46.
Race numbers were down a bit from previous years in part due to the Bend
TECH: Parents often struggle with kids and technology
Continued from page 3
Wendy Laakmann for a discussion of the film and healthy tech best-practices. Audience members will also have an opportunity to pose questions to the speakers.
“At our youth wellbeingfocused Community Forum last fall, the most talkedabout topic was the impact of tech and social media on kids,” said C4C Executive Director Kellen Klein. “This event is part of our commitment to catalyze thoughtful public discourse about the issues that community members have told us matter to them.”
Through expert insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists,
Marathon organizers scheduling their event on the same day.
Race Director Sean Meissner beamed like the afternoon sun as the final runners rounded the track.
“What a perfect day – a race director’s dream – to have weather like this,” he said. “I think the runners agree it was a great day to be out on these trails.”
Meissner, who formerly lived in Sisters, but now resides in Vermont, praised the Sisters School District for the fabulous facilities and the cooperation to once again make the race such a success.
“Having the track and all
“Screenagers” explores how tech time impacts kids’ cognitive, emotional, and social development. It also offers research-based solutions to help children build healthy screen habits and navigate a rapidly changing digital world with confidence and balance.
“Well Wired has screened this film at schools throughout Bend, and we are looking forward to connecting with families in Sisters Country,” said Ami Formica, co-founder of Well Wired.
the facilities at Reed Stadium gives the athletes a welcome place to recover after hours of running, and the facilities worker Shaun Herman couldn’t have been more helpful in making sure we had everything we needed the day before the race and on race day itself,” he said. Meissner is generous in turn, donating funds to the middle and high school cross country teams who offer volunteers each year for the event.
“I feel I have such support here from my friends, family, and the community,” he said. “We couldn’t do this without all the help.”
“The issue of kids and addictive technology is something many parents struggle with. Our goal is to build community with each other so that no family feels they lack support or has to navigate tech challenges in isolation.”
The community event is intended to spark reflection, dialogue, and shared learning about how technology is impacting our most vulnerable community members. Learn more and RSVP at citizens4community.com/ events/screenagers.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Sisters enters burning season
Deschutes National Forest (DNF) firefighters plan to start spring prescribed burning season as soon as conditions become favorable. DNF is shooting for an estimated 8,860 acres of prescribed burning, including up to an estimated 7,000 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 360 acres on the Crescent Ranger District, and 1,500 acres on the Sisters Ranger District.
Prescribed burns are slated for Camp Sherman, along FSR 14 south of Camp Sherman, along FSR 800 south of the Camp Sherman Store, and west of Camp Sherman along FSR 1216; and south and west of Sisters and both sides of Highway 20 near the Indian Ford Campground area.
According to DNF firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within a fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. Once firefighters ignite prescribed burns, they monitor and patrol the units until they declare the burn out.
Prescribed burns, which are primarily conducted in spring and fall, are planned and implemented under specific conditions of temperature, wind, humidity, and vegetation moisture.
Firefighters work with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Forestry smoke forecasters to identify conditions that will minimize smoke impacts on people and communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. Most smoke impacts occur during the night and early morning hours.
Public Health officials from Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties encourage community members to prepare for smoke. For tips on how to get “Smoke Ready,” visit the Deschutes County website.
For more information on prescribed burning and smoke preparedness in Central Oregon, visit www. centraloregonfire.org/ and www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes.
ZONE: Hearing was on narrow consideration about zoning
Continued from page 1
Although the ultimate goal might be to have the MMV property considered during the UGB expansion process, that was not what was under the consideration by the Hearings Officer. Of the approximately 170 written testimonies on file, King reported that those in support mostly concerned the City of Sisters UGB expansion and therefore were not germane to the requests before the county. She added that those in opposition cited adverse impacts to wildlife, sensitive plant species, and the Trout Creek corridor, and various other adverse impacts, if developed.
MMV representative Christopher Koback gave a summary of the application requests, and the various required goals to which they complied. Koback argued that if the property zoned as MUA10, all the environmental and other concerns voiced by the public would not materialize; MAU10 is a rural and forest-friendly zoning. Nothing will change unless and until the property comes under consideration for UGB expansion in Sisters. According to Koback, if that happens MMV would follow all the standard development procedures to include the public, ensure that the property would be developed
responsibly, address home hardening concerns, preserving the perennial creek (Trout Creek), etc. He went on to make the case that among current expansion options under consideration by UGB Steering Committee (UGB-SC,) all of the options are either too parcellated, too far from public utilities, have topographic limitations, and/or are burdened by covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs).
Hearings Officer Brooks asked, to accommodate the goal exception request, “What is the actual proposed use?” He offered that although a use is not required, it makes the decision easier if the use is shown to be compatible with surrounding natural resources. Koback replied that, “it is two-fold. . . we do think it is a valid use to say we want this property to be available for consideration in the city process, but also…” there are no MUA10 options available and would be a Deschutes County transition zone “…to go from rural to urban… ” like they have done in Bend.
At this first hearing, 40 people were present and 41 were on Zoom. During the course of the public testimony, 20 people presented — two of which were the applicants Koback and, sitting with him, Bill Willitts. Two others were in support of the applicants’ requests: Curt Kallberg and Morgan Greenwood. Kallberg is an owner of the property and emphasized it is private
property, and that “ . . . people walking on it are trespassing.” Greenwood, who is a member of the Sisters UGB-SC and resides in Sisters near the subject property, shared that, “Sisters is in a housing-crisis,” and there is little time to address forthcoming growth concerns.
Public comments in opposition came from 16 individuals and two representatives of two nonprofits who stuck to the purpose of the hearing. One from Oregon Land Watch, the Rural Lands Program Director & Staff Attorney Rory Isbell, asserted that a “market demand” is not an allowed exception to Goal 4 and that the property has “scenic views and riparian resources” and thus the Deschutes Comprehensive Plan should not be amended.
The other, Oregon Land and Water Alliance, First Vice President Eva Eagle, declared that F2 is the appropriate zoning code for the MMV property because it is embraced by the Trout Creek Conservation area (161-acre pine forest owned by the Sisters School District) to the west and also forests to the north and east of the property
and that Trout Creek crosses the subject property.
Very few testimonies in opposition addressed the criteria under consideration before the county. Of those that did, one implied the Deschutes County Comprehensive plan goals were being skipped or intentionally ignored by the applicant, and others proposed MMV representatives were not complying with the county’s comprehensive plan goals to conserve and preserve forest or riparian and ecological lands.
At the request of the MMV applicants, written testimony will remain open for new evidence and testimony to April 21, and can be emailed to the Senior Planner (haleigh.king@deschutes. org). After that, rebuttal evidence and testimony will be accepted to May 5. The final legal argument by the applicant is due by May 12. Research into the application, supporting documentation, written public testimony, initial hearing video, and the Hearings Officers’ recommendations (when completed) can be found at https://deschutescounty.gov/ mckenziemeadowvillage.
New thrift store opens in Sisters
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
The tagline of A Touch of Faith Thrift Store is “a little bit of everything” — and that’s just truth in advertising.
“I have a huge variety of inventory,” said Charlene Handsaker, who recently opened her doors at 141 W. Main Ave, between Angeline’s Bakery and The Fly Fisher’s Place.
There are items ranging from folk art to vintage handbags and dishware from all over the world at the new shop. There are Asian items as well as items with a vintage Western focus. The inventory comes from seven storage units of items that Handsaker has collected over a period of years.
SINGING: Event was a joyful gathering of Sisters folks
Continued from page 3
just what distinguishes their fiscal sponsor business model from the 100 other non-profits already pursuing their individual objectives in Sisters.
group singing.
“I will take donations if they’re clean and sellable, but most of this I’ve bought myself.”
A Touch of Faith is named after Handsaker’s granddaughter. She recently moved her store from Tumalo. Her son Terry Handsaker runs the shop during the morning, and Charlene, who is still working full time for the post office in Bend, comes in to take over at 2 p.m.
She noted that she hopes to have a positive impact with the shop in Sisters, and is open to suggestions on how she can be a contributor.
“I really want to do some good for the community,” she said.
“It started with what I like, but I know that not everybody likes what I like,” she said. “I just try to look for unique and different. I try to get a little bit of everything. Vintage always goes over well. I hit a lot of online auctions, and you buy things in lots.”
The second half of the show focused on Crosby, Stills, and Nash’s 50-yearold catalogue with Landsverk leading the Sisters community in three-part harmonies on such golden oldies as “Our House,” and “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” Ben was joined by the Sisters Ukulele Band on the floor for a rousing acoustic “Teach Your Children,” with the audience adding their voices in threepart harmony.
The AFSC Board, volunteers, and friends are grateful for support from the nonprofit donors and sponsors who made the “no admittance charge” event possible: the Roundhouse Foundation, the St. Charles Health System, Rotary of Sisters, Citizens for Community, Living Well With Dementia Sisters, Central Oregon Council on Aging, SFF Presents, the City of Sisters, and STARS. The business community contributed generously with both cash and in-kind donations: Sisters Rentals, Robinson and Owens Construction, Mid-Oregon Credit Union, Next Phase Realty, Sisters Ace Hardware, Les Schwab Taylor Tires, GrandStay Hotels, the Sisters Saloon, and the Sisters Athletic Club. Many attendees also made cash contributions at the door and via EventBrite.
AFSC briefly had the floor during intermission to explain
As a fiscal sponsor, AFSC has supported a total of seven diverse Action Teams in six years, helping motivated residents who have ideas to improve some aspect of livability in Sisters Country to get those ideas off the back of an envelope and onto the streets (or, in the case of the Family Friendly Restroom Team, into the public toilets of Sisters).
A big boost went to AFSC’s newest Action Team, Rake-It, which gathers volunteers to clean combustible yard debris from the properties of Sisters residents who cannot physically or financially get the work done themselves. Email doug@agefriendlysisters.com to volunteer or to nominate a deserving household.
For more information about AFSC, or to volunteer for a Board position or for one of their Action Teams, visit www.agefriendlysisters. com.
Charlene Handsaker has opened A Touch of Faith Thrift Store in Sisters.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
Screening recounts a remarkable journey
With the support of the Roundhouse Foundation and Sisters Movie House, there will be a special screening of Sandy Cummings’ documentary “Space, Hope and Charity” on Wednesday, April 23, from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. at Sisters Movie House.
The film tells the story of Charity Woodrum’s remarkable journey through poverty and tragedy as she pursues her dream of becoming a NASA astrophysicist. Woodrum grew up in poverty in Canyonville, Oregon, and found peace from chaos at home by looking up at the night sky.
By 2014 Charity was married and nine-months pregnant when she decided to attend the University of Oregon to study physics. She was thriving in 2017, when she lost her husband and young son tragically. With help from mentors, childhood friends, and perfect strangers, she was able to get her life back on track. She earned
her PhD in astrophysics last fall, and was quickly awarded a postdoctoral fellowship at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. She’s now an astrophysicist and part of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope team.
The film is inspiring, highlighting resilience, women in STEM, the wonder of astronomy, and the life-changing power of human connection. It has won a number of awards.
Woodrum and Dr. Scott Fisher (her mentor, UO professor, and director of Pine Mountain Observatory) will take questions from the audience after the screening.
Proceeds of the screening will support Woody’s Stars, the education enrichment fund created in memory of Charity’s son.
Ticket info can be found at https://spacehopechar ity.eventive.org/schedule/ screening-and-live-q-a67d9d11e18a7cfdb736b8ad9.
Pitcher Sebastian Storch struck out 15 batters on his way to delivering a five inning 10-0 no-hitter for the Outlaws against Burns on April 11. Storch took control from the first pitch, mixing overpowering fastballs and sharp breaking balls to retire all 15 outs via strikeout, in what is known as an “immaculate”
no-hitter. The five inning mercy rule was invoked to end the game.
“Sebastian was locked in from the start,” said Sisters head coach Matt Hilgers. “Every pitch had command, every inning he got stronger. It was one of the most impressive outings of his young career.”
Sisters started league play against La Pine on Tuesday.
Charity Woodrum at MMT Observatory in Arizona.
PHOTO BY SANDY CUMMINGS
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
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DEADLINE: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. VISA & MasterCard accepted. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four (4) weeks and upon approval of account application.
CATEGORIES:
102 Commercial Rentals
STORAGE WITH BENEFITS
8 x 20 dry box
Fenced yard, RV & trailers
In-town, gated, 24-7 EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com
MINI STORAGE
Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.
AVAILABLE NOW
Prime retail space in The Gallery Annex Bld. next to The Hen's Tooth. Approx. 2,000 sq. ft. Contact Jim at 1-208-318-4323
Executive Office Space
Very nice executive office space for rent in Sisters light industrial park. 224 sq. ft. private office. Shared restrooms with shower. Shared conference/kitchen room. Easy parking. All utilities included. Starting at $750 per month. Call 541-549-9631
103 Residential Rentals
PONDEROSA PROPERTIES –Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002
Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com
Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC
CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS
Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792 Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com
104 Vacation Rentals
~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Private Central OR vac. rentals, Property Management Services 541-977-9898 www.SistersVacation.com
Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150
107 Rentals Wanted
URGENT! Black Butte Bistro seasonal employee (male, age 24) looking for a room to rent starting 5/20/2025 until mid-August, 2025. Quiet, non-smoker, working 8-12 hour shifts. Please text 310-292-1939. All leads are welcome! THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER
202 Firewood
• SPRING 2025 • NEW DISCOUNT PRICES
HARDWOOD IN STOCK
FOR 2025 - DRY WHITE OAK AND MADRONE MIX
SistersForestProducts.com 541-410-4509
ELPEEZ@AOL.COM
205 Garage & Estate Sales
Friday, April 18, 10 to 4 Saturday, April 19, 10 to 3
Whychus Canyon Estates 70160 Doggie Dr. Tools, crafts, home decor, vintage and collectibles. Cash and local checks only. Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806
Sharie 541-771-1150
301 Vehicles
We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397
Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com
CLASSIC CAR STORAGE!
Oversized, lights/power, $275/m • 541-419-2502
403 Pets
Cavapoo F2B puppies for sale. Please visit www.saunders hideawayhomestead.com or call 541-829-8429 for more information.
Caring, loving pet care in my home. Daily rates and in town. Cheryl 541-420-7875
I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com
Home of Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits • 541-306-7551 • Julie
500 Services
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
GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE
“A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871
CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS
Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475
I AM A CAREGIVER Looking for work in Sisters, Part-Time Please call Lynn 503-274-0214.
501 Computers & Communications
3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC
Extend internet to shop, security cameras, Starlink. CCB #191099 541-306-0729
502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
GORDON’S LAST TOUCH Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY
Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008
M & J CARPET CLEANING Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090
504 Handyman
3 Sisters Handyman Services 20+ years experience No job too large or small. Snow removal services available. Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Call Nate 907-748-4100
sistershandyman@gmail.com CCB# 253556
600 Tree Service & Forestry
– All You Need Maintenance –Tree removal, property thinning & clearing, forestry mastication & mulching, stump grinding. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
4 Brothers Tree Service
Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal.
– FOREST MANAGEMENT –Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects! Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342
4brostrees.com
Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057
LOLO TREE WORKS Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638 Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912
TimberStandImprovement.net Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825
601 Construction
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
CASCADE GARAGE DOORS Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553
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 541-699-7740
Bend Window Works, LLC is offering a 10% discount on new window coverings. FREE in-home consultation. Same day in-home repair services available. New and repaired blinds make rentals look better! Contact us at 541-383-3455 or andy@bendblinds.com.
• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279
Construction & Renovation
Custom Residential Projects
All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448
SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC.
General Contractor
Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74
A “Hands-On” Builder Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016 To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523
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
Custom Homes Additions - Remodels
Residential Building Projects
Becke William Pierce
CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384
Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com
New construction, addition, remodel. Large and small projects. Contact for estimate. Excavation: septic system, site prep, demolition, road and driveway construction. 541-325-3020 sales@gardnercontractingllc.com
Earthwood Timber
• Recycled fir and pine beams
• Mantels and accent timbers
• Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com
INSPIRED CUSTOM HOMES
www.teeharborconstruction.com
541-213-8736 • CCB#75388
602 Plumbing & Electric SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.
“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling • New Construction • Water Heaters 541-549-4349
Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587
Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com
CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860
Ridgeline Electric, LLC
Serving all of Central Oregon
• Residential • Commercial
• Industrial • Service 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821
The Nugget • 541-549-9941
603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation
Free On-site Visit & Estimate Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com
541-549-1472 • CCB #76888
Drainfield
• Minor & Major Septic Repair
• All Septic Needs/Design & Install
General Excavation
• Site Preparation
• Rock & Stump Removal
• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation
• Building Demolition Trucking
• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!
BANR Enterprises, LLC
604 Heating & Cooling
ACTION AIR
Heating & Cooling, LLC
Retrofit • New Const • Remodel
Consulting, Service & Installs
actionairheatingandcooling.com
CCB #195556
541-549-6464
605 Painting
EMPIRE PAINTING
Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining
CCB#180042
541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk
Interior/Exterior Painting
Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327
peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks
CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com
online at NuggetNews.com
606 Landscaping & Yard
Maintenance
Flow State Property Improvements LLC
Spring landscape cleanups & debris removal, pine needle removal, bark and gravel refreshing. Contact Steve at 541-316-9959 or email flowstatepi@gmail.com.
Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.
CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462
J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, thatching, aerating, irrigation, mowing. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com
All Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740
Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED
CRAFTSMAN BUILT
CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com
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
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
Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345
– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
607 Irrigation
Home/Commercial/Agriculture
New - Maintenance - Repair
— licensed, bonded, insured — CCB#189719 • LCB#100529 LCP#16884 541-316-9259 rockspringsirr@gmail.com
701 Domestic Services
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning
WINDOW CLEANING!
Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC
Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
802 Help Wanted
Brand
33 at
Aspen Lakes Golf Course
We’re hiring for the following positions: Sous chef / lead cook, line cook, prep cook, servers, beverage cart, and dishwasher. Year around Janitor position as well. Competitive wages DOE. Seasonal FT / PT. Email accounting@aspenlakes.com or call 541-549-1882
Landscapers needed. Dependable, exp. preferred. F/T work, good pay. Call Abel's Landscaping 541-815-6740
CITY OF SISTERS – JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Public Works Utility Assistant
Pay: $19.59-$29.63 Hourly
Temporary (seasonal) Full-time; 40 hours per week
Closes: May 8, 2025; Open until Filled; Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2025 (or sooner)
Position requirements, skills, and qualifications include the following:
Possession of, or required to obtain a valid Oregon drivers license within 30 days of hire. Must have a clean driving record. Educational Background/Experience High School diploma or equivalent; General knowledge of irrigation, park maintenance, and equipment and ability to operate small tools and equipment. A complete position description is available online at www.ci.sisters.or.us.
To Apply
To apply, an applicant must complete and submit the City’s employment application along with the applicant’s resume to the City no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 9, 2025; provided, however, the City may accept applications and resumes after May 9, 2025, if in the City’s best interest. This position will remain open until filled. The City’s application for employment and veteran’s preference form is available online at www.ci.sisters.or.us. Application and resume must be submitted in any one of the following ways:
Email: joneill@ci.sisters.or.us
Mail: PO Box 39, Sisters, Oregon 97759
In-Person Delivery: 520 E Cascade Ave, Sisters, OR 97759
Please contact Finance Director Joe O’Neill if you have any questions regarding the position or application process. Mr. O’Neill may be contacted via telephone at 541-549-5222 or email at joneill@ci.sisters.or.us
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, and/or any other legally protected status. The City is a drug-free workplace. Individuals who require accommodation relating to the application process should request the accommodation in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made.
Alpine Landscape Maintenance
An All-Electric Landscape Company.
Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 alpine.landscapes@icloud.com
Eastern Cascade Solutions
Landscaping & Construction www.easterncascadesolutions. com • 541-233-7195
LCB #9958 • CCB #222039
STEVE'S HAULING
Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370
Position Summary: The City is accepting applications for a full-time Public Works Utility Assistant. This position is responsible for the upkeep and general maintenance of City parks, right of ways, and public facilities. This position performs a variety of tasks including mowing, weeding, landscaping, irrigation system upkeep, streetscaping, and cleaning public restrooms. The role also supports maintenance across various city systems such as transportation, water distribution, wastewater collection, and solid waste and recycling. The ideal candidate will be able to perform duties with general supervision, maintain positive working relationships, and contribute to the overall functionality and appearance of city properties.
We are Hiring!
Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping, Barista & Maintenance/ Landscaping. PT/FT. We are proud to offer flexible schedules and excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com 13375 SW Forest Service Rd. 1419, Camp Sherman CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS NEEDED for SHS all-day graduation event on June 10th. Transportation, meals, and $150 included. Please email SistersHS2025@gmail.com if interested.
C L A S S I F I E D S
who wish to attend remotely. To join the meeting online or by audio only please contact Jamie Vohs at (541) 595-2288 or jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com for access to zoom link, meeting ID, passcode, and phone number. If special accommodations are required, please contact Jamie Vohs at (541) 595-2288 or jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com at least two days in advance. Notice of publication is also available at https:// blackbutteranchfire.com/aboutbbrfd/budgets/2025-2026-budget.
Seasonal Landscaping labor. Pay based on experience. Contact Alesha or Austin 541-419-5122
999
Public Notice NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Black Butte School District, Jefferson County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, will be held at Black Butte School 25745 FS Rd 1419, Camp Sherman, OR 97330. The meeting will take place on May 13, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 6th at Black Butte School, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. To attend the budget committee meeting virtually or for questions, please contact the district business manager at 541-595-6203 ext 2 or at clerk@blackbutte.k12.or.us. Information regarding the Budget Committee can be found on the district web-site at https://www.blackbutte.k12.or.us /board/budget/.
A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Black Butte Ranch Rural Fire Protection District, Deschutes County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, will be held at the Black Butte Ranch Fire Station, 13511 Hawks Beard, Black Butte Ranch, OR. The meeting will take place on April 29, 2025, at 9 a.m. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive public comment on the proposed budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after April 22, 2025, at Black Butte Ranch Fire Station, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., online at https://blackbutteranchfire.com/ about-bbrfd/budgets/2025-2026budget/, by mail via email request to jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com or phone request to (541) 595-2288.
This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and provide public comment on the proposed budget. Public comments may be provided in the following ways:
• In-Person: Attendees may comment during the designated public comment period at the meeting.
• Virtually: Those attending via Zoom can provide comments during the meeting.
• Written Comments: Written comments may be submitted in advance via email to jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com or by mail to PMB 8190 POB 8000, Black Butte Ranch, OR 97759. To ensure consideration, comments must be received no later than 9 a.m. on April 28, 2025.
Additional Meeting (If Necessary):
If additional deliberation is required, a second Budget Committee meeting will be held on May 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at the same location and via Zoom.
Virtual Meeting Option:
This meeting will also be accessible via Zoom for those
C L A S S I F I E D S
who wish to attend remotely. To join the meeting online or by audio only please contact Jamie Vohs at (541) 595-2288 or jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com for access to zoom link, meeting ID, passcode, and phone number. If special accommodations are required, please contact Jamie Vohs at (541) 595-2288 or jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com at least two days in advance. Notice of publication is also available at https:// blackbutteranchfire.com/aboutbbrfd/budgets/2025-2026-budget.
NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Black Butte School District, Jefferson County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, will be held at Black Butte School 25745 FS Rd 1419, Camp Sherman, OR 97330. The meeting will take place on May 13, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 6th at Black Butte School, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. To attend the budget committee meeting virtually or for questions, please contact the district business manager at 541-595-6203 ext 2 or at clerk@blackbutte.k12.or.us. Information regarding the Budget Committee can be found on the district web-site at https://www.blackbutte.k12.or.us /board/budget/.
The Draper family just couldn’t go on vacation without The Nugget!
for puzzle on page 21
Here they are enjoying warm, salty air in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in southeast Costa Rica, on the Caribbean coast.
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