The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVIII No. 51 // 2025-12-17

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The Nugget

DE I S N I G U I D EL L O U T P U AV E &S

POSTAL CUSTOMER PRE-SORTED STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sisters, OR Permit No. 15

News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Vol. XLVIII No. 51

www.NuggetNews.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

E-bikes get green light on forest trails

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

PHOTO BY KELLI CARTER

Ringing in the holidays...

After nearly two years of scoping, environmental assessment, analysis, and public comment, the Forest Service gave approval to allow Class 1 e-bikes access to approximately 160 miles of system trails and paved paths throughout Phil’s Trail Complex and Wanoga (both in Bend), Sunriver, and Peterson Ridge Trail (Sisters) locations. These soft-surface or paved trails, some 67 in number, are already conditioned to heavy bike use.

“Recognizing the growing interest in e-bikes on public lands, the Deschutes

Ringing in the Holidays…Black Butte School served up their annual winter pageant last week, delighting an audience of parents and community members with holiday-related song and story.

See E-BIKES on page 11

Surveying the future of Larch Commons project faces delay recycling in Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

When revisiting the two-year old discussion of what to do with the Sisters Recycling Center (SRC) during the December 10 Sisters City Council regular meeting, City Manager Jordon Wheeler shared how impressed he was with the turnout of 433 respondents

to the SRC survey.

City staff assessed the results from the survey conducted from October 16 to November 4, and created a documented report for City Council (Council). The survey showed that of the 433 respondents 314 (73 percent) live within the City limits, 49 percent of all respondents See RECYCLING on page 18

Public to weigh in on county district map The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) will host two public hearings in January to gather feedback on the five-commissioner district map recommended by the Deschutes Map Advisory Committee (DMAC).

An evening hearing is set for Tuesday, January

Inside...

20, 6 to 8 p.m. and a daytime hearing will be held Wednesday, January 21, during the BOCC’s weekly meeting, starting at 9 a.m.

Both sessions will take place in the Barnes Sawyer Room of the Deschutes Services Building, 1300 See MAP on page 5

Letters/Weather.......................... 2 Meetings..................................... 3

Passerbys have been curious as to why work suddenly stopped a few months ago on a housing development at the corner of Larch Street and Adams Avenue, after a flurry of infrastructure work was completed.

Larch Commons, a project of Sisters Humanity, projects a total 26 planned, with 19 deemed affordable, for those making up to 80 percent of the area median income. Six of the units will be “workforce housing” — accessible to up to 140 percent of AMI. One of the homes will be fully American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. One home will be priced at market value. The homes will range from one to three bedrooms and from 900- to 1,300-square feet in size.

They are on very small lots, which was a critical aspect of making the $10 million project feasible. The City of Sisters Cottage Overlay Zone along Adams Avenue allowed for the housing

Obituaries................................... 9 Announcements......................... 10

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Infrastructure work is done on Larch Commons. Home construction is expected to resume in late spring or early summer, after a delay. types that will be featured in the development.

“The infrastructure is just about complete — water, sewer, electrical, alleys, broadband conduit, runoff collection, ecetera,” said Peter Hoover, Habitat’s executive director. “Vertical construction is scheduled to commence in the late spring or early summer after our construction loan is finalized, the risk of winter

Holidays in Sisters................. 13-17 Entertainment.......................14-15

weather is behind us, and the remaining necessary funding secured,” he added.

When asked to be more specific with respect to funding issues, Hoover said, “As with most items in life, it is a combination of factors.

Interest rates are higher than when we created our project proforma. Down-payment assistance for homeowners is See PROJECT on page 20

Crossword . ................................21 Classifieds............................ 22-23

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Letters to the Editor…

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

From the superintendent

To the Editor, As December brings the close of the calendar year and our schools look ahead to winter break, there is much to celebrate across the Sisters School District. At a recent board meeting, students and staff shared three presentations that highlighted the creativity, curiosity, and leadership thriving throughout the district.

One highlight was SOLE, a middle school outdoor leadership program designed to help students build confidence, resilience, and strong relationships through shared experiences in nature. By learning practical outdoor skills through camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, and surfing, students also develop essential life skills that extend far beyond the outdoors, including problem-solving, communication, perseverance, and teamwork.

SOLE encourages students to unplug, support one another, and step outside their comfort zones while building self-awareness and a strong sense of belonging.

High school learning was also showcased through two powerful examples of real-world, hands-on education. The Trout Creek Conservation Area (TCCA) presentation demonstrated how high school students are using fieldwork and a long-term scientific dataset to study local ecosystems, wildfire resilience, and land stewardship. Nearly 90 students participated this fall, with a smaller team analyzing data collected over many years and offering thoughtful, communityfocused recommendations to help protect this valued local resource for future generations, particularly around fire resiliency and the growing impact of community use on the land.

The board also heard from a high school junior who piloted IGNITE, a new experiential learning pathway built around passion

projects and internships while earning core academic credit. This first student experience included a series of rotating, two-week placements with community partners such as the Sisters School District, City Hall, Citizens for Community, Sisters Park & Recreation District, and the Fire District. Through these experiences, the student gained confidence, built meaningful relationships, and discovered a learning style that is hands-on and people-centered. While the pilot included challenges, it provided valuable insight into career pathways, community connection, and how learning can extend well beyond traditional classroom walls.

These presentations reflect a district committed to flexible, meaningful learning experiences made possible by dedicated staff, engaged students, and strong community partnerships. Continued community support plays a vital role in creating these opportunities, and that partnership is sincerely appreciated. To stay informed about the many positive things happening in our schools and to receive the district newsletter, community members are encouraged to sign up through the district website at https://district.ssd6. org/.

Curt Scholl Superintendent

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Common sense?

To the Editor: America is thriving, the economy is sky rocketing, gasoline less than a dollar a gallon, hamburger 25 cents a pound, housing is cheap, inflation is down, and drug prices have dropped — 600 percent.

See LETTERS on page 9

Sisters Weather Forecast Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

December 17 Partly Cloudy

December 18 Rain

December 19 Rain/Snow

December 20 Partly Cloudy

December 21 Rain/Snow

December 22 Rain/Snow

December 23 Rain/Snow

42/32

52/39

45/29

43/29

46/34

47/33

46/33

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC www.nuggetnews.com | 541-549-9941 442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, PO Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759.

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Published Weekly. ©2025 The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All advertising which appears in The Nugget is the property of The Nugget and may not be used without explicit permission. The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. assumes no liability or responsibility for information contained in advertisements, articles, stories, lists, calendar etc. within this publication. All submissions to The Nugget Newspaper will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyrighting purposes and subject to The Nugget Newspaper’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially, that all rights are currently available, and that the material in no way infringes upon the rights of any person. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of artwork, photos, or manuscripts.

PHOTO BY SUSAN CARROLL

Protesters hit the streets in Sisters every Saturday to express their concerns about the nation’s current course.

Saturday morning protests in Sisters

By Susan Carroll Guest Columnist

Every Saturday morning, while most people are enjoying the warmth of their homes and a toasty cup of coffee, a group of Sisters’ residents are taking to the street, not far from the new turn-about and holding signs up to demonstrate their right to advocate for change. This is not an angry mob but their calm and friendly exterior invites others to engage and question what’s going on. These protesters wave at those driving by, smile, and give a thumbs up, emanating all that is associated with a peaceful protest.

However, held firmly in their hands are posters with clear messages: “No Kings,” and a sign with Smoky the Bear saying “Only You Can Prevent Liars and Fascists.” Other topics on signs and heard in discussions going on include guarantees of due process, women’s rights, following the constitution, and the Epstein Files. Having attended the rally myself I can say it is not for the faint of heart. One must be ready for screeching and blacksmoke-blowing trucks as well as people with strong expletives and other nonverbal clues given by certain

fingers. It can feel a little scary. However, there is nothing new about publicly expressing your beliefs. The largest number of people protesting in America came in 2020 during the Black Lives Movement. Yet, in terms of persistence 2025 makes historical records, in that the sheer number of protests across the states is very high and growing.

For example, on No Kings Day on June 14, a protest in Kingsport, Tennessee, which Donald Trump won by 54 percentage points in the last election, had 10 percent of its residents in attendance. Which ended up being about 2,000 people.

Since the very beginning of our country’s establishment, resistance has been a useful tool for standing up to unpopular policies or political figures. Around the world governments have toppled when the people take to the streets and say, loud and clear, enough! Whatever one’s views are, we still live in a country in which we are allowed to voice our opinions, disagree on issues, and still be free from harm.

Some people feel we may be losing this most important vestige of a democratic republic. What do you think?

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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City council takes a look at two parks Bunce, Treasurer Peggy Tehan, and new member Julia Sarver were in attendance with City Council and City Manager Jordan Wheeler for the workshop.

Wheeler reminded all that such meetings of local districts is rather unique, and is occurring due to a City Council goal “to increase partnerships and work on shared interests.” Wheeler added that the overlap between the City and SPRD is that the City “builds and maintains the parks and SPRD uses them.”

City’s Principal Planner Matthew Martin and NV5 Lead Architect Jon

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

PHOTO PROVIDED

Aspen Lakes homeowners have made a tradition of generous giving at the holiday season.

Aspen Lakes boosts Christmas spirit The Spirit of the Christmas season shone bright again at the Aspen Lakes Estates Owners’ Holiday Party on December 4 at Brand 33 Lodge.

Neighbors gathered to celebrate the many blessings of this past year, exchange warm Christmas greetings, and toast together with a cup of cheer.

The social committee personally invites each Aspen Lakes neighbor to share a special holiday evening together, and this year’s dinner gathering was fragrant with delicious homemade dishes.

Guests were warmly welcomed with a glass of champagne upon entering

the beautifully decorated Brand 33 Club House.

Homeowners who wished to contribute to the Sisters Community in a meaningful and charitable manner, were able to do so by purchasing gift cards and making donations for our local children, then depositing them in a fireman’s boot and helmet — which was filled to the brim with generosity and kindness.

This generous community delivered $5,565 toward the SistersCamp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District’s sponsorship of “Spirit of Christmas Giving 2025.”

Providing Christmas gifts and much needed

financial assistance to Sisters Community families this holiday season is especially important to the giving hearts of the Aspen Lakes neighborhood.

Seven years ago, the neighborhood social committee elected to join the collective Sisters Country efforts of our local fire department, while sharing and enjoying their Annual Holiday Potluck Dinner.

This giving opportunity brings special meaning to their annual holiday gathering, and the community of Aspen Lakes very much looks forward to continuing this wonderful tradition in 2026.

Coordination between districts and public agencies to further shared community interests is one of Sisters’ strong suits. That was in evidence last week as the Sisters City Council met with Sisters Parks and Recreation District (SPRD) the evening of December 10 to share progress on the draft NW Park master plan, and the almost complete Sisters Community Park.

SPRD Executive Director Jennifer Holland along with Deputy Director Jared Lustig, and SPRD Board members President Bob Keefer, Secretary Katie

See PARKS on page 19

County seeks input on wildfire map County requests that public comments are emailed by January 10, 2026, to corinne. heiner@deschutes.org.

Corinne Heiner is the County’s Natural Resources Specialist and Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator.

The Sisters community for purposes of the plan includes private properties and public lands served by the Sisters-Camp Sherman, Black Butte Ranch, and Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection Districts, as well

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Deschutes County is seeking public input from residents in the Sisters community on a wildfire protection map.

The County and 10 other entities have created a draft of the Greater Sisters Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

Sisters community members are asked to review the draft CWPP (https://www. deschutes.org/forester, scroll down to the file name). The

See WILDFIRE on page 23

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS Al-Anon Mon., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541-610-7383.

Alcoholics Anonymous Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,Gentlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Thursday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration • Friday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541-548-0440.

Saturday, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration • Sunday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelefly@msn.com.

Citizens4Community Community Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Visit citizens4community.com for location.

Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Lunch In-person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grab-and-go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs.

12:30 to 1 p.m. Sisters Community Church. 541-480-1843.

East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September-June), Stitchin’ Post. All are welcome. 541-549-6061.

Go Fish Fishing Group 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Sisters Community Church.

541-771-2211.

Heartwarmers (fleece blanketmakers) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Sisters Community Church. Materials provided.

541-408-8505.

Hero Quilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 541-668-1755.

Living Well With Dementia Sisters Care Partner Support Group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Park & Recreation District Community Center.

541-588-0547.

Military Parents of Sisters Meetings are held quarterly; please call 541-388-9013.

Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-549-6469.

Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom.

503-930-6158.

Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at Sisters Community Church. 541-549-6157.

Sisters Area Woodworkers First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 541-231-1897.

Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters Community Church.

Email sistersbridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregiver Support Group 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Library Community Room. 541-588-0547.

(Meets with Living Well With Dementia Sisters).

Sisters Cribbage Club Wednesdays, 11 a.m. at The Lodge, 411 E. Carpenter Lane. 509-947-5744.

Sisters Garden Club For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors 4th Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.

Location information: 541-549-1193.

Sisters Kiwanis 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at SPRD in Sisters.

541-632-3663.

Sisters Parent Teacher Community 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons.

917-219-8298.

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m., at SPRD. 541-760-5645.

Sisters Veterans no-host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Restaurant.

All veterans welcome, 541-241-6563.

SCHOOLS Black Butte School Board of Directors 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m., Black Butte School.

541-595-6203 Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wednesday monthly, Sisters School District Administration Building. See schedule at www.ssd6. org. 541-549-8521 x5002.

CITY & PARKS Sisters Trails Alliance Board Meetings take place every other month, Sisters City Council 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall.

5 p.m. In-person or zoom. Contact: 541-549-6022. info@sisterstrails.org.

Sisters Park & Recreation District Three Sisters Irrigation District Board of Directors 2nd & 4th Tues., Board of Directors Meets 2nd 4 p.m., Coffield Center. 541-549-2091.

Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSID Office.

Sisters Planning Commission 541-903-4050.

3rd Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Sisters Three Sisters Lions Club 2nd City Hall. 541-549-6022.

Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Spoons Restaurant. 541-419-1279.

FIRE & POLICE

VFW Post 8138 and American Legion Black Butte Ranch Police Dept.

Post 86 1st Wednesday of the month, Board of Directors Meets monthly.

6:30 p.m., The HUB, 291 E. Main Ave. 541-595-2191 for time & date. sistersveterans@gmail.com.

Black Butte Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., This listing is for regular Sisters Country meetings; email information to nugget@nuggetnews.com.

BBR Fire Station. 541-595-2288.

Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event.

Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Film celebrates traditional cowboy art

By Lilli Worona Correspondent

Craig Rullman, a Sistersbased journalist, photographer, and filmmaker has just released his second independent film, titled “The California Rose.” Rullman, who has only been making films since the pandemic, is thrilled with how quickly his films have come to life, given that his prior life experience has been so varied and wide ranging.

“I went to University of Nevada and then went out cowboying for a living. . . then I joined the Marine Corps and did that for a while. . . went back to cowboying in Nevada, Arizona, and Nevada and then I became a cop, a detective. Then we moved [to Sisters] and I got to do what I had always wanted, to be a writer. Fortunately for me, those experiences created quite a bit to start working from,” Rullman said.

Perhaps it’s this plethora of life experience and creative spirit that has made Rullman such a quick study in documentary film making.

Rullman’s first film, “The Outside Circle: A Movie of the Modern West,” was dreamed up during the pandemic, when Rullman found himself passing the time in lockdown watching documentary films.

“A lot of [the documentaries] were about the American West and cowboying and all that stuff. I had this really, sincerely arrogant thought that I could do something better, and I didn’t know a thing about making films at all,” Rullman explained.

Acutely aware of his limitations, Rullman reached out to Samuel Pyke, an accomplished videographer and lifelong Sisters resident.

Pyke quickly agreed to collaborate on the film, and he and Rullman spent the next two years traveling extensively through five states,

One of the main motives is to preserve these traditional arts and to promote them...

— Craig Rullman documenting the lives of those enmeshed in the traditional lifestyle of the American West. Rullman entered the film in film festivals throughout the United States and was extremely successful in rolling it out to Amazon Prime and Horse TV. Rullman explained that his experience with creating “The Outside Circle” featured a steep learning curve and that distribution, rights, and logistics were frustratingly convoluted at times.

Rullman is now using what he learned from the distribution of his first film to inform the launch of his second film, which he decided to release independently to YouTube on December 6.

The film maintains Rullman’s signature look and feel; gorgeous panoramic vistas of the American West, heart-felt interviews, and a respect and admiration for the film’s subjects.

The idea for the film originally came to Rullman by way of Cary Schwarz, a saddlemaker who Rullman worked with during the making of “The Outside Circle.”

Schwarz, a member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association, called Rullman to inform him of a classic Visalia saddle that was being constructed by some of the best traditional cowboy artists in the world.

Rullman jumped at the chance to document the making of the saddle, which was created at Schwarz’s saddle shop in Salmon, Idaho, by Traditional Cowboy Arts Association’s members plus

one emeritus member. Over the course of four days, these world-class artisans used time-honored techniques in silversmithing, saddlemaking, bit and spur making, and rawhide braiding to create a truly masterful work of art.

Rullman explained that the film’s magic lay in the process of documenting the long hours required to build The California Rose saddle, and the camaraderie of the artisans working together through thick and thin.

“The atmosphere in there was amazing. . . I mean, if you pick four of your favorite artists and put them all in one room and listen to them bicker and argue and laugh at each other and have a great time. . . with a woodstove going and a dog on the floor, and the Salmon Mountains just right out the window, you can imagine,” Rullman recollected.

This spirit of hard work, in conjunction with an appreciation for the importance of community and collaboration, is at the core of the film’s message. The artisans who made the custom Visalia saddle worked together to create a beautiful work for art, not just for art’s sake, but for the sake of others as well.

In fact, the initial impetus of creating the saddle in the first place was to transfer this art form and know-how to the next generation. The plan all along was for the saddle to be auctioned off at the 25th annual Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition and Sale to raise money for scholarship programs for young people entering these traditional trades.

When the saddle was brought to auction, it sold for $105,000 to Alan and Nadine Levin of Maryland, two avid collectors of Western art.

Rullman interviewed the Levins for the film, which created an interesting side story in the film. For them, Western culture is still truly

PHOTO BY CRAIG RULLMAN

Pedro Pedrini, John Willemsma, Cary Schwarz, and Troy West with The California Rose. alive in their hearts and imaginations, even if they have never lived the lifestyle themselves.

“We interviewed Alan and Nadine and just wanted to talk about how it is that a guy from the east coast comes to be interested in any of this stuff. He blames the ’50s and ’60s and Westerns on TV that just created in his mind, sort of an escapism. .. He explained that the art he buys [shows] pictures of places that he wished he was and that he wanted to be,” Rullman said.

“The California Rose” is a film about hard work, grit, collaboration, and the drive to preserve the Western Arts into the next generation. Rullman captures the beauty of this

work amidst the rugged landscape of the American West where cowboy culture is fully intact. It merges the past with the present and looks forward to a future where this tradition continues to thrive.

“One of the main motives is to preserve these traditional arts and to promote them, so that it isn’t in a few years that nobody knows how to do this stuff anymore,” Rullman said. “This work of art accomplishes a lot of things at once because of the kind of saddle it is; it’s a Visalia saddle, which is a very famous type of saddle that has a long history and really goes all the way back to Spain.”

“The California Rose” can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3KJpFgX.

MUSIC, COMMUNITY & SPIRITS

Sat., Dec. 20 • 7 p.m.

Never Come Down — WITH SKILLETHEAD —

Solstice Celebration!

Americana & bluegrass bendticket.com...$32.57

Wed., Dec. 31 • 8 p.m.

NEW YEARS EVE! Kota Dosa known for their

eclectic sound that blends blues, funk, psychedelic rock, and jazz, they craft an experience that’s as gritty as NY, as soulful as NoLo, and as laid-back as OR.

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Let’s celebrate the joy of the Birth of Christ in our hearts and our world!

— Wednesday, December 24 —

JESHUA MARSHALL & THE H FLOOD LOO

Family Christmas Eve with Kids Pageant at 4 p.m.

Pub opens 30 minutes prior rior to shows shows. hows

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 9 p.m.

541-549-7087 | 121 N. Brooks Camp Rd.

Punk rock, folk, reggae, GET TICKETS k. BEFORE americana and indie rock.

TH bendticket.com...$49.70 SELL OUT!EY

302 E. Main | BelfryEvents.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Commentary...

Looking up to the dark skies

By Olivia Nieto Correspondent

On clear nights in Sisters, you can look up overhead and see something increasingly rare in an urbanized world: stars. Thousands of them arch over trees accompanied by planets that shine down like lanterns in a sky that feels deeper than any nearby city. This view isn’t an accident. Sisters was recognized as an official Dark Sky Community in January of 2025, the second community to be recognized in Oregon as such. This means we’ve committed as a town to protect the natural night environment through responsible outdoor lighting.

However, this designation only works if residents and business owners follow the five key lighting ordinances. These guidelines are simple, but produce a vital outcome that allows us to maintain a view of the night sky.

1. Light should only be used if needed and have a clear purpose. How its presence will affect neighbors, wildlife, and their habitats should be considered.

2. Light fixtures should be aimed towards a target area where it is needed.

Shielding of the light source and mindful aiming of the beam of light should be used to prevent a wider spread of light beyond what is necessary.

3. Lights should be only as bright as necessary, using the lowest light level possible and being aware of any reflective surfaces that could amplify the brightness of the light into the sky or neighboring areas.

4. Light should only be used when necessary, timers or motion detectors are great tools to ensure that light is only present when needed and dimmed or turned off when it isn’t.

5 . Wa r m e r c o l o r e d lights should be used when possible.

Remember these five key ideas for future light use: Useful, Targeted, Low Level, Controlled, and Color. Each of us plays a role in light contribution, so it’s important to be conscious of our actions surrounding lighting.

People visit this town for many reasons, but an undeniable attraction is the mountain views and starry nights that may not be present in their own homes. Light pollution spreads quickly, a few unshielded or overly bright

fixtures have the potential to wash out stars for an entire neighborhood, so following the lighting ordinance helps protect one of our most unique natural resources.

Additionally, nearby wildlife depend on natural darkness for hunting, migrating, or resting. Migratory birds get easily confused by bright upward shining lights that intersect with their flight path. Insects, a necessity for many other animals’ diets and pollination, are also drawn to artificial light and can die in large numbers when the light source isn’t controlled. Even deer and other small mammals can be impacted by unnatural lighting.

One of the most easily forgotten impacts has to do with our own relationship with light at night. Bright nighttime lighting, specifically the harsh blue-white LED kind, can interfere with the melatonin production in our bodies and disrupt our internal sleep cycles.

Warmer lights during limited hours can help residents sleep better, feeling more prepared for the next day, while also reducing any long-term health effects that have become linked with artificial lighting.

As odd as this may sound, more light doesn’t always equate to more safety. Glare from bright or unshielded lights can make it more difficult to see what’s in front of you as a driver or even pedestrian. Dark sky compliant lighting provides even and focused illumination without blinding spots. This means clearer visibility on sidewalks, in parking lots, and around buildings and businesses.

With lights that shine up into the sky at every moment of the day, we’re literally letting money flow up and away. Dark Sky compliant fixtures use far less energy because they focus only where needed, this means there’s potential for lower utility bills, less frequent bulb replacement,

and a smaller environmental impact.

These changes don’t have to happen at the same time, we have until January 2029 to ensure that all outdoor lighting is in compliance with the ordinance, but even small changes can have a large impact. When setting up Christmas lighting, make sure to turn it off when you go to bed or set a timer that turns it off automatically. The implementation of these habits is a community effort that respects the natural beauty that sets this area apart from others, and with your help it’s something we can help to preserve for ourselves, others, wildlife, and future generations.

For reference of guidelines go to https://www. ci.sisters.or.us/media/21306.

All is calm…all is bright…

May all your plumbing be working right!

Merry Christmas from all of us!

541-549-4349 260 N. Pine St.

Licensed | Bonded | Insured | CCB#87587

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Paying attention to holiday safety

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

It’s that time of the year when folks are gathered in joyful celebrations and merriment. It’s also when emergency rooms see a rise in patients and first responders manage an array of preventable accidents and injuries.

Kitchen burns and fires are high on the list of holiday mishaps, according to statistic keepers. Holiday meal prep increases rushed cooking, and use of specialty equipment. Deep‑fried turkeys and hot oil cause severe burns and house fires if done improperly, making the kitchen a top source of holiday injuries.

Falls from ladders and roofs are just as common.

Decorating often requires ladders. Falls are frequent and can be serious, especially when people work alone, climb without stabilizing equipment, or hang lights in icy conditions.

There are a higher number of cuts, strains, and overexertion. Unpacking decorations, lifting heavy boxes, and using sharp tools or staple guns lead to cuts, back injuries, and sprains — common when people rush or try to do too much at once.

Decoration, electrical, and tree hazards are in abundance. Faulty lights, overloaded outlets, and dry trees raise the risk of electrocution and fires. Improper extension‑cord use and damaged wiring are frequent contributors to holiday electrical incidents.

Travel and alcohol‑related incidents are often the most serious and heart breaking.

Increased road travel, winter weather, and holiday drinking raise crash risk and other injuries. Emergency departments typically see a seasonal uptick in accidents tied to travel and celebrations.

Rushing, multitasking, and alcohol increase accident

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likelihood; older adults and children are especially vulnerable. Elaborate decorations and special meals boost enjoyment but raise risk.

The Nugget asked our town’s two leading experts for some safety tips for the holidays and winter season.

Lt. Chad Davis who heads the Sisters patrol station for Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office knowing that despite a string of unseasonably warm days it will get colder had this to say: “Take this time to prepare your vehicles for driving in winter driving conditions.

Make sure your vehicle’s tires are in good condition and ready for icy and snowy roads. Have a window scraper to properly clear your windows before you drive your vehicle. Too often we see driver’s fail to plan ahead and are trying to see through a ‘port hole’ instead of a fully cleared front and rear windshield.

“Ensure your vehicle is equipped with warm clothing, a blanket, gloves, hats, water and snacks in case you get stranded or have to remain in your vehicle for extended periods of time.

Have charging cords or back up battery power for your cell phone, a flashlight, tires chains or socks.”

Over at Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Chief

Tony Prior told the Nugget: “Winter brings beautiful scenery and holiday traditions, but it also presents increased safety risks at home and on the road. As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, it is important to remain aware of seasonal hazards and take simple steps to reduce risk.

“During the holidays, Christmas tree safety is especially important. If using a live tree, ensure it is fresh and watered daily — dry trees can ignite extremely fast. Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, space heaters, and candles. Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed, and inspect lights for damaged cords or loose bulbs. Artificial trees should be labeled as fireresistant, and extension cords should never be overloaded.

“By staying alert and prepared, we can all enjoy a safer winter season and holiday celebration.”

Experts add: test lights and cords; keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen; use a thermometer and safe fryer setup outdoors; secure ladders and have a helper; lift with knees and limit heavy lifting; plan sober drivers for travel.

Keep celebrations merry and safe.

And to all a good night.

MAP: Districts have proved controversial for some Continued from page 1

NW Wall St, Bend. The public is invited to attend in person or online through the County’s website.

In November 2024, voters approved Measure 9-173 to expand the BOCC from three to five members. In response, the Board met several times to consider moving from five at-large positions to five district-based positions. A majority of the Board voted to appoint a committee of seven community volunteers to draft a district map.

Commissioners DeBone and Adair appointed two committee members each, while Commissioner Chang appointed three.

The DMAC held 11 work sessions starting in early September to draft a map with approximately equal

populations in each district.

Following Board-approved guidelines, the committee reviewed several draft maps using Deschutes County voter registration data, 2020 census data, race, and ethnicity population data and building permit trends since 2022.

On November 12, the DMAC voted 4-3 to recommend Map C to the BOCC. Following the public hearings, the Board will decide whether to send the map to voters during 2026.

The map has proved controversial, with some raising concerns that it “gerrymanders” the county, providing an advantage to Republicans (although the commission positions are officially nonpartisan), while others argue that the districting prevents the commission from being dominated by the urban population center of Bend.

For more information about the DMAC and the proposed map, visit deschutes. org/DMAC.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Peace on Earth!

By Edie Jones Columnist

“No one’s a stranger, just friends I haven’t yet met,” were the words that accompanied an affectionate pat for Walker, my Goldendoodle, when he lunged toward a gentleman walking passed us. Since he hovers 75 pounds; I strained to keep him under control. With tail wagging and body language clearly sending vibes of excitement, he was greeted back. This new friend was obviously a dog person.

As we separated and moved on, I kept thinking about those words. What a different place our world would be if that was the attitude between cultures and individuals. Too often we take the opposite approach; ignore everyone we pass or fail to respond when we’re greeted with a smile or a friendly “hello.”

Or, we take the attitude of mistrust and never approach another unless motivated by something we need, often skeptical when that need is answered.

Parents preach the warnings of “Never talk to a stranger,” “Don’t take candy from a person you don’t know,” or “Run to the closest door if you think someone is following you.” Being a parent, I clearly understand

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the need to instill a sense of safety. Hopefully we find a way to do this without creating a sense of fear.

What happened to the belief that most people are good and wish you well?

When we take the time to introduce our kids to other adults, they get the feeling that yes, there are many who would help or take care of them if needed. What a better mindset than to grow up suspicious of everyone around you. It’s also an opportunity to teach normal etiquette of introducing a young person to someone older than they are. Any opportunity to sneak good manners into a situation is a valued teachable moment.

We often hear of neighborhoods where nobody is acquainted. How wonderful if that could change.

Front porches used to assure everyone knew everyone. In one of our local communities there’s a gentleman who prepares pizzas in his garage on Saturday nights and invites his neighbors. Reportedly a large crowd often gathers and there really are no strangers.

During this season of goodwill we hear words that inspire “Peace on Earth.”

Do we just listen to the words and sing them, or do we hear their message? What a difference it would make if

everyone dedicated a part of every day to being a friend to those we have yet to meet.

Let’s look each person we pass in the eyes, smile, and say, “Hello.” Watch for opportunities to assist others and do something kind and unexpected for someone else. These gestures really do turn strangers into friends who will enrich our lives.

Here in Sisters, we heard of many acts of service from people who used to be strangers during the Flat Fire. The reaching out and assisting created friendships.

Let’s not wait for another devastating experience to bring out those good neighborly actions that connect us.

I recently heard from a friend who was walking in an area where the step down from the sidewalk was a big reach and was going to be difficult. An unknown gentleman came up beside her and asked if she needed assistance. Gently guiding her arm to help her maintain balance the step became easier and manageable. He quietly moved on, leaving my friend very grateful. These are the kind of things that build a sense of community and are the reasons many of us love living in Sisters.

The more each of us remember to do the above, the closer we will come to bringing true peace on earth.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

SHS girls basketball team remains undefeated

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws defeated Trinity Lutheran 47-38 at home on Tuesday, December 9, and went on to defeat 4A Mazama 51-28 on Friday, and 4A Klamath Union 34-18 on Saturday.

The Outlaws opened the contest on Tuesday against Trinity with energy and rhythm, and jumped out to a quick 10-4 lead midway through the first quarter. But the Saints responded with a seven-point run and held the Outlaws scoreless for the remainder of the period, and at the end of one Sisters trailed 10-11.

Sisters came out sharper in the second quarter, and completely flipped the momentum. Behind improved ball movement and aggressive work on the boards, Sisters held the Saints to just six points while pouring in 19 of their own. Several baskets came in transition or on offensive rebounds and putbacks. Maddie Durham was steady at the free-throw line, and knocked down five of her six attempts. At the half, the Outlaws had surged ahead 29-17.

Both teams struggled to find much offense in the third period. Sisters managed only five points, while the Saints chipped away with nine.

Sisters spread the scoring in the fourth, with Durham, Verbena Brent, Stella Moen, and Maici Cotner all contributing to keep the Outlaws in front and secure the win.

Their work on the glass proved critical as Sisters won the rebounding battle 33-22, and their 16 transition points helped offset the slower halfcourt stretches.

Coach Kevin Cotner emphasized the importance of ball pressure and communication as the team continues to grow.

“We want to be able to pressure the ball in different

situations and different areas of the court,” he said. “In order for this to be possible, we need to communicate early and often and get our defense taking shape earlier in the process. It’s early and patience is important as they’re having so much new information and expectations coming at them on a daily basis.”

The Outlaws have spent much of the early season installing offense, defense, baseline out-of-bounds plays, press breaks, and situational strategies. Cotner told The Nugget he’s looking forward to sharpening details as the group becomes more comfortable.

“These girls are warriors, eager to learn, and ready to improve every day,” Cotner said.

Brent was able to return to the court and Cotner stated that Brent is a huge part of the team and her intensity and effort were immediately impactful. He added that Durham continued to lead the team on the offensive end of the court and noted she has put in a ton of work in the offseason and it is showing up nightly on the court.

On Friday, the Outlaws put together a dominant allaround performance in their decisive win over Mazama, despite being short-handed several players.

Cotner said the message before tipoff was simple.

“I told the girls to outwork our opponent, be relentless defensively, and have fun,” said Cotner. “I challenged the girls to seize the moment and believe in themselves.”

Sisters wasted no time answering that challenge, catching fire from beyond the arc in the opening quarter.

The Outlaws knocked down five of their six attempts, beginning with a triple from Maici Cotner to open the scoring. Paityn Cotner and Durham each added a pair of three-pointers as Sisters raced out to a commanding 25-5

lead to end the first period.

The Outlaws continued to pour it on in the second quarter, pairing efficient offense with stifling defense. By halftime, Sisters had built a 38-13 advantage and firmly controlled the tempo of the game.

Mazama adjusted in the second half by switching to a 1-3-1 zone defense, giving the Outlaws their first look at a zone this season.

Cotner was pleased with how his team responded and said, “That was our first look at zone defense and I was extremely pleased with our patience. I thought our guards did a great job with decisionmaking. They took care of the ball, were decisive with their entry passes, and we reversed the ball until we could expose gaps.”

With a large lead, Sisters focused on using the shot clock, forcing the Vikings to defend through multiple reversals and conserving energy.

Defensively, the Outlaws never let up, and held Mazama’s top scorer to zero points. Sisters closed out the game and secured the decisive victory.”

“I thought the girls were warriors tonight,” said Cotner.

“They absolutely locked down on defense, and our ball defense was maybe our best of the year. Tonight was a team win, and I couldn’t be more proud of how this group is developing and learning.”

A day later the Lady Outlaws relied on grit and defense to earn the victory over Klamath Union.

Sisters had a difficult time finding a consistent offensive rhythm, but seven players contributed in the scoring effort, led by Norah Thorsett with nine.

The Outlaws were a bit sluggish out of the gate, and it showed in their transition game.

Cotner said, “We weren’t able to push the ball in early

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offense as effectively as in previous games. Transition points are key for us and something we will continue to work on, as we want to avoid having to play in the half court for the majority of our possessions.”

Even with the offensive struggles, the Outlaws defense kept them in control throughout the night.

The Lady Outlaws were scheduled to play at Sutherlin on Tuesday, December 16, before competing in the Christmas Classic at Cascade High School from Thursday through Saturday, December 18-20.

PHOTO BY CORMAC LICHVARCIK

The Outlaws girls basketball team is off to a strong start. Maddie Durham lines up a shot.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Obituary

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

But all is not rosy, America, we have a problem, violent drug-trafficking immigrant cartel gangs are flooding our country with trillions of kilos of drugs and millions of criminals.

But fear not! Our savior and chief has vowed to end this scourge upon our beloved country. He declared a National Emergency and enacted the Alien Enemies Act. He levied huge tariffs on every country on earth and closed the boarders down. He deployed a faceless army to kidnap violent criminals and children from Home Depot parking lots, elementary schools, farms, and taco carts.

Now we have surrounded Venezuela, started drone attacks on civilian boats, and seized an oil tanker, full of drugs, heading for America.

I think we can all agree that we all feel much safer now.

Though, I am confused why our president pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez. The ex-president of Honduras sentenced to 45 years for conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States; and possessing machine guns and destructive devices to further that cause. He also pardoned Ross Ulbricht, Jean Pinkard, Michael Ray Harris, Larry Hoover, Garrett Gilbert Smith, Charles Tanner, Anabel Valenzuela, Edward Sotelo and Joe Angelo Sotelo. All convicted for drug trafficking and sentenced to 20 years or more, with three sentenced to life.

Now, I don’t mean to question the greatest genius in human history, but it seems contrary to the stated mission to fight drug trafficking.

Common sense would say that someone is full of excrement and we are being lied to.

Because pardoning drugtraffickers would be amplifying a national emergency. Which sounds treasonous. But don’t believe me, check out www.justice.gov/pardon for yourself and employ your own common sense.

God help us all.

Michael Billquist

s

9

s

s

Congressional candidates

To the Editor: I look forward to reading the forthcoming, full color photo, front page interviews

Need Help Ge ing Christmas Decorations Down?

SCISSOR LIFT

GENIE Z & Z MAN LIFTS

with all the U.S. House of Representatives District 5 candidates, especially the one with our serving representative, Janelle Bynum.

I’m sure The Nugget supports having an informed voting public and would not like to appear biased in its election reporting.

Susan Tank

s

s

s

Sense of community

To the Editor, I moved to Sisters just over a year ago, and one of the things that stood out to me right away was how strong the sense of community is here. People genuinely care about their neighbors, and that’s something you don’t find everywhere.

Over the past year, I’ve noticed how much Sisters Habitat for Humanity contributes to that feeling. From hosting a beautiful classical concert that brought us together, to opening doors for their newly build houses for us to tour, or seeing new houses take shape at the Woodlands development, their work feels very visible — and very personal — to the town.

My family and I are especially excited about their upcoming Larch Commons project. Knowing that more families will soon have stable, affordable places to live makes Sisters feel like a community that’s planning for the future, not just the present.

On a smaller scale, I’ve spent plenty of time at the Habitat ReStore and Thrift Store, and every visit has been welcoming. The staff and volunteers are friendly, helpful, and clearly proud of what they’re part of. It’s easy to see that Sisters Habitat is about more than building houses, they’re building connections.

During the holiday season, when we’re all thinking about gratitude and giving back, it’s reassuring to know there’s an organization quietly doing meaningful work year-round.

For someone still fairly new to town, Sisters Habitat has helped show me what makes this place special.

I’m grateful to live in a community where efforts like these help keep Sisters a place that feels inclusive, supportive, and hopeful.

Jully Acuna

March 21, 1931 – December 9, 2025

John “Al” Lovgren passed from this life to the next on December 9, 2025.

He was born in Heppner, Oregon, on March 21, 1931, to Bertha and Ernest Lovgren. He attended Groner Grade School and Hillsboro High School.

He entered the U.S. Air Force January 1951 and was discharged January 12, 1955.

While serving in the Air Force he was stationed in Japan during the Korean conflict serving as an aircraft mechanic.

He loved to ride

motorcycles in his younger life and fishing in the ocean and lakes.

He leaves his wife Diana of 27 years. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters, Oregon. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion of Sisters, Oregon.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS SISTERS COMMUNITY

FOOD RESOURCES Free Lunches for Seniors

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

Weekly Food Pantry

CORE Market, located at 222 N. Trinity Way in Sisters.

Market hours are Mondays, 1 to 2 p.m. Info: 541-5882332.

Free Christmas Renaissance Sisters Concert

Lots of audience carol singalongs. December 18 at 6 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 121 Brooks Camp Rd. Reception to follow.

Contact Lola: 541-390-4615

Winter is Coming: Solstice Gathering and Silent Meditation Walk

A community gathering and Solstice walk toward the fi re at the labyrinth’s center. Cocoa & tea afterward! Dress for warmth & celebration. No dogs, smokes, or booze please. Sunday, December 21, 7 to 8 p.m.

Corner of Hwy 242 and Hwy 20 (new Gateway Park); driveway on W. Hood Ave. Details at sisterscommunitylabyrinth.org.

Free; donations appreciated.

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Free Weekly Meal Service

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

FamilyKitchen.org.

Free Pet Food

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

Kiwanis Food Bank

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

Intergenerational Community Connections

December 19, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Join an evening of food, fun, and activities preparing our hearts for the Joy of Christmas.

The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 121 Brooks Camp Rd. Th is is our revised date for December only. All are welcome. If interested, please call 541-549-7087 for confi rmation.

Pentecostal Bible Study

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

Hunter Education Class

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

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Christmas Masses at

On Sunday, December 21, St. Edward the Martyr Lutheran Church from 4 to 5 p.m., come to Christmas story and carols on Christmas masses will be held at Blue Christmas, a message of Sunday, December 21, at 10 a.m., St. Edward the Martyr Roman hope for those whose hearts and Christmas Eve Candelight Catholic Church, 123 N. Trinity Way, on Wednesday, December are hurting. On Wednesday, Service on Wednesday, 24, at 5:30 p.m. (Vigil Mass) December 24, choose between December 24, at 4 p.m. 386 N. and Thursday, December 25, at two afternoon services: Fir St., 541-549-5831 10 a.m. (Christmas Day Mass).

Outdoors at Fir Street Park Episcopal Church of the at 5 p.m., a celebration for Call 541-549-9391 or visit Transfiguration stedwardsisters.org. the whole family; Indoors Christmas Eve candlelight Wednesday, December 24, at the Christmas Eve in Episcopal Church, 121 Brooks service at 3 p.m., 1300 W. Camp Sherman McKenzie Hwy. 541-549-1201, Camp Rd. come enjoy a Family Chapel in the Pines Christmas Christmas Eve with Kids’ www.sisterschurch.com.

Eve service, at the Camp Pageant at 4 p.m. All children Sherman Community Hall Sisters Church of the are invited to participate.

(F.S. Rd. 1419).

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Service at 9 p.m.

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

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

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

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

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 452 Trinity Way • Branch President, 541-977-5559; 10 a.m. Sunday Sacrament Meeting The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 121 N Brooks Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org 8:30 a.m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m. Episcopal Sunday Worship

Sisters Community Church (nondenominational) 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com 8 a.m. Daybreak Service • 10 a.m. Sunday Worship St. Edward the Martyr Roman Catholic Church 123 Trinity Way • 541-549-9391 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a.m. Tuesday-Friday Mass

SISTERS LIBRA RY

Quiet Writing Time

POLICY: Nonprofits, schools, churches, birth, engagement, wedding, and anniversary notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions subject to editing and run as space allows.

Email nugget@nuggetnews.com or drop off at 442 E. Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays.

EVENTS

Snow Much Fun!

RUDOLPH

Sisters Community Church

The Resting Place meeting at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us 5 p.m. Sunday Worship Seventh-Day Adventist Church 541-241-6086 11 a.m. Saturday Worship

Thursday, December 18, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Sisters Library - Meeting Room. Enjoy the focus of a quiet space with the benefit of others’ company. Contact beccar@dpls.lib.or.us.

Meet Rudolph! Rudolph would make an excellent adventure buddy, always ready to lead the way!

He loves receiving pets, unconditional love, and yummy treats. If you are looking for your new furry friend, stop by the shelter and meet Rudolph today!

Christmas Church Services

Thursday, December 18, 3 to 4 p.m. Sisters Library Community Room. Chill out with winter songs, craft s, stories and more! For children 3-11 yrs. Takehome kits available.

Thrive Central Oregon Drop-In Consultations

Friday, December 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sisters Library - Study Room. Drop-in social services assistance. www.thrivecentraloregon. org.

Cute but Wild: Discover the Lives of Fluffy Birds

Friday, December 19, 2 to 3 p.m. Sisters Library Community Room. Learn about adorable local birds and their wild habitat at this all-ages event.

The Wednesday Bible Study Home Church (nondenominational) Call for time and location • 541-728-2717 Wellhouse Church 442 Trinity Way • 541-549-4184 htt ps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

E-BIKES: Assist is welcome among many cyclists Continued from page 1

National Forest assessed how these bikes fit into existing recreational activities,” the agency wrote in a press release. “The Forest gave thoughtful consideration of the ecological and social impacts of this decision balanced with providing increased access for class 1 e-bike users.”

Class I e-bikes are pedalassisted, battery-powered bicycles without a throttle boost that stop assisting at 20 mph. Class II e-bikes involve a throttle and a typical 20-mph speed ceiling. Class III e-bikes are also pedalassisted, but more powerful than Class 1, with a top speed typically reaching 28 mph.

Generally, class 1 e-bikes go three mph faster than a typical mountain bike, according to the agency’s Environmental Assessment and Forest Plan Amendment report. Speeds are typically within two mph when traveling downhill or on flat sections. The difference in speed is most obvious while riding uphill when Class 1 e-bikes range in speed from 8-13 mph, compared to conventional bikes, which roll between the 5-8 mph range, according to the report.

During the public comment section of the approval process, some users asked for the creation of new trails designated exclusively for Class 1 e-bikes.

In response, the Forest Service wrote that it “cannot accommodate separate trail systems for every conceivable desired use with other resource management objectives like wildlife.

Interdisciplinary analysis in this project suggests that Class 1 e-bikes are functionally similar to regular bikes, and that education and enforcement represent the minimum means to deconflict these two types

of bikes.”

The news was met with praise by most, but not all, Sisters trail users, some of whom still fear that e-bikes pose a danger to hikers and equestrians.

“Blazin Saddles is excited to celebrate the decision to allow Class 1 e-bikes on our local trails. This change opens the door for more riders to enjoy the beauty of our community, offering greater accessibility, expanded range, and the confidence to explore challenging terrain,” said Casey Meudt, coowner of the bike shop on West Hood Avenue. “Class 1 e-bikes support healthier lifestyles, reduce barriers for new and returning cyclists, and encourage more sustainable transportation choices.

We look forward to seeing more people outside, adventuring farther, and sharing the joy of cycling on the trails we all love.”

Down the street Brad Boyd who operates Sisters’ other bike shop, Eurosports, said he “… was cautiously optimistic. Anything that make it easier for more people to ride and ride longer into their years, can only be a good thing.

“The population in Sisters is older and the health benefits of riding are wellknown,” he said. “They don’t want to be forced off their bikes just because they’re aging.”

Boyd is more concerned about tariffs. On June 20, a list of $16 billion worth of additional goods, including electric bicycles and electric bicycle motors, was announced by the Commerce Department that would be subject to a 25 percent tariff increase. That proposal was finalized on August 7, and the tariffs went into effect August 23 impacting the industry’s most promising and high-growth product lines. Sales of e-bikes exceeded $77 million last year, nearly double those of 2016.

On the other hand, Boyd will be adding “e” mountain

E-bikes have grown in popularity, and now they are legal on many Sisters Country trails. bikes to his rental fleet.

Previously he has limited the fleet to street cruisers fearful that renters would head for the off-limit trails.

Sisters Trails Alliance who manages the Sisters District recreation trails of the Deschutes National Forest in a public-private partnership will carry the bulk of implementation.

“Sisters Trails Alliance leadership supports the Forest Service rule change to allow Class 1, pedal assist e-bikes on the Peterson Ridge trail system and Elk Ranch trail. This helps to achieve our goal of access to trails for users of all ages and ability levels, providing a more fulfilling outdoor experience for everyone.,” said Stephanie Presley, the Alliance’s executive director.

“STA will help prepare for this change by collaborating with our partners at the Forest Service to install signs at critical junctions and boundaries to show where e-bikes are allowed and not allowed, assist with rider education and trail etiquette messaging, and continued stewardship of the trail system,” she added.

The rule does not kick in until April 1 in concert with adherence to Winter Range Closure Season, which supports critical deer and elk habitat from December 1 to

March 31 of each year.

For a comprehensive, interactive trail map showing where Class 1 e-bikes can be ridden visit https://usfs.maps.

Give

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Cheeses • Sandwiches • Beer, Wine, Cider

Wrestlers shine in Culver tourney

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Culver High School, a perennial wrestling power at the 2A level, hosted over 30 teams from all of the Oregon classifications at the Culver Invitational where the Outlaws girls and the boys both took fourteenth place at the two-day tournament held December 12-13.

According to head coach Dave Kemp the tournament was bigger than ever with 31 teams that included around 480 boys and nearly 200 girls — more than double the girls field from last year.

“The competition was fierce!” he said.

Culver’s boys won the boys team title with a whopping 297 points, over 100 more than the runner up 5A Crater which scored 182.

The Outlaws finished with 98.

On the boys side, the Kemp brothers, Tyson and Zack, found the most success placing first and third respectively.

Tyson, wrestling at 157 pounds, won his first five matches by pin but had to work a little harder in the championship match ending

PHOTO PROVIDED

Outlaws wrestlers turned in strong performances in the Culver Invitational. Tyson Kemp, Tanner Gibney, Sophia Clark, and Zack Kemp earned medals. with an 11-5 decision over Owen Parsons of Grant Union/Prairie City.

“This is the first Outlaws wrestler to win the Culver tournament that I know of,” said Coach Kemp.

On Friday, he blazed through four matches, pinning all opponents in the first period with a combined mat time of just over three minutes. Saturday brought tougher challenges: in the semifinals, he pinned a state placer from Grant Union in the third period after a clean, controlled match. In the finals, he faced another state qualifier and emerged victorious to win the bracket.

Zack Kemp won five of six at 138 pounds, with his only loss coming at the hands of Taylor Parsons of Grant Union/Prairie City by technical fall.

“This is Zack’s second

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tournament in a row wrestling for third place, and this time he took it,” said Coach Kemp.

He bounced back strong and aggressively took down and pinned a Culver wrestler (third-place finisher at state last year) in the third-place match.

Coach Kemp also highlighted some notable performances. Freshmen Keagan McShane and Jaxxon Saunders, sophomore Camas Luhning, and senior Brennan Frutos advanced to the second day before being eliminated, and sophomore Tyler Johnson and senior Jace Owens delivered strong performances, falling just one win short of placement.

S o p h o m o r e s Ta n n e r Gibney and Sophia Clark led the girls team, each placing third.

Gibney in the 105-110

class and Sofia Clark in 116126 category. According to Kemp, Gibney earned her third place by rebounding from a semifinals loss with two impressive pins.

Clark won four straight matches (three by pin) after an early setback to also take third.

Kemp said, “Sophia is probably our most improved female wrestler. She turned a huge corner in this tournament and decided she was done being a passive wrestler. I love seeing wrestlers make that switch from timid to unleashing the beast on the mat.”

Additional strong finishes came from Sierra Jaschke in fifth place, and seventh-place efforts by Goose Henderson and Sadie Darst.

Mazama took the team title with 214 points. Sisters scored 69 points.

Audry Van Houweling PMHNP-BC

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Holidaysin Sisters

C IL A N T R O L IM E S A U

Holiday meals can be simple and OH, SO SPECIAL — By Jess Draper —

Last Christmas Eve an impromptu meal brought big love and left me with a precious memory – and an ongoing hankering for cilantro lime sauce!

A cadre of volunteers were preparing for the

Christmas Eve service at Sisters Community Church, practicing music, setting up microphones, lighting, and song lyrics, prepping coffee and cookies, fitting candles with drip catchers, etc.

Everyone went about their

— Recipe courtesy Da

13

CE

ni Jenson —

1 cup mayonnaise cut off (I chop off 1 bunch cilantro with stems st tie) the stems right above the twi good to you) tes tas 1-3 cloves garlic (do what 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/4 tsp. cumin Juice of 2 limes jalapeño to your Cayenne pepper or fresh preference of spice Salt and pepper to taste

blend until spices in food processor and and ro, ant cil , lic gar ce, nd Put lime jui aise, salt, and pepper and ble nn yo ma d Ad s. ck fle en gre cilantro is in small salt and cayenne ybe 30 seconds. Taste and add ma , ed bin com ll we til un rt. on low th sour cream or Greek yogu wi yo ma the e lac rep can u as needed.Yo

tasks with purpose, in anticipation of the guests who would come and celebrate the birth of our Savior together. But it’s an anomalous time of service, and many hadn’t eaten (evidenced by some rumblings heard in the prayer circle).

Thankfully, that unspoken human need was met by an invitation to the kitchen for a taco bar that Dani Jenson laid out for the volunteers.

A colorful spread of taco toppings culminated with

a Mason jar of Grinchcolored goodness I had not seen before. Others gathered around the table ahead of me were giddy to top their tacos with it, so I did too... The singing of angels may have been audible as tacos leveled up!

Even better than the discovery of this new culinary delight, was the family gathered round the stainless steel prep table in the

commercial-style kitchen.

Big smiles, open hearts, enjoying a moment of being served together as they served together.

Dani loves to bless others with food and was happy to share her recipe for cilantro lime sauce to bless your taste buds and those of the people you will share a meal with – be it tacos, wraps, or rice and bean bowls.

14

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

SISTERS-AREA

Events & Entertainment

WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 17 WEDNE

SATURDAY • JANUARY ANUARY Y3

Suttle l Lodge Live Music: Dirty Jazz Come hang and listen to jazz with Wolfe House Records 6 to 8 p.m. $15, or free for Suttle guests. Info: www.thesuttlelodge.com.

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

SUNDAY • JANUARY 4

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

THURSDAY • DECEMBER 18

MONDAY • JANUARY 5

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

Luckey's Woodsman Trivia: Megan's Christmas Trivia 5:30 p.m. Info: luckeyswoodsman.com.

Three Creeks Brew Pub Hoodoo Wintervention 6 to 8 p.m. Thousands in prizes including lift tickets, gear, skis, boards, and more. Info: www.hoodoo.com.

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Mark D Owen presents "Wisdom: Starship Emissary," the story of a rookie crew, on an untested spaceship, with an implausible first contact mission of galactic importance.

6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Paulina Springs Books Poetry Gathering "The Pause Button," an informal monthly gathering for poets and poetry enthusiasts. Bring a poem or two to share. Listen, discuss, and write. Free. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

TUESDAY • JANUARY 6

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 7

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Dirty Jazz Come hang and listen to jazz with Wolfe House Records 6 to 8 p.m. $15, or free for Suttle guests. Info: www.thesuttlelodge.com.

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 19

Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Live Music: Bob Baker & Friends playing Christmas Carols with a sing-a-long, trivia, and fun food 5:30 to 7 p.m.

No cost except small desserts or appetizers welcome.

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20.

Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • JANUARY 8

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

FRIDAY • JANUARY 9

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 20

The Belfry Live Music: Never Come Down with Skillethead, Solstice Celebration! 7 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A blend of modern and traditional Americana and bluegrass, characterized by thoughtful songwriting, technical skill, and dynamic arrangements, Never Come Down is a high-energy, traditional stringband playing with a fresh, contemporary sound. Tickets: BendTicket.com.

Frankie's (formerly Sisters Depot) Live Music: Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent, 7 to 9 p.m. Sign ups, 6:30. Info: sistersdepot.com.

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Jessie Leigh Christmas Concert this Nashville recording artist channels small-town heart, patriotic soul, and powerhouse energy into every performance. 5 to 8 p.m.

Tickets: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com.

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 21

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

TUESDAY • DECEMBER 23 Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 24 Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 26

Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. Information: www.sistersarts.org.

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20.

Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

See more

HOLIDAYS EVENTS on page 15

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

The Lodge at Black Butte Ranch Live Music: Outlaw Jazz Combo Enjoy jazz renditions of festive tunes on guitar, bass, and saxophone.

For dinner reservations, call 541-595-1260.

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 27 The Lodge at Black Butte Ranch Live Music: Outlaw Jazz Combo Enjoy jazz renditions of festive tunes on guitar, bass, and saxophone.

For dinner reservations, call 541-595-1260.

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20.

Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • JANUARY 10

Sisters Library Live Music: Cascade Chamber Players Quartet Enjoy an hour of music courtesy of Central Oregon Symphony, 2 to 3 p.m.

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 28

The Lodge at Black Butte Ranch Live Music: Outlaw Jazz Combo Enjoy jazz renditions of festive tunes on guitar, bass, and saxophone.

For dinner reservations, call 541-595-1260.

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

TUESDAY • DECEMBER 30

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

WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 31

The Belfry Live Music: NYE with Kota Dosa and Jeshua Marshall & The Flood! 8 p.m. Known for their eclectic sound that blends blues, funk, psychedelic rock, and jazz, Kota Dosa crafts an experience that’s as gritty as NY, as soulful as NoLo, and as laid-back as Oregon. Jeshua Marshall & The Flood brings a mix of punk rock, folk, reggae, americana and indie rock. Tickets, BendTicket.com.

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

FRIDAY • JANUARY 2

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20.

Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Holidays Events

Daily through December 20

Saturday • December 20

Thursday • December 25

Great selection of handmade items by local vendors.

282 S. Cedar St., M-F 10-5, Sat 10-6, Sun 10-4

at Cold Springs Resort 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Information: www.coldspringsresort.com

at Sisters Firehouse, 301 S. Elm St., 1-3 p.m. Free.

Information: www.sistersfire.com

Solstice Book Flood

at Frankie’s 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Two seatings at 10 and 11:30; can book in advance. Information: www.sistersdepot.com

Three Sisters Lions Club Holiday Faire

Wednesday • December 17

Community gathering and paperback book exchange at Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Information: paulinaspringsbooks.com

Thursday • December 18

Wagon Rides & Photos with Santa Breakfast With Santa

Jessie Leigh Christmas Concert

at Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards 5 to 8 p.m.

Tickets: ww.faithhopeandcharityevents.com

Snow Much Fun

Sunday • December 21

Christmas Renaissance Sisters Concert

at Sisters Community Church, 4 to 5 p.m. A special service of worship, prayer, and a message of hope for those whose hearts are hurting in this season.

Information: www.sisterschurch.com/events/

Hoodoo Wintervention

at Sisters Community Labyrinth 7 to 8 p.m.

Information: https://sisters-community-labyrinth. mailchimpsites.com/

Winter songs, crafts, stories, and more, for ages 3–11.

3 to 4 p.m. at Sisters Library.

Information: https://dpl.libnet.info/event/14386221 at Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 121 Brooks Camp Rd., 6 p.m. Includes many audience carol singalongs. Reception to follow. Information: 541-390-4615 at Three Creeks Brewing presented by Hoodoo Ski Area.

Win lift tickets, gear, skis, boards, and more.

Free for all ages. 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday • December 19

Bob Baker & Friends playing Christmas Carols with a sing-a-long, trivia, and fun food

5:30 to 7 p.m. at Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 121 Brooks Camp Rd. No cost except small desserts or appetizers welcome. Warm drinks provided.

Christmas Movie & Ugly Sweater Contest at Cold Springs Resort 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Information: www.coldspringsresort.com

C4C Hosting Let’s Sing!

at The Lodge, 4–5 p.m., 411 E. Carpenter Ln.; sing along at this free family-friendly caroling party!

Information: www.citizens4community.com/ events/lets-sing-dec-25-2

Blue Christmas

Winter Solstice Celebration

Wednesday • December 24 Christmas Eve Celebration

at Sisters Community Church, 3-4 p.m.

Celebrate the birth of our Savior with scripture, candlelight, a dramatic monologue from Jesus’ Mother, Mary, and worship. Coffee & cookies afterwards.

Information: www.sisterschurch.com/events/

Christmas Eve Service in the Park

at Fir Street Park, 5-6 p.m. hosted by Sisters Community Church. Celebrate the birth of our Savior with scripture, candlelight, a dramatic monologue from Jesus’ Mother, Mary, and choir singing. Hot cocoa, coffee, and candy canes. Information: www.sisterschurch.com/events/

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

at Sisters Church of the Nazarene, 5 p.m.

Information: www.sistersnaz.org/christmas-eve

Community Christmas Dinner

Christmas Dinner at Black Butte Ranch

Lodge, 12-4 p.m. Reservations required, 541-595-1260

December 26-31

Carriage Rides at Black Butte Ranch

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Rides approximately 30 minutes long; advance tickets required: www.blackbutteranch.com/events/carriagerides/

Friday • December 26

Outlaw Jazz Combo Plays Festive Jazz

at The Lodge at Black Butte Ranch. Jazz renditions of festive tunes on guitar, bass, and saxophone.

For dinner reservations, call 541-595-1260.

Holiday Craft Market

at Pole Creek Ranch, 12-5 p.m.

Information: 541-350-4928

Saturday • December 27

Outlaw Jazz Combo Plays Festive Jazz

at The Lodge at Black Butte Ranch. Jazz renditions of festive tunes on guitar, bass, and saxophone.

For dinner reservations, call 541-595-1260.

Sunday • December 28

Outlaw Jazz Combo Plays Festive Jazz

at The Lodge at Black Butte Ranch. Jazz renditions of festive tunes on guitar, bass, and saxophone.

For dinner reservations, call 541-595-1260.

Wednesday • December 31 New Year’s Eve Dance Party

featuring Kota Dosa with Jeshua Marshall and The Flood at The Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., 8 p.m.

Tickets & information: www.belfryevents.com

15

16

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

“Light” reading: A HANUKKAH FAQ — By Lilli Worona —

Fifteen years ago, the first day of Hanukkah took place on November 28, Thanksgiving Day. I remember that year being one of hilarity in my Jewish family. I received multiple cards that year that proclaimed “Happy Thanksgivukkah!” with an accompanying picture of a turkey sporting tail feathers resembling hanukkah candles. My brother, a pastry chef, baked pumpkin spiced latkes for Thanksgiving instead of pumpkin pie. I even heard of Jews around the country fashioning homemade turkey shaped menorahs; those tail feather candle holders were irresistibly fun.

For non-Jews, this silly Thanksg ivukkah trope was befuddling. That year, I distinctly remember receiving a “Hannukah present” from a non-Jewish friend on Christmas Eve, who brought the gift to my house, saw my Thanksgivukkah cards hung on the mantle, and after a few confused seconds, proceeded to apologize profusely for missing the holiday by almost a month.

I consoled my dear friend and explained that she had not, in fact, committed some kind of unforgivable Hanukkah faux-pas. I told her that Hanukkah was actually one of the least important Jewish holidays of the calendar year and that traditionally, present-giving was not even a traditional part of the holiday. Again, I was met with confusion.

This type of scenario had not always been the case. I grew up in an area of the country where Jewish culture was prevalent and celebrating Hanukkah was well understood. In fact, there was such a large population of Jews in my Boston suburb that all students had the Jewish High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) off of public school. I learned to read Hebrew at age nine and spent almost every weekend of my 8th grade year attending someone’s bar or bat mitzvah celebration.

My father was a cantor

at a large local synagogue, where I attended services with him every Friday night and participated in every Jewish holiday throughout the year. For those who aren’t familiar, this is quite the feat; as there are over 10 significant Jewish holidays/observances throughout the year, many of which last multiple days.

Long story shor t, I know a thing or two about Hanukkah.

So, when asked to write an educational article about the holiday for The Nugget, I jumped at the chance.

Consider the FAQs below to be a crash course in Hanukkah 101, with a little extra information about Judaism and a few silly stories mixed in as well. Here it goes!

Q:When is Hanukkah?

A: The exact dates of Hanukkah vary each year.

This is because the date of Hannukah, like all Jewish holidays, is determined by the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, in which months are approximately 29.5 days.

If Jews used a pure lunar calendar, dates would drift significantly from the seasons, so the Hebrew calendar adds an extra month periodically to keep it roughly aligned with the solar, Gregorian calendar.

Even with this extra month added every few years, Hanukkah’s dates subtly change each year on the standard calendar. On the Hebrew calendar, however, Hanukkah always falls on the same date, the 25th of Kislev. In 2025, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 14 and ends at sundown on December 22.

Q:What is the story of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is known as the “Festival of Lights.” It celebrates a victory won over 2,000 years ago by the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, against the much larger Greek army.

At the time, Greek rulers had outlawed the religion, taken over the Temple in Jerusalem, and desecrated it. After their victory, the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple and prepared to purify and rededicate it to Jewish worship. According to the story, they found only a single small jar of oil left to light the Temple’s candelabra. Although the oil was enough for just one day, it miraculously burned for eight days; long enough for new oil to be prepared and for the temple to be purified. To commemorate this miracle, Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight consecutive nights.

Q: How important is Hanukkah to Jews?

Honestly, Hanukkah is one of the least significant Jewish holidays in the calendar year. However, because of its proximity to Christmas, the importance

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of the holiday has been amplified in American society. As a result, it has become a significant cultural celebration that enables Jews to embrace the festive winter season alongside other faiths. Hanukkah is not considered a major Jewish holiday because its origins are not written about in the Torah and the story is instead rooted in oral tradition. Other Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (the day of atonement), Sukkot (celebration of the harvest), and Simchat Torah (completion of the year’s Torah reading) are much more biblically significant holidays.

Q: What are some of the traditions associated with Hanukkah?

• The menorah: The menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, is lit each night of Hanukkah. The shamash, the central candle, is used to light one new candle each night. On the final night, all candles in the menorah will be lit.

This commemorates the miracle of the oil from the Hanukkah story.

• Presents: Presents are not a huge part of the Hanukkah tradition, but most Jewish families do give a small gift to children for each night of Hanukkah.

Many Jewish families, mine included, will buy one large gift and divide it into several gifts that can be given over the course of several nights. In some families, this

becomes a sort of silly gag; for example, a left sneaker for night one, a right sneaker for night two, and shoe laces for night three.

• Dreidel: The children’s game of dreidel involves spinning a foursided top with Hebrew letters printed on the side to win or lose Hanukkah gelt (chocolates wrapped in foil to look like gold coins).

Dreidel usually ends with at least one child crying over lost candy and others getting a belly ache from eating too much chocolate.

• Books and songs: A traditional Hebrew prayer is sung each night of lighting the menorah, generally followed by a gamut of silly children’s songs about menorahs and spinning dreidels. There is also a plethora of children’s Hanukkah books, many of which are animal or monster themed. Think Hanukkah dragons, goblins, and bears (oh my!).

• Traditional foods: Hanukkah foods are traditionally fried in oil to commemorate the story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the temple’s oil.

Potato latkes served with sour cream and apple sauce are the most popular, but doughnuts or fritters are common as well.

I hope this article helped to answer your Hanukkah questions and to illuminate your understanding of the Festival of Lights. Chag Urim Sameach! (Happy Hannukah!)

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

A most meaningful GIFT — By Jim Cornelius —

Jerry Easterling was a skilled and dedicated writer, who built a career and a reputation as a respected journalist. Before that, when he was just a teen, he flew bombing missions in the Pacific Theater of World War II. “My dad was a World War II veteran,” his daughter Leith recalls. “He was in the Navy. Never talked about his service, really.”

That reticence is typical of that generation of military veterans, who served in the most colossal conflict in human history, then quietly returned home to build the America we have inherited.

Jerry died in 2003. What his family has been able to piece together is this: He enlisted in the Navy after the Japanese attack on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. He was 16. He joined the fight, his daughter says, because he felt it was something he had to do.

Jerry served as a radio operator and gunner on a Navy bomber in the Philippines – probably on the Navy version of the B-25.

He may not have spoken much about his World War II service, but one relic of those days was a constant

companion. He kept his leather bomber jacket — and wore it all the time.

“I have so many childhood memories of him in his flight jacket,” Leith recalled.

Leith, who has worked at The Nugget Newspaper for over three decades, went to high school and college in the 1980s. A vintage leather flight jacket was the height of cool – not least because of “Top Gun,” released in 1986. Leith wanted very, very badly to wear her dad’s leather World War II flight jacket. But he always said no.

“One Christmas, he just handed me a bag with that jacket in it,” she recalled.

“He said ‘It’s time for you to have it. I want you to have it.’ He didn’t make a big deal of it. He just handed it to me in a plain, brown paper bag.”

Leith inevitably tears up when she talks about her dad and that jacket.

“To this day, it’s the best gift I’ve ever, ever been given,” she says. “I don’t know why it breaks me up so much.”

Jerry’s jacket doesn’t hang in a closet or sit in a glass case. Leith still wears it regularly. It’s like wrapping herself in memories of her father. As one of Leith’s favorite songwriters, Guy Clark, once sang, that leather jacket that flew in combat over the Philippines is: “Stuff that works, stuff that holds up The kind of stuff you don’t hang on the wall Stuff that’s real, stuff you feel The kind of stuff you reach for when you fall.”

Choristers to present

FREE CONCERT — By Bill Bartlett —

Music frequently fills the air in Sisters Country.

Winter is no exception.

Some 30 singers from Sisters Community Church will give two free performances on Christmas Eve, the first at the church itself at 1300 McKenzie H i g h way at 3 p. m .

Then at 5 p.m. they will gather at Fir Street Park and repeat the sounding joy.

The program will feature a solo of “O Holy Night,” a dramatic performance and original sung version of “Mary’s Magnificat,” choral performances of an African piece called “Betelehemu,” a choral performance of “Mary Had

a Baby,” as well as “Night of Silence,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”

There will also be some words from the pastor.

The concer ts under the direction of Matt McDonnell, Amanda Herr, and Steve Derienzo will last 45 minutes to an hour. This is the first time for the choir The church has done presentations like this in the past, but not with a full choir.

T h e N u g ge t a s ke d McDonnell what the inspiration was for the event.

“Steve and I were talking about our shared love of music, and I mentioned my choral experience at Notre

Dame, in the Air Force, and in community choirs in California,” McDonnell said.

“He encouraged me to help him form a choir and lead it. We also recruited Amanda, who has been involved with c horal music throughout her life as well. It has been a collaborative effor t.

“This performance has been a lot of work, and we are so grateful to everyone who volunteered their time and talent to make this a reality,” McDonnell said.

“We hope to have a huge turnout and that this may be the beginning of a seasonal choir for the whole community.”

17

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

City snapshot

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Besides meeting with Sisters Parks and Recreation District (see story, page 3) and what’s next for Sisters Recycling Center (see story, page 1), the City of Sisters City Council approved a resolution and heard many updates.

On December 10, Council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-16 to amend the Master Fee Schedule.

The City of Sisters (City) increased charges for labor

by City employees for public events by $20 per hour, added a street sweeper fee of $160 per hour to aid in accurate tracking and accountability between the City and Oregon Department of Transportation, changed the back flow testing fee charged to residents and businesses with sprinkler systems from an annual fee to a monthly fee (which will show as a new billing line item) but the rate for the service is unchanged, and increased one item of the 21 System Development Charges by $64 aligning to an annual inflation adjustment.

Assistant City Manager Kerry Prosser reported to Council on the completion of the City’s selection process for filling board positions for which interviews were conducted on November 24 and November 26. The City is filling one seat on the Budget committee and two seats on both the Public Works and City Parks advisory boards.

All appointments are for three-year terms. Mayor

Jennifer Letz approved the appointments and the City will officially announce the new volunteer board members soon.

Budget Director Joe O’Neill presented the first quarter financial report for fiscal year 2025-26. Over all, O’Neill stated, the City continues to be in good financial health. Revenues generally exceeded expectations including the transit lodging tax revenues up by four percent. Expenditures are lower than budgeted due to the fact that several capital outlays are expected to complete later in the fiscal year.

City Manager Jordan Wheeler reported on several topics including the current population estimate for the City (3,834). The housing vacancy rate is just over 20 percent. The Trinity Place development project of 40 affordable housing units is about to start and will see a few trees removed (as identified and approved); the design for Adams Ave is complete and is going out to bid for development, the Elm Street pedestrian bridge is designed to be similar to the Creekside bridge.

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City Hall will not be open December 24-25 or New Year’s Day. Community Planning Director Scott Woodford gave an update on the Urban Growth Boundary Expansion project. Woodford noted the land use applications to the Council and to Deschutes County Commissioners will be ready in January 2026.

Council did receive an appeal to their selection of Concept Aa as the preferred concept for the expansion. The appeal is from McKenzie Meadow Village, LLC. Woodford reported to Council that the City’s Dark Skies lighting rebate will be “kicked off in January.”

3JConsulting is working with City staff to improve the municipal code relative any recent Oregon State code changes, there is an increase in private property development activity, and several property owners are in the process of partitioning their lots. Woodford added that Christine Frunk presented to the Sisters Planning Commission solutions for workforce housing in the form of tiny homes on wheels.

RECYCLING: City/ County exploring options Continued from page 1

use the SRC monthly to recycle mostly glass and/or cardboard, 59 percent supported keeping SRC open for the rate increase of $2.66 per month, 47 percent are not likely to use the Northwest Transfer Station (NWTS) on Fryrear Road if the SRC was closed down, and 62 percent are more likely to recycle packaging materials with an increased monthly rate at SRC than they would be to deliver such recycling to NWTS. The overall satisfaction with Republic Services on a scale of one to five, found 77 percent selected four or five on the scale.

Council was being asked to provide direction to City staff and were given five options to discuss (paraphrased here): 1. No change except a $2.66 rate increase per month.

2. Close SRC and add monthly curbside glass.

3. Keep SRC and pursue expanding SRC to include packaging materials to be recycled. Packaging

materials include plastic bags and linings, paper products, and food service-ware.

4. Add monthly curbside glass to option three.

5. Close SRC. Each option has rate increase considerations, and for option one, City staff provided Council with monthly rate increase considerations to bill commercial or residential customers at the same or differing rates.

After thorough discussions, Council preferred option one and advised staff that the monthly increase of $2.66 should be applied universally — the same rate whether residential or commercial. Council asked City staff to extend the operating agreement with Republic Services to manage SRC for a year with the option to extend another year. This agreement should come before Council for approval in January 2026.

Council concurred that this path forward will allow the City the opportunity to monitor the rollout of Deschutes County curbside comingling recycling services (expected to start in the second quarter of 2026) and the progress on NWTS’s current acceptance of packaging materials.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

19

PARKS: City is making plans for new amenities Continued from page 3

Champlin provided NW Park project background and outlined next steps, noting that a finalized preferred concept and cost estimate will be presented to Council in January 2026. The project is located near the southeast corner of the Highway 20 and Barclay Drive roundabout.

Champlin explained that considering the property is less than three acres, the smaller footprint selected by the public and Council is represented in draft Option C, which included a 1,600 square foot pavilion for hard surface courts in the summer and shoulder seasons and possible ice rink in winters. The idea of an officialsized ice rink is no longer being considered as it would be too large for this particular site and would need far more parking and larger facilities for hockey teams.

Councilor Michael Preedin noted that with the Urban Growth Boundary expansion there will be another 15 acres for parks in which a regulation-sized ice rink might be possible.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, D r a f t Option C showed improved ingress and egress for transportation, increased parking, natural picnic areas, a “Three Sisters” bouldering zone, a mock fire-watch tower, an interpretive walkway, outdoor wall climbing, and various amenities for the public in and around the pavilion.

Matthew Martin noted that the NW Park Master Plan is a work in progress and welcomed suggestions from SPRD. Bob Keefer suggested extending the walkways to a “loop around the entire property,” and wondered about the expenses to operate an ice or roller rink. Preedin suggested that SPRD “could create recreational programs as they jointly decide on

PHOTO PROVIDED

The new Sisters Community Park at the Sisters Park and Recreation District Community Center is open to the public, but a grand opening will take place next spring. what to build.”

Champlin shared a highlevel development draft estimate price of $9,665,215 for the entire project. Council asked if NV5 had looked into a phased approach.

Champlin shared a two phased approach; phase one’s estimated cost of $1,286,997 to develop everything except the pavilion and phase two to develop the pavilion is a guestimate of $8,378,218. There followed discussion and general agreement that a phased approach is preferred.

Jennifer Holland presented the new Sisters Community Park at 611 E. Cascade Avenue (see photo taken from the roof of the Sisters Community Center).

Holland emphasized that the Sisters Community Park project would not have happened without the coordinated efforts of SSD6 and the City in support of SPRD. Holland shared the park is five-acres that includes

green space, pickleball courts, playground, basketball court, walking paths, shelter, and restrooms. It was developed due to funding from the State of Oregon’s local government grant program, a large donation from Sisters Pickleball Club, private donations, and fundraising efforts by the SOAR Foundation. Although currently open to the public the time needed before an official opening will allow the newly-seeded grass to get established, installation of the doors to the restrooms, and delivery of picnic tables and benches. Holland noted that the official park opening will be in the Spring 2026.

Councilor Preedin wondered if the move to the new SPRD location has been deemed a success. Holland responded that it has and as an example shared that previously the public filled five fitness classes a week and now they are filling 12

“Dear Santa, I wish I could feed all the pets in Sisters.”

Please Give To Our Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive Make your tax-deductible donation to: Furry Friends Foundation 501(c)(3) PO Box 1175, Sisters, OR 97759 Donate online at www.FurryFriendsFoundation.org We need your help continuing to give the 2.5+ tons of pet food monthly to Sisters-area families.

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Holland added that having a Treehouse Therapy program located in the same building has been a good pairing as they also serve families and children, and

she thanked the Council for approving the uses code change to allow that entity to be there. See https://sisters recreation.com for more on what public services SPRD provides.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

PROJECT: Construction expected to resume in spring or summer Continued from page 1

no longer available through the state. Closing on our construction financing loan is taking much longer than anticipated. The decision was made to prioritize the completion of our six homes in (Sisters) Woodlands to accelerate the transfer of ownership. “ Tw o r e h a b i l i t a t i o n opportunities arose, and priority was given to those to accelerate the transfer of ownership,” he further explained.

Hoover noted that, “Applications have not opened for Larch. That will occur about seven to eight months prior to anticipated completion of construction.”

Habitat is working in collaboration with Build LLC architects and planners, who also designed Sisters Woodlands.

In BUILD’s ongoing collaboration with Sisters Habitat for Humanity, they were tasked with expanding SHH’s mission and production capacity for the project, increasing the number of homes available through SHH’s subsidized land lease program. Beyond architectural design and permitting, BUILD’s project management role included land use approvals, compliance with Firewise landscape design standards, infrastructure coordination and approval, new underground electrical service distribution across two city blocks, and construction administration for all vertical development.

The loss of the state down-payment assistance program is a significant setback according to Kevin

Eckert of BUILD, LLC. “It’s as much as $30,000 to $50,000 dollars per home,” Eckert said.

The Oregon program is funded in large part by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development who paused funding pending reviews. Oregon and 20 other states filed suit November 25 against HUD in an effort to restore funds.

Eckert is quick to add that while this major project is impacted to some degree by state funding, the financial health of Sisters Habitat continues to be excellent.

“The City signed off yesterday (December 12) on the horizontal work (infrastructure) and we’ll be going vertical soon, we hope,” Eckert said referencing walls and the superstructure.

Meanwhile on the other side of town, the ground has been cleared and a safety perimeter fence erected for Trinity Place. The City of Sisters is partnering with Northwest Housing Alternatives to construct the 40-unit rental apartments project with one-, two-, and three-bedroom units adjacent to the Wellhouse Church that will target those households making 50 to 80 percent of the area median income.

The City plans to contribute $500,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funds to assist the project. Construction was originally anticipated to have begun last spring.

Trinity Place — being rentals and not purchased homes — draws from different state, federal, and foundation funds.

Eckert and Hoover both point out that affordable housing projects of this scale are complex matters when it comes to zoning and financing, and delays in schedules are inevitable.

Songwriting classes on tap in Sisters SFF Presents will kickoff the new year with two sixweek songwriting workshops at Sisters Art Works, offering adult learners an inspiring creative outlet during the heart of winter. Led by local songwriter and educator Beth Wood, the sessions invite participants to explore their artistic voice, connect with a community of fellow creators, and rediscover the joy of making something entirely their own. Participants must be 18 or older to enroll.

F i rs t u p i s “S o n g s Forever: 6-Week Songwriting Workshop/Playshop,” held on Tuesdays evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m., January 20 through February 24. Designed for beginners, the songwritingcurious, and writers looking to refresh their skills, the class explores the magic of songs as “tiny miracles.”

Participants will dive into generative exercises and games, listen deeply, learn

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Beth Wood will lead songwriting classes in Sisters in the new year. from one another, and receive weekly writing prompts that spark curiosity and creativity.

The second course, “River of Song: 6-Week Workshop/ Playshop for Experienced Songwriters,” meets on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. January 21 through February 25. This interactive workshop supports more seasoned songwriters who want to deepen their practice in a vibrant community setting. Participants will study songs that move them, explore chord progressions

and substitutions, and learn to incorporate dynamics and variation. Writers can expect to engage in thoughtful feedback and strengthen both new ideas and in-progress work with weekly prompts.

Each class is limited to 12 participants. Tuition is $180/person for all six sessions, with pay-what-youcan pricing available. Classes will take place at Sisters Art Works, 204 W. Adams Ave. Registration is now open at https://www.sffpresents. org/songs-forever.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

21

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

Outlaws Nordic team can’t wait for snow

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

With the first race of the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association (OISRA) less than a month away the Sisters High School Nordic ski racing team is waiting for snow to fall in the mountains while doing all the dry ground training possible to get ready.

Coach Jeff Husmann said the team has 18 members thus far, including some middle school students who are allowed to compete “provisionally,” per OISRA rules.

Junior Ben Hayner is back as the lone returnee from last year’s team and, according to Husmann, has set a very positive tone with the “newbies” as the snowless training has continued for the past three weeks.

“There’s excitement with the many young kids with families who ski and now there’s a cool opportunity for them to belong to this fun and supportive group,” he said.

“A number of the high schools who are runners and soccer players in the fall have an alternative sport option as endurance athletes,” he added.

High school Nordic races

include both classic and skate skiing competitions, so new team members are faced with learning two styles as they prepare for racing.

“Our main goal is to develop skills throughout the season and help these athletes develop a love for a truly lifelong sport,” he said.

With such a large number of skiers, most of whom did not have equipment, coaches Husmann and Tiffany Tisdel were faced with a dilemma of outfitting everyone.

In stepped Tate and Aimee Metcalf, Sisters Athletic Club and Jason Nelson at Hoodoo who donated, in a shared effort, a total of nearly $5,000 worth of ski equipment to the program.

“We are beyond grateful for this generous gift,” said Husmann. “We will be able to use this equipment for this season and seasons to come.”

The first race of the season, classic style, is scheduled for January 3 at Diamond Lake.

Husmann went on, “We have the excitement, the positive energy, the gear, and the kids and all we need now is for the snow to start falling, so everyone needs to keep working on their snow dance moves!”

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

C L A S S I F I E D S

ALL advertising in this newspaper is 102 Commercial Rentals subject to the Fair Housing Act STORAGE WITH BENEFITS which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or • 8 x 20 dry box discrimination based on race, color, • Fenced yard, RV & trailers religion, sex, handicap, familial • In-town, gated, 24-7 status or national origin, or an EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimMINI STORAGE ination.” Familial status includes Sisters Rental children under the age of 18 living 331 W. Barclay Drive with parents or legal custodians, 541-549-9631 pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor This newspaper will not knowingly RV parking. 7-day access. accept any advertising for real estate Computerized security gate. which is in violation of the law. Our Moving boxes & supplies. readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal 103 Residential Rentals opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

CLASSIFIED RATES COST: $3.50 per line for first CASCADE HOME & insertion, $2.50 per line for each PROPERTY RENTALS additional insertion to 9th week, Monthly Rentals throughout $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond Sisters Country. (identical ad/consecutive weeks).

Also included in The Nugget online 541-549-0792 classifieds at no additional charge.

Property management There is a minimum $5 charge for for second homes. any classified. First line = approx.

CascadeHomeRentals.com 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, PONDEROSA PROPERTIES spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 –Monthly Rentals Available– character. Any ad copy changes will Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 be charged at the first-time insertion Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the PonderosaProperties.com approval of The Nugget classified Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters department. NOTE: Legal notices Ponderosa Properties LLC placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising 104 Vacation Rentals rate.

DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 5 PM Downtown Vacation Rentals preceding Wednesday publication.

Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: SistersVacationRentals.net Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, Great pricing. 503-730-0150 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. Major credit cards 201 For Sale accepted with a 3% processing fee.

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FREE BLINDS CATEGORIES: White, in Good Condition 101 Real Estate 28"x40", (2) 34"x58", 46"x46" 102 Commercial Rentals Charlie: 415-726-8683 103 Residential Rentals 104 Vacation Rentals 202 Firewood 106 Real Estate Wanted 107 Rentals Wanted NEW DISCOUNT PRICES 200 Business Opportunities SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS 201 For Sale DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD 202 Firewood 203 Recreation Equipment • SINCE 1976 • 204 Arts & Antiques Fuel Reduction Forestry 205 Garage & Estate Sales Doug Fir – Lodgepole – 206 Lost & Found Hardwood – Juniper – Fir 207 The Holidays DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES 301 Vehicles 302 Recreational Vehicles – 18155 Hwy. 126 East – 401 Horses SistersForestProducts.com 402 Livestock Order Online! 541-410-4509 403 Pets 500 Services 205 Garage & Estate Sales 501 Computer Services 502 Carpet Upholstery Cleaning Happy Trails Estate Sales 503 Appliance Repair & Refinish and online auctions!

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

23

C L A C SL SA IS FS I I E F DI SE D S

WILDFIRE: County is seeking citizen input TimberStandImprovement.net Tree Removalon & Pruning plans

—— UTV Bush Hog ROBINSON 4400 —— & MOWEN & J CARPET CLEANING ising in this newspaper is 102 Commercial Rentals Honda 670cc twin motorConstruction, Area rugs, Heavy Inc. upholstery, tile & e Fair Housing Act STORAGE WITH BENEFITS s it illegal to advertise Not drivable, but runs.

FREEexcavation dryer-vent TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 All your needscleaning. Established nce, limitation or • 8 x 20 dry box U-HAUL, 503-509-1791 & family-owned since 1986.

541-771-4825 *General excavation on based on race, color, Continued from page 3 • Fenced yard, RVCustom & trailers 541-549-9090 *Site Preparation Homes • Additions Keeping Sisters Country , handicap, familial • In-town, gated, 24-7 401 Horses *Sub-Divisions Residential Building Projects Beautiful Since 2006 Uncompromising quality. Local ional origin, or an as the City of Sisters and surEWDevcoLLC@gmail.com 504 Handyman make anyand suchpersonal. You can HAY *Road Building Serving Sisters areaORCHARD since 1976 GRASS candcnursery@gmail.com trust me. rounding neighborhoods. imitation or discrimMINI STORAGE Strictly Quality 3 Sisters Handyman Services ALFALFA*Sewer and Water Systems 541-549-2345 All projects: From new The purpose of the CWPP milial status includes Sisters Rental 20+ years experience TRITICALE *Underground Utilities CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 construction to those little is to reduce hazardous fuels der the age of 18 living W.to.

Barclay Drive541-280-9764 New 2025 crop. Barn stored.

No job too large or small. *Grading you don't seem331 to get or legalprojects custodians, on public and private lands, 541-549-9631 3-tie bales. $240-$340/ton.

Hwy. Snow removal services available. *Sand-Gravel-Rock John Pierce team of local subcontractors men andMy people securing • Wildfire Fuels reduction reduce structural vulnerabilihildren under Licensed • Bonded • Insured and I18. will get it done right, Sizes 5x5fair, to 15x30jpierce@bendbroadband.com and outdoor 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895 Licensed, Bonded, and Insured • Debris Chipping/Mastication ties, increase education and aper will not CCB #124327Call Nate 907-748-4100 andknowingly pain-free so youRV canparking. make 7-day access.

• Forest Health Thinning awareness of wildfire threats, dvertising for real estate 602 Plumbing & Electric 403 Pets 541-549-1848 yourOur spouse happy.

Computerized security gate. sistershandyman@gmail.com Eastern Cascade Solutions • Wildfire Cleanupand & Restoration violation of the law. identify, improve, and Ridgeline Electric,PUPPIES LLC Callthat Jared FOR THE Moving boxes & supplies.

CCB# 253556 hereby informed all 503-949-9719 Landscaping & Construction • Tree Removal protect critical transportation 604 Heating & CoolingAlpenGlow Serving all of Central HOLIDAY Oregon dvertised in this Earthwood Timber SEASON www.easterncascadesolutions.

Will Moore, 541-409-5404 routes. re available on an equal 103 Residential •Rentals Residential • Commercial Pure Bred Yellow Lab Puppies com • 541-233-7195 • Recycled fir and pine beams Handyman Services ISA Certified Arborist The goals of the CWPP basis. To complain of • Industrial • Service 5 males and 4 females #9958 • CCB We #222039 • Mantels Small & Large JobsLCB (1hr–2wks) are the experts you’ve include: on call HUD toll-free and at accent timbers 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821 $100/puppy • Sawmill/woodshop services 9777. The toll-free 20+ Years Experience been looking for!

• Protect lives and propCall Ben 541-527-6087 701 Domestic Services umber for the hearing ewdevcollc@gmail.com CCB#180099 LCB# 100129erty & Oregon from wildfires.

1-800-927-9275.

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Logger•71395048 Caring, loving pet care in my Call/Text: 541-728-8607 Professional Raise public awareness ED RATES Specializing in Commercial, home. Daily rates and in town.

AlpenGlowHandymanServices. of the risks of living in a fireLOLO TREE WORKS 50 per line for first Sisters, Oregon's CASCADE HOME & Residential & Vacation Rentals.

Cheryl 541-420-7875 com • Credit Cards Accepted prone ecosystem.

Tree Services: Tree Removal, 2.50 per line for each Exclusive HVAC Service PROPERTY RENTALS Licensed, BondedTree & Insured.

Instill personal responsinsertion to 9th week, SISTERS WHISKERS Pruning, Stump• Grinding, Residential & Commercial Monthly Rentals throughout 600 Tree Service & 541-977-1051 ne 10th week and beyond bility for taking preventative Your purr-fect friend is waiting Emergency Tree Services.

Heating • Ductless Forestry Sisters Country. /consecutive weeks). actions for you at our localAir nonprofit cat • Maintenance BLAKE & SON – Commercial, ISA Certified Arborist to reduce wildfire Conditioning ed in The Nugget online 541-549-0792 Commercial • Residential • Home & Rentals Cleaning rescue! Apply to adopt at: Owner / Operator:risks.

Erin Carpenter t no additional charge.

Installation • Repair Property management Industrial • Remodels • • Create and maintain fireWINDOW CLEANING! CONSTRUCTION sisterswhiskers.org 541-588-5667 lolotreeworks.com inimum $5LOCAL charge for for second homes.

Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas adapted communities. d. First SERVICES line = approx. & HOME MAINT. Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897 Call / Text: 503-367-5638 SistersHeatingAir.com CascadeHomeRentals.com monteselectric@hotmail.com cters, each additional line • Enhance community 500 Services Remodels • Landscaping Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com 5-30 characters. Letters, CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860 ACTION AIR 704 Events & Event preparedness, response, and PONDEROSA PROPERTIES Firewise Maintenance SMALL Engine REPAIR CCB #240912 bers and punctuation = 1 Heating & Cooling, LLC recovery from wildfires.

–Monthly Rentals Available– Services Deckswill & Much More!

Lawn Mowers, — GEORGE’S — ny ad copy changes Retrofit • New Const • Remodel The draft CWPP begins Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 601 Construction Pease Co. Contracting Tree Removal • Tree Pruning at the first-time insertion Chainsaws & Trimmers SEPTIC SERVICE Consulting, Service & Installs with an agreement between Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: 0 per line.Call Standard Tanner at 541-588-0136.

Good for Trees.

Sisters Rental CASCADE VALLEY 541-419-3148 s allowed with the actionairheatingandcooling.com t h e C o u n t y, s a i d f i r e PonderosaProperties.com Big and small jobs!

Good to People.

331 W. Barclay Drive CONTRACTING, LLC The Nugget classified CCB #195556 A 63-year tradition for Sisters departments, and Oregon Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters CCB# 256258 SparTreeArborist.com 541-549-9631 General Contractor CCB#180099 NOTE: Legal notices 541-549-6464 (916) 619-6317 www.georges-septic-service.com Department of Forestry Ponderosa Properties LLC Authorized service center for e Public Notice section Custom Remodels • Additions (ODF).

It is a 126-page plan at the display advertising SWEENEY Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, • Decks • Firewise Upgrades 4 Brothers Tree Service

605 Painting 104 Vacation Rentals PLUMBING, INC. Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton,

and reference that includes

Sisters' Premier Tree Experts!

E: FRIDAY AT 5 PM ~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ (but is not limited to); local Downtown Vacation Rentalsand Reliability” “Quality CENTRAL OREGON'S Kohler, Kawasaki Engines Insured. Call/Text 541-728-8607 – TREE REMOVAL & Wednesday publication.

Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. fire events history, various Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom Repairs • Remodeling & KNIFE SHOW! Custom Homes ENT & PAYMENT: CLEANUPGUN – CUSTOM WINDOW SPURGE COCHRAN Refurbishing Decks risks to consider including SistersVacationRentals.net • New Construction COVERINGS E. Main Ave. Phone, 20 & 21,BUILDER, Additions - Remodels Native / Non-Native December Tree INC. Sisters Community CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 flooding, Great pricing.

503-730-0150 41 or place Residential online at • Water Heaters Saturday, 9-5 • Sunday, 9-3 Contractor Building Projects Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Bend Window Works, LLC General www.frontier-painting.com s.com. Payment is due maps, all possible emergency 541-549-4349 County ExpoBuilding Center Distinctive, Becke William Pierce Removals, 24 Hr.Deschutes Emergency is offering a 10% discount on ment. Major credit cards 201 For Sale routes, steps to wildfire mitiInterior/Exterior Residential and Commercial ADMISSION: General $10; Custom CCB# 190689 Storm Damage Cleanup, th a 3% processing fee. • 541-647-0384 new window coverings. FREE Handcrafted Homes, gation and preparedness, scooter Painting Licensed • Bonded • Insured Military/Vets pass $16; able for Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com continuously run 2009 VESPA GTS 250ie Craning & Stump Grinding, $8; 2-day in-home consultation. Same day Additions, Remodels, Cabin what to do before, during, obo.— Call 541-350-2262.

Deck Refinishing s, after prepayment CCB #87587 Children under 12 are free.

— ServingofSisters $3,250 Since 2010 Debris Removal. in-home repair services available.

Renovations Since ’74 emergency events, and after eks.

Jacob deSmet For info call FREE BLINDS – FOREST MANAGEMENT – 541-699-1585 New and repaired blinds make A “Hands-On” Builder and resource and contact Excavation & Trucking 503-559-9327 RIES: OregonGunsandMoreShow.com White, in Good603 Condition Fire Fuels Reduction Brush rentals look better!

Contact us at Keeping Your Project on Time information. tate peakperformancepainting1@ Full Service Excavation A great place for last minute 28"x40", (2) 34"x58", 46"x46" Mowing, Mastication, Tree 541-383-2455 or & On Budget • CCB #96016 rcial Rentals The CWPP recommends gmail.com • CCB#243491 Christmas shopping!

Charlie: 415-726-8683 Thinning, Large & Small Scale tial Rentals andy@bendblinds.com.

To speak to Spurge personally, community members regEMPIRE PAINTING Projects! n Rentals call 541-815-0523 ister with Deschutes Alerts 999 Public Notice 202 Firewood tate Wanted Interior and Exterior Painting Serving Black Butte Ranch, (deschutesalerts.org).

The Wanted BBR RFPD and Staining NEW DISCOUNT PRICES Camp Sherman & Sisters Area s Opportunities Nugget also suggests, if CCB#180042 SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS since 2003 Meeting Date Change e already registered, Sisters Free On-site Visit & Estimate The regularly scheduled board 541-613-1530 • Geoff** Houk DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD od Free Estimates ** Lara’s Construction LLC. Community members assure Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail meeting for December has been ion Equipment Owner James Hatley & Sons CCB#223701 • SINCE 1976 • all personal information is Antiques .com 606 Landscaping & Yard canceled due to the holidays.

Reduction Forestry 541-815-2342 Offering masonryFuel work, current.

Construction & Renovation & Estate Sales 541-549-1472 Questions? Call (541) 595-2288 Maintenance 4brostrees.com Fir – Lodgepole – • CCB #76888 fireplaces, interior &Doug exterior Found Custom Residential Projects Drainfield Hardwood – Juniper – Fir All Landscaping ServicesBonded and Insured Licensed, stone/brick-work, build lidays Junk removal, new home, All Phases • CCB #148365 • Minor & Major Septic Repair s Mowing, Thatching, Hauling CCB-215057 barbecues, and allDRIVE-IN types of WOOD SALES garage & storage clean-out, 541-420-8448 • All Septic Needs/Design ional Vehiclesmasonry. Give us–a18155 Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740 call Hwy. 126 East –

construction, yard debris. & Install SistersForestProducts.com for a free estimate 541-350-3218 – All You Need Maintenance – Haul!

General Excavation You Call – We Order Online! 541-410-4509 Pine needle removal, hauling, 541-719-8475 • Site Preparation s snow removal, moss removal, • Rock Sales & Stump Removal • DERI’s HAIR SALON • 205 Garage & Estate er Services lawn care, weeding, pruning, • Pond Sales & Driveway Construction Upholstery Cleaning Call 541-419-1279 Happy Trails Estate roofs, gutters, pressure washing. ce Repair & Refinish Preparation and online auctions!

Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 man • Building Demolition 501 Computers & Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? epair Austin • 541-419-5122 CASCADIA DESIGN BUILD Trucking Communications Locally owned & operated by... rvice & Forestry Remodel / Renovate / Repair STEVE'S • Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, ction 3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC HAULING Daiya 541-480-2806 Full home remodel, little home Yard and other debris, ng & Electric Boulders, Water Audio/video, data networking, 541-771-1150 fixes, and everything in Sharie between. ions & Trucking landscaping • Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, WIFI, security camera, alarms.services, chain saw & Coolingcascadiadesignbuildllc.com work, etc. 707-328-8370 Belly 301 Vehicles CCB #191099 541-306-0729 g 541-974-2282 • The Whole 9 Yards or 24 aping & Yard Maint.

We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality CASCADE GARAGE Whatever on 502 Carpet & Upholstery Cars,DOORS Trucks, SUVs & RVsYou ~ Want! ic ServicesFactory Trained Technicians Construction Contractors Cleaning Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 Since 1983 • CCB #44054 Licensing Information ~ Sisters Car Connection da#3919 GORDON’S are 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553 Complete landscape construction, An active license means SistersCarConnection.com & Event Services LAST TOUCH fencing,for irrigation installation & & Training your contractor is bonded and Specialists Cleaning anted design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, insured. For additional details WINDOWS CARPETS, Wanted debris cleanups, fertility & water visit www.oregon.gov/CCB & UPHOLSTERY conservation management, Member Better Business Bureau BANR Enterprises, LLC ls Notice • Bonded Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, & Insured • excavation. #188594 • LCB #9264 Pat Burke Serving CentralCCB Oregon Hardscape, Rock Walls www.vohslandscaping.com LOCALLY OWNED Residential & CommercialSince 1980 CLASSIC CAR STORAGE! CRAFTSMAN BUILT Call 541-549-3008 541-515-8462 CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 Oversized, lights/power, CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 www.BANR.net $275/m • 541-419-2502 www.sistersfencecompany.com

20+ Years Licensed, Bonded,

ck

OWN WHAT MATTERS

Home Purchase & Refinancing VA • Conventional • USDA • FHA • Jumbo Renovation • Bridge • Reverse Mortgage Manufactured Home Loans Down Payment Assistance Brennan Layne Loan Officer | NMLS #1848580

541.610.6727 397 SW Upper Terrace Dr., Bend, OR 97702

Apply Online:

guildmortgage.com/brennanlayne Guild Mortgage Company; NMLS #3274; Equal Housing Opportunity; OR MIL-176 nmlsconsumeraccess.org

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Sisters Dance Academy DANCE RECITAL — Photos by Kelli Carter —

Dozens of dancers brought classic holiday movies to life on stage at Sisters High School Auditorium in what has become a beloved rite of the season in Sisters.

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