The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVIII No. 53 // 2025-12-31

The Nugget Vol. XLVIII No. 53

www.NuggetNews.com

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News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

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

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

E D The holiday season is a time when families gather and share in tradition, feasting, and fellowship. For some folks, special time with family makes the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s truly the most wonderful time of the year.

For some, family gatherings can be tense. Family members don’t always get along; when they don’t see eye-to-eye on identity-laden topics like politics, things can get brittle, passive-aggressive, or downright confrontational.

Communities are like that, too, if they’re small enough that people know each other. It’s not a family, exactly, but a lot of the same dynamics apply.

Sisters is surprisingly diverse; a community full of people of widely varied, and often very rich, backgrounds and experiences. Some folks here are deeply religious, while others are unchurched, but profoundly spiritual in their orientation. Others are secular. We’re politically heterogeneous.

We wrangle a lot with each other, mostly over national politics, which have seeped down into local communities across the fruited plain. Sometimes we fight over local issues — especially things that touch on sensitive notions of identity. Like a bull-riding sculpture in a roundabout, for instance. That kerfuffle, which roiled the community for weeks in 2025, wasn’t a disagreement over art — it was a fight over symbols of identity. Personal identity. Social identity.

Arguments like these — in families and in communities — are uncomfortable, and sometimes it feels like we’re pulling apart the ties that bind. But conflict is a necessary aspect of diversity, and uncomfortable doesn’t necessarily mean unhealthy.

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Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, PO Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759.

3rd Class Postage Paid at Sisters, OR. The Nugget is available to pick up free at The Nugget office and at businesses throughout Sisters and Tumalo; mail subscriptions are available in the 97759, 97756, 97730, and 97703 zip codes for $55/year; subscriptions outside these zip codes: $70/year, $45/six months (or less).

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Ringing in the year

Families and communities alike tend to put aside their quarrels, grievances, and divisions when the chips are down. We sure did that last summer, when the Flat Fire devastated a part of Sisters Country, forced largescale evacuations, took five homes and threatened our town. I think the best moment of 2025 for me as a newspaperman was hearing Morgan Schmidt of the Red Cross of Central Oregon tell a Citizens4Community forum audience, “I’ll be honest with you: You didn’t need us that much” during the Flat Fire.

I felt an immediate — and lasting — swell of pride in our community. We could look out for ourselves and for each other, regardless of any differences. That is the kind of thing I want Sisters to hang its identity on.

I felt a similar sense of community pride covering the opening of the greenhouse at Sisters Elementary School last fall. That project was a lot more to take on than it was supposed to be, and a cadre of Sisters volunteers stepped up for weeks of labor to get it done.

I know for certain that that group of people don’t all think the same about a lot of things — but that didn’t matter a bit. They were focused on a common goal, and they created something spectacular that will serve the children of this community for generations.

There are countless examples of that kind of community spirit every year — and I expect that there will be many more in 2026. Those are the stories I like best; the stories I reflect upon as we ring in a new year.

L There is a variety of ways that you can support The Nugget Newspaper while accessing the paper’s regular content and extra content: 1. Print subscription: You get the newspaper delivered to your address. You can do that here: https://www.nuggetnews.com/subscribe/start or call 541-549-9941.

2. Online subscription: This is additional to the print subscription and gives you access to the EXTRA content, including paywalled stories and Jim Cornelius’ special essay collection “Nuggets From A Small Town.”

3. Subscribe to Substack “Nuggets From A Small Town.” If you already subscribe online, you already get this content. If you like Substack, you can get it here: https://jimcornelius609.substack.com/.

4. Supporting Contribution: These are direct donations to support The Nugget’s journalistic endeavors.

Funds provided through supporting contributions are allocated to supporting our freelance reporters, photographers, and columnists. You can make a Supporting Contribution here: https://donorbox.org/ nugget-community-journalism-support or call 541549-9941 or stop by and visit us at 442 E. Main Ave. We appreciate our readers and advertisers more than words can adequately convey, and we look forward to engaging with all of you in 2026.

Happy New Year!

• • • As we enter 2026, reader support is more vital than ever in helping our freelance reporters, columnists, and photographers tell the stories of the Sisters community.

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC www.nuggetnews.com | 541-549-9941 442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759

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Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius, editor@nuggetnews.com Graphic Design, Billing: Leith Easterling, accounting@nuggetnews.com Creative Director: Jess Draper, jess@nuggetnews.com Community Marketing Partner: Kimberly Young, ads@nuggetnews.com Classifieds, Circulation: Wendy Bachmeier, nugget@nuggetnews.com Proofreading: Kema Clark Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen

Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Sisters Weather Forecast Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

December 31 Mostly Cloudy

January 1 Showers

January 2 Showers

January 3 Rain/Snow

44/32

42/33

45/33

44/31

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

January 4 AM Showers

January 5 Showers

January 6 Showers

45/31

45/30

46/32

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

541-771-2211.

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

541-408-8505.

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

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

541-588-0547.

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

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

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

503-930-6158.

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

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

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

Email sistersbridge2021@gmail.com.

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

(Meets with Living Well With Dementia Sisters).

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

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

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

Location information: 541-549-1193.

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

541-632-3663.

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

917-219-8298.

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

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

All veterans welcome, 541-241-6563.

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSID Office.

Sisters Planning Commission 541-903-4050.

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

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

FIRE & POLICE

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

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

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

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

BBR Fire Station. 541-595-2288.

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

Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW JANUARY Sisters growth plans spark pushback

The City of Sisters is well into its state-mandated, process of periodically evaluating its Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to see if there will be enough land to meet population projections. In Sisters currently, the UGB essentially corresponds to the city limits.

As Sisters’ population steadily increases, projections indicate that there will not be adequate housing inventory within the existing 1.88-squaremile area. The City has invited its citizens to participate in the comprehensive study of if, when, how, and why the city may need to expand. The City has produced extensive documents and slide-show presentations, and held public input sessions. This has served to catch the attention of citizens who are opposed to any increase in the UGB, and they are becoming more vocal.

deer and elk vehicular kills annually. The assessed expense associated with one killed mule deer is $17,000, and for elk it is $57,000. This expense in Oregon accrues into the tens of millions of dollars every year.

In 2022, the expense was $91.7 million statewide.

Prepping for preschool…

The cover story behind “Game of Thrones”

Flying Horse Gallery exhibited the original five linograph prints along with process images that resulted in the final production for the new Penguin Books’ covers for “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the basis for the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones.”

The concepts and linograph prints were created by local artist Mark Seekins and Tim Green, art director at Faceout Studio book design in Sisters.

Green worked directly with legendary author George R.R. Martin’s team on the covers.

PHOTO BY JIM BARNETT

Sisters Kiwanis dug in to prepare the site of a preschool playground at the new facility of Sisters Park & Recreation District (formerly Sisters Elementary School). Left to right: Mike Vermillion, Gary Cundiff, Jim Cunningham, Jeff Taylor, David Hiller. Workers not pictured: Jim Barnett and May Fan.

City Council grapples Firefighters deployed with SDCs, housing Current development projLos Angeles ects are in progress or near Sisters nonprofit is a to Fifteen Oregon strike teams in Sisters and are fundraising success mobilized to help with the completion expected to move the needle

Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) announced that its year-end ride sponsorship drive has raised a total of $8,100.

Locals shine in Spirit of Giving

Bells were ringing and carols were sung at the Aspen Lakes Estates Owner’s Holiday Party December 5 at Brand 33 Lodge. Neighbors had good reasons to celebrate, outshining their generous donation in 2023 by 33 percent, the community delivered $5,690 toward the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District’s sponsorship of “Spirit of Christmas Giving 2024.”

Hwy. 20 the most dangerous highway in Ore. for deer, elk

According to studies conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the 35 miles of single- and double-laned highway between Bend and Suttle Lake experiences between 350 to 600 mule

wildfires in the Los Angeles area arrived January 9. These 300 firefighters and 75 engines are assigned to the Palisades Fire burning north of the Los Angeles area. The firefighters will be deployed for up to 14 days and are protecting homes and other buildings. The teams will be patrolling for hotspots and working alongside CAL Fire and other state and federal agencies. Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District contributed one engine and three personnel to the effort.

New Sisters city councilors sworn in

As of January 8, Sisters has a new mayor, Jennifer Letz, who won reelection to the Council, and new president, Sarah McDougall, who is new on Council. The five-member body also includes newly elected Councilor Cheryl Pellerin and Councilors Michael Preedin and Gary Ross who continue the remaining two years of fouryear terms. The three recently elected councilors were each sworn in by City Manager Jordan Wheeler.

on housing affordability — but deficits remain, especially in workforce housing.

Insurance dominates conversation

Even though it’s the heart of winter, wildfire risk is at top-of-mind in Sisters. Several readers have contacted The Nugget to express their frustration with the recently released wildfire hazard map produced

by Oregon State University and Oregon Department of Forestry.

Many homeowners are in a mild panic, worried that they will not have their insurance renewed or worse, canceled.

SSD board member’s roots run deep

The newest member of Sisters’ school board has strong local and educational ties, plus two more good reasons to see schools succeed: his son, a freshman, and daughter in kindergarten. Sisters is Erik Benton’s hometown. His parents moved here in 1978, when he was 12 weeks old.

Atmospheric beauty...

Tim Green of Faceout Studio in Sisters designed the new boxed set of George R.R. Martin’s megabestselling “A Song of Ice and Fire” saga.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Rewards offered in wolf poaching incidents

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials announced a $10,000 cash reward for information regarding a wolf poaching incident on private property in Morrow County. The Oregon Wildlife Coalition has a standing reward of $10,000 for wolf poaching in that area, raising the reward total to $20,000.

Officials discovered the carcass of a gray wolf, identified as OR 159, on November 8, on private land about 20 miles south of Heppner. Law enforcement officials were quick to announce rewards for information leading to an arrest or citation.

Metabolic Maintenance sold

Sisters plunged into a lateJanuary cold snap, but the atmosphere compensated with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

PHOTO BY ERIK DOLSON

One of Sisters’ largest employers, founded in 1984 in San Diego and operating locally since 1993 under the ownership of Ed Fitzjarrell, has been acquired by WM Partners, LP, of Aventura, Florida, a suburb of Miami Beach. Operations in Sisters will ultimately be wound up and production moved to California. Fitzjarrell said that 10 employees will go with the company, including the chief operations officer and people who work in research and development, IT, sales and marketing, and customer service.

Sisters earns Dark Skies designation

Sisters was certified as an International DarkSky Community by DarkSky International, making the city the second community in Oregon to be so designated.

Antelope announced their designation several weeks ago.

Sisters is the sixth International DarkSky Place in Oregon, joining such places as the Oregon Outback and Oregon Caves National Monument. The designation is the culmination of many years of dark sky advocacy by the community to bring about awareness of the importance of preserving our nighttime skies for current and future generations to experience its wonder and to protect the wildlife that depend on darkness.

Explore Sisters is tasked with promoting Sisters

Sisters City Council approved entering into an agreement with Explore Sisters, a destination management organization (DMO) on September 14, 2022. Now that it’s 2025, it appears to some that the group is three years old, and several merchants and curious citizens are questioning what exactly it is that the DMO is doing to promote Sisters. Scott Humpert, the DMO’s executive director, explains that their work is not quite two years in the making.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Sisters Country Vision has new website

Visitors to Sisters Country Vision (www.sistersvision.org) will now find an independent, redesigned website showcasing the Vision, its history, reports, news, and more.

Volunteer woodcutters warm homes and hearts

Quietly and without drawing any attention to themselves, a group of volunteers routinely provide free split wood to several dozen who otherwise would be without. About one in 22 Oregon homes use wood for heating.

For several years, Jeff Konen who resides in Black Butte Ranch has scrounged wood from neighbors thinning their lands or removing dangerous trees. He’s a retired wholesale plumbing contractor. Working mostly solo, he cuts and splits donated logs and delivers in his pickup truck to those referred to him. The wood is processed and stored in the parking lot of Sisters Community Church.

Most referrals come from FAN (Family Access Network). In a season he can provide about 15 cords single-handedly.

FEBRUARY Firefighters experience inferno’s impact

When massive conflagrations roared through communities in the Los Angeles Basin, California put out a call for support — and Oregon responded.

The state fire marshal called up a task force of firefighting units from communities across Oregon, who trekked south to aid in the effort to contain the Palisades Fire along the coast and the Eaton Fire in the inland foothills. Three firefighters from Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District were part of that effort: Deputy Chief Tim Craig; Captain Ben Duda; and Firefighter Brian Maxson.

They departed on January 8 and served for two weeks on the Palisades Fire. This assignment was aided by the apparatus the Sisters team drove to the fire — an interface engine designed to serve in both a woodland and an urban setting.

Committee supports rezoning for UGB expansion

The Urban Growth Boundary Steering Committee unanimously agreed to ask the City of Sisters to send a letter to the Deschutes County Commissioners to expedite rezoning of 58.5 acres north and east of Sisters High School.

Banners to return for Class of ’25

PHOTO PROVIDED

Valori Wells is featured in the highly regarded Where Women Create magazine.

MUSIC, COMMUNITY & SPIRITS

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.

JESHUA MARSHALL & TH THE HE FL FFLOO FLOOD GET TICKET Punk rock, folk, S k. BEFORE THEY americana and indie rock.

SE LL OUT! bendticket.com...$49.70

Sat., Jan 31 • 7 pp.m. m Steve Poltz

With thousands of shows under his belt, he hits the stage with incredible energy and declares, “This is the greatest show of my life.” (and maybe yours too!)

bendticket.com...$44.35

Pub opens 30 minutes prior to shows.

302 E. Main | BelfryEvents.com

Sisters-based nonprofit Citizens4Community kicked off its campaign for the 2025 Banner Project, a local tradition that celebrates graduating high school seniors.

For three weeks in late April and early May, the banners hung from lampposts in downtown Sisters will feature some familiar faces — those of students due to graduate from Sisters High School and other local schools. The program aims to showcase Sisters’ hometown pride while celebrating the academic accomplishments of local youth.

Senior Landen Scott and sophomore Audrey Corcoran both set new Outlaws basketball scoring records within eight days of each other.

Icy roads lead to bad wreck on Hwy. 20

On the evening of February 3 Cloverdale Fire crews responded to a serious singlevehicle accident on Highway 20, approximately half a mile west of Cloverdale Road. The incident involved a vehicle rollover with three occupants, all of whom required medical attention.

Ticket sales push Sisters Rodeo into extra night

When tickets went on sale in 2023 for Sisters Rodeo, they booked $42,000. Last year’s first day sales were triple that at $117,000 and on opening day this year a whopping $279,000 in tickets were sold.

Both Saturday performances sold out within days and the board of directors could see both blockbuster revenue and disappointed fans unable to get seats. Fortunately, the schedule typically has Thursday night free between XTreme Bulls on Wednesday and the first of four sanctioned PRCA performances starting Friday. Adding a Thursday evening performance is hoped to allow all fans the chance to see Sisters Rodeo.

Cold weather shelter sees small numbers

Temperatures in Sisters fell to somewhere between minusfive and minus-nine degrees, triggering the opening of the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter.

Pursuant to the City of Sisters Resolution 2024-22, one or a combination of weather factors can activate the nonprofit shelter. The most relevant is when the overnight temperatures are expected to fall below 20 degrees F. The shelter could also open when the temperature is between 21 and 25 degrees if snow accumulation of 12 inches or more is reached, or intermittent rain or freezing rain is continuous over 24 hours.

The shelter operated by CORE at 222 Trinity Way, formerly the location for Wellhouse Church’s Market, a food pantry operation, was open through the cold snap.

Only a few local forest dwellers

Wishing You An Outstanding New Year!

My gratitude is overflowing. Thanks to all of you who have given me years of joy, personally & professionally. Let’s keep it going in 2026 ♥

Susan Bird, Broker 541-410-5644

Susan@SusanBirdRealEstate.com Licensed in the State of Oregon

PHOTO BY RONGI YOST

availed themselves of the overnight accommodations.

Lead volunteer Lou Blanchard told The Nugget, “In a 17-day period we had four a night. Maybe one night there were five. We staffed with volunteers and paid overnight monitors for a larger number and cannot say exactly why more houseless, especially those living in the forest, did not come in from the cold.”

Outlaw skiers are league champs

The Outlaws concluded their regular season with a perfect 6-0 record as both the boys and girls finished first among 15 schools in every race.

Sisters teams competed in their final league race of the season at Hoodoo on Wednesday, February 12, under clear blue skies and crisp conditions.

Ella Eby took first place in the girls competition with a combined time of 1:13.85. Sisters claimed four of the top six spots with Ava Riehle placing fourth (1:16.60), Mary Roberts fifth (1:16.87), and Tallis Grummer sixth (1:19.21). On the boys

side Styopa Myagkov won with an impressive time of 1:05.28.

Spencer Davis took sixth (1:16.59), Emerson Backus seventh (1:17.41), Ben Hayner eighth (1:19.05), and Spencer Tisdel 10th at 1:20.30. All finished in the top 10.

Sisters hosts COMEA Jazz Band Festival

Sisters High School hosted the inaugural Central Oregon Music Education Association Honor Jazz Band Festival on February 11. The honor band consisted of 29 total students and spanned over two school days. These Central Oregon students traveled from a variety of local schools, including Madras, Caldera, Redmond, and Bend.

St. Charles and The Center officially integrate

St. Charles Health System announced recently that its integration with The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care is officially complete.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sisters Habitat for Humanity will use a $10,000 grant from WaFd Bank on its Larch Commons project.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Students glimpse the medical world

New experiences have the potential to be exciting, overwhelming, and awe inspiring.

Sisters High School (SHS) provides an opportunity for its students that brings together all of these emotions. Nearly every year since 2010 SHS students have had the ability to visit and work at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. The group of 12 students and one student intern travelled by bus, spending their first day in the lab and exploring the numerous facilities within the center.

Through the duration of the trip students utilized new forms of technical equipment, including micropipettes, centrifuges, and microscopes used by cancer and microbiology researchers who work at Fred Hutch.

Nordic skiers compete at state

Sisters High athletes competed in two days of racing at the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association-Nordic state championships February 21-22 at Mt. Bachelor. The Outlaws placed seventh among nine teams in the relay, which was the grand finale of the meet.

Kids turn out to pop-up museum

Hundreds of children in Sisters enjoyed a pop-up version of a children’s museum that is seeking a more permanent spot in our region. Children’s Museum of Central Oregon set up its mobile museum at Sisters Elementary School February 22 and 23.

Local poet-musician celebrates new book

Beth Wood said, “I recently realized that this year marks 30 years of making and releasing music for me. I can’t believe it!

I want to celebrate this grateful feeling in my heart, all of the wonderful relationships and connections that music and poetry have brought me, all of the miles driven and nights gathered in small rooms to be together and remember why we’re here.”

Firefighters contained a blaze that destroyed a 6,000-squarefoot building off Highway 126 on March 5. Losses are estimated at roughly $500,000 for the building and $500,000 in contents.

PHOTO COURTESY CLOVERDALE FIRE DISTRICT

MARCH

Gauging local impact of federal cuts Sisters comes to As the new Administration in Washington issues a slew of fiddle and dance Executive Orders and memoranda, many dealing with funding for grants, loans, and staffing levels, readers have raised concerns that vital programs affecting Sisters Country may be cut or eliminated. Of highest concern in Sisters is the potential impact of workforce reductions at Sisters Ranger District especially with respect to wildfire. Various media reports tell of a range of cuts up to 45 or 50 throughout the entirety of the Deschutes National Forest’s three districts.

Some 200 Sisters folks ranging in age from infants to people in their 80s took to the hardwood at The Belfry on February 28, to dance to fiddle tunes provided by Scandalous Chutney.

The band is a dance-ensemble sub-group of the Outlaw Strings Club, which included kids from Sisters Middle School and Sisters High School. The “social dancing” event, co-sponsored

by Citizens4Community and SFF Presents, hearkened back to community folk and square dances of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Lady Outlaws fall in MVC playoff game

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jamie (Cundiff) Werner — a Sisters High School alumni and Stanford University graduate — spoke in Washington, DC, with Senator Michael Bennet regarding firings of probationary USFS employees.

The Lady Outlaws lost to Pleasant Hill on February 19 in a Mountain Valley Conference Playoff Game 54-48. The loss, brought their season to an end.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Todd Rich has been named Black Butte Ranch’s Police Chief after serving as acting chief for six months.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Sisters seniors face major change

The residents at Sisters Senior Living (formerly The Lodge) and their families received distressing news on Monday, February 24, in the form of a letter from management. The letter was to inform residents and their families that “the difficult decision” was made “to discontinue participation in the licensed Oregon Assisted Living program.”

Sisters Senior Living will surrender their assisted living license on April 24, two months from release of the letter.

Sustainable agriculture inspires Sisters students

Students step out of their classrooms and into a unique environment for Sustainable

Agriculture classes. In the high school’s own greenhouse, they immerse themselves in the hands-on experience of growing food, imbued with the fragrance of rich soil as sunlight coaxes their seeds into sprouting. The Sustainable Agriculture program is offered through a partnership with nonprofit Seed to Table.

Outlaws wrestlers compete at State

A senior finished on a high note, and a freshman produced excitement for the future at the OSAA Wrestling State Championships. Kisten Elbek placed fourth in the 155-pound class to cap a tremendous senior campaign, overcoming a quick first round loss to Delilah Jaramillo of Rogue River. Elbek stormed back with three victories in the ensuing matches to land in the third-place final.

PHOTO PROVIDED

SHS Pageant participants enjoyed a three-hour event on Saturday that raised $12,000 for Sisters FAN.

The Outlaws dismantled St. Mary’s 64-40 at home on February 26, in a first-round State Playoff game. With the win, the Outlaws advanced to the Sweet 16 to take on No. 3 ranked Valley Catholic on Saturday. The contest against the Valiants was a battle from start to finish that ended in a one-point loss for Sisters, 44-43.

Outlaws skier is a state champion

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mike Shepherd loves the Western way of life. The Sisters Rodeo Association has named him the 2025 Sisters Rodeo Grand Marshal.

10% OFF!

Sisters artists showcase work

Outlaws basketball falls in heartbreaker in second round of state playoffs

The Sisters Alpine Ski Team delivered an outstanding performance over three days at the 2025 Oregon High School State Championships held at Mt. Ashland March 5-7.

The team walked away with a second-place overall finish in the combined boys and girls team results. Styopa Myagkov emerged as the individual state champion in giant slalom, with a dominant victory in a time of 1:19.09, which earned him second place in the boys combined individual state standings.

Sisters’ young artists showcased their work in the first ever Sisters Rotary Middle School Art Celebration Night on March 7. The goal of the evening was to present a variety of student art to the community, and give students the opportunity to be recognized for their creations.

Sisters community reacts to wolf killing

Last week’s news that Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff responded to the report of the death of an adult male gray wolf, set off an outpouring of grief among wildlife advocates. The wolf, an adult breeding male of the Metolius pack, was found dead near Sisters. Gray wolves are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in the western two-thirds of Oregon.

A $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest, criminal conviction, or civil penalty assessment was posted

by USFWS. Citizen groups quickly tripled the reward. The

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At last week’s Town Hall, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) entered in true politician style, moving briskly with arms outstretched and a big smile. He told the crowd in the Sisters High School gymnasium, which was nearly full to its capacity of 2,000 people, “This gym is exactly what democracy looks like.” The audience was respectful and appeared to be generally in agreement with the Senator’s point of view.

The number one issue on citizens’ minds, worded in a variety of ways, was: “What can we do to stop Trump and Musk in their assault on the government?” Wyden began by assuring the assembly, “We will fight ‘til we prevail.” But people wanted concrete things they can do. Wyden replied, “Keep gyms filled up like this.”

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW CEC stays ahead of demand in Sisters

Central Oregon is growing faster than the state at large.

Much of the associated job growth is in the technical or information sector. According to Brent Ten Pas, CEC vice president of member and public relations, there are two ongoing projects in Sisters Country, which should wrap up in early summer. “CEC is upgrading an existing power line and installing new equipment along Powerline Road, enabling us to rely on more than one substation in the Sisters area, giving us greater flexibility to ensure reliable delivery of electricity to our members. We are also replacing approximately 3,000 feet of underground power line near Highway 242, servicing the Crossroads subdivision.”

Barclay Drive work will require detours

The long-awaited enhancements to the Barclay Drive bypass are scheduled to begin Monday, April 7, and take five weeks to complete. Only the first phase of the entire bypass effort is currently funded and in the schedule of public works projects for this fiscal year.

Motorists had hoped that the full length of bypass improvements would be completed by the time the new roundabout opened last fall, but the total cost — some $3 million — is not available.

Wildfire map gets significant pushback

The second iteration of the highly controversial Oregon Wildfire Hazard map is the subject of an intense effort to have it repealed or otherwise shelved. On March 18, Oregon House and Senate Republicans introduced legislation to repeal the state’s “flawed” wildfire hazard map.

School counseling programs among best

Sisters Elementary School and Sisters Middle School are celebrating achievements three years in the making: top honors and national recognition for their school counseling programs. Both schools have been awarded American School Counselor Association (ASCA) certification as Recognized ASCA Model Program schools.

Insurance continues to roil Sisters

Some 200 homeowners in Sisters Country are opening their mail to nonrenewal notices from Farmers Insurance, who are limiting their exposure in areas of wildfire probability.

Panic is setting in. Jason Rybka, the Farmers agent in Sisters, will be closing his office in June given that so much of his business is affected.

APRIL Top producing Realtor changes location in Sisters

Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, a longtime fixture in Sisters, has moved from one end of Cascade Avenue to the other in a seamless transaction aimed to provide a better environment for its clients and prospects. The new location on the southeast corner of West Cascade and South Oak Street is brighter with a more spacious and open floor plan, agents told us as we toured the facility last week.

SPRD cuts ribbon on community center

A vision years in the making was realized on Monday, March 31, as Sisters Park & Recreation District officials officially cut the ribbon on the district’s new community center. The center is located at the former site of Sisters Elementary School at 611 E. Cascade Ave.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Life Saving Award winners Griffin Cardwell (left) and Captain Matt Slocum (right) are joined by Chief Thad Olsen (center) in recognition of their heroic efforts at Cloverdale RFPD’s annual awards banquet.

Record numbers of steelhead return

Record numbers of adult steelhead returned to the Pelton Round Butte hydropower project on the Deschutes River during the 2024-2025 run. With more than 950 fish passed upstream of Round Butte Dam, the Upper Deschutes Basin is now home to more steelhead than at any time since the 1960s.

Scientists attribute this year’s returns to beneficial ocean conditions and improvements in fish management practices.

Expert saves deer from trap

Coleen McNerney and her husband, Craig Rychlick, were startled to see a doe with a contraption stuck to its snout. Sure enough it was a jumbo size rat trap. Wildlife Biologist Zac Kendall darted the deer who became immobilized within a minute or two and Kendall put a distress hood over the animal while deftly removing the trap.

A check of the jaw and mouth showed no injury despite the unshakable tension of the trap.

Sisters Park & Recreation District celebrated moving into expansive new digs at the former site of Sisters Elementary School. The grounds are to become a community park.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

PHOTO PROVIDED

Tom Lane went into cardiac arrest at Hoodoo in March. Quick action saved his life, and he and his wife thanked first responders on Saturday, April 5.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW

PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG

Mae Roth soared over an 11-foot-9-inch bar to set a new Sisters High School pole vault record on April 12.

Sisters celebrates Outlaw pitches immaculate no-hitter Arbor Day with tree Pitcher Sebastian Storch planting

struck out 15 batters on his way to delivering a five-inning 10-0 no-hitter for the Outlaws against Burns on April 11.

County hears zone change request

The owners of McKenzie Meadow Village, LLC, got their first hearing on April 7, on a zone change that could allow the property to be brought into the Sisters Urban Growth Boundary for residential development. The property owners (the Reed family, Bill Willitts, and Curt Kallberg) had submitted an application at the end of last year requesting a Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan (DCCP) amendment from Forest to Rural Residential Exception Area, a DCCP Goal 4 exception (a goal to conserve forest lands), and a zone change from Forest Use 2 to MultipleUse Agricultural.

Roundabout art question evolves

Mother Nature cooperated to provide a beautiful morning last Friday for the City’s annual tree-planting event in honor of Arbor Day. About 40 children and adults gathered at Creekside Park where they heard from a member of Pollinator Pathway of Bend who told those gathered, “When you plant trees, you help bees.”

Community volunteers tackle illegal campsite

The runners in the 23rd annual Peterson Ridge Rumble were blessed with a shining spring day during which to traverse the trails in courses covering 20, 27, and 40 miles on Sunday, April 13. A chilly morning transformed into a perfect temperature for distance running. Evan Moreau and Ashley Nordell, both of Sisters, captured top honors on the 40-mile course. Moreau finished in 4 hours 50 minutes for a 29-minute margin of victory.

Nordell finished third overall in the race in 5 hours and 32 minutes, just over an hour ahead of the second-place female.

In an ongoing series of cleanup and removal efforts of abandoned or burned-out campsites in the Deschutes National Forest on the Sisters District, around 24 volunteers took to the woods less than a half mile from Sisters homes and businesses for the dirty job of restoring the land left scarred by an abandoned campsite.

At its regularly scheduled meeting last Wednesday Sisters Urban Renewal Agency deferred accepting one of two finalists proposals for a permanent art installation at the new Locust Street roundabout.

If social media and calls to The Nugget are any indication, there is growing enthusiasm for an iconic painting by Sisters artist, Dyrk Godby, to be converted to bronze and be erected on the roundabout. The work features a red brindle, Braford bull — Red Rock — ridden by Lane Frost.

Council struggles with new Development Code

The Sisters City Council struggled through a long meeting April 23 to have consensus on various code restrictions to create defensible space in Sisters’ Development Code.

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The new codes would apply to any new structures on undeveloped properties and for existing developed properties, and apply to any new additions or structures at or over 200 square feet.

Quakes are common in Central Oregon

In 2024, Central Oregon had 67 quakes of magnitudes up to 2.3 within 63 miles of Bend.

Five quakes registered magnitude two-plus and 62 quakes below magnitude two that people normally don’t feel.

Action called for in wildfire forum

Citizens who attended a forum on wildfire preparedness on Sunday, April 13, at Sisters Elementary School, went home with plenty of work to do. The forum was deliberately designed to use an hourand-a-half of talk to spur ongoing action — and that mission appeared to have succeeded.

No consensus on roundabout art

There’s no clear consensus on citizen preference for the proposed art for the Locust Street/Highway 20 roundabout. In fact, there’s no clear consensus that Sisters citizens want either of the two design finalists.

MAY City of Sisters in sound financial condition

The most recent audit of Sisters’ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was completed

by Steve Tuchscherer, president of Umpqua Valley Financial.

Tuchscherer noted in the March 12 City Council meeting that the City’s net position is trending positively, the audit report was clean, and complimented City of Sisters Finance Department, headed by Joe O’Neill, for strong fiscal management.

Teacher of the Year...

Jocelyn Blevins was named Kiwanis Club of Sisters Teacher of the Year for her excellent work in the Sisters Elementary School STEM/STEAM program. Blevins explained what she has accomplished with the students and her work to help design and develop a nature path for the schools. She was presented with a check for $500 to be used as she wishes in her classroom.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Science Club fundraiser is successful

The Sisters community overwhelmingly supported a Sisters Science Club (SSC) Fundraiser at FivePine Lodge & Conference Center last month, with donations of $10,698 received.

Blazin Saddles marks a milestone

On May 25 hundreds of mountain bikers will make a rolling start from Blazin Saddles Bike Shop in Sisters, heading out to run the Peterson Ridge Trail in the annual Sisters Stampede. The big start also marks a milestone for the Sisters business; Co-Founders Jacquie Zanck and Casey Meudt are celebrating 15 years of business in Sisters.

Democrat legislators hold town hall in Sisters Music programs They were welcomed like score state trophies rock stars, with a standing ovation from a friendly, partisan crowd that largely filled the Sisters High School gymnasium on Saturday afternoon, May 10. Senator Jeff Merkley and District 5 Representative Janelle Bynum — both Democrats — hosted a town hall meeting in Sisters, and talked about public lands, due process, and resistance to the agenda of the Trump Administration.

Outlaws softball slugger sets record

Senior Kathryn Scholl broke the Sisters High School home run record — then she nearly broke her coach’s hand.

Head Coach August Tripp was on the third-base line Friday when Scholl drove a ball foul.

Tripp ducked and threw up her hand to protect herself. One second after the crack of the bat, the ball smacked Tripp’s hand and wrist. Coach Tripp will be in a splint for most of the rest of the month. When the game resumed, Scholl sent the next pitch 200-plus yards over the fence in left-center field.

Scholl’s home run in game one of Friday’s season-ending doubleheader was her second of the day and 11th on the season.

The Sisters High School band and choir programs are ending the school year on a high note. Both the jazz band and concert choir programs earned state trophies in competitions this month. The concert choir earned its first-ever OSAA trophy by tying for fourth place at the 3A state competition held May 9 at Oregon State University. The Jazz Band’s second-place finish at the Oregon Music Education Association competition came in director Kayla Golka’s third year as director at Sisters High.

GRO awards over $350K to graduates

Sisters Graduate Resource Organization (Sisters GRO) awarded a record $353,550 in local scholarships at the annual senior celebration held at Sisters High School on the evening of May 14. In all 68 separate scholarships accounted for a total of 140 awards distributed among the 68 seniors who completed the application process. The total amount awarded surpassed the previous record by over $70,000 according to Sisters GRO Executive Director Regan Roberts.

Diamonds shine in Sisters thanks to volunteer renovation

Dozens of community members put hundreds of hours of work into revamping Sisters Park & Recreation District ballfields No. 1 and No. 2, west of Sisters High School between Bike Park 242 and the varsity baseball stadium. Travel baseball organization Bandits Sports Club spearheaded the effort, soliciting an estimated $100,000+ worth of monetary, mechanical, and manual donations to bring the fields closer to modern tournament standards.

Cyclists test skills in Sisters

For the 16th straight year, the Sisters Stampede took to Peterson Ridge in a cycling test of skill and grit. Sponsored by Blazin Saddles bike shop, the event has become an annual pilgrimage for mountain bikers, and has gained a glowing reputation as a challenging and fun ride for families.

Sisters marks Memorial Day

Sisters is a major destination for those celebrating the Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial kickoff of summer.

Thanks to an active veterans community, Sisters never forgets that Memorial Day exists to mark a more solemn moment of reflection: a remembrance of those who have fallen in the nation’s wars and conflicts over the past 250 years. Band of Brothers, Sisters, American Legion Post 86, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8138 organize a ceremony at Village Green Park that draws hundreds to pay their respects.

The future of journalism…

PHOTO BY KEMA CLARK

A group of University of Oregon Journalism School students visited Sisters last week, on a field trip centered around rural journalism.

They visited The Nugget Newspaper office, then spent an afternoon on a local farm and talking with 4-H families.

Voters make choices on fire district and school board

Voters made their selections in contested elections for seats on the Sisters School Board and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Board in the May 20

election. Craig Matthews and Jeff Tryens both won seats on the fire district board, securing over 60 percent of the vote. Kristie Miller and Jack McGowan ran unopposed for reelection. Emily Horton prevailed in the race for Position 5 on the Sisters School Board, securing 60 percent of the vote.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Tewalt & Sons Excavation marks 50 years of serving Sisters.

The father-son enterprise of Gerry and Daryl Tewalt have done infrastructure work across Sisters Country for decades, helping to shape the community as it is today.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Firefighters respond Suspect arrested to hazmat incident in for hit and run Sisters deputies arrested Tollgate a 29-year-old Sisters man on

Sisters-Camp Sherman fire personnel handled a hazardous materials incident in the Tollgate subdivision west of Sisters on May 20. According to shift commander Pat Burke, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District was notified at 4:19 p.m. on May 20 of a hazardous materials incident at the Tollgate subdivision pool facility. Maintenance personnel from the Tollgate Homeowners Association reported that muriatic acid was “fuming” from the vents of the facility’s chemical storage closet. Fire and EMS crews responded promptly and confirmed the presence of a hazardous materials spill. A safety perimeter was quickly established to contain the incident and protect nearby residents and property.

Rideshare program awarded $15,000

Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert W. Chandler Discretionary Subfund and Anonymous Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation to support its mission of providing free, accessible, and community-driven nonemergency medical transportation for Sisters Country residents.

Pulver represents Outlaws at state tennis

Dominic Pulver was the lone Outlaw to represent Sisters at the state tennis championships.

He made his presence felt and he took the Sisters team to a ninth-place overall finish out of 19 teams in the 4A/3A/2A/1A division. Coach Vince Grace told The Nugget that Pulver displayed exceptional skill, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the entire tournament.

multiple charges related to an alleged hit-and-run incident and a separate confrontation involving a weapon on May 21.

JUNE Volunteers make Sisters Rodeo shine

Several dozen volunteers gathered for a work party at the Rodeo grounds on Saturday.

As Rodeo week approaches the excitement is building and work is in full swing to make the event as uneventful as possible.

That is to say: no surprises; no glitches. It’ll be plenty eventful inside the arena. The rodeo board of directors and the 200-strong volunteer corps appear committed to pulling off another thrilling set of evenings and afternoons of world-class rodeo — and along with it the parade, as much a spectacle as the rough-and-tumble rodeo.

City boosts water rates

Water and wastewater rates in Sisters will go up in July.

In 2024, the City of Sisters completed a comprehensive rate study, which highlighted the need for significant upgrades to the water and wastewater infrastructure over the next five years, the City reported.

Kids Fest draws enthusiastic crowd

Families from across the community gathered at the Sisters Community Recreation Center for the annual Kids Fest, an event that continues to grow in both size and spirit. Formerly known as Kids Carnival, this year marked the third installment of the celebration, drawing approximately 400 attendees and featuring more than 40 exhibitors.

An accessible overlook...

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Pentecostal Bible Study

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

Hunter Education Class

Starts March 3, 2026. Register online at www.odfw.com.

For more information call Rick Cole at 541-420-6934.

Check-In Circle: Come As You Are

A welcoming space to be seen and heard. The group follows a series of simple check-ins that offer structure without pressure and honesty without performance. First and third Mondays. Next meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. on January 5, at The Hub, 291 E. Main Ave. RSVP to Michael Grant at 503-688-4881.

Sisters Garden Club Meeting

Sisters Garden Club monthly membership meeting will be held Saturday, January 10, at 10 a.m., doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Discuss upcoming presentation topics and tours planned for 2026. New meeting location at The Hub, 291 E. Main Ave. 541-420-6239.

American Legion and VFW

VFW Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86 meet the fi rst Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at The Hub, 291 E. Main St. Email sistersveterans@gmail.com for information.

Central Oregon Federated Republican Meeting

COFRW (Central Oregon Federated Republican Women) meets the fi rst Thursday of every month from 10:45 a.m. (registration) to 1 p.m. at Aspen Lakes Golf Club in Sisters. Come learn from guest speakers, and hear and question local and state candidates.

Meetings include lunch for $27. RSVP required to attend.

Learn more about upcoming meetings and speakers, and RSVP at COFRWBend@ gmail.com.

Monthly Songwriters’ Sharing Circle

Be in a creative community and be inspired while sharing songs, being a great listener, and providing feedback.

Second Sunday of the month, 6 to 8 p.m., upstairs in the Sisters Art Works building (accessible by chair lift), 204 W. Adams Ave. Free. Info: call/text 541977-8494.

SISTERS LIBRA RY

EVENTS Thrive Central Oregon Drop-In Consultations

Friday, January 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sisters Library - Study Room. Drop-in social services assistance.

To setup a remote phone appointment call 541782-1022 or email info@ thrivecentraloregon.org.

Teen Monthly D&D Club

Friday, January 2,2 to 4 p.m. Sisters Library Community Room. For middle and high school aged students.

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SISTERS COMMUNITY

FOOD RESOURCES Free Lunches for Seniors

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

Weekly Food Pantry

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

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

Free Weekly Meal Service

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

FamilyKitchen.org.

Free Pet Food

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

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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.

541-549-2275 • 541-549-8836

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 PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

Volunteers and activists cut the ribbon on a reengineering of the highly popular Whychus Creek Scenic Overlook Trail. A grant of $37,152 from Visit Central Oregon and cash and in-kind donations of $16,104 from Sisters Trails Alliance made it possible to make the stone wall at the overlook more accessible for viewing by people in wheelchairs. Left, cutting the ribbon, Stephanie Presley, executive director at Sisters Trail Alliance; right, Amber Alvarez Lara, 15-yearold student at Sisters High School.

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

11

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Polachek takes field Farm program as girls soccer coach strengthens Ken Polachek has been leadership selected as the new head coach for girls soccer. He is excited about the opportunity that lies ahead.

Furry Friends sees increased need in Sisters

The pet food bank distributes approximately 2.5 tons of pet food a month. Furry Friends Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, operates a year-round pet food and pet supply bank in Sisters. They also sponsor free vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries through the FixBend program. Founder and operator Kiki Dolson confirmed that Furry Friends is seeing more requests from homeless people.

However, Dolson said, most of their clients continue to be Sisters residents: 40 percent of those are seniors living on fixed incomes.

Outlaws name new head football coach

Hayden Hudson, who has lived in Sisters all his life, and has played football since he was in elementary school, will take the reins as the Outlaws new head football coach this fall.

Seed to Table announced last week that it is welcoming Julie Forbes as its first-ever associate director to help steward internal operations and organizational sustainability. Founder Audrey Tehan will continue in her role as executive director.

Open house celebrates school’s extensive remodel

The sweet, two-classroom schoolhouse in Camp Sherman has become an updated, threeclassroom building with new amenities and spaces. The community celebrated with an open house last June 5 at Black Butte School.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity launches new development

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 Sisters Habitat for Humanity’s Larch Commons $10 million project pencil. The City of Sisters Cottage Overlay Zone along Adams Avenue allowed for the housing types that will be featured in the development.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The 4-H Wagon Train trekked through Sisters Country for six days, beginning July 16, in an annual event that connects youth and adults with the pioneer experience.

Rodeo parade delights thousands

Hundreds of participants, many on horses, paraded through downtown Sisters Saturday for the annual rodeo parade that draws folks from hundreds, indeed thousands of miles. Halfway around the globe in fact. The Angel family from Australia was there – mom and dad and four little ones, part of a visit to grandpa and grandma in Cloverdale.

Girls volleyball has new head coach

The Sisters High School (SHS) volleyball team has a new head coach, 23-year-old Mahryahna Callegari. Despite her young age, Callegari brings with her not only personal playing experience, but seven years of coaching experience.

Cotner returns to Sisters rallies hardwood to coach girls basketball team around grieving SHS Kevin Cotner, who was the students

PHOTO BY JESS DRAPER

June Duvall celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at a party at The Lodge at Black Butte Ranch on May 4.

DOGGIE DAYCARE & BOARDING From outside cold play to warm, fireside play and naps inside

girls basketball coach from 2006 to 2010, will return as head coach for the Sisters High School (SHS) girls basketball team. Prior to his tenure in Sisters, Cotner was the girls basketball coach in Maupin, Oregon, for three years from 2003-2006. After resigning from coaching at SHS, Cotner and his family spent 10 years in Sayulita, Mexico. Their family returned to Sisters permanently this past year.

Sisters is rallying around students and staff of Sisters High School left grieving at the news that a 17-year-old Sisters student was killed in a singlevehicle crash last week. The crash occurred overnight on June 10-11, on Highway 242 near Cold Springs Campground.

The vehicle driven by Reid Woodson impacted a tree.

Oregon State Police is not releasing any further information on the crash.

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Highway 242 is open Sisters man killed in In an annual rite that helps motorcycle accident kick off the summer season, the Oregon Department of Transportation opened Highway 242 to vehicle traffic on Monday, June 16.

Class of 2025 springs forward

It wasn’t just the rodeo gathering crowds this week as 100 members of class of 2025 from Sisters High School celebrated commencement on June 13. For this group, which started high school on the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic and ended on the heels of a community tragedy, there remained much positivity to commemorate.

A 36-year-old Sisters man was killed and his passenger seriously injured in a singlevehicle motorcycle wreck near Mt. Bachelor on June 17.

Oregon State Police responded at about 6:35 p.m. to the report of the accident. According to OSP, preliminary investigation indicated a black Husqvarna motorcycle, operated by Beau Douglas Gibney, 36, of Sisters, was traveling southbound on Forest Service Road 46 (also known as Century Drive and Cascade Lakes Highway) when it drove off the west shoulder roadway near milepost 24 and struck a tree stump.

A perfect day on the water...

Lucas Rietmann and Laura Readman ran a four-mile stretch of the Metolius River on a bluebird Saturday.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Rodeo draws big names, big money, big scores

“This may be a small town, but this is no small rodeo,” said Cal Weaver of Prineville who was attending Sunday for what he guesses is about his 200th rodeo. He’s been to all the biggies: Houston, Las Vegas, Calgary, Pendleton, Ellensburg, and a dozen more marquee rodeos. “And it’s not local,” he added. “Sure, you got a lot of Oregon cowboys, a few from Prineville actually, but look at who’s here — a who’s who in the rodeo world.”

Sisters scores major tournament

A competitive field of 184 players, consisting of 92 professionals and 92 amateurs, teed it up at Aspen Lakes Golf Course for the 2025 Pelzer Golf Oregon Open Invitational. The event featured both individual and team competitions.

Sisters in Sisters marks third anniversary

Barclay bypass traffic pattern adjusted

In June 2022, a small group of LGBTQ+ women started Sisters in Sisters. The idea was to provide a place where friends, family, allies, and community members could have a casual get-together. The first Sisters in Sisters gathering was also the very first publicly announced Pride event ever to occur in Sisters. Last week, Sisters in Sisters gathered at Luckey’s Woodsman to celebrate Pride here in town; other Pride events took place in Bend and throughout Central Oregon.

JULY Twenty vehicles pulled from forest

In recent weeks, 20 abandoned vehicles have been hauled out of the woods and deposited in a staging area for permanent removal.

Many motorists were stymied by the new traffic flow pattern at North Locust Street where it continues as Camp Polk Road at Barclay Drive.

Northbound drivers on Locust found difficulty in navigating the zig-zag onto Camp Polk, with some missing the flow altogether and driving on the bike lane. The white pylons and road striping appeared to some drivers as a barrier for continuing northbound making them think that their only option was to turn left onto Barclay and then wending their way through Sun Ranch Business Park to get back to Camp Polk. Within two days of being alerted to the issue, the City’s Public Works Department reconfigured the intersection.

Endurance riders run in Sisters

Three dozen competitive equestrians from multiple states met at Sisters Cow Camp last weekend for the 61st Santiam Cascade Endurance Ride. The gathering was held about four miles south of town off Pole Creek Road, the start and finish point for one of two rides – a 30-miler and a more arduous 50-mile run.

Fire district earns kudos for budget

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Ardent butterfly lovers fanned out to count butterflies in an event conducted here for decades.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District consistently earns awards for the quality of its budget work. Since the awards recognize good stewardship of taxpayer dollars, the recognition that has come year after year for a decade constitutes a feather in the cap of the district.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

A small Cessna plane crashed shortly after takeoff on Deer Ridge Road northeast of Sisters Eagle Airport on Sunday morning, July 13. All three occupants servivd the incident with relatively minor injuries.

Healing Reins Public engages on announces expansion actions for unhoused

Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services is breaking ground on an expansion to its clinical services program, in response to the rapidly growing demand for pediatric physical and occupational therapy in Central Oregon. Construction begins July 5. This project includes the addition of two new clinic rooms, and a therapy gym—improvements that will allow Healing Reins to serve more individuals year-round in an inclusive and innovative environment.

Big Ponderoo delivers great music and good vibes

It ended Sunday night just as it began Friday — to thunderous applause. The third Big Ponderoo Music & Art Festival delivered a musical experience which delighted — thrilled, actually — appreciative crowds with more than 20 hours of emotion-filled music by 41 artists performing in 15 acts.

A large and lively group of citizens gathered at the Sisters Park & Recreation District Community Center on June 24 for a second public meeting to address unhoused issues. There were 115 people in attendance, including representatives from 13 entities.

MMV: Hearings officer recommends approval

Deschutes County Hearings Officer Tommy Brooks has recommended the Deschutes County Commissioners approve the Comprehensive Plan amendment and a zone change requested by McKenzie Meadow Village LLC (MMV).

The 58-acre property north of Sisters High School and west of the City of Sisters could be included in an expansion of the City’s urban growth boundary, but the hearings officer’s recommendation and potential county approval do not address that question.

SISTERS-AREA EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT 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 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 3

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 7 (cont.)

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

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

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

Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • JANUARY 10

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

The Lodge Retirement Center Author reading: Michael Cooper presents his award-winning and bestselling book "Miscalculated Risks," which recounts how Cooper's increasingly dangerous ventures far into wilderness landed him in dire situations. 2 to 3 p.m. Free.

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 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

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.

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

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 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.

TUESDAY • JANUARY 6

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 7

SUNDAY • JANUARY 11

MONDAY • JANUARY 12

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 13

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

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

THURSDAY • JANUARY 15

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

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Steve Stenkamp presents "Lost Oregon Ski Areas."

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

FRIDAY • JANUARY 16

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

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

Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

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

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 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

13

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW City restructuring public works

Looking both at continued growth in Sisters and a laundry list of public works projects close to $30 million, the job of public works director, held for 14 years by Paul Bertagna, is being vacated. Management of streets, water, sewer, and infrastructure will be split between Bertagna and Jackson Dumanch, who has served as project coordinator the past five years. Bertagna’s new job title is capital projects manager and Dumanch now serves as public works operations manager.

Fiftieth quilt show lives up to billing

There was a lot of understandable hype surrounding the 50th anniversary edition of the Sister Outdoor Quilt Show that brings upwards of 10,000 visitors to Sisters the second Saturday of every July. Dawn Boyd, executive director, summarized it with a note of glee.

“What an unforgettable day at the 50th Annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show!” she said.

“From the moment the sun rose over the Cascades, our town came alive with over 1,000 quilts dancing in the breeze and thousands of visitors filling the streets with joy, wonder, and connection. The energy was electric, from the powerful ‘Golden Memories’ exhibits to the touching tributes to our founder, Jean Wells.”

Big bull business bucks into Sisters

If you didn’t get your fill of rodeo last month at the 85th Sisters Rodeo, you may have been one of the roughly 1,000 who attended the Third Annual Red Rock Futurity. Held July 26 at the rodeo grounds in ideal weather, more than 100 future rodeo bulls gave it their best in hopes of moving into the professional rodeo circuits. Nearly two dozen bull breeders rolled into Sisters intent on advancing their stock — and fortunes.

Futurity rodeos are events specifically designed for young, inexperienced rodeo animals, typically horses and bulls.

Fire Corps earns Silver Sparky

The State Fire Marshal’s Office recognized the SistersCamp Sherman Fire District Fire Corps with a Silver Sparky Award. The Fire Corps, believed to be the largest outfit of its kind in the state, is a team of nearly 50 dedicated volunteers who have served the communities of Sisters and Camp Sherman with extraordinary energy and care since 2015.

Kevin Formalarie, and wife Jessie, build community in their McKenzie Meadows Village neighborhood one pizza at a time. Kevin bakes dozens in his home pizza oven each Saturday and welcomes his neighbors to visit and eat.

Outdoor movies on tap in Sisters this summer

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Teaching children to fly fish

Local nonprofit Citizens4 Community is teaming up with Kendall Auto Group to launch a free outdoor movie series in Sisters this summer. “Let’s Watch!” will bring community members together under the stars for four free, familyfriendly films at iconic locations around town.

Go Fish Group fly-fishing club in Sisters gathered on June 7 to teach 15 children, ages 9–14, how to fly fish. Parents were also invited to attend. The event was made possible by a grant from the Oregon Council of Fly Fishing International.

The fly-fishing club hopes the children will learn to enjoy the sport and art of fly fishing in the great outdoors.

Sisters sees annual ‘invasion’ from the Pacific Crest Trail

Thriving Sisters business expands

Sisters is a well-regarded resupply town on the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile continuous foot path between the Mexican and Canadian borders.

According to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, they issued 6,840 permits this year for northbound (starting at Mexico) “NOBOS” and “SOBOs,” (starting at Canada hiking south), and a small group of section hikers. They represent all 50 states, as well as throughhikers from 45 countries.

You’ll see them in town until September. However, the peak of the invasion here in Sisters, also called the “bubble,” is around August 1.

Sisters Meat and Smokehouse has been in business since 2016, and in that relatively short timespan it has become a thriving cornerstone of Sisters’ business community. The artisanal butcher shop and eatery has just expanded, opening a mercantile in the log building next door to its Spruce Street location. The mercantile offers an array of products to support the outdoor cooking lifestyle. There is also a selection of wine, and some seating for folks enjoying a Smokehouse lunch.

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Nugget’s guardian, Marcey Rhyne, entered him in the contest because, she says, “He has a way of filling people with curiosity and slight confusion. He looks like a piece of pepperoni with fangs.”

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Single home sales in Landowner works on Sisters languish creek restoration

Realtors as recently as six months ago were bemoaning the dearth of inventory in Sisters Country. Not so now.

There are 123 single family or townhomes for sale in zip code 97759. The trouble now is that they are not selling. At least not for the price asked, or in a reasonable time frame.

AUGUST Dozens of couples square up in Sisters

Sisters High School commons was the scene for three days where about 100 square dancers from California, Washington, and Oregon gathered for the Central Oregon Roundup.

Chris Crevers lives on Junipine Lane east of Sisters on eight acres with about 1,500 feet of Whychus creek frontage. Substantial work has been done to restore the creek south of Crever and his neighbors’ properties, on land owned

by Deschutes Land Trust.

Substantial work has been done through town and to the north.

The land in between is all in private ownership — and Crever hopes to rally his neighbors to participate in what has become a remarkable tale of bringing a creek back to life. He reached out to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to find out how private landowners along Whychus Creek can aid and assist with the restoration work that has been going on.

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14

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Rescuers aid hikers at Chush Falls

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District was dispatched to the Chush Falls area south of Sisters on July 30, after receiving a report of two hikers experiencing medical issues. Due to limited access and terrain, assistance was requested from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit. Eleven SAR volunteers responded to the scene.

Both hikers were located and evaluated on the trail. One was able to hike out, while the second was transported to the trailhead using a wheeled litter.

Community rallies for 3.5-mile nature trail

Some 60 students from Sisters Middle School last spring laid out a 3,500-foot section of what will become a 3.5-mile community trail circumnavigating the outer boundary of all three Sisters schools.

Under the supervision of Sisters Trails Alliance the kids flagged a serpentine path on the Hwy. 242 side, having first designed its route in the classroom.

CORE is growing — good food

Community Outreach, Resources, and Emergency Shelter (CORE) has sprouted a community garden at their establishment on Trinity Way, and the planting beds are flourishing with big healthy tomato plants, spinach, lettuce, watermelon, corn (yes, corn cobs are growing), peas, and zucchini.

Fate of Red Rock sculpture is unclear

The fate of a proposed Western sculpture crafted to sit atop the Locust Street/Highway 20 roundabout is as uncertain as an eight-second ride on a bucking bull. In an August 13 workshop, a majority of City Councilors left the impression that they were rejecting a proposal that would have placed a 1.5 life-size bronze of legendary rodeo bull Red Rock ridden

by Lane Frost in a 1988 event at Sisters Rodeo Grounds.

Flat Fire scorches Sisters Country

Another small fire offers warning

The second small, humancaused fire near Sisters again points up the danger of fire in the community. Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service swiftly knocked down a small fire off Highway 20 on Tuesday, August 12, mere days after a similar blaze was quelled along the 100 spur road near Pine Street. Both blazes were human caused. The Highway 20 fire is under investigation.

The fire near the spur road is of undetermined origin.

The iconic Rimrock Ranch gate at the end of Wilt Road served as a symbol of the destruction wrought by The Flat Fire which started Thursday, August 21.

UGB committee suggests parcels

During their final meeting, the UGB Steering Committee voted in support of a map including only parcels to the east and northeast of current city limits, excluding the McKenzie Meadows parcels currently applying for a rezone.

The Hub takes shape in Sisters

PHOTO BY PAM MITCHELL

Sisters Rodeo honors Flat Fire scorches volunteers Sisters Country

August 16, the Board of Directors of Sisters Rodeo hosted their annual appreciation banquet to recognize volunteers. Some 185 of 200 volunteers attended the event held at Red Rock Hall on the rodeo grounds. They were treated to a sumptuous Tex-Mex menu catered by Luckey’s Woodsman.

Nonprofit organization Citizens4Community (C4C) has taken on the lease of the building at 291 E. Main Ave., quickly assembling community support and donations from local businesses, evolving Tom and both the space Norene and the vision for Gonsiewski it. Named “The danced at a Hub” in Sisters, the building now recent house provides office concert at headquarters for their home nonprofits C4C — to a song and Explore Sisters. written for and

Wild West Cup riders thunder in Cloverdale

It started on Thursday afternoon, August 21, out in the flats about three miles west of Lake Billy Chinook. The humancaused Flat Fire built momentum and rolled south, approaching, then crossing the Deschutes County line. On Friday, communities to the north of Sisters were under evacuation notices.

The situation evolved very quickly, with residents jumping from Level 1 — Be Ready status to Level 3 — Go Now in minutes. The tempo of events drove home the urging of emergency services officials that people in Sisters Country prepare for such contingencies in advance.

Arrest made in sex abuse case

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating multiple allegations of sexual misconduct involving a now-former employee at Camp Caldera at Blue Lake west of Sisters. In a media release, the Sheriff’s Office reported that on August 12, a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy took an initial report, then met with the reporting parties and victims at a neutral location, where several individuals provided detailed statements. The sheriff’s office reported that during the interviews, the victims identified the suspect as “Bear,” later confirmed to be Zackary Perry, 28, of Portland.

about them

by Dennis McGregor and Beth Wood.

August 9-10 Sisters Polo Club was home to some of the best polo to be found in Oregon.

2ND SUNDAY SONG SHARING CIRCLE

JANUARY 11 • 6-8PM

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

15

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW The Flat Fire night shift sleeps daily in Sisters

Hundreds of night-shift fire emergency personnel attending to the Flat Fire got welldeserved and highly necessary sleep during the day in the Sisters Park & Recreation Department’s (SPRD) community building. There are approximately 75 emergency vehicles parked on East Cascade Avenue in front, and in the lot, of SPRD’s building. A stroll amid these vehicles indicates the breadth of support Sisters Country has from across the state of Oregon and from tribal nations.

Luau at Village Green defies smoke

Nearly 75 determined diners gathered at Village Green Saturday for the Kiwanis Luau, a benefit for the new community trail under development at the Sisters schools. About 300 tickets had been sold, and undoubtedly fire concerns depressed sales and turnout.

100-mile race finishes in Sisters

The Oregon Cascades 100 alpine ultra running race began in Bend on August 23 with 200 runners registered for the 50-mile run and 327 for the 100-mile course. Both ended at Sisters Middle School.

Structure protection praised in fire fight

Some firefighting forces began demobilizing from the Flat Fire as the fire stood at 52 percent containment. Steve Chapman of the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office (SFMO) noted that the collaboration between ODF wildlands and SFMO structure teams allowed expedited sharing of resources.

The ODF has more chainsaws and big equipment while the SFMO has more horsepower, water, and hoses. Chapman reported that there were about 80 homes in the fire perimeter that needed to be checked hourly for mop-up activity. He said this kind of work takes a lot of resources and time.

Longtime Sisters resident loses home

Braxton Holly, 81, was one of the locals who chose to stay home on the evening of August 22. It was approaching nightfall when he got the alert that his home was on “Level 3 — Go Now” evacuation orders.

Within minutes of losing power, he heard the crunch of a firetruck’s wheels on his driveway, followed by voices of firefighters outside telling him to “get out now.” Holly, disabled due to a debilitating spinal cord injury, found his way to the driveway in the darkness, while firefighters rapidly spread out around his property in an effort to protect his home from the incoming conflagration. Holly took nothing with him except for the clothes on his back. His log home off of Holmes Road was one that he proudly built himself over 35 years ago.

Musician earns music academy scholarship

Drummer and music enthusiast Frankie Borla, currently a sophomore, is wholeheartedly and passionately pursuing his music education by attending Interlochen Center for the Arts for this school year. This is a music-intensive education program for aspiring musicians and students interested in the arts.

Habitat celebrates housewarming

Sisters has been expressing its gratitude to firefighters in many ways since the Flat Fire broke out on August 21. A campaign is now underway to direct community support to critical equipment needs of local fire districts.

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

Sisters Habitat for Humanity celebrated the completion of its 82nd and 83rd affordable homes in Sisters September 5.

Angela Lawrence and Jonathan Amsberry cut the ribbons on their new homes located at 314 and 344 N. Desert Rose Loop.

PHOTO COURTESY ELISE WOLF

Elise Wolf’s native bird rehabilitation facility was devastated by the Flat Fire — but Wolf says, “We’re not done.”

Bull sculpture may be stuck in the chute

The mounting controversy surrounding City Council’s reluctance to accept a citizenled proposal to place a 1.5-times life-size statue of a legendary rodeo bull and his rider atop the new Locust Street/Highway 20 roundabout has grown in awareness beyond S i s t e r s C o u n t r y.

Reporting has reached as far as the Daily Mail, a British daily middle-market tabloid conservative newspaper founded in 1896, published in London.

the threat of the Flat Fire. The program encourages donations to local fire districts’ volunteer associations toward the purchase of vital, and very expensive, firefighting equipment. In this way, citizens can “pay forward” their appreciation for the Flat Fire response by helping local districts prepare for the next emergency.

Sisters seeks to pay it forward

A group of local activists, with support from Citizens4 Community, launched a campaign to help citizens offer substantive, high-value, longterm support to local fire districts — those who first responded to

PHOTO PROVIDED.

Naomi Bailey is a multi-discipline equestrian and now 2026 Sisters Rodeo Queen.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER Glory Daze gets Sisters revved up!

At least 1,000 people showed up for Glory Daze, the annual fall car show put on

by Sisters Park & Recreation District. Once again it was held in the best of conditions — pure blue skies lit by a bright sun.

East Main Avenue was blocked off from Larch to Elm streets to handle the 109 cars that registered for the event — a record.

There are 112 parking spaces. A few couldn’t make it, like Gary Patterson’s 1967 El Camino lost in the Flat Fire. And, as usual, another 15 or so came, unregistered. They were accommodated in the First Interstate Parking lot but were not eligible for judging.

Writers and readers celebrated at local festival

Writers and their readers swarmed the town for Sisters Festival of Books last weekend. Highlights included live storytelling, workshops, author readings, book signing, and a splendid feast.

Runners hit their stride in Sisters

Some 400 long-distance runners took to the trails of Sisters Saturday for the Three Sisters Skyline, one of 10 events produced by Alpine Running. Two courses — a half marathon (13 miles) and a 50K (31 miles) — were both challenging and exhilarating, runners said.

Storey takes reins at Sisters Elementary

Megan Storey is the new principal at Sisters Elementary School. Her zeal for working with kids has been at the center of her 20-year career from the beginning, and she is eager to bring that passion into the Sisters School District.

Hundreds drawn to artist studio tour

Sisters was a hive of activity drawing large crowds of locals and visitors alike to town over the weekend. Parking spots and coffee shops filled early Saturday for the Three Sisters Skyline runs. Right behind were art lovers from all over Oregon and a few from Washington, California, and Idaho. They were on a mission: A gentle, noncompetitive journey through Sisters Country to meet 25 artists who participated in 16 home studios and hosting galleries. Some locations featured more than one artist, so visitors could meet many of our local talent.

Cell phone ban met with acceptance in Sisters schools

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Cynthia Noyes took Best in Show at the annual Glory Daze car show with her 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk with its trademark fins.

Students are taking the statemandated ban on cell phone devices in stride — at least so student and teacher reactions in the early days of adoption at Sisters schools would indicate.

PHOTO COURTESY CATHY STADELI

Ethan Cron was the impetus behind a prayer vigil held in Sisters on September 16 to honor the memory of slain activist Charlie Kirk. Cron, just shy of turning 19, is among the many American youth influenced by Kirk’s activism and his faith.

OCTOBER Music lovers feast on Sisters Folk Festival

Marjorie Laramee and her husband Mark from Portland were taking in their eighth Sisters Folk Festival last weekend. They likened the event

to “one of those sumptuous banquet scenes from a movie.

Everybody feasting. Just incredibly good music. And so much of it.” It was a very full plate last weekend, where packed crowds were feted to 33 acts spread over seven venues with 84 performances — in all, 23 hours of music. Plus, nine workshops and four free sets at Fir Street Park.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

17

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Petition filed to recall councilors

Frank Claxton, a resident of Sisters, is the chief petitioner for two recall filings presented to and received by the City of Sisters on September 23. In both filings, with slightly different wording for cause, Claxton alleges that Mayor Jennifer Letz, and Council President Sarah McDougall have breached their responsibilities.

Flat Fire reaches $29 million in cost

As the fire season comes to a close, only three fires were burning in Oregon as of September 26. The largest, the Emigrant Fire, 24 miles southeast of Oakridge, dropped smoke on Sisters early in September and has consumed 33,000 acres with 41% containment. It has exceeded $50 million in cost and counting.

It was started by lightning.

There are 2,113 personnel still at work on Oregon fires. The Sisters Country Flat Fire, which caused five structure losses in Sisters Country, but no deaths or injuries, burned 23,346 acres.

It ranks as the fifth largest wildfire in Oregon for the year and is fully contained with its cause still under investigation. The cost is estimated at $29 million.

Runners take on Suttle Lake Trail

A gloomy, rainy October day on Saturday and a snowy finish on Sunday with the lake in glorious fall colors set the scene for runners circling the Suttle Lake Trail multiple times throughout the course of the inaugural Suttle Lake Trail Fest, put on by Alpine Running.

The race was a timed event in which runners ran trail the 3.6-mile loop with 110 feet of elevation gain per loop for 24, 12, or six hours, from Saturday into Sunday. Runners strove to achieve as many miles as possible within the timed window of their choosing.

Recall petition withdrawn

The chief petitioner in an effort to recall Mayor Jennifer Letz and City Council President Sarah McDougall has withdrawn the petition. In paperwork received by the City of Sisters on October 20, Frank Claxton stated that he is moving outside the city limits of Sisters, which would disqualify him as a petitioner.

Erik Dolson captured a stunning and almost eerie sunset over Sisters Country on Halloween, October 31.

Harvest Faire undaunted by weather

As more than 160 vendors set up tents for the annual Harvest Faire, the mood was somber. Would weather dampen turnout and sales? It turned out that no one need have worried.

The weather posed some significant challenges, but the crowds turned out in the thousands for the 40-plus year tradition, held the second weekend of October.

‘No Kings’ rally draws hundreds in Sisters

Several hundred demonstrators lined Cascade Avenue in Sisters on Saturday morning, October 18, joining thousands across Central Oregon and millions nationwide in a “No Kings” protest against the policies and actions of the Trump Administration.

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Sisters educators earn prestigious awards

A pair of arts educators from Sisters are set to receive awards from the Oregon Arts Education Association (OAEA). The first Sisters nominee for the award is Paige Catalina, art teacher at Sisters Elementary School for the past four years. Judy Rosenthal, the art teacher at Sisters Middle School, is the second nominee for the OAEA award. Rosenthal has been an arts educator for over 25 years.

PHOTO BY EMILY GREEN

Sisters Dental

Farmers at Seed to Table harvest food for the community. The nonprofit donated over 40,000 pounds of fresh produce to food pantries and other partners last year.

The first dusting...

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

ODOT yard spared by special legislation

The Oregon Senate passed a transportation funding package September 29 written to raise $4.3 billion over the next decade and rescind layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Locally, that means that the Sisters maintenance yard off Highway 126, which had been on the chopping block, will stay in operation.

Starry Nights returns with Keb’ Mo’

The Sisters Starry Nights Concert Series returns with “An Evening with Keb’ Mo’” on Saturday, April 11.

Keb’ Mo’ will make his way to Sisters High School as part of his 2026 Solo Tour, marking the third time that this iconic artist has headlined the concert series, after his past performances in 2008 and 2013. Like all Sisters Starry Nights artists, Keb’ Mo’ is generously donating his time in support of the Sisters Schools Foundation.

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The turning of the seasons brought the first light snowfall to the Sisters last week.

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18

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW

Meet the Addams Family…

— PHOTO BY KELLI CARTER —

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Sisters High School thespians, artisans, and musicians pulled out all the stops in an impressive production of The Addams Family Musical November 6-9.

Costumed kids (and adults) had a blast at all of the Halloween events in Sisters.

Sisters ministry strong on action

Not all faith ministries operate out of houses of worship, and that is true in Sisters where some 200 faithful of Get Strong Oregon meet in various settings and talk about their journeys. They gather at such places as Sisters Coffee Co. every Saturday at 6 a.m. for men’s open bible study.

Women have their own group meeting at 8 a.m. Get Strong hosts a monthly men’s breakfast at Spoons Restaurant, and a monthly men’s bonfire night at Resilient Ranch, owned by NFL tight end Jacob Hollister.

Their common bond, apart from their Christian faith, is physical fitness — reflected in the ministry’s name. One of its leaders is Ryan Hudson who owns three gyms in Sisters.

Salvaging milkweed for habitat in Sisters

Sisters Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition students and members of Upper Deschutes Watershed Council salvaged milkweed rhizomes from Sisters Community Garden beds last week. Healthy mature rhizomes will be rehomed along Whychus Creek at two of the Council’s recent restoration project sites.

Sisters GRO continues to grow

Following a record-setting $353,000 in local scholarships awarded in 2025, Sisters Graduate Resource Organization has expanded further for the class of 2026.

Executive Director Regan Roberts announced the minimum award to be offered in 2026 will be $1,000.

NOVEMBER Home sales plunge in October

Only 18 single-family homes sold last month in Sisters Country compared to 31 during October of 2024. This followed the pattern in September when 29 homes closed versus 23 in the prior year. Sisters appears to be following the national trend where uncertainty in the jobs market and stubbornly high interest rates are keeping buyers on the sidelines.

Food insecurity jolts Sisters Country

“We just had our busiest day ever in our history,” said Jeff Taylor, who is a director of Kiwanis Food Bank in Sisters.

Like thousands of other Central Oregonians, many food bank patrons usually receive government benefits to help pay for food, via the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program A recent political struggle over benefit payments plunged nonprofits, food producers, and customers into chaos and uncertainty. The community is scrambling to meet the need.

Outlaws claim Cross Country district title

The Outlaws girls team ran according to the plan on their way to claim a narrow victory over Santiam Christian last week, winning the Special District 2 cross-country title, earning a berth to the OSAA State Championships.

Eby named Defensive Player of the Year

Outlaws football had 15 players named to all league teams, and Ethan Eby was at the top of the list. Senior Eby was named the Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team all-league selection at both linebacker and running back.

City to celebrate mobility hub

The City of Sisters invited the community to a ribbon cutting celebration for the new Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub on November 17.

The event took place at the new park, located at 460 Highway 20 (the “triangle” where Highway 20 and Highway 242 meet). According to the City, Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub represents a major step forward in the City’s commitment to sustainable transportation, outdoor recreation, and community gathering spaces. The project integrates regional transportation options and amenities such as bathrooms, RV dump, and fill stations as well as a community labyrinth and planned dog park all designed to welcome residents and visitors alike.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Garth, Kit, and Chelsea Tosello at their tea shop in Sisters, which has now been in operation for a decade.

Students make veterans feel special

It’s been a long tradition at the school district to honor members of the armed forces every Veterans Day, November 11. It is not a frivolous event, nor is it entirely somber. It’s celebratory, and last week’s recognition was no exception.

City makes decision on UGB

Sisters City Council voted 3-2 to approve Concept Aa for expansion of the urban growth boundary (UGB) on Wednesday, November 5.

Another year of work remains before the possibility of annexing properties is opened.

Greenhouse will reveal ‘the magic of growth’

There were cheers, songs, and heartfelt speeches preceding the big moment on Tuesday afternoon, November 4, when Sisters Elementary School students cut the ribbon dedicating their new greenhouse. The construction of the 30-by-20-foot greenhouse turned into a monumental project.

PHOTO BY DALE GRIMSMAN

October storms kicked up clouds of ash and dust where the Flat Fire burned last summer.

Volleyball names all-league selections

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

The entire Sisters Elementary School turned out to cut the ribbon on the new greenhouse that will be the centerpiece of science education.

Outlaws volleyball went a perfect 17-0 in league play, with just eight players on the roster.

Six of the eight were named to all-league teams including senior Audrey Sybesma and junior Paityn Cotner, who earned first-team all-league honors.

Whychus Creek crested at about 2 a.m. on Friday, December 19. The flow was intense enough to wash away firewood piles and carry logs along in the freshet.

PHOTO BY ERIN BORLA

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW

19

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

Sisters Middle School welcomes new principal

PHOTO PROVIDED

Justin Nicklous and his wife Misty, who is a kindergarten teacher at Sisters Elementary School, enjoying time together on the coast.

Soccer players make Community all-league roster Builders set record The Outlaws boys soccer attendance last week program announced its allleague selections, highlighted by senior leaders who anchored both ends of the field. First team all-league honors went to seniors Jesse Polachek and Nick Palmer.

The Community Builders, who meet once a month to help build community in Sisters, set a record at their November 19 meeting with 34 attendees gathering (eight new) in the tasting room at the Lazy Z meadery.

Girls soccer names three to all-league

DECEMBER

Outlaws girls soccer had three players earn all-league honors this season. Senior Zoee Bafford and sophomore Wynona (Nona) Smith were named first-team all-league selections.

Petitioners work to repeal gas tax

The Outlaws JV volleyball squad wrapped up a stellar season, finishing 17-0. They swept every opponent on their schedule with only two matches extending to four sets.

Sisters activists were out over Thanksgiving weekend harvesting signatures in opposition to the transportation bill recently signed by Governor Tina Kotek. Oregonians across the state are being asked to sign on to a referendum to repeal HB 3991 — the emergency transportation bill enacted in a special legislative session in late October to fund road maintenance and stave off layoffs of Oregon Department of Transportation personnel.

Patti Adair to run for Congress

E-bikes get green light on forest trails

JV volleyball squad goes undefeated

Patti Adair, 74, announced her candidacy for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, which stretches across the Cascades from Bend to Portland.

Habitat dedicates new homes

Habitat for Humanity of Sisters, transferred ownership of its 88th and 89th homes at a ribbon cutting dedication ceremony at Sisters Woodlands.

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.

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Downtown windows were again made festive by Sisters Elementary School fourth-graders in a 25-year-old tradition.

PHOTO PROVIDED

20

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Douglas Davisson Meyers

George William Yocom Passed December 3, 2024

March 5, 1930 — September 18, 2024

Ed “Pops” Shaver

Those we lost...

Irene Eleanor Liden

July 25,1953 — February 20, 2025

Terry Otis Burgess

Nancy Rae Nagues Clark

Don Boyd

Kay Beverly Nelson

Phyllis Carol Meyers (née Briggs)

June 1, 1931 — March 13, 2025

January 11, 1941 — January 3, 2025

Patricia (Pat) Louise Riddle

May 30, 1948 — November 5, 2024

March 24, 1947 — December 14, 2024

August 26, 1944 — January 17, 2025

November 25, 1942 — February 21, 2025

August 27, 1930 — March 29, 2025

Martha Adrienne “Adora” Hitchcock

Kenneth M. Scott

Alfred (Carson) Peter Meyer

October 27, 1945 - January 24, 2025

Janice Aileen (Richards) Baldwin

September 22, 1934 — February 21, 2025

Kathryn M. “Kathy” Krause

Sunny Dian Phillips

Claude Barnes

Walter “Hughes” Protzman

April 19, 1943 — December 20, 2024

July 12, 1941 — November 9, 2024

Dale Raymond Waddell May 2, 1954 — November 17, 2024

Christopher Douglas Carlson

December 25, 1956 — December 22, 2024

July 7, 1941 — February 21, 2025

September 2, 1941 — January 30, 2025

Terry Kay Byrum

August 19, 1944 — November 22, 2024

Rhonda Lynn Perry

November 1, 1951 — December 27, 2024

Melvin G. Jolly

February 15, 1943 — April 24, 2025

Patricia Jane April 1943 — February 22, 2025

June 18, 1968 — December 2, 2024

Connie Rickards (Hartford)

March 22, 1959 — December 30, 2024

James McCready

March 27, 1938 — February 4, 2025

Raymond Jourdan Lee Passed April 24, 2025

Passed February 2, 2025

Rhonda Gay Darst (Combs)

Passed April 14, 2025

James “Jim” Charles Harrison

September 29, 1950—March 5, 2025

James Bradford Kennedy 1932–2025

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

21

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Margaret (Peg) Frances Bermel

May 1, 1949 — April 25, 2025

Karen Elizabeth Anderson

March 3, 1941 — May 7, 2025

McNulty Alfred “Al” Taylor

October 13, 1930 — May 16, 2025

Joseph (Joe) Bateman Holder

Those we lost...

Jerry Hilbert Kirkpatrick June 25, 1930 — July 29, 2025

February 24, 1930 — June 3, 2025

Richard Lee Gillaspie

Ann (Annie) Marland May 12, 1947– July 30, 2025

1933 — 2025

Elizabeth Christine Miles (née Greenway) July 17, 1957 — May 24, 2025

Dinah Rae Bond

December 26, 1943 — May 30, 2025

July 11, 1944 — September 24, 2025

Verle Dorene (Pilling) Weitzman

Frank Sandor Buehler

April 8, 1936 — September 30, 2025

Marsha Eileen Lewis

April 17, 1937 — October 5, 2025

Alvin Robert Neufeldt

April 30, 1953 — October 19, 2025

March 29, 1943 — August 19, 2025

Dr. David Eugene Sullivan, EdD

November 8, 1939 — August 2, 2025

Howard DenHartog

June 5, 1939 — August 19, 2025

August 3, 1984 — June 16, 2025

Jeremy Edward Bates

Jack Blum

Robert Paul Temple

May 12, 1931 — August 14, 2025

January 14, 1954 — June 6, 2025

Samuel Donald Richardson

Joanne Lucille Lee (Gordon)

September 20, 1973 — August 5, 2025

Beau Douglas Gibney January 13, 1989 — June 17, 2025

Edith Loretta Lavers March 1, 1929 - June 18, 2025

Patricia (Pat) A. Mostek January 22, 1938 — July 20, 2025

Loretta Jean Kriege

November 13, 1947 — August 7, 2025

James Wallace Knapp

February 14, 1936 — August 14, 2025

Mark Lloyd Stevens

March 9, 1964 — August 18, 2025

Gary Eugene Stone

April 12, 1942 — August 20, 2025

Robert W. Sumner

Scott Gerald “Scottie” Olson April 10, 1960 — November 2, 2025

Passed September 2, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Hempeck

December 11, 1945 — September 23, 2025

Gerald “Jerry” Eugene Barney

October 29,1954 — December 6, 2025

Continues on page 23

22

Wednesday, December 31, 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 FOR RENT BY OWNER discrimination call HUD toll-free at Apartment, ground floor, 1200 sf, 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free 2 bd (both w/ en suite ba). All telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. appliances including W/D, fully CLASSIFIED RATES furnished, all utilities included COST: $3.50 per line for first (electric, water, internet & cable). insertion, $2.50 per line for each 2 parking spots. 2 miles west of additional insertion to 9th week, high school. Max 2 occupants + $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond 1 dog, No smoking on property. (identical ad/consecutive weeks).

Also included in The Nugget online $2,000/mo. + $500 deposit. classifieds at no additional charge.

Full credit check. Avail. 1/6/25.

There is a minimum $5 charge for Call or text, 503-789-6919 any classified. First line = approx.

20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the CASCADE HOME & approval of The Nugget classified PROPERTY RENTALS department. NOTE: Legal notices Monthly Rentals throughout placed in the Public Notice section Sisters Country. are charged at the display advertising rate.

541-549-0792 DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 5 PM Property management preceding Wednesday publication. for second homes.

PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: CascadeHomeRentals.com Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at PONDEROSA PROPERTIES NuggetNews.com. Payment is due –Monthly Rentals Available– upon placement. Major credit cards Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 accepted with a 3% processing fee.

Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of PonderosaProperties.com first four weeks.

Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters CATEGORIES: Ponderosa Properties LLC 101 Real Estate 102 Commercial Rentals 104 Vacation Rentals 103 Residential Rentals Downtown Vacation Rentals 104 Vacation Rentals 106 Real Estate Wanted Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom 107 Rentals Wanted SistersVacationRentals.net 200 Business Opportunities Great pricing. 503-730-0150 201 For Sale 202 Firewood 201 For Sale 203 Recreation Equipment 204 Arts & Antiques 2009 VESPA GTS 250ie scooter 205 Garage & Estate Sales $3,250 obo. Call 541-350-2262.

206 Lost & Found 207 The Holidays 202 Firewood 301 Vehicles 302 Recreational Vehicles NEW DISCOUNT PRICES 401 Horses SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS 402 Livestock DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD 403 Pets • SINCE 1976 • 500 Services 501 Computer Services Fuel Reduction Forestry 502 Carpet Upholstery Cleaning Doug Fir – Lodgepole – 503 Appliance Repair & Refinish Hardwood – Juniper – Fir 504 Handyman DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES 505 Auto Repair – 18155 Hwy. 126 East – 600 Tree Service & Forestry 601 Construction SistersForestProducts.com 602 Plumbing & Electric Order Online! 541-410-4509 603 Excavations & Trucking 604 Heating & Cooling 205 Garage & Estate Sales 605 Painting 606 Landscaping & Yard Maint.

Happy Trails Estate Sales 607 Irrigation and online auctions!

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703 Child Care Daiya 541-480-2806 704 Events & Event Services 801 Classes & Training Sharie 541-771-1150 802 Help Wanted 803 Work Wanted 301 Vehicles 901 Wanted We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality 902 Personals 999 Public Notice Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~

Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

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601 Construction

CASCADE VALLEY CONTRACTING, LLC General Contractor CCB#180099 Custom Remodels • Additions • Decks • Firewise Upgrades 4 Brothers Tree Service 20+ Years Licensed, Bonded, Sisters' Premier Tree Experts!

CUSTOM WINDOW Insured. Call/Text 541-728-8607 – TREE REMOVAL & COVERINGS CLEANUP – SPURGE COCHRAN Bend Window Works, LLC Native / Non-Native Tree BUILDER, INC. is offering a 10% discount on Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk General Contractor new window coverings. FREE Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Building Distinctive, in-home consultation. Same day Storm Damage Cleanup, Handcrafted Custom Homes, in-home repair services available.

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Renovations Since ’74 rentals look better! Contact us at – FOREST MANAGEMENT – A “Hands-On” Builder 541-383-2455 or Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Keeping Your Project on Time andy@bendblinds.com.

Mowing, Mastication, Tree & On Budget • CCB #96016 Thinning, Large & Small Scale To speak to Spurge personally, Projects! call 541-815-0523 Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 Construction & Renovation 4brostrees.com Junk removal, new home, Custom Residential Projects Licensed, Bonded and Insured garage & storage clean-out, All Phases • CCB #148365 CCB-215057 construction, yard debris.

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SUDOKU Level: Moderate Answer: Page 23

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Audio/video, data networking, WIFI, security camera, alarms.

CCB #191099 541-306-0729

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

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

C L A CS L SA I S F SI IE FD I S E D S

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541-588-3088 • CCB #234821 Sisters, Oregon's Sisters, Oregon's Licensed, Bonded & Insured. & HOME MAINT.& HOME MAINT. SERVICES Exclusive HVAC Service Exclusive HVAC Service 541-977-1051 541-977-1051 s • Landscaping Remodels • Landscaping Residential & Commercial Residential &BLAKE Commercial & SON – BLAKE Commercial, & SON – Commercial, e Maintenance Firewise Maintenance Heating • Ductless Heating • Ductless Home & Rentals Cleaning Home & Rentals Cleaning & Much More!

Decks & Much More!

Air Conditioning • Maintenance Air Conditioning • Maintenance WINDOW CLEANING! WINDOW CLEANING! o. Contracting Pease Co. Contracting Installation • Repair InstallationLic. • Repair & Bonded • 541-549-0897 Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897 r at 541-588-0136.

Call Tanner at 541-588-0136.

541-588-5667 541-588-5667 d small jobs! Big and small jobs!

SistersHeatingAir.com SistersHeatingAir.com 802 Help Wanted802 Help Wanted B# 256258 CCB# 256258

Commercial • Residential Commercial • • Residential ACTION • AIR ACTION AIR Industrial • Remodels Industrial • • Remodels Heating• & Cooling,Heating LLC & Cooling, LLC Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas Generators • Hot Retrofit tubs/Saunas • New Const • Remodel monteselectric@hotmail.com monteselectric@hotmail.com Consulting, ServiceConsulting, & Installs Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860 CCB#200030 • actionairheatingandcooling.com 541-480-9860 om Homes Custom Homes CCB #195556 CCB #195556 ns - Remodels Additions - Remodels — GEORGE’S— —GEORGE’S — 541-549-6464 541-549-6464 BuildingResidential Projects Building Projects SEPTIC SERVICE SEPTIC SERVICE NOW HIRING NOW HIRING William Pierce Becke William Pierce 605 Painting 605 Painting 541-419-3148 541-419-3148 Housekeeping andHousekeeping and 89 • 541-647-0384 CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 ~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ FRONTIER ~ PAINTING ~ A 63-year tradition A for 63-year Sisters tradition for Sisters Maintenance Team Maintenance Members Team Members racting@gmail.com Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com Quality Painting, Ext. Quality & Int. Painting, Ext. & Int. www.georges-septic-service.com www.georges-septic-service.com Join the crew at our Join cozy the camp crew at our cozy camp sters Since 2010 — — Serving Sisters Since 2010 — Refurbishing Decks Refurbishing Decks style retreat nestled style in the retreat forest! nestled in the forest!

SWEENEY SWEENEY CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 We're looking for friendly, We're looking for friendly, PLUMBING, INC.PLUMBING, INC. www.frontier-painting.com www.frontier-painting.com dependable individuals dependable to join individuals to join “Quality and Reliability” “Quality and Reliability” our team at Lake Creek our team Lodge. at Lake Creek Lodge.

Interior/Exterior Interior/Exterior Repairs • Remodeling Repairs • Remodeling PT/FT. PT/FT. We offer flexible Painting PaintingWe offer flexible • New Construction• New Construction schedules & excellent schedules & excellent Deck Refinishing Deck Refinishing • Water Heaters • Water Heaters compensation. compensation.

Jacob deSmet Jacob deSmet 541-549-4349 541-549-4349 www.lakecreeklodge.com www.lakecreeklodge.com 503-559-9327 Residential and Commercial Residential and Commercial 503-559-9327 13375 SW FS Rd. 1419 13375 SW FS Rd. 1419 peakperformancepainting1@ peakperformancepainting1@ Licensed • Bonded • Licensed Insured • Bonded • Insured nstruction Lara’s LLC.Construction LLC. Camp Sherman Camp Sherman gmail.com • CCB#243491 gmail.com • CCB#243491 CCB #87587 B#223701 CCB#223701 CCB #87587

EMPIRE PAINTING EMPIRE PAINTING masonry work, Offering masonry work, 803 Work Wanted 803 Work Wanted 603&Excavation &603 Trucking ExcavationInterior & Trucking and ExteriorInterior Painting and Exterior Painting nterior & fireplaces, exterior interior exterior Male Caregiver/Retired Male Caregiver/Retired Nurse Nurse Full Service Excavation Full Service Excavation and Staining and Staining ck-work, build stone/brick-work, build Available Available for in-home care. for in-home care.

CCB#180042 CCB#180042 , and all types barbecues, of and all types of FT/PT. References available.

FT/PT. References available.

541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk 541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk . Give us a masonry. call Give us a call Tony 541-598-4527Tony 541-598-4527 mate 541-350-3218 for a free estimate 541-350-3218

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW No retrial for pastor

There will be no retrial in the case of a former Sisters pastor convicted by a nonunanimous jury in 2007 on charges related to sexual abuse of a minor. The case roiled the Sisters community for months. Hall was originally convicted by 11 of 12 jurors, and was sentenced to 18 years and nine months in prison.

Ugly sweaters on display at local run

A festive spirit filled the streets of Sisters on Saturday morning, December 6, at the annual Ugly Sweater Run and Walk that included well over 300 participants, which was a record for the event.

Man arrested in shooting incident in Sisters

A shooting at Spoons Restaurant in Sisters on December 16 triggered a police pursuit that ended with the suspect’s arrest along Highway 20 between Sisters and Bend. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reports that the incident was the result of a workplace dispute where the victim and suspect knew each other.

Those we lost...

John A. Lovgren

March 21, 1931 — December 9, 2025

McLane (Mike) Fisher, Jr. Passed December 13, 2025

606 Landscaping606 & Yard Landscaping999 & Yard Public Notice 999 Public Notice Maintenance Maintenance

BBR RFPD BBR RFPD Free On-site Visit & Free Estimate On-site Visit & Estimate Meeting Date Change Meeting Date Change Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail The regularly scheduled The regularly board scheduled board .com .com meeting for December has been meeting for December has been 541-549-1472 • CCB 541-549-1472 #76888 • CCB #76888 A DESIGN CASCADIA BUILD DESIGN BUILD canceled due to the canceled holidays.due to the holidays.

Drainfield Drainfield Keeping Sisters Country Keeping Sisters CountryCall (541) RenovateRemodel / Repair / Renovate / Repair Questions?

Questions?

595-2288Call (541) 595-2288 • Minor & Major Septic • Minor Repair & Major Septic Repair Beautiful Since 2006 Beautiful Since 2006 emodel,Full littlehome homeremodel, little home • All Septic Needs/Design • All Septic Needs/Design candcnursery@gmail.com candcnursery@gmail.com erything fixes, in between. and everything in between. & Install & Install 541-549-2345 541-549-2345 esignbuildllc.com cascadiadesignbuildllc.com General Excavation General Excavation -974-2282 541-974-2282 All Landscaping Services • Site Preparation • Site Preparation All Landscaping Services Mowing, Mowing, Thatching, HaulingThatching, Hauling GARAGE CASCADE DOORSGARAGE DOORS • Rock & Stump Removal • Rock & Stump Removal Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740 Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740 ained Technicians Factory Trained Technicians • Pond & Driveway•Construction Pond & Driveway Construction 3 • CCBSince #44054 1983 • CCB #44054 – All You Need – Maintenance – Preparation – All You Need Maintenance Preparation for puzzle on page 22 15 • 541-382-4553 541-548-2215 •• Building 541-382-4553 Pine needle removal, Pine hauling, needle removal, hauling, Demolition • Building Demolition snow removal, mosssnow removal, removal, moss removal, Trucking Trucking care, weeding,lawn pruning, care, weeding, pruning, • Deliver Top Soil,lawn Sand, Gravel, • Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, roofs, washing. gutters, pressure washing.

Boulders, Water Boulders, Waterroofs, gutters, pressure Lic/Bonded/Ins. Lic/Bonded/Ins. 218169 CCB# 218169 • Dump Trucks, Transfer • Dump Trucks, Trucks, Transfer Trucks, CCB# Austin • 541-419-5122 Austin • 541-419-5122 Belly Belly at Burke Pat Burke • The Whole 9 Yards • The or 24 Whole 9 Yards STEVE'S or 24 HAULING STEVE'S HAULING LLY OWNED LOCALLY Whatever OWNED You Want!

Whatever You Want!Yard and other debris, Yard and other debris, SMAN BUILT CRAFTSMAN BUILT with The landscaping chain saw services, chain saw – Advertise – Advertise Nugget – withlandscaping The Nuggetservices, – 88 • 541-588-2062 CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 work, etc. 707-328-8370 work, etc. 707-328-8370 541-549-9941 541-549-9941 fencecompany.com www.sistersfencecompany.com

SUDOKU SOLUTION

23

Full text of obituaries can be read at

www.

Nugget News.com

24

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

.

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 2025, SISTERS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SOLD TRANSACTIONS IN 2025 70365 Brooks Scanlon Logging Road, Sisters $5,200,000 18455 Couch Market Road, Bend $2,170,000 13555 Hawks Beard SM 208, Black Butte Ranch $1,900,000 69033 Barclay Court, Sisters $1,700,000 13452 Foin Follette GM 300, Black Butte Ranch $1,675,000 70510 Ponderosa GM 128, Black Butte Ranch $1,535,000 70424 Candy Flower GM 35, Black Butte Ranch $1,400,000 70250 Camaret GM 402, Black Butte Ranch $1,370,000 885 E Coyote Springs Road, Sisters $1,225,000 65833 Cori Way, BENd $1,200,000 13805 Bishops Cap EM 25, Black Butte Ranch $1,195,000 15073 Bridle, Sisters $1,150,000 935 E Creek View Drive, Sisters $1,149,000 70531 Salal GM 1, Black Butte Ranch $1,075,000 750 S Redwood Street, Sisters $1,050,000 15864 Blue Jay Way, Sisters $1,050,000

70255 Mustang Drive, Sisters $1,030,000 15847 Blue Jay Way, Sisters $1,020,000 70335 Sword Fern GM 249, Black Butte Ranch $1,000,000 955 E Coyote Springs Road, Sisters $995,000 70632 Pasque Flower SM 69, Black Butte Ranch $995,000 1556 SW Reindeer Avenue, Redmond $950,000 540 S Pine Street, Sisters $950,000 20740 Wagontire Way, Bend $930,000 20442 Timberline Court, Bend $900,000 70755 Ponderosa SM 177, Black Butte Ranch $900,000 70330 Willow Herb GM 201, Black Butte Ranch $846,909 19717 Mt. Bachelor Drive 416, Bend $830,000 907 N Smith Court, Sisters $750,000 1048 E Black Butte Avenue, Sisters $649,000 69318 Lariat, Sisters $619,000 13555 Nine Bark RC 12, Black Butte Ranch $615,000

69382 Tollgate Road, Sisters $596,100 70124 Pinto Drive, Sisters $579,000 1143 W. Hill Avenue, Sisters $575,000 210 E Sage LanE, Culver $553,500 355 S Jefferson Way, Sisters $489,000 2965 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond $485,900 1085 W Collier Glacier Drive, Sisters $475,000 336 W Jefferson Avenue, Sisters $460,000 1314 Highland View Loop, Redmond $459,000 2233 SW Quartz Avenue, Redmond $420,000 70789 Goldenrod SM 16, Black Butte Ranch $250,000 70789 Goldenrod SM 16, Black Butte Ranch $250,000 70789 Goldenrod SM 16, Black Butte Ranch $250,000 14023 Hawks Beard GM 164, Black Butte Ranch $230,000 13593 Sundew SM 31, Black Butte Ranch $196,500 Phil Arends | Principal Broker

PONDEROSA PROPERTIES

541.420.9997

phil@arendsrealtygroup.com

LLC

178 S. Elm St., Ste. 102/103, Sisters | arendsrealtygroup.com 17

Thomas Arends | Broker

541.285.1535

thomas@arendsrealtygroup.com