The Nugget Vol. XLV No. 47
POSTAL CUSTOMER
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
www.NuggetNews.com
Council passes on city manager candidates
PRE-SORTED STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sisters, OR Permit No. 15
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Measure 114 destined for court fight
Hawk on the wing...
By Sue Stafford
By Bill Bartlett
Correspondent
Correspondent
After a month of advertising the city manager opening in Sisters, screening applicants, narrowing the field to three finalists, and a week of panels, receptions, tours, and a final interview in front of the City Council, the Council decided not to offer the position to any one of the three candidates – Ron Tinseth, Keith Witcosky, or Simon Kim. The City will begin the process over again. Following the Council’s executive session on Friday morning, November 18, Mayor Michael Preedin
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
The Harris Hawk “Molly,” flown by Hank Minor of Sisters, got a workout last week, hunting for rabbits in the range north of Sisters.
See MANAGER on page 30
Opponents have wasted no time in predicting a vigorous and lengthy court challenge to voters’ adoption of Measure 114. By a vote of 953,061 for and 925,252 against, the controversial ballot measure enacted a law outlining a procedure to apply for a permit-to-purchase for a firearm. The measure was designed to have permits be issued by law enforcement. Proponents of the measure, led by the faith-based organization Lift Every Voice, celebrated the passage of the measure, one of the See MEASURE 114 on page 24
USFS to reduce hazardous fuels
No action on winter campground use
Sisters Ranger District fire specialists are conducting brush removal work with Forest Service staff and contractors to mow approximately 3,300 acres of brush across several sites within three project areas. Forest Service operators have started some of this work, while contractors were to start as soon as Monday. The three areas slated for brush removal include the Metolius Basin Vegetation Management Project, Sisters Area Fuels Reduction (SAFR), and Highway 20 project area. Mowing reduces hazardous fuels loading and helps prepare areas for prescribed fire treatments. Both mowing and prescribed burning can reduce the potential of highintensity wildfires. Mowing work is scheduled in the fall and winter months to take advantage of cooler weather and increased moisture, as
A small storm of rumor has been brewing in town regarding the possibility of Creekside Campground becoming a location for houseless camping this winter. According to Mayor Michael Preedin, “No one has currently come forward with a proposal to use the campground in the winter. No one on the City Council or City staff has made such a request.” At a town hall on houselessness in October, when responding to a hypothetical question about using the campground for a houseless camp in the winter, Councilor Andrea Blum commented that if someone brought a proposal to City Council, they would listen. Several attendees seemed to take that as a green light, but no one has gone to the City to discuss the plan or ask if it would be possible.
Inside...
well as to minimize impacts to ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. Fire specialists expect to treat approximately 1,317 acres in the Metolius Basin, to protect communities in the Camp Sherman area while retaining scenic values. Mowing will occur along Forest Service Road 14 near the Lower Black Butte Trailhead (Trail #4026), Forest Service Road 12, and Forest Service Road 1120. No trail or road closures are anticipated; however, the Forest Service asks the public to be aware of this work and avoid areas when mowing is occurring. Along Highway 20, brush removal will occur near the junction with Forest Service Road 1012 (Cold Springs Cutoff Road), near Indian Ford Campground along Forest Service Road See FUELS on page 26
By Sue Stafford Correspondent
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
Creekside Campground has been floated as a possible site for winter camping for the homeless —but no actual proposal has been made. In a later interview with Blum, she clarified what she meant by her comment at the town hall. “If there is a group with an idea and a plan, the City Council will listen to it,” she Blum. “That doesn’t mean I think it will work or that we would approve something, but we don’t deny something out of hand. Given the barriers and public sentiment,
I doubt very seriously we would approve it. But I can’t speak for the whole City Council.” There has been talk around town that “they” are organizing to use the campground, but “they” haven’t been identified nor has anyone brought a proposal to City Hall. The Cold Weather See CAMPGROUND on page 21
Letters/Weather ............... 2 Announcements...............10 Holidays in Sisters ..... 13-20 Obituaries ...................... 25 Classifieds................. 28-29 Meetings .......................... 3 Entertainment ................. 11 Fun & Games ................... 20 Crossword .......................27 Real Estate ................ 30-32