The Nugget Vol. XLVI No. 14
POSTAL CUSTOMER
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
www.NuggetNews.com
PRE-SORTED STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sisters, OR Permit No. 15
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
PLAY BALL!
Chilly conditions didn’t deter Sisters Little League from celebrating Opening Day on Saturday, April 1. The league offers play from T-ball to softball to hardball — and welcomes a record number of players this year. PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK
SPRD seeks to renew local option
Wheeler selected as city manager
The Board of Directors of Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) will seek renewal of the local option levy originally approved by the voters in 2018. The measure, 9-160, will appear on the May 16 special election ballot. The measure will renew a levy in the amount of 15 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed property valuation. This is the same amount voters approved in 2018. According to SPRD Executive Director Jennifer Holland, the funds will support programming in three areas: child care; seniors; and youth athletics/recreation. The funds will also support district operations and ongoing
Jordan Wheeler, the current city manager in Sandy was unanimously selected by City Council to become Sisters’ new city manager, pending negotiations. After making the announcement last Wednesday, Mayor Michael Preedin told The Nugget, “We didn’t make this choice by ourselves. There were hundreds of people involved providing input.”
facility costs. Holland emphasized that the Board’s priority is to keep SPRD programs affordable to everyone in the district through scholarships and subsidies for programs catering to families. Passage of the local option levy will also allow the Board of Directors to seriously consider the option of converting the existing Sisters Elementary School building to a multipurpose community center over the next five years according to SPRD Board President Peggy Tehan. “Without a continuation of the local option, the Board would be hard-pressed to See SPRD on page 19
Fire district celebrates service By Ceili Gatley Correspondent
Every year, members, staff, and partners of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District (SCSFD) spend an evening gathered together at FivePine Lodge and Conference Center for an awards banquet honoring those who serve others. From recognizing board members to presenting lifesaving awards, the evening gives the SCSFD an opportunity to honor their own in
Inside...
service to our community. Fire Chief Roger Johnson hosted the event from the podium with guest speaker, new Board President Krisite Miller, and presentations from Deputy Chief Tim Craig. Chief Johnson honored members of the Fire Corps, who work on outreach programs, provide community education, and support the firefighting and medical staff. “They put on programs that we wouldn’t have the See AWARDS on page 8
By Sue Stafford Correspondent
A community meeting on Monday, March 27 saw about 50 people attend to meet the four candidates. Several different panels, plus the City staff and department heads, interviewed each of the four candidates. Jensen Strategies, the consultant hired to conduct the recruitment process, interviewed candidates, did background checks, and checked references. Wheeler made a strong impression on community members, and that clearly
carried over to staff and elected officials. Each councilor had positive comments about their choice. Council President Andrea Blum said of Wheeler, “He was overall the very bestqualified candidate, and we had quality candidates this time around.” The Council had earlier rejected all four in a slate of candidates, deciding to continue their search. Jennifer Letz offered, See WHEELER on page 17
Are more wolves roaming Sisters? By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Claims of wolf packs 13 and 14 strong are circulating in Sisters Country. The Deschutes County Farm Bureau lit up Facebook with its post on March 24 that has garnered over 450 comments and more than 800 shares. Similar social media posts on the Next Door app are being widely shared. In boldface type the post says: “Heads up. A pack of 14 wolves has been spotted in Lower Bridge. They’ve already killed livestock.” The Farm Bureau post has generated grainy user photos. In any that are clear, the photos show two wolves. Many people believe that there is increasing wolf activity in Sisters Country — but hard evidence is hard to come by. The livestock reference
PHOTO COURTESY ODFW
An Oregon wolf wearing a radio collar. Mostly anecdotal evidence suggests that wolves are an increasing presence in Sisters Country. is to two 600-pound steers owned by “Tall” Samuels, who ranches at Lower Bridge Road and Holmes Road. Tall who stands 6 foot 4 inches, has had the nickname all his life. He hails from Georgia and still carries a pronounced southern accent. He has 600 crossbreed cattle in his herd, and he told The Nugget he saw a
wolf last year in the area. Samuels confirmed to The Nugget that he experienced kills, but he is hesitant to blame them on wolves. “It’s probably not coyotes, and wouldn’t be a cougar,” he said in describing the incident. Coyotes, even in packs, See WOLVES on page 14
Letters/Weather ............... 2 Announcements...............10 Cultivating Community ....15 Sudoku ............................19 Crossword .......................21 Meetings .......................... 3 Entertainment ................. 11 Student of the Month .......18 Stars over Sisters ............21 Classifieds................. 22-23