The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLIX No. 10 // 2026-03-11

The Nugget

Sisters grapples with services for seniors

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Sisters is a desirable place for seniors — which is why so many people work hard to retire here. People over the age of 65 make up 39.5 percent of the population of Sisters, and they contribute significantly to the vitality of the community.

But for all of its attractions, Sisters poses challenges for people wishing to “age in place” in the place they call home. People have to travel for medical appointments, and there is no urgent care facility in town. The Lodge in Sisters no longer offers an assisted living option. There are challenges for people who have more house and land than they can realistically manage as they age.

More than 80 folks gathered on Sunday afternoon at the Sisters Elementary School Commons to grapple with the challenges facing seniors in Sisters. The Serving Our Seniors forum was sponsored by Citizens 4Community (C4C), T he Nugget Newspaper , Age

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Room tax increase to benefit wildlife

By Alex Brown Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon lawmakers have voted to increase the state’s lodging tax in order to help fund wildlife conservation. The tax increase passed the state Senate on Wednesday in a 20-9 vote, a week after approval in the House. The measure is expected to bring in roughly $37 million per year by raising the state’s lodging tax from 1.5 percent to 2.75 percent.

Friendly Sisters and its action team Serving Our Seniors.

Kris Bergstrom told the assemblage that the recent push to address the challenges of aging in place in Sisters kicked off when citizens gathered out of concern over the impact of the

Groundbreaking set on workforce housing

Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) will host a groundbreaking for the Trinity Place workforce housing development in Sisters on Thursday, March 12. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 302 N. Trinity Way and will feature remarks from project partners, refreshments, and group photographs.

NHA reports that construction on Trinity Place is progressing as planned, following a successful financial closing and construction start in late 2025.

“These homes are specifically designed to fill a gap in the housing market for working households and middleincome families who need an affordable place to live,” said Trell Anderson, NHA’s executive director. “Trinity Place will provide stable housing

for teachers, healthcare, agricultural, and service workers who are continually priced out of the market-rate housing.”

Trinity Place represents NHA’s first use of 501(c)(3) nonprofit bonds, enabling broader income ranges and more flexible terms than traditional loans — at well-below-market interest rates.

“This financing demonstrates what’s possible when a strong nonprofit sponsor is paired with an investment-grade 501(c)(3) public bond structure,” said Brian Olin, managing director at Raymond James & Associates Inc, the project’s bond underwriter.

The bonds were offered at an AA-investment-grade

See HOUSING on page 15

changes at The Lodge in Sisters. Those citizens visited with many seniors.

“We heard their stories and needs and challenges and worries,” Bergstrom said.

The citizens formed a working group — SOS: Serving Our Seniors.

“That’s why those proverbial bread crumbs have led us to this place, on this day, in your good company,” she said.

The good company heard from JoAnn Herrigel, former deputy director of Elders in

See SENIORS on page 17

Oregon is among many states that have struggled to find funding for vulnerable species managed by state wildlife agencies. Such agencies get much of their revenue from fishing and hunting license sales, and have focused much of their work on traditional “game”

See WILDLIFE on page 22

Water status report is worrisome

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a continued drought impacting water levels and flows in groundwater rivers and streams. Nonetheless, there is generally good news for the City of Sisters.

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) website indicates the Upper Deschutes Water Basin and surface water system encompasses about 4,500 square miles. Groundwater levels in the Basin peaked in the 1970s and 1980s from several years of increased precipitation and recharge (water returning to the Basin) from irrigation canals.

The OWRD Deschutes Basin Water Master Jerry Giffin and OWRD Groundwater Hydrologist Joe Kemper presented the Basin’s status to the

and groundwater levels are down across the region. The water situation is worrisome — but the City of Sisters is better off than most in the region.

Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on March 2. Using February 26, 2026, data, the two men provided past, current, and predicted ground and surface water information.

Water Master Giffin discussed a map of surface water sources for the Basin

showing seven “tea cups” (reservoirs), which hes indicated had deceptive percentages. Although the Wickiup reservoir is currently 88 percent full, Giffin said that the status of Crescent Lake at 25 percent full, “is indicative

See WATER on page 13

Letters to the Editor…

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

Adams Avenue

To the Editor:

The Nugget mentioned plans to improve the Adams Avenue streetscape, which is described in greater detail in a recent Sisters Roundup Newsletter. Unless I misunderstood what the plan is, the sidewalks are going to be wider so that they can accommodate both pedestrians and bicyclists; the stated goal: to improve pedestrian safety

My experience with this design in other cities is that pedestrians are at greater risk. Not only do pedestrians need to exercise caution while crossing the street as normal, but they also need to be fully aware of cyclists

at all times while using a shared sidewalk. Perhaps I am the only one with visions of families with kids in strollers, walkers wearing headphones, seniors with ambulatory issues, etc. using those wider sidewalks, but experiencing heart-pounding misses/nearmisses with cyclists, perhaps going at speed or weaving in and out (to avoid pedestrians using all parts of the sidewalk) or not aware that a pedestrian was about to make an irregular move?

Would appreciate knowing more and if the community has had or will have any input in the streetscape design.

Constance M. Soja

See LETTERS on page 15

Sisters Weather Forecast

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Questions about Operation Epic Fury

By Jim Cunningham Guest Columnist

Does Operation Epic Fury conform to the War Powers Resolution?

The War Powers Resolution was enacted to respond to what Congress considered presidential overreach during the Vietnam War, specifically President Nixon’s presumed unauthorized military actions in Cambodia and by extension Laos, areas Congress considered outside the purview of using military forces against foreign enemies. Cambodia and Laos were technically neutral territories, therefore beyond the scope of prosecuting the war confined to Vietnam. Nixon’s actions led to widespread public dissent and concern over presidential overreach. Congress took action to ensure that both Congress and the President would have a role in decisions regarding military engagement, but rule out future conflicts like Vietnam.

The act was passed in November 1973 over President Nixon’s veto. The vote wasn’t close: 284-135 in the House, 75-18 in the Senate. The law attempted to reclaim congressional authority while acknowledging that sometimes presidents need to act quickly in response to immediate threats.

The

legislative branch should control war declarations to safeguard against executive overreach.

Critics argue that President Trump’s unilateral decisions regarding military operations in Iran, violate this principle. They contend that such actions bypass necessary congressional approval, undermining intended checks and balances. However, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 complicates this issue, as it allows the president to engage in military action for a limited time without congressional consent, provided Congress is notified within 48 hours.

Critics also claim Trump’s approach reflects a trend towards executive overreach, where the presidency acts with increasing autonomy, potentially eroding the separation of powers. The uncomfortable truth is that nearly every president has found ways to circumvent congressional authority, and blur the lines separating the executive branch from the legislative branch.

Trump’s military actions can be seen as violating the spirit of the separation of powers and the war-making authority defined in the Constitution. However, ongoing debates center on Congress’ will to assert its authority to check executive power effectively. That, may require U.S. Supreme Court intervention to decide the matter. Unfortunately, to date, the court has refused to intervene stating either “the time is not right,” or “that is an issue left to the executive and legislative branches to resolve.”

What are the strategic aims of the operation?

Section 4 (a) of the act requires an administration to report to Congress the introduction of armed forces into hostilities outside our borders within 48 hours of execution. Did the Trump administration, by engaging forces against Iran, comply with this requirement? The administration notified seven of the “Gang of Eight” Congressional senior leaders shortly before operations commenced, and within 48 hours, it did in fact, deliver formal notification to the Senate President pro tempore and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Does the action taken by President Trump conform to the spirit of separation of powers and the warmaking authorities as envisioned by Article 1 Section 8?

The framers of the Constitution, especially James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, emphasized that, as a constitutional principle, the

Local/regional military operations have at least four objectives. 1. Create regional stability by eliminating the military threat posed by Iran. Iran will not be able to expand its military capabilities to threaten the world. 2. Destroying Iran’s ability

COMMUNITY

Artist unveils SFF poster

By Lilli Worona Correspondent

Sheila Dunn, the artist behind this year’s Sisters Folk Festival poster, has always been drawn to the arts. Growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado, she spent much of her young life leaning into her creativity.

“Growing up, I loved drawing, I loved dance, I loved singing, I played a couple of instruments, I loved creative writing,” Dunn said.

In high school, Dunn initially wasn’t quite sure which creative avenue to pursue, but due to the influence of some exceptional visual art teachers, she decided to study painting and studio art in

college. Dunn traveled abroad to Italy for a semester while at Colorado State University, where she studied painting and art history under the direction of an accomplished professor.

Dunn asserts that it was this experience that solidified her dedication to painting and paved the way for her professional life as an artist.

“I was met with a lot of pushback when I was studying art from some of my other teachers, [they said] ‘Oh, you have so much more potential than this; I [started to think] will I actually be able to really do anything with this degree?

And that all completely fell away when I studied abroad in Italy. . . [art] is such an important, irreplaceable part

of our culture,” Dunn said.

Upon graduating from Colorado State, Dunn moved to Central Oregon, where she worked full time while still painting and quietly pursuing her art into the wee hours of the morning.

“When I had a full-time job, I would literally get off of work at five, and I would sometimes paint until midnight,” she said. “was just so driven to make the art thing happen.”

About eight years ago, Dunn finally made the leap to full-time painting and has found success through selling her art on her website, her Etsy page, and at several local businesses throughout Central Oregon.

St. Edward the Martyr welcomes new leader

By Bill Bartlett

Reverend Rijo Devasia has been appointed pastor of Sisters’ Roman Catholic Parish, St. Edward the Martyr. Devasia, from India, arrived in January and took over the reins last month. He did not seek the move from his native country. Like all Catholic priests, Devasia swore vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. It was the latter that brought him to Sisters when his Bishop, in collaboration with the Diocese of Baker in Redmond, answered the call for help.

Devasia is one of a series of Indian priests to be called to Oregon to fill the shortage of American-born clerics

Talking

serving in American parishes as of late 2024. With U.S. Catholic priest numbers declining by over 40 percent since 1970, dioceses rely on priests from India, the Philippines, and Nigeria to maintain sacramental services and prevent parish closures.

Devasia’s predecessor at St. Edward was also from India, as was his predecessor. He was enthusiastically welcomed into the parish. With his warm, friendly smile and congenial demeanor, the congregation, several months without a resident pastor, appears to be gratified with his arrival.

“I come from a close-knit

AI in Sisters

Local nonprofit Citizens4Community (C4C) is inviting the public to a free community conversation about artificial intelligence and its impacts on community life. “Let’s Talk: AI and Our Choices” will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the FivePine Lodge & Conference Center’s South Sister Room.

The event invites community members to explore how artificial intelligence is influencing various aspects of daily life in rural towns like Sisters, and how we can respond thoughtfully

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383. Alcoholics Anonymous

Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills

Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Sunday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Central Oregon F ly Tyers Guild

For Saturday meeting dates and loc ation, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info. Ch eck- I n Circle: Come a s you are Open c ircle for simple check-ins, self-ref lection, and authentic c onnection.

1st & 3rd Mondays, 4:3 0 p.m., at The Hub, 291 E. M ain Ave. RSV P: 503 -6 88 -4 881.

Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity

Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit

citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.

Council on Aging of Cen tral O regon

Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43 East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’ Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061.

Go Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday

7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church. 541-771-2211

Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Siste rs Communit y Church. M ater ials provided. 541- 408 -8 505.

Hero Q uilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 5 41-6 68 -1755

Living Well W ith Dementia Sisters Care

Partner Suppor t Group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Park & Recreation District Communi ty Center. 5 41-588 -0547.

Mili tary Parent s of Sisters Meetings are held quarter ly; please c all 5 41-388 -9 013.

Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys, 11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. 5 41-5 49 -6 469.

Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., m eeting by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158

Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church. 5 41-5 49 -6157.

Sisters Area Woodworkers First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97

Sisters Bridge C lub Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sistersb ridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregi ver Suppor t G roup 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Library Communit y Room. 5 41-588 -0547. (Meets with Living W ell With Dementia Sisters)

Sisters Cribbage C lub Wednesdays, 11 a.m. at The Lodge, 411 E. Car penter Lane. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.

Sisters Garden C lub For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.

Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m.

Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.

Sisters Kiwanis 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at SPR D in Sisters 541- 632- 3663

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Element ar y School Commons. 9 17-219 -8298

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m., at SPR D. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.

Sisters Veterans no- host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welcome, 5 41-241-6 56 3.

Sisters Trail s Alliance Board M eetings take p lac e every other month, 5 p.m. In -person or zoom. Contact: info@ sisterstrails.org.

Songwriters Sharing Circl e All ages welcome. 2nd Wednesday 6 p.m., at The Hub, 5 41-977-8 49 4.

Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of D irectors M eets 2nd Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSID Off ic e. 5 41-9 03 -405 0.

Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 541- 419-1279

VF W Post 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., The Hub, 291 E. M ain Ave. sistersveterans@gmail. com.

SCHOOLS

Black But te School Board of Direc tors 3rd Tuesday 9 a.m., Black But te School. 5 41-595 -6203

Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule a t www.ssd 6.org. 541- 549-8 521 x5 002.

and proactively. It will be facilitated by Sisters resident Scott Crabtree, founder of Happy Brain Science — a company that empowers organizations to apply brain science to thrive at work and in life. More information is available at citizens4community.com/ events/ai-mar-26.

“AI is likely to be one of the biggest technological shifts of our lifetimes,” said Crabtree, who is also a C4C board member. “But this conversation isn’t meant to

CITY & PARKS

Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3 0 p.m., Siste rs Cit y Hall 541- 549- 6022

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Direc tors 2nd & 4th Tues. 4 p.m., C of field Center. 5 41-5 49 -2091. Sisters Planning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:3

FIRE & POLICE

Black But t e Ranch Police Dept Board of Direc tors M eets monthly 541- 59 5-2191 for time & date

Black But t e Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., BB R Fire Station. 5 41-595 -2 28 8 Cloverdale RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Wed., 5:3 0 p.m., 6743 3 Cloverdale Rd. 5 41-5 48 -4 815. c loverdalef ire.com. Sister s- Camp She rman RFPD Board of Direc tors 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 5 41-5 49 -0771. Sister s- Camp She rman RFPD Drills Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 5 41-5 49 -0771.

Locals continue building community in Sisters Country

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Sisters Clay Collective founders Stef Siebold and Kimberly White each had a dream about a creative space but hadn’t met one another until Citizens4Community executive director Kellen Klein introduced them less than a year ago, They intentionally called it a collective because they know the creative energy in the community can help bring their vision together and evolve together.

On February 18, the business located in the light industrial district at 215 E. Sun Ranch Drive hosted a Community Builders meeting that tied the record for the most attendees at 33, five of whom were attending for the first time.

Siebold and White view themselves as the stewards of the space, but the focus is really on community and evolving the space together. There are six wheels available to offer six-week classes for those with no experience to those experienced with clay. The result is to have something you’ve made of which you can feel proud. There are also six-week handbuilding classes which offer a variety of ways like coil, sculpt, or roll out to build something like a platter or bowl.

The hosts explained their operation:

Occasional advanced workshops are offered. Monthly memberships are available for those who know they want to do pottery on a regular basis, but are also looking for a community to support their creative process. They are days away from introducing a day pass

system for those who have used the studio before. There will be key code access so people can come in whenever they want to use the equipment.

Glazes are made inhouse, and they also plan to make their own clay. This will allow other local potters to buy their clay locally rather than having to have it shipped in. Three times a week they have “clay coaching hours.” For those taking a class, they can come in for free and work with a clay coach and continue to work on their project. There are three classes coming up – two wheel-throwing sessions and one hand-building session.

They intend to offer kids classes but not quite yet. They will likely start with hand-building. One instructor would like to offer a class for children on Fridays after school. There is also potential for offering summer programming.

Siebold and White are open to ideas like group classes, parties, team building activities, bridal showers, you name it. Their new sign, for which they are grateful, was made by the instructor for the Sisters High School woodworking class. They would welcome any leftover produce bags, plastic containers, or dry cleaning bags for storing their clay. They can be dropped off at the studio.

The community outlook made the space an appropriate one to host locals for an update on their endeavors in building and strengthening community in Sisters.

Citizens4Community: Momentum Grant applications will be open soon. Civic Leadership Academy applications are open now.

The Hub is available for coworking and meetings from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome, and pay what you can. To find volunteer opportunities in the community check volunteerinsisters. org. On Saturday, April 18, Sisters Cleanup Day will be held 9 a.m. to noon. Coffee and doughnuts will be available at Fir Street Park where assignments will be made.

Serving Our Seniors (SOS) had a successful Senior Resource Fair at the Fire Hall on February 17, with 150 attending. The Community Conversation on March 8 at Sisters Elementary School explored what can be done in Sisters to help seniors age in place. It was an action-oriented conversation where attendees roll up their sleeves and try to identify collective actions to support local seniors.

Circle of Friends is looking for ideas for mentoring kids, kindergarten through high school. If anyone has activities coming up that would be appropriate for a child and their mentor to attend, please share it with them.

Seed to Table has opened their produce share signups. They accept SNAP benefits which allows the holders to get 50 percent off all veggies because of double-up food bucks. They also have a sliding scale payment system. Field trip signups for spring have started and they are looking for groups outside of the Sisters School District who might be interested.

They are going to be offering adult gardening workshops, beginning with seed starting in March.

Deschutes Land Trust’s last Nature Night will be Wednesday, March 11 at the Tower Theater and available online. Amy Cordalis with be talking about the history of the undamming of the Klamath River to allow for the return of salmon.

Caldera is hosting The Drawing Room on Wednesday, April 15, designed as a creative conversation involving two teachers and one artist to talk about creativity and AI and the cognitive dissonance around that. Food by Tremont, tickets available. Learn more at caldera.org.

Sisters Arts Association is currently in a rebuilding phase after 11 years in existence. They offer the Fourth Friday Art Walks and the Artist Studio Tours. They are looking for volunteers, board members and individual artists to join the organization and step up to support all creators in the community. They have money in their budget to schedule activities, but they need ideas and support from those involved in and interested in the arts. Learn more at sistersartsassociation.org.

Pine Meadow Ranch residency program started on March 10. Art Sparks gathers artists together to network, with a “speed dating” format. Open call is happening right now for large grants from the Roundhouse Foundation. Contact Emily Richards for

grant information.

Sisters GRO is in its review period, assessing student applications for scholarships utilizing 180 reviewers for 68 scholarships. The awards will be made on Wednesday, April 22.

Clearpath Healthcare will be holding their 29th annual Camp Sunrise grief camp for children who have lost a loved one June 20-21 at the Cascade View Retreat Center in Crook County. Children ages 7 to 12 attend Saturday and Sunday, spending the night Saturday. Teens ages 13 to 17 attend on Saturday and do not spend the night. Contact ClearPath for more information, 541-548-7483.

Three Sisters Historical Society has two new exhibits at the Sisters Museum –Ranching and Farming and the history of area churches. On Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m. at the Fire Hall, there will be a Fireside presentation, Hollywood Comes to Sisters. The museum is open Friday and Saturday.

City of Sisters: Everyone who receives a City utility bill should be receiving the monthly Sisters Roundup newsletter. If not, and you would like to get the newsletter, go to the City website at www.ci.sisters.or.us/administration, and sign up. You don’t have to live within the City limits.

The March Community Builders meeting will be at Forge Wellness on Wednesday, March 11, at 10 a.m.

Commentary: Changing how we navigate technological change

By Amy Paul Guest Columnist

Imagine three scenes of technological change:

• A shop owner in the 1990s opening an early internet browser. She realizes her customers can now compare prices with stores hundreds of miles away. Her professional world just expanded, as did her competition.

• A decade later, a teenager creating her first social media profile. She feels the thrill of connection, the pressure of visibility, and the challenge of signing off.

• Just weeks ago, a software developer experimenting with generative AI. She poses a problem she’d worked on for hours, and in seconds, watches the system produce code comparable to hers. Between the amazement and apprehension in these scenarios is a question: Will we really be better off?

From the early internet to smartphones to social media, technological changes have challenged norms around work, relationships, and the way we see ourselves. Each brought benefits alongside harms that society has been slow to address. Connectivity spread before guarding against misinformation. Social media optimized for engagement before contending with impacts on mental health and attention. Digital platforms scaled globally before governance could keep pace.

These are patterns of

incentivizing growth before impact and accountability. AI is following this same path, with characteristics that raise the stakes.

1. Diminished control: Earlier software systems generally executed rules explicitly written by humans. Today’s AI systems learn patterns from large datasets without being explicitly programmed. This shift is part of what makes AI powerful: it can respond to things we didn’t anticipate, sometimes with remarkably human insight. It also makes AI systems hard to predict, explain, and control.

2. Immediate and massive reach: Previous technological breakthroughs diffused gradually from research labs to the public. In contrast, ChatGPT’s reach of 100 million users in just two months in 2023 represents the fastest adoption curve of any consumer technology. Today, pushing a new AI model can be instantaneous and global. Widespread smartphone adoption and conversational interfaces make genAI incredibly accessible, compressing the window to detect harm and adjust course.

3. Enormous market incentives: The concentration of capital, compute infrastructure, and platform control in a small number of firms raises questions about who sets the agenda and who has power to push

back. When speed is prioritized, the burden of due diligence, safety monitoring, and evaluation often shifts downstream.

This combination of traits is both new and worrying. Opaque technology with limited reach is manageable. Massive reach with strong market incentives but transparent logic is auditable. With generative AI, systems with hard-to-predict behavior are deployed overnight by companies under intense pressure to move fast.

If AI feels destabilizing, part of that discomfort comes from unfinished business. We are still grappling with the consequences of profit models and engagement metrics shaping the design of social media and online search.

Technological systems can shift responsibility for negative outcomes to system users. When a platform amplifies harmful content, individual users are often blamed for engaging with it. When automated systems that workers are trained to trust make flawed decisions, workers are deemed responsible. Researcher Madeleine Elish calls this a “moral crumple zone,” where the human closest to the system absorbs blame for failures rooted in broader structural choices.

The environmental justice movement shows how technological systems can also shift risk. Communities

with less political and economic power often shoulder disproportionate costs while having limited influence. This is playing out with data center construction, which requires enormous energy and water resources, strains local energy grids, and complicates land use and sustainability. AI is entering a world where these redistributions of power, risk, and responsibility are already uneven.

At the same time, generative AI holds real promise. AI - supported tutoring systems could provide every student a private tutor. AI-assisted clinical tools may eventually bring state-of-the art training to anyone providing frontline care. For small businesses, AI tools can act as an entire staff, enabling small players to compete with much larger ones.

Positive outcomes are possible, but they aren’t automatic. They depend on intentional design, meaningful oversight, and values shaped by the communities these systems affect, not just the companies building them. They depend on our recognition of individual agency and commitment to collective action in how we influence, adopt, and govern

AI. What might that look like? School districts developing community-informed AI guidebooks to help teachers, students, and administrators work responsibly with AI (e.g., Chicago Public School’s AI Guidebook). Local governments asking procurement questions and negotiating terms before signing contracts (e.g., through Community Benefit Agreements). Communities investing in structured dialogues to inform local AI governance (e.g., Snohomish County’s upcoming civic assembly on AI). None of these actions halt technological change, but they give us a chance to shape how we live with it. As we confront the largest technological change in our lifetimes, we have a brief opportunity to raise questions of power, risk, and responsibility earlier — and more collectively — than we have before. Throughout 2026, Citizens4Community (C4C) will be hosting a series of community dialogues on AI, the first on Wednesday, March 11 (see story, page 3). As a complement to these discussions, The Nugget and C4C invite community members to share perspectives on AI and how it is affecting community life.

Sisters Country birds

By Douglas Beall Correspondent

A pale heart-shaped face identifies the American Barn Owl [tyto furcata] They possess the most sensitive hearing ability in the animal kingdom.

Barn Owls hunt where prey is most abundant. They swoop silently down on mice, shrew, voles, and rats. They are able to rotate their heads 270 degrees which helps in capturing their meal. With rounded serrated wings they cannot be heard when flying at extremely slow speed of only two miles per hour.

One thousand mice can be eaten in one year and are swallowed whole, digested,

and the bones are dropped as a pellet.

When courtship begins the male Barny will display his white breast feathers with wings spread and if the female is impressed she will make a snore-like call and allow the male to bring her food. She will build a nest made of her own pellets within a hollow tree, a barn, church steeples, or haystacks. She will lay up to 18 dull white eggs which hatch in 29-34 days and leave the nest in 60-55 days. While nesting the Barn Owl may store many prey items around the nest site.

Their life expectancy is four years, and the oldest Barn Owl found was 30 years old.

Folk singer to perform at book store

Paulina Springs Books will host an intimate “house concert” featuring songs and stories of New Hampshirebased folk favorite Cosy Sheridan. The concert is set for Sunday, March 22, at 7 p.m.

Listeners can expect to enjoy an evening of warmth, community, fun, connection, and, of course, entertaining and engaging music. Cosy will be accompanied by Charlie Koch on bass.

Sheridan has been called one of the era’s finest and most thoughtful songwriters, and also “a buddhist monk trapped in the body of a singer-songwriter.” Her music regularly tops the folk radio charts. Her CD, “Pretty Bird,” was listed among Sing Out Magazine’s Great CDs of 2014. Her concerts are wideranging explorations: ragtime guitar and social satire, modern renditions of mythology (meet Hades the Biker), and tales of modern adulthood.

A guitar student of instrumental luminaries Guy Van Duser and Eric Schoenberg, and a voice student at The Berklee College of Music, she brings a depth of experience to her craft. She plays a

percussive bluesy guitar style — often in open tunings, and occasionally with two or more capos on the guitar. She first caught the attention of national folk audiences in 1992 when she won both the Kerrville Folk Festival’s NewSong Award and The Telluride Bluegrass Festival Troubadour Contest, and then released her critically acclaimed CD “Quietly Led” on Waterbug Records. Cosy has since released more than 13 CDs and written a one-woman-show. Her songs appeared in author Robert Fulghum’s multi-media novel “Third Wish.”

In 2011, when she released “The Horse King,” The Chicago Examiner wrote: “You can’t make it into double digits, and continue touring for 20 or so years, unless you know what you’re doing, and do it well. Rarely do you find a CD where every song is memorable. It happens, just not often. It happens here.”

She is the director and founder of Moab Folk Camp in Moab, Utah. She has taught classes in songwriting, performance and guitar at workshops and adult music

camps across the country. A house concert is an intimate listening event where music is the focus, a community gathering in support of artists and their work. Seating is limited. $20-25 suggested donation per person, pay at the door. All donations go to the artist. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. RSVP to reserve your seats at https://www. paulinaspringsbooks.com/ or email events@paulina springsbooks.com. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave.

The emerging leader Leaders at the THRESHOLD

Hank Minor Columnist

I can usually tell when a leader is standing at this threshold. They start asking a different question about their leadership.

Instead of asking: “How do I get ahead?” they start asking: “How do I learn to carry my leadership better?”

There’s a subtle shift that happens when a capable individual begins to sense that leadership is no longer optional.. They may not have the title yet — or they may have just received it — but something inside them knows: There’s more at stake now. And I’m being asked to level up, to show up differently as a leader.

This is the threshold of

the emerging leader.

It’s not defined by age or by résumé. It’s defined by responsibility and influence. It’s the realization that your words and your actions now affect more than just your own day.

I’ve worked with many men and women at this stage — sharp, talented, full of potential — who are surprised by how personal leadership suddenly feels. They expected strategy and execution. What they encountered instead was the challenge of self-awareness and personal growth. Because the moment you begin to lead when the stakes are high, you also begin to meet yourself — for better or worse. And that’s where the real work begins.

Some emerging leaders are rising stars inside large organizations. Some are early-stage entrepreneurs and newly minted business owners. Some are nextgeneration family members, taking the reins of the family business. Others are professionals on their way up, looking to excel in their chosen field.

What makes this threshold unique is that it often arrives quietly, like a subtle shift in weight. You begin to notice that your actions have a greater effect. You begin to understand that your internal state affects more than just you. And if you’re honest, it can feel disorienting, asking unsettling questions of your capability and self-trust.

Emerging leaders often

assume that the next step in their evolution is about skill — better communication, better strategy, better time management. And yes, those and other skills matter. But what I’ve observed over and over is that this threshold is less about adding new competencies and more about deepening internal capacity.

Because leadership exposes you. It exposes your impatience. Your need to be liked. Your fear of disappointing others. Your uncertainty about your own authority. When you are only responsible for yourself, you can compensate for these things. But when others depend on you — with their livelihood and sometimes with their very lives — those inner fault lines begin to reveal themselves.

This is where many emerging leaders struggle. They feel the pressure to perform. They want to prove themselves. They don’t want to let others down. So they push harder. They speak more quickly. They react more strongly. They over-function.

But the deeper invitation at this threshold is not to become more forceful. It’s to become more grounded, more aware.

I remember my own early period of leadership.

I thought the task was to project certainty. To have the answers. To demonstrate strength. What I came to understand is that people around me weren’t looking for perfection. They were looking for steadiness. They were looking for maturity, someone who stayed calm, who didn’t collapse under pressure.

That realization changed everything for me.

Emerging leadership is not about stepping into a spotlight. It’s about stepping into alignment. Alignment with that place inside us that brings steadiness, patience, trust, maturity.

In my terms, it’s about Presence.

When an emerging leader begins to cultivate deep, grounded Presence, everything shifts. Time slows down. Relationship and connection come to the fore. Perspective widens. Decisions become more inclusive. Space expands. And in that space clarity and calm begin to enter.

If you stay with it — if you can resist the urge to armor up or prove yourself

— something beautiful happens. You begin to trust your intuition, your own interior voice. You begin to see that leadership not as a performance, but as an orientation, a way of being with and inspiring others. And you begin to understand that the real work is not managing people — it’s mastering your own internal state, stepping into Presence, and leading from a place of vision, compassion, and wisdom.

This is the threshold of the emerging leader. And from that root, real leadership begins to grow.

For leaders who find themselves at a pivotal or critical moment, I’ll be hosting a free, small, curated, after-hours gathering at The Hub in Sisters on Thursday, March 12, 5:30-7 p.m. In this discussion, we’ll explore the dynamics and challenges of leadership thresholds, and I’ll share insights and lessons gained from my work with leaders over the years. If you’d like to be part of this conversation or if you’d like more information, please follow this link: thewayof leadership.com/invitation.

Serving Sisters Since 1962 Call 541- 549-10 26 to make an appoin tmen t for NO-WAI T SERVICE!

Games

SUNDAY, MAR 22 • 79 PM

MONDAY, MAR 16 • 1011:30 AM Writers in Community is a 90-minute unstructured quiet time around the big table for writing with others. Drop in for a few minutes, or stay the whole time! No RSVP required

PSB House Concer t with Cosy Sheridan Join us for an intimate evening of song and story with Americana/folk singer-songwriter Cosy Sheridan with Charlie Koch.

MONDAY, MAR 16 • 5:306:30 PM

PSB Fic tion Book Club will be discussing The Ferr yman And His Wife by Frode Gr ytten (meets every month on the 3rd Monday).

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 • 2 PM & SUNDAY, APRIL 19 • 2 PM Hollywood Comes to Sisters! The beautiful scenery around Sisters Country has been featured in numerous Hollywood productions over the years, as many of you are aware. We have been busy researching and interviewing people connected with some of these great shows. There will be personal stories, behind-the-scenes photos, and bits of memorabilia reflecting how and where they were made, along with popcorn, of course, for your viewing pleasure! H ll dd ti

THURSDAY, MAR 19 • 6:307:30 PM

Melody Carlson presents All Booked Up, a hear twarming contemporary romance featuring a book ish widow nding a second chance at love

THURSDAY, MAR 26 • 6:307:30 PM amela Steele presents In The Fields of Fatherless Children. A love stor y set in rural Appalachia during the Vietnam War, a young couple is torn apart by both global con ict and their families’ ancient feud.

MONDAY, MAR 30 • 5:306:30 PM

Between the Realms: A SciFi Fantasy Book Club. Last Monday of ever

the Door (Free to TSHS members) 2 p.m. , doors open at 1 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Questions? Call 541-610-6323. Thr ee Sister s Hist or ical Society

Women’s History Month in Sisters

Elizabeth Fryrear was a strong woman, having crossed the Oregon Trail in 1852 at 11 years of age.

In 1882, together with her husband, John Burr Fryrear, and six children, she crossed the Cascades, and homesteaded near Camp Polk. She used her gifts in the healing arts to care for the sick, and served her community as a midwife. She was remembered for the time she discovered her colt had been killed. Riding sidesaddle and carrying her .44 Winchester, she tracked the predator to a meadow where she shot and killed a seven-foot cougar in a tree with one shot to the head.

The Three Sisters Historical Society presents “Woman’s History Month” at the Sisters Museum during March. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EPIC FURY: Thoughts on the current conflict with Iran

Continued from page 2

to continue terrorist operations through proxy forces will eliminate that threat to the Middle East. Iran will no longer be able to export terrorist operations throughout the world. 3. Eliminating Iran’s negative influence on world order may force regime change producing a government that can live in peace with its neighbors and the world. 4. A successful outcome will drastically reduce the influence Russia and China have in the region. Controlling an estimated 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies will significantly shift global influence to the West.

What does “victory” look like?

At a bare minimum, permanently eliminating Iran’s ability to conduct either nuclear or conventional war will satisfy “victory”

Obituaries

Mike Shepherd

Mike Shepherd of Sisters passed away on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of friendship, craftsmanship, and a deep love for the Western way of life.

A cowboy and farrier for much of his life, Mike was known throughout the community for his willingness to lend a hand, share advice, or tell just the right story for the moment. He had a gift for bringing people together with humor, wisdom, and appreciation for the people around him. Friends remember him as someone who never hesitated to help and who made people feel welcome wherever he was.

ranch during filming connected with the Ponderosa ranch from the television series “Bonanza,” the ringing of his anvil initially frustrated the director. The crew began signaling for him to stop hammering while cameras rolled and continue between takes. Eventually, the director decided the sound added authenticity, and told him to keep working, giving Mike his first unexpected appearance in a Western production. With his natural horsemanship, he later appeared in background roles riding horses or driving wagons, including a brief appearance in “The Outlaw Josey Wales.”

bring these pioneer women to life.

requirements for many. Producing an environment wherein Iran can determine its own political and social future could create a nation willing to peacefully engage with the rest of the world. Can victory be achieved by air power alone?

If we have learned anything from our Vietnam experience, the short answer is NO! Modern air power as good as it is, may only prevent you from losing a war. It takes soldiers/Marines on the ground explaining to the adversary that they no longer own the real estate.

Mike grew up in California and the Great Basin, where he developed the skills and work ethic that defined his life. From an early age he worked around horses, ranches, and farms, learning practical knowledge that only comes from long days and hard work. He held several jobs throughout his life, including jigger boss, farrier, and working in the film industry.

As a farrier, Mike’s work occasionally brought him onto ranches where Western films were being made. While shoeing horses at one

For the past 27 years, Mike made his home in Sisters, where he became a familiar and valued member of the Sisters Rodeo community. He first began volunteering in 2004 and remained deeply involved for more than two decades. In recognition of his dedication, he was named Sisters Rodeo Volunteer of the Year in 2017 and served as the

Outside of rodeo and ranch work, Mike loved fly fishing and tying flies, and he practiced traditional crafts including blacksmithing and leatherworking. Mike will be remembered as a kind, generous man who valued hard work, friendship, and community. He was deeply respected and beloved by those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 15, at 3 p.m. at the Sisters Rodeo Clubhouse in Sisters. Friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate Mike’s life together.

submitted to The Nugget by email or hand delivery to our office located at 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters.

Obituaries

Gerald “Jeff” Griffin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Jerry and Agnes Griffin, the middle of three children. When he was five, the family moved to San Mateo, California, where he grew up and graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1962. At that time, he joined the Air Force. This was his higher education and it served him well.

In 1966, he met his future wife Marna who, along with her fellow Pan American stewardesses, lived in the same apartment building as Jeff and his roommates. Jeff and Marna married in 1968; they had their daughter, then their son, and decided the Bay Area had become too populated for them. After much thought, they moved to Reno, Nevada, and Jeff started Mountain Air Delivery which ultimately became Griffin Transport Services.

While they had never been to Reno before, they found it to be a land of opportunity and lived there for 40 years. In 1995, Jeff decided to add a political career to his resume. He ran for and was elected mayor of Reno. He was proud to be involved with many projects including Reno is Artown, which recently celebrated its 30th year. After his two terms were over, he was appointed to be the Regional

9 Director of FEMA. It was an interesting job, but after being a small business man and mayor of a smallish town, he realized working for the Federal Government was not for him and he retired after two years. He and Marna moved to their home in Bend. After playing “musical houses” for several years, they settled in Sisters in 2014. Marna had spent all her childhood summers at the family cabin on the Metolius and was set on retiring in the area.

Jeff was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in June 2025, and passed away in February 2026. He was proceeded in death by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marna, daughter Sarah of Sisters, and son Josh and his wife Darla of Reno, and eight grandchildren — Graham, Jordan, Harrison, Monet, Rayne, Bennett, Paige, and Jackson. Also survived by his niece Kimberly. We all miss him deeply and will love him forever.

Willard Bartlett, III

October 19, 1937 – February 2, 2026

Willard Bartlett, III, 88, passed away on February 2, at Mari de Villa in Chesterfield, Missouri, following a brief illness. Willard was born on October 19, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri. to Dr. Willard Bartlett Jr. and Jane Moulton.

Willard attended what was then St. Louis Country Day School followed by Brown University where he majored in The Classics. His college years were interrupted by a four-year tour of duty in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as a corpsman.

Returning to St. Louis, he worked with D’Arcy Advertising Company for several years until he applied for and was accepted into the newly formed Peace Corp. He spent four years in East Africa, teaching English and working part time with a game conservation department. Upon returning to St. Louis, he went to work at the St. Louis Zoo, working in the Big Cat section.

After a long struggle

with alcohol, Willard entered himself in the Edgewood Program at Mercy Hospital. After successfully conquering this problem, he became a counselor for Edgewood working and assisting others for 20 years until his retirement. He was an inspiration to many of those whom he served.

Following retirement, Willard pursued his love of fishing, wintering in Key West, and his love of nature photography during his summers at Camp Sherman.

Willard is survived by his brothers Dr. Hugh (Jane) Bartlett of Rolla, Missouri, and John Moulton Bartlett of Culver, Indiana; nieces and nephews Cabot Bartlett, Rachel (John Griffin) Bartlett,

(John) Wynne, Sarah (Marcus) Burgher, and John

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Willard Bartlett Jr. and Jane Moulton; sister Irene Bartlett Guay. Memorial donations may be made to MICDS (school) https://www. micds.org/giving/ and the St. Louis Zoo.

Sisters-Camp Sherman

Rural Fire Protection District invites qualified voters of the fire district interested in ser ving on the

Budget Committee

to submit Letters of Interest and applications to the Board of Directors, Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD; P.O. Box 1509; Sisters, Oregon 97759. Applications can be obtained via the district’s website www.sistersfire.com/employment/ or in person at 301 S. Elm St. in Sisters. The Budget Committee consists of the Board of Directors and five citizen members. The budget committee is responsible for approval of the annual budget. The annual budget for the Fire District is created by an internal budget team comprised of administrative staf f and a board member representative. Once the internal team has reviewed and balanced the proposed budget, it is presented to the Budget Committee. The Budget Committee reviews the document, makes necessar y changes, and then approves the document before the Board at a Budget Hearing.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Sisters Ga rden Club

Month ly Membership

Meeti ng

Oregon

COMM UN IT Y AN NOUNCE ME NTS

Satu rd ay, M arc h 14, at 10 a .m

Door s open for hos pit al it y at 9:3 0 a .m . K ri sten Poi nt s, exec ut ive d irec tor of H ig h

Deser t Food a nd Far m

A ll ia nce, w il l d iscuss t he role H DF FA play s i n Central Oregon . Meeting loc at ion i s e Hub, 291 E . M ai n Ave.

Publ ic i s welcome. For i nfo c al l 541- 42 0- 62 39

“Family Money Ta lk s” Free Class

Wed ne sd ay, M arc h 18 , f rom

6 to 7 p.m . A rr ive at 5:45 p.m for f ree b u et d in ner at a loc al ar t gal lery, loc at ion sha red

once you R SV P to 5 41-5 4918 66 , E dw ard Jones o ce of Ka ren K assy. Topic: lea r n a n approac h to hold engag ing and product ive conversat ions about wea lt h a nd estat e pl anning – w it hout d iscu ssing as sets . P resented by H artford

Mana ging D irec tor of A pplied

In sight s A ma nd a Sta h l a nd

Regiona l V ice P resident C asey Miller

Commun it y Connec tions Free Event

Su nd ay, M arc h 2 2 , 4:3 0 to 6 p. m . A l l age s a re welcome for food , f u n a nd more . M arch ’s eme: Peace. C hu rc h of t he Tran s g urat ion, 121 N. Brook s Ca mp R d . 5 41-5 49 -7087

SIST ER S COMM UN IT Y FOOD RE SOURCE S

Free Lu nches for Seniors For t hose 6 0+, Cou nc i l on

Aging of C entra l O regon

o er s a f un, no-cost soc ia l

lu nc h e ver y Tuesd ay, 11

a.m . to 1 p.m . at Sisters

Commun it y C hu rc h, 130 0 W. McK en zie Hwy

No reser vation s neede d. No -cost Grab-N-G o lunches

ta ke place weekly on

Wednesday a nd u rsday, from 12:3 0 to 1 p.m

Ca l l 5 41-797-9367.

Week ly Food Pa nt ry

COR E M arket , loc ated at 22 2 N. Trinit y Way i n

Si sters . Mondays , 1 to 2 p.m

In fo: 5 41-588 -2 332.

Free Week ly Meal

Serv ice

Famil y K itchen hos t s a week ly to-go hot mea l on Tuesdays , 4:3 0 to 5:3 0

p. m., at Sisters Com mu nity

Church, 130 0 W. McK en zie Hw y. I nfo: www

Fami lyKitc hen.org.

Free Pet Food

Need pet food for you r dog or c at? Cal l t he Fur ry

Fr iend s pet food b an k at 541-79 7- 40 2 3 to s chedule

you r pic kup. L oc ated at 412

E . M ai n Ave., Ste. 4, beh ind e Nug get.

Kiwa nis Food Ba nk

Located at 382 W. M ai n

Ave . Weekly d istr ibut ion i s u rsday s f rom 9 a .m . to 2 p.m . I nfo: 5 41-632 -3 663.

Fu rr y Fr iend s Volu nteers

Needed

Fu rr y Friends i s looki ng for volu nteers to g reet c lients a s the y a rr ive to pic k up t heir

lled pet food order s . It i s helpfu l i f volunteers c a n l i up to 45 pou nd s to a ssist cl ient s i n loading order s . e commitment i s one u rsday a ernoon a mont h f rom 12:30 to 3:3 0 p.m . Sig n up w it h a fr iend or f ami ly member to h ave a tea m of t wo. To volunteer plea se c al l 5 41-797-4 023.

“A sk for More” Free Class u rsday, M arc h 19, f rom 6 to 7 p.m . A rr ive at 5:45 p.m . for free bu et d in ner at a loc a l a rt ga ller y, loc at ion sha red once you R SV P to 5 41-5 49 -1866, Edward Jones o ce of K aren

Ka ss y. Topic s: u nloc ki ng t he power of eve ryday negot iation i n relat ionships a nd for pu rc hases; negot iation t ac tics to avoid ove rpay ing , u nw anted commitments , or lower pay

Althoug h gea red tow ard women, e veryone i s welcome

Presented by H artford

Mana ging D irec tor of A pplied

In sight s A ma nd a Sta h l a nd

Regiona l V ice P resident C asey Miller

Mont hly Song wr iters’

Sharing Ci rcle

Ne w day and location Second

Wednesday of t he month , 6 to 8 p. m., at e Hub, 291 E . M ai n Ave. B e i n a c reat ive com mu nity and be i ns pi red w hile sha ri ng songs, bei ng a g reat l is tener, a nd prov id ing feedback . A l l age s a nd sk il l levels welcome . Fre e . I nfo: ca l l or tex t Jes s at 5 41-9 77-8494.

Award-W inning

Photog rapher Adrian Klei n to present to SA PC

Wednesday, M arc h 11, 3:3 0 to 4 :3 0 p.m. , joi n Sisters A rea Photog raphy C lub (SA PC) for a f ree public e vent at S isters Commun it y C hu rc h, 130 0 Mc Kenzie H ig hw ay. Awa rdwi nning photog rapher A dr ia n Klei n of t he Photo C ascadi a Photog raphy Tea m w il l be presenting “I n Sea rc h of t he Hidden,” l ive v i a z oom . He w il l use photos , stories , a nd t ips to s how how to d iscover a nd compose t he more abs trac t, hidden scenes f rom w it hi n a la rger v ie w. Contac t 530 -9 417638

Honey Bees & Brews

Mont hly soc ia l gat hering at Laz y Z R anc h on u rsday, Ma rc h 2 6 , at 5 p.m . A ll beekeepers a nd w an na-bees welcome. F or more i nfo: C lyde, 458-20 6- 8470

Ar t Sparks: Connec tions: New and Fa miliar Fr id ay, M arc h 13, 6 to 7:3 0 p.m at t he P ine Meadow R anch Center for A rt s & A gr ic ultu re. Joi n a n e vening of con nect ion, meaningfu l conversat ion a nd arti st ic e xchange w it h ice brea kers, mocktails , a nd t ime to m ingle a nd e x pa nd you r arti st ic com mu nity. Free a nd open to t he public . R eg istrat ion i s requi red at h ps:// roundhou sefoundation .org / events/. For more i nfo c al l 5 4190 4- 070 0 or ema i l i nquiries@ roundhou sefoundation .org

Check-In Ci rcle:

Come A s You A re

O pen c ircle for s imple c heckins, sel f-re ec tion, a nd authentic con nect ion . Fir st a nd third Mondays . Nex t meeti ng st art s at 4 :3 0 p.m . on M arc h 16, at e Hub, 291 E . M ai n Ave.

RS V P to M ic hael at 5 03 -6 884881

Craf t & Connec t

u rsday, M arc h 2 6 , 3 to 5 p.m at t he P ine Meadow R anch

Center for A rt s & A gr ic ultu re, joi n a n a ernoon of fel lowship and c ra . Bring a ny s ma l l project and m ater ia l s neede d to wor k alongside c om mu nit y members and enjoy c onver sation w it h

fellow a rt ists. R eg istrat ion i s requi red at h ps:// roundhou sefoundation .org / events/. For more i nfo c al l 5 4190 4- 070 0 or ema i l i nquiries@ roundhou sefoundation .org

Sisters Sno-Go -Fers club

Wednesday, M arc h 11, at 6 p. m . at t he Gal ler y i n Sisters

Al l sno wmobilers a re welcome to a end even i f t hey a re not a c lub member. Come early to s ha re d in ner a nd v isit

For i nfor mation, contact:

su mmer s0 62 8@gm ail.com

Sisters Commun it y Ment al Health Fa ir Satu rd ay, A pr i l 4, 11 a .m . to 3 p. m . at e Hub, 291 E . M ai n Ave. L ea r n f rom pros a nd peers, joi n f ree a ct iv it ies , a nd nd resou rces . Hosted by t he Nationa l A ll ia nce on Menta l Illness . n amicent ra loregon.org. Cont ac t: 5 41-316 -0167.

St ud io Tours u rsday, M arc h 19, 5 to 6 :3 0 p. m . P ine Meadow R anch Center for A rt s a nd A gr ic ultu re invites com mu nit y members to c ome a nd engage w it h cur rent a rt ists-i n-residence. Joi n a g uided tou r of t he st ud ios w here t he resident s a re ex peri ment ing , doi ng resea rc h, and wor ki ng on proje ct s at t he R anch . R eg istrat ion i s requi red at h ps:// roundhou sefoundation .org / events/. For more i nfo c al l 5 4190 4- 070 0 or ema i l i nquiries@ roundhou sefoundation .org

Hang s @ The Hangar

Wednesdays , 3:3 0 to 4 :3 0 p.m., Fr id ay s , 7 to 8:3 0 a .m . a nd 1:15 to 2:3 0 p.m . at e H anga r at Si sters Com mu nit y C hu rc h, 13 0 9 W. McK in ne y Bu e R d.

A safe place to h ang for m iddle and h ig h school student s . Two certi ed adu lt volunteers a re present to help w it h homework, etc . Fol lowi ng t he school schedu le for c losu res . Contact jfol in @sisterschurch .com or 541-549-12 01 e x t.208.

Sisters Muse um is Open

Fr id ay s a nd Sat urdays , 10 a .m to 4 p.m . e museu m i s loc ated at 151 N. Spr uce S t., i s f ree a nd o er s e x hibit s on loc a l h istory and c ultu ra l e x periences for al l age s . e ree Sis ters

Hi stor ic a l Soc iet y i s seeki ng volu nteers to be M useu m hosts , m arketing s upport , rese archers, a nd w riters . No pr ior museu m e x perience i s requ ired . E ma i l volunteer@ th reesistershi stor ic al societ y. org.

Sisters Commun it y Ga rden Plot s 2026 e SCG h a s moved i nto t heir ne w loc at ion at 22 2 N. Trinity Way. ere a re severa l rai sed bed g arden plot s ava il able for the 2 02 6 gardening sea son. Appl ic at ion m ater ia l s a nd in form at ion a re ava il able on the Garden website, www Si stersC om mu nity Ga rden .org. For add it iona l i nfor mation, ca l l 5 41-760 -2 084.

GO FISH Group

Mond ay, M arc h 16 , at Sisters Commun it y C hu rc h at 7 p.m Ti m Por ter of ODF&W w il l give a “ Desc hute s D istr ic t Update.” For more i nfor mation ca l l 5 41-7 71-2 211.

SIST ER S LI B RY EV EN TS

Thrive Cent ra l Oregon Drop -I n Consultations Fr id ay, M arc h 13, 10 a .m . to 1 p.m . Stud y R oom .

Dungeons & Kittens Fr id ay, M arc h 13, 1:3 0 to 3:3 0 p.m . Meeting R oom. Joi n t he meowg ic w it h t hi s tabletop role-pl ay ing game! Ch ildren s P rogram

Fa mily Stor y Ti me

Wednesday, M arch 18 , 10:3 0 to 11 a .m Commun it y R oom. Interact ive stor y t ime w it h books , son gs , a nd rhy mes! 0-5 y rs

Qu iet Wr it ing Ti me u rsday, M arc h 19, 10:30 a.m . to 12 p.m . Meeti ng Room E njoy t he foc u s of a qu iet s pace w it h t he bene t of others’ compa ny

SIST ER S- AR EA CH

nd would

ive in a home ready to continue her t raining and shower her with encou ragement. Come meet Otter today!

High Desert Heroines: Donna Gill

By Maret Pajutee Correspondent

In the summer of 1934 two young women searched the high country between the Three Sisters and Mount Jefferson looking for the perfect lake. Donna Gill and her friend Lucille Murphy were hunting for just the right place to build a camp for girls; a quiet mountain lake, not too civilized or too remote, not too cold for swimming, with country for horseback riding. They were directed to a place in the Cascade foothills that some called “a dark and gloomy spot.” When they saw the deep blue water and tree shadows dancing on Dark Lake, they knew they had found it.

Donna Gill was born in 1910, the granddaughter of pioneers. She had been taught from an early age that there was nothing she couldn’t do. She became the first female High School Student Body President in

her hometown of Lebanon. She soared in the Girl Scouts, achieving the highest honor, the Golden Eaglet. Girl Scout camps gave her a love of the outdoors as she moved from camper to counselor to camp director. She studied prelaw, then volcanoes in Hawaii, and taught school for a while. These were days when women couldn’t move freely in the business world without a male partner. But Donna was determined to have her own camp someday.

So the two young women asked Deschutes Forest Supervisor Carl Neal for a permit to build a private girls camp on the shores of Dark Lake. According to the story in “Images of Oregon Women” by Ellen Nichols, Supervisor Neal said “No,” saying the camp wouldn’t succeed. But 24-year-old Donna and Lucille were relentless. Finally Supervisor Neal proposed if they could get support from Mrs. Maida Bailey at the VU Ranch

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 11

Sisters Movie House Spring Adventure & Art Series: "You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine" "A tribute to the legendary songwriter, filmed in 2022 at the Ryman. 6:15 p.m. Tickets: www.sistersmoviehouse.com.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. 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 • MARCH 12

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

Frankie's in Sisters Karaoke Night 6 to 8 p.m. No cover; upstairs. Info: frankiesinsisters.com.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Lazy Z Ladies Night Enjoy an evening of community at the ranch with friends old and new. 5 to 8 p.m. Free Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

FRIDAY • MARCH 13

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

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Golden Hour Game Night

5 to 8 p.m. Bring your favorite game! Family-friendly evening with all the views More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa

6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

SATURDAY • MARCH 14

The Belfr y Live Music: St Patrick’s Day Celebration with Five Pint Mar y and The Riverstones. A festive celebration with Central Oregon’s premier Irish-inspired bands. 7 p.m. Tickets: belfryevents.com.

Frankie's in Sisters New Friends & Neighbors

5 to 9 p.m. Meet new people for a relaxed evening of connection. Grazing table, beer or wine, and music 5:30 to 7; karaoke 7:30 to 9. Upstairs. Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com.

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

Spoons Comedy: Music Teachers After Hours

A wildly funny, high-energy cabaret starring real-life music teachers Janelle Musson and Karen Sipes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 6. Tickets: https://our.show/TeachersinSisters

SUNDAY • MARCH 15

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble

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

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Lazy Zunday: Books + Bubbles 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring a book or just come have a lazy Sunday! Enjoy mead-mosas, ambient music firepits, and big views Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

in Sisters, he might reconsider. That day “High Desert Heroines” collided when the women nervously drove up to the VU Ranch and were

invited in with great hospitality by Maida Bailey, former Women’s Dean at Reed

See HEROINES on page 23

MONDAY • MARCH 16

Paulina Springs Books Writers in Community is an unstructured quiet time around the big table for writing with others. Drop in for a few minutes or stay the whole time 10 a.m. No RSVP required. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Spoons Open Mic: Music, Poetr y, Comedy Bring your talent (or come cheer) and enjoy a night of local music poetry and comedy hosted by Jordan Lewis Lee. 6 to 8 p.m., sign-ups at 5:30 p.m. Dinner menu available Info: 541-719-0572

TUESDAY • MARCH 17

Sisters Ski Inn Live Music: Mark Barringer & Bob Baker 6–8 p.m. bobbakerviolin.com/calendar Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 18

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Sisters Movie House Spring Adventure & Art Series: "Women's Adventure Film Tour 2026" A celebration of inspiring women doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure. 6:15 p.m. Tickets: sistersmoviehouse.com.

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.

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 • MARCH 19

Lazy Z Ranch Wines BYO Vinyl Night Bring your favorite records! Guest picks spun in a cozy listeninglounge vibe 5 to 8 p.m. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Melody Carlson presents "All Booked Up," a heartwarming contemporary romance featuring a bookish widow finding a second chance at love 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Jordan Wolfe 6 to 8 p.m. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com.

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Kar yn Ann

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

FRIDAY • MARCH 20

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa

6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

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

Spoons Comedy: The Roundabouts Improv

A night full of laughs and quick wit starts at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 Tickets: https://shorturl.at/4z9NT

Mark Bar r inger & Bob Baker

Playing at Sisters Ski Inn

310 E. Cascade Ave.

Tuesday, March 17 6 to 8 p.m. Come join us!

Sat., March 14 • 7 p.m. St. P atrick ’s Da y C elebr ation with Fiv e Pint Mar y and The Riv erst ones a festive Celebration with Central Oregon’spremierIrish-inspired bands belfr yevents.com...$25

Sat., Mar. 21 • 7 p.m. Anna Mos s with Laurie Shook and Sari Jordan Annahasavoicethatwillstop youdead inyour tracks—unique&deeplyhealing. bendticket.com...$22.94 Sat., Mar. 28 • 7 p.m. Joe and Hattie Cr av en bendticket.com...$22.94

Pub opens 30 minutes prior to shows 302 E. Main | BelfryEvents.com

SISTERS-AREA EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SATURDAY • MARCH 21

The Belfr y Live Music: Anna Moss with Laurie Shook and Sari Jordan Anna has a voice that will stop you dead in your tracks — unique & deeply healing 7 p.m. Tickets: www.bendticket.com.

Frankie's in Sisters Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent, 7 to 9 p.m. Sign ups, 6:30 No cover; upstairs. Info: frankiesinsisters.com.

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

SUNDAY • MARCH 22

Sisters Fire Hall Fireside Series: "Hollywood Comes to Sisters" The beautiful scenery around Sisters Country has been featured in numerous Hollywood productions. Three Sisters Historical Society has been researching and interviewing people connected with some of these shows Enjoy personal stories, behind-the-scenes photos memorabilia...and popcorn! 2 p.m., doors at 1. $10 at the door Info: 541-610-6323

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

Paulina Springs Books House Concert: Cosy Sheridan An intimate evening of song and story with Americana/folk singer-songwriter Cosy Sheridan with Charlie Koch. 7 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

MONDAY • MARCH 23

Spoons Open Mic: Music, Poetr y, Comedy Bring your talent (or come cheer) and enjoy a night of local music, poetry and comedy hosted by Jordan Lewis Lee. 6 to 8 p.m., sign-ups at 5:30 p.m. Dinner menu available Info: 541-719-0572

TUESDAY • MARCH 24

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Pool Tournament 5:30 p.m. Info: 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 25

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

FRI –SUN • MARCH 27–29

The Belfry Workshop: Your Poem, Your Song, Your Voice with Joe and Hattie Craven. Includes workshops, Saturday concert, and five meals from Frankie's for $299 Space is limited; call 541-306-0797 to register by March 23 REGISTER EARLY!

Exploring Earth’s magnetic field

In 1600, William Gilbert published the first book examining the Earth’s magnetic field from a global perspective. He famously said, “The Earth itself is a great magnet.” While this is mostly true there are significant departures from this simple bar magnet assumption. For example, the Earth’s magnetic field “flips” occasionally and other effects complicate our ability to track the motions of continents accurately.

If the magnetic field were like that of a simple bar magnet centered in the Earth and aligned with the spin axis (a geocentric axial dipole), the field strength would be twice as strong at the poles than at the equator. The present magnetic field has a North-South hemispheric asymmetry in field strength that appears to persist over at least 100,000 years. Some modeling suggests that this asymmetry is only expected when the magnet bar magnet is strong (like today’s) and should disappear when the field is weaker (like it was, say, five million years ago). To test this hypothesis, we require estimates of the ancient field strength from around the world from geologic records. This lecture will focus on how sediments and lava flows retain a record of the Earth’s magnetic field and what the results are from a global campaign to obtain data to address this problem.

The Sisters Science Club will explore this fascinating

topic with Dr. Lisa Tauxe in a presentation of “The History Of The Earth’s Magnetic Field Strength Over The Last Four Million Years: An Updated Global View,” on Tuesday, March 17, at The Belfry.

Dr. Tauxe graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1978, and with a Ph.D. degree from Columbia University in 1983. She is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the Geological Society of America, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the European Geosciences Union. She won the George P. Woolard Award and the Arthur L. Day Medal from the Geological Society of America, the Franklin Medal from the Franklin Institute, the Petrus Perigrinus Medal from the European Geosciences Society, the Humboldt Prize from the Deutsche Forschungs Gemeinde, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as winning the John Adam Fleming Medal from the American Geophysical Union. Tauxe has authored or co-authored over 250 articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as two books on the subject of Rock and Paleomagnetism. She founded and helps to maintain the widely used software for the

rock and paleomagnetic community. She served as president of the Geomagnetism/ Paleomagnetism Section and as the General Secretary/ Treasurer of the American Geophysical Union. She is currently a Distinguished Professor, Emerita at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.

This event is part of the Frontiers in Science lecture series sponsored by the Sisters Science Club. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with light fare, beer and wine available for purchase. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. Minimum suggested donation of $5 at the door to support continued programming. Teachers and students are admitted for free. The Belfry is located at 302 E. Main Avenue in Sisters.

For more information, visit www.sistersscience club.org.

AI: Discussion will focus on changing technology

Continued from page 3

be about fear. It’s about driving awareness, clarifying our values — as individuals and a community — and making intentional choices about how we want these tools shaping our work and lives.”

Happy Brain Science has delivered science-based leadership sessions for organizations including DreamWorks, NBC/Universal, Google, and numerous businesses and nonprofit organizations. C4C and Happy Brain Science are happy to offer this session for free to Sisters Country as part of C4C’s “Let’s Get Together” event series.

“This gathering will provide space for us all to slow down, build a shared understanding of AI’s risks and opportunities, and talk together about what the technology means for our daily lives and shared future,” said Kellen Klein, C4C executive

director. “Scott will give us a high-level overview of the technology, and then we’ll break into small groups to more deeply discuss our concerns, hopes, and questions about AI.”

A core goal of the event is to help community members build a sense of agency about AI. Attendees will leave better equipped to engage thoughtfully with a rapidly changing technological landscape.

“Let’s Talk: AI and Our Choices” is part of a yearlong exploration by C4C into the impacts of AI on rural life. With support from OpenAI’s People First AI Fund, the nonprofit is planning a series of educational workshops, community conversations, and a lecture series focused on various aspects of this groundbreaking topic. Group learnings from the March 12 conversation will help directly shape future events that C4C is planning.

Community members can learn more at citizens 4community.com/events/ ai-mar-26.

WATER: Sisters is in better shape

of the [area’s surface water] in general.” Wickiup is 88 percent full because a large amount of water will be released to preserve the natural habitats of the federally identified endangered species bull trout and spotted frogs. That water is not available to meet agricultural needs.

Giffin said that the snowpack that feeds the Basin is at 31 percent of the annual average, “the third worst year in the last 50 years.” Giffin added that total precipitation is 80 percent of normal and warned that another 30 inches of snowpack are needed by April to get up to average. While recent snowfall is encouraging, The Nugget found it generally takes 10 feet of snowfall to make one inch of snowpack.

Hydrologist Kemper shared that in the last 12 years, the area’s precipitation records indicate eight years were below the median and only four years were above. The median is calculated on recorded annual precipitation since 1895 to current year. In the mid 1990s the Basin’s average groundwater level was declining about one foot annually, but since 2000, Kemper shared the decline increased to an annual average of 2.5 feet.

Groundwater levels are recorded from designated wells. Municipal well water withdrawal rights are measured in cubic feet per second (CFS) per day, where one cubic foot is just over seven gallons of water. Rural residential well withdrawal is measured in gallons per day. The graph reflects annual well readings to track changes in groundwater from 1990 to 2026. Although La Pine is not shown on this graph, Kemper shared that La Pine’s wells are fed by a shallow part of the Deschutes aquifer (30 to 40 feet thick), and predicted

many wells, “will go dry in the next few years.”

Commissioner Phil Chang noted that the City of Sisters water supply is only from groundwater. The closer to the Cascade range, the milder are the groundwater declines. The further east from the City the more noticeable the ground and surface water declines.

Chang shared that rural residential property owners depend on groundwater wells which are typically less deep that the City’s very deep municipal wells. The County rural residential property owners do not need a permit to drill a well. These exempt wells are daily allowed 15,000 gallons of water for home use plus enough water to irrigate one-half acre of landscape. There are 17,000 exempt wells in the County and very few are metered.

City Manager Jordan Wheeler informed The Nugget that climate modeling generally predicts the Central Oregon Cascades will see a decline in snowfall with an equal or slightly greater rain fall in future years. Wheeler added that dramatic fluctuations in Whychus Creek flows do not impact the City’s water services. He shared that the City has four deep wells and groundwater rights allowing the City to daily withdraw 9.27 CFS. Wheeler wrote that the City has, “ . . submitted a permit application to the State to pump up to an additional 1.68 CFS in order to meet our peak water demands through 2045.”

Wheeler added, “Despite

[the City’s] robust groundwater source and infrastructure plans, an important part of our water system [planning] is to implement and encourage conservation of our water resources.” The City’s Water System Master plan and Water Management and Conservation plan are publicly available.

During the March 2 meeting Chang reported that a resident on Holmes Road east of Sisters had a 700-foot well which was failing. Chang said, “In the 1970s well drillers would dig just until they reached groundwater and then would not go much deeper, making that well vulnerable to going dry when groundwater levels declined later.”

Chang later told The Nugget , that the property owner had priced having a deeper well drilled. The estimate was $95,000. Chang said, “It is a higher quote

than typical in the County. A low quote might be $30,000 which is still a hardship to most property owners.”

The Nugget asked Commissioner Chang what is to be done. Chang explained there are three causes to the lowering of groundwater levels: declining precipitation, rising water usage, and canal piping. The pipes are installed to avoid the loss of water through evaporation or drainage enroute to farmers.

The canal piping stopped the canal drainage (artificial recharge) and thus accelerated the groundwater level declines. Chang advised that during this warming period, the leaders in Central Oregon need to determine how to “slow or reverse groundwater level declines. We will all need to use less water and should explore artificially recharging groundwater. Rural homeowners may need to drill deeper wells.”

First round of folk fest artists

The first 19 artists scheduled to perform at the 29th annual Sisters Folk Festival have been revealed.

The festival runs September 25-27.

The initial lineup includes Tommy Emmanuel, Ozomatli, John Gorka, Margo Cilker, Mason Via, Thunderstorm Artis, Cristina Vane, Toubab Krewe, Dean Johnson, Maya De Vitry, The Paperboys, Scottish Fish, Bandits on the Run, Banshee Tree, Chris Eldridge & Kristin Andreassen, Joslyn & the Sweet Compression, Lone Piñon, Jordan Smart, Rosine, and Spencer LaJoye. Read more about the performing artists at www.sistersfolkfest.org/ lineup.

headline everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall, tour with luminaries like Eric Clapton and John Denver, and collaborate with greats including Les Paul, Mark Knopfler, and Jason Isbell. Emmanuel is a Grammy Award winner who has performed for a televised audience of more than two billion at the Sydney Olympics, solidifying his place as an international guitar legend.

various genres of roots music from all over the world, offering patrons the chance to discover their new favorite artist. The annual event transforms Sisters into a walkable hub of music and creativity, with seven distinct venues including Sisters Art Works, Village Green, Oliver Lemon’s, The Belfry, Sisters Depot, Open Door, and Sisters Saloon.

POSTER: Event is set for end of September in Sisters

Continued from page 3

She also frequently displays her art at regional art and music festivals, including the Sisters Folk Festival.

Dunn is best known for her large scale, colorful oil paintings. Her work focuses on the beauty of the natural world, primarily through landscapes of Central Oregon and the Southwest, using distinct, geometric, color blocked strokes. Dunn also specializes in figure work; in fact, this was her primary focus during her college years. Dunn explains that painting figures requires her to get the intricacies of a person’s likeness just right, which is more technically challenging for her.

“There’s something about painting landscapes or even animals, that there’s a little more freedom there… I can just be a little bit looser,” she said. “If I were to paint your portrait, there could be something as small as an eighth of an inch, literally, something off in your eye, and it wouldn’t look correct. [Portraits are] a different level of challenging.”

In 2025, Dunn was approached by the Sisters Folk Festival after Dennis McGregor, the longtime poster artist for the event, decided to retire from the yearly commission. Dunn knew immediately that she would include both her expertise in figure painting and landscapes to create an iconic image. Last year, Dunn’s first commissioned work featured a lone guitarist playing softly in front of Mount Jefferson at the

I also wanted to convey a sense of hope. I think that can be pretty hard to come by right now...

— Sheila Dunn

“magic hour” between late afternoon and dusk.

This year, Dunn hopes that her festival art will convey a sense of joy, strength, and hope. Additionally, Dunn’s central figure in this year’s poster celebrates the diversity of musicians that the Sisters Folk Festival draws to its stages.

“I just wanted to bring in a little more diversity, because the folk fest is always so diverse in terms of musicians…I also wanted to convey a sense of hope. I think that can be pretty hard to come by right now; it’s pretty rough out there in a lot of ways,” Dunn explained.

Dunn continued, “I was reflecting on how inevitably I leave the Folk Fest every year with a renewed sense of hope…and so I really wanted to translate that feeling. I tried to capture that with the woman’s expression, the rays kind of shining through and hitting the water…I think the birds are representative of that to me in a way.”

Dunn is proud of her new work, and excited to have it on display at her booth at the Village Green during the festival. Festivalgoers can learn more about Dunn’s work at her festival booth, or by checking out her website at sheiladunnart.com. Dunn’s work is also available for sale at several art galleries across Central Oregon and on Etsy at SheilaDunnArt.

Standout 2026 performer Tommy Emmanuel is hailed as “one of the best acoustic guitarists in the world” by NPR. Emmanuel began his career in his native Australia, earning a reputation as a highly sought-after sideman before stepping out on his own as a solo artist in 1979. Inspired by his mentor Chet Atkins, he went on to

Continuing their reputation for presenting diverse artists from around the world, SFF brings the genre-blending Latin, hiphop, and funk band Ozomatli to Sisters. Born in Los Angeles and shaped by the city’s cultural pulse, Ozomatli delivers a trusted live experience rooted in connection, rhythm, and community. More than 30 years in, the band continues to evolve, creating new music while bringing diverse audiences together in celebration of unity, resilience, and joy.

The final festival lineup will feature more than 30 vibrant acts representing

Three-day festival passes are available at the advance price of $245/ ticket for adults and $90/ ticket for youth ages 17 and under. Children under five attend for free. Single-day tickets will be available in July alongside the full performance schedule. Ticket prices include all fees for maximum transparency. Tickets are expected to sell out in advance. Attendees are encouraged to purchase early at https://aftontickets.com/SFF2026.

Follow Sisters Folk Festival on Facebbook and Instagram @Sisters FolkFestival for festival updates and lineup information.

The Nugget

NEWS PA PE R

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ?

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

Farewell, Adieu, Adios

To the Editor:

This may surprise some regular readers of The Nugget, but I fully support Jim Cornelius’ decision to limit reader contributions to once per month. Currently, about one percent of the city’s population contributes more than 95% of the paper’s content. If this change creates space for the other 99 percent to confidently put pen to paper, that would be wonderful. I suspect it won’t, but I’d be happy to be proven wrong.

For my part, I only began contributing to the paper because of an agreement with my youngest daughter, a proud leftist, to write daily as part of Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way,” in support of her efforts to create. Those daily pages easily evolved into 400–700-word pieces that fit The Nugget’s requirements. I write far more than I submit, and Jim publishes very little of what I submit!

As a regular reader, I believe the conservative and Christian voices are grossly underrepresented. Others may disagree, but when I asked an AI to review the past two years of Nugget issues and identify conservative voices by name, it returned only six, including mine. The same query for progressive voices yielded 18, and that list didn’t even include Susan Cobb and T. Lee Brown, who contribute straight news, progressive opinion columns, and letters to the editor!

Even among the few identified conservatives, contributions were so infrequent as to barely register. Rather than focusing on frequency limits, The Nugget staff would be better served by exploring why conservatives and Christians submit so rarely. We have at least 10 churches in Sisters with several hundred congregants combined, yet we almost never hear from their leaders. Why not? Usually, the only time God is mentioned in the paper is when it is first prefaced with, “I don’t attend church.”

I suspect the loudest critics, especially those

HOUSING: Ground breaking is set for March 12

Continued from page 1

rating provided by Standard & Poor’s. Olin noted “By securing NHA’s inaugural AA credit rating and bringing the transaction to market with disciplined pricing, Trinity Place achieved significantly tighter spreads than comparable deals and a nonrated structure, translating into millions of dollars in longterm savings for the project. Those savings directly support deeper affordability, and help make high-quality workforce housing feasible in communities like Sisters, where other financing tools often fall short.”

In honor of the recent 25th Winter Olympic Games, attendees at the groundbreaking will also enjoy a special “Excavator Olympics,” where selected participants will put their skills to the test behind the controls of a stationary excavator under the guidance of professional operators — all to raise donations for NHA. Citizens4Community Executive Director Kellen Klein will emcee this portion of the event.

aimed at me, would prefer The Nugget become a progressive echo chamber. So be it. I’ll use this letter to officially announce my departure from contributing. Hopefully, others will pick up the conversation.

Steve Woodside

s s s

Tax moves

To the Editor:

In response to the March 4 column “Tax-saving moves for 2025,” I’d like to suggest another move that will save on your taxes if you are over 70 and receiving required minimum distributions from your traditional IRA. It’s too late to apply this strategy to your 2025 tax return, but it can be easily implemented to reduce 2026 taxes.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD’s) reduce taxable income by allowing you to donate directly from your IRA’s required distribution to a qualified charity. The amount you donate will not be included in your taxable income. You can divide your QCD among several different nonprofits. You set this up through the financial institution that holds your traditional IRA. This is a simple way to reduce your tax bill while helping the good causes that you support.

Susanna DeFazio

s s s

Dudley candidacy

To the Editor:

Thank you for the recent article concerning Chris Dudley’s candidacy for the 2026 governor’s race. I was raised in a Democratic Party household, and was a registered Democrat for 50 years. I voted for President Obama twice, but since then the party has left the pier and sailed away. I waved goodbye, and am now a registered independent. I love Oregon, but for the first time in my life I am researching moving to other states because of the failures and incompetence of our current

governance.

Oregon ranks 50th out of 50 states in objectively based educational achievement tests at the fourth and eighth grade levels. Oregon graduates students from high school who lack basic reading, writing, and math skills. This is not for lack of educational funding, as many southern states spend well less for public education, and do much much better. For instance, Mississippi is now ranked first in many objectively measured levels of achievement.

Employers take note. Dutch Bros. left Oregon for Arizona to attract an educated work force to expand its business. Tektronix left some time ago for North Carolina. Columbia Sportswear’s advisors have advised it to give up its Oregon roots and move.

Nike is still here, having cut a favorable 30-year tax deal with Oregon in 2012. But much of its distribution and logistics is located in Tennessee. If Nike were subject to Oregon’s current business tax environment, I anticipate that it would seriously consider leaving.

I talk with small business people who have told me they are considering leaving Oregon because of the lopsided and unfair state tax burden they face in their business and personal income tax obligations. I have two educated children who have left Oregon to find meaningful work. All Oregon students should be educated enough to obtain meaningful work in Oregon and Oregon should retain and attract employers who can provide it. But under Oregon’s current governance we are racing downhill.

Oregon needs a moderate, centrist, smart governor who will seriously consider how to correct course. Chris Dudley fits the bill. To his credit, his locus is not the sad halls of Salem, or the ongoing drama and sadness of Portland. I am hopeful that in this coming election Oregon will elect a governor who will chart a new course for the state.

Ralph Wiser

SENIORS: Forum kicked off ongoing planning efforts

Continued from page 1

Action, a Portland group that created a hub for senior engagement in Portland known as the East Side Village.

“It’s not a place,” Herrigel explained. “It’s an actual program of aging in place.”

The program, which grew from 25 members in 2015 to 220 members in 2026, offers seniors assistance in their homes with services from decluttering to yard work, pet sitting and computer assistance, coordination of social events, and — most requested — transportation. The organization does not offer legal, medica,l or financial advice or assistance. The model was presented as one that might be adopted and adapted for Sisters.

Lauren Lebien of ClearPath Health Care described services for seniors trying to navigate the health care system.

“Navigating senior health

care is notoriously confusing,” she said.

ClearPath offers guidance for resources that many seniors are unaware of, seeking to “guide people to the right care at the right time.”

Lebien noted that “A lot of people just don’t know that there are some resources and that they are standing by.”

The attendees broke up into small table sessions to share ideas around several subject areas identified by SOS, including resource coordination in Sisters; centralized services for seniors; nonmedical transportation; planning for transitions; housing, and more.

C4C Executive Director

Kellen Klein emphasized that the forum, like all such C4C endeavors, is intended to be a starting point, not an end point, for community discussion. As needs are identified and potential projects to address them are considered, the community will continue to meet, to engage, and to act to ensure that Sisters remains a welcoming place for its large senior population for as long as possible.

Melody Carlson celebrates new novel

Beloved local author Melody Carlson will celebrate release day for her new novel, “All Booked Up,” at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. Readers can expect a heartwarming story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love.

Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that’s been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can’t bring herself to leave decades of memories — and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative — opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent — Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

A heartwarming contemporary romance featuring

week.

a bookish widow finding a second chance at love. This small-town rom-com about new beginnings makes a perfect read for book clubs.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel “All Summer Long” has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel “The Happy Camper” premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her family live in Central Oregon.

Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave.

On a recent Tuesday evening as I was loading up The Nugget for deliver y, a woman came up on the porch and g rabbed a handful of papers. She told me it is a weekly ritual for her to pick up papers for her neighbors, who all enjoy reading the paper “cover-to-cover.” She’s been doing this for years, and she said:

“I hope you keep going forever.”

We hear from readers like that on a regular basis, and it’s the most g ratifying aspect of our work.

Our goal is to keep going forever — and to do that, support from our readers has become vital. It’s no secret that print media is in trouble across the nation. Costs continue to rise, and can’t simply be passed on to advertisers who are already stressed by their own higher costs of doing business. Readership declines as people’s habits change, and in many places, people don’t read at all, to a point where many think we’re entering a ‘post-literate’ society

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that Sisters is still home to readers — and writers, too. We know that the community values their newspaper, because you tell us so — and many want to support their newspaper so that it does stay vital for years to come. And we continue to seek to find new ways to provide value for their support. There are now multiple ways that readers can directly support The Nugget that are easy and aren’t expensive but have a big impact:

Suppor ting Contributions: Direct contributions to The Nugget are allocated to support our outstanding stable of freelance reporters, columnists, and photographers. You can make a supporting contribution online at www.nuggetnews.com (hit the “Donate” button); or you can mail a check to P.O. Box 698, Sisters OR 97759; or (best of all) stop by the office at 442 E. Main Ave. We love to talk with our readers.

Subscribe to the “Nuggets From A Small Town” Substack: Substack is an online subscription platform for creators. “Nuggets From A Small Town” offers longer-form essays from Editor in Chief Jim Cornelius, for readers who like to engage with thoughtful writing on topics ranging from identity to the power of empathy, what we learn — or don’t — from histor y. This week’s essay looks at the importance of reading what it might mean to be a “post-literate society.” You can access “Nuggets From A Small Town” at https://jimcornelius609. substack.com. All subscriptions directly support The Nugget Newspaper Online subscription: The content published on Substack and other subscriber-only content is available with an online subscription to nuggetnews.com. Click the subscribe button to sign up or call the office and we can assist you.

Print subscriptions cover only the cost of deliver y; the paper continues to be “free.”

Directly paying for our content is the best way readers can help us continue to provide it. It’s also vital to shop local and support the businesses that advertise in The Nugget — and provide Sisters with so much of its character

Change is inevitable, and more rapid than ever — but, with your help, we can preserve good things that “make Sisters Sisters.” With your suppor t, we can ensure that The Nugget is there for you each week to read “cover-to cover,” with more content for readers online. And maybe we will just go on forever.

Thank you,

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Basketball squad ends playoff run

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

For the first time in school history the Lady Outlaws basketball squad made it to the elite eight of the state tournament held in Coos Bay, Thursday through Saturday, March 5-7, and they brought home a sixth place trophy.

Sisters faced league foe Creswell in the quarterfinals in a hard-fought fight on Thursday which ended in a 40-52 loss for the Outlaws.

Coach Kevin Cotner told The Nugget he felt like they had a great game plan going into the game. Their plan was to contain Creswell’s No. 4 from any type of penetration, and double-team co-league MVP Elliot Kennedy every time she touched the ball.

“In order to beat us, we said they had to shoot the ball at an elite level,” said Cotner. “Well, they did just that knocking down 8-17 threepoint attempts.”

The contest began and the first quarter was very tight, with no more than a three-point spread either way. Maddie Durham scored a layup to get the Outlaws on the scoreboard. Later, Maici Cotner drove to the hoop for the score and followed with a jumper to give the Outlaws a three-point edge. The score tied up at six and again at eight before Durham hit another shot to put Sisters up 10-8. The Bulldogs downed a triple with under 30 seconds left in the period and at the end of one top put the Outlaws down 10-11.

Five Outlaws put points on the board in the second, including Durham, Maici Cotner, Audrey Corcoran, Paityn Cotner, and Althea Crabtree. The quarter stayed tight and at the half the Outlaws trailed by one at 22-23.

The third quarter proved to be more of the same, and once again at the close of the period the Outlaws trailed by one, 36-37.

Early in the final period the Bulldogs hit a long ball that gave them a six-point lead, 36-41. Verbena Brent scored off a layup and Maici Cotner on a floater midway through that held the Bulldog’s lead at four, 40-44, with just over four minutes left in the game. Unfortunately, Sisters was unable to score from then on and the Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run to secure the win.

Durham and Maici Cotner combined for 25 points.

Coach Cotner said, “I think the key to this game was our inability to get into any kind of offensive rhythm and we struggled with our decision making and passing. We shot six percent from the three-point line and 23 percent from the field. The fact

that we were in that game at all was truly a testament to our defensive intensity. Defense keeps you in games when your offense goes stagnant, and today that could not have been more true.”

He added, “I was proud of the way our girls fought. They never gave up and battled until the end. We came into this tournament as the youngest and most inexperienced, however, I think our fight and our grit matches up with anyone in the state.”

Cotner noted Maici Cotner and Althea Crabtree for their outstanding performances.

“I thought Maici had her best game of the year offensively,” said Cotner. “She attacked the hoop and played with an aggressive offensive mindset. Althea was an outstanding contributor off the bench. She just loves to rebound and play her role.”

With the loss, the Outlaws moved into the consolation bracket and faced The Sutherlin Bulldogs in an early Friday morning matchup. The game was a rematch from a December game where the Outlaws lost by four points at Sutherlin. The pace and style of this game was almost the exact opposite of the previous game against Creswell, as Sutherlin sits in a zone defense and doesn’t apply pressure.

Sisters got off to a slow start and quickly found themselves down 0-5. Later buckets from Corcoran and Paityn Cotner put the score at 4-8. At the close of the first quarter the Outlaws trailed 5-11.

Durham knocked down a triple to start the second quarter, and the Outlaws kept working one possession at a time. Corcoran put up six more points for Sisters and Maici Cotner went two-fortwo from the free-throw line to help the Outlaws outscore the Bulldogs 11-9 and close the gap to 16-20 as teams entered the break.

The third period was a nailbiter as the score stayed close. Corcoran hit two free throws to start Sisters scoring and at the four-minute mark Maici Cotner stole the ball and ran down the court and scored on a layin to close the Bulldogs lead to three at 20-23. With just under two minutes left Paityn Cotner made a nice step-over to score and cut the Bulldogs lead to one at 22-23. The clock clicked down to four seconds and Crabtree was fouled on the shot. She calmly stepped to the line, made both her attempts, and gave Sisters their first lead of the contest at 24-23. Sisters held the Bulldogs to just three points the entire period. In the final period the score again stayed tight. The Outlaws were up by one when Durham made a nice reverse

This game is so much bigger than wins and losses...

— Coach Kevin Cotner

pivot to score and put them up by three, 27-24. Paityn Cotner was fouled on the shot and hit both her shots from the charity stripe to give the Outlaws a five-point lead at 29-24. Brent scored one of two from the line and then hit a short jumper to put the Outlaws on top 32-24 for their biggest lead of the game. The Bulldogs wouldn’t quit and with 45 seconds left on the clock they’d narrowed the lead to 32-29. Corcoran and Durham made some key free throws down the stretch, and Crabtree grabbed a huge offensive rebound off a foul attempt that sent the crowd to their feet. The clocked down, the buzzer sounded, and the Outlaws secured the win at 37-34.

Six different players contributed in the Outlaws’ scoring effort.

Cotner said, “I thought we should have been 10-15 points better, but our offensive struggles continued to haunt us through most of the game. Points were hard to come by throughout the game by both teams as evidenced by the final score. I thought that the girls again showed why we have won so many close games this year. They are gritty, they are tough, and they aren’t afraid of a halftime deficit.”

Cotner once again praised Crabtree for her performance.

“I thought that Althea was the player of the game tonight,” said Cotner. “Her understanding of her role and her ability to affect the game by being the best rebounder on the floor I believe changed the momentum of this game and ultimately solidified the win in the end, on her offensive rebound off a foul attempt.”

Cotner told The Nugget that the Outlaws (No. 5) goal coming into the tournament was to play in some capacity on Saturday, and the win against Sutherlin solidified that goal.

“These girls just continue to amaze me,” said Cotner. “I hope that these are memories that they can share for a long time. I told them last week prior to our second-round game that there are few times in life/sports where you get the opportunity to do something that no one has ever done before. They accepted the challenge and have blazed a new trail and set a new standard for girls basketball in

Sisters Habitat to dedicate homes

Sisters Habitat for Humanity has announced the completion of the Village Meadows development, a 21-home affordable housing neighborhood located on Desert Rose Loop between McKinney Butte Road and Brooks Camp Road, near Sisters churches.

The final two homes will be dedicated on March 20. Sisters Habitat notes that this marks a milestone for the community and the households who now have access to safe, stable, and affordable homeownership.

“Village Meadows represents more than just homes — it’s stability, opportunity, and hope for local individuals and families,” said Peter Hoover, executive director of Sisters Habitat for

Humanity. Construction began in 2015, and over the last decade the project has brought together volunteers, donors, and future homeowners to create a lasting impact in Sisters. With hands-on support from volunteers, individuals helped build and move into their new homes.

With Village Meadows complete, Sisters Habitat is turning its attention to Larch Commons, a new development of 25 homes offering a mix of affordable and workforce housing to meet the growing needs of the community.

For more information about Village Meadows or upcoming projects, visit sistershabitat.org.

Nugget Poetry Corner

War

ByBobWood

He br ought the w ar home with him

Se wn inside his chest

Occasionally it would come out

And ter r orize his family

It made him seem cr uel

But it w as the w ar that lived

Inside his c hest, his hear t

And deep within his br ain

His c hildr en never fought in that war

They ne ver went to that foreign land

But they wer e casualties

When the w ar within him came out

They lear ned when to take shelter

When to r etr eat, w hen to camouflage

When to seek the bunker of disengagement

As tiny soldier s they met his w ar cour ageously

But even their small battles left scar s

The boy who faced his father’s ghostly, ghastly war

Shipped out to a dif fer ent w ar in a dif fer ent land

And r etur ned with that dif fer ent w ar inside

The little girl pr ayed for peace with both wars

She would not sur render, always sought tr uce

And w hen they both wer e gone

She dealt with her inside wa r

By wr apping it in love and under standing

Why? Oh, Why?

ByEdieJones

Aging! What is this thing?

Ar en’t I in the Spring of my life?

Why – oh – why do I feel the strife of needing a nap when books slip to my la p as I doze?

Why – oh why – this mor ning, when I rose, did I feel stif f and sore, and needing my cu p of java to wake me up?

Why – oh why – do I hear, “You have dr y eyes?”

If so, why the tear s that make me cr y, all the time?

Why – oh why – ar en’t I still in my prime ?

LEADER: Priest comes to Sisters parish from India

Continued from page 3

family,” Devasia told The Nugget . “My parents raised us with strong values of faith, hard work, and care for others. I have two siblings, and we remain very supportive of one another even though we are now in different places. My family has always been an important source of encouragement in my vocation, and their prayers and support continue to mean a great deal to me.”

The Nugget asked what has been the most challenging part of coming to Sisters and St. Edward.

“Adjusting to a new culture and environment,” Devasia said. “Moving to the United States means learning many small things that people here take for granted — language nuances, local customs, and even daily routines. At the same time, entering a new parish community means learning the history, traditions, and hopes of the people. While it has been a challenge, it has also been a beautiful opportunity to grow and to build relationships with the wonderful people of this parish.”

When asked about the most gratifying part of being in Sisters, he said, “The warm

My parents raised us with strong values of faith, hard work, and care for others.

— Reverend Rijo Devasia

welcome I have received from the parishioners. From the very beginning, people have shown kindness, patience, and generosity. Celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, with the community and getting to know families, children, and seniors has been a great joy. Seeing the faith of the people here and their love for the parish has been very encouraging for me as a priest.”

He noted, “One of the amusing things about adjusting to life in the United States has been learning some of the everyday expressions and habits. For example, when people first asked me, ‘How’s it going?’ I initially thought they were asking for a detailed answer! I soon learned that it’s usually just a friendly greeting. Little moments like that have made me smile and reminded me that learning a new culture can be both challenging and fun.”

In talking about his hopes and aspirations for his ministry to the parish, Devasia said, “My hope is to help continue building a parish community

that is centered on Christ, welcoming to everyone, and alive in faith. I would like to encourage spiritual growth through prayer, the sacraments, and faith formation for all ages.

“I also hope to foster a sense of unity and service, where parishioners feel connected to one another and inspired to share their faith and care for those in need.”

Mike and Jenny Amsberry, longtime parishioners, spoke of Devasia in glowing terms.

“We are so very excited to welcome Father Rijo to our community. He has effortlessly melded into our Church family and will likely jump into the Sisters Community ‘heart first.’ Father Rijo is a man of deep faith, solid understanding of the Scriptures, and fervent prayer. He is a joyful servant and we are excited to have him here as our priest and pastor.”

Devasia was ordained in 2014 in the order of St. Thérése of the Child Jesus (CST). He speaks four languages and has worked in various health and education settings including psychiatric social work at Mangalore University. He was Students Councilor at Navajyothi College in Calicut from 2020-2022.

Prior to coming to Sisters, he was hospital chaplain and medical social worker at Amala Medical College in Thrissur.

Portraits OF SISTERS

You could say Justin Little was born with a natural ear for music. Some of his earliest memories are plunking keys on the family piano. “I could pick up almost any instrument and just figure it out,” he says. Although he admits, with a laugh, that he could never read the music itself At eight years old he and his family moved to Sisters from Southern California. In high school he learned guitar, saxophone, drums, and bass. Time in the choir taught him singing and how to read sheet music. And his attendance at the 2001 Americana Project solidified his musical trajectory. But he eventually left our small town for southern California to become a therapist. There he met and married his wife and continued to hone his musical craft between jobs, family, and life. In 2022 he returned to Sisters with his business Forage Wellness Collective where he mentors upcoming therapists and continues to work as one himself But music was always a common thread despite the comings and goings of life. “Therapy was a form of language I was looking for,” he says of his career choice. He finds commons threads between his love for music and therapy, too. After all, some of his favorite life memories are at concerts — the 2009 U2 performance in Pasadena lives rent free in his mind. “Music is how I process the world, that thing I can connect so deeply with. I see it as a need in my life.” But today it’s not “The Justin Show” he tells me. It’s about “who we are together and how can we nurture that.”

Bluegrass jam camp set at Sisters Art Works

SFF Presents is bringing back their popular six-week bluegrass workshop at Sisters Art Works with Joe Schulte this spring. Classes will take place every Wednesday night from April 22 through May 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is open at https://www.sffpresents.org/ workshops-and-classes.

In “Jam-Ready Bluegrass: A 6-Week Music Workshop,” instruction will focus on song arrangement, jam awareness, and “bluegrass etiquette.” Participants will learn how to take traditional bluegrass tunes commonly found in jam circles and bring them to life by finding the right key(s) to play them in, construct intros, outros, and apply other interesting arrangement ideas. Students will improve their ability and confidence in jamming and learn to take their favorite song and turn it into a tune they could bring to any jam to lead.

Instructor Joe Schulte is a member of the local bluegrass band Skillethead. He finds as much joy in teaching

BASKETBALL:

Run marked best performance

Continued from page 18

Sisters. The sky is the limit and I am glad that I just got to be part of the journey.”

Sisters (No. 5) faced Valley Catholic (No. 6) in a mid-morning game on Saturday, in their final game of the tournament.

Cotner said, “This was a tough matchup for us after two tight battles the previous days, with a tight rotation, and knowing they played nine players deep with waves of players coming in fresh every couple of minutes.”

It was another slow start for the Outlaws as they struggled to get shots to fall and when they did none came easy, while on the other hand the Valiants couldn’t seem to miss. At the half Sisters trailed 19-34, and the gap just widened in the second half.

With just under three minutes left in the game Coach Cotner put in his bench to finish the game.

The highlight of the game was Paityn Cotner, who battled relentlessly on the boards and finished with a seasonhigh 12 rebounds.

“I thought our girls battled with grit and tenacity, as they always do, we just didn’t have enough gas left in the tank,” said Cotner. “This combined with a rough shooting night allowed Valley Catholic to

and helping others as he does in performing and working on his own musicianship. His favorite teaching method is passing folk music along much in the same manner people have for hundreds of years, through live interaction, sitting in circles jamming, listening, and sharing creative ideas.

This is a beginner/intermediate class open to 20 pickers. Participants must be 18 or older to enroll and should have a solid ability to strum and switch between the basic and common chords on their chosen instrument. Bass, cello, or fiddle players must be able to identify some common notes and to play at least one basic scale or simple melodies.

Recommended tuition for the course is $150/person and SFF Presents is offering a pay what you can pricing model to help eliminate financial barriers. Classes will take place at Sisters Art Works, 204 W. Adams Ave. For more information visit https://www. sffpresents.org/.

stretch the lead early. I think we shot six percent from the three-point line and 23 percent from the field. Those are difficult stats to overcome when they are shooting 40-plus percent from behind the arc.”

He added, “I could not be more proud of these girls and this team. They went on a run, blazed a new trail, and set a new standard for girls basketball at Sisters High School.”

As Cotner reflected on the weekend, he shared with The Nugget that of all the memories he has there is one that will resonate in his mind.

“Late in the game, when the loss was all but secured we put our second unit in the game,” said Cotner. “On one of the last offensive possession of the game there was a pass from Stella Moen to Avery Horton for a score. Instead of our team sulking, pouting, crying on the bench they were all standing, jumping and cheering for their teammates who had supported them all season. What a testament to the character of these girls.

“This is what sports is all about,” he added. “This game is so much bigger than wins and losses, and this team showed that on the biggest stage. Our future is bright and I look forward to seeing the work these girls are going to put in to get to the next level. Always hungry, never satisfied. We now know what the tournament is about, and we will be back.”

ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 5 PM preceding Wednesday publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. Major credit cards accepted with a 3% processing fee. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four weeks.

CATEGORIES:

102 Commercial Rentals

Two Offices for Rent at Sisters Art Works

•80 sq. ft. - $175/month •211 sq. ft. - $425/month

All utilities & Wi-Fi included. Month-to-month lease. Security deposit required. Contact Raina: 541-588-7065 Accounting@sffpresents.org

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

• 8 x 20 dry box

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MINI STORAGE

Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.

103 Residential Rentals

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CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

104 Vacation Rentals

Downtown Vacation Rentals

Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom info@SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150

202 Firewood

NEW DISCOUNT PRICES

SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD • SINCE 1976 • Fuel Reduction Forestry

Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir

DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES – 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com Order Online! 541-410-4509

205 Garage & Estate Sales

ANNUAL GARAGE SALE at River Run Event Center, in Eagle Crest Resort, 1730 Blue Heron, Redmond. Saturday, March 14, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 541-526-1876

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!

Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806

Sharie 541-771-1150

301 Vehicles

Mountain High RV & Boat Storage – Large unit available. 541-410-0458.

We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com www.nuggetnews.com

HEATED GARAGE power, lights, security. $275/mo. Jack 541-419-2502

403 Pets SISTERS WHISKERS

Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com Julie 541-306-7551

Caring, loving pet care in my home. Daily rates and in town. Cheryl 541-420-7875

500 Services

SMALL Engine REPAIR Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers

Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS

Bend Window Works, LLC is offering a 10% discount on new window coverings. FREE in-home consultation. Same day in-home repair services available. New and repaired blinds make rentals look better! Contact us at 541-383-2455 or andy@bendblinds.com.

Junk Removal, Dumpster Rentals & Demolition Services – Done Right. Remove-Junk.com 541-719-8475

• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Audio/video, data networking, WIFI, security camera, alarms. CCB #191099 541-306-0729

502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

GORDON’S LAST TOUCH Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau

• Bonded & Insured

• Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008

M & J CARPET CLEANING

Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090

JUNK REMOVAL & EXT. HOME SERVICES Fire/Tree/Storm/Estate cleanup, manure removal, pressure washing, demo/excavation/land clearing. 541-784-8522 brushmasterlandmanagementllc

AlpenGlow Handyman Services

Small & Large Jobs

20+ Years Experience CCB#180099

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com

600 Tree Service & Forestry

4 Brothers Tree Service

Sisters' Premier Tree Experts!

– TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –

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Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003

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LOLO TREE WORKS

Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services.

ISA Certified Arborist

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Call / Text: 503-367-5638

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Tree Removal • Tree Pruning Good for Trees. Good to People. SparTreeArborist.com (916) 619-6317

TimberStandImprovement.net

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601 Construction

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062

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Custom Homes Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com — Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

Custom Homes • Additions

Residential Building Projects

Serving Sisters area since 1976 Strictly Quality

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ISA Certified Arborist

We are the experts you’ve been looking for! LCB# 100129 & Oregon Professional Logger 71395048

CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764

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Level: Easy Answer: Page 12

Construction & Renovation

Construction & Renovation

Residential Projects

Custom Residential Projects

Phases • CCB #148365

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Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me. All projects: From new construction to those little projects you don't seem to get to. My team of local subcontractors and I will get it done right, fair, and pain-free so you can make your spouse happy. Call Jared 503-949-9719

CONSTRUCTION

604 Heating & Cooling

604 Heating & Cooling

ACTION AIR

ACTION AIR

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A 63-year tradition for Sisters www.georges-septic-service.com

Electrical Service & Repair

Est. 1947, CCB#54572 Local in Sisters 503-357-2146

SERVICES & HOME MAINT.

Heating & Cooling, LLC

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701 Domestic Services

701 Domestic Services

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC

Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051

Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service

Residential & Commercial Heating • Ductless Air Conditioning • Maintenance Installation • Repair 541-588-5667

Residential & Commercial Heating • Ductless Air Conditioning • Maintenance Installation • Repair 541-588-5667

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603 Excavation & Trucking

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Remodels • Landscaping

Remodels • Landscaping

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Decks & Much More!

Pease Co. Contracting Call Tanner at 541-588-0136.

Big and small jobs!

CCB#

CCB# 256258

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

704 Events & Event Services

SistersHeatingAir.com

704 Events & Event Services

The girls basketball photo that appeared on page 11 of the March 4 edition of The Nugget was taken by Kennedy Davis. The photo was credited incorrectly.

WILDLIFE: Funding supports non-game species management

Continued from page 1

605 Painting

605 Painting Interior/Exterior Painting Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327

603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation

peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491 ~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks

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Interior/Exterior Painting

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CENTRAL OREGON'S GUN & KNIFE SHOW!

March 14 & 15

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Free On-site Visit & Estimate Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

• Site Preparation

CENTRAL OREGON'S GUN & KNIFE SHOW! March 14 & 15

Saturday, 9-5 • Sunday, 9-3 Deschutes County Expo Center

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606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888 Drainfield

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• All Septic Needs/Design & Install General Excavation

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Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate 541-350-3218

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• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water

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602 Plumbing & Electric

species such as deer and trout. Climate change, habitat loss, and other factors have increased the urgency for states to take a broader approach. Officials at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and similar agencies in other states are responsible for a wide array of species, many of which are struggling. But most agencies have little funding for “nongame” species.

Saturday, 9-5 • Sunday, 9-3 Deschutes County Expo Center

ADMISSION: General $10; Military/Vets $8; 2-day pass $16; Children under 12 are free. New this Month: Concealed Carry Class; Onsite Coin Dealer For info call 541-699-1585. OregonGunsandMoreShow.com

ADMISSION: General $10; Military/Vets $8; 2-day pass $16; Children under 12 are free. New this Month: Concealed Carry Class; Onsite Coin Dealer For info call 541-699-1585. OregonGunsandMoreShow.com

802 Help Wanted

802 Help Wanted

“They’re under the radar most of the time,” said Democratic state Rep. Ken Helm, one of the measure’s sponsors, in an interview with Stateline last year. “We have to do what we can to preserve biodiversity.”

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T H E N U G G E T

N E W S P A P E R Your Local News Source! www.nuggetnews.com Breaking News / Weather Online Extras / Letters

Sisters Owned and Operated

Serving all of Central Oregon

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T H E N U G G E T N E W S P A P E R Your Local News Source! www.nuggetnews.com

BRANCHWATER EXCAVATION & SEPTIC, LLC

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Alpine Landscape Maintenance An All-Electric Landscape Company.

Breaking News / Weather Online Extras / Letters

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SWEENEY

PLUMBING, INC.

Local visual artist seeks part-time assistant to manage marketing, admin and studio logistics. Must be highly organized, reliable, and tech-savvy. Familiar with Meta, Canva and Etsy. Flex hours, room to grow. Send resume: kimry@kimryjelen.com

Local visual artist seeks part-time assistant to manage marketing, admin and studio logistics. Must be highly organized, reliable, and tech-savvy. Familiar with Meta, Canva and Etsy. Flex hours, room to grow. Send resume: kimry@kimryjelen.com

Alpine Landscape Maintenance

NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING

Helm said the lodging tax was a logical source to help fund that work, because Oregon’s outdoor recreation industry is a huge driver of its tourism revenue.

The bill passed this week would support programs to aid the more than 300 species that wildlife officials have identified as needing conservation help, through stewardship and by limiting poaching and invasive species. It also earned some Republican support due to a provision that will provide compensation for ranchers whose livestock are killed by wolves.

Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 alpine.landscapes@icloud.com

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– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, snow removal, moss removal, lawn care, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

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Experience you can trust. All Septic Systems: New Install & Repairs * Driveway Refurb & New * Fire Breaks * Site Prep

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* Land Clearing & Clean Up FREE ESTIMATES

CCB# 256753

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541-549-4349

Housekeeping and Maintenance Team Members

Housekeeping and Maintenance Team Members

– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, snow removal, moss removal, lawn care, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.

* Land Clearing & Clean Up

FREE ESTIMATES

CCB# 256753

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

Residential and Commercial

Join the crew at our cozy camp style retreat nestled in the forest! We're looking for friendly, dependable individuals to join our team at Lake Creek Lodge. PT/FT. We offer flexible schedules & excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com 13375 SW FS Rd. 1419 Camp Sherman

Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.

CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462

BANR Enterprises, LLC

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Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587 — GEORGE’S — SEPTIC SERVICE 541-419-3148

CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462

STEVE'S HAULING

Residential & Commercial

CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net

Join the crew at our cozy camp style retreat nestled in the forest! We're looking for friendly, dependable individuals to join our team at Lake Creek Lodge. PT/FT. We offer flexible schedules & excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com 13375 SW FS Rd. 1419

Camp Sherman THE GARDEN ANGEL LANDSCAPING

THE GARDEN ANGEL LANDSCAPING is filling crew lead and crew member positions. We want YOU to join us for an awesome season this year! thegardenangel@gmail.com 541 549 2882

is filling crew lead and crew member positions. We want YOU to join us for an awesome season this year! thegardenangel@gmail.com 541 549 2882

Some business and tourism groups opposed the bill, arguing it would hurt their industries. But backers noted that Oregon’s overnight lodging tax still remains among the lowest in the country.

The measure now goes to Democratic Governor Tina Kotek.

This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Oregon Capital Chronicle, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, courtesy https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/.

STEVE'S HAULING

Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370

CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net

Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370

POSITION TO FILL? BIZ TO PROMOTE? For Results, Advertise in THE NUGGET! Deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. to place your classified ad. Call 541-549-9941

POSITION TO FILL? BIZ TO PROMOTE? For Results, Advertise in THE NUGGET! Deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. to place your classified ad. Call 541-549-9941

College and library expert. Donna described her as a fabulous woman, “in white riding pants tucked into boots; slim; white shirt, white hair.” The three women had a wonderful time together for three days at the ranch before Donna got the nerve to plead their case about the camp. Of course, Maida was interested. Her motto to young women at Reed was a quote from Mary Oliver, “What do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

They hiked in from Scout Lake and Maida fell under the spell of clear blue water, deep in a forest of pine and fir. With her blessing, the forest supervisor relented and

Camp Tamarack opened in the summer of 1935 to help girls cultivate passion for the outdoors and confidence to try new adventures.

The Gill family had a strong horse culture and helped build the camp, including two brothers who would become lawyers and a state senator. The camp offered water and equestrian sports and other activities with the philosophy that you could do your favorite activity for as long as you wanted. Just come in to eat. Donna’s rule was that each girl needed to conduct herself in such a way to avoid bringing danger or unhappiness to others.

According to Donna’s niece, Leslie Gill, in the early days they would ride the camp horses across the mountains to winter in the Willamette Valley. Lucille left after three years, but Camp Tamarack flourished.

Generations of girls grew up and sent their daughters and granddaughters. Donna took two years off during WWII to serve as a recruiter for the Coast Guard. She sold the camp after 21 years and moved on in 1957 to opening a guest ranch for all ages along meadows on Indian Ford Creek.

This sparked a sea change in the economy of Sisters towards tourism. Indian Ford Guest Ranch had 600 acres of meadows, a lodge, cabins, heated swimming pool, a cowboy band, horses, and the chance to be a weekend cowboy. After dinner on Saturday night fun-loving Donna would lead the kids in a dance of “Hokey Pokey” out of the dining room to their cabins so parents could have some adult time. Loyal families from Camp Tamarack days came to stay. Donna used the winters to explore the Middle East, Africa, and South America. She loved to see big waterfalls all over the world.

Donna sold Indian Ford Ranch in 1968 but couldn’t retire for long. In 1972 she moved her focus to a property near Tumalo with a series of spring-fed ponds beneath towering volcanic tuff, soon to become Rock Springs Guest Ranch. Newspapers of the time noted Donna said her accountant asked why she would get into this type of investment at the age of 62.

Her reply was that she was looking more for fun than for profit and felt her service to others would be to provide a place to recharge their batteries. Leslie Gill worked on the ranch as a wrangler, then ran the horse program before studying to become an equine veterinarian. She noted “Donna was one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. She was so much fun and could get people to work for peanuts but we were repaid with golden memories. A huge percentage of staff returned year after year. They loved Donna and she appealed to all ages. I think she was a person of great integrity with a genuine interest in other people.”

Donna Gill passed away in 1983 at the age of 72. Her memorial service was packed with people of every age from all over who were inspired by her “wild and

precious life” connecting people and the outdoors. She gave a great part of herself to the girls she led at camp and the many guests throughout the decades who enjoyed a little piece of heaven next to a lake, under the pines, or riding along the green meadows of Central Oregon.

Pick up your copy of The Nugget and find valuable information, discover opportunities to connect with our community and local businesses, and be “in the know!”

ARE YOU A BUSINESS O WNER OR MANA GER IN SISTERS C OUNTRY?

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If not, please give us a call or shoot us an email to connect. We’d love to support what you do at a price point that fits your budget! 54 1 -549-9941

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RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

Call or email Community Marketing Partner Kimberly Young to 541-549-9941 or ads@nuggetnews.com

If they don’t, they won’t search for you. Get the word out with the Sisters Oregon Guide... THE OFFICIAL RESOURCE GUIDE PUBLISHED BY THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER

• Thirty-one years strong! The effective, affordable way to promote your business, event, or organization.

• Comprehensive information and articles on recreation, the art and music scene, events, shopping, history, dining & lodging directories, local resources, and more.

• Extensive distribution locally in Sisters, Redmond, Bend, Tumalo, Sunriver, Prineville, Madras, and Redmond Airport…and statewide through chambers of commerce, welcome centers — including Portland International Airport, and visitors and tourism associations.

PUBLISHING MAY 20, 2026

guides

Reaching out to the estimated 26,000 annual overnight visitors to Sisters and innumerable daytrippers from the 6.6+ million annual Central Oregon tourists! Plus thousands of digital guides downloaded and viewed at SistersOregonGuide.com.

Deadline for space reservations and ad content is Friday, April 3, 2026.