The Nugget Vol. XLIX No. 1
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News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
www.NuggetNews.com
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Wednesday, January 7, 2026
New laws take effect in Oregon
Fire dance...
By Shaanth Nanguneri Correspondent
Last Thursday marked the first day of the 2026 new year, and with that, a new set of laws passed by the Oregon Legislature took effect. They span from stronger accountability provisions for utility companies to criminal penalties for spreading AI-generated revenge porn. Last year’s legislative session saw a historic number of bills — more than 3,400 — introduced in at least two decades. Far fewer bills will appear in the next
Hoodoo rang in the New Year with its traditional celebration on the slopes, featuring fire dancers and fireworks. PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT
Sisters is short on snow so far
It’s flu season in Sisters Country By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Sisters Country is not seeing an unusual number of influenza cases so far this season. But for those getting it, the story is one of misery, especially those contracting what is often lumped in with flu: Norovirus. Norovirus, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” or increasingly called the
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
“cruise ship” virus, is not related to influenza but rather a leading cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Many people mistakenly associate norovirus with the flu, but there are key differences: Norovirus is caused by a different group of viruses than influenza, which See FLU on page 14
Citizens can weigh in on districting plan The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) will host two public hearings in January to gather feedback on the five-commissioner district map recommended by the Deschutes Map Advisory Committee (DMAC). Hearings are set for Tuesday, January 20, 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, January 21, during the BOCC’s weekly meeting,
Inside...
See NEW LAWS on page 20
starting at 9 a.m. Both sessions will take place in the Barnes Sawyer Room of the Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St., in Bend. The public is invited to attend in person or online through the County’s website, www. deschutes.org/meetings. In November 2024, voters approved Measure 9-173 See DISTRICTING on page 20
It might surprise you to know that we have snow in Sisters Country – just not where recreationalists would like it. It’s higher than easily accessible and that’s a bigtime headache for Ski Hoodoo and shops that rent skis. Lack of snow leaves local watering holes and eateries yearning for the après ski and snowmobile clientele that soak up the suds and enjoy a burger after a fun day on the snow. Ski Hoodoo remains closed as of press time, with no firm opening date in sight. Last year, the popular hometown resort opened on November 29, but the year before it was January 10, another year when we had enough snow only at higher elevations. You have to go back to 2003 for an earlier opening — by one day — November 28. In 2014 and 2018 Hoodoo didn’t run lifts until February 8. December has the most opening days for Hoodoo going back to 2000 with December 10 being the median December start. Farmers and ranchers aren’t complaining just
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
Ought to be snow here... Sisters Country doesn’t have enough snow — and what is there is up too high for skiers. yet. They are very attentive to the snowpack and more importantly the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), the amount of moisture in the snow. Skiers and boarders may love the light, fluffy powder, but hay-growers like it wet. The official measurement for all things water in Sisters Country is taken at the Oregon SNOTEL Site, number 815, at Three Creeks Meadow located at 5,680foot elevation. On New Year’s Day 2026, SNOTEL reported a four-inch
depth of snow and SWE of 1.3 inches. That compares with 36 inches and 10 inches SWE a year ago. In 2023 it was worse, with no snow at the measuring station on December 31. Depths going back 20 years vary from a high of 43 inches in 2011, and that zero recording in 2024. The same years — 2014 and 2018 — when Hoodoo didn’t open until February SNOTEL reported three and four inches respectively. See NO SNOW on page 20
Letters/Weather ............... 2 Entertainment .................10 Poetry ........................ 12-13 Fun & Games ....................18 Classifieds................. 22-23 Meetings .......................... 3 Announcements...............12 Where in the world? .........14 Crossword .......................21 Sudoku puzzle ................ 22