Issuu

The Nugget Vol. XLIX No. 34

POSTAL CUSTOMER

News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

www.NuggetNews.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Future of Akawa burn lies in the soil By Cody Rheault Correspondent

Long before signs of life return, the blackened aftermath from a wildfire tells a story. Once the smoke clears and evacuation levels lift, the charred snags and ash tell you exactly what happened here, and how long the road back is going to be. The Akawa Butte Fire is the fourth largest to hit the Sisters Ranger District in the last 24 years, pushing the total burned area to two-thirds of the district. But it’s also part of an alarming new trend. Igniting north of town, these fires are increasingly fed by northeasterly winds that drive flames directly toward populated areas. Looking at a map of local fires since 2002, and the scars of the Flat Fire and Akawa Butte Fire paint a sobering picture: The danger is increasingly close to Sisters. The Akawa Butte Fire pushed the boundaries. Without the downpour on Wednesday, July 22, the result could have been catastrophic. But much damage was already done.

Central Oregon Land Watch (COLW) won their appeal to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) against the Deschutes County decision to approve a rezoning application by McKenzie Meadow Village (MMV). Approval would have made their 58-acre property northwest of Sisters High School eligible to be included in Sisters’ forthcoming urban growth boundary (UGB) expansion. The August 19 decision by LUBA remanded the County decision, meaning that the MMV property currently remains under forest zoning and land use designation. MMV acted as an “intervenor” arguing on behalf of the county decision

Inside...

Plan to rescind ‘roadless rule’ advances By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle

vast majority of these trees are dead.” In the wake of the fire, the

The Trump administration will move ahead with plans to end more than 25 years of sweeping protections for tens of millions of wild, federally managed acres across the U.S. Editor’s note: For an assessment of the potential local impact of rescission, see related story, page 6. Brooke Rollins, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, on Tuesday, August 18, filed a rule to rescind “in its entirety” the national 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which prohibits road construction, logging, and mining on about 30 percent of lands

See FIRE RECOVERY on page 18

See ROADLESS on page 7

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

Kyle Wright, team leader for BAER, indicates areas of high mortality amongst the trees in the Akawa Butte Fire’s acreage. The trees suffered most with a high percentage seeing a complete loss in viability. Touring the damage along Stevens Canyon Road, Kyle Wright, team leader for the U.S. Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response

LUBA remands county approval on property By Susan Cobb Correspondent & Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

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

before LUBA. The COLW appeal kept the MMV’s property in current land use status, which has meant that the UGB expansion process could not legally consider the property northwest of Sisters High School, no matter how enticing the offer from the local MMV owners to create affordable housing. The City UGB application process moved forward, and a joint meeting by the City and County elected officials will likely provide a final decision on the UGB expansion by mid-September. The UGB expansion proposal includes some 300 acres of residential, commercial and industrial land northeast and east of the current city limits. T h e C O LW a p p e a l See LAND USE on page 20

Letters/Weather ............... 2 Meetings .......................... 3

(BAER) team, recalled how fast the flames moved and how hot they burned. “We had massive canopy mortality,” Wright said. “The

Sisters digs in on infrastructure By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

If you’ve noticed a lot of activity by construction crews around Sisters this summer, there’s a reason: The city has three major projects moving at once, and while they couldn’t be more different in what they look like, all are aimed at making life better for folks who live here or visit. City Manager Jordan Wheeler told The Nugget, “With a short construction season that unfortunately coincides with the busy time for our residents and visitors, City staff work with contractors to minimize disruptions, and schedule the most impactful work around major events and to maintain access to homes and businesses. “While lane closures and detours are expected to be minimal with these projects over the next several months,

safety is our top priority, and occasional closures are necessary to keep the public and workers safe. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we work on these critical public infrastructure investments. We encourage everyone to follow

the city’s Facebook page for weekly construction updates, subscribe to the city’s monthly newsletter, and sign up to receive notifications via the city’s website.” The Nugget covered the

Announcements...............10 Entertainment ................. 11

Obituaries .......................19 Poetry ............................ 20

Crossword .......................21 Classifieds................. 22-23

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Installation of a new 16-inch water transmission main on Edgington Road is one of several major construction projects underway in Sisters this summer.

See CITY on page 16

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

N I

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.

Profound effect

To the Editor: I recently read an article in your newspaper about the final retirement of Charlie Kanzig. He had a profound effect on my children’s lives, both as a coach and as a counselor. Rachel and Jordan both ran cross country as middle school and high school students with Charlie as their coach. He was also a terrific counselor. Rachel continued to run in college and still runs, often with her former teammate, Deanna DeKay Czarnecki. Charlie was a caring and observant counselor, taking time to seek out those who might need a little extra attention. He provided both personal counseling and set up an

active academic program for those wishing to continue on to college, as well as those who would choose another path. As a former colleague of Charlie’s, I wish Charlie and his wife, Deirdre, much happiness in their retirement. Sue Beck

Prescribed burns

To the Editor: We live on Indian Ford Road, a short distance from its intersection with Camp Polk See LETTERS on page 21

Sisters Weather Forecast Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

August 26 Partly Cloudy

August 27 Partly Cloudy

August 28 Sunny

August 29 Partly Cloudy

August 30 Mostly Sunny

August 31 Partly Cloudy

September 1 Partly Cloudy

86/50

80/46

80/45

71/41

86/47

82/49

76/46

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

Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius, editor@nuggetnews.com

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, PO Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. 3rd Class Postage Paid at Sisters, OR.

Community Marketing Partner: Kimberly Young, ads@nuggetnews.com

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

Creative Director: Jess Draper, jess@nuggetnews.com

Classifieds & Circulation: Wendy Bachmeier, nugget@nuggetnews.com Billing: accounting@nuggetnews.com Proofreading: Kema Clark Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen

Published Weekly. ©2026 The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All advertising which appears in The Nugget is the property of The Nugget and may not be used without explicit permission. The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. assumes no liability or responsibility for information contained in advertisements, articles, stories, lists, calendar etc. within this publication. All submissions to The Nugget Newspaper will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyrighting purposes and subject to The Nugget Newspaper’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially, that all rights are currently available, and that the material in no way infringes upon the rights of any person. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of artwork, photos, or manuscripts.

Log deck…

Firefighting crews cut down a large number of trees along Indian Ford Road as the Akawa Butte Fire roared south in late July. The clearing was designed to turn the roadway into a firebreak. The logs will be sold by the Forest Service. PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Got a great photo of life in Sisters Country? Send your high-resolution photo to editor@nuggetnews.com.

Who’s watching you? By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

A strange thing has been happening in our deeply divided nation. People of widely varying political stripes have been coming together in opposition to AI data centers and Flock cameras. There are distinct and differing reasons for the opposition to each of these technological developments, but there is a connection. And it seems that maybe that connection revolves around the American public finally getting alarmed enough to act to preserve what little privacy we have left — to push back against 360-degree mass surveillance. Some of that pushback has been actual physical action — monkey-wrenching Flock cameras in a way that would make Edward Abbey smile. Flock cameras are license plate readers — but not your dad’s license plate reader. AI enables the cameras to capture vehicle characteristics and track, log, and share vehicle movements to a database. The American Civil Liberties Union writes that: “Flock’s ALPR cameras aren’t like your normal traffic cameras. This surveillance technology records and tracks every car that comes into view, and then an AI algorithm catalogs the make, model, color, license plate number, bumper stickers, and even scratches. This personal information is then uploaded into a nationwide database that any law enforcement agency with a Flock contract can search — with few regulations or oversight on how they use what they find.” My good friend Lilli Worona wrote a song about a guy getting caught cheatin’ by a traffic camera. His hands were not at 10 and 2. It’s sublime. But the kind of surveillance represented by Flock is not amusing like that — it’s chilling. Do we want a system that can monitor our comings and goings that readily, one that we have no control over? At least we have the option of leaving our pocket tracking device, aka mobile phone at home. Bend abandoned their traffic surveillance pilot project due at least in part to public pushback. The question of surveillance is not a question of what we can do, or even whether we should do it

— it’s a question of where the lines are drawn and where the guardrails are. I would say that it’s not only acceptable, but a wise move to install security cameras at your home or business. We installed a camera a few months ago after a slightly disturbing incident. We did catch a masked bandit on the porch, probably up to no good, but he also had a ringed tail, and doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Private security is not the same thing as public surveillance. A friend of mine was recently a victim of a property crime in downtown Sisters. She thinks Sisters should have cameras on Cascade Avenue. I hate that idea. They’re public streets! my friend argues. I respond that that doesn’t mean you give up all rights to privacy and acquiesce to being watched while you lick your ice cream cone. This is usually where the “If I’m not doing anything wrong, I don’t have anything to worry about” argument enters the discussion. That’s putting way more trust in those who control the tools than I’m willing to grant. Abuses of the Patriot Act’s broad wire-tapping authorities cropped up almost immediately upon passage after September 11, 2001, and there have been documented incidences of law enforcement misusing Flock technology for personal reasons, or relying on mistaken IDs in a way that roiled and disrupted innocent people’s lives. It may seem extreme to worry about the encroachment of a Chinese-style social credit system based on constant surveillance — but why would we want to enable the infrastructure to facilitate it? Citizens are right to be wary of the power of modern surveillance tools, and I think that it’s a really healthy thing that that skepticism crosses partisan divides. The tools are here to stay in one form or another; we can’t hope to stuff the genie back in the bottle. But if there is enough of a groundswell across the American polity, we can ensure that the tools at least stay tethered to tight restrictions, with serious penalties for misuse. And while we’re at it, we can all work on breaking our addiction to our own surveillance machines.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

N I

Trail Angels turn hard miles into good stories

Community Builders share plans, projects organizational updates, a need the organization has, an offer the organization can take to the community, a dream with which they could use broader support or collaboration, and gratitude they wish to express. There was a lot of thankfulness for the hard work of the firefighters who kept the Akawa Butte fire from reaching town. • Citizens4Community (C4C) will be continuing their free summer outdoor family movie nights through September 19. Check the C4C website/events for movie titles, dates, and locations.

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

PCT hikers have trail names. Alex (Jellyfish) and Vanessa (Sponge) Lorenz in Sisters waiting for pizza. The couple flew from Calgary to start their adventure at the trail’s southern terminus on April 19. They recently completed the Te Araroa, an 1,864-mile hike from the top to the bottom of New Zealand, their home.

Trinity Place apartments, a project of the Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) group, was the scene of the August 19 Community Builders meeting attended by 32 people representing a number of local nonprofits, service organizations, businesses, and the City. Clayton Crowhurst, the housing developer for NHA, led attendees on a walking tour of the three-story apartment complex currently under construction. (See related story, page 14.) Updates by attendees, as always, included

See PROJECTS on page 15

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Ask any hiker who has spent a summer stumbling out of the Cascades into Sisters and they will tell you the same thing: somewhere around mile 2,000, a cold soda tastes like a religious experience. That is the whole idea behind “trail magic,” the informal system of kindness that keeps the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) running on more than just willpower. The PCT stretches roughly 2,650 miles from the Mexican border to Canada, cutting through California, Oregon, and Washington. By the time a northbound hiker crosses

US Highway 20 at Santiam Pass, just north of the Mt. Washington Wilderness and the Three Sisters area, they have already walked about 2,001 miles. That is a lot of freeze-dried noodles and blistered feet, which is exactly why a cooler of fruit at a trailhead can feel like a miracle. Trail magic actually covers two different things. The original meaning, tied to the old hiker saying “the trail provides,” is about the unplanned stuff: running into an old friend by accident, finding the one blister pad you needed sitting in a hiker box, or catching a sunset at the perfect low moment. The second, more

visible kind, is organized. Volunteers known as trail angels show up with coolers of drinks and hot food at road crossings, shuttle hikers into town for showers and resupply, open up spare rooms for the night, and sometimes even donate gear repairs or medical help for free. Blanche Tadlock, age 82, of Sisters is one such angel. She’s been at it for 16 years and can’t quantify precisely just how many hikers she has assisted. It’s a lot. It comes naturally. Blanche and her husband, Orville, who passed away in 2006 fostered 55 teen boys. She has many stories, as See TRAIL ANGELS on page 16

Observatory honors Forest Service packer or descend to the dark first level room where openings frame and identify the mountains. You might breathe a little hard since you are at an altitude of 5,325 feet. Dee Wright Observatory on the McKenzie Pass is a favorite spot for travelers across Mckenzie Highway 242 and where many locals take their guests for a scenic adventure. It’s been compared to a moonscape, and astronauts trained for a moon mission here in 1964.

By Maret Pajutee Correspondent

At first glance, it looks like medieval watchtower or a castle ruin perched high on a volcanic ridge. There are rock stairs, and if you climb to the top you look out over 65 square miles of jagged lava flows. On a clear day you can see more than a dozen Cascade peaks and numerous buttes and volcanic cones. If you need help naming them all you can use the circular bronze peak finder mounted on the roof,

See OBSERVATORY on page 12

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS Al-Anon Mon., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541-610-7383. Alcoholics Anonymous Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,Gentlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Thursday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration • Friday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541-548-0440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration • Sunday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Bible Study for All Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. at The Lodge. 541-233-6189. Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelefly@msn.com. Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info.

Citizens4Community Community Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Visit citizens4community.com for location. Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Lunch In-person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab-and-go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs. 12:30 to 1 p.m. Sisters Community Church. 541-480-1843. East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September-June), Stitchin’ Post. All are welcome. 541-549-6061. Go Fish Fishing Group 3rd Monday, 7 p.m., Sisters Community Church. 541-771-2211. Heartwarmers (fleece blanketmakers) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Sisters Community Church. Materials provided. 541-408-8505. Living Well With Dementia Sisters Care Partner Support Group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Community Recreation Center. 541-588-0547. Military Parents of Sisters Meetings are held quarterly; please call 541-388-9013. Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-549-6469. Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503-930-6158.

Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at Sisters Community Church. 541-549-6157. Sisters Area Woodworkers First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 541-231-1897. Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters Community Church. Email sistersbridge2021@gmail.com. Sisters Caregiver Support Group 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Sisters Rec. Community Center. 541-588-0547. (Meets with Living Well With Dementia Sisters). Sisters Cribbage Club Wednesdays, 11 a.m. at The Lodge, 411 E. Carpenter Lane. 509-947-5744. Sisters Garden Club For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com. Sisters Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors 4th Tuesday, 4:30 p.m. Location information: 541-549-1193. Sisters Kiwanis 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at SPRD in Sisters. 541-632-3663. Sisters Parent Teacher Community 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298. Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m., at SPRD. 541-760-5645.

Sisters Veterans no-host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Restaurant. All veterans welcome, 541-241-6563. Sisters Trails Alliance Board Meetings take place every other month, 5 p.m. In-person or zoom. Contact: info@ sisterstrails.org. Songwriters Sharing Circle All ages welcome. 2nd Wednesday, 6 p.m., at The Hub, 541-977-8494. Three Sisters Irrigation District Board of Directors Meets 2nd Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSID Office. 541-903-4050. Three Sisters Lions Club 3rd Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Spoons Restaurant. 541-410-7390. VFW Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., The Hub, 291 E. Main Ave. sistersveterans@gmail.com.

SCHOOLS Black Butte School Board of Directors September 15, 3:30 p.m. 541-595-6203. See schedule www.blackbutte.k12.or.us/ Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wednesday monthly, Sisters School District Administration Building. See schedule at www.ssd6.org. 541-549-8521 x5002.

CITY & PARKS

Sisters City Council 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-549-6022. Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Directors 2nd Tues., 4 p.m., Sisters Community Recreation Center. 541-549-2091. Sisters Planning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-549-6022.

FIRE & POLICE Black Butte Ranch Police Dept. Board of Directors Meets monthly. 541-595-2191 for time & date. Black Butte Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., BBR Fire Station. 541-595-2288. Cloverdale RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Wed., 5:30 p.m., 67433 Cloverdale Rd. 541-548-4815. cloverdalefire.com. Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 541-549-0771. Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Drills Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 541-549-0771.

This listing is for regular Sisters Country meetings; email information to nugget@nuggetnews.com.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Ryley Newport takes reins as boys soccer coach By Rongi Yost Correspondent

Ryley Newport has taken over as the head coach for the Sisters High School boys soccer program. He brings with him both personal and coaching experience. Newport started playing soccer when he was 5 years old, and never quit. He played for COSA (Central Oregon Soccer Association) third through sixth grade, and in the seventh and eighth grade he played on a club team in Eugene, all as an attacking midfielder. When Newport hit high school, he was already an accomplished player and started on the varsity squad all four years, still as an attacking midfielder. Over the course of those four years he accumulated numerous awards: second-team allleague his freshman year, and first-team all-league his sophomore through his senior year. He was also named Player of the Year his junior and senior year, and was selected as the second best player in the state his senior year. The Outlaws won league in Newport’s junior year, and for the first time in program history won their first playoff game. In his senior year, the team was once again crowned league champs and made it to the semifinals in state. Newport acknowledged his parents, especially his mom, who made it possible for him to pursue his love for

R YOUR

soccer and becoming the best player he could be. “Mom drove me to Portland for practices multiple times a week, and took me to Southern California for national tournaments so I could be seen by college coaches,” he said. Newport calls Sisters home, but his family travelled extensively during his freshman and sophomore years — though never during the soccer season. They spent six months in Southeast Asia his freshman year and the entire spring in Nicaragua his sophomore year. Ryley was able to earn one-third of his credits online while he was out of the country. “During those times soccer was the way I connected with others, even though I didn’t know the language,” said Newport. Newport received several offers to play at the collegiate level but declined, and instead chose an academic path. He attended Seattle University and got his degree in political science. Although Newport didn’t attend on a sports scholarship, he did play soccer for the D1 school for about a year and a half, and then decided to switch and play club ball, where he played on a competitive club team until he graduated in 2012. When asked about the reason for the switch from college to club, Newport responded, “I’m very intentional about teams and culture and I wasn’t happy with the soccer program at Seattle

so I switched to club.” Even prior to college graduation, Newport worked alongside people to change systems that support people with disabilities. He’s worked alongside Senator Tom Hardin, and also worked with APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First), which help people with disabilities find employment with a focus on what they are able to do, not what they can’t do. He was the communication director for the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities for eight years, and most recently, starting in 2023 took on a new role as the Engagement Innovation Specialist for the governor, where he is able to work remotely. Newport said, “What I bring to soccer is the same philosophy I bring to my work, and that is that all people have things they’re good at and areas where they might struggle. My goal is to support them to excel and focus on their strengths.” Newport emphasized the importance of knowing all his players, not just as athletes, but as humans, and the past three years as assistant coach to Jeff Husmann gave him that opportunity. “I want us to do well this year,” said Newport. “We have a solid group and we expect to win our league. But, what I want us to remember is that we have an opportunity to create a culture and community together,” he added. “We

OG CALL ED... DO D Help us keep waste off the landfill.

NT A AN ...THEY WA

Sp a D a y !

DOGGIE DAYCARE, BOARDING, G & GROOMING 541-549-BARK (2275) • 367 W. Sisters Park Dr.

BRING US YOUR PAINT, METAL, BOTTLES & CANS

DONATE: TUE–SAT, 10-1

254 W. Adams Ave. MON-SAT 10AM–5PM

already have a good culture going that’s been handed down. The team works hard to make it a place where everyone wants to show up.” Newport acknowledged Husmann, who was the head coach for the past seven years. “I have to thank Jeff for the culture he created and I’m going to do my best to build on that,” Newport said. Joining the coaching staff this year is Rob Jensen, who will be Newport’s assistant coach. Jensen was the boys head coach in previous years, and brought home two state championship trophies. Ande Phillips, a former soccer player and graduate of Sisters High School, will take over as the JV coach. The Outlaws first

PHOTO BY RONGI YOST

Ryley Newport is now the Outlaws head boys soccer coach. match of the season will be Saturday, August 29, at 1 p.m. at Salem Academy, against a very good soccer squad that narrowly beat the Outlaws last year, 2-1.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

SAA’s Fourth Friday August Artwalk wrapup using signature blocks to create Correspondent comfort quilts Sisters Arts Association for the families invites you to start the last of victims of a weekend of August at the shooting. While Fourth Friday Artwalk from 4 vintage names to 7 p.m. through the galleries are the most of Sisters. Meet the featured fascinating, she local artists and support them honors the intenand the galleries that display tion of each sigtheir work. nature as she preThe Campbell Gallery serves it as part presents “Discovering Home” of her improviby Anastasia Zielinski. This sational style. collection, in plein air oil It’s both quirky pastel and expanded through and genuinely larger gouache and oil paintcommemorative. ings in studio, reflects the artHood Avenue ist’s growing relationship with Art’s four feaCentral Oregon. Since moving tured artists are: PHOTO PROVIDED to Bend in 2021 to become Gin Laughery, her mother’s primary care- “Making the Cut” by Tina Davis at Stitchin’ Post. known for serene giver, Zielinski has used art to and soulful stay grounded through care- gallery artists will celebrate monotypes and mixed media taking, health challenges, and our water resources as we prints; Kathleen Keliher, plein the slow process of making a ponder our current drought air landscape painter in oil and home in an unfamiliar place. and recent wildfires. pastel; Sharon Reed, creator Sisters Gallery & Frame Stitchin’ Post’s signature of jewelry using stones and is bringing together a col- wall will display “Designing fossils she has collected from lection of work called “The With Signatures” by Tina around the world; and Linda Way of Water,” inspired by Davis. Her quilts are a col- Heisserman, whose functional the William Stafford poem, lection of hundreds of signa- and sometimes asymmetrical “Climbing Along the River.” tures from unfinished quilt thrown-and-then-carved potStafford writes: “Even the tops and squares. Inspired tery always elicits a smile. upper end of the river believes by her grandmother, Davis Wildflower Studio feain the ocean.” was further motivated by tures original paintings and This collection of pho- an online quilt prompt from silkscreens by Erika Eckert, tographs and paintings by quilt collector Bill Volkening, an Oregon native and Sisters resident. Erika fuses her knowledge of painting, fabric and silk screening to expertly create wall hangings and paintings. Her latest work blends her rigorous classic art training with her desire to create lightness and whimsy. Toriizaka Art presents new works by Henriette Heiny, Chas Martin, and Lawrence Stoller. Heiny and Martin will participate in a conversation about their work, discussing PHOTO BY DENNIS SCHMIDLING their inspiration, process, and “Tetherow Crossing,” by Dennis Schmidling at Sisters Gallery & Frame. goals. Starting at 4 p.m. with By Helen Schmidling

preselected questions, the discussion will then open to audience participation. Martin’s masks and figurative sculptures explore imaginative exaggerations of human qualities — the hidden, the shadowed, and the parts of ourselves we do not always reveal. Heiny’s PHOTO PROVIDED organically inspired paint- “Second Thought” by Chas Martin ings combine fluid pour- at Toriizaka Art. ing techniques with delicate brushwork. Renowned crys- local businesses that are not tal sculptor Lawrence Stoller galleries. This month, Fika returns to the gallery with 15 Sisters Coffeehouse shows magnificent, one-of-a-kind watercolors, linoleum prints, and enamel paintings done on sculptures. The Rickards Gallery spot- wooden skateboards, all by lights Sarah B. Hansen, whose Andrew W. Loomis. The Barn show, “All Things Alive” rep- shows “Prints on the Trail” resents a new body of work, by Mark Seekins. Handmade exploring the living energy prints are inspired by the trails of the Pacific Northwest — of Central Oregon. What if from luminous mountains animals could go camping? to wildflowers bursting with Sisters Bakery’s collection movement and color. These of illustrations by Megan paintings invite us beyond Nielsen are playful answers in the landscape itself and into gouache, colored pencil, and the feeling of being there: pastel. The Hub continues a show immersed, awakened, and of work by mother and daughconnected to something larger ter Diane Goble, who creates than ourselves. acrylic pours, and Cat Connor, Sisters Clay Collective photographer. welcomes anyone interested in making pottery. There will be opportunities to try hand building and throwing under supervision of instructors, and signups for classes, workshops and events. The Clay Collective is located just down the road from Fika Sisters Coffeehouse. PHOTO PROVIDED Art Walls fea“Morning Meditation,” by Sarah B. Hansen at ture creations by Rickards Gallery. local artists in

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Local impacts of rescinding ‘Roadless Rule’ By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

In order to assess the potential local impacts of the Trump Administration’s plan to rescind the “Roadless Rule” (see story, page 1), The Nugget sought an interview with Sisters District Ranger Ian Reid or his designee. Since 2025, such requests have had to be routed through the Deschutes National Forest public information officer, and are often kicked up to the regional or national press office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this case, the national press office told The Nugget that, “we are unable to provide an interview at this time,” and provided a brief statement from an unidentified USDA spokesperson: “Nothing will change for national forests and grasslands at this time. During the rulemaking process, inventoried roadless areas continue to be managed consistently with the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Once the rulemaking process is complete, local Forest Service managers will assess land management plan and projects under new guidance.”

The Nugget asked retired Sisters Ranger District biologist Maret Pajutee (a contributing freelancer for The Nugget Newspaper) if she could offer insight into the potential impacts of the plan. Pajutee used Chat GPT to assist her in summarizing information and identifying sources, and she provided The Nugget with overview of the potential impacts of rescission on the Sisters Ranger District. There are approximately 28,557 acres on the Sisters Ranger District subject to the Roadless Rule, mostly in areas adjacent to and serving as “buffers” for wilderness areas. Rescinding the Roadless Rule in these Inventoried Roadless Areas would remove the nationwide legal restriction on road construction, giving local Forest Service Ranger Districts wide discretion to propose road creation for logging, fuel treatments, public access, and other projects. Projects would still have to go through a typical Forest Service review process. Pajutee’s assessment laid out an array of potential benefits, as well as potential

downsides to more road construction in the identified areas: On the positive side, additional roads offer more options for fuel reduction and forest health projects, and better access for firefighting operations. There would be easier access for recreation and hunting, and for timber production. On the other hand, more roads would create more opportunities for human-caused fire ignition, could fragment wildlife habitat, and reduce intact forests. Easier access would likely lead to more recreation pressure, and additional roads can create problems with erosion/ sedimentation and negatively impact watersheds. That’s a particular concern in the Metolius Watershed, where the approximately 11,000acre Metolius Breaks would come under the effects of the rescission. Potential road construction raises concerns there, not only about erosion and sedimentation, but in making country that is hard to access considerably easier to get into. Previously constrained timber projects could become possible — though still subject

selling

FIREWOOD

to plan review. Rescission would not automatically remove other protections, such as Endangered Species Act or Clean Water Act requirements, and, again, any project on the Sisters Ranger District would still be subject to Deschutes National Forest plan requirements. The assessment emphasized that much of the Sisters Ranger District’s most beloved country is protected wilderness or under other protections, and would not be directly impacted by rescission.

— Year-round

Fuel Reduction

—

Forestry —

SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

541-410-4509

SistersForestProducts.com

Help us keep waste off the landfill.

BRING US YOUR PAINT, METAL, BOTTLES & CANS

DONATE: TUE–SAT, 10-1

254 W. Adams Ave. MON-SAT 10AM–5PM

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: TARGETING MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER...

Student of the Month 10-7 (DEADLINE 9-25) At Your Service 10-14 & 10-21 (DEADLINE 9-25) Spirit of Central Oregon – Fall 10-28 (DEADLINE 9-18) Partners in Giving 11-4 (DEADLINE 10-9) CUSTOM PACKAGES MADE JUST FOR YOU...

Sisters Folk Festival Packages

CUSTOM DIGITAL & PRINT OPPORTUNITIES

4th Quarter Marketing Packages

MAP COURTESY USFS

mmunity Marketing Co et gg Nu UR YO g, un Kimberly Yo ur potential customers yo h ac re u yo lp he to y Partner, is read staying on budget . ile wh — g in is rt ve ad e with effectiv s@nuggetnews.com ad , 41 99 954 154 . y.. da Call or email to

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

ROADLESS: Reaction reflects different outlooks Continued from page 1

managed by the U.S. Forest Service, mostly in forested areas of the West. Rollins had last year filed a notice of intent that the agency was considering “rolling back” some protections under the rule. A draft environmental impact statement has been posted, and the public will have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time/8:59 p.m. Pacific time on September 21 to comment before changes are finalized. Comments may be made through https://www.regulations.gov/. The Roadless Rule prohibitions are intended to protect wildlife, watersheds, and old-growth forests from human development and human-caused wildfires. But in her announcement, Rollins said she was rescinding the rules on nearly 45 million acres under the banner of wildfire prevention, saying the protections instead have led to “overgrown stands, insect outbreaks and disease” turning “healthy landscapes into tinderboxes.” “For too long, outdated restrictions have kept tens of millions of forested acres off-limits to the very treatments that improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk to our communities,” she said. Rollins’ assertions are not borne out by research, including from Oregon State University Professor Chris Dunn, a forest ecologist and wildfire expert. Dunn and his colleagues found that most wildfires in Western national forests between 1984 and 2018 started near roads, showing an increased likelihood of wildfires where roads exist because the No. 1 cause of wildfires is people. The U.S. Forest Service’s own research also shows the majority of human-caused ignitions occur on roadsides, and 20 years of monitoring data does not support assertions that repealing road prohibitions will improve forest health, researchers found. No public meetings Rollins first proposed rolling back the rule in August 2025, saying at the time the move would support President Donald Trump’s executive orders meant to increase logging and energy development on federal lands. That notice of intent set off a 21-day public comment period that brought in more than 600,000 comments, most of which expressed opposition to any changes that would erode the Roadless Rules prohibitions on development. Federal

officials have not held a single public meeting since then. In the two years leading up to final passage of the 2001 rule, Forest Service officials held 600 public meetings across Western states and received more than 1.6 million public comments. Roughly 96 percent of the Forest Service’s inventoried roadless areas are located in 12 western states, including two million acres in Oregon within places like Iron Mountain in Willamette National Forest, Joseph Canyon in Wallowa County, Tumalo Mountain in Central Oregon, and Lookout Mountain in Ochoco National Forest. Last year, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Democrat representing Oregon’s 6th Congressional District based in the Willamette Valley, introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act to enshrine the rule in federal law, but it does not yet have enough support to pass. In the House, 88 of her Democratic colleagues have signed on as cosponsors, including Oregon Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Janelle Bynum, and Maxine Dexter, as have 25 U.S. senators. The state’s two other representatives, Democrat Val Hoyle and Republican Cliff Bentz, have not signed on as sponsors. No state would be more affected by the rule termination than Alaska, which has almost a third of the 45 million acres affected by the pending change. Alaska is home to the Tongass National Forest, a West Virginia-sized stretch of islands and waterways in

the Southeast Alaska panhandle that make up the largest surviving temperate rainforest in the world. Idaho and Colorado would not be impacted by the rule changes because the two states negotiated their own agreements with the federal government more than a decade ago to permit projects that would “reduce hazardous fuels” near wildfire prone communities and to allow some local and state decisions about development on the federal acres. Different takes on the past 25 years U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, who previously worked for one of the country’s largest lumber producers in Idaho, said in a statement last year that the Roadless Rule has frustrated land managers for years and served as a barrier to commercial logging. “More than 40 percent of inventoried roadless areas, primarily in the West, have high or very high wildfire hazard potential. And only five percent of those areas have received hazardous fuels reduction treatments since 2014,” he said. Rollins’ announcement included praise from the Republican governors of Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, who said rescinding the federal protections would give their states flexibility to manage land locally. Democratic governors and other elected officials in states including Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico have criticized the administration’s efforts and blame a century of largely unrestricted logging

Create your dream oasis on Whychus Creek! JUST LISTED!

751 S. Elm Street, Sisters

Creekfront property in downtown Sisters! Create your dream oasis on this rare, 1.31-acre build site with over 344 feet of Whychus Creek frontage. Peaceful, spacious property has mature ponderosas, rock outcroppings, and native grasses. Utilities at the street. Easy access to Peterson Ridge Trail system, restaurants, galleries, schools, and festivals. $675,000 MLS#220227153

Jen McCrystal, Broker

541-420-4347 jennifermccrystal@ stellarnw.com

Sisters Dental WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

Trevor Frideres, D.M.D. Kellie Kawasaki, D.M.D.

541-549-2011

491 E. Main Ave. • Sisters www.sistersdental.com Hours: Mon., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

For 25 years, the Roadless Rule has kept our wildest forests intact. The benefits have been incalculable for people, for water, for wildlife, and for the climate. — Abigail Dillen on federal lands, climate change, and recent losses to Forest Service staff for worsening fires and declining forest conditions in the West. Statements following Rollins’ announcement made clear conservation and logging groups have seen the last 25 years of the Roadless Rule quite differently. Abigail Dillen, president of the nonprofit environmental legal group Earthjustice, said in a statement that the group will likely sue to stop the rule changes from moving forward. “For 25 years, the

Roadless Rule has kept our wildest forests intact. The benefits have been incalculable for people, for water, for wildlife, and for the climate,” she said. “Earthjustice has successfully defended the Roadless Rule for a quarter century, and we are not going to stop now.” Travis Joseph, president of the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing the timber industry, said in a statement that the Roadless Rule is among “failed policies” meant to protect forests. “The Forest Service is right to take a hard look at a policy that was written for forest conditions that looked very different 25 years ago,” he said. “Our national forests are experiencing severe wildfire, drought, insects, and disease on a scale that few anticipated when the Roadless Rule was adopted.” Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, courtesy of https://oregoncapital chronicle.com.

Happy 90th B Birthday irthday

DORENE FIS SHER!

Drop by to wish her well att an an informal, no-host gathering thherin i g in the lounge at Takoda’s. oda’ss. od

Th hurssdayy, Aug gust 27 3:330p pm–5issh Info: SueFisherJones@gmail.com m

Gypsy Wind Clothing

r e m m u S e c n a r clea

F F O % 4 0 CKS S E L E C T RA

LL TO 3X

SIZES SMA

e k a m s u He l p l l a f w e n r room fo fashions! 183 118 8 E. Hood Ave., Sisters ster terrs

Sun S Su n 11–4, 4 M Mon-Sat o 10–4 | gypsywindclothing.com dcloth thin ing g com

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Girls soccer building strong program By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws soccer squad is ready for the season ahead with a talented group of returning players, promising newcomers, and a clear vision for what they want to accomplish. Sisters brings a strong defense to the team this year, along with a midfield that works hard, and an offense that is determined to put the ball into the back of the net. Devon Stevens, the team’s lone senior, will lead the squad. She’ll bring valuable experience and leadership to the young roster and will be a presence in the midfield. The junior class will bring with them a combination of speed and versatility. Verbena Brent returns as a strong defensive player, while Kennedy Davis will anchor the team as goalkeeper. Maddie Durham is expected to become a major asset on defense, and on the outside, and Tanner Gibney is expected to dominate the midfield with her speed and determination. Maddie Kirkpatrick returns as a talented offensive player, and she’ll be counted

on to create opportunities and find the back of the net. Mary Roberts will add another dimension to the outside midfield, and Nona Smith will continue to develop into a versatile player who can play at any position and contribute wherever the team needs her. Jade Barlow, Caroline Dean, and Olivia Lakota are the sophomores of the group and will also bring energy and talent with them. According to Coach Ken Polachek, Barlow is one of the hardest-working players on the team and will bring that work ethic to every practice and game. Dean will give the Outlaws a speedy option as their striker, and Lakota is a fearless defender whose role will be to keep opponents out of the scoring column. The freshmen, Echo Wilkie, Savvy Green, Ani Kerkmann, Rilyn Reimer, and Sydney Welbourn will add more depth to the Lady Outlaws’ promising roster. Wilkie is expected to become an important part of a strong defensive back line, Green will contribute in the midfield. Kerkmann will give the Outlaws another option in goal, Reimer will be an important part of the

team’s strong back line, and Welbourn will be counted on to be another force in the back. The Lady Outlaws have set ambitious goals for the season, and one of their biggest objectives is to become the best defensive team in the league by allowing the fewest goals possible. At the same time, they want to make a significant jump offensively, and aim to put 30 percent more goals in the back of the net than they did last season. Polachek said, “Achieving these goals will require a complete team effort — from the goalkeeper and defensive line to the midfield and attacking players. With a mix of returning experience, emerging leaders and talented freshmen, the Outlaws believe they have the pieces to make that happen. “The Outlaws are ready to get to work and if their commitment and determination during preseason are any indication, Sisters fans can look forward to an exciting season of girls varsity soccer,” Polachek added. The team’s season gets underway Tuesday, September 1, at 6 p.m. in Sisters against Yamhill-Carlton.

Boys soccer returns strong junior core By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Outlaws return six veteran junior players to their squad this year including Alex Nieto, Jasper Jensen, Odin Rea, Cooper Jacobs, JB Greenwood, and Felix Montanez. Also returning is senior Ezra Oncken. Nieto, is a third-year varsity starter who will play at central midfield and will be a core part of the team this season. “Alex is one of the most

coachable players I have worked with and leads by consistently being one of the hardest workers on the field,” said Coach Ryley Newport. “He combines that work rate with excellent technical ability, vision, and soccer intelligence. We expect him to be a major part of how we control the midfield and organize our attack.” Jensen is another thirdyear varsity starter, and will

play as a forward and at attacking midfield. “Jasper brings speed, physicality, and a great understanding of the game,” noted Newport. “He plays club soccer throughout the year, is an excellent finisher, and has a very high ceiling. We will be asking him to continue being dangerous in front of the goal, while also taking on a See SOCCER on page 13

Volleyball team sets high goals for season By Rongi Yost Correspondent

Several varsity players return for another season of volleyball including senior setter Paityn Cotner, senior middle Brooke Lindsay, senior Alli Fogarty and sophomore Maici Cotner, all of whom earned all-league recognition. Shanitah Few also returns to the varsity squad, and will play in the middle. Paityn Cotner will be the Lady Outlaws main setter this year. Coach Jason Monaghan stated that Cotner will bring years of experience and a great volleyball IQ to the game, and added that she is picking up the team’s new up-tempo offense quickly. The coaches are excited about the number of options they will have in the front row this season. “Maici Cotner will be showing her power as well as finesse as a six-rotation pin, and will hit from the outside,” noted Monaghan. “Kate Mock will bring a variety of shots from the right side.” Middles Brooke Lindsay and Shanitah Few should cause problems for the Outlaws’ opponents with their blocking and shot selection. Josta Fuentes (junior) will give the Outlaws options as she can play at outside hitter or in the middle, and can also pass from the back row. Senior Jessica Stahn will also be able to play in a variety of positions. Alli Fogarty, Sisters’ allleague libero, will anchor the back row on defense and serve receive. Several others return to the program including

senior Malia O’Brien, who will be putting in work as a defensive specialist, Molly Fredland (junior) as a setter, and Maren Labhart (sophomore) will give the Outlaws more options on the right side. The Outlaws also have a large incoming freshman class that includes: Paige Anderson, Catie Beaver, Nealie Borla, Belle Bulloch, Ainsley Frutos, Ellery Garcia, Roxanna Gray, Vivenne Hamerly, Mya Kidd, Aulora McCord, Kaylee Miller, and Emmry O’Neil. The team also welcomed senior Cassidy Nusser, a transfer student, and Helene Vogt, a foreign exchange student. Monaghan shared with The Nugget the team’s many goals: “We strive to be better every day, but the most important thing we will focus on is our mental toughness,” Monaghan stated. “We are a really good team. We just need to ensure that we maintain focus and rest on our discipline. Our long-term goals are easy to define: keep everyone healthy, win our league, catch a glimpse of all the people on Cascade as we make our way to state, and finally come home with that trophy. “ Wi t h o u r c o a c h e s , Jordyn Monaghan and Hannah Harrer, I see no reason we cannot accomplish what we have set out to do,” Monaghan added. The Lady Outlaws’ first match of the season will be the one-day Jamboree held at Summit on Thursday, August 27. Two days later they will play a non-league match at Amity.

OWN WHAT MATTERS

RGANIC LOCAL & O TUMALO

SWEET CORN

Watermelon CANTALOUPE ORANGE

Honeydew Open 9–7 every day

May–October | 541-420-8684

mahoniagardens.com

254 E. Adams Ave.

Home Purchase & Refinancing VA • Conventional • USDA • FHA • Jumbo Renovation • Bridge • Reverse Mortgage Manufactured Home Loans Down Payment Assistance Brennan Layne Loan Officer | NMLS #1848580

541.610.6727 397 SW Upper Terrace Dr., Bend, OR 97702

Apply Online:

guildmortgage.com/brennanlayne Guild Mortgage Company; NMLS #3274; Equal Housing Opportunity; OR MIL-176 nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

e m o c l e W ns o i t a c i l p p A g n i s u o H

LARCH COMMONS

Sisters Habitat for Humanity’s New Affordable & Workforce Housing Subdivision Featuring: • 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes • Charming cottage design • Close to downtown • Move-in ready; appliances included

To learn more and apply, visit: www.sistershabitat.org/apply-for-housing Sisters Habitat Admin Office at 221 S. Ash St., Sisters With thanks to our collaborators

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS PET OF THE WEEK

Humane Society of Central Oregon

541-382-3537

YOGI

Meet Yogi! Yogi is a young, mixed breed dog who came to the shelter as a stray, but he’s quickly becoming a favorite with his sweet demeanor and love for play! He enjoys the company of his canine friends with proper introductions and positive reinforcement. If Yogi sounds like your next cuddle buddy, come down and meet him today!!

— SPONSORED BY —

Black Butte Veterinary Clinic 541-549-1837 SISTERS COMMUNITY

FOOD RESOURCES Free Lunches for Seniors

COACO offers no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. No reservations needed. No-cost Grab-N-Go lunches weekly on Wednesday and Thursday, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

Weekly Food Pantry

CORE Market, located at 222 N. Trinity Way in Sisters. Mondays, 1 to 2 p.m. Info: 541-588-2332.

Free Weekly Meal Service

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

Free Pet Food

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

Kiwanis Food Bank

Located at 382 W. Main Ave. Weekly distribution is Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: 541-632-3663.

SSocial i l SSecurity-Annual i A l Community Education Dinner series

When should you begin taking Social Security? What if you continue to work? W hat about taxes? Join guest expert Mike Lynch, Managing Director of Hartford, to learn about Social Security options and implications, including strategies for maximizing individual, spousal and survivor benefits. Tuesday, September 29, 6 to 7 p.m. at a downtown Sisters art gallery. Free buffet dinner. RSVP required: 541549-1866, Edward Jones office of Karen Kassy. Location and details will be provided when you RSVP to help us provide an accurate headcount for our organizers and caterers.

Retain Your Brain- Annual Community Education Dinner series

Can we prevent—or at least slow—the aging of our brains? Research from the MIT Aging Institute explores how much influence we may have over our cognitive health. Join guest expert Casey Miller, Regional Vice President of Hartford, to learn why your brain may not be the same age as you are, how brain health can affect your lifestyle and fi nances, and practical tips to help age-proof your brain. Wednesday , September 30, 6 to 7 p.m. at a downtown Sisters art gallery. Free buffet dinner. RSVP required: 541-549-1866, Edward Jones office of Karen Kassy. Location and details will be provided when you RSVP to help us provide an accurate headcount for our organizers and caterers.

Interpretive Walks: Summer 2026

Free Saturday morning walks offered by Friends of the Metolius. Kids are welcome, but please no dogs. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water. August 29, 9 to 11 a.m. Plant I.D. Walk Along the Metolius. Amateur botanist David Miller will share his knowledge and love of the many beautiful plants that live in this incredibly pristine and diverse habitat. Learn to identify some plants, trees, and shrubs that perhaps you’ve wondered about. Leader: David Miller. For information call 541-5501441.

Honey Bees & Brews

Monthly social gathering at Lazy Z Ranch every 4th Thursday at 5 p.m. All beekeepers and wanna-bees welcome. For more info: Clyde, 458-206-8470.

New Sisters 4-H Club

The Cascade Cowpokes, a new Sisters-based 4-H club, just participated in the Deschutes County Fair and the club is growing! They are excited to welcome new members. Watch for their September kickoff meeting. For info. contact Club Leader Cindy Crowder ccrowder6789@gmail.com.

The Si Th Sisters Hi High hD Desert Chorale Welcomes New Singers

Come sing this fall and get ready for their holiday concerts, “Holiday Traditions,” December 11 and 13. Th is is a fun-loving community mixed chorus that meets at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters every Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The fi rst rehearsal is September 14. No audition is required. For more information, please contact Carol Lisek at carolSHDC@gmail.com.

Camp Sherman Pancake Breakfast

Bring your family and friends to a traditional pancake breakfast at the Camp Sherman Community Hall, Sunday, September 6, 8 to 11 a.m. Enjoy all-you-can-eat sausage, eggs, pancakes, orange juice and coffee. Adults $12.00; children 5 to 10 years $8.00, under 5 free. Proceeds benefit Camp Sherman Historical Society and Friends of the Metolius. 541-595-2719.

2026 Historical Walking Tours of the Camp Polk Historical Cemetery

Guided walks start at 10:30 a.m. at 6985 Cemetery Road, Sisters. The cemetery is not handicap accessible and walks include uneven ground. The next journey through Sisters’ history starts September 19! Register at www. camppolkpioneercemetery.org.

Volunteer to Help Horses

Calling all horse lovers! Happy Trails Horse Rescue in Tumalo needs volunteers! Can you help them help horses? New Volunteer Orientation is the fi rst and third Sundays of the month at 10 a.m. or call to schedule! Learn more at www. happytrailshr.org.

Central Oregon Federated Republican Women

COFRW meets the fi rst Thursday each month at Aspen Lakes Golf Course in Sisters, 11 a.m.-to 1:30 p.m. Luncheon is $27. RSVP to cofrwbend@ gmail.com. Website: www. cofrw.org

First F Fi Friday id Family F il F Fun Bingo Night

Friday, September 4. Locals and visitors of all ages welcome! Th is is a cash event. Dinner for purchase begins at 5 p.m. Games begin at 5:30 p.m. $20 packet includes three cards for each of 10 games with a local merchant gift card awarded as a prize, plus an additional card for the 11th game featuring $100 cash prize. 50/50 Raffle option: tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10. Half of raffle pot will benefit CORE – (Community Outreach, Resources, and Emergency) – Sisters. The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 121 Brooks Camp Rd., Sisters. Info: 541549-7087.

Widows’ Support Group

Widows of all ages are invited to share a potluck of salads, connect with others who truly understand, and fi nd hope together. Monthly gatherings are the fi rst Friday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy, Sisters. For questions, contact Cindy Vice (513-226-1222) or Melody Carlson (541-815-3540).

Sisters Garden Club

Monthly membership meeting will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 10 a.m. Claire Hafer, local horticulturalist and landscape designer, will guide us through fi re-resistant plant selection tailored to our unique climate and soil conditions. Meeting location is The Hub, 291 E Main Ave. 541-420-6239.

Announce Celebrations!

Sisters community birth, engagement, wedding, and milestone anniversary notices may run at no charge on this Announcements page.

Celebration of Life Bob Boswell

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, in the Sisters High School Gymnasium. All who knew Bob are welcome.

American A i L Legion i and d VFW VF W

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

Free Veterinary Clinic

CAMP (Companion Animal Medical Project) is hosting a veterinary clinic in Sisters, the fi rst Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CORE, 222 Trinity Way. Offering no-cost pet vaccines (including rabies), brief wellness exams, dog/cat food, and supplies. CAMP offers their services to un/sheltered and low-income pet owners and the clinic is fi rst come-fi rst serve with no prior registration necessary. For more information contact Outreach Navigator Liam Boehning at liam@campclinics.org or 541633-3979.

SISTERS LIBRA RY

EVENTS

I’m Going to Kindergarten!

Wednesday, August 26, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Ages 5-6. Community Room. Stories, songs, and a craft for kids entering Kindergarten.

Sisters Summer Dungeons & Dragons Club

Wednesday, August 26, 1 to 4 p.m. Community Room. For middle and high school aged students.

Summer Tea and Book Pairing

Thursday, August 27, 1 to 2 p.m. Sutt le Tea in Sisters. Taste a variety of summer teas that match up with new books.

Thrive Central Oregon Drop-In Consultations

Friday, August 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Study Room. Drop-in social services assistance that connects you with resources.

SISTERS-AR EA CHURCHES

Baha’i Faith For information, devotions, study groups, etc., contact Shauna Rocha 541-647-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings.org

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N. Fir St. • 541-549-5831 www.shepherdoft hehillslutheranchurch.com 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Church of the Nazarene 67130 Harrington Loop Rd. • 541-588-3065 www.sistersnaz.org • info@sistersnaz.org 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 452 Trinity Way • Branch President, 541-977-5559; 10 a.m. Sunday Sacrament Meeting The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 121 N Brooks Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org 9:00 a.m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Episcopal Eucharist Worship The Resting Place meeting at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us 5 p.m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Community Church (nondenominational) 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com 8 a.m. Daybreak Service • 10 a.m. Sunday Worship St. Edward the Martyr Roman Catholic Church 123 Trinity Way • 541-549-9391 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 7 and 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Mass • 8 a.m. Wednesday-Friday Mass Wellhouse Church 442 Trinity Way • 541-549-4184 htt ps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

POLICY: Nonprofits, schools, churches, birth, engagement, wedding, and anniversary notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions subject to editing and run as space allows. Email nugget@nuggetnews.com or drop off at 442 E. Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Deschutes Public Library appoints interim director The Deschutes Public Library Board decided on Wednesday evening, August 12, to appoint Chantal Strobel as Interim Library Director. Their decision came in advance of Director Todd Dunkelberg’s August 28 retirement and after a pause in the district’s search for a new permanent director. Strobel has been with Deschutes Public Library for 32 years, most recently serving as Assistant Director of Community Engagement since 2023. “Chantal was an integral part of Deschutes Public Library District’s

establishment in 1998 and has been involved in shepherding the district through every major development and challenge since then, from the Great Recession to COVID to our recent bond projects,” said Library Board President Ann Malkin. “She’s uniquely qualified to thoughtfully guide the organization for the foreseeable future as we continue the search for a new library director.” Malkin says the board will talk in the coming weeks about when to actively resume the search for a permanent director. Dunkelberg says he fully supports the

SISTERS-AREA WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 26

board decision, and will assist Strobel through the transition process. “Chantal has been a trusted and essential leader since I’ve been with the district,” Dunkelberg said. “She knows the workings of the library district inside and out. Her unique blend of experience, knowledge, and temperament are exactly what Deschutes Public Library needs as the board works to refocus their search for a permanent director.” Strobel says she looks forward to working with library staff and the community as Deschutes Public Library

continues to evolve its services and resources. “We’re in an exciting time for the district as we approach the completion of years-long capital projects,” said Strobel. “A lot of time and energy has been focused on new buildings and remodels, but we now have the opportunity to build in other ways — in how we serve the community, how we make the most of these amazing new buildings, and how we engage staff in that important work. I’m committed to help the district do that work as the board works toward hiring a new director.”

Thurs., Sept. 10 • 7 p.m. Stillhouse Junkies Bluegrass trio from Durango, CO, are heroes on the forefront of breaking through the genre with free-flowing musical interplay

BendTicket.com $15

Sat., Sept. 12 • 7 p.m. Blackwater Railroad Company

This folk-rock and Americana powerhouse from Seward, AK, has redefined the “massive sound” of the Last Frontier.

BendTicket.com $20

Wed., Sept. 16 • 7 p.m. Tommy Castro and the Painkillers BendTicket.com $30

Pub opens 30 minutes prior to shows.

302 E. Main | BelfryEvents.com

Events & Entertainment SUNDAY • AUGUST 30

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Alisha Hamel presents “When Duty Called: An Oral History of Oregon's World War II Veterans," 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com. Oregon Spirit Distillery 50th Celebration for i & j Carpets featuring live music by Precious Byrd. Event runs 3 to 7 p.m. and includes giveaways and food trucks on site. Free entry; family friendly. 740 NE 1st. St., Bend. The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Lickety Split 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. No cover. Info: frankiesinsisters.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).

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Silvertone Devils 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio. Free and open to all. Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music, community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com. Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Skillethead 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages. Lazy Z Ranch Wines Bees & Brews (and Mead!) 5 to 6 p.m. Gather with local beekeepers to discuss all things bees! More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Lazy Z Ranch Wines Wine & Watercolor Workshop 6 to 8 p.m. $35. Sisters Art Station will host a beginner-friendly workshop. Leave with one to three pieces of art! Register at sistersartstation.com. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free. 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30. Info: call 541-549-2471.

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Eric Leadbetter 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages. Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Joe Wilkins presents “Every Sky at Home: Essays on Landscape and Family" at 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.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 • AUGUST 27

FRIDAY • AUGUST 28

Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 4 to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. Information: www.sistersarts.org. Sisters High School "Let's Watch: Clueless" Free outdoor movie screening, presented by Citizens4Community. Doors at 6:45 p.m., movie at 7:45. BYO chair or blanket; concessions for sale. Info: www.citizens4community.com/events. Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Sidney Joseph 6 to 8 p.m. Smokey-voiced multi-instrumentalist. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114. Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Jimmy & Dee Fretwell 6 to 8 p.m. No cover. Information: www.frankiesinsisters.com/our-events/. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20. paulinaspringsbooks.com. Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Mortal Soulstice 5 to 7 p.m. Free. Family- and dog-friendly. Info: 541-549-2471.

SATURDAY • AUGUST 29

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly. Bring your cool car to display, or just come look — different every week. Free. Info: 541-549-2471. Hardtails Outlaw Country 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! Courtyard at 250 W. Cascade Ave. The Barn Live Music: Lickety Split 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www.thebarninsisters.com.

EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

MONDAY • AUGUST 31

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Blu Miller 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages.

MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 7

TUESDAY • SEPTEMBER 1 Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 2

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 3 The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Belltower 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free. 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30. Info: call 541-549-2471.

Episcopal Church of Transfiguration Family Bingo Night 11 games/$20, prizes, $2 raffle tickets to benefit CORE. Meal option at 5 p.m., games start at 5:30. All ages welcome. All cash event. 121 Brooks Camp Rd. Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Singer Songwriter Series featuring Geoffrey Louis Koch, Stevie V, and Doc Cosden 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets and more information: www.frankiesinsisters.com/our-events/. Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Rick Smith 6 to 8 p.m. Country/rock, blues, and funk. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20. paulinaspringsbooks.com. Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Bob Baker and Mark Barringer 5 to 7 p.m. Free. Family- and dog-friendly. Info: 541-549-2471. BI

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Long Gone Wilder 6 to 8 p.m. Local trio playing rock, country, and blues. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Hardtails Live Music: Cover City brings timeless hits. 8 to 10 p.m. in The Yard; low back chairs welcomed. Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly. Bring your cool car to display, or just come look — different every week. Free. Info: 541-549-2471.

Event listings are $40. Submit items by 5 p.m. Fridays to jess@nuggetnews.com.

Paulina Springs Books Poetry Gathering "The Pause Button," an informal monthly gathering for poets and poetry enthusiasts. Bring a poem or two to share. Listen, discuss, and write. Free. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com. The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Machado Mijiga 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages.

TUESDAY • SEPTEMBER 8

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

WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 9

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. No cover. Info: frankiesinsisters.com. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 11

FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 4

SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 5

SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 6

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music, community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com. Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: The Cider Janes 2 to 4 p.m. Touring trio with beautiful harmonies. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Sisters Saloon Live Music: Fluffalove 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio. Free and open to all ages. Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Switchback 5 to 7 p.m. Free. Family- and dog-friendly. Info: 541-549-2471. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20. paulinaspringsbooks.com. Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Hana Fleur 6 to 8 p.m. Touring Americana/folk artist. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events. Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa 6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Courtyard at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 12

East Main Avenue Glory Daze Car Show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Info: www.sistersrecreation.com. Lazy Z Ranch "Let's Watch: A Bug's Life" Free outdoor movie screening, presented by Citizens4Community. Doors at 6:20 p.m., movie at 7:20. BYO chair or blanket; concessions for sale. Info: www.citizens4community.com/events. Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill Live Music: Call Down Thunder (Grateful Dead Tribute) 7:30 to 10 p.m. Jam band style improvised explorations and carefully crafted set lists create an authentic Grateful Dead listening experience Tickets at bendticket.com. The Barn Live Music: Oregon Fryer 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www.thebarninsisters.com. Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly. Bring your cool car to display, or just come look — different every week. Free. Info: 541-549-2471.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

OBSERVATORY: Dee Wright did not see the opening Continued from page 3

A paved half-mile interpretive trail winds past collapsed lava tubes, pressure ridges, and remnants of the bone-jarring road used by early wagons and cars, providing different views of this strange landscape. Who was Dee Wright? Some called him one of the unsung heroes, a working man in the early days of the Forest Service who led pack strings of horses and mules to remote forest camps with crucial supplies like food, building materials, fire-fighting equipment, and boxes of dynamite. He was a guide, built wilderness trails, and served as foreman for a crew of young men of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Dee Wright is also described in loftier terms as “the most famous packer in the Northwest Forest Service” and “the finest woodsman in this country.” In the reference book “Oregon Geographic Names,”McArthur describes him as “a well-known character and raconteur in western Oregon,” raconteur meaning someone who is skilled at telling amusing or interesting stories. And with his wild and colorful life he had them. One history mentions his “sparkling eyes.” Wright was born in 1872 in Molalla, Oregon, a small community 30 miles south of Portland. He grew up among the Molalla Indians and knew several Native American dialects. In 1896 he worked with the Molalla to take a pack train from the Mollala valley to the Klamath Basin on a route which became the Oregon Skyline trail. He went to work for the Forest Service in the early days, starting in 1910 on the Mt. Hood and finishing on the Willamette National Forest. In those days, before roads reached into the high country, horses and mules were essential transportation and packers played a crucial role. Dee Wright was famous for taking his pack strings to remote mountaintops. A Forester named George L. Drake wanted to learn to pack and became his assistant. “Dee made quite a name for himself, in that they have quite an exclusive mountaineer club in Portland called the Mazamas ... people who were interested in climbing mountains... Anyway they had put copper tubes on the top of these various mountains like Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Pitt, where the records were kept. Then if you climbed and inscribed your name

you were eligible to join the Mazamas. The Forest Service decided to put fire lookout cabins up on some of those mountains. As these mountains were only supposed to be accessible by foot, Dee Wright ruined the Mazamas by taking horses up to the top. All the glamor of climbing was lost.” In September 1916, Dee helped transport 30,000 steelhead smolts in cans to lakes near Mt. Jefferson and Hood. In 1917, he was kicked in the chest by his favorite mule, named Dynamite. A Sunday Oregonian article on July 14, 1918, recounted that he saved his pack string from a sinking barge on the Columbia River, then took them loaded with lookout building supplies to the top of 12,281-foot Mt. Adams. Dee told tales of having

PHOTO COURTESY WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

Traffic on the McKenzie Pass, 1920s. horses roll down hills, loaded with boxes of Dynamite. He had a reputation for never being stumped by any problem. Give him time and he would figure it out.

PHOTO BY MARET PAJUTEE

The Dee Wright Observatory is a destination for motorists and cyclists.

President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal of 1933 wanted to put people to work and the CCC was started. Willamette Forest Supervisor Pat Thompson hired William Parke, a landscape architect and the Forest’s first recreation officer and pledged 25 percent of CCC work would be on recreation facilities. Crews built campgrounds, trails, lookouts, and Santiam Lodge near Hoodoo. But their most important accomplishment is the Observatory which seems to grow out of the lava. It is an example of the 1930s Forest Service/CCC philosophy to build useful recreation infrastructure that fit into the landscape. Dee became the foreman of Camp Belknap (Camp F-23) stationed near McKenzie Bridge. He is said to have entertained the young CCC men with tales of his close escapes. When asked if some stories were a figment of Dee’s imagination, Forester Drake replied “Oh, yes. He was a good storyteller, and if there were any people around to listen, he’d just branch out.” His CCC crew began work, laboriously cutting, hauling

and fitting lava blocks on McKenzie Pass to build an observation point. Then on a spring day April 24, 1934, Dee was rowing a crew of CCC men across the McKenzie River and suffered a heart attack. He died in a Eugene hospital at the age of 62. It was sadly one year before the observatory was finished in 1935. Naming it after their lost foreman seemed the right thing to do. If you drive up to the observatory, be heads-up for cyclists. Everyone share the road. It is curvy and narrow in places with blind corners, so take a deep breath and enjoy the drive. You will pass through several old wildfires, by the trail to Black Crater, Lava Camp Lake turnoff, and the Windy Point viewpoint. A sign near the observatory says you may even catch a glimpse of Dee Wright’s spirit as his ashes were scattered on the top of the McKenzie Pass and “rest nestled in the dreams of mountains and the promises of the future.” Maybe in the dust cloud of a pack string, the faint smell of campfire smoke, and the laughter of tired young men.

DAVIS TIRE TIRES & INSTALLATION, ALIGNMENT, REPAIR, BALANCING, ROTATION

Meat • Seafood Jerky • Cheeses Sandwiches Beer, Wine, Cider 110 S. SPRUCE ST. | 541-719-1186 | 9-6 DAILY

Bring in this coupon for

2 OFF any 30-35-40 lb. bag of

DOG FOOD OR

1 OFF any 16-20 lb. bag of

CAT FOOD

Offer good through 9-30-26. Coupon not valid with any other promotion. Limit one coupon per customer per month.

102 E. Main Ave. | 541-549-4151

Our family can take care of your family of autos & trailers Brakes • Axles • Ball Joints • Suspension • Shocks • Struts

541-549-1026 188 W. Sisters Park Dr. Serving Sisters Since 1962

! S R O O D T OU eanup clle We have yard r g materials fo tools, buildin d n a s, nkler supplie planters, spri one. our projects d more to get y ating

Celebr

earss 50 y usines In B

2026

1976–

Hardware & Building Supply, Inc

FREE LOCAL H Hours: M-F M F 8 to t 5, 5 Sat. S t 8 to t 4 4, Cl Closed d Sundays S d

DELIVERY 440 N. Pine St. • 541-549-8141 • www.hoyts.net

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

SOCCER: New coach has exciting group of players to work with Continued from page 8

larger role as a distributor and attacking midfielder.” Rea saw significant minutes his freshman and sophomore seasons and will step into a larger leadership role in the Outlaws’ defense this year. “Odin has some big shoes to fill, but he is smart, physical, kind, and already viewed as a leader by his teammates,” said Newport. “His size and ability in the air will also be a major asset for us defensively and on set pieces.” Jacobs joined the soccer program last year and immediately stepped into varsity minutes, and was always happy and willing to play wherever he was needed. He will play both defense and in the midfield. “Cooper is smart, extremely coachable and brings an infectious excitement for the game,” said Newport. “We’re still determining where his abilities will help us most, but his

quality first-touch and distribution will be important to our success.” Greenwood will play at the forward position. JB saw varsity minutes as a freshman and sophomore, but this year will step into a core role for the team. “JB is a tall, athletic player with a natural ability to find himself in the right place at the right time and finish chances,” stated Newport. “Paired with Jasper and our other attacking players, he has the potential to create a lot of problems for opposing defenses. One of my favorite things about JB is how often he comes to the coaching staff asking what he can improve. We see him getting better almost every week.” Montanez earned a starting position for the Outlaws last season after putting in numerous minutes his first two seasons. He will play as an outside midfielder. “Felix’s speed and technical ability make him a difficult matchup on the outside,” said Newport. “He can get down the line and deliver quality balls to our forwards, but he is also capable of finishing

chances himself. His combination of speed, athleticism, and soccer IQ gives us a lot of options.” Oncken played just a few JV games last year and then moved right up to varsity. “Ezra is smart, athletic, and an incredibly dedicated student of anything he takes on,” noted Newport. “He showed some of the biggest improvement of anyone in our program last year, and we expect him to be an important part of our defense and a senior leader on a team that we believe can contend for a playoff spot.” Newport told The Nugget he’s excited about the junior class as a whole. He noted that not only are they talented in soccer, they are also close friends, and he believes that connection has the potential to become one of the team’s biggest strengths. Two other juniors that will see significant minutes are Gryffon Dyer and Michael Clayton. Dyer can play almost anywhere on the field and will bring a strong physical presence to the team. Clayton will play at outside midfield and is expected to see lots of

acre-feet per acre. Those numbers come with an asterisk, though. What the district diverts isn’t the same as to what any individual farmer is entitled. TSID’s own billing records show its oldest water rights, dating back to 1869 through 1895, are billed at a flat two-acrefeet per acre, while other senior rights carry different terms. And the district’s original water right on Whychus Creek was set at 158.55 cubic feet per second (CFS). Conservation projects have since returned 31.18 CFS of that permanently to the creek, leaving 127.37 CFS for irrigation and stock water. Run that continuously for a full day and you’d get about 252 acre-feet, or 82 million gallons, though that’s a maximum diversion rate, not what actually flows to farms hour by hour all season. When that water isn’t enough to go around, growers don’t have a backup supply waiting in the wings. According to Oregon State University Extension, farmers facing a shortened season lean on a familiar set of hard choices. Some have a permitted well to lean on, though Oregon treats groundwater seriously here since it’s closely tied to surface water in the Deschutes Basin, and a well has to be legally authorized before it can help.

More often, growers simply irrigate less ground. Then there’s dormancy. Extension advisors tell growers who lose water early to stop irrigating established alfalfa and grass hay after the first cutting, rather than stretching a trickle across the whole field. Perennial plants can handle going dormant and bounce back once water returns, but a field that might normally yield a second or third cutting can produce little or nothing for the rest of the season. Growers also prioritize their best acres, and many invest in efficiency, better sprinklers, smarter scheduling, upgraded piping, to squeeze more out of every drop. There’s one emergency option. If the governor declares a drought in the county, as she has, state law allows a temporary one-year permit letting a surface water user tap groundwater instead. It’s not automatic, and it depends on local conditions. None of this is hypothetical for 2026. The Central Oregon Irrigation District in Bend says the state has issued a drought declaration for the region, with snowpack running below average and supplies tightening. Patrons are being warned to brace for reductions, or a full curtailment before the season ends.

minutes on the field. Newport noted that Clayton may have the best crossing ability in the program, which should make him valuable both in the run of play and on corners and other set pieces. The team also has an important group of seniors that will step into varsity roles this year: Emmitt Buller, Teague Kennedy, Grayson Humpert, Tyler Hamlington, and Mason Brang. Buller and Kennedy will both play at the goalkeeper position, and will work together, compete and push each other as coaches continue to evaluate the position. Humpert’s ability to contribute both defensively and at outside midfield will give the Outlaws valuable flexibility. Hamlington will play at outside midfield and bring speed, and finishing ability on the dribble. Brang has always played wherever the team needed him, but is a natural defender who reads movement well and can be very tenacious one-on-one. Malachi Reyes is a freshman who coaches expect could see significant varsity minutes on defense, and

potentially compete for a starting role. “It’s immediately apparent that Malachi has been playing the game for a long time,” said Newport. “He is not only good at shutting down attacking players, but is composed enough to distribute accurately out of the back and help us maintain possession.” Newport said, “We have a really exciting group this year, with a small but important group of seniors and a particularly talented junior class that I think is ready to take a big step forward as leaders of the program. “We have a tested and experienced defensive group, dynamic outside midfielders with the pace to cause teams problems on both sides of the field, and a large, physical and talented group of attacking players who can score in different ways,” he added. “We want to be a team that moves the ball well, plays through opponents, and communicates and works for each other.” The Outlaws expectations are high. They believe they are a playoff-caliber team, and they plan to compete for the league title.

! g n i ir H Irrigation flows limited to 10 percent Now By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Having reduced water deliveries to 20 percent on July 30, Three Sisters Irrigation District (TSID) reduced the flow even further – to 10 percent – on August 14. Will deliveries cease altogether as the drought persists? Emelia Ellington, the District’s manager doesn’t think so. “It depends on creek levels. If they maintain until the rain starts, I don’t foresee an early shut off,” she said. “Whychus Creek continues to drop, and this is the lowest we’ve been. We know these reductions are hard, and we truly appreciate everyone’s cooperation in sticking to scheduled deliveries. As always, patrons exceeding their allotment will need to be shut off so that everyone receives their fair share,” the District elaborated to its customers. In an average irrigation season, the Three Sisters Irrigation District delivers somewhere between 6.5 and 8.8 billion gallons of water, or roughly 20,000 to 27,000 acre-feet, to farms and pastures around Sisters. TSID serves about 7,572 acres of irrigated ground, so spread evenly across that whole footprint, a full season’s water works out to somewhere between 2.64 and 3.56

Thrift Store MANAGER

— $65,000/year DOE —

Minimum three years of retail management experience required. p q

e impact on the v ti si o p a s a h k r Your wo y! Sisters communit

Learn more at

www.sistershabitat.org/ employment

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Trinity Place Apartments to provide affordable option Trinity Place Apartments currently under construction are being provided by Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) to help alleviate the shortage of affordable and workforce apartments in Sisters for working individuals and families. The development is targeted at the largest unmet housing need in Sisters — working families in the 60–80 percent area median income range in service, agriculture, arts, and manufacturing sectors. The Project’s innovative funding mix is less restrictive and sources allow middle income households. The property will feature a large, open, airy community room with large windows and a high ceiling, with offices for property management and service providers.

USFS hiring wildland firefighters The Forest Service is hiring wildland firefighters into permanent and permanentseasonal positions on hand crews, engine crews, hotshot crews, and more. The Deschutes National Forest is asking prospective firefighters to join the “fire organization and be a part of the team that is committed to caring for the land and serving people. Our mission is to protect our natural resources for multiple uses for today and future generations.” Applicants apply online through USAJobs. gov. Jobs will be posted on U SA J obs .gov from August 24 to September 22. Review the job announcements carefully for deadlines and required information to include in an application. Employment start dates may vary. For more information including a list of positions available for application visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ deschutes/working-with-us/ careers.

Outdoor spaces will include tenant parking, a fenced dog run, and a play area with a climbing boulder. This fall and winter, art will be chosen for external mural walls, areas around the elevators, and interior spaces. There will be 40 units on three floors, with nine onebedroom, 20 two-bedroom, and 11 three-bedroom units. The three-bedroom units have two bathrooms and are 1,120 square feet. Heat is provided by heat pumps. The flooring throughout each unit is easy to maintain LVP (vinyl plank). Each unit has two electrical panels with one being a media panel for the internet that will be able to accept up to Cat 10 cable. There are large operable windows that can incorporate the heat pump. The entire building is

energy efficient with filtered fresh air exchange. On the roof are solar panels that can produce 30kw of energy, with battery storage which can be converted to 230 hours of backup power in case of a power outage. Project funding involves an innovative mix of new 501(c)(3) nonprofit bonds underwritten by Raymond James, as well as American Rescue Plan Act funding from the City of Sisters, Oregon Housing and Community Services General Housing Account Program grant, and Ag Worker Housing Tax Credit funds with Columbia Bank as the purchaser of the credits, and The Roundhouse Foundation and Yang Foundation providing land acquisition and pre-development funding. Partnerships exist between

PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD

Trinity Place Apartments. NHA and Family Access Network (FAN), High Desert Food and Farms Alliance, and CORE (Community Outreach, Resources and Emergency Shelter). The contractor on the development is CS

Construction of Bend and the architectural firm doing the design work is LRS of Portland with an office in Bend. Units will be available for occupancy in the spring of 2027.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS

The Nugget N E W S PA P E R

Al and Ali enjoyed reading The Nugget while traveling in Germany, Greece, and Amsterdam

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

PROJECTS: Community Builders network in improving life Continued from page 3

• Sisters School District (SSD) conducted a study on children per housing unit — apartments, owned homes, and affordable/subsidized housing — which demonstrated that affordable housing is critical to help sustain school districts, both in terms of children served and providing housing for staff. SSD lost the stone house and surrounding vegetation at Wildhaven in Stevens Canyon during the Akawa Butte fire. The district is doing some risk management to determine next steps. Perhaps rather than serving as an outdoor education center, it can serve as a learning lab focused on fire recovery. In an expansion of the SSD place-based learning model, the district has begun a program called Outlaw Partners — community members, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations who work with the SSD to expand learning beyond the classroom, creating real-world experiences that help students build skills, discover purpose, and prepare for the future. To get involved visit https://sisters schooldistrict.zohocreator portal.com and create a partner profile. • Edward Jones is hosting two free seminars. Tuesday, September 29, 6 to 7 p.m., will deal with Social Security: Unlock Its Potential. Wednesday, September 30, 6-7 p.m., will discuss Retrain Your Brain: How to age-proof

your most valuable asset. Call the office (541-549-1866) to make reservations. • Happy Brain Science thanked St. Charles for support to offer a free workshop on Building Belonging: The Science of Connecting in a Lonely World. Contact Scott Crabtree (503-806-3138) if you have a group interested in this opportunity. • Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) offered thanks to all those who helped with hanging quilts for the Quilt Show. The SOQS and C4C are working on developing a Sisters Barn Quilt Trail in Sisters. Businesses can take classes to learn how to make a barn quilt that can then be hung on the business. Contact the SOQS for more information. Workshops may start in October. • Serving Our Seniors (SOS) will be offering a gathering for seniors the first Friday of the coming six months at The Lodge, 2-4 p.m. People will be able to make connections with other seniors and available services as well as hearing from featured speakers focused on supporting our seniors. • Altruist Partners will be offering bi-weekly 30-minute training teaching different skills for nonprofits, like diversifying beyond grant revenue. • Oregon Health Sciences University staff in Bend is offering two Data Learning trainings at the Redmond Library. September 15 and November 17, 10 a.m.noon, will address Data Visualization where participants will learn to organize and present data in visually appealing and understandable

ways with consideration toward data equity. October 20, 10 a.m.-noon, will deal with Community Engaged Participatory Data Collection and Dissemination Methods, with an eye toward engagement and accessibility with real-time practice of methods. Register on Eventbrite, with a sliding scale fee. • St. Charles expressed gratitude for the support of their Sisters clinic which has been here for over 15 years. They now have almost 4,000 established patients and are offering women’s health, a cardiologist, and echo sonographer specialist coming to Sisters on a regular basis. They are now looking at same-day access for established patients to help keep people out of the emergency departments in Bend and Redmond. St. Charles offers grants for programs concerning belonging, connection, and engagement. They need data around belonging which will help them justify giving more funding for programs addressing belonging. • The City of Sisters is seeking applicants to serve on a number of commissions and boards. Applications are available on the City website. • Family Access Network (FAN) encouraged residents

Signatures

ORDER ONLINE for takeout:

SistersSaloon.net

Classic 1912 Saloon & Family-Friendly Dining OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

541-549-RIBS • 190 E. Cascade Ave.

dyerconstructionrenovation.com

By Tina Davis Opening Reception during g 4th Friday Artwalk August 28, 4-6pm 311 W. CASCADE AVE. • STITCHINPOST.COM • 541 541-549-6061 5499 6061

Come down to our showroom...

CCB#148365

541-420-8448

be giving a talk at The Lodge on aging well, featuring a local gerontologist and NAMI and is open to the public. • Sisters Habitat for Humanity will host a triple celebration on September 18, 11 a.m., at Larch Commons at the corner of North Larch Street and East Adams Avenue. Habitat is observing their 35th anniversary in Sisters, the completion of their 100th house, and Larch Commons formal groundbreaking will occur. Snacks will be served. The Larch Commons will have 25 homes, both affordable and workforce housing, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. The total monthly cost (mortgage, utilities, etc.) is estimated to run $1,400-1,700. Applications will be available online within the next two weeks. Executive Director Peter Hoover reported they need more land to continue providing housing for Sisters. They are also seeking applicants for the Thrift Store manager position, which pays $65,000 a year with medical/dental/ vision benefits. Hoover offered gratitude to the City Council and NHA for also providing funding for affordable and workforce housing in Sisters.

DESIGNING WITH

Building & Renovating with Innovative Design and Energy-Saving Ideas! Our team believes quality, creativity, and sustainability matter. We want your home to be a work of art worthy of containing your life.

who had any financial or other impact from the Akawa Butte fire to find the form on the C4C website to request support from the Deschutes County Emergency Management department that is facilitating an “unmet needs roundtable” to help connect needs and local resources. • Sisters Rotary is providing free box fan filters/air filtration for those in need. • Sisters Community Garden is all moved and up and running at CORE (Community Outreach, Resources and Emergency Shelter) on Trinity Way, where they hope to build a greenhouse and double their size next year. Gratitude was expressed for volunteer community support and monetary support for their relocation. • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has established a mental health peer support group meeting two times a month in Sisters. • Senior Advocates for Generational Equity (SAGE) is recruiting table facilitators for a September 28 event at Westside Church, at 5 p.m., which will focus on working across party lines to create a stronger community. If interested contact Pat Nadon at pnadon@wearesage.org. In November, Nadon will

BACK TO SCHOOL OR SUMMER STORAGE?

Mike can walk you through the different window covering options

We Carry Boxes & Packing Material.

Storage Units Available Too Located in Sisters Industrial Park at 261 Sun Ranch Dr., Suite A

541-549-9631

W Barclay Dr Sisters Mon-Fri: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

www.sistersrental.com

A division of Lakeview Millworks

The lowest price every day on top-quality window coverings! CCB# 210187

BestVueBlinds.com | 541-588-6201

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

TRAIL ANGELS: Sisters is an important stop along the PCT Continued from page 3

you would imagine, some of which are quite humorous. Her calls are for rides to and from where the PCT crosses Highway 242 or Highway 20. Many of her guests are from foreign countries “… too numerous to count,” she said. “Often, they speak little or no English but that’s never a problem.” Occasionally she brings them home and lets them shower and stay a day or two with her to regain their strength. “I’m never worried,” she said, “but my kids who are in law enforcement aren’t too happy about it. “The hikers are always hungry and thirsty. I often bring cookies or biscuits I’ve made,” she said. “They’re always tired, really tired by the time they get here. And smell,” she says with a wink. “But I smell too when I go backpacking,” she said. Her inspiration came from legendary angel, Lloyd Guft of Bend. Guft was Central Oregon’s go-to PCT trail angel for over a decade, guiding lost hikers by phone, driving them to trailheads, aiding the sick and injured, and handling town resupply. He kept at it until 84, died in 2014, and inspired the local trail angel network that carries on his work. The good ones do it with restraint. The accepted etiquette is to hand food to hikers in person rather than leaving unattended coolers in the woods, since abandoned caches can attract wildlife, generate litter, and chip away at the solitude that draws people to the trail

in the first place. Leave No Trace applies to kindness, too. It is a bigger operation than it looks. Somewhere between 3,000 and 4,500 people set out each year hoping to hike the entire PCT in one season, and only 700 to 1,000 of them actually finish, a completion rate of roughly 15 to 25 percent. The dropouts are usually chased off by injury, exhaustion, deep snowpack, wildfire smoke, or simply running out of time and money. For the hikers who do make it through, trail angels are often the difference between quitting in a ditch, and pushing on to the next town. The hikers themselves skew a little younger than you might expect. Surveys put the average age in the mid-30s, with roughly 60 percent of the field in their 20s and early 30s, many of them recent grads or people between careers. Another 15 to 20 percent are in their 50s and 60s, retirees or sabbatical-takers with the time and savings to spend months in the woods. Men still outnumber women on the trail, at roughly 55 to 58 percent versus 40 to 43 percent, though that gap has closed steadily over the past decade from under 30 percent female a generation ago. None of that shows up in a data table quite the way it does at a folding table stocked with orange slices and cold Gatorade. For a town like Sisters, sitting close to where the trail slips past the wilderness boundary, the PCT hiking season is a quiet annual reminder that a little bit of unearned generosity still goes a long way. Interested in becoming a trail angel? Visit https://www.facebook.com/ PCTAFan.

ROSS KENNEDY S T E L L A R R E A LT Y N W

SPECIALIZING IN SISTERS STERS & BLACK LACK BUTTE BUTTE RANCH RANCH

541-408-1343 43

Ross K Kennedy, d P Principal i i al B Br Broker rok oke err

CITY: Summer has been busy with construction projects across Sisters Continued from page 1

most disruptive and altering last week — the Adams Avenue streetscape. But two others are capturing gazes, and sidewalk superintendents. One is buried underground, and will barely be noticed once it’s done. The other is a brandnew multi-use path and bridge that walkers and cyclists will cross for years to come. Water where it’s most needed The bigger of the two other projects, in terms of dollars and scope, is the Edgington Road Water Transmission Main. It’s about 2.5 miles of new 16-inch pipe running from the Highway 242 area near the new Sisters Elementary School, along Edgington Road, and toward the city’s reservoir system. The project traces back to the city’s 2023 Water Master Plan, which discovered that when three of the four wells were online adequate fire flow can be delivered except for a few localized regions that were slightly deficient. Constructing the new 16-inch transmission main will resolve this deficiency and deliver the fire flows the City wants during a major emergency. That’s the heart of why this pipe matters. A bigger transmission line means more water can move fast if there’s a serious fire, plus it gives the system a backup route if the other transmission main needs repairs or maintenance. Because much of the route crosses U.S. Forest Service land, the project needed a federal environmental review, which wrapped up in 2025.

DREAMING OF A FALL REMODEL? CALL US TODAY.

The price tag has actually shrunk as the project moved forward. Early estimates put it around $3.6 million, but by the time the City of Sisters awarded the construction contract this June, the number had dropped to $1.86 million. Construction started August 17, and the City expects substantial completion by the end of the year. Most residents will never see this pipe once the dirt is put back, but City officials consider it one of the more important safety investments Sisters has made in a while, especially with wildfire risk always on peoples’ minds here. A bridge for walkers and cyclists The third project is smaller in cost but arguably more visible: a new multiuse path and bridge connecting Village Green Park to the Peterson Ridge Trail system. Anyone who’s tried to walk or bike from downtown Sisters to Peterson Ridge knows the current route isn’t exactly comfortable. The existing road crossing over Whychus Creek is narrow, and sharing it with cars hasn’t been a great experience for people on foot or two wheels. The fix is a dedicated pedestrian and bike bridge, about eight feet wide and 70 feet long, modeled after another bridge already in use

upstream. It’ll be built with pressure-treated wood decking on a prefabricated metal span, chosen partly because it holds up well and is easier to clear of snow in winter. Vi l l a g e G r e e n P a r k already functions as a staging area for people heading out to Peterson Ridge, with parking, restrooms, and water available. Once this path and bridge are finished, that connection gets a lot safer and friendlier, especially for families or less experienced riders who might avoid the current route altogether. The city budgeted around $300,000 for the project, and the construction contract, awarded in June to DJ Miller Construction, came in at $265,935. Notably, the bridge portion alone bid is well under the estimate. While work on the pathway is underway now, project completion is estimated for early May 2027 due to the long lead time for the fabrication and installation of the new bridge. Taken together, the two projects tell a simple story about where Sisters is investing right now. One protects the community from the inside out. The other makes it more enjoyable to get outside and move around. Neither will grab headlines for flash, but both are the kind of infrastructure that quietly shapes daily life in Sisters.

PODCAST The American Revolution on the Frontier

by Jim Cornelius “Fascinating! History done right.” — Bob Deis

Licensed In The State of Oregon

Integrity. Commitment. Success.

New episode is available now on Spotify and most major podcasting platforms... EPISODE 65 ... “The American

Revolution on the Frontier — The Battle of Wyoming” g” 541-549-4349 9 3 9 260 N. Pine St.

Licensed | Bonded | Insured | CCB#87587

EPISODE 64 ... “T The American Revolution On The Frontier — Bloody Mohawk”

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Sisters man makes life and living in music By Katy Yoder Correspondent

Justin Veloso got his start in music in the Sisters schools. He graduated from Sisters High School in 2006. Teachers like former band instructor Jody Henderson guided Veloso’s interest in music, and eventually a career path in music as an accomplished, professional drummer. Over the years he’s toured on his own and with several bands in the U.S. and various European countries. Now, Veloso is creating a music school called Justin’s Music Lessons, that focuses on guiding and teaching the next generation of young musicians. Veloso is offering eight lesson spots beginning the first week of September. He wants to give back to the community that supported him as a young musician in a small rural town. “Being able to interact with Jody Henderson growing up was super important,” said Veloso. “For several years, Jody gave music students the opportunity to play weekly jazz shows at Soba Noodles. That kind of realworld experience had an impact on me. After growing up in Sisters, I went to New York and attended the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and received a degree in jazz performance in 2010.” A former Americana Project student, Veloso appreciates the opportunities Sisters children have to learn how to play and write music from an early age. When he moved back to Sisters, Veloso became an instructor for children attending SFF Presents Song Academy for Youth. Veloso knows firsthand how playing an instrument enriches a person’s life. He designed lesson plans that encourage, educate, and support beginner musicians with guitar, bass, and drums. His playing and teaching experience positions him as a teacher who can lead students towards acquiring a foundational understanding of music and best practices for continuing to grow as artists. Since his return to Sisters in 2015, Veloso taught students in Sisters on a more casual basis. With his sister, Nicole Buchheister’s expertise in shaping a modern business model for teaching music, he’s looking forward to giving back to the community that helped achieve his musical aspirations and the ability to make a living in the music industry. “I’m excited about interacting with the community again. Seeing a lot of our friends and family having young kids, I know I have something to offer them as a

PHOTO PROVIDED

Justin Veloso developed his musical passion in Sisters schools — and he is paying it forward. music teacher,” he said. Veloso has taught accomplished musicians and children eager to learn how to play the drums for many years. Sisters student Frankie Borla spent years under Veloso’s tutelage and has become a respected and renowned drummer himself. “I would be a completely different person without Justin — I might not have even been a musician. He’s what got me into drums and music in the first place. I really appreciate him as a musician and as a person; he’s one of the most

important people in my life. He gives me new perspectives. I often find myself approaching music and challenges differently because of him. I have no idea who or where I would be without Justin,” said Borla. Veloso has created a framework to teach young students from 5 years old and older. He’ll encourage an appreciation for music that starts with interacting with instruments on a casual basis. He knows listening, singing along, and absorbing different kinds of musical sounds and rhythms

builds an appreciation and invitation to join the fun. “We’ve focused on making the new website interface clear and approachable for different ages. It can provide continuing support to establish good practicing skills and habits and a better understanding of how to structure your time when practicing. I help students find the best way for them to get the most out of 30 minutes of daily practice. What I offer students can build a strong foundation for musicians just beginning to play,” said Veloso. As a long-time musician, Veloso understands the importance of time management and the best ways to interact with music that works for each student’s circumstances. He looks at each student individually to customize their lessons in a way that fits their schedule and capacity to learn. He’s modernized his teaching methods to address the resources and learning styles students are using today. “Along with techniques and foundations, there’s real value in a student being excited and connected to the music they’re interacting with. I take into consideration how a student learns with a

I’m excited about interacting with the community again. Seeing a lot of our friends and family having young kids, I know I have something to offer them as a music teacher. — Justin Veloso goal to make music together, create learners who understand what’s behind making music, whether they’re playing music or listening to someone else.” For students aged 5-8 years old, Veloso’s foundational learning will include rhythm games, music basics like beat, melody and patterns, singing exercises, and building pitch awareness. Students who are 8 years and up can choose to learn guitar, bass or drums. Techniques like skill-building tailored to each student, reading music, active listening and musical interpretation are designed for those ready to specialize in an instrument. To learn more about Justin’s Music Lessons visit the website www.jmlessons. com, call 541-904-0001, or email hello@jmlessons.com.

OWN A PIECE OF HIST ORY! Historic cabins at Lake Creek Lodge For Sale as 1/4 Shares 3

Seller Financing Available!

Phil Arends Principal Broker

Thomas Arends Broker

phil@arendsrealtygroup.com

thomas@arendsrealtygroup.com

541.420.9997

PONDEROSA PROPERTIES LLC

541.285.1535

LICENSED IN THE STATE OF OREGON

541-549-2002 | 178 S. Elm St., Suite 102/103, Sisters, OR 97759 | arendsrealtygroup.com

ArendsRealtyGroup.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

FIRE RECOVERY: Canopy took a severe hit; soil holds promise Continued from page 1

BAER team moved in immediately to gauge the damage, and what comes next. A specialized crew of geologists, hydrologists, botanists, archaeologists, and engineers began tackling the critical questions: Which trees survived? Can the underbrush return? What is the flooding risk? And will this landscape ever truly return to what it was?

In the days following the fire, the BAER team surveyed a ghostly expanse of scorched brush and timber. Their primary concern was the heavy mortality across 26,000 acres of ponderosa pine and oldgrowth juniper. However, soil tests revealed a critical silver lining. Because the soil burn severity remained low, the underground seed bank survived, setting the stage for brush and grasses to return far faster than the forest canopy. “To still see a lot of the soil intact, it talks to how quickly the fire moved across this landscape and that it didn’t really infiltrate the soil PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

The Akawa Butte Fire left a charred landscape with remnants of brush and forest reduced to blackness. A common sight in the Sisters Ranger District.

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

Wright tests a soil sample for viability. At a shallow depth, he found intact roots and the hope that the ground will soon return to normal. “I’m confident we will see this terrain return to green soon, possibly by this fall with the precipitation we are predicting,” said Ian Reid.

with that kind of heat,” said Wright, holding a handful of soil. “A lot of the roots are still in here. The structure’s still well intact. Finding roots is a great sign.” Wright observed that much of the seed bank and microbes found in soil that fuel the next generation of vegetation remained intact. That’s a win for the landscape surrounding Stevens Canyon. Areas with a higher heatintensity damaged the soil a few inches deeper, putting the top soil at risk of runoff and delaying its recovery. But that was a smaller percentage. When asked about the potential for flooding or the effects of water runoff, Wright said that, “we’re not worried about vast erosion due to the lack of soil burn severity, the lack of really steep slopes, and a high rock content in our soils.” A look back at the 2017 Milli Fire offers a glimpse of what recovery might hold for Akawa Butte Fire scar. The two fires burned a nearly identical footprint—Milli scorched roughly 24,000

acres compared to Akawa’s 26,000 — but Milli was far more destructive below the surface. Severe soil damage required years of intensive hazard mitigation and replanting by Forest Service and contract crews. If Milli could begin to bounce back from that level of deep devastation, Akawa Butte’s intact seed bank gives it a head start. Snow brush, manzanita, and ponderosa seedlings are now chest high and hide the blackened scar of the inferno from nine years ago. Natural recovery with the help from personnel efforts are slowly returning life to the landscape. “I remember walking up the slope of Trout Creek Butte when it looked like the Akawa Butte Fire does today,” said Ian Reid, Sisters District Ranger. “And to come back here nine years later, see the regrowth and those ponderosa pine seedlings that were planted is pretty heartening to see.” Reid says he is hopeful that vegetation will return to the Akawa burn scar soon,

possibly by fall 2026, with the expected fall precipitation. But Reid also says there is now an underlying threat to local wildlife. Bitterbrush and grass, a primary feed source, is now gone. The area that burned with the 2025 Flat Fire and Akawa Butte Fire is known as the Metolius Winter Range, a prime habitat for deer, elk, and a local grey wolf pack. “Stevens Canyon is prime mule deer winter range and as those deer come out of the high country they need that low elevation bitter brush to keep them to survive throughout the winter months,” said Reid. “It’s a substantial loss. So we’ll be looking at some bitterbrush planting in there.” The threat to town was newer, but the scorched soil is not. The history of wildfire across the Sisters Ranger District proves one thing time and again: that the land recovers. This ecosystem has become adaptive to wildfire. With targeted restoration efforts and the intact soil, the remains left by Akawa Butte will slowly heal.

PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT

This is a sight once more common along the Cascade Range. But in recent years in the Sisters Ranger District we are starting to see wildfires creep ever closer to town from the north.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Obituaries

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:

Judith Kay Cravens-Ballantyne December 6, 1939 – July 21, 2026

Judith Kay CravensBallantyne passed peacefully at her home in Bend, Oregon, on July 21, 2026. Judy was born on December 6, 1939, to Owen and Ruth Lemke in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1950, she moved with her family to the Los Angeles area in California, settling in Reseda, marrying Bud Cravens in 1958. In 1960 they moved to Camp Sherman, where Judy spent nearly 30 years. Always busy, she juggled raising three children while working at the Camp Sherman Store, Hoodoo Ski Bowl, operating the Alpine Kitchen Store & Restaurant and at Black Butte Ranch where she managed the Sport Shops for 21 years. After moving to Bend, she married Frank Ballantyne. Together with their three Shih Tzus, they forged a new chapter in their lives becoming reps for Beaver Motor Coach Corporation, which included criss-crossing the U.S. touting the motor-home life at rallies and events. Judy was an accomplished seamstress and for a time had her own small apparel manufacturing company. She enjoyed reading, tending to her yard and working at various post-retirement jobs. She mowed and weeded her own yard well into her 86th year. Always giving, one of her favorite projects

was knitting hundreds of caps for the newborns in the NICU at St. Charles Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Frank. She is survived by her children Deborah (Kim), Robert (Teresa), and James, grandson Minam, and stepgranddaughter Rosanna (Dan). She is also survived by her sisters Nancy (Skip) and Sue, brother Jeff, and a large extended Ballantyne family. Judy was an incredible, compassionate woman who will be deeply missed.

On a recent Tuesday evening as I was loading up The Nugget for delivery, a woman came up on the porch and grabbed 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 gratifying 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: Supporting 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.

WE’RE HIRING!

Weekends off • Small-shop camaraderie Non-toxic work environment •Picturesque outdoor work sites

THE GARDEN ANGEL LANDSCAPING

LCB#9583

APPLY TODAY • 541-549-2882 • thegardenangel@gmail.com

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 history. 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 delivery; 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 support, 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.

G SESIPSTTER N O RE S O FOR DETAILS GO TO FOR DETAILS GO TO

SISTERSRECREATION COM

541-549-2091 E Cascade Ave Sisters

Thank you, Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

The Nugget Newspaper Since 1978 | www.nuggetnews.com | 541-549-9941

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

LAND USE: Property is not part of UGB expansion plan Continued from page 1

focused on an exception request by the County to the Statewide Planning Goal 4 (Forest Lands) to amend the County comprehensive plan and zoning for the MMV property. The MMV property application amended the current County forest land designations to rural residential and multi-use agricultural (MUA-10). The latter designations would allow the City to have considered the MMV property for a UGB expansion area. The purpose of Oregon Planning Goal 4 is to protect “working forest land around the state, preserving it for commercial forestry while recognizing its value for wildlife habitat, fish-bearing streams, recreation, and protection of air and water quality.” Overall, LUBA found “there is a disconnect between the purpose of merely creating a transition zone to eventually be included in the UGB and the multitude of uses allowed in MUA-10 zone ... The County decision that was actually approved creates a MUA-10 zone with all of its possible uses.” The remand decision acknowledges that MMV has publicly committed to creating affordable housing on the property. However, the decision recognizes that “even though [MMV] does not plan rural residential housing, that use is allowed by the decision.” T h e C O LW a p p e a l included four major areas of error: • Inadequate notice t o t h e Depar tment of Land Conservation and Development for governing bodies to respond; the notice was missing required information, and did not comply with Oregon Revised Statutes. • Applicable law was misconstrued by using a “catchall” law inappropriately. • The County adopted inadequate findings unsupported by substantial evidence in the exception to Goal 4. • The County decision misconstrues the applicable law by violating Oregon Planning Goal 14 (Urbanization) and County Comprehensive Plan by allowing new residential development with no minimum lot sizes. In a concurring opinion, LUBA board member Tod Bassham argued that “… the subject application is best understood as an attempt by [MMV], blessed by the county, to leapfrog the subject property up the priority ladder [for inclusion into the UGB], from one of the lower rungs to the highest rung.” Rory Isbell, rural land

DY GET REA That is a real problem TO SHOUT...

program director and staff attorney at Central Oregon LandWatch, offered a statement to The Nugget: “LandWatch’s position has always been that one landowner should not be able to ‘game the system’ to become a higher priority in an urban growth boundary amendment process and that Deschutes County’s decision to rezone land on those grounds was clearly inconsistent with Oregon land use law. “The Land Use Board of Appeals’ decision validated our position, four times over. As a key part of Oregon’s land use planning program, UGB amendments are intended to put a community’s long-term goals ahead of short-term private interests, balancing housing needs. “The City’s foregoing the MMV property and moving forward with its current UGB expansion proposal is the quickest and most efficient way for the City to add the housing lands it needs, and LandWatch looks forward to the City adopting that proposal without delay.” MMV partner Bill Willitts, who served on the steering committee for the City of Sisters’ UGB expansion plan, told The Nugget that the remand of the county decision does not change the status of MMV, which is currently not part of the expansion plan. “A remand becomes a very specific target,” Willitts told The Nugget. “Now we can answer very specific questions that Central Oregon LandWatch brought up.” Willitts acknowledged that the City’s UGB proposal will move forward toward enactment in 2027, and the remand could delay MMV’s shift in eligibility status beyond that window, especially if COLW continues to oppose the zone change. “They could turn this

for the City of Sisters. If the City doesn’t deal with it on an upfront basis, we’ll appeal [a UGB approval decision]. — Bill Willitts process into a three-year process,” he said. Willitts expressed frustration that what he considers to be “the greatest affordable housing model in the history of Deschutes County” is, in his view, being stalled by a “broken land use system” that he considers unnecessarily adversarial. Willitts has publicly promised that should McKenzie Meadows be rezoned, the area would be developed with at least 30 percent affordable housing. There is room on the property for an estimated 400–450 homes. “What our broken land use system does, it creates wars; it creates enemies,” he said. Asked what the MMV partners’ recourse is if the City moves forward with its current concept for UGB expansion, Willitts reiterated an argument that he has made several times before — that some of the land designated for inclusion in the City’s plan will never actually be developed, whether because land owners won’t agree to be annexed, or due to wetlands issues. Concerns about completion of documentation regarding wetlands has recently delayed the county approval process. “That is a real problem for the City of Sisters,” Willitts asserted. “If the City doesn’t deal with it on an upfront basis, we’ll appeal [a UGB approval decision].”

FRIDAY SEPT. 4 5PM

5 $

201

FOR

GAMES

First Friday family fun • Prizes! All ages welcome • Games begin at 5:30 Dinner option at 5 p.m. • All cash event Optional 50/50 Raffle to Benefit CORE $2/ticket or $10/6 tickets

Episcopal co Church of the Transfiguration 121 Brooks Camp Road, Sisters

Nugget Poetry Corner Magic Moments By Bev Hollander Capturing the Magic In my mind’s eye: The rotation of the kestrel’s wing As he pulls up from his stoop The determined newt crossing the road Sunlight shining through the seed heads of green grass Creating a field As dappled as an appaloosa’s rump Fir roots surfacing as alligators In the dark soil river The candlelit glow of the ponderosas As dusk arrives Their shedding bark Falling to the ground In puzzle pieces Never to be reassembled The sparkle in your eye When it’s me you spy The merganser, Leaning into her stroke As she crosses the riffle The depth of color Of a rich red wine Deep, deep breath I hold these moments Until the Magic is in me

Becoming Invisible By Paul Alan Bennett

They were two young people from Germany hiking the PCT, starting in Canada, heading to Mexico. They stayed the night at our Airbnb room in our home. We shared food. Talked about travel and work.

2nd d Wed dne esd day

SONGWRITERS SO ONGWRITERS SONG SO ONG S SHARING HARING CIR CIRCLE RCLE SEPT SE EPT 9 9,, 6 6 8PM 8PM M AT A TT THE HE H HUB UB 291 1 E. Main n Ave.. Alll st styles, tyle es, instruments, insstrum men nts,, skiillss, ag gess welc come! FRE EE Qu uesstions?? Ca all//Text Jesss,, 541-9 977 7-84 494

AT YOU’VE SHARE WH A ING ON IN K R O W N E BE IT Y! E COM MUN SUP P OR T IV

Their lack of interest in us was palpable. To them, we were just old people. I wanted to say, “don’t you know you are sitting in front of two of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet?!” But I didn’t say that. Their eyes said it all. We were Invisible. I understood. I was the same when I was their age. The wisdom in growing older is knowing how dumb you were when you were young. Young people love their youth and beauty. Older people love youth and beauty, too! It is a sense that can fully blossom in an older person; a deep gratitude for the beauty of this world. And what of becoming invisible? There are always a few young people who will see you as the person you are and have always been. You will know them by that look in their eyes. They call themselves ‘old souls.’ Send submissions of original poetry to jess@nuggetnews.com for possible inclusion in a future issue of The Nugget. Publication is subject to space availability and discretion of The Nugget Newspaper. All poems copyright the author.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

Custom Entry Gates

CCB# 87640

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

541-549-9280 207 W. Sisters Park Dr. www.PonderosaForge.com

“Your Local Welding & Blacksmith Shop”

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

Road. Everyone in our HOA had to flee the Akawa Butte Fire. If not for the titanic efforts of hundreds of firefighters, who do a difficult and dangerous job, we probably would have lost our house. Indeed, the fire might have reached Sisters. The many fires that have broken out across Eastern Oregon raise an important question: were any of them stopped or slowed by controlled burns? The logic behind such burns is impeccable. But do they work in practice? I am skeptical. They belch pollution, destroy habitat, make the forest ugly, are expensive to conduct and probably won’t save your house if wind conditions are right. Perhaps they should be reconsidered. Meanwhile, as the fires raged, I did not hear a peep about them from our ignominious, criminal, deranged President. Was he busy playing golf or fussing with his reflecting pool? Gary Leiser

Caveat emptor

To the Editor: “Caveat emptor” citizens of Central Oregon — buyer beware! The outrageous prices being charged by many tradesmen and professionals around here amounts to nothing less than bloodsucking greed. When agreeing to have services performed, get up front the price you will pay. Once you agree to a price, make it clear you will not pay a penny more. The professional and commercial practices happening here can only be stopped by consumers of goods and services. Buyers are responsible for the suitability and quality of goods and services and the price paid for them. Taking this responsibility seriously is the best way to put a stop to the price gouging we are now experiencing. Roger Detweiler

Fathers embracing virtue

To the Editor: Thank you, McKibben Womack, for your timely commentary in the August 12 Nugget (“Fathers who embrace virtue”). It’s been said that there is nothing more influential, more determinant in a child’s life than the moral power of a quiet example. When I was young, my parents fought a lot!. I couldn’t figure out why they couldn’t just figure it out. My mom was the spiritual leader in the household, my dad was the controller. I don’t remember many good conversations where my dad and I could actually talk and have a dialogue. I do remember being angry with him a lot. But then one night as I walked down the hall toward my parents’ bedroom, I could hear a quiet voice. So I tip-toed towards the open door and peered in. I saw my dad kneeling by his bed, praying. I backed up and went back to my room. I’m not sure what happened, but I began seeing him in a different light. As time passed, I grew less angry with him, and less angry with myself. I saw my dad just searching for a better way. My dad never knew I saw him that night, and I never told him. I don’t recall him reading his Bible much, but that one vision of him on his knees encouraged me to pick up mine and read it. Life is not easy, but it certainly is doable — especially if you have a dad who can point you in the right direction, even when he doesn’t even know it! Jan Pray

This Week’s Crossword Sponsors

Greg Wieland L.Ac. Practicing since 1989 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. E

Sisters Acupuncture Center

541-549-1523

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

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. CLASSIFIED RATES COST: $3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate. 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: 101 Real Estate 102 Commercial Rentals 103 Residential Rentals 104 Vacation Rentals 106 Real Estate Wanted 107 Rentals Wanted 200 Business Opportunities 201 For Sale 202 Firewood 203 Recreation Equipment 204 Arts & Antiques 205 Garage & Estate Sales 206 Lost & Found 207 The Holidays 301 Vehicles 302 Recreational Vehicles 401 Horses 402 Livestock 403 Pets 500 Services 501 Computer Services 502 Carpet Upholstery Cleaning 503 Appliance Repair & Refinish 504 Handyman 505 Auto Repair 600 Tree Service & Forestry 601 Construction 602 Plumbing & Electric 603 Excavations & Trucking 604 Heating & Cooling 605 Painting 606 Landscaping & Yard Maint. 607 Irrigation 701 Domestic Services 702 Sewing 703 Child Care 704 Events & Event Services 801 Classes & Training 802 Help Wanted 803 Work Wanted 901 Wanted 902 Personals 999 Public Notice

C L A S S I F I E D S

102 Commercial Rentals

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS • 8 x 20 dry box • Fenced yard, RV & trailers • In-town, gated, 24-7 EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150

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

TimberStandImprovement.net Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825

4 Brothers Tree Service Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & 301 Vehicles MINI STORAGE CLEANUP – Sisters Rental HEATED GARAGE Native / Non-Native Tree 331 W. Barclay Drive power, lights, security. $275/mo. Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk 541-549-9631 Jack 541-419-2502 Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency 502 Carpet & Upholstery Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Storm Damage Cleanup, RV parking. 7-day access. Cleaning Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Craning & Stump Grinding, Computerized security gate. M & J CARPET CLEANING Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 Debris Removal. Moving boxes & supplies. Area rugs, upholstery, tile & Sisters Car Connection da#3919 – FOREST MANAGEMENT – dryer-vent cleaning. Established SistersCarConnection.com Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush 103 Residential Rentals & family-owned since 1986. Mowing, Mastication, Tree 302 Recreational Vehicles 541-549-9090 Thinning, Large & Small Scale 2021 Tiffin Open Road Allegro Projects! 505 Auto Repair 34PA. WAS $120K- NOW Serving Black Butte Ranch, BURLINGTON $100K! 43,300 miles, Ford 7.3 Camp Sherman & Sisters Area AUTOMOTIVE liter gas engine, new tires, many since 2003 CASCADE HOME & Mobile Mechanic in Sisters upgrades. Shown by ** Free Estimates ** PROPERTY RENTALS Diagnostics, Inspections, appointment. Mark 541-668-1524 Owner James Hatley & Sons Monthly Rentals throughout Oil Change, Tune-up, and more! or Deb 402-496-9579. 541-815-2342 Sisters Country. 4brostrees.com Ski Boat-20' "Sea Swirl Spyder Wide variety of vehicles and skid 541-549-0792 steer loaders. (503) 509-9354 Licensed, Bonded and Insured Sport 202" F.O.B. Sisters Property management CCB-215057 $8350. 1988, very good 600 Tree Service & for second homes. condition. Engine 5.7 Litre, Omc LOLO TREE WORKS CascadeHomeRentals.com Forestry outdrive, 400 hrs., 2 props, hull Tree Services: Tree Removal, Cowboy Court Apartments guard, red/gray color, bimini top, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, 2 bedroom 2 bath. $1,650/month, depth finder, radio/cassette, boat Emergency Tree Services. RSD $1,650. 1 year lease. Some covers, ShoreLander trailer. ISA Certified Arborist pets considered with add'l $350 Jack 541-420-0175 Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter RSD per pet. Includes W/S/ lolotreeworks.com Garbage/landscaping. Approx. 401 Horses Call / Text: 503-367-5638 1,000 sq. ft. NO SMOKING. • Wildfire Fuels reduction Orchard Grass Hay For Sale Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com 154 W Adams Ave. #106 • Debris Chipping/Mastication $250/ton, 541-408-6258 CCB #240912 1st floor unit in front building. • Forest Health Thinning ALFALFA Vacant 9/30/26. • Wildfire Cleanup & Restoration 601 Construction TRITICALE Dishwasher, microwave, washer • Tree Removal ORCHARD GRASS HAY & dryer, deck, garbage disposal, Will Moore, 541-409-5404 New 2026 crop. Barn stored. granite countertops, energyISA Certified Arborist 3-tie bales. $250-$350/ton. Hwy. efficient windows, storage, plank We are the experts you’ve 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895 flooring throughout, electric heat been looking for! w/air conditioning, off-street LCB# 100129 & Oregon Construction & Renovation 403 Pets parking - one reserved space Professional Logger 71395048 Custom Residential Projects SISTERS WHISKERS (covered space $20/Month). All Phases • CCB #148365 T H E N U G G E T Your purr-fect friend is waiting Contact: 541-754-1213. 541-420-8448 N E W S P A P E R for you at our local nonprofit cat NuggetNews.com 541-549-9941 rescue! Apply to adopt at: 201 For Sale 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

KIDS ELECTRIC SCOOTER Razor Pocket Mod Petite - 12V 100w motor, up to 40-min per charge, rated to 110 lbs. Likely a good fit for 6–10 years old. Barely used, garage stored. $140 Call or text 541-977-8494

500 Services

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

CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS Bend Window Works, LLC is offering a 10% discount on new window coverings. FREE 202 Firewood in-home consultation. Same day DRY SPLIT CORDS $250 in-home repair services available. CUT OFFS $100 • COMPOST New and repaired blinds make SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS rentals look better! Contact us at DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD 541-383-2455 or • SINCE 1976 • andy@bendblinds.com. 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

YARD SALE 8/28 - 8/29, 9 am - 4 pm Golf, camping, 2 bikes, chairs, crafts, and more. In alley behind the house at 313 S. Pine St.

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

Home Hardening Services / Assessments / Ember Defense Retrofits / Vulcan Vent Certified / Gain Defensible Space CCB# 218954 www.cascadiadesignbuildllc.com Call Adam 541-974-2282

SUDOKU Level: Difficult

Answer: Page 23

Junk Removal, Dumpster Rentals & Demolition Services – Done Right. Remove-Junk.com 541-719-8475 Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small nine-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

C L A S S I F I E D S

Landscape & Construction LLC LCB#8874 CCB#224224 Serving Oregon since 1991 503-849-6090 Creating beautiful outdoor living spaces • custom patios & decks • water & fire features • barns • outdoor kitchens • pavilions everythingoutdoors@ymail.com Rooted in family, Built with pride

Lara’s Construction LLC. CCB#223701 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

Custom Homes • Additions Residential Building Projects Serving Sisters area since 1976 Strictly Quality CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764 John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

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

Earthwood Timber • Recycled fir and pine beams • Mantels and accent timbers • Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

602 Plumbing & Electric

Top Shelf Service. Straightforward Pricing. • Lighting Design • EV Chargers • Expert Troubleshooting Serving Central OR since 2008 Travis Wirth 541-647-9246

— GEORGE’S — SEPTIC SERVICE 541-419-3148

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

Electrical Service & Repair Est. 1947, CCB#54572 Local in Sisters 503-357-2146 SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC. “Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling • New Construction • Water Heaters 541-549-4349 Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587

Sisters Owned and Operated Serving all of Central Oregon • Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Service Hot tubs/Saunas • Generators Car Chargers • Panel Upgrades Light upgrades 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation

LOCAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES & HOME MAINT. Remodels • Landscaping Free On-site Visit & Estimate Firewise Maintenance Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail Decks & Much More! .com Pease Co. Contracting 541-549-1472 • CCB #76888 Call Tanner at 541-588-0136. Drainfield Big and small jobs! • Minor & Major Septic Repair CCB# 256258 • All Septic Needs/Design CASCADE GARAGE DOORS & Install Factory Trained Technicians General Excavation Since 1983 • CCB #44054 • Site Preparation 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553 • Rock & Stump Removal • Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation • Building Demolition Trucking • Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Pat Burke Boulders, Water LOCALLY OWNED • Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, CRAFTSMAN BUILT Belly CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 • The Whole 9 Yards or 24 www.sistersfencecompany.com Whatever You Want!

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls Residential & Commercial CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net

604 Heating & Cooling

J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, irrigation, aerating, raking, mowing, thatching, hauling debris. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com

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

NEED A CHANGE? Use The Nugget's Help Wanted column to find a new job! NEED ASSISTANCE? Use The Nugget's Help Wanted column to find the help you need! Call 541-549-9941

999 Public Notice

The Panoramic Access Special ACTION AIR Road District will have a board Heating & Cooling, LLC vacancy beginning January 1, Retrofit • New Const • Remodel 2027. Please submit your name Consulting, Service & Installs and address to email: actionairheatingandcooling.com panoramicroads@gmail.com. All Complete landscape construction, CCB #195556 candidates must be registered fencing, irrigation installation & 541-549-6464 voters in the District, shall have design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, resided within the District for at debris cleanups, fertility & water least ninety (90) days prior to the conservation management, first of the upcoming year, and excavation. are at present qualified voters of CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 the State of Oregon. www.vohslandscaping.com IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF 541-515-8462 Sisters, Oregon's THE STATE OF OREGON FOR Exclusive HVAC Service THE COUNTY OF 701 Domestic Services DESCHUTES PROBATE Residential & Commercial BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Heating • Ductless DEPARTMENT Home & Rentals Cleaning Air Conditioning • Maintenance In the Matter of the Estate of ) WINDOW CLEANING! Installation • Repair Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897 HUBERT HAUN PATTERSON) 541-588-5667 Deceased. ) I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC SistersHeatingAir.com Case No. 26PB07156 Specializing in Commercial, NOTICE TO INTERESTED Residential & Vacation Rentals. 605 Painting PERSONS Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Interior/Exterior NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN 541-977-1051 Painting that KATHLEEN DIANE Deck Refinishing KRUGER has been appointed 802 Help Wanted Jacob deSmet Personal Representative of the Sisters Habitat for Humanity is 503-559-9327 above-captioned Estate. All hiring a Thrift Store Manager. peakperformancepainting1@ persons having claims against the $65,000/year DOE. Minimum gmail.com • CCB#243491 Estate are required to present three years retail management them to the Personal ~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ experience req. Learn more at Representative at the address Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. www.sistershabitat.org/ shown below within four months Refurbishing Decks employment. after the date of publication of CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 this Notice. All persons whose www.frontier-painting.com rights may be affected by the probate proceeding may obtain 606 Landscaping & Yard additional information from the Maintenance court records, the Personal Representative or the attorney for the Personal Representative. NOW HIRING DATE AND PUBLISHED this Housekeeping Team Members 26th day of August, 2026. and Front of House: Barista, ________________ Eastern Cascade Solutions Concierge Ryan E. Gibb, OSB #972693 Landscaping & Construction Join the crew at our cozy camp- PERSONAL www.easterncascadesolutions. style retreat nestled in the forest! REPRESENTATIVE com • 541-233-7195 We're looking for friendly, KATHLEEN DIANE KRUGER LCB #9958 • CCB #222039 dependable individuals to join 52556 Deer Field Drive – All You Need Maintenance – our team at Lake Creek Lodge. La Pine, OR 97739 Pine needle removal, hauling, PT/FT. We offer flexible (503) 910-9616 snow removal, moss removal, schedules & excellent ATTORNEY lawn care, weeding, pruning, compensation. Ryan E. Gibb, OSB #972693 roofs, gutters, pressure washing. k.stoffer@lakecreeklodge.com DOUGLAS, CONROYD, GIBB Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 www.lakecreeklodge.com & PACHECO, P.C. Austin • 541-419-5122 13375 SW FS Rd. 1419, 528 Cottage Street NE, Suite 400 Camp Sherman All Landscaping Services PO Box 469 Mowing, Thatching, Hauling THE GARDEN ANGEL Salem, OR 97308-0469 Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740 Telephone: (503) 364-7000 LANDSCAPING Facsimile: (503) 585-0699 is filling crew lead and crew Email: Ryan@dcm-law.com member positions. We want YOU to join us for an awesome season this year! Alpine Landscape Maintenance thegardenangel@gmail.com An All-Electric Landscape 541 549 2882 Company. Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 803 Work Wanted for puzzle on page 22 alpine.landscapes@icloud.com COMPANION CAREGIVER

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345

Available for Sisters area. Light housekeeping, errands, appts, and meal prep. 20 years exp. Great references. Registered with DHS. UPDATED PHONE # JODI: 707-337-5047 – Sisters Oregon Guide – Pick up a copy at The Nugget!

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon

OREGONPROPERTYFINDERS.COM

13569 VALERIAN ASPEN HOUSE 3 | BLACK BUTTE RANCH

A rare find at Black Butte Ranch! Surrounded by aspen trees and ponderosa pines. Enjoy lake views from the living areas and upstairs primary bedroom suite. Lovingly cared-for, centrally located, 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is close to South Meadow Pool/tennis and Glaze Meadow Recreation Center. $849,000 MLS#220224588 | Susan Bird

69341 SILVER SPUR | SISTERS

Inviting home offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Light-filled kitchen features oak cabinetry and hardwood floors. Spacious greatroom with vaulted ceilings and a cozy wood stove. Living room provides ideal space for entertaining or hosting guests. Primary suite includes large walk-in closet and tiled walk-in shower. $669,000 MLS#220226563 | Ross Kennedy

67395 RABBITBRUSH DRIVE | BEND

Amazing mountain views! At the end of a quiet road, this stunning 5+ acre property offers the kind of privacy, views, and flexibility that are getting harder to find. With breathtaking mountain views and a level landscape, this is truly a blank canvas ready for whatever your heart desires. Property is mostly fenced for privacy. Seller financing available. $625,000 MLS#220218714 | Cary Kiefer

16660 SW BRASADA RANCH ROAD #NO113 | POWELL BUTTE

Spacious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 1,711 sq. ft. cabin in the prestigious Brasada Ranch resort community offers a practical layout with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and multiple stone fireplaces, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. Fully furnished, granite countertops, large deck. $799,000 MLS#220223061 | Jennifer McCrystal

SUSAN BIRD

susan@susanbirdrealestate.com

541-410-5644

CARY KIEFER

carysellsrealestate@gmail.com

541-306-8391

14866 BLUEGRASS LOOP | SISTERS

This single-level, open floor plan, Crossroads subdivision home, built in 2014, on 1 acre, offers so much! 24x30 insulated shop with 200-amp service and double attached garage with 400-amp service. Both with ductless heat pumps! Plus, covered RV Parking. Totally fenced with 2 gates and plenty of parking. The entire interior freshly professionally painted. $633,000 MLS#220222058 | Susan Bird

70275 CLUB ROAD | SISTERS

71190 FIDDLENECK LANE GH 14, BLACK BUTTE RANCH

Ideally positioned near the 7th tee of Big Meadow Golf Course on highly coveted Fiddleneck. Open kitchen flows seamlessly into greatroom. Five spacious bedrooms, including three private en suites, and a spacious sauna. A perfect place to relax after a day of golf, skiing or enjoying the trails. $2,400,000 MLS#220224291 | Ross Kennedy

PINECREST DRIVE #4 | PRINEVILLE

Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Jefferson and Black Butte from this beautifully maintained home on 2.33 private acres. Expansive windows provide natural light, 20-foot vaulted ceilings in greatroom and family room create an impressive sense of space. Generously sized bedrooms. Recently built covered TimberTech deck is perfect for entertaining. $995,000 MLS#220223102 | Ross Kennedy

Welcome to Pinecrest Ridge — where wide open spaces meet endless possibilities! Located on the rim in beautiful Prineville, this brand new subdivision offers stunning 5.1- to 5.9-acre lots, plus lot 4, the largest lot in the subdivision at 9.3 acres, located right on the rim. All are septic-approved and ready for your dream home.

17584 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD | SISTERS

70305 ARVENSIS GM 348 | BLACK BUTTE RANCH

Nestled on acreage with incredible Cascade Mountain Views, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty. The stunning landscaped grounds create a peaceful retreat, complete with tranquil outdoor living areas designed to take in the surrounding scenery. $1,200,000 MLS#220222240 | Corrie Lake

751 S ELM STREET | SISTERS

ROSS KENNEDY

rosskennedyrealty@gmail.com

541-408-1343

CORRIE LAKE

corrielake.realtor@gmail.com

541-521-2392

$190,000 MLS#220208722 | Cary Kiefer

Beautifully maintained and manicured home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and lifestyle. Near Glaze Meadow Pool and Golf Course. Main-level living floorplan has skylights, fresh interior paint, and a newer smart HVAC system for year-round comfort and efficiency. $1,425,000 MLS#220223031 | Corrie Lake

720 N HINDEMAN STREET | SISTERS

Low-stress living with access to all that Sisters has to offer in this lovingly cared-for 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,691 sq. ft. townhome. The covered front porch overlooking open space is a private oasis. The off-street parking, alley access, and a garage add convenience and exceptional storage. As your own home or a rental, this property is exceptional. $489,000 MLS#220217074 | Jennifer McCrystal

DONNA MARSHALL

donna@7peaksproperties.com

541-647-9682

JENNIFER MCCRYSTAL

jennifermccrystal@stellarnw.com

541-420-4347

Stellar Realty Northwest | 382 E Hood Ave, Suite A-East, Sisters | 541-508-3148