The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLIX No. 3 // 2026-01-21

Bird photo earns recognition

Sisters 20312031 2031 2031 Sisters 2031

The first of five installments where Sisters’ thought leaders share with The Nugget how they imagine Sisters in five years.

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Sisters stands at around 3,800 folk living in close to 1,800 dwelling units, 2.1 per household. That number is expected to grow to around 4,500 by 2031, at an annual rate of 3.57 percent based on estimates from Portland State University whose numbers are widely considered the most accurate of all forecasters.

The number now works out to 3.07 persons per acre. With the addition of, say, 250 acres resulting from an expansion of the UGB (Urban Growth Boundary), the projected number will remain virtually the same — 3.03 persons per acre.

Sisters — the city as distinguished from Sisters Country — will likely feel more dense and compact as vacant building lots fill in. What else might change with the addition of some 700 new citizens?

Mayor Jennifer Letz, looked into her crystal ball and said: “In 2031, it’s no secret Sisters will be a bit bigger and house more workers, families, and retirees. I have faith the community will continue to promote smart growth, and take advantage of the opportunities that come with more people living in the city.

“In 2031, our growing population will attract more healthcare providers, or at the very least expand healthcare options to evenings and weekends. More housing and population will finally support the healthcare and assisted living options we desperately need.

“In 2031, Sisters will be noticeably more fire resistant, and continue to be a leader in the state for resiliency. Through strong interagency partnerships, we will have resources for residents to maintain defensible space and harden their homes and businesses.

“In 2031, we’ll have a more connected city. Cascades East Transit, which already stops at the new Gateway Park and Mobility Hub, will add more times that coincide with employer schedules, reducing traffic on Highway 20 and Highway 126. CET could also bring people from Redmond and Bend in for day trips of shopping and dining, hiking and biking.

“In 2031, we will be a popular weekend destination by visitors leaving

A Sisters birder captured a moment when a White-headed Woodpecker confronted a Pinyon Jay in a photograph that earned top honors from the Oregon Birding Association in their December photo contest.

Funding recovery from the Flat Fire

By Dani Nichols Correspondent

The Flat Fire in late summer of 2025 burned more than 23,000 acres and impacted both public and private landowners. So what recourse do those who own or manage these burned acreages have?

The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD)

See RECOVERY on page 14

The photographer, Sevilla Rhoads, gave The Nugget the story behind the photograph.

“A group of Sisters High School freshmen (including my son) was preparing for a school board presentation in mid-December about

fire risk reduction plans for the Trout Creek Conservation Area (TCCA) behind the school campus. They needed help getting photos of local species of concern that use the TCCA as habitat. So, hoping to get a

See BIRD PHOTO on page 17

Wyden-Bynum host Town Hall

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Senator Ron Wyden held his second of eight scheduled January town halls Saturday at noon at Sisters High School. The event was his 1,094th town hall since taking office in 1998. His current term expires in 2028.

“But for those asking in 2025 about my personal political plans, I fully intend to run for reelection in 2028,” Wyden said in April.

Now 76, he would be 79 when he’s up for reelection.

His appearance was a joint event with Congresswoman Janelle

Bynum, (D-OR-05) who is seeking reelection to her second term. Their Deschutes County town hall held in the Outlaws gymnasium was her first of three joint appearances scheduled with the senator in January.

Close to 1,000 were in attendance billed as a town hall, but often resembling a campaign rally with frequent raucous applause.

Bynum began by leading the crowd in repeated chants of “Giv’em hell, Janelle.” She then asked for a lowering of the tone.

“What is important today is

See TOWN HALL on page 17

OPINION

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.

Gerrymandering

To the Editor:

As an Independent voter, I’m dismayed at the direction taken by commissioners Patti Adair and Tony DeBone on expanding the Deschutes County Commission from three to five members.

Republicans Adair and DeBone “control” the county commission, with Democrat Phil Chang in the minority.

A committee was appointed mostly by Adair and DeBone after citizens voted to expand the county commission. That committee designed a gerrymander where Republicans dominate three of five proposed districts, with Democrats clustered into two districts “in town.”

Each voter would be limited to voting only for a commissioner who lives in that voter’s district instead of being able to vote for every commissioner, as we do now.

In Deschutes County, at last count, there were 44,156 voters registered as Democrats, 36,997 as Republicans, and 49,927 as nonaffiliated.

To gerrymander such that three out of five seats on the commission would be held by Republicans in a county where Republicans make up only 28.2 percent of all registered voters is an insult to democracy and representational government.

Setting districts based on the next census is a better option, as is creating four districts with one “at large” commissioner selected by all voters in the county. Or we could continue the “one person, one vote” system currently in place, with each voter voting for each commissioner and avoid the complications of districts completely.

Adair and DeBone want to hold power

See LETTERS on page 11

Sisters Weather Forecast

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Glorious winter sky...

The god of politics

By Steve Woodsicde Guest Columnist

Andrew Breitbart famously stated that “Politics flows downstream from Culture,” but he failed to connect that what Culture flows downstream from is Faith. Despite a growing resurgence in church attendance here in Sisters, as well as across the country, there remains a large body of believers whose god is Government. For simplicity’s sake, we will call the gods of these followers (D) and (R). Rather than gathering in pews, they huddle around their screens and watch their preachers give the daily devotions, and then go about putting action to words.

The (R) faithful were formerly focused on wealth creation and foreign excursions that often led to sacrificing the best of their youth to bloodshed and prolonged wars that gained them no new ground and few converts. However, of late, a new denomination has sprung up that is focused on a health and wealth doctrine, a prosperity gospel, if you will: peace abroad, economic revival at home, a renewed commitment to the commandments, removing noncitizens, rebuilding the border wall, and restoring the nation’s “temple” within our borders. Yes, there are still leaders of the previous denomination, for example the pastor Lindsey Graham, who still shakes with excitement over the possibility of future overseas conflict, but their influence is waning — for now.

PHOTO BY DALE GRIMSMAN

The (D) faithful have primarily been focused on building its church so that ultimately everyone works for the church or draws their living from the church. Tithing isn’t optional in their faith, and one of the top commandments, though previously whispered in hallowed halls, but now shouted from rooftops, is “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” The (D) is a jealous god, and there is no room for unbelievers; no straying from doctrine. Its leaders speak and vote in unison, as commanded from above, or they are cast aside. Of course, the religious leaders will be afforded more wealth and status for their efforts, and the flock will purchase oceanfront properties for those at the highest levels of this tithing scheme.

The Nugget editor, Jim Cornelius, caught a fistful of rebuke from the followers of the (D) when he recently offered praise, ever so gently, to the leader of the (R) movement, because the (D) faith, every day, is a purity test. It’s not that leaders of the (D) have not bombed foreign lands, assassinated political leaders, deported illegal aliens in masses, grown extraordinary wealth under mysterious circumstances, engaged in extramarital relationships (consensual and otherwise), or wished their political leaders could become de facto king and have their administrations extend beyond eight years, its just that they cannot abide when the (R) faith does it. It is why over the past 50 years, almost all the major protests that were recently listed in The Nugget occurred after the Civil Rights marches happened under (R) leadership. Here is the surprise ending though, my friends. The (D) and (R) god are the same! For you nerds, it is like the original Star Trek episode “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” (S03E15). In the episode, the Enterprise encounters two survivors of a war-torn planet, each half black and half white (though on opposite sides from each other), each committed to destroying the other. By the time the Enterprise is commandeered and taken back to the planet Cheron, where the two combatants originate, they discover that their planet has been decimated and they are the two remaining Cheronians. Rather than pause their hatred and unite, the two beam down to their planet to continue their battle, and the episode ends. The Cheronians loved their side, their beliefs, their differences, more than they loved their planet. There was no room in their faith for forgiveness. I fear that we have reached a point in time in our country’s 250 years that people’s hatred for the opposing political leader is more powerful than the love of our country. Too many people have placed their faith in the god of politics, and they are blinded to the reality that we have just 70-plus years on this rock, and then an eternity determined entirely on what we believed while we are here. Find your faith in something more meaningful, more permanent, than politics.

COMMUNITY

Big Ponderoo announces final lineup additions

SFF Presents has announced the final eight acts for the 2026 Big Ponderoo, rounding out a powerhouse lineup for the fourth annual summer festival. Big Ponderoo returns to Sisters on June 26-27, bringing two days of bluegrass and Americana to Village Green Park with music on two stages.

Festival headliners Steep Canyon Rangers and Fruition lead the new additions, plus Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, Boy Golden, The Fretliners, Stephanie Anne Johnson, Reb & the Good News, and The Rosa Lees. These artists join the previously announced lineup featuring The California Honeydrops, Mountain Grass Unit, Big Richard, The Rumble featuring Big Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr., Damn Tall Buildings, and Broken Compass Bluegrass, cementing Big Ponderoo as a can’tmiss summer gathering for music fans.

Hailing from the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the Steep Canyon Rangers have long held traditional bluegrass paramount, while possessing an exceptional ability to bring it down the mountain, incorporating fresh influence from all across the region. With the band’s last few albums, they have gained recognition from well beyond the world of bluegrass, earning a reputation as some of the most influential songwriters in Americana today.

Over their esteemed career, the Grammy Awardwinning band has released 14 studio albums, including three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages.

Formed in Portland in 2008, Fruition earned their first fans busking on

Oregon’s street corners, honing a raw, heartfelt sound built on stacked harmonies and collaborative songwriting. Now five bandmates strong, the group returns with “How To Make Mistakes,” their first studio album in four years. The project showcases a confident, expansive take on Americana that blends rock, soul, folk, and pop that’s grounded in the chemistry of longtime friends and a commitment to honest, homegrown music.

Weekend Passes to Big Ponderoo are available at advance pricing for $215/ adults and $90/youth ages 13–17 (children 12 and under attend for free). Single-day tickets will be available for purchase on Wednesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. when the full performance schedule is released. Tickets are available at www.afton tickets.com/BigPonderoo.

Full lineup information can be found at BigPonderoo. com.

Organizations provide senior services

Before the Senior Resource Fair on February 17 and the Community Conversation regarding the gaps in services for Sisters seniors on March 8, Serving Our Seniors (SOS) is providing information on those organizations currently engaged in the community.

Transportation

• Cascades East Transit (CET) provides Community Connector rides between Sisters and Redmond (Route 28) and Sisters and Bend (Route 29). The 28 bus leaves from the Sisters Mobility Hub six times a day beginning

at 6:40 a.m. and leaves the Redmond Hub six times a day starting at 6 a.m., Monday–Friday. The 29 bus has five trips between Sisters and Bend, Monday–Friday. Route 29 from Sisters Mobility Hub is an express drop-off only at Hawthorne Station in Bend unless a drop-off on Third Street is requested. See schedules at www.cascades easttransit.com.

• Dial-A-Ride is available only on Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing curb-tocurb, shared-ride transit service for the general public. To schedule a ride, call 541-3858680 during business hours,

Where does Sisters stand with UGB?

The City of Sisters city limits and Urban Growth Boundary (UBG) are the same lines on the map. There is currently no UGB acreage for future growth in the City of Sisters.

Resolution 2025-14 (R2514) was approved December 5, 2025, by a majority of City Council (Council) in a public hearing. R25-14 directed staff to prepare for submittal the land use applications to amend the city’s

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

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

Alcoholics A nonymou s

Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Sunday, 7 p.m Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info.

Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity

Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.

Council on Aging of Cent ral O rego n Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43 East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’ Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061.

G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday

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

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

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

Living Well W ith Dementia Sisters Care Par tner Suppor t Group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Park & Recreation District Communi ty Center. 541- 588 -0547.

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

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

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

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

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

Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.

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

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

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

Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m. Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.

Sisters Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at S PR D in Sisters 541- 632- 3663

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 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 SPR D. 541-76 0- 5645

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

Sisters Trails A lliance Board

Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In- person or zoom. Contact: info@sisterstrails.org

Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 2nd Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSI D Of fice 541- 903- 4050

Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279.

VF W Po st 8138 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., The HUB, 2 91 E. M ain Ave. sistersveterans@gmail. com.

UGB to reflect the preferred alternative, Concept Aa. The preferred Concept Aa was recommended to Council in August 2025 by the UGB Steering Committee (UGB-SC) — completing their work in 18 months. Concept Aa was later recommended to Council by the City Planning Commission after their final review of the UGB-SC’s work and also by City Community Planning Director, Scott Woodford. The public

SCHOOLS

Black Bu tt e School Board of Dire ctor s 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203

Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule at www.ssd 6. org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002.

CIT Y & PARKS

Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters Cit y Hall 541- 549- 6022

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Dire ctor s 2nd & 4th Tues., 4 p.m., C of f ield Center. 5 41-5 49 -2091. Sisters Pl anning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022.

FIRE & POLICE

Black Bu tt e Ranch Polic e Dept. Board of Dire ctor s M eets monthly 541- 59 5-2191 for time & date

Black Bu tt e Ranch R FPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., BB R Fire Station. 5 41-595 -2 28 8

Madisynne Nicole Kosky

City snapshot: UGB, tiny homes, trails

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

The only topic in the regular meeting of City of Sisters (City) Council on January 14, was a resolution to rescind a former resolution. Both resolutions are related to the City’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion project (see story, page 3)

would be over $3.9 million, and that existing covenants, conditions, and restrictions of the affected homeowners associations, “will not allow infill,” the dividing up of lots.

March 3, 1988 – January 4, 2026

Madisynne Nicole Kosky was born March 3, 1988 and died on January 4, 2026 at the age of 37. She was born in West Covina, California, and resided in Sisters for over 10 years.

If you ever had the privilege of meeting Madisynne, you would either know her very well or not at all, because to meet Madisynne, you would either quickly become her best friend or a simple acquaintance. She rarely had any middle ground. She passed away on January 4, leaving behind a legacy of fierce love, uncompromising honesty, and a spirit that refused to settle for anything less than “all in.”

Growing up, Madisynne’s mother would describe her as “100 percent or biff.” She moved through the world dancing to music only she would hear or see incredible beauty within people. When she became friends with someone she wanted to knit her life together with them. She gave every moment and every friend her entire heart. She didn’t want to have trinkets, she wanted moments. Her desire for the community to come together was a plea that only grew stronger over time but was evident even as a little child. She found friends and animals that were outcast and had strong desires to bring them in and shower

them with acceptance. We would invite almost complete strangers over for dinner simply because she met them at a store and wanted to get to know them better. She would always prioritize the shared experiences and the deep connection from being together in lieu of any material gift. When she saw a friend that she had not seen in a few months, it was common that she would break down in tears of having a deep longing fulfilled. She is now in the arms of God, and now I imagine her having that ultimate longing fulfilled for eternity.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Madisynne’s life and share their own “100 percent” stories on January 31 at 2 p.m. at Sisters Community Church.

During public comments seven spoke — three on the topic of the UGB expansion:

• Curt Kallberg stated he is one of the owners of McKenzie Meadow Village LLC (MMV) property. He expressed exasperation that the City appeared to be uninterested in the “gifts” the three family owners of MMV property are offering for free. Kallberg shared the free offers to Peter Hoover [directory of Habitat for Humanity] of 48 lots and two acres to Meadowbrook [living facilities for seniors and families with physically challenged youth]. Kallberg added the MMV owners will protect Trout Creek by enhancing the area with a trail from Sisters High School extending along the creek. He said, “Council needs to go with us.” Kallberg went on to express why he felt the proposed expansion was not suitable; estimating the cost to build the projected number of affordable homes required

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• Therese Kollerer noted she was a member of past UGB steering committee and recommended Council create another steering committee to assist City staff during the phase of “area planning.” She mentioned the need for rational growth and being fire-wise.

• Cathy Russell had two questions, acknowledging Council could not answer them immediately. Russell wondered if council will assure public engagement in the remaining UGB project and recommended another UGB steering committee be formed. Russel suggested committee members include the past chair, a developer, local community members, and a wildfire expert. She also asked if the McKenzie Meadow Village LLC property came under consideration for the UGB expansion, would it go through a faster process?

• Stephanie Presley, executive director for Sisters Trails Alliance (STA), stated they want to make all trails in Sisters County accessible to the physically challenged. STA is partnering

with Oregon Adaptive Sports who provided initial funding to create a board which would identify trails, oversee a design with signage, and seek future funding. Interested parties to partner on this are Sisters School District and Explore Sisters. Pressly welcomed any one member of City Council to join the Board.

• Christine Funk presented written information about Tiny Homes on Wheels and briefly advocated for Council to consider the idea. She felt if set up as a village, as is “becoming popular,” it might help reduce the unhoused population in Sisters. She noted the main issue is usually where they can be sited, as vacant land is hard to find.

• Jeff Cannon and Tricia Sargeant stated they are representing Easter Seals Oregon under a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grant serving Deschutes and Crook Counties. Their work will help veterans in various ways to successfully secure jobs in order to afford some form of housing.

Later Council discussions included replies to some public comments:

• City Manager Jordan Wheeler clarified that a

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A salute to firefighters

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

When my daughter Ceili was just a little girl, she was stung near the eye by a bee while playing at the Village Green. As you can imagine, this was a scary and painful moment for a little kid — and it wasn’t too pleasant for her parents, either. We trundled her across the street to the Sisters Fire Hall, where a cadre of firefighter/EMTs set her up in an ambulance bay, got the stinger out, made sure she wasn’t having a reaction, and salved her wound. They also comforted and reassured her.

Their professionalism, kindness, and reassuring demeanor left an indelible impression on Ceili. Ever since, she’s had a great affinity for our local fire district. That affinity is shared by many in the community who have been the beneficiaries of the professionalism, compassion, and service ethic of our local firefighters, from Black Butte Ranch to Sisters and Cloverdale.

Sisters Country firefighters and paramedics deal with countless small matters like Ceili’s bee-sting each year. They respond to medical emergencies, falls, car wrecks, fires. They, along

with their colleagues from across the region, earned accolades from the Sisters community for the outstanding work they did in protecting property in the face of the advancing Flat Fire last summer. They have served on task forces that have brought support to communities all along the West Coast who have suffered from devastating fires.

The work is demanding.

The education required to attain their professional status is considerable, and training is only beginning once they have a job or a slot as a volunteer. Constant skill development is part of the program for both volunteers and career staff.

Many calls for service carry a cost. Firefighters and EMTs see our community members in moments of pain, loss, grief, and anguish. They carry that with them.

Entering the fire service is a calling. I have attended many promotion ceremonies where new firefighters receive their badges, and seasoned professionals are promoted. It is remarkable how many of them come from families with decades and generations in the fire service. There is an ethic there, a way of walking in the world that is oriented around

serving others, even at risk to self, seeing a need and stepping up to fill it.

That service is not limited to the core mission to save lives and protect property. Our firefighters contribute much to the character of our community. Firefighters and fire district volunteers stage a Halloween Haunted House, and an Easter Egg Hunt, both of which have become beloved institutions in the Sisters community. Local firefighters famously roll out the ladders to hang quilts on The Stitchin’ Post, which has become a signature moment and the symbolic launch of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show each summer. Each Christmas, they manage a gift drive for families in need

in the community, and serve a community dinner for those who don’t have another place to go during the holiday. Last Christmas, they served 240 meals.

Sisters Country takes none of this for granted. We know how important our local fire districts are, not only to our safety and well-being, but to the fabric of our community. Nonetheless, it seems fitting to take a moment on January 27, Oregon Firefighter Appreciation Day, to salute the men and women who show so much dedication to making Sisters Country safe, protected, and a place to thrive.

Each of our local fire districts have programs and equipment needs that benefit

from public support. If you wish to show your appreciation through a direct contribution to their efforts:

• Sisters-Camp Sherman Volunteer Firefighters Association

PO Box 1509, Sisters, OR 97759; www.sistersfire.com/ send-your-donation

• Cloverdale Volunteer Firefighters Association 67433 Cloverdale Rd. Sisters, OR 97759; www. cloverdalefire.com

• Black Butte Volunteer Firefighters Association

PMB 8190, PO Box 8000, Sisters, OR 97759

• Central Oregon Public Safety Chaplaincy , PO Box 1898, Redmond, OR 97756; www.centraloregon chaplains.com/donations.

FIRE SERVICE APPRECIATION DAY

Overhaul of school funding creates division

By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle

There’s an ambitious effort underway at the Capitol to overhaul how the state determines funding levels for schools, but lawmakers are torn over the timing and larger questions about the goals of Oregon’s public education system.

Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, and Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, co-chairs of the six-member Joint Public Education Appropriation Committee, are spearheading the overhaul of Oregon’s school funding process, including what schools must demonstrate to receive funding.

On Thursday, January 15, the two shared with the committee a proposal that would entirely do away with Oregon’s 27-year-old Quality Education Model, the 11-member Quality Education Commission that produces recommended school funding levels every two years, and the education appropriation committee the two lawmakers lead. Lawmakers would have one month to debate and pass the bill that has generational impact during the legislative session beginning February 2.

“I think the job of our committee is really to dig in and do a lot of this work and look at the issues,” Sollman explained, adding that Oregon’s system is outdated and that “no other state has a QEM-type model.”

Since 1999, the Quality Education Commission, staffed by the Oregon Department of Education, has researched best practices and determined how much money is needed for a successful public education system, with the main target of reaching a 90 percent statewide graduation rate. The commission gives its findings, presented as the Quality Education Model, to the education appropriation committee and governor every two years to guide budget decisions.

Notably, in the history of the model and commission, the Legislature has only fully funded schools to the recommended level once, when they passed in 2025 a record $11.4 billion for schools during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.

Under Sollman’s and Ruiz’s bill, the task of researching and determining how much money schools need would instead go to the Legislative Policy and Research Office, which would contract and work with a public or private firm that undertakes school finance analysis. As part

of the analysis, researchers would have to hold panels with educators across the state about school needs.

The policy and research office would then present recommendations for school funding levels to the Legislature’s budgetwriting Joint Ways and Means Committee every eight years. During intervening two-year budget cycles, the Department of Administrative Services would adjust the recommended spending levels to account for inflation and other costs.

Split over standards

The bill would also modify what the state’s “quality goals for public education” are, Sollman and Ruiz explained to lawmakers. It would define a “standard school district,” able to receive state and federal funding, as one where all teachers are licensed.

Schools would be expected not just to meet a 90 percent graduation rate but to hit goals and standards established in a 2024 education accountability law. That law requires school districts to set goals with the Oregon Department of Education for improving third grade reading scores, eighth grade math scores, ninth grade on-track rates, four- and five-year graduation rates, and regular attendance rates.

But lawmakers said the state education department is

I’m just sick and tired that we put so much money into the education system and we’re seeing little to no progress.

— Rep. Ricki Ruiz

still working out some of the goals and standards discussed in the education accountability bill and how they’ll be reported.

Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, said schools have been begging lawmakers to stop passing legislative changes that cost them more time and money in reporting.

“I think that our schools are saying, ‘please stop. Please leave us alone. Please don’t do anything else. Please halt.’ And this, to me, is such a ginormous change, especially when we don’t have the overhaul of (the 2024 law) done yet,” she said. “It feels like one of these things that we’re going to do, and then we’re going to find out what actually is required.”

Rep. Susan McLain, D-Forest Grove and a 40-year teacher who has played a large role in state education policy in the Legislature, told her colleagues on the committee that “there’s a lot in this bill that shocked me.”

The group had been discussing for years doing away with the old school funding

model and the commission in charge of it, she said, but she was not prepared to completely change what schools have to demonstrate in order to receive funding.

“This bill is not just about doing away with the quality education model, or doing away with the appropriation committee. It also has to do with responsibilities for other parts of our system, and it has standards for other parts of our system,” she said.

Ruiz said enforcing more nuanced targets and standards that schools need to demonstrate in receiving funding would bring greater public trust in the schools and in the Legislature’s ability to ensure schools are improving and meeting the Legislature’s expectations.

“I’m just sick and tired that we put so much money into the education system and we’re seeing little to no progress,” Ruiz said.

The committee ultimately agreed to advance the bill and debate it during the legislative session.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a committee where I’ve had to say: ‘OK, I’m going to give a courtesy yes,’ and think, ‘oh my gosh, what would happen if it passed?’ And that’s where I’m at,” McLain said.

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

SPRD seeks budget committee members

The Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Directors is accepting applications from interested community members who would like to fill one vacant budget committee. Applicants should complete the online application by Saturday, January 31. The board will review applications and conduct interviews of applicants at the February 10 or March 10 board meeting at 4 p.m. and officially appoint the successful candidate at the following business meeting.

To be eligible for appointment, the candidate must live within the Sisters Park & Recreation District boundaries; and must not be an officer or employee of the Sisters Park & Recreation District; and must be a qualified voter of the district.

To apply, visit https:// sistersrecreation.com/about/ board and fill out the online application by January 31.

First Story offers home in Sisters

First Story is inviting eligible families in Deschutes County to apply for a newly built home in Bend and a newly refurbished Fresh Start home in Sisters. The first eligible households to apply will be selected for this opportunity in 2026.

First Story, an Oregonbased 501(c)(3), offers affordable homeownership opportunities through an innovative zero-down, zero percent, 30-year mortgage on homes throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho in collaboration with its founder, Hayden Homes and Simplicity by Hayden Homes. To date, this partnership has opened pathways for affordable homeownership for 128 families.

“Homeownership transforms lives,” said Steve Klingman, president of Hayden Homes. “Our company exists to ‘Give As You Go,’ so together we build a strong community and lead fulfilled lives. We believe in helping hard-working families in small towns create stability and we founded First Story in 1998 to ensure that families of all backgrounds and income levels have access to the prosperity that homeownership brings.”

The two opportunities available in 2026 represent both types of homes offered by First Story and must be applied for separately. First Story homes come movein ready with appliances, a washer and dryer, full fencing and landscaping:

The Fresh Start home in Sisters is already complete and situated in the McKenzie Meadows community. It is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom triplex featuring the Hayden Homes Bachelor floor plan. This Fresh Start Home speaks to the heart of the nonprofit’s mission: preserving long-term affordable

homeownership opportunities and creating generational wealth for families across the Northwest.

First Story’s 2026 home in Bend will be built in collaboration with Hayden Homes, industry partners, local businesses and individual donors who will all come together to donate project management, construction, in-kind materials and gifts to help complete the affordable home, which will be ready in fall 2026. Located in the First Place neighborhood, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home will feature the Hayden Homes Clearwater design.

Fresh Start homes are originally built new by Hayden Homes and provided to one or more previous First Story families. As those families move forward and upward, the homes are sold back to First Story to be fully refurbished and provided to a new family. This special program ensures this critical housing opportunity stays in the community for years to come.

“Solving the housing crisis will take collaboration from us all and we are grateful for the leaders, partners, and communities who continue to step up to make dreams come true for families across the Northwest,” said Claire Duncan, executive director of First Story. “Together, we’re opening the door to homeownership for hard-working families ready to change their lives forever.”

First Story is now encouraging eligible families to visit www.firststory.org to learn more about the eligibility requirements to apply for the homes, including completion of homeownership education prior to making an application. Contact NeighborImpact to complete the homeowner education.

County seeks Fair Board members

Deschutes County is looking for residents to serve on the Deschutes County Fair Board. There are currently three volunteer positions open.

The Fair Board oversees the year-round operations of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, a 320-acre multi-purpose event facility in Redmond. The center has 200,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space, four livestock arenas, five barns,

a full-service RV Park, and more.

Fair Board members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). One appointee will complete a vacant, unpaid, one-year term, while two other appointees will serve the standard unpaid, threeyear term. Terms will start in March 2026. Members must attend 12 meetings each year. Meetings are generally held at 3:30 p.m. on the second

Thursday of each month in Redmond.

The BOCC strives to have broad geographic representation among Fair Board members and encourages residents from all areas of Deschutes County to apply. Applications will be accepted until close of business on Monday, Feb. 9. Contact Erik Kropp, deputy county administrator/ interim fair & expo director, at erik.kropp@deschutes.org or 541-388-6584 for information.

Bill would combat rising insurance costs

By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon homeowners who take steps to protect their homes from wildfire could pay less for property insurance under a southern Oregon state senator’s proposal to require insurers to consider fire prevention efforts when setting rates.

Senator Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, modeled his new bill after a similar Colorado law. It follows years of rising property insurance premiums

and policy cancellations or nonrenewals across the country, particularly in the wildfire-ridden West.

Growing wildfire risk and the costs of rebuilding have driven premiums up in Oregon by more than 27 percent since 2020, according to recent data from the Consumer Federation of America.

Under current state law, insurers must provide policy holders with information about whether and how they consider property-level

wildfire prevention efforts, such as installing fire-resistant siding and roofing, in underwriting and rating decisions. But they’re not required to offer policy holders any incentives for those efforts.

The bill would require insurers who use catastrophic event and wildfire risk modeling formulas and scenarios to calculate what insurance premiums customers pay, to demonstrate that

Lady Outlaws open league with back-to-back wins on hardwood

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws opened league play in a dogfight against Harrisburg and emerged with a hard-fought 57-46 victory on Tuesday, January 13. On Friday, they made history with a 45-39 road win at Creswell.

On Tuesday against Harrisburg, the first quarter was tightly contested, with Sisters holding a slim 15-12 lead at the end of one. Maddie Durham kept the Outlaws in the fight early, knocking down three long-range shots off excellent ball movement and timely assists.

In the second period, Maici Cotner and Verbena Brent each connected from behind the arc to push Sisters to a 23-18 advantage. From there, however, the Outlaws briefly unraveled. Harrisburg capitalized with a 12-0 run, capped by back-to back threepointers, and Sisters went into halftime trailing 23-30.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half as the Outlaws clamped down defensively. Sisters began working through their zone and man half-court trap sets, a change that proved to be the difference. The defensive pressure sparked turnovers, fueled transition scoring, and completely altered the flow of the game.

Coach Kevin Cotner praised his team’s execution after the game.

“Our defensive execution of multiple press defenses and half-court traps was stellar,”

Cotner told The Nugget. “Our on-ball traps were aggressive, while our weakside rotations led to steals and transition points.”

Sisters outscored Harrisburg in the second half, holding the Eagles to just 16 points, while putting up 33 of their own.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way these girls battled tonight,” said Cotner. “We had a rough second quarter where we lost our brains for a minute and made some untimely passes that gifted Harrisburg 12 free points. Our goal every game is to make them play us five-on-five every possession, and we did a great job of that outside of the last two minutes of the half.”

Cotner noted how critical the response at halftime was.

“Anytime you go into halftime on a 12-0 run like that, it changes the momentum of the game and can affect your mindset,” he said. “These girls chose to come out, battle, and fight one possession at a time. This is a testament to the resilience and grit this team has.”

The Outlaws knew that containing Harrisburg’s Maycie Dame would be key to securing the win. Sisters held the Eagles’ top player to just 10 points and limited her ability to facilitate the offense in the second half.

Offensively, Durham, Brent, and Maici Cotner combined for 51 points. Down the stretch, Sisters was clutch at the free-throw line, going 11-for-15 to seal the victory.

Cotner also praised the

atmosphere inside the gym.

“The stands were full, the band was in the house, and the cheerleaders created great energy of the sideline,” he said. “We need more of this.”

Fans will have another opportunity to bring that energy next Friday night.

“For those who haven’t attended a game yet, we’ll be hosting a Pack-the-Gym night (whiteout) on Friday, January 23,” Cotner said. “There will be music, raffles, halftime kids’ games, and more. Go Outlaws!”

On Friday, the Lady Outlaws picked up a historic road victory, defeating Creswell (ranked No. 5 coming into the contest) 45-39. The win marked the first time the Outlaws have beaten the Lady Bulldogs since the league was created.

Sisters came into the contest with a clear defensive goal: force Creswell to score out of its half-court offense. Cotner told The Nugget that if the Outlaws could make the Bulldogs play five-onfive every possession, they believed they would have the advantage.

The Outlaws struggled early against Creswell’s fullcourt pressure and trailed 18-22 at halftime. Turnovers disrupted offensive rhythm, allowing the Bulldogs to capitalize in transition.

“Teams like Creswell thrive off forcing turnovers so they can score uncontested lay-ins or advantage situations scoring opportunities,” Cotner said.

Sisters responded in the

second half by taking better care of the basketball, cutting their turnovers in half. Despite improved play, the Outlaws still trailed 28-33 at the end of the third quarter before turning the corner in the final period.

Audrey Corcoran sparked the decisive run with three huge steals late in the fourth quarter, capped by a flawlessly executed baseline outof-bounds play that resulted in a lay-in and helped seal the win. Durham and Brent each knocked down key threepointers as well, and the total team effort resulted in the Outlaws outscoring Creswell 17-6 in the final quarter.

Cotner credited Sisters’ defensive execution for the turnaround. “We were better with our hands defensively,” he said. “We were able to get deflections and steals by having hands in the lanes and on penetration passes. That’s a metric that is hugely impactful for us.”

Cotner also praised the team’s gap control, noting the Outlaws’ commitment to protecting the paint.

“We want teams to beat us from the perimeter,” he said. “We protect the paint at all costs and are relentless about pushing teams away from it.”

Creswell struggled to score in its half-court offense, with approximately 85 percent of its points coming from transition or off turnovers — a testament to the Outlaws’ defensive discipline.

Cotner said he was proud of the grit and fight his team displayed throughout the game.

“They had 100 opportunities to throw in the towel or concede,” he said. “The Bulldogs’ pressure caused a lot of offensive flow issues, but they kept fighting, kept digging into their storehouse of determination and battle spirit, and outlasted a team known for mentally breaking teams late.”

Cotner called the victory one of the biggest wins he has ever been a part of.

“The team deserves every bit of the credit,” Cotner said. “I continue to push and challenge them, and they continue to respond and although it may not look like it at moments, I couldn’t be more thrilled to just be a part of it.”

The Outlaws bench received the team’s Warrior Award (given after every game) for their energy and effort, which was led by Shanitah Few.

“When you’re not in the game, it doesn’t mean you’re not an absolutely crucial part of the team, and it’s important to recognize that energy from the bench can impact games as much as energy on the floor,” Cotner said. “We need to get back to teaching kids and players that roles on a team are all crucial whether you’re the one or the 12th player.”

With the win the Lady Outlaws moved to a No. 4 state ranking. They were to play at Elmira on Tuesday, January 20, and then host No. 3 ranked Pleasant Hill on Friday at 5:30. See “Pack the Gym Night” ad on page 9.

Outlaws basketball opens league with win over Harrisburg

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Outlaws boys basketball squad opened league play on Tuesday, January 13, with a convincing 61-38 victory at home over the Harrisburg Eagles. Three days later, on the road at Creswell, they fell 61-74.

On Tuesday against Harrisburg, the game began slowly for Sisters as the Eagles came out in a 1-2-2 zone that initially disrupted the Outlaws’ offensive rhythm. The Eagles scored the first points of the game, and Sisters didn’t get on the board until midway through the first quarter when Will McDonnell knocked down a baseline three-pointer.

Despite the slow offensive start, the Outlaws’ defense set the tone early, forcing Harrisburg into difficult, contested shots. By the end of the first period, Sisters had built a 15-6 lead.

Sisters opened the second quarter with a 5-0 run to extend the advantage to 20-6. The Outlaws continued to dominate defensively, holding the Eagles to just one field goal and a pair of free throws in the period. At halftime, Sisters held a commanding 34-10 lead.

Harrisburg showed

resilience in the third quarter, outscoring the Outlaws 13-11 behind increased hustle and intensity. The Eagles grabbed five offensive rebounds in the period after collecting just two total in the first half. Still, Sisters maintained control and carried a comfortable lead into the final quarter.

The Outlaws pushed the lead to 28 points early in the final period at 53-25 before Harrisburg went on a brief five-point run. McDonnell responded by hitting his fifth three-pointer of the night, and Cooper Pronold added backto-back threes to give Sisters eight made three-pointers in the game and put the contest away.

McDonnell led the Outlaws with 22 points and five rebounds. Kieren Labhart added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Pronold and Thomas Hamerly chipped in six points apiece. Hamerly also pulled down five rebounds.

Coach Chad Rush praised his team’s performance, saying, “This was a great way to start league play. Our defense tonight was very disruptive all game, not giving Harrisburg many shots they were comfortable taking, which was evident by their 25 percent field goal shooting.”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 •

Rush also highlighted the offensive improvement.

“It was nice to see more ball movement and extra passes than we had seen in previous games, which made our offense much more effective,” he said. “I’m hoping we can carry that same enthusiasm into our matchup at Creswell on Friday.”

Friday’s road game against Creswell saw the game close early on, with both teams trading baskets in the opening minutes. Creswell built a six-point advantage late in the first quarter, but a basket by McDonnell trimmed the deficit to four, 15-19, heading into the second period.

Hamerly opened the second quarter scoring for the Outlaws with an offensiverebound putback, sparking a quick 4-0 run. Later in the quarter, with Sisters trailing by 10, McDonnell knocked down back-to-back threepointers to cut the Bulldogs’ lead back to four. After a Creswell basket, Teegan Schwartz connected on the Outlaws’ third straight three on consecutive possessions, pulling Sisters within three with just minutes remaining in the half.

With 12 seconds left before halftime, the Outlaws trailed by five. They

I was proud of the effort the team displayed and their never-quit fight.

— Coach Chad Rush

battled for multiple offensive rebounds and shot attempts, and Labhart capped the possession by draining the team’s fourth three-pointer of the quarter, cutting the deficit to two heading into the break.

Sisters came out strong in the third quarter, striking first on a McDonnell basket to tie the game at 35-35. The Outlaws took their first lead moments later when McDonnell finished at the rim to make it 39-38. With three minutes left in the period, Schwartz stopped a Creswell fast break and quickly found McDonnell in transition. McDonnell raced down the floor, beat the lone defender, and finished with a thunderous dunk that ignited the Outlaws crowd and brought Sisters within one.

Unfortunately, Creswell answered with a decisive 10-1 run to close the quarter, taking a 10-point lead into the fourth. The Bulldogs continued their surge early in the final period, extending

the margin to 60-48 before Marshall Durham converted a back-door layup. The Outlaws closed the gap to 10 on another McDonnell breakaway layup, but that would be as close as they would get as Creswell secured the win. McDonnell led all scorers with 31 points. Schwartz added 10 points, Durham finished with eight, and Labhart chipped in five.

Rush said, “This was a tough, physical game for the Outlaws. The team played well but gave up too many empty possessions with turnovers on the offensive end and transition points on the defensive end. I was proud of the effort the team displayed and their never-quit fight. We have a tough week coming up with two more league contenders, so we’ll need to learn from tonight and be ready for next week.”

The Outlaws were scheduled to play at Elmira on Tuesday, January 20, before hosting Pleasant Hill on Friday, January 23 at 7 p.m. Outlaw Basketball is hosting the evening as “Pack the Gym Night” and encouraging the community to come out wearing white. The community event kicks off with the girls game at 5:30, and youth basketball teams will scrimmage during half-time.

COMM UN IT Y AN NOUNCE ME NTS

SIST ER S LI B RY EV

My

Le

EN TS

n about t hi s d ig it al port a l t hat stores you r hea lt h record s.

Let’s Ta lk About It Traini ng with KI DS

Center

u rsday, Janua r y 2 2, 5:3 0 to 7:3 0 p.m . Sisters

Librar y - Com mu nit y R oom. Educ at ion a nd i nsig ht on t he ages a nd stage s of a c hi ld ’s de velopment.

Thrive Cent ra l Oregon Drop -I n Consultations

Fr id ay, Janua r y 2 3 , 10 a .m to 1 p.m . Sisters L ibra r ySt udy R oom . D rop-i n soc ia l serv ice s a ssista nce . For a phone appoi nt ment c al l

541-782-10 2 2 or ema i l i nfo@ thrivecent ra loregon.org.

Fa mily Stor y Ti me

Wednesday, Janua r y 2 8, 10 :3 0 to 11 a .m . Sisters

Librar y - Com mu nit y R oom.

Interact ive stor y t ime for ch ildren 0 -5 yea rs

Wi nter Tea and Book Pairing

Wednesday, Janua r y 2 8 , 1 to 2 p.m . Su le Tea i n Sisters

Ta ste a v ar iet y of w inter tea s t hat m atc h up w it h new books . R eg istrat ion requi red.

Su le Tea i s at 450 E Cascad e Ave. # 2124, Sisters

10 0+Women Who Ca re

10 0 + Women W ho Care-

Si sters i s act ively rec ru it ing women to joi n t he g roup, w hich pool s i nd iv idua l don at ion s to fu nd loca l nonpro t s nom inated by it s members . More

th a n $72 , 00 0 h a s been don ated si nce t he g roup’s fou nd ing i n 20 24 . ere i s no membership fee. e g roup meet s qua rterly For more i nfor mation, ema i l 10 0w wc .Sisters@g ma il .com or ca ll/tex t 5 41-912 -0 75 0.

Livi ng Well With Dement ia Sisters Suppor t Groups Suppor t g roups meet t he 2nd and 4 t h Wed ne sd ay of t he mont h f rom 1 to 2:3 0 p.m at Sisters P ark & R ec reat ion

Distr ic t Com mu nit y Center.

e E arly Stage Suppor t Group

meet s i n t he W hychu s R oom.

e Care Partner G roup meets i n t he Metol iu s R oom.

For i nfor mation c al l 5 41-58805 47

GO FISH Group

Monday, January 26, at 7 p.m. at Sisters Community Church. This month’s speaker is Brooke Snavely, a news anchor and reporter for Central Oregon Daily News. He will present a program on “Great Fishing Spots Hiding in Plain Sight.”

For more information call 541771-2211.

Craf t and Connec t January 22, 3 to 5 p.m. at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture. Come join PMRCAA staff and community members for an afternoon of fellowship and craft. Bring any small project and materials you need to work alongside community members and enjoy conversation with fellow artists. Register at roundhousefoundation.org/events. For more info, call 541-904-0700 or email inquiries@roundhousefoundation.org.

Hu nter Educat ion Class

Starts March 3, 2026. Register online at www.odfw.com. For more information call Rick Cole at 541-420-6934. Free Lu nches for Seniors

For t hose 6 0+, t he Cou nc il on A ging of C entra l O regon o er s a f un, no-cost soc ia l lu nc h e ver y Tuesd ay, 11 a .m to 1 p.m . at Sisters Com mu nity Church, 130 0 W. McK en zie Hw y. No reser vation s needed . No-cost Grab-N-Go lu nc hes t ake place weekly on Wednesday and u rsday, f rom 12:3 0 to 1 p.m Ca l l 5 41-797-9367.

Ba ha’i Fa it h

For i nfor mation, devot ions, study g roups, etc .,

cont ac t S hauna R ocha 5 41-6 47-982 6 • www.bah ai .org www.bah ai .u s • www.bah aiteac hi ng s.org

Chapel in the Pi nes Ca mp S herma n • 5 41-815 -9153

10 a .m . Sunday Wor sh ip

e Church of Jesu s Chri st of La er-Day Saints

452 Trinit y Way • Bra nc h P resident , 5 41-9 77-5559; 10 a .m . Sunday Sac ra ment Meeti ng

e Episcopa l Church of the Trans gu ration

121 N Brook s Camp R d . • 5 41-5 49 -7087 www.t ra ns gu ration-sisters.org

8:3 0 a .m . E cu menica l Sunday Wor sh ip

10 :15 a .m . Epi scopa l Sunday Wor sh ip

e Rest ing Place

meet ing at Sisters Com mu nit y C hu rc h,

13 0 0 W. McK en zie Hwy

www.resti ng place.us • hel lo@resti ng place.us

5 p.m . Sunday Wor sh ip

Sevent h-Day Advent ist Church 541-241- 6086

11 a .m . Sat urday Wor sh ip

Pa renti ng Book Club (No Read ing Requ ired)

Joi n a rela xed , s upport ive di sc us sion a round t he book “ e W hole -Bra i n C hi ld ” by

Dan iel Sie gel a nd Tin a Bry son.

For bus y parents w ho w ant si mple, bra in-based tool s to help k id s reg ul ate emo tion s, ma nage big f eeli ngs, a nd deepen con nect ion . Free commun it y e vent at Pau li na

Spri ngs Book s i n Sisters, Febr ua r y 9, 5:3 0 to 7 p.m

Faci litated by Dr . K el ly Dav is Ma rti n of Growt h R ings

Famil y erapy

Kiwa nis Food Ba nk

Located at 382 W. M ai n

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

Face it: You’re not that good of a driver

By Stu Ehr Correspondent

In the results of a study by Elizabethtown College, primarily by their schools of Psychology and Business and the support of The American Automobile Association (AAA), most people overestimate how good a driver they are, by a whopping 80 percent.

The research was centered on the inflated selfperceptions of performance, “And if I’m better than 80 percent of the other drivers.” That erroneous perception may contribute to excessive risk-taking behind the wheel.

Now, let’s add the five common winter driving conditions here in Sisters Country (snow, ice, wet, dry, slushy) to that perception and it’s a guarantee that you and your insurance company will be talking about your higher premiums after your car gets out of the shop. Maybe you got away with losing control, jumping the curb and hitting the fence at a low speed, but high enough to activate your airbags, and you thought that little dent in your hood was the high ticket item. You were shocked and now understand the higher premium, all because you didn’t realize those 10 airbags in your SUV land-yacht are close to $1,500 each! Plus a charge to calibrate and test the whole system.

541-420-9997 phil@arendsrealtygroup.com Thomas Arends: 541-285-1535 thomas@arendsrealtygroup.com

of the Hills Lutheran Church (E LC A)

pherdo hehill slut

Good, reliable, older automobiles can often be totaled by an airbag deployment. And as the tow truck takes your wonderful, reliable Toyota work-car (that you named, Suzy), to the auto recyclers, it will only be then you admit to yourself, that you were driving too fast for the conditions. You had also made another erroneous assumption, that your four-wheel drive behemoth, because it had great traction, would not slide as easily as the neighbor’s front-wheeldrive Buick. However, assumptions are just that, and often fraught with error.

A lot of drivers end up in hospitals and even the morgue making wrong assumptions.

Are you okay with the fact that you are quantitatively not in the top 20 percent of safe drivers?

If so, what are you going to do about that? Would you be able to pass a skidcar driving course without practicing?

Do you know and understand the places in Sisters Country that have the most auto accidents? Do you know why they happened? Do you

have the awareness to have your head on a swivel, to not assume that the other driver sees you, to not assume anything, so you can take quick action?

Let’s test your “what if” knowledge. This is one trueto-life scenario that took the life of one driver and critically injured two others in Sisters Country.

You’re driving on Highway 126 to Redmond. An oncoming car leaves the highway and slides onto the shoulder a hundred yards in front of you. What happens next? What actions are you prepared to take in just the next 1.5 seconds to save your life, or lose it? This exact scenario happens every day somewhere in the United States, and unfortunately, the “startle effect” is so pronounced, so unbelievable, that usually the innocent driver fails to take any action, and it often turns into a double, or worse, fatality.

What you don’t see is that the oncoming driver’s phone slipped off of their lap. They quickly reached for the phone, inadvertently pulling the steering wheel slightly to the right. They feel the rough bump as the car goes onto the shoulder, grabbing at the tires as gravel flings noisily against the car. When the startled driver looks up, they sense they are in danger, which they usually aren’t. They overreact, with a jerk to the left, coming back onto the highway and quickly crossing into the oncoming lane. If you haven’t previsualized this scenario and what you are prepared to do without thinking, then unfortunately, you are probably doomed.

At a combined closing speed of 176 feet-per-second, that 300 feet is gone in less than a second and a half. So what had you planned to do? Slam on the brakes in panic? Swerve aimlessly and then overcorrect, as the other car had done?

With purpose, swerve to the ditch in your direction of travel. It may be just a ditch, a fence, or possibly a tree, but these actions are more survivable than a head-on accident.

Pay attention to auto accidents popping up in the news. Rather than passively remarking, “Gee, that’s too bad,” ask what you would have done to avoid such an accident.

We can all learn. We can all improve our driving skills, and pre-visualize what to do should the worst happen.

for as long as possible. But their proposed system restricts choice and effectively disenfranchises nearly two out of three voters in Deschutes County on issues that affect us all, including water, destination resorts, and development.

Adair and Debone should advocate for fair representation rather than partisanship when expanding the Deschutes County Commission.

Adair and DeBone each face an election in May. This gerrymander will be a major election issue. Citizens should let Adair and DeBone know how they feel.

There will be two public hearings: January 20, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m., and January 21, 9 a.m., both in the Barnes Sawyer Room, Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend.

Emails may be sent to board@deschutes.org and citizeninput@deschutes.org.

Erik Dolson

s s s

Appreciate The Nugget

To the Editor:

We here in Sisters are fortunate to have The Nugget Newspaper , a small town with a weekly paper that keeps us abreast of current happenings, local sports, news, upcoming events, and opinions. It’s the ability to share those opinions that most has me celebrating our paper.

In the January 14 issue of The Nugget, Letters to the Editor section, several opinions were critical of Jim Cornelius’ commentary, “Thoughts on a strategic manhunt,” printed in the January 7 issue. Reading the collection of letters on the subject prompted me to reread the column in question. What I found was not approval or disapproval of “Delta Force,” as those writing to the editor implied, but an informative history of the way the U.S. has operated in similar situations. History, I had not been aware of prior to reading “Thoughts on a strategic manhunt.” How fortunate we are to have Jim, a self-proclaimed history buff, as a resource to help us all be better informed.

I imagine Jim could have chosen not to print the letters that criticized his writing. How thankful I am that he did, and that all of us can be comfortable knowing that our opinions matter.

Edie Jones

Sisters depends on volunteers

To the Editor:

I was disappointed to learn that Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) has paused its nonprofit fiscal sponsorship program because of the inability to recruit board members. This decision highlights a broader issue facing many local nonprofits — and one our community should not ignore.

Sisters has no shortage of capable, committed residents. What we need are more people willing to step into leadership roles that sustain the services we value. Board service takes time, but it is also empowering and impactful. This challenge is particularly common among organizations serving seniors. As I often say, “aging is just not sexy,” yet, as Sue Stafford has reported, seniors represent a growing share of our population.

The Serving Our Seniors working group is actively identifying what Sisters needs to remain livable as we age. The next step is action—people saying “yes,” and helping turn ideas into lasting solutions.

At Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS), our all-volunteer organization serves aging, disabled, and underserved residents every day. We know firsthand what it takes to meet increasing demand with limited resources and continually work to find and retain volunteers. We are grateful to AFSC for helping STARS get its start and hope this moment inspires more residents to recognize that much of what makes Sisters work depends on volunteers stepping up.

Rennie Morrell

Sisters Transportation and Ride Share s s s

Support for district Map C

To the Editor:

I am writing in favor of Map C for county commissioner districts.

First, I would like to point out that Deschutes County has 50 precincts. Twenty-six of those are within the boundaries of the various cities; the 23 others are unincorporated, rural properties. The remaining one is partially unincorporated and partially in the city of Bend. I am writing to advocate for the rural citizens of Deschutes County.

To better understand my point, I will need to give a brief history lesson. Our founders

created two systems of representation; the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate based on geographical area. Why was that? The founders understood that a stand-alone democracy was nothing more than mob rule. George Washington put it this way. “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what’s for dinner?”

On the other hand, the Senate was created to give an equally powerful voice to the smaller colonies as that of the more populated colonies.

Now back to the city precincts versus the unincorporated precincts. The citizens living in the cities, get two forms of representation. One, they get to elect their city counselors, and they also get to elect county commissioners to represent their County interests.

Rural citizens who may work in the city, operate businesses, shop, and get the medical needs taken care of there, have no vote in that city government. Rural citizens’ only representation is at the County level.

My opposition to having five commissioner positions at-large is that the population of one city in Deschutes County could very possibly elect all five commissioners, leaving the rural people of Deschutes County, not just underrepresented, but completely unrepresented; essentially without a voice. The population of Portland rules the state of Oregon. Do we really want the population of Bend ruling Deschutes County?

Today you hear various terms from the opposition of Map C, like “gerrymandering” and “un-democratic.” I have been actively involved in politics for 50 years. I find it highly ironic and extremely telling, that the people screaming “gerrymandering” are of the exact same ideology I observed doing just that for decades; “gerrymandering!”

People who say Map C is “undemocratic” clearly demonstrate their lack of regard for the fact that our country is a republic, purposely designed to protect the rights of the fewer from the mob of the majority.

In closing, I want you to understand, that those who are advocating for at-large commissioner positions are seeking power and control, while those that are advocating for regional districts are seeking equality and liberty.

Listen to these words carefully.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Rodney Cooper

Songwriter celebrates CD release

By Ceili Gatley Correspondent

Justin Little has always had a passion for music and the arts. Little’s professional career is centered on family therapy, marriage counseling, and nutrition coaching. Music is outside his professional career and allows him to be creative.

Little moved to Sisters when he was 8 years old and has always loved learning new instruments and playing them.

“My parents put me into a lot of music and I had a love for trying instruments and my parents really nurtured that love for music when I was a kid and giving us opportunity to learn that stuff, and I was exposed to a lot of music from my Dad,” said Little.

He played in the jazz band as a baritone sax player at Sisters High School while only in eighth grade under the direction of the then band teacher, Jody Henderson, and was mentored by him throughout his grade school years.

“He really nurtured my love for music there,” said Little.

By Little’s senior year at Sisters High School, Brad Tisdel had started the Americana Project in partnership with the Sisters Folk Festival, and Little got to work on songwriting, guitar playing, and recording, feeling supported in his musical endeavors and passion.

“They really nurtured songwriting and music, and I have been writing songs ever since,” said Little.

He attended college in Los Angeles, played in college bands, and continued to pursue music as a creative outlet. He went to grad school, became a licensed family therapist, started a family, and moved back to the Pacific Northwest. Little and his wife have four kids, and currently live in Sisters, where he operates Forage Wellness Collective.

Little is releasing a new record on January 24. The record is titled “42,” Little’s age on the release date, which happens to be his birthday.

“I’ve always loved the number 42; it shows up a lot, and a lot of musicians reference that number a lot,” he said. “I knew it would take about two years to produce a record, so I started at 40 so I could release it at 42.”

The record is a collection of songs written over the last 21 years, encapsulating his journey from youth to adulthood and addressing mental health, politics, parenting, family, and more. Some of the songs date back to 2003, when he started writing at 19.

“A lot of the songs have changed since they were written and were about coping mechanisms with anxiety that no longer served me, and so a lot of the songs have stuck with me,” he said.

From 2024 to 2025, during the production period, Little

worked with Steven Hartwell of Featherlight Studio in Bend, providing feedback on the songs, honing in on eight songs for the album, and recording Little and the session musicians he worked with. He collaborated with numerous session musicians from around the world, using a virtual subscription-based platform called Musicversal to connect and record with them on various instruments.

“It was cool to record with these musicians basically over Zoom for the record and have these professional musicians on my songs,” Little said. “There is phenomenal talent available on this website for pretty low cost, so I ended up tracking everything on the record other than myself and my guitar, and everything else is with session musicians from all over the world.

“The mastering engineer for both the digital and the vinyl is a Grammy-winning musician from Brazil named Luis. I worked with people based in LA and New York and a lap steel player from Nashville,” he said.

Little calls the various musicians he works with “The Universe,” so the band name is Justin Little and The Universe.

“I just figured it’s not just me, and The Universe is all these other people who are helping me out, plus the actual universe so I am just calling whoever is joining me ‘The Universe’,” he said.

In January of 2025, Little

attended one of Beth Wood’s songwriting classes and received a lot of feedback on his songs, which helped with the song-cutting process. He attended open mic nights at Frankie’s with Scott Crabtree and was able to test out some of his songs.

“I got a lot of mentorship from local musicians, and I would play my songs for them, and they would offer suggestions of changing the key and melody, and I just felt really supported by so many musicians,” he said.

Little hopes that the record can inspire people to take care of themselves.

“Being in therapy and now being a therapist, some of these songs talk about being hard on yourself and how to deal with that, and how I expressed myself musically,” said Little.

Lazy Z Winery is hosting the release event on Saturday, January 24, in their mead hall.

Little will be performing with several local musicians at the event and playing songs from the new record. He will be joined by: Ray Shelley (drums), Benji Nagel (lap steel/dobro), Taylor Rheault (violin), Aidan Moye (guitar), Emilia Ellington (vocals), Aaron Moore (bass), Brent Alan (keyboards), Luke Gunnarson (trombone).

Little will also be playing a follow-up acoustic concert in support of the album release with Aidan Moye and Scott Crabtree at Frankie’s on Saturday, January 31. This is a ticketed event; more info at https://frankiesinsisters.com. The record is available to purchase on vinyl (expected March 2026). The link to preorder the vinyl copy is https://jlittle.bandcamp.com/ album/42-deluxe-edition. If you attend the event, you can receive a 30-percent-off code for vinyl purchases made online.

SISTERS-AREA EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 21

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Dirty Jazz Come hang and listen to jazz with Wolfe House Records 6 to 8 p.m. $15, or free for Suttle guests Info: www thesuttlelodge.com. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • JANUARY 22

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

FRIDAY • JANUARY 23

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

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

SATURDAY • JANUARY 24

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Tasting Room Live Music: Justin Little album release concert featuring Aidan Moye (guitar), Benji Nagel (dobro and lap steel), Taylor Rheault (violin), Aaron Moore (upright bass) and Brent Alan (keys) 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free Located at 68540 U.S. 20

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

SUNDAY • JANUARY 25

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

TUESDAY • JANUARY 27

Sisters Saloon Bingo Night 5:30 p.m., upstairs, BINGO supporting Sisters GRO Foundation. Info: 541-549-7427

TUESDAY • JANUARY 27 (cont.)

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

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 28

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: David Guterson presents "Evelyn in Transit." 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 • JANUARY 29

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

FRIDAY • JANUARY 30

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

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

SATURDAY • JANUARY 31

The Belfr y Live Music: Steve Poltz 7 p.m. With thousands of shows under his belt, he hits the stage with incredible energy and declares, “This is the greatest show of my life.” (and maybe yours too!) Tickets, BendTicket.com.

Frankie's Live Music: Justin Little, Aidan Moye & Scott Crabtree — three local songwriters, one intimate room, all for a good cause: Citizens for Community. 7 to 9 p.m. Limited seating! Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com.

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

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 1

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

MONDAY • FEBRUARY 2

Paulina Springs Books Poetr y 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.

TUESDAY • FEBRUARY 3

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 4

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Dirty Jazz Come hang and listen to jazz with Wolfe House records 6 to 8 p.m. $15, or free for Suttle guests Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 5

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

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Lynn Troupe presents "And That’s Another Story: A Country Boy Goes to Hollywood." 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 6

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

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

Pageant pasta feed supports FAN

By Olivia Nieto Correspondent

As we move into the first few months of 2026, one New Year’s resolution is to practice gratitude more frequently. Everyone has unrecognized blessings in their lives, even things as simple as clothing.

A local organization called Family Access Network (FAN) aids with basic necessities just like this, providing aid to Central Oregon families through school supplies, food, housing, utility assistance, and much more.

“Whenever you make a donation to FAN you are making an incredible difference in the life of a child,” said Dawn Cooper, a FAN advocate of 15 years, in an episode of Tea with an Advocate.

Mark your calendars for January 25 at 5 p.m. for a

UGB: Public hearings will be ongoing part of process

Continued from page 3

was invited and engaged over the 18-month process, and in following meetings where Council reviewed the recommendations.

In Council’s January 14 regular meeting, Woodford reported that planning staff are making good progress preparing the UGB expansion amendment application, and he expects the application will be completed by end of the month. The application includes UGB-SC’s recommendations, staff findings of alignments to Oregon UGB expansion process, goals, and criteria, amended UGB map, and other documentation.

Once the application is filed, Woodford stated that City staff will be updating the City’s annexation policy, and planning staff will start the “area planning” phase of the UGB expansion process. During this phase, staff will draft areas of land as parks, commercial, residential (low and high density), school, industrial, and open spaces. Woodford added that by early spring the City will contract with an engineering consultant for infrastructure analyses and recommendations. This includes identifying where easements, utilities (water & sewer), paths, public roads, and emergency routes might best be situated. The area planning phase may take six months or more.

Over the next few months, these drafts will include public forums before finalizing. Search on ‘2024 Urban Growth

community dinner benefitting FAN, held at the Sisters Community Church. This annual event takes place in relation to the Sisters High School Pageant, an annual fundraiser involving a group of 16 high school seniors and four junior coordinators.

“Being one of the four coordinators this year means so much to me, to bring people together for a purpose bigger than ourselves and giving back to FAN through our seniors is an amazing opportunity,” said junior coordinator Ella Panozzo.

The dinner offers spaghetti, salad, bread, and drinks. Vegetarian and glutenfree options are available.

The evening also includes a dessert auction, where homemade baked goods crafted by the pageant participants are auctioned off to community

Boundary Amendment,’ at the City’s website for more on this effort as it is updated regularly.

Council had used a public hearing when it approved R25-14 on December 5. The intention of Council in using the process and resolution was to highlight the work of the UGB-SC and to give the public one more opportunity for comments.

R25-14 was appealed by McKenzie Meadow Village (MMV), LCC. The City’s legal adviser recommended Council withdraw R25-14 for reconsideration since the resolution was unnecessary, and if Council were to consider rescinding R25-14, the City could avoid legal fees.

In the January 14 meeting, Council reconsidered and unanimously approved rescinding R25-14 – this was evidenced in Council’s first resolution of 2026 (R26-01). Once filed, R26-01 could also be appealed.

City Manager Jordan Wheeler had written in

members. Last year, this event raised over $3,000 with the support of dozens of family, friends, and the citizens of Sisters.

“To me, Pageant is more than a chance to spend time with my class or enjoy one final senior experience,”said Emma Long, a senior participant this year and previous junior coordinator.

“It represents an opportunity to give back and support an organization that truly changes lives. I’ve committed countless hours to Pageant but never once regretted it. Knowing that my effort contributed to something bigger than myself made every moment worthwhile and gave me a deep sense of purpose.”

Bring your appetite and $8 cash or pay at https://give butter.com/SHSPageant 2026PASTAFEED.

the Council’s pre-meeting package for January 14 that, “Under the Sisters Development Code, a land use application may be initiated in a variety of ways, including by the community development director or their designee.”

Wheeler wrote that, “The formal UGB amendment process begins once the applications are prepared and submitted.”

Once the application is reviewed for approval by the City Council and the other by the Deschutes Board of County Commissioners, both entities will have public hearings. Wheeler advised in writing that once the UGB amendment applications are prepared, the City will notify the public and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). Once the UGB amendment applications are approved by City and County, and acknowledged by DLCD, a 21-day appeal period begins.

Some assistance will help regrowth

Continued from page 1

is one public entity meant to support victims of natural disasters, particularly private landowners with acreage. In 2023, voters in Deschutes County passed a permanent tax rate on all landowners in Deschutes County of any size. The tax rate is set at six cents for every $1,000 of assessed value, and brings in an operating budget of more than $2.1 million dollars per year to DSWCD. So how did DSWCD use that budget to help those in Sisters and surrounding areas impacted by the Flat Fire?

“We offered technical assistance for soil health, riparian habitat health, and checking for weeds on-site,” said Erin Kilcullen, district manager for DSWCD. “When the fire happened, it was our first time to use tax dollars to assist in recovery, so it was really a pilot program.”

“Fire recovery” seems to be defined as grass and weed management and mitigation for future fires by DSWCD. Kilcullen said that some applicants were not funded because of the “steep landscape” of their properties, or their unwillingness to “mitigate erosion on Whychus Creek.”

According to an email from Kilcullen, 23 landowners applied for assistance, and of those, 15 received financial assistance; 590 acres were treated for a total of $36,000 paid out of DSWCD funds to those landowners.

DSWCD provided preemergent treatments for cheatgrass for some landowners, and also directed folks to the seeds available from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

Landowners who reached out to the sheriff’s office for help following the Flat Fire were told to reach out to DSWCD. According to an email from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, DSWCD offered financial assistance to help landowners implement critical post-fire recovery practices including: herbicide treatment on dozer lines and other impacted areas, seeding and native bunch grasses, and erosion control efforts.

Despite the DSWCD’s large property-tax-funded operating budget however, some landowners were led to believe that they couldn’t get the help they hoped for because of lack of funding.

Elise Wolf, director of Native Bird Care in Sisters and a private landowner, said, “There just wasn’t that much funding in the program, period.

“We had several site visits, and eventually were approved for a program for a pre-emergent treatment for cheatgrass,” Wolf said. “Those non-native grasses are a big reason the fire got so bad, so we were glad for the help.”

But, she shared, there is a lot left to do, and she felt that she and their organization had to do much of the research and recovery on her own, despite her 40 acres being an approved wildlife habitat.

“We are an elk and deer migration corridor, and we’ve run a local wild bird rescue on our property for 15 years,” she said. “Our property was severely impacted by the fire, but we were one of the lucky ones [because of funding for native grass support]. There was no money for any other rehab of our property, no direct grants, no help with downed trees.”

Jack Godard, a private landowner of 40 acres spanning Whychus Creek, said that he estimates 90 percent of his private property was impacted by the Flat Fire. While about three acres around his residence were protected by firefighting efforts, he did lose an 1,800-sqare-foot barn and its contents to the fire. Godard told The Nugget in an email that his property is situated where the Cascade Mountain forest ecoregion begins to transition to the sagebrushsteppe, with approximately 20 acres of riparian habitat bordering each side of the Whychus Creek.

According to Godard, “The focus of the assistance that we received from the [D] SWCD is approximately 12

acres within the sagebrushsteppe area. The 12 acres identified for treatment was based upon multiple visits and identification of those areas where the likelihood of native grass and shrubs to reestablish was minimal. These areas were also considered to be a higher likelihood of experiencing wind erosion. We have purchased approximately 75 pounds of multiple varieties of native grass seeds. We have also purchased approximately 50 shrub starts in seedling cells.

In addition to the plant material, we purchased manual seed spreaders capable of broadcasting this volume of seed over 12 acres.”

Godard said in his email that DSWCD was a wealth of local knowledge, but that all of the work of seeding and soil preparation will be done himself.

“[DSWCD] interact with multiple landowners throughout the tri-county area that are experiencing similar challenges that we are facing,” Godard wrote.

While getting some help with fire recovery is certainly appreciated, there seem to be multiple taxpayer-funded agencies (DSWCD, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, etc.) who are collaborating with little input from private landowners. One notable exception to that was the Deschutes Land Trust.

LAND TRUST:

Multiple entities are involved in recovery

Continued from page 14

Amanda Egertson, stewardship director for the Deschutes Land Trust, said that Deschutes Land Trust was included in the conversations with the many public entities on the ground because they are such a large private landowner, in fact the largest landowner that DSWCD assisted in this recovery process.

“Post-fire there was a lot of conversations about what agencies handle what recovery, figuring out what to do and how to help people,” she said. “The Deschutes Land Trust got to be a hub of information, a resource for our community to connect with experts and financial assistance… we had the inside scoop from being in these conversations.”

Egertson said that while there were other funds available for treatment and restoration of annual grasses, the Federal funding wasn’t fast enough for their needs.

According to Egertson, DSWCD made the application for Flat Fire recovery fast, easy, and equitable. Deschutes Land Trust had more than 300 acres treated with herbicide in order to assist with annual grasses, out of thousands of acres of Deschutes Land Trust land which burned.

That said, she admitted there’s a lot of work ahead that will fall on the Deschutes Land Trust alone.

“There are miles of trails up Whychus Creek closed because of fire damage, downed trees, etc,” she said. “It was our first experience with a large-scale wildfire in this area, so we’re all learning and collaborating together.”

Transportation repeal faces legal questions

By Mia Maldonado Oregon Capital Chronicle

Repealing the 2025 transportation law she championed in the upcoming short session could raise legal questions for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek.

On January 7, Kotek called on lawmakers to repeal the law she championed and Democratic lawmakers passed in a September special session to raise $4.3 billion in transportation maintenance funding over the next 10 years. Her remarks came after petitioners submitted enough signatures to refer portions of the bill to a statewide vote in November, pausing most of the scheduled tax and fee increases meant to raise revenue. Repealing the law could have saved Kotek and Democrats from running for reelection on the same ballot as an unpopular tax hike.

Lawmakers returned to the Capitol last week for a series of meetings before the legislative session begins in February, and are expected to find a short-term fix to transportation funding during that month-long session.

But, a 1935 Oregon Attorney General opinion could throw a wrench in Kotek’s plans. The nearly century-old opinion first reported by the Oregon Journalism Project states the Oregon Legislature can’t repeal a law once it has been referred to the ballot.

The governor’s office was not specifically aware of the 1935 opinion, Kotek spokesperson Elisabeth Shepard said.

“The Legislature will certainly be doing its due diligence on how best to proceed on this issue,” she said.

The Oregon Department of Justice is aware of the 1935 opinion and it has not yet analyzed whether the opinion’s conclusion remains valid under current legal standards,

• Angeline’s Bakery • Bedouin

•Best Western Ponderosa Lodge • Bi-Mart

• Black Butte Realty Group

• Cabin Creek Home & Style • Cascade Fitness

• Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s • Central Oregon Eyecare •Chevron/McDonald’s • Country Coffee

• Dairy Queen • Dixie’s • Eurosports

• Fika Sisters Coffeehouse

• First Interstate Bank • FivePine Lodge

• GrandStay Hotel & Suites • Habitat Thrif t Store • Habitat ReStore

•Hard Tails Outlaw Country Dive Bar & Grill

• High Camp Taphouse

• Hoyt’s Hardware & Building Supply

• Lef t Coast Lodge • Les Schwab Tire Center

• Luckey’s Woodsman • Makin’ it Local

• Martolli’s of Sisters • Mid Oregon Credit Union

• Oliver Lemon’s • Paulina Springs Books

• Philadelphia’s Steak & Hoagies

• Pine Desert Dental • Ponderosa Properties

• Rancho Viejo • Ray’s Food Place

• Sinclair Gas Station • Sisters Ace Hardware

said Jenny Hansson, a spokesperson for Attorney General Dan Rayfield.

But Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, said the opinion is unmistakably clear. Starr is one of the chief petitioners listed in the referendum.

“The Constitution requires an election,” he said. “There is no statutory workaround, no procedural loophole, and no legal basis to keep this measure off the ballot. Governor Kotek’s sudden call for repeal is an attempt to censor the people’s vote, plain and simple, and it doesn’t change the law. Oregonians demanded a vote, and the law guarantees they will get one.”

House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, echoed his concerns.

“The Oregon Constitution is clear that the power of referendum is reserved to the people, and once a measure qualifies through signature verification, the Secretary of State has a duty to place it before voters,” she said.

Oregon’s roads are still deteriorating

Kotek also called for lawmakers to address ODOT’s funding gap in the upcoming session, which has a gap of about $242 million for the current 2025-27 budget cycle.

Starting next year, the Oregon Department of Transportation will only be able to afford paving its interstates, according to the department’s chief engineer Tova Peltz. That means Oregon drivers can expect more potholes, rutted roads, faded pavement markings, and higher vehicle repair costs.

Peltz and local transportation managers briefed Oregon lawmakers on the Joint Transportation Oversight Committee.

The condition of Oregon’s

transportation infrastructure reflects years of deferred maintenance, and in some cases doubling construction costs over the past six years, Peltz said.

About 25 percent of state roads with creeks and streams underneath them need replacement. Along U.S. Highway 101 on the Oregon coast, 16% of bridges need replacement and 20 percent of the state-owned traffic signals are in very poor condition, Peltz said. ODOT’s maintenance teams are also operating with significant staffing shortages after hundreds of workers resigned amid potential layoffs tied to uncertainty whether lawmakers would pass a revenue package in 2025.

Without new revenue in the current budget cycle that ends June 30, 2027, the agency would need to reduce its workforce by eliminating 570 vacant positions and laying off 470 employees in the spring, according to the department.

A key Democrat on the committee signaled a potential shift in Oregon’s longrunning transportation funding debate.

Sen. Khanh Phạm, D-Portland, said she agreed with Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, who in the meeting said that the state should spend closer to 70 percent of its transportation budget on

operations and maintenance, rather than funding transportation projects.

In 2017, lawmakers approved a $5.3 billion transportation package that directed the legislature to use $1.2 billion worth in state and local road projects. But cost estimates have since soared from original estimates under the bill, leaving many projects unfinished, the Statesman Journal reported.

“I think that is the direction that we need to go,” Phạm said. “I agree it is not ODOT’s fault, it is the Legislature that directed ODOT to spend all this money on capital projects that has now sucked up all the money and pulled it away from operations and maintenance.”

Republicans consistently pushed back on Democratic transportation proposals, arguing that money set aside for projects should instead be redirected toward maintenance. Doing so, however, would require lawmakers to change the 2017 law.

Phạm said she hopes Oregon lawmakers will do better for the next generation of Oregon lawmakers to make sure they have more accurate cost estimates to maintain the state’s roads.

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

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

• Sisters Apothecary • Sisters Art Works

• Sisters Athletic Club • Sisters Bakery

• Sisters Bunkhouse • Sisters City Hall

• Sisters Coffee Co.• Sisters Community Church

• Sisters Creekside Campground

• Sisters Dino Market •Sisters Depot

• Sisters Elementary School

•Sisters Feed & Supply

• Sisters Gallery & Frame Shop

• Sisters High School • Sisters Inn & Suites

• Sisters Library • Sisters Liquor Store

• Sisters Meat and Smokehouse

• Sisters Middle School • Sisters Moto

• Sisters Movie House & Café

• Sisters Nails & Spa • Sisters Post Off ice •Sisters Pumphouse & Country Store

• Sisters Ranger Station • Sisters Rental

• Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill

• Sisters School Administration Building

• Sisters Veterinary Clinic

• Ski Inn Taphouse & Motel

• Sno Cap Drive In

• Space Age Fuel

• Spoons Restaurant

• Sisters Park & Recreation District

• St. Charles Family Care

• Stellar Realty NW

• Suttle Tea • Takoda’s Restaurant & Lounge

• The Barn in Sisters • The Gallery Restaurant

• The Gallimaufry

• The Lodge Retirement Community

• The Nugget Front Porch

• The Pony Express • The Slow Down State

• Three Creeks Brew Pub • Three Sisters Floral

• Western Title & Escrow Company • Your Store

BBR & CAMP SHERMAN:

• Black Butte Ranch General Store

• Black Butte Ranch Post Off ice

• Black Butte Ranch Welcome Center

• Camp Sherman Post Off ice

• Metolius River Lodges

REDMOND:

• M&W Market • The Ranch Market • Redmond

Library • Sisters Meat and Smokehouse

TUMALO:

• Pisano’s Pizza • Shell Station • Tumalo

Coffeehouse • Tumalo Farmstand • Tumalo Feed Co.

• Tumalo Home

INSURANCE: Wildfires have contributed to spike in cost

Continued from page 7

their models and formulas take policy holders’ wildfire prevention investments into account.

“Despite homeowners investment in home hardening and defensible space, and despite public investments in community-level mitigation, many, if not all, insurers are not taking these mitigation measures into account in the computer models they use to price and to decide whether to write or renew insurance, what’s called underwriting,” Dave Jones, former California insurance commissioner, told lawmakers at a Wednesday meeting of the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee.

Golden’s bill would require insurance companies to reward home-hardening and defensible landscaping efforts that meet standards approved by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, an independent nonprofit backed by major insurers including State Farm and Farmers Insurance.

“So the bill is grounded in an empirically based standard developed by the insurance industry,” Jones said.

Oregon’s State Fire Marshal also recently signed an agreement with the Insurance Institute to offer

homeowners certificates for undertaking specific wildfire prevention work around their homes in exchange for lower rates and premiums.

Under Golden’s bill, insurers would need to file their rate-setting models and other explanatory information with the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, where they would be treated as confidential to protect the intellectual property associated with each insurer’s modeling.

The bill doesn’t require insurers use catastrophic planning models, but if they don’t use such models, the bill requires the insurer to give the policyholder some discount on their premium, or another incentive, when the policyholder demonstrates that they’ve undertaken property-specific wildfire mitigation to reduce the risk of loss.

Golden previously championed a much-maligned and since-repealed wildfire risk map by state fire experts and experts at Oregon State University that drew the ire of some Oregonians who were identified as living in high wildfire-risk areas. Some blamed the new risk maps for insurance cancellations and premium increases, but insurers’ statements filed with the Department of Consumer and Business Services revealed many had not used the state’s maps, but their own risk maps and

modeling tools.

Kenton Brine, president of the industry group Northwest Insurance Council, offered a note of caution and optimism about the aim of Golden’s latest bill and the future of policy rates in Oregon. He said it would build on big strides the state has made in recent years when it comes to ensuring additional rights for policy holders.

Those include requiring insurers cover longer rebuilding times, cover more living expenses in the aftermath of a fire, and that insurers provide policy holders with information about whether and how they consider wildfire prevention in rate-setting.

But, he said the proposal has “some bugs to be worked out,” such as more precise language about the scope and scale of premium discounts and incentives insurers will be expected to offer and for what specific wildfire prevention actions.

“While there are still challenges for homeowners in portions of Oregon, we believe the insurance market is showing signs of greater stability, with a slowing rate of non-renewals and cancellations and premium increases that are coming closer to the overall rate of inflation,” Brine said.

Republished under Creative Commons license

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, cour

tesy https://oregoncapital chronicle.com.

WORD SCRAMBLE & MATCHING FUN &

Sisters Country birds

By Douglas Beall Correspondent

The House Finch [Haemorhous mexicanus], is now at home in every state except Alaska. That wasn’t always the case. Once popular pets sold as “Hollywood Finches,” owners and sellers of House Finches then released them into the wild after the Migratory Bird Treaty Act passed in 1918. Birds that had been found only in Mexico and southwest of North America are now all over the country. The story

of how all of North America (and Hawaii) became House Finch country illustrates how quickly humans can change the landscape. They are easily attracted to bird feeders and almost any birdseed mix. The bright red color of the male is maintained by the ingestion of carotenoids and the female is drawn to males with the most prominent red breast. It is thought it indicates an ability to find food. They nest in coniferous and deciduous trees where the nest is made of leaves, string, small stems, and feathers. Two to six pale blue eggs are laid and incubated for 12 to 10 days and the chicks leave the nest in approximately 19 days. House Finches can establish up to six broods a year.

A group of finches are called a charm, trimming, company, chirm, or trembling.

For more House Finch images, visit http://abirdsings becauseithas asong.com/ recent-journeys.

FIND 10 DIFFERENCES

Continued from page 1

that we facilitate dialogue in our communities, and we don’t have people yelling back and forth and just talking at one another and not hearing the different perspectives,” Bynum said.

Questioners were drawn randomly. Of the 12 questions, 11 were partisan in tone and two could be characterized as statements.

Wyden and Bynum seemed comfortable with each other and shared time equally alternating between questions.

The 11th question raised the event’s fervor even more. Sisters Middle Schooler Sammy Sherrill asked both Wyden and Bynum: “What do you want to be remembered for?”

Bynum said she wants to be remembered as someone who stood up for kids. Wyden said he hopes to be remembered for being there for Oregonians during tough times.

The seventh question brought the crowd to their feet in thunderous applause asking what could be done about “Trump’s serious mental issues?”

90-minute affair. He mentioned President Trump frequently.

“My top priority is stopping Donald Trump’s assault on America and taking back both the Senate and House in 2026,” he said.

The only somewhat challenging question — which came across as more of a statement — was directed at Bynum by a self-described supporter who was displeased with a vote of hers regarding Gaza that he perceived as lending support to Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bynum expressed appreciation for the input, noting that this is the kind of thing she needs to hear from her constituents.

constituents in the audience. Answers to questions were sparse on policy details and largely took on the tone of campaign slogans.

Early in the event, each touted their legislative efforts, Bynum saying she voted to advance a package that contains over $6 million in federal funding for water infrastructure projects across Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District.

Wyden referenced his work as ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee.

BIRD PHOTO: Bird conflict captured at Sisters High School

Continued from page 1

few pictures for them, I threw my camera in the car when heading out to drop them off for school that morning.

“After my middle-schooler jumped out of the car, I noticed a lot of bird activity by a school parking lot puddle. By some miracle, two of the species of concern were battling over a few sips of unfrozen water where a car had broken up the ice for them. I grabbed my camera and managed to get a few photos before they flew off.”

The students used the

photos in their presentation to the school board, and then, on a whim, Rhoads submitted her favorite shot from the series to the competition.

The featured birds are the White-headed Woodpecker and the Pinyon Jay. For the 2026 report, ODFW listed both these birds as “species of greatest concern” (https://bit. ly/ODFW-birds).

These species are at risk for continued population declines in some of Oregon’s ecosystems.

“We are lucky to enjoy both these beautiful and lively species around our local school campus, where they currently thrive, in part due to the science teachers and community support for the TCCA habitat,” Rhoads said.

Two questions were directed at recent actions by ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcements) in Portland and Minneapolis. One asked about the Epstein files controversy and impeaching the President. The very first question, was a two-part inquiry asking about ICE and infrastructure. Others revolved around Gaza, Israel, worker housing, logging, farming, and food. Bynum took up the topic of local, healthy food and criticized the administration’s stance on SNAP (food stamp) benefits.

The format and time constraints on the event meant that it was geared more toward hearing constituents’ concerns and issues than offering detailed policy prescriptions.

Wyden talked about his strategy “to follow the money” to deal a blow to various controversial political positions of Senate and House Republicans. He called forcefully for the replacement of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

At one point Bynum said, “We are living in a horror show,” referring to her perception of the state of political affairs in Washington, DC.

Wyden criticized “Big Pharma” and “billionaires” among other criticisms he leveled throughout the

There did not appear to be any Trump supporters or conservative-leaning

The event ended with Bynum and Wyden calling their staffs to the podium to thank them publicly and for photo opportunities with supporters.

Outside at the school entry various interest groups set up information tables. TOWN HALL:

their cars at home and utilizing regional coach service from the Willamette Valley and beyond. Our hotels are already walkable to Gateway Park and downtown. Shuttles to Hoodoo and Three Creeks Lake will deliver locals and tourists to the great outdoors without putting more parking stress on our trailheads and Sno-Parks.

“And in 2031, I’m hoping our growth equates to more students in our great schools, more diversity of subjects and opportunities for building knowledge and skills, and fewer of our students commuting to other larger high schools in the region that provide the courses our district currently cannot offer.”

City Manager Jordan Wheeler imagines, “By 2031, we might be seeing the first neighborhoods brought into the Urban Growth Boundary expansion annexed and under development. These new homes will include more affordable and workforce housing, and be some of the first developments that are built under the City’s wildfire resiliency codes.

“Our planning work for the new expansion areas will identify how the areas will

grow including new park and open space opportunities. The city’s water supply will be bolstered by a newly commissioned reservoir and transmission pipeline that will add capacity, redundancy, and resiliency to our drinking water system.

“The first phases of our Lazy Z improvements along Highway 20 will be complete, which will add additional storage capacity for our treated wastewater, and will include new passive recreation amenities.

“The Northwest Park’s first phase will be open and operational, providing a new recreational and leisure space for our community members and visitors. Surrounding the park, the Woodlands development’s final phases will be complete, adding to the vibrancy of the neighborhood.

“Our Western-themed downtown will continue to see investment and new buildings that enhance the shopping and dining experiences for our residents and visitors, including new commercial and residential infill development along the updated Adams Avenue.

“Our night skies will be darker than ever with our program fully implemented and noncompliant lighting updated with dark skies fixtures.

“Planning and funding work will be underway on additional roundabouts at US 20 and Highway 126,

and at Locust and Barclay to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety. The second phase of the Barclay Drive improvements will be completed, to fully support the Highway 20 alternative route through town.”

Citizens for Community Executive Director Kellen Klein “envisions Sisters’ future more in terms of how we interact with one another and what we accomplish together, rather than its physical appearance. By 2031, I believe that Sisters will have made steady progress against the priorities articulated in the Sisters Country Vision; developed processes that enable greater citizen participation in community decision-making; created innovative, community-driven support systems for our most vulnerable residents, while still struggling to address the cost-of-living crisis; continued to wrestle with the concept of growth, but come to recognize that there are some benefits to a larger town — medical infrastructure, cheaper groceries, more restaurants open after 7 p.m. — and differentiated ourselves from many other communities as a place where folks can disagree strongly, but are still fiercely proud of our community and willing to work together to take care of our own.”

Next week we will hear from leaders in the area of the economy and tourism.

Swimmers compete well at six-team meet

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

The Sisters High School swim team took part in a six-team meet hosted by Cascade High School at the Stayton Community Pool Saturday, January 17, where the Outlaws showed continued improvement and competitiveness.

Kate Singleton and Ryah Nordell came through with the top places for the team. Singleton placed second in the 50-meter freestyle (31.27), while Nordell picked up a runner-up finish in the 400-meter freestyle in 6:06.2, just 0.6 seconds out of first.

Singleton also picked up points with her fifth-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle (1:12.73), one place ahead of Rylie Bick (1:14.04).

Bick, Nordell, Singleton, and Lola Magner teamed up to place fourth in the 200meter medley relay with a time of 2:32.

Magner placed sixth in the 50-meter freestyle (32.72) and Nordell finished eighth (35.84).

We are continuing to improve as we move into the second half of the season. — Coach Alex Bick

Trent Gordon scored for the boys team in two individual events by placing fifth in the 50-meter freestyle (29.89) and sixth in the 100-meter freestyle (1:10.42). Fellow senior Joseph Derksen picked up points for the team in the 200-meter freestyle, clocking 3:09.95.

The team of Derksen, Gordon, Tobann Bionda, and Dakota Smithers scored for the boys team with a fourth place finish in the 200-meter freestyle relay (2:11) and the team of Smithers, Gordon, Derksen, and Tristan Kay completed the scoring, placing fourth in the 200-meter medley relay (2:45.11).

“We are continuing to improve as we move into the second half of the season,” said Head Coach Alex Bick.

The Nugget Newspaper... READ IT YOUR WAY!

• Pick up a FREE print copy of The Nugget at locations throughout Sisters, and at select locations in Black Butte R anch, Camp Sherman, T umalo, and R edmond.

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Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.– p.m.

• Sisters Shopper Shuttle to Bend on Thursday mornings can be scheduled through Dial-A-Ride (541-3858680 #2) at least 24 hours in advance. The pickup time in Sisters is between 8:45–9:15 a.m. Pick up and drop off is at Cascade Village Mall, Walmart area, and Costco area. Vehicles supporting this service are equipped with special storage space for customers to keep their shopping goods stored during the trip.

• Sisters Delivery And Shuttle (541-213-0507) provides shuttle service anywhere in Deschutes County. They provide pharmacy, grocery, and restaurant pick up and delivery in Sisters, Black Butte Ranch, and Camp Sherman. More information at www.sistersdeliveryand shuttle.com.

• Sisters Transportation And Ride Share (STARS) provides free door-to-door non-emergency medical rides in Sisters, Bend, and Redmond with volunteer drivers to residents within the Sisters School District who cannot drive themselves. Call dispatch 541-904-5545 on Tuesday or Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., providing at least 48-hours notice. Rides are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Later Years And End-OfLife Care

Three local hospices provide similar services, but each has its own special offerings. All provide individualized in-home end-of-life care for patients who have stopped curative treatment and whose life expectancy is six months or less. They and their families can expect care that is consistent with the patient’s needs and goals, honoring their wishes, focusing on pain and symptom management while providing emotional and spiritual comfort.

All three hospices also offer non-medical Transitions programs which provide

support to patients and families navigating a serious, lifelimiting illness, and may need a helping hand or watchful eye at home. Other services offered by all the hospices are grief support and bereavement counseling for loved ones following a death. Two of the hospices also offer palliative care.

• Clearpath Healthcare (formerly Hospice of Redmond) provides primary medical care delivered wherever you call home in the tri-county area by a nurse practitioner and LPN a minimum of once a month, beginning March 1. If the patient is declining in health, visits will be more often, as needed.

According to Lauren Lebien, ClearPath engagement/outreach coordinator, the in-home care program is a subscription service with a membership fee of $200 per month to cover the travel time for the providers to come to your home for as many visits as needed each month. All other medical services including clinical services, labs, and prescriptions are covered by your existing Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. The program is aimed at those who are 55+ or have mobility issues. To inquire about this program call 541-323-0853.

Every summer, ClearPath offers Camp Sunrise grief camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. Other support includes spiritual care, veterans support, and providing medical equipment and supplies.

For more information see info@clearpathhealthcare.org or call 541-548-7483.

• Partners In Care (541382-5822) has the only specialty in-patient Hospice House east of the Cascades and is only one of three in the entire state of Oregon. When patients aren’t able to receive hospice care at home because they need additional specialized end-of-life care, or symptoms can’t be managed at home, they can receive that care at Hospice House. They can also receive short-term respite care to allow caregivers at home to rest.

Palliative care focuses on comfort, quality of life, and dignity. It can begin at any stage of illness — even while patients are still receiving curative treatment and it extends support not only to patients but also to their families. Palliative care isn’t limited to end-oflife care. It’s available from the moment someone receives a serious diagnosis. The palliative care team works in collaboration with your other doctors, helping to manage symptoms, guide treatment options, and ease anxiety so that every choice aligns with the

patient’s wishes.

Following a stay in the hospital, especially for elderly patients or those managing chronic medical conditions, the time at home can be a vulnerable period. Home health care bridges the gap between acute care in a hospital and recovery at home, helping prevent unplanned hospital readmissions and promoting better outcomes for patients. Partners offers compassionate care at home to promote better healing.

• St. Charles Hospice (541-706-7796) provides care to terminally ill patients and their families in their homes in the tri-county area as well as north Klamath, south Wasco, and south Wheeler counties. Their integration with St. Charles Health System allows them to provide a seamless continuum of care to their patients. As part of St. Charles, they can also easily access medical records and prescriptions from previous service received at St. Charles. Hospice can communicate with other St. Charles providers or services their patients may have used. In addition, their patients have access to pharmacy and medical supplies, which can be mailed right to their home.

• The Peaceful Presence Project provides non-medical thoughtful support by death doulas who offer a compassionate bedside presence and support at the end of life to individuals and families. They also provide education and promote conversation to improve death literacy and proactive illness care planning.

Doulas are people who are trained to serve. Many people are familiar with birth and postpartum doulas, who serve families during and after the birth of a child. End-of-life or death doulas serve families on the other end of the life cycle. Go to info@thepeacefulpresenceproject.org or call 541-293-8636.

• Living Well With Dementia Sisters is for those diagnosed with dementia and their care partners. Their mission is to empower individuals affected by all forms of dementia, as well as their care partners, through targeted resources and educational initiatives. They are committed to fostering a community that ages gracefully and lives well. Their vision is to cultivate a community-wide emphasis on well-being, aimed to enhance the health and longevity of every resident in the Sisters community. They connect those in need with the right resources in Sisters. They are a local group that provides a directory of local resources specific to Sisters related to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Next week we will explore

and

Differences

ByEdieJones

Bitter Br ush, Sage, and Long Needle pine

shar e sur roundings – expansive, sublime. Her e on the plateau and high deser t scene, we c herish it all, the br own and the gr een.

A lesson fr om natur e is her e, if we’ re wise

Knowledge clear, not masked in disguise.

Wher e dif fer ences live, we lear n to exist.

Infor med, enlightened, no cause for a rift

Dif fer ences encour age – think out of the box.

Accept, e ven w hen they mismatc h their soc ks

Listen intently to another’s vie w.

Exc hange ideas, tr y something ne w.

Whether it’s spring w hen the sage lilies gr ow or in winter, buried under a blanket of snow

Connect to str anger s, friends not yet met.

Who knows w hat you’ ll find. Tr easur es, I bet!

I Pledge Allegiance

ByPaulAlanBennett(fromaprompt by Beth Wood)

I pledge allegiance to my past

A c hildhood lost in innocence

And to that wor ld so str ong as rock

It feels now mor e like glass

I pledge allegiance to my muse

Who w hisper s in my ear

And tells my eyes to stop and look

At w hat we have to lose

I pledge allegiance to my day

When night time comes I slip aw ay

Into a need for re verie

Some joy, more fear of what might be

I pledge allegiance to my dad

Who fought the bulge of battle br ave

Democr acy he fought to save

What would he think of all these lies?

I pledge allegiance to those ties

Connecting friends and families

Throughout my life beliefs we lis t

A ppearing now as just a mist

I pledge allegiance to my home

A place of comfor t for these bones

And in this place, may br eathe my last

I pledge allegiance to my past

The Shelter

ByGabrielleBöhme

Why am I here?

In this cr ow ded place.

Father s, mother s, c hildren, so very dear

Huddled together in flight and fear !

Bombs dr opping, sir ens blaring

People ar e dying!

All our hear ts cr ying

In this hidden shelter.

We tr emble and bond.

Hands c lasped, we pr ay!

“Close these door s so we may live another day!”

Wrestlers compete at historic level

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

The Sisters Outlaws competed at a historic level, advancing to the championship bracket for the first time at the Oregon Wrestling Classic held January 16 and 17 at Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

The Classic features intense team-vs-team competition, with 80 teams over all classifications and 16 Class 3A teams divided into four pools of four on Friday. Each team wrestles the other three in their pool, and the top two advance to the championship bracket while the bottom two drop to the Classic Cup consolation side.

Head Coach David Kemp explained, “After struggling in recent years — failing to win a single dual over the previous three editions due to lineup gaps — the team arrived with an almost filled roster this time, including four freshmen varsity starters and strong contributions from the girls wrestlers.”

The first team the Outlaws faced was seventh-seeded Glide, and they dispatched the Wildcats handily securing seven wins, all by pin, for the program’s first even dual win at the Classic.

Sisters then met up against second-seeded Harrisburg, which claimed nearly all of the matches, but senior Tyson Kemp provided a major highlight winning a 3-2 decision over Jackson Peterman, a two-time runnerup at state. The win by Kemp was one of six straight over the weekend.

The Outlaws roared back with a wipe-out of NeahKah-Nie, winning the first eight matches. Heavyweight Jozua Miller sealed the dual win with what Coach Kemp described as “a lightning fast, 57-second pin” that launched the Outlaws into Saturday’s championship bracket, another first for the program.

The accomplishment led Kemp to say, “Advancing to the championship bracket this weekend was a huge

We ended on a high note which put an exclamation mark on how far we’ve come with the program. — Coach David Kemp

milestone for our program. We finally had a lineup to compete, filled in with four freshmen varsity starters and three girls stepping up to fill key weight classes. We just needed to go out and battle hard and keep up our momentum.”

He added, “The girls wrestlers helped us tremendously by scoring a combined 54 team points over the weekend, while the freshmen added another 72, underscoring the depth and youth infusion driving the team’s success.”

Saturday the Outlaws faced a buzzsaw in the defending state champions, and number-one-seeded, Hilanders of Burns.

“Burns was formidable and our only win came from Tyson,” said Coach Kemp. Sisters regrouped against Yamhill-Carlton and kept the score close for much of the match before the Tigers pulled away for a 51-30 win, but closed the weekend strong against fifth-seeded Sutherlin. Tanner Gibney got things started with a pin over Erickson Singleton. Freshman David Jones and junior Kole Morris followed with wins in overtime and Jace Owens capped the afternoon at 190 with his “signature bear hug takedown,” according to Kemp.

“Jace has a trademark bear hug takedown that he gets on almost all of his opponents,”

Coach Kemp noted. “I would not want to be on the receiving end of one of his backcrushing bear hugs.”

Kemp concluded, “We ended on a high note which put an exclamation mark on how far we’ve come with the program.”

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CATEGORIES:

102 Commercial Rentals

WORKSHOP SPACE

1,277 sq. ft., heated, roll-up. Available Feb. 1., $1,550/month. Call Phil at 541-280-3751.

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

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103 Residential Rentals

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

104 Vacation Rentals

Downtown Vacation Rentals

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

201 For Sale

Grumman 17' Standard

Aluminum Canoe. $500 eBay up to $1,200. 541-923-1020

202 Firewood

DRY SEASONED

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205 Garage & Estate Sales

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206 Lost & Found

FOUND PROPERTY

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301 Vehicles

CAR STORAGE! Oversized, lights/power, $275/m • 541-419-2502 2004 Chevy Tahoe – $1,000 firm

Running - not drivable - many new parts. 541-780-5400.

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401 Horses

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403 Pets

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SISTERS WHISKERS

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500 Services

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Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475

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

MOBILE MECHANIC

•Sisters • Bend • Redmond • RV | Auto | Small Engine •503-400-1369 •

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC

Audio/video, data networking, WIFI, security camera, alarms. CCB #191099 541-306-0729 502 Carpet & Upholstery

M & J CARPET CLEANING

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

504 Handyman AlpenGlow

Handyman Services

Small & Large Jobs 20+ Years Experience CCB#180099

Call/Text: 541-728-8607

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600 Tree Service & Forestry

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Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342

4brostrees.com

Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

LOLO TREE WORKS

Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist

Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638

Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912

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

Specialists for

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

•Wildfire Fuels reduction •Debris Chipping/Mastication •Forest Health Thinning •Wildfire Cleanup & Restoration • Tree Removal

& Renovation

#148365 541-420-8448

General Contractor CCB#180099

Custom Remodels • Additions •Decks • Firewise Upgrades 20+ Years Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Call/Text 541-728-8607 Custom Homes Additions - Remodels Residential Building Projects Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com — Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

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

LOCAL CONSTRUCTION

SERVICES & HOME MAINT.

Remodels • Landscaping

Firewise Maintenance

Decks & Much More!

Pease Co. Contracting Call Tanner at 541-588-0136. Big and small jobs!

CCB# 256258

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

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

CASCADIA DESIGN BUILD

Remodel / Renovate / Repair

Full home remodel, little home fixes, and everything in between. cascadiadesignbuildllc.com 541-974-2282

Running Out of Firewood? Check The Nugget Classifieds Category 202 to resupply!

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians

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

602 Plumbing & Electric

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

Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com

CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860 — GEORGE’S — SEPTIC SERVICE

541-419-3148

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

603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation

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

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888

Drainfield

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

• All Septic Needs/Design & Install

General Excavation

• Site Preparation

• Rock & Stump Removal

• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation

• Building Demolition Trucking

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

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

Residential & Commercial CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977

www.BANR.net

604 Heating & Cooling

Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service

Residential & Commercial

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

SistersHeatingAir.com

ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com

CCB #195556

541-549-6464

605 Painting

~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks

CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620

www.frontier-painting.com Interior/Exterior Painting

Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327

peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

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

All Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740

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

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

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

STEVE'S HAULING

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

701 Domestic Services

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC

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

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING!

Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

802 Help Wanted

NOW HIRING

Housekeeping and Maintenance Team Members

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

www.lakecreeklodge.com

13375 SW FS Rd. 1419

Camp Sherman

803 Work Wanted

Male Caregiver/Retired Nurse

Available for in-home care. FT/PT. References available. Tony 541-598-4527

999 Public Notice

City of Sisters

Janitorial Services

Proposals due: 4:00 PM, February 10, 2026

Request for Proposals

Sealed Proposals clearly labeled “City of Sisters Janitorial Services” addressed to the City Recorder, City of Sisters, Oregon will be received until 4:00 PM local time at City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Avenue, P.O. Box 39, Sisters, Oregon, on February 10, 2026

Services generally include the daily cleaning of City of Sisters public restrooms at five of its municipal parks, campground restrooms and showers when camp hosts are not present, and the weekly cleaning of City of Sisters City Hall. FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit the City of Sisters website at https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/ RFPs are located under the Business tab at the top of website.

SNAPSHOT: UGB plans continue to be in focus for City

Continued from page 4

detailed process and schedule for the remaining phases of the UGB expansion, including when the public will be engaged, have not been documented yet. Wheeler added that all land use applicants for annexation or development will follow the same codes and guidelines.

• Council briefly discussed the invitation from STA, and felt it worthy of consideration.

• Relative to Tiny Homes on Wheels, Council indicated they would look into it. Councilor Gary Ross felt that the main problem would be how the homes are hooked up to utilities and doubted they would “remain on wheels.”

• Council approved the consent agenda which, besides former minutes, included the acceptance by Council of public water, sewer, and street improvements developed by Sisters Habitat for Humanity. The utilities had been reviewed and tested by the City of Sisters. Henceforward, the City will perpetually own and maintain the infrastructure at Larch Commons East and West.

Pat Burke

LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com

• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!

Eastern Cascade Solutions

Landscaping & Construction

www.easterncascadesolutions. com • 541-233-7195

LCB #9958 • CCB #222039

SUDOKU SOLUTION

for puzzle on page 22

• An update on Trinity Place affordable housing was presented by Clayton Crowhurst of Northwest Housing Alternative (NHA). Crowhurst noted financing closed November 2025, development has begun starting with clearing of the grounds, digging in the foundation, etc., and framing up will begin around May. Clayton shared that Trinity Place will have 40 units; nine one-bedroom units, 20 two-bedrooms, and 11 three-bedrooms. He said some of the units will sell at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI) and 60 percent of the units will be sold at or below 60 percent of AMI. Clayton stated that the unique funding solutions involved NHA getting a 501(c)(3) bond which resulted in securing a very high credit rating from Standard and Poors (S&P AA-rating). He acknowledged that the Affordable Rescue Plan Act funding that the City held for this project via an intergovernmental contract with Deschutes County was a game changer in accessing the necessary additional funding for the project.

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