The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLIX No. 8 // 2026-02-25

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

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

This is the sixth and final installment of our series where Sisters’ thought leaders imagine what Sisters might look like in five years. For this edition we focused on the arts and entertainment, an integral part of the Sisters culture.

The gallery scene in Sisters has made a long-standing impact on Sisters character. Dennis Schmidling is president of Sisters Art Association and is optimistic about the arts in 2031.

“By 2031, Sisters will feel less like a town that hosts a few celebrated arts weekends and more like a fully integrated creative economy operating year-round,” he said. “Planned Central Oregon growth and in-migration will expand audiences, refresh volunteer resources, increase donors and contributors, and energize the emergence of younger artists into the art economy of Sisters.

“You will see more collaboration among the arts organizations to create special venues and events, and work together to enrich the local culture. Younger and emerging artists will be instrumental in the creation of new venues, like cooperative makers studios, popup exhibitions, home-based studios and galleries, creative workshops, home concerts, and art experiences. These influences are already trending and will continue to add to the already growing art and cultural rhythm that sustains the downtown vitality beyond the summer tourism.”

Schmidling talked also about collaboration with partners like the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and SFF Presents events.

Crista Munro who has headed SFF Presents for seven years, sees it this way: “If I peer into my crystal ball for Sisters in the year 2031, the view is incredibly vibrant. Five years from now, I see the ‘Sisters Vibe’ evolving from a seasonal boom into a year-round, pulsing heartbeat of creativity. Sisters will feel less like a town that hosts art and even more like a town that is art.

“While Americana remains the backbone of the Sisters music scene, the future will bring some spicy layers. You’ll probably hear more Electro-Folk made by younger artists blending traditional acoustic instruments with digital loops, à la Elias Alexander. Local arts organizations will continue to embrace innovation to stay relevant.

“Nothing is beyond our reach when it comes to fulfilling the promise of

A man from Eagle Crest led deputies on a pursuit through Sisters twice last Friday, before being apprehended in his home territory.

According to Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reports a deputy attempted to stop a passenger vehicle in the Sisters area on February 20, at 8:12 a.m., after observing the driver operating aggressively

— including brake-checking the deputy and driving over a roundabout. The driver failed to yield and continued through Sisters.

Out of caution, the deputy did not pursue. The vehicle was last seen traveling west on Highway 20 past Black Butte.

The same vehicle was then observed returning to Sisters

at 8:53 a.m. Deputies, assisted by Oregon State Police and the Black Butte Police Department, attempted another traffic stop. The driver fled east on Highway 20, prompting a pursuit. Deputies used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), but the suspect regained control and sped away at a high

Man faces assault, burglary charges in incident near

A 52-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after an alleged break-in and assault that occurred between Bend and Sisters on Thursday morning, February 19.

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at 6:17 a.m. to a report of an attempted break-in and assault at a travel trailer located off Highway 20 between Bend and Sisters.

allegedly broke a window, tried to get inside, and threatened to kill the couple. The male victim was able to call 911 for help.

The tournament was held Saturday, February 21, at La Grande High School.

CHAMP on page 8

Deputies say 52-year-old Bradon Michael Planty attempted to force entry into a travel trailer where a couple is currently living on their own property while the house is for sale. The suspect

During the confrontation, detectives say Planty used a knife to gain entry and caused injuries to the female victim. She was then able to arm herself with her own knife in self-defense, but Planty gained possession of both knives and tried using them against her. The woman kept Planty from gaining entry for several minutes until deputies arrived. Planty left the scene but was

See INCIDENT on page 5

Outlaw Cheer Squad returns to action in

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.

Political views

To the Editor:

What might surprise those who know me is the struggle I’m feeling while writing this. I’m not usually shy about sharing my opinions or being vulnerable, but this feels different. During the years I worked at the Sisters Athletic Club, it was understood that we kept conversations about politics off the table out of respect for everyone who walked through the doors. After I left the club, the habit

stuck with me.

In my own home, we often don’t agree politically, so these conversations usually go unspoken. Now, in the nonprofit world, I’m mindful that my personal politics could land differently with different donors, and I never want to jeopardize the support our students rely on. Honestly, my caution only grows when the national tone feels so harsh.

I’ve said to my husband more than once

See LETTERS on page 9

Sisters Weather Forecast

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Letting all voters participate in primaries

By Randy Stapilus Oregon Capital Chronicle

The plain meaning of Article II, Section 2 in the Oregon state constitution seems to be eluding a lot of people in high office in the state.

And that’s a little puzzling because the words seem basic: “Every citizen of the United States is entitled to vote in all elections not otherwise provided for by this Constitution.” It does go on to restrict voting by residency and registration, and allow the Legislature to impose limitations on some financial ballot issues to taxpayers. But the rule is that in elections held by and paid for by the public, every qualified voter gets to vote.

Except that this isn’t true, in a meaningful way, in primary elections, the next of which arrives in May. There, if you’re not registered with the Democratic or Republican party (as a vast number of Oregon voters are not), you’re shut out from most of what’s on the ballot. That includes voting at a critical stage (often, in these hyper-partisan times, the only meaningful stage) for top elective offices.

covered under the constitutional provision. But Porter also said she acknowledged the state of Oregon didn’t make that argument.

An appeal is expected, so we’ll have to wait for the next round of legal filings for further analysis — probably long after this year’s primary election.

The second of the recent actions concern two proposed ballot initiatives. They are intended to accomplish much the same thing as the Marion County lawsuit — to open primary elections — but in this case do it through a vote at the next general election.

The proposed constitutional amendment says, “In primary elections, all candidates shall be listed on a single ballot, regardless of their party affiliations, allowing all eligible voters to vote for the candidates of their choice for: United States senator, representative in Congress, Governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state senator and state representative and any other public office so designated by law.”

The debate now is the title (or caption) for the initiatives, written by the attorney general’s office. The certified version for each of them says, “Changes primary election processes for most partisan offices: single primary ballot, top two candidates advance.”

Democrats and Republicans between them have an effective monopoly on most of Oregon’s top elective offices, but the theory is that those parties are private organizations that should be able to control participation in their activities (“freedom of association”). This leads to the perverse result of private benefit conferred by a government intended to operate for and by the people more broadly.

Two recent and separate legal challenges to this are underway.

One is a frontal constitutional legal argument. The group Our Primary Voice and plaintiff Mark Porter, a retired attorney, last summer sued the state in Marion County court to challenge the restrictive nature of Oregon’s primaries. They noted the state constitution language on voter access and said the primaries aren’t a special carve-out.

On January 30, Judge Natasha Zimmerman rejected the challenge. Her reasoning wasn’t entirely clear. A message from Porter indicated she seemed to hold that primary elections aren’t

That may be accurate, but it sounds little like a clear description of what the planned ballot issues would, if passed, actually do. Nor does it sound neutral: It refers to a major election change, but not the nature of the change.

The initiative advocates have sued the state, at the Supreme Court, to change the language. Very likely this year’s primary election, set for May 19, will come and go before these cases get resolved in court.

As voters consider who and what to support in the elections, they may want to think hard about which decisions they’re being allowed to make, and which not. That could become a consideration, owing to outside impacts from Washington, in the general election. But it might be a cause for concern in the primary too.

Reprinted under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

At

Fair, locals were able to get

Community explores aging in place

By

Since last April, four Sisters women – Kris Bergstrom, Jane Paxson, Chris Ling, and Sue Stafford, with key support from Jane Killefer, Judy Smith, and Kellen Klein, have been working as the group called Serving Our Seniors (SOS) to determine the needs of Sisters seniors who wish to age in place, in their homes.

The goal of their research and data gathering, as well as articles in The Nugget about aging, and last week’s Senior Resource Fair, has been to educate, communicate, and bring an informed discussion to the community, hopefully beginning the

creation of a citizen volunteer effort to care about and for seniors who make up 40 percent of the population of Sisters. This approach has worked with previous endeavors like the establishing of Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) and Citizens4Community (C4C).

The final event marking the conclusion of the SOS efforts to make the community aware of seniors’ needs and encouraging citizens to become involved, will be a Community Conversation, sponsored by C4C, The Nugget Newspaper, and AFSC. This interactive forum will provide the opportunity for table discussions about identified options which came out of

all the information gathered over the last 10 months. Bring your ideas, suggestions, creativity, and intentions to Sisters Elementary School, 2155 McKinney Butte Road, on Sunday, March 8, 4-5:30 p.m.

Participants will be putting their heads together to explore the following topics: a location where seniors can access information, assistance, recreation, and social connection to help meet their needs; affordable and accessible senior housing design options (small cottage clusters, shared living models with built-in intergenerational support); nonmedical transportation; a senior

See

Sisters remembers impact of Kellie Scholl

Friends and colleagues are marking the impact that Kellie Scholl had on the Sisters community, particularly through her role with the youth mentorship program Circle of Friends (CoF).

Scholl, 53, the wife of Sisters Schools Superintendent Curt Scholl, died in a car accident on Highway 22 near Idanha on Sunday, February 1. The Sisters community is mourning her passing and remembering her with tributes to her work and positive influence on many lives.

“Kellie was the heart and

soul of Circle of Friends for eight years,” said Carolyn Gabrielson, a volunteer and past board member. “Her thoughts and actions always gave top priority to the youth and families of CoF. Simply put, she devoted herself to making life better for others. Her positive influence in this community goes on as we try to imitate the example she lived.”

Scholl was hired as Youth Program Coordinator for the organization in 2018. CoF pairs vulnerable youth in Sisters with mentors who spend time with the children to help them develop life skills, social skills,

City Council works to set goals for 2026

Cities act on their priorities by how they budget — and budgets are set to meet goals. Sisters City Council spent 4.5 hours February 19 in a goal-setting workshop, reviewing public input, assessing status of past goals, and considering new goals for fiscal year 2026-27.

Council goals are set annually and are a foundation for the next fiscal year budget. The fiscal year

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

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

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

Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Sunday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Central Oregon F ly Tyers Guild For Saturday meeting dates and loc ation, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info. Ch eck- I n Circle: Come As You A re Chec k- ins that offer structure without pressure, honesty wit hout per formance

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

Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity

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

Council on Aging of Cen tral O regon

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

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

Go Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday

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

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

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

Living Well W ith Dementia Sisters Care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCHOOLS

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

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

begins on July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year. Council goals also let the public know what the City has planned to accomplish. Some goal categories, like wildfire mitigation and maintenance, include ongoing projects to fit a growing need. Some goals are long projects over several years but do end, like infrastructure projects.

Assistant City Manager Kerry Prosser shared that public outreach on goal

CITY & PARKS

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

FIRE & POLICE

Black

RFPD Board of Direc tors 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 5 41-5 49 -0771. Sister s- Camp She rman RFPD Drills Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 5 41-5 49 -0771.

‘Senior Tsunami’ strains healthcare system

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

The business of caring for older Americans is a tsunami hitting the U.S. and doesn’t show any signs of receding.

Besides the growing number of senior citizens, government funding cuts, caregiver shortages, increasing costs of care, and immigration limits are all straining an already challenged care industry. In rural communities like Sisters, chronic worker shortages plus a limited number of homecare agencies and increasing costs create ongoing challenges for those who would like to stay in Sisters and age in place.

Cuts of 1.3 percent to Medicare funding for home health agencies in 2026 reduced the amount of money available for that care by $220 million for this year. There are often waiting lists, or many Americans pay out of pocket, provided they have the resources. Those who don’t are at greater risk of developing health or safety issues.

The lack of options for care places more of the responsibility onto families or leave some unable to find any qualified help. The number of family caregivers rose 45 percent in the past decade to 63 million, according to a July 2025 report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.

The adult children caring for parents or extended family members are often still working or have to quit

their jobs and have their own children to care for. They are often referred to as the “sandwich generation,” with responsibilities on either end of caregiving. They generally encompass adults in midlife – from their 40s through 60s. About 25 percent of adults in the U.S. currently fall into this category and many experience financial hardship, stress, and physical and emotional burnout.

The situation doesn’t show any signs of improving. Currently, 40 percent of Sisters population is aged 60-plus. That is why four Sisters residents formed the group Serving Our Seniors (SOS) last spring to gather data and conduct listening sessions and surveys to find out what our seniors want/ need in order to age in place. They contacted other Oregon communities to ascertain how they are helping their seniors age in place, using a variety of models.

On February 17, SOS sponsored a Senior Resource Fair where Sisters residents could meet and talk with 21 different agencies and organizations providing services for seniors in Sisters. There were about 150 people who attended and received helpful information and had their questions answered. The consensus of attendees was that the event was very worthwhile.

The next event is the Community Conversation on Sunday, March 8, at Sisters Elementary School, 4 to 5:30 p.m. (see story on page 3). It

Setting goals on public art, water, and more

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

City of Sisters Urban Renewal Agency (URA) workshop reviewed projects to which the URA is providing part of the funding.

The City URA Board of Directors (URA-BD) are the City Council members. The City’s Urban Renewal Plan was defined and the URA-BD established in 2003 by a then City-appointed UR Advisory board. The resulting URA is a legally separate entity from the City which funds projects to, “promote the development of downtown as a commercial and cultural center.” The URA is funded by a percentage of property taxes. The URA has a maximum indebtedness budget of $6,200,000 most of which is allocated to 2026 projects.

The URA plan goals for fiscal year 2024-2025 has three categories: transportation, utilities, and public amenities. URA-BD members discussed three projects on February 19 — the Adams Avenue streetscape, Westside Pump Station, and “The acquisition process for installing public art at the Locust Street roundabout within a budget of $175,000.” The status for the first two is listed below.

For the Public Art Acquisition goal, the URA-BD had a lengthy discussion about the roundabout art. URA-BD considered that since the City will eventually have four roundabouts perhaps an overall theme will be recommended. Council generally agreed to rephrase the public art acquisition goal to be for consideration of public art anywhere within the URA plan, rather than one specified location.

There are 21 projects in the City’s 2026 Major Projects and Initiatives documentation (pages 29 to 50) here, https://www.ci.sisters. or.us/media/33151. This is a summary list indicating three having URA funding. The Urban Growth Boundary amendment project has about nine months remaining to improve the annexation process and complete an area planning phase.

• Community wildfire resiliency: Next phase will inform and encourage property owners to attend to their defensible space.

• City Hall demonstration landscape to create an example for the public of defensible space landscaping.

• Signage master plan (pedestrian) is in final draft design process.

• Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub will have a dog park and signage in 2026. EV charging stations to be installed by 2028.

• Highway 20 and Locust Street roundabout landscaping with funding from URA before summer.

• Well #1 improvements design is 90 percent complete.

• Building a new 2.2-million-gallon water reservoir is in the funding strategy phase.

• Build a new 16-inch Edgington Road water transmission main is in the

funding strategy phase.

• Westside Pump Station includes some funding from URA and completes before summer.

• Rope Street Pump Station improvements design is 60 percent complete, bidding next and expect construction in the summer.

• Northwest Park master plan final preferred option will be before City Parks Advisory Board and then to Council.

• Barclay Drive improvements phase two is in the funding strategy phase.

• Adams Avenue Streetscape has about $3,500,000 in funding from URA and bidding completes February 27.

• Northwest Housing Alternatives, an affordable housing project which the County and City helped fund, is under construction.

• The City’s development code updates, to audit for compliance with latest

Oregon state development codes and identify barriers to new housing.

• Wildfire mitigation and fuels reductions has been leading by example in addressing the City’s defensible spaces, hardening public structures, and developing a Wildfire Resiliency Plan for critical infrastructure and property.

• City Civic Leadership Academy is on its third iteration, the cohort is being identified, and it starts April 13.

• Dark Skies implementation is in the public education phase and the City’s lighting rebate program is running.

• Locust Street pedestrian improvements funding is secured and design is in progress for project completion in early 2027.

• Public Art in the City project of August 2025 suggests establishing a Public Art Advisory Board — no progress to report.

INCIDENT: Victim was treated on the scene and declined transport

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later located by deputies nearby. He resisted arrest and assaulted a peace officer before being taken into custody without further incident. The female victim was treated at the scene, and declined transport to the hospital.

Planty was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on charges of:

• Assault 1 — Felony

• Assault 2 — Felony

• Assault on Public Safety Officer — Felony

• 2 Counts of Unlawful

Use of a Weapon — Felony

• Coercion — Felony

• Burglary 1

• Criminal Trespass 1

• Menacing

• Criminal Mischief 1 (property damage).

Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues, DCSO reports.

Sisters author Magnus Johnson publishes debut novel

By Jim Cornelius Correspondent

Like most first-time novelists, Magnus Johnson had a moment in which he was not sure he could get his vision for an intense story of a young man coming of age in Portland on the page. In that moment, he thought he had failed.

He felt frustrated, angry even. But that moment proved to be a breakthrough, because he broke the chains of his own expectations, let alone those of others, and turned the writing loose, with no focus on outcome.

“I thought, just go and let the chips fall where they may,” he recalled. “If it wasn’t good, I’d do it again. If it was good, I’d edit it anyway.

“That felt liberating; it felt true,” he said. “It had released me from the constant editor while I was writing.”

After that watershed moment, the writing came fast and furious, and resulted in the recently published “The Men We Make.”

The novel has an unusual narrative structure, following a young man named Darin through two possible iterations of his life. The first part is a dark dive into the underbelly of a marginal life in Portland. Darin’s doom seems inexorable, as he is pulled down by those around him — and his own choices. Part Two puts Darin in virtually the same circumstances but with a slight turn that allows him to follow a different path. In this iteration, Darin’s family and close associates are not paragons — they have struggles with

alcohol and their own fraught personalities. But they have genuine care for others, particularly Darin, and they have faith.

Johnson sought to create a story that shows what can happen in even the most challenging of lives when “there’s just a little bit of love.” He notes that it’s often everyday effort that matters most, not dramatic interventions in others’ lives.

“We don’t think about the good stepmother who just keeps plugging at it,” he said.

He believes that all of us have the capability of making a difference for others through simple acts of everyday caring.

“That little percentage can stick, and have a big impact in people’s lives,” he said.

Impacting lives in a positive way is a centerpiece of Johnson’s life and work. A U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who served multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, Johnson, his wife Sara, and veteran colleagues built Mission 22, a nonprofit based in Central Oregon that reaches across the nation to provide personalized support and resources to help veterans and their families thrive. He is also a key supporter of Get Strong Ministries in Sisters.

While those around us can have an important impact for good or ill, life still requires choices of us. Darin is required to make a choice between what he perceived as love and the calling of his spirit. That is something Johnson has seen many times — and he believes fervently that people need to chose meaning and purpose, that we not hold back from being true to our spirit in order to please others.

“I think it really matters that we answer the call,” he said.

He says that his own rough upbringing, and his experiences of working with veterans through his nonprofit, have given him a multifaceted view of psychology and the way that traumatic experiences, life choices and associations connect and manifest themselves. This is the territory he explores in “The Men We Make.”

Johnson had long felt the call to write — ever since he read Frank McCourt’s awardwinning memoir of a tough Irish childhood, “Angela’s Ashes,”at the age of 18.

“That book did something to me,” he said. “I thought this is something I could do.”

Johnson continues to hone his craft, and is well into his

second novel.

“I’m already halfway done with the next novel,” he said.

“I’m committed to the long haul.”

Johnson is also committed to his own artistic vision.

“I’m not creating art to have people like it,” he said. “I’m creating what I like because I want to give people something meaningful.”

That said, “I’d like people to read it. I’d like people to give it a chance.”

Look for “The Men We Make” by Magnus Johnson wherever you buy books. For more information about Mission 22, visit https:// mission22.org/ and see Spirit of Central Oregon at https:// issuu.com/nuggetnews

paper/docs/spirit_of_central_ oregon_2025_spring_ summer_edit.

“Theo of Golden”

By Wendy Bachmeier Columnist

“From your point of view…what makes something ‘good art’?” Or what makes a “good life”? Or even a “good person”? How we answer these age-old questions can define our lives, “good” or not. And this is one of the many themes that run through the book, “Theo of Golden.”

“Theo of Golden” is the first novel written by Allen Levi, an attorney, judge, singer/songwriter, and author from a small town in Georgia. Mr. Levi originally self-published the book in 2023, but it is now available through Atria/ Simon and Schuster, New York, NY. It seems many of Levi’s personal interests are lived out in the novel. Theo, an elderly Portuguese gentleman from New York shows up in a small town in Georgia for a year, and while he is there, he engages artists, musicians, a bookseller, an attorney, and many “regular folk” through his generous “bestowals” of portraits drawn by a local artist. The power of art to bring change is well-recognized by the field of art therapy, but it is Theo’s ability to connect with the portrait subjects, listen with his heart to each person’s story, encourage their strengths, and offer his friendship that make each portrait meaningful beyond “just a picture hanging on the wall.” By seeing themselves the way Theo sees them, people begin to change.

away – a “bestowal” of kindness, friendship, and generosity. Through his example, Theo shows us how to live the “good life.”

I highly recommend “Theo of Golden” to anyone who is willing to change the world one person at a time. Just like the Oxbow River that runs through Golden, the book flows — gentle, reflective, and purposeful. Yet, under the smooth surface of kindness, Levi touches on deep undercurrents that trouble human waters: homelessness, mental illness, tragedy and loss, war, domestic violence, illegal immigration, injustice, broken families, fame and wealth. This said, it’s easy to get lulled into thinking that the book will end as it starts. So, a word of encouragement: pay attention to the beginning details and read it to the end for all the pieces to come together in a masterful waterfall worth reading!

CHASE: Driver went over roundabout in Sisters

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rate of speed. The pursuit was terminated for public safety as the vehicle headed toward Tumalo and Bend.

At 11:07 a.m., a concerned citizen in the Eagle Crest area reported a vehicle following them, making them feel uncomfortable. Deputies

responded and identified the vehicle as the same one from earlier. Multiple spike strips were successfully deployed, and a second PIT maneuver brought the vehicle to a stop on Eagle Crest Boulevard.

The driver, Doug R. Greaser, 54, of Eagle Crest, allegedly tried to walk away and resisted arrest, but was taken into custody and transported to St. CharlesBend for further evaluation.

Greaser was arrested on the

following charges:

• Felony Attempt to Elude (three counts).

• Reckless Driving (three counts).

• Multiple counts of Reckless Endangering.

• Assault on a Police Officer.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanked Oregon State Police, Black Butte Police Department, and the community for their assistance in safely resolving the incident.

In the novel, Theo defines “good” this way: “For anything to be good, truly good, there must be love in it.” It is love from the heart that brings “good” into a world filled with cruelty, brokenness, and fear. And that love flows from one to another as we give it

Art and adventure hit the screen

Sisters Movie House & Café is set to present nine weeks of special events every Wednesday night, beginning Wednesday, March 4.

This year’s “Spring Into Arts & Adventure” series launches with a movie that combines both genres into one. “Mountains of the Moon” is from renowned skier and artist/director Chris Benchetler and combines night vision cinematography, stellar athletic performances, and music from the Grateful Dead for a truly compelling cinematic experience.

“We are thrilled to kick off the series with this one,” said Drew Kaza, Managing Partner of quoin media & entertainment, which operates Sisters Movie House & Café. “It sold out recently in Bend and has been thrilling audiences around the country. It uniquely combines elements of art and adventure so it’s the perfect opener for our nine weeks of art and adventure ahead.”

The March 4 program starts at 6:15 p.m. and tickets are priced at $17 for the onenight-only event. That timing and admission price is consistent throughout the month.

The second movie in the series switches to Nashville and a special documentary concert tribute to the late singer-songwriter John Prine.

“You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine” features performances and appearances from such musical heavyweights as Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett, and Brandi Carlile, amongst others. It will screen Wednesday, March 11, at 6:15 p.m.

The third movie in the series will showcase the return of the “Women’s Adventure Film Tour” with the 2026 edition offering up more diverse and compelling stories than ever. It will feature on Wednesday March 18, at 6:15 p.m.

“These have been extremely popular the last couple of years,” stated Kaza.

“And we are looking forward to bringing in the ‘Fly Fishing Film Tour’ and ‘Climbing Film Tour’ later on in April and May as part of this series.”

“Spring into Arts & Adventure” will take a one week break in late March to accommodate the school spring vacation schedule and then return for a further five weeks in April and the first Wednesday in May.

For information visit https://www. sistersmoviehouse.com./

CHAMP: Outlaws wrestling program is coming on strong

Continued from page 1

Jaschke, a senior wrestling in the 235-pound class, pinned three opponents on her way to the title, which earned her a berth at this week’s OSAA State Championships.

Lilah Abercrombie of Irrigon only lasted 37 seconds in Jaschke’s first match and the next two opponents presented only modest challenges for Jaschke, who entered the meet intent on winning it all as the top seed.

Laila Jones of WestonMcEwen held on Jaschke for two full minutes before being pinned. In the championship match Jaschke left no doubt as she flattened Gabby Kenendy of Pendleton in 38 seconds.

“Sierra made history as our program’s first-ever female district champion,” said Coach David Kemp. “Three wins with three quick pins showed pure dominance and confidence.”

“Winning the district championship is something I’ve dreamed about for a very long time,” said Jaschke. I got close last year, placing third, and after much blood, sweat, and tears I am feeling incredibly blessed for every moment that led to this moment. I am so grateful for my coaches and teammates and family for believing in me.”

Sophomore Tanner Gibney, wrestling as the top seed in the 105-pound class, had a breezy path to qualifying through her first three bouts. She dispatched of Kamila Rangel at the 1:02 mark and used even less time, just 38 seconds, to pin Shayla Machuca of Ontario.

In her penultimate match Gibney faced Ella Risteen of host La Grande. The contest was over in the blink of an eye, 28 seconds to be exact, setting up the championship against Carleigh Radke, also of La Grande.

Radke was not to be denied in front of the home town crowd and got the best of Gibney at the 1:30 mark. Gibney, who placed fifth at state last year, will return for another shot at the podium.

“Watching Tanner compete with such poise and drive makes it exciting to see her chase a top place at state,” said Kemp.

Joining her classmate at state will be Sofia Clark who qualified with a hard-fought third-place finish at 110 pounds.

Following a bye, Clark faced Rhiley Lees of La Grande, the number one seed, who beat Clark by pin at the 2:10 mark. She was not about to give up her quest to make it to state according to Kemp.

“Sofia showed incredible toughness,” said Kemp. “After losing the first match she battled back through four straight pins to take third and

punch her ticket to state. She embraces the wrestler’s mentality: get knocked down, get back up stronger. I am so proud of her grit.”

Her wins came, in order, against Amelia Doyan of Union/Cove, Payton Tarkinton of Madras, Jacie Green of Echo, and Payton Bowers of Union Cove. The final match went deep into the second period before Clark got the upper hand.

Ava Stotts, Goose Henderson, and Julianne Kemp also competed at District, but did not score.

La Grande dominated the competition, including five individual champions, to win the team title with 272.5 points. Sisters placed eighth among the 28 teams competing.

Kemp came away from District feeling very proud of all the girls. “We brought

six tough girls into a deep district field, and to come out with three state qualifiers is a testament to their heart and preparation. I believe we’re building something special here at Sisters — the Outlaws are on the rise.”

He continued, “This weekend was about perseverance, pride, and proving we belong. These girls embody what wrestling teaches: never give up, control what you can, and leave it all on the mat. Now we turn our focus to state and competing for those top places.”

All classifications, both boys and girls, converge on the Veteran’s Civic Coliseum in Portland for the state meet which runs February 26-28.

The Outlaw boys will be competing as well, including senior Tyson Kemp, sophomore Zack Kemp, and freshman David Jones.

that I hate the idea that this is the only version of politics our kids have seen: the name-calling, the lack of basic kindness, and the violence. It wears on you after a while, and eventually you feel compelled to do something about it. For me, that current “something” is putting this in writing. I believe Morgan Schmidt is the right person for Deschutes County Commissioner. When Morgan ran in 2022, I reached out to her on a whim. She responded, we met, and I immediately felt a connection. She is, as my grandma would have said, “salt of the earth.” She is calm, thoughtful, educated, a good listener, and unafraid of hard work or hard truths.

If any of this resonates with you, take a moment to get to know Morgan. It made a difference for me. Visit her website, attend an event, read her guest column in the Bend Bulletin (February 16, 2026).

I’m hopeful for a future where our politics return to something more respectful, where differing views aren’t something to fear or keep quiet, but simply part of living in a community and nation that cares.

Regan

Roberts s s s

Testimonials

To the Editor:

The February 10 “Where were you?” commentary complains about “endless testimonies in The Nugget explaining why protesters are out in the streets.” It shows you testimonial writers are making your points.

One way to know you’re making an impact is when critics change the subject. A usual way to do that is the “what about,” or in this case, where were you? Rather than offer factual counter arguments to the points in your testimonials, “Where were you?” deflects to past events. That might start a what-about loop, but it doesn’t address the substance of any protesters’ reasons for taking to the streets in 2026.

These and others might heartily disagree with the saying in the commentary’s closing criticism: “if you’re explaining, you’re losing.” The signers of our Declaration of Independence. Any social or political movement you can name. Anyone running for public office. Any business marketing products or services. Any religion sharing its customs or tenets.

So, testimonial writers, keep reminding us who is president now and explaining why protesters are in the streets now. Be prepared to defend your positions and reasoning against on point criticisms. Until then, never mind the what-abouts. They show you’re winning.

Cliff Brush

s s s Sisters 2031

To the Editor:

I have read the Sisters 2031 five-part series (now expanded to a sixth part, apparently because of inflation) with great interest. It reminds me, in part, of the endless corporate business plans I have sat through where regardless of the previous three-year trend lines, the future business model is straight and upwards like a hockey stick. Almost all the people interviewed imagine a utopian city where everyone gets along, and resources are shared, but one just needs to look back five years ago to remember the situation our city was in during COVID. Citing similar communities that have successfully followed this path would be helpful.

A few other comments from what I have read so far.

The series would have benefited by starting out with interviews with residents who have been here the past 10 or 20 years.

We could hear from them how the city has evolved and how faithfully city leaders executed the Comprehensive Plan adopted in July 2005. If the number-two reason cited for moving to Sisters, from the survey Bill Bartlett mentioned, is “Small Town Atmosphere,” what concerns do residents have of expanding an additional 700 people, especially after seeing growth from about 1,000 residents in the year 2000 to around 3,800 today? This topic does not seem well fleshed out, or addressed at all. There may be little residents can do about the city’s require ment to plan for growth, but their concerns can be taken into consideration.

While I am sure that those interviewed have spent significant time with business owners, their authentic voices feel missing. What are the challenges running a business in Sisters today? How do you plan for the unpredictability of nature and its impact on tourism? What percentage of revenue comes from tourists and what percent comes from residents? What improvements need to be prioritized to make running a business more successful?

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, how does this optimistic plan get executed?

Throughout the series the phrases “I have faith,” “I believe,” and “my hope” are referenced, but what I see are dollar signs. How are these infrastructural projects going to be funded? How do we fund increases to police, fire, and other service sectors? How do we avoid exacerbating our current problems into future, bigger problems with 700 more residents, more grocery store options, restaurants, healthcare, and more attractions to maintain? What are the impacts to property taxes since any bond or levy will likely pass, as they do in Bend, Eugene, and Portland, until owning a home becomes unaffordable for most?

While I am a big fan of the planning process, and think the Sisters 2031 series should continue for several more weeks, it feels like we need more voices raising the “what-if” questions; what-if things don’t go as planned, hoped, or felt? Every executive meeting needs a few voices at the table playing devil’s advocate so that investments are thoughtful, and built on real-world expectations.

My go-to phrase these days is that “growth and comfort cannot coexist.” We need to be up front about the discomfort ahead and plan accordingly.

Steve Woodside

s s s

I don’t recognize our country

To the Editor:

I was born in Illinois, raised in Iowa and Virginia along with my three older brothers and one younger sister. Our loving parents were practicing Christians and I became a member of our Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa, at the age of 13. Although I’m no longer attending organized church services, I am grounded in the tenants of Christian faith regarding the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments. Regardless of my religious practices, these core values have been the foundation of our country’s constitution and policies. These values are not political but are universally accepted as the nonpartisan rules of humanity.

We can call our country a Christian nation and in God we trust, yet nothing about the current administrations’s policies reflects those values. Beginning with the cancellation of U.S. Aid and the lies perpetuated by Marco Rubio that “not a single life has been lost,” as a result of the U.S. mean-spirited, unfounded accusations about the programs and the ultimate demise at the hands of Musk and his DOGE. Eighty-six percent of U.S.A.I.D. contracts have been cancelled and conservative estimates are that 3.1 million children will die during Trump’s second term in a

COMM UN IT Y AN NOUNCE ME NTS

Hang s @ The Hangar

Wed ne sd ay s , 3:3 0 to 4 :3 0 p.m.,

Fr id ay s , 7 to 8:3 0 a .m . a nd 1:15

to 2:3 0 p.m . at e H anga r at Si sters Com mu nit y C hu rc h, 13 0 9 W. McK in ne y Bu e R d.

A safe place to h ang for m iddle and h ig h school student s . Two certi ed adu lt volu nteers a re present to help w it h homework, etc . Fol lowi ng t he school schedu le for c losu res . Contact jfoli n@sistersc hu rc h.com or 541-549-12 01 e xt .208

“Family Money Ta lk s” Free Class

Wed ne sd ay, M arc h 18 , f rom 6 to 7 p.m . A rr ive at 5:45 p.m for f ree bu et d in ner at a loc al ar t gal lery, loc at ion sha red once you R SV P to 5 41-5 4918 66 , E dw ard Jones o ce of Ka ren K assy. Topic: lea r n a n approac h to hold engag ing and product ive conversat ions about wea lt h a nd estat e pl anning – w it hout d iscu ssing as sets . P resented by H artford Mana ging D irec tor of A pplied

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

Regiona l V ice P resident C asey Miller

Award-W inning

Photog rapher Adrian Klei n to present to SA PC

Wednesday, M arc h 11, 3:3 0 to 4 :3 0 p.m. , joi n Sisters A rea

Photog raphy C lub (SA PC) for a f ree publ ic e vent at S isters

Communit y C hu rc h, 130 0

Mc Kenzie H ig hw ay. Awa rdwi nning photog rapher A dr ia n Klei n of t he Photo C ascadi a

Photog raphy Tea m w il l be presenting “I n Sea rc h of t he

Hidden,” l ive v i a z oom . He w il l

use photos , stories , a nd t ips

to s how how to d iscover a nd compose t he more abs trac t, hidden scenes f rom w it hi n a la rger v ie w. Contac t 530 -9 417638

Fi rst Fr id ay Fa mi ly Fun

Bi ngo Night

Fr id ay, M arc h 6 . L oc al s a nd vi sitor s of a l l age s welcome!

i s i s a c ash e vent . D in ner for pu rc has e beg in s at 5 p.m

Ga mes beg i n at 5:3 0 p.m . $20 packet i nc lude s t hree c ard s for each of 10 game s w it h a loc al merc ha nt g i ca rd awa rde d a s a pri ze, plu s a n add it iona l c ard for t he 11t h game featuri ng

$10 0 c ash pri ze. 5 0/5 0 R a e option: t ic ket s a re $ 2 eac h or 6 for $10 . H al f of r a e

sa les w il l bene t Circle of Fr iend s . Suppor t t hi s v alu able communit y resou rce i n t ribute to K el lie Schol l . e Epi scopa l

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

Aging of C entra l O regon

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

lu nc h e ver y Tuesday, 11

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

Communit y C hu rc h, 130 0

W. McK en zie Hwy

No reser vation s neede d.

No -cost Grab-N-G o lu nc hes

ta ke place weekly on

Wednesday a nd u rsday, from 12:3 0 to 1 p.m Ca l l 5 41-797-9367.

Week ly Food Pa nt ry

COR E M arket , loc ated at 22 2 N. Trinit y Way i n Si sters . Mondays , 1 to 2 p.m

In fo: 5 41-588 -2 332.

Free Week ly Meal

Serv ice

Famil y K itchen hos t s a week ly to-go hot mea l on Tuesdays , 4:3 0 to 5:3 0 p. m., at Sisters Com mu nity

Chu rc h, 130 0 W. McK en zie

Hw y. I nfo: www

Fami lyKitc hen.org.

Free Pet Food

Need pet food for you r dog or c at? Cal l t he Furr y Fr iend s pet food b an k at 541-79 7- 40 2 3 to s chedu le you r pic kup. L oc ated at 412

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

Kiwa nis Food Ba nk

Located at 382 W. M ai n Ave . Weekly d istr ibution i s u rsday s f rom 9 a .m . to 2 p.m . I nfo: 5 41-632 -3 663.

Chu rc h of t he Tra ns gu ration, 121 Brook s Camp R d., Sisters

In fo: 5 41-5 49 -7087.

“A sk for More” Free Class

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

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

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

Presented by H artford Mana ging D irec tor of A pplied

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

Regiona l V ice P resident C asey Miller

Your An nouncement Here

Sc hool s , c hu rc hes , nonpro t , recreationa l a nd com mu nity

groups: t hi s i s you r page to an nou nce you r f ree gat heri ngs and e vent s! R eg u la rly occurring Sisters Cou nt ry

meet ing s a re l isted on t he Si sters A rea Meeting Calenda r on page 3 a nd specia l e vent s or feat u red meeti ngs c a n be l isted on t hi s page. A l l s ubm ission s are s ubjec t to e diting a nd r u n on ly a s s pace a llow s . E ma il nugget @nugget ne ws .com or drop o at 4 42 E . M ai n Ave.

You r tex t mu st i nc lude a “ for more i nfor mation” phone

nu mber. Deadline i s 5 p.m . on Fr id ay s.

Free Veteri na ry Clin ic

CA M P (Compan ion A ni ma l Medica l P roject) i s hosting a veteri na r y c linic i n Sisters, t he rst Wed ne sd ay of t he month, 10 a .m . to 12 p.m . at COR E, 22 2 Trinit y Way. O er ing no -cost pet v acci ne s (includi ng rabies), brief w el lnes s e xa ms , dog/cat food, a nd s upplies

CA M P o ers t hei r ser vice s to uns heltered a nd low-i ncome pet owners a nd t he c linic i s r st come - r st ser ve w it h no prior regi st ration necessa ry For more in form at ion c ontac t O utreach

Navigator L ia m B oehning at li am @c ampc linics .org or 541- 633-39 79

Sisters Muse um Is Open

Si sters Mu seu m’s open hou rs are Friday s a nd Sat u rd ay s, 10 a .m . to 4 p.m . e mu seu m, located at 151 N. Spr uce S t., i s f ree a nd o ers e xh ibit s on loca l h istor y a nd c u lt u ra l ex periences for a l l age s . e ree Sisters H istorica l Soc iety is seeki ng volu nteers to br ing it s mi ssion to l ife. Mu seu m hosts , ma rket ing s uppor t , resea rc hers , and w riters a re needed . No pr ior mu seu m e xper ienc e i s requ ired , ju st a n i nterest i n loca l h istor y a nd a w illi ng ne ss to c ontr ibute a l i le t ime a nd energy. E ma i l volu nteer@ th reesistershi stor ic al societ y. org.

Cent ra l Oregon Federated Republ ican Meet ing COFRW (Cent ra l O regon

Federated R epubl ic a n Women) meet s t he r st u rsday of ever y mont h f rom 10:45 a .m (reg istrat ion) to 1 p.m . at As pen L ake s G ol f C lub i n

Si sters . Come lea r n f rom g uest spea kers, a nd hea r a nd question loca l a nd state c andidate s.

Meet ing s i nc lude lu nc h for $ 27

RS V P requ ired to a end . L ea rn more about upcom ing meeti ngs and s peakers, a nd R SV P at COFRWB end@gm ail.com

Ba ha’i

Mont hly Song wr iters’ Sharing Ci rcle

Ne w day and location Second

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

Amer ican Legion and VF W VF W Post 8138 a nd A merica n Le gion Post 8 6 meet t he rst Wed ne sd ay of e ac h mont h at 6 :3 0 p.m. , at e Hub, 291 E . M ai n Ave. I nfo: sister sveteran s@gm ail.com.

Free papers at The Nugget

Pa st i ssues to u se for replace rest ar ters, w hen ava il able, are loc ated i n a wooden c rate on e Nugget ’ s porch . Please leave bu nd led paper s i n Post O ce bin s a nd t hose l abeled for del iver y. a nk s!

Wednesday, Febru

y 2 5 and M arc h 4, 10:3 0 to 11 a.m . Com mu nit y R oom.

Interact ive stor y t ime w it h books , son gs , a nd rhy mes! 0-5 y rs

Qu iet

ompa ny

Thrive Cent ra l Oregon Drop -I n Consultations Fr id ay, Febru ar y 27, 10 a .m to 1 p.m . Stud y R oom . D ropi n soc ia l ser vice s a ssista nc

Check-In Ci rcle:

Come As You Are A welcoming s pace to be seen and hea rd . e g roup

The Brothers Reed to perform in Sisters

Folk-Americana duo The Brothers Reed will perform at The Belfry on Thursday, February 26.

The Missouri-born brothers Aaron and Phil Reed have spent over a decade touring the country, building a reputation for tight sibling harmonies and a sound that blends bluegrass, folk, and country. Now based in Southern Oregon, the duo is touring in support of their latest album, “Long Way To Go,” released in 2025.

Serving Dinner Mondays 5:30-8!

OPEN MIC

music • poetry • comedy Mondays 6-8 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 p.m.

Bring your talent or just come cheer!

Always a great time at SPOONS RESTAURANT

473 E. Hood Ave., Sisters

The band is known for an exhaustive touring schedule, and a live show that features polished vocal harmonies alongside humorous, unscripted stage banter. Their appearance in Sisters serves as a domestic highlight before they depart for an international “Beyond the Tartan” tour of Scotland this June.

The Belfry, a transformed 1914 church, provides an intimate listeningroom environment specifically designed for acoustic

clarity. The venue features high vaulted ceilings, original hardwood floors, and stained glass windows, creating a warm, retro atmosphere. This performance will be a seated event.

The Belfry is located at

302 E. Main Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Belfryevents.com.

For more information on the band, visit TheBrothersReed.com.

WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 25

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. 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 26

The Belfr y Live Music: Brothers Reed Their style evokes finger picking folk singers of the 60s and 70s with a contemporary edge. 7 p.m. Tickets: bendticket.com. Suttle Lodge Live Music: Ian George Firesides Music Series inside The Skip Bar & Restaurant, 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations required: www thesuttlelodge.com.

FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 27

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa

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

The Belfr y Let's Dance! Community Dance + Fiddle Concert featuring the Outlaw Strings Club AKA "Scandalous Chutney." 6 to 8:30 p.m. All ages welcome Suggested donation: $5-10 Presented by Citizens4Community and SFF Presents. Info: www citizens4community.com/events.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Bill Powers, a Bend-based singer-songwriter brings a warm acoustic set blending Americana, blues, folk, and classic covers No cover. 5 to 8 p.m. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

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 • FEBRUARY 28

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Meet the Meadmaker Facility Tour 4 to 5 p.m. A behind-the-scenes tour of the ranch winery, barrel room, and farm, featuring ranch history and stories from the owner – plus an optional guided flight with a special barrel taste (if available). Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

The Belfr y Live Music: Oregon Fr yer with Smoke Drifters Oregon Fryer is a dynamic and eclectic band blending elements of Americana and rock. 7 p.m. Tickets: bendticket.com.

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

SUNDAY • MARCH 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 • MARCH 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.

Spoons Open Mic: Music, Poetr y, Comedy Bring your talent (or come cheer) and enjoy a night of local music, poetry, and comedy hosted by Jordan Lewis Lee. 6 to 8 p.m., sign-ups open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner menu available 473 E. Hood Ave. Info: 541-719-0572

TUESDAY • MARCH 3

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

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 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 Movie House Spring Adventure & Art Series: "Mountains of the Moon" World renowned artist and skier Chris Benchetler explores the unseen connections between sport, life, music, and the living earth — set to the timeless tunes of the Grateful Dead. 6:15 p.m. Tickets: www.sistersmoviehouse.com.

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

THURSDAY • MARCH 5

Sisters High School Festival Concert SHS students present their spring festival repertoire as they prepare for the OSAA competitive seasons for 3A HS jazz band, 3A HS concert band, and 3A HS concert choir HS Continuing Fiddle and the Americana Project will also perform. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., music starts at 7. Free Info: kayla.golka@ssd6.org

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

FRIDAY • MARCH 6

Episcopal Church of Transfiguration Family BINGO Bingo Night 5 p.m. 11 games/$20, prizes, $2 raffle ticket to benefit Circle of Friends in tribute to Kellie Scholl. 121 N. Brooks Camp Rd

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. Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa 6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

Thurs., Feb. 26 • 7 p.m. Brothers Ree d bendticket.com...$2080 Sat., Feb. 28 • 7 p.m. Oreg on Fr ye r with Smok e Drift er s Dynamicandeclectic,blending elements of Americana and rock to createauniqueandcaptivatingsound. bendticket.com...$1759 Sat., March 14 • 7 p.m. St. P atrick ’s Da y C elebr ation with Fiv e Pint Mar y and The Riv erst ones a festive Celebration with Central Oregon’spremierIrish-inspired bands belfr yevents.com...$25

Pub opens 30 minutes prior to shows 302 E. Main | BelfryEvents.com en b i i h

SISTERS-AREA EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SATURDAY • MARCH 7

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

MONDAY • MARCH 9

Spoons Open Mic: Music, Poetr y, Comedy Bring your talent (or come cheer) and enjoy a night of local music poetry and comedy hosted by Jordan Lewis Lee. 6 to 8 p.m., sign-ups open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner menu available 473 E. Hood Ave. Info: 541-719-0572

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 11

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

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

THURSDAY • MARCH 12

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

FRIDAY • MARCH 13

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.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa 6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

SATURDAY • MARCH 14

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

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

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 18

Sisters Movie House Spring Adventure & Art Series: "Women's Adventure Film Tour 2026" A celebration of the inspiring women around us who are doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure. 6:15 p.m. Tickets: www.sistersmoviehouse.com.

Thresholds Part 1: Leaders at the edge

By Hank Minor Columnist Commentary...

There are moments in leadership when something in us knows — quietly and unmistakably — that we’ve reached an edge. Not a crisis, necessarily. More like a threshold.

The old way of carrying things no longer works. The maps we used to get here aren’t the maps we need for the territory ahead. What once felt familiar begins to feel insufficient. The path forward isn’t clear, but staying where we are feels untenable.

Leaders who have been in their position for any length of time will recognize these moments.

A threshold arrives in a number of ways: A chronic, lingering weight. The unsettling of the status quo. A period of complexity that outpaces our current capacity. A success that no longer satisfies. A passion that has now become an obligation. Responsibility that suddenly feels heavier than it used to.

Leadership carries a particular kind of weight. Many leaders do so quietly — running businesses, guiding teams, supporting families, making hard decisions without fanfare. Thresholds tend to arrive in exactly these unseen places.

Thresholds are not just strategic moments. They are interior moments. They are often accompanied by emotions leaders don’t always name out loud — uncertainty, fatigue, loneliness, even grief. Because a threshold always involves a kind of ending, often before the next beginning is visible.

And yet, thresholds, seen in a different light, are not problems to be solved. They are openings. And what those openings ask of us is not a sharper strategy, but an expanded awareness, a deeper way of being.

In my work with leaders — business owners, entrepreneurs, senior executives, professionals, men and women carrying real weight — I’ve come to understand that leadership is not primarily a matter of performance or personality. Leadership is a matter of Presence.

Presence, as I define it, is more than being attentive or “in the moment.” It’s the perspective and the

inner qualities that allow a leader to remain steady, clear, and human — especially when the stakes are high and the way forward is unclear.

At pivotal moments, leadership requires more than just our skillset. More than our strategies and our effort. It requires a grounded clarity and an inner capacity to hold complexity and the weight of leadership without collapsing.

Thresholds offer us something rare: The possibility of crossing into a new way of being, of embodying true Presence — one that helps us carry the weight, navigate the complexity, and lead from a place of vision and wisdom.

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be exploring three distinct leadership thresholds that I see again and again — moments that arise at different stages of a leader’s journey.

• The Emerging Leader, when responsibility begins to expand and a leader must develop a deeper capacity to lead wisely and well.

• The Established Leader, when complexity, weight, scale, and chronic pressure call for greater perspective, steadiness, and vision.

• The Legacy Leader, when achievement begins to shift to deeper questions of identity, meaning, contribution, and what it means to leave something lasting behind.

My hope is this: To offer perspective, clarity, and guidance for leaders who find themselves standing at a pivotal threshold in their career and in their life. Because thresholds can feel deeply isolating.

The truth is, they are part of the path - and often, they are where the next level of leadership begins.

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

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

“I hope you keep going forever.”

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

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

That’s the bad news.

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

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

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

Online subscription: The content published on Substack and other subscriber-only content is available with an online subscription to nuggetnews.com. Click the subscribe button to sign up or call the office and we can assist you.

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

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

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

Thank you,

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

academic success, and individual talents. As Youth Program Coordinator, Scholl developed after-school programming and activities for the approximately 20 youth and their mentors enrolled in the program at the time.

During her tenure Scholl was promoted to Program Director, grew the number of children and youth impacted to well over 100, and recruited more than 60 mentors and volunteers. Her dedication was notable. Colleagues recalled that she developed personal and longlasting relationships with all of the mentors she worked with directly, supporting them both at CoF and as a friend. It wasn’t a 9-to-5 job for her — she put in hours on evenings and weekends talking with mentors and families.

Jim and Diana Prichard, who served as mentors, recalled: “It didn’t take long for Kellie to win us over with her balance of professionalism and compassion after she came on staff at Circle of Friends. She was soon the best kind of friend to those she served. She spent time with families, helping them trust the mentors working with their children. She made herself available to mentors, celebrating the highs with us

and encouraging us through the lows. She listened and counseled. And we always knew she cared about our ‘circle friends’ as much as we did.

“Just hours before the fatal accident, several of us gathered to celebrate her eight-year tenure with Circle of Friends. Never one to grab the spotlight for herself, Kellie gifted us with special notes she had written to each of us. This was Kellie, thinking of others, serving with humility.

“The loss is great. This community owes her so much. We find comfort knowing her investment in children lives on through them.”

Scholl brought her passion and experience from years of coaching and mentoring young athletes to her position. She had made an impact on other young lives before coming to Sisters. Former University of Portland player, Lindsey Bollen, reached out to CoF to remember her relationship with Scholl.

“I remember standing at the Portland airport going away for the weekend for some games, and Kellie secretly told me she was pregnant with Taylor,” she recalled. “I remember crying because I was so happy for her; she was so good to us.”

Longtime mentor and former CoF board member, Terry Buchholz, recalled that, “Kellie was such an amazing person. She was a loving, devoted mama and partner.

She absolutely loved all the kiddos that have been part of Circle of Friends as her time as Program Coordinator and then Program Director. She was deeply compassionate, innovative, and funny! I could tell you so many funny stories of Kellie, the kiddos, and mentors laughing so hard during programming. From shooting bottle rockets (no explosives were involved) or elf races during the holiday parties. Kellie was also persuasive in talking me and others into leading/organizing all sorts of activities for our kiddos. She talked me into leading Lego robotics, STEM, cooking, summer school activities and serving on the Circle of Friends Board of Directors.”

Mentorship is a challenging role, and part of Scholl’s efforts were directed toward supporting them when the work wasn’t easy and its value wasn’t apparent.

“Kellie kept me from leaving mentoring when I became frustrated, feeling like I was not doing anything,” recalled Sydney Harrison. “She told me to just keep connecting, let go of any expectations. She reminded me that we never know the moment we change a child’s life.”

Amy Laurick noted, “Kellie was so instrumental with my onboarding at Circle of Friends and matching me with my mentee. Kellie and Curt made the Circle of Friends ‘Friendsgiving’ feel like such a family gathering. It was always all about the kids. We did a sewing activity together; none of us really knew what we were doing, but she just helped us figure it out together. That was how she did things. She was so important in this community.”

Parent Debra Lajko remembers Scholl with fondness and admiration.

“Kellie was my neighbor, she jogged by my house almost every morning,” she recalled. “She always invited kids over to play at her house. Kellie supported and encouraged me to tell the story of my family, and the adoption of my children. She was so attentive and compassionate. She was always so genuine, so authentic. I could always reach out to her, she could suggest avenues and resources for me to access. She was a constant.

“She was so instrumental in finding new, creative activities for the youth and mentors. She reminded me that ‘if your heart is breaking, look for the helpers.’ She was a helper. With everything else going on in the world, we need people like her.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the Scholl family. It can be accessed at https://www. gofundme.com/f/supportfor-the-scholl-family-aftertragedy-t27gy.

By T. Lee Brown

Driving is the great pastime of the American West. I love a good road trip and enjoy running errands in beautiful scenery.

But recent injuries have kept me out of the saddle, so to speak, except for short distances. I’ve become reacquainted with other forms of transportation.

Taking the bus provides

a leisurely stretch of time to watch the views roll by, read a book, chat with a seatmate, or, of course, stay glued to your phone. It saves money and hassle on gas, car maintenance, and parking.

Some people simply do not have cars, or don’t have the ability to drive, often due to medical conditions or being under 16. Access to public transportation is essential for them.

Here in Central Oregon, we have Cascades East Transit (CET). It’s encouraging to watch CET growing and adding new routes, building out its schedule with more trips between towns. A special Saturday bus even takes Sisters residents to grocery shopping hot spots in Bend.

But lately? CET has shaken my trust.

Riders on bus systems around the country understand that sometimes a bus is going to be late, stopped by the same traffic that slowed down all vehicles on the road.

What about the opposite

situation — when the bus is early, and refuses to wait for customers?

In most bus systems, drivers have times built into their schedules when they stop the bus for several minutes. This gives them some wiggle room in case a delay has arisen. If the driver is early at a stop, showing up before its scheduled arrival time, the bus driver settles down for a rest or stretches their legs until the precise time of departure.

CET has jettisoned this sensible strategy for something else. Your CET bus may simply depart five, six, seven, eight minutes early, or blow past your stop while you’re standing in the bus shelter.

Many underage students, too young to drive, use CET passes to attend schools in different towns. It’s wonderful to have that option... until you end up abandoned by your bus.

There you are, stranded in a town where you don’t live, after the last bus has departed for your part of

Central O. Let us hope that your parents don’t have to work at that time, that they have a car available, and that both of them are physically abled and therefore can drive to Redmond or Bend or Prineville to pick you up. Or that your family uses, and can afford to use, smartphonebased services such as Uber.

You could call up CET, but the operator will likely tell you to show up at the bus stop 10 minutes early from now on. By this logic, a 2:25 bus is actually a 2:15 bus.

It’s starting to sound like a medical appointment check-in, isn’t it? Instead of a lobby, the customer is outside, sometimes in the dark, in the cold.

This is not convenient, consistent service. It is capricious and unkind. Voters don’t like investing in systems they find incompetent and inefficient. Potential users of public transportation stick to their cars when routes, schedules, and bus stop policies are inconvenient and confusing.

I’ve enjoyed riding buses,

trains, light rail, subways, planes, water taxis, colectivos, ferries, and cable cars in various cities and countrysides, up and down the West Coast and in other parts of the world.

Here’s the thing. I have never, ever been asked to show up 10 minutes early for a regular ol’ public transport bus. Nor have I ever shown up at the bus stop a few minutes early only to eventually discover that the bus took off well before its published time of departure.

Why has this not happened to me? Because it’s terrible customer service. It’s rude. And it’s not part of a normal bus riding experience. Most bus systems just don’t do it.

Knowing that the bus will depart at its scheduled time encourages people to trust their local bus system, become regular passengers, and vote to fund local public transportation.

Public transportation systems must earn the public’s trust to succeed and grow. CET should get on board.

Outlaws will host state playoff tourney

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws basketball team lost 31-39 at home on Thursday, February 19, to the visiting Pleasant Hill Billies in a league playoff game. Although the Outlaws lost the contest they remained fifth in the state rankings. They earned a first-round bye and will host Yamhill-Carlton, the No. 12 seed, in the second round on Saturday, February 28, for the right to advance to the final eight at the State Tournament held in Coos Bay. In Thursday’s match-up against Pleasant Hill, the first quarter of the contest started slow for both squads as neither team scored in the first two-and-a-half minutes of the period. Verbena Brent got the Outlaws on the scoreboard when she hit

a pair from the charity stripe to give Sisters a 2-0 edge, but the Billies responded on the next possession with a three-pointer. With three minutes left, Paityn Cotner hit a three-ball from the corner. The Billies finished the first-quarter scoring with a layup and at the end of one the Outlaws held a slim 5-4 lead.

Brent scored six of the Outlaws’ eight second-quarter points, and at the break the Outlaws trailed by three, 13-16.

Sisters came out of the break and made the third quarter a battle. Highlights for the Outlaws included a triple from Maici Cotner, a steal and score from Audrey Corcoran, and a baseline three-pointer from Maddie Durham, which closed the gap to two, 24-26.

Sisters struggled in the final period and at the end

were forced to foul. The Billies went a perfect fourfor-four from the line to seal the win.

Coach Kevin Cotner said, “The key to the game of basketball is playing relentless defense, rebounding the basketball, and taking care of the ball. We did one of the three well tonight.

“I thought the defense was great minus a few key lapses in effort on close-out threes,” Cotner added. “Ultimately we held them to our goal of sub-10-point quarters. Beyond that we probably had our worst offensive performance of the season with 29 turnovers on the night and got beat pretty handily on the boards.”

Cotner shared with The Nugget that the best thing the team can do with this game is figure out what went wrong, fry to fix it, and move on.

“I still believe that we have only just begun to see the potential of this team,” said Cotner. “I’m excited to see how they respond to this adversity.”

Cotner praised Brent and stated she was a great spark offensively for the Outlaws with her aggression and energy attacking the hoop.

“The thing we need to focus on is that our season is not defined by this game,” stated Cotner. “In actuality it didn’t affect our state ranking at all. We have put together one of the best seasons in Sisters High School history and we still currently retain the fifth spot in state.”

Senate advances bill to protect public lands

By Mia Maldonado Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Senate in a 17-11 vote Thursday advanced a bill meant to safeguard public lands against the threat of privatization.

Senate Bill 1590, sponsored by Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, would prohibit state agencies from using any funding, data, equipment or staff to help the federal government sell or transfer federal lands to private parties. The measure puts no restrictions on tribes.

Broadman brought the bill in response to efforts from congressional Republicans to include in their massive summer 2025 tax and spending law plans to sell between 2 to 3 million acres of federally-managed land across 11 Western states, including hiking trails

and campgrounds in Oregon. Those provisions ultimately failed after receiving bipartisan pushback and because Congress could not guarantee that those lands wouldn’t be bought by antagonistic foreign interests.

Roughly 53 percent of land in Oregon is managed by the federal government, specifically the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service.

The Senate advanced the bill along party lines, with Republicans citing concerns that the bill would limit private and public partnerships meant to manage the state’s natural resources and protect the health and safety of Oregonians.

The bill heads to the House next.

Reprinted courtesy of Oregon Capital Chronicle.

Outlaws cheer squad returns to action in Sisters

After several years of not having a cheerleading team Sisters is back with a full squad.

“Eight months, football games, basketball games, a wrestling match, pep rallies and five competitions later, we couldn’t be prouder of The Sisters High School Cheerleaders,” said Sisters High School coaches Melissa Norko and Alyssa Parazoo.

Last spring, after multiple conversations with the athletic director Parazoo met Outlaws student Grace Fendall who has wanted to cheer for years. Parazoo explained her vision for the season and starting a new program. Fendall ran with it, going to the middle school to share information and prep the eighth graders for tryouts and sharing her enthusiasm with high school students.

The fledgling program hosted a cheer camp in July 2025, which drew interest from elementary-school-aged youth on up. The program

ended up with 13 athletes for our competition season.

“This team brought the energy on the sideline at the home and away football games, showed up for as many basketball games as our schedule allowed, cheered on the Outlaws Wrestling Team at their home match, brought school spirit to the pep rallies and came home with first place at their first competition at Ridgeview High School!” the coaches stated.

Tryouts for next season

will be in May for all incoming freshmen-seniors.

“We’re so grateful to the community, school, other sports teams in our district and cheerleaders across the state for the support and belief in what we’re starting!’

To our Senior Captains Grace Fendall and Hudson Jacobs,

as you get ready to graduate and leave high school you’re leaving behind a legacy, something you helped start from the ground up, something you can be proud of, teammates who will miss you and coaches who are cheering you on for life,” the coaches said.

AGING: Event is set for March 8 at Sisters Elementary School

Continued from page 3

resource coordinator who is respected, well-established in the community, and is skilled as a ‘super connector’ who would meet personally with seniors and make targeted referrals to available services; neighbors helping neighbors; elder planning, education, and guidance for the remaining years; and other topics people would like to address. Attendees will be able to join in the discussion about the topic of their choice. Each table will have a facilitator to keep things on track and a notetaker to record the main points and suggestions.

Prior to the table discussions, there will be a brief explanation of the data recorded and other programs investigated as well as two short presentations by people in the senior care arena. JoAnn Herrigel, founder of The Village movement in Portland, and Lauren Lebien, with ClearPath Healthcare, will share lessons learned about how to help seniors age in place in a town like Sisters.

Sisters’ creative brand, including cutting edge concepts like utilizing light projection technology to turn our Western-style storefronts into glowing galleries at night (dark skies compliant, of course).

“Sisters today has a very real ‘ghost town’ effect that kicks in around 8 p.m. — except during folk festival weekend, of course. The gap between the town’s artistic ambitions and its current infrastructure is broad, but in my five-year vision, that gap is exactly what drives the change. Currently, we’re in a bit of a ‘chicken and egg’ cycle: businesses don’t stay open late because there’s no foot traffic, and there’s no foot traffic because everything is closed.

“This presents a massive opportunity to create a casual, Central Oregon version of nightlife that’s less about velvet ropes and more about enjoying craft beverages and live music by a fire all year round.”

Dawn Boyd, executive director of Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, is equally enthusiastic.

“By 2031, arts, entertainment, and culture in Sisters Country will be even more deeply woven into the daily

life and identity of our community,” she said. “Building on a strong foundation of established events and organizations, we envision creativity becoming increasingly collaborative, visible, and interconnected across the region. A community-wide barn quilt trail will celebrate public art throughout Sisters Country, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience our creative spirit as they move through town and countryside.

“Student sewing and textile programs will be thriving, introducing young people to both artistic expression and practical skills while fostering mentorship across generations. Shoulder-season textile events will bring renewed energy beyond peak summer months, supporting local businesses and strengthening Sisters’ reputation as a destination for meaningful cultural experiences.”

Brian Greig, Sisters Rodeo Association vice president peered into the future: “Looking five years ahead, the future of rodeo in Sisters feels steady, rooted, and intentional. Anchored by the legacy of the Sisters Rodeo, we see arts, entertainment, and culture continuing to grow alongside the town, without losing what made Sisters special in the first place.

“Sisters was once a small town where Western heritage quietly thrived. With the growth we’ve experienced,

we feel a strong responsibility to keep that heritage at the heart of our community. The rodeo will continue to serve as a gathering place where families connect, traditions are honored, and Western values remain visible and alive.

“In recent years, we added breakaway roping to our lineup, expanding opportunities for women in a meaningful way. With organizations like the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association continuing to elevate women in the sport, we are proud to blend tradition and progress while keeping competition safe and fair for all.

“We expect ongoing improvements to the grounds that enhance functionality for spectators and contestants while preserving the authenticity of the arena. Animal welfare will always remain a top priority. These animals are valuable athletes. Without these animals there is no sport. The heart of rodeo in Sisters will remain unchanged: authentic, family-centered, and committed to Western heritage for generations to come.”

Bill Bartlett notes: Thanks to all who contributed to the 2031 series. We couldn’t include the total of their many insights as we have to fit in all the other news. And special thanks to our many readers who have expressed their appreciation for the series.

Sisters 2031 — by the book

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

A resilient small town is also one that has a book store. Many places in Oregon, towns even larger than Sisters, do not enjoy a traditional, fully-stocked book shop. Books are essential to a larger, thriving community filled with arts and the range of entertainment options that typify Sisters.

That gives Lane Jacobson, owner of Paulina Springs Books, a distinct vantage point when looking ahead, imagining what it will be like five years from now.

“In 2031, the arts and entertainment scene in Sisters will look much the same as it does today – and that’s a massive achievement,” he said emphatically.

“It’s a certain kind of person who chooses to live here – someone who still loves paper books, live music, handmade art. For a town our size, we have an embarrassment of riches on this front - great venues, festivals, fairs, a spectacularly curated movie house, galleries galore.

“As the digital world accelerates, with short-form media, algorithm-driven content, and AI reshaping culture and pressuring creative

industries, I believe Sisters will respond by leaning in to what already makes it so special: gathering in person, celebrating craft, and nurturing a community bound by shared creativity.

“Whether or not the big technology-driven changes predicted for the arts actually unfold in the next five years (or at all), we’ve already witnessed a resurgence of the analog and seen people seeking out more tangible and shared experiences. That energy feels especially strong here.

“As we continue to welcome new neighbors to Sisters, my hope is that they help carry these values forward and bring a spirit of participation – showing up for performances, supporting local artists, helping new maker spaces take root, sharing their own creative endeavors, and joining in our shared creative rhythm.

“Maybe a few things will change on the periphery or we’ll blend some new technology into our operations, but if, in 2031, the arts and entertainment scene in Sisters is largely unchanged from today, it will stand as a testament to this community’s values and love of the arts.”

LETTERS

Continued from page 9

study as published in The Lancet. Drawing down U.S.A.I.D will cost taxpayers 6.4 billion dollars over the next two years according to the State Department memo June 3, 2025. Enough money to save a million children from dying yet here we are shutting down the very programs that keep those children alive.

I’m not going to pontificate or get selfrighteous but I want all of us to ask ourselves: How do we reconcile these type of budget cuts with our beliefs and our conscience? Where did our Christian core values go? What happened to our empathy? Are we partisan first and Christian second?

I’ll leave my questions with you and let you find your answers, but for me I don’t recognize our country anymore. Our lack of empathy demonstrated by the current administration’s budget cuts in foreign aid leaves the world without the necessary adhesive that bonds the U.S. with humanity. These cuts in my book are immoral, dishonest, and counter productive. What are your thoughts?

Dirk Van Houweling

s s s

Where were you?

To the Editor:

Steve Woodside has compiled a long list of events, mostly political, and mostly in the U.S., which he found egregious and wondered why, in contrast to the recent national demonstrations against Trump, there were no demonstrations against these events or the actors in them. He implies that the demonstrations against Trump were selective and that the lack of demonstrations against Bill Clinton and Monica, Whitewater, et al. are evidence of hypocrisy. In addition, he implies that the demonstrators against Trump were from the “left” or were liberals, democrats, or some

GOALS: Council will use session to set budgeting priorities

Continued from page 3

setting included an open house and a two-question community survey. The open house on January 22 was at City Hall and had 40 people in attendance who provided verbal and written comments under each of six goal categories:

• Wildfire mitigation and community resiliency.

• Housing, livability, and growth.

• Economic development.

• Essential infrastructure.

• Good governance.

•Environmental sustainability.

From The Nugget’s review of the City staff’s documentation (62 summarized statements of public’s verbal and written suggestions), it became obvious that most of the suggestions have been or are being addressed. This points to a longstanding problem: the public not knowing what the City has done or is doing. This is not due to a lack of information being available to the public, and appears to have more to do with the large number of new residents coming in each year.

such (maybe even some republicans). Now, it must be pointed out that the events that exercised Mr. Woodside should have brought the “right” or conservatives or republicans into the streets. They did not. Why? The answer, and this is the critical point ignored by Mr. Woodside, is that the aforesaid demonstrators objected to Trump’s assault on the U.S. Government and rule of law. None of the events listed by Mr. Woodside threatened the very foundations of this country.

Gary Leiser

s s s

Endless testimonies

To the Editor:

When my in-laws moved to Sisters in the ’90s, we started reading The Nugget Always impressed with the quality of the coverage for such a small town paper, we gladly started subscribing when we knew we would be moving here full time. And while we are still happy with most of it, one aspect appears to have changed — sit has become the Steve Woodside personal complaint rag.

From Letters to the Editor to Editorials to Columns, the most I have seen is two weeks without a diatribe from Mr. Woodside. I’ll be honest — even if I agreed with him, it would be too much.

I think The Nugget should have a limit on how often it publishes articles/letters from the same person. One thing I can agree with Mr. Woodside on is from his last editorials: “The people of Sisters do not need endless testimonies each week” — at least from the same people.

Although I think it is a bit presumptuous to speak on behalf of the people of Sisters, so I will just speak on behalf of myself.

Gigi Merrill

The public made suggestions for new goals: create natural firebreaks (example — restore wetland meadows), develop more variety of unsubsidized units for single occupancy by young adults or retired/elderly, seek more trade sector businesses for the area with avenues for youth into such trades, create and develop a municipal broadband, allow for City assembles, and limit focus on tourism.

The two-question survey had 163 respondents. The first question asked, “What is the most important issue facing the Sisters community today? City staff found, “Residents overwhelmingly want safety, affordability, and livability,” but are concerned about rapid growth, increased development density, addressing the unhoused, and state mandates that override local controls.

The second question asked, “What should City Council focus on in 202627?” City staff documented that respondents wanted Council to, “slow down, reduce wildfire risk, protect livability, make housing and jobs work for locals, rebuild trust before expanding [the Urban Growth Boundary] further.”

City Manager Jordan

Nugget Poetry Corner

Tick Tock

Wake Up!

s s s

Wheeler provided detailed status on the current 202526 Council goals. In summary, a total of 45 projects under a total of 17 strategies under the six goal categories (shared above). Of the 45 projects; nine are complete, 30 are in progress (some may complete before July and some are critical ongoing long-term goals like putting current utility lines underground — that can only be affordably funded/completed along with adjacent developments), and four low priority goals are not started but might complete before July. Council deliberated over all goals, removing what was done, rewording, and adding a few new.

On the City’s website, https://www.ci.sisters.or.us, ‘Active City Projects’ is found low on the home page — click the tree icon. The City website also includes lists of projects in progress or recently completed under either Community Planning or Public Works departments. To review current or past council goals, use the “Government” pulldown tab on the upper part of the home page and go to “City Council.” The latter location is where the 2026-27 Council goals will be posted once approved in March.

ByGabrielleBöhme

Tic k Tock! Tick Tock!

Wake Up!

Is our countr y gone?

What happened? What went wr ong?

Did we let them sing their song too long?

A tune of gr eed.

A ditty of war.

A c hir ping of lies

T his dance of deception

Who car es for the needy?

What about the poor?

Our c hildr en sent aw ay to fight.

Gr andma and gr andpa fade aw ay

What a cr uel and senseless plight.

Is it too late...

To change this ho rrific fate?

Wher e will we belong?

When our countr y is forever gone

Tic k Tock Tick Tock

White Clouds of Comfort

ByEdieJones

Alone – in the wor ld. All’s well, you pr etend, then under w hite c louds, peace, and calm descend. You imagine God hovering ther e in the sky.

Touc hing so gently those tear s in your eyes

Listen – reflect – fill your lungs with peace. Let pr oblems dissolve, all worries release.

Soak up His car ess, feel His embr ace.

Savor His tender touc h on your face.

Listen, and you will hear,

“Be still and know that I am God.

I am ther e w hen c louds re place the fo g that causes wor ry, evokes pain.

Remember – I’m always here

Just call my name .”

Journey

ByBethEckert

Rustling leaves in the tr ees

Swir ling ar ound the ear th

Dancing in the wind

Thoughts falling upon me like shooting stars

Fleeting in their momentar y pr esence

My mind is her e, though quiet

Able to gr asp any memory or thought

My senses heightened

Even though I am still and

Cannot hear or move

No need for physical

I am a star tr aveler

Entering the ne w cosmos of being

Light sur rounds me

Calm is my c larity in this ne w form

Is this the jour ney beginning?

Or the jour neys end...

Gravel, Concrete & Asphalt Driveways

Sidewalks, Patios, & RV Pads • Site Grading & Excavation Rock & Boulder Retaining Walls R

Obituary

BANR Enterprises, LLC

P.O. Box 1108 | Sisters, OR 97759 | ccb#165122

541-549-6977 • banr.net

Margery Stockman

Guthrie

September 6, 1936 – February 10, 2026

Margery was born in Pendleton, Oregon, to Lowell and Dorcas Conklin Stockman. She passed away under the care of Partners in Care at Brookdale Memory Care in Bend, of complications of dementia. Her father was a congressman representing Oregon’s 2nd District, 1942-1952, so her early school years were in the Washington, D.C. area. She graduated from Pendleton High School in 1954, then from Oregon State College in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, where she made lifelong friends.

On September 8, 1956, Margery and Frank Guthrie were married in a garden wedding at her parent’s home in Pendleton. They lived in off-campus housing in Corvallis for the two years remaining before graduation, a mixed blessing that generated much laughter over the next nearly-70 years of their marriage. They moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, for Frank’s graduate school, where their two sons, Gary (1959) and Tom (1961) were born. Upon graduation they moved to Springfield, Oregon, for Frank’s employment. Daughter Gwen (1964) was born in a nearby Eugene hospital; the family later moved to Eugene.

Margery had little opportunity to use her clothing and retailing education, but after attending modeling school, worked as a contractor teaching modeling/ appearance/clothing for bank employees. She went back to oil painting and learned tree sculpture from a Bonsai master. When the family moved to Federal Way, Washington, in 1971, she continued with Bonsai, including teaching friends. She became interested in pottery, taking classes and later teaching pottery as

well. When Margery moved to Longview, in 1988, she started a business in pottery, “Form and Fire,” both selling and teaching. With Margery and Frank both retired, they moved to Sisters in 1996, moving into Margery’s “forever home.” She gave up Bonsai (too cold for outdoor potted plants). Later, she gave up pottery (too hard on the hands) and returned to oil painting as her favored pastime. She found time to enjoy new friends at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, and became director of the Art Show for 20 years at the church’s fund-raiser Country Fair and Art Show. In July 2025 she moved to Brookdale Memory Care in Bend. Her smile and good cheer were appreciated there!

Margery was preceded by her brother Bill Stockman, sister Mary Carpenter, and brother-inlaw Willard Guthrie. She is survived by her husband Frank, their three children Gary (Laura), Tom (Deborah), and Gwen (Mike Bame); seven grandchildren Stuart, Cameron, Dylan, John, Samantha, Luke, and Nora; nieces Kimberly, Margery Joy, Lucinda, and Janet; nephews Lowell, Will, Max, Larry, and David.

A Celebration of Life and inurnment are being planned for June or July at our church in Sisters. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity would be appreciated.

s Crossword Sponsors

Dermaplane Pure Focus

Improves texture, increases produc pene tration, and is perfec t to address stubborn peach fuzz

Book ser vices at roamnaturalskincare.com

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

CLASSIFIED RATES

COST: $3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.

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

CATEGORIES:

102 Commercial Rentals STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

8 x 20 dry box

• Fenced yard,

access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.

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

202 Firewood NEW DISCOUNT PRICES SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD • SINCE 1976 • Fuel Reduction Forestry Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES – 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com Order Online! 541-410-4509

205 Garage & Estate Sales

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

Sharie 541-771-1150

301 Vehicles

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

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

We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

403 Pets

SISTERS WHISKERS

Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org

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

A D V E R T I S E H E R E ! Do you offer LESSONS, WORKSHOPS or CLASSES? Let our readers know! JUST $3.50 per line the first week, $2.50 per line for repeat weeks. And online at no extra charge! Call 541-549-9941

500 Services SMALL Engine REPAIR Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers Sisters Rental

331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

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

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

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

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

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC

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

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

Member Better Business Bureau

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

M & J CARPET CLEANING

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

504 Handyman AlpenGlow Handyman Services Small & Large Jobs 20+ Years Experience CCB#180099 Call/Text: 541-728-8607

AlpenGlowHandymanServices. com • Credit Cards Accepted

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

– Sisters Oregon Guide –Pick one up throughout town!

4 Brothers Tree Service Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal.

– FOREST MANAGEMENT –Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects!

Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 4brostrees.com

Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

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

• Wildfire Fuels reduction

• Debris Chipping/Mastication

• Forest Health Thinning

• Wildfire Cleanup & Restoration

• Tree Removal

Will Moore, 541-409-5404

ISA Certified Arborist

We are the experts you’ve been looking for! LCB# 100129 & Oregon Professional Logger 71395048 TimberStandImprovement.net Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825

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

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062

www.sistersfencecompany.com

Custom Homes Additions - Remodels Residential Building Projects Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com — Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

Projects

Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

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

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

Earthwood Timber

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

Answer: Page 22

LOCAL CONSTRUCTION

C L A S S I F I

SERVICES & HOME MAINT.

Remodels • Landscaping

Electrical Service & Repair Est. 1947, CCB#54572 Local in Sisters 503-357-2146

Firewise Maintenance

Decks & Much More! Pease Co. Contracting Call Tanner at 541-588-0136. Big and small jobs! CCB# 256258

CASCADE VALLEY CONTRACTING, LLC

General Contractor CCB#180099 Custom Remodels • Additions

Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service

Electrical Service & Repair Est. 1947, CCB#54572 Local in Sisters 503-357-2146

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

• Decks • Firewise Upgrades 20+ Years Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Call/Text 541-728-8607

CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860

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

Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service

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

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

SistersHeatingAir.com

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

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

802 Help Wanted

SistersHeatingAir.com

605 Painting Interior/Exterior Painting

Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860

603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation

Lara’s Construction LLC. CCB#223701

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

605 Painting

Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327

peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491

603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation

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

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

Interior/Exterior Painting

Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327

NOW HIRING

peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491

~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com

802 Help Wanted

NOW HIRING

Housekeeping and Maintenance Team Members

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

CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

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

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888 Drainfield

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888 Drainfield

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

• All Septic Needs/Design & Install General Excavation

• All Septic Needs/Design & Install

General Excavation

• Site Preparation

• Site Preparation

Remodel / Renovate / Repair

remodel, little home everything in between. cascadiadesignbuildllc.com

• Rock & Stump Removal

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

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

• Rock & Stump Removal

• Pond & Driveway Construction

• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation

• Building Demolition Trucking

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

Scholarship honors Central Oregon brothers

Graduating seniors from Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties are invited to apply for the Jake and Josh Eckstein Memorial Trade Scholarship. Applications are due March 2.

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

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

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

• Building Demolition Trucking

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

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

• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!

PLUMBING, INC.

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 SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.

“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling New Construction Water Heaters

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

GARDEN ANGEL LANDSCAPING

THE GARDEN ANGEL LANDSCAPING

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

Alpine Landscape Maintenance An All-Electric Landscape Company.

• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!

BRANCHWATER EXCAVATION & SEPTIC, LLC 541-408-4204 sophia@branchwater excavation.com

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

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

999 Public Notice

999 Public Notice

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF BALLOT TITLE

Alpine Landscape Maintenance An All-Electric Landscape Company.

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

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

BRANCHWATER EXCAVATION & SEPTIC, LLC 541-408-4204 sophia@branchwater excavation.com

Sisters owned and operated

Josh & Sophia McCarthy

“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling

– 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

– 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

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF BALLOT TITLE

The scholarship recognizes that the path to a rewarding career doesn’t always start in a four-year college lecture hall but can be found in the grit, skill, and dedication of the trades.

On March 29, 2019, the Central Oregon community suffered a profound loss. Brothers Jake and Josh Eckstein, aged 21 and 19, tragically lost their lives in a car accident on an icy road while traveling to work at Taylor NW. The young men were known for their love of the outdoors and their burgeoning careers in the trades — careers that provided them with solid living wages and a sense of pride.

Sisters owned and operated Josh & Sophia McCarthy

Experience you can trust. All Septic Systems: New Install & Repairs * Driveway Refurb & New * Fire Breaks * Site Prep * Land Clearing & Clean Up FREE ESTIMATES CCB# 256753

• New Construction

541-549-4349 Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587 GEORGE’S — SEPTIC SERVICE

Experience you can trust. All Septic Systems: New Install & Repairs * Driveway Refurb & New * Fire Breaks * Site Prep * Land Clearing & Clean Up FREE ESTIMATES CCB# 256753

BANR Enterprises, LLC

• Water Heaters 541-549-4349

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

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587 — GEORGE’S

541-419-3148

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

Notice is hereby given that a ballot title for a measure referred to by Camp Sherman Road District #18 has been filed with the County Clerk of Jefferson County on February 18, 2026. This measure will be on May 19, 2026, Primary Election Ballot. The ballot title caption is “Renewal of current Local Option Tax Levy for 5 years” The full text of this ballot measure is available at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office, 66 SE D Street, Suite C, Madras, OR 97741 or on the Jefferson County website (jeffco.net/cc).

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

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls Residential & Commercial

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

604 Heating & Cooling ACTION AIR

541-419-3148

Notice is hereby given that a ballot title for a measure referred to by Camp Sherman Road District #18 has been filed with the County Clerk of Jefferson County on February 18, 2026. This measure will be on May 19, 2026, Primary Election Ballot. The ballot title caption is “Renewal of current Local Option Tax Levy for 5 years”

The full text of this ballot measure is available at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office, 66 SE D Street, Suite C, Madras, OR 97741 or on the Jefferson County website (jeffco.net/cc).

An elector may file a petition for review of this ballot title in the Jefferson County Circuit Court no later than 5:00 p.m., February 27, 2026.

CCB #188594 • LCB #9264

An elector may file a petition for review of this ballot title in the Jefferson County Circuit Court no later than 5:00 p.m., February 27, 2026.

Katherine Zemke Jefferson County Clerk

www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462

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

604 Heating & Cooling

ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

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

Advertise with The Nugget! Classifieds & Display ads Online & Social Media Regional magazines 541-549-9941

Heating & Cooling, LLC

Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com CCB #195556 541-549-6464 T H

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

CCB #195556 541-549-6464

Katherine Zemke

Jefferson County Clerk

Published in The Nugget Newspaper February 25, 2026.

STEVE'S HAULING

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

Eastern Cascade Solutions Landscaping & Construction www.easterncascadesolutions. com • 541-233-7195

Eastern Cascade Solutions

Landscaping & Construction

www.easterncascadesolutions. com • 541-233-7195

LCB #9958 • CCB #222039 www.nuggetnews.com

LCB #9958 • CCB #222039 www.nuggetnews.com

Published in The Nugget Newspaper February 25, 2026.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

for puzzle on page 21

What began as a gesture of solidarity — coworkers passing a hardhat at a job site to raise $6,000 — has evolved into a lasting legacy. Established in partnership between parents Scott and Phyllis Eckstein and Oregon Community Foundation, the scholarship fund ensures that Jake and Josh are never forgotten while lifting up the next generation of craftspeople.

In 2026, the fund aims to award five scholarships of $2,500 to qualified students.

“Our boys excelled in their short careers, making a solid living wage with good benefits,” says Scott Eckstein. “We feel strongly about giving back to the community that stood by us. We want to help students who share that same passion for building and fixing the world around them.”

The scholarship is specifically designed for high school graduates and GED recipients in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties who are pursuing careers in Career Technical Education, such as construction; mechanical trades; technical trades.

The application is hosted by the Office of Student Access and Completion. Students can submit their application for this funding opportunity, and many other scholarships at www.oregonstudentaid.gov/scholarships. Applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded late May 2026.

Outlaws swimmers compete at State

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Lola Magner wrapped up her sophomore swimming season with two individual events and one relay at the OSAA 4A/3A/2A/1A State Championships held at Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center in Beaverton, February 20-21.

Magner clocked 1:07.78 in the prelims of the 100-yard backstroke, missing the final by just one second, leaving her in ninth place overall. Similarly in the 100-yard breaststroke, Magner placed 10th in a time of 1:19.11.

In the 200-yard freestyle relay, Magner teamed up with Rylie Bick, Haven Heuberger, and Kate Singleton to finish in 1:54.04 for 11th place.

The Newport girls won the team title with 42 points, followed by Valley Catholic 32, Cottage Grove 28, and Marist Catholic 20. The top four teams earn state trophies. Newport’s boys team also won the title.

Coach Alex Bick said he was proud of all four girls who competed and felt good about the relay team finishing ahead of the team that beat Sisters at District.

Bick said, “It was great exposure for the youngsters on the team, Lola and Ryah (Nordell), who I expect will be back at state in the seasons to come and personally it’s been especially nice to be able to coach my daughter Rylie all four years.”

Bick also acknowledged athletic director Matt Hilgers and athletic secretary Katie Arends for their support throughout the season.

“They give a lot of time to the teams and it is much appreciated,” he said.

SONG SHARING CIR CLE

community

Optional: Do you have a song that mak es your audience want to sing along? What techniques did yo use in the song to achieve this?

that sing g u his? Wow! The natural reverb here at The Hub makes my song sound even better!