The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLIX No. 4 // 2026-01-28

The Nugget

A year of healing for Sisters man and his

dog

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

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Tourism is vital to Sisters’ economy. It’s not just the immediate economic impact of visitors’ dollars following into the economy; more people require more service-based businesses, everything from a plumber to a lawyer to a dog groomer.

That will not only take pressure off of tourism as an economic engine, but will create more dining and essential retail.

Central Oregon’s tourism sector, and by extension Sisters’, is set for modest growth over the next five years, with baseline annual visitation increases of roughly two percent and upside of three to four percent under favorable conditions, according to the state’s tourism agency.

Recovery in international travel, steady domestic demand for outdoor and experiential trips, and expanded regional air service are the primary growth drivers. Continued interest in outdoor recreation, from hiking and mountain biking to winter sports, supports year-round visitation, while constrained lodging supply and workforce shortages may keep occupancy and average daily rates elevated even as visitor counts rise moderately.

The region faces significant downside risks: recurring wildfires and smoke can sharply reduce short-term demand and damage destination reputation. Macroeconomic shocks or recession could curtail discretionary travel. And housing and labor constraints may limit the industry’s capacity to capture growth.

What do local experts say? Judy Trego, executive director of Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, told The Nugget, “In 2031, Sisters Country will be a modern Western community that preserves its history and remembers those who came before us to make Sisters into the place it is today. We will be a community that supports our individuals, families, and children of limited means so they can continue to enjoy and stay in the community in which they live and work. We will have a strong connection to the beauty and inspiration that surrounds us every day when we step out our door to delight in the mountains and forest that we love so dearly.

“Our families and businesses that are so dependent on connections will grow into an independent community which thrives on new ideas, sharing resources, watching out for our neighbors, and taking nothing for granted.

“In 2031, Sisters will be the most grateful community in our state by

By Jim Cornelius

It’s been almost a year since Ty Godfrey was forced to fight for his life and the life of his dog, Dazey Mae. The pair were attacked by

Decision delayed on district map

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

A decision on whether to put a measure dividing the County into five-new county commissioner districts before voters has been delayed.

The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) decided in their January 21 meeting to delay the question of putting

See MAP on page 9

three dogs in the woods southwest of Sisters on February 6, 2025. Godfrey fought the attacking dogs off with a sheath knife, suffering injuries to his hands. Dazey was seriously injured as well.

Godfrey got Dazey to Sisters

Veterinary Clinic, where she was treated, and he received treatment himself from Sisters EMTs, and later from a doctor. Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies determined that

See DOG on page 17

Supporting dementia care

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

A local group of women known as 100+ Women Who Care-Sisters meet quarterly to support Sisters Country nonprofit projects. At each meeting, nominated nonprofits make appeal presentations and members vote to choose one recipient.

Each member writes a $100 check directly to the selected nonprofit with checks collected at the meeting. The group does not process donations itself and has no membership dues.

The process is simple and direct so the group can make a one-time,

meaningful contribution to a local project. One hundred percent of donations go to the chosen organization, which is responsible for issuing any tax-deduction receipts.

100+ Women Who Care-Sisters is not itself a tax-exempt charitable organization like a 501(c)(3). It is an informal giving group that coordinates collective donations.

At its most recent gathering January 22, the women chose to support Living Well With Dementia Sisters (LWWDS). They presented LWWDS with $10,500 — 105 individual checks in the amount of $100 each.

See DEMENTIA on page 18

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.

Shooting

To the Editor:

I am a conservative. I back the blue always, every time — initially. I support the Second Amendment, and hold a concealed carry permit. When stopped in my vehicle by law enforcement I have and will continue to turn on my interior lighting and place my hands on the steering wheel. I do what I’m told. I have no idea to what incident he or she may be responding. I don’t know their state of mind. If I have a beef with the officer, I take it up (successfully, by the way) in front of a judge.

That said, merely disobeying the orders of law enforcement officers is not now, nor has it ever been, a capital crime, one warranting a death sentence in an actual court of law, let alone on the spot! Some would say of those recently fatally shot by ICE agents that they

were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have, too. That is not usually, in and of itself, a crime punishable by death either.

But what is even more appalling for its long-term implications to our republic, is the reaction of high-level leaders within federal law enforcement. That they can view the same video footage, enhanced and stopped frame-by-frame and come up with interpretation at such variance to what the rest of us see, is disturbing.

There was a time when the all-too-many government gun-carrying agencies at the federal level set the standard for conduct in law enforcement. For misconduct in lower jurisdictions, one could turn to them. Such is not the case now and hasn’t been for years.

When the local senior commander on the scene deigns to look into the mind of the

See LETTERS on page 20

Sisters Weather Forecast

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President Trump’s Overton Window

By Cliff Brush Guest Columnist

The Overton Window is a political concept describing the range of ideas that are acceptable to the public at a given time. They vary from ideas so popular they become policy to the radically unacceptable. The Trump administration probably assumed its initial statements in response to the shooting deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota would at least be publicly acceptable, if not popular. The problem with that assumption: video.

Trump’s first response to Good’s fatal shooting claimed she was a screaming “professional agitator” who “violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defense.” J.D. Vance’s immediate first response was to blame Good for her own death and defend the shooter’s act as selfdefense. No video taken at the scene clearly or convincingly shows Good ran over anyone. That pattern of responses continued after the Alex Pretti shooting.

Before any investigation, the Department of Homeland Security released a statement that Pretti “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun” and “violently resisted” any “attempts to disarm him.” DHS’s statement adds “an agent fired defensive shots” and that “this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” Video evidence contradicts those statements.

dangerous as midterm elections approach. Publicly acceptable impartial investigations could help restore order in Minnesota and benefit the Trump administration. There are hints Trump would support that.

During a CBS interview Trump allowed that video taken by the ICE officer who shot Good “can be viewed two ways, I guess.” At a recent White House briefing Trump said, “they’re going to make mistakes sometimes.” He did not include Good’s shooting as a “mistake.” In a Washington Examiner interview Vance pledged to discipline ICE agents when “justified.” Clean investigations of the Good and Pretti shootings could do more than justifiably identify and discipline any “mistakes.” They could reduce tensions by bringing order to and increasing confidence in ICE’s operations.

The images show Pretti held a phone, turned his back to officers while helping a woman on the ground, was pepper sprayed seconds before he was shot, and that an agent removed someone’s gun during the altercation, perhaps before Pretti was shot. Video evidence moves the Trump administration’s knee-jerk statements about the Good and Pretti shootings toward the Overton Window’s radically unacceptable range. That’s politically

We’re all glad to see the end of it, but the icy inversion that hovered over Sisters for more than a week did offer up some amazing ice sculptures.

Who to trust with the investigations? DHS? Officials there already defended the shooters. The Department of Justice? Six federal prosecutors investigating fraud in Minnesota resigned to protest the DOJ’s lack of interest in investigating the officer who shot Renée Good. Minnesota law enforcement? Too many would doubt the result. The Trump administration should appoint a retired or sitting federal judge from outside Minnesota’s jurisdictions with an impeccable reputation for impartiality to select and supervise a team of current and retired law officers to conduct expedited, fully funded investigations and report findings. The administration should order DHS, ICE, the DOJ, and Minnesota agencies to safeguard and turn all physical and other evidence over to the investigators.

A fair and impartial investigation could open Trump’s Overton Window to an acceptable outcome that improves ICE’s operations. That could help convince the public ICE is not a gang of poorly trained, undisciplined, leaderless, masked vigilantes. Unless the investigators find otherwise.

Views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily shared by the Editor or The Nugget Newspaper.

Got a great photo of life in Sisters Country? Send your high-resolution photo to

A look at new Forest Service HQ

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

District Ranger Ian Reid hosted around a dozen guests last Friday for a walk-through of the recently completed Sisters District headquarters. Most of the guests were current or retired employees of the agency including the two district rangers who preceded Reid, and a past Deschutes National Forest supervisor.

Current supervisor, Bend-based Holly Jewkes, had planned to be in attendance but was called away to a meeting in Portland.

The retirees all had a role during their tenure in bringing the new headquarters to fruition, a long

and often tedious process requiring some clever funding mechanics. Humorous stories were told describing the old HQ building that became more and more dysfunctional in its later years.

The key guests were city councilors Sarah McDougall and Gary Ross, who exchanged warm praise with their hosts.

“The new Sisters ranger station is an excellent example of how careful planning and thoughtful design can create an attractive yet functional facility. Staff took into consideration how the building would blend with the site, creating an attractive addition to our towns western entrance,” Ross said.

“Staff also took the

needs of our community into consideration, with two meeting rooms off the lobby available for community use after hours, as well as designing a large parking lot with RV parking spaces to help support large city events. The lobby features a large three-piece artwork done (and donated by) a Sisters High School student, which adds a spectacular Sisters welcome to visitors!”

“We are lucky for the community of partnerships in Sisters Country. Knowing that the Forest Service’s thoughtful planning included the needs of organizations outside of their own says it all,”

Providing care options for Sisters seniors

By Sue Stafford

Needs change as one progresses through life. Ladders are better left to someone with steadier balance. Cleaning the house becomes a physically challenging chore. Adult children express concerns about your ability to remain safe in your home, living on your own. But where to turn to get answers to your questions or get help making decisions?

Referral And Resources

• The granddaddy of providers for information, support, and services for seniors is the Council on Aging of

Central Oregon (COACO). They are a nonprofit information and referral service provided free of charge. They also offer a wide variety of programs all serving Central Oregon seniors — Meals on Wheels to seniors in their homes as well as in community locations, Grab and Go pickup meals, Caring Connections which decreases loneliness by matching volunteers with seniors for inhome and phone contact, and partnering with other organizations to offer exercise classes, tax preparation, and paid in-home care. They

Citizens invited to weigh in on goals

The Sisters City Council invites community members to take a City Council goalsetting survey by February 1. The survey provides the community an opportunity to share ideas and help shape the City’s priorities for the coming year.

The survey is part of the City Council’s annual goalsetting process. Input gathered will help inform Council as they identify goals that reflect the community needs, values, and long-term vision.

The survey can be found at https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/ sv/ccY8jAo.

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

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

Alcoholics A nonymou s

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

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

Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity

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

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

G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m., at SPR D. 541-76 0- 5645

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

Sisters Trails A lliance Board

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

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

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

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

Every winter the City Council sets goals for the upcoming fiscal year. Each goal is accompanied by specific objectives to ensure measurable and tangible progress throughout the year.

Council has currently established the overarching goals of addressing: Housing, Livability, and Growth; Wildfire Mitigation and Community Resiliency; Economic Development; Essential Infrastructure; Good Governance; Environmental Sustainability; and achieving Urban Renewal Agency Goals.

SCHOOLS

Black Bu tt e School

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

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

CIT Y & PARKS

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

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

FIRE & POLICE

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

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

Raising backyard chickens in Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Estimates of the number of folks in Sisters Country with backyard chickens vary by source but all place the number in the hundreds. Reasons vary as well and generally mirror data for the U.S. as a whole.

What began as a niche hobby more than doubled from the late 2010s into the mid-2020s. Roughly 5.8 million U.S. households kept chickens in 2018, compared with about 11 million today according to the American Pet Products Association.

This reflects sustained increases in interest since the COVID-19 pandemic that inspired many to pursue food self-sufficiency and local food production. Cooped Up Life, a popular blog devoted to raising backyard chickens, says several factors drive their popularity.

Soaring egg prices (a dozen pasture-raised organic eggs at Sisters grocers average $11.99/dozen), supply disruptions, and concerns about food security have pushed people toward producing their own fresh eggs rather than relying solely on grocery stores.

Many owners also treat chickens as pets. About eight million households consider their hens companions, adding a social and emotional appeal beyond mere utility.

Publisher Poultry Science reports that backyard flocks now span urban, suburban, and rural areas alike, with most owners keeping small numbers of hens for eggs, composting help, education, or as pets. Local policies

have become more permissive too. Over 90 percent of major U.S. cities allow backyard chickens in some form, widening access in dense neighborhoods.

While still a minority of all households, the trend illustrates a broader cultural shift toward sustainable living, food awareness, and reconnecting with food sources making backyard chickens a notable feature of today’s Sisters Country lifestyle.

In Sisters, nobody knows chickens like Christine Cole at Sisters Feed & Supply. She has been breeding heritage chickens and Netherlands dwarf rabbits for years to show and for preserving the lifestyle.

“It’s fun and can be rewarding, but it takes careful thought,” said Cole.

Raising backyard chickens requires a mix of planning, daily care, and local awareness, but it is manageable for many households. A proper coop and run are essential. Chickens need a secure, weather-proof coop with ventilation, nesting boxes, and roosts, plus an enclosed outdoor run to protect them from predators.

Space matters. “About three to four square feet per bird inside the coop and eight to 10 square feet per bird outside is typical,” Cole explains.

Daily care includes feeding, watering, and health checks. Chickens eat

commercial feed supplemented with kitchen scraps and grit to aid digestion. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Chickens require regular maintenance. Coops need cleaning to control odors and prevent disease.

Bedding such as straw or wood shavings is replaced as needed, and manure can be composted for gardens. Egg-laying hens need consistent light, calcium, often from crushed oyster shells, and stress-free conditions to stay productive. Seasonal changes, especially winter cold or summer heat, require extra care.

Raising chickens means a time and cost commitment. Startup expenses for housing and birds can be several hundred dollars, with ongoing costs for feed and supplies. In return, owners gain fresh eggs, pest control, compost material, and the satisfaction of producing food at home.

Nine-year-old Adelaide Brent, a fourth grader at Sisters Elementary School, has 13 chickens, plus three chicks inside her home in Cloverdale incubating. She’s been at it for a number of years already.

“It’s fun and also a lot of work,” she told The Nugget. “I’m showing my best birds.”

Her chickens of several breeds, sizes, and colors, produce enough eggs for her family of five. Her free-range birds are fortified with oyster

shells.

“Sometimes, we lose a bird to predators,” her mom Biz said, “but we’ve been pretty lucky. When their egg-laying days are over, Adelaide’s birds go into retirement whereas some chicken keepers harvest the bird.

Cole suggests heavierbodied breeds to get started. She suggests dual-purpose birds egg laying and meat and is fond of Javas and Plymouth Rocks.

“It’s important to get quality birds when starting out,” she said.

Backyard chickens typically lay 200 to 300 eggs per year, with production varying by breed, care, and daylight.

Most hens begin laying at about five to six months old and reach their peak during the first year, when egg output is highest. After that, production gradually declines, often by 10 to 20 percent each year. Most hens remain reliably productive for three to four years, though they may continue laying occasional eggs for several more. Even after egg production slows or stops, chickens can live eight years or longer, and many backyard owners keep older hens as valued members of the flock.

A search of the City of Sisters Municipal Code does not indicate any restrictions on backyard chickens.

Outlaws fall in back-to-back heartbreakers

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Outlaws boys basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 64-68 overtime loss on the road at Elmira on Tuesday, January 20, and then on Friday lost a onepoint decision 51-52 at home to top-ranked Pleasant Hill (PH).

In Tuesday’s matchup against Elmira the Outlaws were battling sickness and injury, and suited up just five varsity players.

To conserve energy for the full 32 minutes, and help manage potential foul trouble, Sisters debuted a 2-3 zone defense for the first time this season. The strategy paid off early, as the Outlaws jumped out to an 11-5 lead. At the end of one, Sisters held a slim 14-13 advantage. Will McDonnell scored 12 of Sisters’ 14 points, attacking the rim and knocking down shots from the perimeter.

Elmira quickly erased the deficit to open the second quarter, and scored the first four points to take a 14-17 lead. Sisters responded with more balanced scoring as all five players found the basket in the period. McDonnell, Keegan Dunn, and Charlie Moen each connected on a three-pointer, while Teegan Schwartz completed a traditional three-point play. Thomas Hamerly put up four points to help Sisters take a 30-27 lead into halftime.

The Outlaws controlled much of the third quarter and built a six-point cushion at 41-35 with 2:25 remaining. Sisters switched back to their standard man-toman defense, which sparked renewed energy and momentum. McDonnell opened the half with a personal ninepoint run, giving the Outlaws their largest lead of the night. Elmira stayed within striking distance, and used offensive rebounds and second-chance points to keep the game close.

On the first possession of the fourth quarter, the Falcons tied the game. Moen answered with three straight points to put Sisters back on top 46-43, but Elmira countered with an

11-0 run to take an eight-point lead with 2:30 remaining. The Outlaws went scoreless for more than three minutes before calling a timeout to regroup. Sisters responded with a gutsy 9-1 run, that ended when Hamerly curled off a screen from Schwartz, took a pass from Moen, and finished an uncontested layup at the buzzer to close out regulation at 55-55 and send the game into overtime.

In the extra period, Sisters grabbed a 62-60 lead with 1:03 left when Schwartz secured an offensive rebound and put it back in. After an Elmira basket, foul, and free throw gave the Falcons a one-point edge, McDonnell answered with a tough baseline drive and finish with 18.3 second remaining. Elmira then hit a broken-play three-pointer with seven seconds left to retake the lead.

Following an Outlaws timeout, the Falcons forced a turnover, and Sisters was forced to foul. Elmira converted both free throws, and sealed the victory.

Coach Chad Rush said, “This was a game where the Outlaws showed their resilience and grit being outnumbered for the game. It was great to see the kids respond so well to the adversity. Being in the middle of league play, we don’t have time to dwell on the loss and need to refocus for the perennial league title favorite Pleasant Hill on Friday night.

Three days later the Outlaws came up just short, falling to top-ranked Pleasant Hill in a thrilling league showdown at home.

Pleasant Hill entered the contest with a 12-3 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in league play, and ranked No. 4 in the state. Once again, sickness and injury plagued the Outlaws, forcing them to play with just five players for the second straight game. Marshall Durham and Kieren Labhart returned after missing Tuesday’s game due to illness, while Moen and Hamerly were sidelined after being hit by the bug.

Despite the adversity, the atmosphere inside the gym

was electric. It was Pack the Gym Night and White Out, with youth boys and girls in attendance and a packed house on hand. The young Outlaws showcased their skills at halftime, adding to the energy as the crowd cheered relentlessly all night.

Sisters struck first, breaking the Billies’ press and moving the ball around before Labhart found McDonnell at the top of the key for an open three-pointer on the opening possession. After PH answered, the Outlaws held the Billies scoreless for nearly five minutes before PH hit a pair of three-pointers to even the score. Teegan Schwartz closed the first quarter by drawing a foul on an offensive rebound putback, converting one of two free throws to give Sisters a 9-8 lead after one.

Pleasant Hill grabbed a 16-19 advantage in the second quarter on a transition dunk, but the Outlaws responded immediately. Out of a baseline out-of-bounds play, Schwartz found McDonnell in the corner for a three to tie the game with 3:10 remaining. Sisters finished the half on a 5-2 run and carried a 24-21 lead into

the break.

McDonnell got Sisters rolling in the third quarter, slicing through the defense for a basket at the rim to extend the lead to 26-21. The Billies countered with a run to tie the game at 28-28, but the Outlaws answered with a quick 6-0 surge. Pleasant Hill briefly reclaimed the lead at 36-38 with 2:25 left in the quarter, yet Sisters closed the period on another 6-0 run to take a 42-38 lead into the fourth.

The Billies opened the final quarter with eight unanswered points, holding the Outlaws scoreless for the first three minutes and taking a 42-46 lead. With time winding down, Sisters battled back and trailed 48-50 with just over a minute remaining.

With 43 seconds left, McDonnell delivered again — scoring on a reversepivot layup while drawing a foul, then converting the free throw to give the Outlaws a 51-50 lead. Pleasant Hill answered with a layup of its own, missed the ensuing free throw, but still went ahead

51-52 with eight seconds left on the clock. Sisters secured the rebound and pushed the ball up the floor, but aggressive defense from the Billies knocked the ball away, allowing PH to escape with the one-point victory.

McDonnell led the Outlaws with 30 points. Rush reflected on the Outlaws’ effort.

“This was another gutcheck, grit-building opportunity for the Outlaws, with only five players for the second game in a row,” said Rush. “The team responded great and battled a top-ranked team all night and were 16 seconds away from pulling out the victory. I am proud of the boys for once again showing their resilience and teamwork. Hopefully, we will get back to full strength next week as we finish the first half of league and start the second half, where we will try to make a run to the league playoffs.”

Sisters will travel to La Pine on Wednesday, January 28, and on Friday they will play on the road at Harrisburg.

Award-winning author to visit Sisters

Award-winning author David Guterson will present his latest novel, “Evelyn In Transit,” at Paulina Springs Books on Wednesday, January 28, at 6:30 p.m. Evelyn Bednarz has always been a misfit. She’s easily bored and unsuited to life at school. She asks odd questions about faith and time. She’s supremely practical. She sees through the conventions others take for granted and the grandiosity of people who are supposed to know better but don’t know anything about life or what it means. Seeking to live in an honest way, true to herself, she hitchhikes across the American West, traveling from Indiana to Washington State and from New Mexico to Alaska, taking odd jobs. One day her life will intersect with a history completely alien to her own, unfolding in distant Tibet, and yet, strangely linked — as she’ll discover when a Tibetan lama shows up at her door to announce that her adorable five-yearold son Cliff (product of a passing relationship on the road) is the seventh reincarnation of Norbu Rinpoche, an illustrious high lama who has recently died. The lama’s visit sets off a family struggle over Evelyn’s fitness as a mother, and as news gets out, a media firestorm. Should Cliff live monastically in faraway Nepal, or be raised as an ordinary boy in the Midwest?

Open-minded and humane, with profoundly real and lovable protagonists, “Evelyn In Transit” is full of much-needed insight and compassion about messy humanity, our strivings for transcendence, and what it might mean to “live the right way.”

David Guterson’s many awards include a

SFF Presents offers painting class

Guggenheim Fellowship, the American Booksellers Association Book of the Year Award, the Barnes & Noble Discover Award, and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for “Snow Falling on Cedars,” which was made into a major motion picture, translated into 25 languages, and has sold over four million copies worldwide. His new novel “Evelyn In Transit” is a crystalline novel about defying expectations, hitting the road, and seeking the right way to live.

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

SFF Presents will host an all-day gouache painting class with renowned local artist Paul Alan Bennett on Saturday, March 7, at Sisters Art Works. This immersive workshop is open to adults 18 and older, with no prior painting experience required.

Registration opens on Wednesday, January 28 at 10 a.m. at https://aftontickets. com/paulalanbennettart and is limited to 10 people.

With more than 40 years of professional experience, Bennett is a master of gouache painting, and a highly sought-after instructor. He studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and spent six years living and teaching in Greece, where he also earned a master’s degree in Greek History with an emphasis on Greek Art. His work has appeared in galleries, posters, prints, greeting cards, and book covers, and in 2005, Pendleton Woolen Mills selected 16 of his paintings to be produced as tapestries. By his own estimate, Bennett has taught painting to more than 25,000 students worldwide.

This one-day workshop will introduce students to gouache, a traditional medium favored by illustrators for its ability to create both transparent washes and rich, opaque details, perfect

for rendering textures like hair, fabric, and night skies. Using a simple five-color palette, watercolor paper, #6 brushes, and a plastic palette, students will be guided through drawing, design concepts, and handson painting. Time will be dedicated to both structured exercises and personal creative exploration. Students should come dressed to paint and move around. The class will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the JAM studio on the second floor of the Sisters Art Works building. All supplies

Please

and lunch will be provided, with gluten-free and vegan options available.

The recommended tuition is $150 per person. To help eliminate financial barriers, SFF Presents offers pay-what-you-can pricing through its scholarship fund. This fund enables access to our programs for those in financial need (on an honor based system), and also provides college scholarships for graduating Sisters High School seniors. For more information, visit https://www.sffpresents.org/ workshops-and-classes.

McDougall added.

The new ranger station replaces the prior ranger station built in 1957, which no longer met building code standards. The new building is designed for the 21st century workforce, which requires increased connectivity and technology to accomplish the agency’s mission, the agency says.

A new warehouse was completed in 2023, providing a common workspace and storage for equipment and vehicles for all program areas, including fire operations, recreation, timber, and silviculture. Additionally, the warehouse provides storage for three fire engines in a heated bay, thus prolonging their lifespan and keeping them available for fall and winter use when outdoor temperatures could damage water storage components.

The warehouse is compliant with Architectural Barriers Act standards, which are more stringent than the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for workspace, with adequate security that directly contributes to the District’s ability to perform critical work for the Forest.

Planning for an updated Sisters Ranger Station has

been underway since 2004. Over the years, three different locations and multiple iterations of site plans were considered. Deschutes National Forest officials chose the final location based on its opportunity to best serve the public, to provide continuous operations in Sisters, and to provide the best value to taxpayers.

Reid pulled out a copy of the 2019 Sisters Country strategic visioning process that listed the development of the Sisters Ranger Station site as the top priority for the community.

Reid said, “The Sisters Ranger Station fields an average of 10,000 calls and visitors each year.”

The Sisters Ranger Station is open for business Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closes 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch.

Construction costs were around $10 million dollars with an additional approximately $3 million for the warehouse, furniture, etc. Roughly $3 million dollars were offset through the sale of portions of the administrative site.

Construction of the new ranger station was funded in part through the sale of a portion of Forest Service land adjacent to the new office which is made possible by the Forest Service Facility Realignment & Enhancement Act, which allows the Forest Service to use funds collected from the

sale of administration sites for site improvements. This authority can only be used for the sale of Forest Service land recognized as an administration site.

The updated facility and associated parking area provide an enhanced visitor experience. The new ranger station has increased connectivity and technology that not only improves employee workflow, but also supports better functionality for visitors purchasing passes, permits, and maps.

The new facility features increased security functions that improve employee safety and better protects

taxpayer investments on fleet and equipment.

Public meeting space exists with large, dividable conference rooms and

processes to reserve this space in a fair and equitable process are being developed by staff, Reid told the group.

Prineville author shares stories of life in show business

Prineville author Lynn Troupe will present his debut memoir “And That’s Another Story: A Country Boy Goes to Hollywood” at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, February 5, at 6:30 p.m.

As the son of a cowboy, Lynn Troupe never thought he’d leave the rural lifestyle. But when he got the chance to be an extra in “It Happened at the World’s Fair,” the thrill and excitement of being on a movie set lit a fire inside him. He wanted to be in Hollywood. The only question was how.

Follow Lynn through marriages, divorces, and deaths as his dogged persistence earns him a place behind the scenes of movies and shows like “T.J. Hooker,” “In The Heat of the Night,” and “Mountain Men.” But the reality of making movies is very different from the fantasy.

Troupe lives in Prineville, with his partner, Dorothy, and their energetic dog, Izzy. He loves to work in his garden and on his classic cars. He’s active in the community as a member of the Central Oregon Rodders and Prineville Kiwanis. This is his first book, but he has plenty more stories to share, so he thinks he ought to write a second.

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

COMM UN IT Y AN NOUNCE ME NTS

Tea, Commun it y & Empowerment with M Perfec tly

Wednesday, Febru ar y 4, f rom 10 :0 0 a .m . to noon at Su le Tea i n Sisters, joi n a mea ni ng fu l morning hosted by M Per fect ly, a nonpro t on a m ission to equip women i n recover y w it h the education, oppor tunities , and resou rce s t hey need for long-ter m s uccess . i s event i s a c ha nce to c on nect , lear n about t hei r program s, and s uppor t women w ho a re courageously rebui ld ing t heir lives . A por tion of Su le Tea’s proceed s t hat d ay w il l bene t M Per fect ly. Spac e i s l im ited so R SV P to h ps://www eventbrite.com /e/com mu nitea-pa rt y-a-tea-with-pur poseticket s-19805010 27888

For i nfor mation, contact hello@mper fect ly.org

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

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

Da niel Sie gel a nd Tin a Bry son.

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

commun it y e vent at Pau li na

Fi rst Fr id ay Fa mi ly Fun

Bi ngo Night Fr id ay, Febru ar y 6 . D in ner for purchase 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 g i ca rd and c ash pri zes . 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 sales wi l l bene t K iw ani s Food Ban k i n Sisters . L oc al s a nd v isitor s welcome! e Epi scopa l Churc h of t he Tra ns gu ration, 121 Brook s Camp R oad, Si sters . Contact: 5 41-5 49 -7087. Mont hly Song wr iters’ Sharing Ci rcle Be in a creative community and be inspired while sharing songs, being a great listener, and providing feedback. Second Sunday of the month, 6 to 8 p.m., upstairs in the Sisters Art Works building (accessible by chair lift), 204 W Adams Ave. Free. Info: call/text 541977-8494.

Hu nter Educat ion Class Starts March 3, 2026. Register online at www.odfw.com. For more information call Rick Cole at 541-420-6934

10 0+Women Who Ca re 10 0 + Women W ho CareSi sters i s act ively rec ru it ing women to joi n t

t he g roup’s fou nd ing i n 20 24 . ere i s no membership fee. e g roup meet s qua rterly For more i nfor mation, ema i l 10 0w wc .Sisters@g

Send an email to editor@ nuggetnews.com

Free Lu nches for Seniors For t hose 6 0+, t he Cou nc il on A ging of C entra l O regon o er s a f un, no-cost soc ia l lu nc h e ver y Tuesd ay, 11

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

Commun it y C hu rc h, 130 0 W. McK en zie Hwy. No reserv at ion s needed . No-cost

Grab-N -G o lunche s t ake pl ace wee kly on Wed ne sd ay and u rsday, f rom 12:3 0 to 1 p. m . Cal 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 Sisters

Ma rket h ou r s a re Mondays , 1 to 2 p.m . I nfo: 5 41-5882332

Free Week ly Meal Serv ice

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

Church, 130 0 W. McK en zie

Hw y. I nfo: www

Fami lyKitc hen.org.

Free Pet Food

Need pet food for you r dog or c at? Cal l t he Furr y Friends pet food ban k at 5 41-79740 23 to schedu le you r pick up

Located at 412 E . M ai n Ave., Ste . 4, beh ind e Nug get.

Kiwa nis Food Ba nk

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

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

Faci litated by Dr . K el ly Dav is

Ma rti n of Growt h R ings

Famil y erapy

Check-In Ci rcle:

Come As You Are

A welcoming s pace to be seen and hea rd . e g roup fol lows a ser ies of simple c heck-i ns th at o er s tr uc ture w it hout pressu re a nd honest y w it hout perfor ma nce . Fir st a nd t hi rd

Mond ay s . Nex t meeting sta rt s at 4 :3 0 p.m . on Febru ar y 2 , at e Hub, 291 E . M ai n Ave.

RS VP to M ic hael Gra nt at 503- 688-48 81

Amer ican Legion and VF W VF W Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86 meet the rst Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at e Hub, 291 E. Main St. Email sistersveterans@gmail.com for info

Cent ra l Oregon Federated Republ ican Meet ing COFRW (Cent ra l O regon Federated R epublica 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 A spen L ake s G ol f C lub i n Sisters

Come lea r n f rom g uest s peakers, a nd hea r a nd quest ion loc al and state c andidates . Meeti ngs include lunc h for $ 27. R SV P requ ired to a end . L ea r n more about upcom ing meeti ngs a nd spea kers, a nd R SV P at COFRWB end@gm ail.com Volu nteer at Sisters Habitat for Hu ma nity Help build hope a nd homes i n Sis ters, con nec t w it h new people, m ake f riends , a nd m ake a d i erence i n ou r com mu nity Volu nteer tod ay! L ea r n more at www.sis tershabitat.org/ volu nteer or c al l 5 41-5 49 -1193.

Ba ha’i Fa it h

For i nfor mation, devot ions, study g roups, etc ., cont ac t S hauna R ocha 5 41-6 47-982 6 • www.bah ai .org www.bah ai .u s • www.bah aiteac hi ng s.org Chapel in the Pi nes Ca mp S herma n • 5 41-815 -9153 10 a .m . Sunday Wor sh ip

e Church of Jesu s Chri st

Fa mily Stor y Ti

Wednesday, Febru ar y 4, 10 :3 0 to 11 a .m . Sisters

Librar y - Com mu nit y R oom. Interact ive stor y t ime for ch ildren 0 -5 yea rs

Pete Ka rt sounes

Perfor ma nce

Wednesday, Febru ar y 4, 12:3 0 to 1:3 0 p.m . Sisters Librar y - Com mu nit y R oom Enjoy t he eclec tic sty le of a n awa rd-w inning singersong wr iter on g uita r.

Map C as a legislative measure on the ballot during the 2026 election cycle. Map C proposes dividing the County into five new county commissioner districts, a proposition that has proved controversial.

The BOCC conducted two public forums on January 20-21. The public had been welcomed throughout the District Mapping Advisory Committee (DMAC) meetings (August 27 through November 12 of 2025), which included a DMAC listening forum October 16, 2025.

The DMAC presented to the BOCC on December 3, had three recommendations: a five-district map (Map C), the BOCC should randomly select the numbering of the five districts, and that redistricting (if Map C is approved by the voters in 2026) should not occur until the 2030 census completes.

During the BOCC’s annual retreat on January 15, the numbering of each district was done randomly by Central Oregon Community College students using bingo balls. The resulting Draft District Commissioner Map (formerly, Map C) accompanies this story.

The 2024 November election included ballot measure 9-173 to expand the BOCC from three to five members and was approved by 65 percent of those voting. The new positions four and five are initially two-year terms and will be elected at large in May 2026. If any candidates have a tie, their election is decided November 2026. In election year 2028, seats four and five will thence forward be four-year terms to align with existing law.

Two of BOCC’s incumbents’ four-year terms are ending, so positions one and three will also have elections in May. Thus, County voters will be voting to fill four commissioner seats at large in 2026 — “at large” because currently there are no commissioner districts in the county.

The BOCC met several times after the November election and into May 2025 discussing transitioning from five at-large commissioner positions to establishing individual commissioner districts. The BOCC voted by a simple majority to initiate the drafting of five commissioner districts for voter consideration in the May or November 2026 election. On May 5, 2025, the BOCC voted unanimously to form a committee with members selected by BOCC

nominations. In July 2025, the BOCC appointed seven community members to the nonpartisan DMAC.

Over their 10 public meetings, the DMAC reviewed several five-district map options created using specific criteria (paraphrased):

• Each district shall be contiguous, keep precincts whole, keep communities or geographic boundaries whole, and consider growth patterns.

• No district shall favor any political party, incumbent elected official or other person.

• No district shall dilute the voting strength of any minority group.

• The populations of each district shall be approximately equal (no more than five percent population variance between districts).

• The map shall have five districts.

The public comments (in person and written) between October 1, 2025, through the most recent listening meeting January 21, leaned by 81 percent against creating districts, the DMAC process, and/ or Map C. These statistics were gathered by The Nugget from the County websites Deschutes.org/DMAC and BOCC’s past meeting videos. A total of 275 citizens gave written or in-person testimony to DMAC or BOCC; 223 individuals were against doing districting at all or objected to Map C in particular, and 52 were in favor.

The most common favorable statements were: having districts will give rural voters more of a voice; district representation gives the populous someone to call; and it is cheaper for candidates to campaign in a district rather than a county. Commonalities in comments against were: the public should first be asked if they want districts; creating districts should follow the 2026 election commissioners or after the 2030 census; the DMAC process was rushed; Map C is possibly illegal per Oregon statutes; and Map C appears to favor the Republican party in three of the five districts. With or without districts,

voting at large was commonly preferred, and the option of ranked-choice voting was raised several times.

After the public comments on January 21, the BOCC discussed the next steps for the five-district map and Commissioner Patti Adair stated she wanted time to validate the suggestion by members of the public that Map C favored Republicans in three of the five districts. Commissioner Tony DeBone voiced interest in putting the Draft District Commissioner Map on the ballot for the voters to decide and later, he opted to wait in deference to Adair.

BOCC Chair Phil Chang

said he was going to vote to stop the districting process and suggest that members of the public interested to have commissioner districts in the county create a petition and gather the 8,000+ signatures to get it on the ballot. Chang noted that this would follow past recommendations by the BOCC when asked to consider if the BOCC seats ought to be nonpartisan or should the number of seats be increased from three to five. The BOCC agreed to delay the decision for two weeks. This implies the BOCC meeting of January 28, however, at this writing, the January 28 agenda does not include such an item.

FOCUS on Health

I started attending yoga classes when I was in my early 20s, when it cost $12 for a drop-in class. For me, a recent college graduate with absolutely no savings, and a very low-paying job, that number was wildly expensive. Luckily, a kind local studio owner was moved by my interest in yoga and offered me free classes in exchange for volunteer work. I dutifully mopped the studio, cleaned yoga blocks, and vacuumed the reception area twice a week.

To be honest, I’m not quite sure what brought me into the yoga studio in the first place. I was 22 years old, a brand new transplant to Bend — wide-eyed, insecure, and looking for a place to feel at home. The dimly lit yoga studio with its array of bronze buddha statues, jade plants, serene watercolor paintings, and sweet-smelling incense seemed like a hopeful place to start.

Little did I know that my volunteer agreement would lead me to a dedicated yoga practice and a yoga teacher training at the same studio. I later taught all levels classes at several studios in Central Oregon while maintaining a dedicated personal practice.

Although my intentions for joining the yoga studio were unclear at the start, I had quickly found that yoga offered a sense of peace and well-being that I had not experienced before. The practice was not only physically demanding, but mentally challenging as well.

It required my full attention to get through class, and I learned to focus on my breath, stay with uncomfortable sensations, and to allow myself to fully relax. I continue to practice yoga to this day, and have found it to be especially healing during times of uncertainty or anxiety; a powerful elixir to combat the stressors of everyday life.

Mel Marth, kinesiologist and owner of Mellness Whole Body Wellness in Sisters, discovered yoga at a young age as well, albeit through different circumstances.

Marth explained, “When I first started my yoga journey, I didn’t know anything about yoga, I was a dancer… ballet, tap, and jazz. I didn’t even really find yoga until one of my dance teachers [said] ‘you are super hyper, you need to try to calm down,’ I didn’t breathe when I danced, so I would literally do a whole performance and hold my breath, and so my body wasn’t working as efficiently. So that teacher kind of took me aside and was like, ‘Hey, go try this class out. It’ll help you learn to breathe while you move. You won’t be gasping for breath when you come off stage.’”

Marth not only learned to “calm down” and breathe, she found in yoga a place of peace and focus she had never been able to tap into before. Later, upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, Marth was able to use yoga and breath to center herself for the difficult treatment ahead.

FINDING WELLNESS THROUGHYoga

“When I was in my undergrad, I went through a very tough bout of cancer, and so [yoga] really helped me see that my body was not my enemy anymore, and it took me to a really holistic place that I’d never even explored, never even thought about,” she said.

Marth’s description of her slow, mindful practice may seem at odds with pop culture images of yoga, which are often focused on beautiful, spandex-clad women looking serene in contorted, seemingly impossible positions. In actuality, there are hundreds of varieties of yoga ranging from intense, physically demanding practices (power yoga, ashtanga, vinyasa) to slow, meditation-based stretching classes (yin and hatha). Marth emphasizes that yoga comes in all different forms, and its benefits are vast and varied.

“[In yoga], movement is coordinated with breath, so it enhances circulation, brings oxygenation to your entire body, releasing through the connective tissue and muscular tissue... deep breath helps to keep the nervous system regulated. There are just endless benefits,” Marth said.

If all of this seems too good to be true, I assure you it isn’t. In our fast-paced world, a dedicated time and space to slow down and fully focus on one’s body and breath can do wonders. Marth’s studio, cleverly named “Mellness,” can serve as a jumping off point for new

practitioners looking for beginner friendly guidance, or for more seasoned yogis looking to level up their practice. She also offers “stretch therapy,” an assisted movement practice that focuses on hands-on deep stretching through passive yoga poses.

For those who might be hesitant to enter a studio or who would prefer to practice in their own home, there are a plethora of online instructional videos, both free and subscriber based, that offer detailed classes for beginners up through advanced levels.

One thing is for sure; yoga is an extremely effective way to enhance one’s wellness journey. Countless studies have found that the benefits of breath and mindful movement decrease stress and anxiety, help with focus and dayto-day health. Marth asserts that perhaps yoga isn’t really that complicated at all – the real magic isn’t based on what style of yoga you choose, or the studio you practice in. Instead it lies in the history of the discipline, honed by ancient practitioners focused on meditation, mental control, and spiritual enlightenment.

“You can do yoga just as an exercise practice… it can just be a breath practice, it can be just spiritual. It can be just meditation. It’s so well rounded. I mean, they really, they really did it right centuries and centuries ago,” Marth concluded.

Let’s start with a conversation! Call to schedule a FREE 30-minut estate plan consultation.

FOCUS on Health

Evashevski & Ellio PC

Health and well-being involve a great deal more than focus on the body. Having our lives in order is critical to our wellbeing — relieving looming stress that affects every aspect of our lives.

Evashevski & Elliott PC helps families in Sisters achieve precious peace of mind by navigating them through estate planning. That’s not just about the important issues of making sure your assets go where you want them to go — it has a direct bearing on your health. Proper planning means that if you experience a health emergency, you have the right person taking care of you. An advance directive gives you a health representative who can communicate what kinds of treatments you want or don’t want. By making these kinds of decisions part of a plan, you are protecting yourself and your family, and not leaving them trying to figure out what you would want.

Estate planning is not just for people with significant wealth and assets — it’s important for any family. Consult early with Evashevski & Elliott PC. The earlier you plan, the better, because it offers financial wellness — and the all-important benefits of peace of mind.

Living Well With Dementia Sisters

Living Well With Dementia has become a vital resource for families facing a lifealtering diagnosis. Their care partner support group draws people from across Central Oregon because it offers a critical element of support and solidarity to those who face what can be an arduous and isolating journey.

“To know that you are not alone helps bring some peace of mind to the caregivers, and that’s huge,” says Executive Director Debbi McCune.

Participants can share their experiences and learn from those who have been longer on the journey in a safe and supportive environment. Practical tips deal with the reality of circumstances, and can help care partners learn how to communicate effectively with friends and family who want to be helpful and supportive but may not understand the circumstances.

Living Well With Dementia is seeking to expand their services, and is seeking volunteers to help facilitate discussions. No professional experience is necessary.

“All that’s really required is your ability to listen and to guide the group,”says McCune.

Mellness

As the calendar shifts to 2026, Sisters residents reflect on what they want to feel like in the year ahead, and how they turn goals into reality. Insert Mellness, a heartcentered wellness studio designed to redefine your wellness and achieve your goals.

Mellness offers affordable and sustainable services to address each client’s unique needs. Whether you’re an athlete building strength and stability, or an outdoor enthusiast improving balance and mobility, Mellness will help you do what you love longer with more ease.

Mellness also offers a variety of fitness and yoga classes in a nurturing, smallgroup environment. Strength and corebased classes build resilience and power, while yoga enhances flexibility, recovery, and nervous system balance.

The underlying philosophy is rooted in the belief that wellness is a holistic experience, not just about diet or exercise, but about understanding and nurturing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and surroundings.

Achieving goals is about creating lasting habits, supporting long-term health, and moving into 2026 empowered and ready.

Get Strong

Digital detox

By Lilli Worona

REPAIRING YOUR FRACTURED SUPERPOWER

Lilli Worona prioritizes “flow” activities like playing the violin to counter the effects of digital overload.

My superpower used to be my ability to get things done deftly and efficiently. In college, I could pound out a 10-page research paper from a quiet corner of the campus library in under four hours. I wouldn’t get up from my seat once, and I barely paused to drink water. In my 20s, I could clean my whole apartment top to bottom without taking a break, or sit and read an entire book, cover-to-cover, without pausing for a snack.

In the past several years, however, I’ve found that my superpower is waning. Actually, to be more precise, my superpower has fractured. I have trouble staying on one task for more than a few minutes, and I always seem to get distracted — projects frequently go unfinished and I often feel like I’m spinning my wheels, constantly trying to catch up, but making little progress.

In an attempt to find some solutions and regain some semblance of my super power, I’ve spent the past few months searching for explanations for this phenomenon. In addition to finding tons of information about the subject, I also discovered that I am far from alone. In fact, millions of people throughout the world are struggling with this same problem, and research all points to one consistent culprit — our constant connection to our smartphones.

If you’re like me, you have your phone nearby at almost all times. If I’m midway through a task and my phone pings with a text, that small distraction can send me down a rabbit hole of responding, adding something to my digital calendar and checking email. Practical apps on my phone that I only open for a specific purpose, such as a digital guitar tuner, can quickly take me down a similar rabbit hole of distraction.

In his book “Stolen Focus,” Johann Hari shares stories about his own personal experiences that are eerily similar to mine. For him, writing the book served as a reckoning of sorts; a personal quest to regain his focus through varying degrees of digital detoxing. Hari delved into the subjects of brain chemistry

and evolutionary psychology to explain why so many of us get stuck in unhealthy patterns with our phones, and how to use this knowledge to reset our focus.

I won’t get into brain chemistry in this article, but I’d like to share a few behavioral hacks that I gleaned from his book, as well as other ideas I’ve been investigating through articles and podcasts on the subject. For me, digitally detoxing is a work in progress, but the effort is helping. I feel that my superpower is returning slowly but surely.

DIGITAL DETOX LIFE HACKS:

1. TAKE SOCIAL MEDIA OFF OF YOUR PHONE:

Taking social media off your phone reduces constant alert interruptions, making it easier to focus, think deeply, and be present in your daily life. As Hari explains in “Stolen Focus,” these apps are deliberately designed to hijack our attention, so removing them helps restore control over our personal time and mental energy.

2. PUT YOUR PHONE IN ANOTHER ROOM WHILE WORKING OR SPENDING TIME WITH OTHERS:

In a recent experiment conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, people who left their phones in another room did significantly better on concentration and memory tests than those with their phones on the desk, in a pocket, or even turned off but nearby. Researchers concluded that putting your phone out of reach reduces the subtle cognitive “pull” it exerts on your attention, making distractions less likely and helping you stay focused on tasks or social interactions.

3. CREATE PHONE-FREE ZONES OR TIMES:

Bedrooms, meals, and the first and last hour of the day are especially powerful times for restoring calm and focus. Prioritize connection with others or quiet time alone during these particularly influential daily time periods.

4. PRIORITIZE “FLOW” ACTIVITIES:

A state of “flow” is achieved when a person loses complete track of time doing something they enjoy and are fully attentive to. For me, playing music or going for a run triggers this flow state. According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, an influential psychologist who coined the term, “flow” boosts motivation and creativity, often leaving people feeling energized, connected to others, and mentally resilient.

5. CONSIDER DITCHING YOUR SMARTPHONE: Disclaimer — I have not tried this one, but it is something I have seriously considered and am hoping to do in the near future.

Did you know that you can still buy flip phones without any internet capabilities? If this seems too extreme, there are also newer models that are especially designed for digital detoxing with minimal modern features. These phones only allow you to access “necessities” such as maps for driving, a digital calendar, and a music library.

A favorite brand that I discovered is called the light phone (thelightphone.com). Like I said, I haven’t made the switch yet, but perhaps I’ll report back when I do!

FOCUS on Health

Mosaic Community Health

Mosaic Community Health operates seven pediatric locations in Central Oregon. Six of these sites are SchoolBased Health Centers (SBHC), including the Sisters SBHC (535 N. Reed St.) which opened in 2023. SBHCs are independent pediatric healthcare clinics located on or near school grounds. Anyone age 0–18 can be seen at an SBHC: Patients do not need to be students at the school, health insurance is not required, and care can be established with a different provider.

SBHCs offer convenient, accessible healthcare near schools to increase student attendance and help families take less time off work to get children to appointments. And SBHCs collaborate with schools to improve student wellness. In addition to medical and behavioral health care, providers at Mosaic SBHCs emphasize prevention, early intervention, risk reduction, and the development of healthy habits with their young patients.

Mosaic accepts most private or commercial insurance and all local OHP (Medicaid). They offer reduced rates based on a sliding scale to all Mosaicestablished patients.

L ight Therapy

• Salt Water Lap Pool & Hot Tub

• 39 Classes Per Week

SISTERS ATHLE TIC CLUB

Sisters hletic Club

Make 2026 the year you prioritize your well-being. Sisters Athletic Club is here to support your mental and physical health.

Whether you’re looking for the camaraderie of an exercise class or the quiet solitude of swimming laps, the Club has something for everyone. Work with a certified personal trainer to reach your goals. Find mindfulness in a yoga or meditation class, unwind in our Wellness Lounge, or reward yourself with a relaxing soak in the hot tub and steam room. And afterward, enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with friends in our Cafe.

We understand that everyone has different fitness goals, preferences, and budgets, so we’ve created Wellness Your Way membership options. Whether you’re interested in swimming, or fitness classes, or a combination of both, we have a membership that’s right for you. We even have a mid-day, lower priced option.

There are certified and degreed personal trainers on staff to help you determine and meet your fitness goals.

Sisters Athletic Club truly offers something for everyone — your way.

This is the year to prioritize your overall health and well-being. You deserve it.

us get seniors, disabled and underserved residents in Sisters Country to their non-emergency medical appointments!

TO VOLUNTEER email us at volunteer@starsride.org or visit starsride.org/vounteer/drive-for-us

Sisters Transportation and Rideshare (STARS)

STARS impacts community health in Sisters. When a doctor says it’s time to stop driving, patients often feel a loss of independence, security, and peace of mind. In Sisters, that moment is met with reassurance and hope because of Sisters Transportation and Rideshare (STARS) — a service Dr. May Fan of Sisters calls “a real treasure” for our community.

In 2025, STARS delivered 832 roundtrip medical rides, helping neighbors arrive safely and on time for non-emergency care. These rides helped vulnerable residents manage chronic conditions, avoid emergency care, and stay healthier at home.

More than 50 volunteer drivers and dispatchers donate over 4,000 hours annually, offering not just transportation, but kindness, conversation, and dignity. Riders share how these connections ease isolation and brighten hard days, while volunteers describe the work as deeply meaningful.

Together, volunteers, grantors, and donors are keeping Sisters healthy — one ride, one relationship, one life-changing act of service at a time.

BREATHE • MOVE • RECOVER

SMALL GROUP & PERSONALIZED TRAINING

• Blend of mobility, strength, Pilates

• New routines every day

• Fascial stretch therapy

• Clinics for run, ski, stretch, pickleball & more 541-390-8334

• www.sweatpnw.com

392 W. Main Ave., Sisters

It’s not a normal winter. The trails are uncharacteristically filled with hikers and bikers and a fair number of equestrians. Golf is alive and well on some local courses. And pickleball courts are full.

There is a lot of winter left and as temperatures drop, many people assume their fitness routines must hibernate with the season. But winter offers its own opportunities to stay active, healthy, and engaged — often without stepping foot in a gym. From brisk outdoor walks to chair-based exercise, a mix of movement, routine, and small lifestyle shifts can keep bodies strong and spirits bright through the cold months.

Outdoor cardio is a good place to start, especially when people learn to embrace rather than avoid winter conditions. Brisk walking burns calories and boosts mood. Even short daily walks, especially after meals, improve circulation and digestion, and exposure to natural light can help regulate sleep and fend off seasonal blues.

Indoor options don’t need to be elaborate. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks build strength with no equipment and can be scaled for nearly any fitness level.

A simple circuit of five exercises repeated three times takes 20 to 30 minutes and raises the heart rate while improving muscular endurance. Resistance bands, a pair of dumbbells, or even household stand-ins like backpacks or water jugs can add variety and challenge.

Shannon Rackowski, a longtime Sisters fitness instructor makes it simple.

“Make an indoor track, do laps around your house,” she advised. “If you have stairs, work them –up and down. And if you’re sitting – reading, watching tv – rotate and flex your ankles. Side to side and

heel to toe and back. If you can, add leg lifts.”

Another trend gaining traction during the winter months is chair exercise and chair yoga. Once viewed mainly as a last resort for people with significant mobility limitations, chair-based movement has quietly and rapidly moved into the mainstream.

“Don’t say yoga,” says 74-year-old Marla Evers in Sisters, a retired yoga instructor. “Men especially are not easily attracted to the practice seeing it as feminine or not aerobic enough. But when you say chair exercise, it’s an easier sell. And after just one session at home or in a studio, they are easily hooked.”

The appeal is practical. Chair formats remove common barriers such as balance concerns, joint pain, and fear of falling, making movement feel accessible rather than intimidating. As the population ages and communities invest more in healthy aging initiatives, demand has grown.

Health organizations and research increasingly endorse chair yoga for improving balance, flexibility, and mental well-being, helping it spread beyond rehab settings into general recreation and workplace wellness programs.

Sisters Park & Recreation District offers a variety of weekly drop-in group fitness classes including Better Bones & Balance and Zumba, and a number of seasonal, registration-based, specialty fitness classes, such as Tai Chi, throughout the year. All classes take place at the Sisters Community Recreation Center and are offered on a first-come, firstserved basis. Due to limited space, they have implemented a maximum capacity for some classes

STAYING FIT WHEN WINTERWinter SETS IN

By Bill Bartlett

Normally in winter, Sisters folk have long stored their bikes and paddle boards or taken their horse trailers out of service. And if not skiers, boarders, or snowshoers, they hole up for months awaiting spring’s return.

encouraging participants to arrive early to guarantee the best chance of a spot in class.

“ Don’t say yoga. Men especially are not easily attracted to the practice seeing it as feminine or not aerobic enough. But when you say chair exercise, it’s an easier sell. And after just one session at home or in a studio, they are easily hooked.”

colder months and lower the risk of injury. Short morning routines that combine gentle movement with breathing exercises can set a calm tone for the day while preparing the body for activity.

Finally, practical habits support any exercise plan. Prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated even when thirst cues are lower, and eating a balanced diet rich in protein and seasonal vegetables all matter.

— Marla Evers

Making movement social can also improve consistency during winter. Walking groups, virtual workouts with friends, or informal neighborhood activities turn exercise into a shared ritual rather than a solitary chore.

Mindful practices deserve a place in winter fitness plans as well. Yoga, stretching, and mobility work reduce stiffness that comes from sitting more during

Experts recommend setting realistic goals and focusing on consistency rather than intensity. Tracking progress in a simple journal or with a step counter can help, as small wins compound into meaningful gains over time.

Winter need not be a season of decline. With creativity, community, and a few reliable routines, staying fit without a gym is not only possible, but often more varied and enjoyable. The cold, it turns out, can be an ally, rewarding preparation and making every warmup feel earned.

FOCUS on Health

Sisters Dental

Sisters Dental is here for your whole family, through every stage of life. From early childhood visits to long-term adult and senior care, the goal of Sisters Dental is to build healthy habits, reduce dental stress, and support lifelong oral health.

Dr. Trevor Frideres offers some dental milestones that families can use to keep tabs on their dental health:

Birth–3 years: First teeth typically appear around six months. The first dental visit is recommended by age one or when the first tooth appears. Establish nightly brushing habits and talk with your dentist about fluoride options.

Ages 4–6: All primary teeth are present. This is an ideal time for sealants and growing independence with brushing. When you can tie your shoes, you can brush your own teeth.

Ages 7–12: Cavity risk increases (this is the most common time) and early orthodontic evaluations are important.

Teens–Adults: Wisdom teeth, tooth wear, and gum health become priorities.

Ages 60+: Preventing tooth loss and monitoring for oral health changes supports overall quality of life.

Schedule an appointment to talk about your family’s milestones.

Solecare Pedicure Studio

Solecare Pedicure Studio owner Shannon Durbin offers a specialized approach to foot care. After years working in office environments, Shannon felt called to make a more meaningful difference in people’s lives. Three years ago, she entered the beauty industry, finding her niche in pedicuring.

“I wanted to help people feel better in their bodies,” Shannon said. “The condition of our feet has a huge impact on quality of life.”

Solecare Pedicure Studio was created to bridge the gap between traditional nail salons and medical podiatry. Services focus on long-term foot comfort. Many clients have been returning regularly for maintenance since the start of Shannon’s practice.

The studio specializes in waterless pedicures, an innovative method chosen for hygiene and skin health. Services are performed in a relaxing, private studio setting, emphasizing individualized care rather than volume-based services.

“I wanted to create a space where people feel genuinely cared for,” Shannon said. “Every detail is intentional.”

For more information or to schedule: www.solecarepedicurestudio.com.

Growth Rings Family Therapy

At Growth Rings Family Therapy

Dr. Kelly Davis Martin works with teens, children, and their families to navigate through challenging behaviors. The practice draws on Dr. Davis Martin’s lifetime of work in behavioral therapy and specialized experience working with family systems, children, and young adults.

The work builds skills so that a child struggling with issues such as ADHD can achieve success in school, in relationships with friends and at home.

She also has a specialty in Therapeutic Adoption Competency, a specialized training that helps behavioral health professionals address the unique needs of families connected to adoption.

Dr. Davis Martin is hosting a parent discussion group around the book “The Whole Brain Child” (you don’t have to have read the book to participate). Discussion will center around simple, brain-based tools to help kids regulate emotions and manage big feelings. The event is set for Monday, February 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Paulina Springs Books. The emphasis is on a relaxed, supportive atmosphere helping parents create connection and community.

SISTERS IN 2031: Series looks into community’s future

Continued from page 1

showing and receiving the kindness and compassion we share with others.”

Scott Humpert, executive director of the city’s contracted visitor development agency, Explore Sisters, had this to say: “2031 feels far off, but looming on the horizon at the same time. I see the future of tourism in Sisters as thoughtful, balanced, and deeply rooted in place. I believe tourism will continue to thrive and be a major economic driver.

“Sisters is shaping itself as a destination worthy of a multi-day visit, not just a pass-through stop on the way

SENIORS: Community offers wide range of services

Continued from page 3

also recruit volunteers to help provide these services. For more information, call 541678-5483 or email info@ councilonaging.org.

• On Fridays from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Thrive offers free drop-in consultations at the Sisters Library to connect people of all ages to the help they are looking for, increasing access to community resources. They can be reached by email at info@ thrivecentraloregon.org or by

to somewhere else. As the community grows, options for lodging, shopping, dining, recreating, and other experiences will expand. Sisters will maintain its slower pace, sense of community and care will be taken to balance visitation with local livability.

“Stewardship will remain front and center, respecting our natural environment, leaning into differentiators like our dark skies, and strengthening our vulnerabilities such as wildfire resiliency and seasonality.

“Our signature local events will thrive, reinforcing our culture, encouraging discovery, and warranting new and returning guests. My hope is Sisters continues to feel like home to those who live here and like a place worth protecting and celebrating for those who visit.”

calling 541-782-1022.

• Anna Morrow of Senior One Source is a senior living advisor specializing in placement and resources for seniors and their families available free of charge. She can be reached at 503-3483285 or by email at anna@ senioronesource.net.

Senior Living Aging well in place often means receiving some kind of assistance in your home. For a variety of reasons, not everyone is able or doesn’t wish to remain in their current home. For those who would like to move someplace in Sisters where there are others around and/or assistance is available, there

EDCO (Economic Development of Central Oregon) has a designated advocate based in Sisters, Eric Strobel. He looks more globally as he imagines Sisters in 2031.

Job Growth

“A forecast from an Economic Opportunities Analysis, prepared by the City of Sisters, shows job growth in Sisters ranging from 1.5 to 2.3 percent annual growth, which amounts to about 698-1,110 new jobs over five years if trends stay consistent. Ongoing housing and employment land development made possible by an expanded urban growth boundary will be key to continuing job growth across all sectors.

“Having available land and leasable space is essential for attracting new companies

are two types of facilities available in town.

• The Lodge Retirement Community provides independent adult living with a focus on an active lifestyle and offering inspiring views of the Three Sisters mountains. Amenities include chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, salon, fitness center, social outings, and in-home entertainment. Pets are welcome. Walk to town for shopping and dining. Studio, oneand two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, and outside door and patio are available. They also offer short-term stays for those who need a short getaway or respite. Contact at 541-549-5634 or

like BasX, as well as providing local businesses like Cascade Spirits the chance to expand and create local jobs. Sisters does not want to face a situation like in the early 2000s when there was no land or leasable space. The community struggled to attract new companies, and business expansions meant relocating to Redmond.”

Employment Inflow/ Outflow

“According to the 2023 Census data, which is the most current available, 66.2 percent of those employed within the Sisters School District boundary live outside the district,” Strobel said. “In contrast, only 33.8 percent both live and work within the district. Similarly, 69.5 percent of those who live within the Sisters School District boundary work outside the

ed@thelodgere.com.

Three adult foster homes (AFH) offer five beds each. The long-term costs for nonacute care at AFHs Class 3 is typically much lower than living in a nursing home fulltime. Because of their small size and more intimate setting, AFHs feel much more like home.

• Carey’s Care Home is licensed to provide the highest level of care available in Oregon (Class 3), delivering personalized 24/7 support in a home-like setting where each resident has their own room and bathroom. They provide mobility assistance, help with personal hygiene and dressing, medication

district. In contrast, only 30.5 percent live and work within the district.

“While our community appreciates the workers commuting to Sisters, we need more individuals who can reside and work in our area. With additional housing and commercial developments on the horizon, I hope that by 2031, the percentages will be much closer.”

Additional Services

“Two of the most popular desires I hear almost daily in our community are an immediate care clinic, and more grocery choices,” Strobel said. “I know growth can be difficult for longtime residents and newcomers alike, but with continued growth in Sisters, those wishes could be a reality by 2031.”

Next week: Focus on recreation.

management, and all activities of daily living. The owner lives on-site. The home is located at 182 East Tall Fir and can be reached at 541-549-1336. They do not accept Medicaid.

• High Lakes Care Home at 119 North Rope Street and High Lakes Advanced Care at 192 E. Tall Fir Ct. are both nurse-owned and operated, with an in-house doctor, offering Class 3 (skilled nursing) care. They accept Medicaid.

Next week information will be provided on agencies providing in-home non-medical care as well as several miscellaneous agencies providing other services.

SISTERS-AREA EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 28

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: David Guterson presents "Evelyn in Transit." 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

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

THURSDAY • JANUARY 29

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

FRIDAY • JANUARY 30

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

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

SATURDAY • JANUARY 31

The Belfr y Live Music: Steve Poltz 7 p.m. With thousands of shows under his belt, he hits the stage with incredible energy and declares, “This is the greatest show of my life.” (and maybe yours too!) Tickets, BendTicket.com. Frankie's Live Music: Justin Little, Aidan Moye & Scott Crabtree — three local songwriters, one intimate room, all for a good cause: Citizens for Community. 7 to 9 p.m. Limited seating! Tickets: frankiesinsisters.com.

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 1

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

MONDAY • FEBRUARY 2

Paulina Springs Books Poetr y Gathering "The Pause Button," an informal monthly gathering for poets and poetry enthusiasts Bring a poem or two to share. Listen, discuss, and write. Free 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

TUESDAY • FEBRUARY 3

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

WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 4

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

THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 5

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Beth Wood Firesides Music Series inside The Skip Bar & Restaurant, 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations required: www thesuttlelodge.com. Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Lynn Troupe presents "And That’s Another Story: A Country Boy Goes to Hollywood." 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 6

Episcopal Church of Transfiguration Family BINGO Bingo Night 5 p.m. 11 games for $20, prizes, $2 raffle ticket option to benefit Food Bank of Sisters 121 N. Brooks Camp Rd Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20 Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

EVENTSARESUBJECTTOCHANGEWITHOUTNOTICE.

FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 6 (cont.)

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 7

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

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

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 8

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

TUESDAY • FEBRUARY 10

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

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

WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 11

The Belfr y Live Music: Gadan — blending Irish and bluegrass music with folk and Appalachian. 7 p.m. Presented by SFF Presents. Tickets: aftontickets.com/gadan.

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 12

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

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Brian Trapp presents "Range of Motion." 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

by 5 p.m. Fridays to jess@nuggetnews.com.

Godfrey’s actions were justified, and cited a transient woman camping in the woods for three counts of Animal at Large and Animal Nuisance. Two of her dogs died at the scene and a third was euthanized. (See, The Nugget, February 12, 2025 edition or https://www.nuggetnews. com/story/2025/02/12/news/ attack-left-man-and-his-doginjured/37407.html.)

A year later, Godfrey’s four-year-old Labrador/ German Shepherd mix is healthy and happy. She has a little gray on her head where a bite dug into her scalp, and some scar tissue in her shoulder from bite injuries. Thanks to community donations through a GoFundMe page, she gets ongoing care and monitoring at Sisters Veterinary Clinic.

occurred. Godfrey said he drove out there once, but it felt bad out there, and he left immediately.

Godfrey is still somewhat traumatized by the incident. He’s a lifelong animal-lover, and killing three dogs in defense of his own was the last thing he would have wanted.

“I still see a counselor a couple of times a month,” he said.

He generally stays away from violent movies, and can’t watch a scene where an animal, especially a dog, is in danger of being hurt.

But overall, Godfrey reports that he and Dazey are both doing well. Dazey is treated like a celebrity in local businesses, and there has been a continued outpouring of love and support toward her, Godfrey said. He has very warm feelings toward his community.

“This place is amazing,” he said. “It really is.”

Godfrey acknowledges that he spoils Dazey. She was gifted to him by his children, and was very special to him before the incident. Almost losing her has made the bond of affection profoundly close. So… he spoils her.

“I will for every single day of her life,” he said.

noted that she joined him on a recent tree-limbing job, and dragged the downed limbs around as toys, to the amusement of everyone on the scene.

The woman who kept the dogs involved in last year’s incident is believed to have left Deschutes County.

At-large, aggressive dogs can be a serious problem. Dogs are to be under control at all times, by voice command if they are off-leash in the forest. Lt. Chad Davis of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office told The Nugget that monitoring complaints of at-large, aggressive dogs in forest encampments is a regular part of deputies’ camp checks. He cited a recent occurrence in which there were multiple complaints regarding an at-large and aggressive dog, which had bitten one person. DCSO convinced the forest-dwelling dog owner to relinquish the dog. The dog was transferred to an animal shelter, where it had to be euthanized.

Girls swim team notches win at Philomath meet

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Behind first place finishes in nine events, the Sisters High School girls swim team tied host Philomath in a threeway meet hosted by the Warriors.

Kate Singleton won three individual events, and Lola Magner a pair to lead the Outlaws.

Singleton took the 50-yard freestyle (28.0 seconds), the 100-yard butterfly (1:16.43), and the 100-yard free (1:07.60), while Magner claimed the 100-yard backstroke (1:08.94) and the 100yard breaststroke (1:21.35).

Also winning individual races were Ryah Nordell in the 500-yard free (7:01.28) and Rylie Bick in the 200yard free (2:37.41).

Magner, Bick, and Singleton to win the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:58.66). The quartet of Magner, Bick, Nordell, and Singleton won the 200-yard medley relay in 2:12.44.

The final score ended with 67 points for both the Outlaws and the Warriors, while Kennedy scored 21.

Tristan Kay gave the Outlaws their highest individual finish of the day, placing third in the 100-yard backstroke (1:26.16). Trent Gordon had solid finishes in his races, placing fifth in the 50 free (28.78) and fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:23.14). Joseph Derksen also picked up fourth place, clocking 2:38.97 in the 200yard free, a personal best by 12 seconds.

She frolics with Godfrey, and loves playing with sticks. She does not seem to be afraid of other dogs, although Godfrey says that if she is approached by more than one large dog, she will snug tight against his legs. The pair get out into the woods to hike, but they stay away from the 1505 Road where the attack

Godfrey and Dazey continue to be a fixture in Sisters (she particularly enjoys visits to Sisters Smokehouse for treats). Godfrey is appreciative of the community support he has received after an incident he will never forget — but one from which he and his beloved dog are mostly recovered. DOG: Pair injured in dangerous incident

The dog’s happy antics fill Godfrey — and anybody else watching — with joy. He

Haven Heuberger returned to action and joined

Philomath amassed 146 points to win the meet, followed by Kennedy (32), and Sisters (23).

Lady Outlaws post road win at Elmira

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws basketball squad earned a gritty 40-27 road victory over Elmira on Tuesday, January 20, overcoming low energy as the team continues to battle illness. On Friday, they fell 37-42 at home to No. 3 ranked Pleasant Hill.

On Tuesday against Elmira, the lack of rhythm showed early, as Sisters struggled to find consistent flow on both ends of the floor through the first three quarters.

Midway through the opening period, Maddie Durham scored the Outlaws’ first basket of the game, followed by a three-pointer from Stella Moen. Neither team scored over the final three minutes of the quarter, and the game was tied 5-5 at the end of one.

The second quarter mirrored the first with offense coming at a premium. Despite the slow pace, Sisters managed to extend its lead and went into halftime up 15-11.

Sisters found more success in the second half by attacking the paint. The Outlaws did a better job of creating mismatches and isolating Durham inside, leading to several high-percentage scoring opportunities. By the end of the third quarter, the Outlaws held a 27-20 advantage.

The Outlaws closed out the game strong, outscoring the Falcons 13-5 in the final period to secure the win. Improved ball control played a key role, as the Outlaws cut their turnovers from 13 in the first half to just six in the second.

Audrey Corcoran, Paityn Cotner, and Verbena Brent combined for 21 rebounds on the night, while Durham led all scorers with 20 points.

Coach Kevin Cotner praised his team’s toughness and growth following the win.

“This team and these girls continue to show how resilient they are by winning in tough conditions under tough circumstances night in and night out,” Cotner said, ”I continue to say how proud I am of these girls and this team, but I will say it again. These girls essentially started over this year — new coach, new expectations, new offensive systems and sets, new defensive mindset and fullcourt pressure packages, new out-of-bounds plays, etc. The amount of information they have consumed in such a short time is truly amazing, and I think they are just beginning to scratch the surface of their ability as it translates to the court. I am constantly amazed by them and encourage you come out and support them if you have not

yet seen them play.”

Cotner told The Nugget that the team’s focus moving forward will continue to be ball security and possession management.

“We want five-on-five possessions at all costs,” he said, “even if we have to eat a five-second count of 10-second backcourt violation.”

On Friday, the Lady Outlaws dropped a hardfought home contest to the top-ranked Billies. Battling illness throughout the week took its toll on the Lady Outlaws as 50 percent of the team were unable to practice this week.

Despite the circumstances, Sisters kept the game tight early. Points from Brent, Durham, and Althea Crabtree helped the Outlaws stay within reach, trailing just 9-11 at the end of the first quarter.

Corcoran knocked down a big three in the second period to cut the deficit to 12-15, but Pleasant Hill responded with a seven-point run to extend its lead to 12-22. Sisters answered with grit, closing the half on a six-point run to head into the locker room down just 18-22.

Coming out of the break proved difficult for the Outlaws, as the Billies outscored them 4-13 in the third quarter and built an 11-point advantage.

Refusing to fold, Sisters showed tremendous heart in the final period. The Outlaws went on an 11-point run, trimming the deficit to 37-40 with just 39 seconds remaining. Sisters defense was locked in,

holding the Billies scoreless from the 5:22 mark until 24 seconds left in the game.

Forced to foul in the closing moments, the Outlaws watched Pleasant Hill convert two free throws to seal the five-point victory.

Turnovers proved costly for Sisters, as the Outlaws committed 27 giveaways compared to Pleasant Hill’s 12.

Cotner reflected on the loss saying, “I would have loved to have played this game fully healthy. I think we match up well with Pleasant Hill and look forward to our second game in their gym. Going into a game like this, you need to be at you best, and preparation is key. We’ve been ravaged by sickness and unable to put in the proper practice to be successful tonight.”

Offensively, Sisters never quite found a rhythm.

“We just didn’t have any rhythm tonight,” said Cotner. “We only had 14 first-half shots compared to PH’s 28. We continue to battle with offensive execution when our transition offense or set plays fail. That’s an area where I believe we can still see substantial growth.”

Cotner added, “This is certainly a discouraging loss considering the circumstances, but one we need to flush and quickly refocus our energy on the second half of the season.”

The Lady Outlaws will be back in action on Wednesday, January 28, when they travel to La Pine.

DEMENTIA:

Group offers support to care partners

Continued from page 1

LWWDS was the awardee among three candidates each of whom made colorful, data-filled presentations. Living Well’s mission is to enable those diagnosed with any form of dementia and their care partners to lead fulfilling and enriching lives through targeted resources and educational initiatives.

They serve individuals and their care partners living with any form of dementia, both before and after diagnosis.

In accepting the gift, LWWDS president, Debbi

McCune fought back tears.

“We are deeply honored and grateful to be selected as the nonprofit recipient of the quarterly donation from 100+ Women Who Care,” she said. “Their support is helping bring a dream to life by filling a critical need for respite among care partners who give endlessly of themselves.

“Respite is not something you can see, touch, or easily measure, yet for care partners it can be lifesaving. It is not a luxury. It is essential for sustaining health and well-being while maintaining connection with a loved one. Because of this generosity, LWWDS is one step closer to offering meaningful relief to families walking the dementia journey.”

submit your stor y of

Sisters businesswoman moves to new chapter

Fifteen years ago, athlete and entrepreneur Jacquie Zanck co-founded Blazin Saddles Cycle N Supply with her son Casey Meudt. Blazin Saddles has since become one of Sisters’ keystone shops, catering to an ever-evolving customer base of cyclists.

Now, Zanck is stepping away to travel, spend time with loved ones — and spend more time riding her bike.

Staff, friends, family, and customers will gather to celebrate this milestone with Zanck on Friday, January 30, at 5:30 p.m. at Sisters Saloon.

Zanck said, “My son and I have been riding tandem and he has been steering for awhile and now with great pride, I am putting my hands in the air and letting go, knowing that Casey deserves to steer and pedal forward with Blazin Saddles. So proud! I know Casey will continue to do an amazing job and he can continue to fulfill his dreams. Our amazing team will be by his side to assist.”

In a newsletter, Blazin Saddles noted: “From the

very beginning, Jacquie’s passion for riding bikes, building community, and doing things the right way helped shape the heart and soul of Blazin Saddles. When Jacquie’s love for bikes and decades of retail experience was combined with Casey’s passion for cycling and his background working in and managing other bike shops, we knew we had something truly special when we opened Blazin Saddles.

“While Jacquie is no longer an owner, her legacy, energy, and dedication will always be part of who we are. Casey and the entire Blazin Saddles team are deeply grateful for her contributions, and also very excited for the next chapter of Blazin Saddles.”

Zanck won’t disappear though.

“I will be in and out of the shop helping with events, volunteering with STA and COTA trail maintenance, putting together women’s rides and I’m sure to see you on the trails!” she said.

Sheriff pledges to regain trust

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Sheriff Ty Rupert is confident that the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is headed in the right direction, with improved morale and a focus on fiscal responsibility that is geared toward putting more deputies on the street and serving in the jail.

Rupert was appointed Interim Sheriff on July 31, 2025, in the wake of the resignation of newly elected Sheriff Kent Van der Kamp, who was found to have lied about his educational background. That scandal broke on top of months of turmoil and recriminations in a deeply contentious election.

“It’s no secret that we’ve had negative headlines for many years,” Sheriff Rupert told a small but engaged group at a Sisters Town Hall on Wednesday, January 21. “You’ve seen them; we lived them.”

Sheriff Rupert brings a commitment to integrity and fiscal responsibility to the job, determined to regain trust from the community and improve morale of staff.

“The community deserves a sheriff that will make our office something to be proud of,” he said. “The trust between the last sheriff and the community was broken.”

Rupert is proud of one accomplishment that he already has under his belt: a savings of more than $1 million through choosing not to backfill some administrative positions, including the undersheriff role, cutting most out-of-state travel for training, and other savings. The goal is to enable the sheriff’s office to hire more patrol and corrections deputies, which will reduce expensive and morale-eroding overtime. He said that DCSO is in the process of hiring six new patrol deputies.

Rupert asserts that his business experience has been helpful in assuming management of the agency. Raised in a blue-collar family in Eugene, Rupert wanted two things in life: to be a Marine and to join law enforcement. He enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps — but it took him a

while to find his way into a career in law enforcement. He worked for years in the racing products world, ending his private sector career as Vice President at Fuel Safe Systems. He joined the DCSO in 2005, and has served in a wide range of positions from patrol to detectives and instructor and leadership roles.

The Sheriff expounded on the importance of maintaining the well-being of personnel, which he described as DCSO’s most important asset. He noted from his own experience that the difficult circumstances law enforcement officers encounter every day can take a toll, and he is determined to provide quality mental and emotional health support to his personnel.

Rupert asserts that morale has improved significantly since hitting a deep low point in 2024, followed by the van der Kamp resignation.

“It’s a noticeable difference in our building,” he said. “We made it very clear that we are going in a completely different direction.”

Outlaws wrestlers score well at home meet

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

The Sisters High wrestling program put on a show under the spotlight in a dual/dual against Caldera and Santiam Tuesday, January 20.

The concept of a dual/dual is that three teams meet and each team faces the other two separately. Sisters came away with a slew of wins in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Prior to the start of the matches the Outlaws treated the crowd to a musical routine filled with theatrical body slams and flips.

Against the 2A Wolverines of Santiam the Outlaws boys picked up three wins among the five contested matches including Zack Kemp (fall 0:26), Tyson Kemp (fall 1:35), and Jozue Miller (fall 1:30). The rest of the matches were subject to forfeit due to lack of wrestlers in the weight classes.

Between matches, the senior wrestlers Tyson Kemp, Brennan Frutos, Sierra Jaschke, Pidge Henderson, Ava Stotts, Jozue Miller, and Jace Owens were honored in a ceremony.

In the second dual, Caldera posed a bigger threat, but the Outlaws held their own against the 5A school. David Jones and Kole Morris won the first

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two matches to get things going. Jones picked up a quick pin (44 seconds) and Morris took care of his rival in 2:34. Freshman Keagan McShane lost by technical fall 17-1, but sophomore Zack Kemp followed with his second pin of the night in 3:03.

Another frosh, Jackson Saunders lost by fall in the second round (3:53), and his classmate Fisher Jennings also lost (fall 1:37) before senior Tyson Kemp swung things back the Outlaws’ way with a pin in just two seconds. Senior Brennan Frutos dropped his match (fall 0:49) and Camas Luhning, a sophomore, fought through most of two rounds before being pinned (3:21).

Seniors Jace Owens and Jozue Miller helped the team end on a high note as both came up with pins to conclude the night for the boys.

The girls had plenty of success winning three of four contested matches against

Caldera. Tanner Gibney picked up a pin at the 3:09 mark and Sofia Clark made quick work of her opponent in the first round after 1:19. Ava Stotts was quicker yet with a pin in just 42 seconds. Pidge Henderson lasted until the last second of the second round before falling at 3:59.

In the only girls’ match against Santiam, Gibney took care of business in just 22 seconds.

With the season well into the second half, Coach David Kemp is pleased with the team’s hard work and looks forward to continued improvement in the next meets before District. The 3A Special District 4 Tournament is scheduled for February 13-14.

The Outlaws are scheduled to host another home dual match, this time against Ridgeview, Wednesday, January 28, beginning at 5 p.m. in the main gym of the high school.

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

deceased, a person with whom he has no previous acquaintance and absent any proof or supporting evidence, and attribute motive or intent to that person, he is way out of his lane. Inappropriate? Atrocious! People up the chain should be fired!

Ross Flavel s s s

God’s mercy

To the Editor: We have had a wonderful Christmas season and New Years! Many people in Sisters are Christians! There are many strong Christian churches in Sisters, also. Linus, in the Charlie Brown Christmas movie, said to Charlie Brown, “I can tell you what Christmas is all about! ...For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord…”

I believe that God created the world, and everything in it, but not millions of years ago. I believe that He created men and women so to fellowship with them. The Bible says that God knew us before we were born and formed each of us in our mother’s womb. The Bible says that God loves us. I believe what God has done for us, as found in the Bible, Old and New Testaments, that He sent his Son to earth, born of a virgin, and He sent Him to live, share, and teach of God’s love and purpose. I believe that God sent His Son Jesus to die in our place, to forgive us of our sins, wrong actions, immoral behavior, to redeem us.

I believe after Jesus died on our behalf, God raised Him from the dead, and that to everyone who believes, who has faith, and receives Jesus’ sacrifice, that person is born again and given eternal life with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I believe God had mercy on us by sending his Son, and through Jesus, God’s grace has been given to us. I believe that God redeems, pardons us, because of Jesus, not that we could ever work for eternal life with GOD.

The Bible quotes (NKJV): Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Romans 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 3:10, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Yes, all of us need God’s mercy and grace, to be forgiven and redeemed, and thereby inherit eternal life in heaven with God.

Barbara M. Draxler s s s

541-420-8448 dyerconstructionrenovation.com

Nordic team is racing despite thin snow cover

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

There’s very little snow out there — but the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association-Nordic (OISRAN) has continued on.

The Outlaws competed Monday, January 19, at the Hoodoo Sprints competition along with Summit, Bend, Mt. View, Corvallis, Crescent Valley, and Ridgeview/RPA. Skiers competed in three rounds on a short sprint course. Skiers each competed in three rounds on a 800-meter course and results were compiled by placement in each heat.

Ben Hayner represented the team well with strong finishes in each of his heats to finish twelfth among over 70 skiers. Also competing for the Outlaws were Sterling Phelps and Alexander Rhoads. In addition, four middle school athletes raced provisionally including, in order, Josh Hayner, Soren Coler, Bridger Letz, and Garrett Klatt.

Coach Jeff Husmann had high praise for Ben Hayner as an athlete and leader.

“Ben is really the leader of this team. He skied for us last year and really is a competitive skier and more importantly is how he helps skiers improve every practice.”

For the girls Kennedy Davis, Jayden Durtschi, and Josie Ryan placed in the middle of the pack in a field of more than 80. Middle schooler Jude Overstreet also competed.

Both the boys and girls teams placed sixth among the seventh teams, which according to Coach Husmann is not unexpected when going against all 5A and

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

We went with the kids we had who were healthy enough to compete… — Tiffany Tisdel

6A teams.

On Saturday, a small group competed at Mt. Bachelor in a 4.5-kilometer skate race with surprisingly good snow conditions, according to Coach Tiffany Tisdel. The team was shorthanded due to sickness, and a conflict with an Alpine ski race, the first of the season, that drew some kids away who do both sports.

“We went with the kids we had who were healthy enough to compete,” said Tisdel. “Kennedy Davis just keeps getting better and better and showing so much potential in her first year.”

Josie Ryan and four middle school boys, Parker Pasley, Garrett Klatt, Bridger Letz, and Soren Coler also competed.

Husmann said, “The thin snow year has made it less than ideal for training, but the team’s flexibility and desire to improve has made it a very enjoyable coaching experience nonetheless. Nearly all of the skiers are first timers and it’s so wonderful to be able to include the middle school kids. It’s a very tough and humbling sport, but all these kids have such great attitudes.

“Having such coachable, positive kids, along with parents who are stepping up to help us get where we need to go and who are learning about the sport along with their kids has been fantastic,” he added.

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102 Commercial Rentals

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Available March 1, $1,550/mo. Call Phil at 541-280-3751.

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

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MINI STORAGE

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104 Vacation Rentals

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202 Firewood

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301 Vehicles

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SISTERS WHISKERS

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

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601 Construction

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Custom Homes Additions - Remodels Residential Building Projects Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com — Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

Answer: Page 23

Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me.

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

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CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

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602 Plumbing & Electric

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704 Events & Event Services

CENTRAL OREGON'S GUN & KNIFE SHOW!

February 7 & 8

Saturday, 9-5 • Sunday, 9-3

Deschutes County Expo Center

ADMISSION: General $10; Military/Vets $8; 2-day pass $16; Children under 12 are free. For info call 541-699-1585. OregonGunsandMoreShow.com

802 Help Wanted

NOW HIRING Housekeeping and Maintenance Team Members

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my Sweetheart, Please be mine! Yours Truly

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SUDOKU SOLUTION

for puzzle on page 22

OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON

On February 11, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m., the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing at the Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon, to hear a proposal to allow Republic Services to provide residential commingle recycling services in Distant Rural Collection Zones serviced by Wilderness Garbage and Recycling, Bend Garbage and Recycling, and High Country Disposal for a service rate impact of $6 per month for Republic Services curbside collection. The service areas to be offered are: •South of Sunriver •Areas North and East of Bend, Redmond and Sisters These areas currently offer refuse collection services but not Commingled Recycling services. This service will commence after July 1, 2026. This meeting will be streamed live and recorded at www.deschutes.org/meetings. Public testimony can be provided in person or virtually via Zoom by computer or phone. Notice of the February 11, 2026 meeting may also be found online at www.deschutes.org/ publichearingnotices. For further information, contact Tim Brownell, Solid Waste Director at (541) 317-3177.

Pat Burke

LOCALLY OWNED

CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062

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