Town is mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97383, 97385, 97358 and 97325 zip codes. Subscriptions outside the area are $48 annually
By Melissa Wagoner
The Covered Bridge Café in Stayton typically serves 2,500 eggs on an average Saturday morning.
“Eggs for a breakfast place are like alcohol for a bar,” owner, Cari Sessums, explained. “It’s really huge.”
So, when her vendor broke the news on Jan. 15 that – due to a national egg shortage caused by an ongoing outbreak of bird flu – egg prices were not only increasing from $41 a case to $151, but those cases were going to be severely limited.
“We’ve dealt with the price going up and down before,” Sessums said. “But to be told, ‘We don’t know if we can get those eggs to you’…”
The news forced Sessums to create a plan.
“We cut portions to one egg,” she said. “We’re not selling sides of eggs, and I took the boiled egg out of the salad.” She also began using liquid eggs – eggs
that are already broken out of the shell and whisked together – a product she typically eschews.
“It’s really against our values,” she said. But apart from printing new menus and raising prices – actions she is loath to do – she saw no other alternative.
“A customer has a connection with Willamette Egg Farms,” she said. “And I called Wilsonville Sysco, but they’re getting 200 cases of eggs today and they have a lot of area to cover.”
Which is one reason The Covered Bridge Café is suffering from the shortage more than some other restaurants.
“We’re smaller,” Sessums said, describing a supply chain, which often provides resources to larger entities first.
Even when Sessums does gain access to those difficult to access commodities, the increased costs are harder for her business to absorb.
“With all the other costs, to have the cheapest item – the one that gives you the space to price at a certain level –increase… Eggs are more expensive than a piece of bacon.”
The double whammy has been confusing for many of The Covered Bridge Café’s customers who, when given the news that their breakfast or omelet would be short of an egg, expect also to receive a discount.
“But I can’t discount a dollar,” Sessums said. “Because I’m already down a dollar and I’ve got other costs – payroll and facilities.”
Instead, Sessums is asking for the continued understanding of her customers as she and her staff navigate this difficult time.
“Let’s remember, it’s not anything we’re doing,” she said. “There’s only so much we can do in-house right now.”
Because until the outbreak of bird flu is under control and a new generation of hens starts laying, the egg shortage will continue.
“Grow up chickens,” Sessums pleaded. “Grow up.”
By Stephen Floyd
The cities of Aumsville and Sublimity are starting 2025 with nearly $1 million between them in state grants for park projects, with construction scheduled throughout the year.
On Sept. 18, 2024, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approved $31.8 million statewide through its Local Government Grant Program. This included $386,874 for improvements to Highberger Park in Aumsville, and in Sublimity $344,000 for Early Settlers Park and $200,000 for Sunrise Park.
The cities are expected to provide matching resources including funding and labor, with $96,781 dedicated by Aumsville and $136,000 dedicated by Sublimity.
Highberger Park is set to receive a new restroom, three new fitness stations along the walkway and the relocation of a children’s play area. There will also be improvements to the existing concrete walkway, picnic areas and landscaping.
In its grant application, the City of Aumsville said its goal is to “enhance the space to prepare for continued growth.” The city said while the basketball court is used frequently, other facilities such as the walking path and picnic areas see limited use due in part to lack of restrooms and the limited size of
the play area. Construction is expected from May 1 to July 1.
Early Settlers Park will receive significant upgrades to its play structures, including a new “natural play area” with rocks, timber and other organic features for children to play on. They also plan to install a new play structure children are able to interact with such as a model fire truck or train.
The City of Sublimity also plans to refurbish the section designated for preschoolers and younger children with new equipment and surfacing, and a new fence on the west side blocking the street.
The grant also allows for the relocation of some play structures to Church Park, such as two climbing features, a slide and spring toy. The city said in its grant application its goal is to make the park more usable for families with young children, and that these upgrades reflect local feedback. Construction began in January and is expected to continue through October.
Sunrise Park is currently undeveloped. The grant will allow the City of Sublimity to begin adding ADA-compliant facilities including a paved walkway and public restrooms. The city acquired the property in 2019 to provide park access on the northeast end of town. Construction is expected to take place from April 1 to July 1.
By Stephen Floyd
The City of Stayton is bringing back its Community Improvement Grant program after a successful round of grants were awarded last year.
On Jan. 6, the City announced a new round of funding in its monthly newsletter, asking community members to propose projects that benefit local businesses, residents and visitors.
The city said the goal of the program is to “foster community spirit and support projects that bring people together, promote engagement, and improve the quality of life in Stayton.”
Specific details such as application deadlines and overall funding for this round of grants were expected to be
determined at a later date. Community Engagement Coordinator Christian Smithrud told Our Town the City Council would finalize these details and was expected to discuss the issue during a special work session Jan. 21.
Community grants were first offered in 2019 and were then suspended amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024 the council set aside $40,000 to bring back the program and that April the council awarded seven applicants, with awards ranging from $500 to $10,000.
Projects included sidewalk improvements, bike racks and dog walking stations downtown, a community Father Daughter Dance, and a new Neighbor Free Library station on West Kathy Street.
By James Day
Aumsville was one of 63 communities and nonprofits in Oregon, Washington and California to receive funds from Pacific Power’s foundation, which distributed $175,000 to organizations focused on community enhancement and the environment.
The musical playground piece at Porter Boone, said city administrator Ron Harding, is estimated to cost around $40,000, but “we are still gathering bids,” he said. The PacifiCorp Foundation provided a piece of this funding, around $2,500.
“The park equipment is intended to facilitate interactive play for kids and families,” Harding said. “It’s just another activity
for families to enjoy. Although this is a small project, some cities create an entire park of musical equipment and draw large groups all the time.”
The project, Harding said, is part of the effort to meet the city’s 2020-2040 vision goals by enhancing community programs to bring the community together. It also assists with the strong families’ “a great place to live” motto.
The city has installed artwork on its new 1 million gallon water reservoir, added the service memorial in front of City Hall, beautification landscaping along Main Street, and the Maude building project at the Saturday Market.
Aumsville also has added bathrooms in all of its parks, with the park projects, Harding said, “all intended to increase livability and enhance the community enjoyment in open and recreational spaces.”
By Melissa Wagoner
Most people have a love story, maybe it’s about how they met their partner, their feelings for their child, their relationship with a grandchild, parent or grandparent, or the ceaseless devotion of a pet. Whatever the circumstances, those strong emotions are often hard to put into words, but when Our Town asked readers to try, the results were a litany of sometimes funny, often touching and always heartwarming tales. Here are just a few.
both loved the ocean and poetry; together 35 years.”
Patti J Armstrong: “Instant connection as soon as I opened the door, been married 35 years.”
Emorie Côté: “He saw my strength as a beautiful and powerful thing.”
Julie Gritton:
Melissa Nored: “I knew on the third date he would be my forever.”
Sabrina Conaway: “He told me he wanted to be the one sitting on the park bench holding hands with me when we are old.”
Nancy Miller: “I was reading a book; he looked hot in his baseball pants; we
“He read The Canterbury Tales with me while we were dating – out loud in the original Middle English.”
Dawn Paull: “We met through mutual friends who thought we’d make a good couple, they were wrong –we made a great couple!”
Aishia Burnett: “I married my best friend.”
Jossalynn Scott Wright: “I walked through the door of the local dive bar and got butterflies when he glanced at me over his shoulder while ordering a drink; by the end of the night, I jokingly proposed to him in the alley out back.”
Jeneen McEntire: “You really can find everything at Walmart.”
Jean Elizabeth Wood: “As I got into his car on our second date I said, ‘This is it isn’t it?’ and he replied, ‘I knew it the moment I met you!’”
Bretny Kraemer: “He was the dusty farm boy who brought in berries from his family’s farm, I was waitressing at his grandparents’ restaurant, and we made lots of desserts with those berries!”
Anna Maria Uselman: “We heard each other’s voice on the phone before we ever met in person and we both instantly got butterflies, I think our souls recognized each other.”
and it was instant love at first sight… 26 years later I still get butterflies when I see him.”
Brianna WoltermanBaker: “A chaotically, beautiful love.”
Sarah Leiterman: “We met at a party where I put my phone number and birthday with an alarm in his calendar on his super cool sidekick phone and told him he better call me and tell me happy birthday when it goes off.”
Melissa Weiser: “He is a stern and stoic man who softens with me, elevating my feminine energy.”
Cheryl Sorenson: “When Lonny Sorenson and I met, we knew we would be better people together.”
Kristie Hays Bullock: “My little boy was diagnosed with leukemia and Jon happened to be the ‘chemo pal’ volunteer that got assigned to him.”
Renee Bianchi: “I fell in love with her artwork before I ever met her.”
Heath Curtiss: “No one loves a lawyer quite like another lawyer!”
Randy Crain: “I copied her answers in algebra at SHS, been married for 46 years.”
Dennis Meissner: “I invited my future wife to five hours of ‘Monty Python’... she stayed for all five... we were married about 6 months later.”
Kristin Kreitzer: “First time we met, that hug was so powerful and fierce there are no words to explain.”
Kendra Bartelmez- Forster: “We only knew each other for a couple weeks when I got frozen in at his house during the last ice storm, for a week!”
Jennifer Hartley: “Married in 2015, mutual respect, trust and thoughtfulness keep our love bond strong.”
Angi Miller: “I rounded the corner into the living room and fell into the deep blue of his eyes.”
Brenda Zajdel: “He held his hand out to me to help me off the train at Portland Union Station
Dana Vafiades: “The best day of my life was the day I gave my husband my left kidney.”
Mary Elizabeth Kelley: “First time I heard ‘I love you Grandma’ my life changed.”
Haylee Lewis: “...And I’ll watch as our firsts become our lasts.”
Santiam Senior Center
41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St.
Stayton Public Library, 515 N First Ave.
Monday
Stayton Community Food Bank, 9 - 11:45 a.m., 1210 Wilco Road. Repeats Monday - Friday. 503-769-4088
Santiam Senior Center, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Open Monday-Friday. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. Dues $20/year. 503-767-2009, santiamseniorcenter.com
Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m. Delivery only. Age 60 and older. Serves Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons, Marion, Mehama. Repeats Wednesday, Friday. $3 donation suggested. For delivery, call Ginger, 503-769-7995.
Bingo, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Cards $.05-.10 per game. Bring a can or box of non-perishable food for Stayton Food Bank, get a free card. Seniors 50+. Free. Repeats Thursdays. 503-767-2009
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Open meeting. Repeats Thursday and Friday.
Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway St., Mill City. Anyone is welcome. JoAnn, 503-859-2502
Tuesday
Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy through songs and rhythms, stories and rhymes. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
English, Citizenship, GED Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Classes are free; $20 for workbook. Repeats Thursdays. Join class anytime. Mary, 503-779-7029
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow the path on right of building; use side entrance to church.
Wednesday
Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. Location varies each week. For location, call 503-769-3464. St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity. Learn about Sublimity and possibly your family history. Free. 503-508-0312
Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy together with your infant or toddler. Older siblings welcome. Free. 503-769-3313
Intermediate Tai Chi, 10:15 - 11 a.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Fridays. 503-767-2009
Beginner Tai Chi, 11:15 a.m. - noon, Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Fridays. 503-767-2009
Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome. 503-508-9431, staytonarearotary.org
Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. 503-767-2009
Beginner Line Dancing, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. 503-767-2009
Advanced Line Dancing, 1:45 - 2:45 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. 503-767-2009
Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow path on right on building and use side entrance to church.
Thursday
Sublimity Quilters, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Make quilts for local community donations and charities. Everything is provided. New members welcome.
Point Man Ministries, 6 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons. Veterans support organization. 503-859-2627
Saturday
Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., All Good Things Cafe, 190 Main St., Aumsville.
Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Open meeting. Revival Youth Hangout, 5 - 6:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 657 N Second Ave., Stayton. Youth of the area are welcome. Follow “Revival_ Heartbeat” on Instagram and Tiktok. revivalheartbeat@gmail.com
Sunday
Community Lampstand, 5 - 7 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Learn how the Bible inspired the works of the Founding Fathers in the creation of the United States and its founding documents. Free. Diannah, 503-881-6147
Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Volksfest
11 a.m. - midnight, Festhalle, 500 NE Wilco Hwy., Mt. Angel. Live music, dancing, Volkswalks, Gigglebritches, Mt. Angel Sausage Co.’s sausage eating contest, NW Dubs Cruise-In and more. Family-friendly. Admission is $15/person; those under 21 are free. Repeats 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Feb. 2. Tickets at mtangelvolksfest.com. Sponsored by Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce. The Penguin Ball
2 - 3 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Celebrate the conclusion of this year’s Winter Reading Challenge with fancy, flippered fun for all ages. Dressing up is encouraged. Free. 503-769-3313
Sunday, Feb. 2
KofC Breakfast
7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Parish Hall, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Shaw. Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $10. 503-362-6159
Monday, Feb. 3
Daughters of American Revolution
10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Guest speaker is the DAR State Regent. All welcome. Refreshments served.
503-508-8246
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. Work session at 6 p.m. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Agricultural Safety Seminar
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Festhalle, 500 NE Wilco Road, Mt. Angel. Designed primarily for people working in agriculture but are open to anyone interested in safety and health. Topics include navigating OSHA’s top citations, co-existing with agricultural chemicals, cold stress safety on the farm, emergency first aid on the farm. Attendance is free, but registration is required by visiting http://cvent. me/59Kwbq. saif.com/agseminars
Stayton Lions Club
Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats Feb. 18. staytonlionsclub.org
Stayton Parks and Rec Board
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Caregiver Connection
1 - 2:30 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support group for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 years of age or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. For Zoom invite and register, contact Julie Mendez, family caregiver support specialist at 503-304-3432 or julie.mendez@nwsds.org
Thursday, Feb. 6
Cancer Support Group
11 a.m., Silverton 50+ Center. Silverton area cancer support group. All welcome. Free. 503-873-3093, silvertonseniors.org
Art Show Opening
5 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Opening reception for the library’s local art show. Enjoy light refreshments while meeting the artists. Art must be submitted by Feb. 5, and will remain on display through Feb. 26. Free. 503-769-3313
Peter Pan the Musical
7 p.m., The Spotlight, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Spotlight Community Theatre production. Tickets are $15/ general admission, $12/seniors & college students, $10/ages 13-17, $8/ages 4-12. Repeats 7 p.m. Feb. 7-8, 13-15, 21. 2 p.m. Feb. 8-9, 15-16, 22. Tickets at spotlightct. com or at the door.
Friday, Feb. 7
Women’s Coffee Club
9 - 10 a.m., Piknik Vintage Tea House, 106 N First St., Silverton. Join the Launch Mid Valley’s women’s coffee club for startups and entrepreneurs. Network, learn, grow. Hosted by Cayla Catino. Free. More information and RSVP: https://www. launchmidvalley.org.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Stayton Goal Setting
8:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Stayton City Council will set goals for 2025-26. Open to public. 503-769-3426, staytonoregon.gov
Sunday, Feb. 9
Brown House Tour
Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/ person. Children under 18 are free. For a special reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860.
Monday, Feb. 10
Sublimity City Council
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org
Stayton Fire District Board
6 p.m.,. Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Open to public. 503-769-2601
Lyons Fire District Board
7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-859-2410, lyonsrfd.org
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Ancestry Detectives
10 a.m., Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St., Silverton. Doug Crosby presents “A Journey to England, 2024,” a travel, genealogy and historical adventure. All welcome. ancestrydetectives.org
STEAM Days
3:30 - 4:40 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore different kinds of slime and make some to take home. Repeats through Friday. Free. 503-769-3313
Cascade School Board
7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. 503-749-8010, cascade.k12.or.us
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Valentine’s Day Sale
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Includes See’s Candy. Hosted by Santiam Hospital & Clinic Auxiliary Gift Shop. Repeats Feb. 13. Canyon Garden Club
1 - 3 p.m., Santiam Community Garden, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. First meeting is free, then dues are $20/year. If you need a ride, call Rosemary at 503-769-2571. RDS Board Meeting
5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. downtownstayton.org
Thursday, Feb. 13
Aumsville Food Pantry
Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open to people in need of food items. Repeats Feb. 27. 503-749-2128
DIY Craftshop
5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Create a wire-wrapped Tree of Life suncatcher. Supplies provided. Free. 503-769-3313
Aumsville Fire District
6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Open to public. 503-749-2894 Lyons Library Board
7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366
Friday, Feb. 14
Valentine’s Day
Community Play Group
10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 574 N 11th St., Aumsville. Free Community Play Group sponsored by Family Building Blocks. Includes complimentary snacks. RSVP: 503769-1120, familybuildingblocks.org.
Fiber Art Connection
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Join other fiber arts enthusiasts of all ages and abilities for crafting and conversation. Bring a project or try one provided. Free. 503-769-3313
Saturday, Feb. 15
Flea Market
Tuesday, Feb. 18
American Legion Post #58
6 - 7:30 p.m., Weddle Funeral Service, 1777 N Third Ave., Stayton. All veterans welcome. Post #58 will pay first year’s dues for all who join. 503-508-2827
North Santiam Watershed Council
6 p.m. Zoom. Open to public. For Zoom link call 503-930-8202 or email council@northsantiam. org.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Hamburger lunch with hamburgers, potato salad, deviled eggs, dessert, coffee, pop. 503-859-2161
Bethel Clothing Closet
9 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128
Can/Bottle Drive
9 a.m. - noon, Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. The Class of 2025 all-night party committee is hosting a can/bottle drive to raise money for the event.
Joseph´s Storehouse of Hope
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Food boxes. 503-881-9846
Alcoholics Anonymous
6 - 8:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting. Sweetheart Bingo
6 - 9 p.m., Mehama Fire Station, 21475 SE Ferry Road, Stayton. Bingo cards $10; can be played for all games. Cash prizes. Concessions available. Proceeds benefit the volunteer association. 503-769-2601
Monday, Feb. 17
Presidents’ Day
Cascade Baseball Camp
10 a.m. - noon, Cascade High, 10266 SE Marion Road, Turner. Willamette University coach Jimmy Meuel will lead two hours of instruction on pitching and catching. $30/player. First session is for ages 7-10. Noon - 2 p.m. session is for ages 11-12. 2 - 4 p.m. session is for ages 13-15. Register at cascadeboosters.com.
Stayton Friends of the Library
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733
North Santiam School District Board
6 p.m., Stayton Elementary, 875 N Third Ave. Board meeting open to public. Agenda available. Special work session from 4 - 5:30 p.m. 503-769-6924, nsantiam. k12.or.us
Saturday, Feb. 22
Spaghetti Dinner
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. Work session at 6 p.m. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Dementia Care Conversations
1 - 2 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. The focus is to provide dementia care information, training and resources to family caregivers. Offered by Family Caregiver Support Program at NorthWest Senior and Disability Services. To register, contact group facilitator Julie Mendez at 503-304-3432.
Love Your Library
5 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Join library staff for tours, presentations and interactive displays to find out more about the library. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Stayton Library Board
6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-768-3313
Healthcare Forum
6 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Santiam Hospital & Clinics Foundation welcomes Dr. Benjamin Lee to speak on Atrial Fibrillation. Free. Register at http://weblink.donorperfect. com/February2025Healthcareforum
Thursday, Feb. 20
Red Cross Blood Drive
9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Stayton Public Arts Commission
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. The commission is responsible for assisting the council and other city boards and commissions in using public art to enhance existing development in public parks, structures and land. Open to public. 503-769-2998, staytonoregon.gov
5 - 7 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, dessert, coffee, punch. $10/person. 503-859-2161
Monday, Feb. 24
Vigil for Peace
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society including a focus on issues of current concern.
Open to all. 503-873-5307
Sublimity Planning Commission
4:30 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Stayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Sublimity Parks & Rec
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org
Lyons City Council
6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-859-2167, cityoflyons.org
Thursday, Feb. 27
Stayton Book Club
4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Discuss Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Sutanto. Join for tea, treats and book talk. Free. 503-769-3313
To get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town, send your releases – including date, time, location, activity, cost, contact information – to datebook@mtangelpub.com. Or drop them off at 2340 Martin Dr., Stayton weekdays, 9:30 a.m. - noon.
There are two major errors that plague the Christian faith. They are Legalism and Lawlessness. the truth concerning salvation by grace. Legalism is when people mistakenly think they have to be “good enough” in order to be saved, or to maintain their salvation. Legalists try to put God in their debt by keeping His laws. They are saying in their hearts, “Okay God, I obeyed you, so now you have to reward me.” Legalism leads to selfrighteousness (if you are good at it), but it leads to discouragement when you are not. It dishonors Christ by failing to rest in the sufficiency of what He has done for us. Lawlessness, on the other hand, is when people presume upon the grace of God, treating God’s forgiveness as if it were a license to keep on sinning. They wrongly think that since they have been saved by grace, they can continue living in their sins as if sin no longer matters to God. That is simply not true. Lawlessness dishonors God, but it is also destructive to the sinner. Christ died to set us free, not only from the punishment our sins deserve, but also from the harms our sins do to ourselves and others.
sing in the old hymn, Amazing Grace, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. T’was blind but now I see.”
Judge has ruled in our favor. There is nothing more for us to say or do in the Courtroom Scene of God’s justice. Our chains are removed. Our guilt has been paid in full by Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. We are now free to go. But free
Courtroom Scene we are ushered Family Room Scene. With all charges against us having been dropped, we have now been “born-again” as a “child of God.” We are no longer “dead in our trespasses and sins.” We have “passed from death into life” by receiving a “new heart” and a “new spirit” (Ezek. 36:25- 27). We’ve been adopted into God’s eternal family and so a whole new set of passages of Scripture now apply to us.
In the Family Room Scene God is now our Heavenly Father rather than our Judge. Jesus is now our older Brother and Lord. This is where so many new Christians get things
By Gregg Harris
created in Christ Jesus for good works.” This passage speaks clearly to the Family Room Scene where God has “prepared good works for us to do.” Hebrews 12:5-11 tells us God will discipline us as His children when we disobey Him. But He will NEVER disown us!
So, if we, as believers in Christ, mistakenly apply Eph. 2:10 to our Court Room Scene, we would be committing the error of thinking our “good works” somehow add support to our justification before God. They don’t! When we do that, we are swerving into the ditch of Legalism, thinking we can only keep our salvation by being “good enough.”
So, there is a ditch on both sides of the road of Christianity: Legalism and Lawlessness Both are wrong. The road itself is living joyfully under the reign of our Lord, Jesus Christ. That is our new life in God’s family. Got questions? Please call or text me at 971-370-0967. If we meet, I’ll buy your coffee.
Both Legalism & Lawlessness Are Distortions
Both of these errors are wrong, but they are wrong for opposite reasons. They are like two ditches on either side of a road. The road itself is living joyfully under the reign of our living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. On this road we get to obey, not in order to be saved, but because, by His grace, through our faith in Him, we are already saved. We can rest from all our efforts to earn His favor because, by His mercy, we already have His favor. The sad thing is that when we obsess too much over staying out of one ditch or the other, we swerve into the ditch on the other side of the road.The Legalist can become Lawless and the Lawless one can become Legalistic.
This dilemma is resolved by what the Apostle Paul wrote to a young pastor named Timothy. “Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV). Now “rightly dividing” God’s Word may sound a bit audacious, but the Bible requires us to correctly apply the right passages to the right situations at any given point in our lives— before and after salvation.
God’s Word, the Bible, never changes. But thankfully we do change. We don’t have to remain in our sinful way of life forever. As we
As we experience God’s amazing grace it transforms us. Though we are all “lost” at one point, we can be “found.” Having been spiritually “blind” in the past, we can eventually “see.” For that reason, not every passage of Scripture can rightfully apply to us at the same time. As we pass from unbelief to faith, different verses will apply to us in very different scenarios that I call “scenes.”
#1.
wrong. This Family-Room Scene is where the twin errors of Legalism and Lawlessness are most likely to show up. By getting confused about which Bible verses now apply to us, we can easily end up in one ditch or the other.
God is the God of Justice. He must punish all those who have rebelled against His will. In the Courtroom Scene of His justice, we find ourselves on trial. Nothing we have done in the hope of being “good enough” to earn God’s favor will stand up in His Courtroom. We are guilty as charged and have only our own death to offer as payment for our sin. We would be doomed, if it were not for Jesus. But Jesus Christ, our great Savior and Attorney, addresses the Judge. “Your Honor, if it please the Court, I have already paid this sinner’s debt. I shed my own blood on the cross for this scoundrel. And as You know, I had no debt of My own to pay. So, I have agreed to have my death applied to his account. He has put his faith in Me to be his Savior, and so, according to Our Plan of Salvation, he now belongs to Me.”
There is silence in the courtroom as the angels lean in to hear God’s verdict. “Case dismissed!” the Judge cries out. And so, the
To “Rightly Divide the Word of Truth” We Must Know Our Bible.
When Paul wrote, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15), he probably had legalism and lawlessness in mind because a different set of Bible verses apply in the Family Room. For example, if we apply the famous Courtroom Scene passage about having been “saved by grace through faith” and “not of works lest anyone boast” (Eph. 2:8-9) to our new life in the Family Room, we can mistakenly think we no longer have any responsibility to do what we know pleases God. That would be the ditch of Lawlessness. That passage applies ONLY to our justification by faith alone in the Courtroom Scene of God’s justice. It does NOT exempt us from living to please our Heavenly Father as a member of His loving Family. God has plans for us as His children.
In fact, we read in the very next verse, in Eph. 2:10, that “we are His workmanship,
Christian Men! Join us every week for our Noble Men’s Breakfast at The Home Place. 1080 N First St, Silverton, OR 97381 Thurs. mornings from 7 to 8:30 AM For info go to NobleMenOfOregon.org Join us as we seek to have an impact on our community for Christ.
Are You Looking for a Good Church? Consider visiting Gracious Cross Reformed Church. We gather on Sunday mornings at 10:00am in northeast Salem. Gregg Harris, the author of this article, is our teaching pastor. To learn more and listen to sermons, go online to www.graciouscross.org.
By Stephen Floyd
An Aumsville man accused of killing a Salem woman in a fatal DUII collision two years ago has had his trial for manslaughter set over again due to the unavailability of an expert witness.
Eric Raymond Webb, 51, was scheduled to stand trial Jan. 7 in Marion County Circuit Court for a Jan. 21, 2023, collision that resulted in the death of Julia Aubrey Wade, 26.
On Dec. 12, 2024, Judge Tracy Prall granted a continuance due to the unavailability of defense witness Kenn Meneely, a toxicology consultant with Willamette Valley Forensics.
The trial has been re-scheduled to start Feb. 12, with a pre-trial hearing set for Jan. 29.
During the trial, prosecutors are expected to present evidence that Webb had alcohol, opioid painkillers, a muscle relaxant and anti-seizure medication in his blood the night he was arrested. The defense is expected to challenge these toxicology results, as well as argue Webb suffers from debilitating alcohol addiction and would benefit more from treatment than from prison.
This is the third trial continuance in the case after three previous trials during January, May and October of 2024 were
set over. The first two delays occurred after Webb changed attorneys, and the third delay came after his public defender requested more time to secure an expert witness.
On the night of the collision, Wade was crossing an intersection in Salem at Lancaster Drive and Rickey Street SE when Webb allegedly struck her with his pickup. She was hospitalized in critical condition and died from her injuries April 27, 2023.
Webb, a former veterinarian, had been driving from a holiday party held by employer The Pet Clinic, of Salem, where he allegedly had been drinking. After Wade was struck, Webb allegedly led police on a high-speed chase before being apprehended late that night on the 1900 block of Claxter Road NE, in Keizer.
Webb is charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, hitand-run, DUII, aggravated driving while revoked, attempt to elude and reckless driving. If convicted he faces at least 10 years in prison. Prosecutors plan to ask for more time due to his several prior DUII convictions and the level of harm caused by his latest alleged offense.
Since his arrest, Webb has been lodged in the Marion County Jail without bail.
By Stephen Floyd
Local business owner Luke Bauer has been sworn into the Stayton City Council after the resignation of former Councilor David Gilio in December.
During the council’s Jan. 6 regular meeting, Bauer, owner of Bauer Built Construction, was unanimously appointed to serve the remainder of Gilio’s term through 2026.
election.
Bauer came in third in a race for two open seats by a margin of 12 votes.
“(Bauer) has a lot of values that I think are a reflection of this community,” said Gilio.
The council reached a consensus that night and on Jan. 6 approved a resolution to appoint Bauer 4-0, after which Bauer was sworn in.
Gilio resigned during the council’s Dec. 16, 2024, meeting effective that night, citing increasing responsibilities professionally and personally. He is a founder of Skyline Video Productions, is a youth pastor at Grace Bible Fellowship and said his family recently had a third child.
Gilio said he has “absolutely loved” working on the council, and said the timing of his resignation should help an appointee integrate with the new council seated in January.
Also sworn in were councilors Ken Carey and Steve Sims, who took first and second in the election, respectively.
Carey owns businesses including Baked and Loaded Potatoes. This is his first experience in elected office.
He recommended Bauer be appointed to the position, as Bauer received broad voter support during the Nov. 5, 2024 council
Sims, a retired Navy commander, was first appointed to the council in 2023 and first elected in 2024.
Sims was also reappointed council president for 2025, with council members commending him for his service in the role during 2024. This included acting as mayor pro-tem from Sept. 24 to Dec. 16, 2024, after Brian Quigley left office for medical reasons.
On January 7, 2025, Marjorie White of Sublimity, Oregon passed away on the Union Hills farm where she was born and spent most of her life. She was 96 years old. Marjorie was a descendant of Oregon pioneers, all of whom settled in the immediate area in the mid-19th century. She was preceded in death by her parents, Winnie and Elsie Tate, and dear husbands Reed Brazil and Robert White.
Marjorie attended Salem High School (Class of 1945) and graduated with a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon in 1949. She was a dedicated member of the Tri Delta sorority, and after university graduation became a farmer, social worker, and businesswoman. She was a lifelong member of the Union Hill Grange.
Curtis Nathan Longfellow, 55, passed away Sept. 13, 2024 in Stayton, Oregon. He was born to David and Dorothy Longfellow on July 3, 1969 in Salem, Oregon. He went to Stayton High School his freshman year and then moved to Alaska with his father where he worked as a carpenter and then pursued his lifelong dream of being a tattoo artist. He was extremely talented at his craft.
July 3, 1969 – Sept. 13, 2024
Curtis married Gina Alfano in 2015 and became a step-father to her three children.
His hobbies included his love for tattooing, woodworking and playing a card game called “Magic the Gathering”.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Cathy Farnsworth (Robert), Marianne Christian Griffith (Ken), James Brazil (Tammy), and eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Private burial will be at the Union Hill Cemetery.
Jim Church 503-910-7784 jimc@powerautogroup.com Delana Johnson 503-769-7100 delana@powerautogroup.com
1035 N. 6th Ave, Stayton 503-769-2656
Daily Mass: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am, Saturday, 8:00 am
Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil, 5:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am, 10:00 am English, 12:00 pm Spanish
Adoration: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 2:30-3:30 pm Tuesday, 1:00-5:00 pm, Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm
All Night Adoration: First and Third Fridays, 9:00 pm to 7:00 am Saturdays
Nocturnal Adoration: First Saturdays, 10:00 pm to Sundays at 6:00 am
Confession: Saturday, 11-11:30 am, 3:30-4:30 pm, Thursday, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm, or by appointment
Curtis returned to Oregon and spent most of his career as a carpenter for custom cabinetry and later was employed by The Oregon Garden for maintenance.
Hours Monday – Friday 10:00 to 4:30 Eves & Wknds By Appt
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Buzz Sawyer. He is survived by his wife, Gina Longfellow; step-children, Natasha Alfano, Austin Nicholson, Skyler Wolford; brother, Roger Sawyer; and sister, Shannon Marheine.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
Submissions welcomed: Our Town appreciates the opportuity to share life’s Passages with our readers. If there is a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, college graduation or obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, please send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com
The Stayton-Cascade basketball rivalry always has reminded me of a boxing match. I tend to think of the contests as “rounds.” On Jan. 21 in Turner it was Round 2 for the boys and Round 1 for the girls, because the Stayton boys took Round 1, 55-54 in the championship game of the SCTC Tournament hosted by the Eagles in December. The rivalry resumes Feb. 11 at Stayton, although meetings in the Class 4A state tournament in Forest Grove remain enticing possibilities. Here is how the Jan. 21 contests played out:
Boys Basketball: Cascade wants to play fast. Stayton wants to play a little slower. The Cougars played the first period at warp speed, rushing out to a 27-13 lead behind 12 points apiece from standout guards Kaiden Ford and Landon Knox
The final three periods were played at Stayton’s pace, but the methodical Eagles never were able to completely close that gap. They pulled within six at the half, were within five in the third period and closed within three twice in the fourth, the final time at 52-49 with 1:40 left on an Ean Dillingham tip. Since that early 27-13 Cougars explosion Stayton had outscored the visitors 36-25. But Knox then fed Ford for a momentum crushing left-side 3 -pointer and a 55-49 advantage.
Stayton junior guard Ruben Reyes then drove to the hoop for 55-51, but Knox closed the deal with two foul shots with 20.6 left and the final was 57-51. Ford poured in 31 points, with Knox adding 20. The remaining Cougars scored just six. Dillingham battled a platoon of defenders in the low post and finished with 23 points to lead Stayton. Reyes was a factor at both ends, coming off the bench to score 10 points while chasing Ford around the gym on defense.
Girls Basketball: After watching Tal Wold lead the Silverton girls to five MidWillamette Conference titles and four top four Class 5A finishes, including a state title in 2016, I knew it would not take him long to make dent back at his old
stomping grounds in Stayton, where he had earlier coach the Eagles’ boys. Wold started fast, taking his first team, which included just one senior, Liv Smart, to the state tournament and finishing 19-6. Year two is another step up. The Eagles were 16-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class 4A at Our Town’s press time, with Cascade falling 41-28 in the opener of the Jan. 21 fight card in Turner. Sophomore Kathryn Samek scored 19 points and Kenzi Hollenbeck added 16 points and 15 rebounds as the Eagles dominated inside and never trailed after taking a 4-3 lead in the early going.
Notes on Basketball: Before the Jan. 21 contests Cascade honored long-time girls coach Mark Stevens, who won 583 games, the 2011 state title and finished second six more times in his 32 years at the school. The floor in the Cougars’ gym is now Mark Stevens Court… At presstime Stayton’s girls are No. 1 and the boys are No. 6. Cascade is No. 2 in the boys and No. 7 in the girls. That leads to the tantalizing possibility of all four teams advancing to the Class 4A tournament. I don’t believe it has happened before. Please shoot me an email if you know otherwise.
Football districts: The Oregon Schools Activities Association is shaking up football districts. Again. Stayton and Cascade will remain in Class 4A, but will be moving out of the Oregon West Conference into a new Special District II that also includes Estacada, North Marion and Woodburn. Left behind
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Stayton vs North Mairon
5:30 p.m. Cascade vs Sweet Home
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion
7 p.m. Cascade vs Sweet Home
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade
7 p.m. Regis vs Chemawa
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Chemawa
7 p.m. Stayton vs Cascasde
from last year’s Oregon West are Marist Catholic, Philomath, Sweet Home and Junction City, who will be combined with Cottage Grove and Crescent Valley (down from 5A) in a new SD-3. Regis and Santiam will be playing in an expanded Special District 2 in Class 2A, with the league also including Colton, Corbett, Jefferson, Sheridan and St. Paul. Last year’s SD-2 included just Colton, Gervais, Salem Academy and Regis after Santiam chose to only play at the junior varsity level.
Officials Needed: The Oregon Athletic Officials Association (OAOA) and the OSAA are recruiting officials for the high school spring sports seasons. Registration for new officials already has opened and there is an immediate need for umpires in baseball and softball.
Friday, Feb. 14
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Cascade vs Newport
Girls Basketball
7 p.m. Cascade vs Newport
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Newport
Girls Basketball
7 p.m. Stayton vs Newport
Friday, Feb. 21
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
5:30 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion
Girls Basketball
7 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
7 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion Home contests only.
For full schedule, visit osaa.org.
BASKETBALL: © ALEKSS / 123RF.COM,
Becoming a high school official has several benefits, OAOA and OSAA officials said, including staying involved in athletics, maintaining good physical condition, and earning money, on average $80 for each game officiated.
“Oregon has an urgent need for officials in all sports,” OAOA executive director Jack Folliard said. “Officials provide valuable service to high schools and students, make a positive impact in the community and build relationships.”
Those interested should visit
I’m not cheap. OK, maybe I’m a little on the tight side, but definitely not cheap.
Maybe.
It’s just that I’m one of those oddballs who likes to get what he pays for. Take concert tickets. When I was in high school a few years ago, I went to two or three concerts a month. The first one I ever went to featured Gladys Knight and the Pips and The Temptations. It was a great concert. The cost of a ticket was $8. Because we lived in Philadelphia there were always concerts downtown, at the sports arena and local colleges and other places, including a coffee house in Bryn Mawr called the Main Point. It had a $4 cover charge. From Jimi Hendrix to Jethro Tull, they all showed up. The best concert I ever went to was Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, the Allman Brothers Band, Santana and Chicago. The price of a ticket was $8. I know what you’re thinking. Those
were prehistoric times. Considering inflation over the years, that $8 ticket in 1968 would cost $72 today.
Which brings me to Taylor Swift. First, let me stipulate that I think she’s great. Her music isn’t my style, but that’s OK. She could sing “Babalu” and play the bongo drums and I wouldn’t care.
It’s just that I think she is taking advantage of her audience. The average price of a ticket for her concerts was $1,088 and the top price was $3,071.
No wonder she’s a billionaire.
She’s not alone in taking her fans to the cleaners. According to the Loudwire website, between 2017 and 2021, tickets
to a Bruce Springsteen concert averaged $508, and Lady Gaga concert tickets averaged $337. For those who wanted something a little more edgy, Metallica tickets averaged $229. Prices varied according to the city and venue.
Which leaves me with one inescapable conclusion: Yikes!
One of the reasons I like music today is I was able to go to concerts as a teen. I’d save the money I made washing dishes at the Woolworth’s luncheonette and working as a janitor during the summer and go to concerts with friends. A good time was had by all.
I wonder if entertainers today are erecting a wall between them and their fans. Obviously, many fans are coughing up huge piles of cash to go to their concerts. And I don’t begrudge any musician making money from their hard work and talent.
But I would have a hard time arguing that Taylor Swift is 12,400% better
than Jimi Hendrix or Chicago were in 1968, as the comparative values of their tickets imply.
The only thing that’s for sure is times have changed. When I was a teen, the minimum wage was $1.60. A slice of pizza cost 15 cents. A soda pop was a dime. A gallon of gas was 34 cents.
So is it greed that makes things more expensive these days? I suppose it depends on your definition of the “G” word. Is being a smart business person the same as being greedy? Moreover, what, exactly, is a “fair” profit?
As they say, these are questions for the ages. All I know is I’d never spend $1,000 for a concert ticket – unless The Rolling Stones put on a private concert in my living room and Mick Jagger personally gave me singing lessons.
Carl Sampson is a freelance editor and writer. He lives in Stayton.
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