Our Town South: April 1, 2024

By James Day

The City of Aumsville now has the funds in hand to move forward on the project to replace its water treatment plant.

Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced in late February that the project, which is required to meet state pollution requirements, will be receiving $15 million in additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The new funds include a $6 million grant and a $9 million loan.

The additional funding brings the city’s total in hand to $20 million, which city administrator Ron Harding said is sufficient to move forward with the project “as long as the construction estimates hold up during the final bid process.”

Aumsville already has begun design work on the new plant, which Harding said the city hopes to have in operation by 2027.

“The city has completed a 20% design for the project and has just approved a contract to complete the full design,”

Harding told Our Town. “This process will take around 12 to 18 months to complete, and once completed, the project will need to go out to the lowest bidder through that process.”

Harding also noted a couple of other hoops the city must jump through.

“The city will also need construction funding for the $15 million loan and loan forgiveness,” he said. “USDA only provides permanent funding, so we must secure a short-term loan from DEQ. This is a separate process that we are working on now. Once the project is completed, the USDA loan will pay off the construction loan. It sounds like a lot of effort, but that’s how these projects and funding pools work.”

Ausmville was facing a 2028 deadline from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to reduce the ammonia content in the city’s lagoon treatment facility to meet the newer standards set by DEQ.

Failing to meet the standards would

have meant no shot at receiving the required permit that would allow the city to discharge its effluent into the North Santiam River, Harding said.

Mayor Angelica Ceja said that without the federal assistance and an earlier $5 million state grant, funding and completing the project would have been “almost insurmountable.”

Last spring Ceja went door-to-door in the community of 4,200 to explain the situation to residents and warn them of possibly gigantic spikes in water bills if the city were faced with footing the entire bill for the water treatment work.

“Without [the new funding], our residents would simply not be able to afford their homes or cover the cost of essential services,” Ceja said in a statement that accompanied the WydenMerkley funding announcement.  Merkely noted in the release that “this sizeable federal investment and capital infusion will ensure that Aumsville residents can build this wastewater treatment facility they need to bring them into the 21st Century without facing triple-digit water bills.”

“Communities depend on water and wastewater systems to grow and thrive,” Wyden said, “and having efficient and safe water infrastructure is all the more important when facing dry conditions brought on by the current climate crisis.”

Wastewater flows into a lagoon along Hwy. 22 in Aumsville. SUBMITTED PHOTO

State of Stayton Key positions filled

By Stephen Floyd

The City of Stayton celebrated a year of accomplishments and expressed optimism for future projects during the firstever State of the City Address last month.

Delivered by Mayor Brian Quigley March 5 in a 15-minute video on the city’s YouTube page, Quigley outlined progress made during 2023 and plans to carry this momentum through 2024.

“We are a unique, friendly city that is continuing to grow and thrive,” said Quigley.

His speech highlighted the filling of key staff positions as well as progress toward long-term planning goals related to infrastructure, development and community engagement.

Infrastructure

In 2023, the city completed the first phase of a sewer main expansion along Ida Street, a water main expansion on Douglas Avenue, and street and sidewalk improvements on Wyatt Avenue.

Quigley said the city sought grant funds “whenever possible” and has been awarded $5.3 million toward $18 million in pending projects, and is waiting to hear back on an additional $9.1 million in grants.

He said the city is also making sure infrastructure improvements are financially sustainable and has conducted a study of utility rates and opportunities to improve existing facilities. The city plans to incorporate these findings into the 2024-2025 budget, he said.

Development

Quigley said Stayton expects significant growth in the near future. This includes two new apartment complexes within the city limits, which he called “the first new growth of its kind in 20 years.”

To make sure growth is sustainable and reflects community

values, the city hired Community and Economic Development Director Jennifer Siciliano. Her role will include researching the city’s housing needs and advising the Council on potential revisions to annexation policies.

The city also hired Code Enforcement Officer Kendra Furry, and re-zoned multiple properties to better-meet the city’s needs and planning goals, said Quigley.

Stayton also supported redevelopment of the former NORPAC facility as the Santiam Industrial Center, which is expected to create many new job opportunities.

Citizens additionally played a role through the Homeless Task Force by advising the Council on a new public camping policy. Quigley thanked this group for being “vocal and dedicated.”

He said a similar opportunity exists through the city’s Public Arts Commission to help beautify the town through public art installations.

Community engagement

Another new hire in 2023 was Community Engagement Coordinator Christian Smithrud, who has been tasked with building and maintaining inroads into the community.

Quigley said Smithrud has familiarized himself with groups such as Revitalize Downtown Stayton, the Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce and the North Santiam School District. Smithrud has also invigorated the city’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and helped the city have a presence at events like SummerFest and the community dinner at Covered Bridge Cafe.

Quigley also lauded the “exceptional work” of the Stayton Public Library, which has emphasized all-ages communityfocused programming. He said the Stayton Police Department has similarly been proactive with events like Coffee with a Cop and Shop with a Cop, and is “very focused on being trusted partners in our community.”

Hospital receives grant to add ER pediatrics unit

The new emergency room setup at Santiam Hospital & Clinics will feature a separate pediatrics room because of a grant the hospital has received.

The Oregon Community Foundation’s Doris J. Wipper fund has awarded the hospital foundation $150,000 for the pediatrics facility, which will allow Santiam to support a dedicated pediatric room in the emergency department expansion project.

The number of pediatric patient visits at the Santiam Hospital emergency department currently is at 14.5% of all patients, said Eric Pritchard, executive director of the Santiam Hospital & Clinics Foundation. It is projected to increase as the Santiam Canyon area continues to grow.

“This grant will support important work in our community enabling the Santiam Hospital’s emergency department to have a dedicated pediatric room available,” Pritchard said in a statement released by the hospital.

“This space will include specialized pediatric equipment including an infant warmer and materials to create a child-friendly environment. We look forward to furthering this work in our community, and we are grateful for the OCF/Doris J. Wipper Fund’s generous support.”

Pritchard said the hospital hopes to open the new emergency department in the fall of 2024. The $6.5 million expansion will double the size of the emergency room, which has seen a 40% growth in patient load during the 2020-2022 three-year cycle. The hospital foundation has received a $1 million grant from Marion County and a $1 million private donation as the key pieces of the fundraising campaign, Pritchard said.

– James Day

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Preserving the past

By Melissa Wagoner

Members of the Santiam Historical Society have been looking for a “forever home” since 2014, when their former headquarters – a museum located on Second Avenue – became the Stayton Municipal Court.

“The Historical Society got started in 1984 when there was a group of ladies who came together to gather artifacts,” President, Judy Skinner recalled. “We had a museum, and we paid the city $1 a month, or something like that.”

But, even with a centrally located brick and mortar location and low overhead costs, the organization struggled to afford the maintenance the building required.

“At some point the city had some small grants, but typically the grants were for projects and not operations,” Skinner explained. “And as time went on the building went downhill. It needed a new roof, and the concrete stairs were falling off.”

gathered over the years.

“We had a kitchen and a bedroom and some doctors’ stuff,” Skinner said, listing a bed that traversed the Oregon Trail, an antique cream separator and a host of photos and quilts as items that are currently in storage. “We also have an incubator from the hospital and lots of books.”

What they need now is a place to call home.

“The history of Stayton needs to be preserved,” board secretary Terri Adams – whose family settled in the area in 1947 – said. “It needs to be protected.”

In other words, while the loss of the building was difficult for the members of the Historical Society, its transformation into a Municipal Courthouse was necessary for the building’s preservation.

“It needed to happen,” Skinner said.. But that has meant that for the past ten years the Santiam Historical Society has been without a permanent place to either meet or display the artifacts they have

“People should know the history of where they live,” Skinner added. And what better way is there to show them than through a museum?

For more information, visit the Stayton Historical Society’s Facebook page or call Terri Adams at 971-239-9259.

Judy Skinner and Terri Adams, members of the Santiam Historical Society. MELISSA WAGONER

Legal battles PacifiCorp admits to out-of-court, post-verdict juror contact

By Stephen Floyd

PacifiCorp has admitted to contacting jurors outside of court in a lawsuit over the 2020 Labor Day fires after plaintiff attorneys requested an order barring the company from further juror outreach.

On March 18, PacifiCorp said in court filings in James et al vs. PacifiCorp it had “interviewed several jurors” after an initial trial in 2023 and after a recent damages trial that began Feb. 26.

In the 2023 trial, held in Multnomah County Circuit Court, PacifiCorp was found liable for negligently causing the Santiam, South Obenchain, Echo Mountain Complex and 242 fires.

The Feb. 26 trial was part of proceedings to determine damages to a class of roughly 5,000 individuals. An initial damages trial began Jan. 8 and a third is tentatively scheduled for April 22.

In the March 18 filing PacifiCorp admitted it had reached out to jurors after each trial to collect feedback on the company’s defense strategies. It also said it “does not intend to use any of the information obtained [during juror contacts] to overturn any verdict.”

PacifiCorp’s trial defenses have ranged from implicating forest management policies and climate change to blaming employees and targeting the mental health histories of fire survivors. These defenses did not prevent jurors from awarding $217.5 million in combined damages to 36 plaintiffs, representing a potential for billions of dollars in total damages to the class.

PacifiCorp attorneys said their outreach allegedly violated no laws, despite claims by plaintiffs that the company was in “clear violation” of Oregon statutes. Nevertheless PacifiCorp attorneys said March 18 their outreach has been suspended after plaintiff attorneys raised concerns over the matter directly with defense counsel March 14.

In a statement to Our Town, a PacifiCorp spokesperson said the company’s actions were within the law and that plaintiffs’ claims of wrongdoing were “without merit.”

“PacifiCorp attorneys’ outreach to jurors requesting input and feedback after the James trial is consistent with Oregon law

Judge rules on post-trial motions

Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Steffan Alexander has issued a slate of rulings on posttrial motions in James et al vs. PacifiCorp as Phase II of the case proceeds.

Parties argued the matters during a hearing March 21 and Alexander took the issues under advisement. Decisions were issued March 25, include:

- Denial of PacifiCorp’s motion to overturn the verdict of a Jan. 8 trial, to set a new trial and to decertify the class.

- Partial approval of a “common benefit fee”, which Alexander set at 10 percent for class members excluding those who opted out and those who reached certain agreements with plaintiff.

- Partial approval of PacifiCorp’s request to offset economic damages in the Jan. 8 trial corresponding to insurance payouts, which Alexander set at $4.43 million total.

- Partial approval of plaintiff attorney’s request for reimbursement of trial costs for the 2023 Phase I trial, which Alexander set at $93,727.

Complete coverage of this issue, including the status of motions still pending, can be found at ourtownsantiam.com

and within the confines of what was permitted in this case,” said the spokesperson.

PacifiCorp’s admissions came after a March 15 motion by plaintiffs to bar further juror communications after plaintiff attorneys learned of two instances of juror contact.

According to plaintiffs’ motion, on June 21, 2023 – nine days after the verdict in the initial trial – a PacifiCorp consultant messaged a juror on LinkedIn. The consultant did not describe their relationship with PacifiCorp or mention the James case by name. They said they were “asked by the trial team to reach out to the jurors to see if they’d agree to a short interview.”

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Then on March 14, a juror from the Feb. 26 trial contacted plaintiff attorneys and said a PacifiCorp consultant had called them directly asking about the trial, according to the motion. This juror said they were asked questions such as whether or not PacifiCorp’s arguments were “aggressive,” their impressions of the defense witnesses, and how the jury reached its decision on damages.

During this trial PacifiCorp attorneys highlighted the mental health histories of specific plaintiffs, arguing the company should not be liable for emotional harm that predated the fires. Plaintiffs accused PacifiCorp in closing arguments of weaponizing fire survivors’ past traumas.

Plaintiffs’ motion cited the Uniform Trial Court Rules, which state attorneys “must not initiate contact with any juror concerning any case which that juror was sworn to try.” They also cited the Rules of Professional Conduct which state, under specific conditions, “A lawyer shall not… communicate with a juror… after discharge of the jury.”

Plaintiffs further cited statements by Judge Steffan Alexander admonishing jurors at the conclusion of each trial to not discuss deliberations with non-jurors.

PacifiCorp’s March 18 opposition said plaintiffs were “misreading and misunderstanding” the laws and that no rules expressly prohibited attorneys from seeking feedback from jurors. They also said Alexander prefaced his admonitions by stating should expect people to approach them with questions about the trials, allegedly validating PacifiCorp’s actions.

In a rebuttal filed March 20, plaintiff attorneys said the Oregon State Bar addressed this issue in a formal opinion in 2005. They said the opinion “specifically forbids initiating contact with jurors – as PacifiCorp has done – ‘to determine what did or did not impress them about lawyer’s arguments.’”

“These are serious transgressions that reflect a complete (and apparently intentional) disregard for the rules governing juror contact,” said plaintiffs.

They said PacifiCorp attorneys should be required to make sworn statements as to the nature and scope of juror contacts and not simply be taken at their word that juror contacts were benign.

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Wildfire aftermath

Forest service asks for dismissal in Freres suit

By Stephen Floyd

The U.S. Forest Service has asked for the dismissal of a $33 million federal lawsuit by Freres Engineered Wood over the 2020 Santiam Fire, alleging the company’s claims have no legal footing.

In a motion filed March 19 in U.S. District Court in Eugene, USFS said the historic wildfire presented many challenges that made suppression efforts difficult or impossible.

It said, in these complex situations, USFS is empowered by law to make judgment calls about how to deploy resources, and that these decisions are protected from litigation.

The agency asked for the suit to be dismissed “for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.” Freres has been given until April 5 to file their response to the motion.

The company filed suit Jan. 3, claiming USFS negligently failed to deploy firefighting resources as the Beachie Creek fire approached the region starting in August of 2020. By Sept. 7, 2023, high heat and wind conditions intensified the fire, while damaged PacifiCorp power lines caused numerous spot fires elsewhere in the Santiam Canyon.

The resulting wildfire burned more than 400,000 acres, destroyed roughly 1,500 structures and killed five people.

In its motion, USFS said the Beachie Creek Fire, which was first spotted Aug. 16, 2020, was difficult to combat from the outset due to “rugged and steep terrain.” Deploying ground crews was determined to be “infeasible” and they used aerial water drops

as visibility conditions allowed.

When gale-force winds were forecast for Sept. 7, 2020, USFS said it initially expected the fire to remain within wilderness areas, but the storm was “worse than anticipated.” Its ground crews encamped in Gates were forced to evacuate after a downed power line sparked a fire that burned the camp, and regrouped outside the fire area.

Freres claims USFS was not aggressive enough in its initial suppression efforts and missed its window of opportunity to contain the Beachie Creek before weather conditions deteriorated. They cited statements from helicopter crews who were grounded during low visibility who allegedly claimed they could have turned the fire “into a bud hole” if they were allowed to fly.

In its motion, USFS said there is no policy requiring a particular quantity or frequency or air drops to suppress a wildfire, and that aerial drops alone were unlikely to extinguish the fire. They also said grounding flight crews was not a simple decision and involved considering weather conditions, flight-time limits, mechanical issues and competing resources.

The agency further argued the actions of its employees are protected by law, even if there are facts in dispute, and said on these grounds alone Freres’ claims should be thrown out.

A hearing to consider the motion had yet to be set as of press time. Parties have been given until June 3 to reach potential outof-court settlements, after which they must submit proposed guidelines and timetables for a trial.

Freres, CW talking settlements with PacifiCorp

By Stephen Floyd

Lawsuits by local lumber companies against PacifiCorp over the 2020 wildfires may be settled prior to an upcoming trial in April as parties engage in mediation.

During a hearing March 21 in Multnomah County Circuit Court, plaintiff attorneys said an April 22 trial involving Freres Timber Inc. and C.W. Specialty Lumber, Inc. was unlikely to proceed.

Freres, based in Lyons, and the now-defunct C.W., formerly based in Mill City, are seeking a combined $38.4 million for losses from the Santiam Fire.

Their suits were initially filed separately and have since been consolidated with James et al vs. PacifiCorp. The April 22 trial was to be the third in a damages phase of the lawsuit.

An initial phase in 2023 found PacifiCorp liable for negligently causing the Santiam, South Obenchain, Echo Mountain Complex and 242 fires on Sept. 7, 2020.

During the March 21 hearing, PacifiCorp attorneys confirmed they are engaged in mediation and hope to reach a resolution with the companies by the end of April.

In light of the trial potentially being canceled, plaintiff attorneys requested that additional trials be scheduled as soon as possible to continue litigating pending claims. Judge Steffan Alexander said he would need to confer with court staff to determine available dates.

As of press time, the April 22 trial was still scheduled and no additional proceedings had been set.

The hearing itself largely focused on

PacifiCorp’s post-trial motions regarding an initial damages trial that began Jan. 8. The company leveled numerous arguments against the validity of the jury’s decision, from procedural errors and prejudicial testimony, to cross-over of jurisdiction with the Oregon Court of Appeals.

Alexander said at the end of the hearing he would take these motions under advisement and render his decisions at a later date.

Alexander denied similar motions last winter after PacifiCorp challenged the 2023 verdict.

Alexander acknowledged parties may feel a sense of urgency to have these matters resolved promptly. He compared his role as a trial judge to an emergency room doctor, in that everyone he sees thinks they should be the highest priority. He said it is his job to triage the needs of litigants and consider the resources of the court and said he will act on pending motions accordingly.

Other pending motions include a request by plaintiff attorneys for a common benefit fee, which would be charged to fire survivors who received damages from PacifiCorp in separate lawsuits. Plaintiff attorneys argued the 2023 verdict was unprecedented and paved the way for settlements and judgments in related cases, and claimed they deserve compensation for their work.

Plaintiff attorneys have requested a flat 20% fee. During a hearing Dec. 1, 2023, Alexander indicated he was open to a smaller percentage, or even a scaling fee based on how much of plaintiff attorneys’ work contributed to a resolution with PacifiCorp.

Alexander said March 21 he also expected to rule soon on this matter.

Passages

Annette Phyllis (Bowers) Gapp

Oct. 7, 1953 – March 15, 2024

Annette Phyllis (Bowers) Gapp passed away on March 15, 2024, after suffering a stroke on March 6. She left behind a leather-bound Bible that reflected daily use since her days at San Jose Bible College. Her faith guided her and inspired deep compassion for others. She will be missed by all who loved her.

Born Oct. 7, 1953 to Phyllis Lucille and Leroy Donald Bowers, Annette was known for her faithful, energetic, and giving spirit. She graduated from Creswell High School in 1971 after being voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her peers. Annette went on to be a remarkably successful homemaker, master gardener, and small farm owner.

For 30 years Annette sold lavender to E.Z. Orchards Farm Market where you can still buy lavender milkshakes made with her organic buds. Annette was a devoted lap swimmer for 48 years at the Stayton Memorial Pool.

On June 12, 1976, Annette married Steve J. Gapp at the Friendly Street Church of God in Eugene, Oregon. Annette was a loving mother to Jenny (Andrew), Travis, and Megan, all of whom were present at her passing.

In 2009, she graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science. Her exceptional work ethic cultivated years of fresh produce and flowers which she generously shared with friends and family.

Annette was often seen driving around the Stayton area in one of her two Plymouth Dusters, one of which she owned for over 50 years. Annette was passionate about tea, antiques, sewing, baking, and decorating. Her home is a community icon, where thousands of daffodils bloom every spring. Over the years, Annette received a multitude of compliments from passersby. The Oregon Coast was a special place of refuge for Annette, where she loved to kick up her heels on the beach and collect seashells.

In addition to her children, Annette is survived by her husband, Steve; grandchildren, Parker, Ryan, and Esther; sister, Barb (Jim) of Springfield; brother, Jim (Teresa) of Cottage Grove; brother, Don (Vicky) of Creswell; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, and friends.

The family wishes to thank the ER, ICU, and Trauma Care Teams at Salem Hospital for their compassionate care during her final days.

Donations to People’s Church of Salem can be made in her honor.

A public memorial service was held on March 25 at Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel in Cottage Grove. A private graveside interment followed at Creswell Pioneer Cemetery.

Arrangements in the care of Smith-LundMills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

By Melissa Wagoner

When a fire-related fatality in February 2019 resulted in more than one Sublimity Fire District volunteer hanging up their uniform, career firefighter Amber Cross decided she had to do something to help.

“If we don’t have volunteers we aren’t going to be able to help our community,” Cross – an emergency medical responder and community outreach educator with the district for the past 15 years – said. Volunteer retention is paramount for districts whose workforce is composed of at least 70 percent volunteers.

But being a volunteer herself, Cross also recognizes the difficulties that are inherent in the job, which can take not just a physical toll, but an emotional one as well.

“We don’t like to talk about our feelings,” Cross said, referring to a characteristic she has noted amongst her fellow volunteers. “But after you go out on a tough call, it’s like one more rock in your backpack.”

And those “rocks” add up, leading to stress, anxiety and – if unchecked – mental health issues including posttraumatic stress disorder and even suicide.

“We’ll lose more first responders to suicide than in the line of duty,” Cross said, quoting national statistics that list fire fighters as ten times more likely to die from suicide than other adults.

And so, with those numbers in mind, Cross began researching ways to help her fellow volunteers reduce on the job stress. What she discovered was comfort canines.

“I’ve always wanted a dog,” Cross laughed. “So, I convinced my husband I needed a puppy.”

As luck would have it, her friend’s golden retriever, Daisy, had also recently given birth to a litter of pups.

“There was one we were watching,” she recalled. “He had to be resuscitated when he was born, bottle-fed and coddled. They nicknamed him Survivor.”

Instantly taken with the dog and his story, Cross took him to the station to meet Sublimity Fire District’s Chief Alan Hume.

“He was like, we don’t have anything to lose,” Cross recalled.

And just like that, the puppy – which Cross renamed Probie, in reference to the nickname for a probationary firefighter –became a part of the team.

“He really integrated,” Cross said. “He goes to trainings and service calls. He knows the alert noise and loads up in the car. He has a crate so he’s there waiting for us.”

The first puppy to become a certified

First Responder Therapy Dog in the state of Oregon, Probie hit the ground running, initially supporting first responders during the COVID pandemic, then helping wildland firefighters on-site during the Beachie Creek Fire.

“Even the toughest hot shots were melting,” Cross recalled. “That was his debut.”

As to why therapy dogs like Probie are helpful to first responders dealing with stress, Cross explained that the benefits of petting and interacting with a dog can lower both heart rate and blood pressure and encourage open discussion.

“It’s just helping bring a little normalcy back…” Cross said, “a tool in the toolbox.”

Encouraged by the success witnessed during Probie’s first four years in service, Cross decided it was time to add a second dog.

“I had to convince my husband,” Cross said. “But he’s a lieutenant.”

And Daisy, as it happens, had just given birth to another litter of pups.

“In May 2023 we added Barney,” Cross said.

At just ten weeks he began serving alongside his brother, passing his AKC Canine Good Citizen test and becoming the youngest First Responder Therapy Dog in the country.

“Each one brings something different,” Cross said of the team. “Probie is intentional and Barney is happy go-lucky. It’s been a fun balance.”

Role models to first responder therapy dogs across Oregon – which is now home to 12 certified teams – and across the country – where 240 teams can be found in 38 states – Probie and Barney recently gained the attention of an organization closer to home when they received the Distinguished Citizens Medal from the Stayton’s Abigail Scott Duniway chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

“Abigail Scott Duniway chapter members, like our local communities, are so proud of what Amber and ‘the Boys’ have done in support of our local firefighters and partner public safety agencies, law enforcement and First Responders throughout the state,” DAR Director Linda Banister said. “It’s an extraordinary program and so deserving of recognition in every form.”

And so, on Feb. 14, 2024, Linda and two fellow DAR representatives attended a fire district board meeting to present Cross and her dogs with the award.

“I was very surprised,” Cross said. “But it’s great to have the boys recognized.”

Sublimity Fire District’s comfort canines, Barney and Probie. SUBLIMITY FIRE DISTRICT

Nominees named Stayton Sublimity Chamber 78th Community Awards

By James Day

The Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce will honor the best in community excellence at its 78th Annual Awards Celebration.

The event runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 at Foothills Church.

Community members will be honored in four categories: new outstanding business, business of the year (the Chamber Award of Excellence), distinguished service/citizen of

the year and future first citizen. Here are the finalists. Recipients will be announced at the event.

New Business of the Year

Tuff Shark Records: “Music has always played a big part in our lives,” said Jeannine Campos, who runs Tuff Shark along with her husband, Jared. “Whether it was growing up or well into adulthood, there is always a music that is the soundtrack of

your life.  Our goal is to bring music to the masses and share what we love with those in the community.  No matter what kind of music you like, who you are, etc.  You fit in; you belong.”

Tuff Shark has participated in both SIP downtown events and at the Santiam SummerFest, where they have a guy in a shark costume that draws a lot of attention.

Vault Fitness: “Jerod and I both share a passion for health, fitness, and community,”

said Jenn Clevenger, who works the business with husband Jerod.

“When the opportunity presented itself to take over this business, we recognized it as our chance to provide our community with the tools they need to reclaim their health and wellness, especially in the wake of the COVID challenges. My personal mission has always been to empower women and mothers, guiding them to embrace their bodies with confidence through life’s changes.

North Santiam Funeral Service

“Our Family Serving Yours”

Having served this community over 35 years, it is my honor to serve family and friends. Being a third -generation member of the community, I am happy to live and raise my family here.

We offer burials, cremations and headstones, using American-made products for proud Americans.

We support Stayton Lions Club, Sublimity Harvest Festival, Knights of Columbus. We try to support all local schools in the area with their efforts.

www.SantiamFuneral.com • NSantiamFS@wvi.com

Continued from page 1

“Additionally, I am deeply committed to providing a supportive environment for teens, offering guidance and outreach through fitness.”

Vault Fitness organized weekly free 5K runs and 3K walks, partnered with Santiam CPR to host multiple CPR classes, offering free sessions to parents and teens, equipping them with life-saving skills and knowledge and also hosted the 5K Summerfest Chamber Fun Run.

West End Boutique: “We are a small-town, family-owned company that started out in a 600- square foot boutique store here in the Pacific Northwest,” said owners Jannell and John Tessier. “As we have grown, our customers have grown with us. We strive to provide our customers with the latest fashion trends at great prices, always looking for the next latest, greatest thing.

“We strive to make each day a welcome friendly experience when you shop in our store or online. We value our customers and want to thank you for shopping with us.”

Small Business of the Year

Bend Your Nutrition: “By teaching my clients the tools they need to feel their best,

the goal is for them to graduate and not need me anymore,” said Megan Basl of her one-person shop. “I feel like I am making a difference for my clients not only in their present health, but their future health as well. Many take on a new lifestyle and tell their family and friends about their new way of living. I hope this creates a positive impact and brings awareness to others who may be struggling with their health also.”

Megan has volunteered at the Santiam Teen Center since 2021 and also works the center’s “Golf for Teens” event. She has donated health and wellness baskets to Stayton Rotary for auction during their Reds Whites and Brews event.

Postal Connections: “Our mission, as business owners, is to make our customers successful with unquestionable dedication to the best attainable service,” said Don and Sue Harteloo. “We work hard to adapt to the needs of the community and consistently maintain excellent customer service.

Customers and employees are the highlights of our work. The opportunity to interact with our community and people with such varied backgrounds to serve their needs is very rewarding. We perform enough services that we often will get to help people in many different capacities, from printing funeral

service folders for a grieving customer to shipping a life-size Hamm’s bear on a Greyhound bus to Chicago. Every day brings something new, and our employees share with us all the highlights.”

Postal Connections hosts an annual Christmas letters from Santa, which aids the Stayton Area Food Bank. Community support includes the Wildfire Relief Fund, Boy Scouts of America, the Regis & St. Mary Auction, Lourdes Charter School, Santiam Vicariate Youth Group, Knights of Columbus Christmas cheer, Foothills Church, Stayton Public Library, Santiam Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and the Regis High drama department.

Large Business of the Year

DSP Connections: “DSPC’s mission is two-fold,” said Trina Hart. “Our first mission is to be there forever, for those who forever need our support. The second mission is to raise the standard and image of being a direct support professional. We never want our community to feel excluded, unsupported, or unappreciated. We want both our clients and DSPs to feel that they are valued members of the community.”

DSP Connections creates community-

inclusive events for our people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Each year DSP puts together an adaptive egg hunt at the Lebanon Strawberry Festival, partners with the Marion County Fair to have exclusive space at the fair and partners with the Sublimity Harvest Festival to have a private show for clients. Each year DSP gives a turkey voucher to clients and gives a Christmas tree to each family.

Chemeketa Community College: “Chemeketa Community College has embraced excellence in multiple facets, grounded in a set of core values that prioritize student success, affordability, industry collaboration, and community inclusivity,” said Julie Deuchars, executive coordinator to the president and Board of Education.

“By maintaining small class sizes, the college ensures that learning is personalized, and students feel valued, fostering an environment where every individual can thrive. Affordability remains a key tenet, ensuring that education remains accessible to all, irrespective of financial background.”

One of the college’s core principles is to provide low-cost or no-cost access to its facilities for non-profit organizations.

We provide general

automotive

and electrical

RVs and boats with 34 years in the

We enjoy the atmosphere of this small town and the close community feel, as compared to larger towns.

We support our community through the Brent Strohmeyer Foundation and local school sports.

210 E. Water St. • Stayton

Hours: 8:00am–5:30pm, Mon-Fri; by appt. on Sat.

Continued from page 3

Chemeketa demonstrates its commitment to supporting local businesses through collaborations with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and its Agribusiness program, which provides vital assistance to farmers and agricultural enterprises in the area. A hallmark of Chemeketa’s community engagement is its hosting of the annual health fair, where local residents receive free dental and medical care from dedicated professionals.

Focus Heating and Cooling: “Our business is about comfort,” said owner Jason Burns. “Not only the comfort of the temperature in your home or business but about how comfortable you are with us when we enter your home or business. We strive to deliver an excellent customer experience. We have the ability, experience, and connections to provide for small to large heating and cooling needs from small residential to multifamily and commercial products.”

Focus supports the local community through donations of toys for the fire department toy drive, giving $5 for every

service call to local non-profit businesses, and partnering with the local SIT team, the food bank, and Family Building Blocks to provide services to families in need.

Distinguished Service Award

Karen Andall:  “I have always believed that each of us has a responsibility to care about and care for the place where we live whether it is for our fellow humans or activities and/or causes that help and make things better.  I also have so much fun working out there and with all in our communities.  I also am sort of hyper and love doing many things and being active.”

Karen is a Stayton Area Rotary member, a three-term past president, a member of Santiam Hospital Auxiliary, has worked on the Fire Relief Project, is volunteer/ liaison for Rotary to local schools and youth related programs. Karen has also been involved in Court Appointed Special Advocates of Marion County.

Kim Dwyer: “I want to be a part of the community I live in.  I don’t think you should be telling others how to do something if you aren’t going to be involved in the process, or the action of

78th Annual Awards Celebration

A Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce luncheon event

Noon to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4

Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road SE, Stayton

Tickets: $45; 503-769-3464 info@staytonsublimitychamber.org

doing it.  I want to be able to say I had a part in something.”

Kim works at Santiam Hospital & Clinics with the Santiam Service Integration Team. Other community involvement includes the Detroit Fishing Derby, Stayton Elementary (past) and Middle School PTC (current), Stayton Homeless Task Force, Stayton Warming Center, Detroit 4th of July Celebration, Stayton 4th of July Celebration and Canyon Shop with a Cop.

Cari Sessums: “I think what drives me to make a difference in our community is the future for our children, grandchildren and the livability of our wonderful communities.  Giving back is a sure way of making a difference.  Giving a hand

up to others can make such a difference in the world.  Loving on our seniors who may have no one is a feeling like no other.  I am the proudest of our free (Thanksgiving) community dinner.  Gathering all people together over a plate of food creates unity and acceptance and personally I feel like that can change the world.”

Cari owns the Covered Bridge Cafe in Stayton and served on Marion County Public Safety Council and the Marion County Alcohol and Drug planning commission for more than ten years. She also has been involved with St. Joseph’s Catholic Services, the Stayton Police Department Citizens Board, the Stayton Homeless Task Force, the Marion County Sheriff’s Advisory Board, the Sublimity Harvest Festival Volunteer, Family Building Blocks, Liberty House and the Marion County ReEntry initiative.

Future First Citizens

Information on the achievements honorees Diego Salinas of Stayton High and Noah Koenig of Regis will be showcased at the awards luncheon.

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Rising From the Dead Does Make a Difference

This past Sunday churches all around the world celebrated what is, without question, the greatest event in all of world history. Whether one may choose to believe the evidence or not, what happened on that Sunday morning over 1991 years ago, in 33 AD, forever changed the course of history. That is the day when Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead after three days in the grave, just as He said He would.

The eye-witness testimonies of those who were there when it happened are compelling. Many of those early Christians went to a violent death rather than deny what they had seen and heard. This provides us with more evidence for the existence of Jesus and the story of His life, than we have for the existence of Socrates or Shakespeare.

The most complete and detailed record of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus comes from the four Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. They provide consistent, historically reliable information, claiming that Jesus was a practicing Jew, that He taught that He was the promised Jewish Messiah, the Son of God, that He would be put to death as part of His mission to redeem all those who put their faith in Him (See John 3:16). They report that He was in fact executed on the orders of the Roman governor of Judea at that time, Pontius Pilate. All four gospels conclude with Jesus being buried and then rising from the dead.

Okay. Been there! Done that!

“Ah,” you may be thinking, “That story of a god dying and then rising from the dead is as old as antiquity.” And you would be right in saying so. But, as C.S. Lewis so famously observed, “The difference is that in [Jesus’] case it actually happened.”

The historical authenticity of the Jesus Story is borne out by later sources without any positive bias to do so. Jesus was mentioned by both Jewish and Roman historians in passages that corroborate the major points of the New Testament narrative, including His life and death and the religious movement that followed. This is actual recorded history.

The first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus is our best source of information about first-century Judea. He mentions Jesus twice in his Jewish Antiquities, a history of the Jewish people, written around 93 A.D. Josephus was an aristocrat and a military leader who served as a commander in Judea during the first Jewish Revolt against Rome between 66 and 70 A.D. He was not a follower of Jesus, but he was around when the early church was born, and so he personally knew others who had seen and

heard

Jesus teach.

In one passage of his Jewish Antiquities he recounts the execution of James, the “brother of Jesus-who-is-called-Messiah.”

Another historical account of Jesus appears in the Annals of Imperial Rome, written in 116 A.D. by a Roman senator and historian named Tacitus. He mentions that Emperor Nero falsely blamed “the persons commonly called Christians, who were hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius.”

This all agrees with the Gospels.

followed so important was that He alone, of all religious leaders in history, rose from the dead. He taught that He would die and then rise from the dead. By doing so He would defeat death for everyone who repents of their sins and puts their faith in Him. He taught that He would be the first of all those who will one day be raised from the dead as well when He returns to judge the earth. It is His own resurrection that established the authority of all He taught about everything.

“Up From the Grave He Arose!”

People would not “sing hymns to Christ as to a god” if His body was still rotting in a grave somewhere. His followers would never have faced lions in the Roman Coliseum if He was just another “good example.” Today, Christians would not “take a bullet” rather than renounce our faith in Jesus if He was just “a great moral teacher.”

As C.S. Lewis put it so well: “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him [that is,

“‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic–on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg–or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse…. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God.”

Everything these historians write about Jesus coincides with what the New Testament itself tells us: Jesus was executed by Pontius Pilate and a religious movement followed. Before Tacitus wrote his account of Jesus, Roman governor Pliny the Younger wrote to Emperor Trajan that the early Christians would “sing hymns to Christ as to a god.”

This small collection of references from nonChristian sources provides clear evidence that Jesus lived, that He was executed, and that He was known by historians of His day. But why does this matter? Why should we care? It is because He rose from the dead.

Rising from the

dead is unique.

What makes Jesus’ existence, His teaching, His crucifixion, and the movement that

Christ]: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic–on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg–or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse…. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

By Gregg Harris

If Jesus had not risen from the dead, we could never know for sure that He is who He said He was (i.e. God in human form), and that He had accomplished what He said He would (i.e. paying for the sins of His people). But because He did rise from the dead we can know for sure. That is what Easter Sunday is all about. “He is risen!”

So, now what?

Now that the evidence is in, we have the gospel concerning Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas i.e. Peter], then by the twelve.”(1Cor. 15:3-5). And so, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9). That is His promise.

It’s not too late for you to get in on God’s offer of salvation. Just turn to Jesus, repent of your sins, and pray for God’s mercy. Then, if you like, please call or text me at 503-926-1388.

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Join us as we study the Bible, pray for our city, challenge one another to grow up in our faith in Jesus & enjoy a great, free home-cooked breakfast. Please RSVP by text to 503-926-1388. To learn more and to help us publish these articles, go to NobleMenOfOregon.org.

Gregg Harris, “Your friendly home-town evangelist”

By Melissa Wagoner

Every year the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) – a non-profit organization of growers, retailers, landscape designers and educators – singles out a Perennial Plant of the Year. This year’s plant – Garden phlox.

“Garden phlox is a staple in any cottage garden, with a vibrant

firework of pinks, white, purples and reds,” Heather Desmarteau-Fast – a horticulturist and owner of the plant store Stamin and Pistil in Silverton –said. “Hardy enough to handle light drought, it is a stunning perennial in sweeping garden beds and versatile for formal plantings as well.”

The plant also ranges widely in size from the ‘Jeana’ cultivar – specifically recognized this year by the PPA

– which can reach heights of five feet tall and four feet wide, to the more diminutive, spreading phlox, a Willamette Valley native with a height averaging only four inches. But no matter which variety you choose, “They are the best spring display,” Desmarteau-Fast pointed out. “I love them on rock walls and rock gardens.”

And pollinators love them as well.

“Garden phlox is not only bright and beautiful, it is also fragrant,” Desmarteau-Fast explained. And the flowers are nectar-rich attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds.

Considered “good bridging plants between early and later flowering perennials,” garden phlox thrives on full, hot sun with a bloom time

© ARTHUR LOMARAINEN / 123RF.COM

Phlox Growing Tips

• Plant in soil with good drainage and in full sun.

• Avoid overwatering.

• Keep taller varieties well-spaced and can be fertilized every other month.

• Deadhead to prolong blooming.

between mid-summer and late fall.

“Garden phlox is also a perfect addition in a cut flower garden,” Desmarteau-Fast added. Be sure to deadhead spent blooms to prolong the plant’s blooming season and possibly even protect it from deer.

“[D]eer do not like smelly flowers,” the Almanac’s website claims. But Desmarteau-Fast isn’t so sure.

“Though many of the online sites claim it is deer resistant, it is not

• After blooming, trim and remove dead foliage – especially around creeping phlox.

• Phlox should be divided in the fall every three to five years to improve performance.

in the sense that the deer will [not] eat it, but deer browse won’t kill it,” she explained. Noting that, either way, the plant is still one of the best choices for a backyard gardener due to its tendency to require little maintenance and its drought tolerance once the plant is established.

“I love it!” Desmarteau-Fast enthused. Apparently perennial plant lovers across the nation agree.

Strew sweet peas now for summer bouquets

The graceful beauty of annual sweet peas with their ruffled blossoms, soft texture and glowing colors makes them one of the most irresistible and nostalgic of all flowers. Their scent is an exquisite perfume of orange blossoms and honey, surely one of the most seductive of all flower fragrances. A generous handful of their long-stemmed, winged blossoms make a beautiful bouquet that will truly scent an entire room.

Here in the Willamette Valley, with our cooler summers, we’re in an ideal climate for a long bloom season of sweet peas. They can be directly sown in the ground in late spring throughout April and have blooms that will last into late summer and early fall – just keep the young plants protected from the hungry Northwest slugs and snails.

Plant your sweet peas in full sun in a garden spot with well-drained soil. Dig deeply to loosen the soil and enrich it with aged manure or compost before planting seeds. Don’t forget to set up a wellanchored trellis, fence or vertical support for climbing varieties before planting seeds. The eight- to ten-inch “Cupid” varieties are great for containers, and intermediate types such as the knee-high “Explorer” don’t need staking. Another idea is erecting a wire netting along a pathway the plants can scramble over so passersby can enjoy the flowers’ heady fragrance up close. Avoid south-facing walls, however, as the intense

heat may promote mildew and stunt growth.

If all your seeds don’t germinate in ten days to two weeks, don’t hesitate to plant more as they will catch up quickly. Some gardeners like to soak sweet peas overnight before planting them; others never do it and still have good results. If you do soak seeds, be sure you leave them in water no longer than eight hours before planting immediately.

September sweet peas direct-sown in late April. RENEE SHEPHERD

Planning

Write in your garden journal throughout the growing season.

Prepare garden soil for spring planting. Incorporate generous amounts of organic materials and other amendments, using the results of a soil analysis as a guide.

Prepare raised beds in areas where cold soils and poor drainage are a continuing problem. Incorporate generous amounts (at least 2 inches) of organic materials.

Use a soil thermometer to help you know when to plant vegetables. When the soil is consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, some warm season vegetables (beans, sweet corn) can be planted.

Maintenance and cleanup

Allow foliage of spring-flowering bulbs to brown and die down before removing.

Apply commercial fertilizers, manure or compost to cane, bush (gooseberries, currants, and blueberries), and trailing berries.

Place compost or decomposed manure around perennial vegetables, such as asparagus and rhubarb.

Cut back ornamental grasses to a few inches above the ground.

Cover transplants to protect against late spring frosts.

This is an optimum time to fertilize lawns. Apply 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Reduce risks of runoff into local waterways by not fertilizing just prior to rain, and not

overirrigating so that water runs off the lawn and onto the sidewalk or street.

De-thatch and renovate lawns.

If moss has been a problem, scratch the surface before seeding with perennial ryegrass.

Prune and shape or thin springblooming shrubs and trees after blossoms fade.

Planting and propagation

Plant gladioli, hardy transplants of alyssum, phlox and marigolds, if weather and soil conditions permit.

It’s a great time to start a vegetable garden. Among the vegetables you can plant, consider: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, chives, endive, leeks, lettuce, peas, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, spinach and turnips.

Pest monitoring and management

Use chemical controls only when necessary and only after thoroughly reading the pesticide label. First consider cultural, then physical and biological controls. Choose the least-toxic options, and use them judiciously. Some examples include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, botanical insecticides, and organic and synthetic pesticides. Clean up hiding places for slugs sowbugs and millipedes. Least toxic management options for slugs include barriers and traps. Baits are also available for slug control; use caution around pets. Read and follow all label directions prior to using baits or any other chemical control.

Monitor strawberries for spittlebugs and aphids; if present, wash off with water or use insecticidal soap as a contact spray. Follow label directions.

If necessary, spray apples and pears when buds appear for scab

Cut and remove weeds

Weed seedlings are vulnerable to hoeing, hand pulling or rototilling. Mature weeds are more difficult to remove. Weed early and often near the garden to remove potential sources of plant disease.

floating row covers to keep insects such as beet leaf miners, cabbage maggot adult flies, and carrot rust flies away from susceptible crops.

Help prevent damping off of seedlings by providing adequate ventilation.

Manage weeds while they are small and actively growing with light cultivation or herbicides. Once the weed has gone to bud, herbicides are less effective.

Spray stone fruits such as cherries, plums, peaches and apricots, for brown rot blossom blight, if necessary.

By Linda Whitmore

Planter boxes add pizzazz to a patio or porch, fit nicely on an apartment balcony and give flair to store fronts and downtown businesses.

In driving through the communities of the Willamette Valley one can see amazing examples of pots, planters and baskets of trailing fuchsias and petunias, cheery daisies and brightly colored geraniums. To learn how to make a successful container garden, years ago we turned to Barb Bauman who, with her team of employees, plants thousands of baskets every year.

Barb was eager to share her expertise.

First, she explained, the gardener should decide where the container is to be located. Sun and shade determine the type of plants to be used.

Then select a container.

There is a wide range of attractive pots and baskets available at any nursery, but you can use containers that you have – an old watering can or washtub, “even a rusty old

bucket,” Barb said. “Use what you have at home. It doesn’t have to be expensive.”

But she issues a warning.

“Make sure it has holes in the bottom. That’s going to be the make or break of your planter.”

Use a good potting mix; soil from your garden may be too heavy to allow for adequate root growth and water drainage.

Barb suggested putting a perennial plant, herb or grass in the center. “You know you’ll always have something interesting that’ll come back,” she said.

Whether the planter or basket is to be in the sun or shade will determine your choice of plants.

Barb suggested buying four-inch starts, with some plants that will grow tall and some that drape over the sides.

“Variety is the spice of life – get varied textures and colors,” she said.

As an example she suggests that in a fuchsia basket you add impatiens, wandering Jew and vinca vines.

“Sometimes the plants will be better looking at different parts of the season. This makes the basket look nice longer, too,” Barb said. She suggested gardeners plant container gardens for other seasons too. “People don’t think of doing containers for winter. Your patios don’t have to be bare in winter.”

Water

Water the containers EVERY DAY in the summer. “Enough to let the water run through,” Barb said. And do it in the morning, not evening. “Never put your plants to bed with their feet wet.” Watering in the evening is an invitation to mold and other sicknesses that weaken plants.

Fertilizer

Use a timed-released fertilizer once a month. Barb suggested “a well-balanced fertilizer – around triple 16. That way you feed all parts of your plant – leaves, roots and flowers.”

Follow the application directions on the package.

Maintenance

Pinching is good. Pinching at an early stage helps the plant branch out and grow in several directions.

Dead heading – cutting or pinching off spent flowers – is very important to sustaining blooms. But with wave petunias or supertunias, deadheading isn’t necessary.

Barb packs many plants into her baskets and containers for a multi-colored, multi-textured display. Proper watering and feeding will assure they thrive and produce stunning results all season long.

Arrest for alleged firearm threat

An Aumsville man has been charged after allegedly threatening to shoot a Stayton woman.

Daniel John Nelson, 32, was charged Feb. 26 in Marion County Circuit Court with unlawful use of a weapon for an alleged incident on Feb. 23.

According to court records, Nelson allegedly threatened to harm the victim with a firearm in an act of domestic violence.

If convicted, Nelson faces up to five years in prison. He was released from the Marion County Jail Feb. 26 in lieu of $10,000 bail with orders to have no contact with the victim and to possess no firearms.

Three years for weapon discharge

A Lyons man has been sentenced to three years of probation after discharging a weapon within the city limits.

George Henry Harden, 61, pleaded no contest March 15 in Linn County Circuit Court to a felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon.

He was sentenced to 36 months of probation, as well as five days in jail. While on probation he may possess no weapons or intoxicants, and must undergo evaluation for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

If his probation is successfully completed, the charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor.

Harden was arrested Dec. 23, 2023, after an incident that day when he allegedly discharged a weapon within the city limits of Lyons in a manner prosecutors said posed harm to others.

2025 trial set in Regis lawsuit

A 2025 trial has been set in a $750,000 lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against Regis St. Mary Catholic School.

On March 14 in Marion County Circuit Court, a five-day trial was scheduled to begin Feb. 3, 2025, in a suit filed last year by a former Regis student. The plaintiff claims, while he was in the middle school program during 2022 and 2023, students bullied him for being African American. The suit further alleges teachers and administrators ignored or diminished this harassment.

The school and co-defendant Archdiocese of Portland have denied wrongdoing.

According to court records, parties are pursuing mediation. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20 to check on the status of the case.

$2.5 million ODOT suit to proceed

A local man’s lawsuit accusing the Oregon Department of Transportation of mismanaging resources during the COVID-19 pandemic has been allowed to proceed after a challenge by the state.

On Feb. 23, a motion to partially dismiss a $2.5 million suit filed by Dave Sutkowski, of Stayton, was denied by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Channing Bennett.

A hearing has been set for April 15 to potentially set a trial date and other deadlines.

Sutkowski sued ODOT Oct. 12, 2023, claiming whistleblower retaliation after he was demoted and placed on administrative leave in July of 2022. Sutkowski claims this was because he called out his bosses for failing to heed his warnings of a supply chain slowdown in early 2022, allegedly resulting in $77,000 in overspending.

Five days after filing his lawsuit, Sutkowski was allegedly fired from his new job as a training unit supervisor for Oregon State Police. In an amended suit filed Dec. 18, 2023, he claimed the assistant attorney general representing Oregon in the suit exerted pressure on OSP to have him terminated.

Defendants took exception to this latter claim and on Jan. 19 filed a motion to dismiss the new allegation. They said Sutkowski’s accusations were “baseless” and an attempt to obtain privileged documents and testimony from the state attorney in question.

Bennett rejected these arguments Feb. 23 and on March 4 ordered the state attorney to be deposed regarding any alleged role in pressuring OSP to fire Sutkowski.

Arrest for weapon assault

A former Aumsville woman has been charged with assault after allegedly attacking another woman last month.

Imani Kay Williams, 49, currently of Salem, was arrested March 13 for an incident that day in Aumsville in which she allegedly attacked another woman with a wooden stick.

Williams was originally charged in Marion County Circuit Court with second-degree assault, which carries at least 70 months in prison. On March 21 she was indicted on lesser charges of fourth-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Williams is due back in court April 4 to enter a plea.

-- Stephen Floyd

Frequent Address

Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St.

Stayton Public Library, 515 N First Ave.

Weekly Events

Monday

Stayton Community Food Bank, 9 a.m. - noon, 1210 Wilco Road. Repeats Monday - Friday. 503-769-4088

Santiam Senior Center, 10 a.m.4 p.m., 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. 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.

Tuesday

Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy through songs, stories, rhymes. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

English/GED/Citizenship Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Class is free; workbook is $20. Repeats Thursdays. 503-779-7029

Wednesday

Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Network building for local business, non-profit professionals. Location: 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 learning and literacy together with your infant or toddler. Older siblings welcome. Free. 503-769-3313

Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome. 503-5089431, staytonarearotary.org

Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

Thursday

Point Man Ministries, 6 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons. Veterans support organization. 503-859-2627

Friday

Cars & Coffee, 8 a.m., Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Bring your classic vehicles for coffee, breakfast.

Saturday

Aumsville Historical Society, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 599 Main St. Come in or make an appointment by calling Ted Shepard, president, 503-881-5087.

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

Monday, April 1

April Fool’s Day

Abigail Scott DAR

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Sammy Lackner speaks about Daughters of the Revolution schools. DAR meeting follows. All welcome. 503-508-8246

Military Sexual Trauma Support

6 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom. For those who have served in the military, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma. Group is facilitated by veterans and former service members with shared experience, no clinicians. Participants are welcome regardless of gender, discharge status or veteran status. Info: info@namimultnomah.org, 503-228-5692. Repeats April 21.

Stayton City Council

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Tuesday, April 2

Stayton Lions Club

Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats April 16. staytonlionsclub.org

Sublimity Quilters, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Make quilts for local community donations, charities. New members welcome.

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2 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, April 4

Build-Your-Own Busy Bags

10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore a selection of toddler and preschool fine motor activities and make one into a busy bag to take home. Free. 503-769-3313

Friday, April 5

Red Cross Blood Drive

10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Appointments at redcrossblood.org.

Saturday, April 6

Molly Mo’s Spring Garden Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 440 NE Cherry St., Sublimity. Vintage and garden decorations. 503-510-0820, mollymos03.blogspot.com

Red, Whites & Brews!

5 - 9 p.m., Santiam Golf Club, 8724 SE Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Free tastings from local craft beer, cider and wine vendors, appetizers and dinner prepared by Taste of Hawaii. Drawings, dessert and silent auctions. $50/per person. Tickets at staytonarearotary. org, stayton-area-rotary-foundation. square.site, or visit Stayton Area Rotary Club on Facebook. Proceeds benefit scholarships, local youth programs and community activities.

Sunday, April 7

Shaw Knights of Columbus Breakfast

7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Parish Hall, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Shaw. Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $9 adults, $2 children 12 and under. 503-362-6159

Monday, April 8

Wednesday, April 3

Careers Over Coffee Job Fair

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 NE 17th Ave., Salem. Meet representatives from Marion County and WorkSource Oregon. Two onsite interview seminars at 11:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.

Stayton Fire District Board

6 p.m.,. Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503769-2601, staytonfire.org

Lyons Fire District Board

7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503859-2410, lyonsrfd.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

Tuesday, April 9

Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St., Silverton. Laurel Smith, past president of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, introduces GFO’s resources and library collections. Open to all. Membership information: Kathy Valdez, 503-508-4251

Wheels of Change

Noon - 1 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Monthly education series on lifestyle modifications for common health. Topics include nutrition, diabetes, depression, anxiety and stress, pain management and more. Light snacks provided. Register at bit.ly/49dcow9.

CHW@santiamhospital.org

Stayton Parks and Rec Board

6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425

Cascade School Board

7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-8010, cascade.k12.or.us

Wednesday, April 10

Canyon Garden Club

1 - 3 p.m., Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. First meeting is free and then dues are $20/year. If you need a ride, call Cheryl at 503-767-3348 or Rosemary at 503-769-2571.

RDS Board Meeting

Santiam Heritage Foundation Board

6 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Open to public. 503-768-8860

Sublimity City Council

6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org

5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503767-2317, downtownstayton.org

Thursday, April 11

Aumsville Food Pantry

Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open to people in need of food items. Repeats April 15. 503-749-2128

Health Fair

2 - 6 p.m., Canyon Service Center, 844 S First Ave., Mill City. Community resources and education on OHP, Marketplace, Medicare benefits, dementia, diabetes, mental health, substance abuse, nutrition and more. Walk through a giant colon. Free healthy meal kit. Free adult health screenings. Prizes and giveaways.

DIY Craftshop

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Create a Book Nook, a diorama for a bookshelf that opens to a miniature world. Free. 503-769-3313

Stayton Police Forum

6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Learn how officers protect and serve the community. Have a chance to meet and discuss topics with police staff. Discover opportunities to partner with officers to keep the community safe. Discuss community challenges and explore collaborative solutions. Learn more about the Stayton Police Department at staytonoregon.gov/page/police_home.

Aumsville Fire District

6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-749-2894, aumsvillefire.org

Lyons Library Board

7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366

LGBTQ+ Peer Support

7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Peer-led mental health young adult support group for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals ages 18-30. Free on a drop-in basis. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit tinyurl.com/yalgbtqgroup to register.

Repeats April 25.

Friday, April 12

Puzzle Swap

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Stop by throughout the day and bring gently used puzzles, no missing pieces, and swap for others. 503-769-3313

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: 503-769-1120, familybuildingblocks.org.

Saturday, April 13

Grow Your Own Food

10 a.m. - noon, Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. Learn about planning and growing food in a raised bed. Garden space, seeds and tools provided. Free. For details or to pre-register, call or text 503-859-2517 or email seedsupper97358@gmail.com.

Sunday, April 14

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, April 15

Tax Day

Stayton Friends of the Library

11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733.

Stayton City Council

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Tuesday, April 16

Alzheimer’s Seminar

1 - 2 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Dementia Conversations. Free. Register at alz.org/crf or 800-272-3900.

North Santiam Watershed Council

6 p.m. Zoom. Open to public. For Zoom link information, call 503-930-8202 or email council@northsantiam.org.

Wednesday, April 17

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 or julie.mendez@ nwsds.org.

Stayton Library Board

6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313

Thursday, April 18

Red Cross Blood Drive

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Appointments at redcrossblood.org.

NSSD Board

6 p.m., Sublimity School, 431 E Main St. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us

Friday, April 19

Fiber Arts 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, April 20

Garden and Food Questions Answered

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. Linn County OSU Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers will answer your individual questions about gardening and food. Research-based videos and publications are available for free. Drop in for baked goods, beverages and information. Free. Diane, 503-859-2517, seedsupper97358@gmail. com

Flea Market

Friday, April 26

Arbor Day

Saturday, April 27

Budget Cooking for One or Two

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Crafts, collectibles. Lunch available. Free admission, parking. For information on table rentals, call 503-859-2161

Bethel Clothing Closet

10 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128

Joseph’s Storehouse of Hope

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Food boxes. 503-881-9846

Monday, April 22

Earth Day

Adult Mental Health First Aid

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Armory Building, 104 SW Fourth Ave., Albany. Entry-level training that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. Open to all. Sponsored by Linn County Health Services. Registration is required. Certification will be provided. Contact prevention@co.linn.or.us.

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

Tuesday, April 23

Lyons City Council – 6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-859-2167, cityoflyons.org

Wednesday, April 24

Book Club Discussion

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Discuss Oh William! by Elizabeth Stroud. Tea, treats and book talk. Free. 503-769-3313

10 a.m., Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. Basic cooking skills and meal planning with low-cost pantry foods are practiced. For details or to pre-register, call or text 503-859-2517 or email seedsupper97358@gmail. com.

Tai Chi Exhibition

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Pioneer Park, 450 N Seventh Ave., Stayton. Watch and learn more about the benefits of Tai Chi. Instructor Wendy Stone leads Tai Chi bi-weekly through Santiam Senior Center, which is open to everyone 50 and older. Free. Info: stone.wendy680@ gmail.com

Pulled Pork Dinner

5 - 7 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, dessert, coffee, tea, punch. $10/ each. 503-859-2161

Monday, April 29

Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Parish Hall, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Appointments at redcrossblood.org

Stayton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. Agenda available. 503-7693425, staytonoregon.gov

Tuesday, April 30

Children’s Day Celebration

10 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Celebrate children and literacy across cultures with activities, treats. Special performances and activities in the main part of the library between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., followed by stations of open-ended activities all day. Regular library services may be limited during special activities. Free. 503-769-3313 ••••••••••••••••

Datebook Submission Information

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.

It didn’t take Tal Wold to make himself right back at home at Stayton High.

Wold, who coached the Silverton girls to five league titles, the 2016 state Class 5A title and three other state trophies, returned to the Eagles this season.

Wold, who previously coached the Stayton boys, turned in a 19-6 record with the girls in his return and took the Eagles to the Class 4A state tournament. But it was the stretch run in the Oregon West that leads me to believe that Stayton fans are in for some happy days ahead.

The Eagles finished the first half of the league season at 3-2 after losing to Philomath and Cascade.

Stayton was able to score just 15 points against Philomath.

But Stayton ran the table in the second half, downing Cascade by 3 and Philomath by 3 to force a 3-way tie for the title. They took an eight-game winning streak to state after going on the road to Marshfield and drilling the Pirates 50-28 in the play-in round.

The second Philomath game was classic Wold. His team trailed 24-11 at the half but held the Warriors to 8 secondhalf points while chipping away with 3-pointers by a pair of freshmen.

Wold’s teams always play defense, they never quit and they always seem to find a way offensively … even when it seems

there isn’t a way.

“Being able to beat two really good teams in Cascade and Philomath in the 2nd round was awesome,” Wold told Our Town. “That may have been something a year ago that seemed impossible, so it really gave the girls concrete evidence that they were improving and doing the right things.”

Wold credited his predecessor, Wendi Nyquist, for leaving “a full cupboard. I can tell she valued character because the girls were very coachable and compassionate. The two surprises for me would be how well our freshman played and how well the 11 girls meshed as the season went on.”

Freshman twins Kourtney and Kathryn Samek and  Zuri and Zinea Andersen are among the 10 players Wold has returning. Only steady post Liv Smart graduates.

“It was a great year,” said World, “and  I love the girls we have coming back in the program.”

Juniors Kenzi Hollenbeckl and Haley Butenschoen were named first team all-Oregon West. Smart was a secondteamer and Kathryn Samek and junior Brookelynne Morley received honorable mention. Wold was named coach of the year.

“I am looking forward to summer and getting back in the gym with the girls,” Wold said. “We have some real specific skills individually and as a team that we want to improve on. There is real clarity with what we need to do to improve and that excites me.”

Cascade boys basketball: The Cougars’ boys squad took third in the Class 4A tournament at Forest Grove. The topranked Cougars, who finished 22-5, fell in the semifinals to No. 4 Baker, then took out Marist by 10 points to claim third. Cascade, which won 4A titles in 2022 and 2023, placed Landon Knox and Anthony Best on the alltournament team. Knox, a 6-0 junior guard, was second in the tourney with 65 points. Best, a 6-7 junior, was second in rebounds with 24.

Earlier, Knox was named player of the year and Justin Amaya coach of the year after the Cougars’ 9-1 Oregon West season. Best and Kaiden Ford made the first team and Droiy Comstock was placed on the second team. Kaden Holm of Stayton was a second-teamer.

Cascade girls basketball: The Cougars’ girls squad also took third at state via a 35-33 win in the third place game against Oregon West rival Philomath. Cascade senior standout Maddie Dustin was named first-team all-tournament, with sophomore Rozalynn Schmunk placed on the second team. Dustin scored 50 points, second in the tourney. Schmunk scored 34 points and added 28 rebounds, second in the field.

Earlier, Dustin was named player of the year in the OWC, which ended in a three-way tie with Cascade, Philomath and Stayton all at 8-2. Olivia Bennett of

the Cougars was named to the third team, Schmunk was a second-teamer. The Cougars finished 19-8 in their second year under coach Nick Randall.

Regis boys basketball: The Rams finished 4th in the Class 2A tournament in Pendleton, taking down East Linn Christian 72-59 in the game for fourth. Regis entered the tournament seeded No. 2 but was bounced by Mannahouse Academy 46-45 in the quarters on a night in which the Rams hit just 5 of 33 3-pointers. Julius Pokorny of Regis scored 41 points and made the all-tourney team. Earlier, Isaiah Koehnke (first team), Pokorny (second team) and Lucas Koehnke (third team) were honored by theTri-River Conference. Regis finished 27-4.

Regis girls basketball: The Rams’ girls squad also qualified for Pendleton, took out Stanfield in overtime in the quarters and advanced to the semifinals before falling to Bandon. Regis (22-8) finished fifth overall, with sophomore Clara Persons (32 points) being named firstteam all-tourney. Hadley Foster also had a strong showing, with 42 points, 33 rebounds in a tournament-leading 98 minutes. Earlier, Persons and Foster both were named to the all-Tri-River Conference first team, with Adele Otter earning a spot on the third team.

Dance/drill: The Stayton/Cascade cooperative squad took fifth at the OSAA championships held March 15-16 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion. The team competed in the 5A-4A-3A-2A-1A pom category and totaled 72.61 points, trailing only champion Parkrose (80.64), Lebanon (77.42), Milwaukie (76.36) and Centennial (74.75).

Tal Wold

Monday, April 1

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Dallas

Tuesday, April 2

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Junction City

Softball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs East Linn Christian Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs North Salem

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Culver

Wednesday, April 3

Softball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Taft

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Santiam Christian

5 p.m. Cascade vs Marist Catholic Baseball

5 p.m. Cascade vs Marist Catholic

Thursday, April 4

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Marist Catholic

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Parkrose

Friday, April 5

Softball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Country Christian/ North Clackamas Christian

Monday, April 8

Softball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Newport

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Sweet Home

Tuesday, April 9

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Molalla

Track & Field

4 p.m. Cascade vs Sprague

Softball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Central Linn

Wednesday, April 10

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Newport

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion/ Gervais

Softball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath/Alsea

Thursday, April 11

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion

Monday, April 15

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath/Alsea

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Newport

Softball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade

Tuesday, April 16

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Crosshill Christian

Softball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Culver

Wednesday, April 17

Softball

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Newport

Thursday, April 18

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath/Alsea

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Newport

Monday, April 22

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home

Tuesday, April 23

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Cascade vs Marist Catholic

Softball

4:30 p.m. Regis vs Mohawk

Wednesday, April 24

Softball

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath/Alsea

Thursday, April 25

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home

Softball

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton

Friday, April 26

Baseball

2 p.m. Regis vs Santiam (doubleheader)

Saturday, April 27

Track & Field

10 a.m. Stayton InvitationalStayton, Regis

Softball

9:30 a.m. Cascade vs Pleasant Hill 2:30 p.m. Cascade vs Yamhill-Carlton

Monday, April 29

Girls Golf

TBD. Special District 2 TournamentCascade, Stayton

Softball

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs Sweet Home

Tuesday, April 30

Baseball

2 p.m. Regis vs East Linn Christian (double-header)

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Estacada

4 p.m. Cascade vs Molalla

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Stayton vs Estacada

Home events only. For complete and updated schedules, visit osaa.org.

4:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath/Alsea

4:30 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion

The tax man cometh

Some years ago, a magazine publisher named Steve Forbes was running for president. His main pitch wasn’t how he was going to work for world peace or protect the good old U.S. of A. from all enemies foreign and domestic.

Nope, his main pitch was that every American would be able to file his or her federal income taxes by filling out a postcard.

Sign me up.

I just finished filling out the federal and state tax forms for my wife and me, and I’m feeling a bit — How should I say this? — abused.

Thank goodness I used a popular tax preparation software, or else I’d still be scribbling arithmetic trying to figure out the damage.

My wife and I took great care last year to keep track of every penny that came in and went out. Plus, I had a little dab of heart surgery, so I was thinking Uncle Sam or Governor Tina might help out.

So please fill out these forms

Nope. By the time everything was said and done, I really could have put everything on a postcard, pasted a stamp on it and called it a tax year.

Funny thing about taxes. I don’t mind paying them. I know for a fact that 2.95 million federal employees don’t work for free. I can’t vouch for all of them, but I’d be willing to bet that most of them earn their keep.

The same goes for the 45,000 folks who work for the state of Oregon. I’m sure there are a few slackers, but the vast majority are pulling their weight, and maybe a little bit more.

What I balk at is jumping through a bunch of hoops to get to the point where I know

how big a check to write.

By the time I pushed the final button, our federal and state tax returns were 49 pages. There were schedules and lists and calculations that would make my high school math teacher swoon. The governments knew our Social Security number, address, phone number and — interestingly enough — our adjusted gross income from last year. The only thing they left out was my shirt size.

But I’ll go along with the program. I want the federal and state governments to have enough money to pay their bills. Though the state can’t run a deficit — the Oregon Constitution won’t let the legislature run a tab — the federal government is a whole other story. Last year, the federal government took in $4.8 trillion and Congress spent nearly $6.2 trillion. It borrowed the difference by issuing bonds, which are loans.

The Government Accountability Office fired up its abacus and found that, overall,  the federal government owes bond holders $33.2 trillion. That’s something like

$100,000 for every man, woman and child in the country.

In other words, too darn much.

There’s an economic theory that’s been making the rounds for a while called modern monetary theory. In short, it says that if the “social value” outweighs the cost, go for it and don’t worry about the debt.

It’s the functional equivalent of how some people view credit cards: If it feels good, spend it.

The only problem is that our kids and their kids and the kids after that will be stuck with the bill.

And that’s awful. Right now, the interest payments alone on the federal deficit are something like $659 billion a year.

I’m paying my share, all 49 pages of it. I just wish Congress would tap the brakes on its spending habit. None of us can afford it.

Carl Sampson is a freelance editor and writer. He lives in Stayton. His books, A Bushel and a Peck, and Arctic Sunrise, are available on Amazon.com.

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