Our Town South: June 1, 2023

The Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Committee named Jennifer Tiger, above, the 2022 Individual of the Year and Siegmund Excavation and Construction Large Business of the Year, represented on the cover by founder Lou Siegmund and his son and company president Andrew Siegmund.

The deadline for placing an ad in the July 1 issue is June 20.

listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the July 1 issue are due June 20. Email calendar items to: datebook@mtangelpub.com Our Town is mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97383, 97385, 97358 and 97325 zip codes. Subscriptions outside the area are $40 annually

you for spending time with Our Town Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Election 2023 Cramer wins re-election to North Santiam School Board

By James Day

North Santiam School District board member Erin Cramer was re-elected to a second term in Position 2, Zone 2 inthe May 16 election. He defeated challenger Amy McKenzie Watts.

Cramer, who had 59.32% of the vote to 40.18% for Watts as of press time, was first elected in 2019. Watts was making a second try for a board seat. Results don’t become official until certified June 12.

Three other incumbents were running unopposed: Mike Wagner (Position 4, Zone 3), Mark Henderson (Position 5, at-large No. 1) and Coral Ford (Position 6, Zone 2).

Three other board members, Chair

Alisha Oliver (Position 7, at-large No. 2), Laura Wipper (Position 3, Zone 2) and Mackenzie Strawn (Position 1, Zone 1), do not face the voters until 2025.

Cramer is the director of medical clinics at Santiam Hospital. Watts is a web designer and former sixth grade teacher at an outdoor science school in California

who also has served on the Stayton Planning Commission.

Cramer told Our Town that his incumbency “helped because people understand that I’ve been doing the job, and bring a familiarity about the district and its business to the group. However, I’d also like to think that my history of engagement and service in the community would have served my candidacy just as well, had I not been an incumbent.”

Looking ahead Cramer said “we will tackle goalsetting in the summer as always, but I see one key issue being a desire to better engage the parents and community about the schools, communicating with them and including them in more effective ways. We will continue to promote the academic, social,

and emotional growth of our kids, and we will also look toward their future needs in terms of facilities. Staff development and retention is also a key component of success. There’s really no resting in the effort to do best by our kids and communities.”

Watts noted that “if you look at the voter turnout, I think that the race between Erin and I was a very good thing for the community in general. It gave people a choice, whereas the other races on the ballot only had one candidate, which I think possibly discourages voter turnout.”

Watts had to limit her campaigning because of family issues.  “I believe if I had been able to fully campaign that I would have had a chance at winning this board seat,” she added.

Watts said she plans to stay involved in community affairs and hopes to catch on with a county committee such as the Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Marion County Solid Waste Management Committee, and the Marion County Water Quality Advisory Committee. Here is a list of of Stayton-area races in which candidates were unopposed:

Aumsville Rural Fire Protection District: Joshua Phillis (Position 1), Wayne Kuhl (Position 4) and Odas Coleman ran unopposed and were elected.

Stayton Fire District: Incumbent directors Michael Odenthal and Russ Strohmeyer ran unopposed for Positions 2 and 3, respectively, and were re-elected. Sublimity Rural Fire Protection District: Tyler Butenschoen (Position 1), James Heater (Position 2) and Ralph Fisher (Position 3) ran unopposed for the three seats and were elected.

Erin Cramer. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Amy McKenzie Watts.

Something to Celebrate Community service Best of the Best honors those making an impact

By Paula Mabry

Community service, perseverance and inspiration were the prevailing themes of the Best of the Best, the 77th annual Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce community awards May 18.

Honorees included 2022 New Outstanding Business, Case Coffee; Large Business of the Year, Siegmund Excavation; Small Business of the Year, Lulay Financial; and Distinguished Service Award, Jennifer Tiger.

The Stayton Rotary presented seniors Omar Garcia, of Stayton High School, and Melissa Gonzalez, of Regis St. Mary, with Future First Citizen awards.

In addition to the traditional awards, the luncheon event included special presentations to Debbie Turner of Deb’s Attic as Community Angel, and retired educator Mike Bauer for a lifetime of work recognized in a Legacy Award.

Tiger, a cancer survivor, noted that facing hardship “makes us more compassionate” and reaffirms a “we don’t give up” family philosophy. She said she found the community an important source of inspiration in facing challenges.

Turner was unable to attend because she was tending the store, however, she was lauded for the many times since opening in 2004 when she stepped forward to assist others.

Kathleen’s Pet Grooming

In receiving the Small Business award, Lulay Financial –Dennis, Tyler and Travis Lulay – a family-owned enterprise, noted that they were grateful “to live here and for the opportunity to serve.”

Similiar sentiments were expressed by Andrew Siegmund, president of Siegmund Excavation & Construction, which was honored with the Large Business of the Year Award. From storms to the 2020 wildfires, the company has assisted with recovery efforts, nominators said. Andrew and his brother Alan respresent the third generation of the Siegmund family to work in the Oregon woods.

“We’re proud to be part of this community...We look forward to helping everybody in the future,” Andrew Siegmund said. The company was also North Santiam Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

Carmelle Bielenberg, president and CEO of the chamber, noted that when she called honoree Mike Bauer to tell him of the award, he asked that his name be taken from the list. The 50-year Regis educator, coach, counselor and co-founder of the Stayton Road Runners, tried to “respectfully decline.” She gently pushed back with it was the committee’s decision. In accepting the award, Bauer told the audience, “This award, it belongs to all of you. This is a special community exemplified by service.”

Bauer noted that Jennifer Tiger’s father, Jim Tiger, had been one of his mentors and he was happy to see her honored. He thanked Regis, the North Snatiam School District, and Santiam Hospital for their contributions to the community.

Omar Garcia of Stayton High School and Melissa Gonzalez of Regis were honored as 2022 Rotary Future First Citizens at the Stayon Sublimity Area Chamber of Commerce Best of the Best community awards. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Something to Celebrate Class of ‘23 Finally a senior class graduates

By Mary Owen

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 graduates from our local high schools.

The North Santiam School District will graduate 177 students this year, with 145 graduating from Stayton High School and an additional 32 from NSSD Options Academy.

Valedictorians for the Class of 2023 are Laurel Bjornstedt, Hope Bridge, Daniel Odenthal and Sarah Wolf. Kaley Larsen is the salutatorian.

The graduation ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. on June 9 in the Salem Armory Auditorium in Salem.

“The Class of 2023 has played a key role in bringing joy back to school after the pandemic changed so many things,” said Vicky Storey, SHS principal. “They have embraced relationships with their teachers and with one another and have enthusiastically embraced opportunities to be involved in the school’s culture. These young adults have demonstrated

resilience and optimism.”

Regis St. Mary Catholic Schools will have 28 seniors graduating this year. The graduation ceremony will be held

at 6 p.m. on June 2 in the Regis High School gymnasium.

The RHS valedictorian is Peyton Stuckart, and the salutatorian is Macy Silbernagel.

“The Class of 2023 is an exceptional group of young men and women, said Candi Hedrick, principal. “They have had a unique high school experience, but they’ve demonstrated immense

Stayton High valedictorian, Laurel Bjornstedt. Stayton High valedictorian, Hope Bridge. Stayton High valedictorian, Daniel Odenthal. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

joy, a strong sense of community, and an intense desire to excel spiritually, academically and athletically.

“Four years is never enough time, but we have enjoyed the Class of 2023 and wish

them the very best,” Hedrick added. “Go, Rams!”

Cascade High School will send off 150 seniors this year. The graduation ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on

June 7 at Federico Field, the high school’s football field.

The Class of 2023 valedictorians are Brett LeDay, Jessica Main, Zachary Moore, Teagan Sanders and Riley Woodral. The

salutatorians are Clifford Gamble, Abigail Scott and Nicole Varner.

“CHS is proud to present over 170 graduates to our community!” said Peter Rasmussen, CHS principal. “These students have accomplished so much in terms of their academics, activities, clubs, athletics and community service. We believe the class of 2023 will achieve great things and impact our world for good.”

Also graduating this year are 18 seniors from the Cascade Opportunity Center.

“We are so proud of our 18 graduates this year!” said Marie Thompson, COC/CVA principal. “There wonderful students have worked so hard to achieve their diplomas. Congratulations!”

Thompson added, “Many have been able to graduate a bit early and are already in the workforce while some are furthering their education at trade schools or universities! All have shown that they are resilient and determined to take the next step in life and make this work a better place!”

Stayton High valedictorian, Sarah Wolf. Stayton High salutatorian, Kaley Larsen. Regis High salutatorian, Macy Silbernagel.

Gwenevere’s Gift Child’s memory helps parents bring comfort to others

By Melissa Wagoner

After Gwenevere Bush was born five weeks early on Oct. 18, 2020, she spent the first 38 days of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before finally being allowed to leave with her parents Melissa and Soren Bush, returning to their Stayton home.

Unfortunately, that happy homecoming would not last. Gwenevere’s health began to decline, and she was forced to return to the hospital, eventually receiving a devastating double diagnosis: Noonan syndrome – a genetic disorder that prevents normal development – and pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects both the lungs and the heart.

“Initially the team was hopeful we could manage it [at home] but it moved really fast,” Melissa said, recalling another short trip to Stayton before Gwenevere was, once again, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital where she would spend the rest of her life.

“She just wasn’t able to maintain her oxygen levels,” Melissa said. “And we couldn’t manage it at home.”

Instead, the Bushes spent their days at Doernbecher, getting to know their daughter and reveling in a personality that was nearly always cheerful, despite

continued

medical interventions.

“She was always very happy,” Melissa said. “And she didn’t really cry a whole lot. Initially they thought something was wrong with her because she didn’t cry a

Gwenevere’s Gift Father’s Day Project

Donations accepted at www.gweneveresgift.org between now and June 10.

lot but once her personality came out, we found out she just was a happy baby.”

On April 24, 2022, only 18 months after she was born, Gwenevere passed away, leaving two devastated parents. “I just started thinking that Mother’s Day was coming up,” Melissa recalled, “and I really wasn’t looking forward to that at all. But I wanted to turn that day into something good. And so, I came up with the idea that we were going to make gift bags for moms who had a child in the NICU or the PICU.”

And that’s how Gwenevere’s Gift began. Gathering donations of snacks, personal care items and notes of encouragement, Melissa began filling her daughter’s empty room with hope.

“I know a lot of people process their grief in different ways,” Melissa acknowledged. “But for me, giving back in Gwenevere’s memory and in her name helps me,

GENERAL

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Gwenevere Bush. COURTESY OF MELISSA BUSH.

knowing I’m bringing joy in her name.”

Arranged in gift bags and delivered to moms only days after Gwenevere’s passing, the Mother’s Day Project was, for Melissa, a way to heal. And so, she continued, distributing another round of bags to dads on Father’s Day and to parents in honor of Valentine’s Day. “Our goal is to make the families who have children in the hospital know people are there for them,” Melissa explained. “I’ve been that parent in the hospital room, I know what they’re going through. Obviously, the kids are going through a lot, too, but there’s a lot of support for the kids… I wanted to do something for the parents because their mental health is important. And just knowing someone is thinking about you, it means a lot... It can feel really lonely sitting in a hospital room with your child and you don’t know when you’re going to leave.”

Registered officially as a nonprofit in April 2023, marking the one-year anniversary of Gwenevere’s death, Gwenevere’s Gift has continued to grow, providing gift bags to 38 moms this past Mother’s Day, and planning to provide just as many to dads on Father’s Day as well.

“Then our next goal would be for next year to include all of Doernbecher because right now we just did enough for people in the PICU, but Doernbecher has a NICU and

a General Admission, too,” Melissa said. “That would be adding another 130 gift bags.”

Along with the gift bag expansion, Melissa also hopes to eventually establish a grant fund for those families who don’t qualify for financial assistance.

“I found that there are a lot of people that just barely miss the bar with services,” she explained. “Making a little too much to qualify but still having a hard time… When your child is in critical condition in the hospital the last thing you want to worry about is paying your bills.”

It’s just one of the many ways Melissa has demonstrated her understanding of what it’s like to care for a sick child and it’s why Gwenevere’s Gifts have already received so much praise.

“I’m almost in tears after opening my bag…” one recipient wrote. “The items really represent a family that understands what the needs are of the families going through this.”

Packed with items like high quality soap, for that comforting home-away-from-home smell, and coffee cards, “because you can never have too much coffee,” the most popular item has been the travel neck pillow.

“You are sitting in an uncomfortable hospital chair and

often your child has wires, so you can’t move them, and that neck support is helpful,” Melissa explained. “And we did some eye masks and headphones so you can sleep in the hospital. Especially in a critical care unit the nurses come in a lot and there’s beeping and alarms. That is definitely helpful if you want to sleep because it is hard to get your sleep in the hospital.”

Currently accepting donations for the 2023 Father’s Day Project, which will be delivered on June 17, Melissa encourages anyone interested in contributing to visit her website www.gweneveresgift.org.

“We’re trying to include more gift cards for dads because they said the financial burden stresses them out a lot,” she said of the current goal, which is to help parents who are attempting to balance the need to continue earning an income with the desire to spend their days with their child and to help them feel understood.

“Our message for these families is: just as you are there for your loved one during this critical time, we are here for you,” Melissa wrote on her website.

“You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.”

That is Gwenevere’s Gift.

Bill would reset tax rates for fire survivors

By Stephen Floyd

Santiam Canyon residents are throwing support behind a state bill that could prevent property taxes from increasing for wildfire survivors forced to rebuild their homes.

Senate Bill 1012 would stabilize the assessed values of qualifying properties rebuilt since the September 2020 wildfires. Assessed values in Oregon do not increase more than 3 percent annually for existing homes, however, new construction is not bound by this limit even if homes are rebuilt after a disaster. SB 1012 would allow homeowners to apply for an exemption that would record their home’s value at the rate assessed during the 2020-2021 tax year. County governments would make the ultimate decision to grant exemptions. A rebuilt home with greater square footage than the destroyed residence would not qualify for an exemption.

The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate April 12 and is now assigned to the House Committee On Revenue. A committee hearing was held May 4 that saw written testimony submitted from residents in Lyons, Detroit, Elkhorn and Stayton.

Among them was Melissa Baurer, director of integrated health and outreach for Santiam Hospital & Clinics. She said they have helped 244 households rebuild or relocate after the fires, and are still helping 90 households recover and rebuild.

Baurer said supporting the bill would be supporting fire survivors who “will be recovering financially for years to come.”

Detroit resident Roger Lemons described the frustration many fire survivors have felt after rebuilding, with rising costs obligating many to rebuild a smaller house.

“We pay more now per month and have half the home we used to own,” Lemons told the committee. “Please don’t penalize me for my home burning down.”

Marion County has also come out in support of the bill, sending a news release May 3 encouraging residents to submit public comments.

As of press time, no future committee hearings for SB 1012 were scheduled. Bills have recently been stalled amid a Republican walkout in Salem over legislation proposals supported by the Democrats.

Farm bill amended to expand controls

By Stephen Floyd

State lawmakers have amended a bill on industrial-scale agriculture, adding new provisions that would overhaul regulations for large livestock farms if the bill succeeds.

On May 23, the Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to amend Senate Bill 85, adding proposed limits on permits issued for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.

Examples of CAFOs include one current and two proposed chicken ranches near Scio, Jordan and Stayton that together could produce 12.5 million broiler chickens annually for Foster Farms.

SB 85 originally directed the Oregon Department of Agriculture to study CAFOs and present recommended changes. Sen. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), who proposed the amendment, argued lawmakers do not need to wait for a study in light of the environmental disaster caused by Lost Valley Farm. The now-defunct megadairy near Hermiston received a CAFO permit in 2017 through the current process but failed to manage millions of gallons of animal waste. Efforts by regulators to mandate a cleanup had little-to-no effect.

No new regulations were passed at that time, though the Oregon Department of Agriculture adopted new rules requiring waste management measures to be complete before a CAFO can operate.

The amendment to SB 85 would codify the changes and establish a permitting process emphasizing environmental precautions. The amendment would require CAFO applicants to submit a water supply plan. Stock water exemptions would be capped at 12,000 gallons per day, and water meters would be required. If the limit is exceeded, farms would need to acquire additional water through a permit or lease. The stock water exemption would sunset in 2027.

The new process would also require CAFO applicants to obtain a land use compatibility statement from local governments confirming the proposed farm complies with local zoning. Cities and counties may also require that new large CAFOs build a bern, setback, vegetative barrier or other buffer to block the production area.

SB 85 has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee. As of press time, no new hearings were scheduled.

Passages Something To Do

Hawaii-themed choral show set for Mill City

Santiam Hearts to Arts is hosting a Hawaiianthemed choral concert on June 11, 4 p.m. at Stewarts Hall, 158 SW Broadway, Mill City. There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted at the door.  Santiam Hearts to Arts received a $5,000 grant from Pacific Power that enabled the group to put on the concert.

The funds were used for a director, accompanist and other expenses for the Santiam Canyon Community Chorus show, said JoAnn Hebing of Santiam Hearts to Arts.

The show, Hebing said, features a medley from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific. Also on the program are a barbershop quartet, chants from an elementary school choir and a special performance by a Hawaiian dance troupe and the Ericksons. Audience participation is encouraged, Hebing said.

The goal of the program, she said, is to show how the Hawaiians fought to keep their culture alive. Hebing said the event will include a silent auction, and a couple of live auction items. There will be a prize for the guest with the best Hawaiian outfit.

Col. Norman F. Rauscher, USAF, ret. Dec. 20, 1934 – May 6,

Norm Rauscher was born and raised in Sublimity, Oregon. He graduated from Oregon State University and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in 1956. He was on active duty for over 30 years, serving as a squadron and wing commander, and retired as the Vice Commander of the USAF Air Weather Service. He completed post graduate work at the University of Washington (Atmospheric Science) and Auburn University (MBA). He was a distinguished graduate of the USAF War College.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Courtney Rauscher, of Sublimity, Oregon; his son, Gregory of Stayton, Oregon; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Rauscher, and daughter, Leslie Rissberger.

Norm served in many locations during his Air Force career, including France, Vietnam, Alaska, California, Illinois, Alabama, Hawaii, Washington, Texas, Arizona, and South Dakota.

He received many awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal for operations in Vietnam. He was proud that his son, Major Jeff Rauscher, USAF and his grandson Mike Rissberger (as a US Army Green Beret Major) had also received the Bronze Star Medal for their military activities.

“I highly recommend Whitney & Mike Ulven! They worked tirelessly with us for over a year and helped us find the perfect home. They are so knowledgeable, efficient and organized that we never had to worry about a thing. Whitney & Mike made the whole buying process seamless. We would certainly use them again and recommend them to all our friends.” —Amy

2023

Norm enjoyed all athletics, and was an avid runner and hunter. He particularly enjoyed deer and elk hunting. He often remarked that it was ironic that he was born in the house closest to the center of Sublimity, and after traveling around the world in the USAF, would be buried two blocks from the house in the old school ball field now part of St. Boniface Cemetery.

After retiring from the USAF he worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation as a Senior Project Manager and later as a consultant to ODOT, retiring in 2013. Over the years he served on various board of directors to include the Alaska USA Credit Union, Marion County Rural Advisory Council, president of the Stayton City Council, Secretary of the Interior-appointed Advisory Council for the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, and the Board of Directors for the Santiam Memorial Hospital.

A memorial service is planned for Norm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity, on Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will be at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to contribute to Norm’s memory may do so by sending donations to the Ray Rauscher St. Mary’s Scholarship Fund c/o St. Mary’s Catholic School, 1066 N. Sixth St., Stayton, OR 97383.

Why Go to Salem for Framing?

Lyons auto shop settles fraud lawsuit

By Stephen Floyd

The owner of a Lyons auto shop has settled a fraud lawsuit after her husband, a mechanic at the shop, was found in default in the same suit in March.

uncovering what she believed to be years of fraudulent activity. She was previously granted a judgment of $8,180 in 2019 for a botched engine replacement. Her attempts to collect gave her access to defendants’ banking records.

105 S. First St., Silverton 503-873-6771

Tamara Quiroz, of Jefferson, and Canyon Auto Service LLC agreed to pay $8,300 to Salem resident Rachel Wolf in a stipulated judgment approved May 17 in Marion County Circuit Court.

Though the judgment allowed an eightmonth payment plan, Quiroz paid the sum in full that day. If Quiroz had not complied with the terms of the judgment, including the payments, an additional $2,500 prevailing party fee would have been imposed.

Quiroz and her business were represented by Salem attorney Arthur Cummins, while Wolf was self-represented.

This comes after Quiroz’ husband Godofredo “Lee” Quiroz was ordered to pay Wolf $13,375 on April 24. He was found in default March 29 after not responding to an amended complaint. This judgment had yet to be satisfied as of press time.

Our Town reached out to the defendants for comment but did not hear back by press time.

Wolf filed suit July 26, 2022, after

With her background as a forensic bookkeeper, Wolf found evidence of alleged crimes including negotiating bad checks, falsifying business records, obtaining execution of documents by deception, and tax evasion. She filed her new suit to bring the allegations to light and prevent further alleged fraudulent activity.

The stipulated judgment did not require defendants to admit wrongdoing. Wolf agreed to release Tamara Quiroz and the business from liability after the judgment was satisfied.

This is the latest in a long history of legal judgments against Lee Quiroz.

Since 2009, he has been ordered to pay more than $190,000 to six former clients, including Wolf, who claimed he accepted payment for work he did not perform or failed to complete. Allegations ranged from substandard engine rebuilds to the theft or mishandling of parts intended for upgrades.

Manslaughter charged in pedestrian death

An Aumsville man is facing a new charge of manslaughter after the pedestrian he allegedly struck during a DUII collision in January died from her injuries.

On May 22, a new indictment was filed against Eric Raymond Webb, 49, in Marion County Circuit Court to include a count of first-degree manslaughter for the death of Julia Aubrey Wade, 26.

A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2 during which a trial date may be set. If convicted, Webb faces at least ten years in prison.

Wade’s death was announced on social media May 17. The indictment alleged her passing was the result of the Jan. 21 traffic collision.

Webb allegedly struck Wade near

the intersection of Lancaster Drive and Rickey Street SE, in Salem. Webb allegedly fled the scene and was taken into custody on Claxter Road NE, in Keizer.

Since then Webb has been in the custody of the Marion County Jail without bail. While awaiting trial on these charges he is serving a six-month sentence for probation violation related to a 2019 conviction for DUII that included a 45-month prison sentence.

Webb has been convicted of DUII six times in Oregon since 2008, most of which included reckless driving and hit-and-run charges.

– Stephen Floyd

Multiple charges follow ‘crime spree’

A Stayton man is facing numerous charges following an alleged crime spree that included the theft of a cash register from a convenience store and an assault on a police officer.

Bradley Lewis Bethell, 27, was arrested April 28 through a coordinated effort of law enforcement following a series of incidents beginning March 17.

On that day he allegedly attempted to steal the car of a Stayton woman and damaged the steering column.

Then on March 25 he allegedly shoplifted more than $100 in merchandise from Safeway and threatened harm against an individual as he left the scene. He was located by police a short time later but escaped after allegedly assaulting an officer.

Bethell was then caught on camera allegedly stealing a cash register from the Circle K on Shaff Road. When police made contact, Bethell again escaped.

On April 19, Bethell allegedly shoved an employee at a laundromat on South First Avenue after the employee asked Bethell to leave. Officers contacted Bethell a few blocks away and he fled on foot.

After these incidents, the Stayton Police Department coordinated with other Marion County agencies and shared Bethell’s information. The suspect was located April 28 hiding in a backyard shed on the 800 block of Sixth Street in Aumsville and taken into custody.

On May 1, charges were filed in Marion County Circuit Court including thirddegree robbery, second-degree theft, resisting arrest and second-degree criminal mischief. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

Kidnapping charge for Aumsville man

An Aumsville man is facing a Measure 11 kidnapping charge after allegedly holding a Jeffferson woman against her will.

Steele James Davidson, 29, was arrested March 28 for an incident March 10 during which the victim was allegedly confined and threatened by Davidson at a residence on the 1000 block of Talbot Drive. Prosecutors alleged this was an act of domestic violence.

Davidson is charged with seconddegree kidnapping, resisting arrest and two counts of first-degree burglary. If convicted, he faces at least 70 months in prison.

Davidson was released from the Marion County Jail May 26 in lieu of $290,000 bail. He is due back in court June 29 for a status check hearing.

Sentence for DUII injury

A Stayton man was sentenced to 12 days in jail and 18 months of probation after injuring a man in a DUII collision.

Matthew J. Mittig, 24, was sentenced May 15 in Marion County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to fourth-degree assault, DUII and reckless endangering for an incident Jan. 3. Court records said Mittig caused physical injury to another man while driving impaired.

During the 18 months of probation he may not consume alcohol or frequent places where alcohol is served, and must complete a substance treatment program.

His driver’s license was suspended for a year and he was ordered to pay $2,255 in fines.

Marion County to name successor to Sheriff Kast

Marion County Commissioners expect to appoint a new county sheriff in the coming days ahead of Sheriff Joe Kast’s retirement June 30.

Kast announced his retirement May 4 and commissioners expect to make an appointment during their June 7 regular meeting.

Applications from potential appointees were accepted through May 26, as well as public input on who should fill Kast’s position. An appointee must be qualified to hold the office including

certification from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, or be able to acquire certification within one year.

The appointee will serve the remainder of Kast’s term, which expires at the end of 2024.

Kast was appointed sheriff in 2019 after the retirement of former Sheriff Jason Meyers. He was elected in 2020. He has spent 31 years in law enforcement.

– 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.

Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway, Mill City. New members welcome. Jo Ann, 503-859-2502.

Wednesday

Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. Coffee, light refreshments served. 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

Storytime in the Park, Community Center Park, Stayton. Read, write, talk, sing and play. All ages. 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 KingstonJordan Road, Stayton. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

Stayton Farmers Market, 3 - 6 p.m., Third and Florence, downtown Stayton. Opens June 21. For information, visit Stayton Farmers Market on Facebook or Instagram.

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.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Families with young children can visit St. Anne’s Atrium to learn about the Bible and learn life skills.

RSVP to Sacha Eztel, 503-769-2656; dre@ immacstayton.org.

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 Saturday Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St. Saturday Market kickoff. Runs every Saturday through Sept.

9. Applications for booth space at aumsville.us

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

Notices

Daughters of the American Revolution

The Abigail Scott Duniway Chapter does not meet in the summer but members are available to meet with any woman interested in searching for a Patriot ancestor and pursuing membership. Contact: 503-689-6991

Friday, June 2

Red Cross Blood Drive

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

Farm Dog Invitational

4 - 6 p.m., Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, 33814 S Meridian Road, Woodburn. Cheer on dogs and their owners as they walk through seven farm stations. Hosted by Oregon Agricultural Education Foundation. Event closes with the announcement of the 2023 Oregon Farm Dog of the Year. “Tailgate” buffet available. Wine purchases from Wooden Shoe Winery benefit OAEF. Tickets, $25, at woodenshoetulipfarm.com. Ticket price includes one ticket to the buffet.

Bingo Fundraiser

6:30 p.m., Macleay Grange, 8312 SE Macleay Road, Salem. Pot is 50/50 split; prize amount depends on attendance. $10 for 10 games. Doors open 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 4

Rustler’s Revenge Auditions

5 p.m., Brush Creek Playhouse, 11535 NE Silverton Road, Silverton. Audition for the melodrama, Rustler’s Revenge. Repeats 6 p.m. June 5. The show runs July 28 - Aug. 13. brushcreekplayhouse.com

Monday, June 5

Santiam Artists Connection

10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Old School Community Center, 22057 Emma St., Lyons. Artists gather to paint and draw. Brings own supplies and projects. All levels welcome. Free; donations to Community Art Center accepted. Santiamh2a.org

Stayton City Council

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

Tuesday, June 6

Stayton Lions Club

Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats June 20. staytonlionsclub.org

Stayton Parks and Rec Board

7 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425

Wednesday, June 7

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, call 503-304-3432.

Thursday, June 8

Mama´s Community Market

Noon - 4 p.m., Aumsville Pentecostal Church, 10153 Mill Creek Road. Food Pantry. Repeats June 22. 971-710-5665

Aumsville Fire District

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

Saturday, June 10

Santiam Hospital Fun Run

8:30 a.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. 3K run/walk, 5K run/walk and 10K run. Prizes to first-place male and female in all divisions. Drawings, food, beverages, music, dunk tank, bouncy house, face painting. Adults are $15. Children age 12 and under are $10. Groups of four register for $40. Registration deadline is June 8. Register at santiamhospital.org.

Flea Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Crafts, collectibles. Lunch available to go and limited seating. Free admission, parking. 503-859-2161

Free Document Shredding

10 a.m. - noon, Aumsville Elementary, 572 N 11th St. Free for Aumsville residents and businesses. Two medium-sized boxes of documents allowed. Bring canned food to donate to the food bank. Sponsored by Aumsville Exchange Club.

Frank Lloyd

Wright’s Birthday

11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Gordon House, 869 W Main St., Silverton. Celebrate Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday with an open house. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the house for $5 per adult. Entry is free for those under 18. Tour guides will be on hand to tell stories and answer questions. 503-874-6006, thegordonhouse.org

Sunday, June 11

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 reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860.

Monday, June 12

Homeless Task Force

6 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. 503-769-3425

Sublimity City Council

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

Lyons Fire District Board

7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Open to public. 503-859-2410, lyonsrfd.org

Stayton Fire District

7 p.m.,. Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Open to public. 503-769-2601

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, June 13

Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. - noon, Silverton Senior Center. Doug Crosby presents “My Best Scanner Ever,” digitizing your records. Handson demonstration of technology. All welcome. Meeting is in person and virtually on Zoom. Kathy Valdez, membership, 503-508-4251. Info: adsteering@ancestrydetectives.org.

Dementia Care Conversations

3 - 4 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 request a referral to the group, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-304-3420. Repeats June 27.

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, June 14

Flag Day

RDS Board Meeting

5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org

Stayton Public Library Board

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

Talk & Tour

6:30 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Listen to a talk on “Building the Brown House,” and enjoy a fully-guided tour. $5/adults. Children under 18 are free. 503-769-8860

Thursday, June 15

North Santiam Wrestling Camp

5 - 8 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Grades 6 - 12. $30; only 40 spots.

Repeats June 16. https://forms.gle/ WYovgS2BKMPe11Sa6

NSSD Board

6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us

Music on the Lawn

6:30 - 8 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Features a lineup of local musicians through August.

Little Leaf Café serves summertime fare. Silver Falls Brewery serves beer. Rotating wineries. Outside food is allowed. Limited sand chairs available to rent, $3. Guests can bring own chairs or blankets. Wellbehaved pets on leashes are welcome. Free parking. Ticket prices include after hours admission to the garden. $5 for ages 13 and older. Children 12 and under, and garden members are free.

Today: Roman & The Long Haul. June 29: Syco Billy’s String Band. Tickets at oregongarden.org.

Friday, June 16

Washington, DC Garage Sale Fundraiser

9 a.m., Sublimity School Gym, 431 E Main St. Come shop and support Sublimity School students travel to Washington, D.C., in June 2024. Donations welcome. Repeats June 17.

Retirement Open House

5 - 7 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Celebrate retirement of Mari-Linn principal Jeri Harbison and Title 1 assistant Evelyn Johnson. Refreshments provided by Mari-Linn PTA. 503-859-2154

Saturday, June 17

Daddy Dash

9:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. 1K kids’ run, 5K run/walk, 10K run. Cost for 5K and 10K is $35. Kids’ run is $10. Registration ends at noon June 16. Register at discovermtangel.org.

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

Stayton Summer Reading Kickoff

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Sign up and celebrate the start of this year’s Summer Reading Program for all ages with crafts, activities, games, prizes and more. 503-769-3313

Back Country Bash

Noon - 9 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Amateur BBQ competition, cornhole, animal calling competition, live music with Casey Bochsler, Jake Nacrelli, and the Hill People, food trucks. Sign up for BBQ competition at the brewery or by email, info@snowpeakbrewing.com.

Sunday, June 18

Father’s Day

Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival

11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, 300 Coolidge St., Silverton. Strawberry delight with biscuits and ice cream. $7 each. Free for children 2 and younger and adults 80 and older. Open to all.

Monday, June 19

Juneteenth

Stayton City Council

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

Tuesday, June 20

Author Event

6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Bestselling author Marie Bostwick visits the library. Opportunity to purchase her latest novel, Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly and have it signed. Free. 503-769-3313

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, June 21

Summer Solstice

Stayton Farmers Market

3 - 6 p.m., Third and Florence, downtown Stayton. Opening day for the 2023 market. Market runs everything Wednesday through Aug. 23. For information, visit Stayton Farmers Market on Facebook or Instagram.

The Big LeBocce

1 p.m., Vanderbeck Valley Farm, 37791 Highway 213, Mt. Angel. AmeriTitle’s annual charity bocce ball tournament. Teams of 4 are $200 to play. Onsite food and beverages from Zest Catering, Paradis Vineyards, Silver Falls Brewery. Registration deadline is June 14. Tickets at eventbrite.com – search “the big le bocce ball tournament.” For those not playing but want to have lunch and cheer on the teams, RSVP to Rosi Green, 503-302-6990.

Thursday, June 22

Chamber After Hours

4:30 p.m., Tuff Shark Records, 195 N Third Ave., Stayton. Connect with other local professionals for networking, refreshments and door prizes. Sponsored by Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce. 503-769-3464

Friday, June 23

Rummage Sale

9 - 4 p.m., Stayton Elementary, 875 N Third Ave. Benefits Santiam Senior Center. Repeats June 24. Santiamseniorcenter. com

Oregon POW-MIA Motorcade

11:45 a.m., South Center Street, Sublimity. Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association honors Oregon’s POW-MIA veterans and their families with a motorcade set to arrive in Sublimity. 503-769-5475

Escape the ‘80s

2 - 4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. You accidentally found yourself trapped in the ‘80s and the only escape is to find the time machine to get back. Ages 11 and older. Register at https://bit.ly/ STA80sEscape. 503-769-3313

Saturday, June 24

The People’s Art in the Park

7 a.m. - 3 p.m., Coolidge McClaine Park, 303 Coolidge St., Silverton. Non-juried art show. Locals sell their own creations. Register a booth 9 a.m. - noon June 17 at Silverton Art Association. $25 for booth. Free admission on June 24. Benefits art program at SAA. Joe Craig, 503-873-8779

Aumsville Saturday Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Saturday Market kickoff. Market will run every Saturday through Sept. 9. Applications for booth space at aumsville.us

Super Hero Carnival

Noon - 3 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Bring your cape and play old-fashioned carnival games. All ages are welcome to play games, win prizes and take pictures with the roaming super heroes. Free. aumsville.us

Monday, June 26

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 St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsubllmity.org

Music Mondays

6:30 - 8 p.m., Old Mill Park, 412 S Water St., Silverton. Free, family friendly concert by Billy and the Rockets, rockabilly, doo-wop music. Concerts run Mondays through Aug. 21. Sarah, 503-201-4337

Stayton Planning Commission

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

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, June 27

Lyons City Council

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

Thursday, June 29

Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Appointments needed by visiting redcrossblood.org.

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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.

Communism Or Community?

Soon after becoming a Christian (in the early 70s) I stumbled upon the passage in The Book of Acts where the infant church was gathering together as one community, sharing whatever they had with one another and rejoicing in their new life as believers in Jesus. Here is the passage:

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”

(Acts 4:32-35)

Wow! Is This Communism?

Coming as I did out of the hippie lifestyle as a Communist, it seemed to me that these passages must be a clear mandate for all Christians to embrace communal living. I was eager to live the life I was reading about!

But then, as I continued to read in the very next chapter, I came across this:

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?”

“Okay,” I thought, “this guy and his wife were thieves and lying hypocrites. They tried to deceive the Apostles into thinking they were abiding by the rules of the commune. “They were stealing from God.” I thought. But then I was shocked to read what Peter said next:

“While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last.” (Acts 5:1-4) Lying to the Spirit of God is a very serious offense. But there was no stealing going on.

It’s Wasn’t Communism!

The church was NOT a commune. The giving was not compulsory. Instead, it was a community of radically generous believers. Many people today think early Christianity embraced some form of Communism. But in reality it was simply a community of voluntary

kindness. Property rights were still in tact and even the proceeds from the sale of private property were still in the owner’s hands to do with it as they pleased.

Why was the church such a generous community? First, they were fellow believers in Jesus— believing whole heartedly that Jesus had died for their sins, that He was buried and that after 3 days He rose from the dead. Jesus had commanded them to love one another. He also promised to provide for all they needed as they participated in ”the kingdom of God.”

Is that really in the Bible? Yes. Here it is: “Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matt. 6:31-33).

But What Does This Mean?

At the very least, “seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” is the set of right relationships that God uses to provide for all of His people throughout their lifetime. The key is right relationships with family, church, neighbor and government.

First, as children, it means obeying your parents. They are more likely than anyone else on earth to have your best interests at heart. If your parents did not play their part as parents as they should have, I am sorry

for you, but the fact still remains. Most parents dearly love their own children. For women it means getting married before becoming sexually active. Babies tend to appear unexpectedly when you have sex. So, why not use your freedom of choice a little earlier in the process by choosing to control your own body until you are married and ready to care for your child? And men, why not commit yourself to a lifelong vow of having sex? Give your wife and your children the best. This is God’s way. Finally, why make an innocent baby pay with its life for someone else’s lack of self-control?

The Return of the “Tradwives”

Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness means one parent works hard enough to earn a good living (and stay out of debt) so that the other parent gets to stay

By Gregg Harris

your neighbors. “Whatever you want others to do for you, do also for them” (Matt. 7:12). I understand this command to imply “if you were in their same situation knowing what you know to be wise and good.” Jesus said “inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matt. 25:2). So, be both wise and generous.

Finally, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness means showing proper respect and even appreciation toward civil government. I know it’s hard. But obeying the law, paying any taxes you owe, and following government regulations are God’s gifts of “ordered freedom” for humanity. The freedom we have to own property, choose our own livelihood or start our own businesses is the freedom our forefathers fought to protect. As government expands our freedom shrinks.

Biblical Christian Community is Not Communism, It Is Liberty!

Ananias and Sapphira did not have to give anything at all. They could have kept their property and their money. But because they were liars and hypocrites, God sent them to the locker room of heaven as an example to others. They missed out on time in this life, but, if they truly were believers in Jesus, they did not miss out on eternity in heaven.

home to nurture babies and work as a homemaker. It may be wise to start and run a small home business with the kiddos as well. Speaking of kids, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness also means investing time, energy and money in training one’s children to be godly, wise, financially successful, AND generous adult sons and daughters. They have an obligation to make things comfortable for their parents in their sunset years—not only when their parents need the money, but because they deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Also, keep in mind, you are showing your children how to take good care of you when you are old by the way you take care for your parents when they are old. That also is God’s kingdom way. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness also means participating enthusiastically in a local church. Which one? It should be one that believes and teaches the Bible faithfully. It should also be the kind of church you can count on in those times in life when you need a family of fellow believers to stand by you as you rejoice or grieve. By supporting your local church you make it strong for everyone, and then it will be there for you and your’s when you need it for marrying, burying and all else in between. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness also means looking out for

So, as a Christian, I don’t HAVE TO be generous. I GET TO be generous. I get to invest in the liberty of a loving Christian community under the reign of Jesus Christ. Jesus died in order to rescue us, not only from the punishment our sins deserve, but also to allow us to participate in His kingdom on earth here and now. God provides for us through all of these right relationships

So, Christianity is not a way to get rich. But it is the way God has chosen to provide for us. If your way is not working, why not start doing things God’s way? Repent! Believe! You can start right now wherever you are. If you are ready to talk, let’s talk. You can call me anytime at 503-926-1388, or stop by Silver Falls Terrariums at 403 S. Water St.

Noble Men’s Breakfast

Every Thursday, 5:30 am to 7 am at The Noble Inn, 409 S. Water St, Silverton, OR Please RSVP by text to 503-926-1388

Mark Sunday, July 23rd, for Silverton’s City-Wide, All-Church, Ice Cream Social! Details are at NobleInn.org/icecream Read past articles at www.NobleInn.org/articles.

“So, as a Christian, I don’t HAVE TO be generous. I GET TO be generous. I get to invest in the liberty of a loving Christian community under the reign of Jesus Christ.”

Gregg Harris, “Former Commie”

State champs

Cascade’s Zach Moore moved into uncharted territory at this year’s state tennis tournament. The Cougars’ senior flew through the Class 4A-3A-2A-1A boys bracket and captured his second consecutive singles title.

Moore won all four of his matches in straight sets and downed EJ Roedl of Marist Catholic 6-3, 6-3 in the final. Moore surrendered just four games during the first three rounds. His showing helped Cascade accumulate eight team points, good for fifth in the competition. Marist Catholic scored 20 to win the boys title. Stayton scored two points on the doubles win by Liam Rutherford and Jake Andersen.

Cascade and Stayton both scored two points apiece in the girls competition. Laina Atiyeh won a singles match for the Eagles, while the Cascade doubles team of Marilyn Suelzle and Rachel Suelzle also advanced one round.

Golf: Junior Maddie Dustin of Cascade tied for the Class 4A-3A-2A-1A state golf title. Dustin shot a 72-73–145 at Trysting Tree in Corvallis to tie junior Ava Austria of Catlin Gabel. Earlier, Dustin won the Special District 2 title by 18 strokes after carding a 74-73–147 at McNary Golf Club.

The Cascade boys team, meanwhile, took fifth in the Class 4A state tournament at Trysting Tree. The Cougars accumulated 686 strokes in the two-day event, just one more than fourth-place The Dalles. Baker/ Powder Valley won the event with 613.

Leading the way for the Cougars was Kyler Hemelstrand, who finished seventh at 153. Also participating for Cascade were Zach Wilson (tied for 22nd, 170), Cruz Shank (24th, 172), Kaiden Ford (41st, 191) and Landon Knox (45th, 198). The Cougars should be in good shape for next season as Helmerstrand and Wilson are juniors and the other three players are sophomores. The Cougars advanced to state by claiming second in the Special District 2 meet at Tokatee in McKenzie Bridge.

Softball: Stayton, which is ranked No. 3 in Class 4A, dominated the Oregon West Conference all-league squad. Jessica Rule was named pitcher and player of the year, with first-year coach Ryan Borde also honored.

The Eagles, who were 24-3 at Our Town’s presstime, earned six first-team nods, Rule at pitcher and infield as well as infielders Isabelle Trevino and Kenzie Hollenbeck and outfielders Christine

Cascade’s Moore, Dustin claim state titles

McCants and Brooke Morley. Outfielder Riley McCalmant and catcher Abigail Archuleta made the second-team, while infielder Mylie Walker and pitcher/utility player Kenzi Beougher received honorable mention.

Defending state champion Cascade, which finished 16-7, also earned six first-team spots, infielders Malia Scanlan and Cassidy Crabtree, outfielder Kailee Bode, catcher Amyah Miranda, utility player Lizzie Hedges, and pitcher Jari Stegman. Infielder Lexie Gidcumb, outfielder Alyssa Collins and Hedges, this time as a pitcher, were on the second team, while infielder Gabby Cave received honorable mention.

In the Oregon West Conference baseball list, nine players on 16-9 Stayton and three from 7-17 Cascade received mention. Firstteamers from the Eagles were infielder Cody Leming, catcher Eli Brown and outfielder Ty Borde. On the second team were pitcher Freddy Connally and outfielder Daniel Odenthal. Pitchers Ryne Hockman and Conner Choate, infielder Wyatt Hooper and first baseman Grady Salisbury received honorable mention.

Pitcher Jamie Whelden and outfielder Brett LeDay of Cascade were named to the first team, while catcher Braden Johnson received honorable mention.

Track & Field: The Cascade girls finished second while the boys took third at the Oregon West Conference district meet at Sweet Home. Stayton finished fourth among girls teams and fifth among the boys. Qualifiers from both schools participated in the Class 4A state meet after Our Town’s presstime.

Leading the way for the Cascade girls was Kalina Saechao, who won the shot put with a throw of 36-0.5 and the discus with a mark of 116-0. Both marks were personal bests. Teammate Lillian Pickett, meanwhile, took second in the 200 in 26.77 and ran legs on the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, both of which finished second. Pickett was joined on the 4x100 squad by Allison Course, Livia Free and Julia Duncan, which was timed in 51.32. The same four runners ran the 4x400 in 4:21.41.

Ethan Newton led the Cascade boys by winning the 300 hurdles in 40.83 and taking second in the 100 hurdles in a personal best 15.46. Newton also ran the anchor leg on the 4x400 relay team that also included Drew Baker, Lane Baker and Coleton Urquhart.The team ran 3:34.98. Urquhart also won the discus (144-6) and teammate Eli Atiyeh took the pole vault with a personal best 11-11.

Stayton’s Travis King won the 100 in a personal best 11.27 and the 200 in a personal best 22.94 to lead the Eagles boys. Haley Butenschoen won the 800 in a personal best 2:22.24 and took second in the 400 in a personal best 1:01.53, while Hope Bridge captured the 1,500 in 4:58.25 for the Stayton girls.

Regis, meanwhile, competed in the Special District 2 meet at Blanchet, with the girls finishing third and the boys fifth. Tim Crowell won the high jump in a personal best 6-3 and took the pole vault with a clearance of 12-6 for the boys. Mac Parrish won the long jump at 15-9, took fourth in the 200 (a PR 27.93) and ran on two highfinishing relays for the Regis girls. Parrish, Rachel Koellmann, Daisy Hernandez and Clara Persons ran 4:23.17 to finish second

in the 4x400, while the same foursome ran 52.18 to take third in the 4x100. Persons was third in the 200 and 400, both times in personal bests, 27.66 in the 200 and 1:02.67 in the 400. Hernandez was 2nd in both hurdles races, running 17.35 in the 100 and 50.18 in the 300.

Basketball: Two-time defending Class 4A champion Cascade landed three spots on the boys all-state team. First-year coach Justin Amaya was named coach of the year, while Spencer Horne was named to the first team and Landon Knox to the second. Garrett Callsen of Stayton, meanwhile, earned honorable mention.

On the girls side Maddie Dustin of Cascade was named to the first team and Meah Carley of the Cougars received honorable mention.

Running: The annual Santiam Hospital Fun Run and Health Walk events are set for Saturday, June 10. The day includes 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer runs as well as a 5K walk. All events start at 8:30 a.m. in front of the hospital at 1401 N. Tenth Ave., with registration set for 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Runners and walkers can register online at santiamhospital.org.

Wold to coach Stayton girls basketball

Tal Wold, who led Silverton High girls basketball to five Mid-Willamette Conference titles and the 2016 Class 5A title, is returning to coach, this time with the Stayton girls. Wold, 50, did not coach this past season because of family and scheduling reasons as his wife, Taryn, worked to attain her administration license.

“I feel a new energy and excitement after a year off. [It was] the first winter I did not coach since 1997. I think it was great for my family, but they are ready for me to get back at it. I am putting together a great staff that will work hard for the girls and are great role models.”

The hiring was announced May 6 by Stayton Athletic Director Darren Shryock. Wold previously served as boys coach at Stayton, although that stint took place before Shryock moved from Foxes boys

coach to Stayton AD. Shryock coached the Stayton girls before leaving the position four years ago.

Wendi Nyquist followed Shryock with the Eagles’ girls program and turned in a 53-29 overall record and a 27-13 mark in the Oregon West Conference. She was 2-3 in the playoffs and known for fielding scrappy, hard-working teams.  She gave up coaching to focus on her work as a school counselor, Shryock said.

“She left the program in great shape, which is why we are able to bring in a coach of Tal’s caliber,” Shryock said.

Wold spent nine years as girls hoops coach at Silverton, turning in a 18046 overall mark and a 109-16 MidWillamette record. He was 16-8 in the playoffs, including a 9-8 mark at the Class 5A tournament at Gill Coliseum.

Tal Wold. JAMES DAY

Learn the true meaning

By Carl Sampson

It’s the end of the world, again. I’m not talking about the banking system, which sets itself on fire every few years. Nor am I talking about inflation, which features Congress spraying down the economy with trillions of dollars and amping up inflation at the same time the Federal Reserve is jacking up interest rates to slow down inflation.

I’m talking about the “real” end of the world – artificial intelligence.

We’re told that computers are getting to the point that they can assimilate mass quantities of information, “think” and then use that information to make “decisions” and even write about it. By being able to do that, they will take over the world.

That does sound pretty scary, except AI doesn’t work. Every demonstrations of AI I’ve seen has shown that it consistently gets things wrong. I’m not talking about nuance, I’m talking about facts. Like a TV commentator, when AI runs out of facts, it just makes stuff up. One computer whiz was showing how “smart” AI is by writing a

biography of a reporter. The only problem: it had fundamental, factual errors. Another AI report showed the computer made up the names of books it supposedly referenced. If I were an editor and a reporter made those types of mistakes, I’d fire the reporter. Another hot shot was predicting that AI will do away with universities. Believe me, college kids are way ahead of him. Not all, but some of them plagiarize or use AI for research papers. Any professor with his or her brights on can spot that. A professor told me that two students in the same class even submitted the same paper. They flunked.

What all of the folks, including the doomsday crowd, miss is that college is a

place to gain background knowledge and, more importantly, it’s a place to learn how to find out what you don’t know. The act of writing a paper is meant to help students learn to do research. AI doesn’t do that.

All a professor has to do is have a fiveminute chat with the student and it will become readily apparent that he or she, didn’t do the work.

A long time ago, I went to college. I took a class in 20th century Russian literature (don’t ask me why). The class was assigned to read Evgeny Zemyatin’s book, We, which was published in 1921. I had just read a book by Kurt Vonnegut called Player Piano, published in 1952. The plots were nearly identical, and when I mentioned it to the professor he challenged me to prove it was more than a coincidence.

Off to the library I went, pawing through card catalogs and other references. Sure enough, in a magazine interview, Vonnegut talked about how he had “cheerfully ripped off the plot of We.”

My only problem was the magazine:

Playboy. The library did keep copies of it, but I had to ask for them because they were kept behind the periodicals counter.

Based on that and other non-Playboy research, I wrote my paper, but only got a “C.” I asked the professor about the grade and he said, “Playboy? Really?” and walked away.

But I learned a lot through that experience, about research, about Kurt Vonnegut and about not using Playboy as a reference. Ironically, both books were about societies where machines took over all of the work.

AI really stands for Artificial Ignorance. Once again, some students are learning how to push buttons and little else. They are short-changed in the process.

And how do I know AI will never take over? We all know where the on-off switch is.

Carl Sampson is an editor and writer. He lives in Stayton. Read his new book about computers and robots taking over the world. … Oh, wait, that’s already been done.

We may owe you money. If you were a member of Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company receiving our services during the years 2000 and/or 2001, SCTC may owe you money. The Board of Directors of SCTC has authorized the forfeiture of all patronage distributions that have remained unclaimed for more than four years after approval of distribution. The date of forfeiture is April 13, 2024. Members must respond prior to that date to receive monies owed. Notices were mailed to the last known addresses on November 11, 2020 to all members entitled to a distribution. SCTC is making every possible effort to find those members that did not respond to previous notifications. SCTC has posted a complete list of members, as they appear on our records, on our website at https://www.sctcweb.com/unclaimed-checks/ . You can also visit our office at 502 N 2nd Ave in Stayton. Our business hours are M-F from 9:00 am until 5:00pm. If your name, or someone you know, appears on the list and payment has not been received, contact us immediately. You can email patronage@sctcweb.com, leave a message on our patronage hotline at 503 769-2724, or send a letter to SCTC, Attention: Patronage, PO Box 477, Stayton OR 97383.

Saturday, June 10th

5K Walk

3K, 5K & 10K Runs

• Registration: 7:00am–8:00am

• Run Start: 8:30am

• Starting Line: Santiam Hospital & Clinics 1401 N. 10th Ave. • Stayton, OR

• Course Closes: 10:00am

Shirts guaranteed through May 14th

• Raffle of two $150 Stayton Sports Gift Cards (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)

• Prizes awarded to first place male & female runners in all age divisions

• Snow Peak Brewing Beer Garden (ID required)

• Enjoy Coffee, Smoothies, Fresh Fruit & Delicious Scones

• Dunk Tank, Facepainting, Bouncy House & Snow Cones

• Get warmed up with beat music

• Keepsake Prizes to all finishers

Register online: santiamhospital.org

Special Thanks to our Sponsors: OMAC Advertising, PT Northwest & Saalfeld Griggs

Additional sponsors & vendors: Hooked on Food, Our Town, Pacific Perks, Stayton Roth’s, Snow Peak Brewing, Stayton Road Runners Club, Stayton Sports, Ticos Coffee Roasting