Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97383, 97385, 97358 & 97325 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are $40 annually.
The deadline for placing an ad in the Sept. 1 issue is Aug. 20.
Paula Mabry, Editor & Publisher
George Jeffries, Advertising Executive
DeeDe Williams, Office Manager
Dan Thorp, Graphic Artist
Sara Morgan, Datebook Editor
Thank you for spending time with Our Town.
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Clarification
In the July 2024 edition of Our Town, an article titled “Samaritan + Santiam: Hospital merger motivated by growth” described a planned merger between Santiam Hospital & Clinics and Samaritan Health Services.
Santiam Hospital & Clinics submitted the following clarification with regard to existing health insurance plans and the merger:
“Throughout the affiliation process, there will be no changes to the health plans that contract with Santiam Hospital & Clinics as a result of affiliation. After integration is complete and the two organizations merge – anticipated for spring 2025 – existing contracts will be evaluated. There will be no contract terminations due to affiliation in 2025. Any contract changes that may occur for 2026 would be communicated in advance of the open enrollment period.”
Local offices up for election
Multiple city and special purpose district positions are on the Nov. 5 General Election including offices for local mayors and city councilors.
Interested candidates have until the end of August to file to appear on the ballot, with exact deadlines varying by municipality.
Open positions are listed below as well as contact information for filing details.
Stayton
Two council seats, currently held by Ben McDonald and Stephen Sims.
Candidate forms are due to City Hall by 12 p.m. Aug. 27. For information: 503-7693425 or staytonoregon.gov.
Sublimity
Mayor, currently held by Michael Taylor.
KEY ELECTION DATES
Aug. 27: Deadline for local candidates to be certified.
Sept. 9: Deadline for city candidates to file a candidate statement in the Voters’ Pamphlet
Marion Soil & Water Conservation District
Council seats, currently held by Kerst Bosma and Kari Lowe.
Candidate forms are due to City Hall by 4 p.m. Aug. 26. For information: 503-7695475 or cityofsublimity.org.
Director Zone 4, currently held by Dave Budeau.
Director At Large 1, currently held by Peggy Hart.
Candidate forms are due 5 p.m. Aug. 27. For information, call 503-391-9927 or visit marionswcd.net.
Aumsville
Mayor, currently held by Angelica Ceja.
Council seats currently held by Scott Lee, Katie Wallace and Walter Wick.
Candidate forms are due 3:30 p.m. Aug. 22. For information: 503-749-2030 or aumsville.us.
Sept. 20: Ballots mailed to military and overseas voters
First week of October: Voter’s Pamphlet mailed to Local Voters
Oct. 15: Last day to register to vote
Oct. 16: Ballots mailed to voters
Soil and water conservation board seeks candidates
The Marion Soil & Water Conservation District will have four open positions on the Nov. 5 ballot.
County voters will be electing trustees in the No. 1 at-large position as well as zones 1, 2 and 4. The board has seven members, five of whom represent specific zones.
Stayton is split between zones 4 and 5, while Sublimity is split between zones 3 and 5. The Santiam Canyon communities all are in Zone 5.
For more information on the Soil & Water Conservation District election go to https://www.marionswcd.net/ home/director-elections/
The Marion Soil & Water Conservation District is one of 45 such districts in Oregon. Marion SWCD’s mission is to protect, conserve and improve the quality of soil and water in Marion County through planning, technical assistance and education.
– James Day
Nov. 5: Election Day
Nov. 12: Last day for ballots to be received to be included. Must have postmarks on or before Nov. 5.
Dec. 2: Final day to certify the election
224 N. Third Avenue, Stayton (503) 769-9010
Chemeketa puts facilities bond on November ballot
By James Day
The Chemeketa Community College board has placed a bond measure on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The college, which is based in Salem but has a satellite campus in McMinnville and education centers in Dallas, Brooks and Woodburn, is asking voters to approve a bond that would generate $140 million in improvements.
The bond, if approved by the voters, would replace an expiring 2008 bond and use the same rate of 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a home valued at $400,000, the property owner would pay $108 per year, or about 30 cents per day. The board placed the measure on the ballot by a unanimous vote on June 26.
Here is a look at the key initiatives that the bond will pay for, if it is approved:
• Increase capacity in health care, trades, and emergency services.
• Reconfigure the Brooks Center to expand programming for health care and emergency services.
• Renovate Building 33 on the Salem campus and create a new trades center for apprenticeship programs (plumbing, HVAC and sheet metal).
• Renovate Building 7, the gymnasium. The 1981 structure would be modernized for health and wellness programming and reconfigured with the assistance of federal matching funds to serve as a disaster resource site.
• Modernize classrooms to keep pace with technological and academic best practices.
• Improve parking lots across Chemeketa’s campuses/centers.
• Introduce a new science lab at the Woodburn Center, which would allow students to complete associate degrees locally.
• Create spaces to support student engagement on the Salem Campus using Building 2 and the athletic fields.
Changing of the guard Sublimity swears in new mayor, councilors
By Stephen Floyd
Sublimity has a new mayor and two new city councilors after the recent resignations of former Mayor Jim Kingsbury and former City Councilor Jim Crowther.
Kingsbury’s resignation was accepted by the Sublimity City Council during its June 10 regular meeting. He had moved out of the city. Then on July 5, Crowther submitted a resignation letter.
Former City Council President Mike Taylor was appointed mayor by the council the night of Kingsbury’s resignation in a 3-0 vote. On July 8 the council appointed Kerst Bosma to Taylor’s former council seat and Kari Lowe to Crowther’s former seat.
Taylor told Our Town that Kingsbury, who served as mayor for three terms after four years on the council, has been a positive force for the city and someday hopes to return to Sublimity.
“I’ve been working with [Kingsbury] since I got on the council and he’s been very dedicated and done a lot of great work for the city,” Taylor said.
Taylor was first elected to the council in 2016, and previously served two terms on the Turner City Council.
He said he is accustomed to working behind the scenes as
an elected official and a more front-facing role such as mayor will be a new experience. Taylor said he hopes to continue the work he started on the council and lead the city toward responsible, sustainable growth.
“I’m going to work to maintain the relationships we have built… to try to make [Sublimity] the best place it can be and really livable and just a safe place for our families to flourish,” said Taylor.
Taylor also said he will pursue “development done right” as the city experiences continued growth, especially from those moving out of more crowded and expensive areas like Portland.
“Sublimity has grown so much so fast that there’s a lot of people moving into town and every day you see someone
new,” he said.
Taylor said this will involve development codes that support low-density residential growth and avoid placing a strain on public infrastructure.
He also said he plans to continue the city’s investments in park spaces, including possible pocket parks that make use of small lot sizes in new subdivisions.
Taylor said they will also do the daily work of making sure city finances are healthy, including the water and sewer fund.
Taylor said his vision for Sublimity is a community where residents feel a connection with those around them. He said he plans to build upon recent community outreach efforts by the city, including a new community barbeque in June and the upcoming National Night Out 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 6 at Church Park.
The office of mayor will be on the ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election, and Taylor said he plans to run.
“I see the need and I’m willing to help,” he said.
The positions held by Bosma and Lowe will also be on the ballot. Taylor said both councilors have shown a keen interest in civic affairs and dedication to the community.
Mayor Mike Taylor SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Sublimity coucilor Kari Lowe
Sublimity councilor Kerst Bosma
Go places with SCTC Fiber
More challenges PacifiCorp accused of collusion, coercion
By Stephen Floyd
Attorneys in a wildfire lawsuit against PacifiCorp have accused the utility of colluding with outside law firms to coerce fire survivors into unfavorable settlements, and are seeking court intervention.
In a July 18 filing in Multnomah County Circuit Court, attorneys for plaintiffs in James et al vs. PacifiCorp detailed recent alleged attempts to mislead survivors of the 2020 Labor Day fires. They asked for court orders barring further such outreach to class members, a public correction of misinformation, and to allow fire survivors who feel misled to back out of settlements with PacifiCorp.
A hearing has been set for Sept. 6 before Judge Steffan Alexander to consider whether or not these outside firms may solicit the representation of class members. The class includes roughly 5,000 survivors of the Santiam, South Obenchain, Echo Mountain Complex and 242 fires.
At issue are Swigart Law Group, Spreter & Peteprin APC, and Warren Allen LLP, which the filing referred to as “SSW.”
This group recently secured a $178 million settlement for 403 class members who opted out of the James suit, as announced in a joint press release with PacifiCorp June 3.
Plaintiff attorneys, led by lead counsel Edelson PC, claimed these firms have a business model of seeking “weak settlements” that prioritize attorneys’ fees over financial recovery for victims. They noted the $178 million settlement was 50 percent less per plaintiff than a 2023 settlement with PacifiCorp over the Archie Creek Fire, and more than 13 times less than jury awards secured in the James suit.
A Portland jury found PacifiCorp liable for the Labor Day fires June 12, 2023. Since then $212 million has been awarded to 36 James plaintiffs.
Plaintiff attorneys said PacifiCorp is allegedly pushing wildfire survivors to settle through SSW rather than continue with James. The filing pointed to the June 3 joint press release. They said it was highly unusual for opposing parties to coordinate on such a release and claimed this alone was suggestive of collusion. The July 18 filing requested communications between SSW and PacifiCorp about the release and early drafts of the document.
James attorneys also pointed to quotes in the
release from Pacific Power President Ryan Flynn. He called the settlement the “fairest and most efficient” resolution of wildfire claims and described class litigation as “costly and complex.” The July 18 filing noted the timing of the settlement announcement, one week after mediation in James concluded without a resolution on May 27.
James attorneys said the release was “a collaborative, joint effort to solicit James class members to hire these particular lawyers to settle claims at a PacifiCorp-approved, bargain-basement price point.”
In addition to alleged collusion, James attorneys claim SSW improperly solicited the representation of class members. Alleged examples included a recent mailbox campaign targeting survivors of the South Obenchain and 242 fires, with a letter encouraging them to call SSW for settlement information. The letter incorrectly referred to James as a federal lawsuit and inaccurately implied PacifiCorp has established a multi-billion-dollar settlement fund for survivors, said the filing. The firms also hosted a luncheon in Lyons June 1, advertised on social media as a “litigation update” during which they allegedly solicited class members.
SSW filed a motion in James June 14 asking the court to clarify lead counsel’s scope of representation and whether or not outside firms may solicit class members. The July 18 filing was in opposition to this motion. The Sept. 6 hearing will consider arguments on the motion. Our Town reached out to SSW and PacifiCorp. In separate statements parties categorically denied wrongdoing. As of press time, they had not formally responded to the July 18 filing in court.
“Class counsel’s claims of collusion are false, preposterous, and desperate,” said PacifiCorp spokesperson Simon Gutierrez. “These public attacks on successful settlements are plainly motivated by class counsel’s desire to persuade their clients to hold out for the possibility of more money, from which they collect a significant fee percentage.”
“It is unfortunate that the James Class attorneys have turned to a mudslinging campaign,” said Benjamin Petiprin of Spreter & Petiprin, who responded on behalf of the three firms. “We seek to provide an alternative pathway to Oregonians that will allow them to recover in a timely manner,” he said.
Tax relief
Wildfire survivors get break on home values
By Stephen Floyd
Survivors of the Santiam Fire who live in Marion County can now apply for a property tax break if they rebuilt their homes after the disaster.
On July 24, the Marion County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance enacting provisions from Senate Bill 1545, which went into effect June 6.
The law allows counties to restore assessed values to levels recorded in the 2020-21 tax year for qualified homeowners who were hit with higher property taxes due to new construction.
After being reset, assessed values would not increase more than three percent per year starting from the tax year the reassessment was applied.
Board Chair Kevin Cameron said in a press release the new ordinance will go far in helping survivors of the 2020 Labor Day fires.
“Some people’s taxes doubled or tripled after rebuilding, and this [ordinance] will remedy that,” said Cameron.
To qualify, an applicant’s home must have been destroyed between Sept. 1 and 30, 2020, by a fire that was the subject of a state-declared emergency, such as the Santiam Fire. The home must also have served as the applicant’s primary residence before and after the fire, and the square footage of the rebuilt structure cannot exceed that of the destroyed structure.
If approved, the re-assessed value would apply until the property was no longer the primary residence of the applicant, after which normal standards for assessed value would be employed.
The county ordinance took effect immediately and residents may apply for the special assessment through the Marion County Assessor’s Office. Information can be found at co.marion. or.us/AO, or by calling 503-588-5144.
Former Aumsville officer surrenders license
By Stephen Floyd
A former Salem police officer who briefly worked for the Aumsville Police Department has surrendered his policing license ahead of a final decision by regulators to revoke his credentials.
Jeffrey Keniston signed an agreement June 19 with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) voluntarily surrendering his law enforcement certifications.
The agreement, filed by DPSST June 24, said Keniston’s credentials were “permanently revoked” and that he waived his right to an appeal.
Keniston was a sergeant with Salem PD when he was fired Dec. 8, 2022, after an alleged sexual relationship with a domestic violence victim he was assigned to protect.
DPSST investigated the matter and determined Kensington no longer met its moral fitness standards. On Aug. 31, 2023, the department issued a notice of intent to revoke his credentials.
While DPSST’s investigation was ongoing, Keniston was hired by Aumsville as an officer on May 15, 2023. He resigned voluntarily Oct. 5, 2023.
In a filing with DPSST, Aumsville Police Chief Damian Flowers said Kensington was not under investigation by his department at the time and acknowledged the ongoing DPSST investigation.
On Sept. 26, 2023, shortly before Kensington’s resignation from Aumsville he requested a hearing to contest DPSST’s proposed revocation. The hearing was held Feb. 27 and DPSST had been expected to render its final decision by sometime in early July.
By Melissa Wagoner
Long, sweltering summer days affect everyone, but they can especially affect pets who do not have the ability to turn on an air conditioner, get a cool drink or don shoes to protect their feet all on their own. It’s up to owners to make decisions that will ensure the safety of their animal friends.
“[I]t really depends on the pet,” Dr. Jenny Ceremuga, a veterinarian at Silver Creek Animal Clinic for the past 11 years, said. “What is safe and comfortable for one animal, may be way too hot for another.”
Some surprising factors include body type – especially those short-nosed breeds like French and English bulldogs and pugs –and overall respiratory health.
“Dogs cannot sweat (except from their paw pads) so their primary way of cooling themselves is by panting and evaporation from their respiratory tract,” Ceremuga explained. “Therefore, any dogs that have any kind of compromise to their respiratory system are at much higher risk of overheating or experiencing heat stroke.”
“It’s nice and cool right here.” MELISSA WAGONER
But for all pets, regardless of their breed, Ceremuga recommends taking precautions in temperatures over 70 degrees.
“A young, healthy pet, with no underlying health issues, and no respiratory risk factors, can safely be outside in pretty warm temperatures (i.e. 90s, maybe even 100) as long as they are given proper shelter from the sun, and clean cool water,” she said. “However, safe temperatures are much lower for pets with health conditions or risk factors.”
And for those who must be confined to a kennel or a leash, Dr. Arthur Mills, a veterinarian practicing in Salem for the past 38 years, suggests adding more of everything.
“You need to provide a lot of water, very good shade and an area where there is good air movement,” he said. “And if you are not able to provide this, then [the pet] needs to be inside.”
It’s also important to remember that, while a dog may have been leashed or kenneled in the shade, within a few hours that same spot may be in full sun.
“I think it is all about being careful and paying attention to their needs,” Ceremuga said.
Which includes monitoring the heat of the ground on which they are walking.
“If it is too hot for you to stand barefoot on the sidewalk or asphalt, it is too hot for your pet. This can happen quickly at temperatures of just 75 to 80 degrees.”
The same is true for the inside of a car
which, Ceremuga noted, can cause pets to overheat and should be avoided if outside temperatures are above 70 degrees.
“[N]ever leave them unattended in the car,” she said. And when traveling long distances with pets, “Consider the rest areas you are going to stop at, are they pet friendly? Make sure that your dog… and I suppose your cats… are on a leash or somehow contained when you stop so that they do not get loose in an unfamiliar place!”
If, despite your best efforts, your pet does show signs of heat stroke – rapid panting, foaming at the mouth, weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing or seizures – it’s best to get them to a veterinarian immediately.
“It can actually be dangerous to cool an animal in heat stroke too quickly…” Ceremuga explained.
If the symptoms are mild and the dog is still in the panting stage, then cooling them down by bringing them indoors and providing fresh cool water to drink and for their paw pads may help.
Improved power Sublimity fire fighters receive new engine
By James Day
The Sublimity Fire District has a gleaming new type 3 engine parked in its apparatus bay on Northwest Parker Street.
The engine came to the district as part of a program administered by the Office of the State Marshal. Using funds from Senate Bill 762, which was passed in 2021 by the Oregon Legislature, the OSFM is delivering 76 pieces of apparatus to state fire departments and districts in a $25 million program.
SB 762 aimed to improve the state’s wildfire preparedness and resiliency amid the fires that have plagued the state in the past few years, including the Labor Day 2020 blazes that affected huge swaths of the Santiam Canyon.
Three types of engines were distributed statewide, 26 type 3s such as the one that came to Sublimity, 20 type 6 engines and 30 water tenders in an effort to improve response times to major fires.
“This program represents a significant investment in the safety of our communities and the effectiveness of our firefighting efforts,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple in a press release announcing the distribution.
Sublimity Fire Chief Alan Hume agreed.
“The goal of the [program] is to attack fires while they are small and keep them away from communities,” Hume said. “Receiving this type 3 engine helps give our fire district the increased capacity to do just that, keep fires small. Prior to receiving this engine, we were only able to respond with one light brush unit [type 6] from our main station and one four-wheel drive structure engine from our substation on all wildland calls.
“Adding the type 3 to our fleet has significantly increased our response capabilities. It is designed for wildland response in the urban interface that we are often presented with.”
The engine, which is worth $390,000, is a sort of short-term loan to the district. At the end of a five-year term, or ten years if
the district chooses to extend it, Sublimity will either have to return it or buy it. Hume said the district plans to buy it and already is planning to sock away reserve funds toward an eventual purchase. Hume added that there was no way the district could have bought the engine upfront without taking a bond measure to district taxpayers.
The addition of the engine will dovetail nicely with another OSFM program,
which is granting $35,000 to districts across the state to hire seasonal firefighters.
“We will use this apparatus and increased staffing for responses locally within our district and with our neighbors, as well as regionally and statewide,” Hume said. “These two grants have increased our capacity in both apparatus and personnel.”
Sublimity is teaming up with the Stayton Fire District to “share” the seasonal additions, which will be on hand through October. The two districts combined to hire six firefighters, who work ten-hour shifts.
The Sublimity Fire District now has eight pieces of apparatus and two command vehicles at its two stations. Hume said the addition fits the district’s mission to a T.
“The mission of Sublimity Fire District is to ‘meet the needs of our community and visitors by providing highly trained, professional volunteers who are equipped to respond effectively and safely.’ I believe the receipt of a type 3 from the OSFM engine program helps do exactly that.”
The new type 3 engine at Sublimity Fire District.
JAMES DAY
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
Stayton Free Summer Meals, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Stayton Middle School, 1021 SE Shaff Road. Lunch for kids younger than 18. Meals eaten onsite. MondayFriday thru Aug. 9. nssd29j.org
Lyons Free Summer Meals, 11:1512:15 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Free lunch for kids younger than 18. All meals must be eaten on site. Repeats Monday - Friday. Runs through Aug. 9. nssd29j.org
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.
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Open meeting. Repeats Thursday & Friday.
Tuesday
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow path on right on building and use side entrance to church.
Wednesday
Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. Location varies each week. For location, call 503-769-3464. St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity. Learn about Sublimity and possibly your family history. Free. 503-508-0312
Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome. 503-508-9431, staytonarearotary.org
Stayton Farmers Market, 3 - 7 p.m., 138 N Third Ave. Fruits, veggies, meat, eggs, breads, pastries, honey, candles, soaps, sunscreen, bath balms and more. Free admission. downtownstayton.org
Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow path on right on building and use side entrance to church.
$2 Swim Night, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., Stayton Family Memorial Pool, 333 W Burnett St. Swim for $2 per person. Repeats Fridays. 503-767-7665
Thursday
Sublimity Quilters, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. All welcome. 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
Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Open meeting. Aumsville Historical Society, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 599 Main St. Come in during open hours or make an appointment by calling Ted Shepard, 503-881-5087. Revival Youth Hangout, 5 - 6:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 657 N Second Ave., Stayton. Follow “Revival_ Heartbeat” on Instagram and Tiktok. revivalheartbeat@gmail.com
3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. A Lyons Summer Reading Program activity. All ages. Free. 503-859-2366 Green STEAM
3 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Get the buzz on the world of native plants and pollinators. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Friday, Aug. 2
Toddler Time Stay & Play
10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early reading and literacy. Free. 503-769-3313
Saturday, Aug. 3
Aumsville Saturday Market
9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Baked goods, produce, specialty food, flowers. Free admission. 503-749-2030
Hustle Your Hooves
10 a.m., Stayton Middle School, 1021 SE Shaff Road. Untimed color run for kids and adults. Proceeds benefit Horses of Hope Oregon. 1K/$20 per person. 3K/$25 per person. Register at runsignup.com/Race/OR/Stayton/ HustleYourHoovesColorRun.
Sublimity Movie in the Park
Dusk, Church Park, 375 E Main St., Sublimity. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy The Super Mario Bros Movie. cityofsublimity.org Aumsville Movie in the Park Dusk, Porter Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, enjoy a free movie. Today: Lilo & Stitch (2002). Aug. 10: Gnomeo and Juliet (2011). Aug. 24: Aladdin (2019). Aug. 31: The Jungle Book (2016). Free. 503-749-2030
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Cascade Family Resource Center, 574 N 11th St., Aumsville. Prepare your child for kindergarten. Kids do not have to attend Cascade District. also Aug. 8, 12, 15. Register: https://bit.ly/APAum24. Military Sexual Trauma Support Group
6 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom. For those who served in the military, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members who experienced military sexual trauma. Group facilitated by veterans, former service members with shared experience. info@namimultnomah.org, 503-228-5692. Repeats Aug. 19. Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. New members welcome. Repeats Aug. 20. staytonlionsclub.org
Sublimity National Night Out
5 - 8 p.m., Church Park, 375 E Main St., Sublimity. Vendor booths, live music. Food by City of Sublimity. Visit with Sheriffs and Sublimity Fire personnel.
Stayton Parks and Rec Board
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Thursday, Aug. 8
Aumsville Food Pantry
Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Also Aug. 22. 503-749-2128
Reptile Man
3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Lyons Summer Reading Program end of summer party. Reptile Man starts at 3:30 p.m. followed by a visit from the Kona Ice truck. Summer reading finishers can come early to pick up a free book and certificate. All ages. Free. 503-859-2366
Sport Physicals
3 - 6 p.m., Cascade High, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. First come, first serve. $10 cash/check only. Athletes under the age of 18 need a parents/guardian signature. santiamhospital.org
Sport Physicals
3 - 6 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. First come, first serve. $10 cash/ check only. Athletes under the age of 18 need a parents/guardian signature. santiamhospital.org
Summer Reading Celebration
3:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Upcycled frame art at 3:30 p.m. Recycle it! STEAM challenges at 4 p.m. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Aumsville Fire District
6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Open to public. 503-749-2894 LGBTQ+ Peer Support
7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Peer-led mental health young adult support group for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals ages 18-30. Free. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit tinyurl.com/yalgbtqgroup to register. Repeats Aug. 22.
Friday, Aug. 9
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. RSVP: 503-769-1120 Fiber Arts Connection
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Bring a project or try one provided. 503-769-3313
Saturday, Aug. 10
Flea Market
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Crafts, collectibles. Cheeseburger lunch available. Free admission, parking. For information on table rentals, call 503-859-2161
Free Water Night
5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Community invited to enjoy the water inflatable and Otter Pops. Free. All ages. bethany@ foothillsstayton.org
Sunday, Aug. 11
Brown House Tour
Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/person. Under 18 free. For a reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860. St. Boniface Reunion
1 p.m., Early Settlers Park, 245 NE Johnson St., Sublimity. Celebrating 19301963. Alumni, friends, relatives welcome.
Monday, Aug. 12
Coffee with a Cop
7:30 - 9 a.m., Stayton McDonald’s, 1988 Shaff Road. Drink coffee and visit with Stayton police officers. 503-769-3425
Sublimity City Council
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. 503-769-5475
Ice Cream Social
6 - 7:30 p.m., North Slope Park, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Enjoy ice cream, meet other community members, chat with Stayton city staff and city volunteers. Free. 503-769-3425
Stayton Fire District Board
6 p.m.,. Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Open to public. 503-769-2601
Lyons Fire District Board
7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Open to public. 503-859-2410
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. 503-749-2030
Tuesday, Aug. 13
Wheels of Change
Noon - 1 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Education series on lifestyle modifications for health. Register: bit.ly/49dcow9. CHW@ santiamhospital.org
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, Aug. 14
Canyon Garden Club
1 - 3 p.m., Santiam Community Garden, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. First meeting is free, then dues are $20/year. If you need a ride, call Cheryl at 503-767-2248 or Rosemary at 503-769-2571.
RDS Board Meeting
5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-7672317, downtownstayton.org
Santiam Heritage Foundation
6 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Board of trustees’ meeting. Open to public. 503-769-8860
Thursday, Aug. 15
Mari-Linn PTA Yard Sale
9 a.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. All proceeds benefit Mari-Linn staff and students. Repeats Aug. 16-17. Red Cross Blood Drive
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Visit redcrossblood.org for appointments.
Rollin’ to Corn Fest
5 - 8 p.m., Mill Creek Park, 1110 Main St., Aumsville. Free roller skating. Skates, pads, helmets provided. All ages. aumsville.us
Friday, Aug. 16
Corn Fest Car Show
4 - 8 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Requested entry donation $20. Proceeds benefit Aumsville Fire District Volunteer Association. aumsville.us
Music on Main
5 - 11 p.m., G3 Pizza & Burgers, 325 Main St., Aumsville. Food, drinks available for purchase. Live music by Schown Slade Band. Free entry. aumsville.us
Saturday, Aug. 17
Summer Sun Sale
All day. Yard sales throughout Lyons. To register a sale and have it listed on the map, contact Lyons City Hall by Aug. 14. Garage sale permits are not required. 503-859-2167, cityoflyons@wavecable.com
Pancake Breakfast
7 - 10 a.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. $10/age 13+. $8/age 60+. $6/age 6-12. 5 and under free. aumsville.us
Bethel Clothing Closet
9 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128
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
Aumsville Corn Festival
11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Vendors, live music with Molly Martinka, food trucks, family games, corn eating and keg toss contests. Corn $5/dozen. Parade down Main Street at 11 a.m. Hot buttered corn available noon - 6 p.m. Family games 1 - 5 p.m. Parking available at Mill Creek Park. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Alcoholics Anonymous
Lyons Firefighters Car Show
9 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Lyons Fire Department, 1114 Main St. 18th annual car show with bake sale, bazaar booths, 50/50 drawing, Fastest Fireman contest. register for car show or be a vendor, visit lyonsrfd.org. Joseph’s Storehouse
Dusk, Church Park, 375 E Main St., Sublimity. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy Uncharted. cityofsublimity.org
Monday, Aug. 19
Kids Safety Town
8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Free, safety-themed summer camp for 5 & 6 year olds. Pick up a registration packet at the library. Runs through Aug. 23. Sponsored by Stayton Police and Stayton Library. staytonoregon.gov, 503-769-3313
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Tuesday, Aug. 20
North Santiam Watershed Council
6 p.m. Zoom. Open to public. For Zoom link information, call 503-930-8202 or email council@northsantiam.org.
Thursday, Aug. 22
NSSD Board
6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us
Saturday, Aug. 24
Hart Strong Poker Run
7:30 a.m., Hart Family Property, 9467 SE Stayton Road, Aumsville. You don’t need to know how to play poker or ride a motorcycle. All shapes and sizes of vehicles are welcome. Breakfast, lunch available. Riders out at 8:30 a.m. End location is back at the Hart property. Silent and live auctions. Buy-ins begin at $30. Register at hartstrong.org.
Pancake Breakfast
8 - 10 a.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Pancakes, eggs, ham, biscuits & gravy, coffee, juice. $6/person. Under 6 free. 503-859-2161
6 - 7:30 p.m., Community Center Park, 400 W Virginia St, Stayton. Enjoy ice cream, meet neighbors and chat with city staff and city volunteers. Free. 503-769-3425
Stayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. 503-769-3425
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. 503-749-2030
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Lyons City Council
6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. 503-859-2167
PFLAG Silverton
7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Everyone welcome. Under 18 must have parent/guardian. Christy, 541-786-1613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com
Wednesday, Aug. 28
Stayton Book Discussion
4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Discuss Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood. Tea, treats, book talk. Free. 503-769-3313
5 - 8 p.m., downtown Third Avenue, Stayton. Live music, food, vendors, activities, car show. Farmer’s market. Free admission. downtownstayton.org
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What’s Missing in Amazing Grace? By Gregg Harris
Amazing Grace is acknowledged by most music historians as one of the most well-known songs in world history. Sung by sacred and secular artists alike for hundreds years in all parts of the world, it’s lines are immediately recognized.
“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.”
You can hear it right now in your head!
But this famous hymn was written and published in 1779 by John Newton, a man whose life story is almost as amaz grace he strives to honor in his hy
The Back Story
Gregg Harris, “Just a sinner saved by God’s grace!”
Newton began his life in London, England in 1725 as the privileged son of a well-to-do sea captain. Though his mother tried to impart her own deeply held Christian faith to him, she died when he was only six years old. In anger he refused to trust in God and at the tender age of ten he rejected everything she had taught him and followed his father into a sailor’s life at sea. There he became so obnoxious to others that he eventually became a slave to the slaves on his captain’s slave ship. Rescued from this horrible fate by his father, he went on to become a cruel slave-ship captain himself with his own slave ship.
When Newton describes himself as “a wretch,” in the first verse of his famous hymn, he’s not exaggerating. His violent renunciation of the Christian faith gave him the wicked nickname “The Great Blasphemer.” He was not only apathetic toward Christ, he actively hated God.
But by God’s amazing grace he was eventually rescued from his life of sin to become not only a beloved pastor and hymn writer but also one of the most effective abolitionists against the slave trade England ever knew. Newton died in 1807, the same year England ended the slave trade in all of its colonies around the world. It would take a full-blown Civil War to accomplish the same in the United States.
The epitaph Newton personally wrote for his own tombstone reads: "John Newton, Clerk,
once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the gospel he had long labored to destroy.”
When he died, he could have had no idea that his greatest legacy would be this single hymn.
Amazing Grace
And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, Who called me here below, Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.
— Words by John Newton (1779)
Wait! Something is Missing!
Though Newton’s famous hymn is truly amazing, there is something missing. With all of the truth it presents there is no explicit explanation of the means by which all this
Perhaps he would like to add the following lines as the second verse of his great hymn.
“Christ Jesus lived His perfect life Untouched by guilt of sin. Then died for our’s and rose again. That we might be forgiv’n.” That is the good news.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
amazing grace is made available. The gospel itself is never presented! There is not enough truth in this hymn to save one’s soul.
What is Grace?
Grace is “undeserved favor.” In theological terms it is “the unmerited kindness of God toward undeserving sinners.” Grace is mercy toward those who deserve only punishment.
But how can God show grace to a sinner without being unjust? God, as the Righteous Judge over all of Creation, cannot fail to do what is right. He requires all sin to be accounted for and paid for in full. “The soul that sins shall die.” So, how can God show mercy and yet forgive “wretches” like us?
The answer is found in the gospel, the good news concerning Jesus Christ. Jesus agreed with His Father to be the “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” He agreed to die in the place of sinners like us.
Perhaps, if John Newton were alive today, he would be alarmed at how few people
know and understand the gospel. Perhaps he would like to add the following lines as the second verse of his great hymn:
“Christ Jesus lived His perfect life
Untouched by guilt of sin. Then died for our ’s and rose again. That we might be forgiv’n.”
That is the good news. It is the gospel that saves wretches like us from God’s righteous judgment. It is how those who turn to Christ and repent of their sin can enjoy God's amazing grace. This grace not only allows us to be forgiven, but also to be adopted into God’s eternal family as His eternal children. And this amazing grace has been paid for in full by the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
So, why not turn to God right now and ask Him to show you His amazing grace? Jesus is a loving and merciful Savior who has already paid your debt to God. Why not avail yourself of what He has provided for you? To learn more call or text me at 971-370-0967.
The Palace Theater Tuesday, Aug. 12th Showing Courageous
Rated PG, 7PM First Come, First Served. Bring Friends!
Sponsored by Noble MenOfOregon.org
Attention Noble Men! Our Weekly Men’s Breakfast is changing Time & Location to The Home Place. 1080 N First St, Silverton, OR 97381 Thurs. mornings from 7 to 8:30 AM For info go to NobleMenOfOregon.org Join The Noble Men of Oregon as we impact our community for Christ.
Something to Think About New venture
Willamette River advocate sets up land trust
By James Day
Travis Williams still is spending a boat load of time working on the Willamette River. He just has shifted into a new phase and he is inland a bit more.
Williams, an Oregon native who spent 24 years as the head of Willamette Riverkeeper, an organization that aimed to preserve the water quality and habitat of the river, has formed a new organization aimed at purchasing land in the Willamette basin for conservation and recreation.
The Willamette River Preservation Trust, which is based in Williams’ Scotts Mills home, will work to purchase and protect land in the Willamette River basin between Salem and Portland, with an emphasis on the watersheds of the Santiam, Pudding, Molalla, Clackamas and Yamhill rivers.
“After working for 24 years along the Willamette and its tributaries, I noticed a significant gap when it came to land trust activity in a large area of the Willamette Valley, generally the mid to north area,” Williams told Our Town. “While there has been a bit of work by regional and national land trust organizations in the area, the region lacked a more local land trust that covers the Molalla, the Pudding, the Clackamas, the Santiam and the Yamhill River systems. Further, the mainstem Willamette lacks one from Salem north.
“In that vein it was easy to identify the need, which I also noticed in my years working in related conservation work in the same area. I also asked colleagues in the land trust community and folks agreed there was indeed a gap. They also indicated that they hear from landowners who have an interest in donating or selling properties for conservation, but they have nowhere to go.”
Williams said the goal of the trust is “to make two acquisitions in 2024, and two more in 2025. To us this seems like a manageable goal that will demonstrate success. If we are on the path to a second property by the end of the year, that is fine too. Again, being adaptable and opportunistic is also a reality, as long as the property makes sense based on our criteria, and of course raising the necessary funds to purchase and/or manage them. With donated property one still needs to establish funds to manage them for the long-term.”
Williams noted three key pillars of the approach of the land trust.
Process: “If a landowner has an interest, they can look at our website [www.wrtrust.org], and call or email us. We can then have a discussion about their property and what idea they may have. There can be a great peace of mind in regard to protecting a special place for many generations after the landowner has donated it or sold it to a land trust. There are a lot of great examples of land trust work out there in Oregon and beyond.”
Species: “There are multiple species of interest in regard to our work. Everything from camas and freshwater
mussels to Oregon white oak, many native wildflowers, and certainly the lovely Willamette Valley ponderosa pine).”
Community: “In time we will have opportunities for educational walks at key properties, as well as volunteering options. Of course, we’d love people to support our work as well via donations which can be facilitated online, via mail etc.”
Williams was asked if all of the land purchases will be in riparian corridors or otherwise adjacent to water.
“We are finalizing our strategic focus that includes lands that have been identified as conservation priorities by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife,” he said. “We also focus on lands that have some connection, or can be stepping stones to other related properties, whether public, non-profit owned and in some cases private. If we are thinking about migratory birds, or resident animals, that generally proximity and connectedness aids wildlife overall.
“Given that, there are many river and creek segments included in that strategic focus, as well as upland areas. With that approach, we can conserve riverside habitat, floodplains, upland areas that include oak woodlands, and into the Cascade foothills and Coast Range. In general the type of habitat modification that has occurred over many decades gives us a good idea of habitats that can be preserved, and restored in some cases.
“There will at times be properties that make sense on other fronts, whether from a management viewpoint, or that may be close to a community that in some cases can provide access for people to use for recreation, in addition to a strong conservation value.
“Imagine a newly acquired 60-acre natural area close to town that can facilitate a hiking trail and a small area for parking. In some cases the conservation element and the community recreation element can work in tandem.”
Travis Williams is shown in his usual habitat, on the Willamette River. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Rehabilitated parks
By James Day
Marion County has reopened two of its Santiam Canyon-area parks and more openings are planned for the coming months as the region continues to recover from the devastating 2020 wildfires.
The seven parks, North Fork, Bear Creek and Salmon Falls in the North Fork/ Elkhorn area and Niagara, Packsaddle, Minto and North Santiam along Highway 22, all were damaged by the wildfires and to date Packsaddle, North Santiam, North Fork and Bear Creek have opened, although they are limited to day-uses such as picnicking, paddling and hiking.
Marion County recently hosted a tour of the seven parks. Participating were Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Colm Willis, Sheriff Nick Hunter, several parks and public works officials and members of the media.
Here is a stop-by-stop look at the tour as well as information on parking and dayuse fees:
North Fork: Just two miles up North Fork Road from Highway 22, this was the most popular county spot pre-fires because of its Little North Santiam River beach access and proximity to the highway. Beach access is available as well as picnic tables, but the facility still contains vivid reminders of the severity of the fire damage. The road into the park is a bit rough. Log accumulations still must be cleaned up and sold for firewood. Hunter also cautioned about how fastmoving and cold the water will be for summer users.
Bear Creek: A new set of stairs leads to the beach. Picnic tables and some walking paths were the lone other amenities available by its May 15 opening. Parks officials are hoping to add camping. Salmon Falls: This popular waterfall will not be open until at least the summer of 2025. Day-use improvements still are being planned. The badly scarred restroom must be replaced and parks officials will be using a grant to restore a wetland at the east end of the park. Stairs
to the river and the swimming sites still must be repaired.
Niagara: This park, the county facility farthest east along Highway 22, won’t open until the summer of 2026. The park has 55 metal steps that survived the fire in good shape and lead to a large rock formation in the middle of the Little North Santiam. The rocks were the foundation for a paper mill that kept getting washed out by the river. The brick work and other infrastructure from the mill still can be seen and is more than 100 years old, said Russ Dilley, the county’s veteran parks coordinator.
Picnicking and hiking will be available once Niagara opens, but officials still are evaluating how to establish access to the rocks, which include great views of the swirling Little North Santiam as well as a waterfall on the south side. You can watch paddlers navigate a narrow chute around the rocks and scramble among the boulders, but you also can fall into the river and drown. Marion County Sheriff’s Lt. Matt Wilkinson was on the tour and
“A couple of the people I deliver meals to, I don’t think they get a lot of traffic at their house. So, me delivering meals and talking with them is really important.” – MOW Volunteer
told the story of a 2004 death at Niagara that is memorialized with a plaque in the rock wall.
Packsaddle: This facility was the first to reopen post-fires, although it suffered severe fire damage. Its key function as a put-in/take-out spot for paddlers remained viable because there was room for trailers to park and the ramp to the river was functional. A trail that headed east up the river was totaled. Officials already have improved the gravel roads leading into the park and are hoping for future parking lot, hiking trail restoration and ramp improvements.
Minto: “This looks really close,” Cameron said. “We’re almost there,” added parks restoration staffer Ryan Wade. The tour participants walked on a freshly graded gravel path. The new restroom positively gleamed. At Minto the possibilities are obvious. From a bluff overlooking the river floodplain you can see the network of riverside trails that are taking shape. Look for the park to open this fall. Minto also will form a major link
in a planned rail trail up the canyon. The first segment, 1.5 miles from Gates to the Maples Rest Area, will use the Minto trail system. The project has received $2 million in state and federal funds and is facing a 2027 deadline to be completed.
North Santiam: Operations of the park were turned over to the county from the state parks system post-wildfires. There was quite a bit of fire damage and many forested areas are now “meadows.” But what the fires spared is of high value. Riverside campsites with freshly mowed grass. Hiking trails with river views. A covered group picnic shelter. Restrooms with flush toilets. A boat launch. A camp host helps oversee the park. “This one checks all the boxes,” county parks supervisor Kevin Thompson said. “It’s open. It’s great.” Parks planners are looking at adding RV sites, yurt and perhaps small cabins, with the goal being to raise revenue that will be poured back into park restoration and upgrades. Those wishing to visit the parks should note that parking is severely limited on North Fork Road. Visitors should only park in official lots. Red stripes on the road indicate no parking areas. New signs have been added that note which properties are public and which are private. Visitors also should stay inside the plastic fencing that has been set up to protect young plants and seedlings.
Gateway Project: The county has added a pair of day-use fee stations on North Fork Road just a short distance from Highway
22. The county is using the same turnout it employed for the security system key entry pad when the road was closed because of fire hazards. The fee is $5 and the system is cash-less. Fee stations also have been placed at North Fork and Bear Creek, although the remoteness of Bear Creek meant the county had to install wi-fi to make the kiosk functional. No day-use fee will be charged at Packsaddle or North Santiam for the time being.
Other Park Properties: The two Bureau of Land Management parks in the North Fork area, Elkhorn Valley and Canyon Creek, remain closed but might be available for day use by later this summer, BLM officials said. The immensely popular Opal Creek/Three Pools area farther up the north fork on U.S. Forest Service roads might be years away from reopening because of tree hazards and road repairs.
GENERAL
YOUR RIGHT TO SELF
DEFENSE Saturdays, age 10-12 at 5:00; age 13 & up 6:15; Security & Correctional Officers 7:30. Private Lessons Available International Certification Curriculum available on request. Call Harold 503-391-7406.
HELP WANTED
PUDDING RIVER WATERSHED
COUNCIL seeking full or parttime job applicants. Position: Stewardship & Restoration Manager. Generous benefits. For details: https://tinyurl.com/ puddingjob
NOTICES
SAVE THE DATE – ST. BONIFACE ALL SCHOOL
REUNION Sunday, Aug. 11. Held this year at Sublimity Pioneer Park, across from Sublimity Fire Hall. Bring you
brown chairs. See you then! 503-689-1478
SERVICES
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO
Bands, Artists, Personal Karaoke
CDs, Books, Restoration for Old Cassettes, Reel to Reel & 8-Track Cassettes (Even if Broken). Call Harold 503-391-7406.
CUSTOM SADDLE MAKER
Saddle Repairs, Saddle Fitting, Leather Tack Repairs, Saddles for Sale. Aumsville, Oregon 503-481-1611.
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SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks, doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal.
CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802
& commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith 503-502-3462 To advertise call
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING & MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential
As noted earlier this spring in Our Town, the Shellburg Falls trail system in the Santiam State Forest, has reopened for day use only. Visitors should turn north from Highway 22 on Wagner Road to reach the hiking and biking trailheads. The largely gravel access road is steep, windy and narrow and passes through large sections of private property. Visitors are cautioned to drive carefully and respect the property rights of residents.
Regis, Stayton and Cascade all placed at least one team at the top of the state on the OSAA’s annual academic lists.
Regis had three teams on top in Class 2A, softball (3.82 cumulative grade point average), girls track and field (3.81) and boys track and field (3.57).
Stayton, meanwhile, finished first in boys basketball at 3.79, while Cascade topped the list in boys track and field ( 3.67). Both the Eagles and Cougars compete in Class 4A.
Here is a look at the rest of the teams that finished at 3.0 or above:
Regis: boys cross country (third, 3.79), volleyball (ninth, 3.71), football (second, 3.41), baseball (fifth, 3.59) and boys golf (seventh, 3.79).
Stayton: girls cross country (tenth, 3.75), boys soccer (16th, 3.09), boys cross country (15th, 3.29), volleyball (13th, 3.60), football (second, 3.43), girls soccer (21st, 3.21), cheer (78th among all classes, 3.0), boys swimming (fifth,
Local schools shine on team academic lists
3.82), girls basketball (tenth, 3.66), girls wrestling (18th, 3.27), girls swimming (eighth, 3.69), boys track and field (21st, 3.14), baseball (seventh, 3.46), boys golf (fourth, 3.46), boys tennis (24th, 3.09), girls golf (17th, 3.60), choir (eighth, 3.09), girls tennis (13th, 3.72), softball (11th, 3.54) and girls track and field (seventh, 3.68.
Cascade: boys basketball (18th, 3.29), boys wrestling (eighth, 3.17), boys swimming (eighth, 3.60), girls basketball (13th, 3.60), girls wrestling (ninth, 3.52), girls swimming (11th, 3.62), baseball (15th, 3.18), boys tennis (18th, 3.36), girls tennis (14th, 3.70), softball (eighth, 3.60) and girls track and field (14th, 3.62).
In addition the combined StaytonCascade dance and drill squad turned in a 3.21, which ranked 31st among all state participants.
OSAA Cup: Regis finished sixth in Class 2A in the OSAA Cup, the allsports trophy that includes athletic, academic and sportsmanship components. The Rams accumulated 1,735 points. Bandon won the class with 2,495. Regis won the trophy during the 2021-22 school year. Cascade (2,292.05) finished ninth in Class 4A, while Stayton (1,987.5) was 14th. Marist Catholic won the class with 3,438.
Equestrian: Alex Berthiaume of Cascade finished fourth in western horsemanship and tied for eighth in reining at the Pacific Northwest Regional Invitational held June 14-16 at Moses Lake, Washington. The meet brought together the top five individual finishers and teams from the Oregon and Washington state meets. Jada Franken of Stayton participated in breakaway roping but did not place.
Coaching Update: Travis Myers, formerly with West Salem, has replaced Justin Amaya as the boys basketball coach at Cascade. Myers was 140-70 in eight seasons at West, including a 20-6 record a year ago when the Titans reached the second round of the Class 6A tournament. Amaya led Cascade to the 2023 Class 4A state title and was 46-8 overall in his two years running the program. The Cougars were 22-5 a year ago and took third at state.
Fall Dates: First OSAA-sanctioned practices for the fall sports of football, volleyball, soccer and cross country are set for Monday, Aug. 19. The first contest date is Thursday, Aug. 29, with Aug. 30 the first football Friday night. Stayton hosts Molalla on the 30th, Cascade will play in a 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 jamboree at McKay in Salem and Regis will also participate in a Saturday jamboree at a time to be determined at Lowell. Stayton will host Cascade in the annual rivalry game on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Daily Mass: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am, Saturday, 8:00 am Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil, 5:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am, 10:00 am English, 12:00 pm Spanish
All Night Adoration: First and Third Fridays, 9:00 pm to 7:00 am Saturdays Nocturnal Adoration: First Saturdays, 10:00 pm to Sundays at 6:00 am
Confession: Saturday, 11-11:30 am, 3:30-4:30 pm, Thursday, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm, or by appointment 1035 N. 6th Ave, Stayton 503-769-2656
Camping fees State parks system seeks feedback on proposed 2025 rates
By James Day
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment on a proposal to raise the rates that parks can charge for camping in state parks starting in summer 2025.
Regular adjustments to rate ranges are necessary, OPRD officials said, to respond to increases in utility costs, operations and maintenance needs, and inflation. Currently the rate range for tent campsites, for example, is $17 to $22 per night (plus any local lodging taxes). Rates vary by park and season. The proposal would increase the top end of the range to $29 per night before taxes. Included in the rates guide are fees for tent campsites, those with full hookups, yurts, cabins, teepees, horse camps and group camps.
Increasing the rate ranges does not mean that the current fees will increase automatically, OPRD officials said. Instead, the ranges provide flexibility for parks officials to adjust fees within tover time as needed, avoiding large increases all at once.
to 4:30
& Wknds
Once rate ranges are adopted, the state parks director has the authority to adjust fees based on visitation patterns, increased costs and seasonal fluctuations up to four times per year (offering discounts during the fall/winter seasons for example). The first rate ranges were adopted in 2018 and implemented by the department in 2019.
Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 30, and can be submitted:
Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@ oprd.oregon.gov
Two public hearings will be held for the public to provide comments.
In-person hearing: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5:30 p.m., Nehalem Bay State Park meeting hall, 34600 Garey St., Nehalem.
In-person hearing: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m. North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St., NE, Salem, OR 97301. You must arrive by 6 p.m. to testify.
In addition to rate-range adjustments, the proposed rules would expand the 25% surcharge for out-of-state RV campers to include all site types and allow the director to determine which parks will assess a dayuse parking permit fee.
The department also is seeking feedback about camping facilities and programs. The survey is available at https://form.jotform. com/241823872287162/.
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal will go to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September or November for possible adoption.
We may owe you money. If you were a member of Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company receiving our services during the years 2002 and/or 2003, 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 May 14, 2025. Members must respond prior to that date to receive monies owed. Notices were mailed to the last known addresses on December 1, 2021, 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.
North Falls at Silver Falls State park from the trail that runs behind the falls. The state is proposing rate increases for park camping. JAMES DAY
A Grin at the End I’m sorry, Dave I’m
OK, fellas, gather around. We are approaching Code Red on the Social Media Reality Scale. Almost everything you see on social media is fake. Photos are fake, video is fake – nearly everything is either fake or the captions are phony. They either don’t accurately describe the photo or when and where the photo was taken. Even the spelling is lousy.
As an example, check out any batch of crapola on Facebook and Instagram. Almost nothing you see is legit. Not only is the “news” fake, so are items about movie stars, cars, dogs, cats, elephants and country singers.
Seriously, social media has gone from dodgy to being a virtual wasteland. I just was looking at Instagram. Out of the top ten posts, eight were phony. There was a guy complaining about a newspaper. He wasn’t identified, and the time and place were not noted. The sound wasn’t even synchronized with the video. Must be fake.
Next up was “political” merchandise with overweight models and incorrect links to the online store. Must be fake.
Then there were many photos of recent political events, all of which were Photoshopped. I know a little about Photoshop, because I use it all day. It’s easy to use and to fake photos. I can show you how to do it in a few minutes.
Then there’s artificial intelligence. I was experimenting with it and found it to be approximately worthless. I asked one of the several AI applications to research some information for me. It told me that to find that information I needed to contact several websites and I might be able to find it there.
Thanks, Captain Obvious.
Then I asked AI to organize some information. It couldn’t do it, even though I do it myself every week. Maybe AI is short for Artificial Incompetence. Every so often something new comes along in the world of computers. I remember when the first computer landed on my desk. It took forever to learn how to use it, and often didn’t work correctly. I should have just taken my typewriter and run for cover.
In a former job, one of my chores was putting together the weekly television schedules for the local and cable TV stations. It took four hours. Ugh. I could have done it in less than an hour by cutting and pasting them together and giving them to a (human) typesetter.
Yet, we were all told that computers were work-savers.
Right, and I’m Steve Jobs.
We as a society have been sold a bill of
goods not only with Artificial Intelligence but with computers in general.
I have a friend who used to work for a large company. It installed a new system that handled payroll. When pay day rolled around, some employees received checks for tiny amounts. One professional employee got a paycheck for 34 cents. None of the amounts were correct on hundreds of checks. It got so bad that folks were sent to local banks to get bags of money and employees were paid in cash.
And here’s the kicker. After more than a year, the payroll system is better, but still not 100% correct.
Yep, Code Red is here. My advice is to unplug your computer and allow yourself to return to sanity. That’s the only defense to against unsocial media and artificial incompetence.
Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton. Any mistakes in this column were made by his computer.
Get Ready for Your Sports Physicals in August!
First Come/First Serve - $10.00 Cash/Check Only. Athletes under the age of 18 need a parent/guardian signature.
