2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton • 503-769-9525 ourtown@mtangelpub.com www.ourtownlive.com
The deadline for placing an ad in the Nov. 1 issue is Oct. 21. Calendar listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the Nov. 1 issue are due Oct. 21 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
Paula Mabry, editor/publisher
George Jeffries, advertising executive
Deede Williams, office manager
Dan Thorp, graphic artist
Sara Morgan, datebook editor
Tavis Bettoli-Lotten, copy editor/designer
James Day, sports editor/reporter
Stephen Floyd, digital editor/reporter
Carl Sampson, columnist
Melissa Wagoner, reporter
Thank you for spending time with Our Town Comments and suggestions are always welcome
Editor’s Note
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
It’s not every day that we turn to the text of the U.S. Constitution, particularly the First Amendment, to aid in decision making. Although it is an underlying foundation as we go about our work at Our Town, the First Amendment just doesn’t come up as part of the office conversation.
But this is a political season, with divergent views and political tensions heightened. Reflection on our role seems appropriate.
Our Town provides a forum for community expression, whether through articles, letters or advertisements. We’re not the government, which is, of course, what the First Amendment directly relates to. But newspapers have a role to play in supporting the exchange of ideas and information that lead to good
governance. It’s a role recognized by the Framers. It’s serious stuff.
If an important community discussion is going on, Our Town should reflect that, whether or not we agree with all the opinions expressed. Each of us is entitled to our own beliefs and the right to express them.
There are certain caveats. Speech to incite “imminent lawless action” is not protected free speech, according to a 1969 Supreme Court decision. We think it’s responsible to abide by that.
We also want quotes, opinions and advertisements clearly labeled. We don’t accept anonymous submissions. Attribution is important.
We don’t allow personal attacks, the use of hate speech, or submissions advocating discrimination or violence. Those are the highlights of Our Town rules. It’s not a long list, but it seems like a good moment to share them. Your thoughts and suggestions are always welcome.
Paula Mabry
Stayton council Candidates share their focus and goals for city
By Stephen Floyd
Four local men are copeting for two open seats on the Stayton City Council in the Nov. 5 election, with varying degrees of professional and political experience.
Our Town reached out to each to learn why they are running and their goals for Stayton. Summaries of their answers follow in the order in which each candidate filed for office.
Ballots will be mailed Oct. 16 and must be returned to a ballot box by 8 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked by Nov. 5. Voters will be asked to select two candidates. The two with the most votes will be the winners.
Steve Sims
Steve Sims is finishing his first term on the City Council after being appointed to a vacant seat in February of 2023. He said he hopes to continue serving a city he deeply cares about.
Sims is a retired Navy officer and said he likes to give back through volunteerism.
His top priority is public infrastructure such as street
repair streets and parks development, as well as improvements to aid industry such as a new roundabout at Wilco Road and Shaff Road. Sims pushed for $295,000 in additional road funding during the prior budget cycle by looking for areas to cut in the budget, and also advocated for $750,000 in funds for Mill Creek Park.
Sims said an effective leader is one who listens, prioritizes the needs of others and works toward a shared goal. He said he would strive to ensure Stayton remains “an amazing city with a great quality of life.”
Gary Frank
Gary Frank has lived in Stayton most of his life and said he would like to have a positive impact on his community.
He is a graduate of Stayton High School and currently works as a truck driver for Canyon Contracting. This would be his first time in elected office. He
previously served as an appointee on the Sublimity Planning Commission from 2008 to 2012.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Frank said he has “always been a fighter” and is “very outspoken” and would “fight for what is right for our city.”
Frank said one of his goals is to improve city streets, as well as other public infrastructure needs such as street lights. He said his overall goal is to “be there for the people of the town.”
“I have always loved my hometown and will fight for the rights of the community,” said Frank. “Let’s make Stayton great again.”
Ken Carey
Ken Carey said he was encouraged to run for office by community members he has gotten to know since opening the Baked and Loaded Potatoes food truck in 2017.
Carey has since opened Third Avenue Eatery and The
or by appointment
Steve Sims SUBMITTED PHOTO
Gary Frank SUBMITTED PHOTO
Sock Shack at 505 Men’s Collective as well.
This would be his first experience in elected office. Carey was previously appointed to the Stayton Homeless Task Force in 2023.
Carey said he sees further opportunities to focus on homelessness and would reach out to other communities such as Keizer to learn how they have managed this concern. He also said he would prioritize public safety such as a return of Neighborhood Watch programs and wants to establish “a community where all of our citizens feel safe.”
Carey said he would also prioritize public infrastructure such as roads, and economic development.
Carey said, if elected, he would not take his position for granted and “will be a positive, uplifting voice for each of our community members.”
Luke Bauer
Luke Bauer said he is running for office because he enjoys a challenge and likes trying new things, and
because he believes his values align with those of the community.
“I live in Stayton and believe my conservative morals align with the majority of the population and feel I can represent the people of Stayton very well,” he said.
Bauer owns local contracting company Bauer Built Construction and specializes in fencing. He has a wife and four young children.
This would be Bauer’s first experience in public office.
Bauer said his priorities would be public safety, homelessness and street repairs, including introducing policies that would eliminate homeless camping and provide police with adequate resources. He also said he would prioritize holding city leaders accountable and ensure public funds are “put to good use.”
Bauer said, as a father of four, he would work to make Stayton a safe place to raise children and that his “conservative values will ensure Stayton stays that way.”
Brian Quigley resigns as mayor amid health concerns
By Stephen Floyd
Former Stayton Mayor Brian Quigley has resigned as of Sept. 24 after a life-threatening medical emergency, saying he needs to focus on his health.
Quigley submitted his resignation verbally that day to the Stayton City Council and City Manager Julia Hajduk.
When speaking with Our Town, Quigley said he was life-flighted from Stayton to Portland and remained hospitalized for several days, adding he “will be fine” and needs to focus on “getting my energy back.”
“I really hate to [resign], but in this current position in my life I need to focus on my health before anything else,” said Quigley.
City Council President Steve Sims will assume the duties of mayor until the council appoints someone to the remainder of the term, which expires at the end of 2026. Sims said Hajduk will set up a workgroup to discuss next steps.
“[Quigley’s] been such a great mayor and he cares so much about this town,” said Sims. “It’s sad to see him resign because he’s done such an amazing job.”
Ken Carey SUBMITTED PHOTO
Luke Bauer. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Funding granted Stayton awarded $1M for Mill Creek Park
By Stephen Floyd
The City of Stayton has been awarded a $1 million state grant for development of Mill Creek Park, the first major cash injection for the long-awaited facility.
On Sept. 18, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approved the funding as part of a $32.5 million grant package through its Local Government Grant Program.
The $1 million will be paired with $750,000 in funds set aside by the City Council March 18 from system development charges. While a match was not required for the grant, city officials said their application would be more competitive if Stayton also contributed to the project.
According to the grant application, the funding will support the construction of restrooms, picnic tables, playground equipment, bocce ball courts and horseshoe pits. The grant will also allow wetland mitigation, grading and other earthwork.
The council is expected to discuss the grant and a possible timeframe for park development during its Oct. 7 meeting.
The planned park is located on 23 acres of undeveloped land at the north end of town on Kindle Way SE, including a
forested portion and direct access to Mill Creek.
The City acquired the property in 2017 specifically to build a park after identifying a shortage of park space in the 2004 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
After buying the property, Stayton sought feedback from residents on what they would like in a new park, and in 2019 approved a plan for a multi-use facility. In addition to the projects funded by the grant, the city envisions a possible baseball field, soccer fields, basketball court, skatepark and
walking trails.
In December 2023, the City hired AKS Engineering and Forestry to update the Mill Creek Master Plan to refine the document so the city could qualify for possible grants. Updates included addition of a groundwater management system and inclusion of The Santiam Teen Center, which leased a building on the property long-term last year.
The council approved the revisions to the master plan Feb. 20 and applied for the grant March 18.
grant Sept. 18 toward development of the park. CITY OF STAYTON
Tombstone Talks Bringing history to life
By Melissa Wagoner
The stories of nine departed individuals will be brought back to life on Saturday, Oct. 26 as a part of the third annual Tombstone Talks held in Saint Boniface’s Cemetery of the Angels in Sublimity.
“I think it’s really honoring the people who have gone before us and honoring their life,” organizer Brooke McKirdy explained. The event aims to share the stories of “people from all walks of life who were known to have made an impact on the community” of Sublimity.
“Walking through the cemetery you see graves going back over 100 years,” fellow volunteer Steven Boedigheimer said. He added, “Brooke does a good job of seeing which names are represented today.”
Honoring members of the Silbernagle, Schumacher, Lulay, Heuberger, Hendricks and Schmid families this year, the narratives aim to be both truthful and compelling, with the organizers spending months compiling research and meeting with surviving family members.
“We give the relatives key questions, but they often end up writing pages,” McKirdy said.
“And also, occasionally the family learns from the experience,”
Cemetery tales & tours Oct. 26
Celebrating the lives of pioneers, entrepreneurs and political figures.Saint Boniface’s Cemetery of Holy Angels
375 Southeast Church St., Sublimity
Tours: noon - 4 p.m.: $5 for 10 and older Preregister at www.saintboniface.net
Boedigheimer added. “We have families learning their own family history because the event brings out details.”
Those details – along with the period accurate costumes the actors don for the event – are what makes Tombstone Talks such a realistic historical account of early life in Sublimity.
“Each character brings a different history, so they’re not all approached the same way,” Boedigheimer said. Tours last about 90 minutes. A horse-drawn carriage ride, a chicken noodle dinner, access to the church archives in the Parish Center and a silent auction will also take place between 12 and 6 p.m.
“The funds raised from the event go to maintain the second oldest continuously running Catholic Church in Oregon,” Boedigheimer said, referring to Saint Boniface Church, which was built in 1889.
October
Liska Havel, MD, MPH
Heritage Foundation holds Ghost Tour, Chocolate Walk Santiam Heritage Foundation and the Brown House Event Center will once again host the annual Ghost Tour & Chocolate Walk, this year on Saturday, Oct. 19. Tickets are available at www.brownhouse.org
Participants are encouraged to dress in costume, if they wish, as this is essentially a “trick or treat” for adults. Walking over uneven ground and up and down stairs is involved. Starting at the Brown House (Stayton’s first hospital) participants will move from stop-to-stop hearing stories of Stayton’s past from some of the city’s ancestors and founders.
Chocolates will be given out at each location and when the tour is complete, participants will have the opportunity to check out historic downtown businesses.
People come from near and far to enjoy learning about Stayton’s early years and recapture their youth by “trick or treating” at Halloween just like when they were children.
9th Forum
Breast Cancer Care
6:00–7:00pm • Freres Auditorium 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton
Speaker: Liska Havel, MD, MPH
Dr. Havel is a general surgeon with special interest in breast cancer care and benign breast disease. She will describe the standards of breast cancer care and new innovations including an overview of surgical management and how this is highly individualized. She will discuss common types of non-cancerous (benign) breast disease and how these can be managed. Please join us for a very informative session on breast disease management and meet one of our Santiam Breast Specialists. Register Here: shc.foundation/events/
Steven Boedigheimer portraying the late Joseph Heuberger, a Sublimity hop farmer, in Saint Boniface’s Cemetery of Holy Angels. MELISSA WAGONER
Legal Matters
Stayton stabbing Murder suspect pleads not guilty
By Stephen Floyd
A Stayton man with a history of mental illness has pleaded not guilty to murder after allegedly stabbing another man to death in September.
Skylair James Gendhar, 30, pleaded not guilty Sept. 24 in Marion County Circuit Court to second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon for the Sept. 13 death of Curtis Nathan Longfellow, 55, of Stayton.
As of press time Gendhar was held in the Marion County Jail without bail.He was arrested Sept. 14 for an incident the day before on the 1200 block of W. Locust Street, in Stayton. According to the Stayton Police Department, 911 received a call that afternoon of a man requiring medical attention. First responders found Longfellow deceased. Longfellow’s obituary described him as a carpenter and tattoo artist who leaves behind a wife and three step-children.
An indictment filed Sept. 23 said Longfellow was killed with “a sharp object.” It did not go into further detail.
The indictment classified the murder as
“second-degree,” which under Oregon law indicates the suspect was allegedly under “extreme emotional disturbance”.
According to court records, Gendhar has a criminal history in Oregon dating back to 2015 with 10 convictions ranging from disorderly conduct and trespassing to vandalism and assault of a public safety officer. He also has a history of undergoing courtordered mental health treatment.
On Jan. 5, 2021, Gendhar was charged in Marion County with assaulting two police officers who were serving a search warrant for a probation violation. Gendhar had been sentenced the year before to three years of probation after pleading guilty to assaulting a man and sexually harassing a woman in 2019, and did not report as directed.
On Jan. 26, 2021, the court ordered Gendhar to undergo a mental fitness evaluation. An evaluation was performed on June 1, 2021, and Gendhar was found mentally unfit to aid in his own defense.He entered the care of the Oregon State Hospital.
On Jan. 12, 2022, the court determined Gendhar’s fitness had been restored and the
Theft of comics a ‘complex case’
Charges against an Aumsville man accused of stealing more than $300,000 from comic book collectors may take as long as two years to go to trial in the “complex case.”
Michael David DeChellis, 57, is facing 17 felony counts of theft for an alleged years-long scheme of stealing high-value comics belonging to clients who hired him to restore the collectibles.
According to authorities, alleged victims from across the U.S. mailed DeChellis comics and paid a restoration fee through his Lebanon-based business Hero Restoration Comics. The collectibles were allegedly never returned nor the fees refunded, and after closing the business in 2023 DeChellis allegedly sold or attempted to sell multiple comics in question.
DeChellis was arrested Aug. 14. At that time 12 victims were named in charging documents in Linn County Circuit Court. An indictment filed Sept. 18 named five additional victims with allegations as far back as 2017.
Because of the number of alleged victims and the time span, defense attorney Arnold Poole filed a motion Aug. 29 for “complex case” designation. Poole said he had so far received 5,000 pages of discovery and he may need to hire a data expert to evaluate all the evidence.
The motion was granted by Judge Thomas McHiIl. According to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules, a complex case foregos normal deadlines for trial and other procedures. It allows up to two years before trial must be held.
$86K restitution sought for elder theft
On Sept. 24, a motion was filed in Linn County Circuit Court seeking $86,199 in restitution for the victims of Trina Renee Geddes, 61, now
case could proceed. The court determined Gendhar was a candidate for Marion County Mental Health Court, which prioritizes treatment as a part of sentencing. He entered a plea agreement Jan. 13, 2022, and after waiting for space to open in the program Gendhar entered Mental Health Court July 1, 2022.
As a condition of the program, Gendhar pleaded guilty to assault of a public safety officer for the 2021 incident and was sentenced to 18 months of probation. Gendhar agreed to abide by the terms of his probation and Mental Health Court or face 30 months in prison if probation was revoked.
One week later on July 7, 2022, prosecutors filed a motion to revoke probation after Gendhar was arrested the day before for spitting at two police officers. On Aug. 10, 2022, a judge granted the motion and sentenced Gendhar to 30 months in prison. An additional 10 months was added Sept. 15, 2022, after he pleaded no contest to aggravated harassment for spitting at officers. According to the Oregon Department of Corrections, Gendhar was released from prison on March 29, 2024.
of Milwaukie. A former Lyons resident, Geddes pleaded guilty Aug. 9 to two counts of aggravated first-degree theft and one count of ID theft. She was sentenced to 16 months in prison and three years of post-prison supervision for stealing from her elderly in-laws.
She was charged April 2 for using the personal information of her husband’s parents to steal cash and make personal purchases between September 2020 and February 2023. At the time Geddes was living with the victims, both in their 80s, at their home in Lyons and acting as their caregiver.
Rape charge dismissed
Rape allegations against a Mehama man have been dismissed at the request of prosecutors after the defendant was charged earlier in September. On Sept. 17, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jodie Bureta approved the dismissal of a charge of first-degree rape against Robert Adam Neuman, 47.
Prosecutors filed a motion that day asking for the case to be dismissed “in the interest of justice.” A related probation violation was also dismissed in a separate case involving an illegal weapon conviction. Neuman was scheduled to be arraigned in the rape case Sept. 18 and court records indicated prosecutors were unable to secure an indictment beforehand. He was arrested Sept. 8 after being accused of allegedly forcing himself on a woman Aug. 16.
An unrelated charge of improper use of an emergency reporting system remains pending and Neuman is scheduled to enter a plea to the charge Oct. 2. He is accused of using the 911 system for purposes other than an emergency on Feb. 10.
A California woman has died following a two-vehicle collision near Stayton on Sept. 14 that resulted in three other passengers being hospitalized with minor injuries.
According to a news release from Oregon State Police, at around 9:30 p.m. a Buick SUV operated by a 55-year-old woman from Mountain View, California, was traveling south on Cascade Highway.
The Buick entered the intersection with Highway 214 and was struck by an eastbound Chevrolet pickup driven by an 18-year-old Salem man, causing both vehicles to spin off the roadway into a nearby field.
OSP said a passenger in the Buick, Phyllis Ilene Russo, 88, of Mountain View, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. Police said Russo was not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver of the Buick as well as the driver of the Chevrolet and a 17-year-old male passenger in the truck, of Salem, suffered minor injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. Two other passengers in the Chevrolet, both 17-yearold males from Salem, were reportedly uninjured.
The highway was impacted for roughly seven hours as authorities investigated the scene. OSP said possible causes of the crash included failure to obey a stop sign and impaired driving, and did not name which driver they believe to be responsible.
OSP was assisted by the Stayton Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.
– Stephen Floyd
– Stephen Floyd
Something to Think About
Pest alert Leave wood at home
By James Day
State officials have ratcheted up the campaign against the emerald ash borer. It poses a grave threat to Oregon’s ash trees.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is asking visitors to help slow the spread of the destructive pest by choosing certified heat-treated firewood or firewood harvested within ten miles of their destination to avoid bringing the invasive insect into state parks.
OPRD is asking visitors to leave firewood from ash, olive and white fringe trees at home.
The emerald ash borer is considered the most destructive forest pest in North America, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees across the country. It has been detected in four Oregon counties: Washington, Yamhill, Marion and Clackamas, prompting a permanent quarantine in those counties.
“So far, emerald ash borer has not been detected in Oregon State Parks, and we would like to keep it that way for as long as possible,” said Noel Bacheller, OPRD’s natural resource coordinator and ecologist.
The insect can only travel about ten miles on its own during its brief adult life, but humans can spread it hundreds of miles through infested firewood and other tree materials. Once an ash tree is infested, it has little chance of survival even if it is otherwise healthy. The insect’s larvae consume the inner bark, causing trees to decline and die. Ash trees grow in riparian areas along rivers,
streams and other low-elevation bodies of water in Western Oregon. The loss of ash trees could have impacts on riparian ecology, including loss of shade, higher water temperatures and decline in fish health.
Key battlegrounds for state parks officials in terms of combatting the pest generally lie in its riverside and riparian parks.
“As far as vulnerable parks, I know that Champoeg, Willamette Mission and the Willamette River Greenway have quite a few ash trees,” said Stefanie Knowlton, an OPRD spokesperson. “We have monitoring traps at Willamette Mission, Champoeg, Luckiamute, Banks-Vernonia Trailhead in Banks, Scappoose Bay Greenway and Mirror Lake at Rooster Rock. We also have ash trees at Silver Falls.”
Matt Palmquist, an interpretive park ranger at Silver Falls, told Our Town “In our area, they are found much more commonly in valley bottoms – such as along Silver Creek in Silverton. That being said, we do have three small populations of ash at Silver Falls. I estimate the total number to be less than 200 trees (our riparian zones are dominated by red alder and bigleaf maple).”
Rangers at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area told Our Town that the park does not have any ash trees but they have posted signs on the pest that emphasize the importance of purchasing firewood from park supplies and not bringing in outside firewood.
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.
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Open meeting. Repeats Thursday & Friday.
Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy through songs and rhythms, stories and rhymes. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Griefshare, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Free support class open to all who have lost a loved one. Starts Sept. 10. 503-769-2731, griefshare.org
English, Citizenship, GED Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Classes are free; workbook $20. Repeats Thurs. Join class anytime. Mary, 503-779-7029
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
Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. 503-767-2009
Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy together with your infant or toddler. Older siblings welcome. Free. 503-769-3313
Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow path on right on building and use side entrance to church.
Thursday
Sublimity Quilters, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Make quilts for local community donations and charities. Everything is provided. New members welcome.
Point Man Ministries, 6 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons. Veterans support organization. 503-859-2627.
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.
Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats Oct. 15. staytonlionsclub.org
Stayton Parks and Rec Board
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. 503-769-3425
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Caregiver Connection
1 - 2:30 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support group for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 years of age or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. For Zoom invite and register, contact Julie Mendez at 503-304-3432 or julie. mendez@nwsds.org
Thursday, Oct. 3
Fitness Center Opening
3:30 - 6:30 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Ribbon cutting for new Ty Hart Memorial Fitness Center. Open house follows 4 - 6:30 p.m. Free. Open to public. 503-769-2171
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
5 - 8 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Shop thousands of books, CDs and DVDs for bargain prices while supporting the library at the Stayton Friends of the Library used book sale. Repeats 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Oct. 4, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Oct. 5. 503-769-3313
Saturday, Oct. 5
Pancake Breakfast
8 - 10 a.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Pancakes, eggs, ham, biscuits & gravy, coffee and juice. $6/plate. 503-769-2161
Fall Family Fun Day
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Siegmund Landscape Supply, 21393 SE North Santiam Hwy., Stayton. Pumpkin painting ($8), free lunch courtesy of Stayton Boosters, free face painting, a fall photo booth, prizes. 503-769-6291
Sunday, Oct. 6
Party in the Pasture
11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Horses of Hope Oregon, 2895 SE Cloverdale Dr., Turner. Check out the facility, meet the therapy horses. Tickets for carnival games are 50 cents each. Food and drinks, including adult beverages for the 21+ crowd, will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit participants of Horses for Hope, an equine assisted therapy program. Free admission.
Life Chain 2024
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Life Chain is an annual peaceful, pro-life witness. mchinn4life@gmail.com
Monday, Oct. 7
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Tuesday, Oct. 8
Wheels of Change
Noon - 1 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Monthly education series on lifestyle modifications for common health. Topics include nutrition, diabetes, depression, anxiety and stress, pain management and more. Light snacks provided. Register at bit.ly/49dcow9. CHW@santiamhospital.org
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
4 - 6 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Enjoy food, music and play games to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Free. 503-769-2171
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, Oct. 9
Canyon Garden Club
1 - 3 p.m., Santiam Community Garden, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. First meeting is free, dues are $20/year. If you need a ride, call Cheryl, 503-767-2248.
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
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
5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Create a miniature haunted scene inside a mint tin. Supplies provided. Free. 503-769-3313
Aumsville Fire District
6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Open to public. 503-749-2894
Lyons Library Board
7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366
LGBTQ+ Peer Support
7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Peer-led mental health young adult support group for LGBTQ2SIA+ ages 18-30. Free on a dropin basis. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit tinyurl.com/ yalgbtqgroup to register. Repeats Oct. 24. Friday, Oct. 11
Santiam Integration Conference
9 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., Cascade High, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Learn more about resources in the area. Features 12 presentations from organizations around Marion County. Free. Register by emailing Kdwyer@santiamhospital.org.
Community Play Group
10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 574 N 11th St., Aumsville. Free Community Play Group sponsored by Family Building Blocks. Includes complimentary snacks. RSVP: 503-769-1120, familybuildingblocks.org.
Fiber Arts Connection
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Join other fiber arts enthusiasts of all ages and abilities for crafting and conversation. Bring a project you’re working on or try one provided. Free. 503-769-3313
Regis Alumni Day
4 - 7 p.m., Regis High, 550 W Regis St., Stayton. Free barbecue and drinks before the Regis Homecoming football game. Free entry to game for alumni. Cornhole tournament. Spouses and families welcome. 503-769-2159, regisstmary.org
9 a.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366
KofC Chicken (or Pork) Dinner
5 - 8 p.m., Anthony Hall, 11758 SE Sublimity Road, Sublimity. Knights of Columbus Saint Anthony Council 2439 marinated chicken or pork steak dinner fundraiser. $15/adults. $5/children 10 and under. Open to all. gk@kofc2439.org
Sunday, Oct. 13
Brown House Tour
Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/person. Children under 18 free. For reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860. Monday, Oct. 14
Columbus Day
Indigenous People’s Day
Sublimity City Council
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org
Stayton Fire District Board
6 p.m.,. Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Open to public. 503-769-2601
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. 503-749-2030, Lyons Fire District Board
7 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-859-2410, lyonsrfd.org
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Story-Palooza!
10:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Celebration of stories and storytelling with activities for all ages. Free. 503-769-3313
STEAM Days
3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Plug into the world of robotics with the library’s selection of robots including Ozobots, Cubelets and more. 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.
Stayton Candidate Forum
6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Q&A with candidates running for Stayton city council. Sponsored by Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce. 503–769-3464
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Dementia Care Conversations
1 - 2 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. To register, contact facilitator Julie Mendez at 503-304-3432 or julie.mendez@nwsds.org.
Stayton Library Board
6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313
Thursday, Oct. 17
Red Cross Blood Drive
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th St., Stayton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Public Arts Commission
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Friday, Oct. 18
Sawdust Days
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Littau Power Equipment, 1200 Wilco Road, Stayton. Drawings, games, sales. Ryan Anderson chainsaw carving art. Free. Repeats Oct. 19. 503-509-0418
Saturday, Oct. 19
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 answer individual questions about gardening, food. Drop in for baked goods, beverages. Diane, 503-859-2517, seedsupper97358@gmail.com
Noon - 2 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Pick up a free pumpkin and refreshments courtesy of Aumsville Exchange Club, while supplies last. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Ghost Tour & Chocolate Walk
5 - 9 p.m., downtown Stayton. Beginning at the Brown House, participants move from stop-to-stop hearing stories of Stayton’s past. Chocolates given out to each participant at each location. Participants are encouraged to dress in costumes. Tickets at brownhouse.org.
6:30 - 9 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Santiam Hospital and Clinics Auxiliary’s annual fashion show. Tickets are $30, and include hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine. Tickets at santiamhospital.org
Monday, Oct. 21
Stayton Friends of the Library
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733. Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Pumpkin Painting & Contest
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Decorate a pumpkin at library or design one at home for the contest. Check at beginning of October for categories. Vote for your favorite pumpkin by Oct. 26. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
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, 541786-1613, silvertonpflag@gmail.com
Thursday, Oct. 24
NSSD Board
6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Special work session and board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. 503-769-6924
Friday, Oct. 25
Red Cross Blood Drive
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767. Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon - 5 p.m., Immaculate Conception, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. For appt., visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Bring dishwashers, stoves, dryers, water heaters, couches, mattresses, scrap metal, tables, chairs, clean, untreated wood for disposal. Appliances with freon, construction debris, propane bottles or canisters, paint, batteries, solvents, thinners, garbage, car tires not accepted. Free. 503-769-3425
Tombstone Talks
Noon - 4 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Hear stories of how those honored influenced Sublimity and surrounding areas: Ralph/ Marcy Lulay, Jim/Maurita Silbernagel, Joseph Heuberger, Mathias Schmid, Joe/ Minnie Schumacher, August Hendricks. Walk-in or sign up at saintboniface.net. $5/person. Chicken noodle dinner, wagon rides, country store. 503-769-5664
Sunday, Oct. 27
Foothills Harvest Festival
5 - 7 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Games, crafts, snacks. Food trucks available. Costumes encouraged but not required. Free. Open to all. 503-769-2731
Monday, Oct. 28
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. 503-749-2030
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Medicare Rodeo
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Anthony Hall, 11758 SE Sublimity Road, Sublimity. Community resources including home health, hospice, assisted living. Advisors from Medicare Advantage plans. Flu vaccine clinic. Light snacks and beverages will be served. Free. Sponsored by Santiam Hospital and Clinics. santiamhospital.org
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Book Club Discussion
4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Discuss The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn. Refreshments. All welcome. 503-769-3313
Thursday, Oct. 31
Halloween
Cyber-Tricked
3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Stop by the library for themed tricks and treats. Free. 503-769-3313
Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza
4 - 6 p.m., downtown Stayton. Look for Trick-or-Treating Here signs in local windows.
“Make America Good Again!”
My dear wife Bonnie came to me today with tears in her eyes. She wanted me to read a passage she had just found in Psalm 94:20-23. It reads:
“Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. 23 He will bring back on them their iniquity and them out for their wickedness LORD our God will wipe them out
We live in a time where God could use any number of calamities to “wipe out” wicked rulers who “frame injustice by statute.”
Disease, famine, nuclear war, rogue AI, and our falling birth rate, to name just a few.
Thomas Jefferson wrote:
“Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever…” — Notes on the State of Virginia (1784) page 404.
At the time Jefferson was contemplating the grave injustice of slavery while he himself still owned many slaves. His hypocrisy was outrageous. But his observation was none the less true. It would be just like God to punish our nation for slavery. But it was no more outrageous than our own hypocrisy today regarding the abortion of our babies.
Sadly, one of our major political parties, the Democrats, now aggressively advocates for unrestricted abortion under the Orwellian euphemism of “reproductive healthcare.” All this while totally ignoring the right of the unborn baby to its own healthcare. While one baby in a hospital receives expensive life-saving care in the womb, another in a clinic next door is being murdered. According to FactCheck.Org, only 2.7% of abortions have been to save the life of the mother. All others were for lifestyle convenience.
The Psalmist quoted Ps. 94 had previously asked a few questions in verses 9 and 10:
“He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?”
In other words, “Do you really think God does not see the slaughter and hear the screams of those who are being murdered? Do you really think He does not care about the baby and will not take action when
“wicked rulers frame injustice by statute” in order to win more votes? This is outrageous!
We Must All Get Involved!
At His trial, Jesus told Pontius Pilate “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:33-38). Since then, many Christians have refused to get involved in politics, assuming that doing so would contradict their Lord.
By Gregg Harris
but have eternal life.” We are forgiven for our own sins when we repent and believe that Jesus Christ died in our place and rose from the dead (Rom. 8:8-11). But then, having been saved, we get to show our love for God by the way we love and care for others, and that includes both mothers and their babies.
God Judges Nations In History
In James 4:17, we read: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” God judges nations that sin: It was sin to ignore the wickedness of slavery before the Civil War. Lincoln was right when he said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Allowing slavery to be practiced just across state lines could not endure. God would act. Lincoln was also right in his 2nd inaugural address during the Civil War, “Yet, if God wills that [this war] continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two
“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?” — Proverbs 24:11-12
But Jesus was not forbidding His followers from fighting injustice. He was explaining that His disciples did not need to fight to save Him. He had 60,000 angels on call if He needed help (Matt. 26:53). He was not negating all the exhortations in the Bible that call on us to resist wickedness and pursue justice. We are all to speak up for those who have no voice of their own, and act for those who have no power to save themselves.
It Is Sin To Ignore Any Evil!
In Proverbs 24:11-12 we read: “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?”
This passage is just as much a part of God’s Word as John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish
hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said ‘the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’” He saw the United States Civil War as God’s judgement to “wipe away” the “wicked rulers” who “frame injustice by statute.”
• It was also sin for congregations during the Nazi Holocaust to try to drown out the cries of the Jews by “singing louder” as the train cars passed by their churches They were on their way to the death camps! Fascist Germany, Italy and Japan were all punished. But they did not cause God’s judgement on the world, they were God’s judgement on all the nations.
Stop And Think!
The Roe Vs Wade decision in 1972 has resulted in more than 63 million babies being killed in their mother’s womb. Abortions are increasing especially in the “blue states”
across our nation. Once again, we are “a house divided” with nothing more than a state line standing between life and death for the unborn. Will God look the other way as “wicked rulers” in both parties now strive to win votes by promising to “frame injustice by statute” in this cruel and outrageous way?
I understand that when the physical life of a mother is in real danger, she has a grievous “right of self-defense.” “But what,” many ask, “about rape and incest?” Where else do we ever require an innocent person to die because of who his or her father is? Punish the father for his crime, but not his baby. It is not unreasonable for any mother to allow her baby to live and be adopted. It is the role of government to establish such justice by law.
Vote to Avoid God’s Judgement!
In the upcoming election we will be selecting new “rulers.” Please vote for those who promise to fight for the life of the unborn. Don’t be part of the reason why God must “wipe out” our nation. The clouds of war and other disasters loom darkly on our horizon. So, be wise. Do what is right. God may yet show us mercy. Let us make America GOOD again! Only then can she ever be truly great.
Want to talk? Please call 971-370-0967.
Gregg Harris is a Pastor of Preaching at Gracious Cross Reformed Church in NE Salem.
By James Day
The new Willamette River Preservation Trust is on the verge of acquiring its first piece of property.
The organization formed earlier this year, aimed at purchasing land in the Willamette basin for conservation and recreation. It is now in contract for a piece of property along the North Santiam River near Stayton.
The 270-acre parcel includes wetlands, wet prairie, oak woodland and will be called Oak Meadows Natural Area, said Travis Williams, founder, president and CEO of the Trust, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
“Well, we are on our way,” Williams told Our Town. “This property is fantastic. It
supports Bradshaw’s lomatioum as well as extensive camas in the spring. It also holds native sedges and grasses.”
Bradshaw’s lomatium is a native flower that was once on the Endangered Species List. It is recovering and has been de-listed.
The property’s purchase price is $295,000, and the trust has until Dec. 15 to finish raising the money. “We will hopefully attract a range of individual donors at all levels, as well as a foundation grant or two in order to reach our fundraising goal,” Williams said.
Williams said the owners had once grown grass seed, and it had poplars as well.
“Several years ago they gained a conservation easement on the property from the Natural
Resource Conservation Service,” he said. “Since then the property has been given over to conservation, with native sedges on the site, the Bradshaw’s lomatium, and some wonderful oak woodland.
“In time we will provide opportunities for the general public to visit the site. Hopefully we can do that in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming.”
Key environmental benefits of the property cited by Williams included:
• Oak meadows sustain unique wetland and native grassland species.
• The expansive meadow of camas and the presence of Bradshaw’s lomatium make this property unique.
Stayton Eagle Scout earns Legion statewide honor
A Regis High Eagle Scout has been honored by the American Legion as its Scout of the Year for Oregon.
Luke West, a 2024 Regis graduate, received the honor Aug. 20 at an American Legion Post 58 meeting. West represents Troop 50 in Stayton.
“Scouting has been a great part of my life,” West said in an essay he submitted to the American Legion. “I got a lot out of it and I learned a lot. I also got to see and do things I most likely would not have gotten to do.”
The list of awards and honors West has won in his Scouting career is as long as your arm, going back to his Tiger Award during his Cub Scout Days. He has completed numerous leadership training sessions and served in nine different leadership posts with the Scouts, starting as an instructor in 2018 and moving up to junior assistant scoutmaster (2023).
West has received several outdoors and camping awards and successfully completed six National Rifle
Association training programs. He hopes to pursue a career in firearms technology/gunsmithing, noting in his essay that “I got my interest in firearms in Scouting.”
West received the rifle merit badge and won two NRA shooting medals at his first Boy Scout summer camp. Over the next seven years he continued to work on his firearms skills, eventually winning the distinguished expert medal from the NRA, a journey that required six years. West also has shot competitively in small bore competitions for the 4-H.
West said he is looking at seeking a two-year associate degree, perhaps from the Sonoran Desert Institute, an online college based in Tempe, Arizona.
“Once completing my degree, I am looking at a few options,” West wrote. “One is working for another gunsmith and learning more of the trade or opening up my own business. I am also looking at the option of joining the armed forces and putting my skills to
• It supports a range of oak woodland habitat, replete with Oregon grape and snowberry in the understory.
“The property will be managed to enable the species out there to flourish, and grow,” said Williams, who founded the trust after 24 years as head of the Willamette Riverkeepers.
“There will be opportunities for guided hikes and more as we settle in and see what works best. I always hope that we are able to include opportunities for people to go outside, and to see and learn.”
To contribute go to wrtrust.org or send a check to Willamette River Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 117, Scotts Mills, OR 97375.
use serving my country. I am also considering the option of working for a law enforcement agency to maintain the firearms for the officers.
“No matter what option I choose I feel it will be a rewarding career. I will use my skills I learned and have a career with passion.”
– James Day
Luke West receives his Eagle Scout of the Year award from American Legion representatives Mike Snook, left, and Roger Holderby. SUBMITTED PHOTO
John David Duerst
December 13, 1934 – August 28, 2024
Sadly, John, 89, passed away surrounded by his family on August 28, 2024, leaving a legacy of generosity and leadership within his family, community and the agriculture industry. John Duerst was born in Stayton, Oregon on December 13, 1934 in the Brown House. Growing up at the tail end of the depression and the start of World War II he understood shortages, gas and sugar rationing. He lived and farmed most of his life in the Silverton Hills and went to the original Silver Falls School until 5th grade. He then attended 6th grade at Eugene Field after the district boundaries were changed, Silverton Junior High School 7th – 8th, and then to Silverton High School where he graduated in 1952.
John married his high school sweetheart Shirley (Doerfler) Duerst on July 27, 1957 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity. Soon after they were married, they lived in Sacramento, California where he worked as a warehouseman at Aerojet General until Bruce was born. They moved back to be close to family and he worked as a manager for 11 years at the United Flav-R-Pac Cannery in Salem until he could farm full time. Together they raised 3 sons and were married 52 years until Shirley’s passing on January 9, 2010.
In 1967 John and Shirley joined with David and Rita Doerfler to formalize Ioka Farms, Inc. where he was Vice President. John was semi-retired but still advised with the 3 generations currently operating the family business. John started selling Northrup King seed packets when he was about 10 years old, and continued to help build Ioka Farms’ U.S. and International seed businesses during his career. John was proud to work with and help transition Ioka Farms to his kids and grandkids. He did a great job of keeping in touch with his sons, called each one daily and would often ask, “What do you know?” or “Did you sell anything today?”. He was always available for advice and supportive of his family through his whole life. He had a great sense of humor and a sharp mind until the end.
He served and led his community in many ways over his lifetime in the Oregon National Guard, Silverton Volunteer Fire Department, Union Hill Grange, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Oregon Fine Fescue Commission, Oregon Seed Council, Board Chairman for Oregon Meadowfoam Growers and Natural Plant Products, Victor Point School Board Chair, Foothills Growers Group, Northwest Farm Credit Advisory Board, Marion County Soil and Water Conservation Board Chair, and the OSU Extension Service Advisory Board. He was awarded Seedsman of the Year in 2004 and OSU Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Achievement in 2010.
John loved to travel and some of his most memorable trips were to National parks like Glacier and Mt. Rushmore, Chemeketa Ag Farm Tours to Puerto Rico, Florida and Washington D.C., Australia, New Zealand and cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal. He could often be found at the casino for “free shows”, playing pinochle, solitaire or words with friends online. He shared these activities with his wife Shirley and after her passing with companion Joyce Krueger and later with companion Bev Barham. He also enjoyed walks with his dog Libby and living in the Mt. Angel Grandview community for the past 5 years.
John was predeceased by his parents Frank and Frances (Freeman) Duerst, sisters Audrey Fields and Fern Bachelder, wife Shirley Duerst and grandson Austin Duerst. He is survived by: Brother and sister-in-law: David (Rita) Doerfler. Nephews: Mike (Natalie), Dan (Vicki), Roger (Sue) Bachelder, and Don (Debra) Doerfler. Nieces: Teresa Doerfler-Stackpole and Michele (Dick) Fennimore. Sons: Bruce (Karen) Duerst, Doug (Tracy) Duerst and Rob (Mindy) Duerst. Grandchildren: Trevor (Katy) Duerst, Cody (Sophia) Duerst, Casey Duerst, Dillon (Meghan) Duerst, Alex (Rachel) Duerst, Emily Duerst, Miranda (Hank) Ulven, Alexa Duerst, Connor (Madelyn) Duerst and 10 Great Grandchildren.
A mass of Christian burial service was held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Mt. Angel on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 11:00 am. Link to live stream https://www. youtube.com/live/tNq17w0_CfY
A private family burial will follow at Union Hill Cemetery. Contributions can be made in his memory to the Silverton High School Alumni Association, 303 Oak Street, Silverton, OR 97381. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
Jenny Lynn (Carson) Walker
December 6, 1944 - August 24, 2024
Jenny Walker, 79, of Sublimity, OR went home to be with the Lord after a short illness, with family by her side at home.
Jenny was born December 6, 1944 to David and Charlotte (Markee) Carson in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. They came to Oregon when Jenny was 5 years old when the family sold their dairy farm to move west. She spent all her school years in Sweet Home. In high school, Jenny went to a church party at the Lebanon Roller Rink and met a handsome boy named Shelby Walker. They were inseparable from that night on, and a few months later they were engaged. Jenny and Shelby married on June 29, 1963 and were together for more than 61 years. After the birth of their two daughters, Paige and Gina, Jenny became a stay-at-home wife and mother.
Jenny was an amazing artist. She painted, sketched, sewed, crocheted and enjoyed photography her entire life. She was a mainstay at bazaars and craft shows throughout the Christmas seasons for more than 25 years. She made and sold everything from handmade ornaments and Nativity scenes, to custom designed doll clothes and seasonal decor.
In retirement, Jenny and Shelby spent 14 winters in Yuma, Arizona, with many of those years as leaders of their Senior Adult Ministries group. Church was an important part of their life, no matter where they lived.
Jenny loved to travel, visiting Australia, Mexico, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Washington DC, New York City, Hawaii, Nashville and her personal favorite, Graceland.
Jenny is survived by her husband Shelby, daughters Paige (Kip) Lindley and Gina (Greg) Brasseur, granddaughters Charlotte (Jonathan) Bryan and Emma, and numerous nieces and nephews.
May 1, 1929 – Oct. 29, 2021
Celebration of Life
On Oct. 29, 2021, the Angels came and carried Dr. Davies home to heaven to be with God.
Dr. Davies made Silverton his home in 1957 and started his amazing journey “taking care of many.” He touched the lives and cared for his patients with devotion, compassion and love. He is truly missed by so many people.
Please join Sheryl Davies in celebrating his life: Sunday, Oct. 27 from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. at Mount Angel Festhalle (500 Wilco Hwy. NE)
Any questions, please call and leave a message with Sheryl at 503-510-8828
We are also taking donations to give to SILVERTON FIRE DISTRICT & SUBLIMITY FIRE DISTRICT in Dr. Olwyn’s honor.
Ronald Daniel Meier July 4, 1933 – Aug. 28, 2024
Ronald “Ron” Daniel Meier passed away at his residence in Aumsville, Oregon Aug. 28, 2024. He was born to Daniel and Rose (Dwyer) Meier on July 4, 1933 in Portland, Oregon.
He worked as a truck driver for Richfield Oil and retired as the production manager at Norpac in Stayton, Oregon. He served in the Navy Reserves from 1950-1960.
On April 11, 1953 he married Darlene Dozler. Together they raised five children.
Ron was a dedicated parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Ron’s hobbies were extensive. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, eating crawdads, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and playing cribbage.
He enjoyed his morning coffee at Mic and Mom’s and Friday night happy hour group at Steve Ziglinski’s house as well as sharing witty one liners.
Ron was well known in his community for his friendships and love for his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darlene Meier; and his son, Rick Meier. He is survived by his children, Mike Meier, Mindy (Bernie) Duman, Kenny Meier, Janell (Daren) Dickey; brother, Ted (Mary) Meier; sister, Sharon Zuber; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Rosary followed by Mass of Christian Burial was held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Sept. 3.
Donations can be made in his honor to Immaculate Conception, RAA or Stayton Boosters Club. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
Joseph Casimir Zwolak
March 21, 1938 – May 2, 2024
Joseph Casimir Zwolak, 86, died May 2, 2024 in Stayton, Oregon. He was born on March 21, 1938, to Peter and Mary (Gnot) Zwolak in Northstar, Alberta, Canada.
Joseph married Donita Rubel in 1972, and together they raised two children.
He was a successful self-employed house painter. His favorite hobby was watching hockey games.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. He is survived by his wife, Donita Zwolak; daughter, Angela (Rob) Zurfluh; stepdaughter, Kristin Tehrani; brother, Ted Zwolak; sister, Rose Pawson; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Submissions welcomed: send ‘Passages’ to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com
Steven James Bradley
July 18, 1969 – Sept. 9, 2024
Steven Bradley passed away at his residence surrounded by his family Sept. 9, 2024. He was born July 18, 1969 to Dwight and Shirley Bradley in Stayton, Oregon.
Steve earned his associate degree and owned his own business in property management and construction. His hobbies included his love for the NHRA, drag racing and being a big supporter of local musicians playing live music.
He is preceded in death by his father, Dwight Bradley. Steven is survived by his mother, Shirley Bradley; wife, Jory Bradley; children, Rachael (Dustin) Hendricks and Terra Mauseth; step-children, Brendon (Riley) Stover, Sabrina Stover, and Dylon Stover; brothers, Rich (Cheryl) Bradley; Glenn (Tari) Bradley; sisters: Julie (Bob) Weigum; Tracy (Jim) Wolf and Darcy Bradley; and seven grandchildren. A private gathering will be held by the family. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service.
Head-to-head
Stayton / Cascade football is always a great rivalry game. This season, more will be at stake when the Cougars visit Stayton at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3 than has been the case in quite some time.
Both teams were undefeated as Our Town went to press. The Eagles are 4-0 and had a bye Sept. 27. Cascade, 3-0, hosted Baker, 1-2, on the 27th.
The game will have statewide implications as well. Cascade was ranked No. 1 in 4A by the OSAA, with the Eagles fourth. League rivals Philomath and Marist Catholic are ranked second and third, respectively, opening up the possibility of more big matchups later in the season.
Stayton was 4-5 a year ago and did not make the playoffs. Cascade went 7-4, advancing to the quarterfinals before falling to Scappoose. The Cougars have dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning six of the past seven, including a 40-7 decision a year ago.
Stayton’s lone win in the stretch came by a 21-18 count in 2022.
Oct. 3 will be a big day at Stayton as the school and its booster club hold opening ceremonies for the new Ty Hart Fitness Center, which is nearing completion just steps away from the entrance to the football stadium. The new weight training facility cost $1.5 million and was paid for entirely by
contributions and donations of labor and materials from local companies. The building honors Ty Hart, a 2012 Stayton grad who died in a helicopter crash off of Hawaii in 2016 while serving with the U.S. Marines.
Alumni Watch: Tyler Voltin, the Regis High grad who had worked himself up from a walk-on to starting right guard at Oregon State, is out for the season. Voltin, a 6-4, 368-pound redshirt junior, started in the season opener Aug. 31 against Idaho State and also started against San Diego State on Sept. 7. In the second quarter of the San Diego State game Voltin was injured when he got sandwiched between a pair of Aztecs players while blocking on a running play. Voltin has two ligament injuries in his right knee and has had surgery.
Cross Country: The Regis boys finished 12th in the varsity competition at the Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational on Sept. 11 at Silver Falls State Park. Nearly 500 runners from 35 schools participated in the meet. The competition, run under cloudy skies and temperatures in the 60s, used forest roads, the South Falls day-use area and the Maple Ridge Trail at Silver Falls State Park for the 3.4K junior varsity and 5K varsity courses.
Harper Stoops was the top Regis boys finisher, taking 51st in 19:25.1. Regis took 13th in the boys JV race, led by Ian Pace, who took 107th in 16:05.1. Mary Lynn McSorley of the Rams was 48th in the girls JV race in 18:57.0.
Volleyball: Cascade came out on top in the volleyball rivalry match, downing host Stayton 25-20, 25-15 and 25-19 on Sept. 24, in the Oregon West Conference opener for both schools. The Cougars are ranked seventh in 4A and the Eagles are 11th. The two sides battle again on Thursday, Oct. 10 in Turner.
the young side this fall, with just four seniors, goalie Roman Gould, midfielders Norberto Navarro and Johnny Garcia and forward Addison Samuell. The Cascade girls are 2-1 overall and ranked seventh heading into league play.
Girls Basketball: Stayton High girls coach Tal Wold is putting together a tournament team program for fourth to eighth grade girls in the Stayton and Santiam Canyon areas. Tryouts will be at the Stayton High gym at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The program is designed, Wold said, “for the girl who aspires to play in high school and who has a real passion and interest in basketball and a desire to get better.”
Teams will practice two to three times per week and will play in four to six weekend tournaments in the Salem area. The season starts around Thanksgiving and ends in Late February or early March.
Voltin, who is majoring in kinesiology with a minor in psychology, is scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2025, although he has another year of football eligibility left.
Soccer: The Stayton boys entered the Oregon West Conference season at 3-0 and ranked No. 2 in Class 4A behind conference rival North Marion. The Eagles are on
There is no fee to try out. Costs for individual players will be determined by the number of players on the team and how many tournaments are played. The estimated cost for uniforms, practices and tournaments is $200 per player. For more info contact Coach Wold at wold_tal@silverfalls.k12.or.us.
Tyler Voltin. JAMES DAY
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Girls Soccer
4 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion
Volleyball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Gervais
6 p.m. Stayton vs Newport
Boys Soccer
6 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
Thursday, Oct. 3
Cross Country
Stayton/Regis Invitational @ Stayton Middle School
Boys Soccer
4 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath
Volleyball
6 p.m. Cascade vs Newport
Girls Soccer
6:30 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion
Football
7 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade
Monday, Oct. 7
Volleyball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Santiam
Tuesday, Oct. 8
Girls Soccer
4 p.m. Cascade vs Newport/Waldport
Volleyball
6 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion
6 p.m. Cascade vs Sweet Home
Boys Soccer
6 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Volleyball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Western Christian
Thursday, Oct. 10
Girls Soccer
6 p.m. Cascade vs Sweet Home
Volleyball
6 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton
Friday, Oct. 11
Football
7 p.m. Cascade vs Junction City
7 p.m. Regis vs Salem Academy
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Girls Soccer
4 p.m. Cascade vs Stayton
Volleyball
6 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
Thursday, Oct. 17
Boys Soccer
4 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion
Volleyball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Kennedy
6 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath
Girls Soccer
6:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
Friday, Oct. 18
Football
7 p.m. Stayton vs Marist Catholic
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Girls Soccer
4 p.m. Cascade vs Philomath
Volleyball
6 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home
Boys Soccer
6 p.m. Stayton vs Newport/Waldport
Thursday, Oct. 24
Boys Soccer
4 p.m. Cascade vs Newport/Waldport
Girls Soccer
6:30 p.m. Stayton vs Sweet Home
Friday, Oct. 25
Football
7 p.m. Regis vs Colton
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Boys Soccer
4 p.m. Cascade vs Sweet Home
6 p.m. Stayton vs North Marion
GENERAL
YOUR RIGHT TO SELF DEFENSE Saturdays, age 10-12 at 5 p.m.; age 13 & up at 6:15; Security & Correctional Officers at 7:30. Private lessons available. International certification curriculum available on request. Call Harold 503-391-7406
FLEA MARKET Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Information: 503-931-4517
SERVICES
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
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 .
HANDYMAN & HOME
REPAIR SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637. Call Ryan, 503-881-3802.
CLEANING & MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
WANTED
LOOKING to PURCHASE a Commercial Building in downtown Silverton or surrounding towns. Two Story or three. Serious buyer looks for a serious seller, only. Duke 505-429-1523
A Grin at the End
Gonna make a mint
Lurking in the hearts of most people is a secret entrepreneur. It’s not the Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos type. It’s more along the lines of the Ralph Kramden type.
For those of you who lack adequate amounts of gray hair, Ralph was the main character of The Honeymooners, a 1950s television show that starred Jackie I should explain.
And other Kramden-like
fantasies
says. The rest of me says I won’t even make enough to pay for the time I spent sorting out the photos.
You see, this isn’t the first time Ralph and I have collaborated on making money. Some years ago, I was going to make my fortune selling books on Amazon.
“OK,” I told my wife. “Here’s how we’re gonna make a mint: selling books.”
“What books?” she asked. “You don’t have any books.”
She had a point. I had always yapped about writing a book but never actually
Armed with those two books, I was ready to launch my career as a combination famous author and publishing mogul. I put them both up for sale, and waited for the money to pour in.
After a year, I had made tens of dollars. Considering the time I spent writing them, I’m sure I made something less than a penny an hour.
That’s why my wife just rolls her eyes when I tell her how I’m going score big on selling autographed photos.
“I’m gonna write a book,” I told her. “Then I’m gonna sell it on the internet.”
So I started writing and, by golly, a year later, I’d finished Arctic Sunrise, an adventure story set in Alaska.
Then I wrote another book, A Bushel and a Peck, about living on a farm.
Little does she know that I have a secret weapon. I’m gonna offer free copies of my books with every autographed photo I sell.
Ralph would be proud.
Carl Sampson is a world-famous author and publishing mogul. He lives in Stayton.
RODEO MEDICARE
OCTOBER 29
11:00 - 2:00PM
ANTHONY HALL
11758 Sublimity Rd SE
Sublimity, OR 97385
Community resources including Home Health, Hospice, Assisted Living and more! Senior Advisors Advisors from various Medicare Advantage plans Flu Vaccine Clinic Presentations from multiple community partners
Light snacks and beverages will be served! Plus, more to come!
Presents
October 19, 2024 • 6:30pm • Doors open at 6pm
Immaculate Conception Parish Center • 1077 N 6th Ave., Stayton
Fashions by 3rd Ave Boutique • West End Boutique, Kicks & Giggles Children’s Boutique • 505 Men’s Collective.
Tickets $30 on sale at Santiam Hospital Front Desk at 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton or from Auxiliary members.
Reserved tables of 8 available for $250!
must be 21+ to attend
All proceeds and donations are used for the Auxiliary Scholarship Program for students interested in the medical field and to purchase supplies and equipment requested by the various hospital departments. For more information call 503-769-2846
