On the Cover Santiam Hospital & Clinics CEO Maggie Hudson, from left, former Stayton Mayor Brian Quigley, state Rep. Ed Diehl and Eric Pritchard of the hospital foundation, participate in a ribbon cutting Oct. 24 to note the expansion of the hospital’s emergency room.
JAMES DAY
By James Day
Santiam Hospital & Clinics has doubled its emergency room capacity in a $6.5 million project that was celebrated Oct. 24 at the hospital.
According to hospital officials the new emergency department will lead to a faster flow of patient care in the department, including decreased wait times, as well the additional capacity to see and treat patients during high-volume periods. In addition, the expansion boosts Santiam Hospital to Level 4 status in terms of trauma care, one slot below the maximum.
“It’s amazing that we can do something like this,” Santiam Hospital President and CEO Maggie Hudson said to an overflow crowd that gathered for the ribboncutting. “Hopefully patients will have a better experience in a nicer facility.”
Hudson then reeled off the amenities that have been added: more modern infrastructure, upgraded bathrooms and waiting room and improved safety and
security features.
An emotional high point came when the ribbon was cut by former Stayton Mayor Brian Quigley, who resigned Sept. 24 because of health issues. Quigley was brought to the Santiam Hospital for treatment and he told the crowd that the emergency room crew had saved his life.
State Rep. Ed Diehl echoed Quigley’s comments, noting that placing “health care in the community where people live isn’t always easy” while praising the foundation whose fundraising work made it all possible.
Diehl also vowed to “work hard in the Legislature to help Stayton and the Santiam Canyon” continue to answer the health care needs of residents.
All three Marion County commissioners, Kevin Cameron, Colm Willis and Danielle Bethell were on hand, as well as county administrator Jan Fritz and Sheriff Nick Hunter.
The county contributed $1 million in
federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to the project. Cameron noting in an interview with Our Town that the county chose to target power generation.
“This hospital will be here once you and I are long gone,” Cameron said, “and
we wanted to give them something that would last for generations. This is great. It’s a neat facility and it really serves the region.”
The county had lots of company in the fundraising effort, according to Eric
Pritchard, executive director of the Santiam Hospital Foundation. The foundation was formed in March of 2022 to put the emergency room expansion
and other projects under firm financial footing.
Santiam Canyon forest product firms Frank Lumber and Freres Engineered Wood started the ball rolling with $1 million contributions each. Dick and Gayle Withnell organized a July 2023 luncheon on the hospital’s north lawn that raised another $1 million.
The Murdock Trust contributed $475 thousand, with other philanthropic groups including Key Bank, the Oregon Community Foundation, The Larry & Jeanette Epping Family Foundation and The Roundhouse Foundation also contributing.
Prichard also noted the hospital’s staff contributed as well, with donations starting at $10 and going up.
“That is great news that the organization’s employees care so much,” Pritchard said. “That says to me how important the hospital is to the community. This has been a remarkable journey.”
Stayton has decided to wait until after the Nov. 5 election to resolve its mayoral situation.
Councilor President Steve Sims is serving as acting mayor. He took over for Brian Quigley, who resigned Sept. 24 after experiencing life-threatening health issues.
Sims’ council seat is on the Nov. 5 ballot, along with that of retiring Councilor Ben McDonald. Sims has filed for re-election to the council, with Gary Frank, Luke Bauer and Ken Carey also seeking the two four-year terms on the ballot.
The new mayor will be selected by the new City Council after the election results are certified, said city manager Julia Hadjuk.
“The current council will discuss it in November and make a determination how to proceed,” Hadjuk told Our Town.
“The new councilors will not be sworn in until January, so it is possible that the existing council will appoint the mayor, depending on the timing.
“If they appoint from the existing Council, the timing would allow (them to act immediately), but if they choose to get applications from noncouncilors, this would take time to solicit, review and decide.”
Hajuk added that if Council President Sims is re-elected the new council “has the authority to appoint him mayor based on the criteria and the pool of candidates they select.”
If Sims is re-elected to the council and subsequently appointed by the council to replace Quigley permanently, Hajuk said, “his seat would be vacated and the council would then need to appoint someone to fulfill his term.”
– James Day
By James Day
Aumsville has been singled out by the League of Oregon Cities for a “Good Governance” award for its work with the community on its proposed new water treatment plant.
The award was presented to city officials during the League of Oregon Cities’ annual conference, this year held in Bend. The award recognizes progressive and innovative city operations and services.
A press release on the award issued by the LOC noted that when Aumsville was required to finance a new $28 million wastewater facility it worked to reduce the cost to residents by partnering with local legislators, Business Oregon, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to submit funding applications.
The statement from the LOC also noted that thanks in large part to a letter of support signed by nearly 1,000 community members, the city secured more than $20 million in grants and forgivable loans, including $9 million from the state and $6 million from the USDA.
“We are deeply honored and humbled to be the recipient of the Good Governance award from the League of Oregon Cities,” Mayor Angelica Ceja told Our Town
“Our journey has been guided by the principles of integrity, inclusiveness, and innovation. We as a council have been striving to create a governance model that not only meets the needs of our community but also sets a benchmark for other small cities to follow.
“This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of every member of our team, residents and business owners, whose hard work and dedication have made this achievement possible.”
City administrator Ron Harding praised the work of Ceja and councilors for going door-to-door to explain the issue to residents and urge them to sign petitions.
“This was a good example of person-to-person outreach on this issue,” Harding said. “In recent years, the city has created videos and increased its social media presence to build a strong communication platform for engaging residents.
“The petition served two purposes: one, it provided information on the project and our challenge, so community members were aware of the issue, but it also served as a communication tool. From the city to the community and the community back to us and our residents to state officials, highlighting the significant challenges communities face.”
Aumsville already has begun design work on the new plant, Harding said. The city hopes to have it in operation by 2027.
By James Day
The Stayton and Sublimity fire districts are gearing up for this season’s Toys for Joy and Christmas Dinner Box programs.
Families in need of assistance have several opportunities to sign up, but all signups are by appointment only. Appoiontment links will be posted on the Stayton Fire District website, staytonfire.org.
Families must live inside the boundaries of the Stayton or Sublimity fire districts to be eligible. Those in the Lyons Fire District should call 503-859-2410 to schedule an appointment.
Appointment links on the fire district website should be available by Monday, Nov. 4. One application serves both programs.
Appointments will be held at Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road SE, Stayton. Appointment dates are Monday, Dec. 2, (noon to 3 p.m.); Tuesday, Dec. 3 (3 to 6 p.m.); Wednesday, Dec. 4 (1 to 4 p.m.); and Thursday, Dec. 5 (3 to 6 p.m.).
Applicants should plan to bring to their
appointment:
1) Oregon photo ID or driver’s license for all adults;
2) 2023 Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Return (page 1) or 2023 Form OR-40 (page 1) listing dependents or you need ONE of the following for each dependent child in the home: a) Social Security card; b) medical card; c) birth certificate;
3) Current utility bill for proof of address;
4) Proof of income for the past 30 days or proof of no income for everyone in the household (example last two paycheck stubs, DHS-FSRN printout, SSI award letter, child support etc.).
Space in the appointment area is limited; children older than six months will not be allowed to accompany parents during the application and distribution process. Applicants are urged to arrange child care ahead of time.
Maria Sammons is Toys for Joy chair. For information contact 503-769-2601.
Top requested new-unopened items by local families
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Toilet Paper
• Household Cleaning & Laundry Supplies
• Hoodies
• Children Tennis Shoes
• Children Sweatpants
• Coats
• Socks
is partnering with Santiam Service Integration Teams and North Santiam, Santiam Canyon, Cascade and Scio school districts to help local families!
Scan for a full list of needed items and all donation bin sites for drop off.
for a donation bin at Santiam Hospital & Clinics - all locations
By Melissa Wagoner
Cari Sessums had only owned the Covered Bridge Café in Stayton for one month when two of her employees, Judi Skinner and Sue Masse, approached her with a request.
“Judy and Sue came to me and said, the guy who owned [the café] before did this dinner…” Sessums recalled. Every year he invited anyone in the community, who could not afford to cook a Thanksgiving dinner of their own, to come down and eat for free.
Although it was slightly daunting, Sessums – who grew up believing that community service was paramount –was onboard. And the first year she and her employees served dinner to 100 people.
“But the whole time they were eating their heads were down and I thought, this was a sad dinner,” Sessums remembered. “But what can we do?”
The answer, Sessums decided, was to incorporate diversity.
“So, we invited the entire community,” she said. “And it changed everything.”
Now an elderly couple might be seated next to a person who is struggling with houselessness and at the same time
1035 N. 6th Ave, Stayton 503-769-2656
Daily Mass: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am, Saturday, 8:00 am
Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil, 5:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am, 10:00 am English, 12:00 pm Spanish
Adoration: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 2:30-3:30 pm Tuesday, 1:00-5:00 pm, Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm
All Night Adoration: First and Third Fridays, 9:00 pm to 7:00 am Saturdays
Nocturnal Adoration: First Saturdays, 10:00 pm to Sundays at 6:00 am
Confession: Saturday, 11-11:30 am, 3:30-4:30 pm, Thursday, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm, or by appointment
“Come and enjoy a meal in our dining room.”
510 N. Third Ave., Stayton Wednesday, Nov. 27
Limited curbside pickup starting at 2:30 p.m.
Dining room opens at 3 p.m.
“Sign up and volunteer…” Call 503-767-3945.
“Financial donations are amazing…” And can be made, in-person at the café.
a young family with children.
“I’ve seen people get jobs and so many seniors who are alone,” Sessums said. “So many seniors say, ‘You’re the only person I talked to today.’”
She’s also seen impromptu birthday celebrations, with the entire dining room pausing to sing Happy Birthday, and gratitude… so much gratitude.
“One year a family came – maybe the third year – and the mom took me aside and said, ‘Thank you. We’ve had a rough year. But because of this dinner I didn’t have
By Melissa Wagoner
A professional photographer for the past 17 years, Annie Smith knows there is real value in regularly having family photos taken – but she also knows it can be difficult.
“It’s hard to get everyone together,” she said. “But I hear all the time people wish they had taken more photos when their kids were younger.”
Which is why she encourages people to take advantage of the holiday season, when gatherings of family and friends are more common.
“Some people prefer to take the pictures because they don’t like how they look,” Smith said. “But when your children grow up, you’re not going to be there.”
“Get those photos!” Smith said. “Even if it’s just with a tripod. Life is short and not everyone will be there next year.”
And folks don’t have to be perfect.
“Those missing teeth photos and all the different stages… it’s so precious,” Smith said. “And time goes by so fast.”
It’s not just the kids who need to be photographed. Make sure to get the adults in the shot, paarticularly those designated family photographers.
And once the photos are taken, it’s important to do more than just scroll through them on your phone or post them on social media.
“Print them,” Smith urged. “There’s a chemical reaction that happens within the brain with printed photos and our kids are missing out.”
The holidays are the perfect time to remedy that.
“Get professional prints, canvases or albums,” Smith said. “And while I am a big supporter of everyone getting family portraits, it’s OK if you want to take pictures on your own. You love your kids, so they’ll be beautiful no matter what.”
Just take those photos.
“And then put the camera away,” Smith said, and simply enjoy the day.
to tell my kids. I just told them we’re doing something different,’” Sessums recalled. “And they still come. But now it’s to support other families.”
Serving 2,500 plates of food in 2023, Sessums, her staff and an army of volunteers are already gearing up to serve at least that number this year.
“We start cooking 80, ten-pound turkey breasts about four days before,” Sessums said. “We have an anonymous donor who supplies the turkey.”
Then, on Tuesday she and her staff close the restaurant to conduct a deep clean.
“Things get moved and stuffed and covered so we have room,” Sessums said. “Then Tuesday night my girlfriends and my family and I come in and make 60 pans of stuffing.”
It’s a fun night, but doesn’t allow for much rest before –first thing the next morning – the real work begins.
“On Wednesday morning all of my employees volunteer, they start slicing the 80 breasts and we get them into a pan to roast,” Sessums said, listing additional menu items including cranberries, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, and rolls.
And then there are the pumpkin bars.
“My mom made them for years,” Sessums said of the bars, which her mother, Toni Fisk, hand baked until –when the number of diners hit 500 – she decided to call it quits. “But she was very protective of her recipe.”
Thankfully, she was willing to give it out to just one person, the owner of nearby Lovin’ Oven, who has been making the bars ever since.
“You know we’re getting close when you see the bakery carts,” Sessums laughed. Or when you see the squad cars begin to park outside.
Because every year from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. officers with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office plate food and fill to-go boxes, while members of the Stayton Police Department deliver the food and control traffic.
“I couldn’t do it without the help of this town,” Sessums pointed out. And that includes the two women who started it all.
“Judi and Sue called yesterday and said, ‘We’ll be there,” she said. “They are my recycling crew.”
But there are two members of the Covered Bridge Café staff whose presence will be missed this year – Jeff Cahill, who retired after 18 years with the restaurant, and Lori Gibson, who recently passed away.
“This year will be a hard one for us,” Sessums said. “Lori was all about community dinner. She worked tirelessly. So, it’ll be a little emotional.”
But that’s what community dinner is all about –supporting those who need it most. Which is why Sessums urges everyone interested in partaking in this year’s dinner to dine in rather than taking food to-go.
“Because we want the focus to be community and breaking bread. The curbside pick-up takes away from that,” Sessums said. “The joy is in the interaction.”
Stayton Community Center
400 W Virginia St.
Stayton Public Library
515 N First Ave.
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 and Friday.
Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway St., Mill City. Anyone is welcome. JoAnn, 503-859-2502
Tuesday
Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy through songs and rhythms, stories and rhymes. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Griefshare, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Free class open to all who need support because of the loss of a loved one. 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; $20 for workbook. Repeats Thursdays. Join class anytime. Mary, 503-779-7029
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 198 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Open meeting. Follow 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 weekly. For location, call 503-769-3464. St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity. Learn about Sublimity and possibly your family history. Free. 503-508-0312 Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy together with your infant or toddler. Older siblings welcome. Free. 503-769-3313
Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome. 503-5089431, staytonarearotary.org
Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center, 41818 KingstonJordan Road, Stayton. 50 and older. 503-767-2009
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. Revival Youth Hangout, 5 - 6:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 657 N Second Ave., Stayton. Youth of the area are welcome. Follow “Revival_ Heartbeat” on Instagram and Tiktok. revivalheartbeat@gmail.com
Sunday
Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting
Saturday, Nov. 2
Sublimity Yard Clean Up
9 a.m. - noon, Sublimity Public Works Shop, 542 NE Berry St. Bring yard debris only for free disposal. No plastic, garbage or early drop offs. 503-769-5475
Lourdes Bingo Night
4 - 7 p.m., Lourdes Public Charter School, 39059 Jordan Road, Scio. Games, prizes, snacks, silent auction. $5/adults. $3/children. First two Bingo cards included with admission. 503-394-3340, lourdes.k12.or.us
Sunday, Nov. 3
KofC Breakfast
7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Parish Hall, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Shaw. Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $10. 503-362-6159
Places by the Sea
2 - 4 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Oregon Historical Society photographic display showing the Oregon coast. Photos taken between 1906 and 1920. Includes optional guided tour of the 1903 Queen Anne-style Brown House. $5 adults; under 18 free. Repeats noon - 2 p.m. Nov. 10, noon - 3 p.m. Nov. 16 & 23. 503-769-8860, brownhouse.org
Monday, Nov. 4
Daughters of American Revolution
10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Celebrating women veterans. Chapter meeting to follow. All welcome. Refreshments. Free. 503-508-8246
Stayton Lions Club
Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats Nov. 18. staytonlionsclub.org
Military Sexual Trauma Support
6 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom. For those who have served in the military, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma. Participants are welcome regardless of gender, discharge status or veteran status. Info: info@ namimultnomah.org, 503-228-5692. Repeats Nov. 18.
Stayton City Council
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Tuesday, Nov. 5
Free Urgent Dental Clinic
8 a.m. - 1 p.m., SOCC, 280 NE Santiam Blvd., Mill City. Tooth extractions, cavity fillings, dental x-rays, dental exams, treatment of infection. Call 971-3325676 for appointment.
Free Health Screening
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., SOCC, 280 NE Santiam Blvd., Mill City. Screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose and body composition. No food or drink (except water) for at least nine hours prior. Register at salemhealth. org/CHEC or 503-814-2432.
Built It! LEGOS
3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Release your inner builder. Runs through Friday. Free. All ages. 503-769-3313
Stayton Parks and Rec Board
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Sublimity PTC Fundraiser
6 a.m. - 1 p.m., K’s Koffee, 103 S Center St., Sublimity. K’s Koffee will donate 30 percent of all orders, including gift cards, to Sublimity School Parent-Teacher Club. Caregiver Connection
1 - 2:30 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support group for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. For Zoom invite and register, contact Julie Mendez, family caregiver support specialist at 503-304-3432 or julie.mendez@nwsds.org
Songwriters Night
6:30 - 8 p.m., Klecker Ballroom, 235 N Third Ave., Stayton. Northwest Songfest invites songwriters to bring their originals and share their music. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. Hosted by Garrseson. Donations for Northwest Songfest encouraged.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Community Employment Expo
5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Cascade Family Resource Center, 574 N 11th St., Aumsville. The event features businesses and organizations who will have job openings available that day. Free admission. 503749-8040, charmon@cascade.k12.or.us
Friday, Nov. 8
Community Play Group
10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 574 N 11th St., Aumsville. Free Community Play Group sponsored by Family Building Blocks. Includes complimentary snacks. RSVP: 503-769-1120, familybuildingblocks.org.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Peter Pan Auditions
1 - 3 p.m., The Spotlight, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Auditions for Peter Pan the Musical. Open to all. Show runs midDecember. 503-302-0936, spotlightct.com
Sunday, Nov. 10
Brown House Tour
Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/ person. Children under 18 are free. For a special reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860.
Honor Flight Night
1 - 5 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Live music, food truck, drawings, special guests, information about Honor Flight, how veterans can go on their honor flight. Benefit for South Willamette Valley Honor Flight. 503-881-0945
Monday, Nov. 11
Veterans Day
Veterans Day Ceremony
11 a.m., Oregon Capitol State Park, 155 NE Waverly St., Salem. Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs honors all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Event features remarks by dignitaries and special guests, a color guard, singing of the national anthem, wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.” Open to public. Uncovered seating provided. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations provided. 800-692-9666, oregon.gov/odva
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Ancestry Detectives
10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library. “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” Ethical and legal considerations when posting or writing. All welcome. Membership: Kathy Valdez, 503-508-4251. ancestrydetectives.org
Wheels of Change
Noon - 1 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Monthly education series on lifestyle modifications for health. Topics include nutrition, diabetes, depression, anxiety and stress, pain management and more. Light snacks provided. Register at bit.ly/49dcow9. CHW@santiamhospital.org
Sublimity City Council
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. Open to public. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.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, Nov. 13
Aging & Caregiving Expert
1 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 SE Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Kari Berit, author of The Unexpected Caregiver, discusses valuable insights and practical tools to navigate the emotional journey of caring for a loved one with confidence. Reserve a free ticket by calling 503-814-1990. Canyon Garden Club
1 - 3 p.m., Santiam Community Garden, 846 Fifth St., Lyons. First meeting is free, then dues are $20/year. Need a ride? Call Cheryl at 503-767-2248.
RDS Board Meeting
5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton 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
November Foundation Forum
6 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. A panel of experts discuss cuttingedge CORI joint replacement technology and innovative pain management options that are transforming orthopedic care. Free. Register at shc.foundation.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Aumsville Food Pantry
Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open to people in need of food items. 503-749-2128
DIY Craftshop
5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Make fabric pumpkins. No sewing involved. Free. All ages. 503-769-3313
Bingo for a Cause
6 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Help support Santiam Canyon Tool Library with free bingo for donations. Prizes for each game. 503-767-2337
Aumsville Fire District
6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Open to public. 503-749-2894
Fools
7 p.m., Regis High, 550 W Regis St., Stayton. Regis students perform Fools by Neil Simon. Repeats Nov. 15-16. $8. Tickets available at Regis High. 503-769-2159
Lyons Library Board
7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366
LGBTQ+ Peer Support
7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Peer-led mental health young adult support group for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals ages 18-30. Free on a drop-in basis. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit tinyurl.com/ yalgbtqgroup to register.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Bethel Clothing Closet
9 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128
Flea Market
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Crafts, collectibles. Lunch available. Free admission, parking. 503-859-2161
Fall Leaf Clean-up
9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stayton Public Works Shop, 1820 N First Ave. Drop off yard debris, including leaves and brush for a donation to Stayton Community Food Bank. For those outside the city limits, cost is $1/bag. For those who may need assistance raking, bagging or having yard debris picked up, call 503-769-2919.
Alcoholics Anonymous
6 - 8:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting.
Monday, Nov. 18
Stayton Friends of the Library
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733
Red Cross Blood Drive
1 - 6 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. For appt., visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-3767.
Stayton City Council
6 p.m., Stayton Community Center. City council work session followed by regular meeting at 7 p.m. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Reader’s Cafe
Stayton Public Library. Stop in through Nov. 22 during open house to “taste” a selection of themed titles in children’s literature. Get a book to keep. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Caregiver’s Guide to Finances
1 - 2:30 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Course helps caregivers understand the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning, and teaches them how to start a conversation about finances. Free. Register at 800-272-3900. North Santiam Watershed Council
6 p.m. Zoom. Open to public. For Zoom link information, call 503-930-8202 or email council@northsantiam.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Dementia Care Conversations
1 - 2 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. The focus is to provide dementia care information, training and resources to family caregivers. Offered by Family Caregiver Support Program at NorthWest Senior and Disability Services. To register, contact group facilitator Julie Mendez at julie.mendez@nwsds.org, 503-304-3432
Stayton Library Board
6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313
Thursday, Nov. 21
Public Arts Commission
6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Open to public. 503-769-3425
NSSD Board
6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us
Saturday, Nov. 23
Joseph’s Storehouse of Hope
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Food boxes. 503-881-9846
The Sip 3.0
1 - 6 p.m., downtown Stayton. Third annual adult beverage crawl featuring shopping, sampling of food and adult beverages. Pre-sale tickets (before Nov. 15) are $30 each or four for $100. After Nov. 15, tickets are $35 each or four for $125. Tickets include 10 sample tickets, event map, goodie bag, and for the first 150 participants a commemorative glass. Additional sample tickets available in bundles of 10 or 25. Tickets at staytonsublimitychamber.org. 503-769-3464
Gunsmoke Christmas Auditions
1 - 3 p.m., The Spotlight, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Auditions for Gunsmoke Christmas Radio Show. Open to all. Show runs midDecember. 503-302-0936, spotlightct.com
Storytelling Event
1:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Join Sheltering Silverton to learn from and connect with people who have experienced homelessness as they share stories of courage and resilience. All are welcome, but be advised that coarse language and frank discussion of adult topics may not be suitable for all ears. Free. 503-509-4797, shelteringsilverton.org
Monday, Nov. 25
Sublimity Planning Commission
4:30 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. 503-749-2030
Stayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. 503-769-3425
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Story-Palooza!
10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Instead of regular storytime, join for a celebration of stories and storytelling with activities for all ages. Free. 503-769-3313
Lyons City Council
6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-859-2167, cityoflyons.org
Thursday, Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Day
By James Day
“Climate change is disrupting our natural and built environments, our health, livelihoods and sense of place,” according to a draft report from state officials on the impact of climate change on Oregonians.
The state Department of Land and Conservation Development has released a draft of a “social vulnerability” assessment it developed after conducting a survey and in-person workshops around the state in 2022 and 2023.
“People across the state value access to the outdoors, community gatherings, clean air and water, high-quality food, and local decision-making power,” said the executive summary of the DLCD draft. “Many Oregonians are concerned about how climate change might impact their well-being, livelihoods, and sense of place.”
State agencies will use information from the report when they develop or modify state policy, programs, and projects in response to climate change.
The project split the state into eight regions, with Stayton, Sublimity and Aumsville in Region 3, which includes Marion, Linn, Lane, Benton, Polk and Yamhill counties.
Key future climate change impacts seen for Region 3 include drought, heat waves, extreme precipitation, wildfires and longer fire seasons, air quality degradation, increased mean
temperature and negative impacts on agriculture.
A total of 187 residents in Region 3 responded to the survey or participated in a workshop.
Of those, 86 percent said drought and heat have a negative impact on their lives, with 84 percent noting concerns about wildfires.
The draft report goes beyond physical vulnerabilities such as heat and fires and also looks at social vulnerability, noted Christine Shirley, a climate change resilience coordinator with the DLCD.
“We expanded the range of information we consider in the risk assessment to include social variables such as access to recreation, social clubs and other organizations, the presence of arts organizations, etc.,” Shirley told Our Town via email.
“Traditionally, natural hazards mitigation has focused on strengthening built assets to withstand harm from natural hazard events caused by climate change.
“We are learning through studies like the (assessment) that activities that strengthen the social fabric, activities that build stronger social communities, are also natural hazard mitigation. Protecting against social harm is just as important as protecting the built environment.”
Region 3 residents rated social, health and personal issues
Speaker Series — Top experts discussing what matters to you!
such as being able to walk, hike or run, their personal relationships and even access to farmer’s markets as values to consider along with clean water and clean air.
Participants from Region 3, the draft assessment says, “value access to the outdoors, a healthy environment that meets basic needs and quality food and provides recreational opportunities.”
Key recommendations that the draft assessment cites include:
• Establish a statewide, coordinated, and locally focused program of climate change adaptation.
• Expand the scope of regional solutions to include climate change mitigation and adaptation planning and action by making specialists available to local government and community-based organizations.
• Learn to use climate change, equity, environmental justice, social vulnerability indexes and data wisely and transparently.
• Enhance support for the public health system to engage in and contribute to decision-making processes related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation.
“Collectively,” the draft report concludes, “these measures will create strong, resilient communities capable of withstanding the impacts of an unpredictable climate future.”
Professional advice about the best care decisions for
your loved one!
Presented by the Salem Health Foundation and Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics
Join us for an enlightening hour with seasoned aging and caregiving expert Kari Berit, author of The Unexpected Caregiver. Gain valuable insights and practical tools to navigate the emotional journey with confidence. KARI BERIT, Aging and caregiving expert SPEAKER SERIES EVENTS NOV. 13, 1 p.m. Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Rd SE, Stayton, OR NOV. 13, 7 p.m. Chemeketa Community College Auditorium, 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE, Building 6, Salem, OR
RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET for one of these speaking engagements by scanning the QR code.Questions? Call 503-814-1990.
Kevin Dale Shields passed away in Gates, Oregon on Sept. 26, 2024. He was born on June 12, 1959 to Donald and Gwendolyn (Brown) Shields in Michigan.
After high school he became selfemployed as an electrician for 35 years.
Kevin and his wife, Elizabeth Gardner, were married in Oregon City on May 21, 1998 and shared a blended family. His hobbies included his love for riding dirt bikes, fishing and making people laugh. He will be greatly missed by his
friends and family.
Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Gwendolyn Shields, and his brother, Gary Shields. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Shields; his children, Travis Shields and Jena Bledsoe; stepchildren Matthew Carter, Katherine Carter and Luke Carter; and friends Rich Mayer and John Snow.
June 22, 1970 – September 26, 2024
Niki entered this world, June 22, 1970, at Salem Hospital birthing unit. She went to her heavenly home on September 26, 2024, at Salem Health hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
If there is an obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362, or drop it by our office at 2340 Martin Dr. #104, Stayton, OR 97383 weekdays.
Serving the family: North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton. Hours Monday
Niki is preceded in death by her unborn son, Noah David Phillips, nephew Robby Young II, and her sister Cerynthia J. Murphy. Survived by husband, Craig Whitney, daughter Kendra Gillis, and stepsons David and Shawn Whitney. She also leaves behind her parents Danny and Sandra Murphy, Ron and Janie Johnson, and Mindy Barton, her sisters Jessie (Carl), Holley (David), Sarah (Frank), and Anita, as well as her cherished cousin Christopher Jones (Alaina) and their children, will forever miss her. Niki is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, whom she adored.
Niki graduated from Stayton Union High School in 1988. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy the following year and graduated from the Navy training center in Orlando, Florida. During her service, she had many fun experiences. Stationed in Guam, she played on the Navy softball team, traveling to Japan. She was invited back to Japan, because of her striking blonde hair.
After serving her country, she returned to Stayton, Oregon and began working for Salem/Keizer public schools as a bus driver and later as a campus security officer at McKay and West Salem high schools. She balanced her career with raising her daughter, Kendra, the greatest joy and accomplishment of her life.
Determined to further her education, Niki earned her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix while working and parenting. She went on to pursue a fulfilling career as a policy analyst for Oregon Public Defense Commission, a role she excelled in and loved until her passing.
Niki was known for her bright smile, boundless kindness, generosity and loving spirit. She always saw the world through rose-colored glasses. A faithful believer, Niki loved our Lord, Jesus Christ, and cherished beach camping and bonfires, where she felt at peace and connected with nature.
Niki loved reading books, playing cards, spoiling her pets, and celebrating each holiday, with enthusiasm to decorate, celebrate, plan the menu, and invite family and friends.
Niki Loved Life! Throughout Niki’s life, starting in 1984, she found her Happy Place, and always enjoyed coming home to the house on Kingdom Lane. Niki’s light, laughter and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
By Melissa Wagoner
For many people, the holidays are a mixed bag of emotions.
“It can be joyful,” said Licensed Professional Counselor Jennifer Ungarwulff, owner of Mother Heart Counseling in Silverton.
“But that’s not everyone’s experience. The stress of prepping for the holidays, cleaning, cooking, having people over on top of what we’re already doing –especially parents who are working – and we’re supposed to find time and money. It’s not easy at all.”
Added to that, difficult family relationships, left unaddressed, can trigger challenging dynamics, she said.
“And we may not feel safe emotionally to process what comes up,” Ungarwulff added. “But we can only shove things down for so long.”
Which is why Ungarwulff suggests taking a proactive approach to the
holiday season.
“You get to have a conversation with yourself and ask – what would it look like to do less or let go of the things that feel obligatory, and embrace the meaningful?” she said. “To be able to be assertive?”
It’s not easy, Ungarwulff admitted, especially when separations, divorce, shared custody and loss are an unavoidable part of life.
“So, make space for it,” she said.
“Create space. Because when we’re not fighting against ourselves and our experience, we don’t have to pretend something is different.” Or that we are not grieving.
In fact, embracing grief – by adding a new remembrance ritual or spending more time with those who are still here – can sometimes create space for joy amidst the pain.
“But it’s difficult,” Ungarwulff said.
take
“Most people don’t have enough space in life. But if we don’t make space for grief and stress, it comes out in arguments with kids or with spouses and you’ll get sick.”
Then it becomes necessary to ask for support.
“[W]hether that’s to friends, spouses, professionals, church,” Ungarwulff said. “We’re told it’s weak to ask for help, but I like the idea it’s actually more courageous to ask for help, to express vulnerability.”
And take time to care for yourself.
“I think people think about self-care as getting a manicure or pedicure,” Ungarwulff said. “But for me, it’s finding what feeds you, nourishes you, and brings you rest.”
Such routines can include journaling, walking in nature, or a mindfulness practice that includes checking in with yourself and asking – how am I feeling?
“If you gift yourself the time to connect with yourself there’s something healing,” Ungarwulff said, acknowledging that finding that time during a busy holiday season, when so many activities feel obligatory, can feel impossible.
“Saying no, is really hard for many people,” she said. “But we cannot do everything. When we try to, we become balls of stress and anxiety. Something has to give.”
That’s why planning for the holidays now, checking in with yourself and your loved ones about what aspects of the holidays are important, is imperative to a better holiday season.
“Remember the point,” Ungarwulff suggested.
“Find the meaning and center that. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect.”
Bob Dylan once observed in one of his most insightful moments, “You gotta serve somebody. It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.” He was right. No one can avoid serving. The question is whom will you serve?
There is a story in the Book of Joshua Old Testament of the Bible where the nation of Israel was confronted by their new leader, Joshua, concerning where their true allegiance lay. He gave them three “options” to choose. Not just God or the devil.
“Okay Israel, Listen Up.”
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:14-15
gods
This was a very important moment in history. Not just for Israel, but for all mankind. That’s because it was through this nation of Israel that God would fulfill His promise to send a Savior into the world. Starting all the way back in Genesis 3, God had promised that the “seed of the woman”( i.e. Jesus) would “crush the head of the serpent.” (i.e. Satan). But in doing so He would have to suffer.
Seed? Serpent? Does this all sound crazy? In light of the New Testament we know that the “seed of the woman” would be Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus had to be born of His mother alone, without the involvement of any human father, (Sorry Joseph.) because God Himself would be His Father. That woman turned out to be a godly young virgin named Mary and it was all foretold by the Jewish prophets hundreds of years before it happened (see Is. 7:14 & Mic. 5:2). A virgin would conceive and give birth to the Savior in Bethlehem.
You know the story of Christmas. But for Jesus to be born of the Virgin Mary and laid in that manger in Bethlehem, there first had to be a nation of Israel to be born into. That’s why Israel’s decision that day was so important. “So, whom will you serve, Israel?”
It’s interesting that the three options Joshua presented to the Israelites back then are still our only options today. Every one who has ever lived has had to choose whether to serve either the gods of family tradition, the gods of contemporary culture, or the Lord God of Israel Himself.
Option #1. The first option mentioned, “the gods of your forefathers,” are the inherited gods of family tradition. In Joshua’s day “the
your forefathers” were the gods of pagan idolatry. Generally speaking, an idol is any alternative to worshiping the one true God. Wealth, war, and sex were common “gods” in all ancient cultures. Their physical idols of wood, stone or metal provided focal points to worship and sacrifice to their god.
By Gregg Harris
Joshua’s second option was “the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.” These false gods represent the the fantasy-gods of contemporary culture, or as Flip Wilson put it so comically in the 1970s, “The Church of What’s Happening Now.” This supposed “spirituality” offers an imaginary comic-book fantasy god, totally disconnected ption #2 applies the philosophy of Postmodernism to religion.
The postmodernist has stopped looking for the truth and has instead settled for whatever fantasy works for him. He embraces it, not by believing it, but by suspending his disbelief enough to participate. He knows its not true. But it offers him things to do, like Comic-Con, have friends, or even go to church
“Now, “whoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but have eternal life” (see John 3:16). That is the good news. Choosing this Option #3 is the only way you can escape the other two options.”
God forbade His people to make idols, even to represent Himself, because any attempt to do so would only distort the truth of Who He is. The Apostle Paul tells us Jesus is the “visible image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). So Jesus is the only “image” God approves of for Himself.
So, “the gods your forefathers worshiped” are generally the gods of family tradition. They represent the unchosen faith you were born into. It’s the one you probably take for granted. This option lulls people into a false sense of confidence that they are saved.
But the question is, are you going to just go along with whatever religion you were born into? It could be a cult! Or a false religion. It could even be true Biblical Christianity, but if your only relationship to it is that your parents took you to that church, if you have no personal faith in Jesus, then even though it is right one, it does not save you from God’s judgment when you die. You cannot be saved by your parent’s faith. You have to believe in Jesus on your own and for yourself. You see, God has no grandchildren, only children.
We often hear of RINOs, (i.e. Republicans In Name Only). Well there are also CINOs (i.e. Christians In Name Only). They are what true Christians call “nominal Christians,” people who bear the name of Christ in vain because they don’t really believe in Him or obey Him.
The sad truth is that many people use Christianity as nothing more than “a good fantasy that works for me.” They go to church without believing. They have no real faith in Jesus, nor in the gospel. This “faith” doesn’t save anyone from anything except loneliness.
Sometimes these gods of contemporary culture become coercive. Imperial Rome fed early Christians to the lions for being atheists toward their gods. Later, in the Middle Ages, both Roman Catholicism and Islam resorted to violence to make new converts. Today, we see this same kind of coercion in Communist China’s social credit system. A similar system is exerting pressure on businesses in the U.S. to be appropriately “woke.” Social and financial rewards flow to those who go along, while harsh punishments come to those who won’t. Refuse to march, or wave the right flag, and you will pay the price. It’s culture.
Option #3. After receiving Joshua’s charge, the people responded, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” (Josh. 24:24). And so they did. The nation of Israel was established. But after a few generations they drifted away from God to worship the gods of the nations all around them. God mercifully
brought them back to Himself over and over again (though often through very painful national distress), until the stage was finally set for “the seed,” Jesus, to be born as that baby in Bethlehem in the land of the Jews. That baby grew up. Jesus went on to live the perfectly sinless life we were all supposed to live, but have not. Jesus then died the horrible death that we all deserve because of our rebellion. He never sinned. That’s why He could die in our place. His body lay in the grave for three days until God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. God did this in order to prove that Jesus’ death was in fact accepted as payment for our sins. From that point on, “whoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but have eternal life” (see John 3:16). That is the good news. Choosing Option #3 is the only way to escape the other two options.
Everyone has to choose whom they will serve from among these three options. Joshua made his choice. “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” How about you? Whom will you serve?
Want to have a conversation about this? Let’s talk. Call or text me at 971-370-0967 and we can meet together for coffee. I’ll buy.
On a clear, blue Thursday at Stayton High, a large crowd of students, athletes, cheerleaders, teachers, parents, administrators, boosters, community members and individuals who are good with projects and heavy equipment, gathered at Stayton High.
The Oct. 3 event marked the opening of the Ty Hart Memorial Fitness Center, a project inspired by a former Eagles athlete and inspiringly put together by all of the folks mentioned above starting, well, the groundbreaking was in November 2023, but the dream has been out there for years.
Ty Hart was a three-sport Eagles athlete and cheerleader who died in a helicopter crash in 2016 off of Hawaii while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
His mother, Trina Hart, spoke last at the ceremony. She noted Ty’s passion for fitness and service, and her own experience as a Stayton student with the old, away-off-in-the-corner, waytoo- tiny weight room the school had when she attended and participated on the school’s vaunted Stayton Highlights dance and drill team.
Trina also noted that arch-rival Cascade was coming to town later in the day for the football game that matters most to Stayton and Turner residents, who are divided by about seven miles of prime agricultural land (depending on whether you take the Stayton Road/Marion Road approach or use Shaff Road). But despite the color of their jerseys, service to country – such as that practiced by Ty – is what matters the most, she said, adding that we are all Americans.
I’ve seen Trina speak before and she’s
fantastic. That’s why she goes last. Earlier, athletic director Darren Shryock and football coach Randy Nyquist emphasized how the new center will make Stayton students healthier. North Santiam School District Superintendent Lee Loving praised the organizers for raising the money privately for the project and preserving district funds needed elsewhere.
And then there was Randy Forrette, the Stayton Boosters Club President, who kept persuading new companies (a total of 37 participated) and community members to contribute to the $1.5 million project.
Here’s the list of major labor/materials/ equipment donors: Emery and Sons Construction, the Joe Wolf family, Mike Adams Construction, Salem Concrete, Marion Construction, Santiam Heating and Sheet Metal, Stayton Builders Mart, Freres Building Supply and Green Acres Landscape.
More than 100 companies, individuals and families contributed cash, Forrette said. Major cash donors included: the Hart family, Diane R. Freres, Julie Moran, Bill and Sherma Gardner, Larry and Michelle Gescher, Freres Engineered Wood, Jim and Sandee Reed, Dan and Tiffany Vannoy, Frank Lumber Company, Adam and Beth Anundi, and Cory and Debbie Callsen.
Quite a project. Stayton should be proud.
Football: The meat-grinder that was the Class 4A Special District 3 season is one game away from a conclusion.
As of this writing the league contains four of the top seven teams, No. 1 Marist Catholic, No. 2 Cascade, No. 5 Philomath and No. 7 Stayton. Marist Catholic has the hammer, with the Spartans the lone unbeaten team at 4-0 after drubbing injury-riddled Cascade 47-0 on Oct. 25. Marist visits Philomath, 3-1, Nov. 1 and an upset by the Warriors could throw the league into a three-way tie. The Cougars are also 3-1 and finish at home vs. 1-3 Sweet Home. Stayton, probably the best team in the state to open its league season 0-3, hopes to end up 2-3 with a win at 0-4 Junction City.
Volleyball: Cascade (12-7 overall, 8-2 Oregon West) enters the postseason with the No. 2 seed from the conference. The Cougars, who won the 4A title in 2021 and runner-up in 2022), tied with Philomath for the league title, but Warriors took the No.
1 seed from the league. Stayton, meanwhile, finished 7-3 in league and won its play-in game on Oct. 28 in four sets vs. Junction City. The playoffs start Nov. 2, with the Eagles and Cougars still awaiting their opponents at presstime. A win Saturday advances the team to the state tournament in North Bend.
Meanwhile, Stayton coach Ruth Daniels was named coach of the year by conference coaches and Kamryn Sande of Cascade earned player of the year honors. Stayton’s Kathryn Samek, Kenzi Hollenbeck and Laina Atiyeh were named to the first team, as were Irene Rocha Ibarra and Emma Kirschenmann of Cascade. Hailey Abundiz of Cascade was named to the second team, while Aubrey Hall and Kayla Neal Welke of Stayton and Amyah Miranda and Macie Theis of Cascade received honorable mention.
By James Day
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department officials announced Sept. 27 that the fees will be increasing, citing higher costs for utilities, operations and maintenance in addition to inflation.
The increases came after an extensive public record that included opportunities for Oregon residents to weigh in via letter, email, in-person or Zoom.
“We know that raising fees by any amount can be challenging for visitors, and we don’t make this decision lightly,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. “We try to keep costs and fees as low as possible to minimize the impact while still fulfilling our commitment to stewardship and recreation.”
Most of the increases range from $2 to $5. The park system has experienced record visitation in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data released by the OPRD. Utility costs have increased by 28 percent during the past four years, but most
state park fees have remained the same. Depending on the fee, the most recent increase was from seven to 15 years ago.
OPRD has three main sources of funding. A little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15 percent comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35 percent comes from park users. OPRD does
not receive general fund state tax funds. The fees phased in:
Oct. 15, 2024: OPRD increased its base camping fees for the first time since 2017. The increase applies to all camping reservations for 2025. The increases include:
• $2 increase for miscellaneous sites (teepees, meeting halls and other facilities)
• $3 increase for tent sites (includes horse tent sites, horse group sites, group tent and paddle-in sites) and primitive sites (includes overflow, fly-in and walk-to-sites)
• $4 increase for RV sites (includes full hookup, electrical, horse RV and group sites)
• $5 increase for cabins and yurts (includes rustic, mini, totem, and deluxe sites)
Seasonal rate increases were adopted in 2020. The seasonal adjustments will be added to the new base rates. As in previous years, summer rates are $2 more for tent sites, $3 more for RV sites and $5 more for cabins/yurts.
Jan. 1, 2025: OPRD will increase its
reservation fee from $8 to $10 per site starting Jan. 1, 2025. This fee has not been increased since 2010. Daily parking permit fees will increase from $5 to $10 at the 25 parks that charge such a fee. Parking permit fees were last increased in 2009. The annual permit and the two-year permit fees remain the same at $30 for the annual permit and $50 for the two-year permit.
July 1, 2025: OPRD will expand the 25 percent out-of-state surcharge for RV campsites (required by state law) to all site types. New camping rate ranges replace the existing ones. These ranges set the lowest and highest fees that OPRD can charge over time. It gives the OPRD director the ability to change fees in the future as needed. The last rate range update was adopted in 2018.
A proposed rule change would give Sumption and her successors greater flexibility to decide which parks charge a day-use parking permit fee. The change would require day-use parking permit fees at all state parks but give the director the ability to waive the fee. If adopted, the director has said she plans to waive the fee at most parks.
Hey, everyone! Want a good laugh? Pull out your “Official Marion County Voters’ Pamphlet” and take a look at the ballot measures some creative souls have airdropped into our laps.
Overall, they are pretty darn kooky. This year’s batch of measures would: damage the state economy, give people free money, make election outcomes so they is still trying to get caught up from
anywhere in the massive bureaucracy we have created?
Thomas Jefferson supposedly said, “That government is best which governs least.”
Not anymore.
The federal government employs upward of 3 million people who oversee our lives. They paw through our stuff when we get on planes, they tell us what we can, and can’t, do about any number of things.
But is excellence to be found anywhere?
care how others vote. I’m sure they have their reasons, but ballot measures are generally filled with unintended consequences. By definition, a ballot measure has not been adequately vetted or gone through public hearings to determine how to make it better or, alternatively, whether to toss it in the recycling bin.
As a guy who has been paying taxes for 55 years, I’m not looking for free money from the state or mystery elections in which everyone’s second choice might win. I’m looking for competence, both in the legislature and in Congress.
Here’s a tiny example. Several years ago, the federal government set aside $43 billion to supply high-speed internet hookups to every rural household. I suppose a lot of people want the internet, so they can work from home and watch Netflix at the same time. A lot of other folks couldn’t care less.
Either way, it doesn’t matter. According The Wall Street Journal, not a single inch of fiber optic cable has been installed. So much for excellence.
Back to the election. I personally don’t
I’m looking for fairness and for a government that embraces all Americans, not just those with the biggest wallets and who can make the biggest campaign contributions, or those who make the most noise.
I’m looking for a government of competence.
Carl Sampson is a freelance editor and writer. He lives in Stayton.
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN
Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group
Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Call Kristen, 503-990-4584
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
SILVERTON ELKS LODGE
FLEA MARKET Nov. 9, 9 am
to 3 pm 300 High St. 503-931-4517
COUNTRY MEADOWS
VILLAGE SNOWMANIA
HOLIDAY BAZAAR Saturday, Nov. 9. 9am-3pm. 155 S. Evergreen Rd. Woodburn.
ROOM FOR RENT Lyons, Oregon, $550/month. 503-383-4398
HOUSEKEEPER WANTED
$20 an hour. Home in Lyons. 503-383-4398
HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR
SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks, doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637. Ryan, 503-881-3802
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING & MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO Bands, artists, personal karaoke CDs, books, restoring VHS video to DVD. Old cassettes, reel-to-reel
& 8-track cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE? From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale left overs
With the completion of the ER project, Santiam Hospital & Clinics will be able to provide the best care to our patients healthcare needs and experiences.
• Faster flow of patient care through the Emergency Department from triage to discharge.
• Decreased wait times.
• Will double the capacity to see and treat patients during high census times.
• Modernized admitting area and patient rooms.
Community provided critical support to expansion project
The ER Expansion project was made possible by the generosity and support of numerous donors who contributed $6 million during a two-year fundraising campaign.
Thank you to our community, donors and foundation!
