Our Town South: Dec. 1, 2022

festivities

Grinch. The event will take place “rain or snow.”

also where those in need can pick up an application to receive toys.

Sublimity

On Dec. 2, the City of Sublimity presents Christmas in the Country along with “A Minions Christmas in the Country” Light Parade.

The evening begins 6 p.m. at the Sublimity Middle School on Main Street when the parade rolls east, then south on Dove Drive, west on Church Street, north on Center, and east on Starr, ending back at the school. After the parade, everyone is invited to the park next to Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St., for caroling and to help Santa light the Christmas tree, followed by cookies and crafts at the Sublimity Fire Hall.

Lyons

The Lyons Rural Fire District will host its first annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 3, 6 - 8 p.m. Tree lighting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the firehouse. Firefighters invite kids of all ages to “join us for a magical night filled with lights, hot cocoa, holiday treats, Santa Claus and “the mean one” himself. Bring your camera and best smiles to take photos with Santa and the

Toy Drive bins will be onsite. People are encouraged to “bring a toy, share the joy!” Donations will also be accepted through Dec. 18 at Your Country Kitchen, Lyons Market, Corner Market, Mehama Ace Hardware and Mari-Linn School.

Aumsville

Aumsville has a full menu of holiday events, starting Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to noon, with the Christmas Store hosted by the Aumsville Exchange Club and held at the Aumsville Community Center. Children three to nine years of age can pick out a free gift for each of their parents and have it wrapped. They must be accompanied by an adult, but the adult will sit in the waiting area with coffee or cocoa while the child picks out the surprise. This is a “while supplies last” event so plan on arriving early.

If there’s a child in the family who would like to send a letter to Santa and get a response, they have until 5 p.m. Dec. 3 to turn letters in to Aumsville City Hall. Letters need to include the child’s name, age or grade, an adult contact, and mailing address.

For those wanting to brighten the holidays for others you can donate wrapping paper, tape, and cash at the Aumsville Police Department. The police department is

Dec. 10 will be a big day, too. Santa will ride around town handing out goodie bags. Follow his route on the Facebook Group: Aumsville Community Connections for specific times. Then the focus turns to Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Holiday festivities run 5 – 7 p.m. There will be cocoa, hot soup, and popcorn. Carolers and the Cascade High School band will entertain. The winner of the giant sleigh full of free toys will be drawn after the tree lighting.

Silver Falls

Silver Falls State Park hosts a Winter Festival Dec. 10 and 11. Everyone is invited to join in. The park entrance is 20024 Silver Falls Hwy. SE, Sublimity.

In the South Falls day-use area you can make a wreath, build a bird nest box or make a pinecone bird feeder, and attend education talks or a guided walk. For more information go to friendsofsilverfalls.net. $5 day-use permit.

Over at the Smith Creek Village, 1.5 miles for the South Falls day-use area, you can decorate a gingerbread cookie, take part in a scavenger hunt, join a holiday-themed dinner (reservations required). For more information go to smithcreekvillage.com/guest-experienes.

Foundation Santiam Hospital announces emergency room expansion drive

By James Day

Santiam Hospital has launched a $5 million fundraising campaign to expand emergency room service at the Staytonbased hospital.

Hospital officials say the plan will double the facility’s emergency room capacity from seven rooms to 14, while also providing technology upgrades, including power updates for crisis and disaster preparedness.

Hospital officials said this is the first major upgrade to the emergency department since 2008. The local population as well as emergency room visits have grown significantly since the time. In 2022, officials said, visits are on track to exceed 18,000, a 30% increase in five years.

“In order to maintain our commitment to excellence in health care and meet the needs of our growing community, it is imperative we invest in our infrastructure,” said Dr. Guesly Dessieux, physician and Board President of Santiam Hospital & Clinics Foundation. “The expansion will shorten wait times,

improve the overall patient experience in the ER and enhance the working environment for our dedicated providers.”

The campaign also marks the debut of the hospital foundation, said Lauren Benjamin, marketing coordinator.

“This is the first time in its history the hospital has established a formal foundation,” Benjamin said. “The very first fundraising campaign was in the 1950s when the community members of the Santiam Canyon came together to build this hospital. Members of both the Frank family

and the Freres family were instrumental leaders in the original fundraising efforts.

“This is a very exciting time for our community, and for the hospital, as we look forward to the opportunities of future growth with a vibrant foundation. “

The A.J. Frank Family and Freres Engineered Wood both have contributed $1 million to get the foundation to 40% of its goal. Both Frank and Frers have been involved with the hospital since it was built in 1953, with Freres donating the land on which the original hospital was built.

Benjamin noted that, before 1953, more than 3,000 individuals and businesses contributed to the initial fundraising campaign that made the hospital possible. Foundation leaders hope the current ER campaign will inspire the participation of donors throughout the region.

The expansion project consists of both new construction and the re-design and renovation of existing spaces.

“The new ER expansion,” said Benjamin, “will extend the current ER footprint in the adjacent hospital space that used to support the old laboratory and the old surgery wing of the original hospital.”

Benjamin said that the goal is to achieve the $5 million campaign goal by the end of March 2023.

“We expect to break ground in March 2023,” she said, “in order to open early fall 2023.”

For more information, go to the website: shc.foundation.

A rendering of the new Santiam Hospital emergency room plan. SUBMITTED IMAGE

City Council elections

Ohrt, Patty, Giglio sweep Stayton race

By Stephen Floyd

Incumbent Councilors Jordan Ohrt and David Patty have been joined by political newcomer David Giglio in winning the race for Stayton City Council following the Nov. 8 election.

According to figures released Nov. 22 by the Marion County Clerk’s Office, Orht was ahead with 1,881 votes, followed by Patty with 1,688 votes and Giglio with 1,538 votes.

Rounding out the totals were challenger Steve Sims with 1,257 votes and incumbent Councilor Paige Hook with 1,052 votes.

Ohrt, Patty and Giglio each said they look forward to serving together and with fellow city officials.

“I was excited to see that David Patty would be re-elected and David Giglio would be joining the council as they are both great assets to the council and the community,” said Ohrt.

“I think we’re aligned in a lot of things, and I think that kind of cohesion is going to serve us really well,” said Patty.

“I think Ohrt and Patty being re-elected gives a lot of testament to the trust and vision of the community,” said Giglio.

Ohrt is finishing her first term on the council after being elected in 2018. She was a political newcomer at the time, and she has since learned the value of taking action at the local government level.

“Local government is the most accessible government,” she said. “This is where change happens and where we as citizens can be most effective. All of the councilors and mayors are available and approachable and I hope that people will take the opportunity to be involved as much as possible.”

Ohrt said an ongoing project to add a secondary water source to the city’s drinking water system, which recently received grant funding, is going to be a big step forward.

“Getting this project finished will be an amazing accomplishment,” she said.

Patty is also finishing his first council term after running for office for the first time in 2018. He spent much of the last four years talking with residents and

community stakeholders, and said his re-election signifies that his priorities are in alignment with the community’s.

“For me, it was kind of affirming that the policy directions we’re going toward are shared with the people of Stayton,” he said.

Patty also placed a high priority on infrastructure development like water system and road improvements, and said he would like to see more projects brought to a shovel-ready state so Stayton could seek out grants for funding rather than draw from city revenue or take out loans. He also said support for public safety should be a priority in the city budget.

Giglio will hold elected office for the first time, but is no stranger to the Stayton community, having grown up in town, started a small business here and becoming involved as a board member for the Stayton Chamber of Commerce.

Giglio said, while campaigning, he gained a deeper appreciation for why people choose to live in Stayton.

“There really is a sense of community pride in our town, and I really want to see that grow,” he said.

Giglio said, once in office, he wants the city to identify short-term goals it can achieve to build momentum toward larger goals, with priorities like public safety and infrastructure. He said his initial goal is to get a sense of the dynamic on the council and how fellow officials work together.

“I want to learn, I want to find out where our next steps forward are, and then to achieve a shared vision,” he said.

Sims said he was not surprised by the election results, as he had been away from the town where he grew up for a number of years and did not know as many people as he used to. He said he was humbled by the voters who did support him, and plans to remain involved in civic leadership.

“I think this is a learning experience for me,” said Sims. “I don’t think it’s a failure at all. I’ve never been involved in an endeavor like this before.”

Hook was first elected in 2018, and said she still plans to be involved in civic leadership when her term expires. She congratulated the candidates who won

“I look forward to speaking to them often about important issues,” she said.

“Our family serving yours”

Serving proud Americans and Veterans with American-made caskets.

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Glenn Hilton Family, Owners

Glenn has personally served the community for over 30 years.

Glenn has personally served the community for over 29 years.

– Locally-owned and owner-operated funeral home –

North Santiam Funeral Service

224 N. Third Avenue, Stayton (503) 769-9010

Office hours: Mon - Sat 9-5 • 24 hour availability • www.santiamfuneral.com • nsantiamfs@wvi.com

Office hours: Mon - Fri 9-5 • 24 hour availability • www.santiamfuneral.com • nsantiamfs@wvi.com

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• Women's Health to include IUD and Nexplanon Placement

• Wellness Exams and Preventative Services

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• Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Addiction

By Stephen Floyd

Stayton Mayor-elect Brian Quigley said he is determined to bridge gaps between City Hall and the local community when he takes office in January, building on gains recently made by the city manager’s office.

Currently a member of the Stayton City Council, Quigley received an overwhelming majority of votes during the Nov. 8 election. Updated results released Nov. 18 by the Marion County Clerk’s Office showed 2,212 votes for Quigley and 576 votes for opponent and Planning Commission Chair Ralph Lewis.

Quigley said he was “very shocked, and quite honestly honored” when he saw the measure of voter support.

“Hopefully, it’s a reflection of what I’ve done in the past on the council and that people have faith in my ability to make progress going forward,” he said.

Quigley also thanked Lewis for being willing to run and for his “fantastic” commitment to civic leadership. Lewis has been on the Planning Commission since 1998 and served on the City Council from 2015 to 2017.

“I know there’s another place where [Lewis] can continue his volunteer service and commitment to the community,” said Quigley.

Quigley said, when he takes office, he hopes to capitalize on growing confidence in City Hall brought about by City Manager Julia Hajduk. Quigley said, since Hajduk began in June, she has been deliberate about engaging community partners, and this has created a new optimism in Stayton.

“This election cycle, out of all of them, was the one where I felt an actual energy from the community that I didn’t see before,” he said. “...[Hajduk] has really been out there, really trying to improve the communication, the collaboration between the city and other entities – the chamber, the school district – and that’s encouraging for a lot of folks and hopefully it evolves into something bigger.”

Quigley said his goal is for city leaders to earn the trust of the community by really listening to concerns and maintaining transparency and open lines of communication, fulfilling a campaign promise to be a “forward-facing mayor.” Even with a head start, Quigley said community outreach and support will still require hard work, including cooperation and cohesion on the city council.

To help achieve this, Quigley said officials need to carefully consider how to fill his soon-to-be vacant council seat, which will become open when he is sworn in as mayor. According to the city charter, the mayor has authority to fill a council vacancy, but Quigley said he will involve

the council in the appointment process, and also will take into consideration candidates from the recent election. As a current council member, Quigley said he expects a smooth transition into his role as mayor, in addition to being a longtime friend and colleague of current Mayor Hank Porter. Quigley was first elected to the council in 2010 while Porter was serving as a councilor, and Quigley continued when Porter was elected mayor in 2014.

Then, in 2019, Quigley stepped down abruptly due to health reasons and was not expecting to return to public office. But his recovery was better than expected and, when a council seat became vacant in 2021, Porter appointed him back to the council.

Quigley said he owes Porter a debt of gratitude for giving him another opportunity to serve in office, and said during their relationship he has come to view Porter as a mentor.

Quigley added he hopes the community responds with greater involvement in civil affairs. He said it is currently normal for few residents to attend council meetings, and said an increased level of participation will help strengthen ties between the city and community.

“That’s going to really make the community that much stronger,” he said.

Here is a look at local towns in which the races were generally uncontested:

Aumsville: Councilor Angelica Ceja is taking over as mayor. Incumbent Derek Clevenger chose not to seek re-election to another two-year term as he pursued a legislative seat in House District 17, and Ceja was the lone candidate to take out mayoral papers. She had 971 votes in the latest count.

Ceja’s four-year council term expires at the end of the year as do the terms of Della Seney and Nico Casarez. Seney and Casarez are running for re-election and both received more than 800 votes, but no other candidates came forward to fill a third open seat. In a tally of write-in candidates released Nov. 22, Mayor Derek Clevenger was leading with nine votes out of 75 write-ins, though he would have to accept the win in order to serve. His mayoral term expires Dec. 31.

Lyons: Lloyd Valentine ran

unopposed for another two-year term as mayor, with Jessica Ritchie running unopposed for another fouryear term as councilor. Councilors Diane Hyde and Mike Wagner do not face the voters again until 2024. Councilor Troy Donohue did not seek re-election. The final council member will be appointed by the remaining councilors. Valentine received 439 votes, or more than 96%. Ritchie drew 410 votes (91%), with write-in candidates receiving 40 votes.

Sublimity: Jim Kingsbury ran unopposed for another two-year term as mayor, while Councilors Tass Morrison and Brian Schumacher were unopposed for new four-year council terms. Councilors Mike Taylor and Jim Crowther do not face the voters until 2024. Kinsbury received all 1,298 votes, while Schumacher earned 1,237 and Morrison 938.

– James Day & Stephen Floyd

Election 2022

Measures limiting psilocybin strongly backed

By James Day Measures

intending to limit the business of psychedelic mushrooms received strong support from voters in both Marion and Linn counties in the Nov. 8 election.

Anti-psilocybin measures were on the ballot in unincorporated portions of Marion and Linn as well as the towns of Stayton, Gates, Lyons, Mill City, Aumsville and Sublimity. Voters in all eight jurisdictions voted to enforce the prohibitions, most of them by wide margins. The yes vote was at about 57% in the two counties, with Sublimity at the highest yes count, nearly 80%.

In November 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 109, which created a program for administering psilocybin products, such as psilocybin-producing mushrooms and fungi, to individuals aged 21 years or older in clinical settings. Before the issue passed by a 55% to 45% margin, the manufacturing and consumption of psilocybin was illegal under both federal law and state law.

Measure 109 also allowed cities and counties to place referendums on local ballots to prohibit or allow psilocybinproduct manufacturers or psilocybin service centers in unincorporated areas. Measure 109 prohibited psilocybin service centers within the limits of an incorporated city or town.

Here is a look at the outcome of the psilocybin measures in the region:

Marion County: Measure 24-465, which would prohibit psilocybin manufacturing and locating service centers in

unincorporated parts of the county was passing by 56.17% to 43.83%.

Linn County: Measure 22-200, which would prohibit psilocybin manufacturing and locating service centers in unincorporated parts of the county was passing by 57.32% to 42.68% margin.

Aumsville: Measure 24-470, which would prohibit psilocybin-related businesses within the city limits, was passing 63.88% to 36.12%. Also on the Aumsville ballot were a pair of marijuana-related measures. Measure 24-471, which would allow marijuana-related facilities in the city limits, was being defeated by a 55.74% to 44.26% margin. Measure 24-472, which would authorize a tax on the retail sales of recreational marijuana, meanwhile, was passing easily by a 73.27% to 26.73% margin.

Gates: Measure 24-497, which would temporarily prohibit the establishment of psilocybin product manufacturers and psilocybin service center operators within the city of Gates jurisdictional boundaries, was passing 65.64% to 34.36%. The prohibition sunsets after two years.

Lyons: Measure 22-197 would prohibit the establishment of psilocybin service centers, the manufacture of psilocybin products and testing within Lyons’ jurisdictional boundaries. It was passing 75.91% to 24.09%.

Mill City: Measure 22-198 would prohibit the establishment of psilocybin service centers, the manufacture of psilocybin products and testing within Mill City’s jurisdictional boundaries. It was passing 62.53% to 37.47%.

Stayton: Measure 24-480 would prohibit the establishment of psilocybin product manufacturers and psilocybin service center operators within the area subject to the city of Stayton’s jurisdiction. It was leading 67.69% to 32.31%.

Sublimity: Measure 24-464 would prohibit psilocybin-related businesses within the city limits and also would prohibit the establishment of psilocybin service center operators within the area subject to the City of Sublimity’s jurisdiction. It was passing 79.05% to 20.95%.

Frequent Address

Santiam Senior Center, 41848 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton 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. 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.

Free Covid-19 Testing, 2 - 6 p.m., Ditter’s Square, 134 W Main St., Sublimity. No physician’s order required. Pre-register at labdash.net, 503-769-3230. Appointments required: santiamhospital.org/coronavirus.

Repeats 2 - 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Covid-19 Vaccinations, 2 – 5 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. First and second vaccines and booster shots for all ages. Mon - Fri. Appt: antiamhospital.org.

Bingo, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Regular games $.05 a card. Blackout $.10 a card. 50 and older. Repeats Thursdays. 503-767-2009 Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway, Mill City. New members welcome. Jo Ann, 503-859-2502.

Tuesday

Family Storytime, 11:05 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore early literacy through songs, stories. For children and family members of all ages. Free. No Storytime Dec. 27. 503-769-3313

English/GED/Citizenship Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Class free. Workbook $20. Runs through June. Repeats Thurs.day. Mary, 503-779-7029

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

Tai Chi for Intermediates, 10:15 - 11 a.m., Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009 Baby & Toddler Time, 11:05 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore the world of early literacy through movement, songs, rhymes, play. For infants and toddlers up to 24 months and their caregivers. Free. No class Dec. 28. 503-769-3313

Tai Chi for Beginners, 11:15 a.m.noon, Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009 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. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

Beginner Line Dancing Class, 12:301:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

Advanced Line Dancing Class, 2 - 3 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. 50 and older. 503-767-2009

GriefShare, 6 - 8 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. National, nondenominational support group. Register at griefshare.org or contact Christy, 406-431-8256.

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.

Mama’s Community Market, 1 - 4 p.m., Aumsville Pentecostal Church, 10153 Mill Creek Road. Food Pantry. 971-710-5665

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.

Family Fit & Fun, 11:05 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Use different ways to move, grow, explore. Children and family members of all ages. Free. No class Dec. 23, 30. 503-769-3313.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Wintry Tales Storytime

10:30 a.m., Hiatt Christmas Tree Farm, 13318 SE Triumph Road, Sublimity. Winter-themed storytime. Afterwards, pick up a free book to keep and explore what the farm has to offer at your own pace. Free. 503-769-3313

Silverton Christmas Market

5 - 9 p.m., Oregon Garden Resort, 895 W Main St., Silverton. Authentic German Christmas Markets. Santa, live music, wood-burning fire pit, snowless tubing hill. All admission and snowless tubing tickets must be purchased online in advance. Ticket sales end at 3 p.m. daily. Vendors are cashless; bring a debit or credit card for purchases. Tickets at silvertonchristmasmarket.com. Runs through Jan. 1. Closed Dec. 24-25.

Dungeons & Dragons

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. First timers, experienced players welcome. Ages 12 and older. Free. 503-769-3313

Friday, Dec. 2

Snow Peak Beard Competition 7 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Categories include best under 6 inches, best over 6 inches, best mustache, best holiday decorated. Free. Judging starts at 8 p.m. 503-767-2337

Saturday, Dec. 3

Santa Cruise-In 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Stayton Fire Department, 1988 W Ida St. Toys for Joy toy drive and fundraiser for Stayton Volunteer Protection Co. #1. Enjoy breakfast, make a toy donation and view the cars. Breakfast is $10 adults, $8 for children 6 - 12 and seniors 65+. Kids 5 and under eat free. Cruise-in registration is 8 a.m. Entry fee is a new, unwrapped toy. For Cruise-in information, contact Russ Strohmeyer at 503-930-8976.

Stayton Christmas and Craft Bazaar

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Stayton Middle School, 1021 SE Shaff Road. Local vendors selling holiday gifts. Free admission; canned food donations for the Stayton Community Food Bank. Lunch will not be served. Food trucks may be onsite.

Christmas Store

9 a.m. - noon, Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Children 8 and under can pick out free gifts for each of their parents at Aumsville Exchange Club’s Christmas Store. Children must be accompanied by an adult, who will stay in the waiting area. While supplies last. 503-749-2030

Christmas Bazaar

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Spotlight, 383 N Third Ave., Stayton. Vendors, crafts, drawings. Kid and pet pictures with Santa 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hosted by Spotlight Community Theatre.

“A

Minions Christmas in the Country”

6 p.m. Christmas light parade through downtown Sublimity. After the parade, Santa will light the town Christmas tree. Activities and refreshments follow at Sublimity Fire Station. 503-769-5475

Lyons Tree Lighting

6 - 8 p.m., Lyons Fire Department, 1114 Main St. First annual Christmas tree lighting. Come for an evening of lights, hot cocoa, holiday treats. Bring a camera for pictures with Santa and the Grinch. Free. 503-859-2410

Sunday, Dec. 4

Shaw Knights of Columbus Breakfast

7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Parish Hall, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Shaw. Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, fruit cup, coffee, juice. Cost: $8 adults, $3 children 12 and under. 503-362-6159

Candy Cane Day Breakfast

8 a.m. - noon, Sublimity Fire Station, 115 NW Parker St. Volunteers will service an all-you-can-eat biscuits & gravy breakfast. Santa will arrive in the fire engine at 9:30 a.m., and hand out candy canes. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate three items of non-perishable food or make a monetary donation toward the holiday food baskets.

Monday, Dec. 5

Daughters of American Revolution

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. To celebrate the holiday DAR-style, Abby’s Girls will “Make Good Cheer and Be Right Merry” with festive treats, beverages, stories of the season. Open to anyone interested in learning about DAR. Linda, 503-689-6991

Stayton City Council

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

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Virtual Playgroup

2 - 2:30 p.m. Zoom. Virtual playgroup for families with children age 5 and younger. Songs, stories. RSVP to mweeks@ familybuildingblocks.org or 503-769-1120. Repeats Dec. 20.

Kids Monthly Maker Lab

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Drop in to try out a craft activity. A limited number of take-home kits are available Dec. 10. Free. 503-769-3313

Stayton Parks and Rec Board

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

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Chamber Business Network

8:15 - 9:30 a.m., The Hub, 263 E Ida St., Stayton. Ribbon cutting for The Hub. Network building event for local business, non-profit professionals. 503-769-3464.

Poinsettia Sale

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Red, pink, white, bi-colored or burgundy 6.5-inch poinsettias. $18 each. Four-inch Christmas cactus $7. Proceeds benefit scholarships, and hospital needs. Genny, 503-507-9450

Thursday, Dec. 8

DIY Craftshop

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Use yarn and felt to create Gnome ornaments. Ages 11 and older. RSVP to https://bit. ly/3O9z66G. 503-769-3313

Aumsville Fire District

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

Lyons Library Board

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

Friday, Dec. 9

Red Cross Blood Drive

10 a.m. - 4 p.m, Santiam Hospital, 1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton. Appointments needed by visiting redcrossblood.org.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Red Cross Blood Drive

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Cascade High, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Appointments needed by visiting redcrossblood.org.

Christmas Craft Bazaar

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Homemade Christmas gifts. Hamburger lunch served to eat in or to go. 503-859-2161

Holiday Festival at Silver Falls

10 a.m. – 4 p.m., South Falls Lodge, Silver Falls State Park, 2004 Silver Falls Hwy., Sublimity. Make a wreath, gingerbread house, cards and ornaments. Storytelling, live music. $5 per vehicle day use fee. Repeats Dec. 11. Friendsofsilverfalls.net The Nutcracker

5 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Santiam Ballet Academy presents The Nutcracker. Tickets are $12, and are available at santiamballet.com. Repeats 1 p.m. Dec. 11. 971-301-4140

Christmas Open House

5 - 9 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Bounce house, hot cocoa, apple cider. Fun for the whole family. Free. 503-749-2894 Aumsville Christmas in the Park

5 - 7 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St. Cocoa, hot dogs, hot soup and popcorn. Carolers and the Cascade High band entertain. Hay wagons shuttle people between the fire station open house and the park. Annual tree lighting. Free. 503-749-2030

Sunday, Dec. 11

Brown House Tour

Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/person. Children under 18 are free. Open to public. 503-769-8860

Christmas Carol Sing

3 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Everyone is welcome to join in a sing-along of Christmas carols. Free admission.

“Together for the Holidays”

4 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway St., Mill City. Santiam Canyon Community Chorus presents its free Christmas show. Shepherd’s pie dinner follows the show. Dinner $8/adults, $4 children. Event includes drawings, silent and live auctions. Presented by Santiam Hearts to Arts.

Monday, Dec. 12

Sublimity City Council

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

Aumsville City Council

7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us

Lyons Fire District Board

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

Stayton Fire District

7 p.m.,. Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Open to public. staytonfire.org

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Dementia Care Conversations

3 - 4 p.m. Zoom. Free group for unpaid caregivers providing support to a loved one living with dementia. Offered by Family Caregiver Support Program at NorthWest Senior and Disability Services. To request a referral to the group, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-3043420. Repeats Dec. 27.

RDS Board Meeting

6 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-7672317, downtownstayton.org

Cascade School Board

7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. 503749-8010, cascade.k12.or.us Wednesday, Dec. 14

Chamber Business Network

8:15 a.m., Marketplace at The Grove, 349 N Third Ave., Stayton. Hosts Marketplace at The Grove, Break the Chain Apparel. Network building event for businesses, non-profit professionals. 503-769-3464.

Caregiver Connection

1 - 2 p.m., Zoom. Free educational support group for unpaid family caregivers caring for a loved one 60 years of age or older, or caring for a person living with dementia. For Zoom invite, call 503-304-3432.

Gingerbread Decorating

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Decorate a gingerbread cookie. For children, families. Free. 503-769-3313

Retiring Joyfully Workshop

5:30 p.m., Union Hill Grange, 15775 SE Grange Road, Sublimity. Get more clarity and purpose to retirement. Free. Contact AnnetteJensen@RetireJoyfully.com. Thursday, Dec. 15

Teen Makerspace

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Use 3D printing pens to create small, ugly Christmas sweater ornaments. Space is limited. Registration required: https://bit. ly3O46trk. Ages 11 - 18. 503-769-3313

NSSD Board 6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. 503-7696924, nsantiam.k12.or.us Saturday, Dec. 17

Stayton Yard Debris Removal

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stayton Public Works, 1820 N First Ave. Yard debris disposal including leaves, brush. Cost for Stayton residents is a donation of canned food. For those residing outside city limits, cost is $1 per bag. Seniors needing assistance raking, bagging or having their yard debris picked up can call Public Works at 503-769-2919.

Bethel Clothing Closet

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

Joseph’s Storehouse of Hope

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

Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories

1 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Cookies, cocoa, family-friendly ghost stories. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Living Nativity Scene

5 - 7 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Drive through or stop by to view the Nativity and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Free; donations of canned goods accepted. Repeats Dec. 17. 503-769-5700

Sunday, Dec. 18

Hanukkah Starts

Monday, Dec. 19

Free Playgroup

10 - 11:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. Free playgroup for families with children age 5 and younger. Activities, snack. RSVP to mweeks@familybuildingblocks.org or 503-769-1120.

Stayton City Council

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

Wednesday, Dec. 21

DIY Lantern Making

4 - 5 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Make a lantern to light up the darkest time of the year. At 5 p.m., walk along the lighted path in the Community Center Park behind the library. Free. All ages. 503-769-3313

Friday, Dec. 23

Red Cross Blood Drive

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

Saturday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve

Living Nativity Scene

5 - 7 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Drive through or stop by to view the Nativity and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Free; donations of canned goods accepted. Christmas Eve candlelight vigil follows at 7 p.m. 503-769-5700

Sunday, Dec. 25

Christmas Day

Monday, Dec. 26

Kwanzaa Starts Tuesday, Dec. 27

Sublimity Planning Commission

4:30 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St. Open to public. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org

Lyons City Council

6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. 503-8592167, cityoflyons.org

Saturday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve

Wildfire lawsuit PacificCorp agrees to cease class member contact

By Stephen Floyd

PacifiCorp has agreed to cease communications with wildfire survivors regarding a class-action lawsuit against the company over the 2020 Labor Day fires after plaintiffs learned of multiple ex-parte contacts during recent months.

On Nov. 7, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Steffan Alexander ordered PacifiCorp could no longer communicate with any members of the class, which include survivors of the Santiam, Echo Mountain Complex, Obenchain, and 242 fires, unless such contact was previously authorized by class counsel.

PacifiCorp had already agreed to these terms with plaintiffs in a stipulated motion filed three days before, and Alexander’s order made the agreement official.

PacifiCorp also agreed information collected through such class member communications could not be used as evidence, while records of said communications, including interview notes and internal emails, should be shared with class counsel, except as otherwise protected by attorney-client privilege.

If a survivor of the fires contacts the company in the future, even if such an individual is not aware they may be a class member, PacifiCorp agreed the company must notify them of the lawsuit, the individual’s potential status as a class member, and that PacifiCorp may not be authorized to speak with them.

The notice must also include references to additional information about the suit and a class member’s options for opting out if they so choose.

Motion over ‘ethical’ concerns

Plaintiffs filed a motion Oct. 7 requesting the order after learning the day before a PacifiCorp claims agent had spoken with at least three survivors of the 242 Fire regarding damage to their properties, but without notifying them of the pending lawsuit or PacifiCorp’s adverse interests in the matter. Plaintiffs argued this was a violation of ethical standards and may have caused unknown harm to the case.

Attornies for the plaintiffs also learned of at least two PacifiCorp employees who were also class members, and that defense counsel had allegedly concealed their status until prior to a deposition of the men scheduled in August. At that point PacifiCorp counsel notified plaintiffs’ counsel of their class member status. Though these incidents were not included in plaintiff’s Oct. 7 motion, they were included among evidence of the alleged need to restrict PacifiCorp’s communications with class members.

At issue was whether or not class members who were unaware of the suit, termed “absent class members,” received default representation by class counsel and must therefore be treated as represented parties.

Alexander verbally certified the class May 13, and plaintiffs argued, from

this point onward, PacifiCorp was barred from discussing the substance of the suit with class members, absent or otherwise, without the consent of class counsel.

PacifiCorp argued representation for absent class members did not begin until an opt-out period expired, in this case Dec. 6. Until then, class members could still choose to not be party to the suit. They also noted the fire survivors in question initiated contact with the company and said they had no legal representation when asked by the claims agent.

After both sides deliberated the matter, they agreed to the stipulated terms approved by Alexander.

Plaintiffs agreed to drop language in the notice requiring PacifiCorp to call its prior contacts “improper,” and PacifiCorp agreed to drop language in the same notice that tied its ability to process claims to whether or not class members chose to opt out of the suit.

Other issues pending

A related motion remains pending before the court. Plaintiffs are requesting that the PacifiCorp claims agent in question be compelled to testify about her understanding of the causes behind the fires, and that PacifiCorp should be sanctioned for having instructed the claims agent not to answer those questions due to attorney-client privilege.

Plaintiffs argue the claims agent has

already stated she has information about how the fires may have started, including personal opinions and analysis, and PacifiCorp has not offered adequate proof as to why this testimony should be privileged. The motion was filed Nov. 4 and defendants had yet to file a reply by press time.

Plaintiffs also filed a motion Nov. 14 asking to submit an amended complaint to better-reflect the evidence they intend to use at trial, which they said has “developed significantly” since the suit was first filed Sept. 30, 2020.

After deposing all named plaintiffs, numerous PacifiCorp employees and studying extensive documents, plaintiffs believe they have a clearer theory of why PacifiCorp allegedly contributed to the cause and spread of the fires, and may have grounds to request damages beyond the $1.6 billion currently sought.

The Nov. 14 motion said PacifiCorp had objected to such amendments during attorney deliberations. As of press time they had yet to file a response with the court.

PacifiCorp has denied liability for the fires, and argues their electrical system was maintained and operated according to industry standards.

A hearing to consider both of these motions is scheduled for Dec. 19, while an eight-week trial is scheduled to begin April 26, 2023.

On this holy night so long ago, our Savior, Prince of Peace was born, bringing His light and love to shine upon all the world for all time. For this, and our many blessings, we are deeply grateful and wish all our neighbors a truly miraculous holiday season.

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615 Main Street, Aumsville 503-749-2071

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By Melissa Wagoner

When the Willamette Career Academy (WCA) in Salem opened its doors in September 2021 it immediately began changing the lives of the students who enrolled, offering them the chance to earn, not only a diploma, but college credits, career prep, internship opportunities and job certifications as well.

“Our kids come from 11 districts and three counties,” WCA’s Principal Johnnie Ferro said of the partnership –a mixture of private and public funding – that enabled the renovation of a former Toys-R-Us store into a state-of-theart campus for Career and Technical Education (CTE).

“Mountain West Investment Corporation are the original financiers,” Ferro said, describing the Salem-based real-estate development company, which originally secured the $3.6 million property as “an organization that cares about students and the workforce.”

Which is in line with WCA’s mission, “to prepare students for high-wage, highdemand careers in Oregon,” by offering only those programs that will enable the students who graduate from the twoyear program to find ready employment offered at a livable wage.

“It has to be a balance of what does the economy say we need and what our kids express an interest in,” Ferro said. Listing, Cosmetology, Health Services and Diesel Technology as the three areas of studies that initially met these criteria. “We knew those would be kid-grabbers.”

Indeed, an estimated 270 juniors and seniors travel from North Santiam,

A career and technical education program that provides work-based and classroom experience in Salem.

Initial funding was a combination of private funding including, among others, the Mountain West Investment Corporation, the Larry and Jeanette Epping Family Foundation, the Brendan Family Foundation, Pape Machinery and the Freres Family, as well as funding from the Oregon State

Jefferson, Silver Falls and Mount Angel School Districts each day.

“It requires an application process but the application is not based on anything other than – is this your path?” Ferro said of the school’s enrollment methods which, designed to be more equitable than those of most high school CTE programs, has the added benefit of creating a more diverse student body.

“I have valedictorians… and kids in special education,” Ferro said of the population, which is also 60 percent Latino, many of them English second language learners.

It’s not an easy task but the dedication of the students – each of whom have committed to spending half of every school day at WCA – will be well rewarded upon completion.

“Cosmetology students will be licensed in one area, so they can begin work right away,” Ferro began. “And the Health Services [students] are working for 19 college hours and they will be CNAs.”

Students in the Diesel Technology

Legislature and participating school districts.

Continued funding is largely through industry sponsors – Freres Lumber, Salem Health and Papé Machinery –and continued district support. WCA students have the opportunity to earn college credits, career certifications, paid internships and work-based experience depending on their course of study.

program are also earning 24 college credits – bringing them halfway to an Associate’s Degree – and will be given the opportunity to take part in a coveted paid internship program. But more importantly, they will have hundreds of hours of hands-on experience working in a state-of-the-art lab.

“There are already so many kids saying, ‘Thank you for this opportunity,’ and so many kids getting real jobs,” Ferro said, describing the success of WCA’s first annual hiring fair, which offered students the chance to meet industry representatives and to take part in mock interviews.

“The feedback was – whatever you’re doing, keep doing it,” Ferro said of the feedback she received from both Salem Health and Papé, who attended the fair. “Salem Health said, these kids interview better than adults.”

That reaction is largely thanks to the well-rounded education each WCA student receives both in the lab and in the classroom, where they practice employability skills like empathy, adaptability and collaboration that will

help them to enjoy success, not only in their career but in life.

“There’s a lot of support for CTE because it works,” Ferro pointed out, citing studies which show, “Even if you take one CTE course you’re more likely to graduate and, if you go on to college, you’re more likely to persist.”

Which is why one of WCA’s primary goals is not to replace the many CTE programs already on offer in most high schools but rather to provide additional enrollment opportunities to those students who might not otherwise be allowed to participate due to various constraints.

“That’s the beauty of working as a region, these are really expensive programs a school district could not afford,” Ferro said.

And it’s how the school is continuing to expand, adding Manufacturing Technology, Computer Science and Information Technology and Construction Technology in the coming year.

“Freres Lumber is responsible for the Manufacturing program. They’ve sponsored a maker’s space for 3D printing, design and engineering,” Ferro described. “And our IT program will focus on certifications in cyber security and the upcoming high paying fields.”

In other words, it will prepare students for the job market of the future, something many of them would not have had access to if it were not for WCA.

“We want [students] to go with a purpose,” Ferro pointed out. “We want them to get a degree that means something to them. And, depending on their pathway, we want to help get them there.”

Willamette Career Academy – a public / private partnership

By Mary Owen

These Stayton folks claim to “bake the world a sweeter place.”

After 30 years, Lovin Oven owners Val and Mike Shultz and crew have outgrown their Third Avenue location and now serve their cakes and other goodies with coffee and conversation at their new Ida Street location.

“We now have indoor seating, so come down and bring your friends for a sweet treat,” invited Mike Shultz, who also owns half of the well-known Salem “cakery,” Gerry Frank’s Konditorei.

The Lovin Oven also provides cakes, cheesecakes and other desserts to many area restaurants, local events, and for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. With extra space and a few more employees, this side of the business will be easier to handle, according to Shultz.

“Our first week inside our new location was amazing,” he said. “We love all the extra room and the chit chatter of friends talking over a cup of coffee and dessert!”

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Shultz said almost 300 customers came to check out the new digs at The Lovin Oven’s soft-opening on Nov. 11 and business remains brisk.

“People love the building,” Shultz said. “We’ve given Lovin Oven a new design –stepping up to the plate a bit. There has been so much positive feedback coming from our customers.”

Crystal Spenner told Shultz, “Your new location is so beautiful.” Her treat choice?

Caramel apple cheesecake.

Dave Shelton called Lovin Oven’s new store “a great addition to downtown Stayton!”

When the couple bought the building nearly two years ago, they had been looking forward to getting a bigger place.

“We were holding off to see what the economy would do,” Shultz said, referring to COVID-19 challenges. “There were 13 people working in a 1,700-square-foot building. My customers were standing outside, rain or shine. We finally decided we had to have something bigger.”

The new Ida Street location offers 5,600 square feet, almost three times the size of the Third Avenue bakery. The new building also comes with plenty of seating, more accommodations, and three display cases, which, Shultz said, will be a lot more work to keep filled with the baked goods customers love.

“It allows us room that we’ve needed for a long time,” he said. “It’s going to allow us

to be more efficient. We just have a few hiccups to work out such as adjusting our work flow to the size of our building.”

Shultz still uses equipment in the smaller store, including oven, dishwasher and freezer cases. He plans to keep the original site for now, he said.

Shultz plans to add items to the menu in the very near future, including the fan-favorite cinnamon rolls. For drinks, espresso drinks and lemonades are in the works. Ice tea is also available for noncoffee drinkers.

A “grand opening” will be held at the new site in January.

“Val and I have been so blessed to be a part of this community,” Shultz said. “There are a lot of memories in the other building, but we can better serve our customers here.”

The Lovin Oven is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and may open on Saturdays after the holidays. For special hours at Christmas, visit theirFacebook page. For more information, call 503-769-5538.

A chocolate peanut butter cheesecake by The Lovin Oven. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The movie biz Star Cinema owner celebrates 20 years in the business

By Mary Owen

In the summer of 2002, Jeff Mexico took a leap of faith and opened Star Cinema.

“The downtown was dead,” Mexico said. “I thought re-opening the theater would help bring the town back to life.”

Mexico was inspired during SummerFest when his then-wife Robin had a booth with her stained glass on Third Avenue near the theater, stimulating ideas about its usability.

“The theater had been closed for two years,” he added. “I told Robin, ‘I’m going to re-open the theater.’ She was like, ‘sure you are!’”

Mexico and his stepson Brian walked to First Street to watch the Stampede cattle drive. He started talking to a “tall, elderly gentleman” and asked if he knew anything about the theater.

“He grinned and said, ‘I built that theater,’” Mexico said. “It was a sign!”

Mexico and Marcel Van became great friends, and the project was given the

green light. Mexico approached the city to get approval to re-open and was approved unanimously.

“We got a walk-through and the keys and made a plan to re-furbish the theater,” he said. “It was a lot of work to say the least, but we did it!”

Mexico had planned to continue with Hewlett-Packard in Corvallis, but that changed in 2004 when he decided to quit the Corvallis company to devote all of his time to the downtown Stayton theater.

Highlights of his time with Star Cinema include reconnecting with friends, babies growing up over the years who came to

work at the theater, and getting involved with the community.

“Movie studios have always been a challenge, following their rules of what I can and cannot show and for how long,” Mexico said. “It can be very challenging scheduling movies, especially during the holidays and summer, when they release movies too close together so we miss out on some big ones.”

This year, Star Cinema will incorporate its anniversary celebration with its annual “almost-free” holiday movie, The Grinch, showing at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. Pajamas are dress for the Jim Carey movie, and Mexico said he is looking at other ideas

to make the event even more fun.

“We ask for one can of food or $1 per person for the local food bank,” he said. “We also give a discount every Tuesday if they bring canned food.”

Mexico works with organizations and businesses for “fun events and fundraisers,” he said.

“We rent the theater to schools, businesses and nonprofits as well as private birthday rentals,” he added.

As well as supporting his community, Mexico always looks for ways to improve the movie experience.

“I try to always improve every so often when I can,” he said. “We installed very nice seating with leg room last year. We added beer, wine, cider and food a few years ago.”

Recently, Mexico became a business owner of the Northern Lights Theatre Pub in Salem which he hopes to make “more updated and popular.”

For more information, call 971-666-3246 or visit Star Cinema on Facebook.

The Star Cinema’s glowing neon marquee. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Volleyball runners-up

The Cascade High volleyball team, state Class 4A champions a year ago, came within one match of repeating. The Cougars, who battled injuries and lineup tweaks, went undefeated in the Oregon West Conference but fell 3-0 in the state title match to top-ranked Marshfield.

“This season has been one for the books, that’s for sure,” Cougars coach Cristina Williams said.

Early in the season Cascade lost senior outside hitter Lucretia Benolken to a knee injury, forcing Williams to insert some younger players into the lineup. Senior Meah Carley was shifted to the new position of setter.

“Meah is a natural,” Williams said. “She is an athlete and made it look so easy. She hands down is one of the best setters in the state. She was a huge part of our offense.”

Carley was named OWC player of the year and Williams coach of the year after their 10-0 league season. Benolken won honorary player of the year honors, a distinction usually set aside for an injured player.

Annabelle Peterson, Jadyn Daviscourt and Bella Oliver of Cascade were named to the first team, with Kamryn Sande and Tayler Kamm receiving honorable mention.

Benolken was able to return to the squad in the second half of the season and she also participated in the state tournament. Cascade, the No. 2 seed, blanked Henley in the quarterfinals and Mazama in the semis before falling to Marshfield. Carley, Peterson and Daviscourt were named first-team all-tournament, with Benolken landing on the second team.

Stayton, which finished 9-10 and lost in the 4A play-in round to La Grande, placed Lydia Bielenberg on the OWC first team, Molly Schotthoefer and Kaley Sitton on the second team and Laina Atiyeh and Mercedes Comstock on the honorable mention list.

Football: Stayton finished second in the OWC at 5-1 and was 7-3 overall after bowing out to Pendleton in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. The Eagles captured 16 slots on the all-OWC team, eight on offense, seven on defense and one specialist.

Offensive honors went to Cody Leming (1st team QB), Ty Borde (1st team RB), Jace Aguilar (1st team WR) and Gabe Erickson (1st team tackle) as well as Travis King (2nd team slot back), Brock Hubert (2nd team TE) and honorable mention players Tanner Starbuck (slot back) and Mason Maurer (guard).

Defensively, Hubert and brother Kale Hubert were honored on the 1st team at defensive line and inside linebacker, respectively. They were joined by outside linebacker Borde and DB Starbuck. Second-teamers included lineman Chance Ellingsowrth and DB Bishop Smyzd, with DB Aguilar earning honorable mention. Leming also was named all-OWC punter.

Cascade overcomes injuries, takes second

Cascade, 4-6 after it ended the season with a playoff loss at La Grande, earned 13 spots on the all-star squad. Karsten Sande was a first-team slot back, Jacob Bell was 2nd team at RB and four members of the Cougars’ offensive line – Brayden Scott, Evan Fitzgerald, Teagen Allen and Cole Records, were named to the second team.

Tight end Jackson Walsh earned honorable mention. On defense, Cascade’s Trenton Wymore at inside linebacker and Sande at DB earned first-team slots. Lineman Brayden Lekkerkerker was on the 2nd team, while lineman AJ Xiong and DB Gaje Nicholson received honorable mention. Sande was a second-team specialist at kick returner.

Regis, which tied with Colton for the Tri-River Conference title, earned 19 slots on the all-league squad, led by defensive player of the year Thomas Bischoff, who also earned first-team mention at linebacker.

Kollin Schumacher was a two-way first-teamer at quarterback and defensive back for the Rams. Also on the first team were WR Tim Crowell, offensive lineman Casey Voltin, kicker Luis Perez-Villegas and defensive lineman Cody Ditter. On the second team were TE Ditter, DB Crowell, Perez-Villegas at running back and LB Luke Bischoff

Earning honorable mention were Perez-Villegas (punter and linebacker), DB-WR Noah Koenig, WR Charlie Miller, center Thomas Bischoff and defensive lineman Mark Nusom

The Rams, under first-year co-coaches Alex King and Joe Manibusan, finished 9-2 overall and advanced to the Class 2A quarterfinals before falling 8-6 to Heppner.

Boys Soccer: Stayton went through the regular season undefeated before falling to Oregon West Conference rival North Marion 3-2 in the Class 4A quarterfinals.

The Eagles, who finished 12-1-3, won the league title with a 7-0-3 mark, ahead of 6-0-4 Philomath and 4-3-3 North Marion. Stayton had beaten the Huskies twice, by 1-0 and 3-0 scores during the league season.

The Eagles placed eight players on the OWC all-star squad, and coach Chris Shields earned coach of the year honors. On the first team for Stayton were Ismael Esparza, Jesse Wright, Owen Samuell and Omar Garcia Angel Garcia and Luis Mejia were placed on the second team, with Kevin Aceves and Addison Samuell earning honorable mention.

Cascade, which finished 7-7-2 overall and lost to No. 2 Henley in the first round of the 4A playoffs, earned four slots on the all-star squad. Bryan Cortez was named to the first team, Sam Horne and Jacob Hampton were placed on the second team and Spencer Horne received honorable mention.

Cross Country: The Stayton girls squad took second at the Oregon West Conference meet and then finished fifth at the Class 4A state championships. Leading the way for the Eagles was Haley Butenschoen, who took

Sports Datebook All home games

Thursday, Dec. 6

Girls Basketball 6 p.m. Kennedy vs Portland

Friday, Dec. 2

Girls Basketball 5:30 p.m. Cascade vs Central Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Cascade vs Central

Saturday, Dec. 3

Perry Burlison Wrestling Tournament

9 a.m. Cascade High (Cascade, Stayton)

Friday, Dec. 9

Girls Basketball

5:30 p.m. Stayton vs St. Helens Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Stayton vs St. Helens

Thursday, Dec. 15

Girls Basketball 6 p.m. Regis vs East Linn Christian Boys Basketball 7:30 p.m. Regis vs East Linn Christian

Friday, Dec. 16

Girls Basketball 5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Scappoose Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Stayton vs Scappoose

Saturday, Dec. 17

SCTC Wrestling Duals 10 a.m. Stayton High

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Cascade Holiday Classic TBD Cascade girls vs TBD

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Cascade Holiday Classic TBD Cascade girls vs Molalla TBD Cascade girls vs TBD

Tuesday, Dec. 27

Regis Holiday Basketball Tournament 4:30 p.m. Regis girls vs Scio 6 p.m. Regis boys vs Scio

Wednesday, Dec. 28

Regis Holiday Basketball Tournament TBD Regis girls vs TBD TBD Regis boys vs TBD Dec. 28 – 30

SCTC Stayton Basketball Classic Girls & Boys vs Sweet Home & Cottage Grove, times TBD

Thursday, Dec. 29 Swimming 10 a.m. Stayton vs Molalla

second at the district meet and 11th at state. Hope Bridge was a solid No. 2 runner, taking third at districts and 12th at state. Makaila Kuenzi of Cascade took 37th for the Cougars after a 4th place finish at districts.

Cascade took 12th in the 4A boys meet after qualifying second at the OWC district meet. Ethan Kuntz took 28th to lead the Cougars at state. He was sixth at districts.

Clara Person of Regis, running as an individual, took 25th in the Class 3A-2A-1A state meet after finishing third in the district meet.

Alumni Watch: Jordan Farr, the former Cascade and Corban University goalkeeper, was in goal for San Antonio’s 3-1 win against Louisville City in the United Soccer League championship match on Nov. 13 at Toyota Field in San Antonio. Farr, who played with the Charlotte Eagles, the Portland Timbers U23 and the Indy Eleven before joining San Antonio FC, was named USL goalkeeper of the year.

The USL is one step below Major League Soccer, the top rung of American soccer.

Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@mtangelpub.com. Follow me on Twitter @jameshday.

Time travelers Class reunion weaves a

Suddenly, we were 18 again. It was as though H.G. Wells had swooped us up in a time machine and transported us to a town just outside of Philadelphia in 1971.

Though the mustaches and bald spots were plentiful and the gaits a bit slower, the room filled with members of the Conestoga High School Class of 1971 was vibrating that night. All of the old lines between the rah-rahs, the athletes, the nerds and the others were erased by smiles of recognition.

“Are you Carl?” a stranger asked before

the sidewalk I left as I dug in my heels trying to avoid the inevitable. Maybe I’ll just go to back to the room and sit this out, I thought. I’m not sure I’m up to this.

But, as is often the case, I was wrong. As I scanned the room I started to recognize smiles and mannerisms –even the way some people stood looked

magical spell

to catch up with all of them. Better yet was meeting some folks for the first time. In a big class, there was no way to know everyone. But I wanted to find out what my fellow time travelers had been up to. I’ll bet they had been through some great adventures. Some were doctors, some lawyers, engineers, nurses – even a cartoonist. Several, including me, were still working as journalists. How cool is that? Then there were the stories, which were only slightly embellished with time.

My favorite was the “Chemistry Class Caper.” A classmate – who shall remain nameless – had tucked several chemicals into his coat, which he put on the floor next to his seat. In the middle of class – BAM! – the coat exploded. Our classmate picked it up, ran to a sink and soaked what was left of the coat with water.

I’m not privy to the conversation the teacher had with the student, but I can

still see that smoking coat and the looks on everyone’s faces.

You can’t make up stories like that!  There was a whole batch of folks I wanted to see but who couldn’t make it. Many weren’t the student council members, or the star athletes. Rather, they were “the rest of us,” who did our thing, graduated and moved on to whoknows-what. It would have been great to see them, find out how they were doing – and swap a story or two.

Walking out the front door of the hotel, I lingered a bit, chatting and exchanging email addresses with a few folks. When our ride arrived my wife and I got in the car. The smiles slowly faded, and some of the aches and pains had already returned.

And we drove off into the present.

Carl Sampson is a freelance editor and writer. He lives in Stayton, Oregon.