The Canyon Weekly
June 1, 2011
Volume 2, Issue 22
News and Life - For Our Side of the Mountain!
Serving the communities of Lyons, Mehama, Elkhorn, Mill City, Gates, Niagra, Detroit, Breitenbush, Idanha and Marion Forks
75 cents Check us out online for free! www.TheCanyonWeekly.com Your purchase helps us keep your news fresh and local. Thanks for helping us grow the Santiam Canyon!
Inside this issue: Santiam Senior portraits, school budget update, Elvis sightings & more! Elements in Conflict
Lyons resident calls city hall’s relationship with the water board a “witch hunt” in response to questionable actions taken by former Lyons mayor and city council members By Michelle Gates
Four ways we love to float
The rainy Memorial Day weekend didn’t stop locals and visitors from getting even more wet, such as Luke Harris and Natalie Napier of Lyons pictured above, getting ready to take on Santiam Whitewater Challenge. While the official Whitewater Challenge group boat trip was called off due to fast river conditions, others in the area took on rapids and choppy lake water. True locals, like these Canadian Geese, took the opportunity to grow their family ties by finding something to eat.
Hwy 22, Mill City
(503) 897-2378
Open 7-5 Mon-Sat
8-5 on Sunday
Alleged water theft, misuse of FBI credentials, harassment of a city employee and threats of retaliation all surround the strained relationship between the City of Lyons and Lyons-Mehama Water District. Since 1981, the two have disagreed over policies. In 2010, the city issued a letter to residents that detailed twelve years of reporting delinquincies by the water district., which led to an organized citizens group and a failed recall effort. Lyons resident Mark Orr sees this as a driven effort by city council to undermine the water district. At the May 25 Lyons City Council meeting, Orr passed out packets of documents that he got from the city, including several that indicate two city council members participated in water theft, misuse of FBI credentials and threatening a city employee.
Lyons City Councilor Lon Conner admitted at the April 13, 2011 water board meeting that he had accessed up to six water district fire hydrants earlier that month. City documents state that Conner brought two containers of water to city hall and requested to have them tested. City Manager Mary Mitchell authorized Lon Conner to have the samples tested by WaterLab Corp. on March 4, 2011 at a cost of $210, paid by the city. The city “has at no time authorized access, nor encouraged citizens to access fire hydrants”, according to Mary Mitchell, who also said that Lon Conner was acting as a private citizen and “I truly believe that (he) had good intentions to protect the citizens of this town.” Conner submitted photographs of open hydrants with flowing water in conjunction with the water samples. Positive proof that the fire hydrants were the source of the tested water is still lacking. But based on the photographs, one of the accessed hydrants is located on Juniper St. in Lyons. Lon Conner, who was not available for comment, owns property on Juniper St. Lyons City Councilor and recent former mayor Mike Lucas also owns prop-cont’d on back page 1
Elvis lives on at Gus and Delene Albertson’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
It was a complete surprise to the happy couple when Elvis dropped by to perform and renew the long-standing vows of Gus and Delene Albertson at their famiy’s vacation home in Idanha. Gus had one request - to hear some Elvis music. So daughter Tina Jahn called up Elvis impersonator David Lomond as a surprise. “Dad took me aside and with tears in his eyes said he had wanted to ask for one thing,” said Tina Jahn “But he did not ask. He just wanted to add a justice of the peace to the ceremony to have the vows renewed to surprise Mom....he said, you did it, you
Santiam High Class of 1981 to celebrate 30 year reunion. Santiam High School’s class of 1981 will be reuniting over the weekend of July 2nd and 3rd in Mill City. The reunion will begin on the evening of the 2nd with an informal dinner for the adults at Mountain Edge Cafe beginning at 7pm. On Sunday the 3rd, we will be having a family style potluck beginning around 2pm at the home of Russ and Judy Goffin. We are planning for good weather so plan to bring chairs if you can, and your beverages of choice. There is still time to drop a few pounds and/or have a laser skin tightening treatment if you really want, but we encourage you to come as you are and catch up with your former classmates. For more information and to RSVP, Contact Cindy Zosel (Kirsch) at 360-260-0803, or even better, send an e-mail with reunion in the subject line to jc5zosels@aol.com. Hope to see you there!
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did not leave anything out of this celebration!” The party began Saturday night with group of 24 friends and family. On Sunday the guests began arriving around 10am - and by noon, there were around 75 people gathered to celebrate 50 years of marriage. Before becoming a couple, the two bumped into each other several times in Jefferson, OR - until a fateful event in 1959 closed the deal. “Mom saw dad’s car window was down, and that he left his keys and billfold in the car, so she and her friend took them. They were curious what
dad’s real name was--Gustov, Gustopher, Augustus--and were really surprised when they saw it was Marvin.” To get his stuff back, Gus had to find his future wife Delene - and the rest is history.
God Save the Queen for the 4th of July! But wait a minute. Aren’t we celebrating our liberation from the monarchy? Not in Mill City. July 2nd a new King or Queen of the 4th of July will be crowned to reign over the weekend long festivities. In celebration of the theme “Remember When...”, the newly re-energized 4th of July committee has brought back the decades old tradition of the regal Queen’s Coronation, where young people from the canyon can vie for the title and the honor of representing our community in the Grand Parade and beyond. A contest of talent, question and answer, and overall presentation will name the honoree. This year we will be treated to not only a Royal Court (juniors or seniors in high school) and a Junior Court (chosen by a draw from a hat), a special reunion of the ladies and gentleman from the Courts of years gone by will be gracing the stage. The Mill City 4th of July Celebration was first organized by the late Lowell “Buzz”
Fleetwood in 1956, and has continued as a community function in some way for 55 years. Many committees have dedicated their services through the years to ensure a fun filled, family focused Independence Day for the people of the North Santiam Canyon. This year, thanks to many enthusiastic volunteers, the tradition continues. Sponsorship opportunities are still available to give one of these brave young people the chance to not only serve the community, but to also have a memory of a lifetime to share. In addition to helping provide a float (or car, or horse etc.) for their participant for the Grand Parade, sponsorship donations assist to purchase dress attire, sashes, pins and tiaras. If your business or organization is interested in participating in this time honored tradition please contact Mill City City Hall at 503897-2302. Sponsorship donations may be tax deductible.
Auction & Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, June 4, 2011
5:30p-9:00p
Gates Fire Hall
Proceeds go toward our building fund - join us as we prepare to build our new House of Worship! Some items up for bid:
“SIR LOIN” 100% natural, grain fed from Arden & Bobbie Corey’s herd.
Memorial Day at Fairview Cemetary
The Mill City Gates American Legion & Auxiliary hosted this year’s memorial service. Pictured left: Carolyn Lichlyter and Carlee Jo Smith visit the gravesites of Carlee’s great-grandparents Bill (Army) and Ethelyn McCaueley. Right: John (Navy) & Glenda Roten placed flowers on the gravesites of many family and friends
Santiam School School District faces $600,000 in budget cuts
Solemn news was presented this past Thursday at the Santiam Canyon School District meeting chambers. Budget cuts, while no surprise, are cutting deep this year, with the inevitable loss of jobs and programs guaranteed. “We’re at a $600,000 shortfall in our general fund budget,” reported Steve Nielsen, the school district business manager. “In the 2009-2011 biennium the school district received 8% less per student than
“Hack” Tour on a 1930’s style WWII era motorcycle. 2-3 hour countryside tour and lunch with driver Garry Plotts.
(503)897-2716 www.millcity1stchristianchurch.org
promised, plus we had an overall enrollment drop from 813-759.” Simply put, there is less money available from the state budget per child, and less children enrolled in the Santiam Canyon School District. The question many of us have is how have these choices been made, and who makes the decisions of how the state budget is allocated? In the early 2000’s 45% of the state budget was slotted for K-12 education, this coming biennium 2011-13, the total fell to 37%. Dental Includes Any Necessary Many factors, of course, come into 3470 Liberty Rd S Digital x-rays & much More! Salem, OR 97302 play. One suggestion was the fact ($202 value) Drs. Irene Glanville, DMD & that an increase in mandated prison Aaron Stensvad, DMD stays has swallowed up a larger porCall Today: Irene Glanville, DMD and tion of the state budget than ever Aaron Stensvad, DMD, 503-371-2424 are licensed general dentists. before. According to Arnie White, value. Not valid with other offers. and ask for Angie. No cash May apply to family member, too. a member of the budget committee, © 2011 Novus Venalicium “More cuts in eduction equals more
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prisons they’re going to need to build.” In a letter to the community, preceding the inch thick budget proposal, Superintendent Brad Yates writes, “...At a time when it is very easy to point fingers and throw blame, it is even more crucial that we pull together and work through these hard times...” The next budget meeting is scheduled for June 16 at 6:30 pm at the school district office in Mill City. Copies of the proposed budget are available to view. Call 503 897-2321. Do you have concerns that you’d like to share with those making the state budget decisions? Contact your State Representative: Sherrie Sprenger sherrie@sherriesprenger.com 541-9742720 or State Senator: Fred Girod sen. fredgirod@state.or.us 503-769-4321
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Summer’s on its Way!
Hueller Construction wins second statewide remodeling award
Residential & Commercial Remodeling
www.huellerconstruction.com
Kurt Hueller
Certified Remodeler
503.859.3575
Lyons, OR • CCB #114169
“They wanted this space to provide a comfortable sitting area to capture the morning light,” said Kurt Hueller of Hueller Construction..
Mill City Florist
Incense Oil burners Crystal jewelry Bouquets Hanging baskets
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Tues thru Sat 11am-6pm
503.897.4444
108 SW Broadway, Mill City
Petals & Paws Canine nails only $5
Hueller Construction, Inc. of Lyons recently received its second Outstanding Remodeling Achievement award in an annual statewide competition held by the Oregon Remodelers Association. The North Fork based construction company won the award in the “Residential Addition $150,000 to $250,000” category for their Sublimity based project featuring a custom swim spa room. The award was based on criteria including ability to meet clients’ needs, aesthetics, superior craftsmanship, innovative use of methods and materials, and ability to overcome difficulty. Entries were judged by a panel of construction professionals. This is the third year Hueller Construction has participated - and the second time they’ve taken the prize. “This year, our project was the most involved remodeling project that we’ve ever done,” said Kurt Hueller of Hueller Construction. “I found it very rewarding to work with our lead carpenter Darin Gerdes and so many local subcontractors.”
The project featured a large custom swim spa room and bathroom, adjacent to a larger project that included a three-car garage. The whole home also received new windows, siding, roofing and paint. The spa room was designed to accommodate and feature a large swim spa chosen by the owner for physical therapy use. For more information, call Kurt Hueller at 503.859.3575 or visit www.huellerconstruction.com.
Chamber to open two new visitor information centers
Green Mountain Real Estate and Trexler Farm will soon provide local visitors with North Santiam Chamber of Commerce visitor information. Starting July 1, the chamber plans to change the format of its visitor services. Based on feedback from a member survey, the NSCC will close its office
on Hwy 22 and relocate its visitor and business displays. “Having the brochure displays in businesses will be beneficial to both the customer and the local proprietor,” said Eric Ortiz, Chamber President. “We can start using the funds once used for utilities toward enhancing our website - and building satellite information kiosks in key places throughout the Canyon. We think this will be a win-win.” Info:
President Eric Ortiz at 503-897-2393.
New summer hours at Gates Community Church
Starting June 5th, Sunday School classes will meet at 9am and Sunday Morning Worship will meet at 11am. Sunday School classes are for children kindergarten thru high school; during service, your little one will love the nursery (ages 3 and under) and older kids will love the Junior Church (for ages 4 thru 8). We also have two classes for adults. Please join your friends at Gates Community Church of Christ!
Santiam Canyon School District 2011 Hall of Fame nominations wanted
The Santiam Canyon School District is seeking nominations for the 2011 Hall of Fame in the four categories: Former Student, Former Staff Member (teacher, coach, classified staff), Former Team or Group and Supporter or Booster for the school district (a person or business who did something extraordinary for the district). Nominations should include what was special about the individual or team and
why they should be nominated (with supporting facts like newspaper clippings, awards, etc.). Please include the years the nominee was/is associated with the school district and their contact information. All nominations must be in writing and must be submitted by Monday, June 20, 2011 to the high school or district office. Nominations can come from Mill City, Gates, Detroit and Idanha (including those associated with former Detroit area schools). The Hall of Fame committee will make the final decision; Induction Banquet will be held in November in conjunction with the alumni tournament weekend. 503-897-2311
Sign-up now for July 3 holiday softball tournament
Gene’s Meat Market Locker Beef & Pork Packs, Ham, Bacon, Sausages, Beef & Turkey Jerky, Summer Sausages, Smoked Hams & Turkeys, Custom Smoking & Mobile Slaughtering
By the flashing light Hwy 22 Mehama Mon-Fri 8-6 Sat 9-5
(503) 859-2252
genesmeatmarket.com
As part of the July 4th festivities, organizers are putting together several teams for a slow-pitch softball tournament at the school complex in Mill City. The games will be mixed gender and starting times depend on sign-ups. Individuals ($5) or teams ($20) can sign up at Mill City City Hall by June 14. Space is limited; first come, first served. Info: Mill City City Hall at 503-897-2302.
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2011 Santiam High School Graduating Class
Row 1:Alison Colon, Allbrie Grimes, Amandine Crespeigne, Amber Walczak, Andrew Brown. Row 2: Bryan Mcgregor, Andrew Sorrick, Brooke Thompson, Casey Cooper, Casey Morris, Cassidy Hills, Daniela Martinez. Row 3: Daniela Salinas, Donald White, Emily VanDolah, Emmanuel DelaCruz, Erin VanDolah, Garett Nicot, Iris Tichenor, Jacob Strickland. Row 4: Jake Wiley, James Russell Jr., Jessice Stevenson, Joshua Stinson, Josie Walczak, Julia Korcokova, Kary Tuers. Row 5: Lily Lutz, Max Hebing, Noel Long, Omar Guzman, Oscar Guzman, Phillip Sexton, Russell Feskens Row 6: Savanna Moreno, Sean McConnell, Silvia Bruno, Skyler Zynda, Tanna Burke, Urandari Byambadalai, Waturo Ono, Whit McGuire
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Arts coverage sponsored by
Giovanni’s Mountain Pizza 503-897-2614
Mari-Linn Band Night & Fundraiser
Mari-Linn band performed for a packed audience May 2. “I’m very proud of beginning band,” said music teacher Steve Dalrymple. “They’re playing long, full notes that you usually don’t see in fifth grade.” Upcoming fundraisers (the program does not receive any funds from the school district) includes a $14 donation when customers order a $28 pizza and breadstick deal at Panezanellie Breadstick Shoppe in Sublimity. Order form required (from Mari-Linn 503-859-2154. Panezanellie: 503-767-STIX (7849). Pictured left: Playing California Dreaming in advanced band (back row) Logan Moore, Brandon Peterson, Daniel Sandefur, (front row) Keith McAlister, Cole Dunn, Chase Morgan, Ryan Ninman. Pictured right: Playing Windsor Overture in beginning band (back row) Michelle Carbaugh, Sheree Donohue, (front row) Kaitlyn Paasch, Willow Curry, (in back) Lyndsey DeSantis.
Tickets on sale now for Anne of Green Gables The Kroc Center Theater returns to the Santiam Auditorium June 8 to present Anne of Green Gables, a new dramatization of L.M. Montgomery’s classic story. “If you enjoyed Sarah Plain and Tall you will love this play,” said Director David B e r r i e r. “We have improved exponentially as a troupe.” Anne of Green Gables is an enduring classic about an orphan girl, Anne Shirley, from her first encounter with her austere guardian to her graduation from Queen’s Academy. All the tragedies and triumphs that mark Anne’s growth from adolescence
through early adulthood are here. This special presentation is brought to you by the efforts of Caroline Gillaspy, activities coordinator at SHS, with proceeds benefiting the International Club. Plus, don’t miss the bownie sundae fundraiser avialbable at intermission. Tickets are available pre-event and at the door: $6 for adults, all children admitted free if accompanied by an adult. An amazing opportunity. 503 897-2302
“Improv with an Alien”
The Santiam HS Drama class had the audience in stitches May 26 as they performed a special improv with a guest alien - in addition to several Shakesperian-esque plays directed by Bill Brown, drama advisor. The dinner shows raised funds for future performances and supplements class materials. Pictured: Natazha Howard, Jessica Ste-
venson, Alexis Strong and Lily Lutz.
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Classified Ads Publishers Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on color, race, sex, religion, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. The Canyon Weekly will not knowingly accept any advertising that violates this law. All dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Local Lamb Available. All natural pasture & grass fed. Chops, shanks, roasts, ground and more. Misty Mountain Farms 503-859-3575 mmfarms@wvi. com FOR RENT Large 3 bed, 2 bath duplex, fenced back yard, F/G furnace, single car garage. $715 per month + $600/dep. + application fee. Section 8 OK. 503-8972550. CCB 171684. FOR RENT Space next to Gates Post Office, used to be a beauty salon. Call 503-897-2966 or 503-897-2161 for more information. Cort’s Hauling Anything hauled! Plus housekeeping, residential & rentals. Housecleaning: $20/hr. Hauling: call for estimate. Serving Stayton thru the upper North Santiam Canyon. 503-881-2626 Keyboardist Needed for 5pm Saturday evening church services. St. Catherine’s of Sienna in Mill City. Fee negotiable. Email lharrington @wbcable.net or call (503) 897-3432 Dance Lessons! Now offering ballroom, Latin, aerobics, ballet and jazz in Lyons! Ages 3-adult. Call Tegan for more information. 503-383-4359 Parts Master motor oil $2.65/qt. Auto Parts, New & used tires now available at CLASSIC AUTO & TIRE CENTER 48347 Lyons Mill City Dr For Sale Household oven and range, cream, works good. $75. Inquire at Idanha Country Store 8a-8p,7 days.
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For Sale Purebred yellow lab, 8 weeks. Friendly, shy and sweet. $150 obo. 541-619-7416 For Sale AQHA registered gelding Skips Fire N Ice. 15hh, 1150 lbs, 5 yrs. Bright sorrel with lots of chrome. Trail and mountain horse for two years. Quiet, friendly and gentle. $1600 make offer. 541-619-7416 Lyons Goat Milk available for $3.29 per quart, please ask about our “UMilk” option. For animal use only. 503.900.0005 96 Nissan hard body pickup. 86,000 miles, $3300, come check it out at 1517 Main St., Lyons. Lyons Auto Sales 503-884-9754 or email grandpafix@yahoo.com. 2000 Chryler Cirrus Low miles 64,000, 4cyl, like new! $3500 Lyons Auto Sales 1517 Main St., Lyons 503884-9754 or email grandpafix@yahoo.
Classified Ads Text: 25 words for $5.00/week. Photo: 25 words + photo $10/week. Addtl words: .20 each Rideshare ads are FREE! Lost & Found ad are FREE! max 25 words
Deadline: Saturday noon for the following Wednesday publication. Submit your ad to Editor@TheCanyonWeekly.com or Drop Box Locations:
Mehama True Value Kelly Lumber, Mill City
Bill Sanderson’s River Report June 1, 2011
503-897-3301
The North Santiam will continue to have high flows at Packsaddle for at least ten days, according to the Army Engineers, because of snow runoff and continuing rains. The good news is that the river clarity is good. We can see five or ten feet down and spot fish and rock formations along the way. The high flows make navigation difficult upstream from Fishermen’s Bend because of the narrow chutes and steep drops and big rapids. The run from Fishermen’s Bend to Mehama is navigable but it is hard to fish because of the fast water. Below Mehama, the river is both navigable and fishable. Numerous fresh summer steelhead and a few new Chinook salmon were caught last week on different drifts between Mehama and Jefferson. On Memorial Day weekend, a few people ran the upper river in large bunches of inner tubes, kayaks, and rafts. Only ten boats participated because of the poor weather and difficult water levels. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. On the lower river, below Fishermen’s Bend, many trips were enjoyed by anglers with raingear and hot coffee. Travel Salem will participate in a trip from Fishermen’s Bend to Mehama and Stayton on Friday, June 3. Other boaters are invited to join us. We will put in the river at 10:00 a.m. and stop at Mehama shortly after noon. Boaters may pull out there or may continue down to Stayton. North Santiam River Trips can take groups of people on most river sections.
The Canyon Weekly Puzzle Page
Across 5. A day to remember those who gave their all 6. ...with an alien, drama production. 8. How many boats braved the rain for the whitewater challenge this year?(hint, read the river report!) 9. (for)see ours on page 6. 10. Hueller construction won an ward for building this beautiful room. 12. Class of '81- 30 years! 13. See all of ours on page 6 14. Get your team ready for the 4th of July tournament. 17. Men and women sail the seas with vows to protect. 18. ... or king, who will be coronated? 19. These broom lovers don't like to be hunted Down 1. Lyons has woes concerning this vital element 2. A boat on a lake, in a river, on a pond. 3. These folks can now be officially welcomed at Green Mountain Realty 4. There are two for sale in the classifieds. 7. Semper Fi 11. Off we go! Into the wild blue yonder! 15. Mari-Linn School is selling breadsticks to help fund this. 16. They're made, they're broken, our state one is cutting schools
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Sling Recliner Lounge $59.99 Chair
Mehama Start Right
Start Here
503 859-2257
Coming Soon!
to Lyons
Grove St
Hwy 22 at flashing light
1267 Grove St Mehama
Presents “The Beginning” June 11, 7-10pm at Liberty Fellowship June 11-12 Free fishing statewide to Church 250 Santiam Hwy. Bands all persons, regardless of age. State size include:Adonijah, Disco for Deer, our restrictions and catch limits are in effect. Mistaken Grace and March of May $3/$5 10am-1pm Ages 12 and under: Free at door. Fishing Day at Foster Lake Lewis th Creek Park on the north shore of Foster 28 Annual Free Junior Police Fishing Derby June 16 at Detroit Lake. Free. Lake. (541)367-3492 Kids will be picked up and returned in 10am-2pm Ages 18 and under: Mehama, Mill City and Detroit. Ages Detroit RD Free Fishing Clinic Kids 8-13 and pre-register with the Stayton Hoover Campground on Detroit Lake. Police Department by June 12. Fishing 503-854-4219 pole and tackle provided. Permission 9am-12pm Ages 10 and under: slips/more info at Santiam Sports Center Middle Fork RD Free Fishing Event in Mill City (897-2881) or through the Hwy. 58 east to Oakridge and over the Stayton Police Dept. Salmon Creek Bridge. Turn left onto Fish Hatchery Road. Email: dlarson@ Learn the River with Bill Sanderson June 18: Packsaddle to Fisherman’s fs.fed.us Bend. Join members of the North Ending Evermore Productions Santiam River Guides Association, and North Santiam Watershed Council. Info: 503-897-3301 Marian Estates June 25 Open House/Health Fair/ LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 21393 N. Santiam Hwy. • Stayton, OR 97383 BBQ/Antiques appraisal AARP Driver Safety Class Aug 8-9, 9am-1pm, Canyon Senior Center. Participants who qualify can receive a discount on their insurance premiums (savings determined by insurance company.) 8 hours total; there is no on-street practice or “final PRODUCTS OFFERED exam”. The cost is $12 for Hemlock Barkdust • Fir Barkdust AARP members and $14 • Topsoil • Fir Wood Chips • Fill Dirt for non-members. Social • Compost/Topsoil Blend • Alder Sawdust Graces Obedience and 1/4” minus River Rock • 1/4” Pea Gravel • 1/2” minus Crushed Quarry Social Skills dog training Rock • 3/4” minus Crushed Quarry Rock • 1-1/2” minus Crushed group class will start June Quarry Rock • Red Cinder Rock • 3” minus Crushed Quarry Rock 29, 6pm, on Wednesdays We Deliver Through December 31st mention this ad and receive a $5 discount on delivery. at the Scout Cabin in Mill City. Six weeks; $75. Dogs 10
503-769-6291
WA REG # SIEGMEC R9 • CCB 128312
for comfort all summer long. Bronze epoxy- coated steel for maximum stability and support.
$6.99
Solar Color-Changing Stake Lights
in various whimsical styles. Super bright LED with rotating colors.
must be vaccinated and friendly. Private lessons available for targeted training; AKC Canine Good Citizen certification class and testing is coming soon. For more information call 503-859-3647. Canyon Readers at Trexler Farm in Mehama: July 14 discussion is Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. August 11 discussion is The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin. Dinner starts at 6:30 or come for the discussion which starts at 7:00. Info: Herb Bastuscheck 503-859-2668.
Local Events
Thursday June 2
6:30 Santiam Canyon School Board Meeting District Office, Evergreen St. Mill City 503 897-2321
Friday, June 3
Community Supported Agriculture Program from Fresh to You Produce starts. 503-769-9682or www.ftyp.com Santiam High School Graduation SHS Gymnasium at 8pm. Steak Night at Mill City Eagles Lodge. New members welcome. 503-897-3100
Saturday, June 4
9am-12pm Tour of the North Santiam Watershed Council Project Sites Visit sites on Stout Creek, Valentine Creek, and Snake Deford Creek, all tributaries to the North Santiam River. The tour begins at the Lyons post office; carpool to the sites. Snack and beverages included. Info/RSVP 503-930-8202. 9am Foothill Church 3rd Annual Poker Fun Ride thru the Willamette Valley. Meet at 975 Fern Ridge Rd, Stayton. Lunch included, plus plenty of raffle prizes. Cost $15/rider, $10/ passenger. Proceeds to help send youth to camp. Info: Dave 503-991-7359. Learn the River with Bill Sanderson Fisherman’s Bend to Mehama. Join
Scout Cabin 49003 Remine Rd, MC
Friday, June 10
5pm Prime Rib Dinner at Mt. Edge Cafe Reservations reccomended. $17.95 and up. 503-897-2741. Baby Back Ribs served on Saturday.
Weekly Events members of the North Santiam River Guides Association, Salem Steelheaders, and North Santiam Watershed Council. 503-897-3301 North Santiam River Trips 5:30-9pm Mill City Christian Church Auction & Dinner Fundraiser. Proceeds go towards the new church building on Kingwood Ave, Mill City. Auction items include rafting trips and new tools, plus many more great items! Info: 503897-2716 or MillCityChristianChurch. org.
Monday, June 6
10am Mari-Linn Year End Celebration, BBQ and Field Day Celebration assembly in the gym; lunch and field day to follow. Families are encouraged to come! Adult meals: $3. 503-859-2154
Tuesday, June 7
6-8pm 4th of July committee meeting Scout Cabin 49003 Remine Rd, Mill City Mill City Middle School Graduation at 7:30 pm. SHS Gymnasium.
Wednesday, June 8
6:30-8:30pm Lions Club meets at Mt. Edge Cafe 7pm Kroc Theater Presents Anne of Green Gables SHS Auditorium. 7pm Lyons-Mehama Water District board meeting at Mehama Fire Hall
Thursday June 9
6:30pm Canyon Readers at Trexler Farm, Mehama. This week: Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake. Dinner at 6:30pm, discussion starts at 7:00pm. Info: Herb Bastuscheck 503859-2668. 6-8pm Mill City Gates Recreation Association meets at
Mondays
4pm-8pm Youth Center for 7th-12 grades. Air Hockey, Ping Pong, ect. FREE. Mill City Baptist Church. 6-7:30pm Eagles Lodge Taco Night New members welcome. 8973100
Tuesdays
10am-2pm Quilting Club Canyon Baptist Church 446 Cedar St, Lyons 503910-4918 12pm Senior Meals Fellowship Hall, Mill City Presbyterian Church. Meals on Wheels avail. Ruth:503 897-2204 1pm Eagles Lodge Bingo Open to everyone. New members welcome. Mill City 897-3100 7:30pm Santiam Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, open meeting, Mt. View Church, First and Main,Aumsville (Next to Neufeldt’s Restaurant)
Wednesdays
10am-3pm Judy’s Art Class at Mill City Eagles Lodge. Open to the public. $10, 503-859-2213. 7pm. AA Meeting Santiam Chapel, Lyons. 7:30-8:30pm Idanha AA at City Hall
Thursdays
Gates Church, all levels! 897-2102 4pm-8pm Youth Center for 7th-12 grades. Air Hockey, Ping Pong, Foos Ball. FREE. Mill City Baptist Church. 5:45-9:30pm Teen Movie Night Ages 10-18 First Christian Church, Mill City. All kids MUST be picked up at 9:30pm. Free. 503-602-8742 6pm Cedars Restaurant Taco Night, Detroit
Fridays
Free Knife Sharpening Fridays Gene’s Meat Market on Fridays from 3pm-6pm; Located at the flashing yellow light on Hwy 22 in Mehama. 503-859-2252. 10am-12pm Kid Zone Fun, crafts and a FREE sack lunch. Mill City Baptist Church. 140 N. 1st. St (503) 536-5414 1pm Canyon Senior Center Open Pinochle 844 South First St, Mill City 503-897-4176 7:30-8:30pm Idanha AA Mtg at City Hall
12pm Senior Meals. Fellowship Hall, MC Presbyterian Church, 897-2204 10am-3pm North Santiam Quilters,
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Former Lyons mayor uses FBI card to access water inspector’s office
cont’d from front page
erty on Juniper St. – and appears to have taken some proactive steps, as well. At the October 26, 2010 city council meeting, in response to water district delinquencies, Lucas said “what the council is trying to do is move people to action.” Lucas was a member of the Concerned Citizens for Safe Water, the local citizens group who organized in response to the problems with the water district reporting. Lucas circulated recall petitions, and followed one city employee home to ask for a signature. According to city documents, the employee told a friend, “I felt very intimidated by Mr. Lucas coming only to my house and singling me out for a signature.” Lucas explained, “I knew (the employee). I’m asking him if he’s interested in signing the petition.” This comes after concerns that Mike Lucas showed his FBI employee business card to gain access to a water inspector’s office on Sept 22, 2010, according to a DHS memo. Lucas was mayor at the time and currently works as a part-time contractor for the FBI. He admits he used his credentials this way in an email on Feb 28, 2011. “I showed her my FBI investigator credentials with the caveat that it was not
government business I was there for but water related issues.” According to Lucas and the DHS memo, police were called to the intrusion, but were unable to find a report. The Salem FBI office has not responded to inquires. Lucas later explained that he was doing investigations in the area that day and was worried about the water district’s history of slow response to water regulations. “The more I press them, the more I think it will get (the state water inspectors) on the button,” said Lucas, knowing that state regulators do not have authority to force the water district to comply with standards. Mark Orr thinks these actions might be a bit too proactive. “Some people had a “witch hunt” on the water board…(I’m) going to do the same thing to the city…what is happening to the water board is going to happen to city council,” said Orr at the February 22 Lyons City Council meeting, according to meeting minutes. “I want you to leave the water board alone. I don’t know what your personal agenda is…I will fight till the last breath,” Orr stated at the May 25 Lyons City Council meeting. According to water district Chairman George Geddes, Mark Orr is not repre-
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senting the Lyons-Mehama Water District. But, Geddes said, “You have to follow the money. If the city were to franchise the water district, they would collect fees for every gallon of water. They wouldn’t have to do anything to get the money.” The city denies any desire to take over the district. “It would cost a lot more than what we would get. I just don’t see any positives,” said Lyons Mayor Doug Morgan. “In my opinion, there would be so much work to get things running properly…the water district is facing a lot of challenges. For us to be responsible would be overwhelming.” “I want transparency,” said Mark Orr to Mayor Doug Morgan at the May 25 city council meeting. Mayor Morgan stands by his personal open door policy. City hall has two file drawers worth of water district related documents that are open to anyone during business hours. Council meeting minutes are online, going back over two years. The Lyons-Mehama Water District office is located at the home of Kelly Namitz, the district bookkeeper and is not open to the public. Online meeting minutes are very limited. The law allows “reasonable time” to respond to document requests and some residents have found the district to be very slow in responding; according to Mayor Doug Morgan, the city has been asking for a maps of the water lines for 1 ½ years. State law does not specify what “reasonable time” is. “What happened to our nice little town,” said Mark Orr at the May 25 Lyons City Council meeting. It’s one of his few points of agreement with the City of Lyons, who just want the conflict to be over. This reporter can be contacted at michelle@thecanyonweekly.com