Our Town North: April 1, 2024

Life’s big moments don’t always happen on schedule. That’s why we have hospitals and clinics across our region that stay open nights, weekends and holidays.

At Salem Health, we’re always ready, even when you’re not.

That’s care with respect.

Board told layoffs, furloughs are on the table

By Stephen Floyd

Officials with the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) believe workforce reductions are necessary as they learn a projected budget deficit may be greater than initially estimated.

On March 21 during a special meeting of the board, Director of Finance Kim Doud said they were learning about revenue shortfalls that could deepen an original deficit projection of $825,000.

Shesaid, when that number was presented, it was assumed revenue would remain close to budget. The district has since learned a state grant for special education could be short by as much as $600,000, and federal pandemic relief dollars could be short $1.1 million.

Doud said they are also discovering potential revenue overages that could help balance out the shortfalls. She said a more complete report of net revenue will be provided at the board’s April 8 meeting.

Given the possibility of a deeper deficit, Doud said the board should be prepared to take action beyond the bridge loan they have been discussing. The loan, a tax anticipation note (TAN), would borrow against tax revenue the district expects at the end of 2024. The board has been told that without the TAN the district may not make June payroll.

“We do not have any other option right now besides this tax anticipation note, but to be

clear this tax anticipation note is not the only action that needs to take place,” said Doud. “We cannot right this ship without additional actions.”

Acting Superintendent Dan Busch said additional action could include layoffs and furlough days. He said there is already language in union contracts defining how layoffs would be conducted, while furloughs would require conversations with union representatives to define terms and expectations.

“Furloughs typically happen because [unions] want to partner to protect jobs,” Busch explained.

This is a reversal from the board budget discussion in late 2023, when Busch and former Superintendent Scott Drue said layoffs and furlough days would not be pursued. At the time they said a hiring freeze was in place to help avoid involuntary workforce reductions.

Doud said the right combination of a TAN and potential workforce reductions should leave the district with enough cash in the fall to ensure payroll obligations. She said the budget for the next school year will need to be tight and closely monitored.

Doud also noted the projected deficit only applies to the general fund. Accounts related to student fundraising and similar programs have not been affected.

Scott Drue resigns as superintendent

Scott Drue has resigned as superintendent of the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) amid a deficit projection of more than $825,000 and concerns from teachers of “toxic” leadership. Drue’s resignation was accepted by the SFSD Board during a special meeting March 13, effective immediately. The board then named Assistant Superintendent Dan Busch as acting superintendent.

In a prepared statement, Drue said his personal life “has been extremely difficult” during recent years and he was taking time away from education.

In the board’s own prepared statement Chair Jennifer Traeger thanked Drue for his “tireless” work to bring new programs to SFSD and to close achievement gaps.

“We wish Mr. Drue nothing but the best in his future endeavors in public education,” said Traeger.

The board also approved a separation agreement with Drue which included a cash payout of $92,141, slightly more than half his annual salary of $169,313.

Parties agreed to hold each other harmless from potential legal damages, and to not publicly disparage the other.

Drue’s resignation came as a surprise to the Silver Falls Education Association (SFEA), which two days earlier had accused Drue of “financial negligence.”

In a statement to Our Town, SFEA said Drue’s resignation relieved some concerns about district leadership while other obstacles remained. “There are still concerns about the broken trust, the toxic work culture that was created, and how we will move forward and heal as a district.”

Drue’s tenure with SFSD was defined by crisis, starting with his first day in 2020 amid COVID-19 lockdowns and a 10 percent drop in student enrollment. That year also saw Silverton threatened by wildfires, while 2021 brought a devastating ice storm.

In April of 2022 the district began what would become contentious contract negotiation with SFEA, which concluded in April 2023 just days shy of a strike.

In late 2023 the board was informed of a need to cut the 2024-2025 budget by more than $3 million, and on Feb. 26 they were informed of the deficit projections for the current school year.

-- Stephen Floyd

Scott Drue FILE PHOTO

SFSD Board pulls $73M bond off May ballot Forging ahead

SFSD interim positions focus on trust

By Stephen Floyd

The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is preparing a two-pronged approach to temporarily fill the vacant superintendent’s position. The board plans to appoint both an interim superintendent and a goodwill ambassador.

During a March 21 workshop, the SFSD board members said they face the distinct challenges of repairing a growing budget deficit and restoring trust in district leadership.

“There’s more than just a financial, fiduciary oversight,” Board Vice Chair Aaron Koch said. “We have a major fractured trust in our district. We need to fix that… I think we need an individual who can unite us right now.”

For the budget crunch they plan to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Willamette Education Service District (WESD).

The agreement would allow WESD Superintendent Joe Morelock to act as interim superintendent for SFSD and tackle a more-than $825,000 projected budget shortfall for the 2023-24 school year.

Morelock’s service in this role would come at no additional cost to SFSD and would bring with it the staff and resources of WESD, according to board discussions.

To address broken trust the board plans to appoint Butte Creek School Principal Kevin Palmer as goodwill ambassador, a new position in the district.

The board will first create an official title and job description before making a formal appointment.

Acting Superintendent Dan Busch said these tasks could be completed by the end of March and the board could make the appointments during a special meeting before its next regular meeting

April 8.

If Morelock and Palmer are appointed, Busch would return to his role as assistant superintendent and head of human resources. Busch said between an ongoing hiring freeze and possible layoffs and furlough days to cut the deficit, the human resources department will have to manage difficult decisions. The proposed positions for Morelock and Palmer would be effective through June 30. The board plans to appoint a longer-term interim superintendent to start July 1 as it searches for candidates for the superintendent’s position.

Palmer said March 21 he was not interested in serving as superintendent. His goal is to return to Butte Creek.

“That is what I love, that is where I need to be,” Palmer explained.

Board members said Morelock’s experience helping districts in crisis will be an asset to SFSD. Board Member Owen Von Flue, who was part of recent talks between SFSD and education association, said he believes Morelock’s “competency was clear.”

Morelock became interim superintendent of the Newberg School District in 2018 as Newberg faced a financial crunch that resulted in layoffs. He won the regular position in 2019. The district teacher’s union reflected positively on Morelock’s work. In 2021 it said he was “key in the transformation of a struggling district.”

The union’s statement was in response to Morelock being fired by the Newberg school board that year without cause. Conflicts over a new board policy banning staff from displaying “controversial, political, or quasipolitical” symbols in schools lead to his dismissal.

Morelock became superintendent of the Woodburn School District in 2022, but left in 2023 to join WESD.

The Silver Fall School District Board has unanimously voted to remove a $73 million bond measure from the May 21 ballot amid broader financial and administrative challenges.

The decision was made during a special meeting held virtually the afternoon of March 21, as the district had a deadline of 5 p.m. that day to pull the measure.

Board members said their efforts to correct a projected $825,000 budget shortfall and to fill a vacant superintendent’s position had to take priority over the measure.

“I feel like this could be quite a major distraction,” Board Member Josh Ort said of the bond.

The board also said there does not appear to be public support for a bond, reporting difficulties recruiting volunteers for a PAC supporting the measure.

A prior $138 million bond measure in November of 2023 was also short

on voter support, failing with 55.76% disapproval.

The district would pay between $1,250 and $2,250 to participate in the May election, acting superintendent Dan Busch explained, adding the bond meassure could negatively impact interest rates on a bridge loan – which would borrow against future property taxes – that the district is considering to address the deficit.

Board Chair Jennifer Traeger said she had been hesitant to withdraw the bond at the start of the meeting. After Busch’s report, as well as a broader update on worsening deficit projections, Traeger said she believed pulling the bond was the right decision.

The board originally voted Feb. 12 to place the bond on the ballot. The measure would have provided funds to rebuild Silverton Middle School and for critical repairs at Silverton High School.

– Stephen Floyd

Land use Council hears from experts as comprehensive plan project looms

By James Day

Housing continues to be a major concern statewide, with the Legislature passing another major housing bill in its recently completed short session.

The City of Silverton decided to bone up on housing and land use issues in a March 18 joint session involving city staff, the City Council and the Planning Commission.

The special meeting heard from Ashleigh Dougill of Beery Elsner and Hammond, the city’s legal representatives, as well as two representatives of the State Department of Land and Conservation Development.

The latest housing bill, Senate Bill 1537, provides $376 million in new spending, offers grants and interest-free loans to help develop affordable housing, forms a policy panel to review logjams and problems for developers and allows cities of 10,000 or more to engage in onetime expansions of their urban growth

boundary in return for guaranteeing that 30% of the housing built on the property will be affordable.

The legislation does not kick in until 2025, with Silverton looking at updating its comprehensive plan, a 12- to 18-month process that will provide a blueprint for growth and development in town. Having an updated comprehensive plan can be critical for getting grants to assist with housing issues.

No word was available on when the plan process will start. Such code work tends to involve multiple public outreach sessions, and City Manager Cory Misley said he thought the city likely will hire a consultant to assist with the work.

In other highlights from the threehour meeting at The Oregon Garden education center:

• The council signed a 90-day extension of its lease on the Silverton Community Center building with the Oregon Military Department. The council uses the

building for its meetings, pending the completion of the new City Hall. Others still using the building include Silverton Area Community Aid, the Women, Infants and Children program and Jazzercise. The Silver Falls YMCA has pulled out all of its programming from the building.

• The council unanimously approved, as part of its consent agenda, appropriations of $378,426 from the sewer and water funds to the fund that is paying for the reconstruction of Second Street and its sidewalk and utility improvements. The appropriation does not increase the budget for the project. The money was intended to be forwarded to the Second Street project all along but an audit uncovered the mistake. The project, which runs from near Lincoln Street in the north to the Home Place restaurant, added sidewalks on the east side of Second and curbs on the west as well as adding sewer pipes and filling in the old storm water ditches.

• Pickleball update: Councilors unanimously voted to apply for a $750,000 state parks and recreation grant to assist with plans for pickleball courts next to the dog park and the Silverton Senior Center. The city hopes to build six courts in two phases, three in a first phase and three more in a second phase that also would feature parking improvements, restrooms, picnic tables and work on the dog park. The city would be required to match $500,000 of the grant, which it would do using parks system development charge funds. No word was available when the city will know if its grant application has been accepted or when work on the project will begin.

• Councilors also unanimously approved spending up to $397,347 on a contract for engineering, design and construction administration on the pickleball project and the planned trails at Pettit Lake.

Sustainable Silverton hosts adaptation event

By James Day

Thriving in Times of Change is the theme for the Sustainable Silverton event set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at The Oregon Garden.

Admission is $12 and includes refreshments. Registration is available at  https://www.simpletix.com/e/thrivingin-times-of-change-tools-for-adaptickets-163552/. The conference begins inside the Garden’s education center, which is the building on the right as you enter the Garden from the parking area. This is the second in a series of events for Sustainable Silverton. On Feb. 8 a “community conversation” at the Silver Falls Public Library looked at the idea of community resiliency through the lens of the 2020 wildfires and the 2021 ice storm. Feedback gathered from that session will be part of the April 6 program,

which is oriented toward tools that community members can use to adapt.

The schedule is broken down into four sections: air, water, earth and fire. Presenters include Eric Hammond, Kelley Morehouse, Alyson Budde and Ron Garst of Sustainable Silverton, Kayla Bordelon of Oregon State University Extension, Silverton City Manager Cory Misley, Kurt Berning of the Pudding River Watershed Council, Chelsea Blank and Kassi Roosth of the Marion Soil & Water Conservation District.

Sessions will be conducted inside the Garden education center as well as outdoors and in hands-on sessions.

Topics on the agenda include Silverton’s future climate, stressed plants, city water resources, building resilience, fire hardening, soil evaluation and preservation of oaks.

Submissions open for 10th annual art show

Submissions are open for the 10th annual Community Art Show at Oak St. Church and local artists are invited to share their talent, skill and creativity. The show is Saturday, May 4, 3 - 8 p.m. at 502 Oak St., Silverton. Art submissions are due April 24.

To enter, artists can email oakstchurch@ gmail.com with a well-lit, in-focus photo of their work and details including title of the piece and medium. Entries are free.

Artists of all ages, skill levels and beliefs are welcome. All media are welcome including paint, ink, graphite, photography,

sculpture, fibers/textiles, pottery, mixedmedia, and displayable poetry and prose. Unconventional media or work that requires unique display accommodations is welcome. This is an all-ages event so entries must not be graphically violent or sexual.

Submissions must be ready to hang and must be fully finished. If accepted, artworks should be dropped off at the church by May 3 and picked up no later than May 11.

For information, call curator John Friedrick at 503-314-5806 or email oakstchurch@ gmail.com.

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$850,000 Abiqua Creek Frontage w/ amazing views~ 3bd/3.5ba~1920 SF~ 1.04 acres~ Swimming hole & Winter time waterfall~Steps to creek~ Home is custom built single level~ Office~ 3 Pantries~ 3 types of heating~ Shop is 1262SF w/full bath & W/D set up~ Possible ADU~Garden area~ Chicken Coop~Scotts Mills~ Donna Paradis 503-851-0998 MLS#813185

$564,900 Home offers a lot of flexible space located in beautiful neighborhood near Hospital and center of town~ 4bd/2.5ba~ 2642 SF~ Upstairs bonus room~ Downstairs could be dual living~ Shop space in partial finished basement~Oversized double car garage~ low maintenance yard~ Silverton~ Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#811526

$460,000 Creek Frontage! Seller offering $15,000 buyer credit for rate buy down or CC!

2bd/1ba~ 1328 SF w/upstairs bonus area~ 1 block from historic down town Silverton~ Silver creek in backyard~ .21 acre lot is zoned to allow duplex or ADU (plan subject to city approval) New carpet in January~ Shed~ Silverton~ Valerie (Boen)Kofstad 503-871-1667 MLS#810541

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$599,900 4bd/ 2ba~ 2508 SF~ This home has amazing open space w/views from the living room~ Primary bedroom is upstairs~ Big family room ~ 4th bedroom needs closet~ Home is located in one of Silverton’s newest and sought after neighborhoods~ Seller is motivated!! Silverton Robin Kuhn 503-930-1896 MLS#806675

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By Brenna Wiegand

A visit to the emergency room is never fun, but having swifter care, greater privacy and up-to-the-minute amenities doesn’t hurt.

March 18, Legacy Silverton Medical Center opened its brand-new entrance doors upon an expansion/remodel project that includes a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department (ED).

The 21,000-square-foot expansion brings visitors through a covered entrance into a spacious lobby and new registration area with private admitting booths.

Waiting areas are roomier and, throughout the project, everything is designed to bring in light, nature and a sense of calm. Emergency patients go right into triage rooms to determine the level of care needed, and having a new imaging area close by helps fast-track such things as X-rays and CT scans when time is of the essence.

One of the first things finished was a new helipad directly across Fairview Street from the emergency department, making things as smooth as possible for patients requiring access to higher-acuity hospitals.

The original plan was to have a new main entrance and a separate emergency entrance, but after the shooting of a security guard at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, it was determined that, for security purposes, there would be just one hospital entrance.

“We designed it as one main funnel that will branch you off to where you need to be; an interconnected, contiguous path between both sides of the building,” James Berokoff, Legacy’s Senior Construction Manager, said. “The original entry door will now be used for discharging patients to avoid crowding

the main entrance.”

The Family Birth Center has a new family waiting room designed to be a calming and comfortable place.

“There’s a new coffee shop down here and you’ll eventually see a new gift shop open up on this side of the building,” Joe Yoder, Legacy Silverton Medical Center President, said. “It’s just a much nicer place to be for patients and those waiting for them.”

In addition to the expansion, about 500 square feet were remodeled and 70,000 square feet of site improvements are being made across the two main hospital lots, according to Andersen Construction, who is carrying out the plans designed by Clark/ Kjos Architects.

The ED expanded from 12 to 20 patient rooms, about 30% larger than the previous rooms, including a trauma treatment bay, and expanded rooms for trauma and cardiac patients.

“In our current space we’ve seen anywhere between a 10 to 15 percent increase in volume year over year,” Yoder said. “We’re going to be seeing the same volume [in the new space] and probably fill it very quickly because what’s happening right now is when it gets busy, you might wait for hours or receive care in a hallway or a chair.

“Now there is enough room to accommodate all of our existing volume in a much better setting where people can receive emergency care in a dignified and private manner,” Yoder said.

“We also believe there’s going to be some organic growth with the building’s new ED and that could be anywhere from another 10 to 20 percent on top of what we see today.”

Another sign of the times is the need for

higher security on hospital campuses. The expansion includes a dedicated security office in proximity with the ED.

“It’s good for them to have their own spot and to have them close and nearby,” Yoder said. “If somebody comes in distressed or is having a substance problem they aren’t always in their right mind and having security at the door to help assist just helps calm the nerves and can really deescalate a situation before it turns into something negative.”

Nearby, the hospital now has its own staterequired holding room for folks having mental health challenges.

“Oftentimes we’re trying to admit them to a mental health facility, and we have the ability now to hold them in a safe place while they’re waiting to be transferred,” Berokoff said. “Another thing that we did not have in the old ED is true isolation rooms; with negative air pressure and their own restrooms, which would have been nice to have during COVID.

“Getting the ED up to current codes and standards was really a need for this community,” Berokoff said.

The large trauma rooms within the ED provide adequate space for an entire team to be in attendance with a swinging boom up top providing instant access to various medical gases, a large monitor and quick access to adjacent rooms.

A long, streamlined station across from the emergency rooms allows the clinical team to do charting or other work while having eyes on their assigned patients throughout the space.

“Doctors came up with new ideas all the way through to the end,” Berokoff said. “We

continued to make more tweaks to get it just right.”

The ED’s headwalls are composed of woodlike panels that are extremely durable and easily changed out to accommodate new controls or devices.

“ED rooms really take a beating with the people and the beds and carts with equipment going in and out,” Berokoff said. “This is the first facility Legacy has put these in and the fact that they’re easily replaceable will enable us to keep this place looking nice for many, many years.”

When it merged with Silverton Hospital in 2016, Legacy pledged $58 million toward improving access to care, physician recruitment and upgrading the existing technology. Early on, it installed a new medical records system, recruited more specialists, brought 3D mammography to Silverton and Woodburn and, more recently, installed Silverton’s surgical robotics program.

They’ve leaned into physician recruiting and are currently focusing on bringing in more primary care providers and OB-GYNs.

Phase 2 will entail remodeling and repurposing the areas freed up when the ED was moved.

“We’re still trying to nail down exactly what Phase 2 is going to look like, but we know it’s going to be imaging focused,” Yoder said. “We’ll work closely with the Silverton Governing Board to understand exactly what we need in order to meet our current demands and, from there, develop a plan.”

The Silverton Governing Board, a sub entity of the Legacy Health Board, is the approval body for the funds going into both phases of the building expansion and remodel.

Joe & Dana Giegerich

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$1,325,000 Single level home 3 bd. 3ba. + income producing daycare facility, $4K monthly lease income. 6868 Cascade Hwy NE, Silverton. MLS#813290

$645,000 Under Contract 3.85 acres. Prestige Estate property, path of progress potential. 835 Grouse St. NE, Silverton. Sellers will consider carrying a contract MLS#770597

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$375,000 Rosemary Way lots: 601, 605 & 611 MLS#810425; 615, 619 & 623 MLS#810404. Builder, Developer! Located in Monitor Road Estates. Desirable location in Silverton. These lots will require wetland remediation. Buyer must have a development plan.

$299,000 2 acres buildable! Approved for standard septic. Water well. Seller will carry contract. 7685 Dovich Ln SE, Turner. MLS#778883

$195,000 Under Contract 608 James St., Silverton Lot #14. 8,000 sq ft buildable lot in Paradise Village. MLS#810811

$127,500 Buildable residential lot, 7650 sq. ft. Property has iconic water tower on it. 617 Keene Ave. Silverton. MLS#802507

Marlene Ruef Sept. 22, 1938 – Feb. 28, 2024

Marlene Marie Kahut Ruef passed away at the age of 85 on Feb. 28, 2024 at her home in Mount Angel, Oregon. She was born on Sept. 22, 1938 in Woodburn, Oregon to Frank and Rose Kahut.

Marlene was raised on a farm in Woodburn. She graduated from Mt. Angel Academy in June 1956. On July 14, 1956 she married her high school sweetheart, Max Ruef, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Woodburn. Marlene and Max raised seven children on their mink ranch outside of Mount Angel.

She will be missed by her husband Max of 67 years; her children, Pam (Larry) Groomes, Patty (Stu) Smith, Julie (Rigo) Parra, Joe (Darcy) Ruef, Susie (Mike) Charpilloz, Cherie (Steve) Bielenberg and Jeff (Toni) Ruef; as well as 19 grandchildren and 19 greatgrandchildren with two more due this summer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Jeanette Schindler, Lorene Hassing, Vera Bernt; and brothers, Glenn, Milton and Marvin, her twin.

Roger Lawrence Willey

Roger Lawrence Willey, 72, of Silverton, Oregon passed away peacefully at home in his favorite chair Saturday on March 2, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife of 48 years, his three grown children, two grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

spoken man with things to say. He had a smile that warmed the heart and would brighten the day of his friends and family.

Marlene enjoyed working alongside her husband and kept meticulous books for the ranch. She enjoyed traveling with Max to China, Europe and Africa. She also enjoyed capturing family memories in beautifully crafted scrapbooks as well as baking.

Francis Joseph Piatz

Francis Joseph Piatz of Mount Angel, Oregon, died Feb. 27, 2024 at the age of 89. He was born at home in the small town of Napoleon, North Dakota on June 7, 1934, to Joseph and Rose (Gross) Piatz. Francis was the middle child in between two sisters. The family moved to Mount Angel when he was two years old.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mount Angel on March 8.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.

June 7, 1934 – Feb. 27, 2024

Francis attended St. Mary’s Grade School, and his high school years were spent at Mt. Angel Prep at the Abbey. He was schooled by the Benedictine monks and excelled in sports, particularly basketball and baseball. It’s no surprise he was the sports editor of both the school newspaper and annual. It was also during that time he picked up the nickname “Cisco,” something that stuck the rest of his life. He attended Seattle University to pursue a teaching degree, graduating in 1956. In 1958, he returned to Mount Angel to begin a 36-year teaching career and a 40-year coaching career. Through teaching and coaching he left his mark on thousands of young people.

He was a member of the inaugural class of inductees into the Mt. Angel Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012, named Oregon High School Coaches Association Jr./ Mid-High Coach of the Year in 1993, received a Master’s Degree in Education

from Oregon State University in 1965, and over the years served on the Mt. Angel Library Board the Mt. Angel Planning Commission.

Francis married Mount Angel native Carol Wachter in St. Mary Catholic Church on June 24, 1961. They lived lives of faith and service to the Catholic Church and the community.

Francis is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Carol; his parents; and sisters, Leonora Beyer and Marilyn Seiler. He is survived by daughters, Judy (Steve) Carbone of Indianapolis, Carolyn (Terry) Connolly of Tigard and Ruth (Philip) Wehby of Nashville; six adored grandchildren, Sarah, Abigail, Joseph, Maggie and Rachael Wehby, and Mary Grace Connolly; brother-in-law, Fritz Beyer of Salem; sister-in-law, Judith Lujan of San Francisco, nieces, nephews and extended family.

A Rosary and Funeral Mass were held at St. Mary Catholic Church with interment was at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or the Francis & Carol Piatz Scholarship to benefit the future education of a graduating senior at John F. Kennedy High School. Arrangements were by Unger Funeral Chapel in Mount Angel.

Roger was born Jan. 1, 1952 in Macomb, Illinois to Russell L. and Elizabeth F. (Peterson) Willey. After he turned 18, he joined the Army in 1970, and served in Vietnam until his release in 1974. After serving his country, he met the love of his life, Darla Beth, and her three young children. They were married in 1976. They built a good life together.

He loved working on cars and around the home. He was a truck driver, mechanic and steel worker, but the job was a means to an end – family time... He loved his family and they loved him. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

He enjoined watching football, NASCAR, barbecues and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play.

Few knew he was a published poet, a soft

Betty Lehrman

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 50 years, Darla Beth; his two daughters, Elizabeth (Ivan) Moore of Silverton and Angela Sands of Silverton; son, David Hubbard of Portland; five grandchildren Tara (Chris) Johnson of Silverton, Jeremi (Christina) Moore of North Dakota, Joshua Moore of Woodburn, Devon (Ashley) Goodman of Silverton, Lannie Goodman-Wentz of Silverton; 14 great grandchildren; his brother, Russell Willey of Illinois and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lulu Belle Holland; and brother, Lee Willey.

Interment was held March 14 in Portland, Oregon at the Willamette National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Brighton Hospice for their care and kindness. The family would also like to thank  Unger Funeral Chapel for helping with the arrangements.

June 2, 1947 – March 1, 2024

On March 1, 2024, beloved mother and grandmother, Betty Lehrman passed away unexpectedly in Silverton, Oregon. She was 76 years old.  She was born Betty Ann Sandifer on June 2, 1947 to Helen Alice Ceccacci and Dewitt Talmadge Sandifer in Portland, Oregon – where she was raised. She completed grade school at Menlo Park and graduated from David Douglas High school in 1965.

anything she could find. She was married three times and raised her three children alone, Billie-Jo Lopez, Barbara Jordan and Dewitt Lehrman. She worked as a Walmart associate for many years in Woodburn, Oregon.

Betty worked in the fields as a little girl packing carrots, green beans for 25 cents an hour, and strawberries for 75 cents an hour. She loved making fishing poles with

She is survived by her sisters, Lillian Vorseth and Patricia Combs; brother, Jimmy; her three children; six grandchildren, Pedro Reyes, Jesus Reyes, Anna Reyes, Alicia Ramirez (Rojas), Nathaniel Lehrman and Antonina Lehrman; and nine great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Submissions welcomed: Our Town appreciates the opportuity to share life’s Passages with our readers. If there is a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, college graduation or obituary of a local resident you’d like to share, please send it to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mail it to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362, or drop it by our office at 401 Oak St., Silverton any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5/11,

6/8 10a-1p

Come

Important history won’t be stolen away

This is an open letter to the person and/ or persons who came onto my property and stole the flag I had attached to a soffitt on my house.

I can only assume that you removed the flag of Stu Rasmussen because you put him in a box of your prejudice. You didn’t ask why I have the flag. You didn’t ask me why I feel Stu needs to be honored in Silverton. And you obviously have no idea how important Stu was to our city.

Let me educate you.

In 1984, Stu was elected as a member of the City Council for a four year, unpaid, term. (All members of the council, including the mayor serve the city without renumeration.) In 1987, and again in 1990, he was elected, overwhelmingly, to the position of mayor which he held until he stepped aside in 1992. During his service he worked diligently to “keep Silverton, Silverton.” He worked to control growth, and was always fiscally responsible in what he proposed. He would always remind the city staff and members of the council that we did not work for the City of Silverton. “We work for the citizens of Silverton.” That was his mantra.

When I was elected to council, Silverton was in an extreme situation. Since it had become somewhat of a “bedroom” community and residents were working in Salem and Portland, businesses in Silverton were not being supported. Stores were closing. Owners of businesses who wanted to retire could not find buyers. During that time the two car dealerships and the downtown gas stations closed. The two-story furniture store, all the clothing stores closed, as well as the TV/electronics and music shops.

Stu, ever the creative thinker, looked at what we had and still have –  Silver Falls. Since Woodburn and Mount Angel were having the same problems, he suggested creating a “Silver Falls Tour Route” from I-5 through all three cities. He worked with Marion County and the State in order to get the route established. “People will come and spend their money and then leave” was what he suggested.

Stu was the most ethical person I have ever met (and the smartest). As mayor he was always available to anyone who had a problem with the city, not even accepting a cup of coffee in return. He was a mentor to me in the world of governing and was my good friend to the very end. I miss him.

When I drive into my driveway and see him smiling at me I remember him and have hope for the future – a future where people are able to be their true selves within a community’s acceptance of the differences that we each have.

You gave that future a question mark with what you did. But, I forgive you for the theft.

The next time you see something you don’t agree with, talk to the person. Try to understand. Stu would have told you what he had to deal with before and after he chose to show how he felt inside. If you asked him.

P.S. I didn’t even get into all the other ways he served Silverton. If you want to know, I will be happy to share that information with you.

P.P.S. I have replaced the flag.

Barbara Dahlum Silverton

School district leadership in question

On the Silver Falls School District financial situation:

Where was (Assistant Superintendent)

Dan Busch during the last 12 months? ...

Where was the School Board?

The School Board absence and neglect during the past 12 month is completely unacceptable. The “thank you note” delivered to Mr. Drue at the March 13 public meeting is totally incomprehensible.

I invite you to visit the Silver Falls School

Fraud charges filed for hardware store scheme

A Silverton man has been implicated in an alleged large-scale and sophisticated fraud scheme targeting hardware stores throughout Oregon, including new local charges.

Elton Bud Ralston, 40, has been charged in four separate cases in Marion, Linn, Yamhill and Washington counties for alleged thefts involving tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise.

According to an initial case filed in Washington County Circuit Court June 8, 2023, Ralston had caught the eye of a retail organized crime investigator with Home Depot. This investigator told police Ralston allegedly swapped UPC labels on merchandise before using self check-out to pay less than what the items were worth.

The investigator documented four incidents at multiple Home Depot stores between March 6 and May 9, 2023, during which Ralston allegedly underpaid for merchandise by almost $25,000.

Further investigation by authorities revealed similar incidents at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores during February of 2023, with these losses totaling more than $13,000.

It was later learned Ralston allegedly committed similar offenses during the same time frame in McMinnville, Albany and Salem, with losses in these cases totaling more than $13,200.

All told Ralston is facing 39 separate criminal counts between the four jurisdictions on charges including aggravated first-degree theft, first-degree theft, second-degree theft, computer crimes, and driving with a revoked license. The most recent case was filed in Marion County March 19 on one count each of aggravated first-degree theft and first-degree theft.

Felony charges filed in Silverton shooting case

A Silverton man is facing a felony charge after allegedly attempting to shoot another man in February.

Michael Yun Bai Kim, 48, was charged in Marion County Circuit Court Feb. 29 with unlawful use of a weapon and fourth-degree assault for an alleged incident Feb. 19. If convicted he faces up to five years in prison.

Prosecutors claim Kim discharged a firearm at another man within the city limits of Silverton in an alleged attempt to cause harm. Kim also allegedly caused minor injuries to the victim during the incident, according to court records.

Kim was released Feb. 29 from the Marion County Jail on his own recognizance with orders to not possess firearms while the case is pending. He is due back in court for arraignment April 2.

Stiff penalty sought for trailer and cargo theft

A Silverton man with a history of property offenses has been charged with felony theft after allegedly stealing a trailer in February.

Craig Steven Fisher, 52, was charged March 11 in Marion County Circuit Court with first-degree aggravated theft for an alleged incident Feb. 19. Fisher allegedly stole a cargo trailer, valued at more than $10,000, including the items inside.

Prosecutors have notified the court they intended to seek an enhanced sentence due to factors including Fisher’s repeated arrests for related offenses. These include burglary and theft in 2016, theft in 2022, and possession of a forged instrument and theft in 2023.

District website and read excerpts of the School Board letter of appreciation and gratitude expressed to Mr. Drue “for his dedication and impactful contribution.”

As of today, we just know what we do not know. I look forward for a full investigation. In the meantime, I support the idea of contacting the Oregon Department of Education or having an interim superintendent from WESD.

Fernando M Ghio Silverton

According to court records, Ralston is engaged in plea negotiations with prosecutors and is due in Washington County Circuit Court May 2 for a change of plea and sentencing.

SUBMISSIONS TO THE FORUM

Letters to the editor can be directed to ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com or mailed to Editor, Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362.

At the time of his arrest, Fisher was serving a two-year probation sentence related to a 2022 conviction for firstdegree theft. He had pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1,000 in dehumidifiers from a local contracting company.

-- Stephen Floyd

It is recommended submissions be limited to fewer than 500 words. Our Town reserves the right to edit for clarity and available space. Anonymous letters will not be published.

By Melissa Wagoner

Every year the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) – a non-profit organization of growers, retailers, landscape designers and educators –singles out a Perennial Plant of the Year. This year’s plant – Garden phlox.

“Garden phlox is a staple in any cottage garden, with a vibrant

firework of pinks, white, purples and reds,” Heather Desmarteau-Fast – a horticulturist and owner of the plant store Stamin and Pistil in Silverton –said. “Hardy enough to handle light drought, it is a stunning perennial in sweeping garden beds and versatile for formal plantings as well.”

The plant also ranges widely in size from the ‘Jeana’ cultivar – specifically recognized this year by the PPA

–which can reach heights of five feet tall and four feet wide, to the more diminutive, spreading phlox, a Willamette Valley native with a height averaging only four inches. But no matter which variety you choose, “They are the best spring display,” Desmarteau-Fast pointed out. “I love them on rock walls and rock gardens.”

And pollinators love them as well.

“Garden phlox is not only bright and beautiful, it is also fragrant,” Desmarteau-Fast explained. And the flowers are nectar-rich attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds.

Considered “good bridging plants between early and later flowering perennials,” garden phlox thrives on full, hot sun with a bloom time

MAXALTAMOR

© ARTHUR LOMARAINEN / 123RF.COM

Phlox Growing Tips

• Plant in soil with good drainage and in full sun.

• Avoid overwatering.

• Keep taller varieties well-spaced and can be fertilized every other month.

• Deadhead to prolong blooming.

between mid-summer and late fall.

“Garden phlox is also a perfect addition in a cut flower garden,” Desmarteau-Fast added. Be sure to deadhead spent blooms to prolong the plant’s blooming season and possibly even protect it from deer.

“[D]eer do not like smelly flowers,” the Almanac’s website claims. But Desmarteau-Fast isn’t so sure.

“Though many of the online sites claim it is deer resistant, it is not

• After blooming, trim and remove dead foliage – especially around creeping phlox.

• Phlox should be divided in the fall every three to five years to improve performance.

in the sense that the deer will [not] eat it, but deer browse won’t kill it,” she explained. Noting that, either way, the plant is still one of the best choices for a backyard gardener due to its tendency to require little maintenance and its drought tolerance once the plant is established.

“I love it!” Desmarteau-Fast enthused. Apparently perennial plant lovers across the nation agree.

Strew sweet peas now for summer bouquets

The graceful beauty of annual sweet peas with their ruffled blossoms, soft texture and glowing colors makes them one of the most irresistible and nostalgic of all flowers. Their scent is an exquisite perfume of orange blossoms and honey, surely one of the most seductive of all flower fragrances. A generous handful of their long-stemmed, winged blossoms make a beautiful bouquet that will truly scent an entire room.

Here in the Willamette Valley, with our cooler summers, we’re in an ideal climate for a long bloom season of sweet peas. They can be directly sown in the ground in late spring throughout April and have blooms that will last into late summer and early fall – just keep the young plants protected from the hungry Northwest slugs and snails.

Plant your sweet peas in full sun in a garden spot with well-drained soil. Dig deeply to loosen the soil and enrich it with aged manure or compost before planting seeds. Don’t forget to set up a wellanchored trellis, fence or vertical support for climbing varieties before planting seeds. The eight- to ten-inch “Cupid” varieties are great for containers, and intermediate types such as the knee-high “Explorer” don’t need staking. Another idea is erecting a wire netting along a pathway the plants can scramble over so passersby can enjoy the flowers’ heady fragrance up close. Avoid south-facing walls, however, as the intense

heat may promote mildew and stunt growth.

If all your seeds don’t germinate in ten days to two weeks, don’t hesitate to plant more as they will catch up quickly. Some gardeners like to soak sweet peas overnight before planting them; others never do it and still have good results. If you do soak seeds, be sure you leave them in water no longer than eight hours before planting immediately.

September sweet peas direct-sown in late April. RENEE SHEPHERD

Planning

Write in your garden journal throughout the growing season.

Prepare garden soil for spring planting. Incorporate generous amounts of organic materials and other amendments, using the results of a soil analysis as a guide.

Prepare raised beds in areas where cold soils and poor drainage are a continuing problem. Incorporate generous amounts (at least 2 inches) of organic materials.

Use a soil thermometer to help you know when to plant vegetables. When the soil is consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, some warm season vegetables (beans, sweet corn) can be planted.

Maintenance and cleanup

Allow foliage of spring-flowering bulbs to brown and die down before removing.

Apply commercial fertilizers, manure or compost to cane, bush (gooseberries, currants, and blueberries), and trailing berries.

Place compost or decomposed manure around perennial vegetables, such as asparagus and rhubarb.

Cut back ornamental grasses to a few inches above the ground.

Cover transplants to protect against late spring frosts.

This is an optimum time to fertilize lawns. Apply 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Reduce risks of runoff into local waterways by not fertilizing just prior to rain, and not

overirrigating so that water runs off the lawn and onto the sidewalk or street.

De-thatch and renovate lawns.

If moss has been a problem, scratch the surface before seeding with perennial ryegrass.

Prune and shape or thin springblooming shrubs and trees after blossoms fade.

Planting and propagation

Plant gladioli, hardy transplants of alyssum, phlox and marigolds, if weather and soil conditions permit.

It’s a great time to start a vegetable garden. Among the vegetables you can plant, consider: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, chives, endive, leeks, lettuce, peas, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, spinach and turnips.

Pest monitoring and management

Use chemical controls only when necessary and only after thoroughly reading the pesticide label. First consider cultural, then physical and biological controls. Choose the least-toxic options, and use them judiciously. Some examples include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, botanical insecticides, and organic and synthetic pesticides. Clean up hiding places for slugs sowbugs and millipedes. Least toxic management options for slugs include barriers and traps. Baits are also available for slug control; use caution around pets. Read and follow all label directions prior to using baits or any other chemical control.

Monitor strawberries for spittlebugs and aphids; if present, wash off with water or use insecticidal soap as a contact spray. Follow label directions.

If necessary, spray apples and pears when buds appear for scab

Cut and remove weeds

Weed seedlings are vulnerable to hoeing, hand pulling or rototilling. Mature weeds are more difficult to remove. Weed early and often near the garden to remove potential sources of plant disease.

floating row covers to keep insects such as beet leaf miners, cabbage maggot adult flies, and carrot rust flies away from susceptible crops.

Help prevent damping off of seedlings by providing adequate ventilation.

Manage weeds while they are small and actively growing with light cultivation or herbicides. Once the weed has gone to bud, herbicides are less effective.

Spray stone fruits such as cherries, plums, peaches and apricots, for brown rot blossom blight, if necessary.

By Linda Whitmore

Planter boxes add pizzazz to a patio or porch, fit nicely on an apartment balcony and give flair to store fronts and downtown businesses.

In driving through the communities of the Willamette Valley one can see amazing examples of pots, planters and baskets of trailing fuchsias and petunias, cheery daisies and brightly colored geraniums. To learn how to make a successful container garden, years ago we turned to Barb Bauman who, with her team of employees, plants thousands of baskets every year.

Barb was eager to share her expertise.

First, she explained, the gardener should decide where the container is to be located. Sun and shade determine the type of plants to be used.

Then select a container.

There is a wide range of attractive pots and baskets available at any nursery, but you can use containers that you have – an old watering can or washtub, “even a rusty old

bucket,” Barb said. “Use what you have at home. It doesn’t have to be expensive.”

But she issues a warning.

“Make sure it has holes in the bottom. That’s going to be the make or break of your planter.”

Use a good potting mix; soil from your garden may be too heavy to allow for adequate root growth and water drainage.

Barb suggested putting a perennial plant, herb or grass in the center. “You know you’ll always have something interesting that’ll come back,” she said.

Whether the planter or basket is to be in the sun or shade will determine your choice of plants.

Barb suggested buying four-inch starts, with some plants that will grow tall and some that drape over the sides.

“Variety is the spice of life – get varied textures and colors,” she said.

As an example she suggests that in a fuchsia basket you add impatiens, wandering Jew and vinca vines.

“Sometimes the plants will be better looking at different parts of the season. This makes the basket look nice longer, too,” Barb said. She suggested gardeners plant container gardens for other seasons too. “People don’t think of doing containers for winter. Your patios don’t have to be bare in winter.”

Water

Water the containers EVERY DAY in the summer. “Enough to let the water run through,” Barb said. And do it in the morning, not evening. “Never put your plants to bed with their feet wet.” Watering in the evening is an invitation to mold and other sicknesses that weaken plants.

Fertilizer

Use a timed-released fertilizer once a month. Barb suggested “a well-balanced fertilizer – around triple 16. That way you feed all parts of your plant – leaves, roots and flowers.”

Follow the application directions on the package.

Maintenance

Pinching is good. Pinching at an early stage helps the plant branch out and grow in several directions.

Dead heading – cutting or pinching off spent flowers – is very important to sustaining blooms. But with wave petunias or supertunias, deadheading isn’t necessary.

Barb packs many plants into her baskets and containers for a multi-colored, multi-textured display. Proper watering and feeding will assure they thrive and produce stunning results all season long.

By Melissa Wagoner

The Silverton Country Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024 with banners, exhibits, promotional materials and events throughout the year including a Homer Davenport Community Festival parade float and a celebration in the fall.

“We especially want to honor and thank our members, donors, supporters, and volunteers who have helped along the way,” Director Jeff Marcoe wrote in the most recent edition of the Historical Society’s newsletter. Included in the organization’s commendations is teacher and Silverton Senior Woman’s Club president Hannah Olsen, who, on May 30, 1974, wrote a letter to The Silverton Appeal asking the community to “start thinking and talking about a ‘museum for Silverton.’”

“In a few months we’ll celebrate the 120th birthday of our town,” she wrote. “Many changes have taken place during these years. Early settlers who blazed the way for others to follow are gone, leaving

many traditions and artifacts for us. Many of the items left by these early settlers have been lost to the community because there was no suitable place where they could be preserved and appreciated… Our town needs a museum.”

Her words struck a chord and by August of that same year the Silverton Historical Committee had come together, “drafted a possible constitution,” and set about forming

the official Silverton Country Historical Society.

“By January 1975 there were 160 charter members,” current board secretary Chris Schwab wrote in a timeline of events. In “March 1975 a suitable building was found.”

Built in 1908 by Elvin Ames as a wedding gift to his wife, the Ames-Warnock house –as it is known today – caught the interest of the Historical Society largely because it was one of two houses slated to be torn down.

Approved for use by the city, the house was moved on May 16, 1975, from its original site on East Main to city-owned property on Water Street, where it stands today.

Officially dedicated in August 1975, the museum received in its first of 271 items donated that year, a foot pedal organ dating back to 1888.

“Then in 1982 the 1906 Silverton Southern Pacific train depot became available,” Schwab wrote. And so, the Historical Society arranged to have the building moved to the museum’s grounds, along with the

stump of the Old Oak Tree in 1983 and a WWII Observation Post in 2008.

“As the years progressed, activities at the museum focused on increasing the collection of Silverton related artifacts, preserving the items on hand and improving the museum displays,” Schwab wrote, “as well as continuing to be a presence in the community and increasing membership.”

It’s a mission the Historical Society plans to highlight throughout 2024 as it celebrates the museum’s first 50 years.

“This is not only a museum, but what’s also impressive is there’s an extensive archive people can come and research,” board member Carrie Caster pointed out.

“It’s well organized and our volunteers are really good about assisting people. There’s a lot more here than what people see when they just walk in.”

Historical Society members encourage the public to visit, ask questions and conduct their own research during the museum’s regular hours – weekends, 1 to 4 p.m.

Facebook.com/OurTown.SMASM

Rising From the Dead Does Make a Difference

This past Sunday churches all around the world celebrated what is, without question, the greatest event in all of world history. Whether one may choose to believe the evidence or not, what happened on that Sunday morning over 1991 years ago, in 33 AD, forever changed the course of history. That is the day when Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead after three days in the grave, just as He said He would.

The eye-witness testimonies of those who were there when it happened are compelling. Many of those early Christians went to a violent death rather than deny what they had seen and heard. This provides us with more evidence for the existence of Jesus and the story of His life, than we have for the existence of Socrates or Shakespeare.

The most complete and detailed record of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus comes from the four Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. They provide consistent, historically reliable information, claiming that Jesus was a practicing Jew, that He taught that He was the promised Jewish Messiah, the Son of God, that He would be put to death as part of His mission to redeem all those who put their faith in Him (See John 3:16). They report that He was in fact executed on the orders of the Roman governor of Judea at that time, Pontius Pilate. All four gospels conclude with Jesus being buried and then rising from the dead.

Okay. Been there! Done that!

“Ah,” you may be thinking, “That story of a god dying and then rising from the dead is as old as antiquity.” And you would be right in saying so. But, as C.S. Lewis so famously observed, “The difference is that in [Jesus’] case it actually happened.”

The historical authenticity of the Jesus Story is borne out by later sources without any positive bias to do so. Jesus was mentioned by both Jewish and Roman historians in passages that corroborate the major points of the New Testament narrative, including His life and death and the religious movement that followed. This is actual recorded history.

The first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus is our best source of information about first-century Judea. He mentions Jesus twice in his Jewish Antiquities, a history of the Jewish people, written around 93 A.D. Josephus was an aristocrat and a military leader who served as a commander in Judea during the first Jewish Revolt against Rome between 66 and 70 A.D. He was not a follower of Jesus, but he was around when the early church was born, and so he personally knew others who had seen and

heard Jesus teach.

In one passage of his Jewish Antiquities he recounts the execution of James, the “brother of Jesus-who-is-called-Messiah.”

Another historical account of Jesus appears in the Annals of Imperial Rome, written in 116 A.D. by a Roman senator and historian named Tacitus. He mentions that Emperor Nero falsely blamed “the persons commonly called Christians, who were hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius.”

This all agrees with the Gospels.

followed so important was that He alone, of all religious leaders in history, rose from the dead. He taught that He would die and then rise from the dead. By doing so He would defeat death for everyone who repents of their sins and puts their faith in Him. He taught that He would be the first of all those who will one day be raised from the dead as well when He returns to judge the earth. It is His own resurrection that established the authority of all He taught about everything.

“Up From the Grave He Arose!”

People would not “sing hymns to Christ as to a god” if His body was still rotting in a grave somewhere. His followers would never have faced lions in the Roman Coliseum if He was just another “good example.” Today, Christians would not “take a bullet” rather than renounce our faith in Jesus if He was just “a great moral teacher.”

As C.S. Lewis put it so well: “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him [that is,

“‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic–on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg–or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse…. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God.”

Everything these historians write about Jesus coincides with what the New Testament itself tells us: Jesus was executed by Pontius Pilate and a religious movement followed. Before Tacitus wrote his account of Jesus, Roman governor Pliny the Younger wrote to Emperor Trajan that the early Christians would “sing hymns to Christ as to a god.”

This small collection of references from nonChristian sources provides clear evidence that Jesus lived, that He was executed, and that He was known by historians of His day. But why does this matter? Why should we care? It is because He rose from the dead.

Rising from

the dead is unique.

What makes Jesus’ existence, His teaching, His crucifixion, and the movement that

Christ]: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic–on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg–or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse…. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

By Gregg Harris

If Jesus had not risen from the dead, we could never know for sure that He is who He said He was (i.e. God in human form), and that He had accomplished what He said He would (i.e. paying for the sins of His people). But because He did rise from the dead we can know for sure. That is what Easter Sunday is all about. “He is risen!”

So, now what?

Now that the evidence is in, we have the gospel concerning Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas i.e. Peter], then by the twelve.”(1Cor. 15:3-5). And so, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9). That is His promise.

It’s not too late for you to get in on God’s offer of salvation. Just turn to Jesus, repent of your sins, and pray for God’s mercy. Then, if you like, please call or text me at 503-926-1388.

2 FREE TICKETS

Family-Friendly Movies on the First Tuesday of Each Month

The Palace Theater

Tuesday April. 2nd Showing

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

By C.S. Lewis

PG, 2PM & 7PM

First Come, First Served Bring a Friend!

Sponsored by NobleMenOfOregon.org

Noble Men’s Breakfast!

Every Thurs. morning 5:30-7:00 AM at 409 South Water Street, Silverton

Join us as we study the Bible, pray for our city, challenge one another to grow up in our faith in Jesus & enjoy a great, free home-cooked breakfast. Please RSVP by text to 503-926-1388. To learn more and to help us publish these articles, go to NobleMenOfOregon.org.

Gregg Harris, “Your friendly home-town evangelist”

Called to lead Silverton First Baptist welcomes new lead pastor

By Bruce Kingwell

Silverton First Baptist church is welcoming its new lead pastor, JD Winters.

The congregation has gathered at its current location on Westfield Street, between Safeway and Robert Frost Elementary School, for more than 70 years. While in that time much has changed, a congregation of seven decades learns to recognize joyful change when it comes. Such was the case when church leadership, including current pastor Tom Smith, recommended Winters for the lead pastor role.  Jack Holt, long time member and church leader, said, “Pastor Tom Smith has been our lead pastor for over 15 years and has been faithful to the teachings of God’s Word and caring for the people in our church. But we are so thankful that God brought us a man such as JD who was willing to accept the position of lead pastor.”

It was Smith who saw potential for Winters to join the pastoral team at Silverton First Baptist several years ago when searching for an associate pastor candidate. He noted that “JD Winters brings positivity, youthful enthusiasm and ministry experience to the pastoral role.”

As Winters served the community, he demonstrated a gift that made him a promising candidate as Smith considered retirement. The congregation confirmed this with a vote of

affirmation on Jan. 21.

“I am excited to have JD transition from our associate pastor to the lead pastor position. His commitment to teaching the Bible along with his demonstrated excitement and energy in caring for the congregation at SFB will be valuable in leading us toward new heights,” said Holt.

Winters came to Silverton via Faith Bible Church in Lincoln City, where he served a children’s and family pastor and filled the lead pastor role during a pastoral search. He recently completed his master’s degree in Applied Biblical Leadership

from Western Seminary in Portland. He adds this to a Bachelors of Communication Studies from Eastern Oregon University.

“JD is a man that speaks clearly and in a transparent and relatable way, which has made him so easy to talk and relate to,” church member and deacon Roger Freeman said, adding Winters brings another valuable asset: his family. “Pastor JD, his wife, and his family, have been such great additions to our church body since they joined us a couple of years ago. They are also a wonderful addition to our community and schools.”

JD and his wife, Crystal, have been married for 21 years. They have five children between the ages of 20 and 11: Austin, Jackson, Charles, Samuel and Molly.

As an associate pastor, Winters took on administrative tasks and teaching duties, also participating in youth ministries such as Vacation Bible School and High Power Sports Camp. As he transitions to lead pastor he hopes to continue his involvement in the development of young people.

“My family and I have fallen in love with the Silverton community. We look forward to investing in our church family, growing in our faith and serving our neighbors.”

Winters’ installation will be made official at the worship service on April 7, 10:30 a.m. followed by an open house reception at the church from 2 to 4 p.m.

Silverton First Baptist’s new lead pastor, JD Winters, his wife Crystal, and their children. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Frequent Addresses

Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Silverton Community Center/Council Chambers, 421 S Water St.

Weekly Events

Monday

Low Impact Aerobics, 9:30 a.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center members free. Non-members $5. Repeats Wednesday & Friday.

SACA Food Pantry, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. - noon

Thursday. 503-873-3446

Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 195 E Charles St. Also Tuesday - Saturday. 503-845-6998 Silverton Recovery AA, noon - 1 p.m., 302 N Water St. 7 days a week.

Free Monday Dinner, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Oak Street Church, 502 Oak St., Silverton. Indoor, sit-down dinner. To-go meals also available. All are welcome. Free. 503-873-5446, oakstchurch@gmail.com

Boy Scouts Troop 485, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Scoutmaster Dave Tacker, 760-644-3147, dave.tacker@gmail.com

Tuesday

Scotts Mills Food Boxes, 9 - 11 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Residents in Scotts Mills/Butte Creek/Monitor areas are welcome. Food donations welcome. Niki, 503-873-5059

Silverton Senior Center Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. silvertonseniors.org

Mt. Angel Senior Meals, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Delivery only. $3 donation suggested. Also Thursday. Ginger, 503-845-9464

APPY Hour, noon - 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Drop in for technical assistance for electronic devices. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

Silverton Mainstay, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. Community space and activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Repeats Thursdays. silvertonmainstay.org

Open Studio Painters, 1 - 4 p.m., Silverton Art Center, 303 Coolidge St.. Silverton Senior Center event. silvertonseniors.org

Stories & STEAM, 4 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Listen to a story about the theme of the week, join in a project. Snacks. Ages 5-12. Free. 971-370-5040

SACA Food Pantry, 4 - 7 p.m., SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org

Serenity Al-Anon Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Zoom. Repeats 10 a.m. Saturdays. For Zoom link, call Barbara K, 503-269-0952.

Cub Scout Pack 485, 6:30 p.m., St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 211 W Center St., Silverton. Boys and girls in K-5th grade. Deb Hilterbrand, 971-337-5925

Growing Awareness, Nurturing Compassion, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Secular presentation promoting mindfulness. No experience needed. Invitation for virtual gathering: compassionatepresence@yahoo. com. 971-218-6641

Wednesday

Silverton Business Group, 8 a.m., Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St., Silverton. Networking meeting of Silverton business community hosted by Silverton Chamber of Commerce. All welcome. Silvertonchamber.org

Quilters Group, 9 a.m. - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 N Second Ave., Silverton. trinitysilverton@gmail.com

Silverton Senior Center Knit Wits, 10 a.m. - noon, Silvertowne Apartment Clubhouse, 115 Mill St., No. 47, Silverton. Socialize and see other’s knitting projects. 50 and older. silvertonseniors.org

Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Singing, stories, crafts, play. Age 2 - 5 with family members. Free. 971-370-5040

Indoor Playtime, 11 a.m. - noon, Mt. Angel Public Library. Play with toys, spend time with friends. Free. 971-370-5040

Mission Benedict Food Pantry, 1 - 4 p.m., St. Joseph Shelter, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel. Repeats Friday. 503-845-2468

Silver Chips Woodcarving Sessions, 13 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. All skill levels. 503-873-4512

Line Dancing, 1 - 2 p.m. (beginners) 23 p.m. (advanced), Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. A Silverton Senior Center event. 50 and older. silvertonseniors.org

Mission of Hope Food Pantry, 2 - 4 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. 503-873-7353

Italian Conversations, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Come practice your Italian. All levels welcome. 503-873-8796

The Daniel Plan, 6:30 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Wellness program. Info at scf.tv/ danielplan. Sheila, 503-409-4498

Thursday

Community Coffee, 7 - 9 a.m., Scotts Mills Community Center, 298 Fourth St. Free. Yoga, 9 a.m., Silver Creek Fellowship. Open to all. Sheila, 503-409-4498

Bingo, 2 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. $1/card. $2 for three cards. silvertonseniors.org

TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly),

6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Weight loss with support, encouragement. First meeting free. Monthly dues $4. All welcome. David, 503-501-9824

Friday

Toastmaster Club, 7:30 a.m., Zoom. Increase listening skills, speaking, thinking, evaluating. Zoom link: tmcommunicators@gmail.com

Mt. Angel Model Railroad, 9 a.m.3 p.m., The Depot, 90 W College St., Mt. Angel. Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge, N-gauge model layouts on display. All ages welcome. Free.

Silvertones Community Singers, 10:30 a.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 Main St. Tomi, 503-873-2033 Silverton Senior Center Pinochle, noon - 4 p.m., Otto’s, 1176 S Water St., Silverton. silvertonseniors.org

Saturday

Ageless Yoga, 9:30 a.m., Total Body Health Club, 1099 N First St., Silverton. Geared toward those 50 and older, but all are welcome. silvertonseniors.org

After-Season Indoor Market, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Silverton Friends Church, 229 Eureka Ave. Local produce, eggs, meats, artisan crafts. Free admission. silvertonfarmersmarket.com

Creciendo juntos/Growing Together Storytime, 1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. ¡Atrévete a acompañarnos aprender juntos! ¡Atreves de leyendo libros bilingües podríamos hacer lo! Después abrirá una actividad para la familia. Through bilingual books and activities, learn simple words and phrases that help us communicate and grow together. 971-370-5040 Peaceful Heart Meditation, 2 - 3 p.m., Silverton Community Center. Yoga breathing, kirtan, yoga philosophy. No experience required. Everyone welcome. Free. peacefulheartkirtan@gmail.com

Monday, April 1

April Fool’s Day

Abigail Scott DAR

10 a.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Sammy Lackner speaks about Daughters of the Revolution schools. DAR meeting follows presentation. All welcome. 503-508-8246.

Mt. Angel City Council

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291

Military Sexual Trauma Support Group

6 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom. For those who have served in the military, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma. Participants welcome regardless of gender, discharge status or veteran status. Info: info@namimultnomah.org, 503-228-5692. Repeats April 21

Silverton City Council

7:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-873-5321

Tuesday, April 2

Mt. Angel American Legion

6:30 p.m., Legion Hall, 740 E College St., Mt. Angel. All veterans welcome. Masks optional. Jim, 503-845-6119

Wednesday, April 3

Careers Over Coffee Job Fair

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 NE 17th Ave., Salem. Meet representatives from Marion County and WorkSource Oregon. Two onsite interview seminars at 11:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.

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 and register, contact Julie at 503-304-3432, julie.mendez@nwsds.org

Scotts Mills City Council

7 p.m., Scotts Mills City Hall, 265 Fourth St. Open to public. 503-873-5435

Thursday, April 4

Silverton Kiwanis Club

Noon, Main St. Bistro, 201 E Main St., Silverton. Bi-monthly meeting of Silverton Kiwanis Club. New members welcome. Repeats April 18. silvertonkiwanis.org

Umbrella Wreath

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Create a springtime decoration out of an umbrella, ribbon, silk flowers. All supplies provided. Free. Teens & adults. 971-370-5040

Critique Night

7 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Bring latest work for discussion, critique amongst other artists. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org

Friday, April 5

Family Movie Night

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Watch Wish (PG) on the big screen. Popcorn. All ages. Free. 971-370-5040

Kids Art Reception

6 - 8:30 p.m., Silverton Arts Association. Reception and showing of artwork from children in K-5th grade. Free. Open to public. 503-873-2480, silvertonarts.org

First Friday in Silverton

7 – 9 p.m. Explore historic downtown, have dinner, shop, browse galleries, boutiques. 503-873-5615, silvertonchamber.org

Lunaria First Friday

7 - 9 p.m., Lunaria Gallery, 113 N Water St., Silverton. Opening reception for April’s showings. Main Floor Gallery features “Welcome to My World” by Linden, a collection of abstract paintings done in a playful, stream of conscious style. Loft Gallery features Earth Series by Michael Baggetta, artwork inspired by colors, textures, forms and compositions found in the natural world. Shows open daily 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. through April 28. 503-873-7734, lunariagallery.com

Saturday, April 6

Bunco Fundraiser

7 - 9 p.m., Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. Bunco, refreshments, prizes. 21 and older only. $15/person. Tickets at Silverton Chamber of Commerce and from Zenith Club members. Proceeds benefit community projects. Sponsored by GFWC Silverton Zenith Women’s Club.

Monday, April 8

Silverton City Council

6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Special meeting. Open to public. 503-873-5321

Mt. Angel School District

6:30 p.m., District Office, 730 E Marquam St., Mt. Angel. Open to public. 503-845-2345

Silver Falls School District

7 p.m., Silverton High, 1456 Pine St. Open to public. 503-873-5303, silverfallsschools.org

Tuesday, April 9

Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m. - noon, Silver Falls Library. Laurel Smith, past president of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, introduces GFO’s resources and library collections. Open to all. Membership information: Kathy Valdez, 503-508-4251

Wednesday, April 10

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club

6:30 p.m. Zoom. Discuss Gateway by Frederik Pohl. For more info and Zoom invite, contact Ron Drake at Silver Falls Library, 503-873-8796.

Thursday, April 11

Tiny Terrariums

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn to build terrariums with easy-to-find materials. All supplies provided. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040

Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St., Silverton. Appointments at redcrossblood.org.

Screenagers Screening

6 p.m., St. Mary’s Public School, 590 E College St., Mt. Angel. Movie about growing up in the digital age. Childcare, light snacks. Spanish subtitles with interpretation provided. Free; recommended for ages 10 and older. Hosted by Marion County Health & Human Services and Mt. Angel School District. screenagersmovie.com

Chlorination Implementation Info

7 - 9 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Oregon Health Authority has required Mt. Angel to install a treatment to maintain a disinfectant residual throughout distribution system. City staff and the city engineer will answer questions. Zoom link at ci.mt-angel.or.us. Repeats 10 a.m. April 20. 503-845-9291

LGBTQ+ Peer Support

7 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Peer-led mental health young adult support group for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals ages 18-30. Free on a drop-in basis. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit tinyurl.com/yalgbtqgroup to register.

Repeats April 25.

Friday, April 12

Teen Hangout

5 - 7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Learn to build tiny terrariums. Pizza and water provided. Free. 971-370-5040

All-Ages Game Night

6 - 9 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 Division St. Bring your favorite games. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. All ages. Free admission. 971-267-9364

Saturday, April 13

Book Sale

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Silverton Country Historical Society, 428 S Water St. Shop used and vintage books. 503-873-7070

Sunday, April 14

Scotts Mills Historical Museum

1 - 5 p.m., 210 Grandview Ave. Open for browsing. Free. Open by appointment by contacting Joe Plas, 503-871-9803, smahsmuseum@gmail.com

Monday, April 15

Tax Day

Silverton City Council

6:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Work session. Open to public. 503-873-5321

Tuesday, April 16

Silver Falls Book Club

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Discuss Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick. All welcome. 503-873-8796

Wednesday, April 17

Dementia Care Conversations

1 - 2 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 register, contact group facilitator Julie Mendez at 503-304-3432 or julie. mendez@nwsds.org.

Saturday, April 20

Earth Day at the Garden

Teem Retirement Celebration

5 p.m., Lou’s Kitchen, 190 E Charles St., Mt. Angel. Keith and Pepper Teem are retiring as volunteers at Mt. Angel Public Library after 50 years. No-host dinner. Reservations are required by calling the library, 971-370-5040. A reception follows at 6:30 p.m. at the library. All are welcome.

Friends of the Library

7 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Friends of the Mt. Angel Public Library annual meeting. All welcome. 971-370-5040

Thursday, April 18

Book Discussion for Adults

1 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Discuss Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Copies available at the library. Everyone welcome. 971-370-5040

Teen Advisory Board/Book Club

4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Teens (grades 6-12) help collaborate with the library on programs, collections, games. Snacks. Book Club meets for first 30 minutes to discuss Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Copies available at circulation desk. 971-370-5040

Silver Falls Writers Group

6:30 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Come share what you are writing and listen to others’ works. Ron, 503-873-8796

Mt. Angel Planning Commission

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us

Friday, April 19

Earth Day Plant Sale

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 812 McClaine St., Silverton. Huge selection of trees, shrubs, flowers. All proceeds benefit local scholarships and community grants. Sponsored by the Elizabeth Ashley Hoke Memorial Trust. Repeats 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. April 20-21.

Lego Lab

3 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Build an original creation out of Legos to public on display. All ages. Repeats April 26. 971-370-5040

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Guests of all ages are invited to grow their environmental stewardship by visiting with environmentally-conscious exhibitors, engaging in education activities and exploring the Garden. Pet-friendly. Outside food, beverages welcome. Free. Onsite parking is $10. Complimentary park and walk at Silverton Senior Center and Robert Frost Elementary. oregongarden.org

Local Authors Fair

Noon - 3 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Local authors representing a variety of genres will be on hand to talk about their books and the writing process. Authors will have their books available to sell and sign. Free. All ages. 503-873-9796

Monday, April 22

Earth Day

Wednesday, April 24

Virtual Film Discussion

7 p.m. Zoom. Watch Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms on Kanopy, then join Zoom for moderated discussion. For Zoom invite, contact Ron, 503-873-8796.

Thursday, April 25

Writers Group

6 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library. Gather with fellow writers. Bring up to three pages of work to read and get feedback on. Teens & adults. Free. 971-370-5040

Mt. Angel Budget Hearing

7 p.m., Mount Angel Public Library. Open to public. 503-845-9291, ci.mt-angel.or.us

Saturday, April 27

Scotts Mills School Auction

11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Oso Restaurant, 200 E Main St., Silverton. Come by anything during the day to eat, drink, bid on auction items, buy drawing tickets or spin the prize wheel. Oso is donating $1 for each pint or glass of wine sold. Free admission. Online bidding begins April 20 at 32auctions. com/scottsmills2024. Hosted by Scotts Mills Parent Teacher Community Club. Silverton Cemetery Association

2 p.m., Silver Falls Library. Silverton Cemetery Association’s annual meeting. All interested persons are welcome.

Monday, April 29

Vigil for Peace

2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Towne Square Park, Silverton. Silverton People for Peace gather to advocate for peace, social justice issues on all levels of society. Open to all. 503-873-5307

By Melissa Wagoner

Every time a member of the Asphalt Pavement Association (APA) of Oregon is killed in a work zone related accident, executive director John Hickey handdelivers a check for $5,000 to the deceased person’s family.

“The idea is that most of the time the worker is the primary breadwinner,” Hickey explained. “Very often these people are just getting started in life, they have bills and not a lot of savings and now the family has to pay for a funeral… I’ve had my job since the end of 2014 and I’ve given a check at least once a year, every year except last year and it sucks… It becomes more real when you’re looking at a family who has lost someone.”

But it’s not just members of the APA who face the daily consequences of work zone accidents, employees of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are also impacted by increasing work zone injuries and fatalities – which rose 10.8 percent nationally between 2020 and 2021.

“The ODOT people know… they lose people as well,” Hickey said. “Because if you get into a car accident [in a work zone] and you’re in your car, it can be really bad but you have a seat belt and airbags. A worker on the highway has a helmet sometimes, or a hard hat. That does nothing.”

It’s these dire consequences that prompted, in 2022, representatives from both organizations to form a committee whose sole purpose was coming up with effective ways of reducing the number and severity of work zone collisions. Hickey’s proposal was young driver education.

“[T]his committee and I started looking into it and we found we do virtually

nothing to talk to kids about work zones specifically,” Hickey – who was inspired by the experience of teaching his own child to drive – said. “So, we are working on revising the driver’s manual.”

But that change, along with a change to the state’s driver education courses, will take time. The committee wanted something that would increase work zone safety now.

“Then I came across a program they started in Massachusetts… An engineer there came up with… [the idea to] have college kids design work zone safety messages,” Hickey recalled. “I thought, it’s a good idea but why college kids...?”

After all, it’s high school students who are most often learning to drive.

With that thought in mind, the committee set to work, creating a contest designed to encourage beginning drivers to think about the issue of work zone safety.

“Most Departments of Transportation have a safety budget…” Hickey said, recalling his pitch to ODOT, which supplied the funding needed for both the billboard and the awarded prizes.

“What better way to spend it than to educate the next generation of drivers?”

Hickey also reached out to the Willamette Education Service District (WESD)

– an agency serving 11 Oregon school districts –for assistance in getting the word out to schools in ODOT regions one and two.

“This collaborative effort aims to connect students with real world experiences, providing a platform for students to showcase their creativity while contributing to the community,” Amy Caulder, Senior Manager of Career Connected Learning for WESD, said. “It goes beyond the theoretical and empowers students to become problem solvers, critical thinkers and effective communicators. By working on a project with tangible outcomes, students gain invaluable insights into the dynamics of the world of work.”

With 86 initial submissions, the committee narrowed the selection down

from Grant High School and one from Silverton High School – which they felt were both unique and on-brand.

“I was surprised I won,” SHS senior Kristina Baldwin said, “because I just quickly whipped up a design.”

Erected on two billboards – one in Eugene and one in Salem – Baldwin’s winning proposal features the sentence, “Don’t drive reckless, you might end up… breathless,” ending in a heart rate EKG line.

“When you see it you’re thinking, that EKG is a symbol of life,” Hickey said, which is exactly what he wants all drivers to remember: work zone safety isn’t just about avoiding tickets, it’s about saving lives.

Above: Kirstina Baldwin’s winning design for an ODOT billboard. Right: Baldwin receiving recognition from the Asphalt Pavement Association and ODOT in Abby Shetler’s graphic design class at SHS. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Champs again Future Foxes claim state title in girls hoops

By James Day

The Future Foxes sixth-grade girls are on a roll. The squad won its second consecutive state championship last month in Bend and Redmond by capturing the gold division. Last year the squad won the fifth grade competition.

Payton Brautigam was named player of the year and her father Dave earned coach of the year honors. Mirren Knudsen was named to the first team and Clara Scamahorn received honorable mention.

“We are so unbelievably proud of our kiddos,” coach Brautigam said. “They absolutely battled this season and had to fight with a target on their backs all season long. We spent a majority of our season playing up a grade level and against club teams. The players, parents, and fans represented Foxes’ nation with class and dignity this weekend. These kids fight on every possession, every single game and play as a team.”

The Future Foxes finished this season with a 31-5 record and are 73-9 in the past three years.

“I’m unbelievably proud of your heart, desire, and relentlessness to get better as individual and as a team,” said Coach Brautigam, who also thanked the team’s sponsors, Timothy Yount of Edward Jones and John’s Waterproofing.

Football: Silverton has moved into Class 5A’s Special  District 2 for the upcoming fall season. Because it is a six-team league (also including Canby, Central, Woodburn, McKay and Wilsonville) the Foxes get to play four non-league games. They include two 6A teams, Lake Oswego and Mountainside of Beaverton as well as 5A teams Summit of Bend and West Albany. Summit (7-5) made the 5A semifinals a year ago and West Albany (8-3) lost to Silverton in the quarterfinals. Lake Oswego (6-4) and Mountainside (7-4) both played in the 6A brackets.

“This has gotta be one of the toughest preseason schedules in the state,” Foxes coach Dan Lever told Our Town. “We want to push ourselves. If you play good teams it helps you later on. We’re all about preparing

ourselves for November.”

Track & Field: Longtime Foxes coach Erik Cross has a bit of a problem. More than 200 athletes turned out for track and field this season, far more than the prepandemic highs of about 175.

Logistically, it’s a nightmare. Organizing practices is a challenge, even with the 11 coaches Cross has on hand. How do you set up a meet when 120 athletes want to compete in the 100 meters?

“The league doesn’t like us,” Cross said.

Also, traveling to an away meet requires four full-size school buses and two mini buses. The good news is that you can score a lot of points at meets with 200 athletes and many of those 100 stalwarts ultimately can be talked into trying something else, such as longer races and the long jump. Asked how he was doing, Cross said, “I’m tired.”

Signings: Silverton High football stars Xavier Orozco and Brody Sullivan have finalized their college plans, with Orozco selecting Linfield University and Sullivan signing with Lincoln University of Oakland, California. Orozco, a defensive lineman, and running back Sullivan announced their plans at a March 18 signing ceremony in the gymnasium.

Other Foxes athletes who have signed in recent days include:

• Kyleigh Brown, basketball, Portland State

• Alexis Haury, volleyball, Washington

• Braezen Henderson, softball, Northwest Nazarene

• Makayla Rose, cross country, Corban University

• Sidney King, soccer, Umpqua Community College

• Kate Kofstad, softball, Carroll (Montana) College

• Cade Wynn, baseball. Mt. Hood Community College

Wrestling: The Frenzy at the Festhalle turned into an overtime wrestling thriller on March 16. Twin brothers Jared Wilson, the coach at Silverton, and Jeff Wilson, the coach at Sherwood, took to the mat to continue their family rivalry, with Jared winning a 6-4 decision that required extra time. And produced minor amounts of blood. A large, appreciative crowd turned out for the bout, part of the Foxes’ annual fund-raising banquet. Jared told Our Town that he was really sore for the next couple of days.

Dance & Drill: Silverton participated in two events at the OSAA dance and drill competition March 15-16 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion in Salem. The team scored 78.11 points to finish 5th in Class 5A-4A3A-2A-1A jazz and accumulated 78.75 points while taking seventh in Class 5A-4A-3A-2A-1A traditional. Longtime power Valley Catholic won both categories, scoring 87.69 in traditional and 85.42 in jazz. The Mid-Willamette Conference put on a good show, with South Albany and West Albany taking third and fourth, respectively, in traditional and Lebanon taking second and South Albany finishing sixth in jazz.

The Silverton Future Foxes sixth grade girls basketball team won the gold division in March in Bend and Redmond.  SUBMITTED PHOTO

Decade of dominance

The Silverton High girls basketball squad’s Class 5A title last month capped 10 years of staggering success by the boys and girls programs, both in terms of league accomplishments and statewide achievement.

Consider: In the ten-year span from 2015-2024 the girls team has won or shared seven Mid-Willamette Conference titles, won two state Class 5A titles (2016 and 2024) and took home trophies for finishing in the top 6 on five other occasions. Silverton was second in 2017 and third in 2018. The Foxes are 212-45 overall during those 10 years, an 82.5% winning percentage, and a crazy-good 133-17 in league play, an 88.7% win rate. Silverton had just one or two conference losses in nine of those ten seasons and has not lost more than six games in a full season since 2015.

The boys squad, meanwhile, has one

title, in 2015, and has taken home trophies four other times, including a second in 2022 and a third in 2019. Silverton is 190-62 overall, a 75.4 winning percentage. The Foxes have won six MWC titles and have won league games at an 81.2% clip (they are 121-27).

The coaches have been magnificent. Steve Roth led the boys to their 2015 title (a coaching lifer, he remains on the staff). His successor, Jamie McCarty, brought home four trophies and a 69-1 league record in his first five years. Tal Wold’s final eight years included the 2016 title and a run of always finishing first or second in league. His successor, Alyssa Ogle won the 2024 state title and has a 33-3 league mark in her first two years.

So how do the Foxes line up statewide? A combined three titles in ten years doesn’t seem dominant. But, because of COVID-19 only eight boys and girls titles were awarded in those years. Also, Silverton is the lone school in Class 5A with both boys and girls state titles in that span.

Here is another lens. Win a game at state and you get a trophy. If you

Fox girls state title caps historic period

weight the first through sixth finishers as if it were a track or swim meet that means ten points for first, eight for second, six for third, four for fourth, two for fifth and one for sixth. Using that formula Silverton’s seven girls trophies earn them 46 points, one behind LaSalle, which has 47 points, including three titles. Springfield is third with 42 points (and one title) and Crater is fourth with 26. MidWillamette foes Crescent Valley (22 pts, one title) and Corvallis (14 pts) are fifth and sixth, respectively. In terms of overall wins the Foxes lead with 212. Crater and LaSalle are tied for second at 206. Corvallis is fourth with 182.

Switching to boys you are immediately flattened by Wilsonville. The Wildcats won five titles from 2015-2024, finished second three other times, have nine trophies and have won 234 games. In my points system they are at 81, well ahead of Churchill (six trophies, 36 points) and Silverton (five trophies, 35 points). Churchill has 192 wins, with the Foxes, as previously noted, at 190. Next Best MWC team? South Albany at 143.

In celebration of this Silverton success I have selected a team of the decade for the boys and girls. State tournament success was a big factor. You show your mettle at state. Please note that in parentheses I show the state tournament years as well as pertinent stats (key: P=points, R=rebounds, A=assists, S=steals.

Girls – First team: Kyleigh Brown (2022-24, 139p, 66r, 26a, 21s, 3 alltourney teams), Maggie Roth (201518, 107p, 82r, 26s, 3 all-tourney), Alia Parsons (2015-16, 82p, 24r, 23s, 2 alltourney), Riley Traeger (2018-20, 50p, 35r) and Brooke McCarty (2015-18, 69p, 46r, 21a). Second team: Truitt Reilly (2019-20), 37p, 23r), Kayce McLaughlin (2015-17, 48p, 38r, 1 all-tourney), Ellie Schmitz (2017-20, 42p), Grace Hayashida (2022-23, 57p, 22r, 13s, 1 all-tourney) and Justina Semerikov (2022-24, 47p, 36r).

Boys – First team: Sam Roth (42p, 1 all-tourney), Cade Roth (2018, 54p, 19r, 9s, 1 all-tourney), Levi Nielsen (2018-19, 44p, 48r, 1 all-tourney), David Gonzales (2018-20, 118p, 35r and 19a) and Jordan McCarty (2019-20, 22, 48p, 21a, 1 all-tourney). Second team: Josiah Roth (2018-19, 37p, 31r), Ryan Redman-Brown (2022, 31p and 20r), Neil Efimov (2022, 35p, 11s), Grant Dunn (201820, 51p, 17r,10 3s) and Julian/Jonah Downey.

Note: Julian Downey hit five 3-pointers in the 2015 semifinals vs. No. 1 Mountain View and was named second-team all-tourney. He transferred to Santiam, which won a 2017 Class 2A title. He scored 33 points in the title game vs. Stanfield. Brother Jonah scored 21 points in that 2A title win and both Downeys were named alltournament. Jonah scored 29 points while playing for the 2019 Silverton team that took third at state.

Monday, April 1

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Monroe/Alsea

Friday, April 3

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Dayton

Thursday, April 4

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn

Friday, April 5

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Rainier

Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn

Monday, April 8

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton

5 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon

Friday, April 12

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton

Tuesday, April 16

Boys Tennis

4 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Country Christian/North Clackamas Christian

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Country Christian/North Clackamas Christian

Tuesday, April 18

Girls Tennis

Silverton vs West Albany

Friday, April 19

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Country Christian/North Clackamas Christian

5 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Country Christian/North Clackamas Christian

5 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley

Tuesday, April 23

Boys Tennis

Wednesday, April 24

Track & Field

3:30 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany, Woodburn

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian

Softball

4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian

5 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas

Friday, April 26

Track & Field

10 a.m. Kennedy Twilight Invitational

Baseball

5 p.m. Silverton vs West Albany

Softball

5 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn

Monday, April 29

Baseball

4 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis

Home events only. For complete and updated schedules, visit osaa.org.

4 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis

Sixth

Fourth

Seventh

Sixth

Fifth

Sixth

Fourth

Some years ago, a magazine publisher named Steve Forbes was running for president. His main pitch wasn’t how he was going to work for world peace or protect the good old U.S. of A. from all enemies foreign and domestic.

Nope, his main pitch was that every American would be able to file his or her federal income taxes by filling out a postcard.

Sign me up.

I just finished filling out the federal and state tax forms for my wife and me, and I’m feeling a bit — How should I say this? — abused.

Thank goodness I used a popular tax preparation software, or else I’d still be scribbling arithmetic trying to figure out the damage.

My wife and I took great care last year to keep track of every penny that came in and went out. Plus, I had a little dab of heart surgery, so I was thinking Uncle Sam or Governor Tina might help out.

Nope. By the time everything was said and done, I really could have put everything on a postcard, pasted a stamp on it and called it a tax year.

Funny thing about taxes. I don’t mind paying them. I know for a fact that 2.95 million federal employees don’t work for free. I can’t vouch for all of them, but I’d be willing to bet that most of them earn their keep.

The same goes for the 45,000 folks who work for the state of Oregon. I’m sure there are a few slackers, but the vast majority are pulling their weight, and maybe a little bit more.

What I balk at is jumping through a bunch of hoops to get to the point where I know

Quality Dental Care in a Friendly Environment

how big a check to write.

By the time I pushed the final button, our federal and state tax returns were 49 pages. There were schedules and lists and calculations that would make my high school math teacher swoon. The governments knew our Social Security number, address, phone number and — interestingly enough — our adjusted gross income from last year. The only thing they left out was my shirt size.

But I’ll go along with the program. I want the federal and state governments to have enough money to pay their bills. Though the state can’t run a deficit — the Oregon Constitution won’t let the legislature run a tab — the federal government is a whole other story. Last year, the federal government took in $4.8 trillion and Congress spent nearly $6.2 trillion. It borrowed the difference by issuing bonds, which are loans.

The Government Accountability Office fired up its abacus and found that, overall,  the federal government owes bond holders $33.2 trillion. That’s something like

$100,000 for every man, woman and child in the country.

In other words, too darn much.

There’s an economic theory that’s been making the rounds for a while called modern monetary theory. In short, it says that if the “social value” outweighs the cost, go for it and don’t worry about the debt. It’s the functional equivalent of how some people view credit cards: If it feels good, spend it.

The only problem is that our kids and their kids and the kids after that will be stuck with the bill.

And that’s awful. Right now, the interest payments alone on the federal deficit are something like $659 billion a year.

I’m paying my share, all 49 pages of it. I just wish Congress would tap the brakes on its spending habit. None of us can afford it.

GENERAL

MT. ANGEL MODEL

RAILROAD Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays at The Depot, 90 W. College St., Mt. Angel. Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge, N-gauge model layouts on display, for all ages. Free.

NOTICES

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Silver Falls Library District, Marion County, Oregon will be held on April 23, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. This will be a hybrid meeting hosted through Zoom (Meeting ID# 880 1701 9820) and at the Library Program Room, 410 S. Water St., Silverton. The agenda will include the FY 25 budget message and public comment. A copy of the budget document may be obtained on or after April 17 at the Library during open hours or on the website www.silverfallslibrary.org.

Please call 503-873-5770 or email (shigby@ silverfallslibrary.org) at least 48 hours prior to the session if you require accommodations to fully participate in this meeting. TCW 3/29/24

MT. ANGEL MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLUNTARY

SEISMIC STRENGTHENING

– MT. ANGEL SCHOOL

DISTRICT 91 Notice is hereby given that Mt Angel School

District 91 Voluntary Seismic Strengthening project is open for bidding. A nonmandatory pre-bid meeting will be held via MS Teams on Wednesday, April 3 at 1 p.m. Pacific. Send a request for Teams invite to jasonp@ cbconst.us. Bids due April 19 at 2 p.m. Pacific to jasonp@ cbconst.us Electronic bids

only. Contact Jason Pennington for additional information and bid documents. 541-910-1239, jasonp@cbconst.us 3/29/24, 4/5/24

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Mt. Angel Fire District, Marion, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will be held at Mt. Angel Fire District, 300 Monroe St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362. The meeting will take place on May 14, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 1, 2024, at 300 Monroe St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Budget Committee meeting information will be posted on the Mt. Angel Fire District website: mtangelfire.org. TCW 3/29/24, 4/5/24

CAN YOU SPARE A COUPLE OF HOURS TO HELP SENIORS IN SILVERTON?

The Silverton Meals on Wheels organization is looking for volunteers. We are asking for people who can commit to two hours a week. Volunteer positions are available in the kitchen (to plate meals) or drivers to deliver food to people’s homes in the Silverton area. If interested, please call 503-873-6906 between 8 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday.

SERVICES

PERSONAL TOUCH, LLC

OFFERING PERSONAL CARE Lillian Ryan has been caring for seniors for over 14 years... and loves her work! Transportation to/ from appointments, routine errands, grocery shopping, companionship, overnight care, shower assistance. $25 per hour. Please schedule 24 hours in advance. Serving Silverton, Mt. Angel and Scotts Mills area.

503-871-7154

lillian.ryan51@gmail.com

HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR SERVICE

Installation and repair of fencing, decks, doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637. Call Ryan 503-881-3802

JESSE’S LAWN SERVICE

& HANDYMAN Pruning, edging, trimming, blackberry cleaning, gutter cleaning, arborvitae, moss treatment, yard clean-up, stump grinding, powerwashing, haul-away. 503-871-7869

B&J JANITORIAL, INC.

20 years experience. References available. 503-313-5816

GOT STUFF WANT GONE?

From yard debris to scrap metal-From garage sale left overs to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call and find out what we can do for you. $20 Minimum. Call Keith, 503-502-3462

To advertise call 503-845-9499

#T2811 OPEN CONCEPT

$688,000

Open concept home on large .23 acre lot in quiet cul de sac in newer neighborhood. Custom wood cabinets throughout, quartz countertops, laminate flooring, custom window coverings, & stainless-steel appliances. Large bonus room upstairs with full bath is currently being used as fourth bedroom. Room for RV. Easy access to 214. Only adjacent neighbor is to the South. Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 (WVMLS#813781)

#T2809 NEW CONSTRUCTION

$699,000

Large 10,000+sqft lot on the north edge of Silverton. The home was built with dual living / generational living in mind. Home has several upgraded features. Main level master suite w/ large walk-in closet & bath. Great room w/ gas insert fireplace, granite counter tops, solid surface flooring, & custom cabinets. 3BR 2.5BA w/ additional but separate 1BR 1BA dual living. Large 2 car garage & sunset views. 519sqft ADU can be rented for income. Call for list of amenities. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#813139)

#T2812 CHARMING HOBBY FARM $699,900

Charming hobby farm with small Christmas Trees patch, close to town, 2 bedroom, 1 bath home on 9.63 acres. Entire home renovated - new windows, flooring, kitchen & appliances, with upstairs bonus room. Utility room’s backdoor leads to patio and 21 x 32 shop. Flat acreage w/ agricultural storage (former

#T2813

Well Cared for Home in 55+ Park. Upgraded triple pane windows. Roof only 5 years old. F/A Heat pump with air filter installed in 2013. 1 space carport. Grab bars installed in bath. Park approval required. Park rent includes; water, sewer, and garbage. Call Michael

#T2811 OPEN CONCEPT 3 BR, 3 BA 2242 sqft Call Whitney at ext. 320 or Mike at ext. 312 $688,000 (WVMLS#813781)

#T2809 – NEW CONSTRUCTION 4 BR, 3.5 BA 3275 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $699,000 (WVMLS#813139)

#T2789 SILVERTON MOBILE ESTATES

2 BR, 2 BA 1248 sqft Call Becky at ext. 313 $165,000 (WVMLS#807664)

SOLD! – #T2792 FAIRY TALE COTTAGE 3 BR, 2 BA

2997 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $770,000 (WVMLS#808110)

#T2807 BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HOME 3 BR, 2.5 BA 3024 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322

$799,800 (WVMLS#812246)

NEW! – #T2813 55+ PARK 2 BR, 1 BA 1008 sqft. Call Michael at ext. 314 $124,900 (WVMLS#814368)

Chuck White Broker 873-3545 ext. 325

Mason

Kirsten

Whitney

Mike

Meredith Wertz Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 324

Ryan Wertz Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 322

Sarah

Micha Christman Office Manager 873-1425

Becky

Michael

Tayler

Jason