Foxes Damian Rael (54), Kane Mack (behind Rael), Keysean Davis (in street clothes), Chase Dominguez (11), Luke Horner (21) and assistant coach Mike Fessler (gray hoodie) celebrate Silverton’s 24-14
Something to Think About
Christmas firsts Reflecting on life’s milestones
By Melissa Wagoner
Holiday traditions, especially those handed down from one generation to the next, can feel as though they are set in stone. Putting up the same decorations every year, cooking the same recipes and listening to the same music can reinforce that feeling. But traditions are always shifting – sometimes subtly, sometimes seismically – with the regular events of life. We cannot know, as we box up the decorations at the end of the holiday season, what changes will be wrought when we unpack them at the beginning of next.
New baby
That was certainly the case for Nat Randall who, during last year’s holiday season, was pregnant with her first child, a son she and her husband, Ben, would name Luke.
“Luke was born prematurely at 31 weeks and a few days…” Randall – who unexpectedly suffered from preeclampsia and high blood pressure – recalled. “I was hospitalized for eight days. Luke was in the NICU for seven weeks… He was on a CPAP machine and feeding tube. Luke’s birth weight was three pounds and eight ounces.”
“We moved into our new home when our baby turned seven months,” Laura said, “which is good timing as he started crawling, and we have so much more room for him to play.”
The family also has more room to decorate for the holidays, which they haven’t done in several years.
“I’m so excited to see our little guy’s reaction,” Laura said. “Everything I’m doing to decorate, is for him. Even though he may not remember much, it’ll be very memorable for us. I’m baking cookies for the first time in a few years, too!”
New family
But not all new additions are infants, sometimes weddings bring families together in an equally monumental way. Such is the case for Jessica Spence and her soonto-be husband, Thomas Ostrander, who will collectively merge five children when they wed this year.
“I am most excited to have all the firsts as a married family…” Jessica said. She just moved with her new blended family into a new house, said. “I am so excited to decorate for Christmas and make it our home… Having a blended family is one of the best things I’ve done.”
Widowhood
But despite those early challenges, Luke thrived, eventually moving with his parents to a new home in Sublimity, where they are now excited to celebrate their first holiday season as a family of three.
“[I’m looking forward to] introducing Luke to the magic of Christmas,” Nat said. “How people light up their houses for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve. How beautiful the season of giving truly is.”
New Home
Similarly, the Bradshaw family, Laura and Jason, also welcomed a new baby, Elliot, and subsequently moved into a new home in Gates.
big and noisy and rambunctious group. Our large Christmas gatherings were all about sharing meals, playing board games and opening a lot of presents.”
Now, without David joyfully playing with the young grandkids and helping to prepare for the big holiday celebrations, Poppy speculates that, despite everyone’s best efforts, the holidays won’t be quite the same for the family or for her.
“[T]his is the first time in my life I’ve lived alone, so not just the holiday season is a new experience for me…” Poppy confirmed, “the quiet of home is daunting. I’m so glad I still have little ones to spend time with…”
Multiple family losses
Similarly, Christina McDonald will also be spending the holidays without her husband, Derek, who died unexpectedly in August or her mom who passed away in March.
“Christmas was just our own family… pretty laid back…” Christina – mom to four children, three still at home – said.
“At this point I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like this year…I haven’t let
Loss of Parents and Home
Sometimes life changes so much that almost none of the previous customs are possible.
“The holidays were magical in the 90’s…” Aleashia Dimich said, recalling her own childhood spent in Mill City. “We got our Christmas tree from Kirsch’s True Value every year and... couldn’t wait to see the lights on the bridge lit up…”
Raising her own children near her childhood home, Aleashia enjoyed sharing these traditions with them until, in the Beachie Creek Fire of 2020, her home burned to the ground.
“We started over completely...” Aleashia said. “The only thing left in Mill City for us was mom and dad.”
Then in June 2025, only 12 days apart, both her parents passed, leaving Aleashia and her sisters unsure of what the coming holiday season would bring.
“My only plan is to make sure that my sisters and I are together along with our families we have made…” Aleashia said. “[W]e will not go to Mill City, which
But not all changes are good ones or come from a choice we have made.
That is the case for Poppy Shell – who unexpectedly lost her husband, David, in February, and is now facing the holidays alone for the first time in 48 years.
“The holidays for the big Shell family was a time to gather as many of our relatives that could come together…” Poppy said of Christmases past.
“There were five Silverton-born children…and these five created 12 grandkids. Add in some aunts, cousins, in-laws, friends, sometimes an exchange student and sweethearts, it becomes a very
myself think about it yet… because this one’s hard.”
A regular attendee of GriefShare, a support group offered at Foothills Church in Stayton, Christina is hoping to learn tips that might help her and her children get through the coming months.
“I want to keep things the same, but I know it’s not going to happen…” she said.
“You just have to figure out new traditions and what you hold on to.”
seems so wrong, but we will celebrate and we will miss them together. I do not foresee that changing.”
But it will refocus her traditions, homing in on what is truly important in a way not dissimilar to what will be experienced by all those whose lives have changed during the past year. While not all Christmas firsts are for joyous reasons, they do all have the potential to create a new and unique bond between those who celebrate them – and some new traditions as well.
Luke Randall home from the hospital. COURTESY OF NAT RANDALL
Aleashia Dimich celebrating with her extended family. COURTESY OF ALEASHIA DIMICH
Helping Hands
Mentorship Abbey receives $10 million grant
By Stephen Floyd
Mount Angel Abbey has received a $10 million grant to create a nation-wide mentorship program that helps seminarians transition into the priesthood after they graduate.
On Dec. 4, the abbey announced it had received a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., a faith-focused charity funded by pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company.
Mount Angel Seminary, which is operated by the Abbey, will lead the new program in collaboration with six other seminary organizations from throughout the country.
The program will train mentors to support newlyordained priests as they transition from seminary life to the needs of a local parish. The need for a gradual transition between these two stages was identified in the Program of Priestly Formation, Sixth Edition, published in 2022, as a way to better support full-time pastors.
Abbot Jeremy Driscoll said in a press release this program will bring “priestly formation… to a new level” as the seminary trains church leaders for
nationwide placement. He said he is confident in the ability of seminary President-Rector Fr. Jeff Eirvin to implement and lead the program.
Eirvin said the goal is to prepare the next generation of priests for the “leadership, administration, and relational demands” of parish life.
“Mount Angel Seminary is excited to lead a new initiative that equips mentor priests to confidently accompany new clergy through a healthy integration into parish ministry, setting a solid foundation for the rest of their lives,” said Eirvin.
The program will support mentors in the U.S. and Canada. Collaborators include Saint Mary Seminary in Ohio, Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Florida, The Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota, USML Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Pennsylvania, and The Seminary Formation Council in Florida.
Mount Angel Abbey was founded in 1882 by Swiss monks and operates in the Benedictine tradition of prayer, work, pastoral ministry, hospitality and education. Mount Angel Seminary is the largest Catholic seminary in the Western U.S.
Christmas tree permits available
Christmas tree permits are available to purchase at Willamette National Forest ranger stations, local businesses and online through Recreation.gov/.
Permits are $5 per tree and each family can cut up to five trees. Information about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut is included with the permit.
To purchase a tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov and search for “Willamette National Forest Christmas Tree Permits.” Forest officials said it is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information before purchasing a permit. Visitors also will need to set up or log-in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Fourth-graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 service fee will be applied online).
For more information, including the Every Kid Outdoors program, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/forestproducts/christmas-tree-permits/.
The website also has a list of Mid-Valley local businesses that are offering them.
– James Day
FFA nationals Silverton team takes second
By James Day
Silverton’s consistently fine FFA program came back from the annual national conference in Indianapolis with some impressive hardware.
Silverton’s four-person agriculture mechanics and technology team took second place at the conference. Participating for Silverton were Travis Kuenzi, Aiden Schaecher, Oliver Zurbrugg and Nathan Dettwyler.
In addition to the team honor, Kuenzi ranked third among individuals and Schaecher ninth.
Silverton’s agronomy/crops team of Aubrey Leao, Carter Lanz, Matthew Bielenberg and Emmett Dietrich, meanwhile, took sixth nationally in their discipline.
Dettwyler, Lanz and Bielenberg also took home first in welding fabrication at the SkillsUSA nationals in Atlanta.
“These students represent what hard work, determination, and career-focused education can achieve,” said Scott Towery,
who has been adviser to the Silverton FFA program for 20 years and an ag educator for 30 years. “As coach and adviser, I could not be more proud of what they have achieved.”
Also, Silverton FFA president Chase Stoddard received a two-star chapter honor on stage at the conference. The two-star chapter honor is not a stand-alone national award, Lowery said, noting it’s a rating a chapter can receive only after earning a gold rating at the state level.
FFA is one of the largest student-led organizations in the nation, with more than one million members and 9,407 chapters nationwide.
Oregon has 118 FFA chapters and 16,575 members. More than 70,000 FFA members were on hand for the national conference. Towery said that those numbers make the achievements of the Silverton students “even more exceptional.”
During his tenure Silverton has won 27 Oregon state championships.
The Silverton FFA ag mechanics and technology team. From left: Travis Kuenzi, Aiden Schaecher, Oliver Zurbrugg and Nathan Dettwyler, with adviser Scott Towery at the far right. The team took second at the FFA’s national conference in Indianapolis. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Safety Robert Frost temporarily closed
By Stephen Floyd
Robert Frost Elementary School was temporarily closed earlier in December due to failing roof trusses, with some areas of the school still closed pending repairs.
On Dec. 3, facilities staff for the Silver Falls School District were called to investigate ceiling vents in the kitchen that were coming loose, according to a public statement from the district.
While checking the attic, staff found two roof trusses were broken, prompting the district to send home all students and staff at 1:30 p.m. as a precaution.
On Dec. 4, inspectors with ZCS Engineering & Architecture, of Oregon City, found three additional broken trusses above the music room. No similiar issues were found above the main classrooms and other areas of the building, the district said. Kellison said there was no clear reason why the trusses failed and said neither water damage nor another direct cause were identified. She said ZCS determined
the building’s age and poor construction quality were likely to blame.
Contractors with Brockamp & Jaeger Inc., of Oregon City, installed braces in the kitchen, music room and functional skills classroom, among other temporary repairs. The school re-opened Dec. 8 except for the areas with braces.
As of press time the district was working with ZCS to create a plan for longterm repairs. The goal is to have repairs completed during winter break.
Superintendent Kim Kellison said the district also plans to resurface the roof above that part of the building.
The district expects to pay for repairs from a $500,000 capital improvement fund set aside for this school year.
While the building was closed the district reported an employee as injured and hospitalized on Dec. 4. Kellison said the injuries were unrelated to the inspections and repairs.
New voice Marquez joins MASD board
By Stephen Floyd
The Mt. Angel School District (MASD) Board has appointed Budget Committee member Jaqueline Marquez to an open seat on the board after the recent resignation of Irene Novichihin.
Marquez was selected during a special meeting of the board held Dec. 1 to interview applicants for the seat. She was sworn in at the start of the board’s regular meeting Dec. 8.
Former Board Member Novichihin resigned Sept. 15 after moving out of the district.
Marquez was appointed to the Budget Committee in 2024 and has been part of the district’s previous two budget cycles. Board members said Dec. 1 this background with the district and willingness to serve helped Marquez stand out as a candidate.
Board members also said they liked Marquez’ answers to interview questions
about candidates’ reasons for wishing to serve and views on running the district. When asked how MASD could achieve long-term positive outcomes, Marquez said the board must look at the district as a whole and make decisions with the entire student population in mind.
“We can’t just look at one school, we can’t just look at one demographic, we have to look at the entirety of the school population among multiple data points and determine what would be the best route for the majority of students,” said Marquez.
Marquez has a background in revenue management and finance within the healthcare industry. She also grew up in the district and is raising her family here. Marquez will serve the remainder of Novichihin’s term through June of 2027.
Jaqueline Marquez SUBMITTED PHOTO
Agreement reached Silverton, public works employees, OK 3-year deal
By James Day
The city of Silverton has a new labor contract with its public works employees.
The council unanimously passed a resolution approving the new three-year deal at its Dec. 3 meeting. Silverton members of Laborer’s Local 483 voted to approve the new contract earlier in the day.
Negotiations were protracted and went well beyond the June 30 expiration of the previous contract. Six mediation sessions were required between July and November and union members took a strike vote at one point. Raises will be retroactive to July 1.
Employees will receive two- to fourpercent raises in each of the three years, with market adjustments of two to 11 percent in the first year and two percent in the second and third years. Union members also will receive extra compensation for certifications such as a
commercial drivers’ license.
“This was a long negotiating process,” Mayor Jason Freilinger said. “We have achieved a very good balance for our valuable Public Works employees and for the future of our city.”
The local union shop steward for the department did not respond to a request from Our Town for comment on the new contract.
In a related development, City Manager Cory Misley said that the city is close to hiring a new Public Works director. Former director Travis Sperle left the city in May and Misley and his team interviewed the three finalists on Dec. 5. The finalists were not named. Misley said he is working on a conditional offer to the top candidate and hopes to have the new director in place by early January.
In other city council news: Emergency preparedness: Councilors
unanimously passed a resolution amending the city’s emergency operations plan. Discussing the plan before the councilors was Silverton Police Chief Todd Engstrom, Silverton Fire District Chief Bill Miles, assistant fire chief Keith Veit, Mike Dahlberg of the city public works department and Greg Walsh with Marion County emergency services. A county grant that used federal pass-through dollars paid for the update, the first for the city since 2008.
A lot has happened since 2008, the group emphasized, including fires and ice storms. Engstrom said now annual updates are planned.
“We don’t want to just put it in a binder on a shelf,” Engstrom said. “It’s meant to be a living document.”
Mayor Freilinger praised the work of the group, noting that the sections on landslides and ice storms were particularly helpful.
“They are more prevalent than I thought,” Freilinger said.
To review the plan on city emergency preparedness go to https://www. silverton.or.us/community/page/ emergency-management-preparedness/.
Community survey: The city is holding a community survey through Jan. 5, its first since 2016. The survey is scheduled to be on the city website by Dec. 15 at https://www.silverton.or.us/.
Street sweeping: Thursday street sweeping is back in business now that the city has rented a replacement sweeper. The city’s lone sweeper is being repaired.
Proclamation: Mayor Freilinger read a proclamation honoring the Silverton High football team for its Class 5A state title victory on Nov. 28 in Hillsboro. Councilor and teacher Marie Traeger also read the proclamation at an assembly at the high school on Dec. 5.
Ground breaking Edward Jones to build on McClaine/Westfield corner
By James Day
One of the most visible vacant lots in Silverton is getting an upgrade.
Edward Jones financial advisor Tim Yount is consolidating his offices in town, with all 10 employees set to occupy a new office building at the corner of Westfield and McClaine.
Yount, working with local contractors and architects, is going to put up a 3,000square-foot office building on the oneacre site, with a small piece of the parcel to the south being split off and sold.
The big topic, though, as folks gathered for the Dec. 3 groundbreaking, was just how long the lot had been vacant and what proposals for the plot had failed to come to fruition. Multifamily housing and a Blockbuster video store were among the proposals, with the consensus being that the lot has been vacant for more than 30 years.
Mario Montiel, an Edward Jones advisor
who also is working with Young on the building project, said that he thinks a house was on the site in the 1960s.
“We’re out of room,” Yount said of the need for the new building. “And it also
will benefit Silverton because it will be a great addition to folks’ first view of town.
I’m glad nothing has been developed on it before. It’s a win for Silverton.”
Crews already have been moving dirt
around in the days following the groundbreaking, with Peter Shanks of White Oak Construction saying that the building might be completed by next summer. In addition to White Oak, local firms involved in the project include Facet Architecture and excavation by Wurdinger Manufacturing.
Shanks said that the “City of Silverton has been great to work with,” with only routine permitting matters remaining. The placement at one of the city’s busiest intersections will mean customers and employees can only enter the parking lot off of Westfield, with a right-turn-only lane to exit onto McClaine.
Yount started with Edward Jones 35 years ago with his wife, Julie, and brought to the groundbreaking a framed copy of a Silverton Appeal Tribune/Mt. Angel News page that included a story on the opening of the office in 1990.
Yount said that the size of the new building will give his office room to continue to grow.
Pride • Integrity • Respect • Loyalty •
Month
Since 1974, John's has aimed to embody five core values; pride, integrity, respect, loyalty, and the ability to thrive. This month we would like to highlight local Silverton High School Student Jun Thao Jun is being recognized for exemplifying the value; to Thrive.
Jun has been thriving at school this year. He has been working hard to maneuver around the classroom on his own. He has been alert, making eye contact, and he has also been feeding himself. He has really made progress and continues to overcome obstacles.
Mario and Caroline Montiel and Julie and Tim Yount, along with a rendering of the new office space. JIM KINGHORN
Cleone Beutler May 24, 1931 – Nov. 19, 2025
Cleone Pearl Beutler was born in Minnesota to Grace and Marvin Reed. She worked at the Palace Theater in Silverton, picking hops, book binding and in real estate. She loved her yard, feeding the birds, and General Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Beutler; son Kevin Bielemeier; parents Grace and Marvin Reed; and siblings Darlene, Dewayne, and Marlin.
She is survived by her two sons, Mark (Christina) Bielemeier and Mike (Martina)
Bielemeier; three grandkids, Ryan (Lorica) Bielemeier, Courtney (Ken) Goode, and Heather Bielemeier; two step-grandkids, Jeni Haldeman, and Amos (Nicole) Haldeman; four greatgrandkids, Everett and Brielle Goode and Alyssa, and Nathan Bielemeier; and two step-grandkids, Mason and Keegan Haldeman.
Donations can be made to Meals on Wheels or Dementia Society of America. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
Jonathon Wertz Oct. 26, 1950 – Nov. 13, 2025
Jonathon Dee Wertz passed away peacefully at home on Nov.13.
After Silverton High School, he worked for Schmitz Logging and was a logger for the rest of his life.
In 1970, he married Ginger Lee Gragg. Soon after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Jon and Ginger returned to Silverton where Jon enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting.
Ginger passed away in 2000, and in 2003, Jon found love again and married Julia Mae Thompson.
Jonathon is survived by his wife, Julia; mother Shirley Wertz; sister Jennifer Bielenberg; children Leslie (Michael) Schmidt, Ryan (Meredith) Wertz, Neil Wertz, Cori (Barret) McClatchey, Ariel Taylor, and Britteny Taylor. A private celebration of life will take place in the next few weeks.
In Memory Of
Susan Sasano Dec. 1, 1958 - Nov. 17, 2025
Denise Marcel Mills Oct. 1, 1953 - Nov. 19, 2025
Cleone Pearl Beutler May 24, 1931 - Nov. 19, 2025
June Irene Metzger June 6, 1924 - Nov. 20, 2025
Harold Burdett Johnson June 23, 1942 - Nov. 20, 2025
Sandra Lopez Ortega Jan. 9, 1957 - Nov. 21, 2025
Lealand “Dale” Meade Oct. 4, 1943 - Nov. 24, 2025
Daniel Aaron Roberts June 12, 1971 - Nov. 27, 2025
Patty Jean Trupka Mar. 31, 1955 - Nov. 27, 2025
Jacqueline Lee Wiesner Dec. 16, 1939 - Dec. 1, 2025
Justin Keith Sims Apr. 3, 1984 - Dec. 3, 2025
Always honoring your request for traditional, eco-friendly or aqua cremation, celebration of life, and services involving earth burial. We also offer pre-planning alternatives to control costs.
local funeral chapels serving Mt. Angel since 1919 &
Renee Johnson
Renee Marie Johnson, 75, of Beaverton, passed away on Nov. 15 at the Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland.
The recitation of the Holy Rosary was said on Dec. 9, followed by a Funeral Mass.
May 28, 1950 – Nov. 15, 2025
She was born in Portland, Oregon, to Robert Francis and Lucille Delphine (Gilles) Worley. She attended Silverton
Aileen Clemmer
Union High School graduating in 1968. Renee married Patrick Richard Johnson in 1973 in Silverton. Following their marriage, they made their home in Beaverton. She is survived by her son, Ryan Johnson.
A complete obituary is available at dvfuneralhome.com. Services provided by Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home.
Dec. 8, 1933 – Nov. 17, 2025
Aileen Clemmer was born in Medford, Oregon, the youngest child of Arthur and Grace (Gregory) Sellars. In the late 1930s, Aileen and her father contracted tuberculosis and were admitted to the State Sanitarium in Salem, where Arthur died and Aileen spent a year by herself. In 1953, she married Charles William Clemmer. They had three daughters and actively served as Jehovah’s Witnesses. They moved to Mt. Angel in 2002 to be near family.
Chuck passed away in 2002, just short of their 50th anniversary.
Aileen in survived by daughters Charleen (Dale) Worden, Sharon (Mike) Hanscom, and Ellen Mann, and grandchildren Dustin Worden, Owen (Brittney) Hanscom and Cyrus (Phoebe) Mann, sister-in-law Barbara Hammersley and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 975 Mildred Lane SE, Salem.
Jacquie Wiesner
Jacquie Wiesner was born in Southgate, California. She spent her early years in California and Ketchum, Idaho, before settling in Silverton, Oregon. She attended beauty college and later worked at Stayton Canning and The Home Place Restaurant.
In 1959, Jacquie married George Robert Wiesner. They raised two children, Mark and Teri. Jacquie enjoyed homemaking, traveling, and participating in many social activities. She especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dec. 16, 1939
– Dec. 1, 2025
Jacquie is survived by her brother Tom (Janice) Wareham; her son Mark (Kay) Wiesner; grandsons Steven (Chelsea) and Kevin (Kacie) Wiesner; her daughter Teri Baker; grandson Kristopher (Jen) Baker; and granddaughter Samantha (Chad) Williams. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and close friends are invited to an informal gathering on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 1–6 p.m., at 10585 Saratoga Dr. NE, Salem, Oregon (search 10581 Saratoga for GPS directions) to honor Jacquie and celebrate her life.
Silverton football Foxes ride ‘love’ and ‘work’ to state title
“I still can’t believe that,” said coach Dan Lever, on Monday, Dec. 1, three days after his Foxes took out Summit of Bend 24-14 to win the OSAA Class 5A state football title. “I feel very fortunate. Usually a coach is angry or crabby after the season ends.”
Lever is known for saying that at the end of the season only one team is happy. This year it was the Foxes, who took home their third state title, following a 3A championship in 1991 and another 5A in 2021.
“What a great job our kids did and a great showing from our community. Unbelievable, man.”
Indeed. The cool, foggy atmosphere at Hillsboro Stadium was no match for fired-up orange clad Fox fans who turned the turf into a mosh pit after QB Chase Dominguez took a knee to end the contest.
There were hugs. And tears. Hoarse players and coaches. Players passed around the trophy and bit into their medals to make sure they were real. It was real all right. The Foxes, ranked No. 2 in the state, finished the season on a 6-0 run, fueled by
the return of Dominguez from injury and by a heartbreaking 34-28 Homecoming loss to Lebanon on Oct. 17.
How much did the Foxes dominate Class 5A? Check out this breakdown of the rankings which the OSAA used to build the tournament bracket:
1. Summit (Foxes won 24-14 in final)
2. The Foxes
3. Mountain View (Foxes won 35-21 on Nov. 21 in semis)
4. Lebanon (Foxes lost 34-28 on Oct. 17)
5. Thurston (Foxes won 35-6 on Sept. 5)
6.Dallas (Foxes won 30-23 on Oct. 24)
7. Wilsonville (Foxes won 35-32 on Nov. 14 in quarters)
8. West Albany (Foxes won 29-0 on Oct. 3)
That’s a 6-1 record for the Foxes against the
best in the state. Silverton also beat the No. 10 Class 6A team, Grants Pass, by a 40-16 count, and went on the road to Idaho to beat Coeur d’Alene, 21-14. That team went on to make the semifinals in Idaho’s top bracket.
The two biggest question marks coming into the season were replacing Sawyer Teeney at quarterback and four starters in the offensive line. Dominguez, a transfer from McKay, was a revelation, hitting more than 75% of his passes down the stretch. He ran the ball well, proved an accurate passer in and out of the pocket and never seemed to get rattled. Junior center Kane Mack was the lone returner from the 2025 line group, but assistant coaches Eric Anderson and Pat Scott built a new powerhouse that featured Trey Carstensen, Ryan Kuenzi, James Stearns, James Collier, Mark Bailey and Cal Kofstad.
By the semifinals against Mountain View they had turned into road graders, blowing open the holes that allowed the Foxes to rush for 263 yards and score TDs on their first five possessions against a defense allowing 6 points per game coming in.
The line and Dominguez’s accuracy paved the way for a superbly balanced offense.
Nash Moser, Levi Schurter and Ryder VanDeweghe banged away up the middle. Nolan Horner, Luke Horner, Logan Uitto, Sutton Kuenzi and Lincoln Teeney ruled the wings on the fly sweep. Dominguez routinely had games in which he completed passes to a platoon of receivers, including the Horner brothers, Teeney, Uitto, Sutton Kuenzi and Gavin Aguero.
The Foxes will miss seniors Uitto, Sutton Kuenzi, Ryan Kuenzi, Moser, Dominguez, Aguero, Horner, Carstensen, Stearns and D-linemen Damian Rael, but I count more
than 15 returnees who played key roles, including Keysean Davis, who was the team’s top running back until injuring his shoulder in week two. Teeney only played half the year, missing games early because of an appendectomy and later with a broken foot.
This year’s title run continues a stretch of excellence that seems to be nowhere near cresting. Silverton has made the semifinals eight times since 2012, won a pair of titles and reached at least the quarterfinals every year since 2017. And all that under three different coaches, all with unique styles of their own. John Mannion went 57-20 from 2010-16, Josh Craig was 41-11 from 20172021 and Lever is 40-8 in his first four years. That 138-39 overall (roughly a 78% winning percentage) going back to 2010.
Mannion, Craig and Lever all will tell you that one of the big keys to the run has been stability in the coaching staff. Mike Fessler and John Howard go back to the 2006-2009 Scott Gragg era. Other longtime contributors include Anderson and Scott plus Matt Craig, John Horner, Brian Traeger, Jared Wilson and Jeff Rankin Then there is Don Von Weller, a 1969 Silverton grad, who just finished his 53rd year of coaching.
Lever gave a passionate address on Friday, Dec. 5 at a raucous all-school assembly in the gym. Lever said that the two key words that helped fuel the drive to a title were “work” and “love.”
“What separates this team is that they embraced the work,” he said. “And it’s love, too. They love each other and this school and that’s a powerful thing to witness every day.”
Silver Falls Park plans adjusted
By James Day
Budget challenges for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department have postponed a planned campground addition at Silver Falls State Park while also limiting some of the holiday special events offered at the park.
The OPRD is facing a $14 million operations budget shortfall this two-year cycle and parks offices are “reviewing all OPRD costs to help build a more sustainable future.”
The biggest impact is that a proposed campground is on hold. The campground, scheduled for a parcel north of Highway 214 just before the North Falls Trailhead, was set to be paid for by a $50 million general obligation bond approved by the Legislature in 2021.
The $50 million pot is down to $15 million, OPRD officials said in a press release, and those funds will be used to finish the new North Gateway Visitor Center at Silver Falls and for upgrades at Fort Stevens and Cape Lookout.
“The North Gateway project includes several components,” Silver Falls Park Manager Chris Gilliand told Our Town “Work is moving forward on the North Gateway Visitor Center, the access road from Highway 214, and the surrounding site improvements. The portion currently on pause is the proposed North Gateway Campground. All project components have completed their design phases, but the visitor center construction is further along because its building frame existed prior to OPRD’s purchase of the property.”
Here is a look at other developments:
Holidays: The free parking day on Black Friday fell victim to the budget cuts, but
the state parks system will continue its popular New Year’s Day hikes.
On Jan. 1, 2026, Silver Falls will be hosting a guided 1.5-mile lichen discovery hike on the North Rim Trail at 9 a.m. and an 11 a.m. “sense and sensibility” forest hike on the same trail.
One change is that parking no longer is free at parks hosting the first-day hikes.
Fee changes: 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge; 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026; OPRD is considering updates to the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026; additional parks will require a parking fee, with the specific parks and implementation date still being finalized; and fees will be implemented to use dump stations at parks to support the cost of that service. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellations.
Public comment: The OPRD is seeking public comment through Jan. 15 on the rate and fee and policy changes. Options to provide feedback include:
Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd. oregon.gov/.
$579,000 Location, location! Built in 2000, 4 bd, 2.5 ba,
sq. ft. on .21 size lot. Quiet cul de sac. Open floor plan, master on main, newer laminate floors. Unfinished bonus room, large utility room, 10x16’ storage shed. Close to the park/ pool and downtown. 704 Cliff Ct., Silverton. MLS#834874
$746,000 West Salem home with panoramic views of the Cascades and Willamette Valley! Private location. Built
Under Contract 6 LOTS $600,000 TOTAL Rosemary Way lots: 601, 605 & 611 MLS#810425; 615, 619 & 623 MLS#810404. Builder, developer! Monitor Road Estates. Lots will require wetland remediation. Buyer must have a development plan.
$255,000 Creek frontage on 3.99 acres. Bareland. Ideal for recreational use. Swimming hole. Campsite. Seller will carry a contract. Off of Crooked Finger Rd., Scotts Mills. MLS#822303
Over the years I have asked hundreds of people, “So, what brought you to Silverton?” The answers often fall into a couple of categories with a surprisingly substantial number of people saying, “We attended the Christmas Tree Lighting and fell in love.”
Having enjoyed this event for nearly 20 years myself, I understand the draw. Unlike some places where the tree is lighted by a mere mortal flipping a switch, Silverton’s tree is set aglow by our very own Santa who wields an impressive, sparkle-bestowing wand. How many people even knew he could do this? I certainly didn’t before I came here.
Additionally, in Silverton we have our very own, very real Christmas tree permanently planted in our Town Square. No cut down, propped up version for us. We, in the Christmas tree capital, continue to cultivate our very own yeararound evergreen. And while I sometimes miss the knuckle-biting excitement of wondering if the tree would blow over
each year, I appreciate that this tree still gives those who decorate it a challenge by growing much faster than predicted, requiring new lights on an annual (and I understand quite expensive) basis.
But it’s such a noble cause. After all, the Tree Lighting, no matter the weather, is always a magical experience. Watching Santa, dressed in his fabulous and furry suit, ascend the aerial ladder with the help of a member of the Silverton Fire District, I wonder what they discuss. Perhaps they compare the latest fire-retardant gear, or the very real danger of a soot-filled chimney.
I am only grateful that Santa, after years
of flying a sleigh, is not afraid of heights, as each year the journey from ground to treetop takes a bit longer, with Santa and his helper appearing extremely far away.
Then comes my favorite part, the countdown, with people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs joining together to cheer Santa on. And I find myself torn, as I always do, between watching the enchantment above or the magic below. Because, while Santa’s stardust lights up the night at the top of the ladder, the crowd beneath is the real show.
With neighbors standing shoulder to shoulder, faces turned to the sky, it’s holiday spirit on display. Because at this event, everyone is welcome. There are no entrance fees, no sign-in sheets, no age restriction and the dress code is come
as you are. It’s refreshing. It’s magical. It brings people together and makes them want to stay to see if this place truly is, as the mural says, “the town that still believes.”
The woman is me a long time ago and the baby is Alexis. The man is my husband, Jason. The girl with big smile is London.
GENERAL
MT. ANGEL SENIOR CENTER
is a non-profit consignment store for artisans over 50, a community center, home to Meals on Wheels, and serves as a food bank. Volunteers welcome! 195 E Charles St. 503-845-6998 or mtangelcommunity@gmail.com
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN
Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Kristen, 503-990-4584
RENTALS
ROOM FOR RENT: $650 mo. In Lyons, please call 503-383-4398
RENT EVENT SPACE AT THE SILVERTON GRANGE HALL
291 Division St, Silverton.
Affordable hourly, half day, full day rates. Family gatherings, classes, yoga, dances, meetings, baptisms, weddings and more!
Fully equipped kitchen, plenty of parking. Hall seats up to 70. For rental information call Silverton Grange, at 503-516-5722
SERVICES
GOT STUFF YOU WANT GONE?
From yard debris to scrap metal, garage sale leftovers to rental clear outs. We repurpose, recycle, reuse, or donate what we can. Call to find out what we can do for you. $20 min. Call Keith 503-502-3462
SOUNDS GOOD STUDIO BANDS, Sounds Good Studio Bands, Artists, Personal Karaoke CDs, Books, Restoring Picture Slides & VHS video to DVD. Old Cassettes, Records, Reel to Reel & 8 Track Cassettes restored to CD. Call Harold 503-391-7406 . A Magic Carpet Cleaning & More Service
YOUR RIGHT TO SELF DEFENSE
Saturdays Age 10-12 at 5:00, ages 13 and up. 6:15, Security and Correctional Officers. 7:30, private lessons available. International Certification Curriculum available upon request. Call Harold 503-391-7406
HANDYMAN & HOME REPAIR
SERVICE Installation and repair of fencing, decks,doors, gutter cleaning, moss removal, power washing, yard debris removal. CCB# 206637 Call Ryan 503-881-3802
MAGIC CARPET CLEANING
& MORE Since 1992. Carpet & upholstery cleaning at its best. Free estimates. Residential & commercial. Located in Silverton. Call Harold at 503-391-7406
LOST & FOUND
LOST WALKING CANE
Light wood, thick black shoelace on handle. Silv/MA area.
Reward. 541-417-1289
2010 Linden St., Mt. Angel
#T2901 COUNTRY LIVING $760,000
Country living in Pratum! 3BR, 3BA, 2792 sqft split-level on 1.09 acres at the end of a dead-end street. Open concept, living room off kitchen plus large family room on lower floor. Large backyard, paved area, garden, fruit and nut trees (cherry, pear, apple, plum, walnut). Deck off of dining area. Spacious shop with multiple bays, RV parking and living space above – dual living potential. Pratum Elementary and Silverton HS. Room to spread out with convenience to town! Call Kirsten today at ext. 326 (WVMLS# 831900)
#T2914 NEW TO MARKET $579,500
Great condition on this 3BR, 2BA, 1841sqft home built in 1999. Additional room could be 4th bedroom. The home has an open floor plan with a new deck and is located on a quiet / low traffic street. Open and bright livingroom w/ gas fireplace. Oak hardwood flooring, double ovens, large bedroom suite, landscaped, fully fenced. View NW towards Valley and Abbey Hill. Recent upgrades include; roof, HVAC, Govee exterior lighting system and water heater. Located on the east side of Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 (WVMLS#835171)
#T2877 BUILD YOUR OWN 3 BR, 1 BA 1080 sqft, 9.47 acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $400,000 (WVMLS#830242)
#T2894 SILVERTON ACREAGE ESTATE 4 BR, 3.5 BA 3804 sqft, 3.02 acres. Silverton. Call Michael at ext. 314 $895,000 (WVMLS#830085)
#T2895 PRIVATE LOCATION 3 BR, 3.5 BA 2566 sqft 1.52 acres Silverton. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $916,700 (WVMLS#829660)
#T2910 SCOTTS MILLS ONCE IN A LIFETIME 2 BR, 3.5 BA 4253 sqft
9.36 Acres Call Chuck at ext. 325 $1,825,000 (WVMLS#834432)
#T2911 MONMOUTH
Call Becky at ext.
$795,000 (WVMLS#834926)
#T2905 TWO-ACRE SITE $249,900
Check out this beautiful two-acre site, only 15 minutes from Silverton, to enjoy a country lifestyle! Trees and varied topography offer several options for homesites with views. Property has gone through administrative review with Marion County Planning Department and received approval for a standard septic system. Buyer to perform their own due diligence with respect to allowable uses and any land use restrictions. Call Chuck at ext. 325 (WVMLS#832686)
#T2913 SILVERTON WONDERFUL DOUBLE WIDE
3 BR, 2 BA 1620 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at
322 $147,420 (WVMLS#835044)
#T2914 SILVERTON NEW TO THE MARKET3 BR, 2 BA 1841 sqft Call Michael at ext. 314 $579,500 (WVMLS#835171) NEW — # T2915 SILVERTON CLASSIC 1917 HOME 2 BR, 2 BA 1116 sqft Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 $437,300 (WVMLS#835174)
#T2913 WONDERFUL DOUBLE WIDE
$147,420 Double wide in Silverton Senior Mobile Estates 55+ park, well cared for, $623 park rent for garbage, sewer, water, community center and road maintenance. 3 bedroom, 2 bath with open floor plan, many updates; bathrooms, kitchen have been redone and home is ready to move into. Great senior living community, easy to maintain lot, nice outdoor seating area on covered porch. Easy to view. Contingent on Park approval. Call Meredith at ext. 324, Ryan at ext. 322 (WVMLS# 835044)
