Our Town South: August 2026

Update

Something to Do

Stayton pool funding in the swim until June of 2027 – Page 5

Libraries offer free passes to parks, cultural attractions – Page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Aw, shucks!

Vol. 23 No. 8

Serving Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons & Mehama

July 2026

Pop in to the Aumsville Corn Festival Aug. 15 – page 9

Our Town 2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton, Or 97383

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Sports & Recreation

Coalition fundraising for Stayton sports complex – Page 13

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Contents

111 W. Locust St., Stayton

(503) 769-6524

With coupon • expires 08/31/26 – not good with any other special.

Update Santiam Hospital merger...................... 4 Stayton pool funded until June 2027..... 5 Stayton Fire operations levy.................. 5 Civics 101 Aumsville funds new sewer plant.......... 6 Stayton passes ATV noise ordinance....... 6

Spend $2500 on Lunch or Dinner and Get $500 OFF

Datebook................................... 8 Legal Matters Court roundup.....................................11

Sports & Recreation Stayton plans new sports complex........12 Regis teams have banner year............. 13

Something to Do Free history talk at Brown House........... 7 Libraries offer free park passes.............. 7

A Grin at the End..............14

On the Cover

Above

Corn to be wild! The Aumsville Corn Festival Porter-Boone Park on Aug. 15. ©ANUTA23 / 123RF.COM

Cooling off and kicking back along the North Santiam River. SHELDON TRAVER

Marketplace.........................15

No news is not good news.

Research links the loss of local news to lower voter turnout and higher polarization.

The void left is often filled with disinformation from social media. And without reporters covering local government, accountability can disappear.

While local newspapers are vanishing across the country (two per week!), Our Town continues to deliver independent journalism, fostering engagement, accountability and community. Your tax-deductible donation can help us keep up this important work.

tinyurl.com/support-ourtown-santiam-news Or send a check to OPIP (Oregon Public Information Partnership). Put “Our Town - Stayton” in the memo line. We’ll mail your receipt. Send to: Our Town, P.O. Box 927, Mt. Angel, OR 97362

Together, we build community.

1035 N. 6th Ave, Stayton 503-769-2656

2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton • 503-769-9525 ourtown@mtangelpub.com www.ourtownlive.com Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher

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George Jeffries Advertising Executive

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The deadline for placing an ad in the Sept. 1 issue is Aug. 20.

Calendar listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the Sept. 1 issue are due Aug. 20.

Email calendar items to: datebook@mtangelpub.com

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August 2026 • 3

Update

Merger complications Oregon DOJ to hold public hearing Aug. 5

By James Day

access and our viability at greater risk.”

Another state agency has stepped into the process by which Santiam Hospital & Clinics and Salem Health are attempting to merge.

Cheryl Nestor Wolfe, CEO and president of Salem Health, offered similar thoughts.

“No other HCMO applicant has gone through a public hearing process This is an unprecedented and unwarranted intervention by ODOJ into the review process,” said Wolfe in the press release. “We don’t know the reason for this — but we do know any delay in the timeline, or conditions added, will seriously jeopardize Salem Health’s ability to rescue Santiam from insolvency.”

The Oregon Department of Justice sent a letter to the two hospitals on July 20, notifying them that the agency plans to hold a public hearing on the proposed merger on Wednesday, Aug. 5. The event is at 5 p.m. and you can register for the Zoom meeting by going to tinyurl.com/5b4hvhen. Written comments to PublicComment@doj.oregon.gov will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7.

Santiam Hospital and Salem Health announced plans to merge on Jan. 19, with hopes that state officials could finish their review of the proposal by Sept. 30.

However, increasing financial challenges faced by Santiam Hospital led the two nonprofit health care entities to appeal July 8 for an emergency exemption with the Oregon Health Authority.

Santiam Hospital & Clinics’ merger with Salem Health is now under review. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Santiam’s ability to continue to operate at grave risk.”

The exemption request calls for the Oregon Health Authority to act by Aug. 1. OHA public affairs official Franny White said that “OHA is evaluating the request and may ask Salem Health and Santiam for additional information.” White added that the OHA will seek public comment on the situation.

Compounding the time pressure issue is that Santiam’s electronic health record (EHR) system, Epic, terminates in 2027, and the hospital was planning to begin its transition to a new EHR system in September.

The joint statement continued by noting that “the Governor’s office, Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Justice collectively hold responsibility for healthcare services in the Santiam Canyon. We urge them to act decisively and collectively to approve this transaction by Aug. 1. The public DOJ hearing is currently scheduled several days after that date on Aug. 5, which undercuts the legislated emergency process and impacts Salem Health’s ability to rescue Santiam.”

Santiam Hospital & Clinics is the largest private employer in the Santiam Canyon, with more than 750 employees. It operates the only hospital as well as a network of Maggie Hudson, Now, the ODOJ also plans to seek public Santiam Hospital clinics that includes Mill City, Aumsville “If Santiam cannot effectuate the CEO & President comment on the exemption request/merger and Sublimity. A new pharmacy is set to SUBMITTED PHOTO EHR transfer it can no longer plan and came in for withering criticism from open in Mill City this year. It also operates operate as a hospital,” said Maggie Santiam Hospital and Salem health. the primary rural ambulance service for the Canyon Hudson, Santiam’s CEO and president in a out of its Stayton complex, with plans in place for an “This starts a new process outside of the OHA press release. expansion on its Sublimity property. process, one that no other healthcare provider “Santiam has been proactive in seeking a has been directed to undergo previously,” Santiam supports a community health infrastructure partnership to ensure sustainability, but this according to a joint press release issued July 22 Cheryl Wolfe, that directly addresses the needs of medically by the two hospitals. process has gone on for far too long,” Hudson Salem Health CEO underserved people, including those struggling with said. “The future of Santiam Hospital & & President access to transportation and housing. In addition, its “This is an unprecedented action by ODOJ, SUBMITTED PHOTO Clinics is on the line. We need state officials service integration team played a considerable role in the to intervene directly in a process that has to approve this partnership now so we can Canyon’s recovery from the 2020 wildfires and works historically been delegated to OHA,” said the press begin integrating with Salem Health before this crisis with Canyon-area school districts on community health release. “And the timing of ODOJ’s intervention, deepens further. Every day of delay puts local healthcare which delays approval of the proposed partnership, puts initiatives.

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Stayton pool Funding secure until June 2027

By Stephen Floyd The City of Stayton will be able to keep its community pool open through the current fiscal year after a successful round of fundraising, while officials consider longerterm solutions.

During the July 6 regular meeting of the Stayton City Council, city staff reported $168,675 had been donated or pledged to support operations at the Stayton Family Memorial Pool.

This far exceeded a $100,000 goal set by the city when fundraising began May 28.

When paired with increased pool fees, certain budget reductions and an anticipated sponsorship campaign, it’s estimated it will be enough to keep the pool open through June of 2027.

Councilor Jordan Ort said it was “inspiring” to see so many residents show their support and “put their money where their mouth is.”

“Thank you for doing that,” said Ort. “We really appreciate it.”

Officials were also in agreement this model is not sustainable into the future and alternative funding methods will be needed to keep the pool open.

The city also expects to reduce pool expenditures by $74,000, between cuts in personnel expenses and costs for materials and services.

Fundraising became a necessity following the failure of two operations levies during elections in November 2025 and May 2026 that would have funded the pool and city parks. Opponents were critical of higher taxes and said the city needed to first explore budget alternatives.

In the event some projected revenue or donations do not materialize, staff said the city could set aside $50,000 in the general fund to supplement the pool budget as needed.

While fundraising for the pool, the city examined opportunities to increase revenue and decrease expenses.

During the July 6 meeting, city staff recommended increasing swim lesson fees and contracted rates for swim teams, which is expected to raise $64,000. The city is also considering sponsorships for specific pool equipment and programs that could raise an estimated $30,000.

Additionally the city plans to receive roughly $30,000 in unbudgeted insurance reimbursements which could be dedicated toward the pool.

That night the council voted unanimously to increase swimming lesson fees from $52 to $100 for residents and from $73 to $140 for non-residents. The other budget adjustments proposed by staff would require the council to pass a resolution during a future meeting, potentially during its regular meeting Aug. 3.

As for a longer-term solution, the council expects to spend the next several months discussing possible options and gathering feedback from community members and stakeholders. Staff have asked the council to decide on a sustainable funding model

by January 2027 so it can be factored into the city budgeting process.

During the July 6 regular meeting of the Stayton City Council, a staff report proposed the cuts to make up for previous levy funding that expired July 1.

The report said the goal is to “provide basic park support, keep most restrooms open and have the least impact” on park services. Budget reductions included elimination of a full-

By Stephen Floyd The Stayton Rural Fire Protection District is returning to voters this November with an operations levy to fund its full-time staff of firefighters/EMTs. A similar levy failed during the May election.

During the July 13 meeting of the Board of Directors, officials voted unanimously to pursue a levy of $1.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value for the Nov. 3 election.

The board will formally vote on a resolution placing a levy on the ballot during its Aug. 10 meeting.

This is the same rate proposed during the May 19 election, which saw 52 percent of voters in opposition.

The levy would replace an existing levy of $0.88 per $1,000 of assessed value which expires in June of 2027. The district has said a higher rate is needed to retain its nine fulltime employees.

If the positions are eliminated, the district would shift to a volunteer-driven model and could see a significant decrease in response times and capabilities, according to officials.

Fire Chief Jay Alley said the board sees great value in preserving the current number of employees, as it provides effective fire and medical coverage for the district. Areas served include communities in and around Stayton, Mehama and Elkhorn.

Stayton council cutting $328K from parks budget The City of Stayton is cutting $328,000 from its parks budget for the current fiscal year following the recent failure of two levy attempts that would have funded parks and the city pool.

Stayton Fire District to resubmit levy

time staff position, the deferral of new equipment and park improvements, and reductions in regular maintenance.

The city plans to retain funding for seasonal work. The report proposed transferring $64,000 from the general fund to ensure this critical maintenance is performed. The funds would come from strategic cuts to other departments including police, administration and planning, as well as unbudgeted revenue.

The council must approve a resolution codifying the proposed changes, possibly during its Aug. 3 regular meeting.

He said the district plans to engage with voters during the coming months to explain the impacts of the levy. It had a booth at Santiam SummerFest July 25, and will also host an event for Sept. 11. Alley said the public will also be invited to open houses to be scheduled starting in August. Dates and details will be shared as they are finalized, he said.

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August 2026 • 5

Civics 101

Sewer plant

Aumsville approves $18 million contract for new facility

By Stephen Floyd

The City of Aumsville has approved a contract for construction of a new sewer plant, marking a major milestone in a multi-year project that has seen officials lobby hard for funding.

During the July 27 regular meeting of the Aumsville City Council, officials approved a $17.75 million bid from James W. Fowler Co. from among six bids ranging as high as $31 million.

Construction is expected to begin around late August or early September, and the project is expected to take two years. The city must still finalize certain funding agreements and other administrative steps before the contract is executed.

This brings overall project costs to $22.87 million, well below the budget of $28.53 million. Potential additional costs include a 2 percent contingency fund and about $1 million for collection system improvements.

Mayor Angelica Ceja said during the meeting this was an emotional moment that made her recall sleepless nights as she and fellow officials thought hard about where funding would come from. To date, Aumsville has secured almost $20 million in federal and state grants, and a $9 million lowinterest loan, which Ceja said was a “significant” achievement for a small town.

“Throughout this process, we’ve been very deliberate because we know nobody wants to see higher utility bills,” Ceja told Our Town.

“Every major decision has been made with the goal of keeping impacts to residents as low as possible while still making the investments needed to protect Aumsville’s future.”

Aumsville has been planning a sewer plant upgrade since 2017 when new rules enforced by DEQ meant the current facility no longer met pollution standards. After exploring options to improve the current lagoon-style plant, the city decided in 2020 to pursue a more advanced microbe-based system.

A preliminary engineering report completed in 2022 estimated overall costs of a new plant would be around $20.7 million. This estimate was revised multiple times as inflation and supply chain shortages raised construction costs until the current target of $28.53 million was set.

To reduce the city’s dependence on loans for construction, officials sought multiple funding avenues. In 2022 nearly $4 million in pandemic relief grants were secured through the state legislature and Marion County. Then in 2023 Aumsville was approved for a $6 million grant and $9 million low-interest loan from the USDA. And in 2025 a $9 million grant was approved through Business Oregon.

These funding packages allowed the city to pass a far lower sewer rate hike than originally anticipated.

In 2025 the city raised rates by $36 per month to prepare for loan repayments, less than the $150 or $200 increase projected if the plan was primarily funded through loans.

Ceja said partnerships at the state and federal levels helped bring the project where it is today.

Such partners included Rep. Raquel Moore-Green (R-Salem), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), DEQ, Marion County Board of Commissioners, and thousands of local residents who wrote in support of finding opportunities.

Stayton sets noise limits for off-road vehicles

By Stephen Floyd

The City of Stayton has passed an ordinance regulating noise produced by off-road vehicles following complaints from residents about dirtbike use at a property on West Ida Street.

During the July 6 meeting of the Stayton City Council, officials passed an amendment to existing nuisance laws that set limits on when and how such vehicles may be operated.

Under the new rules, a dirtbike, ATV, four-wheeler or similar vehicle may not be operated in the city limits between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. During allowed times, such vehicles may not be operated for longer than 3 hours, or within 100 feet of a property line.

Exceptions were made for vehicles used for authorized government purposes or for property maintenance, and for electric-assisted bicycles.

The new rules are set to take effect Aug. 5. Staff modeled the changes after code amendments recently passed by Marion County.

The changes were proposed in response to noise complaints regarding a property on West Ida where dirtbikes were operated for extended periods multiple days each week.

The property owner at issue was cited by the city earlier this year, however, the citation was dismissed because city code did not specify that noise from off-road vehicles was a nuisance.

Mayor Brian Quigley described the problem as “out of control” during the council’s June 15 meeting and said affected residents needed relief. During the same meeting several residents spoke about the disruptions the noise has created in their everyday lives and asked the council for a return of their peaceful neighborhood.

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Something to Do

Free talk on Basque history Aug. 15

By James Day The Santiam Heritage Foundation will present the sixth of its eight History Talks for 2026 on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Brown House Event Center, 4235 N. First St. in Stayton.

The topic, presented by the Santiam Historical Society, will be Basques in Oregon. The Basque people came initially from the gold fields of California and then directly from their European homeland.

They settled in the Jordan Valley of Utah and later spread throughout Eastern Oregon, northern Nevada, and western Idaho. They were noted sheepherders and maintained their cultural institutions, language, and religion for many generations

in their new home. Attendance at the first five talks has been near capacity, and heritage foundation officials expect that will be the case for this talk. The series is funded by grants from Oregon Historical Society and Marion Cultural Development Corp.

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The final two talks in the series will be: Sept. 19: Yesterday in Turner will feature “How to Restore Historic Houses 101.”

Nov. 14: St. Boniface Community Archives & Museum in Sublimity on the beginnings of the Sisters of St. Mary in Oregon.

Docent guided tours of the Brown House will also be offered. For more go to brownhouse.org, email cmbrownhouse@ gmail.com or call 503-769-8860.

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Free passes to parks, museums

By Melissa Wagoner “Libraries have changed a lot in the past 30 years,” according to Tristin Hess, the outreach and programming coordinator for the Mt. Angel Public Library. But the core mission has stayed the same – free and equal access for everyone in the community.

“This has expanded from just books to include computers and internet access, hosting activities and classes, offering [a] ‘library of things’… ” Hess said. “One of those partnerships is providing cultural passes which allow our patrons to experience cultural and social events that might otherwise be inaccessible to them due to cost.”

Piloted in August 2024, OPRD initially distributed 28 parking permits to Oregon libraries with resounding success. The passes were checked out more than 2,100 times.

Encouraged, OPRD decided to increase the program’s reach by partnering with the State Library to offer passes in an additional 54 libraries including the Scio Public Library and the Silver Falls Library District. “[T]he Silver Falls Library District received two Oregon State Parks day passes from this program, and… another generous community donor purchased an additional one for our library…” director Christy Davis said. “Patrons who live inside the Silver Falls Library District can call or pop into the library to reserve passes. They pick up the passes on the day they want to check them out.”

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Variety of passes available at libraries Scio Public Library: State parks parking pass and Central Cascade Wilderness pass (June to October) Silver Falls Library District: Central Cascades Wilderness pass (June to October), Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, Oregon Garden, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Portland Chinese Garden, Portland Japanese Garden and the Willamette Heritage Center Mt. Angel Public Library: Oregon Gardens, state parks parking pass, Central Cascades Wilderness pass (June to October) and Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education And return them within three days to the Circulation Desk, otherwise there is a $5 fine for each late day.

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“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians,” State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen said. “This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connect folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks.”

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August 2026 • 7

datebook Frequent Address

Santiam Senior Center 41818 Kingston-Jordan Road, Stayton Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. Stayton Public Library, 515 N First Ave. The Box, 278 E High St., Stayton

Weekly Events Monday

Stayton Community Food Bank, 9 a.m. - noon, 1210 Wilco Road. Repeats Monday - Friday. 503-769-4088 Baby & Me, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 955 E Santiam St., Stayton. Parents/caregivers and their babies under 1 year of age. Light refreshments. Drop-in. 503-769-9200 Santiam Senior Center, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Seniors 50 +.

Daily, weekly, monthly events.

503-767-2009, santiamseniorcenter.com Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m., Stayton Community Center. Congregate dining or delivery. Age 60 +. Serves Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons, Marion, Mehama. Repeats Wednesday, Friday. $3 donation suggested. For delivery, call Ginger, 503-769-7995.

Bingo, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free. Repeats Thursday. 503-767-2009 Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Repeats Thurs. & Fri. Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway St., Mill City. Everyone is welcome. JoAnn, 503-859-2502

Tuesday

Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. All ages welcome. Free.

503-769-3313 English, Citizenship, GED Classes, 6:30 - 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Classes free; $20 workbook. Repeats Thursday.

Join class anytime. Mary, 503-779-7029

Wednesday

Stayton/Sublimity Chamber Business Network, 8:15 a.m. Network-building event for local businesses, non-profit professionals. For location, call 503-769-3464.

St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity.

Free. 503-508-0312 Intermediate Tai Chi, 10:15 - 11 a.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+.

Free for members. Repeats Friday.

503-767-2009 Storytime in the Park, 10:30 a.m., Lyons City Park, 449 Fifth St. Free.

503-859-2366 Beginner Tai Chi, 11:15 a.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Members free. Repeats Fri. 503-767-2009

8 • August 2026

Stayton Area Rotary, noon, Santiam Golf Club, 8724 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. Guests welcome.

503-508-9431, staytonarearotary.org Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. 503-767-2009 Pinochle, 1 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Single deck. Seniors 50+. Free for members. 503-767-2009 Stayton Farmers Market, 3 - 7 p.m., downtown. Free admission. Facebook: “Stayton Farmers Market.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton.

Thursday

Sublimity Quilters, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Make quilts for community donations, charities. New members welcome.

Point Man Ministries, 6 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons.

Veterans support organization.

503-859-2627.

Friday

Cars & Coffee, 7:30 a.m., Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton.

Open to all. 503-767-3945 Pinochle, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Double deck. Seniors 50+. Free for members. 503-767-2009

Saturday

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., All Good Things Cafe, 190 Main St., Aumsville.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton.

Aumsville Historical Society, 11 a.m.

- 2 p.m., Aumsville Historical Museum, 599 Main St. Free admission.

503-749-2744, aumsvillehs.com

Sunday

Community Lampstand, 5 -7 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Learn how the Bible inspired the works of the Founding Fathers in the creation of the United States and its founding documents.

Free. Diannah, 503-881-6147 Free Summer BBQ, 5:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Food, fellowship and community. Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. All welcome.

503-749-2128, bethelaumsville.org Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville.

Class Reunions

Silverton High Class of 1961 – 4:30 p.m., Aug. 7, Mt. Angel Towers, 1 Towers Lane. 65-year reunion celebration. $20/person. RSVP: Nancy Ohren, 503-989-4796.

St. Boniface High All-School – 1 - 4 p.m., Aug. 9, Early Settlers Park, 245 NW Johnson St., Sublimity. janschott621@hotmail.com Regis High Class of 1996 – 5 p.m., Aug. 22, Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Minors welcome.

Stayton National Night Out

Saturday, Aug. 1

Sylvan Springs National Night Out

St. Mary’s Rummage Sale

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Aumsville. Bag day. 503-362-6159

Aumsville Saturday Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Porter Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville.

Fabric and Sewing Sale

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Fabric, cotton batting, nylon netting, faux leather, Diamond Art and cross stitch kits, and more. Cash or check only. Repeats 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Aug. 2. 503-859-3445

Sublimity Movie in the Park

Dusk, Church Park, 375 E Main St., Sublimity. Today: Zootopia 2.

8/15: A Minecraft Movie. Free. All ages. Presented by Young Mobile Entertainment.

Aumsville Movies in the Park

Dusk, Porter Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Today: Tangled. 8/8: Dora the Explorer. 8/22: Frozen. 8/29: Timothy Green. Free. All ages. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us

Sunday, Aug. 2 St. Boniface Parish Dinner

11 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity.

Annual chicken dinner. Boxed chicken dinner, $18. Play outdoor games, bid in the silent auction, tour the church and archive museum. 503-769-5664, saintboniface.net

Monday, Aug. 3 Stayton City Council

6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center.

Open to public. staytonoregon.gov

VFW Post 5638

7 - 8:30 p.m., Stayton Fire Department, 1988 W Ida St. New members welcome.

Jim Bennett, 503-983-9110

Tuesday, Aug. 4

Full Circle Farming

11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Wooly Fun Fibers introduces world of sheep/ fiber arts. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Stayton Lions Club

Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Repeats Aug. 18. staytonlionsclub.org

Sublimity National Night Out

5 - 8 p.m., Church Park, 375 E Main St., Sublimity. Live music, food provided by the city, meet neighbors and browse vendor booths. Free. 503-769-5475

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5:30 - 7 p.m., Pioneer Park, 450 Seventh Ave., Stayton. Free hot dogs, snack and beverage. Free frozen treat courtesy of the City of Stayton. Meet city council members, city staff and mingle with neighbors. Free. 503-769-3425 6 - 8 p.m., Bell Park, 700 Meadowbrook Lane, Stayton. Free hamburgers and hot dogs. Family-friendly activities. For Sylvan Springs Village and Village Creek residents. Safety talk w/Stayton police.

Stayton Parks and Rec Board

6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425

Lyons National Night Out

6 - 8 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Hot dogs, Kona Ice. Meet the fire crew and check out fire apparatus. Free. All welcome. 503-859-2410, lyonsrfd.org

Wednesday, Aug. 5 Aumsville Senior Social Circle

10 a.m. - noon, Riverview Bank, 112 Main St., Aumsville. Join Aumsville’s senior community for a morning of cards, dice and conversation. Feel free to bring your own games. Free. Sponsored by Aumsville Exchange Club. Repeats Aug. 19.

Stayton Design Committee

10:30 a.m., Canyon Coffee, 433 N Third Ave., Stayton. Historic Downtown Stayton Design Committee monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org

Foodies-in-the-Park

10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library.

Storytime with reading, writing, singing and playing. Afterward, find your inner foodie and explore different culinary experiences together. All ages. Free.

503-769-3313

Sports Physicals

2 - 6 p.m., Cascade High, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner.. $10 cash or check. Athletes under 18 need a parent signature.

Free Nitrate Screening

3 - 7 p.m., 138 N Third Ave., Stayton. Bring ½ cup unfiltered well water in a clean cup. Testing takes about 10 minutes.

Free. Provided by Oregon State University Extension Service.

Thursday, Aug. 6

Summer Reading End Celebration

5:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library.

Celebrate the fun of the summer reading program with music, fancy drinks, food and bingo. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Lyons Summer Reading Program

3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. The Red Yarn presents music and puppetry by Andy Fergeson. Free. All ages.

503-859-2366

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Saturday, Aug. 8 Hart Strong Poker Run

7:30 a.m., Hart Family Property, 9467 SE Stayton Road, Aumsville. All shapes and sizes of vehicles welcome. Breakfast $10 – cash only, lunch catered by Wooden Nickel. Rider out 9 a.m. End location at the Hart property. Silent and live auctions. Register at hartstrong.org.

Flea Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Free admission.

Burger lunch with potato salad, deviled eggs, desserts, coffee, pop available for purchase. 503-859-2161

Sunday, Aug. 9 Brown House Tour

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

503-769-8860

Monday, Aug. 10 Sublimity City Council

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

Lyons Fire District Board

6 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Open to public. lyonsrfd.org

Stayton Fire District Board

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

Stayton Budget Committee

6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center.

Mid-biennium budget review. Open to public. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov

Aumsville City Council

7 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public.

503-749-2030, aumsville.us

Cascade School Board

7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public.

Agenda available. cascade.k12.or.us

Wednesday, Aug. 12 Stayton Eagles Day

8 a.m. - noon, Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. Register for the 2026-27 school year and sports. School pictures, student schedules, purchase ASB card and yearbook, locker sign-up, register for bussing. Repeats noon - 7 p.m. Aug. 13.

503-769-2171, shs.nssd29j.org

Stayton Economic Vitality

5 p.m., The Box. Historic Downtown Stayton Economic Vitality Committee monthly meeting. Open to public.

503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org

Ice Cream Social

5:30 - 6:30 p.m., downtown Stayton.

During Stayton Farmers Market, Pick up a free frozen treat courtesy of the City of Stayton. Meet city council members and city staff. Free. 503-769-3425

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Downtown Stayton Board Meeting

6 p.m., The Box. Historic Downtown Stayton Association board meeting. Open to public.

503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org

Thursday, Aug. 13 Mari-Linn PTO Donation Sale

8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Repeats Aug. 14-15. marilinnpto@gmail.com

Aumsville Food Pantry

Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Repeats Aug. 27.

503-749-2128

Sports Physicals

2 - 6 p.m., Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. $10 cash or check. Athletes under 18 need a parent signature.

Santiam Heritage Foundation Board 6 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. 503-769-8860

Sublimity Work Session

Lyons Car Show

NSSD Board

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

6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson. City Council work session. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475

9 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Classic cars, motorcycles and more. Free admission. Vehicle registration $15 in advance; $20 at door.

Register at lyonsrfd.org.

6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. nsantiam.k12.or.us

11 a.m., Aumsville. Parade starts at Bethel Baptist Church on Cleveland Street. To sign up, visit aumsville.us.

10 - 11:30 a.m., Lyons Memorial Park, Fifth Street. Free opportunity to spend time with your children, socialize with other families and build support with the community. For families with children ages 0-5. 503-769-1120

Corn Festival Parade

Aumsville Corn Festival

Noon - 6 p.m., Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. “Cob Wars: The Corn Awakens.” Vendors, free hot corn, music by Rock N Roll Cowboys.

For schedule, visit aumsville.us.

History Talks

Aumsville Fire District

6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Open to public. aumsvillefire.org

Friday, Aug.14 Community Play Group

10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 955 E Santiam St., Stayton. Free opportunity to spend time with your children, socialize with other families and build support with the community. For families with children ages 0-5. 503-7691120

Aumsville Fire Cruz-in

4 - 8 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Suggested donation: $20/ vehicle. All proceeds benefit Aumsville Fire District Volunteer Association. aumsville.us

Music on Main

5 - 11 p.m., G3 Pizza & Burgers, 325 Main St., Aumsville. Kick off Corn Festival with live music with the Schown Slade Band. Food, drinks for purchase. All ages. 503-749-2030

TGI Friday Festival

5 - 9 p.m., historic downtown Stayton. Live music, cruise-in, kids’ zone, food trucks, brews. 6 - 8 p.m. live music with Blood on the Plow, a Mellencamp tribute & more. downtownstayon.org

Saturday, Aug. 15 Summer Sun Sale

All day, Lyons. Annual city-wide garage sales. Register before Aug. 12 at Lyons City Hall to be placed on the map. Map and list of sales available Aug. 13. 503-859-2167

Corn Fest Garage Sales

All day, Aumsville. Community-wide garage sales. Official map featured in the August city newsletter and at aumsville.us.

Aumsville Fire Breakfast

Bethel Clothing Closet

7 - 11 a.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Pancake breakfast benefitting Aumsville Fire District Volunteer Association. $6 ages 6-12. $10 ages 13-59. $8 ages 60+. Free for 5 and under.

3 - 4:30 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Santiam Historical Society presents “Basques in Oregon.” Light refreshments. Docentguided tours of the Brown House. Free. 503-769-8860

Alcoholics Anonymous

6 - 8:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting.

Monday, Aug. 17 Stayton City Council

6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center.

Open to public. 503-769-3425

Santiam Masonic Meeting

Friday, Aug. 21 Community Play Group

Joseph´s Storehouse of Hope

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

Saturday, Aug. 22 Pancake Breakfast

8 - 10 a.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. $7/plate. 503-859-2161

Sunday, Aug. 23 Summer Market

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 220 S Eighth St., Aumsville.

For the Love of Summer Market featuring vendors, food vendors, children’s activities, drawings and prizes. Suggested entry donation of non-perishables for food bank.

Monday, Aug. 24 Red Cross Blood Drive

Noon - 5 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1077 N Sixth Ave., Stayton. For appointments, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

7 p.m., Santiam Lodge #25, 122 N Third Ave., Stayton. All Masons welcome. New members welcome. “Santiam Lodge #25” on Facebook.

Lyons City Council

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Stayton Promotion Committee

Stayton Outreach Committee

4 p.m., The Box. Historic Downtown Stayton Association Downtown Stayton Outreach Committee meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317

North Santiam Watershed Council

6 p.m., NSWC Office, 402 N Third Ave., Stayton. Open to public. northsantiam.org

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

Tuesday, Aug. 25 11 a.m., The Box. Historic Downtown Stayton Association monthly Downtown Stayton Promotion Committee meeting.

Open to public. 503-767-2317

Aumsville City Council

7 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public.

503-749-2030, aumsville.us

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Thursday, Aug. 27

10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

5 p.m., Snow Peak Brewing, 280 E Water St., Stayton. Support the Courage Fund with silent and oral auctions and dessert drawing. Free admission and Bingo with prizes. Food trucks on site. Kid Zone. All ages welcome. thecouragefund.com

Red Cross Blood Drive

American Legion Post #58

6 - 7:30 p.m., Weddle Funeral Service, 1777 N Third Ave., Stayton. All veterans welcome. 503-508-2827

Thursday, Aug. 20 Stayton Public Arts Commission

6 p.m., Stayton Public Works Building, 311 N Third Ave. Help plan local art events. Open to public. Jennifer S., 503-769-2998

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Bingo Night, Auction

Monday, Aug. 31 Stayton Planning Commission

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

August 2026 • 9

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A True “Tale As Old As Time” by Gregg Harris

I

have to live in the ruins of what was once our perfect planet, and creation now groans.

n the Disney film, Beauty and the Beast there is a theme song that begins with the line, “Tale as old as time.” It’s only about a fairy tale, but there is in fact a true tale that is as “old as time.” It is the old, old story of our creation, of the purpose of life, the rebellion of mankind, the judgment of God, and then, the mercy of God to provide for our reconciliation.

But not all hope was lost. God also promised to send a Savior who would one day defeat Satan. Though the penalties pronounced would still be enforced— Adam and Eve would eventually die physically—it would not happen until after they had given birth to their children. Why? Because through their children all of mankind would eventually be born. In this way God established both justice toward all the rebellious, and mercy toward all who would repent and put their trust in Him.

As old and simple as it is, many still find it hard to understand, let alone to believe. And so, let me tell the tale again, from the very beginning.

What Is the Purpose of Life?

When most people think of the purpose of life they view it as something they get to choose for themselves. But that is a grave mistake.

The purpose of life is not ours to define. Our purpose is defined by the One who made us, and His purpose for creating us is wonderful.

We are meant to be part of the display of God’s moral perfection — to put His goodness, His wisdom, His love, His zeal for justice and His mercy on visible display within our unique circumstances. We are to do what God would do. That is what it means to be “godly.” We are meant to be like God in every positive way.

This is what the Bible means when it speaks of being holy — to be totally focused on doing what pleases God. It is also what the Bible means when it speaks of God’s glory — to display His perfections. And so, since God created us to be holy, by being totally devoted to living for His glory, that is the purpose of life.

It’s a bit like a mosaic where each little tile plays its own small part in creating the larger picture. Each one of us is uniquely designed and equipped by God to play our part well, and without failure. Every human being has been designed, empowered and assigned by God to be exactly the person God made them to be. If we had all done so, it would have been truly glorious. God would have been displayed in our lives, if we had not rebelled against Him. But, our first parents, Adam and Eve, were lied to by a rebel angel called Satan (see Gen. 3).

He told Eve that if she disobeyed God’s command, by eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, she and her husband, Adam, would “be like God,” knowing both good and evil for themselves. Satan assured her that there was something better than the purpose of God for their lives. She believed Satan’s lie and both Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. Their eyes were in fact opened, but instead of being “like God” the

Gregg Harris, Tea

ching Pastor at

GraciousCross.o

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way they had hoped, they were suddenly responsible to always do what is good, and to never do what is evil. But they were already guilty of disobeying God’s command in the first place.

They were unable to save themselves from the death penalty God had told them would result.

Is This So Hard to Believe?

God could have just destroyed Adam and Eve right then and there for their disobedience. But that would have destroyed, not only them, but also all of their posterity, before we were ever born. So, God chose instead to make life harder. He cursed the ground with weeds and thorns, making it more difficult for us to grow food. Childbirth for women would be more painful. Interspersed between sunshine and blue skies would come natural disasters.

Tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, and plagues would occur without warning to keep us all in a state of insecurity. We would

Then, in order to prove that Christ’s sacrifice for us was sufficient, and that God’s plan of salvation truly works, God raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus is alive. He is alive right now.

He is there to respond to our prayers as we repent of our sins and put our trust in Him. Through Jesus, God has kept His promise to Adam and Eve. Now we can all be restored to God’s purpose for our lives. We can be saved.

But How Would It Work?

Seek First God’s Kingdom

In the Garden God promised that one day “the Seed of the woman” (singular) would “crush the head” of the serpent, who is Satan, but in doing so, Satan would “bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). It would cost the Savior to win the battle.

This prophecy has already been fulfilled by the virgin birth, the perfect life, the horrible death, and wonderful resurrection of Jesus Christ. He alone was “born of a woman”— the virgin Mary — without the involvement of any human father. Jesus is the Son of God. Then, He lived the perfect life of holy devotion to His Father’s glory that we have all failed to live. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). It is only Jesus who never sinned.

By faith in Jesus Christ people all over the world are being “born again,” not only into the family of God as His sons and daughters, but also into the kingdom of God. Why is that important? It is because the kingdom of God is the means by which God generally provides for all the things we need in life (see Matt.

6:25-34). The kingdom of God is a set of “righteous relationships,” and when we “seek first God’s kingdom” and embrace God’s “righteousness” in each of the relationships that make up His kingdom — as husbands and wives, as children and parents, as employees and employers, as neighbors and friends, God’s provision flows to us, and through us, to meet the needs of others (see Eph. 5:22-6:9).

If all this seems incredible to you, reading as you are from a modern, scientific, materialistic worldview, let me point out that quantum This “Seed of the woman” then voluntarily took physics is now catching up with the Bible.

Mind-blowing discoveries concerning the nature of reality cause many to believe we “When most people think of the are in fact living in a “designed reality,” purpose of life they view it as created for us by a superior intelligence. If something they get to choose for the brightest among us can believe that, themselves. But that is a grave is it too much to suggest that perhaps that mistake.

The purpose of life is not “superior intelligence,” is the Creator God our’s to define. Our purpose is revealed to us in the Bible? We are living defined by the One who made us, in what appears to have been a perfectly and His purpose for creating us is designed habitat. But, it is no longer perfect, for reasons my tale will explain. wonderful.”

So, Back to the Story

most famous verse in the Bible, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” It’s all there.

the place of all those who repent of their sins and put their trust in Him. Jesus died on the cross for sinners. He had no debt of sin of His own to pay, and so His death is the only “extra death” in the accounting books of God’s justice. We are now able to transfer His death to our own account by faith, setting ourselves free from the punishment we deserve. Jesus died for sinners so that whoever believes in Him can be free to live for God’s glory, just as we were all intended to do from the beginning.

The simplicity of this good news makes it all the more profound. We read in John 3:16, the

This is why sins like thievery, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and even swindling, are all forbidden (1 Cor. 6:9). They break the kingdom relationships that God uses to provide for us over the course of our lifetime. When we break these relationships with sin, we, and everyone around us, suffer the painful consequences.

This is truly “a tale as old as time.” We have all been created by God to fulfill His purpose for our lives. That purpose is to live for His glory.

Though we have all sinned, by trusting in what Jesus has done for us we can still be reconciled to God and get back to fulfilling His purpose for our lives. That is the good news!

Questions? Call or text 971-370-0967

Attention All Christians!

Show your support for the gospel by joining with us as we march in The Homer Davenport Days Parade on Sat. August 8th!

We will gather at the Middle School at 9 A.M. Call 971-370-0967 to RSVP. For info go to NobleMenOfOregon.org

The v iews ex pressed by th is adve r ti s e r do no t ne ce s s ar i ly re pre s e nt t h e vi ew s o f O u r Tow n o r i t s s t a f f.

10 • August 2026

ourtownsantiam.com

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Legal Matters

Court roundup Man charged with child abuse A Springfield man has been charged with the alleged abuse of two minors in Aumsville over the course of several years.

Wade Cody Housworth, 71, was arrested June 25 by the Aumsville Police Department for offenses allegedly occurring between 2017 and 2026.

According to charges filed in Marion County Circuit Court, one alleged victim was younger than 12 when the alleged abuse began, and the other was younger than 14.

Housworth was indicted July 1 on counts including firstdegree rape, attempted first-degree sodomy, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and eight counts of first-degree sexual abuse. If convicted he faces at least 25 years in prison due to the ages of the victims.

As of press time Housworth remained lodged in the Marion County Jail on $500,000 bail. Prosecutors requested high bail in part because of alleged threats made by Housworth against the victims. He is due in court Sept. 1 for a status hearing before Judge Tracy Prall.

Knife threat earns felony charge A Stayton man is facing a felony weapon charge after allegedly threatening an employee at a local gas station with a knife. Shawn Christopher Cox, 40, was arrested June 29 at the Arco on Whitney Street.

A male gas station attendant told officers a customer later identified as Cox had threatened him while displaying a knife. Cox was located nearby and taken into custody, then booked and released from the Marion County Jail. He was charged July 15 in Marion County Circuit Court with unlawful use of a weapon and menacing, for which he faces up to five years in prison.

Probation for contractor theft An Aumsville man has been sentenced to probation after accepting a plea deal for allegedly stealing more than $7,000

in cash from a local contractor. Travis Jason Grice, 47, pleaded no-contest June 5 in Linn County Circuit Court to seven felony counts of first-degree theft.

According to court records, he allegedly stole cash from Legacy Contracting Inc. on seven occasions between 2022 and 2025, with each theft totaling at least $1,000. Grice was sentenced June 12 to two years of probation, with substance abuse treatment.

Anger, assault net treatment order An Aumsville man has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to causing injury to two children and illegally discharging a firearm. Benjamin William Zigler, 32, pleaded guilty June 15 in Marion County Circuit Court in two separate cases to first-degree criminal mistreatment and unlawful use of a firearm.

He was sentenced to 10 days in jail and three years of probation, to include treatment for substance abuse, anger management and behavioral health.

According to court records, Zigler was charged May 20, 2024, for an incident April 27, 2024, involving two boys ages 9 and 11. He struck the boys’ heads together hard enough to cause pain and injury, resulting in the children being admitted to urgent care. Then, on Dec. 13, 2025, he illegally discharged a firearm within the city limits.

Restitution ordered for elder theft An Aumsville woman has been sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution after accepting a plea deal for allegedly stealing money from an elderly woman. Laura Frances Bradley, 73, pleaded no-contest to first-degree theft July 6 in Marion County Circuit Court and was sentenced to three years of probation.

According to an indictment filed Dec. 19, 2025, Bradley

allegedly stole more than $50,000 from a Salem woman while acting as her caretaker. Bradley was originally charged with aggravated first-degree theft, a felony which carries up to 10 years in prison.

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August 2026 • 11

Sports & Recreation

New sports complex Diverse coalition teaming up on project

By James Day

play and families a place to gather and stay active. From a health standpoint, it can help address obesity and encourage regular exercise, while parents and family can walk and stay active too.

A campaign is underway to improve youth sports participation in Stayton and the Santiam Canyon by adding new fields at Stayton High and Mari-Linn School in Lyons.

“And beyond physical health, the complex supports youth mental health, giving kids opportunities for connection, confidence, and growth through sport. It’s an investment in the long-term well-being of our entire community.”

The North Santiam School District and North Santiam Youth Athletics are teaming up on the project, which is called the Santiam Sports and Recreation Complex.

The mission, according to a joint press release from the two entities is to “create safe, inclusive places where kids can play, grow, and belong, using sports and recreation to strengthen community and shape future leaders.”

And as a practical matter it means more fields for more players and more teams, which is a breath of fresh air to long-time Stayton area soccer coach Chris Shields.

Shields, a social studies teacher at the high school, has led the Stayton High Eagles to three state boys soccer championships, while also developing hundreds and hundreds of other players via youth soccer programs.

The goal, project leaders say, is to create nearly 250,000 square feet of multi-use fields at Stayton High and Mari-Linn School for students, families, and the entire community.

“It would have a huge impact on sports in general, soccer especially, “ Shields told Our Town. “At this point, all of our soccer fields are owned and operated by the (school district) and although this project would exist on their property it would give all of our youth teams access to a reasonable playing surface. All the grass fields that the district operates are in pretty rough shape. Holes, rocks, uneven surfaces, you name it, we have to battle it.

Fundraising is already cranking up with $140,000 already raised. The total cost of phase 1 of the multiphase project is $3.7 million.

Here is a look at what’s planned for the two schools: Stayton High: Revitalizing the soccer, softball, and JV baseball fields, with high-quality turf, adding new walking paths around the fields, and adding an electronic scoreboard and lighting.

Mari-Linn: Adding turf to its field and creating a surfaced walking path around the perimeter that would be available to community members as well.

The present fields don’t have capacity for all of the school and community athletes, project officials said, and “muddy and uneven fields with our Oregon rainfalls make all-weather sports like soccer and softball much more challenging.”

Future phases of the project would involve stormwater improvements, more lighting and parking, and building a new stadium at Stayton High.

“The project is a game-changer for Stayton High School,” Principal Jamie McCarty told Our Town. “It will be the best sports complex around when it is completed.”

The project has brought together an unusual coalition. In addition to school district and NYSA participation and the

Proposed Stayton High School sports facility upgrades.

always-involved Stayton Boosters Club, officials with Project Living Hope, which works on Haitian refugee issues, also are lending a hand.

Board Chair Sarah Comstock said she is “supporting (the project) with grant writing since I have some experience in this regard.”

Guesly Dessieux, a Stayton doctor as well as founder and executive director of Project Living Hope, noted that he has been “part of a team connecting with donors behind the scenes to help make the Santiam Sports and Recreation Complex a reality.”

Dessieux added that “I believe the Santiam Sports and Recreation Complex will be a pivotal place in our community. It will give kids a safe, welcoming space to

“It’s the same battle the high school soccer program has been fighting for over two decades with our current JV complex.

That field is the worst field that we play on in the Oregon West Conference, and I would argue it’s the worst field that any Class 4A or above school in the state has to play on. So this complex, especially with lights, would allow not only the NSYA teams to have a great place to practice, it would provide an extraordinary opportunity to the high school, adding to some of the best facilities in the state at our level.”

Shields added that “as for scheduling and serving more players, of course that would allow us to do more for our players and teams. The new complex would also take some of the pressure off of the main turf field, allow it to be saved only for high school games, which would be amazing and save the district money in the long run. Not to mention the parking! Parking at the high school is difficult to say the least, especially when you have multiple events going on at once. The whole project is a massive win-win for everyone.”

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12 • August 2026

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Stellar year Regis takes second in OSAA Cup competition Regis had a banner year in 2025-26. No doubt. The Rams, led by their highly successful basketball programs, finished second in Class 2A in the OSAA Cup competition, which includes athletic, academic and sportsmanship elements.

boys cross country (3.56), girls soccer (3.49), boys tennis (3.44), boys soccer (5th, 3.43), boys basketball (10th, 3.43), baseball (3.39), football (4th, 3.32), boys wrestling (7th, 3.25), boys golf (3.23), cheerleading (3.22), girls golf (3.17).

Girls basketball, coached by Tim Manning, captured the 2A title in Pendleton, with the boys, led by Jason Koehnke, falling by four points in the final. Softball finished second at state, while cross country, girls volleyball, baseball, wrestling and track and field all turned in solid seasons.

“I feel like the word for the 25-26 athletic season we had is ‘consistency’,” Athletic Director Darrell Risen told Our Town. “We were consistently competitive at the highest

Stayton: Boys swimming (3rd, 3.81), girls tennis (9th, 3.78) girls track and field (3rd, 3.77), softball (9th, 3.64), baseball (2nd, 3.57), girls swimming (3rd, 3.57), boys track and field (3rd, 3.52), cheerleading (3.47), boys tennis (3.39), girls soccer (3.37), boys golf (3.19), football (3.13), boys soccer (3.12), boys basketball (3.10).

levels across almost all of our sports.”

Regis totaled 1,988 OSAA Cup points, second behind Bandon with 2,320.25. Lowell finished third with 1,815.

Regis won the 2021-22 competition.

Coaching excellence and tenure also played a key role, Risen said.

“Jason Koehnke and boys basketball: 18 years and coached this senior group since third grade,” he said. “Tim Manning in girls basketball has also been with that senior group since third grade. Kathy and Jeff Bohnke revitalized the softball program and have been consistently helping that group with fall and spring tournament ball stuff. Mike Bauer and Chris Vancauteran with cross country have been here forever. The teams that really flourished had coaches that they’ve been with consistently for a long time.”

Academics: Stayton placed three teams at the top of the OSAA’s academic all-state rankings, while Cascade produced one team. For the Eagles, girls volleyball (3.98 grade-point average), girls cross country (3.97) and boys cross country (3.95) all finished first in Class 4A. Cascade, meanwhile, placed first in girls tennis at 3.95. The top-ranked Regis team, softball, tied for second at 3.77.

Hadley Foster of Regis goes to the basket against Western Christian on Jan. 31. The versatile senior also was a standout performer in volleyball and softball, helping lead the Rams to a runner-up position in the OSAA Cup all-sports competition.

ANDRE PANSE / GAMEDAY SPORTS MEDIA

Here is a look at other teams from the three schools with 3.0 GPAs or better (rankings noted if the team was in the top 10): Cascade: Girls volleyball (6th, 3.81), girls basketball (9th, 3.77), softball (6th, 3.75), girls track and field (5th, 3.75), boys swimming (4th, 3.74), girls cross country (3.73), girls swimming (3.67), boys track and field (2nd, 3.56),

Regis: Girls track and field (5th, 3.73), girls volleyball (7th, 3.72), boys track and field (2nd, 3.60), boys golf (9th, 3.59), baseball (3rd, 3.55), boys cross country (10th, 3.50), football (4th, 3.25).

Hospital run: More than 500 individuals participated in the Santiam Hospital & Clinics fun runs on June 6. The most popular event was the 5-kilometer, in which 396 runners participated. Stayton runner Brandon Wagar, 16, won the race in 16:23.74, nearly one minute ahead of the runner-up racer. Samantha Massie, 32, of Salem was 15th in 21:52.34 and was the first female finisher. John Kintz, 20, of Silverton, won the 10K in 34:12.51. Kintz averaged 5:30 per mile and won by more than 10 minutes. Jodi Miller, 35, of Turner, ran 49:20.92 to finish sixth and was the first woman finisher.

Henry Miotke, 15, of Sublimity, captured the 3K event in 14:05.22, less than two seconds ahead of brother Matthew Miotke, 12, who ran 14:07.15. E. Bates, 9, of Turner, ran 16:23.01 to finish fifth and was the first female to finish.

Youth baseball: Two Stayton squads advanced to Junior Baseball Organization of Oregon state tournament play.

The Junior National squad participated at Dallas from July 10-12 and finished 1-2 while also taking home the team sportsmanship award. The Minor Federal group from Stayton played in Hillsboro from July 17-19 and went 0-2 before being eliminated.

Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@mtangelpub.com.

Follow me on X (Twitter) @jameshday and Our Town on Facebook.

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August 2026 • 13

A Grin at the End

Not so smart Are our ‘smart phones’ making us dumb? Or worse?

“I’ve never seen that before….” The man perched next to me on a bench near Waikiki Beach pointed at the twenty-something fellow wading in waist-deep water. He was nose-deep in his smart phone, oblivious to all, even the monk seal heading straight for him like a torpedo. The seal veered away from him at the last second.

It was one more example of how smart phones are dangerous to humans. Not only do hundreds of millions of people find it necessary to monitor their phones nearly every waking minute, but they have no idea what’s going on around them.

Such dangerous encounters make me wonder whether these phones should be banned, or their use limited. Many schools now require students to put their phones in safe-keeping when they are supposed to be learning. I think that’s a good idea, but it doesn’t go far enough.

As the Hawaiian wader demonstrated, smart phones are known to be addictive to the point that everything else, including an approaching seal, is ignored.

aged 15 to 44,” researchers Caitlin Myers and Ezekiel Hooper wrote. “Nationalsurvey evidence on time use and sexual behavior is consistent with the iPhone reducing in-person interactions, increasing pornography use, and reducing sexual frequency.”

They are also purveyors of misinformation.

Anyone who has ever fact-checked Facebook or any other social media platform knows many of the posts are wrong, especially those generated using artificial intelligence. A recent survey published by USA Facts found that only 13 percent of Americans trust AI. Not only that, smart phones may be making Americans less fertile. Yes, you read that right. According to researchers at a nonpartisan group called the National Bureau of Economic Research, much of the 22 percent drop in the U.S. fertility rate may be traced to the introduction of the iPhone in 2007.

“Overall, the diffusion of the iPhone explains 33 to 52 percent of the decline in the general fertility rate among women

We may owe you money. If you were a member of Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company receiving our services during the years 2005 and/or 2006, SCTC may owe you money. The Board of Directors of SCTC has authorized the forfeiture of all patronage distributions that have remained unclaimed for more than four years after approval of distribution. The date of forfeiture is March 10, 2027. Members must respond prior to that date to receive monies owed. Notices were mailed to the last known addresses on August 21, 2023, to all members entitled to a distribution. SCTC is making every possible effort to find those members that did not respond to previous notifications. SCTC has posted a complete list of members, as they appear on our records, on our website at https://www.sctcweb.com/unclaimed-checks/ . You can also visit our office at 502 N 2nd Ave in Stayton. Our business hours are M-F from 9:00 am until 5:00pm. If your name, or someone you know, appears on the list and payment has not been received, contact us immediately. You can email patronage@sctcweb.com, leave a message on our patronage hotline at 503 769-2724, or send a letter to SCTC, Attention: Patronage, PO Box 477, Stayton OR 97383.

14 • August 2026

Now consider that social media companies are wholesaling your personal information to other companies, political candidates, and one allegedly even considered giving it to a foreign government.

In a spasm of ineptitude, Congress and several state legislatures have tried to kill the China-owned social media platform TikTok for collecting data about Americans. What Congress missed is that Facebook allegedly considered giving that information to China before TikTok arrived on the scene. The trade would have allowed Facebook to set up shop in China.

The allegation was in a recently published book by a former Facebook executive.

Sarah Wynn-Williams alleges in her book, Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power,

Greed, and Lost Idealism, that Facebook considered handing over “millions of Chinese and U.S. citizens’ data to the Chinese Communist Party in exchange for access to the Chinese market,” according to a Wall Street Journal article.

Facebook, now called Meta, is muzzling her through an arbitration enforcement action, preventing her from talking about her book even though it is a bestseller.

Meta told the BBC that it is “no secret we were once interested” in operating services in China. “We ultimately opted not to go through with the ideas we’d explored.”

That is amazing. Not only are smart phones making us more ignorant and less fertile, companies like Meta monitor users – you and me – for their gain and to our detriment.

I don’t know about you, but I think the techies have demonstrated ample contempt for the American people and our right to privacy.

It’s time for us to hang up on them.

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Pride • Integrity • Respect • Loyalty • Thrive Honorary Diploma Recipient 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 Teacher; Scott Towery. This year he received an honorary diploma for his amazing work within the school.

Scott has dedicated 33 years to agricultural education, including the past twenty years at SHS. He has inspired generations of students through classroom instruction and FFA leadership. After earning degrees from Bakersfield College and Fresno State University, Scott discovered his true passion was teaching and mentoring young people. Throughout his career, his students have earned 27 Oregon FFA State titles. Scott is passionate about developing student leaders and encouraging each student to seize opportunities, believing that the greatest regret is not getting involved. Outside of the classroom he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, fishing, and welding. He credits his wife and four daughters for their unwavering support throughout his career. His guiding philosophy reflects the FFA motto: "Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve." Keep the the great work Scott!

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August 2026 • 15

Get Ready for Your Sports Physicals in August

$10 cash or check. Athletes under 18 need a parent signature.

Wednesday, August 5th • Cascade High School 10226 Marion Rd SE, Turner · 2:00pm to 6:00pm Wednesday, August 12th • Santiam Medical Clinic 280 S 1st Ave, Mill City · 3:00pm to 4:30pm Thursday, August 13th • Stayton High School 757 W Locust St, Stayton · 2:00pm to 6:00pm Tuesday, August 25th • Santiam Medical Clinic 280 S 1st Ave, Mill City · 3:00pm to 4:30pm Connect With Us

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August 2026 • 16