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Update
Low-cost CPR, first aid training service opens– Page 7
Court to hear PacificCorp wildfire negligence verdict appeal – Page 5
COMMUNITY NEWS Vol. 23 No. 1
Serving Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons & Mehama
January 2026
Square dancing festival swings into Albany – page 4
Our Town 2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton, Or 97383
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Cascade Cougars score state title – Page 12
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Pride • Integrity • Respect • Loyalty • Thrive
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 Mount Angel High School Student Noelia Morales. Noelia is being recognized for exemplifying the value; to thrive.
Student of the Month
Noelia consistently shows strong leadership skills, drive, and a desire to improve our school by making it more inclusive. She is a stand-out athlete, student, and leader. She is well-rounded, kind to all, and friendly. Truly the epitome of someone that is seizing life and thriving.
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2 • January 2026
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T AV CER AI TIF LA IC BL AT E ES
Something Fun Square dance festival.............................4
GIF
Update Wildfire negligence appeal hearing set...5
111 W. Locust St., Stayton
(503) 769-6524
Legal Matters HP Civil judgment appealed...................6 PacificCorp to pay $60.7M damages........6 Court roundup.......................................6
With coupon • expires 01/31/26 – not good with any other special.
Spend $2500 on Lunch or Dinner and Get $500 OFF
Business MedProEd offers low-cost CPR and other life-saving training................................7 Datebook....................................8
7
Helping Hands Canyon crisis center seeks help.............11 Sublimity school sews up grant............11
ABOVE
Sports & Recreation Cougars take third state title................12
MedProEd teaches life-saving skills in low-cost classes.
YBGT scholarship apps available...........12
on the cover
A Grin at the End..............14
Competitive dancer takes a spin on the floor.
Marketplace.........................15
COURTESY OF SCOTT COOPER
PHOTO CREDIT: ©TARCZAS/ 123RF.COM
2340 Martin Drive #104, Stayton • 503-769-9525 ourtown@mtangelpub.com www.ourtownlive.com Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher
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Contents
The deadline for placing an ad in the Feb. 1 issue is Jan. 20.
Calendar listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the Feb. 1 issue are due Jan. 20. Email calendar items to: datebook@mtangelpub.com
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Something Fun
Grab your partner Promenade to three-day event in Albany By Melissa Wagoner More than 800 dancers will kick up their heels at the Oregon Mid-Winter Square Dance Festival, Jan. 23 - 25 at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany. “Mid-Winter Square Dance Festival is a three-day event that all square dancers, round dancers and cloggers can attend,” Karyn Buchheit – a dancer for the past 40 years and member of the City Squares in Silverton – said. “We have nationally or internationally known callers, cuers and clogging cuers as our featured talent. Local and state callers, cuers and clogging cuers also have stage time. There are over 20 hours of dancing during the weekend. “This year we are also including English country dancing and line dancing on Saturday.” While the festival is free to spectators,
Oregon Mid-Winter Square Dance Festival Jan. 23 - 25, 2026 Linn County Fairgrounds 3700 Knox Butte Road East, Albany Free to spectators For information or to register as a participant, visit www. midwinterfestival.com
all dancers must purchase a ribbon, either at the door or online at www.midwinterfestival.com/. “There are no contests involved with this event – just a lot of dancing and fun,” Buchheit said. “[It’s] an extended square dance event where dancers have a chance to dance to talent that they might not have heard before, connect with friends or make new friends in the square, round and clogging world.”
Dancers at the Oregon Mid-Winter Square Dancing Festival. COURTESY OF KARYN BUCHHEIT
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Update
Wildfire verdict PacifiCorp appeal to be heard in February By Stephen Floyd
warnings from state regulators.
The fate of a class action lawsuit against PacifiCorp over the 2020 Labor Day fires will be argued before the Oregon Court of Appeals in February as the lower court prepares for accelerated trials.
PacifiCorp was required to file transcripts of trial court proceedings with its appeal, which totaled more than 40,000 pages. PacifiCorp requested numerous changes to these transcripts, which it said were necessary to correct errors. Plaintiffs argued errors were minor and did not change the substance of the transcripts, and accused PacifiCorp of unnecessary delay.
On Dec. 11, the court scheduled oral arguments for Feb. 4, 2026, in PacifiCorp’s appeal of the verdict in James et al vs. PacifiCorp, which originated in Multnomah County Circuit Court. The company argues its rights were violated during a 2023 trial in which it was found negligently liable for the Santiam, Echo Mountain Complex, South Obenchain and 242 fires. The appeals court is not expected to make a decision during the hearing, and no timeframe is in place for when a decision will be announced. Two days prior to the hearing on Feb. 2, 2026, the first in a series of accelerated damages trials will begin in the lower court. Throughout 2025 trials were held roughly once per month. In February they will increase to four per month. If by 2027 any claims remain pending, trials will double to eight per month. As of press time roughly 2,000 claims were filed. PacifiCorp has said the sharp increase in trials imposes an “untenable” burden on the court and parties to the suit. It said in an Oct. 24 court filing it hopes resolution of its appeal will determine whether or not accelerated trials will proceed. Initial appeal filed PaifiCorp first appealed the James verdict on Jan. 4, 2024. A jury in June of 2023 found the company failed to de-energize its system despite heightened wildfire risks and
Di’s Doin’ Hair
PacifiCorp’s request for changes was granted and transcript submission was not finalized until a year later on Jan. 7. The company also requested multiple amendments to its appeal during this timeframe to incorporate new verdicts from the damages trials. So far 12 trials have been held with a total of $632.7 million awarded to 118 plaintiffs. An additional 164 trials are scheduled through March of 2028. Opening arguments PacifiCorp filed its opening brief April 1, detailing multiple allegations of due process violations. Among these claimed: • The trial court allegedly erred when certifying a class of thousands of fire survivors from the state, which PacifiCorp said was overbroad. PacifiCorp originally appealed class certification in 2022 and the appeal was rejected as meritless. • The trial court allegedly erred when using a two-phase system that split proceedings into an initial liability phase and a second damages phase. PacifiCorp claims it should have been allowed to present alternative theories of liability to jurors. • The trial court allegedly erred in allowing non-economic damages for emotional and psychological harm, which have
comprised $433 million, or 70 percent, of overall damages. PacifiCorp said a state law describing damages for wildfires makes no mention of non-ecomonic damages, therefore such damages are not allowed. PacifiCorp’s opening brief also referenced an Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) report published in March 2025 which concluded the Santiam Fire was not caused by downed powerlines. Instead the report blamed floating embers from the Beachie Creek Fire, which was several miles away on the other side of a mountain ridge. PacifiCorp claims the report exonerated the company and argues this is further proof the 2023 verdict was not based on evidence. Plaintiffs have criticized the ODF report as incomplete and poorly conducted, while fire officials have said the behavior of the Beachie Creek Fire does not support ODF’s conclusions. ODF stands by the conclusions in its report and its methodology. In a response brief filed Aug. 22, plaintiffs said PacifiCorp is attempting to “rewrite the law and the facts” and “delay justice” to fire survivors. They said PacifiCorp’s rights were protected throughout the case and the company is simply resisting accountability. A request to expedite Almost two years after filing the appeal, PacifiCorp asked the appeals court to expedite its challenge and hold oral arguments on the issues it had raised as soon as possible. In a motion filed Oct. 24, the company asked the higher court to hear the matter by January of 2026 so outstanding disputes could be resolved before accelerated trials begin. The motion said holding four trials per month would strain the courts’ resources “beyond the judicial system” and that
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Plaintiffs did not oppose the motion for expedited arguments. In related court filings, they said accelerated trials are necessary to overcome delays in the suit, and resolution through trials is a direct result of PacifiCorp invoking its right to trial by jury. The Oct. 24 motion said a decision by the appeals court could also resolve disputes over non-economic damages as described in the company’s opening brief. PacifiCorp said this issue specifically is holding up settlement talks as parties dispute whether or not noneconomic damages should be included. Supreme Court petition Meanwhile a petition by PacifiCorp before the Oregon Supreme Court regarding whether or not trials in the case should proceed is still pending. Since its initial appeal, PacifiCorp has filed multiple requests for the appeals court to stay trial court proceedings, arguing the outcome of an appeal could undo the trials. Each request has been denied, with the latest on Sept. 23. In this denial the appeals court said it has no jurisdiction over trial court proceedings, especially those which have not yet occurred. On Nov. 13 PacifiCorp filed a petition with the supreme court asking for the appeals court’s denial to be overturned. As of press time the supreme court had yet to take up the case. On Dec. 12 plaintiffs filed in opposition to the petition, claiming PacifiCorp has provided no evidence and no legal arguments to support its request for the supreme court to weigh in.
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Legal Matters
HP Civil Court asked to undo $12M judgment By Stephen Floyd The owners of an Aumsville company are hoping to overturn a $12 million judgment owed to their former CEO, claiming jurors in a related trial were improperly instructed. On Dec. 1, Larry Gesher and Josh Smith, owners of HP Civil, Inc., filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict in Marion County Circuit Court regarding a lawsuit by former CEO Roger Silbernagel. The motion claims jurors in a March 31 trial were given inaccurate instructions on the legal definition of fiduciary duty and the resulting verdict was invalid. The jury found both Gesher and Smith individually breached their fiduciary duty to Silbernagel when they fired him in 2022 and undervalued his shares when enforcing a buyout clause. The jury awarded $100,000 in damages from each defendant.
Court roundup Charge for firearm threat A Stayton man is facing multiple charges after allegedly threatening a woman with a firearm during a domestic assault in November. David Allen Vasquez, 44, was charged Nov. 24 in Marion County Circuit Court for offenses allegedly occurring the day before. According to charging documents, Vasquez allegedly caused minor injuries to a woman during an act of domestic violence. During the incident he allegedly threatened the victim with a firearm and physically prevented her from calling police. Vasquez was not allowed to possess the weapon due to a 2015 felony conviction. He is charged with unlawful use of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, fourth-degree assault and interference with making a report. If convicted he faces up to five years in prison. Vasquez was released Dec. 11 on $70,000 bail and is due back in court Jan. 23.
Alleged gun safe theft A Sublimity man faces felony charges for allegedly stealing a gun safe and firearms
6 • January 2026
This verdict was the basis for a Nov. 5 order by Judge Lindsay Partridge awarding Silbernagel more than $12 million in additional damages. This included $8.53 million for Silbernagel’s shares – almost double defendants’ offer of $4.6 million – $678,730 in lost profit sharing, and prejudgment interest totaling an estimated $3.25 million. The Dec. 1 motion said Gesher and Smith owed no individual fiduciary duty to Silbernagel because the two defendants were minority shareholders. Silbernagel and Gesher each owned 44 percent and Smith owned 11.12 percent. Defendants said, according to state law, minority shareholders only have a fiduciary duty to fellow owners when acting in concert as controlling shareholders. The motion said Gesher and Smith operated individually during any actions that may have been adverse to Silbernagel’s interests, and that during a burglary in Lyons on Dec. 1. Corey Lee Manning, 46, was charged Dec. 3 in Linn County Circuit Court with aggravated first-degree theft and second-degree burglary. According to charging documents, Manning allegedly entered a residence on the 200 block of 25th street and allegedly stole a gun safe and firearms totaling more than $10,000 in value. If convicted, Manning faces up to 10 years in prison on the highest count. He was released from the Linn County Jail Dec. 6 on $10,000 bail.
New rape case filed Sexual assault charges against a Salem man have been dismissed, while a similar case involving unrelated victims was filed in Marion County Circuit Court. On Nov. 19, prosecutors requested the dismissal of charges against Venancio Lopez-Sierra, 22, after they could no longer prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. He was arrested Sept. 13 by the Stayton Police Department for allegedly forcing himself on a female victim multiple times. On Oct. 3 Lopez-Sierra was indicted in a new case on charges of first-degree rape and second-degree sexual abuse for incidents occurring in 2023 and 2020.
the jury was not instructed to consider this. The motion asked Partridge to throw out the verdict and issue his own judgment based on the evidence and the law, or to hold a new trial. Defendants also filed a motion Dec. 4 to stay enforcement of the judgment as they prepare an appeal. According to the judgment, defendants had until Dec. 5 to make their first of five yearly payments for Silbernagel’s outstanding shares, amounting to roughly $1.7 million yearly. According to court records this payment was not satisfied.
$60.7 million awarded in latest PacifiCorp trial By Stephen Floyd The latest trial against PacifiCorp over the 2020 wildfires has resulted in $60.7 million in awards to 10 fire survivors as the case moves toward an accelerated trials phase in February. On Dec. 10, jurors in Multnomah County Circuit Court rendered their verdict in James et al vs. PacifiCorp following a trial that began Dec. 1.
Plaintiff attorneys opposed the motion to stay and in a Dec. 17 filing said there is no legal basis to grant the request.
Awards included $5.2 million in economic damages, $39.3 million in noneconomic damages, $11.1 million in punitive damages and $5.2 million for a wildfire caused by recklessness.
A hearing was held Dec. 18. Partridge had yet to issue a decision by press time.
Individual awards ranged from roughly $2 million to $8 million.
He allegedly forced sexual intersource on one victim who was physically helpless, and allegedly forced sexual intercourse on another victim without consent.
Damages in the case now total $632.7 million for 118 fire survivors, an average of $5.36 million per plaintiff. Roughly 2,000 claims remain pending before the court, representing the possibility of more than $11 billion in overall court awards.
If convicted he faces at least 100 months in prison. As of press time Lopez-Sierra remained held on $125,000 bail.
Judge reviews records A Marion County Judge is reviewing counseling records of a Regis St. Mary School student who has accused former vice principal Christopher Seibert of allegedly groping her. On Dec. 16, Judge Thomas Hart received records including emails between staff and with the alleged victim’s family in the case against Seibert, 56, of Stayton. He is accused of second-degree unlawful sexual penetration and four counts of first-degree sexual abuse for alleged offenses between 2021 to 2023 beginning when the student was 11. The defense had requested the records and, because of their sensitive nature, asked Hart to review them in private to determine if they qualified for discovery. The school received a subpoena Dec. 8 to produce the records by Dec. 16. Seibert remains released on $250,000 bail. If convicted he faces at least 75 months in prison.
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Throughout 2025 trials have been held at a rate of roughly one per month. Starting Feb. 2, 2026, the court will begin holding four trials per month to more speedily resolve claims. If by January of 2027 parties have not reached a settlement, trials will double to eight per month until all claims are resolved, likely by March of 2028. PacifiCorp was found liable in 2023 for negligently causing the Santiam, Echo Mountain Complex, South Obenchain and 242 fires over Labor Day 2020. The company denies wrongdoing and has appealed the verdict to the Oregon Court of Appeals. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2026, for parties to argue the merits of PacifiCorp’s appeal. PacifiCorp has also settled a number of claims including $150 million to 1,434 class members announced Nov. 19. To date the company has settled for more than $1 billion with roughly 4,000 claimants, according to publicly available settlement records.
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Business
Be prepared MedProEd offer low-cost CPR, AED, first aid classes for all ages By Melissa Wagoner
so,” Cooper said, defining the very young and very frail as the only persons he believes to be exempt. “In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) Science Guidelines for CPR… [recommends,] children 12 years of age and older should be taught to perform effective CPR and defibrillation; children younger than 12 years of age should be trained in emergency response and CPR to improve confidence and willingness when they are older.”
Most people don’t spend much time thinking about what they will do in the event of an emergency. But Scott Cooper – a firefighter and paramedic for the past 40 years in the Stayton, Turner and Aumsville fire districts – thinks that is a mistake. “[I]n just a few moments, you can be faced with an unexpected emergency affecting you – an ill or injured family member, your friend, your neighbor…” Cooper said. “All too often, I witness situations when someone could have helped but did not – simply because they did not know what to do.”
Cooper took that to heart when he created the Saving Lives program, opening it to families at an “accessible” price. “By ‘low cost’ we mean approximately 85 to 90 percent off of a standard fee, making it about $15,” Cooper said.
That’s why he opened MedProEd – a medical emergency training service – and why he is determined that training be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or income.
Class participants practicing life-saving skills.
“Knowledge gives us power – power to make sound, informed decisions; power to face situations with strength rather than helplessness; power to act with confidence rather than indecisiveness…” Cooper pointed out. “A half day in a CPR/First Aid class is all it takes.”
attendees basic CPR and first aid, how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), how to administer Narcan and how to stop life-threatening bleeding. But the course’s real value is the confidence it builds.
Coined “Saving Lives,” MedProEd’s citizen class teaches
COURTESY OF SCOTT COOPER
“[A]nyone that can carry out the interventions needed can do
Funded through partnerships with government and private organizations, business sponsors, nonprofits and grant funders, Cooper is excited to also extend a special “First on the Scene” (FOTS) course provided by the City of Stayton. “[P]eople that reside or work in the 97383 zip code area can apply to attend the FOTS class at the very low cost of $15 per person January through June of 2026, or until the funds run out…” Cooper said. For class schedules and registration go to www.medproed.com.
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January 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.
Weekly Events Monday
Stayton Community Food Bank, 9 a.m. - noon, 1210 Wilco Road. Repeats Monday - Friday. 503-769-4088 Santiam Senior Center, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. MondayFriday. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. santiamseniorcenter.com, 503-767-2009, Senior Meals, 11:30 a.m., Stayton Community Center. Congregate dining or delivery. Age 60 and older. Serves Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons, Marion, Mehama. Repeats Wednesday and Friday. $3 donation suggested. For delivery, call Ginger, 503-769-7995. Bingo, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Cards $.05-.10 per game. Bring a can or box of non-perishable food for Stayton Food Bank, get a free card. Seniors 50+. Free. Repeats Thursday. 503-767-2009 Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., New Life Foursquare Church, 1090 N First Ave., Stayton. Repeats Thursday and Friday. Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway St., Mill City. Anyone is welcome. JoAnn, 503-859-2502
Tuesday
Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore early literacy through songs and rhythms, stories and rhyme. 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. Location varies each week. For location, call 503-769-3464. St. Boniface Archives and Museum, 9 a.m. - noon, 370 Main St., Sublimity. Learn about Sublimity; family history. Free. 503-508-0312
8 • January 2026
Intermediate Tai Chi, 10:15 - 11 a.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009 Toddler Storytime: Stay & Play, 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore early learning and literacy together with your infant or toddler, then stay for different activities and stations for play. Older siblings welcome. Free. 503-769-3313 Lyons Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. Read, play, sing, rhyme, make friends. Free. 503-859-2366 Beginner Tai Chi, 11:15 a.m. - noon, Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009 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. 50+. 503-767-2009 Beginner Line Dancing, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009 Pinochle, 1 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Single deck. Seniors 50+. Free for members. 503-767-2009 Advanced Line Dancing, 1:45 - 2:45 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. Seniors 50+. Free for members. Repeats Friday. 503-767-2009 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 local community donations and charities. Everything provided. New members welcome. Point Man Ministries, 6 p.m., Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons. Veterans support organization. 503-859-2627
Friday
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. Indoor Winter Market, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wavra Farms, 7882 SE Jordan St., Salem. Baked goods, produce, beef, jams, jewelry, crafts, pottery, plants and more. Free admission. wavrafarms.com Aumsville Historical Society, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Aumsville Historical Museum, 599 Main St. Not open holiday weekends. Ted Shepard, 503-749-2744 Revival Youth Hangout, 5 - 6:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 657 N Second Ave., Stayton. Follow “Revival_ Heartbeat” on Instagram and Tiktok. revivalheartbeat@gmail. com
Family Movie Matinée
Sunday
Stayton Parks and Rec Board
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. Free. Diannah, 503-881-6147 Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville.
Thursday, Jan. 1 New Year’s Day Saturday, Jan. 3 Toastmasters International
7 - 8 a.m. Toastmasters International Mid-Day Club meets virtually to deliver and evaluate prepared and impromptu speeches in an effort to improve as speakers and leaders. Meetings stream at https://tinyurl. com/zoomwithmidday and https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/9239283290. Agenda for role sign up is at https://4139.toastmastersclubs.org. Repeats 7 - 8 a.m. Jan. 17; 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Jan. 13 and 27. 855-402-8255, jsamuel12@comcast.net
Sunday, Jan. 4 KofC Breakfast
7:30 - 10 a.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, 9168 SE Silver Falls Hwy., Aumsville. Knights of Columbus breakfast featuring French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, applesauce, drinks. $10 for ages 13 and older. $2 children aged 12 and under. Benefits the Knights’ charitable giving causes.
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2 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Road. Watch an animated film about a young girl who adapts to her family’s relocation as five personified emotions administer her thoughts and actions. Free; snack included. All ages. 503-769-5700, staytonumc.org
Monday, Jan. 5 Stayton City Council
6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Winter Dance Recital
7 p.m., Cascade High, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Cascade Elite Dance performs an evening of group and individual routines. Free admission; donations welcome. Silent auction.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 Stayton Lions Club
Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats Jan. 20. staytonlionsclub.org 6 p.m., Stayton Planning Building, 311 N Third Ave. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-3425
Wednesday, Jan. 7 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 Jan. 21.
Thursday, Jan. 8 Aumsville Food Pantry
Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open to people in need of food items. Repeats Jan. 22. 503-749-2128
Santiam Heritage Foundation
6 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Board of trustees’ meeting. Open to public. 503-769-8860
Aumsville Fire District
6:30 p.m., Aumsville Fire Station, 490 Church St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-749-2894, aumsvillefire.org
Lyons Library Board
7 p.m., Lyons Public Library, 279 Eighth St. 503-859-2366
Friday, Jan. 9 Community Play Group
10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 574 N 11th St., Aumsville. Free opportunity to spend time with your children, socialize with other families and build support with the community. For families with children 0-5 years of age. 503-769-1120
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Saturday, Jan. 10 Winter Wellness Fair
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Diverse array of activities and workshops aimed at promoting holistic health $10 adults. $8 seniors. $6 ages 12-17. $4 ages 5-11. Children 4 and under and Oregon Garden members are free. Presented by Serenity Spa-Silverton and sponsored by Nourish You NW. oregongardenfoundation.org/winterwellness-fair
Sunday, Jan. 11 Brown House Tour
Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour the historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/person. Children under 18 are free. For a special reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860.
Monday, Jan. 12
NSSD Board
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Friday, Jan. 16
6 p.m., Old School Community and Youth Center, 22057 SE Emma St., Mehama. Open to public. For Zoom link information, call 503-930-8202 or email council@northsantiam.org.
6 p.m., Stayton Intermediate/Middle School, 1021 Shaff Road. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us
American Legion Post #58
Community Play Group
10 - 11:30 a.m., Santiam Chapel Assembly of God, 440 Fifth St., Lyons. Free opportunity to spend time with your children, socialize with other families and build support with the community. For families with children 0-5 years of age. 503-769-1120
6 - 7:30 p.m., Weddle Funeral Service, 1777 N Third Ave., Stayton. All veterans and all branches of service are welcome. Post #58 will pay first year’s dues for all who join. 503-508-2827
Saturday, Jan. 17
6 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Open to public. 503-769-3313
Bethel Clothing Closet
9 a.m. - noon, Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Clothing from newborn to 2x. Free. 503-749-2128
Alcoholics Anonymous
Sublimity City Council
6 - 8:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Open meeting.
Lyons Fire District Board
Monday, Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
6 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson, Sublimity. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org 6 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-859-2410, lyonsrfd.org
Stayton Friends of the Library
11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. New members welcome. 503-932-2733.
Stayton Fire District Board
Red Cross Blood Drive
Cascade School Board
MLK Vigil
6 p.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-2601, staytonfire.org
1 - 6 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. Agenda available. 03-749-8010, cascade.k12.or.us
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Town Square Park, 111 W Main St., Silverton. Silverton People of Peace honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and make his message relevant to today’s peace and social justice challenges. Vigil will feature signs with quotes from Dr. King’s speeches. Open to all. Robert, 503-873-5307, robertjsisk@ yahoo.com
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Wednesday, Jan. 14 RDS Board Meeting
5 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org
Thursday, Jan. 15 Stayton Public Arts Commission
6 p.m., Stayton Public Works Building, 311 N Third Ave. Help plan and organize local art events. Open to public. Jennifer Siciliano, 503-769-2998, JSiciliano@staytonoregon.gov.
North Santiam Watershed Council
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Sublimity Planning Commission
4:30 p.m., Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St, Sublimity. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-5475, cityofsubllmity.org
Stayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to the public. Agenda available. 503-769-3425, staytonoregon.gov
Aumsville City Council
7 p.m., Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center, 555 Main St., Aumsville. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us
Stayton Library Board
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Saturday, Jan. 24
6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-859-2167, cityoflyons.org
Joseph´s Storehouse of Hope
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mari-Linn School, 641 Fifth St., Lyons. Food boxes. 503-881-9846
Monday, Jan. 26 Annual Quilt Show
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 SE Church St., Sublimity. Features quilt show, sale of quiltrelated items, demonstrations and refreshments. Runs through Jan. 30. Open to public. Free admission.
MLK Observance
6 p.m., Silverton Grange, 201 NE Division St. Keynote speaker is Reyna Lopez, president and executive director of Pineros Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, Oregon’s largest farm workers union. Observance features community potluck, sing-along and readings relevant to the social justice mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sponsored by KBOO Community Radio. Open to all. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Robert, 503-873-5307, robertjsisk@ yahoo.com
Santiam Masonic Meeting
7 p.m., Santiam Lodge #25, 122 N Third Ave., Stayton. All Masons welcome. New members encouraged to drop by. “Santiam Lodge #25” on Facebook.
Lyons City Council
••••••••••••••••
Datebook Submission Information
To get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town, send your releases – including date, time, location, activity, cost, contact information – to datebook@mtangelpub.com. Or drop them off at the Our Town office, 2340 Martin Dr., Stayton.
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January 2026 • 9
Paid Advertisement
Living Life One Week At A Time
O
kind of light. And it was created on the very first Sunday morning in history.
nce again, the New Year has arrived and many of us will once again be making New Year’s resolutions. This is when we resolve to improve our behavior in some way by setting goals for the coming year. According to Social Scientists who study such things, the most common resolutions include losing weight by exercising more and eating healthier. Others aim to save money, or quit smoking. All of these are very good goals. But Dr. Asim Shah, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services at Baylor College of Medicine told us (Jan. 11, 2024) “Studies show that 88 percent of people who set New Year resolutions fail them within the first two weeks.” That leaves only 12% who succeed. That’s not good. Are we stuck with these poor results, or is there a better way? Fortunately for us, there is.
Welcome to Weekly Resolutions Back in 1998 I developed a paper-based time management system called The Noble Planner. It was very successful, but the digital revolution disrupted the industry. Regardless, the ideas in my system worked really well, and most of its principles can be applied easily today using a smart phone. Two of the ideas were derived from the Creation Story found in Genesis 1-2. They combine to offer a better way to make ourselves do the things we need to do. Instead of making New Years resolutions, we can instead make Weekly resolutions. Here are the Bible passages: “Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” — Gen. 1:3 That first day of the Creation week was a Sunday. Then, jumping to the end of the chapter and the first few verses of the second chapter we read; “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. — Gen. 1:31-2:3 The point I want you to see in these two passages of the Bible is the way God started and ended the first week in history. He began with illumination on that first Sunday, and then
By Gregg Harris
It’s interesting to see what else God initiated on a Sunday morning. Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday morning (Luke 24:1). The Holy Spirit fell upon the fledgling church on the day of Pentecost, which was 50 days from the Passover Sabbath (Acts 2:1-4). That places it smack dab on another Sunday morning as well. Is God telling us something? Maybe God is showing us by His own example, as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, that Sunday, the Lord’s Day, is a very special day. It should be the springboard of every week— a day of illumination, redemption, and spiritual empowerment that lifts us up out of our circumstances long enough to see where we are, from a higher and better perspective.
Gregg Harris
Every area of our lives, and every important concluded relationship we have in life, can be better by setting aside the first Saturday, the 7th seen and understood from up there. From day, as a day of rest. Now catch this, by designating the 7th Day as the END of the week, God created the week itself, “These ‘new week’s resolutions’ and set it spinning.
What Is The Basis For A 7-Day Week?
will work far better than those new year’s resolutions that only 12% of folks succeed in accomplishing.”
We have the rotation of the Earth on its axis to mark the 24-hour day. We have the phases of the Moon to mark the general length of a lunar month. We have the orbit of the earth around the Sun to mark the 365.25 days of the solar year. But where does the 7day week come from? It only exists in the mind of God. Whether anyone believes in God or not, that’s where it began.
Now the 7-day week just happens to be the ideal unit of time for living a balanced and productive life. Why is that? Because a day is too short to adequately address every important area and relationship in life. The month is too long to plan effectively because too many things change by the end of a month. But the 7-day week is perfect. It offers us all the time we need.We can balance the entire week by focusing each day, just as God did, on just one or two areas of concern. It provides us with the wisest of all routines.
What’s So Special About Sunday? There is something else to be gained here. God began the Creation Week with illumination. He said “Let there be light” and there was light. But it wasn’t the illumination of the Sun. The Sun doesn’t show up until Wednesday! No, this light was some other
there we can best renew our weekly resolutions, set better goals and make better plans with regard for our marriage, family, household, livelihood, church and civic responsibilities, scheduling for each an appropriate amount of time in the coming week. And then, at the beginning of each new week, we can plan once again with the amazing lift that comes from using Sunday as our weekly springboard.
How Does This Work in Practice? First, if this weekly routine is as good as it seems, then it makes sense to plan each new week in the “afterglow” of Sunday worship services at our local church. Sunday church attendance will lift you up to that higher place. Then, on Sunday afternoon or evening, get away by yourself, or with your spouse, to plan your new week. Make your New Week’s Resolutions once again. Write down what you believe to be the will of God in a place where you will be sure to see it in time to take obedient action. Then leap up off the end of the springboard and dive boldly into Monday. These “new week’s resolutions” will work far better than those new year’s resolutions that only 12% of folks succeed in accomplishing.
Rather than wait for another new year to come around, renew your resolutions every Sunday. If you fall off the horse one week, just climb back on and ride it for another week. You get 52 tries at keeping your resolutions.
Jesus Offers More Than This. This approach to weekly planning was inspired by my study of the Bible. It is part of my attempt to develop what I call a “practical theology,” where we get to put God’s way of doing things into practice in our own lives. It would be a shame for anyone to enjoy the benefit of these secondary insights while missing out on the far more important truth concerning how we can be saved from the punishment our rebellion against God deserves.Through His life, death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus Christ has paid for the sins of those who put their trust in Him. This allows for all our sins to actually be forgiven. Don’t miss out on this. Turn your life over to the only One who can save you. Repent. Stop doing what you know is wrong. Turn to Jesus by faith. You will be so glad you did. Then, walk in all the light that God provides as you study your Bible and seek to obey God’s commands. Be the Christian that everyone ought to be… and do it one week at a time! To learn more, please call or text me at 971-370-0967, 24/7. I’d love to meet you. Gregg Harris is a Teaching Pastor at GCRC in Salem, OR, www.graciouscross.org
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Helping Hands
Canyon crisis Helpers are in need of help By Melissa Wagoner When Cherie Girod was a sophomore at Willamette University, she lost two people who were close to her to domestic violence related homicide – a teacher and an aunt on her mother’s side. And so, when a friend made the suggestion that she join a group of women in the Santiam Canyon – where she grew up – who were starting an organization to help victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape she jumped at the chance. “In 1985… there weren’t really any laws,” Girod recalled. “You had to prove you were the victim.”
The Canyon Crisis and Resource Center services Individual and family counseling Safety education, outreach services, peer counseling Referrals for shelters, veterans’ services, etc. Free Store stocked with clothing, household items and toiletriesvat 825 NW Santiam Blvd., Mill City
It was a difficult time, made even more challenging when a local timber mill closed its doors. “We talked about rural needs, the needs of the Canyon, what they were facing…” Girod recalled. “Our focus was still on victimization and violence, but we were able to offer other services besides. Because there weren’t any other social services available once you left Salem or Albany.” “We don’t turn anybody away,” Girod said. “Whatever your situation is, if you’re having a hard time figuring out what to do or where to go… we’ll figure it out… you won’t fall between the cracks.” That’s because the CCRC now offers financial assistance for people at risk of losing their housing, a 24-hour helpline for those in crisis, referrals to resources outside their expertise and a Free Store that was opened after the Beachie Creek Fire. “After the fires we didn’t have room for things [being donated] but we didn’t want to turn them down,” Girod recalled. “So, we opened a Free Store.” But that initial space was temporary and eventually everything was placed in storage. The CCRC began raising funds, eventually purchasing a
40x60’ building with no electricity, flooring or insulation. “I don’t know what I was thinking,” Girod laughed. But she made it work, soliciting help from Rob Freres for the walls and ceiling, Jim Frank for wiring, and someone she has never met but has always wanted to thank for flooring. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity,” Girod confirmed. “People have given us the keys to their house and said, ‘Cherie, whatever you guys want you can take...’”
“We helped 242 families at the free store last year,” Girod said. “And somewhere between 800 and 900 people called or came into our office [seeking emergency assistance].” It’s a need that, according to Girod, is growing even as the federal and state funding the nonprofit receives has been reduced by 82 percent this year. “Our budgets are always small but our needs are great,” Girod said. “We service from Turner to Marion Forks to Silverton and Lebanon. We need financial help to keep going and to keep providing the level of services we have provided over the past 40 years...” “What would happen if we’re not here?” Girod asked. “There are a lot of people dealing with post-traumatic stress. But we are a part of the community, so we know what they are going through.” And are similarly struggling. “We can certainly use volunteers…” Girod began, additionally listing donations of new or gently used clothing and household items as well as monetary donations. “With your continued help, this agency can keep serving those in need for another 40 years.” To learn more visit www.canyoncrisis.org. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 500, Mill City, OR 97360.
Sublimity School awarded $2.5K for sewing elective Sublimity School has received a $2,500 grant from Selco Community Credit Union to support a sewing elective in the middle school program.
to start offering embroidery. This will give students more opportunities to acquire life skills and express creativity, said Thomson.
On Nov. 17, Selco announced the recipients of the 2025 Creative Educator Grants, which totaled $80,268 to 38 schools across 14 Oregon counties.
This was the first year Selco, based in Springfield, awarded the grants after expanding its philanthropic programs in 2024. The maximum individual amount for Creative Educator Grants rose from $1,000 to $2,500, which drew a record 281 applications.
Among these was a grant for Sublimity School’s “Sew and Grow” elective, led by teacher Katelyn Thomson. The grant amount of $2,500 was the highest allowed to an individual applicant. Thomson’s grant application said the funding will go toward additional sewing machines and materials
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The goal is to support teachers “with creative classroom ideas but lacking funds to get those projects off the ground,” according to Selco’s website.
Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Oregon Public Utility Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $27.30 per month, and business services are $43.50 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request. CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/ month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify. A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs. If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink. com/aboutus/community/communitydevelopment/lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.
– Stephen Floyd
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January 2026 • 11
Sports & Recreation
Cascade victorious Cougars win 4A football title Cascade High school entered the holiday season in the throes of two important victories. First, the Cougars’ football team captured the Class 4A title on Nov. 29 with a convincing 52-0 win against Henley in Cottage Grove. Then, on Dec. 15 the school’s athletic program won a victory as the Oregon School Activities Association concluded its redistricting and classification process for the four-year cycle that starts in the fall of 2026. On the verge of being moved up to Class 5A to face schools with higher enrollment, the Cougars staged a last-gasp effort to overturn the move. The appeal succeeded and Cascade will remain in Class 4A. First, the football. A year ago a talented but injury-riddled Cascade side fell in overtime in the semifinals against Henley. This year’s team was healthy, motivated and ready to crush it by championship Saturday. Led by its season-long group of playmakers – Bryce Kuenzi, Matthew Hinkle, Cade Coreson and Josiah Hawkins – the Cougars burst out to a 32-0 halftime lead and were never seriously threatened. The victory was the third state title for the Turner school, following wins in 1980 and 2015. And it also marked the first state crown for veteran coach Shane Hedrick. “Yes, it is my first championship,” Hedrick said in an email exchange with Our Town. “Winning your last game is always the target but having players enjoy the season is the primary goal. We really didn’t talk openly about winning a state title but rather winning each week. With that being said, this was the hardest year of my coaching career. It was a real grind as we started playing in the zero week and finished on
contributors, singling out the coaching staff, the scout team, his seniors and the Cascade community.
the last Saturday of November.” Hedrick also had to step in at the last minute to serve as interim athletic director when James Rise moved on to take a job as a principal in the Silverton district. Senior QB Coreson and junior wide receiver Hawkins got the program started with a 38-yard touchdown hookup in the first quarter. Cascade tacked on three more TDs in the second period, with Hinkle scoring on a 57-yard TD pass and a 1-yard run sandwiched around a 4-yard scoring run by Kuenzi. Kuenzi added a 20-yard scoring run in the third period and finished with 127 yards rushing on 17 carries. Coreson was the picture of efficiency, hitting 7 of 9 passes for 179 yards and two TDs and also scoring on a 21-yard run. Hinkle and Hawkins also shined on defense, with Hinkle recording six tackles, including two sacks, while also forcing a fumble. Hawkins had four tackles and two pass breakups. Leading the tacklers for Cascade were Vicent Medina with 7 and Cole Drager with 6. Cascade outgained Henley 357 to 164 and finished 12-0, while outsourcing opponents 594-155. Cascade Christian of Medford and the Cougars were the lone 11-man programs in Oregon to finish undefeated.
CCB#241703
12 • January 2026
Cascade made its case on Dec. 15, the OSAA’s Executive Board and Delegate Assembly responded and the Cougars will stay in Class 4A in a league with Central, Newport, Stayton, Philomath and Taft. Henley also was approved to remain in 4A. “This decision will allow Cascade to compete with schools in comparative size,” Hedrick said, adding that “immediate conversations should take place before any school is put in a place where they can’t be successful.” That’s two big wins for Cascade.
Hedrick offered praise for a wide range of
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The OSAA battle was a bit of a repeat of a similar struggle in 2018 that Cascade won to remain in Class 4A. This go-round all seemed to be in order until an adjustment of the enrollment caps that occurred at the final meeting of the OSAA’s redistricting committee slotted both Cascade and Henley into Class 5A. The move would have put the Cougars in the same league with much larger schools in Albany, Corvallis and Silverton. But the Cascade community responded, just as it did in 2018.
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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Applications available for scholarships from Mike Long tournament By James Day The application process is underway for those seeking scholarships from the Mike Long Youth Benefit Golf Tournament. The September event at Mallard Creek in Lebanon, the 24th to be held, raised $35,000 for grants and scholarships. The scholarships are open to seniors from Regis High, Santiam High and Stayton High as well as students from the Oregon Charter Academy who reside in the Santiam Canyon. Scholarships are awarded based on: community service, school activities, leadership activities, honors/awards and grade point average (GPA). Scholarships are redeemable at any college, university or trade school within the United States. Scholarship and grant applications are available to download at www. ybgolf.com/. Applicants should send five copies of the completed application forms to: Youth Benefit Golf Scholarship Committee, 21 SW 11th Ave., Mill City, OR 97360. The deadline for submission is March 1, 2026. More than $460,000 has been raised by the tournament through the years with more than 260 grants and 170 scholarships. The 2025 event was the last scheduled version of the event, named for the long-time community activist who passed away in 2023. Organizers noting that since the death of Long it has been difficult for the core group of people involved to give the event the effort it deserves. The Long family remains hopeful that someone will step in to run the event. “We appreciate all of our supporters who have, throughout the years, made it possible to provide such important opportunities for youth in the communities we serve,” the Long family said in a statement.
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Sports Datebook Monday, Jan. 5 Wrestling
Boys Basketball
Boys Basketball
7 p.m. Stayton vs Estacada
4 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais
7:30 p.m. Regis vs Oakland
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Saturday, Jan. 3
Girls Basketball
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Newport 7 p.m. Regis vs Santiam
Boys Basketball
Tuesday, Jan. 6
7 p.m. Regis vs Delphian
5:30 p.m. Cascade vs Springfield 7 p.m. Stayton vs Gladstone
Girls Basketball
Girls Basketball
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Boys Basketball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Delphian
2:30 p.m. Stayton vs Banks
Harold Johnson June 23, 1942 – Nov. 20, 2025
All home games
Friday, Jan. 16 5:30 p.m. Cascade vs Tillamook
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Santiam 7 p.m. Stayton vs Newport
7 p.m. Stayton vs Madras 7 p.m. Cascade vs Tillamook
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Boys & Girls Wrestling
Saturday, Jan. 17
5 p.m. Cascade vs McNary, Molalla, Siuslaw/Mapleton
Friday, Jan. 9 Boys Basketball
9:30 a.m. Cascade, Stayton at Stayton Family Memorial Pool
5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Marist Catholic
Girls Basketball
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Girls Wrestling
5 p.m. Cascade vs Riverside 6 p.m. Regis vs Kennedy
Swimming
7 p.m. Stayton vs Marist Catholic
2:30 p.m. Cascade vs Mazama
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Gervais 7 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade
Girls Basketball
7 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion 7 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
Boys & Girls Wrestling
5:30 p.m. Regis vs Colton
Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Regis vs Colton
4 p.m. Regis vs Clatskanie, Gervais, Lowell, St. Paul, Waldport
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Saturday, Jan. 24
6 p.m. Regis vs Nestucca, Toledo
6 p.m. Regis vs Oakland
Boys & Girls Wrestling
5:30 p.m. Cascade vs North Marion 5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Philomath
Girls Basketball
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Girls Basketball
6 p.m. Stayton vs Jefferson, Junction City
Boys Basketball
Boys Basketball
Saturday, Jan. 10 Monday, Jan. 12
Boys & Girls Wrestling
Friday, Jan. 30
5:30 p.m. Stayton vs Cascade 7 p.m. Regis vs Gervais
Boys Basketball
Boys & Girls Wrestling
Saturday, Jan. 31 Girls Basketball
5 p.m. Regis vs Western Christian
Boys Basketball
6:30 p.m. Regis vs Western Christian
Girls Basketball
For complete schedules, visit osaa.org.
Serving Americans andyours” Veterans “Ourproud family serving with caskets. The area’s only American-made locally-owned and owner-operated funeral home
Glenn has personally served the community for over 30 years. Glenn has personally served the community for over 29 years. – Locally-owned and owner-operated funeral home –
North Santiam Funeral Service (503) 769-9010
Officehours: hours:Mon Mon -- Fri Sat9-5 9-5••2424hour houravailability availability• •www.santiamfuneral.com www.santiamfuneral.com••nsantiamfs@wvi.com nsantiamfs@wvi.com Office
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Harold Johnson was born on June 23, 1942, in White Lake, South Dakota, to Claude Wesley Johnson and Vadia Mae Johnson. He was welcomed into a large and lively family of 17 children. In 1952, at just nine years old, Harold and his family made the long journey west, settling in Oregon. He attended grade school in Sublimity and later went to Stayton Union High School. Harold began working at Norpac at the age of 16 – a job that would become a defining chapter of his life. Over an extraordinary 46-year career, he rose to the role of Shift Supervisor. He was admired not only for his work ethic but also for his sharp wit and warm humor, which had a way of lifting spirits and turning ordinary moments into memorable ones. In 1960, Harold joined the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the USS BOYD DD-544 as a chaplain’s assistant. After completing his service, he returned home in 1963 and married Gloria Etzel in 1964. Together they shared 26 years of marriage and raised five rambunctious boys, whom they loved fiercely. During these years they also built and operated their laundry services in Stayton, Aumsville, and Mount Angel. Harold loved the outdoors and found deep joy in elk hunting and fishing, especially when sharing those moments with his sons and his nephew, Derek Mendiola. He was always tuned in to the latest fishing reports, ready for the next good day on the water. Harold is survived by his sons, their partners and grandchildren: Alex, Damon (Angela), Ian (Charleen), Hillary, and Ignatius (Alé); his grandchildren: Jordan, Regina, Cooper, Kyle, Braxton, Bailey, Michael, Macy, and Norah. In 1997, Harold married Janice Staiger, who preceded him in death in 2012. His years with Janice brought an expanded circle of family whom he embraced wholeheartedly. He formed strong and lasting bonds with her grandchildren, Brittney and Chris Black, and Brittney’s children – Charlee, Maverick, and the twins Oliver, and Everlee – who brought him tremendous joy and a renewed sense of purpose in his later years. He also cherished his relationships with Janice’s other grandchildren Brandon, Brianna, and Bridget, whom he loved deeply and remained an important part of his life.
GlennHilton HiltonFamily, Family,Owners Owners Glenn
224 N. Third Avenue, Stayton
With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harold Burdett Johnson on Nov. 20, 2025, due to medical complications.
Harold’s story is one of humour, hard work, and love. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the children, grandchildren, family, and friends who carry his stories forward. A Military Honors Service is planned for 10 a.m. on Feb. 8, 2026, at Valley View Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Mt. Angel Festhalle. The family welcomes all who wish to remember Harold. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
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January 2026 • 13
A Grin at the End
New Year’s resolutions
Huffing and puffing into 2026
It’s another brand, spanking new year. It’s a blank slate, a whole new ballgame, a time to turn the page.
my speed. I also jogged for years. I was one of those guys they timed with a calendar. I’m also uncoordinated. I can’t even walk straight. I’d probably flunk a field sobriety test even if I was drinking soda pop.
Pick your cliché. In reality, what a new calendar offers is limitless. Individually, everyone can do anything he, or she, wants.
Combined with quadruple bypass surgery a couple of years ago, all of this was working against me.
Together, the possibilities are even more enticing. It’s up to each of us to decide what to do with the 12 months that lie ahead. I know altruism is the first thing that comes to mind. Save the planet. Make the world a better place. Try an extra dose of kindness. Buy the world a Coke. Who could argue with that? I doubt anyone can resist the idea of doing some good in the year 2026. But then there’s reality. Sometimes the world doesn’t want to be made better. Try as we might, it just isn’t doable. So here’s my suggestion. Instead of worrying about changing the world, why not change ourselves? Take me as an example. I have lots of flaws that I would do well to address. I’d list all of them, but there isn’t enough room on this page. Here are a few: I’m out of shape. I’m lazy. I tend to be
By going to the gym I could gauge how far downhill I’d gone. Let me put it this way. I could walk, but that was about it. hard-headed. When I’m not being hard-headed or lazy, I’m wishy-washy. I’m apathetic about politics. The list goes on. In short, I could do better. If I focused on one or two or three of my flaws, I would come out ahead. One thing I started last year was work on getting into shape. I’ve never been much of an athlete. Lately, however, things had gotten out of hand. So I signed up at the gym. My wife started it. She signed up first and reported to me what she thought. She gave it a thumbs-up, so I joined in.
The first day at the gym, the boss tested my balance and asked a lot of questions. After that, he and the other trainers put together a game plan. The idea was to gain flexibility on the way to building strength and endurance. That was easier said than done. They had me doing all sorts of exercises. Many involved rolling around on the floor. I’d tell you their names but I don’t know them. I’ll never be another Arnold Schwarzenegger – that’s a given – but by spending some time at the gym I’m feeling a lot better. Now, if I could just do something about being so darn hard-headed.
I’m not a sports guy. My sport of choice is bowling. I figure anything I can play while drinking a beer is just
Carl Sampson is a freelance editor and writer. He lives in Stayton.
Repair Ole Murph’s •• Concrete Carpentry handyMan services • Drywall
Dan Murphy
• Painting 941-400-8611 •• Fencing Pressure Licensed residential Washing general contractor olemurphs@gmail.com • Construction Clean-up CCB License 246320
You Name It, We Frame It!
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105 S. First St., Silverton
503-873-6771
Open Tuesdays - Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. OR CCB #67422
Commercial & Residential Services Family Owned
New Installs Doors • Openers Preventative Maintenance Lubricate / Door Adjustments
Repair Services Broken Springs • Cables Off Replace Damaged Sections & Product
35 years experience
Serving throughout the Willamette Valley
Hours: 8:00am–5:30pm, mon-Fri; by appt. on sat.
HMOverheadDoors.com 503-829-8814 txt. 503-444-0522
210 e. Water st. • stayton • 503-769-1212 14 • January 2026
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SERVICES
PASTOR CHUCK BALDWIN Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana satellite group Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Kristen, 503-990-4584
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
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
RENTALS 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
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
ROOM FOR RENT: $650 mo. In Lyons, please call 503-383-4398
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
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January 2026 • 15
We are delighted to welcome Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Taylor Brown, NP to Santiam Women’s Clinic With extensive hands-on experience, a strong background in women’s health, and a deeply rooted commitment to patient-centered care, Taylor brings both expertise and compassion to the Santiam community. Taylor brings strong clinical skills and several areas of focus, including: • Contraception counseling, helping patients choose the option that best fits their lifestyle and goals • Prenatal care, shaped by her NICU experience and deep understanding of maternal–infant needs • Infertility care, where she provides compassionate guidance through a complex and emotional journey Outside the exam room, Taylor enjoys spending time with her two dogs, relaxing with a warm matcha tea, and diving into a good romance fantasy novel. Her warm, approachable personality reflects the kind of care she provides. Taylor Brown, NP
Your Santiam Women’s Clinic Care Team
503.769.9522
1373 N 10th Ave, Stayton santiamhospital.org Connect With Us
Amanda Wagner, MD, OB/GYN • Taylor Brown, NP • Taylor Abdala, PA-C
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January 2026 • 16