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Helping Hands

Civics 101

Classmates help raise awareness of brittle bone disease – Page 5

SummerFest celebrates 30th year of family fun in Stayton – Page 4

COMMUNITY NEWS Vol. 23 No. 7

Serving Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons & Mehama

July 2026

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Sophomore wins javelin state championship – Page 13

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Contents

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4 Something to Do July offers events galore....................... 4 Helping Hands Classmates share in courageous battle .. 5 Civics 101 Stayton pool fund tops $135K................ 6 Quigley announces second run...............6

Datebook....................................8

Licensed in the State of Oregon

Passages ..................................12 Sports & Recreation

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Sophmore wins javelin state title.........13

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

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A look back at July 4th festivities in Stayton.

Summerfest in Stayton always draws big crowds for the art, food, music and exhibits. FILE PHOTO

FILE PHOTOS

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

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George Jeffries Advertising Executive

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Bea Shapiro Designer & Copy Editor

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

Calendar listings are free for community events. Submissions must include date, time, location and cost. Submissions for the Aug. 1 issue are due July 20. Email calendar items to: datebook@mtangelpub.com Our Town is mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97383, 97385, 97358 and 97325 zip codes. Subscriptions outside the area are $48 annually

Contributing Writers

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July 2026 • 3

Something to Do

Celebrate! Stayton, Canyon communities ready for nation’s 250th, summer By James Day

in the heart of town. The Patriotic Golf Cart and ATV Parade runs from 11 a.m. to noon, with participants asked to line up at 10:30 a.m. at the Detroit Flats day-use area.

The 4th of July holiday, which in 2026 includes a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, will be celebrated all over Stayton and the Santiam Canyon. And the early weather forecast promises temperatures in the 70s and no rain.

Later Saturday is the day’s big blast, the annual Fireworks over the Lake. The music starts in the park at 3:30 p.m. with The Mystics DJ Set. Gabriel Cox goes on at 5:15 p.m. and JFK runs from 8 p.m. until the fireworks start blasting at dusk. After the fireworks JFK comes back and plays until 11:30 p.m.

Here is a look at what is on the schedule up and down the Canyon, along with a sneak preview of late July’s 30th annual Summerfest:

Stayton 4th of July

The theme of this year’s parade, which starts at noon, is “America the Beautiful.” The parade starts near Stayton High and takes its usual course down First Avenue to Washington Street to Gardner Street and winds up on Regis Street. Families, businesses, civic clubs, churches, sports teams, and community groups can build floats, walk with groups, or join in the festivities. The grand marshal is the state championship Stayton Eagles girls basketball team. The fireworks take place at Stayton High. They are set to light up the sky at 11 p.m. Also on the menu are live music and entertainment, classic cars and displays. Community members are encouraged to bring their own floats and banners and to wear themed attire. Some tips for visitors: Arrive early for the parade to secure a good viewing spot. Bring a blanket or chair for the fireworks viewing. And check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Detroit July 3rd & 4th Detroit is offering two days of activities,

July 30 – Aug. 1 9am – 4pm

Fireworks can be enjoyed in several locations in Stayton and the Santiam Canyon. FILE PHOTO

sponsored by the Detroit Lake Foundation. Things get cranking on Friday, July 3, at Detroit City Park with the annual fireworks fundraiser. The suggested donation is $10, with music from 3:30 to 5 p.m. by The Mystics DJ Set. Crush goes on at 5:15 p.m. and headliner Katrina Elizabeth takes over from 8 to 11 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and the family, with dancing, food vendors, a beer garden, and family fun all on the menu. On Saturday, July 4, the festivities get started with the annual Pancake Feed that benefits the Idanha-Detroit Rural Fire Protection District, whose new station off of Blowout Road will have its grand opening from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. The Saturday pancakes are flipped from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Detroit Community Center. The Saturday Market, meanwhile, runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Detroit City Park. Visitors are invited to explore a vibrant mix of local makers, bakers, and creators right

Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. There will be dancing, food vendors and a beer garden from 3 p.m. on. No outside food and beverages are allowed.

Mill City 4th of July All activities are Saturday, July 4, and will take place in and around Kimmel Park. Here is a look at the key events: 7 to 11 a.m.: Lions Club breakfast at Santiam Junior/Senior High School. Cost $8. 9 a.m.: The Rick Posekany Memorial Run, which includes 5K and 10K events, begins and ends on Evergreen Street near the high school. Noon: Grand parade. Staging begins at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Southeast Fairview Street and Fourth Avenue. Judging is at 11 a.m. The parade heads west on SE Fairview Street, goes north on S. 1st Avenue, and west on SW Broadway Street. During the parade, roads will be closed to through traffic at S. 1st Ave. and SW Fairview St., Lyons-Mill City Drive and SW Linn Blvd. and the vehicle bridge. 1 p.m. (approximate): A cakewalk in the park. Cake donations encouraged!

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2 to 6 p.m.: Car show in Kimmel Park. 2 to 10:30 p.m. Travelin’ Taphouse beer garden. 3 to 7 p.m.: Water slide and obstacle course at Kimmel Park. Single tickets are $5. An all-day bracelet is $10. 3 p.m. to dark: Live music. 5 p.m.: Cornhole tournament. Register in advance at ci.mill-city.or.us/media/5511. Cost is $30 for a two-person team. 5 to 9 p.m.: Mechanical bull in the beer garden. $5 per ride. A competition takes place at 7:30 p.m. Entry fee is $20 and the winner gets $100 plus a trophy. Dusk: Fireworks in Kimmel Park.

SummerFest on July 25 This is the 30th anniversary of the Stayton Sublimity Chamber event, with special activities set to mark the milestone. Here are some scheduling highlights: 9 a.m.: Santiam SummerFest Fun Run & Walk. Event includes 3K and 5K distances. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/ OR/Stayton/SummerFestFunRunWalk. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Vendor Street Fair & Family Fun Zone feature local artisan booths, community booths, food, beverages, treats and a beer garden on North Third Avenue. Live entertainment: Performances throughout the day, including music and community acts. Complete schedule at: santiamsummerfest. com or staytonsubllimitychamber.org.

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Helping Hands

Unbreakable spirit Boy’s courageous battle with brittle bone disease By Melissa Wagoner

But unfortunately, at this point there is still no cure. So, while Logan is, in nearly every other way, an average seven-year-old, when it comes to his bones he has to be extremely cautious.

When asked, seven-year-old Logan Mosgrove is happy to share information about himself. He’ll tell you his favorite subject at Cascade View Christian School is Latin, that he loves watching professional wrestling, that he wants to be a police officer someday (just like his uncle), that he likes to jump on the trampoline with his siblings and that his favorite sport to play with his friends is soccer. But what he’ll also tell you is what it’s like to have osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) – a genetic mutation that causes bone fragility due to a lack of collagen production.

“He’s pretty tough, but a trip or a push or a pull…” could mean another broken bone, Bree said. “But he’s found ways to adapt, and I know that he knows his limits and boundaries and he’s good at advocating.” He’s also comfortable sharing his story with classmates or community members who are curious about the petite seven-year-old in a wheelchair.

“He was born with brittle bone disease,” Logan’s mom, Bree Mosgrove, said referring to OI by its more common name. “I found out part way through my pregnancy, at the 20-week ultrasound, he was measuring small and they could see bowing in his femurs.”

“It’s not to draw attention to him, but to share awareness,” Bree explained. “I think awareness helps other people but also him.”

Initially the doctor diagnosed Logan with dwarfism, but then a break in one of his femurs was discovered and Bree heard the words “brittle bone disease” for the first time.

So, when Governor Tina Kotek proclaimed May 3 through 9 OI Awareness Week in Oregon on April 23, 2026, the Mosgroves decided to share the good news with Logan’s school by creating a presentation titled, “Logan’s life from birth,” and encouraging everyone to wear yellow, the official color of OI awareness.

“I got on Instagram and looked into the hashtag,” Bree recalled. “I found other families and other kids that looked happy.” Relieved to find someone she could confide in, she joined the community.

Logan Mosgrove.

COURTESY OF LORRAINE WISTOCK

Born two weeks premature, on May 1, 2018, Logan already had 15 broken bones. But he was also a fighter. “He’s named Logan after Wolverine,” Bree laughed. Recalling, “He came home on his due date.”

“The school is great about making up adapted activities…” Bree said. “And the community is very accepting. They’re curious but not mean.”

Since then, Logan’s life has been a mixture of normal kid stuff interspersed with surgeries (6), broken bones (50) and annual trips across the country to see OI specialists for treatment.

In fact, because Bree started her own Instagram page, “oi_ life_of_logan”, when he was just seven months old, he has quite a following, not only of people in the OI community, where Bree has become a mentor, but in the community of Aumsville as well.

“Hospitals and doctors know about OI, but they haven’t always seen it…” Bree said, describing journeys – first to Nebraska then to Arizona – to see Dr. Maegen Wallace, an orthopedic surgeon, an expert in OI and Logan’s favorite doctor. “They treat it like osteoporosis,” Bree explained, “with bisphosphate.”

“Even the teacher said, ‘I didn’t know he’d been through all that,’” Bree said, pointing out that, while awareness will not alter Logan’s overall health, it does ensure he gets the assistance he needs.

Logan Mosgrove with his classmates on Wishbone Day. COURTESY OF LORRAINE WISTOCK

“Someone at the grocery store will say, ‘Hi Logan,’” Bree said. “He draws people in.” It’s not hard to see why.

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Council addresses range of issues; Quigley announces second run By James Day Efforts to save the Stayton swimming pool continue to gain momentum. Howard Tsang, the city’s community engagement director, reports that a June 19 pool event added nearly $27,000 to the fundraising stash already in place. The party was hosted by Stayton Friends of the Pool and it received $12,565 in donations and another $14,310 in pledges, Tsang told Our Town.

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Tsang added that the fundraising haul brings the donation total to $17,220 and the pledge total to $121,345 for an overall total of $138,565. One piece of the fundraising evening was a challenge to community members to join the $1,000 club and become one of 100 patrons that contribute $1,000 toward the pool. Eleven community members joined the $1,000 club, contributing $11,000 of the pledges that evening. “We continue to invite community members to pledge or donate and help us reach our fundraising goal of $375,601,” Tsang said.

the annexation and zone change plan for the 17-acre site, but reduced the density from high to medium, meaning fewer units would be allowed on the site. The shift to medium went against both the recommendation of city staff and the Stayton Planning Commission. Councilors changed the density back to high at the June 15 session, although the matter still appeared to be confusing to some councilors. Three votes were required. First, the councilors had to approve a reconsideration of the earlier vote to approve the project with medium density. Then, a second vote took place to reject the medium density. A third vote reaffirmed the high density piece but because it was not unanimous (it passed 4-1) a second reading will be required July 15. “The main issue with the annexation was more related to confusion when the initial vote was taken and someone voting for the annexation at medium density not having intended to do so,” Hadjuk said. Election: Quigley used his communication from mayor and council time slot to announce plans to run for a second term. Quigley, who has lived in Stayton since 2003 and served on both the parks board and the City Council before being elected mayor, cited the Detroit Lake drawdown, infrastructure issues and the failure of the pool and parks levies, as problems yet to be solved.

A local option tax levy to pay for the pool and parks operations failed in the May 19 primary. Tsang said that the City Mayor Brian Quigley Council “will be continuing the FILE PHOTO discussion of how to address the budget shortfall” at its July 6 meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Stayton Community Center. “I’m not done contributing to Stayton,” Quigley said in prepared Here are some notes from the council’s remarks. “I’m not afraid of the daunting challenges ahead of us A UNIT OR MORE PURCHASE action-packed June 15 meeting: and I am indeed ready to ask the voters for one more chance to MUST PRESENT COUPON, LIMIT ONE PER PERSON. VALID FOR 30 DAYS. serve as mayor.” Noise: Four people spoke during the public comment period with concerns about motorcycle Quigley also applauded the voters for approving a city charter $ 00 00 OR $ noise on West Ida Street, where neighbors say amendment that gives the mayor voting rights, “something I one of the residents uses a large back yard to have advocated for over many years. The new model should constantly ride dirt bikes. bring more leadership to the mayor’s position in guiding the $ 00 00 OR $ Mayor Brian Quigley, who has visited the governing body.” neighborhood, said “I would really like to come The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Those interested in up with a solution. I don’t care how we get it $ 00 $ 00 running for mayor or the council seats held by Leonard Hays, down. It’s really, really out of control.” OR Jordan Ohrt and David Patty must file petitions by Aug. 25. Neighbors told Quigley on his visit and also Incumbents need to file by Aug. 18. testified before the council that the noise is $ 00 00 OR $ preventing them from sleeping, entertaining The volunteer non-partisan positions are open to those who One unit contains 7.5 cubic yards friends and family or even watching television. currently are registered to vote in Oregon and reside within the Stayton city limits at least one year before the election. The challenge for city officials is that current noise ordinances do not include motorcycles. Stayton, Sublimity, Mill City, Lyons, Gates, Scio For more information go to https://www.staytonoregon.gov/ City Manager Julia Hadjuk said she would work Three yard minimum for *free delivery page/gov_election_2026 or contact Stayton’s elections official, with city staff to come up with a new ordinance, Call ahead to sChedule for delivery assistant city manager Alissa Angelo, at 503-769-3425 or perhaps in time for the July 6 meeting. aangelo@staytonoregon.org. Apartments: The back and forth on a proposed In addition to Quigley’s filing, journeyman electrician Casey apartment complex on newly annexed property Falconer and marketing director Mark Konquist have filed papers on Shaff Road went back and forth again at Foothillsbark.com the meeting. On May 18, councilors approved to seek councilor positions.

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July 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 Baby & Me, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 955 E Santiam St., Stayton. Parents/caregivers with babies under 1 year of age. 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 and older. Serves Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons, Marion, Mehama. Also 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, 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. AlsoThursday and Friday. Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway St., Mill City. All 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. Learn about Sublimity; family history. 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 Foodies-in-the-Park. 10:30 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Storytime and find your inner foodie and explore different culinary experiences together. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

8 • July 2026

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. - 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. 503-5089431, staytonarearotary.org Cascade Country Quilters, 12:30 p.m., Santiam Senior Center. 50+. 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 Stayton. Rain or shine. 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 local community donations and 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. 503-7492744, 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 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 all summer long. Bring side dish, salad or dessert to share, but it is not necessary. All welcome. 503-7492128, bethelaumsville.org

Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville.

Class Reunions

Cascade High Class of 1963 – 4 p.m., July 25, Hickory Spoon, 8274 Golf Club Road, Aumsville. 503-428-6422, roseanngarrett1@gmail.com. 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.

Wednesday, July 1 Aumsville Senior Social Circle

10 a.m. - noon, Riverview Bank, 112 Main St., Aumsville. Join Aumsville’s senior community for cards, dice and conversation. Feel free to bring games. Free. Sponsored by Aumsville Exchange Club. Repeats July 15.

DIY Mosaic Pots

3 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Design and create your own patterns on a terra cotta pot. This program involves use of materials rated for adult use; plan accordingly. All ages. 503-769-3313

Thursday, July 2

Lyons Summer Reading Program

3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. The Reptile Man performs. Free. All ages. 503-859-2366

Unit Souzou Performs

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Unit Souzou performs a blend of Japanese taiko drumming and folk dance. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Saturday, July 4 Independence Day Fourth of July Breakfast

8 - 11 a.m., Stayton Community Center, 400 W Virginia St. $10/adults. $7/children & seniors. Benefits Stayton High’s Class of 2027.

Fun Run/Walk

8:30 a.m., Stayton Community Center. 3K walk/run, 5K & 10K runs. $15 advance registration online. $20 day of race registration. Sponsored by Boy Scouts. staytonfunrun.com

Stayton 4th of July Parade, Fireworks

Noon, Parade running from Regis Street to N First Avenue to W Washington Street to N Gardner Avenue. Fireworks, dusk, Stayton High, 757 W Locust St. No alcohol, smoking, vaping, weapons, personal fireworks or pets are allowed.

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Monday, July 6 VFW Post 5638

7 - 8:30 p.m., Stayton Fire Department, 1988 W Ida St. Veterans of Foreign Wars monthly meeting. New members welcome. Jim Bennett, 503-983-9110

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. Veterans of Foreign Wars monthly meeting. New members welcome. Jim Bennett, 503-983-9110

Foothills VBX

6 - 7:30 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. Five-day Vacation Bible Experience open to ages 4 years old through incoming sixth graders. Repeats through July 9 with family fun night on July 10. $15 first child; $5 every child thereafter. No more than $25 per family. Sign-ups at foothillsstayton.org

Tuesday, July 7 Full Circle Farming

11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Get flavorful ideas with exploration of teas and spices. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Stayton Lions Club

Noon, Covered Bridge Cafe, 510 N Third Ave., Stayton. Club and new members are welcome. Repeats July 21. staytonlionsclub.org

Stayton Parks and Rec Board

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

Wednesday, July 8 Teddy Bear Picnic

11:15 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Games, crafts and a special picnic with your favorite stuffed animal. No reservations required. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Read It & Eat It

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Join for unique book club experience with food, fun and conversation. Free. Repeats July 29. 503-769-3313

RDS Board Meeting

6 p.m., Beauchamp Building, 278 E High St., Stayton. Revitalize Downtown Stayton monthly meeting. Open to public. 503-767-2317, downtownstayton.org

Thursday, July 9

Hillia Hula Performs

11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Jawdropping hula hoop tricks, comedy and audience participation in a performance by the Queen of the Ring. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Aumsville Food Pantry

Noon - 4 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Repeats July 23. 503-749-2128

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Marion County Fair

Noon - 10 p.m., 2330 NE 17th St., Salem. $6 general admission. Kids 5 and under are free. Sunday only: all kids 12 and under are free. Repeats 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. July 10-11, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. July 12. marioncountyfair.net

Lyons Summer Reading Program

3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Decorate the parking lot with sidewalk chalk art. Free. All ages. 503-859-2366

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. Open to public. 503-749-2894

Friday, July 10 Community Play Group

10 - 11:30 a.m., Doris’s Place, 955 E Santiam St., Stayton. Spend time with your children, socialize with other families, build community support. Children 0-5 years of age. 503-769-1120

Red Cross Blood Drive

Noon - 4:30 p.m., Sublimity Fire Station, 115 NW Parker St. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. TGI Friday Festival – 5 - 9 p.m., historic downtown Stayton. Live music, cruisein, kids’ zone, food trucks, brews. “Schwing!,” a tribute to the ‘90s 6 - 8 p.m. downtownstayon.org

Saturday, July 11 Sublimity City-wide Garage Sale

All day. Times and days may vary. No permit needed. Runs through July 12. 503-769-5475, cityofsublimity.org

Pancake Breakfast for Seniors

9 - 11:30 a.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St. For seniors 55+. Hosted by Aumsville Exchange Club.

Aumsville Saturday Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Porter Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Free entry. market@aumsville.us.

Saint Benedict Festival

Noon - 4 p.m., Mount Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Dr., Saint Benedict. $65/ages 13 and older. $20/ages 2-12. Tickets at mountangelabbey.org.

Afternoon Tea

2 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Dress to impress and join for a curated afternoon tea experience inspired by the works and world of E.B. White. All ages. Space is limited. RSVP at the library or by calling 503-769-3313

Movies in the Park

Dusk, Porter Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Today: The Lion King (1984). 7/18: Anastasia. 7/25: Finding Nemo. Free. All ages. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us

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Sunday, July 12

Homegrown Goodness

Noon - 2 p.m., Brown House Event Center, 425 N First Ave., Stayton. Tour historic Charles and Martha Brown House. $5/ person. Children under 18 free. For a reserved guided tour, call 503-769-8860.

Lyons Summer Reading Program

Brown House Tour

Monday, July 13 Lyons Fire District Board

6 p.m., Lyons Fire Station, 1114 Main St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-859-2410, lyonsrfd.org

Sublimity City Council

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

Stayton Fire District Board

6 p.m., Stayton Fire Station, 1988 W Ida St. Agenda available. Open to public. 503-769-2601, staytonfire.org

Bethel Baptist VBS

6:15 - 8:15 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville. Five-day vacation bible school for ages youth in first - sixth grade, and 4-5 year olds. Register at bethelaumsville.org.

Cascade School Board

7 p.m., Cascade District Office, 10226 SE Marion Road, Turner. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-8010, cascade.k12.or.us

Aumsville City Council

7 p.m., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us

Tuesday, July 14 Ancestry Detectives

10 a.m., Silver Falls Library. Open work session. Bring questions; learn alongside a genealogist mentor. Drop-ins welcome. To book a specific time, text Linda Brown at 503-551-9028 with name, topic, preferred time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bring a computer. ancestrydetectives.org

Full Circle Farming

11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. What’s all the buzz about pollinators? Join and find out. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

Santiam Historical Society

6 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Road. Presentation and discussion of Stayton’s history. Open to all. santiamhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 15 Escape Room

3 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Program may contain graphic images, scense and descriptions. Player discretion is advised. Free. 503-769-3313

Thursday, July 16 Linn County Fair

11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Linn County Expo Center, 3700 E Knox Butte Road, Albany. Vendors, carnival, Familyland, live music, FFA events. Repeats July 17-18. For ticket pricing and schedules, visit linncountyfair.com.

1:30 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Explore gardening with Marion County Master Gardeners. Free. 503-769-3313 3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Celebrate Polynesian culture through dance and music with Paradise of Samoa. Free. All ages. 503-859-2366

Red Yarn Performs

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Using a blend of folk, rock’n’roll, country and blues, Red Yarn weaves music and puppetry into high-energy shows for all ages. Free. 503-769-3313

NSSD Board

6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us

Stampede Kickoff Party

6 - 10 p.m., Sublimity Harvest Festival Grounds, 11880 SE Sublimity Road. Dinner, auction and no-host bar for ages 21+ w/ID. All ages. $25/person. Tickets only available online at scsrodeo.com.

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.

Friday, July 17 Church Garage Sale

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 SE Fern Ridge Drive. Benefits Santiam Teen Center and MidValley Literacy Center. Repeats July 18. 503-769-5700

Jousting, dancing, shopping and more. Adults $35/day. Ages 6-12 and seniors 60 and older $30/day. Age 5 and under are free. $1 off for active military. $10/on-site field parking. Repeats July 19, 25-26. For more information, visit canterburyfaire.com.

Joseph´s Storehouse of Hope

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Sublimity Movie in the Park

Dusk, Church Park, 375 E Main St., Sublimity. Watch Lilo & Stitch in the park. Bring chairs and/or blankets. Free. All ages. Presented by Young Mobile Entertainment.

Monday, July 20 Red Cross Blood Drive

1 - 6 p.m., Foothills Church, 975 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton. For appointments visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

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.

Tuesday, July 21 Full Circle Farming

11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. I Scream for Ice Cream. Churn up some bovine fun with the culinary contributions of cows. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

North Santiam Watershed Council

NSSD Board

6 p.m., Old Mehama School, 22057 SE Emma St., Lyons. Open to public. For Zoom link information, call 503-930-8202 or email council@northsantiam.org.

Santiam Canyon Stampede

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

6 p.m., District Office, 1155 N First Ave., Stayton. Board meeting for North Santiam School District. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-769-6924, nsantiam.k12.or.us 7 p.m., Sublimity Harvest Festival Grounds, 11880 SE Sublimity Road. Two-day NPRA rodeo. Tickets, prices and event information at scsrodeo.com.

Saturday, July 18 Bethel Clothing Closet

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

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

Canterbury Renaissance Faire

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., 6569 Valley View Road, Silverton. Set in the Elizabethan Era, see history move right before your eyes.

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American Legion Post #58

Wednesday, July 22 DIY Engraving and Print-Making

3 p.m., Stayton Public Library. Engrave a design of your choice, create your own stamp base and try your skills at handmade printmaking. This program involves sharp tools; plan accordingly. Free. 503-769-3313

Thursday, July 23 Lyons Summer Reading Program

3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Comedy, music, juggling and music with Angel Ocasio. Free. All ages. 503-859-2366

Reptile Man

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. See and learn more about reptiles, including large lizards, snakes, an alligator and more. Free. All ages. 503-769-3313 More Datebook on page 11

July 2026 • 9

Paid Advertisement

Happy 250th Fourth of July! By Gregg Harris

n July 4, in 1776, 250 years ago this month, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, announced their adoption of “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America,” known to us as The Declaration of Independence. It was a document announcing to the world the reasons why the thirteen English colonies were declaring their political independence from the Crown of Great Britain. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, there are some among us who seek to distort the facts concerning those events, attempting to erase the Christian worldview our Founding Fathers held. Though the historical record is clear, even in the very documents themselves, many on the liberal side of the political spectrum are desperate to conceal the truth out of fear that our nation’s birthday might spark a revival of interest in Christianity.

They Longed for “Liberty” The Continental Congress had been debating independence for weeks and the main issues were both political and religious. For centuries the Church of England had been inflicting sometimes violent persecution against all of the dissenting Christian denominations in England. Now that torment threatened to follow them across the ocean. In the colonists’ minds, “freedom” meant liberty for dissenting Christians to worship the God of the Bible as they believed was pleasing to Him. There was no thought at that time of offering absolute religious liberty to all the world’s religions, because so many of those religions were in open opposition to Christianity and Judaism. When we read the text of The Declaration it is clear that the authors believed in and honored the God of the Bible. The Founders wished “to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them.” And again, “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator

soldiers, were well catalogued. These were the liberties the colonists were demanding, not a license to do what is foolish and evil—to murder unborn children, to publish pornographic materials, or to legalize all kinds of sexual deviance. And ironically, they were not demanding the freedom to tax their own citizens at unimaginable rates in order to redistribute their hard-earned wealth to others against their will.

Gregg Harris, Tea

ching Pastor at

GraciousCross.o

with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and, the pursuit of Happiness.” And finally, “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.” No other faiths but Christianity and Judaism can fill this order. The worldview of our Founding Fathers, whether they were Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Unitarian, or Deist, were appealing to the One True God revealed in the Bible.

But Wait, There’s More! The demand for “No taxation without representation!” was a demand to require “the consent of the governed” in all areas of civil life, and especially in taxes. The charge against the Crown was Tyranny. The Declaration lists the many instances in which the King and his agents oppressed the rights of the colonists. The issues of taxation, of disregard for the laws enacted by colonial governments, and the abuse of the colonists by British

When Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” he was ready to die for his freedom. But what later became enshrined as Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech were never intended to protect and promote moral insanity. Our Founding Fathers would be appalled to see what we have allowed to happen to the nation they founded for us.

This Called for Courage Benjamin Franklin famously quipped as he signed his own name to The Declaration of Independence, “We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” It was no joke. King George would show no mercy to these colonial rebels. Real dangers were ahead.

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” — John Adams, 1798

But on July 2, 1776, Congress voted in favor of Richard Henry Lee's resolution that “these colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” It was on July 4 that Congress adopted the final wording of Thomas Jefferson’s finest work. But it was only just the beginning.

A War & a Constitution The War for American Independence ran on for eight long years, ending in 1783. We won. The Articles of Confederation

proved to be too weak to provide the central government needed, and so, the Constitution of the United States of America was adopted four years later in 1787. This laid the foundation for the “well ordered liberty” we enjoy to this day.

Is It “Inadequate?” Years later, our second President, John Adams wrote: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Adams was writing amid growing concern over our nation’s moral decline. Liberty was morphing into a license to sin. But the “religion” Adams had in mind was not some bland civil religion. He meant an authentic faith in the God revealed in the Bible. Not just in The Ten Commandments, but the Gospel as well. Without that robust kind of faith, liberty inevitably collapses into moral chaos. And he was right. Just look around.

So, What is That Gospel? The Gospel is the good news concerning who Jesus Christ is, and what He has done for us. Jesus lived the perfect life that we have all failed to live. Then, He died in our place the death that we all deserve. He did this in order to pay for our sins. After three days in the grave, Jesus rose again from the dead as proof that His sacrifice was sufficient. Now, all who believe this good news are “born again” with the power needed to lead a godly life. If we, as a nation, no longer love and fear God enough to restrain our own sinful behavior, our liberty will be lost as tyrants arise to impose order. Think about that on this 250th celebration of the Fourth of July. Got questions? Call 971-370-0967.

Attention Christian Men! Join us every week for our

Noble Men’s Prayer Breakfast at Noble Inn 409 S. Water St., Silverton, OR 97381

Thurs. mornings from 7 to 8:30 AM For info go to NobleMenOfOregon.org Join us as we seek to have an impact on our community for Christ.

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 • July 2026

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Datebook Thursday, July 23 Lyons Summer Reading Program

3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Comedy, music, juggling and music with Angel Ocasio. Free. All ages. 503-859-2366

Reptile Man

4 p.m., Stayton Public Library. See and learn more about reptiles, including large lizards, snakes, an alligator and more. Free. All ages. 503-769-3313

Friday, July 24 Santiam Music Festival

Detroit City Park, 105 S Patton Road. Music, food vendors, beer garden. Friday performance by Louisiana Surf Department and Friends. Saturday features Scott Alexander and Friends. Repeats July 25. detroitlakefoundation.org.

Saturday, July 25 SummerFest Fun Run

9 a.m., Vault Fitness, 370 N Second Ave., Stayton. Sponsored by Santiam Hospital & Clinics. Registration at staytonsublimitychamber.org.

Brent Strohmeyer Car Show

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunrise Park, 542 NE Berry, Sublimity. Awards, music, vendors. Breakfast and lunch items available. $15 pre-registration by July 20. $20 day of show. Spectators free. Russ, 503-930-8976, stroscarevents.com

Santiam SummerFest

Aumsville Saturday Market

Tuesday, July 28

Spaghetti Dinner

11 a.m., Stayton Public Library. Interactive, stationsbased art lab presented by StudioAWEsome and explore the intersections of art, science and story. All ages. 503-769-3313

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Porter Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Free entry. $20 per vendor space. To submit an applications, email market@aumsville.us. 5 - 7 p.m., Santiam Valley Grange, 1140 Fifth St., Lyons. Spaghetti dinner with all the fixings. $10 each. 503-859-2161

Sunday, July 26 Sunset Sunday

6 p.m., The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. Live music, local flavors and private access to The Garden after hours. $20/members. $25 non-members. Each ticket includes one complimentary drink ticket. Additional beverages available for purchase. Tickets at oregongarden.org.

Monday, July 27

StudioAWEsome

Lyons City Council

6:30 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Open to public. 503-859-2167, cityoflyons.org

Wednesday, July 29 Abbey Bach Festival

6 pm., Mount Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Dr., Saint Benedict. Two performances and picnic buffet w/ beverages each evening. Runs through Aug. 1. Ticket options and performer information at mountangelabbey.org.

Thursday, July 30

Stayton City Council

6:30 p.m., Stayton Community Center. Open to public. staytonoregon.gov

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., Aumsville Community Center, 555 Main St. Open to public. Agenda available. 503-749-2030, aumsville.us

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., downtown Stayton. Street fair & festival. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Food, brews and entertainment. Free admission. For complete list of activities, visit staytonsublimitychamber.org.

St. Mary’s Rummage Sale

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 9168 Silver Falls Hwy., Aumsville. Repeats July 31 - Aug. 1

Lyons Summer Reading Program 3 p.m., Lyons City Hall, 449 Fifth St. Taiko and Japanese folk dance with Unit Souzou. Free. All ages. 503-859-2366

Friday, July 31 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. - 6 p.m. Aug. 1 and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Aug. 2. 503-859-3445 ••••••••••••••••

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 2340 Martin Dr., Stayton.

Round Up a Rodeo

11 a.m., Sublimity Harvest Fest Grounds, 11880 SE Sublimity Road. Help the Stayton Public Library bring an imaginative rodeo story to life with demonstrations, life-sized storytelling. Closed toe shoes are required if meeting the animals close up. All ages. Free. 503-769-3313

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

Daily Mass: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am, Saturday, 8:00 am. Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil, 5:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am, 10:00 am

English, 12:00 pm Spanish. Confession: Saturday, 11-11:30 am, 3:30-4:30 pm, Thursday, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm, or by appointment.

No matter how long you have been away, we invite you to renew your relationship with Christ through the Church He founded. Our doors are open and Christ’s mercy is waiting for you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is never too late to come home.

Maintenance Insured & Bonded

General Clean ups Spring & Fall Clean ups Gutter Cleaning • Roof Care Tree Services • Pond Cleaning Window Cleaning Power Washing & More…

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LLC

CCB# 252758

santiamhandyman.com (503) 932 -9285 andrew@santiamhandyman.com

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July 2026 • 11

Passages

Alvin Eugene Haunch

Phyllis Hendricks Feb. 7, 1943 – June 12, 2026

August 9, 1933 – December 13, 2025

Phyllis Jean Hendricks, 83, of Aumsville, Oregon, passed away peacefully in her home on June 12.

Alvin Eugene Haunch, born August 9, 1933, in Williston, North Dakota, passed away December 13, 2025 leaving behind a life marked by perseverance, service, and a deep commitment to his family and helping others. Alvin graduated from Walla Walla College Academy in 1952. Attending Walla Walla College for 2 years, he was the first in his family to attend college. Relocating to Salem, Oregon, with his family, Alvin worked at Roth’s supermarket for a year. Then, in April of 1955, Alvin signed on with Pioneer Incorporated as a prospector for Uranium. One year later, in February 1956, Alvin was drafted into the United States Army. He served as Clerk-Typist for the Physical Therapy Branch, Army Medical Service School Headquarters, Fort San Houston, Texas until February 1962. He received a Good Conduct Medal for exceptional service. After completing prerequisites at Pacific Union College, he went on to graduate from the Loma Linda School of Allied Health in 1965 with a degree in Physical Therapy. He worked the next few years in California in the LA and Oakland areas. While there, Alvin met and then married the love of his life, Marian Hamren, on April 9, 1969 at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California. In 1977, Alvin brought his family to Stayton, Oregon to be close to his aging parents. This is when he opened Stayton Physical Therapy and served the community at large. Together with his wife Marian, they expanded the practice and certified them into full rehabilitation centers known today as PT Northwest, which they sold at retirement. Alvin found joy in tending his garden, caring for wildlife and his animals. He delighted in outdoor adventures: scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, fishing, camping, jet-skiing, and threewheeling. He faithfully attended and served as a deacon of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Following the passing of his beloved wife, Marian, Alvin remarried and spent several years of travel and in service with Maranatha and Dream Machine Foundation in Fiji. His friendliness, generosity, and desire to help people with all his strength impacted countless people, both personally and professionally. He was loved by all.

Born on Feb. 7, 1943, to Walter B. Winn and Jessie L. Smith Winn, Phyllis was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Hendricks, and her parents. She is survived by her sons, Dennis, Douglas, and Randy; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who were blessed by her love, guidance, and presence. Phyllis enjoyed cross-stitching, watching hummingbirds, visiting the Oregon Coast, shopping, cooking, and baking. She especially treasured time spent with her

12 • July 2026

She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her love and legacy will live on through the generations she leaves behind. A time of visitation was held at Weddle Funeral Service on June 24, with a Mass held June 25 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Shaw. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Shaw. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Parish in Shaw, Oregon.

William Overton April 5, 1954 – May 4, 2026 William (Bill) Overton passed away on May 24 in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 72. Bill is survived by his daughter Michelle Fawn Roberts, son William Roy Overton, and grandson Stockton James Aidan Roberts. A lifelong Oregon resident, Bill was born in Lakeview then settled in Sublimity in the early ‘80s. Bill was a professional ski racer and smoke jumper in the ‘70s, which turned into a lifelong love of all sports: triathlons in his 30s, coaching his kids’ sports teams in his 40s, and even walking 11,000 steps a day in his 70s. He was well

known for being a jack of all trades, although his career was predominantly Christmas trees and cattle ranching. He was a devoted father and a good friend to many. He spent his last years traveling with family, making friends in the community, and telling stories about all his life adventures. Bill will be missed. Bill’s last request was to be cremated and his ashes spread in the Spring at the reservoir that his father made, Overton Reservoir in Lakeview, Oregon. He will be laid to rest next year.

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Alvin is survived by his sister, Marlene Cochran; his daughter, Deonna and Aaron Frichtl, his son-in-law; his son, Nic and daughter-in-law, Ver-Lee Cheneweth; and Alvin’s grandchildren, Zalen, Dexter, and Megan. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary, his wife Marian, and by Gene Haunch, his half brother. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dream Machine Foundation at dreammachinefoundation.org, a cause close to Alvin’s heart where he served personally and as a key sponsor. Alvin was laid to rest with military honors on January 2nd, 2026 at Restlawn Memory Gardens, his memorial is to follow August 8, 2026 at the Stayton Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 2pm.

children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family was the center of her life, and she found her greatest happiness in caring for those she loved.

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Sports & Recreation

State champion

Morley’s javelin skills dominate competition Stayton sophomore Mila Morley had a day for the ages at the Class 4A track and field state championships in Eugene. Morley won the javelin event with a throw of 140-6, which surpassed the runner-up mark by more than 18 feet. In addition, Morley turned in the top five throws of the competition, ranging from 127-4 to her winning toss, which came on her fifth try. Morley’s victory helped lead the Stayton girls to an eighth-place finish in the team race with 28 points. Also shining for the Eagles were Evelyn Welch (3rd, 300 hurdles), Molli Emmert (3rd, shot put) and Madelyn Olson (3rd, triple jump). Carter Sorensen of the Stayton boys was seventh in the shot put. The Cascade girls scored 11 points, led by Makenna Burns, who was 3rd in the 100 hurdles and sixth in the 300 hurdles. In the Class 2A-1A meet the Regis boys scored 14 points and the girls totaled nine. Stuart McLaughlin was third in the 3,000 and sixth in the 1,500, while teammate Harper Stoops was fifth in the 800 and eighth in the 1,500. The top girls finisher was Mary Lynn McSorley, who was fourth in the high jump. Baseball: Kyle Baker, who moved from Regis to Stayton this spring, hit the 200win mark on May 29 in a wild 15-14 Class 4A playoffs game against visiting La Grande. The Eagles won the Oregon West Conference championship with an 11-4 record. They were ousted in the state quarterfinals by No. 2 Scappoose by a 5-4 score and finished 22-6. Philomath and Cascade finished one game behind Stayton in the league race at 10-5, and Baker told Our Town “the league was really balanced this year. It seemed as though any team could beat another on any given day. It made for great competition. I really feel that our tough non-league schedule early in the season was the difference. It really prepared the guys for the grind and it also helped us coaches get to see the guys in tough spots and how they would respond. I’m really proud of the team and bringing an Oregon West Conference title to Stayton.” The 2026 Eagles were the first Stayton baseball team in 22 years to win a league title and a state playoff game, a feat Baker called “amazing.” “Looking ahead, I am really excited for

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the future of Stayton Eagles baseball,” he said. “We have some really talented players returning and we also have a great group that will be feeding in from the JV and JV2 levels.” Baker noted that coach Kris Gunther led the JV team to a 22-1 record and coach Tim Zerkel had the JV2 to a 14-1 season. Regis, meanwhile, under first-year coach Jesse Eaton, finished 18-3 in Class 2A-1A’s Special District III and 19-8 overall. The Rams fell 2-1 at Grant Union/Prairie City in the round of 16 in the playoffs. Softball: Regis advanced to the Class 2A-1A state championship game before falling 16-4 to Heppner-Ione. The Rams were a perfect 21-0 in Special District III play and carried the No. 3 seed into the playoffs. Regis took down Toledo, Union/ Cove and Weston-McEwen to advance to its first championship game since winning the 2011 title. Regis averaged 14.9 runs per game and scored a state-record 439 runs, but HeppnerIone’s Maya Paye shut down the offense until the Rams put up four runs in the bottom of the sixth. Hadley Foster had a two-run double and Payton Welch chipped in with an RBI single for the Rams, who finished 28-4. Cascade (15-0) and Stayton (12-3) finished one-two in the Oregon West, but both teams fell in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. The Cougars, seeded sixth, were upended 5-3 by Gladstone, while the 12th seeded Eagles lost a 1-0 heartbreaker at Marist Catholic. Fall lookahead: With the end of the state track and field meet and the finals in baseball and softball, that puts a close to the 2025-26 high school season. Looking ahead to the fall, Monday, Aug. 17, marks the first date for sanctioned OSAA practices, with Aug. 27 set as the first contest date. See you then! Got a news tip? Email me at james.d@mtangelpub.com.

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July 2026 • 13

A Grin at the End

Riding into the future When I was a kid in the 1960s my favorite books were about the future. They featured supersonic airplanes and all sorts of geewhiz gadgets like video screens you wear on your wrist and rocket ships that would take astronauts to the moon. These books made it seem as though many technological breakthroughs were just around the corner. As it turns out, they were. My wrist watch has a video screen and even talks to me. The space race is again barreling toward the moon – and beyond. A fleet of satellites allows us to communicate from our seat on an airliner with anyone, anywhere in the world. Supersonic airliners are on the drawing boards. Citizens – very rich citizens – are rocketing into space.

I was incredulous. “I’d like to ‘test-drive’ one of them,” I told a friend at the time, “but I’m not sure I trust it. Too many things can go wrong.” Here’s an update: The other day I rode in another car – a Tesla – that drove itself to the grocery store and back. Yes, the car’s owner was in the driver’s seat, but he only told the car where he wanted to go, and the car did the rest.

How cool is that?

It was a ride into the future.

One innovation that has been somewhat elusive is a self-driving car. A year ago I was in Los Angeles and spied a Waymo – a car with a bunch of techno-gear attached that allowed it to drive itself.

The car did as it was told. It was quiet – unlike Uber drivers – and it maneuvered through town safely. It even avoided a car piloted by a human when it veered into our lane.

Let’s not leave common sense behind Readers of this column will recall that I am not a fan of “artificial intelligence,” an umbrella term for computers with the capacity to sort through mass quantities of information on the internet and make sense of it. Billionaires around the world are dumping zillions of dollars into their efforts to develop AI that can do things. Their goal appears to be to replace a lot of humans who do those things. This will presumably be cheaper for companies, if not better. Most AI isn’t yet ready for prime time. It makes mistakes and makes stuff up, which makes me worry about the sanity of those corporate and government bigwigs who are throwing money at AI. But that car ride gave me a glimpse at the value of AI. In certain circumstances a self-driving car could help a elderly person – me, for example – get to the store or to a doctor appointment. It could also take me to visit a neighbor around the block or a relative across the country. The possibilities are endless, and they

continue to brighten the future. I am sure many of the AI initiatives will fail. For example, the cell phone company I use has switched from humans who answered my questions to AI, which set a new world record for annoying claptrap. It didn’t help me and tried to sell me a new phone at the same time. By the time I hung up I wanted to kick that little SOB right in the computer chips. I suppose there will always be hits and misses with technology. Rockets occasionally blow up on the launch pad. Even cell phone companies goof up. Overall, though, technology will continue to add net gains to our lives. I just hope these proponents of AI tap the brakes on some of the “innovations” until they work reliably and well and for the benefit of us all. So far, that often has not been the case. Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.

Repair Ole Murph’s •• Concrete Carpentry handyMan services • Drywall

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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 • July 2026

• Painting 941-400-8611 •• Fencing Pressure Licensed residential Washing general contractor olemurphs@gmail.com • Construction Clean-up CCB License 246320

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GENERAL MT. ANGEL SENIOR CENTER is a non-profit consignment store for artisans over 50, a community center, home to Meals on Wheels, and serves as a food bank. Volunteers welcome! 195 E Charles St. 503-845-6998 or mtangelcommunity@gmail.com Tired of THE AD? Month after month the full page PAID ADVERTISEMENT invades our mailboxes. Visit tiredofgreggharris.com

SERVICES 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

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

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

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

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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

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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 Emil Gossling. Emil is being recognized for exemplifying the value; to Thrive.

Student of the Month

Emil came to the school as an exchange student, which can be difficult with such a tight-knit school. Even so, one his first day, he charmed people and began to thrive in our community. He has a wonderful sense of humor that lifts the spirits of those around him. He is thriving, and helps support those around him the thrive as well.

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July 2026 • 15

A Grand Slam for Santiam! BES

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July 2026 • 16