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Design time: Mount Angel residents invited to give input on downtown

By Molly Gunther

A German authority in Bavarian urban design, University of Oregon sustainable urban design students, art and architecture students from Poland’s Gdansk University, and local residents will have a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and create a vision for the future design of Mount Angel on July 26.  Read more... (746 words, estimated 2:59 mins reading time)

Deadline approaching for city council elections

If you have even considered throwing your hat into the ring to run for your city council, now is the time to do it as deadlines are around the corner.


Mount Angel

The city of Mount Angel terms for mayor and three city councilors expire in 2014. Incumbents are Mayor Andrew Otte and city councilors Karl Bischoff, Ray Eder and Teresa Kintz. The Mount Angel City Council meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Mount Angel Library, 290 E. Charles St.  Read more... (451 words, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)

Serious soccer fans: Cornwells experience World Cup firsthand

Parker Jones, Andrea Koploy and Hilary Cornwell were able to attend World Cup games in Brazil.

By Steve Ritchie

Like millions of other avid American soccer fans, John and Hilary Cornwell watched the recent U.S. vs. Portugal World Cup match on the edge of their seats. Unlike most of the rest of us, though, the Cornwells were in the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil that day, watching in person with 40,121 other fans.

“I’ve never been to a sporting event that had so much energy,” John said about the riveting match, which ended in a 2-2 draw as a result of a goal by Portugal in the last minute of extra time.  Read more... (1369 words, 2 images, estimated 5:29 mins reading time)

Off to college: Traeger moves on

By James Day

It looks like Kennedy High School will be losing football coach Randy Traeger. But it doesn’t appear as if he will be going far. Traeger, a 1975 Kennedy graduate who has coached the Trojans for more than 25 years – including the past eight years as head coach – is close to accepting a position as an assistant coach at Willamette University in Salem.

Although Traeger’s departure was noted on the Kennedy website, along with the fact that his coaching position has been posted, neither Traeger nor Willamette officials would confirm the transition to Our Town. It also was unclear what role Traeger, a 1979 Willamette graduate, might play for the Bearcats.  Read more... (523 words, 2 images, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

Party: Lots of reasons to get together

By Jim Kinghorn

You don’t have to be the son of a son of a sailor to join the “Parrot Head Party” at the Glockenspiel on July 17, 5-8 p.m. but you will get style points if you show up wearing your favorite tropical shirt… even more points if you’re wearing a White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy tropical drinks and a bratwurst in paradise.  Read more... (669 words, 1 image, estimated 2:41 mins reading time)

Paradis’ totem: Family history shared

By Brenna Wiegand

Silverton resident Pete Paradis has been intrigued by totem poles since his early 20s, perhaps he thinks due to the American Indian in his heritage.

Carved for untold centuries by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, totem poles derive from the Algonquian word meaning “his kinship group.” They told the story of a tribe – like a modern day photo album, Pete said.

“We can look through and see somebody got married here; something else happened then; we moved there – whatever the story is,” he said. “The totem pole tells all of that.”  Read more... (1040 words, 2 images, estimated 4:10 mins reading time)

Rod L. Rolie: Feb. 19, 1951 – July 6, 2014

Silverton resident Rod L Rolie, 63, passed away at his home July 6, 2014.

He is survived by his son Shawn Oates; his daughters Kim Cowley, Rhonda Topham, and Terra Rolie; his mother Amy Hensley; his brother Rick Rolie; his sisters Kelly Miller, Kim Riley, and Lesta Bentley and nine grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his father Loren Rolie and nephew Brian Damewood.  Read more... (210 words, estimated 50 secs reading time)

People Out Loud: Miss Manners is beyond horrified

By Dixon Bledsoe

Years ago, I was at the drive-through window at Boedie’s Drive-In (best hamburgers ever; now Subway) and a nice young lady asked for my order. I noticed a brown spot on her neck and stewed over whether I should mention it. I asked myself the question, “Would you want someone to tell you?” Of course. So I mentioned to her in an ever so soft voice so as not to embarrass her, “You have a little dirt right here on your neck.” She looked at me in a mix of horror and disgust, and in a voice that could cut granite said, “It’s a birthmark.” I died a slow, agonizing death while waiting for my legendary Boedie Burger, apologized and sped away at breakneck speed.  Read more... (685 words, 1 image, estimated 2:44 mins reading time)

Growth at the Garden: New geocaching, new tours, new pavilion

The firework display on July 3 is now in the Market Garden. Photo by Jim Kinghorn

By Brenna Wiegand

It’s time for a quick quiz. When is the last time you have visited The Oregon Garden? Do you know what’s been added to the Children’s Garden? Seen what’s growing in the Market Garden and used for meals in the cafe? Know where the new pavilion is? Can you name at least three events happening there this month? If you haven’t been to The Oregon Garden recently, it’s time to see what’s new.  Read more... (905 words, 1 image, estimated 3:37 mins reading time)

Water worries: Farmers at odds over Drift Creek reservoir proposal

By Kristine Thomas

If a neighboring farmer needed to borrow equipment, Victor Point farmer Joel Rue wouldn’t hesitate to lend it.

There’s an unwritten rule about farmers helping a fellow farmer, he said. That’s what makes the current disagreement with farmers belonging to the East Valley Water District (EVWD) unpleasant.

“I consider many of the farmers in the East Valley Water District as friends,” Rue said.

Rue and several other Victor Point farmers are opposed to the district’s proposal to build a reservoir on their land. If the reservoir is built, it will flood the property of more than 10 farmers, several of whom are fourth generation landowners.  Read more... (1695 words, 1 image, estimated 6:47 mins reading time)

Splash Camp: New YMCA programs available in the summer

Swim class options have been expanded at the Silverton Pool this summer.

By Melissa Wagoner

New Silverton YMCA aquatics director Chad Brookman has big plans for the summer programs and not all of them involve swimming.

Brookman hails from San Diego, where he worked for the Y as the aquatics coordinator for a large pool, a beach lifeguard and summer camp counselor. He moved to the Silverton area in the midst of the snowstorm last January.

“The goal was always to be on the West Coast. It’s gorgeous to see the changes in the seasons. It’s nothing I’ve ever seen in my life before,” Brookman said.  Read more... (595 words, 1 image, estimated 2:23 mins reading time)

All-state honors: Grades matter

By James Day

The Academic All-State awards are in for spring activities, with both Kennedy and Silverton high schools placing well in multiple areas.

Kennedy finished best in its class in two sports, baseball and softball. The Trojans’ baseball team, which won its fourth consecutive Tri-River Conference title, turned in a cumulative 3.69 grade point average. Kennedy’s softball team, which finished tied for third in the district, also led the state, with a 3.92 grade point average.

Two other Trojans’ teams also placed in the top 10, boys track and field (seventh, 3.34 GPA) and band (eighth, 3.01 GPA).  Read more... (526 words, 1 image, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

New team: Changes at Silver Falls School District office

By Kristine Thomas

Dandy Stevens is the new assistant superintendent for the Silver Falls School District. She replaces Eric Swenson who now works in the Woodburn School District. Stevens was the principal at Mark Twain Middle School.

“We have always been a district of excellence but there is a shift happening that is taking us to the next level,” Stevens said. “I think people are excited about the energy and openness and willingness to try new things.”

Stevens’ goal is to serve as a resource to staff.  Read more... (324 words, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)

Joining the battle: Local teams raise money for research to cure cancer

Carolyn Cooley crochets butterflies outside O’Brien’s on Water Street, rewarding donations to money for the American Cancer Society. Photo by Kristine Thomas.

Silverton resident Carolyn Cooley, 72, had no idea “what so ever” what she was getting herself into when her friend Jan Boardwell, 68, asked her to join her on an event that would keep them out past past midnight one night last summer.

“Jan needed a friend to go with her and she asked me to go, so I said yes,” Carolyn said. The pair participated in Woodburn’s Relay for Life.  Read more... (1859 words, 2 images, estimated 7:26 mins reading time)

Make an offer: Garage ‘sailing’ is an American past time

Bargains and treasures can be found at garage sales.

By Brenna Wiegand

Lisa Freeman worked hard all week to prepare for her annual yard sale, resulting in her netting more than $700. She said having furniture helped ,and that she was more likely to negotiate with someone purchasing several items. Most of her own garage “sailing” is only when she drives by a sign or sale that looks interesting.

That’s not serious garage sailing – a term that seems a forerunner to “surfing the Web.”  Read more... (730 words, 1 image, estimated 2:55 mins reading time)

Letter to the Editor: Sincere gratitude for community’s support

To our family, friends and loved ones,

Our family would like to express our love and gratitude for your support during this difficult time. We cannot find words to let you know how much your acts of kindness mean to us. We will hold your loving generosity and thoughtful words, prayers and support in our hearts forever. Our communities of Harney County, Silverton and Mount Angel have helped us to feel so blessed even through this horrible time. 

We would like to thank everyone who joined together and helped with Josh’s service when we were unable to attend.  Thank you to Bev and Lafollette’s Chapel for letting us say our final goodbyes and through technology letting us share in the beautiful service.   Read more... (189 words, estimated 45 secs reading time)

Wanda Casey: The music of life

Wanda Casey plays piano at Silverton’s Wednesday community dinners.

By Kathy Cook Hunter

You’ve seen her, the lady in the hat. People know her by her hats, her merry smile and her twinkling eyes.

If you’ve attended a First Christian Church Community Dinner you’ve heard her music.

“I try to play the old songs everybody knows, like You are My Sunshine,” she says. “I used to play for dancing schools, that’s why my music is a little bouncy.”  Read more... (696 words, 1 image, estimated 2:47 mins reading time)

A Grin at the End: The pressure is over and off

By Carl Sampson

I just had another birthday last month. Yep, I’m 16, and other than a touch of dyslexia I feel pretty good.

I know what you’re thinking. That’s not much of a joke, but what do you expect from an old duffer like me?

According to society at large, once you’ve marked your sixth decade on this planet, you not only disappear, but people think you don’t know anything.

And the worst part: Some other people older than 60 seem to believe that, too. We’ve all sat in meetings and everyone at the table is asked his opinion, except the people with gray hair, who actually may know something about the subject.  Read more... (504 words, 1 image, estimated 2:01 mins reading time)

Fourth festivities: Mark your calendar for Mount Angel parade, fireworks

By Brenna Wiegand

Though it appeared this year’s Mount Angel Fourth of July Parade would be turned on its ear, the traditional route will prevail. And of course there will be fireworks – just from a different point of view.

The reason for change and initial confusion has to do with significant improvements under way at the schools as the district’s $10.4 million construction bond is administered.

The gutted middle school is undergoing extensive asbestos abatement in anticipation of its modernizing remodel.  Read more... (582 words, estimated 2:20 mins reading time)

Ready to serve: McCarty named principal

By Mary Owen

New principal Jamie McCarty has a four-step plan for heading Silver Crest and Victor Point schools next year.

He replaces Silver Crest Principal Mark Recker, who resigned for health reasons. Heidi Ostrom served as interim principal. At Victor Point, McCarty replaces Linda Myers, who is now working at the district office.

“I want to listen to what is important to our students, parents and staff,” said McCarty who comes to the Silver Falls School District from the North Santiam School District. “I want to learn as much as possible about the schools’ past performance.”  Read more... (527 words, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

Adventures await: Silver Falls Library entices summer readers

Janie, Reagan and Ella Lowrie at Silver Falls Library’s storytime. Photo by Melissa Wagoner

Kristy Kemper Hodge is researching the interests of families in Silverton. She has been the youth services librarian for Silver Falls Public Library for just over a year.

“Part of our role is meeting community needs,” Kemper Hodge said.

This summer, the library has scheduled a full array of family activities to do just that.

The annual summer reading program began June 10 and continues throughout the summer. The program is for all ages – adults, too.  Read more... (530 words, 1 image, estimated 2:07 mins reading time)

Wrapping it up: Coach Shryock leaves Silverton to become Stayton AD

By James Day

Silverton High basketball coach Darren Shryock is moving on to a new challenge. The longtime teacher and highly successful coach is taking over as the athletic director at Stayton High School.

“It has always been my long term goal to be an AD,” Shryock told Our Town. “There is a lot of time away from family with that job so I was waiting until my kids were almost graduated before actively pursuing it. My youngest will be a sophomore next year, so when the opportunity presented itself, it seemed like a good time to jump in.”  Read more... (841 words, 2 images, estimated 3:22 mins reading time)

Batter up: Beanbag baseball latest craze with seniors

Towers Angel player Nadine Stack gets ready to make a toss while Vincent Gersch waits on third.

By Brenna Wiegand

“Right down the middle now!”

“Third base!”

“Stan, Stan, he’s our man…”

“No pressure! No pressure!”

From the sound of the cheers, you could be at a Kennedy High School baseball game.

Instead, the cheers rang from across town at 1 Towers Lane where Mount Angel Towers hosted a “beanbag baseball” tournament on June 4 involving three other retirement communities.  Read more... (541 words, 1 image, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)

More than a market: Sense of community part of the offerings

Xiong and Ying Ker of Z-K Flowers. Photo by Melissa Wagoner

By Melissa Wagoner

Visit the Silverton Farmer’s Market and you’ll find more than farms, you’ll find bees, jams and jellies, and most importantly, community. The market opened in 2002. Many of its original vendors are still minding stalls today.

“The market clientele are consistent and loyal shoppers and I’ve tried my best to be a consistent vendor over the years,” Bill Schiedler, one of the originals, owner of GardenRipe CSA, and president of the farmer’s market board said.  Read more... (1213 words, 2 images, estimated 4:51 mins reading time)

Lesson learned: Family discovers ‘fitting in’ is not always the answer

Dad Kim Perkins plays catcher, while Zen gets ready to take a swing at mom Jessica Perkins’ pitch. The Perkins chose to home school their daughter.

By Kristine Thomas

Perspective has provided serenity to Silverton residents Kim and Jessica Perkins, helping them realize the battle they fought and lost for their daughter Zen was actually a victory.  Their 10-year-old has Down Syndrome.

“We fought the fight and lost. But in the long run, we won because we have our family and we have our daughter who is happy and enjoying to learn again,” Kim said.  Read more... (1531 words, 1 image, estimated 6:07 mins reading time)