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Final three: Mount Angel Council narrows field in search for city administrator

By Don Murtha

The Mount Angel City Council expects to offer one of three candidates the job as its next city administrator.

The candidates vying for the title are Eileen Stein, most recently city manager of Sisters, Ore.; Aaron Palmquist, operations manager for the Central Oregon Health Board; and Richard Meyer, recently development and operations director in Cornelius, Ore.

All three candidates have master’s degrees.

The three candidates met with city officials and with members of the public May 10 at the Mount Angel Library Community Room.

On May 11, the Mount Angel City Council conducted individual interviews with each candidate.  Read more... (746 words, 3 images, estimated 2:59 mins reading time)

Hidden gems: Local wineries welcome visitors in an old-world style

Jason Hanson in his family’s vineyard. Photo by Steve Ritchie

By Steve Ritchie 

Memorial Day weekend is a great time for a little wine-tasting and Silverton and Mount Angel residents are fortunate to have a several charming local wineries to visit.

One winery that is slightly off the beaten path, but close to home, is Hanson Vineyards on Barlow Road in Monitor. Nestled in between Butte Creek and the surrounding farmland, this 15-acre estate winery and vineyard gives you a good vibe as soon as you turn in at the historic red barn, which happens to be a prominent part of the distinctive Hanson Vineyards logo.  Read more... (1023 words, 1 image, estimated 4:06 mins reading time)

Assistance for ‘tweens: Middle schoolers get homework help

A volunteer assists a student with his homework for After School Activities Program.

By Kristine Thomas

Attendance is not mandatory for the 28 Mark Twain Middle School students who are participating in the After School Activities Program (ASAP) at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Yet, they show up – on time – even on a sunny, warm Tuesday.

For some, like eight-grader Megan Brockamp, the program gives them something to do after school.  Read more... (676 words, 1 image, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)

Ready to run: Track teams enter districts on promising note – plus Fun Run results

By James Day

Nearly 700 runners and walkers participated in Saturday’s Silverton Health Fun Run.

Dan Gallogly, 45, was the top men’s finisher in the 5K event in 17:57. Silverton’s Heather Bashor, 38, was the top female finisher and 15th overall in 21:41.

A pair of Silverton 10-year-olds took the top spot in the one-mile race for kids. Charles Petrik finished first in 8:14, while Truitt Reilly was the top girl (and third overall) in 9:09.

For complete results, including all age groups, here are the 5K Fun Run Results and the Kids 1 Mile Run Results (PDF format).  Read more... (717 words, 1 image, estimated 2:52 mins reading time)

The Man About Town: Are those your legs… or are you riding a chicken?

By Jim Kinghorn

Now that the spectacular fields of tulips out at Wooden Shoe have faded it’s time for a visit to the Oregon Garden, Silver Falls or to take the short drive to Schreiner’s for irises and Adelman’s for peonies. Even if you’re not a plant person, a visit to these places will give you an appreciation for the endless beauty of nature. We get to live in a truly unique corner of the planet – get out there and enjoy it!  Read more... (606 words, 1 image, estimated 2:25 mins reading time)

Pre-camp: Canyonview starts preschool program

Little ones and their caregivers are welcome at Canyonview Camp’s planned Pre-camp program, which will debute this summer. Photo by Clint Kamstra.

By Brenna Wiegand

“It’s the T-ball of summer camp,” Lance Kamstra says of Canyonview’s new program for preschoolers.

“I didn’t like having to tell so many kids they had to wait until first grade to come to camp,” said Kamstra, who volunteers his time promoting the Christian-based camp, fund raising and bringing in other needed resources.

“With Pre-Camp a parent or guardian stays with their child the whole time – and they both benefit from it.”  Read more... (534 words, 1 image, estimated 2:08 mins reading time)

Mighty men: New group forming

By Brenna Wiegand

In March, Canyonview Camp hosted a men’s getaway around Family Life Today’s Men Stepping Up video series.

Among many good things to come out of that weekend is the creation of a new Canyonview ministry: ‘The Mighty Men of Canyonview’; its catchphrase ‘Making Good Men Better.’

Don’t be turned away by the title, says Lance Kamstra of Canyonview; they’re welcoming any man – single, married, young, old.  Read more... (464 words, estimated 1:51 mins reading time)

The Forum: Letters to the Editor

Bond will not raise taxes 

The Silver Falls School Bond measure boils down to:
1. Move the little children out of the 92-year-old Eugene Field which has been declared unsafe in an earthquake.
2. Funding much needed maintenance, upgrades and safety measures for all of our schools. The Citizens Advisory Board worked closely with the school board to develop this bond measure. They hired top-notch engineering and architecture firms to advise them. It is a thoughtful, prudent plan to build a new middle school at the old high school site, and make room for the little children to move to Robert Frost and Mark Twain. It was judged by the advisory board and school board to be the most economical and prudent use of our bond funds,  and IT WILL NOT RAISE TAXES.  Read more... (1381 words, estimated 5:31 mins reading time)

People Out Loud: Priceless moments

By Dixon Bledsoe  Read more... (712 words, 1 image, estimated 2:51 mins reading time)

No walk in the park: Silverton faces difficult funding decisions

Silverton Public Works Director Gerald Fisher reveals some of the corroded pipes from Silverton waterlines. Photo by Brenna Wiegand

By Brenna Wiegand

Unfinished parks, antiquated waterlines and financial prudence were popular topics at the April 22 town hall exchange in regard to Silverton’s proposed financial plan for the next five years.

Some 30 residents attended, voicing concerns about a proposed increase in water-sewer rates along with new, across-the-board fees levied for parks, streetlights, streets/transportation and storm water.

With Silverton’s 2014 fiscal year beginning July 1, City Manager Bob Willoughby said Silverton is just months away from crossing the line in regard to the parks and recreation program.  Read more... (1244 words, 1 image, estimated 4:59 mins reading time)

The future of Schlador Street campus: Replacing and remodeling parts of former high school included in bond proposal

Editor’s note: This is the third in a three-part series on the proposed $36.9 million bond measure for construction and maintenance projects for the Silver Falls School District on the May 21 ballot. Previous stories on Eugene Field School and the Replace or Repair debate ran on April 1 and April 15.  Read more... (1229 words, estimated 4:55 mins reading time)

The Forum: Four letters regarding the school bond

A civic responsibility to our future

Every generation is faced with its own unique challenges.

On May 21st we meet one of those challenges, the decision to support or not support the school bond measures in Silver Falls School District.

In today’s fiscally constrained environment it is difficult to justify to voters the necessity of supporting current property tax rates when we personally may not realize its direct benefit. Supporting our Silver Falls School Bond Measure 24-352 does, and will continue to, directly benefit us.

As citizens of this country and state we have a civic responsibility to see past today, tomorrow, this weekend or next month.  Read more... (1448 words, estimated 5:48 mins reading time)

Tale of two schools: Principals share impacts of bond proposal

By Kristine Thomas 

Evergreen Elementary School Principal Dale Koger and Victor Point Elementary School Principal Linda Myers shared how the $36.9 million bond measure for the Silver Falls School District going to the voters on the May 21 ballot would effect their schools.

If you met with a resident of the Silver Falls School District, what would you share about what the bond would provide for your school? 

Koger: We would have a new roof, all new windows and fencing around the facility. These are upgrades to our facility that are essential to continue to operate in a safe and healthy environment. Our fence currently does not enclose the facility and outside access to recess areas are completely open.  Read more... (566 words, estimated 2:16 mins reading time)

Vulnerability: Security assessed in schools

By Kristine Thomas

At its board work session on April 22, the Silver Falls School District Board received a by-school vulnerability assessment by Zach Elliott of Holvi LCC in Newberg.

Elliott said the goal of the report was to show the school district and board how to mitigate security threats. He requested the report not be made public as it contains sensitive material.

“We want to provide you with information to stack the deck in your favor,” he said.

Elliott said the study was conducted by looking at the schools, talking with administrators and staff and information provided by local law enforcement officials.  Read more... (259 words, estimated 1:02 mins reading time)

Spring standings: Track, baseball promise an exciting May

By James Day

Sometimes I need some help to pull this thing off every other week.

This edition’s column benefited greatly from Our Town correspondent Steve Ritchie, the track and field and cross country coach at Kennedy High School in Mount Angel.

Ritchie, who really knows his stuff, forwarded some information on track and field exploits of area athletes, so I’ll just get out of the way and note the accomplishments.

*Bishop Mitchell, an eighth-grader at Mount Angel Middle School, currently is tied for second in the high jump nationally with a mark of 5-10, which broke his old school record of 5-8, set earlier this season.  Read more... (493 words, 1 image, estimated 1:58 mins reading time)

Photo Gallery: New mural depicts Steamup

[Show as slideshow]

The Silverton Mural Society installed its latest mural on April 25. It was created by Silverton artist Tonya Smithburg and commemorates the Harvey Mikkelson Steam Engine Festival – a precursor to the Great Oregon Steam-up in Brooks – that was held in Bethany from 1954 to 1966. The mural was installed in four sections on the west facade of the Silverton Elks Lodge on First Street. A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 15.

Photos by Tavis Bettoli-Lotten

Practicing life lessons: Virtue First shapes team, builds character

Kennedy Coach Randy Traeger’s goal is to develop men of character more than a winning football program. His Virtue First program was started in 2006.

By Brenna Wiegand

Kennedy High School football Coach Randy Traeger wants to be sure everyone is on the same page about the purpose of sports.

“Sports were actually created as an arena in which to practice life without the fear of death,” Traeger said. “In real life, learning about perseverance or whatever it is, you might die. In sports, because it’s this little thing that we set up, you’re not going to die. You might suffer, but who cares if you lose the game? We’ve totally gotten away from that.”  Read more... (898 words, 1 image, estimated 3:36 mins reading time)

Jazzing it up: Wine and Jazz series opens

Mark Simon and his trio perform June 1 as part of the Silverton Wine and Jazz Festival Series.

By Don Murtha

The Silverton Wine and Jazz Festival will launch a series of concerts beginning  May 4 and continuing through the fall at venues throughout the Silverton area.

“The wine and jazz festival organizers expect to gain momentum to carry us through into 2014 with even greater and broader scope,” said Lori Webb, festival board secretary.

“This  year we expect to have an event every four weeks featuring top artists from our area.”  Read more... (509 words, 1 image, estimated 2:02 mins reading time)

Get a move on: Silverton Health Fun Run celebrates 30th anniversary

Steve Ritchie and his daughter Shea in the 1998 Silverton Hospital Fun Run

By Steve Ritchie 

Silverton is a town of many celebrations. The Silverton Fine Arts Festival celebrates a variety of art forms. The Silverton Poetry Festival celebrates the spoken and written word. Homer Davenport Days celebrate a favorite son, cartoons and creative uses of couches. The Pet Parade celebrates all manner of beloved, furry and not so furry creatures.

So it should come as no surprise that Silverton also has a well-established event that is something of a community ode to the joys of exercise and physical fitness: the Silverton Hospital Fun Run.  Read more... (1046 words, 1 image, estimated 4:11 mins reading time)

Cooking up a treat: Firefighters prepare breakfast for Mom

Mike Dahlberg has cooked the ham at the volunteer firefighter’s breakfast for 13 years.

By Dixon Bledsoe 

If Mike Dahlberg’s secret honey-smoked savory ham doesn’t pack record crowds into the 13th annual Silverton Volunteer Firefighter Association’s Mother’s Day breakfast, perhaps the hot and syrupy buttermilk pancakes, fresh fruit and farm-fresh eggs will do the trick.

If you are looking for a way to treat your mom to a delicious breakfast – without having to do the cooking or washing the dishes – this is one way to do it on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12.  Read more... (569 words, 1 image, estimated 2:17 mins reading time)

A recipe of love: Fond memories of tias and tortillas

Wyatt Rodriguez

By Wyatt Rodriguez

My older brother Austin and I each had our own dough roller to use when we made tortillas with our “tias.”

First, we put the flour, water, lard and other authentic Mexican tortilla remedies into the mixer.

That was the easy part.

Rolling the dough was the tough step.

Aunts (“Tias”) Sophie and Kenya made the perfect size, width and diameter of dough to make the perfect tortilla.

I was about eight when Sophie died and 11 or 12 when Aunt Kenya passed away.  Read more... (512 words, 1 image, estimated 2:03 mins reading time)

The Old Curmudgeon: Musings, mutterings

By Vern Holmquist

Well, it looks like I have missed writing a column for an issue or two. I apologize. One reason for this is my frustrating battle with high technology. At this time, I have again cut off my Internet service along with my TV and my telephone. I do have a working cell phone, only if I can remember where I last placed it. I have tried wearing it around my neck but it gets heavy after awhile.  Read more... (395 words, 1 image, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)

Something for the Soul: A history worth remembering

By Winnie Bolton

A busy mind!

That’s what I have got.

It’s going all the time and it won’t stop.

Also I talk to myself  a lot  but the latter comes from my Irish roots. All the women in my family talked to themselves.

When I was a little kid, I thought talking to oneself was a strange behavior and that my mother was even stranger. As I matured, I had become one of them, a trait I vowed never to practice but to my delight found I was my own best listener.  Read more... (483 words, 1 image, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

A Grin at the End: It’s what you do in a small town

Carl Sampson

By Carl Sampson

I don’t know how many rock music fans are among the readers of this column, but I’d bet there are one or two. Or ten thousand.

I was thinking the other day about John Cougar Mellencamp as I attended a luncheon sponsored by the Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce.

Mellencamp wrote a song called “Small Town.” Its lyrics absolutely reflect how I feel about life in a small town.

Well I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town
Prob’ly die in a small town
Oh, those small communities  Read more... (501 words, 1 image, estimated 2:00 mins reading time)

Oktoberfest wins award

Jerry Lauzon (left) receives an award on behalf of Oktoberfest

Mount Angel Oktoberfest was judged by the Oregon Festivals and Events Association as the state’s Best Festival or Event with a Budget Over $150,000 or more than 40,000 Attendees.

The award was presented to Oktoberfest at the association’s annual conference in Seaside in March.

The community of Mount Angel invited everyone to “Come join the Harvest Dance” in 2012 and young and old alike came to celebrate.  Read more... (201 words, 1 image, estimated 48 secs reading time)