www.ourtownlive.com

What should be the future of Eugene Field?: Silver Falls School Board and Silverton City Council discuss ideas

By Kristine Thomas

One-way streets: Mayor Stu Rasmussen says it’s time for a change

Silverton Mayor Stu Rasmussen makes the case for restoring two-way streets in Silverton.

By Don Murtha

After 40 years, it’s time to change Silverton’s one-way traffic system back to the two-way streets. Or so says Silverton Mayor Stu Rasmussen

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is discussing his proposal to change traffic flow in downtown Silverton.

As rationale for changing the streets back to two-way, Rasmussen cites improved business vitality, pedestrian safety, visitor friendliness, less confusion and better flow.

“Statistics show that when cities change from one-way streets to two-ways there is almost never a down side and almost always vast improvements,” he said.  Read more... (685 words, 2 images, estimated 2:44 mins reading time)

An ounce of prevention: Programs support healthy family behaviors

By Brenna Wiegand

With increasingly scary number of heroin and other drug-related deaths among teens and young adults, public and private entities are joining forces to help give parents preventative measures and guidance when they suspect a problem.

After heroin-related deaths doubled from 5 to 10 in Marion County in 2012, Marion County dubbed 2013 The Year of the Child and galvanized its efforts to combat drug abuse and other dangerous behaviors.  Read more... (1271 words, estimated 5:05 mins reading time)

The show goes on: Brush Creek Players ready for new season

Sarah Allenach , back left, Emily Wood with twins Emma and Claire Curtis are part of the cast for the children’s show, “The True Tale of Sleeping Beauty” running through March 2.

By Don Murtha

To paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of the demise of the Brush Creek Playhouse are greatly exaggerated.

Even despite the stories of the theft of $45,000 from the playhouse, board member Michael Wood said.

“We survived without missing a beat,” he said.

Wood said discrepancies in the Playhouse finances were discovered when the report of the treasurer did not match the bank’s accounting.  Read more... (674 words, 1 image, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)

Art Gregg: Enjoys volunteer role

A World War II veteran with the US Air Force, Art Gregg continues to serve his community as a volunteer for Silverton Health.

It is said that those with a giving spirit feel better and live longer.

Volunteer Art Gregg is the perfect example. He celebrated his 95th birthday on Feb. 16. Art, a Silverton resident, has been volunteering at Silverton Health for nine years. Since he began in June 2005 he’s dedicated 1,903 volunteer hours with the Materials Management Department.

According to statistics, 76 percent of people who volunteer reported feeling healthier, 78 percent reported lower stress levels, 80 percent feel more in control of their personal health, and 94 percent say volunteering improves their mood.  Read more... (513 words, 1 image, estimated 2:03 mins reading time)

Winning ways: Robotics team advances to national competition

By Brenna Wiegand

The students of Butte Creek School’s VEX 5252z Robotics Team don’t know why they keep defeating high school teams at the state level. They just keep on winning.

Tournament champion at West Salem and Dallas High school competitions, recipient of the both the Judges Award and Robot Skills Award at Evergreen Air and Space Museum, and competing in the Platinum Tournament at last weekend’s Oregon VEX Robotics State Championships, next the team is off to Omaha, Neb., April 3-5 to compete at the national level.  Read more... (846 words, 2 images, estimated 3:23 mins reading time)

Booty Barre: A mix of Pilates, yoga and dance

Silverton resident Rita Horter leads a Booty Barre class, a balance of Pilates, yoga and dance. Photo by
Kristine Thomas

By Kristine Thomas

Rita Horter loves being back at the barre, especially since it brings out her inner dancer.

So much so, she doesn’t even mind hearing all the “barre” jokes. And not even the “booty” ones.

Horter, 31, encourages men and women of every athletic ability to join her at the barre by taking a Booty Barre class.

“Booty Barre is the best workout you haven’t tried yet,” Horter said. “This workout works the entire body.”  Read more... (758 words, 1 image, estimated 3:02 mins reading time)

Adults welcome: Y expands programs for adults, families

Silver Falls YMCA instructor Cindy Morrison leads a Thursday morning Aquasize class .

Quick – what’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Silver Falls Family YMCA?

If your answer is programs for kids, youth sports teams and swim lessons, think again.

Believing in the importance of serving the entire community and offering healthy options for people of all ages, the staff is encouraging people to think of the Y as the place for classes.

In an effort to get the word out about its new offerings, a banner outside the Y’s Silverton Community Center office reads, “It’s time to reintroduce ourselves.”  Read more... (661 words, 1 image, estimated 2:39 mins reading time)

Keith A. Berg, Sr.: March 24, 1923 – Feb. 13, 2014

Keith Berg

Longtime Silverton resident Keith A. Berg, Sr. passed away comfortably, surrounded by his loving family at his home on Feb. 13, 2014. He was 90 years old.

His compassion for others, kindly manner and keen sense of humor will be missed.

Born in Clear Lake, Wash. on March 24, 1923, he moved to Silverton when he was just a year old. He graduated from Silverton High School in 1941.

Upon graduation, Keith enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on the USS Mizar. The Mizar supported troops from the West Coast of the United States down through the South Pacific theater.  Read more... (386 words, 1 image, estimated 1:33 mins reading time)

Something for the Soul: God is watching – A child’s interpretation

By Winnie Bolton

I attended a women’s Catholic college on the East Coast called “St. Joseph’s, which is presently co-ed. Being a child study major, the department’s emphasis was not only observing how children’s minds develop but also creating learning environments responsive to their initiatives, interests and needs.

In their early years, children learn social skills, understand feelings, explore and investigate their private limited world and enjoy the process.

My education not only was to result in a bachelor’s degree but to engage in partnerships with the local school districts on child development and science activities.  Read more... (297 words, 1 image, estimated 1:11 mins reading time)

New chapter: Zach Gengler realizes his past performance doesn’t matter, it’s a new game

Former Silverton High basketball star Zach Gengler is now a point guard for Portland State University.
Photo by Larry Lawson – Portland State Athletics

By Tanner Russ

For most first-year college students, there can be a lot of hassles: what to bring to college, what stays at home, coping with a new school and curriculum, simply deciding just what the heck to do in life.

For Portland State University’s Zachary Gengler, that’s only half of it.

Playing guard for PSU’s basketball team, Gengler has additional worries unique from the majority of college students, namely to improve physically and mentally as a student of the game and to simply play ball.  Read more... (542 words, 1 image, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)

Wrestlers on the move: Eight from Silverton state bound

By James Day

The Silverton High wrestling team qualified eight wrestlers for the OSAA Class 5A championships while finishing fourth at the Feb. 21-22 Mid-Willamette Conference championships.

Four Foxes finished second in their weight classes: Tristan Lanier (106); Austin Reed (113); David Horsey (170) and Cameron Clokey (285). Boston Merrifield (106), Ben Griesenauer (138) and Cody Gubbels (220) took third place at their weights and 132-pounder Jack Brundridge took fourth.

Silverton totaled 248.5 points, just a half-point behind third-place West Albany. Dallas won the team title with 408.5 points. Lebanon (315) finished second.  Read more... (592 words, 1 image, estimated 2:22 mins reading time)

A Grin at the End: Happiness is a dark brew

By Carl Sampson

It has been 9 days, 10 hours, and 42 sec…. I mean, 43 seconds. That’s how long it’s been since I drank my last cup of coffee.

I didn’t quit because I h-h-had to. I mean, it’s not like I was a-a-addicted or anything. I-I-I could quit anytime I wanted. After all, c-c-coffee is just another drink,
r-r-right?

I’ve drunk coffee a long time. I remember the first cup I ever had. I was a cub report for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner in 1975, and my job was to cover borough planning commission meetings. In those days, the meetings lasted three hours, give or take an eternity.  Read more... (521 words, 1 image, estimated 2:05 mins reading time)

Old-fashion work ethic: Dick Hoffer named Mount Angel First Citizen

Dick Hoffer

By Steve Ritchie

2013 Mount Angel First Citizen Dick Hoffer’s philosophy of community service is characteristic of the man himself: succinct, full of common sense and straight to the point.

When asked why he chose to run for the Mount Angel School Board in 1990, Hoffer said, “It was get involved or go to the back of the bus. You know, I think especially in a small community you need to be involved.”

Hoffer certainly has lived up to his belief that one needs to be involved.  Read more... (1144 words, 1 image, estimated 4:35 mins reading time)

Truly blessed: Thelma Bourbonnais named 2013 Volunteer of the Year

Meeting for dinner at Home Place, from left, Rosemary Smith, Regina Kleinschmit, Donna Duker, Barbara Bochsler and Mount Angel’s 2013 Volunteer of the Year Thelma Bourbonnais.

By Brenna Wiegand

Thelma Bourbonnais, known for her generous volunteer hours and “a smile that makes everyone’s day just a little better,” has been named Mount Angel’s 2013 Volunteer of the Year.

“She’s just a sweetheart – a lot of fun,” said close friend Barbara Bochsler. “There are a bunch of us that go to Mass every morning and then for coffee. People come by and we just laugh a lot and have a good time.”  Read more... (526 words, 1 image, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

Grateful: Emily Schmidt says she learned what matters most from her parents

Emily Schmidt

By Kristine Thomas

Emily Schmidt remembers the moment that made her “grow up” and realize what mattered and what didn’t.

“I was a freshman in high school and it was Super Bowl Sunday when my dad told me that my mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “That is the moment I realized you can’t take anything for granted.”

A senior at Kennedy High School, Emily said her parents, Ron and Cindy Schmidt, are her heroes.

She’s grateful for her mom for showing her how to be strong in the face of adversity and for her dad for teaching her to be proud of being herself.  Read more... (597 words, 1 image, estimated 2:23 mins reading time)

Tradition of service: Future First Citizen Blake Traeger leads by example

Blake Traeger

By Kristine Thomas

Whether it is being a “lunch buddy” to a middle school student, volunteering with the Virtue First Foundation or playing a team sport, senior Blake Traeger strives to make a difference in his community.

Respected by his peers and adults in the Mount Angel community for his leadership roles at Kennedy High School, his church and volunteer organizations, Blake was chosen as a 2013 Future First Citizen by the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce. He shares with honor with fellow senior Emily Schmidt.  Read more... (567 words, 1 image, estimated 2:16 mins reading time)

Bochsler’s: 100+ years of service

A multigenerational family business: Bochsler True Value Hardware was named Mount Angel’s 2013 Business of the Year. Pictured here are Amy Goschie, Sally Beyer, Kyle and Paul Beyer.

By Brenna Wiegand

In declaring Bochsler True Value Hardware 2013 Business of the Year, Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce states:

“Outstanding customer service for more than 100 years is greatly appreciated by their customers far and wide.”

How does that look, beyond the fundraisers and donations?  Read more... (626 words, 1 image, estimated 2:30 mins reading time)

Wurst time: Festival adds ‘Fasching’ – Mardi Gras!

Photo by Jim Kinghorn

By Kristine Thomas

The “wurst” festival in Mount Angel invites guests to learn a new German word and partake in a new tradition – Fasching.

“Fasching is the German Mardi Gras celebration,” Kathy Wall of the Wurstfest committee said. “Many years ago, Fasching was celebrated in Mount Angel, and we are bringing back the tradition and encouraging people to celebrate the last blast of winter with a raucous celebration before the austerity of Lent.”  Read more... (472 words, 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

Eugene Field: Closure recommended

By Kristine Thomas

After touring Eugene Field School, reviewing documents, asking questions, hearing presentations from building experts and pondering options, the Eugene Field Facilities Task Force has unanimously recommended permanently closing the 93-year-old school by the 2016-17 school year.  It advised the Silver Falls School Board to consider placing a bond for a new school on the November 2014 ballot.

In a presentation to the board Feb. 10, task force members Joanne Stone and Barb Rivoli shared both the recommendations and the decision-making process.  Read more... (680 words, estimated 2:43 mins reading time)

The Man About Town: Any Wurst? Why, yes it can be

By Jim Kinhorn

Now that it appears we have survived Snowpocalypseohmygodwereallgonnadiemageddon of 2014,  The Man throws a shout out to all the kind souls that offered rides, loaned sleds, shoveled snow and generally looked after their neighbors during the storm. You folks (and you know who you are) are what makes Our Town great.

Hey parents, are the kids stressing you out? Silverton Together wants to help parents regain control, experience more fun and less stress with a workshop on Feb. 22. Call 503-873-0405 to register.  Read more... (479 words, 1 image, estimated 1:55 mins reading time)

Sports: Winter’s final stretch

By James Day

Silverton High’s boys and girls basketball teams finished the first half of the Mid-Willamette Conference in strong standings.

The Silverton boys team is 4-3 in league play and riding a three-game win streak. The Lady Foxes, meanwhile, are 5-2, after a pair of close losses to top rivals for the league title.

Silverton’s boys team is 9-6 overall after scoring wins against Corvallis, 41-36, South Albany, 63-45 and Lebanon, 59-41.

“We are happy to be 4-3 at this point,” Foxes Coach Darren Shryock told Our Town. “Our league is shaping up where anyone can beat anyone on any night. We could easily be 5-2, but then again we could be 2-5 just as well.  Read more... (509 words, 1 image, estimated 2:02 mins reading time)

People Out Loud: Loving life and eager to share

By Dixon Bledsoe

It is snowing and the streets are quiet as the world around Silverton finds the warmth of their fireplace much more inviting than a 20-car pile-up. A fresh blanket of snow tried hard to conceal my newspaper this morning, to no avail.  This layer of new snow reminds me a lot of the New Year – a clean slate, fresh start, and a Pollyannish sense that things will be better.

We know, for example, that spring is right around the corner, 2014 has to be better than 2013, and a good snowpack brings ample water supplies when warmer temperatures arrive.  Read more... (565 words, 1 image, estimated 2:16 mins reading time)

In the family tradition: Kyle Palmer named Silverton First Citizen

Kyle Palmer was chosen as First Citizen. He works at Silver Creek Animal Clinic and has volunteered for many civic organizations.

By Brenna Wiegand

Silverton’s 2013 First Citizen Kyle Palmer wishes all kids could enjoy the type of upbringing he did.

Palmer, 47, has been the practice manager at Silver Creek Animal Clinic since 1998 and is a certified vet tech specializing in animal dentistry. For 28 years, he has managed Evans Valley Stables and is director of Northwest Equine Practitioner’s Association.  Read more... (998 words, 1 image, estimated 4:0 mins reading time)

Community service: Chief Rick Lewis’ Lifetime Achievement honored

Former Silverton Police Chief Rick Lewis meets with current Chief Jeff Fossholm.

By Brenna Wiegand

Former Silverton Police Chief Rick Lewis was shocked to hear he’d was chosen to receive Silverton’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award. He never expected to receive such an award. He said to his wife Pat: “Wow – they remember me?”

“He’s just an amazing man, when you look at what he did for our police department and how many different community groups he’s been involved in,” said Stacy Palmer, executive director of Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce. “And then he went to Iraq to teach another culture about police work.”  Read more... (601 words, 1 image, estimated 2:24 mins reading time)