By Stephen Floyd Seven challengers and one incumbent have filed for four open positions on the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) Board, with seats to be decided during the May 16 Primary Election. As of the March 16 filing deadline, Board Member Tom Buchholz, representing Zone 7, was the only incumbent to file for re-election. […]
Three incumbents on the Silver Falls School District Board have declined to seek re-election during the May 16 primary for reasons ranging from personal obligations to concerns over district leadership. March 16 was the filing deadline for primary candidates. Board members Janet Allanach, Lori McLaughlin and Jonathan Edmonds, whose terms expire this year, did not […]
By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) Board is hopeful they can compromise with the teacher’s union after an impasse was declared March 17, though administrators say there is little ground left to give. During a special meeting of the board March 23, officials said they were optimistic a negotiated contract was possible […]
By James Day If you build it, other decisions will have to be made. That’s the challenge the City of Silverton faces as construction heads toward the home stretch on the new Civic Center on the former Eugene Field School property. The $19.5 million Civic Center project, which was opened to public tours March 16, […]
If you’ve visited Silver Falls and stopped by the Nature Store or gotten some fun facts at a discovery table, you’ve seen the Friends of Silver Falls State Park volunteers and staff in action. Friends of Silver Falls State Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historic and natural resources of Silver Falls […]
Pianist Hunter Noack brings back his “In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” performances to Silver Falls State Park on July 5 and 6. In its eighth season, the outdoor concert series allows America’s most stunning landscapes to replace the traditional concert hall. A nine-foot Steinway grand piano travels on a flatbed trailer to […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Silverton High School senior, Hannah Bashor, found out she was being named this year’s Future First Citizen for her demonstration of leadership as well as her contributions to her school, her community and her family by the Silverton Chamber of Commerce it gave her the sense of being seen. “I am so […]
By Melissa Wagoner Many may remember Silverton High School’s annual spring mock-pageant and fundraiser, Mr. SHS. But what they might not know is that in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, the contest was renamed, The Best Fox Ever, so students of all genders could take part. “It’s stayed the same other […]
Two members of the Think Robots Club will be moving on to international competition in Dallas, Texas, next month. An elementary school team of Derek Schaefer and Zane Davis named the Splitbotters qualified for the May 2-4 event. The Splitbotters qualified with their performance at an Oregon qualifying event that Think Robots Club hosted March […]
By James Day The Silverton Arts Association is launching a new family-friendly community arts space at the group’s Arts Center at 300 Coolidge St. The new arts option, which will include a resident artists program, workshops and classes for adults and youth, will debut at 6:30 p.m. on April 7 during First Friday. The association […]
The Silverton Arts Festival is holding its annual contest that will produce the poster for the event, which is set for Aug. 19-20 at Coolidge McClaine Park. The contest is open to artists 16 and older, with the winner receiving either a 10′ x 10′ festival booth space, valued at $225, or $200 in cash, […]
By Melissa Wagoner This spring Sustainable Silverton’s Urban Natural Resources Action Team is enlisting the help of local experts to hold an educational series about birds, bees and butterflies at The Oregon Garden. “It aligns with our mission statement and Action Team goals and the need to find a way to create more awareness about […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Silverton Community Center/Council Chambers, 421 S Water St. Weekly Events Monday Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Seniors 50 and older. Daily, weekly, monthly events. […]
By Melissa Wagoner When the participants of the Community Transition Program (CTP) and Silverton Mainstay learned they had missed the cutoff to attend Salem’s “A Night to Shine” – a prom welcoming adults with special needs, they were heartbroken. “Registration had closed there and they were full,” Rachel Ayers, an instructor with both programs, said. […]
By Melissa Wagoner One of the many benefits to visiting one of Oregon’s 108 State Parks is that most are off the beaten track. But that can also make those visitors driving electric vehicles (EVs) a little bit nervous. “Older EVs, especially the used EVs on the market today, have much lower distance ranges,” Jo […]
James Robert Newell, born Jan.18, 1939, in Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on March 15, 2023. James was preceded by death by his wife Pauline; daughter, Carolyn Sue; father, John Henry Newell; mother, Margarette Louise Wilkinson; sister, Shirley Smith. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Robert (Ruth), Susan (Phillip), Gregory (Jeanette), and Rodney; grandchildren, Jay […]
On Feb. 16, 2023, Cody Sontag gracefully passed away at her home in Silverton, Oregon. Born Feb. 19,1952 in Juneau, Alaska to her Alaskan Pioneer parents Joan and Gordon Wahto, Cody grew up in Anchorage. Her passion for birding was inspired by her grandparents living in Homer. She completed her BA in Psychology from Western State College Gunnison, CO going on to […]
The Silverton dance and drill program has once again brought home a state championship. The 2022-23 squad, coached by Alex Reese and Emily Sword, took home first place in Class 5A in jazz and second place in traditional March 17-18 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion in Salem. The state title was the fifth in […]
Tuesday, April 4 Girls Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn Baseball 4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Umpqua Valley Christian Wednesday, April 5 Track & Field 3 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis, Dallas Baseball 5 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn Softball 5 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn Thursday, April 6 Boys Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon Softball 4:30 p.m. […]
Do you consider yourself a gardener? What kind of gardener are you? Are you a person who appreciates the visual, culinary or functional gardening that nature and plant people provide, or are you one of the plant people? Studies all around the world reveal that people who garden generally live longer than those who do […]
By Diane Hyde, OSU Master Gardener Wondering what plants to add to your garden landscape? There is an Oregon State University Botany and Plant Pathology website (and books) that lists all known Oregon plants. It is tied into the herbarium at OSU and herbarium across the nation to provide complete information about plants in an […]
Planning Write in your garden journal throughout the growing season. Prepare garden soil for spring planting. Incorporate generous amounts of organic materials and other amendments, using the results of a soil analysis as a guide. Prepare raised beds in areas where cold soils and poor drainage are a continuing problem. Incorporate generous amounts (at least […]
By Diane Hyde, OSU Master Gardener “Why hasn’t my tree recovered from last year’s heat wave?” For some damaged or traumatized trees and shrubs is takes years to die, just like a neglected cactus plant. Our plant hardiness zones have changed. Our minimum extreme temperatures have risen over the last 30-year average. There are not […]
I’m standing in my home office. It is buried in pink insulation – the aftermath of one more home improvement project gone wrong. I should explain. My wife and I had a bright idea. Our house is 60 years old, so we thought it would make sense to put more insulation in the attic. Save […]
By James Day The City of Silverton is considering a proposal that could add a 22-space recreational vehicle parking area on land just north of Mark Twain Elementary School. The 1.52-acre, triangular-shaped site, if the project is approved, would be used for temporary lodging for RVs and movable accessory dwellings. Approval of the project does […]
Silverton Mayor Jason Freilinger will speak about the proposed All Abilities Park to be located between the Silver Falls Public Library and the Silverton Municipal Pool on Thursday, March 16 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He will also address the city’s goals for the next two years, as well as what may be major challenges facing […]
By Stephen Floyd The Mt. Angel School District has placed a $7 million facilities bond on the May 16 ballot, with a $4 million state grant attached if the bond passes. The district board unanimously approved a resolution Feb. 13 to send the issue to voters based on a recommendation from the district’s Bond Oversight […]
Local special districts will have open board positions during the May 16 Primary Election, and the deadline to apply as a candidate and appear on the ballot is March 16. Districts with open positions include: Mt. Angel School District (positions 1 and 4). Mt. Angel Fire District (positions 1, 2, and 3). Silver Falls School […]
By Melissa Wagoner Teryl Graybeal knows first-hand that breastfeeding isn’t always easy. “I struggled really hard with my first child,” she recalled. “If I hadn’t gotten help I wouldn’t have succeeded.” That experience stuck with her, inspiring her work as both a registered nurse, specializing in postpartum care, and as an Internationally Board-certified Lactation Consultant – the […]
Herbert Merlin Lay, 89, passed away Feb. 28, 2023 at his home in Mount Angel, Oregon, surrounded by his family. Born in Albany, California in 1934, Herb spent his early life in California where he worked at several state hospitals and the California Department of Corrections, becoming Lieutenant of the Conservation Camp at Slack Canyon, […]
Derine Agnes Albrich was born to Carl and Elizabeth Rutherford on July 1, 1935, in Silverton’s Keene Home serving as the community hospital located on North Water Street. Growing up, Derine lived on Fiske Street with her parents and siblings. She graduated from Silverton High School in 1953. After graduation, she worked for Moore Business […]
By James Day The oohing and aahing echoed throughout the cavernous warehouse building. “We’re so excited,” Silverton Area Community Aid board member Laura Wanker, who along with fellow board member Kathleen McCann, was giving Our Town a tour of the old Ratchet Brewery building in North Second Street on March 1. SACA, which provides food […]
You don’t have to be retired to be a member of the Silverton Senior Center. You don’t even have to be 55 – the age at which many businesses begin offering a senior discount. In fact, anyone over the age of 50 can become a member and take advantage of the many activities and resources […]
By James Day The City of Silverton is accepting bids for rehab work on a modular unit that will serve as a warming shelter for clients of Sheltering Silverton. The city has set aside $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the project. The closing date for bids is March 21. The bid […]
The Silverton High FFA program continues to shine in producing students who earn their state degrees. A total of 13 Silverton FFA students will receive their state degrees March 18 at the Oregon FFA Convention at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond. The state degree is the highest award a state FFA association can bestow […]
By Stephen Floyd School districts in Silverton and Mount Angel have identified racial and cultural inequity as areas that need greater focus, based on student performance rates published by the state last year. On Oct. 20, 2022, the Oregon Department of Education released its At-A-Glance reports, breaking down enrollment, test scores and other metrics for […]
By Melissa Wagoner You may not know the name Charlie Bailey but chances are you’ve seen at least one of the feature films he helped create during his 31-year career as a designer with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), the visual effects company George Lucas founded during the production of the original Star Wars films. […]
By James Day A Silverton-area nursery has received a $540,000 state grant to help it grow seedlings needed for Oregon fire restoration efforts. The funds from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will allow Drakes Crossing Nursery to expand its business into greenhouse plug production of seedlings and have more stock available for emergencies such […]
By James Day Public use of state parks continues to rebound from the pandemic, a new state report shows, with camping visits at Silver Falls approaching pre-COVID levels. Overall, Oregon State Parks experienced its second busiest camping and day-use year in history in 2022, the report says. Visitors logged 2.97 million camper nights, just 1.8 […]
A Silverton-area mountain biking club is getting ready for a fourth season and is looking for new riders to become members. The Silver Falls MTB started in 2020 and focuses on riders in grades 6-12. The club started with 12 riders and was at 22 last season. Club members practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 […]
By James Day A light snow was falling in Corvallis at 9 a.m. Friday when the Silverton High girls tipped off against Rex Putnam of Milwaukie in the game for 4th place at the OSAA Class 5A basketball tournament. The Foxes started cold as well, missing 20 of their first 21 shots while falling behind […]
In the quarterfinals of the Class 5A boys basketball tournament last March, Silverton was locked in a tight struggle with Crescent Valley. The Raiders led throughout, but the Foxes kept answering. With 2:40 left, point guard Jordan McCarty uncorked a blistering no-look cross-court pass to a wide-open Austin Ratliff cutting to the hoop. He laid […]
During the past several days I have been keeping tabs on an ongoing social media conversation about the proposed 22 space recreational vehicle park near Mark Twain Elementary School and it has really got me to thinking – what is it those who are opposed to the addition of another RV park in Silverton fear […]
By Melissa Wagoner Arlene Harris is a Silvertonian through and through. Born at Silverton Hospital, Harris spent the majority of her life in her hometown, only leaving when it came time to attend the University of Washington, where she earned her degree as a Physical Therapist before returning home to get married and start her […]
By Brenna Wiegand Meg Feicht – better known as Teacher Meg to generations of kids and their families – was bestowed the Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Service Award for 2022 at its First Citizens Awards Gala on Feb. 25. Feicht began leading classes focusing on kids and families nearly 25 years ago as […]
By Brenna Wiegand Legacy Health Auxiliary was named Service Group of the Year by Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce at its First Citizen Award Gala Feb. 25. The hospital auxiliary has been dedicated to raising funds for the Silverton Health Foundation and to serving the hospital, Legacy Silverton Medical Center, for 65 years and is […]
Founding Member and long-time advocate of The Oregon Garden, Verl Holden, retired from his position as a member of the Oregon Garden Foundation Board on Feb. 14. A well-respected nurseryman, horticultural innovator and owner of Holden Wholesale Growers, Holden first joined the Foundation Board in 2018, and after five years of faithful service has chosen […]
By Stephen Floyd Former Silverton Mayor Kyle Palmer said The Lucky Leaf was a shoo-in for 2022 Business of the Year. Though some may bristle at the notion of a cannabis dispensary being recognized for excellence, Palmer said the shop and co-owner Colby Jackson have risen above cynical stereotypes. “Colby [Jackson] is a Silverton native […]
By Melissa Wagoner There is just no telling who will be at Oak Street Church’s Monday Meals from one week to the next. “There are people who come because they need food. There are people who come because they’re lonely. And there are people who come because they want to meet people,” Pastor John Friedrick said. It’s […]
By Melissa Wagoner On the last Wednesday of January each year volunteers across the state come together to provide government officials with a snapshot of the current unhoused population. The purpose of which is, according to Sheltering Silverton Program Director Megan Smith, “that statewide every year we can have a better idea about what’s needed for allocation […]
By James Day The Future Foxes football and cheer program is heading into a new season with tons of momentum. The program, which serves boys and girls in third through eighth grades while also offering camp opportunities for younger athletes, included 203 football players and 102 cheerleaders last season. “As the program continues to grow,’ […]
By James Day Silverton’s best fact-filled teams will battle it out for a good cause Friday, March 10 at the First Christian Church. That night at 6 p.m. the Silverton Kiwanis’ fundraising Trivia Bee will be held, with the bulk of the funds raised going to the Silver Falls Library’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. […]
Silverton will host its second repair fair and share on Saturday, March 11. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Silver Falls Library, 410 S. Water St., is a collaboration of the library, Sustainable Silverton and Marion County Environmental Services. All work will be carried out inside the library except […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Silverton Arts Association, 303 Coolidge St. Silverton Community Center/Council Chambers, 421 S Water St. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, […]
By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is headed to a third mediation session with its teachers’ union as collective bargaining continues nearly a year after it began. Parties are scheduled to enter mediation again March 9 after sessions Feb. 7 and 13 did not result in finalized contract proposals. Both sides are […]
Silver Falls School District (SFSD) is inviting the community to a series of listening sessions as a Bond Advisory Committee considers the need for infrastructure funding. Sessions are scheduled at schools throughout the district and will feature a presentation from members of the committee and opportunities for public feedback. Three listening sessions have been held […]
New charges in sex abuse case A Silverton man is facing new charges of possession of child pornography as he prepares to stand trail for alleged sexual abuse in July. Jaiden Ethan Davis, 23, was charged in Marion County Circuit Court Feb. 3 with 10 counts of first-degree encouraging child sex abuse, with each carrying […]
Local special districts will have open board positions during the May 16 Primary Election. The deadline to apply as a candidate and appear on the ballot is March 16. Districts with open positions include: • Mt. Angel School District (positions 1 and 4). • Mt. Angel Fire District (positions 1, 2 and 3). • Silver […]
Mt. Angel American Legion Post and Auxiliary #89 donated seven Apple iPods and music cards to the Oregon Veterans Home at Lebanon for use by the residents in the memory care unit. Each iPod will be loaded with veterans’ favorite music. Also included in the donation were hats, gloves and scarves, hand-knitted by Sherry Ipox, […]
The legislative session has begun in Salem. One vital issue that readers may not be aware of is the need to pay parents to provide in-home care to their minor disabled children. Paying parents to do this work (the State is currently willing to pay anyone to provide this care support except felons and parents) […]
By Melissa Wagoner Silverton singer-songwriter Michael Paul Reed’s album, The Process of Illumination, has been a long time coming. “We started recording this at my place to get some demo level stuff going in November 2021,” Reed recalled. “Then we decided to get a professional studio.” But those statements only speak to the recording process, […]
Jim was born to James and Peggy Popwell in Montgomery, Alabama on Jan. 11, 1952. After moving with his family to Hawkinsville, Georgia, at the age of one, Jim enjoyed a wonderful childhood being the big brother to two sisters, Connie and Brenda. He was a member at First Baptist Church for many years and a member of the 1970 graduating […]
After many years and multiple serious health conditions, Richard Hoblitt passed away on Feb. 2, 2023. He tackled all his health issues head-on with determination and beat the odds repeatedly. He was born in Silverton, Oregon on Aug. 12, 1944 to Lowell and Mabel Hoblitt. After attending Silverton schools, he enlisted into the Navy at […]
In a small maternity home in Hubbard, Oregon, Nancy Ethel (Steffen) Barnes was born to Louie and Ethel (Reding) Steffen on Oct.2, 1942. Their first child, they brought her home to a farm just outside of Woodburn, Oregon. They eventually had two more children, Melvin and Bill. Nancy went to St. Luke’s School in Woodburn, […]
Dale A. Kuenzi, 78 was born in Silverton, Oregon to Ernest and Lena (Stadeli) Kuenzi on Dec. 18, 1944 and passed away on Jan. 30, 2023 due to complications from a lung disease. After graduating from OSU with a degree in food science, he served in the army for two years. He spent his career […]
Earl Russell “Russ” Ghiglia, 86, passed away on Jan. 28, 2023 peacefully in his home in Silverton, Oregon surrounded by family. He was born on July 11, 1936, to John and Viola Ghiglia in Glendale, California, the youngest of two. Russ was raised in the San Fernando Valley, California area. He graduated from San Fernando […]
“We just had an amazing year,” said Silverton High swimming coach Lucky Rogers. What else could he say? Rogers’ Aqua Foxes, who historically have used their huge turnouts, depth and relay strength to even up the odds against schools with a high volume of club participants, won the Mid-Willamette Conference district girls title Feb. 10-11 […]
Monday, March 13 Girls Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs Stayton Baseball 5 p.m. Silverton vs Roosevelt Wednesday, March 15 Softball 5 p.m. Silverton vs Sprague Friday, March 17 Boys Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs Philomath Saturday, March 18 Baseball 2 p.m. Kennedy vs Warrenton Monday, March 20 Girls Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs McNary Tuesday, […]
It’s been said that only a meteorologist and an economist can tell you with absolute certainty today why they were wrong yesterday. In the case of the meteorologist, I am reminded of how bizarre things have gotten every time I look out the window. In the case of the economist, I am reminded of that […]
By James Day With someone like Dana Smith you have to look below the surface and keep in mind the layers of community commitment. Yes, Smith has served in elected positions such as the Silver Falls School district board and her recent eight years on the Silverton City Council. But in the nomination form that […]
By Stephen Floyd Mount Angel Oktoberfest has paid off its loan for the community Festhalle five years ahead of schedule, following a record-setting year for revenue in 2022. During the Jan. 26 annual meeting of the group’s membership, it was announced that last year saw more income than ever before, with $342,611 received after expenses. […]
By Stephen Floyd Tensions in the stalled labor negotiations between the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) and the teachers’ union have ramped up. The Silver Falls Education Association (SFEA) said an infographic broadcast Jan. 24 via ParentSquare, and later on the district’s website, was “an escalation” as the two parties entered mediation. “We feel the […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Erin Scott discovered Silverton High School’s senior class – of which her oldest son is a member – did not have enough money to hold the traditional Grad Night celebration she was alarmed. “I can still remember every detail of my Grad Night,” she said, noting that, although she graduated from […]
By James Day Are Silverton Police Department officers being paid enough? Developer and long-time resident Rob Wood, who serves on the public policy committee at the Oregon Police Academy in Salem, doesn’t think so. Wood read off the names of ten Silverton officers who have left the force in the past five years to take […]
Brush Creek is launching its 2023 season with the return of one of its favorite shows, The Further MISAdventures of the Seven Dwarfs. The crowd-pleaser brings back the seven dwarfs for a romp through the collected tales of the Brothers Grimm. Did you know that a dwarf helped Rapunzel and her prince? And helped Hansel […]
The Silverton High girls basketball continues its unbeaten march through the Mid-Willamette conference. The Foxes, ranked No. 2 in class 5A, moved to 12-0 in league play with a 38-30 win Feb. 7 against visiting Central. Silverton is 15-3 overall under first year coach Alyssa Ogle, with two of the losses to Class 6A teams […]
Harold “Hal” A. Fitzke, 91, died peacefully at home in Mount Angel, Oregon on Jan. 10, 2023. Hal was born on April 6, 1931, in Silverton, Oregon, the son of Mary Teresa Plennart Fitzke and William Fred Fitzke. His sister Angela of New York City preceded Hal in death in 1997. Hal attended St. Paul Grade […]
Patricia Ann Haak passed away on Jan. 16, 2023, peacefully in the presence of her family, after complications from heart surgery. She was 84. Pat was born on July 7, 1938 in Oakland, California to Perry and Joan Boring and was their oldest of three daughters. She attended high school and college there, and began her career as a bookkeeper at a […]
Elias G. Perez passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2023, with his wife by his side. He was born on Aug. 11, 1934, to Ignacio and Mariana Perez in Pearsall, Texas. Elias is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Beatrice Perez; his children, MaryJane (Oscar) Ruiz, Ernie Perez, Esther (David) Jensen, Beatrice […]
Karen Mallorie, 64, passed peacefully at Santiam Hospital in Stayton, Oregon in the early morning of Jan. 20, 2023, from complications of a fall in her home. She was born Sept. 18, 1958, in Conneaut, Ohio to George and Sally Mallorie, where she lived the first four years of her life on their family dairy […]
Marlene Evelyn Schroeder, 81, passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2023. She was born on June 14, 1941, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and was the only daughter of James and Phyllis Wear. She and her parents moved to the States while she was in high school and planted roots in California. Marlene had both of […]
Mary Jo Attwood passed peacefully surrounded by family on Jan.25, 2023. She was the youngest of two daughters, born Jan. 4, 1943 to Gordon and Carol Van Cleave in Silverton, Oregon. Mary Jo was a talented seamstress and crafter opening Leather & Lace in the late 1990s in downtown Silverton. After the storefront closed Mary Jo […]
Kenneth Brock, 71, of Silverton, Oregon, passed away on Jan. 25, 2023 at home, peacefully, with family surrounding him. Ken was born on Oct. 8, 1951 in Tempe, Arizona to Donna (Brock) King and Robert King. He attended Most Holy Trinity Grade School in Phoenix, Arizona and graduated from high school in Molalla, Oregon where […]
Mitchell Daniel Kuenzi of Silverton, Oregon passed away in an automobile accident on Jan. 11, 2023 at the age of 23. Mitchell was born May 18, 1999 in Silverton, Oregon and lived his whole life in Silverton. He was a 2019 homeschool graduate of ORCA and was currently attending Chemeketa Community College. Mitchell was on […]
Walking along the path that winds through the grounds of Mount Angel Abbey one day, Father Ephrem Martinez noticed a family enjoying a picnic under the trees and thought how much more welcoming the space could be if the grounds – much of which were overgrown with blackberries – were cleaned up. “Everybody tries to […]
By James Day Just like that, the Silverton City Council was whole again. New councilors Marie Traeger, April Newton and Eric Hammond were voted in on Nov. 8 to replace outgoing members Jim Sears, Dana Smith and Crystal Neideigh, with Jason Freilinger winning election as mayor, replacing Kyle Palmer. However, Freilinger’s ascension to the mayor’s […]
By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) says it would face financial hardship if it accepted terms proposed by the Silver Falls Education Association (SFEA) as the two head to mediation Feb. 1. On Jan. 24, the district issued a statement addressed to “Silver Falls Families” saying the union’s requests for higher teacher […]
By Brenna Wiegand Silverton Poetry Festival is back in person for the first time in three years. Founder Steve Slemenda was all for calling its 20-year run good when the pandemic hit, but Kelley Morehouse, his longtime colleague in the undertaking, just couldn’t let poetry slip away that easily. She kept momentum going through the […]
By James Day Silverton’s First Citizen Gala is set for Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Oregon Garden’s J. Frank Schmidt Pavilion. This will be the 52nd time the Silverton Chamber of Commerce has honored the community’s top achievers in business, education, volunteering and community affairs. The event starts at 6 p.m. with social time, with […]
By Melissa Wagoner When it comes to preserving mementos of the past, especially printed photos, slides and VHS tapes, Kerry Drum has one suggestion – don’t wait! Initially a wedding videographer under the company heading, I.M. Strong Video Creations, Drum began dabbling in small gauge film and VHS tape conversion in 2016, when her grandmother […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Homer Davenport expert, Gus Frederick, learned that the original of one of Davenport’s most famous cartoons was for sale by a private seller out of South Carolina he immediately made an offer. The deal took several months but eventually “Look Who’s Coming” made its way to Silverton. “It showed a barren tree, filled up […]
The Fall Line Stout & Ale Fest is a new fundraising event in honor of Jason Franz who founded Silverton’s local bike and skate shop, known as Fall Line Sports. Jason’s unexpected death in 2019, left the Silverton community stunned. He was an active, contributing member of the coomunity and of the Silverton Chamber of […]
By Melissa Wagoner It all started with a bouquet of cupcake flowers. “My longtime friend sent me a picture from Pinterest… and said, ‘I want you to make these,’” Judy Moffitt Marston recalled. A lifelong baker, Moffitt Marston was no stranger to the kitchen, but she had never attempted anything quite so grand as a cupcake […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursday. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Silverton Meals on Wheels, 11:30 a.m., Silverton Senior Center. Dine in or […]
A vision of a diverse faith community finding common ground came to life on Jan. 15. Approximately 170 people of faith from around the Silverton area gathered with common goals: to be able to join together in worship and celebration, and to push the goal of paying all of Oregon’s secured secondary medical debt. Donna […]
By Melissa Wagoner “It’s hard to even somewhat capture my mom in words, let alone the impact she had…” Molly Bray-Yurovchak said of her mother, Kathi Douglas, who died from pancreatic cancer on Dec. 31, 2022. “There are so many fun stories to tell.” A teacher at Victor Point Elementary School for the entirety of […]
A Silverton man died following a three-vehicle collision on Hwy. 214 between Silverton and Mount Angel on Jan. 11. According to Oregon State Police (OSP), Diceon Macias, 19, of Salem, was operating a Honda Civic on Downs Road NE around 9:40 a.m. when he entered Hwy. 214 in an attempt to cross the road. Mitchell […]
Bonnie Greenwood – mother, grandmother, and great grandmother – peacefully passed away Jan. 12, 2023 in Pleasant Hill, Oregon. Bonnie was born on Feb. 3, 1940 in Geneva, Nebraska to Kenneth “Bob” Bennett and Eva Crandall. She attended Sumner High School in Nebraska and later married Delayne “Dean” Greenwood in Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 11, […]
Joyce A. Bass passed peacefully on Jan. 11, 2023 at her home in Silverton, Oregon. Joyce was born in Fort Robinson, Nebraska on March 4, 1928. She was married to the love of her life, Otto Bass for over 60 years and raised a beautiful family that she cherished deeply. She was preceded in death […]
Fred R. Parkinson, long-time Silverton resident, passed away on January 5, 2023 at age 93. He was born on June 12, 1929 in Rexburg, Idaho, the fifth of six children born to Mary Yvette Raymond Parkinson and Fred Doney Parkinson. As a child, he helped on his family’s dry farm when not in school, […]
Marjorie Ann Olsen of Silverton, passed away at home on the evening of Dec. 18, 2022. She was born to Chester and Lillian McEwen on Oct. 30, 1938 in Moose Lake , Minnesota. Her family moved to Silverton, Oregon in 1950 when she was just 11 years old. Margie graduated from Silverton Union High School […]
Leslie Louise Fournier (Radha) of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia passed away Jan. 16, 2023 in her sleep after a long battle with cancer. Leslie is survived by her siblings, Karen Fournier, Bill Fournier and Steven Fournier; also by adopted daughter, AmanDa Bapty and her grandson, Benjamin Bapty. Leslie was predeceased in death by her […]
Ann Marie McCormick passed Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023 in her sleep at Providence Benedictine Nursing Ceneter in Mount Angel, Oregon. In March of 2022, Ann suffered a severe heart attack followed by several strokes. She was left partially paralyzed, but never lost her persistent personality. Ann was born in Lebanon, Oregon on Dec. 24, […]
Ann Marie Rue, age 87, of Salem, Oregon, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. She was born in Silverton, Oregon as Ann Marie Dahl, daughter of Anton & Petra Dahl, and was the youngest child in her family with three older brothers. Ann grew up in the Silverton and Salem areas, attending and graduating […]
Judith (Judi) May Thomas, 80, peacefully passed away Jan. 7, 2023, at her home in Silverton, Oregon, with her family by her side. She was born Nov. 25, 1942 in Glendale, California to Melvin (Rev) and Mary (Bibbo) Standley. Judi had two older sisters, twins; Gloria and Patricia. Following graduation from Bell High School in […]
They say winning breeds more winning, and that is definitely true at Kennedy High. The Trojans captured the Class 2A-1A baseball title last spring, finished second in Class 3A football this fall and as the basketball season rounds the midway pole the JFK boys are 13-3 and ranked No. 3 in Class 2A by the […]
By James Day The 2022-23 school year marks the 44th in which Nick McWilliams is teaching and coaching. The Silverton High English/language arts teacher is in his sixth year as an assistant coach for the boys basketball program. Coach McWilliams, 65, won a boys state title in 1984 at Santiam Christian and two girls championships […]
Wednesday, Feb. 1 Wrestling 6 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon Boys Basketball 6 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam Friday, Feb. 3 Boys Basketball 6 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais 7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon Girls Basketball 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais Tuesday, Feb. 7 Girls Basketball 7 p.m. Silverton vs Central Thursday, Feb. 9 Boys Basketball 5:30 p.m. […]
About 20 years ago I was ensconced in my La-Z-Boy trying to figure out some stuff. The immediate topic at hand was how to make television better. No, I wasn’t thinking about what shows folks would watch; I was thinking about when they could watch them. “Wouldn’t it be great to be able to go […]
By James Day Silverton People for Peace, a group that formed amid the buildup to the 2003 start of the Iraq War, has turned 20. The informal group, which began with vigils in opposition to the Iraq buildup, has broadened its focus and also participates in Silverton’s MLK Day observances as well as the […]
By Stephen Floyd After 134 years, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel will be leaving the Queen of Angels Monastery, with plans to repurpose part of the facility as transitional housing for families in need. Membership within the monastic community has been in decline, as elsewhere in the U.S., with the number of religious sisters […]
At the Silverton Country Historical Society’s annual meeting vice president Fred Parkinson will present a talk about historic Silverton architecture, specifically a building that recently turned 100 years old. Now serving as the local branch of Citizens Bank, 217 E. Main St. started out in 1923 as the new building for Coolidge & McClaine Bank. […]
By Melissa Wagoner In 2018 the Silverton Food Co-op initiated a capital campaign that they hoped would raise the funds necessary to open a brick-and-mortar store in Silverton. Although those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, the organization’s mission, to make healthy, locally sourced and sustainably grown food available for everyone, has continued – just in a […]
By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) has denied liability in a $369,501 personal injury lawsuit by a former Silverton Middle School student who broke a leg at school in 2017 after allegedly slipping on a wet floor. On Dec. 28, 2022, the district admitted the student attended the school during that time, […]
By James Day Silverton installed a new mayor and four new councilors on Monday, Jan. 9, signaling the beginning of a new political era in town. Jason Freilinger, who had served as council president, was sworn in as mayor, replacing Kyle Palmer, whose elected office experience dates to 2004. In addition, outgoing councilors Jim Sears, […]
By Stephen Floyd The Silverton Police Department has arrested a Mount Angel man they claim was responsible for a vandalism spree that defaced multiple public facilities and local businesses. Roman L. Cunningham, 23, was arrested Dec. 20, 2022, on 24 felony counts of aggravated first-degree criminal mischief for incidents taking place within the prior month. […]
By James Day The iconic Palace Theatre (spelled “Theater” in recent years) in Silverton has shut down and its future is up in the air. Erik and Rachelle Gonterman, who have operated the theater since 2020, are engaged in an acrimonious dispute with the landlord, Marjorie Eng, and when their contractual obligation to show Avatar: […]
The Silverton Lions recxently completed two of its major endeavors for the year, one a fundraiser, the other a project is made possible by those funds and others raised throughout the year. See’s Candy Sale Boxes of chocolates, peanut brittle, lollipops and more, the See’s Candy sale is a holiday tradition that gives back to […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Kristen Storer received a message from the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) informing her that the organization would no longer be accepting stray cats from Marion County after Nov. 15, 2022, she was alarmed. “I feel like no one knows about this and it will affect everybody,” Storer, a former veterinary technician […]
By Stephen Floyd It took just three days for supporters of Silverton Cat Rescue to exceed a $40,000 fundraising goal after the facility suddenly burned down the evening of Jan. 7. As of the afternoon of Jan. 10, a GoFundMe page set up by resident Katelyn McGill had generated $40,750 for rescue owner/operator Vivian Palm, […]
Thank You, Silverton! The Silverton Zenith Woman’s Club thanks the community of Silverton for all the help they received for their 2022 Tree of Giving project. Together we were able to make Christmas a little brighter for 208 children in the Silver Falls School District. We wish to particularly thank: Hi-School Pharmacy, Immanuel Lutheran Church, […]
By James Day “Can you see Tami without seeing Ron or see Ron without seeing Tami? They were a team. And they touched so many lives.” That was how Pastor Tom Anderson, Tami’s brother, referred to the couple at a Celebration of Life on Jan. 5, at the Silver Creek Fellowship. A standing-room-only crowd of approximately […]
Jeffrey (Jeff / Beaver) Lynn Anderson passed away at his Silverton Road home on Nov. 30, 2022. The youngest of four boys, he was born to Henry and Alma Anderson in Silverton, Oregon on Dec. 24, 1955. He graduated from Silverton Union High School in 1974. After graduation, Jeff attended Oregon State University for awhile, […]
Janet Marie Splonski was born Nov. 12, 1944 to Hi and Sue Brenden and died Dec. 28, 2022. She attended Mt. Angel Academy and Mt. Angel College where she met her husband, John Bruner. John died in 1976. She later married Ralph Splonski who died in 2014. She worked at Sacred Heart Hospital in Medford […]
Gail Kent, 73, of Silverton, Oregon peacefully passed away in her home on Jan. 3, 2023. Gail was born on June 21, 1949 to Jack Larson and Dorene Smith in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1967 and would later go on to study at College of the Redwoods. Gail most […]
Irene Mae (Edelman) Sinn, 67, passed away Dec 29, 2022 after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Irene was born on in Sabetha, Kansas to Daniel and Wilma Edelman. She grew up on a farm in rural Northeast Kansas along with her four siblings. She enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball and track at Bern High […]
By Melissa Wagoner Normalizing mental health challenges has long been a priority of Audry Van Houweling, a Nurse Practitioner and owner of She Soars Psychiatry in Silverton and Sisters, Oregon. “[M]ental health is not something that happens in the silos of healthcare offices,” Van Houweling said. “Many of us feel pressured to compartmentalize and do […]
Turnout is up for the Silverton High wrestling program and third-year coach Jared Wilson credits the football program and new coach Dan Lever for helping give wrestling a boost. “We had over 50 register for wrestling, which is about ten more than last year,” Wilson told Our Town. “Coach Lever is a big advocate for […]
When I walked into my great grandmother’s house for the last time I was submerged by memories. The matriarch of our family, hers was the home in which we all gathered for holidays, after funerals and every day in between. The house was small, simple and welcoming. There wasn’t a piece of furniture or a […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Kristen Storer received notice that her family’s primary care physician, Dr. Tim Peters, would be retiring early due to staffing shortages at his clinic, Northwest Family Medicine in Silverton, she was dismayed. “I kind of panicked because they didn’t give very much notice,” Storer said. Reliant on monthly prescriptions for her […]
By Melissa Wagoner Jenifer Trivelli has always been interested in what makes people tick, especially kids. “That led me to neuroscience,” Trivelli said. “And then, pairing that together with childhood development led me to counseling.” Initially working as an elementary school counselor, Trivelli left that vocation when she became a mom. “I wanted to start […]
By James Day The Pudding River Watershed Council and a plethora of partners have completed a $500,000 project aimed at improving the survival rate of endangered steelhead on Abiqua Creek. The key piece of the puzzle was placing 12 “engineered log jams” on the creek on land owned by Weyerhaeuser, which also contributed the logs […]
By Stephen Floyd Mount Angel City Council candidate Joseph Pfau may have been first runner up during the Nov. 8 election, but he will join the council nonetheless after being appointed to the position left vacant by Mayor Pete Wall. Pfau was appointed during the council’s regular meeting Dec. 5 and is scheduled to be […]
By Stephen Floyd The City of Mount Angel has begun the installation of radio-read water meters that could cut the work hours needed to take meter readings by a one full-time position. The city has allocated $300,000 from federal COVID-19 relief funds for the project, and anticipates having all meters within the city upgraded before […]
By James Day The City of Silverton has agreed to spend an additional $350,000 on “contract administration” costs for the civic center project. The Dec. 19 City Council session included a Zoom meeting with project/design consultants from Mackenzie and Compass Project Solutions. The consultants have spent just more than $250,000 in contract administration costs to […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats […]
When the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown his Silverton restaurant in 2020, rather than feel sorry for himself, Joel Autry saw the opportunity for community service, an ethic modeled by his parents. He opened his heart and pantry up to local residents hurt financially by the economic slowdown or folks who had relied on Silverton’s weekly community […]
By James Day The Silverton Police Department is investigating vandalism that occurred to the Christmas tree that is lit every December in Town Square Park. Chief Jim Anglemier told Our Town “the police department is aware of it and actively conducting an investigation. At this point, no arrest has been made of those person(s) responsible.” […]
A Silverton man is facing DUII and multiple other charges after a police chase caught on camera ended with the suspect allegedly crashing into a local resident’s front yard. Michael James Imel, 36, was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 7, after officers with the Silverton Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Imel allegedly fled in […]
“Enter the New Year with Joy” presented by Susan Black will be the first workshop of the new year at the Benedictine Sisters Queen of Angels Monastery. On Jan. 7 the workshop will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Chapter Room. The $55 fee includes lunch and supplies and scholarships are available. Many […]
By Melissa Wagoner “Opening the world through education,” is the mission of the educational travel company, EF Tours, but it’s also the mission of Stacie Harker – an avid traveler and science teacher at Butte Creek Elementary. “I think international travel is so important,” Harker said. “To get insight on American culture by seeing other […]
On the morning of Nov. 26, 2022, Ruth Cock passed away at the age of 80. She joins her other half of 51 years, John Cock, after seven years widowed. Her memories live on through her daughter,Terri; son, J.R. (Amy); her grand-children, Mandie (Jordan), Austin (Olivia), Brad (Maddie), Madison, Tessa, Emily, and Jennifer; her great […]
Paul Edward Dieker was born in Fleming, Colorado, Oct. 7, 1931 to Albert and Anna (Berg) Dieker.He passed away at his residence in Silverton, Oregon on Dec. 12, 2022. He was 91. The family moved to Oregon in 1938, settling in the Mount Angel area. He graduated from Mount Angel Prep in 1950. He was […]
James (Jim) Perry, 82, passed away on Nov. 18, 2022. He was born in Los Angeles, California to Helen Louise Houle and Raymond Carl Perry. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Jeanne Perry Rofelty and Wanda Perry Sundborg. He was a loving husband to Carol Porter Perry for almost 58 years, […]
Mount Angel is mourning the loss of residents Tom and Virginia Ewing after police reported they died in a murder-suicide at the end of November. According to the Mt. Angel Police Department, Thomas Esson Ewing, 77, and Virginia Rae Ewing, 71, were found deceased Nov. 27 at their home on the 600 Block of St. […]
In this year of change for Silverton athletics, fall saw new football coach Dan Lever, new volleyball coach Reilly Rosecrans and new girls soccer coach Renee Cantrell all succeed in their roles. All three teams made the playoffs, with football and volleyball advancing to the state quarterfinals. Now, we’re about to see what happens with […]
Monday, Jan. 2 Girls Basketball 7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon Thursday, Jan. 5 Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Silverton vs Central Friday, Jan. 6 Girls Basketball 5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Colton Monday, Jan. 9 Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany 7:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Regis Thursday, Jan. […]
One thing that’s been on my bucket list since before I had a bucket is learning how to fly. I think it’s in my DNA. Growing up, I spent most of my time on Air Force bases. My dad was in the Air Force 23 years. When I graduated from the University of Alaska, I […]
By James Day Property owner Wes Holman used the public comment period of the Dec. 5 Silverton City Council meeting to raise concerns about trash and debris at a home near the Holman house on South Third Avenue. The complaint record apparently goes back to 2015, and although Holman said there have been some temporary […]
It’s time for Silverton to recognize those who have gone over and above to serve the community. Do you know someone deserving of recognition for their efforts? Do you know of a group that should be highlighted for their good work? Nomination forms are available from the Silverton Chamber of Commerce, 426 S. Water St. […]
By Stephen Floyd Labor negotiations between the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) and Silver Falls Education Association (SFEA) have entered mediation. Critical issues related to class size, teacher pay and grievance procedures remain unresolved after nearly eight months of bargaining. During a meeting Dec. 1 between SFSD administrators and SFEA representatives, both parties agreed mediation […]
By James Day The dam on Butte Creek in Scotts Mills Park just won’t go away. Literally. While the presence of the dam on the creek has made the park popular with water enthusiasts, there is a gigantic breach in the barrier, and officials say the situation poses a safety issue and fish passage also […]
Seasonal caseloads of flu and respiratory viruses coupled with the continuing presence of COVID-19 have led a group of Portland-area physicians and state officials to urge a return to indoor mask use. Masks and the prevalence of seasonal illnesses on hospitalization rates were discussed at the Oregon Health Authority’s monthly media briefing on Dec. 8, […]
By Melissa Wagoner Becoming a clown wasn’t actually Bonnie-Jean Brown’s idea. “My mommy made me do it,” she laughed, when asked how she – recognized by most as Giggle Britches the clown – got her start. She’s not exaggerating. From the very beginning her mother, Glendora DeSantis, has had a hand in what would eventually […]
The annual guided first day of the year hikes will be held at Silver Falls State Park and nearly 20 other parks Jan. 1. The outings are led by rangers, and the $5 parking fee that most state parks charge will be waived. Oregon State Parks has been holding the hikes since 2012 in an […]
By Dixon Bledsoe Imagine life is humming along like a finely tuned sports car. Wonderful spouse, four awesome sons, a huge extended family full of love, faith, support and laughter. A job you love, and you like to run. Running with your wife is fun and stress-reducing. Then, you notice the running is not as […]
Rosemary Meier, 97, daughter of Francis Rosewell and Rose (Burger) Coleman was born April 3, 1925 in Portland, Oregon. She passed away Dec. 5, 2022 at her residence. Rosemary received her nursing degree and worked at pediatric doctors’ offices until her retirement. She was married to “Dick” Robert Frederick, who preceded her in death in 2013. […]
On Nov. 26, 2022 Patricia Joanne Kincaid passed away with her children by her side. Patricia resided in her home in Silverton, Oregon. Patricia was born in Umatilla, Oregon. She married Ralph Kincaid Sr. in 1954. Together they raised five children. They resided in Eastern Oregon until 1974 when they moved the family to Silverton. She […]
Debra Jean (Czarny) Lofdahl was born in Whittier, California. Debbie moved to Silverton, Oregon with her family in 1955 and lived in the area for the rest of her life. She graduated from Silverton High School in 1973, and married Larry Jay Lofdahl in Silverton on March 7, 1975. In June of 1984 Larry and […]
Born Lenora Riggs, “Nori” Kaser was a lifelong resident of Silverton, Oregon. She passed away on Dec. 1, 2022. Nori was an avid outdoorsman; hunting in the Abiqua Basin, fishing at Diamond Lake, and clamming and crabbing along the Oregon coast. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking and baking. Her family always looked forward to the first […]
One of the challenges of this job is explaining things that are difficult to explain. But I am going to give it my best effort. What the Kennedy High football squad was able to achieve this season was just off the charts. The Trojans finished 12-1, losing only to Cascade Christian of Medford in the […]
By Melissa Wagoner When John Dallum discovered there was a nonprofit whose sole purpose is to relieve the medical debt of millions of Americans, he knew he had to help. “One interesting thing about Oregon is, the program has never been started here,” Dallum – a former Oregon Senator and House Representative – said. In fact, upon […]
This is a bittersweet moment. After 42 years of writing professionally, new ideas are as rare as a polite campaign season. I’ve been called a Pollyanna for writing a lot of positive stories. But my mantra is simple when asked, “Is the glass half-full, or half-empty?” For me, it is always half-full, and I am […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Sheltering Silverton created the Children’s Lantern Parade in 2018, they wanted the event to be more than just another parade. “It’s about people lighting up the dark for their neighbors,” Sheltering Silverton founder Sarah White explained. Both those with homes and those without. “This is a way to remind [the unhoused], […]
By Melissa Wagoner When the community-building nonprofit known as Silverton Together dissolved earlier this year, the Elizabeth Hoke Trust – a foundation honoring the legacy of SHS alumnus, Elizabeth Hoke – decided to take over many of its programs, including the annual Silverton Community Christmas Fest. “This is a celebration of the Silverton Community and […]
There’s a celebration of the winter season at Silver Falls State Park Dec. 10 and 11. Everyone is invited to join park staff and volunteers in the Silver Falls Winter Festival for activities that highlight the seasonal changes at the park. In the South Falls day-use area you can: • Make a wreath at the […]
By Stephen Floyd Labor negotiations in the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) are entering their eighth month as union members stand firm on class size limits. A new bargaining session is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Silverton High School Library, as educators continue to work under last year’s expired contract. Though […]
By James Day The Marion County Parks Commission plans a January vote on a proposal to restore and update county parks damaged by the 2020 wildfires. County officials have been working with consultants Walker Macy and EcoNorthwest on the plan to address fire damage and upgrade Packsaddle, Minto and Niagara along Highway 22 and North […]
By James Day Silverton will have four new councilors beginning in January. Eric Hammond, April Newton and Marie Traeger were elected to four-year terms in a seven-candidate field on Nov. 8 to replace retiring councilors Jim Sears, Dana Smith and Crystal Neideigh. In addition, current council president Jason Freilinger was elected to a two-year term […]
By Stephen Floyd Incumbent Councilor Tony Astorga appears likely to win re-election to the Mount Angel City Council, according to election results published Nov. 18 by the Marion County Clerk’s Office. Fellow incumbents Matt Donohue and Ray Eder secured re-election Nov. 8, with initial results placing them far ahead in a field of six candidates […]
In the Oct. 15 issue of Our Town, the article entitled “Incumbents re-elected to Scotts Mills” should have included the following statement from candidate Shawna Kelly, which was received after the article was submitted for publication. “First, I would like to thank everyone that voted,” said Kelly. “Regardless of if I was the recipient of […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St.. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., […]
By Stephen Floyd A Silverton man has been admitted to substance abuse treatment after pleading guilty to kidnapping and assault, with the potential for nearly six years in prison if the program is not completed. Zachary Todd Lander, 40, pleaded guilty Nov. 14 to second-degree kidnapping and fourth-degree assault for a domestic violence incident Oct. […]
Brush Creek Playhouse, just outside of Silverton, will be holding auditions for The Further MISAdventures of the Seven Dwarfs on Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. This romp through the tales of the Brothers Grimm (written by Emily Wood and Michael Wood and performed by arrangement with Evander Dramatic Press) is […]
For the 24th year, the GFWC Silverton Zenith Women’s Club (a charitable 501(c)(3) organization) is sponsoring the “Tree of Giving,” a project dedicated to assuring that underprivileged children living in our community enjoy gifts during the holiday season. These trees can be found at the following Silverton locations: Hi-School Pharmacy, Wilco, Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. […]
The 69th Annual SnoBall Mid-Valley all high school teen dance is on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion. Tickets are available online for $30, and will be sold at the dance for $35. SnoBall started as a Sadie Hawkins dance and now is a dance for high school students from all over […]
By Melissa Wagoner A stroll through Mount Angel or Silverton can feel like a walk through the past – if you know where to look. Kennedy High, the Mount Angel Abbey, Coolidge McClaine Park, even Silver Creek – all of these landmarks are rooted in the past, their stories are sometimes obscured but not forgotten […]
Jill Louise Lamb of Silverton Oregon passed away on Nov. 6, 2022. Jill was born to Bill and Diane Bevins on April 20, 1953 in Seattle, Washington. Jill had two siblings, Michael J. Bevins and Candy Thomas. Jill is survived by her husband, Elden Lamb, and was mother to John T. Conner, Mindy M. Conner and Laura D. […]
Rhonda Lynn Hall passed away on Nov. 6, 2022 in Mount Angel, Oregon. She was born in San Bernardino, California on Dec. 18, 1959 to Clarence Houts Jr. and Charlotte Swing. Rhonda is survived by her sons, Brian, Christopher and Shawn and one grandchild. A graveside service was held on Nov. 13, 2022 at […]
Mark Robert Findley passed away on Nov. 2, 2022 in Silverton, Oregon. He was born on Aug. 26, 1955 to Larry and Jackie Findley in San Leandro, California. Mark was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed gardening, golfing and fishing with his wife, Sundi. Mark’s pride and joy were his grandchildren. He will be […]
By James Day Longtime Silverton High FFA adviser Scott Towery received the group’s highest honor at the 95th national convention in October. Towery, who has taught agricultural science at Silverton since 2006, was awarded the Honorary American FFA Degree at the Indianapolis event. The degree is awarded to individuals who have created high-quality agricultural education […]
By James Day Silverton skateboarder Lari-Ann Rupp captured the bronze medal in the giant slalom at last month’s World Skate Games in Argentina. Rupp, an economic development specialist for Marion County, completed the course in 33.712 and helped propel the American team to a 1-2-3 finish. Teammates Lynn Kramer and Isa Ruiz won the gold […]
Last summer Dan Lever took over a Silverton High football program that won the Class 5A title in 2021. Lever, who coached Tualatin to a Class 6A runner-up finish the same season, faced some huge challenges. He essentially had to replace his entire defense. He had some offensive weapons returning – running backs Alejandro Briseno […]
Thursday, Dec. 6 Girls Basketball 6 p.m. Kennedy vs Portland Adventist Academy 7 p.m. Silverton vs West Salem Boys Basketball 7:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Portland Adventist Academy Saturday, Dec. 10 Boys Basketball 5 p.m. Silverton vs Springfield Tuesday, Dec. 13 Boys Basketball TBD Silverton vs Woodburn Wednesday, Dec. 14 Boys Basketball 7:30 p.m. Kennedy vs […]
Suddenly, we were 18 again. It was as though H.G. Wells had swooped us up in a time machine and transported us to a town just outside of Philadelphia in 1971. Though the mustaches and bald spots were plentiful and the gaits a bit slower, the room filled with members of the Conestoga High School […]
By James Day Jason Freilinger, a 10-year city council veteran, has been elected Silverton mayor. Freilinger will replace Kyle Palmer, who has served as both a councilor and mayor since 2004. Palmer chose not to seek reelection. Although results have not been certified, Freilinger leads with 56.88% of the vote to 43.12% for planning commissioner […]
By Stephen Floyd Incumbents were winning the elections for Mt. Angel City Council after an initial vote count, though it was a close race for third place on election night. As of Nov. 8 at 10 p.m., city councilors Matthew Donohue, Ray Eder and Tony Astorga were leading with 590, 564 and 377 votes, respectively, with three […]
By Stephen Floyd Voters in Scotts Mills have given Mayor Paul Brakeman a fourth term in office after he received an overwhelming majority of votes in the Nov. 8 election, according to initial results. As of 10 p.m. Nov. 8, Brakeman had received 89 votes, or 79.5 percent of those cast for mayor, compared to […]
By Stephen Floyd Incumbents had a clean sweep of open seats on the Scotts Mills City Council during the Nov. 8 general election, according to initial election results. As of 10 p.m. Nov. 8, city councilors Monika Martin, Casey Dean and Robin Fournier secured new terms with 91, 86 and 71 votes, respectively. Challenger Shawna […]
Mayor Paul Brakeman: 89 votes (79.46%)Jason Axness: 23 (20.54%) City Council (three seats open)Monika Martin: 91 votes (29.45%)Casey Dean: 86 votes (27.83%) Robin Fournier: 71 votes (22.98%) Shawna Kelly: 61 votes (19.74%) Vote to be certified Dec. 6, 2022
24-465 Prohibits Psilocybin Manufacturing / Service Centers in Unincorporated Marion County YES: 52,279 (58.20%) NO: 37,550 (41.80%) 24-473 Five-Year Operating Levy for Silverton Swimming Pool Operation/Maintenance YES: 2,388 (66.61%) NO: 1,197 (33.39%)
By James Day Mother Nature has thrown a wrench into the city of Silverton’s ongoing project to replace its intake structure and water pumps on Silver Creek. Recent heavy rains leading to increased creek flows have damaged the portable dam that was erected to protect the work site. City officials briefed the City Council on […]
By Melissa Wagoner The doors of the Silverton Senior Center’s ReVamp Thrift Boutique, located on High Street in downtown, closed on Oct. 3 so that the space could receive a much-needed health and safety overhaul. “We’re revamping the ReVamp,” Executive Director, Dodie Brockamp, confirmed. “It’s a pivoting time.” Opened in July 2013 as a place for downsizing seniors to donate […]
The annual Silverton Christmas Market is quickly approaching and tickets are on sale now. Returning this holiday season with more lights (over a million), a longer walking path and a larger vendor market. The Oregon Garden Resort, hosts the Silverton Christmas Market which starts Friday, Nov. 25 and runs through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24 […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Scotts Mills Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Community Club (PTCC) heard that the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce needed help staffing their annual Oktoberfest booth and that they were willing to share proceeds with any organization that volunteered, they jumped at the chance. “Katie Sommer, PTCC president, volunteered to head this up […]
By Melissa Wagoner Most people are familiar with the term, “Black Friday,” in reference to the day after Thanksgiving – traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. But in 2010 a new phrase was coined, “Small Business Saturday,” as a way of encouraging consumers to shop locally during the holiday season. And this year, […]
Regina Kleinschmit passed away peacefully on her late husband Ralph’s birthday, Oct. 23, 2022. Regina was born on June 23, 1926 in Mount Angel, Oregon to Ed and Mayme (Long) Hoffer. Regina was one of six children in the Hoffer family. Regina lived her entire life in Mount Angel, she attended Mount Angel schools and graduated from Mount Angel […]
Loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, Virginia Lee Stevens, was born in Coos Bay, Oregon and raised in Empire with her two siblings, Richard Kent and Betty Lorsung. After meeting Delbert Stevens at a Coos Bay skating rink, they were happily married for 56 years. In 1977 they bought the Silverton A&W Restaurant. In 1986 […]
On Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, E. Leon “Moose” Morgan, loving husband, uncle, life-long die-hard N.Y. Yankees fan, and cat-dad, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 73. Moose was born on Dec. 21, 1948 in Tacoma, Washington to Norman and Elna Morgan. The family later relocated to Milwaukie, Oregon and he graduated from […]
Nick Albert Ebner, 67, passed away suddenly Oct. 31, 2022. He was born in Silverton, Oregon on Dec. 25, 1954 to Irene (Eder) and Patrick Joseph Ebner. He leaves behind his wife, Ruth GrosJacques Ebner; brother, Ron (Diane) Ebner; sisters, Darlene (Harvey) Atkison and Judy (Joe) Smith; step-sons, Jared (Jenna) Powell and Jacob (Alyssa) Powell; […]
James (Jim) Arvid Loftis was born in Portland, Oregon on Oct. 4, 1939 to Cristina Pearl Adams and James Pierce Loftis. He passed away Oct. 26, 2022. He was married to Loretta Roraback. They had two children, George and Shawn. After separating from Loretta, Jim married Mary Jean Johnson, with whom he lived happily until […]
Vicki Lowery was born in Apple Valley, California to Jim and Geneva Thomas. They lived in Big Bear Lake, California until moving to Silverton, Oregon in 1974. She graduated from Silverton High School, class of 1981. She was Mom to Michelle (Charlie) Rodriguez and Emily (Logan) Williamson, but her favorite role was Grandma to Ayasha, […]
Susan Bielenberg wrote to Our Town expressing her concern about the October 2022 cover photo (Vol. 19 No. 19) featuring my painting of Margaret Sanger, one of the women represented in my October exhibit at Lunaria Gallery, “Portraits of Inspiring Women in the Classical Style.” I’m very glad Susan wrote. She is correct to object […]
Silverton earned 17 spots on the all-Mid-Willamette Conference football teams as selected by league coaches. The Foxes were playing Wilsonville in the Class 5A quarterfinals on Friday after the Our Town presstime. Top honors went to Jackson Pfeifer, offensive player of the year, and Xavier Orozco, defensive lineman of the year. Pfeifer was on the […]
On a number of occasions acknowledgment has been given to “Firsts.” The first Black Supreme Court justice, the first Black QB in the NFL, the first Black president. While many have celebrated these firsts, others have condemned these as “making things about a race.” My position is that these firsts are cause for celebration; an […]
By James Day Ten-year Silverton City Council member Jason Freilinger appears to be on his way to being elected the town’s mayor. Freilinger, a financial services officer and this term’s council president, was leading corporate executive Morry Jones by nearly 450 votes, according to unofficial results released Tuesday night by Marion County. Freilinger had 1,896 […]
By James Day Former Silverton Police Chief and Mayor Rick Lewis was re-elected in House District 18, according to early unofficial returns from the Secretary of State’s Office. Lewis was appointed to the position in 2017 when Rep. Vic Gilliam resigned because of ill health. He has previously been elected in 2018 and 2020 to […]
By James Day Measures intending to limit the business of psychedelic mushrooms received strong support from voters in early unofficial returns in both Marion and Linn counties on Tuesday. Anti-psilocybin measures were on the ballot in unincorporated portions of Marion and Linn as well as the towns of Stayton, Gates, Lyons, Mill City, Aumsville and […]
By James Day Silverton’s two mayoral candidates and six of the seven City Council hopefuls took part in a two-hour public forum on Oct. 18 at the Palace Theater. The event was hosted by the Silverton Discourse Project, with Our Town reporter Stephen Floyd serving as the moderator. Approximately 100 residents attended, some munching popcorn […]
By James Day The Silverton City Council has signed off on a plan that will put four pallet shelters and a warming facility at the city’s Public Works compound. Councilors voted unanimously at an Oct. 17 work session to approve a ten-year lease agreement with Sheltering Silverton. Using $250,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act […]
By Melissa Wagoner There is no symbol in Silverton’s history more iconic than that of the “Old Oak Tree,” a meeting place initially for the Native tribes of the Molalla and Santiam area and eventually for the white homesteaders who settled here. “The old oak, as everybody called it, was a stately giant, and the […]
Jason Freilinger is, without a doubt, my choice to be Silverton’s next mayor. As well as being part of the downtown business community and multiple service groups, Jason has been actively serving on city committees, task forces, planning commission and council for more than a decade. He’s been a humble, thoughtful voice on a variety […]
Our Town Editor, If you weren’t aware, the cover of your Oct. 1, 2022 Our Town features a painting of Margaret Sanger, who is a racist and in favor of eugenics. She is the founder of Planned Parenthood. A large Planned Parenthood clinic even removed Margaret Sanger’s name from their clinic title, due to her racist […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St.. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats […]
By Stephen Floyd Neither people nor animals were harmed after a barn caught fire at a mink farm in Mount Angel on Oct. 21. The four-alarm fire was called in around 5:20 p.m. at Ruef Fur Ranch, and first responders came upon a tall column of smoke and a barn fully involved in flames. Though […]
By Melissa Wagoner When 11-year-old Girl Scout Moira MacDonald learned that the Scotts Mills Grange was interested in the addition of a Little Free Library she felt called to action. “We went on a website and looked at starter kits,” Moira said, recalling that, while she and her mother, Meredith, had initially looked into either […]
By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) has agreed to pay $57,500 to settle a legal dispute with former Band Director Frank Petrik after his teaching contract was terminated in August for alleged insubordination. On Oct. 24, the district board unanimously approved a settlement agreement between SFSD, Petrik and the Silver Falls Education […]
The Marion County 4-H ThinkRobots Club is seeking new members. The club, which features largely Silverton-area students, is open to those nine to 18. Club meetings are held in Molalla on Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Competitions begin in November and typically occur from 8 a.m. […]
Lunaria Gallery presents its November show, “New Work: Still Lifes” by member Margo McCafferty. “Most of the works in this show were created using the indirect method, beginning with an India ink grisaille underpainting followed by scumbles and glazes of oil paint,” said McCafferty. Upstairs’ Loft Gallery brings “Hello Winter” featuring gifts created by Lunaria’s […]
June Ledgerwood joined her beloved husband and daughters Oct. 13, 2022, surrounded by family who loved her dearly. June was born May 12, 1927, to Lyle and Eleanor Applegate of Rawlins, Wyoming. June and her younger sister, Edith, were raised by their mother and stepfather, Roy Bird, and were joined by three younger siblings. June […]
Barbara Louise Bochsler, age 90, of Mount Angel, Oregon passed away on Oct. 12, 2022 surrounded by her children. She married Joe Bochsler and they raised five children on their family farm. Barb served her church and community well. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe and survived by her sister Charlotte McClow; […]
Mark Burnett left this life on Sept. 21, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Chris Burnett; sisters, Diane Burnett (Pagosa Springs, Colorado) and Terry Appelt (Auburn, Illinois); brother, Mike Burnett (Springfield, Illinois); and nephews, Dayton Burnett (Springfield, Illinois), Blayne Burnett (Denver, Colorado) and Chance Burnett (Springfield, Illinois); and his beloved dog, Bluzee. Mark was a gifted entrepreneur from […]
This fall was one of change for Silverton High athletics. Gone were athletic director James Rise, football coach Josh Craig and volleyball coach Kate O’Connor, with Gary Cameron, the girls soccer coach, stepping back to an assistant’s role. As we approach the end of the regular season the results are in, and they are very […]
I’m not a fan of most holidays. I know what you’re thinking – this guy’s crazy. Who wouldn’t appreciate time off work to spend with loved ones? But hear me out. By and large, holidays are stress-inducing budget busters, and the reasons behind them often get lost in clouds of fireworks and barbecue smoke. […]
By Stephen Floyd Teachers in the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) are currently working under last year’s expired contract as labor negotiations drag on in the shadows of high inflation, housing costs and COVID-19 burnout. Negotiations began in April, and teachers with the Silver Falls Education Association (SFEA) started the school year with nine of […]
By James Day Silverton will have a new mayor come January, but the town still will be led by a Silverton native. Outgoing mayor Kyle Palmer, who has served in the position since 2017, is a lifelong resident, as are the two individuals running to replace him, Morry Jones and Jason Freilinger. Jones is a […]
A second election forum for Silverton candidates will be held Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the Palace Theatre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the audience-question driven forum organized by the Silverton Discourse Project getting underway at 6 p.m. Concessions will be for sale. On hand will be mayoral candidates Jason Freilinger and Morry Jones. Six […]
By James Day There will be a distinct changing of the guard for the Silverton City Council come next term. That’s because there will be three and perhaps four new councilors when the session begins in January. Incumbent councilors Jim Sears, Dana Smith and Crystal Neideigh all chose not to seek re-election to new four-year […]
By James Day Two major developments are proceeding in Silverton, with perhaps as many as 110 new homes coming on line in the next few years. Two model homes already have been constructed for the West End Gateway development at the edge of the Silverton city limits just before the Silver Spur RV Park. Larry […]
By Melissa Wagoner Nine grants totaling almost $44,000 were approved Oct. 3 when the Silverton City Council accepted the recommendations of the Silverton Tourism Promotion Committee. Awards ranged from familiar community events such as First Friday, the Sidewalk Shindig and Silverton Arts Festival, to brew-based entries like the Homer Invitational Brewfest and the Fox Foundation […]
By Melissa Wagoner Witches young and old met at dusk on Friday, Oct. 7 at the Silverton Reservoir and held the inaugural Silverton Witch Paddle. Taking to the water rather than the skies on all manner of crafts, from stand-up paddle boards to kayaks, an estimated 30 witch-garbed enthusiasts celebrated the season with camaraderie the […]
By James Day Silverton has held four public outreach meetings on downtown parking issues. The problem is simple: new development in the downtown area has led to parking challenges, for both business customers and their employees. A possible fix lies just north of downtown where the city is building a new $19 million civic center […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Dr. Tim Richardson was in dental school at the University of Washington, he had a dream of becoming a traveling dentist. During the summer of 2006, he flew to Kenya with a Washington-based nonprofit to find out just how to make his dreams come true. “I stayed in a little volunteer […]
A group of nine Silverton firefighters participated in the annual Portland Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 25, at the US Bancorp Tower. Silverton had the largest participation among all competing agencies, said Joe Boyd, executive director of the event. The climb began in 2009 but did not take place in 2020 and 2021 because […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Silverton-based nurse Holly Perez received a call from the Maps Community Foundation informing her she had just been chosen a Community Award recipient for 2022, she was caught off guard. “My daughter Sofia nominated me,” Perez said. “I was not aware of this; therefore, it was quite a surprise.” It was a […]
“Dynamic Dawn,” a dear best friend, died suddenly at the age of 64, due to unknown natural causes. A great teacher, her compassion for conservation was ardent. She was an avid volunteer, and she worked diligently to make earth a better place. “Volunteering is finding out where our heart belongs” was one of her favorite […]
Ernest Carl Kimlinger was born on May 6, 1936, in Silverton, Oregon to Norbert and Veronica Terhaar Kimlinger. Except for his service in the U.S. Navy, Ernest lived most of his life in the Mount Angel and Woodburn areas where he raised a variety of berries. Ernest was loved by many and will be missed […]
By Melissa Wagoner The Silverton Friends of Music’s Children’s Choir is finally back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. “We felt it was finally time,” board president Sarah Weitzman said. “And we wanted to roll it out at the beginning of the school year.” Opening for enrollment in early September, tryouts for […]
Fifty years. That’s a long time to be out on torn up fields trying to teach kids about football. But that’s what Don von Weller (Silverton High Class of 1969) has been doing since 1973 when he was asked to coach fifth-graders. And von Weller, 71, a graduate of Western Oregon University (then-Oregon College of […]
Last winter my middle daughter turned 11 and friends and family took turns congratulating her, making comments about how much she’s growing up and what a lovely human she’s become. Then, one week later, my oldest daughter turned 13 and things got a little weird. There were still a lot of well-wishes and congratulations but […]
By Stephen Floyd Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Mount Angel City Council, with an even split between incumbents and newcomers. As of the Aug. 30 filing deadline, councilors Ray Eder, Tony Astorga and Matthew Donohue had filed for new terms, while challengers Mary Franklin, Justin Roney and Joseph Pfau were vying […]
By Stephen Floyd When late Mount Angel Mayor Don Fleck died suddenly in June, City Councilor Pete Wall was prepared to temporarily take up the mantle. As president of the City Council, he became acting mayor, but told fellow officials he would not seek election if appointed to fill the remainder of Fleck’s term, and […]
By Stephen Floyd Two political newcomers have joined races for mayor and City Council in Scotts Mills, leading to a contested election in a city that sometimes struggles to fill the ballot with candidates. Incumbent Mayor Paul Brakeman and councilors Robin Fournier, Casey Dean and Monika Martin have filed for new terms and are joined […]
By James Day A 1.7-acre parcel in the hills off of Edison Heights Road will become part of Silverton. The Silverton City Council voted at its Sept. 12 meeting to accept an annexation request from the property owners, Al and Sheila Skomial, who sought the annexation because of a failing well, which does not deliver […]
By Brenna Wiegand A string of past Our Town stories reflect the flurry of activity encircling the old wading pool in Silverton’s Coolidge McClaine Park. It all started in 2014 when Silverton participants in that year’s Ford Family Foundation Leadership program chose to beautify the wading pool/fountain in Coolidge McClaine as its public service project. […]
By Brenna Wiegand Sequestered on the outskirts of a town known for its murals is a hidden gem of magnificent proportion. Prior to moving to Silverton in 2013, Elizabeth Schellberg and husband Gary Watkins lived in Portland, she a CPA and he an Intel engineer. “I had an artist come and paint a mural on […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St.. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St. […]
By Melissa Wagoner Every month Lunaria – a cooperative fine art gallery established in downtown Silverton in 1995 – celebrates one or more of its 24 members through a gallery show that kicks off with a First Friday gala event. “These gala events provide the public an opportunity to view a wider selection of the […]
There will be something for the body and something for the soul when the community gathers to Share the Harvest Sunday, Oct. 23. More than just a soup-and-bread dinner that benefits local youth, the event includes live music and a silent auction featuring hand-turned pottery. Immanuel Lutheran Church is the setting, 303 N. Church St., […]
By James Day Native Silvertonian Norm English has published a new novel about his hometown and will be on hand to discuss it at a pair of book signings. Fireflies to Butterflies is English’s third book, and he describes it as historic fiction. “The main character is fictional, but the story incorporates interactions with some […]
Silverton Mayor Kyle Palmer is reviving the Mayors Ball fundraiser on Oct. 22. It is believed that this will be the first time the event has been held in a decade. The Portland-based oldies band Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts, long-time musical performers for the ball, will be on hand for the show, which runs […]
By James Day The Elizabeth Ashley Hoke Memorial Trust, which has been active in a wide variety of causes since its founding in 2017, has added the programs of Silverton Together to its portfolio. Activities that Silverton Together was engaged in include a school supplies program, coats for kids, a holiday program and a reading […]
By Melissa Wagoner Mount Angel’s Oktoberfest may seem like just a rollicking good time – and it is – but it’s also a massive fundraiser for churches, schools and service groups throughout the region. Since its inception the festival has contributed over $3.5 million to local causes. That number doesn’t even take into account the […]
Kerry Marie Richards 65, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 13, 2022. She was born Aug. 20, 1956 in Tigard, Oregon. She was the daughter of William E. and Martha Jane Swift. Kerry graduated Tigard High School, class of 1974. She went on to Oregon State University and graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting/ Videography and minored in Geology. Kerry moved to […]
Dennis Robert Morford, 71, of Scotts Mills, Oregon died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2022, peacefully in his home. Dennis was born in Portland, Oregon July 17, 1951, to Sylvia and Robert Morford. He was raised by his mother Sylvia and stepfather, John Demezas, along with his father Robert Morford. Dennis lived in Silverton, Oregon before moving […]
By James Day Silverton High took over sole possession of first place in the Mid-Willamette Conference on a wild Friday night of football in the valley. The Foxes rallied from a 2-touchdown deficit to take out South Albany 39-35 in the home opener at McGinnis Field. Silverton, 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the MWC, scored […]
The Silverton High girls volleyball squad scored one of the biggest wins in recent program history on Sept. 20, taking down defending Class 5A champion West Albany by a 3-1 score. The win by the visiting Foxes in their first year under coach Reilly Rosecrans, moved Silverton to No. 2 in the Class 5A rankings […]
Monday, Oct. 3 Girls Soccer 4:15 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian Volleyball 5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Willamina Tuesday, Oct. 4 Boys Soccer 7 p.m. Silverton vs Central Wednesday, Oct. 5 Volleyball 5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Chemawa Thursday, Oct. 6 Boys Soccer 7 p.m. Silverton vs South Albany Friday, Oct. 7 Boys Soccer 4:15 p.m. Kennedy […]
We’re going to hire a new CEO for the state of Oregon next month, and the sparks are flying, as independent and former state Sen. Betsy Johnson has the Democratic candidate, former Speaker of the House Tina Kotek in attack mode. Apparently, Kotek’s getting nervous. Meanwhile, the Republican candidate, former House minority leader Christine Drazan, […]
By James Day The Silverton Chamber of Commerce is hosting an election forum on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the Oregon Garden. The noon luncheon event ($15 for chamber members and $20 for non-members) will take place at the education building, which is just across from the visitor center entry gate. Go to https://business.silvertonchamber.org/events/details/silverton-candidate-forum-20009 to register. […]
By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District is getting closer to another facilities improvement bond measure after previous attempts to fund deferred maintenance and building upgrades were rejected. On Aug. 22, the School Board approved formation of a Bond Advisory Committee to explore potential scope and scale of a bond measure. The committee, made […]
By James Day A Silverton Habitat for Humanity project has received a $30,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF). The award was part of $8.7 million in grants to 371 nonprofits that the foundation announced last month. North Willamette Valley Habitat For Humanity will use the funds to help hire a project manager for […]
The city of Silverton is accepting bids for lights that will be added to the skatepark. A total of $30,000 in urban renewal funds are available for the project, said Bart Stepp, city engineer. He added that the city hopes to complete the work before the end of 2022. Four lights will be installed at […]
By Stephen Floyd Longtime Oktoberfest board member Dave Kohler has retired from his post after 49 years with the event, though he is expected to remain a familiar face. Kohler spent 25 years on the board, in addition to 15 years volunteering for Oktoberfest directly and another nine supporting the event through the Letterman Club […]
The 57th annual Oktoberfest in Mount Angel runs Sept. 15 – 18, and event organizers are promising a festival celebrating “The Joy of Being Together.” The festival welcomes back musical friends from Germany, Donaumusikanten. Band members travel from Bavaria. Donaumusikanten is known for traditional Bavarian folk music as well as modern rock songs. After two […]
By Melissa Wagoner There’s a special section in the Silver Falls Library that not many people know about. It’s called the Guest Author section and it’s full of serious writers who, despite their age, are given a chance at having their books displayed on the shelf for any and all to check out. Partially inspired […]
By James Day When famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright was working on his Usonian house design, one of the goals was to integrate as much as possible the outdoor spaces and the home’s interior. The Gordon House, the lone Wright-designed home in Oregon, has received nearly $30,000 in grant funds to help upgrade the landscape […]
By Brenna Wiegand Kimberly Shaw began painting individual greeting cards for friends as a labor of love and a satisfying counterpart to her work as an architectural draftswoman in Southern California. She’d been with the firm for 17 years when she quit her job and grew her card business into a national concern that supported […]
By Stephen Floyd When The Silverton Appeal was established in 1880, the city was barely older than the paper’s founder, 25-year-old Henry Guild. The Appeal outlasted numerous competitors during its early decades and survived two world wars, the Great Depression, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, and the advent of the internet. But […]
Bert Warren Kleiner, 93, passed over peacefully on May 30 surrounded by family members in Mount Angel, Oregon, where his wife Sonia said, “Bert has gone home to be with the Lord.” He was born on Oct. 4, 1928 in Portland, Oregon, to parents who had immigrated from Europe – a German father and a Finnish mother. They […]
Freda Lavon Zitzelberger was passed away Aug. 25, 2022. She was born in Salem, Oregon to Leonard and Bonnie Bradbury on July 21, 1947. Freda lived in Oregon her whole life, working in Salem, before marrying Allen Zitzelberger on April 15, 1972. Freda’s life consisted of being a loving mother, grandmother, hobbies and farming. Freda and Allen […]
Leo Joseph Ilg passed away peacefully in his home on Aug. 21, 2022 surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephew. Leo was born on March 8, 1935 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Xavier and Josephine Ilg. He spent his first years of life growing up with his twin brother, George John Ilg, in Lincoln […]
Janet Louise Foster was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Oct. 4, 1956. Her family moved to Silverton, Oregon in 1970. Janet graduated from Silverton High School in 1974 and soon after married her high school sweetheart. Janet was a homemaker for more than ten years and then graduated from George Fox University in 1994 with a Master’s Degree in Language […]
Following a two-year hiatus due to COVID precautions, the annual Sister Marilyn Schwab Memorial Lecture returns Sept. 27, 6 p.m. It will be held in Agatha Hall at Queen of Angels Monastery, 840 S Main St., Mt. Angel. This year’s presentation is geared to aid families dealing with a loved one’s dementia. This is the […]
Lunaria Main Floor Gallery presents the shows, Days Passing Like a Shadow, by Lunaria member Deborah Unger and Portraits of Inspiring Women in Classic Style: Part One by Lunaria member Anne Shams Oct. 5 – 31. Opening Reception is Oct. 7, 7 – 9 p.m. at the gallery, 113 N. Water St., Silverton. There also […]
By Melissa Wagoner This summer, thanks to a Youth Wage Grant from the Willamette Workforce Partnership, three teenaged interns joined the Silver Falls Library team, reshelving books, compiling packets for the Summer Reading Program and helping on the library floor. “We really loved it and the kids really loved it,” Dena Chaffin, a Youth Services […]
The Queen of Angels Monastery will host “Engaged Spirituality: East and West, Meditating with Thich Nhat Hanh and Thomas Merton” presented by Peggy Lindquist and Terry Moe, Sept. 24. On May 28, 1966 two monks from separate corners of the world met. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist Zen Master in the Order of Interbeing, on […]
It’s only a week or so into the fall sports season and we’re already dredging up the Silverton record books for information. That’s because senior Jackson Pfeifer of the Foxes scored five touchdowns in the team’s 40-29 opening-night football win at Dallas on Sept. 2. Pfeifer scored on a 7-yard run, a 3-yard run, a […]
He loves unconditionally. He grazes incessantly. What is his is his, and what is yours is his. He can eat a full meal yet want your tuna sandwich immediately after scarfing down a bowl of yummy food. When he puts his head on your knee, crushing the sports page you are about to dive into, […]
By James Day Silverton Police Chief Jim Angelmier, the reporter and City Manager Ron Chandler were lined up against the wall of a classroom wing at Silverton High School. In front of them a heavily armed active shooting suspect held a gun on a student hostage, played by a mannequin. A bell rang, eerily realistic […]
By James Day Safety Compass, the Silverton-based nonprofit that works to support survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, has received a $20,000 grant to help continue its work. The Oregon Community Foundation grant, announced Aug. 9, was part of a series of awards to 371 nonprofits totaling $8.7 million. The foundation gave top […]
By Stephen Floyd The Band Director of the Silver Falls School District has been fired for allegedly defying district leadership, though few details of what transpired have been made public. During a special meeting of the School Board on Aug. 9, the contract of Frank Petrik was terminated on the grounds of insubordination and neglect […]
The party before the party – Oktoberfest Kickoff – will be held at the Mt. Angel Festhalle and Biergarten Sept. 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and at 7 p.m. the Gervais Knights of Columbus will serve a barbeque chicken dinner for all ticket holders. The $40 ticket includes dinner, beverages (beer, wine, cider and […]
EVITCEPSORTER, a retrospective show by Ann Altman will be on exhibit at Lunaria Gallery now through Oct. 3. Altman will show her artwork done in oil pastels, acrylic, oil, watercolor and colored pencil, along with various printmaking techniques and her most recent work in ceramics. She was one of the founding members of Lunaria. The […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St.. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., […]
By Melissa Wagoner When it came time to decide where Yanliang Zhu and his business partner, Boyi Qiu, would open their first full-service sushi restaurant, coined Akatsuki Sushi Bar, Silverton seemed an obvious choice. Zhu’s most recent venture was a takeout sushi business located in Madras Oregon. City chosen, the partners began looking for a […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Brianna Hupp took a childbirth education class from a nurse, Janet Smith, shortly before the birth of her daughter in 2016, she had no way of knowing just how impactful that meeting would turn out to be. “Postpartum was nothing like I planned,” Hupp began. “I’m a nurse also and I […]
E. Eunice Hansen was born on the morning of May 25, 1924 in Silverton and was greeted by her parents, Silas and Emma Torvend, and her two brothers and one sister. She lived happily on the family farm which was located on what is now Torvend Road. She attended Bethany School, graduated from Silverton High […]
Carl E. Dahlberg died at Silverton Hospital on July 30, 2022 due to extended health complications. He was born in Silverton on Jan. 17, 1955 to Wilmer and Edna Dahlberg. He was the youngest of six children. He loved bowling, hunting, playing music and being with his family and friends. He and Nadine Holden had […]
The family of Gilda Amber Farrell invite all who knew her to join in their remembrance of her wonderful life on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 1410 Pine St., Silverton. There will be a luncheon directly following at Mill Town Pub (Countryman’s) at 1405 Mill St., Silverton. Gilda was loved […]
Carol Jean Blakely of Silverton, Oregon passed away on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at the age of 76. A private internment will take place at a later date in the Willamette National Cemetery. Carol was born on June 10, 1946, in Medford Oregon, to D.A. Parker and Kathleen O’Neal Parker. As a child, she lived in Newellton Louisiana, until her family moved back […]
A group of Mount Angel-based 3rd- and 4th-graders have brought back a Junior Baseball Organization state title. The team, coached by Nathan Pratt, won four consecutive games in the July 15-17 minor American event in Lebanon and outscored opponents 52-10. The team downed a team from Stayton 17-0 in four innings in the championship game. […]
Thursday, Sept. 1 Girls Soccer TBD Silverton vs Springfield Boys Soccer 5 p.m. Kennedy vs Willamette Valley Christian Volleyball 5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Nestucca Friday, Sept. 2 Football 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Stanfield Tuesday, Sept. 6 Volleyball 6 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn Girls Soccer 7 p.m. Silverton vs Thurston Wednesday, Sept. 7 Boys soccer 4:15 […]
When he was 12, my brother Paul had a knack for comedy. He could do a spot-on impersonation of Andy Griffith, who got his start in show business as a stand-up comedian before starring on television in The Andy Griffith Show. We lived in a house trailer in Bossier City, Louisiana – my dad was […]
By James Day The emerald ash borer (EAB), a forest pest that has been targeting ash trees in the United States since 2002, has been found in Oregon. An infestation discovered June 30 in Forest Grove means that concerns of state and local officials about the ash borer’s impact on urban forests, wetlands and streams […]
The Brush Creek Players is an all-volunteer theater group working together to present quality plays to the greater Silverton, Salem and Mount Angel communities. It is a nonprofit organization that offers a wide variety of productions, including well-known plays, original works, teen/young adult and children/youth shows. This one room schoolhouse theater has been cared for and […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Deanna Perkins opened Serenity Home and Spa Shoppe in downtown Silverton in August 2020, she knew exactly how she wanted each customer to experience her store. “When I worked at spas, the moment people opened the door they would relax,” the seasoned spa manager said, describing the way the sights, sounds […]
By Melissa Wagoner When it comes to keeping invasive pests from spreading, Beth Myers-Shenai – a specialist in Noxious Weed Control for the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) – knows observation is key. So, when it came time to design a method for keeping the incredibly invasive spotted lanternfly, a destructive insect currently spreading throughout […]
Silverton High has filled in its final coaching and administrative gaps for the fall sports season. Andy Jones is the new athletic director/assistant vice principal, with Renee Cantrell taking over the girls soccer program and Reilly Rosecrans now running Foxes volleyball. Here is a look at the new staffers: Jones, who replaces James Rise, now […]
By James Day Street trees and landscaping will be added to the skate park on Main Street to help buffer the popular recreation site from the rest of the neighborhood. At its Aug. 5 meeting the City Council agreed to plant seven trees and other landscaping in the planter strip on the skate park side […]
By James Day The flurry of construction activity continues on the $19 million Silverton civic center project that is a year away from completion. Community Development Director Jason Gottgetreu, the project manager for the facility, said that “we are looking at an Aug. 22, 2023 substantial completion date, which is about three weeks later than […]
Bert Warren Kleiner, 93, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2022 surrounded by family members in Mount Angel, Oregon. He was born on Oct. 4, 1928 in Portland, Oregon, to parents who had immigrated from Europe – a German father and a Finnish mother. They relocated to Klamath Falls, Oregon, when Bert was a young […]
Roy Eldon Johnson (Eldon as he preferred to be called) passed away on Aug. 4, 2022 after an extended illness. He died surrounded by family and friends in Silverton. Eldon was born in Eureka, California to Gunnar and Mayme Johnson. He graduated from Eureka Senior High School and worked most of his life in the lumber […]
Jim Rue, resident of Silverton, Oregon, died early in the morning of July 19. Jim had just retired from his 11-year position as Director of the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development where he was responsible for the adoption and regulation of rules for Oregon’s singular landuse program. His great pride was the recent passage of the Climate-Friendly Equitable Communities […]
After living a full life of 96 years, Mildred Marcheta Hicks has now joined her husband in heaven. She was born in Coos Bay, Oregon, on Nov. 3, 1925, and died in Tacoma, Washington on May 14, 2022. Marcheta, as she was known by her friends, was named after an old Mexican love song. Born into a Scandinavian family […]
I secretly wished that Olivia Newton-John was singing her mega-hit, I Honestly Love You to me when it was released in 1974. Stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas, I found her breathy rendition of that song made me even more enamored with her. Certainly at least 50 million young and old men […]
Incumbents for two out of the three Mt. Angel City Council seats on the Nov. 8 ballot have confirmed their intent to run for re-election. Councilor Tony Astorga confirmed to Our Town he will be running, while Councilor Matthew Donohue has filed his candidate paperwork with the city. Councilor Ray Eder had not responded to […]
By James Day Silverton voters will once again be asked to decide on a local option tax levy to support the Silverton Community Swimming Pool. Voters first approved a ten-year obligation bond for major pool renovations and improvements in 2002. Since then voters have passed a pair of five-year local option property tax levies that […]
By James Day Six seats on the seven-person Marion Soil & Water Conservation District board will be up for grabs in the Nov. 8 election. The board consists of five directors who are elected by zone, with two at-large seats filling out the roster. Only Zone 4 director Dave Budeau is not on the ballot. […]
All current Scotts Mills City Council members are hoping to return for new terms next year, though Mayor Paul Brakeman has yet to publicly declare his candidacy. Councilors Robin Fournier, Casey Dean and Monika Martin confirmed to Our Town they plan to appear on the Nov. 8 ballot. Brakeman, who is about to conclude his […]
By Melissa Wagoner Something new is brewing at the Benedictine Brewery in Mount Angel – it’s Italian food, courtesy of Chef Ty Burgé, owner of the Mercy Mobile Kitchen food cart. “There’s something for everybody,” Burgé said of the menu – a mixture of paninis, pastas and flatbreads that he designed with the brewery’s patrons […]
By Melissa Wagoner On the day Kriston Norris and Rebecca Ortega met at Silverton Indoor Park in 2003 they never could have imagined what their friendship – or the friendships of their four-year-old sons, Noah and Carson – would come to mean. “We’ve walked the same path,” Ortega – whose son, Carson, was diagnosed with […]
By Melissa Wagoner Gus Frederick has always been interested in the art of cartooning. But in 1972, he’d never heard of the famous political cartoonist Homer Davenport, let alone seen any of his art. It wasn’t until a shift at the local cannery, where he met several other cartoon fanatics, that he learned a famous […]
Since it’s first Homer Davenport Community Festival Parade, Silverton People For Peace (SPFP) has worked to make its entry inclusive to all sharing a message of peace. For almost 20 years, military veterans for peace, a national reconciliation chapter, belly dancers, drummers and children tossing out candy have been among those walking behind SPFP’s banner […]
By Melissa Wagoner The Scotts Mills Area Historical Society and the Scotts Mills Grange are joining forces this summer in the creation of a new event celebrating the past, present and future of their organizations and of the Scotts Mills Community as a whole. “Scotts Mills Founders to Future Generations Weekend is about joining together […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Gabriel and John Berukoff’s construction business slowed down in 2007, the brothers weren’t sure what their next step would be. “We were thinking we might get into making cabinets,” Gabriel recalled. But then their sister, a fiber arts hobbyist who processed, spun and dyed her own yarn, came to them with […]
By Brenna Wiegand Area Director Jenifer Ridgeway is happy to report that the Silver Falls Young Life program is still going strong after 25 years and has continued to grow despite the setbacks of COVID. Silver Falls Young Life is open to all middle school and high school students in Silverton and the surrounding area. […]
By James Day “What a great day to be out playing baseball,” said Lou Tiller as he surveyed a clover-infested infield at a junior varsity field at Silverton High on a 70-degree July evening. The air was still, with the only breeze manufactured by maintenance crews dragging the all-dirt infields on the adjacent softball fields. […]
I sat down with new Silverton football coach Dan Lever the other day after a morning workout. The setting was informal. His two kids, Hudson and Jade, were on hand, with swimming lessons next on the family’s summer schedule. Lever, 36, who led Tualatin to the Class 6A championship game a year ago, takes over […]
By Stephen Floyd Deputies have found no criminal wrongdoing in their investigation of a fatal Newberg boat collision that injured a Silverton teen, with the case now under district attorney review. On July 25, Sgt. Sam Elliott, with the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed the investigation has concluded with no arrests or referral for charges, […]
Charles “Chuck” Walter of Silverton, Oregon passed away at his home on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at the age of 74. He was born Aug. 18, 1947 to Eddie and Helen (Schaffer) Walter in Fairbury, Illinois and was the seventh of 13 children. Chuck is survived by his dear wife, Karen, of 53 years; children: Katrina (Virgil) Knobloch of Bloomfield, Iowa; […]
Elizabeth (Beth) Fay Hoy died July 12, 2022, at her residence in Salem, Oregon surrounded by family. She courageously fought cancer for years. Beth was born in Silverton, Oregon to Robert and Juanita Mallorie on April 5, 1955. She attended Silverton schools along with Mt. Hood Community College and Central Washington University where she graduated with a […]
On June 15th, 2022 Dan passed away quietly and unexpectedly at home near Bend, Oregon where he had just moved to enjoy retirement. Dan was born January 26, 1960 in Lancaster, CA and as a child moved to Silverton in 1962. He graduated from Silverton Union High School in 1978. In May 2021, he retired […]
Just got back from Alaska. I hadn’t been in the Great White North for 27 years, and I was anxious to see how things had changed. As it turned out, not much. Alaska was, is and continues to be a whole different ball game. Not only is the weather unlike anything you’ll ever find in […]
By Brenna Wiegand In some ways more telling than tracked test results, the prevalence of COVID-19 in a community may be seen in its wastewater. Though Silverton has been taking samples and sending them to Oregon State University’s School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering twice a week for about a year, only lately have […]
By Brenna Wiegand When Silverton Hospital affiliated with Legacy Health six years ago, the health care company committed to making significant improvements toward optimizing the medical center’s ability to provide top-notch health care for Silverton and surrounds. “Part of that commitment was a pledge on the part of Legacy to invest $58 million into Silverton […]
By Stephen Floyd Mt. Angel Mayor Don Fleck is being remembered as an exemplary civil servant and a force within his community after his sudden passing June 26. Fleck, 68, died of natural causes at his home.He was laid to rest July 1 during a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery. At the memorial service held […]
The Scotts Mills office of mayor and three city council seats are on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot. Mayor is currently Paul Brakeman, who has served three, two-year terms. The council seats are currently held by Monika Martin, Casey Dean and Robin Fournier. Councilor terms are four years. Candidates have until Aug. 12 to […]
By James Day Silverton government will present a slightly different face in 2023. Mayor Kyle Palmer, a Silverton political fixture since 2004, is not running for re-election. Veteran councilor Jason Freilinger and local businessman Morry Jones have filed for the race to replace Palmer. Meanwhile, the six-person City Council will see at least one change […]
Mt. Angel Police Chief Mark Daniel has accepted the position of city manger after filling the role on an interim basis since last year. The City Council appointed Daniel June 6 and he will now act as both city manager and police chief, much as he has since previous City Manager Kevin Cronin departed in […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Garron and Rebekka Lamoreau moved to Panama in 2014 to teach at the country’s International School, they discovered something they never anticipated – plastic waste everywhere. “There’s plastic in every waterway and on every beach,” Garron recalled. “The canal is there and the ships just drop their garbage, these big freighters… […]
By Melissa Wagoner Whether your goal is to save the planet, save a little money, or perhaps a bit of both, conserving water can be a good place to start. “There are times when your pocket book is the only thing that matters,” Eric Hammond – a horticulturist and member of Sustainable Silverton, an organization […]
James “Hollywood” Hauth, Sr. was born to Catherine and Wendel Hauth on Sept. 28, 1937. He was the youngest of 11 children. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Fred Francis and Donald; as well as sisters, Marcella Diehl, Georgianna Hansen, Rose Sills, Mary Gore, Eleanor Whitworth and Marguerite Baune. He was also preceded in […]
Marvin Lee Hage, Sr., 82, of Silverton, Oregon passed away on June 3, 2022. Marvin was born to Roy and Zelma (McClure) Hage on May 20, 1940 in Silverton, where he grew up on the family farm. After graduating high school, he joined the US Marines. He was proud to be a marine and serve his country. […]
Born to Leonard Fleck and Betty Wolf on March 31, 1954, Donald Ray Fleck’s last call was in the early morning of June 26, 2022. He was the sole responder. It was “C” shift. He was raised in Mount Angel with four brothers and one sister. He excelled in school and sports. He met Nann Bernard their freshman year at […]
By Melissa Wagoner This spring the League of American Bicyclists ranked the state of Oregon as the second most bicycle friendly state in the nation – number one on the West Coast. But what do Willamette Valley cyclists think? A panel of avid cyclists from the Silverton and Mount Angel area weighed in. Laura […]
The high school football schedules for fall are taking shape, with Silverton High opening on Friday, Sept. 2, with a Mid-Willamette Conference game at Dallas. The Foxes, under new coach Dan Lever, will prep for the Dallas game with an Aug. 26 scrimmage at Sheldon of Eugene against both the host Irish and West Salem. […]
Students in the Silverton High chapter of Future Business Leaders of America participated June 28 through July 2 in a national competition in Chicago. Silverton sent 11 members to the event, which brought together nearly 15,000 participants from all 50 U.S. states and territories plus teams from Canada and China. The session marked the first […]
A friend of mine came to our class reunion last summer and handed me a column I had written sometime ago, dated July of 1980, 42 years ago. I started writing a column then called, “Rap-Up” for the Silverton Appeal. Scary, because it doesn’t seem that long ago. Writing a column is not for the […]
By James Day At Silver Falls State Park you can spend a lot of time looking down. Down the trail, down the canyon, down the creek and definitely, down at the waterfall. But what happens if you look up and keep looking up. There is a whole new world in the tree canopy, and now […]
Mt. Angel is set for an Independence Day of fun, farming and fireworks. The annual July 4 parade, sponsored by the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce, has a theme of “Heart of Farm Country” as the community honors the bountiful nearby farms full of hops, hazelnuts, berries, flowers, vegetables, wine grapes and more. The 11 […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Emily and Elijah Neves got engaged and began searching for a place to live in their hometown of Silverton, the prospects looked pretty grim. “We both really love this community,” Emily began. “So, we were looking everywhere but it was a month before we got married and I was freaking out […]
By Melissa Wagoner Oregon winters can be long, rainy and isolating for the parents of young children who aren’t yet in school. But for the last 18 years those months were made just a little bit easier thanks to Silverton Indoor Park – a cooperative organization providing a space for parents to network and kids […]
Candidate packets are now available for municipal positions in Silverton that will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. Voters will cast ballots for mayor, with Kyle Palmer already having announced he will not seek a new two-year term, and three councilor seats. The four-year Silverton City Council seats currently held by Dana Smith, Jim Sears […]
By Melissa Wagoner Silverton residents and beyond are invited to participate in the second annual Give Away Saturday taking place July 18, 9 a.m. to noon. Similar to a community-wide garage sale, the Give Away urges participants to purge those items that are no longer in use by giving them away to someone who needs […]
By James Day The Silverton City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, area business leaders and city staffers all agree that downtown faces parking challenges. June 20 folks got together via Zoom and began talking about solutions. ”This is a really hot issue right now,” said Stacy Palmer, executive director of the chamber. “There have been […]
By Stephen Floyd A Silverton apartment complex has admitted in court to overcharging one of its tenants and has agreed to pay thousands in damages, including eight months of overcharged rent. Pacific Crest Apartments LLC has offered to pay $3,455, in addition to reasonable attorney’s fees, to resolve a lawsuit filed by Gregory Marlowe for […]
Marion County has requested a court order imposing 11 months worth of daily fines against a Scotts Mills man accused of failing to remove multiple junk cars from his property. On June 15, the county requested an injunction authorizing fines of $1,000 per day against Adam Jones due to “multiple inoperable/dismantled vehicles” on Jones’ property […]
By Melissa Wagoner For Carly Blue there is nothing quite like experiencing a culture through its food, whether that’s olive oil-soaked hummus in Dubai, chili lime mangoes in Puerto Vallarta or an apple strudel in Salzburg. And now, with the creation of her home catering company, The Blue Pomegranate, she gets to share that feeling […]
By Melissa Wagoner When award-winning writer Jonathan Case was writing his latest graphic novel, Little Monarchs, he already knew its promotion would be different than just about any book he’d ever written. “It’s a road trip book,” Jonathan said. Referring to the premise of the novel, which follows ten-year-old protagonist, Elvie, and her biologist caregiver, […]
By Stephen Floyd Longtime Mt. Angel Fire District volunteer Don Seiler has earned a chance to sit out this coming fire season. The 36-year veteran and former assistant fire chief still supports fellow firefighters as an honorary member, but has officially retired from the district as of Feb. 5. “I miss going to the calls […]
By Brenna Wiegand Paul’la Allen used to accompany her husband Jack to the cemeteries where he conducted graveside services. Jack Allen, a mortician and owner of Pearson-Allen-Caldwell Funeral Home in Portland, traveled around to small community cemeteries where headstones go back hundreds of years. Paul’la and young daughter Julie were never bored on these trips. […]
Margaret Anne (Pursley) Shetler, 100, of Silverton, Oregon, died June 13, 2022. She was born March 18, 1922 in Oroville, Washington, to Courtney and Thelma Rae (Taylor) Pursley. She was the oldest of four: Myron, John, and Dorothy – all deceased. Her family migrated to where there was work, eventually settling in Salem, and then […]
Virginia Amelia Wolf Sessums, 82, of Silverton, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home with family at her side. Virginia was born in Bismarck, North Dakota to Jacob and Philomena Wolf. She was one 11 children (Clara, John, Mary, Cecelia, Gabe Agnes, Ruth, Bernie, Leon and Irene.) After a tornado destroyed their farm, they moved to […]
Silverton has selected replacements for its two open basketball positions, hiring Tyler Allen to coach the boys and Alyssa Ogle to lead the girls. Allen replaces Jamie McCarty, who led the Foxes to a runner-up finish in the Class 5A tournament in March. McCarty lost just one Mid-Willamette Conference game in his 5 years with […]
I live in a neighborhood populated by heroes. I’m not talking about Spandex-wearing, pumped-up guys and gals appearing soon at a multiplex near you. I am talking about everyday heroes. The kind of people who pulled their weight in life and as a part of society. They raised families, worked at jobs. They offered a […]
By Melissa Wagoner Food is necessary for the survival of all humans but that doesn’t mean access to it is always equitable. In fact, every month within Marion and Polk Counties more than 45,000 individuals – 15,000 of them children – rely on food assistance according to Marion Polk Food Share (MPFS), an organization of […]
By Melissa Wagoner When the Silver Falls Library District held a strategic planning session in the fall of 2021 Director Christy Davis discovered a need that had very little to do with books. “Quite a few people have reached out to me from the community – leaders and everyday citizens – expressing concern about the […]
By James Day A team of Silverton-area robotics whizzes has come back from a national event in Dallas, Texas, with a second-place trophy. The four youngsters from the Think Robots Club accumulated 148 points, which held up for most of the competition until the final team surpassed them by 2 points. Derek Schaefer, 11, of Butte […]
By James Day The Silverton High School career and technical education program has received a $125,000 shot in the arm. The CTE grant, one of 54 from the state, was part of $7.3 million that will assist 148 middle schools and high schools in programs such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, agricultural science, app development, robotics, […]
By Melissa Wagoner When the Willamette Career Academy (WCA) in Salem opened its doors in September 2021 it immediately began changing the lives of students, offering them the chance to earn, not only a diploma, but college credits, career prep, internship opportunities and job certifications as well. “Our kids come from 11 districts and three […]
By James Day Silverton’s favorite collie/shepherd mix, Bobbie the Wonder Dog, who traveled on his own more than 2,500 miles to rejoin his family in the 1920s, has been on the move again. And cloned. Silverton residents and his fans from out of town who were used to reading Bobbie’s story on the Water Street […]
By Brenna Wiegand Silverton Mural Society is getting a big shot in the arm through efforts led by local businessman Lance Kamstra. He would be quick to tell you it wasn’t him but God who orchestrated it all; he’s just remaining faithful. Every year the mural society has struggled for the funds needed to maintain […]
The Oregon Garden Resort has received TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for 2022. Voted on by guests, the award represents recognition in the top 10% of hotels. The resort, adjacent to The Oregon Garden, offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, the Moonstone Spa, locally inspired cuisine at the Garden View Restaurant and nightly […]
The Silverton High School athletic program, which has been searching to replace several departed coaches, now must also look to replace the head of the department. James Rise, who has served in the athletic director position for the past 4 years, has been announced as the new AD at Cascade High in Turner. He assumes […]
By James Day The Kennedy High baseball team took hold of this year’s Class 2A-1A tournament and ruled it from start to finish. The No. 2 Trojans finished a superb run to their second state title under coach Kevin Moffatt with an 11-1 win June 3 against top-ranked Umpqua Valley Christian at Volcanoes Stadium. Kennedy […]
Warren Calvin Levecke passed away on April 11, 2022 at the age of 97 in Mount Angel, Oregon. He was born October 17, 1924 in Warren, Oregon to Max Emil and Teckla Levecke. Warren had one brother, Theodore, and two sisters, Louise and Elise. All have passed on. His wife Audrey Havens Levecke preceded him […]
Tamara Lynn Anderson was born in Oceanside, California on Aug. 24, 1963. She passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Peace Hospice House, Saint Paul, Minnesota, March 8, 2022. She fought a rare and aggressive cancer for three years all while working and maintaining her positive attitude. When Tami was six the family moved to […]
Here are my thoughts on the recent Silver Falls school board decision to reject the proposed ban on concealed carry. They made the correct decision, albeit just barely. The school shootings epidemic deserves more than just a symbolic band aid. This needs to be treated like the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001, because this […]
By James Day The Silverton City Council is planning a discussion on the challenges of downtown parking. Councilors will review the problem as well as possible solutions at a June 20 work session that also will have action on the 2022-23 budget. Fueling the discussion was a survey conducted by the Silverton Chamber of Commerce […]
“Heart of Farm Country”, is the theme for this year’s 4th of July parade organized by the Mt Angel Chamber of Commerce. At 11 a.m. the parade begins at Kennedy High School on E. Marquam Street, then winds down Birch to Taylor to Garfield, finishing at the Weingarten building. Norm Zollner, will be the […]
Editor’s note: Dixon Bledsoe invited a guest columnist for this month. Silverton resident Joel Autry shares a story… When I embarked upon the side hustle of door dashing, I expected to bolster my own personal bottom line. It turns out there was so much more I would discover on this adventure! I discovered a plethora […]
By Stephen Floyd Two members of a policy committee for the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) have resigned in protest after the board rejected a proposed ban on concealed carry firearms amid confrontational discussions. Superintendent Policy Workgroup members Dawn Tacker and Melissa Seifer Briggs resigned May 23 following the board’s May 9 regular meeting, during […]
By Stephen Floyd The Mt. Angel School District (MASD) has closed a $1.2 million projected deficit in its budget for the coming school year without resorting to drastic cuts in staffing or programs. On May 16, the District Budget Committee approved a proposal that reduced the projected deficit to roughly $123,000, which can be covered […]
By Melissa Wagoner As Mayor Kyle Palmer reads through each year’s submissions to the annual, “If I Were Mayor…” contest, he is always surprised by the altruistic sentiments expressed by the contestants, ranging from fourth through eighth grade students. “You might think that a young person, here and there may say they would use this […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton.Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Bridge, 10 a.m., […]
By Melissa Wagoner Hunter Noack is an award winning and incredibly accomplished classical pianist but he’s also an avid outdoorsman who spent his childhood in Sunriver hunting, fishing and kayaking with his family. The problem – the two don’t really mesh. If you play the guitar, you can take it outside, Noack’s mother, Lori, said. […]
By Melissa Wagoner The term Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is really a bit of a misnomer, according to Sarah Navarro, the Regional Sudden Oak Death Pathologist for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Tanoak is the tree species most affected because it’s readily killed,” Navarro said. Noting that unlike the white oak – a true oak – tanoaks are a part of the […]
This is a good time to look at rearranging the landscape for future fire resistance in the urban/forest boundary. Fire-resistant plants often have supple leaves without waxy or resinous surfaces, are higher in moisture content, low in oils and/or they wear thick barks that do not ignite easily, and are often drought-resistant as well. Such plants may be damaged or […]
The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed, and Insect Pest Prevention and Management programs are kicking off a six-month statewide tally of invasive tree-of-heaven locations thanks to funding from the U.S. Forest Service. To help with the tally join the iNaturalist project at https://www. inaturalist.org/projects/oregon-treeof-heaven-tally. There is a mobile app that makes it easy to capture treeof- heaven locations. Participants will be able to follow the progress […]
It’s been raining a lot lately. It’s not unusual for late spring, and we need the water for an expected dry summer that will eventually happen. The soil is soggy and cold, though. Seeds are slow to grow and, in some gardens, are simply rotting. Soil care and amendment will help the drainage, row covers can soften the blow of rain and […]
Our sunny growing season is barely long enough for tomatoes to ripen, but there are plenty of things we can grow and enjoy while waiting for tomato time. Flowers usually require warmth of the sun to open and bear fruit. There are many plants that will give us colorful foliage and flowers in the shade. Some of the best shade perennial […]
First week: Spray cherry trees for cherry fruit fly and brown rot if fruit is ripening. Spray for codling moth and scab in apple and pear trees. Continue use of pheromone traps for insect pest detection. Apples and crabapples that are susceptible to scab disease will begin dropping leaves as weather warms. Rake and destroy fallen leaves; spray with summer-strength lime […]
By Melissa Wagoner It has long been a goal of Audry Van Houweling – owner of She Soars Psychiatry in Silverton – to be a part of a collective of holistic-minded healthcare practitioners. So, when the opportunity came up to do just that – through the purchase of a commercial building at 503 N. First […]
For the first time since 2019, kids are being invited out to Silverton Reservoir to take part in a free fishing day with a little assistance. The event, which was canceled by COVID in 2020 and 2021, will be celebrating its 25th year at Silverton Reservoir on Saturday, June 4. The 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. […]
By Melissa Wagoner Candace Pressnall has been involved with the theater for over 40 years. “I even have a degree in it,” she said proudly. “I’ve enjoyed it a lot.” Which is why, when the Silverton Senior Center decided to pivot to a more member-led programming, she jumped at the chance to bring a little […]
Wallace was born in Silverton, Oregon to Harold and Ruth Dahl Satern on May 12, 1930. He was raised along with his older brother, Marshall, on the family farm in the Bethany area and joined them and his daughter, Becky, in heaven on May 16, 2022. Other than his two year stint in the Army he lived his […]
Roger Kermit Paulson, who was born at Silverton Hospital on Feb. 13, 1947, passed away calmly and peacefully in his southwest Portland home on the afternoon of April 28, 2022. Until the last moment of this life, he was surrounded by his closest friends and family members. He will surely be remembered for his loyalty, his sense of humor, […]
The Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce has awarded its Junior First Citizen Award and the Maureen Ernst Memorial Scholarship to John F. Kennedy High School seniors Lydia Berning and Spencer Bizon, respectively. The students were surprised at the high school by their parents and chamber leaders. The awards included $2,000 toward each student’s education. Berning […]
By Stephen Floyd For the last quarter century, the Mt. Angel Community Foundation has awarded more than 100 college scholarships to local high school graduates through nearly $1 million in community donations. To commemorate the 25th year of this program, the foundation is holding a fundraiser June 26 at the Festhalle to celebrate the successes […]
By James Day Silverton city staffers have been given a pair of awards for the work performed on McClaine Street. The Oregon chapter of the American Public Works Association honored the city as its “transportation project of the year” in the less than $5 million category. In addition to city Public Works staff, the efforts […]
“What a year for the Foxes!” said Silverton athletic director James Rise. With two teams – baseball and softball – still in the playoff hunt, the 2021-22 school year has produced state titles in football and boys track, runner-up finishes for boys basketball and girls golf and quarterfinal appearances for volleyball, boys soccer and girls […]
By James Day Track and field championships are not built on one big explosion. There is no last-second bucket or game-saving tackle. Things happen in bits and pieces. Two points here, four points there. A hero in the early moments of day one might ultimately be the difference-maker. The Silverton High boys track and field […]
Like many 20-year-olds, I am prime-time in love with the movie Top Gun. I always have been and the fact that a sequel just came out has made my year. It is my nominee for Best Movie of the Year at the Oscars, and I haven’t even seen it. My problem – if you want […]
By Stephen Floyd The Mt. Angel Public Library has become the latest book lender to eliminate overdue fines in an effort to make borrowing easier and more accessible. The Mt. Angel City Council voted May 2 to discontinue library fines following a recommendation from Library Director Jackie Mills, who said fines have long been impractical […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Christie Diacetis learned of the possibility that Roe v. Wade was under threat of being overturned, she decided to speak out. In the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case the justices ruled the Constitution protects a woman’s right to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. “I just got fired up,” Diacetis […]
The Oregon Department of Transportation is committing $100 million over the next five years to build out Oregon’s public electric vehicle charging network on several major road corridors, and to increase access for all to EV charging in communities throughout the state. The funding comes from a mix of federal and state sources and was […]
By James Day The City of Silverton has put in place a new water use policy, which automatically kicked in May 1 with the lowest level of alert. The new policy was approved by the City Council at its March 7 meeting and is replacing one approved in 2016. The new policy features five levels […]
By James Day Silverton-area residents who commute in and out of the Salem-Keizer area will be facing another detour. Marion County will be replacing the bridge over the Pudding River on Hazelgreen Road NE near Torvend Road. The good news is that project planning is just beginning and that construction is not scheduled to begin […]
By James Day For Faith Rockenstein, it was love at first sight. The accomplished artist, arts educator and long-time museum manager, who has traveled widely in the U.S and abroad, was blown away a couple of years ago when she entered Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. “I was just overwhelmed,” she said. Rockenstein decided to stay […]
Each spring the Silver Fox Foundation hosts an all-night celebration for that year’s senior class. “The party is always the night of graduation,” long-time organizer Erica Rumpca said. “Kids will load buses at 10 p.m. and we will transport them to the party returning the following morning at 6 a.m.” Originally created as a way […]
Lawrence J. Hall passed away on April 13, 2022, at the age of 86. After several months of declining health, Larry died peacefully at home with his youngest son Timothy at his side. Larry, as he was known by his friends, was born in Portland, Oregon on June 11, 1935. The younger of two sons, he grew up in Hillsboro, […]
California boy steals Ohio farm girl’s heart after some intense pursuing. 50-plus years later their friends and family are celebrating the marriage of Le and Ann (Gregg) Snelling at their home on May 21 with a drop-in reception from 1-4 p.m. They met at Cincinnati Bible College and wed in 1972 at Palmyra Church of […]
In April, the Silverton Lions Club members voted to send $5,000 in humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people through Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF). It is the largest donation the club has ever made to any cause. Silverton Lions can donate to causes in the community and worldwide through fundraisers such as the fireworks booth, […]
A new law in Oregon known as the “postmark rule” says that any ballot postmarked by Election Day is considered on time even if it arrives at elections offices up to 7 days after the election. Voters may put their ballots in the mail as late as Election Day if their mail is collected and […]
May 15-21 is National Public Works Week and the City of Silverton is celebrating by holding a free, interactive, hands-on fair at Coolidge-McClaine Park May 19, noon to 4 p.m. Participants will get a chance to check out a sander, street sweeper, snowplow and backhoe up close, look through a sewer camera, learn how water […]
Those 21 or older are invited to a fun, inexpensive evening of Bunko at the Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St. on May 28, beginning at 7 p.m. The fundraiser is organized by the GFWC Silverton Zenith Women’s Club. All proceeds benefit Silverton community projects which include the Tree of Giving, high school scholarships, and […]
The Silverton High girls golf team has claimed its first Mid-Willamette Conference championship since 1980. The Foxes used a strong second-day showing to win by 29 strokes in the two-day event May 2-3 at Trysting Tree Golf Course in Corvallis. “We only had a 7-stroke lead going into day number two so to win by […]
By James Day The Silverton Runners Club is turning 40, and organizers are planning some new events to boost participation in the club, which works to support running programs in Silverton and Mount Angel. The club, which was organized in 1982 by Silverton resident Amy Castle, is taking over management of the 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer […]
When I first conceived the idea for this column, many years ago, it was first and foremost centered on talking about people – living, dying, laughing, crying, and doing the things they do. Today, it is about people dying and the living they did. Doug “Chet” Bunting passed away this spring. This one hurt. He […]
By James Day A new meat processing company will be taking over the BrucePac facility on North First Street in Silverton. Tillamook Country Smoker will be starting operations in the facility, perhaps as soon as this summer. The move constitutes an expansion for Tillamook Country Smoker, president Geordie Mosbarger told Our Town. The privately held […]
By Melissa Wagoner As a real estate developer, Ben Johnston’s goal isn’t just to build buildings, it’s to create spaces for the community to gather. Which is why, when he was given the opportunity to refurbish the building that once housed the Silverton Flower Shop in the heart of downtown, he knew just what he […]
By James Day Scott Stokley, a 37-year resident of Mount Angel is a local Realtor who also owns Touch of Bavaria, Angel Mountain Christmas and is about to open a new eatery in town, Lou’s Kitchen. His dizzying schedule also includes tons of outreach for the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce, for whom he is […]
By Stephen Floyd Police Chief Mark Daniel said he was shocked when the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce arrived at City Hall to tell him he was being presented with the Distinguished Service Award. Daniel, who also serves in a dual role as interim city manager, said he didn’t feel deserving, but the chamber insisted […]
By Stephen Floyd The contributions of Joe Borschowa and his family have been both highly visible and subtle. The local veteran and business owner has been heavily involved with the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and other groups, but hasn’t sought public recognition. Yet if you’ve ever admired the American flags on […]
The Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce is trying a new approach to its annual community awards. Mt. Angel Honors will be held in conjunction with The Next Friday, a monthly event showcasing businesses downtown. Each of the four honorees will stand with a partnering business. Residents are invited to meet and chat with honorees while […]
By Stephen Floyd When COVID-19 lockdowns began in 2020, the restaurant industry took a massive blow, and those who wished to survive had to adapt. Mt. Angel Sausage Co. rose to the occasion and – in addition to take-out orders and outdoor seating – owner Jim Hoke took an international food display that occupied a […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Michelle Isaksen was invited to a Paint Party five years ago she almost didn’t go. “I thought, ‘I don’t even draw,’” she recalled. “I’d never painted or even sketched.” Thankfully, her husband convinced her to attend. “He basically pushed me out the door,” Isaksen laughed. “But in the end, I had a piece […]
By Melissa Wagoner In 2019 Christy Davis attended a Repair Fair – an event put on by Marion County Environmental Services (MCES) in Salem that encouraged community members to bring broken items – those in danger of being thrown out – in order to have them repaired by an expert. “What I saw at the […]
By Melissa Wagoner With the cost of gas soaring to well over $4 a gallon, more people than ever are considering an electric vehicle (EV) which, according to David Deckelmann – owner of a Nissan Leaf since 2019 – is a very good thing. “I will always have a gas car because I love vintage […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Pam Russell and her husband purchased their home in Silverton in May 2021, they were excited to have a place of their own for the first time in 15 years. Newly retired empty-nesters, the couple thought they might take up gardening on the small plot of land. That’s when they discovered […]
Need a flavor boost in your cooking without adding salt? Try growing favorite herbs in your garden, a porch container or in a sunny window. Many herbs, like rosemary and thyme, are perennials that will thrive in our “Mediterranean” climate. Annual herbs, like basil and dill, grow and bloom in one season then die, and […]
Oregon State University Extension Service encourages sustainable gardening practices. Always identify and monitor problems before acting. First, consider cultural controls; then physical, biological and chemical controls (which include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, botanical insecticides, organic and synthetic pesticides). Always consider the least-toxic approach first. Recommendations in this calendar are applicable to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. PLAN […]
By Brenna Wiegand Christopher Thoming, MD, MBA, has been selected to serve as the vice president and chief medical officer for Legacy Silverton Medical Center. Dr. Thoming will work closely with Legacy Silverton Medical Center President Jonathan Avery and Chief Nursing Officer Karen Brady to promote safe, high-quality care and clinical operations and contribute to […]
Douglas “Chet” Bunting was born on June 16, 1953 to Bill and Lavona Bunting. Doug’s youthful love was playing basketball. He played for both Silverton High and Chemeketa Community College, where he broke single-game scoring records for both schools. He received a teaching degree from OCE but spent most of his life working as a […]
Mark Allen Treat, 67, passed away April 12, 2022, at Salem Health Hospital of cancer. Born in Pasadena, California in 1954 to Irwin and Dortha Treat. Graduated from Duarte High School in California, settling in Silverton, Oregon in 1979. Mark started his own cable splicing business for many years then worked for Frontier until retirement. […]
Christopher Albert May was born May 20, 1977 in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Stephen and Sheryl (Sherry) May, but soon left Klamath Falls to head north to Eugene for three years and then on to Silverton, Oregon where he was a part of the Silverton High graduating class of 1995. He spent the next years […]
By Melissa Wagoner It’s been two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began. And while we still have not reached the “end” (wherever that may be) Our Town asked readers to describe what the pandemic era been. “My best friend’s marriage fell apart after 35 years…” Yvette Marty recalled. “Without all of her activities, not seeing […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Bridge, 10 a.m., Silverton […]
An article in the April 1 issue of Our Town [specifically in Your Garden] didn’t have a lot of good things to say about lawns. While we believe the author is entitled to her opinion, as grass seed growers in the area we are proud of the crop we produce and would like to point […]
The Silverton High equestrian squad came within one point of claiming a team win in the third North Valley district competition of the season. The Foxes scored 703 points in the April 7-10 Oregon High School Equestrian Teams (OHSET) event at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. Canby won the large team competition with 704. […]
Monday, May 2 Softball 4:20 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam 5 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis Baseball 4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam Tuesday, May 3 Boys Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis Girls Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis Wednesday, May 4 Baseball 5 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley Boys Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs Stayton Softball […]
“I’m ready to die,” she said, turning her head toward the apartment window. I looked at my mother-in-law, Nadine Stack, not knowing what to say. This was three years ago, and at age 97 she was in good health and still able to get around. She was even a member of the beanbag baseball team […]
By James Day Silverton pastor Kurt Barnes is back from a week-long Ukrainian relief effort in Poland. He returned tired, inspired and eager to continue to help. Poland has become ground zero for refugees from the conflict in Ukraine, and Barnes, a 39-year-old Silverton native, spent March 14-21 in Poland working with churches and relief […]
Volunteers working to finish the Detroit Lake Community Center were recently treated to a free lunch by local businesses as the project nears completion. Construction on the new community center started a year ago after the original building was destroyed during wildfires in 2020. The Santiam Rebuild Coalition has been collecting donations of labor and […]
By James Day Efforts to put together an ambitious 18-home Habitat for Humanity project in Silverton are receiving a $1 million windfall from the federal government. The funds, part of a $1.5 trillion spending package signed by President Joe Biden last month, were secured by Oregon’s two U.S. senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. North […]
Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson is being challenged by a public defender for her role as top prosecutor. Spencer Todd, of Salem, filed for the May 17 primary to unseat Clarkson, also of Salem, who was first elected DA in 2018 while running unopposed. Because only two candidates filed for the non-partisan office, they […]
By Stephen Floyd Two political newcomers are running for Marion County Commissioner as Democratic challengers to the Republican incumbents. Andrew Dennis (D-Salem) and Mark Wigg (D-Salem) will square off against incumbent commissioners Kevin Cameron (R-Detroit) and Colm Willis (R-Stayton). Each candidate was the sole individual to file for their party’s nomination for each position, so […]
By James Day A Silverton Rotary proposal to build an “all-abilities” playground in Old Mill Park near the Silverton Community Pool has won the approval of the City Council. Councilors at their April 4 meeting approved the site after hearing a report from Rotary that featured renderings and charts on the concepts that they hope […]
The Silver Falls School District has hired an administrator from the Salem-Keizer School District to become the new principal for Robert Frost School. Sarah Grimmer, current co-principal at Scott Elementary School, in Salem, was hired by the Silver Falls School Board April 11, filling a vacancy left after Principal Mandy Pack accepted a job with […]
By Stephen Floyd A $975,000 personal injury lawsuit against the Silverton Elks has been dismissed after the parties settled out of court two weeks before trial. The suit was filed Dec. 31, 2019, by Salem resident Patty Wolford, 88, for an incident in 2018 when she fell and suffered serious injuries during an event at […]
By James Day Four young robot creators from Silverton will be heading to Texas next month to participate in an international event. Derek Schaefer, 11, of Butte Creek Elementary School; Aiden Adams, 10, of Robert Frost Elementary School; John Lashley, 9, of the Silvies River Charter School; and Noah Stoneking of Sacred Heart School in […]
By Melissa Wagoner It’s been 32 years since Pete and Donna Paradis planted their first block of Pinot gris vines in what would eventually become the Paradis Vineyards. It is only now – with the opening of a newly built tasting room – that they realize they are truly in the business of wine. “It’s a leap. It’s a […]
The large area of gravel lots north of the Roth’s grocery store in Silverton is up for sale, a real estate source close to the transaction told Our Town. The 1.1 acres of property, which exists in two tax lots, was donated by Roth’s to the Salem Foundation a few months ago, said the source, […]
Gela Mae (Cort) Koester was born on June 21, 1931 in Marysville, Washington. She spent her carefree childhood days there before relocating to Long Beach, California in her teens. After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Al Koester. Their marriage lasted 72 years until her death on March 13, 2022. The couple’s three daughters, […]
Dan Woodall was born to Jack and Eleanor Woodall in McMinnville, Oregon. He was one of nine children. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1974, then served four years in the Army. He loved to talk about being stationed on the East Coast and in Germany. He died in Silverton, Oregon on March 6, […]
Glenna B. Payzant Martin passed away on March 7, 2022. Born in Sydney, Nebraska on Dec. 17, 1936, she moved to Oregon with her parents Leverett and Ethel Payzant and grandparents William and Kate when she was one. She attended Molalla High School and graduated in 1954. She is survived by her three siblings […]
Michael Arwin Provonsha passed away peacefully on April 4, 2022. Mike was born in Provo, Utah on June 4, 1937 to Merrill and Lois Provonsha. He later moved to Hayward, California with his family where he married Diane Pixley, his wife of 47 years. Mike had a talent for everything mechanical. While working at Hunts Foods in […]
Troy Anthony McNeeley of Molalla, Ore., passed away March 2, 2022. He was 55. He was born May 24, 1966, in Payson, Arizona to Lawrence McNeeley and Twyla Trute, one of ten children. After serving in the Army, Troy built a career as a building official, serving multiple cities in Oregon. He loved his job […]
Edna Jean Smelser, resident of Silverton, Oregon, and originally from Casper, Wyoming died Peacefully at home on March 30, 2022. A Celebration of Life and Birthday Celebration was held on April 10 via Zoom. Details are on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/edna.cardenas.7 Those who shared the joy of being in Edna’s life included her husband, […]
Sandra Patterson of Silverton passed away March 12, 2022 at the age of 84 from congestive heart failure. Her final days were spent at home, surrounded by the love of family and friends and her beloved pets. Sandi was born in Biddeford, Maine to Catherine (Arnold) and Meredith Littlefield. She was the eldest of three daughters and grew up in Kennebunk. […]
It’s spring. It’s raining. And if you drive anywhere near the tracks at Silverton and Kennedy you will see dozens of athletes running and jumping and throwing things. Last week I saw a half dozen Foxes runners trying to cross Oak Street on Second Street at rush hour. Brave lads. And you also know that […]
By James Day In the midst of one of its most successful sports seasons ever Silverton High finds itself posting a series of help wanted signs. The good news is that Athletic Director James Rise and school administration already have filled one slot. Josh Craig, who led the football program to a 41-11 record in […]
Sometimes the best life lessons happen when things take a turn for the worst. That’s what happened last month when I forgot to charge my cell phone before driving my daughter to a gymnastics meet in Hillsboro. I initially believed my dying phone was just a minor inconvenience. I turned on the power saving option, […]
By Brenna Wiegand Jon Deshler, jazz trumpet player, globally published photographer and inspiring teacher, feels he has a lot to give. The purchase of Mt. Angel Theater & Studio gives him a place to do so. Built in 1912 as a silent movie theater, the 2,900-square-foot space at 220 E. Charles St., has been owned […]
By Stephen Floyd Former Sublimity Mayor and Marion County Commissioner Sam Brentano is coming out of political retirement to run for Marion County Treasurer with an eye to merge the office with the county Finance Department. Brentano filed unopposed for the Republican nomination for the May 17 primary, with the office itself to be decided […]
By Stephen Floyd Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson is being challenged by a public defender for the role as top prosecutor. Spencer Todd, of Salem, filed for the May 17 primary to unseat Clarkson, also of Salem. She was first elected DA in 2018 while running unopposed. Because only two candidates filed for the […]
By Melissa Wagoner “I don’t know the exact statistics, but I do know that the majority of well-paying jobs in the future will be in STEM,” Jackie Mills, Director of the Mt. Angel Public Library for the past four years, said of the need for more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. “Anything the […]
By Melissa Wagoner A lush, green lawn looks beautiful, feels fabulous under foot and can serve a real purpose as the backdrop for picnics, sporting events or just lounging in the sun. But it can also have some real drawbacks. “An irrigated, one or two species, mowed green lawn, that mimics a golf course is […]
Oregon State University Extension Service encourages sustainable gardening practices. Practice preventive pest management rather than reactive pest control. Identify and monitor problems before acting, and opt for the least toxic approach. Conserve biological control agents such as predators and the parasitoids that feed on insect pests. Planning Write in your garden journal throughout the growing […]
By Diane Hyde As we pick up wind-blown debris and pull up weeds, clusters of slug eggs are found. Some species of slugs bury the eggs underground so they are not found until the little slime-makers emerge. Slugs live under or in nutrient-poor soil, bark, logs, pots, rocks or any dark, moist areas. Some, like […]
By Diane Hyde To plant a garden is to believe in the future. Believe those seeds will sprout and mature in reasonable time. Believe your effort will be rewarded. Believe, but be wise in helping it happen. The spring solstice signals time for new growth, time to plant for the growing season. The days will […]
Lunaria Gallery in Silverton will present “Pacific Northwest” by Lori Rodrigues in April. These watercolor pieces reflect the depth of the Pacific Northwest wilderness, from wildflowers to volcanoes. Upstairs, in Lunaria’s Loft Gallery, “An Artist’s Evolution” by Jenny Armitage will feature watercolor and pen and ink. Her pieces are created with intention using an impressionist style […]
By Melissa Wagoner Forced evacuation during the wildfires of 2020, fallen debris during the ice storm of 2021 and an increased amount of drought and fire danger after last summer’s heat dome event, when combined, became a major wakeup call for Megan Benedict – one she simply couldn’t ignore. “These episodes made me feel very […]
By Melissa Wagoner Karolle Hughes has seen bookstores come and go during the 30 years she’s lived in Silverton. “Whenever one would come in, I’d say, ‘Dag nab it!’ because I wanted to do that,” she recalled. “But it just wasn’t the right time for me.” Then Chuck Tauer opened Books N Time in 2013 […]
By Melissa Wagoner Megan Ireland’s love of baking has its roots in the very heart of her childhood. “My mom baked and I always liked licking the beater,” Ireland recalled. “And when she made pies, I used up the scraps.” Then, at Silverton High School, Ireland began taking Culinary Arts classes from Zelma Cannon and […]
By James Day Silverton-area residents are being wooed by companies promising to upgrade the power of their internet. Ziply Fiber took the plunge first, announcing in early March that its high-speed fiber optic network was ready for service for Silverton-area residences and businesses. New and existing Ziply customers who wish to check their address for […]
Silverton has set a groundbreaking for its new civic center complex for 11:30 a.m. April 11 at the site of the former Eugene Field School. Elected officials and city staff will be on hand to make remarks, said City Manager Ron Chandler, but the schedule was still being finalized at Our Town’s presstime. The $19 […]
By Stephen Floyd Mount Angel is moving forward with several upgrades to city departments after allocating more than $800,000 in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds. The city spent months seeking public input and recommendations from staff and committees before the City Council gave final approval March 7. A total of $803,382 was divided between the Parks, […]
By Stephen Floyd The Mt. Angel School District (MASD) is considering deep cuts to programs and staff to cover a large budget deficit as enrollment continues to decline. Based on current estimates, the shortfall could be around $783,000 if there are no significant differences in enrollment between the current school year and the next. However, […]
On March 8, 2022, Carolyn Elaine Brenden passed away quietly at home where she loved to look out her window and enjoy the view. Carolyn was born on Feb. 28, 1949 in Embudo, New Mexico. She and her family moved from New Mexico in 1959 to Silverton, Oregon. Carolyn graduated from Silverton Union High […]
Don Murtha passed away at the age of 85 on March 1, 2022. He was born in Queens, New York to John Charles and Selma Alberta Murtha and lived in his younger years in Hempstead, New York. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism. Don was a reporter in the […]
Robert W. Bodkin II was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 4, 1947. He passed away on Jan. 10, 2022, at the age of 74 at his home in the Silverton Hills. He grew up in Alhambra, California. Bob earned a B.A. in Marketing & Finance at California State University, Los Angeles. He was […]
Richard Albert Aarhus, 81, of Kailua Kona, died Feb. 9, 2022 at Nakamaru Hale in Holualoa, Hawaii. He was born Aug. 22, 1940 in Silverton, Oregon. He was a retired farm equipment sales associate. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Aahus of Kailua Kona; daughters, Carrie (Dan) Carson of Oregon, Debbie (Bill) LeTexier of […]
Gela Mae Cort was born on June 21, 1931 in Marysville, Washington. She spent her carefree childhood days there before relocating to Long Beach, California in her teens. After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Al Koester. Their marriage lasted 72 years until her death on March 13, 2022. Their three daughters, Angela Phillips, […]
George B. “Bart” Cross, DMD, passed away peacefully on Feb.13, 2022 at the age of 90. He was born in Corvallis, Oregon on Aug. 13, 1931. He was the only son of Jess O. and Donna E. (Robertson) Cross. Bart had a long and successful career in dentistry. After graduating from Halsey High School, he […]
Dr. Alan Grover Carter passed away on March 12, 2022. He was born January 17, 1946 in Logan, Utah to Grover Carter and Grace (Anderson) Carter where his father was completing his stint as an army physician. In 1950 the family fell in love with Hood River, Oregon. Grover joined a medical practice there; for many years he was the […]
By Melissa Wagoner Tasha Huebner feels every bomb that falls on Ukraine like a physical blow. A second generation American of Ukrainian descent, she has long maintained ties to her heritage through extensive travel, a study abroad in the 1990s and even a stint living in the capital city of Kyiv. Photos of the time […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thurs. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Bridge, 10 […]
By James Day The Silverton High football program lost just once last season in a magnificent 12-1 year that saw the Foxes claim their first state title since 1991. Now, the school has hired the coach who dealt them that lone defeat. Dan Lever of Tualatin has taken over the Foxes from Josh Craig, who […]
Both Silverton High basketball squads advanced to the state tournament in Corvallis after sparkling Mid-Willamette Conference championship seasons. The boys team advanced to the state title match against Wilsonville, falling 34-30 in a defense-oriented game in which Silverton led 11-6 at halftime after shutting out the Wildcats in the second period. The No. 4 Foxes […]
Friday, April 1 Baseball 5 p.m. Silverton vs Tigard Saturday, April 2 Boys Tennis TBD. Silverton vs Molalla Monday, April 4 Boys Golf Noon. Silverton @ OGA Golf Course Baseball 4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian Softball 4:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian Tuesday, April 5 Boys Tennis 4 p.m. Silverton vs North Salem Wednesday, […]
Some if you may know that I’ve been having close encounters of the medical kind during the last few months. And, no, it wasn’t COVID. It was really nothing super serious, although, for the first time in my life, my doctor ordered me not to exercise. Every other time I’ve gone to a doctor I […]
By Stephen Floyd Residents in Mount Angel will soon see cleanup activity at the site of the Old Wilco Building after fire investigators concluded the cause of the blaze that destroyed the structure last October could not be determined. Barbara Hettwer, sister of late property owner Bob Bodkin, said the initial stage of cleanup has […]
By James Day Silverton will break ground on its new civic center this spring, with opening tentatively set for summer 2023. The City Council selected Corp Inc. of Salem as the general contractor at its March 7 meeting. Corp Inc. turned in the winning bid of $14,750,000 to build the center, which will include a […]
By Melissa Wagoner Tyler Radniecki knows first-hand that there is a lot to be learned from studying the wastewater of cities. An Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University, he has spent years cataloging the microbes and pathogens found in sewer systems to, amongst other things, determine the spread of diseases in a […]
By Stephen Floyd The Mt. Angel School District plans to go mask-optional March 14 after state regulators changed a deadline the district expected to fall at the end of the month. Oregon lifted its mandate on masks in public school buildings March 12, however MASD had made plans to carefully craft policy changes up to […]
The city of Silverton was accepting bids through March 3 for the “overlook” project, which will repair a washed-out section of pathway along Silver Creek near the library. In 2015 during high flows of Silver Creek the old wall from an abandoned mill was damaged and the city closed the area. In the summer of […]
By Melissa Wagoner When author Lisa Gerlits learned that her book, A Many Feathered Thing, had been named a 2022 Oregon Spirit Book Award (OSBA) winner under the category of Best Debut Book, she almost didn’t believe it. “It’s unexpected because it’s two years after the publication date,” Gerlits said. “I thought my husband was […]
By Melissa Wagoner It’s been two years since the last performance of Brush Creek Playhouse, The True Tale of the Sleeping Beauty, was shut down mid-season due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the iconic red building – built in 1895 as a school house on the corner of Brush Creek Drive […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Lara Ghio Gaitan and her husband, Matt, traveled with their two children to Panama in 2017, it was their goal to immerse their children in a different culture and to encourage them to become more fluent in Spanish. But what they didn’t expect was that Gaitan would learn something as well […]
By Melissa Wagoner Greg and Fran Guerra’s dream has long been to open an Italian restaurant. Which is why, in the winter of 2019, they purchased a building in the heart of downtown Silverton to make that dream a reality. “Things were going good,” Greg’s daughter, Dani, said. The family was elated when the papers […]
By Melissa Wagoner When 21-year-old Anna Koch set off to finish hiking the second half of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020 – a journey that began the year before when she hiked 1,800 miles of the 2,650-mile trail stretching between the Canadian and Mexican borders – she expected to find adventure. What she didn’t […]
Fire agencies and law enforcement still are investigating a barn fire at the site of the old Mallorie’s Dairy west of Silverton on Hazelgreen Road. The fire, which was called in at 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 26, reportedly burned close to 1,500 tons of wheat straw. Deputies at the scene, along with fire investigators from […]
There was a time to be born, and it was July 20, 1961 for Beth Marie Marcum, and there was a time to die, and it was Jan. 30, 2022, and in between was 60 years of living. She attended Silverton elementary schools and just before her 16th birthday, she had a swimming accident that broke her neck, and she […]
Gerald Steven Cumins passed away peacefully in Mount Angel, Oregon on Feb. 11, 2022 at the age of 78. Steve was born in Altadena, California at St. Luke’s Hospital on Aug. 9, 1943 to Robert Howard and Aleise Rose Cumins. He was raised and went to school in Arcadia, California. He proudly served in the […]
Trudy Deloris Foss, 72, of Silverton, Oregon spent her final days at home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Trudy was born in McMinnville, Oregon on March 6, 1949 to parents Archie Faris and Kathleen (Kolaroff) Bowers. Trudy died on Feb. 26, 2022. Her passing was very peaceful as she had full confidence in her salvation through Jesus Christ. […]
By Stephen Floyd Community Roots School plans to move its middle school into the Silverton Grange building as part of a partnership to meet the program’s unique requirements. A move-in date is not yet finalized, but school administrators are planning for the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Middle school instructor Bridgett Steveson said partnering […]
The Silverton High wrestling squad had three wrestlers place and two more score points in an impressive performance at the Feb. 26 Class 5A state meet in Redmond. The Foxes finished ninth in the team race with 63 points. Silverton was third among Mid-Willamette Conference teams (behind champion Crescent Valley and No. 5 Dallas). At […]
I used to think the number one branded company in the world involved Golden Arches or a Swoosh. No more. Not even a close race, like Usain Bolt versus me in the 100 meters. Disney is so far out in front the rest of the pack has been lapped. Twice. Having just spent five days […]
By Stephen Floyd Roughly half of teachers within the Silver Falls School District have either considered leaving during the current school year, or are open to the idea, according to a recent survey by the teacher’s union. Members of the Silver Falls Education Association were anonymously polled to gauge their level of burnout due to […]
By Melissa Wagoner Addressing sustainability and climate change concerns on a city-wide basis is a complicated issue and one that is often exasperated by the very nature of city government. “[The] City Council is comprised of volunteers with limited time and terms, while changing city code requires significant time and effort, especially as parties who […]
By Stephen Floyd The Silver Falls School District has chosen to become mask-optional after statewide mask mandates are lifted March 31. The district board voted six-to-one Feb. 14 to direct Superintendent Scott Drue to draft policies transitioning away from mask mandates that have been in place since 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Opposing […]
By Stephen Floyd The Mt. Angel School District is taking a more cautious approach than its neighbors ahead of the March 31 deadline to lift indoor mask mandates in Oregon schools. While the Silver Falls and North Santiam school districts voted to go mask-optional by March 31 and joined the call for an acceleration of […]
Mount Angel Interim City Manager Mark Daniel has agreed to remain in his position indefinitely as the city continues searching for a qualified applicant. During the Mount Angel City Council meeting Feb. 7, Councilor Pete Wall said the search for a new city manager had become exceptionally difficult because of numerous other cities also hiring […]
By Stephen Floyd Robert Frost School has a new principal as of Feb. 7 following a pattern of high administrator turnover within the district. Holly Shotts, who formerly taught a 4th/5th grade blended class at the school, will serve as interim principal through June after former Principal Mandy Pack accepted a job with a different […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Mersadee Lulay learned The Oregon Garden Visitors Center was looking for someone to take over the garden’s café space she jumped at the chance. “This was an answer to a prayer,” Lulay said. “God or the universe dropped something in my lap that I couldn’t say no to.” First introduced to […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Coffee & […]
Rodney O. Bennett, 89, of Silverton, Oregon spent his final years in the loving care of Harmony House in Salem, Oregon. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 26, 1932, and died on Feb. 4, 2022. His passing was peaceful with family by his side. His parents, George W. and Myrtle M. (Bliss) Bennett, […]
Carol Heide passed away Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 at the age of 59. Carol Ann Heide was born to R. Kurt and Darlene (Derr) Heide on Sept. 20, 1962 in Silverton, Oregon. She graduated from Silverton Union High School in 1980. Carol enlisted in the United States Army in 1980 and served for six years. While enlisted, she earned a […]
Lorraine Elouise Spies was born and raised in Elizabeth, Minnesota. She worked on the family farm milking cows. In her twenties she rode the train to Oregon with her father, in search of another farm. They settled in Silverton, where she worked at Steelhammer Drug as a soda jerk. She loved it and talked about […]
Robert Baxter Reed, 88, of Silverton, Oregon died in his home on Jan. 28, 2022. Born in Lyons Oregon in 1933 when a gallon of gas cost 10 cents, Bobby – as he was called when he was a child – grew up in Detroit, Oregon, attending the elementary and middle schools in town. As a young man, Bob […]
Mary Jane Crosby died in Silverton, Oregon on Feb.14, 2022. Her Christian faith sustained her despite a lifetime of physical suffering; strengthening and enabling her as a loving wife and mother, a caring teacher, and a prayer warrior. She was born April 25, 1951 in Buffalo, New York – daughter of Milan and Alice MacMartin. After Milan’s death […]
Dave Lee Fennimore passed away in his daughter’s home on Nov. 8, 2021 in Scotts Mills, Oregon. He was born on Feb. 26, 1933 to Bill and Mamie Fennimore. He was the second child of eight. He married Esther Crites on Nov. 29, 1952 at the St. Mary Parish House in Mount Angel, Oregon. Dave and Esther lived most […]
The “Senior Follies,” showcasing the talents of those aged 50 and older, is set for June 24-26 at Silverton High School, with March 15 the application deadline. Applications are available at the Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St. Email [email protected] to receive an application via email or for more information. Interested parties also can call […]
By Melissa Wagoner If you like puzzles, being outside and exploring places you’ve never been then the hobby of geocaching might just be for you. “I like to describe it as a world-wide treasure hunt,” Carina Leland – a recent graduate of Silverton High School who started geocaching with her parents when she was only five – […]
By James Day In 1993 the Silverton High School Class of 1963 held its 30th reunion. Event organizers decided to invest $900 in excess funds at the end of the reunion and use the proceeds for scholarships. From that small beginning the Silverton High School Alumni Association has grown to become a $2 million enterprise. […]
By Fred A. Parkinson Sometimes, things just work out. Through a serendipitous chain of events, a long-forgotten artifact has found its way back to its original neighborhood. As a member of the Silverton Country Historical Society with an avid interest Silverton’s architectural history, I was asked to compile the story of the former Silverton Flower […]
By James Day The Unified special needs teams from Amity and Silverton entertained an enthusiastic crowd on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Silverton, with Amity taking a 43-37 win that didn’t seem to matter amid the oohs and aahs that greeted each basket. But that’s the beauty of the Unified game. It’s all about getting out […]
At the beginning of the season in November, the Silverton High swim team did not even have a pool. Repairs at the Silverton Community Pool were not concluded until one month into the season. The Aqua Foxes became road warriors, training at odd hours at Molalla and Woodburn. The squad also was all but shut […]
Thursday, March 17 Baseball 5 p.m. Silverton vs North Salem Friday, March 18 Softball 2:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Grant Union / Prairie City 5 p.m. Silverton vs Crook County Tuesday, March 29 Softball 4 p.m. Silverton vs The Dalles Thursday, March 31 Softball 5 p.m. Silverton vs Redmond * Home events only ** For updated […]
I was reading The Wall Street Journal the other day and my heart sank. No, I wasn’t looking at my mutual funds and how they have fallen through the floorboards in the last couple of months. That’s a whole other column. I was reading the results of a national survey. It found that, in 49 […]
By James Day Kyle Palmer, who has been a fixture in Silverton community affairs for most of this century, is retiring from the political arena. Palmer, who is midway through his second full term as mayor, announced Jan. 30 via social media that he is retiring from elected office at the end of this term. […]
By James Day The Silverton Road bridge over the Little Pudding River between Silverton and Salem has reopened to through traffic. The $6.4 million bridge work on the span on Highway 213 is completed to the extent that it is safe for motorists to use, although a few loose ends will be tidied up later […]
Mount Angel celebrates the wonders of the wurst from Feb. 25-27 at the Festhalle when the Chamber of Commerce hosts Volksfest. This will be the 13th rendition of the event, said chamber board president Sarah Bauman. Organizers for the event, which originally was called Wurstfest, say they plan on making this festival a full COVID-19 […]
By Melissa Wagoner On July 1, 2022 Silverton Together, a beloved community institution whose mission was to strengthen and support families, facilitate community cooperation and promote health and well-being since 1993, will cease to exist. “This decision to dissolve was made after considerable board discussions over the last couple years as we responded to the […]
In response to “Penny’s Journey” [Our Town Feb. 1 edition] this is a perfect time to talk about responsible pet ownership. When you take on a pet, it’s for the lifetime of that animal. Adopting a Cat/Kitten: When considering adoption, you are committing to the life of that cat. Cats can live to be 20 […]
The Silverton Lions Club would like to thank the community for its support of our holiday Sees candy sales. Silverton Lions have been selling Sees Candy for over 20 years. It is a tradition for us and for the many families and businesses that support us. A special thank you to Jack Holt, who has […]
By Brenna Wiegand Otto Stadeli said you could have “knocked him over with a feather” when the Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce crashed his pinochle game to name him recipient of this year’s Judy Schmidt Lifetime Achievement Award. Stadeli, 93, says doing good business and volunteering are just part of being in a community. Born […]
By Stephen Floyd When Hilary Dumitrescu learned she was being honored with the First Citizen Award by the Silverton Chamber of Commerce, she was in the company of friends and past award winners. The Silverton resident, community organizer and business owner said they had the wrong person, that others in the group were more deserving […]
By James Day Andrew Fox was in the landscaping industry. Eric Druliner worked in law enforcement. They shared a love of beer – and of Silverton. The result: Silver Falls Brewery, which joined the local craft beer scene in 2015 in a converted pole barn in Druliner’s backyard and now occupies a gleaming structure in […]
By James Day If you want to get an update on the skatepark expansion in Silverton you get in touch with Sue Roessler. She maybe in Hawaii, but she always gets back to you. And when she was asked to comment on the project winning the inaugural Service Group award for the annual Silveton Chamber […]
By Melissa Wagoner It’s only been two years since Josh Echo-Hawk and his wife Paige opened their first restaurant, Graystone Lounge in Silverton, but a lot has happened since then. “We were doing the (purchase) closing and getting the keys, wondering if we were ever going to open,” Echo-Hawk said, recalling those initial weeks, in […]
By Brenna Wiegand Being a good neighbor excludes backyard burn piles that pollute the air and/or threaten to burn down the house next door. “We’ve had to shut doors and windows because of the smell and smoke from a neighbor’s burn pile,” a rural Silverton resident said. “We’ve seen burn piles that included plastic bins, […]
Everett (Buck) Hazen Hicks passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2021, at the age of 91, in Tacoma, Washington, where he and Marcheta were living with his son John. Born and raised in the Coos Bay area, he joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. He later moved to a Boarding House run by the […]
John Paul Wolf, Sr., 91, of Salem, Oregon passed away on Jan. 7 from natural causes. John was born on Sept. 6, 1930 to Jacob and Philomena Wolf in Sioux County, North Dakota. He was one of 11 children. After John graduated from Silverton High School in 1949, he went on to work as a […]
Luella Mae Thomas passed away Jan. 28, 2022 at Silverton Hospital after battling pneumonia. Luella was born July 8, 1939 in Pomeroy, Washington to Raymond and Dorothy Williams. She married David Lee Thomas April 9, 1955. They had seven children together. Through many ups and downs Luella always remained the center of her family. She […]
Elma Viola Brown Till, of Silverton, Oregon passed away on Feb. 3, 2022 at home, surrounded by family. She was 90. Elma (“Babs”), wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was born on May 18, 1931 in Saskatchewan, Canada to Kenneth and Bertha Brown, and in 1937 moved to Oregon with her parents. She attended grade school in Aurora, Oregon and Canby High School and Mount Angel Teacher’s […]
By Stephen Floyd Around two dozen students were asked to leave Silverton High School Feb. 4 during a maskless walk-in protesting state COVID-19 mandates. Demonstrators gathered outside the school entrance that morning, prepared to disregard mandates requiring masks in all school buildings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They were met by administrators who explained, […]
Silverton High football coach Josh Craig, who led the Foxes to the Class 5A state title this past season, has announced his resignation. Craig, 31, is stepping down because of family considerations. “My wife gave birth to our second daughter (Colby on Jan. 4), and now we have a 19-month-old (Murphy) and a newborn,” Craig […]
As an optimist, I am pulling for us to get past these mid-winter doldrums and this general malaise. These are not easy times, and as I remind everyone walking by with a pulse – there are no easy answers. Ukraine is on our minds, as it should be, with memories of the Cold War, […]
By Melissa Wagoner If you’ve ever been interested in planting your own vegetable garden, curating an art collection, improving your job interview skills, understanding your children, reducing stress, eating better or just becoming a happier person then now is your chance to take the leap – for free. “[The courses are] intended to focus on […]
By James Day The City of Silverton has opened the bidding process for the construction of its new civic center. Bidding opened Dec. 21, with the deadline for bids Feb. 23. Community Development Director Jason Gottgetreu, the lead city staffer on the project, said that the City Council is scheduled to review the bids at […]
By Stephen Floyd The Mt. Angel School District Board is seeking to fill a vacant seat after the recent passing of Board Member John Conklin. The board is scheduled to appoint a new member Feb. 14. Qualified residents have until Feb. 7 to apply. An appointee must be a registered voter, have lived within the […]
By Melissa Wagoner Mayor Kyle Palmer is well aware that the future of Silverton lies not in his own hands, but in those of the city’s youth – a fact that he finds inspiring. “I’ve spent 23 years coaching youth sports and had spent 18 years operating the veterinary camp where I used to work. I recognize […]
By Brenna Wiegand Like health systems across the country, Legacy Health, which includes Silverton Legacy Medical Center, is seeing a significant increase in visits and hospitalizations due to the COVID-19 Omicron variant. As of Jan. 24, Legacy Health was caring for three times as many COVID-19 positive patients than just a month before. “The recent […]
By Brenna Wiegand Legacy Health recently launched a new surgical robotics program at Legacy Silverton Medical Center with the installation of an Intuitive da Vinci Xi Surgical System robot, a versatile robotic system used by surgeons around the world. This advanced instrumentation allows surgeons to perform delicate and complex operations through a few tiny incisions […]
By Melissa Wagoner “It’s a sports bar with great food,” Brandon Norbury, owner of the Mt. Angel Public House, said when asked to describe the eatery which, though it quietly opened its doors to patrons during Oktoberfest in September, finally held its official opening on Dec. 19. “And it was phenomenal,” Norbury said of the […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield 50 & older. 503-873-3093 Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Coffee & […]
By Melissa Wagoner Bobbie the Wonder Dog may have met his match in the form of Penny, Pratum Elementary School’s Christmas cat. “[Y]ou just can’t make this stuff up,” Pratum Elementary School teacher Lisa Freauff said of the story, which began during the Christmas break of 2021 when she heard a cat “yelling” from the empty school’s […]
By Stephen Floyd Students at Silverton High School staged opposing protests last month to highlight what they believed were harmful COVID conditions in the classroom. A walkout held Jan. 19 protested state mandates requiring students to wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while a walkout held Jan. 20 called for a two-week […]
Gloria Goodman of Silverton passed away January 12, 2022, of natural causes at the age of 91. She had quite a career. Born in Luling, Texas and raised there and in San Antonio, she was the daughter of Hugh and Ina (Jones) Clark. Her teen years were spent living with her grandparents, Arthur and Ina […]
John Paul Wolf, Sr., 91, of Salem, Oregon passed away on Jan. 7, 2022 from natural causes. John was born on Sept. 6, 1930 to Jacob and Philomena Wolf in Sioux County, North Dakota. He was one of 11 children (Clara, Mary, Cecelia, Gabe, Agnes, Ruth, Virginia, Bernie, Leon, and Irene). After John graduated from […]
Although I live in Silverton, I work in California, most often remotely. I am a strong supporter of Nick Kristof and his run for Governor of Oregon. I don’t understand why he is not on the Ballot. I read a news story about former Supreme Court Justice Riggs[’] opinion that Nick qualifies, and a guest […]
The Silverton boys basketball team outlasted top-ranked Crescent Valley 58-52 on Jan. 24 to take sole possession of first place in the Mid-Willamette Conference. The Foxes, ranked 7th in Class 5A, improved to 11-5 overall and 7-0 in league play while winning their sixth consecutive game overall. C.V. dropped to 11-4 and 5-1. The two […]
Tuesday, Feb. 1 Boys Basketball 7:30 p.m. Silverton vs Corvallis Swimming 7 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon Wednesday, Feb. 2 Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Delphian Friday, Feb. 4 Boys Basketball 7:30 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas Tuesday, Feb. 8 Girls Basketball 7:30 p.m. Silverton vs Central Wednesday, Feb. 9 Girls Basketball 5 p.m. Kennedy vs […]
I’m probably not alone in this thought, but I can’t wait for the whole pandemic thing to be over. I mean, we’re going on two years and people are still trying to figure out whether they’ll get a shot. Or rather, they are still trying to justify why they will or will not get a […]
By Stephen Floyd A Marion County man is facing multiple charges after allegedly abandoning dozens of cans of paint thinner along the roadside at several locations near Scotts Mills. John Hyslop, 50, of Silverton, was arrested Dec. 20 after the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received reports Dec. 17 of numerous cans of paint thinner and […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Natashia Kletter and Kriston Norris became mothers to their sons, Kenny and Noah, they knew their lives were about to change. What they didn’t know was how much. “Even as a baby, there were things I could see,” Norris said. Recalling the many unique attributes her son, Noah, exhibited not long […]
By Melissa Wagoner After more than a year of being apart, Silverton’s Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts – now simply known as “the Scouts” – were finally able to resume in-person meetings and group activities, and they were sure glad. “Over Zoom it was hard,” Scouts parent volunteer Rhett Randall said. He noted that during […]
The Silverton Country Historical Society will hold its annual meeting at the Silverton Senior Center Saturday, Jan. 22, 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The meeting will begin with reports on membership, finances and election of new board members. There will also be a recap of the many activities the historical society is working […]
The Silverton Zenith Woman’s Club thanks the community of Silverton for all the help they received for their 2021 Tree of Giving project. Together we were able to make Christmas a little brighter for 210 children in the Silver Falls School District. We wish to particularly thank: Silverton Together for help with screening families; Hi-School […]
Darlene Beckner was born in Inglewood, California to David and Janet Beckner on Aug. 31, 1965. The family moved to Paradise, California in 1969 where Darlene attended Paradise Adventist Academy and Paradise High, graduating in 1984. She went to Chico State and received her Master’s Degree in Training and Development. She began her career working […]
Gary Douglas Bork was born Sept. 5, 1949 to Ernest and Geraldine Bork in Hood River, Oregon. He passed away Dec. 28, 2021 in Silverton, Oregon – his long-time residence. Gary is survived by his daughter, Melissa Bork; sister, Ida Martin; brothers, Stan and Dennis Bork, along with many nieces and nephews. Gary was a […]
Preston D. (“Dave”) Cox, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec. 20, 2021. Dave was born June 10, 1935 in Northville, South Dakota to George and Ruby Cox. In 1944, his family moved to Downey, California. He graduated from Downey High School in 1953. Dave married Lindia Fleming in 1955 and bought his […]
By James Day Silverton resident Lee Mercer has published a novel about a little-known piece of World War I-era military history. Along with their French, British, Australian and American allies, Canadian troops fought on the side of the White Russians against the Red Bolsheviks from 1918-19. In The Archangel Invasion, Mercer tells the story of […]
Dewey Enos continues to build a solid foundation for wrestling at Kennedy High. Enos, a Silverton High grad, started in 2017 with just 10 wrestlers. This season, he has 26 athletes on the roster and some good momentum based on a second-place finish at districts during last spring’s COVID-influenced season. “To be honest there were […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Heidi Walker found herself single again after 15 years of marriage, she knew dating would be different but she wasn’t prepared for how different it would be. “I just remember meeting people through friends and work. It was never an issue to meet people,” Walker, 45, said recalling what dating had […]
Editor’s note: Dixon Bledsoe invited a guest columnist for this month. We’ll let Fred Vandecoevering introduce himself… Growing up a farm boy north of Mount Angel I never have belonged. I started out at Monitor Elementary. Well, Monitor itself as a school had an identity crisis. Half the kids lived in Marion County, half in Clackamas. […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Richard Niemeyer bought his wife, Debbie, a pair of binoculars in 2011 he never could have imagined the impact the gift would have on both of their lives. “It wasn’t a particularly expensive pair,” Debbie said of the gift. “But one of the first things I saw was an osprey.” Still […]
By Stephen Floyd After months of waiting for a new boiler and battling supply chain shortages, the Silverton Community Pool has reopened to the delight of residents and staff. The pool closed Aug. 26 after the old boiler failed, and was not expected to reopen until late October or early November. But the new boiler […]
By Stephen Floyd Mark Daniel was already a man of many hats when he became interim city manager of Mt. Angel on Sept. 1. The police chief/emergency manager/firefighter/EMT/DJ knew it was an unusual choice to add city administration to his many responsibilities. But the last four months have shown he was up to the task, […]
By Stephen Floyd Mt. Angel has lost an institution after Public Works Superintendent Dan Bernt retired following 36 years with the city. Bernt was hired as a utility/maintenance worker in 1985 and became superintendent in 1996. After years of flirting with retirement, he decided to step down as of Dec. 31. During a ceremony Dec. […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 E Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Coffee & Conversation, 10 a.m., Silverton […]
By Melissa Wagoner When the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person meetings for Silverton’s numerous 12-step recovery programs, the Silverton Coffee Club – a nonprofit that has provided and maintained those programs’ meeting space for over 30 years – jumped at the opportunity to sell their current space, one in desperate need of costly repairs, in the […]
When African-American racial and social justice activist Ahjama Umi saw a gang of conservative white motorcyclists roar in at a funeral he was attending for one of its members, he didn’t feel intimidated or threatened. He saw an opportunity for dialogue on issues likely foreign to the gang. That’s how Umi works: transform a culture […]
Jared John Miller, 41, passed away Dec. 9, 2021 surrounded by his wife, father, sister, and best friend. Jared was born March 13, 1980 in Richland, Washington to Dennis and Waldeen Miller. He grew up with his younger sister, Cassie Lange and younger brother, Steven Miller in the Wenas Valley in Yakima County. It was […]
Dennis Bean of Silverton passed away on Dec. 12, 2021 at the age of 79. Dennis was born in Mount Angel, Oregon, to William and Ann Bean. He grew up in Mount Angel, and graduated from Mt. Angel Prep in 1960. Dennis attended the University of Portland and was a pitcher on the Pilots baseball team. […]
Mary Louise Shimp Dunbar died on Dec. 14, 2021, age 74 years old, in her home and surrounded by family, near Silverton, Oregon. Mary’s passions included a 30-plus year career as a nurse, gardening, thrift store-shopping in our area, fishing, clammiing, and rock collecting. She was also a founding member of The Oregon Garden. She […]
Gilda Amber Farrell, 72, of Silverton, Oregon passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side, in her home on Dec. 5, 2021. Gilda was born in Prairie, Oregon to Arthur and Grace Shoun (Shankle) on April 12, 1949. Gilda grew up in John Day, Oregon. She married Ernest S. Farrell of Mount Angel, […]
Janis Carroll unexpectedly suffered a massive stroke on Dec. 15, 2021. Both her sons were by her side as she transitioned peacefully. Born to Harold and Montene Thompson in Vallejo, California in 1950, Janis married Roy Rogers and later Charles Klawitter. She raised two boys in Napa, California while running “The Hollow Reed” gift store […]
Bradley Weldon Foss was born May 23, 1953 in Spokane, Washington to Edna Marie (Bond) and Theodore Weldon Foss. Brad passed away in Bend, Oregon on Nov. 22, 2021 at the age of 68. Brad was raised in Clarkston, Washington and attended high school in Spokane where he joined his siblings Nancy, Ron and Marilyn Foss. Later he traveled to Colorado where he worked as […]
The Silverton High boys basketball team, which blazed through a 14-1 COVID season last spring, is off to a strong start for 2021-22. The Foxes were 4-0 and ranked third in Class 5A at Our Town’s presstime and were battling in the Capitol City Classic in Salem. Post-Christmas the squad will play at a tournament […]
Monday, Jan. 3 Girls Basketball 7:30 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas Tuesday, Jan. 4 Swimming 6 p.m. Silverton vs Molalla Wednesday, Jan. 5 Boys Basketball 5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais Wrestling 6 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas Girls Basketball 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Gervais Thursday, Jan. 6 Boys Basketball 5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam 7 p.m. Silverton […]
It’s that time of year for the “To-Do” lists to come out. My personal list is the same this year as every other year: lose weight, win the lottery, travel more and screw around less. That last one is the toughest. My DNA is chock full of genes that enable me to shift into neutral […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Skye de los Reyes moved to Silverton with her husband, Liam, and their four children this past summer, she didn’t really know what to expect. “I grew up in Alabama, which is known for hospitality and friendliness,” de los Reyes said. Admitting that when she found out her family would be […]
By Stephen Floyd The Great Resignation has pummeled the private sector, with record numbers of employers across the country struggling to fill open positions. Local restaurants and retailers are seeking new hires, too. While societal shifts from the COVID-19 pandemic maybe partially responsible, other factors like baby boomer retirements also play a part. Volunteerism for […]
Dear Stu, Well, you did it! Congratulations! You lived your life start to finish, front to back, side to side the way you saw fit. You were way ahead of your time. You knew it from day one. Your overall general intelligence far exceeded that of many of us. Surely, myself included. What a book […]
SALEM – Scammers posing as the Oregon DMV are texting cell phones claiming that a refund is available. It is a fake message and a phishing scam trying to get payment information from unsuspecting Oregonians. DMV urges customer not to click on any links and delete the message. “DMV does not text customers to let […]
I’ve always had a soft spot for Christmas stockings. This, in large part, is thanks to my mother who is an impeccable gift giver. She always knows exactly the right thing or – as was the case with our Christmas socks, many right things – to buy. Cheap polyester, scratchy on the inside, fuzzy on […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Chris Davie joined the Silverton Mural Society in 2020 the organization was in desperate need of help. Longtime leader, Vince Till, had recently passed away and support had begun to wane. “The key thing for the mural society is, we always need money,” Davie, who is now the board treasurer, said. […]
By Melissa Wagoner Christmas candy has a long tradition in my family. Beginning with stories of my grandfather stealing maple fudge from a jar stored in the root cellar; to my own memories of running through the snow, festively wrapped candy plate in hand, while my mom waited, Christmas list in hand, in the car; […]
Josef Sprug was born April 9, 1922 in Fort Smith, Arkansas and passed away in Seattle, Washington on Nov. 28, 2021 at the age of 99. His father, an immigrant from Austria, survived the Great Depression by painting Catholic churches throughout the area. Josef often said that he survived by reading and that led him […]
Marilyn (Piatz) Seiler, 85, passed away on Dec. 3, 2021 surrounded by her five children in Silverton, Oregon. Marilyn was born in Napoleon, North Dakota on Jan. 29, 1936 to Joseph and Rose (Gross) Piatz. She was the youngest of three siblings. Her family moved to Mount Angel, Oregon when she was just six months […]
MaryAnn (Bielemeier) Havlik passed away at her home on Dec. 3, 2021 of natural causes. She was 82 and a life-long resident of Mount Angel, Oregon. She was born Jan. 19, 1939 to George and Anna Bielemeier, the youngest of five children. Her brothers: Raymond, Joseph, James and Arnold preceded her in death. MaryAnn attended St. Mary’s […]
Gregory Allen Enns was born Feb. 25, 1953 in Eugene, Oregon to Alfred Enns and Phyllis Estelle Stanley Enns. The family would move to Albany, Oregon where Greg would go on to graduate from Albany High School with the class of 1971. Greg enlisted in the US Army after graduation and served in Vietnam. He […]
Somehow you get the feeling that folks in Silverton will be talking about the final play of the 2021 Class 5A football title game for a long time. Here is the setup: The Foxes were clinging to a 26-20 lead against Thurston and were facing 4th and 17 at the Colts’ 26 with 12 seconds […]
By Brenna Wiegand Recent approval of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for children was welcome news to many families and communities across Oregon, especially those who have been hit hard by COVID-19. It also gave Legacy Health staff in the Silverton region the green light to create ways of getting them out to kids from five to 11 […]
I asked a young acquaintance recently if she believed the Christmas Story, that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, died for our sins, and that if we believe in God and act as He would wish us to act practicing Christian charity, we will join Him in Heaven with everlasting life. As a reliable […]
By Melissa Wagoner Decision fatigue is a relatively unknown mental health term that has, during the past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, begun getting more attention. “Decision fatigue describes the challenges in making decisions large or small, typically occurring after a period of time of frequent or complex decision making,” Audry Van Houweling, the […]
I just spent an entire morning negotiating the administration and shipping of three specially ordered COVID tests so that my children and I can travel to visit their grandparents in a little over three weeks – and I’m still not sure I have it all straight. The challenge lies in the timing, in order to […]
By Melissa Wagoner Despite a stormy night, the atmosphere is festive beneath the glowing blue and white striped tent over LC’s Outdoor Market – the newly opened food cart pod in downtown Mount Angel. “At this point we’re just creating the atmosphere,” Kirk Deignan who, along with his wife, Mary, owns From Russia with Love […]
By Melissa Wagoner Holiday bazaars are not just providing holiday spirit this year, they’re also bringing a little bit of “normal” to a year that has been anything but. “In a way it is a little more special this year,” Kim White – Vendor Coordinator for Santa Mouse, Silverton’s longest running holiday bazaar – confirmed. “It is […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 Charles St. Silverton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield, 503-873-3093. Age 50 and older. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Mt. Angel […]
By Melissa Wagoner Silverton’s newest mural is a bit off the beaten track, but definitely worth the trip. Located at the Oregon Garden Resort, this 40-foot tribute to all things Christmas, is the latest creation of prolific muralist, Lori Rodrigues, and a focal point for the upcoming Silverton Christmas Market. “Learning about the ideas for […]
By Brenna Wiegand Turns out Dr. Davies never had to set a retirement date, something he was not looking forward to. When Our Town sat down with Dr. Olwyn K. Davies in July, the 92-year-old physician was still seeing patients at his office in Silverton, where he was surrounded by massive stacks of files, each […]
By Silverton Mayor Kyle Palmer It is with sadness that I report that Mayor Stu Rasmussen passed away Wednesday [Nov. 17] around 11 a.m. after a number of weeks under home hospice care for metastatic prostate cancer. His longtime love Victoria noted that “he went bravely into the unknown on his own terms.” One of […]
Stewart Alan “Stu” Rasmussen died Nov. 17, 2021 at the age of 73. Stu, the indefatigable engineer who became America’s first openly transgender mayor, was born in Silverton, Oregon on Sept. 9, 1948 as an only child to Albert and Nan Rasmussen. Stu, who used both he and she pronouns, was a self-described nerd from the start and thanks to […]
Jack Lloyd Conner, 86, passed away Oct. 29, 2021 at home with family and friends. He was born on Oct. 24, 1935 in Hollywood, California to Kenneth and Neva Conner. He was raised in Topanga Canyon, and Pacific Palisades, California with one older sister. He graduated from University High School in Los Angeles, California in […]
Rosemarie I. Santogrossi of Keizer, Oregon died at age 83 on Nov. 15, 2021 at Salem Hospital after a brief illness. She was born on Jan. 18, 1938 in Pasadena, California to Walter G. Wolmer and Matilda Braun Wolmer. After high school and a few years of employment she married Edmund Santogrossi, a native of […]
Kathy Lorraine Ratliff of Mount Angel, Oregon passed in the early hours of Nov. 10. Her kind spirit and tight embrace still, and always will, linger in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. The wife of an army mechanic turned farmer, Kathy Lorraine dedicated her life to her family. A […]
Ida Beth (Salton) Freitag passed away on Oct. 11, 2021, at the age of 81, following an unexpected recurrence of breast cancer from eight prior years. She is survived by her husband of 57 years Charles (Chuck) Freitag, daughter Lisa (John), son Bret (Heather), and her six grandchildren: Brynna, Carter, Jorie, Tyler, Joshua and Matthea. […]
By James Day HILLSBORO – The Silverton High football team raced out to a 23-0 lead Saturday against Thurston and then held on in resilient fashion to take a 26-20 victory against the Colts and earn the Foxes’ first state football title since 1991. Silveton also got payback for 2019, when Thurston dominated the Foxes […]
By James Day Kennedy’s shot at a second Class 2A football title ended Saturday with a 38-28 loss to Coquille at Cottage Grove High. Gunner Yates, the Red Devils’ standout running back, rushed for an OSAA title game record 388 yards and 5 TDs. Yates, who carried 23 times and only once was stopped for […]
The Silverton High trap shooting program turned in standout performances during the just-completed fall season. The Foxes had a record turnout of 34 participants. The Foxes placed second in Class 1A-Conference 4 behind Canby. The top five shooters for Silverton were John Montgomery (23.10 average out of 25 targets), Quinn Kelley (22.70), Kyle Schmidt (22.40), […]
Wednesday, Dec. 1 Girls Basketball 7:30 p.m. Silverton vs Jesuit Tuesday, Dec. 7 Boys Basketball 7:30 p.m. Silverton vs Thurston Wednesday, Dec. 8 Wrestling 6 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon Thursday, Dec. 9 Boys Basketball 5:30 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian Girls Basketball 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Western Christian Friday, Dec. 10 Girls Basketball 7:30 p.m. […]
As a red-blooded, all-American guy, I’ve been watching a lot of football these days. There’s nothing better than a Sunday afternoon of watching highly paid athletes knock heads with one another to lower the stress level. But as I watched the games I noticed something – actually, it was pretty hard to miss. […]
Stewart Alan “Stu” Rasmussen died Nov. 17 2021 at the age of 73. Stu, the indefatigable engineer who became America’s first openly transgender mayor, was born in Silverton, Oregon on Sept. 9, 1948 as an only child to Albert and Nan Rasmussen. Stu, who used both he and she pronouns, was a self-described nerd from […]
By Melissa Wagoner Long before the flames of the Labor Day 2020 wildfires were extinguished, Ward Frederick knew he had to do something to help those who had lost everything to the flames. “Besides being a Realtor and doing business up there, I have a restaurant background and am in the wholesale food business,” Frederick – a […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Donna Hues learned that her short story, “Guard Cat,” was among the top 300 contenders for a spot in the popular book series, Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Clever, Curious, Caring Cat, she was more than a little surprised. “They get 1,000-plus stories,” Hues said of the fierce competition. She’s normally a historical fiction […]
Guest Opinion by Colleen Beyer Recently, Dixon Bledsoe intimated that any reason to not get the COVID vaccine(s) is “misinformation.” The following are possible reasons not only of why someone might be hesitant to take the vaccines, but why someone might question “approved” sources. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System is the data capture method […]
By James Day Silverton-area residents who have gotten used to detours around the Silverton Road bridge project are going to have to hang in there for another two months. Marion County officials originally hoped to open the bridge over the Little Pudding River between 60th Avenue and 64th Place by next week. However, utility issues […]
When the football season started we knew that Silverton boasted some potent offensive weapons. Quarterback Jordan McCarty was back for his third season as a starter. Veteran wide receivers Vandon Fessler and Austin Ratliff also were on hand, as well as a sizable and seasoned offensive line. That left running back. During fall camp fifth-year […]
Viola Kollen, age 94 of Mount Angel, Oregon passed away peacefully on Oct. 31, 2021 at Salem Hospital. Viola was born on March 8, 1927 in Pierz, Minnesota to Leo and Loretta Duerr. She was the oldest of 8 children. Viola worked for 28 years at the Mount Angel Abbey Press. From there, she worked […]
Ruby H. Mattison passed away on Oct. 29, 2021 of cancer. She was born on April 12, 1927 in North Dakota. She moved with her parents, Knute and Lila Peterson, and her eight siblings to Hubbard, Oregon in the 1930s. In May of 1946, she married Victor Mattison, who preceded her in death. In 1956, […]
Jeff Hande was born in Salem, on July 3, 1956. His parents were John Carleton “Jack” Hande and Donna Mae (Brandt) Hande. Jeff passed away Oct. 29, 2021 at the age of 65. Jeff was handicapped physically and mentally, but there was no limit to his outgoing, jovial, loving sweet personality. He had limited ability […]
Callie Ann Jacobsen died peacefully in her home on Oct. 31, 2021 in Silverton, Oregon. She was 84. Callie was born on July 5, 1937 in Silverton to parents John and Wilda Jacobsen. She had a long-time career in Office Administration, retiring in 2000. Callie was a sweet, spunky, outgoing and an adventurous lady. She […]
Jim Roth was born to Alvin and Elizabeth Roth on April 8, 1949 in Silverton, Oregon. He passed away in the early morning hours on Oct. 17, 2021 at the age of 72. He went to elementary school at Silver Crest and attended Silverton Union High School where he participated in football, baseball and wrestling […]
By the time this edition of Our Town is published, Veteran’s Day 2021 will be a thing of the past. Perhaps you bought the 9,000 thread count California King sheets at the “Massive Veteran’s Day Bedding Sale,” where they pretend to care about those who serve and served. Maybe you drove around town with your […]
By James Day Maybe it was the white shirts and green bow ties. Or the way Roth’s always seemed to be involved in community affairs and causes. Or the tradition of an employee, often a student or teenager, always ferrying your groceries to your car. Or maybe you ran into Orville Roth himself in the […]
By James Day A planned 22-lot subdivision near the Oregon Garden is closer to reality after the Silverton City Council voted 6-1 to approve the plan. The council action on Oct. 4 overturned a decision to reject the plan on July 13 from the city’s Planning Commission. The council heard the developer’s appeal at its […]
The Elizabeth Hoke Memorial Trust will provide a free community Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 25, 1 – 3 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N. Church St., Silverton. Due to COVID-19 precautions, it will be a drive through event. Elizabeth was born on Sept. 12, 1999 in Silverton and spent her entire life living on her […]
Through the month of November, Lunaria Gallery in Silverton features Kara Pilcher on the main floor, plus the annual Member Holiday Gift Show will be held in the upstairs Loft Gallery. Inspired by dance, grandchildren, the garden, and books, featured artist Kara Pilcher was motivated to try to capture an image with paint, usually watercolors. […]
By Brenna Wiegand Last month the Oregon Cultural Trust awarded the Gordon House Conservancy a grant of $13,325 toward ongoing preservation of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed home. The money goes a long way toward funding the stabilization of a sagging 20-foot beam spanning its living room, thereby preserving the home’s structural integrity and protecting […]
By Melissa Wagoner Norman English didn’t set out to become a writer. But when he retired from a career as a Field Officer working for Workman’s Comp of Oregon 13 years ago, writing found him. “I’ve always liked the process of writing,” English said. Recalling, “The first thing I printed was – we had a […]
By Melissa Wagoner When quarantine boredom came knocking during the spring of 2020, Adeline Schmitz and Jeff Marshall did something they never imagined they would do – they picked up paintbrushes and began to paint – barn quilts. Typically seen on barns, sheds, garages and even chicken coops – these large, wooden boards painted with […]
Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 Charles St. Silveton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield, 503-873-3093. Age 50 and older. Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton. Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Mt. Angel […]
Congressman Kurt Schrader made a trip to Silverton recently to tour the site of North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity’s planned development. This project is the largest to date for the affiliate, and is the first step in addressing a grave shortage of affordable housing for a diverse population within the community. Plans call for thedevelopment […]
By James Day In those corny old black-and-white movies a bunch of kids (Mickey Rooney usually was involved) would at some point declare “Let’s put on a show!” Great energy would be expended and odds overcome as the spunky kids saved the day. In Mount Angel, it’s a bit different. It’s more like “Let’s put […]
For the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel, November is the prayer month for remembering the deceased. Starting with All Souls Day, Nov. 2, through the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 28, the Sisters will include in their prayers a remembrance of the deceased: community members, loved ones, friends, alumni and oblates. They also welcome requests […]
Eileen Lalicker, 98, longtime Silverton, Oregon resident passed away on Oct. 10, 2021. She was born on May 31, 1923 in Hazelton, Kansas to Frank and Bessie (McMullin) Page, the oldest of five. She graduated from Medicine Lodge High School in 1941. During her junior year, she met John Lalicker, and they were married on […]
William Mercer Harris IV, of Keizer, Oregon, died from pneumonia complications on Sept. 15 at 8:40 p.m. at his nephew’s home in Silverton, Oregon. William was born in Georgeton, D.C., April 16, 1925 to Olive Ruth Martin Harris (1890-1964) and William Oscar Harris (1896-1991). He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps at 17, […]
Raymond Louis Rom was born on May 27, 1931 in Musselshell, Montana to Frank and Lucille Rom. He died surrounded by family on Oct. 8, 2021. Ray grew up in Roundup, Montana. Growing up he developed a passion for big band and jazz music, starting his own band, The Red Hots, while in high school. […]
Kenneth Clair Robinson of Silverton, Oregon, died peacefully and without pain from kidney failure at home surrounded by his loving wife and two children. Kenneth was born in Mansfield, Ohio on May 25, 1935 to Ethel Eloise Bond Robinson (1915-1990) and John Clair Robinson (1911-1978). An only child, Kenneth moved many times during his childhood […]
David Marion Kemper passed away on Oct.16, 2021. David was born Sep. 23, 1935 at home outside Jefferson, Oregon to Robert and Pearl Kemper. He joined older brother, Robert (Bud) Jr. By the time David was in second grade the family had moved to the Silverton, Oregon area to be close to extended family. While […]
Jennie Lee Peters was born to John and Irma Schmidt on Jan. 19, 1936 in Goessel, Kansas. She died suddenly at home from an apparent heart attack on Sept. 13, 2021. Jennie was the second of four children and grew up on a farm near Newton, Kansas. This was during the Depression which made things […]
Wendi Lucarellie was born in Mission Viejo, California eight minutes after her twin sister, Aimee. Her childhood was spent in California where she attended Mission Hills Christian School and was then homeschooled through high school. She was an ‘A’ student. She later moved to Silverton, Oregon and attended beauty college, becoming a hair stylist for […]
Donna Jo (DeGuire) Antonson, of Silverton, Oregon, passed away at home on Sept. 18, 2021 of natural causes. She was born on June 24, 1940 to Donald and Josephine Sawyer. When Donna was six-years-old, Josephine married Elbert DeGuire, who later adopted her. After graduating from Silverton High School in 1958, she attended dental technician school […]
Thomas William (Bill) Scott, passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2021, under the care of hospice at Mount Angel Towers Health Center. Bill was born on Dec. 7, 1932 in Greeley, Nebraska. The family moved to a farm in Mount Angel, Oregon when Bill was a young boy. He was the oldest of 13 brothers […]
Carolyn Berg… Loved by many. She was born, on the sidewalk, in Yuma, Arizona, on July 3, 1935 to John F. and Fay Cox Ham. She passed from this life on Oct. 22, 2021 in Silverton. Those who knew her will tell you that Carolyn was one of the most selfless people around. She was […]
When the football schedules come out you always circle the Silverton-West Albany match-up. The past 8 times the two teams have played, including Friday night’s 28-21 Foxes win at McGinnis Field, either a league title has been on the line or the game has been in the playoffs. The two schools are 4-4 in those […]
For six hours last month we were all safe. Safe from misinformation, safe from ads targeted at us. Safe from posts that were only there because someone paid for them. Facebook and Instagram were offline. How this happened is anyone’s guess. Facebook said the “configuration” got out of whack. That is IT talk for “I […]
By James Day Mount Angel is in recovery mode this week as the community reels from a devastating weekend fire that destroyed historic structures and four businesses. The fire, which was called in just before 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, wiped out a highly visible swath of commercial property along the railroad tracks that separate […]
We all have a different image of what it means to be a hero. For some, it is a flying, caped super-human; for others, an inspiring ancestor whose legacy has shaped the lives of their family. In recent months, our healthcare workers have proven to be an army of heroes. For many of us, encountering […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Robin Hyslop left her shoes on the sidewalk in front of Legacy Silverton on Sept. 30, she left behind a lot more than a pair of worn-out sneakers – she left behind a 33-year career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, coworkers she’s come to think of as family and trust in […]
I recently learned something rather astounding – if you ask for ghost stories, prepare for an onslaught. Houses, storefronts, restaurants, nursing homes – and apparently nearly every school in area – all come with a ghost story or two attached. And many of them took place in… bathrooms? Which prompts the question – why bathrooms? […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Jeramie Mykisen and his step-father Jeffrey Tinkham learned that the Silverton Wine Bar was for sale they instantly jumped at the chance to make it their own. “It was just too good to pass up,” Mykisen said. The previous beverage director for McMenamins and the author of the recipe book, Quintessential […]
By Melissa Wagoner When the COVID-19 pandemic began, in the spring of 2020, the students at Silverton Ballet and Performing Arts Company were weeks away from the annual spring recital. The culmination of months – if not years – of practice and hard work, it was never really an option to cancel the show. Instead, […]
By Melissa Wagoner Right now, with schools finally back in session, many kids are spending more time outside for recess, PE and lunch, prompting teachers to send home reminders saying, “Don’t let your children forget their coats.” But what if there are no coats to send? That’s where the annual Coats for Kids Winter Coat […]
Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Donald Lee Corsetti passed away at the age of 74 on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. Donald was born May 9, 1947 in Eureka, California to Alfredo and Frances Corsetti. Donald graduated in Eureka from St. Bernard’s Academy in 1965. After high school graduation, Donald attended Mount Angel College in Mount […]
Phyllis Kay Burk, born Sept. 10, 1933 in Brooklyn New York, died Sept. 19, 2021 in Silverton, Oregon at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her husband Oliver Wendell Burk and sons Terry and David. She is survived by son, Steven (Cindy) Burk of Silverton; son, Mark (Lisa) Burk of Silverton; daughter, Lorraine (Rick) Bergerson of Henderson, […]
Laura Gooley, 92, of Mount Angel, Oregon passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2021 in her sleep at Mount Angel Towers where she had resided for many years. Laura Davidson was born on April, 19, 1929 in St. Paul, Oregon to Edward and Eleanor (Kirk) Davidson. She was the fifth of seven children. She studied […]
Charles Noel Gardner was born Oct. 24, 1935 to Gaylord and Evelyn (Gilman) Gardner in Belen, New Mexico. He passed away on Sept. 20, 2021, after having a massive stroke. Noel and his four siblings grew up on a farm in Cortez, Colorado. Noel dedicated his life to the service of God. He went to […]
The Silverton High volleyball squad is locked in a three-way battle for the Mid-Willamette Valley Conference title – and state bragging rights as well. At Our Town’s presstime the Foxes were 11-4 overall, 9-2 in league and ranked No. 3 in Class 5A. League foes West Albany (17-3, 11-0) and Crescent Valley (12-3, 8-2) are […]
By James Day Backers of the expansion of the Judy Schmidt Memorial Skate Park held a groundbreaking Sept. 11 for the next phase of the project. Actually breaking ground given the dry summer proved to be a challenge, so organizer Sue Roessler said she “had to bring potting soil to layer on top so we […]
Social Media is rife with misinformation, especially in the chaos of COVID. Lazy people use it as their “research.” VAERS is the “Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System”, a reporting system co-managed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). People grab stats at random from VAERS and then perpetuate […]
By Melissa Wagoner It can be difficult to remember, as the fall rains roll into the Willamette Valley, that the area is still experiencing a severe and widespread drought. “This is the second year of an extensive drought so it’s double bad,” Jan Lee, Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts – an […]
By James Day The Silverton City Council will hold a public hearing on an appeal of a proposal for a 22-lot subdivision on Eureka Avenue near the Oregon Garden. The city Planning Commission denied the proposal at its July 13 meeting, but the property owner has appealed that decision to the council, which will hear […]
By Melissa Wagoner The recent closure of the Silverton branch of Childhood Health left Silverton families without a locally-based pediatric clinic – an situation Dr. Scott Hamblin and Dr. Mark Helm are determined to remedy. “Scott and I didn’t want to give up the care of the kids in this area,” Helm, who worked alongside […]
By Melissa Wagoner During his 20-year career as a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Andrew Weitzman learned a great deal. “Of those 20 years, my first seven were in community health in Vancouver, Washington,” Weitzman said of the time he spent working in drug and alcohol treatment. “Then I got a job at the state hospital for […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Nicholas Alan Coffey moved to Silverton six years ago, the annual Sidewalk Shindig was one of his favorite events. “You can have fun for free, you can bring the whole family and you can hangout for free all day,” Coffey said of the city-wide music festival Oct. 2 which will host […]
Datebook Submission Information To get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town send releases to [email protected] Or drop them off at 401 Oak St., Silverton. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Frequent Addresses Mt. Angel Public Library, 290 Charles St. Silveton High, 1456 Pine St., Silverton. Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield, 503-873-3093. Age 50 and older. Silver Creek Fellowship, […]
By Melissa Wagoner Even in high school Vanessa Meraz knew she wanted to go into healthcare. “Growing up I was very close to my grandparents and my grandma taught us that each of us had a talent that can be used to do good,” Meraz recalled. “I noticed science was the main subject that I […]
By Brenna Wiegand Only two weeks of school had elapsed when Our Town touched base with Silverton High School Principal Sione Thompson, in his first year with the Silver Falls School District. “It’s been quite a trial by fire but what makes it all worthwhile is that these are just terrific people,” he said. “They […]
Marie Delia Garrow was born in Portland, Oregon, to Veva (née Portwood) and Leo Garrow. Growing up in a lively Portland neighborhood, she attended St. Stephen’s for all 12 of her school years. Her father’s relatives, with their French-Belgian heritage, welcomed her on visits to their farm in Reedville, Oregon. After graduation she enjoyed working at for […]
Marlin Hutton passed away Feb. 2, 2020. His family will be holding a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 at the Gallon House Farm Event Center, 7263 Gallon House Road NE, Silverton at 11 a.m. All family and friends welcome. Call 503-875-4042 for more information.
Joseph Robert Schwab passed away peacefully in his home on Aug. 25, 2021 at age 80 after a brave fight with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn, and his three children, Greg, Kris and Tom. Joe was literally and figuratively larger than life. After serving his country for eight years […]
By Melissa Wagoner What says Halloween more than a flash-mob of zombies jerkily dancing to Michael Jackson’s classic song from 1982, Thriller? “It’s so cool,” Marta Hazekamp – owner of Revolutionary Dance and Movement Company in Silverton – said of the annual performance which will be making a comeback this Halloween. “So many people were […]
Mid-Willamette Conference plays gets underway for the Silverton soccer squads this week, with both teams hoping to be contenders in the tough Class 5A league. The boys squad is 3-0-2 and ranked No. 4 in Class 5A. The girls are 1-2-1 but have had to cope with the loss of three scheduled matches because of […]
Thursday, Sept. 2 Boys Soccer 4 p.m. Silverton vs Thurston/Mohawk Friday, Oct. 1 Football 7 p.m. Silverton vs Crescent Valley Thursday, Oct. 5 Boys Soccer 7 p.m. Silverton vs Woodburn Wednesday, Oct. 6 Cross Country 4 p.m. Silverton, Kennedy @ Willamette Mission State Park Thursday, Oct. 7 Volleyball 6 p.m. Silverton vs Lebanon Boys Soccer […]
The other day I was hanging off a ladder trying to patch a leak in the gutter over our garage doors. It had leaked for 11 years, but this was the moment I chose to fix it. One of my weapons of choice was some thick, industrial-strength waterproof tape. I figured if I used enough […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Sarah White created, and later became the director of, Sheltering Silverton – a resource center advocating for those who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless – she already knew that someday she would leave the day-to-day operations for a more advisory position. “We had been working on an exit […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Celia Stapleton named her knitting group Knitters Raised by Wolves, she had one thing in mind. “The point is, children that were raised by wolves are feral – and we’re not nice ladies,” Stapleton laughed. Noting that the group isn’t a quiet bunch – at least not entirely. They knit, they […]
By Melissa Wagoner There have been a lot of sleepless nights for Oktoberfest board members since the COVID numbers began climbing in mid-July because, by then, planning for Mount Angel’s annual festival was well underway and organizers – having spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars in planning – were loath to pull the […]
By Melissa Wagoner “The Mount Angel Oktoberfest has always been a family-friendly, multi-generational festival,” Tecie Zollner Astorga said. And she should know, a member of the popular Oktoberfest band, Z Musikmakers, she has performed on stage alongside her family since she was a small child. “I’ve been a part of Z Musikmakers since I could […]
By Brenna Wiegand Silverton Arts Association is featuring the work of local artist Jim Bornzin, whose show, “Amazing Scissorcuts,” runs Sept. 10-26 at the Borland Gallery. Bornzin became fascinated with the German art form of scissor cutting in high school after observing his cousin’s grandfather, Hans Bittner of Chicago, cutting an intricate design on paper […]
Sarah DeSantis has been cooking with her son, Oliver, since he was a toddler. “I grew up with home cooked meals and want my kids to learn to cook and eat in the same way,” DeSantis said when asked what inspired her to teach such a young child to cook. “It’s also something I enjoy […]
By Melissa Wagoner Say the word, “thanksgiving” and many images come to mind – turkey, football and pumpkin pie among them. But look the word up in the dictionary and you’ll find less about food, sports or history and more about the acknowledgement of goodness, “the act of giving thanks” and “a prayer expressing gratitude.” […]
Lunaria Main Floor Gallery presents the show, Artful Elegance, by featured artists Rebecca Cozart and Linda Jacobson Sept. 29 – Oct. 31. Rebecca Cozart captures eclectic, colorful images ranging from still-life photos to florals to food. Linda Jacobson creates intricate fabric wall pieces. Together they created beautiful silk and velvet scarves. Rebecca printed 12 of […]
Will Silverton High senior quarterback Jordan McCarty explode for nearly 400 yards of total offense every Friday? Who knows, but it should be a fun ride. McCarty threw for 322 yards and one touchdown and scrambled for 66 more yards and two more scores on Sept. 3 as the Foxes thrashed Class 6A Grant of […]
By Melissa Wagoner Yard signs are pretty common but the one in Glen Hammer’s yard isn’t. It reads: “I need a kidney. Can you help?” It’s blunt and to the point because Hammer – at 72 and suffering from late-stage polycystic kidney disease – can’t afford to beat around the bush. “I have masses of […]
Donald (Don) Leroy Olson was born on a farm in Long Prairie, Minnesota on May 20, 1931, to Paul and Agnes Olson. He passed away at age 90 in Silverton, Oregon, Aug. 22, 2021. After graduating from Sequoia High School in Long Prairie in 1949, Don left the farm and joined the U.S. Navy training […]
Jean Elaine Fennimore passed away Aug. 24, 2021 in Mount Angel. She was born to Lester and Edna Dowe in Brooks, Oregon on June 19, 1934. On June 19, 1954, she married Edgar J. Fennimore, and together they built and maintained a beautiful family and relationship that lasted over six decades. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards with friends, slot machines and mostly […]
Jean Vargo-Smith passed away peacefully on Aug. 17 at the age of 72 in Woodburn, Oregon. She was born on Aug. 12, 1949 to Mortimer and Lila Collis in Stockton, California. Some of Jean’s hobbies included gardening and painting rocks. Jean enjoyed being a pre-school teacher at Benedictine Nursing Center. Jean is survived by her […]
On Aug. 14, 2021, Shawn Heath Lafollette passed away peacefully. His immediate family was at his bedside in Salem Hospital. Shawn was 50 when he lost his lengthy battle with health issues. Shawn began his life on March 28, 1971, at Salem General Hospital. His family lived in the Waldo Hills area, just outside of […]
It is so difficult being a writer, even one throwing out unsolicited opinions just once a month. There is a natural flow of subjects that occur annually, starting with New Year’s resolutions and ending with taking the tree down as Santa heads to the tropics for a well-earned rest. There is Valentine’s Day, Easter, Tax […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Holly Perez and her 16-year-old son, Sam, decided to get away for a couple of nights over Labor Day in 2020, they planned to do some swimming and enjoy the end of summer sun before school started up once again. What they didn’t anticipate was how their trip would end. “I […]
By Melissa Wagoner “The question – what happens after a fire? – is an important question,” retired US Forest Service Fire Ecologist Jane Kertis said when asked about 2020’s Beachie Creek Fire. It, along with the Lionshead Fire, burned through the Santiam Canyon last Labor Day leaving many favorite parks still closed for recovery. Kertis […]
By Melissa Wagoner Recovering from a disaster like the one that devastated the Santiam Canyon during the Labor Day fires in 2020 is neither quick nor easy, a reality that was recognized early by the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund (SCWRF) Advisory Committee, a nonprofit established on Sept. 11, 2020 to support the recovery and […]
By Mary Owen When Ziply Fiber acquired Frontier Communication’s Northwest assets in May of 2020, Silverton and Mill City became part of its footprint. “At the time of the acquisition, the only internet option was DSL, and that’s something we are working hard to change,” said Dan Miller, senior vice president of Curator which handles […]
Datebook Submission Information Get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town. Send your releases to [email protected] Or drop them off at 401 Oak St., Silverton. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Frequent Addresses Mount Angel Public Library, 290 Charles St., 503-845-6401 Silver Creek Fellowship Church, 822 NE Industrial Way, Silverton Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield, 503-873-3093. Age 50 and […]
By Melissa Wagoner Mike Ashland has witnessed a lot of grief during his career as a pastor and the founder of the Church of the Moment, a nondenominational church in Silverton. And over the years – as he has attended funerals, hospice care and acted as a witness to life’s inherent traumas – he has […]
By Melissa Wagoner Few things make a parent feel more anxious than watching a child’s late-night struggle for breath, a situation Amanda Baird – whose son, Jacob, was born three and a half weeks premature and with significant lung damage – is accustomed to avoiding at all cost. “We had him on daily steroids and […]
Hank (Henry) Broderick Dill was born Dec. 29, 1977 at Travis Air Force Base, California to Ernest and Henri Dill. When he was six, his father retired from the Air Force and moved the family to Mount Angel, Oregon. His school years were spent in Mount Angel. He graduated from John F.Kennedy High School in 1997 […]
Ronald Joseph Schmidt, 86, of Mt. Angel, Oregon passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born January 24, 1935 to Andy and Eleanor Schmidt, Ron was a life-long resident of Mt. Angel. He graduated from Mt. Angel Preparatory High School in 1953, attended University of Portland, […]
Virginia Irene McIlwain Groah was born on Feb. 28, 1925 in Silverton, Oregon in the old hospital on North Water Street. Her childhood was spent on the McIlwain Farm in the North Howell area near Labish Lake. She attended North Howell School as did her father and grandmother. In her teen years she worked in […]
Edward Alan Haslebacher (Alan), was born to Edward and Mabel Haslebacher and grew up on the family farm on Howell Prairie. After serving in the Navy, he married the girl next door (literally), Patricia Ann Hynes. They lived on the family farm raising three children and creating memories over their 70 years of marriage. Alan […]
James William (Bud) Steuart was born on Dec. 30, 1940 to Ralph and Elsie Madge Steuart in Exeter, California. He passed away on Aug. 9, 2021 at the age of 80. Memorial services were held on Aug. 26 at his home in Silverton (Unger Funeral Chapel assisting) and another on Aug. 27 at the Smith Family […]
For many parents, it’s been a while since they packed a school lunch. With the majority of students attending school remotely or in half-day increments last year, more often than not, kids were eating at home. But no more. With the first day of in-person school looming on the horizon, it’s time to dust off […]
Your local medical community would like to publicly announce our support for vaccination against COVID-19. We have all received the vaccine and encouraged all of our eligible family members to be vaccinated. The available vaccines are safe, rigorously studied, well tested, and highly effective at preventing severe disease and death. We are in an unprecedented […]
Silverton was 3-2 in last spring’s shortened football season and the Foxes are hoping for a full nine-game regular season – and perhaps success beyond that point as well, starting with the Sept. 3 home opener against Grant of Portland. Fifth-year coach Josh Craig noticed a surge of energy, particularly after the state opened up […]
Thursday, Sept. 2 Boys Soccer 4 p.m. Silverton vs Thurston/Mohawk Friday, Sept. 3 Football 7 p.m. Silverton vs Grant Thursday, Sept. 9 Volleyball 4 p.m. Silverton vs Dallas 6 p.m. Silverton v South Albany Girls Soccer 7 p.m. Silverton vs Scappoose Friday, Sept. 10 Football 7 p.m. Kennedy vs Santiam Christian Thursday, Sept. 14 Volleyball […]
The Olympics have been over for some time now, but I’m not over the Olympics. The thrill of victory – and the agony of defeat – played out on an international stage is the best way I know to recognize our commonality. We are, after all, passengers on a single lonely planet amid billions of […]
By James Day The City of Silverton has responded to this year’s drought by advancing its restrictions on residential water use, a decision that has inflamed social media and led the mayor to take to Facebook to respond to the criticism. The City Council at its Aug. 2 meeting took the city to Level 2 […]
By Melissa Wagoner Char Hawkins has been managing snack bars for 23 years but her newest venture, the South Falls Café, located inside the South Falls Lodge at Silver Falls State Park, surpasses all the rest – especially when it comes to ambiance. “It’s beautiful out here,” Hawkins confirmed. “The fresh air, trees and birds. […]
By Brenna Wiegand Emily Dazey, Executive Director of Providence Benedictine Nursing Center in Mount Angel, will be moving into a broader role as Providence Director of the Skilled Nursing Facility Collaborative for Oregon. Dazey, who has served at the Mount Angel campus for 26 years, will now serve in a regional capacity on behalf of […]
By Brenna Wiegand The feeling of serenity on the campus of Providence Mt. Angel Skilled Nursing Center is – was – owed largely to the stands of mature oaks and other trees that seem to stretch out their arms to shelter and to heal. The ice storm changed all that, devastating the trees and damaging […]
By Melissa Wagoner June came in like a lamb this year and went out like a… dragon? It broke records across the state with temperatures in Salem reaching a whopping 117. Then the area had the hottest July on record… And then the August heat dome hit, again threatening triple-digit days. Those kind of temperatures […]
By Brenna Wiegand Though Hawaii born and raised, the pandemic spurred Sione Thompson to move to the mainland and become Silverton High School’s new principal. “I have a lot of family on the West Coast,” Thompson said. “I also have four children: two in grade school, one in high school and another in college. Dawn […]
By Brenna Wiegand Rachel Stucky takes the helm as Mt. Angel School District’s new superintendent, taking over for Troy Stoops who stepped down at the end of the last school year after filling the role for ten years. Stucky spent the last five years in the Sweet Home School District as chief academic officer and is […]
By Melissa Wagoner Mike Ashland has always been a writer. “I was a freelance reporter for the Marin Independent Journal and reporter for the Coastal Post in Bolinas,” Ashland recalled. “Some of my poetry and short stories showed up in quite a few national mags.” Then in 1992, he fell in love with publishing. “Using […]
William “Bill” Crouse was born Jan. 19, 1928 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of four and the last to pass. Ina “Sue” Crouse was born at home on June 25, 1933 in Hayworth, Oklahoma. She was the oldest of five and the last to pass. At the age of 17, Dad persuaded his […]
Helen M. Schafer Lichty, 99, was born to Harmon and Mary Schafer in Upland, Nebraska. She was the only daughter and youngest of four children. The family moved from Nebraska to Oregon when Helen was 12-years-old. She was raised in Wheatland, Oregon and later moved to Central Howell area near Silverton, Oregon where she met and married […]
Jerome Francis Donahe (Jerry or J.F.), of Silverton, passed in the early morning hours of April 17 in Salem, Oregon, of non-COVID related causes. He was born Aug. 14, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois to Bernard Anthony and Thelma Sophia (Follesvold) Donahe. At the age of 11, Jerry moved with his family to Sweet Home, Oregon, […]
Maureen Schmidt, 78, passed away July 26, 2021 surrounded by her family in Silverton, Oregon. She was born in Hartington, Nebraska in 1942. Maureen met and fell in love with Bob Schmidt at the young age of 16 in Mount Angel, Oregon. They married on June 1, 1963. The couple raised their two children, Jeff […]
A response to Silverton Mayor Kyle Palmer’s column in the city newsletter distributed with the July 15 edition of Our Town. I congratulate you on your article concerning a very significant issue facing this country and more pointedly seems to be surfacing in Silverton. … You’re challenging us all to be an ally of those […]
I would like to take a moment and point out a person who went above and beyond in developing a positive program in the Mount Angel high school. This person has steadfastly worked to bring a sport … that has been absent for many years. He has a dedication, not only to the sport of […]
Monday, Aug. 16. It gets real. Conditioning week is over and high school sports teams begin practice for what they hope will be a normal school year. The 2020-21 sports year turned into a compressed sprint of six-week seasons that started with February football practices and ended with a state wrestling tournament that occurred more […]
This was an ad for Heidelberg Beer back in 1969-1970. I recall the big billboard was on North Water, right around where Photo Express sits today, and across from the turkey plant. Yes, the turkey plant, where the gobblers hung on hooks on a conveyor built and grossed us out as we walked toward school. […]
By Melissa Wagoner Glen Damewood is a well-known, long-time restaurateur. The owner of Mac’s Place, which he opened with a partner in 1980, as well as two Wooden Nickel restaurants – one in Silverton and one in Sublimity – Damewood’s is a familiar face to many. On top of that, there’s his band, the Syco […]
Neither the pandemic, the aftermath of cataclysmic wildfires and a devastating ice storm, or the hottest day in Silverton history have stopped monthly peace vigils by Silverton People For Peace (SPFP). And after last summer’s cancellation of the Homer Davenport Community Festival parade, SPFP is now eager to resume flying its giant “Peace Dove” in […]
By Brenna Wiegand Chuck White received the Judy Schmidt Lifetime Achievement Award at Silverton’s 50th annual First Citizens Banquet July 31. Born and raised in northern California, White came to Silverton shortly after his 1972 graduation from Willamette University in Salem. Looking back, Chuck has always been active in the community both as an educator […]
By Melissa Wagoner Joel Autry can’t stand to see good food go to waste. And so, when his restaurant, the Silverton Wine Bar, began generating what could have been a heap of wasted food due to the operating restrictions handed down in the winter months of 2020 – he knew he had to come up […]
By Melissa Wagoner It’s not every day that the employees of an organization recognize their boss for her distinguished service. But as the Silverton Chamber of Commerce began accepting nominations for the Community Awards for 2020, the staff at Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) did precisely that, nominating their director, Sarah DeSantis, for the Distinguished […]
By Brenna Wiegand The Satern Agency – Country Financial was recently named Business of the Year by the Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce. Owner Brent Satern grew up with a love and respect for Silverton. As he got older, he wanted to find a career in Silverton in which he could serve people and be […]
Datebook Submission Information Get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town. Send your releases to [email protected] Or drop them off at 401 Oak St., Silverton. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Weekly Events Monday SACA Food Pantry, 9 a.m. – noon, SACA, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Repeats Thursdays. 503-873-3446, silvertonareacommunityaid.org Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center Store, 11 […]
The Mt. Angel Community Senior Center is looking for volunteers. You pick the times and days that you are available. Stop by and meet the team, 195 E. Charles St. Hours are 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Saturday. The center plans to be open for Oktoberfest too. Information: 503-845-6998.
In celebration of the re-opening of its doors to guests and retreatants, the Fr. Bernard Youth Center is hosting a BBQ on Friday, Aug. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All are invited. Gary and Mary BBQ will provide the catering. Guests have an option to take their meal home or eat it on the […]
This past year brought changes to ASAP, the After-School Activities Program. Throughout 2020 and 2021, staff have stayed connected with students by offering online academic mentoring, providing needed meals and activities delivered safely to their homes, and most recently, arranging small social gatherings. As a benefit for ASAP, Roth’s Fresh Market presents “A Time […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Kate Bush told her daughter, Ava, that she wanted to start a new business – a laundry service that would provide clean clothes, folded and ironed and delivered to her customers’ door – Ava was unimpressed. “At first, I was like, really? You want a business where you just do laundry?” […]
Max and Marlene (Kahut) Ruef recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family. They were married July 14, 1956 at St. Luke Catholic Church In Woodburn, Oregon. The two first crossed paths at the corner near the drug store in Mount Angel while walking to their high schools. He was 17, she was 15. They […]
Benjamin Lawrence Greiner, 67, lost his battle with cancer on June 29, 2021, in Raymond,Washington, his home of six years. He was born Jan. 28, 1954, to Francis and Shirley (Wurdinger) Greiner in Silverton, Oregon. Through the years, he also lived in Olympia, Washington (1986-1991) and Forks, Washington (1991-2015) prior to retiring in Raymond. In […]
Kimball Porter Vickery passed away on June 21 at his home in Mount Angel, Oregon. He was born on Dec. 22, 1942, in San Francisco, California, to Eleanor and Theodore Vickery. He majored in Accounting in college, but upon moving to Yuma, Arizona, joined the Highway Patrol. On June 7, 1970, he married Victoria Hanner […]
Born on April 19, 1941, to Edgar and Nellie Huddleston in Silverton, Linda Darlene Stokem died at Salem Hospital on July 15, 2021. A graduate of Silverton High School, her first marriage was to Telvin (Bart) Hanson. They had two children: Susan Simmons (Jeff) and Alan (Lisa), and four granddaughters: Madison, Abigail, Ellie and Katie. […]
By Melissa Wagoner Affectionately known as “Homer Days,” the Homer Davenport Community Festival – held the first Friday through Sunday in August (the sixth through eighth this year) – is absolutely unique. An offshoot of the Silverton Arts Association’s, Family Festival of the Arts, held for the first timåe in 1980, the Homer Days festival […]
By Melissa Wagoner From the outside the Silverton Flywheels might appear to be just your average car club, with muscle cars and hot rods shined up and displayed in all their glory at every show. But the club – which is one of the oldest in Silverton, having been established way back in 1961– has […]
Emma Beyer of Kennedy put on a terrific show May 22 at the Class 2A state track and field championships at Union High School. Beyer, a senior, won the triple jump with a personal best 33-3, took third in the 100 (13.26), fourth in the 200 (28.01) and ran the anchor leg on the Trojans’ […]
The key to good writing is what you leave out. Too often, writing makes its way into the public circus without the benefit of editing, and it’s painful. The basic points may be there but they are crowded by half-baked thoughts and fictionalized versions of reality. Add a dash of ignorance about history – or science […]
By James Day Efforts to repair and restore the historic blacksmith shop in Mount Angel have received a shot in the arm. Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded the project a “Preserving Oregon” grant of $2,149. The money will be used as part of an $8,000 effort to do […]
Lunaria Gallery presents a new show, “Return to Beauty, Jewels and Blooms,” by two Lunaria artists, jeweler Chelsea Goin and painter Diane Trevett. Goin is showing her jewelry in fun summer colors. Diane Trevett is showing oil paintings of flower portraits. Flowers will be nestled within a color field of expressive brushwork. Her approach to […]
The Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal has announced the 2021 Gold Sparky Award, which honors a fire service member for contributions to fire prevention and fire safety. This year’s Gold Sparky was awarded to Firefighter John Rossi, a Public Information Officer with Mt. Angel Fire for his work in elevating the community and […]
By Melissa Wagoner When 22-year-old Nicole Serrano moved to Silverton with her parents and brother she never could have imagined the immediate notoriety she would receive thanks to the family’s group of miscreant pets. “The first day we were here all the dogs escaped,” Serrano said – whose four dogs took advantage of the temporary […]
By Melissa Wagoner The comic books Jonathan Case creates are not run-of-the-mill comics. “It’s less about what other people have done in the past and more about what can I do with it to reach people in the world,” Case said of the inspiration that led him to create a host of graphic novels including […]
By Ron Chandler, City Manager It’s been two months since I began working in Silverton and it’s been great. I’ve met many residents and business owners in town who have all been very welcoming. I’ve enjoyed getting to know our City Council and City staff. They are dedicated public servants who keep things moving forward. […]
At the March 1, 2021 Council Meeting there was a presentation from a citizen’s group that wanted to complete improvements at the skate park. The group has raised around $60,000 and has partnered with a contractor that specializes in skate parks to design and construct the improvements in honor of the late Jason Franz. The […]
The budget process began in January 2021 with staff developing revenue estimates and cost projections to maintain current services at the existing level and to fund other projects based on Council Goals, Capital Improvement Plans and citizen requests. Revenue projections are based on information from other governmental agencies, prior year actual data and by estimating any changes […]
Roger Greenfield, who grew up in Silverton, is a retired Salem Police Officer and grandson of Constable Hansford Greenfield. On Oct. 28, 2019, Roger contacted Silverton Police regarding his grandfather’s line of duty death he found while researching his family tree. A historical investigation ensued, working with Roger Greenfield’s family records, the City of Silverton […]
The City continues the design process on the new Civic Center project. The City Council authorized Mackenzie to undertake the next step in the design process at the April 5, 2021 Council Meeting that includes preparing the Construction Document, Building Permits, Bidding, and Construction Administration. The Construction Documents will detail everything in the building and how […]
By Ed Grambusch Assistant Chief – Silverton Fire District As wildland fire season begins, there are many things that home owners can do to keep their home and property safe from fire: Tips for Keeping Fire Out of Your Home REMOVE leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and […]
By Kyle Palmer It’s hard to believe, but as I write this, our state and our community are, for the most part, exiting the COVID-19 restrictions that we’ve all been under since March of last year. It remains to be seen if this move is permanent.There are still many people hospitalized. We will undoubtedly still lose some people […]
By Melissa Wagoner When asked to describe the kind of cuisine offered by the newly opened The Curbside Kitchen – a restaurant offering “quick bites to go,” in downtown Silverton – owner Holly Bell uses the words “fresh” and “clean.” Located in one of the smallest storefronts in Silverton, there is little space available for […]
By Brenna Wiegand Whether playing jazz, concert music or marching in the band; on the soccer field or running cross country, Charlie Petrik always gravitates toward positions of leadership. For this and other reasons, Petrik was recently named this year’s Silverton Future First Citizen. “Every year, selecting a candidate for this recognition seems to get […]
Jamie Kincaid was born in Pendleton, Oregon to Ralph E. Kincaid, Sr. and Patti Kincaid. He lived his first 11 years in Ione, Oregon. In 1974 the family moved to Silverton, Oregon where Jamie continued to live until his passing. He attended Silverton area schools and graduated from Silverton High School in 1982. In his […]
Sharon Stalnaker Slama, (formerly Sharon Kay Stalnaker), of Mount Angel, Oregon passed away on July 2, 2021 in Coos Bay, Oregon. She was born April 10, 1943 in West Virginia, to Benjamin and Freda Stalnaker. Her siblings were Jimmy Eugene and Bertha Ann. Sharon was known for her love of people, travel, and beauty of […]
James F. Schiedler, 84, of Scotts Mills, died on June 26, 2021, in Mount Angel. He was born to Frank Schiedler and Theresa (Daniel) Schiedler on Sept. 15, 1936, on the family farm at Scotts Mills. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S Air Force in 1955 and later transferred to the U.S Army […]
The Silverton High swim team turned in a series of sterling performances June 26 at an end-of-the-season meet at Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis. Five teams participated, West Salem, Crescent Valley, Corvallis, Central and the Foxes. Silverton ran away with the boys team title, scoring 393 points to 227 for runner-up Crescent Valley. Silverton’s girls […]
Imagine this. 97 degrees in Silverton, scorching, more humidity than you are accustomed to. You are playing with your little guy, age 13 months. Cute as a bug. Suddenly, it dawns on you that there is a cool reservoir barely two miles out of town, just waiting for you. Excited. You get there, ready to […]
By Melissa Wagoner In a typical year the North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity builds one or perhaps two houses. “We’ve always been a onesie-twosie organization,” Kari Johnson, executive director since 2019, confirmed. “But that’s one of the things they said when they brought me on is that they wanted to grow.” That is primarily […]
By Melissa Wagoner The smiles are as numerous as the books on the shelves at the Silver Falls Library – which opened its doors to the public for the first time in 15 months on June 8. “We’ve been open now for a half hour and so many happy people are coming in to see […]
By Melissa Wagoner Karen Garst is starting a movement; one she’s hoping will catch on city-wide – Give Away Saturday. “Decluttering is always a good idea,” Garst said of the impetus for the idea, which was to purge her own excess items during the pandemic. “We were doing one drawer at a time,” she said […]
By Melissa Wagoner When the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce realized this year Independence Day fell on a Sunday, they saw it as a chance to shake up the usual traditions. “[I]t seemed like a great opportunity to add an additional event on Saturday to bring people together and celebrate our town, community and independence,” […]
By Melissa Wagoner Too much time spent interacting with screens was a problem long before the pandemic, so much so that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued specific guidelines about the quantity of time children should spend in front of a screen. “For children younger than two years, the AAP discourages all screen time […]
Datebook Submission Information Get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town. If your ongoing event was cancelled because of COVID-19 and is starting up again, please send a new listing. If you are meeting by Zoom or virtually, send those, too! Send your releases to [email protected] Or drop them off at 401 Oak St., […]
By Melissa Wagoner Skape is the Norwegian word for create but it’s also the word that describes Tammy Plummer, whose world revolves around all things creative from sewing and quilting to painting and cooking. She’s rarely seen without a project in hand. “I’ve always said, I could be Martha Stewart if I had her crew,” […]
By James Day The six-month detour for bridge work on Silverton Road between Silverton and Salem appears to be going well, project officials say. “Overall the detour has been very successful, although there is always an adjustment period with any detour and this one was no exception,” said Steven Preszler, the project manager with Marion […]
Sr. Julia McGanty, O.S.B., a long-time member of Queen of Angels Monastery, died in the very early afternoon of June 11, 2021, in the infirmary at Queen of Angels Monastery, Mount Angel, Oregon. Born in Yamhill, Oregon, to William and Margaret McGanty, Sr. Julia (Cecelia) McGanty attended St. John’s Church in Yamhill as a child […]
Ross Louis Taylor, 74, passed away on May 16, 2021. A graveside memorial service was held in Scotts Mills, Oregon at the Maplewood Pioneer Cemetery on June 26. Ross was born in Forest Grove, Oregon on June 19, 1946 to Jack and Margaret Taylor. He grew up in Scotts Mills and graduated from Silverton High […]
Paul Sheets passed away June 2, 2021 surrounded by those who loved him.He was 66. Paul was born Nov. 13, 1954 in Hillsboro, Oregon where he grew up and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1972. Paul moved to Silverton in 2000 and served as Postmaster for the Silverton Post Office until his retirement in […]
Fay Evangeline Neitzke Anderson was born in Lewiston, Minnesota on Feb. 18, 1926, the first child of John and Bessie Neitzke. She grew up on the family farm in Rochester, graduating in 1944 from Lewiston High School. Fay then became an registered nurse, graduating from Kahler Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota. In 1948, […]
By Melissa Wagoner Susan Murray hasn’t always been an artist. In fact, she spent the majority of her life working in higher education, first as an instructor and later as Executive Dean of Academic Advancement at Chemeketa Community College. But, upon her retirement from academia six years ago, Murray needed a hobby. “I […]
By Kyle Palmer Mayor of Silverton Earlier this week, one of our citizens took her young child to the reservoir for a little bit of fun in the great weather. Not long after arriving, several teenagers taunted them using the N-word and only stopped when they finally realized they weren’t going to get a reaction. […]
Library staff appreciated My family and I would like to thank Jackie and her staff at the Mt. Angel Public Library for their continued assistance during the lockdown. Their pleasant attitude toward and thoughtful consideration of the patrons was appreciated. Thanks! Liz Orr Scotts Mills
The basketballs were pushed into their usual spot in the closet. 17 months later. The jerseys were tucked away in bins. 17 months later. The bleachers’ seats were pushed back against the wall. 17 months later. 17 months later. Our jerseys cried for us, and the bleacher seats longed to hear the cheers of the […]
Now that Silvertonians have had (time) to experience driving on a street without cracked pavement and potholes we should take time to appreciate all the hours and hard work by city staff, councilors and contractors to give the town the beautiful reopening of McClaine Street. I’m sure the hours of aggravation they endured were numerous, […]
The Silverton High basketball teams finished their 2020-21 seasons on June 23, ten days after the seniors graduated and 15 months after a global pandemic left them waiting at the altar at a state tournament which held such promise. There. That’s a weird sentence, isn’t it? Somehow the hoopsters were able to finish a truncated […]
By James Day The overnight facilities at what used to be called the Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center have reopened under new management after a six-month closure. Silver Falls Hospitality will be operating the facility, which is now called Smith Creek Village, with the name noting the nearby stream. Silver Falls Hospitality is operating […]
We’re all going to be OK. That is the inescapable conclusion I have reached. I was at a minor league baseball game a few weeks ago, scanning the crowd between pitches. There were families enjoying the evening as the boys of summer sparkled on the diamond. The homers were accompanied by lusty cheers, a light […]
By Melissa Wagoner In less than a year eight-year-old John Kloft went from being diagnosed with kidney disease to receiving the transplant of a new, healthy, functioning kidney, courtesy of his mother, Patty. “I’d do it again,” 31-year-old Patty said unhesitatingly. “I’ll never take health for granted again.” It’s been a whirlwind journey for the […]
By Melissa Wagoner In May, fire season had already been declared in numerous areas throughout Oregon, which has many agencies – the Oregon Department of Forestry among them – gearing up for the worst fire season on record and asking residents to be prepared. Which is Strong Silverton – a collective of both individual citizens […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Hailey Arritola found out she was the recipient of this year’s Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce Junior First Citizen Award – a $2,000 scholarship presented annually to a deserving senior at John F. Kennedy High School – she was beyond surprised. “I’m just super excited,” she enthused. “I didn’t expect this […]
By Melissa Wagoner Maureen Ernst was a longtime member of the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce and a passionate advocate for her community. So much so that, when she passed away in 2018, the chamber created the Maureen Ernst Scholarship, which funds a $2,000 unrestricted gift to a deserving John F. Kennedy High School senior […]
By Melissa Wagoner Riane Miles didn’t set out to teach business classes. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has a Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education. But when her alma mater, Silverton High School, reached out to her and asked, “What do you think about teaching business?” She thought – why not try something different? […]
By Melissa Wagoner “I’m an artist and not particularly tied down,” Peace said of the journey that inspired him to work as the sole artist-in-residence at Silver Falls State Park for the first time in 2015. Coming off a pilgrimage for peace, in which the artist attempted to run across the United States, Peace felt […]
The Silverton High basketball squads have just completed a stunning 10-0 run through the Class 6A Salem squads. The boys team went 6-0, winning the games against Sprague, South Salem, West Salem, North Salem, McKay and McNary by an average of 22 points. One asterisk: North Salem, although a Class 6A school in terms of […]
Nola Jean Minshew Parkinson, 89, passed away in her sleep early the morning of May 31, 2021, at her home in Silverton, Oregon. She was born on Sept. 5, 1931 to Dorothy Ruth Hudson Minshew and Robert Perry Minshew in Pocatello, Idaho. They soon moved to Twin Falls, where she spent the rest of her […]
Ed (Edward) E. Turvey, 73, passed away at home on May 28, 2021, with family by his side. He was born May 16, 1948, to Albert and Maud Turvey in Julesburg, Colorado. Ed had a heart of gold and was not a person to turn anyone down when asked for help. He was a husband, father, and friend. […]
Barbara Ann Schell, 77, resident of Mount Angel, Oregon passed away peacefully on May 23, 2021 at Salem Hospital surrounded by family. Born Sept. 19, 1943, in Woodburn, Oregon to Albin and Velma Halter, she worked various jobs while raising her six children, retiring as a bank teller. She was married first to Mario Rodriguez, Sr. and later Peter […]
To the graduates of 2021, my sincere congratulations for your wonderful accomplishments. It could not have been harder, right? You weathered COVID-19, quarantines, wildfires, ice storms, and an entirely new but hopefully temporary “normal.” You learned online in your pajamas, caught sneak peeks of your friends on weekends or when the Zoom teacher was looking […]
By Melissa Wagoner Strawberries have grown wild in Oregon for millennia and were picked in abundance by Indigenous peoples. But even cultivated strawberries have a long history, having been carefully transported, via the Oregon Trail, by Quaker nurseryman Henderson Luelling in 1846. “Silverton has a long history as an agricultural center and strawberries, while not as […]
By Melissa Wagoner “This is a call to arms for our community to help save our local treasure – The Oregon Garden,” Mary Coleman wrote in an impassioned post on the Facebook group, Silverton Connections on May 23. Within hours Coleman’s post had dozens of replies from community members eager to pitch in. “She just […]
By Melissa Wagoner The Pacific Northwest is a land of movers and shakers – when it comes to geology that is. “The PNW is known as an active margin,” geologist Leslie Moclock described. “That means it’s a place where different tectonic plates interact with one another, pushing and pulling the Earth’s crust and driving exciting, […]
By Melissa Wagoner Trauma is the one-word answer both Sarah White, program director and case manager at Sheltering Silverton, and Sarah Case, a licensed professional counselor, give when asked to describe a prevalent narrative within unhoused populations. “The vast majority of people we serve are survivors of trauma, often complex trauma experienced over their lifetimes,” White […]
By Melissa Wagoner Right now, outdoor dining is at its most desirable. And it doesn’t get any more outdoor than eating in a field of alpacas. “Last year we had the tables scattered throughout the field,” Jennifer Cameron recalled. She is the owner of Alpacas at Marquam Hill, the venue of an annual Field and […]
Jill Heuberger and Kathleen Kelley are retiring from teaching at Robert Frost Elementary School. To honor and thank them for their years as colleagues, leaders, friends, mentors and teachers, the Robert Frost community is holding a Drive By Retirement Party Monday, June 14, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in front of the school, 201 Westfield St., Silverton. […]
By Brenna Wiegand Mt. Angel School District Superintendent Troy Stoops is moving on after 10 years to take the helm at Junction City School District. “Junction City is about the size of Mount Angel – about 1,800 kids,” Stoops said. “Like Mount Angel, it’s a rural farming community in close proximity to the city.” Stoops […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Frank Petrik was a child, he found an old saxophone in his grandfather’s closet. That moment set him on the path to college, a full-ride scholarship, and eventually a career as a band teacher, sharing a love for music with generations of students. But it all leads back to that day. “Had […]
Dear Editor, Please allow me to take a minute and thank all 1,542 voters who supported me to serve as a board member of the Silverton Fire District. My hope was that my combined experience in managing taxpayer money and serving as a firefighter would be enough to prevail. Though it is not to be, I […]
Datebook Submission Information Get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town. If your ongoing event was cancelled because of COVID- 19 and is starting up again, please send a new listing. If you are meeting by Zoom or virtually, send those, too! Send your releases to [email protected] Or drop them off at 401 Oak […]
Duane Ray Dahlum began his next journey at 4:45 p.m. on May 8, 2021. He left peacefully knowing he was doing it on his own terms. He passed with the knowledge that he was loved at Legacy Good Samaritan ICU in Portland, Oregon. He was 79 years old, just days from his 80th birthday. He […]
Ernest “Ernie” Dye Humphreys passed away on May 6, 2021 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 61. Ernie was born in Everett, Washington on July 18, 1959 and moved to Silverton, Oregon where he grew up and spent most of his life. He is survived by his love of 28 years, Dyana Stanley; […]
Leslie was born in Williston, North Dakota to John R. Elling and Gunda (Vollum) Elling. Leslie had lived in Silverton, Oregon before moving to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1976. He worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline as an Operating Engineer. He retired in 1992. Leslie returned to Silverton, Oregon to live, while continuing to travel up to […]
John Franklin Lalicker, 98, longtime Silverton, Oregon resident passed away on May 21, 2021. John was born May 2, 1923 in Venita, Oklahoma to William L. Lalicker and Ella Mae (Catlin) Lalicker. He was the middle son of three boys. In 1923, his family moved to Medicine Lodge, Kansas where he attended local schools and […]
Donald (Don) Herman Huebsch, 95, a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of Mount Angel, Oregon, passed away on May 11, 2021. Don was born on Nov. 15, 1925 at St. James Hospital in Perham, Minnesota. He was one of nine children born to Michael (Mike) and Florence (Weis) Huebsch. After graduating from […]
The Kennedy softball squad claimed the Class 2A state title May 22 with a pair of victories, an 8-1 semifinal win vs. Union/Cove and a 16-0 title win vs. Grant Union/Prairie City. The Trojans, who were runners-up to North Douglas in 2019 before missing the entire 2020 season amid the pandemic, finished 16-0 and outscored […]
Tuesday, June 1 Girls Basketball 5 p.m. Western Christian @ Kennedy 7 p.m. Silverton @ South Salem Wrestling 6 p.m. Silverton @ Central Boys Basketball 6:30 p.m. Western Christian @ Kennedy 7 p.m. South Salem @ Silverton Wednesday, June 2 Girls Basketball 7 p.m. West Salem @ Silverton Boys Basketball 7:30 p.m. Silverton @ West […]
By Brenna Wiegand for Silver Falls Family YMCA to meet the needs of the community it serves. “When COVID first started over a year ago the Y jumped right in with emergency childcare, providing it for a lot of people at a super low cost,” Brandon Lemon, Chief Operations Officer for Family YMCA of Marion […]
One of the few fringe benefits of this pandemic is the fact that my 50th high school reunion was canceled. That’s right, the Conestoga High School Class of 1971 has let the coronavirus get the best of it. I suppose that means the constabulary of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, won’t have to worry about a bunch of […]
By Melissa Wagoner There’s never been a better time to go to the theater – at least according to Rachelle Gonterman – manager of the Silverton Palace Theater. “COVID has everybody tired of being cooped up at home,” she said. “But a lot of people don’t know we’re open.” Taking over the theater in October […]
By Melissa Wagoner For those who have missed their favorite Oktoberfest treats during the past 16 months, now is your chance to indulge, as the Benedictine Brewery in Mount Angel hosts a line-up of iconic Oktoberfest food carts this summer. “Part of our mission is helping the community,” brewery manager Nicole McCall said of the […]
By Melissa Wagoner The mission of the Silverton Arts Association has long been to further the arts through education, promotion and exhibition. “But we’re struggling,” board member Harold Wood admitted. “Everyone is underground in their basement.” In short, 2020 was a tough year for artists. “With the pandemic, we lost our stage,” Wood said. “There’s […]
After completing a multi-state search that began with 26 applicants and included an application screening and initial round of interviews, the Mt. Angel School District’s Board of Directors has announced two finalists have been selected for further consideration to be the next superintendent for the district. The public is invirted to meet the candidates May 17, […]
By Brenna Wiegand When the COVID-19 vaccine first became available in late December, Legacy Silverton Medical Center opened a clinic and started providing vaccines, first to primary care providers, then teachers. By January’s end about 5,000 people had been vaccinated at the Silverton campus. Not long after the vaccine became available to the general public, […]
A campaign is a journey… I began this journey because I am a father of two and know our schools play an integral part of the health and well-being of all kids. Silverton is uniquely positioned to keep doing great things; and I am on this journey because we have a supportive community that believes in […]
I must say that I was more than a little dismayed when I read the article in the May 1 edition of Our Town entitled, “Storm damaged trees can remain a hazard.” The story, along with the accompanying photograph of the storm-damaged tree along B Street showing Trinity Lutheran Church in the background, seemed to […]
I am writing this letter in support of Stephanie Mantie for the Silver Falls School Board, zone 4. Stephanie has all the qualities that would make an excellent board member. She is smart, well spoken, cares greatly about kids and has a desire to do what’s best for all kids in our district if she […]
We have had the privilege of knowing Stephanie Mantie for 20 years. We served together in our church youth group for many years. We have witnessed her raise her kids, serve others, and interact in the community. We cannot recommend her enough for the position on the school board. She is a person of immense […]
Denise Marie (Howes) Totland, 58, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2021. A graveside memorial service will be held in Silverton on Saturday, May 22, 2021, under the direction of Unger Funeral Home. Visit ungerfuneralchapel.com for details. Denise was born in Burns, Oregon on Sept. 7, 1962 to Don and Theresa Howes. She grew up in Ontario, […]
David Jorgenson, 68 passed away April 26, 2021 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born in Silverton on Nov. 25, 1952 to Vincent and Frankie Jorgenson. David is survived by his wife Donna Jorgenson. David had three siblings: Doug Jorgenson, Chris Jorgenson Rettig and Gina Jorgenson; four children: Sarah Kuenzi, […]
Mary Ann Miles, 86, of Silverton passed away peacefully on May 5, 2021. Mary Ann was born on Oct. 29, 1934 in Portland, the daughter of William (Bill) H. Jr. and Melba Woodard. She moved with her parents to her family home in Silverton shortly after her birth. She was raised in Silverton and graduated […]
Rodney Weston Kilcup of Silverton succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease on April 21, 2021. He died in peace and at home, surrounded by the love of his family. He is dearly missed by those whose lives he touched. Rodney was born in Hoquiam, Washington in 1937 to Horace and Winnifred Kilcup. He studied history at the University […]
By Brenna Wiegand Jim Kosel was going through memorabilia at Mount Angel American Legion Post #89 when he came across four documents related to Civil War veteran Theobald Kirsch. These original documents record Kirsch’s entry and discharge from the Ohio Infantry during the Civil War, making him one of the oldest veterans in either of the […]
I remember meeting Arland Anderson as a lowly freshman in high school in 1966. He was a junior and one imposing figure – larger than life. Standing about 6’4″ and not “diminutive”, he had a booming voice, and huge and infectious smile, and seemed to get along with everyone. We both played basketball and got […]
By Melissa Wagoner Celebration encourages community to take long way ‘round Each year on the first Saturday in May, people across the globe take part in a form of moving meditation known as “walk as one at 1,” in honor of world peace. Utilizing labyrinths – those meandering single-pathed designs constructed to promote personal, spiritual […]
The Willamette Master Chorus will perform Spring Concerts, Sacred Music on Sundays, May 2 and 16 at Mount Angel Abbey. The concert will be made available to stream online. While the chorus cannot participate as a large group in the church, they are able to capture some incredible sounds at this beloved site. Accompanist Debra […]
By Melissa Wagoner When horticulturist Eric Hammond, heard that the majority of the oak trees in a grove adjacent to Mark Twain Elementary School were removed after the February ice storm, he saw an opportunity. “I sent emails explaining the importance of the oaks from an ecological standpoint and a social standpoint,” Hammond said of […]
By James Day Yes, the ice storm has passed and most of the debris has been taken care of. But what do you do if you see signs in your neighborhood of a tree that is failing? The first person to call, said interim City Manager Bob Willoughby, is Sean Farris. “Sean is the city’s […]
By Melissa Wagoner “The Pet Parade is scheduled for May 15 at 10 a.m., as normal,” Randal Thomas – a member of the Kiwanis Club of Silverton and chairman of the parade – said, adding it will go on as long as Marion County is not in Oregon’s Extreme Risk level for COVID-19 on that […]
By Melissa Wagoner What started as the Mt. Angel Fire District (MAFD) providing COVID-19 vaccinations to their own paramedics and firefighters this February, quickly grew as they reached out to other districts – Silverton, Woodburn, Lyons and Mill City among them – to provide vaccines. “We ended up doing around 400 first responders,” Fire Chief […]
By Melissa Wagoner Weeks out from the official start of summer and fire experts are already warning Oregonians of another potentially difficult fire season. Which is why Carrie Berger, a fire program manager with the OSU Extension service, has recently partnered with both state and local agencies to launch a series of webinars titled, “Fire […]
Datebook Submission Information Get your events and fundraisers published in Our Town. If your ongoing event was canceled because of COVID-19 and is starting up again, please send a new listing. If you are meeting by Zoom or virtually, send those, too. Send your releases to [email protected] Or drop them off at 401 Oak St., […]
Silver Falls School District has announced the selection of Melissa Linder as the new principal for Silver Crest School and district assistant director of teaching and learning. Her first day will be July 1. Linder’s selection followed a process of community and staff input; a writing assessment; a case study analysis presentation; town hall sessions […]
Lunaria Gallery presents Neo Geo, a show by Lunaria painter Jane Castelan Buccola and jeweler Dawn Hemstreet. Buccola’s painting involves exploration, personal expression, play, experimentation with color as well as texture. She likes to bring mystery and an abiguousness to her work in order to allow the viewer to form their own interpretation. Hemstreet is […]
We wholeheartedly endorse Melissa Seifer Briggs for Silver Falls School Board. Melissa is an experienced attorney, most recently with the Oregon Judicial Department, and a Silverton native. She and her husband, David Briggs, have five young children, ages 12 to 3. Melissa is devoted to all children, especially those who may be disadvantaged or at […]
I want to express my support for Stephanie Mantie for a position on the Silver Falls School Board. She has the intellect and background that would greatly benefit our school district at this time. Stephanie has been actively involved in our local schools and has built solid relationships with our diverse community. She believes that the […]
We have had the privilege of knowing Stephanie Mantie for 20 years. We served together in our church youth group for many years. We have witnessed her raise her kids, serve others, and interact in the community. We cannot recommend her enough for the position on the school board. She is a person of immense […]
By Melissa Wagoner What happens when a graduating senior can’t afford a class ring? What about when a mom needs new tires for her car in order to transport her sick child to medical appointments – is there funding for that? And if there is, where does it come from? These are only two examples […]
By Melissa Wagoner There are thousands of hiking trails in Oregon, many of them almost a century old and most of them maintained by volunteers – such as those organized by Trail Keepers of Oregon (TKO). “We do trail maintenance and repair for state parks and national parks,” volunteer and Silver Falls State Park Crew […]
The Friends of Silver Falls State Park, and the community at large, have lost a dedicated and much-loved volunteer. Tom Dill passed on April 4, 2021. He will be ever so greatly missed by all. Tom spent many hours at the Park as a Trail Ambassador, Nature Store Volunteer, and supporter of the preservation of […]
Jerome Francis (Jerry or J. F.) Donahe, of Silverton, passed in the early morning hours of April 17 in Salem, Oregon. He was born Aug. 14, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois to Bernard Anthony and Thelma Sophia (Follesvold) Donahe. An older sister, Joanne, greeted him and he was followed by a younger sister, Selene. At the […]
Cruz Arce, 75 passed away on April 10, 2021, at her residence with family by her side. She was born in Edinburg, Texas on May 5, 1945, to Antonio Arce and Maria Magdalena Perez. She was the second oldest of 12 children. Cruz enjoyed family time, dancing and cooking for the family. Cruz is survived […]
Weird high school football season, wasn’t it? Games in March and April. COVID postponements. The record shows that Silverton finished 3-2, while having its annual showdown with West Albany postponed because of a Silverton outbreak. But it was a season full of highlights and accomplishment, said fourth-year head coach Josh Craig. “Highlights would be how […]
It’s been a busy year for the researchers here at Sampson Laboratories (motto: You can never do too much useless stuff). One of our intrepid scientists is coming up with an easier way to make carbon fiber parts for airplanes. I’m not really sure how it was supposed to work but I think it involves […]
By James Day The Marion County work on the bridge over the Little Pudding River between Silverton and Salem has been delayed slightly. County officials originally hoped that the detours required for the lengthy project would be in place by May 1. But a shortage of poles for the project’s temporary signal lights is making […]
By James Day The season of fall sports in the spring is over, and for the most part things turned out all right. Most of the games were played. Soccer and volleyball squads played legitimate league seasons. Small school cross country teams put on a state championship meet. Good for them. The thing about a […]
By Melissa Wagoner Brenda Sparks is a farmer at heart. Raised in California by horticulturist parents on a small, five-acre farm, she grew up helping in the fields, selling vegetables at the local Farmer’s Market and raising animals through 4-H and FFA. “Farming is very therapeutic for me as a mother of four kids,” she […]
By Melissa Wagoner One year ago, April Newton and her husband Tom were at a medical conference in Hawaii when he received some sobering news – Oregon had its first confirmed positive case of the new coronavirus disease. “We spent a blissful week on Kuai… but we were there with a big group of doctors […]
By Brenna Wiegand It is no picnic for an RC airplane to find its place in the sun these days. “Our situation is so special,” Bob Bevens, founding member of Keizer Radio Control Association, said. “We need a certain amount of land for flying; we’ve got to park and at times accommodate the public.” When […]
By Melissa Wagoner Within hours of the ice storm horticulturist Eric Hammond began walking, covering as many miles of Silverton’s streets as he could, cataloging the trees – the ones that were damaged, the ones that were toppled and the ones that made it through relatively unscathed. “I’m up to 3,300 different survey points and […]
By Mary Owen Santiam Hospital introduces SalivaDirect, a less expensive, less invasive and safer way to test for COVID-19. “It’s kind of remarkable that our little lab in Stayton, Oregon, is using this test,” said Dr. Janine VanSant, infectious disease specialist. “We are one of the few labs in the Pacific Northwest using it.” Dr. […]
By Melissa Wagoner When residents of the mid-Willamette Valley awoke to a world covered in a beautiful blown glass tapestry of ice on the morning of Feb. 12, they would have been hard pressed to imagine the destruction that would be unleashed only a few hours later. A night of freeing rain replaced the morning […]
By Melissa Wagoner It was a happy accident when John Pattison stumbled upon the town of Silverton on Christmas Eve 2009. But it wasn’t an accident he stayed. “My wife Kate and I both grew up in smaller towns,” Pattison explained. “We were living in Portland and felt drawn back to rural life. But we […]
By Melissa Wagoner Welcoming the new year looked a lot different for Kurt Berning and his fiancé Katie Doyle this year. Instead of party hats and streamers, the couple awoke early, donned their rain gear and headed out into the drizzle to plant over 500 white oak tree seedlings. “I felt like I could do […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Brian Reif – a clinical nurse who works directly with COVID patients – was offered the COVID-19 vaccine as a member of the tier one medical community, he did not hesitate to roll up his sleeve, likening his participation to a patriotic duty. “What we have achieved to create and now […]
By Melissa Wagoner When seven-year-old John Kloft told his parents he had pain in his side in May of 2020 they assumed he had appendicitis. “We took him to his normal Physician’s Assistant, Brianna Brooks in Silverton,” John’s parents, Mike and Patty Kloft, wrote in a recent press release chronicling the family’s journey. “She sent […]
By Melissa Wagoner On Jan. 1, 2021 Matt-Alex Raney released his first album, If We’re Being Honest – 13 tracks inspired by classic country and written by Raney himself. “I’ve never been much for talking and communicating,” 17-year-old Raney confessed, “Music really helps me put all those ideas and feelings into words and music. I […]
By Melissa Wagoner The Red Cross mantras, “disaster can strike at any time” and “disaster preparedness starts with you” are by no means new messages, yet they still go largely ignored by a large segment of the population, even as devastating hurricanes and wildfires tear across the country. The question is – why is that? […]
By Melissa Wagoner “Artists are really struggling with the restrictions due to COVID-19,” photographer Vivienne Frankel said. “Art shows and fairs have closed; galleries are open fewer hours and people have less disposable income. As the time has passed, artists are feeling the brunt. Most of us were not eligible for small business loans being […]
By Melissa Wagoner When the wildfires swept through Oregon on Labor Day, Kaiser Permanente immediately leapt into action, contacting the Red Cross and asking how the organization could help. But it wasn’t because it provides health care – though the company’s providers continued that important work throughout the days and weeks following the devastation, even […]
By Melissa Wagoner When Ward Frederick decided to open a field kitchen in Gates in the days following the Beachie Creek fire, he knew he could fund the venture for right around one week, tops. But after that…he wasn’t so sure. “It was kind of like, ‘If you build it, they will come,’” he laughed, […]
By Melissa Wagoner “Helping is easy. Being on the receiving end is difficult.” Sheila Zervas Nielsen, a teacher at Silverton High School and resident of Gates, knows what she is talking about. She, along with her husband Steve, also a Silver Falls School District employee, and their three sons, evacuated from their home on Sept. […]
By Stephen Floyd Teachers with the Silver Falls Education Association (SFEA) have declared an impasse and authorized a potential strike after nearly a year of contract negotiations. SFEA made the announcement Friday evening, March 17, after a third mediation session on March 9 did not result in a finalized contract with the Silver Falls School […]
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