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Guest opinion: A first-hand look at bond oversight

Former Silverton Mayor Kyle Palmer shares his perspectives on a $138 million facilities bond for the Silver Falls School District, to be decided during the Nov. 7 election. Palmer served on the advisory committee that helped formulate the current bond proposal and is also on the committee that would oversee the bond if it is approved by voters. Palmer also […]

Update: Silverton High – Teachers link modern design to student success

By Stephen Floyd When Silverton High School (SHS) was completed in 2009, the campus benefited from modern design and tailor-made classrooms. Students could learn to cook in a commercial kitchen, learn the basics of firefighting in full gear, and learn car maintenance in a multi-bay auto shop. SHS teachers interviewed by Our Town said a custom learning space helps students […]

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest scores high in US survey

The Mt. Angel Oktoberfest can take another bow. Its 58th rendition from Sept. 14-17 not only was a clear success amid splendid weather and enthusiastic crowds, but the local celebration has sparked support in a national survey. USA Today polled U.S. residents as part of its readers’ choice ten best series and the numbers showed that the Mount Angel event, which honors […]

Kennedy, Silverton HS in top 50 rankings

By James Day Kennedy High and Silverton both have received lofty rankings in the annual ratings of American high schools by U.S. News & World Report. Kennedy came in at No. 26 in the rankings, while Silverton took 41st. The U.S. News high school rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on […]

Mt. Angel Fire District on a drill. Submitted photo

The line of defense: Rural fire districts need more volunteers

By Melissa Wagoner When Robert Gendhar graduated from high school in Hubbard, he thought he knew what he wanted to do with his life. “I wanted to be an agronomist,” he laughed. But then a few of his friends who volunteered at the local fire district convinced him to come to a meeting. “I enjoyed the atmosphere,” Gendhar remembered, “and the unknown […]

Academy grads – FBI training completed

By James Day For a police officer, getting an opportunity to train at the FBI Academy is the ultimate feather in your cap. The intense ten-week course, which is free to those whose applications are accepted, is the equivalent of graduate school-level instruction. And you learn from and with city, county, state, federal, NCIS and even NASA law enforcement personnel. Captain Todd Engstrom […]

Legal Matters: Settled – Resort to pay Garden Foundation

By Stephen Floyd A lawsuit against the Oregon Garden Foundation by the owner of the Oregon Garden Resort has been settled after three years of litigation. Parties agreed to terms Aug. 29 during a settlement hearing in Marion County Circuit Court including a financial payout to the foundation and the return of online login credentials. The case was otherwise scheduled […]

Legal Matters: Dog owner arrested in Joe Keeton’s death

By Stephen Floyd A Bend woman accused of negligently causing the death of a former Silverton man during a dog attack in July has been taken into custody despite recent efforts to quash her warrant. Jessica Ray Charity, 38, who uses the last name McCleery, was booked into the Deschutes County Jail Oct. 16 for her alleged role in the […]

Legal Matters: Davis facing 16 years for luring minors

By Stephen Floyd A Silverton man has pleaded guilty to attempting to lure minors into sexual acts and similar charges and could face nearly 16 years in prison. Jaiden Ethan Davis, 24, pleaded guilty Sept. 25 in Marion County Circuit Court to attempted first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, first-degree encouraging child sex abuse and four counts of luring a minor. He […]

Aumsville man arrested after chase ends in Silverton

An Aumsville man with a pending kidnapping charge was arrested in Silverton late Wednesday after a high-speed chase that ended with the suspect allegedly hiding in a local resident’s basement. Steele James Davidson, 30, was pursued by police after he was allegedly seen together with the victim of a domestic violence incident for which Davidson was arrested in March. He […]

Silver Creek Fellowship presents African Children’s Choir Nov. 5

On Sunday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m., Silver Creek Fellowship presents the world famous African Children’s Choir live in concert for “Just As I Am: Hymns.” This free concert will be performed at Silverton High School Auditorium, 1456 Pine St. This family friendly, immersive experience will leave you inspired as the Choir performs your favorite hymns with African cultural sounds.

Silverton Senior Center accepting applications for Executive Director

The non-profit Senior Center in Silverton, Oregon is looking for a new full-time Executive Director. Apply on-line (only) by Tuesday, Oct. 31 at www.silvertonseniors.org. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer, responsible to the Board of Directors for the effective organization of the affairs of the organization. The Executive Director recommends and participates in the Board’s formulation of […]

Dog owner arrested in Joe Keeton death

A Bend woman accused of negligently causing the death of a former Silverton man during a dog attack in July has been taken into custody despite recent efforts to quash her warrant. Jessica Ray Charity, 38, who uses the last name McCleery, was booked into the Deschutes County Jail Oct. 16 for her alleged role in the July 19 death […]

Suspect in Keeton death asks to quash warrant

By Stephen Floyd A Bend woman wanted for the fatal dog mauling of a former Silverton man has promised to appear in court if her warrant is quashed, despite past difficulties complying with court orders. Jessica Rae Charity, 38, hand-delivered a letter to Deschutes County Circuit Court on Tuesday asking to clear a $100,000 warrant issued Sept. 15 for the […]

Update: Failing pieces – Unexpected repairs impact budget, emergencies threaten safety

Editor’s note: Our Town is presenting a school-by-school review of the facility challenges at each building covered by the Silver Falls School District bond proposal on the Nov. 7 ballot. For previous stories go to ourtownlive.com.  By Stephen Floyd Mark Twain and Robert Frost elementary schools both recently had extreme examples of building failures during the start of a school […]

Legal Matters: Dog owner indicted in Joe Keeton death and more

By Stephen Floyd A Bend woman has been indicted for manslaughter after her three dogs mauled a former Silverton man to death in July. Jessica Rae Charity, 38, was indicted Sept. 15 in Deschutes County Circuit Court for second-degree manslaughter and criminally-negligent homicide for the July 19 death of Joe Keeton, 56. The indictment accused Charity of “unlawfully and recklessly” […]

Dog owner indicted in Joe Keeton death

By Stephen Floyd A Bend woman has been indicted for manslaughter after her three dogs mauled a former Silverton man to death in July and a warrant has been issued for her arrest. Jessica Rae Charity, 38, was indicted Friday, Sept. 15, in Deschutes County Circuit Court on charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally-negligent homicide for the July 19 death […]

Mount Angel Chief Mark Daniel appointed to state board

Mount Angel Police Chief Mark Daniel has been chosen for the Oregon Board on Public Safety Standards & Training, which helps set policy on law enforcement instruction and certification. Gov. Tina Kotek announced Daniel’s appointment Aug. 31 among a slate of appointees to state boards. The Senate Committee on Rules is expected to vote on confirmation in late September. Mount […]

Aging out – 1947 HVAC systems, plumbing, cement failing schools, students

Editor’s note: Our Town is presenting a school-by-school review of the facility challenges at buildings covered by the Silver Falls School District bond proposal on the Nov. 7 ballot.  By Stephen Floyd A number of schools in the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) are relics of the baby boom, including Silver Crest, Evergreen and Victor Point schools all constructed in […]

Silver Falls School District

New contract – SFSD reaches agreement with non-teacher union

By Stephen Floyd Non-teacher employees have reached an agreement with the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) after four months of negotiations that largely centered on compensation, discipline and grievance procedures. On July 28, the district reached a tentative agreement with the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) for a three-year contract that would retroactively go into effect July 1. The contract […]

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Willamette Valley Vineyards sues PacifiCorp

By Stephen Floyd Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVV) has sued PacifiCorp for $8.2 million after the 2020 wildfires allegedly caused irreversible damage to the quality of wine grapes throughout the region. The Turner-based business filed suit in Marion County Circuit Court July 24, claiming soot and smoke from the fires tainted a “vast majority” of its 2020 vintages. WVV said it […]

The new Silverton Civic Center will not open until early next year, city officials reported at Aug. 7 City Council meeting. James Day

Delayed completion – Silverton Civic Center opening pushed into 2024

By James Day The new Silverton Civic Center likely will not be fully occupied until January 2024 after some unexpected complications hit the project. The $19.5 million facility, which will hold most city staff as well as the police department, originally was scheduled for completion in July 2023. Aug. 7 the Silverton City Council was told that substantial completion of […]

The DeSantis Ridge subdivision consists of six lots in the hills toward Silver Falls State Park. James Day

Subdivision planned for hills near Silver Falls

By James Day A new subdivision is taking shape in the hills above Silverton on the road to Silver Falls State Park. Although it should be noted that the definition of a subdivision in rural county acreage is vastly different from what one would expect off of Eureka Drive or at the intersection of James and Jefferson. The DeSantis Ridge […]

Bond plans – Central Howell, Pratum face water inundation, air quality woes

Editor’s note: Over the next several issues Our Town will present a school-by-school review of the facility challenges at each building covered by the Silver Falls School District bond proposal on the Nov. 7 ballot.  By Stephen Floyd Central Howell and Pratum schools are old enough to predate the Silver Falls School District (SFSD) itself. Both have roots in pioneer […]

State of Oregon Seal

Oregon passes Consumer Privacy Act to protect personal data

Lawmakers have passed the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act, aimed at giving consumers more knowledge and control over how their private data is used. Gov. Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 619 into law July 18 after it received widespread bipartisan support in the legislature. The new law establishes rights for consumers and sets limits on how businesses and nonprofits can collect, […]