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John F. Kennedy High School computer science teacher Robby Morrissey Melissa Wagoner

Computer science – JFK teacher encourages all students to take AP class

By Melissa Wagoner Robby Morrissey’s AP Computer Science class at John F. Kennedy High School recently got the attention of an organization known as the College Board, which oversees advanced placement classes across the nation. The class enrollment is unusual in an industry composed mostly of white males. “Last year the majority of the class (we had about 20) were […]

James Day

Winning streak – Moffatt, Trojans set new state record

The Kennedy High baseball team won its final 7 games in the 2022 season, ending up with a state Class 2A-1A title. Last year, a veteran team that started eight seniors went 31-0 and repeated as state champions. This season a young squad with just one returning starter, Brody Kleinschmit, won its first eight games. That’s 46 in a row […]

Chesterton Academy cast members rehearsing for Mary Poppins. Melissa Wagoner

In the most delightful way – Mary Poppins comes to Mount Angel

By Melissa Wagoner There is magic in the air at Chesterton Academy of the Willamette Valley – a private Catholic school located on South Main Street in Mount Angel – as the students prepare to present the school’s first musical performance, Mary Poppins. “I think most people who love the original Mary Poppins movie or books will find a lot […]

Not so fast – FBYC halts purchase of former dorm buildings

By Stephen Floyd Plans by Father Bernard Youth Center (FBYC) in Mount Angel to purchase the property currently housing St. Joseph’s Shelter have been terminated after negotiations fell through. While the youth center hoped to finalize terms with owner Catholic Community Services (CCS) in December, parties remained far apart into the new year on sale price and use of the […]

Mount Angel Mayor Pete Wall

Infrastructure – Future of Mount Angel hinges on planning, funding

By Stephen Floyd Mount Angel Mayor Pete Wall highlighted public infrastructure needs in his State of the City Address Jan. 2 before the Mount Angel City Council. Wall said the city must position itself to tackle multiple priorities, chief among them the wastewater, storm drainage, transportation and parks systems. As an initial step the council has scheduled a work session […]

Mount Angel Mayor Pete Wall won’t seek re-election

By Stephen Floyd Mount Angel Mayor Pete Wall has announced he will not seek another term in office. He said instead he’s opening the opportunity for someone else to run for the position this fall. Wall made his announcement during his State of the City address before the Mount Angel City Council during its regular meeting Jan. 2. Wall said, […]

New chapter – Sisters close sale of Queen of Angels campus

By Stephen Floyd The Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel have officially sold the Queen of Angels Monastery after relocating from the property last year. On Dec. 27, 2023, the Sisters closed the sale of the property to Salem-based Catholic Community Services (CCS), which has long been a ministry partner with the Sisters. Sister Jane Hibbard, pastoral administrator of the order, […]

James Day

January madness – Foxes in thick of league hoops battles

Yes, it’s only January, but the Mid-Willamette Conference hoops season already is churning out masterpieces. Silverton took down two unbeaten teams from South Albany in a doubleheader sweep on Jan. 8, and as of presstime the Foxes were in the thick of both battles for league bragging rights. The girls are 4-0 in league and ranked No. 5. They are […]

Agustin Barocio. Submitted Photo.

Legal Matters: ‘No active threats’ as search continues

Mount Angel Police Chief Mark Daniel said there are “no active threats to the community” as authorities search for a suspect in the Jan. 1 fatal shooting of a local resident. Agustin Barocio, 42, has been accused of killing Brandon Slack, 42, both of Mount Angel, and is the subject of a no-bail warrant on charges including second-degree murder with […]

BBB Torch Awards

Better businesses – Hiddenbed, John’s Waterproofing receive ethics honors

By James Day Two area companies have been honored for their business principles and ethics by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB’s Great West/Pacific subgroup, which covers an eight-state area, bestowed Torch Awards on Mount Angel’s Hiddenbed of Oregon and John’s Waterproofing of Silverton. Hiddenbed won a small business award, while John’s was a large business winner. Also honored […]

Bernard Hall will be purchased by Father Bernard Youth Center for expanding youth programs. Stephen Floyd

Changing spaces – Monastery sale pending

By Stephen Floyd The impending sale of Queen of Angels Monastery in Mount Angel will mean larger spaces for local Catholic ministries, although details of the transitions must still be hammered out. Catholic Community Services (CCS) is expected to finalize its purchase of the monastery this month and plans to move its transitional housing program, St. Joseph’s Shelter, into the […]

City of Mt. Angel

Streamlining – Mt. Angel sewer grants revised

By Stephen Floyd The City of Mount Angel is removing barriers to sewer lateral repair grants in the hopes that more residents will apply for assistance. During the Nov. 6 meeting of the Mount Angel City Council, amendments were made to the Sewer Lateral Replacement or Repair Assistance Program that took effect immediately. The city started the program in 2012, […]

Shelter in need of items for Christmas dinner boxes

St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict are in need of donations of nonperishable food items for the Christmas Dinner Box Program.  Any of the items listed below can be brought to Mission Benedict, 925 S Main St., Mt. Angel, by Dec. 15 to be included in the boxes. • Grocery gift cards • Canned green beans • Canned corn • […]

Nuts! Fest returns to Festhalle

By Stephen Floyd Hazelnut Fest is returning to the Festhalle this year in Mount Angel, along with a renewed emphasis on local hazelnut producers and vendors. Scheduled for Dec. 1 – 3, the event is free to attend. It will feature food, specialty beers, live entertainment and Christmas shopping opportunities. Sarah Bauman, president of the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce, […]

James Day

Successful return – Barnes leads Foxes volleyball within one win of state

Kirsten Barnes’ return to the coaching reins of Silverton volleyball was a highly successful one. Barnes previously coached in the program from 1996 to 2010 and won eight league titles during an 11-year run as head coach. This year’s Foxes were 12-8 overall, hovered around the top 10 in Class 5A most of the year, finished fourth in the brutally […]

Turkey Shoot returns with new venue

By Stephen Floyd After three years on pause, Mount Angel American Legion Post 89 is celebrating the return of its annual Turkey Shoot with both new prizes and a new venue. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, 1 to 6 p.m. at Tiny’s Tavern, 155 N. Main St., Mount Angel. Proceeds support Post 89 and the Legion Hall. […]

The home of Emily and Greg Sisk, in Mount Angel, is thoroughly decorated for Halloween. The display has gained the attention of 1.4 million viewers on TikTok and sparked meaningful interactions. Submitted photo

This is Halloween – Mount Angel family goes all out for spooky

By Stephen Floyd Halloween has become a lot more fun this year for one family in Mount Angel. Emily and Greg Sisk were already prepared to go big after their lederhosen-themed skeletons got a lot of attention in 2022.  Little did they know their efforts would be viewed by more than 1 million people online and touch the lives of […]

Gervais schools talk dissolution into neighboring districts

By Stephen Floyd School officials in Gervais have discussed possibly dissolving their district if a facilities bond fails next year, which could lead to schools in Silverton and Mt. Angel absorbing Gervais students. Bond proposals for the Gervais School District suffered landslide defeats in 2022 and 2023, and the district’s board is considering a third attempt for May of 2024. […]

Alicia Roney, center, and the Sweet Pea staff are preparing to open a childcare center at Kennedy High. It will be their second location. Melissa Wagoner

Filling a need: Sweet Peas sprang up to help parents with childcare

By Melissa Wagoner When Alicia and Justin Roney learned their son Maverick’s daycare – the TLC Child Development Center located at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Angel – was closing its doors, effective immediately, they panicked.  “My husband called the daycare and said, ‘What the heck? We need daycare,’” Alicia said, recalling the position they and dozens of other families […]

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” […]

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 […]

JFK, St. Mary’s get new principals

By Stephen Floyd Students in the Mt. Angel School District were greeted by new faces at John F. Kennedy High School and St. Mary’s Public School after both received new principals over the summer. Jessica Brenden, formerly with the Oregon Association of Education Service Districts, joins as JFK principal, while former Molalla River School District administrator Kathleen French is now […]

Transportation options for Oktoberfest

By Melissa Wagoner This year the organizers of Mount Angel’s Oktoberfest are making it easier than ever to enjoy the festivities while leaving your car safely at home. “It is brand new!” Monica Bochsler, Director of PR and Marketing, said of the latest edition to the festival’s public transportation lineup – a shuttle service provided by Northwest Navigator Luxury Coaches.   “I can’t […]

Developer buys former Wilco property in Mount Angel

A Woodburn developer has purchased the site of the former Wilco headquarters in Mount Angel, while plans to develop the property remain in the early stages. According to the Marion County Assessor’s Office, the 2-acre lot at 190 S Main St. was sold to Double I Construction, owned by Ivan Ivanov, for $465,000 on June 15. Mount Angel Administrative Services […]

James Day

Champs again! Mount Angel JBO squad claims state title

A Mount Angel JBO squad has won a state title for the second consecutive season. The program’s Junior American squad finished a 4-0 run through this year’s tournament with an 11-1 win against the Spartans in the championship game at North Clackamas Park. The team’s Midget American squad, including many of the same players, was a state winner a year […]