04/29/2026
Meet Steven Dexheimer
Community Spotlight Columnist
Steven Dexheimer became deeply involved in the North Plains community through the North Plains Food Bank, founded by his wife, Lora. What began as helping support her vision quickly became something much bigger. As he stepped in to assist, Steven was struck by the number of volunteers who showed up and the genuine passion they carried for the community. That passion, he says, was contagious.
Since November 2023, Steven has served as a board member and city liaison for the Food Bank, where he’s had the opportunity to meet and work alongside many of the people quietly doing meaningful work in North Plains. What he loves most about being involved here is exactly that — the people. He is continually inspired by the individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making the community stronger, and he feels proud and grateful to help share their stories with readers.
Outside of his work, Steven and his wife devote much of their time to animal rescue. On their 11-acre property, Stray Haven Ranch, they care for animals that have been neglected or abandoned. For the past thirteen years, they’ve provided refuge to horses, sheep, goats, ducks, and chickens, while also working closely with the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon. Their barn has become a safe haven for cats who cannot be housed elsewhere and are at risk of euthanasia. Some remain feral, while others slowly learn to trust and eventually become part of the family. As Steven puts it, they have lots of pets.
A fun fact about Steven: he’s a musician who has been playing bass guitar since high school. Over the years, he’s played in several bands and written and recorded his own music. While he’s not currently in a band, he hopes to return to it one day.
Steven has long been fascinated by local history — especially the stories of everyday people who built lives here against the odds. He’s drawn to the quieter details of how communities were formed: where the first towns were established, how commerce functioned, and how families made their way. He also holds a deep interest in the Native peoples who lived in this region for thousands of years before settlement and believes their contributions deserve greater recognition and honor.
To Steven, community isn’t defined by an address. It’s defined by relationships — by the people you care about and the time you spend helping others. It’s where dedication and passion are shared and returned, and where meaningful connections are built over time.
