Our Town -- It's the place where we play, work, dream; the place where we raise our children and carve out our lives. We invite you to be a part of it.
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The print edition of Our Town is published the 1st and 15th of every month and are delivered by mail to every household, business and post office box in the 97381, 97362 and 97385 zip codes. It is also available at businesses throughout the area. Our articles can be found on the web at www.ourtownlive.com.
Operating as usual
In this edition of Our Town:
• Health professionals discuss their experiences with the new vaccines
• Restaurateurs talk about their struggles to stay open
• Mount Angel native Kurt Berning plants Oregon white oaks on family land
• plus sports updates, Passages, Datebook and more
https://issuu.com/mappublications/docs/otn020121
Community news serving Silverton, Mount Angel and Scotts Mills.
City of Scotts Mills
Water may be shut off for some customers today, while contractors work on finishing up the new meters project. Should not be for more than a few hours.
Mt Angel School District
SCHOOL IS CLOSED FOR STUDENTS TOMORROW: Currently, all but 115 families in the Mt. Angel area now have power. Many still do not have phone service or internet. Our schools have power, but not internet service. We are uncertain when it will be restored. With one third of our teachers being Mt. Angel residents, and many of our families without internet service we are unable to provide instruction for our kids. Thank you for your patience and understanding! We hope you are all staying safe and warm~
Travel Advisory - East Main Street, Silverton
East Main Street will be closed to through traffic from S 3rd Street to 5th Street from 1/12/2021 through the afternoon of 1/13/2021 for storm clean up.
In this edition of Our Town:
• Tips for emergency preparedness
• Fire insurance woes and warnings
• Silverton Ancestry Detectives sleuth online
• Plus Datebook, Passages and more
https://issuu.com/mappublications/docs/otn010121
Community news serving Silverton, Mount Angel and Scotts Mills.
On Dec. 28, 2020, at approximately 11:40 a.m. deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Silverton Road NE and Brush Creek Road NE. When first responders arrived at the scene they located two involved vehicles, a silver 2002 Lexus RX300 and a white 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche which had been in a t-bone type collision.
The driver of the Lexus, Marcia Ushimaru, 66, of Mt. Angel was transported from the scene by ambulance to an area hospital where she later died from injuries sustained during the crash. There were no other passengers in the vehicle with her.
The Avalanche was occupied by three people at the time of the crash. The driver, Regina Berntgen, 52, of Salem and two passengers were transported by ambulance, none of the occupants from the Avalanche sustained life-threatening injuries.
Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office CRASH team responded to assist with investigating the crash. Deputies determined the driver of the Lexus had been going southbound on Brush Creek Road NE prior to the crash. The Avalanche was traveling westbound on Silverton Road NE when the driver of the Lexus pulled out in front of them for an unknown reason. At this time it does not appear as if alcohol or speed were contributing factors to the crash. Silverton Road was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Silverton Fire District, Woodburn Ambulance, and Marion County Public Works during this incident.
Silverton life: Amid the festive holiday displays in town I found both the microscopic (Snoopy as detective and a candy cane on a utility pole) and the largest, most intimidating Rudolph for at least 3-4 counties. Happy New Year!
OSAA update
High school sports moved to February
By James Day
The OSAA on Monday unveiled a massive reset in its calendar for activities in the 2020-21 school year.
The organization originally hoped that teams
could begin officially sanctioned workouts Dec.
28 with a season that would include basketball,
wrestling and swimming.
But the continuing challenges of the coronavirus
have moved that start date into February and the
OSAA also has scrambled the order of the
seasons.
Season 2 will start in February and will include
the traditional fall sports of cross country,
volleyball, soccer and football. OSAA officials
emphasized that a) football remains on the
state’s list of prohibited activities; and b) there
is little support for moving football to later in the
year because of the presumption that football
will be in its normal slot in the fall of 2021.
Football practices would start Feb. 8, with the
other three sports starting two weeks later.
If all goes well the schedule calls for five
regular-season football games.
Season 3, which starts April 5, will include the
traditional spring sports of baseball, softball,
tennis, track and field and golf. Season 4, which
starts in mid-May and is scheduled to conclude in late June, will feature the classic winter sports of basketball, wrestling and swimming.
All three seasons would include an OSAA week
that could include post-season competition. The
five weeks of regular-season contests likely
would support 10 games for baseball, softball and basketball teams, although three-game weeks are not out of the question.
“Today’s decision by the Executive Board is
another reminder of the impact the pandemic has had on Oregon students and schools,” said Peter Weber, the OSAA’s executive director. “While disappointed that we need to adjust our original schedule, we believe that keeping three distinct seasons, albeit in shortened seasons, maintains potential opportunities for all students moving forward.”
The OSAA still is working on how to schedule
activities such as speech, solo music, dance/drill, cheerleading, choir and band/orchestra.
n the Dec. 1 edition of Our Town:
• Inventive ways the community is celebrating the holidays
• How local businesses are surviving in this difficult time
• Change in management at The Oregon Garden
• Plus a Winter Sports update from James Day, Datebook, and much more
https://issuu.com/mappublications/docs/otn120120
Community news serving Silverton, Mount Angel and Scotts Mills.
The Knights of Columbus in Mount Angel will be distributing winter coats to local children 9 a.m. to Noon Friday, Nov. 27 at the Mount Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Hwy NE. Sizes available range from girls and boys size 4 up, including large and extra large coats. Kent Purdy of KoC has asked that if you know of kids in need, please spread the word.
In this edition of Our Town:
• Melissa Wagoner showcases local artisans and creators of local gifts
• An eight-year-old girl starts a 'doll drive' for children affected by the Labor Day fires
• James Day reports on the Fox Boys Basketball victories in Idaho
• Plus People Out Loud, Passages and more.
https://issuu.com/mappublications/docs/otn111520
Community news serving Silverton, Mount Angel and Scotts Mills.
Silverton life:
This do happen quickly in nature after all. The first image is my backyard big leaf maple on Monday,. The 2nd photo was taken Wed. Pretty amazing.
We Salute You!
Veterans Day 2020
Election 2020:
Here is a look at election results from the Silverton area:
Senate District 9: Republican Fred Girod was re-elected
House District 18: Republican Rick Lewis was re-elected
Silverton City Council: Jason Freilinger, Elvi Cuellar Sutton and Jess Miller look like the winners
Silverton mayor: Kyle Palmer was re-elected
Scotts Mills Council: Chris MacQuarrie and Brandon Joslin were elected
Scotts Mills mayor: Paul Brakeman was elected
Mt. Angel Council: Pete Wall, Shelley Otte and David Hoffer look like the winners
Mt. Angel mayor: A close battle between Don Fleck and Kelly Grassman
In the latest edition of Our Town:
• Tips from healthcare professionals about being pregnant during the pandemic
• Homelessness in Silverton addressed by new video and book projects
• Wildcats vs. Wildfire – the successful rescue of Scotts Mills' big cats
• Plus Datebook, A Grin at the End and more!
https://issuu.com/mappublications/docs/otn110120
Community news serving Silverton, Mount Angel and Scotts Mills.
Legacy Health Offers Free Flu Shots in November
Legacy Health will offer free flu shots in Silverton Nov 4 and 12. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get a flu shot this year.
While COVID-19 and the flu have similar symptoms, getting a flu shot will not protect you from getting COVID-19. However, it will lower your risk of getting the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend anyone over the age of six months get a flu shot every year. Talk with your doctor if you have specific concerns or questions.
Free flu vaccines will be available for community members aged six months and up while supplies last. No payment or insurance is required. Those under 15 years old need a guardian present. Legacy follows public health guidelines to ensure patient, visitor, and staff safety, including temperature screenings, physical distancing, and masks. Flu vaccine options meet every need: egg-free, high-dose, preservative-free, latex-free, 4-strain.
By getting the flu shot, you are protecting yourself, your family, and everyone else around you.
Legacy Silverton Medical Center
Nov. 4 and Nov.12
1.-7 p.m. | First Floor Lobby
Family Birth Center
342 Fairview St.
Silverton
Silverton life:
The first of November was covered with leaves ... and dazzling fall color. We've got fresh air and sunshine. Savor it!
Silverton life: Pretty amazing that my plucky rose bushes can produce something like this Oct. 25. But there you go!
Girls hoops: Tryouts set for Silverton youth team
By James Day
Coach Tal Wold and the Silverton High girls basketball program are hosting tryouts for a team that will consist of players in fifth through eighth grade who will be attending Silverton High.
Tryouts for fifth- and sixth-graders will be Nov. 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for those in seventh and eighth grades. Both sessions will be held at Silverton High.
For more information or to get questions answered email Wold at [email protected],k12.or.us.
Follow me on Twitter.com @jameshday. Got a news tip? Email me at [email protected]. Follow Our Town on Facebook.
Marion County, Oregon
➡️ Deadline to submit Right of Entry form extended to Oct. 23
Marion County has extended the deadline to submit Right of Entry forms by one week to allow state and federal partners to clean wildfire debris from private properties. Forms should be completed by property owners and turned into Marion County no later than Friday, October 23, 2020. Forms are available at bit.ly/MCRightofEntry.
Teams from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their contractors are arriving in Oregon to begin removal of household hazardous waste (HHW) from properties damaged or destroyed by wildfire. The removal of HHW is the first in a two-step cleanup process, and is funded by FEMA and the State of Oregon with no cost to property owners.
Read the full press release: https://www.co.marion.or.us/pages/news.aspx?NewsId=652
Strong Silverton Wildfire Responders Recognition Parade - A little rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of those out to honor our local heroes - 10/17/20
In this edition of Our Town:
• Palace Theatre patrons share their favorite memories
• Opening in the time of COVID-10 - an interview with the owners of Silverton Pilates
• The stroke treatment team at Legacy Silverton wins award
• plus sports, People Out Loud and more
https://issuu.com/mappublications/docs/otn_101520
Community news serving Silverton, Mount Angel and Scotts Mills.
Citizen Awareness of Cougar Activity
FOLLOW UP 10/16/20
Over the past two days, as a result of the recent cougar activity in the 4000 block of Victor Point Road, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife have taken steps and have caught two cougars near the initial activity point on Victor Point Road.. Steps are continuing to be taken to determine if any other cougars may be in the immediate area.
Residents are asked to be aware as Silverton has experienced cougars in the area in the past due to nearby wooded and forested areas. If a cougar is sighted in or near Silverton, please call Silverton Police Dept. to report it at 503-873-5326.
From the ODF&W website some precautions to take include:
Walk pets during the day and keep them on a leash.
Keep pets indoors at dawn and dusk when a cougar is most active.
Do not feed wildlife. By attracting other wildlife, it may attract a cougar.
Fence and shelter livestock. Move them to sheds or barns at night.
If you encounter a cougar:
Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. Leave the animal a way to escape.
Stay calm and stand your ground.
Maintain direct eye contact.
Pick up children, but do so without bending down or turning your back to the cougar.
Back away slowly.
Don’t run. Running triggers a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.
Raise your voice and speak firmly.
If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger & clap your hands.
If, in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available.
Community Awareness of Cougar Activity
Over the past two days, there has been an incident of cougar activity in the 4000 block of Victor Point Road where small livestock was killed. Working with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, steps are being taken to locate the cougar. The Silverton Police Dept. was also notified today of a trail camera photographing a cougar last night in the area of the small pond near Lakeview Dr. and Pioneer Dr.
We are sending out this information so those in the area can be aware and take precautions. If a cougar is sighted call the Police Dept. to report it at 503-873-5326.
From the ODF&W website some precautions to take include:
Walk pets during the day and keep them on a leash.
Keep pets indoors at dawn and dusk when a cougar is most active.
Do not feed wildlife. By attracting other wildlife, it may attract a cougar.
Fence and shelter livestock. Move them to sheds or barns at night.
If you encounter a cougar:
Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. Leave the animal a way to escape.
Stay calm and stand your ground.
Maintain direct eye contact.
Pick up children, but do so without bending down or turning your back to the cougar.
Back away slowly.
Don’t run. Running triggers a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.
Raise your voice and speak firmly.
If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger & clap your hands.
If, in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available.
Donations, volunteers make a big difference in on-going wildfire relief efforts
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 while many of them were evacuated or had experienced loss themselves. Rather, it was because of Kaiser Permanente’s dedication to community care.
“Kaiser Permanente serves this community,” Kimberly Mounts, a spokesperson for the company, confirmed. Adding that there are no less than 600 Kaiser Permanente employees that live in and around the Silverton area. “We’re ensuring that folks are taken care of. It’s part of our mission – hence the rapid response.”
Once contacted by the company, the Oregon Red Cross connected Kaiser Permanente with another institution – Silver Creek Fellowship in Silverton – which was aiding in the creation of an estimated 5,000 wildfire relief kits being shipped across Oregon.
“The wildfire relief kits are going to people in the community who have lost their homes,” Kurt Barnes, a pastor at Silver Creek Fellowship, explained. Listing tarps, hand sanitizer, garbage bags and gloves as the items being packed inside large plastic totes and shipped alongside rakes, shovels and handmade sifters by Red Cross box truck.
“It’s so people can actually sift through the ashes,” he continued. Adding, “A lot of people, when they’re given these kits, that’s the only thing they own. It’s really emotional for them.”
And so, on Sept. 25, despite the pouring rain, eight Kaiser Permanente employees, joined a host of other volunteers in the packing of the last 500 kits.
“I’m really proud of Kaiser for giving me the opportunity to help,” Nichole Powers – an Administrator at the North Lancaster branch, who joined the company nine years ago for precisely this reason – said. “Kaiser is very much about community.”
Which is why, as the work party drew to a close, Dr. Yara Delgado – who lives in Silverton and has delivered countless babies there for the past 12 years, presented Dale Kunce, the Chief Executive Officer for the Cascades Region of the Red Cross, a check for $300,000 to aid in the organization’s wildfire recovery efforts.
“Kaiser wants to extend their hand to the Red Cross and the community,” Dr. Delgado said during her presentation, “to shelter, support and feed those in need.”
But the donation will achieve even more than that, according to Kunce who, when asked what such a sizable sum could do during a crisis like the current one said, “It means a lot. But what it buys – that’s very difficult.”
Because, Kunce went on to explain, while big donations, like Kaiser Permanente’s are incredibly important, even the smallest donations – like the $400 check he recently received from a woman who had herself been helped by the Red Cross and wanted to pay the kindness forward – are significant.
“Even $10,” Kunce stressed. “It buys a lot of hope.”
Indeed, money is only a portion of the equation, volunteer efforts – like the wildlife relief kit assemblage – and community support are just as critical.
“Your donation and your time spent here today buys an enormous amount of hope,” Kunce said in his heartfelt address to the volunteers. “It’s a virtual hug in the time of COVID.”
401 Oak St
Silverton, OR
97381
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Part 2 of Our Town's coverage of Silverton High School and NASA's launch of a high-altitude balloon on August 21, 2017, the morning of the great American eclipse. The big day has arrived.
Our Town, the new documentary web series, is produced by Real Light Films in cooperation with Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc./ Our Town, with support from the Marion Cultural Development Corporation and local sponsors. New episodes will premiere seasonally. For information on upcoming projects or on sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. To View the documentary :https://vimeo.com/199701695
YG Media l Websites : Video : Photo
130 W Cleveland St, Woodburn
