On September 13, 2024, at 4:22 p.m., Stayton Police Officers responded to the 1200 block of West Locust Street in Stayton on a possible assault call. Upon arrival, a male, Curtis Nathan Longfellow, 55, of Stayton, was found deceased.
Stayton Police, with the assistance of several local agencies, conducted a coordinated investigation and developed a suspect.
Skylair James Gendhar, 30, has been taken into custody and is being charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
We appreciate the community's assistance as we worked to keep the community safe. We want to thank the following agencies for their assistance: Marion County Sheriff's Office, Aumsville Police Department, Turner Police Department, Oregon State Police, Keizer Police Department, Stayton Fire, Santiam Ambulance, Metcom 911, and Marion County District Attorney's Office.
Any further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. Gendhar will be lodged in the Marion County Jail and the Marion County District Attorney's Office will review this matter. With the filing of a case, he will be arraigned at the Marion County Criminal Court Annex, 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem.
Our deepest condolences go out to Curtis’s family and friends.
Update - 9/14/2024 at 10:45 a.m.
Last nights investigation is ongoing. Officers and Detectives will be present in the community throughout the weekend to continue follow-up. More information will be released when it is appropriate.
If you have any information you believe is helpful, please call Stayton Police at (503) 982-2340 and reference Case #24-6056.
On the afternoon of September 13, 2024 at 4:22 p.m., our dispatch center received a call of a male needing medical assistance. Officers, medics, and the fire department responded.
At this time, we can confirm the male is deceased and his family has been notified.
This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information you believe is helpful, please call the Stayton Police Department at (503) 982-2340 and reference case 24-6056.
The City would like to give a big 'Thank You!' to the volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who helped this past weekend to clear up overgrown areas around the Community Center Park, the Stayton Public Library, and the Stayton Family Memorial Pool.
The whole area looks amazing, we are thankful for your eagerness to help, the willingness to work hard, and for everyone who took the time out of their days to come together to selflessly lead the charge to
improve community spaces and help others.
If you or a group are interested in volunteering in Stayton, please contact Christian Smithrud at (503) 769-3425 (ext. 7) to learn more.
Heavy rain is expected over the next few days, and our Stayton Police Department wants to remind everyone to drive carefully to avoid hydroplaning and to use headlights during heavy rainstorms and dense fog. Even during the day, increased visibility can greatly reduce the chances of crashes.
As many know, Oregon weather can change in a moment's notice, so make sure you are prepared for when it does. Drive safe, save lives.
The City of Stayton is honored to receive the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the ninth year in a row.
The award represents a significant achievement, it reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award, a governing body must satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation and meeting the criteria for
these four categories:
• a policy document
• a financial plan
• an operations guide
• a communications device
You can learn more about the City of Stayton's Annual Budget for 2024-2025 by visiting:
www.staytonoregon.gov/page/open/933/0/Stayton%20FY%202024-25%20Adopted%20Budget.pdf
The next few days will be quite toasty. If you are feeling the heat, stop by the Stayton Public Library to fill up on water while checking out the library's event calendar for September and exploring what the library has to offer.
Stayton Public Library will be open:
Thursday | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday | 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stay safe, stay hydrated!
Starting September 3rd through September 12th, 2024, the Stayton Police Department is partnering with law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon by focusing on distracted driving (cellular phone usage). The extra enforcement efforts help keep community members safe and remind drivers of the importance of keeping your eyes on the road ahead.
So, remember, keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The enhanced patrols during this high visibility event are being paid for
using grant dollars from the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Starting September 1st, 2024, the Stayton Police Department is partnering with law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon by focusing on slowing drivers down. The 'Slow-Down or Pay Up' high visibility enforcement is paid for using grant dollars from the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The Effects of High Visibility Enforcement:
• Enforcement efforts help keep community members safe and remind drivers of the importance of sticking to the speed limit.
• High visibility
enforcement is a proven method for getting people to take their foot off the gas pedal and slow down.
• When drivers see police enforcing traffic laws, they are more likely to comply.
• Law enforcement issues tickets to save lives and prevent serious injuries.
• A citation is an effective way to remind people of the importance of a simple and life-saving measure — Slow Down or Pay Up $$$$.
As a reminder, the City of Stayton's offices will be closed Monday, September 2nd, for Labor Day.
For after hours and holidays, please contact the non-emergency line at (503) 982-2340.
Starting Thursday August 29th, Santiam Tree Service will begin removing invasive plant species and mulching brush at Riverfront Park. The parking area and paths near the park will be closed to keep people a safe distance from the work area.
Signs will be placed at the locations of the path and parking area closures.
“I love Kid’s Safety Town. It’s where I want to be!!!”
Campers have experienced a blend of valuable safety lessons, exciting activities, and catchy songs.
Police, Library and City Staff along with the remarkable teen, Police and Library volunteers have called it a wrap on day 3 of Stayton’s Safety Town.
Stay tuned to see what other exciting activities are in store for these campers as we close out our first annual Safety Town event.
Join us for free ice cream at Community Center park on August 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Grab an ice cream, hangout, chat with City Council, or just enjoy the park. Either way we look forward to meeting you.
This is our last Ice Cream Social for the year, so we hope to see you there as we close out summer.
The Ida Street Paving Project is almost complete. Which means it almost time to celebrate.
On August 30th at 4:30 pm, in concert with RDS's TGIFriday Fest, the City of Stayton will be holding a small celebration commemorating the completion of this major City project. Join us as we share information what was done "beneath the ground" and highlight the new additions to Ida St., chat with City Council members about future improvements, and meet Public Works staff as they share
their experiences with the project.
And don't forget to grab a slice of free cake!
The Stayton Police Department joined with
Kindness 911 to present Stayton's first Kindness Citation. We honored Julie after she generously served as a host for one of our NNO gatherings. She brought her neighborhood together for an evening of food, fun, neighbors connecting, and an opportunity to engage local first responders.
Kindness 911 is a nonprofit support organization connecting local law enforcement agencies with those they directly serve. Through thoughtful and intentional means, we recognize individuals/groups for their genuine, positive impact on their community.
Our officers will be keeping an eye out for kind acts and may surprise you with a Kindness Citation, to show their appreciation. The Kindness Citation is a special award presented for good deeds that have positive impacts on their community, like assisting a neighbor with groceries or clearing a public walkway during an ice storm.
Due to findings during a recent ODOT bridge inspection, the bridge on E Water Street between 3rd & 4th Ave. is closed to motorized vehicles until further notice. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic are safe to use the bridge.
For additional questions, contact our Public Works at (503) 769-2919.
There are currently three (3) vacant positions on the Public Arts Commission.
The Public Arts Commission is tasked with promoting educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of Stayton by actively pursuing the placement of public art in public spaces within Stayton city limits while also serving to preserve and develop public access to the arts.
The Public Arts Commission is responsible for assisting the Council and other City boards and commissions in using public art to enhance existing development in public parks, public lands, and in public structures.
Stayton, OR, August 9, 2024 - On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, around 4:20 pm, Stayton Officers were notified of a grass fire in the 200 Blk of S 1st Ave, Stayton. The fire was quickly controlled by Stayton Fire Department, who were assisted by Sublimity, Aumsville, Turner, and Scio Fire Departments. The fire burned about 1/3 of an acre on the west side of S 1st Ave, near the Santiam River bridge. The fire damaged property of Northwest Natural Gas, Stayton Cooperative Phone Company and caught two power poles owned by Pacific Power on fire.
Shortly after the fire, Stayton Police Department received a tip from a motorist about suspicious activity surrounding a pickup that had been in the area prior to the fire.
On Thursday, August 8, 2024, while conducting additional follow-up, Stayton Police were able to develop a good lead in the investigation. An 18-year-old male was arrested for causing the fire as a result of throwing a burning object from a vehicle. He was transported to the Marion County Jail on charges of Throwing away lighted material (ORS 476.715) and Reckless Burning (ORS 164.335).
This is a good reminder that if you see something suspicious, be sure to report it to our non-emergency dispatch line (503-982-2340). It may be the one important piece to a bigger incident that is helpful in getting a positive resolution.
This is the final weekend to fill out the Stayton Streets Community Survey. Please take a moment to tell us about your experience with Stayton streets, what improvements you would like to see, and which strategies you support for funding. Also share with anyone interested in the future of Stayton's streets. Every response helps guide the discussion for future improvements.
Tonight at 7:00 p.m. the City Council will be discussing and making decisions about:
• Park Shelter Rentals & Facility Use
• Street Survey Update
• Continuing the discussion about Legislative Priorities
Public comments can be submitted in-person or by email to City staff at citygovernment@staytonoregon.gov, at least three (3) hours prior to the meeting's start time.
Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, except in Utah, where the limit is .05 g/dL. The costs can be financial, too: If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.
The City of Stayton Police Department along with other agencies across the State of Oregon just finished an enhanced DUII patrol program. The City of Stayton Police Department arrested 4 DUII drivers between June 14, 2024, and July 15, 2024. In addition, two drivers were arrested for Driving While Suspended Misdemeanor, and 58 citations for violations and 75 warnings for violations were given during that time.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement agency.
The City of Stayton has temporarily increased the chlorine levels for drinking water due to the unusually high cyanotoxin in the North Santiam River. The increase of chlorine helps destroy the cyanotoxins and protect the public health of residents.
The increase is based on best practices and at the recommendation from the Oregon Health Authority. While you may notice an increased smell of chlorine in water, it remains safe to drink. Chlorine levels will return to normal once
the cyanotoxin levels decrease in the North Santiam River.
The City will continue to monitor, test, and follow the recommendations of the Oregon Health Authority to ensure the safety and health of the community.
Starting August 1st to August 7th, Santiam Park's playground area will be closed. Contractors will be repairing the playground's surface. It will take several days for the material to be cured; the affected area will have a fence around it.
As part of National Night Out, City Council will be hosting a small BBQ and ice cream social in Pioneer Park from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Come hangout with Councilors and fellow community members for a night of activities, food, and conversation. Now’s the chance to ask that question you've always had for City Council, learn more about city projects, and get to know someone new in your neighborhood.
Feel free to bring your own sides and snacks to fill out your and enjoy meeting your neighbors.
Join us for free ice cream at Westown Park on July 29 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Stop by to chat and learn more about the City's many projects or just grab an ice cream and enjoy the park. Either way we look forward to meeting you.
We will be visiting other parks in Stayton if you are unable to join us for this one. We will also be visiting North Slope Park (Aug. 12), and Community Center Park (Aug. 26).
Is your neighborhood having an event on August 6th? Have you ever wanted to book a personal appearance with one of Stayton’s police officers to discuss what is happening in your neighborhood? Would you like to learn how to partner with the police department and ways to keep your neighborhood safe?
Now's your chance!
Register today and Stayton officers will attend your event to talk and bring free swag.
Marion County will be performing construction on Golf Club Rd next week, July 24-25. The road between Highway 22 overpass & 9083 Golf Club Rd will be closed. There will be local access only between 9083 Golf Club Rd and Shaff Rd.
Detours to get to and from Highway 22 will utilize Shaff Rd and the Cascade Hwy on/off ramps.
Please plan accordingly and be cautious of construction crews and equipment if travelling near the construction zone.
If you have question or would like more information, visit: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7448364667ea4fdb80afa6a6f95cb4f5
Stop by for free ice cream at Quail Run Park on July 22 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. We can chat about City projects or just hang out. Either way we will enjoy your company.
We will be visiting other parks in Stayton if you are unable to join us for this one. We will be visiting Westown Park (July 29), North Slope Park (Aug. 12), and Community Center Park (August 26).
Public Works Operations will be spraying weeds and noxious vegetation at several locations in Stayton for the week of July 15-19, as weather permits.
Spraying includes: Community Center, Library, Pool, Westown Park, Quail Run Park, Santiam Park, Northslope Park, Neitling Park, and Pioneer Park. As well as Kindle Way Road’s shoulder & detention ditch and along fences at Lambert subdivision.
If you have questions about spraying, contact Public Work Operations at (503) 302-9438.
This Saturday, July 13, Pacific Excavation will be performing construction between 3rd Ave. - 4th Ave. on Ida St., to form and possibly pour concrete for sidewalks. Signs and traffic control will guide vehicles through the construction zone.
On July 15-19, Ida St. will be closed from 3rd Ave. - 4th Ave. for excavating the exiting road, placement of new base rock, and the first lift of asphalt. Detour signs will be set up to direct traffic.
Be
cautious of workers and equipment while traveling near the construction zone.
If you have additional questions, contact Public Works at (503) 769-2919.
Due to excessive heat, we have decided to postpone the Ice Cream Social in Santiam Park to this Wednesday, July 10, for the safety of community members and City staff.
However, if you are looking for a cold treat and near Stayton City Hall, we will be providing otter pops at the front desk from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. today. Also, the Stayton Public Library is open today from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. as a cool break from the summer heat.
Remember to stay safe and hydrated!
Chill with City Staff and Councilors for our first 'Ice Cream Social in the Park' starting this July 8th at Santiam Park (2250 N 3rd Ave.) from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. We will be in a different park each Monday that does not have a City Council meeting, to answer questions about current and upcoming city projects, or just talk about what is important to you.
If you haven't had a chance to attend our City Council meetings this is a great opportunity to share your thoughts about the community. We would also like to hear your thoughts and learn more about your neighborhood.
To review when we will be visiting each park, please visit our City calendar at www.staytonoregon.gov/page/admin_calendar
Starting today, July 1, the Stayton Family Memorial Pool has an updated schedule and rates. This includes a brand-new 'Family Swim Night' on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. with a special price of $2 per family member.
The slide will be available for the new Family Swim times and for the afternoon Open Swim on Mondays and Saturdays. This is a perfect way to beat the heat at the end of a summer day.
The City has hired contractors to perform gravel street grading and dust control treatment on Thursday, June 27th and Friday, June 28th. Vehicles need to be moved off the shoulders of gravel roads from 7 AM to 4 PM on both days. All work will be completed by 4 PM on the 28th.
The following streets will be graded and sprayed with dust control:
• E Regis St & 6th Ave
• E Robidoux St. and 7th Ave
• 5th Ave
• E Florence St
• Water Treatment Plant driveway
• W Water St
• N Birch Ave
• N Alder Ave
• W High St
• N Gardner Ave
• N Fern Ave
• N King Ave
• N Peach Ave
• Jetters Way
• Police Department Shooting Range
If you have any questions or concerns, call the Public Works office at 503-769-2919.
The next discussion about streets is live on our YouTube. Previously, we talked about Stayton street conditions and the type of maintenance that is needed for each. Now we will talk about how street maintenance is funded and potential funding strategies to increase coverage for street improvements.
Share your thoughts about potential financing strategies, guide how we prioritize improvements, and what you want to see for the future of Stayton's streets.
Public Works Operations will be spraying weeds and noxious vegetation at several locations in Stayton for the week of June 24-28, as weather permits.
Spraying includes: Florence St. parking lot from Water St. to Burnett St. and from 1st to 4th Ave., the Henry A. Porter Community Dog Park, Community Center, Library, Pool, Westown Park, Quail Run Park, Santiam Park, Northslope Park, Neitling Park, and Pioneer Park. As well as Kindle Way Road’s shoulder & detention ditch and
along fences at Lambert subdivision.
If you have questions about spraying, contact Public Work Operations at (503) 871-7469.
*Signs will be posted at locations with active spraying. The spray will be disbursed in a controlled manner and is safe for people and pets. However, if you have allergies or reactions to chemicals, we recommend postponing visiting park areas.
Water services will be briefly interrupted on Thursday morning between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM on N Third Ave between E Florence Street and E Ida Street. The affected addresses are highlighted in blue and have been contacted in advance.
Please contact the City of Stayton Public Works at (503) 769-2919 if you have any questions.
Pacific Excavation will be working at the intersection of Ida St. and 1st Ave. on Sunday June 16th, and Monday June 17th from 10 PM to 6 AM to work on the City’s water main. The intersection will be flagged while crews are working. All properties affected by the water main work will be notified via door hanger.
Please use caution around the work zone. Call Ian Kintz Stormo at (503) 769-2919 if you have any questions.
NW Natural are performing preparation construction along Ida Street for up the upcoming Ida Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project. Cones and flaggers will be present to help with thru traffic near the construction zone. Be cautious around crews and equipment while traveling in the area.
Work is expected to be completed by the first week of July.
On June 17th, the City Council is scheduled to discuss amending business hours for marijuana dispensaries. Currently, the code only allows them to be open until 7:00 p.m. Whereas Oregon law allows them to be open until 10:00 p.m. The extension being discussed is moving the limit of operation hours from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
We are interested from hearing from businesses and residents about the proposed changes. Please share your thoughts with us by joining the City Council
on June 17th or by sending us an email to
citygovernment@staytonoregon.gov. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can also watch our live stream at
https://youtu.be/CbxRQKofXts.
Starting this Thursday, June 13, slurry sealing operations are scheduled for parts of the Westown neighborhood.
The project will be split up to allow for one travel lane of traffic at all times. The Contractor will provide no-parking signs and instructions to affected properties. Flaggers will assist vehicles through the work zone. Please use caution around crews and equipment when traveling in the construction zone. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of Friday, June 14.
If you have any questions, call Ian Kintz Stormo, 503-769-2919.
Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving - 'Make a Plan'
To help keep drivers and their passengers safe, the City of Stayton Police Department is teaming up with other law enforcement agencies across Oregon and with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to caution drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. Help NHTSA and the Stayton Police Department share this message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
No one should mix
drinking and driving, and no one is immune to the effects of drunk driving. If you find yourself drunk and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with a drunk driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive drunk, take away their keys and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — you might be saving their life, or someone else’s. Always have a plan before you head out for the evening. If you wait until after you’ve been drinking to figure out how to get from one place to the next, you may already be too impaired to make the right choices.
The Stayton Public Library and Stayton Police Department are collaborating for Stayton’s first annual Kids Safety Town in August.
Safety Town is a five-day-long, half-day summer camp for children ages five and six. Campers engage in experiences around different safety topics throughout the week, with demonstrations, music, movement, STEAM activities, and by visiting the Safety Town traffic course and 911 practice lab daily.
Camper registration is now open. Registration will
remain open until filled, so make sure to register early. Campers will need a signed permission by a parent/guardian to complete their registration. Return your forms to the Stayton Public Library to complete your registration.
Water service will be intermittently shut down between the hours of 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Wednesday June 5th, for main line valve testing. The impacted properties are shown highlighted on the map below. All affected properties will be notified with door hanger notifications.
Questions related to this work may be directed to Ian Kintz Stormo at (503) 769-2919.
Pacific Excavation will be performing construction along Ida Street starting at 1st Avenue and working along Ida Street to 4th Avenue, beginning the first week of June and is anticipated to be completed in 2 months. The Ida Street Improvement Project will be completed in phases, with traffic being impacted only on one block at a time until final paving.
Traffic impacts will typically be limited to 2-3 business days per block, which may impact parking and thru traffic for those areas during working hours (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Local access will be maintained at all times for businesses and property owners, though there may be delays. As a reminder, there is a free public parking lot available on the corner of Florence Street and 2nd Avenue and by the Stayton Court House. Please be cautious of the construction crew and equipment when driving near the construction zone.
Also, make sure to support your local businesses that may be affected by construction and respect private parking lots owned by other businesses near the construction zone.
The deadline for signups is Sunday, June 2nd. Classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and will start June 4th and end June 27th. Please be sure to fully read what the skills are for each level, children signed up for levels they are unable to participate in may result in cancellation of
your lessons for the month with no refund.
Parent and Tot -- 4 spots available
This class is for kids between ages 6 months - 3 years old. This will help for the child to become comfortable in the water.
Level 3 -- 2 spots available
At this level, the students will work on the details of freestyle, including side breathing, and backstroke as well as be introduced to elementary backstroke and treading water.
Level 4 -- 7 spots available
Students continue to refine basic skills becoming proficient in freestyle and backstroke as well as elementary backstroke. Students will be introduced to breaststroke at this level as well.
Level 4/5 -- 4 spots available
Students continue to refine basic skills for freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and other strokes as well as improve endurance.
Level 5/6 -- 7 spots available
Students will continue to refine freestyle and backstroke, breaststroke and elementary backstroke. Students will be able to swim the width of the pool (~10 m) proficiently and half the width of the pool (~5 m) proficiently using taught techniques to improve the endurance of each swimmer. Students will also continue to work on scissor kick for sidestroke and be introduced to dolphin kick.
Level 7+ -- 7 spots available
In this level students will continue to work on their endurance with freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke. Students will also begin introduction of squad level swimming. Butterfly and front flip turns will be taught at this level.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Stayton family Memorial at (503) 767-7665.
The 2024 Street Maintenance Project in the Westown neighborhood has been postponed due to inclement weather.
The 'No Parking' signs in the project area will be removed until the project is rescheduled. 72-hour advance notification door hangers will be placed at the affected properties once the new schedule is determined.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Please call Ian Kintz Stormo at 503-769-2919 if you have any additional questions.
To wrap up National Public Works Week, our Public Works departments joined together to celebrate in the park with a BBQ. A big thank you to everyone for your hard work and dedication to keeping the City in tip-top shape.
Today for Public Works Week, we celebrate the team behind Stayton's Wastewater Treatment Facility. The team manages all of Stayton's used water, which is processed through multiple stations and returned to the Santiam River as clean water. They carryout extensive testing to make sure that the outfall water is not hazardous or harmful to the environment. Their work is essential to keeping the Santiam River clean and the city's water systems flowing.
NOTICE OF SANITARY WORK
C-More Pipe will be performing maintenance on several segments of sanitary sewer pipes today, May 23 starting at 7:00 a.m. They will be lining sewer pipes on W Locust Street, N Douglas Avenue, East Ida Street and Fourth Avenue.
Door hangers have been placed at all of the homes affected.
If
you have any questions, please contact our Wastewater Group at 503-769-2810.
This week is Public Works Week
We are thankful to the Stayton Public Works professionals who are dedicated to maintaining the city's infrastructure and essential services. We will have a post for each Public Works department this week, starting with Public Work operations who maintain road services, parks, and water systems.
The City of Stayton Police Department along with The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of a national Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort. The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 20 to June 2, 2024.
“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike. It’s not just a safe thing to do — it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, it could have been prevented.”
This week is National Police Week.
Thank you to the entire Stayton Police Department for protecting and serving the public. Thank you for your dedication to the city, for building lasting connections, and for supporting the community.
The conversation about streets comes up quite often when discussing the City of Stayton's infrastructure. Although it is a complicated matter with various moving parts, such as budget and planning, we also want to encourage everyone to continue talking about it and share with those who are interested in joining the conversation. That is why we have created a video that covers the basics of streets improvement, street conditions terms, types of maintenance, and potential costs.
On May 13, join us between 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at McDonald's (1988 Shaff Rd., Stayton, OR) for coffee and conversation with officers and community members.
Drop in anytime to chat about community concerns, ask questions, chat about issues, show support, or just say hello. We would love to hear from you!
We are excited to announce Kids Safety Town, a weeklong day camp for kindergartens and 1st graders to better understand the basics of safety. Safety Town is set for August 19th - 23rd, 2024 and camper registration will open soon.
Registration for volunteer counselor is now open, for middle schoolers and high schoolers, who are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the community and help children learn about safety.
If you have any questions, please contact the Stayton Public Library at (503) 769-3313.
Your ballots for the Primary Election are on their way.
Mark your calendars and turn in your ballots by May 21st, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. The City of Stayton's local ballot box is located at the Stayton Public Library (515 N First Ave Stayton, OR 97383).
In celebration of Earth Day, Public Works and volunteers from the Parks & Recreation Committee planted 8 new trees (4 cherry and 4 fir) in Pioneer Park. It was a perfect day to plant trees in the park.
Thank you to Ground Up Soil for donating and delivering soil to the site and helping with the planting process.
We are thankful to all our volunteers; with your helping hands and positive attitude this community truly shines.
On Tuesday, April 23rd at 8:00 a.m., swimming lesson registration will open online. To learn more about session details and where to sign-up, please visit the Stayton Family Memorial Pool page:
Openings are limited, please sign-up as soon as possible to secure your spot.
We were thrilled to have community members engage with our officers at our first Police Forum!
Chief Gwen Johns discussed community concerns and achievements for the department and shared important information on department operations. The Sergeants also received a fair share of comments and compliments for the diligent work carried out by the Stayton Police Department. We plan to host these on a regular basis, and we hope to see many new faces at the next one!
This week is National Library Week!
Thank you to the Stayton Public Library team, and all the helping hands, who work hard to make a community space where everyone can feel safe, have tons of fun, and try new things.
April is Distracted Driving Month, the City of Stayton Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch a national high-visibility enforcement effort, in the month of April 2024, to deter distracted driving.
Law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay.
Last night at City Council, we were thrilled to announce the winners of the "If I Were Mayor" contest.
Congratulations to Abigial Whieldon, the winner of the essay category and congratulations to Noah Ohrt, the winner of the poster category. Both entries have been submitted to represent Stayton in the Oregon Mayor's Association's statewide contest.
Thank you to every student who took the time to submit an entry for the contest. We were inspired student's numerous ideas to help support their community and their vision of a bright future.
Ida Street Improvement Project will begin in April - May 2024 and will be completed by the end of July 2024.
The improvement project will involve repaving Ida Street from 1st Avenue to 4th Avenue. In addition, improvements will be made to water system infrastructure, and the installment of ADA sidewalk ramps.
For
any additional questions, please contact Public Works at (503) 769-2919.
Starting March 23rd and running through April 1, 2024, the City of Stayton's Police Department will be using grant funds from the Oregon Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to increase speed enforcement within the City of Stayton.
The City of Stayton Police Department with funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be increasing its efforts to get drivers to slow down and obey traffic speed laws. This speed campaign will run through March 2024 with increased enforcement operations around the city.
We wish to thank everyone who took the time to visit and celebrate with us, and to all the community members and City staff who help make
it possible for the City to succeed!
Comcast will be installing a new infrastructure throughout Stayton. Construction scheduled to begin in March 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by Fall/Winter 2024.
Comcast will be providing door hangers notifying residents, post signs around town, and marking areas with paint and flags for the upcoming construction. Public Works will be meeting with local Comcast contractors on a regular basis to review construction plans and provide updates.
Here is an example
of the doorhangers that you may have received
and an estimated construction timeline for Stayton.
If you have question about Comcast's construction in Stayton, please contact Fisk Communication at (360) 314-4454 or
info@fiskcomm.com or Comcast Cable at (971) 777-0933.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Public Works at 503-769-2919.
The City of Stayton's Mill Creek Park Master Plan has been updated and we would like to hear your thoughts about the revisions and what you would like to see going forward.
There are two park layout options and a detailed list of planned elements for each option. Tell us which option you prefer and which elements you would like to see first. The survey can be found here, the survey will be open now until February 28th, 2024.
For more information about the Mill Creek Park Project, please visit our Projects page at https://www.staytonoregon.gov/page/pw_projects.
The Stayton Police Department has received several reports that someone is making calls to residents pretending to be one of our employees. The person on the phone is making claims that money is owed for missing court or an outstanding warrant and asking for immediate payment over the phone. These calls are a SCAM!
As a reminder, the Stayton Police Department does not call to collect fines or fees of any kind for any reason. If you receive one of these calls, DO NOT give out any of your personal information. They are attempting to trick you into giving them money.
If you believe you have received one of these calls or have any questions, please call our non-emergency phone number (503) 982-2340.
The athletes of Special Olympics bring us so much joy and remind us all of the true spirit of sport, competition, friendship, and sportsmanship. Stayton PD was proud to raise nearly $500 for Marion Co SOOR athletes.
The W Ida Sanitary Sewer Replacement contractor will be performing work at the intersections of W Ida St. and Oak Ave. and at W Ida St. and Noble Ave. beginning on Tuesday the 13th. Flaggers will be assisting traffic through the work zones. Work is anticipated to be completed by Friday the 16th.
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The Stayton Apartment construction project, located at 2101 N Third Avenue, will be performing work in Third Ave. on Tuesday the 13th. Flaggers will be used to direct traffic through the construction zone. Vehicles traveling on Third Ave. between Wildflower Drive and Fern Ridge Road will experience delays due to the construction work.
If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (503) 769-2919.
The Community Improvement Grant is an initiative designed to help neighborhoods and businesses address community issues, and to support non-profit organizations that provide services to Stayton residents. The grant program is intended to fund items such as landscape improvements, neighborhood clean-up parties, installation of benches, or other improvements that might address a neighborhood or community concern.
This is a competitive grant program that is open to anyone residing or doing business in Stayton. Applications are reviewed by the city staff and selected grants are awarded by the city council. Grant amounts are expected to be in the range of $1,000 to $10,000 each.
Applications are due March 29, 2024 by 5:00 PM. Approved grants will be announced on April 15, 2024.
Please be aware when applying, all funds from the Community Improvement Grant must be spent by June 30, 2024.
To learn more about the criteria and how to apply for the Community Improvement Grant, please visit https://www.staytonoregon.gov/page/resources_com_imp_grants.
For additional information on the program, contact Christian Smithrud at csmithrud@staytonoregon.gov or (503) 769-3425.
The Stayton Veterinary Hospital will be removing several trees near First Ave. between E Pine St. and E Hollister St. The work will be performed on Monday the 12th in the morning. A lane shift to the center lane for north bound traffic will be in place as well as flaggers to direct traffic through the work zone. Vehicles traveling on First Ave. may experience delays due to the construction work. The work is estimated to be completed by
10:00 am.
If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (503) 769-2919.
During Super Bowl LVIII, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with the City of Stayton Police Department to remind football fans everywhere that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Super Bowl LVIII is on Sunday, February 11, 2024. If you’re heading out to a Super Bowl party and you plan to drink alcohol, make sure you have the best play in your playbook, a designated driver to get you home safely at the
night’s end.
We want our community members to enjoy Super Bowl festivities, but we also want responsible drivers on our roads. If you are planning to be away from home during the Super Bowl, make a game plan to ensure you don’t find yourself without a designated driver if you need one. If you’re hosting a party, make sure you take care of your designated drivers. Remind your friends and family: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
Only one team wins the Super Bowl, but if you drive drunk, you lose.
Score the Big Win During Super Bowl LVIII
With a Commitment to Sober Driving
Keep an eye out for Public Works' new streetsweeper!
SWS Equipment gave a wonderful demonstration of all the new features. The streetsweeper has improved safety functions including multi-cameras, improved controls for better maneuverability, and a variety of upgrades to make street cleaning easier and quicker. Our Public Works team has already run a few tests and the difference is night and day.
We are excited to have Ed Babcock join our patrol team at Stayton Police Department. Ed was officially sworn in on January 25. He comes to us with some patrol experience and is currently assigned a field training officer and will work through our field training program.
After graduating from Lebanon High School, he served in the Marines for 4 years. Following the Marines, he earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Linn Benton Community College. He worked at Oregon Youth Authority in Albany for 15 years during which time he also took classes at University of Phoenix and earned a bachelor’s degree in CJ.
He joins our team of 13 sworn members.
HYDROLOGIC OUTLOOK - WILLAMETTE AREA
We are expecting 2 to 2.25 inches of rainfall over the next 48 hours, with periods of moderate to heavy intensity rainfall mixed in. The National Weather Service has only issued a hydrologic outlook, but with the ground being 100% saturated if a pocket of heavy rainfall lasts for longer than forecasted, it may result in rising streams and low-level flooding.
Sand
and sandbags may be picked up at a 24-hour self-serve sandbag filling station located outside of the gate at Knife River Corp. (41816 Stayton-Scio Rd SE) just outside of Stayton. You will need to bring your own shovel.
The Stayton Police Department and Public Works crews will be monitoring the streets and stream levels. If you notice high water in your neighborhood, please assist the City by raking leaves and removing debris from clogged inlets or catch basins.
If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Stayton’s non-emergency number at (503) 982-2340.
It has come to our attention that citizens in our community have been subject to fraudulent phone calls by scammers impersonating law enforcement to collect outstanding traffic fines. They have threatened individuals with repercussions of not paying debts with a warrant and demanding payment over the phone.
We would like to firmly advise all community members that this is a scam - genuine law enforcement and federal agencies do not act in this manner. If you are in any doubt,
we urge you to hang up and contact the Marion County non-emergency number to speak with the Deputy who purportedly called you at (503) 588-5032. If you believe that scammers have targeted you, we advise you to report the phone number to the Federal Trade Commission at
ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The City of Stayton is seeking proposals for a Municipal Court prosecutor. The full request for proposals can be found by visiting our
Request for Proposals page.
City offices will have a delayed opening this morning due to icy conditions. Offices will open at 10:00 a.m.
City offices, the Library, and Pool will remain closed on Tuesday, January 16th due to icy conditions in the area.
The City Council meeting will be rescheduled for next Monday, January 22nd with no expected changes to the agenda already posted.
Stay home and stay safe, if at all possible!
Due to icy conditions, and the safety of our staff, the Stayton Public Library and Stayton Family Memorial Pool will be closed today (Saturday, January 13th).
Stay safe and stay home if at all possible.
Today we say goodbye to former Mayor Henry (Hank) Porter. As eloquently stated in his obituary (attached), he was a fundamental part of Stayton’s community. Hank served multiple terms as Mayor and as a City Council member and helped shape the community.
He will be remembered fondly by all of us at the City and we sincerely offer our condolences to his family and loved ones.
Obituary for Henry Allen Porter
METCOM 911 is hiring for Full-Time Dispatchers. The position will include working with phones and computers. No prior experience is needed but applicants should be prepared to work shifts and multi-task.
To apply, visit the site below and follow the instructions to apply:
https://www.metcom911.com/currentopenings
METCOM 911 is a 911 center providing services to agencies in the greater Marion County, US Forest Service, and BLM.
The City of Stayton is dedicated to building parks that are a welcoming space for fun and recreation, open to everyone. To keep these spaces safe, they require constant maintenance and funding, this is why it is important to be involved with your local parks. Whether volunteering for a ‘Adopt-a-Park’ program, picking up a little litter while on a walkabout, or keeping an eye out for and reporting acts of vandalism, every action helps preserve the natural beauty of our parks, saves on maintenance cost, and keeps the areas safe.
To learn how you can help or need to report tree debris, damaged property, etc. in Stayton Parks, please contact Stayton Public Works at (503) 769-2919 or email: wcudd@staytonoregon.gov.
As the sun set in 2023, the City of Stayton Police
Department finished the year with a “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” high
visibility enforcement funded by Federal Grant Funds. During the month of December 2023, the police
department conducted 83 traffic stops for various violations, in addition to
these traffic stops, 6 drivers were stopped and arrested for Driving Under the
Influence of Intoxicants (DUII).
Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or
higher, except in Utah, where the limit is .05 g/dL. And the costs can be
financial, too: If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail
time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in
attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.
• Beginning Monday, January 29 and extending through Sunday, February 11, law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will use federally funded overtime to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws including a law passed in 2017 increasing safety for children under age two.
• In 2017 an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly.
• ODOT crash data for 2021 shows lack of safety belt or child restraint use was a factor in 32% or 119 of a total 377 motor vehicle occupant fatalities.
All across Oregon, Mayors are reaching out to their local schools and asking students the question, “What would you do if you were Mayor?” It is a question that invokes new ideas, an opportunity for students to learn more about their city and envision the possibilities of their future.
The “If I Were Mayor” contest will be in two parts, a local contest and a state contest. However, this year is special for the cities of Aumsville, Stayton, Sublimity and Turner as it will be a
collaboration of local mayors. This collaboration includes Mayor Ceja (Aumsville), Mayor Quigley (Stayton), Mayor Kingsbury (Sublimity), and Mayor Horning (Turner).
Students from each city will submit their projects to their respective city then the team of mayors will review and select winners in each category for each city. Submissions will be accepted until the end of March 1, 2024. Every student is eligible to submit a project, including those who are enrolled in home-school and alternative academic programs.
The categories and prizes include:
- $50 - Elementary School (Grades 4-5) - Poster Contest (Photo of poster can be PNG, JPEG, BMP or PDF files)
- $100 - Middle School (Grades 6-8) - Essay Contest (500-1000 words, Word, PDF, PowerPoint, or online essay format)
- $150 - High School (Grade 9-12) - Digital Media Presentations (1-3 minutes, Videos only, MP4, or online video format)
After the local contest has concluded, each city’s Mayor will submit selected students’ projects to the Oregon Mayor’s Association (OMA) for the statewide contest. The OMA will select the winning students at the OMA Summer Conference in Klamath Falls at the Running Y Ranch on July 18-20, 2024.
To learn more about the “If I Were Mayor…” Student Contest, visit: https://www.oregonmayors.org/special-programs/page/student-contest
