A huge THANK YOU to the Stayton Police, Stayton Fire, and Santiam Hospital EMS for your incredible support at the holiday tree decorating event! You helped make this event a huge success, especially for the kids who created some stellar ornaments.
And thank you to all the ornament makers, your decorations will be on display for everyone to enjoy this holiday season!
City of Stayton employees have once again partnered with Family Building Blocks to provide holiday gifts to local kids and families. Each child will receive a winter coat, an educational book, and a toy.
The Police Station was the hub for collecting all the gifts and handing them off to Family Building Blocks.
Thank you to Covered Bridge Cafe, Stayton Police Department, Marion County Sheriff Office, Marion County Search & Rescue, Marion County Cadets, and all the volunteers who helped prepare and deliver meals to the community.
Happy Thanksgiving from the City of Stayton!
As a reminder, City of Stayton offices will be closed this Thursday through Friday, November 28-29, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
If you need assistance, please call the 24-hour non-emergency dispatch number at (503) 982-2340.
This Wednesday, November 27, Covered Bridge Café will be hosting their 19th Annual Community Dinner. There may be congestion, increased pedestrian crossing, and limited parking in the downtown area. Please planning accordingly and exercise caution while in the downtown area. Let’s make sure everyone has a joyous and safe evening.
You may have recently seen a new addition while driving in Downtown Stayton, that's right the holiday tree is here!
A big thank you to
Siegmund Landscape Supply for donating and delivering this beautiful tree and to our Public Works team for a smooth installation.
The City of Stayton will be conducting smoke testing of its sanitary sewer system over the next few weeks, Monday through Thursday. If you have any questions or if there are an individual(s) in your home or business who has respiratory problems or is immobile, please notify Public Works at (503) 769-2919 prior to testing.
A smoke test survey will assist our inspection crews in locating breaks and defects in our sewer system. The smoke you see coming from the vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor, white to gray in color, and creates no fire hazard. Smoke should not be entering your home unless you have a defective plumbing or dried up drain traps. All work will be in the City right-of-way, although they may have to encroach on to private property if smoke appears. They will come to your door if this happens and let you know who they are and what they are doing.
This Monday, November 18th, at 7:00 p.m. the City Council discussing and making decision about:
• A Comprehensive Street Improvement Funding Strategy and Amending the Fee Schedule
• Authorizing a One-Year Contract Extension with the Santiam Water Control District
• Resolution No. 1121, Awarding Contract for the Stayton Safety Action Plan
• Charter Review - Section 4
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.
Go Eagles!
The Stayton Police Department had the distinct honor of safely escorting the Stayton High School football team out of town as their family, fans, and loved ones cheered them on while enroute to their state quarter finals game tonight against Marist.
The City of Stayton is holding an online auction for surplus property! From tractors to equipment to furniture, this is a fantastic opportunity to bid on a variety of items that could be perfect for you.
Auction items will remain open until December 2nd, 2024 at 11 AM.
This past weekend, the Stayton's Police Department proudly joined forces with the Newberg-Dundee Police Department to present medals to the amazing athletes at the Special Olympics Oregon swimming competition. It was an honor to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and incredible achievements.
The Weather Prediction Center has forecasted a 'Moderate' to 'High' risk alert for heavy rain throughout next week.
We are taking proactive steps to ensure our streets and storm drains remain clear of leaves and debris to prevent flooding. If you notice any blocked storm drains and are able to do so, please help clear leaves and debris from them. If flooding persists, please call Public Works at (503) 769-2919 or the non-emergency dispatch number (503) 982-2340 for after hours.
As a reminder, sand and sandbags are available for pick up at a self-serve sandbag station located outside of the gate at Knife River Sand and Gravel (41816 Stayton Scio Rd SE). Please bring your own shovel.
Stay safe and stay prepared!
On November 5th, 2024, at approximately 10:57 P.M., Stayton police officers were dispatched to Stayton Pharmacy, located at 102 Martin Dr., following an audible alarm notification. When officers arrived, they discovered evidence of forced entry into the building. A thorough search of the premises revealed no individuals inside at the time. There was evidence of theft from inside the business.
This is an ongoing investigation. If anyone has information that may assist in the case, please contact Stayton Police (case #24-7363) at 503-982-2340.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated as we work to keep our community safe.
On November 18, start the day with Coffee with a Cop at McDonald’s (1988 Shaff RD SE). Join our officers and staff for a coffee and conversation.
We would love to hear about any issues you may be having in your neighborhood, what safety concerns you may have in the community, or just chat and allow you to get to know our staff and agency. We look forward to seeing you!
Join us for tonight's City Council meeting at Stayton Community Center or online at on the City of Stayton's YouTube channel (
https://youtu.be/4NtRsKXOwTs). We will have a flag ceremony by the local Cub Scouts and presentations from several Veteran's groups.
Also tonight, we will start Operation Green Light. City offices will shine green in the night to honor those who have served. Anyone can participate, the operation will start November 4th, leading to Veteran's Day,
November 11th.
The Stayton Family Memorial Pool will be closed from November 17th to December 1st for their annual cleaning and maintenance check-up. This will allow for repairs to be made that could not be completed during normal operation hours. The maintenance is essential to ensure that the facility is running smoothly and that the community can enjoy some quality swimming for the rest of the year.
The pool will reopen to the public on December 2nd. To learn more about pool rates and
hours, contact Stayton Family Memorial Pool at (503) 767-7665.
This Monday, November 4th, at 7:00 p.m. we will be honored with:
• A Flag Ceremony led by Pack 7050
• Presentation from Veteran's Groups
Followed by the City Council amending and discussing:
•
Considering Code Amendment to Permit 'General Merchandise' for Interchange Development Zone
• Financial Update for 1st Quarter
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.
The Stayton City Shop (1820 N First Ave.) will be accepting leaves and yard debris on November 16th and December 14th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. There is no cost for the drop-offs, however we are asking for a donation of canned food for the Stayton Community Food Bank.
If you would like to volunteer or need assistance cleaning up leaves in your yard, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator at (503) 769-3425 (opt. 7) or send an email to csmithrud@staytonoregon.gov.
Halloween is just around the corner!
Join the community this Thursday, October 31st, for tricks and treats in Downtown Stayton from 3:30 - 6:30 PM. Remember to pack something warm to wear as it is expected to be a chilly evening of frights and delights.
Evergreen Ave. will be closed to traffic between Ida St. and Burnett St. on Wednesday 10/30 and Thursday 10/31 between the hours of 7 AM and 6 PM for sanitary sewer construction work. Detours will route traffic around the work area. Local access will be maintained for properties within the closure.
For additional questions about the construction, contact Public Works at (503) 769-2919.
This Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Republic Services will be hosting a Bulky Waste Event at the Stayton Community Center.
Accepted items include dishwashers, stoves, dryers, water heaters, couches, mattresses, scrap metal, tables and chairs, and clean untreated wood.
The collection event will not accept appliance with freon, batteries, construction debris, car tires propane bottles/canisters, paint solvents, thinners, or household garbage.
Check out the event page to set a reminder: www.facebook.com/events/445114888024596/
The City of Stayton is proud to announce its participation in Operation Greenlight, a national initiative honoring and supporting veterans. From November 4th to November 11th, Stayton City Hall and other prominent buildings will be illuminated in green, serving as a beacon of gratitude and recognition for our veterans. We encourage all residents and businesses to participate by placing a green light in their windows or using a green bulb in their outdoor lighting.
Tonight, October 21 at 7:00 p.m., the City Council will receive a presentation on the results from the Stayton Street Community Survey and discuss next steps for street improvements this fiscal year.
Join us in-person at the Stayton Community Center (400 W. Virginia Street) or watch live online at
https://youtu.be/bFFjQQ_J9VQ, to see how your feedback and input will influence the future of Stayton’s streets.
Thank you to our citizens and businesses who report suspicious circumstances and those who assist by providing video footage of suspicious or criminal activity. This helps us locate suspects and build strong cases for prosecution. So, if you see something, say something. Your assistance helps keeps our community safe and is greatly appreciated.
If something seems suspicious or concerning, call our 24-hour dispatch center at (503) 982-2340 to make a report or if you are experiencing an immediate emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Check out the Stayton Police Department this October as they don their pink hats and shirts in support of survivors of Breast Cancer and help raise awareness about funding and research to find a cure. To learn more about Breast Cancer and how to help raise awareness, please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.
This Monday, October 7, at 7:00 p.m. the City Council will be discussing:
• Declaration of Mayoral Vacancy
• Appointing New Member to the Public Arts Commission
• Modification of Residency Requirements for Public Arts Commission
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.
Republic Services will be hosting a bulky waste collection event at the Stayton Community Center (400 W Virginia St) on October 26th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Stayton’s Bulky Waste Event will accept many items otherwise hard to dispose of, including dishwashers, stoves, dryers, water heaters, couches, mattresses, scrap metal, tables and chairs, and clean untreated wood.
The collection event will not accept appliance with freon, batteries, construction debris, car tires propane bottles/canisters, paint solvents, thinners, or household garbage.
This October 3rd at 10:30 a.m. the Stayton Public Library will have special fall-themed Harvest Storytime at the Fordyce Farm (7023 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305). Pick up a free book to take home and explore the Fordyce Farm at your pace, including a hay fort, U-Pick apple orchards, and more!
On Tuesday, September 24th, Mayor Brian Quigley informed City Manager Julia Hajduk of his intent to resign due to medical reasons as Mayor effective immediately. The City wishes to thank Mayor Quigley for his service and dedication to the City and hopes for a quick and thorough recovery.
Per the Charter, Council President Steve Sims will be acting in the capacity of Mayor until an appointment is made to fill the remainder of Brian Quigley’s term. The current term ends in
December 2026. The Council will be meeting over the next several weeks to discuss the process and timing for filling the vacancy.
Next week is the Stayton Friends of the Library annual Used Book Sale at Stayton Community Center.
The sale will be:
Thurs., October 3 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 4 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat., October 5 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Discover great bargain prices while supporting programs at the Stayton Public Library and the Stayton Friends of the Library.
The City of Stayton’s Parks & Recreations Department will be applying herbicide during the week of September 23rd through September 27th, weather permitting.
Applications will be in all City Parks and Properties. Signs will be posted when applications are taking place and removed when completed.
We have launched our next survey to continue our efforts for streets improvements. This time we will be focusing on parking in the Downtown Core area.
We want to learn more from your experiences with visiting downtown and what changes may be needed to improve or support your engagement with the downtown area. Tell us do you have issues finding parking? How far do you usually park from your destination? Every response helps support future improvements, so let us know your thoughts.
This week, the City of Stayton was delighted to receive a helping hand from volunteers of the Stayton United Methodist Church. They helped clean-up and give a fresh coat of paint to the handball court next to the Stayton Family Memorial Pool.
It looks brand new and ready for the next game. Thank you all so much for your time and hard work repairing a fun space for all community members to enjoy.
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities in Stayton, please contact Community Engagement Coordinator at (503) 769-3425 (ext. 7).
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.