Protecting Stayton's Water Supply: Your Voice Matters The City of Stayton is actively working to protect our water supply as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) moves forward with plans to release sediment-filled water from Detroit Dam beginning in fall 2025. While this project is intended to improve fish migration, it poses serious risks to our water quality not just for Stayton, but for all communities that rely on the North Santiam River. What We're Doing City leaders continue to push for solutions that safeguard our drinking water. In recent weeks, we have: Engaged in ongoing discussions with USACE, with more meetings scheduled. Worked closely with federal representatives to explain the consequences and seek their support. Collaborated with other affected cities along the North and South Santiam Rivers to coordinate efforts. Brought this issue to the State level, where involvement will be necessary for both short- and long-term solutions. Began collaboration with water treatment plant suppliers to investigate potential mitigation approaches to reduce the impact on our slow sand filtration system. Our Request to USACE We have been clear in our stance: Do not proceed with the drawdown. While this is unlikely, we continue to advocate for it. If the drawdown must happen, delay it giving us time to implement solutions and secure funding to manage the impact of increased sediment and turbidity. The Cost and Concern We are currently exploring pre-treatment options to mitigate water quality issues, but these solutions could cost millions of dollars. We firmly believe this financial burden should not fall on the Stayton ratepayers or those in any other impacted city. How You Can Help We need your voice! Please join us in urging state and federal representatives to take action. To make it easy, we have drafted letters and messages you can use. Visit our dedicated webpage for resources, contact information, and ways to get involved. Together we can work toward a solution that protects our water supply for generations to come.

On Monday, March 25th, the Stayton Public Library chugged up to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland for a special train-themed storytime like no other! ???? A total of 209 children and adults joined in for a morning filled with reading, dancing, and singing, all surrounded by historic trains and railroad displays. But the fun didn t stop there everyone climbed aboard a real locomotive for a breathtaking ride along the Willamette River! To top it all off, every child took home a free book and toy, making this an unforgettable day of learning and adventure. A huge THANK YOU to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for making this event so special! From the museum space and train ride to the snacks, books, and train toys you truly made this a day to remember.

As part of its efforts to prevent distracted driving and enhance road safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and your Stayton Police Department reminds drivers to prioritize safe road practices and avoid distractions while driving with this clear message: Don t Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward. Beginning April 1st and running the entire month of April, Federal Grant money will be used to increase patrols around your town. Please remember these tips: If a text message is expected or needs to be sent and can t wait, the driver should pull over and park their car in a safe location before using the phone. Ask a passenger to be the designated texter, and give them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages. Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Listen to your passengers: If they see you texting while driving and tell you to put your phone away, put it down. Cell phone use is habit-forming. If struggling to not text and drive, drivers can activate their phone s Do Not Disturb feature, silence notifications, or put their phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until they arrive to their destination. Cell phone use while driving is dangerous. Break the cycle. Remember: Don t Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward. Help save lives and be an example to others by committing to that message.

Looking for some awesome activities this Spring Break? We've got you covered! Join us for a week full of fun, learning, and community connections: Don't forget to pick up your copy of this year's Adventure Log at any City of Stayton facility! Tour the Stayton Police Department See what it takes to keep our community safe! Monday @ 3pm & Friday @ 12pm Meet a City Councilor Ask questions and learn how decisions are made. Wednesday 11am-12pm & Friday 1230-130 pm Tour the Wastewater Treatment Plant Discover the science behind clean water. Tuesday @ 1230pm & Friday @ 2pm Make Tracks with the Library An exciting experience for adventure lovers! Tue, Wed, & Fri 10am-6pm, Thu 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-2pm Ride the Slide at the Pool Splash into Spring Break with some serious fun! Tue & Thu 330-615pm & Sat 1-4 pm Don t miss out on this amazing lineup of activities for the whole family. See you there! ??

Spring break is next week, which means more people will be out enjoying the fresh air walking, biking, and playing in our community. The Stayton Police Department wants to remind everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and help keep our streets safe. Drivers: Slow down and be extra vigilant in residential areas and near parks. Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks. Yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Be mindful of bicyclists give them plenty of space when passing. Pedestrians: Always use crosswalks when available. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Pedestrians & Bicyclists: Wear bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility. Follow all traffic signals and signs. Let s work together to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable spring break. If you see unsafe behavior on the roads, please report it to the Stayton Police Department. Stay safe, Stayton! Stayton Police Department 24 hour dispatch: 503-982-2340

Looking for the perfect way have fun this spring break? Join us for Open Swim all week long! Bring your friends, family, and fun vibes for a splashtastic time! View the full Spring Break schedule

We recognize the need for street improvements across the community. City staff has pinpointed possible grant funding options aimed at improving safety for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, which will aid in making street improvements, and your input is essential. The City of Stayton invites you to an interactive open house for the Stayton Safety Action Plan (SSAP) on April 3, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Stayton Community Center! Thanks to a federal grant, we re working to enhance transportation safety for everyone drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. This is your chance to shape the future of Stayton s roadways! What to Expect: Share your concerns and ideas about road safety Explore visual aids and updated maps of key areas Learn about upcoming projects and future funding priorities Connect with city officials and transportation experts from Kittelson & Associates Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you! Drop by anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to contribute to a safer Stayton. Let s make our streets work better for everyone see you there!

The Community Improvement Grant is accepting applications now! This program is for non-profit organizations, local businesses, and community members with projects that will enhance and benefit Stayton. Deadline: March 28 by 5:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted. Get your application in now! Apply online here: Stayton Community Improvement Grant Application Questions? Reach out to Jennifer Siciliano or call (503) 768-2998. Don't miss out submit today!