Since his arrival a decade ago, Ken Cartwright has learned the importance of living in the Stayton community – even more so since his recent illness. In early May, Cartwright came down with a bad cold that sent him to the emergency room. Tests showed that he had pneumonia and his gall bladder had exploded, affecting his pancreas. Following surgery to remove his gall bladder, he got a staph infection requiring a high dose of antibiotics. The popular Stayton businessman and musician is recovering slowly, and, with no medical insurance, now faces a slew of medical bills.

When the Memorial to the Unborn at St. Boniface needed a facelift, the Knights of Columbus at the Sublimity Catholic Church stepped in to help.

Seven members of Bethel Baptist Church in Aumsville recently took the trip of a lifetime. “Five ladies and two of our girls felt led by God to go to Honduras in March to help with the Honduras Baptist Women’s Conference,” said Lissa Bales, wife of Pastor Dwight Bales and mother of three girls ages 7 to 12. “Our church supports three missionary couples in Honduras. One of the couples was transitioning to ministry in India in June, so this would be our last chance to go there when they were all still ministering in Honduras.”

There are a couple of seasons upon us – the time of year seed farmers start the soil-cleansing process that paves the way for optimum grass seed yield and the time of year the legislative session, which had two bills pertaining to field burning, draws to a close.

July is busting out all over, and one of the biggest bangs is Stayton’s Fourth of July celebration that will honor Oregon’s 150th birthday. “We want everyone to bring their flags,” organizers are promoting. “If you’re in the parade, bring it, and if you’re watching the parade, then fly it.”

Youngsters entering first through fifth grade this fall are invited to the 2009 Summer Arts Academy sponsored by the Friends of the Family of North Santiam. Set for Saturday, July 11, the day will feature art, dance, a program by Stayton Self Defense and Mr. Tie Dye. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Stayton Middle School.