Parazoo named to Shrine Game

Scio High School senior Josh Parazoo has been named to the Shrine Game where he will be playing for the west squad. The game is set for August 3 in Baker City. Teammate Daniel Harper was named as an alternate. The letter regarding his selection arrived at the Parazoo home on the last day of January. “I'm excited,” he said.

“I've always been a lineman,” Parazoo said recently. “I don't remember not playing football.” The senior started playing the sport that has come to mean so much to him when he was still a student at Centennial. Following his stint in flag football, Parazoo moved up the ranks with his classmates.

Parazoo credits more than just his own hard work in making him the player he is. “I've had a lot of good coaches.” He also praised his teammates for pushing him to always do his best. “We put in a lot of time.” In addition to working in the weight room and during practices, Parazoo and his teammates attended team camps every year they were in high school.

His mother, Monique Parazoo, is very proud of her son. “He works really hard.” She said the family has often made the trip to Baker City to watch other Scio boys participate in the game. “We're excited to see our son on the field,” she said.

Parazoo is excited to represent his family, school and community in Baker City. And, he's excited to play one more high school game before heading off to college. “I'd like to wrestle.” Parazoo won the 2A state title at 285 pounds last season and is poised for a return to the state mat this year.

Parazoo said he would like to attend Oregon State but has no idea on a career choice at this point in his life. “I would like to coach someday.”

He admires his high school coaches for their dedication to their sports and for teaching the players not just the game, but how to be strong leaders. He also said the coaches taught them life lessons and the importance of good sportsmanship and stepping up when needed.

It is going to be tough not to be playing with his teammates and close friends. “It's all I've known.” In fact, one of the reasons Parazoo decided to play football in the first place was because his friends were all playing. “We're really close.” While he's excited to play, he said it was going to be strange to not be playing with his friends.

Parazoo will have a big week of activities leading up to the game. In addition to practices, the teams will also be visiting the Shrine Hospital in Portland. Plus, each player gets a sponsoring business in Baker City. Monique said they have asked for Josh's lettermen jacket as well as a couple of other things to create a window display in Josh's honor.

by Kay M Roth

Scio High School senior Josh Parazoo has been named to the Shrine Game where he will be playing for the west squad. The game is set for August 3 in Baker City. Teammate Daniel Harper was named as an alternate. The letter regarding his selection arrived at the Parazoo home on the last day of January. “I'm excited,” he said.

“I've always been a lineman,” Parazoo said recently. “I don't remember not playing football.” The senior started playing the sport that has come to mean so much to him when he was still a student at Centennial. Following his stint in flag football, Parazoo moved up the ranks with his classmates.

Parazoo credits more than just his own hard work in making him the player he is. “I've had a lot of good coaches.” He also praised his teammates for pushing him to always do his best. “We put in a lot of time.” In addition to working in the weight room and during practices, Parazoo and his teammates attended team camps every year they were in high school.

His mother, Monique Parazoo, is very proud of her son. “He works really hard.” She said the family has often made the trip to Baker City to watch other Scio boys participate in the game. “We're excited to see our son on the field,” she said.

Parazoo is excited to represent his family, school and community in Baker City. And, he's excited to play one more high school game before heading off to college. “I'd like to wrestle.” Parazoo won the 2A state title at 285 pounds last season and is poised for a return to the state mat this year.

Parazoo said he would like to attend Oregon State but has no idea on a career choice at this point in his life. “I would like to coach someday.”

He admires his high school coaches for their dedication to their sports and for teaching the players not just the game, but how to be strong leaders. He also said the coaches taught them life lessons and the importance of good sportsmanship and stepping up when needed.

It is going to be tough not to be playing with his teammates and close friends. “It's all I've known.” In fact, one of the reasons Parazoo decided to play football in the first place was because his friends were all playing. “We're really close.” While he's excited to play, he said it was going to be strange to not be playing with his friends.

Parazoo will have a big week of activities leading up to the game. In addition to practices, the teams will also be visiting the Shrine Hospital in Portland. Plus, each player gets a sponsoring business in Baker City. Monique said they have asked for Josh's lettermen jacket as well as a couple of other things to create a window display in Josh's honor.

Civil War rages for Scio pair

Audie Heikkila describes himself as a rebel of sorts. This past weekend, the owner of Scio Feed and Country Store, was a real rebel when he traveled back in time to the Civil War. Clyde Rieger of Scio joined the Jefferson resident at Willamette Mission State Park as part of the Northwest Civil War Council's annual reenactment. This is the group's 22^nd annual reenactment. For Heikkila, this was his sixth time. This was Rieger's second event. The event ran June 30- July 2, with a number of events happening every day. The highlight of each day were the two battles held on the open ground near the two camps.

The scenario for the opening battle was that the Union Army, short on supplies, was held up in the clearing, waiting for supplies to arrive. Much to their surprise, the Confederates, including Heikkila, discovered them and engaged in battle. Beside the battlefield, bleachers filled quickly with visitors. Others placed lawn chairs and blankets just outside the designated battlefield area.

The battle, complete with booming cannons, charges, retreats and even an act of revenge, held people's attention for almost an hour. Following the completion of the battle, the participants lined up before the visitors' section to be introduced by unit. They also fired their firearms, each group in unison, to make sure all weapons were empty prior to their returning to their respective camps.

Rieger, originally an enlistee in the Confederate was called on to become a “traitor” because the Yankees were short personnel to fire their cannons. After changing into a blue vest, Rieger took to the battlefield as one of the soldiers loading and firing the cannons the Yankees placed on a slight ridge.

Despite having to join the other side temporarily, Rieger had a great time. “You can feel the concussion,” he said of the vibrations when each cannon was fired. Once the battle was over, Rieger quickly changed back into the gray coat of his Rockridge Division.

Heikkila, located in the Confederate line closest to the visitors' area, pushed forward with his comrades, across the open ground, without getting injured. Others, including the Rebel general, was not as lucky. As Heikkila reloaded his gun again and again, the Rebels eventually overran the Yankees, winning the skirmish. The narrator noted that the Union always won the final battle of the reenactment.

For Heikkila, deciding to join the Southern Army was an easy one. Having spent some time living in the south was one reason. “Besides,” he added following the battle, “I've always been a bit of a rebel.” Heikkila and Rieger were camped among their fellow Southerners in canvas tents. The pair was happy that their campsite was under several large filbert trees once the rain began to fall.

This year, the weather was muggy but a lot cooler than some previous reenactments when temperatures neared the century mark. Heikkila said the weather didn't stop the events or festivities. “The war goes on, rain or shine!”

In addition to the two daily battles, a sutlers' row held a variety of shops including a mercantile, food booths and a vintage photographer where visitors brushed shoulders with reenactors looking to make purchases. There were also several different demonstrations including on medical care of the era, artillery, and typical conversations of the period.

Each camp also had displays of a number of different events and businesses prevalent during the Civil War period. Blacksmiths, a post office, sanitary department and even an embalmer could be found among the private tents of the reenactors. Approximately 1,000 people- men, women and children- participated in this year's reenactment.

When asked why he became a reenactor, Heikkila smiled and touched his pistol. “Some people don't think this war is over.”

Scio grad becomes Ecuadorian businessman

Like his classmates, Ryan Hood Taylor, Class of 2007, was very active during his years at Scio High School. He was a three sport athlete and one of the valedictorians for his class. Also, like his classmates, he wasn't exactly sure where his future would take him. Once he became a student at Willamette University in Salem, his path became clearer. “I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” Hood Taylor said last week.

Hood Taylor is in Scio for the holidays, actually surprising his mother, who did not know he was coming. Keeping his visit a surprise was not easy for the exuberant Hood Taylor, but he was determined. “I just walked into the room after Mom sat down and said, 'Hi, I'm home.' She was thrilled!” He said she was extremely surprised and happy to have him home. He returns to Ecuador in late January where he will continue to build his vision of creating long lasting businesses in the South American country.

Three of his Willamette classmates had similar goals. Hood Taylor, or HT as he was commonly known in Scio, had majored in Latin American Development and minored in economics. He also became proficient in Spanish. One of his WU classmates was a Ecuadorian citizen, leading the small group to consider starting a business there. Hood Taylor didn't hesitate to take the plunge. “I bought a one way ticket,” Hood Taylor said of his original trek to Columbia.

Once in Ecuador, the foursome set to work. It was not long before they had started what quickly became a three business company. First, they opened a hostel in the capital city of Quito. “It was really successful,” HT said. So successful in fact, that the group recently received a grant from the Ecuadorian government to open a second one.

Next up came the business that HT has a more direct hand in- Academic Adventures. Thanks to a partnership with North Salem High School, the company is able to offer high school students the chance to visit Ecuador and learn more about the country while also lending a helping hand in working with children there. HT hopes to eventually expand the business to include students from Scio High School.

The group has also just recently started a microbrewery called Benito Brewing. HT said while microbreweries are extremely popular and becoming much more common in the United States, they remain more of a novelty in Ecuador. He hopes their brewery will change that and help create another business for Ecuadorians to form to better support themselves.

Hood Taylor originally considered graduate school. Instead, he decided the two years spent in academia would be better spent creating his own business. It was a decision he is very happy with. “I'm really happy with what I'm doing.” Just hearing him talk about his endeavors, it becomes very obvious that Hood Taylor is doing what he loves.

With his partners, Hood Taylor eventually plans to open the second hostel. They are also considering several other ventures. “We want to create our own environment,” he said of the company's vision. “We are surrounded by incredibly competent people,” he said, adding that these two components are making their goal of adding ventures become a reality. The group's company is setting up a foundation to better fund their future ventures and retain funding for their current ones.

One thing HT would like to do is add more outreach work. He explained that the group's private sector work will allow them to “sustain ourselves then sustain our outreach.” To that goal, the group has included permaculture in their business model. Permacultural endeavors allows them to take care of the earth, take care of the people and share the surplus food they grow.

Eventually, he hopes to obtain Ecuadorian citizenship. That's not to say that Scio will not remain his home. “The people here,” he said, “are irreplaceable.” While he plans to become a dual citizen, one thing will always remain the same for Hood Taylor. “I love it here.” Ultimately, Hood Taylor intends to split his time between Ecuador and Scio. One thing he says will not change. “Scio will definitely be home.”

Club cancels tournament due to safety concerns

The Tombey Mat Club has held their annual tournament for 40 years. This year, it remains uncertain whether the tournament will be held or not due to concerns raised by the Scio Rural Fire Protection Co-chiefs. “It's quite frustrating,” said Adam Mask, the club's president. He said he understands the concerns and will abide by the law. “That's not the problem.”

Mask said the concern, in his opinion, is that the club has asked the chiefs for help in figuring it out and he does not think they have given any.

The problem arose last year according to Co-Chief Richard Labelle. “We got a complaint last year,” he said, regarding the occupancy in the high school gym during the tournament. He said he was obligated to determine if the complaint was legitimate so visited the tournament. Not only was the gym overflowing, cars were also parked in several areas marked as fire lanes. Labelle said the department does not go looking for complaints but when someone calls, they investigate. “We are liable if we don't deal with the complaints.”

The problem brought forth a meeting of mat club parents on Thursday, December 6 to discuss concerns that the tournament was not being held. Mask said he did not know the fire chiefs would be attending and was surprised to see them there. “It was supposed to be a parents' meeting.”

Instead, it ended up being a very heated discussion between the chiefs and the 30 or so people present. The biggest sticking point in hammering out any type of agreement was the number of people allowed in the gym. “We know our gym is small,” said tournament director Rick Young. He told those gathered that the chiefs made him aware last year that occupancy was a problem. Due to the number of mats filling the gym floor, the total occupancy was dramatically cut in accordance with State Fire Marshal rules. In fact, the occupancy was basically cut in half, meaning about 600 people would be allowed in the gym during the tournament. The one point everyone seemed to agree on was that the tournament drew more than that number of spectators and wrestlers.

“Are we going to get your help?” Mask asked the fire chiefs.

Co-chief Duane Miller said that the department's hands were tied as far as allowing the tournament as planned to be held in the gym. “We have to support the law.”

“I'm not going to break the rules,” Labelle added.

Tina Mask, who has been part of Scio's wrestling community for years wondered if the chiefs really understood how much the tournament means to so many people. “This is our passion.”

Butch Parazoo has watched his sons and grandsons wrestle in the tournament. “We built a new fire station. Maybe we should have built a new gym.”

Labelle explained that the mats is what decreases the occupancy numbers so much because of the decreased area for chairs. “We didn't write the rules.” He said the numbers are set by the State Fire Marshal and that the district has to enforce the numbers for the safety of those who are in the gym. He then read for a list of tragic fires where overcrowding caused multiple deaths.

Matt Parazoo, the Scio High School wrestling coach who wrestled in the tournament as a youth, said he wasn't doubting the number. He did wonder if that was the same number given last year.

Mask said he said the club does have a few options, but none that will replace what the annual tournament has been bringing to young wrestlers for so many years. In regards to using two venues, “There's options we're looking at.” Mask said it would be extremely hard for parents with kids in separate classes to be wrestling at the same time in two different locations. The other idea, a two day tournament, would require going to a different type of tournament. “Our tournament has always been geared toward beginners,” he said.

Mask said he intends to go to the next fire board meeting on December 18 to see if he can get any help on ironing the situation out. “We'd like the community to get behind us.” Mask, who also wrestled in the tournament as a youngster, said it has been a part of wrestling in Scio for decades. “It's a huge tradition.” Mask is hopeful something can be worked out. “I want this thing to happen.”

Two killed in plane crash

Two men were killed on Monday, November 26 when the two seater experimental RV6 airplane crashed in a field just west of Brewester Road. Timothy Dean Carter, 46, of Portland and Jeff Earl Kropf, 45, of Halsey were the only two on board. Carter, the owner of the plane, had a private pilot license. Kropf had a commercial pilot license. Both died on impact. Following being extricated from the plane, both were taken to Fisher Funeral Home in Albany.

According to the Linn County Sheriff's Office, witnesses reported that a small, eastbound plane crossed Brewster Road before banking to the left over Highway 226. While in the turn, part of one of the plane's wings separated from the plane and fell onto the highway just north of Brewster Road. The plane traveled several thousand feet south of the intersection before coming to rest in a cow pasture. It was reported that the plane took off from Lebanon Airport at 3:30pm and was on a pleasure flight. The first 911 call came in at 3:37pm.

Ranee Lawhon of Scio tried to make the 911 call but couldn't get through. She said the car behind her did get through and made the report. She estimated her car was approximately 30 yards from the crash site. “The plane literally fell from the sky.” She ran toward the site and was preparing to jump the fence when the driver of the vehicle behind her said he was a paramedic. He approached the crash site then turned toward Lawhon. “He said there were casualties and that there was nothing to do.” Lawhon remained on the scene until police arrived. They took her name, allowed her to leave the scene and telephoned her less than an hour later.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Multi Agency Investigation Team which included members from the Oregon State Police, Linn County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, the Albany Police Department and the Lebanon Police Department. Volunteers from the Scio Rural Fire District's Stations 91 and 92 and paramedics from the Lebanon Fire District assisted at the scene with extrication. Highway 226 was closed for close to 4 hours while the scene was being investigated.

Lawhon said it took a moment or two to register exactly what she was seeing. Once she did, the Scio resident said she stopped her vehicle. “We could see the wing was gone,” said Lawhon. She said she noticed the cows in the nearby field began to scatter just prior to the plane crashing. She noticed no smoke in the sky so could not say if the plane was on fire prior to crashing. She did say that debris from the plane continued to fall from the sky for approximately five to ten minutes as she waited for police to arrive. “I feel horrible for the families.”

Former state senator Jeff Kropf is a cousin to the deceased Kropf. “Like me, Jeff was a bit of a free spirit with his love of flying, motorcycles and music.” Kropf confirmed his cousin's passion for helping others. “He brought the joy of flying to so many disabled children and left a positive mark on their lives,” he said of the children he took up in his airplane. “He will be missed.”

The investigation continues. The Linn County Sheriff's Office is coordinating efforts with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Scio grad in eye of Sandy

Travis Parazoo, a 2007 graduate of Scio High School, recently returned from spending 13 days on the East Coast, weathering Hurricane Sandy and helping restore power to residents in Connecticut and keeping roads clear for emergency vehicles. “I got the word that they needed a lot of linemen,” Parazoo said the week after his return.

A member of 659 Local, Parazoo trained in Wyoming, married and then returned to Oregon, taking a job in the Roseburg area. Soon after, he was laid off, going on the union's out of work list. Leading up to Hurricane Sandy, Parazoo got a phone call from a Hubbard, Oregon company saying workers were needed to head to the East Coast before the powerful storm hit the area. Parazoo said yes. “I quit that afternoon and flew out two days later.” He flew from Portland to Seattle and then on to Boston. Almost the entire plane was filled with linemen, including some from Canada, headed to help where they could. From there, they were bussed through Massachusetts to Connecticut.

Contracted by Connecticut Light & Power, Parazoo and the other linemen spent their first day being tested on a variety of machinery so the company would be prepared in advance of the storm. Parazoo was one of the linemen assigned to Haddem, Connecticut. “There was a line crew and a tree crew,” Parazoo said, adding, “We were there to take care of the town.”

Driving toward the coast where Haddem is located, Parazoo and his partner were in their truck when the storm came ashore. “The sky darkened, the wind picked up,” he said. “We just had to hang on and wait for stuff to go down.” Haddem is located less than a half hour drive from the Atlantic Ocean.

The crew's duties first and foremost was what was called “cut and clear,” meaning the crews were to make sure one lane on all roads remained open for emergency vehicles. “It was quite an experience.” One of the sights Parazoo witnessed was when a tree that he estimated was 30 inches in diameter at the top snapped in half “like a twig” as the hurricane roared through the area. “It was a scary deal.”

After Sandy passed and the crews concluded their cut and clear work, Parazoo said they set to restoring power. “We worked 16/8,” meaning the crews worked 16 hours and had eight hours off. The linemen had no idea how long they would be there. All they knew, said Parazoo, was they they would work “for as long as it took.” In Parazoo's case, that meant 13 days.

“The people were great,” he said of those he helped. He noted that on Halloween people brought them candy and even bags of food. “One lady brought us a whole gallon of coffee and Dunkin Donuts.” Most people were very appreciative, especially once their power was restored. He said it was tough to see cardboard signs on some streets asking when their power would be restored.

At the peak of the outages, Parazoo said over 650,000 people in Connecticut were without power. When he left last week, less than 500 people were still awaiting the return of their power. In all, Parazoo and his partner put over 1200 miles on their truck, moving from Connecticut to New York and Massachusetts.

He said seeing the area, even with the destruction, was “very cool.” One thing he said he could do without was the hurricane. “It makes me appreciate what we don't have to go through.”

Cox gets surprise at game

Diana Cox wasn't even planning to attend the Scio Loggers playoff game at North Salem High School last Friday. She had bigger things on her mind. Her oldest son, Ethan was scheduled to fly into Portland International Airport on Sunday and she had planning to do for his arrival. Ethan was returning home after a four year stint in the US Marines. “Kim LeBard called and asked me to come and help run the gate, so I went.” What surprised her more was when her other son, Jesse showed up with his father, Diana's husband, Wil, in tow. “I didn't know why they were there.” She said they rarely attended home games.

With five minutes to go in the first half of the Scio victory, Greg Eide and Brian Starr approached her. They explained that since Veterans' Day was being celebrated that weekend, Greg wanted to interview Diana since Ethan was in the military. “I really didn't want to do it.” In the end, she decided she could, especially when Eide said they would be in the press box. “I decided Wil needed to be interviewed too.”

Instead of being interviewed in the box, Eide took the couple down in front of the fans. As they stood before a large contingency of Scio faithful, they had no way of knowing what was to come. “I had no clue what was going to be asked,” Diana said. Once her nerves subsided a bit, she was able to answer Eide's questions until he asked a question she never expected to hear.

“Do you want to see him now?” Eide said referring to Ethan, the son she had not seen for close to a year.

Diana was a bit taken aback, asking Eide to repeat the question. Instead, he told the couple to turn around. Unbeknownst to either of them, Ethan was standing on the football field. “I had no clue!” Diana said. “I was shocked!”

“I never thought they could pull it off,” she said three days later. She gives her other children, Jesse, Emily and Rollie credit for pulling everything together. Starr and Eide were also in on it, thanks to Emily's phone call to the school. “Emily talked with them and they all worked it out.” Even after the weekend at home with her oldest son, she was still in shock. “I've seen it on tv,” she said of the many surprise reunions. “I just never figured it would happen to me.”

She is very proud of Ethan, a 2007 graduate of Scio High School, the same high school Diana graduated from three decades earlier. “He's totally changed in a good way,” she said, adding that Ethan has a new respect for the veterans in the family- both of his grandfathers were in the military. “I never thought my kids would have done it.”

The family is planning a welcome home get together in the near future. Ethan plans to take a few months to settle into civilian life before beginning college in the summer in Bend. He intends to study architectural drafting, eventually transferring to the University of Oregon. Before all that happens, Diana intends to spend some quality time with the newest veteran in the family. “I'm just so proud of him.”

Loggers celebrate seniors with victory, league title

The Scio Loggers celebrated senior night at Newcomb Stadium in grand fashion with a big 45-12 victory over the visiting Blanchet Cavaliers. The win gave them their first PacWest League title and propels them into the Class 3A state playoffs. According to the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), this will make Scio's first ever appearance in the Class 3A playoffs. The Loggers have made the state playoffs 16 times since 1979, winning back to back Class 2A titles in 2009 and 2010.

It only took the Loggers three plays to light up the scoreboard, thanks to the great work of an offensive line that would open holes all night long. Hunter Reger carried all three times, the last one for a 49 yard blast up the middle to pay dirt. A.J. Holmberg caught Brady Smith's pass for two, giving the Loggers an early 8-0 with 10:52 left in the opening quarter.

The Loggers kept the pressure on the Blanchet offense, forcing them to punt after a trio of short gains, giving Scio the ball back for the second time in the quarter. Daniel Harper excited the Scio fans when he swept to the outside for a 40 yard gain before being taken down. Mixing things up, Nathan Jones got the call and took the ball in from 18 yards for another Logger score. The conversion failed but Scio had a quick 14-0 lead with just over six minutes left in the opening period.

Scio went for a bit of razzle dazzle on the ensuing kickoff when Ben Jones pooched the ball to the Logger side of the field. Nathan Jones streaked down the field and before Blanchet knew what hit them, the speedy Logger covered the ball, giving possession back to Scio. Harper added 30 yards to his night on a pair of runs before Jones again took it to the house, this time from 11 yards out. The conversion had Reger's name on it as he crossed the goal line to give Scio a commanding 22-0 with five minutes left in the opening quarter.

Richard Silveira, who would have his name announced several times throughout the evening, flew in for the tackle, holding Blanchet to a single yard gain. Scio's defense, known to fans as the Black Sea, proved their worth again, stopping the Cavs momentum. On third and seven, James Tibbs and Josh Parazoo combined to stop the Blanchet qb from gaining any ground to force another Blanchet punt.

With 11 seconds left in the quarter, Smith connected with Harper on a long pass play, marching toward the goal line. Scio kept moving as the second quarter started. Harper cut back across the field and just left everyone in his wake on his way to 20 yard score. Much to the Scio fans delight, Reger kicked the extra point, pushing the Loggers' lead to 29-0 with 11:32 left in the half.

Blanchet got some momentum of their own but still could not convert when they needed to. The Loggers got possession on another punt but gave the ball back on a rare turnover. With less than 50 seconds in the half, the Cavs pushed across the goal line but missed the conversion, giving Scio a 29-6 lead. Scio coughed up the ball again but Blanchet could not convert before intermission.

Blanchet got the ball to start the second half and put together a five minute drive that took them on a 65 yard journey to draw within two touchdowns. The conversion failed so the Logger lead was 29-12 with just over seven minutes in the third.

Scio responded with a long, time consuming drive of their own in response to the Cavs push. The Loggers ended up with a long third and 12 when Harper broke a long run that was called back on a penalty. Scio ended up with a fourth and two but behind his big offensive line, Harper bulled his way for a Logger first down. The big play was a slick 40 yard pass play from Smith to Harper. With under four minutes to go in the third, Nathan Jones added two more points to give Scio the 37-12 lead.

The Parazoo brothers- Justin and Josh- both had their names called when each made great stops, forcing Blanchet into another fourth down situation. Scio put together another long drive, this one not nearly as time consuming. Two plays into the drive, Smith connected with Nathan Jones on a 66 yard pass play. Jones, with most of the field in front of him, only had to worry about keeping the pig skin safe because the closest players to him were his own teammates. The senior ran it in for the two points to close out the scoring and giving the Loggers the 45-12 victory.

Scio did have one more chance to score but lost the ball on their third turnover of the night. The tough Logger defense dug in and worked their magic on the Cavaliers' offense, stopping the final Blanchet drive of the night when the visitors could not convert on fourth down. Scio had one more chance to score when Harper scampered 53 yards before the Loggers ran out the clock to claim the win.

A trio of seniors led the Loggers on offense. Harper finished with 174 yards and two touchdowns while Nathan Jones had 120 yards. He also had a pair of scores. Reger added 118 yards. The Logger big line limited Blanchet on both sides of the ball to help secure the win.

Following the game, Head Coach Jim Mask reflected on the highlights and the low lights. “You played some of your best football tonight and you played some of your worst football,” Mask told the team. He reminded them that they needed to take care of business.

“This group of seniors is special. They've been together since they were in sixth grade,” Mask said of his 14 seniors. “They play hard.”

Mask said he knew the Loggers would be able to compete at the 3A level but that it has been tougher, “game in and game out.” Because of tougher competition, the younger players aren't getting as much varsity playing time as they have in the past. Overall, Mask said he was very proud of the team. “I can't say enough about these guys.”

Speaking of the uncharacteristic Logger turnovers, Mask said he thought the team simply lost focus. He also gave Blanchet credit for playing the Loggers tough. “They battled back and didn't quit.”

“I'm proud of how hard our kids played.” Mask was happy to have so many of the players get into the action. “We had a freshman step in and play the last two games and do great.”

The Loggers travel to Creswell for their final regular season game before starting the playoffs in two weeks. Scio doesn't know who they will play in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs but Mask said it will be a home game for the Loggers, adding they might need to find a different field if the Scio field is unplayable.

Bates busy as wait on FEMA continues

Stephanie Bates' wait is not yet over. Since the family's home was flooded in January, she has been working with the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to arrange compensation. The home, purchased by her parents, Carol and Tucker in 1947, suffered about 18 inches worth of mud and water inside the building. Both Carol, a well known local historian, and Tucker are now deceased.

Syd, Stephanie's brother was living in the home when it flooded. “He didn't get much out because he had to leave in a hurry,” Bates said of the quickly rising water that eventually destroyed two other homes. Bates estimates that the cost of lost belongings, including items owned by both she and her brother as well as those that had been in the family for years, was approximately $24,000. Damages to the home are estimated at $50,000. Bates, who had a conference call with FEMA representatives last week, said she should learn sometime in October what FEMA will offer her.

Once the decision has been made, the home will be demolished and the property will revert to the city. “Nothing can ever be built on it again.” Bates said she believes the property is destined to become a park. If that happens, she hopes the apple tree beside the house, will not be cut down. “It's part of Scio's history,” she said, adding that it is the last apple tree that was part of Dr. Prill's orchard. She also hopes it might be named in honor of her father. “Mom's name is on the stage,” she said referring to the Carol Bates Memorial Stage on the grounds of the Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair.

The home itself is also of historical significance. When an addition was built by her father in about 1962, Bates said wood from the old IOOF Hall was used. “It's sad to get rid of it,” Bates said, “because of all the memories.” She explained that the only thing that could save it, according to FEMA, would be to raise the foundation a full two feet. “I just can't afford it.”

While many items in the house were ruined- “I hated losing the books,” Bates said, other items were saved. One was a white glass fronted cabinet filled with glassware. The water did get inside but thanks to the enamel paint, it was relatively easy to clean. The wooden floors are warped and the rooms are filled with mildew and mold. Despite Bates' cleaning efforts, some remnants of the mud that filled the house also remains.

Another item Bates is thrilled that survived not only the last flood but also the flood of 1996, is a grandfather clock built by Dr. Prill, whose home was right next door to the Bates' home. It was eventually moved and is now on property on Gilkey Road. The clock, handmade in 1900 by Dr. Prill, was raised up off the floor and suffered no major damage.

Bates has now moved much of the salvageable items into storage. More is set to be sold at a garage sale. This is all in anticipation of next month's decision by FEMA. Bates said once the decision has been made, she will have 90 days to vacate the home in order for the demolition can begin.  

Young horsewoman learns ropes early

While most little girls her age are thinking about dolls and having tea parties, four year old Nakiya Trefethen is taking the reins of a big Morgan named Win. The Jefferson youngster has already been riding for about two years. According to Mom Ashley, Nakiya loved pony rides at area festivals so much that she and husband Jake decided to give her riding lessons.

That's where Julie Bittner of JW Training Stables came in. “She's quite a good little rider,” Bittner said of young Nakiya. According to Bittner they usually don't take students until they are a bit older than Nakiya. “She wasn't even three when she started.” It became very quickly clear to Bittner that Nakiya was ready. “I am impressed with how well she listens.”

Nakiya rides Win, who happens to be Bittner's own personal riding horse. Bittner explained that the stables has a couple of horses that are good for children or new riders. “Win is a great horse,” she said.

Having an indoor arena makes it possible for Nakiya to take her weekly lesson year round. Lessons for children are limited to about half hour because they often get sidetracked. “She really pays attention,” Bittner said of her youngest student.

Nakiya knows the important parts of how to get Win to move and stop. She's also very familiar with the safety factor when it comes to riding. “Wearing a helmet,” she said of something she always dons when riding. “For safety,” she said when asked why. And, while she said riding is fun, she knows you can't just ride without any preparation. “You have to learn.”

Nakiya comes by her love of riding naturally. “I rode when I was a kid,” Mom Ashley said. Ashley loves the fact that her young daughter enjoys something she too loved as a young girl.

While she rides by herself in lessons, currently Nakiya's mount must be on a lead when she competes. That doesn't stop her from striving to do her best and remember her training. She proudly showed off her blue ribbon from a horse show last month. In addition to the ribbon, Nakiya also won a gift certificate to purchase tack or something else for her horse. Like a typical four year old, she had other ideas. “I want to buy a car.”

The little horsewoman also offered some words of advice. “Don't fall off.” She has only lost her mount once during lessons and that was because Win shook, tossing the little rider to the ground of the indoor arena. Bittner said she was more upset about getting dirty than about being hurt.

Bittner is impressed with Nakiya's ability to understand and retain what she is taught during her lessons. Only one time has Nakiya request to stop her lesson early and that was when she wasn't feeling well. Other than that, according to Bittner, Nakiya is never ready to stop riding. “She's never ready to get off the horse!”

And, it doesn't like that is likely to change any time soon. Nakiya grinned and nodded when asked if she wanted to keep riding even when she was grown up. “Yes, I want to ride horses,” she said matter-of-factly. She also has other plans. “I want to be a teacher like Mom.” Ashley is a substitute teacher at Head Start in Jefferson. Nakiya has two brothers- one younger and one older. Ashley has lived in Jefferson since she started seventh grade. Dad Jake is a lifelong resident of Jefferson. “I also want to do barrel racing.”

Class of '52 reunites

They are older, grayer and moving slower than when they walked the halls of Scio High School. It didn't take long though for the jokes, the hugs, the laughter to melt the years away when the Scio High School Class of 1952 met last week for their 60^th reunion. The informal get together was held on Tuesday, August 21 at Roaring River Park, with ten classmates as well as spouses and a couple of SHS graduates from other years in attendance.

Coming the furthest and wearing a reminder of their senior year at SHS, was Rosemary Janis Harold. Now living in Sparks, Nevada, Harold donned a tee shirt she had created for the class's 50^th reunion. “I decided to keep it,” she said of the off white shirt she had bedazzled with jewels on the neckline and sleeves. The front was adorned with an image that said 'Graduate Class of 1952' as well as a small copy of Janis's senior photo and the class motto- “As a man thinks, so is he.” Reproductions of each classmate's senior photo filled the back of the shirt. Harold explained that she had had her classmates sign it at the 50^th reunion. Small black ribbons by a number of photos denoted classmates who had passed away.

Another honor to those no longer with them was a photo framed filled with photos. While most were from their senior yearbook, two were not. While part of their class, Don Sweet and Jim Quarry did not appear in their yearbook. Janis's creation also included a short poem. “In memory of classmates of '52, you will never be forgotten, for though we are apart, you will always be remembered, in our memories and hearts.”

Before lunch, classmates had the chance to catch up with each others' lives since their last reunion. Aches, pains, grandchildren, great grandchildren and deaths were the general topics of discussion. Several spoke proudly of their newest great grandchild. Others wondered where specific classmates such as Charles Weinberg were. Ruthee Bates, whose husband Gail was part of the Class of 52, said Weinberg had intended to come but his daughter and grandchild came for a visit, keeping him on the East Coast. In addition to graduating from SHS, Weinberg later returned to coach the Loggers football team.

Oliver Shields, who came from Chico, California for the reunion, only spent two years in Scio. “We moved from Iowa before my junior year.” Still, he was an active member of the class, playing both baseball and basketball. “Work brought us out here,” he said. After sharecropping in Iowa, Shields' father got a job falling timber, something Shields did when he graduated from high school. Later he went into the Navy and has not returned to Scio except for once in 1956 and then for the reunions.

On the other hand, Gail Bates did return to Scio. In fact, he still lives on a small portion of the ranch where he lived as a boy. A three year stint in the Army and a few other stops for work eventually brought him back to Scio. “I left here to seek my fortune. That didn't work, so I came back,” he said with a smile. “It's a good place to live.”

Jean Thurston Zehr now lives in Bend. Her parents owned one of the grocery stores in town when she was growing up in Scio. “It was a great place to live,” she said. A memory she smiled at was of graduation. Seated next to Weinberg, Zehr chuckled at the thoughts. “At graduation, he got all the awards and I held them for him every time he went to get more!”

While it is unsure that a 70^th reunion will be planned, one thing was very clear- as with many classes at SHS, these classmates did not let the miles and years come between their friendships. Together again for another hooray, they all cherished their times at SHS and all the years since.

Spence serves community

Scio resident Brenda Spence loves serving her community. The 1974 Scio High School graduate served several years on the board of the Scio Boys and Girls Club before finding her true calling- serving on the Scio Fire District's Board of Directors. It is a calling that has been her passion even before she was appointed to the board on December 21, 1998. Voters have kept her on the board every election since. All but three of those years she has served as the board's president.

“I lost my Grandaddy to a fire when I was in junior high,” Spence said recently regarding her desire to serve. Years later, she also lost a cousin to fire. “In 1990, I was offered a job with the Oregon Fire District Directors Association.” In that capacity, Spence worked with all branches of the fire service. This year is the 20^th anniversary of the Oregon Fire Service Office Administrators. She is a charter member, past president and life member of that association. “I feel honored to have had a small part in OFSOA and to see how they have grown and become an important part of the fire service.”

While fire districts, like all other agencies throughout the state, struggle with issues, Spence said the district's biggest challenge is keeping up with the changes in the fire service. “All the qualifications and training is a big load on our volunteers.” She added that equipment is a big concern as is making sure volunteers are as safe as possible. Right now, Spence said the main issue for the Scio district is the sand and rocks in the water being pumped from the city's water system. “It has caused a problem with our nozzles at times.” If any of the debris actually makes it into the district's pumps, Spence said it could cost thousands of dollars they don't have to fix it.

With the new facility nearing it's completion, Spence notes the people as being the district's biggest success. Of the volunteers and staff, Spence has nothing but positive things to say. “They are all very dedicated and give a lot of their time.” The volunteers are just as well trained as career firefighters. “People would be surprised how much time it takes to be a volunteer,” she said. In addition to their roles as volunteer firefighters, all either hold full time jobs, are continuing their education or, in some cases, both. The training, Spence notes, “takes them away from their families or other things they could be doing,” because of classes, drills, meetings, trainings and, of course calls.

Spence is proud to be part of the board that will oversee the new fire station. “We are still on track to be in the new station the first part of October,” she said. The staff and Mike Bieler, the project manager have been able to stay the course to “make sure everything is getting done and done right.”

One thing that is different in the Scio district than anywhere else in the state is the dual fire chiefs. “These two,” she said of Chiefs Duane Miller and Richard Labelle, “are great! They stepped in right when we needed them and they have accomplished a lot.” She said the pair work well together and that other districts are taking notice.”For the past several years at every Fire Conference I attend, there are chiefs and board members from all around the state who come up and ask questions about it it is working.” She said many districts have expressed interest in giving the dual fire chief idea a try. “Who knows? You may see it in other districts as well.” The key, Spence said, is the great communication between the chiefs, the volunteers and the board.

A recent addition to the district's firefighting skills is the new water rescue team. They have been training for several months and have been responding as needed to help other districts out with water rescues this summer. “They have been trained and are working hard so they at their best when they are called on.”

“It is a way I can give back to the community and a way to be involved in the fire service,” Spence said when asked why she continues to serve on the fire board. “Once you are in the fire service, the people involved become your family.” She said it is great knowing no matter where she goes, she has family in the fire service. “You may not have met them yet but once you walk into their stations, you are home.”

Spence takes her responsibilities very seriously. “There is a lot to learn and understand in order to make decisions that have to be made.” To that end, the Scio board takes full advantage of the board training offered every year.

Spence is proud of the new facility going in that will help volunteers protect and serve their neighbors. She knows the volunteers and staff will appreciate it immensely. She also knows who is most responsible for the dream becoming a reality. “I would like to thank our district for passing the bond for the new station.” She is excited for the open house when everyone can see the completed station. “I believe they are going to love it and all the opportunities it holds for our district.”

She also takes a lot of pride in the district's many volunteers. “They are awesome!” She said she admires each and every one of them for their dedication to the residents who live within the Scio Fire District. “You know they are here because they love the fire service and they are involved for the right reason- to serve their community.”

Scio FFA says thanks to Hometown Market

Members from the Scio FFA Chapter spent part of their day last Wednesday helping at Scio Hometown Market to say thank you to owner Jim Sheeley for his support of their endeavors. Sheeley has purchased a Scio FFA member's animal at the annual 4H/FFA auction at the Linn County Fair for the past four years. “We are helping around the store because Jim has helped the FFA,” said Kerri Hyde, mother of Jesse Hyde, an FFA member whose swine Sheeley purchased at the recently completed fair.

Seven Scio members, one from Jefferson and Kyndal Porter, a future FFA member, started their day at 9am, rolling up their sleeves to help put freight away. “Wednesday is freight day,” Kerri Hyde explained, as members scampered up and down aisles putting stock where it needed to be.

“Jim's a big supporter,” she said. So big in fact that, this year, he not only purchased the swine, he then donated it back to the chapter. They are selling raffle tickets, with a pair of winners each receiving a half pig, cut and wrapped. Funds raised will be used to pay for chapter members to attend the National FFA Convention, held in Indianapolis in October. Tickets are $1 each and are available at Hometown Market. The drawing will be held after Labor Day.

“We have fun,” Sheeley said of having the kids help out in the store. He said he really appreciates the kids' helping. He smiled and pointed to a spot in the fruit and vegetable aisle as two members passed with pieces of cut and wrapped watermelon. “Over there, girls.”

“Jim has supported our kids and our community,” Kerri Hyde said of Sheeley's involvement. He is one of several area business owners who attend the auction each year. “Our kids could not make it without our local buyers. We appreciate them so very much!”

Not every member who volunteered at the store even show animals. Tyler Garcia, who will be a senior in the fall, is in only his second year in FFA after having moved from Arizona. “Jenny Minten told me to get into ag,” he said as to why he became a member. Last year, Garcia participated in welding and tractor driving. Perhaps being inspired by members who do show animals, Garcia is considering entering that realm for next year's fair. “I might show a Black Angus calf,” he said as he pushed a broom outside the front of the store.

Scio FFA members work year round on everything from entrepreneurship enterprises to their market projects. In addition to raising the animals or creating a sales plan, members must also, among other things, keep detailed records of their endeavors. “It's a huge responsibility and learning experience for them,” Hyde noted. “4H and FFA are amazing programs where I have seen quiet, shy kids grow into confident young leaders.” Hyde is a member of the Scio FFA Alumni Association, a leader for the Santiam Wranglers 4H Club and was the Linn County Fair's Swine Superintendent at the fair last month.

Hometown Market employee Melissa Parr said Sheeley loves supporting the FFA kids being a part of the community. Sheeley has owned Scio Hometown Market for about five and a half years.