Reactions to the Supreme Court’s homelessness decision
Second Veterans Wall nearing completion PAGE A2
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Chronicle & Chief THE COLUMBIA COUNTY
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 | Columbia County, Oregon
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Independence Day in McCormick Park National Anthem, and speakers including Frank Hupp’s “Tour of Duty,” Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder, Doug Walker’s “Run for The Wall,”Rian Hamblin’s “Voice of Democracy,” Staff Sergeant James Omelina of the Oregon National Guard and Mayor Rick Scholl’s “Countdown.” • 2 p.m.: “Let Freedom Bells Ring” Ceremony and George Washington signing the Declaration of Independence • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Birthday Cake for America and Larry Jackson Big River Big Band featuring Ellie Wieneke
WILL LOHRE
Country Media, Inc.
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hough there won’t be the traditional firework display over the Columbia River in Columbia View Park this year, St. Helens will have Independence Day activities in McCormick Park that honor the United States and the service of veterans. The theme for this year’s event is “Tour of Duty,” and is a collaboration with the American Legion, VFW, Elks Veteran Bunker, and the City of St. Helens. Judy Thompson is the volunteer coordinator of the event, and this year’s Independence Day celebration will also be the 10th annual “Let Freedom Bells Ring” ceremony as well. Thompson said that even though there aren’t fireworks this year, they will continue the Let Freedom Bells Ring tradition, and this year is a great opportunity to recognize those who have given so much to secure liberties for the United States. Thompson explained how the theme was chosen. “[Tour of Duty] was chosen as words that would give thought to what a Tour of Duty means in one’s life who has taken an oath to serve one’s country,” Thompson said. “To think of the how a tour of duty not only comes with hardships and the risk of the ultimate sacrifice, there are opportunities that benefits one as well. A chance to grow as a person and yes, see the world, see who America is.” The Independence Day Celebration will last from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there will be a lineup of activities and guest speakers on the
The St. Helens City Council plans to host fireworks again in 2025 when the current Riverfront District construction is complete. Funding allocated for the 2024 fireworks show will be carried over to help pay for the 2025 fireworks show. Let Freedom Bells Ring
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Branch of Service Podiums and Flags will be dedicated at the celebration this year.
theme of Tour of Duty. There will also be a dedication of the “Branch of Service Podiums and Flags” by Gene Hester. Hester is Judge Advocate with VFW Post 1440 and is a Veteran U.S. Army Special Ops Airborne Pathfinder who served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. The event will wrap up with a “birthday cake for America,” and an hour
of music from Larry Jackson Big River Big Band featuring Ellie Wieneke. The full schedule for the day includes: • Starting at 10 a.m.: Veterans of Columbia County Photo Gallery • 11 a.m.: Freedom Walk (Reg-
istration at 10:30 a.m.) • Noon: Highway 30 Cruisers • Noon to 1 p.m.: Prizes for patriotic kids, pets, and cosplay characters of 1776 • 1:15 p.m. Dedication of Stone Service Flag Pedestals at Veteran’s Memorial with Gene Hester • 1:30 p.m.: American Legion & VFW Flag Raising Ceremony,
The Let Freedom Bells Ring tradition is something that Thompson created with her neighbor Steve Topaz. “10 years ago my neighbor Steve Topaz and I were talking about July 4th and there needs to be more meaning, not just about Potato salad, beer, and fireworks,” Thompson said. “I asked, what do we have in our town that serves the test of time with community meaning? Our Courthouse Clock Tower Bell was outstanding and then I researched how big bells are a part See INDEPENDENCE, Page A2
Alex Tardif withdraws from County Commissioner election WILL LOHRE
Country Media, Inc.
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n a surprising turn of events, Alex Tardif has withdrawn his candidacy for Position 1 of the Columbia County Commissioners, taking himself off of the ballot for the runoff election between himself and incumbent County Commissioner Margaret Magruder. Tardif’s exit from the commissioner’s race was confirmed by Columbia County Public Information Officer Mark Pacheco via email June 27. When asked what the result will be for the election, Pacheco said that Tardif’s name will not appear on the November ballot but that “everything else will proceed as normal.” In addition to withdrawing from the race for county commissioner, Tardif is no longer working as the Executive Director for Columbia Pacific Food Bank and is also no longer on the Board of Directors for Columbia County Mental Health.
The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief reached out to Tardif via email, asking why he is no longer in the election or Executive Director at Columbia Pacific Food Bank. Tarif shared the following message: “I’ve made the decision to withdraw from the election to focus on my family and health. Serving our community has been a joy, but now it is crucial for me to prioritize myself. Life is unpredictable, and time with loved ones is precious. To lead effectively, I need to ensure my own well-being. I’m truly grateful for the community’s support, and will continue to show up and support as I can. Those who know me well understand my passion for helping others, however, during this season of life I must step back to focus on my family,” Tardif stated. With Tardif no longer acting as Executive Director at Columbia Pacific Food Bank, Casey Wheeler has returned from retirement to assume the role of Interim Executive
Director. “Alex is no longer here, and I am serving as the Interim Executive Director. I was the Executive Director for 8-plus years before Alex
came here, and I retired,” Wheeler said. “I’m back out of retirement for a short period of time just to oversee everything, and help the board find a new executive director. Wheeler said this development arose late last week and that his first day back on the job was Monday, June 24. When asked for details regarding the circumstances of Tardif’s departure from Columbia Pacific Food Bank, Wheeler said he would not comment as to whether Tardif had been terminated or left of his own accord. “We never comment on personnel, things like that,” Wheeler said. Wheeler said Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s policy is not to comment on personnel matters. Regarding the search for the next executive director, Wheeler said he hopes to find a suitable candidate by the end of the year. Regarding the development in the election, Magruder said she was “surprised to hear the news of Alex’s
(OR), a position he has held since September of 2019. He began his public service career in 2017 as the Finance Manager and Administrative Services Manager for the State of Utah, Department of Transportation and then as City Administrator of Ada,(MN). He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University. Upon negotiating an employment agreement, Burgener will take over the role from interim City Manager Larry Lehman. Lehman was appointed to the role when the previous City Manager, Alexandra Rains, departed the city for the Assistant City Manager role at Oregon City in February of this year. On getting Burgener up to
speed, Backus said the strong department heads within the city will work to get him up to speed quickly upon his hiring. Backus said Burgener would be able to learn about the city, start building relationships with key stakeholders, and “see where his experiences of the past can help our city.” “The process is definitely a learning experience, and it takes time to do a good job. Fortunately we have a lot of good people in the city on council, on staff, and in the community that help make sure we get the job done right,” Backus said. “I am excited to get Ben and his family to town so they can learn just how special Scappoose is, and I am excited to help him get up to speed on the job so he can help keep it that way.”
Alex Tardif
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withdrawal from the race.” “As County Commissioner, I remain dedicated to performing my duties and working hard to earn the citizens’ votes in November. Representing Columbia County is an honor, and I look forward to serving our community for another four years,” Magruder said. In response to a question about his message to voters following his withdrawal from the race, Tardif said his message is to “stay hopeful and engaged in shaping our community’s future.” “Together, we can make a real difference. To anyone struggling, remember you are not alone, and help is available. Take care of yourselves,” Tardif said. “This isn’t goodbye, just see you later.” Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline.com, thechiefnews.com, and in the Wednesday print editions of the Columbia County Chronicle & Chief.
Scappoose selects new city manager WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
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he Scappoose City Council has taken the next step to hire a permanent city manager, as they have selected Ben Burgener as their preferred candidate for the position, and he has signed a letter of intent. The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief reached out to Scappoose Mayor Joe Backus for an update on where things are in the process and how they landed on Burgener. “We are now putting together an employment agreement for Ben to sign and if that all goes well we will vote to appoint Ben as the Scappoose City Manager at a special city meeting on July 8 and then hope to vote on the employ-
ment agreement,” Backus said. Backus said the four finalists were strong candidates but that the city went with Burgener for a variety of reasons. “I believe that we went with Ben because we felt the experience of being a City Manager for a growing city in Oregon, combined with his passion for parks and recreation, made Ben a really good fit for our city,” Backus said. “He also has extensive experience in various positions that had him dealing with large budgets, management of other employees, and dealing with highway and transportation issues which will all help him be successful in Scappoose.” Burgener is currently the City Manager with the City of Stanfield
IN THIS ISSUE Police Reports .............. A3 Opinion .......................... A4 Obituaries ...................... A5 Market ............................ A6 Public Notices .............. A7 Games & Puzzles .......... A8 Crossword .................... A9 Sports .......................... A10
7 DAY FORECAST
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The City of Scappoose has selected Ben Burgener as its preferred candidate for City Manager.
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