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Independence Day fireworks possible been searching for a community partner to oversee the Independence Day celebration and fireworks show. She said if any community organization is interested in taking charge of the event, they need to contact city officials at 503-397-6272.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
There are new details concerning the City of St. Helens Independence Day fireworks demonstration. The fireworks would be held on Sand Island if the city council gives final official approval for the event, according to the city’s communications spokesperson, Crystal King. In a Feb. 17 city council discussion, St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl suggested hosting a tailgate party at the city’s waterfront, estimating that 500 cars, each paying a $20 admission fee, could raise enough money for a reasonable firework show. To cut costs, Scholl suggested the show be held on the city-side of the water instead of on a barge or on Sand Island.
Fireworks history
Pandemic impact King told The Chronicle that the fireworks demonstration would depend on current Oregon Health Authority (OHA) pandemic safety requirements in place at the time of the event. “The city is planning to do fireworks from Sand Island this year as long as the Oregon Health Authority and state guidelines allow,” King stated. King sad the city has not yet made an official decision about the suggested tailgating because COVID-19 safety guidelines continue to change. She said the city council
Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens
The 4th of July fireworks demonstrations have attracted large crowds to the Columbia riverfront in St. Helens.
will make a final decision about tailgating at a later date once potential guidelines are clearer closer to July 4. “A contract with the fireworks display company has to be made early in the year, and this is what precipitated the council’s recent discussion regarding planning to host a show this year or not,” King said. “Further event details will be made
as it gets closer to July 4. Events like these take several months to plan, and include permitting through state and federal agencies before final event details such as tailgating are made.” King said the city contracts with Canby-based Western Display Fireworks to conduct the show. “With hosting the display from Sand Island this year, we anticipate
the show costing in the range of $15,000 to $18,000,” King said. “This should allow for a larger display that people can safely enjoy from their vehicles and/or at a distance. The council funds will be used for the display, and the city will seek sponsorships to offset the cost. According to King, over the last several years, the city council has
The Fourth of July fireworks show was postponed last year due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty of timelines. The city council considered moving the display to December during the Christmas Ships event, but did not move forward with that plan. Last year wasn’t the only year fireworks have been absent from St. Helens during Independence Day celebrations. In 2012, a city fireworks committee was unable to raise the $20,000 needed to host the display— which has typically been funded entirely through donations and sponsorships. However, fireworks did make a bang in St. Helens later that summer when the Maritime Heritage Festival organizers stepped in to raise $7,500 for a smaller display hosted over a week later, to coincide with the opening of the festival. The Chronicle will report additional details about the city’s plans for the fireworks demonstration as they become available. Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
False kidnapping alert issued gency dispatch at 503-397-1521.” Law enforcement officials urge local residents to be watchful for the ongoing fraud attempts and to notify police officers or sheriff’s deputies if you believe you have received such a scam call.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
St. Helens Police have issued an alert following what officials call a disturbing phone call reported by area residents. On Thursday, March 4, St. Helens Police received multiple reports of a male calling from an international telephone number claiming to have kidnapped the person’s child. In a release, investigators said that according to the people receiving the telephone message, the caller threatens to harm the child and then a child comes on the phone and begs for help. The caller demands money in exchange for the person’s child to be returned. The St. Helens Police officials said they have fully investigated all of the reported phone calls and said each call has proven to be false. All children have been verified as safe. St. Helen Police advise that if you receive a phone call claiming that your child has been kidnapped hang up the phone and verify through a trusted source that your
Federal alert
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
St. Helens Police said they have investigated each of the suspicious calls, which have proven to be false.
child is where they are supposed to be. If you have a difficult time contacting your child, call the St. Helens Police non-emergency dispatch at 503-397-1521 to speak with a St. Helens officer. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has also released details of another fraud attempt. “We wanted everyone to be aware of a scam occurring in Colum-
bia County. Someone has spoofed CCSO’s mainline number of 503366-4611 and is calling people advising them they have a warrant for their arrest if they don’t pay money or give personal information to the caller,” the sheriff’s office Facebook post reads. “Please understand we will never call you and request payment or personal information to avoid an arrest warrant. When in doubt, hang up and call non emer-
According to the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information website, the telephone calls are part of an increasing range of coercion schemes designed to frighten and extort money from families. The callers claim to have kidnapped a child, brother, sister or other relative and in order for the victim to be released safely and unharmed, a ransom must be paid immediately. “To stop you from checking out the story, scammers order you to stay on the phone until the money is sent,” the FTC warning reads. “There’s pressure to pay quickly, and the caller says not to contact anyone. The scammers demand payment by wire transfer or prepaid cards because it’s difficult to trace or
recover money sent that way. The FTC said the FBI calls this scam virtual kidnapping. Scammers scour the internet and social media sites, grabbing information about where people live, work, or travel, and names of friends and family. The cons use the details to pick a target and make their calls sound credible. The FTC and law enforcement officials urge people to limit personal information posted on social media sites. “If you get a call like this, remember that it’s fake, no matter how scary it sounds,” the FTC warning states. “Even if it feels really real, never wire money or pay by prepaid card to anyone who asks you to. If you’re worried about the call, get off the phone and get in touch with the relative or friend in question – just to reassure yourself. And then notify the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement.” To report a false kidnapping call to the FTC, visit reportfraud.ftc. gov/#/
New riverfront development details surface STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
The City of St. Helens has taken another major step to open riverfront property for development.
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The St. Helens City Council has approved a personal services agreement for a firm to draft design documents, obtain required permits, and create construction documents for road and utility extensions for South 1st and Strand Streets. The agreement is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to open a large expanse of riverfront property that was formerly private industrial land fenced off from community access. With the city’s purchase of the property in 2015, major planning and design work has taken place to reclaim the waterfront to serve the community in new ways, according to a release from the city. Paying homage The redevelopment process is designed to pay homage to both the past and future of the city by creating new amenities to attract new business and residents to St. Helens and provide guaranteed public access to a larger stretch of the Columbia River. The city will use Portlandbased contractor Otak to assist in preparing the construction documents for the extension of South
Additional work
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The city hopes to extend South 1st Street from Cowlitz Street to Plymouth Street as part of the riverfront development.
1st Street from Cowlitz Street to Plymouth Street. Strand Street will be extended south and then west to intersect South 1st Street opposite the Tualatin pedestrian stairway. Development will include: • Pedestrian and bicycle connections • Streetscape design • On-street parking • View corridors of the Columbia River
Strand Street is targeted to be a festival street with a gateway or special streetscape treatment at the intersection of South 1st Street and Strand Street. Mid-block crossings along South 1st Street are also expected to enhance walkability, maintain view corridors, and connect pedestrians to public access along the riverfront. Utility extensions will also occur to ensure that there is adequate water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, landscape design, and other necessary utilities for future development.
In addition to street and utility extensions, the personal services agreement with Otak includes design work for the intersections at South 1st and Cowlitz Streets and Strand and Cowlitz Streets to improve pedestrian safety, function, and aesthetics. The personal services agreement also includes permitting assistance for the construction projects. Otak will spend 2021 creating preliminary and final designs for the street and utility extensions, securing necessary permits, and creating a bidding package for the work. Construction is anticipated to take 18 months to complete and is targeted to begin in March 2022. City officials are working with Business Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority to secure a low-interest loan through the Special Public Works Opportunity Fund to fund the project. The city council made this latest riverfront redevelopment decision during its Wednesday, March 3 public session. Follow this redevelopment project at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Students back in class JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Bennett Road looking west across Highway 30.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Bennett, Millard road projects STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
State and local transportation officials said they planned to launch a significant safety improvement project at Bennett and Millard Roads along Highway 30 this week. The Highway 30 Millard and Bennett Roads Safety Project will make changes to both intersections to reduce the number of serious crashes, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The project is a collaborative effort between the ODOT, Columbia County and the local communities to make this section of road safer. What the project is designed to accomplish: • Increase the turning radius of the right turn lane from Highway 30 to Bennett Road by widening and restriping the roadway near the intersection. • Restrict left turns onto Highway 30 from Bennett Road by creating a median. • Add a traffic signal at Highway 30 and Millard Road and widening Millard to provide access to U.S. 30 that will relieve traffic pressure.
• Upgrade the rail crossings at both Bennett and Millard Roads. ODOT said crews will be working Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be some night work to set up and remove staged traffic control. Traffic on Highway will not be detoured, but side roads will have detours for access. The intersections of Highway 30 and Millard Road and/or Highway 30 and Bennett Road will be impacted at various times dur-
ing construction. This section of Highway 30 was once part of a safety corridor that was designated in 2010 but decommissioned in 2014 because of a reduced number of serious crashes. The safety corridor designation also enabled ODOT and the local community to engineer a solution to safety concerns with turning issues at the intersections. This $7.5 million project addresses those concerns, according to ODOT. Construction is expected to be completed by October 1.
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Well, it’s been an interesting time here at Dahlgren’s. With the snow and an increase in raw materials for panel and lumber products, we’re breaking records. Can I tell you when it’s going to change or top out? No. It’s way beyond what I ever thought it was going to be, and not only that, but certain items are very hard to get ahold of pine, some of our finished woods - it’s just incredible. In good news, our poultry business is going great and we’re bringing in pheasants, guineas, and quail in the next couple of weeks, and our ducks just came in! We’ll keep you posted on Facebook about when they arrive, so don’t forget to like and follow our page. We’ve also got a variety of chicken coops in right now! A bunch of my suppliers went out of business or just don’t have the supply to stock us anymore, so we have a lot to choose from right now. They’re set up in front of the store for you to come look at them. You can get them pre-built or bring the box home and set them
In-person instruction resumed for limited classes at the St. Helens School District this week. The planned return includes what administrators said is a minor adjustment following Gov. Brown’s executive order on Friday, March 5, that all students return to the classroom. See full story on page A3. “As a school district, we are excited to begin to have students return to in-person instruction in our hybrid model,” the district said in a letter issued later Friday to parents. The St. Helens School District had planned for students pre-kindergarten through 1st grade to start back to in-person hybrid learning on March 8. The letter states that the tentative plan, pending positive metric numbers, was for 2nd – 3rd grade students to return March 29 followed by 4th -5th grade beginning April 12 and middle and high school students returning April 19 the start of the fourth quarter. School administrators said the district would make a minor adjustment by starting 2nd - 5th grade students March 29, while still adhering to the district’s initial plan of providing in-person hybrid instruction to pre-kindergarten through 1st grade students March 8. Students in middle and high school will return to in-person hybrid instruction April 19, as planned. Students attending St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA) will continue in that program unless they request to transfer to the in-person hybrid model, the district’s letter states. The Chronicle reached out to the principals of the district’s three elementary schools to gain their insight into resuming in-person instruction this week. The following conversation is with McBridge Elementary Principal Lisa Taylor; Lewis and Clark principal Dustin Salisbury; and Columbia City Elementary Principal Jennifer Vanderschuere who chose to combine their responses.
Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle
The St. Helens School District welcomed back pre-kindergarten through 1st grade students for in-person hybrid learning this week.
The Chronicle: What do you see as the main challenges you and staff will face with resuming in-person instructions with students, and how will you overcome those challenges? Principals: The staff of Columbia City, Lewis and Clark, and McBride Elementary are excited to have our students back in the building. Although it has been challenging to teach over Zoom, our staff has done a fantastic job and report that students are making significant progress. We don’t anticipate many challenges. Our leadership team and staff have been working diligently over the past few months to prepare for reopening. Every staff member from the front office, nutrition services, custodial services, instructional assistants, transportation, and teachers have partnered together to learn and understand the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) guidelines and put them in place in the most child-friendly, developmentally appropriate way possible.
share what school will look like when returning. We will continue to do this as each grade returns. Some of the tools we shared in meetings and newsletters have included our hybrid handbook and videos that give specific guidance on wearing face coverings, hand-washing, and more. In addition, we shared with families the importance of getting children ready for usual routines such as regular bedtimes and eating at designated times. Our teachers have also been working with students remotely to practice wearing a face covering when learning. One thing we would like to remind families is that we are here to assist them in any way possible. Please reach out to your school principal if you have any questions or concerns. The Chronicle: What message would you give to the students to help ease any frustrations, fears, and anxiety they may face?
The Chronicle: What recommendations would you have for parents to help them help you in moving forward with providing the children with the education that they need?
Principals: Our schools are so excited to have you back in our buildings. St. Helens is a great place to learn, and the principals and staff look forward to seeing you back in school. We recognize that students may come feeling anxious, and each school has a team ready to support them. We’ve got this.
Principals: Each principal has met with PreK-Kinder-1st grade families over Zoom to
For more information, contact the St. Helens School District at 503-397-3085
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Governor orders students back to school ZACK DEMARS worldnews3@countrymedia.net
Almost a year after schools sent students home for the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order Friday, March 5, aimed at bringing them back. Brown’s order directs the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to establish guidance and regulations which bring kindergarten through fifth graders back to campuses across the state by March 29, and sixth through twelfth graders back by April 19. “The science is very, very clear: with proper safety measures in place, there is a low risk of COVID-19 transmission in school.” Brown wrote in a press release announcing the move. “Oregon parents can be confident about sending their children
back to a classroom learning environment.” Local reaction St. Helens School Superintendent Scot Stockwell said Brown’s executive order won’t change much of his district’s current reopening efforts. The only real change, he said, would be accelerating the elementary rollout allowing 4th and 5th grade students to return two weeks earlier than scheduled. “We’re confident that our plans will do exactly as they are designed,” he said. “We are all very eager to have children back in schools and see this as our first steps toward a return to normalcy.” Stockwell said it is important that the community continues to follow reasonable COVID precautions such as hand washing, social distancing and wearing masks. “Columbia County has had higher infection rates
than Multnomah and Washington Counties for the past two weeks and we need to reverse that trend,” Stockwell said. “We want to keep our children in school and allow our local businesses to reopen so we can get our community back. We’ve been disconnected way too long.” Stockwell said that once schools reopen, he believes they can keep them open with the staff vaccinated and the current safety protocols in place regardless of the metric numbers. “What worries me most is if we continue to have increasing infection rates in Columbia County, students could be quarantined due to community spread and not able to attend school even though schools would remain open to in-person instruction,” Stockwell said. What’s next School reopenings will
still be guided by a slew of state requirements around health and safety measures, as well as the advisory metrics tied to the level of virus spread in each community. Comprehensive distance learning will only be an option for school districts when individual students require the accommodation, or when “community transmission rates warrant transition to CDL,” according to the governor’s office. The governor’s order is the most recent in a string of changes in how the state reopens its schools to in-person learning. Since Brown directed state agencies in December to prioritize school reopenings, and granted school districts more control over the process, around 55,000 have returned to classrooms, according to the governor. ODE reports that just under 700 schools across the state are operating in on-site
or hybrid learning models. Brown’s executive order directs ODE and OHA to issue updated guidance for reopening by March 19. She said the two-part timeline will give districts time to prepare for more students on campus. “I am using this phased approach because, as we have seen from school districts that have returned to in-person instruction successfully, schools will return our youngest learners to school first, and apply the lessons learned from that implementation process to reopening middle and high school buildings.” Friday’s announcement provides more certainty about classroom returns for students who’ve been struggling to learn online for nearly a year. “Whether or not public schools should return kids to the classroom this spring is no longer up for discussion,”
Brown said. “The science and data is clear, schools can return to in-person instruction with a very low risk of COVID-19 transmission, particularly with a vaccinated workforce.” Brown has been facing criticism for not requiring schools to return to in-person instruction. The night before her announcement, Republicans in the state legislature sent Brown a letter asking she take “decisive action and reopen Oregon schools for full in-person instruction immediately.” “We have a collective responsibility to ensure vulnerable children receive high-quality instruction and a well-rounded educational experience,” the legislators wrote in their letter to the governor. “However, many students have not stepped into a classroom for nearly a year and they are feeling the academic, social, and emotional consequences.”
a consent form and received information on possible side effects of the vaccine. The pilot project proved to be a success as well as highlighting ways the vaccination process could be conducted more efficiently to reach more people, according to a CRFR Facebook post. More mobile vaccination days are planned in the near future. If you or someone you know cannot leave their house to get to a vaccination site, find out more informa-
tion about the in-home vaccination project by contacting Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247. When you sign up for the “Columbia County COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Form,” you’ll get updates such as the following delivered directly to your inbox. Inside you’ll find answers to:
• Who do I call if I need transportation? • How do I get my second dose?
County in-home vaccinations underway
Courtesy photo from Columbia River Fire & Rescue
COVID-19 vaccines being prepared for in-home distribution in a collaboration between Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia County Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University, Family Medicine at Scappoose and CareOregon. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Columbia County’s pilot project to test the feasibil-
ity of in-home vaccinations for home-bound residents is underway. The project began Saturday, Feb. 27 and is the result of close collaboration
between Columbia County Public Health, CareOregon, Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) Family Medicine at Scappoose and Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR). Columbia County Public Health designated candidates who qualified for the COVID-19 vaccination but who would not physically be able to get to a vaccination site. OHSU, which has been holding weekend vaccination clinics, transferred the vaccine and vaccinating supplies to Columbia River Fire & Rescue. CareOregon liaised with the agencies and the CRFR Community Paramedic. The community health paramedic traveled to families in Scappoose, St. Helens and Rainier, conducting screening, administering the vaccine and sitting with each patient to monitor him or her for the required 15 minutes before moving on to the next family. Each patient signed
• Am I currently eligible? • How do I schedule an appointment?
If you plan to get vaccinated, visit this site to access an interest form signup: mailchi.mp/.../columbia-countycovid-19 Stay informed. Read a series of in-depth reports about the pandemic in Columbia County at thechronicleonline. com
Oregon receives J&J vaccine STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
People in Columbia County seeking COVID-19 vaccines now have more choice. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has announced that the COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson is approved by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup and the vaccine has arrived in the state. Washington, Oregon and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October. The workgroup, made up of nationally acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccinations. Oregon has been using Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single dose vaccine. “After thorough scientific review by doctors and health experts, we now have three safe and effective vaccines available for Oregonians. And, because the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be stored in standard refrigerators and vaccinate individuals in a single dose, it gives us the ability to vaccinate
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Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle
Oregon was to have received 34,000 doses of the J&J vaccine last week.
even more people,” Gov. Kate Brown said. “We will work to distribute vaccines as quickly and equitably as
possible as we move forward to vaccinate seniors, people with underlying health conditions, frontline workers, and all Oregonians.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $110 million in federal funding to assist the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and partners in operating dozens of COVID-19 vaccination centers throughout the state. In coordination with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, FEMA obligated this initial $110,082,859 at 100 percent federal cost share to support the state of Oregon to cover the costs of emergency activities, including labor, contract services, security, refrigeration, supplies, equipment, and facility rentals.
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Opinion
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Viewpoints At the Capitol: Flurry of legislation BRAD WITT Chronicle Guest Column
It is a busy time at the Capitol, with long committee meetings and many bills being introduced, discussed and amended. This past week I testified in support of two bills I sponsored: HB 3273: Prohibits law enforcement agency from releasing booking photos except under certain circumstances. Our justice system operates on the premise that people are innocent until proven guilty. A person that is arrested may have the charges dropped, found to be innocent, even exonerated from any crime. But the immediate release of a booking photo can cause lasting damage to an innocent person’s reputation, standing in the community, even ability to find employment. HB 3047: Establishes civil cause of action for improper disclosure of personal information. This bill seeks to stem the weaponization of the release of personal information commonly known as “doxxing.” Oregon law protects against harassment but we currently lack the ability to hold those people who may intentionally facilitate harassment by publicizing certain information. The testimony we heard from law enforcement officials, attorneys, judges, and private individuals impacted by doxxing was disturbing. People recounted how they received harassment, death threats, businesses received bomb threats, incidents of attempted arson of a multi-family housing unit, and much more. People have lost their personal privacy, had to move, lost their jobs, and have become victims due to cyber bullying. This bill has support from the Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, Portland Area Business Association, and many other organizations and individuals. Property tax exemptions On Wednesday, the House Committee on Revenue held a Work Session on HB 2693, my bill that deals with property tax exemptions for properties used for industry apprenticeships and training, which we describe as the “Food Box” bill. During the pandemic, UA Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters wanted to work with an industry nonprofit to distribute food to families struggling with the COVID-19 emergency. UA attorneys determined that
participating in a food drive and food box distribution effort would require a temporary lease of part of their trust property to the other non-profit, thereby causing the loss of their Oregon Property Tax exemption. Sadly, the community assistance program had to be cancelled and they were unable to conduct the food distribution to Oregonians in need. At this week’s Work Session, no amendments were adopted and the “Food Box” bill was voted out of the Revenue Committee with a “Do Pass” recommendation. I will be honored to be carrying HB 2693 on the House Floor for a vote in the very near future. Right to repair I serve on the House Committee on Business and Labor and this week we held a public hearing on HB 2698 which would implement a Right to Repair on electronic devices. Currently consumers lack easy and affordable access to resources needed to perform simple repairs like battery replacement. Manufacturers oppose this legislation, feeling it may devalue their product by releasing proprietary information. Those that support the legislation decry the disposable approach to expensive electronics, and would like to prolong the use of consumer electronic devices and reduce the stream of electronic waste dumped in our landfills as it contains heavy metals including lead, arsenic and mercury. At this time we have held a Public Hearing on HB 2698, but a Work Session, where amendments could be introduced has not been scheduled. ShakeAlert comes to Oregon Oregon has its share of natural disasters, from wildfires, to floods, landslides, active volcanoes, and earthquakes. Each hazard presents unique challenges, but one of the biggest challenge is the unpredictability of earthquakes. They strike without warning, and can cause widespread damage in a matter of seconds. Using earthquake science and technology, the US Geological Survey has developed ShakeAlert to detect significant earthquakes quickly, giving advance warning so people and systems can take actions to protect life and property before the shaking arrives. The ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system is a network of sensors that collects and shares realtime information about the
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magnitude, location and expected shaking from earthquakes on the West Coast and delivers alerts via cell phones and the internet. The system is up and running in California, Oregonians can start receiving alerts as of March 11th, and Washington will “go live” in May of this year. You do not need to sign up to receive these warnings, just like an “Amber Alert” your cell phone will automatically receive the early warnings from the ShakeAlert system. There will only be a few seconds warning, but it will allow people to take protective actions before the shaking starts to increase their chances of being disaster survivors rather than disaster victims. Flags at half-staff Finally, I want to recognize the reason we’ve been flying flags at half-staff. This is to remember the more than 500,000 Americans who have now died due to the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. It was just a year ago that Oregon recorded its first case of the virus, and now, sadly, our death toll tops 2,210 lives lost. We have done some things right, Oregon has the fourth lowest death toll in the United States, but that has come with economic cost, as Oregonians have done their part to shelter in place and minimize contact with non-household members. The demand for Coronavirus vaccine has outpaced supply, and it has been frustrating for everyone. But with a third vaccine now approved for emergency use, there is hope that things can get back to normal in the foreseeable future. Please stay safe as we work to get people vaccinated and reopen all segments of our communities. Be engaged As always, please remember that I can best serve your interests when I hear from you. If you have a comment or concern about pending legislation, please reach out to my office. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, email is probably the best way to have your opinions recorded. If I can help you navigate an issue or problem with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Voices of the Community Does the end justify the means? When citizens recognize a need they are willing vote to chip in with their tax dollars to fund capital projects. Just a few years ago St. Helens citizens elected to fund taxes to build a new middle school, a new alternative school, and soon a renovated and enlarged high school. St. Helens city staff is heavily promoting a new police station (“public safety building”). However, city staff wants to impose “a fee” on our water bills to fund it. The city already imposed a “fee” for the recreation department and just purchased a building for $800,000. This proposal like the previous one is dangerously close to crossing the line between a utility expense and a long-term tax for capital projects not related to utilities. Schools are not allowed impose “fees” for capital projects, should the city? St. Helens citizens are willing to fund needed city projects. In the 1950’s St. Helens citizens elected to tax themselves to fund streetlights and sidewalks, and again in the 1960’s to fund major upgrades to the
city water system and sewage treatment facilities. The end is clear, a new police station, the means appears questionable. As previous city councils have done, rather than unilaterally impose a long-term tax (sorry,“fee”) on its citizens, the city council should put the question to the voters. Such decisions have been made by St. Helens citizens in the past. As it should be now, and in the future. Al Petersen St. Helens
Not based on morality Rep. Brad Witt’s bill to ban coyote contests is not based on morality, as he claims, it’s rooted in prejudice, bigotry and discrimination - behaviors that Oregon Democrats declared would have no place in their legislative agenda this year. What they actually meant though, was except where those traits are useful to further their virtue signaling agenda on behalf of pseudointellectual, urban elites and so-called “progressive” radicals. If it were immoral to
participate in a hunting contest, then Witt would be going after the Boone & Crockett, Safari International and dozens of other similar clubs who give awards based on dead animals or the “big buck” contests held throughout the State. Instead, he’s criminalizing the single event with the lowest participation rates held in regions with the least populations, votes and money and attended by those with the most serious socioeconomic challenges. Talk about offensive conduct. How would enlightened Oregonians emote if Witt took his “woke” action to eliminate the traditions of a POC community? Just because you find someone else’s customs and culture to be repugnant shouldn’t mean that you have the right to use your power to force a minority to adhere to your philosophy. That’s not democracy, it’s mob rule. Witt and other elected Oregon Democrats’ continual demands for tolerance and inclusiveness are meaningless in the face of their hypocritical legislation, justifiable only in their hatred and contempt for how other people chose to live their own lives. Shaun W. Robertson John Day, OR
End of shift
Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • 900 Court St. NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt
Last Week’s Results As the pandemic restrictions ease, what is the first thing you want to do?
39% Visit friends and relatives 27% Eat inside a restaurant 34% Take a vacation
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A 25-year veteran of Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) has retired. According to a CRFR Facebook post, Lieutenant Greg Brody started his career Feb. 12, 1996, with what was then known as St. Helens Fire Department. After 25 years of dedicated service, Brody hung up his fire helmet, with his last shift ending at the Rainier Fire station on Wednesday, Feb. 24. “Congratulations Lieutenant Greg Brody and thank you so much for your service, you will be missed,” the CRFR post reads.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021
State parks prepare for spring break
Obituaries
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Doris Irene Wallin
Dec. 10, 1921 ~ Dec. 26, 2020 Doris Wallin passed away at home Dec. 26, 2020, at age 99. She was born Dec. 10, 1921, in Kelso, Washington, to Iva (Kletsch) and Robert Bush. Life began in a houseboat on the Columbia River. While her roots were in the Pacific Northwest, Doris’s free spirit took her on a road trip to Nome, Alaska, to pan for gold with her new husband and as far south as Ecuador to visit a daughter in the Peace Corps. Doris’s volunteer activities were many. She was a Grange member for almost
50 years, served on the Columbia Education Service District board and was with
the Blue Angels of St. Helens Hospital. She opened her own Grange Insurance office and was known for her amiability and generosity. Doris was preceded in death by her parents; brother Carl Bush; and her husband of 57 years, Mel Wallin. She is survived by daughters, Pat Kinnee, of Charleston, Oregon, Amanda Adams, of Tacoma, Washington, and Mary Young, of St. Helens; sons, Craig Wallin, of Rainier, and Gary Wallin, of St. Helens; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.
JoAnn Burge
Oct. 9, 1945 ~ Feb. 21, 2021 JoAnn Burge, 75, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Feb. 21, 2021 in Redmond, Oregon from vascular dementia. She was born Oct. 9, 1945 in Wayne, Michigan to Marge Knape and Frank Baynock. JoAnn married William Burge May 29, 1964 and raised four children and two of their grandchildren in Scappoose, Oregon. JoAnn retired from Subaru in 2006. JoAnn enjoyed walking, swimming, sewing, crafting, and traveling. She and Bill traveled all over the United States and world, including England and Israel. JoAnn was known for her love, compassion and kindness.
She never lost her ability to care for others, especially her husband. If someone needed help, they would always be there. JoAnn was preceded in
death by her parents, Marge Knape, Frank Baynock, and Jim Knape; and her sister Patsy Rindahl. She is survived by her husband Bill; children, Jim Burge (Jenny), Scott Burge, Patty Bailey (Rick) and Michelle Burge; eight grandchildren; a great grandchild; brother John Baynock; sisters, Linda Graham, Mary Misiak, Nora Oppenheimer, Sam Graves and Teresa Manyon. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 26, 2021 at St. Thomas Catholic Church and she was laid to rest at Redmond Memorial Cemetery in Redmond, Oregon.
Myrna C. Brasmer
Aug. 4, 1924 ~ Feb. 10, 2021 Myrna C. Brasmer, 96, passed away Feb. 10, 2021. She was married 53 years to John A. Brasmer Jr., who preceded her in death at the age of 72. She is survived by two sons, John A. Brasmer III and
Ed Brasmer; one daughter Darla Scott; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Wanda Rigby and Virginia Loe. She was a life-long resident of St. Helens, Oregon and
was laid to rest at Columbia Memorial Gardens, Feb. 24, 2021. Funeral arrangements were prepared by Columbia Funeral Home & Cremation Center. There were no graveside services. Please sign our online guestbook at www. columbiafh.com.
William Carter Frey
Nov. 26, 1946 ~ Feb. 28, 2021 William “Bill” Carter Frey age 74, of Oro Valley, Arizona (Stayton, Oregon) passed away on Feb. 28, 2021 due to complications from Leukemia. Bill was born on Nov. 26, 1946 in Salem, Oregon to Raymond and Verla Frey. Bill was the oldest of four children. His three siblings are Kathy Mickey, Marta Randall and Robert Frey. William is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Sandra Frey; son Justin Frey (Monica Vasquez); and daughter Heather Frey. Bill grew up in Stayton, Oregon where he could be found tinkering under the hood of the family’s cars or working at Frey’s Grocery, the family-owned grocery store. Eventually the family moved out of town and to the family farm where he could
often be found getting into hijinks with his best friend David Core. After graduating from Stayton High School in 1965, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving as Staff Sergeant, Crew Chief from 1966-1972. Bill met and married his wife,
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Sandra while stationed at the USAF base in Oxfordshire, England. Bill and Sandra returned to Stayton where they lived until moving to Columbia City, Oregon in 1990. Bill worked as a Maintenance Electrician until retirement, at which time he was able to spend much more of his time doing the things he loved most; being with family and friends, traveling, camping, fishing, boating, grilling and of course tinkering with anything he could get his hands on. Bill had an impact on many people over the years and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery and a celebration of life will be planned for this summer in Oregon. Details forthcoming.
Suzanne Joan O’Connell (Henderson) Aug. 5, 1940 ~ March 3, 2021
Suzanne, age 80, born and raised in St. Helens, Oregon, passed away on March 3, 2021 in Kaunakakai, Hawaii. Services are pending. For information, please email: sjo@aloha.net.
William “Sam” West
March 28, 1950 ~ Jan. 2, 2021 William “Sam” West 70 of Clatskanie, Oregon passed away on Jan. 2, 2021 at home in Clatskanie, Oregon.
The first signs of spring are here and Oregon State Parks staff are busy preparing campgrounds for a more “normal” 2021 Spring Break and summer camping season. “Our visitors and staff have weathered a rough 12 months,” Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption said. “None of us imagined this time last year that we would face a more than two-month shutdown of Oregon State Parks and then reopen under pandemic and safety precautions, followed by last September’s wildfires that damaged our local communities and several state parks. Sumption said February’s ice storm also brought down trees and limbs and damaged some facilities in northern Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge parks. “Our park staff, operating with fewer employees because of a revenue shortfall that prevented us from hiring our usual seasonal staff, have rallied and are looking forward to the coming months,” Sumption said. “We’re very grateful to them, and to all state park visitors for their patience.” Although Oregon Lottery and park visitor fee revenue is projected to be down more than $20 million by the end of the 2019-21 biennium that ends June 30, nearly all state parks are open or will be in the next few months, including those parks that will reopen after usual seasonal closures. Oregon State Parks is also recruiting seasonal staff for park operations, and is able to do so because of spending reductions begun last year. Park staff are evaluating the status of two park campgrounds that were temporarily closed because of wildfire damage: Collier Memorial State Park and Detroit Lake State Park. Park manager Aaron Raines at Collier Memorial State Park and Logging Museum says the campground
may open later this year, but staff are waiting for the snow to melt to continue assessing and repairing damage caused by the Two Four Two Fire and for State Historic Preservation Office approvals for some work. The Williamson River Day-Use Area and a portion of the Logging Museum are open, although no park access is available to Spring Creek or the Williamson River during restoration efforts. Raines asks that visitors look for closure signs and to not enter restricted areas for their safety. Detroit Lake State Park remains temporarily closed, although the Mongold Dayuse Area and boat launch are open, park manager Bob Rea said, adding that park staff continue to repair infrastructure damaged by the Beachie Fire and says the campground could open by this summer. Both Raines and Rea said campground site reservations will be available as soon as reopening dates are determined. Overnight camping rates will remain the same as 2020 rates except for a $3 increase for electric hookup and full hookup sites in selected parks May 28-Sept. 6. The electric hookup rate range will be $24-$35 and the full hookup range will be $26-$38 per night at the following parks. • Beverly Beach State Park • Bullards Beach State Park • Cape Blanco State Park • Cape Lookout State Park • Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area • Fort Stevens State Park
• Harris Beach State Park • Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park • Nehalem Bay State Park • South Beach State Park • Sunset Bay State Park • William M. Tugman State Park • The Cove Palisades State Park • LaPine State Park • Tumalo State Park • Valley of the Rogue State Park • Wallowa Lake State Park • Champoeg State Heritage Area • Detroit Lake State Recreation Area • L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park • Silver Falls State Park These rates include applicable state and local taxes. The temporary, COVIDrelated surcharge that added up to an additional 30% fee to overnight stays for out-ofstate campers ended March 1. All campers in 2021 will pay the same rates. OPRD plans to open a public discussion about making out-of-state rates a normal part of the overnight stay rate structure. Some pandemic-related, temporary changes remain in place based on statewide restrictions to group gatherings, including keeping group facilities and hiker/biker camping areas closed. In addition, visitor stays in yurts and cabins are followed by a one-day resting period. The resting day reduces overall availability, but staff uses the time to thoroughly clean the facilities to ensure visitor safety. Yurt and cabin visits in coastal campgrounds require a two-night minimum stay. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department budget is 44% Lottery Fund dedicated by Oregon voters in 1999 and 2010; 50% “Other Fund” from park visitors, a portion of recreational vehicle registrations, and other sources; and 6% Federal Fund, mainly for heritage-related programs. For more information about Oregon State Parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
Oregon’s top ten consumer complaints STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has released the Oregon Department of Justice’s (DOJ) list of Top Ten Consumer Complaints for 2020. Due to allegations of price-gouging, this year includes — for the first time — a new category: Grocery, Food and Beverage. 2020 stats • $650,000 returned to Oregon consumers who filed complaints with the DOJ consumer Protection Hotline • 31,868 phone calls to the DOJ Consumer Protection Hotline • 7,100 written consumer complaints • 560 reports of pricegouging to the temporary DOJ Price Gouging Hotline • 36 cease-and-desist letters sent to businesses that engaged in price -gouging “2020 was definitely a year for the record books,” Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said. “Thank you to Oregonians for staying vigilant and keeping your eyes out for scammers as well as for basic unfair consumer practices by businesses,” said AG Rosenblum. “No one should feel ‘ripped
off’ and that’s why we follow up with each and every complaint that’s filed with us, either by phone or online— and, yes—even throughout the pandemic.” According to Rosenblum, between the year-long pandemic and the awful fall wildfires, there were plenty of new opportunities to take advantage of Oregonians, many of whom were in desperate need of hotel rooms, cleaning supplies, masks, toilet paper and even bottled water. “Some businesses clearly took advantage of these opportunities to significantly— and unlawfully—increase the price of goods,” Rosenblum said. 2020 top ten list • Telecommunications (1035 complaints) • Auto Sales & Repairs (602 complaints) • Imposter Scams (534 complaints) • Health and Medical (526 complaints) • Financial, Credits and Lending (513 complaints) • Grocery, Food and Beverage (416 complaints) • Travel Services & Products (331 complaints) • Real Estate & Property Management (218 complaints) • Recreation (183 complaints)
• Construction Contractors (170 complaints) In March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, DOJ learned some businesses were charging exorbitant prices for essential products, such as toilet paper and cleaning disinfectant. At the request of Rosenblum, the governor issued an order activating Oregon’s pricegouging statute. Days later, DOJ warned Amazon, Facebook, Ebay, and Craigslist that they were not exempt from price gouging laws and urged businesses to refund or credit cancellations due to coronavirus-related restrictions. Within a few months of the beginning of the pandemic, DOJ also announced settlements with six companies and medical clinics selling unproven COVID-19 treatments. In November DOJ settled with two convenience store chains, a Portland-based sock merchant, a travel business, and a skincare company. If you have information about, or think you may have fallen victim to a fraud or scam, contact the Oregon Department of Justice online at www.oregonconsumer. gov or call our Consumer Complaint Hotline at 1-877877-9392.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021
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p m v g t i i c i t u T m w w y t w t t s a t
Oregon’s suicide rate increases ‘concerning’ Oregon had the nation’s ninth highest suicide rate across all ages in 2019—a significant difference from the year before when the state was 17th in suicide deaths, according to suicide mortality data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state had 20.4 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people in 2019 — the same rate as Idaho — with a total of 906 deaths. In 2018, the suicide death rate was 19 per 100,000, which amounted to 844 total deaths. Oregon was ranked 15th in the nation in suicide deaths in 2017, when its rate had also been 19 deaths per 100,000, which amounted to 825 total deaths. The 2019 change in ranking is due to several factors, including a 2.1% decrease in suicide deaths nationwide and increased suicide rates in Oregon. The data for youth in 2019 were more promising. That year, the rate of suicide for youth ages 10 to 24 decreased
for the first time since 2015. In both 2019 and 2018, Oregon ranked 11th highest in the nation for youth suicide deaths. Preliminary information indicates that the youth suicide rate decreased again in 2020, pending finalized 2020 data released by the CDC. “Every loss to suicide is a tragedy,” Oregon Health Authority Health Officer and State Epidemiologist Dean E. Sidelinger said. “Our state has done a tremendous amount of work in suicide prevention in the past two years, including launching new programs that provide emotional support for COVID-19 concerns. While it appears that Oregon has not seen increased deaths by suicide linked to the pandemic in 2020, Oregon’s rates of suicide in recent years are still concerning. After all, Oregon remains above the national average for suicides, and above average for youth age groups as well.” According to preliminary data, there were about 90 fewer suicides across all ages in Oregon in 2020 than in 2019, and about 28 fewer than in 2018. In addition, the number
of suicide-related visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers in January of 2021 are similar to the final quarter of 2020, and the number of suicide-related calls to Oregon Poison Center in January 2021 are similar to the final quarter of 2020. The percent of suicide-related visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers in January 2021 is similar to the final quarter of 2020. Call volume to Lines for Life, a regional substance abuse and suicide prevention nonprofit that operates several crisis helplines, has increased annually since 2016. There have been no increases in call volume beyond what’s expected, and of the crisis calls staff answer, roughly the same percent of callers reported thinking about suicide in 2020 as those who did in 2019. The Chronicle reported in January 2020, that the rate of suicides in Columbia County was also sharply rising. A crisis team task force was established to addresses suicide in a myriad of ways, through training, education, community
meeting, community partnering, and reducing stigma. The state continues as well to focus on improving and expanding suicide prevention efforts. Funding was allocated to Youth Suicide Prevention programming in 2019 and is now available statewide. In 2019, Oregon passed legislation creating an adult suicide prevention coordinator position at OHA that would be responsible for developing an Adult Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan (ASIPP) for the state to identify action steps that can be taken to reduce suicide among Oregonians 25 and older. More than 100 partners across the state are supporting the plan’s development, which should be completed this fall. In fall 2020, OHA received federal funding through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support health systems in providing safer and specific suicide care for adults 25 and older through a nationally recognized model known as the Zero Suicide Initiative. This approach aims to improve care and support for persons at
risk of suicide served by health systems. This federal funding has allowed OHA to hire full-time staff to support health systems through training and development of tools that support adults 25 and older in addition to the adult suicide prevention coordinator position providing dedicated staff to reduce suicide among Oregon adults 25 and older. OHA is collaborating on suicide prevention efforts across all ages with partners to reduce suicides and the impacts of suicide on all Oregonians. Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, officials said help is available: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 run by Lines For Life at 800-273-8255 or text “273TALK” to 839863 (text services available Monday–Friday, 2–6 p.m. Pacific Time). The Veterans Crisis Lines can be reached by calling the above number and pressing
“1.” En español: 1-888-6289454. TTY: Dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255. YouthLine is a teen-to-teen crisis and help line. Teens are available to help daily from 4–10 p.m. Pacific Time (offhour calls answered by Lines for Life). Call 877-968-8491, text “teen2teen” to 839863 or chat at oregonyouthline.org. See Crisis Services by Oregon County and a list of crisis a lines on OHA’s website. The Safe + Strong website o and helpline operate 24/7 (1- u 800-923-4357). Safe + Strong r is designed to support people c who are facing challenges l related to COVID-19 or other t life stressors. p Use the website as a tool to g help make sense of what you’reu going through and to learn t more about what resources c and support can help you, your t loved ones, and the communi- p ties you live and work in. In Columbia County, If you w are struggling with thoughts g of suicide, crisis services are g available 24/7 at Columbia i Community Mental Health, f 503-782-4499 or TTY 711. You can also call 911.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021
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Public Notices
CH21-1622
CH21-1609
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF IN THE CIRUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of Melvin Eugene Taylor, Deceased. Case No. 21PB01475 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Susan L. Taylor has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present them, with vouchers
attached, to Susan L. Taylor, personal representative, at 2005 Saint Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative or
the attorney for the personal representative, Mark J. Lang, 2005 Saint Helens St, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published: March 10, 2021. /s/ Mark J. Lang, Mark J. Lang, OSB#973116 Attorney for Personal Representative, 2005 St Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 410-5238 Published: March 10, March 17, and March 24, 2021.
In the Matter of the Estate of: EVAN ELNATHAN KJORNES, Deceased. CASE NO. 21PB01276 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dawn Ritenour and Rebecca Schmit have been appointed co-personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with
vouchers attached, to Dawn Ritenour at 1850 7th Street, Columbia City, Oregon 97018 or Rebecca Schmit at 34047 Church Road, Warren, Oregon 97053, CoPersonal Representatives of the Estate of Evan Elnathan Kjornes, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may
be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the co-personal representatives, or the lawyer for the co-personal representatives, David B. Herr, 33608 E. Columbia Avenue, Suite 110, Scappoose, Oregon 97056. David B. Herr, OSB# 890117, Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives.
CH21-1623
CH21-1621
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC NOTICE COLUMBIA RIVER Pursuant to ORS 477.250, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held at the Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Grove District Office, 801 Gales Creek Road, in Forest Grove, Oregon, on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 3:00 pm, to receive from any interested persons sugges-
tions, advice, objections or remonstrance’s to the proposed budget for the Forest Protection District. A copy of the tentative budget for the Forest Protection District may be inspected during normal working hours. To ensure the broadest range of services to individuals with disabilities, persons with
disabilities requiring special arrangements should contact Renae Shippey, at 503-3597424 or renae.shippey@ oregon.gov at least two working days in advance of the scheduled hearing. OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, PETER DAUGHERTY, STATE FORESTER
CH21-1624
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of THOMAS RICHARD KOOP, Deceased. No. 21PB01548 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS. NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present the same within four months from this date at the office of Van-
Natta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051; and if not so presented, they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published: February 10, 2021. Date of second
publication: February 17, 2021. Date of final publication: February 24, 2021. Tarri Zahler, Personal Representative. Personal Representative: Terri Zahler c/o VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, OR 97051. Attorney for Personal Representative: Agnes M. Petersen, VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: (503) 397-4091.
CH21-1627
CH21-1588
CH21-1626
CCRider Virtual Public Forum Rescheduled Public forum previously scheduled for March 16 has been rescheduled for Apr 27, 2021 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/518348349. You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (571) 317-3116 Access Code: 518-348-349
PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT Special Meeting – Workshop March 16, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Time Change at 6:30 p.m. The Board of Directors for Columbia River PUD (PUD) will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. The Board will meet in a workshop setting to discuss the
Columbia County Courthouse
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of CAROLYN SUE CURTIS, Deceased. No: 20PB08294 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having
Helens and Vernonia.
CH21-1613
NOTICE OF WORKSHOP The Columbia County Fairgrounds is holding a Workshop - March 18th, 2021 at 6:30pm in the Pavilion at 58892 Saulser
at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the Administrative Assistant at 503-3669916. Columbia River PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager
CH21-1614
NOTICE OF STATEMENT NOTICE PROCEDURES OF BOARD OF The statement of proceand the following librardures for Columbia County Scappoose, Clatskanie, MEETING are available for review at the ies: Rainier, Columbia City, St. The Greater St. Helens Aquatic District board meeting will be held on March 15, 2021 at 5:00 pm at Eisenschmidt Pool, 1070 Eisenschmidt Lane, St. Helens. Due to COVID restrictions, please call 503-397-2283 prior to attending the meeting.
PUD’s transmission system, strategic planning, and any other business that may come before the Board. The Regular Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. immediately following the Workshop. This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for further accommodations should be made
Road, St. Helens, OR 97051 and virtually by calling 1 866 899 4679 and using access code:268-949469.
claims against the estate are required to present the same within four months from this date at the office of VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051; and if not so presented, they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affect-
ed by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published: February 24, 2021. Date of final publication: March 10, 2021.
CH21-1625
NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING McNulty Water PUD Board Meeting will be held March 16, 2021 at 7pm via Zoom. If you would like to
attend this Zoom meeting please contact Shannon at 503-397-1301 for information.
The Public Notice deadline for The Chronicle is Fridays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
Garden Plots: Vegetable heat, slug patrol CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article
Adding heat to vegetables
More moderate temperatures give hope that this might be a good spring for vegetable growing. In many gardens, soils are still too wet to till. To know if your soil is ready, dig some and form it into a ball. If it remains crumbly when squeezed, it is ready. After you till, cover the soil with black plastic until you are ready to plant. That keeps soil moisture manageable and will stop weed growth, at least for a while. Several days before you want to plant, switch to clear plastic. The soil will rapidly warm up to the time you remove the plastic to plant or transplant. This speeds seed germination and produces more vigorous transplanted vegetables. Don’t get too excited about planting corn, beans, or squash. They need to wait until the weather is more reliably warm. But onions, cabbage family transplants, lettuce (with some protection), potatoes (also with protection), and peas can all go in the ground now. Again, using clear plastic before transplanting or seeding combined with row cover afterwards will really improve plant growth. Transplants are a great way to get the vegetable garden producing earlier. You get the benefit of 4-5 weeks in a greenhouse or cold frame. The plants imagine
that they are starting their lives in Georgia. They need to be hardened off before they are transplanted into their cooler Oregon landscape. This involves taking them outside for several hours a day to get strong cuticle on their leaves and some thickening of their stems. At first, they should not be in direct sun for long but after a few days, they should be better able to handle more. Usually, 4 or 5 days of gradually increasing time is enough to get them ready. Again, protection against cold temperatures in the early spring is important. Besides row covers, you can make a “cloche” or mini-hoop house out of plastic pipe or 10-gauge wire. You cover the row with the cloche and cover the cloche frame with clear plastic. On most days, lift the plastic up to ventilate or you may cook your plants. Slug patrol Herbaceous perennials are showing green tips, vegetable starts can be purchased, and onion sets should be planted soon. So what time is it? It’s slug time. Yes, they’re back. Of course, I know they never left but at least they stayed out of sight for a while. As slugs emerge from under rocks and from cracks in the soil, the wise gardener must take action. Slug baits come in two basic formulations. The most common active ingredient is metaldehyde. This
compound, which by itself isn’t particularly attractive to slugs, is paired with something they will eat readily. Once consumed, metaldehyde causes intense mucous production and if there is any sun, slugs quickly desiccate. This compound works well as a quick “knockdown” of the slug population and depending on the bait material, may stay active for several weeks. The big concern with “meta” baits is their toxicity to pets, especially dogs. Recent formulations have tried to create repellent compounds that dogs will avoid but slugs will not. The jury is still out on whether they have succeeded in both objectives. I would not allow a dog in an area that has had recent slug-bait treatment with metaldehyde. There are many trade names of products with metaldehyde in them. Iron phosphate is the other common active ingredient. It is far less toxic to pets, though I would still discourage a dog from playing unattended in a heavily baited area. It does not provide as quick a knockdown as metaldehyde but over a period of several weeks, seems to give comparable control. The trick is to plan ahead. Bait where you know dahlias or other
slug-attractive vegetation will soon emerge or where you intend to transplant tender vegetables. Trade names for these materials include Sluggo™ and Escargo™. There are other options. A sharp hoe wielded by a ten-year old with a five cent a slug incentive (on the honor system) can reduce slug numbers dramatically. This is especially true when they figure out that boards laid down across the garden can often cover 30 slugs (read $1.50 per board). This is all from personal experience. Beer baits or similar baits made with yeast and sugar can attract slugs and they either drown or drown their sorrows, depending on the mix. It is a rather gloppy mess to renew but is somewhat effective. Beer is sometimes consumed by dogs with potentially dangerous consequences to doggy judgment around cars. There are other remedies including salt shakers, dousing them with ammonia, and other cruel and highly unusual punishments. Clearly, slugs do not bring out the best in our natures. I once listened to a famous Portland garden writer discussing on the Mike Darcy
gardening radio show her use of a propane weeder to flash toast them. She was way too enthusiastic. Start treatment for herbaceous plants like hostas or dahlias (aka slug candy) before new growth emerges. As you prepare beds for flower or vegetable transplants or seeds, plan your strategies for slug management. If you use floating row covers (see first page), bait under the covers as slugs (and weeds) do well inside that environment. Have questions? If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. Scappoose Bay Watershed Council’s Native Plant Sale Saturday, April 10
see www.scappoosebay-wc. org/nursery-sales. This event allows for pre-purchase by April 3 and pick-up the day of the sale. There will be limited walk-in to the nursery on the sale day itself. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503-397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at extension.oregonstate. edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ Click on publications and start exploring.
Join the Watershed Council at their Spring Native Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at the SBWC nursery, located behind Scappoose High School. Look for signs – go east on SE High School Way The Extension Service and turn into the parking lot offers its programs and mabetween the high school and terials equally to all people. the school ball field areas. This is their semi-annual Contact information for event to get you ready for the Extension office spring and summer planting. They have lots of new plants Oregon State University at great prices – all native to Extension Service – Columour area. Staff and volunbia County teers are available to help • Address: 505 N. Cochose plants suggest garden- lumbia River Highway, St. ing ideas and provide inforHelens, OR 97051 mation on establishing and • Phone: 503-397-3462 maintaining native vegeta• Email: chip.bubl@ tion. For more in-formation oregonstate.edu Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Financial assistance for small businesses
Business Oregon is now accepting grant applications to assist small businesses that are behind on their lease payments due to impacts from COVID-19 between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. The program provides grants to building owners to cover outstanding lease payments from small business tenants. The grants can go up to $100,000 per business tenant, but not more than $3 million for each landlord. The program is intended to help for-profit small business tenants that have 100 or fewer employees. The agreement will include additional protections for tenants, such as 6-month non-eviction clauses for non-payment, and a waiver of penalties and interest on COVID-impacted payments. Both the business tenant and property owner will need to participate in the application process and sign the grant agreement, but the initial application needs to be completed by the landlord. The online application is now available on Business Oregon’s website in multiple languages. The application period will be open for two weeks, with eligible submissions chosen by a lottery system that will also ensure geographic distribution across all regions of the state. The information needed for the initial application is minimal, it includes: • Landlord name and address • Tenant name and address • Tenant’s number of workers (part/full-time) • Tenant business classification (industry) • Base rent amount due, and actual paid per month For more details, visit www.oregon4biz.com
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
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Police Reports The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. St. Helens Police Feb. 22 • Police responded to the 80 block of Shore Drive on a report of possible sex abuse. • A 45-year-old was arrested for Burglary I, Criminal Trespass I, Criminal Mischief II, Resisting Arrest, three counts of Attempted Assault on a Police Officer, Interfering with a Police Officer, and Harassment in the 200 block of S. 18th Street in St. Helens. Feb. 23 • A 39-year-old man was arrested for Menacing in the 1600 block of Old Portland Road, St. Helens. Feb. 24 • A 39-year-old man was arrested on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant near the intersection of Port Avenue and Old Portland Road. • A 51-year-old man was arrested on multiple outstanding warrants at the intersection of South Columbia River Highway and McBride Street. Feb. 27 • Police responded to the 400 block of S 2nd Street for a welfare check. • A 39-year-old man was arrested for Menacing x3, Harassment x2, Disorderly Conduct II, and an outstanding warrant at Walmart located at 2295 Gable Rd., St. Helens, OR. Feb. 28 • A 32-year-old woman was
criminally cited for Driving While Suspended-Misdemeanor at Gable Road near Firlok Park Street in St. Helens. Oregon State Police Feb. 26 • At 10:05 a.m. an OSP trooper was patrolling the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area on the Gilbert River boat launch access road. The trooper came upon a truck towing a fifth wheel trailer. The trailer had slid off the roadway and was resting on a steep angle. The operator of the truck was unable to recover the trailer. The operator was making arrangements with triple a to recover the trailer. • At 1:15 p.m. OSP responded to a two-vehicle, injury crash on Highway 30 near milepost 53.5. Investigation revealed Unit 2 was traveling eastbound and Unit 1 attempted to cross the highway from Delena Mayger Road onto Lost Creek Road. Unit 1 collided into the side of Unit 2, causing Unit 2 to roll several times and eventually come to rest in the eastbound ditch. Driver of Unit 2 and a passenger in Unit 1 were both transported by ambulance to St. John’s Hospital. Driver of Unit 1 was injured and treated at the scene. Driver of Unit 1 was cited for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device. Both vehicles towed due to damage by Drake’s Towing. • 8:26 p.m. Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle, non-injury crash on Delena Road, just off Highway 30. Unit #1 (White Chrysler) was westbound on Highway 30 and turned onto Delena Rd. Unit #1 failed to negotiate the turn and drove off the eastbound side of Delena Rd. and down an embankment. The driver admitted to use her phone and GPS moments before the crash. The driver was not displaying indicators of impairment. The driver was cited for failing to drive within the lane of travel. The vehicle was not a hazard and left at the location.
Feb. 27 • At 5:51 p.m. troopers responded to a multi-vehicle injury crash on Highway 30 near milepost 51. A driver was transported to the St. John’s Medical Center for minor injuries. Two vehicle’s were towed by Grumpy’s Towing, One vehicle was towed by Drake’s Towing, the other two vehicle’s were towed by AAA and Bob’s Towing per their preference. • At 5:55 p.m. troopers were dispatched to a two vehicle non-injury crash on Highway 30 near milepost 24. When troopers arrived the two driver’s had exchanged information on scene and both vehicle’s were already towed by the driver’s preference due to damage. • At 10:58 p.m. A dump truck inadvertently dumped approximately 1,000 lbs of 6”-12” rip rap rock on Highway 30 between Graham Road and Rainier. The trucking company and the driver were identified. Oregon Department of Transportation, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Rainier Police Department and a witness helped clear the rocks from the highway March 1 • At 9:33 a.m. troopers responded to a single vehicle unknown injury crash on Highway 47 near milepost 57. Troopers observed indicators of impairment and the driver consented to performing standardized field sobriety tests. The driver was subsequently arrested for DUII. The driver consented to a breath test and provided a BAC of .07%. The driver was booked, cited and released from the Columbia County Jail. The vehicle was towed by Grumpy’s Towing incident to arrest. • At 6:18 p.m. OSP received a report of a hit and run on US 30 near MP 58. The suspect vehicle had attempted to pass the victim’s vehicle using the shoulder and collided with the front right corner of the victim’s vehicle upon returning to the roadway. The suspect vehicle fled the scene eastbound at a high rate of speed. Shortly after
the initial report OSP received information of a crash involving the suspect vehicle. Around MP 57 the suspect vehicle left the roadway and came to rest on its top about 50 feet off the roadway. The driver of the vehicle was conscious but was transported to St. Johns Medical Center in Longview, WA, due to injuries. OSP arrived on scene just prior to the driver being transported and learned that impairment may have played a factor in the crash. Washington State Patrol (WSP) was notified and a trooper was dispatched to the hospital to interview the driver. The subject was identified and found to have a felony warrant for robbery and several misdemeanor warrants including DUII. The WSP trooper relayed to OSP that there was probable cause to believe the driver was DUII Alcohol, and is working on obtaining blood samples for evidence. The investigation is ongoing. March 2 • At 10:45 a.m. troopers responded to a vehicle on fire located on HWY 30 near MP 27.5. When troopers arrived CRFR had extinguished the engine fire. The driver sustained no injuries and the vehicle was towed by Drake’s Towing due to damage. March 5 • 4:44 p.m. Oregon State Police assisted the Columbia County Sheriff’s with a possible subject on Highway 30 near milepost 27. The subject was contacted and it was determined that although he was depressed, he was not a danger to himself or others. March 6 • 11:35 p.m. Oregon State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for violating the posted speed limit along with having switched plates. During the stop the driver displayed indicators of impairment. The driver consented to voluntary standardized filed sobriety tests where indicators were continu-
ally seen. The driver was subsequently arrested for DUII and a felony warrant out of Washington County for Unlawful use of a weapon. The driver consented to a breath test and two valid breath samples were collected. The drivers BAC was .11%. The driver was cited and released to a responsible party for DUII and the warrant. The vehicle was towed by Grumpy’s Towing March 7 • At 1:46 p.m. troopers were dispatched to a traffic complaint on HWY 30 near MP 13 involving a white Chevrolet Silverado U-Haul. Troopers were told the Chevrolet was driving at high rates of speed and the driver was throwing garbage out of the driver’s side window. Troopers located and stopped the Chevrolet near MP 24 on HWY 30 where it was seen on radar traveling at 96 MPH. The driver was subsequently arrested for Offensive Littering and issued a citation in lieu of the arrest. Rainier Police Feb. 18 • An unknown male subject wearing khaki pants and a camouflage jacket was observed looking through a toolbox on a utility truck. Nothing was missing or damaged and the suspect was not located. • Dispatch received multiple calls about a bathroom at the marina that was occupied and locked for a prolonged period. No one would respond to knocking on the door, but loud music could be heard outside of the restroom. Upon officer arrival, the ‘tenant’ opened the door and willingly vacated. Feb. 19 • A 52-year-old transient, was taken into custody and lodged at the jail on multiple outstanding warrants. Feb. 20 • An officer responded to an alarm at a business. It was accidentally set off by a delivery driver.
• A driver lost control of their vehicle and hit the rock wall near the bridge. No one was injured, but the driver was cited for not having a valid driver’s license and driving uninsured. • Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. The disturbance was verbal in nature and the parties separated for the night. Feb. 21 • An officer responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident on the bridge. No citations were issued. • An officer assisted a citizen who accidentally locked themselves out of their vehicle. • A caller reported some suspicious activity by a couple in a vehicle. The couple was found to be fine; they were trying to fix a blown fuse. • Officers responded to a false business alarm. The building was found to be secure. Feb. 22 • An officer responded to a business alarm. The building was found to be secure. Feb. 24 • A caller was concerned about a man who appeared to be recording the ‘movement’ of the train crew. An officer made contact and found the person was recording for his Youtube channel. He advised that he shoots video of trains, waterfalls and caves. Feb. 25 • A vehicle parked on East B Street was hit by an unknown motorist and sustained considerable damage. • Officers responded to a two-vehicle, non-injury accident on Rockcrest St. No citations were issued. • An officer conducted a welfare check on a family. The family was fine. See the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement reports attached to this blotter at thechronicleonline.com
Disturbance briefly closes highway STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Highway 30 at St. Helens was briefly closed on Thursday, March 4, after police received multiple calls about a man walking down the middle of the highway allegedly carrying two large knives. St. Helens Police officers were dispatched to Highway 30 near Gable Road at approximately 7:02 a.m. following the calls. As officers arrived, they contacted the subject, identified as 43-yearold Adam Gibson of Hillsboro. Officers safely took Gibson into custody with the assistance of Columbia City Police Department and Columbia County Sheriff’s
Office, according to a release from St. Helens Police. Highway 30 was briefly shut down in both directions while Gibson was taken into custody. There were no reported injuries to Gibson or any officers on scene. During a search of Gibson, police said they recovered approximately 57 grams of methamphetamine, two knives, and a large amount of U.S. currency. Gibson was lodged at the Columbia County Jail on multiple charges of Disorderly Conduct, Interfering with a Police Officer, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges may be forthcoming, according to the release.
Police displayed what they found during the investigation, which included a large amount of currency.
Courtesy photo from St. Helens Police
Think Spring 215 S 1st Street • Saint Helens, Oregon 97051 503-410-5280 • www.2csvendormall.com
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Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
Community Action Team
Are you a veteran? You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.
Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org
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www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Hillsboro high-tails past St. Helens
Courtesy photo from Jake McNeal
St. Helens junior wide receiver Dylan Shafer (12) extends a sideline catch against Hillsboro senior defensive back Jackson Godsey (17). JAKE MCNEAL Chronicle Guest Article
The St. Helens High School football team is preparing for a trip to former Northwest Oregon rival La Salle Prep (0-1), which fell 30-14 at home to Hood River Valley in its season opener, at 7 p.m. Friday, March 12, in Milwaukie. In a night of eagerness to get back to football on Friday, March 5, junior running back Adonai Nava-Perez and visiting Hillsboro had their way with the Lions. St. Helens trailed within the first two minutes in a 54-0 Northwest Oregon Conference loss Friday at Doc Ackerson Stadium. The margin was the biggest since a 52-0 home defeat at the hands of conference rival Wilsonville Oct. 18, 2019. “We have to get better at tackling, and a game like tonight shows us that,” Lions coach Cory Young said. “You find out a lot about who you are when you’re down 48-0, and you find out who your foxhole guys are.” St. Helens (0-1 overall, 0-1 Northwest Oregon) had not played a game in a year and 124 days since its 2019 season finale at Putnam in Milwaukie, and Friday’s contest came together after Oregon schools willing to opt into a five-game COVID-19 pandemic-abbreviated football season received a green light from Oregon governor Kate Brown in February. With the win, the Spartans (1-0, 1-0) have taken all seven Class 5A Northwest Oregon rivalry games from the Lions by an average score of 44-18 since coming down from the Class 6A Pacific Conference in 2014. Six-foot-three all-conference senior running back Slade Shufelt broke loose for an 11-yard Hillsboro touchdown with 10:30 left in the first quarter Friday, and the six-foot Nava-Perez joined him with scoring dashes of 14 and 17 yards -- the first two of his five rushing touchdowns -- moments later, though St. Helens sophomore linebacker Jeremiah Rund blocked Nava-Perez’s pointafter kick in a rebuttal. “We have to keep our heads up,” said Lions senior center and defensive tackle
Garrett Cook as line play was an area of focus after the game. St. Helens fumbled the ball away to Spartans senior defensive back Ryan Benedict at its own 37, but Lions sophomore defensive end Noah Vanderzanden recovered Hillsboro’s fumble on the very next play at the St. Helens 13. Nava-Perez ran seven yards up the middle for a score and Shufelt followed from 60 yards out midway through the second quarter. Spartans senior defensive back Jackson Godsey intercepted a deflected Lions pass at midfield and returned it to the Lions’ 29, and NavaPerez fulfilled the new drive with a 24-yard run up the middle. Hillsboro junior wide receiver Michael Ellis reached the end zone on a 13-yard run and Nava-Perez finished with a 28-yard flourish, breaking tackles over center and darting out to the left sideline for a score. “We’ve got to make sure we just have fun,” said St. Helens senior running back and defensive back Ashton Smith of the importance of perseverance over discouragement in the new season’s early going. Hillsboro 54, St. Helens 0 Friday, March 5, at Doc Ackerson Stadium in St. Helens H 20 28 6 0 -- 54 SH 0 0 0 0 -- 0 First Quarter H Slade Shufelt 11-yard run (Adonai Nava-Perez PAT), 10:30 H Nava-Perez 14-yard run (Nava-Perez PAT), 5:53 H Nava-Perez 17-yard run (PAT blocked), :16.5 Second Quarter H Nava-Perez 7-yard run (Nava-Perez PAT), 10:13 H Shufelt 60-yard run (Nava-Perez PAT), 8:11 H Nava-Perez 24-yard run (Nava-Perez PAT), 6:55 H Michael Ellis 13-yard run (Nava-Perez PAT), :53 Third Quarter H Nava-Perez 28-yard run (Nava-Perez PAT), 10:10
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St. Helens sophomore quarterback Tyler Tolles (8) fires downfield.
Courtesy photo from Jake McNeal