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Arson possible in $1.75M building fire JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) investigators are now estimating fire damages to the 300 building in St. Helens at $1.75 million. CRFR Division Chief of Training Jeremy Mendola told The Chronicle that while the cause of the March 12 blaze is still undetermined, arson has not been ruled out and St. Helens Police are now involved in the investigation. “The fire is suspicious and is under active investigation by the St. Helens Police Department.” St. Helens Police Department spokesperson Crystal King told The Chronicle. “Due to the active investigation, we are not releasing additional information at this time.” Mendola said much of the materials stored at the building included cars, furniture and various other items, including what was believed to be ammunition, fireworks, and propane tanks. “We did have some material going off during the fire,” he said. None of the first responders were injured during such explosions, according to Mendola. One firefighter did suffer unrelated injuries during the fire battle and was taken to a Portland hospital for treatment. That firefighter has since been released and continues to recover at home. Nearly all the 34 storage units suffered considerable damage, according to Mendola. “It’s likely that entire building will have to be taken down,” he said. “But that could take some time due
to the multiple insurance companies involved in the investigation.” The property at 777 Port Avenue has been fenced off and closed to the general public since the fire. Firefighting challenges
Firefighters faced difficulties putting out the 300 building blaze, which included concurrent calls for service and created a challenge on staffing, according to CRFR Public Information Officer Jennifer Motherway. “This is one of many reasons we operate with a combination department, meaning we have volunteers who can respond to calls from home to bolster the current staffing levels of the day,” Motherway said. Another challenge was reaching the fire. Firefighters had to use forced entry. At one point, firefighters used a chainsaw to cut through the large metal doors of the storage units. “We had to cut padlocks and force the roll up doors on the building which takes additional time and manpower,” she said. “High combustible storage items in many of the units, with paper products, wood products, clothing as well as hazardous materials such as paints and oils ultimately added fuel to this commercial fire and created a more challenging scene.” Crews remained at the scene throughout Saturday night mopping up and monitoring any additional fire spread. Additional smoke from the fire’s hot spots drifted throughout St. Helens Sunday and Monday, March 13 and 14. According to CRFR, at the time that this particular structure was built, smoke alarms and sprinklers were
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Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Yellow caution tape surrounds the fire site as the investigation continues.
Courtesy photo from Chance Masterson
A large column of gray smoke drifted over the building fire.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Firefighters carefully positioned themselves at the fire scene.
Senior Isolation What color should it be? JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The St. Helens Senior Center is located at 375 S 15th Street.
COVID-19 impacts linger ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
When Oregon’s statewide mask mandate lifted on March 14, many were overjoyed, some were sad, and others were vindictive and angry. Some laid the blame squarely at the feet of our government officials; others took to Twitter to voice their frustration. Some couldn’t be bothered. Pandemic restrictions dropped one by one. Business owners traded out their “mask required” signs for “mask optional” ones. For so
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many, life seemed to move on. But there are still those among us for whom life has not returned to normal, who routinely contend with loneliness, isolation, and fear. In her March 16 semiannual report presented to the St. Helens City Council, St. Helens Senior Center Director Kathy Innocenti painted a complicated picture of how the center is faring under what is supposed to be Oregon’s COVID-19 resiliency phase. “Attendance was really exciting at first, then it started diminishing a little,” she said. “We heard from some people that their adult children were telling (seniors), ‘Don’t go out,’” she said. “I think there’s still some hesitancy (there).” While congregate meals have resumed, Innocenti told the council that the senior center, classified as a health center by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), must comply with social distancing guidelines or risk losing key
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The iconic Scappoose Peace Candle remains standing proud and true, weathering surrounding building demolition and the construction of a new apartment complex at its site along Highway 30. Rehabilitating the Peace Candle has been a Scappoose City Council goal since 2015, according to a release from the City of Scappoose. “Over the last year an opportunity to protect and rehabilitate the Peace Candle has arisen,” the release states, adding that the developer and owner of the land surrounding the Peace Candle sits on have agreed to work with the City of Scappoose to protect the Candle. The Peace Candle renovations will include a new coat of paint. According to the city, the Candle historically was covered in real wax. The wax proved unsustainable, the wax was removed, and the silo was painted, according to the release. The Peace Candle has been through a number of colors over its lifetime. The original color when the Candle was first constructed was closer to off-white, the color of natural candle wax. At one point the Candle was painted yellow which lasted through the early to mid 1990s, and was later painted red, the color it is today. The City of Scappoose is seeking input on which paint color the community prefers. The off-white color would allow for the future installation of LED ambiance lighting to project color onto the Candle, similar to the fountain sculpture in Heritage Park at night. The flame assembly at the top of the Candle will not be chang-
Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle
The Peace Candle standing proud following surrounding building demolition to make room for an apartment complex.
History Work to clear the surrounding area at the Peace Candle site for an 80-unit apartment complex began in late 2020. Portland development company, WDC Properties, purchased the property in 2019. The developer said the ecofriendly designed rental housing units will be in two buildings with
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parking for the residents and also for visitors to the Peace Candle. The new 80-unit apartment project, called Candlelight Apartments, is expected to open in the Fall of 2022. “The candle will remain a shining light and reminder to everyone that there is hope for world peace,” WDC Properties founder and CEO, Mark Madden said.
ing, according to city officials.
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Oregon’s recovery, risks, and challenges AMY VANDER VLIET Chronicle Guest Article
After plunging into a deep recession in 2020, Oregon added a record number of jobs in 2021 and is on track to make a full recovery by the end of 2022, according to the latest forecast from the Office of Economic Analysis (OEA). All broad industries will add jobs this year due to a combination of pandemic rebound and underlying economic expansion. Growth rates will vary considerably depending, in part, on the status of each sector’s recovery. Leisure and hospitality (e.g. restaurants, bars, hotels) will grow by a booming 14%; nearly four times faster than the overall economy. This industry was hammered by the pandemic, losing nearly half of total jobs. As of January 2022, it was still 17,500 jobs (8%) shy of pre-pandemic highs, so much of the projected growth falls under the “rebound” category. Although OEA forecasts historic highs in the years ahead, they point out that structural changes will keep growth below what we would typically expect given a growing population. Public and private education will be the secondfastest growing industry (5%) as schools continue to staff back up following a prolonged period of remote learning and limited school activities. However, this sector still has a ways to travel down the road to full recovery and despite strong
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Oregon’s leisure and hospitality industry, including restaurants, bars and hotels, will grow by a booming 14%; nearly four times faster than the overall economy, according to the new report.
forecasted growth, the year will end with employment still below pre-pandemic levels. Schools are struggling to find workers and college enrollments are down. Professional and business services, a large and sprawling industry that includes temporary help, legal and accounting firms, and other office-type jobs, will be the third-fastest growing industry in 2022. As this industry is nearly fully recovered from pandemic losses, which were relatively mild, OEA attributes much of the gain to economic expansion. Health care and social assistance is still in recovery mode and will see aboveaverage growth this year. Employment will returns to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, after which growth resumes tracking demographics. Transportation and warehousing suffered just
a single month of pandemic job loss that was quickly erased as Oregonians turned to e-commerce, and to buying goods as opposed to services. This sector is clearly in the ‘economic expansion’ category, and growth will continue as more distribution centers are set to open or expand. Challenges OEA believes the biggest challenge facing Oregon’s economy today is on the supply side. Not just overloaded supply chains but, more importantly, labor. Businesses are struggling to find workers and vacancies are at an alltime high. Employers have responded by raising wages, especially in lower-paying occupations. Potential workers are sitting on the sidelines for a few main reasons:
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• Strong household finances in the form of accumulated savings, growing assets, and lower debt provide a cushion if people cannot, or do not want to, return to work quite yet. • Rising wages lessen the need for a second wage earner in the household. • Rising wages also allow some people who worked a second job in order to make ends meet now to work just one. • Lack of available and affordable childcare may keep some parents at home. As the pandemic eases and savings shrink, more people
will return to the labor force and search for work. That said, OEA expects the labor market to remain tight in the foreseeable future as firms continue to hire and Baby Boomers retire. Risks Note: OEA produced their forecast prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing economic fallout. The biggest risk to the economic outlook is persistent inflation. Last year inflation was largely linked to semiconductor shortages and the reopening of the economy and considered transitory. Since then its reach has broad-
ened. The risk is that Federal Reserve policy will be unable to walk the fine line between tightening too much and not enough, resulting in a boom/ bust cycle and possible recession. For now, OEA anticipates the Fed will be able to engineer a soft landing. The OEA’s complete report is available at www.oregon. gov/das/OEA/Pages/forecastecorev.aspx. Amy Vander Vliet is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at amy.s.vandervliet@employ. oregon.gov or at 971-8042099.
Digging In!
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Community members enjoy the free lunch during the 2021 St. Helens Citizens Day celebration.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Officials from the St. Helens School District, Hoffman Construction and community members used gold painted shovels during a ground-breaking ceremony Monday, March 28, for the demolition phase of the estimated $67 million St. Helens High School renovation project. See more photos and updates about the renovation at thechronicleonline.com.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl serves a community member during the 2021 Citizens Day celebration. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
The City of St. Helens is inviting interested vendors and volunteers to participate in Citizens Day in the Park 2022. Citizens Day is an annual community event hosted by the City of St. Helens at McCormick Park. The event is focused on strengthening community connections by encouraging people to turn off technology and enjoy a day of fun activities in St. Helens’ largest park. Activities are familyfriendly, free, and designed for a wide-age range. This year, Citizens Day in the Park will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Vendors are welcome at Citizens Day but need to preregister. Space is limited, and vendors are encouraged to apply for a spot early. There
is no vendor fee and concession fees are being waived for this event. To promote community resources and shopping local, space preference is being given to local nonprofits and businesses. Each booth is being asked to host a family-friendly activity. To find out additional vendor information and fill out an application form, visit the city’s Citizens Day event website at www.sthelensoregon.gov/community/page/ citizens-day-park. Volunteers are a vital part of making Citizens Day a success. Volunteers are needed to assist with the event set up and clean up, welcome booth, serving food, and more. Any groups or individuals interested in volunteering should fill out an interest form at www.sthelensoregon.gov/community/page/ citizens- day-park. A city
staff member will follow up with you after receiving your interest form. The barbecue lunch is free to the community thanks to the generous donations of many local businesses. If you are interested in donating to Citizens Day, please contact Deputy City Recorder Lisa Scholl at lscholl@sthelensoregon.gov. History Citizens Day in the Park was first hosted in 2017. It was created by the St. Helens City Council to encourage people to meet other community members and enjoy the city’s largest park. The annual event includes a free barbeque lunch, live music, lawn games, vendors, and more. See previous Citizens Day coverage at thechronicleonline.com.
Temporary street closures Temporary road closures at Howard Street and Kelley Street are scheduled for Wednesday, April 6 to Friday, April 22. The temporary closures are expected to last 17 days. Expect single lane traffic control on Kelley Street intermittently between Wednesday, April 6 and Friday, April 22 during normal working hours.
Howard Street will be closed to all traffic between Kelley Street and
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the Columbia Commons Business Campus from 7 a.m. on Monday, April 11 until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 22, including evenings and weekends. Please follow detour signs to Commons Drive via Pittsburg Road. Underground utilities are being installed in preparation for future business developments at the site.
Assisted Living At Home Caregiving advice by Nurse Navigator Katie Klem
How do you care from afar when your loved one is elderly & chronically ill? (Part 2 of 5)
In part 1 of 5, we discussed Sally’s health challenges. Sally has to make the decision to either go into an assisted living community or to stay at home. Her son lives on the east coast, and he does not have plan to care for his mom from afar. His dad (Sally’s husband and then caregiver) died recently. How do I begin to help Sally and her son? This is a popular question amongst caregiving families. Today we are discussing Sally’s wishes and the steps and processes that I use to help the son care from afar while keeping Sally well and happy and out of the emergency room. The first thing I did
was to conduct a family caregiving survey. It is a questionnaire and in-home assessment that helps Sally to state her wishes, helps the son to identify his concerns and worries, helps me as a care manager and a care navigator to analyze ALL their needs (caregiving, financial, legal, chronic illness management, wellness, and long term care planning). From there I can identify all the professionals who are needed to create a solid life enhancing, cost effective and fully coordinated long term care plan for Sally. Sally’s wish is to stay at home and to age in place, have her multi-level home modified for accessibility
and safety, prevent the son from ever becoming her hands-on caregiver, stretch the funds she has to last her for five years of in-home caregiving, and to remain active in her home owners association board meetings. Next time, I will share with you the second thing that I did which was to build a caregiving team (based on the results of the survey) to keep Sally well and out of the emergency room. If someone you love is challenged with chronic illnesses and you need assistance, or if you would like a copy of the layman’s version of my caregiving survey, please call me between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays.
Katie Klem is a certified elder care consultant and CCO of COMFORT Makers & Comforting Medical Supply. 139 N. 21st St., St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503-369-2460 Email: Katie@comfort-makers.com
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Local fire chief heads to Ukraine war zone JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District Division Chief Miguel Bautista is heading the Ukraine region to support the ongoing humanitarian needs resulting from the Russian invasion of the country. “We are very concerned about his safety, but I can assure you that with his skill sets and his attention to safety, we are confident he won’t put himself into danger,” SRFPD Chief Jeff Pricher told The Chronicle. “What is important is that this is a powerful statement from our local community saying we are helping a country that is in desperate need of assistance.” Bautista is a member of
a non-profit Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, Impact Northwest. The nonprofit, non-governmental organization (NGO) provides rescue, medical, and logistical support to those affected by disaster worldwide, and preparedness support to communities in need as well as professional rescue training. Bautista is a disaster medical technician and has been a member of the team since 2015. “Many Ukrainian refugees crossing the border need basic primary care services as they cross, exhausted from traveling for many hours or even days trying to escape the destructions of their homes,” Pricher said. “Countless refugees also have pre-existing medical conditions that have gone untreated during this crisis.”
Bautista will join a medical group who will assist in providing medical care and logistical support alongside many other organizations responding to the needs of the Ukrainian people. His team will work to serve refugees and finalize the arrangements for our monthslong mission, according to Pricher. “Our district is ready to support Chief Bautista’s family in anyway while he is serving abroad,” he said. The SRFPD currently has two chief officers and one career personnel serving on teams that deploy to wildfires, humanitarian disasters, national security special events and searchand-rescue efforts. The work they do serves the public’s immediate needs, according to Pricher.
gency allotments on April 12. Emergency allotments will be issued April 29 or May 3 for households who did not receive benefits in the first monthly issuance. SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards. More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/ FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/ Emergency-Allotments.aspx. Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-6999075. If your household receives SNAP and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-to-date information. You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways:
• By fax at: 503-3785628 • By phone at: 1-800699-9075 or TTY 711
“While some might think the absence of an employee on a deployment is a significant hardship, the impact is short lived,” Pricher said. “The operational experiences, networking and logistical challenges on large scale incidents, when brought home, provide a level of capability and actionable experience that will help guide our dayto-day incidents, but better prepare us for the large incidents that we do not have all the time.” Bautista was hired as a chief at SRFPD in August 2021. If you would like to support Impact Northwest and their Ukraine mission, visit www.empactnorthwest.org. To make a direct donation, visit donorbox.org/ empact-ukraine.
Courtesy photo
SRFPD Chief Miguel Bautista, right, is shown here with members of the Impact Northwest team, as they depart for Ukraine.
SNAP benefits increasing by $65 million STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in April. The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, approximately 399,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $65 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits. “We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” said Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Seguin said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.” Current SNAP households will receive emer-
• Online at: ONE.Oregon. gov • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
Resources to help meet basic needs Find a food pantry at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank. org. Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities at Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or at www.adrcoforegon.org. Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org. Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency at www.caporegon. org/find-services/ or at the Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center. Learn more at https:// govstatus.egov.com/or-dhsbenefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
Courtesy photo
SNAP is an assistance program designed to help approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities, with emergency food allotments and other benefits.
Community Calendar COVID-19 Testing The COVID-19 testing site at the Columbia County Rider Transit Center at 1155 Deer Island Road in St. Helens is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday until March 31. Schedule an appointment online at cur. tv/sthelens or by calling 888702-0942 (Curative) or 503397-7247 (Public Health). April 1 Sheriff’s Sale The Columbia County Sheriff’s Sale is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Columbia County Justice Facility at 901 Port Ave. in St. Helens. County-owned, tax-foreclosed properties will be sold to the highest bidder by oral auction. Additional details can be found by visiting https:// www.columbiacountyor.gov/ surplus-property. April 2 Shred Day 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the InRoads Administration Building located at 1720 St. Helens Street in St. Helens. InRoads Credit Union will help protect your credit and identity with a fast and free shred day event. Bring your sensitive mail and other papers that need to be shredded, up to two boxes or bags of paper per vehicle, to Shred Day and we’ll chop it up into itsy-bitsy pieces for free. For more information, contact InRoads at 503-3972376. April 2 Legislative Town Hall Oregon Sen. Rachel Armitage (D-Warren) representing State Senate District 16 will conduct a town hall meeting from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Rainier City Hall Council Chambers. For more information, contact the City of Rainier at 503-556-7301. April 2 Nob Hill Nature Park Work A volunteer work party will
assemble at Nob Hill Nature Park from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The work includes weeding, mulching and ivy removal and replanting. Dress for the weather, including rain gear if needed. Please bring gloves, tools, water and snack items. Masks and social distancing are appreciated. This work party takes place rain or shine. Meet at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, 451 Plymouth Street, in St. Helens. All are welcome. Pre-registration is requested by Friday, April 1 by calling Scappoose Bay Watershed Council at 503-397-7904. Or e-mail to: info@scappoosebay-wc.org. For day of event, call 503-349-8586. April 8 Early Learning Fair Community Action Team presents the Early Learning Fair from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center at 2625 Gable Road in St. Helens. Community vendors will share program information, talk with parents and discuss what services they provide and offer an activity for children. April 9 Bulk Waste Cleanup Day 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Clatskanie City Park. Televisions, dishwashers, stoves, water heaters, washers and dryers, microwaves, furniture, car batteries, scrap metal, computers, printers and monitors will be accepted. $10 per vehicle. Cash only. Sponsored by Wauna Credit Union, For more details, call 503-7282622. April 23-24 Columbia County Home and Garden Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion Building located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. The Columbia
County Home and Garden Show is presented by The Chronicle and sponsored by InRoads Credit Union. See details at thechronicleonline. com. April 30 Town Hall Meeting Scappoose annual community meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Scappoose High School Auditorium, 33700 SE High School Way in Scappoose. The discussion will include housing, land needs and vision. Free light breakfast, coffee and hot chocolate. For more details, call the City of Scappoose at 503-543-7146. May 14 Arts Guild Event The Columbia Arts Guild invites the community to an elegant evening of fine art, music, appetizers and conversation from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center, 2625 Gable Road in St. Helens. Paintings by local artists will be available for purchase. For more information call 503-396-0875. Ongoing events Church Suppers Warm up to Easter with Soup Suppers Wednesdays 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church located at 34721 Church Road in Warren. Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.
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Opinion
Garden Plots: Spring garden topics of water and ¾ cup of white sugar. I microwave the water to just below boiling and then add the sugar and stir to dissolve. It needs to be cooled before using and refrigerated between uses. Also, clean the feeders often. Consider painting the trunks of newly planted trees white. When buying a tree, we think about where it is best suited in relation to ultimate size, shade tolerance, soils it prefers. Then we make every effort to develop a good planting hole (much wider than deep) to encourage rapid root development. But one thing easy to forget is that young trees are very susceptible to sun scald (winter) or sunburn (summer). Their bark at this stage is thin and vulnerable. In summer, direct sun on the southwest side of the tree in the late afternoon of a very hot day can “cook” the cambial tissue under the bark. We will be seeing the results of last year’s end of June heat bomb this year as young trees crack along the afternoon exposed side. A similar event can happen in the winter on very cold, clear days when there is snow and the sun reflects off the snow and onto the bark in late afternoon. The warmth causes the tissues to break dormancy, which are then are damaged when the temperatures drop rapidly at sunset. The classic symptom for both scald and sunburn is split bark on the south/southwest side. The best way to prevent this problem is to coat the trunk with white latex paint. It will redirect both the snow-
CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article
It has been wet. This is the first time in a number of years we have actually exceeded our “rain year” average. Gardeners are discovering seeps and springs where none had ever been seen before. The new wet areas could be a natural process since water moves mysteriously underground. But you also should consider if anything has been done to affect the drainage patterns. Are gutters carrying water to an appropriate discharge place? Is a drainage ditch not functioning as well as in the past? Is there a septic tank and/ or field issue? Has a new house been built above you and changed the larger scale drainage patterns? Drainage concerns can be complicated to assess and fix but now is the right time to make notes and begin to consider solutions if they are needed. There are plants that thrive in low areas. Some “seep tolerant” native plants include all the small willows, red osier dogwood, and western red cedar. Many of these plants are for sale at the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council’s native plant sale noted below. The migratory hummingbirds have returned. There are some plants in bloom for them, but we are behind normal bloom times this year, so a bit of hummingbird nectar would help get them past any cold period. The formula for a quart of nectar is three cups
reflected winter sun and the direct summer sun. The paint will last several years or more and can be reapplied. Events
Local Bee Group meetings On Saturday, April 2, the Bee Group will host a full-day Bee Class from 9 a.m. to noon indoors at the Extension office in St. Helens and in the afternoon with bee hives. Cost is $50 which will also give you a year membership in the group. Register at columbiacountyoregonbeekeepers@ gmail.com. At 6 p.m. Thursday April 7 there will be a free zoom event with Paul Stromberg, President of Portland Metro Beekeepers. He will talk on queen rearing for backyard
Viewpoints
Ever since the pandemic began, takeout from restaurants has soared. That means that waste and pollution from plastic takeout containers has soared, too. In an effort to do my part, I tried taking a reusable container to my favorite eatery when I picked up my takeout order, but I was told by the restaurant that it was against the law for them to use my container! I got the same response when I tried to use a reusable salad box at the grocery store’s salad bar. Oregon has adopted U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules that ban customers from bringing their own
containers to grocery stores and restaurants in an attempt to curb plastic waste. The rationale for this rule is to avoid “cross-contamination.” In adopting this rule, Oregon has failed to take into consideration the huge environmental impact that single-use plastics like take-out containers has. In 2019, a workgroup began to examine this rule and consider alternatives, to allow consumers to do their part to reduce the pile-up of tons of plastic waste by bringing their own reusable containers. That effort was derailed by the pandemic, but it is now back up and running. Beginning this year, the workgroup is again considering recommendations to
Scappoose Bay Watershed Council’s Native Plant Sale April 9 Join the Watershed Council at their Spring Native Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the SBWC nursery, located behind Scappoose High School. Look for signs – go east on SE High School Way and turn into the parking lot between the high school and the school ball field areas. This is their semi-annual event to get you ready for
spring and summer planting. They have lots of new plants at great prices – all native to our area. Staff and volunteers are available to help chose plants suggest gardening ideas and provide information on establishing and maintaining native vegetation. For more information see https://www. scappoosebay-wc.org/nativeplant-nursery.
The Columbia County Home and Garden Show
The Columbia County Home and Garden Show presented by The Chronicle and sponsored by InRoads Credit Union returns April 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. There will be guest speakers, vendors and many displays. See more at thechronicleonline.com. The Columbia County Master Gardeners™ Spring Fair This event will also return after two years. It will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30. There will 3,000 tomato plants, peppers, and garden related items by other vendors. It will be at the Columbia County Fairgrounds since St. Helens High School is undergoing major renovations. Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu/ Click on publications and start exploring. Important notes • The OSU Extension Office is fully open.
• Donate produce and/ or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It is greatly appreciated. • The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. 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. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on newsletters. Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462
Voices of the Community
Allow reusable food containers ISABELLA COHN Chronicle Guest Column
beekeepers and as a sideline commercial beekeepers. To get the Zoom link, email columbiacountyoregonbeekeepers@gmail.com.
modify or eliminate this rule. I want to encourage anyone who has ever gotten take-out and is as horrified as I am by all of the garbage that it generates to write to your state legislators and urge them to support any efforts to reject this rule and allow reusable food containers. Taking this step won’t require restaurant patrons and grocery store customers to bring their own containers – but it will give them the option to do so. This, to me, seems like an easy way to make a potentially big difference in the amount of plastic waste that we use and throw away every single day. Isabella Cohn is an Oregon City resident.
Taxpayers beware The last St. Helens hospital feasibility study and following subsequent egregious mismanagement cost local tax payers millions of dollars (some additional millions allegedly “unaccounted for,” Chronicle, March 23), entrapped property owners through assessed property taxes on land over 20 miles away, and its legitimacy was rejected at the state level. Hospitals are very expen-
sive to build, manage, staff, and equip. Just because a hospital is on the door front does not mean the medical facility is fully staffed, has trained specialists, modern equipment, a group of highly trained medical laboratory employees, a trauma center, functional 24 hours a day, etc., etc. This is very unlikely in rural Columbia County? Why would a person with a Rainier address object? This writer is still festering over being identified as a property owner within the previous hospital boundary. Were we
notified? No! Our property tax statement was our first acknowledgment. Why would we be interested in a hospital more than 20 miles away accessible on a very rural narrow county road when a comprehensive hospital is less that 12 miles from our residence? The County Commissioners may be asked to conduct such a feasibility “fiasco.” Stop the waste of our hard-earned money. Paul Nys Rainier
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Crossword Solution Solution for the March 23, 2022 crossword puzzle
Spring burn period to open STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
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The spring burn period for residential open burning in the city limits of St. Helens will begin on the first Saturday in May, running from May 7-22. Burn periods are established for residents to burn yard debris. Burn periods do not apply to activities such as using a charcoal barbeque or recreational outdoor fire pit. Before burning anything in your yard, a burn permit must be obtained through Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR). Residential burn permits are available through CRFR’s website at www.crfr.com/burn-information. Burn permits can also be obtained at CRFR’s administrative office at 270 Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens. Due to the increasing
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Courtesy photo
Burn permits are required for the spring burn period within the city limits of St. Helens.
threat of brush fires and wildfires over the last several years, it is extremely important to be aware of burn bans and exercise caution when creating an outdoor fire. Burn bans may still be in effect even if you have obtained a burn permit. Always check the burn line at 503-397-4800 to find out if it is an open burn day. CRFR urges you to take the following safety precautions when conducting an outdoor burn:
• Place yard debris in an open area away from structures, trees, and power lines. • Create small piles (4’ x 4’) to better manage the burn. • Cover portions of piles with polyethylene plastic (landscape material) to keep a portion dry for lighting later (preferably in late fall or winter). • When conditions improve, check with your local fire agency for any regulations in place. • Never burn under windy conditions. • To maintain containment, create a perimeter around the pile at a minimum of 3 feet, scraped clear to bare mineral soil. • Keep a shovel and charged hose nearby to manage the burn. • Make sure the pile is dead out before leaving. • Return periodically
over several weeks to make sure the pile is still out: No heat, no smoke.
Burn permits last for one year from the date of issue. However, there are only two authorized burn periods within St. Helens city limits, on the first Saturday in May for 16 consecutive days and the third Saturday in October for 16 consecutive days. Burning household garbage, plastics, petroleum products and rubber products is not allowed. Burning may only be conducted during daylight hours. The use of burn barrels is not permitted. For more information, search for Outdoor Burning (SHMC 8.36) at www. codepublishing.com/OR/ sthelens/ or Columbia River Fire & Rescue at 503-3972990.
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 March 12 • Police responded to a domestic dispute in the 100 block of 13th Street. March 13 • Officers arrested a 21-year-old subject in the 700 block of Columbia
River Highway for violation of a release agreement.
tor vehicle and reckless driving.
March 15 • Police arrested a 33-year-old male in the 200 block of N Vernonia for offensive harassmentphysical contact and disorderly conduct II.
March 18 • A 21-year-old female was arrested by police on DUII-intoxicants near 14th Street and Old Portland Road. • Police arrested a 36-year-old male in the 500 block of Columbia River Highway on a fugitive warrant.
March 16 • Police responded to a drug call at the 100 block of 18th Street. March 17 • Offices arrested a 37-year-old female in the 5000 block of Columbia River Highway for DUIIintoxicants. • Police arrested a 26-year-old male near Oregon Street and West Street on attempting to elude while driving a mo-
March 20 • Police responded to a death investigation at the 2000 block of Gable Road. • Police arrested a 57-yearold subject in the 700 block of Columbia River Highway for a fugitive warrant. March 21 • Police responded to a
death investigation in the 700 block of Cedaroak Street. March 24 • Police investigated a possible sex abuse at the 400 block of St. Helens Street. • Police responded to assist other renderedgovernment agency at the 30000 block of Pittsburg Road. • Officers arrested a 40-year-old subject in the 1600 block of Old Portland Road for a fugitive warrant. March 25 • Police arrested a 38-year-old female near Edies Way and Cherrywood Drive for failure to perform the duties of a driver-property, reckless driving, and DUII-intoxicants.
Local programs receive $17,800 STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
The Columbia River PUD (CRPUD) Board of Directors has awarded $17,800 in Community Economic Development Grants to four local organizations. • Columbia County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $5,000 to help complete the construction of its new Home Ownership Resource Center. • The City of Scappoose received $5,000 to go toward the Scappoose Ad-
venture Festival, a one-day community event scheduled for September 10. The event is a follow-up to the Scappoose 100-Year Celebration held in 2021. • Riverside Community Outreach has been awarded $5,000 toward the renovation of its newfound long-term home on Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens. The building will help Riverside Community Outreach continue its care for the community’s vulnerable children and support families impacted by foster care. • The Scappoose Public
Library received $2,800 to expand its Movies in the Park program. They plan to purchase a larger screen and hire local entertainment for the events occurring every Friday in August. CRPUD’s Community Economic Development Grant is available to local not-for-profit entities for projects promoting econom-
ic development and enhancing livability in our community. Grants are awarded twice a year. The deadline to be considered for the first round of funding in 2022 was February 28. The deadline to apply for the second round of funding is August 31. Individual grants are limited to $5,000 and may not exceed one-half of the total project costs. Grant application materials and program details may be found at crpud.net/ grant.
Obituaries Robert Byron Tracey
Dec. 27, 1928 ~ March 21, 2022 Robert Byron Tracey Sr. of St. Helens, Oregon was born on Dec. 27, 1928, in Coram, Montana as the seventh child of Bernard and Letha Tracey. He passed away at home on March 21, 2022. Robert grew up in Columbia Falls, Montana and graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1947. He then attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana for two years, studying engineering. On August 6, 1952, Robert married the love of his life, Darlene Love, after one month of courting. Even though an aunt said it
wouldn’t last, their love affair lasted over 70 years. Robert worked the major-
ity of his life as an ironworker/draftsman in Montana, Oregon, Utah, New York, and Washington state, eventually settling in Deer Island, Oregon in 1964. Robert was active at St. Frederic Catholic Church, a past eucharist minister and assistant scout master. Robert and Darlene were snowbirds around Yuma, Arizona for 27 years and met many wonderful people there. They also loved to travel both domestically and internationally. Among their many trips, their favorites were RV-ing in Alaska for two months,
traveling to Scandinavian countries, Ireland, New Zealand, and several cruises. Robert loved to swim and enjoyed playing cribbage. Robert is survived by his wife Darlene; sons Patrick (Anne), Robert Jr. (Barbara), and Terrance (Mary); daughter Cynthia (Bill); 12 grandchildren; 18 greatgrandchildren; and his two great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your favorite charity in Robert’s name. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.
Holly Marie McCartney Oct. 19, 1990 ~ March 18, 2022
Submit Obituaries for The Chronicle Submit obituaries by calling 503-397-0116 or by emailing chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net
Holly Marie McCartney, age 31, passed away on March 18, 2022. Holly was born in Portland, Oregon to Tony and Joy McCartney. She lived her entire life in St. Helens, Oregon. She had a passion for music, creative writing, painting and creating art. Holly was a talented wrestler and one of the few females in the sport at that time. Holly started wrestling at the age of four,
and continued throughout school, placing in state competitions several times. After her graduation in 2009 she worked as a pre-school teacher with her friend Pam Henstock. Holly enjoyed shopping and spending time with her nieces and nephews, family and friends. Holly is survived by her parents, Tony and Joy; brothers, Christopher (Ashley) and Travis (Jessica); grandmothers, Shirley Mc-
Cartney and Laura Flatter; nephews Ryland, Camden, Carter, Tucker; niece Everly; as well as multiple aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Holly also leaves behind her beloved dog, Halo, which was the most important thing to her in life. She is preceded in death by two grandfathers, Max McCartney and Virgil Thomas; as well as her cousin, Tyler.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Classifieds
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com
150
502
Misc Services
Cans and Bottles If you have cans and bottles that you would like to get rid of call Steve the Can Man at 971-813-9257. Will pick up.
308
Lost & Found
Found chain saw Contact SHPD to identify, 503-3973333.
311
Announcements
Call to artists! Spring into Art May 14, 5-8 P.M. Entries accepted May 14, 9-11 A.M. at St. Helen’s Community Center. See website for details: Columbiaartsguild.com or call 503-369-1081.
Classified Ads Deadline: Mondays by noon. Late submissions may not make the paper.
Help Wanted
HELP WANTED Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper for St. Frederic Catholic Church 18 hours per week. Knowledge of Quickbooks necessary. English language skills essential with Spanish skills language helpful.
Send resume to: pdahlin@archdpdx. org. or call 503-397-0148, ext. 6.
Corrections Deputy- Entry Columbia County, OR. EOE. Deadline 4/29/2022. Apply at Columbia County OR.gov. Corrections Deputy- Lateral Columbia County, OR. EOE. Deadline 4/29/ 2022. Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov.
502
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Garage Sales
Enforcement Deputy- Entry Columbia County, OR. EOE. Deadline 4/29/2022. Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov.
503-791-7113 to set up an interview.
hour. Deadline: 4/8/22 Equal Opportunity Employer.
MOVING SALE 3200 Tahoma Steet in Columbia City. 9am-5pm 4/1 & 4/2. Rain or shine! 30 yrs accumulation includes large oak bookshelf, 20 ft. aluminum ladder, TV cabinet and lots more.
Carwash Looking for help at the local Carwash in St. Helens and Scappoose. Would be a perfect job for a retired individual or student. Please call 503-791-7113 to set up an interview.
Dental Assistant St. Helens Dental Care is looking for a Full Time Dental Assistant to join our team. Qualified applicants must have their X-Ray and EFDA license. Must be willing to work Monday through Friday. We are a state-of-theart practice and offer a positive working environment for our employees. Please drop off your resume in person Monday through Wednesday to our office at 575 S. Columbia River Hwy. in St. Helens, Oregon 97051.
Fast Lube and Oil Looking for help at the local Fast Lube and Oil in Scappoose. We are a locally owned family business and we are growing. Looking to hire all positions. Please call
The City of St. Helens is hiring Seasonal Parks Maintenance Worker Temporary position. See website for details. www. sthelensoregon. gov. $14.00 per
Immediate Opening Shipping/Receiving/Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056
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Boats & Motors
FOR SALE 12 ft. Alu. boat w/ high sides, rubber mats, fish finder, EZ load trailer, pole holder, upright sliding seats, $600. 15 HP Mercury motor, reconditioned, new seals and brain, $900. (503) 3691105, leave message and phone #.
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Reach out to potential customers. Get your ad in the paper today. Call 503-397-0116
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Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
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Columbia County
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
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ODFW prohibits taking of sea stars HILARY DORSEY
newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net
They are a popular attraction along Oregon’s coastline and now sea stars have additional protection under new state regulations. Sea stars, or starfish, are a part of the phylum Echinodermata and are related to sand dollars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, according to the Smithsonian Science Education Center. “Echinoderms are found in nearly all marine habitats and constitute a major proportion of the biomass,” the center’s website states. “Starfish belong to the class Asteroidea, derived from the Greek words “aster” (a star) and “eidos“ (form, likeness, appearance). There are more than 1600 species of starfish alive today, and they have an important role in the com-
munity structure of the ocean floor.” The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Commission has voted to change shellfish regulations to prohibit harvest of the sea stars. During the meeting conducted March 18, ODFW’s shellfish program leader Stephen Rumrill presented a package of four proposed changes. Proposed changes to shellfish rules include prohibiting the taking of sea stars, increase the daily catch limit of European green crab, require electronic fish tickets for bay clam fisheries, and establish a landing limit for gaper clam for the dive fishery in Yaquina Bay. “Oregon’s shellfish fisheries are diverse,” Rumrill said. “First with regard to the recreational fisheries, we allow harvest of a diverse group of about 30 different species.”
Courtesy photo
The sunflower sea star is among those now under new protection from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
These groups include Dungeness crab, Red Rock crab, clams and more. Sea stars and European green crab are also included in recreational fisheries. Rumrill said multiple species of sea stars have
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experienced mass mortality along the West Coast since 2013 due to Sea Star Wasting Disease. This is coincident with changing ocean conditions. “Some species of sea stars, like the ochre star,
have recovered somewhat,” Rumrill said. “Other species of sea stars have not recovered at all.” There has been a 90 percent coastwide decline of sunflower sea stars after Sea Star Wasting Disease. “NOAA Fisheries is currently considering a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity to place them on an Endangered Species List, pending a decision in 2022,” Rumrill said. Existing ODFW rules allowed the take of 10 sea stars per person per day, Rumrill added. “This is a prudent management action at this time to demonstrate the commitment to conservation,” Rumrill said of the action. European green crabs are a recent aggressive invasive species with the potential to disrupt communities of native shellfish. The mid-sized
shore crab inhabits the midregion of estuaries. They can be green, brown, yellow, red or blue in color but are easily identified by three prominent bumps between their eyes and five spines along the side of their carapace. “[They were] first observed in Coos Bay in 1997,” Rumrill said. The commission voted to increase the daily bag limit for non-native European green crabs to 35. Additional regulations for commercial bay clam fisheries were also approved at the meeting, including the requirement for electronic, rather than paper, fish tickets and designation of a harvest area and annual landing cap for the commercial gaper clam dive fishery in Yaquina Bay. The changes approved at the meeting are now in effect.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Public Notices
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CH22-1592
In the Matter of Directing the Sale of Real Property Acquired by Columbia County NOTICE OF SALE BY AUCTION OF COUNTY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY Pursuant to Order No. 6-2022, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners for Columbia County on March 2, 2022, I will offer certain real property acquired by Columbia County for sale on Friday April 1, 2022, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Columbia County Justice Facility located at 901 Port Ave, in St. Helens, Oregon. Exhibit “A” provides general information about the properties or groups of properties (the “Properties”) being offered at the sale, including location, the County Assessor’s real market values, and Form Form OR-LB-NBC CH22-1052 OR-LB-NBC
the required minimum price. The specific terms and conditions for the sale (the “Terms and Conditions”), along with other sale information, including tax maps, Assessor information summaries and earnest money agreement forms, can be viewed at the Board of Commissioners Office, Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St. Room 338, St. Helens, Oregon, or electronically at https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/ BoardofCommissionersOffice/surplus-property a link to the County’s Surplus Property page. Prospective
buyers should review all sale information carefully. The sale Terms and Conditions must be accepted by anyone bidding on a property. Sale staff will be available from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the sale location to receive signed Terms and Condition acceptance forms. Key Terms and Condition of the sale include, but are not limited to: 1. The Properties will be offered through oral auction in the order listed on Exhibit “A”, with no certainty as to the timing of a property-specific sale. 2. Properties will be Clear Page sold to the highest qualified bidder for cash inClear accor-Page
Notice of Budget Committee Meeting Notice ofOregon Budget Committee Department of Revenue Meeting Oregon Department of Revenue
INAATHE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
dance with a non-negotiable earnest money agreement that will be required for each sale. 3. All Properties offered for sale by the Sheriff will be sold AS-IS without covenants or warranties of any kind, subject to any municipal liens, easements and encumbrances of record. Conveyance will be by standard County quit-claim deed, which can be viewed at the County offices or online as provided above. The quit-claim deed will contain specific reservation to the County that should be reviewed carefully by prospective buyers. 4. Apparent High
Bidders must deposit 15% of the minimum bid amount on the day of the sale, with the remainder due by April 21, 2022, or as otherwise specified in the applicable earnest money agreement. Deposits must be submitted in the form of cash, money order or cashier’s check. 5. No elected or appointed County office or employee, their family members, or intermediaries may purchase from the County, directly or indirectly through this auction. 6. In the event that there is a conflict between anything in this notice and the Terms and Conditions, the Terms
and Conditions will prevail. Pre-sale questions should be directed to Jacyn Normine, County Board of Commissioners Office & Lands Administrator at jacyn. normine@ columbiacountyor.gov. Land use or code violation questions related to the Properties should be directed to: Land Development Services at 503-3971501 for Properties outside of city limits or to applicable city planning departments for Properties located within city limits. Dated this 3rd day of March, 2022. By: Brian E. Pixley, Columbia County Sheriff
CH22-1057
Use this notice if public comment will be taken at this meeting. Use this notice if public comment will be taken at this meeting.
A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the ______________________________ , _______________________, State of Oregon, to (District name) (County) A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the ______________________________ State of Oregon, to , _______________________, (District name)
(County)
discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 20_____ to June 30, 20_____, will be held at ________________________________________ (Location) discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 20_____ to June 30, 20_____, will be held at ________________________________________
a.m. (Location) In the Matter of the Eswith vouchers attached, to be affected by the proceeda.m. p.m. _____________________________________. The meeting will take place on__________________________at __________________________. tate of KAREN J. WOLF, the undersigned personal ings may obtain addip.m. (Date) (Address) _____________________________________. The meeting will take place on__________________________at __________________________. (Address) (Date) Deceased. No. 22PB01281 representative at Law Oftional information from the The purposeTO of theINTERESTmeeting is to receive the budget and to receive comment from therecords public on the NOTICE fice message of Amanda G. Proujan, ofbudget. the Court, the The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear atrepresentative, the meeting and discussor EDThisPERSONS NOTICE IS PLLC, 1315 14th Avenue, personal is a publicprograms meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed with the Budget Committee. HEREBY that the Committee. Longview, WA 98632, the lawyers for the personal the proposedGIVEN programs with the Budget undersigned hasdocument been may ap-be inspected within four after representative, Amanda G. A copy of the budget or obtained on ormonths after __________________________at ______________________________, (Location) A copy of personal the budget document may be inspected obtained on or after __________________________at ______________________________, pointed representheor a.m. date of first publica-(Date) Proujan. Dated and first (Location) (Date) a.m. a.m. a.m.published on March 16, tative. All persons having tion of this notice, or the p.m. p.m. between the hours of ______________________________ and ________________________________. p.m. and ________________________________. p.m. betweenagainst the hours ofthe ______________________________ claims estate are claims will be barred. All 2022. Amanda G. Proujan, required to present them, persons whose rights may Personal Representative. 150-504-063 (Rev. 11-19-21) 150-504-063 (Rev. 11-19-21)
CH22-1053 Form Form OR-LB-NBC OR-LB-NBC
B B
Notice of Budget Committee Meeting Notice ofOregon Budget Committee Department of Revenue Meeting Oregon Department of Revenue
Use this notice if public comment will be taken at a later meeting. Use this notice if public comment will be taken at a later meeting.
Columbia Columbia SWCD A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the ____________________________ State of Oregon, , _________________________, Columbia Columbia SWCD (District name) (County) A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the ____________________________ State of Oregon, , _________________________, (District name)
(County)
23 , will be held at ___________________________________________. 22 to June 30, 20_____ 35285 Millard Road, St. Helens 97051 on the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 20_____ 23 , will be held at ___________________________________________. 22 to June 30, 20_____ 35285 Millard Road, St. Helens 97051 (Location) on the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 20_____ (Location)
a.m. a.m. 5:00 April 07, 2022 p.m. The meeting will take place on ________________________________ at ____________________. 5:00 April (Date) 07, 2022 p.m. The meeting will take place on ________________________________ at ____________________. (Date)
The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee The take purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will place. will take place. An additional, separate meeting of the Budget Committee will be held to take public comment. Any person may appear at An additional, separate of the Budget Committee be held to take public comment. Any person may will appear at the meeting and discussmeeting the proposed programs with the will Budget Committee. The meeting for public comment be on the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. The meeting for public comment will be on a.m. a.m.
p.m. held at___________________________________________________ May 18, 2022 35285 Millard Road, St, Helens 97051 4:00 ________________________________ at ___________________________, p.m. held at___________________________________________________ May(Date) 18, 2022 35285 Millard Road, St, Helens 97051 4:00 (Location) ________________________________ at ___________________________, (Date)
(Location)
April 08, 2022 A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after __________________________________________________ April (Date) 08, 2022 A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after __________________________________________________ a.m. a.m.
(Date)
a.m. a.m.
p.m. and __________________________. p.m. 4:30 8:30 35285 Millard Road, St. Helens 97051 at ____________________________________________, between the hours of ______________________ p.m. and __________________________. p.m. 4:30 8:30 35285 Millard Road, St. Helens 97051 (Location) at ____________________________________________, between the hours of ______________________ (Location)
150-504-063 (Rev. 11-19-21) 150-504-063 (Rev. 11-19-21)
CH22-1055
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of John Raymond Joy, Deceased. No. 22PB01921 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Nancy E. Harris has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required
to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights are affected by the proceedings may obtain
additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published: March 23, 2022. MARK A. GORDON, P.C., OSB No. 812424 Attorney for Personal Representative, 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, 503-397-9066.
CH22-1058
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at or after 7:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for this hearing will be from the plaza side entrance. Zoom will also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings. The purpose of this hearing is to consider an application as follows: File No: Variance, V.3.22 Applicant: Nacia Bonilla Request: Variance for a reduced front yard (setback) Location: Vacant lot on S. 10th Street north of the lot addressed as 484 S. 10th Street Map No: 4N1W-4DA-1200 Testimony from the public
in both oral or written form is invited. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: SHMC 17.108.050 (1) – Criteria for granting a Variance Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, in this hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in
circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jdimsho@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.
CH22-1059
PUBLIC LIEN SALE U-STORE SELF STORAGE Auction to be held online at Storageauctions. com. Auction will run from 4/5/2022 10:00 am & end on 4/15/2022 10:00 am. Unclaimed storage lockers to be sold by competitive bidding. 1st Location Scappoose
53567 Columbia River Hwy. Thomas Meyer C018 CY14 D012 Angelica Hernandez C009. 2nd Location St. Helens 445 Port Ave, Suite D, Christopher Agee PCN05, Bryant Ekstrom CN722, Michael Moore G-045,
Natural Power Concepts G-035, Shaun Semsch R-150, Scott Sherril R-057, Bobbi Siek M-037, August Super M-056. GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION SOLD BY STORAGE LOT. Cash and Credit Cards.
Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
PDX gets $3.75M for runway safety STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden and Representative Earl Blumenauer have announced that the Portland International Airport (PDX) will receive $3.75 million to ensure its runway survives a major earthquake. The funding is among a range of federal investments in Oregon’s emergency preparedness, public safety, and economic development included in the 2022 omnibus spending bill, which has
now been signed into law by President Biden. “We appreciate Congressman Blumenauer and Senators Merkley and Wyden for their support of our request for community project funding for the design of a seismically resilient runway at PDX,” Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said. “The Port of Portland is deeply committed to supporting state and community needs during a crisis. A resilient runway at PDX— one that can withstand the effects of liquefaction— could be an essential lifeline
for many Oregonians. This federal funding, combined with additional state funding received in 2021, will allow the Port to keep this critical project moving forward.” Merkley and Wyden secured in the bill federal funding for disaster preparedness, economic development, and airport infrastructure projects throughout Oregon. “This bill includes bipartisan investments in our small businesses, strengthens disadvantaged communities, and ensures Oregon’s ports and emergency centers are able to keep Oregonians
safe,” Merkley said. “Keeping all Oregon communities safe and investing federal funds to grow opportunities for BIPOC small businesses statewide are two priorities that come up during my conversations with Oregonians in town halls and grocery store aisles,” Wyden said. “I’m glad this bill helps achieve these key objectives throughout our state.” “I am also pleased to support Oregon communities and the Port of Portland in improving their emergency operations and resilience,” Blumenauer said.
Courtesy from Wikipedia.com
The funding is designed to establish a seismically resilient runway at PDX.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A8
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Volunteers needed for park cleanup The Scappoose Bay Watershed Council and Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park (NHNP) invite you to join the semi-annual volunteer work day on Saturday, April 2. The groups are offering two times from 9 a.m. to noon, for weeding, mulching and ivy removal in the wetland near the boardwalk along Fifth Street Row, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for trail work, weeding and replanting near the big fir tree. Nob Hill Nature Park is a 10-acre oak woodland overlooking the Columbia River. The group Friends of NHNP has been doing restoration there since 2004. Dress for the weather, including rain gear if needed. Please bring gloves, tools, water and snack items. Masks and social distancing are appreciated. This
work party takes place rain or shine. Meet at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, 451 Plymouth Street, in St. Helens. All are welcome.
Pre-registration is requested by Friday, April 1 by calling Scappoose Bay Watershed Council at 503-397-7904, or e-mail to: info@scappoosebay-wc.org. For day of event, call 503349-8586.
Park Work Party 9 a.m. to noon 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2 Meet at 451 Plymouth St. St. Helens
Courtesy photo from Caroline Skinner
A participant shares a smile during a previous Nob Hill Nature Park work party.
Courtesy photo
The Nob Hill Nature Park is located at S 6th Street in St. Helens.
Animal rescue operator facing federal charges The operator of a Portland area animal rescue, rehabilitation, boarding, and adoption company is facing federal charges for her role in a conspiracy to defraud customers and for illegally
dispensing animal drugs. The company had operations in Columbia and Multnomah counties, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Oregon office. Tori Lynn Head, 26, has been charged by criminal information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and
dispensing animal drugs without proper labeling. According to the U.S. Attorney District of Oregon release, in November 2019, Head and others started Woofin Palooza, an animal rescue business with facilities in Multnomah and Columbia Counties. Head and others are
alleged to have obtained pets with medical and behavioral issues from out-of-state and made them available for adoption to paying customers. Between December 2019 and January 2021, on more than 280 occasions, Head and others made material misrepresentations about the health
and behavior of the animal offered for adoption. Based on these misrepresentations, customers paid Woofin Palooza more than $82,000 in adoption fees. During this same time period, Head sold customers mislabeled animal drugs in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Head appeared in federal court March 28 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo and was released pending further court proceedings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau investigated the case.
ISOLATION
impacted by pandemic isolation?
to your heart to not be able to support or be supported by the ones you love.
Innocenti: Because of specific funding sources, our center is grouped in with healthcare facilities (senior centers who have different funding sources may be in a different category). The rules for that category of services continue to require mask-wearing. In addition, we continue to follow guidelines for sanitation and social distancing. Folks who wish to come in for a meal are required to reserve a space for the following day to limit the number of people in the facility. The state is in discussions about which rules can be modified, eliminated, or enhanced as everyone moves forward.
participants we can accommodate as long as they can remain six feet apart. Activities currently open are billiards, exercise group, Tai Chi, Art & Painting, and Crafts. Meals are served by reservation only at noon Monday-Friday.
of changing guidelines on indoor masking and social distancing. “Our center isn’t guided by the state mandates,” Rainier Senior Center President Jan Rich said. “It’s guided by the Agency on Aging mandates, which is federal. Even though Governor Brown is dropping inside mask mandates, that doesn’t apply to the senior center, which is disappointing, but that’s what we have to abide by to keep our funding.” Rich stressed that the community can support seniors by “just checking on them, making sure that they, especially during the wintertime, have the food they need.” “We’ve lost some seniors,” she added. “I don’t know if that’s due to age, loneliness, (or) lack of contact, you know? I don’t know.”
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
From Page A1
funding. Innocenti also said the new mask-optional guidance issued by the OHA does not apply to her facility, and all employees and visitors are still required to wear masks. “The individuals who visit your senior center your clients - it’s optional. Is that correct?” Councilor Doug Morten asked, to which Innocenti responded that everyone has to wear masks, including seniors. “I think it has to do with the nutrition program and the fact that we receive Medicare funds through DHS,” she responded. In the following conversation with The Chronicle, Innocenti discusses how social isolation has impacted seniors during the pandemic. The Chronicle: Do you believe seniors have been
Innocenti: Very much so. For those who live alone or whose family lives out of the area, opportunities to socialize were limited to phone calls and perhaps Facetime calls if they had a cell phone. Church services closed down and other entertainment venues also closed. Loneliness and depression are a real problem for seniors, anyway, especially for those who no longer drive. Their interactions with others were limited to perhaps a neighbor or adult child dropping off groceries at a distance, which was difficult for all involved to cope with. I found it especially heart-breaking early on when those in the hospital, whether they had COVID or not, were not able to have loved ones with them. My father was going through chemotherapy treatments, and he’d have to be dropped off at the hospital door to go in alone. It does something
The Chronicle: Have you been closed since the pandemic? If so, for how long, and when did you reopen? Innocenti: We have been preparing and delivering meals to our homedelivered meal recipients during the entire pandemic. The center was closed to activities and other groups during that time. We were able to open for a few small group activities last year, but no meals were allowed to be served. Finally, we were given the green light last October to reopen for meals, but unfortunately, we didn’t have the staffing at the time. We were finally able to reopen at the end of January. The Chronicle: What sorts of COVID-19 mitigation measures is your center required to follow?
The Chronicle: What activities have resumed at the St. Helens Senior Center? Innocenti: Thankfully, we are now open to some group activities and daily lunches Monday through Friday. We’ve been able to expand the number of
Impacts Studies show seniors, who are more likely to experience severe COVID and even death, have reason to tread cautiously. A study from the New England Journal of Medicine indicates immune response decreases substantially in the six months following vaccination in those ages 65 and older. Additionally, the risk of death or hospitalization from COVID-19 increases fivefold for seniors ages 65-74 and eightfold among those ages 75-84, according to the National Institute for Health Care Management. Federal mandates dictate seniors are unlikely to experience the benefits
The St. Helens Senior Center is located at 375 S 15th Street and may be reached at 503-397-3377.
Crossword Puzzle
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: ROMANTIC COMEDIES ACROSS
1. “We all fall down” preceder 6. Zedong of China 9. W of gridiron’s WR 13. Short for betwixt 14. Second-largest bird, by height 15. *”The Taming of the ____” 16. Godfather’s family 17. Make a choice 18. Bridal veil fabric 19. *Like Rock Hudson’s and Doris Day’s talk 21. *Katherine Heigl wore 27 of these 23. Dumbo’s big one 24. Gift for the naughty 25. *”I Was a Male ____ Bride” starring Cary Grant 28. Inauguration ball, e.g. 30. Eyelid drooping 35. Half of binary code 37. Ruptured 39. PayPal money 40. Part of colliery 41. Avoid, as in taxes 43. “The Sun ____ Rises” 44. “Colorful” announcement 46. Fifty-fifty 47. Bit of slander 48. Rookie 50. Tolstoy’s Karenina Columbia County’s trusted local news source
52. Hitherto 53. Hammer part 55. Canada’s neighbor 57. *Sleepless in which city? 61. *Drew Barrymore has never been what? 64. Don’t mention it 65. Akira Kurosawa’s 1985 movie 67. Erasable programmable read only memory 69. Seize a throne 70. Gold medalist Nathan Chen’s turf 71. Smooth transition 72. Post-deductions 73. “But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas...” 74. Sound like Wilbur
DOWN
1. 20s dispenser 2. Type of meet 3. Sound reproduction quality 4. Expatriate 5. German POW camp, slangily 6. Garfield’s cry 7. Unit of electric current 8. One up 9. “____ Afraid of Virginia Wolf?” 10. Novelist Murdoch
11. Expunge 12. Bo Peep’s females 15. Gracefully slender 20. Perform on a dais 22. Eminem’s genre 24. Wagon train, e.g. 25. *Julia Roberts played a pretty one 26. Old and feeble 27. Extend subscription 29. *It’s crazy and stupid? 31. South American tubers 32. *Who did Harry meet? 33. Question in dispute 34. Like small distance 36. Belgrade native 38. *She starred in “I Dream of Jeannie” 42. Boredom 45. A-one 49. Slippery reef dweller 51. Appraise 54. Like a haunted mansion 56. Colorado skiing destination 57. Render speechless 58. Facilitate 59. Adjoin 60. Suit material 61. Leg joint 62. “Cogito ____ sum” 63. Brooding 66. Acronym, abbr. 68. NYC art museum’s nickname, with the
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle.
A9
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
New protection for snowy plover STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Beachgoers are urged to help recovery efforts of the threatened western snowy plover by staying on the wet sand at snowy plover beaches during nesting season, March 15 – Sept. 15. Beachgoers will see ropes that identify sensitive plover nesting areas, as well as signs that identify restrictions to protect the small shorebirds during this period. Plover beaches remain open to foot and equestrian traffic on wet, packed sand throughout the nesting season. All other recreation on plover beaches is off limits on both wet and dry sand, including walking your dog (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, camping, burning wood or other materials, and flying kites or drones. “We appreciate everyone’s help, it’s making
a difference,” Siuslaw National Forest Wildlife Biologist Cindy Burns said. “Research shows us that humans play an important role in the long-term success of the western snowy plover; if we can minimize our impact, this species has a greater chance of thriving.” These small birds nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators, or people. Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: small stretches of beach along the entire coastline where plovers are nesting or could potentially nest. These areas collectively comprise about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362
stricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand. New plover activity
Nehalem Bay snowy plover.
miles of shoreline. “Visitors will have access to hundreds of miles of beaches that have no seasonal restrictions,” Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Ocean Shore Specialist Laurel Hillmann said. “By planning your trip, you can enjoy the coast and help keep these special
Courtesy photo from OPRD
birds safe.” Detailed maps can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/ plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (go. usa.gov/xEh2h). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review maps at go.usa.gov/ xdwYQ to identify unre-
The increase in plover numbers in recent years has resulted in nesting occurring in new or historical nesting sites, including at Sand Lake Recreation Area. Like last year, visitors to Sand Lake may see roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by limiting recreation activities to wet sand areas near the water’s edge, staying out of roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out, and keeping dogs on leash. Plover protections The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when officials counted only 55
breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then, from 107 in 2003 to 604 in 2021. Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, saveoregondunes.org, is working with land managers to develop and implement a restoration strategy as well as to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for snowy plover, rare plants and animals, and the unique recreation opportunities offered here.
Weigh in on steelhead management
The goal is to be prepared for likely fishery restrictions. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Returns of summer steelhead to areas above Bonneville Dam hit a record low in 2021, closing the Deschutes River to steelhead fishing for the first time since 1978 and impacting fisheries throughout the mainstem and tributaries. With another low run forecast for 2022, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking to engage anglers and other stakeholders on potential fishery management actions this year and into the future. The goal is to provide greater transparency on what management actions will be taken when steelhead runs are low so anglers, guides
Chronicle photo
and local communities understand the decision framework and can be more prepared for likely fishery restrictions. As a first step, ODFW is asking anglers and other stakeholders to complete a listening survey by April 11. The survey is being conducted by Oregon State University Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. See the survey at https:// oregonstate.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/SV_bJYqhcM8W5y1Ne6. ODFW fish biologists throughout the Columbia Basin will present a webinar at 6 p.m. April 19, to discuss summer steelhead management, what was learned from the survey, decision frameworks for fishery restrictions and more. This webinar will be livestreamed over
Courtesy from The Columbia River Basin Federal Caucus
ODFW’s YouTube channel and include a Q&A session where fisheries biologists will answer questions submitted during the livestream. “We want to better understand the perspectives and concerns of those who are interested in the management of summer steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries including the Deschutes, John Day, Walla Walla, Umatilla, Imnaha and Grande Ronde Rivers,” ODFW Assistant Fish Divi-
2022 Columbia County
sion Administrator Shaun Clements said. “So we really appreciate everyone interested in this issue taking the time to complete the survey.” Clements said the ODFW’s first priority is always conservation. “Unfortunately upriver summer steelhead runs have been on a downturn since 2017,” he said. “Greater transparency about management actions that may be taken during low runs will help communities impacted
by closures prepare and understand when management actions will be taken and why.” While permanent regulations for these fisheries could change in the future, the decision frameworks initially will be used to make in-season regulation changes. This public process is in addition to the normal process for mainstem Columbia River fisheries and the annual Sport Fishing Regulations process.
For more background about steelhead management in the Columbia River Basin and to sign up for updates, visit https://myodfw.com/articles/steelhead-managementcolumbia-snake-river-basins. While the survey is designed to capture public comments on this issue, questions about steelhead management in the Columbia Basin including the tributaries can be emailed to odfw.steelhead@odfw. oregon.gov.
Saturday
Sunday
10am - 5pm
11am - 3pm
April 23 April 24 Columbia County Fairgrounds:
58892 Saulser Rd., St. Helens, OR 97051 Free Parking
$3 Admission At The Gate
Free tickets available at The Chronicle office at 1805 S Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, Oregon and at InRoads Credit Union locations
Saturday only!
Free Shred Day April 23, 10-1
Special Gu est!
Shannon Quimby
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Catch live DIY with InRoads de monstrations at the Columbia C ounty Home & Garden Show. Learn more at inroadscu.org/ diy.
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You can still be a vendor! Contact Katherine at 503-397-0116, chronicleads@countrymedia.net, or visit www.thechronicleonline.com/2022_columbia_county_oregon_home_and_garden_show PRESENTED BY
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Good depth, challenging season for SHHS softball JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The St. Helens High School (SHHS) Girls Varsity Softball Team is scheduled to host its first home games March 30 and March 31 against Valley Catholic School and then Hood River High School. SHS Head Coad Maranda Little said the school is sporting a varsity team and two junior varsity teams this season. “We had 27 girls try out for softball this year,” she said. “It seems consistent with the last few years. Prior to that, we were able to field three teams, but it hasn’t been that way in about five years.” Little said she and her five-member coaching staff are keeping a close watch on both strengths and the weaknesses of the teams.
“During try outs I saw several things that I liked,” she said. “Our hitting seems to be solid and I feel that it is going to be one of our bigger strengths this year as well as our versatility. Several of the varsity athletes are phenomenal at more than one position defensively so it will make line ups more challenging to make. Which is a good problem to have.”
Details, details, details. ~ Maranda Little, SHHS Softball Head Coach
Little said given the schedule and the varsity team’s overall experience, this spring the training priori-
ties will be challenging, but overall the team should be competitive. “High school softball plays games three days a week which only allows for two practice days, so our priorities are going to be whatever the needs for the team will be at that point in the season,” she said. “Bunt coverage, cutoffs, details, details, details. We are roughly a half and half team this year. Half returners, half new varsity athletes. It will take a little (white) to find the groove, but once we do, we should be tough competition.” SHHS softball is part of the 5A-1 Northwest Oregon Conference. Little said there are specific teams in the league she expects will be tough to beat. “Rex Putnam always seems to have consistent pitching with movement, she said. “I don’t see that chang-
ing any time soon. Scappoose is always scrappy and being so close and having this special rivalry makes those games extra special as well. Wilsonville has a returning senior pitcher who had some fun with her rise ball and change ups on us last year, so we are going to get prepared to face that again.” Little said, win or lose, she is hopeful the SHHS softball players (will) have a positive experience this season. “Not only do I hope my athletes take away new skills pertaining to softball, I also hope that they learn other skills as well,” Little said. “The ability to work with others regardless if you are friends with them. The internal drive to set goals and succeed in any aspect of life they want to push forward in. The ability to manage different areas of life in a way that
Courtesy photo
does not add stress.” The SHHS softball teams’ assistant coaches include varsity assistant Susanna Sass; varsity assistant Alyssa Giesbers; JV head coach Anna Hanson; JV assistant Abbie Hanson; and JV as-
sistant Kimi Ross. The SHHS varsity softball team opened its 25-game season on the road at Tualatin High School March 21. Follow the team results at osaa.org.
Unemployment plummets
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,099,958 employed and 86,900 unemployed in February. That compares with 1,982,664 employed and 143,174 unemployed in February 2021. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4% in February, from 4.2%, as revised, in January. Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped rapidly from its peak in April 2020 through late 2021 and is now at its lowest level since prior to the pandemic-induced recession in March 2020 when it was 3.5%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8% in February and 4.0% in January. In February, 59,000 Oregonians had been unemployed for less than six months,
which was near the lowest number in two decades. Meanwhile, 24,000 Oregonians had been unemployed for more than six months, as the number of long-term unemployed decreased rapidly since hitting a recent peak of 65,000 in April 2021. In February, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment rose by 12,300 jobs, following a revised gain of 5,100 jobs in January. This was the largest monthly gain since July 2021 when 34,800 jobs were added. In February, gains were largest in leisure and hospitality (+3,500 jobs), construction (+2,300), health care and
social assistance (+1,600), and professional and business services (+1,200). Eight other industries each added between 200 and 900 jobs. None of the major industries had a substantial job loss in February. Leisure and hospitality rapidly added jobs all of this year and last year. It added 51,700 jobs, or 34.4%, since February 2021. Despite these gains, leisure and hospitality still accounts for a large share of the jobs Oregon has not recovered since early 2020, with 14,600 jobs left to recover to reach the prior peak month of February 2020. The industry has regained 87% of jobs lost early in the pandemic. Construction reached another record high of 116,100 jobs in February. Mild weather in mid-February allowed roofers and other contractors to get jobs done that may have been postponed in more inclement winters. Professional and technical services employed 106,000 in February and continued its rapid expansion. It added 4,700 jobs, or 4.6%, since its pre-recession peak in February 2020.
Courtesy photo
This picture shows the three Peace Candle color choices. A proposed change to the flame illustrated here has not been accepted by Scappoose City Council.
The new Candlelight Apartments are expected to open in the fall of 2022.
CANDLE From Page A1
The Peace Candle is 50feet tall and can be seen by travelers along Highway 30 as they drive in and out of Scappoose. The candle, built by a farmer and his family, was established as a symbol of world peace in 1971 by Oregon Governor Tom McCall. To this day, the structure resides in the hearts of many Scappoose residents, as it has maintained its integrity for 50 years, according to a release from WDC Properties.
ing options in returning their color vote: Mail: City of Scappoose 33568 E. Columbia Ave, Scappoose, OR 97056 Hand-deliver: Scappoose City Hall or placing the sur-
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
vey the city’s drop box in the back parking lot. Online: https://forms. gle/8q9rWfaJqvWfSwEy7 For more information, contact the City of Scappoose at 503-543-7146.
Be engaged
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
FIRE
From Page A1 not required. In essence, the building was constructed to appropriate codes at the time of construction. Crews from the Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District, Clatskanie Fire, Columbia River PUD, St. Helens Police Department, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the fire scene. Follow developments here online and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
thr S o ee on wba our Fa ck m ceb e oo nu k
The fire damage is estimated at $1.75M.
The City of Scappoose’s Peace Candle color survey is open through May 1, 2022. Those taking part in the survey have the follow-
LIVE MUSIC
WITH LOCAL BAND No KidN
THE COLUMBIA TAVERN 467 Columbia Blvd, St Helens FRIDAY-APRIL 8TH 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT!
Come in Friday April 1st through Sunday, April 3rd and enjoy 2001 pricing on our menu items.
COME JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF CLASSIC ROCK-N-ROLL!
33144 Pittsburg Rd. • St. Helens • 503-397-7974
Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
Community Action Team
LIBERTY
BOOKKEEPING & TAX
503-397-4527
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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Invite our readers in your celebration of Easter
Licensed tax consultants
Patt Johnson Melissa Clegg
LTC 5171 LTC 5781
Electronic Filing
10%
Senior Discount
2264 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens Next to Don’s Rental
Deadline is April 8th. Publishes week of April 13. Prices start at $45. For churches, organizations and businesses. (503) 397-0116 chronicleads@countrymedia.net
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