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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
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Public safety facility fee passes
Pandemic business impact
AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net
St. Helens is preparing to fund construction of a new public safety facility at Kaster Road and Old Portland Road. City officials have stated that the current police station is outdated and to meet increasing public service demands, the new facility is needed. The department employs 23 staff members in the 2,200 square foot building constructed in 1971. The proposed public safety facility would expand to 22,000 square feet and include space for the municipal court, city council chamber and a community room. Over the last few months the city has conducted public meetings and offered a community survey to gain citizens comments about the project. The facility has been controversial among some residents who have questioned the need for the new facility and others who suggest voters should be allowed the opportunity to vote on such an ordinance, but the city council is moving forward with the plans. On Wednesday, May 19, during a regular work session, Deputy City Administrator Matt Brown presented the financial recommendation of the ad hoc committee. The city has two potential options—a $27.8 million, 20year loan, including interest: or a $23.3 million, 30-year loan, including interest. The distinction between the two plans, other than a $4.5 million discrepancy, is the amount for the fee charged to residents’ water bills to supplement the loan payments. If the city chooses to go with the 30year loan, residents won’t notice a difference in their water bill—the $2 public safety facility fee will replace the already existing $2 recreation fee. Alternatively, if the city selects the 20-year loan, residents will be charged $4.25 on top of their water bill ($2.25 more than their current bill with the recreation fee). The ad hoc committee’s recommendation to the city, said Brown, is to adopt the 30-year plan, so residents won’t incur an additional fee. The city council won’t adopt a plan yet, but Mayor Rick Scholl voiced concern over selecting the longer loan. “[The 30-year loan] would be less painful for people that are already used to it, but 4.5 million is a lot of money,” he said. Brown explained to council that they would have the option after the tenth year to pay the loan to pay it off, potentially saving the city money. “Just because we take a 30year loan doesn’t mean we have to take 30 years to pay it off,” Brown said. Originally, the city council was expecting the additional water bill fee to be between $6 and $11 dollars, but Brown expects See ORDINANCE Page A5 Opinions ........................ A4
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Vol. 139, No. 21
AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Oregon’s first real grappling with the pandemic hit in mid-March—a perfect spring weekend which drove Oregonians to the coast like Floridian spring breakers with arguably better coffee. Up until that point, Gov. Kate Brown had largely appealed to the good nature and sense of her fellow Oregonians. “I asked and urged Oregonians to stay home,” Brown said in a conference call with reporters, following the spring breaker weekend. “On Friday night, I frankly directed them to stay home. And now I am ordering them to stay home.” Illustration courtesy of the Oregon Health Authority
New face masks guidelines The state’s newest guidance on the issue came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced fully vaccinated individuals can safely remove their masks in many instances. “Under the updated guidance, people who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask indoors in most public settings where vaccination status is checked. In indoor public set tings where vaccination status is
ZACK DEMARS world3news@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Oregon businesses, employers and faith institutions must review proof of vaccination in order to ease up on state masking and social distancing rules, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced Tuesday, May 18.
not checked, masks will still be required,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger. Sidelinger addressed questions about the new policy in a press briefing Tuesday. Here are some answers to a few top questions about the seismic shift in state policy, according to Sidelinger and the state’s guidance.
I am not going to be the mask police. ~ Tom Colvins, Colvins Pub & Grill owner
Initial pandemic impact
See MASKS Page A8
All over the state, businesses were shuttering—to follow mounting COVID-19 guidelines and Brown’s executive order. Bowling alleys, gyms, gift shops, malls, spas, senior centers, and theaters were all scrambling, with virtually no alternate means of operating. The exception: restaurants. Restaurants and bars were left in a space of liminality. Most had closed several weeks prior, via an earlier order from Brown, but were still operating with take-out and delivery services. Still, the guidelines were constantly shifting. Restaurant owners and managers were caught in a perpetual cycle of innumerable calculations. Open for dining outside? Closed until dinner? Open just on weekends? Close indefinitely or shut down permanently? No matter how they sliced the numbers, the options just weren’t in their favor. Restaurants with patios were in luck, those without were less so. Quaint little breakfast cafes were dwarfed by larger facilities. And all across the industry, restaurants were scaling back—guidelines or no—as a new wave of home cooking emerged in every socially distant and quarantined home. In Columbia County, the restaurant industry’s own unique struggle perfectly encapsulated the ecliptic cycle presented by COVID-19, changing restrictions and guidelines, and the individual navigation of each restaurant.
13 Nights riverfront music returns
Chronicle photo
Curtis Salgado closes the 2018 “13 Nights on the River” series before a packed house at the Columbia View Park in St. Helens. AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net
St. Helens’ annual summer music event now for 10 years, 13 Nights on the River, is returning for summer 2021. Last year, the event was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns, and the concert was scaled back to meet the state and county
guidelines. This year, the COVID-19 guidelines are more relaxed, but 13 Nights will still maintain current safety measures, city events coordinator Tina Curry said. “Since the concerts are outdoors we will still be encouraging distancing and masks. Of course, we have hand sanitizers available as well. The CDC says that outdoor transmission is practically non-
Navigating the restrictions
existent as of late. However, we will remain as we did last year.” Due to Governor Kate Brown’s Phase 2 guidelines, events at venues have been limited to 250 people gathered outside provided they follow certain guidelines, such as six
Plymouth Pub, 298 S. First Street in St. Helens, had only been open for one year when COVID-19 hit, owner Brad Rakes said. For Plymouth, alternative methods of operating, like take-out service, was incremental in the restaurant’s survival post-one
See MUSIC Page A11
See COVID-19 Page A4
10th Annual 2021 Columbia County
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Guide The 2021 Columbia County Business guide is a full color, glossy magazine that showcases local business and highlights current news events. It is the go-to reference for visitors, newcomers, residents, and potential customers of Columbia County. The Chronicle
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Witt investigation report released JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A state legislative commissioned investigation into a harassment complaint against Clatskanie Democrat State Rep. Brad Witt by Prineville Republican State Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson concludes that perception of harassment against her “was not unreasonable.” The investigator also states in the report that a text message from Witt “was not invited, or welcome” and that Breese-Iverson “was offended, uncomfortable, shaken and anxious as a result.” “I also find that the respondent (Witt) did not
intend to offer his vote on Breese-Iverson’s bill, in exchange for a date or sexual favors, or to comment on sexual matters,” investigator Sarah Ryan writes in the report, outlined in an online Oregonian article. Breese-Iverson filed an official complaint after she had requested Witt’s support of legislation she was sponsoring concerning an issue in her district. See The Chronicle’s story concerning her allegations attached and the investigative report with this story at thechronicleonline.com. The investigative report, obtained by The Chronicle, shows screen shots of the email exchange in which Witt
declined his support. BreeseIverson continued seeking Witt’s backing of the bill, and he responded in the email conversation, “we probably need to go for a beer sometime.” As the conversation continued, Witt responded, “I’m not wedded to beer by any means, Could be dinner or...? A comment to which Breese-Inveson did not reply, and soon after filed her complaint of harassment with the Oregon Legislature. The Legislative Equity Office commissioned Parker, a Portland investigator, to conduct the investigation. The Chronicle reached Witt for a statement about the report.
“I’m gratified that the investigation dealt with the facts at hand and came to a conclusion on that basis,” Witt told The Chronicle. “I am looking forward to the final resolution to this matter in the near term and completing the work that lies ahead in this legislative session including the public’s health, the economic rebuild of our state, wildfire prevention and the reopening of Oregon.” The Chronicle also reached out to Rep. BreeseIverson for a statement. We had not received her comment at press time. Parker’s report is expected to be reviewed by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Conduct.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
State Rep. Brad Witt speaking at a previous ceremony in Columbia City.
State offers $204 million for renter relief STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Oregon Housing and Community Services will distribute $204 million to qualified renters who have experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability Qualified renters may submit applications to the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) for funding to pay rent, rent arrears, future rent and certain home utility costs. “For the first time, renters can access rental assistance through a statewide, centralized application portal,” Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Executive Director Margaret Salazar said. “Together with our community-based partners, we are prioritizing resources toward our most vulnerable households to help keep Oregonians in their homes during these challenging times.” OHCS is coordinating with OERAP local administrators, 17 community action agencies and one public housing authority — across the state to emphasize an equitable approach in the processing of applications and distribution of funds. This coordinated partnership helps ensure OERAP makes the greatest impact on reducing housing instability and homelessness. How to qualify Every renter that applies will have their application reviewed, and relief resources will be distributed to those who meet the following fed-
Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until 2022 or until program funds run out. In most cases, payment will be made directly to the landlord or utility provider.
eral eligibility requirements: • Have income less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). • Have an individual in the household who has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. • Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability due to pastdue rent or utilities. Federal guidance requires that grantees prioritize households with incomes less than 50% AMI and households with one or more members that have been unemployed for at least 90 days. OHCS is using four factors in addition to these two, including: household size, months behind on rent, 2020 wildfire impact, and if the household lives within a census tract identified by the
nationally recognized Urban Institute Rental Assistance Priority Index as a census tract with a high prevalence of low income renters at risk of experiencing housing instability and homelessness due to COVID.
taken intentional steps to direct resources towards intentionally investing in eviction prevention and long-term stability to help relieve some of the financial burden Oregonians have faced during this pandemic.” OHCS received approximately $204 million in federal funds for this program. The City of Portland, and the counties of Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Lane and Marion received additional federal Emergency Rental Assistance allocations that total approximately $76 million and opted to accept applications from residents through their own application process. Applicants are prohibited from accepting payment from the same expense from different providers and are asked to select one program. All Oregonians are welcome to apply to OERAP. Tribal governments also received allocations
directly from US Treasury. OHCS is partnering with the Oregon Human Develop Corporation (OHDC) to provide additional assistance to Spanish speaking applicants. “The pandemics’ economic fallout has disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities. We see that each day with struggling farmworkers and many of the underserved communities we work with,” Oregon Human Development Corporation Executive Director Martin Campos-Davis said. “These resources will be available regardless of immigration status. I encourage families struggling with rent and utility bills who need assistance in Spanish to reach out to us. Help is available.” Next step Applications will be accepted on a continuous
basis until 2022 or until program funds run out. In most cases, payment will be made directly to the landlord or utility provider. To find out additional information about criteria or to apply to the OERAP program visit OregonRentalAssistance.org. Oregonians in need of assistance can contact their local Community Action Agency or local program administrator or contact 211info.org or call 2-1-1. The application portal is not yet open to residents of Clackamas County. Oregonians in that community can contact Clackamas County’s Coordinated Housing Access line for more information about rental and utility resources available at 503- 655-8575 or visit their webpage at www.clackamas. us/communitydevelopment/ cha.
Prioritized system A “first come, first served” model can unintentionally leave out renters most at risk of housing instability or homelessness and those who face barriers in applying for assistance, such as limited internet access or language barriers. With that in mind, the agency established a system to prioritize the highest needs households. “The public health emergency underscores for all of us the critical importance that a safe, stable, affordable home free of discrimination plays to our health and well-being,” OHCS Director of Housing Stabilization Andrea Bell said. “I’m grateful we and our many community partners have
Please beware of utility scam attempts
COVID COMMUNITY OUTREACH TESTING OHSU IS OFFERING COVID TESTING AT NO COST TO YOU!
MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content
Scam phone calls seem to be getting more and more common. We receive reports from our customers receiving them on a regular basis. Usually, the voice on the other end of the line – either prerecorded or a live human – makes some threat about shutting off the power if you don’t make a payment in a certain amount of time. Rest assured, this is not our practice. We will never call you and threaten to disconnect your power if you don’t send immediate payment. Other electricity related scams demand that you pay with a prepaid credit card. Again, this is not something we do. We offer a variety of payment options. Scammers have become more sophisticated recently and they are able to spoof phone numbers or organizations that show up on caller ID. So it may actually appear that a phone call is coming from us when in fact it is not. If you receive a suspicious call about your account, the best thing to do is hang up and call us back directly at 503397-0590. Don’t worry – if it actually was us that you hung up on, we won’t be offended. We want to ensure you protect yourself against scam attempts like these. Here are a few more ways you can stay safe against electricity related scams: • Don’t give out any PUD account information, banking information, or credit card information unless you have verified that it is actually us
Location: Columbia County Fairgrounds located at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR Dates: Wednesdays Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sign up: www.ohsu.edu/COVIDVans
SIGN UP TO GET YOUR TEST AT THIS LOCATION How do I get tested? - Go to URL to sign up for your timeslot. - Please carefully follow registration and scheduling instructions.
calling. • Ask for verification. We will know your name, account number, account balance, and other information. If a caller asks you to provide these items or gives answers that don’t make sense, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. • If you receive a suspicious call, please write down the number on your caller ID and the number you are asked to call with payment. Then, call your local police and the PUD to report the incident. If you receive an unexpected text message claiming to be from the PUD, that is likely a scam as well. Currently, customers must opt-in to receive text messages from us. If you have not opted into this program, you will not receive
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text messages from us. So if a text message pops up on your phone demanding payment, it is likely a scam that should be ignored. Again, we ask that you report the scam attempt to your local police and to us. Please keep you and all of your sensitive personal information safe. If you ever have any doubt about who’s contacting you, get ahold of us right away.
Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD
What else do I need to know? - This is an outdoor testing event, so please dress for the weather. - Testing is for those older than 2 months. - If you tested positive before and do NOT have symptoms, you must wait 90+ days before getting another test. - COVID vaccine will not be provided at these events.
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
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Child Care: Oregon’s ‘deserts’ MOLLY ROSBACH Chronicle Guest Article
A new report from Oregon State University shows that as of March 2020, all 36 counties in Oregon qualify as child care “deserts” for infants and toddlers — meaning that there are at least three children under the age of 2 for every available child care slot in the county. Baseline report Researchers say the report, based on data collected prior to COVID-19, will serve as a useful baseline to highlight how the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges facing Oregon families with small children. “This report confirmed what families understand: There’s not enough child care, period, but there’s really a crisis when it comes to infant and toddler slots,” said Megan Pratt, an assistant professor of practice in OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences and lead author of the report, published this week. Michaella Sektnan at OSU was her co-author. The report builds on Pratt’s 2019 comprehensive look at Oregon child care, which showed a similar landscape: All 36 counties were child care deserts for the 0-2 age group, while 25 counties were deserts for kids ages 3-5. The biennial reports are funded via the state’s Early Learning Division as part of the Oregon Child Care Research Partnership with the purpose of informing state policymakers on the current status of Oregon’s child care
supply, particularly the dearth of options for infants and toddlers and the role played by publicly funded programs in filling those gaps, especially in rural areas. By the numbers
The new report found that while the state’s total amount of state-licensed child care increased by 588 slots from 2018-2020, and the estimated number of children under the age of 5 declined by about 13,000 statewide, Oregon’s child care supply remains limited. Twenty-five of Oregon’s 36 counties are also deserts for preschool kids ages 3-5, and for infants and toddlers ages 0-2, half of Oregon’s counties qualify as “extreme” deserts, with, at most, one child care slot for every 10 children in that age group. The numbers show public investment plays a key role in expanding the child care supply in Oregon. Between 2018 and 2020, increased state funding led to an additional 817 publicly funded child care slots across the state, part of the overall growth. Publicly funded slots now account for 19% of Oregon’s total child care supply. “This report highlights why Oregon needs to continue to invest in child care and focus on strategies that build our supply of affordable, highquality child care and ensure our existing programs are supported,” Oregon’s Early Learning Division Systems Acting Director Alyssa Chatterjee said. “Many families are struggling to access high-quality child care, and we can’t wait to
Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle
The new report found that while the state’s total amount of statelicensed child care increased by 588 slots from 2018-2020, and the estimated number of children under the age of 5 declined by about 13,000 statewide, Oregon’s child care supply remains limited.
address the issue.” The report culled data from various sources, including regulatory databases for licensing information on child care providers throughout the state, and Oregon’s Early Learning Division, which administers public programs such as Head Start, Preschool Promise and Baby Promise. Researchers looked at data from March 2020, right before the pandemic hit, and found a continued decline in the number of small, home-based child care provider slots. This decline has largely driven the overall loss of child care slots, as large child care centers cannot fully make up for the lack of home-based slots.
with many families seeking out home settings for more culturally responsive care for their children. But providers often struggle financially.
“It’s really hard to make it work business-wise, because providers do not make very much money for what they’re doing,” Pratt said. “It’s hard to get new people to come into the field and say ‘I want to be a small, home-based provider.’” Pratt said the new report is a good jumping-off point for bigger questions and deeper analysis, as the existence of child care slots is only one hurdle many families face. “Child care slots can exist, but not be accessible for a whole host of reasons. When other research asks what those barriers are, the primary one is affordability,” she said. Other barriers to access include a child care center’s hours of operation, which might not align with parents working night or weekend shifts; language and cultural compatibility; and finding care that meets the needs of chil
What’s next
Oregon is working to expand access and availability of child care, with legislation like the Student Success Act directing more funding to early learning, and programs like Preschool Promise, which provide child care and education for kids at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. “While this report shows we still have a long way to go, I am encouraged that the critical role of child care is receiving more attention than before,” Chatterjee said. “There’s wide recognition that child care is something we all need to address together.” Molly Rosbach works at the OSU Department of Marketing and Research. She may be reached at molly. rosbach@oregonstate.edu.
Critical role Home-based providers play a critical role in Oregon’s child care supply, Pratt said,
Oregon job gains, losses
dren with delays or disabilities.
Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle
The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,028,180 employed and 144,716 unemployed in April 2021 compared to 1,767,698 employed and 267,428 unemployed in April 2020. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Oregon’s unemployment rate remained at 6.0% in April, the same as in March. The rate declined slightly in January, February, and March before holding steady in April, according to the Oregon Employment Department. Throughout the middle and end of 2020, Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped sharply, and is now down considerably from its recent high point of 13.2% in April 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 6.1% in April, from 6.0% in March. “Although Oregon’s unemployment rate hit a stand-still in April, underlying labor force dynamics continue shifting,” Oregon Employment Economist Gail Krumenauer said. “April marked the first month since the pandemic recession started that those experiencing permanent job losses were the largest group of laid off Oregonians. Long-term unemployment has also reached its highest point in nine years.” In Oregon, hiring slowed as nonfarm payroll employment grew by 2,200 in April, following monthly gains averaging 14,000 in the prior three months. Monthly gains were concentrated in government (+2,300 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (+2,000). Monthly declines were largest in manufacturing (-900 jobs), transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-800), and retail trade (-800). In April, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment totaled 1,855,600, a drop of 117,400 jobs, or 6% from the pre-recession peak in February 2020. Oregon’s employ-
ment dropped to a low of 1,687,500 by April 2020. Since then, Oregon has recovered 168,100 jobs, or 59% of the jobs lost between February and April 2020. Employment totals for recent months were revised upward, indicating somewhat higher jobs totals in Oregon in late 2020 and early this year. Total nonfarm employment was revised upward by approximately 13,000 jobs per month for December 2020 through March 2021. Upward revisions
were most pronounced in leisure and hospitality (+6,000 jobs), health care and social assistance (+3,000), and retail trade (+1,900). These gains were partially offset by downward revisions that were most pronounced in professional and business services (-2,000 jobs). The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,028,180 employed and 144,716 unemployed in April 2021 compared to 1,767,698 employed and 267,428 unemployed in April 2020. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Voices of the Community Votes need to be applauded The voters in the Rainier/ Clatskanie Cemetery District need to be applauded and congratulated for recognizing the importance of passing the recent operational and maintenance levy for the 12 cemeteries in the District. In fact, it was crucial! Now, after the fourth attempt, the District can move forward with the small additional funding to address needed repairs, provide adequate staffing for routine functions, replace old equipment, etc. This writer wishes to recognize cousin, Carol Girt – Warren, who mailed to us an initial contribution for the levy and kick started the work of several others in publicizing the District’s request. Upon request, a number of local residents responded with timely and necessary donations. When placing the roadside
COVID-19 From Page A1
year anniversary. “Take-out has been huge for us. That was the saving grace,” Rakes said. “The community really came out. They were coming just to get to-go because they felt bad for us … St. Helens has really been good to us.” Still, the mounting restrictions and COVID-19 concerns made staying open even more complicated than first year failure rates. The hardest part with COVID-19, said Rakes, was when employees experienced any symptoms of illness. “Anytime someone got sick or had the sniffles, we had to send them home.” While most employees hadn’t contracted COVID-19, Rakes still had to take precautions. “It’s been a real struggle as far as being short handed. We’re short handed all the time.” The constantly changing regulations, which cause Plymouth to constantly pivot between open and closed, added to the restaurant’s staffing issues. “Nobody wants to work in the restaurant industry because you don’t know— It’s so volatile. You might get laid off in two weeks or three weeks.” Nationally, the food industry is struggling to remain staffed because of inconsistent employment, risk factors, and extremely poor pay rates. Staffing and COVID-19 risks aren’t the only barriers that restaurants have had to face. “Some of our most popular things, I can’t even get it,” Rakes explained. “Cisco— which is a big food supplier— they cut back and restaurants needed to cut back because everything is perishable. So then they lower their inventory, but everyone opens back
signs before the election, my wife and I were met with enthusiasm and supportive property owners. One in particular individual in Goble placed the sign in a prominent location and added two small American flags on the top corner of the sign. What a pleasant surprise and meaningful gesture. Again, thanks for supporting the staff and volunteers in the Rainier/Clatskanie Cemetery District. Paul and Judy Nys Rainier
It is all about revenue This is not the time for the city to be building a new law enforcement facility. We have people out of work, a homeless crisis, and a pandemic that is not under control. The majority of middle class and lower income people are struggling up, and then they don’t have the [inventory] anymore.” Restaurants nationwide have had to reduce their menus, not only due to short staffing or limited service hours but also because the food supply simply wasn’t available. Even within St. Helens, the restaurant experience differs from restaurant to restaurant. Places like Kozy Korner, where the owners own the property and don’t have to pay rent, had more flexibility to close the restaurant with hopes of it reopening at a safer point in time. “That wouldn’t be possible for us,” Rakes said. He rents the location for Plymouth Pub, which he said needs to remain open in order for him to keep the property. Kozy Korner, at 371 Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens, closed in March 2020, along with every other restaurant in the state, and remained closed until May 2021, when they reopened for all days with breakfast service only. Owner Dale Ogan decided to keep the restaurant closed until he was sure it would remain open to avoid having to deal with shifting regulations, he said. Now that Kozy Korner is reopened, Ogan allows patrons to be unmasked, but the employees will remain masked for the time being. Other restaurants like Running Dogs and Dockside offer more limited hours—not being open on Mondays, for example. Or only offering dinner service. Across the county In Rainier, Cornerstone Café faced the same problems as Plymouth Pub, but they benefited from a generous Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, which owners Viki and Mark Overbay used
to stay a float and you want to hit us with a fee increase to pay for an unnecessary new facility. And frankly I am not inclined to pay for any new facility at anytime. Policing has become a Gestapo type experience in the city and county. It is all about revenue and writing tickets. What happened to community policing and the friendly officer who was there to help you not harass you with petty crap that turns into a needless ticket? What we need more than a new facility is a policing review board. Claude Oglethorpe Klein Yankton
The real problem The real problem is how the city wishes to fund the building project for a police station. They want to place a charge on your water bill,
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The Plymouth Pub in St. Helens is one of the local businesses that have endured the state’s health and safety restrictions since the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the state in March 2020.
to give “The Stone” some remodels. “Having been restricted to outdoor and to-go only is rough!” Viki Overbay said. “For to-go orders, even with guests going out of their way to support us which we are so grateful for, we certainly don’t get as much in sales as when we have dine-in.” Cornerstone isn’t located on the main street, which Viki Overbay said makes business a bit more difficult to generate. Add in the unpredictability of Oregon weather, Overbay said, and restaurants are in a difficult spot. “Oregon weather, especially in the Spring, is not good for outdoor dining,” she said. “We did set up seven outdoor tables with umbrellas and plants. But it is pretty chilly to eat outside.” Then the weather flipped. “We had recently hired three new employees to seat folks and keep track of the amount of guests, so we could adhere to the restrictions of capacity of guests allowed in-doors. Now...we have no hours at all for them. It is extremely difficult to write a schedule ... Now, on sunny days we need servers for outdoor tables and on rainy days we don’t need them.”
which includes customers outside of the city limits. Water revenue is supposed to be for water infrastructure. What the city did a year ago, was to place a storm fee for our water bills with no notification. This was proposed December 2019, and placed on April 2020 water bills. The city claims even if our properties didn’t affect their storm drains, it was because we drove on their city streets. The city reversed the charges and refunded our money on May billing. The city has system development charges that charge new construction with these fees, being sewer, storm drain and streets. These monies are not to be used for other purposes. I asked if these monies could be commingled, or could be to transfer to another department. I was told “no”. They could be loaned. I asked if the money had to be returned to the loaning department, or could
be forgiven. There was no response to the question. Now the city is wanting to use the same scam to water fund a non-water project. They believe they can exert their power to overcome any citizen rejection of their plan, by not allowing voting on this issue.
New, less restrictive guidelines
guidelines with masks and social distancing required or switch to a two standard system with different regulations for vaccinated and unvaccinated customers—which may include hiring new employees to act as door-keepers or hosts and check customers for proof of vaccination. Overbay said Cornerstone was prepared for this pivot due to a heads up from the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA). “We decided if they truly insist upon not wearing a mask that, yes, we will go ahead and check. We will ask them for proof of their vaccination date,” Overbay said. The new regulation means Cornerstone will have a host for every shift who will check vaccination statuses and use a calendar to verify that every patron without a mask has been fully vaccinated—with the 14 day waiting period after the second vaccination (or first, if a single shot vaccination). “Because we had a hostess anyways,” Overbay said, explaining their choice. “If we didn’t have a hostess anyways, on account of the restrictions, I highly doubt we’d be offering [vaccinated customers to not wear masks].” However, some restaurant owners don’t feel comfortable asking customers to prove their vaccination status. Owner of Colvins Pub & Grill in Clatskanie Tom Colvins said his restaurant won’t be checking vaccination statuses nor enforcing mask guidelines. “I’m not going to be the mask police,” Colvins said. “I’m not going to be checking if they’re vaccinated. I think it’s an infringement on their rights and on their privacy.” Restaurants that have continued to stay closed inside
And more recently, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released new face mask guidelines after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week that individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 could stop wearing masks and stop physical distancing in most public spaces. The OHA’s new guidance aligns with CDC guidance, stating that “businesses, employers and faith institutions can choose to no longer require masks and physical distancing for fully vaccinated individuals, or continue to require masks and physical distancing in their locations for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.” Alternatively, if businesses, employers, and faith institutions choose to no longer require masks and social distancing for fully vaccinated individuals, “the business, employer or faith institution must require visitors to show proof of vaccination and review the proof of vaccination. In that case, a business would need to have a policy for checking the vaccination status of customers and employees if they are not wearing masks. Fully vaccinated individuals would need to provide proof they’d been vaccinated if they want to remove face coverings and not observe physical distancing guidelines.” Gov. Kate Brown applauded the new guidelines saying it is, “another sign that as more people become fully vaccinated, the closer we are to ending this pandemic.” However, the new guidelines present Oregon businesses, especially the restaurant industry with a particular dilemma: either maintain prior
Ron Trommlitz St. Helens
Thank you city employees I would like to thank all the public employees for perseverance through the past year. I appreciate all you do even more as a citizen, from the police patrols I am seeing all over town. Public works and parks I don’t get a chance to call in before you have fixed the issues, call me impressed. To all the folks at admin and library that have been so helpful during the
COVID with my questions. You all deserve a positive and safe work environment free of harassment and intimidation, I sincerely hope this council has the courage to make changes not just for you but for all its citizens so you can focus on your jobs. To the council, do not forget your oath to the citizens not just your friends or those who agree with you, but to all. Please remember we are all vested tax paying, rate paying customers and ultimately you owe it to us. Not everyone will write a letter or make public comments but I can’t stay silent while our leadership is sitting by as long as they get their way on their pet issues not caring about the future of the whole community. Please take actions that protect the cities and its citizens assets before its too late. Ginny Carlson St. Helens throughout the pandemic have less control over their customer’s masking. Bundy’s Cafe and Drive-In only runs drive-through service, so customers make their own choice about masking up or not. Other restaurants like Hometown Pizza in Rainier are mostly maintaining original masking guidelines, unless customers specifically ask. “I took the ‘Masks are required’ sign off the door,” Manager Sloan Nelson said. “But I’m not advertising it.” If customers ask, Nelson said Hometown Pizza will allow customers to go unmasked on the “honesty policy,” but so far no one has asked, she said. Employees are continuing to wear their masks until they are vaccinated and provide proof to Nelson, but otherwise, they are keeping the restaurant business as usual with COVID-19 guidelines. Still, other restaurants say they are undecided about their policy. In St. Helens, Running Dogs, owned by Maggie and Jaron Clayton, is considering retaining the original masking guidelines. “My concern is that I don’t want my employees to have to be the mask police,” Maggie Clayton said. Clayton told The Chronicle that they are considering requiring their employees to still wear masks and giving customers the opportunity to go unmasked if they provide proof of vaccination. Ultimately, customers and employees alike getting vaccinated is the key to restaurants bouncing back fully. “I think it’s going to get better. I think everyone just needs to get open again and get the vaccinations done,” Rakes said. “You can tell people are getting hopeful. People want to go out.”
The Chronicle The Chronicle (USPS 610-380) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 S. Columbia Blvd., P.O. Box 1153 St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Periodicals postage paid at St. Helens, OR 97051
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Courtesy from City of St. Helens
The current St. Helens Police Station, top and a conceptual drawing of what the city’s new public safety facility could look like.
ORDINANCE
From Page A1
the city to use items from the general budget—the cannabis taxes, the state alcohol taxes, and the cigarette taxes—to help pay down the debt service payment. The council will also look at property that they can sell to fund the facility, including selling the current St. Helens Police Department land, as well as grants that the city can apply for. At the council’s regular evening public meeting May 18, the council held the final reading and potential passing of the ordinance to create the public safety fund and address their ability to place a public safety fee on utility bills. During the meeting, the council passed the ordinance establishing Chapter 13.30 relating to the Public Safety Fee—making the fee feasible for city council to enact. The council has not selected a fee amount or timeline yet.
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A6
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
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Houses Unfurnished
Cans and bottles If you have cans and bottles that you would like to get rid of call Steve the Can Man at 971813-9257. Will pick up.
sas, Jams, Garden Baskets and more. Located in big tents next to Wayne Martin Flooring in St. Helens.
397-1844 to have an application mailed to you.
and light maintenance seasonal part time position. Check our website for up-to-date information on job openings at the Port. www.portofcolum biacounty.org/jobs.
Submit resume, cover letter, and 3 references by 5 pm on Fri May 28th, 2021 to: Scappoose Bay Watershed Council, 57420 Old Portland Rd Ste 2, Warren, OR 97053. dana@ scappoosebay-wc. org.
Looking to rent two or three bedroom home in the St. Helens area, as far as Scappoose or Rainier. Must allow a medium dog. Please call 360-559-9363, Willing to pay up to $1,600/ month.
Paul’s Tree Service Inc. No bush too small, no tree to tall- Call Paul! Specialized in danger trees, take downs, storm clean-up. Time to prune- pruning Lace Leafed Maples & ornamental shrubberies, chipping, senior or veterans discount, free estimates. CCB# 217173 Lic., Bonded & Insured. 503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274
311
Announcements
Walts Seasonal outdoor market Tues - Sat 106pm, Sun 10-4pm, closed Mon. Fresh Produce, Local Flowers, Pies, Baked goods, Sal-
301
Health & Nutrition
Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.pdxaa.org
502
Help Wanted
Columbia River PUD is hiring a Customer Accounts Representative I/ II - Salary: $21.85 $33.01/hr DOQ. Deadline: June 3, 2021 by 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Columbia River PUD team, please visit our website at www.crpud.net to view and apply for open positions or call us at (503)
LOOKING FOR A GREAT PARTTIME JOB? Become a School Bus Driver for Durham School Services. No Experience necessary. Paid training. Competitive wages. Paid Holidays. Medical, Dental, Vision & 401K Stop by and complete an application or online at: www. Durhamschoolser vices.com/careers Job Code :201181 We’re loctated at: 540 Milton Way, St. Helens, Or. 503397-9072 PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY The Port is hiring! Opportunities include Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant and Public Facilities Representative: a fun outdoor customer service
The City of St. Helens is hiring SUMMER WORKERS Multiple Temporary Full-Time Positions. See website for details: www. sthelensoregon. g o v / j o b s . $14.00 per hour. Open until filled. First review deadline: 5/24/21. Equal Opportunity Employer. Watershed Technician/ Intern Part-time, seasonal position working on stream and habitat restoration and in our native plant nursery. $13-$15/ hr, 16+ yrs, Full job description at www. scappoosebay-wc. org/job-openings/
612
Pick-Ups
Aluminum canopy for Ranger sized pick up Good shape. 503397-5165, ask for Ron.
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Wanted Autos
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Ca$h 4 Car$
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River City & Rentals Northwest 503-543-4440 Phone
503-543-7929 Fax
Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
We buy junk/broken cars, trucks, vans, heavy equip. Top $$ paid to $100-$400. We are LOCAL, serving Columbia County. Same day service.
CLASSIFIED AD MEMORIAL DAY DEADLINE: Submit ads by May 26 for the June 2 Chronicle
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Waterman Garage Doors
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Crossword Puzzle
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: 1970s LYRICS ACROSS
1. *Carole King: “But you’re ____ ____ away” 6. “I Thee ____” 9. Ring practice 13. Hacienda brick 14. *Billy Joel: “I love you just the way you ____” 15. What speakers do 16. Leg of lamb 17. Styling goo 18. Spooky 19. *Rod Stewart: “Oh, Maggie, I couldn’t have tried ____ ____” 21. *Stevie Wonder: “Very superstitious, writing’s on ____ ____” 23. Type of constrictor 24. Can of worms 25. *”____ Cola, what a beautiful drink” 28. Capital of Peru 30. *Carly Simon: “I had some dreams, they were ____ in my coffee” 35. Bad luck precursor 37. Swing seat, possibly 39. Macaroni shape 40. Capital on the Baltic Sea 41. Figure with vertex and rays 43. Venetian magistrate 44. Not fitting 46. Sealed with a handshake 47. Wise man 48. Annotator and commentator 50. Facts and figures 52. Bambino
53. Chinese monetary unit 55. International Labor Organization 57. *The Knack: “M M M My ____” 61. *Sister Sledge: “We are family, get up everybody ____ ____” 65. Last European colony in China 66. Pastrami’s partner 68. Sheik’s bevy 69. Movie premiere, e.g. 70. Gunk 71. Ancient assembly area 72. Used to be wild? 73. Attila, e.g. 74. Part of mortise joint
DOWN
1. Long story 2. War god in Norse mythology 3. Same as fogey 4. J. Robert Oppenheimer’s project 5. Reorganize or modify 6. $7.25/hour, e.g. 7. Old fashioned ‘before’ 8. Nile’s mouth 9. Boatload 10. What paralegal and parachute have in common 11. Seed covering 12. Angler’s spool 15. Punch buggy car 20. Indian cuisine yogurt staple 22. Drunkard’s sound? 24. Enter uninvited (2 words)
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
25. *Bruce Springsteen: “Tramps like us, baby we were born ____ ____” 26. ____ acid 27. “And Seth.... ____ Enos” 29. *Eric Clapton: “Darling, won’t you ease my worried ____” 31. Oldsmobile founder 32. Lusitania’s destroyer 33. Grown-up pupper, in social media 34. *ABBA: “Dancing queen, young and ____, only seventeen” 36. Back of the neck 38. Dashing style 42. Spritelike 45. Test (2 words) 49. *Terry Jacks: “We had seasons in the ____” 51. One tritely familiar 54. Frustration, in print 56. Missouri River tributary 57. Old World duck 58. *Creedence Clearwater Revival: “____ you ever seen the rain?” 59. They’re hidden up a sleeve? 60. Goes with rave 61. Eon, alt. sp. 62. *Black Sabbath: “I am ____ man” 63. Infamous Roman emperor 64. J. Edgar Hoover’s man 67. *Queen: “Scaramouch, Scaramouch, will ___ do the Fandango”
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
A7
Public Notices CH21-1714
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING on Monday June 7, 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Scappoose, has submitted applications for a Zone Change and Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment. The site is approximately 13.24 acres and currently zoned Rural Industrial Planned Development (RIPD) and Primary Agriculture (PA-80. This proposal will rezone the RIPD zone to Community Service-Recreation (CS-R) with no change to the Primary Agricultural (PA-80) zone. The property is identified by Tax Map Nos. 3117-00-00303 & 3117-0000400. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Rick Goodnight has submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit, to operate a vehicle repair, auto body shop at his residence. The property is zoned Primary Forest (PF80), identified by tax map
number 5130-00-02503 and is located at 61010 Robinette Rd. SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Columbia County Planning Commission on Monday, June 7, 2021 in Room 351, Circuit Courtroom, on the Third Floor of the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, 230 Strand, St. Helens, Oregon, starting at 6:30 p.m. During the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Columbia County Planning Commission will be hosting their public hearing via online webinar. Please use the links below if you wish to participate in the public meeting. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/759744693 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 877 568 4106 United States:
+1 (571) 317-3129 Access Code: 759-744-693 SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held on Monday, June 7, 2021. If you have any questions or concerns regarding access to the meeting or need accommodation, please call the Land Development Services office at (503) 3971501. The criteria to be used in deciding the request will be found in some or all of the following documents and laws, as revised from time to time: Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 197.763; Oregon Administrative Rules; Columbia County Comprehensive Plan; Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. The specific criteria applicable to this request is listed and evaluated in the staff report. A copy of the application, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicant, and the staff report
are available for inspection at no cost and will be provided at reasonable cost, at the Land Development Services office, at least 7 days prior to the Planning Commission hearing. Written comments on the issue can be submitted via email to Planning@ columbiacountyor.gov or you can send comments via U.S. Mail to Columbia County, Department of Land Development Services, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. If additional documents or evidence are provided in support of the application, prior to or during the hearing, any party shall be entitled to a continuance of the hearing to allow review of the new evidence. If a participant requests a continuance before the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, the record shall remain open for at least
seven days after the hearing. At each hearing, the applicant has the burden of presenting substantial evidence showing that the application meets all of the applicable criteria. Following presentation of the staff report, the applicant and other persons in favor of the application will be allowed to address the commission, explaining how the evidence submitted meets the applicable criteria. Following the applicant’s presentation, any person in opposition to the application may present evidence and argument against the application. The applicant will then have the opportunity to rebut any evidence or arguments presented in opposition. After the presentation of evidence and arguments, the public hearing record will be either left open or closed by the Planning Commission.
The Commission will then make a tentative decision to be followed by approval of a written order and a statement of findings and conclusions supporting the decision, which will be mailed to all parties at a later date. The Commission may, at its discretion, continue the hearing from time to time at the request of the parties or on its own motion as necessary to afford substantial justice and comply with the law. Additional information about this application may be obtained from the Planning Division of the Land Development Services Department, at (503) 397-1501 or you can go to the County website www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/ LandDevelopment/Planning. May 26, 2021 THE PLANNING COMMISSION, Linda Hooper, Chairman
CH21-1720
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS: On or about June 10, 2021 the City of St. Helens will authorize the 238 Gable Limited Partnership to submit a request to the HUD for the release of Project-Based Voucher funds under Section 8(o)(13) of the Housing Act of 1937, (42 USC 1437f), as amended, to undertake a project known as St. Helens Housing for the purpose of the new construction of 239 units of affordable housing, using LIHTC and State gap funds in St. Helens, Oregon. The project site is on undeveloped property located adjacent to US30 and Gable Road, but excluding developed
lands at the intersection of US30/Gable Road. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The City of St. Helens has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97501 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to noon and 1 – 5 P.M. PUBLIC
COMMENTS: Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97501. All comments received by June 9, 2021 will be considered by the City of St. Helens prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of St. Helens certifies to HUD that Jacob A. Graichen, AICP in his capacity as City Planner for the City of St. Helens consents to accept the jurisdiction
CH21-1715
of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the 238 Gable Limited Partnership to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS: HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of St. Helens certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or
its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of St Helens; (b) the City of St. Helens has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another
Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD PIH Portland Field Office at Portland_RROF@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact Portland_RROF@hud. gov to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Jacob A. Graichen, AICP, City Planner
CH21-1717 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET HEARING • For supplemental budgets proposing a change in any fund's expenditures by more than 10 percent.
A public hearing on a proposed supplemental budget for Columbia County for the current fiscal year will be held at 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon Room 310 The hearing will take place on June 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. via teleconferencing by Go To Meeting by Phone
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/357054141 United States: +1 (866) 899-4679 Access Code: 357-054-141
The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the supplemental budget with interested persons. A copy of the supplemental budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after June 2, 2021 at 230 Strand Street, St.Helens, Oregon by appointment only or on website at https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/Finance
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES
AMOUNTS SHOWN ARE REVISED TOTALS IN THOSE FUNDS BEING MODIFIED FUND: 208-RESTRICTED FUNDS Resource 1 Transfers In 2 3 Revised Total Fund Resources
Suppl #4 Amount 1,650,499
1,650,499
Expenditure - indicate
Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.
1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Capital Outlay Revised Total Fund Requirements
Amount
0 150,499 1,500,000 1,650,499
Explanation of change(s): To provide for purchase and renovations of John Gumm Building FUND: 208-RESTRICTED FUNDS Resource 1 Federal 2 3 Revised Total Fund Resources
Suppl #5 Amount 959,275
959,275
Expenditure - indicate
Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.
1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Capital Outlay
Amount
0 959,275 0
Revised Total Fund Requirements
959,275
Explanation of change(s): To provide for Federal grant award for CARES Act - Small Business Relief FUND: 208-RESTRICTED FUNDS Resource 1 Federal 2 3 Revised Total Fund Resources
Suppl #6 Amount 5,076,868
5,076,868
Expenditure - indicate
Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.
1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Capital Outlay Revised Total Fund Requirements
Amount 1,600,000 2,000,000 1,476,868 5,076,868
Explanation of change(s): To provide for Federal grant award for American Rescue Plan
CH21-1712
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of Helen Magdalene Beatty, Deceased. Case No. 21PB01513 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Donald Puckett has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present them, with vouchers
attached, to Donald Puckett, personal representative, at 2005 Saint Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative or
the attorney for the personal representative, Mark J. Lang, 2005 Saint Helens St, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published: May 26, 2021. /s/ Mark J. Lang, Mark J. Lang, OSB#973116 Attorney for Personal Representative, 2005 St Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 410-5238 Published: May 26, 2021, June 2, 2021 and June 9, 2021.
CH21-1713
SUB-BIDS REQUESTED St Helens Housing St Helens, Oregon Bids Due: 6/15/2021 by 1 PM Pre-Bid RFI’s Due: 6/1/2021 by 12PM LMC Construction is requesting bids for a full site development and construction ten (10) multi-family buildings along with a community building. Included is (1) 3-story senior housing building, which also has a partial basement, (4) townhouse style buildings, (5) walk-up family housing building and
the community building. The work also includes extensive site improvements and site amenities. Construction to begin September 2021. All bidding documents & other information are located at link: https://lmccon.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/Es91_66Sm xhEtaDsdphKJEAByVtQV 2XLtnicrVfV7ONqAA?e= UCZi5L. *Project is subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing wages & Section 3 hiring requirements. Bid Contact: Ken
Bello (kenb@lmcconstruction.com) and Heather Brown (heatherb@lmcconstruction. com) LMC Construction, 19200 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062. Phone: 503-646-0521. Fax: 503-6466832. LMC Construction is an equal opportunity employer and requests sub-bids from all interested firms including emerging small business, women-owned, disadvantaged, disabled veterans and minority enterprises.
CH21-1703
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of ALICE ALEXINA DUBOIS, Deceased. No. 21PB02770 Notice to Interested Persons NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned, STEVEN ALLEN DUBOIS, has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present the same within four months from
this date at the office of VanNatta & Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon; and if not so presented, they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published:
CH21-1716
PURSUANT TO ORS CHAPTER 87 Notice is hereby given that the following vehicle will be sold, for cash to the highest bidder, on 06/01/2021. The sale will be held at 10:00 a.m by SCAPPOOSE MOOR-
AGE, 50900A DIKE RD, SCAPPOOSE,OR. 1974 CASCADE 29FT BOAT, VIN = YCS292340174. Amount due on lien $1350.79. Reputed owner(s) ANDREW A PANIT.
May 12, 2021. Date of second publication: May 19, 2021. Date of final publication: May 26, 2021. Personal Representative: Steven Allen DuBois, c/o VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Attorneys: VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Telephone: (503) 397-4091. CH21-1721
NOTICE OF FAIR BOARD WORKSHOP
June 1st, 2021 fair board Workshop at 6:30PM in the pavilion at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR 97051. Virtual call-in number: 1 877 309 2073 Access code: 977892-061. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
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MASKS From Page A1
Who counts as “fully vaccinated”? Anyone who’s more than two weeks past their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is considered fully vaccinated, according to OHA. Do businesses need to require masks for patrons? That depends. Under the new guidance, businesses can choose to either set up a system for verifying vaccination status before letting customers in, or continue to require masks and social distancing for all their patrons. If businesses choose to verify vaccination status, those who are fully vaccinated can enter the business without a mask and without following social distancing rules. “If they have a process to review vaccination records and show that people are fully vaccinated, they’re free to serve customers in that manner,” Sidelinger said. Businesses who don’t verify customer vaccination status must still follow the same guidance as before, with indoor masking and social distancing in place. “If they don’t want to or cannot implement a system like that, they can continue to operate under the OHA guidance that requires masks and physical distancing in most indoor public settings,” Sidelinger said. The rest of the state’s guidance still applies, including the four-tier risk level system, which places capacity limitations on businesses, according to Sidelinger. Do unvaccinated people still need to wear masks inside? Yes. For unvaccinated individuals, the same indoor masking and social distancing rules apply as before. That means masks are required in businesses and other indoor settings. Are their places fully vaccinated people still have to wear masks? Yes, there are some exceptions to the loosening of mask restrictions. Fully vaccinated people still must wear masks in health care settings; jails, correctional and youth detention facilities; shelters and transitional housing; public transportation and transportation hubs; and K-12 schools, which are governed by a different set of rules. How do businesses verify vaccination status? Businesses need to review a COVID-19 vaccination card, Sidelinger said. That might include a physical vaccination card, a printout from a provider or a photo of a vaccination card on a cell phone. Sidelinger said businesses should review the names and dates on the cards, making sure the individual’s second dose of the vaccine was at least two weeks prior. Businesses aren’t required to record vaccination status, but just need to confirm that those entering a business are
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Columbia County remains at the State’s “High Risk” classification this week, which means masks are still required in most indoor business locations.
vaccinated. “How they choose to keep track of that is an individual decision,” Sidelinger said. But isn’t that a violation of privacy laws?
No. Federal medical privacy law prohibits medical providers and insurers from disclosing medical information to others without a patient’s consent. That law doesn’t prohibit anyone from asking about someone else’s vaccination status, and it doesn’t prohibit anyone from voluntarily disclosing their own vaccination status, according to Sidelinger. According to Sidelinger, those who don’t want to get vaccinated or share the vaccination status don’t have to. “Those individuals can choose to get vaccinated, or if they choose not to, or don’t want to share the fact that they’re already vaccinated, they can wear a mask and keep their distance and be served by that business. Individuals have options, as do businesses, in implementing this system,” Sidelinger said. What about outside? Masks are no longer required for anyone outdoors. However, OHA’s guidance still recommends unvaccinated individuals wear masks outdoors in crowded spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained, especially for those who are at higher risk for serious complications with the virus. That includes K-12 sports, which can be conducted maskless if vaccination status is verified, Sidelinger said. Who enforces the rules? Just like the rest of the state’s COVID-19 rules, the mask guidelines will still be enforced by state and local health officials, Sidelinger said.
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According to the doctor, Oregon OSHA conducts investigations and education on pandemic restrictions, and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regulates businesses with liquor licenses. Is this forever?
Probably not. Sidelinger said he expects the vaccination verification system policy to go away as the state continues to loosen restrictions. “I don’t anticipate that this sort of system will be in place forever. As (Gov. Kate Brown) announced last week, we have some goals in place for how we ease restrictions,” Sidelinger said. That will happen when 70% of the state’s 16-andolder population has received a first dose of the vaccine, and state health officials lift most aspects of the current restrictions. COLUMBIA COUNTY’S PLAN The Chronicle checked with Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul to determine what Columbia County must do to move out of risk classifications and allow restrictions to be lifted. Paul said according to data from the OHA, slightly more than 20,000 Columbia County residents have received at least one COVID-19 dose. “This is almost 50% of the eligible residents who are age 16 or older,” Paul said. “However, the county will not move to low risk this week because the state has set a benchmark of 65%, and the county has not yet submitted a vaccine equity plan. The good news is that our case count continues to decline, based on data for the most recent weekly monitoring period between May 9 and May 22. Paul said he will be receiving more input from
the health department’s community partners this week on several aspects of the county’s required vaccination plan to move into a lower risk classification plan. Then the Columbia County Commissioners will need to review the plan before it is submitted to the state. The Chronicle: What segment of the county’s population needs to be vaccinated now to meet the re-opening goal?
Michael Paul: There are 43,366 residents age 16 or older, according to data provided by Portland State University. We need to vaccinate ~28,000 residents to reach a vaccination rate of 65% of individuals (age 16 or older). As of 5/12, ~18,360 residents have received at least one dose. The Chronicle: Are you finding vaccination hesitantly, by whom and why? Paul: During the first four months of the year, we focused on improving access and increasing vaccine supply. There are now several providers offering appointments in Columbia County, including primary care offices, school-based health centers, pharmacies and fire districts. Still, our work is not done and we will continue to use a variety of tools to increase access across the county. In recent weeks, we did see a decrease in demand and some appointments have gone unfilled. There are a couple contributing factors that we think are more telling than so called vaccine hesitancy. First, the largest chunk of remaining unvaccinated residents are under age 65. They are busier and could be taking care of a household and balancing employment so they need appointments to
be accessible and convenient. Second, younger residents heard a different message about risk over the last year so they may be slower to make an appointment. They may not rush to a vaccination site if they don’t have an underlying health condition. Third, there are still residents out there with health issues or disabilities or who face language barriers, which can make getting inoculated against COVID-19 seem overwhelming. They may not have a primary care home, or they may have a transportation barrier or some other barrier to overcome. We have to continue to look at data that isn’t associated with a political boundary. This means looking at other factors, such as income, disability status, race and ethnicity. I would not deny that there are residents who would say they probably or definitely will not get vaccinated, but I am optimistic about getting 65% of our eligible residents vaccinated. We collect and post data each year on school and child care immunization rates across the county, and the data certainly does not support the notion that 35% residents are opposed to vaccinations.
• Reach 65% of the county population 16 or older with a first vaccine dose • Submit a complete plan to the Oregon Health Authority which details how the county will close the equity gaps in their vaccination rates
The Chronicle: What is your timeline to move the county out of the restrictions?
Paul said for individuals who haven’t taken the step to get a vaccination, Columbia County Public Health can help those individuals with a convenient appointment. For more information, call Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247.
Paul: The Governor announced that counties will have the option to move to lower risk, beginning on May 21. Counties must:
The county is finalizing its equity plan so moving to lower risk depends on reaching 65% and/or reductions in case rates. The Chronicle: What is your main message to Columbia County residents about what we all need to do to eliminate the restrictions and move ahead? Paul: We’re still focused on promotion of vaccination. Real-world data collected over the last several months shows the vaccines are safe and they work. Specifically, the vaccines keep people from getting infected, and from getting sick if they are infected. Further, the data show that vaccinated people who do get infected are unlikely to develop enough virus in the body to transmit it to others, which is the reason the Centers for Disease Control recently modified mask recommendations for vaccinated individuals.
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
A9
Cemetery District gains needed funding JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Voters have approved a five-year local option tax for operations of the Rainier Cemetery District. The permanent tax rate for the district was set at $0.07 per $1,000 of assessed property value back in the 1950s and has not been raised since, despite three recent attempts by the district to do so. In the past five years the district has proposed three separate measures to increase funding but voters in the district have not approved any of them. The last effort failed in the Nov. 3 election. It asked for a $0.05 per $1,000 assessed property value increase. Approximately half of the district’s budget is from property tax funds, around $67,000 a year. The other half is generated from sales and service income. But during the May 18 Special District Election, voters had a change of heart and approved the latest funding measure. In a statement following the election, the Rainier Cemetery District Board issued its appreciation. “The Rainier Cemetery
Chronicle photo
The fence at Woodbine Cemetery in Rainier has been hit several times by speeding vehicles. The repairs needed are part of the expenses facing the Rainier Cemetery District.
District wants to extend a very warm thank you to the 1,156 voters that said yes to the request for a five year, tax levy,” the statement reads. “We also need to thank all of the community members that live outside the district boundaries (and therefore cannot vote for the levy) who helped spread the word of the importance of this additional funding. Your
efforts are so appreciated!” According to the District statement, five cents per $1,000 of property value was a very small increase considering the increases over the past 100 years in all the costs of maintaining 37 acres of cemetery property. “And the district boundaries have never been changed in that time to
include the thousands of additional residents now living in the surrounding area,” the statement reads. The statement said that least half of the occupied graves were bought 100+ years ago. A plot of eight graves could be purchased for $25 at that time. Obviously, the District statement declared, that price wasn’t going to take care of
the graves, so a cemetery district was created to tax citizens for that expense. Those eight graves have been maintained for the past 100 years on the tax income from the voters living within the district boundaries. District officials said many necessary projects have been delayed for years due to the lack of additional funding, including
new equipment, repair and improvements to cemetery property, much of which has been damaged by the public, new signage, and additional help for more maintenance of all cemeteries. “It was hard losing our sexton, but if one reviews the district’s financial information, which is always available on the district website, it is clear we could no longer afford the expense of a full time employee,” the District statement reads. “That will not change.” In an effort to move forward, the Rainer Cemetery District plans to have two part time employees, one for the inside work and one for the outside work. District officials said it was not possible for the sexton to perform all the duties required alone, particularly during mowing season, which generated public criticism of the care of the cemeteries. The Rainer Cemetery District conducts board meetings on the third Monday each month. The public is invited to join the meetings. See full election results at the Columbia County Election website.
Obituaries Patricia Charlotte Skinner Smith Loosli June 22, 1939 ~ May 3, 2021
Pat was born June 22, 1939 in Salmon, Idaho and passed on May 3, 2021 in Warren, Oregon. If Pat were asked to write her own obituary, she would doubtless focus on the accomplishments of her two sons and grandchildren rather than the events and achievements of her own life. She might tell you that both her sons overcame their early struggles with dyslexia to graduate from university and that they became kindhearted men, each serving a 2-year mission for their church. What she wouldn’t tell you, is that it was her tireless efforts to find the best tutors, to help with homework, communicate with teachers, her abundance of patience, her belief in her boys’ potential, saving for college and teaching them to work hard, that resulted in their successes. Her oldest, Michael Ray Smith, of Park City, Utah, became an investment banker and loving father of three - serving others in his church and community, supporting his wife Beth of 31 years in countless ways, and mentoring youth.
Grandma Pat would celebrate her oldest grandchild Drew, who is currently attending dental school and who married the bright and kind Madeleine, her artistic granddaughter Emma who works with special needs children, and 16-year old Henry with loads of musical talent and aspirations to become a veterinarian. Andrew Fitzgerald Smith, of Nampa, Idaho, her youngest son, followed his mother’s footsteps into education and became a decorated engineering teacher and devoted father of two active daughters. He has been married for 20 years to gifted speech therapist Ginny Smith. Grandma Pat would delight in 11-year-old Madison’s creativity and musicality, eagerly awaiting what she decides to do with her talents and curiosity. She adored sweet kindergartener Katelynn. Always the helper, Katelynn dreams of becoming a teacher and a mom when she grows up. Within the strengths and characteristics of her progeny one gets a glimpse into the woman Pat was. As a woman of Faith, Pat was
a member of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-DaySaints and she loved her Savior. She served in many capacities over the years. As a gifted musician, she was often a choir director and chorister, as well as a teacher and president of the women’s Relief Society. Sister Smith stood as a pillar of her faith and an example of ministering to the sick and needy. She had an uncanny ability to recognize those who were struggling financially and often found a job for them to do around her home or connected them to others in the community for whom they could work.
played with her, joked with her about our loves, our lives and our children.” She is preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie Muriel Beck and Dale Othello Skinner; brothers, Dick and Reed Skinner; and infant son Matthew Smith. Patricia will be cremated at Crown Memorial in Portland, Oregon. A private memorial service for family and close friends will be held in St. Helens, Oregon in June 2021. Following that, in July 2021 in Salmon, Idaho, a private family gathering will be held where her ashes will be scattered among the graves of her mother and father as well as a few other areas she treasured growing up. Patricia Charlotte Skinner Smith Loosli will be cherished by family and friends as a dedicated wife and mother. Ever pragmatic, private, hardworking, thrifty, intelligent and musical, she will be remembered as an ardent bibliophile, an easy conversationalist who was quick to laugh and offer advice, a prolific quilter, a lover of roses, and a woman who was generous and courageous to the end.
May 29, 1947 ~ May 20, 2021
Charles “Charlie” Harbison passed away on May 20, 2021 at the age of 73 after a year-long battle with cancer. Charlie was born May 29, 1947 in Vernonia, Oregon and lived the majority of his life in St. Helens, Oregon. After graduating from St. Helens High School in 1965, he served in the Oregon National Guards while working as an electrical lineman. He worked at Boise Cascade for a few years before employment as a pipefitter/welder with Harder Mechanical. He retired in 2005. Charlie enjoyed outdoor activities - fishing, crabbing, gardening, and camping,
Business
Guide PUBLICATION DATES: CHRONICLE: JUNE 23, CHIEF: JUNE 25 AD DEADLINE: JUNE 9 The 2021 Columbia County Business guide is a full color, glossy magazine that showcases local business and highlights current news events. It is the go-to reference for visitors, newcomers, residents, and potential customers of Columbia County. The Chief
For space reservation, contact Amy: 503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net
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gifted beautifully pieced quilts and was curious to know what was happening in each of her grandchildren’s lives. She liked to end each night with cards or dominos. “Grandma Pat” will be greatly missed. She remarried in 2005 to Dr. Charles Gary Loosli of Warren, Oregon. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Portland Oregon Temple. Through this marriage she gained six stepchildren: daughters, Fara, Gara, Suzanne and Vicki and sons Charles and Byron; as well as numerous grandchildren. Trish and Gary competed throughout the West in the Senior Games, playing pickle ball and tennis until her health restricted play. They enjoyed playing cards with friends, dancing and travelling together. He provided loving care as her health continued to fail and was by her side at her passing. In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, she is survived by Sisters, Bonnie Moore and Karen Skinner of Pocatello, Idaho. Of their sister Patty they wrote, “She was our sister and we loved her,
Charles Arthur Harbison
10th Annual 2021 Columbia County
The Chronicle
She would purchase hats and gloves at yard sales to share in winter. She hosted students in her home from time to time to offset their living expenses and once housed an entire family in her basement. Her greatest act of love, however, was her dedication and example as a single mother to Andy and Mike. As an educator, Pat received her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University and her master’s from Washington State University at a time when it was uncommon for women to achieve such a high level of education. She taught at Idaho State University, in Los Angeles at Cal-State Northridge, at Bellevue Community College, and finished out her career teaching business and computer classes in Kennewick, Washington at the Tri-CitiesVocational Skills Center and Kennewick High School. She supported others in their pursuit of higher education with advice, small gifts and cheerleading. As a grandmother, she instilled her love of books, crafts, music and learning. She could tell the best bedtime stories, taught sewing,
especially camping with his brothers during hunting season. He took pleasure in spending time with his
grandkids, rebuilding classic cars, and traveling. He was a past member of the Elks Club, Moose Lodge, Yacht Club, and Clatskanie Cruisers. Charlie is survived by Sandy Harbison, his wife of 55 years; daughters, Kristin Harbison and Angie Misumi; brothers, Robert, Jack, Joe, Pat, and Hal Harbison; five grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on May 25, 2021 at Yankton Hillcrest Cemetery. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.
Robert Laverne Rasey Sr. Aug. 31, 1930 ~ April 1, 2021
Robert Laverne Rasey Sr. passed away on April 1, 2021 from cancer. MEMORIAL DAY OBITUARY DEADLINE Submit obits for the June 2 edition of The Chronicle by May 26.
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A10
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Bennett Road project pause extended JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The completion date for the U.S. Highway 30 Millard and Bennett Roads Safety Project has been extended from December to the summer of 2022. The Chronicle first reported that work at the Bennett Road site had stalled several weeks ago. Oregon Transportation Department (ODOT) spokesman Lou Torres. has provided new details about the project challenges, saying the additional time to complete the project is necessary so the utilities can complete their relocations and the railroad can complete its work. “The contractor working for ODOT had already begun
construction on the project but had to halt work when utility conflicts were encountered, since work is being conducted in stages,” Torres said. “Coordination with our utility partners and the railroad contractor is required for the progression of the sequence of staged work.” The utility relocations include gas, water, power and communications lines. The gas line relocation has been recently completed. However, relocations must be completed separately which extends the time needed to complete the work, according to Torres. The railroad work includes new railroad crossings and signals to be installed at Millard and Bennett roads. The railroad work has been delayed until next year. This
business locations within the project limits are accessible through the installed detours.” The project is designed to improve the safety of Highway 30 between Scappoose and St. Helens, from mileposts 25.7 to 27.2, in Columbia County by:
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Equipment sits idle at the Bennett Road Highway 30 improvement work site.
project requires the railroad and our contractor to work in stages concurrently, and in close coordination. “ODOT apologizes for
this delay,” Torres said. “We will complete this important safety project as soon as we can. We appreciate the community’s patience. All
• Increasing the turning radius of the right turn lane from U.S. 30 onto Bennett Road by widening and restriping the roadway near the intersection. • Restricting left turns onto U.S. 30 from Bennett Road by creating a median. • Adding a traffic signal at U.S. 30 and Millard Road. • Widening Millard Road to provide protected access to U.S. 30 from Millard Road.
• Upgrading the rail crossings at both Millard and Bennett Roads, work to be completed by the railroad. Traffic barriers, specifically the large orange barrels funneling vehicles into the left southbound lane of Highway 30 at Bennett Road, will remain in place for the utility work to be completed. “It is still a construction zone,” Torres said. Oregon State Police troopers continue to monitor the construction zone to make sure drivers are slowing through the area. Follow the project development at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
St. Helens City Councilor Stephen Topaz sanctioned AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net
After an investigation into St. Helens City Councilor Stephen Topaz concerning allegations of behaving in an inappropriate and discriminatory manner, using derogatory and racist language, and bullying city staff, the St. Helens City Council has passed a resolution publicly censuring and reprimanding Topaz. In addition, the resolution applies sanctions to Topaz, restricting his access to city hall and the city’s employees. The investigation The investigation was conducted by Portland attorney Jill Goldsmith on behalf of the city, and Goldsmith concluded the allegations were founded. After the investigation concluded, St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl and City Council President Doug Morten asked Topaz to resign during a regular work session on May 5. “I work for the same citizens that voted for you,
Councilor Topaz,” Scholl said in the meeting. “We are constantly trying to move this city forward, and you continue to interject half-truth and deception into everything that we are doing.” Morten said a city councilor being investigated for alleged harassment misconduct was “unprecedented.” “As it becomes public, more things will surface,” he said. “It’s, to me, going to be a dark shadow that is going to also be very costly and financially, and it already has been very costly financially to the taxpayers of our city and to the council, who has a due diligence to resolve this issue … I would like to be done with this right now,” Morten said. When asked by The Chronicle if he planned to resign, Topaz said, “The answer is definitely not … I am not going to resign.” Topaz also leveled accusations in turn against the city and the council, “They don’t want me asking questions,” he said.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
St. Helens City Councilor Stephen Topaz makes a point during a recent council session.
What the council can and cannot do According to the city charter, the city council cannot vote to remove another council member. The council members inquired at their April 20 hearing about disciplinary actions that would be permitted, and one of the disciplinary measures the council could consider was public censure.
Under Oregon law, residents or the council may petition for a recall election, but the petitioners must file a prospective petition with the state and collect signatures numbering 15% of the votes cast for Governor Brown in Columbia County’s district, the first congressional district. The city council and Goldsmith gave Topaz an opportunity to speak about the allegations on eight different occasions over a three-month period, but Topaz never addressed the allegations to council or Goldsmith, according to Goldsmith. The resolution On Monday, May 10, the city council reconvened in a special public session to discuss the language for a resolution which would reprimand and censure Topaz and to address how the council can develop a process for holding the entire council accountable and addressing future issues. The resolution was drafted by the city’s lawyers and was voted
on at the council work session on May 19. Jessica Chilton, a newer council member, was not in attendance at the May 10 session. The drafted resolution has four parts: The first part addresses the council’s belief that the finds of the investigation are correct, and that Topaz violated the City Code of Ethics, the city’s diversity statement, and personnel policies. The second drafted policy states, “The City Council of St. Helens hereby finds that because of Councilor Stephen Topaz’s behavior, he has negatively affected members of the city staff and brought discredit to the city.” The third statement directly states City Council’s formal censure and reprimand of Topaz, and the fourth states when the resolution becomes effective, which will be once council decides to pass the resolution. The council passed the resolution May 19 during a regular work session. The resolution also in-
cluded sanctions and remedial actions restricting Topaz’s access to city hall. What’s next? St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh will now field all of Topaz’s communications to city hall and any of its employees. Additionally, Topaz is not permitted to have contact with city hall employees or be at city hall unless permitted by the city administrator. The duration of the sanction is a minimum of six months, and the city council may review the sanction based on Topaz’s compliance with the restrictions and remedial actions. When asked if he believed he could continue to fulfill his duties as a city councilor while following the restrictions placed by the resolution, Topaz told The Chronicle, “I know I can’t do it as well as I should be, but I can still do my job. I was elected to be here four years, and that’s what I plan to do.”
Therapy. Substance use treatment. Recovery support. We’re here for you. The past year has been stressful and lonely for many of us. But you don’t have to struggle on your own. Columbia Pacific CCO providers offer safe ways to get the help you need — in person, by phone or by video. And as a Columbia Pacific member, your mental health care is free. Call your mental health provider for an appointment or visit ColPacHealth.org/care.
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
A11
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Rainier Chamber presents awards AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The Rainier Chamber of Commerce has recognized local individuals and businesses with its annual awards. The chamber conducted the award presentations during an informal ceremony Thursday, May 13, at Rainier City Park. The awards event was the first in-person event for the chamber since the beginning of the pandemic. Members who were fully vaccinated were unmasked because the event was held outside, as allowable by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and presidential guidelines. Chamber President Meagan Fawcett and Chamber Vice President Natasha Parvey presented the awards. HOPE of Rainier, a social services nonprofit, and the agencies executive director Kelly Miller received the
Aurora Biggers / The Chronicle
Rainier Chamber of Commerce award winners, left to right, Kelly Miller (HOPE of Rainier), Mark and Viki Overbay (Cornerstone Café), Claire Catt (United Way of Rainier), and Amy Trull (The Chronicle/The Chief ).
chamber’s 2020 Nonprofit Business of the Year Award for efforts to help the community during the pandemic — including the organiza-
tion’s partnership with Columbia Pacific Food Bank; opening a thrift store to provide communities members with access to clothing and
homewares; and partnering with the local school district to offer resources and food to students and families. United Way of Columbia
County and Claire Catt, the organization’s executive director, received the 2020 Community Collaborator Award for assisting people
MUSIC From Page A1
feet of physical distance between people. The concerts consistently draw a couple hundred people each Thursday. Unlike last year, the concerts will be free this year, with a suggested donation of $2 per person. Last year’s concerts broke tradition with a $7 cover fee—a controversial change for residents. Residents complained about the new fee, but Mayor Rick Scholl explained the fee’s necessity. “I know there’s mixed emotions out there in the community about this, and it was the only way we could actually go about having concerts,” St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl said at a recent city council work session. In 2020, Curry said the event was unable to acquire a liquor license. The concerts rely heavily on liquor sales, vendor fees, sponsorship dollars and donations in order to keep the event free, according to Curry. This year, the vendor marketplace will be able to provide food and drinks, while attendees listen to the concert. And the concerts are sponsored by a host of local sponsors, including Wauna Credit Union, Cascadia Home Loans, Best Western, The Jane Garcia Team Keller Williams, Avamere and Port of Columbia County. The events will be fenced-in on the waterfront at Columbia View Park, which hasn’t changed in recent years, according to Curry. Also, like past years
who were affected by the 2020 wild fires; partnering with food banks to feed local residents; and for helping lead the county census during the pandemic. Cornerstone Café and owners, Viki and Mark Overbay, received the 2020 Business of the Year Award for making aesthetic improvements to the restaurant; for following COVID-19 guidelines; and for continuing great service to the community. The 2020 Chamber Advocates of the Year Award went to The Chronicle and The Chief newspaper’s marketing consultant Amy Trull for offering to run the Chamber Corner news in the publications without charge for three months during the pandemic. The Chronicle and The Chief received the second Rainier 2020 Chamber Advocates of the Year Award for publishing the Chamber Corner in the publications free of charge. food will be sold outside the fenced area so that passersby can buy food. And alcohol will be allowed anywhere within the fenced area. 13 Nights on the River’s full return seems to mark a return to normal for St. Helens residents. The concerts will take place every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., starting on June 3. Artists ranging from class rock to jazz will be featured, kicking off with Patrick Lamb.
13 Nights Concerts Thursdays, June 3-Aug. 26 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
• June 3 Patrick Lamb – Hit Factory • June 10 JT Trawick – Fiddle Greatness • June 17 Funktown PDX – Funky Fun • June 24 Catherine Loyer & Strawberry • Roan Band – Country Hits & Original Music • July 1 Gabriel Cox – Rock & Blues • July 8 Gary Bennett & The Coattail Riders • July 15 Black Swan Classic Jazz Band • July 22 The Stingrays – Classic Rock n Roll • July 29 Sweetwater Band – Country Hits • Aug. 5 The Horn Dawgs – Classic Rock • Aug. 13 - Patrick Lamb Release Party • Aug. 19 Hit Machine – Dance • Aug. 26 Curtis Salgado – Blues
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Sports & Outdoors
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Scappoose High School Swim Team Coach David Richmond walks along the deck of Eisenschmidt Pool coaching two of the schools swim team members.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Scappoose High School Swim Team Coach David Richmond demonstrates a swim drill exercise during practice at Eisenschmidt Pool.
Scappoose High School Swim Team’s 2021 season JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
It’s all a matter of pride, and working through each challenge one lap at a time for the members of the Scappoose High School (SHS) Swim Team. The pandemic health and safety restrictions forced an abbreviated and adjusted 2021 season for the team’s members and its coaches. The Chronicle checked in with head coach David Richmond for his insight into how the team is taking this season in stride. The Chronicle: Given the abbreviated season, what challenges do you see facing your team as they prepare and move into competition and how are you guiding the team through those challenges? David Richmond: The list of challenges is long, but we are working through it. Not having our season during the typical winter months is a challenge. Many
of the kids are committed to other activities and have started their summer jobs already. We were not able to get the word out about swimming like we usually are and pull as many kids into the mix. We graduated a lot of talent last year so we are really needing returning and new kids to step up. As well, we are condensing a lot of information and teaching into a very short window. Everything is expedited this year to accommodate for a shortened season. The Chronicle: What will be your main focus in motivating your team? Richmond: Many of the returning swimmers, especially the seniors are pleased to have the opportunity to enjoy the experience, albeit a shortened experience, but one last chance before they graduate. My hope is for the others it’s a chance to hone there skills a bit more and not have a totally lost year. There has been some noticeable improvement from the
second year swimmers.
SHS history in my opinion, especially when you look at not just the individual but the team accomplishments during his tenure. He has been the lynchpin and a chief motivator of the unprecedented success of the program since 2018. Bruce Templin (1970s) and Ryan Rafferty (201012) are the only other swimmers in the conversation but their success was more individual than all around and that’s what separates Will. Owen Reynolds returns as the second fastest breaststroker in program history and Colin Stafford is a talented all around swimmer who was the fastest freshman backstroker we have had during my tenure. Emma Jeppesen leads the girl’s team this year as the fastest returning all around swimmer. I am excited to see what Emma can accomplish this year and moving forward. She has the potential to be one of the top 5 female swimmers of all time at SHS if she can continue to improve like she has and
The Chronicle: What do you hope each team member takes away from their experience with the Scappoose High School swim team? Richmond: First and foremost, positive memories. We focus on leadership, commitment, and teamwork. Swimming is the hardest sport out there and athletes take a sense of pride in the accomplishment of completing each season. There are many takeaways of life lessons that are going to be relevant for them as they move on into adulthood. The Chronicle: What team members will be key to watch this season and why? Richmond: Will Blair (Senior), Emma Jeppeson (Sophomore), Owen Reynolds (Senior), Colin Stafford (Sophomore), Amanda Walsh (Senior), Lyla Dubois (Senior), and Anna Cox (Junior). Will Blair is the most decorated swimmer in
if she maintains her level of dedication to the sport. She is very talented and determined and she’s a ton of fun to be around. Amanda Walsh gives us a speedy weapon in any stroke. She is strong in sprints or distance and can give great efforts and times in all events. Lyla Dubois is a strong backstroker and will be a key on the 200 medley relay as well this year on a team that finished 3rd at district last year. Anna Cox has put in a ton of time over the last two years and is a returning district finalist in the 500 freestyle. The Chronicle: So far, what do you see as the strengthens and what do you see as the weaknesses in the team? Richmond: We have some great experience and talent on the team, but we have a lot of new swimmers that are inexperienced. And while that’s exciting to see some talent we have to really hustle to condense their
training and get them up to speed in a hurry to have them help contribute and have an impact on the team. The Chronicle: What schools in the league do you see as strong competitors and why? Richmond: On the boy’s and girl’s sides, just based on how they performed last year and what they could bring back this year, LaSalle likely has two strong teams. It’s hard to know though. Wilsonville, who traditionally has 70 kids out, has a quarter of that this year, so in a year that has been as unpredictable as it has been, I suppose we could see some of that impact the season in ways we may not have foresee otherwise. Regardless of the size of teams we see and talent they have, I fully believe our kids will bring it every week and I am looking forward to it. Follow the team’s competitive swim meets at the osaa.org.
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St. Helens High School Sports Schedule Monday, May 24
Wednesday, May 26
Friday, May 28
• 7:15 p.m. Boys Varsity Basketball at Milwaukie High School • 7:15 p.m. Girls Varsity Basketball at Glencoe High School
• 7:15 p.m. Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Jefferson High School - Portland
No events scheduled
Tuesday, May 25 • 6 p.m. Co-ed Varsity Wrestling at Hillsboro High School • 7:15 p.m. Boys Varsity Basketball Glencoe High School
Thursday, May 27 • 4 p.m. Co-Ed Varsity Swimming vs. Scappoose High School 7:15 p.m. Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Parkrose high School 7:15 p.m. Girls Varsity Basketball at Parkrose High School
Saturday, May 29 5 p.m. Co-ed Varsity Wrestling @ Rainier Jr/Dr High School
I can’t believe it’s already the middle of May, can you? All segments of our business are really busy, and unfortunately, the prices reflect that. As most of you have probably seen or heard, (or maybe read about in this newspaper) the price of building materials is high. We’re hoping we might see a bit of a respite soon, and we expect it to be about 120 days out if that helps you to plan your projects. The prices won’t drop in huge amounts, but it will relent a little bit - at least, that’s the best guess we’ve got. However, our Farm & Ranch business is doing very well. We’ve got one of the largest selections of farm gates, feeders, and water troughs in the state of Oregon. Yes, there have been some supply issues, but we’ve got a pretty good supply on hand right now. The price of feed is up a little bit, too, but still very profitable. We’d also like to mention that if you pick up a ton of feed or more, we’ll deliver it for a small fee. Which brings us to our upcoming Memorial Day
Follow results at osaa.org For more information,contact St. Helens High School at 503-397-1900
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by a dollar, down to $5.99. And, as if Eric wasn’t crazy enough, he’s dropping a dime off our already stubbornly low price on propane - you can pick some up for $1.89. Stop by and see us! We’ll help you kick this summer off right! Until next time ...
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Sale! For a limited time only, we have ready-built cedar garden boxes which vary in price from $39-$89. On Memorial Day, we’ll be dropping the price by 15 percent, and you can get your seeds for planting at half off! Not only that, but we’re dropping our price on barbeque pellets
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