SHC623

10th Annual 10th Annual 2021 Columbia County

Business

Guide FREE

2021 Columbia County Business Guide Catch up with what your local shops and businesses have been up to and what they’re planning this year

INSIDE

Published by The Chronicle & The Chief

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

thechronicleonline.com

Serving Columbia County since 1881

‘Let Freedom Bells Ring’ July 4 STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

In 1965 the St. Helens Junior Chamber of Commerce coordinated with other clubs in the state to connect with the nationwide “Let Freedom Bells Ring on Independence Day” ceremony. The event includes simultaneous ringing of bells throughout America on the 4th of July. The observance began at 11 a.m. and had local churches and fire stations ringing bells for two minutes. Reviving the significance of July 4th Independence Day was the motivating factor that captured the spirit of volunteers who organized and synchronized to “Let Freedom Bells Ring,” according to local coordinator Judy Thompson. “The event brought re-awakening to the public consciousness of the significance of July 4th,” Thompson said. Tradition continues St. Helens will celebrate July 4th Independence Day with the 7th Annual “Let Freedom Bells Ring” conducted from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Columbia County Courthouse Plaza in the city’s Old Town District. A flag raising ceremony and playing of the National Anthem is set for 1:30 p.m. conducted by American Legion Post 42, followed with speakers. At 2 p.m. the countdown for the bell ringing begins to signify the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with the ringing of bells, once for each the 13 founding colonies. “‘Let Freedom Bells Ring” honors the veterans, service members, law enforcement, and firefighters,

who protect our freedom,” Thompson said. Scheduled events Big bell ringing locations are at the Columbia County Courthouse’s clock tower bell, the Courthouse Fog Bell, Warrior Rock Replica Bell, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, St. Frederic Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church, Christ Episcopal Church, Plymouth Presbyterian Church, John Gumm Olde School, and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Thompson encourage those attending the local event to bring a bell to ring. The Courthouse Plaza will fill with the sounds of the Larry Jackson Big River Big Band from 2 to 3 p.m. Highway 30 Cruisers Car Club is scheduled to surround the plaza with classic cars. The Columbia Theatre will be open for drive up popcorn sales. American Heritage Girls will be handing out bells and individually wrapped cookies to celebrate America’s 245th Birthday. “Courthouse Plaza offers shade, green grass, so bring your chair, plenty of room to spread out and enjoy sights and sounds,” Thompson said. According to Thompson, “Let Freedom Bells Ring” is made possible by American Legion Post 42, VFW Post 1440, Post 4362, Scout Troop 106, Columbia County Museum Association, American Heritage Girls, Hometown Heroes, Elks Veteran Bunker, St. Helens Main Street Alliance, Keep it Local, and many community volunteers. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed during the events. For information contact Judy Thompson at 503-397-6056

The July events at Courthouse Square in St. Helens will include a flag raising and bell ringing ceremony.

Courtesy photo

Reopening goal distant

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Jason Luker administers a COVID-19 vaccination during a recent drive-thru clinic at Clatskanie City Park. AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Oregon missed its goal of reaching 70% vaccinated adults by Monday, June 21. In early June, Gov. Brown told Oregonians that achievement of a 70% vaccination rate would lift nearly all COVID-19 restrictions across the state, just in time for her COVID-19 emergency order to expire on June 28. Despite the fact that many counties are still significantly under the 70% mark—Columbia County, for instance, is sitting at approximately 49.2%—the governor told Oregonians that pandemic restrictions would almost completely lift in every county, should the state over all Police Reports ......... A3 Opinion ..................... A4 TV Guide ................... A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ....................... A7 Crossword ............... A8 Obituaries ................. A9 Sports ...................... A12

reach the vaccination benchmark for residents 18 and over. But then daily vaccination numbers across the state plummeted. Now, the state will not reach 70% on June 21, and may not even make the goal by the next week, when the emergency order expires. Most recently updated data from Friday, June 18, shows that 68.5% of Oregon adults are vaccinated with at least one dose. To reach the threshold, 51,616 Oregonians need to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Based on Oregon’s regular trajectory, the state has the potential to reach its target by June 28, but not if vaccine rates continue to decline. The OHA now says it aims to reach the goal by July 1, according to the Oregonian. At this stage, the state reaching its goal relies most heavily on counties with lower rates. For reference, Multnomah, Benton, Hood River, and Washington county have all exceeded the 70% mark, while Lake, Malhuer, and Umatilla county are yet to breach 40%. Columbia County status The governor gave counties a more conservative goal of reaching 65% by the June 21 deadline. Columbia County remains at just shy of 50% and is designated High Risk, but if the state opens up within the week or the following, Columbia County’s major restrictions will lift as well, according to Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul. “Columbia County will not keep restrictions in place once state-wide ­­­­ See REOPENING Page A4

Courtesy photo

The PCC OMIC training center cost approximately $28.6 million and covers 32,245 square feet designed to provide critical industrial sector training in Scappoose.

Training center to open AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Portland Community College’s (PCC) Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) Training Center, at 33701 Charles T. Parker Way in Scappoose, is completed, according to developer and designbuilder, Mortensen in Oregon. At 32,245 square feet, the state-of-the-art manufacturing and training facility is the college’s first permanent physical location in Columbia County and the first building at the college’s newly established Columbia County Center. What the center will provide The PCC OMIC Training Center is part of the larger Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) initiative, which combines workforce training with applied research and development. Within

the Columbia County Center is PCC’s OMIC Training Center, a hub for advanced manufacturing training including machining, computer numerically controlled (CNC) operation, welding and mechatronics. Programming will be based on an apprenticeship model to provide students with industry-aligned skills in structured on-the-job learning experiences. The center is located next to the OMIC Research & Development – a collaboration of industry, higher education and government focused on providing applied research and development and workforce training. PCC’s center is the first capital improvement project in the college’s 60-year history to be constructed using the design-build approach. “Mortenson is honored to have partnered with Portland Community College to provide tomorrow’s innovators with the first learning en-

vironment of its kind in the Pacific Northwest,” Mortenson in Oregon Vice President and General Manager Dan Mehls said. “It is equally humbling to have marked a significant milestone in the college’s approach to capital improvement projects and provide the assurances it needed to embrace the collaborative design-build model of construction.” As design-builder, Mortenson partnered with Hennebery Eddy Architects and PCC to create what the company describes as an adaptable environment to serve a multitude of needs for PCC well into the future. Large open spaces, wide hallways, transparency in design, and flexible mechanical and electrical equipment connection points are key components integrated into the design. ­­­­

Vol. 139, No. 25

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

See PCC Page A8

www.thechronicleonline.com

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Columbia County burn bans in effect

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Firefighters from the air and on the ground continued to battle the 6,200 acre Warm Springs Indian Reservation wildfire this week. Local fire agencies also established burn bans due to the wildfire danger. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Smoke from a 6,200 acre wildfire on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Central Oregon drifted into Columbia County and other parts of Western Oregon this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported the smoke caused haze in the parts of Columbia County and the region Monday morning, June 21. The NWS also had issued a heat advisory for the region due to daytime temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. A high pressure system has formed over much of Oregon, which will cause temperatures to be into the 90’s locally and the low 100s in other parts of the state. Extended heat, winds and current drought conditions have regional fire agencies bracing for wildfires and urging the public to take precautions. Burn bans A open debris burn ban took effect at 11 p.m. Monday, June 21 within the Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) district boundaries, that includes private, county, state, and local government lands and within the Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District. Open burning of yard debris will be prohibited as of June 21 until further notice.

Open burning within the city limits of the fire districts are regulated by those local government entities. “We are encouraging the public to avoid recreational fires on dry, windy days when fires are more likely to escape,” A Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) release states. “Fine fuels, such as green grass, can easily ignite when the humidity is low and winds are strong. When drier weather conditions result in a more significant fire hazard, recreational burning may be more tightly regulated or banned completely.” Recreational fires will be allowed within the landscaped footprint of a residential yard so long as recreational fire regulations are followed. Recreational fires must be in designated fire pits: • Can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter with flames not to exceed 2 feet in height and should be a minimum of 25 feet from any combustible material. • Only clean, natural wood that is short enough to fit within the fire pit is allowed to be burned. • Recreational fires must be attended at all times by a responsible, sober, nonimpaired adult with suitable on-site fire extinguishing equipment such as a working garden hose. • Burning of garbage, yard debris, construction material including processed wood is not considered recreational burning.

• Backyard barbecues including charcoal and propane power units are allowed. Open burning of yard debris will be prohibited as of June 21, 2021 and until further notice. Open burning within the city limits of the fire districts are regulated by those local government entities. “We are encouraging the public to avoid recreational fires on dry, windy days when fires are more likely to escape,” CRFR states. “Fine fuels, such as green grass, can easily ignite when the humidity is low and winds are strong. When drier weather conditions result in a more significant fire hazard, recreational burning may be more tightly regulated or banned completely.” Commercial burning, such as slash burns regulated by the Oregon Department of Forestry, will be closed. CRFR officials said escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage may result in fines and individual financial responsibility.

“All outdoor burning and burn permits will be suspended until late fall (October or later) when rain returns to our weather pattern.,” the SRFPD release reads. “This means no more debris pile burning or use of burn barrels until the fire district and the Columbia County Fire Defense Board agree to open burning again.” Recreational fires are still allowed. These include fire pits, fire bowls, chimeneas, and campfires no larger than

Courtesy photo from Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District

Fire agency officials said escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage may result in fines and individual financial responsibility.

3-feet in diameter used for cooking or warming. If a Red Flag Warning is issued for the area, SRFPD said all burning would be prohibited. This includes campfires. Information about recreational burning can be found at edc02c87-6026-4fffbb76- 5b5796c136ce.filesusr. com/ugd/c88741_a4fad07f0cd44cfdbac01d2630778 f22.pdf Information about public fire restrictions through-

out Oregon Department of Forestry protected areas can be found at gisapps.odf. oregon.gov/firerestrictions/ PFR.html For information about Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) for business or commercial operations in ODF protected areas, visit gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/IFPL.html Call your local fire agency for updates about burning regulations.

For more information regarding campfires, recreational burning and debris burning visit www.crfr.com. Scappoose Fire Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District (SRFPD) said the closure of backyard burning in its district also began at 11 p.m. Monday, June 21.

Investigators seek public help in wildfire probe

COVID COMMUNITY OUTREACH TESTING OHSU IS OFFERING COVID TESTING AT NO COST TO YOU!

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. Courtesy photo from the Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District

Investigators said this wildfire near Gunners Lake was human caused.

Investigators said the initial call was from a pilot who had spotted a vehicle fire at the site. By the time Scappoose Rural Fire fire crews arrived, the flames Protection District (SRFPD) investigators are seeking pub- were spreading into the adjacent brush. Access to the site lic help in finding the person was hampered by the rugged or persons responsible for a seven acre wildfire in the area and remote location. The blaze was fully conof Gunners Lake near Scaptained by Saturday afternoon, poose Friday evening, June 4. June 6. There were no reports “We do not have an of any structures damaged or identified person or a person of interest currently,” SRFPD human injuries. Under Oregon law, those Chief Jeff Pricher said. “We found responsible for starting are still seeking informafires due to negligence or tion from the public. If they illegal activity can be held know of anyone who may financially and criminally be involved or heard about responsible. someone who was involved.” Columbia County’s trusted local news source JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

“The penalties depend on the type of events leading up to the fire,” he said. “It could start as a misdemeanor and work its way up.” Following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire in the Hood River area, a judge ordered the 15year old found responsible for the damaging blaze to pay $37 million in restitution. KATU reports the teen has been making the required monthly payments. Anyone with information about the Gunners Lake area fire is asked to call Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District at 503-543-5026.

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.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

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St. Helens receives $75,000 grant STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The City of St. Helens’ Parks and Recreation Division has received a $75,000 grant from the K-12 Summer Learning Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. The grant will be used to support the City’s summer programming for school-age youth. The St. Helens Recreation Program is offering a variety of summer camps this year that are tailored to provide educational, recreational, and civic opportunities for youth. Options include Mad Science Summer Camps for incoming kindergarten to sixth graders, Garden Sprouts Camp for kids ages 6-9, Let’s Get Cooking Camp for kids ages 8-12, and a Teen Service Camp for youth ages 11-15.

The St. Helens Recreation Program is also offering a traditional summer camp in July for incoming first through fifth graders. This camp coincides with the St. Helens School District’s Summer Academy, but kids do not have to be enrolled in the Summer Academy to participate in the Recreation Program’s camp. For more information about 2021 summer camp options, visit the Recreation Program’s website at www. sthelensoregon.gov/parksrec/ page/summer-camps. According to a release from the City of St. Helens, Oregon Community Foundation puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships support Oregonians annually. For nearly 45 years, OCF grantmak-

Local garbage rates increasing JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens City Council has approved a 2.6% rate increase requested by Hudson Garbage to cover additional operating costs. The council approved the increase at its regular Wednesday evening meeting, June 16, following a presentation by Hudson Garbage during the council’s afternoon work session. During the St. Helens City Council meeting, Brown said increasing fuel and labor costs, a driver shortage and a county tipping fee increase have led to the need to adjust rates. “You have to pass it on and it’s unfortunate,” St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl said. “But that’s how we do business in America.” See how the rate adjustment impacts specific residential, commercial and industrial customers attached to this story at thechronicleonline.com. Hudson serves 9,000 customers in St. Helens, Columbia City, Rainier, Clatskanie and other areas in Columbia County. Hudson’s District Manager Josh Brown said he plans to make similar cost adjustment presentations to each of the cities that the company serves.

“Our goal is to be fair with each of the municipalities we serve,” Brown told The Chronicle. Other council action • Approved allowing open container at city events. This includes the onsite sale of alcohol in compliance with Oregon Liquor Control (OLCC) regulations. For July 4, this will include Columbia View Park and designated areas on the St. Helens waterfront property (former Boise Veneer Property) where tailgating will occur, according to city spokesperson Crystal King. • Updated the timelines for construction of a public safety facility, which will replace the current city’s aging police station. The council is expected in November to decide on a proposed resolution establishing a utility fee to help fund the project. Construction for the new facility could begin in 2023. For more information about the public safety facility, see a series of reports at thechronicleonline.com and visit the City of St. Helens website. For more information about the garbage rates, contact Hudson Garbage at 503-397-1534.

Crossword Solution Solution for the June 16, 2021 crossword puzzle

ing, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving – time, talent and resources from many generous Oregonians – creates measurable change. The Foundation makes grants through an application process that involves local citizens in the review and evaluation of requests for funds. Application materials are available through the Foundation’s Portland office. Individuals or businesses interested in establishing a fund may contact the Portland office at 1221 SW Yamhill, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97205; by phone at 503-227-6846; or online at oregoncf.org.

Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens

City officials said the summer camps offer enrichment programs for area youth.

Police Reports The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

window of the vehicle. This case has been suspended until further suspect information is obtained.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

June 17 • Police received information of a possible intoxicated subject at Jackpot Food Market. Following an investigation, a 40-year-old male from Vancouver, WA., was taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol and Refusal to Take a Breath Test. The male was transported to and lodged in jail on his charges.

For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. St. Helens Police June 11 • Police took a report of a missing person in the 80 block of Red Cedar Street. June 12 • A 60-year-old was arrested on multiple outstanding felony warrants near the intersection of North 8th Street and West Street. • Police investigated a theft and restraining order violation that occurred in St.Helens.

June 18 • Police responded to a theft in progress at Fred Meyer. Following the investigation, a 42-yearold Portland man was taken into custody for Theft II and Trespass II. The man allegedly attempted to steal over $500 worth of items before being stopped by Fred Meyer loss prevention employees. The man was transported to jail where he was booked and released on his charges. Rainier Police

June 13 • A 29-year-old male was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants while in the parking lot of 155 N Columbia River Highway. • Police conducted a death investigation in the 59000 block of Meadowview Drive.

May 29 • A vehicle struck and knocked down a crosswalk sign. The suspect driver fled the area. • A citizen reported that the tires on their vehicle were slashed. • Officers responded to a family disturbance. Peace was restored.

June 15 • Police investigated a traffic crash on Columbia River Highway near Columbia Boulevard.

May 31 • Some sweet tooth bandits broke into The Snack Shack at the Little League Field. Damages to the building outweighed the stolen loot. • Trespassers were reportedly entering a church. • An officer responded to a disturbance involving spouses. The couple agreed to separate for the night and peace was restored.

June 16 • Police cited and released a 33-year-old male for Theft III in the 300 block of S Columbia River Highway. • Police investigated a traffic crash on Columbia River Highway near Wyeth Street. Scappoose Police June 15 • Police took a report of a theft from a vehicle in the 33000 block of SE Davona Dr. It was reported that an unknown subject entered the victim’s car by forcing their way in and stealing items. This case is pending further investigation. • Police were dispatched to the report of a fraud to a citizen of Scappoose. It was reported that an unknown person entered the victim’s vehicle and stole a credit card. The card was reported to be used at a Portland area Fred Meyer. This case is pending further suspect information and video surveillance from Fred Meyer. • Police took a report of a criminal mischief near NE Sawyer St. It was reported that an unknown suspect had smashed the rear

was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.

of the Green Lion marijuana dispensary

June 6 • A 35 year-old transient was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant. • An officer responded to a neighborhood disturbance involving several parties. The persons were separated and peace was restored. • Two cells phones were turned in as found property. Please call to identify: 503-556-3644.

June 16 • At 3:52 p.m. an angler called to report that another angler had caught and retained two Sockeye Salmon on the Columbia River at Dibblee Point County Park near Rainier. The reporting party claimed a woman landed her second salmon, was warned that it was unlawful to keep two and then immediately left the area. A vehicle license plate was obtained. The Oregon State Police investigated the incident. A suspect was developed and interviews conducted. The report will be forwarded to the Columbia County District Attorneys Office for consideration.

June 7 • A juvenile was reported as missing. The teen was located and returned to their guardian. Oregon State Police June 15 • At 2:46 p.m. Oregon State Police was dispatched to a suspicious person on Highway 30 near milepost 19. A local business owner had called to report a male subject had been at his store for the past 3-4 hours and appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The caller also reported the subject kept walking out into traffic on the Highway. The subject was located and contacted. During the contact, it was discovered the subject was on post prison supervision, admitted to recent methamphetamine use and probable cause was established that the subject was in violation of his probation stipulations (use of meth, possession of marijuana and entering a marijuana dispensary). Columbia County Parole and Probation responded to the scene and took the subject into custody. The subjects motorcycle was left in the parking lot

June 17 • At approximately 2:11 a.m. OSP Troopers responded to a single vehicle crash near milepost 44 on Highway 30. The vehicle was traveling eastbound when it went off the highway and hit the embankment. The driver was transported to the Hospital for his injuries. The vehicle was towed from the scene due to damage. • At 5:21 p.m. troopers responded to NW Reeder Road near Collin’s Beach # 2 for a welfare check. Troopers located a male in the a vehicle intoxicated and passed out with a juvenile female in the passenger seat. The male was issued citations for several crimes and released to a family member. The vehicle was secured and left at location. See the Columbia County Sheriff’s reports with the law enforcement blotters at thechronicleonline.com.

June 1 • An officer responded to a moped vs. pickup crash on Highway 30 near West 5th Street. The moped operator was transported with non-life- threatening injuries. No citations were issued. June 2 • Several items were taken from a vehicle parked at the marina. • A marijuana smoking device was turned in as found property. June 5 • A distraught and distracted driver admitted to glancing at their cell phone following an argument. The vehicle they were operating drifted off the roadway striking a light pole. The light pole fell causing damage to a parked truck. The driver was cited for careless driving. • A 46-year-old man from Kelso Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Opinion

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Viewpoints

Well-intentioned, but misguided legislation BRIGITTE SCHMIDT GWYN LAURIE HIEB Chronicle Guest Column

Newspapers and magazines go to every corner of this state. Notwithstanding increased digital access, paper publications are delivered to tens of thousands of homes that lack broadband internet and homes where readers simply are more comfortable with the familiar format of paper or want to save magazines on travel, food, world events or hobbies. Oregon’s newspapers and

magazines care deeply about environmental responsibility. Newsprint and magazine stock paper come from certified forests, are fully compostable and biodegrade in a manner of months. Newsprint is so safe that it can be used as vegetable garden mulch. Inks are linseed-oilbased and non-toxic, and adhesives are water-soluble. A well-intentioned but misguided piece of legislation in the Oregon State Senate, SB-582, would create an extensive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for municipal solid waste. The bill recognizes that

magazines and newspapers are different from other materials by allowing fees to be paid through advertising, but the fees simply should not apply to non-toxic, biodegradable materials – again, newspapers and magazines biodegrade within months. News is vital to American civic life, and legislation causing financial hardship to newspapers and magazines will erode citizen access to factual and trusted news and information. Newspapers are the sole source of local news for many communities throughout the state. Coverage of town meet-

ings, food pantry locations, classified ads and business news are the lifeblood of community newspapers. Yet this legislation discriminates against news and information published on paper, as opposed to information that is circulated in digital formats. EPR systems in other jurisdictions have failed to increase recycling rates for paper, which are already much higher than other products. In British Columbia, recycling rates are trending downwards while producer fees have increased markedly. This

is not tenable in Oregon, when economic conditions related to the pandemic have caused significant reduction in advertising revenues for magazines and newspapers. To offset marked increases in cost, the legislation could force publications to eliminate home delivery to rural areas, exacerbating the digital divide, and cut journalism jobs. A recent study by Broadbandnow ranks Oregon 34th among states based on broadband deployment, speeds and access to lowpriced plans. Those without broadband depend on paper.

We strongly urge the Oregon State Legislature to consider the impact of this legislation on magazines and newspapers. There are more appropriate ways to reclaim postconsumer waste without disadvantaging the state’s vital news and information sources. Brigitte Schmidt Gwyn is President and Chief Executive Office of MPA - The Association of Magazine Media. Laurie Hieb is Executive Director of the Oregon News Publishers Association.

DEQ addresses Oregon’s recycling redesign RICHARD WHITMAN Chronicle Guest Column

Oregonians are passionate recyclers. For years, we led the nation in recycling. People expect that items collected for recycling are turned into new products and do not end up as litter, plastic debris in oceans or cause social harm somewhere else. Over the past decade though, we have learned that our system came to rely heavily on shipping our discarded materials to other parts of the world where they often ended up thrown away or going into rivers

and oceans – threatening our fisheries and our health. Done right, recycling saves energy and reduces greenhouse gases. It helps fight water pollution, habitat disruption and air toxics. But we cannot assure the public that materials are being recycled into new products and not ending up as litter or as plastic pollution in our oceans. And we’re still dumping a lot of material in landfills that should be recycled. Senate Bill 582 is a major redesign of our system for handling discarded materials that assures we all share in incentives to reduce

the amount of materials we throw away and that recycling really works as we all expect. SB 582 builds on local community programs and requires producers to share in the responsibility of recycling the products they create. It is the result of nearly three years of rigorous research, community outreach and negotiations with a broad range of interested parties. SB 582 requires producers of packaging, paper products and food serviceware to help make Oregon’s recycling programs more reliable, effective and convenient. These companies will

be required to help fund improvements and expansions to the recycling system, such as subsidizing recycling in rural communities, creating new collection services, better processing of recyclable materials and better education on what can and can’t be recycled, which will reduce the amount of trash that gets into the system. Many Oregon-based businesses support these changes – businesses like New Seasons Market, Bob’s Red Mill, and Rogue Creamery – because they understand the benefits to our entire community of improving our recycling system.

In a recent op-ed (“Recycling bill poses unnecessary expense for newspaper industry,” June 16), the authors claim that SB 582 would unfairly burden newspaper and magazine publishers. In fact, these companies will be able to meet their obligation under this program by providing in-kind advertising services for public education on recycling and will likely be able to cover their share without paying much at all. Additionally, small businesses will be exempt and will not have any obligations. The people of Oregon expect more from our re-

cycling system than what they’re getting today. We need producers to share responsibility with governments, ratepayers and the recycling industry to make sure recycling programs across the state operate responsibly and deliver the real benefits we know are possible. Recycling done well can protect the environment, human health and our communities. Oregon can, and should, do better. Richard Whitman is director of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. He may be reached at 503-229-5696.

Voices of the Community Chip Bubl, County Extension Agent For years my wife and I have received consistent information from our OSU County Extension Agent, Chip Bubl. Over the years, he has served this county extremely well with his knowledge and expertise which many may take for granted. Whether a

REOPENING

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restrictions are lifted,” Paul told The Chronicle. “Our economy is so intertwined with the metro areas,” he explained, and many residents commute to other counties for work. “Looking at numbers in a political boundary is not always the best thing.” But that doesn’t mean the county won’t do its part to combat slipping vaccination rates. “Are we concerned that we’re at like 50% when the state is almost at 70, absolutely,” Paul said. “We will continue to work on those numbers.” The county plans to

backyard gardener, farmer, producer, forester, etc., he deals with a myriad of questions or problems which most of us encounter in our daily lives, both in urban and rural areas. No matter the size of the property, whether a small yard or forty acres, Chip responds to questions or concerns quickly and enthusiastically. In every edition of “Country Living”, the OSU Extension newsletter, there is a wealth of information that is timely, relative, accurate, easy

to understand, and sophisticated enough to satisfy all readers. We always look forward to the pages describing a host of topics seldom, if ever, disclosed anywhere. We are well served in Columbia County by a conscientious trusted professional who is a credit to his agency. Thank you Chip for your outstanding service to most, if not all, residents.

continue its vaccination efforts into the fall. Efforts will include vaccine sites at the county fair, Rainier Days in the Park, and local pharmacies. Seven pharmacies currently offer COVID-19 vaccination, in addition to the larger vaccine clinic at OHSU Scappoose—though the site has began to decrease its vaccination days. The key to raising the county’s vaccination rate? “Reaching people at home,” Paul said. Columbia River Fire & Rescue and local fire departments throughout the county are assisting the public health department in vaccinating residents that live in more remote areas, particularly parts of Vernonia and Clatskanie.

With those efforts, Paul hopes the county can do its part to reach 65% and raise the state’s overall vaccination rate. “The best thing we can all do to help our state stay healthy and more fully reopen is get vaccinated,” Governor Kate Brown said during a visit Monday at a Portland area clinic. As of midday Monday, the governor had not specifically addressed the state concerning the vaccination rates or the reopening. The Chronicle will update this story, as soon as the governor releases new information.

Paul and Judy Nys Rainier

For vaccination site updates, call Columbia County Public Health at 397-7247.

The Chronicle

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

How are you beating the summer heat waves?

Did you attend a high school graduation this year?

Plenty of water, other cool drinks Cranking up the air conditioner Boating

20% Yes

Visiting the beach

80% No

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com 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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CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • Website: www.thechronicleonline.com • Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net Advertising: atrull@countrymedia.net or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net • FOLLOW US • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them. Write to us: We want to hear from you and encourage you to write letters to the editor. Because of space limitations, shorter letters have a better chance of being printed. We may edit your letter for style, grammar and clarity, although we do as little editing as possible. If you don’t want your letter printed under those conditions, just let us know. Thank-you letters are limited to a general thanks and summary of an

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

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A5

Library offers summer programs

Courtesy photo

The Scappoose Public Library is located at 52469 SE 2nd Street in Scappoose and can be reached at 503-543-7123.

Readers of all ages are invited to add some color to their summer as the Scappoose Public Library presents “Reading COLORS Your World” as its summer library program. The 2021 Summer Reading Program is open to youth, pre-readers through young adults. Activities include a tie-dye craft, movie nights, an epic Nerf battle, outdoor events, prize drawings, storytimes, a reading tracking program, and more, according to a release from the library. Adults can join in the fun with a Summer Reading Bingo of their own. The summer events will be held outside with mask wearing and social distancing requested. Registration for “Reading COLORS Your World” begins with the annual kick-off on June 12th and continues throughout the summer. All programs and events are free to the public and no registration is required. Stop by the library to pick up a calendar of events or see it online. For more information, call the library at 503-5437123 or visit our website at www.scappooselibrary.org.

A6

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Oregon on ABC’s Good Morning America STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

steam event for the railroad to accommodate the television crew’s taping schedule. “Because we do not typically run steam during the week,” she said. “They were very excited to learned that we own the McCloud 25 engine, which pulled the train that day, was in several movies include the Rob Reiner coming of age classic ‘Stand By Me.”’ The ABC segment also features Powell’s Books and the Portland Rose Garden, a Gresham farm and a Bend business. Travel Portland is also showcasing the region. The tourism promoting agency placed a full page ad in the Sunday, June 20 New York Times encouraging people to visit. Watch the ABC video at gma.abc/3gEpwIp. For tickets or information about Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, visit oregoncoastscenic.org.

As Oregon emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is getting a little attention about how local communities navigated through the crisis. Portland, Bend, Gresham and Rockaway Beach are part of a special feature on ABC Television’s Good Morning America showing how the state is bouncing back from the pandemic. “Oregon Open For Business: A Rich Sense of Community Helped the State Survive” aired Thursday morning, June 17. The television piece included video put together Tuesday, June 15, by an eight member ABC crew that highlights the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Coastal Excursion at Rockaway Beach. Oregon Coast Scenic Railway Administrative The Tillamook Headlight Manager Carla Lyman said Herald contributed to this her team scheduled a special report. Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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The Chronicle.

Courtesy photo from Alan Chandler

The Rockaway Beach based Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s McCloud 25 is part of an ABC Television feature about Oregon recovering from the pandemic.

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

A7

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH21-1740

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of the Application by the Port of Columbia County for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zone Change and Goal 3 Exception to Reclassify and Rezone Property from Primary Agriculture (PA-80) to Resource Industrial Planned Development (RIPD) for an 837 Acre Expansion of Port Westward on Remand from the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals NOTICE OF DELIBERATIONS ON REMAND (PUBLICATION) TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1. Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners

will hold deliberations on this matter on July 14, 2021, Wednesday, at or after 10:00 a.m., in a virtually public meeting, held from the Columbia County Courthouse, located at 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. Interested parties may attend the virtual meeting room by: Joining from a computer, tablet or smartphone at: https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/357054141 Joining by phone at: United States (Toll Free): 1-866-899-4679 Access Code: 357-054141 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first

meeting starts: https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ install/870493693 2. During the meeting, the Board will deliberate on the issue on remand from the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals on Ordinance No. 2018-1, “In the Matter of an Application by the Port of St. Helens for a Comprehensible Plan Amendment, Zone Change and Goal Exception to Reclassify 837 Acres of Agricultural Resource to Resource Industrial and Change the Zoning from Primary Agriculture (PA-80) to Rural Industrial – Planned Development (RIPD) for the

Expansion of Port Westward.” The Board will limit its deliberation to the only issue on remand: whether the proposed uses are compatible with other adjacent uses or will be so rendered through measures designed to reduce adverse impacts pursuant OAR 660-0040020(2)(d). 3. The Board held remand proceedings by written comments on the Port of Columbia County’s application for a Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment, Zone Change and an Exception to Statewide Planning Goal 3 for an 837acre expansion of the Port

Westward Rural Industrial Area (Port Westward) (see County File No. PA 13-02 and ZC13-01). The subject property is located at the Port Westward Industrial Site in Clatskanie, Oregon. It is identified in the County Assessor’s records as Tax Map Nos. 8N4W 16 00 500; 8N4W 20 00 200, 300; 8N4W 21 00 300, 301, 400, 500, 600; 8N4W 22 00 400, 500, 600, 700, 8N4W 23 00 900; and 8N4W 23 BO 400, 500, 600, 700. 4. The Board accepted written evidence, arguments and testimony, as follows: a. New written evidence, arguments and

testimony received by January 27, 2021. b. Rebuttal written evidence, arguments and testimony received by February 17, 2021. c. Final written arguments by the applicant received by March 3, 2021. 5. The record closed on March 3, 2021. 6. The purpose of this meeting is for Board deliberations. The Board will not be accepting evidence, testimony or arguments on this matter at this meeting. Dated this 17th day of June 2021. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. By: Margaret Magruder, Chair

CH21-1744

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA MARILYN M. VANDYKE, Plaintiff, v. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF C.G. COUCH, DECEASED, ALSO ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, Defendants. No. 21CV23229 SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION Date

of First Publication June 23, 2021 (response must be filed within 30 days of this date). TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF C.G. COUCH, DECEASED, ALSO ALL OTHER PERSONAS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, The plaintiff Marilyn M. Vandyke

has filed this case in Quiet Title seeking fee title by adverse possession of the real property located in Columbia County, Oregon described in the Exhibit “A” hereto, and also seeking to permanently enjoin the defendants and all those claiming under and through them from interfering with same. NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS READ THIS PAPER CAREFULLY You must “appear” or the other

CH21-1741

side will win automatically. To “appear,” you must file a legal Response, Answer, or Motion. Forms may be available through the court above or online at www. courts.oregon.gov/forms. Talk to a lawyer about appearing by motion. Your response, Answer, or Motion must be given to the court clerk or administrator within thirty (30) days of the date of first publication noted above

along with the required filing fee (go to www.court.oregon. gov for fee information). It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiff’s attorney or, if the plaintiff does not have an attorney, proof of service on the plaintiff. Service rules are in the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure. If you have questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an

attorney, you may contact the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service online at www.oregonstatebar.org or by calling 503-684-3763 (in the Portland metropolitan area) or toll-free elsewhere in Oregon at 800-452-7636. MARK A. GORDON, P.C., Attorney for the Plaintiff, OSB#812424, 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, (503) 397-9066 or mark@markgordonpc.com.

CH21-1729

PUBLIC NOTICE COLUMBIA RIVER IN THE CIRUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT In the Matter of the Estate estate are required to present persons whose rights may Rate Advisory Committee Meeting on June 29, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. The Rate Advisory Committee for Columbia River PUD will hold a Rate Advisory meeting on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss the cost of

service study, the October 1, 2021 Bonneville Power Administration rate increase, the retail rate design for all customer classes and any other business that may come before the Board. This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for further accom-

modations should be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the receptionist at 397-1844. The PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager

of: GREGORY LEE ALLEN, Deceased. CASE NO. 21PB03488 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ryan J. Allen has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the

them, with vouchers attached, to Ryan J. Allen, 3200 5th Street, Columbia City, Oregon 97018, personal representative of the Estate of GREGORY LEE ALLEN, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All

be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the lawyer for the personal representative, David B. Herr, 33608 E. Columbia Avenue, Suite 110, Scappoose, Oregon 97056.

CH21-1742

PUBLIC LIEN SALE U-STORE SELF STORAGE Auction to be held online at Storageauctions.com. Auction will run from 6/29/2021 10:00 am & end on 7/9/2021 10:00 am. Unclaimed storage lockers to be sold by com-

petitive bidding. 1st location Scappoose: 53567 Columbia River Hwy. Teresa Kovalsky C003, Austin Yohner D012. 2nd location St. Helens: 445 Port Ave, Suite D. Tas-

min Strode R-041, August Super M-056, Dana Terry O-017. GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION SOLD BY STORAGE LOT. Cash and Credit Cards.

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

Port Westward expansion deliberations county officials. While the expansion is seen by county officials as a key economic driver for Columbia County, it has triggered concerns from some property owners and others over environmental issues. The Port Westward Rezone record along with other upcoming and past hearings can be found on-line at www. columbiacountyor.gov/departments/BoardofCommissionersOffice/Hearings.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has scheduled July 14 to deliberate a plan to rezone the Port Westward. According to the public record notification of the deliberations, the commissioners will conduct the session beginning at 10 a.m. in a virtually public meeting at the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street in St. Helens. During the meeting the commissioners plan to deliberate on the issue of remand from the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals on Ordinance No. 2018-1 in the matter of an application by the Port of St. Helens for a comprehensive plan amendment, zone change and goal exception to reclassify 837

Public access to the deliberations Courtesy photo

Port Westward is a deepwater port with existing dock facilities and direct access to the 43-foot navigation channel in the Columbia River. It is the center of the rezoning debate.

acres of agricultural resource to resource industrial and change the zoning from primary agriculture to rural agriculture - planned development for the expansion of

Port Westward. The commissioners are expected to limit deliberations to only the issue on remand: whether the proposed uses are compatible

with other adjacent uses or will be so rendered through measures designed to reduce adverse impacts. Port Westward has direct access to the 43-foot naviga-

tion channel in the Columbia River near Clatskanie. The 837-acre expansion area will address the need, both at the local and state level, for industrial land, according to

Website: global.gotomeeting.com/join357054141 Phone: 1-866-899-4679 Access Code: 357-054-141 Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

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A8

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

‘Bigger wildfires by mid century,’ new study finds STEVE LUNDEBERG Chronicle Guest Article

The start of the summer and fall wildfire season began Wednesday across Western Oregon with fire agencies bracing for what could be an intense and damaging season. New research is expected to help communities in Columbia County, across Oregon and the nation better understand how changing climate and human behavior drive wildfires. Human-caused wildfire ignitions in Central Oregon are expected to remain steady over the next four decades and lightning-caused ignitions are expected to decline, but the average size of a blaze from either cause is expected to rise, Oregon State University modeling suggests. Scientists, including Meg Krawchuk of the OSU College of Forestry and former OSU research associate Ana Barros, now of the Washington Department of Natural Resources, say the findings can help local decisionmakers understand how a changing climate might affect natural and human-caused fire regimes differently and inform fire staffing, preparedness, prevention and restrictions. “The significance of these results lies in what we can collectively do about it as a society and in our individual actions,” Barros said. “For lightning-ignited fires, depending on where and when they happen, it can be an opportunity. Where safe

PCC

From Page A1 “We built the OMIC training center with the recognition that education standards and programming will evolve in the decades ahead,” OMIC Director Andrew Lattaner said. “The collaborative design-build approach allowed us to switch gears and refine the design as needed along the way.” Connections PCC’s Columbia County Center will open in fall of 2021 to offer crucial skills

for firefighters, communities and highly valued resources, we can use these ignitions to accomplish important forest restoration work.” Findings of the study, which involved 3.3 million hectares on the east slope of the Cascade Range, were published in Environmental Research Letters. “In the United States, two-thirds of the area burned by wildfires is from fires started by lightning, but human-caused blazes make fire seasons longer and result in fires reaching areas where they wouldn’t naturally occur,” said Krawchuk, a fire ecologist who oversees the College of Forestry’s Landscape Fire and Conservation Science lab group. “People are the primary cause of large fires in both the eastern and western U.S., and while climate is the primary driver of how much area burns, the human footprint is a close second.” Wildfire is casting an increasingly large shadow globally, including in the American West, as the climate continues to become warmer and drier. Eight of the 10 largest California wildfires on record have occurred in the last seven years, and in 2020, multiple huge fires tore through the west side of the Cascade Range in Oregon, consuming more than 1 million acres. Barros notes that in the lower 48 U.S. states, 29 million people live where there is potential for extreme wildfire, including 12 million consid-

ered “socially vulnerable.” “Census tracts that are majority Black, Hispanic or Native American are associated with the greatest vulnerability to wildfire,” she said. “That means climate change is expected to exacerbate social inequalities unless ecosystems and communities do a good job of adapting to a changing climate and more fires in an equitable way.” Barros, Krawchuk, OSU faculty research assistant Rachel Houtman and collaborators from the U.S. Forest

Service and the University of California, Merced looked at ignition data for the study area from 1992 through 2015. There were more than 15,000 ignitions, most of which did not result in a big blaze. Just 400 of the ignitions ended up burning an area greater than 10 hectares, but those fires accounted for 99% of the area that burned. Melding those data with multiple global climate projections, the scientists developed statistical models for when and where fires could

training and connect students to careers in advanced manufacturing. Programming for career-technical education and other courses will be offered as needed by the community. Lattaner plans to open a preview class late this summer. The class will be an on ramp to manufacturing course. The course will prepare students with the basics to work in the manufacturing industry. In addition, the center will offer courses for registered apprenticeship programs in Machinist, CNC Lathe Operator, CNC Mill Operator, Welder/Fabricator, and Mechatronics Technician. The August opening will

offer students and the community a sneak peek before the training center’s full launch in the fall. The center is being constructed by PCC, with the help of Bond Funds and state grants. In total, the center construction will cost approximately $28.6 million. “The manufacturing industry has been experiencing a skilled gap for a long time,” Lattaner said. “The pandemic has amplified the opportunity gaps that keep people from getting the training they need. COVID has definitely had an impact and hopefully this is an opportunity to look for new and innovative ways to get people training they need.” Lattaner said PCC is

working with the industry, government, and community to create jobs. Rightline Equipment in Rainier is also looking to employ students out of the center for their machine shop, by sponsoring the center and offering jobs to top graduates. The center has partnered with local high schools, STEM programs, the workforce board, and the county’s economic team to recruit students into the center’s programs. “We want to align our systems, so that there are clear pathways into the training center,” he said. “Our outreach is to people who live in Columbia County, but my sense is and hope is that

Courtesy photo from OSU

Researchers said the new study’s findings can help local decisionmakers understand how a changing climate might affect natural and human-caused fire regimes differently and inform fire staffing, preparedness, prevention and restrictions.

potentially occur between 2031 and 2060, and how much area they would burn, for lightning- and humancaused ignitions. The models included predictions for the number of fires and the frequency of extreme wildfire events, or EWEs. The models, which include a metric for daily fuel dryness known as energy release component or ERC, predicted no significant change in the number of human-caused fire ignitions and a 14% reduction in lightning-caused ignitions, with the number of lightning fires per season burning more than 10 hectares staying about the same. But mean fire sizes were 31% larger for fires caused by humans and 22% bigger for fires caused by lightning; predicted increases in area burned were driven by increases in mean fire size resulting from more extreme wildfire events. “All but one of the climate models we considered projected increased frequency of record-breaking events, with the largest future fires being about twice as big as those of the contemporary period,” Barros said. The scientists note that historically, lightning ignitions in Central Oregon have been more likely on days with moderate fuel dryness and less likely on days with higher ERC. That’s possibly because in the region, lightning-caused fires tend to happen after light precipitation such as that from cold

fronts that can cause ERC to drop. “When it comes to human-caused fires, the key word is prevention because any ignition can become that record-breaking event,” Barros said. “The takeaway here is that large fires are coming our way. What we do about it between now and then will determine our success in mitigating negative consequences and even accomplish positive outcomes.” Michelle Day, Alan Ager and Haiganoush Preisler of the Forest Service and John Abatzoglou of the University of California, Merced, collaborated with Krawchuk and Barros. “Extreme wildfires are increasingly becoming a reality in many parts of the world, but how we respond to these fires and how we prevent them depends on a lot on how they start,” said Day, based at the Rocky Mountain Research Station. “In our study we showed that historical records for fire size will continue to be broken. And the timing of these fires will differ depending on cause, with more human-caused ignitions happening in late summer and fall.” The National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture supported this research.

we will attract interest from across the region.”

for a sustained re-opening this fall, said Lattaner, including courses that require in-person training. Classes that can be delivered online or remotely will stay online. In conjunction with PCC’s re-opening in Portland, the training center hopes to offer in-person classes in the fall. PCC OMIC may be reached at 503-543-3306.

Next steps Students will enroll through PCC’s normal application process and have access to all of the college’s student resources and benefits, but they will attend classes in Scappoose at the training center. The cost of tuition depends on the program that students choose, though the manufacturing program is grant-funded and free to students. The facility will be open for a full class curriculum in September, provided that the county’s COVID-19 rates are low enough. PCC is planning

Steve Lundeberg is a researcher and writer for Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. He may be reached at steve. lundeberg@oregonstate.edu.

See more photos and video at https://www.pcc.edu/ bond/current-projects/omic. Jeremy C. Ruark contributed to this article. The PCC Center is one of several stories featured in The Chronicle’s annual Columbia County Business Guide published this month.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD ACROSS

1. *____ Code, or self-censorship guidelines for movies 5. Ship pronoun 8. ____ vera plant 12. Tiny piece of anything 13. Dateless one 14. Twist and distort 15. “Animal House” party garb 16. Cantatrice’s offering 17. Frost-covered 18. *Mary ____, star of 52 films and recipient of 1976 Academy Honorary Award 20. Rounded protuberance 21. Breaks off 22. Crime scene acronym 23. One who insists on implementing #1 Across 26. Anxiety, pl. 30. U.N. working-conditions agency 31. A-one 34. Do like exhaust pipe 35. Students’ dwellings 37. Between sol and ti 38. Parkinson’s disease drug 39. Larger-than-life 40. For the most part 42. ____ Aviv 43. Allow to rejoin 45. Between Paleocene and Oligocene 47. FEMA provisions, e.g.

48. *Instrument central to 1945’s “A Song to Remember” 50. Manage without help 52. *Marx Brothers’ 1933 classic 55. Florentine iris 56. Fourth largest Great Lake 57. *Hitchcock’s “The Man Who ____ Too Much” 59. Make children, biblical 60. Malicious look 61. Highest volcano in Europe 62. Object of worship 63. Always, in verse 64. Like happy people’s glasses

DOWN

1. *Humphrey Bogart’s Fedora, e.g. 2. At the summit 3. Hanna-Barbera anthropomorphic bear 4. Kellogg’s Sugar ____ 5. Leather razor sharpener 6. Often used to pull #22 Across 7. Archaic expression of surprise 8. *Like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” 9. Mary’s pet 10. Nabisco sandwich 11. Former times

Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle.

Let us know what YOU think EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: CHRONICLENEWS@COUNTRYMEDIA.NET

13. *”The Snows of Kilimanjaro” type of adventure 14. Straining sound 19. Nautical measures 22. Party bowlful 23. Pressed beverage 24. Skip the big wedding 25. Waterwheel 26. *Drew Barrymore’s grandfather 27. What actors do 28. Mature, as in fruit 29. Like an expired cracker 32. Surveyor’s map 33. “Mai” follower 36. *Hattie ____, first African-American to win an Oscar 38. City in France 40. Prefix for central 41. Deep throat, e.g. 44. Middle 46. Slow ____ or pressure ____ 48. Baby food, e.g. 49. More unfriendly 50. *Ginger’s dance and movie partner 51. Therefore or consequently 52. Mark for omission 53. Archaic “to” 54. Back-to-school purchase, pl. 55. ____-Wan Kenobi 58. *Bing Crosby’s 1944 movie “Going My ____”

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

A9

County wages, income improving

Courtesy photo

After adjusting for inflation, real wages rose 14% in Benton County, 15% in Clatsop County, 17% in Columbia County, 19% in Lincoln County, and 21% in Tillamook County over the 10 years. ERIK KNODER Chronicle Guest Article

Wages and income are increasing in Northwest Oregon – and by more than enough to keep up with inflation. From 2010 through 2020 the average wage – including full and part-time jobs – increased 35% in Benton County, 36% in Clatsop County, 39% in Columbia County, 41% in Lincoln County, and 44% in Tillamook County. That seems great, until we remember that inflation increased also during that time. After adjusting for inflation, real wages rose 14% in Benton County, 15% in Clatsop County, 17% in Columbia County, 19% in Lincoln County, and 21% in Tillamook County over the 10 years. Unfortunately, only Tillamook County in Northwest Oregon kept up with the state as a whole, for which inflation-adjusted wages also increased 21%. Some of the growth in recent years probably resulted from the booming economy and tight labor market that occurred before the pandemic recession. There have also been legislated increases in the state’s minimum wage. But unfortunately much of the very recent increase in average wages is due to the loss of lower-wage jobs during the pandemic recession. The growth in inflationadjusted wages also may be due to changes in output per worker, which has probably increased considerably over the time period. There is no data for productivity in these counties, but nationally the output per hour for

nonfarm businesses’ workers increased 12% from 2010 through 2020. The tight labor market after the pandemic recession will probably spur further wage hikes, although recent increases in inflation will work to reduce any real increase for workers. Reverse Lake Wobegon Effect Average wages in all five counties are less than the statewide average wage and all the counties lost ground in comparison with the state from 2010 to 2020. Tillamook County lost the least ground compared with the state but the county’s average wage was still $15,326 less than the statewide average in 2020. Clatsop County fell further behind the state by nearly $5,000 over the 10 years, and in 2020 had an average wage that was $17,227 below the state average. In recent years, fewer and fewer counties have had average wages that exceeded the statewide average. In 2020 only three counties, Morrow, Multnomah, and Washington, had average wages that were more than the statewide average. The two metro counties, Multnomah and Washington, have many high-tech, executive, and finance jobs that pay well. The result is a reverse Lake Wobegon effect; 33 of Oregon’s 36 counties are below average when measuring wages. The brighter income picture Northwest Oregon typically fares better when it comes to per capita personal income. Income includes rental income, dividends, in-

Illustrations courtesy of the Oregon Employment Department

Education Pays.

terest, and transfer payments in addition to earnings. Total income is divided by the total population to get per capita income. These additions to earnings tend to level the playing field a bit between Oregon’s counties. Per capita personal income from 2009 through 2019 (the latest year available) grew by 40% in Benton County, 43% in Clatsop and Columbia counties, 41% in Lincoln County, and 51% in Tillamook County. After adjusting for inflation, however, these growth rates fell to 17% for Benton County, 20% for Clatsop and Columbia counties, 18% for Lincoln County, and 27% for Tillamook County. Oregon’s inflationadjusted per capita income grew 26% over the period. Although all five of the counties had per capita incomes that were less than the statewide per capita income, all of the counties except Benton County had incomes that were closer to the statewide per capita income than their wages were to the statewide average wage. Said another way, average residents in Clatsop, Columbia, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties are more like the average state resident in income than in wages. Benton County is the exception when it comes to per capita income. Benton County’s per capita income

was $4,466 below the statewide average in 2020, but its average wage was only $1,882 below the statewide average that year. Trends Two trends in per capita income work to offset the lower wages found in the rural counties, especially those with large leisure and hospitality sectors. The first is an increase in transfer income coming into the counties, the second is demographic change. Transfer income includes Social Security, disability, veterans,’ and Medicare payments. Inflation-adjusted per capita transfer income grew by 14% in Benton County, 25% in Clatsop County, 26% in Columbia County, 24% in Lincoln County, and 25% in Tillamook County from 2009 through 2019. Growth in transfer income is often faster than in most other types of income. The second reason for relatively higher per capita income in rural counties is because they tend to have more adults than children – who usually don’t work. So even though jobs may not be high paying, if a higher percentage of the population is working or receiving retirement income then the average income per person will go up. This trend of

increasing per capita income may change as baby boomers retire from the workforce and their grandchildren are born, but so far it is holding. In short, the two measures of financial well-being describe slightly different things. Average wage describes the quality of jobs in an area, and per capita income describes how financially well off a population is. Jobs in Northwest Oregon pay considerably less than average in Oregon, but Northwest Oregon’s population is closer to average financially because many people are working or receiving money from government social security programs. Education and earnings Two major influences on people’s income and wages are their occupation and their education. Occupational wages are the subject of another article on www. qualityinfo.org. The effect of education on earnings and unemployment for workers in the U.S. over the age of 25 is shown in the accompanying chart. Many of the skills in demand by employers are acquired through education, an observation confirmed by data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In general, the more education a person acquires the

more skills they attain and less competition they have in the labor market. As the chart shows, someone with a bachelor’s degree earns more than twice as much on average as a person without a high school diploma. The large relative jumps in earnings occur in attaining a high school diploma (+26%) and a bachelor’s degree (+39%). The gains from education have changed over time. In 2015 the increase in median wage was 38% for being a high school graduate compared with having less than a diploma. The gain from having a bachelor’s degree compared with just some college or an associate degree was 49%. In recent years, having an advanced degree has led to the larger increases in median earnings. Also note that the unemployment rate varies dramatically when educational attainment is considered. In 2020, the U.S. unemployment rate for those ages 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree was 5.5%. At the other end of the scale, jobseekers who had not completed high school faced tougher job prospects; their jobless rate was 11.7% in 2020. Erik Knoder is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He may be reached at 541-3515595.

Obituaries Duane “Big D” Lee Ezzell Dec. 9, 1962 ~ May 23, 2021

It is with great sadness we are announcing that Duane Ezzell passed away May 23, 2021, from Pancreatic Cancer. Duane was born in Vancouver, Washington on Dec. 9, 1962, to his father Bill Ezzell and his mother Barbara Ezzell. Duane moved with his family to St. Helens, Oregon in the 5th grade. It was while in St. Helens that his sister Jill remembers him excelling in all things “shop class” related: wood shop, metal shop and automotive shop. In high school, he bought a distinctive cherry red VW Baja Bug that was the pride and joy of his teenage years. He became an expert in dismantling cars and putting them back together again. His love and expertise with

the Baja Bug continued into his adulthood where he worked on pit crews for friends in the Baja 1000 Off-Road Motorsport Races along with Score San Felipe 250 for several years, and even went to a race just a month prior to his passing. Being a part Motorsport Racing was more than a hobby for Duane, they were a family, and Mexico was his home away from home! Duane lived and loved large; he had the biggest heart of anyone we have known. You would be hard pressed to find someone who did not absolutely love “Big D” within minutes of meeting him. He was always up for a good outdoor adventure, wherever it took him! Duane enjoyed

snowmobiling, skiing in the mountains, driving 4x4 on the beach or in the desert, rafting the whitewater, or just boating on the river. It did not really matter as long as he had good friends to share it with. Duane loved a good party and wherever the party was, rest assured Big D was in the middle of it, and the last to leave. Above all he loved God and family. Duane was always there! Every Christmas gathering, Easter, wedding, birthday, graduation, funeral, any, and every family get together, no matter when or where, he made it a priority. Which as his brother Jeff said, “I am just now realizing the empty void that is going to be left in our next gathering.” Duane was always

willing to lend a hand. He enjoyed his involvement and membership with his local Elks. He was a pillar in the boating community and a member of the St. Helens Yacht Club. He was always involved with the Fireworks

for the 4th of July along with several other community functions. He was the kindest man you would ever meet. Duane was only married once to Ronda Sigler in the late 1980’s. He took an active role parenting Brandi Kneeland and Brandon Lasich who became the true pride and joy of his life. He cherished his grandchildren and all the adventures that they had over the years boating, fishing, and camping. He continued that role until the day he died. Duane was an incredible father and papa to his grandkids. He loved them whole heartedly. Duane is survived by his beloved children, Brandi Kneeland (husband Matt), and Brandon; four grandchildren, Jordan, Dylan,

Araina, and Lexi; siblings, Jim Ezzell (wife Tecia), Jeff Ezzell (wife Sarai), and Jill “Ezzell” Bennett (husband Ed). A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on June 26, 2021 in St. Helens at The Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers we are asking if you would instead share any memories or stories, you may have had with Duane. If you would like to share pictures or memories, please email them to duaneezzellmemorial@gmail.com. We will be sharing some at the memorial. Duane would want us to remember all the good times. We will all miss his laugh, amazing smile, and so much more! Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.

Ardis May Ross

April 14, 1935 ~ March 4, 2021 Ardis May Ross passed away on March 4, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on July 3, 2021 at the Ross residence in Deer Island.

Tammy Jean Pierce

Oct. 3, 1960 ~ June 13, 2021

Tammy Jean Pierce 60, of St. Helens, Oregon, passed away on June 13, 2021 at Community Home Health & Hospice in Longview, Washington.

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Please join Colette Nordstrom, Library Director at the Rainier City Library as she hosts a conversation titled

Decreasing Isolation and Loneliness in the Elderly The event will be held July 8th at 2:00 pm in the library, located at City Hall. 106 W. B Street, 2nd Floor, Rainier, OR This event is free. Refreshments will be served.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

$7.5M invested for mental health STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

CareOregon, in partnership with Columbia Pacific CCO, has announced a $7.5 million investment in behavioral health service providers, including $594,000 to providers serving Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties. Organizations will use the funds as direct cash incentives to recruit and retain mental health providers serving the region’s highest need patients. “The events of 2020 amplified existing health disparities and brought to light challenges some communities face in accessing health services,” CareOregon Chief Medical Officer Amit Shah said. “This is especially true for folks experiencing mental health issues or substance misuse—and importantly, for those that serve them. We’re seeing unprecedented levels of provider burnout, of folks leaving the profession

entirely due to stress of high caseloads.” Known as the CareOregon Emergency Behavioral Health Workforce Stabilization Fund, the one-time $7.5 million cash infusion will provide funding to approximately 25 behavioral health provider agencies who serve nearly 85% of the highest need patients served by the Oregon Health Plan in the Portland Metro, Northwest Oregon, including Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties, and Jackson County regions. The funding goal is to help address the current symptoms of provider burnout, which leads to highly trained professionals leaving the field, resulting in higher caseloads for those who remain, and ultimately in less access to community mental and substance use treatment for patients, according to the agencies. “We need more mental health and substance use treatment providers in North-

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The funding goal is to help address the current symptoms of provider burnout, which leads to highly trained professionals leaving the field, resulting in higher caseloads for those who remain, and ultimately in less access to community mental and substance use treatment for patients.

west Oregon,” Columbia Pacific CCO Executive Director Mimi Haley said. “That’s why as an organization, we have a dedicated recruiter on contract to help behavioral health providers in our region attract qualified staff. This cash infusion will be an additional, important resource for

our local community mental health programs. I’m excited to help get these funds out in our community” Funding will be distributed to behavioral health provider agencies with the aim of passing funds on to providers in the form of retention bonuses, housing

support, or other financial incentives to support these essential workers, many of whom make less working in community mental health than they could in other positions that require less training. Columbia County Mental Health (CCMH) Executive Director Todd Jacobson said the pandemic put a lot of stress on the people served by the agency. “We’ve seen a sharp increase in demand for services,” Jacobson said. “Being a rural health provider, scaling up staff means that we often need to recruit from outside the area. Funding from CareOregon, gave our team the opportunity to create an investment plan focused on recruiting qualified professionals and positioning our organization as their employer of choice. We think this investment will pay dividends in the quality of care we are able to provide children and families for years to come.”

In addition to this $7.5 million investment in behavioral health providers, CareOregon is working on upstream solutions to strengthen the behavioral health ecosystem over the long run, including: • Working with provider agencies to find opportunities to reduce administrative burdens, so they can focus on patient care • Helping convene regional conversations about how to support neighbors experiencing behavioral health emergencies (Portland Metro, Jackson County) • Working to ensure that provider and member voice is part of conversations about behavioral health systems improvement in the service regions • Advocating on behalf of providers in conversations with State and elected bodies • Supporting providers’ efforts to increase capacity and exploring models that could improve payment parity across diverse providers

PCC vaccination policy STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

As of June 14, 229 traffic deaths were reported statewide compared with 173 over the same

Oregon’s traffic death rate rising JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The state is experiencing a 32% increase in traffic fatalities compared to the same time last year, according to preliminary data released by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). As of June 14, 229 traffic deaths were reported statewide compared with 173 over the same period in 2020. Most areas of the state are currently approaching 2019 levels of traffic after falling sharply in the beginning months of the pandemic. And summer is traditionally a busy travel season, according to ODOT representatives Katherine Benenati. See the ODOT Traffic Volume Report attached to this story at thechronicleonline.com. While the specific causes of the latest traffic fatalities vary according to individual law enforcement agencies, Benenati said in general driver behavior is a factor. Historically in Oregon, the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in traffic crashes is speeding, followed by alcohol or drug use, unrestrained occupants, and distracted driving. Often they involve more than one of these factors. ODOT is urging drivers to be aware of their surroundings and use basic safe

driving practices. “The rules haven’t changed even if your commute has,” ODOT’s Highway Safety Section manager Traci Pearl said. “Wear your seat belt. Look out for others. Stay alert, and always drive, bike or walk sober. These actions can save lives.” ODOT said drivers need: • Plan ahead to avoid the frustration of unplanned delays and construction projects • Know and follow traffic laws • Be aware of surroundings • Pay attention to weather and road conditions and drive accordingly • Put cell phones on do not disturb (i.e., don’t use it while driving) • Focus on the important task at hand: walking, rolling, biking or driving ODOT’s suggestions for safe travel: Look out for each other: Especially when approaching crosswalks or intersections, entering and exiting parking lots, and at stop signs. When driving, yield to people riding bikes as you would to people driving or riding motorcycles. Remember they may be moving faster than you think.

When walking, bicycling or rolling try to be more visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Also, walk facing oncoming traffic as far to the right side of the road as safely possible for visibility; and walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. Always assume the other person doesn’t see you. Stay predictable, travel defensively and be sure to make eye contact with people driving before crossing traffic. Look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like potholes, grates or train tracks. Give extra room: When driving, remember people who bicycle need at least a three-foot buffer in order to pass them safely (it’s the law). If you cannot pass safely, you may need to slow down and wait until it is safe to do so. Plan ahead: Map your route to give yourself extra time. Check TripCheck.com to be aware of any closures and traffic conditions and consider alternate routes that may have less traffic or may be easier to navigate. “However you use the road,” Pearl said, “remember to be considerate of others on the roadway, because sometimes following the law is not enough.”

Portland Community College (PCC) has announced that it will not require students or employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment or enrollment this fall term. The college’s COVID-19 Opening Leadership Team unanimously recommended the decision, which has been approved by the PCC President Mark Mitsui. PCC officials said there are several factors behind the decision: • Because vaccination access and hesitancy looks different across racial lines, vaccination requirements create a barrier to educational access that will disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). This would not reflect PCC’s institutional

values of equity, inclusion and belonging. • Based on surveys, vaccination rates for PCC employee and student communities far exceed 70%, the vaccination target rate set by Governor Kate Brown. • The vaccination rate will never be 100%. Oregon law allows individuals to request exemption from vaccination requirements for personal, religious, or medical reasons. As such, some members of the college’s community would not be vaccinated,

even if it were required. • While many public universities are requiring vaccination, no community colleges in Oregon are requiring vaccination of all students, and few community colleges across the country are making vaccination a requirement for enrollment. This trend is aligned with the open access mission of community colleges, a value that is core to PCC. As the state moves closer to meeting the Governor Brown’s vaccination goal of 70% of eligible Oregonians receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s likely many of PCC’s pandemic administrative rules and health and safety guidelines could change, the PCC officials said. For the latest on PCC’s health and safety protocols, as well as reopening plans, visit www.pcc.edu/coronavi-

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

A11

Oregon adds 6,900 jobs in May

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An equipment failure at a manufacturing facility at Longview, Washington may impact future supplies of chlorine used for treating drinking water and processing wastewater.

State issues chlorine supply alert JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is advising Oregonians to limit outdoor watering of lawns, washing cars or filling swimming pools due to a potential chlorine supply shortage in the state. Chlorine is used to disinfectant drinking water and to sanitize wastewater. OEM said a chlorine shortage caused by an equipment failure at a manufacturing facility at Longview, Washington may impact future supplies of chlorine used for treating drinking water and processing wastewater. Currently, tap water remains clean and safe to drink. The state is tracking for potential impacts, but there is no immediate change anticipated. The public can continue to use water for drinking, cooking and bathing. Situation Summary Westlake Chemical, based in Longview, Washington, recently suffered a major electrical failure and the company anticipates the plant being offline until the end of June at a minimum. Westlake supplies Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Northern California with chlorine chemicals used to

disinfect drinking water and treat wastewater. The failed piece of equipment is in the process of being repaired at an off-site location due to the nature of the damage. Westlake is evaluating its options to bring the Longview plant back online and is actively working to help supply chlorine through the market, other Westlake plants or other means necessary to help alleviate the current supply shortage. On June 16, the Oregon Health Authority and Department of Environmental Quality sent out a survey to all Oregon public water systems and statewide wastewater utilities to identify the status of chlorine disinfection chemicals and any immediate supply problems. St. Helens situation City of St. Helens Communications Director Crystal King said St. Helens is not asking residents to curtail their water use at this time. “We currently have a sufficient supply of chlorine and are monitoring the situation,” King said. “We will notify the community if any changes occur. King said the city currently has a sufficient supply of chlorine to last several weeks and that the city’s supplier has stopped delivery

to all non-essential industries to keep bleach available to municipalities. “We will be informing our supplier weekly of our levels to ensure we continue to have sufficient supply to ensure that we minimize any potential disruptions for our community in the coming months.” she said. “We keep chlorine stock for both our wastewater treatment plant and water filtration facility which can be shared between the facilities if necessary.” According to King, without chlorine, the city would need to issue a boil water notice because the city would not be able to ensure the safety of the water. “If the wastewater treatment plant ran out of chlorine, we would be discharging water with an extremely high E-coli count and recreation on the river would not be as safe,” King said. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) emphasized that tap water throughout the state remains clean and safe despite the chlorine supply chain interruption. For additional updates and information, visit https:// www.oregon.gov/oem/emops/ Pages/2021-Chlorine-Shortage.aspx.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,047,008 employed and 118,452 unemployed in May. In May 2020, the state saw 181,557 employed and 127,102 unemployed. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s unemployment rate has dropped to below 6% for the first time since March 2020, when the state’s rate was 3.6%, according to the Oregon Employment Department. The 5.9% jobless rate in May is the same as the revised rate in April. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 5.8% in May from 6.1% in April. The state recorded a workforce of 2,165,460 in May, compared to a workforce of 54,455 in May 2020. In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment grew by 6,900 in May, following monthly gains averaging 11,400 in the prior four months. Monthly gains in May were largest in private education (+3,400 jobs); professional and business services (+2,900); construction (+900); and financial activities (+900). Only one major industry shed more than 500 jobs in May: transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-800 jobs). In May, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment totaled 1,864,000, a drop of

109,000 jobs, or 5.5% from the pre-recession peak in February 2020. Oregon’s employment dropped to a low of 1,687,500 by April 2020. Since then, Oregon has recovered 176,500 jobs, or 62% of the jobs lost between February and April 2020. Leisure and hospitality accounts for the bulk of Oregon’s jobs not recovered since early 2020. It employed 169,600 in May, and added only 1,600 jobs in the most recent two months. The industry is still 46,700 jobs below its peak month of February 2020, so it accounts for 43% of overall nonfarm payroll jobs lost since Oregon’s pre-recession peak. The restaurants, bars, and hotels that make up accommodation and food services have shown flat hiring trends over the most recent three months; the employment level in this component industry has been close to 150,000 in March, April, and May. Local government is another industry that has a long way to go to get back to normal. Employment averaged 207,400 in the past 12 months, compared with an average of 229,000

during the most recent pre-recession year of 2019. In May, local government employed 207,800. Local government education—including K-12 schools, community colleges, and public universities—accounts for over half of all local government employment. A return to pre-pandemic employment is closer at hand for several major industries that were less impacted by the COVID recession, according the Oregon Employment Department. Although the following industries still haven’t surpassed their pre-recession peak, each is within 3% of attaining that milestone: trade, transportation, and utilities; financial activities; information; construction; and professional and business services.

Fast Fact The state recorded a workforce of 2,165,460 in May, compared to a workforce of 54,455 in May 2020. Oregon Employment Department

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A12

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Sports & Outdoors

Royalty at the county fair STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Royalty will grace the Columbia County Fair again this summer. The My Fair Lady Pageant is held during the Columbia County Fair each year to recognize senior women for their outstanding service in their community. The 32nd annual My Fair Lady Pageant is scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. July 14 at the fairgrounds in St. Helens. The 2021 My Fair Lady Court was welcomed during a tea at the Columbia County Shrine Club June

16. The 2019 My Fair Lady Court attended, along with friends and family of the new princesses, members of the RSVP Advisory Council, the Columbia County Commissioners, and the My Fair Lady Committee. The 2019 My Fair Lady Court presented the new princesses with their crowns and sashes at the tea. The 2021 Court includes Princess Lynn Shaw-Hayes of Vernonia, Princess Renee Swartz of Clatskanie, Princess Rosemary Scandale of Rainier, Princess Roberta Leuer of St. Helens, Princess Alice Long of Scappoose. Read the bios of the My

Fair Lady Court with this story at thechronicleonline. com. The pageant is sponsored this year by Teevin Bros. Land and Timber Co., Avamere Living, the Columbia County Commissioners, and coordinated by Columbia County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Columbia River Fire & Rescue. The Columbia County Fair is scheduled to run July 12 through July 18 at the fairgrounds at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. To reach the fair office, call 503-3974231.

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From left to right, 2021 My Fair Lady Princess Lynn Shaw-Hayes of Vernonia, Princess Renee Swartz of Clatskanie, Princess Rosemary Scandale of Rainier, Princess Roberta Leuer of St. Helens, Princess Alice Long of Scappoose.

Student athletes wrap up adjusted seasons

St. Helens High School track star Savanna Moore. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

St. Helens High School’s COVID-19 pandemic related reduced and adjusted sports seasons are complete and the students are off for the summer break. SHHS Athletic Director Ted Hirning said the student athletes and the coaches faced quite a ride this year due to the pandemic, but each persevered and showed there spirit. “Our numbers were about half of what we normally have, but the athletes really bonded,” Hirning said. “They would be there before practice began, and would always stay afterwards to spend time together.” Hirning also has a message to parents about how their students reacted to the challenges this year “I am beyond grateful that they were able to compete this year, they worked so hard and fought to get in shape in such a short time period,” he said. “We saw lots of personal records (PR’s), they never gave up! One of the 2021 SHHS outstanding athletes is track team member Savannah Moore, who demonstrated

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her abilities with victories at this year’s state competition. “Savannah had a wonderful state track meet,” SHHS Head Track Coach Megan Cox said. “She ran a strong 100, taking fifth. She went out hard in the 400, setting a new school record, one she had previously set the meet before, and taking first place. And she had roughly an hour to recover before she ran for another fifth place finish in the 200.” Cox also gave credit to other members of her 2021 team. “Hannah Hayduk, returning district champ in the 400, she is also a part of the relay teams with Savannah Moore and Senior Kasten Warner,” Cox said. “We had terrific seniors leading the team. Hilary Barley (distance and Disc) Chayton Leake Morrison (sprints and jumps) Nathan Huck (sprints and Jumps) Andrew Funk (hurdles and relays).” Hirning said he is optimistic about next year’s sports season at SHHS. “The plan is for a normal sports year starting in the fall, he said. “Everything should be back on schedule.”

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