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Finance director under investigation JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Ready, Set, Back to Class! Metro Creative Connection
The St. Helens School District is ready to welcome students to the new school season ahead. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
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he countdown to the 202223 school season is underway this week. Administrators, teachers and staff at the St. Helens School District are ready to greet students for the new school year ahead. The St. Helens High School Kick Off, formally Registration, is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 31 and Thursday, Sept.1 at the school at 2375 Gable Road. A lunch break will be held both days from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. “All students should drop in either day to get their photo taken for student ID cards and get questions answered,” the St. Helens School District (SHSD) website states. “New students to St. Helens School District should complete the online registration and have a phone conference with their counselor prior to
this date (not required for returning students or incoming 9th graders who were at St. Helens Middle School (SHMS)).
the high school. Portable classrooms have been established at the campus during the renovation work. Visit the district website to see a complete listing of all the back-to-school information for the individual schools in the St. Helens School District.
First day The first day of school for 9th grade students, new students to SHHS, and exchange students only is Tuesday, Sept. 6. The first day of school for all SHHS students, including 9/10/11/12th grade students is Wednesday, Sept. 7. “Both September 6 and September 7 are full days, so students need to come prepared for class,” the SHSD website states. “School breakfast and lunch will be available, or students can bring something from home.” St. Helens High School is a closed campus, which means no leaving campus for lunch or delivery during regular class hours. Building renovations continue at
Family Resource Center The St. Helens School District also has established a Family Resource Center. The center’s mission is to promote family engagement by: • Building positive relationships • Supporting student and family well being • Working with families to connect them to supports and services within the community • Hosting events and classes to promote engagement (cafes, parent classes, workshops, etc.)
• Providing a space to learn and access technology • Provide translation services as needed
St. Helens Finance Director Matt Brown is on paid administrative leave following a city investigation into his performance and conduct. The Chronicle has learned that Brown was placed on paid leave July 14 as the city investigation unfolded. “He has not been terminated, but he is under investigation,” St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh told The Chronicle. Walsh would not publicly reveal why the investigation had been launched and declined to provide any further details. “The city is leading the investigation,” Walsh said. “The process involves myself, the mayor, the council president and the results will be confirmed by the city council.” Brown has been the city finance director for approximately six years with a monthly salary of $11,500. Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
The Family Resource Center is located at 474 North 16th Street in St. Helens and may be reached at 503-397-7238. Changes in the free meal program The nationwide waiver to provide all K-12 students with free meals regardless of income expired on June 30, 2022. Meals will no longer be free to all SHSD students in the 2022-2023 school year. Eligible families can submit an online or paper Confidential Family Application to see if they qualify for free and reduced-price meals.
The Chronicle
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St. Helens Finance Director Matt Brown making a previous city presentation.
Who We Are
Biking with a purpose in Columbia County LAUREY WHITE Chronicle Guest Article
Courtesy photo from Han John Tse
Eighteen young cyclists from across the country pedaling for progress stopped in Clatskanie at the end of a 4,000-mile trek, traveling to raise awareness for affordable housing. The young adults are part of an organization named Bike & Build, which was started in 2003 by Mark Bush, who had been part of a similar organization. “Our job is to inspire people to create solutions to the housing crisis,” group leader and cyclist Juan Avalos said. “Not only to help the communities we bike to, but to encourage young people to live a life engaging in all sorts of civic activities.” The Bike & Build website states that the riders are ambassadors for the affordable housing cause.
Bike & Build cyclists spend time on their journey assisting local communities in constructing affordable housing.
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“Riders prepare presentations for the various church congregations and other community members who may host them overnight or for a meal in order to talk a little bit about the cause and why they are dedicating their summer to this cause,” the Bike & Build website states. “In communities through which they pass, riders talk to local residents and spread the message of what it means to pedal for affordable housing.” Each summer cyclists complete numerous pre-planned cross-country trips. Their ages range from 18 – 29 and the cycling groups can have to 36 members. They work closely with Habitat for Humanity and other local organizations, helping build or completing much needed repairs. The housing crisis has become even more evident since the pandemic, with 30% of households having unaffordable rent or
mortgage payments, according to cyclist Zoe Verzani. “Across the U.S. there is a shortage of more than seven million affordable homes,” Verzani said. “The shortage has also happened gradually as people move from rural to urban areas. Sobering statistics indeed, which is one reason groups such as Bike & Build are so necessary.” Hosts such as Faith Lutheran Church, recognizing their hard work, gladly invited the group to be their guest. After a wonderful dinner, the riders discuss the process of Bike & Build and take questions before settling in comfortably for the night. “This church is such a beautiful location, and so is this town” cyclist Eliza Behler said. “We are so lucky to always have such great
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DA rules officer-involved shooting justified Facebook site, which read in part: “It is a complex and difficult experience to process but I find some comfort in knowing that we were able to defend the lives of our citizens and both the sergeant and I were able to go home safely to our families.” At that time, Pixley declined an interview with The Chronicle pending conclusion of the shooting investigation.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier has ruled that the actions by Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley and Oregon State Police Sgt. Chad Drew were justified in a fatal shooting at Grumpy’s Towing in March. “My conclusion is that the actions of Sheriff Pixley and Sergeant Drew on March 31 were justified, and that no further action on the part of my office is necessary,” Auxier states in his official findings letter. Read the full document attached to this story at thechronicleonline. com. Auxier sent the review documents to Pixley and to Oregon State Police Capt. Andy McCool. Last April, following the shooting, Pixley placed a statement on his
Background
The shooting occurred on the morning of March 31, at the Scappoose towing company. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies, including Sheriff Pixley, responded to a disturJeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
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Law enforcement investigators gathered at the scene of the officer-involved fatal shooting.