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Wednesday, September 9, 2020
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Lights, camera, action: movie comes to town Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The Columbia River has become a popular recreation point in Columbia County.
Waterways: Fatalities, accidents rising
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The wildfire smoke was clearing a bit as the sun rose Tuesday morning over the Columbia River in St. Helens.
Rare east wind event JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A rare east wind event sent strong winds and smoke from wildfires in Washington state and Oregon into Columbia County late Monday afternoon The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning Monday, Sept. 7 which remained in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday for the region. Wind warnings were also issued for the Cascades and the Oregon Coast. Columbia River Fire & Rescue reports the high winds knocked a tree into house in the 200 block of S. 8th Street in St. Helens. No injuries were reported. Another tree fell into power lines and blocked Highway 30 near Rainier for a time. National Weather Service meteorologists Tyler Kranz in Portland said such wind storms are usually seen in fall and winter. “It was definitely a rare event,” he said. “We usually don’t have winds of this magnitude in late summer.” Kranz said a mix of cool and warm air led to a difference in pressure that triggered the strong winds with a peak gust at 32 miles an hour at the Scappoose International Airpark and at 52 miles an hour at the Portland International Airport late
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Christine Menges / The Chronicle
Bundy’s Café Drive-In in Clatskanie is one location that has been used for filming. On Sept. 2, 3 and 4, the building was closed and coned off to the public. CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Although far from Hollywood, St. Helens residents are familiar with movies coming to town: from Twilight (2008), to Halloweentown (1998), to Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006), the place is rife with filming spots, many of the spooky/horror genre. Residents might be happy to know that filming is in the works once more, but this time, it’s a web series, produced by Crypt TV, called “The Birch,” and broadcast on Facebook Watch, at: https:// www.facebook.com/watch/thebirchshow/2699333366784923/. The first season is already available. The second season will have 14 new episodes, and will be released Oct. 11. The series
See WIND Page A5
Some might say the show’s prem-
ise is scary. According to the series’ Facebook Watch show page, “The Birch” follows the lives of three teenagers who have been forever changed by the Birch, a blood-thirsty monster deep in the woods. “Once you summon her protection, you never escape,” the synopsis reads. Film producers did not return requests for comments on filming, saying they wanted to wait until 2021 to talk about the show. However, a trailer is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=SxQj0DumF8Y. The trailer reveals a show that may not be suitable for children. There’s a warning on the video the content may be inappropriate for some viewers. “Viewer discretion is advised” is written below the warning. But a watered-down version could be described as thus: a misfit teenage boy, being tormented by the school bully, finds escape in the woods. As he’s walking, a hoarse
voice narrates: “Some people believe that the forest cares for nothing but itself. That’s not true. If you listen carefully, you can hear its voice. Its tortured heart. It can feel our pain too.” It’s later revealed that the narrator is the boy’s grandmother, who lies on her death bed as she gives her grandson a book, saying, “When I’m gone, she will look after you. Protect you. Just as I have always done. Just as she did for me. Look for her mark in the forest.” The camera then reveals the teenage boy being confronted by the bully in the woods, and all of a sudden, help comes in the form of The Birch: a 20-foot-tall tree-like creature, with a skeleton-like face, and a nest-like structure enveloping its head. The last shot implies that The Birch, in answer to the boy’s summons, kills his tormentor.
See MOVIE Page A8
This summer Oregon has seen a disturbing trend along Oregon’s popular rivers and lakes: A high number of increasing fatalities and accidents. The Marine Board’s Randy Henry calls the rise in waterway fatalities and accidents concerning. “I am very concerned with the number and types of incidents and fatalities we’ve seen this summer on Oregon’s waterways,” Henry said. “Part of that is explained by COVID-19 closures and that outdoor recreation is at record levels all over. Nationwide I’m told there is about a 30% increase in boating fatalities and we’re seeing that same level of increase in Oregon. More boating, more accidents.” Henry said his biggest concern is the number of very preventable fatalities. “We’re seeing people not surviving capsizings and falls-overboard,” he said “In nearly all these cases, a life jacket would have prevented the tragedy.” Henry said Oregon has recorded 22 boating fatalities as of Tuesday, Sept. 1.
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Caples house nearing completion CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
After a years-long renovation process, the Caples House Museum Complex, located at 1925 1st Street in Columbia City, is nearly ready to reopen. The house, which turns 150 this year, has had restoration efforts in the works for a while in preparation for the anniversary, according to Chair of the Caples House Building and Grounds Committee Kelly Wiggins. Those renovations included installing a foundation for the house, which was built without one, in order to prevent a host of damages to the building. The Chronicle reported on the construction efforts in September of last year, when the house was raised six feet off the ground in order to install the foundation.
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While a large grand reopening was in the works, the museum will have to have a much softer reopening in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Wiggins said. “We had planned a very large 150th celebration for August 1. It was going to be very large, very grand, with music, city leaders, all the contractors that have worked on the project. We had to cancel that, which was incredibly disappointing,” Wiggins said. The new date for reopening is Saturday, Sept. 12. Because of the pandemic, the museum will not be able to resume its normal hours, according to Wiggins. While the museum is usually open for tours from Friday through Sunday, the new hours will be only Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wiggins said. Before the renovations, the mu-
Christine Menges / The Chronicle
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The newly renovated Caples House, at 1925 1st Street in Columbia City, is ready for visitors.
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seum offered not only tours, but also served as a venue for events such as weddings. Right now, Wiggins said the museum is just focused on getting back open in order to make up for lost revenue, and then they can focus on extending hours and booking events. According to information from the Caples House Museum Complex, the house is also known as the Dr. Charles G. and Lucinda McBride Caples Farmstead, the namesake of a couple who emigrated across the Oregon Trail when they were children and married in Oregon in 1855. Dr. Charles Caples was the first physician in Columbia County. He built his home in 1870. In 1959, the Caples’ daughter, Dell Caples Houghton, gifted the Oregon
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Sen. Johnson addresses Portland unrest, virtual government, pandemJEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
“This feels like the most unsettled of unsettled times,” Sen. Betsy Johnson (D) said in her opening comments during the Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce Zoom online meeting Thursday afternoon, Sept. 3. Johnson spoke of the unrest in Portland, the lack of effective leadership and accountability at the state level concerning the use of federal pandemic relief funds, and other issues. “Portland is on fire,” Johnson said. “The leadership seems unwilling or unable to do anything about it. I am seeing these lists of demands from various groups that are basically the conditions to stop the rioting and they are outrageous.” Johnson said she understands the pent-up frustrations that many people feel but she said the concerns can be dealt with in a more constructive and collaborative way than “threatening to burn downtown Portland buildings with people in
them.” “It is an outrage,” she said. Johnson also criticized new Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, saying Schmidt is incompetent to be district attorney. “His pronouncement that he wasn’t going to go after the level of vandalism and criminal behavior in Portland stunned me,” Johnson said. Johnson also spoke about virtual government triggered by the pandemic. “Virtual government is not working,” she said. “It is a complicated process. This is not the same public participation in the development of public policy we have all grown up with and come to value and recognize.” Johnson said virtual government has had the net effect of concentrating power in the hands of a handful of folks, notably Gov. Kate Brown, who Johnson said is now ruling by executive orders, and the Speaker of the House and the Senate President, who are the top officers of the Oregon Emergency Board.
“We have run more than a billion dollars in ways that I believe are irresponsible,” she said. “It is outrageous how sloppy we have been. Our state has lost its way. We are out of control. The proliferation of gun licenses is a testimony of how frightened Oregonians are.” But Johnson also spoke about what she called “pockets of hope.” Citing the development of a shelter and referral center for
Curry contract under review CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
City councilors are discussing whether to continue with Tina Curry’s contract, amend it, or go out for a new RFP. As it currently stands, Tina Curry, the principal contractor for the business E2C Corp., is still on an automatically-renewed contract with the city of St. Helens. E2C Corp. is the business that St. Helens has contracted to run events in the city, including the city’s four main events: Spirit of Halloweentown, Christmas Tree Lighting, Fourth of July festivities, and 13 Nights on the River. E2C Corp. has been contracted with the city since 2017. In January of this year, Councilor Stephen Topaz raised concerns about the contract, saying the city should consider hiring a new person to cover Curry’s position. As The Chronicle previously reported, Topaz’s concerns regard several different aspects of Curry’s position, from how she was hired, calling it a “back-door deal,” to accounting for revenue and expenditures for all of Curry’s work. However, not everyone shares Topaz’s concerns. During the Wednesday, Sept. 2 work session, City Administrator John Walsh seemed pleased with Curry’s performance, saying he thinks Curry has been doing her job so far, “fairly amazingly.” “She’s added a lot of activities, all the while communicating with myself and having revenue cover expenditures,” Walsh said. But, Walsh added, “It’s good to stop and check. The way the contract is set up now, it renews automatically unless the council expresses interest otherwise to talk about it, so we’re here today to talk about it,” Walsh said.
There were three options in front of the council regarding Curry’s contract, and they were to renew the current contract, amend it, or go out for a new Request for Proposals for a different contractor, according to Walsh. The council had originally discussed the possibility of reexamining putting out another RFP in July, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, it put everything in the city on hold, according to Scholl. The main concern councilors raised during the meeting was auditing Curry’s work. “I would like an audit of the last three years of tourism, so the council is sure of what was spent, what came in, so we don’t have any comments on, ‘oh, we didn’t do it right,’” Councilor Stephen Topaz said. Walsh said the city already does an audit of all its departments on an annual basis. Councilor President Doug Morten seconded Topaz’s comment. “I think Councilor Topaz has a good point, in terms of efficiency, we could possibly ask the auditor to take a special look at tourism,” Morten said. Assistant City Administrator Matt Brown said that, in his opinion, Curry’s work is
already audited. “The auditors that the city use do use revenue and expenses for every fund, including tourism, and spot check so that they go to the right account,” Brown said. He added that if the councilors wanted a more thorough audit that tracked every penny incoming or outgoing, it would cost thousands of dollars. “We do get monthly and biweekly invoices that satisfy what my opinion would be on an appropriate use of funds,” Brown said regarding Curry’s work. Walsh compared Curry’s contract with auditing issues regarding the building department, which he said for years was expected to account all of its expenses. The city eventually made it part of the general fund, according to Walsh. “We’ll come back at you at next workshop with something revised,” Walsh said. Walsh said he was going to look at the language on Curry’s current contract in regard to auditing. The council will look at the updated contract at the next work session, Sept. 16.
the homeless at the former Wapato Jail in Portland’s St. Johns industrial neighborhood. Johnson also called the completion of the Rainier ‘A’ Street Improvement Project another bright spot. “That took forever to get done,” she said. “It is going to be an enormous impact in downtown and the people that were cranky about the loss of a few parking spaces will see
what a tremendous benefit it is to the town that is not pitted with those dangerous tracks that could have easily created an accident.” Johnson said she is hopeful that more rail traffic will now be developed to signify a reopening of Oregon’s economy. Johnson also described how her office helped a woman navigate through a health care problem and as a result of the uniqueness of that woman’s circumstances, undying policies in the Oregon Health plan may be changed. Johnson, acknowledged the challenges of fixing the Oregon Employment Department’s benefit claim system, but said she is hopeful that she can help some of the Oregonians out of work, struggling through the pandemic. “We are able to help ordinary Oregonians by being that shock absorber between them and state government and we do that every day,” she said. “So, there are some bright spots.” Johnson also listed the positive efforts of firefighters on the lines of Oregon wildfires, and that she is seeing restaurants reopen-
ing after being forced to close by the pandemic, and bridge and highway repairs now being made across the region. Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman, attending the meeting, detailed another bright spot concerning action by the Clatskanie City Council Wednesday night, Sept. 2, which approved a resolution that permanently suspends base rate and utility changes for nonprofits that own buildings in the city. “This will be an enormous help to those groups, since nobody is having church services or allowed to rent the building, and all of them are suffering revenue loss,” Hinkelman earlier told The Chief. Hinkelman also said the city is considering giving $52,000 in federal pandemic relief to the Clatskanie School District. “We are allowed to help out other organizations and it is my preference to keep that money in Clatskanie and we hope to help out the school district,” he said.
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
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COVID-19 cases continue declining CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Pandemic: Now and ahead
Columbia County is showing promising signs of slowing the spread of COVID-19, according to Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul. While Columbia County’s COVID-19 cases have increased slightly to 131 as of Sept. 4, currently only five individuals are infectious and in isolation, Paul said. The county has recorded one pandemic-related death and nine hospitalizations since the beginning of the pandemic. Other public health indicators are also showing promising signs, Paul said. One is that active cases are down to eight, and the county is tracing most of the cases to known sources. They are also following up with 100% of cases within 24 hours. Only 0.4% of Emer-
gency department visits were for COVID-like illness within the last week. The county is also below the 5% test positivity rate mark which is used for reopening schools. Other numbers are not so promising, however, Paul said that the case count for last week was 15 cases per 100,000. “We have to have that below 10 per 100,000 for three weeks in a row,” in order to open schools, Paul said. Statewide numbers are showing similar trends. “We’re definitely seeing a slight decline in places,” Paul said. Oregon has the fifth lowest infection rate in the U.S., according to Paul, with 26,946 cases and 465 deaths as of Wed., Sept. 2. Of Oregon’s 36 counties, 17 of them have a case count of less than 30 per 100,000, Paul said. Paul said that people aged
20-30 are currently showing the highest infection rates. “We’re asking particularly young people to protect their family members, use face coverings, and congregate in small groups,” Paul said. The county public health department is also fielding many calls from the public asking about learning pods, Paul said, adding his guidance for learning pods is to follow basic guidelines, keep pods small, practice basic hygiene of avoiding touching one’s face, washing hands, and staying home if feeling ill. Paul made his comments during his weekly health update Sept. 2, before the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. Follow daily pandemic reports at thechronicleonline. com with in-depth updates in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
New details are emerging concerning the pandemic impact in Oregon and what is ahead. In a detailed report, Initial Job Losses and Recovery from COVID-19 Recession, Oregon Employment Department economist Sarah Cunningham tracks the COVID-19 impact in the state from March and presents recovery scenarios that include a speedy recovery or what could trigger a second round of business closures. The following is Cunningham’s report. Public health measures related to COVID-19 began in Oregon in mid-March. Social distancing practices and workplace and gathering changes have severely impacted business practices all around the state. The National Bureau of Economic Research declared an official recession in the United States, beginning in February 2020. Data from the Current Employment Estimates (CES) program shed some light on the severity of initial job losses and recovery across nonfarm payroll employment. By the numbers Oregon’s total nonfarm employment declined nearly 14 percent (-271,900 jobs) between February and April 2020. Initial losses were heaviest in industries most impacted by social distancing-related health measures. Leisure and hospitality suffered the heaviest losses in both absolute number and industry share, shedding roughly 118,700 or 55 percent of jobs between February and April 2020. Health care and social assistance lost 28,500 jobs, nearly 11 percent of employment, as elective procedures and appointments were cancelled and rescheduled at the onset of the crisis. Other services, a broad industry that includes beauty salons, nail salons, and other close-contact services, shed more than one out of five payroll jobs (-14,700). Private educational services lost
Courtesy photo
The report pinpoints specific job losses and emerging scenarios for recovery.
16 percent or 6,000 jobs as classrooms moved online. Since April, Oregon has recovered 38 percent (103,600) of its nonfarm payroll employment losses from March and April, but every private industry is still below its February 2020 peak. By July, leisure and hospitality regained 58,900 or 50 percent of jobs lost, but the industry is still nearly 60,000 jobs below peak employment. Health care and social assistance added back 18,700 jobs between April and July, recovering 66 percent of the initial COVID-19 losses very quickly as elective procedures resumed and health care offices reopened beginning in May. Other services has regained more than half of its March and April job losses, but remains 5,400 jobs below its February peak. Other industries still well below their February 2020 employment levels include information (-16.8% or -6,000 jobs), and educational services (-13.1% or -4,900 jobs). Although net job losses between February and July 2020 exist across every sector in Oregon, with the exception of Federal Government, low-paying industries – those paying below the statewide average annual wage of $55,349 – suffered more than half (55%) of job losses. Among high-paying industries, information has suffered the heaviest losses, losing roughly 17 percent of jobs between February
and July. Information pays an average annual wage of $89,699. Manufacturing, a high-paying sector that brings outside money into the local economy, peaked at 198,700 jobs in January 2019 and has lost 9 percent of jobs since. Uncertain recovery ahead Although Oregon has regained more than a third of jobs lost in March and April 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, how quickly Oregon will return to full employment depends on many unknowns. According to the Office of Economic Analysis’ June 2020 Economic and Revenue Forecast, three recovery scenarios emerge. As social distancing measures continue to be lifted, consumers will be able to unleash pent-up demand, spending on services they previously could not, which is key to economic recovery. Widespread availability of a vaccine or medical treatment could further restore consumer confidence and lead to a more speedy recovery. Conversely, a resurgence in the number of coronavirus cases could trigger a second round of business closures throughout the state, leading to a deeper recession and slower recovery. Follow the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon with daily reports at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
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Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Viewpoints City of St. Helens response regarding Spirit of Halloweentown RICK SCHOLL Chronicle Guest Column
The City of St. Helens is aware that some community members and businesses have raised concerns regarding the safety of the Spirit of Halloweentown festival this year in light of COVID-19. The safety of our community is always the City’s number one priority and any decisions made by the City Council and City staff are done with the community’s best interests in mind. The City Council held many lengthy discussions to determine whether or not the Spirit of Halloweentown festival would be held this year.
Due to the festival’s extreme popularity over the last several years, we anticipate that visitors will travel to St. Helens in October regardless of the festival being cancelled or not. Rather than taking a reactive approach with no plan in place to accommodate these visitors, the City has worked hard to create a plan that provides a safe environment for both our community and visitors. This plan also creates a valuable opportunity for local businesses to see increased economic activity in this time when many have seen drastically reduced revenue due to the pandemic.
The City is committed to creating a safe environment for the community and visitors. State guidelines related to COVID-19 continue to evolve on an almost weekly basis. The City pledges to meet or exceed any current or new state guidelines and create a safety plan that is responsive to changing criteria, up to and including cancelling the festival if necessary. The Spirit of Halloweentown festival will look very different this year compared to years prior. Currently, the City is implementing the following safety protocols: • This year is a ticketed event with a 250-guest
maximum. Spirit of Halloweentown event areas, including the Plaza Square, will be fenced off or have controlled entry access points during the weekend to ensure visitor limits are maintained. • Ticket purchases include a parking pass to the riverfront parking lot. Visitors to the festival are being instructed to use the designated parking lot and not park in residential neighborhoods. • Additional signage has been ordered this year to discourage parking in neighborhoods and direct vehicle traffic to the designated parking lot. • No contact hand sani-
tization stations have been ordered and are being placed in numerous areas throughout the festival. • Restroom facilities will be sanitized on a regular schedule. • Signage has been ordered with COVID-19 safety and physical distancing messages in place. • Safety cones and 6-foot spacing markers will be placed inside the festival area to ensure physical distancing is maintained. • Social distance monitors will be encouraging physical distancing. Festival visitors will be temperature checked and asked to wear a face mask.
• The City is working with new community volunteer groups this year to provide traffic and parking control assistance with the festival. This will also act as a fundraising opportunity for community groups that have not been able to raise funding for their groups this year as they have in years past. We appreciate our public health and community partners. The City continues to monitor state guidelines and is proactively working to create a safe event for residents, local businesses, and visitors to our community. Mayor Rick Scholl may be reached at 503-397-6272.
Spirit of Halloweentown awakens in St. Helens TINA CURRY Chronicle Guest Column
2020 Season includes a return visit of several cast members including Emily Roeske as Sophie Piper Cromwell, Joey Zimmerman as Dylan Piper and Phillip Van Dyke as Luke. Halloween may only come once a year, but in St. Helens you can celebrate it all month long. This year things will look different with festival preparations being made to exceed the current guidelines from the Governor. Guests need tickets to get into the fenced area of the plaza where in 1998 the small city of St. Helens served as a backdrop to the
1998 Disney Channel Halloween classic “Halloweentown”, and they will also be wearing masks and getting their temperature checked. Hand sanitizing stations will also be abundant along with beefed up cleaning schedules inside the new fenced ticketed area on weekends, Saturdays until 5 p.m. and Sundays until 4 p.m.. General admission tickets are limited to 250 guests and include all weekend activities. This cuts down on touch points. Designated parking is also included to keep visiting cars out of the neighborhoods. Inside the fenced area guests are in for a treat that will hopefully put some magic back into life without lines. On weekends the festi-
val features many attractions including a new Haunted Hotel, updated Museum of Peculiarities & Oddities, and newly designed Alien Experience. The Tiny Parade of Pumpkins greets visitors with many new meticulously carved pumpkins along with other fun gags. Street performers take to the blacktop daily as the audience stands by positioned cones in order to keep a safe distance in the outdoor arena. Witches will dance and others can join in – from a distance. Monitors encourage folks to engage with the protocols. Many businesses are already “geared up” and have taken measures to keep their staff and customers safe. They are preparing with
“Grab and Go” and reduced menus to expedite diners. In the food court/vendor area only parking tickets are needed. Cones indicate appropriate distance at participating vendors which include many food offerings presented by local nonprofits. Picnic tables are being positioned throughout to accommodate regulations for people to eat. Local nonprofits are making plans to keep their volunteers safe while providing staffing for the festival on weekends. For those that enjoy a new adventure experience, Sand Island Campground sets the stage for an island boat ride where guests enjoy a fireside story, pumpkins and a captured Sasquatch! An entire outbound media
program is engaged which will alert those who want to come to Spirit of Halloweentown that there are new rules and guidelines and tickets are needed to park or for the attraction area. Limiting access and encouraging safe behavior is the primary goal. The City doesn’t want to be overrun like the coastal communities and other locations have been during the summer and holidays. Local law enforcement and groups like Community Emergency Response Team continue to be involved with safety and traffic patterns. During weekdays and weekends afterhours there is no need for tickets, allowing locals and visitors to snap some photos and visit the
plaza. The Haunted Hotel, Sand Island Experience and some vendors will also be open. Visit the website for specifics on times and days. In the past the pumpkin lightings drew large audiences but this year that too has changed. No community pumpkin lighting or parade further cuts down on traffic. Celebrity events are only included with General Tickets. The details of all these events (and others) can be found at www.discovercolumbiacounty.com, www. spiritofhalloweentown.com and www.instagram.com/ spiritofhalloweentown/ Tina Curry is the City of St. Helens events coordinator.
Respond to the 2020 Census Now MONICA STEELE Chronicle Guest Column
As the 2020 Census draws to a close, I urge each one of you reading this to respond before it’s too late. This is the final month to be counted and to help guarantee Clatsop County receives funding for essential services that will shape the future of our community for the next 10 years. Whether you live alone, with family, or others, I’m asking you to do your part and count everyone who lives in your home if you haven’t already. And while you’re at it, remind other family, friends, and neighbors to be counted, too. Text them. Call them. Share a note on your social media. While many people know the census is what determines how many representatives each state gets in Congress, it is also used by lawmakers in Washington and Salem, Oregon to allocate funds for programs and services that impact Clatsop County – including the roads we drive on, the schools our children attend, and the hospitals and healthcare clinics we visit when we are sick. An undercount in Clatsop County could mean our community loses out on important federal funds that will leave us behind as others progress
into the future. The deadline to respond is September 30. But don’t wait—you can respond now online at 2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 For Spanish, or by mail if you received a paper questionnaire. You can respond in English, Spanish, and 11 other languages online or by phone. If you don’t respond on your own, you will be visited by a locally hired census taker to make sure you are counted. If a census taker comes to your home, please cooperate. They have been trained on CDC and local health guidelines, will maintain at least a six-foot distance, and will be wearing masks and carrying other personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep everyone safe. A census taker may also call you at home, so please answer the call. The census asks only 10 questions about you and who lives in your home with you and will only take a few minutes to complete. And remember: Your answers are confidential and can never be shared with federal or local law enforcement agencies. Census takers will have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of
Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. They may also carry Census Bureau bags and equipment with the Census Bureau logo. They will never ask for Social Security numbers, banking info, citizenship status, or political affiliation. If you still have questions about their identity, you can contact the Los Angeles Regional Census Center at 213-314-6500 to speak with a Census Bureau representative. The 2020 Census is so important. If we want our voices to be heard at the local and federal level, we all need to do our civic duty and respond. If we want to continue receiving support for critical programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, school lunches and education programs like Head Start, historic preservation and wildlife conservation grants, bridges, bike paths, and other infrastructure, we should respond. Time is running out. If you haven’t already, you are about to miss this once in a decade chance to shape our future and better our community for the next 10 years. Monica Steele is the Assistant County Manager for Clatsop County. She may be reached at 503-325-1000 Ext. 1314.
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Last Week’s Results
What should be done to lower Oregon’s rising boating fatalities and accidents?
Should the City of St. Helens hold Spirit of Halloweentown this year?
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St. Helens convict dies
Obituaries Jennifer L. Mann
Aug. 25, 1962 ~ Aug. 30, 2020 Jennifer L. Mann, 58, of St. Helens, Oregon passed away in Portland, Oregon on Sun., Aug. 30, 2020 of COPD and cancer. She passed peacefully and was attended by family. Jennifer was born in Santa Monica, California and grew up mostly there and in Eugene, Oregon. She was a graduate of Homestead High School in Cupertino, California. Jennifer enjoyed meeting new people, shopping, going to parks and hanging out with friends and family. She regularly showed kindness and generosity to others. Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, George L. Mann and Ann Kellington Doran.
She is survived by sisters, Laura L. Mann of Camas, Washington and Deborah L. Jameson of Petaluma, California; and daughter Sarah
Elbert of Coos Bay, Oregon who was raised by her father, Randy Elbert, and paternal grandparents. Services will be private and her remains will be interred near her parents interred remains at Cypress Hill Cemetery in Petaluma, California. Donations in memoriam are recommended to be made to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, https:// www.bbrfoundation.org. Everyone needs a network of friends and family. In Jennifer’s memory please help your family members with mental health challenges stay connected.
Patrick John Broders
March 17, 1959 ~ March 25, 2020 Pat was born in Portland, Oregon to Alta and Harry Broders. Pat was raised in St. Helens with his many brothers and sisters, completing grade school, middle school, and graduating from St. Helens High School in 1979. Pat was constantly smiling and laughing. When you think of Pat, his huge smile is what immediately comes to mind. He enjoyed sports, music, fishing, and his loved ones and many friends. Upon graduation, he traveled to Phoenix, Arizona where he worked as a soil and concrete analyst. A jack of all trades, he later returned to the St. Helens, Oregon area where he met Audrey Hudson. From that relationship they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Janessa Marie and Lacey Lynn. Pat was and will always be very proud of his daughters. Pat is resting at Columbia
Memorial Gardens with his family forever. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alta & Harry Broders; and siblings, MaryAnn, Donald and Linda Broders. He is survived by his siblings, Dean (Carol) Broders, Susan Broders (Mark Ingram), Jamo Broders, Rick (Julie)
Broders, and Lorrie (Pat) Kearsley; and many nieces and nephews that he loved to play with. Pat, Hey You! You Shined like a Diamond and were Blessed as you climbed the Stairway to Heaven. We took Country Roads and listened to Delta Dawn to walk through Strawberry Fields Forever. He trusted his Radar Love to Walk the Line. He was ready to Turn the Page and Journey to The Best of Times. With Open Arms he flew like a Seagull into his Last Dance with Mary Jane, always acting like a VooDoo Child. We will forever Wish You Were Here. Carry on our Wayward Son. It’s a Beautiful Day. Love Forever. There will be a private family service.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) reports convicted attempted murderer Robert Simms Goin, of St. Helens, died August 30,while in hospice care. Goin was housed at Two Rivers Correctional Institution at Umatilla. He entered DOC custody on November 23, 2016, from Columbia County with an earliest release date of September 26, 2026. Goin was 76-years-old. Background The following story was posted at thechronicleonline. com on Aug. 22, 2016. A St. Helens man accused of shooting a neighbor in March of this past year was convicted of attempted murder, assault in the first degree and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. A Measure 11 crime, attempted murder carries a minimum sentence of 90 months in prison. Robert Simms Goin, a 72-year-old St. Helens resident, faced trial after shooting Albert Schneider, who is also in his 70s, following an argument on Oakwood Drive. Goin presented his own defense during the trial, though he received some assistance from a court-appointed attorney. On March 27, 2015, Schneider engaged Goin in an attempt to stop an altercation that was developing between Goin and a teenager who also lives on their street. Goin testified he was upset about loud music and said he was crossing the street to verbally have it out with the teenager when Schneider cut him off. Goin was accused of shooting
WIND From Page A1
Monday night. While the winds are expected to ease this week, the hot temperate and dangerous wildfire conditions will persist, according to Kranz. “We don’t see any significant rain in the forecast for the next several days,” he said. Due to the smoke, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory on Monday for the Portland Metro area, Willamette Valley, Columbia River Gorge and Central Oregon. Wind gusts fanned a wildfire in east Marion County, forcing evacuations in the Santiam Canyon. A 12-acre brush fire also broke out in the Oregon City area late Monday night. Three fires are reported in Lincoln County forcing the closure of Highway 101 north of Depoe Bay. Officials in Lincoln County urged residents and visitors to avoid travel if possible and were advising people to stay
Schneider in the stomach with a .380 Taurus pistol during a fight that broke out between the two men. Schneider managed to disarm Goin after he was shot during the brawl. Goin reportedly retrieved an additional gun from a car in his garage, a Hi-Point 9mm, before he was tackled and disarmed again, this time by neighborhood resident Jacob Jones, who held Goin down until police arrived. Jones received a Carnegie Medal to honor his heroic, lifesaving actions the day of the shooting. During testimony, Schneider said he did not see the gun until it was already too late. Schneider said Goin had made threats that day that he was going to shoot the teenager he was arguing with across the street. Schneider said he asked Goin, “What if I went and got my own gun?” Schneider said Goin responded, “Well, I have my gun right here,” and then drew the pistol from behind his jacket and shot Schneider in the abdomen. The pair wrestled as they fell on the street, and Schneider managed to strip Goin of the pistol. Goin claimed he did not instigate the fight with Schneider and said he was carrying the pistol legally in a holster that met Oregon’s open carry requirements. He said he was attempting to call 911 with his left hand while holding the pistol in his right when Schneider grabbed weapon and it went off while they struggled for it. Goin also claimed he had no memory of trying to get the second pistol and disputed whether he ever possessed it. On Aug. 15, jurors returned a unanimous verdict on the charges of assault in
home. Portland General Electric reported electricity was disrupted for nearly 100,000 customers late Monday night in the Portland metro area. Because of the continued heat wave, dry conditions and high winds, fire agencies in Columbia County closed all burning, event in county parks effected Monday, Sept. 7 until further notice. The return of high temperatures, low humidity and east winds can turbocharge even the smallest fire start, according to the Oregon Forestry Department. A smoldering campfire or an errant spark from a vehicle can become a raging blaze in minutes. Taking a few extra precautions while working or recreating in the forest can prevent most wildfires. Make a difference by following a few simple tips: • Operate ATVs and other motorized vehicles only on established roads. • Check your vehicle for dragging tow chains that can send sparks into roadside vegetation. • Don’t park or idle on dry grass or brush – the hot
the first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. On the charge of attempted murder, 10 of 12 jurors declared Goin was guilty. Goin will continue to be held without bail at the Columbia County Jail pending sentencing, which will be schedule following a pre-sentencing investigation. Court officials indicated that process might take a month to six weeks or longer. After hearing the verdict, Schneider said he agreed with the decision of the jury. He said given the opportunity to do it again, he would take the same course of action as he did that day. “They are kids in the neighborhood that I looked after all the time,” Schneider said. To the idea of Goin possibly returning to the neighborhood at some point, Schneider said, “He had better not.”
exhaust system can set it smoldering in seconds. • Check current fire restrictions for the area before building a campfire. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed at any time of year. Or simplify your life by bringing prepared foods instead of trying to cook over a smoky fire. • Smoke only in an enclosed vehicle. Properly dispose of cigarette butts. • If you see smoke, call 9-1-1. • Always have fire extinguishing tools on hand Columbia County fire agencies recommend you have a planned escape route from your home, business and property in the event of a wildfire. And that you frequently practice that plan with family members, designating a gathering spot to meet if escape is necessary. For more about wildfire prevention at your property, contact your local fire district or fire department.
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Classifieds
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com
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trees. Call now for an appt. Jaime at 360-751-0120 or 360-430-8510. Free estimates and references.
ALCOHOL & DRUG, also co-dependents Overcomer Outreach Monday 7 pm 503-543-3028 or 503-369-5759 Christian 12-step (No Preaching) grandmascountry rental.com.
sthelensoregon. gov/jobs Equal Opportunity Employer
Be able to pass a stringent background check · Be able to attend the Reserve Police Academy. Applications are available at the Rainier Police Department or call (503) 5563644.
Estate garage sale 214 B Crouse Way, St. Helens. Household miscellaneous. Friday, Sept. 11 – Saturday, Sept. 12. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FREE COMPOST Horse manure & shavings mix, We load, U Haul. Please call for Info: 503-543-7406
ROOM FOR RENT $650., River View ac w/ utilities paid 503-396-1114
*Low-Cost* Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Residential • Apartments • Rentals *Commercial* Fast Dry Times!
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Cell: 503-556-2568 Cell: 503-396-6228
NORTHWEST CUSTOM TILE Showers, floors, walls, fireplace, exterior. Up to 20% off if you preorder by Nov. 1st, 2020. CCB# 228991 503-3966714
Paul’s Tree Service Inc. No bush too small, no tree to tall- Call Paul! Specialized in danger trees, take downs, storm clean-up. Time to prune- pruning Lace Leafed Maples & ornamental shrubberies, chipping, senior or veterans discount, free estimates. CCB# 217173 Lic., Bonded & Insured. 503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274
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FIND US ON FACEBOOK Licensed - Bonded - Insured
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ATTN! Land Owners WE BUY CEDAR & NOBLE BOUGHS. The season is on! We do all of the work! Min. of 10
Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.oregonaa district-18.org
502
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Eagle Star Rock Products is seeking, full time dump truck delivery driver. Current Class A CDL needed. Overtime Pay and benefit package. Contact us at 503-397-7861. NOW RECRUITING for the following full-time positions: Public Works Director, Police Support Specialist, Water System Filtration Operator Open Until Filled. First Review Deadlines. See website for details: www.
Retired? Bored? Work 1 or 2 days a week at Easy 2 Wash. Call Milo if interested. 503-791-7113. The Rainier Police Department is currently taking applications to create a hiring list of qualified candidates for Volunteer Reserve Police Officer. Closing date is September 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Qualified applicants must be: · At least 21 years of age · Possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D · Possess or be able to possess a valid Oregon Drivers License · Be a U.S. Citizen · Able to pass written examination · Able to pass a physical ability test ·
690
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Ca$h 4 Car$
$Drake’s Towing is now paying TOP Cash$ 4 Junk Cars!!! we buy junk/broken cars,
trucks, vans, heavy equip. top $$ paid to $200
we are LOCAL, serving Columbia County same day service.
503-438-6099
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COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL Driveways • Roadways • Subdivisions • Parking Lots • City, County, State Specification Products
503-543-7929 Fax
Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
Call Jim today at
ESTATE SALE HELP 30 years experience with references. No money up front. We work on commission. We can save you work, help sell your items, or buy it out completely. Let us help you do your estate sale. Please call Darlene @ 503-308-2764 or Dan @ 503-3082759.
Printed every week in The News/Ad and The Chronicle. Read it online at thechronicleonline.com
Offering Quality Asphalt Paving Services to Columbia County and surrounding areas.
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ATTENTION LAND OWNERS! Wanted cedar boughs and noble fir. Willing to pay for branches only. Do not damage trees. Call Cesar 360-241-6889 or 360-425-0738 Kelso.
Let everyone know with an ad in The Chronicle. Call 503-397-0116.
842
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WANTED TO RENT PASTURE
FOR CATTLE SUMMER GRAZING ONLY 503-780-5759
Collectibles Estate Sale Estate of Virgil & Syble Markus Sat & Sun, Sept 12 & 13 – 8 AM 59525 W. Kappler Rd, St Helens
Selling Collectibles Dealers Entire Inventory 1000’s of Items • Lenox & other China Sets • Candlewick Glass & Plates • Glass Plates, Bowls, Baskets and Serving Pieces • Vintage Dolls • Barbies, Betty Boop • Large Elvis Collection
• Vinyl Records • Vintage Postcards & Photos • Salt & Pepper’s • Cream & Sugar’s • Tea Pots • Hurricane Lamps • Linens • Art Work • Coins & Currency
Also: • 1997 Lance Camper • 26’ Storage Trailer • Hand & Power Tools • Household Misc • Much More Priced to Sell. All Must Go
Quality Workmanship At Affordable Prices
Columbia County
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY www.thechronicleonline.com Waterman Garage Doors
CCB#204858
SALES, SERVICE INSTALLATION
Scott Waterman Owner
503.819.6715 St. Helens, OR 97051
Reach out to local customers Advertise your business in the Business & Service Directory. Call 503-397-0116 for more information
2020 Readers’ Choice Awards PRESENTED BY
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Chronicle and News/Ad Classified Ad Deadline is Monday by noon Ads received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be placed in that week’s issue. Call 503-397-0116 for more information
Best of Columbia County Readers’ Choice Awards… … Are coming to Columbia County. Readers of The Chronicle and The Chief can vote on their favorite food, people, best local businesses and more in this new and fun look at the Best in Columbia County.
Ballots will be online for voting from Sept. 14th through Oct. 2nd and in print in our Columbia County papers in a full page format. Either vote online or through the printed ballot for your favorite businesses and services offered to you in Columbia County. Show your support for these local businesses and entities providing you with the goods and services you need everyday.
Look for our online and print ballots soon. Voting opens Sept. 14th and will continue through Oct. 2nd Winners will be announced when voting is over in a special Best of Columbia County, Readers’ Choice Awards section.
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Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CC20-1484
COLUMBIA RIVER PUD PUBLIC NOTICE SPECIAL MEETING RETREAT on September 15, 2020, 3:00 p.m. The Board of Directors for Columbia River PUD will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. The Board will meet in a retreat setting to discuss strategic planning for 2021 and any other business that
may come before the Board. This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for further accommodations should be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting Monica Cannon 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. Any meeting agenda, when applicable, will be posted to the Columbia River PUD website at www.crpud.net no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager.
CH20-1483
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the two-year period for the redemption of real properties included in the 2018 delinquent tax lien foreclosure proceedings instituted by Columbia County, Oregon, on September 27, 2018 in the Circuit Court of the State
of Oregon for Columbia County, Case No. 18CV36753, and included in the General Judgment entered therein on October 16, 2017 will expire on September 27, 2020. All properties ordered sold under the General Judgment, unless redeemed on or before September
27,2020 will be deeded to Columbia County, Oregon immediately on expiration of the period of redemption, and every right and interest of any person in such properties will be forfeited forever to Columbia County, Oregon. Mary Ann Guess, Columbia County Tax Collector
CH20-1479 CH20-1477
CIRCUIT COURT OF OREGON FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY Estate of HELEN M. LINDBERG, Deceased. No. 20PB05685 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS ORS 113.155. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in ORS Chapter 115 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a
copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. All persons having claims against the estate must present them within four months after the date of the first publication of the notice to the Personal Representative at the address designated in the notice for the presentation of claims or they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the
Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Date of First Publication: August 26, 2020. WANDA S. CORY, Personal Representative, PO Box 1543, Castle Rock, WA 98611. Attorneys for Personal Representative: MICHAEL A. CLAXTON (OSB #961375) WALSTEAD MERTSCHING PS, Civic Center Building, Third Floor, 1700 Hudson Street, PO Box 15459, Longview, WA 98632-7934, Telephone: (360) 423-5220.
CH20-1485
St. Helens School District Notice of Public Hearing The Board of Directors of the St. Helens School District (SHSD), as the Local Contract Review Board for the District, will hold a public hearing on September 23, 2020 at 6:30 pm online (https://youtu.be/ErbUQmnN_0). The purpose of the hearing is to receive comments on the District’s
draft findings to exempt from competitive bidding, based on detailed specifications, Addition / Renovation at St. Helens High School. The proposed findings would authorize construction by means of a construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC). The CM/GC Firm will be selected by
competitive proposals prior to the preparation of the final construction documents. Interested parties may request a copy of the draft findings by contacting Jessica Seay, Business Manager, SHSD. Phone 503-366-7255 or E-mail – jessicapi@sthelens.k12. or.us.
Notice of Intent for Delivery of Deed of Conveyance ORS 93.285 This is a notice of Intent to enforce the contractual requirement for delivery of a deed of conveyance (“Notice”) for the following real property located in Columbia County, Oregon: Legal Description: see Exhibit A attached hereto Parcel: #8264011991-19748 Tax Lot: #4N2W34-A0-00900 The Vendor to which this notice applies is Robert Santos Delorie per the Memorandum
of Contract of Sale dated August 1, 2002 and recorded August 2, 2002 under fee #02-10313 in Columbia County, Oregon. Final payment and performance by the Vendee Shawnda Reszel was completed as of August 2, 2006. The Vendee wishes to enforce a contractual requirement for delivery of a deed of conveyance from this Vendor. The above Vendor of record, or their successors in interest of assigns, must
submit an objection to this Notice within sixty (60) days after the final date of publication of notice required by ORS 93.285 (Z) (a) or within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date of recording of this Notice, whichever is later. An objection to the demand contained in this Notice must be sent to the following address: Shawnda Reszel, 57756 Adams Road Vernonia, Oregon 97064.
CH20-1486
CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of Maureen M. Lorentz, deceased. No. 20PB05558 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Mary Ellen Clark has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required
to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at: 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional
information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published September 9, 2020. MARK A. GORDON, P.C., Attorney for Personal Representative OSB #812424, 1677 St. Helens St., St. Helens, OR 97051. (503) 397-9066; mark@ markgordonpc.com
CH20-1481
NOTICE OF SALE Rainier Storage Place, LLC will hold a sale at 29098 Dike Rd., Rainier OR 97048 of the contents of the following storage units: 8x40 storage container,
CY1 – Abandoned; 10x28 A1 – Abandoned; 7x10 A16 – Abandoned at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12th, 2020. Published Sept. 2, 2020 and Sept. 9, 2020.
The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
Oregon’s State of Emergency extended
Courtesy photo from Columbia Fire & Rescue
The Coast Guard rescued three people from this boat that capsized June 27 at the Chetco River Bar near Brookings.
WATERWAYS From Page A1
“In only three of those cases a worn or correctlyfitted and sized life jacket would probably not have made a difference,” Henry said. “In other words, maybe 19 of those could have been saved by a life jacket.” The number one cause of boating fatalities is people ending up in the water unprepared, according to Henry. According to Henry, if someone tips their kayak over and they have a life jacket on, they swim it back to shore, get in and try it again. “We never hear about it,” he said. “If someone doesn’t have a life jacket, they struggle, they panic, they suffer cold water shock, rescue is more difficult, and it’s a fatality.” Henry said the danger is especially present for small non-motorized boats. “You should assume you’re going for a swim and dress accordingly,” he said. For motorboaters, it’s all about being prepared for the unexpected and knowing your waterway, Henry said. “Don’t travel at a high speed until you know what’s under the water – we had a lot of groundings and broken
boats this year when people hit rocks, logs and gravel bars,” Henry said. “But even with motorboats, the number one thing to do to prevent a fatality is wear a life jacket. It’s like a seat belt – you don’t think, ‘Gosh, I’m about to hit a tree in my car, I better put on a seatbelt.’ It’s too late then. Just wear it.” The Marine Board’s public information officer, Ashley Massey said the water temperature at most popular rivers, streams and lakes can be deceiving. Massey said this year, especially early on, the common denominators involved boaters operating paddlecraft who fell overboard or capsized and were not wearing life jackets. “This is particularly risky because our waterways are very cold nearly year-round,” she said. “Oregon is considered a cold water state where most waterways are 65 degrees or below yearround. This increases the risk of cold water shock from sudden immersion initiating a gasp reflex and if a person’s head isn’t above the water, the chances of taking in water to the lungs increases the chance of drowning.” Henry’s advice to anyone about safety on the waterway into this upcoming holiday and the rest of the summerfall recreation season is simple.
“Number one is to wear your life jacket, no matter what type of boat you’re in,” he said. “Life jackets don’t prevent accidents, but like a seat belt, they’ll turn a painful or fatal accident into a minor annoyance.” Henry said his second set of advice is to make sure your skills are up to the task. “If you’ve never crossed a coastal bar before, learn about tides, wind, bar restrictions, ocean swells and wind waves,” he said. “If you’re new to kayaking, don’t go down the big rapids without some training or experience. If you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding, don’t get far from shore. In all those cases, wear your life jacket.” Henry said if people would wear a life jacket, always boat sober, and had some basic knowledge for the type of boating they’re doing, there could be maybe three fatalities this year instead of 22. “My number one concern for this weekend is people being too casual about boating, and people partying and boating,” Henry said. “Take it seriously and put on the personal protective gear.” For more safety information and other waterway details, visit the Oregon Marine Board at https://www.oregon. gov/osmb/Pages/index.aspx.
The Chronicle first reported that the cities of St. Helens and Scappoose and Columbia County have extended their State of Emergencies during the current pandemic. The government agencies said the declaration allows the cities and the county to best serve the public in the health crisis and to also qualify for state and federal funding and resources. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Governor Kate Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until November 3, 2020 for Oregon. The declaration is the legal underpinning for the Governor’s COVID-19 executive orders and the Oregon Health Authority’s health and safety guidance. The Governor reviews and reevaluates her emergency orders every 60 days. Brown issued the following statement on Tuesday, Sept. 1: “When I last extended the COVID-19 state of emergency in June, I told Oregonians that we were at a crossroads: we could work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon, or we could watch infections and hospitalizations spike. “Now, six months after
CAPLES From Page A1
State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (OSSDAR) the house as use for a museum. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Renovations were funded primarily by donations, either from members of the public or OSSDAR members, private, anonymous donations, and a few grants, according to Wiggins. When the project began,
this crisis began, we have made progress. Together, we have slowed the spread of this disease. Oregon has one of the lowest mortality rates in the country. But, as students across Oregon begin a school year far different than any other before, it is clear that, at current COVID-19 levels, it will not be safe in much of the state for children to return to in-classroom instruction for months to come. “This Labor Day weekend is another critical moment in this crisis. “We can work together to stay safe and put Oregon on the path to return more students to classrooms. Or, we could see Labor Day celebrations unknowingly sow the seeds of COVID-19 outbreaks that could set us back for months. Until there is an effective vaccine for COVID-19, this disease can spread like wildfire if we let our guard down. “Small social get-togethers like barbecues and family celebrations have fueled wider community outbreaks in counties across Oregon. This weekend, you have a choice. Please, stay local this Labor Day, and practice safe COVID-19 habits. Wear a face covering, watch your physical distance, and wash your hands.
“We know this can work. We have seen it work in rural and urban communities that have experienced significant outbreaks. Last week, Multnomah and Hood River counties came off the Watch List. All we need now is the will to follow this through to the end. “We have come this far together. And that’s the only way we’ll get through this–– working together, day by day, to keep each other healthy and safe until we reach the day that there is an effective vaccine or treatment for this disease.” The state of emergency declaration is the legal underpinning for the executive orders the Governor has issued to keep Oregonians healthy and safe throughout this crisis, including her orders on reopening Oregon while maintaining essential health and safety protections, as well as orders around childcare, schools, and higher education operations, according to a release from Brown’s office. Extending the state of emergency declaration allows those orders to stay in effect, the release states. Brown reviews and reevaluates each of her emergency orders every 60 days, to determine whether those orders should be continued, modified, or rescinded.
they received a quote of $180,000 to complete the work, according to Wiggins. They were able to raise $150,000 through fundraisers, events and community donations. The State Historic Preservation Heritage Program grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department also gave the project $8,000. The old family home has different family artifacts and pieces inside, as well as a kitchen, parlor, bedrooms, a tool shed adjacent to the house which features tools used by the Caples family and others from the time period, and a
children’s museum, which has different doll collections and toy collections. For now, the museum has canceled all scheduled events as they try to determine what the space capacity is, according to Wiggins. She said they may revisit opening in September or October when they figure out their capacity. “We’ve had a lot of inquiries for weddings for next year. We’ll have to start looking for how we’re going to do that, hoping that this pandemic doesn’t continue affecting everyone as it is now,” Wiggins said.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
MOVIE From Page A1
Filming It was a location scout from the filming company who reached out first, about two months ago to the interim executive director for the Columbia County Economic Team, Paul Vogel. Vogel then put them in touch with Rachael Barry from the City of St. Helens and Doug Hayes from the Port of Columbia County. He was also able to put the company in touch with the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce to use their building as a film production site. According to an email from Community Relations Representative for the City of St. Helens, Crystal King, the city received an email in July with questions about available sites for filming. King added that the city has an agreement with the Port of Columbia County to market their industrial sites. So far, filming has taken place in many places in the county: at Bundy’s Café Drive-In in Clatskanie, at the former Boise Cascades site in St. Helens and in other places, according to Vogel. However, Vogel said he doesn’t know exactly where the crew is filming on a day-to-day basis. Filming locations can also change based on the writers’ whims, Vogel said. One week they might be looking for two to three specific locations, and then they change the script and then need to look for something else, according to Vogel. Vogel said he has no idea how many people are involved with filming, or even exactly which filming locations are being used. “They haven’t told me any of that. They’re afraid I’d show up and want to be an extra,” Vogel said, jokingly. Acting as liaison has been Vogel’s primary role: getting the film production company in touch with other city and county leaders so they can communicate about using sites for filming locations, and also pointing them in the right direction for getting the licenses they need for filming. “These folks are being very professional and going by the book and getting licenses, they’ve been good to work with,” Vogel said. Filming in the county is good for economic development, Vogel said. “Any kind of filming like this, done right and safely is really good for business. They buy stuff: food, office supplies, gas, all kinds of stuff, it’s a nice little shot in the arm,” Vogel said. However, both Vogel and King said that the community will not receive any or very little, direct revenue related to the filming. Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman echoed other county and city leaders’ statements that filming brings in business for the city. He also said that the filming in Clatskanie is a form of economic development, but not one he would count on consistently. Bundy’s is the only filming location in Clatskanie that the show will use that Hinkelman said he knows of. Hinkelman is a little bit camera-shy and does not have a role in the movie, even as an extra. “The mayor and Jim Helmen are kidding me to go walk on and do a cameo, which is a ‘hell, no’ for me,” Hinkelman said.
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Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Library damaged
Christine Menges / The Chronicle
Large boards cover a front portion of the Clatskanie Public Library District building after a vehicle smashed into the structure. Authorities said the driver of the vehicle was intoxicated. CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Repair and rebuilding work is ahead for the front portions of the Clatskanie Public Library District building at 11 Lillich Street. The work is needed after a vehicle struck the building at approximately 7:04 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, according to authorities. Interim Library Director Becky White said she saw the crash recorded on the library’s surveillance cameras. “This driver came around the corner, hit the building, and just drove away,” White said. White said witnesses, including people at nearby Cope’s Park and at a doctor’s office across the street from the library, who reported the incident immediately. White said that quick action allowed law enforcement to respond promptly. According to White, the driver has been charged and was arrested at his home the evening of Sept. 2. “We’re grateful to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, which responded immediately, and we’re grateful to the city manager and his public works guys who came out and secured the building,” White said. “So a lot of people came together instantly, and that’s really helpful.” White said she is waiting for insurance adjusters to give the library an idea of what damage costs will be. There is structural damage to the building, according to White, the dry wall where the car struck is broken from floor to ceiling. There may be damage to the materials inside the building, and there are sprinkler heads outside the building that will need to be replaced
as well as a shrub that was ripped out by the driver, White said. Inside the building, White said the impact was enough to send two bookshelves full of reference books, the heaviest books inside the library, across the room. “They’re all over the place,” White said. Because the library is part of a special district, White said the building is insured through the Special Districts Association of Oregon. “We’ll be getting some contractors to give us quotes on the repairs, and then we rebuild,” White said. Even though the building is damaged, and has now set back reopening, White said she is counting her blessings. No one was injured in the accident, which White said is lucky, because there are often teenagers sitting or leaning against the now-boarded up wall in order to access WiFi, and the area is heavily trafficked because of the children’s park close by. In the surveillance video White watched, she said about 30 seconds before the crash, there was a woman walking on the sidewalk in front of the library. “It could have been worse,” White said. “I just keep telling myself at the end of the day, it could have been worse. Every time I think 2020 has shown us everything, it’s like one more thing, but we will go through this too.” White said she wanted to deliver one more message to the community. “There’s so many precious things here, not the least of all is children,” she said. “We really need people to slow down coming around this corner, drunk or not. There’s nowhere that anybody is going that is important enough to take a life.”
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Wednesday, September 9, 2020
SUICIDE PREVENTION & RESOURCES Suicide prevention resources
National Suicide Prevention Week
AL-ANON info-line: (503) 369-1195 Alcoholics Anonymous info-line: (503) 366-0667 Columbia Community Mental Health (24 Hours): (503) 782-4499 Clatsop Behavioral Health Care: (503) 325-5722
Resources for suicide prevention Oregon Lines for Life: (800) 273-8255 or text 273talk to 839863 Military Helpline: (888) 457-4838 or Text MIL1@ 839863 Local VA Medical Center: (503) 220-8262
Oregon Youth Lines for Life: (877) 968-8491 or Text TEEN2TEEN at 839863 online chat too at OregonYouthline.org RED Nacional para la Prevención de Suicidio: (888) 628-9454 (servicio en español)
Deaf or Hard of Hearing: (800) 985-5990 Senior’s Crisis Line: (800) 971-0016
Training opportunities and more information Brianne Mares: 503-396-7637 Russ Clark: 503-366-6580
Lines for Life launched to support school districts STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Lines for Life, and local suicide prevention champions are collaborating to launch the Suicide Prevention and Wellness Program for school districts. This program, part of the new statewide School Safety and Prevention System, is designed to support school districts in implementing and sustaining solid, evidence based and racial equity centered suicide prevention policies and plans. In 2019 the Oregon Legislature passed Adi’s Act (Senate Bill 52) and the Student Success Act (Section 36). They required each school district in Oregon to have a suicide prevention, intervention and postvention response policy and plan, and established a statewide School Safety and Prevention System. Adi’s Act was named after Adi Staub, a young transgender woman in Oregon who died by suicide in 2017. Basic Rights Oregon, the statewide LGBTQ advocacy group, worked with Adi’s family to develop and introduce Adi’s Act in the Legislature, and, after it passed, were also
engaged in planning. “This program is being designed and implemented by a very special group of leaders, staff, and volunteers across many organizations,” Adi’s father, Lon Staub said. “Their collective passion, commitment and expertise gives me confidence that we can provide hope, health and healing to atrisk youth and their families.” “It’s so powerful to see this legislation become a reality for kids throughout the state,” Basic Rights Oregon Executive Director Nancy Hague said. “The purpose of Adi’s Act is to ensure that, no matter who students love or how they identify, they are protected, supported, and see a future for themselves in Oregon.” Oregon Department of Education is responsible for coordinating implementation of the legislation, and OHA and Lines for Life work to support this critical piece of the statewide School Safety and Prevention System. The Suicide Prevention and Wellness Program for school districts established by Adi’s Act includes the following projects: • Suicide Prevention and Wellness Program positions. • Mini grants and additional training opportunities. “All of our students deserve to feel safe, welcome and secure,” ODE Director Colt Gill
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The Lines For Life program is designed to support school districts in implementing and sustaining solid, evidence based and racial equity centered suicide prevention policies and plans.
said. “Through the Suicide Prevention and Wellness Program, we’re one step closer to making schools the welcoming safe haven our students need and deserve.” “While we know that suicide is a preventable cause of death, we also know that we must continue to do as much as we can to create and maintain safety nets for all of our students, not just some,” OHA Director Pat Allen said. Suicide Prevention and Wellness Program positions As part of the Adi’s Act implementation, Lines for Life will hire four regional school suicide prevention and wellness coordinators across the state who will be supported by
the School Suicide Prevention and Wellness Program manager at Lines for Life. In spring 2020, prior to the creation of the School Suicide Prevention and Wellness Program, OHA began funding one position at Lines for Life dedicated to supporting school districts with Adi’s Act implementation and some mini-grant funding for school districts. The four new positions will collaborate with local suicide prevention coordinators, school districts, educational service districts (ESDs) and other local organizations to help connect the dots in suicide prevention policy to best serve students and their families. Each coordinator will be
cross-trained in behavioral safety assessments, suicide prevention, equity and racial diversity, and social emotional learning. Each coordinator will be assigned to and located in one region: the Willamette Valley, Central Oregon, Southwest Oregon and Eastern Oregon. “This is going to save lives,” Lines for Life Executive Director Dwight Holton said. “It’s bringing together schools, public health, and, most importantly, community to do the work Adi’s Act envisioned – connecting young people to help, equipping folks to respond to crisis, empowering young people to help each other. This work is going to build hope every day.” These positions are currently posted and will begin work in the 2020-2021 school year. Mini grants and additional training In partnership with OHA, Lines for Life is offering district-level grants of up to $1,500. Approved grants can be applied to costs of staff and student training and curriculum, as well as other costs associated with implementation of school suicide prevention plans. School districts can apply here. In addition, funding from OHA is available for school
districts or local suicide prevention leaders to offer various trainings to students, staff, school counselors, parents and other adults. The Big Six suicide prevention training initiative includes Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK, Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Sources of Strength, and Connect: Postvention. These trainings are offered at low to no cost. School districts can learn more about the grants and training opportunities here. For more information If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline run by Lines For Life at 800-273-8255 or text ‘273TALK’ to 839863. En español: 888-628-9454. TTY: 800-799-4TTY (4889).Youthline is a teen-to-teen crisis and help line. Teens are available to help daily, 4 to 10 p.m. Pacific Time (off-hour calls answered by Lines for Life). Call 877-9688491, or text teen2teen to 839863 or chat at http://www. oregonyouthline.org/. See Crisis Services by Oregon County and a list of crisis lines on OHA’s website.
Columbia Community Mental Health Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 18-year-olds and within the top ten leading causes of death for all ages. It is vitally important to know the signs and how to help someone who may be at risk for suicide. Suicide is most often caused by untreated behavioral health disorders that could be managed. Reach out and offer help.
If you are in crisis - call: (503) 782-4499
Look for Signs
Listen to those around you. Be aware of others' moods. Notice people's behaviors.
How to Respond
Validate rather than dismiss. Show you care by listening carefully. Talk about treatment.
September is
National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
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Things are tough for many of us right now, but there’s always help – and hope. If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please talk to someone. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255) Columbia Community Mental Health Crisis Line: 503-782-4499 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 Columbia Pacific CCO is a proud supporter of the Columbia County Suicide Prevention Task Force. For information about the Task Force and suicide prevention trainings, contact Sarah Trejo at Columbia Health Services, 503-397-4651, ext. 2006 or strejo@columbia-health.org
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