Senior Living
Election voices of the community 2020 Page A4-5
Pages A14-15
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
The Chronicle
$1.50
thechronicleonline.com
Serving Columbia County since 1881
Winter: What we can expect “Cold off shore flows, an air mass in place and moisture from the pacific, all three rarely come together often and that is what makes the snow chance here,” he said. Under the La Niña, Rockey said winter temperatures will range from the mid 40s to low 50s during the day and from the 20s to 30s overnight. NOAA’s forecast says below-normal temperatures are favored in southern Alaska and from the northern Pacific Northwest into the Northern Plains, with equal chances for below, near, or above-average temperatures in the remaining regions. More modest probabilities for warmer temperatures
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Drawing courtesy of Evolving
This is a conceptual drawing of the 80-unit apartment complex next to the Scappoose Peace Candle of the World.
Construction to begin for Candlelight Apartments JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Construction of an 80-unit apartment complex at the site of the Scappoose Peace Candle is scheduled to begin this winter, according to the Portland development company, WDC Properties, which purchased the property in 2019. The plans are to construct the 80-unit eco-friendly rental housing units in two buildings with parking for the residents and also for visitors to the Peace Candle. When plans to build the apartment community on the grounds of the Peace Candle were first announced, many people voiced their concern for the fate of the local icon. Thousands of people reached out to tell their stories and to explain just how much the Peace Candle meant to the residents of Scappoose, according to a release from Jessica Edsall, with EkoLiving, a sister company to WDC. “WDC Properties decided to work with the city to create a plan to save the Peace Candle while taking down the adjacent barn and out buildings on the property,” Edsall said. “CEO Mark Madden heard the public’s desire to save the historic structure and he wanted to ensure that it remained standing for a long time.” After announcing the new name for The Candlelight Apartments, in honor of the old candle factory that built the icon, Madden and his team began their efforts to preserve the beloved Peace Candle, according to Edsall who said WDC, and Ekoliving proudly announce that they are officially gifting the Peace Candle and land surrounding the candle to the City of Scappoose through a long-term land easement. “The candle is a local icon, and a beacon of hope, which is something we need today now more than ever, it is an honor to have the chance to be a part of continuing its legacy well into the future,” Madden said. The Chronicle’s Facebook update about the Scappoose Candle property apartment
See APARTMENTS Page A5
Poll: ..............................A4 Opinion: ..................A4-5 Obituaries: ..................A6 Events: .........................A7 TV Guide: ...................A8 Classified Ads: ............A9 Legals: ..................A10-11 Senior Living:......A14-15 Vol. 138, No. 43
Grab your umbrella and warm coat, it likely will be cooler and wetter than normal this winter in the Pacific Northwest, according to the latest winter weather forecast from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA forecast favors warmer, drier conditions across the southern tier of the U.S. and cooler, wetter conditions in the North, due in part to an ongoing La Niña. National Weather meteorologist Clinton Rockey in Portland said the La Niña effect shifts the storm track from the southern hemisphere around Africa to the Pacific Northwest.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The latest winter forecast from NOAA says it will likely be cooler and wetter in the Pacific Northwest.
‘Juicer’ storms “Storms are more juicer and the jet stream is over us more often with a more
persistent storm track,” he said. “That means we would see more snowpack in the mountains.” Rockey said La Niña can
also produce three elements that could bring snow to lower elevations, including St. Helens and areas in Columbia County.
See WINTER Page A13
Bravo Company soldiers recognized The troops are from St. Helens, Scappoose, Rainier and surrounding areas. They arrived Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Portland International Airport greeted by family and friends. See the full story and photos of the soldiers arrival with this report at thechronicleonline.com. The troops were sta-
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Oregon Army National Guard soldiers of the from Bravo Company, 741 Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team were recognized during a demobilization ceremony on Oct. 17, in St. Helens, after a nine-month deployment to the United Arab Emirates.
Photo courtesy of Sgt. Cory Grogan, JFHQ Public Affairs
See SOLDIERS Page A13
Oregon Army National Guard Spc. Kirstin Gordon stands at parade rest during a virtual demobilization ceremony for Bravo Company, 741 Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team in St. Helens.
BRANDEE DUDZIC County Commissioner
Position 1
NEIGHBOR • VETERAN • MOTHER
Paid for by Brandee Dudzic for Columbia County Commissioner
Brandee2020.com
JUSTICE WITH INTEGRITY COLUMBIA COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE DISTRICT 19, POSITION 3 Endorsed by: The Honorable Judge Cathleen B. Callahan, Circuit Court Judge of Columbia County • Stephen D. Petersen, attorney in Rainier • Agnes M. Petersen, attorney in St. Helens • David B. Herr, attorney in Scappoose • Mary Anne Anderson, attorney in St. Helens Paid for by Clarke 4 Judge
marketfreshonline.com Curbside service, with same day ordering. Download our app today
Come check out our NEW Deli Remodel 7 AM - 10 PM EVERY DAY • (503) 397-2288 1111 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, OR 97051 • marketfreshonline.com
A2
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
COVID-19: ‘Kid masks for kid faces’ JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A Portland-based packaging and manufacturing company is stepping up to help local children during the pandemic. D6 Inc. has sent 3,000 face coverings to be distributed to children in Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, according to State Sen. Betsy Johnson, who received boxes of the donated masks this week. Johnson said she consulted with Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder about where the face coverings could best be used. “She told me to take them to Head Start,” Johnson said. The medical evidence demonstrates that masks are a way to slow down the transmission of an airborne virus, Johnson said.
“It’s awkward enough for adults to wear a mask but if a child is wearing a mask that is clearly built for an adult, it is harder for them to keep it up over their nose and there is a temptation to fuss with it if it doesn’t fit,” she said. “Having kid masks for kid faces made a lot of sense to me and I am very appreciative to D6 to get these masks out to kids.” Johnson said the masks will also be distributed to children at hospitals and day cares in Tillamook and Clatsop Counties. She joined Magruder, St. Helens School District Head Nurse Robin Loper and Columbia County Public Health representative Lindsay Elder in presenting hundreds of the masks to the Head Start location at St. Helens on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Other masks will be sent to the Rainier Head Start as well.
St. Helens Head Start coordinator Joanne Dodge said the donation is welcomed because the health and safety of children is important. “This is really going to help support our families to help keep their children safe,” Dodge said. “We are excited about the opportunity to help our families.” Dodge said while the masks are not required under the state’s pandemic guidelines for the students under age five at Head Start, they are a good support for the students, their siblings and their families. Head Start is a comprehensive preschool for families with incomes at or below the federal poverty guidelines. Follow daily pandemic updates at the thechronicleonline.com with in-depth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
State Sen. Betsy Johnson, right, unloads a box of the children’s face masks at the St. Helens Head Start with the help of St. Helens School District Head Nurse Robin Loper, Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder, in red, and Columbia County Public Health representative Lindsay Elder, left.
Pandemic: ‘Long way to go to stopping the spread’ MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Eight cases of COVID-19 were reported in Columbia County over the weekend, according to data from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). No new cases were reported Monday and the county’s total number of cases since the onset of the pandemic remains at 247 as of Monday, Oct. 17. Officials at the OHA are urging Oregonians to continue to modify their individual behaviors to limit the spread of the virus as case numbers have started to spike again across the state. In a media briefing held
Friday, OHA Director Patrick Allen said people need to rethink how they socialize, especially as we head into the holiday season. “If you ordinarily have a big holiday gathering with lots of people, we’d like you to strongly reconsider whether that’s a good idea,” Allen said. Holiday gatherings that bring families and friends from multiple households and locations together indoors are “really risky behaviors,” he said. State Health Officer Dean Sidelinger said he and his family recently made the decision to cancel their Thanksgiving travel plans and instead connect with family virtually on the day. “We’ve all made sacrifices,” he said, and that indoor, maskless gatherings are where the OHA is seeing the most spread of the virus. “As our case counts rise, we continue to urge Oregonians to modify their behavior. This disease is very deadly and it takes effort from all of us to contain it.” This also means that Hal-
loween celebrations should be reimagined, and that trick-ortreating should be avoided, Allen said.
Social gatherings continue to be a forceful driver of the surge. ~ Dean Sidelinger, State Health Officer
“A different holiday season and a different fall than we would like will change the trajectory,” Allen said. He said people have to find ways to fall into a safe routine of socializing that does not include large gatherings, and people should not make exceptions to following health guidelines for social events, even if they don’t do it often. “COVID-19 is going to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. We must find a way to safely socialize without putting friends and
families at risk,” Allen said. Modeling The OHA also released updated modeling projections on Friday, Oct. 16. The model looked at three scenarios: one where transmission continues at its current level, one where transmission increases by five percentage points, and one where transmission drops 10 percentage points. In the first scenario, where transmission continues as it has been, it suggests daily reported cases would increase to 570. Currently, the OHA has been reporting around 400-plus new cases per day. On Friday the OHA reported 418 new cases. The second scenario, in which transmission increases, suggests new daily case counts would rise to 740 per day. The third scenario, in which transmission decreases, suggests daily case counts would drop to 290, which is around the number of
cases reported by the state in August. “New modeling suggests we have a long way to go to stopping the spread,” Sidelinger said. Last week’s totals set a new high for the pandemic, Allen said. A record high daily total of 484 cases were reported on Thursday, Oct. 8. The rate of positive testing is at its highest point and hospitalizations are the highest they have been since mid-July. “Social gatherings continue to be a forceful driver of the surge,” he said. Flu season Reducing the spread of the flu is also critical this year, Allen said, and everyone should get a flu vaccine early this year. National data suggests the mortality rate from people who have contracted COVID-19 is at least 20 times higher than the rate of those with the flu, Sidelinger said. By getting a flu shot and
reducing the spread of the flu, people also help to reserve hospital beds for those with COVID-19. “We have yet to learn the full longterm effects of COVID-19,” Sidelinger said. “We can protect ourselves from dying from the flu with a vaccine, that’s not yet true with COVID-19.” Sidelinger also dispelled flu-related rumors he had come across online: flu shots will not cause people to test positive for COVID-19; there is no risk of getting COVID-19 from a flu shot; and there is no evidence that the flu shot could cause people to be more susceptible to COVID-19, he said. Though both cause respiratory illnesses and share some symptoms, they are very different diseases, Sidelinger said. Follow daily pandemic updates at thechronicleonline. com with in-depth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
COLUMBIA COUNTY NEEDS CHAMPIONS WHO WILL STAND UP FOR
WORKING FAMILIES That’s why Timber Unity PAC is proud to endorse candidates for statewide office and the Oregon Legislature who are committed to working to get Oregon back on track.
KIM
JEFF
THATCHER
GUDMAN
SECRETARY OF STATE www.facebook.com/ kimthatcheroregon
STATE TREASURER www.facebook.com/ jeffgudmanforstatetreasurer
BRIAN STOUT
STATE REP DISTRICT 31 www.facebook.com/ stoutforstaterep
BY 8:00PM ON NOV. 3RD, YOUR BALLOT MUST BE RECEIVED IN ORDER TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
VOTE LIKE YOUR JOB DEPENDS ON IT! JOIN TIMBER UNITY IN STANDING UP FOR WORKING FAMILIES IN COLUMBIA COUNTY Paid for by Timber Unity PAC • www.timberunity.com Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
A3
www.thechronicleonline.com
Homecoming 2020: A virtual reality
Photos courtesy of St. Helens High School
St. Helens High School students have selected Dakota Worlitz and Emma Korpela as the 2020 Royalty. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Courtesy photo
Pictured from left to right are 2019 My Fair Lady Princess Kathy Bauska (St. Helens), Beverly Eagle, 2018 Princess Patty St. John (St. Helens), 2019 Princess Donna Baker (Scappoose), 2019 Princess Judy Brown (Rainier).
RSVP selects volunteer of the month STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
demic realities are challenging but school officials want to make sure to keep SHHS traditions alive. “Homecoming court and spirit weeks are something we do at SHHS and we don’t want our new students to miss out on them, or for this senior class to not get to experience everything they would normally do,” she said.
BLINDS & DRAPES Blinds 4 You Direct • Blinds • Shutters • Drapes & More •
with everyone, and is really About Columbia reliable.” County RSVP “If you’re busy, she just jumps in,” Patty St. John, The Retired and Senior another food bank volunteer Volunteer Program (RSVP) said. “She’s a really nice provides opportunities for person.” people 55 and over to make a Eagle has been volunteerdifference in their communiing for the Columbia Pacific ty through volunteer service. Food Bank since 2016. RSVP volunteers contribute “I was a volunteer on a anywhere from a few to over regular basis for a long time forty hours a week, serving and then took some time through schools, day care off, and now I’m an on-call centers, police departments, person and that suits me just and other nonprofit and pubfine,” Eagle said. “I really like lic organizations to help meet working with everyone here. critical community needs. It’s always fun to come here, and we laugh a lot. It leaves For more information me time for my grandkidsseminars and about RSVP, educational or give us a call: call 503-397to garden.” 5655.
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE?
The Columbia County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Volunteer of the Month is Beverly Eagle. According to Columbia Pacific Food Band Program Manager Rennee Shelby, Eagle is one of the people she can call when other volunteers are on vacation or sick. “She’s a great worker and always has a smile and a great attitude,” Shelby said. “She’s always willing to dig in and do whatever needs to be done. She’s on my extra board, and ttend our alwaysone fills inof when someone is gone. She gets to work
It has not been the average Homecoming 2020 for St. Helens High School (SHHS) students. Over the past several days the students conducted the Homecoming virtually. Coordinators said the event has all been by distant learning with participation online. The events included an online-coordinated scavenger hunt competition between classes. Students also used the electronic system to vote for the Homecoming Royalty, selecting Dakota Worlitz and Emma Korpela as the 2020 Royalty. The distance learning is part of the state’s health and safety requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SHHS Director of Ac-
tivities Noelle Freshner said numerous staff and students have participated. “This has been the best turn out so far for ‘virtual’ events since March,” she said. “I really hope the students will just give it all a try. This is the world we are living in right now, so I hope they can make the best of it.” Freshner said the pan-
• FREE Measuring • Repair services • FREE Consultation available • FREE In Home Service • Best Prices
CALL TODAY! UP TO 75% OFF!
OU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE?
(971) 719-7119
ED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? FREE
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Schedule for CURRENT Educational Seminars: ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR MEDICARE COVERAGE?
RE YOU LOOSING YOUR•CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? DOARE YOUYOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? • CONFUSED ARECONFUSED YOU WITHMEDICARE? MEDICARE? NEEDARE HELPYOU FINDING THE RIGHTWITH MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU?
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Attend of our FREE educational seminars or give us a call: ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? • one (503) 203-6724 orus (800) 424-1199 AREone YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Attend of our FREE seminars or give a call: •educational ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? YOU NEED HELP THEorRIGHT PLAN YOU? Seminars: Schedule for FOR Educational (503)FINDING 203-6724 (800)MEDICARE 424-1199 Call for Your Free Consultation DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? • DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE for RIGHT MEDICARE Seminars: PLAN FOR YOU? Schedule Educational O YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? • Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am Attend one (503)987-1113 of ourCall FREE educational seminars or give us a call: orFree (800)424-1199 for Your Consultation • Centeror- 10/05/14 Scappoose Senior 9am 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Attend(503) one of our• FREE educational seminars give us aat call: Schedule House (503)987-1113 or (800)424-1199 Attend (503) one of our FREE educational seminars orfor give usOpen a call: 987-1113 or (800) 424-1199 • 424-1199 Seminars: • 203-6724 (503) orfor (800) Schedule Educational (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 • Medicare Advantage •Senior •• Schedule Scappoose Center - Seminars: 10/05/14 at 9am for Educational for Educational Seminars: • Schedule Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am • Medicare Advantage • •• • Advantage •Medicare Scappoose Senior - 10/05/14 • ••Medicare Scappoose Senior Center Center - 10/05/14 at 9am at 9am Supplement • • • Medicare Supplement Schedule for Open House • • Supplement • ••Medicare ••Part D (prescription coverage) Part D (prescription coverage) for Open House • •• Schedule Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am • • e of our FREE educational or give us a call: Part D (prescription coverage) •seminars Senior Center (lower - 10/05/14 •• • ••Scappoose Subsidy (lower at 9am ••Low LowIncome Income Subsidy Schedule House • for Open yourprescription prescription drug cost) your drug cost) • stop ouse”? It is where you can inIncome and talk to an independent • Low Subsidy (lower your insurance agent who Schedule for Open House • Center Schedule forFor Open House re. Ask any questions you• might have on Medicare. an up to date list of seminars and Scappoose Senior - 10/05/14 at 9am • prescription drug cost) Scappoose Senior Center 10/05/14 at 9am • • • • • website at www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am • is plans What is an “Open whereIndependent you canin stop inInsurance and County. talk to an independent insurance agent who • We work with mostHouse”? all •Medicare available Columbia • •It Local Agency •questions • specializes in Medicare. Ask any you might have on Medicare. For an up to date list of seminars and • We are a local agency that specializes in Medicare Coverage. endent insurance agency. are familiar with all of the plans thatagent are who available in your • pen House”? It is where you canWe stop in and talk to an independent insurance • • open houses visit ourfind website at www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com • We help individuals the right Medicare plan for themselves. We are a local independent insurance agency. We are familiar with all the different plans that are available ver 25 years helpingyouindividuals find the right Medicare coverage for them. We offer Scappoose Senior Center -and 10/05/14 at 9am Medicare. Ask anyof questions might on Medicare. For an up to dateExperience list of seminars •have Over 50 Years Combined ••combined in your areaprovide and we have oversupport 50 years of experience helping individuals find the right Medicare •are • independent We local throughout the year. asit local insurance agency. We familiar with all the different plans that are available ts coverage andwebsite Medicare Advantage plans. our ata www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com forare themselves. We offer Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans. We withplans that are available in your We local independent insurance agency. Weanare familiar with allwork of the an “Open House”? It Itis where you can stop in and and talk to independent insurance agent who area we have over 50 years of combined experience helping individuals find the right Medicare • is anand “Open House”? is where you can stop in talk to an independent insurance agent most all major companies. area and we have over 25 years of helping individuals find the right Medicarewho coverage for them. We offer
RE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE?
OSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE?
P FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? THERE ARE SEVERAL NEW MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS FOR (503)COLUMBIA 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 COUNTY FOR 2021! Schedule for Educational Seminars:
• • www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com • www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com • www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com • oror (800)424-1199 (503)987-1113 (503) 987-1113 (800) 424-1199
es in Ask any questions you might haveon onand Medicare. For to date of seminars and ge forMedicare. We offer Medicare Supplements Medicare Advantage plans. We work in with lizes inthemselves. Medicare. Ask any questions you might have Medicare. For anan upup tothat date list list ofavailable seminars and insurance Weyou arecan familiar with all talk ofplans. the are your who Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage tindependent is an “Open House”? Itagency. is where stop in and to plans an independent insurance agent most all major ses visit our website houses visit our website ave over 25 years ofatat helping individuals findcompanies. the right Medicare For coverage them. offer and ializes in Medicare. Ask any questions you might have on Medicare. an up tofor date list ofWe seminars
lements and Medicare Advantage plans.
houses visit our website at agency. independent insurance are familiar familiarwith withallallofofthe the plans that available in your elocal a local independent insurance agency. We We are plans that areare available in your wewe have over 2525years find the theright rightMedicare Medicare coverage them. nd have over yearsofofhelping helping individuals individuals find coverage for for them. We We offeroffer www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com are aSupplements local independent insurance agency. We are familiar with all of the plans that are available in your are andMedicare Medicare Advantage plans. Supplements and Advantage plans.
or (800)424-1199 and we have over 25 years of(503)987-1113 helping individuals find the right Medicare coverage for them. We offer www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com Find Us On: care Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans. (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com (503) 203-6724 or 424-1199 Find Us On. Us(800) On: ~ YourFind local Medicare experts ~ www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com (503) 203-6724 (800) 424-1199 Find Usor (503) 203-6724 orOn. (800) 424-1199 We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States Government or the Federal Medicare program www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com Find Us On. 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Find Us On. we are not connected with or endorsed by the united states ~ Your(503) local Medicare experts ~ government or the federal medicare program
You owe it to yourself to give us a call. Find Us On.
: CALL FOR A FREESchedule CONSULTATION! for Open House ~ (503)987-1113 Find Us On. ~
ed with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program
Scappoose Senior Center • Scappoose, Or. • local Medicare experts ~ ~ We are your •
nnected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States Government or the Federal Medicare program
- 10/05/14 at 9am
e not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program
ot connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program
are not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A4
Opinion
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Viewpoints Ongoing trauma of domestic violence ELLYN BELL Chronicle Guest Column
We tend to think of domestic violence as a moment in time, an incident that occurs which disrupts the normal fabric of a life. If it hasn’t affected you personally, it’s easy to think of it as something that only happens to other people. This October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, (DVAM), I encourage you to think of the larger, more pervasive problem of domestic and sexual violence in our community and country. Domestic violence is a common societal trauma that affects people from all walks of life, all religions, races, and socioeconomic groups. Domestic and sexual violence can be kept “secret” for many years due to the shame that those who’ve been affected often feel. During DVAM, we bring attention to this societal problem in order to shine a light on a trauma that could affect any of our families and loved ones. Domestic abuse is defined as a pervasive pattern of coercive control used by one person in a relationship to gain power and control over another person. This pattern of behavior can include physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, or even religious abuse, as well as numerous other ways that a person might seek to control the behavior of another. The relationship can be an intimate partner or familial. Oftentimes children are used as pawns in abusive households. Sometimes grown children are the abusers. But the roots of domestic abuse lie in all forms of violence and oppression. Interconnected and deep, all forms of
oppression are tied together by the cord of seeking to maintain power and control over another person, group, race, community, or other entity. As humans, we’ve all been wounded and in turn, we often wound others. Part of understanding the dynamics of oppression is understanding our participation in it and then making a choice to do something about it. A few weeks back, a young advocate asked my opinion on why after almost 30 years of the Violence Against Women Act, (VAWA), we as a country had not made more progress in “eradicating and ending” domestic violence. My first inclination was to talk about prevention efforts and the lack of resources over the years for adequate and sustained prevention programming. However, this isn’t the only problem. We haven’t ended domestic violence with prevention efforts, laws, shelters, or advocacy— although all of these things are absolutely necessary to keep people safe. But keeping people safe does not effectively address why they are in danger in the first place. My answer to the advocate was inconclusive. The only thing I am certain of is that the real problem festers within us all. The rage and pain never dealt with ends up creating pathways bringing forth more of the same patterns of destruction unexamined and unnamed. The trauma of domestic violence is bigger than individual relationships. Do you remember the first time you experienced hatred, bullying, cruelty or violence? For many people, these experiences begin in childhood. Perhaps witnessing domestic violence in the home or being abused by a parent or caretaker. By the time a child goes to school, he
or she may have endured multiple traumas. Children who’ve endured early traumas are ripe to be picked on by bullies and as they get older often choose unsafe relationships. Trauma turns some into bullies and abusers and others into their victims. Trauma does not need to define a life though. There is help to break free from abuse and help for those who abuse. There are numerous ways to heal from past traumas, but first, we must make a decision in the present. The necessary decision is to become aware of all the small and large ways we remain unconscious of creating pain for another. These things may not be as apparent as domestic violence but might include screaming at another driver, Facebook and Twitter fighting, mean put downs, unkind remarks, and all the ways that we as humans diminish other humans. We all have our bad moments. The magic is found in the choice to change that moment. Please join SAFE of Columbia County in becoming more aware this month. Together we can make a safer, healthier community for everyone. This piece is part of a longer post found on Medium.com. Here is the link the Medium link. bell-ellyn.medium.com/ your-oxygen-mask-first-atrauma-informed-approachto-overcoming-abuse-fb9ceddef833 If you have been or are currently a victim of domestic violence and need help, the SAFE crisis line is 503-397-6161. Ellyn Bell is the Executive Director of SAFE of Columbia County. She may be reached at 503-397-7110.
Weekly Online Poll
Last Week’s Results
Do you believe Oregon’s Vote-By-Mail system is secure and safe?
Are you voting in the Nov. 3 General Election?
Yes
No
94% Yes
6% No
Vote online at thechronicleonline.com
Voices of the Community Witt is who we need
Voting for Clarke
Government functions best when local leadership is in tune with the challenges and opportunities we face. State Representative Brad Witt has helped our citizens navigate the intricacies of the state agencies to resolve concerns that they have. He and his staff always respond quickly to constituent concerns. This has been particularly important for residents and businesses struggling in the pandemic economy. He understands how health care insurance suddenly vanished for people and wants affordable high quality medical insurance options available. Representative Witt deeply values the quality of life we have in Columbia County. His advocacy for well-paid jobs that build a strong, talented and futurefocused workforce is crystal clear. Finally, Representative Witt has become a significant state-wide player in resolving the natural resource issues that come before the House Committee that he has chaired. Representative Brad Witt is, in our view, the kind of hard-working, thoughtful and responsive ally that we need in Salem.
We are not usually vocal about politics but today we would like to share our thoughts about the position open for Circuit Court Judge Position 3. Bill and I are voting for Mike Clarke. He has done legal work for us for years. Mike is a good man who puts effort into each challenge. We feel Mike is good for the position open. Good for Scappoose. Join us in voting for Mike Clarke.
Chip and Nancy Bubl Warren
Bill and Sharon Carlson Scappoose
Proud of Tardif I am not one to air my opinions on politics, but I want to share a quick thought on this young man who is making a difference in our county. I have known Alex since he was 7 or 8 and even back then, this commissioner has had a servant’s heart, putting others’ needs ahead of his own. He was always wanting to help when he would visit: mow my yard, stack and haul hay, babysit my children, teach them to ride bikes, and help me with various outdoor chores. I recall when he was only 18 or 19, he wanted to run for the school board because he knew what kids
needed. If memory serves right, he was talked out of it because he had a full load of courses at the University of Portland. Then, like all teens/young adults, he couldn’t wait to get out of the county and see the world and so he did, but quickly realized just how good home could be. (I believe that leaving home and seeing what the world has to offer is vital for ones growth.) Alex is transparent, fair, considerate, professional and takes the time to listen even if one has a differing opinion. I am not active in the world of politics, but I do know a great candidate and dedicated commissioner for our county and I am so very proud of him. Tina Gift Scappoose
Tardif represents county well As a Coos County Commissioner and first vice president of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), I have been able to work closely with Commissioner Alex Tardif in his role as treasurer of AOC. He represents Columbia County well, and the voters of Columbia County should reelect him on Nov. 3. Alex has worked tirelessly
The Chronicle
as treasurer of AOC to help counties understand the budget and financial structure of the organization. He does this in a way that is very professional, but he is also always willing to slow down, answer questions, explain and add detail. In his role as AOC treasurer, Commissioner Tardif works with county commissioners across party lines and across the state in order to get things done. He isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work that is needed. I sincerely hope that Columbia County voters will reelect Commissioner Tardif this November. He is thoughtful, responsible, hard-working, and intelligent, and these qualities make him both an excellent County Commissioner and an outstanding representative of the citizens of Columbia County. Melissa Cribbins Coos County
Reelect Grant As a juvenile department employee in Columbia County for over 35 years, I was in a unique position to work with and observe Judge Jenefer Grant as both a defense attorney and a judge. As an attorney, she was a strong advocate for abused and neglected chil-
dren; fighting tirelessly for their rights. She continues that role as a judge, holding youth-serving agencies accountable for their care. The criticism she has recently received for attempting to intervene on behalf employees of the Community Corrections Department was ill-advised and unfair. Effective probation officers are critical to the operation of the court and the safety of our community. If the complaints and allegations about their director had been handled appropriately, Judge Grant would have never been put in that position. Judge Grant has served us with great intelligence and integrity and should be reelected. Stan Mendenhall Columbia City
Tardif and Dudzic can’t be bought Oregon ballots are scheduled to be mailed out on Oct. 14. This is a time for some very expensive political campaigns, with little or no limits on campaign spending and a wonderful opportunity for special interests to buy themselves political candidates. There are two people in the upcoming county
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
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chronicle PO Box 1153 St. Helens, OR 97051-8153
commission race that I know are not for sale: Alex Tardif and Brandee Dudzic. To my knowledge, these candidates are depending on small donations, not big corporate gifts. Both pledge to be independent voices and will try to work for the good of the majority and not for special interests. Alex is a CPA and adept with numbers. He has served as our county budget officer and in the process managed to save the county thousands of dollars. He is honest and an independent voice on our county commission. Brandee Dudzic is a mother, a veteran combat medic, and a skilled conflict resolution negotiator. She presently works at our county law library. She holds a masters in conflict resolution and says that she plans to eliminate what has been described in the papers as a “toxic work environment” for county employees. She not only would work to create a livable work space, but also work to both maintain and improve the livability of our beautiful county. Brandee and Alex can’t be bought. They are both independent of special interests, and want to work for all of our county citizens. We need to vote for both of them. Bill Eagle St. Helens SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in/out county: $8 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80 $3 senior discount for yearly sub
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 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 issue or action. We reserve the right to exclude lists of people, organizations and businesses. Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
number. We won’t print your street address or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them. Letters policy: This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and
blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to 1 published letter per month. All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number (only the name and city of residence will be published). By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online. Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country Media, Inc.
A5
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Voices of the Community continued Thanks for helping those in need Hooray for all the sharing and caring people in Columbia County. The many volunteers helping fire evacuees and their animals at the Columbia County Fairgrounds was amazing. For those few people who say “It’s not our problem,” I say: Tzedakah. (It’s an ethical obligation.) Rosemary Silen Warren
Dudzic cares about children As a parent in Columbia County, I look to a candidate’s platform on children, schools, and childcare as vitally important when deciding how I will vote in local elections. This election cycle, I have been dismayed that there has been little discussion from most candidates about our children. Brandee Dudzic is the only candidate that I have seen with an actual, substantial plan to invest in our youth. It is important to me that I am being represented in government by someone who understands the chal-
APARTMENTS From Page A1
development has generated dozens of comments. The following are just a few of those comments. Kathleen Anne Farley writes, “It’s going to take all the beauty that is Scappoose and ruin it.” Tammy Maygra writes, “We don’t have the services
lenges faced by parents today, especially during this time of COVID. Brandee is a mother of three children ranging in age from elementary school to college. I know that her own experiences and challenges as a working mother will be a driving force when it comes to making policy that affects working families. She is endorsed by the Oregon Working Families Party for this reason. It is essential to the prosperity of our county that our families and children have safe and stable housing. Brandee will address our homelessness crisis by advocating for the creation of a youth drop-in center and present solutions for affordable housing. Please join me in voting for Brandee Dudzic for Columbia County Commissioner, Position 1. Sarah Kotkins St. Helens
Think twice about Garrett Casey Garrett is running for county commissioner, position 3. I urge you to vote no for Mr. Garrett. In his personal file and other public records I discovered many verified comto support more people and houses do not support or help the tax base.” Jen White comments, “With so many people moving to Scappoose from Portland and the surrounding areas, one has to wonder what the plan is for the schools. They’re not big enough to support the growth that is to come. Holly Zielsdorff sites, “I would prefer a Trader Joe’s instead.”
plaints. Mr. Garrett referred to his co-workers/staff as his “n-“words not once, but numerous times. He was banned from the jail by our former Sheriff Dickerson because he could not follow protocol concerning contraband being taken into the jail, which is against state and federal law — and is a felony. Mr. Garrett was banned by Judge Grove from entering the Oregon Judicial Department because of inappropriate behavior, harassment, bullying and condescending complaints made by court staff. Similar complaints have been made by other county employee’s to the point where they reassigned to other county departments, retired early, quit their job, including a dedicated 15 year employee who quit this past August. (Source for above claims: pamplinmedia.com/scs/83news/484072-390057-records-detail-garretts-clasheswith-subordinates-colleagues) Mr. Garrett treats people who are subordinate to him with disdain. His file revealed that he does not tolerate anyone’s opinion other than his own, he cannot work well with other department heads. I am asking you to join me in casting your vote for Alex Tardif, position 3, a person who treats all people with dignity and respect, and
listens to every voice. And a person who is watchful for the finances of our county. Alex Tardif for county commissioner, position 3. Tammy Maygra Deer Island
Join me in the re-election of Judge Grant Judge Grant has served as a judge for over 12 years, and before that she was an attorney standing in the courtroom of the current Columbia County presiding judge that has recently endorsed her, the honorable Judge Grove. Judge Grant has proven herself to the people of Columbia County through the most important values a judge must hold: being fair, dedicated, honest, firm, upholding the law and having integrity. She has a history of knowledge from criminal law all the way to family law, as well as countless testimonies and familiarity with social services. I will never forget when I was about 19 I had been talking with a judge who was currently on his ninth term and I asked how he managed to set personal feelings aside,
his response was memorable. He said, “Judges do not follow their feelings, they follow the law.” This man continued and has continued to be someone who has inspired me (and many others) into retirement, and until I met Judge Grant, no one could compare. Judge Grant has been the voice for many, I have witnessed this first hand more than once. It is now our turn to be her voice in keeping her reputation positive and getting her reelected. Judge Grant is more than just a name on a sign on the side of the road. Vote Judge Grant Nov. 3. Debbie Merry Clatskanie
Brad has earned my vote In these days of divisive politics, where many politicians use misinformation to divide and polarize us, we are lucky to have a man of Brad Witt’s character, knowledge, and skill as our representative in the Oregon legislature. I have found that Brad works extremely hard to understand the interest of all his constituents and works to develop consensus solutions, based on facts, that can best address
those multiple interests. He works to bring us together for our success, not drive us apart towards failure and frustration. This is what good government is all about. Brad demands governmental accountability, such as his insistence on a full audit of the Oregon Employment Department for their failure to get much needed benefits to unemployed Oregonians out of work due to COVID-19. Brad’s commitment to the middle class, working families, improving schools, and honoring our veterans reflects his personal values developed by someone who has worked shoulder to shoulder in our sawmills with working Americans and fighting for their benefit. Brad has been a proven leader in Salem, working with multiple stakeholders to address job creation, health care affordability, homelessness, opioid treatment, education and protecting wildlife and natural resources. Like our Senator Betsy Johnson, Brad has proven that he is willing to work tirelessly for his constituents. We need to learn to work together to solve our problems. We have more in common than what divides us. We need a uniter, not a divider. Greg Pettit Warren
Jeremiah Dustin Harrington comments, “I remember when the candle was yellow. It better stay.” Kirk Pierce comments by simply writing, “Awesome!” Join the conversation and post your comments with this story at The Chronicle’s Facebook page and follow developments here online and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
BOISE CASCADE
Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle
The iconic Scappoose Peace Candle remained in place following the demolition of nearby buildings on the property adjacent to Highway 30.
Lung Cancer • Other Cancers
Special trusts have been set up by vendors and suppliers of the Boise Cascade plant to pay asbestos victims. You can make a claim without ever leaving your home. If you ever worked at the Boise Cascade plant before 1982 you may have been exposed to asbestos - and not even know it. You could be entitled to multiple cash settlements without even leaving your house, going to court, or filing a lawsuit.
Endorsements
If you ever worked at the Boise Cascade plant, you were likely exposed to asbestos. If you have been diagnosed with Lung Cancer (even if you are a smoker) - or Esophageal, Laryngeal, Pharyngeal, Stomach, Colon, Rectal Cancer or Mesothelioma, or know someone who died from one of these cancers, call
1-800-478-9578 Free Claims Analysis
www.getnorris.com/asb
Nationwide Service
Birmingham, Alabama attorney Robert Norris helps injured claimants, nationwide, collect cash benefits from Asbestos Trusts. “No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
Paid for by Brad Witt for State Representative
Pet
of the Month Meet Quelina Contact Columbia Humane Society Website: columbiahumane.com Phone: 503-397-4353
This little girl is right around 13 weeks old and she is looking for her new forever home. She is very sweet and very playful and will make a great addition to any family.
urbanpacific REALESTATE Columbia County Division proudly sponsored by
253 S. 1st Street, St Helens, OR 97051 503.329.7269 mobile urbanpacificrealestate.com
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A6
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Obituaries Donna Lee Holz
Feb. 19, 1934 ~ Oct. 8, 2020
Donna Lee Holz 86, of St. Helens, Oregon, passed away on Oct. 8, 2020. She was born on Feb. 19, 1934 in Jefferson City, Missouri to the late Valetia and Floyd Carter. Donna graduated from St. Helens High School. She was an excellent student, artistic and had a beautiful singing voice. On May 3, 1952, Donna married Leonard Holz. Together they had three daughters, Shirley Holz-(Ralph) Lundeen, Leona (Michael) Culp and Laura Wellons. After retirement Donna and Leonard loved to travel
in the travel trailer across the U.S. and Canada. Her husband Leonard preceded her in death in 2007. Donna created beauty throughout her lifetime. She loved to garden, growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. Donna created exquisite crocheted bedspreads and piecework, and enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting and painting. Her soprano voice soared in choir, in Sweet Adelines performances and in church. Donna’s baking was also memorable. Her daughters’ friends all remember fresh
from the oven cinnamon rolls and homemade cookies after school. Donna is survived by her daughters; two sisters, Louise Uttinger and Sheila Hutton; four grandchildren, Jeremy Harris, Melissa Lawson, Elizabeth Culp and Sophia Wellons; and one great grandson Ryan Harris. Our family wants to thank Rose Linn Care Center staff in West Linn, Oregon for their wonderful loving care of Donna. They treated her with such dignity and respect for all of the time she resided there. Also, our thanks to Hospice Care of the Northwest for helping make Donna’s transition to her next journey comfortable and for supporting our family at such a sad time. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a private graveside service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in Warren, Oregon. Pastor Ingrid Aderhold will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s name to the Columbia Pacific Food Bank in St. Helens.
Richard “Rick” A. Wootan July 22, 1963 ~ Oct. 9, 2020
Richard A. (Rick) Wootan was born July 22, 1963 to Daniel R. (Dick) and Carol Wootan of Deer Island, Oregon. His grandparents were Maurice (Morris) and Martha (Patty) Wootan and Earl and Ruth Hanifin, all of Deer Island. Rick passed away on October 9, 2020 at his home in the Cedar Mill area surrounded by family and friends and his beloved cat Huey. Rick was born and raised in Deer Island, Oregon. He attended grades 1-4 in Columbia City, Oregon and attended grades 5-6 in Deer Island, Oregon. Rick was the 3rd generation in our family to attend Deer Island School. He graduated from St. Helens High School in 1981. Rick spent his childhood outdoors, fishing, playing with friends, time on the family tree-farm and picking strawberries like every local kid growing up in that era. Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1981 and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He attended Defense Language Institute Foreign Language
Center in Monterey, California. Rick was stationed in Panama for two years with focus on electronic warfare signal intelligence voice interceptor/translator. He was fluent in Spanish and Czechoslovakian. When Rick got out of the military, he met his wife Shelley Wootan and married in 1992. They later divorced, but had their pride and joy, Timothy Danial Wootan, who was named after Rick’s best friend Tim Gamet. Rick was in Logistic Sales and Operations where he excelled and rose to the top of this field. In 2003 Rick decided to get sober and never looked back. He was very proud of his sobriety and encouraged others. In 2017 Rick was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and retired in 2019. Over recent years, Rick started a couple of new collections including hot rods and guitars. He started off his muscle car purchases with a Dodge Magnum R/T followed by his Mustang GT. His love for music fueled his love for guitars with his pride and joy being a Fender Semi Hollow Body Telecaster.
FREEYARD DEBRIES RECYCLING SAT.,APRIL20!
FREEYARDBark DEBRIES at Quality RECYCLING SAT.,APRIL20! Competitive Quality Bark at Prices Competitive
Maxine Massey Prices Cedar Chips March 15, 1936 ~ Oct. 15, 2020
Garden Mulch
Maxine Massey 84, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away Oct. Hemlock 15, 2020 in&Rainier, Fir Cedar Chips Oregon.
Bark Dust Garden Mulch Richard Holmes FirTrailmix & Hemlock Bark Dust Soil Dec. Blends14, 1936 ~ Oct. 14, 2020 Richard Holmes 83, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away Oct. •Trailmix Fir Shavings 14, 2020 in Vancouver, Washington. Soil Blends • Fir Shavings
Quality Bark at Competitive Prices
BEAVER BARK
Sold by yard or Unit of pick up for Delivery
Quality Bark at Competitive Prices
BEAVER BARK
Sold yard or Unit for&pick up or Delivery • byVariety of Fir Hemlock bark Dust • • •
of Fir & Bark Dust • Variety Mulch &Hemlock Potting Soil Mulch & Potting Soil • CedarCedar & Trail Mix Chips &Chips Trail Mix
Clean Woodwaste Recycling
Clean Woodwaste Recycling Recycling Clean = No pressure treated, paint or stain Yard Debris & Woodwaste Wood Waste = Lumber, small stumps and logs. $6 yard with $8 minimum charge Yard Debris &branches, Woodwaste Recycling We do not accept trash, plastic, dirt or sod. 15 per yd. Yard Debris & Clean Wood Waste Recycling$$9 $6 yard with $8 minimum charge
BEAVER BARK
WeDeliver Deliver1 Unit 1 Unit Minimum! We Minimum!
54000 West West Lane Rd Rd 54000 Lane 503-543-3000 503-543-3000 Scappoose Oregon Scappoose Mon-Fri 8-5 Oregon Mon-Fri (503) 8-5 543-3000 Call for deliveries Callweekend for weekend deliveries
www.beaverbarkllc.com (503) 543-3000 5400054000 West Lane WestRd.Lane Rd. www.beaverbarkllc.com Scappoose Mon. thru Fri. 8am-5pm & Saturdays 8am-3pm
Scappoose
Winter hours closed the weekends *Logs, stumps, pellets, are lumberMon-Fri - no paint or 8am-4pm colored stain * please call foron clarification
*Logs, stumps, pellets, lumber - no paint or colored stain * please call for clarification
C11071
Columbia County’s trusted local news source C11071
Rick loved his family and friends, and his humor will be greatly missed. He was loving and kind and enjoyed his cats, Fluffy and Huey, and his grand dogs Katie and Riley. Rick is survived by his son Timothy (Tim) Danial (Kayla) of Cedar Mills; ex-wife Shelley Wootan of Scappoose; sister Jill Culver (Kelly) of Astoria; Uncle Doug Wootan (Barbara, Gail & Karen); Uncle Jim Wootan (Melanie & Logan); Aunt Rosemary Sickles (Ron & Robert); niece Shelby Mendoza (Tony); nephew Brad Culver (Mykka); great niece Payton, whom Rick could not wait to meet; bonus Brissett and Alby families; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by parents, Dick and Carlene Wootan; Carol Steward; and his grandparents. At Rick’s request, there will be no service. His cremains will be spread at the family tree farm in Deer Island, Oregon. Donations can be made to Columbia County Historical Society and Museum Association or the St. Helens Alano Club. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.
Gregory Oscar Strobel Aug. 17, 1952 ~ Oct. 8, 2020
Gregory Oscar Strobel, 68, of Villas, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Thurs., October 8, 2020 at his beach house, his new paradise here on Earth. Greg was born in Terry, Montana to Oscar and Breta Strobel (Hendrickson) and was “son number four” in a family of eight siblings. His family was monumental in establishing his faith and relationship with God, which was unwavering. His parents taught him values which would guide his journey throughout his life; always do quality work, do the right thing, never quit, and do your best. Having the opportunity to grow up tussling with his four brothers, he discovered in high school that he had a gift for wrestling. Greg’s success as an athlete and coach in the world’s oldest sport has led to setting still unbroken records, inductions into several Hall of Fames, and numerous other awards acknowledging his contributions to the sport of wrestling. His career allowed him the opportunity to visit thirty-four countries across the world and all fifty United States. Greg’s was an accomplished educator. He continued to teach the sport of wrestling well after he retired from coaching. Greg understood the importance of being a teacher, which is summarized well in one of his favorite movies, Mr. Holland’s Opus; “A teacher has two jobs: fill young minds with knowledge and give those minds a compass so the knowledge
doesn’t go to waste.” Greg’s lessons on the mat included skilled technique intertwined with universal life lessons. As a child, his favorite story was David and Goliath. Greg was always inspired by the story of the underdog; he knew everyone had potential. He viewed adversity as an opportunity to overcome challenges, even in the face of what seems impossible. He approached hardships as a problem to solve and handled everything with dignity and grace. Greg was a loving husband, adoring father and doting grandfather. To others he was a devoted brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. He lived and loved each day for all he could. He was a gift to those who knew him. Greg is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Baldwin and her husband Robert of West Chester, Pennsylvania and Christine Napoli and her husband Joe of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania; and his loving grandchildren, Mason, Isabel, Evelyn, and Hayden. He is now reunited with
the love of his life, Donna, with whom he shared a storybook love for over 45 years. A private ceremony with immediate family will be held on Sun., October 18, 2020. A celebration of life to honor Greg will be held at a future date in 2021. Details will be announced when plans are finalized. Celebration of life arrangements are entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. Contributions: The effect Greg Strobel had on the sport of wrestling is just as important as the impact he had on peoples’ lives off the mat. His passion for the sport superseded wins, records, or awards as his focus lied in the preservation and continued development of wrestling, its athletes and those that love the sport. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Greg Strobel ‘Beyond the Mat’ National Teams Leadership Academy, which has been created to continue Greg’s legacy of teaching others and unleashing human potential in all areas of life. Mike Clayton is leading a team of USA Wrestling staff who are developing the curriculum for this academy to benefit current and future National Team athletes. Please send contributions made out to USA Wrestling to the following address: Greg Strobel Leadership Academy, USA Wrestling, 6155 Lehman Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.
Joan “Mama Jo” (Sparks) Mullins Nov. 27, 1936 ~ Oct. 1, 2020
Joan Mullins age 83, of Yankton, Oregon, passed away Oct. 1, 2020 at Legacy Emanuel Portland hospital. She was born Nov. 27, 1936 to Alburn Sparks (father) and Mary sparks (mother) in Cabool, Missouri. Joan graduated from St. Helens High School in 1956. She was a very driven and hard-working woman. She owned two restaurants, Carole’s Place and The Yankton Store, and also owned a beautiful farm where she raised her family. She had a passion for cooking and was well known for her famous burgers and pies. In her earlier years Joan was on a bowling league. She was a devoted member of the Yank-
ton Community Fellowship, where she attended services, bible studies and was always a part of the prayer chain. She had a love for watching nature especially her birds.
She touched many people’s lives always in a positive way. She is predeceased by Mary and Alburn Sparks (mother and father); and Benjamin Pritchett (son). She is survived by Gerald Pritchett (son); Julius Pritchett (son); Melvina Wilson (daughter); and by her numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who all loved her very much. She will be missed dearly by so many. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 26, 2020 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds pavilion. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.
Simple Direct Cremation $795 Simple Direct Burial $995 Church Funeral $2,965
Portland 832 NE Broadway Portland, OR 97232 Phone: 503 783-3393
Discounted price, caskets, urns & other memorial items.
Privately owned cremation facility. Locally owned and operated by Oregon families Offering online arrangements - CrownCremationBurial.com
A7
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Gyms reopen operations JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the state, area gyms were closed for health and safety reasons. Most of the commercially operated gyms, such as Anytime Fitness in St. Helens and in Clatskanie, are now back open and closely following the state’s pandemic-guidelines. To gain insight into how Anytime Fitness is navigating through the health and safety procedures, The Chronicle spoke with St. Helens Anytime Fitness manager Angela Lively and Clatskanie Anytime Fitness manager Veronna Arthur. The Chronicle: When the pandemic hit, when did you close and when were you able to reopen your fitness center? Veronna Arthur - Angela Lively: We closed our doors within an hour of the state mandate being posted for closure. We reopened on the day we were released again by the state to do so. We were given approximately one week to prepare our facilities. Current employees returned ahead of reopenings to properly sanitize and prepare the gym with new guidelines issued by the state governor and CDC. The closure began in late March and continued to around May 18. The Chronicle: How many members does your center currently have and compare that figure with what your fitness center membership was before the pandemic.
Arthur - Lively: Our specific membership numbers do fluctuate daily with new members and cancelations. The Clatskanie gym does have a smaller member count than our location in St. Helens. Our gym strives to grow our membership numbers year over year. Usually we do accomplish this. The industry typically will grow and lose a certain number of members each year. We have grown in past years 8-10%. This year our membership numbers do reflect the concerns over the COVID-19 virus with a 30% usage decrease in our usage over last year in this same period. The Chronicle: What would you estimate your center’s financial impact has been due to the pandemic and have you had to lay off employees? Arthur - Lively: With the usage’s numbers down 30%, we can generally assess that our losses would reflect the same percentages. The one PPE loan we were able to get helped with the payroll expense for May and June. Most of the overhead expenses were a drain to the overall financial health of the business. The only layoffs experienced within our gyms were during the mandated shutdowns. Some employees collected unemployment benefits through this period. All our employees readily returned to work as soon as it was legally possible for them to do so. The Chronicle: Specifically, how has your fitness center adapted to the state
required pandemic prevention requirements to ensure the health and safety of members and staff? Arthur - Lively: Both of our locations and staffed employees have worked hard to prepare and make needed updates to the gyms to insure a safe and sanitary environment for our members to workout in. We have removed all cloth towels from the gym and went to using sanitizing wipes or paper towels with a 99.9% disinfectant manufactured by Lysol and recommended by the CDC. We have posted state mandates and guidelines at our entrances and throughout our gyms to keep members informed and updated on all requirements of members and staff. We have 6-foot social distancing signage clearly marked throughout the gyms as well. Half of our cardio equipment has been placed out of service to ensure the 6-foot distancing is enforced. The water fountains were mandated out of service as were the showers. Signage was created for all the mandates put forth. We also now require personal sanitizing as you enter the gym. Mask are required for entry into our facility and signs are clearly posted at the door and throughout the gyms. All our equipment now must be sanitized before and after each use by every member, every time. This past week the mandates for our showers were lifted. They reopened this past Monday. We have also added extra hours to our staff for the specific task of cleaning and sanitation.
entrance to our gym. That key is read by our database with date and time. We can see who was here at the same time on any given date and provide a printed report if requested by state officials should the need arise with any outbreak. The Chronicle: Briefly explain why you believe now is an important time for people to be doing some sort of physical activity and how that might also help their mental well-being.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Members are now able to workout 24/7 in the Anytime Fitness gyms in St. Helens and Clatskanie but must follow the pandemic-related state health and safety guidelines.
The Chronicle: You had mentioned that in the beginning of adapting the state requirements, you faced polarization from some of your members. Explain that, and how you and your staff are working through the members’ health safety concerns. Arthur - Lively: Upon reopening some members were hesitant to come at all. For those too worried for their safety we have given them the option of placing their memberships on a temporary freeze. Others returned hesitantly but were happy to see the strict guidelines being met and followed by our gyms. Others still had no fear of the risk involved with the virus. We spent some time talking to our members about our different views as a whole and the importance of respecting one another and wishing to follow and
adapt to all mandates put in place to keep our gym open and safe for all members. Regardless of their personal ideals, respect for one another has proven to have been key in our moving forward during this time safely. The Chronicle: Does your center do contact tracing? If so, why? If not, why not? Arthur - Lively: Contact tracing is necessary now in relation to the COVID-19 virus. By using contact tracing, we provide information to local officials if an infected person with the virus should visit our facility. This provides accurate information as to who has visited our facility if an outbreak should ever occur. Our systems in place have worked seamlessly for us, as it is now mandated by the state. Each member has a key that must be used for
Arthur - Lively: Our goal at Anytime Fitness has always been the health and wellness of the people in our communities. Now as our communities are struggling with so many issues, we truly understand that more than ever we are needed. We strive each day to provide a safe place for our community to get in a great workout. So many people have struggled with weight gain, depression and anxieties. Exercise is a proven antidepressant that is an immediate mood booster. Exercise is also one of the best things you can do to support a healthy immune system while burning off those extra calories. People’s overall health and mental state is always improved with an active, healthy lifestyle. The St. Helens Anytime Fitness Center is located at 1538-1540 Columbia Boulevard and can be reached at 503-397-0027. The Clatskanie Anytime Fitness facility is located at 600 E. Columbia River Highway and can be reached at 503728-2777.
Sykes receives prestigious award
Michael Sykes
Former Scappoose and Forest Grove City Manager Michael Sykes has received the Herman Kehrli Award during the League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) 95th Annual Conference. The award is given to a city employee who has made exceptional contributions to city government in Oregon, producing lasting benefits for their community. Sykes has served as a Columbia County Commissioner, on the LOC Board of Directors, as a commissioner and assistant manager for the Port of Columbia County, and as city manager of Verno-
nia, Forest Grove and most recently Scappoose. According to a release from the LOC, Sykes is held in high regard by his peers in government for his dedication to public service and the ability to build consensus among regional partners, create and execute strategic plans, and take the lead on economic development initiatives. In Scappoose, Sykes helped formulate and execute the city council’s strategic plan, which included local economic development initiatives, infrastructure improvements and updates to long-range planning docu-
ments such as master plans. His work there also included maintaining public safety through community policing, updates to existing parks and the addition of new parks, maintaining regular communication through a monthly newsletter, and the annual town meeting. “His experience, his understanding, and his patience not only reinvigorated the city itself, but his guidance helped me become a better public servant,” Forest Grove Mayor Pete Truax said. Truax worked alongside Sykes for five years. The conference was held
virtually on Wednesday, Oct. 14, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Herman Kehrli Award From 1933 to 1966, Herman Kehrli served as executive secretary of the League of Oregon Cities and director of the University of Oregon’s former Bureau of Governmental Research and Service. A joint effort between the LOC and the Bureau established standards of excellence for local government officials through an agenda that included research, consultation, and training in city govern-
ment affairs. Today, the quality of city government statewide is due in large part to the success of this joint effort. The League of Oregon Cities Founded in 1925, the LOC is a voluntary association representing all 241 of Oregon’s incorporated cities. The League helps city governments serve their citizens by providing legislative services, policy setting, intergovernmental relations, conferences and training, technical assistance and publications.
Oregon’s jobless rate improving STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 8.0% in September from 8.5%, as revised, in August, according to the Oregon Employment Department. For the past few months, Oregon’s unemployment rate has closely tracked the national unemployment rate which fell to 7.9% in September from 8.4% in August. By the numbers Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 5,100 jobs in September,
following a revised gain of 16,200 jobs in August. Over the past three months the rate of job growth slowed, with 39,000 jobs added in that time, following more rapid growth in May and June, when 83,100 jobs were added. Despite the recent slowdown, Oregon employers added jobs in each of the past five months, and the state has recovered 45% of the jobs cut in March and April. The sectors Over-the-month job gains in September were largest in leisure and hospitality (+2,600 jobs); financial activities (+1,600); health care and social assistance (+1,600); retail
trade (+1,500); and information (+1,200). Two industries cut a substantial number of jobs in September: construction (-2,600 jobs) and private educational services (-1,400). Leisure and hospitality continues to be the industry most impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its employment bounced back substantially in May and June, but job gains have slowed over the past three months. Employment totaled 163,200 in September, which was down 53,400 jobs, or 24.7%, since its peak month of February. Manufacturing lost a substantial number of jobs this spring and hasn’t rebounded.
Employment stood at 180,000 jobs in September, which was close to its level of the past five months. Since September 2019, manufacturing cut 18,100 jobs with losses widespread throughout most component industries. During that time, primary metals manufacturing dropped the most in percentage terms, shedding 2,600 jobs, or 28%. Next in line was transportation equipment manufacturing which cut 19%. Two other manufacturing industries dropped at least 10%: food manufacturing (-4,200 jobs, or -14%) and electronic instrument manufacturing (-600 jobs, or -1%). None of the published manufacturing
industries added a substantial number of jobs over the past 12 months.
St. Helens Recreation Center, 1910 Old Portland Road in St. Helens. Sponsored by the City of St. Helens, Berry, and Guild Mortgage. This family-friendly experience is designed to allow you to celebrate al the booths, tricks and treats of Halloween from the comfort and safety of your car. • 5-7 p.m. Ghoulish Grab ‘n Go at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office located at 901 Port Ave in St. Helens on Halloween. Celebrate a safe Halloween this year and come by to grab some candy. For more information, call 503-3664611. • 5-7 p.m. Scappoose Police Department Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treating from at the
Scappoose Police Department, 33568 E Columbia Ave. Police said they will take precautions to keep everyone safe.
lotus is a symbol of purity in Chinese culture and the most popular summer bloom in southern China. Lan Su Chinese Garden, at 239 NW Everett Street in Portland, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitors and garden members are encouraged to reserve their timed entries, in advance. Facial covering is required. Daily admission is $12.95 with reduced rates for students and seniors. Admissions are available now at www. lansugarden.org.
In contrast Two major industries rose closer to pre-pandemic employment levels. Retail trade rebounded rapidly, adding 4,700 jobs over the past two months. This left the industry down only 4,800 jobs, or 2.3%, since February. Certain retailers responded to strong demand lately, with food and beverage stores up 900 jobs, or 2.1%, since last September. Similarly, building material and garden supply stores added 900 jobs, or 5.4% in that time, while general
merchandise stores added 1,100 jobs or 2.7%. Clearly consumer preferences and demands have shifted substantially, as reflected by job losses in several categories including clothing stores, which cut 8,100 jobs, or 51.6%, over the year, and miscellaneous store retailers, which shed 2,800 jobs, or 16.5%. Health care and social assistance added 2,300 jobs over the past two months and was only 8,200 jobs, or 3.1%, below its recent high in February. Over the past 12 months, social assistance cut 4,900 jobs, or 8.4%. However, health care declined only 800 jobs in that time.
Community Events October 24 • 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hazardous waste collection. Due to COVID19, three earlier Household Hazardous Waste Collections were canceled. A collection event will be conducted Oct. 24 at the Transfer Station, 1601 Railroad Avenue in St. Helens. These are important events if you have accumulated household quantities of hazardous materials that need a proper, and free, disposal. Please check the Columbia County website for further information on what they take and updates in case of COVID cancellation: www. columbiacountyor.gov/ departments/SolidWaste/ household-hazardous-waste-1.
• 9-11 a.m. Scappoose Bay Marina Cleanup. The effort begins with a trail walk to identify native and invasive plants. This area is heavily used for fishing and recreation so there is lots to do. Volunteers will pick-up trash and fishing line to protect birds and fish from getting tangled and conduct weed removal along the path and waterfront as conditions allow. There will also be opportunities to plant native plants to increase habitat diversity. Sponsored by the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council. For more information, call 503-397-7904. October 31 • 1-4 p.m. Halloween Trickor-Treat Drive-Through at the
Ongoing Events • The Spirit of Halloweentown. Old Town District in St. Helens. See the entire event schedule and locations at www. discovercolumbiacounty.com, www.spiritofhalloweentown. com and www.instagram.com/ spiritofhalloweentown. • Lotus Collection. Operators of the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland are inviting the public to see the largest lotus collection in the Pacific Northwest. Known as “he hua” in Mandarin, the
Wednesdays & Sundays • Resonate Recovery. 7
p.m. – 8 p.m. at 220 S. 1st St, St. Helens. Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information, contact Bert @ 503-475-3586, Debbie @ 503-560-0521, Bill Bradley @ 503-410-6273, or check the “Resonate” Facebook page. To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A8
Destructive spotted lanternfly
Photo courtesy of the Oregon Agriculture Department
The spotted lanternfly could be a threat to Oregon’s grape industry and the state’s fruit trees. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
There are new details concerning the destructive spotted lanternfly (SLF) following the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) invasive species advisory about the invasive pest issued earlier this month. Agriculture department officials said the lanternfly could be a threat to Oregon’s grape industry, valued last year at $238 million, and that the fly prefers a broad range of more than 70 plant species including apples, cherry, chestnut, hops, maple, peaches, pear, pine, plum, poplar, oak, rose and walnut. “We’ve been attempting to raise awareness of this pest for several years now, in our presentations to the public and at professional meetings,” ODA’s Director of Communications Andrea Cantu-Schomus told The Chronicle. “ODA nursery inspectors are aware of them and checking incoming plant shipments. We’ve now added the pest alert as an educational tool.” Cantu-Schomus said for at least a couple years, ODA has been searching for this pest while conducting other surveys at sites where there was risk of introduction. On Oct. 8, the ODA announced that a nursery in the Corvallis area had discovered a dead spotted SLF in a shipment of planters and ceramic pots sent to Oregon from Pennsylvania. “This detection of one dead specimen will help push the regulatory authorities in Pennsylvania to check that their quarantine procedures are adequate and being applied properly,” Cantu-Schomus said. SLF was first found in North America in 2014, in Pennsylvania. It is believed to have arrived on shipments of stone from China. Since then, SLF has been detected in 11 eastern states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. California has also found dead specimens in shipments to date. “ODA is working on developing an exterior quarantine for this pest to have additional measures taken in infested states to prevent movement of this pest to Oregon,” CantuSchomus said. The ODA is also advising property owners, gardeners, farmers and others to carefully look for the SLF. “The best thing to do is to be aware of what the pest looks like, and be aware of shipments arriving from infested areas, and make sure they are checked for egg masses or other life stages of spotted lanternfly,” CantuSchomus said. A current map of detections can be found at nysipm.cornell.edu/sites/nysipm.cornell. edu/files/shared/images/SLFreported-distribution-9-23-20. jpg. Cantu-Schomus said if someone suspects they have found the pest in Oregon, they should immediately contact Oregon Department of Agriculture at 1-800-525-0137 or email plant-entomologist@ oda.state.or.us.
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
A9
www.thechronicleonline.com
Classifieds Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com
103
150
311
502
608
790
Yard Work
Misc Services
Announcements
Help Wanted
Motorcycles
Lawn Mowing Services Cut grass, edging, trimming, and clean up. Can do large areas. Call Gene at 503-3960885 or 971-8133197.
Bonded & Insured. 503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274
etc. VOTE YES ON 5-283 Paid for by Paul Nys & Carol Girt.
need of multitalented worker with 2+ years of experience. Skilled in carpentry and any other areas of construction (fabrication, roofing, etc.). Work in a team environment with a positive attitude willing to produce for the company everyday on the water or on land. Email your resume, calls and text ok. marc@even construction.com (503) 806-4795
08’ Kawasaki Vulcum Classic 900. 5500 miles, like new condition, custom seat, sissy bar and exhaust. $3500 503-3694576
105
Cleaning Services
Kell-Clean!!
*Low-Cost* Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Residential • Apartments • Rentals *Commercial* Fast Dry Times!
Cell: 503-556-2568 Cell: 503-396-6228
BIDEN SWAG for sale plus local candidate swag Columbia County Democrat Headquarters For details & set an appointment email: info@ columbiademo crats.org
301
Health & Nutrition
Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.oregonaa district18.org
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
311
Licensed - Bonded - Insured
Announcements
150
Misc Services
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.,
BALLOT MEASURE 5-283 Rainier/Clatskanie Cemetery Levy Increases rate $0.05 (a nickel) per thousand per year SUPPORTS 12 local cemeteries on 39 acres with 13,000 gravesites INCLUDING: Maintenance, up keep, paid staff (currently one), equipment replacement, supplies, ordinary expenses,
502
Help Wanted
The City of St. Helens is hiring for a RECREATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST. Temporary, part-time. See website for details: www.sthelens oregon.gov/jobs. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer. The Scappoose Drainage Improvement Company has openings for a General Manager, a Field Operations Technician, and an Office Administrator. More information is available at w w w. s c a p p o o s edrainage.org/employment. Open until filled. For Hire Look at our website and see what we do (Evenconstruction.com). Floating home builders for 25 years in the Portland area. In
WE ARE HIRING! CareOregon /CPCCO is seeking a Traditional Health Worker Liaison for the NW Coastal region! The THW Liaison works within a team environment to help the healthcare system integrate and partner with THWs in the community. Travel required in region/Spanish bilingual preferred. CareOregon is among the toprated nonprofits in Oregon. To apply visit www. careoregon.org/ careers.
Misc Wanted
690
Wanted Autos
Ca$h 4 Car$
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.
$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
706
Estate Sales
808
Houses Unfurnished
Now taking applications for two bedroom duplex. Quiet setting. Close to grocery store. W/D hookup. No pets, no smoking. $950/month + $950 security deposit. 503396-1756.
Let everyone know by advertising in The Chronicle Call 503-397-0116 for more information
804
Apts Unfurnished
RAINIER 1 bd. on second storie, river view. w/s/g paid. Nice neighborhood, no pets.First and last $750 per month, $700 deposit. 503369-4576.
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.
Hosting a garage sale?
842
Pasture & Acreage
WANTED TO RENT PASTURE
FOR CATTLE SUMMER GRAZING ONLY 503-780-5759
VIEW OUR CURRENT RENTAL PROPERTIES AT:
www.therentalcenter.net
River City & Rentals Northwest 503-543-4440 Phone
503-543-7929 Fax
Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
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
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
2020 Readers’ Choice Awards PRESENTED BY
The Chronicle &
The Chief
Congratulations on Being Voted into the Top 3! Ad deadline: October 22th Special section publishing October 28th & 30th Say ‘Thank you’ to your voters and show off your Best of Columbia County gold, silver, or bronze badge! FULL BACK PAGE - $550 10.75” x 10.5”
FULL INSIDE COVER - $450 10.75” x 10.5”
FULL PAGE - $375 10.75” x 10.5”
Gold
Silver
Bronze
2020
2020
2020
Readers’ Choice Awards
Readers’ Choice Awards
Readers’ Choice Awards
The Chronicle
The Chronicle
The Chronicle
PRESENTED BY
&
The Chief
PRESENTED BY
&
The Chief
PRESENTED BY
&
The Chief
Ad Package that includes Print, Embedded E-Edition links, Best of Columbia County certificate for display, and graphic design services are always included!
1/2 PAGE - $275
10.75” x 5” or 5.3” x 10.5”
1/4 PAGE - $225 5.3” x 5”
BUSINESS CARD SIZE - $175 3.487” x 2”
Readers have cast their votes for their favorite businesses, services and individuals....and YOU ARE ONE OF THEM! Advertise in this special tabloid thanking the community for their continued support and for choosing you as THEIR favorite! Say “Thank You” with a special, simple message or photo of your crew! Let everyone know you are here for them.
CONTACT AMY TRULL 503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A10
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CH20-1511
ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT 2020-21 LEGAL NOTICES 1. Notice Regarding Student Records NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to parents/guardians of students in St. Helens School District No. 502 that the directory information provided may be published in accordance to School Board policy and shall be effective for the 2019-20 school year. Directory Information is designated as: student name, address, telephone listing, electronic address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and dates of attendance; weight and height of athletic team members; degrees, honors or awards received; and the most recent previous school or program attended. Exclusion from any or all directory categories named as Directory Information or release of information must be submitted in writing to the school principal by the parent/guardian, student 18 years of age or emancipated student within 15 days of this annual public notice. This announcement is in keeping with the guidelines established for the protection of student records and for the legitimate release thereof. The confidentiality of academic and behavior records of students shall continue to be upheld as a matter of District concern for student records and personal rights of individuals.
2. Equal Education Assurance In conformance to Federal Title 6, Title 9 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, St. Helens School District 502 has established the following policy regarding Equal Educational Opportunities: The St. Helens School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, marital or parental status, linguistic background, culture, capability or geographic location in providing education or access to benefits of educational services, activities and programs in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Acts. Superintendent Scot Stockwell is designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements and may be contacted at the District Office located at 474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens, OR for additional information and/or compliance issues. 3. School District Seeks Youth With Disabilities St. Helens School District and the Northwest Regional Education Service District would like assistance in locating children from birth to age 21 with a disability who have not graduated from high school and are currently not attending or receiving other special services from public schools. Oregon and federal laws mandate educational services for children with disabilities. The Northwest Regional ESD provides educational services for eligible children from birth to kindergarten. Local school districts offer educational programs and services for eligible children from kindergarten through high school. Services provided are appropriate to each child’s disability. Parents/guardians or others who know a child age five through 21 with a disability who is currently not receiving educational services can contact Lori Thompson, Director of Student Services, at the St. Helens School District Office at (503) 397-3085. For children from birth to age five with disabilities, contact the Northwest Regional ESD at (503) 614-1446. El Distrito Escolar Busca a Menores con Discapacidades Al Distrito Escolar St. Helens y al Distrito de Servicio de Educación Regional del Noroeste (Northwest Regional Education Service District) les gustaría recibir ayuda pars encontrar a menores desde el nacimiento hasta la edad de 21 años que tienen una discapacidad, que no se han graduado de la escuela preparatoria (high school) y que actualmente no están asistiendo ni recibiendo otros servicios especiales de parte de las escuelas públicas. Las leyes de Oregon y federates ordenan servicios educativos pars menores con discapacidades. El Distrito de Servicio de Educación Regional del Noroeste presta servicios educativos para niños que reúnen los requisitos desde el nacimiento hasta el kindergarten. Los distritos escolares locales ofrecen programas y servicios educativos pars menores que reúnen los requisitos desde el kindergarten hasta la escuela preparatoria. Los servicios prestados son adecuados para la discapacidad de cads menor. Los padres, tutores u otras personas que conocen a un menor entre las edades de cinco a 21 años con una discapacidad que actualmente no está recibiendo servicios educativos pueden comunicarse con Lori Thompson, Directora de Servicios Estudiantiles, en la Oficina del Distrito Escolar St. Helens al (503) 397-3085. Para niños desde el nacimiento a la edad de cinco años con discapacidades comuníquese con el Distrito de Servicio de Educación Regional del Noroeste al (503) 614-1446. 4. Access to Student Information by Military or College Recruiters St. Helens School District receives funds from the federal government under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. These funds are used in a variety of ways to provide additional help to students in greatest academic need. The law also requires that districts receiving these funds must, upon request, provide military recruiters, colleges and universities access to the names, addresses and telephone listings of secondary students. It is important for you to know that a secondary school student or his/her parent or guardian may request that the student’s name, address, and telephone number not be released by the district without prior written parental consent. If you would like to make such a request, please contact your child’s guidance counselor. 5. Education Rights of Homeless Children and Youth St. Helens School District is actively seeking to enroll children and youth who are homeless. • Who is considered “homeless”? Homeless children and youth are minors who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who: • are sharing housing with other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; • are living in motels, hotels, camping grounds or trailer parks due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; • are living in emergency or transitional shelters, cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; • are abandoned in hospitals; • are awaiting foster care placement; • have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; • are migrant children and youth (as defined under NCLB Title IC-Migrant Education) who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above. • What are the education rights of homeless children and youth? St. Helens School District provides equal and comparable access to all students regardless of their home living situation. Homeless children and youth have specific rights that include: • Immediate public school enrollment and, when desired or feasible, at the student’s “school of origin” provided it is in the best interest of the student. • Transportation services and meal programs. • Education services and programs for which the student is eligible such as Title I, special education, programs for students with limited English proficiency, professional technical programs, and talented and gifted programs. If you are homeless or know of a child or youth that is homeless and not attending school, please contact St. Helens School District’s Homeless Liaison, Jennifer Bartocci, for information and enrollment assistance: District Liaison: Telephone: Address:
Jennifer Bartocci 503-366-7708 474 North 16th Street, St. Helens, OR 97051
6. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Annual Notice of Student Education Record Privacy The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive federal funds. FERPA gives parents/guardians certain rights with respect to their child’s education records. When a student reaches the age of 18 or attends a post-secondary school or college, the parent/guardian rights transfer to the student and the student is then an “eligible student” under the law. Under FERPA, parents/guardians and eligible students have the following rights: 1) To inspect and review the student’s education records maintained by the school within 45 days of the school’s receipt of a written request. The request should identify the record(s) being inspected. The school is not required to provide copies of records and may charge a fee if copies are requested. 2) To request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. The request must be in writing and clearly specify: (a) the part of the record requesting to be changed, and (b) why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent/guardian or eligible student has the right to a hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement in the record about the contested information. The school is not required to consider requests for grade or disciplinary decisions, opinions of school officials in the education record, or the student’s special education determination. 3) To control the disclosure of student personally identifiable information from their education record, parents/guardians may request that the school, with certain exceptions, obtain parent/guardian written consent prior to the disclosure of student information. Exceptions which permit disclosure without parent/guardian consent include disclosure to school/district staff with legitimate educational interest; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (i.e. attorney, auditor, therapist); a person serving on the school board, a parent or student serving on an official committee such as a grievance or disciplinary committee or assisting another school official; and/or an official of another school district in which a student seeks to enroll. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill a professional responsibility. If you have questions concerning student records, please call your school principal.
The Chronicle’s display ads and public notice deadline is Fridays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A11
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Public Notices
County realtors association honor members
CH20-1512
OFFICIAL NOTICE In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). That law required inspection of all schools, kindergarten through twelfth grade, to identify any asbestos-containing building materials. The law further required the development of a Management Plan, based upon the findings of the inspection, which outlines our intent in controlling the potential for exposure to asbestos fiber in our schools. The inspection in our schools was completed, and a Management Plan was compiled in 1989 as required, and some asbestos-containing materials were identified in our buildings. The materials are distributed in various locations and include floor tile, pipe insulation and mechanical areas not readily accessible to building occupants or students. The Management Plan outlines in detail the methods used to maintain the materials in a safe manner. It also includes records of six month periodic surveillance inspections, three year re-inspections and records of all abatement projects that have been completed. The six month periodic surveillance inspections are conducted by district personnel in April and October of each year. The three year reinspection is conducted by a certified inspector. The next three year reinspection will take place in April 2021. The old St. Helens Middle School and the 374 S. 15th Street Restoration and Renovation house were abated during the 2019-2020 school year. No projects are anticipated for the 2020-2021 school year. A copy of the Management Plan is on file for your review at the school district maintenance office at 301 Saint Helens Street. Copies of individual building inspection reports are on file in each school’s administrative office. CH20-1513
TOWING SERVICES RFP – CITY OF ST. HELENS OREGON. The City of St. Helens seeks proposals from companies interested in providing towing services. We encourage companies to submit the most comprehensive proposal possible offering the highest quality of service and
enhancement to improve our towing services for the city. A City review panel, consisting of staff from multiple departments will review your RFP for pricing and services. We intend to establish a contract for services. The City will
retain the right to cancel the contract for any reason with ninety (90) days written notice. The complete RFP will be made available on the City’s website (www.ci.sthelens.or.us/rfps). Deadline for submission is November 9, 2020 at 3 PM.
CH20-1514
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of Joyce Marie Atchison, Deceased. No. 20-PB06837. Notice to Interested Persons NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present the same within four months from this
date at the office of VanNatta & Petersen, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon; and if not so presented, they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first
published: October 12, 2020. Date of final publication: November 4, 2020. Personal Representative: Roy Stephen Atchison, 34876 Sykes Road, St. Helens, OR 97051. Attorneys: VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Telephone: (503) 397-4091
CH20-1507
PUBLIC LIEN SALE U-STORE SELF STORAGE Auction to be held online at Storageauctions.com. Auction will run from 10/13/2020 at 10:00 a.m. and end on 10/23/2020 at 10 a.m. Unclaimed storage lockers to be sold
by competitive bidding. 1st location – Scappoose – 53567 Columbia River Hwy. Shaffer Sarah D008. 2nd location – St. Helens – 445 Port Ave, Suite D. Barbour, Sasha M-036,
Druery Jacob R-113, Hatcher Jesse R-162, Stuber Amanda R-153/R-154. GOOD OF EVERY DESCRIPTION SOLD BY STORAGE LOT. Cash and Credit Cards.
JESSICA NELSON Chronicle Guest Article
18 is 74%, slightly higher than the nation’s 72.3%.
women with children ages six to 17. For people without children under 18, the genders behave far more similarly in their likelihood of labor force participation. Men in this group had a participation rate of 59.8% compared with the women’s participation rate of 51.3%.
Courtesy photo
From left to right, the 2019 Community Service Award recipient Peggy Howell, Linda Bolen, the 2020 Community Serviced Award recipient and Columbia County Board of Realtors President Tammy Scamfer. The three are from John L. Scott Real Estate. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Columbia County Board of Realtors (CCBR) have recognized two local members with it’s Realtor of the Year and Community Service Awards. Angela Kane, of Keller Williams Real Estate, has been awarded Realtor of the Year and Linda Bolen, of John L. Scott Real Estate, received the 2020 Community Service Award. The Realtor of the Year Award recognizes realtor spirit, business achievements, service to CCBR, Oregon Association of Realtors and the National
Association of Realtors, and work in the community. The Community Service Award recognizes community volunteer work. According to its website, the Columbia County Board of Realtors® has more than 130 Realtor®, appraiser and affiliate members working together to make homeownership dreams come true. The 10-member Board of Directors is made up of hard-working volunteers who meet quarterly and organize monthly continuing education events and run the business of the association. For more information, contact 503-679-7590.
Courtesy photo
Angela Kane of Keller Willams Real Estate holds her award for Realtor of the Year.
County schools graduation rates STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
St. Helens School District is on track with meeting the state on-time graduation rate average, according to data provided by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The at-a-glance figures show St. Helens School with an 87% on-time graduation rate. The high school has 834 students enrolled. The ODE found a 34% on-time graduation rate for Plymouth High School, the St. Helens District alternative high school, which enrolls 82 students by comparison. The St. Helens School District’s overall figure graduation rate breaks down
to 80%, the state average. Schools with smaller student populations are more easily affected by one or two students. Across the county, Scappoose High School has the highest on-time graduation rate, at 95%. Next is St. Helens High School, then Clatskanie Middle/High School at 83%. Rainier Junior/Senior High, School with a 79% on-time graduation rate, just barely comes ahead of Vernonia High School at 78%. Rainier’s North Columbia Adacemy, student body size of 46, has an on-time graduation rate of 63%. The data sets released by the state usually includes class sizes, attendance data and assessments, but that
information was not available this year due to the statewide transition to distance learning in March. In addition to tracking the on-time graduation rates, the state also released metrics for those who earned a high school diploma of GED within five years. Scappoose High School led the county on that metric, with greater than 95% of students finishing school within five years. The state average is 86%, which the other schools in the county hovered around. Vernonia High School had a 92% five-year completion rate; Rainier Junior/Senior High School 92%; St. Helens High School 90% and Clatskanie Middle/High School at 83%.
New study of working parents The COVID-19 recession is affecting workers and businesses around the state, but perhaps none more so than working parents, who have had their routines and their children’s routines interrupted by school closures and reduced availability of childcare outside of the home. Oregon’s largest school districts have recently announced that in-person schooling will resume in early 2021. There are no easy or obvious answers amid this fundamental shift back toward the home, and families and communities are using many different strategies to cope during this time. For businesses, a lack of dependable schedules for a solid share of the workforce is difficult to swallow, too. How much of the workforce are we talking about? Oregon’s civilian labor force includes 652,000 parents of children under 18. Working parents account for 31% of the state labor force, a similar percentage to the nation (33%). Parents of children under six years of age make up 14% of the state workforce, and those with children ages six to 17 years account for another 17%. Parents in the Beaver State have average labor force participation rates compared with parents across the nation. Nationally, 81.8% of parents with children under 18 were in the labor force in 2019, compared with 82% in Oregon. Among men, 91.3% of Oregon dads are in the labor force, slightly lower than the national labor force participation rate of 93%. The participation rate of Oregon women with children under
The vast majority of Oregon parents work Parents are more likely to be working than people without children under 18. The participation rate for the Oregon population with no children under 18 is 55.5%, compared with 82.0% of parents with children under 18. This likely reflects an aging population and an increasing number of retired people. Participation for teens and young adults has also been lower in recent years than in decades past. Labor force participation of parents differs by gender and the age of children. For parents of children under six years of age, there’s a big difference in the labor force experiences of men versus women. Of the men in this group, 92.4% are in the labor force, compared with 67.6% of Oregon mothers of children under age six. Oregon fathers in this group are slightly less likely to be in the labor force than the national average, and Oregon mothers of children under age six are slightly more likely to be working than the national average. The gender gap in labor force participation is reduced somewhat for parents of children ages six to 17. For men with children ages six to 17, the participation rate was 90.2% in 2019, and 79.4% of Oregon women with children in that age range were in the labor force. The participation rate of men with children ages six to 17 is slightly lower than the national rate (92%). Oregon women’s participation rate is a couple of percentage points higher than the national rate of 76.8% for
The marriage effect Labor force participation varies depending on several factors. In addition to the age of the kids waiting for dinner at home and a worker’s gender, there’s the effect of marital status. Of Oregon’s 652,000 working parents, 507,000 – the vast majority – are married, with a spouse present. Another 145,000 have another marital status, which includes those never married, married with spouse absent, divorced, separated or widowed. Overall, marital status didn’t have much impact on the likelihood of being in the labor force, with 81.7% of married parents in the labor force in 2019, compared with 82.8% of parents with another marital status. Married parents show a wider variation in labor force participation between genders. Married mothers are less likely to work, with a participation rate of 71.3%, while almost all married fathers of children under the age of 18 are in the labor force, with a participation rate of 91.9%. Parents with any other marital status have very similar labor force participation between genders. Oregon mothers in this group had a labor force participation rate of 80.7% in 2019, compared with a participation rate of 87.7% among fathers.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connections
Parents have high labor force participation rates, with the vast majority in the labor force and employed. For Oregon parents, working is the norm, according to the Oregon Employment Department study.
Women are more likely to work part time Regardless of parental status, women are more likely than men to work part time. Across all employed Oregonians in 2019, 14% of men worked part time and 28% of women worked part time, meaning fewer than 35 hours a week at all jobs. About 417,000 Oregon workers work part time – that’s 154,000 Oregon men and 263,000 Oregon women. About one-quarter of Oregon’s part-time workers are parents of children under age 18. The share of women working part time didn’t vary much by age or presence of children, at least in these broad groupings. It averaged 28%, with the largest share among employed females with children under the age of six at 29%. Men with children under age six were far less likely to work part time, with only 7% reporting such schedules. For those with children ages six to 17, 4% of employed men work
part time. Once again, for people without children under the age of 18, the employment experiences of the genders are more similar. In this group, 18% of men and 27% of women work part time. Conclusion Working parents make up about one-third of the Oregon workforce. Parents’ participation in the labor force varies depending on several factors, including the age of children, a worker’s gender, and marital status. Parents have high labor force participation rates, with the vast majority in the labor force and employed. For Oregon parents, working is the norm. The COVID-19 recession has introduced new challenges for Oregon’s working parents, as they navigate and adjust to changes in schooling and at work. Some startling numbers are emerging about the situation for women in particular. The federal Bureau of Labor
Statistics reported that across the nation 865,000 women ages 20 and over dropped out of the labor force in September 2020 – four times more than the number of men who left the labor force. In coming months, we’ll learn more about how parents have been affected by recent changes. Workers continue to retire during this period as well, so the labor force changes can’t all be attributed to changes in the demands of parenting in the pandemic. The national labor force has lost 1.5 million men and 2.5 million women since September 2019. It remains to be seen how many labor force departures and job losses are permanent and how many will return as the COVID-19 crisis eases. See graphs with this story at thechronicleonline. com. Jessica Nelson is an economist with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at jessica.r.nelson@oregon. gov, or at 800-262-3912, Ext 71276.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A12
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Commission candidates faceoff
taxes. Magruder said there is a need to create more family wage jobs and that it’s The four candidates challenging to prioritize one vying for positions on the sector over another because Columbia County Board of the county needs to work Commissioners participated collaboratively with all. in a virtual forum Tuesday, “We need to create more Oct. 13. family wage jobs for emThe forum was hosted by ployment, retain the jobs we the Rainier and Clatskanie have and provide opportunichambers of commerce and ties for higher education and asked each candidate a setechnical training,” she said. ries of three questions about Garrett identified the light their positions on county industrial manufacturing issues. sector as his number one Brandee Dudzic is runpriority. ning against incumbent “We have a great base Margaret Magruder for already established in Position 1 and Casey Garrett Columbia County,” he said. is running against incumbent “We have the right kind of Alex Tardif for Position 3. infrastructure, the right reThe first question asked gional property that attracts the candidates about their new companies and a comsupport of county economic prehensive group of partners sectors, and their priorities. focused on promoting that Largely, the four recognized kind of growth.” the importance of the serGarrett said his second vice, industrial, technology priority is the service and and tourism sectors to the support industries, then growth of the county. heavy industrial, lastly tour“Small business is the ism. financial engine of our comTourism, Tardif said, was munity,” Dudzic said. She a strong part of his platform also said she was not against when he first ran for combig businesses but Cuts:Layout expected 11-16-11 3x2D 1 6/22/12 3:28saidPM missioner in 2016, and them to be good stewards of the support of tourism in the land, water and11-16-11 commu3x2D Cuts:Layout 1 6/22/12 3:28 businessPM Page 1 turn benefits small nity by paying fair shares of es. He said two things must MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
be considered to facilitate and accommodate business in the county: availability of land to meet needs and infrastructure. “Without connectivity we fail to remain relevant to today’s competitive market,” Tardif said. The candidates were asked about how they would vote if state legislature passed a cap-and-trade bill with a county opt-in option, to which most expressed immediate opposition. “I don’t think it would be good for the economy, local Page 1 or the environindustry ment,” Garrett said. Tardif said he voted against the cap and trade bill
that came before the county previously, but that if conditions changed then support should be considered. “If the reality is a loss of thousands of jobs to our community then we can’t support that,” Tardif said. “But if we can champion it and help infuse our industries with the money necessary to meet those requirements then I think it’s something we have an obli-
Rideshare and food deliveries SAFE rides for HALLOWEEN PARTIES, CASH only
haircuts seniors 10 children 12 and$color adults 15
Prices always include shampoo s & simple style if desired We offer$ perm
OPEN 7 DAYS Tue.-Sat.A WEEK... 8-6, Sun. 11-5 • After hours by appointment Prices always include shampoo EVEN SUNDAY & simple style if desired & MONDAY
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Mention this ad and get
$5.00 OFF ride or food delivery
Operation Hours: Mon.- Thur. 9 AM to 10:30 PM Fri.-Sat. 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sun. 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Follow us on FB: www.facebook.com/renee.thayer.2440 C10012
OPEN 7 DAYS
A Helens WEEK... 251 S 1ST Street, St. EVEN SUNDAY & MONDAY (503) 397-3380
seniors $Adults 10 & Children: $18 $ $ children Seniors: 12 15 (65 yrs+) adults $15 $ C10012
251 S 1ST Street, St. Helens (503) 397-3380
Follow Election 2020 at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
Owner/operator Renee Thayer: 971-328-2440•De’ Scorpian Broaddus: 503-396-7572
haircuts
B
Dudzic said she would focus on increasing the accessibility of county government, create a youth advisory and implement her experience in transformative mediation to facilitate difficult conversations. “Better accessibility to the commission means more participation,” she said. Effective collaboration and good leadership are important to represent the unique communities in the county, Garrett said. “We need to respect and celebrate individual characters,” he said. Tardif said his tourism initiative provides a good example of how countywide collaboration can improve everyones opportunities. “We must listen to each other and find a common thread,” he said.
MONGILLO’s Rideshare Services, LLC.
Haircuts
e’s obbi
C11848
ELECTION 2020
gation to look at for future generations.” Magruder said she would vote no. “We are, and should continue to, work at lessening our carbon footprint,” she said. “It would have a devastating impact on our forest economy.” Dudzic also said she opposed the bill, and has never been a supporter of cap and trade. “Cap and trade is not going to allow us to reach our emission reduction goals in time,” Dudzic said. “We need to be going after the biggest emitters.” The third question asked the four to explain how they lead the diverse communities within the county. “Everything has two sides and I’m good at listening,” Magruder said. She said that as a lifetime resident she is still talking and learning about the community, which she said is important to represent the county.
WINTER From Page A1
are forecast in the southern parts of the west coast, and from the Mid-Atlantic into
A13
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
the Northeast. Above-average temperatures are also favored for Hawaii and western and northern Alaska. Drought forecast NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasters— a
division of the National Weather Service — are also closely monitoring persistent drought during the winter months ahead, with more than 45% of the continental U.S. now experiencing drought. “NOAA’s timely and ac-
curate seasonal outlooks and short-term forecasts are the result of improved satellite observations, more detailed computer forecast modeling, and expanding supercomputing capacity,” acting NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs states in a release posted on
the NOAA website. Currently, large areas of drought extend over the western half of the U.S., with parts of the Northeast also experiencing drought and near-record low stream flows. With a La Niña climate pattern in place, south-
ern parts of the U.S. may experience expanded and intensifying drought during the winter months ahead, according to NOAA. Follow the latest local weather reports 24/7 at thechronicleonline.com.
Recognition Award
Courtesy photo
Members of Kiwanis DayBreakers presented Julie McCartney at SAFE of Columbia County with its first Community Cares Recognition Award to honor the achievements of community members that work hard behind the scenes to help others. The certificate of achievement reads: “For outstanding work in the field of Domestic Violence, providing resources for the victims of abusive relationships, and fostering a caring environment for healing to begin. For educating our younger teens and children about healthy relationships.” Pictured from left to right are Dena Chesney, Monica Cade, Marilyn Allen, DayBreakers President Steve Howell, Julie McCartney, Stan Chiotti, and SAFE Executive Director Ellyn Bell.
Photo courtesy of Sgt. Cory Grogan, JFHQ Public Affairs
Vivian Rupe and Timari Prevish from Columbia County Hometown Heroes receive an award from Capt. Jake Allbright for work done to recognize soldiers in their community during a virtual demobilization ceremony for Bravo Company, 741 Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team in St. Helens.
SOLDIERS From Page A1
tioned in the Middle East for the past year serving as a security force element in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. They were responsible for base defense operations and convoy security while integrated with the mobile artillery assets within the
Central Command Area of Responsibility to assist in providing stability to the region,” Company Commander Capt. Jake Allbright told The Chronicle in an interview in late August. The local St. Helen’s unit is part of the second largest mobilization of Oregon National Guard members since World War II, according to the Oregon Military Department, which said the local soldiers are part of the his-
toric 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team who draws its lineage from the 41st Infantry “Sunset” Division, for which the Sunset Highway is named in honor of. They were mobilized during a community ceremony in October last year at St. Helens High School. For more information, contact the Oregon Military Department at 503-9909508.
All things Halloween… Vintage, new, and handcrafted. Everything you need for a good boo!
215 S 1st Street St. Helens • 503-410-5280 • www.2csvendormall.com Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
Community Action Team
Are you a veteran? You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.
Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A14
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Senior Living St. Helens Senior Center on the rebound MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
It’s been over half a year since the pandemic altered the daily routines of many, but the St. Helens Senior Center is navigating the new
terrain and finding ways to connect with members, Executive Director Kathy Innocenti said. The St. Helens Senior Center’s membership is at 158, Innocenti said. It’s a reduction of about 30% from last year, which Innocenti
INVEST SAFELY, WITH CONFIDENCE
Share Certificates are a Solid Choice Federally insured up to
$250,000
Regular and IRA share certificates with terms from 12 to 60 months.
CHECK OUT OUR RATES AT
www.fibrecu.com/deposits A full-service coffee shop right inside the lobby at our Warrenton Branch (1771 SE Ensign Ln)! Raymond Fibre Family Member Since 2005
102 W. 5th St. Rainier • 85 W. Marine Dr. Astoria 2315 N Roosevelt Dr. Seaside 800-205-7872 • www.fibrecu.com fibrefamily FibreCU A DIVISION OF CREDIT UNION
Federally Insured By NCUA
said she imagines is in response to limited availability of programs and activities due to restriction in place for the pandemic. Before COVID-19 hit, the center would host regular dinners, classes and other entertainment events for those 65 and older in the area. Seniors were able to take part in exercise classes, billiards, painting, crafts, pinochle games, bingo, bunko, and computer classes. There were also free blood pressure checks done by a representative from Columbia River Fire and Rescue (CRFR) and an AARP driving class and tax services. The center hosted a guest speaker every Tuesday during lunch and a movie every Wednesday. Most of those activities have been canceled due to the pandemic. Before the shutdown, the center averaged 1,600 people within a month. Following the pandemic, the center’s attendance decreased to 350. “There is still value to belonging to the St. Helens Senior Center,” she said. “Only members receive our newsletter, which is chockfull of useful information and ways to stay connected.” Despite the restrictions in place, she’s thought of creative ways to keep members engaged. One of the more popular activities at the center when it was open regularly was the Friday lunch time when the Stone River Band would come to play. So, over the summer she had the band come play outside during a drive-thru fundraiser for the center. “It was awesome to see some of our regulars and to hear the band again,” she said. “Many people stayed after picking up their meal, sitting in their vehicles or in lawn chairs listening to the band.”
Chronicle photo
St. Helens Senior Center volunteers Joe Hunter and Teri Stoffer work to cook meals for the center’s homedelivered meals program.
On the note of fundraisers, Innocenti said she was blown away by the support from the community when news of the center’s financial struggles broke. “I was just astounded at the number of people who donated money,” she said. “It’s been very heartwarming that people are so concerned with the older adults in our community.” Still, she worries about the effect the pandemic is having on some of the members who spent a lot of time at the center. She said she has heard from regulars, their caregivers and family members that many are lonely without having the center open. “Coming to the center for a meal or an activity gave them something to look forward to and a way to socialize with their peers. That social interaction is so key to a person’s well-being at any age, but for older adults who perhaps can’t drive or live alone, it’s a lifeline,” Innocenti said.
To combat this, the center has offered up a pen pal program with a senior center in Massachusetts, but no one from the East Coast center has signed up yet. She’s also given out the number for the Senior Loneliness Line. “It’s not the same as getting together with your friends and having a routine of socialization,” she said. “I’m very worried about people who are very dear to us at the center.” So, the center is trying to do the most with what it can offer. It is currently open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to cook homedelivered meals for roughly 160 homebound seniors in St. Helens and Scappoose. A couple of small groups and in-person classes are offered at the center as well. “We’re just trying to be as safe as we can be,” she said. Top Notch Thrift Store One of the center’s major
sources of funding has been on the rebound. Top Notch Thrift Store, at 1844 Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens, was closed for three months starting in March when sweeping pandemic restrictions closed the doors of many retailers in the state. As the county moved into Phase 2 of the state’s threephased reopening plan, the store has opened once again, but with scaled back operations. Before the pandemic, the store was open six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Now, the store is open only Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. “During normal times, after all expenses are paid for, we’re able to give the senior center about $86,000 a year,” she said. “It’s a really good source of funding for us.” To reach the St. Helens Senior Center, call 503-3973377. To reach the Top Notch Thrift Store, call 503-3975386.
$12 monthly discount on your Base Charge 10% discount on your Energy Charges Columbia River PUD’s IncomeQualified Senior Discount is for customers 62 and older who meet income guidelines. Want to know if you qualify? Call (503) 397-0590 or visit crpud.net/seniors.
at
glad we were able to “I’m come up with a program to help our seniors make ends meet.
st. helens
part of the avamere family of companies
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
”
- Harry Price Former PUD Board Member
Independent Living Assisted Living • Memory Care
Independent Living Assisted Living • Memory Care 2400 Gable Rd, St. Helens OR 97051 (503) 366-8070 www.AvamereAtStHelens.com
A15
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Senior Living Rainier Senior Center still connecting to locals JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Since COVID-19 swept across the state and through Columbia County, the Rainier Senior Center has been forced to limit its events and activities, but is still reaching out to its members. “Our current membership has remained about the same,’ Rainier Senior Center President Jan Rich said. “We send out monthly newsletters to our members and this is their only connection with us at this time.” An ice cream social and an outdoor concept scheduled for September were postponed due to the pandemic and the smoke from regional wildfires in September. COVID-19 has also forced the cancellation of the senior center’s annual Holiday Bazaar and Thanksgiving dinner. “Unfortunately, we are very limited in what we can offer at this point,” Rich said. “We continue to do delivered meals to Rainier and Clatskanie homebound via our wonderful volunteer
drivers as well as provide take out meals for those that can drive through. We are currently providing a meeting place for seniors who choose to go over their insurance with brokers.” Despite the limitations, Rich said the center’s operations are still vital to area seniors. “The senior center continues to be an important element of the senior community,” Rich said. “Even though our contact is limited, we call our members to check up on them, try to reassure those that call in and, of course, feed our growing number of homebound.” The Rainier Senior Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the latest center newsletter. Folks can call for take out meals by 10 a.m. at 503-5563889. There is a $5 donation requested.
month of August equaling a total of $476. The center said it is greatly appreciated. Paying it Forward
The Rainier Senior Center is located at 48 West 7th Street in Rainier.
Del Larson. Larson came to Rainier after his discharge from the Navy in 1966. He worked in Kelso for Brudi Equipment and Hopps Chevron in Rainier. According to the newsletter, Larson has been an all around volunteer for the center for nearly 10 years. “If something needs to be done Del is right there to help out,” the newsletter states. Larson enjoys reading and playing pinochle. He is a lifetime member of the Rainier Eagles and also a
volunteer for them. Larson is also a proud father of a Columbia County Police Officer. The Rainier Senior Center thanks Del Larson for all he does for the center and the community.
Chronicle photo
Blood Donation The center thanks all those that made the Senior Center Blood Drive a great success. American Red Cross left the center with 24 pints of blood which beats last year’s total of 22. The center thanks Judy Lepin for all the work she did to ensure this success.
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Bake Sale
The Rainier Center donated several cases of water and protein drinks to the hard working fireman and the center also donated two cases of toilet paper and one case of adult diapers for the wildfire evacuees. Rainier Senior Center Board Members • President Jan Rich • Vice President Carla Bodenhamer • Secretary Keith Ekstrom • Treasurer Rachel Kelley • At Large Members Clint Kelley, Barbara Foster, and Sue Beavers • Newsletter Editor Beth Bailey
ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? Rainier Senior Center Newsletter Notes
The center is raising money by selling a variety of fresh baked zucchini bread. Plain or with chocolate chips, blueberries, pineapple or walnuts. A regular sized loaf is $5. A half loaf is $3. Call 503-556-3889 to place an order.
Cash Donations
The center thank its sponsors and its members for their donations to the Senior Center during the
The Rainier Senior Center is located at 48 West 7th Street in Rainier. For more information, call 503-5563889.
DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? The Rainier Senior Center Volunteer for October is
Columbia Funeral Home & D.R. Garrison, CPA, PC Cremation Center Columbia ATTORNEY • (503)one 556-4120 Attend of our FREE educational seminars or give us a call: Memorial Gardens
STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, LLC
At Daniel R. Garrison, CPA, we strive to meet each client’s specific needs in planning for the future and achieving their goals in an everchanging financial and regulatory environment.
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Every Life Celebrated ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Schedule for CURRENT Educational Seminars: ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR MEDICARE COVERAGE? Funerals, Cremations, Memorial Services, Grave markers, Pre-Arrangement Plans, Cemetery/Mausoleum Space
ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR•CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? Columbia Boulevard Scappoose Senior 681 Center - 10/05/14 at 9am St. Helens • 503.397.1154 CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? DOARE YOUYOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR Y www.columbiafh.com Estate Planning and Personal Injury • CONFUSED ARECONFUSED YOU WITHMEDICARE? MEDICARE? DO YOU NEEDARE HELPYOU FINDING THE RIGHTWITH MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? Licensed in Oregon & Washington
Phone: 503.366.0994 • Fax: 503.366.2632 • Email: dan@drgtax.com Office Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fri: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Closed Sat & Sun
Family Owned & Operated. Serving Columbia County Since the early 1900s.
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Attend of our FREE educational seminars or give us a call: ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? • one (503) 203-6724 orus (800) 424-1199 AREone YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Attend of our FREE educational seminars or give a call: • YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? DO YOU ARE NEED HELP THEorRIGHT PLAN YOU? Semina Schedule for FOR Educational (503)FINDING 203-6724 (800)MEDICARE 424-1199
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE?
Call for Consultation NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? •Your Free DO DO YOUYOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE Seminars: PLAN FOR YOU? Schedule forMEDICARE Educational DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT PLAN FOR YOU? • orScappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9a Attend one (503)987-1113 of ourCall FREE educational seminars give us a call: or (800)424-1199 for Your Free Consultation • Centeror- 10/05/14 • Scappoose Senior 9am 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Attend(503) one of our FREE educational seminars give us aat call: Schedule House (503)987-1113 or (800)424-1199 Attend (503) one of our FREE educational seminars orfor give usOpen a call: 987-1113 or (800) 424-1199 • 424-1199 Seminars: • 203-6724 (503) orfor (800) Schedule Educational (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 • Medicare Advantage understanding Medicare? •Senior •• Schedule Scappoose Center - Seminars: 10/05/14 at 9am Schedule for Educational for Educational Seminars: • •Scappoose Medicare Senior Advantage • Center - 10/05/14 at 9am •• • Are you in the right Medicare Plan? Advantage •Medicare Scappoose Senior - 10/05/14 • ••Medicare Scappoose Senior Center Center - 10/05/14 at 9am at 9am Supplement • • • Medicare Supplement Do you know all your options? Schedule for Open House • • • Medicare Supplement • • •Part D (prescription coverage) • Part D (prescription coverage) for Open House • •• Schedule Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9a • • Attend one of our FREE educational seminars or give us a call: Part D (prescription coverage) • •• • ••Scappoose SeniorSubsidy Center (lower - 10/05/14 Subsidy (lower at 9am ••Low LowIncome Income Schedule House • for Open yourprescription prescription drug cost) your drug cost) • stop is an “Open House”? It is where you can in and talk to an independent • Low Incomefor Subsidy (lower your insurance agent Schedule Open House • Center Schedule forFor Open House alizes in Medicare. Ask any questions you• might have on Medicare. an up to date list of seminar Scappoose Senior - 10/05/14 at 9am • prescription drug cost) Scappoose Senior Center 10/05/14 at 9am • • • • • houses visit our website at www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am • is where you can stop in and talk to an independent insurance What is an “Open House”? • • •It Local Independent Insurance Agency • •
YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERA Do you need help
EED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FO
(503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Schedule for Educational Sem
specializes in Medicare. Ask any questions you might have on Medicare. For an up to date list of s re aWhat localisindependent insurance agency. are familiar all of the plans thatagent are who available in •stop an “Open House”? It is where you canWe in and talk towith an independent insurance • • open houses visit our website at www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com We25 are ayears localany independent insurance agency.have We are familiar withright allFor the an different that are and specializes we haveinover ofquestions helping individuals find the Medicare coverage for them. We Scappoose Senior Center -and 10/05/1 Medicare. Ask you might on Medicare. up toplans dateExperience list ofavailable seminars • Over 50 Years Combined • in your area and we have over 50 years of •combined experience helping individuals find the right Medicare • We are a local insurance agency. plans. WeSupplements are familiar with all theAdvantage differentplans. plansWe that arewith available careopen Supplements andindependent Medicare Advantage houses visit our website ata www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com coverage forare themselves. We offer Medicare and Medicare We local independent insurance agency. We are familiar with allwork of the plans that are avai
• We are a local agency that specializes in Medicare Coverage. • • www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com • www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com • www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com CALL A• FREE (503)987-1113 or CONSULTATION. (800)424-1199 (503)FOR 987-1113 or (800) 424-1199
What is an “Open House”? It Itis where you can stop in and and talk talk to anindividuals independent insurance agent who inWhat your area we have over 50 of combined experience helping find the right Medicare is anand “Open House”? is years where you can stop inhelping to an independent insurance agent who most all major companies. area and we have over 25 years of individuals find the right Medicare coverage for the specializes in Medicare. Ask any questions you might haveon onand Medicare. For an up to date list of seminars and coverage for themselves. We offer Medicare Supplements Medicare Advantage plans. We work with specializes in Medicare. Ask any questions you might have Medicare. For an up to date list of seminars and We are a local insurance Weyou arecan familiar with all talk ofplans. the that are available in agent your who Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Whatindependent is an “Open House”? Itagency. is where stop in and to plans an independent insurance most all major companies. open houses visit our website at open houses visit our website at area and we have over 25 years Ask of helping individuals find the right Medicare For coverage them. offer and specializes in Medicare. any questions you might have on Medicare. an up tofor date list ofWe seminars
Medicare Supplements and our Medicare plans. open houses visit websiteAdvantage at
We We areare a local independent are familiar familiarwith withallallofofthe the plans that available in your a local independentinsurance insuranceagency. agency. We We are plans that areare available in your areaarea andand wewe have over 2525years find the theright rightMedicare Medicare coverage them. have over yearsofofhelping helping individuals individuals find coverage for for them. We We offeroffer www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com We are a local independent insurance agency. We are familiar with all of the plans that are available in your Medicare Supplements andMedicare MedicareAdvantage Advantage plans. plans. Medicare Supplements and (503)987-1113 or (800)424-1199 area and we have over 25 years of helping individuals find the right Medicare coverage for them. We offer Find Uswww.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com On: Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans.
(503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com (503) 203-6724 Find Us On. Find or Us(800) On: 424-1199
Find Us On. (503)987-1113 OR (800)424-1199 ~ Your local Medicare experts ~ www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com
Find UsorOn. (503) 203-6724 (800) 424-1199 We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States Government or the Federal Medicare program Scappoose, Or. www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com Find Us On. (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Find Us On. ~~ WeYour are your local Medicare experts we are not connected with or endorsed by the united~states local Medicare experts ~ government or the federal medica
:
(503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199
Schedule for Open Hous
re not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal prog Columbia County’s trustedmedicare local news source
Find Us On.
we are not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program
T:10.75"
A16
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Choose a Medicare plan that serves those who served. You made a commitment to our country. You deserve a Medicare plan that’s committed to you. UnitedHealthcare® has a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans designed to complement the health benefits you already receive for your service. The new AARP® Medicare Advantage Patriot plan from UnitedHealthcare includes the freedom to visit doctors and hospitals in our large network for a $0 monthly premium. Additional plan benefits may include: $600 annually off your Part B premium $150 allowance toward eyewear $0 copay for covered preventive dental $0 copay for primary care visits
It’s time to take advantage. Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans that complement your VA or TRICARE For Life benefits.
1-844-269-5706, TTY 711 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Se habla español. UHCPatriotPlan.com Other pharmacies/physicians/providers are available in our network. Network size varies by market. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-844-269-5706, TTY 711 for more information. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. You do not have to be a veteran to be eligible for this plan. ©2020 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved. 20105600 H2228-088-000 Y0066_200910_034854_M_OR_SHC_1021_FPA_Full OR_SHC_1021_FPA_Full
Columbia County’s trusted local news source