Fallen officers honored
Bridge closure details
Page A6
Page A2
$1.50
FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023
VOL. 132, NO. 1 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
‘Have a plan,’ wildfire preparedness urged WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Gov. Tina Kotek is urging Oregonians to be prepared for the approaching wildfire season. “No surprise, but wildfires will forever impact our region and much of our country,” Kotek said. “The threats will continue to grow as we grapple with hotter, dryer conditions due to climate change. But we have choices, and how we prepare and respond to the situations.” During a media briefing May 9, Kotek detailed several key points that experts have shared with her about the challenges Oregon faces this fire season. Effective responses Kotek discussed creating fireadaptive communities and developing safer and more effective responses to support fire personnel. Drought intensity across the state is less than it was at this time last year. While Kotek said that many regions have benefited from high volumes of spring rain and strong snowpack, some areas are affected by persistent severe drought. The large amounts of winter moisture and precipitation in May and June will likely cause a “delayed wildfire season,” Kotek said. Despite the late onset of wildfire season, Kotek emphasized the need for preparedness. “Wildfire prevention efforts, including public information campaigns, early fire detection, leveraging aviation and ground assets for early deployment for a safe and aggressive initial attack, are all key to our successes this year,” Kotek said. Fire indixes indicate that there will be an above-average fire season in Eastern Oregon, Kotek said.
Deploying to these remote areas will be a challenge for Oregon’s response system. Kotek outlined the challenges ahead: • Capacity to respond in rural areas that rely on volunteer firefighters. • Competition for natural resources as fire seasons become more complex.
Oregon will continue to rely on the fire mutual aid system, which deploys local fire departments across the state to protect communities, Kotek said. Using the lessons from past fire seasons, Kotek said that agencies have become better at technological efficiency, expanding the monitoring network, localized forecasting, streamlined smoke coordination calls, and simplified templates for air quality advisory. “Leveraging our statewide wildfire coordination system, utilizing technology and advanced firefighting equipment to our advantage, and taking early and aggressive action will be key,” Kotek said. “But it’s going to be up to every single one of us, every Oregonian, to do our part to prevent human-caused fires before they start.” Kotek ended her address with ways Oregonians should prepare for fire season as the weather becomes hot and dry. “Prepare your yard. Have an evacuation plan. Have a to-go kit. Have a plan if there’s smoke in your community,” Kotek said. “Above all, do everything you can wherever you are to prevent fires from starting in the first place.” To learn more about wildfire preparedness, contact your local fire district or fire station.
•
ELECTION
Courtesy photo
Wildfires can spread rapidly through Oregon timbered areas.
•E lection 2023• •
Six candidates running for Port of Columbia County JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc. WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Six candidates, including two incumbents, are running for open positions at the Port of Columbia County in the May 16 Election. The Chief reached out to the candidates for their insight. The following are the candidates’ responses to our questions. Read the full conversation with this story at thechiefnews. com. Nancy Ward Incumbent Port Position 1 The Chief: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing? Ward: Fostering and maintaining a positive and attractive environment for both business and people
in the port district requires constant awareness of changes in commerce, industry, technology, and recreation. In other words, keeping up with the times is the largest issue. Although Cascades is not a port tenant, their closing in Scappoose and the reduction of their workforce in St. Helens is a loss that affects us all. We are aware how important the economic growth and stability of the Port of Columbia County is in shaping our collective future. The Chief: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected? Ward: I will continue to advocate for new and expanding job creation at each of our properties including our four industrial parks, Scappoose Bay Marina and Scappoose Airport. We have opportunities for a light manufacturing sector to include high tech industries working with the Oregon Manufac-
turing Innovation Center (OMIC) as well as increasing our agricultural footprint to utilize the excellent soil available for farming. In order for this new growth to happen efficiently we must also work to improve the overly bureaucratic process currently required of new and expanding businesses. Paul Langner Challenger Port Commission Position 1 The Chief: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing? Langner: The Port is trapped in the malaise of the post-COVID economy and the uncertainty of where money costs are going. Small business and big business are staying very cautious and are not actively seeking new starts and reinvestment at the rate they were in 2019. This leaves the Port in a more maintenance or caretaking role.
For a healthy port, the port needs to be growing and diversifying its customer base. Healthy growth at the Port means a healthier local economy, more local jobs, more local opportunities, and more diversity in the regional tax base. The Port also struggles with exceeding long resolution of regulatory and environmental issues. Sites such as the Poleyard site off Railroad Avenue, are more than quarter of a century into ‘review and study,’ with millions spent and nothing yet accomplished. Where is the urgency? The Chief: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?
Some properties may be close to ‘built-out,’ but is there adjacent property, private or public, that can be developed to create more business investment in our community? The Scappoose airport adjoins some industrial and commercial property that could be home to new investment in aerospace and high technology interests. It is time to explore through-the-fence opportunities that can bring different investments. The Port’s Columbia City site needs a hard look. The existing dock infrastructure is old and in need of upgrades. With the proper improvements, Columbia City could be a step towards greater use of the marine highway system.
Langner: My top priority is to audit the Port’s property portfolio and ensure that wherever possible, the asset is making the best rate of return. The rate of return is not always in dollars and cents, but also what is best for our community.
Chip Bubl Incumbent Port Position 2 The Chief: What are the largest
See CANDIDATES Page A6
Oregon lifts COVID response measures Obituaries ................. A3 Letters ...................... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A6 Sports.........................A8
Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.
In alignment with the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ending May 11, state health officials today announced the lifting of healthprotective measures that helped reduce COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, and expanded access to services during the pandemic. The changes affect a wide range of programs and services. Some changes
Courtesy photo
are effective May 11, and others will take effect in the coming weeks. Other changes put in place during the COVID-19 emergency will continue after the end of the federal emergency.
“These changes are an acknowledgement of the progress we’ve made over the last three-plus years,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “However, we know COVID-19 will remain a part of our lives for years to come, so we need to continue taking steps that prevent its spread, such as staying up to date with vaccinations. My thoughts go out to those sick with COVID-19, mourning a loved one, or still suffering
with symptoms following their acute infection.” Highlights of the changes resulting from the ending of the federal public health emergency are as follows: Vaccination requirements Effective Thursday (May 11), workers in health care settings will
See COVID-19 Page A3
EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS
“Many People talk about creating good paying Jobs I’ve done it.”
PaulLangnerforport.com
Paid for by Paul Langner for Port | PAC ID 22706
by May 16th in ts o ll a b r u o y Get