TCC821 by C.M.I.

New full-time deputy enjoying his job JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Gerhard Fiebich gets an early start Monday through Friday as Clatskanie’s full-time law enforcement officer. “I am usually patrolling the neighborhoods early in the morning when I first arrive in the city,” Fiebich said. “I stop and chat with business owners throughout the day to see how things are going.” Fiebich began his job on July 13 and since that time he said he has been frequently flagged down by locals. “They just want to chat, so I visit with them for a bit,” he said. Fiebich said the business operators and other community members tell him they are glad to see him in town. “They’ve told me that for the longest time they didn’t feel like they had somebody in the city all the time,” Fiebich said. “And after The Chief wrote the first article about me, so may people have stopped me and want to introduce themselves. It’s nice to feel welcome here.” According to Fiebich, the most rewarding part of his job is the support he has received from the community. “I feel like the community, for the most part, is happy that I am here,” he said. “Everyone is welcoming, stopping to chat with me, or waving as they drive by.” Much of his job during the first 30 days hasn’t been serious felony

crimes, but rather Fiebich said it has included investigating criminal mischief cases, such as vandalism at the city park and the skatepark facility. Fiebich said his job is also about prevention. “If people see me all over the place it’s likely they will think about not committing a crime,” he said. While Fiebich said the crime level is low in Clatskanie, what keeps him busy is the traffic along Highway 30 that cuts through the

center of the city. “When I enforce traffic, I spend a lot of time along the highway because there are a lot of tourists passing through Clatskanie heading to the beach,” he said. “Many of them aren’t paying attention to the speed changes. It goes from 55 to 45 to 30 real quick.” Electronic signs that show drivers their speed limit have been placed along the entrances to the city in an effort to slow traffic. “But a lot of people just ignore that,” Fiebich said. “Many times

the people I am stopping are from out of the area and they are going too fast and conducting unsafe lane changes and passing.” Fiebich said his daily priorities include: • Follow up on code compliance issues for the city • Traffic enforcement • Community policing • Being visibly present to the community • Servicing calls for service as they come in. • Trying my best to make Clats-

kanie a safe place. “My biggest priority is crime prevention,” Fiebich said. “I am very happy to be assigned to this position and I think it will give the residents and business operators a familiar face to see around town. I hope to build professional relationships and trust with the community members that I am serving.” Fiebich’s schedule has him in town on duty from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fiebich’s salary is funded 100 percent by the City of Clatskanie. The Clatskanie City Council approved its new city operating budget in June, which included $470,500 for law enforcement services for 2020-21 through the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the new deputy’s annual salary. Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said Deputy Fiebich is making a positive difference in the community. “The reaction has been very positive,” Hinkelman said. “Deputy Fiebich has been getting out in the town, meeting folks and doing the community policing that we need. He has also been doing code compliance duties and we are seeing results with that.” Hinkelman said city officials recognized the need to continue the full-time law enforcement position. “The city’s plan is to continue to fund the deputy at 100% as long as our budget allows,” Hinkelman said. “The Clatskanie Deputy position is a one-year assignment. Next year, the assignment will be bid on by the S.O. deputies when they do their other shift bids.”

Rainier Riverfront Trail: From dreams to reali-

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

This paved path is part of the Rainier Riverfront Trail meandering along the Columbia River with the Lewis and Clark Bridge in the background. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole admits he is a dreamer. And Cole is seeing part of his dream for a natural trail system become reality. The Rainier City Council has also embraced Cole’s efforts to develop a trail system from the senior housing area in the city

Obituaries...............A3 Clatskanie Grows...A4 Opinions..................A4 Market Place...........A5 Public Notices........A5 About Town............A6

stretching along the river to the boat tie-up at 3rd Street. “We are in the phase of survey and easement acquisition,” Cole said, “and the next step is Requests for Proposal (RFP) for the work needed to break ground and pave a walking path. Bank stabilization needs to happen as well.” Cole said his ultimate dream is a trail system that could eventually connect to Clatskanie along the

Columbia River. “If we could get this trail to go all the way to Clatskanie and to Astoria that would be something,” Cole said. “These trails add enjoyment to people’s lives and helps their health. People love that kind of stuff. They enjoy the outdoors and the river, so it’s not as crazy as it sounds.” Cole said such trail systems are also an economic boost to local communities.

“It also adds economic value to whole regions if the ultimate project was done,” Cole said. “Right now we are just trying to complete the Rainier portion but nothing is good enough for us, the dreamers. It is all about what can make our region better and what little projects that we can do to add value to our lives.” Cole said the cost of the Rainier Riverfront Trial system is still unknown but that the city would pur-

sue grants and donations as funding options. During the Monday night, Aug. 17 Rainier City Council meeting, members agreed to reduce the

the 2020-2021 school year. Kara Burghardt, with a 30-year career in education (26 of those in Clatskanie), has been chosen to take the place of Tiffany O’Donnell, who resigned June 30 after serving in the position for a year. Burghardt, who is in the process of receiving an administration degree, will serve in the position for at least one year. “It’s the district’s position. We’ll evaluate it at the end of this year and we’ll see where we are,” Burghardt said, adding she was not opposed to remaining in the position permanently, but could not say for certain if that would happen. Burghardt previously served as the Student Services Specialist at Clatskanie Elementary School. She has taught first through eighth grades and her experience also includes time as a middle school counselor. Burghardt’s education background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University, which she received in 1990 before start-

ing her career in Clatskanie. She then received a master’s degree in school counseling from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, and currently has an administrative license to obtain an administration degree. Burghardt said her selection

the place of interim principal during COVID-19 will come with some challenges. “The goal right now is we’re going to weather these uncertain times, making sure we’re safe with education, improve the rigor of online learning, because it is very different from what it was in the spring,” she said. “Just create a safe, rigorous, consistent learning atmosphere for all students.” Communication with families to make sure everyone is understanding the same information will also be essential, Burghardt said. She added that she has overarching assets she can offer the school, namely in what she described as connections that run pretty deep. “The relationships are already established,” she said. “I’m on the same page in terms of where our school needs to go. It’s going to be a team effort because we’re all on the same page.”

See TRAIL Page A5

New interim principal at Clatskanie Elementary CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy of Clatskanie School District

Kara Burghardt has been selected as the interim principal at Clatskanie Elementary School.

Clatskanie Elementary School (CES) has an interim principal for

The goal right now is we’re going to weather these uncertain times. ~ Kara Burghardt, Clatskanie Elementary School interim principal

as interim principal evolved into the best-case scenario for both the district and herself. “It was an evolution of sorts as circumstances played themselves out,” Burghardt said. “I’m doing it willingly because it’s something I want to do. I feel like I have a lot to offer the community and the school.” She acknowledged that assuming

See PRINCIPAL Page A2

$35 million available in pandemic reSTAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Pandemic cases stabilizing CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

While COVID-19 numbers remain fairly consistent across Oregon, there is encouraging information about the cases in Columbia County. “We’re no longer showing a rapid increase of positive cases,” Columbia County Public Health Director Mike Paul told the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 19. In Columbia County, 119 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed since the beginning of the outbreak, as of Aug. 20. The number includes both confirmed and presumptive cases. Paul said there are a few dozen people that county public health is monitoring because those people are connected to a confirmed or positive case and they are under quarantine. Fifteen of the 117 cases are currently infectious, Paul said. There has been one death and six hospitalizations from the virus so far in Columbia County, according to Paul. Within the county, one zip code, 97048, stands out as having more cases than others. The area includes Rainier, across from Longview, WA, according to Paul. Their case rate is the highest for the county, but still below the state average of 48 per 100,000 in Oregon. However, it is still high for a rural area, according to Paul. “We need to watch that zip code closely,” Paul said. Paul also said there are metrics that need to be met in order for schools to fully reopen, which are put forth by the Oregon Department of Education. There are two metrics that must be met in order to reopen schools, and that is a test positivity rate of less than 5% and a case count of less than 10 per 100,000 people. The county is still meeting one, but not the other metric, according to Paul. Per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data, the county is under the 5% test positivity rate but within the last few weeks has had a case count varying from 15 to 28 cases per 100,000. This

PRINCIPAL

From Page A1

As for the school, there are positive aspects of CES that Burghardt said she would like to maintain. “CES has some very strong systems in place in terms of academic progress and the way teachers support students,” Burghardt said.

means that Columbia County is far off from that metric and being able to reopen schools, Paul said. There are additional indicators set by the OHA that can indicate how well a county is faring with the virus. These indicators include: percentage of emergency department visits per case, trend in positive case results, percentage of cases traced to a known source and percentage of cases that receive follow-up by public health officials within 24 hours of receiving a positive diagnosis.

“Statewide numbers show we’re meeting most of those indicators,” Paul said. So far, Columbia County is well below 1.5% for emergency department visits for COVID-19, and there is a slight downward trend in positive results in the last seven days. However, Columbia County has more than 30% of cases not traced to known sources, according to Paul. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with COVID-19 are receiving follow-up from the county health department within 24 hours of being diagnosed, Paul said. While it has long been known that severe cases of COVID-19 are most common in the elderly, Paul said any person of any age can develop severe symptoms if they have underlying conditions, like chronic kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or pulmonary disease. COVID-19 numbers have also been rising in congregate settings, like colleges and universities reopening and in nursing homes. According to Paul, 75% of colleges and universities are partially or fully online. “In the past week or two, schools have opened and then closed because of Burghardt is a fourth generation Clatskanie native. She released a statement about her new position to parents and students. “As we maneuver this uncertain COVID time, it will be my challenge to make it as minimally taxing as possible,” Burghardt’s statement reads. “The Clatskanie community has met adversity in the past, collaborated, and

outbreaks at residence halls or clusters on campuses,” Paul said. After a decline in cases at nursing homes, there has been a slight rise in cases, according to Paul. “Young people are increasingly driving case numbers, many of them are unaware they have mild or no symptoms and are less likely to mask. Nursing homes have really high death counts, it just takes one infected staff person or visitor. I want to encourage young people to help protect the community by following guidelines,” Paul said. On a national level, the Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization to the Yale School of Public Health for a new diagnostic test for COVID-19 which is saliva swab-based. However, according to Paul, the test is not yet available in Oregon. “It’s a step forward to make testing more accessible. Looks like the validity might be just as good as nasal swabs. That’s really good news in making testing more accessible,” Paul said. Recommendations to individuals in preventing infection have not changed in the last couple of months, Paul said. “Keep washing hands, keep your distance, keep masks on. We want people to mask to keep businesses open, the economy open. Learn about resources available on our website,” Paul said. Paul also said that he didn’t want people to delay medical care, and to use telemedicine for needed medical care, and to get needed dental care. More information concerning COVID-19 is available at the county website at: https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/CoronavirusDisease2019COVID19 and also at the OHA website at: https:// www.oregon.gov/oha/erd/ pages/covid-19-news.aspx. Follow daily pandemic reports at thechiefnews.com with in-depth updates in the Friday print editions of The Chief. prospered. Through my new role, I will lead by example and support all that I can with hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for the community.” Follow the new school year at the Clatskanie School District in a series of reports at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

Qualifying Oregonians struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic have an opportunity to receive a one-time $500 payment from the state. The Oregon Legislature approved $35 million to provide one-time $500 relief payments to Oregonians facing those hardships. According to the Northwest Credit Union Association, the state asked the private sector to help get that money into the hands of consumers who most need it, and eight credit unions agreed to lend a helping hand by distributing the funds. “Credit unions are not-forprofit cooperative financial services providers, and put consumers’ needs first,” Northwest Credit Union Association Executive Vice President Jennifer Wagner said. “Throughout the pandemic, as they always have, credit unions stepped up to offer flexible financial solutions to their members, from loan payment deferrals that helped families have money available to make ends meet, to Paycheck Protection Program loans that protected jobs. Once again, they are here to serve Oregonians.” “While we know these limited funds aren’t enough and won’t allow us to help everyone, we felt it was important to try something,” House Speaker Tina Kotek said. “After months of hearing from increasingly desperate Oregonians who were doing everything right and still not getting the unemployment they were owed, we hope this effort offers a streamlined way for some financial relief. The state is stepping up, and I hope Congress will act soon to provide more support that is desperately needed.” “The Governor’s order prevented thousands of COVID-19 cases and saved hundreds of lives,” Senate President Peter Courtney said. “But it also impacted many people’s income. With such a huge jump in unemployment, some people are still waiting for their benefits. We know $500 isn’t going to solve all of these problems, but if we can help a family buy groceries for the month, pay for child care, or cover an unex

pected repair, it’s worth it.” On July 14, the Legislative Emergency Board allocated $35 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars to provide $500 one-time payments to Oregonians who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The unique public-private partnership with participating financial institutions will allow approximately 70,000 Oregonians across the state to conveniently access relief funds during a time of great economic uncertainty. The credit unions worked closely with legislative leadership to develop the program logistics as quickly as possible. They are not accepting any fees from the state, ensuring that the funds set aside assist as many Oregonians as possible. The program, launched on Aug. 19, will continue as long as funding is available. Oregonians needing assistance should apply as soon as possible. They do not need to be credit union members. To be eligible, a person must meet these guidelines: • Be a current resident of

Oregon and 18 years or older. • Be able to prove their identity and that they are an in-state resident. • Attest that they are experiencing severe financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives executive orders. • Have earned $4,000/month or less pre-tax prior to their income loss due to COVID-19. • Not have received all unemployment payments they are owed. Participating Oregon credit unions include: • Central Willamette Credit Union • Clackamas Federal Credit Union • InRoads Credit Union • Old West Federal Credit Union • OnPoint Community Credit Union • Oregon Community Credit Union • Rogue Credit Union • SELCO Community Credit Union To find a participating financial institution with a nearby location, visit the website, https:// emergencychecks.oregon.gov, or dial 2-1-1 — a live operator will direct callers to a location nearest their zip code.

To find a participating financial institution • Visit https://emergencychecks.oregon.gov • Dial 2-1-1

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, August 21, 2020

State jobless rate dips

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Photo courtesy of Columbia River Fire & Rescue

Columbia County firefighters posed for a photo after their return to Scappoose on Monday, Aug. 17. The crews were dispatched on Aug. 13, to the Mosier Creek wildfire in the Columbia River Gorge.

Local firefighters come home JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County fire crews, including members from Clatskanie and Rainier, have returned after assisting other crews from around the state at the Mosier Creek wildfire in the Columbia River Gorge. A 13-member crew from Columbia County fire agencies and a command officer were sent to the nearly 1,000-acre blaze Thursday, Aug. 13. Columbia County Fire & Rescue interim Fire Chief Eric Smythe said the local crews were working 15-hour a day shifts. “They were supporting line construction, improving defense positions and conducting patrols,” he said.

•

Smythe described the terrain at the fire scene as dangerous. “There are hills with stands of ponderous pine and oak with lots of dry fuels, grasses and other vegetation” he said. “Fire can make a very fast uphill run. Sometimes they can’t see the main fire and there is the potential that the fire could run over them, so they have to be very vigilant.” Smythe said the local crews are specially trained for such wildfire activity. The Mosier Creek wildfire is believed to be human caused. It broke out Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 12, forcing the evacuation of 900 people. Officials said the fire destroyed 36 structures near the town of Mosier.

Local wildfire danger Smythe said the wildfire danger is increasing in Columbia County due to the current heat wave, summer drying conditions, and winds. “Until we get substantial rain for four, five or six days, we have to be vigilant,” Smythe said. Outdoor burning is banned in the county and residents should avoid mowing to help prevent wildfires, Smythe said. Governor Kate Brown visited the site of the Mosier Creek Fire in Wasco County on Monday, Aug. 17. Brown received a fire briefing, visited the fire line, met with a family whose home was lost, and saw firsthand the staff of the COVID fire module in action. The COVID

module is a new tool for firefighting during the pandemic. This tool allows firefighters to focus on firefighting, while the members of the COVID module focus on education, prevention, and mitigation of possible COVID cases for firefighting resources, according to a release from Brown’s office. “We must continue to remain vigilant and do all we can to prevent additional wildfires, especially since 90% of all wildfires this season are human caused,” Brown said. “We are forecasted to continue to have a hot, dry summer this year. That means a higher likelihood of wildfires that can wreak havoc on homes, neighborhoods, and Oregon’s precious natural areas. It’s important to follow burn bans and practice fire safety.”

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 10.4 percent in July from 11.6 percent, as revised, in June. In July, Oregon’s unemployment rate was very close to the U.S. unemployment rate; the U.S. rate dropped to 10.2 percent in July from 11.1 percent in June. Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 20,500 jobs in July, following a gain of 57,000 jobs in June. Over the past three months, employers added back 38 percent of the jobs that were cut in March and April. Over-the-month job gains in July were largest in leisure and hospitality (+7,300 jobs);government (+5,700);retail trade (+3,600); health care and social assistance (+3,100); and professional and business services (+1,900). Meanwhile, three of the major industries cut a substantial number of jobs in July: construction (-1,900 jobs); manufacturing (-1,500); and information (-1,200). Over the past five months the major industries were impacted differently by the pandemic. Leisure and hospitality suffered by far the largest job loss during March and April, shedding

118,700 jobs during the outset of the pandemic-induced drop in business. Then, between April and July, the industry regained half of the loss, as it rebounded by 58,900 jobs over the past three months. Three industries regained more than half of their lost jobs. Health care and social assistance regained twothirds of its lost jobs, with a rebound of 18,700 jobs over the past three months. During that time, two industries regained nearly two-thirds of their lost jobs: other services (+9,300 jobs, or a 63% rebound) and retail trade (+13,900 jobs, or 62%). However, several key industries experienced substantial job losses in March and April but have not rebounded substantially or have even declined further over the past three months. The following industries shed jobs between April and July: government (-5,200 jobs); manufacturing (-3,100); and information (-1,900). Most of the other major industries have regained fewer than 5,000 jobs each over the past three months while regaining less than a third of jobs lost during March and April. These industries include construction; financial activities; private education; professional and business services; and transportation, warehousing, and utilities.

•O bituaries • • Dale Anthony Gass

Jan. 7, 1936 ~ July 6, 2020 Dale Anthony Gass, of Clatskanie, Oregon, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2020 at Community Home Health and Hospice in Longview, Washington with his wife and granddaughter by his side. He was 84 years old and died of natural causes. Dale grew up in Carlton, Oregon. He moved his family to Clatskanie 53 years ago to work at the Wauna Paper Mill in Westport, Oregon where he retired as a Bleach Plant Operator in 1994. He enjoyed working with his hands, inventing and hunting. He also enjoyed

working on his farm outside of Clatskanie and raised cattle for many years.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Tamra; and his older brother James Gass of Newberg, Oregon. He is survived by his wife Ginger; three daughters, Teresa Breeden, Patricia Gass, and Debra Zinsli; 12 grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; sister Ailene Bernt of Mt. Angel, Oregon; two brothers, Edward Gass of Newberg, Oregon and Martin Gass of McMinnville, Oregon. No memorial service is planned at this time due to the coronavirus restrictions.

Sharon Siekierka

Dec. 23, 1940 ~ Aug. 16, 2020 It is with profound sadness that the family of Sharon Siekierka announce her passage into heaven on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020. Sharon was born on Dec. 23, 1940 to Mark “Red” Whitaker and Alma (nee) Clemons in Redding, California. A construction family, the Whitaker’s moved all over the Northwest and bore witness to some of the most significant public infrastructure projects of the region for the next two decades. Sharon graduated from high school in 1959 from Battleground, Washington. In her own words “You’d think after attending 17 different schools I’d never want to move again,” but her adventure had just begun. She met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Siekierka, while he was serving on active duty in the Navy in Astoria, Oregon. They were married April 9, 1960 and had 3 children: Julie, Jill and Mark. During their 60-year marriage, Sharon and Dick lived in seven different states and eight different countries and completed over 25 relocations. Although their travels would continue, Sharon and Dick purchased property and made their home in the summer of 1985 in Delena, Oregon, coming to be colloquially known as “Sharon and Dick’s Place.” It

was always the center of holidays and family get-togethers where everyone could be assured that much fun would be had and no shortage of love and laughs would be found anywhere. In 1983 and 2004 respectively, tragedy struck the Siekierka’s with the loss of their daughter Jill in a motor vehicle accident and their son Mark in a work-related accident. Sharon maintained her stalwart strength and faith through the teachings of Jesus Christ. She remained active in the Faith Lutheran Church in Clatskanie, Oregon for the rest of her life, sitting on various councils and groups in addition to continuing in activities she loved so much such as quilting and choir. Always a pillar of strength to her friends and family, Sharon was known for her

strong constitution. She never shied from expressing her displeasure with a situation nor did she pass up the opportunity to share hugs and kisses, sing and dance, carry fabulous conversations from a vast array of topics that she had either read about or experienced first-hand, or shake the room with her unmistakable and characteristic laughter. She was truly the matriarch of her family as well as to anyone that knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her father Mark “Red” Whitaker; mother Alma Whitaker; daughter Jill Siekierka; and son Mark Siekierka. She is survived by her husband Richard “Dick” Siekierka; daughter Julie Wheatley (Bill); three brothers, Merl, Gene and Jerry; sister Patti; daughter-in-law Cindy Siekierka (Tracy); five grandchildren, Lisa (Gerad), Casey, Victoria, Richard (Shavani), and Kathryn; two great-grandchildren and one on the way; along with an adoring plethora of nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at Faith Lutheran Church in Clatskanie, Oregon. “But he knoweth the way that I take and, when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” -- Job 23:10

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Friday, August 21, 2020

Clatskanie Grows: Prune spent roses CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

This is the month to tend roses. How you prune depends on the type of rose. If your roses are continual bloomers – hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniature roses, English roses and landscape roses – prune off any spent blooms now. You’ll be encouraging the plant to create more buds. General pruning wisdom tells us to prune “back to a 5-leaf” cluster, the spot on the stem where a 5-leaf set emerges. However, English research indicates that a 3-leaf set is just as good and may, in fact, leave more leaf area for photosynthesis and is better for the plant. The plant will produce new floral buds that take about six weeks to bloom. Remove fallen leaves and prunings to discourage disease. Remember to keep watering your roses. They need much more water in the summer than many people realize. Miscellaneous topics

Gardeners need to understand that compost is not a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This is especially important for annual crops like vegetables. These crops require a lot of quickly available nitrogen. When compost is made, either at home or by a commercial facility, most of the nitrogen is lost in the composting process. In fact, if the material is not completely composted, applying it to the soil without a supplementary source of nitrogen can actually result in a nitrogen tie-up of what you already had there. The soil microorganisms gobble up your nitrogen to complete the composting process. This is not to say compost is bad to add. It has a positive impact on soil structure and will, after repeated applications, be able to “bank” some N and other important minerals for your plants. It also improves the biological life of the soil which is important for disease and insect suppression. But you will need to add N in relatively available forms to perk up your vegetables and annual flowers. I have had a lot of questions about plants failing to thrive and looking yellow green. That is an N deficiency 95% of the time and possible, even at this late date, to fix on crops still growing. Call me if you have questions.

Irrigation is so important in August. Subsurface moisture is depleted by now, temperatures are

Hazardous waste collection event August 29

Due to COVID-19, three earlier Household Hazardous Waste Collections were canceled. The county will offer a collection event on from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. August 29 at the Transfer Station 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 Clatskanie County website for Grows further information on what they take and updates in case of COVID-19 cancellation: http://www. co.columbia.or.us/HazardousWaste hot, and plants are at crucial stages Pressure gauge testing of growth. We get very little rain in August. Most gardens and lawns will need an inch of water or more per week to keep going. Trees or shrubs planted this spring need more water because their root systems are not well developed. Sunburn has been a problem on apples and broadleaf evergreens. The 95º weather Pressure canners with a dial was too much to handle. gauge need to be tested every Most of the damage is on year before you use them the south or west side of a for accuracy. Canning with plant. Damaged apples will a gauge that is off can result not mature normally and will in under-processing of home often fall off before ripening. canned foods, which is unsafe. Damaged leaves are browned For complete instructions on at the tips or margins. They this opportunity go to: https:// look bad but generally extension.oregonstate.edu/ don’t constitute more than columbia/events/pressure-cana cosmetic concern. If all ner-dial-gauge-testing-service the leaves were affected, the COVID restrictions are still plant was grievously short of in place at our office which is located at 505 N. Columbia water or something is wrong River Highway, St. Helens, with the roots. OR 97051 Blossom end rot of tomatoes (a calcium shortFree newsletter age and not a disease despite its name) can be reduced by The Oregon State Uniadequate and even watering. versity Extension office in Lime your garden area this Columbia County publishes a fall with 10 pounds of agrimonthly newsletter on gardencultural lime per 100 square ing and farming topics (called feet. This will be good for County Living) written/edited three years. by yours truly. All you need to The OSU Extension ofdo is ask for it and it will be fice is closed to face-to-face mailed or emailed to you. Call public contact but you can 503 397-3462 to be put on the still reach us. list. Alternatively, you can find We are developing plans it on the web at http://extenfor reopening that will sion.oregonstate.edu/columbia/ have to be approved by the and click on newsletters. University and ultimately, the Governor. In the meanMany Extension time, all of us (faculty and publications available online staff) will still be working (mostly out of the office), Are you putting up salsa, answering phone calls left saving seeds, or thinking about on our answering machines, planting grapes? OSU has email messages (chip.bubl@ a large number of its puboregonstate.edu), writing lications available for free newspaper columns and download. Just go to https:// newsletters, and working to catalog.extension.oregonstate. develop programs that can edu. Click on publications and reach you online. start exploring. We are really committed The Extension Service ofto helping our communities fers its programs and materials in any way we can, especially equally to all people. in our areas of subject matter expertise (farming, gardenContact information for the ing, forestry, food, food OSU Extension office safety, and nutrition, healthy decision-making, and youth Oregon State University education) and any other way Extension Service – Columbia we can enrich your life and/ County or make you safer in these 505 N. Columbia River challenging times. Please do Highway not hesitate to contact us. St. Helens, OR 97051 And please, take all steps 503-397-3462 necessary to ensure that you Email: chip.bubl@oregonand your loved ones are safe. state.edu

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Salmon Plan Concerns The feds’ new salmon plan ignores climate science and hot water caused by the dams. Washington, Oregon, and the Environmental Protection Agency have said the Snake River becomes too hot for wild salmon in the summer and that dams are the biggest contributor to that problem. The federal agencies ignore this problem in their “new” Snake-Columbia salmon plan. Hot water in the reservoirs behind the dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers during the summer months is killing salmon. You can see detailed graphing of these rising temperatures, which once surpass over 68 degrees Fahrenheit become increasingly deadly to salmon and steelhead, in Save Our Wild Salmon’s annual Hot Water Reports. With climate change steadily warming the waters in the Columbia and Snake Rivers, we need to provide salmon a cooler, faster journey between their home rivers and the sea. Removing

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T he C ommunity • •

the four Lower Snake dams will allow more salmon and steelhead to return to cold, healthy streams and rivers in the Snake basin. Sadly, the Trump Administration’s salmon plan does not call for real river restoration. We need leadership on this issue. We need Congress to step up, bring stakeholders together and develop a solution to this crisis that can restore salmon and meet the needs of the region. Breanne Lee Pacific City

Preserve Camp Wilkerson I would like to write to express my concern for a proposal to allow off highway vehicles (OHV) use in Camp Wilkerson. I have been involved in creating trails at Camp Wilkerson since it’s inception and we need to preserve this park for foot and equestrian traffic. OHV use is very destructive and the many years of labor we have put in to

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creating and maintaining the trails at Wilkerson deserve to be respected. The damage caused by OHV use cannot be undone. If the County sees a need for an OHV recreation area, I encourage them to find a new site for such activities. I realize the County wants to make money off of Wilkerson but this park was designed to serve the Counties’ citizens, not as a profit machine, and closing the park to non-OHV users is unfair and not in the spirit of the public parks system. Wilkerson has always been one of my favorite parks. It’s quiet and peaceful and OHV’s are not conducive to that environment. Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET) has spent hundreds of hours at Wilkerson creating trails for foot and equine traffic. The commissioners and parks and rec need to show they respect the hard-working citizens who made these trails possible and not allow OHV’s in Wilkerson.

Samantha KattermanStekhuizen Warren

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to planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of library services for the Clatskanie Public Library. They work extensively with staff, volunteers, the Clatskanie Library District Board, Friends of the Clatskanie Public Library, and others in and outside the library to ensure that the library continually evolves to meet community needs. The Clatskanie Library District Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To Ap-

ply: A complete job description and application can be accessed through the Library Board Chair at jim@ gibson-us.com All applicants must provide a cover letter, current resume and a completed Clatskanie Library employment application. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Mail, email, or fax your application, cover letter, and resume to: Clatskanie Public Library, CED Application, c/o Jim Gibson, Board Chair,

PO Box 577, Clatskanie, OR 97016. Email: jim@gib son-us.com. Fax: 1-888-313-0650. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10th, 2020.

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Job Posting The Clatskanie Library District Board is seeking a Library Executive Director. The Library Executive Director performs responsible and varied administrative and professional work related

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Public Notices CC20-1294

CC20-1283

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of PHILIP CALVIN WHITE, Deceased. No. 20PB04462 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims

against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published August 21, 2020. Kelly Suzanne White, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

CC20-1295

CITY OF CLATSKANIE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Clatskanie Cultural Center Ballroom, 75 South Nehalem St. (Clatskanie

Cultural Center, 2nd floor) with social distancing practices being observed. Agenda items include, but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the July 22, 2020 regular meeting;

a conditional use permit for 1215 Ericson Dike Rd. and a conditional use home occupation business permit for 70 SW Hall Rd. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by August 21st, 2020.

No. 20CV02279 SUMMONS Constance D. Budge, Plaintiff, v. Jackie L. Gump, Trustee, or his successor(s) in trust, under the Evelyn B. Boursaw Revocable Living Trust dated August 8, 2012, an individual, Defendants. To; Jackie L. Gump, 28997 Hirtzel Rd., Rainier, OR., 97048. You are hereby required to appear and defend the complaint filed against you in the above entitled action within thirty (30) days from the date of service of this summons upon you and in case of your failure to do so, for want thereof,

plaintiff(s) will apply to the court for relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT: READ THIS CAREFULLY! You must “appear” in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer.” The “motion” or “answer” must be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiff’s attorney or, if the plaintiff does not have

an attorney, proof of service upon the plaintiff. If you have any questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may contact the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service online at www.oregonstatebar.org or by calling (503) 684-3763 (in the Portland metropolitan area) or toll-free elsewhere in Oregon at 9800) 4527636. STATE OF OREGON: County of Columbia, Steven D. Petersen, OSB# 73235, PO Box 459, 612 West B Street, Rainier, OR 97048. 503-556-4120.

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

YMCA planning learning pods for Distance Learning CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Distance Learning, the bane of many a frustrated parent’s existence, may be outsourced for many families through the use of learning pods this upcoming school year. Since COVID-19 mandated the shut-down of any and all congregate settings –including schools—students and families have been grappling with the best way to continue the education of their K-12 students. Forced to turn to homeschooling, parents have had to educate their school-age children, often while trying to work from home themselves. Now, students may be headed to a school of sorts, but not the traditional type of school. Learning pods YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Executive Director Tyler Wright said he has been working to set up learning pods in Columbia County. Learning pods are small

TRAIL From Page A1

number of volunteers serving on the city’s planning commission from seven to five in an effort to streamline the system, according to Cole, who said recruiting and retaining members has been challenging. “Planning is so important,” Cole said. “We want businesses coming into town and we need adequate members to do an efficient job.” The city council also received an update about the ‘A’ Street Improvement Project which is almost done. Cole said he is satisfied that the years-long project is

groups of students – usually no more than 10—that will come together in a large room, such as a church, business, or school, in order to continue their Distance Learning. Wright’s efforts originally began when local entrepreneur Craig Marquardo reached out about the possibility of forming a Columbia County Recreation Center, and Marquardo acted as liaison. In response to the inquiry, Wright said he sat down with Marquardo and a group of concerned parents about setting up programming. The project then turned into offering learning pods in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to both Wright and Marquardo, the two have no official affiliation with each other. Wright said, “We still want to provide programming, not through Craig, but through the Y.” Marquardo said his role was one of liaison – introducing the YMCA to the county and school districts and helping facilitate with finding space and resources. As of

Courtesy photo

A group of students conduct their school work at the Columbia-Willamette YMCA earlier this year.

Monday, Aug. 17, Marquardo had recused himself from the role, stating his plan from the beginning was to do so. Wright said he is in the process of having his two youth development directors reaching out to superintendents in the county. The intention of the learning pods is to help, not hinder, any programming the school is offering, according to

Wright. “If the school has something, that’s great, we’re not here to compete, we’re here to fill gaps,” Wright said. Learning pod pricing through the YMCA Classes will be $250 per week for the full-day program, according to Wright. Financial assistance will

be available. YMCA programming is eligible for Department of Human Services (DHS) funding, according to Wright. Families would have to qualify under the DHS’s guidelines. Wright said he did not want anyone to worry about not being able to participate because of affordability. “We do not turn anybody away due to whatever reason, including affordability,” Wright said. “We make all of our programs accessible.” Wright said the YMCA has built into its pricing model for those who don’t qualify for assistance. “We sit down with the family and figure out what they can pay. If there’s an individual family that is not able to afford our programs, we will do everything we can to work with that family in getting them involved with us,” Wright said. For families that will continue Distance Learning at home but want their kids to benefit from socialization with other kids, a half-day of afternoon programming will be available as well, at $140

a week, according to Wright. Wright said the YMCA itself will work to develop relationships in Columbia County. “We would like to begin to develop relationships with people who live in the community who will work alongside us and help us,” Wright said Their goal is to get the learning pods set up by Sept. 8. “We’re not here to replace virtual learning, we’re just here to help,” Wright said. Interested parents can give the Columbia-Willamette YMCA a call at 503-223-9622. The call will be directed to the corporate office, which is closed due to COVID-19. However, the voicemail message states that messages are checked. Parents can also email the YMCA through an online form on the ColumbiaWillamette YMCA’s website at https://www.ymcacw.org/ contact-us. The Columbia-Willamette YMCA is located at 15650 NW Blueridge Dr. in Beaverton.

what the city needed. “It totally meets my expectations,” Cole said. “The thing for me has always been safety. Cars and locomotives don’t mix.” Read more about the ‘A’ Street Improvement Project at thechiefnews.com. The council also reviewed the latest efforts to stop annual flooding from Fox Creek. “The yearly inspection of the culvert was conducted this past week,” Cole said. “The effort looks for any buildup of sentiment, if the creek still flows smoothly and if there is any blockage or collapse of the pipe.” For more information about the Rainier City Council meetings, contact Rainier City Hall at 503-556-7301.

Public information markers have ben placed along the Rainier Riverfront Trail in Rainier.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

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•

Friday, August 21, 2020

•A bout T own • •

1 done, more murals coming

Christine Menges / The Chief

This mural, Homeward Bound, has been placed on the side of the former Hazel Hardware store in Clatskanie. CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The first mural in the Clatskanie mural project is wrapping up, and more murals are set to come soon, according to mural leader Jeremy Furnish. Furnish began the mural project on April 1 of this year, when he posted a Call to Artists on the Clatskanie Bloom Art Gallery Facebook group, the gallery of which Furnish is a board member. He told The Chief earlier this year that the project began, simply, “because it had to be done.” Furnish said the project would visually improve the community of Clatskanie and would benefit the engagement, education and involvement of the entire community. The winner of the design, Mark Kenny, was announced late June of this year. Kenny is a Seaside resident, and his

design, “Homeward Bound” was the winning design for the Hazen Hardware Building, the first building in Clatskanie to be painted. “Homeward Bound” features a group of Chinook salmon swimming upstream to spawn. According to Kenny, the mural represents community and the purpose of continuing on one’s offspring. Furnish is now reflecting on the accomplished mural and deciding what other buildings in Clatskanie to include in the mural project. “It’s really fun. It’s nice to see creative people in our community participating and taking ownership. And it’s been a great experience so far,” Furnish said. The COVID-19 pandemic had a mostly positive effect on the project, Furnish said, because it enabled the members of the Clatskanie Bloom Gallery to continue to work together in an outdoor setting.

If there’s anything Furnish will change moving forward, it might be to simplify the process of picking an artist, he said. For the Hazen Hardware building mural, Furnish said he used a very diplomatic process: creating a Call to Artists page and opening it up to any student, emerging or professional artist in Columbia, Clatsop, Cowlitz, Pacific or Wahkiakum counties, and then establishing a committee of seven community members to choose the best artist. The plan will probably be simpler moving forward. “I think it was really appropriate for this particular wall because it was such a beacon from the highway,” Furnish said. “It’s such a high-profile spot, so it needed to be a very diplomatic process. And so for this wall that worked real well. Carrying on, we’ll probably explore other ways to do it because there was a lot of work that goes into creating that diplo-

Christine Menges / The Chief

From left to right: Jeff Ellis, volunteer; Jeremy Furnish, mural project leader; Kris Lillich, volunteer; and Tracy MacGregor, volunteer, were some of the people who painted the Homeward Bound mural.

matic process.” The process for choosing another artist for future murals might look more like relying on artists Furnish already knows, or ones that are already associated with the Clatskanie Artists Network, or the Clatskanie Bloom Gallery.

The fish are looking good. They are a big part of our past, and our culture ~ Bob Bracjic, Clatskanie Mayor

The grant conditions stipulate that the current mural will be finished by the end of September. The first mural project was made possible through a $2,000 matching grant through the Columbia County Cultural Coalition, according to Furnish. The

match was made possible through both in-kind donations, volunteer hours and donations from members of the community, Furnish said. For future spots, Furnish said he has about three or four spaces picked out for murals. He said he has already received approval to paint the wall by Radio Shack. Furnish said he has heard an interest from Mayor Bob Bracjich in completing a mural at the skate park. Other sites are also in the works, for which Furnish said he has not yet received approval. Some business owners and other individuals have also approached Furnish, asking to have specific sites painted, Furnish said. “So something’s going to happen. I don’t know what’s next, but it’s going to happen, and we’ll probably start again on it next year,” Furnish said. As far as funding future mural projects goes, Furnish said he is open to exploring the possibility of using

grants. However, Furnish said it is also likely any grant would require a diplomatic process like the one used for the first mural. So far, the community response for the first mural has been overwhelmingly positive, Furnish said. “I’d say 99%,” Furnish said. “The community seems to really embrace it.” Clatskanie Mayor Bob Bracjich is one of those people who feels positively about the mural. “I love it! Clatskanie is such a pretty place, but we needed a little art. The fish are looking good. They are a big part of our past, and our culture; great pastime fishing and the very best eats,” Bracjich said. “My father and grandfather were Columbia River commercial fishermen, so it really hits home.” In addition to murals, Furnish said he would like to bring some kind of sculpture to the community of Clatskanie as well.

FEDERAL FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS ECONOMICALLY HARMED BY COVID-19 THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND FOR CULTURAL SUPPORT.

BUT YOU MUST ACT NOW APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE AUGUST 24 AT NOON

Applications are now live and open for Oregon’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Cultural Support program. Guidelines are posted on the Oregon Cultural Trust website https://www.culturaltrust.org/blog/news/coronavirus-relief-fund-cultural-supportapplication-now-live/ or contact Carrie Kikel carrie.kikel@oregon.gov (503) 480-5360.

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