Affordable Housing Payments
Get Ready Guide 2022
COLUMBIA PACIFIC
Get Ready Guide
2022-2023
INSIDE
A guide to preparing for disasters
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Citizen North Coast
Headlight Herald
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
VOL. 131, NO. 21 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
River’s Edge vision becomes reality New recreational vehicle park at Clatskanie
LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest Article
When Phillip Rissel and his family set out to build the River’s Edge RV Resort and Camping at Clatskanie, they shared a vision. “We wanted to offer the best RV and camping experience possible,” Rissel said. Upon visiting what could be described as the majestic new setting, at 1309 Swedetown Road, just off Highway 30, it appears they have accomplished their goal. Set on 12 prime acres of real estate bordering the Clatskanie River, at the south edge of the city, the soft grand opening was Sept. 24. As the ceremonial ribbon was cut, excitement was in the air as visitors viewed this monumental achievement. There is plenty of exploring to do within the campgrounds, including a dog run. Beyond enjoying the scenic landscape, there is also plenty to do in town that visitors can enjoy. Rissel’s wife, Jonna Forbes, says the campground should be a large boon for Clatskanie. “We estimate that each park goer will spend approximately $500 per stay,” she said. When not shopping or dining at Clatskanie, the city offers two natural parks and a newly renovated community pool and splash pad for the RV park visitors. River’s Edge also will offer the community a location to hold various functions. “We are going to greet every-
Photo courtesy from Jonna Forbes
This photo shows the recreational vehicle campsite pads.
one that comes in,” Rissel said. “We are really getting to know this great community and its residents.” There are more than 100 recreational vehicle sites at River’s Edge, with more than 40 on the 1,200-foot riverfront property. The park also has pull-through sites that can handle big rigs, and extra-
long sites that allow for additional parking, such as for a boat trailer. Designed as a campground equipped for the future, River’s Edge offers accessible wi-fi, complete power service with each site having 50/30/20 double amp power and electric vehicle chargers are also available. The concrete pads
are level and all over 55 feet long. The construction of the site included 1.2 acres of concrete, 2.5 acres of asphalt, 27,000 feet of utility lines and a newly paved road for easy access. What Rissel said he most wanted to do when he began the project was to keep the natural beauty of
the area intact. Former property owner Fred Rathbone foresaw a park that echoed Phillip’s vision. “Fred created this park to mirror the exact image of the land and
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Oregon to see $1.1B in Medicaid funding HERB SWETT chronicle1@countrymedia.net
Oregon will receive $1.1 billion in new federal funds to pilot first-in-the-nation changes to the state’s Medicaid program. Oregon became the first state to receive federal approval for continuous health coverage for children under six years old. Also, all Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members six and older will have two years of continuous OHP enrollment, ensuring continuous coverage and access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care. The waiver will expand healthrelated social-needs coverage for certain food assistance and housing support and invest in resources to help reduce risks of climate change. It will make Oregon the first state to use Medicaid funding for climate-related needs. This package of services, called health-related social needs, includes food and housing sup-
ports such as rental assistance for up to six months for marginalized groups such as youth in foster care, homeless people, and lowincome older adults. State health officials sought federal approval to cover housing and nutritional support services to reduce health inequity and stabilize the circumstances of OHP members whose health is endangered by life disruptions. Also, the state will supply air conditioners, air filters, and generators to people at high risk who live in regions with extreme weather events. “Healthcare does not occur in a vacuum,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said. “It’s clear we must look beyond a traditional, siloed approach to truly meet the needs of people, particularly those experiencing complex changes.” OHP, which is Oregon’s Medicaid program, provides comprehensive health coverage to about 1.4 million Oregonians, more
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The waiver will expand health-related social needs coverage for certain food assistance, housing support, and invest in resources that will help mitigate the health risks of climate change.
than one-third the state population. States may request federal approval to test innovations in
their Medicaid programs. Wednesday’s agreement between Oregon and federal agency Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services renews the state’s waiver through 2027. “Thanks to this demonstration,” Centers for Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said, “eligible children in Oregon will be able to keep their Medicaid coverage continuously until age six, eliminating potential gaps in coverage and care. The demonstration also invests in the services that people need to address their health-related social needs, such as medically tailored meals and housing supports. We encourage all states to follow Oregon’s lead supporting a wholeperson approach to care.” “Oregon is committed to eliminating health inequity and ensuring that our healthcare system provides optimal health and well-being for everyone in Oregon,” Oregon Health Author-
ity Director Pat Allen said during a media briefing about the federal funding. “This agreement gives us more tools and resources to tackle the problems in people’s lives that undermine their health.” Allen said the federal program will “eliminate a burden on Oregon communities.” Danielle Sobel of the Oregon Primary Care Association and Mercedes Elizalde of Central City Concern, a nonprofit that provides housing for the homeless, said the federal funding “ensures that ongoing treatment can be more easily matched.” “Housing is healthcare,” Elizalde said. Brown and Brooks-LaSure announced the $1.1 billion Medicaid project Sept. 28. Allen and other state health officials conducted the media briefing shortly after the governor’s announcement. Read more with this story at thechiefnews.com.
Gas prices soar over $5 a gallon, again Crossword ................ A3 Opinions ................... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Obituaries ................. A6
Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
You may have noticed prices at local gasoline stations increased significantly over the past several days. In some areas, the prices rose between 25 cents and 50 cents per gallon. This is occurring at a time when the price of gasoline usually declines because of less summer travel. After 14 weeks of declines, gas prices are on the rise, soaring on the West Coast and in the Midwest with more moderate increases in other parts of the country, according to the latest American Automobile Association (AAA) price survey. For the week, the average price per gallon in Oregon rockets up 50 cents to $5.14. The national average for regular adds seven cents to $3.75 a gallon. The Oregon average is the largest weekly jump in the nation. “Multiple refineries in the Los Angeles area and a refinery in Washington state are experiencing either planned or unplanned refinery work which could last several more days,” Oregon/Idaho AAA Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said. This has put a significant crimp in supplies
and sent pump prices soaring in this region. In addition, the Olympic pipeline in Washington is due for maintenance, perhaps as early as this week.” Hurricane Ian also has the potential to cause problems, Dodds said, depending on the storm’s track, by disrupting oil production, refining and transportation in the Gulf of Mexico. Until this week, the national and Oregon averages had been declining for 14 consecutive weeks, backing away from record highs set in midJune. The national average reached its record high of $5.016 on June 14 while the Oregon average reached its record high of $5.548 on June 15. “Lackluster demand for gas and lower crude oil prices should take some pressure off of rising pump prices,” Dodds said. “But drivers can expect a very volatile couple of weeks due to the refinery issues as well as Hurricane Ian slamming the Gulf Coast.” Crude oil prices have tumbled from recent highs due to fears of economic slowdowns elsewhere around the globe. Crude reached a recent high of $122.11 per barrel on June 8 and ranged from about $94 to $110 per barrel in July. In August, crude
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Gasoline prices in Oregon have rocketed up 50 cents a gallon, pushing the average to over $5.
prices ranged between about $86 and $97. In September, crude prices have been between about $76 and $89 per barrel. Last week, West Texas Intermediate fell below $80 per barrel for the first time since January, according to the AAA report. Crude prices rose dramatically leading up to and in the first few months of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia is one of the world’s top oil producers, and its involvement in a war causes market volatility, and sanctions imposed on Russia by
the U.S. and other western nations resulted in tighter global oil supplies. Oil supplies were already tight around the world as demand for oil increased as pandemic restrictions eased. A year ago, crude was around $75 per barrel compared to $77 today, the AAA report states. Fast Fact The Oregon average is the largest weekly jump in the nation.