Tigers Basketball
Letters to Santa Week 2
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olton Keck is your typical 9-year-old. He’s happy, rambunctious, and loves to tell jokes. Unfortunately, due to a case of viral meningitis, he will need to spend Christmas at the hospital this year. Colton’s mother and Clatskanie resident Nikki Cudaback said Colton began feeling sick on Dec. 6. “Colton started to not feel well. He just felt crappy, and started to run a fever. So I treated him with Tylenol and Ibuprofen, I took him to the doctor on Friday, and they said he had a virus and to keep hydrating him and sent us home,” Cudaback said. Cudaback did as she was told, but by Sunday, Dec. 10, Colton’s condition was worsening. Cudaback said Colton was still running a fever, his speech was slurred, and “he couldn’t walk.” Cudaback took him to the emergency room, where they diagnosed him with Influenza A and said he should recover with support and fluids. “So we took him home even though he couldn’t walk or talk. They said that the virus has really hit hard this year, and a lot of kids were struggling,” Cudaback said. Once again, she brought Colton home. The next day, Colton’s dad came into town from Wyoming for Colton’s brother’s birthday. With Colton’s condition still not improving, Colton’s parents decided to bring him back to the hospital; this
Courtesy photo from Nikki Cudaback
Colton Keck has been diagnosed with viral meningitis and must stay in the hospital for Christmas.
time, they went to Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland. “He was admitted that night, and they did an MRI and lumbar puncture on Wednesday, and Thursday, we got the results that he had viral meningitis,” Cudaback said. “The Influenza A had caused swelling in his brain, and there were spots on
the MRI, dark spots, basically from some brain damage from it.” Doctors began steroid treatment. Cudaback said the steroid treatment was really hard on Colton because they made him emotional, and they hurt through the IV. Cudaback said his condition has improved, and he can now say one-word answers but
noted that his coordination is still “bad.” “I’ve been told he’s going to improve with more treatment, but he’s being admitted for the next 4-6 weeks, if not longer, for physical and occupational therapy,” Cudaback said. “It’s been a wild 11 days.”
Colton’s health problems have brought a strain upon Cudaback and her family. Cudaback has four other children and has had recent health struggles of her own. Cudaback said her eldest 19-yearold son is “moving home” to help her. She also said her parents have been trying to help out. “It’s been a struggle. We have one car, and I’ve kind of had to put my job on the back burner,” Cudaback said. “We’re on Christmas break, so that alleviates some stress as far as transportation and school. But, now Christmas looks a lot different; he’ll be hospitalized for Christmas.” Colton’s dad was able to split time with Cudaback at the hospital but needed to return to Wyoming for work. Since then, Cudaback has been staying with Colton at the hospital. Cudaback’s parents have been helping her kids at home, but no one else has been able to stay with Colton at the hospital. Knowing what the family was going through, Cudaback’s friend Trinity Cassel started a GoFundMe to help them through this difficult time. The funds will help support Cudaback with transportation, food, his care, and wages lost as she’s not been able to work. Cudaback said they had been
See KECK Page A4
Columbia County’s Christmas Collection Drive WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Courtesy photo from Mark Pacheco
The Christmas tree located outside of the County Commissioners’ offices.
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Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
Columbia County’s Christmas Collection Drive is back underway, continuing the county’s tradition of collecting donations for community youths during the holiday season. The Giving Tree drive is hosted by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and county staff. In years past, the drive has benefited Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). County Public Information Officer Mark Pacheco said that the county was unable to partner with ODHS this year, so the county has partnered with a different organization this holiday season. The Juvenile Division of the county’s Department of Community Justice is this year’s Christmas Collection Drive beneficiary. “The county and local State Court staff have hosted prior drives to support the youth in the Juvenile Division’s programs (hygiene drive and hat/gloves/sock drive); however, this is the first year the BOCC has hosted a Christmas Collection Drive for the Juvenile Division of the Department of Community Justice,” Pacheco said. The Juvenile Division focuses on public safety, stability, and accountability, according to Pacheco. Juvenile Court Counselors (JCCs) work with youth aged 12 to 18, conduct intake interviews, collect background information, initiate the legal process, and supervise youth on
probation and in diversion programs. They work with youth and families to enable skill development and competencies in those they serve. Pacheco said the Juvenile Division works with approximately 100 community youths and their families at any given time, many of whom need basic, essential items. “Warm, clean, appropriately sized shoes and clothing significantly affect a person’s self-esteem, health, well-being, and ultimate success,” Pacheco said. “Also, when a young person leaves home for placement in a treatment program, it is better for them to arrive with their clothing, hygiene, and other personal items in a duffel bag or simple suitcase rather than a garbage bag, as many youths often do.” While toy donations are always welcome, the drive also seeks donations of more practical items. Some examples are craft and school supplies, winter and regular clothes, backpacks, duffel bags, personal hygiene items, and gift cards. The Juvenile Division has a “youth closet” where they will stock the collected donations, according to Pacheco. Juvenile Court Counselors see youth and families in county offices, at schools, in the community, and conduct home visits to assess individual youth and family needs. JCCs will gift donated items to young people they work with now and throughout the year as incentives for positive behavior and efforts shown working toward completing
their own goals, Pacheco said. Pacheco gave insight as to why supporting initiatives like the collection drive is important during the holiday season. “Charity is the ideal way to reconnect with the spirit of the holiday season – it helps spread joy and goodwill throughout our community. Donating is crucial because it brings happiness to people who may otherwise not have access to basic necessities or resources and need our support,” Pacheco said. “Giving during the holidays brings us closer together as a community. It reminds us that we are connected by more than just geography — we are united by humanity, compassion, and kindness.” Pacheco said the county is using the collection drive as a way to “shine a light on the good work that the Juvenile Division does in our community.” While the drive is a good way to give the Juvenile Division a boost this holiday season, it is important to remember that their work takes place all year long. “We encourage our community members to regularly support the Juvenile Division’s efforts by donating items to them throughout the year,” Pacheco said. To donate, drop off items at the Board of Commissioners’ Office on the third floor of the Annex located at 230 Strand Street in St. Helens. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Clatskanie Little League receives grant WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
What’s baseball without a backstop? Well, thanks to a grant from the Family Ford Foundation, that’s a question the Clatskanie Little League won’t have to answer this year. Recently, the Clatskanie Little League received a $16,000 grant to help support the purchase of necessary “portable backstops.” The backstops will particularly benefit the tee-ball and farm ball programs. Clatskanie Little League Board Member Andrea Berndt said the backstops are much needed after those programs lost access to the Jones Field last year. “Clatskanie Parks and Rec, who run the city park are amazing and gracious and have allowed us to use the city park, so we were still able to have a season last year,” Berndt said. “But unfortunately, our tee-ball and farm ball teams weren’t truly able to have a real field be-
Courtesy photo from Andrea Berndt
The grant will help get backstops to improve field conditions for the farm ball and tee-ball programs.
cause it was just something thrown together at the last second due to losing the Jones field that we had for years as our little league field.” Berndt said that the grant money would not be used to rent or buy land for fields. That’s where the backstops come in. The portable backstops will allow the tee-ball and farm ball programs to set up a
field “anywhere down at the city park.” “Those are our kiddos that are about 8-years-old and younger,” Berndt said. “They still need the space to know what it’s like to have a backstop and a field to really learn the rules and the sport of baseball.” Each backstop costs about $5,000-$8,000. One of the com-
ponents of getting the grant from the Ford Family Foundation was demonstrating that the community is “sponsoring and helping.” Berndt described the grant as a “community grant.” Organizations in the commu-
See GRANT Page A4
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Friday, December 22, 2023
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Rainier Winterfest decorating contest winners
The winner of the Sponsor’s Choice.
The winner of Most Twinkly Lights.
The winners of the first Rainier Winterfest decorating contest have been announced, and three contestants put their holiday spirit on full display. The categories homes competed for were “Sponsor’s Choice,” “Most Twinkly Lights,” and “Most
Creative.” There were six entrants, and organizers said all the contestants were “great.”
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The winner of Most Creative.
$500 for prizes. El Tapatio in Rainier also donated gift certificates.
The winners are:
The Waldie Family, 411 W E St., Rainier, OR. Most Creative: The Nelson Family, 404 W B St., Rainier, OR.
Sponsor’s Choice: The Kreger Family, 1113 W C St., Rainier, OR. Most Twinkly Lights:
Organizers said Rightline Equipment Inc. sponsored the Rainier Winterfest’s decorating contest and donated
• The Kelley Family, 47 W 7th St., Rainier, OR. • The Cole Family, 316 E
“It was a wonderful event, and we are really excited to see what takes place next year since we will be expanding to the entire
November was health care and social assistance, which added 2,400 jobs. Professional and business services expanded slower than overall employment over the past 12 months, adding 3,000 jobs, or 1.1%, compared with growth of 39,600 jobs, or 2.0%, for total nonfarm payroll employment. While most of the industry grew over this period, employment services trended downward, cutting 3,500 jobs, or 7.7%, since November 2022. Construction rose rapidly during most of the past two years. November’s drop of
1,700 jobs was preceded by big gains totaling 5,700 jobs during January through October. Although leisure and hospitality gained 6,800 jobs, or 3.4%, in the past 12 months, the industry showed recent weakness by cutting 2,900 jobs between August and November. Government added 500 jobs in November and was up 10,200 jobs, or 3.4%, in the past 12 months. It has consistently expanded over the past three years. In November, local government reached a record high of 234,200 jobs, adding 6,900 jobs in the past 12 months.
Health care and social assistance grew the fastest of the major industries over the past 12 months, adding 17,900 jobs, or 6.5%. Gains during that time were led by social assistance and nursing and residential care facilities, which each grew by close to 8.5%. Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.6% in both October and November. November was the seventh consecutive month in which Oregon’s unemployment rate was between 3.4% and 3.7%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.9% in October and 3.7% in November.
The Oregon Employment Department report shows 74,089 unemployed and 2,086,134 employed in November.
force in the paint and pulls down some key rebounds for us,” Sizemore said. “Also, defensively, sophomore Bethany Hagen is everywhere and anywhere we need her, and her never-quit attitude is vital.” Offensively, Sizemore said that the steady ball handling of Lacey Willis and Joey Sizemore had been a guiding force for the Tigers’ offense. “Both work well initiating and running our sets as well as keeping our offensive momentum flowing,” Sizemore said. Sizemore and the Tigers have a big game coming up against Umatilla tonight, which they will play at the Trailblazers’ home court at the Moda Center. Though the setting may feel more grand, Sizemore said the team will be approaching the game as they would any other. The focus will be on the “Three E’s” energy, effort, and execution. If the Tigers stick to their gameplan, they will hope to walk away from the big stage with their fourth win of the season.
sity Girls Basketball at The Moda Center vs. Umatilla: 3:30 p.m. • High School Varsity Boys Basketball at The Moda Center vs. Umatilla: 5 p.m.
The three other entrants for the contest were:
Third St., Rainier, OR. • The Hayes Family, 74758 Townsend Rd., Rainier, OR.
Courtesy photos from Rainier Winterfest
97048 zip code,” Organizer Kathryn Kreger said. “We hope to see more people enter as this contest becomes bigger and better each year. Rainier Winterfest is a nonprofit that has just started out in Rainier and will encompass all things holidays in the 97048 zip code.”
Oregon sees 7,300 job losses in November In November, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined in November by 7,300 jobs, following a revised loss of 4,300 jobs in October, according to the Oregon Employment Department. November’s losses were largest in professional and business services (-2,900 jobs); construction (-1,700); leisure and hospitality (-1,500); financial activities (-1,300); and information (-1,000). The only industry growing substantially in
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Clatskanie Tigers basketball update
Courtesy photo
The Clatskanie Tigers taking on Castle Rock Dec. 6. WILL LOHRE after day and have already Country Media, Inc. shown improvement in their
The Clatskanie girls basketball team has won two games in a row, and though its overall record is 3-4, Head Coach Mary Sizemore said that the season has been “going well.” Their two victories saw the Tigers beat Portland Adventist Academy 67-20 and secure a 44-22 win against Toledo. As things currently stand, Clatskanie is ranked 18 of the 38 teams in OSAA’s 2A rankings. “The young squad continues to demonstrate growth on and off the court,” Sizemore said. “We have a promising set of JV players that continue to show up and work hard day
games over last year’s season.” Recently, Sizemore said the team has been relying on leadership from the team’s veteran players. She said that one of the focuses has been to have varsity players create “a set of expectations” for each game. In the two victories, Sizemore said they have met those goals. One of the aspects the team has been working hard to implement is forming a strong defense. The effort on the less glamorous side of the ball has resulted in noticeable payoffs. “We have been seeing some tenacious work in that area from junior Karielle Carlson and freshman Olivia George. Each is a stopping
Clatskanie sports schedule December 22 • High School Wrestling at Evergreen High School: 10 a.m. • High School Var-
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December 28
• Phil White Winter Classic Home Wrestling vs. Ilwaco, Knappa, Wahkiakum, Warrenton, Vernonia, Rainier, Kennedy, NKN,
Dayton, YC: 10 a.m.
December 29 • High School Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Elmira: 6 p.m.
Friday, December 22, 2023
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•C rossword S olutions • •
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Solution for the Dec. 15, 2023 crossword puzzle Rainier Police Department December 13 • An officer assisted a disabled motorist on the bridge. December 14 • Several residents reported having their mail taken from their mailboxes. The case is pending investigation. • Officers responded to a report of an unwanted individual at a business. The subject left the premises.
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December 15 • A resident reported an unknown person attempted to break into their shed. The door to the shed was damaged. December 16 • An officer assisted a person having issues with a live-in family member. Peace was restored. December 17 • A caller was worried about the welfare of a man who seemed agitated and was yelling at vehicles. The man was okay.
December 18 • A citizen called saying that their landlord was kicking the door. Officers attempted contact with the reporting party multiple times, who apparently no longer wanted to speak to them. December 19 • A caller reported someone looking over the bridge and was concerned about their welfare. The person was walking to Longview and appeared to be fine.
The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
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A woman was stabbed and killed in Scappoose Dec. 19, and the suspect related to the murder is in custody, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). The incident took place in the afternoon and led to schools in the area being put on lockdown protocols. A manhunt resulted in the arrest of 40-year-old Derek Welter of Scappoose. The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Rhiannon Amelia Meyer of Scappoose. The crime was reported by the mother of Meyer, who said the stabbing took place at a residence on SW 4th in Scappoose. Scappoose Police and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call and found Meyer lying unresponsive on the front porch. The suspect was no longer on the scene. Responding officers performed CPR on Meyer until medics arrived. The medics pronounced Meyer dead at the scene. Officers gathered a description of the vehicle the suspect was driving when he fled the scene, and began a search of the surrounding areas. The vehicle was described as a “large dark col-
Courtesy photo
A photo taken by a resident of the area of SW 4th Street where the incident occurred.
ored 2005 Chevy Silverado Pickup. The truck may have wooden sideboards and a dirt bike in the back.” Investigators then began searching areas that Welter frequented, according to CCSO. “Shortly after 6 p.m., an Oregon State Trooper (OSP) located a vehicle driving in the area of Gunners Lake Main-line that matched the suspect vehicle. The OSP Trooper waited for additional units to arrive and they attempted to stop the vehicle as it was driving towards them. The suspect vehicle then quickly began reversing away from investigators attempting to flee, but the vehicle backed into the end of the road and could not go
any further,” a CCSO news release said. Welter is “known to carry firearms,” the sheriff’s office said, so OSP SWAT was activated, and other deputies and officers began setting up a perimeter around the vehicle. Just after 9 p.m., OSP SWAT arrived on the scene and began pushing toward the suspect vehicle. At around 11:30 p.m., the OSP SWAT made contact with the vehicle and arrested the occupant at gunpoint. “The driver was identified as the suspect in the murder, Derek Welter. Welter was taken into custody at 11:35 p.m. without further incident. Welter was transported and lodged in the Columbia County Jail on the charges of
Derek Welter.
Courtesy photo
Murder II, Assault I and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. This investigation is ongoing,” the CCSO said. The CCSO thanked the Scappoose Police Department, Oregon State Police, St. Helens Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Scappoose Fire Department for their assistance in responding to the incident. “Through the collaboration and dedication of multiple agencies, we were able to keep the community safe and bring a peaceful resolution to this situation,” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Rhiannon Meyer.”
Early child care shortages in Oregon ALEX BAUMHARDT Oregon Capital Chronicle Chief Guest Article
Public funding to boost early child care options in Oregon has grown by millions during the past few years, but options are still limited for many parents who are forced to choose – and lose – jobs, according to a survey from Portland State University. More than 40% of parents said they or their partner had quit a job, not taken a job or “greatly changed” a job because of difficulty finding child care the previous year. The percentage was slightly higher for parents of color. The survey, undertaken by more than 3,000 Oregon parents between December 2022 and January 2023, revealed that major challenges still exist when it comes to finding child care for kids 5 and younger. The survey was conducted by Portland State’s Early Childhood program and recently submitted to the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care and the Early Learning Council. The findings will help the agency with legislative and budget priorities in the next year, it said in a release.
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A survey of Oregon parents found many struggled to find child care due to limited spots, few options with hours that fit parents’ work schedules and high prices.
Among the problems the survey found are limited spots, few options with hours that fit parents’ work schedules and high prices. Finding child care was particularly difficult for parents of kids with learning disabilities, for children of color and for families that primarily speak a language other than English at home. Kids of color and those with disabilities were the most likely to have been asked to take a break from facilities or asked to leave a child care center in 2022. That year 10% of all children were asked to take a break or leave. That rate increased to 16% for Black
children, a fourfold increase compared to 2020. “Parents of color are among those most likely to experience those negative impacts on employment, too,” said Katherine Pears, research scientist at the nonprofit Oregon Social Learning Center, which partnered with Portland State on the study. “So, you’re really talking then about the most vulnerable families getting kind of a double whammy there.” Pears said improving child care access and affordability will require expanding the workforce through professional training and development
and paying child care staff statewide livable wages. “The 0 to 5 brain is doing these amazing things, and we don’t confer dignity on the people that are helping that brain develop,” she said. Through the 2019 Student Success Act, the state has spent more than $35 million increasing slots for infants and toddlers statewide, but she said more than funding is needed to improve access to child care. “If employers want staff, and they want folks who can do jobs well, and drive the economy, then employers need to get involved in helping folks have good child care,” she said.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/12/05/ early-child-care-shortages-inoregon-costing-parents-jobssurvey-finds/. Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle. com.
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Focusing on treatment, not repeating past mistakes GRANT HARTLEY Oregon Capital Chronicle Chief Guest Column
Addiction is a health issue — not a criminal issue. Oregonians overwhelmingly supported this understanding when they passed Measure 110 in 2020. But the promises of Measure 110 have faced significant challenges. As we confront the fentanyl emergency across the country, we must remain resolute in our commitment to treat addiction as a health issue. The criminal programs and policies being pushed by those seeking to roll back Measure 110 will fail. I say this with confidence because they are pulling their tactics from a worn out playbook that forced individuals experiencing addiction through the criminal system for decades. This playbook harmed communities of color and low-income communities, while doing little to nothing to address and prevent addiction. One rollback proposal seeks to recriminalize possession of user amounts of certain drugs and require treatment through a diversion program. This is not a novel idea. In fact, it is nearly identical to the Treatment First and STOP diversion programs that were in place in Multnomah County when voters passed Measure 110. Both programs had low levels of success. For example, in 2019 less than 20% of participants graduated the STOP program with 90 days of sobriety. That is hardly a model for the future. We know that police and courts cannot solve or prevent the addiction crisis. Our criminal system is already overloaded. Adding thousands more low-level, addiction cases will further destabilize the system. This will fail all Oregonians. Much like drug treatment services, public defense in
KECK
From Page A1 approved for the Ronald McDonald House, and they are now trying to schedule time between her mother, herself, and her son to make sure someone is with him “all the time.” “He can’t function normally, so nurses can only do so much, the support of family is way better to have
GRANT From Page A1 nity jumped to the Little League’s aid to ensure they could secure the funds. Berndt said that Stimson Lumber donated $2,500, and the Phil White Memorial Foundation donated more than $700. Berndt said that the Little League needed to submit what the funds would be used for, and how many funds were required. “The biggest [things we needed] were the backstops, benches so kids have a place to sit when it’s not their turn to play, some portable mounds, and some storage,” Berndt said. “We estimated that we need about $20,000 for some of the things, and they were willing to give us the $16,000 because we can show that we have community support.” To help raise more funds, the Little League is hosting its first “really big” fundraiser. The event will be an “adult prom” at the Clatskanie Cultural Center on March 9. Tickets are $30 for an individual and $50 for couples. The fundraiser will help support getting other equipment and a storage shed that the Little League needs.
Oregon has seen decades of underfunding and underresourcing, resulting in a significant deficit of public defenders. A 2021 study by the American Bar Association found that Oregon has one-third the public defenders necessary to provide adequate representation. This chronic lack of support and resources has created an unrepresented crisis in our state, where thousands of Oregonians charged with crimes have been denied the most fundamental right in our criminal system – the constitutional right to an attorney. If Oregon recriminalizes drug possession, limited taxpayer dollars will be spent arresting and processing these individuals, who most likely won’t be able to access a public defense attorney. They’ll be told to wait for a lawyer to become available, until eventually their case will be dismissed. We will once again see a revolving door of people struggling with addiction cycling through a system that cannot address their underlying disease. Their involvement in the criminal system, however, often makes their addiction — and access to jobs, education, and housing — much worse. Advocates of criminalization conflate addiction with public safety. While drug use can contribute to criminal conduct, criminal conduct is still illegal even if personal use drug possession is not. Measure 110 does not prohibit law enforcement from investigating and prosecuting crimes commonly associated with drug use — like possessing large amounts, manufacturing, distributing, driving under the influence and theft. Measure 110 simply recognized that addiction should be addressed as a health issue — with services, support and treatment. Although the science and data behind the solutionsbased approach of Measure
110 has not changed, it is clear that Measure 110 has not done enough. After decades of underfunding and divestment from addiction treatment and related resources, there is still not enough of it available to meet the overwhelming need across our state. In numerous studies, Oregon is consistently ranked last in the nation for access to treatment services due to this chronic lack of investment. The investments from Measure 110 have improved access, but there is still a long way to go. Every morning, lines form outside detox centers with individuals ready to change their lives. My public defense clients have spent months on waitlists to access treatment services. Significant investments by the Legislature would grow and expand access to treatment services. It is clear that we have much more work to do to address and prevent drug addiction in our state. As our legislative leaders have said, we need to identify what’s out there that is working, what’s not working and why, and propose solutions that are going to be effective. Oregon would benefit from an expanded and strengthened treatment system, rather than repeating the mistakes of the past.
here,” Cudaback said. One of the challenges with brain injuries is that there isn’t a clear-cut timetable for a full recovery. Cudaback said they want him back to “baseline,” which would mean walking and talking without difficulty. The 4-6 week admittance is a starting point, but there isn’t a definitive timeline. On a hopeful note, Cudaback did say that he is “improving every day.” Cudaback said that she
is grateful for the overwhelming support of the community and friends. The GoFundMe has raised $3,310 of the stated $5,000 goal. “I’m a single mom, with one car, trying to make ends meet with everything in a healthy world, and now I’ve got complications,” Cudaback said.
The Ford Family Foundation has already sent the $16,000 check to the Little League. “So we just had to show community support, and that we’re fundraising. That was the biggest thing about this grant is that they don’t just want to give money without showing that the community is behind us, and we have such a great community in Clatskanie, they were all behind us,” Berndt said. Berndt said it’s been a community effort to get the funds. The grant will directly help the farm ball and teeball programs because it will help them have a dedicated and safe field space. Berndt said Clatskanie Parks and Rec are going to let Little League use field space, but now they will have the equipment to help teach kids about baseball. While the grant is a great jumping-off point, Berndt emphasized that the work is not yet done. The Little League needs more community support to make sure they can support other needs besides the backstop. “We still need more community support. It’s great that we have this, but when you look at a backstop as $5,000-$8,000, two backstops and we’re going
to spend this grant money,” Berndt said. “We still need a storage shed to store all of these supplies, we need new bases still; we still have a need.” Berndt said that supporting the prom fundraiser or purchasing fan gear also supports the Little League because they get a portion of the money that is spent on Little League merchandise. In getting the grant, Berndt credited the Little League board for coming together to find solutions to keep the program going. Berndt gave “huge kudos” to board secretary Jennelle Davis for doing the grant writing for the grant. Berndt expressed gratitude to Stimson Lumber, the Phil White Memorial Foundation, and the Family Ford Foundation for their part in supporting the league. “We definitely are grateful and so blessed that we got this grant, but we still need community support to help get our baseball program back up to where we want it, and where we need it to be,” Berndt said. “As a board, this was a lot of us getting together and brainstorming what we can do to keep this program going for our kiddos. Because that’s what’s important: having sports for these kids.”
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/12/05/ oregon-leaders-focus-ontreatment-not-repeating-pastmistakes. Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Grant Hartley writes commentaries for the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
To help support Nikki and Colton, donate to https://gofund.me/f9e9064c.
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•C ommunity E vents • •
Dec. 29 Blood Drive at the Rainier Senior Center 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at 48 W 7th St., Rainier. For questions call 503-5563889. Ongoing Clatskanie Senior Center lunches Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches now served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon at the Castle Cafe, 620 SW Tichenor. Call 503-7283608 for reservations. Use ground floor entrance to the left of front stairs. Good parking in back off of SW Bryant Street. Castle Tours available by appointment, includes Clatskanie Historical Society museum. Call Debbie at 503-338-8268. Caples Evening Programs The cost for this evening
and all our Fireside Chats will be only $5. Caples will be offering a different program the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1925 First Street in Columbia City. For more information, call 503-397-5390. Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www. lowercolumbiariver.org/ events-page. The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM) is open from noon - 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). ROHM is located inside Rainier City Hall at
106 W B Street. For more information, call 360-7517039. The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays. Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/ Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070. To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.
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Friday, December 22, 2023
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Public Notices
Make a tax-savvy move this holiday season and year-end! Donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more to champion our veterans. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax deduction. Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-866-695-9265 today!
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503 728-2051 503 369-6503 Visa/MC/Amex Advertise in The Chief Call 503-397-0116
CC23-1874
CC23-1875
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING Notice of Unclaimed Funds The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, upstairs in the Clatskanie Cultural Center. Agenda items include but are not limited to the
following: Approval of the minutes of the November 15th, 2023, regular meeting; a Public Hearing will be held to review a request for a variance of rear setbacks for 20 SE Conyers Street, the annexation of the Sewer Treatment Plant property and adjacent
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property into the City, and a conditional use permit for 615 S Nehalem. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by Dec. 22nd, 2023. Please go to the city website, www.cityofclatskanie.com to access the link to attend the meeting on Zoom.
If you know one of the former Clatskanie People’s Utility District customers listed here, please have them contact our staff im-
mediately. They may call 503-728-2163 or email cpud@clatskaniepud.com to discuss their unclaimed funds. We appreciate your
assistance to help locate the following people: Robert J Harwager, Tracy Greening, Olga Boyko.
The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: COCKTAILS ACROSS
1. Great divide 6. Priestly vestment 9. Took to court 13. Haile Selassie’s disciple 14. 10 decibels 15. *Appletini’s ____ schnapps 16. Rose oil 17. Maui garland 18. Birth-related 19. *Old Fashioned liquor option 21. *Gin+vermouth rosso+Campari 23. Not him 24. Bye, in Palermo 25. VA.gov beneficiary 28. Puerto follower 30. Like Ferris Bueller 35. Exclude 37. “____ Your Enthusiasm” 39. Green-light 40. Tiny coffee cup, or ____-tasse 41. Cut mission short 43. Not final or absolute 44. Makes a sweater 46. Wing-shaped 47. Bird, in Latin 48. One with drug dependency
50. Do like a frog 52. A U.S. time zone 53. Dance with #17 Across 55. Anatomical duct 57. *It usually comes in a conical glass 61. *Popular cocktail mixer 65. Spy’s other name 66. Knicks’ org. 68. Give a speech 69. Clan emblem 70. Party barrel 71. Clean a spill (2 words) 72. Part of pump 73. Sargasso or Barents 74. Same as apse
DOWN
1. Sticking point, in alimentary tract 2. Possesses, archaic 3. *Bellini with ____ Spumante 4. Squirrel away 5. a.k.a. felt-pen 6. Competently 7. M tley Cr e’s Tommy ____ 8. Russian pancakes 9. Practice in the ring 10. As far as (2 words) 11. Distinctive flair 12. Place for a hero 15. Fluffy sweater material
20. “All My Children” vixen ____ Kane 22. 2010 Movie “____ Pray Love” 24. Toyota model 25. *Moscow Mule spirit 26. Make corrections 27. Shy 29. *____ Libre 31. Forearm bone 32. Not dead 33. Honkers 34. *Lemon or orange piece 36. South American monkey 38. Highlands hillside 42. Crossbeam 45. Religious split 49. 252-gallon wine cask 51. *Tequila+grapefruit juice+sparkling water 54. Kind of golf course 56. Razor sharpener 57. S.A.T. section 58. Balm ingredient 59. Baptism or shiva, e.g. 60. Asian weight unit 61. John Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____” 62. Nukes 63. Sewing case 64. Gym set 67. *____’s Knees
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chief. North Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Friday, December 22, 2023
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Letters to Santa - Week 2
Christmas is a special time for our children and The Chief is proud to partner with our advertisers to present the following Letters to Santa presentation. The letters are from 3rd grade students coordinated by teachers Mr. Jones, Ms. Reynolds, and Ms. Cassel at Clatskanie Elementary School. Each letter is written by a local child, representing their wish for Christmas. Please join us to wish these kids, their families and our community a safe and happy holiday!
“Come Experience the Love of the Newborn King, Jesus Christ” St. Frederic Catholic Church Christmas Mass Schedule 2023 • Christmas Eve Family Mass- December 24th 5:00pm/Children’s Pageant at 4:30pm. • Midnight Mass- December 24th celebrated at 10:00pm/Christmas Carols 9:30pm. • Christmas Day Mass- December 25th: ONE Mass only at 10:00am. • New Year’s Day Mass- January 1st, 2024 10:00am.
All are welcome! We are located at 175 S, 13th St., St. Helens, OR Contact the Office for further information at 503-397-0148
North Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Christmas Eve Service Dec. 24th 3 PM Clatskanie Presbyterian Church 215 S. Nehalem, Clatskanie, Oregon (503) 728-2300 Rev. Dr. Derek Richman, Pastor
Join Christ Episcopal Church for Christmas services Sunday, Dec. 24, Morning Prayer at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve with music Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Day Monday, Dec. 25, Spoken Eucharist at 10 a.m. 35350 E. Division Road St. Helens christchurchsthelens.org
Friday, December 22, 2023
A7
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Letters to Santa - Week 2
MERRY
Christmas
Happy holidays from your friends at
from your Scappoose and St. Helens John L. Scott Offices 503-543-3751
51673 S. Columbia River Hwy Scappoose OR 97056
503-396-5668
1845 Columbia Blvd St. Helens OR 97051
s y a d i l o H Happy
16245 Hall Rd, Clatskanie, OR • 503-728-9116
Happy Holidays
end s at i r f r u o y Fro m The C hief
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A8
Friday, December 22, 2023
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Letters to Santa - Week 2
YOUR FIRST STOP FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS Interesting, quality new and used items at great prices. Something new every time! www.christinaschest.com Tuesday-Saturday 12-6pm Sunday 11-4pm (971) 895-1239 • 2035 Columbia Ave, St. Helens
North Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Open Noon to 6 PM • (971)895-1239 2035 sthelens@groceryoutlet.com Columbia Ave , St. Helen’s, OR. • 205 Brayden St,97051 St. Helens, OR 97051 503-410-5533 • groceryoutlet.com/circulars/storeid/471
Friday, December 22, 2023
A9
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Letters to Santa - Week 2
12/22 – Gift Card Sale ($25 for $20, $50 for $40, $100 for $75) 12/23 – Pizza & Beer Sip & Shop ($10 off $50, $15 of $75, $20 off $100)
Scan Me To Shop 24/ 7
12/24 – Christmas Eve 20% off Storewide
58105-B Columbia River Hwy, St Helens, OR 97051
503-410-5197
sassathome.com
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Friday, December 22, 2023
Letters to Santa - Week 2
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Happy Holidays
Get the 2024 Clatskanie PUD calendar in the Dec. 29 edition of The Chief. Only available in inserted mailed copies to Rainier and Clatskanie.
495 E Columbia River Highway Clatskanie, OR | 503-728-2163 www.clatskaniepud.com | www.facebook.com/clatskaniepud North Columbia County’s trusted local news source