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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

VOL. 130, NO. 41 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Rainier Cheer wins State, takes on Nationals ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

For the first time in Rainier history, Rainier cheerleaders are gearing up for a competition on the national stage before the dust settles on their State victory. “We received permission months ago and fundraised,” Head Cheer Coach Lori Schimmel said. “With the help of our Rainier community, we are headed there!” The USA High School Spirit Nationals is the season-capping goal for many competitive high school cheerleading teams and will showcase more than 7,000 athletes this year, according to the association website. “We had to enter a virtual Regional competition,” Schimmel explained, of bid-meeting requirements for the national event. “Not only did we do this, but we took third place in the Regional!” On Saturday, Feb. 12, the Rainier Columbians outperformed six other 3A-3 Coastal Range League high school cheerleading teams at the 2022 OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union Cheerleading State Championship in Oregon City. The Rainier cheer team scored 96.90 out of 120 possible points, one or more points higher than their competitors in every category. Around 7 a.m., before the big game, the parents and families of the cheerleaders shared their

Courtesy photo

The Rainier Cheer team poses with their State trophy.

messages of love, support, and encouragement on Facebook. “As your mom, I couldn’t be more proud of the time and effort you put into this program and your team,” Schimmel said, ad-

dressing her cheerleading daughter. “You show up consistently, (and) you work hard. This is the moment where it’s going to pay off.” For Rainier Jr./Sr. High

School’s pom-pom wielding athletes, the hard work did pay off. State competition

final scores based on their skill mastery according to OSAA standards, measured by performance in three categories. Three categories include building, tumbling/jumps, and overall routine. Each is worth up to 40 points, for 120 points total. Building includes stunts, pyramids, and execution, Schimmel explained. “Rainier typically does well in this category,” Schimmel said. “Our girls work year-round to become strong in the weight room and during practices by lifting flyers over their heads for two hours.” “They love to be challenged with stunting,” she added. Stunts involve an individual, or flyer, being lifted above the performance surface by one or more teammates. Judges look at factors such as transitions, inversions, dismounts, and tosses in deciding how to score a stunt. The Rainier Columbians’ performance in tumbling and jumps gave them a competitive advantage this year, according to Schimmel. “(Tumbling) had saved us,” Schimmel said. “We have the most difficult team tumbling in our division with team tucks running and standing along with team layouts and back handsprings. None of our girls are gymnasts See SPORTS Page A6

At state, judges award teams

The new face of Jo’s Country Market

Courtesy photo from Yvonne Krause

Jo’s Country Market along Highway 30 in Clatskanie burned down Tuesday, Oct. 5. ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Plans for rebuilding Jo’s Country Market in Clatskanie are coming together, according to Owner Yvonne Krause. In an interview with The Chief, Krause said she and her husband met with an engineer on Friday who offered to draw up free engineering plans for the new structure, which Krause hopes will be up and running in May. “This gentleman called (because) he had read an article, I think, in the Columbia River Reader and reached out and said, ‘Hey, we just moved here in November,’” Obituaries ................. A2 Classified Ads ......... A3 Legals ....................... A3 Opinions ................... A4 Clatskanie Grows .... A4 Who We Are ............. A5 Sports.........................A6

Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051

she said, recalling the moment. “He didn’t know when the building had burned down. He said, ‘I don’t have any money I can give you, but I would be happy to draw you out an engineering plan.’” Jo’s Country Market, formally managed by Jim and Joyce (Jo) Frye, was a prominent fixture of Clatskanie: a place for local growers to sell their products on consignment and for residents to buy fresh, farm-grown goods free of toxic chemicals and GMOs. The morning of Oct. 5, an electrical malfunction caused the fruit stand to catch fire. When the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District arrived on the scene, the roof was mid-collapse. Fire Chief Sharek said the fire was “difficult to suppress,” and required firefighters to remain outside in a defensive position as they fought the flames. Following the devastation, others provided their assistance, including Dwayne Sterba of Diggin Bone Excavating, Steve Stadleman, the Clatskanie PUD, and many more in the community. Krause said she received about $600 in donations for the construc-

Courtesy photo from Yvonne Krause

The Jo’s Country Market property is valued at a half million.

tion effort as well as offers for free building supplies. Her plans for the structure include adding insulation, a feature missing from the former building, and exposed beam ceilings. Background Krause said she became familiar with the fruit stand when she was 20 years old, passing by the fruit stand every day on her way to work at an automotive shop in Mist, Oregon. “One day I just thought gosh, I should see if they have like old produce they don’t want for my pigs right?” she said. “And they (the Fryes) said ‘Yeah if you want to stop (by) you can take whatever is out here in this bin.’ Then over the course of a month or two of talking with them, they said ‘Hey, we need an employee. Do you know anybody that’s interested?’” “At first I was like, I should ask around, and then I eventually ended up just taking the job.” Krause worked with the owners for 13 years until a car accident put them out of commission, at which point the Fryes offered her the opportunity to manage the fruit stand.

“Joyce had broke(n) her hip, and I was scared to death,” Krause explained. “But I said let me see how the first year goes.” Krause bought the market with a $50,000 down payment and was still paying down her $100,000 mortgage when the structure caught fire. Krause explained she did not opt for an insurance policy, since most of the building’s fixtures were outdated. No one, not even Krause, could have predicted that one October afternoon, a few minutes and an electrical failure would reduce 33 years of work to all but a cinder. A ‘family-run business’ Krause said the quality of her produce is what sets her business apart from chain grocers. “We always get our strawberries from Goble — from Crawford’s Berries, and their shelf life is like a day because it’s a fresh picked strawberry,” she said. “You go to (a retailer), and their strawberries are grown for size (and) have no flavor. The difference in flavor and texture and everything, there’s no comparison.” As the fruit stand’s manager, not only did Krause prioritize buying lo-

cal first, but she also made a point to buy from farmers for fair prices. “Sometimes there’s years when say, cherries are expensive because there was a short crop,” she said. “We still need to buy those cherries and support that farmer, or they’re not going to be there next year. That’s how I’ve always tried to run my business.” Jo’s Country Market is what Krause calls a “family-run business.” Market operations run seasonally, with two staff members excluding Krause. The work atmosphere, she said, encourages kids and even allows employees to bring their children to work. After the fire, Krause received an offer from a prospective buyer. She declined to sell. “They (the Fryes) were like my parents,” she said. “I worked for them before I had kids, and I raised my kids there. I just had to say no. We’re really excited now about the prospect of rebuilding.” If you would like to donate to the rebuilding effort, contact Fibre Federal Credit Union or Wauna Federal Credit Union under YvonneKrause/ JosCountryMarket.

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

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Friday, February 18, 2022

Is it a pandemic or endemic in Oregon?

Metro Creative Connection

Oregon could see a significant drop in the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations by May 1. ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

There is cause for celebration, in other words, “light at the end of a very long” tunnel as Oregonians continue to push through the pandemic. COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the decline, according to recent forecasts from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has peaked and will steadily recede until reaching preOmicron levels by the end of March, as illustrated by the latest Feb. 10 forecast. OHSU reported just weeks ago that by May 1, the number of hospital admissions for patients with COVID-19 could plummet from 1,100 in February to just 100. The previous Omicron high for hospitalizations occurred on Jan. 27, a time when 1,130 people were occupying hospital beds. Another chart in the Feb. 3 forecast draws distinctions between incidental hospital-

izations and hospitalizations for COVID-19. Public health officials predict by March 1, over half of those hospitalized who test positive for COVID-19 will be hospitalized with, rather than for the disease. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 death forecast takes the shape of an upside-down parabola, drawing nearer and nearer to zero as Oregon approaches spring and summer. OHSU’s projections appear to line up with policy changes announced Monday, Feb. 7, by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). In a press release, the OHA announced the agency will remove general mask requirements for indoor public places and schools no later than March 31. That same day, the OHA went through with filing a permanent rule requiring Oregonians to adopt facial coverings indoors, despite unanimous objection from those who testified at the Jan. 20 hearing. State health officials claimed the filing was the

only way the OHA could extend the current temporary mask rule past its expiration date, or until mask rules would no longer be needed to reduce transmission of COVID-19. OHA Director of the Office of Advanced Analytics Dr. Peter Graven, Ph.D., underscored the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted, as well as adhering to the mask mandate as the rate of hospitalizations subsides. “It’s important for people to stick with masking through the next several weeks,” Graven said. “Even though our forecast projects light at the end of a very long tunnel, we can’t lose sight of the fact that hospitals in Oregon are still struggling to deliver timely care for everyone who needs it.” State response “This is a welcome trend,” OHA Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie said. “But we are far from out of danger. Our

Noel RSVP for February

Courtesy from OHSU

This OHSU chart shows COVID-19 hospitalizations already declining with a sharp drop expected into March.

hospitals are still relying on about 1,300 National Guard members and nearly 1,200 medical professionals that Oregon has had to bring in from other states. As infections continue to slow, we anticipate that daily hospitalizations will remain high for several more weeks.” The Chief asked whether Modie sees any reason for the OHA to reverse course. Modie offered an optimistic outlook, assuming Oregon is steadfast in taking protective measures leading up to March 31. “We fully expect COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations to continue moving downward before March 31,” he said. Our emergence from the Omicron onslaught depends on our continued diligence over these next two months. We cannot risk squandering our hard-earned progress.”

Paul said he believes the OHA’s move to end the indoor mask mandate is the right call, given the decline in hospitalizations despite the Omicron variant. “I think the announcement and timeline are appropriate as hospitalizations will not decline as fast as cases, and also because COVID has brutally taxed our health systems over the last two years,” Paul said. “OHA wants to be sure lifting mask requirements will not lead to a resurgence of cases.” According to Paul, the data appears to be promising, but an abundance of caution is still needed. “There’s a lot of pressure to end it sooner, and also to provide a date,” Paul said, affirming the OHA’s decision. “But the OHA is using hospitalizations to drive (it).”

Local public health response

Business response As Oregon prepares to shed the indoor mask mandate, local business owners

Columbia County Public Health Director Michael

•

have just weeks to decide whether to maintain, alter, or remove their indoor mask policies altogether. Small business owners should be on the lookout for the latest restrictions, requirements, and safety measures for businesses, which may differ from the guidance offered to the general public, according to Columbia Economic Team Executive Director Paul Vogel. Vogel also emphasized there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to business owners’ responses. “To businesses contacting us regarding the implications of this action, our advice is fairly simple and straightforward,” Vogel said. “Be safe and do whatever you feel necessary to keep your customers and employees safe.” Join the conversation and take The Chief ’s online poll. Do you believe the COVID-19 pandemic is ending in Oregon? Cast your vote at thechiefnews.com.

•O bituaries • • Rodney Steven Pellham June 20, 1955 ~ Feb. 2, 2022

Courtesy photo

Pictured from left to right, My Fair Lady Princess Rosemary Scandale (Rainier), Kerry Noel and Princess Renee Swartz (Clatskanie). STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Kerry Noel has been selected as the RSVP’s Volunteer of the Month for February. Noel has been volunteering at Turning Point Food Bank in Clatskanie for almost three years. Turning Point Executive Director Kelly Miller told Kerry, “We could not do what we do without your help. I appreciate you!” Noel volunteers every other Wednesday, and each Monday. Joan Blennerhassett, who

is also a volunteer, said Noel comes in for the food truck and also helps whenever they need him. “He’s the one that will deliver food boxes when they can’t come in,” Blennerhassett said “He goes over and above.” “I help people, but it helps me stay grounded,” Noel said as his response to the praise. Noel is also a veteran who served as a mechanic in the Air Force stationed in Thailand. My Fair Lady Princesses Renee Swartz and Rosemary Scandale presented Noel Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

with a handmade valentine and candy to thank him for his service. Columbia County Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nonprofit senior support organization located at 270 Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens. To reach the office, call 503-397-5655, or see RSVP’s Facebook page at, www.facebook.com/ columbiacountyrsvp.

Rodney “Steve-O” Steven Pellham got his wings while he was surrounded by family on the 2nd of February, 2022 in Hillsboro, Oregon. Steve was born on the 20th of June, 1955 to Carl and Gwen Pellham in Longview, Washington. He grew up in the Quincy and Rainier area where he attended Mayger Downing Community Church. He attended Rainier High School where he fell in love with and played many sports, including baseball, wrestling, and football. In later years he would often remind people that he had been an Oregon Ducks fan since 1972! After graduating, Steve honored his country by joining the United States Air Force in May of 1974. He served for six years in Hahn Germany and Tampa Bay Florida, where he met another lifelong love, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He married his first wife Ann Fairburn in 1978. They soon moved back to Rainier, Oregon where they had three daughters. He worked for

Friesen Lumber for 26 years and then United Pacific Forest Products until his retirement in November of 2021. He met his wife Joanne LeMont in 2006 and they were married in 2009. Steve instantly became an important part of Joanne’s family. Steve is preceded in death by his father Carl; mother Gwen; and brother Carl Lee. He is survived by his wife Joanne; sister Roxanne (Doc) Hadlock; brother Bill (Colleen) Pellham; daughters, Mandie (Jason) Grohs,

Tiffany Pellham, and Krista Phillips as well as his stepdaughters, Sheila (Dorian) Moore, Katie (Rory) Moore, Jessi (Jason) Smith, and Jenni (Dusty) Trahan; grandkids, Jillian Pellham, Charlotte and Brantley Grohs, Jasmine Kearse, Zoey Francis, Noah Gunn, Kali, Madysen, Savannah, Mckenna, Keaton, and Hayden Moore, and Jeffrey Smith. Everyone who knew Steve said he lit up the moment he started talking about his children or grandchildren. Attending their sporting events, assemblies and musical events was one of the great joys of his life. His other favorite hobbies included golfing, grilling, and spending time with his large family. The man room will never be the same without you Steve-O, but you left us all with so much love and laughter and two amazing life lessons. There’s is no crying in baseball and most importantly, Life is Good. There are no funeral arrangements at this time.

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Friday, February 18, 2022

Marketplace

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502

Events

Annual ASTORIA AUTOMOTIVE SWAP MEET

Vendors Wanted!

Clatsop Fairgrounds Saturday, March 12TH 8 A.M. - 2 P.M. Call Fred (503) 440-9481 or Dorothy (503) 468-0006

502

Help Wanted

Administrative Assistant 2 Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline: 2/28/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov. Head Lifeguard Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is accepting ap-

502

Help Wanted

plications for the position of Head Lifeguard. Required: At least 2 years Lifeguard/ CPR/AED experience. WSI certified desirable. You can request an application by phone at 503-728-2757, by email at csp@cni. net or stop by the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). Applications can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni. net or in person at the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). If you have any questions, please contact Charity Lickfold at 503-728-2757 or Cyndi Warren, 208249-7144. Applications will be accept-

ed until 5:00pm on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

public relation skills is highly desirable. Knowledge in pool maintenance, water chemistry testing and related is helpful. Experience and Training: Experience preferred or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between the applicant, Pool Manager and District Manager to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; First-Aid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard and Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can request an application and a copy of the full job description by phone at 503-728-2757, by email at csp@cni. net or stopping by the pool office

when open (hours will be posted on door). Applications can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni. net or in person at the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 208-2497144. Applications will be accepted until 3:00pm on Monday, March 14, 2022.

guard Training/Certification Course. Training dates to be provided. You can request an application by phone at 503-728-2757, by email at csp@ cni.net or stop by the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). Applications can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni. net or in person at the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). If you have any questions, please contact Charity Lickfold at 503-728- 2757 or Cyndi Warren, 208-249-7144. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

Hiring Classroom Assistants to support our Day Treatment Center, Quest Academy, in Longview,WA. 32 hrs/wk, school year. $20.68/hr. www.esd112.org/ takeroot

Apply at usbank. com/careers and search job number 2022-0001866. An equal opportunity employer/disability/ veteran.

Assistant Pool Manager Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications for an Assistant Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Beginning in February/March and continuing through September assist the Pool Manager with training, managing and evaluating approximately 20 lifeguards. In addition, this position helps in planning, organizing, scheduling and teaching programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Knowledge and Skills: Experience in pool management, supervising employees, administration, leadership and good

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING Cultural Center. Agenda items include but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the December 22nd, 2021, regular meeting; a Public Hearing will be held to review a request for a lot

line adjustments for 933 NE Sunset Court, and 161 N. Nehalem Street. Also, a temporary housing permit for 842 NW 5th Street. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by Feb.18th, 2022.

CC22-1577

SEEKING INTERESTED CANDIDATES Northwest Regional Education Service District is seeking candidates interested in filling the remaining term of NWRESD Board Position: Zone 3. The member school district for this zone (Hillsboro School District) will interview

U.S. Bank is seeking a client relationship consultant banker with customer service and sales experience in Clatskanie, Oregon. In this role, you’ll build relationships with customers, address their banking needs and recommend financial solutions based on their unique goals.

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Public Notices

CC22-1578

The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, upstairs in the Clatskanie

Lifeguard Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications for the position of Lifeguard. Required: Applicants must meet the requirement of being 15 years of age by the last day of the Life-

Road Worker I Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline: 3/7/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov.

860

Storage

and vote for the NWRESD board member at a public meeting in April 2022. The newly selected board member will take office July 1, 2022 and their term will end June 30, 2023. Candidates may apply online at www.nwresd.org

•

under Board of Directors Elections. The deadline for filing is no later than March 21, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Questions may be directed to the Northwest Regional ESD Board Secretary at 503-614-1401 or lslyh@ nwresd.org.

CC22-1579

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of MICHAEL L. ARTHUR, Deceased. No. 22PB01096 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers

attached, to the undersigned personal representative at the address below, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, 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 representa-

tive, or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published February 23, 2022. FRANK CHANDLER, Personal Representative c/o Lucas & Associates, LLC Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 519, Rainier, OR 97048, Phone: 503-556-3741, FAX: 503556-0708, Lucasatty@ yahoo.com.

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: U.S. PRESIDENTS ACROSS

1. Short for specification 5. Knave 8. *Like President Eisenhower’s head 12. *One fourth of a Presidential term 13. Take-out handout 14. The Beast’s problem in “Beauty and the Beast” 15. *Pres. Eisenhower established this space agency 16. Thought 17. Body of water 18. *#22 and #24 20. First-rate, slangily 21. Terminate, as in mission 22. Lingerie staple 23. Public speaker 26. Ivory tickler 30. “Fresh Prince of ____Air” 31. Most likely to win 34. Pot contribution 35. By surprise 37. Indian restaurant staple 38. Lacking justification 39. Office communique 40. Greece and Bulgaria peninsula 42. Overnight stop 43. Indifferently 45. Sturdily built 47. English course abbreviation

48. “_____’ it easy” 50. Oliver Twist, e.g. 52. *University of Virginia founder 56. African prairie 57. *Second most-popular Presidential birth state, after Virginia 58. Arm bone 59. Poem at a funeral 60. German title 61. Arnold Lobel’s “Mouse ____” 62. High school club 63. Clinton ____ Rodham 64. Hitler’s Deputy

DOWN

1. Update a FitBit 2. Sound of bells 3. “At ____, soldier.” 4. Modern tie forerunner 5. Aromatic lumber 6. Beside, archaic 7. Two of the same 8. *The only President who was a bachelor 9. ____ 51, Nevada 10. Law school entry requirement, acr. 11. Bear’s room 13. Edith Piaf’s hit 14. Meat of coconut 19. Digital tome 22. Trash container, e.g.

23. *One of three Presidents to win a Grammy 24. James Dean’s famous role 25. Remember this battle 26. *First to serve coast to coast 27. Indo-Aryan, as in languages 28. Did not smell good 29. Like yellow polka dot bikini 32. June 6, 1944 33. Salt in cocina 36. *a.k.a. Silent Cal 38. Loosen ropes 40. Deli acronym 41. ____ ____ help 44. Hawaii’s number 46. Mob offensive 48. High-pitched laugh sound, in print 49. Like Bananas Foster 50. “All’s well that ends ____” 51. Away from wind 52. *Second most common Presidential first name, after James 53. Type of gin 54. Cross to bear 55. Midday slumbers 56. Chill, with ‘out’

Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chief. Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, February 18, 2022

Agriculture overtime: A hot legislative topic BRAD WITT Chief Guest Column

The 2022 Legislation Session is underway, and we are busy with committee work and beginning floor sessions to move legislation through in a short timeline. I want to use the newsletter opportunity to provide educational information on some of the bills we are considering. This week, agricultural overtime is a hot topic. HB 4002 would require overtime pay for agricultural workers and the House Committee on Business and Labor received testimony on this bill for three and a half hours Tuesday night, Feb. 8. History The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act was approved in 1939 and included minimum wage, overtime rules and banned child labor. In order to gain support from southern state lawmakers, farmworkers were excluded from the labor law protections. This practice has continued for the past 80 years in most jurisdictions, but times are changing. California passed agri-

cultural overtime legislation several years ago, and the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that agricultural workers are entitled to overtime after working 40 hours in a week. Oregon’s labor commissioner can mandate overtime rules, so I believe HB 4002 is a legislative attempt to work out a compromise that can benefit farmers and ranchers and the workers they employ. Everyone recognizes that crop harvesting is seasonal work and varies greatly depending on the weather, and that livestock and dairy animal management is not completed on an 8-5 schedule. Farmers and ranchers have a very small profit margin, and are for the most part, described as “price takers” not “price makers” meaning the prices offered to producers are set by the market, and do not take into account the individual costs to the various farm operations. On the other side of the equation, farm workers are recognized as essential workers who work in all kinds of weather conditions, putting in long hours to produce vital food supplies. Many believe they should be treated no dif-

ferently than workers in other economic sectors. Phased-in overtime HB 4002 seeks to phase in overtime pay for farm workers over the next five years, allowing overtime to begin after 55 hours a week through 2024, 48 hours a week for 2025 and 2026, and reaching the standard time and a half overtime pay rate after 40 hours in 2027. During those same time frames, all farmers would receive a tax credit for a percentage of the incremental pay increase, with a larger tax break for small farm operations with less than 25 employees. This is a challenging situation, and there were hours of public testimony and pages of written comments submitted to our committee. Opponents of HB 4002 are concerned about the increasing labor costs and how that will impact the viability of Oregon farmers and ranchers. One proposed amendment would place a threshold on hours worked to align with the growing season, while recognizing the seasonality of harvest and include a livestock exemption recogniz-

ing that animals require care outside of a normal working day. There is evidence that when California implemented their agricultural overtime law, many producers cut working hours to a 40-hour maximum and implemented more harvest automation thereby eliminating many jobs. Oregon vegetable producers went on record Tuesday night saying they would change the crops they produce so the labor-intensive crops such as broccoli and cauliflower would be eliminated. Those in favor of HB 4002 spoke to the issue of fairness for the workers. In 1887, Oregon was the first state in the union to recognize Labor Day, and generally has been working to improve labor conditions for employees. Farm workers perform important and often dangerous work. The death rate for agricultural workers is six times greater than deaths in the general workforce and working excess hours in demanding conditions may contribute to accidents and hazardous conditions. Most farm workers, unions and labor groups spoke in support of HB 4002 saying

that farm workers are essential workers who should benefit from the fair labor standards that other workers enjoy. There are peak seasons in every industry, the postal service and Amazon deliveries increase over the holidays and those workers receive overtime pay. Some Oregon farmers also spoke in favor of this legislation saying that they already pay overtime wages to their workers, and that there is a critical and moral imperative to adopt HB 4002, that agricultural workers deserve equal protection under Oregon’s labor laws. Next steps This issue will continue to be discussed with amendments submitted, HB 4002 was scheduled for a work session in the Business and Labor Committee on February 14. If it moves out of committee it will come to the House Floor for a Chamber vote and if approved, will move to the Senate for consideration where it will again go through the committee process before consideration in the Senate Chamber. If there are any changes on the Senate side, it

will come back to the House for reconciliation. Be engaged Due to the COVID-19 health protection restrictions, committee work is being done remotely, the Capitol building is open, but masks are required for entry and while you are in the building. Another change in Capitol access procedures, is that everyone must pass through a metal detector when entering. The Legislative Session is moving quickly, so if you have concerns or comments about proposed legislation, please contact my office as soon as possible. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of the Representatives, and I look forward to hearing from you as we undertake this important work together. Brad Witt represents House District 31. He may be reached at • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Phone: 503-986-1431 • Address: 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: http://www. oregonlegislature.gov/witt

Clatskanie Grows: Garden peas and local events CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Article

This is the time to consider planting peas for early fresh-eating (both edible pod and shell peas) and preserving (just shell peas). Here are some ideas that will help get them started. First, while they need moisture, they don’t like suppersoaked soils. A raised bed improves drainage and can help. Second, while they will geminate in fairly cold soil temperatures, they will take much longer to do so. The longer they sit in the ground, the more likely they may be consumed by soil fungi, insects, slugs, or all three. With a soil temperature of 41°F, it will take 36 days for pea seedlings to emerge; at 50° F, they emerge in 13 days. This dramatically reduces seedling losses and gets you to eating them much sooner. Onions planted from seed, another early spring crop, show a similar germination response to soil temperatures. In fact, anything you plant now will benefit from warmer soils. The easiest way to create these temperatures (and maybe to reduce watersaturated soil beds) is to put up a cloche made of 12-guage wire hoops or some kind of sturdy wire fencing (see picture) and cover it with clear plastic. Leave it

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•V oices

Merrick Garland: Where Are You? So, nobody is above the law. Really? In this regard, tell me Mr. Garland, just, where are you? Donald Trump has broken the law, defied the constitution, betrayed America’s trust and damaged the very soul of what this country is supposed to stand for. We know the attorney general of New York State and Georgia are actively engaged in investigations of the former president and a great number of lawsuits swirl about Mr. Trump in several other states, ranging from financial manipulation to sexual assault. Yet the public has not heard from Merrick Garland of the Department of Justice beyond a solitary utterance some weeks ago that is hardly reassuring in light of his deafening silence before and since. So, I ask again: Is it still true that nobody is above the law? I find it hard to believe that you Mr. Garland would wish to be remembered as the attorney general who failed

in place for several weeks. Buy a soil thermometer and check the temps. Or just put your hand on the soil. You generally can tell when it is time to plant. When they are 50°s or more, plant. Leave plastic on the cloche until seedlings emerge. If there is a clear, 60+ degree day like we had last Saturday, open the plastic up on the side to allow ventilation. Then, put it back down before dusk. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic and replace it with row cover. It doesn’t have to be opened up on hot days. Water as needed and bait for slugs before peas emerge. Sadly, slugs like the warmth of the cloches. If you are growing peas that need a trellis, remove the cloche and put up the trellis when the plants start putting out tendrils and look ready to climb. Peas can be planted every two weeks up through about early August. As days get shorter, peas are less likely to mature. Most modern pea varieties (both edible pod and shelling peas) have resistance to the enation virus. This virus is vectored by aphids and is impossible to stop. It was the main reason growing peas well into summer was discouraging years ago. The virus weakens the vines and distorts the pods to the point that they or their peas inside

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Events Master Gardener Training: We are still unsure whether it is possible to hold a live class this spring. It won’t start in February but might get started midMarch or later. It will be in St. Helens if we have it. COVID is so challenging. Call 503-397-3462 or email us for updates or to be on a notification list if interested. Grafting workshop: The class will be held in person at the OSU Extension office in St. Helens on Saturday, February 26. Cost is $20 for five apple rootstocks and scions to graft onto them. Most people end up with four and often five new apple trees. Time will be from 9

a.m. until noon. Class will be limited to the first 15 people that contact us due to safety issues with knives used in grafting. Masks will be required. Columbia County Small Woodlands Association tree sale is back. On Saturday March 12, Clatskanie Grows Columbia County Small Woodlands Association will hold its 23rd annual tree sale. The sale begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Oil (Pacific Pride) parking lot in St. Helens on Hwy. 30. The address is 845 N Columbia River Highway. Twenty-two different species of deciduous and conifer trees will be available for purchase. Prices range from $1.50 to $6. They will also have bags of Douglas fir, noble fir, western red cedar, and coast redwood available for purchase. Cash and checks will be accepted for payment. As always buyers are advised to come early for best selection. Row covers available again: Our material this year is lighter (1 oz. vs, 2 oz.) than what we had over the last several years. More light will go through these covers for faster plant growth under-

neath the cover. It will still provide at least four to six degrees of frost protection. The lighter weight will allow it to be installed directly over most transplants or emerging seeds without any frame. But you can also build small hoop houses (cloches) to support it. The row cover will need to be held down on the edges to keep wind from blowing it off. Row cover width is seven feet and will be cut into 50- or 100-foot lengths (or more on request). Cost will be $28/100 feet, $14/50 feet. Important notes • The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened. Masks are still required inside. • Donate produce and/ or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It is greatly appreciated. • The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Have questions? If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications are available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring. Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

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to hold to account one of the most corrupt presidents in our nation’s history. Please Mr. Garland, at least give us some hint that you are doing something as regards the above. David S. Bernstein St. Helens

Ridiculous requirements The continued mask requirements are ridiculous. The science does not support it. Dr. Fauci has as much credibility as Dr. Pepper at this point. The highest paid government official in the United States needs to be fired. Russell Spaulding Clatskanie

Ecstatic about NEXT I live in Columbia County and am ecstatic the County Commissioners unanimously approved the NEXT project permits. This is the type of project that lifts us up as a com-

The Chief

were inedible. Heirloom varieties do not have this resistance and, for plantings past April 1, are probably as mistake in most summers unless you live in an isolated space with little aphid activity. Breeding for enation resistance was a significant success of the Oregon State University (go Beavs) pea breeding program in the mid-1960s.

munity. NEXT has already signed agreements for local hiring and union hiring. That means my friends and neighbors get lucrative jobs to support their families and bounce back from the COVID slump. And when you hire local, it means all that money lands locally. Small businesses will see jumps in sales. There will be an increased in tourism and recreation. There will be funding for local projects and we’ll see new businesses open. The county’s economy is slowly fading and family farms like the Lillich’s won’t fix that. County funding is strained, and Seely Mint can’t fill that gap. Climate change is impacting the Pacific northwest, and Columbia Riverkeeper’s NIMBY stance won’t reverse that. NEXT is good for our environmental and economic success, and the County Commissioners know that. Thank you Commissioners Magruder, Heimuller and Garrett. The residents of Columbia County are better off because you are our trusted leaders. Paul Philpott Rainier

The Chief (USPS 116-360) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051

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Friday, February 18, 2022

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Vendor hub opens

Courtesy photo

Dody’s Doo Dads offers a vast selection of DVDs, bath bombs, secondhand clothes, handmade jewelry and children’s toys. ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

A new Rainier business has opened, presenting another avenue for locals to buy and sell secondhand goods. Dody’s Doo Dads is situated between HOPE Chest Thrift Store and Evergreen Pub at 113 1st Street in Rainier. The secondhand store, managed by Doris Wheeler, daughter Amber, and partner Jason Davis, supplies treasures and oddities of all kinds. A share of old and new goods comingles on the shelves, encompassing “anything from baby clothes to jewelry,” Wheeler said. The store owners procure their items in a variety of ways, according to Wheeler. “Sometimes they’re brought into the store,” she said. “Sometimes I go to somebody and buy the estate rather than selling (the item) for them. I just buy the whole thing and I go over and pick out what I want. There are different ways to go about it.” Dody’s Doo Dads makes a 10% commission on the items sold through vendors. Those interested in selling can stop by the store anytime and talk to Wheeler or Davis to get set up. Wheeler said she and her partner have 30-odd years between them in the selling business, but this is the first time she and her partner have a place to run their operations. “Our community’s been very positive,” Wheeler said, in terms of the community’s

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reception to Dody’s. “The ones that I spoke to around town, people from the town that came in, it’s all been positive.” Wheeler and Davis’s social media posts generated a lot of positive community feedback, according to Facebook comments. She hopes that unveiling her collection of doodads will draw in community members, whether buying or selling. “I hope to bring something for people to do, a place where locals here and Rainier and Clatskanie can come, and they can put their stuff in here on consignment, their artwork, and things and we can share the different items that they make,” Wheeler said. “We’re trying to pull business down to downtown because it’s just so beautiful down there and (there’s) so much space for other opportunities for people just like us,” Davis added. “That’s what we’re hoping for.” Shoppers in downtown Rainier can peruse the unusual, the handcrafted, and the rare Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store held a grand opening Friday, Feb. 4. Pastries and coffee were provided for patrons to enjoy as they strolled the aisles, with proceeds from the baked good sales going to HOPE of Rainier.

Deadlines for children’s immunizations STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Health Authority has allowed local public health authorities to set alternate dates this year by which parents must provide vaccine records for their children or be excluded from school. The annual school immunization Exclusion Day typically happens during the third week in February. This year it is Feb. 16. But due to unexpected challenges the COVID-19 Omicron variant has presented for local public health authorities, schools and families, Exclusion Day will be March 30 for schools in Douglas County and April 20 for schools in Clackamas, Clatsop, Jefferson, Morrow, Multnomah and Yamhill counties. “Seven counties in Oregon chose an alternative Exclusion Day to give overburdened systems time to gather information,” OHA’s School Immunization Coordinator Stacy de Assis Matthews said. “Most counties are sticking with the Feb. 16 Exclusion Day date, but some have chosen alternate Exclusion Day dates for this year only.” County health departments have sent letters to families to let them know if their children’s records at the school or daycare shows missing

vaccines. Parents who receive the letter should take action by the date listed on the letter, depending on their county’s timeline, including: Making sure to update the record at school or daycare when the child gets the shots. Contacting 211 or the local health department to get help finding a clinic. Oregon’s immunization requirements protect kids in school and childcare against 11 diseases. Under state law, all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities must have up-to-date documentation on their required immunizations or have an exemption. The COVID-19 vaccine is not currently required for children. Children must have immunizations for the following diseases, or an exemption, to be in compliance with state school immunization laws: • Diphtheria • Tetanus • Pertussis • Polio • Measles • Mumps • Rubella • Hepatitis B • Hepatitis A • Varicella • Hib If a child’s school and

Metro Creative Connection

If a child’s school and childcare vaccination records are not up to date on their county’s Exclusion Day date, the child will be sent home.

childcare vaccination records are not up to date on their county’s Exclusion Day date, the child will be sent home. During the 2020-2021 school year, local health departments sent 25,147 letters to parents and guardians informing them that their children needed immunizations to stay in school or childcare. This year, letters to parents were mailed on or before Feb. 2. Letters may be mailed later for counties with an alternate Exclusion Day. Matthews said this year’s school immunization reminders are especially relevant. Three years ago, there were measles cases in the Northwest, and another outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases could strain already-taxed hospitals and health systems. “We don’t want another

disease outbreak on top of COVID-19,” she said. “Immunizations are the most effective way to stop the spread of measles, to keep kids and school communities healthy and safe.” Parents seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider or local health department or call 211Info — just dial 211 or go to 211info.org. No one can be turned away from a local health department because of the inability to pay for required vaccines. Many pharmacists can immunize children age 7 and older; contact your neighborhood pharmacy for details. Clatskanie and Rainier Immunization Exclusion Day was Feb. 16 for the Clatskanie School District. Children who are not up to date in their immunizations are required to stay home from school, according to district personnel. The Chief had not received a response from the Rainier School District as of press time. Contact your local school district for more information. Additional information about school immunizations can be found at the Immunization Program website.

Follow the business’s Instagram @dody.doo.dads for more information or to find out more about items sold.

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the Feb. 11, 2021 crossword puzzle

2022

April 23, 10 am-5pm & April 24, 11am-3pm At The Columbia County Fairgrounds 58892 Saulser Rd. St. Helens, OR 97051 PRESENTED BY

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