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Modernizing Oregon’s stalking laws

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon House and Senate have passed a bill that seeks to modernize Oregon’s stalking laws and offer victims protection from technology not previously accounted for when the state’s stalking laws were first written.

House Bill 4156 currently awaits Governor Tina Kotek’s signature and will take effect July 1, 2024.

While the bill was a topic of discussion in Salem, the motivation to modernize the law comes in part due to the work of local St. Helens Police Detective Sergeant Matt Smith. Smith said his involvement with the bill started with a local case.

“It started with a case here in St. Helens involving a victim who called in to report that she believed she was being tracked somehow, that she was being stalked by her ex-boyfriend. He was showing up at locations where he conceivably could not have known where she was unless he was somehow tracking her,” Smith said.

An inspection at a local auto shop revealed that there were, in fact, four hidden GPS trackers on her car. Smith said what made the case “tricky” was that despite the fact they suspected she was being tracked, under Oregon law, there was nothing that defined the activity as stalking.

“What I noticed when I pulled up the stalking statute, which I’ve used over my 20-year career many times, by the definitions of this bill, that’s not stalking,” Smith said. “It seems like it’s common sense, but this stalking statute was written over 25 years ago.”

Smith said that Representative Kevin Mannix, who originally wrote the stalking bill, was on board with updating the bill because, as Mannix put it, “I wrote this bill in the age of fax machines, not in the age of the smart phone.” Representative Susan McLain was also an

early supporter of the bill.

Smith found another need to modernize the stalking laws when he heard the experience of Amber Rosenberry, a friend he went to school with. Rosenberry is 2024’s International Ms. Oregon, but she underwent a harrowing stalking experience.

“It’s not something I would have been aware of if it hadn’t happened to me. I experienced extreme stalking behavior,” Rosenberry said. “It was very hard to be hearing from the folks I was turning to for help that there was nothing there could do, to hear that until I was assaulted or killed, there was very little that they could do.”

Smith and Rosenberry met at a Starbucks to discuss issues with stalking statutes and decided that the problem was the law. Smith said that the issue was that the law “didn’t capture all the conduct that’s going on with women across the state.”

In Smith’s St. Helens stalking case, Smith said the harassment escalated after the discovery of the GPS trackers on the victim’s car. The stalker obtained explicit images of the victim and threatened Smith to release them if the investigation was not ceased. Again, Smith said that under the old law, this type of behavior is not technically stalking.

“One of the things that I felt was really problematic is we’re having to do some really creative interpre-

tations of state law for something that should already be a crime,” Smith said. “Amber was someone who keyed me in on this, too; she said it’s not just stalking victims. If you have vulnerable women who are engaging in high-risk lifestyles, like, for instance, they’re trying to escape prostitution; they’re trying to escape human trafficking, the people who are trying to induce them into that lifestyle and threaten them are using a lot of the same actions.”

Getting accountability

Messaging, threats, and the release of nude images are just some examples of things that were not covered in the previous stalking law. The new stalking bill redefines “contact” to include electronic communications and contact. It also expands the definition of stalking to include acts like the unlawful application of GPS to cars.

“We were trying to figure out all these ways that suspects terrorize and track their victims, which were not covered under the original bill,” Smith said. “As you see with the final result, that’s the reason why certain sections are included: to bring the bill up to reflect how modern suspects are committing modern crimes.”

Rosenberry said that the lack

Construction could impact 13 Nights

Park haven’t been “well attended.”

Curry also mentioned concern about not holding 13 Nights downtown because the number of people who walk to the event outnumbers the number who drive.

projects downtown give rise to parking, safety, and construction impact concerns.

Mayor Rick Scholl raised the issue during the council work session on March 20 in discussion with the city’s contracted event coordinator, Tina Curry of E2C Corp. Scholl said that due to multiple city and county construction projects, it may not be viable to hold 13 Nights downtown.

Curry said that the plaza would not be being used and that it would be her “choice” of venue. One proposed alternative option by the city is McCormick Park. Curry said there are operational issues with McCormick Park, including permitting, fencing, lack of power, vendor control, security, limited parking, stage location, and lack of space for dancing.

Curry said there could be problems with syntax in the contract and that concerts in McCormick

“The walkers far exceed the drivers. We only know that because we keep track of the cars that park down here when we have free parking,”

Curry said. “Probably 70 percent walk.”

During public comment, multiple citizens spoke in opposition to moving the event out of downtown because of the money the series generates for businesses. During the discussion, Councilor Jessica Chilton emphasized that the council wants to explore options to keep the event downtown with the business owners in mind.

After hearing Curry’s explanation of how the event could be held in the plaza, Councilor Mark Gundersen said he thought the idea was “workable.” Councilor Russ Hubbard said the safety of the community is important and refuted the notion that

COURTESY PHOTO FROM ARIC RASCHDORF

Dance band Hit Machine playing in 2023. See

Page A7

Kindergartners receive first books

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Kindergartners around the area are receiving their “first” books, courtesy of St. Helens Noon Kiwanis Club.

On March 13 and 14, Kiwanis members Bill and Claudia Eagle, Hayley Starkey, along with the St. Helens High School Key Club President Kaitlyn McKinney gave books to all kindergarten kids at McBride and Lewis and Clark elementary schools.

Claudia Eagle began the program more than 15 years ago, and she and her husband, Bill, say that helping children is the number one priority for Kiwanis.

“I remember the first time we did it. I gave this book to [a girl] and she says, ‘I can take it home?

I don’t have to bring it back?’ and [she got] this big grin on her face,” Claudia Eagle said. Getting their first book was a similar experience for kids at Lewis and Clark Elementary. As the kids picked up their books, it was hard for them to contain their excitement. Bill Eagle emphasized that early reading is important, and that’s why Kiwanis got involved with helping establish the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for the entire county. “We still have children in our own community that don’t have books of their very own, that don’t read books, that there aren’t any books in their home,” Bill Eagle said. “People don’t realize the importance of books and early reading for literacy.”

Claudia Eagle started the pro-

gram when she was teaching and was shocked to see students without books of their very own. Claudia began the program with her own resources because the Kiwanis Club didn’t have the budget to purchase books for the kids. After two years of Claudia trying, on her own, to raise money, the club decided to budget for books and pay for the entire project.

This year, a welcome change was that many of the books were donated by the St. Helens High School Key Club. Bill Eagle said he was delighted with their contribution, and Claudia said it was a big relief. The books were collected books through a class competition last year. McKinney said that a lot of

See

COURTESY PHOTO

Detective Matt Smith.

Columbia Arts Guild’s Spring into Art Show

Images

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Spring has sprung, and the Columbia Arts Guild (CAG) is hoping Columbia County artists will jump at the opportunity to display their work at the Spring into Art Show on Saturday, Apr. 27.

The CAG’s third annual Spring into Art Show will take place from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center. CAG President Joan Youngberg said there was a similar annual event “years ago before it was disrupted by the pandemic. Coming out of the lockdown, the CAG “came back to the table” to get it going again.

“We changed the venue

and kind of upscaled it a little bit. We have a harpist, appetizers, and it was time we did a little something different,” Youngberg said. “What we hope to do is show people in Columbia County and our community what artists are doing and what their neighbors are doing.”

Youngberg encourages people to join the guild if they’d like but says people don’t need to be members to participate in the show. Last year, there were about 30 artists with more than 100 art pieces, and Youngberg hopes to have around 150 pieces on display this year.

Youngberg estimated that about half of the work on display is from guild members, and half the art is from

the public. Art styles vary; Youngberg said she tries not to limit what people submit, saying, “If it’s your art, it’s my art.” “There is all kinds of things: pottery, a lot of hanging wall art in all kinds of mediums, would carvers, and we really hope to embrace anything that somebody calls their art,”

Youngberg said. “We do remind people that it is a family-friendly show, so we’re trying to stay away from anything risqué.”

The event is open to Columbia County artists, over the age of 15, showing original art with a limit of 15 original pieces. The entry fee per piece by CAG members is $3 each, and for non-CAG

members, $5 each. Admission is free for the public if people want to see the show.

“We have the public vote for ‘Best of Show,’ it really has been a nice social time for the guild and the public,” Youngberg said. “We’ve had a nice showing since the beginning, and we hope to increase on that as well.”

Youngberg said this is a chance for talented artists in the community to be seen and called the collection “impressive.” She also said that the show is sometimes the first time people put their art on display for public consumption. Each work has to be original to be shown, and the artists can sell their paintings if they like.

“I would say 90% of it has a price tag on it. It’s one

of the very few opportunities that we have to sell art in Columbia County. So that is big for the artists as well,” Youngberg said. “Our mission statement, basically, in a nutshell, is to provide opportunities for artists in Columbia County and promote art within Columbia County.”

The CAG is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers to promote artists within Columbia County, according to the CAG website.

Please see further entry details at CAG’s website.

Entries are accepted on Apr. 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the community center. Contact information is Joan Youngberg, text or phone 503-369-1081.

South Columbia County Chamber 2023 Annual Awards Celebration

South

for 2023 was filled with community spirit, delicious food, and meaningful recognition.

The event was held on Saturday, March 23, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds with over 250 attendees. The evening began with the Vault Elite Cheer Team, setting the stage for a night of delightful experiences.

The Village Inn served a garden salad, and two no-host bars provided by Crooked Creek Brewery and Beyond the Forest offered a wide range of options for guests to enjoy. The buffet-style dinner hosted by Sunshine Pizza added elegance and a hometown feel, making for lasting memories.

The Chamber of Com-

was

by board president Ronda Hills. Highlighting achievements of the past year, “including thirteen business ribbon-cutting ceremonies, showcasing the community’s growth,” said Hills. The awards ceremony was the highlight of the evening, honoring those who made significant contributions to the community. Premiere Restoration Partners received the All-Star Host of the Year award. Beyond the Forest was named Small Business of the Year, and Columbia Pacific Food Bank was recognized as Non-profit of the Year. These awards underscored the collective achievements of our community in 2023, a testament to our shared dedication and resilience. Habitat for Humanity ReStore received

Sustainable Business of the Year, Peggy Howell received the Silver Citizen of the Year award, and Jason Moon was honored as First Citizen of the Year.

Reflecting on the support from his family and friends that transformed his life, Moon said, “I want to express my gratitude for the incredible dedication, resilience, and community support that have brought me from the edge of the St. John’s Bridge to standing here tonight.”

Medium Business of the Year, along with New Business of the Year, went to Crooked Creek Brewery.

Entrepreneur of the Year Crooked Creek’s Dave Lauridsen’s acknowledgment of the value of “surrounding myself with intelligent individuals has been a highlight of my journey along with embrac-

ing a collaborative spirit that drives success and change within the community.”

Large Business of the Year went to Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH). The event not only celebrated the achievements of individuals and organizations but also served as a reminder of the strength and support within the community.

Jak Massey is the executive director of the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

Massey wanted to thank Melinda from My NW Event in Warren, Sandra from the Beauty Lounge, and Gail from A Bushel & A Peck.

For more information on Chamber of Commerce membership or events, contact Massey at mgr@sccchamber. org or 503-397-0685.

Raymond Carver Writing Festival returns to Clatskanie May 17-18

SUBMITTED

“Where I’m Calling

From,” the title of both a short story and a collection of stories by Raymond Carver, the world-renowned writer born in Clatskanie, is the theme of the annual Raymond Carver Writing Festival May 17-18. Prior to the two-day festival, the Clatskanie Library again is sponsoring a poetry contest during April “Poetry Month.”

Poems brought to the Clatskanie Library at 11 Lillich Street or emailed to admin@clatskanielibrary.org by April 30 will be judged in the following categories: young people who live within the Clatskanie School District boundaries in four age group divisions, 8-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-18, and Adults, open to adults throughout the Lower Columbia River region. Cash prizes for the first two places in each category will be awarded. More information is available at www.clatskanielibrary.org.

Carver, who was called by novelist Stephen King “surely the most influential writer of American short stories in the second half of the 20th century,” was born on May 25, 1938, in the brick building on Clatskanie’s North Nehalem Street, which served at the time as Dr.

hospital. Named Raymond Clevie Carver, Jr., after his father who was employed as a saw filer at the Wauna paper mill, Ray spent only the first two years of his life in the Clatskanie area before the family moved to Yakima, Wash. Carver returned to Clats-

kanie only once, in 1984, the same year he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Accompanied by Tess Gallagher, who would become his second wife, Carver stopped at the Clatskanie Library where he signed copies of his book; visited the Flippin Castle and signed the Dr. Wooden Baby Book; lunched at Hump’s Restaurant; then he and Tess read some of their poems aloud in the Evergreen Shopping Center/Safeway parking lot. Carver died of lung cancer in 1988 at the age of 50.

The 2024 Raymond Carver Writing Festival will begin Friday, May 17, at 5 p.m. at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 S. Nehalem Street, with a publishers and writers fair, followed by a reception beginning at 6 p.m. featuring Chad Wrigelsworth of The Raymond Carver Review. Keynote presenter at the reception will be Kim Stafford, a poet and essayist from Portland, former Oregon Poet Laureate, and the son of the late William Staf-

ford, also a renowned poet and a U.S. Poet Laureate.

Bob Pyle, an ecologist and the author of 14 books, is the featured poet for the festival. He will lead a poetry reading on the opening evening at Flowers ’n Fluff, 45 E. Columbia River Highway. Story-telling at Fultano’s, 770 E. Columbia River Highway, will follow. The evening will conclude with readings and open mic at Colvin’s Pub & Grill, 135 N. Nehalem Street. Kim Stafford will open the second day of the festival, Saturday, May 18, with a morning writing warm-up at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, followed by workshops organized by novelist Marianne Monson of the Astoria Writers Guild.

Attendees and participants of the free writing festival are encouraged to Explore Carver in Clatskanie at several locations around the community on Saturday afternoon, where there will be readings and presentations. In commemoration of Carver’s visit to Clatskanie 40 years ago, Parking Lot Poetry will be read at the Evergreen Shopping Center/ Safeway parking lot, 401 W. Columbia River Highway. The Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich Street, will offer writing prompts for those who wish to steal time for writing. Readings of their poetry by the youth winners of the Raymond Carver Writing Festival Poetry Contest are set for 4:30 p.m. in the Birkenfeld Theatre at the Clatskanie Cultural Center. A dinner will be hosted by the Clatskanie Farmer Collective at 6 p.m. at the Food Hub, 80 NE Steele Street. Cost is $20 per plate. Dessert will be a potluck of pies - Carver’s favorite dessert. After dinner, winners of the adult poetry contest will be introduced and asked to present their poems, followed by an open mic poetry session hosted by Joseph Green, a Longview poet and retired Lower Columbia College professor.

James Wooden’s

COURTESY PHOTO FROM DEBORAH HAZEN

The building on N. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie where Carver was born. A mural now adorns the wall.

CHRONICLE & CHIEF PHOTO

South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce presented their 2023

Excellence Awards on Saturday, with over 250 guests in attendance at the Columbia County Fairgrounds

The

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s Celebration of Excellence Awards

merce annual report

given

CHRONICLE & CHIEF PHOTO

Chamber of Commerce Board President Ronda Hills and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jak Massey presided over the awards ceremony.

CHRONICLE & CHIEF PHOTO

The Vault Elite Cheer Team got the evening started with an on-stage performance to the delight of the crowd.

CHRONICLE & CHIEF PHOTO Cristine Lauridsen and David Lauridsen holds awards received for New Business of the Year, Medium Business of the Year, and Entrepreneur of the Year. Jason Moon (right) received First Citizen of the Year.

COURTESY PHOTOS FROM JOAN YOUNGBERG

from the 2023 CAG Spring into Art Show.

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.

St. Helens Police Department

March 9

• Police responded to a theft of a firearm at the 5000 block of Alexandra Lane.

March 13

• Police arrested a 25-year-old male subject and a 24-yearold male subject on drug offenses at the 5000 block of Columbia River Highway.

• Officers responded to a hit-and-run crash and agency assist near Helens Way and Catarin Street.

March 14

• Officers assisted another

agency on a search warrant at the 30000 block of Linden Street.

• Police arrested a 38-yearold male subject on menacing-assault physical or weapon at the 100 block of 18th Street.

March 15

• Police arrested a 46-yearold male subject for driving while suspended at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

• Officers cited and released a 37-year-old male subject for driving while suspended or revoked near 16th Street and Wyeth Street.

March 16

• Officers arrested a 32-yearold female subject on a fugitive warrant at the 500 block of Milton Way.

March 17

• Police arrested a 26-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 50000 block of Alexandria.

March 18

• Officers arrested a 27-yearold male subject on DUII, and reckless driving near 18th Street and Dubois Lane.

March 19

• Police arrested a 19-yearold male subject on theft I at the 1000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

March 21

• Officers arrested a 24-yearold male subject on violation of restraining order at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

• Police cited and released a 36-year-old female subject for driving while suspended or revoked near 11th Street and West Street.

• Police arrested a 33-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 100 block of North 18th Street.

Rainier Police Department

March 13

• A local business called

when a customer was paying for merchandise with suspected counterfeit bills. The customer was compliant and was surprised to hear the money might be fake.

• An officer responded to an alarm activation. The building was found to be secure.

March 14

• Officers attempted to locate a vehicle that a man has reportedly been living in. The vehicle and the man were no longer in the area.

• A citizen turned in suspected drug paraphernalia.

• A panic alarm was activated at a local business. The alarm was set off accidentally.

March 15

• A caller was concerned about the welfare of a small dog locked in a vehicle that appeared to be in distress. An officer was able to locate the responsible person, let the dog out of the car, and educated the person regarding animal abuse laws.

• A dog has been disrupting the neighborhood with ongoing barking. The owner was issued a warning.

• An officer responded to check on a reportedly suspicious person. No one was in the vicinity.

March 17

• Another complaint was received about the disruptive dog barking, and the owner was issued a citation.

• An officer was dispatched to an alarm call. The building was secure on arrival.

• A motorist reported a woman acting strange, waving her hands around while crossing the bridge. WSP had received multiple calls about the same individual. She was not in distress.

March 18

• An officer responded to an alarm activation at a business. The building was found secure.

• An abandoned vehicle was tagged for removal, and a letter was sent to the regis

tered owner.

• A citizen reported a van with a bunch of stuff stacked around the vehicle. An officer spoke to the responsible party, and the area was cleaned up.

• A caller reported a dog locked in a vehicle and was concerned for the animal’s safety. An officer located the owner, who was gambling, and gave them a warning.

March 19

• A resident reported a suspicious person standing on the sidewalk outside of their house. The subject was transported to her residence.

• An officer responded to check on a suspected homeless person by the docks. The man was resting and left the city shortly thereafter.

• An officer contacted a resident who was upset after a man verbally assaulted her dog. Peace was restored.

• A caller reported a man sleeping in his vehicle in a residential area.

Job events coming up for Columbia County

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

For folks in Columbia County looking for employment opportunities this spring, there are upcoming job fairs and events hosted by Goodwill Job Connection that can help.

The first event will be a job fair on Thursday, Mar. 28, at the Scappoose Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Four employers, as well as Worksource Oregon, Job Connection, and Goodwill, will be represented at the event.

Job Connection Employment Specialist Noelle Linden talked about what people can expect from the opportunity.

“My hope is that people looking for work can get connected with employers hiring and the resources in the community to help them

in their job search,” Linden said. “Both Worksource and Goodwill Job Connection offer that.” Linden emphasized that the job fair is open to anyone

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in Columbia County who is interested in finding a new vocation. In addition to finding available opportunities, Linden gave examples of some of the benefits of enrolling with the Job Connection program.

“Job Connection offers free job search, resume building, cover letters, and interview tips to all of Columbia County,” Linden said. “If you enroll, and are hired on to a job, and report it timely, you will receive a Goodwill clothing gift card.”

The second job fair will be Tuesday, April 30, at St. Wenceslaus Church from 2-4 p.m. Linden said she is hoping this one will be a larger event. As of right now, they have five employers, Worksource, Job Connection, and

Goodwill. Linden hopes to get a total of eight employers to the second event, in addition to Job Connection and Goodwill.

Linden also wanted to be sure that people knew about an opportunity to meet with her. On Tuesday, Apr. 2, Linden is hosting a “Meet the Employment Specialist” event at the Columbia Learning Center in St. Helens from 2-4 p.m.

“This event is for people to come, meet me, ask questions, get enrolled in Job Connection, and hear about who is hiring locally,” Linden said.

Linden hopes to see people come from all over Columbia County to learn about opportunities within the community.

Headed to Nationals

P.E.O. Sells Tulips for Scholarships

SUBMITTED

The annual Easter weekend tulip sale by Clatskanie’s Chapter T P.E.O. is set this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 28-30, to benefit scholarships for women. Bouquets of fresh tulips, in a variety of colors, will sell for $9 a bunch from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, at Flowers ’n Fluff, 45 E. Columbia River Highway. On Friday and Saturday, March 29-30, the tulips will be sold from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farmhouse Coffee and Hi-School Pharmacy, in the Evergreen Shopping Center, 401 W.

Columbia River, and from 3 to 6 p.m. in front of HiSchool Pharmacy. Proceeds benefit P.E.O. scholarship and loan programs. “It has become a tradition for Chapter T to sell tulips at Easter. The proceeds help us continue our work to sponsor local girls and women for thousands of dollars in P.E.O. scholarships. We are grateful to the local businesses which allow us to sell in front of their storefronts, and to the many people who look forward each year to brightening their holiday with beautiful fresh bouquets,” said Deborah Hazen, a member of Chapter T P.E.O. for 46 years. P.E.O. is an international philanthropic educational organization for women which awards scholarships and loans to women of all ages to continue their post-secondary educations. Clatskanie’s Chapter T has sponsored dozens of local women for the scholarship and loan programs and also awards annually a Character and Leadership Award to a graduating Clatskanie High School girl. Those wishing to order tulips in advance may call Becki Horness at 503-3082363.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM DEBORAH HAZEN

Bouquets of fresh tulips are being offered this Easter season by Clatskanie’s Chapter T P.E.O. March 28-30. P.E.O. members pictured front row from left are: Elizabeth Kruse, Norma Nelson, Jan Gillespie, Estrella Brown, Kara Harris; middle row: Jeanne Kangas, Connie Sims, Megan Evenson, Pam Sigler; back row: Kathy Engel, Betty Palmrose, Hallie Parker, and Becki Horness.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM NOELLE LINDEN

The first event will be a job fair on

28, at the Scappoose Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

Courtesy photo

Merkley Monthly: Shoring up investments in Oregon’s ports

JEFF MERKLEY Chronicle

Oregon’s ports are not only vital for our state— they’re critical to America. Just think back to the pandemic, when dozens of container ships had to wait to dock off the West Coast and Americans across the country felt the effects. Fertilizer, furniture, electronics, clothing, cars, crops, and timber are just a few of the many goods that move through Oregon’s 23 small and coastal public ports every day to businesses and store shelves around the world.

Our ports also are home to commercial fishermen, crabbers, and recreational businesses, seafood processors and marina operators, not to mention thousands of workers in local communities. And our ports provide critical infrastructure for disaster response and recovery, so that first responders and emergency supplies can get where they’re needed fast.

That’s why I’ve worked hard to bring home federal dollars to maintain and upgrade our ports for the next generation—especially our small ports that have too often been overlooked in the past, like the $20 million I secured for workforce development at small shipyards. These invest-

ments will help our ports be safer, more efficient, and support more good-paying, local jobs.

Here are three examples of recent investments by the federal government in Oregon’s ports. In Clatsop County, the Port of Astoria received over $26 million from the federal government for critical repairs to Pier 2 West, which is a major hub for seafood processing and commerce. In Coos County, the Coquille Indian Tribe received $7.7 million to repair and extend docks and install a shore power outlet box to the wharf so folks won’t need to rely on idling diesel engines. And, in Lincoln County, the Port of Newport received $3.8 million to build more laydown and storage space, increase

security, and make repairs to docks and pilings at the Newport International Terminal.

The Port of Garibaldi, in Tillamook County, was awarded $62 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to perform critical repairs on the struggling south jetty, but more is needed to ensure safe passage in and out of the Port. And I just secured an additional $748,000 community-initiated project to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue dredging the federal navigation channel and will keep push for funding to finish repairs on the jetty to ensure its safety and economic security. I also secured $720,000 for another one of these critical projects to continue essential maintenance dredging for the Port of Coos Bay for safer navigation.

To be sure, there is still more to do for our ports. I’ll keep fighting for Coos Bay’s transformative container port project, which would be a game changer for the region and the nation. These kinds of targeted investments in Oregon’s small ports and large shipyards have a huge return on investment for so many parts of our state’s economy.

Thriving ports are essential for good-paying jobs and strong coastal communities, and I’ll continue to fight to keep Oregon’s ports and economy growing strong.

Early spring green season

except that these generally need more space between plants. Collards can get really big as can kale and chard.

Swiss chard –one fantastic vegetable!

Chard, also called Swiss chard, is a close relative of beets. But unlike most beets, chard is grown for its tasty, vitamin-rich greens, rather than its root. The large green leaves have a texture similar to spinach and have edible fleshy red, yellow, orange, silver or white stalks.

at the SBWC nursery, located at Scappoose High School. Look for signs – go east on SE High School Way and turn into the parking lot between the high school and the school ball field areas. This is their semi-annual event to get you ready for spring and summer planting. They have lots of new plants at great prices –all native to our area. Staff and volunteers are available to help choose plants, suggest gardening ideas, and provide information on establishing and maintaining native vegetation. For more information see https://www. scappoosebay-wc.org/nativeplant-nursery.

Early spinach

It is time to consider planting some early spring greens, either from seed or if you can find them, from transplants.

Spinach does very well now and in the early fall but it can’t stand summer heat. It bolts to seed quickly.

There are quite a few nice spinach varieties. If you can make a mini-greenhouse (also called a cloche) with 10-gauge wire hoops and clear plastic or floating row covers, the seeds and transplants will grow faster and you will be eating the leaves sooner. The row covered with clear plastic can get too hot on a sunny day so be prepared to open the plastic in the morning to allow good air flow during the day. Spinach is fairly disease resistant but will be eaten by slugs and, from personal experience, by field mice (voles) that tend to take one young leaf at a time. Bait for the slugs and traps for the voles will stop or reduce damage. Plant in cycles.

Some other leafy greens that can be started are chard (see below), kale, mustard, collards, and lettuce. They are grown much like the spinach

Chard is amazingly cold hardy and a planting often lasts through the winter. Unlike spinach, it does not bolt to seed as the temperatures warm, allowing harvests all summer long. Plant chard seeds about 30 days before the last frost date (for the St. Helens Scappoose area, the last average frost is about April 20). Plant about 6 to 10 chard seeds per foot, about an inch deep in nitrogen-rich soil. Plant chard rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Thin chard plants to about 12 inches apart. This gives the seedlings space to grow to their mature size of about 2 to 2.5 feet tall and about 1.5 feet wide. Plants removed at thinning time can be used as salad greens. When plants get about eight inches tall, side dress them with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Keep evenly watered throughout the summer. Unless your family freezes or cans chard, eight plants may be enough for a family of four. The most serious pest is a leaf miner. This rascal lays eggs on the leaf, and the larvae burrow in between the upper and lower leaf surfaces, cleaning out all the good stuff and leaving a translucent, papery blotch. The little pellets of leaf miner poop are a giveaway. The best way to deal with these pests is to cover the chard with row cover (see below) Chard can be harvested throughout an entire growing season, beginning when the leaves are seven to nine inches tall. Cut outer leaves first, about one inch from the soil surface with a sharp knife. Be careful not to damage the new inner stems and growing points. Harvested chard can be stored unwashed in the refrigerator for a few days. For long-term storage, can or freeze chard. Chard can be eaten as a steamed vegetable, stir-fried and added to soups and casseroles. My favorite varieties are Rhubarb chard, which has dark green leaves and red stalks and can be an attractive plant for a flower border and Bright Lights has a mix of different colored stalks

Community Events

March 28 Columbia 9-1-1

Communications District Board of Directors Regular Meeting

9 a.m. in person and via Zoom. For instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom please contact the administrative staff at 503366-6973.

March 30 2024 mEGGa Egg

Hunt

10:30 a.m. gates open. Hunt starts at 11 a.m. sharp. Gates close at 12:30 p.m. This event is for kids 12 years old and younger and is held at The Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Come by for a coloring contest, plant a seed to take home, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, and a special needs hunt area. Ride CCRider with the Bunny from McBride School.

April 6 Annual Town Meeting

9 a.m. at Scappoose High School auditorium. Hear the State of the City Address by Scappoose Mayor Joe Backus and meet with City officials, community partners, and residents. Free to everyone and includes coffee and breakfast.

April 6 Sheehan Memorial Chess Tourney

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Scappoose Middle School Gym and cafeteria. This tournament is designed for children and adults of all ages and ability levels. Registration is required and registration fee is $10. For more information go to biglarryproductions. com/msmct-april-6.

and is also truly stunning enough to be in an ornamental border.

Floating row covers

Row covers are made from a gauzy fabric. The heavier grades are used for winter cold protection in nurseries, the lighter styles are for modest heat retention and frost damage prevention for vegetable crops. Many Columbia County gardeners have used the light fabrics with excellent results. They speed the emergence of corn (and keep the crows from finding it), accelerate the growth of most vegetables and can keep some of the peskiest insects from laying their eggs on our crops. The fabric does not need support. You lay the cover with enough slack to allow the vegetables to push the cover up as they get bigger. You can easily cover a mature broccoli row. The fabric is held down with boards, rocks, or soil. Light and water pass through the cover. That said, most gardeners tend to make “cloches” with wire hoops to hold the fabric higher. You can develop high slug and weed populations under row covers, so vigilance and timely treatment of problems is important.

Many Extension publications available online

Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? 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.

Got food safety or food preservation questions?

Food Preservation recipes and fact sheets can be accessed online at: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/food/ preservation

Important notes

• Donate extra garden produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It always is greatly appreciated.

• The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Resource information

Oregon State University

Community Church, 305 W 3rd Street in Rainier. Silent/ live auction items, dessert auction and raffle items. Trivia night - you are welcome to join a team up to six players. $10 per person. For questions email safestudentsrainier@ gmail.com.

April 6 Mason Bees…What

the Buzz is All About

11 a.m. at Elaine’s Feed N’ Tack, 33531 Commercial Ave. in Scappoose. Join Fat Dog Farms at Elaine’s Feed in Scappoose to learn all about mason bees and how to increase your berry and fruit yields with pollinators the easy way!

April 13 Spring Craft & Arts Fair

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Plymouth Presbyterian Church, 2615 Sykes Road in St. Helens. This is a family friendly event. Come shop for some arts and crafts with local vendors. All proceeds support Plymouth’s mission projects. If interested in being a vendor, please call 503-397-0062 or email plymouthchurchsh@gmail.com.

April 13 Spring Native Plant Sale 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at nursery behind Scappoose High School, 33700 High School Way in Scappoose. Presented by Scappoose Bay Watershed Council. For more information contact the Project Manager at projectmanager@ scappoosebay-wc.org or 503308-8605.

April 6 Volunteer Work Day

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Nob Hill Nature Park with Scappoose Bay Watershed Council (SBWC) and Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park. Meet at kiosk across from city’s water treatment plant, 451 Plymouth Street in St. Helens. Help pull ivy and put in native plants donated by SBWC. Dress for weather, including rain gear if needed. Please bring gloves, tools, water and snacks. Pre-registration is requested by Friday, April 5 by calling Scappoose Bay Watershed Council at 503-397-7904 or e-mail to: info@scappoosebay-wc.org. For day of event, call 503349-8586.

April 6 Rainier Senior Class of 2024 Fundraiser for Safe and Sober Party

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Riverside

April 14 Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters 3 p.m. - Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters featuring a 6-piece band. Tickets available at clatskaniearts.org.

Presented by The Clatskanie Arts Commission, Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie.

April 16 Poetry Open Mic Night 6 p.m. As part of April’s National Poetry Month, the Longview Public Library is hosting a poetry open mic night. Anyone can perform a poem you’ve written, read open-source poems provided by the library and more. Sign up starts at 5:30 p.m. For more information go to longviewlibrary.org or call 360-442-5300.

April 18 Northwest Voices Workshop “Poetry + Zines” 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Presenta-

tion by poet and writer Dayle Olson at Lower Columbia College. You will learn how short poems can combine with images to convey big feelings. No artistic talent required, just a willingness to be creative and have fun. Materials provided. For more information go to longviewlibrary.org or call 360-4425300.

April 26 Updated EventSpencer Day tribute to Frank Sinatra

7:30 p.m. - Due to visa problems, Will Martin performance has been canceled and will be replaced by Spencer Day and his tribute to Frank Sinatra. Will Martin tickets will be honored for this performance. Presented by The Clatskanie Arts Commission, Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie.

April 27 3rd Annual Spring into Art Show

5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center, 2625 Gable Road in St. Helens. This event is presented by The Columbia Arts Guild and is open to Columbia County artists over the age of 15, showing original art with a limit of 15 original pieces. Entry fee for CAG members is $3 each, no-CAG members is $5 each. Entires accepted on April 27 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the community center. For details go to columbiaartsguild.com or contact Joan at 503-369-1081.

May 18 Spring Sip & Shop

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Columbia City Hall, 1840 2nd Street in Columbia City. Free admission and can food drive donations for Columbia Pacific Food Bank. Shop over 20+ vendors, floral arrangements by Mobile Meadows, music provided by Summer Wedding Events, LLC and food and alcoholic beverages available. For more information visit the Facebook event page @Spring Sip & Shop. Hosted by Twisted Sisters Boutique, LLC and The Watering Hole, LLC. For more information contact twistedsisters.b.llc@ gmail.com.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Waste dump

The St. Helens City council voted to turn the cooling lagoon into a waste dump this last council meeting. MFA will be paid $88K for preparing the necessary material and obtaining the permits for the transformation from cooling/sewer treatment to a waste dump facility. This is after years of no public meetings, and a few illegal executive meetings as deter-

mined by the OGEC. This will mean that St. Helens will have one of the only waste dumps between two of the future development areas of any city in the country. The hoped for solar panel plant and the riverside apartment complex will surround the 39 acres dump after a new location for our present sewer plant is found. This finalizes administrations years of effort to bring a dumpsite to downtown St. Helens.

No discussion took place at the council meeting discussing the fact that to fill this waste dump over a ten-year period, trucks will be arriving and leaving 24/7. The costs of moving the sewerage plant, building the dump facility, and possibly building the docks needed for unloading were not discussed. Could this be another police station type project?

Steven R. Topaz St. Helens

COURTESY

Jeff Merkley

OR 503-693-7965, Fax: 503-357-4421

Jack Rofinot, US Navy, Master Chief E9, passed away at 87 peacefully on Feb. 18, 2024 in Hospice at Long Beach VA Hospital, CA. Jack was an electrician on submarines for 30 years. Jack was a man of kindness, always with a twinkle in his eye, he loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a friend to everyone.

Jack is survived by the mother of his children, Joan, his daughter Ellen, son in law Michael, son Jack, granddaughter Taylor, fiancé Wyatt, great granddaughter Rylee and granddaughter Hailey.

Jack was born in New London, Connecticut, on Oct. 6, 1936 and raised as the only child of Ralph and Dorothy Rofinot. Ralph was in the US Navy so Jack travelled a lot as a child, specifically to Hawaii, California and Oregon. Jack was in Hawaii during Pearl Harbor and then

Russell Fred was called home by his Heavenly Father on Jan. 22, 2024. He was born the summer of 1936 on Schaffran Road to Ellen and Ernest. He was their fifth and final child, and raised with his siblings Robert, Clarence, Vera (Duchsherer) and Gladys (Gallow). He would live on that road until 1976.

In 1960, he met his wife, Patricia. They married weeks later and would go on to welcome their children: Debi (Sadler), Kelli (Puzey), Amy (Remick) and son Owen. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before his passing.

Jack Rofinot

Oct. 6, 1936 ~ Feb. 17, 2024

went to San Francisco with his mom while his dad fought in the war.

Jack was raised in St. Helens, Oregon and grew up hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing sports. He excelled in football in high school. Jack graduated from St. Helens High School in 1956 and enlisted in the US Navy. Jack completed Recruit Training, EM “A” School

NTC and the Naval Submarine School 1956-1957. Jack’s submarine and training center assignments, which were mostly based in San Diego, CA, started with the USS Trout, New London, CT 1957-1960, US Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL 1960-1961, USS Baya, San Diego, CA 1961-1965, Service School Command, San Diego, CA 1965-1968, USS Salmon, San Diego, CA 1968-1971, Submarine Development Group One, San Diego, CA 1971-1972, Deep Submergence Recue Vehicle (DSRV-2) Avalon, San Diego, CA 1972-1975, DATC/FMAG, San Diego, CA 1975-1978, Trieste II (DSVI), San Diego, CA 1978-1980, USS Sperry, San Diego, CA 1980-1981, Submarine Development Group One, San Diego, CA 19811983 and retired at Trident Refit Facility, Bangor, WA 1984-1986.

Russell Fred Schaffran Aug. 9, 1936 ~ Jan. 22, 2024

Russ’s final profession in banking would move his family to Clatskanie, Oregon in 1976. For 30 years, he would serve as bank man-

ager, Gideon and Kiwanian. He would also serve on the school and fire department boards. In retirement, he and

Being a part of the Navy was his proudest achievement. Jack was a military man above all else. Jack enjoyed taking his family on tours to show them all of the interesting things on the submarines and ships. Jack received a piece of the deck removed from the USS Sperry 1942-1982 when it was decommissioned. When Jack retired from the Navy, he enjoyed tending bar until he decided to work for PG&E which he invested in the stock. He retired from PG&E when the stock was high. Jack started his own business building and modifying golf clubs. Jack has always enjoyed playing golf, restoring classic cars, sports and painting.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” reception on March 30, 2024 from noon to three at the Warren Country Inn at 56575 Columbia River Highway, Warren, OR 97053.

Pat relocated to Redmond, Oregon in 2004.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents and all siblings.

He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews.

The family asks you to join them to celebrate memories and share a piece of pie in his honor.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sat., May 11, 2024 at Clatskanie Community Church, 415 S. Nehalem Street, Clatskanie, Oregon.

Oct. 26, 1979 ~ Feb. 28, 2024

Thomas Loren Manual Sullivan, born on Oct. 26, 1979, in Nowata, Oklahoma, passed away on Feb. 28, 2024, in Seaview, Washington, due to Coronary Disease. He was the beloved son of Tom Dale Sullivan and Kathryn LaRee Sullivan.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Tom Dale Sullivan, stepfathers Mike Page and John Spangler, half-brother Dana Cooper Jr. and his son Dana Cooper III, brother Mark Dale Sullivan and Mark’s beloved wife Paige Sullivan, and his own wife and love of his life, “Bekah” Rebecca Renee Sullivan.

He is survived by his mother, LaRee Sullivan, son Jayden Jacob Estes, stepdaughter Jolynda “Jody” Williams, step-son Austin

Chadderedon, son Carter Lynch, half-brother “Jimmy” Cooper, niece Alivia Cooper, nieces Emily and Jade Sullivan, nephew Allan Sullivan, half-sister Celeste Avery, aunt Cindy and uncle Andy Avery, aunt Dianna Bordelon, aunt Andrea Bordelon,

aunt Renee and uncle Baxter Mercer, cousin Sherri See See, extended family member Meredith Brown. Thomas fell in love with Bekah when he was 18, and she was 16. They had their baby Jayden Jacob Estes. They were young and life happened. Twenty years later, Thomas and Bekah married on July 14, 2023, completing each other’s lives and family. Tragically, Bekah passed away four months ago due to a brain aneurysm. Thomas graduated from Kelso High School and had a diverse employment history, from working at the Shell station to being a longdistance truck driver and eventually driving for A-1 Concrete in Seaview, Washington, in order to be home

each night for the children. An avid Harley Rider, Thomas had a passion for motorcycles throughout his life. He was known for his immense love for his family, always checking in on his mother with a hug and an “I love you.” Thomas never fully recovered from the loss of his brother Mark in June 2023 and the sudden passing of his wife in October 2023. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Thomas’s life will be held at Groulx Family Mortuary on 25381 Wonderly Road, Rainier, OR on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Noon. Thomas Sullivan will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family and his kind heart and enjoyment of life.

St. Helens Elks host luncheon for First Responders

Over 60 were in attendance at the St. Helens Elks Lodge to honor first responders for their service.

SUBMITTED

Heroes are often described as “ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances and acting with courage, honor, and self-sacrifice.” In recognition of their unwavering dedication to our community’s safety, the St. Helens Elks Lodge proudly hosted the 1st Annual First Responders Luncheon on Saturday, March 16.

The Elks invited all full-time and volunteer local law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency

responders to this heartfelt appreciation event. The response was amazing, with over 60 in attendance at the St. Helens Elks Lodge to honor first responders for their selfless service.

The St. Helens Elks Lodge offered each first responder a complimentary meal and an Elks First Responders challenge coin as a token of appreciation. During the luncheon, Exalted Ruler Sean Williams addressed the attendees, expressing profound gratitude and ad-

miration for their courageous efforts in safeguarding the community.

“We deeply appreciate and support the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe,” stated Exalted Ruler Sean Williams. “You are the guardians of our communities, the silent heroes who stand ready to answer the call; for that, we are eternally grateful.”

The lodge was filled with camaraderie and appreciation as attendees enjoyed a delicious meal, shared stories, and were honored for their service. The St. Helens Elks Lodge looks forward to continuing this tradition of honoring our first responders and plans to host the 2nd Annual First Responders Luncheon next year.

For more information about the St. Helens Elks Lodge and its community initiatives, please visit https:// www.sthelenselks.org/ or call the lodge at (503) 397-1999.

Thomas Loren Manual Sullivan

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Help Wanted

HEAD LIFEGUARD

Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is accepting applications 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. Applications can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni.net. If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren at 503-728- 2757 or 208- 249-7144. Applications will be accepted until 4:00pm on Monday, April 15, 2024.

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 Lifeguard Training/Certification Course. Training dates will be June 14- 17 at the Clatskanie Swimming Pool. You can request an application by phone at 503- 728-2757, by email at csp@cni. net. Applications can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni.net. If you have any questions,

on a 54-2 vote and 25-3 in the Senate.

Rosenberry gave some insight as to what it meant to see the bill be passed in the legislature. As it was happening, she didn’t show any emotion, but when she got behind closed doors, she said it was an emotional release.

“That is the most typical trauma survivor behavior. I did not show, or have emotions in the moment, but as soon as I was behind closed door I had the biggest emotional, excited, relieved

reaction,” Rosenberry said. Smith said that the bipartisan passage of the bill shows that it is a relevant and important change to make to keep people throughout Oregon safe from modern threats. Smith said he wants his victim from the St. Helens case and Rosenberry to understand that their experience helped change the state law.

“I’ve asked for a bill signing ceremony. I want [her] to come down. I want her to be there because I know she’s

been going through a lot, but something that I’ve stressed with her is that her courage in reporting it and staying true to the investigation has changed state law,” Smith said. “And the same goes for Amber. She was a victim of a hellacious stalking case, and I think it’s important for Amber and [her] to both see that what they went through was terrible, but because of what they went through, they will hopefully prevent it from happening to other women in the state.”

PUBLIC NOTICES

CC24-1079

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to ORS

477.250, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held at the Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Grove District Office, 801 Gales Creek Road, in Forest Grove, Oregon, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 3:00 pm, to receive from any interested persons

suggestions, advice, objections or remonstrance’s to the proposed budget for the Forest Protection District. A copy of the tentative budget for the Forest Protection District may be inspected during normal working hours. To ensure the broadest range of services to individuals with disabilities, persons with

disabilities requiring special arrangements should contact Renae Shippey, at 503-3597424

CC24-1085

CITY OF CLATSKANIE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). Agenda items include but are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the March 6th, 2024 regular meeting, a presentation of the 2022-23 fiscal year audit, a resolution supporting a City Park sport court renovation, a resolution for a budget adjustment changing the 2023-2024 Capi-tal Projects, a public hearing on a supplemental budget resolution to include the overages and contract addendums for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Project, and a presentation of the 20242025 fiscal year CIP projects. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by March 29th, 2024. Access to the meeting on ZOOM will be posted on the city website, www.cityofclatskanie. com. Please call City Hall (503-728-2622) at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.

NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING

CC24-1080 McNulty

CC24-1081

CC24-1071

CC24-1083

NOTICE OF AUTHORIZED APPROVAL OF TWO CLASS SPECIAL PROCUREMENTS

Notice is hereby given that on March 20, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners, acting as the local public contract review board, authorized approval of two class special procurements through Ordinance No. 2024-

CC24-1085

2; for investment contracts and for temporary staffing services. Affected persons may protest the approval of the class special procurements by filing a protest with the Board of County Commissioners on or before April

NOTICE OF COUNCIL

The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). Agenda items include but are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the March 6th, 2024 regular meeting, a presentation of the 2022-23 fiscal year audit, a resolution supporting a City Park sport court renovation, a resolution for a budget adjustment changing the 2023-2024 Capital Projects, a supplemental budget resolution including the overages and contract addendums for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Project, and a pre-

CC24-1084

3, 2024, in accordance with ORS 279B.400 and OAR 137- 047-0700. A copy of Ordinance No. 2024-2 may be obtained by contacting Jacyn Normine at 503- 3974322; Jacyn.normine@ columbiacountyor.gov.

MEETING

sentation of the 2024-2025 fiscal year CIP projects. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by March 29th, 2024. Access to the meeting on ZOOM will be posted on the city website, www.cityofclatskanie.com. Please call City Hall (503-728-2622) at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

In the Matter of the Estate of JAMES L. MCKIN-

LAY, Deceased. Case No.

24PB01411 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 1580 N. Roosevelt Drive, Seaside, OR 97138, within four months after the date of 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 representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and published March 27, 2024. Personal Representative: Donald L. Dugan, P.O. Box 1212, Clatskanie, OR 97016. Attorney for Personal Representative: Lawrence J. Popkin, Campbell & Popkin, LLC, 1580 N. Roosevelt Drive, Seaside, OR 97138, (503) 738-8400

Construction could impact 13 Nights

“70

From Page A1

City

After

“This

a contractor and have put expectations on you to have a safe event,” Scholl said. “We’re trying to

give you some forethought on the parking issue, the amount of construction that’s going on down here. You’re going to have two county projects and three city projects in the immediate vicinity.”

St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King provided information on the five construction projects Scholl said would be taking place during the summer.

Projects:

• The Streets and Utilities Extension Project, which is currently under construction.

• The Riverwalk Project, which is anticipated to start construction in a few months.

• Undergrounding utilities project at South 1st and St. Helens Street intersection. At the March 6, 2024, City Council meeting, Landis and Landis Construction, LLC

CC24-1087

NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

This notice is to inform that the governing body of Westport-Wauna RFPD will be holding an executive session under ORS 192.660(2)

CC24-1088

was awarded a contract for this work.

• The Columbia County Courthouse remodel and elevator project.

• The Olde School (John Gumm) renovation project by Columbia County.

King said the issues of the construction downtown present a range of problems for hosting a downtown event. There will be parking issues surrounding intersections and streets under “major construction,” limiting parking options in the area. Construction noise, construction traffic, and site cleanup could also be actively happening during the first part of the concerts, according to King. Then, there are the issues of safety and potentially delaying the projects. “Inviting people, including children and teens, to visit an area surrounded by

(i) to review and evaluate the job performance of chief executive officer, Greg Brody. Review will be given to chief Greg Brody at the next regular public meeting scheduled for April 10, 2024 at 7:00pm the Westport Community Center.

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET HEARING

The City of Clatskanie will consider a proposed supplemental budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 at a meeting to be held at City Hall 75 S. Nehalem St., Clatskanie, OR 97016 on April 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. A public hearing for the proposed supplemental budget will be held. A copy of the supplemental budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after March 27, 2024 at the City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or viewed on the City of Clatskanie website at http://cityofclatskanie.com/

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES

secured from the $10,000,000 grant from the American

Plan Act for the City of Clatskanie to use for the Sewer Treatment Plant improvement project.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, April, 9, 2024 at or after 6:05 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for this hearing will be from the plaza side entrance. Zoom will also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings. The purpose of this hearing is to consider an application as follows:

File No: Variance V.4.24 Applicant: Julie & Roy Wheeler

Request: Variance for an exterior side yard (setback) Location: 240 N. Vernonia Road

Map No: 4N1W-5AC-4500

Testimony from the public in both oral or written form is invited. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17)

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Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: SHMC 17.108.050 (1) – Criteria for granting a Variance Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, in this hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing. There is no cost to

inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www. sthelensoregon.gov/meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503397-6272, e-mail: jdimsho@ sthelensoregon.gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to City Hall at 503-397-6272. We cannot accept electronic testimony via hard drive or other external device at the public hearing due to potential risks to the city’s network. If you plan on submitting electronic testimony, presentations, etc., please coordinate this with staff in advance. Any written testimony provided at the public hearing should be in hard copy form.

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE VACANCY

Northwest Regional Education Service District’s Board of Directors is inviting interested residents to apply for a vacant position on the district’s budget committee. Members of the committee are responsible for attending meetings and approving an estimated budget document that will be submitted to the NWRESD board of directors. The committee currently has a vacancy in position 5 representing Clatskanie, Jewell and Rainier school districts. To be eligible for appointment, the candidate: 1. must live in the district being applied for; 2. must not be an officer or employee of the ESD; and, 3. must be qualified to vote in Columbia County. Members of the budget committee are appointed by the board for a term of three years. Interested residents may access the application, budget committee handbook and policy at www.nwresd.org under Board of Directors Committees. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. Email questions to Valerie White, board secretary at vwhite@nwresd.k12. or.us.

construction equipment, open trenches, etc. could pose safety concerns,” King said.

“Delays to the completion of construction projects if workers must stop work early for 13 Nights to occur without construction noise and traffic disruptions [is a concern]. The city council expressed a need for these projects to be completed as fast as possible so that business disruptions are minimized.”

Curry and Scholl went back and forth during the work session over the potential impacts of the construction on events at the plaza, as opposed to holding the concert at McCormick Park.

Gundersen said he would like to make it work downtown but that it makes more sense at McCormick Park. Councilor Brandon Sundeen spoke up and echoed the mayor’s concerns.

“I just don’t see it being feasible. I come to 13 Nights; I know many people that come to 13 Nights, and I’ve never seen anybody walk. I’ve never walked, I’ve never thought about walking. I do think parking would be a major issue,” Sundeen said. Sundeen said he is also concerned about kids coming down near the construction sites with big crowds. Scholl said he wasn’t trying to “blindside” Curry but that he had been trying to figure out a solution for two weeks.

Scholl invited engagement from people concerned about relocating the event for this year.

The things Scholl wants people to consider are parking, public safety, and not being upset about the construction happening during the concert. Curry said it needs to be figured out soon because she needs to ensure that she has enough time to plan the event.

Councilors suggested that business owners downtown be offered an opportunity to vend at 13 Nights if it is relocated. The matter will be discussed more at a future meeting.

The St. Helens City Council will be discussing the location of 13 Nights on the River again at their next meeting on April 3, 2024, and plan to make a decision regarding the location at that time.

“I hope the businesses that are down here will watch this meeting. I did get a little emotional; I know Tina is trying to go to bat for you, and I understand that,” Scholl said. “If you have a better idea, and you’ve listened to every fact that we have, if you have a logical reason why we should keep it here, please show up at our next meeting.”

ANSWERS

Local bowlers bowl like pros

SUBMITTED BY

REBECCA PICKERING

Growing up, I spent many Saturdays at Oregon Trail Lanes, our local bowling alley. Even though I had a great time, nothing was as exciting as what I was able to witness on Saturday March 3, 2024, at SHUSBC’s annual city tournament cosponsored by SHUSBC and Les Schwab Tire Centers, a back-to-back weekend event that started on the 3rd with games on both Saturdays and Sundays with the conclusion on Sunday March 10.

As bowlers started to arrive around 9 a.m., excitement filled the air as bowlers were assigned their lanes for the tournament start time of 10 a.m. for both adults and youth bowlers.

As the first game in a set of three started, down on

lanes 7 and 8, things were heating up for local bowler Alex Hamilton of St. Helens. By the 8th frame, Alex had bowled nothing but strikes. Frame 9 did not disappoint. Another strike. By the 10th frame, most, if not all, of the attention was on Alex. This was an exciting game to watch. By now, fingers are crossed and I am hoping for another strike as he lets the ball rip. STRIKE! It is almost as if the pins were going to explode with the force of the ball.

At this time, my heart was racing, my hands are clammy, and I am rocking back and forth in my seat. Only two more Alex, two more. Ball eleven. Another strike! Oh my goodness, he is so close and as he patiently waits for his ball to be returned, not a single eye was on anyone but Alex. He

WEEKLY EVENTS

Ongoing Events

Mondays

Storytime on Mondays 11 a.m. at the Columbia City Library, 2000 Second St. in Columbia City. For questions call, 503-366-8020.

Celebrate Recovery

For anyone struggling with addiction, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. the doors open for a free dinner. Yankton Community Fellowship, 33579 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. 503-396-7091. Childcare is available. www. yanktoncommunityfellowship. com.

Tuesdays

Community Meals serves free community dinner 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 360 Wyeth St., St. Helens. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Thursdays

Columbian Toastmasters

Noon – 1 p.m. Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome to visit!

Lunch meetings at Warren Country Inn, 56575 Columbia River Hwy, Warren, OR 97053 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-369-0329 for more information.

is so close. Can he do it? We were all on the edge of our seats.

Even our young bowlers had stopped to watch the 12th and final ball.

In a bowling alley, it is far from quiet, however, not a lot of talking going on by now. Can he do it? Can he bowl the perfect game? He gets himself into his comfortable position, doing his routine 2-3 practice throws to get his arm ready. He seems so calm as I am having to remind myself to breathe.

My nerves are on fire and I am unsure if I can watch this. Maybe I will close my eyes and just look after he lets the ball rip. He takes a breath. All eyes are on this man now, excited for him and hoping for another strike. As he strolls up to the line, like he has done hundreds of times before, he releases the ball. Down they all go. The perfect game! 12 times he walked up to that line, and 12 time he knocked all

10 pins down at once. The cheers and claps were almost deafening and there was not one person without a smile on their face.

A perfect game, and I was there to see it. It was the most exciting game I have ever seen. Congratulations and well done Alex. You inspire many, including our up and coming youth bowlers.

Alex bowled an 804 series at our tournament; he bowled a 268 / 257 / 279 on March 9, equaling an 804 series. Before the end of the tournament, on March 10th, local bowler Hayden Overstreet also bowled an 804 series. He bowled a 278, 248, and another 278. What a way to finish a city tournament!

Rebecca Pickering is the St. Helens USBC Association Manager.

Oregon gains 4,400 jobs

Fridays

Caples House Tea and Sweets

2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Caples House offers Tea and Sweets: a bottomless cup of tea with a homemade dessert. Cost is $5. In The Cottage, 1925 First Street in Columbia City. Call 503-397-5390 for more details.

Fridays – Sundays

Caples House Museum Tours

1 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Caples House Museum Tours, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. Cost is $5. Stop by and see what has changed. Caples House Museum Tours are closed except by reservation until Friday March 1. If you’d like a tour, please call 503-397-3590.

Saturdays

Overcomers Outreach Meetings are held every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Call Fred 971-757-6389.

22nd Annual Scappoose Farmers’ Market

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. next to Heritage Park in Scappoose, Oregon. Come by for nursery plants, herbs, flowers, food, handmade products by local craftsmen and more. For more information call 503-730-7429 or www.scappoosefarmermarket.com.

Weekly Events

Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st Street in St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521, Daniel Grant at 714-768-9327 or check the Resonate Facebook page.

Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches

Clatskanie Senior Center lunches Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches now served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon at the Castle Cafe, 620 SW Tichenor. Call 503728-3608 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.

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.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503397-0116.

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,400 jobs in Februry, following a revised loss of 5,700 jobs in January.

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in February and 4.1% in January. It has remained in a historically low range between 3.4% and 4.2% for more than two years, back to October 2021.

Gains

February’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+1,000 jobs) and in health care and social assistance (+900 jobs). Five other major industries each expanded by between 600 and 700 jobs. Manufac-

turing (-600 jobs) was the only major industry with a substantial number of job cuts in February.

Health care and social assistance continued its robust expansion, employing 292,300 jobs in February, which was a gain of 25,900 jobs in the past 24 months.

Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance both grew by 8% in the past 12 months.

Losses

Over the most recent 12 months, jobs edged lower. Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment dropped by 1,900 jobs, or -0.1%, between February 2023 and February 2024.

The private sector cut 11,300 jobs, or -0.7%, over the most recent 12-month

period. Job losses in four major industries stood out, each down by between 3,400 and 9,300 jobs. These industries are information; professional and business services; manufacturing; and retail trade. Four other major industries had smaller losses, between 500 and 1,900 jobs.

In contrast, health care and social assistance was up 13,800 jobs, or 5.0%, while government was up 9,400 jobs, or 3.1%, in the 12 months through February.

While Oregon’s job growth has been close to flat in the 12 months ending in February, with a decline of 0.1%, U.S. jobs grew by 1.8% with gains in every month of that period.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.9% in February and 3.7% in January.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: SHAKESPEARE

JEREMY C. RUARK / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,084,882 employed and 106,718 unemployed in February.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM REBECCA PICKERING

Local bowler Alex Hamilton bowled 12 consecutive strikes, a perfect game.

St. Helens Cheer Team ready for Florida

Crossfire cheer team from Vault Elite Competitive Cheer, Tumbling, and Ninjas in St. Helens will travel to Orlando, Florida to compete in the D2 Summit Championship in May.

Alyxis Winn-Wetherbee Clason is the coach of the Crossfire team, and she gave some insight as to how the team got to where it is.

Friday,

a.m. for ages 10-12 at Clatskanie City Park (staging at the gazebo). Prizes contributed by Big Guy’s, Clatskanie Mobile, Clatskanie Library, Cryptid Cookies, Little Red Truck and Farmhouse Coffee.

March 30 Community Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. at Rainier Park for ages 0-10. This event is put on by the Rainier Eagles #4022.

March 30 Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. at Grant Watts Elementary, 52000 SE 3rd Place in Scappoose.

March 31 at 10 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church

“Our team has worked hard all season, June 2023May 2024, to earn a bid,” Winn-Wetherbee Clason said. “What’s a bid, you ask? You have to be one of the highest-scoring teams in your division and level at the cheer competition. Our team of 11 competed against up to 26 athletes and held their high ranking.”

Amy Schroeder is Crossfire’s “team mom,” and she said that the team is working hard to earn money for their upcoming trip to nationals. One fundraiser they are doing is playing the part of Peter Cottontail this Easter season.

The “Egg your yard” fundraiser allows people to order candy-filled eggs to be delivered and scattered in their yard on the night of Mar. 30. People can order 25 eggs for $25, 50 eggs for $40, 75 eggs for $60, 100 eggs for $75, and a golden

COURTESY

egg for $10. The fundraiser has been a staple for the team in the past few years.

“We are currently on our 3rd year of ‘Egg your yard’. A couple of awesome cheer moms started this fundraiser and are keeping the tradition strong,” Schroeder said. “We have received lots of love and support, and our orders have grown this year. Our golden eggs have a little something extra special this year.”

There are 11 members

CAITLIN KEEFE Chronicle & Chief Guest Column

Jadyn Pense has been wrestling for about “9-10 years”. The journey to state champion wasn’t easy.

She believes the reason she won this year is because of “doing practices and extra work to get me there” - that is what got her to state along with the people who helped her throughout the years.

Jadyn is an inspiration to all athletes. Athletic Director Ted Hirning said “It’s huge, I don’t know when the last time or even if a freshman girl has ever won state for our school, or even our county.”

When asked what it meant to be a state champion as a freshman, Pense said, “the title doesn’t mean alot to me. It’s what I worked for all year, it feels good that I beat all of the seniors.”

She is happy that all the

hard work she put in finally paid off. Jadyn’s overall record was 42-4. The only girls Jadyn lost to are from Washington. (“One girl won twice.” Jadyn said.) Jadyn plans on winning the state championship for all four years of being here at St. Helens High School.

Ted Hirning said, “Her dad won two or three times here for wrestling.” She has a great chance of winning all four years of wrestling and beating her dad’s record.

“If she does win four years in a row, that will be quite a feat,” Hirning said.

In the offseason, she is doing freestyle (another way of wrestling but with less rules) and working hard. She is also a three-sport athlete that plays volleyball and softball.

Caitlin Keefe wrote this article as an assignment in the 2024 St. Helens High School journalism class.

“Please consider sponsoring or donating to our cheer team Crossfire,” Schroeder said. “We are also always looking for new ideas to help us earn funds to Florida.”

For more information, contact Vault Elite Cheer at vaultelitecheer@gmail.com.

of the cheer squad, and the program’s goal is to fundraise $2,000 per cheerleader. Schroeder said there has been full team participation in fundraising, including bakesales, can drives, yard work, car washes, coin drives, and “lots more.” The team has earned close to $5,000 so far. “We have 11 athletes total working hard and following their dreams. We accept cans and all sponsors,” Winn-Wetherbee Clason said. “Every sponsor will be placed on our gym hoodie, and the larger amounts will be advertised on our gym windows.”

St. Helens High School’s State Champ

Kindergartners receive first books

From Page A1

work went into promoting the fundraiser and getting people involved. Klara Worlitz was a big part of fundraising for the project as well. McKinney said they bought around 80 books to provide the kindergarten classes. A highlight for McKinney was seeing kids excited about reading.

“Seeing them happy to see books makes me happy,” McKinney said. “Because keeping students reading instead of being on electronics, wanting to learn more about books and words definitely helps our community grow together.”

Bill and Claudia said they still need to deliver books to Columbia City Elementary School in the coming weeks.

Find more pictures of kids with their new books at thechronicleonline.com.

There are 11 members of the cheer squad, and the program’s goal is to fundraise $2,000 per cheerleader.

WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

Kids picking out new books at Lewis and Clark Elementary.

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Jadyn Pense at state.