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Caring Community Warm for the winter

Scappoose Air Park to receive $159,000

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022

thechronicleonline.com

Serving Columbia County since 1881

‘Critical, urgent’ School Health Advisory issued JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Students are heading back to the classrooms this week in Columbia County and across the state facing new challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The St. Helens School District has issued a Facebook statement about the return to classes, telling students and parents that district officials understand that the surge in COVID-19 cases is of concern to many families.

“As a district, we continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 in our region and on the latest Omicron variant impact on our schools,” the St. Helens School District Facebook post reads. “In addition, we continue to work with our local and state public health authorities, as well as the Oregon Department of Education, to modify, as necessary, our health and safety protocols in order to keep students and staff healthy and safe while keeping students learning in-person all school year.”

The district’s Facebook post also makes a statement about individual responsibility.

“Each one of us will have to do our part: wear our masks, wash our hands, keep our distance, and get a vaccine shot and/ or booster to keep ourselves, and those around us safe,” the Facebook post reads. “As always, we will continue to keep our families informed and updated should we have any changes.”

Metro Creative Connection

Schools in Columbia County and across the state are following new advisories from the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education to prioritize the safety protocols needed to reliably return to full-time, in-person school for all students.

Statewide school advisory The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) have issued the latest in a series of School Health Advisories, that the agencies said is “the most critical and urgent issued to date” in an effort to prioritize the safety protocols needed to reliably return to full-time, inperson school for all students.

The advisory follows.

As Oregon fully experiences

the impacts of the Omicron variant over the next several weeks, student access to in-person instruction is under serious threat. While early data indicates that the Omicron variant may result in less severe disease than previous variants, it is increasingly clear that the Omicron variant spreads much more quickly and easily than all previous variants.

• Layered mitigation safety protocols (including vaccinations,

boosters, face coverings, physical distancing, ventilation, frequent handwashing) are more critical now than at any other time during this pandemic.

• Based on the emerging experience of other countries, states and school districts, we expect rapid transmission of the Omicron variant in indoor settings in which people do not adhere with purpose and intention to masking requirements and other layered mitigation safety protocols.

Oregon schools have worked hard to reopen their doors to in-person learning and are diligently using the Ready Schools, Safe Learners Resiliency Framework to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in school settings. Thank you, educators!

Schools are managed settings.

When administrators and staff in schools are trained and implement layered mitigation safety protocols fully, the risk of COVID-19 transmission can be lower than in general community settings without such protocols in place.

Current modeling from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) shows that Oregon will likely experience a significant COVID-19 surge, driven by the Omicron variant, beginning in January and continuing through February. This surge is likely to be much steeper than the Delta variant surge we have experienced.

We expect impacts on workforce stability in schools, hospitals, and other sectors. Hospitals may be impacted even more severely than they were in the fall.

To maintain the continuity of instruction during school this year, OHA and ODE are issuing the following School Health Advisory, to remain in effect statewide January 3 – January 31, unless otherwise updated.

For schools If students or staff show COVID-19 symptoms or the school is ­­­­ See SCHOOL Page A9

City events contract to expire ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

St. Helens City Council members are opting not to renew the city’s existing contract for event management this year.

In a special session held Dec. 29, the council favored the decision to let City of St. Helens Event Coordinator Tina Curry’s contract expire and replace it with a revised version rather than allow for an automatic renewal Dec. 31.

“The City will continue to work with the current contractor, E2C, while a new tourism contract is being developed,” City of St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King said.

Curry is the principal contractor for E2C Corp., the third-party contractor the city uses to put on its events.

Following guidance from a Tourism Committee Report addressed to the mayor and city council, the City and E2C also agreed to do a third-party financial audit of the last two years

Renovations have been made to the former church at 2625 Gable Road, allowing it to become the St. Helens Community Center.

St. Helens Community Center opens doors JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens Community Center is now open and operating at a former church along Gable Road.

The new facility is part of the city’s efforts to expand city parks and recreation opportunities and engage other community events as well.

“We are calling the building at 2625 Gable Road the St. Helens Community Center,” St. Helens Parks and Recreation Manager Shanna Duggan said. “The 1810 Old Portland Road (location) is still being referred to as the St. Helens Recreation Center.”

Location benefit Duggan said the location of the new community center is a huge benefit to the community.

“With the new sidewalks and crosswalks on Gable Road, there is safe walking connectivity to our local high school and area neighborhoods, especially high-density neighboring apartments,” she said.

“This provides many community members with convenient access to the community center and our programs.”

The St. Helens Community Center also has offices for the parks and rec staff and other community partners to be able to work on projects and other administrative duties.

“The new building also gives us the chance to offer other programs such as theatre, cooking classes, and more,” Duggan said. “With the proximity to the St. Helens High School, we will be able to use the school’s fields. The partnership with the St. Helens School District is a huge part of how we are able to offer so many activities.”

• The contractor should be required to submit revenue from all sources directly to the City. The City should additionally have administrator access to all ticketing accounts to track and confirm reports to the City.

• The Committee recommends that master event and logistical plans as required in the current contract be

shared with City management well in advance.

• The Committee further recommends that for large events, such as Halloweentown, a dedicated information center/booth continues to be staffed for guests to receive eventrelated information.

• The Committee recommends that well in advance (2-3 months) of ­­­­ See CURRY Page A9

Business owners leave lasting stamp on community ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Duggan said the city’s vision in having the facility adjacent to the high school and to the surrounding

Paul Stansbury brushes a generous layer of ink on the rollers and stands back to watch as his successor, Jordan Hicks, feeds cardstock through a machine coated in grease.

Rollers propel the paper forward, and out comes a grid of finished business cards.

“A lot of people say print’s a dying industry, but it really isn’t,” said Hicks, Scappoose resident and new owner of Paulson Printing Co. “A sheet of paper never runs out of battery. There’s always room for that.”

Paulson Printing Co., located at

­­­­

­­­­ See CENTER Page A2

of tourism expenses and revenue.

The committee issued the following recommendations for a revised contract.

Where we Live

The vision Opinion ..................... A4 Poll ............................ A4 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ....................... A6 Crossword ............... A7 Obituaries ................. A8

Courtesy photo from City of St. Helens

Businesswoman Marsha Lee, left, and others outlined their concerns about the Spirit of Halloweentown during a city council work session in November.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

See PAULSON Page A5

Jordan Hicks focuses as he feeds paper into a printing press apparatus that has been functional since the 1930s.

Vol. 140, No. 1

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

www.thechronicleonline.com

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Longest-tenured PUD Board member resigns STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The longest-tenured Columbia River PUD (CRPUD) Board member has submitted his resignation.

Jake Carter announced his resignation from the PUD Board of Directors during the board’s December 21 meeting. His resignation is effective January 31, 2022.

“Before we accept this, we want to appreciate what you’ve done for us. You have definitely driven us in the right direction,” PUD Board President Craig Melton said.

Carter has represented PUD customers in Subdivision 4 – those residing in St. Helens – since 2013.

“I’ve taken on a new opportunity and need to focus on my new job,” Carter said.

“I want to give someone the opportunity to dedicate more

Courtesy photo

As a PUD board member, Jake Carter has represented the utility’s customers in Subdivision 4 – those residing in St. Helens – since 2013.

time to the Board position than I can right now.”

Carter has been hired as the Director of Operations at Grays Harbor PUD. He

said he wanted to ensure the PUD and Board of Directors had sufficient time to find a replacement for his position.

“I’ve enjoyed my involvement with CRPUD staff, rate payers, board members, and utility partners, and it will be truly missed,” Carter said.

Carter is a former CRPUD employee. He held positions of meter reader, utility worker, apprentice lineman, journeyman lineman, and meter relay lineman.

“You’ve done a great job for the PUD in the years you’ve served,” PUD Board Member Neal Sheppeard said. “I’ve learned a lot in the time I’ve been here listening to your comments. Your knowledge will be missed.”

The PUD Board of Directors will discuss the upcoming vacancy at the utility’s regular public board meeting this month.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Due to COVID-19, Community Action Team said it will be evaluating shelter needs on a case-by-case basis.

Caring Community Warm for the winter ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Metro Creative Connection

SNAP is an assistance program designed to help approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities, with emergency food allotments and other benefits.

SNAP Benefits to increase in January STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has announced that most Oregonians who receive increased emergency SNAP benefits will continue to receive them this month.

The ODHS said approximately 382,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $61 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits

in January.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide emergency benefits to most SNAP households in Oregon,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Program Director Dan Haun said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

The federal government has approved emergency monthly allotments since March 2020, according to the ODHS. SNAP households will be able to collect the allotments on Jan. 11 while new households will have funds available at the end of the month.

For more information about SNAP, visit https:// www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/ index.aspx.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This large area, formally the church nave, is now an open area for park and rec events as well as community gatherings at the center.

CENTER

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residential neighborhood is to have volunteer and employment opportunities for the high school students and the community.

“We have added several teen programs, including a Youth Leaders Club and Teen Nights, and we have programs in development to connect our teens with the community,” she said. “This will give St. Helens teens valuable experience and help them develop skills to make them competitive when applying for jobs and college.”

The range of public services that will be offered at the new community center will vary and be dependent on the current pandemic.

“We are still strategizing with our community partners as we slowly bring back in-person programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Duggan said. “Stay tuned as we continue to evaluate short-term options due to continued restrictions. Our vision it to create a community hub where information and/or services can be more easily accessed for our community to connect and feel supported.”

Next steps The city parks and rec department is still using the building at 1810 Old Portland Road for recreation activi-

ties as well as using school buildings for some programs, according to Duggan, who added that there is a great need for public buildings for recreation activities.

The purchase price for the former church was $800,000.

The city used a portion of its reserve money, as well as general fund and enterprise funds to purchase the property.

Duggan said the city’s parks and rec programs are utilized by a wide range of citizens across Columbia County.

“We have many users throughout Columbia County, and even some beyond the county. Our largest demographic is St. Helens residents. In the last 60 days, we have had 550 program registrations,” she said. “We want to provide a space for

everyone to find an activity they enjoy doing. The vision is to keep expanding our program offerings.”

The St. Helens Parks and Rec Department employs contract employees that have specific skillsets to teach classes, such as paint nights, dance class, art classes, and more.

“If you would like to teach a class, please reach out to us and we can discuss programming and activity options,” Duggan said.

According to Duggan, the St. Helens Parks and Rec programs were launched in 2018 with the focus centered on youth and families.

“We saw the biggest need there,” she said. “Since then, we have added new programs to create a place for all ages that connect many generations. We feel that it’s Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

As plunging temperatures grip Columbia County, a warming center in St. Helens continues to deliver on its promise of a welcome refuge.

Over the Christmas holiday, The Chronicle reported on winter snowstorms ushering in icy arctic blasts and four to six inches of snow in St. Helens, seven to 10 inches in the higher elevations of the county.

According to Community Action Team (CAT) Housing Department Program Manager Heather Johnson, Columbia County Warming Center is equipped to handle these kinds of adverse weather events.

“We are open even when temperatures are anticipated to be below freezing,” she said.

Johnson said 30 individuals are sheltered at the center this year. 80 individuals were sheltered the previous year, 22 of whom were housed.

Johnson said while the center has had to shift to “non-congregate” housing due to COVID-19, CAT staff

have a variety of resources at their disposal to help alleviate the burden on the houseless.

“We work with each person individually to navigate various shelter options,” she said. “We also do all that we can to help people outside of our regular hours. There is also an emergency number for homeless individuals and first responders to contact on nights when we are open.”

According to the Oregon Housing Alliance, for every 100 low-income families there are 34 affordable units avaliable and one out of four renters are paying over 50% of their income in rent.

Housing insecurity, felt in other regions across Oregon, is exacerbated in Columbia County, according to Leanne Murray, Program Operations Coordinator for CAT’s Human Investment Department.

“In a small housing market like Columbia County, it’s even tougher,” Murray wrote. “If a rental unit does become available, it is far more expensive than it was as little as six months ago. Now, previously stable households with two incomes are finding themselves unable to make ends meet.”

One of CAT’s objectives is to dispel the myths about homelessness.

“When most Americans hear the word homeless, they conjure an image of someone shaggy and dirty, lazy and dishonest, maybe addicted,” Murray wrote. “No one would deny that there are individuals for whom that description is fairly representative. But more and more, that stereotype is less accurate.”

Murray looks at the homeless problem from a compassionate lens, contending that housing insecurity can arise from a number of circumstances that should be factored in when considering the homeless problem.

“For the vast majority of those who experience houselessness, they do everything they can to avoid it or to get out of it. Sometimes it becomes unavoidable when life takes a detour: a job lost, an expensive health crisis, a dissolved relationship,” she wrote.

Individuals seeking shelter are advised to visit 1775 St. Helens St during operating hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or call 503-3694265.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This area of the community center allows for community gatherings and other functions.

important for different age groups to have recreational opportunities together to help strengthen our community connections. We have new people moving to St. Helens.

One of the first things people say they look for when moving somewhere new is the parks and recreation offer-

ings.”

Duggan said the future of the city’s parks and recreation programs is promising.

“We are proud of where we are today,” she said. “We started in 2018 with a movie screen in a park, then were temporarily shut down due to COVID-19 lockdown

restrictions, and now we are making a strong comeback.

Our goal, as always, is to ‘Build Community Through Activity.”’

For more information, contact the St. Helens Parks and Recreation Department at 503-366-8208.

Tidewater Contractors, Inc. is looking to hire a

Shop Supervisor to join its Brookings, Oregon crew.

Community Action Team

Requirements:

Are you a veteran?

You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.

Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

• At least 3 years supervision experience • At least 5 years work experience in a heavy equipment/truck repair role

Apply with resume: Tidewater Contractors, Inc. 16156 Hwy. 101 S., PO Box 1956 Office: 541-469-5341 • Fax: 541-469-5543 Email: info@TWContractors.com

Tidewater Contractors is an

EOE Employer

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

A3

Downtown revitalization grants offered STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

St. Helens, Scappoose and other Columbia County cities have an opportunity to gain state grant funding to help downtown revitalization efforts.

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is offering grants for up to $200,000 in matching funds for downtown revitalization efforts in communities participating in the Oregon Main Street Network. The Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant funds may be used to acquire, rehabilitate and construct buildings on properties in designated downtown areas statewide.

Funded projects must facilitate community revitalization that will lead to private investment, job creation or retention, establishing or ex-

panding viable businesses, or creating a stronger tax base.

Projects may include façade improvement, accessibility enhancement, basic utilities, second floor renovations and more. Only organizations participating in the Oregon Main Street Network are eligible to apply.

Projects must be within approved Main Street areas.

Eligible organizations may collaborate with the local governments and private property owners to apply for projects that will have the biggest benefit to the downtown. The grant application deadline is March 15, 2022.

In 2019, the second grant cycle, SHPO awarded 30 matching grants worth $5,244,261 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state for building projects that encourage economic vitality. Projects

ranged from façade improvement to housing and awards ranged from $56,731$200,000. Sixty-three percent of the requests were funded, with 93% going to rural communities.

“While all of the 2019 projects are not complete, we are thrilled to see the impact this grant program is having in communities that have worked hard to make downtowns a strong asset despite the pandemic,” Oregon Main Street Network coordinator Sheri Stuart said.

Adaptive reuse of a bank building brought apartments to downtown Coos Bay. And structural enhances stabilized a building for retail and event space in Baker City.

“We are looking forward to proposals for the new cycle,” Stuart said.

In 2015, legislation established a permanent fund

Oregon to receive $92 million for water improvements

Metro Creative Connection

The funding is to strengthen drinking and wastewater systems and replace dangerous lead service lines and pipes.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon will soon receive $92,079,000 in federal funding from the

bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding is to strengthen drinking and wastewater systems and replace dangerous lead service lines and pipes,

according to Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. The funding is the first round of a fiveyear investment authorized by the new law.

“Access to safe and reliable drinking water is critical for our communities to stay healthy and thrive,” Bonamici said.

“Lead and contaminants pose serious health threats to Oregonians. As a mom and a policymaker, I’m especially concerned about making sure our kids can drink clean water at home and at school. This federal investment of $92 million will provide clean safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Oregonians. That’s what it means to build back better.”

Bonamici said the bipartisan infrastructure law includes $50 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency to improve water systems, which is the largest single investment in water in the nation’s history.

Over the next five years, $15 billion nationally will go toward replacing lead pipes and service lines across the country, with a special focus on advancing equity and justice for under-resourced communities, according to Bonamici.

for the grant and provided an initial $2.5 million of funding as part of a larger lottery bond package. In the 2017 legislative session, an additional $5 million was approved and was funded through the sale of the 2019 lottery bond package. The 2021 bond sale was canceled due to the economic impact of COVID-19, but the Oregon legislature included Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant in the bond packages slated for 2022 and 2023.

Stuart said the preservation office staff is happy to talk with applicants about potential grant projects and review applications.

A free online workshop specific to the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. January 14.

Registration is required.

Metro Creative Connection

The Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant funds may be used to acquire, rehabilitate and construct buildings on properties in designated downtown areas statewide.

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2-city incident leads to arrest

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

One person has been arrested following a stolen vehicle investigation that began in Clatskanie and ended in St. Helens.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

An Oakridge man faces numerous criminal charges following a two-city incident involving a reported stolen vehicle taken in Clatskanie and located in St. Helens.

According to a release from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the incident unfolded late Wednesday, Dec. 22, as CCSO took a stolen vehicle report from the parking lot of Fultano’s Pizza just off Highway 30 in Clatskanie.

The vehicle was taken between 8:20 and 8:30 p.m.

Deputies later learned there was a shotgun in the tool box when the white 1986 Ford F-150 was taken.

The stolen truck was seen at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23 going over

the Longview Bridge. Deputies responded to the area but could not find the vehicle.

The vehicle was involved in a hit and run on the bridge, according to the release.

At about 4:33 p.m. CCom dispatch center received a call that the stolen vehicle was by MOD Pizza in St. Helens. CCSO Deputies located the stolen vehicle by Safeway and attempted to stop it.

The vehicle eluded deputies and assisting officers.

The vehicle stalled on N. 6th Street. The male driver, later identified as 38-yearold Mathew Martinez of Oakridge, refused to follow commands and was observed holding the shotgun. He also made statements that he wanted the police to shoot him, according to the CCSO release.

Martinez was able to get the vehicle started again and continued to elude law enforcement. A short time later the vehicle was located near 7th Street and Lamont Street. Martinez fled on foot but was located and arrested on West Street near 6th Street in St. Helens, CCSO Deputies transported and lodged Martinez for the following: • Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle • Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle • Poss. of Stolen vehicle • Attempt to Elude Vehicle • Reckless Driving Oregon State Police, St. Helens Police and Scappoose Police assisted CCSO in the incident.

Starting a local business?

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Opinion

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Viewpoints

School Board Recognition Month ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT Chronicle Guest Column

On Monday, January 3, 2022, the St. Helens School District joined the other 196 school districts throughout Oregon to celebrate January as ‘School Board Recognition Month.’

Our school board members spend countless hours of unpaid time working to provide the best possible education for our students. They

also serve as the corporate board of directors for one of our community’s largest employers. Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one way to say thanks for all they do.

School board members represent their fellow citizens’ views and priorities in the complex enterprise of maintaining and running the community’s public schools. They also reinforce the principle of local control over public education, which is an important, highly valued aspect of

education in Oregon.

Too often, the efforts of school board members go unrecognized while the school board’s main goal is to support student achievement.

To achieve that goal, the board focuses on the following needs: • Creating a vision for what parents and citizens want their school district to become and how to make student achievement the top priority • Setting standards for

what students must learn and be able to do • Assessing whether schools achieve their goals and whether students are learning • Accounting for the outcomes of decisions and by tracking progress and reporting results • Aligning the use of the district’s human and financial resources • Creating a safe and orderly climate where students can learn, and teachers can teach

• Collaborating to solve common problems and to support common successes • Focusing on continuous improvement by questioning, examining, revising, refining, and revisiting issues related to student achievement.

Even though we are making a special effort during January to show appreciation for our school board members, we recognize their contributions reflect a year-round effort on their part. They are dedicated individuals who

are committed to improving student achievement and to fighting for the best for all of our students.

Please join us in recognizing our St. Helens School Board Members: Chair, Ryan Scholl, Vice Chair Melody Killens, Kellie Smith, Bill Amos, and Trinity Monahan.

The St. Helens School District office is located at 474 North 16 Street in St. Helens. The office may be reached at 503-397-3085.

Garden Plots: After the snow storm CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

The snow last week really shook up the trees. It is frightening to think what might have happened if the wind had hit when the trees were covered with all that semi-frozen snow.

Toppled small trees (under 20 feet in height) can sometimes be saved. First, remove the soil on the uprooted side so the root mass can fit back in the hole. Straighten the tree with power equipment, winch, or ‘come-along’ being careful not to break additional roots. Don’t attach your cable directly to your truck – you can bend the frame!! Protect the bark where cables are attached.

Attach guy wires at a point one-third of the way up the tree. Tamp down surrounding soil and water as needed.

Damaged branches or limbs should be pruned. In many cases, you may want to remove limbs opposite damaged ones both for aesthetics and to maintain a good center of gravity.

When pruning, don’t cut

totally flush with the trunk but rather cut just outside the branch collar.

Trees that have split can sometimes be cabled or bolted together. I wouldn’t do this for a marginal tree. But if you had one of fine landscape value and it looked to have a pretty clean break, it may be worth considering. There are several trees around town that have had that treatment ~35 years ago and are doing just fine now.

Unsalvageable trees can be cut for firewood.

Build a cold frame this month

Cold frames can do much of the work of greenhouses at a fraction of the cost. A cold frame is a four-sided structure, lower in the front, with a clear glass or plastic covering on top. The top can be opened or lowered as temperatures change.

Cold frames are best used for starting seeds and growing out small transplants.

They are less useful for developing larger plants unless

they are big structures.

Here are a couple of websites on cold frame construction: https://powderriver.msuextension.org/documents/generalgardeninfo/ MT199803AG.pdf. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=b75RoDmE9qY. Chilling requirement satisfied, some buds are swelling You will soon notice how many

woody plants show signs of active bud swelling. We have had enough cold weather to satisfy their chilling requirement (an amount of time exposed to temperatures below 42°). Given a shot of warmer weather (55°+) and they could get really enthused about growing.

Then if we get a serious cold snap (15° or less) there could be a lot of plants in trouble.

There is not much we can do

about it.

As a reminder, winter isn’t over. Plants in containers are less hardy than plants in the ground. Protect them with covers or a place in an unheated garage until the any super cold weather passes.

Root pruning indoor plants Most houseplants evolved in the tropic rainforest understory and thus can handle the lower light intensities of a

home.

And many of these plants can survive for years without re-potting.

We have several clivias that thrive pot-bound. But if you have a plant that seems determined to outgrow its pot and/ or its assigned place in the indoor landscape, some judicious root and stem pruning may be needed. The two best times to prune are in fall (well, we just missed that) or late winter (say March).

The process is straightforward. Slide the root ball out of the pot. Then with a sharp knife, remove about 15% (by width) of the roots around the sides and bottom. You may want to remove some of the larger circling roots as well. Loosen the remaining roots as best as you can.

Then, after adding new potting mix to the pot, return the plant to the pot and water.

Some thinning of the foliage can reduce the plant size if needed. Start watering with some dilute fertilizer for the next month or so.

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 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

Voices of the Community

Can I send you a calendar?

FYI in January it will be 2022.

So, re running a story about what to expect in 2021

that has already passed is pretty lame journalism, even for The Chronicle.

Can I send you a calendar?

Weekly Online Poll

No

Brady Preheim St. Helens

Last Week’s Results

Do you agree that extracurricular activities at Oregon schools should be canceled due to the spike in COVID-19 cases?

Yes

You clearly need one.

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

21% Yes

79% No

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com

The Chronicle

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www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

A5

Stronger safeguards needed for popular money saving apps STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum co-led a bipartisan letter from 33 Attorneys General to Rohit Chopra, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) calling for stronger consumer safeguards for money sharing platforms and apps.

Popular payment apps include Apple Pay, Venmo, Square, Zelle, and others. The Attorneys General highlight a rise in consumer complaints related to these payment platforms, especially complaints from consumers about difficulties reaching customer service representatives, inability to retrieve funds, and fraudulent money transfers by third-party scammers. These payment platforms are sometimes marketed as a solution for consumers without access to traditional banks, even though these apps are not considered a bank.

“Especially during the pandemic, consumers have depended on payment apps as a virtual and safe way to send money quickly,” Rosenblum said. “But as these platforms explode in popularity, so does the chance of being scammed and defrauded.

As our letter urges, it is particularly important these platforms employ safeguards to protect consumers from fraud and provide better customer service when things go wrong.”

The letter addresses three major issues: customer service, account access, and third-party scams. Highlights from the letter include: Issue 1: Customer service Complainants say that they can’t contact customer service representatives, and, when they do, they face long hold times or never reach a human representative. A customer service email address or chat function is often difficult to find or requires navigating multiple layers to access. Speaking directly with a customer service representative is an important feature that is still desired by many, and one that should not be overlooked even with advances in technology.

Issue 2: Account access Other complaints focus on consumers’ inability to access or transfer money, including funds directly deposited into their accounts by their employer or the government, e.g., paychecks,

unemployment benefits, and CARES Act funds. Such issues prevent consumers from using their own funds, and these problems are exacerbated by not being able to connect with customer service. Consumers may be locked out of their accounts without warning or explanation, or because the consumer has a problem with their email address or phone number, and the consumer may be left without any further recourse.

Issue 3: Third-party scams Many consumers have been scammed out of hundreds or thousands of dollars by other users of these payment platforms.

Scammers are attracted to real-time payment platforms, in large part, because they do not need to reveal their true identity to set up an account.

The complaints describe a wide range of scams. In some, third parties contacted consumers through social media offering investment opportunities or prize entries in exchange for payment.

In others, scammers pose as family members and request money from unsuspecting consumers. In some cases, fraudsters take advantage of the platforms’ limited

Metro Creative Connection

Popular payment apps include Apple Pay, Venmo, Square, Zelle, and others. The Attorneys General highlight a rise in consumer complaints related to these payment platforms.

customer support systems.

Because it may be difficult to find contact information for customer service, many consumers resort to trying to find a phone number through an internet search. This leads to consumers encountering fake customer service phone numbers, which direct consumers to scammers who engage in tech support scams.

The perpetrators of such scams offer to assist

consumers for a fee (processed through the payment platform) or convince the consumer to allow them access to their device or their account, allowing the perpetrator to quickly drain the account of funds.

The Attorneys General letter can be found with this story at thechronicleonline. com.

Next steps If you believe you have

fallen victim to a payment app scam, report the fraudulent transaction to the company behind the money transfer app and ask if they can reverse the payment. If you linked the app to a credit card or debit card, report the fraud to your credit card company or bank. Ask if they can reverse the charge.

You can also report the scam to the Oregon Attorney General’s Office online at www.oregonconsumer. gov.

Why NW Oregon’s GDP is important ERIK KNODER Chronicle Guest Article

Every county in Northwest Oregon was hit hard by the Pandemic Recession.

Business restrictions and closures affected all counties; the travel industry, so important to the coast, saw an unprecedented drop in business and employment; and Oregon State University in Benton County ended in-person instruction. It’s not surprising then that in 2020 gross domestic product fell in all five counties from the

previous year.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the value of goods and services produced in an area and is a key economic indicator.

Columbia County Columbia County had more modest GDP growth over the past 10 years.

Columbia County’s GDP fell in the years after the Great Recession before rebounding more in 2015. It has grown by 5.9% in real terms since 2010, a gain of $344 million. The growth was due

entirely to the private sector, which grew by nearly 12%.

Government GDP fell by 21% in Columbia County.

Services, especially professional and business services and health care, powered its GDP growth. Construction also grew rapidly over the 10 years. Manufacturing GDP declined from 2010 to 2020.

Clatsop County Clatsop County’s employment also had solid GDP growth during the recovery from the Great Recession, and it was also hit very hard

by the Pandemic Recession.

Clatsop County’s GDP grew by $437 million from 2010 to 2020 which yielded total inflation-adjusted growth of 4.7% over the period. The county’s growth came primarily from its private-sector service industries. Clatsop County’s retail and wholesale trade, health care, and professional and business services industries provided much of the county’s GDP growth.

Tillamook County Tillamook County has the smallest GDP in the region, but it led the pack for GDP growth (26%) from 2010 to 2020. Tillamook County did not escape the Pandemic Recession, however. Its GDP shrank by 5.1% from 2019 to 2020. Most of Tillamook County’s GDP growth from 2010 to 2020 came from private industry. Output from both manufacturing and professional and business services more than doubled over the period. Retail trade output increased by onethird. Although the county has the smallest GDP in the Northwest region, its growth led to it producing a gain in nominal output (+$427 million) that was larger than in either Lincoln or Columbia counties and nearly equal

to the increase in Clatsop County. Pretty impressive.

Lincoln County During the Great Recession Lincoln County’s GDP fell six out of seven years from 2006 through 2013.

In inflation-adjusted terms it took until 2016 for the county’s GDP to surpass the level it first reached in 2006. The pandemic recession then hit Lincoln County very hard; for two months the county had an unemployment rate in excess of 20% as its travel industry collapsed.

The county’s inflationadjusted GDP was actually 5.2% lower in 2020 than it had been in 2010 during the Great Recession even though nominal GDP increased by $302 million. Real privatesector GDP fell by 7.7% over the 10 years.

Some Lincoln County industries did grow. Retail trade grew by 28% in real terms and professional and business services grew by 12%. Construction, finance, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing had the real value of their output fall compared with 2010.

Benton County The BEA’s estimates

show that Benton County’s GDP grew by nearly $1 billion dollars from 2010 through 2020. After adjusting for inflation this resulted in real growth of 8.7%. Benton County’s employment was on a strong growth path for years until the pandemic. Oregon State University’s effective closure led to the loss of thousands of jobs, and GDP fell by 2.4% in 2020.

The county still hasn’t fully recovered.

Benton County provided 42.5% of the region’s $11.2 billion GDP in 2020. Benton County’s large publicsector employment provided a measure of stability during the pandemic and real government GDP grew by 12.4% over the 10 years to 2020. Private-sector GDP grew by 7.7%. Top privatesector industries contributing to growth included professional and business services, retail trade, and health care.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) makes estimates of county-level gross domestic product.

Erik Knoder is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He may be reached at 541-351-5595.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Paulson Printing Co., from left to right, Jordan Hicks, Paul Stansbury, and Ken Stansbury pose together in the entryway of the print shop before the big handoff Jan. 2.

PAULSON From Page A1

125 N. 19th St. in St. Helens, was established in 1935 by Paul S. Paulson and has been located in the same building since 1943. Stansbury and his business partner, Ken, are the duo handing off their printing press business with a long-standing history.

“It’s with a bit of nostalgia that we relinquish our ownership of Paulson Printing,” they wrote in a letter to friends and customers.

“We feel we are putting it in capable hands.”

Hicks said he intends to deliver on the promises formerly held by the Stansburys, widening the scope of services while keeping the same high standard of printing in place.

“We’re not going to

change anything dramatimunity,” he said. cally,” Hicks said.

“One of the reasons we Examples of Paulson decided to sell to Jordan is Printing at work are evident he is local, and we know that throughout the community. he will treat every customer The sign in front of Scapwith respect,” the Stanspoose High School was burys’ letter reads. designed by none other than Due to inclement Hicks, who for 12 years has weather, the Stansburys have performed many different canceled their Farewell and functions in the print busiHello Open House event, an ness. opportunity for customers to “I really know printing say goodbye to the current inside and out,” he said. owners and be acquainted The print industry is with the new owner. The invaluable to a collective of event was scheduled to take local businesses that rely on place at Paulson Printing spreading the word through from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursadvertising, according to day, Dec. 30.

Hicks.

Stansbury said he and “People want to hold Ken will still be working business cards; people want with customers until they to hold forms and letters. So turn over the keys to Hicks that’s what we do,” he said.

Jan. 2.

For Hicks, the benefits go beyond the work itself.

Paulson Printing can be “I lived in Scappoose, I reached at 503-397-1224 raised my children here, so I or by email at printing@ want to be part of the compaulsonprint.com.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A6

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

www.thechronicleonline.com

CH22-1013

CH21-1854

NOTICE OF MEETING PUBLIC LIEN SALE CC Rider Transit Advisory Committee will be holding a virtual meeting Tue, January 18, 2022 4:00pm – 6:00pm (PDT). Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/129511397 You can also dial in using your phone.

United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (571) 317-3116 Access Code: 129-511-397

CH21-1856

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of LOREN OLIVER RAGAN Deceased. Case No. 21PB10607 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of the first publication of

this notice to the personal representative at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. DATED and first published, December 29, 2021. Michael Ragan, Personal Representative.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF U-STORE SELF STORAGE THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Auction to be held Jacob Abbott CY37. 2nd online at Storageauctions.

Location: St. Helens 445 Port com. Auction will run from Ave, Suite D. Cindi Attaway PROBATE DEPARTMENT 1/4/2022 10:00 am & end on 1/14/2022 10:00 am. Unclaimed storage lockers to be sold by competitive bidding.

1st Location: Scappoose 53567 Columbia River Hwy.

RV231, Randy Burghart RV602, Michael Smith R-170. GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION SOLD BY STORAGE LOT. Cash and Credit Cards.

CH22-1012

In the Matter of the Estate of: WILLIAM FOSS BAKER, Deceased CASE NO. 21PB10852 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ruth Hallquist has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Ruth Hallquist at 850 Leslie Lane, Robins, IA 52328, personal representative of the estate of WILLIAM FOSS BAKER, 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 representative, or the lawyer for the personal representative, Aaron Martin, 272 South 1st Street, Saint Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published on January 5, 2022.

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

CH21-1859

In the Matter of the Estate of DENNIS MICHAEL BAILEY Case No. 21PB10605 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice to

the personal representative at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, or the claims may be barred.

All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. DATED and first published, December 29, 2021.

Nicole Bainbridge, Personal Representative.

CH21-1857

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of Don Ross Alexander, Deceased. No. 21PB05582 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the above entitled estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present the same, with proper vouchers, within four months of the first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the personal representative, at

52300 SW 4th Street, Scappoose Oregon, 97056, or they may be barred, All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative or the attorney of the personal representative if one has been assigned to the estate. Dated and first published. December 29, 2021. Nicole Conley, Personal Representative 52300 SW 4th Street, Scappoose, Oregon 97056.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

A7

Workers’ ability to speak English SARAH CUNNINGHAM Chronicle Guest Article

In Oregon, about 126,000 workers speak English less than “very well” according to the American Community Survey responses collected from 2015 to 2019.

This represents 6% of all Oregon workers. This group, otherwise known as workers with limited English speaking proficiency, includes workers who don’t speak English, speak English “not well,” and speak English “well.” About 200,000 workers (10%) speak another language and speak English “very well,” while about 1.7 million workers (84%) speak only English.

The ability to speak English influences a worker’s ability to succeed. It affects the industries, and the occupations the workers are in as well as their earnings.

It influences the ability to participate in civic life and interact with government and private-sector service providers, businesses, schools, and emergency personnel.

For most immigrants in the U.S. and Oregon, English is not their native language. Many immigrants speak English when they arrive in the U.S., in particular if they come from countries where English is an official language, such as Canada, the U.K., India, the Philippines, or Kenya. Others learn the language through years of study prior to their arrival or while they reside in the U.S. Industries The share of workers by ability to speak English varies a lot by industry. The industry with the highest share of workers who speak English less than “very well” is in the natural resources and mining industry with 25% (15,213 workers) of all workers having limited English speaking proficiency. This industry includes agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining.

Other industries with a high share of workers that speak English less than “very well” are leisure and hospitality (11%, 21,106 workers) and manufacturing (10%, 22,704). Government and the information industry have the lowest shares of workers (2%) that speak English less than “very well.” Other industries with a relatively low share are financial activities and education and health services. Just 3% of workers in each of these industries speak English less than “very well.”

Government and the information industry have the highest shares of only-English speakers, with 90% of their workforces consisting of those who speak English alone. Natural resources and mining (64%) has the lowest share of only-English speakers.

Occupations, education, earnings The importance of English skills varies across occupations. For example, proficiency in English is more important for teachers or lawyers than for carpenters or agricultural workers. Therefore, the level of English proficiency is one contributing factor of the occupational choice of a foreign-born worker. Workers with higher levels of English speaking proficiency are more likely to be selected by employers for jobs that require more intensive or precise use of English.

Another contributing factor is educational attainment. Forty-three percent of workers age 25 and older that speak English less than “very well” in Oregon have less than a high school diploma or equivalent compared with 9% of workers that speak English “very well” and 3% of those that speak only English. Twentyseven percent of workers that speak English less than “very well” have at least some college, compared with 66% of those that speak English “very well” and

wage of $50,900 during the same period.

Additional info for English language learners, employers

Metro Creative Connection

In Oregon, workers that speak another language and speak English “very well” are concentrated in occupations that have high and low education requirements.

68% of those that speak only English.

The level of educational attainment and English skills workers have an effect on the occupational choices workers can make as well as the likelihood that they will be selected by employers for jobs that require certain levels of educational attainment or proficiency in English.

Because of this, workers with higher levels of educational attainment that speak English less than “very well” may face challenges obtaining work that aligns with their skillsets.

Workers that speak English less than “very well” tend to be in occupations with lower education requirements. In the farming, fishing, and forestry occupational group, four out of 10 workers in Oregon (42% or 14,042 workers) speak English less than “very well.”

This occupational group includes agricultural workers; fishing and hunting workers; and forest, conservation, and logging workers.

Other occupations with high concentrations of workers that speak English less than “very well” are in: • Building, grounds

cleaning and maintenance (21%, 14,537), which includes landscapers, janitors and maids.

• Production (16%, 18,420), which includes butchers, bakers, assemblers, and welders among others.

• Food preparation and serving (13%, 15,567), such as wait staff, cooks, bartenders, and dishwashers.

• Construction and extraction (12%, 10,625), such as carpenters, electricians, general laborers, and roofers.

In Oregon, workers that speak another language and speak English “very well” are concentrated in occupations that have high and low education requirements.

Occupations in architecture and engineering; computer and math; healthcare support; farming, fishing and forestry; and life, physical, and social science have high concentrations of workers that speak a foreign language and speak English “very well.”

Architecture and engineering has 15% of workers (6,955) that speak another language and speak English “very well” compared with 10% across all occupations.

Computer and math (8,954); farming, fishing, and forestry (4,634); and life, physical, and social science occupations (2,970) each employ 14% of workers who speak English very well in addition to another language.

Workers that speak only English have the highest share of employment in legal occupations at 93%, followed by protective service (91%) and business and financial operations (89%).

Protective service occupations include law enforcement workers and firefighting and prevention workers.

The occupations workers are concentrated in reflect their earnings, as occupations that require higher levels of education also tend to pay more. Oregon workers that speak English less than “very well” have lower median earnings than their counterparts.

From 2015 to 2019, the median wage for Oregon’s full-time, year-round workers who speak English less than “very well” was $31,300. For those that speak another language and speak English “very well”, the median wage was $45,000. Those that speak only English had a median

English communication skills are critical to a worker’s success. For foreignborn workers in Oregon, the ability to speak English enables continuing education and occupational mobility, which can lead to higher earnings. Occupations that require a high level of English skills have a small share of workers that speak English less than “very well.”

Those that speak English less than “very well” have lower earnings than onlyEnglish speakers and those that speak another language and speak English “very well.”

For those looking to improve their English language skills, many of Oregon’s 17 community colleges offer low cost English language courses to community members during the morning or evening. These courses help prepare speakers of other languages for using English in the workplace and as well as continuing their educations from the GED program through college.

Employers looking to support workers with lower levels of English proficiency can employ strategies such as providing training materials and other vital information in multiple languages, including pictures along with workplace notices and signs, and hiring multilingual staff who can act as interpreters or translators where appropriate.

Employers that sponsor employer-led English Language Learning programs or schedule workers learning English around their school schedules may see increased hiring, retention, or promotion among these groups.

Sarah Cunningham is an economist with the Oregon Employment Department.

She may be reached at 503871-0046.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: AMERICAN AUTHORS ACROSS

1. Cause for a duel 5. Nelson Mandela’s org.

8. “____ in the shade” 12. Andean people’s chew 13. “White Wedding” singer 14. Like a haunted mansion 15. South American tuber, pl.

16. Type of cotton fiber 17. Desired forecast?

18. *”The Underground Railroad” author 20. Like West Wing office 21. Not silently 22. “When We Were Kings” subject 23. Hand over (2 words) 26. Barbecued 30. The Jackson 5 1970 hit 31. Repressed 34. “Alice Doesn’t ____ Here Anymore” 35. State of dishonor 37. Three, to Caesar 38. Brightest star in Cygnus 39. Performer’s time to shine 40. “No.1 Ladies Detective ____” book series 42. African migrator 43. *”The Night Watchman” author

45. *”Little Women” author 47. Poor man’s caviar 48. Analyze 50. Canter or gallop 52. *”A Farewell to Arms” author 56. Latin dance 57. Club on the links 58. Kind or courteous 59. Los ____, CA 60. Round feed storage 61. Not odd 62. Colonial times laborer 63. Band performance 64. Theodores, to friends

DOWN

1. Flat-bottomed boat 2. Scottish lake 3. Antioxidants-rich berry 4. Popular primo dish in Italian restaurant, pl.

5. Bye, to Edith Piaf 6. Wanderer 7. Garbed 8. *”Moby Dick” author 9. Length times width 10. Call someone, in the olden days 11. Poetic “ever” 13. Apple invention 14. Food contaminant

19. Run off to wed 22. Jean of Dadaism 23. Out of style 24. Find repugnant 25. Burn with coffee, e.g.

26. *Ursula K. Le ____ 27. Jargon 28. It happens at a certain time and place 29. First novel, e.g.

32. Near in space or time 33. Not a win nor a loss 36. *”Song of Solomon” author 38. *”Chronicles” author and songwriter 40. *NY Times bestselling author Atkins or playing card 41. Gambling venue 44. Smidgins 46. Young swan 48. Eagle’s nest 49. Young salmon 50. *”Miss Lulu Bett” author 51. Highest adult male singing voice 52. Snake’s warning 53. Take as a wife 54. Got A+ 55. Desires or cravings 56. Sticky substance

Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle.

Let us know what YOU think EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: CHRONICLENEWS@COUNTRYMEDIA.NET

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www.thechronicleonline.com

A8

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

County offices temporarily relocate Columbia County has entered into a 24-month lease agreement with American Property Management.

“This agreement paves the way for the temporary relocation of the Land Development Services (LDS) department and associated Planning, Building, Code Compliance, and On-Site Septic services,” Columbia County’s interim Planning Manager Robert Wheeldon said.

The county’s Land Development Services was scheduled to move Dec. 27 from its current location in the County Courthouse Annex building at 230 Strand Street to a temporary location in the Port Business Center at 445 Port Avenue.

Applications will be accepted, and inspections will continue to be completed throughout the transition.

Limited services will be available on the main floor of the Columbia County Courthouse Annex building,

located at 230 Strand Street, during the transition. In spite of the inclement weather, LDS’s full services are scheduled to resume on Friday, Jan. 7 at the Port Avenue address.

“The temporary move is a necessary step in the planned renovations of the County Courthouse Annex and John Gumm buildings, ultimately allowing the County to position its service departments in a manner that better serves the community,” Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett said.

Building renovations will enable the Public Health

Department to relocate to the lower level of the Annex building, move County administrative functions to the John Gumm building, and consolidate counter-driven services to the main floor of the Courthouse.

“Grouping all of our counter functions on the main floor of the Courthouse will not only provide ease of access to these services, but it will also improve the level of customer service that we can deliver to County residents,” Garrett said.

“Minimizing any inconvenience to the public while still ensuring that the department can offer its many important services has been one of the top concerns during the design phase of this project,” Columbia County’s Building Official Suzie Dahl said.

For more information about the move or services available from Land Development Services, please call 503-397-1501.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Vehicles lined up at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens for a pop-up COVID-19 immunizations and booster shot clinic Dec. 6

COVID-19 vaccinations, booster clinics STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Columbia County Public Health Department has adjusted the times scheduled for additional free COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinics.

The drive-thru clinics will be held from 10:30 a.m. to

5:30 p.m. Jan. 6 through Jan. 16, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

First doses, second doses, and boosters of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available for adults and children (ages 5+).

Those seeking the vaccinations and boosters will need to bring their physical

or digital vaccination card, if possible, and wear clothes that you can easily slip your arm out of. Participants do not need appointments, and pre-event registration is not necessary. Masks are required.

If you need a ride to the clinics or have questions, call Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247.

Vancouver, Washington in 2009.

Linda had an amazing ability to prepare enormous amounts of food. She managed and organized the soup kitchen at Grace Baptist Church in St. Helens for over ten years. She loved canning and putting up various foods and jams. She recently had purchased a commercial freeze dryer and was freeze drying anything she could get her hands on!

Linda loved and followed Jesus Christ. She shared the love of God wherever she went. For many years, she served as the children’s church teacher at Peninsula Open Bible. She was also part of a women’s bible study group called The Soul Sisters; they met regularly for many, many years. Her kind heart and giving spirit easily led her to be of service to others; just to mention a few of her

acts of service: she joined in on lots of missions to feed the homeless, offered many in need a place to stay, and helped people get to where they needed to go by offering rides.

Linda is survived by her mother Elsie Heuerman; husband Dennis Spitze; sisters, Barbara, Judy Orrell, Jacque Swan, and Kathleen Sanders; brother Casey Cromwell; daughter Sara SampaulesiCarey; grandson Dominic Sampaulesi; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She is predeceased by her father Jack Cromwell; stepfather Lawrance Heuerman; first husband Paul D. Sampaulesi; and second husband Rodney Owen.

Linda’s celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2022 at 12420 NE Siskiyou St., Portland, Oregon. Followed by a potluck reception.

Obituaries Linda Lee Spitze

June 19, 1954 ~ Nov. 30, 2021 Linda Lee Spitze passed away in her home on Nov. 30, 2021, in Scappoose, Oregon at the age of 67.

Linda was born in Casper, Wyoming to Jack and Elsie Cromwell on June 19, 1954. They moved from Wyoming in 1963, when Linda was nine years old to the Portland area, residing in various parts of Portland and Beaverton during her younger years. She graduated high school in 1972 from John Adams High in Portland, Oregon. Then went on to complete a variety of college courses throughout her life, demonstrating her love for learning and reading on a multitude of subjects. During her life, Linda worked at AT&T for 19 years and then Portland Lines Bureau for 27 years where she served as Chairman of the Board.

In 1987, Linda and Paul Sampaulesi purchased their

home in Scappoose, Oregon.

She has owned this property now for 34 years.

Linda loved to experience new places. In 2011, she traveled to Israel with her husband, Dennis. In 2018, her sister, Kathy, brother-in-law, Ed, and her journeyed to Ireland together. In 2019, mother, Elsie, sister, Jacque, Dennis, and Linda all set out for Alaska. Linda went to Thailand in 2018 for Missions and helped build a church in a local village for two weeks. Most of all, she really loved Hawaii and has been with many of her family members, several times over the years. She also took a road trip in 2019 with her grandson, Dominic, across the country in their corvette and she greatly enjoyed the many recent trips she took to Texas to visit Dominic.

Linda’s desire to learn

new things was a constant in her life and she had all types of interests. She deeply enjoyed reading and sharing with others what she learned. She has always appreciated music from many genres. She loved playing the piano and was on the worship team at Peninsula Open Bible Church for many years. Another one of her loved hobbies was pho-

tography. She liked taking photos of flowers, animals, landscapes, and architecture. She even recently did a photography forum in Moab, Utah with her grandson, Dominic, where they hiked into canyons and camped out for several days.

Linda loved animals of all kinds, especially horses and birds. She had a passion for farming and raised chickens regularly. She loved growing various dahlias, glads, and lilies. She appreciated a variety of cars and so loved attending car shows with Dominic. Although she was not a pilot, she really liked antique airplanes and was the secretary of the Scappoose Airplane Club for a few years. During this time, she helped organize two fly-ins: one being our local Scappoose Fly-in in 2011 and the other being the Person Air-Fly-in out of

John “Jack” L. Stephenson

Robin Ray Eidem

Nov. 21, 1929 – Dec. 25, 2021

Jack, son of Jonathan Stephenson and Leona Wiseman Stephenson, was born in Platteville, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of WisconsinMadison in June 1951 and went to work as a chemist for the Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In 1953 he entered graduate school at Oregon State College. In 1954 Jack was drafted into the U.S. Army and discharged in 1956 after service in Germany.

He returned to Oregon and married Charlene M. Gunnell of Coos Bay, Oregon.

After completing his PhD in chemistry at Oregon State College, he joined CIA for the rest of his career except for one year with

the Sandia Corporation in Albuquerque, NM. In 1974 Jack was the Deputy Mission Director for the CIA’s partial recovery of a sunken Soviet submarine in the Pacific Ocean. In 1976 he was the Mission Director for the second recovery operation which was eventually cancelled for political reasons. Jack received the Career Intelligence Medal and the Distinguished Intelligence Medal for his work with CIA. Upon retiring as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service, he and Charlene moved to St. Helens, Oregon, where Jack was involved with the Rotary Club, the St. Helens Booster Club, and the St. Helens School Board.

They moved to Beaverton, Oregon in 1998, and then in 2018, they moved to Portland to be near their daughter and her husband. There was no funeral service at Jack’s request.

Jack is survived by Charlene, his wife of 65 years; son Paul (Diane); daughter Beth (Dar) Krambule; and grandchildren Kim and Mark Stephenson.

Memorial donations may be made to: St. Helens Sports Booster Club, PO Box 321, St. Helens, OR 97501; or University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation (designate for the Leona Wiseman Stephenson Scholarship Fund), 1 University Plaza, Platteville WI 53818.

Walter James Kisor

July 9, 1969 ~ Dec. 3, 2021 Walter James “Jimmy” Kisor born July 9, 1969 to James and Sharon Kisor. Passed away Dec. 3, 2021 at his home in Scappoose.

He is survived by his parents, Jim Kisor of Scappoose and Sharon Kisor of Longview Washington; sister Patricia (Kisor) Hockett; brother-inlaw Troy Hockett; nephew Travis Hockett of Clatskanie; his wife of 17 years Marcie (Heckman) Kisor; daughter Madalaine Stump; step-son Matthew Stump; and grandchildren, Conallen Speake, Landon Remster and Abigail

Stierwalt; and many lifelong friends including, Torey Sue, Norm Miller, Troy Duschka, Rick Gill, Scott Moe, Mike Kistner and many, many more.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Scappoose and a graduate of Scappoose High School class of 1987.

Jim played football and wrestled for Scappoose. During his senior year he wrestled at state for his weight division.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2022 at Warren Community Fellowship with a potluck reception to follow.

Sept. 14, 1953 ~ Dec. 3, 2021 Robin Ray Eidem was born in Akron, Iowa on Sept. 14, 1953 and passed away at the age of 68 on Dec. 3, 2021 in Columbia City. He had an associate degree in occupational safety and health management.

Robin was an entrepreneur a lot of his life. He owned Eidem Roofing and P.S.S. (Personal Safety Services).

In addition, he worked at Multnomah Plywood, J.H. Kelly, Stacy and Witbeck and many other safety jobs.

He is a veteran and was in the U.S. Navy from 19741978. He lived most of his life in Columbia County and built his own home in Columbia City in 1980.

Robin loved to fish, hunt and be a goofball.

Do not worry, he passed this to his son Jeramie. He loved working with wood and if you needed help on anything around the house, he is the one to call. He was very generous and showed his love with acts of service. He also enjoyed shooting, collecting and talking about guns. But most of all, his heart was

Savior. He is now fishing on the river of life, which he always said he would be doing in Heaven. He is in no more pain.

He is survived by his spouse of 43 years, Marion B. Eidem; children, Torrie Hughes and Jeramie Eidem; seven grandchildren; four brothers; two sisters; stepmother Florence Eidem; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.

He was predeceased by Robert Eidem and Maxine Goodall.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Obituaries for The Chronicle To submit an obituary: Call 503-397-0116 or email chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net Please submit by Mondays by noon.

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on the water. He always talked about having a home on the water one day.

Because of his back, he could not go as much as he wanted to. The latter part of his life, he was in constant debilitating pain. The back pain and surgeries forced him to retire early and he was never the same. With that said, Robin changed a lot as he got older. He really loved his grandchildren and he showed it. He loves in his way and we all knew that he loved us.

Most importantly, he knew Jesus as his Lord and

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CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone or broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families.

Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs.

The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify.

A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program.

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The Scappoose Air Park is in line to receive $159,000 as part of $42,199,830 for Oregon airports over the next fiscal year from the federal landmark bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The money will be distributed to airports across the state to address safety improvements to runways and taxiways, modernize aging terminals, and reduce aircraft noise near airports, according to a release from Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio.

“The funding announced by the Federal Aviation Administration will help fund upgrades to airports across Oregon, both large and small,” DeFazio said.

CURRY

From Page A1

large events such as Spirit of Halloweentown, the contractor organizes logistical planning meetings with staff to attend and discuss planning procedures/duties/layouts so that staff are familiar with the events and can support accordingly.

See the full list of recommendations at thechronicleonline.com.

“We’re actually just redoing an outdated contract,” Curry explained, referencing the committee’s recommendations.

“It was time to do this just to keep up with current events.”

The proposal for a new contract will likely be a welcome change, after a Nov. 17 council work session revealed Halloweentown vendors were less than thrilled with the event’s management this year.

SCHOOL

From Page A1

aware they are a close contact, they must exclude the individual as per OAR 333-0190010 (3) & (4). Schools may offer testing to the individual through OHA’s Diagnostic Testing Program. Refer to this 12-13-21 message for information on current 7-day quarantine and test-to-stay protocols.

• COVID-19 symptoms can be found on page 9 of the Planning for COVID-19 Scenarios in Schools A Toolkit for School Leaders and Local Public Health Authorities.

• Test to stay protocol allows unvaccinated individuals who were exposed to a COVID-19 positive case in a K-12 school setting to remain learning in-person when certain criteria are met.

• If a quarantine is called for, prioritize a shortened seven day quarantine option.

This means that when a close contact remains symptom free and tests negative at 5-7 days after exposures, they may return to school and other activities on day 8.

To reduce spread and the number of students and staff excluded from school due to contracting COVID-19 or quarantining due to close contact, each school should review and update their Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan: • When instruction resumes in January, schools should reinforce the importance of layered mitigation efforts. Plan to re-teach appropriate use of face coverings, reestablish consistent physical distancing practices, incorporate frequent handwashing, recheck ventilation systems, and attend to other layered health and safety measures.

• Schools should consider

Courtesy photo

The Scappoose Air Park will receive $159,000 for improvements under the federal plan.

“I’m pleased the Biden administration is moving swiftly to get our state and the nation the resources needed to rebuild. As Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue my work with the Biden administration to ensure

we implement this new law and secure much-needed funding to make Oregon’s airports safer, greener, and less congested.”

On Dec. 16, the Federal Aviation Administration announced apportionments for Oregon’s airports under the Bipartisan Infrastructure

10 vendors presented grievances to the city council over what they claimed to be a lack of coordination and oversight from Curry. In their complaints to the city council, they attested to trashed bathrooms, garbage pileups, and OLCC violations.

Marsha Lee, the owner of The Roof restaurant, called it a “terrible year.”

Vendors included in their presentation suggestions for improvement, such as better logistics planning, and that the vendor coordinator (Curry) has an on-site presence to give direction during events.

The city council also heard from local business owners who expressed frustration over how their businesses were featured on the Halloweentown map this year.

Alternatively, letters endorsing Curry’s leadership were included in the meeting agenda packet to be read by the council.

“It seems that the City and

some council members have nothing better to do than to try and degrade and destroy a tourism program that has done nothing but flourish under Tina and her company,” Tammy Maygra, one of Curry’s ardent supporters, wrote.

“Let’s not ruin the opportunity for the city and other people to enjoy the events and old town by changing what seems to be working great.”

As far as Curry’s plans moving forward, she said the outlook for tourism this year is “exceptionally high.”

“We will be able to do some things that we have not been able to afford to do before now which will greatly increase our offerings and enhance our guest experience,” she said.

implementing additional layers of protection such as increased airflow and circulation, implementing free COVID-19 testing programs, retraining staff on all protocols, and educating staff, students and families about COVID-19 symptoms.

• To remain eligible for American Rescue Plan Act federal funds, school districts are required to updated their Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan by Feb. 25.

This is an important time to carefully review plans and make changes that will help keep students and staff safe and keep school doors open to in-person instruction. School districts will receive information on the process for updating their plans on Jan. 4, 2022.

• This risk should be clearly communicated to families participating in these extracurricular activities.

Schools should hold events (parent/family conferences, fundraisers, etc.) online, rather than in-person. If events are held in-person, make every effort to hold the events under covered areas outside, ensure all participants wear masks, and maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet between individuals from different households.

Schools should work with health partners to offer vaccination clinics and encourage eligible students and staff to get their vaccinations and boosters. More information about vaccinations can be found at GetVaccinatedOregon.com.

Schools and other organizations should pause extracurricular activities or ensure they follow the same layered mitigation safety protocols practiced during the school day (use of face coverings, screening and diagnostic testing, encourage vaccination, frequent handwashing, etc.).

• If schools and other organizations proceed with extracurricular activities, especially as these activities move indoors and individuals are unmasked, they should expect rapid transmission of COVID-19 that will prevent students from participating in in-person learning due to isolation for those that contract COVID-19 and lengthy quarantines for those that come into close contact with infected individuals.

History In March 2019 the city entered into a personal services contract with E2C Productions,

For families and community members We need your help to maintain in-person instruction for children across Oregon.

When community spread increases, more COVID-19 is introduced in our schools and causes disruption of in-person learning due to quarantine and isolation. You can help: If your child has COVID-19 symptoms, do not send them to school. Seek a COVID-19 test. COVID-19 symptoms can be found on page 9 of the Planning for COVID-19 Scenarios in Schools A Toolkit for School Leaders and Local Public Health Authorities.

• Get vaccinated now if you’re not. Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19 and reduces spread of the disease. GetVaccinatedOregon.com.

• Get boosted if you’re not.

If you’re eligible for a booster, make your appointment today.

Boosters provide an extra layer of protection needed to slow spread of the Omicron variant.

• Families with school-age children and educators should limit gatherings and nonessential activities with people from other households to the extent possible throughout January and February. Before

Law. This funding is for the next fiscal year alone, with Oregon set to receive over $210 million over the next five years for airport infrastructure from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. New Port of Columbia County Executive Director Sean Clark told The Chronicle in an earlier published interview that the air park is a key in the port’s economic development plans.

“We have a vacant hanger building at the Scappoose Airpark that we actually built for a tenant that ended up not surviving the COVID issue, so we have that building available,’ he said.

Follow developments at the Scappoose Air Park at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle. directed by Curry, for consulting and managing city events, which included a $120,000 annual compensation.

Curry’s contract was brought under review during a Sept. 2, 2020, regular session, in which city council members brought forward concerns over how the contract work was audited.

Council was ultimately presented with three options for Curry’s contract, which were to renew the contract, amend it, or put out a Request for Proposals (RFP), according to St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh.

When the council reconvened for a Sept. 16 work session, they elected to keep the current contract, finding a “high level of accountability” with the RPF. Curry has led many of the city’s major events, including Spirit of Halloweentown, Christmas Tree Lighting, Fourth of July Festivities, and 13 Nights on the River. getting together with family, friends and loved ones, ask if attendees have received their COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and consider postponing visits if many attendees are not up to date with recommended doses. If you are visiting people from another household, you should wear a mask, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet, and keep activities outdoors as much as possible.

CDC updates to quarantine and isolation You may be aware that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made changes to the recommended quarantine and isolation guidance for exposed individuals.

OHA officials are consulting with the CDC on what these changes mean for schools.

More information will be forthcoming on the CDC’s changes. Thank you for tracking how CDC’s announcements impact our work in Oregon.

Future School Health Advisories OHA and ODE will continue to issue School Health Advisories to identify additional steps families, schools, and/or communities can take to help keep our children safely learning in our schools. These advisories may be regional or statewide.

The School Health Advisories name actions that individuals, families, schools, and/or communities can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help schools stay open to inperson instruction.

For previous OHA/ODE School Health Advisories and more information about how your school is planning for a safe return to full-time, in-person learning go to www. oregon.gov/readyschools.

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