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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

thechronicleonline.com

Serving Columbia County since 1881

Public response to mask proposal ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The future of masking in Oregon hangs in the balance as the state approaches the hearing date of a proposed permanent mask rule.

The Chronicle asked locals, businesses, and first responders for their thoughts on the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) proposal before the hearing this Thursday, Jan. 20.

Local perspective

Courtesy from the City of St. Helens

“I think that that’s everyone’s individual choice,” St. Helens resident Georgia Labato said. “And if they feel like they need to wear a mask then they should and if they feel like they don’t need to wear a mask, they should have that right. I think that what they’re trying to do is absolute - excuse my French - B.S.” Labato said despite working for TriMet, a Portland transportation service, her opinions are not swayed by her line of work.

“I drive basically a petri dish around every day, and I still don’t believe that you should be required to get vaccinated or to wear a mask,” she said.

“We’ve already had COVID a couple of times actually, and recovered from it,” Mark Leavitt, standing alongside Labato, said. “And no health problems whatsoever. And in my opinion, you know, strong immune systems are the only thing that is going to be able to get the world out of the situation.”

Leavitt added that there is little benefit to a permanent mask mandate when most people do not wear their masks properly.

“Most people wear them around their chin and pretend, literally people walk around and pretend to wear a mask properly or pretend to be wearing the proper mask which does nobody any good, I mean you’re fooling yourself if you think they are,” he said. “Maybe (it helps) a little bit in some situations, hospital stuff like that,” he said. “Sure I understand it, but in general, I don’t agree with it.”

The Chronicle also spoke with St. Helens resident and EZ Mow Owner Maximo Pena.

“We’re out here working really hard,” he said, setting aside his landscaping tools. “That’s not cool to us.”

Pena added that some jobs are not suited to a permanent indoor mask mandate.

“I mean, it’s weird nobody else is calling us,” Pena said. “I think for construction workers, especially landscapers, people like that, that’s kind of not fair. I understand if you like cooking someone’s food or serving at a restaurant, but despite that, (they should) pick and choose a little better.”

Time is running out to decide if the popular Independence Day fireworks event along the riverfront at S. Helens will be held this summer.

Clock ticking for July fireworks JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The future of the popular July Fourth Independence Day fireworks held along the St. Helens riverfront is still uncertain.

The St. Helens City Council

agreed to conduct the fireworks from Sand Island this past summer but in making that commitment, the council said it would be doing so for the last time. During its public meeting April 21, the council agreed to seek a nonprofit or other group to continue the

popular waterfront event.

The council agreed that it was too costly and time consuming to continue the city’s role as sponsor of the fireworks.

“The city can’t do it with taxpayer money,” St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl said during the April

meeting. “We can’t drag our feet on this. We need to make a decision.”

But as of Monday, Jan. 17, no such group has stepped up to ­­­­ See FIREWORKS Page A7

Armitage selected for state senate position JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Rachel Armitage is the new state senator for Oregon’s District 16.

Armitage was appointed during a meeting Friday, Jan. 14, of the Columbia, Clatsop, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill County Commissioners. She will fill the position left vacant after the resignation of long-time State Sen. Betsy Johnson, who resigned in December to run as an independent candidate for Oregon governor.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of Senate District 16 and to the county commissioners for casting their votes in my favor,” Senator-designate Rachel Armitage said. “I look forward to bringing my perspective as a rural Oregonian to Salem. Our communities deserve action on the everyday issues that affect our way of life, such as access to rewarding jobs and stable, afford­­­­ See ARMITAGE Page A7 Opinion ..................... A4 Poll ............................ A4 Obituaries ................. A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Crossword ............... A6 Legals ....................... A7

Metro Creative Connection

A section of the musical composition Wisdom of Columbia County will be presented at this week’s meeting of the Kiwanis Club of St. Helens.

Wisdom of Columbia County The Chronicle: Why was this project developed?

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Poems and music have been combined to create The Wisdom of Columbia County, an original long form musical composition about the history of the county.

The effort is a collaboration between composer Kevin Bryant Lay, lyricist Margaret Trenchard-Smith and the Artistic Director of the Columbia Chorale of Oregon-River City Singers, and the choir’s Board Chair Marilyn Allen.

The collaborators are scheduled to present one of the sections of the composition during the Kiwanis Club of St. Helens Zoom meeting Thursday, Jan. 20.

In the following conversation, the Chronicle gets insight into the project from Margaret TrenchardSmith.

Margaret Trenchard-Smith: I joined the Columbia Chorale of Oregon-River City Singers late in 2017, was inspired by its talented Artistic Director, Alice Rice Boyer, and volunteered to assist her. Over her dining room table, we discussed her plans for the choir. When I’m comfortable with someone, I recite poetry-Gerard Manly Hopkins, on that day. Alice and I both wished we could commission original music for the choir to Hopkins’ poetry.

We took this idea to the Board in March of 2018. The Board said, “Great idea-but we’d like the poetry to be about Columbia County” and charged me to find a poet.

That May, fires in Chapman caused me to write a poetic fragment. I took this to the Board and asked if they’d approve the poet.

The Board said “Yes,” and I said, “Well, I’m the poet.” I offered a concept called The Wisdom of Columbia County on the history of the county told through characters.

Alice requested that it move through the Native American past to the present. I carried this out. In March of 2019, composer Kevin Bryant Lay (of LOOP’s We Met in Moscow and other works) agreed to take on the project, by fortuitous circumstance. The project was formally commissioned in January of 2020 and is now virtually completed.

Businesses

The Chronicle: Describe this project and its elements?

The Chronicle reached out to Walmart’s Director of Corporate Communications Charles Crowson to determine the corporate chain’s response to the indoor mask mandate.

“We will follow CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission,” Crowson said. “In these counties

Trenchard-Smith: In form, the project is a cantata in seven poems interpreted musically, each framed ­­­­ ­­­­ See WISDOM Page A3

Vol. 140, No. 3

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

See MASKS Page A5

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Emergency renter assistance STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Metro Creative Connection

A Christmas market campaign has helped boost profits for local participating businesses in St. Helens.

Holiday homerun Keep it Local breaks spending record ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Business owners are raking in profits from a local spending campaign that smashed records over the holiday season, infusing $391,000 into participating local businesses.

Keep it Local for the Holidays, a campaign sponsored

by Keep It Local Columbia County to promote local spending for the holidays, recorded a surge in spending this year, a four-fold increase from the previous record of $96,000 in 2019.

“I didn’t know what to expect, and that made it fun for me because I was like, ‘Okay, we’ll just see, you know, run this way, give it my 100% and whatever happens happens,’” Keep it Local for the Holidays Organizer Sierra Trass said. “It did really well. I was really surprised how well it did.”

Event organizers said three factors played into the success of this year’s campaign, including record-high levels of participation, a major marketing push, and an intentional shift in consumer spending habits.

According to Trass, local shoppers turned in 1,958 Wonderland cards by the Dec. 31 cutoff, filled out by 84 participating businesses.

The “Wonderland card” is a slip of paper with squares for participating businesses to fill out every time a shopper purchases $10 or more worth of goods at their store, which shoppers can submit to win prizes.

Trass also said her multifaceted marketing strategy was effective in attracting customer attention.

“I did all the different things from billboards and posters on the participating businesses and nonprofits and all the social media

posts,” she said. “I did everything I could in marketing, but I was really curious how much the pandemic would try to cancel out (the) people that would want to participate.”

However, Keep It Local staff said a shifting pandemic mindset played the largest role, fostering a newfound appreciation for local businesses.

Trass said in a survey conducted by the group, 78% of locals chose the option “to support local businesses” as to why they shop local.

“This desire of residents to support local businesses and nonprofits for the holidays is what made the campaign possible,” according to a release from Keep It Local. “Plus, with many participating locations encouraging and making it easy for customers to choose local, the chemistry was just right.”

St. Helens School District pause JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens School District placed a temporary pause for in-person instruction at all the district’s schools for three days due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and a continuing shortage of teachers and substitute teachers.

The temporary pause took place Jan. 14, 17 and 18.

In a letter sent to district families Tuesday, Jan. 11, St. Helens School administrators outlined the pause saying the district is challenged with the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

“As you are all aware, the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant has contributed to a dramatic rise in absences of students and staff in our district,” the letter states.

“The ability to fully staff and safely operate our schools has been a daily challenge, and one that we are struggling to maintain.”

The letter said that as of last week, the district average has surpassed 30% of students absent with several schools over 40%. Approximately 20% of the district staff are out with less than 50% of those positions being filled with substitutes.

“Given this volume, we are unable to contact trace and maintain a safe and productive learning environment for our students,” the letter reads.

The district administrators said new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) five-day quarantine guidance

Metro Creative Connection

The St. Helens School District temporarily paused in-person instruction at all of the district schools for three days following COVID-19 related protocols and a teacher-substitute teacher shortage.

plus extending the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday should allow a large number of students and staff who are currently out sick or quarantined to return to class.

Students and staff were scheduled to return to in-person instruction on Wednesday, Jan. 19 a scheduled early release day.

“We understand that these decisions have a tremendous impact on our students, staff, families, and even the community,” the St. Helens School District letter states. “This current wave of the COVID-19 virus has placed an unprecedented strain on our school district as well as other districts across Oregon to provide in-person instruction to students.”

Crossword Solution

School administrators said the temporary pause should allow students and staff to safely resume inperson instruction.

The St. Helens School District and others in Columbia County and across the state continue to follow COVID-19 pandemic health and safety recommendations issued by the OHA. In early January, Scappoose School District, facing large numbers of staff absences due to COVID-19, shifted multiple elementary school classrooms to distance learning.

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

2022 CHRONICLE

Solution for the Jan. 12, 2021 crossword puzzle

VENDORS WA N T E D 16 Call 503-397-01 PRESENTED BY

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Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has announced that the agency will begin accepting new applications again for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) starting Wednesday, Jan. 26.

The state paused accepting new applications in early December due to dwindling funding and the need to make system improvements. This will be a limited reopening for three to five weeks, depending on availability of funds. The agency estimates to have sufficient funding to pay between 6,700-9,300 additional applications.

Households with the most need will have priority in accessing these resources, not a first-come, first-served basis.

OHCS is first processing applications received before the Dec. 1 pause. Applications received on Jan. 26 will be processed after applications received before Dec. 1.

Tenants who apply on Jan. 26 or after may receive safe harbor protections that prevent landlords from evicting tenants until their application is processed. However, those tenants should expect a delay prior to processing and payment.

Other rental assistance is available in many localities in Oregon through local programs that are operating independently from OERAP. Tenants applying for these programs will likely qualify for the safe harbor eviction protections. People can contact 211 or Community Action Agencies in their area.

As of Jan. 12, OHCS and local program administrators (LPAs) have paid $235.4 million in federal emergency rental assistance to 33,770

Metro Creative Connection

Tenants who apply on Jan. 26 or after may receive safe harbor protections that prevent landlords from evicting tenants until their application is processed. However, those tenants should expect a delay prior to processing and payment.

households, up from $222.4 million and 31,816 applicants last week, through OERAP. Information for renters who apply on or after Jan. 26 when the portal reopens Tenants who apply on Jan. 26 or after can receive safe harbor eviction protections that prevent landlords from evicting tenants until their application is processed. Tenants must show proof to their landlord that they applied for the program to receive the protections. Tenant applications will be paid based on remaining funding available and are not guaranteed.

Applications still awaiting landlord/tenant response at the time of closure are subject to funds remain-

ing when the application is finalized and approved, and prioritization scoring is applied and are not guaranteed for payment.

Tenants at immediate risk of eviction should apply for rental assistance right away to access safe harbor protections and should contact a legal organization.

• Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project: 888-585-9638 or evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org • Oregon State Bar: 503-684-3763 or legalhelp@ oregonstatebar.org Tenants should expect a delay prior to processing and payment but can count on accessing their safe harbor eviction protections immediately.

Position: Dental Assistant Position Summary:

Our office is looking for a friendly, bright, self motivated individual to join our team. You will be responsible for general clinic administrative work and maintenance, as well as completing lab work under the direction of the dentist. Your primary responsibility is to prepare the examination rooms for appointments by sterilizing instruments and ensuring all necessary equipment is ready for the dentist. You would also assist the dentist during their procedures by handing them instruments and anticipating their needs throughout the appointment. You would update and maintain client’s dental records, perform routine dental polishings, and advise patients on recommended oral hygiene.

About Us and Who We Want to Join Our Team:

Healthy Smiles of Scappoose is a fixture of the local community. We have been serving patients for over 50 years throughout the area. Our patients know us, and we know them.

We are recognized as the go-to family dental practice because of our loyal team and our commitment to health.

Due to growth and expansion, as well as retirement of one of our long-term employees, we are looking for an assistant to join our cohesive team. This is a full-time position (4 days/week, ~32 hours/week) working Monday through Thursday.

We have long-term employees at our practice. The newest hire has been here for 3 years. Some of our employees have worked for us for decades. This demonstrates our commitment to our employees. This is not just “a job” but rather a livelihood. We are committed to employee appreciation, kindness, understanding, and a positive mindset.

Our overriding goal is to first find a person who will enjoy being a member of our team, both as part of the organization as a whole and specifically with our incredible team of dental professionals. Characteristics that we are looking for include: • Team collaborative outlook, • Patient-centric and solutions/problem solving approach, • Fun-natured and a sense of humor, • Good communication skills (written and verbal) • Self-motivated attitude, • A desire to make a difference We are committed to each employee’s success. As such, we invest time, energy, and money in onboarding and training to ensure competency and confidence with the type and kind of patients we serve. This, combined with your qualifications, represents a winning formula for long-term professional success.

Additional Information:

Our practice offers a relaxed work environment, places a high value on work/life balance, and located in Scappoose.

This position offers an excellent benefit package that includes: PTO, paid holidays, medical insurance, dental services for you and your immediate family, and a retirement plan. Starting salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

If you believe this opportunity represents a fit for you, please send a cover letter and an up-to-date resume to: jessica@healthysmilesofscappoose.com

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

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Struggling: Job openings ‘hard to fill’

Illustrations courtesy from the Oregon Employment Department

ANNA JOHNSON Chronicle Guest Article

The Oregon Employment Department’s (ODE) latest results from the Job Vacancy Survey shows Oregon’s private employers reported 103,000 job vacancies between October and December 2021.

While that’s a slight decline (-4%) from the record-high 107,000 job openings reported in summer 2021, employers are still actively recruiting for 88% more job openings than they were at the end of 2020.

Hiring demand between October and December 2021 was widespread across Oregon’s economy. Five different sectors had at least 10,000 job vacancies. They included health care and social assistance; construction; retail trade; leisure and hospitality; and manufacturing.

Employers were also reporting near-record difficulty filling vacancies. Three out of four job openings (76%) were identified as hard to fill in the fall. In both Oregon and the U.S., there are more job openings than there are unemployed people. For every seven unemployed workers, there are 10 job openings. There just aren’t enough workers for this near-record high number of job openings.

Oregon’s private health care sector reported even greater difficulty, with nine out of 10 job openings (87%) identified by employers as hard to fill between October and Decem-

ber. Oregon’s health care sector has both the largest number of job openings (16,000), and the largest number of hard-to-fill vacancies (13,900) in the state.

Personal care aides, nursing assistants, and registered nurses accounted for the majority (57%) of difficult-to-fill vacancies in health care.

Each quarter, the ODE surveys private employers from all industries and areas of the state to ask about the job vacancies they are actively trying to fill.

Oregon businesses reported almost 102,900 vacancies in fall 2021(fourth quarter). Total job openings decreased 4% from the summer and increased 88% from fall 2020. The large volume of openings in the fall follows two record quarters: 107,000 vacancies in summer 2021 and 97,800 in spring 2021.

Pre-pandemic, the record high was 66,600 vacancies in summer 2017. The high level of job vacancies is not unique to Oregon right now.

The number of private-sector job openings in the U.S. totaled 8,995,000 in April 2021, 10,700,000 in July, and 10,600,000 in October, beating the previous high seen in October 2018 (7,055,000) significantly.

The unemployed-to-vacancy ratio reached record lows in fall 2021, as the economy continued to recover from the COVID-19 recession. The number of unemployed has declined swiftly since surging in spring 2020 with layoffs related to the pandemic, both in

Oregon and across the United States. Nationally, unemployment increased by 17 million between January 2020 and April 2020, when the number of unemployed in the U.S. reached 23.1 million.

The number of private-sector job openings in the U.S., as measured by the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, fell by 2.3 million between January 2020 and April 2020, resulting in a ratio of more than five unemployed people for every job opening. As pandemic spikes and restrictions have eased, by October 2021 job openings in the U.S. rose to 10.6 million and the number of unemployed sank to 6.9 million, resulting in a ratio of 0.7 unemployed people per job opening.

In Oregon, the ratio shot even higher in spring 2020 as the number of unemployed surged, resulting in 5.8 unemployed people for every job vacancy, similar to the ratio measured in early 2013 as the state was recovering from the Great Recession. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was very swift, rapidly spreading across the labor market and taking the economy essentially from full employment to deep recession in just a couple of months.

The ratio has steadily improved since the initial spike in spring 2020. By October 2021, the number of unemployed Oregonians dropped more and the number of job vacancies rose significantly, leaving 0.7 unemployed persons per job

opening, down from the 1.3 unemployed persons per job opening in spring 2021 and 1.0 in summer 2021.

Most openings in the fall were for full-time, permanent positions. Education beyond high school was required for 32% of fall vacancies. Health care and social assistance topped the industry list in fall, with 27,700 vacancies. This has been the sector with the most vacancies 22 of the past 24 quarters. The construction industry had the second most vacancies of any industry, with 11,100 job vacancies.

Hiring demand was widespread throughout industries and occupations. Five industries had more than 10,000 vacancies in the fall: health care and social assistance; construction; retail trade (10,800); leisure and hospitality (10,600); and manufacturing (10,500). A majority of employers in every industry reported their vacancies as difficult to fill. Overall, 76% of vacancies were considered difficult to fill.

Employers reported vacancies in 270 different occupations. The occupations with the most vacancies in fall 2021 included retail salespersons (5,100 vacancies), personal care aides (4,400), truck drivers

Courtesy photo

Three out of four job openings (76%) were identified as hard to fill in the fall. In both Oregon and the U.S., there are more job openings than there are unemployed people.

(3,900), and nursing assistants (3,000).

The average starting wage reported in summer was $21.22, a 14% inflation-adjusted increase from fall 2020.

Total vacancies were up 88% from the level last fall. The number of vacancies offering a starting wage below $15 per hour decreased 16% over the year. The number of vacancies offering between $15 and $25 per hour increased 213%, and vacancies paying above $25 per hour increased 252%.

Fall vacancies were distributed across the state, with the Portland tri-county area accounting for about 42%.

Vacancies increased over the year in every region of the state, with the largest gains in Northwest Oregon and Lane County.

Anna Johnson is a senior economic analyst with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at 503-991-2110, or at anna.l.johnson@oregon.gov.

A brownie-inspired cookie The 2022 Girl Scout Cookie season has kicked off in Oregon and Southwest Washington with a brand-new cookie.

For the first time, Girl Scouts will offer Adventurefuls™, an indulgent brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt.

The Scouts describe the new cookie as an incredible taste of adventure in every bite.

Adventurefuls joins a lineup of nine iconic Girl Scout Cookies for sale in Oregon and Southwest Washington, including favorites like Thin Mints®, Samoas® and Tagalongs®.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from every Girl Scout Cookie purchase fuel local Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year: exploring what interests them, discovering their passions, and taking action on issues they care about.

Whether they’re using their STEM skills to solve a problem, changing a law to help their community, having a courageous outdoor experience, or starting an innovative nonprofit, Girl Scouts ages 5-18 build a

WISDOM From Page A1

by prose. It takes the history of Columbia County through seven stories involving “wisdom” that is sometimes straightforward and at other times tongue-in-cheek or tragically overturned, taking the audience from the Native American past through the early navigators and others to the present. I don’t want to give too much away! Kevin Bryant Lay has written a sublime score for voices and instruments.

The Chronicle: What do you hope people take away from listening to The Wisdom?

Trenchard-Smith: The collaborators hope to convey

do incredible things with their cookie earnings,” Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington CEO Karen Hill said.

“Whether earning their way to camp or funding a service project, they’re setting goals and serving as leaders in their own lives and in their communities.”

How to purchase Girl Scout Cookies

Courtesy photo

The Scouts describe the new cookie as an incredible taste of adventure in every bite.

better future for themselves and the world.

And through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, including earning new Cookie Business badges, girls get a taste of being entrepreneurs and learn important online and offline business skills that set them up for success in life, according to a release from the Scouts.

“Local Girl Scouts a love of the county and an appreciation of the chief elements of its storied past, the desire to draw people together in our shared identity, and the resolve to preserve its natural beauty through the ages. This work was written for the present and for posterity.

The Chronicle: What do you take away from your involvement in this project?

Trenchard-Smith: A deep contentment from conceiving the project and carrying out its literary aspect, and a much deeper awe of the creative capacity of the composer and gratitude that he has put so much work and talent into this at a time which has been personally and collectively challenging.

Gratitude to my husband, too, who took on the cost

Girl Scout Cookie season in Oregon and SW Washington runs now through March 13. This year, consumers have a variety of ways to purchase their favorites: If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out to her today to find out how she’s selling cookies in ways that meet local and state safety protocols.

Beginning Feb. 18, enter your zip code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at girlscoutcookies.org to find a booth near you, to purchase cookies from a local Girl Scout troop for delivery or shipment, or to donate cookies to first responders and local causes. of the commission when a large grant which was sought for the project failed to be awarded.

The Chronicle: How did the collaboration for this project come about?

Trenchard-Smith: The desire to commission an original work came about through a conversation between Alice Rice Boyer and myself, and the project became centered on Columbia County at the request of the Board of the Columbia Chorale of Oregon--River City Singers.

To watch the Zoom presentation during the Kiwanis Club of St. Helens noon meeting, visit https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/36849092 91?pwd=UEtZY3p3U0pWTV VzMzNJQkxoYjQ0UT09.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Garden Plots: Looking toward spring gardens must be opened and closed to avoid “cooking” the transplants on sunny days. That is not necessary with row cover cloches.

Tomatoes and other subtropical vegetables require more care. They cannot stand frosts and need more heat.

Peppers are very intolerant of cold soils. Tomatoes are usually started in late-March for transplant out by mid-May. Peppers should be started two weeks later for early June transplanting.

It helps to preheat the soil before transplanting (or seeding for that matter) by putting clear plastic over the soil. This can raise the soil temperature from 45° to 65-70° in a matter of two or three days.

CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

Soon, it will be time to start vegetable plants in your greenhouse, cold frame, or even a sunny indoor room.

Trays for vegetables started indoors need to be moved outside when possible during the day to keep them from getting “leggy.”

Vegetables are started at different times depending on the species tolerance to cool conditions and light frosts.

For example, cabbage family plants are generally tolerant of temperatures down to 28° F once they have gotten to a certain size and have been hardened off. They can be started now in a warm space.

Hardening off means taking your transplants out of the greenhouse environment for several hours per day prior to transplanting. They are placed in indirect light and allowed to adjust to cooler conditions. Plants develop a thicker leaf cuticle and resistance to wind. A week of hardening is often enough.

After transplanting, vegetables can be protected by hot caps, floating row covers (a gauzy fabric that traps some heat – see below) or plastic cloches. Plastic cloches add more heat but

Spring frost date planning Location

Average last date (90%) 24°

28°

32°

Portland

2/27

3/19

4/19

Hillsboro

2/28

4/17

4/30

Vernonia

4/7

4/21

5/29

Astoria

2/15

3/24

4/30

These averages represent the 90% certainty that the last spring temperatures will occur by that date. These dates do not represent climate change data that indicates the last spring frost date should be eight days earlier and the first fall frost date (not shown) eight days later.

Many people use the 50% average which usually backs the last spring 32° temperature about three weeks earlier or the first fall one also about three weeks earlier. I think the St. Helens and Scappoose area track well with the Portland station but as we go into the higher locations, Hillsboro data becomes more accurate.

Vernonia is significantly different on both ends of the growing season, i.e. later last spring frost and earlier first fall frost.

Clatskanie is generally cooler overall but with frost dates between Astoria and Portland.

Row covers available again Interest in row covers continues to increase. For those of you that missed the buzz, row covers are made

from a gauzy fabric. Our material this year is lighter (1 oz. vs. 2oz.) than what we had over the last several years. The width is seven feet and will be cut to 50- or 100-foot lengths (or more on request). Cost will be $28/100 feet. Row covers are used in vegetable production on farms and home gardens.

apple trees. Time will be from 9 a.m. until noon. Class will be limited to the first 15 people that contact us due to safety issues with knives used in grafting. Masks will be required.

Events

On Saturday March 12, Columbia County Small Woodlands Association will hold its 23rd annual tree sale. The sale begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Lawrence Oil (Pacific Pride) parking lot in St. Helens at 845 N Columbia River Highway.

Twenty-two different species of deciduous and conifer trees will be available for purchase. Prices range from $1.50 to $6. We will also have bags of Douglas fir, noble fir, western red cedar, and coast redwood available for purchase. Cash and checks will be accepted for payment. As always buyers are advised to come early for best selection.

Master Gardener Training We are still unsure whether it is possible to hold a live class this spring. It won’t start in February but might get started midMarch or later.

It will be in St. Helens if we have it. COVID is so challenging.

Call (503-3973462) or email us for updates or to be on a notification list if interested.

Grafting workshop The class will be held in person at the OSU Extension office in St. Helens on Saturday, Feb. 26. Cost is $20 for five apple rootstocks and scions to graft onto them. Most people end up with four and often five new

Columbia County Small Woodlands Association tree sale

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

Viewpoints Learning center honors Margaret Jeffries MARION CHRISTENSEN Chronicle Guest Column

Columbia Learning Center, the nonprofit formerly known as the Columbia Foundation and developer of the Columbia Center which is the home of the St. Helens Library, meeting facilities and auditorium, is wishing a heartfelt goodbye to librarian and board member Margaret Jeffries.

When it was founded, Columbia Center functioned as not only the library but also one of the Columbia County’s first internet providers and technology education facilities. As times changed and internet became commercially available, the Center has adapted to those changes but still maintained the mission of lifelong learning for the

community. Through the formation of The Chance to Become Scholarship program, they have become the largest provider of scholarships for graduating Columbia County students.

When Margaret joined the library, first as a children’s librarian and ultimately the library director, she recognized the change in times for libraries. She has capitalized on innovative programs that have helped the St. Helens Library and Columbia Center to thrive and continue to be a valuable asset to the community during a period of decline for public libraries.

Margaret’s efforts do not stop there, as librarian, she has also been a respected member of the Columbia Learning Center board. You could always find Margaret

rolling up her sleeves at the nonprofit’s major fundraiser, Black Tie & Blue Jeans event.

Through Margaret’s amazing leadership and team building skills, she has been invaluable in bringing the Columbia Center and the St. Helens Library into the 21st century. She has brought in major funding for library programs, and has worked tirelessly in her librarian position and as a volunteer.

We wish her the best in her well-earned retirement and are also saddened to see her go. She will be leaving some big shoes to fill.

Marion Christensen is the Columbia Learning Center Board Chair. She may be reached at marion@ marionkc.com.

Voices of the Community Prime farmland Enough of this crap about Port Westward being prime farmland.

With exception of only a few crops, prime farmland faces the east and south and has an unobstructed access to direct sunlight of which Port Westward faces the northwest and has limited sunlight even during the crop growing months because of the hills.

Prior to moving to Colum-

bia County, I spent 27 years in Umatilla County living and working around small and large corporate farming operations. You don’t have to be a genius to see first-hand the successful farming in the hills of Yankton and Warren, facing east, and the farms and vineyards on the hills facing south and southwest below Skyline Drive.

Seely Mint is extremely successful not because of prime farmland but the type of crop they produce; because mint grows like a weed and is not dependent on how much

direct sunlight it has access to.

Columbia County’s attempts to develop and diversify itself are swamped by environmentalists both local and from the Portland metro area; many have never lived around or worked in the agriculture industry.

If this is prime farmland, why haven’t any of them paid the premium and started farming the land themselves?

Joe Turner Columbia City

The Chronicle Jeremy C. Ruark Publisher - Executive Editor

Zoe Gottlieb General Assignment Reporter

Katherine Mace Advertising Sales

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Would you like to see more of an arts scene in Columbia County?

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

Yes

No

42% Yes

58% No

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com

Jan. 19 State of the City Community members are invited to the State of the City community meeting at 5:30 p.m. at St. Helens City Hall Council Chambers, Plaza Entrance, 265 Strand Street in St. Helens.

The meeting is designed to

highlight the city’s accomplishments in 2021, as well as ongoing and upcoming projects in 2022. During the event, there will be a community question and answer time with St. Helens city councilors and city staff.

The Chronicle (USPS 610-380) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 S. Columbia Blvd., P.O. Box 1153 St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Periodicals postage paid at St. Helens, OR 97051

Kelli Nicholson Office Manager

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chronicle PO Box 1153 St. Helens, OR 97051-8153

Jon Lawrance Driver

Online attendance will be available through a Zoom link at the City’s website at www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. For more details, call 503-397-6272. Read more at thechronicleonline. com.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One month in county: $8 One month out of county: $10 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80

James Yang Creative Director

CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • Website: www.thechronicleonline.com • Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net ADVERTISE WITH US: Display ads: chronicleads@countrymedia.net • Classified ads: chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net FOLLOW US • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

Letters policy: This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spell-

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ing and blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to one published letter per month. All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number (only

the name and city of residence will be published). By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online.

Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country Media, Inc.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

A5

Obituaries Kenneth Walter Eib

June 20, 1939 ~ Dec. 12, 2021 Kenneth Walter Eib was born in St. Helens, Oregon on June 20, 1939 and passed away with his wife and children at his side on Dec. 12, 2021. Ken attended St. Helens schools and Cascade College in Portland, Oregon.

He was employed at Boise Cascade for over 30 years and retired at age 55.

Ken always had a project going, building a home or duplex or restoring a car. He also enjoyed boating, camping, travel and especially the hobby of all those cars.

He could never seem to get enough of that. He loved the car shows and cruises and that love affair continues on with his sons. Ken especially loved his grandchildren and their activities.

Ken knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His teen years in Bible Study group and college years produced many lifelong friends who would still get together for picnics and luncheons.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years Karen Eib; children, Mike Eib, Tiffanie Gernand, Richard Eib and Brandon Eib; 10 grandchildren; sister Jean Coy; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Junia Eib. While his family will greatly miss him, Ken had a wonderful life that was well lived.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2022 at Columbia River Foursquare Church in St. Helens. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Kenneth Eib can be made to Columbia River Foursquare/ Missions.

Robert Joseph “Joe” Cernac July 29, 1931 ~ Dec. 12, 2021

Robert Joseph Cernac, “Joe”, born July 29, 1931 passed away on Sun., Dec. 12, 2021 at Emanuel Hospital of an aneurysm. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Carol, his parents Tony and Olga and his sister Elizabeth.

He was born in Portland, Oregon and lived his first nine years in Linnton. In 1940 the family moved to Scappoose. They lived in south Scappoose off what is now Old Portland Road.

Joe graduated from Scappoose High School in 1949.

He worked local farms as a young man and knew the working end of most any tool.

Joe met Carol Maplethorpe in 1952 on a blind date, and she became the love of his life. They married on Jan. 23, 1954 and bought their first home in Scappoose. He worked briefly at the Firtek plant in St. Helens then drove trucks delivering home fur-

nace oil and fuel for Signal/ Exxon out of a plant in Scappoose. He purchased a share and worked at Multnomah Plywood until they closed.

Joe and Carol lived in Scappoose for nine years, the last two years in a new house built for them by Don Lickey on SW 2nd Street.

During this time, he was involved in the volunteer Fire Department, volunteer Police Department and was on the

Scappoose City Council. In 1961 he received the Key Man Service Award. In December 1962 they moved to the “house on the hill” in Chapman, where they lived for 55 years. Joe selectively logged his property well after his 80th birthday. The back 40 was his happy place. They were active members of the Chapman Grange for many years. In 2018 he and Carol moved to a cottage at Brookdale/Rose Valley.

Joe is survived by his brother John Cernac in California; daughters, Joy Winkelhake (Mike) and Teresa Cernac; sons, Tim Cernac (Trish) and Keith Cernac (Kim); grandchildren, Seth Winkelhake, Kayla Winkelhake, Josh Cernac (Sami), Jeremy Cernac (Jennifer), and Courtney Davis (Mitchell); great grandchildren, Hunter, Eleanor, Lincoln, Reagan, London and Elsie; and many nieces and nephews.

Metro Creative Connecion

School districts will no longer be required to report negative antigen test results, according to the OHA.

Contact-tracing recommendations STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will no longer consider masked contact in K-12 settings, including school buses, to be a COVID-19 exposure, regardless of distance.

According to a Jan. 14 press release, the agency will be relaxing recommendations based on evidence that layered mitigation efforts in K-12 schools have minimized transmission.

OHA officials say the updated guidance will in turn allow schools to focus resources on identifying

high-risk, indoor, unmasked exposures.

Additionally, under the new guidance going forward, schools will only be required to report positive antigen test results to the agency.

OHA officials still strongly advise students and staff to maintain physical distance to the greatest extent possible, and require that school staff continue to identify and report new cases among students and staff.

Quarantine and test-to-stay Exposed, fully vaccinated children and adults who are up to date with their CO-

VID-19 vaccination series are not subject to quarantine and may continue to attend school, according to the OHA, whereas individuals exposed to COVID-19 at school remain eligible for test to stay and can continue to attend school during their modified quarantine period.

Support for members of school communities who test positive for COVID-19 can be accessed through the COVID-19 Case Support Hotline, 866-917-8881, or Positive COVID Test website. OHA is also identifying resources to add a schoolspecific support team to the hotline.

Transportation funding to save lives

James Joseph Langlo Feb. 11, 1937 ~ Jan. 9, 2022

James Joseph Langlo of Clatskanie, Oregon, age 84, passed away on Jan. 9, 2022 at Community Home Health and Hospice in Longview, Washington.

MASKS

indefinite. 79% of respondents said no, while 29% of respondents said yes.

From Page A1

and where there are state or local mask mandates, associates will be required to wear masks inside our facilities, including stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.”

We asked UFCW Local 555, a union representing Fred Meyer associates with headquarters in Tigard, Oregon, to connect us with workers inside the industry, whose perspectives may differ from the corporate policy.

The union representative declined our request, but we did receive a response.

“After talking this over with a few folks, I think we are going to pass on this media inquiry. Thank you for reaching out,” UFCW 555 Communications Lead Miles Eshaia said.

First responders In an Aug. 19 open letter to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Brian Pixley condemned the governor’s move to reinstate indoor mask requirements in response to a sharp rise in cases and the emergence of the Delta Variant.

The letter reads in part as follows.

“As Sheriff, it is my responsibility to provide for the peace and safety of those in Columbia County,” his letter reads. “I believe it is in the best interest of Columbia County, and all other counties throughout Oregon, to retain local control over decisions

The proposal

Metro Creative Connection

Both opponents and proponents of the OHA’s proposal are invited to attend the Jan. 20 hearing held over Zoom.

affecting the public health and safety and to protect the individual choice of those we represent.”

“We have had enough of your overreaching mandates and bullying threats. In short, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office will not be enforcing vaccination requirements or mask mandates.”

We also requested comments from Columbia River Fire and Rescue personnel.

“You are probably needing to reach out to public health, as we do not carry any data nor have any expertise to determine a true perspective outside of the fact we will follow OHA ruling on masks to maintain our ambulance franchise,” CRFR’s Public Communications Officer Jennifer Motherway said.

A Dec. 29 poll conducted

by The Chronicle asked whether readers agreed with the proposal to make Oregon’s indoor mask mandate

y last , While the g a tee in iv g we’re h every away wit f $200 or o purchase plies and more. Sup limited. sizes are

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) filed a proposed rulemaking notice for a permanent mask rule on Dec. 10 with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, requesting changes to the current rule which expires Feb. 8, 2022.

The proposed permanent rule, if effected, would replace the current 180-day temporary rule with one of “indefinite” duration.

“This is necessary to control COVID-19, reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and provide general health protection to people in Oregon,” the proposed rule change states.

The rule generally applies to all businesses in Oregon.

The OHA is also proposing a civil penalty of $500 per person per day for non-compliance with the rule.

OHA Public Communications Officer Jonathan Modie said enforcement of the rule will be “complaint-driven” and that members of the public can send their complaints regarding mask noncompliance to covid.19@dhsoha. state.or.us or OSHA at https:// osha.oregon.gov/workers/ Pages/index.aspx.

The Jan. 20 hearing will be conducted from 10 a.m. to noon over Zoom and include public testimony.

To submit comments or to be added to the interested parties list, email publichealth. rules@dhsoha.state.or.us.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit written comments up until Jan. 24.

Metro Creative Connection

A portion of the $1.2 billion will be allocated over the next five years for highway and bridge construction and maintenance, safety improvements, mass transit investments, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions from transportation sources.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Road safety improvements in Columbia County and across the state will be enhanced by an estimated $1.2 billion and that work will save lives, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Much of the additional transportation funding on its way to Oregon from the recently passed federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will focus on safety.

“This additional investment will allow us to implement more safety projects statewide,” State Traffic Safety Engineer Christina McDaniel-Wilson said. “This means that 50 more fatalities or serious injuries and 750 more lower-severity crashes can be prevented over the life of these projects.”

The act reinforces existing federal transportation safety programs and introduces two more urgent safety needs: • To prevent death and injury from crashes involving motor vehicles striking other vehicles and individuals stopped at the roadside – this aligns with Oregon’s “Move over” law and other efforts to improve the safety of our emergency responders on the roads.

• To educate the public on law enforcement practices during traffic stops and to

train law enforcement on improving the safety of interactions with the public during traffic stops. This includes reducing racial profiling in traffic stops and aligns with ODOT’s goal of improving equity in Oregon’s transportation system.

While gathering Oregonians’ input in the months ahead, ODOT has already identified several major investments in safety for Oregon communities such as: • $45 million in additional funding for the All Roads Transportation Safety Program. More on ARTS: https:// www.oregon.gov/odot/engineering/pages/arts.aspx.

• More than a quarter billion dollars in additional direct investment in repairing and replacing Oregon’s bridges – making them safer during a major earthquake and for recovery after a major disaster. More on state bridges: https://www.oregon. gov/odot/Bridge/Pages/index. aspx • $94 million for a new PROTECT Program to enhance the transportation system’s resilience to disasters, including adapting to climate change. More at ODOT Climate Office: https://www. oregon.gov/odot/Programs/ Pages/Climate-Office.aspx • Potentially as much as $200 million in additional funding for cities, counties and metropolitan planning or-

ganizations for safety, bicycle/ pedestrian, bridge, and other community priorities.

“Much of the additional funds for safety will support our All Roads Transportation Safety program, which uses data and national research to select the best projects that will effectively reduce the most fatal and serious injury crashes on all roads in Oregon,” State Traffic Services Engineer Angela Kargel said.

“IIJA also includes a new effort to address pedestrian and bicycle safety needs, so we’ll see more of those projects in the coming years as well.”

How to Follow IIJA in Oregon • Subscribe to ODOT’s STIP update list at https:// public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDOT/subscriber/ new • Visit ODOT’s IIJA website at oregon.gov/odot/Pages/ IIJA.aspx How to provide input • Submit comments and letters through OTC website at oregon.gov/odot/GetInvolved/Pages/OTC-Comments.aspx • Watch for an ODOT online open house in February • Provide public comment at Oregon Transportation Commission meetings: Jan. 20, Feb. 17 (special meeting on IIJA). March 10. March 30 (special meeting on IIJA)

BOTTLE DRIVE

Saturday, January 22, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. Held at the Scappoose Middle School bus drive-thru 215 S 1st Street St. Helens • 503-410-5280 • www.2csvendormall.com

This space donated by Columbia Funeral Home • Serving Columbia County since the early 1900’s • 503-397-1154

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A6

Classifieds

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

301

502

502

690

Health & Nutrition

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.pdxaa.org

Local carwash Looking for the right person to work at the local carwash. This would be a perfect job for a retired individual or student. Please call Milo at 503-7917113 to set up an interview.

OPERATIONS MANAGER Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District (C911CD) is conducting a hiring process for an Operations Manager. Apply online at www.columbia911. com/careers.

Additional information can be found on our website or by calling 503-3666971.

502

Help Wanted

First Lutheran Church in St. Helens looking for a piano player for Sunday morning service.

For more information, contact church office at 503-397-0090.

Email: 1stlutheransh@ comcast.net

Immediate Opening Shipping/Receiving/Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056

Classified Ads Deadline: Mondays by noon.

Late submissions may not make the paper.

Wanted Autos

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Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: WINTER OLYMPICS ACROSS

1. Sleeps in a tent 6. Horror movie franchise 9. Varieties 13. Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” 14. Road crew supply 15. Moron 16. Workman’s cotton, once 17. Exclamation of surprise 18. Monte Cristo’s title, in French 19. *Olympic Athletes from ____, 2018 hockey winners 21. *Figure skating jump (2 words) 23. Capone’s ilk, e.g.

24. Attention-getting sound 25. Eminem’s genre 28. Cashier’s call 30. Hit-or-miss 35. It will 37. *Triple one in figure skating 39. Hustle and bustle 40. German Mrs. 41. A mile racer 43. a.k.a. horse mackerel 44. Jargon 46. Workbench holding device 47. Health club offering 48. Diner, e.g.

50. Latin for “and others”

52. ____ Aviv 53. Ill-mannered one 55. Curiosity’s victim?

57. *2022 Winter Olympics location 61. *Torch Relay starting point 64. “____ ____ the Family” TV series 65. Refrigerator sound 67. Poppy seed derivative 69. Bitterly regretting 70. Egyptian cobra 71. Part of a stair 72. Seedy source of Omega3s 73. More, in Madrid 74. Changes to a manuscript

DOWN

1. Cape ____, MA 2. Copycat 3. Carte du jour 4. Spectrum maker 5. Delilah’s lover 6. Roofed colonnade 7. Expression of satisfaction 8. Angry 9. Revered one 10. Fancy ride 11. Japanese zither 12. Pas in ballet 15. “Freezing” Marvel character

20. Letter-shaped girder 22. “____ the land of the free...”

24. Designer’s studio 25. *Biathlon gear 26. Skylit lobbies 27. Manufacturing site 29. *2022 Winter Olympics number 31. Like Curious George 32. Monocot’s alternative 33. “Killers of the Flower Moon” Oklahoma location 34. *Olympic award 36. *Olympic sled 38. For fear that 42. Respond 45. Circling 49. Far, old-fashioned 51. Capital of Punjab 54. Early Irish alphabet 56. Sort of warm 57. Vomit 58. Twelfth month of Jewish year 59. Pelvic bones 60. Put a hex on 61. Concert units 62. Not yet final 63. Edible fat 66. *Miracle on Ice winner 68. Not Miss or Ms.

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

A7

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

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.

CH22-1019

Public Notice NOTICE OF AUCTION Auction 323 W. B St., 78 Cassandra Duggen, deadline Rainier, OR. Units # 62 82 Ashley Black. 1 pm, Submit notices by Fridays at Noon

Nancy Cordova, 63/67/69 Barb Bowen, 71 Rachel Barber, 77 Jason McEuin,

1/27/22 at Rainier Mini Storage on-site public auction cash in hand bid.

CH22-1022

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE VACANCIES

The St. Helens School District No. 502 is seeking applicants for five (5) vacancies on the District Budget Committee. Each term has an initial three year appointment. Due to pre-existing vacancies, not all vacancies have a full three year term remaining. Position vacancies and their expiration are as follows:

Position Years of Appointment Calendar Date Expiration Budget Year Expiration 1

1 Remaining

6/30/22

2022-2023 2

1 Remaining

6/30/22

2022-2023 3

Full Term – 3 Years 6/30/24

2024-2025 4

2 Remaining

6/30/23

2023-2024 5

Full Term – 3 Years 6/30/24

2024-2025

Each term requires the attendance of several evening meetings during the course of the year.

Applications are available for pick up at St. Helens School District Office, 474 North 16th Street, St. Helens, Oregon or online at www.sthelens.k12.or.us and will be accepted until the close of business on Friday, March 4th, 2022. In the case of multiple applicants, the Board will interviews interested persons at the board meeting on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022.

State releases OSP audit, recommendations JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

More comprehensive data analytics could help the Oregon State Police (OSP) Patrol Services Division better project future staffing needs, deploy current resources, and project overtime needs, according to a just-released OSP audit by Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan.

The Oregon Secretary of State’s Audits Division focused on whether OSP’s workforce planning efforts adequately consider public needs and trooper safety.

The audit contains four recommendations to the OSP to improve the law enforcement agency’s ability to identify staffing needs when developing future budgets, ensure consistent and efficient deployment of trooper resources, and better project overtime needs for budget requests.

“OSP’s presence on state highways is vital to the safety of motorists and

their passengers,” Secretary of State Shemia Fagan said. “Better information and a more comprehensive approach could help build trust with Oregonians and improve public safety.”

OSP currently analyzes existing data to determine the impact its troopers can have on public safety but uses a method that primarily focuses on population — which experts say is one of the least effective methods.

Auditors identified a more comprehensive approach considering OSP’s workload allowing the agency to identify actual staffing needs when developing future budgets and better leverage existing troopers.

The Audits Division also recommends OSP account for the changing law enforcement environment within its staffing strategy and methodology including assessing whether all current duties are aligned with the evolving nature of state policing public policy on state policing.

regularly analyze overtime usage for improved efficiency.

Courtesy photo from OSP

A state audit makes four specific recommendations designed to help Oregon State Police better manage current resources and project staffing needs.

Audit recommendations To improve trooper staffing analyses, promote public safety, and make the best use of budgeted resources, OSP should: 1. Use available timebased data to analyze the Patrol Services Division’s workload and include the results when presenting budget requests to the Legislature.

2. Continue working with the Legislature to appropriately fund administrative support positions and fill vacant trooper positions.

3. Create a standardized methodology and process for conducting workload analyses at the area level, train the appropriate staff to conduct them, and incorporate them into the Patrol Services Division’s scheduling plan.

4. Develop processes to

While not within the audit’s scope owing to the fluid and evolving nature of police reform and accountability efforts, OSP should account for the changing law enforcement environment within its staffing strategy and methodology including assessing whether all current duties are aligned with the evolving nature of state policing public policy.

The state audit division listed the following reasons why this audit is important.

• OSP is a law enforcement agency with a broad set of duties that includes responsibility to patrol Oregon’s 7,000 miles of highways and support local sheriffs and city and Tribal police.

• OSP has eliminated 24hour coverage across the state due to changes in its funding source in 1980 from the state highway fund to the state

general fund.

• OSP has worked with the Legislature and the Department of Administrative Services to increase resources and restore trooper positions, yet still holds positions vacant to cover other costs.

• OSP troopers experienced additional service demands during the 2020 wildfires, protest response, and COVID-19 pandemic.

• Police reform has been a topic of national conversation in recent years and numerous bills have been passed on the subject in Oregon.

This is the second audit Fagan has released pertaining to law enforcement and police accountability. The Secretary of State issued a performance audit examining the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) in December 2021.

Read the full OSP audit at the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.

Income limits rise for food, child care assistance The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has increased the income limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program to 200% of the federal poverty level, or $2,147 a month for an individual or $3,660 for a family of three.

The previous income limit for these programs was 185% of the federal poverty level, or $1,986 a month for an individual or $3,386 for a family of three.

This change took effect in Oregon on Jan. 1, 2022, and approximately 18,000 new households are expected to be eligible to enroll in SNAP. Approximately $25 million in additional food benefits will be issued to Oregonians annually.

“Coming into the COVID-19 pandemic, life was difficult for many Orego-

FIREWORKS From Page A1

accept the invitation.

“The city council is committed to ensuring the future success of this event,” St. Helens Communication Director Crystal King told The Chronicle.

“We know that the Independence Day celebration and fireworks show is very special to the St. Helens community.”

King said the annual Independence Day fireworks display is a highly attended event that draws a regional crowd to the community.

“Planning for this event is complex and takes a lot of preparation between organizing the various vendors, entertainment, and non-profits involved, securing the proper state and local permitting for the fireworks show and additional events, and fundraising for

nians, especially people of color, Oregon Tribal Nations, people with disabilities and older adults,” ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said.

“As COVID-19 continues to impact our communities, we know that many are struggling to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families. This increase will provide critical food support to thousands of Oregonians.”

The ERDC program has two income limits to participate in the program, for when a family applies to participate in the program and when a family renews their participation in the program. The entry income limit to enroll in the program has increased to 200% of federal poverty level. Families can continue to participate in the program until their income is above 250% of the federal poverty level, or $5,303 a month for a family of three.

“It’s encouraging to see

child care prioritized with other critical benefits to support Oregon families,” Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee said. “This change will help more families access child care at a pivotal time – one that’s brought uncertainty and challenges.”

Oregonians can apply for medical, food, cash, and child care assistance in one place online at ONE. Oregon.gov, over-the-phone at 800-699-9075, or inperson at a local office. Due to COVID-19, Oregonians are encouraged to call ahead before their local office.

ODHS offers these tips to Oregonians to help them as they apply for benefits:

the significant expense,” King said.

To ensure its success, the city council is reviewing the invitation for a formal, written proposal from any group willing to take the event on to make sure there is an effective plan is in place.

According to King, permitting for the fireworks display usually needs to occur no later than early March, and the company that conducts the fireworks display usually asks for a commitment and deposit for the show by February so that they have time to prepare.

“If the city council does not receive a proposal in the next couple weeks, there will likely be a discussion about what will happen in 2022,” King said. “The city council is currently in the middle of drafting a new tourism contract for review (review date to be determined). Part of the new contract could include the

Independence Day Celebration and fireworks show if the council decides that is the best option.”

The Fourth of July fireworks show was postponed in 2020 due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty of timelines.

The city council considered moving the display to December during the Christmas Ships event but did not move forward with that plan.

The St. Helens fireworks display also was cancelled in 2012 because a city fireworks committee was unable to raise the $20,000 needed to host the display— which has typically been funded entirely through donations and sponsorships.

• Before you begin an application, compile all documents you think you might need ahead of time.

This can prevent your application from being held up

The Chronicle will continue to follow this developing story. See updates at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

and taking additional time.

These documents could include: Identification, proof of income, social security numbers or other documents to determine eligibility for anyone in the household who is applying for benefits.

• If you have already submitted an online, inperson or over-the-phone application, you do not need to reapply. ODHS has your application and will process it as quickly as possible.

• If you applied through the ONE online application, you can track your application’s status using the same system you used to apply. Log in to one.oregon. gov to start tracking. Note: This website is accessible on computers, tablets and phones, but it is not optimized for mobile viewing.

• If you prefer to apply over the phone, the ONE Customer Service Center is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.

to 6 p.m. Currently hold times are lowest in the morning from 7 until 8 a.m.

• If you are only applying for medical benefits, you can get free application help from an OHP-Certified Community Partner. Community Partners are trained and certified to help clients understand and use their health coverage options, including helping them complete eligibility and enrollment forms.

Find a Community Partner at https://healthcare.oregon. gov/Pages/find-help.aspx Resources to help meet basic needs

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

ARMITAGE From Page A1

able housing.”

As the appointee from Senate District 16, Senatordesignate Armitage will serve on the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government.

“We are tremendously excited to welcome Senator-designate Rachel Armitage as the newest member of the Oregon Senate Democrats,” Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner (DLake Oswego) said. “Given her professional experience in the Legislature, she will bring an effective skillset to her role in the Senate as we continue to help guide Oregon through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all very fortunate for her decision to serve with us and I look forward to working with her during the upcoming

adrcoforegon.org.

Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org Locate a child care provider by texting ‘children’ to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon. org/find-services/ Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

Courtesy photo

Rachel Armitage has been selected to fill out the vacant District 16 state senate position.

Legislative Session.”

Oregon law requires that a legislative vacancy be filled by county commissioners representing the district in which the vacancy exists. Senate District 16 includes voters in Columbia, Clatsop, Multnomah,

Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill Counties.

Armitage lives in Warren, with her husband and stepdaughter. She previously worked as a legislative assistant in the 2016 and 2017 legislative sessions, focusing on constituent service and issues such as education, and rights for foster youth. Armitage said her legislative experience will allow her to hit the ground running with a focus on jobs and housing.

“As a lifelong Oregonian and the daughter of a teacher and a pastor, I know that community is often what gets us through hard times,” Armitage said in release prior to her selection. “That’s why I’m seeking this appointment.

Our community needs a leader in Salem who brings us together even when we have strong disagreements—who will be an independent voice for rural Oregonians.”

www.thechronicleonline.com

A8

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

4 arrested following drive-by shootings, pursuit

LIBERTY

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Four suspects in a series of drive-by shootings are in jail following a high-speed chase from the Kelso, Washington area into Columbia County, ending at Rainier.

The incident unfolded early Sunday morning, Jan.16, as Kelso Police received a report of several gunshots heard in the 900 block of Cedar Street in South Kelso. A light-colored four door sedan, believed to be associated with the event, was observed leaving the area. Kelso officers arrived on scene and discovered evidence of gunfire and property damage to an occupied dwelling. A description of the vehicle believed to be associated with the event was broadcast to surrounding agencies.

Just before 2 a.m. Kelso Police received a second report of multiple gunshots heard near Long Ave and West Cowlitz Way where two vehicles were seen speeding away from that location.

Kelso Police located additional evidence of gunfire in that area. The second vehicle from that incident was later located and officers found two bullet holes in the

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vehicle.

At 2:23 a.m. Cowlitz County Sheriff (CCSO) deputies received a report of gunshots fired at another occupied dwelling in the 4100 block of Ocean Beach Highway. A light-colored passenger car was also seen fleeing from that scene.

As CCSD deputies and officers from Longview Police Department responded to that area, they intercepted what they believed to be the suspect vehicle in all three shooting events traveling westbound on Industrial Way. When CCSO deputies and Longview Police officers initiated a traffic stop on

the suspected vehicle, the driver of the vehicle failed to stop then attempted to elude officers by driving over the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Oregon at a high rate of speed. The driver then attempted to enter Highway 30 in the wrong direction, further endangering the public, according to Kelso Police.

To prevent further risk to the public and to pursing officers, the pursuing CCSO deputy employed a pursuit intervention technique designed to disrupt the forward movement of a fleeing vehicle. That effort was successful, according to investigators.

The male driver and three male passengers, all ranging from 18-20 years of age, were arrested at the scene of the traffic event and transported to Columbia County Jail in St. Helens.

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said the suspects have been identified as Riki Aron Vasquez-Braken, 20, Andres G. Gonzalez, Peterson P. Kasa, 18 and Mateo E. Chavez, 18. The suspects face multiple charges, including Unlawful use of a Weapon and four counts of Attempted Assault I. There were no reported injuries during the law enforcement incident.

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State Capitol building gets metal detector In order to better ensure the safety of the public, staff, and elected officials, Oregon State Capitol officials are implementing new security measures for anyone entering the building in Salem.

The Oregon State Capitol building has been the site of various citizen protests, including one in Dec. 2020, in which armed protesters stormed the building broke windows and assaulted police officers, according to media reports.

Arrested were made during that incident.

Beginning Jan. 27, all visitors, employees, and elected officials will be required to pass through a metal detector upon entering the building. Bags

Courtesy photo

Oregon joins 33 other states across the nation that utilize metal detectors at state capitol entrances, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

and other items will pass through an X-ray machine or visual bag search.

Trained security personnel

situated at these entrances will check for any weapons or other dangerous items, similar to security prac-

tices at county courthouses throughout the state.

Oregon joins 33 other states across the nation that utilize metal detectors at state capitol entrances, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. The new security measures will be put in place to ensure compliance with ORS 166.370.

Due to the ongoing Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety project, certain areas in and around the Capitol are under active construction, including the front steps and State Street entrances.

Visitors can use the northwest and northeast Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) entrances to enter the building.

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www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

A9

Clatskanie reverses decision on NEXT ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

New developments are emerging concerning a proposal to construct a more than $1.5 billion renewable fuels plant at Port Westward.

The Columbia County Board of Commission has scheduled a public hearing for 10 a.m., Jan. 19 to review certain permitting needed to allow the plant.

The Clatskanie City Council has reversed its decision to send a letter to the county commissioners requesting a slowdown of the permitting process for NEXT Renewable Fuels, Inc. On Tuesday, Jan. 11, Clatskanie City Council held a special night meeting at Clatskanie Cultural Center, to hear a presentation from NEXT’s CEO Chris Efird, updating the council on the status of the renewable diesel production facility proposed for Port Westward.

At the meeting’s conclusion, city councilors passed a motion to rescind the previous motion, made Jan. 5, which had formally requested the county board

slow down the permitting process for the plant.

The special meeting drew an audience of community members and stakeholders, among them Jasmine Lillich and Brandon Schilling, Save Port Westward Board Members, Cathy Hurowitz, Clatskanie Middle/High School Superintendent, and Tony Hyde, board member of Columbia Economic Team, among others.

Parties on both sides of the aisle were given the opportunity to make statements for and against its development.

Members of the opposition expressed fears that biodiesel fuel production would be detrimental to surrounding wildlife, properties, and agriculture.

President of Beaver Drainage District Warren Seely called the mitigation site “a massive host site for agriculturally damaging weeds and pests,” and lodged concerns over the drainage of 650,000 gallons of wastewater the NEXT plant would produce.

Others expressed support for the project’s ability to bring economic prosperity

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

NEXT Renewable Fuels, Inc. CEO Chris Efird walked the audience through his presentation showcasing the benefits of renewable biodiesel fuel.

to the city and increase tax revenue for schools, libraries, and the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District.

Hurowitz emphasized the potential gains for the school district should development go forward.

“I could say a lot about the project’s benefits but something I am particularly focused on is the project’s developing partnership with the school district to create

a new science program,” she said. “Our students would have the opportunity to grow trees that are planted in the wetlands, or they could learn how to test the soil for nutrients or observe the biodiversity as the wetlands take shape.”

After public comments, Efird conducted his presentation, addressing the public’s concerns on environmental impact, disaster

prevention, and potential impacts on wildlife.

“Is it the final answer?” he said, in terms of the shift to renewable biodiesel fuel.

“No, but it’s a path for the next 40, 50, 60 years to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Efird also said NEXT’s development will provide 240 community jobs, restore 450 acres of tree farm to natural wetlands, and falls under the rules and regula-

tions of Cleaner Air Oregon, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s initiative to restore, maintain, and enhance the quality of Oregon land, air, and water.

NEXT officials launched the plant project in 2016, and applications started in 2019 for official review, according to NEXT Renewable Fuels Director of Communications Michael Hinrichs.

Part of the process to obtain approval for the project includes thorough thirdparty evaluation of NEXT’s data, opportunities for a public dialogue, refinement of applications and designs, and inclusion of additional conditions if needed.

According to their website, NEXT officials forecast switching to renewable biodiesel fuels will reduce Oregon’s emissions equivalent to more than 1 million automobiles from the road.

If the project is approved, NEXT officials expect the plant construction to be completed by 2024.

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com and in Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

State to clarify drone use in parks and along ocean shore JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

You have likely seen small drones navigating over parts of St. Helens and Scappoose from time to time.

The popular crafts, used by businesses and hobbyists, have now got the attention of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD).

The OPRD intends to create rules to provide the clarity needed for drone pilots, hobbyists and the general public to know where drone take-off and landing is allowed and prohibited within a state park and along the ocean shore.

“While we do get oc-

casional complaints about drones, we also get requests from pilots about where and how they can launch and land in a state park and on the ocean shore,” OPRD Spokesman Chris Havel said. “So, it’s not so much about responding to complaints as managing a legitimate form of recreation so it doesn’t create conflicts or cause resource damage.

Drones are popular, and we want to give our field staff guidance on how to manage it, and help owners enjoy their hobby by having a consistent approach from park to park.”

Havel said the state agency currently does not have rules specific to drones.

“We had to get permission from the legislature in 2021 to start the public rulemaking process now underway – so state park managers have been relying on more general rules that protect people, property, and natural and historic resources to manage drones on a case-by-case basis,” Havel said. “Under that approach, managers have sometimes prohibited drone take-off and landing from a state park to protect a nesting bird or historic structure like a lighthouse.”

While the OPRD does have penalties for rule violations, Havel said the agency’s procedure is usually education first.

“We very rarely jump right to a citation when someone violates a rule; we usually inform, then warn, then cite unless it’s an extreme case,” he said. “The fine for violating a park rule and damaging a resource varies up to about $2,000 and/or expulsion from a park depending on the severity of the incident.”

According to Havel, penalties for violating park rules are set in a general way (see https://secure.sos.state.or.us/ oard/viewSingleRule.action? ruleVrsnRsn=187975), so violating drone rules would be treated the same way as other infractions.

The OPRD Rule Advisory Committee will meet vir-

tually Jan. 24 to review and discuss proposed changes to Oregon Administrative Rules concerning the use of drones.

The committee will also discuss any financial or economic effects of the proposed rules on businesses, local governments or other stakeholders.

The committee meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. and will be live streamed on YouTube for the public at https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UCkqL6iVPBrfCTO27cNmCTwg. The meeting agenda does not include time for public comment.

After the committee review, the proposed rules will open for public comment.

Details will be posted on the Proposed OPRD Rules web page.

OPRD appointed members to the Rule Advisory Committee. Members comprise individuals who are drone pilots, agency representatives, conservationists, and active visitors to state parks. Additional RAC members have been added for this second meeting.The first meeting was held in November 2021.

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Katie Gauthier at least three days in advance of the meeting at 503-5109678 or katie.gauthier@ oregon.gov.

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A10

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

New trailer for Band Patrons JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This sign hangs inside the St. Helens High School automotive classroom, showing local sponsors.

SHHS gets automotive scholarship JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Students taking automotive courses at St. Helens High School (SHHS) now have an opportunity to gain a scholarship to continue their training after graduation.

Local resident and 1975 SHHS graduate Jody Turner is spearheading the new scholarship.

“My friend, Dan Smith and I wanted to have a car show over Halloween and we decided to raise some money at the same time,” Turner said. “I thought that the vocational program at the high school gets left out when it comes to scholarships and so that is what led to this idea.”

Turner said he is hopeful the car show and scholarship will be an ongoing event and will grow.

According to Turner, the scholarship seed money is the $2,200, partially raised during the recent car show

and partially raised through business donations. The number of students that can apply for the funding and how much each would receive is yet to be determined.

“Without more kids going further into automotive, welding, pipe fitting and other such trades, we aren’t going to have anybody to do it,” Tuner said.

“We’ve had a big focus on academic education but not into vocational, hands-on trades. Without that we are going to struggle to survive.”

St. Helens High School automotive instructor Jay Groom said the scholarship reinforces the opportunity for students to learn a hands-on trade and helps build their confidence.

“We are so grateful that we have this help from our alumni,” St. Helens School Principal Katy Wagner said.

Such community investments benefit SHHS stu-

dents, according to Wagner.

“We really need to be preparing the whole student for adult life and that doesn’t always mean that a student is going to college,” she said. “It may be that they will explore other options before continuing their education in a formal setting or they go straight into careers. We need to prepare students for anything that comes their way after high school.”

Graduation requirements at SHHS now require two years of vocational education. Wagner said both male and female students are taking advantage of the SHHS automotive classes.

“So, we are really investing in such an education for students to have those handson learning opportunities,” she said. “And it gives them practical skills that they can use in real life.”

In mid-July of 2021, the St. Helens High School Band Patrons trailer was stolen from the high school parking lot.

School students, staff, teachers and community member launched efforts to replace the supply trailer and its contents, which included two large marching band and color guard changing tents, a large food tent, tent sidewalls, tent rain drains, spare tent pieces, 100 buckets for students to sit on during performance breaks, shelving, three roaster pans, a microwave, various food service items, bottle and can drive PVC stands, bags, and supplies.

The value of the stolen trailer is $10,000.

After successful community fundraisers a new trailer emerged and on January 17, the new St. Helens Band Patrons trailer was picked up from Digital Graphiti with new wraps.

“We are extremely grateful for the donations and support from community businesses, community members, Band and Guard alumni and current members, and people from all over who care about the pro-

Courtesy photo

The new trailer will make its public debut from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at St. Helens High School, 2375 Gable Road, during the next bottle and can drive.

gram and the impact it has on generations of students,” St. Helens Band Patrons Public Relations spokesperson Lisa Scholl said.

Over $15,000 was received in donations which was used to purchase a brand-new trailer from Trailer Wholesale NW in Scappoose, partial wraps done by Digital Graphiti in Scappoose, multiple security upgrades, buckets from Berry Global, pop-up tents,

and kitchen equipment, according to Scholl.

The trailer will make its public debut from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at St. Helens High School, 2375 Gable Road, during the next bottle and can drive.

For more information about the St. Helens Band and Guard Program, contact St. Helens High School Band Director Noelle Freshner at noellef@sthelens.k12.or.us

For more information, contact St. Helens High School at 503-397-1900.

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Should Inflation Affect Your Investment Moves?

As you know, inflation heated up in 2021, following years of pretty stable – and low – numbers. And now, early in 2022, we’re still seeing elevated prices. As a consumer, you may need to adjust your activities somewhat, but as an investor, how should you respond to inflation?

First, it helps to know the causes of this recent inflationary spike. Essentially, it’s a case of basic economics – strong demand for goods meeting inadequate supply, caused by material and labor shortages, along with shipping and delivery logjams.

In other words, too many dollars chasing too few goods.

Once the supply chain issues begin to ease and consumer spending moves from goods to services as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, it’s likely that inflation will moderate, but it may still stay above prepandemic levels throughout 2022.

Given this outlook, you may want to review your investment portfolio. First, consider stocks. Generally speaking, stocks can do well in inflationary periods because companies’ revenues and earnings may increase along with inflation. But some sectors of the stock market typically do better than others during inflation-

ary times. Companies that can pass along higher costs to consumers due to strong demand for their goods – such as firms that produce building materials or supply steel or other commodities to other businesses – can do well.

Conversely, companies that sell nonessential goods and services, such as appliances, athletic apparel and entertainment, may struggle more when prices are rising.

Of course, it’s still a good idea to own a variety of stocks from various industries because it can help reduce the impact of market volatility on any one sector. And to help counteract the effects of rising prices, you might also consider investing in companies that have a long track record of paying and raising stock dividends. (Keep in mind, though, that these companies are not obligated to pay dividends and can reduce or discontinue them at any time.)

Apart from stocks, how can inflation affect other types of investments? Think about bonds. When you invest in a bond, you receive regular interest payments until the bond matures. But these payments stay the same, so, over time, rising inflation can eat into your bond’s future income, which may also cause the price of your bond to drop – a concern if you decide to sell the bond before it matures.

The impact of inflation is especially sharp on the price

of longer-term bonds because of the cumulative loss of purchasing power.

However, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can provide some protection against inflation.

The face value, or principal amount, of each TIPS is $1,000, but this principal is adjusted based on changes in the U.S. Consumer Price Index. So, during periods of inflation, your principal will increase, also increasing your interest payments.

When inflation drops, though, your principal and interest payments will decrease, but you’ll never receive less than the original principal value when the TIPS mature. Talk to your financial advisor to determine if TIPS may be appropriate for you.

Ultimately, inflation may indeed be something to consider when managing your investments. But other factors – especially your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals – should still be the driving force behind your investment decisions. A solid investment strategy can serve you well, regardless of whether prices move up or down.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Topher Mood, your Edward Jones financial advisor at (503) 397-1125.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Topher Mood, AAMS® - Financial Advisor 2504 Sykes Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051 • (503) 397-1125 www.edwardjones.com/topher-mood

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