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Wednesday, February 3, 2021

thechronicleonline.com

Serving Columbia County since 1881

New drug law in effect

2021 Legislature: priorities, uncertainties

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s new drug decriminalization law took effect Monday, Feb. 1.

Voters passed Measure 110 in November 2020. The measure changes multiple criminal sentencing laws regulating the possession of controlled substances and leads people to treatment, rather than punishment.

Ballot Measure 110 does not make possession of drugs legal, it just decriminalizes personal possession of illegal drugs, according to Oregon State Police (OSP), which has posted an advisory concerning the new law on its Facebook page.

OSP said Ballot 110 reclassifies possession of small amounts of drugs as a civil violation, like a traffic offense. The penalty becomes a $100 fine, which a person can avoid by agreeing to participate in a health assessment.

The measure makes it a noncriminal violation like a traffic ticket to possess the following: • Less than 1 gram of heroin • Less than 1 gram, or less than five pills, of MDMA • Less than 2 grams of methamphetamine • Less than 40 units of LSD • Less than 12 grams of psilocybin • Less than 40 units of methadone • Less than 40 pills of oxycodone • Less than 2 grams of cocaine The measure also reduces from a felony to a misdemeanor simple possession of substances containing: • 1 to 3 grams of heroin • 1 to 4 grams of MDMA • 2 to 8 grams of methamphetamine • 2 to 8 grams of cocaine The OSP advisory states that selling, distributing and manufacturing drugs remains illegal and if convicted you will go to jail.

OSP Captain Timothy Fox responded to the following questions from The Chronicle about Measure 110.

The Chronicle: What does OSP see as the impact on troopers’ daily procedures with the measure?

Capt. Timothy Fox: None, changes are frequently made to Oregon law. Troopers as well as all law enforcement receive training on new laws.

The Chronicle: Overall, will this measure make it more difficult, more challenging, for OSP to effectively conduct its mission?

Fox: That is a question I cannot answer. I can say that small user quantities of drugs have potential for a citation when before it could have been an arrest or citation.

The Chronicle: What is the message OSP wants to get to the public as this measure takes effect?

Fox: Large quantities, delivery, and manufacturing of controlled substances are still crimes.

­­­­See LAW Page A9 Viewpoints ................ A4 Poll ............................ A4 Cartoon ..................... A4 TV Guide ................... A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ................... A6-7 Police Reports ......... A7 Obituaries ................. A8 Vol. 139, No. 5

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Monique Merrill / The Chronicle

Students in grades one and below arrived at Clatskanie Elementary School for the first in-person school day of the year on Monday, Feb. 1.

First school in county reopens MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

I

n-person school is back in session at just one school in Columbia County. Clatskanie Elementary school opened its doors to kindergarten and first grade students on Monday, and elementary schools in Scappoose and Rainier plan to follow suit in the coming weeks. No reopening date had been set for St. Helens School District at press time.

Modifications to the state’s in-person schooling metrics and changing the metrics from mandatory to advisory have opened the door for in-person classes to resume, though each district has created its own plan on how to proceed.

The Oregon Department of Education updated its “Ready Schools, Safe Learners” guidance Jan. 19, which updated the metrics a county needs to meet to

transition to hybrid classes. With the change, Columbia County schools became eligible to reopen though some district leaders have expressed concern.

Under the new metrics, counties with a case rate of between 200 to 350 new cases per 100,000 people over a two week period can transition in on-site and hybrid learning for elementary schools.

For secondary students to transition to on-site and hybrid learning, case rates must drop to between 50 and 200 cases per 100,00 people in a two week period.

In the two week period from Jan. 10-23, the county case was 218 cases per 100,00 people.

St. Helens No formal dates to begin to transition back to in-person classroom instruction have been announced by St. Helens School District administrators yet, but

administrators have decided on a phased approach.

Part of the caution stems from the high number of students and staff that commute to and from larger counties, like Multnomah and Washington. The case rates and test positivity rates of those counties must be taken into consideration as well, Superintendent Scot Stockwell said at a Jan. 27 school board meeting. While all three counties are trending in the right direction, there’s still a concern that another surge may hit in February, Stockwell said.

“Our hope is that with vaccinations being rolled out that that might tamper the uptick and we can begin moving forward to some degree of in-person instruction,” Stockwell said.

In-person instruction may be introduced as limited in-person

­­­­See SCHOOL Page A10

Keeping local funeral home alive MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Ownership of Columbia Funeral Home may have changed hands, but the local and personal touch is still there.

Holly Houston, who has managed the funeral home for over six years, purchased it from the previous owners. It was important to her that the home stay within local ownership, though she hadn’t always planned to one day become the owner of a funeral home.

“For the longest time I thought that I didn’t want the responsibility, but then as I’ve been in it longer and longer it did kind of become a goal,” she said. “When I found out that people who I was working for were considering selling, that’s when I knew absolutely that I wanted to own this place. I didn’t want corporate to come out to Columbia County.”

Houston has been in Columbia County since 2014, and managed the funeral home throughout that time. She has gotten to know the community well, and wanted to make sure the home would stay in the hands of someone connected to the area already— unlikely to happen if a large corporate chain bought the facility. “[Corporate] is just a totally different feel for families than having an independent owner,” she said.

“It’s not something that I knew would sit well with the community of Columbia County, thats for sure.”

The job When families experience a loss and contact the funeral home, Houston and her team step in to organize each step of the process— including death calls.

Staff at Columbia Funeral Home are on call 24/7 to receive bodies from the place of death, and then work with families to help arrange services as much as possible following a death.

“From the moment the death occurs until that person has either been buried or cremated or had a service, we’re involved the whole way organizing everything and assisting the family,” she said. This involves ordering death certificates, placing obituaries and coordinating with cemeteries, among other services.

“Every aspect that it entails is what we help with,” she said. “We

Who we are

Monique Merrill / The Chronicle

Holly Houston has managed Columbia Funeral Home since 2014 and recently became the owner.

try and do as much as we can for our families so they don’t have to worry about doing anything while they’re grieving.”

The number of things that need to be processed after a death sometimes surprises people, she said.

“I think that a lot of people don’t understand how much actually needs to be done until they sit down with us and we go through this huge long list of things. We just ask them questions and we do it all for them,” she said. “Just things that they don’t necessarily think about unless they’ve had to deal with it before.”

The unexpected nature of death and sheer amount of steps that need to be taken after a death can be overwhelming for families. Putting together a funeral often happens in just one week, but requires as much planning and organization as any other event.

Her experience Houston has been in the industry since graduating with a degree in funeral service education from Mt. Hood Community College in 2003.

She participated in a job shadow at a funeral home when she was in high school and decided it was the profession for her, especially as someone who experienced the losses of friends and family early in life.

“Being able to see how a funeral director helps a family and being able to think about the loss that I

had experienced and being able to put myself in their shoes definitely made it click for me,” she said.

Providing comfort and easing stress for grieving families is what she likes most about the profession.

“There’s always some type of a moment that you have. I think the biggest thing for me that has really stuck with me is of getting a hug from a family and them telling you how much they appreciate what you’ve done for them to get them through all of it, that’s what gets me through my days,” Houston said.

“That was something I struggled with the most when COVID happened— I couldn’t give families hugs anymore.”

Working so closely with death hasn’t changed her overall perception of it, she said, but it has made her value each day she has.

“I think the one perception that it’s probably changed for me the most is that I really know I just need to appreciate every day that I do have because you never know when it’s going to happen,” she said. “It just really has probably made me appreciate life.”

Services during a pandemic With restrictions on in-person gatherings, procedures have had to change at Columbia Funeral

­­­­See FUNERAL Page A4

The 2021 Oregon Legislature is under way at the capitol building in Salem, but this session is far from normal. It is marked by pandemic related issues and restrictions and a $1.7 billion budget shortfall.

By far, the top issue is the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Sen. Betsy Johnson.

“We have heard both pro and con about the vaccine,” Johnson said. “Some people are desperate to get it and I have heard from an enormous number of people opposed to the state mandating the vaccine. This is issue number one.”

Johnson said the second top issue are schools and resuming inperson instruction.

“When they will reopen and under what conditions and issue number three is when will the government let the business community fully reopen,” she said.

Johnson told The Chronicle she has her own three top priorities.

“Budget, budget, budget,” she said. “I am one of the three budget committee chairs writing the budget and we are in the process of trying to figure out what the budget will look like. We have as many unknowns as knowns.”

According to Johnson, the ‘knowns’ are the pandemic and the recent summer and fall wildfires.

She said legislators are starting the budget discussion noting that the state is $1.7 billion short in the general fund to continue current programs and services.

“The good news is that Oregon has taken steps to be prepared for the financial shortfalls,” she said.

“We are one of the best situated states to be prepared. We have a rainy-day fund and an education stability fund that holds $1.3 billion in reserve.”

Johnson said the ‘unknowns’ will be the key challenge.

“We don’t know how quickly the vaccine is going to get out to most Oregonians and what will lead to the elimination of the pandemic restrictions,” she said.

“We don’t know when the state, national and global economies will reopen, and we don’t know when the recovery will actually begin.

We don’t know the changes in federal support and the program requirements that may come with the federal support.”

Johnson said another key unknown is what the financial impact of new programs, notably Ballot Measure 110, that decriminalizes all drugs and changes how the state conducts recovery.

“And because of that we can’t address right now what hasn’t happened,” she said. “We are trying to lay out some guiding principles to address the shortfall and evaluate programs to see what is working.

We have a very discipline approach to evaluate long term investment in infrastructure and programs.”

Johnson describes herself as exclusively a budgeteer, but she told The Chronicle she does have one specific bill that she believes would be a good alternative to the landlord tenant bill that was passed in the third special session in 2020.

“That is Senate Bill 330, which provides tax credits to landlords, immediate relief to tenants and it relieves the chance of a lot of lawsuits, and it can be implemented over a time horizon that is more participle for our budget situation,” Johnson said.

The pandemic limitations on how people can participate in the legislative process is also troubling, according to Johnson.

“How are we going to conduct a virtual session? We could have 3,000 bills introduced this session, but the public is not allowed in building due to the pandemic,” she said.

Seeing the capital building closed and the recent huge blocks of concrete and fencing surrounding to building to protect from organized demonstrations is discouraging, according to Johnson.

“It has broken my heart,” she said. “I have been amazed over the years how open and accessible the public legislative process has been.

­­­­See LEGISLATURE Page A8

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Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Researchers find dogs are paying attention SEAN NEALON

Chronicle Guest Article

Dogs synchronize their behavior with the children in their family, but not as much as they do with adults, Oregon State University (OSU) researchers have found.

The new findings are important because there is a growing body of evidence that dogs can help children in many ways, including with social development, increasing physical activity, managing anxiety or as a source of attachment in the face of changing family structures, the researchers said.

Yet, very little research has focused on how dogs perceive and socially engage with children.

“The great news is that this study suggests dogs are paying a lot of attention to the kids that they live with,” said Oregon State animal behaviorist Monique Udell, the lead author of the study.

Udell said dogs are responsive to children and, in many cases, behaving in synchrony with them, indicators of positive affiliation and a foundation for building strong bonds.

“One interesting thing we have observed is that dogs are matching their child’s behavior

Courtesy photo

While research has found dogs can have a lot of positive impacts on a child’s life, there are also risks associated with the dog-child relationship.

less frequently than what we have seen between dogs and adult caretakers, which suggests that while they may view children as social companions, there are also some differences that we need to understand better,” Udell said.

Co-authors were Shelby Wanser, a faculty research assistant in Udell’s lab, and Megan MacDonald, an associate professor in Oregon State’s College of Public Health and

Human Sciences, who studies how motor skills and physically active lifestyles improve the lives of children with and without disabilities The researchers recruited 30 youth between the ages of 8 and 17 years old – 83% of which had a developmental disability – to take part in the study with their family dog.

The experiments took place in a large empty room. Colorcoded taped lines were placed

on the floor, and the children were given instructions on how to walk the lines in a standardized way with their off-leash dog.

The researchers videotaped the experiments and analyzed behavior based on three elements: (1) Activity synchrony, which means how much time the dog and child were moving or stationary at the same time.

(2) Proximity, or how much time the dog and child were within 1 meter of each other.

(3) Orientation, how much time the dog was oriented in the same direction as the child.

They found that dogs exhibited behavioral synchronization with the children at a higher rate than would be expected by chance for all three variables. During their assessments, they found: • Active synchrony for an average of 60.2% of the time.

Broken down further, the dogs were moving an average of 73.1% of the time that the children were moving and were stationary an average of 41.2% of the time the children were stationary.

• Proximity within 1 meter of each other for an average of 27.1% of the time.

• Orientation in the same direction for an average of

33.5% of the time.

While child-dog synchrony occurred more often that what would be expected by chance, those percentages are all lower than what other researchers have found when studying interactions between dogs and adults in their household.

Those studies found “active synchrony” 81.8% of the time, but at 49.1% with shelter dogs. They found “proximity” 72.9% of the time and 39.7% with shelter dogs. No studies on dog-human behavioral synchronization have previously assessed body orientation.

The Oregon State researchers are conducting more research to better understand factors that contribute to differences in levels of synchrony and other aspects of bond quality between dogs and children compared to dogs and adults, including participation in animal assisted interventions and increasing the child’s responsibility for the dog’s care.

While research has found dogs can have a lot of positive impacts on a child’s life, there are also risks associated with the dog-child relationship, the researchers said. For example, other studies have found dogs are more apt to bite children versus adults.

“We still have a lot to learn

about the dog-child relationship” Udell said. “We’re hoping this research can inform the best ways to shape positive outcomes and mitigate risks by helping children interact with dogs in a manner that improves the relationship and ultimately the welfare of both individuals.”

Based on this study, Udell also offered some takeaways for families with children and dogs.

“What we are finding is that kids are very capable of training dogs, and that dogs are paying attention to the kids and can learn from them,” she said. “Sometimes we don’t give children and dogs enough credit. Our research suggests that with some guidance we can provide important and positive learning experiences for our kids and our dogs starting at a much earlier age, something that can make a world of difference to the lives of both.”

The OSU research paper has been published in the journal Animal Cognition.

Sean Nealon is a news editor at Oregon State University’s University Relations and Marketing Department.

He may be reached at sean. nealon@oregonstate.edu

Public safety facility estimated at $15-19M intended to plan for future growth and provide space for city council meetings, courts and community rooms.

The St. Helens City Council will make a formal decision on how to proceed at the April 7 council meeting. Until then, there will be a public engagement period for residents to give feedback on the proposals.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The city of St. Helens is working with Mackenzie Architecture to create a template of what a new public safety facility to house the police department may look like and, according to the city’s new webpage for the proposed facility, St. Helens expects a cost of between $15 to $19 million for the facility.

The cost of the facility could be paid through residents’ utility bills, with a monthly fee possibly ranging from $6-11. The ad hoc advisory committee

Jeremy C. Ruark /The Chronicle

Drawing courtesy of the City of St. Helens.

The current St. Helens Police Station (left) is nearly 50 years old. The city is proposing to build a new public safety facility (right) to expand space for the police department, and include rooms for council meetings and courts.

tasked with presenting recommendations to the city council about the facility, suggested the city increase support to the Community

Action Team— an organization that provides utility bill assistance, among other assistance. In an online poll on The Chronicle’s

website, 82% of respondents said they would not support a raise in utility fees to fund a new public safety facility and 18% said

they would.

The proposed new facility is 10-times larger than the current police station, at 22,000 square feet. It is

To learn more about the proposed new facility and submit questions or comments to city staff, visit the project website at www. sthelensoregon.gov/administration/page/publicsafety-facility

Get your chicks on HWY 30 LAKEN GORTLER Sponsored content

Well, we’ve made it through the first month of the year and, here at Dahlgren’s, we’re gearing up for our annual chick sale. We’re planning to get them in mid to late February, but I will start accepting special orders beginning February 1.

If you head over to hoovershatchery.com, you can see where we get all of our chicks from and the wide variety we have access to. We can get chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, and quail. There are also some interesting new mixed breeds to look at like the lavender Orpingtons and red and blue laced wyandottes.

Ducks really picked up last year, too, so we’ll get a lot more of those.

TURKEYS … everyone wants turkeys. Usually, we carry the white crested kind which are admittedly not the prettiest turkey, but they’re the kind you’re used to eating more often. I can still get the Bourbon Red or other heritage breeds, which is more of what people think of when they

COVID COMMUNITY OUTREACH TESTING think of turkeys, but they have a longer wait-time because they don’t breed as many of them.

We’ll also have bobtail quail and ring-necked pheasants. Other than that, I can get your runner ducks, swimmer ducks, and a whole gaggle of geese. I’ve only brought geese in once, but they were adorable, and I’d love to bring

them in again. (If you don’t have a mean guard dog, the geese will make up for it!)

As always, I’ll still have some literature and kits available for those who are first-time or beginner chick owners, and we stock just about everything you need to get started and properly care for your chicks. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

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- If you tested positive before and do NOT have symptoms, you must wait 90+ days before getting another test.

- COVID vaccine will not be provided at these events.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2021

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Old Age: What new study shows MOLLY ROSBACH Chronicle Guest Article

If you believe you are capable of becoming the healthy, engaged person you want to be in old age, you are much more likely to experience that outcome, an Oregon State University study shows.

“How we think about who we’re going to be in old age is very predictive of exactly how we will be,” said Shelbie Turner, a doctoral student in OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences and co-author on the study.

the person they want to be in the future; and optimism as a general personality trait.

The researchers measured self-perception of aging by having respondents say how strongly they agreed or disagreed with statements such as, “Things keep getting worse as I get older,” “I have as much pep as I had last year,” “As you get older, you are less useful.”

They measured optimism in a similar way, with respondents ranking their agreement with statements like “In uncertain times I usually expect the best.”

Previous studies Previous studies on aging have found that how people thought about themselves at age 50 predicted a wide range of future health outcomes up to 40 years later — cardiovascular events, memory, balance, will to live, hospitalizations; even mortality.

“Previous research has shown that people who have positive views of aging at 50 live 7.5 years longer, on average, than people who don’t,” said Karen Hooker, co-author of the study and the Jo Anne Leonard Petersen Endowed Chair in Gerontology and Family Studies at OSU. Because self-perceptions of aging are linked to so many major health outcomes, Hooker and Turner wanted to understand what influences those perceptions. Their study looked specifically at the influence of two factors: self-efficacy associated with possible selves, meaning a person’s perceived ability to become

The more you’re around older people, the more you realize that it’s not all bad. ~ Shelbie Turner, OSU College of Public Health and Human Services

To measure self-efficacy, the study used a dataset that compiled survey responses from older adults where they listed two “hoped-for” future selves and two “feared” future selves, and ranked how capable they felt of becoming the person they hoped to be and avoiding becoming the person they feared to be.

Among the “hoped for” selves were things like “A social person with a strong network of friends” and “A healthy, active person.” Examples of “feared” selves were “Chronically sick and in pain,” “Being dependent on others for my day-to-day needs” and “A cranky, angry old woman.”

New results

How this study can help

Results showed that, as predicted, higher optimism was associated with more positive self-perception of aging.

Both “hoped-for” self-efficacy and “feared” self-efficacy were also significantly associated with self-perception of aging, above and beyond optimism as a trait.

A major factor in how people see their own aging selves is internalizing ageist stereotypes, the researchers said. Examples of such stereotypes include assumptions that older adults are bad drivers, or suffer memory problems, or are unable to engage in physical activity anymore.

“Kids as young as 4-yearsold already have negative stereotypes about old people,” Hooker said. “Then, of course, if you’re lucky enough to live to old age, they eventually apply to you.”

Those stereotypes get reinforced every time an older adult forgets something and jokes, “Another senior moment!” But the researchers say these thought patterns can do real harm.

“People need to realize that some of the negative health consequences in later life might not be biologically driven. The mind and the body are all interwoven,” Hooker said. “If you believe these bad things are going to happen, over time that can erode people’s willingness or maybe even eventually their ability to engage in those health behaviors that are going to keep them as healthy as they can be.”

A way to mitigate those negative stereotypes about aging is to promote intergenerational relationships, so younger people can see older adults enjoying happy, healthy lives.

“The more you’re around older people, the more you realize that it’s not all bad,” Turner said. “Older people can do some things better than young people do.

Increasing opportunities for intergenerational relationships is one way we can

make people more optimistic about aging.”

Molly Rosbach works at the OSU Department of Marketing and Research.

She may be reached at molly.rosbach@oregonstate. edu.

Meadow Park tentative agreement JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Meadow Park Health and Specialty Care Center employees and the operator of the facility have reached a tentative contract agreement.

The pact includes a 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) per hour with an additional 1% in September. The tentative agreement also includes hazard pay for all employees in the facility, which gives $2.50 per hour for employees in the building’s COVID wing and $1 per hour to all workers which there is a COVID positive resident at Meadow Park.

“If there is even on positive COVID case, every person that walks into the building will receive some kind of hazard pay for the risks that they are taking,” Meadow Park nursing assistant and SIEU bargaining team member Liliauna Fleming said.

The tentative agreement follows an informational picket demonstration by some of the employees and members the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) along Highway 30 near Columbia Boulevard on Jan. 26.

Meadow Park has experienced 61 COVID-19 cases and two related deaths since the pandemic in March, according to the Oregon Health Authority. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) began contract talks with Meadow Park in November.

Sarah Lannen has been an employee at the center for one year. She said she joined the Tuesday demonstration to support her co-workers and the union.

“I love my job,” Lennen said. “I love my residents and the people that I work with. I can’t do my

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Employees of Meadow Park Care Health and Specialty Center are joined by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) members voicing their concerns about reaching a fair contact agreement with the center operators. The demonstration took place along Highway 30 in St. Helens.

job without them and we demand a safe and healthy work environment,” Lannen said. “When we had the COVID outbreak in our building I would go home after 16-hour shifts and cry, because I was so worried about my residents and my co-workers.”

Carlotte Larson, a 20year employee at Meadow Park, said she had to be quarantined after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

“It was really hard to be home quarantined and not being paid and I am still trying to get my pay,” Larson said, adding that she was able to recover from COVID-19 and has since taken the vaccine.

Larson and Lennen disclosed that they both earn approximately $15 an hour at Meadow Park.

“We are asking for fair wages and to be treated decently,” Larson said.

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Opinion

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Viewpoints

2021 Oregon Legislature starts BRAD WITT Chronicle Guest Column

The 2021 regular Oregon Legislative session is now under way.

Oregon’s laws are developed through committee work and due to the COVID-19 restrictions, committees will be meeting via video-conferences until the rate of coronavirus infection lessens.

My House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee began meeting last week, and as an introduction we heard from Jim Brown, former State Forester and Natural Resource Advisor to Governor Ted Kulongoski. He described a sustainability model that I believe we should implement when crafting sound public policy.

I liken sustainability to a three-legged stool of economic, social and environmental needs. When developing sustainable policies, we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the House Agicultural and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on three bills that are proposed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

HB 2067: Would allow the ODFW Commission to charge lower fees for hunting and fishing licenses and tags than those that are currently on the statutorily approved fee schedule. The department would like to eliminate the current one-day angling license, and replace it with a one-day angling license that includes angling and shellfish harvest.

The cost of the license would decrease from $32.50 to $23.00 which would assist the coastal charters and guides who offer combination activities of fishing and crabbing in one trip. This was supported by the department and also by members of the Legislative Coastal Caucus.

The bill would also allow the department more flexibility to decrease fees on licenses and tags in an effort to market hunting and angling opportunities to increase recruitment, reactivation, retention and participation, a move that was supported by the Oregon Hunter’s Association. If approved by the committee the bill will move to Ways and Means due to its financial component.

HB 2068: Would eliminate the sunset date on Land Owner Preference Program tags, making them permanent.

These controlled hunt tags are used by landowners who sustain damage from deer, elk and antelope on their private

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Brad Witt

lands. The program has existed for 38 years, and has changed over time, with sunset dates placed to work through those changes.

Support for making this program permanent came from the Oregon Hunters Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Forest Industries Council and private landowners. The program can still be reviewed and changed by the Legislative Assembly in the future, on an as-needed basis.

HB 2069: Establishes a sage grouse mitigation program in-lieu fund. The continual appropriation of moneys would fund restoration, protection, enhancement and increase sage grouse habitat. The fund created in this bill was suggested by developers who would like to pay a mitigation fee for development, and is supported by ODFW and The Nature Conservancy.

The goal is to protect and enhance sage grouse populations and keep them off the Federal Endangered Species Act which would be detrimental to Eastern Oregon Communities. This bill will also require approval by the Ways and Means Committee.

Thousands of other bills Thousands of bills have been introduced in the 2021 Legislative Session, including three I have introduced dealing with the on-going impacts of the pandemic.

HB 2729: Which would require the Housing and Community Services Department to pay to residential and nonresidential landlords uncollected rents due between the dates of April 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. The landlord would have to transfer to the department any claims for the unpaid nonpayment balance and repay to the department any amount later received from the tenant or on behalf of the tenant for this time period. This bill has been assigned to the House

Housing Committee with a subsequent referral to the Ways and Means Committee.

HB 2693: Deals with property tax exemptions for properties used for industry apprenticeships and training, but we describe it as the “Food Box Bill.” Over the past ten months, UA Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters wanted to work with an industry non-profit to distribute food to families struggling with the COVID-19 emergency. UA attorneys determined that participating in a food drive and food box distribution would require a temporary lease of part of their trust property to the other non-profit, thereby causing the loss of their Oregon property tax exemption.

Sadly, the community assistance activity had to be cancelled and they were unable to conduct the food distribution to Oregonians in need. HB 2693, which would correct this problem, has been referred to the House Revenue Committee.

Another one of my pandemic response bills being released next week is HB 3087 requiring the Oregon Health Authority to develop a program to allow volunteer doctors and other medical professionals, as well as retired medical professionals, to assist during pandemics. Their volunteer efforts could prove to be invaluable with vaccine distribution and other medical support functions.

Stay in touch Because of the COVID-19 restrictions the Capitol building remains closed to the public. The length of the closure will depend on how soon we can get the infection rate under control. With the vaccine and other health precautions, I’m hoping we will soon be welcoming Oregonians back into the Capitol.

Things will be busy and move quickly during the 180-day session, so it’s more important than ever that I hear from my constituents. If you have concerns or comment about a state issue, agency or proposed legislation, please contact my office. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of Representatives as we undertake this important work together.

Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-986-1431 • 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

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Vote online at thechronicleonline.com

The Chronicle 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

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

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in/out county: $8 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80

CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 Website: www.thechronicleonline.com Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net Advertising: atrull@countrymedia.net or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net FOLLOW US • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Fire district gives thanks COLUMBIA RIVER FIRE & RESCUE Chronicle Guest Column

Columbia River Fire & Rescue would like to take a moment to say thank you to our paramedics and community partners.

Our agency has been involved in a joint effort COVID vaccination process for the past several weeks. This clinic wouldn’t have been a success without our internal members as well as our community partners.

• Warren Community Fellowship • Assembly of God Church • Clatskanie Fire District • Mist-Birkenfeld • Scappoose Fire District • Columbia County Public Health.

Without the amazing relationships with our neighboring fire agencies and our community partners, the COVID vaccine wouldn’t have been possible in our rural community.

Notable recognition needs to go to the following Columbia River Fire & Rescue members: Community Paramedic Nina Kerr Bryant and Medical Services Officer, Tim Hennigan, Firefighter/Paramedic Jerry Cole and our EMS Division Chief Erick Holsey.

Approximately 80% of Columbia River Fire & Rescue’s staff are now vaccinated thank you to the efforts of

Courtesy photo from CRFR

Vaccination clinics were recently held for members of the Columbia River Fire & Rescue District and other first responders.

these folks. Individuals in the Phase 1-A group in our county very likely received a vaccination from one of these staff members at the different clinics hosted over the past few weeks. They spent very long days from 9 a.m. until well after 8 p.m. at vaccination clinics and providing the COVID vaccine served with a positive outlook. Each of them spent tireless hours and ended with a smile on their face.

Chaplain/Senior Firefighter Cary Wacker and Chaplain Steve Berry were also an integral part in this process as they offered their church facilities to assist in multiple clinics.

We are proud to have such positive staff that are

willing to participate for the good of the community. We know there are still several groups to vaccinate as we move forward and we trust that Columbia County Public Health is working hard to ensure the next groups in line will receive vaccines as well.

We were honored to be able to serve the vaccines to front line workers to ensure their health and safety as we move forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Columbia Fire & Rescue • Address: Columbia River Fire & Rescue Administration Offices, 270 Columbia Blvd.

St. Helens, OR 97051 • Phone: 503-397-2990 • Fax: 503-397-3198 • Email: www.crfr.com.

Voice of Democracy winners STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

“The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the members of VFW Post 1440 from continuing their annual Voice of Democracy award program. Due to the pandemic, the presentation normally held at the Elks Lodge in St. Helens was canceled and the award ceremony was conducted in surprise presentations outside the homes of the award winners.

Each year the VFW conducts a nationwide youth essay competition giving students the opportunity to write essays expressing their views about an annual patriotic theme. The 2020 selected winner in the Patriot’s Pen Contest is sixth grader Isaac Polvogt of St. Helens. The theme of the contest was, “What is Patriotism to Me?” Each year since since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has

FUNERAL

From Page A1

Home. At first, Houston said the staff tried to work from home to make arrangements with families over email and the phone, but it wasn’t working.

“I struggled with it, honestly probably more than some of my families because it took away what I’m in the job for: that personal, get-toknow the family thing,” she said.

The funeral home has worked on holding more outdoor services so larger groups can attend, and in

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Alexis Jenkins, of Columbia City, is the VFW Post 1440 Voice of Democracy 2020 Scholarship winner.

Isaac Polvogt, of St.Helens, is the VFW Patriot’s Pen Contest winner.

been the VFW’s premier scholarship program. The 2020 winner is ninth grader Alexis Jenkins of Colum-

bia City. The theme of the Voice of Democracy Contest was “Is this the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

some cases will broadcast the service online for family and friends who can’t make it in person.

“We’ve had a couple of services at our chapel, but our capacity is just so low that sometimes immediate family is just bigger than what we can allow inside,” she said. For viewings, staff will rotate people in and out to pay their respects and make sure they are meeting capacity levels.

Some families have opted to postpone ceremonies until gathering restrictions are eased and more people can attend, and Houston hopes it will be soon so those families can get closure.

“It’s hard, because death is not something that you can stop from happening, like restaurants or things like that,” she said. “We still have people we need to serve no matter what.”

Columbia Funeral Home is located at 681 Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens.

Holly Houston may be reached at the facility by calling 503-397-1154.

If you know of someone, an agency or business, or a group, that is making a positive difference in our community and would like to see them featured in Who We Are, email details to jruark@ countrymedia.net.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

www.thechronicleonline.com

A5

Extended jobless benefits ending

Courtesy photo

Extended Benefits (EB) is a program that extends regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits when a state is at high unemployment.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The U.S. Department of Labor has informed the Oregon Employment Department (ODE) that it is halting Oregon’s Extended Benefits (EB) program because Oregon’s unemployment rate is declining.

With this federal decision, up to 13 weeks of extended benefits will no longer be available after Feb. 20.

“Extended benefits has been an important safety net that has helped many Oregonians make ends meet,” Oregon Employment Department Acting Director David Gerstenfeld said. “Fortunately, the Continued Assistance Act is providing another safety net, and EB claimants will be able to move to the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program (PEUC) for an additional 11 weeks.”

Extended Benefits (EB) is a program that extends regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits when a state is at high unemployment. The average unemployment rate is reviewed at the federal level over a three-month period to determine if the state goes into this extension. If the average unemployment rate is below 8% but at or above 6.5%, then up to 13 weeks of additional benefits are available under EB. The ending of the extended benefits will not happen immediately, according to Gerstenfeld. Claimants can continue receiving EB benefits for three weeks, and should continue filing EB claims through Feb. 20. The employment department will move claimants to PEUC after Feb. 20 so claimants will not need to restart their claims. This switch from EB to PEUC may require manual changes, delaying some PEUC payments. All payments will be made retroactively and claimants will not lose out on any weeks of benefits they are eligible for.

In the event that this improvement to the unemployment rate is temporary and Oregon’s unemployment rate increases to 6.5% or higher, Gerstenfeld said OED will not need to meet the statutory 13-week delay period to turn EB on, per a recent authorization from Governor Kate Brown.

For more information about Extended Benefits, visit the Employment Department’s Most Asked Questions section page at unemployment.oregon.gov/frequentlyasked-questions#q-12560

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CH21-1584

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Case No. 20PB09041 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of BRIAN DAN FLETCHER, Deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

www.thechronicleonline.com

Personal Representative at the offices of Maite Uranga, Attorney at Law, 333 SW Taylor, #300, Portland, Oregon 97204, Personal Representative’s Attorney, within four (4) 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, Personal Representative, or the attorneys for the Personal Representative, Maite Uranga, Attorney at Law. Dated and first published February 3, 2021.

Kimberly Fletcher Personal Representative.

INVITATION TO BID CH21-1585

The Department of State Lands is accepting bids for the lease of a tract of submerged land in the Multnomah Channel east of Scappoose Bay for a spud barge and associated vessel moorage for marine industrial use. Sealed bids will be accepted by mail only until the close of business on March 5, 2021, to be opened and read

the following business day.

The tract measures 2.87 acres (125,000 square feet) and is fronting tax lot 200 on the Columbia River in Northeast One-Quarter of Section 16, Township 4 North, Range 1 West, Willamette Meridian, Columbia County, Oregon.

Lease applications and information about bid requirements and costs are on the

Department’s website: www. oregonstatelands.us. Please reference Application #62982 SEAKED BID” on the envelope. Mail to The Department of State Lands, 775 Summer St. NE, Suite 100, Salem, OR 97301-1279. Additional information is available from Alexis Richins: 971375-7489 (Salem); Alexis.

Richins@state.or.us.

CH21-1577

CH21-1572

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of GERALD A. ANDERSON, Deceased. No. 20PB09092 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers

attached, to the undersigned personal representative at the address below, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

representative, or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published January 20, 2021. KELLY SUE PECK, Personal Representative c/o Lucas & Associates, LLC, Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 519, Rainier, OR 97048, Phone 503-556-3741, Fax 503-556-0708. Lucasatty@ yahoo.com.

In the Matter of the Estate of DALE A BOYD, Deceased. Case No. 20PB07869 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of Dale A Boyd, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that Anita Blumlein has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them

to the undersigned personal representative in care of the undersigned attorney at: 5250 S Landing Dr, Ste 206, Portland, OR 97239, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, or such claims may be barred.

All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional information from

the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published January 27, 2021 Anita Blumlein, Personal Representative. Kerry Chipman, OSB# 790243 Attorney for Personal Representative 5250 S Landing Dr, Ste 206 Portland, OR 97239 503281-3436 Email: chipmanlaw@comcast.net.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

A7

Public Notices CH21-1586

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of Appeal of the Administrative Decision by the Land Development Services Director for the Issuance of Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS 21-15) for Curtis Shuck c/o Lost Creek Rock Products LLC and Mel McDougal. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICATION) 1. Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at or after 10:00 a.m. virtually from the Columbia County Courthouse. On the date and time of the hearing you may enter the meeting room by: Joining from a computer, tablet or smartphone at: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ioin/357054141 Joining by phone at: United States (Toll Free): 1 866

899 4679 Access Code: 357-054-l4l New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https:// global. gotomeeting.com/ install/870493693 2. If you have any questions regarding access to the meeting or would like to request ADA accommodations, please contact Jacyn Normine, Board Office Administrator, in advance of the meeting, by phone at 503-397-4322 or email at Jacyn.Normine@ columbiacountyor.qov.

Columbia County does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and will provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the County’s ADA Policy. A copy of the County’s ADA policy is available by request. 3. The purpose of the hearing is to

consider the appeal by Curtis Shuck c/o Lost Creek Rock Products LLC and Mel McDougal on the administrative decision made by the Land Development Services Director for issuance of Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUC2L15) to operate an aggregate quarry including removal, excavation, processing and stockpiling of aggregate materials and to site a portable non-fixed office and truck scale and exterior storage of heavy equipment associated with the use and the installation of a sedimentation pond. 4.

The subject property is located in the Surface Mining Zone and identified in the County Assessor’s records as Tax Lot74l1-00-01000.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICA-

lumbiacountyor.gov. 6. The applicable criteria to be used in deciding this appeal are in Columbia County Zoning Ordinance Section 1040 Surface Mining (SM), Section 1105 Flood Hazard Overlay - Development Permit, Section 1173 Activities Prohibited within the Riparian Corridor Boundary, Section 1184 Wetland Area Overlay Development Standards, Section 1450 Transportation Impact Analysis, and Section 1550 Site Design Review. 7. Written materials may be submitted prior to or during the public hearing. Please submit written materials to Jacyn Normine, Board Office Administrator, by email at Jacyn.Normine@ columbiacountyor.gov or mail at Board of County Commissioners’ Office, Attn:

Jacyn Normine, 230 Strand St., Room 338, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. 8. This is a public hearing. Interested parties may appear and be heard 9. The failure to raise an issue at the hearing, in person or by letter, or failure to provide statements or evidence sufficient to afford the Board of County Commissioners an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals based on that issue. 10. The hearing will be held according to the procedures established in the Columbia County Zoning Ordinance and ORS 197.763. Dated this 28th day of January,2021 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COLINTY, OREGON By: Margaret Magruder, Chair.

CH21-1574

CH21-1578

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department: Case No. 20PB09177. NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of RONALD G. CROUSE, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JUDITH CROUSE has been appointed Personal Representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the Personal Rep-

TION) Page 1 5. A copy of the Land Use Compatibility Statement decision, notice of appeal, Staff Report, application, all documents and evidence provided by or on behalf the applicant, and applicable criteria will be available for inspection at no cost at the Board of County Commissioners’ Office, located at Columbia County Courthouse Annex,230 Strand St., Room 338, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Copies of these materials will be provided at a reasonable cost upon request. The Staff Report will be available seven days prior to the hearing.

Information regarding this appeal may be obtained by contacting Jacyn Normine, Board Office Administrator, by phone at 503-397-4322 or email at Jacyn.Normine@co-

resentative in care of the undersigned attorney for the Personal Representative at the following addresses: Attorney for Personal Representative: LOREN A. (DREW) GRAMSON OSB #061889, PO Box 28453, Portland OR 97228, (503) 666-4567, Fax: (503) 465-5825, E-mail: drew@ gramson.com. Claims must be presented 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 court, the Personal Representative, or the attorneys for the Personal Representative. Dated and first published on January 27, 2021 by Judith Crouse, PO Box 28453, Portland, OR 97228.

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE VACANCIES

The St. Helens School District No. 502 is seeking applicants for three (3) 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

2 Remaining

6/30/22

2022-2023 2

2 Remaining

6/30/22

2022-2023 4

Full Term (3 Years) 6/30/23

2023-2024

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 Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021. Interviews and appointments will occur at the board work session held on Wednesday, February 10th, 2021.

CH21-1582

CH21-1581

NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING

NOTICE OF WORKSHOP

The Columbia County Fairgrounds will be holding a Board Meeting - February 8th, 2021 at 6:30 pm in the pavilion at 58892

The Columbia County Fairgrounds is holding a Workshop - February 11th, 2021 at 6:30pm in the Pavilion at 58892

Saulser Road, St. Helens, OR 97051 and virtually by calling 1 866 899 4679 and using access code:831-398757.

Saulser Road, St. Helens, OR 97051 and virtually by calling 1 866 899 4679 and using access code: 922898-509.

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

Late submissions are not guaranteed to make the paper

Police Reports The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

St. Helens Police Department Jan. 24 • Police investigated a cold theft in the 100 block of Wonderly Drive.

• A 51-year-old man was arrested for disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and unlawful entry into a motor vehicle near the 2200 block Gable Road.

Jan. 25 • Police investigated a theft of a catalytic converter in the 300 block of St. Helens Street.

• A 60-year-old was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of the

St. Helens Municipal Court in the 100 block of McMichael Street.

Jan. 26 • Police attempted to stop a gray 2011 Ford Fusion at the intersection of Tualatin and S 18th streets. The driver of the vehicle fled and has eluded police.

• Police took a report of a stolen vehicle in the 200 block of S 12th Street.

• A 39-year-old was arrested for an outstanding St. Helens Municipal Court warrant.

• Police investigated the report of a stolen vehicle from the 58000 block of Columbia River Highway.

Jan. 27 • Police investigated a child neglect case in the 400 block of S Columbia River Highway.

• A report of cold theft was made in the 700 block of Matzen Street.

• A 52-year-old was arrested on an authority/post-prison no bail warrant near the intersection of Tualatin and S 18th streets.

Jan. 28 • Police took a report of a violation of restraining order in the 700 block of Wyeth Street.

Jan. 29 • Police responded to investigate a non-injury traffic crash in the 300 block of S11th Street.

Oregon State Police Oregon State Police Jan. 27 • Oregon State Police receiving a cold menacing complaint with a firearm on Coal Creek Road in Scappoose. Both parties involved were interviewed via telephone and the case is being forwarded to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office for consideration.

Jan. 28 • A vehicle left the roadway near milepost four on Highway 47 and Oregon State Police, the department of transportation and a local towing company responded. The tow truck was able to get the vehicle back on the roadway and the driver was able to drive away without damage. The highway was closed for approximately 10 minutes.

• At around 4 p.m., troopers responded to a suspicious vehicle call on Fourth St. near

the St. Helens water treatment plant. The vehicle was located and the driver was passed out behind the wheel. Once awake, the driver displayed indicators on impairment and consented to a field sobriety test where more signs of impairment were noticed. The driver, a 55-yearold St. Helens woman was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants and submitted a breath test. She had a blood alcohol concentration of .15% and was booked and released at Columbia County Jail.

Jan. 29 • A woman reported that she was the victim of indecent exposure near Collins Beach on Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. Collins Beach is clothing optional.

The woman gave a vague description of the suspect but refused to identify herself.

• At 4 p.m., the Oregon State Police conducted a traffic stop on a blue van pulling a trailer near Maple and Madison streets in Vernonia for lighting and license plate violations.

During the traffic stop, it was

discovered the driver— a 58-year-old Eugene man— was suspended misdemeanor level and a habitual offender and was subsequently arrested. The passenger took possession of the vehicle and the driver was transported to the Columbia County Jail where he was booked and released.

Rainier Police Department Rainier Police Department Jan. 13 • An officer assisted a disabled motorist.

• Officers responded to a residential alarm. The home was found to be secure.

• An officer checked the welfare of a reportedly suspicious person. The gentleman was cleaning out the down spouts to some gutters and praying.

Jan. 14 • A caller wanted to report that a neighboring dog was a habitual barker. The reporting party just wanted to vent and said they would call if the situation continued.

Jan. 16 • Drugs were found in a business bathroom. They were turned in for disposal.

Jan. 17 • A bicycle was turned in as found property. Please call to identify if you believe it may be yours.

Jan. 18 • A hitch was stolen from a vehicle parked at the boat launch.

Jan. 21 • An officer responded to a three-vehicle, non-injury accident on the Lewis & Clark Bridge. A tire and wheel became separated from the suspect vehicle. A lug nut hit the windshield of the first victim vehicle and the tire hit a secondary victim vehicle.

• A 24-year-old was taken in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants.

See the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement reports attached to this blotter at thechronicleonline.com

State foster care numbers at historic low STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Despite the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic and historic wildfires, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division was able to reduce the use of foster care to a historic low, return all children placed at out-of-state residential treatment facilities to Oregon and decrease the use of temporary lodging.

On Jan. 1, 2021 there were 6,118 children in foster care, the lowest number of children in care in 15 years.

“We all know that infants, children, adolescents and young adults do best growing up in a family that can provide love, support, lifelong learning, shared values and important memories,” Oregon Child Welfare Director Rebecca Jones Gaston said. “That is why we are committed to doing everything we can to provide the necessary supports to help families safely stay together and decrease the use of unnecessary foster care.”

Key Child Welfare Division data and accomplishments

for 2020: • Decreased the number of children in foster care by 11% compared to 2019.

• Eliminated the usage of out-of-state residential treatment facilities since July.

• Decreased the use of temporary lodging by 66% percent in the last twelve months. (Temporary lodging is the temporary placement of a child in a hotel room because there is not an appropriate placement immediately available).

• Decreased the average wait times at the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCAH) by 46 percent from 8.07 minutes in 2019 to 4.33 minutes in 2020.

• Family reunifications in 2020: 1,934 • Adoptions finalized in 2020: 811 • Guardianships finalized in 2020: 355 Oregon Child Welfare Division Vision for Transformation In 2020, the division began a series of discussions with its workforce, community

partners, and Oregon Tribal Nations about what the division can and should do to support and preserve families and ensure that children in Oregon grow up in safe and loving homes.

What grew from these collaborative discussions was the Child Welfare Division Vision for Transformation. The Child Welfare Division Vision for Transformation brings a racial equity and anti-racism lens to every aspect of the work of the division and emphasizes that it will work to prevent maltreatment and the need for foster care, support families, and keep children in their homes whenever possible.

Support and training for foster providers is available statewide As of Dec. 31, 2020, there were 1,344 foster providers enrolled in KEEP Fostering, a program for Oregon that went statewide in 2020. Available virtually, KEEP Fostering is an evidence-based support and skill enhancement program for foster and kinship parents.

It offers culturally specific

support for foster providers caring for Tribal children, LGBTQIA+ children, as well as support in Spanish and American Sign Language.

Family First Prevention Services Act in Oregon

Oregon’s Family First Prevention Services prevention plan was submitted to the United States Children’s Bureau for review on Nov. 6, 2020. Learn more about Oregon’s prevention plan here.

The prevention plan is the first step toward Oregon’s goal of transforming the child welfare system to one that is prevention-oriented by providing supports and services to family before foster care is necessary.

Fatality Review and Prevention Efforts The Fatality Prevention and Review Program was created in February 2020 to increase the independence and transparency of child safety and fatality reviews through the Critical Incident Review Team (CIRT) process. In 2020, 88 child fatalities were

reported to the division and 34 of those cases met the criteria for a CIRT. The CIRT conducts reviews into child fatalities when the victim, their siblings or other children living in the household have had previous interactions with the Child Welfare Division within 12 months of the fatality. The CIRT is focused on identifying whether any systemic issues contributed to the fatality and if so, how they can be addressed and corrected to prevent future fatalities. Key safety and prevention initiatives implemented in 2020 included training related to suicide prevention, safe sleep for babies, and how to respond to chronic neglect for child welfare staff. Also, in 2020, the division joined the National Partnership for Child Safety, a collaborative group of leaders and critical incident review teams from 26 jurisdictions across the country with a mission to improve child safety and prevent child maltreatment fatalities.

Support children and families in Oregon by becoming a resource (foster) parent for children in foster care.

The MyNeighbOR program helps meet the essential needs of children, families, and young adults impacted by foster care. Learn how to provide support.

About the ODHS Child Welfare Division The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division is committed to transforming itself to better support the individual needs of families and to best serve Oregon’s children and young people. Read the Child Welfare Division Vision for Transformation to learn more.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, How to support children and seven days a week and 365 families in Oregon days a year.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, February 3, 2021

www.thechronicleonline.com

COVID-19 vaccines in Columbia County Legacy Health

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Eligibility for vaccines is slowly expanding, but the demand for vaccines still outweighs the supply.

In Columbia County, local teachers and school staff began to receive vaccines this week and people from Phase 1A continue to be connected with health care providers.

At a county commissioner meeting last week, Public Health Director Michael Paul estimated there were still about 800 county residents in Phase 1A who have yet to be vaccinated. He said the county is working on a registration program to help streamline the process for local health providers so they can focus more on administering vaccines than registration.

As of Jan. 27, there were 1,645 people vaccinated with 276 of those fully vaccinated. Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses to be fully effective.

By Feb. 28, all Oregonians ages 65 and older will be eligible to receive vaccines, but it is uncertain yet how quickly people in those groups will be able

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

Demand outweighs supply for the COVID-19 vaccine in Columbia County.

to receive their doses and depends largely on state allocations.

In the meantime, there are a few options to sign up for vaccine waitlists via health care providers. Other providers have provided general information.

Columbia Health Services Columbia Health Services (CHS) has an online form for people interested in receiving the vaccine when it is available for

them. Signing up does not guarantee a vaccine, but it does give CHS a way to contact people. The form is linked on Columbia County Health Coalition’s Facebook page.

The waitlist sign-up sheet asks people to provide personal information including name, age and employment to help determine eligibility.

If eligible or vaccine becomes available, staff will contact people on the waitlist. Those who do not

respond to three contact attempts will be removed from the waitlist.

Kaiser Permanente Members of Kaiser Permanente can sign up for a vaccine waitlist at healthy. kaiserpermanente.org/ oregon-washington/healthwellness/coronavirus-information/covid-vaccine. It will ask for member log-in information and ask a series of questions to determine eligibility.

Obituaries

LEGISLATURE

Thomas “Tom” William Hudson

I simply do not know how the public is going to react to the many bills that we are contemplating with an unfamiliar legislative process.”

Tom was outgoing, friendly and cheerful. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and taking vacations.

Despite serious medical

issues, Tom stayed busy and worked in his retirement.

He liked helping elderly and disabled seniors, doing yard work, and handyman jobs.

Even though his health worsened, Tom kept his sense of humor and didn’t give up.

Tom especially enjoyed teaching his grandson new skills, sharing his work ethic and spending time together with him.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Lillian of St. Helens; daughter Lois Hudson of Scappoose; daughter Tracy Hudson of Seaside; and best friend and grandson Michael (Kourtney) Bush of Scappoose.

Darreld Heck

April 22, 1946 ~ Jan., 27, 2021

Darreld Heck 74, of Clatskanie, Oregon, passed away Jan. 27, 2021 in Vancouver, Washington.

Ruth Mattinen

Aug. 6, 1932 ~ Jan. 31, 2021

Ruth Mattinen 88, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away Jan. 31, 2021 in Longview, Washington.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) OHSU said it plans to deploy mobile vaccination vans “in the coming weeks,” according to its website.

Whether the vans will come to St. Helens and when that may be is not certain at this time. OHSU currently has mobile COVID-19 testing vans deployed at St. Helens

Eligibility If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, or become eligible, visit the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 page (covidvaccine. oregon.gov) for information on how to receive a vaccine.

A chat window will help determine eligibility if you are unsure. For now, the site directs eligible people in Columbia County to the county’s public health site.

County officials have asked that people who are eligible in Phase 1A who have not yet been connected with a provider to receive a vaccine to contact Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247.

From Page A1

July 29, 1946 ~ Dec. 17, 2020

Tom passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Dec. 17, 2020. He was born on July 29, 1946, in Tillamook, Oregon, to Ardella and Joseph Hudson.

Tom had two brothers and four sisters. He left school early to help support the family, working in the lumber industry. Tom worked in Rainier for Crown Zellerbach for twenty years and for Friesen Lumber in St. Helens.

Tom married his love Lillian Woodford on Nov. 20, 1964. Together they had two daughters, Lois and Tracy.

Tom was a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather.

In a post on Legacy Health’s Facebook, the provider said it is receiving a lot of calls and emails regarding vaccine availability in Oregon and Washington.

“A lot of this information is still being developed.

We are working quickly to get you information as soon we can and we ask that people with questions head to our vaccine website, and not call our providers, hospitals, or doctors,” the post read. “All the most updated information, as we have it, is posted immediately to the website.”

It said more information will be shared as it becomes available, and to check for new updates on its COVID-19 page at www. legacyhealth.org/covid19vaccine.

High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays.

OHSU currently has partnerships with other health systems to provide mass vaccination clinics, like at the Oregon Convention Center and Portland International Airport. These clinics are only available to people in Phase 1A at this time.

According to its website, efforts will expand as the OHA expands eligibility and distributes the vaccines allocated from the federal government.

Oregon House Rep. Brad Witt, who represents the area district, said from the public calls his office is receiving, the top three issues his constituents are concerned with are: • The pandemic • The economic fallout caused by the pandemic • Vaccine and COVID-19 testing availability “My top priorities are to continue to ensure that Oregonians receive the unemployment benefits they are due, that businesses have the tools and capability to safely remain open during the pandemic, that schools can safely reopen, and that rural communities such as those in my district receive the same vaccine and test availability as the metro area,” Witt said.

According to Witt, legislators have been told that the Capitol will be closed to

Chronicle photo

Rep. Brad Witt and Sen. Betsy Johnson discuss legislative issues at a previous Columbia County town hall meeting.

the public at least through March.

“However, I believe the public may have a greater and more convenient option to participate in the committee process this session through the use of video conferencing,” he said.

Witt said benefits of using this platform include citizens not having to take a day off of work to drive to Salem to testify or try and

schedule childcare.

Witt said he was even able to hear testimony from a scientist in Sweden. He added that telephone testimony is also an option for the public wishing to testify about specific legislation.

To reach Rep. Brad Witt call 503-986-1431. To reach Sen. Betsy Johnson, call 503-986-1716 or 503-5434046.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

A9

Pandemic: Searching for the variants MOLLY MOSBACH Chronicle Guest Article

Genetic sequencing of COVID-19 samples done by Oregon State University’s (OSU) Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing has detected multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in samples from around the state, including the highly contagious U.K. strain in one sample from Bend.

The Bend wastewater sample was obtained Dec. 22 and sequencing conducted

by OSU revealed the U.K. strain on Jan. 21. Bend is one of several locations throughout the state where OSU’s TRACE Community project conducts wastewater testing, which is funded in part by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Dr. Melissa Sutton, OHA medical director of respiratory viral pathogens, said The tracking plan OHA is working quickly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and partners statewide to build COVID-19 sequencing surveillance to track the evolution of virus mutations over time.

“All viruses mutate and

these variants are not unexpected,” Sutton said “We will see COVID-19 variants rise and fall in abundance through our population over time and the rise of a new variant is not necessarily cause for alarm. However, monitoring variants is critical to our understanding of disease transmission, disease severity, the ability to evade testing, vaccine effectiveness and treatment resistance.”

As a partner in OSU’s TRACE project, since last spring, the university’s Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing has been running genetic sequencing on all positive COVID-19 samples obtained from TRACE testing of individuals and wastewater from OSU campuses and Oregon communities.

In recent weeks, researchers at the center have been particularly alert to identifying any evidence of variants of SARS-CoV-2, most notably the U.K, South African and Brazilian variants that have been shown to be more contagious than common variants of the virus. Those three variants have a mutation in the virus’ spike protein that may allow individual particles of the virus to latch onto a person’s cells more effectively.

“With the new variants

arriving, being able to understand which variants are circulating among communities is becoming increasingly more important,” OSU Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing Director Brett Tyler said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ramped up its monitoring of mutant stains nationwide, as agency experts are concerned that the mutant strains could eventually evade the vaccine currently being distributed, especially if there are delays in giving people the second vaccine dose needed to achieve strong immunity.

And because the current mutants from the U.K., South Africa and Brazil are much more contagious and thus spread faster, contact tracing for any mutant COVID-19 cases will need to be swift to prevent further spread.

What we know so far As of Monday, Jan. 25, the OSU lab has completed genetic sequencing on more than 1,100 samples – 936 wastewater samples and 174 individual samples from the TRACE OSU and TRACE Community surveys from around the state. In Oregon, only OSU and OHSU in Portland are currently running genetic sequencing on

viral samples.

Five individuals tested on OSU’s Corvallis campus were positive for the “L452R” mutant strain of COVID-19. The strain was also present in campus wastewater samples.

“This strain is not of the highest concern, like those other three (U.K, South African and Brazilian variants), but it has spread extensively in Southern California and was associated with some recent large outbreaks in Santa Clara County,” Tyler said.

The L452R variant first showed up last March. It does not have the mutation in the spike protein that makes the other variants so worrisome, but laboratory tests showed that its mutation may reduce antibody binding, which could affect the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, though it’s unclear how closely the lab tests will mimic real-world infections, according to Tyler.

“Normally when you vaccinate people, they generate a lot of different antibodies against the spike protein,” Tyler said. “The fact that one particular antibody might not bind as well — we’re somewhat concerned about this strain, but it’s not as concerning as the U.K., South African and Brazilian strains, but we do want to keep a

close eye on it.”

There are two sub-types of the L452R strain, and both were detected in the samples analyzed by OSU, he said. The strains were also detected in wastewater from Albany, Forest Grove, Klamath Falls, Lincoln City and Silverton.

“It is not surprising that we have detected this strain,” Tyler said. “Since L452R has been around a long time, and is currently widespread in California, it stands to reason that it would likely find its way up here. But it does indicate the importance of the sequencing to keep track of it.”

As the country moves into the vaccination phase of the pandemic, knowing exactly which viral strains are circulating will become more important, as they could impact the vaccine’s effectiveness, said Tyler Radniecki, an OSU associate professor of engineering and the lead on TRACE’s wastewater sampling.

“The wider the pandemic gets, the more genetic variation we see in the virus, and some variations in this phase of the pandemic may well matter,” Radniecki said.

Wastewater sampling “The wastewater sam-

pling is particularly powerful because of its broad scope,” Tyler said. “Each sample represents a survey of an entire community, or subsection of a community, which is much more cost-effective than testing people one by one.”

OHA will partner with OSU to expand its wastewater surveillance to every county statewide, Radniecki said. All of these sites’ samples will be sequenced weekly.

All three staff members at the Center for Genomic Research and Biocomputing’s lab facility, plus a bioinformaticist, are working on the COVID-19 sequencing. The lab has the equipment capacity to roughly double or triple its sequencing results but would require more staff.

The collection, testing and sequencing of SARSCoV-2 samples from Oregon communities has been paid for by OSU, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, PacificSource Health Plans, the Oregon Health Authority and the National Science Foundation.

Molly Rosbach works at the OSU Department of Marketing and Research.

She may be reached at molly. rosbach@oregonstate.edu

‘Dramatic declines’ in COVID cases, vaccine allocations modified ZACK DEMARS

worldnews3@countrymedia.net

Next for vaccines • People 16 to 64 with certain medical conditions • Frontline workers • Adults and youth in custody • Residents of low-income housing / congregate senior housing Vaccine Advisory Committee recommendations Oregon Health Authority (OHA) officials and state researchers have released new details concerning the state’s shifting vaccination plans, the prevalence of COVID-19 variants in the state and a significant slowing of the virus in recent weeks.

On vaccines, OHA Director Patrick Allen told reporters during a Jan. 29 briefing that the state is planning to change how doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be distributed the following week.

The move came after some counties across the state announced they had finished vaccinating individuals in the Phase 1A population – health care workers and

first responders – and were beginning to vaccinate older individuals.

The state’s timeline doesn’t open vaccine eligibility up to older adults until Feb. 8, so Allen said the state needed to reallocate some planned doses to areas with more health care workers and others in the first category of vaccine distribution.

“If you’re a county that believes you’ve vaccinated all your eligible populations, we’re not giving you additional doses to vaccinate your ineligible populations,” Allen said.

weeks.

Teachers and other educational staff have begun receiving vaccinations statewide, and Allen said OHA hopes to have a “critical mass” of them vaccinated

by Feb. 14, when individuals age 75 and older become eligible for the vaccine under the state’s plan.

“In general, we’re aiming to reach approximately 70% of each eligible population before moving to the next eligible population,” Allen said.

County vaccine supplies

Allen also said the state’s Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) had recommended which groups should be next in line to receive the vaccine: People ages 16 to 64 with certain medical conditions, “frontline” workers (which has yet to be defined), adults and youth in custody and those living in low-income housing and congregate senior housing.

Under the VAC’s plan, people living in multi-generational homes would follow those groups before eligibility opened to the general population.

The proposal still needs to be reviewed by OHA officials and forwarded to the governor’s office for final implementation, Allen said.

The announcement means 18 counties received fewer doses Feb. 1 than were originally planned, including Clatsop, Josephine, Lincoln, Marion and Tillamook.

On the flip side, 13 counties received additional doses of the vaccine the same week to help push through Phase 1A, including Columbia, Coos, Douglas, Jackson and the tri-county area around Portland.

The change only applies to the Feb. 1 dose allocation in an attempt to keep the level of immunity equitable across the state, Allen said.

The state will also begin receiving about 10,000 more doses a week the coming

VAC recommendations

LAW

From Page A1 Read the full measure with this story at thechronicleonline. com.

Next steps

Hudson Garbage Service would like to thank the following for being a part of bringing many smiles to our youth this Christmas Season.

Hexion, Inc. Nancy Hudson Nick and Julie Teeter The Catlow Family The Lohman Family Jason and Brenda Hudson Scappoose Boosters Kiwanis Club of St. Helens Barlow Bikes Herb Bailey

The Scappoose High School Employees Schnitzer Steel DHS The Rainier Giving Tree Scappoose Fred Meyers Woodland, WA WalMart St. Helens Wal-Mart Hudson Employees and Families.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced on Feb. 1, the appointment of 21 members to serve on the new Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) to oversee the implementation of Measure 110, the Drug Treatment and Recovery Act.

The variants A panel of scientists from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and Oregon State University (OSU) also discussed the presence of COVID-19 variants in Oregon.

Dr. Brian O’Roak, an OHSU researcher leading an effort to sequence the genome of the virus which causes COVID-19, first explained how virus variants come to be.

As the virus reproduces, it copies its genetic code to pass on – but, sometimes, mistakes in that copying process can change the genetic code.

“We know now that it makes on average about one mistake copying that genome every two weeks,” O’Roak said.

O’Roak and his colleagues have collected thousands of samples of the virus from across the state to analyze for variants.

The analysis can also show researchers how many different forms of the virus came into the state from elsewhere. In the first three months of the pandemic, the state saw about 20 introductions of the virus from various parts of the world, O’Roak said.

A team from OSU has also been tracking the spread The appointees represent a wide variety of communities and perspectives, in keeping with OHA’s mission to expand health equity in Oregon.

“Out of nearly 200 applicants, we found 21 highly qualified, experienced individuals who truly represent the diverse populations who will benefit the most from the passing of this Act,” OHA Director Pat Allen said.

The measure creates a Treatment and Recovery Services fund, financed with marijuana revenues, that will cover the cost of 15 new Addiction Recovery Centers (ARCs) and wraparound services.

of variants in the state by analyzing wastewater from forty different sites, including OSU’s campuses as well as several cities along the coast.

They’ve identified the presence of several global variants of the virus, including forms which some studies suggest are more transmissible and less susceptible to antibodies. The possibility they could spread is a reason for caution, said Dr. Brett Tyler, part of the OSU tracking effort.

“As these strains continue to enter our communities as our findings indicate, we reinforce the importance of all Oregonians being vigilant about protecting themselves, their families, and those around them by wearing at least one correctly fitting mask when in contact with others, limiting indoor gatherings, maintaining social distancing, washing hands regularly and, above all, getting vaccinated when their time comes,” Tyler said.

Still, the conference came on the heels of significant improvements in the state’s key health metrics.

COVID-19 cases declining “In the past two weeks, we’ve seen dramatic declines in daily cases, as well as our hospitalizations,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state epideThe measure also required OHA to form the Oversight and Accountability council to implement a plan to establish the ARCs and administer the fund. OHA is required to create a temporary ARC in the form of a 24/7 hotline.

The measure requires OHA to stand up both the Oversight and Accountability Council and the temporary ARC hotline

by Feb. 1, 2021.

The 24/7 temporary, statewide ARC hotline went live Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 and will be in operation until regional centers are in place.

Beginning Feb. 1, 2021, law enforcement officers may

miologist. “We are returning to daily case numbers last seen in early November, before our winter surge.”

The period between Jan. 13 and 26 saw a 45% drop in average daily cases, and Oregon is ranking among the lowest in COVID-19 cases and deaths, Sidelinger said.

He attributed the decreases to Oregon residents following pandemic precautions, adding that numbers could quickly surge again if the state lets its guard down.

“Back in early December we were worried, legitimately, that unabated the virus would overtake us, swarming our hospitals and medical facilities with new infected patients,” Sidelinger said. “It’s a tribute to every Oregonian that we were able to avoid that fate, and by continuing to heed the personal protective measures, we have succeeded in tamping down the virus.”

FAST FACTS Columbia County: • 1,116 total cases • 19 pandemic-related deaths Statewide: 143,373 total cases 1,958 pandemic-related deaths Information accurate as of Feb. 1

give the hotline number to people in possession of controlled substances, Some individuals may also receive a $100 citation. Individuals may call the hotline and complete the health assessment process, as outlined in the measure, and they will receive a letter of verification to present to the court to have the $100 fee waived.

“We are proud of the fact that we met these requirements on time, and that the new law will help us establish a more health-based, equitable and effective approach to drug addiction in Oregon,” OHA Behavioral Health Director Steve Allen said.

The Oversight and Accountability Council will have its first meeting in late February to begin planning for services required in the measure.

See the list of council member with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

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A10

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Library using $5,000 grant for expansion JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens Public Library has received a $5,000 sustaining grant from NW STEM Hub to expand hands-on educational programs at the Library.

The award follows the library’s success with a previously-awarded $20,000 grant from the organization, according to a release from the City of St. Helens.

Expansion opportunities Library administrators will use the funds to expand the Library of Things collection; create opportunities for self-led science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-based play in the children’s room; expand programming for children; and test equipment to be used in both library programming and an upcoming makerspace.

Makerspace support Library administrators said the grant will support the creation of a makerspace for use by the public and as

SCHOOL From Page A1

instruction where students who are struggling or need extra support are brought back, or it may be a hybrid model with a mix of inperson and online instruction.

Stockwell said he wants to avoid having to make multiple changes to reopening announcements and return dates, like some other districts in larger metro areas have done.

“We believe, and have always believed, that before we return to any type of in-person instruction we want to make sure we can do it safely for both staff

a part of Library programming. The makerspace will be a collaborative work space where the community can gather to create, explore, and practice creative skills using shared technology. Equipment available for use within the makerspace will include items such as a laser cutter, a Cricut cutter, a sewing machine, audio and visual recording and editing equipment, and more. The makerspace does not currently have a set date to open.

The Library of Things was launched in November 2019 and includes Wi-Fi mobile hotspots, Snap Circuits, Makey Makey kits, a Dash coding robot, 3D pens, littleBits kits, a bento making kit, a toddler science center kit, Kill-A-Watt electricity usage monitors, and more. Using the $5,000 grant, the library will add a LEGO movie maker kit and STEM activity kits appropriate for multiple age groups. Items from the Library of Things are available for a 21-day checkout with an adult library card.

The expansion of the Library of Things and creation of a makerspace and students,” he said. “As a district, we really want to commit to not having that yo-yo effect where we tell parents ‘Yep, here we go opening up,’ and then ‘No, we can’t do that.’”

The district is looking at a phased roll out plan that does not have specific dates attached to it yet. The phases would start with preschool through first grade students, then grades two through three, then grades four through five and lastly grades six through 12.

Parents will have the option of continuing distance learning or opting for some in-person instruction.

“We don’t know what week we begin, again, because we don’t want to put a false date out there and have to change it,” he said.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The St. Helens Public Library is located at 375 S 18th Street in St. Helens. Services are limited due to the pandemic. To reach the library, call 503-397-4544.

advances the St. Helens Public Library’s goal of developing robust, scalable, equitable, and accessible applied STEM programming that aligns with school curriculum in an out-of-school setting.

Under the grant, the library’s children’s room will have new activities available for unstructured use when the Library building re-opens to the public.

The new marble run kit, Magna-Tiles, Magformers, Lakeshore Learning STEM kits, K’Nex kit, and several educational toys will be available for use within the

library.

The St. Helens Public Library administrators said the new makerspace program, growing Library of Things collection, and children’s activities fits with the library’s mission to provide the community with optimal access to tools that promote and encourage lifelong learning, self-development, and life enhancement.

Rainier

reopening guidance do not give districts local control, and prevent the prioritization of bringing back high school seniors as the district had planned.

“I am incredibly frustrated that Oregon leaders have painted a picture that school districts have full authority to make decisions at the local level,” Hattrick said in an open letter to the community.

“This information is misleading and does not provide communities with the real understanding of the challenges facing school districts.”

Hattrick is advocating for “unconditional local control” that would allow the district to make reopening decisions without losing liability protection, which happens when districts reopen before meeting the metrics, as outlined

Rainier School District hopes to bring preschool students and high school seniors back starting Feb. 16, with kindergarten through third grade students back on Feb. 22, but it depends on the trend in COVID-19 cases and changes to the “Ready Schools, Safe Learners” guidance, Superintendent Joseph Hattrick said at the Jan. 25 school board meeting.

A snag in the district’s plan comes from the state guidance that advises that middle and high school students transition to hybrid learning only after the success of elementary school students and once the county’s case rates decrease even further. Hattrick argued that the updates to the state

Library status during the pandemic The St. Helens Public Library is open for curbside service and is offering

additional programs and services; however, the building is still not open to the community due to COVID-19.

Community members with a library card can place holds on materials through the online catalog or call the library during the times listed below to have a staff member assist them with placing a hold. Library staff will then collect the reserved items from our shelves and have them available at the library’s pickup window located next to the building’s front entrance.

oregon.gov/library/page/ curbside-service.

The St. Helens Public Library is continuing to offer creative programming to engage with the community during the pandemic.

Monthly Genial Genealogist meetings have been moved to virtual Google Meet events. New patrons can apply for a digital-only library card to access ebook, audiobook, digital magazine, and music downloads.

The Youth Librarian posts a new family storytime video to our library’s Facebook page every Thursday morning for parents or caregivers to enjoy with their children. We are hosting a youth bookmark design contest in February and Take and Make Kits are available on a first come, first served basis to pick up on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m.

Curbside pickup windows: • Monday: No pickup • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Wednesday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Thursday: No pickup • Friday: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For more information about the NW STEM Hub grant, contact St. Helens Library Director Margaret Jeffries at margaretj@ci.sthelens.or.us and St. Helens Youth Librarian Gretchen Kolderup at gretchenk@ ci.st-helens.or.us.

Call-in hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Complete curbside service information can be found here: www.sthelensin House Bill 4402. Schools that don’t follow the advisory metrics are required to test for COVID-19 in certain students and some staff have not had the opportunity to be vaccinated due to availability, the letter read.

my online education program started Feb. 1 as well.

Scappoose Kindergarten through third grade students choosing to participate in the hybrid schooling model will come back to school Feb. 8 at Grant Watts and Warren elementary schools, according to a letter from Superintendent Tim Porter.

Case counts will continue to be monitored as the district looks at bringing back fourth through sixth grade students as well. Secondary students in grades seven through 12 will have to wait until the metrics for Columbia, Multnomah and Washington counties lower, he said. There is not a timeline for when these students might return.

Clatskanie Kindergarten and first grade students returned to school for in-person instruction Feb. 1 at Clatskanie Elementary School, and Principal Kara Burghardt said the plan is to bring grades two through four back Feb. 8, followed by grades five and six on Feb. 16. All student cohorts in the building for limited in-person instruction will remain in the building on Feb. 1, Burghardt said, and the Clatskanie Family Acade-

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