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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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Serving Columbia County since 1881

SHHS wrestlers, coach win big ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

St. Helens High School wrestlers unleashed their inner lions this past weekend, leaving everything on the mat and securing first place titles for the girls and boys teams at the Northwest Oregon Conference (NWOC).

The accolades didn’t stop there.

St. Helens High School Wrestling Coach Greg Gadbois received special recognition, earning the prestigious title “Coach of the Year.”

The win was a testament to both teams’ hard work during the offseason, Gadbois told The Chronicle, and had a profound impact on the wrestlers.

“A district title is always a goal for us, and with 1998 having been the last time St. Helens Wrestling has achieved it, it is a really special accomplishment” he said. “To do it both in the same year makes it even better.”

As a result of their victory, 20 wrestlers will go to state, including 14 boys and six girls, according to Gadbois.

In another feat, of eight male wrestlers who advanced to the District meet finals, five were crowned champions, Gadbois said, and high school student Narcizo Garza clenched the Wrestler of the Year nomination.

“It was an incredible weekend for the wrestling team!” Gadbois wrote, recapping the season’s successes. “All in all, it was an amazing effort by everyone and a day to be remembered. Now, the team looks forward to State and finishing up an amazing season. Go lions!”

Gadbois explained the wrestlers will use their time between now and state championships to reenergize and come back stronger into the competition.

“Since we have two weeks to get ready for State, we are going to take it easy and heal up from the weekend,” he said. “Then (we will) plan on focusing our state competitors and getting them focused on what they are best at and trying to peak at the right time.”

Girls Championships will take place at Culver High School in Culver, Oregon Feb. 25, and Boys Championships will take place at Ridgefield High School in Redmond, Oregon on the 26th.

Swimming SHHS swimmers Maggie Prevish, Katie Pletsch, Ellie Nairn, and Molly Wheeldon will move onto State this Friday after placing Courtesy photo

­­­­

The St. Helens High School Boys and Girls Wrestling Teams show off their conference title trophy at Hillsboro High School’s gym following the title competition.

See SPORTS Page A10

Pandemic or endemic in Oregon?

OSHU Modeling

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy chart from OHSU

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

There is cause for celebration, in other words, “light at the end of a very long” tunnel as Oregonians continue to push through the pandemic.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the decline, according to recent forecasts from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has peaked and will steadily recede until reaching pre-omicron levels by the end of March, the latest Feb. 10 forecast explains.

Furthermore, by May 1, OHSU reported just weeks ago that the number of hospital admissions for patients with COVID-19 could plummet from 1,100 in February to just 100.

The previous Omicron high for hospitalizations occurred on Jan. 27, a time when 1,130 people were occupying hospital beds.

Another chart in the Feb. 3 forecast draws distinctions between incidental hospitalizations and hospitalizations for COVID-19. Public health officials predict by March 1, over half of those hospitalized who test positive for COVID-19 will be hospitalized with, rather than for the disease.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 death forecast takes the shape of an upside-down parabola, drawing nearer and nearer to zero as Oregon approaches spring and summer.

OHSU’s projections appear to line up with policy changes announced Monday, Feb. 7, by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

In a press release, the OHA announced the agency will remove general mask requirements for indoor public places and schools no later than March 31.

That same day, the OHA ­­­­ See COVID-19 Page A8

Bio fuels plant land permits approved JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved local land use permits for NEXT Renewable Fuels’ $2 billion clean fuels project.

The action came during the Columbia County Board of Commissioner’s regular meeting Wednesday, Feb. 9 in St. Helens.

The permit approval allows NEXT to build a renewable diesel facility at Port Westward that company officials said will reduce Opinion ..................... A4 Garden Plots ............ A4 Poll ............................ A4 Obituaries ................. A5 Police Reports ......... A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Crossword ............... A6 Legals ....................... A7 Who We Are ........... A10 Sports ..................... A10

greenhouse gas emissions by 7 million tons each year and significantly reduce toxic emissions from vehicles that disproportionately impact high density urban environments.

“We are ecstatic that the Board of Commissioners approved our permits,” NEXT Chairman and CEO Chris Efird said. “With these key local permits, we move another step closer to construction. We are grateful for the outpouring of supportive comments from local community leaders and environmental experts.”

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) also stated its approval of the project.

“The department believes this proposed renewable energy project is sited appropriately, and it is consistent with the department’s climate goals,” ODFW Regional Wildlife Conservation Biologist Susan Barnes said.

NEXT officials said the renewable diesel facility would be a cornerstone investment in making Oregon’s clean fuel goals a reality.

“Renewable diesel is 60-80 percent cleaner than traditional petroleum diesel and because it is chemically identical to petroleum diesel, it can be used in current diesel fleets without any vehicle modifications,” NEXT said in a release. “Renewable diesel is made by converting recycled organic material, like cooking oil, into fuel and it costs the same at the pump.”

Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said The NEXT project will meet a rapidly growing demand for clean, renewable fuels in the United States and will benefit the local community. ­­­­ See NEXT Page A9

Courtesy photo

The $2 billion NEXT Renewable Fuels plant is proposed for Port Westward at Clatskanie.

Vol. 140, No. 7

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Ready, Set, Snow! One year ago this week JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

It was one year ago this week that residents in St. Helens, Scappoose and across Columbia County faced several inches of snow.

The snow fell during the February 2021 storm challenged drivers and pedestrians and, for a time, closed some businesses and schools.

Over this past weekend, Columbia County and most of Oregon experienced just the reverse in weather with temperatures into the mid to upper 60’s during the days, cooling into the upper 30’s at night.

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain with a few sun breaks into next week for the region.

Temperatures are expected in the upper 40’s during the day and upper 30’s at night.

Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

Kinsley takes a jump on the snowy trampoline during the February 2021 storm.

Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

Entire cars were held in place for a time by several inches of snow in Columbia County during the February 2021 storm.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

It was not all fun and games. The February 2021 snowstorm challenged drivers attempting to navigate the hills in St. Helens.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Public works crews brought in large equipment to plow the streets and remove the snow following the February 2021 storm.

New year, safer St. Helens Police chief lays out goals

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

St. Helens Police Chief Brian Greenway gave details about the need for a new police station during a public presentation in early April 2021.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

With less staff, more traffic accidents, and a police station stretched to its limits, the St. Helens Police Department (SHPD) has no shortage of challenges ahead.

Despite the hardships, the department has won favor with the city, with roughly 90% of St. Helens city survey respondents saying they are satisfied with the police.

In an interview with The Chronicle, SHPD Chief Brian Greenway laid out the department’s aims for 2022.

“One of our recurring annual goals is to see a reduction in crime and traffic accidents,” Greenway said.

“To achieve this goal, we are asking for an increase in staffing, (which) will ensure that we can maintain our current level of service to the community as our population continues to grow and help us to provide more proactive policing to deter crime.”

The St. Helens City Council and Budget Committee will be reviewing and making decisions about adding additional patrol officers to next year’s budget during the upcoming budget cycle process this spring, according to St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King.

“In the last few years, we have also completed a wage study to offer more competitive pay compared to surrounding Portland metro agencies and provided addi-

tional benefits such as a sign on bonus for lateral officers, increased vacation time, and a more appealing shift schedule,” King said.

Crimes and calls for service “Crimes of opportunity” are on the rise, according to Greenway. Criminals caught rifling through an unattended bag, entering an unlocked vehicle, or stealing a package from someone’s front porch are just a few such examples.

“With increased reliance on technology in our daily lives, we are seeing an increase in cybercrimes, (which) include crimes that range from identity theft to child pornography,” Greenway said.

Among the most common calls for service are suspicious persons, vehicles, and assist calls, Greenway said, adding that a constant barrage of calls with little room for relief can lead to burnout, especially in a small town.

Staffing shortages also translate to more officers working overtime, making it hard to retain police officers.

Public perception

Greenway said he and his officers hope to continue to deliver on a high level of community satisfaction, according to the results from the Oct. 2021 City of St. Helens Survey. The nationwide perception of police, however, will be harder to Columbia County’s trusted local news source

overcome.

“While our officers have earned high marks in our community due to their excellent work, the overall national dissatisfaction with policing services still impacts our officers,” Greenway said. “Officers are expected to always perform with perfection. They regularly respond to situations that are highly stressful, dangerous, and require life-saving decisions to be made with only a fraction of a second to think.”

Officers’ actions are always scrutinized, Greenway add.

“And there is often no leeway for any kind of mistake,” he said.

Despite the risks and the challenges, Greenway said his officers are there to make a difference.

Chronicle photo

Brian Greenway was sworn into office by Judge Amy Lindgren during the Aug. 15, 2018 St. Helens City Council meeting.

“Ask any of our officers why they wanted to become a police officer, and they will tell you that they wanted to do something that made a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “While there are plenty of challenges that come with the job, it is also extremely satisfying to know that you are making a tangible, positive difference in people’s lives every day.”

Public safety facility Another objective for the St. Helens Police Department, Greenway said, is to build on community relationships and oversee the eventual construction of a new public safety building.

Plans for the new 22,000 square foot building have taken shape for over a year.

St. Helens city officials have

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hired Mackenzie Architecture to design the new facility at the intersection at Kaster Road and Old Portland Road to replace the old 2,200 square foot building located at 150 S 13th Street.

The new 22,000 square foot public safety facility comes with an estimated cost between $15 and $19 million and is designed to offer more space for police operations, a municipal court, city council chamber, and a community room.

Construction of the new building could begin in 2023.

“The new building will improve the safety of our officers, make their jobs easier to do, and increase the overall safety of our community,” Greenway said.

The new facility also will help entice officers to the

law enforcement agency by offering a working environment that will increase safety, meets modern policing standards, and helps them to more easily accomplish many of their duties, according to King.

History Greenway officially took office as St. Helens Police Chief in August 2018. He came to the SHPD after a 25-year career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he oversaw the administrative and operational processes for multiple divisions, units, and specialized task forces. He also served as the incident commander during the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay hotel mass shooting in October 2017.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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What happened to Terry Shinaver?

Courtesy from St. Helens Police

Courtesy from St. Helens Police

Terry Shinaver was last seen April 30 at the IIani Casino in Ridgefield, Washington.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

St. Helens Police Department investigators are again seeking information relating to the disappearance of Terry Shinaver, 33. The St. Helens man was first reported missing in May 2021.

Detectives have re-released three photos showing

Shinaver and his missing vehicle in hopes of locating him.

“Investigators are concerned about the nature of Mr. Shinaver’s disappearance and are not prepared to rule anything out at this time,” St. Helens Police Department and city Communications Officer Crystal King said.

“Shinvaer has not been seen

Courtesy photo from St. Helens Police

Terry Shinaver was reportedly driving a black 1993 Ford Ranger with Oregon license plate 356LDG.

or heard from since April 2021, nor has his vehicle been located. Interviews are still being conducted, and this is an active investigation.”

King said that St. Helens detectives have consulted with Washington State investigators and sought assistance from the Oregon Department of Justice during the course of the investigation.

Due to the nature of this case, King said additional details are not being released at this time, but that the St. Helens Police Department is committed to actively pursuing the investigation and is seeking the public’s assistance.

Shinaver is described as a white male, six feet tall, 155 pounds, with brown hair and

blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a yellow, long-sleeve work shirt, blue jeans, and Carhartt boots.

The last confirmed sighting of Shinaver was at the Ilani Casino in Ridgefield, Washington, on April 30, 2021. Shinaver was reportedly driving a black 1993 Ford Ranger with Oregon license plate 356LDG.

Detectives said they are concerned about Terry Shinaver’s disappearance and have not ruled out anything in the investigation.

Neither Shinaver nor his vehicle have been located.

Anyone with information about the possible whereabouts of Terry Shinaver or his vehicle or anyone who may have had contact with Shinaver on April 30, 2021 or thinks that they may have seen his vehicle should contact St. Helens Detective Matt Smith at 503-397-1521.

Oregon kicker now at $964 million JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The latest Oregon Revenue forecast signals a promising economic outlook.

The current forecast projects a Personal Income Tax Kicker credit of $964 million and a Corporate Kicker of $634 million.

The kicker tax credit goes into effect when the actual state revenue exceeds the forecasted revenue by at least 2%. An amount is then returned to the taxpayers through a credit on their tax returns.

Overall, gross General Fund revenues have doubled since the Great Recession and took a big step up after the pandemic hit. Revenue growth has continued, even as large kicker credits have been paid out, according to the forecast summary released Wednesday morning, Feb. 9, by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

“Today, households are flush with cash and rising wealth,” the summary reads.

“Consumers have the ability and are showing the willingness to pay higher prices for goods and services. Business can pass along production cost increases as a result, maintaining or even increasing profit margins.”

According to the summary, the biggest economic challenge remains the supply side of the economy.

“Supply chains are not broken but are overloaded due to strong consumer demand.

Given that labor runs through everything, it is the single biggest constraint on the economy today. Labor supply is increasing. Oregon added a record number of jobs last year. However, the labor market is very tight and expected to remain so,” the summary states, adding that the biggest risk to the outlook remains persistently high inflation.

Gov. Brown reaction “Our latest state revenue projections present an opportunity to make investments that spur a strong economic recovery and support working families, especially those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic, wildfires, and the unprecedented challenges Oregonians have faced in the last two years,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said.

“This is a pivotal moment for Oregon. We have a windfall of one-time resources this year, and we have the opportunity to make big investments—and to do the big and bold work to help our working families and businesses thrive. We cannot miss this moment.

“While I am pleased to see growth in wages for Oregonians, there is more work we need to do to grow, develop, and support our workforce.

Now is the time to make critical investments in housing, child care, workers, and businesses to help jumpstart growth and keep our economy moving.

Republican response Oregon Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (RBend) released the following statement about the revenue forecast.

“Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis reported that tax revenues coming into state government are higher than previously projected. The state has over $900 million in extra revenue. In the meantime, rising crime rates are impacting Oregonians across the state, from shootings and theft in the Metro area to illegal marijuana growth in Southern Oregon.

“With the excess revenue, Senate Republicans are pushing to spend $60 million on Oregon State Police to help local law enforcement with general public safety needs and to combat illegal marijuana grows. The Governor continues to double down on letting criminals out of prison, while several bills are working through the legislature that will make our communities more dangerous. We must invest in public safety. With the excess revenue, Republicans will also pursue a $50 million appropriation to fund forest thinning operations around the state.

“Decades of forest mismanagement has left our forests overstocked ready to explode with a single spark.

We must act in a bold way to ensure Oregonians are protected from devastating wildfire. We must also be responsible with this money.

We need to reserve more funds for the next downturn.

We also need to look seriously at giving Oregonians a tax break. The government has buckets of money, but inflation is pinching the pockets of working Oregonians. As Democrats introduce bills to increase taxes, Republicans are looking at ways to cut them.”

Background The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers in state agencies and private organizations for use in their decision-making processes, according to a statement on the Oregon Department of Administrative Services website.

The forecast is the basis for much of the budgeting in state government. The forecast reports are issued four times a year: March, June, September, and December.

Read the entire Oregon Revenue Forecast with this story at thechronicleonline. com.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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

The 2022 Legislation Session is underway, and we are busy with committee work and beginning floor sessions to move legislation through in a short timeline.

I want to use the newsletter opportunity to provide educational information on some of the bills we are considering. This week, agricultural overtime is a hot topic.

HB 4002 would require overtime pay for agricultural workers and the House Committee on Business and Labor received testimony on this bill for three and a half hours Tuesday night, Feb. 8.

History The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act was approved in 1939 and included minimum wage, overtime rules and banned child labor. In order to gain support from southern state lawmakers, farmworkers were excluded from the labor law protections. This practice has continued for the past 80 years in most jurisdictions, but times are changing.

California passed agricultural overtime legislation

several years ago, and the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that agricultural workers are entitled to overtime after working 40 hours in a week. Oregon’s Labor Commissioner can mandate overtime rules, so I believe HB 4002 is a legislative attempt to work out a compromise that can benefit farmers and ranchers and the workers they employ.

Everyone recognizes that crop harvest is seasonal work and varies greatly depending on the weather, and that livestock and dairy animal management is not completed on an 8-5 schedule. Farmers and ranchers have a very small profit margin, and are for the most part, described as “price takers” not “price makers” meaning the prices offered to producers are set by the market, and do not take into account the individual costs to the various farm operations.

On the other side of the equation, farm workers are recognized as essential workers who work in all kinds of weather conditions, putting in long hours to produce vital food supplies. Many believe they should be treated no differently than workers in other economic sectors.

Phased in overtime HB 4002 seeks to phase in overtime pay for farm workers over the next five years, allowing overtime to begin after 55 hours a week through 2024, 48 hours a week for 2025 and 2026, and reaching the standard time and a half overtime pay rate after 40 hours in 2027.

During those same time frames, all farmers would receive a tax credit for a percentage of the incremental pay increase, with a larger tax break for small farm operations with less than 25 employees.

This is a challenging situation, and there were hours of public testimony and pages of written comments submitted to our committee. Opponents of HB 4002 are concerned about the increasing labor costs and how that will impact the viability of Oregon farmers and ranchers. One proposed amendment would place a threshold on hours worked to align with the growing season, while recognizing the seasonality of harvest and include a livestock exemption recognizing that animals require care outside of a normal working day.

There is evidence that when California implemented their agricultural overtime law, many producers cut working hours to a 40-hour maximum and implemented more harvest automation thereby eliminating many jobs. Oregon vegetable producers went on record Tuesday night saying they would change the crops they produce so the laborintensive crops such as broccoli and cauliflower would be eliminated.

Those in favor of HB 4002 spoke to the issue of fairness for the workers.

In 1887, Oregon was the first state in the union to recognize Labor Day, and generally has been working to improve labor conditions for employees. Farm workers perform important and often dangerous work. The death rate for agricultural workers is six times greater than deaths in the general workforce and working excess hours in demanding conditions may contribute to accidents and hazardous conditions.

Most farm workers, unions and labor groups spoke in support of HB 4002 saying that farm workers are essential workers who

should benefit from the fair labor standards that other workers enjoy. There are peak seasons in every industry, the postal service and Amazon deliveries increase over the holidays and those workers receive overtime pay. Some Oregon farmers also spoke in favor of this legislation saying that they already pay overtime wages to their workers, and that there is a critical and moral imperative to adopt HB 4002, that agricultural workers deserve equal protection under Oregon’s labor laws.

Next steps This issue will continue to be discussed with amendments submitted, HB 4002 was scheduled for a work session in the Business and Labor Committee on February 14. If it moves out of committee it will come to the House Floor for a Chamber vote and if approved, will move to the Senate for consideration where it will again go through the committee process before consideration in the Senate Chamber. If there are any changes on the Senate side, it will come back to the House for reconciliation.

Be engaged Due to the COVID-19 health protection restrictions, committee work is being done remotely, the Capitol building is open, but masks are required for entry and while you are in the building. Another change in Capitol access procedures, is that everyone must pass through a metal detector when entering.

The Legislative Session is moving quickly, so if you have concerns or comments about proposed legislation, please contact my office as soon as possible. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of the Representatives, and I look forward to hearing from you as we undertake this important work together.

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

Garden Plots: Garden peas CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

This is the time to consider planting peas for early fresh-eating (both edible pod and shell peas) and preserving (just shell peas). Here are some ideas that will help get them started. First, while they need moisture, they don’t like suppersoaked soils. A raised bed improves drainage and can help. Second, while they will geminate in fairly cold soil temperatures, they will take much longer to do so.

The longer they sit in the ground, the more likely they may be consumed by soil fungi, insects, slugs, or all three. With a soil temperature of 41°F, it will take 36 days for pea seedlings to emerge; at 50° F, they emerge in 13 days.

This dramatically reduces seedling losses and gets you to eating them much sooner.

Onions planted from seed, another early spring crop, show a similar germination response to soil temperatures. In fact, anything you plant now will benefit from warmer soils.

The easiest way to create these temperatures (and maybe to reduce water-saturated soil beds) is to put up a cloche made of 12-guage wire hoops or some kind of sturdy wire fencing (see picture) and cover it with clear plastic. Leave it in place for several weeks. Buy a soil thermometer and check the temps. Or just put your hand on the soil. You generally can tell when it is time to plant. When they are 50°s or more, plant. Leave plastic on the cloche until seedlings emerge. If there is a clear, 60+ degree day like we had last Saturday, open the plastic up on the side to allow ventilation. Then, put it back down before dusk. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic and replace it with row cover. It doesn’t have to be opened up on hot days.

Water as needed and bait for slugs before peas emerge.

Sadly, slugs like the warmth of the cloches.

If you are growing peas that need a trellis, remove the cloche and put up the trellis when the plants start putting out tendrils and look ready to climb.

Peas can be planted every two weeks up through about early August. As days get shorter, peas are less likely to mature.

Most modern pea varieties (both edible pod and shelling peas) have resistance to the enation virus. This virus is vectored by aphids and is impossible to stop. It was the main reason growing peas well into summer was discouraging years ago. The virus weakens the vines and distorts the pods to the point

that they or their peas inside were inedible. Heirloom varieties do not have this resistance and, for plantings past April 1, are probably as mistake in most summers unless you live in an isolated space with little aphid activity. Breeding for enation resistance was a significant success of the Oregon State University (go Beavs) pea breeding program in the mid1960s.

will go through these covers for faster plant growth underneath the cover. It will still provide at least four to six degrees of frost protection.

The lighter weight will allow it to be installed directly over most transplants or emerging seeds without any frame.

But you can also build small hoop houses (cloches) to support it. The row cover will need to be held down on the edges to keep wind from blowing it off. Row cover width is seven feet and will be cut into 50- or 100-foot lengths (or more on request).

Cost will be $28/100 feet, $14/50 feet.

Important notes

Events Master Gardener Training: We are still unsure whether it is possible to hold a live class this spring.

It won’t start in February but might get started midMarch or later. It will be in St. Helens if we have it.

COVID is so challenging.

Call 503-397-3462 or email us for updates or to be on a notification list if interested.

Grafting workshop: The class will be held in person at the OSU Extension office in St. Helens on Saturday, February 26. Cost is $20 for five apple rootstocks and scions to graft onto them.

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

Columbia County Small Woodlands Association tree sale is back. On Saturday March 12, Columbia County Small Woodlands Association will hold its 23rd annual tree sale. The sale begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Oil (Pacific Pride) parking lot in St. Helens on Hwy. 30. The address is 845 N Columbia River Highway. Twenty-two different species of deciduous and conifer trees will be available for purchase.

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

Row covers available again: Our material this year is lighter (1 oz. vs, 2 oz.) than what we had over the last several years. More light

• The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened.

Masks are still required inside.

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

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

Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-397-3462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate. edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly.

All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list.

Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Many Extension publications are available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https:// catalog.extension.oregonstate. edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Do you believe the COVID-19 pandemic is ending in Oregon?

Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day?

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86% No

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com

Voices of the Community Ecstatic about NEXT I live in Columbia County and am ecstatic the County Commissioners unanimously approved the NEXT project permits.

This is the type of project that lifts us up as a community. NEXT has already signed agreements for local hiring and union hiring.

That means my friends and neighbors get lucrative jobs to support their families and bounce back from the COVID slump. And when you hire local, it means all that money lands locally.

Small businesses will see jumps in sales. There will

be an increased in tourism and recreation. There will be funding for local projects and we’ll see new businesses open.

The county’s economy is slowly fading and family farms like the Lillich’s won’t fix that. County funding is strained, and Seely Mint can’t fill that gap. Climate change is impacting the Pacific northwest, and Columbia Riverkeeper’s NIMBY stance won’t reverse that.

NEXT is good for our environmental and economic success, and the County Commissioners know that.

Thank you Commissioners Magruder, Heimuller and Garrett. The residents of Columbia County are better off

because you are our trusted leaders.

Paul Philpott Rainier

Ridiculous requirements The continued mask requirements are ridiculous.

The science does not support it. Dr. Fauci has as much credibility as Dr. Pepper at this point. The highest paid government official in the United States needs to be fired.

Russell Spaulding Clatskanie

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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Obituaries Rodney Steven Pellham

Eldine Joanne Anderson

June 20, 1955 ~ Feb. 2, 2022

Rodney (Steve-O) Steven Pellham got his wings while he was surrounded by family on the 2nd of February, 2022 in Hillsboro OR. Steve was born on the 20th of June, 1955 to Carl and Gwen Pellham in Longview, WA. He grew up in the Quincy and Rainier area where he attended Mayger Downing Community Church. He attended Rainier High School where he fell in love with and played many sports, including baseball, wrestling, and football. In later years he would often remind people that he had been an Oregon Ducks fan since 1972!

After graduating, Steve honored his country by joining the United States Air Force in May of 1974. He served for 6 years in Hahn Germany and Tampa Bay Florida, where he met another lifelong love The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He married his first wife Ann Fairburn in 1978. They soon moved back to Rainier OR where they had 3 daughters. He worked for Friesen

Lumber for 26 years and then United Pacific Forest Products until his retirement in November of 2021.

He met his wife Joanne LeMont in 2006 and they were married in 2009. Steve instantly became an important part of Joanne’s family.

Steve is preceded in death by his father Carl, mother Gwen and brother Carl Lee. He is survived by his wife Joanne, sister Roxanne (Doc) Hadlock, brother Bill (Colleen) Pellham. Daughters Mandie (Jason) Grohs, Tiffany Pellham, Krista Phillips as well as his stepdaughters Sheila (Dorian)Moore, Katie (Rory) Moore, Jessi (Jason) Smith, Jenni (Dusty) Trahan.

Grandkids, Jillian Pellham, Charlotte and Brantley Grohs, Jasmine Kearse, Zoey Francis, Noah Gunn, Kali, Madysen, Savannah, Mckenna, Keaton, and Hayden Moore, and Jeffrey Smith.

Everyone who knew Steve said he lit up the moment he started talking about his children or grandchildren. Attending their sporting events, assemblies and musical events was one of the great joys of his life. His other favorite hobbies included golfing, grilling, and spending time with his large family.

The man room will never be the same without you Steveo, but you left us all with so much love and laughter and two amazing life lessons.

There’s is no crying in baseball and most importantly, Life is Good.

There are no funeral arrangements at this time.

May 12, 1934 ~ Jan. 27, 2022

Eldine Joanne Anderson (Bozich) passed away in her home surround by family on January 27th at the age of 87.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Anderson in November of 1972.

She was born in Portland Oregon on May 12th, 1934, to John and Helen Bozich.

Eldine was the youngest of 7 children and was preceded in death by brothers John, Joe, and Stanley and sisters Mary, Sylvia, and Patricia.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1952, she attended Portland State University completing a Health and Physical Education degree. She started her career in Scappoose in 1956, teaching high school Physical Education, Drivers Education, and Typing. In 1972, she began teaching at Grant Watts Elementary until her retirement in 1994. It was not uncommon for her to have taught three generations in a

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Feb. 11, 1974 ~ Feb. 8, 2022

Bonita Lynn Youngberg (Young) passed away on February 8, aged 47, after a twelve year battle against heart failure. She passed away peacefully in the company of her devoted husband. Bonita was born in Langley, British Columbia, on February 11, 1974. Bonita lived her life in the service of others, caring for those in need as her chosen occupation.

She had an incredibly

Keen Youngberg Jr, mother Linda Clare Young (Reynolds), brothers Dale Young, Jeremy Young, and David Young, daughters Kelly Youngberg, Korilynn Hill (Cox), and Jennifer Wakumelo (Youngberg), son Garrick Keen Youngberg Jr II, grandchildren Bonnie Rose Wakumelo, Lincoln Wakumelo, Liam Hill, and Raelynn Hill. A celebration of life will be held based on Bonita’s final wishes.

Sept. 9, 1940 ~ Feb. 11,2022 Long time St Helens resident David Lester Rusch was born in Denver, Colorado to parents, Dave Rusch and Katherine Schlotthaur Rusch.

He attended North High School and in 1961 married Linda Riley. He became a father to twins Jill and Julie in 1962. He and Linda moved to Butte Montana in 1963 where Dave became an Ironworker in 1963 and was a member of Butte Local #1.

His son Michael was born in Butte, Montana in 1965.

In 1965 the family moved to Oregon; first to Springfield, then The Dallas and

finally St. Helens, Oregon.

Dave was a 35-year member of Local Ironworkers Local 29.

His family was the most important thing in his life, He loved having all his family in a group together. At family reunion camp outs, he was in his prime.

He was happy anywhere he could drop a line, loved being in his boat, camping, and anything outdoors. He was a championship cribbage player who showed no mercy. He made friends easily with his great sense of humor and fun loving nature.

He is survived by his brother Steve Rusch of California; wife Linda; daughters, Jill Holmason of Milwaukie, Oregon, and

Julie Franklin of Silverton, Oregon; son, Mike Rusch of Milwaukie, Oregon; grandchildren, Heather Yates of Silverton, Oregon, Brian Holmason of Scottsdale, Arizona, Jake Trotter of Salem, Oregon, and Brandy Trotter of Portland, Oregon; and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Kay Rusch and special cousin Stacy.

A celebration of life will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 16, 2022 at the St Helens Elks Club, 350 Belton Rd, St Helens.

Thomas Alden Henderson Aug. 16, 1943 ~ Feb. 4, 2022

Thomas Alden Henderson passed away on Feb. 4, 2022 at home. He was born to parents Jasper Berdett Henderson and MaryAnn Lucille Sharp on August 16, 1943 in Westville, OK. Tom grew up in St. Helens, OR and graduated from St. Helens High School. He is an Army Vet and worked in Law Enforcement and eventually retired as a Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputy and

moved to La Pine, OR. In March of 1985 he married the love of his life, Helen R. Beisley. He was a stepfather to Yvonne Meilink and husband Jerry and Kim Strang and husband Jeff whom he loved and treated like his very own. Tom is survived by brother Fred Wyland, his wife Connie Wyland, their 2 children CJ and Robin as well as cousins Ben sharp, Sue Hooper-Koth and sister-

in-law Wyvonne Beisley.

Grandchildren include Bianca Johnson, JT, Sara, Matt, Dustin Strang and great grandson Keean Vogel.

Tom is preceded in death by his sister Becky Terry. Tom will be laid to rest next to his wife Helen at the La Pine Community Cemetery.

No funeral per Tom’s wishes. Will have a celebration of life at a later time to be announced.

Sharon Joann Riggs

April 14, 1945 ~ Feb. 3, 2022

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optimistic outlook and spread positivity wherever she went and to whomever she interacted with.

Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren and honorary grandchildren.

She was a dedicated wife, sister, daughter, mother, and grandmother. Bonita is preceded in death by her father, Marion Doyle Young. She is survived by her husband Garrick

David Lester Rusch

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volunteer for the Scappoose Food Bank.

Passionate about sports, she spent many years pitching in league slow-pitch softball and knocking down pins in league bowling. Many friendly rivalries were had with friends involving her favorite teams - the Oregon Ducks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Portland Trail Blazers. She took that same

Bonita Lynn Youngberg

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Eldine was dedicated to her faith and was very active with St. Wenceslaus Parish. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School, serving on the leadership council, and participating in several parish activities. Many may recall her heading up the gravy making station at the annual Thanksgiving dinner. After retiring, she was a dedicated

enthusiasm to playing bingo at the Moose Lodge. In later years, this included group trips to casinos with friends and family.

Eldine is survived by her family, Sherrie (Sean), Tammie, Robert (Alex, Alia, Dylan, Nathan).

Services will be on February 23rd at St Wenceslaus Parish in Scappoose. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:30 followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00. A luncheon reception at the parish hall will be held after mass.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date that is yet to be determined.

As per Eldine’s wishes, donations to St. Vincent De Paul Scappoose Food Pantry are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.

Sharon Riggs, a resident of St, Helens, passed away on Feb. 3, 2022. A small family event to be announced.

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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 Jan. 23 • Police responded to the 400 block of Port Avenue on a report of theft of property.

• Police responded to 795 S Columbia River Highway on a report of a stolen vehicle.

Jan. 26 • A 25-year-old individual was arrested in the 900 block of Port Avenue for an outstanding warrant out of the St. Helens Municipal

Court.

• A 56-year-old subject was arrested for menacing, disorderly conduct II, reckless endangering x2 and criminal trespass following a disturbance in the 1000 block of Columbia Blvd.

Jan. 27 • Police responded to a traffic crash on Gable Road near McNulty Way involving two vehicles.

Jan. 29 • Following a traffic stop, a 51-year-old subject was arrested for driving while suspended, felon in possession of a weapon x2, and cited and release for an outstanding warrant out of the Columbia County Circuit Court.

• A 61-year-old subject was arrested in the 100 block of McMichael Street for an outstanding warrant out of the St. Helens Municipal Court.

• Police arrested a 53-year-old subject for vandalism, disorderly conduct, probation violation and resisting arrest following a disturbance in the 1600 block of Old Portland Road.

Jan. 30 • A 35-year-old subject was arrested near the intersection of N 1st Street and Columbia Boulevard on an outstanding warrant.

• A 41-year-old was arrested near the 300 block of S Columbia River Highway for driving while suspended and two outstanding felony warrants.

Jan. 31 • Police cited and released a 42-year-old for trespass II in the 900 block of Oregon Street.

• Police arrested a 39-year-old subject for unauthorized use of a vehicle and PCS meth on Columbia River Highway and Bennett Road.

• Police took a report of a stolen vehicle in the 35000 block of Elk Meadows Drive.

• Police took a report of theft from vehicle in the 300 block of S 13th Street.

• Police arrested a 43-year-old for an outstanding warrant near the intersection of Sykes Rd and E Aubuchon Drive.

Feb. 2 • Police investigated a burglary that occurred in the 400 block of Port Avenue.

Feb. 3 • Police took a report of a stolen vehicle in the 30 block of Cowlitz Street.

Feb. 4 • Police arrested a 66-yearold subject in the 200 block of Brayden Street for criminal Trespass and Theft III. Feb. 6 • A 55-year-old subject was issued a criminal citation for offensive littering in the 300 block of Strand Street.

• Police responded to a disturbance in the 30000 block of Roberts Lane.

Feb. 8 • A 42-year old subject was issued a criminal citation for driving while suspended near the intersection of Wyeth Street and N 17th Street.

www.thechronicleonline.com

A6

Classifieds

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

150

Misc Services

Cans and Bottles If you have cans and bottles that you would like to get rid of call Steve the Can Man at 971813-9257. Will pick up.

311

Announcements

Attention collectors!

I have a misprinted $100 bill, if you would like to see it, call me at 971-2680829.

312

Events

Annual ASTORIA AUTOMOTIVE SWAP MEET

Vendors Wanted!

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

502

502

Help Wanted

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

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

Email: 1stlutheransh@ comcast.net

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

Knowledge and Skills: Experience in pool management, supervising

502

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

employees, administration, leadership and good public relation skills is highly desirable.

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

by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@ cni.net or in person at the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 208249-7144. Applications will be accepted until 3:00pm on Monday, March 14, 2022.

Immediate Opening Shipping/ Receiving/ Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056 Custodian The City of St. Helens is hiring a Custodian.

Parttime $15.52 per hour (Step 1) Apply online at www. sthelensoregon. gov.

Deadline: 3/9/22. Equal Opportunity Employer.

690

Wanted Autos

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Classified Ads Deadline:

PRESENTED BY

Mondays by noon.

Late submissions may not make the paper.

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Chronicle and News/Ad Classified Ad Deadline is Monday by noon Ads received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be placed in that week’s issue. Call 503-397-0116 for more information

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: U.S. PRESIDENTS ACROSS

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

48. “_____’ it easy” 50. Oliver Twist, e.g.

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

DOWN

1. Update a FitBit 2. Sound of bells 3. “At ____, soldier.”

4. Modern tie forerunner 5. Aromatic lumber 6. Beside, archaic 7. Two of the same 8. *The only President who was a bachelor 9. ____ 51, Nevada 10. Law school entry requirement, acr.

11. Bear’s room 13. Edith Piaf’s hit 14. Meat of coconut 19. Digital tome 22. Trash container, e.g.

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

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

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

A7

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH22-1032

NORTHWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT SEEKING CANDIDATES

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

and vote for the NWRESD board member at a public meeting in April 2022.

The newly selected board member will take office July 1, 2022 and their term will end June 30, 2023.

Candidates may apply online at www.nwresd.org

under Board of Directors Elections. The deadline for filing is no later than March 21, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

Questions may be directed to the Northwest Regional ESD Board Secretary at 503-614-1401 or lslyh@ nwresd.org.

CH22-1033

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at or after 8:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for this hearing will be from the plaza side entrance. Zoom will also be available to participate.

Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings. The purpose of this hearing is to consider an application as follows: File No: Subdivision, Preliminary Plat, SUB.1.22; Subdivision Variance, V.1.22; Sensitive Lands Permits SL.1.22, SL.2.22, and SL.3.22 Applicant: North 8th Street, LLC Request: 66 lot planned development subdivision Location: Property proposed to be subdivided is generally beyond the norther termini of N. 10th, N9th, and N8th Streets north of Deer Island Road; also along the south side of the Crestwood Manufactured Home Park.

North 8th and North 9th Streets lying north of Deer Island Road will provide the principal accesses to the

subdivision. Property outside of the area to be subdivided is also involved for utilities and pedestrian access to serve the subdivision; this area is within the vicinity of the city’s sanitary sewer pumpstation at 240 Madrona Court. Map No: 5N1W-33700; 5N1W33AD 1900 & 1901 Testimony from the public in both oral or written form is invited. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: Subdivision, Preliminary Plat – SHMC 17.136.060; Subdivision Variance – SHMC 17.136.120; Sensitive Lands Permit related to significant wetlands – Chapters 17.40 and 17.132 SHMC; Sensitive Lands Permit related to steep slopes – SHMC17.44.040(1); Sensitive Lands Permit related to drainageways – SHMC 17.44.040(2). Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, in this hearing, in person, or by letter, or

failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.

CH22-1030

NOTICE OF BOARD VACANCY Columbia River PUD Board Vacancy At the January 18, 2022 Board meeting, the Board of Directors of Columbia River People’s Utility District (CRPUD) declared a vacancy for the position of Director of Subdivision Four beginning February 1, 2022.

The Board of Directors is inviting eligible candidates to submit letters of interest and/ or resumes to fill the aforementioned vacancy. This is normally an elected office; the term of this appointment will run through December 31, 2022. The position will then be up for election at the

November 2022 general election to serve a two-year term beginning January 2023.

ORS 261.405(3) provides that candidates must be an elector; must reside within the subdivision which they are running for; and must have resided in the district continuously for two years immediately preceding the date of election/appointment.

Subdivision Four consists of two Precincts, St Helens One (Precinct 21) and St Helens Four (Precinct 24). Those meeting the above requirements are invited to visit our website at www.crpud.net/

boardvacancy to access the Interest Form to submit a letter of interest and/or resume.

All application materials should be addressed to the Board and must be submitted electronically no later than 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Anyone requesting more information may email Board Secretary Heidi Ralls at hralls@crpud. org. It is anticipated the candidate selected would be appointed by CRPUD’s Board of Directors at the March 22, 2022, Regular Meeting. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager.

CH22-1036

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Notice is hereby given, the Columbia County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) will hold a public meeting on March 3, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This meeting will be held virtually, join the meeting from your computer,

tablet or smartphone. Join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// meet.goto.com/748521589 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1-866-899-4679 United States: +1 (571) 3173116 Access Code: 748-521-

CH22-1001

CH22-1037

589 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto. com/install. Kathy BoutinPasterz, Solid Waste Program Coordinator. The meeting is open to the public and any interested persons are invited to attend.

CH22-1034

NOTICE OF PUBIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at or after 7:30 PM and before the City Council on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at or after 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for these hearings will be from the plaza side entrance. Zoom will also be available to participate.

Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings. The purpose of these hearings is to consider an application as follows: File No: Planned Development (overlay zone), PD.1.22 Applicant: North 8th Street, LLC Request: Establish a Planned Development overlay zone, which allows flexibility for certain development standards Location: Property beyond the norther termini of N. 10th, N9th, and N8th Streets north of Deer

Raul Ochoa

Val Davis

Patti Reinke

ir

Kimberley Zechme

r

Anthony Kruege

nneau

Dwaine Charbo

y

Lenore Thawle

Chris Reinke

Robin Gill

for patrons wishing to apply for the Budget Committee position currently available.

There are two vacancies for a three-year appointment

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at or after 7:05 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for this hearing will be from the plaza side entrance. Zoom will also be available to participate.

Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. The purpose of this hearing is to consider an application as follows: File No: Variance, V.2.22 Applicant: Jay Echternach Request: Allowance of a reduced rear yard (setback) from that normally allowed Location: 434 S. 2nd Street Map No: 4N1W-3BD-900 Testimony from the public in both oral

Patti Reinke

The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost.

The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.

CH22-1022

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE VACANCIES The St. Helens School District No. 502 is seeking applicants for five (5) vacancies on the District Budget Committee. Each term has an initial three year appointment. Due to pre-existing vacancies, not all vacancies have a full three year term remaining. Position vacancies and their expiration are as follows: Position Expiration 1 2 3 4 5

Years of Appointment 1 Remaining 1 Remaining Full Term – 3 Years 2 Remaining Full Term – 3 Years

Calendar Date Expiration 6/30/22 6/30/22 6/30/24 6/30/23 6/30/24

Budget Year 2022-2023 2022-2023 2024-2025 2023-2024 2024-2025

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

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

Oregon from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applications deadline: 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022.

Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

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

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2022 CALENDAR

NTY IMAGES OF COLUMBIA COU &

or written form is invited.

The hearing will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council.

The Planning Commission is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: SHMC 17.108.050(1) Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, in this hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court.

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Ann Carter

The Chronicle

Sherry Ulin

officer or employees of the Port of Columbia County and be qualified voters of the district. Interested patrons may acquire an ap-

applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to each hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.

CH22-1035

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE POSITION AVAILABLE The Port of Columbia that will expire in 2024. To plication at the Port of CoBoard of Commisbe eligible for appointment, lumbia County Office, 100 MEETING County sioners extends an invitation applicants must not be an E Street, Columbia City, The Greater St. Helens Aquatic District is holding their board meeting at Eisenschmidt Pool basement at 5 p.m. on February 21, 2022.

Island Road; also along the south side of the Crestwood Manufactured Home Park Map No: 5N1W-33-700 Testimony from the public in either oral or written form is invited. The hearings will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to make a recommendation to the City Council who is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: SHMC 17.08.040 – Quasi-judicial amendments and standards SHMC 17.148.060 – Planned Development Allowed and Disallowed Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, at a hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the

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Available at The Chronicle office for $5. 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR Produced by The Chronicle and The Chief, this limited edition calendar features photography contributed by community members.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechronicleonline.com

A8

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Columbia County Small Business Center director selected STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Scappoose resident Jason Moos has been selected as the new, and first, Columbia County Business Resource & Small Business Development Center (BR/SBDC) Director and business advisor.

The Columbia Economic Team (CET), which spearheaded establishment of the Center, announced Moos as director to lead the Center’s development.

“I’m very pleased to have been offered this opportunity,” Moos said. “In many respects I feel I’ve been preparing for this throughout my career,” said Moos.

Moos, a military veteran, has accrued extensive experience in business banking, product and team development, marketing, and business and community development, most recently for InRoads Credit Union.

“For the most part, I’ve been fortunate that my career opportunities found me,” Moos said. “I made a conscious decision to move my family to Scappoose several years ago, and the opportunities to help grow small businesses and community have been many, and very fulfilling. I couldn’t be more pleased to be asked to lead with such a direct role in our county’s small business future.”

Moos emerged as the

top candidate from a field of thirty-six applicants from across four states, screened and interviewed by a panel of six evaluators that included local business owners, Columbia Economic Team, and the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network (Oregon SBDC).

“One of the founding pillars of this Center was ‘localness’ - locally driven, locally supported and, if possible, locally staffed and managed,” Columbia County Economic Team Executive Director Paul Vogel said. “A local person was not presumed, particularly with the quality of applicants for the position.

We’re fortunate that Jason was interested, has the skills and experience required, and has absolutely the right commitment and approach to building relationships and a strong business community among his greatest qualities.”

Center history The new Columbia County Business Resource & Small Business Development Center in Columbia County is the first new center formed in Oregon since 2013. It marks the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network’s 20th Center offering core business advising services in the state of Oregon and the first of its kind, as a local center unaffiliated with a community college. The BR/SBDC

Courtesy photo

Jason Moos is the new director for the Columbia County Business Resource & Small Business Development Center.

will share offices with Columbia Economic Team, thereby providing collaborative services for businesses of all sizes and types Combining the Columbia County SBDC in a newly formed Business Resource Center (BRC), will co- locate small business advising and coaching with economic development, business retention, recruitment and expansion, and tourism, according to Vogel.

The Center and staff will have access to all programs,

protocols, systems, training, and software within the Oregon SBDC to augment its already considerable capacity.

In addition, the new Columbia County SBDC director will collaborate with BRC partners to conduct outreach and client recruitment that will serve every community throughout Columbia County. The advising services provided will be consistent with the other Oregon SBDC offerings, which include—as

mandated by the federal SBA—no-cost advising and coaching to any business.

The Columbia County SBDC will be operated under the direction of Columbia Economic Team (CET) Executive Director Paul Vogel and coordinate with Sierra Trass, Director of Keep it Local – a CET program, and will also benefit from a Small Business Advisory Board in addition to OSBDC Network inclusion.

The Center is expected to be permanently housed in the County’s John Gumm Building, centrally located in St. Helens and currently under remodel. For the near term, Moos will principally work remotely, as does the rest of the Economic Team, with an emphasis on getting out into every community and meeting with business owners where they work and live, according to Vogel.

The Columbia Economic Team and Oregon SBDC reinforce their appreciation for the many state and local partners and investors that ensured the funding for the Center’s four year start- up phase.

These partners include Columbia County Board of Commissioners, Columbia Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac), the City of St. Helens, the City of Scappoose, the City of Clatskanie, the City of Vernonia, the City of Columbia City, former Oregon Sen. Betsy Johnson, U.S.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, the Columbia Economic Team, and Tammy Marquez- Oldham, PCC SBDC Director.

The City of Rainier REDCO board also recently recommended budgeting a funding share for its next fiscal year.

About the Oregon SBDC The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network is a preeminent provider of effective and innovative business services to include advising, training, online courses, and resources for businesses in the state of Oregon. With 20 Centers conveniently located throughout the state, the Network’s core mission is helping to build Oregon’s best businesses by assisting small businesses in every aspect of business development and management.

About The Columbia Economic Team Columbia Economic Team (CET) was founded in 2010 as CCET (Columbia County Economic Team).

CET is a private and public membership organization created to serve the entirety of Columbia County, Oregon. The Team’s mission is to promote the creation, retention, growth and attraction of business and industry throughout the county.

For more information, contact the CET at 503-8055139.

If I Were Mayor contest reopens

Courtesy photo

The If I Were Mayor student contest is an annual contest held in partnership with the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA).

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens City Council invites local students to share their creative ideas about what they would do if they were mayor of St. Helens.

The “If I Were Mayor…”

Student Contest is held in partnership with the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA) and is open to all students who reside within the St. Helens School District boundaries and are enrolled in school or being homeschooled for the 2021-2022 school year.

In the 2021 contest, the student proposals included repairing potholes and crosswalk signals, improving local parks, hosting a convention for kids featuring books, science, art, and cooking, build-

COVID-19 From Page A1

went through with filing a permanent rule requiring Oregonians to adopt facial coverings indoors, despite overwhelming backlash from those who testified at the Jan. 20 hearing.

This is a welcome trend.

But we are far from out of danger. ~ Jonathan Modie, OHA

ing sidewalks along all major roads to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety, creating more affordable housing and solutions for those experiencing houselessness, and promoting early literacy to improve childhood success.

First place winners in each category for the 2022 contest will receive $150 cash, and second place winners will receive a cash prize of $50. All participants are invited to a lunch with Mayor Scholl after the contest is complete.

Students can submit entries to City Hall in one of three categories: a poster competition for grades 4-5, an essay or PowerPoint competition for grades 6-8, and a digital media presentation for high school students. Submission criteria was updated this year to allow essays to vaccinated and boosted, as well as adhering to the mask mandate as the rate of hospitalizations subsides.

“It’s important for people to stick with masking through the next several weeks,” Graven said. “Even though our forecast projects light at the end of a very long tunnel, we can’t lose sight of the fact that hospitals in Oregon are still struggling to deliver timely care for everyone who needs it.”

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This poster illustrates ideas from one of the student entries to the city’s contest.

be submitted in PowerPoint format for the grades 6-8 category. A PowerPoint submittal is no longer accepted for the high school student category. Instead, high school submittals must be in video format only.

Completed submissions must be received at St. Helens City Hall by 5 p.m.

Monday, March 28.

A complete contest

First place winning entries from the St. Helens contest will be sent to the state competition for a chance to win a prize worth $500.

All completed submissions will be reviewed at the Wednesday, April 6 St. Helens City Council Work Session. The Council will evaluate the entries based on creativity, clarity/sincerity of thought, proper use of gram-

mar and subject relevancy.

In past years, St. Helens students who have won at the local level have had great success at the state competition.

Paul said he believes the OHA’s move to end the indoor mask mandate is the right call, given the decline in hospitalizations despite the Omicron variant.

“I think the announcement and timeline are appropriate as hospitalizations will not decline as fast as cases, and also because COVID has brutally taxed our health systems over the last two years,” Paul said. “OHA wants to be sure lifting mask requirements will not lead to a resurgence of cases.”

According to Paul, the data appears to be promising, but an abundance of caution is still needed.

“There’s a lot of pressure to end it sooner, and also to provide a date,” Paul said, affirming the OHA’s decision. “But the OHA is using hospitalizations to drive (it).”

Business response

whether to maintain, alter, or remove their indoor mask policies altogether.

Small business owners should be on the lookout for the latest restrictions, requirements, and safety measures for businesses, which may differ from the guidance offered to the general public, according to Columbia Economic Team Executive Director Paul Vogel.

Vogel also emphasized there’s no “one-size-fitsall” approach to business owners’ responses.

“To businesses contacting us regarding the implications of this action, our advice is fairly simple and straightforward,” Vogel said. “Be safe and do whatever you feel necessary to keep your customers and employees safe.”

packet and entry form are available to download on the City’s website at www. sthelensoregon.gov/news.

Hardcopy versions of the application packet can also be mailed upon request or picked up in person at St. Helens City Hall by appointment. To arrange a hard copy, contact Lisa Scholl at lscholl@sthelensoregon.gov or 503-366-8216.

Percent Incidental

State response “This is a welcome trend,” OHA Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie said. “But we are far from out of danger. Our hospitals are still relying on about 1,300 National Guard members and nearly 1,200 medical professionals that Oregon has had to bring in from other states.

As infections continue to slow, we anticipate that daily hospitalizations will remain high for several more weeks.”

State health officials claimed the filing was the only way the OHA could extend the current temporary mask rule past its expiration date, or until mask rules would no longer be needed to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

Graven underscored the importance of getting Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Courtesy photo

One of the submitted essays from the 2021 ‘If I Were Mayor’ student contest.

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The OHSU COVID Forecast Model depicted above shows the share of incidental patients in Oregon hospitals.

The Chronicle asked whether Modie sees any reason for the OHA to reverse course.

Modie offered an optimistic outlook, assuming Oregon is steadfast in taking protective measures leading up to March 31.

“We fully expect COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations to continue moving downward

before March 31,” he said.

Our emergence from the Omicron onslaught depends on our continued diligence over these next two months.

We cannot risk squandering our hard-earned progress.”

Local public health response Columbia County Public Health Director Michael

As Oregon prepares to shed the indoor mask mandate, local business owners have just weeks to decide

For information about the “If I Were Mayor…” Student Contest, contact Deputy City Recorder Lisa Scholl at 503-366-8216 or lscholl@ sthelensoregon.gov.

Join the conversation and take The Chronicle’s online poll. Do you believe the COVID-19 pandemic is ending in Oregon? Cast your vote at thechronicleonline.com.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

A9

What ‘masks off’ means to local schools JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

School districts across the state and in Columbia County are now reviewing local control options concerning face coverings for students, teachers, staff and school visitors.

The review follows the announcement Monday, Feb. 7, by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) that the state’s indoor mask mandate would be lifted no later than March 31.

Oregon health officials said they will work with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) over the coming weeks to ensure schools can continue operating safely and keep students in class once the school mask requirements are lifted.

The end-of-March date will also give schools the time to pivot in their COVID-19 mitigation strategies, according to the OHA. The St. Helens School District released a letter to area parents regarding the mask mandate revisions.

We hope to work toward a time when wearing a mask or not wearing a mask is an individual choice made without judgment. ~ The St. Helens School District

that best serve local students, staff, and community members.

“As with all decisions, there are going to be individuals who are in favor of wearing masks and there are going to be those who absolutely want to stop wearing masks altogether,” the letter states. “We understand and empathize with both opinions. We hope to work toward a time when wearing a mask or not wearing a mask is an individual choice made without judgment. As a district, we will continue to put the safety of our students and staff at the forefront of any decision made.”

The district letter states that the current statewide indoor school mask requirement is still in effect as it has been since the start of the school year and that the district will continue to keep parents updated as more information becomes available.

Clatskanie, Rainier School District reaction Clatskanie School Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz said the OHA’s announcement provides the district the opportunity to begin preparing the schools for the transition to optional mask use by students and staff.

“Our Board of Directors, before the mask mandates were enacted, agreed to a mask optional policy,” she said. “Based on previous Board action and the information released by the OHA, pending no further county-level mandates from the local public health authority, we will move forward considering an optional mask rule effective March 31, 2022.”

Hurowitz said the Clatskanie School District will work closely with Columbia County Public Health (CCPH) as the state moves forward.

“As we work through this next chapter student and staff safety will be a priority,” she said.

Hurowitz said the district’s next steps include:

“During an Oregon Health Authority Press Release today, it was announced that the state will lift its mask requirement on March 31, 2022, and return to local control,” the letter reads. “This means that each school and district can make a decision in partnership with their local health authority on how to proceed.”

District officials also state in the letter that they are reviewing the information and will meet with local public health officials administration 11-16-11 Cuts:Layout 1• District 3:28 PM to determine3x2D the next steps team to6/22/12 discuss options.

attracted more than 300 attendees and lasted for sixand-a-half hours, with more than 100 Oregonians testifying against the adoption of a permanent rule.

State health officials claimed the filing was the only way the OHA could extend the current temporary mask rule past its expiration date, or until mask rules would no longer be needed to reduce transmission of COVID-19, saving lives and preventing the Omicron crisis from further overwhelming Oregon’s health care system.

Digital Vaccine Records Project Metro Creative Connection

School districts in Columbia County are reviewing the local control option as the state prepares to lift the indoor mask mandate.

• Meeting with both heads of classified and certified associations to discuss and develop an implementation plan.

• Ask families for their input regarding a mask optional policy.

• Plan for safety with the school nurse and Columbia County Health director.

The Clatskanie School Board is expected to review the mask policies at its March public meeting.

The Chronicle also reached out to the Superintendent Joseph Hattrick to gain insight into the Rainier School District’s mask policy moving forward.

“While the announcement from the state was very exciting, there is much still left to plan,” he said.

“There are many factors that will impact the district’s ability to no longer require masks because of the implications this may have on transportation, staffing, and quarantines. While the district is eager to return to normal, we will be working with our county health department and others at the state level to solve some of the challenges that we will encounter.”

During the Monday, Feb. 7 school board meeting, Hattrick identified some of the underlying problems Page 1 with blanket policies aimed

at lifting mask requirements in an address to his fellow board members.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s not as simple as it looks,” he said.

According to Hattrick, there are several components the district must consider in removing requirements for facial coverings in classrooms.

One such consideration, Hattrick stressed, is the potential for lifting mask requirements to incidentally reveal the identities of school district employees who obtained religious or medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Another cause for concern is the level of vaccination among students, and how changing guidance could result in “far more quarantines, contact tracing, and isolation,” he said.

While other K-12 schools were quick to adopt test-to-stay programs in response to guidance from the OHA and the ODE, Hattrick previously remarked that such an adaptation would be unfeasible for the school district, due to low vaccination rates and mask noncompliance.

“They (OHA) give us just enough hope,” Hattrick said. “But that puts school districts in the line of fire.”

The state’s indoor mask mandate was first instituted

shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, followed by a brief remittance period in June. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s Office reinstated the mandate on Aug. 27, 2021 which was scheduled to remain in place until Feb. 8, 2022.

In the meantime, health experts strongly recommend high-risk individuals continue wearing masks in indoor public settings after mask requirements are lifted, including people who are: • Unvaccinated • Immunocompromised • At high risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations, including those with underlying health conditions and those 65 and older • Living with people at high risk Permanent rule filed On Monday, Feb. 7, at 12:29 p.m. the OHA filed a new permanent rule with the Oregon Secretary of State to require people to wear masks while indoors in public places. The new rule replaces a temporary rule that expires on Feb. 8, according to the OHA. Before the filing, the OHA invited public testimony at a public hearing on a proposed permanent mask rule. The Jan. 20 hearing

On Nov. 17, 2021, Oregon’s House Interim Special Committee heard a presentation from the OHA on the proposal of a digital vaccine records project.

According to the presentation, the OHA will make a go/no go decision on whether to implement the project by Feb. 22.

OHA Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie explained the project would be an electronic means for people in Oregon to share their vaccination status with businesses that ask for proof of vaccination status and added that the decision to sign up will be “voluntary.”

According to Modie, the OHA is still in the building phase of the technological tool, with an anticipated rollout date in late March.

In response to the question of how the public might receive such a technology, Modie replied, “we believe people will be supportive, especially if it makes it easier to access the businesses and public places they enjoy.”

Access to digital vaccine records will be free for anyone who signs up for the service and has received their COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon.

The Chronicle will continue to monitor new developments concerning the school district’s decisions about the student face mask requirements.

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Assisted Living At Home Caregiving advice by Nurse Navigator Katie Klem

What you can do to help your loved one get better faster after a hospital or rehab stay part 7 of 7 The three things that the human body cannot live without are oxygen, food and physical activity. For every day that an older person spends in a hospital bed, he/ she loses three to five days of physical mobility. Add dehydration to immobility and it would take a very long time for an older adult to get better after a hospital stay.

This is one of the reasons why eighty five percent of the people who go into a facility for rehabilitation do not return to their pre-hospital level of functioning.

Very often, Medicare does not have enough time and/or patience to

allow for slow recovery.

This is why this topic has been so important and we have been discussing this over the last six articles.

Today, I will share with you my top three tips for improving physical mobility after a hospital or rehab stay. #1. Promote water to improve energy so that your loved one can tolerate exercise & therapy. #2. Check for lowgrade chronic pain. Pain will make exercise difficult or impossible. #3. Start small and help your loved one to sit up at the side of the bed and dangle even if it

is only for five minutes every other hour during daytime hours. Sitting up builds torso and core strength. Do marching exercises, ankle rocking and lower leg kicks from a sitting position.

Be sure that the bed is at a height that the feet can rest flat on the floor without hyper-extending the knees. Do twenty to forty reps two to three times a day. If you would like to learn these exercises call Comforting Medical Supply and we will schedule a time to teach you how to do these exercises for free.

If we can be of assistance to you in anyway, please call or email us.

Katie Klem is a certified elder care consultant and CCO of COMFORT Makers & Comforting Medical Supply.

139 N. 21st St., St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503-369-2460 Email: Katie@comfort-makers.com

School district selects new HR director STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Pete Moshinsky has been selected as the new St. Helens School District Human Resources Director.

Moshinsky will be filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Laura Jackson, Human Resources Specialist and he begins his role with the district March 9.

“I am very excited to be part of the St. Helens team,” Moshinsky said. “My passion is helping develop staff to their full potential and I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the near future.”

According to a release from the school district, Moshinsky has over 20 years of experience as an educator and has held such roles as an alternative education teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. He has worked in the Hillsboro School District as well as the Forest Grove School District.

Moshinsky earned his BachC10012

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NEXT From Page A1

“The City of Clatskanie will benefit greatly from (the plant) locating near our community,” Hinkelman said. “Our residents will find new work. Our taxing districts will get a new source of sustainable funding. Our local environment will thrive.”

Estimates provided

by NEXT show the facility would generate more than $16 million in annual tax revenue to Columbia County. Tax revenues could be used for public safety, libraries, veterans’ programs or other county services.

The facility will create more than 3,500 green jobs during construction and more than 240 permanent green jobs during opera-

Peter Moshinsky

Courtesy photo

elor of Science degree from the University of Oregon and his Masters of Science degree from the University of Portland.

Moshinsky and his wife Kathy have been married for 26 years and have three children ages 23, 22, and 19.

Moshinsky and his family said they love to visit the beach, Mt. Hood, and hit Duck football games whenever possible. In his spare time, Moshinsky likes to ride his bike, cook, and spend time with his large extended family.

tion. An independent study anticipates that the majority of work will be filled

by Oregonians, according to Efird, who emphasized a corporate focus on hiring locally first.

“NEXT has committed to restoring more than 450 acres of wetlands,” Clatskanie School District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz said. “Not only will Columbia County get a clean fuels facility and green jobs, but we will also get a thriving wetland that enhances our local ecosystem.”

The Clatskanie School District is coordinating with NEXT to create an environmental science curriculum for local students.

The program would be tied to wetland restoration and provide students with both in-classroom and hands-on learning opportunities.

During the public review

process for the land use permits, opponents of the plant expressed fears that biodiesel fuel production would be detrimental to surrounding wildlife, properties, and agriculture.

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

The plant project was launched in 2016 and applications started in 2019 for official review. NEXT officials will now continue through the state and federal public permitting processes.

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechronicleonline.com

A10

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Who We Are

Recreation reaches new heights ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Many parents of teens can admit: It becomes exponentially harder to keep them occupied with activities that don’t involve risky behaviors.

Carlos Sislak, the founder of Vertex Gaming Co. in St. Helens, is helping to change that.

VR Teen Night, an event for kids ages 12 to 17, returned Friday, Feb. 11, to St. Helens, after a successful November debut.

“The kids seem(ed) to have a really good time,” Sislak said. “We got a pretty good reception. So, with that, the city asked if we’d be interested in continuing to do the two nights every other month, which we obviously agreed to do. They’ve been awesome to work with.”

During the Friday night event at the St. Helens Recreation Center on Old Portland Road, teens and tweens were invited to try virtual reality, play classic arcade games, try their hand at an inflatable cash grab, or challenge one of their friends to a game of pop-shot basketball, all for $13 a ticket.

Technicians were scheduled be on-site during the Teen VR Night to assist during the event.

Vertex Gaming is the brainchild of Sislak, who moved out to St. Helens with his family last year.

“We just wanted to add, you know, some sort of gaming aspect or community to the area,” Sislak said. “We noticed that there’s a pretty good

Courtesy photo

Vertex Gaming Co. transformed the gymnasium inside the rec center for ages 12-17 virtual reality gaming.

tabletop board game community here, but we didn’t see anything outside of that.”

Sislak, born in 1989, grew up in the “Super Nintendo Era,” which he says led to his captivation with the gaming universe.

“I just remember always thinking when I was playing the newest game or the newest system that (it) can’t get any better than that,” he said. “Yet year after year, as technology advances, you would see that what you thought a couple of years ago was the pinnacle of gaming technology looks crazy compared to what there is now.”

“The immersion of it is what drew me in, and I wanted to put together some sort of event that could encapsulate that - the entire timeline of (the) evolution of gaming,” he added.

“I think it’s unique because we don’t have anybody else that’s offering that sort of programming,” St. Helens Parks and Recreation Manager Shanna Duggan said.

“Our biggest thing is to create

safe and fun places that we can build community through activity.”

Sislak said he paid for all the equipment out of his pocket, not knowing if it would be successful.

“When I had the idea to do the events, I didn’t know what it would turn into,” he said.

“But I felt that if I could get it out there, other(s) might think it was a cool idea as well.”

According to Sislak, he and his girlfriend set up every event, only occasionally needing more than two pairs of hands.

The partnership has proven to be mutually beneficial, according to Duggan, who expressed support for the event as an example of the city’s conscious effort to incorporate more inclusive activities for local teens.

“I think that gaming and virtual reality type of situations are becoming more of the norm for what teens like to do,” she said. “With this particular event that they host, it isn’t just that, they have other activities going on as

well. It’s nice because we’re able to kind of pull in the teens that maybe wouldn’t come to just a basketball night or youth night with the gaming but then we see them doing other things too.”

Duggan said the free Youth Leaders Club is just one of the summer recreational programs the parks and rec department offers for teens to get involved in their local community.

She also proposed painting, arts and crafts, and theater programs as potential avenues for more youth and teen engagement.

“We’re always looking for sponsorship or grant opportunities so we can help fund these things to keep them going as well,” Duggan said.

“If any business wants to sponsor, even if they’re not in the teen business, they can still sponsor money and we could put it to good use.”

For information about other programs and events at the St. Helens Recreation Center, call 503-366-8208.

Courtesy photo

A teen attempts to grab dollar bills circulating inside a cash grab game.

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Preteens and teens explored virtual reality through Oculus headsets on Friday night at the St. Helens Recreation Center.

Noel RSVP for February

Courtesy photo

Pictured from left to right, My Fair Lady Princess Rosemary Scandale (Rainier), and Princess Renee Swartz (Clatskanie).

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Kerry Noel has been selected as the RSVP’s Volunteer of the Month for February.

Noel has been volunteering at Turning Point Food Bank in Clatskanie for almost three years. Turning Point Executive Director Kelly Miller told Kerry, “We could not do what we do without your help. I appreciate you.”

Noel volunteers every other Wednesday, and each Monday.

Feb. 17 • Girls Basketball @ Parkrose • Boys Basketball vs Parkrose Feb. 18 and Feb. 19 • OSAA State Swim Feb. 22 • Boys Basketball @ Wilsonville • Girls Basketball vs Wilsonville Feb. 24 • Girls OSAA State Wrestling Feb. 25 • Boys Basketball @ Scappoose • Girls Basketball @ Scappoose

Joan Blennerhassett, who is also a volunteer, said Noel comes in for the food truck and also helps whenever they need him.

“He’s the one that will deliver food boxes when they can’t come in,” Blennerhassett said “He goes over and above.”

“I help people, but it helps me stay grounded,” Noel said as his response to the praise.

Noel is also a veteran who served as a mechanic in the Air Force stationed in Thailand.

My Fair Lady Princesses Renee Swartz and Rosemary Scandale presented Noel with a handmade valentine and candy to thank him for his service.

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

St. Helens Hig h Scho o l sports sche dule

Feb. 16 - Feb 25

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

St. Helens High School wrestlers won first among competing schools La Salle, Hillsboro, Putnam, Scappoose, Wilsonville, Parkrose, and Milwaukie.

SPORTS

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second in the 400 Freestyle Relay.

The SHHS girls team also secured the fourth spot behind the “Big Three” (Lasalle, Wilsonville, and Hillsboro), with key swims from Prevish and Wheeldon in the individual races.

Prevish took third in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 28.00 and fourth overall in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 1:13.39. Wheeldon took third overall in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:00.95 and third overall in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:09.79.

On the boys team, Tyler Trabucco seeded 15th in preliminaries and moved to 12th to make finals in the 500 Freestyle.

Senior Andrew Pletsch placed 4th overall in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 26.06 and 4th overall in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:11.88.

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St. Helens High School Wrestling Coach Greg Gadbois was honored with the “Coach of the Year” award at the Districts meet Feb. 11 and 12.

“He (Pletsch) finished out his high school career by crushing his best times and leaving all he had in the water,” Head Swim Coach Chelsie Orr said.

Orr was honored as NWOC Girls Coach of the

Year.

The OSAA Swimming State Championships will take place on Feb. 18 and 19 at the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center, 15707 SW Walker Road in Beaverton.