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Smoke invades Columbia County

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Wednesday, April 15, 2020

The Chronicle

St. Helens proposed budget

Serving Columbia County since 1881

Reopening after COVID-19

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thechronicleonline.com

Census in Columbia County

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

St. Helens Assistant City Administrator Matt Brown is proposing a $43 million budget for the 2020/2021 fiscal year, unchanged from the total budget last year.

However, the city’s General Fund is budgeted at $10.6 million for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. That budget is up from $10.4 million from last fiscal year. Brown said the primary causes of the increase are property taxes and internal charges.

Due to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)rate increase expectations, the city will not be hiring any new personnel, according to the document budget document.

City officials estimated about $1.9 million in PERS expenses, which is based on what the city payroll is estimated to be and the rates set by the state, according to City of St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King.

The city currently has 69 full-time employees, four part-time employees and one temporary worker. The city has laid-off part-time recreation assistants. The assistants were not currently working, because after-school programs stopped when schools closed due the COVID-19, according

Oregon’s Stay Home Save Lives order could give you a good opportunity to fill out the U.S. Census forms.

The U.S. Census Bureau has pushed back many of the deadlines as a result of COVID-19, but the agency is still determined to get a full and accurate count of everyone living in the United States and five U.S. territories.

The forms and questionnaires have arrived at homes and business in St. Helens and across the nation.

The 2020 Census will be used to: • Direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads and other public services.

• Help communities prepare to meet transportation and emergency readiness needs.

• Determine the number of seats in the U.S. Use of Representatives and local political representatives at all levels of government.

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See BUDGET Page A9

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Even though Oregon’s Stay Home Save Lives order is still in place, people ventured out during the weekend to enjoy the sunny warm weather along the Columbia River. Oregon Governor Kate Brown is now developing a plan to reopen the state’s economies.

Oregon Governor’s plan JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

“We have to be careful,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown cautioned as she outlined the state’s framework for reopening Oregon following the initial impact of the coronavirus.”We have to be cautious or it will backfire.”

During a morning news conference in Portland on April 14, Brown said there was no set time for the

reopening the state’s society and economy and that it will be based on several factors.

“If we move too quickly, we will see a spike in cases and that could lead to an overwhelmed hospital system and unnecessary deaths,” Brown said. “We all want to get back to work and return to life as normal and as quickly as possible, but the truth is the best path forward is a cautious one. A path that proceeds to be gradually and incrementally and

carefully. This is not like turning on a light.”

Brown said the decision to reopen would be based on a path based on a science that accounts for the need of Oregon’s economy and communities.

“First, we need to slow the growth,” Brown said. “We need to see fewer and fewer cases of COVID-19. Second, we need adequate

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Columbia County impact United Way of Columbia County census community liaison Cameron Burkhart said the census is important to Columbia County for a number of reasons.

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See REOPENING Page A6

See CENSUS Page A3

COVID-19 cancels in-person classes JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

School teachers, administrators, students and parents across Columbia County are working to adjust to the state’s Distance Learning following Gov. Brown’s extension of her school closure order due to the coronavirus.

Brown’s original order was to keep schools closed to April 28.

That order now stretches into June in an effort to maintain the state’s progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

“My top priority will always be the health and safety of Oregonians,” Brown said as she acknowledged that there is much frustration and anxiety with children missing school, the prom and graduation.

“But the best thing that we can do for the health of our children

and for thousands of educators across the state is to give clarity in the uncertainty by announcing the decision today to close in-person classes for the remainder of the school year,” Brown said.

Brown also said all seniors who were on track to graduate when schools closed in mid-March, including having passing grades at that point in any course required for graduation, will receive passing grades and earn diplomas.

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) new plan will pair students who were not on track to graduate with educators in their district to make certain those students reach graduation requirements.

“I’m asking our school districts to focus their efforts, finding creative ways to get these seniors the extra attention they need to get across the finish line,” Brown said.

The ODE and Brown said

options would include allowing students to earn earn credits by proficiency and online courses through Aug. 31 to reach graduation requirements.

Oregon Education Department Director Colt Gill said it is likely seniors won’t be experience many of the social elements that come with the end of their final year

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To our valued customers,

At St. Helens Market Fresh, we are committed to always to serving the needs of our community during this crisis. In an effort to be safe and proactive, we have adopted a enhances sanitation procedures including disinfecting bathrooms, cart handles and carry baskets multiple times daily. In additions, we are offering customers the opportunity to order groceries and pick up curbside. Customers who would like to utilize this method may call, text, email or Facebook Message their orders to the store. Curbside pick up will works as follows: 1. Orders placed before 2 pm can be pick up the same day by 4 pm with curbside payment.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Oregon OSHA safety spot checks

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

A St. Helens Public Works Department crew adds improvements to the crosswalk at Columbia Boulevard and 18th Street.

Improvements for crosswalks JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

St. Helens Public Works crews are going from crosswalk to crosswalk making annual safety improvements.

The St. Helens Public Works crews refresh all of the painted crosswalks every year, according to St. Helens Communication Officer Crystal King, who said typically the work happens later in the year during the summer, but the City is taking advantage of fewer vehicles on the roads to get some of the work done now.

“Not all crosswalks are painted,” King said. “Some

CLASSES From Page A1

of them have thermoplastic material adhered to the asphalt. The thermoplastic lasts longer, but is more costly to purchase and more labor intensive to install so not all crosswalks and markers are done this way.”

“The paint/thermoplastic have reflective qualities that help make the crosswalk more visible at night.”

King said the specific material – paint or thermoplastic – depends on the intersection.

“It improves safety by improving visibility of pedestrigratitude to school staff for their work, and gratitude to all families and community members who have expressed their support, concern, and patience for the school staff.

ans using the crosswalk,” she said. “The paint/thermoplastic have reflective qualities that help make the crosswalk more visible at night.”

The work being done is part of the City’s yearly routine maintenance, according to King.

“It comes out of our regular street maintenance budget which covers many things, including gravel, material for sanding in bad weather, fixing potholes, updating street signs, etc,” she said. “The total budget for 2019-2020 for these routine projects is $40,000. There is not a separate category for pavement markings.”

High School staff have been working collaboratively to develop a vision and plan for the remainder of the school closure based in a culture of care, connection, and continuity of learning.

“We recognize that there are going to be bumps along the road as we try new things together and are committed to showing patience and grace with each other,” Wagner writes in the letter. “Hang in there with us. With challenges come opportunity. This experience is pushing us to grow as educators, learners, and community members. I am truly hopeful that with our innovation, we can provide a meaningful education for all students and bring our community even closer together, even if that closeness is virtual.”

Wagner said district officials were expecting guidance from the Oregon Department of Education about 9th-11th grade as well as Dual Credit course information, to be shared with the community as it is received.

“I recognize that these changes prompt questions and require clarification for individual situations,” Wagner said. “Our staff advocates will continue to reach out to families weekly so you can stay informed and we can receive feedback to ensure we are meeting your needs.

The state’s workplace watchdog, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (Oregon OSHA) is launching spot checks following a sharp jump in complaints about businesses not complying with the state’s social distancing requirements.

In a release, Oregon OSHA said it is ramping up its enforcement activity and will begin systematically conducting spot checks to verify that employers are complying with requirements – including closures to the public – aimed at curbing the coronavirus pandemic.

The spot checks – which are in addition to more timeintensive, on-site inspections initiated by the division – are intended to confirm whether employers are actually doing what they are telling the division they are doing in response to complaints.

Those complaints include allegations of failures to heed the requirements included in Gov. Kate Brown’s executive order, including certain businesses that must close to the public and others that are required to implement proper social-distancing practices.

As it moves forward, Oregon OSHA will also focus its enforcement activity on more recent complaints, and on those that provide specific allegations, as well as include contact information for the complainant. The division can protect a complainant’s confidentiality on request – a legal shield against an employer obtaining a complainant’s identity – while still being able to engage with the complainant.

“This approach will allow us to verify the responses to complaints that we’ve received so far from employers while focusing our enforcement resources on those employers most likely to be in continued non-compliance,” Oregon OSHA administrator Michael Wood said. ner said.” The culmination of 12 years of schooling is an important milestone and we are looking at ways to ensure that all seniors and families have the opportunity to participate in these events. More information will be shared as soon as possible.”

This week, school officials planned to publish on the District’s website, the St. Helens School District website Distance Learning for All plan and resources to include the expectations for staff, students, and families, as the schools move to a virtual education format.

Starting on Monday, April 13, SHHS began providing distance learning through the use of Google Classroom. A computer, Chromebook, or other device that can access Google Classroom is required to access these materials.

Even if your family does not have internet access, you will still need a computer, Chromebook, or device, Wagner said.

“We will be issuing thumb drives with digital resources on a weekly basis to those families and doing a weekly exchange that is personalized for each student,” she said.

Distribution schedules for the Distance Learning materials were located on the St. Helens School District website.

The District is also continuing its free meal service for all students ages 0-18.

Drive-thru service has been added to McBride Elementary and two bus stops have changed. See the latest schedules at the St.Helens website. Families do not need apply for meals to take advantage of this resource.

of high school, including senior trips, proms, baccalaureates and potentially Graduation graduation ceremonies.

Brown made the anSt. Helens High School nouncement during an April (SHHS) Principal Katy 8 news conference, saying Wagner also sent a letter to the extension of her school parents and students outlinclosure coincides with her ing what she called imporStay Home Save Lives tant points about graduation. order.

• All seniors are still “I know how hard this is expected to complete 24 on every single Oregonian credits to graduate using and I thank you for your the Oregon Diploma subject sacrifice,” Brown said. “I requirements. also know that the measures • All grades for Semester that we put into place are 2 will now be Pass/Incomnecessary actions right now plete and will not be calcuto save lives. I wish I could lated into the final GPA. make it easier for everyone • If seniors were passand I wish I could eliminate ing their classes (A-D) on the frustrations that so many March 13, they will receive of us are feeling right now.” a P for the semester and Brown acknowledged the remainder of our school that the social distancing closure for seniors will be order has resulted in “huge focused on providing supsacrifices” for children and ports for post-secondary that missing school is espeopportunities, such as cially difficult for students assistance with the FAFSA and their parents. application for financial aid, “I can’t imagine what college/internship applicayou are up against, balanctions, scholarship applicaing parenting during this tions, and other supports. very scary crisis,” Brown • If seniors had an F on said. “While I know many March 13, their teachers of you have either lost a job will connect with them to or are a first responder and determine an individualized trying to work hard with plan to grade/enter/comyour kids there, or with a plete missing assignments child worried about educaor work on content that was tion and finishing the school taught prior to March 13 unyear,” Brown said. til students meet proficiency St. Helens School Dison those topics. Once they Senior Activities trict administrators notified pass, they will receive the parents and students by post-secondary opportunity Due to the extended letter following Brown’s an- supports. school closure and ODE nouncement.

• All Essential Skills, guidance, Wagner said “While it is likely that we Statewide testing, and PerSHHS is re-imagining all feel stunned, disappointsonalized Learning Require- senior celebration activities, ed, and overwhelmed by this ments (i.e. Career-Related such as prom and graduadecision, please know that Learning Experiences, Retion. the District remains commit- sume, Plan and Profile) are “Our school administrated to the implementation of suspended. tion is working with our More more information, Distance Learning, attendWagner said while the student leadership team to visit the St. Helens School ing to the health, safety, and state, country, and world honor our students and celDistrict website at, https:// wellness needs of our stuendures the 3x2D rapid changes ebrate achievements, www.sthelens.k12.or.us/ and 11-16-11 Cuts:Layout 1 their 6/22/12 3:28 PM Page 1 dents and staff, and support- and loss due to the COVeven though we cannot be follow new developments at 11-16-11 3x2D Cuts:Layout 1 6/22/12 3:28 PM WagPage 1 ing our high school seniors ID-19 crisis, the St. Helens together physically,” thechronicleonline.com. as they work to graduate and complete their K-12 education,” the letter reads.

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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha. oregon.gov.

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Recent analysis suggests Oregon’s collective efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus are working.

As reported by the Oregon Health Authority, new projections from health researchers estimate that Oregon’s aggressive social distancing measures have prevented as many as 18,000 cases of COVID-19 and 500 hospitalizations. However, these restrictions must be maintained into May to prevent new cases from rising above current daily levels of active coronavirus cases.

The responsibility for prevention includes certain employers staying closed to the public, and employers who remain open maintaining social-distancing and other safe practices.

Tasked with enforcing the order with respect to employers and worker exposure, Oregon OSHA continues to screen complaints, initiate inspections, and consider additional inspection candidates.

From March 2 through April 12, the division received 2,887 complaints related to the coronavirus.

More than 1,200 of those came during the week of March 23, when the governor’s executive order was issued. Since April 6, the number of complaints has noticeably tapered off. The division typically receives just over 2,000 complaints per year.

In screening complaints, Oregon OSHA’s work has included clarifying employers’ responsibilities under the governor’s order and asking employers to specifically respond to the allegations outlined in complaints.

So far, the division has opened a dozen on-site inspections. The opening and closing of an inspection – and a decision whether to issue a citation – can take several weeks, depending on the specifics of a case. The division is working to accelerate that process.

The division may conduct on-site inspections for a variety of reasons, including whether it determines an employer’s response to the complaints may not be credible. Responses include phone calls and written documentation. The formal introduction of systematic spot checks – about two dozen of which have been conducted previously on a less formal basis – is aimed at verifying what employers are telling the division about their actions without requiring the more resource-intensive formal inspection process.

For more information about Oregon OSHA workplace guidance and resources related to the coronavirus outbreak, visit https://osha. oregon.gov/Pages/re/covid-19.aspx To understand Oregon OSHA’s scope of activity in relation to the governor’s order, the order’s requirements in that context, and a list of the types of businesses that must close to the public, visit: https://osha.oregon. gov/Documents/COVID19-scope-for-Oregon-OSHA. pdf In Spanish: https://osha. oregon.gov/Documents/ COVID-19-Spanish-scopeOregon-OSHA.pdf

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Wednesday, April 15, 2020

McDonald’s gets a remodel

Photo courtesy of McDonald’s

The remodel at the St. Helen McDonald’s Restaurant includes the addition of lobby kiosk order points similar to those in this photo.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

A major remodel at the St. Helens McDonald’s Restaurant, at 58771 South Columbia River Highway, that began in March is wrapping up this month.

St. Helens McDonald’s Owner Operator Karen Fitzgerald said the remodel follows McDonald’s ‘Experience of the Future program’to raise the bar and

offer guests choice and convenience when it comes to ordering their favorite meals.

“Experience of the Future is about creating “delicious feel good moments” for our guests by providing a welcoming, comfortable and contemporary environment where guests can sit down, relax and enjoy their meals,” Fitzgerald said.

The St. Helens McDonald’s lobby, restrooms and Play Place will all have a new look, including kiosk

order points in the lobby, table service, interactive play devices in the Play Place, mobile order and pay curbside pick up and more, according to Fitzgerald.

There is no change to the exiting square footage of the interior and the existing exterior of the building and the restaurant parking configuration hasn’t been altered by the remodel.

Fitzgerald said they plan no layoffs due to the remodel and they are hiring additional

Photo courtesy of McDonald’s

A new eating layout inside the St. Helens McDonald’s, similar to this view, is part of the remodel project.

customer service oriented employees. The restaurant was operating with 65 employees as the remodel began.

According to market reports, McDonald is investing $6 billion for the store remodels across the nation.

Fitzgerald said the force is to reshape the stores interactions with the customer - whether they eat in, take out, drive through or order delivery.

McDonald’s current has

just over 14,000 restaurants in the United States.

When asked if she was planning any other McDonald’s locations in Columbia County, Fitzgerald told The Chronicle: “We are honored to be part of the community in St. Helens and are focused on this restaurant for the time being,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald and her two sons, Ian and Tyler Olson are all McDonald’s owner operators. They run KJ Tower

Enterprises, Inc., which owns and operates nine local McDonald’s from Portland to St. Helens.

Fitzgerald is in her 19th year as an owner operator, and her sons are in their first (Tyler) and fourth (Ian) years, respectively.

Duncan Construction is the contractor for the St. Helens McDonald’s remodel.

To reach the St. Helens McDonald’s Restaurant, call 503-397-6164.

Restrictions on restaurants, bars stand, for now STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Restrictions on restaurants, bars stand, for now Oregon Governor Kate Brown has aligned the effective date for the prohibition on dine-in food and drink consumption in Oregon with that of her Stay Home, Save Lives order.

The dine-in prohibition, originally established by Executive Order 20-07, will remain in effect until lifted by the Governor. Restaurants, bars, and other businesses can continue to serve

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Oregon Governor Kate Brown is still not ready lift the prohibition on dine-in food and drink consumption in Oregon. “It would be irresponsible to lift these restrictions in the middle of this outbreak,” Brown said.

food for take-out or delivery in St. Helens and across the

Oregon’s unemployment Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in March, which was the same as in both January and February, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

The U.S. unemployment rate rose from 3.5 percent in February to 4.4 percent in March, showing the leading edge of job losses related to the pandemic as closures began to take hold around the country.

Oregon’s labor force data for March showed little impact from the spread of the coronavirus, since the March unemployment rate is based on people’s activity during the week that included Sunday, March 8 through Saturday, March 14.

According to the Oregon Employment Department’s latest release, the monthly unemployment rate is always based on a person’s employment status for the week that includes the 12th of each month, and in general, if a person works for even a part of the reference week, then they are counted as employed (and thus not counted as unemployed). By mid-March, these estimates were based on data collected prior to the majority of the COVID-19 impacts in Oregon; therefore, most of the changes to jobs and unemployment counts will be reflected

in the release of the April data. In March, there were 69,400 unemployed Oregonians, which remained near the lowest number in more than 40 years.

Total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 4,800 jobs in March, following a gain of 2,000 jobs in February. Three major industries lost at least 1,000 jobs in March: leisure and hospitality (-2,000 jobs), retail trade (-1,700), and private educational services (-1,000). Only one industry gained a substantial number of jobs in March: construction (+900 jobs).

March data from Oregon’s establishment and household surveys do not reflect the early effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the labor market. Oregon Employment Department officials said the report was collected prior to public health measures related to social distancing began on March 17.

The Oregon Employment Department expect the April data, published on May 19, to show the early effects on employment and the unemployment rate in Oregon.

Officials are posting the latest unemployment claims on the department’s website at Weekly New Unemployment Insurance Claims.

state.

“We all want to return to

CENSUS From Page A1

“Federal funds for Columbia County are allocated based on the number of responses we get, Burkhart said. “Each person who is counted in the census results in the equivalent of $3,200 in federal funding for your area each year. That means that, just by filling out your census form, you can gain $32,000 in federal funding for your community over the course of 10 years.”

According to Burkhart, this year’s census count is especially important for Oregon.

“If Oregon’s population count increases by 450,000 people since the last census in 2010, we will gain a sixth congressional seat as early as 2022,” Burkhart said. “This type of population increase isn’t hard to imagine, and having an additional representative means we have another powerful way for our voices to be heard.”

People are expected to answer all questions on the census truthfully to the best of their ability, according to Burkhart.

The Census Bureau may

a day where we can frequent the restaurants and businessfollow up to verify if information is omitted. Withholding information can lead to your census form not being counted.

“Your answers are completely private and safe,” Burkhart said. “Title 13 prohibits the sharing of census data, and any government worker who were to do so would be subject to up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.”

“This means that no one, including the FBI, ICE, etc., can access your information - even with a subpoena or warrant,” Burkhart said.

“Under no circumstances can the information you provide be used against you by immigration authorities, landlords, local and federal government, or anyone else.”

The Census Bureau estimates that filling out the questionnaire should take about 10 minutes “You’ll be asked to identify the number of people living at your address as of April 1, 2020, whether the space is loaned or rented, and the name, sex, date of birth, race/ ethnicity of each person living in the household,” Burkhart said. “Only one person fills out the census form on behalf of other people living in the

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es that have given Oregon its well-deserved culinary reputation and provided so many jobs for Oregonians,” Brown said. “I wish I could say there was a date certain when that could happen. But it would be irresponsible to lift these restrictions in the middle of this outbreak.

Brown said she is working with her Medical Advisory Panel, the Oregon Health Authority, and local officials to continue to evaluate how and when the state can begin to return to a time where public spaces are safe from the spread of

COVID-19.

Governor Brown also issued Executive Order 20-15, likewise aligning the effective date of Executive Order 20-06 with the Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives order. Executive Order 20-06 declared an abnormal market disruption in Oregon around essential consumer goods and services. Both orders were aligned on April 7.

house. The census will not ask you questions about your citizenship status, financial information, or for any type of money or donation.”

are often missed by the census count and who most benefit from a full count.”

What happens to the information

The census due date has been extended to August 14.

People have several options for how they can respond.

• You can fill out your census form online using the 12-digit code in your census invitation at https://my2020census.gov/ • By phone at 844-3302020 • By mail if you’ve received a paper form, or in person with an enumerator if you have not already submitted your form.

Burkhart said not filling out your census form can result in a fine of $5,000 and up to one year in prison. (https://www.politifact.com/ factchecks/2014/jan/09/ us-census-bureau/americansmust-answer-us-census-bureau-survey-law-/).

“If people are concerned that folks in their community don’t have access to the resources they need to complete their census, please e-mail me at columbiacountycensusassist@gmail.com,” Burkhart said. “I’m available to help come up with strategies and events to encourage people to fill out their census - whether that’s providing a safe space and a computer to do so, or sharing helpful information about the census within your community.”

Once the census is completed, all of the identifying information is removed and collected into large blocks of data.

“This data, the only type of information available to anyone outside the Census Bureau, is then used to allocate funding to things like Medicaid, Headstart, roads, schools, hospitals, school lunch programs, unemployment, programs for seniors, and programs for veterans,” Burkhart said. “Census data helps local government determine how to grow municipal needs, such as police and fire service, to accommodate their population.”

Each year’s general census data from is also public record. You can see examples of how data has been used in past years at census.gov.

“The most important things for residents of Columbia County to know is that the census is quick and easy, and that we want to make sure every single person is counted,” Burkhart said. “Many of our communities are historically underrepresented in the census, and our community could miss out on vital funding without a full count. Children under 5, people who aren’t citizens of the United States, and people who live in remote rural communities are a few of the many important groups who

See more stories about the coronavirus impact in Columbia County and follow the latest developments at thechronicleonline.com.

How to respond

How will the census be used to count the homeless in Columbia County? Read details with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

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Viewpoints

Newspapers have your back DEAN RIDINGS Chronicle Guest Column

We’re in the midst of a global pandemic, but its impact on America’s communities is local.

First responders are our neighbors helping our neighbors, rushing to addresses just down the street and taking the sick to the nearby hospital. The workers on the front line of this crisis, manning the cash register at supermarkets or delivering takeout from a favorite restaurant with a closed dining area, are folks that we might have gone to school with.

Local newspapers and their journalists are also among the front-line workers dedicated to serving their communities.

Local newspapers, in their digital and print forms, immediately report critical breaking news of the fastmoving coronavirus public health crisis in their com-

munities. They chronicle the local businesses that have closed and guide those suddenly furloughed to sources of financial and unemployment assistance. They alert local people to the scams that target that assistance.

In the stillness of communities under stay-at-home orders, the local newspaper advises on how to keep homes safe and prepared, and how to keep families entertained and learning.

Newspapers let their communities know how they can help the medical, public safety and service workers who heed the call of duty even among the din of uncertainty.

And local newspapers respond to their own call of duty in this crisis.

Their reporters continue to work so readers can stay informed. The production team continues to assemble the content and the press crew continues to run the presses.

But, like many other businesses affected by the pandemic, revenue has suddenly dropped off a cliff, in some newspapers by 50 percent or more. Yet, while many of those local businesses have simply shut down operations for now, the great majority of newspapers have actually increased the amount of critical information they are delivering for their communities.

Just as communities generously support their restaurants and favorite stores by ordering take-out meals and gift cards, we hope you will also remember to support the staff of your local newspaper and the vital work newspapers do by subscribing in print or online.

They are your neighbors — and they’ve got your back.

Dean Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers

Encouraging Oregon perspective BRAD WITT Chronicle Guest Column

The Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives order is working.

According to the most recent projections, the effort is truly saving lives by reducing the spread of infection of COVID-19. This week the Governor aligned her Executive Order dates, and has extended the prohibition of dining-in at restaurants and bars until she lifts the order.

Take-out and delivery is still available in many places, and I encourage you to support our local establishments. This is a difficult time for everyone, that’s why I want to bring your attention to programs to help Small Businesses and Workers.

For Employers and Employees • Business Oregon’s Coronavirus Resources for Businesses • Business Oregon’s Business Survival Tips During an Emergency • Oregon Employment Department’s COVID-19 Related Business Layoffs, Closures, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits Info • Oregon Employment Department’s direct link for unemployment benefits application The Federal Stimulus Package will also be assisting our local businesses. The package includes $350 billion in forgivable loans and $10 billion in grants to small business, tribal business, and certain non-profits. A new SBA 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program will allow loan forgiveness if the money is used for payroll costs to retain workers, and other expenses such as rent, mortgage interest and utilities.

Independent contractors, sole-proprietors and other self-employed person are eligible for these loans.

Small business can also apply for up to $10,000 in grants to retain workers and pay for debt obligations.

• Businesses can apply for a Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) For people who have been financially impacted due to COVID-19, there are options for mortgage and rent relief. For homeowners who are struggling, the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains provisions relating to mortgage forbearance and moratoriums to suspend or stop foreclosures.

Mortgage forbearance is when you are allowed to pause or reduce your mortgage payments for a limited period of time. It does not erase what you owe, you will have to repay any missed or reduced payments in the future. The CARES act provides the right to request forbearance for up to 180 days, with the right to request an extension for up to another 180 days. You must contact your loan servicer to request the forbearance.

There will be no additional fees, penalties or additional interest (beyond scheduled amounts) added to your account. You do not need to submit additional documentation to qualify, other than your claim to have a pandemicrelated financial hardship.

If you have a federally backed mortgage you have two relief options under the CARES Act. First your lender or loan servicer may not foreclose on you for 60 days after March 18, 2020. During this time lenders are prohibited from beginning or finalizing a foreclosure judgement or sale.

Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Guide to Mortgage Relief Options Related to Coronavirus Governor Brown has issued Executive Orders pertaining to a moratorium on evictions from residential rental agreements and non-residential leases for COVID-19 related economic hardship. This does not relieve the obligation to pay rent, utilities or other service charges or fees, except for

late charges or other penalties arising from non-payment which are waived during the moratorium.

Additionally, the executive order does not apply to the termination of residential rental agreements or rental agreements for non-residential causes other than nonpayment. If you are struggling financially due to this pandemic, and having trouble making your rent payment your best course of action is to inform your landlord immediately, and work with them to develop a plan to get through this time of uncertainty.

These are difficult times, but I have been impressed with how many people are working together to help others. The best course of action to stay healthy and safe is to adhere to the Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives mandate.

Only make trips that are essential, like grocery shopping, and doctor visits and whenever you are out, make sure you are maintaining the social distancing standards of at least six feet between you and other individuals. This order will remain in place until we see sustained declines in the infection rates.

As is the case with many public spaces, the Capitol Building remains closed to the public, but we monitor our email and phone daily, and we are continuing to assist constituents. If you need help in these trying times, or have an issue or concern regarding a state agency, contact my office and we’ll see what can be done.

Please take care of yourself and each other. Be Safe.

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

Correction

The Chronicle would like to correct information in the Commission candidates file story in the April 8 edition. Candidate Wayne Mayo is quoted as saying he’d like to decrease the depletion fee on road leaving the county. In fact, Mayo said he would like to increase the fee. Mayo was also quoted as saying there are 4,500 miles of road in Columbia County. His actual quote was that there are 500 miles of road in Columbia County. The Chronicle is happy to set the record straight.

The Chronicle

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Vote online at thechronicleonline.com

Voices of the Community Support Grant I write to offer my support to Jenefer Stenzel Grant during her campaign for re-election as Circuit Court Judge. I have known her for 20 years and witnessed her career growth from attorney to Circuit Court Judge.

She is dedicated to our community and shows support for many of the programs involving the welfare of women, children, and recovering addicts. She is a role model supporting young women in our community.

She is open and enlightened and willing to take on challenges.

She shows her diversity and honesty in the decisions she makes from the bench.

She is passionate about her role and responsibility as a Judge. Columbia County needs open-minded thinkers who will be innovative and supportive of the programs that involve change and fairness to everyone.

Please join me in supporting Jenefer Stenzel Grant for Circuit Court Judge.

Marti Kyles St. Helens

We need someone with Grants experience I want to express my wholehearted support for Judge Jenefer Grant’s reelection as a circuit judge for Columbia County. I have known Judge Grant for the past decade in my capacity as

a nurse, a public health professional, and as a friend. I am always impressed by her knowledge of the legal issues in Columbia County, her integrity, and her dedication to the needs of our residents.

An example of her dedication towards county residents is with the legal guardianship program. Guardianship petitions require a court visitor to interview everyone involved to determine if the petition is appropriate. Judge Grant knew that the current visitors were having trouble keeping up with the number of petitions coming to the court and encouraged me to work as a court visitor. I thought it was remarkable that Judge Grant took the time to find a new visitor and to ensure that high standards were maintained. My work with the court impressed me with how caring and responsive Judge Grant is to both those needing a guardian and to the potential guardians.

In summary, we need someone with Judge Grant’s experience, knowledge and caring for Columbia County.

I know she will continue to be an outstanding judge and legal expert that we can rely on in the years to come. I will be delighted to vote for her in the upcoming elections, and I hope my neighbors will as well.

Carol Craig St. Helens

“Mayberry” Growing up, my friends and I would refer to St. Helens as “Mayberry.”

Nestled away from Portland, it was the town in

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which people cared about each other and knew most by their first name. People were hard-working, and our local politicians did what was right for the people. A place where even the mailman acknowledged you in passing and the flags lined the streets on holidays to show patriotism.

I never really appreciated that till years later.

Today, St. Helens is less Mayberry and becoming more Portland. The decisions made by our local politicians seem to be for their benefit and not the citizens of the community.

The decision to move Portlands drug-addicted and homeless to our community is bringing negative results to our front door. Our Police are understaffed and sometimes can only respond to nothing but life-threatening emergencies. Our EMS system does not have the proper materials to cope with any major catastrophes, as our ambulances will support Portland in a disaster, leaving us to fend for ourselves. Our court system’s revolving door is failing the good citizens of this county.

Our current Mayor and County Commissioners keep getting elected, and it’s politics as usual.

We have a choice. Keep the same tired representation or vote for people who will make changes for the people.

Columbia County is a great community with lots of talented people of all ages.

We deserve a better quality of life for all and not be the dumping ground for Portlands woes.

Lorene Nowling Deer Island SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One Year in County: $52 One Year Out of County: $72 $3 senior discount for yearly sub

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

Letters policy: The Chronicle welcomes letters of 250 words or fewer. Letters are subject to editing for length, clarity or grammar. They should be concise, to the point and original. Letters dealing with disputes or containing criticism of private individuals or businesses will not be published. All letters must be signed (unless emailed) and include the author’s full name, address and daytime telephone number (for verification purposes only). Letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Letters also may be published on our website.

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Local food bank relief

File photo

Columbia Pacific Food Bank in St. Helens hopes to receive a portion of the emergency assistance funding.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Local food bank officials said they are encouraged with the announcement from Gov. Brown that the Oregon Food Bank will receive $8 million to fill an urgent need for Oregon families seeking food assistance during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

The state will pay Oregon Food Bank weekly, as needed over the next eight weeks, to meet the increased demand.

The state expects to receive a 75% reimbursement from FEMA, in accordance with the federal emergency declaration.

“In times of crisis, no Oregonian should need to wonder where they can find food for their family,” Brown said. “I know many Oregonians, through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs and incomes due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Oregon Food Bank Network is a vital resource for families in need.

“The organization is facing an increase in demand while they also address a significant decrease in food donations from commercial

sources. This funding supports Oregon Food Bank’s efforts to ensure resources remain available to Oregonians facing food insecurity — bridging the gap until additional food and funds from the federal CARES Act reach Oregon.”

Columbia Pacific Food Bank helps fill the pantries of food banks across Columbia County, struggling to meet sharply higher demands form low income residents following the outbreak of COVID-19.

“We are pleased with the Governor’s action on this issue,” Columbia Pacific Food Bank development director Megan Fawcett said. “We have seen an increase of 65% in demand for food and this will provide much needed shelf stable food which was in very short supply prior to the pandemic.”

The Oregon Food Bank Network – which includes 21 regional food banks and more than 1,400 food assistance sites around the state – has seen a dramatic increase in demand since March. At the same time, donations from food producers, manufacturers, and grocers – which typically represent a majority of the Oregon Food Bank’s

in-kind donations – have decreased dramatically due to high demand, creating a significant strain on their ability to support some of Oregon’s most vulnerable populations.

“Hunger was a crisis before the pandemic – especially for communities of color, migrant and immigrant communities, trans communities, and single moms,” Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan said. “We’re grateful for the continued leadership of Governor Brown and our partnership with the state’s emergency coordination center as we work together to address this crisis head-on.”

Though this investment strongly positions the state’s Food Bank Network to increase food availability in the coming weeks, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (often referred to as SNAP or food stamps) remains the state’s first line of defense against hunger, according to a release from Brown’s office.

Recent state and federal action eliminates many restrictions on SNAP eligibility and expands coverage. Application information and additional resources are available through the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Courtesy of the City of St. Helens

St. Helens Police Officer Collin Brehm and Sgt. Matt Molden are being credited with rescuing a wheelchair bound woman from a burning home on Sunday night, April 12.

Police save wheelchair bound woman JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Two St. Helens Police Department members are credited with saving a wheelchair bound woman from a burning house.

According to St. Helens Police and Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR), the incident unfolded shortly before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12 when police and fire crews were dispatched to a house fire in the 100 block of McMichael Street.

Sgt. Matt Molden and

Officer Collin Brehm were advised by dispatch that a woman in a wheelchair was trapped inside the home and unable to exit on her own.

When officers arrived on scene, they found the woman in the living room near the front door. The back bedroom was fully engulfed in flames, according to a release from officials. Brehm and Molden were able to remove the woman from the home and brought her across the street before firefighters arrived on scene.

The officers also retrieved the woman’s dog, which

was running free in the front yard.

Molden and Brehm waited with the woman while Columbia River Fire & Rescue extinguish the fire and a family member came to assist the woman. Firefighters found the fire, which was contained to the room of origin, and quickly put it out.

The cause of the blaze and the identity of the woman rescued were not available at press time.

Nine firefighters and one chief with three engines from CRFR respond with police to the fire scene.

$750,000 to assist PCC students

Obituaries Lauren Anne Severeide-Cordell Feb. 14, 1983 ~ March 17, 2020

If you asked many to describe Lauren you would hear stories of sweetness, kindness, selflessness and most of all STRENGTH. Lauren was all of those things. She was dealt a difficult card in life with a connective tissue disorder that caused her to exhibit that strength and on a regular basis, one she did with little complaint a lot of fight, courage and most of all faith.

However, Lauren was many more things than just words, she was an incredible daughter to her mother Dawn Womack and stepfather Larry Womack, father Jeff Severeide and stepmother Jennifer Severeide; a fearless sister to Caitlin Floyd; and stepsisters Ali Harrell and Jennifer Smith; a nurturing and giving

Aunt to nephews, Cash and Colt Floyd, Sawyer and Ryder Cordell, Jay Levi and Wyatt Stoel; nieces, Remi Floyd and Rubie and Stella Smith; and a devoted and remarkable wife to her husband Ryan Cordell.

Lauren and Ryan mar-

ried in March of 2008 and being Ryan’s wife was one of the things that made Lauren who she was and fight as hard as she did. She became a pediatric nurse and her love of children and taking care of others was displayed almost daily. She will never be forgotten, and she will be missed terribly by her family and friends forever.

The family asks for prayers during this difficult time as they now have a hole in their lives where Lauren, a physically small person yet a giant to all in every relationship, sat. We all couldn’t love you more sis - more most. Go Beavs!

A memorial service will be held in late spring or early summer.

Virginia Maudeen “Mama Deen” Spinden March 2, 1941 ~ March 4, 2020

Virginia Maudeen “Mama Deen” Spinden was born on March 2, 1941 in St. Helens, Oregon to parents, Marvin and Harriett (VanDolah) King. She died on March 4, 2020 at her home in Hermiston, Oregon at the age of 79 years.

Virginia was the first of eight children. She grew up in the small town of Yankton, Oregon. Virginia was united in marriage to John Spinden on Nov. 15, 1958 at the age of 17. Together they raised three children: Virginia Laurie, John Ross and Brian Jay. She helped supplement the family income in the early years working at different places; Rexall Drug Store at the lunch counter, Dairy Queen and at the Hinkle Hotel in the kitchen. Virginia later worked for 27 years at Lamb Weston, with more than 20 years as the day shift janitor. A job she took great pride in doing.

Everyone from Lamb Weston and Hinkle (UPRR) remember her cakes, brownies and

other goodies that she made for special occasions.

John and Virginia spent their retirement years traveling to Hawaii, going on many cruises, and several road trips with John’s brothers and wives, Steve and Vivian, and Jim and Debbie.

She loved Christ Jesus and her church family at The Church of God. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband John Spinden; daughter Laurie Taft (Ron); sons, John

Ross Spinden (Kathleen) and Brian Jay Spinden (Debora); grandchildren, Patricia, Eric, Neal, Royce, Jason, Jeremy, Christopher, Stella, Mickell, Lilliann, Joshua, Ben, Emily, Erika, and Rachel; great grandchildren, Hope, Tori, Svetlana, Jason(JR), Jeffery, Skylar, Taygen, Avery, Tim, Ryder, Alana, Charlie, Luke, Casey, Tyler, Kaleah and one on the way; adopted greatgrandsons Hayden and Magnus; adopted grand-daughter Elisa’ sisters, Margaret Dillon and Una Thomas; brother Allen King (Jean); and many loving and loved nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Raymond, Louis, Joseph and Vivian.

A celebration of life will be held from noon – 4 p.m. at West Park, by the nature trails, on July 11, 2020. It will be catered. Please come, mingle, share your memories of Virginia Maudeen “Mamadeen.”

Courtesy photo

This is a conceptual drawing of the new PCC workforce training center being built on 17 acres in Scappoose.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County Portland Community College students and others attending the learning institution now have a new funding opportunity during the coronavirus pandemic.

The PCC Foundation Board has voted to provide $750,000 in emergency funding to assist struggling PCC students.

In response to the Governor’s directive, PCC moved classes and business operations online while closing its physical campuses and centers through the end of spring term. The impact of the move has created significant disruption for large portions of the college’s most-vulnerable students, according to a release from PCC. As a result, the Foundation’s board have voted to approved the $750,000 to meet students’ most basic needs through emergency grants, grocery store vouchers, computers and Internet service.

“Supporting PCC students is an essential philanthropic investment,” PCC Foundation board president Karen Kervin said. “These funds directly help those who need it the most. The Foundation is fortunate to have some rainy day savings, and it’s raining.”

The PCC release states that the coronavirus pandemic has hit PCC and all Oregon community college students particularly hard. According to the 2019 #RealCollegeSur-

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vey of Oregon’s 17 community college students by the Hope Center, 41 percent said they had been food insecure during the previous month while 52 percent were housing insecure.

At PCC, students, and their families, who already faced food insecurity before the crisis, now confront even more dire circumstances without access to campus food pantries.

In addition, many vulnerable students who held multiple jobs to support their studies and families, now face unemployment. Lack of employment may prevent them from being able to access technology like computers, or having in-home Internet so they can attend remote classes or use virtual resources.

The breakdown of the $750,000 includes: • $350,000 to expand the Foundation’s Overcoming Barriers Emergency Grant Program. Applications in the first four days of going live exceeded all grants awarded by the Foundation last year.

• $300,000 for grocery store vouchers, which was partially made possible through a Fred Meyer and Kroger’s Zero Hunger/Zero Waste grant. The PCC Foundation will send grocery store gift cards to support students impacted by the temporary closure of campus pantries.

• $100,000 to purchase computers and provide Comcast Internet Essentials, a high-speed, affordable Internet service to students.

Already, more than 500 students have indicated an urgent need for this service.

Due to the outbreak, the PCC Foundation has cancelled its top fundraiser for student support - the annual “An Evening for Opportunity” PCC Gala. As a result, the PCC Foundation has channeled its energy to raise more funds from donors, foundations and corporate supporters to add to the COVID-19 Response Fund for

Students.

Beginning next week, the Foundation will be launching an online fundraiser, #PCCTogether, to ask supporters to donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund for Students. The Foundation will partner with 2020 gala sponsors, including presenting sponsor Comcast, the PCC Foundation Board and longtime donors in hope of raising more than $100,000 for the urgent need of students.

The PCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enriches lives and strengthens the region through support of education at PCC. Its “Campaign for Opportunity” has set out to raise $30 million to support student success by June 30. The campaign has four focus areas: • Scholarships • Urgent need • Student mentoring • Workforce development For more information, call 971-722-4382, or visit www. pcc.edu/foundation.

Portland Community College Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to nearly 70,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties.

PCC has four comprehensive campuses, eight education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, shortterm training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

For more information, call 971-722-6111.

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Classifieds Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

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Caples House Museum is seeking parttime Coordinator in Columbia City Oversees operations and assure grounds are kept in good shape. Positive communication and computer skills is essential. Hours vary but average 15 hrs per wk.

Employee must reside in the 2bdrm attached apartment, for which $560 will be charged monthly. Submit resume to CaplesHouse@ comcast.net, or Caples House Museum, P.O. Box 263, Columbia City, OR, 970180263. City of St. Helens WATER FILTRATION FACILITY SUPERVISOR See website for details:www.ci.sthelens.or.us/ jobs.Open Until Filled First Review: 4/30/20 Equal Opportunity Employer

Eagle Star Rock Products is seeking full time dump truck delivery driver.

Current Class A CDL needed.

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Land Use Compliance Specialist Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 4/24/2020 Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov The City of St. Helens is hiring POLICE OFFICER LATERALS and RECRUITS See website for details: www.ci.sthelens.or.us/jobs.

WE ARE HIRING!!!

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REOPENING From Page A1

PPE (personal protection equipment), masks, gloves and gowns. Third, we have to establish a best public heath framework to support the reopening effort.

Brown said that will include ramping up testing capacities in every region of the state. The increased testing will help the state identify specifically where the virus is and to stop it from spreading, she said.

“This will take really strong partnerships between the private sector and the public sector,” Brown said. “We also need to develop a system for contract tracing to identify those who might have been exposed to the virus and to stop further transmissions,” she said.

Brown said the state needs to develop a quarantine process for those who test position for COVID-19 that includes strategies for nursing home residents.

Brown said she will continue to meet with state and

local health officials and reach out to industry and retail to help determine the reopening process.

“We cannot stand still,” Brown said. “We can, and we will, get through this together.”

Brown, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced Monday. April 13, that they have reached an agreement about reopening the three states economies and controlling COVID-19 into the future, but they say such a decision will be guided by data.

“We need to see a decline in the rate of spread of the virus before large-scale reopening,” the governors said in a joint release issued Monday, April 13.

The three governors said through quick and decisive action, each of the states has made significant progress in flattening the curve and slowing the spread of COVID-19 among the broader public.

The agreement states that public health leaders will focus on four goals that will be critical for controlling the virus in the future.

• Protecting vulnerable populations at risk for severe

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

disease if infected. This includes a concerted effort to prevent and fight outbreaks in nursing homes and other longterm care facilities.

• Ensuring an ability to care for those who may become sick with COVID-19 and other conditions. This will require adequate hospital surge capacity and supplies of personal protective equipment.

people have removed park barriers, torn down signs and have trespassed onto park property despite the current closure under Oregon’s Stay Home order.

OPRD spokesman Chris Havel said while he hasn’t yet received reports of people moving barricades or signs being taken at state parks in Columbia County, rangers are

“We need to see a decline in the rate of spread of the virus before large-scale reopening.” ~ Oregon, California, Washington Governors • Mitigating the non-direct COVID-19 health impacts, particularly on disadvantaged communities.

• Protecting the general public by ensuring any successful lifting of interventions includes the development of a system for testing, tracking and isolating. The states will work together to share best practices.

The three governors agreement does not put a specific date on the reopening efforts.

Meanwhile, Oregon Park Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) officials said

finding people entering the Banks-Vernonia Trail.

“We are ushering them back out,” Havel said. “Some may think the trail isn’t a park, like Stub Stewart is, but it is.”

Havel said many people don’t understand the importance of staying close to home.

“It doesn’t appear to make sense that someone can transmit a virus while outside,” he said. “If we’ve learned anything from this, though, it’s that caution comes with rewards. The more careful we are now, even outdoors, the faster we’ll get through this.

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Havel said violators of the closed state parks can face stiff penalties.

“Entering a closed park will earn you a talking to, then a warning, then possibly a citation that can vary from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand,” Havel said.”It can also get you barred from a park for a time, meaning that even after it opens, everyone will be able to visit except for you.”

Havel offers this advice while the Stay Home Save Lives order is place.

“Stay home,” he said.

“If you need to get out, do it around your home. Avoid crowds. Gardening, outdoor yoga, washing your car. You have options.”

West Coast Agreement In the Brown, Newsom and Inslee agreement, the governors said COVID-19 has preyed upon the state’s interconnectedness.

“In the coming weeks, the West Coast will flip the script

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

on COVID-19 – with our states acting in close coordination and collaboration to ensure the virus can never spread wildly in our communities,” the statement reads.

The three governors said California, Oregon and Washington have agreed to work together on a shared approach for reopening the states’ economies – one that identifies clear indicators for communities to restart public life and business.

Each state will work with it’s local leaders and communities within its borders to understand what’s happening on the ground and adhere to the agreed approach.

“COVID-19 doesn’t follow state or national boundaries,” the governors’ agreement reads. “It will take every level of government working together and a full picture of what’s happening on the ground.”

The governors, said they, their staff and health officials will continue conversations about the regional pact to recovery.

Follow the latest developments at thechronicleonline. com.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the ______________________________ , _______________________, State of Oregon, to (District name)

(County)

A7

discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 20_____ to June 30, 20_____, will be held at ________________________________________ (Location)

✁

Public Notices

a.m.

p.m. _____________________________________. The meeting will take place on__________________________at __________________________.

(Address)

(Date)

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget.

This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.

A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after __________________________at ______________________________, (Location)

(Date)

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

a.m.

a.m.

p.m. p.m. and ________________________________. between the hours of ______________________________

150-504-073-1 (Rev. 10-01-19)

In accordance with the Columbia County Public Contracting Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2015-2, as amended), notice is hereby given that the County’s Contract Review Authority has determined that the goods described herein are available from only one source. The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office intends to contract for specialty court services (adult drug court; family drug court; and veterans & mental health court) The County has determined that Columbia River Partnerships for Change, an Oregon Non-profit, was

created in cooperation with the Columbia County Trial Court to provide drug court services. The Columbia River Partnerships for Change currently provides adult drug court services for Columbia County.

The other programs are new this year. An affected person may protest the County’s determination that the goods or services are available from only one source in accordance with OAR 137-047-0710. The protest must be in writing and must be received by the County at the address shown below no later than 7 calendar days after the date

this notice is first published.

The written protest must contain a detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest, a description of the harm to the affected person, and the relief requested. Upon receipt of a timely filed written protest, the Contract Review Authority will issue a written disposition in a timely manner. First date of public notice: April 15, 2020 Protests must be received no later than 4:00 pm on April 22, 2020, by: Jeff Auxier Columbia County District Attorney, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051.

CH20-1354

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION Case No.: 20CV04212 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF Columbia NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF MARILYN JEAN EGEMO AKA MARILYN J. EGEMO AKA MARILYN EGEMO; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF RICHARD ALAN EGEMO AKA RICHARD A. EGEMO AKA RICHARD EGEMO; KARI EGEMO; STATE OF OREGON; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; OCCUPANTS OF THE PROPERTY, Defendants.

To: UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF MARILYN JEAN EGEMO AKA MARILYN J. EGEMO AKA MARILYN EGEMO; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF RICHARD ALAN EGEMO AKA RICHARD A. EGEMO AKA RICHARD EGEMO You are hereby required to appear and defend the Complaint filed against you in the above entitled cause within thirty (30) days from the date of service of this summons upon you, and in case of your failure to do so, for want thereof, Plaintiff will apply

to the court for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY! You must “appear” in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer.” The “motion” or “answer” (or “reply”) must be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days of the date of first publication specified herein along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiff’s attorney or, if the plaintiff does not have an attorney, proof of service on the plaintiff. If you have questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at (503) 684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at (800) 452-7636.

If you are a veteran of the armed forces, assistance may be available from a county veterans’ service officer or community action agency.

Contact information for a local county veterans’ service officer and community action

agency may be obtained by calling the 2-1-1 information service. Additionally, contact information for a service officer appointed under ORS 408.410 for the county in which you live and contact information for a community action agency that serves your area can be found by visiting the following link: https://www. oregon.gov/odva/services/ pages/county-services. aspx and selecting your county. You can also access a list of Veterans Services for all Oregon counties by visiting the following link: https://www.oregon.gov/ odva/Services/Pages/AllServices-Statewide.aspx.

The relief sought in the Complaint is the foreclosure of the property located at 313 Lasalle Drive, Rainier, OR 97048. Date of First Publication: March 25, 2020 McCarthy & Holthus, LLP s/ Jeremy Clifford Jeremy Clifford OSB No. 142987 920 SW 3rd Ave, 1st Floor Portland, OR 97204 Phone: (971) 201-3200 Fax: (971) 201-3202 jclifford@ mccarthyholthus.com Of Attorneys for Plaintiff IDSPub #0161554 3/25/2020 4/1/2020 4/8/2020 4/15/2020

✁

SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT OF SPECIALTY COURT SERVICES

CC20-1349

B

Use this notice if public comment will be taken at a later meeting.

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING Columbia Columbia SWCD A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the ____________________________ State of Oregon, , _________________________, (District name)

(County)

21 , will be held at ___________________________________________.

20 to June 30, 20_____ 35285 Millard Rd. St. Helens, OR on the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 20_____ (Location)

a.m.

p.m.

5:00 05/06/2020 The meeting will take place on ________________________________ at ____________________.

(Date)

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place.

An additional, separate meeting of the Budget Committee will be held to take public comment. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. The meeting for public comment will be on a.m.

✁

CH20-1367

p.m. held at___________________________________________________ 06/17/2020 35285 Millard Rd. St. Helens, OR 6:30 ________________________________ at ___________________________, (Date)

(Location)

05/07/2020 A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after __________________________________________________ a.m.

(Date)

a.m.

p.m. and __________________________. p.m.

4:30 8:30 35285 Millard Rd. St. Helens, OR at ____________________________________________, between the hours of ______________________ (Location)

150-504-073-1 (Rev. 10-01-19)

CH20-1368

PUBLIC NOTICE COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT Seeking Public Input April 21, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

The Board of Directors for Columbia River PUD is seeking public input regarding the hiring standards, criteria, and policy directives for the General Manager Recruitment process. All input will be considered for Board Action at the April 21, 2020 Board Meeting.

Interested parties will find additional information on our website at www. crpud.net/agenda. Written comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on April 21, 2020. They may be addressed to: CRPUD

Board of Directors PO Box 1193, St. Helens, OR 97051 Or, by email: boardmembers@crpud. org The meeting will be conducted electronically and will be recorded. Callin and webinar information can be found on our website at www.crpud.net/ agenda. Those wishing to attend the meeting in person may do so at the Columbia River PUD Deer Island Headquarters, located at 64001 Columbia River Highway in Deer Island. Please be advised, the CDC recommended Social Distancing guidelines will be strictly

CH20-1366

adhered to and anyone appearing to display potential COVID-19 symptoms may be asked to leave the building and attend the meeting electronically. This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for further accommodations should be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the Board Secretary at 503-366-6500.

The PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome. By: John Nguyen, General Manager CH20-1204

City of St. Helens Notice NOTICE of Budget Meeting #2 OF BOARD

Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget Committee Meeting 2 The St. Helens Budget Committee will meet on Thursday, April 23, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the 2020/21 budget. The meeting will be held via Zoom. The link to

join the Zoom Meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/468689240 Meeting ID: 468-689-240 Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 If you need special accommodation, please contact City Hall at (503) 3976272, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

MEETING

The McNulty Water PUD Board meeting will be held by phone conference due to the COVID-19 regulations.

It will be held on April 21, 2020 at 7pm.

Garden Plots: The garden year has started Free online beginning OSU/Food Bank vegetable gardening class (“Seed to Supper”:

CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Column

The OSU Extension office is closed to face-toface public contact but you can still reach us.

However, all of us (faculty and staff) will still be working (mostly out of the office), answering phone calls left on our answering machines, email messages (chip.bubl@oregonstate. edu), writing newspaper columns and newsletters, and working to develop programs that can reach you online.

We are really committed to helping our communities in any way we can, especially in our areas of subject matter expertise (farming, gardening, forestry, food, food safety, and nutrition, healthy decisionmaking, and youth education) and any other way we can enrich your life and/ or make you safer in these challenging times. Please do not hesitate to contact us. And please, take all steps necessary to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe.

OSU Master Gardener™ Spring Fair/Tomato Sale is canceled for 2020 I know many of you will be disappointed. But we promise to come roaring back next year with the best Spring Fair ever.

Free online OSU vegetable gardening class: https://workspace. oregonstate.edu/course/ master-gardener-seriesvegetable-gardening

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/our-work/programs/education/gardening/

The garden year has truly started

Warm sunny days have lifted our spirits in these trying times. Soil is drying out and should be ready rototill. Fruit tree blossoms are pushing hard and bee activity has picked up noticeably.

Of course, it is a little early to plant corn and some of the other heat-loving plants outside unless you have good ways to keep the garden environment around them warm.

But, they can be started as transplants in your home.

Once seedlings emerge, start rotating them, outside in the day, inside at night. Start this rotation carefully until they are hardened off (it takes 3-4 days or so) by putting them out in an outside place with less direct sun at first and then increasing the sun exposure each day. After they are hardened off, they should get as much sun as possible each day and be back inside each night.

You should have the garden area you plan to plant them in prepped and, if rain is coming, covered with a tarp until you transplant.

Then, if the weather has turned cooler, protect them

with row cover or some other type temporary protection to speed their growth. Clear plastic over garden beds warm soils fast. When that happens, seeds germinate faster.

Buying topsoil When you buy topsoil, make sure you know what you are buying. Since there’s no legal definition of ‘topsoil,’ you could be getting just about anything.

People think that ‘topsoil’ is better than other soil, because it contains more organic material.

But it isn’t necessarily so.

Topsoil is just surface soil. That’s all you can claim about it. It isn’t always good material for home gardens.

Don’t buy any loads of topsoil sight unseen. Go to the location where the topsoil is stored and investigate. If an on-site inspection isn’t possible, inspect the load in the truck before it is dumped into your yard.

Topsoil shoppers should keep the following information in mind: Just because something is sold as “topsoil,” it isn’t necessarily of desirable soil texture. Topsoil can range from clayey to sandy material. The best texture for gardening is loam, or sandy loam, with

fairly equal proportions of sand, silt and clay.

To estimate the amount of sand or clay in a batch of top soil, take along a small container of water. Mix some of the soil you’re considering buying with water. Make a mixture with bread dough consistency. If the soil forms a sticky mass, there’s too much clay. If it feels gritty and watery, there’s too much sand. Good garden loam should not feel very sticky.

Take a handful of somewhat damp topsoil and squeeze it in your fist. If it is loam, it will form a ball that easily breaks apart.

If you do not find exactly the right soil, modify it with compost. Addition of organic material will increase its water holding capacity, make the soil easier to work up for planting and make it more hospitable to plant roots.

It is not unusual to bring in some nasty weeds in with the topsoil. Of particular concern is horsetail or equisetum. It is helpful to look at the soil prior to purchase with an eye to the weeds that are present at the time or the remains of weeds from the previous season.

Topsoil is usually sold by volume, in cubic yard units.

When ordering or buying topsoil, a good rule of thumb is to remember that one

cubic yard of topsoil will cover about 50 square feet of garden to a depth of about four to six inches. Adapted from an article by John Hart, Emeritus OSU Soils specialist.

Organic matter is a valuable addition to all gardens.

It improves soil textures and adds nutrient holding capacity to the soil. The stimulation of biological life as the material breaks down can reduce disease problems.

However, adding organic matter can tie up nitrogen for a period of time. This can hurt plant growth, especially annual flowers and vegetables. The degree of tie-up relates to the relative amounts of humus and undecomposed residues in the material. If the material has completely composted, there is almost no tie-up. If the material is mostly “raw”, the tie-up can be substantial.

The way around the problem is to add extra nitrogen to feed the decomposer organisms. A standard recommendation is to add 3#s of actual nitrogen for each cubic yard of organic matter. This is in addition to the fertilizer needed for the crop itself.

So how do you figure how much to add? If you use a synthetic source of nitrogen like urea (46-0-0) or ammonium sulfate (21-0-0), calculate the extra N based on the percent-ages in the material.

For ammonium sulfate that would be 3/.21 = 14 pounds.

Urea would be 3/.46 = 6.5 pounds. If you use an organic fertilizer that has about 7% N, you need 3/.07 = 43 pounds of the fertilizer.

Remember, these amounts are in addition to the fertilizer you planned to apply to feed your vegetables or flowers.

We have a great publication called Fertilizing Your Garden: Vegetables, Fruit, and Ornamentals available free, online at https://catalog. extension.oregonstate.edu/ ec1503. Check it out.

Consider a donation to the food bank.

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

All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503 3973462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters.

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

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

Contact information for the Extension office Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County. Address: 505 N. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens, OR 97051.

Phone: 503 397-3462.

Email: chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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www.thechronicleonline.com

WEDNESDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

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KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) Jeopardy! (N) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Extra (N) Expedition Unknown “Return of the Yeti” Expedition Unknown KGW News at 6 (N) KGW Special Journeys in Japan BBC News PBS NewsHour (N) 6 O’Clock News (N) Family Feud (N) 2009 NBA Finals 2010 NBA Finals From June 17, 2010. (:05) Big City Greens (:35) Raven’s Home (:05) Raven’s Home Mike & Molly Mike & Molly The Big Bang Theory Family Guy Family Guy The Big Bang Theory

THURSDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

6:00

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KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News (5:00) Naked and Afraid KGW News at 6 (N) Wild Travels BBC News 6 O’Clock News (N) NBA HORSE Challenge (N) (:05) Big City Greens (:35) Raven’s Home Mike & Molly Mike & Molly Family Guy Family Guy

FRIDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

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Good Morning America (N) (5:00) CBS This Morning: Saturday (N) Auction Kings Sport Fishing KGW News at Sunrise (N) Cat in the Hat Molly of Denali Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) Outside the Lines (N) (Live) Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) Impractical Jokers Impractical Jokers

SATURDAY AFTERNOON KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

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Good Morning America (N) In Touch With Dr. Charles Stanley (N) Seasons on the Fly Saltwater Fishing KGW News at Sunrise (N) Peg & Cat (EI) Splash and Bubbles Good Day Oregon Sunday (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Good Day Oregon Sunday (N) Impractical Jokers The Misery Index

SUNDAY AFTERNOON KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

12:00

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The Goldbergs (N) Schooled (N) American Housewife Single Parents (N) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (N) Survivor “The Full Circle” (N) (:01) SEAL Team “You Only Die Once” S.W.A.T. “Rocket Fuel” Expedition Unknown: Uncovered Josh’s quest takes him to Mount Everest. (N) Legends of the Wild (N) Inside Edition (N) Chicago Med “A Needle in the Heart” (N) Chicago Fire “51’s Original Bell” (N) Chicago P.D. Atwater goes under cover. (N) Nature Naledi the baby elephant.

Blood Sugar Rising The history and science of diabetes. (N) Family Feud (N) The Masked Singer Viewer sing-along. (N) (:01) LEGO Masters “Finals” (DVS) 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (:35) Bunk’d Bunk’d (:25) Bunk’d (8:50) Raven’s Home (:40) Just Roll With It Gabby Duran Coop & Cami The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) The Simpsons Family Guy The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Full Frontal

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Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Naked and Afraid “Island of Tears” KGW Special Inside Edition (N) PBS NewsHour (N) Family Feud (N) Family Feud

The Disney Family Singalong (N) Station 19 “Dream a Little Dream of Me” (N) (:01) How to Get Away With Murder (N) Young Sheldon (N) (:31) Man With a Plan (:01) Mom (N) Broke “The Dance” Tommy A woman gets intentionally arrested.

Naked and Afraid Pop-Up Edition “Andros Island” (N) Naked and Afraid Pop-Up Edition (N) Superstore Brooklyn Nine-Nine Will & Grace (N) Indebted (N) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (N) Oregon Art Beat (N) Oregon Field Guide Inspector Morse “Dead on Time” Oxford don’s widow is Morse’s ex.

Last Man Standing Last Man Standing (:01) Mental Samurai “Week Three” 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter SportsCenter (:05) Raven’s Home (:35) Bunk’d Bunk’d (:25) Bunk’d (8:50) Raven’s Home (:40) Just Roll With It Gabby Duran Coop & Cami The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) The Simpsons Family Guy Bob’s Burgers The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

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APRIL 15, 2020

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KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:15) Expedition Unknown (N) KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show The Forgotten Coast Rare wildlife in Florida.

11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter Sydney to the Max (:20) Bunk’d Family Guy Bob’s Burgers Conan (N) Full Frontal

APRIL 16, 2020

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KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert Rob Riggle: Global Investigator (N) KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Grantchester on Masterpiece 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter Sydney to the Max (:20) Bunk’d Family Guy Bob’s Burgers Conan (N) The Last O.G.

APRIL 17, 2020

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KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Street Outlaws: Memphis “35 to 1” KGW News at 6 (N) This Old House BBC News 6 O’Clock News (N) (5:00) NFL Football From Nov. 7, 2005. (:05) Big City Greens (:35) Raven’s Home Mike & Molly Mike & Molly Family Guy Family Guy

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KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Deadliest Catch: On Deck (N) KGW News at 6 (N) Ask This Old House BBC News 6 O’Clock News (N) (4:00) MLB Baseball (:05) Big City Greens (:35) Raven’s Home Mike & Molly Mike & Molly Family Guy Family Guy

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APRIL 18, 2020

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KATU News This Morning Saturday (N) (Live) Jack Hanna Ocean Treks Hearts of Heroes (EI) Jack Hanna Rock the Park (EI) Ocean Treks Lucky Dog “Bebe” Innovation Nation Mission Unstoppable Pet Vet Dream Team Hope in the Wild (N) Best Friends Furever NFL Football Road Trip Masters Uncharted Waters The RVers (N) Chasin’ the Sun (N) Dirty Jobs “Fireworks Technician” Dirty Jobs Oil spill; car in lake.

Dirty Jobs “Mardi Gras Bladder Banger” Paid Program Grant’s Getaways Shadow of Kop Shadow of Kop Premier League Download Clifford-Dog Sesame Street Pinkalicious Cyberchase SciGirls Biz Kid$ Garden Smart Garden Home Life in Bloom Love of Quilting Animal Exploration Awesome Adventure Career Day Teen Kids News (N) Paid Program Paid Program SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) NBA Countdown (N) (Live) To Be Announced The Owl House (:20) The Owl House Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Coop & Cami Coop & Cami Sydney to the Max Sydney to the Max Garden Time Paid Program Southern Liv Larry King Sp. Slim Cycle Energy Now Impractical Jokers Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond ›› “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” (2014) Ben Stiller. (DVS) ›› Riddick (2013)

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KATU News This Morning Sunday (N) (Live) CBS News Sunday Morning (N) Face the Nation (N) Local Knowledge (N) Into the Blue (N) Saltwater Experience Sportsman’s Adv.

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APRIL 18, 2020

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Paid Program America This Extra (N) Homestead Rescue (Part 2 of 2) Earth Odyssey Consumer 101 (N) Woodsmith Shop Ask This Old House

KATU News at 5 (N) ABC World News KOIN 6 News at 5 (N) KOIN 6 News at 5:30 Homestead Rescue “Killzone” KGW News at 5 (N) Oregon Field Guide Oregon Field Guide 5 O’Clock News (N) To Be Announced Bunk’d Sydney to the Max Sydney to the Max Gabby Duran Madam Secretary “Global Relief” 2 Broke Girls Mike & Molly ››› “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) Christian Bale. (DVS)

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One World: Together at Home Celebrating healthcare workers. (N Same-day Tape) The Baker and the Beauty “Pilot” One World: Together at Home Celebrating healthcare workers. (N Same-day Tape) 48 Hours (N) Homestead Rescue Homestead Rescue “Ohio Tire Bale Rescue” (N) KGW News Straight Talk Grant’s Getaways Inside Edition Dateline NBC (N) Oregon Revealed: Coastal Wonder Oregon Revealed-Field Guide Oregon Field Guide Oregon Field Guide 9-1-1 The call center is taken hostage.

Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter SportsCenter Big City Greens (:25) Big City Greens Big City Greens (:40) Big City Greens (:05) The Owl House The Owl House 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) Bladder Paid Program ››› “Black Panther” (2018) Chadwick Boseman. Premiere. Black Panther springs into action when an old enemy returns. (DVS)

10:00

10:30

APRIL 18, 2020

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 ROH Wrestling KOIN 6 News at 11 Ninja Warrior Homestead Rescue “Troubled Water” KGW News at 11 (N) Saturday Night Live Last Tango in Halifax Engagement party.

Beat Shazam “Santa Jamie” (DVS) SportsCenter Sydney to the Max Coop & Cami The Listener The murder of a billionaire.

The Last O.G. Full Frontal

APRIL 19, 2020

11:00

11:30

Sharyl Attkisson This Week With George Stephanopoulos (N) L King Report Paid Program Look Good PBR Bull Riding Tiger Tales (N) Ultimate Homes Waterfront houses.

Ultimate Homes Dream homes in Alaska.

Ultimate Homes “Hawaii” Meet the Press (N) Be Your Best Motorcycle Racing Mister Rogers Let’s Go Luna!

Dinosaur Train Arthur (DVS) Rick Steves’ Europe Travels to the Edge Nature Naledi the baby elephant.

Blood Sugar Rising FOX News Sunday With Chris Wallace (N) eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series (N) (Live) FOX Sports Special SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) ESPN Original Documentaries NBA Basketball The Owl House (:20) The Owl House Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Sydney to the Max Sydney to the Max Coop & Cami Coop & Cami Paid Program Paid Program Energy Now Think Big Real Life 101 Awesome Adventure The Misery Index Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond ›› “Snow White & the Huntsman” (2012, Fantasy) Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron. (DVS)

1:00

1:30

2:00

2:30

7:00

7:30

America’s Funniest Home Videos 60 Minutes (N) Naked and Afraid: Uncensored (N) Little Big Shots “Be Mighty” (N) The Great British Baking Show “Final”

8:00

8:30

Your Voice

3:00

3:30

7:00

7:30

9:00

9:30

American Idol “American Idol -- This Is Me (Part 2)” The lives of the top 21 contestants.

God Friended Me “Collateral Damage” (N) NCIS: Los Angeles “Murder of Crows” (N) Naked and Afraid “Ring Of Fire” (N) The Wall Nellie and Taylor take on the wall.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (N) Call the Midwife Four new doctors arrive.

World on Fire on Masterpiece (N)

Family Feud The Simpsons The Simpsons Bob’s Burgers The Simpsons Duncanville (N) The Last Dance (Series Premiere) (N) The Last Dance (N) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt (N) (Live) (4:45) Zombies (2018) “Zombies 2” (2020) Meg Donnelly, Milo Manheim.

Raven’s Home (N) (:23) Just Roll With It The Carbonaro Effect Family Feud The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) Legend Tarzan ››› “Black Panther” (2018, Action) Chadwick Boseman. Black Panther springs into action when an old enemy returns.

TUESDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

12:30

KATU News at 6 (N) Family Matters KOIN 6 News CBS Weekend News Naked and Afraid “Bahama Drama” (N) NBC Nightly News Straight Talk Oregon Art Beat (N) Oregon Field Guide

MONDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

9:00

To Be Announced Paid Program MyDestination.TV PGA Tour Golf From Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, S.C. Larry King Report Emeril Airfryer Ultimate Homes “Underground” Ultimate Homes “Islands” Naked and Afraid “Nicaragua Nightmare” Naked and Afraid “Texan Torture” NHL Hockey NHL Hockey Game 6. From June 15, 2015.

Paid Program Roots Less Traveled (11:00) Blood Sugar Rising Great Performances The famous myth of Orpheus.

Focus on Europe GZERO World Greatest Games: NFL The Denver Broncos defeat the Atlanta Falcons, 34-19, and win their second consecutive Super Bowl.

To Be Announced (10:30) NBA Basketball NBA Basketball NBA Basketball Disney Fam Jam Bunk’d Bunk’d (:25) Just Roll With It Just Roll With It Sydney to the Max Sydney to the Max Gabby Duran Animal Science Look Good ››› “Arlington Road” (1999, Suspense) Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack.

Major Crimes Provenza faces desk duty. ›› “Immortals” (2011) Henry Cavill. A stonemason revolts against a bloodthirsty king. ›› “Hercules: The Thrachian Wars” (2014) Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane. (DVS)

SUNDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

8:30

Wheel of Fortune Ent. Tonight

KATU News at 6 (N) Paid Program Paid Program KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Weekend News Entertainment Tonight (N) Homestead Rescue “Poisoned” Homestead Rescue Heat, coyotes and cows.

NBC Nightly News Straight Talk Grant’s Getaways Inside Edition Oregon Field Guide Oregon Field Guide Oregon Field Guide Oregon Field Guide ››› “Arlington Road” (1999, Suspense) Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack.

To Be Announced ESPN Original Documentaries Gabby Duran (:25) ›› “Peter Rabbit” (2018) Voices of James Corden.

The Carbonaro Effect Recipe.TV The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory (4:30) ››› “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway. (DVS)

SUNDAY MORNING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

8:00

To Be Announced Wild America Paid Program MyDestination.TV PGA Tour Golf From Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, S.C. Emeril Airfryer Larry King Report Dirty Jobs Onion processor; building ladders. Dirty Jobs Mike creates a reef.

Dirty Jobs The process of making scrapple.

Dirty Jobs Breeding and training sled dogs.

NHL Hockey Game 6. From June 11, 2012.

NHL Hockey Game 5. From June 13, 2014.

Paid Program Earth Odyssey Fit 2 Stitch It’s Sew Easy Jamie’s Ultimate Veg Test Kitchen Christina Cooks Sara’s Weeknight MotorWeek American Woodshop Paid Program Sports Gone Wild The Immortals The Short List Pure Outdoor To Be Announced To Be Announced To Be Announced ESPN Original Documentaries Disney Fam Jam Jessie Jessie Jessie (1:55) Raven’s Home (:20) Raven’s Home (:10) Bunk’d (:35) Bunk’d Paid Program ›››› “Terms of Endearment” (1983, Comedy-Drama) Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson.

Madam Secretary “Good Bones” (11:30) ›› “Riddick” (2013, Science Fiction) Vin Diesel, Karl Urban. Premiere. (DVS) ›› “Snow White & the Huntsman” (2012, Fantasy) Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron. (DVS)

SATURDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

7:00

7:30

KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune Shark Tank (N) (DVS) (:01) 20/20 (N) KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Extra (N) Ent. Tonight MacGyver Mac is put into a dream state. (N) Magnum P.I. “Farewell to Love” (N) Blue Bloods “Bones to Pick” (DVS) KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert Gold Rush In an area known as Hell’s Crack. Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail “The Honey Pot” Gold Rush (N) (:02) Aussie Gold Hunters (N) KGW News at 6 (N) Straight Talk (N) Inside Edition (N) The Blacklist Liz is forced to choose sides.

The Blacklist “Kuwait” Dateline NBC (N) KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Curious Traveler BBC World News PBS NewsHour (N) Shakespeare and Hathaway -- Private Midsomer Murders (:45) Midsomer Murders A boss is murdered. Modus On Story 6 O’Clock News (N) Family Feud Family Feud WWE Friday Night SmackDown (N Same-day Tape) 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory WNBA Basketball WNBA Finals, Game 5. From Oct. 10, 2019.

SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter SportsCenter SportsCenter (:05) Big City Greens (:35) Raven’s Home (:05) Raven’s Home (:35) Raven’s Home ›› “Peter Rabbit” (2018) Voices of James Corden.

Raven’s Home Just Roll With It Coop & Cami Sydney to the Max Sydney to the Max Mike & Molly Mike & Molly The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy Bob’s Burgers The Last O.G. The Last O.G. ››› “Ted” (2012, Comedy) Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis. (DVS) ››› “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015) Robert Downey Jr. The Avengers reassemble to battle a technological villain. (DVS)

SATURDAY MORNING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

7:00

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

8:00

8:30

Bob’s Burgers (N) The Last Dance Sydney to the Max 9 O’Clock News (N) (DVS)

9:00

Family Guy (N) Gabby Duran The Last O.G.

9:30

Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune (N) Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Street Outlaws: Memphis: Full Throttle (N) KGW Special Inside Edition (N) PBS NewsHour (N) Family Feud (N) Family Feud (N)

The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart “Week 2” (N) The Neighborhood Bob Hearts Abishola All Rise “Bye Bye Bernie” Street Outlaws: Memphis “War for $10k” Fast N’ Loud “Race Against Time” (N) The Voice “The Knockouts Part 2” A mega-mentor assists the coaches. (N) Antiques Roadshow (N) Oregon Experience Oregon Experience 9-1-1 Eddie must rescue a boy from a well. (:01) Prodigal Son “The Professionals” (N) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt (N) (Live) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt (:05) Raven’s Home (:35) Bunk’d Bunk’d (:25) Bunk’d (8:50) Raven’s Home (:40) Just Roll With It The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy

7:00

7:30

Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune (N) Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Deadliest Catch: On Deck (N) KGW Special Inside Edition (N) PBS NewsHour (N) Family Feud (N) Family Feud (N)

8:00

8:30

The Conners Bless This Mess NCIS A murder is livestreamed on an app.

Deadliest Catch (N) Ellen’s Game of Games (N) American Experience (N) (DVS) The Masked Singer (N) (DVS) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt (N) (:05) Raven’s Home (:35) Bunk’d Bunk’d (:25) Bunk’d The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

9:00

9:30

4:00

4:30

Paid Program Sharyl Attkisson Open House Raw Travel (N) Naked and Afraid “Edge of Madness” Vets Saving Pets (N) The Champion Within To the Contrary Washington Week

APRIL 19, 2020

5:00

5:30

KATU News at 5 (N) ABC World News KOIN 6 News at 5 (N) KOIN 6 News Naked and Afraid KGW News at 5 (N) Firing-Hoover NewsHour Wk 5 O’Clock News (N)

Gabby Duran (:45) “Zombies” (2018) Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly.

Major Crimes “Thick as Thieves” 2 Broke Girls Mike & Molly ›› “The Legend of Tarzan” (2016) Alexander Skarsgard, Christoph Waltz. (DVS)

10:00

10:30

The Rookie “Follow-Up Day” (DVS) NCIS: New Orleans “Predators” (N) (:01) Naked and Afraid: Uncensored (N) Good Girls Beth addresses her Rio problem.

Baptiste on Masterpiece (N)

APRIL 19, 2020

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) America This Week KOIN 6 News at 11 (:35) Raw Travel (N) (:01) Naked and Afraid “Mayan Misery” KGW News at 11 (N) Laura McKenzie Spies of Warsaw Mercier is being watched.

10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) Graham Bensinger The Last Dance SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt Gabby Duran Coop & Cami Sydney to the Max (:20) Raven’s Home Paid Program Paid Program NCIS: New Orleans “Overdrive” The Last O.G. ›› “The Wolverine” (2013, Action) Hugh Jackman. (DVS)

10:00

10:30

The Baker and the Beauty “Ruin My Life” Bull Bull takes a difficult murder case. (:01) Car Kings “Lots of Plumbing” (N) (:01) Songland “Luis Fonsi” (N) Antiques Roadshow An Olin Travis painting.

10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt Gabby Duran Coop & Cami The Simpsons Family Guy American Dad (N) American Dad

10:00

10:30

mixed-ish black-ish For Life “Character and Fitness” (N) Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince Honoring Prince’s influence on music. (N) (:01) Deadliest Catch (N) Ellen’s Game of Games (N) New Amsterdam “Code Silver” Frontline “Coronavirus Pandemic” (N) Understanding the Opioid Epidemic Empire Cookie reflects on her life.

10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt (8:50) Raven’s Home (:40) Just Roll With It Gabby Duran Coop & Cami 9 O’Clock News (N) The Simpsons Family Guy The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Last O.G. (N)

APRIL 20, 2020

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:01) Fast N’ Loud A ’60 Bel-Air. KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Independent Lens “The Hottest August” (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt Sydney to the Max (:20) Bunk’d Family Guy Bob’s Burgers Conan Seinfeld

APRIL 21, 2020

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:01) Deadliest Catch KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Follow the Water 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt Sydney to the Max (:20) Bunk’d Family Guy Bob’s Burgers Conan The Last O.G.

Preparing for wildfires Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) is preparing for what could be a dangerous wildfire season ahead this summer in Columbia County.

CRFR’s public information officer Jennifer Motherway gives us insight into the agencies preparation efforts.

The Chronicle: How has the winter and spring weather contributed to the wildland fire danger?

The Chronicle: What is your agency’s forecast about the wildland fire danger as we head toward summer?

Motherway: The forecast is for a cooler than normal through June but dryer. This is just a forecast not a fact.

We stand up our crews and equipment in early April or May depending on our current weather.

The Chronicle: What are the current restrictions now and what would be the range of restrictions that we could face into summer, and why?

Motherway: Again, depending on the summer temperatures and moisture content of the vegetation, both alive and dead will determine what restrictions are put in place. It is a moving target and it is difficult to plan months in advance as the weather is constantly changing.

The Chronicle: We understand that often, the wildfires across the state are human caused. What is your agency seeing?

Motherway: The majority of our fires in our district

From Page A1

Budget sustainability

Photo courtesy of the Oregon Forestry Department

Columbia River Fire & Rescue is preparing now for the summer wildfire season.

are human caused, we do see lightning caused fires as well periodically. Illegal burns or intentionally started fires all are the most common wildland fires we see.

We ask folks to obtain the proper permits and follow the guidelines that are placed by the fire district and Oregon Department of Forestry.

The Chronicle: Over the years, we’ve seen fire agencies recommending defensive spaces around properties.

What is CRFR’s 2020 recommendation and why?

Motherway: Defensible space makes our firefighting efforts a lot easier when dealing with wildland urban interface fires. Proactive homeowners that reduce the fire load around their homes and within the 30 to 50 foot space directly adjacent to their house or outbuilding. This gives the owner/occupant significant protection should a fire occur and affords time for fire crews arrive to deal with the incident.

The Chronicle: Does CRFR offer free property audits to help property owners best prepare for the wildland fire seasons? And if so, what specifically do you offer?

Motherway: If a homeowner asks we will send personnel out to review a protection plan and offer suggestions that they can do to reduce damage caused by a potential fire. Owners that provide a defensive space around the exterior of the

ST. HELENS LIQUOR STORE WELCOME! Open for Business

BUDGET to Brown.

“Since the school year is out for the year, the city felt it was best to officially let them go to ensure that we do not hold up any sort of unemployment they may be eligible for,” Brown said. “These employees will have first right to interviews when the rec program returns likely in the summer time.”

City officials said there are no other planned employee layoffs under the proposed budget.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Jennifer Motherway: New growth from this spring and the previous winter vegetation die off always presents a challenge as we move into summer. Major factors include when the rains stop and the daytime temps in early summer. If it’s cool and moist or vegetation takes longer to dry out and a shorter fire season in our area.

A9

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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COUNTRY Financial representative Sheryl Teuscher has the following message: During this challenging time, I want you to know I’m here when you need me at (503)556-0186 or by email at sheryl.teuscher@countryfinancial.com We are also available for faxes or copies, and notary services by appointment only.

home increase the chance of their property surviving a wildfire incident. Oregon Department of Forestry also offers this to citizens in an effort to be proactive in their own properties defense from fire.

The Chronicle: This spring and summer, what proactive outreach are you utilizing to help folks understand the potential wildland fire danger?

Motherway: We primarily use multi media such as Twitter, Facebook, and local newspapers to share information with the public. We send out information all summer in an effort to educate the public.

The Chronicle: As the Stay Home restrictions are lifted, its likely we’ll see a wave of recreationalists out and about. What is your agency’s concern about that and what might your recommendations be?

Motherway: Take it easy, slow down and enjoy being outside again. As Oregonians we love the outdoors, realize that we are all susceptible to injury if we are not cautious and smart about our outdoor activities. Stay calm, enjoy the weather, and stay safe.

The Chronicle: In your agency’s jurisdiction, where are the most vulnerable locations that you closely monitor during wildland fire season and where are those areas?

Motherway: Any area where urban meets wild land, We refer to this as urban interface. This area is always a concern were human activity meets nature.

Many of us moved here to live in this exact zone where we can enjoy the comfort of urban living in the beauty of open spaces. We ask folks to recognize that even in our relatively green and wet area of the world it only takes a few days of warm dry weather and we can experience a fire.

The Chronicle: What wildland fire fighting equipment does CRFR have ready for the upcoming season?

Motherway: Columbia River Fire & Rescue has four wildland equipped specialty fire apparatus to deal with fires in our county and outside our area if requested. These vehicles are off-road capable, smaller and lighter than our big city fire engines and they give us the ability to get into places and stop the fire while they’re small.

All of our front line structure engines also carry a host of wild land tools and hose to aid in natural cover fires. Our personnel train every spring in preparation for summer wildland season, we have some of the best folks in the business protecting our communities.

For more information, contact CRFR at 503-3972990.

“The City of St. Helens has the unwanted burden of a very low property tax rate (2nd lowest in the County) due to Measure 5 and Measure 50 that were passed many years ago,” the St. Helens Budget document reads. “When these measures were passed, it took into consideration􏰀 current businesses (like large local businesses of Boise and Armstrong) that were alive and well in the community of St. Helens. Now, however, those companies including the jobs, tax revenue, and utility revenue are gone and the City of St. Helens is left􏰂 with a remaining low property tax rate and no revenue from those large industries.”

A graph in the proposed budget document shows the five-year forecast of the general fund balance. It indicates that attaining a greater reserve is necessary to compensate for declining overall revenue.

“The City’s unofficial goal for management is to strive for a 30 percent reserve,” the document states. “The proposed budget shows a 25 percent reserve, which is still above the 20 percent that is stated in the financial policies for the City.”

One key budget change is within the city’s special revenue funds, which is the consolidation of four separate funds into three. Brown is recommending to the city council to place the St. Helens tourism fund into the community development fund as a separate department within the fund.

This, Brown said, is to help with cash flow and scheduling issues.

“The City operates on a fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th) which does not cohesively jive with that of event schedules. Many events that the City holds in the summer time (July-September and into

October) can have expenses required earlier in the year.

This means that budgeting for events can be difficult and in the past two fiscal years, the City has had to transfer funds to/from the tourism fund to remain in a good budget standing with the State of Oregon laws,” the document states.

The new system should enable no mid-year budget adjustments, the document states further.

The tourism fund, one of the special revenue funds, will have less revenue because of COVID-19, the document states, and therefore less expenditure authority. While some revenue loss is expected, there is no way to determine exactly how much, King said.

“There are too many unknown factors at the moment and we have no concrete timelines for when restrictions will be loosened in order to predict the impact to the fund,” King said.

The tourism fund contributes resources for planning on the city riverfront property, industrial business park and timber harvesting.

System Development Charges, or SDC Funds, fees paid by developers, which are set up for specific departments like water, sewer, storm, streets and parks have all expenditures budgeted.

“Having these funds budgeted to spend allows the City more flexibility when a grant becomes open or ready and allows the City to react faster when it is needed,” the document states. “This upcoming year, the City anticipates beginning new Master Plans for the Sewer and Storm Departments, which have not been completed for over 10 years.”

Internal funds include the equipment fund, IT services, public works operations, and facility major maintenance. The IT Fund will have increased charges as the city works to upgrade and repair the city’s network.

Next step The budget committee will meet in three upcoming public meetings at 7 p.m. April 16, 23 and 30 during a Zoom session.

The link for the Zoom meeting will be posted on the city’s website 24 hours before the meetings.

The St. Helens City Council is expected to receive the city budget committee’s recommendations and review the budget for adoption in June.

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline.com.

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Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A10

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Smoke invades Columbia County Smoke from fires in Washington state drifted into Columbia County on Sunday leaving a noticeable smell and haze in St. Helens and other county cities.

The smoke cleared by Tuesday morning, April 14.

The first report of fire came at 2:37 p.m. on Easter Sunday, April 12, when a passerby called 911 to report a barkdust fire at Swanson Bark and Wood Products, at 240 Tennant Way, in Longview.

Swanson’s occupies an 80-acre site that sits off Highway 442. The plant specializes in taking wood waste and turning it into useful products, including firewood, mulch, barkdust, soils, and even biomass.

Longview Fire officials said responding to 911 calls at Swanson Bark is not an unusual occurrence because the facility, with its large piles of barkdust and other products off-gas regularly as a natural part of the composting/ decomposition process. Staff at Swanson use temperature probes to assess the risk, and small fires are not uncommon and are generally handled by on-site staff.

As fire units were dispatched to the scene, Cowlitz 911 called the facility and plant crews confirmed they had a surface fire that they were actively attempting to extinguish.

As the Longview Fire crews arrived they encountered a large barkdust pile that was burning and spreading to adjacent piles.

Strong northwest winds coupled with access issues to the multiple piles of recyclables, smoke and visibility challenges, and the available water supply all created difficult tactics and strategies for firefighters, according to officials. With the other active fires, staffing was also below normal.

As the fire continued to spread over the entire 80-acre site, buildings, machinery, vehicles, and conveyors were damaged and/or destroyed. Firefighters deployed multiple hand lines and two aerial ladder trucks, flowing in excess of 2.5 million gallons of water during the suppression efforts. The incident commander requested a firefighting helicopter to assist, but none were locally available.

Fire suppression efforts were concluded at approximately 4 a.m. on Monday, however, dozens of bark and wood products piles were still smoldering, creating a smoke cloud that continued its wind-driven drift through the region and into Columbia County.

Swanson Bark and Wood Products took over the overhaul phase of the suppression, utilizing loaders and excavators to move the product while extinguishing.

Swanson also contracted with two helicopter services to aid in full suppression.

Officials said they expected the fire would smolder for days, and if winds pick up fire could restart.

Firefighters from Longview, Kalama, Cowlitz Fire District 1, Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, and Woodland were utilized to extinguish the blaze. Resources included pumping fire apparatus, ladder trucks, water tenders, and brush rigs.

Firefighters had not completed the investigation into the cause of the blaze and no damage estimates were available at press time. No Swanson staff or firefighters were injured, according to investigators.

During the same time of the Swanson plant fire, Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue battled a structure fire on Regland Road and other fire crews were sent to a brush fire on Astro Road in rural Kelso, further taxing the regional resources.

Courtesy photo of Columbia River Fire & Rescue

The Longview industrial fire could be seen from across the river in Columbia County Sunday afternoon.

18-Day Closure:

I-405 Ramps Project

U.S. 30 ramp to I-405 north closed April 17 - May 4

Williams Ave

18-day full closure April 17-May 4

ELIOT

30

FR BR EM ID ON G T E

US-30 East to I-405 North

MLK Blvd

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Broadway St W IL

N ORTHW EST DISTR I CT

LA M ET RI

23rd Ave

TE

Lovejoy St

VE R

P EA RL D I STRI CT

84

D OW N TOWN

Mar

ket

way Par k Nai to

Bro

adw ay A ve

Burnside St

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Ramp closure Detour route Fremont Bridge open

For more traffic impacts: i405ramps.org Know before you go: TripCheck.com Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Smoke from fires in Washington State drifts over the Columbia River at St. Helens, early Monday morning April 13.