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Where We Live

Popular city parade returns

The 2017 Kiwanis Community Parade moves along Columbia Boulevard.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

“Coming Back Together 2022” is the theme of the annual St. Helens Kiwanis Community Parade to be held in June.

The popular event that attracts thousands to the city has been absent for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returns June 18.

Organizers have been spending the past weeks organizing the return of the parade that will include 26 categories. As of April 19, the participants include Columbia River Fire &

Rescue, law enforcement, The Columbia County Rodeo and Fair Court, bands, sports teams, youth groups, clowns, commercial businesses, service organizations, public works, antique and custom vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, animals including horses and pooper scoopers, and an open class category.

“Our parade is open to anyone, businesses, organizations, no matter where you live,” the St. Helens Community Parade Committee members told The Chronicle.

The parade registration and staging begins at 9 a.m. at Em-

Chronicle photo

mert Motors, 2175 Columbia Boulevard. Participants are staged on the surrounding blocks off of Columbia Boulevard.

Judging starts at 11 a.m. and the parade starts at 12 p.m.

Registration packets are available at st.helenskiwanisparade@ gmail.com, or contact Lisa Lewis at 503-407-7916 or Judy Thompson at 503-397-6056. Advanced registration is encouraged but may be conducted the day of the parade. Organizers ask that participants read and closely follow the parade rules. There is no registration fee.

The parade begins at 2175

Columbia Boulevard across from Emmert Motors and will travel down Columbia Boulevard as it turns into 1st Street and continues past the Dockside Steak & Pasta Restaurant onto the riverfront property and will exit onto Plymouth Street.

“Parades are important events for every community, but the St. Helens Kiwanis Community Parade is unique,” the committee members said.

“This parade doesn’t depend on a holiday to support it. It is all about the community itself, bringing us all together, showing off what we do, what we stand for, why we live here, and what we are proud of. The parade itself offers an opportunity for people to have an idea, organization, be creative, set a goal, make something from concept to completion.”

According to the committee, the thrill of standing in a crowd of people and listening to the approaching sounds of a marching band, horses, sirens, engines revving and clowns stirring the children to laughter are key elements of the community parade.

“You get to see fire trucks and police cars in a state of happiness, not in a hurry to an emergency where something bad has

happened,” the members said. “In America, it’s part of our collective memory growing up. Parade day is a day we allow ourselves young and old to simply just enjoy what will have in our community. And its free!”

Around the first of the year, the Kiwanis Community Parade Committee began looking at bringing the parade back following the pandemic.

“Keep in mind a twoyear gap is like having a car in the garage that has not run for two years and now you want to get it back on the road,” the parade committee members stated. “With confidence that our parade is possible, we got serious and formed a parade committee, rallied sponsors and business support.”

St. Helens Kiwanis have hosted St. Helens Community Parade for many years after the parade was faced with no one to organize and facilitate the event.

The St. Helens Kiwanis stepped in and took on the responsibility for the parade.

“Due to pandemic and uncertainty, it would be very difficult for another organization to step

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See PARADE Page A9

$7.5M road improvements yet to be completed JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

It will likely be mid to late summer before a $7.5 million road improvement project along Highway 30 at St. Helens is completed, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

The project is designed to improve the safety by adding a traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 30 and Millard Road, restricting left turns onto Highway 30 from Bennett Road, increasing the turn radius for the right turn at Highway 30 and Bennett Road, updating rail crossings at both Millard and Bennett Roads, and updating other intersection infrastructure

for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic.

The work began in early March of 2021. But ODOT said utility relocation, including gas, water, power and communications lines, and rail line work delays have extended the project. The railroad work includes new railroad crossings and signals to be installed at Millard and Bennett Roads.

Large orange barrels and striped barriers have been used to funnel traffic through the construction zones along Highway 30.

Drivers can expect the west side of Bennett Road from Highway 30 to remain closed through May. The east side of Bennett Road was scheduled to be closed through Thursday, April 21 for rail work.

The east side of Millard Road will be closed from April 22 through July for the rail work.

ODOT urges drivers to slow down as they pass through the construction zones along Highway 30 and watch for heavy construction vehicles entering and leaving the work zones.

Oregon State Police troopers continue to monitor the construction zones to make sure drivers are slowing through the area. Tickets for speeding through a road construction zone can cost hundreds of dollars.

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

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Large construction equipment work to make the improvements at Bennett and Highway 30.

Housing, healthcare, economy issues at candidates forum ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Democrats and Republicans at the April 14 bipartisan Candidates Forum united over one central issue: increasing representation for rural Oregonians.

“Your job as a representative is a lot like being a juror in a criminal case,” candidate Drew Layda said.

“Every law passed in Oregon is a potential sentence on the Oregonian people.”

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Obituaries ................. A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ....................... A7 Crossword ............... A8 Sports ..................... A10

Who’s running?

There are three candidates running for Oregon House District (HD) 31 this year: Republicans Drew Layda and Brian Stout and Democrat Anthony Sorace.

Oregon’s HD 31 serves Columbia County and parts of Multnomah and Washington counties.

On Thursday, April 14, Layda and Sorace attended the 2022 Engaged Citizens Primary Candidates Forum held at Columbia City Community Center, 1850 2nd Street, to address issues central to their campaign and take questions from constituents.

Other speakers at the event included HD 32 Republican candidate Glen Gaither, HD 32 Democratic candidate Logan Laity, and SD 16 Republican candidate Suzanne Weber.

Layda and Stout will face off in the May primary, and the Republican who is nominated will

2022 Columbia County

Courtesy photo

Democratic candidate Anthony Sorace.

run against Sorace in the November general election.

The following election coverage provided by The Chronicle focuses on candidates’ stances on the key issues of housing, healthcare, and the economy.

Courtesy photo

Republican candidate Brian Stout.

“A lot of people, when they look at a map of Oregon, they think that’s Oregon,” he explained. “No, 48% of that is Oregon. 52% of that is held

Drew Layda (R- HD 31) Housing With Real Market Values (RMVs) increasing countywide, affordable housing is one agenda item Layda believes needs reform.

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Helping children read, one book at a time

Courtesy photo

McBride Elementary School children and staff pose for a picture following the book donation with Bill and Claudia Eagle at the far right of the photo.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Bill and Claudia Eagle have a simple mission: provide books for area kindergarten children. Each year, the two visit local schools to deliver the books.

In the following conversation with The Chronicle, Bill gives us insight into why the local couple began this quest and how it benefits the children.

The Chronicle: When did this project begin and why?

Bill Eagle: The Project began in 2013. My wife, Claudia Eagle, was part of a reading program in the Columbia City School Library. Children and their parents would come in to hear bedtime stories.

The children would bring blankets and be dressed in their pajamas. Claudia

discovered that many of these children (even in an affluent place like Columbia City) never had a book of their own. She thought that this was terrible. Claudia is a former teacher and has always loved books and still has books that she was given as a small child. She has worked as a reading specialist in various school districts, including Seaside, Scappoose and St. Helens.

She has shared her own childhood books with children that she worked with as a teacher.

Claudia approached our Kiwanis Club seeking funding support to help buy good quality hard covered books for kindergarten age children. The Club stated that they did not (at that time) have anything in their budget for books, and if they did, they would like purchase books for the entire school district not just one school.

Claudia told them that

she would be happy to raise money for this project and all she would ask from the club would be to match what she was able to bring in.

They agreed to this.

This book is yours, read it, keep it, love it. It belongs to you. ~ Bill Eagle Claudia’s friend Jeff Hudson was a buyer for Powell’s books. He was able to donate a number of sample books, games and other surplus one of a kind items. She spent several months selling these items at the Elks, senior centers, and even Safeway in order to raise money for books.

This was the start of our Kiwanis program. After two years of Claudia trying, on

her own, to raise money, the club decided to budget for books and pay for the entire project.

The Chronicle: What do you take away from this project and why is it important to continue the efforts?

The Chronicle: What books do you choose and why those books?

Eagle: Kiwanis are a community service organization with children being our first priority. We feel if we can help a child in a small way, we will have done something to help our world. Kiwanis wants to change the world, one child, one community at a time.

Eagle: We look for a variety of children’s books that are easy to read. The books range from kindergarten through 4th grade. They need to be good quality and preferably hard covered. We work with Powell’s books.

They have several people who assist us in choosing books that meet our criteria and are appropriate for kindergarten.

The Chronicle: Feel free to add any other comments you might have.

Eagle: There is a joy in

being able to give children books. You can see it in their faces and in their smiles.

I tell them: “The book you choose will be your very own. You can do with it whatever you want.

You can give it away to a brother, sister or friend, or you can do what Mrs. Eagle has done and keep this book for ever and ever. This book is yours, read it, keep it, love it. It belongs to you.”

To learn how to best support the book donations, contact the St. Helens School District or your neighborhood school.

The Chronicle: How much do you spend annually for the books and where does the money come from for this project?

Eagle: This year we budgeted $1,500 for our first book program. The price of books has gone up considerably this year and we wanted to be able to provide for 227 kindergarten children.

The City of St. Helens Contributed $500 to our book program and other people have donated to our Kiwanis Club as well. Our funding comes from individual donations and various projects, like Halloweentown, St. Helens Community Garage Sale, and fair parking.

The Chronicle: What do you hope the kids and parents take away from this project?

Paintings by local Artists will be available for purchase

for prom y d a e r Get help ! with our

Eagle: A love of books and a desire to read.

NEXT Rail yard plan challenged JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Environmental groups have filed a legal challenge opposing approval of a 400car rail yard for the proposed NEXT renewable diesel refinery at Port Westward.

The challenge has been filed by Columbia Riverkeeper, 1000 Friends of Oregon, and local mint farmer Mike Seely.

In early February, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved local land use permits for the NEXT Renewable Fuels’ $2 billion clean fuels project. Since that approval, the project has been moving through state and federal permitting processes.

According to a release from Columbia Riverkeeper issued April 13, roughly twothirds of those who testified to Columbia County’s Board of Commissioners stated strong opposition to the project’s location and impacts.

“I see extraordinary opposition to this project from my neighbors and the Beaver Drainage District, all of whom may be severely impacted by NEXT’s deeply flawed plan,” Seely said in the release. “NEXT would have to relocate sensitive infrastructure that supports 5,600 acres of active working farmland, including 300 acres of blueberries, 600 acres of mint, and numerous other crops and livestock. NEXT’s proposed refinery should be a non-starter, particularly where it proposes a major rail yard on agricultural land.”

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) also criticized NEXT’s proposal, noting its “controversial nature” and deficiencies in NEXT’s application to build a rail facility, the Columbia Riverkeeper release states.

“The County’s decision fails to follow Oregon’s land use planning program,

Courtesy photo

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

which requires an analysis of this proposed use and its potential impacts on specific farming practices used in the surrounding area,” 1000 Friends of Oregon Deputy Director Mary Kyle McCurdy said. “We have heard the significant concerns of area farmers. The County’s failure to address these puts at risk many acres of irreplaceable farm land.”

Opponents raised concerns about the track record of NEXT’s backers and the dramatic increase in the size and use of its proposed rail yard.

“NEXT Energy’s proposed 400-car rail yard is a major bait-and-switch for a company that once promised to avert long trains and only use marine shipping for its feedstocks,” Columbia Riverkeeper Conservation Director Dan Serres said. “NEXT’s plan is reckless: destroying wetlands, building on liquefiable soils, exacerbating diesel spill risks, and relocating sensitive drainage infrastructure against the wishes of the Beaver Drainage Improvement District.

This diesel refinery proposal relies on the wrong site, poor planning, and company backers with a checkered past.”

The Columbia Riverkeeper release also states that NEXT company officials have a troubling track record, including involvement in a failed biofuels facility in Odessa, Wash., that resulted in a $400,000 Superfund cleanup.

Under Oregon law, the appeal will be decided by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals, which would likely issue a ruling in several months.

NEXT response The Chronicle reached out to NEXT officials for reaction to the legal challenge. The following is the response from NEXT Director of Communications Michael Hinrichs.

This legal challenge is counter to the expertise of land use and environmental specialists that have thoroughly evaluated NEXT’s proposal for more than two years. The public review and technical assessments were robust and considered opponents’ claims.

Ultimately, these third-party and state-appointed experts concluded that NEXT is a well-sited project, the facility design helps protect the environment, the wetland restoration will not adversely impact surrounding agricultural operations, and the project adheres to local and state regulations.

More than that, the key output of the proposed facility, renewable diesel, is a necessary and immediate ingredient to solving the climate crisis. Challenging NEXT’s project slows the replacement of and perpetuates the reliance on fossil fuels.

Susan Barnes, Regional Wildlife Conservation Biologist for the Oregon Depart-

ment of Fish and Wildlife submitted public testimony to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners stating, “The department believes this proposed renewable energy project is sited appropriately, and it is consistent with the department’s climate goals.”

The Oregon Department of State Lands submitted a letter to the County confirming that the industrially-zoned land proposed for development is of low wetland value, and that NEXT is going beyond typical commitments to restore nearly 500 acres of wetlands. This commitment to the environment will result in one of the largest ecosystem restoration efforts in Oregon’s history, and will create vital habitat for local flora, fauna and pollinators, benefiting the regional ecosystem.

NEXT is ecstatic to have approvals from the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and from the Oregon Department of State Lands as we continue moving successfully through state and federal permitting processes. We are thankful for the overwhelming support from local community leaders, business owners, skilled workers and champions of a healthier environment, Hinrichs wrote.

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

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Rainier Gypsy Joker sentenced to life STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Two members of the Gypsy Joker Outlaw Motorcycle Club (GJOMC), including a Rainier man, have been sentenced to life in federal prison for kidnapping, torturing, and murdering a former club member.

GJOMC Portland clubhouse president Mark Leroy Dencklau, 61, of Woodburn, Oregon and Portland clubhouse member Chad Leroy Erickson, 51, of Rainier, Oregon, received the life sentences after being convicted at trial in December 2021 of murder in aid of racketeering; kidnapping in aid of racketeering, resulting in death; kidnapping resulting in death; and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, resulting in death. Dencklau also was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy.

“Mark Dencklau and Chad Erickson will rightfully serve the rest of their lives in federal prison. These men prided themselves in using violence to intimidate others and increase their power and influence among club members and rivals. Organized violent crime has no place in Oregon and will not be tolerated. Today’s sentences were years in the making and required a dedicated and coordinated law enforcement effort. We are grateful to all

the law enforcement agencies who participated in bringing these men to justice and exposing the Gypsy Jokers as the ruthless, violent gang they are,” said Scott Erik Asphaug, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“The heinous nature of these crimes truly warrant these life sentences,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson.

“ATF has vigorously investigated, and will continue to investigate, these outlaw motorcycle gangs when they perpetrate criminal acts.”

According to court documents and trial testimony, the GJOMC is a hierarchical criminal organization wherein members and associates maintain their position and status in the organization by participating in, directly or indirectly, various acts of violent racketeering activity including murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, narcotics trafficking, and witness tampering. Since the 1980s, the club has been active in several states including Oregon and Washington and, until recently, operated six clubhouses in the Pacific Northwest. The club also has international chapters in Germany, Australia, and Norway.

From 2003 until his arrest, Dencklau served as the president of the club’s Portland chapter. The GJOMC

also oversaw several support clubs in Oregon and Washington including the Road Brothers Northwest Motorcycle Club, Solutions Motorcycle Club, Northwest Veterans Motorcycle Club, High-Side Riders, and the Freedom Fellowship Motorcycle Club.

Support club members conducted criminal activities in support of the GJOMC and served as a source of new members and revenue for the club.

On July 1, 2015, the body of Robert Huggins, an estranged member of the GJOMC Portland chapter, was found lying in a field in Clark County, Washington.

Huggins’ body was badly beaten, and he appeared to have been tortured prior to his death. Huggins was previously stripped of his club membership for allegedly stealing from the club and, after breaking into Dencklau’s Woodburn residence, tying up Dencklau’s girlfriend and stealing

multiple firearms. In the days and weeks following this robbery, Dencklau directed GJOMC members to find Huggins.

Several government witnesses testified at trial to Dencklau, Erickson, and their co-defendants’ roles in the revenge kidnapping, torture, and murder of Huggins. On the evening of June 30, 2015, Dencklau and others kidnapped Huggins from a residence in Portland and transported him to a rural property in Southwest Washington. Over the course of several hours, Huggins was severely beaten and tortured. He sustained numerous injuries to his head and face, including a fractured skull; lacerations to his chest and torso; and removed nipples. A local medical examiner ruled that Huggins’ death was caused by multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.

On June 28, 2018, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indict-

ment charging Dencklau; Earl Deverle Fisher, 48, of Gresham, Oregon; and Tiler Evan Pribbernow, 40, of Portland, with murder in aid of racketeering; kidnapping in aid of racketeering, resulting in death; kidnapping resulting in death and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, resulting in death.

Later, on November 29, 2018, Dencklau; Fisher; Erickson; Kenneth Earl Hause, 64, of Aumsville, Oregon; Ryan Anthony Negrinelli, 36, of Gresham, Oregon; and Joseph Duane Folkerts, 61, of Battleground, Washington, were charged by superseding indictment with racketeering conspiracy.

In December 2021, the federal jury who convicted Dencklau and Erickson acquitted Erickson and Hause, the GJOMC national president, of racketeering conspiracy.

On April 12, 2022, after previously pleading guilty, Pribbernow was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison.

Fisher, Negrinelli, and Folkerts have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Asphaug and Special Agent in Charge McPherson made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau and ATF, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, IRS-Criminal Investigation,

the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Oregon and Washington State Crime Labs.

Leah K. Bolstad and Steven T. Mygrant, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, prosecuted the case with Damaré Theriot, Trial Attorney for the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the District of Oregon’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.

This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Oregon coast man sentenced for child porn STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A Warrenton man has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting at least two children he met online.

Kirk Richard Cazee, 60, was sentenced Monday, April 18, to 204 months in federal prison followed by a 99-year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, in 2010, the Oregon Department of Justice received a tip that child pornography was being exchanged with an email address later determined to belong to Cazee.

After obtaining a search warrant for the email account, investigators located emails wherein Cazee pretended to be a teenage boy or young adult to manipulate and deceive his minor victims. Between September 2006 and March 2010, Cazee persuaded multiple minor victims under the age of 16 to produce and send him sexually explicit content.

In at least one instance, Cazee mailed a web cam and teddy bear to a minor victim and convinced her to produce sexually explicit videos for him using the web cam.

On Sept. 27, 2018, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 10-count indict-

ment charging Cazee with production, receipt, transportation and possession of child pornography. On April 27, 2021, he pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography.

The case was investigated by the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children task force with assistance from the FBI Salem Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF), Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and the Astoria Police Department.

It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and Assis-

tant U.S. Attorneys Natalie K. Wight and Rachel Sowray from the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor.

Child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children.

Not only do these images and videos document victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet,

child victims suffer re-victimization each time the image of their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website at www.missingkids.org.

The FBI CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Child-

hood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www. justice.gov/psc.

Fast Fact Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor.

Local man arrested in child sex probe

A two-day undercover operation led to several arrests.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

A Columbia County man is one of several people ar-

Courtesy photo from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office

rested during a months-long undercover operation to identify suspects victimizing children online.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office

(JCSO), five arrests were made for attempting to meet and have sex with juveniles in Jackson County. The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET)

Thank you

to all who came Richard Sherlock to donate to Chairman American Red Cross the Blood Drive St. Helens Elks #1999 at the Elks, Red Cross Volunteer Anne Cox April 14, 2022 23 units were donated!

Courtesy photo from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office

Armed law enforcement agents cautiously carry out the arrests.

joint inter-agency task force made the arrests over a twoday period April 1 and April 2.

The suspects arrested spanned the ages of 35 to 72 years old, and traveled from and throughout Oregon including Warren, Redmond, and Klamath Falls, as well as Montague, California. One suspect local to the Rogue Valley was arrested in Gold Hill.

According to the JCSO, William Henry Trapnell, 72, of Warren, agreed to meet with a juvenile in Medford to engage in sexual contact.

Trapnell then drove five hours from Warren to Medford to meet with the child in person. He was arrested attempting to contact the child by SOCET. Trapnell is charged with first and second degree online sexual corruption of a child and luring a minor and was lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

The complex undercover operation involved police and investigators from JCSO, Homeland Security Investi-

gations (HSI), United States Marshals Service, Oregon State Police (OSP), Sutherlin Police Department (SPD), Grants Pass Police Department (GPPD), and Medford Police (MPD); as well as prosecutors from the US Department of Justice and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.

Due to the complexity of the operation and the dangers involved in the arrests, SOCET also enlisted assistance from other local police task forces including Medford Area Gang and Drug Enforcement, Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team, and Pacific Northwest Violent Offenders Task Force, according to the JCSD. During the arrests, investigators seized digital devices which will be examined by the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) in Medford.

SOHTCTF examiners will forensically examine the devices for further evidence of child exploitation. During this investigation, an indi-

vidual was discovered trading nearly 400 child pornography videos of prepubescent children. This child porn case is an ongoing investigation of a suspect believed to be residing in the US. SOCET enables local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal partners such as HSI, to effectively investigate and prosecute out-of-state suspects when they victimize children in our community. SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, MPD, GPPD, and HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.

Investigators have reason to believe these suspects may have other victims. If anyone has additional information they are urged to call local law enforcement or the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 541-774-8333.

Get a free ticket to the Home & Garden Show

Go to thechronicleonline.com to download a free ticket from our event page for the 2022 Columbia County Home & Garden Show, on April 23 and 24 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Public works director recognized STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

St. Helens Public Works Director Mouhamad Zaher has earned the Certified Public Works Professional – Management (CPWP-M) designation from the American Public Works Association (APWA).

The CPWP-M designation is to recognize individuals in the public works field who have the knowledge and experience to effectively manage departments within a public works agency.

According to a release from the City of St. Helens, the recognition is a huge accomplishment since only 90 individuals nationwide have earned their CPWP-M from the nearly 35,000 municipalities that are members of the APWA. The Certified

Public Works Professional program was launched by APWA in August 2018, and Zaher is among some of the first candidates to earn the designation.

“It’s an honor to serve the citizens of St. Helens,” Zaher said. “The CPWP-M certification further enhances my goal to provide world-class service to our community and to sustain the livability and quality of life of our city.”

Zaher was hired as the St. Helens Public Works Director in November 2020. Prior to working for St. Helens, he graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Engineering & Technology Management. With over 11 years of combined experience from the private and public sectors, Zaher has in-

depth experience overseeing all phases of multi-milliondollar projects, including infrastructure, commercial facilities, semiconductor, civil and construction engineering, and enterprise technology projects.

Other highlights of his work include public works, project management, site improvements, transit systems, transportation engineering, and tenant improvement projects of both occupied and unoccupied spaces.

To obtain the CPWP-M designation, candidates must have three years of public works supervisory experience and prove their ability to manage a public works department. Candidates must prove competence in the areas of communication, budget and finance, human resource management, administrative operations,

procurement and contract administration, project management, asset management, and emergency management, all while displaying an overall understanding of basic public works operations.

“Being a public works director is one of the most rewarding roles that any professional can strive for,” Zaher said.

About APWA The American Public Works Association (www. apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. For more information about the program, contact APWA Credentialing Coordinator April Wardlow at awardlow@apwa.net, or by phone at 816-595-5298.

Courtesy photo

Mouhamad Zaher

Voices of the Community Green jobs and a future to be proud of We live in a critical and transitional time. One where we must bravely face the uncertainty that immediate threats such as climate change have on our collective future.

It is with that in mind that I write in support of NEXT Renewable Fuels’ renewable diesel project at Port Westward.

We must focus our attention and efforts on securing green jobs like those afforded by this project in our com-

munity. These are jobs our young people can secure as apprenticeships to build into union-backed careers.

Family-wage jobs that local workers deserve, and that will help minimize the climate impacts of our members’ typical, out-of-county commutes.

Jobs that will put Oregon on the renewable fuels map. Jobs that will make future generations proud, while equipping the current generation with opportunities to stand on the right side of a concerning climate history.

Our community has a unique opportunity to usher in a new wave of green fuel solutions, starting with this renewable diesel facility,

and we should embrace it.

Both for the sustainability of our planet and also for the sustainability of our local economy.

Rarely does doing what’s right for the community and the environment come together in a singular project, but that’s what’s happening with the NEXT Renewable Fuels project. There is no reason to stand in the way of a project with such a direct and positive impact on green job prospects and the environment.

I urge you to support NEXT. Paul Philpott Rainier

Supports McQuisten for Governor I am writing to give my full endorsement to Kerry McQuisten for Governor.

Kerry and I became acquainted when I saw her on Fox News shows speaking about the Common Sense Sanctuary that she, Mayor of Baker City, and her city council passed allowing businesses to open in the midst of the shutdowns.

As a Clatskanie city councilor, I reached out to her to see if she would help me put together a similar

resolution for our town.

She generously gave her time and expertise, and we were able to also unanimously pass a resolution in Clatskanie to support our local businesses opening despite Kate Brown’s lockdowns. Our business owners and citizens said it was the first time they had felt hope since the mandates had started.

Since that time, Kerry has proven to me time and again that she is an honest, ethical leader and a true conservative on every point. Rather than flee our state, as many are doing now, she has chosen to put

her life on hold and fight for all of us!

She’s driven over 40,000 miles across Oregon visiting every county at least twice to meet the citizens and address the concerns we have in every corner of the state. She’s a 7th generation Oregonian with deep roots in the natural resource industries of mining, logging, and ranching. With her expertise as a small business owner and in the corporate world, she knows exactly what we need to get our state back.

Jean Sampson Clatskanie

Community Calendar April 23 and 24 Columbia County Home & Garden Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion Building located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. The Columbia County Home and Garden Show is presented by The Chronicle and The Chief and sponsored by InRoads Credit Union. See details at thechronicleonline.com and at thechiefnews.com.

Street in St. Helens.

April 30 Town Hall Meeting Scappoose annual community meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Scappoose High School Auditorium, 33700 SE High School Way in Scappoose. The discussion will include housing, land needs and vision. Free light breakfast, coffee and hot chocolate. For more details, call the City of Scappoose at 503-543-7146.

April 28 Garden Club Scappoose Garden Club meeting begins at 11 a.m. with a social hour. New members and guests are welcome.

The event includes an 11:30 meeting with activities and presentations. The meeting takes place at 51555 SW Old Portland Road in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Parish Hall. For more information, email Scappoose garden club @gmail.com.

April 30 Master Gardener Spring Fair Columbia County Master Gardener Association Spring Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

Tomato and pepper plants, tomato and general gardening information, vendors and displays, raffle tickets and prizes. Please wear a face mask indoors. Free admission. For more information, call 503-397-4231.

April 29 Judge Grove Retirement The community is invited to attend a retirement celebration for Columbia County Circuit Court Judge Ted Grove.

The celebration is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Columbia View Park, 3 Strand

May 2 Concert Columbia City will host a Michael Allen Harrison concert at the Columbia City Community Hall, 1850 Second Street.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Tickets can be purchased at Columbia City City Hall and are $2.

May 14 Arts Guild Event The Columbia Arts Guild invites the community to an elegant evening of fine art, music, appetizers and conversation from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center, 2625 Gable Road in St. Helens.

Paintings by local artists will be available for purchase. For more information call 503396-0875.

Ongoing events Church Suppers Warm up to Easter with Soup Suppers Wednesdays 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church located at 34721 Church Road in Warren.

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/ events-page.

The Chronicle Jeremy C. Ruark Publisher - Executive Editor

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

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the right to exclude lists of people, organizations and businesses.

Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. We won’t print your street address or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chroniclenews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office.

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

spelling and blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to one published letter per month. All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number (only the name and city of residence will be published). By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online. Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country Media, Inc.

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Crossword Solution CRFR using power load gurney devices Solution for the April 13, 2022 crossword puzzle

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Over 22,000 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers are injured annually in the United States.

According to a release from Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR), a large portion of those injuries are the result of body motion and slips, trips and falls.

A significant number of those injuries occur during loading or unloading of a patient on a gurney.

In an effort to improve safety and efficiency, CRFR has purchased and received the first of four power load gurney devices for the fire district’s emergency medical fleet.

“These devices are the latest technology utilized by the district to improve service for CRFR emergency responders and citizens in our communities,” a release from CRFR states.

“The power load gurney device enhances reliability and decreases the risk of injury to our fire and EMS personnel by aiding in loading and unloading of patients into a ambulance.”

The addition of these devices will reduce injuries and provide a safe, effective means of moving patient for transport to area hospitals,” according to CRFR release.

The devices allow the gurneys to load and unload patients with minimal effort

Courtesy from CRFR

The devices allow the gurneys to load and unload patients with minimal effort and reduces back and extremity injuries to emergency staff.

and reduces back and extremity injuries to emergency staff that often occurs during this process.

The power load device is attached to the gurney and retracts it into the ambulance for transport. Once the ambulance arrives at the hospital it will then extend the gurney with the patient

out of the ambulance for removal. The weight of the gurney, equipment, and patient is mechanically moved into or out of the ambulance. This reduces the need for additional personnel, limits back injuries or arm/leg injuries, and offers safety to the patient.

CRFR purchased the

units for deployment in 2022. All future ambulance purchases will include the power load device.

CRFR purchased the four power load devices, installation, and required upgraded gurney at a total cost of $251,598. They were purchased from Styker.

Obituaries Bernard “Bernie” Warren Overstreet Aug. 29, 1942 ~ March 30, 2022

We celebrate the life of Bernard Warren Overstreet.

“Bernie” was a talented and generous, yet quiet and unassuming man. He was a faithful and loving husband, a proud and dedicated father and grandfather, and a modest and stalwart servant of God. Bernie passed away on March 30, 2022, at Solomia Home Care in St. Helens, Oregon, while his family kept vigil. He was 79.

Bernie was born on Aug. 29, 1942, in Portland, Oregon to Bernard “Curly” and Mary (Harrison) Overstreet.

He was a lifelong resident of Columbia County having lived in both Warren and St. Helens and was a graduate of Scappoose High School in 1961. He went on to attend OTI in Klamath Falls, where he studied the field of polytechnics.

In 1967, he married

Patricia Blind and they later welcomed two children into their family.

Bernie held several jobs during his lifetime. His first as an asparagus picker in high school and his last as an Industrial Engineer at Dyno Nobel, but many in the community remember him best as a TV repair man who made house calls.

Bernie was always interested in electronics and photography and was usually in the first wave of people to embrace and master new technology as it emerged.

He enjoyed vacationing at the Oregon Coast with his

wife, Pat, and was notorious for his insatiable sweet tooth, with ice cream being his favorite treat.

Bernie was a good friend and neighbor, always willing to lend a helping hand.

He was very involved in his church, devoting himself to lending his skills as a handyman or photographer to show his love to those in the congregation at Calvary Lutheran Church.

Bernie is survived by Patricia Overstreet, his wife of 54 years; along with his daughter Leah and husband Scott Williams; grandson Sean and fiancé Ashley

Stanley; and granddaughter Victoria and fiancé Grant Dandeneau.

He has been reunited in Heaven with son James “Jim” Overstreet; sister Shirley Overstreet; both parents; and many other beloved family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., April 23, at Calvary Lutheran Church: 58251 South Division Road, St. Helens, Oregon. A reception in the Fellowship Hall will immediately follow the service.

A private interment will be held at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Scappoose, Oregon. Arrangements by Columbia Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bernie’s name to Solomia Home Care (formerly known as Thanksgiving House) or Calvary Lutheran Church.

Charley Wayne Curtiss Dec. 13, 1944 ~ April 5, 2022

This comes to you with great sadness. My husband of 49 years, Chuck Curtiss, passed away early Tuesday morning on April 5th.

Charley “Chuck” Wayne Curtiss, 77, of Scappoose, Oregon, passed away on April 5, 2022, in Clackamas, Oregon, surrounded by his family.

The greatest thing he said he ever did was accepting Jesus Christ as his personal savior when he was in High School.

Chuck was born in Dallas, Oregon to Burt and Beulah Curtiss on Dec. 13, 1944. He graduated from Dallas High School in Dal-

las, Oregon. He attended Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, where he studied Music Ministry.

He married Patti Jo Douglas on Sept. 1, 1973, in Reno, Nevada. He worked as an Area Manager in Portland and St. Helens, Oregon, for Pacific NW Bell/US West/Qwest for 35 years, where he received the US West President Club award.

He was involved in several organizations including RV6 Kit Plane Builders, JC’s, Community Action Team, and an Elder at the First Baptist Church of Scappoose. He earned his 2nd degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kenpo and 2nd degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo from the Pacific

Northwest Martial Arts Academy (formerly Lewis TaeKwonDo).

Chuck is preceded in death by sister Merry; brother Jerry; father Burt; and mother Beulah.

Chuck is survived by his wife Patti; sons, Mike (Sandy) and Mark; brother George; sister Maydene; granddaughters, Leslie and Brittany; and grandsons, Brandon, Joshua and Timothy.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sat., May 14, 2022, at Powellhurst Baptist Church at 3435 SE 112th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97266.

Richard Allen Hoffmann April 17, 1949 ~ March 23, 2022

Richard was born to Si and Evelyn (Darr) Hoffmann. He graduated from Scappoose High School in 1967. He was a member of Local 48 Electrical Workers Union for 55 Years. He purchased and co-owned Midway electric with his childhood friend, Don Kallberg, in 1975. They sold the company in 2007 when Richard retired. He joked that being retired was the best job he ever had.

Richard served the Scappoose Fire Dept, as a

2022 Columbia County

April 23, 10-5 and April 24, 11-3 58892 Saulser Rd., St. Helens, OR 97051 PRESENTED BY

The Chronicle The Chief

SPONSORED BY

DIY with

volunteer fire fighter for 15 years. He was the Assistant Fire Chief for six years and the Fire Chief for six years.

He oversaw the building of the existing Scappoose Fire Department.

He was a member of the Elks for 55 years.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 48.5 years, Kathleen “Kathy;” sisters, Patsy Corkill and Caroline Marsh (Tom); three sons, Mick Westrick, Mark Westrick (Debra), and Greg Hoff-

mann; daughter Michelle Paulsen; grandchildren, Olivia, Luke, David (Jenn) and Khara Paulsen, Dylan Westrick, Jamie Bragg, and Lindy Dahlman (Darren); and six great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at noon on April 29, 2022 at the Elks Lodge in St. Helens, Oregon.

Donations can be made to the National Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association. Please sign our online guestbook at www. columbiafh.com.

Loren Staeffler

July 30, 1938 ~ April 11, 2022 Loren Staeffler, 83, of Rainier, Oregon passed away April 11, 2022 at home.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Classifieds

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

150

311

502

Misc Services

Announcements

Help Wanted

Cans and Bottles If you have cans and bottles that you would like to get rid of call Steve the Can Man at 971-813-9257. Will pick up.

screen required.

FT Position, Overtime, 40-50hrs/ week. Salary Depending on Experience & Qualifications / Negotiable.

Please send resume to: jconstruc tionresumes@ gmail.com

applicants must have their X-Ray and EFDA license.

Must be willing to work Monday through Friday. We are a state-of-theart practice and offer a positive working environment for our employees. Please drop off your resume in person Monday through Wednesday to our office at 575 S. Columbia River Hwy. in St. Helens, Oregon 97051.

301

Health & Nutrition

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

502

Help Wanted

HELP WANTED Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper for St. Frederic Catholic Church 18 hours per week.

Knowledge of Quickbooks necessary. English language skills essential with Spanish skills language helpful.

Send resume to: pdahlin@archdpdx. org. or call 503-397-0148, ext. 6.

Experienced Class A CDL Truck & Pup Trailer Drivers General Contractor has opening’s available for experienced Class A CDL Truck & Pup Trailer Driver’s, with clean driving record. Hauling Dirt & Gravel with a Truck & Pup Trailer. Job sites throughout Multnomah & Clark County areas. Preemployment drug

Experienced Pipe Layers General Contractor has opening’s available for experienced Pipe Layer’s. Job sites throughout Multnomah & Clark County areas. Preemployment drug screen required.

Must be able to read/understand plans & drawings.

Working knowledge of pipe lasers. FT Position, Overtime, 4050hrs/week. Hourly Rate Depending on Experience & Qualifications / Negotiable.

Please send resume to: jconstructionres umes@gmail. com Immediate Opening Shipping/Receiving/ Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056 Road Worker I Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 5/6/2022 Apply online at Columbia CountyOR.gov Dental Assistant St. Helens Dental Care is looking for a Full Time Dental Assistant to join our team. Qualified

Police Officer The City of St. Helens is hiring a POLICE OFFICER Lateral & Entry Level. See website for details. www. sthelensoregon. gov. Open Until Filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.

706

Estate Sales

HUGE Estate Sale

Packed House-60+ years. April 23 & 24 from 9 am - 5 pm.

Lawn mower & garden tools, washer/dryer, midcentury modern pieces, sewing, furniture, KitchenAid mixer, kitchen items, machinist & mechanic tools.

Turntable/speakers, cameras, electronics. Tons more!

House is stuffed full! Lee Street, St. Helens. Follow signs at intersection of Hwy 30 & Vernonia Rd., St. Helens. Cash only, no list, no earlies.

VIEW OUR CURRENT RENTAL PROPERTIES AT:

www.therentalcenter.net

River City & Rentals Northwest 503-543-4440 Phone

503-543-7929 Fax

Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)

ASPHALT PAVING Offering Quality Asphalt Paving Services to Columbia County and surrounding areas.

FREE Estimates

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL Driveways • Roadways • Subdivisions • Parking Lots • City, County, State Specification Products

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Quality Workmanship At Affordable Prices

The Chronicle

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Including: Sales Administrator Sales Coordinator Material Handler Supervisors Tig Welders Powder Coaters Mechanical Assembly Employee Development Shipping Drivers General Shop Help

JOIN OUR TEAM! NOW HIRING for an ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE MANAGER The OSU Extension Service in St. Helens, Oregon invites applicants for an Administrative Office Manager position.

This position will work as a member of a collaborative team providing administrative office support for the Extension office.

Starting wage range $15/HR to $27/HR DOE and ability

Posting #P05412UF Apply by April 26, 2022 https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/117043 OSU is an AA/EOE/Vets/Disabled

Head Start Needs YOU! Community Action Team Head Start is hiring in Columbia County!!

We provide: • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits • Personal and sick leave • Balanced work schedules • A culturally respectful work environment We have career opportunities for a Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Cook, and Custodian.

Contact JoAnne Dodge at 503-397-4114, jdodge@nworheadstart.org; or Dawn Crawford at 503-556-3736, dcrawford@nworheadstart.org

Local county news online Keep up to date on local stories, events, ads, and council news by visiting thechronicleonline.com.

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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Advertise your business in the Business & Service Directory. Call 503-397-0116 for more information

Garage Sale Special!

Advertise your garage sale in the paper and online for only $10 for up to 14 lines.

Email chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net to advertise.

Get your ad in the paper and reach out to potential customers.

Call 503-397-0116 to place your ad in the newspaper and online.

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

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH22-1072

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Monday May 2, 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Brianna Dickenson-Scrivner has submitted an application for a Temporary Hardship Dwelling: Care of a Relative. Per Section 1505.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is zoned Rural Residential (RR-5) is identified by Map Identification No. 3224-B0-01900, and is located at 50893 SW Old Portland Rd. Continuance only. SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Columbia County Planning Commission on Monday, May 2, 2022 starting at 6:30 p.m. During the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Columbia County Planning Commission will be hosting their public hearing via online webinar. Please use

the links below if you wish to participate in the public meeting. May 2 Planning Commission Meeting Mon, May 2, 2022 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (PDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// meet.goto.com/994431533 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (571) 3173116 Access Code: 994-431533 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto. com/install. If you have any questions or concerns regarding access to the meeting or need accommodation, please call the Land Development Services office at (503) 3971501. The criteria to be used in deciding the request will

be found in some or all of the following documents and laws, as revised from time to time: Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 197.763; Oregon Administrative Rules; Columbia County Comprehensive Plan; Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. The specific criteria applicable to this request is listed and evaluated in the staff report.

A copy of the application, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicant, and the staff report are available for inspection at no cost and will be provided at reasonable cost, at the Land Development Services office, at least 7 days prior to the Planning Commission hearing. Written comments on the issue can be submitted via email to Planning@

CH22-1073

columbiacountyor.gov or you can send comments via U.S. Mail to Columbia County, Department of Land Development Services, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. If additional documents or evidence are provided in support of the application, prior to or during the hearing, any party shall be entitled to a continuance of the hearing to allow review of the new evidence.

If a participant requests a continuance before the conclusion of the evdentiary hearing, the record shall remain open for at least seven days after the hearing. At each hearing, the applicant has the burden of presenting substantial evidence showing that the application meets all of the applicable

criteria. Following presentation of the staff report, the applicant and other persons in favor of the application will be allowed to address the commission, explaining how the evidence submitted meets the applicable criteria.

Following the applicant’s presentation, any person in opposition to the application may present evidence and argument against the application. The applicant will then have the opportunity to rebut any evidence or arguments presented in opposition. After the presentation of evidence and arguments, the public hearing record will be either left open or closed by the Planning Commission. The Commission will then make a tentative decision to be followed by

approval of a written order and a statement of findings and conclusions supporting the decision, which will be mailed to all parties at a later date. The Commission may, at its discretion, continue the hearing from time to time at the request of the parties or on its own motion as necessary to afford substantial justice and comply with the law. Additional information about this application may be obtained from the Planning Division of the Land Development Services Department, at (503) 397-1501 or you can go to the County website www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/LandDevelopment/Planning. April 20, 2022 THE PLANNING COMMISSION Shawn Stewart, Co-Chairman

CH22-1074

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A public hearing before the St. Helens City Council will be held at 6:15 PM on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in the St. Helens City Council Chambers in City Hall located at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. The purpose of this hearing is to receive public input as to the proposed vacation (i.e., giving up a public interest) of the entire 7th Street right-of-way of the South St. Helens addition to St. Helens, Oregon, lying northeast of the Kaster Road right-of-way; and The extension of the S. 16th Street right-of-way, lying south of the East

Street right-of-way within the St. Helens Subdivision, St. Helens, Columbia County, Oregon, as dedicated by Columbia County Deed Book 272, Page 970.

The City Council approved a motion to initiate this vacation on April 6, 2022 at their Regular Session. A map of the proposed vacation and affected areas is available for review at City Hall. All written comments should be submitted to the City at least six (6) days prior to the hearing but can be accepted any time before or at the hearing.

Testimony is welcome at the hearing. Zoom will

also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas and the staff report for this can be found on the City’s website: https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings within the week prior to the public hearing.

If any physical or language accommodations are required, please notify City Hall well in advance of the hearing. Questions can be directed to the City Planning Department at 503397-6272. Or by email: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov.

CH22-1075

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A public meeting of the Columbia County 4-H and Extension Service District, Columbia County, State of Oregon to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 will be held on Thursday, May 12th, 2022 at 10:15am at the Courthouse, Room 310, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. 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 attend to ask questions or comment on the budget document. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 12th, 2022 at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia or email chip.

bubl@oregonstate.edu or call 503 397-3462 and leave a message to have a copy sent. Notice: The meeting will be conducted in person and digitally over Go To Meeting: https://meet.goto. com/289007645 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 289007-645. Information about the hearing process will be placed on the Extension Service website above.

CH22-1060

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of NORMAN A. BAER, Deceased. Case No. 22PB02124 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that David Ade has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of Norman A. Baer. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached to the Personal Representative

at: PO Box 12814, Salem OR 97309, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or from the Attorney for the Personal Representative. Dated and first published: April 6,

2022. Andrew W. Sprauer, OSB #081245 Attorney for Personal Representative.

PETITIONER: David Ade, 69746 Marcott Rd, Rainier, OR 97048. Telephone: (503) 566-2921. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER Andrew W. Sprauer, OSB No. 081245, Andrew Sprauer Law, PO Box 12814; Salem, OR 97309, Telephone: (503) 910-2050, Email: andrew@ awslawyer.com.

CH22-1068

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of LINDA SPITZE, formerly known as LINDA OWEN, also known as LINDA LEE DPITZE, Deceased. No. 22PB02666 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned, Dennis Spitze, has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present the same

within four months from this date at the office of VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051; and if not so presented, they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published: April

13, 2022. Dated and next published: April 20, 2022.

Date of final publication: April 27, 2022. Dennis Spitze, Personal Representative.

Personal Representative: Dennis Spitze c/o VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, OR 97051. Attorney for Personal Representative: Agnes Marie Petersen, VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, OR 97051, Phone: (503) 397-4091.

A public meeting of the Port of Columbia County Budget Committee, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Port of Columbia County Office Boardroom, 100 E Street, Columbia City, Oregon. The meeting will also be in-person and

via Zoom. https://us02web. zoom.us/j/89123078190 Meeting ID: 891 2307 8190 Passcode: 307667 Or call 1 (253) 215 – 8782 The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place.

Any person may call into

the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained after May 4, 2022, at the Port Office, 100 E Street, Columbia City, Oregon, between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 p.m. The budget document will also be available on our website at www.portofcolumbiacounty.org

CH22-1076

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Case No. 22PB03021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of LINDA M. CURTIS, Deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative.

All persons having claims

against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned Personal Representative at the offices of Maite Uranga, Attorney at Law, 333 SW Taylor, #300, Portland, Oregon 97204, Personal Representative’s Attorney, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims

may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, Personal Representative, or the attorneys for the Personal Representative, Maite Uranga, Attorney at Law. Dated and first published April 20, 2022.

Kimberly Hintz, Personal Representative.

CH22-1070

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of VERNON GEORGE HOCHSTETLER, De-ceased. Case No. 22PB02466 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this

estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice to the personal representative at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, or the claims may be

barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. DATED and first published, April 13, 2022. Diana Taylor, Personal Representative.

CH22-1062

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING There will be a public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications district, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. This meeting will be held at the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District, 58611 McNulty Way, St. Helens, Oregon.

The meeting will take place on the 28th of April 2022 at 3:00 p.m. 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 the April 28th meeting at the District office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This notice is also published on the District’s website at www.

Columbia911.com. Nancy J. Edwards, Budget Office.

Publish April 8, 2022.

CH22-1069

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Notice is hereby given, the Columbia County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) will hold a public meeting on May 5, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held virtu-

ally, join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet. goto.com/838738525 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073 United States:

+1 (571) 317-3129 Access Code: 838-738-525. Kathy Boutin-Pasterz, Solid Waste Program Coordinator. The meeting is open to the public and any interested persons are invited to attend.

CH22-1077

Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

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

NOTICE OF STATEMENT OF PROCEDURES The statement of procedures for Columbia County are available for review at the Columbia County

Courthouse and https.//www. columbiacountyor. gov/ departments/Finance/Expenditures.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A8

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Oregon’s Median Household Income WILL BURCHARD Chronicle Guest Article

Oregon’s median household income reached $76,554 in 2019, which is higher than the U.S. median household income of $67,521.

Median household income is an important reflection of economic well-being that’s based on the multiple income streams of people who live together. It can be used to compare the income of Oregonians over time, with the rest of the nation and in other states, among different types of households within Oregon, and in different areas of the state.

Measuring household income isn’t easy. Oregon has only one true median household income, which is unknown, but there are multiple ways to estimate it. This article looks at three sources of median household income estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau because each brings a different strength to the analysis.

Not surprisingly, the different sources create different estimates of household income. Each source shows that Oregon’s median household income isn’t drastically different from the U.S. Having more than one data source can lead to slightly different conclusions about the economy.

That’s a good reason to take a closer look at Oregon’s median household income. We need to understand exactly how household income is defined and which source is the best in certain situations.

Let’s start with defining median household income.

Then we’ll dig into the numbers.

Median Median income is the point where half the households earn more and half earn less. If you lined every household up from lowest income to highest income, the median would be the income of the household that’s smack in the center.

Looking at median income instead of average (mean) income is helpful because the measure is less affected by households with extremely high incomes. Income distributions are skewed because they are bound by zero on the low end and essentially unbounded at the high end. The median is a better measure of center in such cases.

Household There are 1,649,352 households in Oregon with an average size of 2.6 people, almost matching the U.S. average household size of 2.7 people.

A household is all the

people who occupy a housing unit, such as a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room that is a separate living quarters.

A household can consist of a single family, a person living alone, two or more families living together, or any other group of people who share living arrangements.

People not living in a housing unit are considered to live in group quarters and are not included in the median household income figures. Examples of group quarters include correctional facilities, nursing homes, mental hospitals, college dorms, military barracks, group homes, missions, or shelters.

Income Income is the money received on a regular basis in the previous year or past 12 months by household members ages 15 years and over. This is before personal income taxes, social security, union dues, and Medicare deductions are removed.

It does not include noncash benefits such as food stamps, health benefits, subsidized housing, or goods produced and consumed on the farm.

Oregon’s household income is similar to the nation’s in most years Oregon’s median household income has been very close to the U.S. over the past 30 years. There hasn’t been a statistical difference between Oregon and U.S. household incomes in most years. However, Oregon’s job growth has been stronger than the U.S. since 2013, and the average hourly real wage started rising in 2015. The better job market helped propel Oregon’s median

income to $65,451 in 20142015, higher than the U.S. median household income of $60,237. Oregon’s median remained higher than the U.S. in 2019-2020, coming in at $75,948 compared with the U.S. figure of $68,541.

Historical estimates of median household income are based on the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC). Each March, the survey asks a sample of households about their income in the previous year. This is the official source for national median household income estimates and is the recommended source for comparing national income with the states. It’s the source of the median household income figures in this article’s opening paragraph. However, the Census Bureau recommends using two-year averages when looking at state-level income trends prior to 2006.

The Census Bureau redesigned the CPS ASEC income questions starting with the 2013 data. This was done to improve income reporting, increase response rates, reduce reporting errors, and update questions on retirement income and income generated from retirement accounts and all other assets. The redesign created a data series break because data after 2013 is not directly comparable with data before 2013.

Oregon has the 19th highest household income Oregon’s median household income ranked 19th in 2019 among the states, Washington, D.C, and Puerto Rico.

Median household income is higher in neighboring states California and Washington, and lower in Nevada and Idaho.

The Census Bureau recommends using American Community Survey (ACS) estimates to compare median household income between states. The ACS surveys a lot more households (about three million nationally) than the CPS (about 100,000 nationally). The ACS’s larger sample size leads to income estimates with smaller margins of error and makes state comparisons more reliable.

According to ACS estimates for 2019, Oregon’s median household income was $67,058, which is about the same as the U.S. income of $65,712. While Oregon’s median household income is higher in both the CPSbased estimates and the ACS estimates, the gap between the two is smaller in the ACS estimates. The difference is due to the number of households surveyed and the way the survey is conducted. For example, the ACS asks about income in the past 12 months, while the CPS asks about income in the previous year.

Income in Oregon isn’t drastically higher than the nation like it is in Maryland, Washington D.C., Hawaii, and Alaska, or lower than the nation like it is in Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia.

The ACS doesn’t have a long historical series like the CPS does. This makes it impossible to use ACS for long-term comparisons of state and U.S. income levels.

There are significant income differences by type of households There are 1,649,352 households in Oregon. One out of four households (397,407) does not have any earnings income. All their income comes from investments

(interest, dividends, or net rental income); Social Security; retirement or disability income; public assistance; or other types of income. They do not have earnings from wages or salaries for work performed as an employee, or net income (after expenses) from farm and nonfarm self-employment.

Household income varies by age of the householder. It seems to hit a sweet spot where the householder is between the ages of 45 and 64 years and the median is $80,418.

That’s slightly higher than the $75,719 median income for households when the householder is age 25 to 44 years.

Median household income is just $36,705 when the householder is under 25 years, and it is $50,499 when the householder is 65 years and over.

The householder is the adult in the household who owns or rents the housing unit. It can be either person when the house is owned or rented by a married couple.

Although the median household income in Oregon is $67,058, there are significant differences in income based on the race and ethnicity of the householder. Household income is much higher when the householder is Asian ($82,016), and slightly higher than overall when the householder is white and not Hispanic or Latino ($68,593). Household incomes are lower than overall when the household is Black or African American ($47,181), American Indian and Alaska Native ($52,652), or Hispanic or Latino origin of any race ($60,597).

Household income highest in Washington County, lowest in Wheeler County Median household income

ranges from a high of $85,665 in Washington County to a low of $39,874 in Wheeler County.

Oregon’s urban counties tend to have higher median household incomes than rural counties.

The figures used in the national comparison of urban and rural household income are based on data collected by the ACS. For income estimates at the county level, the Census Bureau recommends using figures from the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) program. These are model-based estimates that combine data from administrative records, population estimates, the decennial census, and the ACS to produce household income estimates for areas with fewer than 65,000 people.

Either way you look at it Oregon’s median household income is pretty close to the national median, and is slightly different depending on which estimate we look at. It’s slightly higher when looking at the official estimate for national household income, as well as when looking at the source that surveys more households. In some years, these comparisons can differ.

Household income can vary a lot depending on the age, race, and ethnicity of the householder. Location makes a difference too, as median incomes vary a lot by state and county, and households in urban counties generally have higher incomes than households in rural counties.

Will Burchard is an economist with the Oregon Employment Department.

He may be reached at william.g.burchard@employ. oregon.gov.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: INVENTIONS AND INVENTORS ACROSS

1. Urban haze 5. Da, oui, or si, e.g.

8. Drug-induced state 12. UK art museum 13. Molten rock 14. Hip-hop or classical, e.g.

15. Sportscaster Andrews 16. Angle between branch and offshoot 17. Bioweapon 18. *Reaper inventor 20. Muslim holy man 21. Dampish 22. *The invention of hand sanitizer centered on alcohol as this 23. Stitched again 26. Decipherable 30. United Nations labor agency, acr.

31. Armed robber, on an Indian subcontinent 34. Heart of the matter 35. Impertinent 37. Be in arrears 38. Belgian port city 39. European erupter 40. Popular women’s magazine 42. Back then 43. Make a new sketch 45. Canine’s coat 47. Digital audiotape, acr.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

48. Corner joint 50. ____ crazy 52. *Ground beef steak inventor 56. Nordic gl¸hwein 57. Substance abuser 58. Kind of testimony 59. Soft twilled fabric of silk or rayon 60. Casanova, e.g.

61. Anger on road 62. Flock’s affirmation 63. Short for ensign 64. NBA shot

DOWN

1. Flower part 2. Painter Chagall 3. Ear-related 4. DNA sequence 5. Vertical coordinate axis 6. Put out on a curb 7. *Poliomyelitis vaccine inventor 8. *Life-saving maneuver inventor 9. Machu Picchu group 10. Sinister 11. Pecking mother 13. Thin layer 14. Romantic Norwegian composer 19. Disturbing public peace 22. Acquire

23. Early one 24. Carry away, in a way 25. *Edison invented things for its reproduction 26. Stead 27. Flesh of fish 28. Foot-forward squat 29. Glorify 32. *First commercial revolver inventor 33. Harry Potter’s mail carrier 36. *Knitted sweater with open front inventor 38. #4 Down matter, pl.

40. Back of the boat 41. Withdraw from working life 44. Frustration, in print 46. Pergolas 48. *Wide-mouth jar inventor 49. Intestinal obstruction 50. Undesirable location 51. Ruptured 52. Certainly 53. Russia’s mountain range 54. Indian music 55. Big Bang’s original matter 56. Geological Society of America

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

A9

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

New, enhanced Columbia Theatre STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Work on St. Helens’ historic downtown Columbia Theatre is nearing the finish line.

In May 2019, Columbia Theatre operators and owners Leah Tillotson and her husband Lance announced the theatre had received a $200,000 Main Street Grant awarded by Shedco and Oregon Main Street as part of a statewide initiative to encourage downtown economic revitalization.

The Columbia Theatre Facebook page this past week featured a post thanking the many people involved in supporting the years-long renovation project.

“I truly believe this generation has saved the Historic Columbia Theatre for the next generation,” the post reads. “Thank you to all of you for your important part in this.”

The renovations, either completed or still in progress, include double walls, new sound walls, a brighter screen, projector, sound processor, server, and marquee.

Aided by a $200,000 Main Street Grant, Columbia Theatre was able to install new seating.

More aesthetic enhancements to the structure include new seating, lighting, paint, carpet, ADA section, and

Waterfront Park project

This is the parking lot at the Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Local residents are invited to a public forum to review in-water facility alternatives developed by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) for Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park in St. Helens.

The forum will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, prior to the regular St. Helens City Council meeting.

Plans for the in-water facility include a fully American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible paddle craft launch ramp and an ADA-accessible fishing pier.

During the hearing a presentation of design alternatives will be presented for review followed by an opportunity for community feedback. See the proposed presentation with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

Grey Cliffs Waterfront

Courtesy photo

Park is located at the north terminus of River Street along the bank of the Columbia River. Built along a basalt bluff, the park is built in two levels. The location includes a non-motorized boat launch area, off-leash dog park, picnic tables, and restrooms.

The park is an ideal spot for launching kayaks or canoes to travel to Sand Island.

The meeting agenda will be posted on the City’s website after April 29. Community members are welcome to attend the meeting in person, virtually via Zoom, or on the city’s YouTube channel.

A Zoom link will be included on the meeting’s agenda. If you cannot make the meeting in person or virtually, a recording of the presentation will be posted on the city’s meetings page the following day. The meeting will be held in the council chambers at St. Helens

City Hall, 265 Strand Street, Plaza Entrance, St. Helens.

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to city hall at 503397-6272.

The OSMB is assisting the City of St. Helens through the board’s technical assistance program to design and permit a new in-water facility.

The project was identified in the St. Helens Parks and Trails Master Plan (2015).

In 2019, the city improved Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park by installing a paddle craft launch area on the shoreline, constructing a new restroom/ drinking fountain, and improving the parking lot with funds from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Recreational Trails Program.

The proposed in-water facility will be in addition to the existing shoreline paddle craft launch area.

For more information about the Grey Cliffs meeting, contact St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King at cking@sthelensoregon.gov.

remodeled bathrooms.

Columbia Theatre is located at 212 South 1st Street in St. Helens. It had

Courtesy photo

been closed following the pandemic in March 2021.

In June, the couple began offering drive-up concession

item sales. Limited seating showings inside the theatre resumed in the fall of 2021.

“Our customers have been amazing and that is what has kept us afloat,” Leah Tillotson told The Chronicle in a June 2021 published article.

The drive-up concession sales continue and are offered from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Wednesdays and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 rated PG is now playing at Columbia Theatre. For showtimes and ticket information, see thecolumbiatheatre.com.

Chronicle photo

The 2019 Kiwanis Community Parade.

PARADE From Page A1

up at the last moment,” the parade committee told The Chronicle. “St. Helens Kiwanis had kept good documents involved with the parade and some Kiwanis members involved in past parades offered their expertise, so we thought we had a good chance of bringing the parade back this year.”

While the Kiwanis are the lead parade organizer, the members said they cannot conduct the event alone.

“We are grateful to the sponsors, and community volunteers for pitching in,” the parade committee members said. “This year that will be more important than ever!”

Specific details about the history of the Community Parade are unclear, but the committee members

said the event has been called the Salmon Derby, Port of Fun, and evolved into the St. Helens Kiwanis Community Parade. The 2022 parade is said to be the 107th such event.

Look for a special Chronicle print and online presentation about the 2022 St. Helens Kiwanis Community Parade in early June packed full of articles, the parade route and fun information.

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Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A10

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Easter Egg Hunt: A children’s affair

Photos by Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Hundreds of families braved the chilly Saturday

morning, April 16, to join the fun at the 22nd annual mEGGa Egg Hunt in St. Helens. Young and old alike lined up a age-appropriate sectioned-off locations in the

grassy field at the Columbia County Fairgrounds for the Easter event.

A Columbia County Fire & Rescue crew aboard a large yellow fire truck parked

alongside the field sounded the rig’s horn to signal the start of the hunt.

Children swarmed over the field reaching down and picking up bright colored

wrapped candy and before you knew it, the hunt was over, and all the candy retrieved.

The 2020 mEGGa Egg Hunt had been cancelled due

to the COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s hunt was held as a drive-thru event.

Other Easter egg hunts were conducted in Scappoose, Rainier and Clatskanie.

Grit, and perseverance key for girls golf team JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens High School Girls Golf Team has a six-match season according to the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) online schedule. The team has two remaining matches on the road April 26 and May 3.

We checked in with Coach Jared Phillips as the season began for his take on the new season.

The Chronicle: How many students do you expect to turnout this season and is that up or down compared to previous years?

Jared Phillips: As of now we have our best ever turnout with 24 participants. We are in the fortunate situation where we have a practice facility that

ELECTION From Page A1 by the federal government.”

Layda said he plans to work with the legislature to reform outdated land-use laws blocking Columbia County constituents from accessing developable land.

Another problem is high rates and low volume, according to Layda, which he sees as an untenable model.

“Rates are going to keep climbing until they decide to give us our land back and allow Oregonians to inhabit Oregon,” he said.

Healthcare Calling medical freedom “an essential aspect of selfownership,” Layda argues this was stripped away from citizens during the pandemic.

Informed consent is when a doctor or primary care provider explains outcomes to you so you can make informed decisions and is part of the larger concept of medical freedom, according to Layda.

“It’s the ability to decide what procedures you will undergo and what procedures you will not undergo,” he explained.

allows us not to make cuts, and a league that overall does not have a lot of participants, so we can get most of our girls a spot in our weekly league tournaments. We typically run somewhere between 10-15 players, so having this turnout and seeing the excitement around the game of golf is amazing.

The Chronicle: What do you see as the strengths and the weaknesses of your teams?

Phillips: Our strength is definitely experience. I have my whole varsity squad and JV swingers from last year that are back. That experience is crucial and great to have.

We have five seniors, three of which have played since their freshman year. The other two seniors came out as juniors last year but do have that experience that will serve them well.

“The most important thing to anybody in this room is your own life and the life of those closest to you,” he said.

Economy When asked whether he would vote to lower taxes for his constituents, Layda answered “absolutely.”

“I view prosperity a little bit differently than the progressives among us,” he said. “I view prosperity on the thickness of the wallets of the people in my district, not how much money my state has in the coffers.”

Layda said he supports local control when it comes to spending.

“I think that one of the biggest things we can do is start looking at everything we do through the lens of can we add value to what the people of Oregon need,” he said.

“If not, I believe the private sector has a lot more success in enacting successful policy than the government does,” he said.

Before entering the HD 31 race, Layda worked as a project planner/cost-estimator for one of the largest domestic marine contractors in the U.S., according to his campaign website.

Highlights of Drew’s past political involvements include

of chipping, putting, and full swing mechanics.

The Chronicle: What schools in your league will be the most challenging to compete against and why those schools?

Metro Creative Connection

The SHHS Girls Golf Team has experience and depth this season.

As a team one of our weaknesses is the number of golfers we have on the team that have never played golf before.

There are 10 golfers that have never even swung a club but liked the idea of being part of a team and doing something active.

The Chronicle: What will be the training priorities this season and why?

Precinct Committeeman (PCP) for Multnomah County Republican Party 2019-present, currently MCRP Parliamentarian, founding treasurer of the Libertarian Mises Caucus PAC, 2018 nominee of the Libertarian Party and the Pacific Green Party for Oregon’s 1st Congressional District, 2018 Oregon delegate chair to the Libertarian National Convention, 2017-2019 Served on the Libertarian National Party’s Convention Oversight Committee.

More information about Layda and his campaign is available on his website: drewfororegon.com.

Anthony Sorace (D - HD 31) Housing Sorace said he believes Oregon’s current housing regulations are “absolutely a problem.”

Agreeing with Layda’s comments that the simple fix would be to build more houses, Sorace emphasized that two factors: working with investors and private industry, and cooperating with the state are key in solving the problem of affordable housing.

“I think we need to look at this top to bottom,” he said.

Phillips: Our training priorities will be different for each level of golfer. Our experienced golfers will work hard on course management, the tee box and short game, which is where most of our improvement can take place.

Our intermediate, JV golfers will focus on creating consistency in their golf swing.

Our beginning golfers will be working on basic fundamentals Healthcare Sorace’s priority objective stepping into office would be to expand coverage to mental health access and care.

“It’s a real problem,” he said. “We’re failing (not only) our youth in particular, but all of our citizens in our area, and we need to work on that.”

Sorace expressed support for Oregon’s handling of substance abuse issues, calling Oregon’s Measure 110, a law decriminalizing drug possession, a “real healthcare and justice win.”

What the state has yet to address, Sorace says, is providing support to those who are already drug-addicted.

“We haven’t done a great job of dealing with people who have suffered from that in the past,” he conceded.

Economy According to Sorace, lowering taxes is more complicated than it seems.

“I don’t really have a good answer to this question, outside of saying we need to look at this in terms of the overall picture of the services we are providing and how we budget for that long term,” he said in answer to whether he supports lowering taxes.

Sorace said his efforts to

Phillips: Wilsonville, Scappoose, and LaSalle are always challenging in league play. After being down last year, Wilsonville will probably bounce back this year and Scappoose brings back a lot of varsity experience, so they will be tough as well.

The Chronicle: What do you hope the team participants take away from their experience both as a sports competitor and for life-long lessons?

Phillips: Golf is a game of integrity and perseverance.

For anyone that has played the support local business would include talking to the individual counties, figuring out what help they need, and expanding broadband access for Oregon’s rural workers.

Sorace also said he would like to see better pay and more work opportunities for rural Oregonians.

“I’d like to see our government take a broader view of community impact when awarding contracts, so we don’t just get the lowest bidder, but instead take into account union jobs and familysupporting wages,” he said.

Sorace’s background is in engineering and engineering management. He also served as a youth minister and the director and treasurer of a non-profit, according to his campaign website.

His political experience includes serving as a PCP for the Columbia County Democrats.

Brian Stout HD 31 Republican candidate Brian Stout is a PCP for the Columbia County Republican Party, a former HOA Board President, and a small business owner of 25 years.

Stout did not attend the April 14 event, however, he shared the following statement concerning economic issues on his campaign website:

game knows that it can be a daily grind and every day on the course is different, some good, some bad. More than anything I hope our players learn to work hard through the frustrations and difficulties of the daily grind, have some grit, and persevere to see the overall improvement throughout the season.

The SHHS Girls Golf Team assistant coach is Cory Young.

Returning players with varsity experience include, Cecily McDole (Sr), Sarah Vanderwerf (Sr), Monica AguirreLopez(Sr), Piper Carlson (So), Eynola Vandolah(Jr), and Samantha Kent (Jr). Returning players with JV experience include, Merrin Bartocci, Danielle Martin, Dakota Harris, Kathryn Nelson, Emmah Durant, and Becca Snook.

Follow SHHS sports results at osaa.com.

“As a lifetime small business owner, I understand what it takes to be successful and the importance of contributing to our economy. We must leverage our resources to create a pro-growth job climate that benefits the community we live in while defending small businesses from unreasonable regulations and taxes.”

Other issues Stout addresses on his website include education, community safety, transportation, constitutional freedoms, and the environment.

See a full list of the issues at stoutforstaterep.com.

Voter information This year’s Primary Election is set for May 17, 2022, followed by the Nov. 8 General Election.

April 26 is the last day to register to vote.

To change your party affiliation, register to vote, or change your address, visit oregonvotes.gov or submit a card to the county clerk’s office by the deadline. Voters can check their registration status at oregonvotes.gov under the My Vote tab.

You can reach the Columbia County Elections division at 503-397-7214 or email elections@columbiacountyor. gov.

Advertise in the newspaper! Email Katherine at chronicleads@countrymedia.net or call 503-397-0116.

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