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Counting the Turtles

Courtesy photo from Jonathan Hakim

These Western Painted Turtles are commonly seen near bodies of water in Columbia County.

Nonprofit kicks off regional turtle survey ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

“Turtles are amazing creatures,” said Jonathan Hakim, turtle surveyor

and co-founder of nonprofit Wild Columbia County. “They’re the only reptile in our area that spends a significant portion of its time in the water, and they’re one of the neatestlooking animals around.”

Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians is a large-scale project led by Hakim and Wild Columbia County co-founder Matt D’Agrosa to document reptile and amphibian species, or “herps” across the region.

The pair, in partnership with Scappoose Bay Watershed Council and Oregon Native Turtle Working Group, invites the public to join them on their turtle scouting expeditions, by land or by kayak, this spring and

summer.

Registration for these events are free. Volunteers will commit to visit-

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Next steps for riverfront STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens Popeyes Restaurant is slated to open May 10.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Popeyes opening in May JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Mark your calendar for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 10.

That is the day the new St. Helens Popeyes Restaurant is scheduled to open. The restaurant chain specializes in fried chicken.

Construction at the business site at 475 S. Columbia River Highway adjacent to the Grocery Outlet began in October. Hiring signs have been placed in front of the new restaurant as construction wrapped up over the past few weeks.

“We’ll be hiring several resOpinion ..................... A4 Poll ............................ A4 Community Calendar A4

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Vol. 140, No. 17

taurant leaders and up to 50 team members,” Popeyes operator Luke Pisors told The Chronicle. “We welcome applicants to visit https:// AmbrosiaQSR.com/careers to apply.”

Pisors said positions will range from team members who take care of guests, or frying chicken, to salaried management personnel and shift leaders.

“Pay will be commensurate with experience and market rates, and all positions include free meals as well,” Pisors said.

The 2,333-square foot restaurant is scheduled to be open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The Popeyes in St. Helens is owned by Ambrosia QSR. Pisors describes his company as a multibrand QSR operating company with over 150 locations in the Pacific Northwest, including Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Burger King.

According to the Popeyes national website, Alvin C. Copeland

Sr., opened Chicken on the Run in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi, in 1972, serving traditional Southern-fried chicken.

After several months of lackluster performance, he reopened the restaurant as Popeyes after Popeye Doyle of The French Connection movie fame, selling spicy, New Orleans-style chicken.

As of 2020 Popeyes has 3,451 restaurants, which are located in more than 46 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 30 countries worldwide, according to Wikipedia. The closest Popeyes to St. Helens are located in South West Washington and the Portland metro area.

St. Helens City Planner Jacob Graichen told The Chronicle in a published interview in November that the business site was formally known as the Violette’s Villa Mobile Home Park. Based on city records the park was there as early as the late 1940s.

The City of St. Helens is taking the next steps in its Riverfront Redevelopment Project to transform 24 acres of underutilized industrial property along the Columbia River into a vibrant extension of the city’s downtown historic Riverfront District.

Community members are invited to a meeting Wednesday, May 11, where two developers will present their visions for the private development blocks on the property.

The City of St. Helens recently opened a request for qualifications (RFQ) to solicit private developers interested in partnering with the City in its redevelopment efforts.

The city received two proposals from developers: Atkins Dame, Inc., of Portland, Oregon, and RKm Development of Portland, Oregon.

The St. Helens City Council will hold a special session at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, for the Riverfront Developer RFQ Selection Committee and the community to review presentations from the two interested developers.

The agenda will be posted on the city’s website after May 6. St. Helens community members are welcome to attend the special session 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. This meeting is an educational special session and not intended to gather public feedback.

The meeting will be held in the St. Helens City Council Chambers at 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 503-397-6272.

The RFQ Selection Committee is made up of members of the St. Helens City Council, City of St. Helens staff, St. Helens Planning Commission, St. Helens Parks and Recreation Commission, the St. Helens School District Superintendent, and citizens at large.

Meeting presentations During the meeting, Atkins Dame, Inc. will make a presentation from approximately 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. A meeting break is schedule from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by a presentation by RKm Development from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A second special session of the St. Helens City Council will take place on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 6 p.m. The purpose of the special session is for the City Council to deliberate with the RFQ Selection Committee on the Riverfront Redevelopment RFQ proposals. This meeting will also be held in the St. Helens Council Chambers at City Hall and is open to the public. The meeting is intended for deliberation purposes and is not focused on gathering community feedback. The agenda will be posted to the city’s website after May 13, 2022.

If a developer is selected, community engagement will be a key component of the planning and development process for the site.

There will be multiple community feedback opportunities during the master planning and land use process.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Increase in COVID-19 breakthrough cases ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Vaccine breakthrough cases made up nearly half of Oregon’s COVID-19 cases in the latest report from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

OHA’s April 7 COVID-19 Breakthrough Report shows that between March 27 and April 2, of the 2,035 COVID-19 cases reported by the OHA 960 were vaccine breakthrough cases (47.2%).

The figure could be even higher than the data suggests, as the data includes positive tests reported to public health and not positive at-home tests.

The latest report from the agency on vaccination breakthrough deaths reveals a similar trend.

During the month of March, 46.4% of reported COVID-19 deaths occurred in fully vaccinated people.

Vaccine breakthrough cases are defined as instances in which an individual tests positive for COVID-19 at least 14 days following the completion of any primary COVID-19 vaccine series, according to the OHA. According to the April

7 report, there have been 1,374 recorded breakthrough COVID-19 cases in Columbia County.

Mixed messaging On April 7, The Chronicle reached out to OHA Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie for comment on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision overturning an injunction on the federal mask mandate.

While Modie told The Chronicle he couldn’t speak specifically to the court decision, he reaffirmed the importance of getting vaccinated: “vaccines are safe and effective, and vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” he said.

In a separate email, OHA Public Affairs Specialist Rudy Owens could not speak as highly of vaccine efficacy, telling The Chronicle that vaccines don’t prevent spread “nearly as effectively” as the risk of hospitalization and death.

“As the proportion of the vaccinated population increases, we will see an increasing proportion of cases, hospitalization and deaths

which are vaccinated even if vaccine effectiveness remains the same,” he added.

According to the OHA’s own COVID-19 Vaccination Metrics, the number of people in Oregon completing their COVID-19 vaccination series increased only modestly from December 2021 to April.

The data would suggest that an increase in people receiving their primary vaccination series is insufficient to explain the month-by-month rise in COVID-19 breakthrough infections.

Changes to COVID-19 data reporting On March 30, the OHA announced it would reduce COVID-19 breakthrough infections reporting from weekly to monthly publications.

The Chronicle asked Owens why the OHA would release fewer reports when breakthrough infections are at an all-time high.

Owens offered the following response.

“As we explained in our March 30 release announcing our new reporting cadence, with cases and hospitalizations having declined follow-

Metro Creative Connection

OHA’s April 7 COVID-19 Breakthrough Report shows that breakthrough cases made up 47% of overall COVID-19 cases between March 27 and April 2.

ing a surge due to Omicron, and with public having the knowledge and tools to protect themselves, OHA is adapting to the latest phase of the pandemic.”

“Our cadence for sharing data does not mean the pandemic is over. As we shared, OHA will continue to monitor and report cases, deaths, hospitalizations, variants, vaccination and booster rates, and other developments.”

Breakthrough cases aren’t a new phenomenon. In an April 8, 2021 press release, approximately one year ago from today, the OHA reported

168 breakthrough infections.

“No vaccine is 100% effective, and vaccine breakthrough cases will occur,” the April 2021 release states.

“Fortunately, these cases remain uncommon.”

OHA case update During a Wednesday, April 20 press briefing, OHA’s Public Health Division Deputy State Health Officer and Deputy State Epidemiologist Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., said that as of April 19, the seven-day average case count was 600.

Daily hospitalizations, on the other hand, have dropped to fewer than 100 from Winter’s peak.

At Wednesday’s briefing, The Chronicle asked Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, why an adult with a low risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19 should get vaccinated as breakthrough infections become more common.

“I would say that there is a risk,” he responded. “It is much smaller in younger people, but there is definitely a risk for severe disease. We know that kids can get this multi-system inflammatory syndrome, which can put them in the hospital and really be quite serious even if they don’t succumb to it. And then remember that there’s the risk of long COVID. So I do think even in young people COVID-19 is worth preventing for those reasons.”

For the latest information and updates on COVID-19, visit govstatus.egov.com/OROHA-COVID-19 and follow developments at thechronicleonline.com and in Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

Child, bear reunited ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo

The wildfire mitigation plans must include identification of high-risk areas within the utility’s service territory, actions to minimize those risks, and protocols for implementing public safety power shutoffs.

Wildfires and public utilities STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved the 2022 Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) for PacifiCorp, Portland General Electric (PGE), and Idaho Power and recommended the utilities collaborate with PUC staff to improve the information to be included in their 2023 plans.

Idaho Power’s 2022 plan was approved with conditions, requiring a compliance filing to address identified deficiencies in their plan by June 28, 2022. The WMPs are the first to be filed since Senate Bill 762 passed during the 2021 legislative session.

Senate Bill 762 established formal standards for electric utility wildfire mitigation plans, including the information utilities are required to include in their plans. Plans must include identification of high-risk areas within the utility’s service territory and actions to minimize those risks, as well as protocols for implementing public safety power shutoffs.

Utilities also need to describe how they determined which risk reduction strategies to pursue. The bill required the three investorowned utilities to submit their plans to the PUC by the end of 2021 and the PUC to approve them within 180 days after their submission.

PacifiCorp, PGE and Idaho Power all filed their WMPs on December 30, 2021, as required by the bill.

PUC staff and an independent evaluator reviewed each plan to ensure they met the statutory requirements established in the bill and to make recommendations to continue evolving the plans to further address future risk.

Both PacifiCorp and PGE’s plans met the requirements, leading to an approval by all three Commissioners of their WMPs and instruction to work with the PUC and interested stakeholders to address recommendations made by the PUC in their 2023 plans. Plans must be updated and filed annually with the PUC no later than December 15, going forward.

Idaho Power’s WMP was also approved, but with conditions by the PUC. Idaho Power was directed to resubmit their WMP by June 28, 2022 with an explanation of their cost/risk mitigation assumptions and analysis

that was completed but not described in their 2022 plan, their strategy to address these gaps in their 2023 plan, additional data relating to specific risk areas in their Oregon service territory, as well as projects to be pursued in Oregon, and the costs associated with those projects.

Idaho Power was also instructed to work with the PUC and interested stakeholders to ensure they address recommendations made by the PUC in their 2023 plans due December 15.

“Although some of Oregon’s regulated utilities have been developing wildfire mitigation plans for years and reporting to the PUC informally, this is the first formal filing to the Oregon PUC,” PUC Chair Megan Decker said. “We recognize the enormous progress Oregon utilities have made and largely approved the plans, but also acknowledge that they need to continue to improve and adapt to meet the needs of communities and keep pace with the changing risks.”

Prior to the passage of Senate Bill 762, Governor Brown’s Executive Order 20-04 directed the PUC to formally evaluate wildfire protection plans and activities of regulated electric utilities to improve safety, reduce risks, and promote electric system resilience.

“The PUC launched the

Oregon Wildfire and Electric Collaborative to facilitate conversations between all electric utilities across the state, experts, and government leadership from various agencies to share perspectives and approaches to the changing wildfire risk and its impacts on the utilities, their customers, and the communities they serve,” PUC Commissioner Letha Tawney said. “That collaboration complements these written plans, enabling rapid peer-topeer learning across Oregon between planning cycles.”

The 2022 Wildfire Mitigation Plans for PacifiCorp, PGE, and Idaho Power are available online.

About the PUC The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including PGE, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregon utility customers have access to safe, reliable, and high quality utility services at just and reasonable rates.

For more information about the PUC, visit oregon. gov/puc.

Columbia County Master Gardener™ Association

April 30, 2022 ⧫ 9 AM - 3 PM Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion buy tomato & pepper plants gardening information raffle tickets & prizes tomato information displays & vendors face masks welcome not required

directed parking by St. Helens CERT please carpool ATM on-site Free admission In cooperation with Columbia County OSU Extension Service ⧫ 503-397-3462 505 N. Columbia River Highway ⧫ St. Helens, OR 97051

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A Columbia County girl and her pink teddy bear are reunited, thanks to a police officer and a good Samaritan.

Four-year-old Karly Stoddard lost Nina, her stuffed companion, at T-ball practice in Rainier on Friday, April 15.

“I had to go to work, so I dropped her and her dad off at the playground,” Katie Stoddard, the girl’s mother, explained. “She insisted on taking her bear with her because she had 45 minutes before her practice for T-ball.

Her dad and I told her to leave it in the car, but she is very determined, so she got her way.”

“I guess when she went to go do her T-ball practice, she set the bear down and then was going to come back and get it afterward,” Stoddard continued. “It was gone.

We’re like well, you learned your lesson. Don’t take your toys when we tell you not to.

And then yesterday is when they posted about (the bear).”

The following Monday, Rainier Police Department Clerk Susan Sullivan opened her email inbox to find an unusual request waiting for her.

“This pink teddy bear was found, lost and all alone in the city park on April 15, by a concerned and worried young girl,” the email read. “The lass, with fierce determination, brought the obviously well-loved toy to me, and asked us to find its owner, and thereby, reunite this beloved toy with its distraught owner and prove to the world that good things are out there if you just try to find them.”

With photos of the bear for Sullivan’s reference, the sender ended the email with a straightforward ask: “Can you put this little bear out on

Courtesy photo from Katie Stoddard

Four-year-old Karly Stoddard with her pink teddy bear.

the PD Facebook page?”

That sender was Rainier Police Officer Douglas Wheeler.

Sullivan immediately honored Wheeler’s request, issuing the following post under the Rainier PD Facebook account.

“A young lady found a pink bear that was lost at the city park,” according to the post. “The bear was brought to the police department where it had quite an adventuresome evening. The bear is now ready to be reunited with its family. Please call or stop by the department if this is your furry friend. 503-5563644.”

Stoddard said she first became acquainted with the Facebook post when it circulated in one of her group chats.

“I’m in my son’s baseball team group texts,” Stoddard said. “One of the moms saw the post and sent it in the group text, and that’s how I saw it.”

At around 3:30 p.m.,

Stoddard took Karly to the police station to retrieve her furry companion.

According to Stoddard, Karly’s initial reaction was, “want(ing) to know if they could find out who stole her teddy bear.”

“I think it’s great. It’s beautiful. I thought it was very sweet,” Stoddard said of the Rainier Police Department’s response. “It was a kind gesture.”

“Even with the police posing the bear on their car with the lights and stuff, I thought that was very funny and very cute,” she added. “I’m very thankful for our community.”

According to Sullivan, the officers’ scope of responsibilities goes beyond chasing down bad guys and making arrests.

“I think criminal calls are only a part of what we do.

We actually do a fair amount of community policing,” she said. “If we have something that’s important to the citizens, it’s important to our department.”

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Bonamici tours St. Helens Public Library’s Makerspace ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

It’s “a wonderful opportunity for people to explore, learn to become creative and have a creative outlet, but also to build skills,” said Suzanne Bonamici, and the Oregon U.S. Congresswoman got to see it for herself.

Bonamici made this remark during her tour of the St. Helens Public Library’s (SHPL) Makerspace Tuesday, April 19.

“I serve on Education Committee and the Science Committee, and am always looking for ways to get people on a path to a job, discovery, or creativity,” Bonamici said. “There’s OMIC here, and manufacturing is a great way to learn about making things and designing and creating. It’s just a great opportunity for people to have that here.”

Bonamici represents the

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Bonamici holds up a personalized gift box made in the Makerspace.

Makerspace Specialist Allen Hansen greets the Congresswoman.

First Congressional District of Oregon, which includes Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, Columbia counties and part of Multnomah County.

During Tuesday’s tour, Makerspace Specialist Allen

puters and tablets, and other sophisticated tools and technology accessible to all ages.

St. Helens City Councilor Stephen Topaz, St. Helens Library Board Chair Dan Davis, Reference Librarian Brenda

Hansen walked Bonamici through the different stations and equipment at the former Columbia Learning Center computer lab.

The lab contains 3-D printers, a laser cutter, com-

Herren-Kenaga, Government Affairs and Project Support Specialist Rachel Barry, and Lynne Pettit of The St. Helens Parks and Trails Commission were also present during the tour.

In a Sept. 30 edition of the newspaper, The Chronicle reported that the Makerspace was made possible through donations, grants, and partnerships, including $40,000 from the City of St. Helens and allocated ARPA funding, $20,000 from the Columbia Community Foundation, a $20,000 grant from Northwest STEM Hub along with an additional $9,500 in smaller grants from the same organization, a $3,000 grant from the Friends of the St. Helens Public Library, and a $2,500 private donation of equipment and money.

Makerspace is a place for kids, teens, and adults to conduct hands-on projects using problem-solving and creativity and stems from SHPL’s initiatives to bring science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) to the St. Helens community.

Library staff held a grand opening for the Makerspace Oct. 9.

RIVERFRONT From Page A1

Park Your Phone!

In Oregon it is illegal to use a handheld mobile electronic device while driving.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

There were 1,920 crashes causing 20 fatalities in Oregon from 2015 through 2019 involving a driver using a cell phone, as well as 1,880 injuries, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Cell phones aren’t the only distraction to driving.

During that five-year period, all distractions - including cell phones - were a factor in 23,783 crashes resulting in 158 fatalities and 23,403 injuries in Oregon.

Enforcement, awareness campaign In an effort to save lives, state transportation officials and law enforcement agencies have partnered in an awareness campaign about distracted driving.

The Park Your Phone campaign includes enhanced law enforcement with police and sheriff deputies watch-

ing for distracted drivers.

Drivers run the risk of being pulled over and ticketed if they are violating Oregon’s distracted driving laws.

In Oregon it is illegal to use a handheld mobile electronic device while driving. A first offense without a crash can cost up to a $1,000 fine. Later convictions can result in fines up to $2,500 and six months in jail.

What is distracted driving?

Distraction occurs when a driver voluntarily diverts attention to something not related to driving that uses the driver’s eyes, ears, hands or mind, according to ODOT. There are four types of driver distractions: • Visual – Looking at something other than the road.

• Auditory – Hearing something not related to driving.

• Manual – Hands on something other than the

Metro Creative Connection

wheel.

• Cognitive – Thinking about something other than driving.

Most distractions involve more than one of these four types, with both a sensory – eyes, ears, or touch – and a mental component, mind.

“We know that distracted driving is vastly underreported in crash statistics; drivers are reluctant to include it in crash reports and it is difficult for law enforcement to detect,” an ODOT release states.

During this month, there will be distracted driving high visibility enforcement statewide to prevent these tragedies.

“When you’re behind the wheel, there is nothing more important than paying attention,” ODOT Distracted Driving Program Manager Kelly Kapri said. “If you let something distract you, you could end up in a serious or deadly crash. And it might not be others hurt or killed – it could be you.”

Information about the St. Helens Riverfront Redevelopment Project can be found on the city’s website. The project plans to bring dedicated community access to a larger stretch of St. Helens waterfront, including a new boardwalk, park expansion, and extensions of streets, sidewalks, and utilities, in addition to new opportunities for commercial and residential development.

Other projects In addition to the current RFQ process, the City of St. Helens is working on two other projects on this property, which include the Riverwalk Project and the Streets and Utilities Extension Project.

The Riverwalk Project will expand Columbia View Park, design and construct a new stage for the park’s amphitheater, and design and begin partial construction of a community riverwalk which will extend along the banks of the Columbia

The St. Helens Riverfront District.

River from Columbia View Park to Plymouth Street and Nob Hill Nature Park.

The Streets and Utilities Extension Project is focused on creating design documents, securing permits, and constructing street and utility extensions for South 1st Street and Strand Street through the property.

This will include creating

Courtesy photo

safe pedestrian connections, inviting intersection treatments, ample on-street parking, landscaped seating, interpretive and wayfinding signage, and more visible crosswalks.

Both the Riverwalk Project and Streets and Utilities Extension Project are anticipated to begin construction this year.

Assisted Living At Home Caregiving advice by Nurse Navigator Katie Klem

How do you care from afar when your loved one is chronically ill? Part 4 of 5 This is the long-distance family caregiving series part 4 of 5. In parts 1, 2 and 3 we discussed Sally’s health challenges, the results of her long-term care survey and the team of professionals needed to help Sally remain in her home happily while getting good care. The survey asks very good questions such as where (in their private residence or in a retirement community) your loved one would like to be cared for, who would be the preferred caregiver (family members or paid professionals), and how much money and what kind of resources are available, etc. In Sally’s situation, she has chronic illnesses, and it is her wish

to remain in her home and have Comfort Makers provide in-home care services for her rather than move into a retirement community. After building the team of professionals that I call “Sally’s committee,” the fourth step is to develop a budget based on the amount of funding and financial resources that she has available.

Sally’s wish is to remain in her home for at least five years. Considering the fact that she had many emergencies, hospital and rehab visits, she and I made some goals; to improve her well-being, get her symptoms under control, improve her mobility, improve her mental wellness, and help her

enjoy life as much as possible. To accomplish this, the secret is to begin with a very specific caregiving modality for three to six months. This will make it possible to reduce the cost of post hospital, post rehab in-home care from $35 - $40/hour down to $26 - $29/hour within thirty to ninety days, making it possible for her money to last for several years even though she would be older and living with chronic illnesses.

If someone you love needs to get better faster or needs to stretch their care budget, please call or email me. Until next time, be well, be safe and if you are family caregiver, stop and take a break.

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

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Opinion

Garden Plots: Spring slug management CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

Slugs are very active right now. The cool, wet weather is perfect for them. So are the delicious vegetable transplants and/ or seedlings that they will devour with gusto. To make matters worse, slugs are actively breeding in an effort to keep your garden supplied with new slugs from spring through fall. This has to stop.

We have three dominant destructive slug “groups,” The large brown to orange to red slugs (two species) and the much smaller grey/brown slugs (which we now also have several species). None of these are native to Oregon or North America. But they really like our climate.

We have had a few small outbreaks of the European garden snail which can also be a problem.

Our native slugs and snails rarely do any garden damage. Leave them alone.

All the non-native species do significant damage.

The smaller ones are the most active now but are also much harder to control. But the big ones are starting their engines.

Damage is most significant on young seedlings.

Control is mostly done from spring through mid-fall.

Breeding takes place now and during cool rain cycles through the growing season. When it gets hot, slugs retreat to places where they won’t dry out like cracks in soil, under boards, or in areas with lots of irrigation, succulent plants, and shade.

Breeding starts again in earnest with the fall rains.

Your job as an alert gardener is reduce numbers of all these species. You can go out to your garden at night with a flashlight or a headlamp (warn your neighbors) to count and/or chop slugs.

It will give you some idea about how many slugs you have. The small ones are far less visible. You need to look for signs around your lettuce and other succulent greens.

The large ones are arrogantly obvious. Get busy.

Natural predators: Garter snakes will eat (very slowly from personal observation) even fairly large slugs. The large black ground beetles that we see in gardens will eat slug eggs and perhaps just hatched slugs. Some native birds may eat slugs, but evidence is sparse except for ducks.

Non-native chickens will also eat slugs and slug eggs.

Baiting: Baits are very effective if used properly.

Read and follow all label instructions. The iron-based baits are effective and less toxic to pets and possibly other animals. The metaldehyde baits are effective and

maybe a bit faster acting but pose more of a pet risk.

Baiting needs to start early in the spring and be repeated as needed.

Chopping: Slugs hide under boards and other places. When you turn the board over, slugs are revealed.

A sharp eye, a

you have some, call me for an identification.

Drowning in soapy water works but is a little “icky”.

Same with the “drowning in beer” technique (which doesn’t need beer, just water, yeast, and some sugar) in a modestly deep pan that they can

sharp hoe or knife, and good reflexes can eliminate a lot of slumbering slugs fast. This is much more effective on the larger species.

One rather horrible fact is that uncut slugs will feed on the cut ones as soon as you leave. Smashing the European Garden Snail shells (but not our native snails) will work. See picture of the non-native one. If you think

crawl into but not easily escape from.

Dowsing: Quite a few gardeners like to sprinkle slugs with salt, ammonia, or a few other products. This can work but is tedious and rarely useful with the smaller slugs.

Sharp sand surfaces may repel slugs from garden beds until the sand gets “packed”. Light raking may keep it sharp enough to deter the slugs. Pumice can work.

Thin copper strips rarely do (slugs quickly slither or jump over them). But in general, it is better to eliminate the population rather than sending them to another part of your garden or to your neighbors.

For more technical in-

formation on slugs, you can go to the OSU slug portal: https://agsci.oregonstate. edu/slugportal. There is a lot of information (much of it for farmers who also have major slug problems in some crops) and lots of excellent pictures.

Events

The Columbia County Master Gardeners™ Spring Fair will return after two years. It will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. There will 3,000 tomato plants, peppers, and garden related items by other vendors.

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

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

Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu.

Free newsletter

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

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

All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Important notes

Contact information

• The Oregon State University Extension Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and is located at 505 N. Columbia River Highway in St. Helens.

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

Many Extension publications available online

Voices of the Community Not allowed to vote Oregon law stipulates that parties conduct closed primaries, meaning only registered party members can participate in a political party’s primary election.

In January 2016 Oregon enacted the Oregon Motor Voter law in which all residents who obtain or renew an Oregon Drivers License or Identification Card are automatically registered to vote.

Those not choosing a political party are automatically registered as a Non Affiliated Voter.

Over time, those not interested in the political process or dissatisfied with the extreme politics of the main parties have become the majority. The Oregon Secretary of State’s April 2022 report shows that 1,027,139 are Non Affiliated while only 1,018,350 are Democrats and 725,055 are Republicans.

My question of the week: why are the majority of

Oregon taxpayers paying for a primary election in which they are not allowed to vote?

This year Alaska is implementing a 4-tier rating open primary system in which all the candidates are on the same ballot and all the voters get to vote. During the primary the least favorite are eliminated, and then the next until the winner has more than 50% of the vote. Maybe it’s something to consider.

Joe Turner Columbia City

Community Calendar 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 Scappose gardenclub@gmail.com.

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 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 Scappose at 503-543-7146.

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 503397-4231.

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

Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

Write to us: We want to hear from you and encourage you to write letters to the editor. Because of space limitations, shorter letters have a better chance of being printed. We may edit your letter for style, grammar and clarity, although we do as little editing as possible. If you don’t want your letter printed under those conditions, just let us know. Thank-you letters are limited to a general thanks and summary of an issue or action. We reserve

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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.

Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st St., St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521 or check the Resonate Facebook page.

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

Have you checked to make sure you are registered to vote in the May 17 Primary Election?

Popeyes Burger King McDonald’s

Burgerville Subway Other

64% Yes

36% No

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com

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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 27, 2022

Obituaries Richard “Dick” M. Simpson

Linda L. White

Jan. 12, 1939 ~ Feb. 26, 2022

Richard “Dick” M. Simpson, a lifetime resident of Columbia County, passed away at 83 years old, on Feb. 26, 2022, in Longview, Washington.

Dick was born on Jan. 12, 1939, in Yankton, Oregon to William and Nan Simpson. He had three brothers and two sisters.

Dick grew up in the Yankton and St. Helens area and continued to live there his whole life. After graduating high school, he went on to college to receive his Associates Degree in Applied Fire Science. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1960. Then later served at St. Helens Fire Department, ending his service there as Lieutenant, and retired from the City of Columbia City as the Maintenance Supervisor.

Dick had many passions including coaching high school softball, going bowling, hunting, camping, watching football, listening to Country Western and Scottish bagpipe music, attending Scottish Highland games, woodworking, and traveling within the U.S. and internationally to places

including Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, and Japan.

He loved spending time with his family, especially the great grandkids. He was a member of Warren Community Fellowship, the Bowling Association, and Junior Chamber of Commerce, serving in many county and state officer positions.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William G. Simpson and Nan Berry (Sharp) Simpson; brothers, William Simpson, Robert Simpson, and Leonard Simpson; and sisters, Nanette (Simpson) Mallory, and Mary Ann (Simpson) Baker.

Dick is survived by his loving wife Mary Jo Simpson; children, Rick Simpson, Jeri Ann Simpson, Shelly Booth (Bob), and

April 24, 1942 ~ March 28, 2022 Brad Blackburn; grandchildren, Andrew, Alexandra, Dominique, Kassie, Kaity, Brandon (Jamie), Nolan (Lana), Karleigh, Zak, Trevor, and Ryan; greatgrandchildren, Blakelyn, Laurel, Kayleigh, and Kai; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Papa will be missed by so many.

A celebration of life will be held in Dick’s honor at 1 p.m. on Sat., May 7, 2022, at Warren Community Fellowship, with a luncheon to follow. A private burial will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Helen’s Credit Union - Oregon Trail Lanes, which will go towards the Bowling Alley Scholarship Fund in Dick’s name.

Betty June Walker Betty was born to Cletis and Bertie Oldham in Stockton, Missouri, the middle of three children. She graduated from Stockton High School and worked as a bank teller in her hometown.

She moved to Wichita, Kansas where she worked for Boeing and met LoVorn Walker. They married in 1954 and soon welcomed four daughters. She was the consummate homemaker and seamstress.

The family moved to St. Helens in 1972 where LoVorn had taken a teaching job. She worked for Bank of St. Helens/Western Bank until retirement, all the while running a small farm with a huge garden.

Upon retirement she took up decorative painting and kept her close friendships with coworkers. She was very adept at word games and enjoyed bingo and trivia games.

She was preceded in

death by her husband, LoVorn; brothers, Joe and Max; and her daughter Candy.

Survivors include her daughters, Catherine, Barbara, and Betty; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services, for family and friends, will be held at 2 p.m. on Fri., April 29, 2022 at Columbia Memorial Garden in Scappoose. Reception to follow at the Shrine Hall in St. Helens.

Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend passed away on March 28, 2022. She was born in Minneapolis Minn. on April 24, 1942 to Clarence and Eleanore Carlton before moving to Portland, Oregon.

She is known for her great cooking, canning, green thumb and creating her own greeting cards for loved ones.

Linda was an excellent role model and an extremely loving and caring person. She will be missed immensely.

Ruth Villaume Glosenger March 20, 1921 ~ April 6, 2022

Ruth Villaume Glosenger was born March 20, 1921, in Honesdale, Pennsylvania to John and Carolyn Villaume.

She passed away April 6, 2022, in St. Helens, Oregon.

Ruth moved to California in 1946 and began working at the L.A County Hospital. She moved to Portland, Oregon working at Emanuel Hospital as a surgical nurse. She then moved to St. Helens in 1959 working at the Columbia District Hospital, remaining there until the hospital closed. After that Ruth became a traveling nurse, working in Hawaii, Florida, and Washington state.

She returned to St. Helens and lived in Knappa for eight years before returning to St. Helens. Ruth enjoyed crafts, home improvement projects,

gardening, and her grandchildren.

She was a member of the Warren Grange in St. Helens and was a member of the Rebecca Lodge as a Past Noble Grand.

After retirement from nursing, she enjoyed working as a teaching assistant, and assisting home-bound seniors. She enjoyed traveling and hosting at Fort Stevens for many years.

Ruth was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. She is survived by her beloved brother Eugene P. of Honesdale, Pennsylvania; three children, Eric (Lou), Robert (Beth), and Telka (Randy); and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MOTHER’S DAY ACROSS

1. Wild onion 5. Standardized testing acronym 8. Accounting degree 11. Hunted by hunter 12. Don Johnson’s TV role, 1996-2001 13. Run ____ of the law 15. Mercantile establishment 16. Chemistry Nobelist Hahn 17. *Deborah Guarino’s “Is Your Mama a ____?”

18. Manner of controlling yourself 20. Tiny bit 21. Willow twig 22. Nutcracker’s distinguishing feature 23. Like a longer route?

26. German white wine 30. *Mom’s little one 31. Bear the expenses of 34. Knock about 35. Dodge 37. “____ the fields we go” 38. Binary digits code 39. Bear den 40. Northern peat bog 42. Modern address 43. Analyst in a chemical lab 45. Smooth, as in surface of the lake 47. Gangster’s pistol

48. Eyelid infections 50. Wafting emanation 52. *”Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 1” portrays this artist’s mother 55. Evil one 56. Simmering feeling 57. Prepare for publication 59. Give benediction 60. Heston’s foes in 1968 sci-fi movie 61. Boundary 62. Communism or Taoism 63. P in #1 Down 64. Do like a model

DOWN

1. Dashboard acronym 2. Kuwaiti or Saudi 3. *Maman alternative 4. Kaa of “The Jungle Book” 5. French composer Erik Alfred Leslie ____ 6. He made his fortune in fur trading 7. *Jord is mom to this hammer-wielding mythic thunder god 8. Chesterfield or ulster 9. Feline-inspired shoe brand 10. ____ ____ mode 12. Not quite a nun 13. Spy’s cover

14. *Popular Mother’s Day gift 19. Cast somebody there 22. Almond-induced state?

23. Type of monument 24. Pepsi and Coke 25. Tiny purses 26. Actor Wahlberg 27. Loci, sing.

28. #39 Across, pl.

29. *Lorelai Gilmore’s mother 32. *How many children does Queen Elizabeth have?

33. Hi-____ 36. *Daenerys Targaryen’s “babies” 38. End of a shoelace 40. *”How I ____ Your Mother” 41. Knights’ breastplates 44. Gridiron measure, pl.

46. In the Land of Nod 48. Guillermo del Toro’s “The ____ of Water” 49. *Amy Chua’s “Battle Hymn of the ____ Mother” 50. Rembrandt’s paints 51. Regard 52. Sandwich alternative 53. Edible root of taro plant 54. Semis 55. Hoover’s agency 58. Casual attire

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

Crossword Solution Solution for the April 20, 2022 crossword puzzle

Tea and Sweets Friday 2-4, $5 This month CUPCAKES!

Read the news online

The Chronicle www.thechronicleonline.com

503-397-0116 • 1805 Columbia Blvd.

1925 First Street, Columbia City www.capleshouse.com (503) 397-5390

Latimer Quilt Show at Caples May 14, 10-5 and May 15, 10-3 Bed Turnings, Vendors, $5/day We still have room this summer for a party in The Cottage Give us a call.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Classifieds

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

150

502

702

Misc Services

Help Wanted

Garage Sales

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.

perienced 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 screen required.

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

Please send resume to: jconstruc tionresumes@ gmail.com

Big Garage Sale Fri & Sat, 9-3 & Sun 9-1, Apr 29 May 1. 59555 Clinton St., St. Helens.

Generator, fishing poles, brand-new canoe/paddles, skis & poles, vintage & collectibles.

Lots of new items, household, bike & rack. Garden Stuff. Brand new clothing & misc. A little something for everyone.

Come on over!

301

Health & Nutrition

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

312

Events

National Day of Prayer 2022 Thurs., May 5th.

Drop in anytime between 8 am & 8 pm for quiet place to pray alone or with others. Selfguided interactive prayer stations throughout room.

All ages welcome.

Warren Community Fellowship, 56523 Columbia River Hwy., Warren, OR. Questions call 503-397-4387.

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.

Class A CDL Truck & Pup Trailer Drivers General Contractor has opening’s available for ex-

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

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

Call Jim today at

(503) 509-8657

Quality Workmanship At Affordable Prices

706

Estate Sales

Columbia City Estate Sale April 30-May 1 11-5 Sat and Sun 445 C Street, Columbia City Beautiful home of former gift shop owner. Beds and furniture, home decor, new tempurpedic twin adjustable bed, pottery barn office, beautiful Christmas items, Honda lawnmower and more.

Cash only, no early callers please.

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

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

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

Classified Ads Deadline: Mondays by noon.

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

Immediate Opening Shipping/Receiving/Sewing.

Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056 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.

ASPHALT PAVING

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)

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

Columbia County

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

www.thechronicleonline.com

Waterman Garage Doors

CCB#204858

SALES, SERVICE INSTALLATION

Scott Waterman Owner

503.819.6715 St. Helens, OR 97051

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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.

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

The Chronicle thechronicleonline.com

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Public Notices CH22-1078

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the St. Helens School District #502, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, will be held at the District Office at 474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens, Oregon. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Community members may view the meeting in real time via the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_q8wGEVhsRxisV6QTcF1qgA The purpose of this meeting is to receive the budget message. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the

Budget Committee will take place. An additional, separate meeting of the Budget Committee will be held to take public comment. Any person may make public comment and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. The meeting for public comment will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office at 474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens, Oregon.

Those who wish to address the budget committee via a remote option may arrange to do so by e-mailing tracieo@ sthelens.k12.or.us by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022. Community members may view the meeting in real

time via the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_jX9GgxtsQOifNlB4724bcw A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 5, 2022 at the District Office at 474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens, Oregon between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A nominal fee of $3 will be charged for copies.

The budget document will also be made available on the District’s webpage at www.sthelens.k12.or.us/ Page/8837. A copy of this notice is also posted on the St. Helens School District website at www.sthelens. k12.or.us.

CH22-1081

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, will be held at 230 Strand Street St. Helens, Oregon 97051 in room 310.

The meetings will take place on May 4, 2022 and May 10, 2021 through May 13, 2022 at 10:00 a.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 deliberations 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 May 4, 2022 at (https://

www.columbiacountyor. gov/departments/Finance).

Notice: Budget Committee Meetings will be conducted as hybrid sessions. In addition to the in person location listed above, the meetings will also be available on the web as follows: https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ join/357054141 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 357-054-141

CH22-1073

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 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-ofway; and The extension of the S. 16th Street right-ofway, 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 503-397-6272. Or by email: jgraichen@ sthelensoregon. gov.

CH22-1074

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING 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

CH22-1084

NOTICE OF BUDGET MEETING The St. Helens Budget Committee will meet on Thursday, May 12, 2022, beginning at 5 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the 2022/23 budget and hold an open public forum regarding spending of State Shared Revenue.

Zoom Meeting Details: Meeting ID is 814 0940 6150, Passcode 8675309, Dial in at 1-213-338-8477.

If you need special accommodation, please contact City Hall at (503) 3976272, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

TURTLE

to observe the biodiversity around them. Later, new developments in technology presented a new way for the two to catalog their observations.

“Then there was a database that we started putting our finds (in), taking pictures that would record everything,” D’Agrosa said.

“As we started entering (our findings) into these public databases, people started telling me Columbia County doesn’t have any records,” Hakim explained, of the motivation for launching the project.

In the following oneon-one interview with The Chronicle, Hakim explains the purpose and goals of the turtle survey.

From Page A1

ing a potential turtle locality for 30 minutes on three different occasions during ideal conditions (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it is 65 to 75 degrees air temperature), according to the Wild Columbia County website.

Waterways included in the search are Nehalem River, Rock Creek, Sauvie Island, Scappoose Bay, Deer Island, Sandy Island, Crims Island, Wallace Island, Clatskanie River, and the sloughs of Westport.

The second mandatory training session for surveyors took place Saturday, April 23, at Trojan Park in Rainier.

The turtle surveys will run from April to September.

Background

The Chronicle: Why survey turtles? In other words, what is their importance to Columbia County’s ecosystem?

Hakim, from St. Helens, and D’Agrosa, from Scappoose, first became interested in the world of reptiles and amphibians growing up together as children.

Together, Hakim and D’Agrosa went on expeditions through the woods of Warren

Hakim: Because they move about in the water column, they (turtles) play an important role in the food chain and nutrient cycles - they eat up insects and scavenge detritus from the bottom of ponds, which cleanses the water, and then distribute it as manure

into the meeting and dis-cuss 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.port ofcolumbiacounty.org

CH22-1085

NOTICE OF MEETING McNulty Water PUD will be holding their Annual Board Meeting and Workshop on May 7th, 2022 at 8:00am.

CH22-1079

COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT WILL RECEIVE SEALED BIDS Notice is hereby given that Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) will receive sealed bids for the purchase of a 15/20/25 MVA substation power transformer with LTC. Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on May 18th, 2022, at which time the bids will be publicly opened. The bids will be available for public inspection at the PUD

office after the bid opening.

No bids will be received after 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on the 18th day of May, 2022. All bids shall include a statement that those parties named in the bid are the only parties with an interest in the bid and that the bid is made without any collusion with any other bidder, official or employee of the PUD. The bid documents and specifications may be examined at the office of the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway,

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

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, Deceased.

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.

CH22-1076

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 af-

fected 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.

CH22-1075

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.

shell. It is most common in sloughs and ponds close to the Columbia River. The pond turtle is a much drabber species, mostly brown. It used to live close to the river like the painted turtle and also inland through the creeks and rivers in the interior county. However, the pond turtle is almost never seen in our county anymore.

The Chronicle: Please explain the training involved in the surveying.

The Chronicle: How long will the survey take, and what will you do with it?

Courtesy photo from Jonathan Hakim

The turtle survey team scopes out Trojan Park, one area in Columbia County where native turtle species can be found.

in both land and water, which spurs plant growth. Studies have shown that when turtles live in a wetland, the water becomes cleaner while plants on both land and water become more nutrient-rich.

Unfortunately, turtle populations have not been healthy in Columbia County for a long time. In many parts of the county, their wetlands were drained or made impossible to inhabit. In other spots, their babies got eaten by invasive species like bullfrogs or they couldn’t dig nests anymore

Deer Island, Oregon 97054.

Electronic copies of the bid documents may be ob-tained by sending a written request to tgordon@crpud.org or by calling 971-757-4969. Columbia River PUD reserves the right to reject any and all bids that are not in compliance with the bid documents and prescribed public bidding procedures and to reject for good cause any or all bids upon a finding by the PUD that it is in the public interest to do so.

because of invasive plants onshore. We’re surveying turtles because we’re trying to find out where they’ve been able to hang on the best.

The Chronicle: What kinds of turtles are native to Columbia County?

Hakim: We have two native turtle species - the Western Pond Turtle and the Western Painted Turtle. The painted turtle is recognizable by its yellow-striped head and often has a red bottom to its

Hakim: We’re planning to run surveys from April through September. If we find turtles on any property, the first thing we do is immediately share the information with the landowner. People are often excited to find out what turtles they have (if they even knew they had turtles) and often ask what they can do to ensure that the turtles can continue to lay their eggs and have babies that will survive. We’re also sharing the information with the Oregon Native Turtle Working Group, and when the project is over, we’re going to publish a report that shows how well both species of turtle are doing in Columbia County.

Hakim: The training is simple - we help people learn how to look at a site and figure out where the turtles will be, how to approach the turtles and get pictures without spooking them, and how to record the data on iNaturalist. The actual surveys begin whenever the weather warms up to 65-75 degrees. Each volunteer picks out their own place to survey, and then they visit the site three times on dates of their own choosing, just so long as the temperature is in the correct range. iNaturalist is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature, according to iNaturalist.org.

94,676,605 observations of 344,034 species have been recorded on iNaturalist to date.

See wildcolumbia.org for more information on the Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians project. To become a volunteer, email to wildcolumbia112@gmail. com.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Rising health costs in Oregon STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A new report shows average health care costs in Oregon totaled more than 23% of family expenditures in 2019.

The Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Health Care Cost Growth Target Program report showing impacts of rising health care costs on Oregon families and individuals found personal spending for health care rose by 34% from 2013 to 2019, outpacing national averages.

This report fleshes out with data a troubling picture of the impacts of rising health care costs on Oregon families. ~ Jeremy Vandehey, OHA Between out-of-pocket costs and rising premiums, high health care costs are jeopardizing the financial stability of people in Oregon, as 10% of people in Oregon reported using up all or most of their savings because of medical bills, according to the OHA report.

“This report fleshes out with data a troubling picture of the impacts of rising health care costs on Oregon

families,” OHA Director of the Health Policy and Analytics Division Jeremy Vandehey said. “While we’ve known for a long while that the rate of cost growth was unsustainable, COVID showed us in stark relief how important access to affordable care was to Oregon families.”

According to Vandehey, high costs not only cause poor health outcomes, but they also do real financial harm to people in Oregon.

“The data in this report reinforces the need in our state for our cost growth target, which aims to limit annual increases in health care costs statewide to 3.4% over the next several years,” he said. “And even as the pandemic destabilized so many things, we still know Oregon families cannot sustain further health care cost burdens.”

An illustration of the impacts of the unsustainable health care cost that the report quantifies include people: • Delaying care • Unable to pay medical bills in the past year.

• Experiencing difficulty paying medical bills over time • Using up savings to pay medical bills • Incurring significant medical debt • Declaring bankruptcy A hearing of the Cost Growth Target Committee focused on real stories of people’s struggles with high

Metro Creative Connection

Between out-of-pocket costs and rising premiums, high healthcare costs are jeopardizing the financial stability of people in Oregon, according to the OHA report.

medical costs, according to an OHA release. Testimony highlighted the difficulties Oregonians face with high medical costs and the resulting life quality impacts.

During the hearing, a small business owner described the business’s high deductible health plan which covers nothing until an $8,000 deductible is met.

“I pay nearly $500/ month for what really is catastrophic coverage,” the business owner stated. “I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay out of pocket for all of my health care expenses. This is a formidable barrier to health care. I find myself “going without” because of the high cost of accessing any type of health care.”

“I’m paying the equivalent of another mortgage, without having income other

than my fixed retirement that needs to last for years,” another person commented at the hearing. “It is also difficult to plan what the amount I will pay for medical care before the deductible is met.”

According to a summary of the report by the OHA: Commercial health insurance premiums in Oregon have increased by 22 percent between 2013 and 2019, for both single and family plans.

In 2019, the average family premium was $19,405 and the average single premium was $6,651. On average, people in Oregon pay between a quarter and a third of their premium costs for family plans, and less than a quarter for single plans; em-

ployers pay the rest. However, the employer share of health insurance premiums is often considered part of total compensation and employees often experience these increasing health insurance costs through lower wages.

In addition to paying health insurance premiums, many individuals must also pay a deductible as part of their health insurance plan. A deductible is the amount that an individual pays for their care before their health insurance starts to pay. Unlike health insurance premiums, the deductible is only paid when people seek health care services. Nine out of 10 people in Oregon with commercial health insurance have a deductible. Between 2013 and 2019, deductibles for commercial insurance family plans grew by 40 percent to an average of $3,634, and deductibles for single plans grew 51 percent to an average of $1,958.

These cost increases are crowding out other expenses in families’ budgets. Health care and health insurance spending represented 23% of all household spending; the next largest household spending category was housing, utilities, and fuels at 19.8%.

“As a state, we’ve made a choice to begin to tackle these rising costs, which are putting pressure on families and are increasingly forcing difficult choices between

health care and other necessities like housing and food,” Vandehey said. “Given the trends and the dire impacts, we must contain health care cost growth in ways that do not impact people’s health, the quality of health services, or exacerbate health inequities. Working collectively, we can achieve sustainable health care costs – so that families can get the care they need and budget for things other than health care.”

For more details and report methodology visit: https://www.oregon.gov/ oha/HPA/HP/Cost%20 Growth%20Target%20documents/Impact-of-HealthCare-Costs-on-Oregonians. pdf.

Oregon’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program The Oregon Legislature established the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program in 2019, which sets a statewide target for the annual per person growth rate of total health care spending in the state.

The program is designed to monitor and publish reports on health care cost increases and factors driving these trends.

For more information visit https://www.oregon. gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/ Sustainable-Health-CareCost-Growth-Target.aspx.

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

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

St. Helens Police April 2 • Police responded to larceny from a building in the 100 block of Columbia River Highway.

April 3 • Police arrested a 25-yearold male on a DUII near Old Portland Road at S 18th Street.

April 4 • Police arrested a 59-yearold male on a violation of a

restraining order in the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

April 7 • Police took an informational report about a possible domestic for an agency assist.

April 8 • Police arrested a 24-yearold male near Old Portland Road and S 18th Street for driving while suspended.

• A 66-year-old subject was arrested near the 400 block of 2nd Street for menacing-aggravated physical or weapon, unlawful use of a weapon, and pointing a firearm at another.

April 10 • Police arrested a 48-yearold male for DSC-marijuanadelivery to person under 21 near Columbia River Highway and Firlock Park Boulevard.

April 11 • Police took a report of theft from a vehicle at the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Police arrested a 20-yearold male in the 200 block of S 12th Street on simple assault domestic violence.

April 12 • Police arrested a 31-yearold male on trespassing at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

• Police took a missing person report in the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

April 13 • Police arrested a 34-yearold male in the 2000 block of Gable Road on a fugitive warrant and theft.

• Police arrested a 31-yearold male on disorderly conduct II in the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Police arrested a 55-yearold subject on DUII-alcohol at the 50000 block of Columbia River Highway.

April 14 • Police took a theft of vehicle, unlawful entry to vehicle report at the 300 block of 16th Street.

Community Spring Clean Up Day Saturday, May 14 from 8AM - Noon

Drop Sites at 3 Convenient Locations: MCBRIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SCAPPOOSE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLUMBIA CITY SCHOOL WE ACCEPT old appliances scrap metal yard debris old furniture unwanted items tires and more

Sexual Assault Awareness Month The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed April 2022 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in Columbia County.

SAAM focuses attention on the fact that sexual violence is widespread, educates individuals on how to prevent it, and bolsters prevention efforts throughout the year.

Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment harm our communities, and statistics show one in five women and one in 67 men will be raped at some point in their lives.

Child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority to confront the reality that one

in six boys and one in four girls will experience sexual assault before age 18. One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted during their time in college.

“Sexual assault is a tragic reality whose victims often suffer in silence,” Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder said.

“This month is to build our community’s knowledge on how to speak out, intervene when we see harmful behaviors, and promote safety and respect. I want to encourage everyone to use this opportunity to consider how they can be a part of the solution.”

If you are a victim or survivor of sexual violence,

for prom y d a e r t Ge help ! r u o h t i w

there is a national network of community-based and local organizations that support the needs of sexual assault survivors. While the specific services available vary by location, the following resources can help: • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 • Local police • Your health care provider • A local women’s shelter or crisis center • A counseling or mental health center • A local court

In an emergency, call 911, your local emergency number, or the County Sheriff’s office. Remember, no one deserves to be abused.

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DONATIONS APPRECIATED SPONSORS: HUDSON GARAGE SERVICE, WASTE MANAGEMENT, BEAVER BARK, CITY OF COLUMBIA CITY, CITY OF SCAPPOOSE, CITY OF ST. HELENS, COLUMBIA COUNTY ROTARY CLUB, COLUMBIA COUNTY TRANSFER STATION, HUDSON PORTABLE TOILET SEVICE, LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER - ST. HELENS, LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER - SCAPPOOSE, SCAPPOOSE COMMUNITY CLUB, SCAPPOOSE SCHOOL DISTRICT, ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT, STAN’S REFRIGERATION, DRAKE’S TOWING & RECOVERY, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE

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Are you a veteran?

You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.

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Paintings by local Artists will be available for purchase

Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Teen of the month selected

Courtesy photo

Skylar Carlson SUBMITTED BY THE ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

St. Helens High School is pleased to announce the selection of Skylar Carlson as the Elks Teen of the Month for March.

Skylar is what all Elks Teens should be. An Elk Teen should be a great student, a person with impeccable integrity, someone who cares about the commu-

nity and does their share to make the community better, and finally, someone whose character is all about service, friendship, and humility.

Skylar exhibits all of those characteristics and is an outstanding student and person.

When Skylar learned that she was selected she felt very honored, however, in typical Skylar fashion she wondered why she was selected! One of the presenters told her that it is due to her kindness and positive

attitude that she exhibits every day.

Skylar is involved in the Renovation and Remodeling Program at St. Helens High School which purchases, remodels, and sells homes. Her instructor, Joe Mauck, had this to say about her, “She is one of the best students I have ever had.”

This seems to be a common thread when asking people about Sklyar. Skylar is also captain of the Robotics team (SHREC) and volunteers to run the timing at football games and track meets.

Skylar is planning on attending Portland Community College (PCC) to explore the fields of law and psychology.

When asked what her best quality was, she had a hard time thinking of one but finally came up with it; she loves to make people smile and laugh!

Congratulations, Skylar!

The Teen of the Month is a partnership between the St. Helens Elks Club and St. Helens High School designed to recognize student achievement.

Rotary Student of the Month

Courtesy from the St. Helens School District

Lewis & Clark Elementary School Principal Martine Barnett stands with Draven Hampton for a photo.

The Columbia County Rotary Club and Lewis & Clark Elementary are

pleased to honor 5th grader Draven Hampton as the April Rotary Student of the

Month.

School administrators describe Draven as dependable, hardworking, and thoughtful in his interactions with adults as well as his peers.

“He is a quiet leader that demonstrates true integrity throughout the school day,” a release from the St. Helens School District reads.

Teacher Dee Anna Henrie said Draven contributes much to the classroom, “He is the kind of person that leaves the world a better place than he found it,” Henrie said. “He volunteers to help others, no matter what the task might be, and he does it with kindness and a positive attitude. Draven looks for the best in others and gives the best of himself.”

Congratulations, Draven!

Metro Creative Connection

The city’s drinking water meets or surpasses all federal drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to a release from the city.

St. Helens water quality report JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

St. Helens city officials have issued the city’s 2021 water quality report detailing the results of water testing, in addition to information such as water conservation tips and essential utility billing information.

The report The city’s drinking water meets or surpasses all federal drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to a release from the city. St. Helens is required by the Oregon State Health Division to take 15 routine water samples monthly from designated areas throughout the city, testing for microbiological contaminants in the drinking water.

Periodically, testing also looks for contaminants like arsenic, cyanide, lead, and mercury. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that utility providers such as the City of St. Helens provide an annual Consumer Confidence report to their customers.

During the summer months when usage is higher, the city produces about 2 million gallons of water per day. This serves over 13,000 residents through over 5,000 service connections. During the fall and winter months, this usage falls to around 1.5 million gallons per day.

Background

The St. Helens Water Department supplies the city with water from a water treatment facility located in Columbia City. There are two wells on the banks of the Columbia River in Columbia City that supply water to the treatment plant. There is also one ground well located near Scappoose Bay Marina. The Scappoose Bay well only operates during emergencies.

The city’s water treatment facility is a membrane plant that works by running water through a series of synthetic filters that capture sediment, germs and organisms. These filter systems are fully computer-controlled for automatic backwashing and cleaning, according to the city report.

There are no chemical additions, except for standard chlorine disinfection and acidity controls. The system requires very little daily hands-on operational duties aside from the computer-controlled monitoring of water quality. That differs from the traditional sand filtration or chemical treatment plants that require constant operational tasks to operate.

The investment in systems, controls and the more expensive synthetic filters will be more than offset over the life of the plant by greatly reduced staff and maintenance requirements, the report states.

The St. Helens Water Quality Report is published on the city’s website (www. sthelensoregon.gov/publicworks/page/water-qualityreports). Read the full report with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

Contact St. Helens City Hall at 503-397-6272 with questions or for information about the next opportunity for public participation in decisions about the city’s drinking water.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Home & Garden Show snapshots Photos by Zoe Gottlieb, Kelli Nicholson and Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The 2022 Columbia County Home & Garden Show drew hundreds of adults and children Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24. Dozens of vendors displayed and sold their products. The Chronicle and The Chief presented the show sponsored by InRoads Credit Union. The event was held at the county fairground’s pavilion in St. Helens. See more photos with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

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