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July 4th fireworks future uncertain JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
It is an American tradition that draws hundreds to the St. Helens riverfront each summer but the future is uncertain for the Independence Day fireworks. The St. Helens City Council has agreed to conduct the fireworks from Sand Island this summer but it will be for the last time. The council agreed during its regular public session April 21 to seek a nonprofit or other group to continue the popular waterfront event. “We are doing the fireworks show this year and we are seeking anyone who wants to take it over,” St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl said. “We are backing out and looking for anyone who wants it.” Cost factors The council agreed that it was too costly and time consuming to continue the city’s role as sponsor of the fireworks. “The city can’t do it with taxpayer money,” Scholl said. “We can’t drag our feet on this. We need to make a decision.”
The fireworks demonstrations have attracted large crowds to the riverfront in St. Helens.
Scholl suggested that the city put up a $2,000 donation to any nonprofit that wanted to take over the event. “If someone were to take it over today, they could start
raising the money needed for next year ahead of schedule, that why it’s important to not set them up for failure and get them started right now because the funding needs to be there,” he said.
Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens
But city council president Doug Morten cautioned that the council should not attach a specific donation. “We’ll continue to support the effort the best way we can,” Morten said.
The Fourth of July fireworks show was postponed last year due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty of timelines. The city council considered mov-
ing the display to December during the Christmas Ships event, but did not move forward with that plan. Last year wasn’t the only year fireworks have been absent from St. Helens during Independence Day celebrations. In 2012, a city fireworks committee was unable to raise the $20,000 needed to host the display— which has typically been funded entirely through donations and sponsorships. Scholl earlier this year had suggested hosting a tailgate party at the city’s waterfront, estimating that 500 cars, each paying a $20 admission fee, could raise enough money for a reasonable firework show. To cut costs, Scholl suggested the show be held on the city-side of the water instead of on a barge or on Sand Island. On Friday, March 5, city spokesperson Crystal King told The Chronicle that the fireworks demonstration would depend on current Oregon Health Authority pandemic safety requirements in place at the time of the event. See FIREWORKS Page A12
Millard Road, Highway 30 improvements stall JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A $7.5 million improvement project that includes Millard Road at Highway 30 in St. Helens has stalled. “Right now, we are in a pause mode until the utility issues can be resolved,” Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Lou Torres said. “We encountered some unanticipated utility issues that we need to work out which has slowed construction temporarily. Torres said utility relocation work is scheduled for next week. As soon as that is completed construction is expected to resume. Safety concerns
Another issue at the project site are citizen concerns about large trucks and other vehicles speeding through the marked construction zone along Highway 30 at Millard Road. Large orange barrels line the work area which also is cordoned off with long, large concrete walls adjacent the highway. To address the traffic danger and concerns, Torres said ODOT is partnering with law enforcement to maintain safety for construction crews, drivers and pedestrians. “Oregon State Police have been providing extra patrols throughout that construction zone,” Torres said. See MILLARD Page A10
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Improvement work at Millard Road and Highway 30 in St. Helens has paused due to utility issues.
City contest winners announced
Anna Richardson
Police Reports ......... A2 Opinions ................... A4 Obituaries ................. A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals .................... A6-8 Crossword ................ A8 TV Guide ................... A9 Sports ..................... A12
Courtesy photos from the City of St. Helens
Sebastian Bean
Addison Wells
Olivia Fantus
Hayden Stram
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Fourth grader Sebastian Bean took second place. In the 6th to 8th grade category, seventh grader Addison Wells won first place and sixth grader Olivia Fantus took second place. In the 9th to 12th grade category, ninth grader Hayden Stram won first place
and ninth grader Katelyn Wells won second place. The If I Were Mayor student contest is an annual contest held in partnership with the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA). Students submit entries in one of three categories: • A poster competition for
grades 4-5 • An essay competition for grades 6-8 • A digital media presentation for high school students This was the first year that the City of St. Helens offered both first and second place prizes for winning en-
The St. Helens City Council has announced six winners in the 2021 If I Were Mayor student contest. Fifth grader Anna Richardson won first place in the 4th to 5th grade category.
Vol. 139, No. 17
Paid for by Brian Fawcett for Port Commissioner
Katelyn Wells
tries. First place winners received $150 cash and second place winners received $50 cash. All winners will also be invited to lunch with St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl to talk about their ideas and to See WINNERS Page A9
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St. Helens councilor focus of complaint
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
St. Helens City Councilor Stephen Topaz at a recent city council session. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The St. Helens City Council is the process of reviewing an independent investigators report concerning allegations of harassment against Councilor Stephen Topaz made by a city employee. The council held an open in-person session Tuesday night, April 20, requested by Topaz, to discuss the report, which had not been made public as of Tuesday morning, April 27. No action was taken by the council against Topaz. The issue resurfaced at the end of the regular Wednesday night Zoom city council session, April 21, when Mayor Rick Scholl made a statement about the investigation. “We will put out an executive summary, Scholl said. “We are going to get it first. We’ll look at it. Our employees are very valuable.
We want a safe, respectful work environment so that they should feel welcomed, wanted and needed. We are not going to release any thing that would hurt anybody.” Scholl said the process involving Topaz has been on going for some time. “There was an action item way back when and I think Councilor Topaz seconded that action item to open an investigation into Councilor Topaz’s conduct,” Scholl said. “It has been going on for an extremely long time beyond this council’s control. We are working with legal council. We are working with other personalities. I want to again apologize to our staff who has felt that nothing is being done. We are continuing to work on it. We do value you. We do hear you. Please be patient. This is very unique and very complex. There will be more to learn about this.” St. Helens City Councilor Stephen Topaz has released
the following statement to The Chronicle concerning the city council’s investigation of harassment allegations against him. “No one wants to put anything on paper and until they do, it is unfortunately hearsay,” Topaz said. “Until we see the summary of the investigation report, my attorney and I can’t say anything.” The investigation was coordinated by the city’s Portland-based law firm. Following the April 20 city council meeting, The Chronicle sent City of St. Helens officials specific questions regarding the process for such an investigation. We received the following reply April 22 from City of St. Helens Communications Director Crystal King. “At the April 20 special meeting the council agreed to release an executive summary of the independent investigation of Councilor Stephen Topaz’ conduct,” King said. “This summary report addresses several concerns of workplace harassment, discrimination, and other violations of city policies. We anticipate receipt of the report by weeks end and it will be made public.” Once further details are provided by the city, The Chronicle will update this story. See the Tuesday night council hearing on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=_0w7xxSPprM. Follow this developing story at thechronnicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print edition of The Chronicle.
County facing Extreme High risk JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net ZACK DEMARS worldnews3@countrymedia.net
Skyrocketing cases and COVID-19 hospitalizations could put Columbia County and 11 others in the state’s highest risk classification, which would mean tighter public health and safety restrictions. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said she will eliminate a warning period this week, potentially forcing counties which qualify for the Extreme Risk level of virus restrictions to close indoor dining and recreation by April 30. On Tuesday, April 27, Brown was to announce decisions about moving counties with sharp increases in COVID-19 cases and more hospitalizations back to Extreme High risk. Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com. The effort is to slow what experts have been calling the “fourth surge,” a statewide increase in COVID-19 cases that’s given the state the country’s second-most rapid spread in infections, according to Brown. “Unfortunately today, that surge is here. Right now in the race between vaccines and variants, the variants are gaining ground, and are gaining the upper hand,” Brown said. Hospital impact Health officials painted a dire picture of the state’s hospitals and expressed significant concerns about how continued increases in cases could overwhelm their facilities. “I want to be clear that what is pressuring our capacity is not all COVID patients, but the increasing COVID
numbers on top of the necessary care that we deliver every day,” said Dr. Renee Edwards, the chief medical officer at Oregon Health & Science University. “Our emergency departments are more than full, and we need your help.” Edwards said the state’s hospitals have again begun meeting to consider activating surge plans and canceling some elective procedures to free up capacity. Light at the end of the tunnel During a April 23 news briefing, the governor also offered Oregonians an important light at the end of the tunnel: A projection that the state could see its economy fully reopened by the end of June. “At this moment, we are moving backwards,” Brown said. “Oregon needs to be moving forward. My goal is to get the state back on track to lift the restrictions this pandemic has forced upon us — I think we can get there by the start of summer, but we will all need to work together. “I do think, with all of us working together, that we can get to a place where we lift most restrictions and fully reopen our economy no later than the end of June,” Brown said. “That’s the hill on the horizon. We can climb it together. How quickly we get there is up to each and every one of us.” That reopening could resemble something close to “pre-pandemic life,” the governor said — though simple health measures like maskwearing and social distancing in some settings could still be necessary. But getting to that point will require a high rate of COVID-19 vaccination across
the state, according to Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen. “We can safely reopen before summer if enough of us get vaccinated to protect ourselves and each other,” Allen said. “It’s not enough to hit a target percentage of people who are vaccinated, we can’t leave any community behind.”
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Police Reports The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.
Drugs and reckless driving. The male was transported to jail where he was booked and released on his charges.
All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.
April 21 • Police discovered a stolen vehicle while in the area of NE Williams St. and NE Sawyer St. Two suspects, one from Scappoose and one from Reno, NV. were taken into custody in association of the stolen vehicle and transported to jail on separate charges, including an outstanding warrant out of St. Helens Municipal Court.
For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. St. Helens Police April 14 • Police responded to a disturbance at 175 South Columbia River Highway. April 19 • Police took a report of fraudulent activity in the 100 block of S. 13th Street. • Police cited and released a 41-year-old individual for criminal mischief III following an investigation in the 300 block of S. 19th Street. • Police arrested a 32-year-old female for two outstanding warrant misdemeanor warrants in the 300 block of N. 1st Street. April 20 • Following an investigation in the 500 block of N.10th Street police cited and released a 31-year-old male for harassment. April 23 • Police arrested a 35-year-old male for harassment on Columbia Boulevard near Milton Way. April 25 • Police investigated a report of a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of Macarthur Street. April 26 • Police responded to a theft call in the 35000 block of Noble Road. Scappoose Police April 18 • Police responded to the report of a single vehicle crash in the 51000 block of Columbia River Highway. Following the investigation, a 39-year-old male from Washington was taken into custody for DUII-
April 22 • Police responded to the report of found property at Bi-Mart. It was reported that ping-pong size dark colored solid material wrapped in a plastic baggie was found in the women’s restroom. The substance was later tested and discovered to be black tar heroin. The drugs were placed in evidence at the Scappoose Police Department and set for destruction. April 24 • Police responded to Fred Meyer for a welfare check after the reporting party thought a male subject might be in a mental crisis. The suspect then entered the store and threatened to kill people and used racial slurs. The suspect assaulted a male patron and was escorted out of the store by other citizens. Police followed the subject to Dutch Bros. Coffee while waiting for another unit to arrive. The suspect was later identified as a 35-year-old transient. Police confronted the individual and asked him if needed help. The man replied yes and followed the instructions of the police officer. He was placed into custody and was charged with Bias Crime I. Oregon State Police April 16 • At about 6:34 a.m. Oregon State Police responded to assist Columbia County Sheriff Office at a residence off Scappoose-Vernonia Highway. About an hour prior, the same male had broken into the residence, assaulted a male at the residence and was reported as intoxicated. • As the Oregon State Police was arriving a male left the residence and backed out of the driveway
at a high speed and in a reckless manner. The male continued south on Scappoose-Vernonia Highway at a high rate of speed. Oregon State Police eventually overtook the male and a pursuit ensued. The male was able to get away and was eventually located at a residence off Keasey Road, Vernonia. The male escaped out a back window and was not located by the Columbia County K-9. About an hour later the male came back to the residence and left in the same vehicle at a high rate of speed. The male was not located. April 24 • At about 3:25 p.m. Troopers responded to Highway 30 near milepost 35 for a multi-vehicle unknown injury crash. Before Troopers arrived suspect vehicle fled the scene heading westbound on Highway 30. Rainier Police Department located and stopped the vehicle. Troopers conducted an investigation and the driver was subsequently cited and released for fail to perform the duties of a driver. April 25 • At approximately 6:25 a.m. Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle, non-injury crash on Highway 30 westbound at milepost 57.5. Unit #1 (blue Buick) was westbound on Highway 30 near milepost 57.5 when the driver swerved to avoid a deer on the highway, subsequently crashing into the eastbound ditch. OSP could not locate any damage to the vehicle, however the side curtain airbags deployed on both sides of the vehicle. The driver called for his own tow. • At about 9:20 a.m. Oregon State Police assisted the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) with a physical disturbance at along Doe Ln in Deer Island. The mother to an adult male son had called 9-1-1 to report a disturbance along with being assaulted by her son. The adult male son refused to come out of the house and probable cause was established for his arrest. Entry was made into the house and the male was taken into custody without incident. CCSO advised a temporary no contact order will be put in place, baring the son from returning to the residence until the case is heard by the judge.
Stay hopeful In here weekly newsletter, Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek said it is important to encourage everyone to get vaccinated. “I understand that some people are still skeptical or afraid,” she said. “I celebrate the fact that almost 29% of Oregonians are fully vaccinated and nearly 43% are at least halfway there,” Kotek said. “To put the pandemic truly behind us and keep each other safe, these numbers need to keep going up. Young people who don’t think they’ll get sick need to get vaccinated, otherwise they just become carriers to more vulnerable people. Kotek said everyone needs to continue to do their part to fight the virus. “Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Maintain social distancing. Stay hopeful,” Kotek said. Columbia County expanded its mass vaccinations on Friday, April 23, at the OHSU Scappoose Clinic, at 51377 Southwest Old Portland Road Crossroads Plaza, Unit C, in Scappoose. Appointments are necessary and patience is requested. To reach the clinic, call 503-494-5455. Follow daily pandemic updates at thechronicleonline. com, with in-depth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
COVID COMMUNITY OUTREACH TESTING OHSU IS OFFERING COVID TESTING AT NO COST TO YOU!
Location: Columbia County Fairgrounds located at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR Dates: Wednesdays Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sign up: www.ohsu.edu/COVIDVans
SIGN UP TO GET YOUR TEST AT THIS LOCATION How do I get tested? - Go to URL to sign up for your timeslot. - Please carefully follow registration and scheduling instructions. What else do I need to know? - This is an outdoor testing event, so please dress for the weather. - Testing is for those older than 2 months. - If you tested positive before and do NOT have symptoms, you must wait 90+ days before getting another test. - COVID vaccine will not be provided at these events.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
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St. Helens High School in-person learning AURORA BIGGERS Chronicle Correspondent
It’s week two of the return to a hybrid in-person instruction at St. Helens High School. “I am glad to be going back in person,” St. Helens High School Social studies teacher Keith Meeuwsen said. “It is hard to match the atmosphere in the room compared to online. Kids participate more, try more and learn more.” Meeuwsen said as the at-home-learning continued due to the pandemic restrictions, there was less student participation. They were doing less work and just plain struggling with school,” he said. “By going back we can get them back into a rhythm and get them going again.” Meeuwsen said he is designing his classes with efforts to connect each student to the assignments. “I try to do a lot of discussion and participation activities in my classes,” he said. “I think that is what has been missing and what has made school a lot less fun for kids.” St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner said the return to in-person instruction is critical to the educational success of each student. “Going back in-person feels like a cloud has been lifted,” Wagner said. “Learn-
ing is profoundly social and being able to learn together in the same physical space has so many benefits - socially, emotionally, and academically.”
Going back in-person feels like a cloud has been lifted. ~ Katy Wagner, St. Helens High School Principal
Wagner said over the past year with the pandemic restrictions, the physical closure has been a true learning experience. “We have learned about our own needs for connection, gained resilience, developed as professionals by learning new strategies, technology platforms, and ways to support all students who may have previously struggled in the ‘“traditional” model,”’ she said. “Now, it is time for more growth to apply our new learning back to the in-person model - which will make it even better than before.” According to Wagner, even though there have been frequent pandemic health and safety information changes, state and county health and education officials have continued to provide important details to the school district. “I have been impressed
Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle
St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner said returning for the last two months of school could be the difference between a student dropping out of high school or finishing high school strong and with an optimism for the future.
by the timeliness of the guidance and accessibility of our leaders,” she said. “There isn’t a blueprint for how to lead during a pandemic, and Oregon has demonstrated outstanding leadership for education given the circumstances.” Wagner said public schools have a duty - a moral and ethical obligation - to educate all students. “Each student’s situation is unique and some families and students have struggled throughout,” she said. “Mental health has been a major concern due to the changing routines and uncertainty. Motivation can be negatively impacted by learned helplessness, brought on by
a negative and uncontrollable situation. Students who may not have strong support systems or already struggle with motivation, self-worth, sense of belonging, and selfcompassion often need that in-person interaction to find success.” Wagner said returning for
the last two months of school could be the difference between a student dropping out of high school or finishing high school strong and with an optimism for the future. “We won’t give up on our students who need us the most,” she said. Wagner described the
high school’s first period of each day as Enrichment, which allows for learning important school skills as the students return to in-person in addition to social-emotional activities, such as Community Circles. “This will allow students to process their experiences in a safe environment, feel welcomed, and develop a sense of belonging in our school community,” Wagner said. Wagner said to follow the state’s pandemic health and safety guidelines, all staff and students complete their health screening at home before arriving at school, which helps the school track attendance and see any health patterns that may develop. “All staff and students are expected to wear approved masks at all times,” she said. “Nearly all of our classrooms are still following the 6-foot distance guidance and we have moved to a two-lunch schedule in two different common eating areas to reduce exposure while masks are off.”
Columbia County’s key indicators JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The latest key indicators report from the Oregon Employment Department shows Columbia County’s employment rate at 6.9% in March, compared to 5% in March of 2020. Overall, the number of unemployed in the county fell by approximately 350 but still up over 2,900 from March 2020. The report lists job gains in retail trade and professional and business services. Job losses occurred in the leisure and hospitality sector and local public education in Columbia County. The report also lists the top occupations in Northwest Oregon with the highest number of job vacancies, which include maids and housekeeping cleaners,
Illustration courtesy of the Oregon Employment Department
heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, registered nurses, nursing assistants, retail salespersons, cashiers, office clerks, and desk clerks for motels, hotels and resorts. The key indicators help track how the region economies are doing, the overall
health of local economies, what adjustments businesses are making and are used to interpret current and future investment possibilities. For more information, contact the Oregon Employment Department at 541574-2306.
May is National Electrical Safety Month Please Stay Safe MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content
The nature of work in the electric industry forces our employees to emphasize safety. One simple misstep could have disastrous results. While that’s especially true when working around highvoltage power lines, it’s also important to prioritize electrical safety around the home and in everyday life. Because May is National Electrical Safety Month, I thought it’d be a good time to pass along some reminders to help stay safe around electricity. Each year, electrical malfunctions contribute to 35,000 home fires, leading to 1,100 injuries, 500 deaths, and more than $1 billion in property damage. Keeping your home’s electrical system up to date and being aware of your surroundings can help prevent you from joining those statistics. Overloaded circuits are one of the primary causes of home electrical fires. Here are a few things you can do to help avoid them: • Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances. • Only plug one heatproducing appliance into an outlet at a time. • Label your circuit breakers to understand the different electrical circuits in your home. • If your home is more than 40 years old or you’ve recently installed a major
appliance, have your home inspected by a qualified electrician. • Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting. If you notice that your breakers are tripping frequently or the lights in your home dim when other devices are turned on, your system may be overloaded. Also beware of buzzing or discolored outlets, as these too may indicate an overloaded system. For many of us, now is the time of year for projects around the house. If that means power tools, please be careful with them and with their cords. Don’t place cords in places where people will trip over them. Make sure not to place them in water or puddles either. If you can see the wires inside of a power cord, you should not use that cord. You can help keep your cords in good condition by pulling on the plug to disconnect them instead of pulling on the cord. It’s common to need extension cords when working on certain projects. Please remember that extension cords should be used only for temporary purposes, not
permanently. When working on outdoor projects, always be aware of the location of power lines. Be especially careful when you’re working near the power lines attached to your house. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from any power lines. Don’t trim any trees or branches that are close to the power lines. Instead, please call us at (503) 397-1844 or visit crpud.net/trees so our tree crews can do the work for you at no charge. As always, never go near downed power lines. Even if they are on the ground, they may still be energized. Electricity is a tremendous tool and makes so many of our day-to-day activities easier and more convenient. It can also be very dangerous. So please stay safe and be careful around electricity.
Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Opinion
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Viewpoints
Oregon Legislature report BRAD WITT Chronicle Guest Article
House Democrats and Republicans earlier this month reached an agreement to suspend the full reading of bills on the floor and to split membership on the redistricting committee so an equal number of lawmakers from each party will serve on the panel. This compromise agreement has already expedited the passage of bills off the House floor. Hopefully it will also foster bipartisan cooperation in the redrawing of congressional and state legislative district boundaries to align with the results of the 2020 census. Unfortunately, multiple COVID-19 exposures may have occurred on the House floor Monday, April 19. Out of an abundance of caution, and to keep lawmakers and staff safe, the House adjourned until Monday, April 26. Committee work continued remotely. The legislature is like many segments of our community, in that we have had to find creative ways to get things done due to the spread of COVID-19. As an example, in response to the pandemic, doctors and other medical professionals have found themselves relying on telemedicine. HB 2508 codifies many of the advancements achieved through telemedicine over the past year. Once recognized as a promising way to expand health care in rural and underserved communities, telemedicine has now become vital to our health care delivery system HB 2508 updates Oregon’s telehealth statutes, clarifying that telemedicine services have coverage and reimbursement parity for public and private insurers. I signed onto this bill as a regular sponsor, and was pleased to see it approved on a House floor vote of 56-1 before moving to the Senate. Having to wait a week before the House can reconvene is extremely frustrating, as there is much work to be done to deal with many critical issues now facing our state.
Oregon’s homelessness One problem that has been getting progressively worse is homelessness. In all parts of Oregon many people are struggling to find adequate affordable housing, and sometimes find themselves sleeping outside. HB 3115 would protect homeless people from fines or arrest for sleeping or camping on public property when there is no other option. This bill largely follows the federal court ruling in “Martin v. City of Boise” and bars criminalization of sleeping outdoors if there are no viable options for indoor shelter. Cities and town can still pass ordinances to regulate sleeping or camping on public property, but they must take into account the resources available to homeless individuals and the impact of regulations on persons experiencing homelessness. Finding a solution to the problem of homelessness will take work and investment. This session’s Oregon Legislative Housing priorities include $47 million for shelter support and navigation centers and $50 million for permanent support housing construction. HB 3115 passed on a 36-22 floor vote and moves to the Senate. Wildfire legislation Before floor sessions were suspended, this past week I was honored as chief sponsor, to carry two bills on the floor relating to wildlife issues. HB 3152 allows ODFW to operate wildlife inspection stations, to prevent the spread of disease and to deter poaching by monitoring compliance with harvest rules and regulations. Wildlife check points will be similar to Oregon’s watercraft checkpoints which are already in place and working to keep invasive aquatic species from contaminating Oregon waters. ODFW inspectors could prevent the unlawful importation of deer, elk or moose harvested from areas in other states known to have Chronic Wasting Disease.
ODFW believes check stations would provide an important protective layer to keep Oregon’s wildlife healthy, and they do not need additional staff to implement these checkpoints. HB 3152 received a unanimous House floor vote and moves to the Senate. HB 3163 amends residency as it relates to the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, tags and permits. This legislation requires that a person physically reside in Oregon not less than 6 months prior to applying for a resident hunting or fishing license and tag. They cannot merely own property or pay property taxes in Oregon, or claim resident privileges in another state. HB 3163 came from an anti-poaching workgroup through discussion with law enforcement officials who are finding it difficult to prosecute wildlife offenders with dual state residency. This bill received a unanimous House floor vote, and moves to the Senate for consideration. Stay in touch Again, due to the rising number of infections, and the COVID-19 health protection restrictions, the Capitol building remains closed to the public. You are still able to view the committee work and weigh in on bills and other issues. This can be done in writing, by phone or by computer link-up. It has never been more important to be a part of the process. If you have concerns or comment about a state issue, agency or proposed legislation, please contact my office. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of Representatives as we undertake this important work together. Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt
Weekly Online Poll
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Voices of the Community Scappoose School Board Election Voters in Scappoose School District have an opportunity in the upcoming May election to vote for three of the seven positions on the School Board. We have the privilege of knowing three of the candidates for the various positions and strongly recommend Summer Hoag, Gwynn Klobes and Phil Lager for those positions. Summer, Gwynn and Phil would bring a broad spectrum of personal experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to the Board. They each have unique personal backgrounds of professional and social accomplishments as well as a history of understanding and dealing with the multiple social and economic issues
that impact the public education system. We are confident these candidates bring a good understanding of the Board Members role in providing quality education for our grandchildren and all the students of the District. They have proven public service and professional development skills. They demonstrate great community support and deserve our support. Please join us in voting for Summer, Phil and Gwynn. George and Vicki Dunkel Scappoose
Scappoose Fire District Levy We are urging all voters in the Scappoose Rural Fire District to vote yes on the proposed replacement levy Measure 5-285 for emergency service operations.
Throughout the years we have personally called upon the Scappoose Fire District for both fire and ambulance services. The quality of service provided has always been excellent with very professional EMT/Firefighter personnel arriving to help, as well as quick response times. We could not imagine life in our community continuing without these vital services. A YES vote will allow the Fire District to keep up with the increasing demands for service by adding three additional Firefighter/EMT personnel, and an ambulance replacement. These changes will allow the Fire District to maintain and improve on the excellent service they already provide. Please join us by voting yes on Measure 5-285 on May 18th. Kyle & Cathy Horness Scappoose
Port of Columbia County sees economic growth ahead DOUGLAS HAYES Chronicle Guest Article
The Port of Columbia County plays an important role in the attraction, retention, and expansion of businesses in the port district, which spans the entire 51-miles of Columbia River frontage of Columbia County, Oregon. The top priority for the Port in 2021 continues to be economic growth, specifically development at the Scappoose Airport, McNulty Creek Industrial Park in St. Helens, and Port Westward Industrial Park in Clatskanie. The Port recently completed a 31,500-squarefoot building at Scappoose Airport that is currently available for lease to a
light industrial tenant for aviation uses. The building includes 27,000 square feet of clear-span hangar space with complete fire protection and 4,500 square feet of office space. The Port worked closely with local and State Fire Marshal’s offices, State Building Codes Division, and other key stakeholders to implement a suitable and affordable fire protection solution for this project, possibly making it a model for new airport projects statewide. The Port has completed additional projects at the airport in recent years, including the Taxiway-B Relocation Project and the Airpark Water/Sewer Project that brought sanitary sewer service to the west side of the airport. These capital
investments provide capacity for future growth, both inside and outside the airport fence. The Port intends to develop a portion of the 47acre, certified shovel-ready site at McNulty Creek for Composites Universal Group (CUG), a longtime tenant of the Port’s at Multnomah Industrial Park. CUG signed a letter of intent for a builtto-suit, 48,000-square-foot building of production, warehouse, and office space. CUG currently employs 60 workers in St. Helens and is looking for a new space where they can continue to expand their growing business. The Port is also in negotiations to build an additional 32,000-square-foot
The Chronicle
building at McNulty Creek. A new commercial tenant has signed a letter of intent for 16,000 square feet of the space, while the other half of the building will be available for commercial or industrial lease. The Port will soon start the bidding process for the design and engineering phase for both projects. At Port Westward, Global Partners received and shipped their first load of renewable diesel in February of 2021. Global Partners plans to transload renewable diesel for a minimum of five years. Renewable diesel is a cleaner fuel derived from plant and animal byproducts and can be used in any diesel engine. It can help reduce greenhouse emissions and help meet state and federal
climate standards. There is huge demand for renewable diesel, driven in part by government climate policy. Additionally, the Port is working with NEXT Renewable Fuels to build a $1.6 billion renewable diesel production facility at Port Westward. When complete, the NEXT Renewable facility will have capacity to produce approximately 50,000 barrels a day of renewable diesel fuel. Renewable diesel is different than other biofuels because it is a fully replaceable product to current diesel fuel and based on initial production, the net emissions savings will be equal to removing 1 million vehicles from the road. The facility will position Oregon—and Port Westward—as a leader
The Chronicle (USPS 610-380) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 S. Columbia Blvd., P.O. Box 1153 St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Periodicals postage paid at St. Helens, OR 97051
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in advanced biofuels production. Currently in the permitting phase, NEXT hopes to have approvals on a timeline to begin construction in the first quarter of 2022. Based on this timeline, it is scheduled to open at Port Westward in 2024. More than 800 jobs will be created during the construction phase and more than 200 full time, highly paid and skilled jobs will be created once it is operating. For more news and information about the Port see www.portofcolumbiacounty. org. Douglas Hayes is the Executive Director of the Port of Columbia County. He may be reached at 503-397-2888.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in county: $8 1 month out of county: $10 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80
CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • Website: www.thechronicleonline.com • Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net Advertising: atrull@countrymedia.net or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net • FOLLOW US • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle 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
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
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Obituaries George G. VanDolah
March 19, 1930 ~ April 20, 2021
George went home to meet his heavenly father on April 20, 2021. George served in the U.S. Military Army as a police officer and worked in the Multnomah Plywood. He loved family, singing, playing cards and above all, serving the Lord. He is proceeded in death by his father Noble VanDolah; mother Maude H.
VanDolah; wife Margorie VanDolah brothers, Joseph, Noble (Nobie), Harry, Edwin, John, Clifford (Bud), Marion and James; sisters, Julia Stephens, Amelia Bloomer, Berniece (Niecy) Gunn, Harriett King and Elizebeth (Babe) White. He is survived by sisters, Charlotte Comfort, Pear Gebhart, Alta Fairchild and Clarice Sweet. George was an uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was loved by all. George lived his last two years at the Columbia Care Center in Scappoose, Oregon. He was so happy there and expressed his gratitude for his home there. We wish to thank each and every caregiver, nurse and clergy for their kindness. A service will be held at his graveside at 2 p.m. on May 14, 2021 at Columbia Memorial Gardens.
Douglas Scheider
June 15, 1947 ~ April 21, 2021
Douglas Scheider 73, of Scappoose, Oregon, passed away April 21, 2021 in Scappoose, Oregon.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
This public demonstration in front of the Columbia County Courthouse in June was one of many held across the nation following the death of George Floyd during a police arrest in Minneapolis. See more photos and previous coverage with this story at thechronicleonline.com.
Derek Chauvin verdict reaction JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Derek Chauvin is scheduled to be sentenced June 16. A Minneapolis jury issued its verdict Tuesday, April 20, finding the former police officer guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. The incident occurred after Floyd was pulled over by Minneapolis police. Floyd’s death triggered community rallies and marches across the nation and in St. Helens last summer.
Local, regional reaction
St. Helens Police Chief Brian Greenway tells the Chronicle he hopes the verdict builds a better sense of community trust that no one is above the law, including police officers. “This decision reinforces the continued need for law enforcement agencies to be transparent regarding our training and policies, to be accountable for our actions, and to engage with community members,” Greenway said. “This case was the catalyst that began discussions about positive police reforms across
the nation.” According to Greenway, the case has led to greater collaboration as all sides come to the table to work together on police reform. “It also proves that all law enforcement needs to continue to work with our communities to make sure that our policies are just,” Greenway said. “Our goal should always be to prevent a situation like this case from progressing this far. To that end, a number of police reforms have already occurred at a local and state level to help prevent something like this from happening in St. Helens or Oregon.” Greenway said the case also underscores his continued advocacy for increased training for St. Helens officers. “Our officers are only as good as their training, so the more that we can train in de-escalation techniques and following sound policies and procedures, the better our officers become.” Greenway said. “I ask the community to come alongside us in this effort so that we can ensure we continue to have some of the best officers in our area working for the St. Helens Police Department.” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said he hopes the verdict will begin healing the nation. “I believe this case has pushed the entire law enforcement community to take a closer look at the policies, training and culture of policing,” Pixley said. “As Sheriff, it is my responsibility to ensure that CCSO evolves and modernizes our practices and continues to strengthen relationships in the communities that we have sworn to protect and serve.” Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said the significance of the verdict cannot be overstated. “This trial was vastly more than just a police officer on trial for the murder of a man,” Schmidt said.” It was about
humanity and sanctity of Black life. It proved excessive force is a weapon. Although this verdict delivered justice in one case, it will not, by itself, transform the criminal justice system that took the life of George Floyd.” Schmidt said the this struggle is not over. “The verdict will not, by itself, protect the next George Floyd,” Schmidt said. “Now, we must take what we know — what we’ve learned from this trial — and find the strength to bring about transformative change in institutions across our country, and to heal and reestablish trust. This moment must serve to remind us of the tremendous gulf between where we are and where we truly must be.” State, federal reaction Oregon Governor Kate Brown said George Floyd’s death shook the nation to its core and the verdict is one step towards the goal of racial justice and police accountability. “It is also a reminder of how much work we have left to do,” Brown said. “We will dismantle the structures of racism and inequality in this country just as they were built, brick by brick.” Brown said the police accountability reform will not be easy and won’t come overnight. “The path to a more just and equitable Oregon begins with understanding,” Brown said. “Understanding our state and our nation’s deeply racist history, and resolving to work together to build a better future for this generation and those to come.” “Real justice would be George Floyd being alive today,” Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said. “This verdict is only one step in the march to justice. That destination will be reached only when accountability like today’s verdict becomes the rule of law.”
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
www.thechronicleonline.com
CH21-1668
NOTICE PUB LIC MEETING OF THE BUDGET COMMITTEE OF ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT 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, 2021 to June 30, 2022, will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Please note that in light of the COVID-19 statewide restrictions and in keeping with the efforts of social distancing to reduce
the spread of the Coronavirus, the meeting of the St. Helens School District #502 Budget Committee will be conducted online, rather than in person. Please use the following link for the livestream feed during the meeting: https://youtu.be/ GO0FvIH4qts. 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, May 19, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Please use the following link for the livestream feed during
the meeting: https://youtu. be/jNujoRcK03o. With respect to social distancing recommendations, the Budget Committee will only accept written comment or testimony for the May 19, 2021 meeting. Please submit comment or testimony electronically to (https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLSf7UUDtRb0s5 Sipy9fM94EB0BtWoDx4 XpR0tX0A64MBKJzZXg/
viewform?usp=sf_link) or by mail addressed to the St. Helens School District #502 Budget Committee, 474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. Clearly label as public comment or testimony. All public comments submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021 will be presented to the Budget Committee at the May 19, 2021 meeting. The St. Helens School District Budget
Committee remains committed to the public comment process and will consider all public comments submitted. A copy of the proposed budget document will be made available on the Budget webpage on or after May 5, 2021. A copy of this notice is also posted on the St. Helens School District website at www.sthelens.k12.or.us. To be published: Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ANNEXATION CH21-1674
File: Annexation A.2.21 Steven & Stefanie Weber A request has been made to annex certain property to the City. Along with this annexation request the City will address amendments to the City Zoning District Map and City Comprehensive Plan Map from County Single-Family Residential (R-10) to City Moderate Residential (R7) or City Suburban Residential (R10) and whether the site will be annexed as an established or developing area as provided by SHMC 17.112.020 (1) and (2), respectively. The approximate 0.35 acre site, owned by Steven & Stefanie Weber is located at 505 N. Vernonia Road and is also currently identified by Columbia County Tax Assessor Map Number 4N1W5BA-4300. The City of St. Helens Planning Commission hearing for a recommendation to the City Council will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at (or after) 7:15 PM. The City Council hearing for a decision will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at (or after) 6:55 PM. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s
declared state of emergency (March 8, 2020) and subsequent Executive Order No. 20-16 (April 15, 2020), the public hearing will be held virtually via a phone-and-internet based application instead of the Council Chambers. The hearings will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. Testimony from the public in both oral and written form is invited. For public health reasons, you are strongly encouraged to participate by mail or email (in advance of the hearing), or virtually to attend the hearing. Information to join the meeting will be included at the end of the Planning Commission and City Council agendas once available or you may go to our calendar and click on the meeting you wish to attend: https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings Pursuant to SHMC 17.28.030 the approval standards for annexation are: (1) The decision to approve, approve with modification, or
deny an application to annex property to the city shall be based on the following criteria: (a) Adequate public facilities are available to the area and have sufficient capacity to provide service for the proposed annexation area; and (b) Comply with comprehensive plan amendment standards and zoning ordinance amendment standards and not be in conflict with applicable comprehensive plan policies and implementing ordinances; and (c) Complies with state laws; and (d) Abutting roads must meet city standards or property owner will be required to sign and record an irrevocable consent to local improvement district; and (e) Property exceeding 10 acres in gross size must show a need on the part of the city for such land if it is designated residential (e.g., less than five years’ supply of like designated lands in current city limits). (2) The plan designation and the zoning designation placed on the property shall be the city’s zoning district which most closely implements the city’s comprehensive plan map designation. (3) The determi-
nation of whether the property is an established area or a developing area will be based on the standards contained in Chapter 17.112 SHMC. Pursuant to SHMC 17.08.040 (1) (a) the approval standards for the Zone & Comprehensive Map amendments are: (i) The applicable comprehensive plan policies and map designation; and that the change will not adversely affect the health, safety, and welfare of the community; and (ii) The applicable Oregon Statewide Planning Goals adopted under ORS Chapter 197, until acknowledgment of the comprehensive plan and ordinances; and (iii) The standards applicable of any provision of this code or other applicable implementing ordinance. Pursuant to SHMC 17.08.060, whether or not the annexation will have a “significant affect” on a transportation facility (Transportation Planning Rule compliance). Pursuant to SHMC 17.112.030 (2) the decision for classifying annexed property as an established or developing area shall be based as they are defined per SHMC 17.112.020 as follows: (1) Es-
tablished Area. (a) An “established area” is an area where the land is not classified as buildable land under OAR 66008-0005; (b) An established area may include some small tracts of vacant land (tracts less than an acre in size) provided the tracts are surrounded by land which is not classified as buildable land; and (c) An area shown on a zone map or overlay map as an established area. (2) Developing Area. A “developing area” is an area which is included in the city’s buildable land inventory under the provisions of OAR except as provided by subsection (1) (b) of this section. Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, at a hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g. the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit
court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to each hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. As City Hall is closed during this pandemic, please contact someone in the Planning Department to make arrangements to review the file. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www. sthelensoregon.gov/meetings as part of the applicable agenda packet. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503397-6272, e-mail: jdimsho@ ci.st-helens.or.us, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person (by appointment only) at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CH21-1671
CH21-1676
NOTICE OF LAPSE OF DORMANT MINERAL INTERESTS NOTICE OF LAPSE OF DORMANT MINERAL INTERESTS Notice of Extinguishing Dormant Mineral Interests Pursuant to
Notice of Extinguishing Dormant Mineral Interests Pursuant to ORS 517.170 through 517.180 ORS 517.170 through 517.180
PUBLIC NOTICE COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT
Special Board Meeting on May 3, 2021 6:00 p.m. The Board of Directors of the CoNames of Holders: William A. Roozen, Helen M. Roozen, Thomas F. (collectively lumbia River People’s Utility District (CRPUD) will meet Shane, Fay Annette Shane, Daniel H. Miller, and Carol "Holders") in Special Session on MonJean Miller es of Holders: William A. Roozen, Helen M. Roozen, Thomas F. (collectively day, May 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to hold an Executive Session Holders' Last Known Estate of William A. Fay Annette Shane and Shane, Fay Annette Shane, Daniel H. Miller, and Carol "Holders") pursuant to ORS 192.660(2) Addresses: Roozen and Estate of Estate of Thomas F. Shane Jean Miller (h) which allows the Board to Helen M. Roozen 18130 McLean Rd
c/o Roozengaarde
Mount Vernon, WA
ers' Last Known Estate of William A. Fay Annette Shane and 16031 Beaver Marsh Rd 98273-8794 Mount Vernon, WA Estate of Thomas F. Shane esses: Roozen and Estate of 98273 Fay Annette Shane and Helen M. Roozen 18130 McLean Rd Estate of Thomas F. Shane c/o Roozengaarde Mount Vernon, WA Estate of William A. 18019 Bradshaw Rd Roozen and Estate of Mount Vernon, WA 98273 16031 Beaver Marsh Rd 98273-8794 Helen M. Roozen Mount Vernon, WA 15995 Beaver Marsh Rd 98273 Mount Vernon, WA Fay Annette Shane and 98273 Estate of Thomas F. Shane Estate of William A. 18019 Bradshaw Rd Carol Jean Miller and Roozen and Estate of Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Estate of Daniel H. Miller 17693 Shalyce Pl Helen M. Roozen Mount Vernon, WA 15995 Beaver Marsh Rd 98274-7786 Mount Vernon, WA Name of Party 98273 Lower Columbia Tree Farm, LLC, ("Owner") Giving Notice: a Delaware limited liability company Address of Party Carol Jean Miller and Lower Columbia Tree Farm, LLC Giving Notice: c/o Perkins Coie LLP Estate of Daniel H. Miller 1120 NW Couch St Tenth Floor 17693 Shalyce Pl Portland, OR 97209 Mount Vernon, WA Attn: Seth J. King 98274-7786 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE east quarter to a point which is Southeast quarter to the point of that Owner is the owner of 664.1 feet from the West line beginning. PARCEL C: Begine of Party Lower Columbia Tree Farm, LLC, the property described below of the Southeast quarter of said ning at a point in center of ditch (“Property”). Each Holder has Section. ALSO EXCEPTING that is South 89º49’ West 87.3 g Notice: a Delaware limited liability company a mineral interest in a porTHEREFROM a certain road feet from the Northeast corner tion of the Property under that
30 feet wide along and adjacent
publication pursuant to ORS 517.180 is on April 21, 2021. A Holder must submit a Statement of Claim to the Columbia County Clerk within sixty (60) days after the last date of publication of this Notice or the Holder’s mineral interest will be extinguished. The last date of publication will be on May 5, 2021. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY AFFECTED The following parcels of land located in Columbia County, Oregon, more particularly described as follows: PARCEL A: Government Lot 11, Section 3, Township 7 North, Range 5 West of the Willamette Meridian, in the County of Columbia and State of Oregon; ALSO, that portion of the East one half of Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter and that portion of the Southeast quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 3, Township 7 North, Range 5 West of the Willamette Meridian, in the County of Columbia and State of Oregon, lying Northerly of the Northerly boundary line of the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway; EXCEPTING THEREFROM the following: Beginning at a point that North 89º07’ East 664.1 feet and North 1º24’ East 20 feet from the onequarter section corner between Sections 3 and 10, Township 7 North, Range 5 West of the Willamette Meridian, in the County of Columbia and State of Oregon; thence North 1º24’ East 871.2 feet; thence North 89º07’ East 500 feet; thence South 1º24’ West 871.2 feet to a point that is North 1º24’ East 20 feet from the South line of Section 3; thence South 89º07’ West 500 feet to the point of beginning. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM 20 foot road along the South line of the Southwest quarter of the South-
Drainage District recorded February 24, 1920 in Book 29, page 30, Deed Records of Columbia County, Oregon. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion described in Deed to Columbia County, recorded August 23, 1994, Fee No. 94-8194, Records of Columbia County, Oregon. PARCEL B: Beginning at the Southwest corner of the Northwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 3, Township 7 North, Range 5 West of the Willamette Meridian, in the County of Columbia and State of Oregon; thence East 400 feet to the true point of beginning of the following described tract; thence from this true point of beginning North 800 feet, more or less, along a drainage ditch to a slough; thence following the meanderings of said slough in a general Northerly direction to its intersection with the North line of said Northwest quarter of the Southeast quarter at a point 160 feet East of the center of said Section 3; thence continuing along said slough in a Northeasterly direction to a point that is North 210 feet and East 400 feet from the center of said Section 3; thence Southeasterly along said slough to its intersection with the North line of the Northwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 3 at a point 830 feet East from the center of said section; thence East to the Northeast corner of Northwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 3, Township 7 North, Range 5 West of the Willamette Meridian, in the County of Columbia and State of Oregon; thence South along the East line of said Northwest quarter of the Southeast quarter to the Southeast corner thereof; thence West along the South line of said Northwest quarter of the
certain Warranty Deed recorded to and North of said railway ess of Party Lower Columbia Tree Farm, LLC on April 8, 1981, at Book 236 right of way over the Southg Notice: c/o Perkins Coie LLP Page 443 et seq. in Columeast quarter of the Southeast bia County Deed Records, quarter of said section. ALSO 1120 NW Couch St reserving a mineral interest in EXCEPTING from Governfavor of William A. Roozen, ment Lot 11 and the Southeast Tenth Floor Helen M. Roozen, Thomas quarter of Southeast quarter F. Shane, Fay Annette Shane, the rights of way and parcel Portland, OR 97209 Daniel H. Miller, and Carol of land as granted by Lizzie Jean Miller. The firstAttn: Seth J. King date of W. Tandy et vir to Marshland
of the Southwest quarter of the Northeast quarter of Section 3, Township 7 North, Range 5 West of Willamette Meridian, in the County of Columbia and State of Oregon; thence along the North line of the Southwest quarter of the Northeast quarter and Lot 6 of said Section 3, South 89º49’ West 1772 feet to the Southerly bank of Westport Slough; thence along the bank of said slough South 36º50’ West 306 feet and South 48º33’ West 306 feet to the corner of a tract of land conveyed to Richard Kent Magruder by deed recorded February 14, 1947 in Book 92, page 179, Deed Records of Columbia County, Oregon; thence South 29º27’ East 385.0 feet to the Northerly Bank of District Holding Basin No. 4; thence along said Northerly bank in a Southeasterly and thence Easterly direction to an intersection with the East line of Government Lot 6 in said Section 3 at a distance of 155 feet Northerly from the Southeast corner thereof; thence along said Northerly bank in a general Easterly direction to an intersection with the center of a ditch at a point that is South 89º31’ West 512.3 feet from the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of the Northeast quarter of said Section 3; thence along center of said ditch, North 89º31’ East 425.0 feet; thence along center of ditch, North 1º27 ½’ East 1319 feet to the place of beginning. PARCEL D: All of the Government Lots 3 and 10 and a rectangular tract of land comprising 2.60 acres within Government Lot 4 adjacent to and abutting up the entire East line of said Lot 4, and a rectangular tract of land comprising 2.65 acres within, adjacent to and abutting upon the entire East line of the Southwest quarter of the Northeast quarter, all being in Section 3, Township 7 North, Range 5 West of the Willamette Meridian, in the County of Columbia and State of Oregon. By OWNER: LOWER COLUMBIA TREE FARM, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company By: Seth J. King, Perkins Coie LLP Title: Attorney at Law
be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting Monica Cannon at 397-1844. CRPUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager.
NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Pursuant to ORS 294.401, that a public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Northwest Regional Education Service District, Washington County, Oregon, will be held virtually on the 18th day of May, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. 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 proposed programs with the Budget Committee. In response to the current health emergency resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, NWRESD facilities are currently closed to the public and meetings are being held virtually. Public comment will be taken in written and virtual formats. Written comments received by 5 pm on May 14, 2021 will be read during the public comment section of the meeting on May 18, 2021. Public comments will be subject to a three-minute limit per community member. For more information on public
comment, please provide your name, phone number, and address to the Board Secretary via phone message at 503-614-1401, or email to lslyh@nwresd.org. A copy of the budget document may be viewed online at www. nwresd.org on or after May 14, 2021, or via email request to lslyh@nwresd.org, or via phone message at 503-6141401. A copy of this notice is also posted on the Northwest Regional ESD website at www.nwresd.org. Dan Goldman, Budget Officer and Tami Montague, Chief Financial Officer
CH21-1682
COLUMBIA RIVER FIRE & RESCUE PUBLIC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE: Demolition, project management and remodel ("Owner") services for CRFR Administrative building located at 270 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens OR Notice is hereby given River Fire & that Columbia Rescue is seeking proposals from qualified firms for demolition, project management and remodel services of the CRFR Administrative building. Proposals will be received until, but not after, 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2021 at Columbia River
Fire & Rescue Administrative Office, 270 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Proposals that are received after the closing time will not be accepted for any reason and will be returned unopened. Delivery to an office other than the office identified above is not acceptable. The District may reject any proposal not in compliance with all prescribed public bidding procedures and requirements and may reject for good cause any or all proposals upon a
finding of the Districts that it is in the public interest to do so. The Columbia River Fire & Rescue Board of Directors reserve the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive any and all informalities in the best interest of the Districts. Columbia River Fire & Rescue is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. Dated April 26, 2021 Marit Nelson, Director of Finance & Human Resources, Columbia River Fire & Rescue
CH21-1681 NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING
FORM LB-1
A public meeting of the Greater St. Helens Aquatic District will be held on May 17, 2021 at 5:00 pm at 1070 Eisenschmidt Lane, St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 as approved by the Greater St. Helens Aquatic District Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at 1070 Eisenschmidt Lane, St. Helens, between the hours of 8-11 am or 4-8 pm. This budget is for an
Telephone: 503-397-2283
Contact: Anne Scholz
Email: epool@eswim.net
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS Actual Amount 2019-20 176,038 Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital Federal, State & all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations & Donations 8,753 All Other Resources Except Current Year Property Taxes 158,126 Current Year Property Taxes Estimated to be Received 459,662 Total Resources 802,579
Adopted Budget This Year 2020-21 120,000 200 185,900 420,000 726,100
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION 418,519 196,616 46,895 42 0 662,072
Personnel Services Materials and Services Capital Outlay Debt Service Contingencies Total Requirements
Approved Budget Next Year 2021-22 100,000 10,200 136,300 470,000 716,500
456,700 228,500 20,000 500 20,400 726,100
418,200 185,450 60,000 31,200 21,650 716,500
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM * Name Greater St. Helens Aquatic District FTE General Fund General Fund 662,072 726,100 FTE 9 5 Total Requirements 662,072 726,100 Total FTE 9 5 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING *
716,500 8 716,500 8
COVID has changed all activities. Retained a loan through Columbia Pacific Economic Development District for $70,000 for boiler replacement to be repaid within 3 years.
Permanent Rate Levy
(rate limit .2347 per $1,000)
LONG TERM DEBT General Obligation Bonds Other Bonds Other Borrowings Total 150-504-073-2 (Rev. 11-18)
PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed 2019-20 .2347
Rate or Amount Imposed This Year 2021-22 .2347
STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1, 2021 $0 $0 $45,000 $45,000
Rate or Amount Approved Next Year 2021-22 .2347
Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1, 2021 $0 $0 $0 $0
CH21-1672
NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING A public meeting of the Port of Columbia County Budget Committee, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, will be held on Wednesday May 12, 2021 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 an electronic Zoom meet-
ing. https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86214701813 Meeting ID: 862 1470 1813 Passcode: 982092 Or call in to 1 (253) 215 – 8782 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 call in to the meeting and dis-
cuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 5, 2021 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 (on or after May 5, 2021) at www. portofcolumbiacounty.org
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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 July1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 will be held on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 at 11:15am at the Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of the meeting is to receive
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consult with counsel concerning legal rights and duties regarding current litigation or litigation likely to be filed, and any other business that may come before the Board. CRPUD Board meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for further accommodations should
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, 2021 at https://exten-
sion.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 digitally over Zoom and by phone or by other electronic means. Information about the hearing process will be placed on the Extension Service website above.
NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, will be held at 230 Strand Street St. Helens, Oregon 97051. The meetings will take place on May 5, 2021 and May 10, 2021 through May 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive
the budget message and to columbiacountyor.gov/dereceive comment from the partments/Finance). Notice: public on the budget. This If the Pandemic precautions is a public meeting where are still in place on May deliberations of the Budget 5, 2021 and May 10, 2021 Committee will take place. through May 14, 2021, the Any person may appear at meetings will be conducted the meeting and discuss the digitally by phone or by proposed programs with other electronic means. the Budget Committee. A Information about the meetcopy of the budget docuings and public comment ment may be inspected or process will be placed on obtained on or after May the Columbia County web5, 2021 at (https://www. site, above. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
www.thechronicleonline.com
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Public Notices CH21-1675
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ANNEXATION File: Annexation A.1.21 Roy & Jinkee McCullough A request has been made to annex certain property to the City. Along with this annexation request the City will address amendments to the City Zoning District Map and City Comprehensive Plan Map from County SingleFamily Residential (R-10) to City Moderate Residential (R7) or City Suburban Residential (R10) and whether the site will be annexed as an established or developing area as provided by SHMC 17.112.020 (1) and (2), respectively. The approximate 0.54 acre site, owned by Roy & Jinkee McCullough is located at 35111 Six Dees Lane and is also currently identified by Columbia County Tax Assessor Map Number 4N1W5CC-1701. The City of St. Helens Planning Commission hearing for a recommendation to the City Council will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at (or after) 7:00 PM. The City Council hearing for a decision will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at (or after) 6:50 PM. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s declared state of
emergency (March 8, 2020) and subsequent Executive Order No. 20-16 (April 15, 2020), the public hearing will be held virtually via a phoneand-internet based application instead of the Council Chambers. The hearings will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. Testimony from the public in both oral and written form is invited. For public health reasons, you are strongly encouraged to participate by mail or email (in advance of the hearing), or virtually to attend the hearing. Information to join the meeting will be included at the end of the Planning Commission and City Council agendas once available or you may go to our calendar and click on the meeting you wish to attend: https://www. sthelensoregon.gov/meetings Pursuant to SHMC 17.28.030 the approval standards for annexation are: (1) The decision to approve, approve with modification, or deny an application to annex property
to the city shall be based on the following criteria: (a) Adequate public facilities are available to the area and have sufficient capacity to provide service for the proposed annexation area; and (b) Comply with comprehensive plan amendment standards and zoning ordinance amendment standards and not be in conflict with applicable comprehensive plan policies and implementing ordinances; and (c) Complies with state laws; and (d) Abutting roads must meet city standards or property owner will be required to sign and record an irrevocable consent to local improvement district; and (e) Property exceeding 10 acres in gross size must show a need on the part of the city for such land if it is designated residential (e.g., less than five years’ supply of like designated lands in current city limits). (2) The plan designation and the zoning designation placed on the property shall be the city’s zoning district which most closely implements the city’s comprehensive plan map designation. (3) The determination of whether the
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property is an established area or a developing area will be based on the standards contained in Chapter 17.112 SHMC. Pursuant to SHMC 17.08.040 (1) (a) the approval standards for the Zone & Comprehensive Map amendments are: (i) The applicable comprehensive plan policies and map designation; and that the change will not adversely affect the health, safety, and welfare of the community; and (ii) The applicable Oregon Statewide Planning Goals adopted under ORS Chapter 197, until acknowledgment of the comprehensive plan and ordinances; and (iii) The standards applicable of any provision of this code or other applicable implementing ordinance. Pursuant to SHMC 17.08.060, whether or not the annexation will have a “significant affect” on a transportation facility (Transportation Planning Rule compliance). Pursuant to SHMC 17.112.030 (2) the decision for classifying annexed property as an established or developing area shall be based as they are defined per SHMC 17.112.020 as follows: (1) Established Area.
(a) An “established area” is an area where the land is not classified as buildable land under OAR 660-08-0005; (b) An established area may include some small tracts of vacant land (tracts less than an acre in size) provided the tracts are surrounded by land which is not classified as buildable land; and (c) An area shown on a zone map or overlay map as an established area. (2) Developing Area. A “developing area” is an area which is included in the city’s buildable land inventory under the provisions of OAR except as provided by subsection (1)(b) of this section. Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, at a hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g. the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit
court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to each hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. As City Hall is closed during this pandemic, please contact someone in the Planning Department to make arrangements to review the file. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/meetings as part of the applicable agenda packet. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503397-6272, e-mail: jdimsho@ ci.st-helens.or.us, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person (by appointment only) at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.
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CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of Phyllis May Turnbaugh, deceased. No. 21PB01933 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Kim Walker has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby
required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at: 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain
additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published April 14, 2021. MARK A GORDON, P.C. Attorney for Personal Representative, OSB # 812424, 1677 St. Helens St., St. Helens, OR 97051. (503) 397-9066.
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pavilion at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR 97051. Virtual call-in number: 1 866 899 4679 Access code: 321-362-413
McNulty Water PUD’s Board Members will be holding an Executive Meeting on May 4, 2021 at 7pm by Zoom.
Road St. Helens, OR 97051. Virtual call-in number: 1 877 309 2073 Access Code: 333-007-445
FAIR BOARD NOTICE OF NOTICE OF WORKSHOP EXECUTIVE FAIR MEETING May 10th, 2021 fair May 4th, 2021 fair board Meeting at 6:30PM in the MEETING Workshop at 6:30PM in the pavilion at 58892 Saulser
Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of Barry Michael Woolstenhulme, deceased. No. 21PB01821 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Jessica Walker has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby
required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at: 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain
additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published April 14, 2021. MARK A GORDON, P.C. Attorney for Personal Representative, OSB # 812424, 1677 St. Helens St., St. Helens, OR 97051. (503) 397-9066.
The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
Crossword Puzzle
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: SESAME STREET ACROSS
1. Scarecrow stuffing 6. Observe 9. Kind of ski lift 13. “Fear of Flying” author Jong 14. Madame Tussauds’ medium 15. Fervent 16. Never say this? 17. You to are is as thou to ____ 18. Skylit lobbies 19. *It isn’t easy “bein’ green” for him 21. *First bilingual Sesame Street puppet 23. Flower precursor 24. Rental on the links 25. Rowing prop 28. Banana remnant 30. Besmear 35. Poker variety 37. Away from wind 39. Like helium gas 40. Coconut fiber 41. Like an iPhone 43. Singular of #33 Down 44. Per ____, or yearly 46. Guesstimate phrase, 2 words 47. Raise, as in child 48. Bob Marley’s music 50. TV classic “____ Make a Deal”
52. Hi-____ monitor 53. Oscar Wilde’s Dorian ____ 55. *Sesame Street’s Meryl Sheep 57. *Every starred clue in this puzzle 60. *Self-described as lovable, cute and furry 63. One born to Japanese immigrants 64. Be in the red 66. He had no cause? 68. Thin mountain ridge 69. Local area network 70. Unmanned flyer 71. Hospital statistics unit, pl. 72. NaOH 73. Church assembly
DOWN
1. D.C. V.I.P. 2. “Star ____” 3. Either Gauche or Droite in Paris 4. Like a lemon 5. Beginning of a workout 6. Special law enforcement unit, acr. 7. Elephant’s distinguished feature 8. Uncredited actor 9. Lake ____caca, South America 10. *Ernie’s roommate 11. Diva’s delivery
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle.
Let us know what YOU think EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: CHRONICLENEWS@COUNTRYMEDIA.NET
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12. Swedish shag rug 15. “____ your seatbelts” 20. Think tank output 22. Eyeball shape 24. “I can see ____ now the rain has gone...” 25. *Trash can dweller 26. Be sorry for one’s wickedness 27. Repenting 29. *He avoids pronouns and speaks in falsetto 31. Gloomy 32. More competent 33. Arm bones 34. *Mama, Papa, Baby and Curly 36. Chemical cure 38. Gaelic tongue 42. Load carrier 45. Crow’s cousin 49. Old English for before 51. Arya Stark’s Needle and Jedi’s Lightsaber, e.g. 54. Lagoon wall 56. Each and all 57. Bog down 58. From a second-hand store 59. Four-legged friends 60. Autry or Wilder 61. Jet black 62. Nevada city 63. Pick up, as in suspect 65. Modus operandi 67. Light-emitting diode
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
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Kiwanis shred day
Metro Creative Connect / The Chronicle
Due to COVID-19 concerns and the IRS extended taxes due date of May 17, the Kiwanis Day Breakers have changed the date for the groups annual on-site shred day. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or sooner if the truck is filled) Saturday, June 12 behind the State Farm building on the corner of Highway 30 and Sykes Road in St. Helens. Recommended donation is $5 per bag or file size box. Donations help the club with the local community children’s activities, such as the annual Children’s Fair and teen support projects. “We look forward to your support, so save your important documents that need shredding. Bring them to the shred location on June 12, but please don’t be late. Once the truck is full, we cannot accept any more papers,” a release from the Kiwanis reads. Paper only - no cardboard, plastic, etc. Take that material to the recycling at Columbia County waste management. For more information, contact Stan Chiotti at 503-397-0805, or at, stan. chiotti@gmail.com.
WINNERS From Page A1
learn more about how local government works. First place winning entries from the St. Helens contest will be sent to the state competition for a chance to win a prize worth $500. “We always look forward to seeing what ideas are important to St. Helens students,” Mayor Rick Scholl said. “This contest is a learning opportunity for both us as a City Council and for the students who participate.” The student proposals included repairing potholes and crosswalk signals, improving local parks, hosting a convention for kids featuring books, science, art, and cooking, building sidewalks along all major roads to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety, creating more affordable housing and solutions for those experiencing houselessness, and promoting early literacy to improve childhood success.
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
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Oregon gains a 6th congressional district votes in the Electoral College. State legislators are working to decide where the district would go. Oregon gained a fifth Congressional seat following the 1980 Census and subsequent redistricting. Apportionment is the process of dividing the 435 memberships, or seats, in the U.S. House of Representa-
tives among the 50 states, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. At the conclusion of each decennial census, the results are used to calculate the number of seats to which each state is entitled. Each of the 50 states is entitled to a minimum of one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Oregon’s current Congres-
sional delegation includes, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Cliff Bentz, Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, and Kurt Schrader.
Scholarships will still be awarded
The U.S. Census Bureau had released 2020 state population counts and reapportionment results, showing that Oregon will receive an additional congressional district, expanding from five to six. The population counts are used to apportion the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and in determining each state’s number of
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
MILLARD
troopers have stopped drivers for everything from cell phone usage (distracted driving) to driving under the influence of intoxicants. “Our message would be to put your phone down, slow down and do not drive impaired,” Merila said. “Focus all your attention on driving safely. These workers lives depend on it.” The Highway 30 Millard and Bennett Roads Safety Project began March 8 and is designed at both intersections to reduce the number of serious crashes. The project is a collaborative effort between the ODOT, Columbia County and
the local communities to make this section of road safer.
at both Bennett and Millard Roads The Millard and Bennett Roads section of Highway 30 had been designated as a safety corridor in 2010 but decommissioned in 2014 because of a reduced number of serious crashes. The safety corridor designation also enabled ODOT and community partners to engineer a solution to safety concerns with turning issues at the intersections. Torres said the current $7.5 million project addresses those concerns. The improvement work is expected to be completed by fall.
The Black Tie & Blue Jeans event held in 2015.
Courtesy photo
Fundraiser cancelled this year
Organizers have announced the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation this year of the bi-annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans summer fundraiser. The event will now be held on even numbered years with the next fundraiser scheduled for August of 2022. The time, day and location have yet to be announced. Planning for the event begins nearly a year in advance and the lock-down has encumbered those efforts, a release from the organizers states. The organization still intends to award scholarships this year using reserve funds and private donations. “Since the last Black Tie & Blue Jeans in 2019, our organization has presented 25 Chance to Become Scholarships to Columbia County students totaling $125,000,” Columbia Learning Center Board Chair Marion Christensen said. The $5,000 scholarship can be used by students at an accredited college or trade school. Since its inception in 2000, the Columbia Learning Center has awarded 264 Scholarships totaling $1,320,000 to graduating seniors from all five Columbia County High Schools. The Chance to Become scholarship is aimed at students who would most likely not apply or be eligible for typical
scholarships for a variety of reasons. It may be awarded to a student having a special talent or who has overcome challenges or has stood out for a unique reason that does not lend itself to typical scholarships. “As the name suggests, the purpose of this scholarship is to give a student the chance for a higher education that they may not have otherwise,” Christensen said. “Funds for this scholarship fund come from private, anonymous donors as well as from the proceeds of our fundraising event, Black Tie and Blue Jeans,” Board member Luanne Kreutzer said. “The Columbia Learning Center will be awarding another 12 $5,0000 scholarship to 2021 graduates throughout Columbia County.” Columbia Learning Center is a locally based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. To help support The Chance to Become Scholarship, donations may be sent to The Columbia Center, P.O. Box 1094, St. Helens, Oregon 97051.
For more information, visit chancetobecome.org. Fast fact The organization still intends to award scholarships this year using reserve funds and private donations.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
From Page A1
OSP Astoria Area Command Lt. Andrew Merila said traffic fines double in the highway work zones. “The base fine for a speeding violation varies depending on how much over the posted speed limit someone is driving,” he said. “Fines vary from $165 to $440, which is the normal base fine before it is doubled.” Merila said the most common violation in highway work zones is speeding, however
What the project is designed to accomplish • Increase the turning radius of the right turn lane from U.S. 30 to Bennett Road by widening and restriping the roadway near the intersection • Restrict left turns onto U.S. 30 from Bennett Road by creating a median • Add a traffic signal at U.S. 30 and Millard Road and widening Millard to provide access to U.S. 30 that will relieve traffic pressure • Upgrade the rail crossings
To track Oregon’s redistricting process, visit the Oregon Legislature’s redistricting webpage.
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
A11
Traffic crash Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Columbia River Fire & Rescue and St. Helens Police were dispatched to a car into a tree call along Old Portland Road west of 18th shortly after 8 a.m. Monday, April 26. It appeared one person had been operating the vehicle when it left the road for an unknown reason and rolled over into a grove of trees. There were no reports of injuries and police and fire crews were attempting to determine the cause of the cash at the time of this post. Traffic was slowed for a time during the investigation.
New report outlines cause of devastating wildfires MICHELLE KLAMPE Chronicle Guest Article
Columbia County fire agencies are already stepping up summer wildfire training and urging land owners to take precautionary preventive actions, such as ensuring a 30-to-50 foot defensible space around homes and structures on their property due to increasing wildfire dangers. Earlier this month, outdoor ban bans were in place due to the lack of rain, unseasonably dry conditions and low humidity. This week researcher released a new report showing an unprecedented combination of strong easterly winds and low humidity coupled with prolonged drought conditions drove the spread of catastrophic wildfires in the Oregon Cascades last September. “The individual wind and humidity conditions were rare but not unprecedented, but the combination of the two was,” said Larry O’Neill, an associate professor in OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and a co-author of the study. “And individually, they were some of the worst conditions we’ve seen since we began keeping records from instrumented data.”
This summer could be worse O’Neill said the weather and fire forecasts for this coming summer are not looking particularly good, either. “The situation looks as bad or worse than last year,” O’Neill said. “Drought conditions have not recovered from last year, particularly in southern and eastern Oregon. Soil moisture remain low, and the vegetation fuel moisture has not recovered.” From Sept. 7 to 9, 2020, an estimated 11% of the Oregon Cascades burned in several large fires in western Oregon. The fires, which stretched from Clackamas County at the north to Douglas County at the south, burned more area of the Oregon Cascades than had burned in the previous 36 years combined and likely exceeded the area burned in any single year in at least the last 120 years, the researchers found. Most large wildfires in western Oregon since 1900 have coincided with similar warm, dry summers and moderate or strong east wind events, said O’Neill, who is also the state climatologist with the Oregon Climate Service.
Courtesy photo from Oregon Department of Transportation
The 2020 Oregon wildfires swept though entire communities leaving a wide path of devastation and destruction.
Compounding extremes The findings reinforce the role compounding extremes may have when assessing wildfire hazard risks, according to O’Neill. Understanding the meteorological and climate drivers of these kinds of fire events is important for management of forest lands and for recognizing the patterns and preparing for such weather events in the future, he said. “Forecasters can look for that combination of easterly winds and extremely dry landscapes and know that the fire risk will be greater,” he said. “That could allow for
some preparation to reduce fire risk.” The findings were published recently in Geophysical Research Letters. The paper’s lead author is John Abatzoglau of the University of California, Merced. Co-authors are David Rupp of OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and Mojtaba Sadegh of Boise State University. The researchers’ collaboration began through conversations on Twitter as the fires were unfolding up and down the Oregon Cascades last fall, O’Neill said. “The easterly wind event
was so unusual, and it was so dry at the time,” he said. “We wanted to document and describe the large-scale weather patterns that were most relevant to the fires’ development and growth.” The researchers analyzed weather and climate data during last fall’s fire periods and also studied historical weather and climate data related to 13 very large fire events in western Oregon since 1900. They found that a series of climate and weather factors, including low humidity, high easterly wind speeds and extreme fuel dryness due to drought conditions in previous months enabled and drove rapid rates of fire spread in September. They also found that 10 of 13 other very large fire events in western Oregon since 1900 were associated with hot, dry summers and all 13 fires were associated with strong easterly winds. Climate change impact Based on current climate models, it does not look like the frequency or severity of easterly wind events will increase in Oregon due to climate change. But forecasters expect that climate change will contribute to a trend toward increasing air dryness
in late summer and early fall in the future, which is a cause for concern. “As the climate warms, the atmosphere will have a larger capacity to pull moisture from soils and forest vegetation than it does now, which will increase the severity of droughts and dryness of potential fire fuels,” O’Neill said. “So when we do get these similar strong easterly wind events, those winds may be blowing over drier, more flammable fuels. The implication is that the fire risk throughout Oregon will probably increase significantly, and that we can also expect longer fire seasons, including in areas we typically think are not prone to extreme wildfire.” O’Neill is now looking into the historical trends of the easterly winds in Oregon and seeing how they might line up with other high-impact weather events, including fires but also events like the February ice storms that downed trees and electrical lines and left thousands without power for days. Michelle Klampe, a writernews researcher at Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. She may be reached at michelle.klampe@ oregonstate.edu or at 541737-0784.
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Sports & Outdoors SHHS track and field hopeful for positive season
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Coach Megan Cox reviews the team roster while the St. Helens track and field team conducts warmups. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Head Coach Megan Cox is hopeful the abbreviated spring sports season will still be a positive experience for the St. Helens High School track and field athletes. “The biggest take away I want them to have is just the fact they are able to be out here, they got to run, they are able to be around other athletes and their schoolmates,” she said. According to Cox, returning to the field has lifted the students spirits.
FIREWORKS From Page A1
Council support “We are not abandoning the fireworks but we will not be the sponsor,” Councilor Patrick Birkle said. “If we don’t have someone raising the funds by next April, the city is not going to step in and rescue the event. We truly want the community to take ownership of this event through a smooth transfer. We are done at the level we have been with this
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The St. Helens Track and Field team takes a lap during practice.
“I have seen how they have finally been able to come out of their shelter life and it has really brightened their spirits, they are happy to be here and they are here every single day on time, before practice. They are ready to go. They are eager just to have any kind of a season.” Cox, in her third year as head coach, said the pandemic related shortened season is challenging and limits competition. “I want them to stay healthy,” she said. “I tell them it is really important to take it easy because it is
very easy to be injured when they have had essentially a year off since we didn’t have a track season last year. As long as they can stay healthy, I just want them to be able to compete.” The squad had only a week and a half of practice before its first meet, hosting Parkrose April 14. “Thankfully, we had a winter sports season prior and most of the athletes are involved in other sports like football, soccer, cross country and volleyball, so that really helps in their conditioning and helps build a base, but we
event the last few years.” The council rejected a suggestion from Councilor Stephen Topaz that the city issue an RFP (Request for Proposal) to attract a group to take over the fireworks operations. Instead, the council has directed city staff to put out information that the city is looking for a nonprofit or other group to take charge of the event. “We could help in some way,” Morten said. “We could be a partner in some way with three or four other organizations but as it is now, we have the entire burden of doing this.
I don’t want to put out an RFP to facilitate our involvement with it.” Morten agreed that the city should issue a communication to the community. “Keep in mind it isn’t a door closed and we can always advocate and help out in any way we can,” Morten said. “That is what our council is here for to be flexible.” Any group that wishes to consider taking over the Independence Day fireworks in St. Helens is encouraged to call the City of St. Helens at 503-397-6272.
are still nowhere near what we used to be.” Cox said normal conditioning for the track and field athletes is between 10 and 11 weeks. This spring, the students had approximately six weeks to prepare. Cox sees Wilsonville, Hillsboro, Scappoose and La Salle as the strongest competitors this season. “It’s a pretty strong league all across the board,” she said. The Lion’s strengths are the sprints. “Everybody is doing really well,” Cox said. “I feel really confident mov-
ing forward. I am just happy to be here. I didn’t think we were going to have a season. Its so nice to be around the kids. They missed it. I really did too.” Cox points to returning sprinter Savannah Moore, the district champion in the 100 and 200 meter races and Hannah Hayduk, returning district champ in the 400, as strong leaders for the squad. Hayduk is also a part of the relay teams with Savannah Moore and senior Kasten Warner. Moore, Hayduk and Warner are all returners on the district championship relay
team. “We have terrific seniors leading the team,” Cox said. “Hilary Barley, distance and disc; Chayton Leake Morrison, sprints and jumps; Nathan Huck, sprints and jumps an Andrew Funk, hurdles and relays.” St. Helens is scheduled to compete at Scappoose at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 and will host their last two meets at 4 p.m. May 5 against Wilsonvillle and at 4 p.m. May 12 against Hillsboro. Look for meet results at osaa.org.
Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens
A previous fireworks demonstration along the Columbia River at St. Helens.
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