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Serving Columbia County since 1881

Run for the Wall to attract thousands JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

St. Helens resident Doug Walker is preparing for a journey across the nation as a participant in the annual Run for the Wall. Walker leaves May 11 for Washington, D.C. to take part in the annual Memorial Day weekend event to recognize veterans and to help raise awareness for prisoners of war (POWs) and those service members missing in action (MIA). The run began in 1989 after a retired sergeant from San Diego assembled a group of motorcycle riders to travel from southern California to Washington, D.C. to participate with the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally designed to maintain awareness of POWs and MIAs, according to Walker. The event has evolved into an annual tradition that brings together thousands of veterans and others from around the nation. Walker will join other Oregonians and an estimated 1,300 participants leaving from Ontario, California. Because this will be such a large event, Walker said there will be three separate groups taking three separate routes across the country to Washington, D.C. The participants will meet

the Friday before Memorial Day in Arlington, Virginia. “An event is scheduled Saturday morning, May 28, at the Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Solider and from there we go to the Lincoln Memorial for a group photo of all three groups and from there they walk over to the Vietnam Memorial Wall for a ceremony to complete the mission and that is the end of the event.” Walker said the event is quite emotional, especially for those men and women who served in the Vietnam War. “Vietnam veterans didn’t get a very good welcome home,” he said. Walker said the Vietnam veterans came back from the war in the 60s and 70s to face a tremendous antiwar movement and never got the recognition that occurred after World War II where there were parades and big events to welcome all the soldiers home. “So, this event (Run for the Wall) has become a healing event for veterans who didn’t receive that welcome home and they are also with many like-minded people, so there is a very healing feeling being able to just

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Courtesy from Doug Walker

See MEMORIAL Page A10

The Run for The Wall will include a gathering of thousands of veterans, adjacent to the Washington Monument. See more photos with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

School choice in Columbia County ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

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A local effort is underway to allow parents to have more of a say in their child’s education.

Sharrie Ryan-Bivins of Scappoose has been doing her homework: not on reading, writing, and arithmetic, but on an alternative school system and what it could look like for her community. Towards the beginning of April, Ryan-Bivins shared a flyer on Facebook with the following description attached: “A group of parents and concerned citizens in our community are gathering to discuss and explore ideas to create an alternative schooling system to public, (and the cost of private and inconvenience of homeschool) for our children! Come join us!”

The post quickly gained a following, sparking an ongoing conversation about school choice in Columbia County. Learning roadblocks

Ryan-Bivins said it became clear to her during the pandemic that the public school system wasn’t meeting her children’s needs. “I’m interested in coming up with an alternative to those, mostly due to the pandemic,” she said. “I had two children at home doing online schooling. Just seeing the struggles having to do with online or sitting in front of a computer all day, but the benefits that came from me being a little more involved.”

Other frustrations Ryan-Bivins said she had with Scappoose School District (SSD) were the learning materials themselves. “I would ask their teachers for different curriculums out of the norm of reading, writing, (and) math,” Ryan-Bivins explained. “That experience of having them at home and seeing and hearing what they were learning - what they were engaging with, really opened my eyes. I saw what my kids were learning in the public school system, and I didn’t love it.” As her dissatisfaction with the school district grew, Ryan-Bivins said she considered homeschool-

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See SCHOOL Page A9

Show and Tell for local preschoolers JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

A group of local preschoolers recently received a special show and tell from members of Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR). The crew shared different public education fire safety sessions with the children that included a classroom sit-down discussion, a look inside an ambulance and what equipment is on board the fire trucks to assist in any of the emergency calls. During the classroom discussion, CRFR members showed the preschoolers the uniform firefighters wear and what special equipment they carry to an emergency. “We haven’t been able to do

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many of these over the past few years and are excited to share important fire safety lessons with our local community once again,” a CRFR Facebook post reads. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed each year as the result of children playing with fire. Children are most at risk when disasters, such as a home fire occurs, according to the American Red Cross. “Children under five are twice as likely as other people to die in a home fire,” the Red Cross website states. ‘Tragically, many home fires are started by children playing with dangerous household items – especially lighters and matches.” The Red Cross encourages adults to take sensible precautions

in the home and to teach their child how to escape to avoid injury and death. To prevent your child from starting a fire • Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of your child’s reach. Only use lighters with childresistant features. • Invest in flameless candles. These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your child knocking over a candle.

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Courtesy from CRFR

See SAFETY Page A7

The CRFR crew used this show and tell session to explain the firefighter uniform.

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Wednesday, May 4, 2022

$1 billion timber ruling overturned STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Court of Appeals has overturned a $1.1 billion verdict in a case involving 13 counties, taxing districts and the state, County of Linn v. State of Oregon, over how the state manages timber harvests on state forest lands. In the decision issued Wednesday, April 27, the court found that Oregon did not violate a state and local agreement over timber harvests when the state balanced the financial benefits of timber production with other benefits like water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. “The Court of Appeals decision today is a victory for Oregon’s environment as well as for sound forest management,” Oregon Attorney General Rosenblum said. “The court agreed with the state’s legal position in recognizing that Oregon’s forests serve a full range of environmental, recreational, and economic uses that the Department of Forestry has authority to balance in order

to secure the greatest value to all Oregonians.” “In Oregon, we manage our forests not only for the benefit and prosperity of this generation but those to come,” Gov. Kate Brown said. “Today’s decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals is a validation of the fact that a balanced, science-based approach to public forest management will produce the greatest long-term outcomes for all Oregonians, including the counties and taxing districts that receive revenue from state forests. Working together, I am confident the state and the counties can find a sustainable approach to supporting critical services for Oregonians.” State law has long required the Oregon Board of Forestry to manage the state forests to “secure the greatest permanent value of those lands to the state.” In 1998, the Board adopted a rule explaining what the “greatest permanent value” of the state forests means, agreeing that the Oregon Department of Forestry would balance multiple

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A group of counties originally sued the state in 2016, arguing that the “greatest permanent value” of more than 700,000 acres of state forest land is by maximizing timber production revenue, revenue that by state law gets shared with the counties.

values and uses of the forests. The rule also said that although environmentally sound timber production was important, it was not exclusive of other uses that provide a full range of social, economic, and environmental benefits to the

people of Oregon. A group of counties originally sued the state in 2016, arguing that the “greatest permanent value” of more than 700,000 acres of state forest land is by maximizing timber production revenue, revenue that

by state law gets shared with the counties. They sought more than $1 billion dollars in damages based on what they claimed was the difference in how much timber would have been and would be harvested in the future if

revenue-maximization was the rule and how much was and was projected to be harvested under the 1998 rule. A Linn County jury agreed with the counties, and awarded them $1.1 billion, including more than $160 million for attorney fees.

Oregonians urged to create defensible space to help protect themselves against the upcoming fire season:

Wildfires can spread across the landscape quickly, fanned by winds and blowing embers. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

With much of Oregon seeing another year of continued drought and the wildfire outlook for this summer very concerning, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is encouraging Oregonians about the importance of defensible space around their home and property. “Good defensible space can not only prevent embers from igniting your home, but it can also prevent flames from reaching your home altogether,” according to the

OSFM. “You can protect your home and community from wildfire with some simple steps.” A key to good defensible space is to keep it defined, keep grass and weeds cut low and always be prepared to respond to wildfire, according to the OSFM, urging property owners to look for areas on their property where glowing embers could ignite spot fires and vulnerable areas like decks, patios, and fences that can spread flames to a home. The most significant risk of buildings catching on

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fire during a wildfire is the advancing ember shower that can reach your property long before an actual flame front, Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Wildfire safety starts with all of us and our property,” Ruiz-Temple said. “Now is a good time to take action to prepare our homes, families, and communities for wildfires by starting on our property before there is smoke on the horizon.” To address the risk of wildfire, the OSFM recommends the following steps people can take right now

• Clear roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles that could catch embers. • Ensure your roof is in good repair. • Move any flammable material away from exterior walls, i.e., mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles. • Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. • Give your home a noncombustible area where a fire in the landscape can’t reach your home. • Keep lawns and native grasses mowed during high fire danger conditions. • Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees) so a surface fire cannot reach the crowns. While defensible space at the individual home offers protection, communities can be better protected when every home in the area creates defensible space. This significantly increases the chances that more homes will survive a wildfire event. “By taking a neighborhood approach to defensible space and community pre-

paredness, you also protect our firefighters,” Ruiz-Temple said. “Ultimately, individuals taking the right steps on their property before fire season will make firefighters safer and more effective.” Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) Division Chief of Operations Eric Smythe told The Chronicle in a published interview in March that his agency was already preparing for the wildfire season. “Over the last several years we have seen fires in March and April,” he said. “This is outside the normal fire season, so we are adjusting our responses and equipment staffing to meet the earlier starts to our wildfire season.” Smythe said the fire behavior has become more concerning. “Seasonal fires have become more erratic and po-

tentially dangerous over the last decade,” he said. “Fire districts are witnessing larger, more aggressive fires that are prone to rapid spread.” Smythe also echoed the state fire marshal’s concerns for defensible space around local homes stating that citizens and property owners/ renters can assist their local fire districts by maintaining a safe clearance around structures, dwellings, and homes. “Owners/renters can remove items that will contribute to rapid fire spread such as garbage, brush piles, wood piles, discarded vehicles, and discarded materials that would allow to a fire to grow rapidly,” he said. Read more about the impact of the drought in Columbia County and wildfire preparedness in a series of stories at thechronicleonline. com.

Back from Ukraine STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Earl Horning is back home following a 21-day deployment to Ukraine. Horning joined an effort in providing medical care and training to central Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion. Horning’s deployment allowed him to train, treat and examine over 1,300 refugees throughout central Ukraine. Horning and his medical team also coordinated managing multiple medical needs and training with city leaders, regional mayors and medical directors throughout his time there, according to a release from CRFR.

Background

On April 2, CRFR supported Horning’s deployment as part of a multinational medical response team with Team Rubicon. Team Rubicon’s mission is to mobilize veterans to help people affected by disaster, leveraging the skills and experience of military veterans and pairing them with first responders, medical professionals, and technology experts. Horning served in the United States Army from 2003 to 2015 as an embedded trainer in overseas operations. He retired from the Army in 2015 and has since served with CRFR, Oregon Department of Forestry, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District. He

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CRFR EMT Earl Horning provided humanitarian aid to Ukrainians as a member of Team Rubicon, a multinational medical response team.

has served as an EMT with CRFR since 2019. During his Ukraine assignment, Horning led a 19-person medical unit that provided medical care

and training to internally displaced persons within central Ukraine. “We would like to welcome Earl back home and are thankful for his safe return,” CRFR said in a Facebook post. “We are also grateful that he can now help provide additional expertise—be it with largeor small-scale operations— to our own community. We have several members who deploy with various teams for wildfires, humanitarian disasters as well as search and rescue efforts. Our ability to support our membership exemplifies our culture of service to our community and the greater community at large.” To support Team Rubicon, https://teamrubiconusa.org.

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Wednesday, May 4, 2022

$66M in extra assistance for families in need STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in May. The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency. Because the federal government approved these emergency benefits for May, Oregon will also be able to issue them in June. However, the emergency benefits are expected to end when the federal public health emergency ends. In May, approximately

406,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $66 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits. “We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Seguin said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.” Current SNAP households will receive emergency allotments on May 11. Emergency allotments will be issued May 28 or June 2 for households who did not receive benefits in the first monthly issuance. SNAP recipients do not

receives SNAP and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-to-date information. Resources to report any changes to your income or household:

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SNAP is an assistance program designed to help approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities, with emergency food allotments and other benefits.

have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards. More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/

Working to Combat the Threat of Wildfires

FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/ Emergency-Allotments.aspx. Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-6999075. If your household

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

Crews install a re-closer on Wikstrom Road in Scappoose. MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content

Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest have been increasing in frequency and severity over the last few years and have devastated many communities in their path. At Columbia River PUD, we have enacted a number of measures to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading in our area. Adding equipment and removing trees are two of the most visible ways we are working on this. We are adding more and more re-closers to our system. Re-closers are pieces of equipment that are designed to quickly deenergize wires during red flag and other high-risk conditions, reducing the likelihood of a wildfire. We are aggressively managing vegetation around our electric system. We contract with Asplundh for two tree

crews year-round to trim or remove trees that are growing too close to power lines. You may see them removing trees in your neighborhood. In addition to mitigating wildfire danger, removing trees also helps protect against outages during winter storms and high winds. Trees are one of the leading causes of power outages in our service territory. Trimming and removing trouble trees helps ensure your lights stay on. We are also working on developing a mulching program. We plan to mulch in areas with thick vegetation under power lines. If you are interested in being placed on our mulching list or have a hazardous tree, please contact us at (503) 397-1844. This service is provided at no additional cost to the customer. Please do not trim trees that are growing near your service line. This is very dangerous and puts you at risk for deadly electrical shock.

Moving power lines underground is another tactic we employ. Currently about 25% of our primary distribution line is underground. Installing underground lines is a costly venture, though. It costs more than three times as much as installing overhead lines. In a worst-case scenario, we may need to preemptively shut off power to our customers if extreme weather threatens our ability to operate safely during fire season. This is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS. If a PSPS is required, we will do everything we can to notify all affected customers and to minimize its duration.

Resources to help meet basic needs • Find a food pantry at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank. org • Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults

Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, childcare, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://www.oregon. gov/dhs/benefits/Pages/index.aspx. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855673-2372.

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

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• Online at: ONE.Oregon. gov • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309 • By fax at: 503-378-5628 • By phone at: 1-800-6999075 or TTY 711

and people with disabilities at Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon by calling 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org. • Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org • Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon. org/find-services/ • Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

April 16 • Police arrested a 38-yearold male on a fugitive warrant at 100 block of Columbia River Hwy. April 19 • Police arrested a 19-yearold suspect on attempting to elude, reckless driving

near Summit View Dr. / Bachelor Flat Rd. • Police arrested a 30-yearold male and a 31-year-old male on burglary I-residence, criminal mischief II at 1600 block of Old Portland Rd. April 21 • Police recovered a stolen vehicle near Alderwood Dr. / Grassy Lane. April 22 • Police responded to a death Investigation at 300 block of Belton Rd. • Police arrested a 33-yearold male on a fugitive warrant at 34000 block of Burt Rd. April 23 • Police arrested a 64-yearold male on a fugitive warrant at 3500 block of Hods Lane.

April 24 • Police issued a criminal citation to a 27-year-old male near N Vernonia Rd. / Columbia Blvd. • Police responded to theft of boat at 100 block of South River St. April 26 • Police arrested a 25-year-old male on fugitive warrant near 17th St. / Tualatin St. • Police took a report on possible sex abuse at 2300 Block of Gable Rd. April 28 • Police arrested a 19-year-old male on attempted homicide at 2500 block of Gable Rd. • Police took a report on a missing person at 100 block of Vernonia Rd.

Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD

Aggressive, threatening fraud calls JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Vancouver Washington Police Department (VPD) has issued a scam alert concerning a threatening fraud attempt following citizen concerns. VPD said the agency has received reports from citizens saying they have received a phone call or text from someone claiming that one of their family members or co-workers has been injured and they need to send money, or they will kill the person. This is a scam, according to a (VPD) Facebook post. “There were no injuries to any of the family mentioned in the calls,” The post reads. “This is a reminder to never send money or disclose personal information over the phone or by text to anyone you don’t know.” PUD alert Earlier this month, The Chief reported that local public utilities were receiving calls from customers concerned about similar threatening phone fraud attempts. “They told us that someone is calling them, saying they had 15 minutes to pay the money demanded or their power would be shut off,” Clatskanie PUD’s Sarah Johnson said. “It is very threatening.”

Columbia River PUD’s Kyle Boggs said the scam calls continue to be sophisticated. “One customer said she was told by the scammer that she’d be transferred to an automated system where she could punch in her credit card information,” he said. “Scammers also use Caller ID to their advantage. They have spoofed our name, so that when their call appears on a customer’s phone it shows up as Columbia River PUD from a local phone number.”

Police advise that if you receive an unexpected call demanding immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone. You can always call the company, agency, or person back at a number that you know to be genuine to verify if you owe money. If you suspect a scam, but aren’t sure what to do, call your local police of the county sheriff’s office’s non-emergency dispatch and ask to speak with an officer.

The Chronicle and The Chief are looking for a

Media Consultant to join our team in the advertising department. This position is a full-time job and comes with a very competitive salary and commission package that also includes paid vacation, sick leave, health, dental and vision, mileage, cellphone reimbursement, and more. Come work in a professional setting in a fast paced job that is different everyday. Advertising skills desired. People and marketing skills a plus. Our new consultant will work to grow an established territory. Email resume to Jeremy Ruark at jruark@countrymedia.net or call - 503-397-0116 to set up an interview.

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Opinion

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Viewpoint

St. Helens reviews waterfront redevelopment Oregon Legislature approved House Bill 5202 which allocates $984,000 to the City of St. Helens for the Central Waterfront redevelopment efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also approved $387,000 through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the City of St. Helens to study wastewater treatment resiliency. Community input, including the creation of a Central Waterfront Advisory Committee, will be an early step in the process. With community feedback, the City of St. Helens will work with professional consultants, Oregon Business Development Department, and Oregon Office of Emergency Management to develop scopes of work for how the state and federal funding will be spent. Work will focus on technical studies, assessments of the site, and research into site repurposing. If repurposing the wastewater facility site can be done safely, St. Helens will be in a unique position to create a waterfront that attracts development, improves resiliency, generates tax revenue, creates jobs, and builds a community asset for residents and visitors alike. Examples of similar projects in the Pacific Northwest include:

CRYSTAL KING Chronicle Guest Column

As part of its waterfront redevelopment efforts, the City of St. Helens has been working to provide the community with increased riverfront access and public amenities along the St. Helens waterfront. The Central Waterfront property offers the opportunity to connect the City’s downtown Riverfront District to the north and the St. Helens Industrial Business Park property to the south. The Central Waterfront Property is approximately 50 acres and the current location of the City’s 39-acre wastewater treatment plant facility. The facility’s secondary lagoon was built in 1972 as a partnership with Boise Cascade. Today, the facility is oversized, expensive to maintain, and is not the best use of a large stretch of Columbia River waterfront property. The 50-year-old lagoon also creates environmental permitting challenges due to its age and outdated technology. The City of St. Helens is currently exploring options to repurpose part or all of the wastewater treatment plant facility. By doing so, the City will be able to: 1. Provide cohesive connection along the St. Helens waterfront, linking the historic St. Helens Riverfront District to the City’s Industrial Business Park, McCormick Park, and residential areas. This will unite two miles of waterfront property for additional public amenities. 2. Improve the St. Helens environment and health of the Columbia River by creating a properly sized wastewater treatment plant facility that uses modern technology to meet today’s environmental standards. 3. Promote the economic health of St. Helens by opening prime waterfront land for possible marine and industrial development, additional public amenities, and easier connection to Riverfront District businesses. 4. Help keep utility costs in check by creating an appropriately sized wastewater treatment facility with modern technological efficiencies.

Astoria Sports Complex, Astoria – A former municipal landfill that was transformed into a 17-acre athletic field complex serving the Astoria School District and entire community. Bridgeport Village, Tigard and Tualatin – A former landfill that was capped and redeveloped as a major retail and office development in Tigard and Tualatin. The project was a public-private partnership that resulted in $8.5 million in off-site improvements, $14 million paid to the county for the land, and generated hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in annual taxes and economic activity. Cully Park, Northwest Portland – A remediated former landfill that used a public-private partnership to create a community garden, off-leash dog park, play area, trails, fitness course, habitat restoration, kids’ soccer field, and Native Gathering Garden. Oregon State University’s Cascades Campus, Bend – An inactive mine and a construction-debris landfill along with adjacent properties were used to build a 128-acre college campus for up to 5,000 students. Gas Works Park, Seattle

Funding The City of St. Helens was recently notified that it will receive almost $1.4 million in state and federal funding to assist with the Central Waterfront Project. The

– A former manufacturing gas plant and tar refinery on the shores of Lake Union that was transformed into a 20-acre park. Puget Sound Energy, the City of Seattle, and the Washington State Department of Ecology worked together to remove some of the contamination and cap the site with soil. The park, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, now features relics from the old plant repurposed as art or play structures, walking/biking trails, natural areas, picnic tables, and a picnic shelter. It’s one of Seattle’s most beloved parks, hosting summer concerts and community events and recognizing the area’s industrial past while reclaiming it for the public. St. Helens Waterfront Redevelopment Project Background

Industry was the heart of the St. Helens waterfront and its economy for about 150 years up until the remaining mills closed in the early 2000s. Approximately two miles of desirable waterfront property became vacant, remaining fenced off from community access under the continued ownership of private industries. In 2015, the City of St. Helens acquired approximately 228 acres of this waterfront property. Since then, the City has invested extensive time and resources into reclaiming the St. Helens waterfront so that it can serve the community in new ways. Known as the Waterfront Redevelopment Project, the City divided the property into three key project areas, each with distinct characteristics for future development: 1. Riverfront Property – A 24-acre property that is the former location of the Boise plywood veneer plant. This area is located at the south end of the City’s historic Riverfront District. Its entrance is just south of the current terminus of South 1st Street, Strand Street, and Columbia View Park. The City of St. Helens is currently working on two major projects on the Riverfront Property: the Riverwalk Project and the Streets and Utilities Extension Project. The Riverwalk Project will expand Columbia View Park, design and construct a new stage for the park’s amphitheater, and design and begin partial construction of a community river walk which will extend along the banks of the Columbia River from Columbia View Park to

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Plymouth Street and Nob Hill Nature Park. The Streets and Utilities Extension Project is focused on creating design documents, securing permits, and constructing street and utility extensions for South 1st Street and Strand Street through the property. This will include creating safe pedestrian connections, inviting intersection treatments, ample on-street parking, landscaped seating, interpretive and wayfinding signage, and more visible crosswalks. Both the Riverwalk Project and Streets and Utilities Extension Project are anticipated to begin construction in 2022. The City of St. Helens also recently received two proposals with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for private developers interested in constructing mixed-use development on the property. The St. Helens City Council is currently in the process of developer selection. For more information about the RFQ developer selection, visit the project website. 2. Central Waterfront Property – This 50-acre area sits immediately south of the Riverfront Property and unites the Riverfront Property with the St. Helens Industrial Business Park. It is currently home to the City’s 39-acre wastewater treatment facility. The City is evaluating options for repurposing a portion or all of the site to create expanded community access to the St. Helens waterfront, provide additional public amenities, and increase opportunity for economic development. Repurposing the site will also improve water quality and infrastructure resiliency. The City of St. Helens was recently awarded nearly $1.4 million in federal and state funding to continue studying the site for potential redevelopment.

Courtesy from the City of St. Helens

3. St. Helens Industrial Business Park – This site is a 204-acre industrial property that is the southernmost area of the St. Helens Waterfront Redevelopment Project. It is the former location of the Boise Cascade White Paper Mill. The site is one of the largest remaining parcels of industrial employment lands in our region. This portion of the Waterfront Redevelopment Project is focused on attracting industrial and commercial businesses to St. Helens. This will increase the number of living-wage jobs in the community, increase the tax base, and spur economic development. In 2020, the City completed a Parcelization Plan and Infrastructure Fund-

ing Plan to provide a phased framework for dividing the large property into smaller properties to support multiple industrial users. The City is currently working on public infrastructure design for phase one to bring necessary infrastructure and support new industrial growth. To find out more about the St. Helens Waterfront Redevelopment Project and to watch a video overview of the project, visit the city’s website at www.sthelensoregon.gov/ waterfront. Crystal King is the City of St. Helens Communications Officier. She may be reached by email at cking@sthelensoregon.gov or by phone at 503-397-6272.

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the right to exclude lists of people, organizations and businesses. Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. We won’t print your street address or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chroniclenews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. Letters policy: This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar,

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

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Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Voices of the Community Proposed library reductions I am concerned about budget cuts that are going to affect the St. Helens library. Of these cuts the most concerning is the removal of our children’s librarian. This position provides outreach, story time, children’s maker space classes, programming classes, nature walks, literacy services, summer reading programs, collection development and so much more. The suggested 21% decrease in budget and removed employees will deeply affect our library and our community. Putting a strain on the remaining Liberians who are already stretched thin. Having only one full time librarian will force them to severely limit library hours and programs. Especially youth programs having no coordinator or advocate. This community’s children are our future, having an advocate and safe space for their learning, literacy and creativity is essential for the health and future of St. Helens. Despite this there are things that can be done like as many St. Helens residents attending the budget meeting on May 12th during the open comment period to show their support for our library. It would also help immensely if The Chronicle posted an article to spread awareness of these events. Katelynn Leonard St. Helens

Library budget Threatened Under the St. Helens proposed budget our library services would be drastically cut by 21%, including the elimination of our Youth Librarian position. We are fortunate here in St. Helens to have a Library that offers so much to our

community. It serves as the center for many activities that enrichen the lives of our local citizens. I’d like to start with just a few of the projects that were maintained by our former Youth Librarian. To start, I will mention Makerspace first, as it’s a place for kids, teens, and adults to conduct hands-on projects using problem solving, and creativity at the library’s initiative, to bring science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) to the community. The Lab contains a 3-D printer, laser cutter, computers, tablets, and other tools, for all ages. Additional projects, but not all, are ‘Nature Buddies”, Summer Library Challenge, Winter Reading, Toddler/ Preschool Storytime, and “Library of Things” where you can learn how to make pasta from a machine, learn about rain clouds through a telescope, learn navigation constellations, and play with math and coding. The library provides many learning opportunities for families in our area that would otherwise be unaffordable. The library provides the internet for students and adults, and a safe place to study. Please let our St. Helens City Council know that the proposed cuts to the library would drastically impact the many services the library provides that enrich our community. Lynne Pettit, President Friends of the Library

Support the city library Recently, I heard that the City of St. Helens decided to cut their Youth Librarian position at our public library. I understand they propose a 21% decrease in the library funding next year. Libraries support citizens. Librarians educate, provide connections, and make our city a better place for those who live here. They are a core part of our infrastructure--worth fighting

Crossword Solution Solution for the April 27, 2022 crossword puzzle

for and worth funding! Our kids have had two hard years, where they have gone without many of the normal life experiences that prepare them for school. A series of new studies show that roughly one-third of the youngest kids are behind in reading benchmarks. Now, instead of providing opportunities for our youth to overcome this setback, the City of St. Helens has chosen to make it worse. Strengthening neighborhoods, fostering learners, and championing the cultural lives of communities are all big responsibilities. As a retired employee of the library and served as interim Director, I saw this first hand! One thing I’ve always noted throughout my career, was the disparity between city departments. The Police Department always seem to get new cars, new officers, and what they claim to need. And this year is no different. In absence of a Library Director and a Youth Librarian, they have made proposed cuts to the library. It seems they are taking advantage of the situation. I believe that the community thinks our parks and library are just as important as other departments. Please talk with your council member today! Diane Barbee St. Helens

COVID-19 breakthrough cases I am not sure about Zoe Gottlieb’s concern about the number of “Breakthrough” cases of Covid-19. “Breakthrough” cases were expected to happen. If you remember all the way back to when Covid shots were introduced. The explanation was that these injections would help you from getting Covid, BUT if you do, your systems should be milder. Are these cases milder?

The shot solution was not made from a live virus; thus, it was not a vaccine! By the common definition of a vaccine at that time. Through incorrect use by the media and social media, referring to the two-dose injection routine became known as being vaccinated. Just to help out with any nay-sayers, the CDC changed the definition of a vaccine to include “medicine” (What would you call the liquid used for the injection?) to be included as a vaccine. Historical first, a non-live virus treatment to prevent a sickness, almost! David Topham St. Helens

Police Protection Option Tax Columbia City please support our continued Police Protection Services Option Tax. It is true that the current five-year levy that supports our Columbia City Police Protection Services will expire in a few months. It is also true that the requested renewal does include an increase in the levy rate by .23 cents per $1,000. The increase is truly long overdue. Please vote in favor to help keep and support our Columbia City Police Service. Sally Ann Marson Columbia City

Columbia City Police Levy Have you ever heard the phrase, “I learned that from the bitter coin of experience?” Today we have the advantage of not having to pay that price. After watching, with dismay and disbelief, the chaos and destruction of several major cities caused by defunding and the throttling of their own police depart-

ments, we have the opportunity to avoid that catastrophic mistake. I want to urge the voting residents of Columbia City to continue to support our police department by voting ‘yes’ on the police levy that we have had for the last ten years. In Columbia City we are fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced police department that would be extremely difficult to replace. A recent newspaper article sighted the almost impossible task of recreating an experienced police presence on a timely basis. It mentioned a two-year period and thousands of dollars in expenses even before a rookie officer could work on his own. These are troubling times and it’s hard to avoid not imagining that the evil doers in our neighboring cities may start looking for other ‘opportunities’ close by. This is not the time to reduce our police department! Please, vote “yes” for the Columbia City Police Levy on May 17th. Gordon Thistle Columbia City

Support Kelly Jo Smith I am writing this letter to urge your support of Kelly Jo Smith in her bid for County Commissioner. I have worked with Kelly in previous years on the St. Helens School Board. As board chair I knew Kelly as a strong person that never tired of doing what is right and a person who would always speak her mind. She not only has worked in helping the St. Helens School District by serving on the board, but has been in law enforcement, is a local business owner and a supportive mother. Kelly has had experience in many different areas of our community and will be able to use that experience to continue to work for the citizens of Columbia County in a positive manner. She is a

woman of integrity, honesty and ingenuity and will serve all of us well. Please join me in casting your ballot for Kelly Jo Smith for County Commissioner. Gordon L Jarman Retired Board Chair Principal, Vice Principal, Teacher and Coach St. Helens High School

A triple win As a future neighbor of the proposed NEXT Renewables renewable diesel facility I want to share some of the reasons why I support it: We need good jobs here. NEXT is working to establish apprenticeship opportunities and union-backed, green jobs for the site. This means you can earn quality wages while you learn on the job and build your career. We need to move away from fossil fuels. Renewable diesel that the facility produces will create an emissions saving of 7 million tons of CO2 annually – that’s equivalent to removing more than 1 million cars from the road every year. We need good corporate citizens. NEXT is working with our local school district to ensure that the wetland restoration piece of the project (creating nearly 500 acres of new habitat!) will provide hands-on learning experiences for our students. Columbia County deserves good jobs. We deserve to be at the forefront of green fuel solutions and the emerging green fuels industry. We deserve industry partnerships that go beyond the bottom line and support our teachers and classrooms while also supporting a biodiverse environment. It’s a clear triple win for our community. We deserve this exciting new development. Let’s rally behind it. Fred Schondebare Clatskanie

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE 1950s ACROSS

1. a.k.a. vampire 6. Asian cuisine pan 9. Type of tide 13. Make more attractive 14. Lawyers’ grp. 15. China grass 16. *”West Side Story’s” Tony and ____ 17. Mourner’s acronym 18. Utilizing

19. *a.k.a. “The King” 21. *Kitschy art movement begun in ‘50s (2 words) 23. Mortar carrier 24. Back of the neck 25. *Kelly or Chanel 2.55, e.g. 28. Hurtful remark 30. “____ Margery Daw,” nursery rhyme 35. Paper unit 37. Duds

39. Eurasian antelope 40. Guesstimate phrase (2 words) 41. Unaccompanied 43. Disgust with sweetness excess 44. Brandish 46. Track competition, e.g. 47. Frustrated driver’s recourse 48. Legendary King of Pylos 50. Tsar, tzar or ____ 52. Greek letters on campus 53. Deprivation

55. Greek R 57. *”A Streetcar Named Desire” star 60. *Popular type of 1950s restaurant 64. Pro athletes’ move 65. Sea in Spain 67. Narcotics agent 68. Stringed instrument of India 69. Brewpub offering 70. Shakespearean “ergo” 71. *Gwendolyn Brooks’ “Annie Allen” entry, e.g. 72. *Doris of “Que Sera, Sera” fame 73. Disinfectant brand

DOWN

1. Statue of Liberty: “I lift my ____ beside the golden door” 2. Sixth month of civil year 3. Encore! 4. *Like Maureen O’Hara and Samuel Beckett 5. Not digital 6. On one’s guard 7. ____-Wan of “Star Wars” 8. Fraternity K 9. *Space program established in 1958 10. Arabian chieftain 11. Are not 12. Margaret, for short 15. Raja’s money, pl. 20. Changes to a manuscript 22. Military moves 24. Fail to care 25. *_____ v. Board of Education 26. Eagle’s nest 27. Kr and Xe on the periodic table, e.g. 29. *Postwar prosperity 31. Per person 32. Farm structures 33. Ancient market 34. *”Rio Grande” and “Rio Bravo” star 36. Lose skin 38. *Egypt’s disputed canal 42. Sir Richard Starkey of the Beatles 45. Like certain Debbie 49. Unit of absorbed radiation 51. Relating to nose 54. Frances McDormand’s Oscarwinning 2020 role 56. Estrogen producer 57. Spiritedness 58. Equal to distance divided by time 59. Actor Driver 60. Squirrel’s nest 61. Units of work 62. International Civil Aviation Org. 63. Hall of Fame Steelers coach 64. Cooking meas. 66. Fla. neighbor

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Classifieds Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

150

312

502

502

702

Misc Services

Events

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Garage Sales

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

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

sistants, Special Education positions- teachers & IA’s, Coaches, Athletic Trainer, Social Workers, Counselors, Childcare Providers, Teachers- various levels and subjects. See district website for details & Online Application http:// www.sthelens.k12. or.us/Page/189. An equal opportunity employer.

For sale 15 HP Mercury motor, reconditioned, new seals and brain, $900 or OBO. (503) 3691105, leave message and phone #.

ner of Tarbell & Slavens. Mowers, tools, yard & garden, antiques, farm, household, 9 families.

301

Health & Nutrition

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

312

Events

National Day of Prayer 2022 Thurs., May 5th. Drop in anytime between 8 am & 8 pm for quiet place to pray alone or with others. Selfguided interactive prayer stations throughout room. All ages welcome. Warren Community Fellowship, 56523

502

Help Wanted

Assistant or Associate Planner Columbia County, OR. EOE Deadline 5/25/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCoun tyOR.gov Immediate Opening Shipping/ Receiving/ Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056 St. Helens SD is seeking applicants for the following positions: Senior Accountant, HR Assistant, Instructional As-

Wahkiakum School District Wahkiakum School District is hiring a full time District Business Manager and a full time Middle School Math Teacher. Specific job requirement information can be found on the Employment page of the district website at https:// wahksd.k12.wa.us/ District/1453-Untitled. html.

702

Garage Sales

Pop-Up Sale Follow signs, Hwy 30 up Nicolai Rd 2 miles to Beaver Homes Rd, 1 mile, you are there. We have toaster ovens, motorcycle bags, table saw, dishes, home made items, tie blankets and lots more! So come and see us. May 13 & 14 from 9-4. 31340 Beaver Homes Rd. Warren Sale May 6 &7 9:004:00. 33596 Slavens Rd. Warren 97053, cor-

706

Estate Sales

Enormous Estate Sale May 7-8 10:005:00 Columbia City. Follow bright pink signs or see all info on estatesalefinder.com.

750

Misc for Sale

For Sale Walker new in box. $80.00. Please call 503-556-3464. Classified Ads Deadline:

Mondays by noon. Late submissions may not make the paper.

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

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

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Columbia County

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

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SALES, SERVICE INSTALLATION

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

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

Email chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net to advertise!

Public Notices CH22-1088

ST. HELENS HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION AND RENOVATION BID PACKAGE: #4 - CONCRETE, WOOD FRAMING, ROOFING, GLAZING & FIRE SUPPRESSION PRE-BID MEETING: 2:00 P.M., MAY 4, 2022 BIDS DUE: MAY 16, 2022 AT 2:00 P.M. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Hoffman Construction Company, Construction Manager/General Contractor (“CM/GC”) for ST. HELENS HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION AND RENOVATION (“Project”) being performed for St. Helens School District No. 502, a public school district of the State of Oregon (“Owner”) requests sub-bid proposals for Bid Package #4 - Concrete, Wood Framing, Roofing, Glazing & Fire Suppression. A non-mandatory, but strongly encouraged, Pre-bid Meeting has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m., May 4, 2022 at the St. Helens High School

Addition and Renovation jobsite. Attendees are to meet at 2375 Gable Road, St. Helens Oregon, in the Hoffman Field Office. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting in order to acquaint themselves with the local conditions under which the work is to be performed and to correlate personal observations with the requirements of the Contract Documents. Proposals must utilize the specified PROPOSAL FORM and be submitted as a single file (less than 10MB) to BIDS@hoffmancorp.com, no later than 2:00 p.m., MAY 11, 2022. Bidders are hereby advised that an affiliate of Contractor intends to submit a proposal for the Structural

Concrete work (Bid Item #1) in response to this RFP. Sealed bids are required and should be delivered to 805 SW Broadway, Suite 2100, Portland, OR 97205. There will not be a public opening of bids. A completed Subcontractor/Vendor Questionnaire including latest year-end safety and financial information must accompany the proposal unless previously submitted. Questionnaire may be attached as a separate file or submitted separately. Elaborate proposals or the inclusion of non-essential information e.g. marketing/promotional material, safety manuals, resumes, etc. is strongly discouraged. Proposals that are materially

incomplete, do not include current Questionnaire with latest year-end safety and financial information (unless previously submitted), are directed to other locations or received after the bid deadline will not be considered. Bidders must be properly licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (“CCB”) at the time of bid. Bidders are required to file a $30,000 Public Works Bond with the CCB in accordance with ORS 279C.836 EXCEPT exemptions allowed under paragraphs (7) or (8) will not be permitted. Due to the scheduled start of the work, the $30,000 Public Works Bond must be on file with the CCB at the time

of bid. This is a prevailing wage project. Bidders must comply with requirements of the prevailing wage law in ORS Chapter 279C. A District-Specific Insurance Program (“DSIP”) for on-site operations is being provided for general liability. Refer to proposal documents for complete proposal requirements and additional information. Proposal documents may be examined at local plan centers, viewed and/or downloaded without charge at www.hoffmancorp.com/ trade-partners. Contractor is committed to promoting and stimulating the growth of disadvantaged business enterprises, minority business enterprises, women busi-

CH22-1076

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Case No. 22PB03021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of LINDA M. CURTIS, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative. All persons

having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned Personal Representative at the offices of Maite Uranga, Attorney at

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Law, 333 SW Taylor, #300, Portland, Oregon 97204, Personal Representative’s Attorney, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice, or

the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, Personal Representa-

tive, or the attorneys for the Personal Representative, Maite Uranga, Attorney at Law. Dated and first published April 20, 2022. Kimberly Hintz, Personal Representative.

ness enterprises, emerging small businesses and servicedisabled veteran business enterprises (D/M/W/ESB/ SDVBE) and maximizing opportunities for these firms, as well as local businesses, to participate in the work of this project. Subcontractor shall endeavor to utilize such firms through sub-tier contracting and/or material purchases and shall provide documentation of their good faith efforts and achievements. Contractor is an equal opportunity employer and request bids from all qualified firms including disadvantaged, minority, women, disabled veterans and emerging small business enterprises. CCB License # 28417. CH22-1085

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

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Public Notices CH22-1086

CH22-1080

Clear Page

FORM OR-LB-1

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING Oregon Department of Revenue

05/18/22 Columbia SWCD 4:00 A public meeting of the ____________________________ will be held on ______________________at ________

SWCD Office a.m. at_______________ p.m.

(Date)

(Governing body)

35285 Millard Rd, St. Helens __________________________________________________________, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the (Location)

22 as approved by the_____________________________________ Columbia SWCD fiscal year beginning July 1, 20______ Budget Committee. A summary of (Municipal corporation)

35285 Millard Road, St. Helens 97051 the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at _________________________________________ (Street address)

www.columbiaswcd.com 8:30 a.m., and _______ 4:30 p.m., or online at _______________________________ ________________________between the hours of _______ This budget is for an

annual;

biennial budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is:

the same as;

different than the preceding year. If different, the major changes and their effect on the budget are:

Contact

Malyssa Legg TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS

Telephone number

E-mail

503-433-3205

malyssa.legg@columbiaswcd.com

FINANCIAL SUMMARY—RESOURCES Actual Amounts 20 21 20____–20____

1. Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital ........................................ 2. Fees, Licenses, Permits, Fines, Assessments & Other Service Charges ... 3. 4. 5. 6.

CH22-1090

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of Amending the Fee Schedule for Building, Planning and OnSite Sewage Fees – Effective July 1, 2022 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (Publication) TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1. Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on this matter on May 18, 2022, Wednesday, at or after 10:00 a.m., at the Columbia County Courthouse, located at 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. Interested parties may attend the meeting in person or virtually. You may access the virtual meeting room by: Joining from a computer, tablet or smartphone at: https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/357054141 Joining by phone at: United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 357-054-141 2. The purpose of the hearing is to consider an amendment to the Land Development Services Fee schedule, which includes: Building fees (in-

cluding Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Manufactured Housing and other miscellaneous fees), Planning fees, and On-Site Sewage fees. The amendment will add a 3.0% technology fee and will also authorizing the rounding up of fees to the nearest whole dollar amount. The purpose for the technology fee is to recoup third party merchant fees the County is currently incurring related to accepting credit card payments and to provide additional funds to help offset technology related expenses incurred by Land Development Services. 3. The proposed amendments will become available for viewing at least seven days prior to the hearing at: Columbia County, Oregon Official Website – Hearing (columbiacountyor. gov) Copies of these materials may also be obtained at a reasonable cost upon request at the Board of County Commissioners’ Office, Room 338, 230 Strand Street, St.

Helens, Oregon 97051. Additional information about the proposed amendments may be obtained from Jacyn Normine at (503) 397-4322 ext. 840. 4. Comments may be submitted to Board of County Commissioners’ Office, Room 338, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or by email to Jacyn Normine jacyn.normine@ columbiacountyor.gov prior to the hearing. 5. Columbia County does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and will provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the County’s ADA Policy. To request accommodations or to review the County’s ADA Policy, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ office at (503) 397-4322. Dated this 25th day of April, 2022. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON By: Jacyn Normine, Board Office Adminstrator

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at the address below, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the

personal representative, or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published May 4, 2022. TED SWANEY, Personal Representative, c/o Lucas & Associates, L.L.C. Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 519, Rainier, OR 97048, Phone 503-556-3741, FAX – 503-556-0708, Lucasatty@yahoo.com.

Adopted Budget Approved Budget 23 22 22 Next Year: 20____–20____ 21 This Year: 20____–20____

200,000 0 1,424,407 0 0 62,524 564,904 2,251,835

200,000 0 2,061,846 0 0 52,924 613,265 2,928,035

499,381 1,359,454 66,000 52,000 0 100,000 0 175,000 2,251,835

530,008 2,055,027 68,000 0 0 100,000 Clear Page 0 175,000 2,928,035

7. Current Year Property Taxes Estimated to be Received.......................... 8. Total Resources—add lines 1 through 7 ................................................ FINANCIAL SUMMARY—REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION 9. 10. 11. 12.

Personnel Services .................................................................................. Materials and Services ............................................................................ Capital Outlay .......................................................................................... Debt Service ............................................................................................

13. Interfund Transfers ................................................................................... 14. Contingencies .......................................................................................... 15. Special Payments ....................................................................................

452,837 435,617 3,293 101,286 0 100,000 0 149,634 1,242,667

16. Unappropriated Ending Balance and Reserved for Future Expenditure .... Name 17. Total Requirements—add lines 9 through 16 ........................................ FTE FINANCIAL SUMMARY—REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM* Not Allocated to Organizational Unit or Program Name of Organizational Unit or Program FTE FTE for Unit or Program Total Requirements Name District Operations 257,842 240,976 Total FTE FTE 3 3.5 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES AND SOURCES OF FINANCING* Name FTE Name FTE Name FTE

Field Operations

241,539 3

211,861 3

271,015 3 258,993 3

Clear Page

Form OR-LB-1 (continued on next page)

150-504-064 (Rev. 11-19-21)

Name FTE Not Allocated to Organizational Unit or Program FTE Total Requirements Total FTE STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES AND SOURCES OF FINANCING*

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed 0.10 Permanent Rate Levy ............ (Rate Limit___________Per $1000) $0.10/per $1,000 Local Option Levy ....................................................................................... Levy for General Obligation Bonds ............................................... Long Term Debt

Rate or Amount Imposed

Rate or Amount Approved

$0.10/per $1,000

$0.10/per $1,000

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1

Estimated Debt Authorized, but not Incurred on July 1

0 0 0 0

General Obligation Bonds .............................................................. Other Bonds ................................................................................... Other Borrowings ........................................................................... Total ............................................................................................... *If more space is needed to complete any section of this form, use the space below or add sheets.

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed

CH22-1092

In the Matter of the Estate of DOLORES A. SWANEY, Deceased. No. 22PB04114 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them,

Federal, State & all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations & Donations ........... Revenue from Bonds & Other Debt ......................................................... Interfund Transfers/Internal Service Reimbursements ............................ All Other Resources Except Current Year Property Taxes .......................

204,229 0 442,519 0 0 54,675 541,244 1,242,667

0.10 Permanent Rate Levy ............ (Rate Limit___________Per $1000) Local Option Levy ....................................................................................... Levy for General Obligation Bonds ...............................................

CH22-1082

$0.10/per $1,000

Rate or Amount Imposed

Rate or Amount Approved

$0.10/per $1,000

$0.10/per $1,000

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Long Term Debt

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1

A public meeting of the the budget message and to Budget Committee of Coreceive comment from the lumbia County Development public on the budget. This *If more State space is needed to complete any section of this form, the space below or add sheets.where Agency, of Oregon, is ausepublic meeting to discuss the budget for deliberations of the Budget the fiscal year July 1, 2022 Committee will take place. to June 30, 2023, will be Any person may appear at held at 230 Strand Street St. the meeting and discuss the Helens, Oregon 97051 in proposed programs with the room 310. The meeting will Budget Committee. A copy take place on May 12, 2022 of the budget document may at 11:00 a.m. The purpose be inspected or obtained of the meeting is to receive on or after May 12, 2022 General Obligation Bonds .............................................................. Other Bonds ................................................................................... Other Borrowings ........................................................................... Total ...............................................................................................

150-504-064 (Rev. 11-19-21)

Estimated Debt Authorized, but not Incurred on July 1

0 0 0 0

at (http://www.ccdaoregon. org/documents). Notice: Budget Committee Meetings will be conducted as hybrid sessions. In addition to the in person location listed above, the meetings will also be available on the web as follows: https://meet. goto.com/943843245 United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073 Access Code: 943-843245 Form OR-LB-1 (continued from previous page)

CH22-1083 CH22-1087

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of A Comprehensive Plan Map) Amendment and a Zoning Map Amendment) Under Provisions for the Redevelopment of ) An Abandoned or Diminished mill site in ) Clatskanie, OR. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICATTON). 1 The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hybrid hearing on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at or after 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 310 Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. https:// global.gotomeeting.com/

join/357054141 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 357-054-141 The purpose of the hearing is to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation to apprve a Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment and Zone Change. Applicant Jeremy Keepers, Owner Weyerhaeuser Timer Holding, lnc. Approximately two miles west of Clatskanie, North of Highway 47. Site Location 760106 Highway 47, Clatskanie, OR 97016. Tax Map No. Portions of 7512-00-00201 and 751200-00401 and Site Size 49.34 Acres. All interested

parties may appear and be heard. The location of the hearing is accessible to the disabled. If you are in need of any special accommodations in order to attend or participate at this hearing, please call the Board of County Commissioners’ Office at (503) 397-4322 at least two days in advance. The hearing will be held according to the procedures established in the Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. Dated this 26th Day of April, 2022. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON By: Henry Heimuller, Chair.

SAFETY

is low. • Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. • Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home, and where to meet up outside. • Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1. • Emphasize “get out, stay out.” Only professional firefighters should enter a building that is on

fire—even if other family members, pets or prized possessions are inside. • Use quick-release devices on barred windows and doors. Security bars without release devices can trap you in a deadly fire. If you have security bars on your windows, be sure one window in each sleeping room has a release device. • Consider getting escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the windows. • Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

From Page A1 To help your child survive a fire • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. • Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button. • Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Meadowview Service District, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, will be held at 230 Strand Street St. Helens, Oregon 97051 in room 310. The meeting will take place on May 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive 150-504-064 (Rev. 11-19-21)

the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 12, 2022 at (https://

www.columbiacounty or.gov/ meadowview-lighting-district). Notice: Budget Committee Meetings will be conducted as hybrid sessions. In addition to the in person location listed above, the meetings will also be available on the web as follows: https:// meet.goto.com/831454733 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 831-454-733 Form OR-LB-1 (continued from previous page)

CH22-1091

NOTICE OF HYBRID MEETING The CC Rider Transit Advisory Committee will be holding a hybrid meeting on May 17, 2022 at 4:00PM at 1155 Deer Island Rd, St. Helens, Oregon 97051.

Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// meet.goto.com/536878909 You can also dial in using your phone. United States

The preschoolers get an up close and personal tour of an ambulance.

(Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073 United States: +1 (646) 749-3129 Access Code: 536-878-909 The public is welcome.

Courtesy from CRFR

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Obituaries Katherine “Kathy” Grace Allen

Richard Frank Roberts

May 22, 1938 ~ April 24, 2022

Katherine “Kathy” Grace (Cook) Allen passed away at Legacy Emmanuel Hospital due to complications from a stroke on Sunday, April 24th as the rising sun shone through her window, she was 83. Kathy was born May 22, 1938, in St. Helens, Oregon to Orville and Beulah Mae (Colville) Cook, the youngest of five children. She lived in Columbia County (Yankton, Rainier, and St. Helens) the duration of her life. Kathy married Joe W. Allen in 1956 and they had three children together prior to divorcing in 1964. She spent the last 20 years with her partner Phil Steiner of Beaverton. Kathy retired in 1995, after 31 years with the State of Oregon. She worked for the Oregon State Police as an office secretary for eight years and spent the remaining years with the Department of Human Services in the St. Helens Welfare department office as a case management officer. She loved music, both listening and playing the piano. In a quiet moment you

would hear her humming her favorite tune. She also enjoyed a Saturday matinee, especially if it were a good movie…and she would be sure to give her review. She supported numerous causes and donated to local charities whenever she could. She loved her family unconditionally and will always be remembered for it. Kathy is survived by her children, son Joseph “Joe” Allen and daughter-in-law Cyndi, son Jim Allen and daughter-in-law Carol, and daughter Tracy Allen; six grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother William “Bill” Cook; and sisters, Dorcas “Dee” Stevens and Ruby Popejoy. At her request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Columbia Pacific Food Bank in St. Helens. If you are local to Columbia County, food donations can be delivered to 474 Milton Way, St. Helens, OR 97051. If you wish to make a monetary donation you can do so via this website https:// cpfoodbank.org/get-involved/donate or by mailing a check to Columbia Pacific Food Bank, PO Box 1031, St. Helens, OR 97051-8031. Do not stand at my grave and weep, For I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond’s glint on the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone. I am with you still in each new dawn.

Robert “Papa Bo” G. Laird March 2, 1951 ~ April 27, 2022

Bo passed away Wed., April 27th at his home in Sherwood, Oregon. He was born in San Francisco, California on March 2, 1951 and grew up in the Hayward area. He graduated in 1969. Bo is survived by his wife Linda; sons, Corey (Jodi), Travis (Angela), and TJ (Danielle); stepdaughter Jill (Dave); eight grandkids; two great grandkids; and his sister Rita (Ray). He was preceded in death by his father Herman; mother Lily; sister Dale; and brother Ronnie. Bo worked at the St.

Helens School District for 30 years, he owned Dirty Deeds

Trucking with his son Travis and after retiring, he started working beside his son Corey at Haulaway. Bo was the glue that held everything together, he was also the instigator of many great adventures and road trips. He loved his Harley, his wife and family, his dogs and his life. He truly lived life to the fullest. We know if he could, he’d be telling us all to GRAB LIFE! Celebrate Bo at 2 p.m. on Sat., May 7, 2022 at Elks Lodge, 8530 SW Warm Springs, Tualatin, Oregon.

Violet Elizabeth Aiger Endebo

June 5, 1955 ~ April 13, 2022

Lifelong local resident Richard Frank Roberts, 66, of Longview passed away at home April 13, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He was born June 5, 1955, in Longview, to Lester and Helen (Carter) Roberts. Richard graduated from Rainier High School in 1973 and attended Lower Columbia College. Richard had a dependable, strong work ethic. He held several positions at Weyerhaeuser before retiring as a longshoreman in 2017. He met Pamela Hapgood in January of 2013 and became a strong male role model to her five children. He was easy-going, kind, patient and accepting. Richard was a loving man, a good friend, and had a fondness for cats. He enjoyed spending time with Pamela, backpacking,

hiking, skiing, camping, clam digging, fishing, traveling and sharing a good meal. He is survived by his fiancé Pamela at home; three brothers and their spouses, Lester and Shirley Roberts, Herb and Ardy Roberts, and John Roberts, all of Rainier; three sisters and their spouses, Kathy and Robert Ramey

of Rainier, Debbie and Leo Meier of Kalama, and Sandra Martin of Wilmington, N.C.; seven nieces; and five nephews. His parents, two nieces, and a nephew preceded him in death. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. on May 7, 2022 at the Valley Christian Fellowship with Pastor Lance Caddel officiating. A reception will follow at the Longshore Hall, 617 14th Ave., in Longview. Memorial contributions may be made to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, in care of Fred Hutch, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mail Stop J5-200, Seattle, WA 98109 or via email at annualgiving@ fredhutch.org. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Groulx Family Mortuary in Rainier.

James “Jim” Lokken Nov. 9, 1964 ~ April 28, 2022

James “Jim” Lokken, husband, son, father, and friend. Jim was born Nov. 9, 1964, in St. Helens, Oregon. He was a man that couldn’t be put into a box, how to describe him, how he impacted those around him, and how he lived his life. He had a way of making anything he did seem easy. His passion for nature, being on the water, and spending time with his family were undeniable. Was it really a good day if you haven’t fought a fish? Heard a duck’s call? Laughed so hard you made your wife cry a little? I think everyone knows Jim’s answers to these questions. Anyone that has met Jim has heard a story of the biggest fish you have ever seen or learned a new technique to brine your herring. That was the thing about Jim. He always wanted to talk to you. He always wanted to make you laugh. Teach you something new. Or hear about your day. He always found

a way to find something special in a moment. That was something Jim was so good at. Finding meaning in moments that seem larger than life. He never went into anything with a half heart. He couldn’t. And he loved. He loved hard and loved so much. His mark on the lives of those around him will not be soon forgotten. He knew how to bring people together and to make any room seem lighter. He is survived by his wife

of 23 years Brandy Lokken; daughter Mckenna Lokken; son Jacob Stafford; and the entire Lokken, Shadley, and Scholl family. We will all miss him so much; grieving his loss will be a very long and difficult journey. Jim was a jack of all trades. He spent his life following his passions. Working on boats, teaching his family to hunt and fish, he never missed a Nascar race, and you knew he was getting closer when you could hear AC/DC getting louder. Jim had been battling several chronic illnesses over the past couple of years. They made it increasingly difficult for him to enjoy the things in life that made him the man who he was. Late in the evening April 28, 2022, Jim passed on, at peace, in the comfort of his home in Scappoose, Oregon. He was 57. We will greatly miss him, but know he is no longer in pain.

April 4, 2009 ~ April 24, 2022

Violet was born in Longview April 4, 2009 to Ella and Joxer and came home to Portland at 4 months old with love and joy. She was Mommy’s first dog and was later joined by Alfred Henry. After living two years in sunny Rio de Janeiro, then Palo Alto, she moved with Mommy to St Helens. Many residents saw her in her tan and black stroller. She loved carrots, blueberries, turkey, banana, receiving love from all people, tickles, making funny noises, walking (later strolling), licking, and yelling at the world. Violet was a living stuffed animal, our “bear.” She ran to the hopeless and destitute, street people and sad people. She turned many tears to laughter over her 13 years on earth. After that blessed time

came our turn to mourn on April 24, 2024. She leaves behind Mommy, Daddy and Alfie, Savta Beka, Savta Shirel, Doda Leah, numerous family members, GG Dee, and hundreds of friends worldwide, some of whom know her as Violetta. Special thanks to Rebecca F, Paul and Laura, Gary,

Evan, Tammie, Karen, Louise, Dan, Kelli, Randy, R and J, Michelle, Mari Anne, and all GFM contributors these last months. We loved you all your life, and we’ll love you for the rest of ours. A viewing was held at Dignified Pet Services on April 28, followed by a private cremation.

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

Obituaries Send obituaries to The Chronicle at chronicleclas sifieds@country media.net or call 503-397-0116. Please submit by Mondays by noon. Obituaries will be published in print in The Chronicle and online at the chronicleonline. com.

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

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No wet or household garbage NO yard debris in plastic bags NO burn piles NO painted wood NO lumber NO construction debris NO sod Yard Debris, Trees & Limbs Yard Debris, Trees & Limbs First 2 loads FREE of CHARGE, First 2 loads FREE of CHARGE, additional additional loads loads$5 $5each. each.

DONATIONS APPRECIATED Paintings by local Artists will be available for purchase

Advertise in the newspaper! Call 503-397-0116. Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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

SCHOOL From Page A1

ing, but as a single mother of two boys, it just wasn’t feasible. “(Homeschooling) was just not something that was in my bandwidth to do,” she said. “I couldn’t afford private school. You know, private schools are amazing. So is homeschooling. But I couldn’t afford private school for both of my children. And so public school was where we had to land.” Despite being forced to narrow her search parameters, it didn’t take RyanBivins long to find a viable model. The learning pod Learning pods are small student groups supervised by adults for the purpose of learning, exploring, and socializing, according to National School Choice Week, a not-for-profit, charitable effort to raise awareness of effective K–12 education options for children. There are two different types of learning pods: self-directed pods and learning support pods. Learning support pods are designed to supplement regular class instruction, whereas self-directed learning pods qualify as a type of homeschooling, in which parents or hired teachers plan their curriculum in accordance with state laws and regulations. Learning pods blossomed under the pandemic for several reasons, including the challenges of remote learning, fears over COVID, and perceived shortcomings of the public school system brought to light during the public health emergency. A June 2021 poll conducted by EdChoice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nonpartisan organization for the advancement of educational freedom, found that 37% of parents were participating in a pod or

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Wednesday, May 4, 2022 looking to form or join a learning pod. Under the learning pod model, one of Ryan-Bivins’ chief concerns would be keeping tuition affordable for middle and workingclass families. “There’s learning pods where parents pay, you know, three to $400 a month. There are learning pods where parents pay $1,500 a month,” RyanBivins said. “I believe that it’s going to be on the lower end of that cost.” Declining enrollment In his March 18 letter, SSD Superintendent Tim Porter informed staff and community members Scappoose schools lost state funding due to a “significant decline” in enrollment since 2019. Also, in his letter, Porter projected student enrollment next year to be down 200 from pre-pandemic numbers, a decline of 9.7%. “The decline in enrollment in SSD mirrors the trend we are not only seeing in Oregon but throughout the United States,” he wrote. “Several factors led to the drop, including decreasing birth rates, enrollment patterns, and families’ choices during the pandemic.” As of April, SSD enrollment is still down by 106 students compared to the 2018-2019 school year. “Now it’s 1,913,” Porter said. “Last year at this point, it was 1,738, but pre-COVID, in the 18-19 school year in the same month, it was 2,019.” Data from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) reveals a similar pattern. According to ODE, 7,905 fewer students enrolled in Oregon schools for the 2021-2022 school year - figures that would not be likely to surprise Ryan-Bivins, who told The Chronicle that her proposal has been well received by the community. “I’ve had people that have contacted me, per-

sonally messaged me on Facebook, saying, you know what, I don’t even have children in the school district, but I would love to help with this,” she said. “I think that there’s more and more families that would like to have more of a say in what their children are learning. I believe that a lot of parents would just like them to go to school to learn math, writing, English, and so forth, and not much else.” According to the Oregon Department of Education’s Communions Director Marc Siegel, the educational landscape in Oregon provides several different options for families: 1) Public schools operated or sponsored by a school district and may include the following (though it should be noted that not every school district has each of these options available): a. Traditional schools b. Charter schools c. Alternative schools d. Private Alternative schools (private schools or community-based organizations that register with the ODE annually and may contract with school districts) 2 Private schools 3) Home school All public options must meet certain requirements for schools as outlined in OAR 581-022-0102, this collection of rules is known as Division 22, according to Siegel. “Private schools are often accredited, though not always, and are not required to adhere to statutes or rules, and there are no academic standards for home schooling. You may want to also check in with Oregon Federation of Independent Schools - https:// ofisweb.org/” The Alternative School Informational Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Scappoose Public Library. For more information, contact Sharrie RyanBivins at 503-396-3361.

We are back! 20th annual

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4 rescued in separate coast events STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

First responders are urging anyone from Columbia County and across the state heading for the Oregon Coast to be aware of the dangers along the coastline and in the Pacific Ocean. The advisory follows two separate coast rescues of four teens in late April by Coast Guard helicopters along the North Oregon Coast. The latest rescue occurred Monday, April 25, from a coastal cliff in Manzanita. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received an initial request for assistance from Tillamook County dispatch at approximately 7:22 p.m. that two hikers reportedly became stranded by the rising tide after venturing down from a higher, roadside vantage point. A Sector Columbia River MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew diverted from a training mission to respond and arrived on scene at 7:44 p.m. A Tillamook Bay Fire Department high-angle rescue team, Manzanita Police and other first responders arrived on scene first and assisted in locating the hikers. A Coast Guard rescue swimmer was lowered from the helicopter and completed hoisting the hikers at 8:30 p.m. The aircrew transported

Courtesy from Cannon Beach Fire & Rescue

The Coast Guard helicopter moves close into the rescue site with a crew member on the side of the craft.

the two from their stranded position to awaiting emergency medical personnel at nearby Neahkahnie Beach. No injuries or medical concerns were reported. In another rescue, two teens had been swept into the ocean from the rocks along Depoe Bay Saturday. As the tide increased a witness spotted the two

teens in trouble and called 9-1-1. The Coast Guard responded to the scene and was able to use a helicopter to rescue the two teens. First responders urge beach visitors to avoid taking any unnecessary risks while along the coastline and to be especially mindful of steep cliffs and the timing of high tides.

Community Calendar May 4 Grey Cliffs Meeting The public is invited to attend the St. Helens community forum to review in-water facility alternatives at Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. prior to the City Council’s regular meeting at St. Helens City Hall, 265 Strand Street, Plaza Entrance in St. Helens. For more information, contact Communications Officer Crystal King at cking@sthelensoregon.gov. May 6-7 Book Sale The annual St. Helens Library Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 375 S 18th Street in St. Helens. All books $1 or less. Bag of books sale Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. DVDs audio and CDs. May 7 Farmers Market The 20th season of the Scappoose Market kicks off from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact scappoosefm@ gmail.com. May 7 Plant Sale The St. Helens Garden Club Spring Plant sale at the St. Helens Library porch will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 7, in conjunction with the Friends of the Library Book Sale. The plants are only there on Saturday,

while the book sale starts on Friday. Rocky Point Stables Horse Compost will also be available. Just $4 per bag for some of the best compost for your tomatoes and roses. Weed free. May 14 Arts Guild Event The Columbia Arts Guild invites the community to an elegant evening of fine art, music, appetizers and conversation from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center, 2625 Gable Road in St. Helens. Paintings by local artists will be available for purchase. For more information call 503-396-0875. Ongoing events Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv.com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page. Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday - Sundays.

This is a Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st St., St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521 or check the Resonate facebook page. Columbian Toastmasters Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome! Meeting virtually via Zoom from 12-1 p.m. every Thursday. • Zoom meeting: https:// zoom.us/j/8222962563/ • Webpage: https://6421. toastmastersclubs.org/ • Soc Media: https://www. facebook.com/ColumbianToastmasters • Phone: 503-369-0329 Overcomers Outreach Meetings are held every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Rd., Scappoose. Call Fred 971-757-6389. To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia. net, or call 503-397-0116.

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Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Start your engines: Speedway season to begin MIKE WEBER Chronicle Guest Article

For the first time since 2019, River City Speedway in St. Helens will begin its motorsports season in May. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the speedway opened later than normal last season in June and in 2020 the track didn’t open until July. Everything is back to normal now though and the 38th season will include a total of 16 Columbia County Racing Association (CCRA) events. The season opener is set for May 7 at 5 p.m. on the quarter-mile clay oval track at the Columbia County Fairgrounds facility in St. Helens. The motorsports schedule continues throughout the spring and summer and concludes with the Sept. 24 season finale. President’s perspective The CCRA, under the direction of fifth-year President Darrin Rye, is expecting to have a total of nearly 100 drivers competing in five motorsport classifications in the opener. Those divisions include Four Cylinders, Sportsman, Tuner, Pure Stock and Modified. “We’re happy to have a new sponsor of the Street Stock Division this year, Family Fun RV of St. Helens, so it’s good to have them on board with us,” said Rye. “We actually operated without any sponsors in 2020 and we gave everyone a refund because of the bad situation

MEMORIAL From Page A1 communicate and be around others with similar emotions.” Walker said the Vietnam veterans visiting the Memorial Wall will experience “tremendous emotions” because they were involved in the war, and they will likely be joined by family members and friends who lost loved ones in the Vietnam conflict. “It’s just a very, very emotional experience,” he said. “I am a Vietnam vet and it is pretty emotional for me, that’s for sure, because I am thinking about the 58,000-plus names on the wall (that) didn’t come home.” Walker describes his time in the military service as something he is very proud of, “but not being recognized for that back in the 60s and 70s was pretty hard to take at that time,” he said. The attitude has changed across America today, according to Walker. “With the change in most attitudes by American citizens regarding our returning service men and women that welcome that we didn’t get then, we are

back then. There’s definitely going to be more drivers competing this year. We have lots of newcomers coming to the track and some returning drivers as well, so there’s a lot of interest, especially with many people building new race cars to drive.” Upcoming events are also scheduled May 14, 21 and June 11 and 25. Other classes at the track include the Northwest Dwarf Cars, Street Stock Division, Tracer Division (teens age 12-18) and Micro Sprint Cars. “I really love my job with the excitement of being at the track on Saturdays and the appreciation from the drivers and just having this facility and maintaining it to enable everyone to race here,” said Rye. “There was a rule that only allowed people to be club president for two years. When I became president, I changed that rule. As long as members of the CCRA continue to support me, then I’ll accept the club president position, which basically seems like it’s my job year after year. The last two years, It was very difficult operating my own business (Dr. Auto in Warren), having my family life at home and running the race track and trying to make everything profitable. There were lots of rules to follow with COVID and we were able to open our track before other tracks did and keep our doors open for the racers.” Who to beat Drivers considered as top contenders to win a division title include Bob Berg

getting now, and we are also making sure that returning veterans from the present-day conflicts are not treated the same way we were back in the 60s and 70s,” he said. Walker said the Run for the Wall is also important beyond a healing event. “It is a way for us to keep the pressure on the U.S. government to keep trying to find our MIAs and our KIAs (Killed in Action) and to return them home,” he said. “That’s very important for the families who lost their loved ones. So, by spreading this message across the county we are helping maintain awareness through social media, newspapers and television that those soldiers are not all home yet.” According to Walker, there are more than 100,000 soldiers that have not been re-patriated. “Many are at the bottom of the ocean and may never be found, but they are still finding soldiers in the jungles of Southeast Asia and even some from World War II in European countries and the Pacific Islands,” he said. Walker will be piloting a chase truck during his participation in the 10-day run.

Courtesy photo from Mike Weber

Bob Berg of St. Helens will compete in the Four Cylinder Division in his green 1997 Dodge Neon (#0).

CCRA titles during his 30year career at the speedway.

but he’s not going to be seeking to win another title this season since he’ll be competing at other tracks in Madras and Lebanon and he plans to enter just a few CCRA events. Dorie, who finished in the top-five of the Dwarf Car standings last year, is one of the top contenders for the 2022 title along with Josh Rodgers of St. Helens and Teagan Fischer of Warren. Fischer, 21, is a former two-time series champion (2017, 2018) who will be driving her TFT Construction sponsored open-wheel style race car. Other drivers who are considered frontrunners for a division title include brothers TJ and Myke Landis of West Linn, who are the top contenders to win the Tuner Division title in their Tri Pod Development sponsored Ford Focus. During inclement weather conditions, it’s best to call the speedway office at 503-397-6506 to verify the schedule. The track is located at 58892 Saulser Rd. in St. Helens.

and Stephen Kaptur of St. Helens, Shawn Dorie of Scappoose, Dick Gaboury of Rainer, and the father/son duo of Greg Greer and Cody Greer of Rainier. Gaboury, 72, is the oldest competitor at the speedway and he’s also one of the fastest and most experienced stock car racing drivers competing in the CCRA. While he didn’t compete at the track the last two years, Gaboury said he’s excited to resume his racing career and drive his Economy Auto Wrecking sponsored 1992 Nissan Altima. “If I win the championship, which is my goal, then I think that I’ll probably retire from racing,” said Gaboury, who started his motorsports career in the 1970s when he competed at Portland Speedway, which closed in 2001. “I’ve won two championships in my career, so I’ve enjoyed some success and if I win another one, that would

be great. Trenton Brogan’s dad Gary will be my co-driver who will substitute for me, if I’m unable to race. That will be kind of interesting to see a father and son racing against each other.” Gaboury finished in second place in the Four Cylinder Division point standings in 2019 as a co-driver with Trenton Brogan of Kelso. The duo rotated their position each week while driving a 1996 Nissan Altima. In 2013, Gaboury and his son Chris, 52, combined as co-drivers of a Nissan and they won the Four Cylinder championship. The Gaboury family owns Economy Auto Wrecking in Portland. Berg, 57, won the 2021 Four Cylinder title while driving his Cozy Lawn Maintenance sponsored 1997 Dodge Neon and he’ll be one of the top contenders again this season along with Gaboury and the 19-year-old Brogan. Berg has won three

“I will be supporting the others by driving along and if a motorcycle breaks down in the run along the route, I will load up that motorcycle and take it to a shop,” Walker said. “We are not going to leave anybody on the side of the road.” During a fourth Run for the Wall, called the Sand Box Run, dedicated to veterans in the U.S. conflicts in the Middle East, Walker will participate on the Alaskan Airlines Fallen Soldier Cart escort to Marseilles, Illinois following the Memorial Day weekend event. “I am pretty proud of what we are doing,” Walker said.

A veteran copies a name from the Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. during a previous Run for the Wall. See more photos with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

Racers rundown The title contenders in the Modified Division include St. Helens drivers Stephen Kaptur and Scott Wells, Greer and Devon Reed of Woodland. Kaptur, 46, won the 2019 Modified championship and he finished in fifth place last season. Greer is a former series champion (2010) who returns to the track after a 10-year hiatus and he’ll be competing with his new car. Greer’s son Cody, 13, won the Micro Sprint Restricted Division title last season in his Rainier RV Center sponsored open-wheel race car and he’ll be seeking to win a second straight championship this year. Dennis Liebig, 36, of Scappoose, won the Dwarf Car Division championship while driving his Dr. Auto sponsored racer car last year,

Fast Fact Drivers considered as top contenders to win a division title include Bob Berg and Stephen Kaptur of St. Helens, Shawn Dorie of Scappoose, Dick Gaboury of Rainer, and the father/ son duo of Greg Greer and Cody Greer of Rainier.

Courtesy from Doug Walker

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