SHC510

Band heads to state, choir wins second place

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The St. Helens High School Wind Ensemble band is heading to Corvallis this week to seek its second consecutive state championship.

The Wind Ensemble is a 36-member auditioned/director recommended ensemble and will compete May 10 at the LaSells Stewart Center on the Oregon State University’s campus. Band Director Noelle Freshner and her band are a close-knit and cohesive group, a byproduct of the continuity of the band’s senior members and Freshner’s commitment to her students.

This is Freshner’s 16th year directing the band, and she said each year is different and brings new challenges. With a big chunk of the band being seniors, Freshner reflected on what the seniors have meant to the group this year.

“This group of seniors was strong from the beginning. I was their beginning band teacher and their intermediate band teacher, and so I could tell from that first year that they were going to be something special,” Freshner said. “They’ve lived up to that expectation. Huge group. They’ve continued through COVID; they didn’t give up. I didn’t lose kids from that class. And they kept working really, really hard.”

Developing success

Senior Andrew Worlitz is one of the band’s 22 seniors and plays the trumpet; he gave some insight into the legacy of success at the school and Freshner’s role in that success.

“I think it is a bit of a legacy. I think one of the main compliments that we get from the judges is that

bands, just because of the way Freshner teaches us,” Worlitz said. “For a while, she was also teaching middle school, so we’d have that consistency of the same teacher, which allowed us to adjust, and she knew all of us and our tendencies in playing, and could work really closely and one-on-one with us to make sure that we improve.”

This year’s set of songs will be a “mountain set,” according to Worlitz. They will open with the robust Mount Everest before diving into the Pavanne as arranged by middle school Band Director (and Noelle Freshner’s husband) Travis Freshner. They will close with Vesuvius,

strong” piece.

I could tell from that first year that they were going to be something special.

Senior Litia Miller, who plays the oboe and a little bit of French horn, is playing in the

this after playing in St. Helens’ developmental concert band last year. Miller is also a student who has had Mrs. Freshner as a teacher since middle school and has grown under her support.

“Something I’ve seen happen every year, just repetitively, is that she’s really supportive. She doesn’t see messing up as a failure; she sees it as a way of growing and learning and becoming a better musician,” Miller said. “I’ve just taken that and tried to push it through my brain that when I fail, it’s not a ‘failure’ necessarily; it’s more of just stepping stones to getting better.”

The team has performed in several concerts throughout the year to prepare them for the end of the season, and the group will be confident going into states after winning first place in the Cowapa League competition.

Developing the band of the future

Senior Crevan Keefe, the lead trombone, is another holdover from last season’s state champions and has taken on the responsibility of helping out some of the younger folks in the band that will take on more significant roles when the seniors graduate.

“A couple of us are in our concert band, so our lower band, and I know I’ve been trying to help them, like there was a kid that wasn’t sure if he wanted to try and move up to Wind Ensemble,” Keefe said. “But I encouraged him, I got him a new mouthpiece so he could open up his sound and stuff. And I think they’re going to be fine, and there’s other people who have been encouraging in other ways too.”

Keefe said that Freshner’s teaching approach has not only helped him improve, but he’s also been able to give the critiques she’s given him to other band members to help them develop. This is Keefe’s sixth year participating in band, but he still hasn’t lost the excitement or the nerves of performing.

“I’m definitely excited, but there’s hard parts in the pieces, so I get nervous at those times, but once I start playing, I kind of lose the nerves,” Keefe said.

Senior Center gets big beef donation

WILL

LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The St. Helens Senior Center has benefited from a donation of three full-grown steers courtesy of a longtime St. Helens resident.

Hill Top Off Road Mudding owner Jerry Pritchett had the steers since they were young and bought them to help maintain the grass around his property.

“I got them to eat the grass down so it wasn’t a fire hazard around the property, and then I would butcher one occasionally for my own beef,” Pritchett said. “But they just got so big I needed to do something with them, and I wanted to help out the community.”

Pritchett decided between donating the steers to the food bank or the senior center and ultimately decided to donate to the senior center because he has a connection there through his daughter, Amy Pritchett.

The Meating Place, a butcher business owner from Hillsboro, brought out a truck to help butcher the steer so they could be donated. The hanging weights for the cows are 790 lbs., 817 lbs., and 1,101 lbs.

St. Helens Senior Center Activities Coordinator Amy Pritchett said that the meat they received will help provide meals for their home-delivered meals program as well as their in-house congregates. That program sees the senior center serving home-delivered meals to over 175 people aged 60 or older throughout

Columbia County.

“It’s a program aimed at promoting better health among our homebound adults, and older segments of the population,” Amy Pritchett said.

The St. Helens Senior Center serves a total of about 500 people each year, according to Amy Pritchett. When the senior center assesses how they will use the meat, they may also donate some to the food bank.

For Jerry Pritchett, donating the steer to the community was a good way to give back, but it’s bittersweet to part with the cows who maintained his land after all these years. “I miss them, they were my friends, you know, I raised them all from the bottle,” Jerry Pritchett said.

A closer look at the proposed Sheriff’s Levy

WILL LOHRE

Country Media, Inc.

T he $7.9M 4-year Columbia County Sheriff’s Levy Measure 5-290 proposed by Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley will add seven new sheriff’s deputies.

The new tax to support the levy would be 29 cents per $1,000 in assessed value. This means a home taxed on a $400,000 assessed value would add $116 to its yearly property tax bill.

City council supports levy

Both the Clatskanie and the Rainier City Councils voted to support the levy on May 1, following a

presentation by Sheriff Pixley.

At a work session on April 19, the St. Helens City Council decided not to publicly support the sheriff’s levy. St. Helens has a city police department offering 24-hour coverage within the city limits. The council members’ consensus was that they did not feel they could ask city residents to pay more without more information about the measure.

“I’m a little bit uncomfortable with the levy because I haven’t looked at their finances; I know they’ve been struggling for years now to have 24-hour service; I’m surprised it wasn’t campaigned better,” Mayor Rick Scholl said at the meeting on the 19th. “I wish there would have been more campaigning done at the county level, and there would have been more of an open transparency to their budget needs for the levy. And I have not seen enough there.”

On May 4, the St. Helens City

Council heard a presentation from Sheriff Pixley about the levy at their work session. At the conclusion of the presentation, the council discussed their concerns over the measure with Pixley.

St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl began by raising issues of the county commissioners’ budget, saying that he had been unable to review that information to do “due diligence” about the fiscal need for the levy. Scholl then asked Pixley whether he had been guaranteeing student resource officers in schools in the county. Pixley said that notion is “absolutely preposterous” and that he has only had preliminary discussions with school districts about what the process of getting School Resource Officers would look like.

Council President Jessica Chilton raised the question of how the success of the levy will be measured. Pixley said it would ultimately come down to the voters.

Pixley also denoted that there will not be “overnight success” because the process of getting officers trained and out in the county could take up to a year and a half.

Councilor Patrick Birkle raised the concern of compression due to passing multiple levies and whether the sheriff’s levy would put the county past the compression threshold. Ultimately, it was decided that an assessor would be needed to analyze how close the levy would take the county to the compression point. The council had concerns about what the burden of this levy, in addition to potential future levies, could have.

Councilors Mark Gundersen, Brandon Sundeen, and Birkle expressed that they would support the levy as county members but said they would leave the decision up to the voters. Mayor Scholl emphasized his concerns with the budget.

“I’m more so challenging the budget and the fiscal means, and

the campaign that was behind it in order to get where we are,” Scholl said. “And I hope that anybody in opposition or in favor of this can at least appreciate my asking about fiscal responsibility of our tax dollars.”

At the regular council session on May 4, the council voted on whether they would support the sheriff’s levy. Councilor Birkle motioned to approve a letter of support for the levy, and Councilor Sundeen seconded it. Scholl reiterated the comments he made at the April 19 meeting when the council did not support the measure.

Councilors Birkle, Sundeen, and Gundersen said they felt the pros of the levy outweighed the cons. Sundeen, Gundersen, and Birkle all voted in favor, while the mayor voted no. Councilor Chilton was not present at the meeting.

See LEVY Page A3

~ Noelle Freshner, Band Director

Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

The Wind Ensemble is made up of 36 members, and 22 of them are seniors. Page A3

Courtesy photo from Amy Pritchett

The three-steer donated by Jerry Pritchett weighed in at 790 lbs., 817 lbs., and 1,101 lbs.

Students take hands-on approach to learning

The students of Joe Osorio’s Spanish class at St. Helens High School have been making their own piñatas as a hands-on activity to educate them about Cinco De Mayo and the importance of studying other cultures. Using recycled newspapers donated by The Chronicle as the base, students could make the piñatas based on “anything they could imagine.”

“A tradition that I started way back in 2009 during the week of Cinco de Mayo as a fun activity to learn more about, ‘What is Cinco de Mayo? and why we celebrate it,’” Osorio said. Osorio says that while Cinco De Mayo has become a popular holiday in the United States, not many of us understand where the tradition comes from or why we celebrate it. Cinco de Mayo commemorates

Mexico’s May 5, 1862, victory over France in the Battle of Puebla. Osorio hopes that hands-on activities like the class piñatas will help the students get a more active

understanding of the cultural holiday.

“A main take away would be the power of working together to accomplish a goal, do it with pride, and to not give up until the job is done,” Osorio said. “ The Mexican Army defeated the heavily armed and favored French by being courageous, dedicated, and prepared, which is also our school motto.”

Learning history provides valuable context to understand current events and traditions, Osorio said. He hopes a more engaging activity will spur students to look more closely at the concepts the class covers.

“We learn from history, and learning about other cultures helps students critically think about diversity, cultural sensitivity, and overall acceptance of others in and out of their community,” Osorio said. “Not only in regards to Cinco de Mayo but all culturally diverse holidays and customs.”

After finishing their piñatas, the class presented them to the group at large and practiced their Spanish in the process.

OSP conducting local vessel safety inspections

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

In preparation for the boating season, Oregon State Police (OSP) will be conducting voluntary vessel inspections across Oregon, including two inspections in Columbia County.

The local inspections will take place from 11:30 to 3:30 Saturday, May 20 at the Scappoose Bay Marina and the St. Helens Marina.

These inspections are to provide boat operators/owners the opportunity to ensure compliance before launching

their vessels.

If you are a water sports enthusiast, an avid fisherman, or just a new boating recreationalist, OSP encourages you to come by one of these locations where a team of troopers will be on hand to assist you with voluntary vessel safety inspections, outlining any safety or legal deficiencies to boat operators/ owners, or just to answer any questions you might have.

“Working together with our partners, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is looking to increase compliance with ves-

sel safety prior to the boating season,” OSP Capt. Casey Thomas said. “This is a great opportunity for folks to get everything looked over and have a positive interaction with law enforcement.”

No reservations are necessary and boat owners can stop by during the listed dates, times, at the listed locations, whenever it’s convenient for them. Fish & Wildlife Troopers and Marine Deputies will also be available for questions and will have handouts and other items for kids and adults alike.

Backyard burning debris advisory issued

Country Media, Inc.

home to create a defensible space around your property. Defensible space creates a buffer around your home that can help protect your home from catching fire and provides firefighters with a safe space to work from.

After your clean up, you will have a lot to dispose of. Debris burning is the leading human-related fire cause on ODF-protected lands, so as you begin this spring clean-up, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Keep Oregon Green urge you to put some extra thought into how you want to dispose of your yard debris.

sons. Delaying your burn plans will give the debris more time to cure and avoid holdover fires when the weather gets hotter and drier over the next several weeks. You can cover part of the pile with plastic to preserve a dry area to start your fire.

If burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices. The following tips can help stop runaway burn piles:

Call before you burn –Burning regulations vary by location depending on the weather and fuel conditions.

fire can be put out quickly.

Know the weather –Burn early in the day and never burn on dry or windy days, because fires can spread out of control more easily.

Clear a 10-foot fuelfree buffer around the pile – Make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above.

Keep burn piles small

– Large burn piles can cast hot embers long distances. Keep piles small, maximum of four feet by four feet. Add debris to the pile in small amounts as the pile burns.

Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or speed up your fire.

Burn only yard debris – State laws prohibit burning materials or trash that create dense smoke or noxious odors.

Check the public use restrictions for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands before you burn.

Costs of runaway

debris burns – State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires all year. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs, as well as the damage to your neighbors’ properties, which can be extremely expensive. More tips about wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fireresistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green website.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and other fire prevention experts urge the public to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this spring. With fires already occurring in the state, particularly in he Southwest and Central Oregon District, Oregonians need to keep fire prevention at the top of their mind, according to the ODF.

Now is a great time to trim trees and bushes, and tidy up plants around your

Considering alternatives to burning like composting, chipping, or slowly disposing of it via your yard debris bin (if you have one) helps to prevent wildfire in your area. Check with your local disposal company for recycling options. By choosing an alternative disposal method, or burning under safe conditions outside of fire season, you can help significantly reduce the risk of a wildfire.

If you would still prefer to burn your yard debris, consider waiting until the rainy fall and winter sea-

Endorsed by Larry Ericksen, former Port Commissioner; Rick Scholl, Mayor of St Helens; Bob Brajcich, Mayor of Clatskanie; Chip Bubl, Port of Columbia County Commissioner

If you are planning to burn, check with your local ODF district, fire protective association, fire department, or air protection authority to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit.

Stay with the fire until it is out cold – Never leave your debris burn unattended. State laws requires monitoring of debris burn piles from start to finish until it is out cold. This law is intended to ensure sparks or embers that jump from the

Always have water and fire tools nearby – When burning, have a charged water hose or a bucket of water, and shovel on hand to put out the fire. Drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is cold to the touch.

Go back and check burn piles - They can retain heat for several weeks and restart when the weather warms up and winds blow.

Columbia Theatre presents...

Friday, May 19, 2023 7:30 pm

Tickets: $50-$55/students 17 & under: $20

Grammy award winning artist Jim Messina of Loggins and Messina and Buffalo Springfield. One night only!

Courtesy photo from Joe Osorio

Courtesy photo from Joe Osorio

Courtesy from the City of St. Helens Debris burning is the leading human-related fire cause on ODF-protected lands.

Courtesy from the Oregon Marine Board

These inspections are to provide boat operators/owners the opportunity to ensure compliance before launching their vessels.

Electric charging stations at state parks

The chargers offer park visitors an historic opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while using zero-emission vehicles to reduce air pollution and protect Oregon’s natural beauty.

Fifteen other chargers have been installed among the following parks:

• Cape Lookout State Park

• William M. Tugman State Park

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), electric vehicle maker Rivian, nonprofit Adopt A Charger (AAC), and manufacturer Entec Polymers have unveiled Rivian Waypoints Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and the Banks-Vernonia State Trail as well as other areas.

When The Chronicle asked Pixley why the people of St. Helens should vote yes on the levy when they already receive 24-hour coverage, Pixley said it would be a proactive approach to stopping crime.

“What the need is we do help St. Helens with cover requests. There have been times where St. Helens has been tied up, so we have handled calls for the city of St. Helens,” Pixley said. “I’m a big proponent of whatever happens in the county comes to the cities.

So if we can provide proactive patrols around St. Helens, or around Scappoose, or around any other city, that is going to inherently, I think, lessen the crime rates within the cities as well.”

A recommendation was made at the St. Helens Budget Committee meeting on May 4 of an increase in the public safety fee to $10. The increase would be to service the debt for the construction of the new police station, according to Communications Officer for the city Crystal King. The budget will go to the City Council for review and possible adoption at

ENSEMBLE

From Page A1

Competing at a new level

One of the things that Keefe is most excited about at the state competition is seeing all of the other great music that 4A schools have to offer. After being in the top five in 5A for the last five years, The team won State at the 5A level last season, and Keefe said he is curious about what the new division will offer. Recalling last year’s win brought a smile to his face, and he remembered the emotion of the victory.

“That was... there were people crying; we were so happy,” Keefe said.

For Freshner, winning the competition is more of a secondary goal. With winning being more of a subjective matter, the way in which they compete is more important.

Freshner wants the band to play their best and, whatever the result is, be content

• Prineville Reservoir State Park

• The Cove Palisades State Park

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Rivian, Adopt A Charger and Entec Polymers,” OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said. “These public-private partnerships allow for innovative

their June 7 meeting. The date the fee change goes into effect is subject to the council’s review and adoption of the budget but is proposed for July 2023, according to King. The original public safety fee was proposed in 2021 as a $3 addition to each month’s utility bill.

SHPD officer Adam Hartless spoke to the committee, and he estimated that 5-7 people could leave the force in the next two years due to retirement and other issues, which could hamper the department’s ability to provide 24-hour coverage and quality of service, and response times.

King said that the council is considering a variety of avenues to fund not only the construction of the police station but hiring new officers as well. The sheriff’s levy may not be the only law enforcement levy that voters will be asked to approve in the near future.

“The Committee also recommended that staff explore other options, such as a possible general obligation bond which would need to go out to the voters for approval. A GO bond would be used to pay back the cost of the police station,” King said. “A local option levy and gas tax to hire additional officers was another option brought

that they put their best foot forward.

“My goal is to continue to push for excellence. To really work on consistency. Each time that we play through each piece, we need to make sure that everybody remembers to do the things that we’ve worked on,” Freshner said. “Making sure that we’re all being as consistent as possible with how we execute things once we make those decisions. But yet, still making sure that the music breathes and lives and feels like humans are playing it. It can’t be mechanical, but we all have to be on the same page.”

If people feel inclined to support band programs at St. Helens High School, Freshner said donations are always welcome as the band program 6-12 costs around $100,000 a year. Donations can be made at the school or through St. Helens Band Patrons.

Chor Leonis places second at State

projects that help improve state park infrastructure and achieve a shared vision for a cleaner, greener future.”

Rivian, working through AAC, donated the installation design, construction costs and EV chargers placed in the parks. Fundraising by AAC brought plastics manufacturer Entec Polymers as a private donor to cover the cost of visitor charging electricity for a limited time.

The Level 2 chargers are compatible with all electric vehicles and are powered by 100% renewable energy via Rivian’s energy matching program. This collaborative effort extends the electric charging infrastructure grid to new areas for EV drivers to explore. The chargers will improve recreational access for all EV drivers, not just

up by the committee. These would also need to be approved by voters.”

Why now?

The current base tax rate for county operations is $1.39 per $1,000. Pixley wants to retain the base tax, allowing the levy to supplement the existing tax revenue. County residents already pay another Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) levy which funds jail operations at 58 cents per $1,000 in assessed value. This means that taxpayers would pay around 87 cents per $1,000 on both levies.

The proposed measure has been long overdue, Pixley said, because the CCSO has been understaffed and underfunded since he became sheriff in 2019. Pixley said he has been petitioning the county commissioners each year for enhanced staffing and has sought the levy because the commissioners have not made the needed funds available year after year. “I’ve been making pleas to them,” Pixley said. “Multiple pleas since 2019 to enhance our staffing. I ask them for two additional positions every year till we can get up to what’s considered full staffing so we can

St. Helens High School’s premiere festival chorus, Chor Leonis, took second at the OSAA State Choir Championships, the first time the program has finished in the top 3 at State since 1989.

Directed by Eric Stearns, the chorus traveled to Corvallis to sing at LaSells Stewart Center on the Oregon State University campus. The 42-person choir competed with seven other schools in the 4A classification on May 5. Scappoose High School also competed and took home fourth-place honors.

“This is a great accomplishment, and I am very proud of my students. This is the result of a LOT of hard work,” Stearns said. “Our goal has always been to make beautiful music with excellence. We achieved that goal - and were recognized for it by the choral community.”

Follow coverage of St. Helens High School activities at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions.

Re-elect Mark Kreutzer

Columbia River Fire & Rescue – Board of Directors Position #1

Mark will keep fiscal accountability on course for CRF&R and continue to champion the excellent customer service the community has come to expect from CRF&R.

Experienced & Connected: Served 20 years on the CRF&R’s Board and retired from Tualatin Fire & Rescue after a 30-year career.

Dedicated & involved: 6 years on the Governors Fire Policy Council, 6 years on the Oregon Board of Public Safety Standards and Training, 10 years Board member of Oregon Fire District Directors Association, 4 years as President of the National Association of Elected Fire Officials. Currently volunteering with Toy N Joy Auction and with Habitat for Humanity as a Board Member and volunteer building affordable housing in Columbia County

Vote for Mark Vote for Experience

Rivian owners. “We’re proud to support the Oregon State Park mission to provide safe and equitable access to state parks with these electric vehicle chargers,” Rivian Senior Director of Energy and Charging Solutions Trent Warnke said. “Our Rivian Waypoints chargers are compatible with any EV and through our energy matching program, can provide zeroemission energy to any EV driver who might need it— peace of mind in terms of getting where you need to go whether that’s home or onto another one of Oregon’s beautiful state parks.”

“The installation of EV charging stations at Oregon State Parks supports OPRD’s environmental stewardship by enabling zero emission travel to these popu-

go 24-7 law enforcement coverage. After going on five years now of not being able to do that, the commissioners have told me that money’s just not in the county budget to provide for that.”

Pixley said the proposed May 16 levy is the next best option if he can’t get funding directly from the county commissioners. According to the CCSO website, there is a total staff of 15 deputies, one detective, and 1 K-9. Enforcement’s patrol unit traverses the county’s network of over 550 miles of roads, responding to calls outside city limits and assisting the various city police agencies as requested.

Pixley said that two of those positions are designated to cover enforcement along the Columbia River. Three positions are funded through the city of Clatskanie and must stay within Clatskanie due to the CCSO contract with the city of Clatskanie. The CCSO also receives $150,000 from PGE to provide “enhanced coverage” for them, so they only have eight employees designated to patrol the county.

lar destinations,” Adopt a Charger Executive Director Kitty Adams Hoksbergen said. “It complements The Oregon Electric Byways and the West Coast Electric Highway, which provide the framework for EV tourism, by closing the gaps in the infrastructure. I am forever grateful to OPRD, Rivian, and Entec for recognizing the need to provide car charging at these parks to help give visitors the confidence to purchase a plug-in vehicle.”

“Entec Polymers is excited to partner with OPRD, Rivian, and Adopt a Charger to improve access to EV charging stations, and to offer visitors a sustainable transportation choice,” Entec Polymers Senior Vice President and General Manager Steve Tomaszewski said.

Call volume

Pixley says that the levy to hire seven deputies will fill the gaps in their coverage and reduce their call loads, overtime, and response times at the “minimum expense” to taxpayers.

When asked whether the CCSO had checked whether their coverage was optimized to provide maximum coverage, Pixley said there’s no formalized process they conducted to check that but said that his deputies respond to an average of 1,613 calls per service per year. That is an average of 4.4 calls per day over a 365-day year.

“We’re quickly working our deputies to death, and at some point, we have to stop doing that,” Pixley said.

Public concerns have also centered on the CCSO call load. On April 21, Pixley took questions during a KOHI joint radio show between Setting The Record Straight and Odd Friday.

Hosts took turns asking the sheriff questions about the levy. Brady Preheim, an Odd Friday host, asked the sheriff about a discrepancy in calls that CCSO reported in their annual reports from

“We continue to work with our customers and partners to provide both innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, and to help make e-mobility safe and reliable.”

The new state parks EV chargers join the nearly 1,700 public Level 2 chargers throughout Oregon. More public charging options will help convince more drivers to consider an EV for their next vehicle. Transitioning Oregon’s cars, trucks and SUVs to electric vehicles is part of the state’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

Additional information about the OPRD program including charging station locations and charging etiquette is available on the department website.

2020 and 2021 and the records from the Columbia 911 dispatch for those years. Initially, Preheim asked about a discrepancy of “about 6,000 calls.” Pixley asked him to explain.

“For example, in 2020, your report says that you got 14,764 calls, but 911 says you got 10,448, a difference of 4,316 calls, what explains that difference,” Preheim asked.

Pixley responded that the difference could be a result of CCOM, the dispatch center, not including calls for service to Clatskanie.

“I can’t think of what, I can’t remember exactly that far back, but I typically include our Clatskanie calls within the county because we respond to Clatskanie as well. That’s probably the difference you’re talking about Brady, would be my guess,” Pixley responded. Join the conversation. Take The Chronicle’s online poll. Will you vote yes or no for the proposed Sheriff’s Levy in the May 16 Election?

Follow the developments at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print versions of The Chronicle.

News and Views

Oregon needs more temporary shelter

ERIC FRUITS

Chronicle Guest Column

Elected officials across the state are scrambling to do something to reduce homelessness in Oregon.

In March, the Oregon Legislature fast-tracked $200 million in spending to address housing and homelessness. The City of Portland is fumbling around to find space for sanctioned homeless camp sites. Multnomah County is considering buying a 241-room hotel to house the unsheltered.

Each of these programs faces the same overarching challenge: What if no one wants the shelter being offered?

The obvious answer would be for government to do what it does best—introduce a dose of coercion. The message must be clear: First, sleeping or camping on sidewalks, in doorways, in parks, or along

roadsides is not acceptable. Second, the region must have sufficient shelter space or sanctioned camping sites to support anyone who needs it. Third, there must be consequences for people who don’t abide by localities’ time, place, and manner restrictions on camping.

Unfortunately, the obvious answer has been hit by two torpedoes.

In 2019, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals held in Martin v. Boise that the government cannot criminalize certain conduct (such as lying, sitting, or sleeping on the streets) that is unavoidable as a result of homelessness. Punishing such conduct effectively would criminalize a person’s status as a homeless individual and violate the 8th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibiting excessive fines, bail, or cruel and unusual punishments. In the wake of the Martin

decision, then-Speaker of the House Tina Kotek sponsored HB 3115, passed in the 2021 legislative session. Under HB 3115, any city or county ordinance regulating the acts of sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry outside on public property must be “objectively reasonable.” More importantly, Kotek’s bill allows anyone experiencing homelessness to file suit to challenge the objective reasonableness of local ordinances. HB 3115 goes into effect on July 1 this year. That means even straightforward restrictions, such as no camping in public parks, could be challenged as not being objectively reasonable. A go-getter attorney surely could find a plaintiff to file a case challenging such an ordinance. A lucky attorney would get a sympathetic judge who thinks such a restriction is not reasonable.

This is why local governments must be careful in crafting their camping ordinances. For example, camping on sidewalks and the associated debris make these rights-of-way impassable for many disabled people. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), local governments have an obligation to make public facilities— including sidewalks—accessible to people with disabilities. Because federal law almost always trumps state law, a city could claim that a ban on sidewalk camping was objectively reasonable.

Indeed, a lawsuit currently underway against the City of Portland alleges that the city is violating the ADA by allowing tents, tarps, and associated debris on the city’s sidewalks. Multnomah County also could face some liability because of its policy of distributing tens of thousands of free tents to

homeless individuals, many of which end up cluttering the region’s sidewalks. Even the most creative attempts to abide by Martin and HB 3115 will go nowhere without sufficient shelter space and sanctioned camping sites. Put simply, the unsheltered homeless population needs places to go. However, those places don’t have to be the expensive apartments being built with Portland and Metro’s affordable housing bonds. They simply must be better options than being outdoors.

Opponents of shelter and sanctioned campsites complain the organizations operating these facilities don’t have a good track record of placing people in permanent housing. This misses the point. That’s not their job. Their job is to operate clean and safe places for people to stay. It’s up to other parts of the nonprofit industrial complex to provide

wraparound services and find permanent housing. It’s a massive complex, and every organization has its own role to play.

Ever since the late Mayor Bud Clark’s 12-point plan to address homelessness—and Portland and Multnomah County’s 10-year plan to end homelessness (enacted in 2005)—the region has taken a “one step forward, two steps back” approach to homelessness. We need more than year after year of mad scrambles. The region needs more temporary shelter, and local jurisdictions need the means to aggressively encourage people to use it.

Eric Fruits, Ph.D. is an adjunct scholar at Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon’s free market public policy research organization. The Institute may be reached at 503-2420900.

Time, place, manner important in homelessness discussion

STEVE TOSCHI

Chronicle Guest Column

Recently the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in two rulings, Martin and Grants Pass, ruled “We hold simply that is it unconstitutional to punish a person for simply sleeping somewhere in public if one has nowhere else to do so.” However, the Court also made it clear that Cities are not required to build housing, and may enact place, time, and manner restrictions.

In other words, cities can choose the place where sleeping is permitted, the time when it is permitted, and the manner it can take place.

The State of Oregon enacted rules that the place, time, and manner restrictions must be “objectively reasonable from the perspective of those

Candidate support

I am writing to offer my support to Christine Sprenger, Patrick Kessi, and Alex Tardiff for the Scappoose School board.

We need school district leaders who value children, along with teachers, administrators, and the professional expertise they bring - and I hope you all know our district has some amazing educators. We need leaders who are open to learning themselves and have well-informed positions on a range of issues that will help our school district move forward and help prepare our students for life after graduation.

I know that Christine Sprenger, Patrick Kessi, and Alex Tardif are able to fulfill all of the above and more. I have volunteered with all three candidates over many years at countless school, community, and extracurricular events. All three have worked tirelessly to improve our entire community, including our schools. While I know them each from very different areas of my

experiencing houselessness.”

The State of Oregon also required cities to “Develop a policy that recognizes the social nature of the problem of homeless individuals camping on public property. Implement the policy as developed, to ensure the most humane treatment for removal of homeless individuals from camping sites on public property.”

The St. Helens Planning Commission started studying this matter back in August. Regarding the somewhere of public property the Commission’s study and deliberations concluded that parks, neighborhoods, trails, the waterfront, and business areas are not appropriate places for people to sleep or camp and has made this recommendation to the City Council.

After careful study, the Planning Commission identified an appropriately sized portion of St. Helens’ valuable public property that protected neighborhoods and businesses, and that recommendation was submitted to the City Council for its consideration.

Regarding time, the Planning Commission determined that five days would be the maximum in any 30 days a person could camp in a place, and afterwards cannot camp in St. Helens again until 60 days has passed. This was recommended to the City Council.

Regarding manner, the Planning Commission determined to limit the size of a camp spot to 12 x 12, that it would remain free of litter when occupied and vacated, no fires can be used.

These are not encampments, but places for people to temporarily shelter for their survival.

In adopting these recommendations, the Planning Commission carefully implemented State Law that recognized the social nature of the problem of homeless individuals camping on public property.

In my opinion, a humane policy recognizes that homeless people that are not incompetent are completely in charge of their lives. The choice of where to live is an earned right. If the State is to expend significant resources to aid those that need help, it is incumbent upon those persons to seek help at the locations where it is available to them. It is not possible for society to aid those in need

if they run from the charity extended. A city has the right to protect itself from being overrun as long as the state has a place where people can go to get help. Oregon has identified those places as Portland, Eugene, and Salem, and is directing significant resources to those areas.

Our neighbor, the City of Rainier, recently adopted a law that allows people to sleep and keep warm and dry in their residential neighborhoods and parks. The law attempts to limit that activity to 24 hours. However, one questions whether requiring a person who is poor and struggling to keep warm and dry should be forced to move every day? Also, the Planning Commission found that parks, neighborhoods, and business districts are not

Voices of the community

life, they all share in common hearts of service. I wish there was space for me to list all of the many reasons I believe so strongly they will serve all students in our school community.

Outstanding communities do not just happen by accident.

I am proud of the education and experiences all three of my children have received in Scappoose Schools. What impresses me most is how many Scappoose graduates choose to return to Scappoose to teach and coach. I feel that speaks volumes about our district.

Mary McNabb Scappoose

Supports Kessi

Patrick Kessi will get the facts.

Patrick Kessi will make an outstanding School Board member. I’ve known Patrick since he was a child and have watched him grow up into the wonderful community servant he is today. As a long-time member

of the Scappoose Community Club, I’ve been very impressed with Patrick’s leadership on the City Council. I value leaders who can work with others and for others without a special agenda. Patrick encouraged affordable housing for everyone in Scappoose and has provided valuable direction for our city’s future planning. He knows that stable communities need excellent schools, and he knows that excellent schools need involved communities. Patrick has always been a steward of taxpayer dollars and dedicated to building a bright future for Scappoose on all levels.

I’ve also spent many years as a staffer in the Oregon Legislature, and I know that Patrick has the skill and abilities to advocate for our District at the state level, something school members can and should do. He understands policymaking, and he will get the facts.

I’ve lived in this community for over 70 years, and I have rarely seen someone as qualified as Patrick to serve on our school board. He will continue our community’s legacy of superb education in Scappoose. This school board

election will impact all of us, even if we don’t have kids enrolled in our schools. Patrick Kessi has my vote.

Josette Hugo Scappoose

“A real class act”

A pair of fundraisers by the Columbia County Republican Central Committee is under state review after the events appear to flout Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) regulations. Anyone surprised the GOP is doing something crooked in Columbia County or anywhere else. You shouldn’t be. Look who their last so-called president was. A conman with a crime family full of grifters. The only president to be impeached twice, accused of sexual assault by 20 different women currently being sued by one of his victims which he is too scared to testify at the trial Indicted for campaign fraud, under 2 federal investigation for possible money laundering another for taking federal documents and refusing to return them and of course the

biggy which stemmed from the big lie about the election being stolen, All of which he calls a witch hunt. Well, the hunt is over they found the witch and it’s trump. Oh yah, lets not overlook how disgusting he is bragging about grabbing women by the private parts. A real class act.

Patrick Klein St. Helens

How safe are CRF&R firefighters and medics

I am concerned that the problems of turmoil, additional stress, low morale, hostile working conditions and no confidence in Chief Medina may be having on our first responders.

These problems could possibly distract them in the performance of their emergency operations.

This job requires constant vigilance and these unnecessary distractions could cause injury to themselves and or citizens. CRF&R Firefighters and Medics perform with

appropriate places for people to camp, whether they be homeless or otherwise. It’s a dangerous precedent to set that any person can simply erect a tent in any neighborhood.

There is a concern, if you build, they will come. The homeless are where they are because they believe it is the best spot for them. A small space for someone to keep warm and dry for three – five days probably will not cause a migration.

Please watch the St. Helens City Council agenda and make sure you are aware of the laws it is considering. All of the aforementioned opinions are my own.

Steve Toschi is an Attorney at Law and a citizen of St. Helens.

professionalism and skill at all times.

This turmoil at CRF&R requires immediate consideration and resolution. Citizens can initiate this by voting for Austin Zimbrick, Ryan Welby and Richard Fletcher to the CRF&R Board by May 16.

Also, citizens can initiate a Recall Petition using Oregon Elections Division Recall Manual , adopted by Oregon Administrative rule # 165-014-0005 @ www. oregonvotes.gov, (503) 9861518

Chuck Custer St. Helens, OR

Supports Neukom

I am writing in support of Duane Neukom Columbia County Port Commissioner position #2.

He is a local business owner with a life time of practical endeavors and experience. He served our country and now wants to continue to serve locally bringing new visions and ideas.

Bart Grabhorn Scappoose

crossword solution

Solution for the May 3, 2023 crossword puzzle

Elsie Jo (Patton) Tescari

Oct. 19, 1927 ~ May 3, 2023

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS…. Our Southern Belle aka “Tennessee Toddie” will be lovingly missed by all.

Elsie Jo (Patton) Tescari, age 95, was the sixth of seven children, born in Silver Point, Tennessee, to Joseph Lafayette “Fate” Patton and Maggie Illinois Martin.

Elsie was preceded in death by brother Othal Kelly Patton; sisters, Vauta May “Pat” Tenney and Liona Loretta Sieberg; both husbands, Carl L. Blakeman and Dominic Tescari; sisters, Mary Osca and Oscar Jewel, died of typhoid in 1925; baby sister Margret “Bittie” Ollie, in 1931, of whooping cough; and her mother in 1935 of pneumonia/tuberculosis.

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Elsie grew up during the chaotic time of the Great Depression and World War II. After her mother’s death, Elsie and her three siblings spent much of their childhood with their beloved grandmother, Mother Martin. The death of her mother, grandmother and her own baby girl, Gloria Jean, left a lasting impact on the importance of family to her.

Through her grade school years, she and her siblings were taught by her father, “Fate”, a teacher and Baptist Minister. Elsie’s high school years, 1941-1945, were spent at Pleasant Hill Missionary Academy in Tennessee. Elsie lived at the school until graduating in 1945. She was

Terry Lee Archibald, aged 61, of Goble, Oregon, left his earthly worries behind on April 8, 2023.

Terry, known as “Itchy” by his friends, passed peacefully in his home with his four-legged friend of 17 years, Quincy, by his side.

very happy here, often stating her high school years were “the happiest years of her life.” After high school, Elsie moved to Chattanooga to live with her Aunt Jennie, while working for Southern Bell Telephone Company. She met US Army Pvt. Carl Blakeman at a USO dance in Chattanooga. They were married Nov. 30, 1946, in Rossville, Georgia. Carl was stationed at Camp Carlise, Pennsylvania and their 45-year marriage began with their first home near Ft. Meade, Maryland, then onto North Platte, Nebraska.; Salinas, California; and ending in Sacramento, California.

Elsie was a wonderful Mom and homemaker. Whether in the kitchen, cooking for 10, baking loaf after loaf of bread or washing mounds of diapers and making our clothes…her life revolved around her family. With Carl working, at age 34, she told herself she had

to learn to drive so that she could visit her child, who had been hospitalized for months.

By age 48, Carl was disabled, unable to work. Now, Mom had to find work. She began caring for the elderly, cleaning homes, collecting information for R.L. Polk city directory and finally as a phone operator for a large taxi company in California. She learned to dispatch for this company and became one of Sacramento’s top dispatchers. There wasn’t a street, avenue, or boulevard she couldn’t find for her drivers! Carl’s death in 1991 left her alone again. A few years later, and with some persuasion from her daughter, she placed a personal ad. Along comes a new chapter of love for her later years! As she lovingly called him…her Italian Stallion, Dominic!

For the next 12 wonderful years, Dominic opened doors to laughter and living hap-

Terry Lee Archibald

June 2, 1961 ~ April 8, 2023

Terry was born in St. Helens, Oregon. He grew up on North 10th Street with his Dad Robert and Mom Joan Archibald, as well as his brother Scott and sister Cherie. After graduating from St. Helens High School in 1980, he moved to Goble where he resided for his remaining years.

pily with so much love and respect that Elsie deserved. Dominic died in 2006.

By 2019, with declining health, Elsie planned to rotate living with one of her two daughters every six months. Though she tried her plan, it proved too much for her and took permanent residency in Oregon in 2020. She loved challenging puzzles. Though eyesight poor, after 17 months, she completed a beautiful, 7000 piece one! And you could often find her at the casino slots, usually leaving a winner.

Of her nine children, those surviving are her sons, Ronald (Marion), Gordon (Nancy), Delbert (Joyce), Arthur (Rosalie), David (Leah), and Curtis (Znette) Blakeman; daughters, Sharon (Michael) Cramer and Carolyn (George) Lyngheim; and extended families including 118 grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Bonnie Patton; and numerous nieces and nephews. A new great-great-grandchild, her namesake Elsie Jo Marie, is due in late June. A celebration of life in California will be held this summer pending notification. In lieu flowers, she requested donations to St. Jude Hospital for Children. Please end online condolences to Columbia Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Helens, Oregon, www. columbiafh.com.

Terry’s love for all things with a motor took him (and others) on many adventures. His joy of building and driving Hot Rods was the absolute highlight of his life. As early as the fourth grade, he wrote stories about racing, started performing daredevil stunts, and built numerous model cars - many of which won multiple ribbons and awards at the local fair. His adoration for autos drove him to join multiple car clubs throughout his life, even founding the very first “Cruz In” at Dari Delish

Drive In that has become a celebrated annual summertime event. Terry is survived by his mother Joan Archibald; brother Scott (Michelle) Archibald; sister Cherie Archibald; nieces, Ashley (Kevin, Kylie) Ketchum and Lindsey (Val) Archibald. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Archibald. There will be a graveside service at Neer City Cemetery where Terry will be laid to rest. Date to be determined.

Joy Delight Shelby

April 18, 1936 ~ May 2, 2023

Joy was born April 18, 1936 and she passed away on May 2, 2023.

Joy and her husband Willard called Columbia City home for decades. She loved to tell people about her unique middle name. No one would be surprised she passed just weeks after her 87th birthday. She’d never pass up an opportunity to be recognized.

She is preceded in death by her husband Willard Thomas Shelby.

She is survived by her two daughters; three sons; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. There is no service planned at this time.

Arnold Joy Tryner

Nov. 18, 1950 ~ April 29, 2023

Arnold Joy Tryner, Jr., 72, of Columbia City, Oregon, passed away April 29, 2023.

anytime. 702 Garage Sales 12 Family Warren Sale Fri & Sat 12th & 13th from 9-4, 33596 Slavens Rd, Corner of Tarbell & Slavens. Riding & Walk Mowers, Tillers, Hunting & Fishing gear, Clothes, Linens, Toys, Household, Old Car parts, Craft supplies. 706 Estate Sales Estate Sale by EDM Estate Sales May 11 & 12 on Cedaroak St., St. Hel-

ens. Follow signs. Thurs. 10-4. Fri. 10-4. We have a great vinyl collection, furniture, glassware, 2005 Honda CR-V, books, clothes, beauty products, smoking products, CDs, Tapes, VHS, lamps, office and so much more.

EDM Estate Sales

“When Integrity Matters” Mreide mintegritysales @gmail.com, 971-389-0241.

Estate Sale by EDM

Estate Sales May 13 & May 14 on SE 8th Ct., Scappoose. Follow signs. Sat 10-4. Sun 10-4. We are having a great sale here in Scappoose.

It has DIY wood items, vinyl, tools, bird houses, glassware, Native American items, nice furniture, refrigerator, snow

706

Estate Sales

globes, Christmas, CDs, tapes, garden, antiques, model trains, glass collectables and so much more.

EDM Estate Sales

“When Integrity Matters” Mreide mintegritysales @gmail.com. 971-389-0241.

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Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH23-1326

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

City of St. Helens, Oregon Request for Proposals Janitorial Services The City of St. Helens seeks proposals from companies interested in providing Janitorial Services. We encourage businesses of all sizes to submit a comprehensive

vices at City Facilities. A City review panel, consisting of staff from multiple departments, will review each proposal for pricing and services. We intend to establish an initial two-year contract with the option to renew annually. The City

ten notice. The complete RFP document is available online at www.sthelensoregon.gov/rfps. You may direct any questions to City Recorder Kathy Payne at kpayne@sthelensoregon. gov. Please see the RFP for pertinent dates related to

CH23-1340

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of ALBERT STANLEY BEAN, Deceased. Case No. 22PB01851 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Proceedings for this estate have been commenced. Claims against the estate may be presented to the personal representative listed below. Any person who has a claim against the estate must present the claim to the personal representative not later than four months

CH23-1335

after the date of the first publication of this notice at the following address: 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056. Any claim not presented within this time period may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the estate proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and

first published on May 3, 2023. Sandra Hoff, Personal Representative, 33304 Royal Drive, Scappoose, OR 97056, Phone: (503) 7538159. Attorney for Personal Representative: Aaron J. Trukositz, OSB No. 204618 LOWER COLUMBIA LAW GROUP LLC, 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, Oregon 97056, Phone: (503) 5434800, Fax: (888) 543-4806, Email: aaron@lowercolumbialaw.com.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of ALBERT STANLEY BEAN, Deceased. Case No. 22PB01851 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Proceedings for this estate have been commenced. Claims against the estate may be presented to the personal representative listed below. Any person who has a claim against the estate must present the claim to the personal representative not later than four months

CH23-1345

after the date of the first publication of this notice at the following address: 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056. Any claim not presented within this time period may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the estate proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and

first published on: May 3, 2023. Sandra Hoff, Personal Representative, 33304 Royal Drive, Scappoose, OR 97056, Phone: (503) 7538159. Attorney for Personal Representative: Aaron J. Trukositz, OSB No. 204618 LOWER COLUMBIA LAW GROUP LLC, 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, Oregon 97056, Phone: (503) 5434800, Fax: (888) 543-4806, Email: aaron@lowercolumbialaw.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Deceased. No. 22PB07382

NOTICE TO INTERESTED

PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to

CH23-1344

first publication of this notice to the personal representative at 8655 SW Citizens Dr., Suite 104, Wilsonville, OR 97070, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional informa-

the personal representative. Dated and first published May 3, 2023. Jasmine Race, Personal Representative. Sharon Maynard, Rupp Law, 8655 SW Citizens Dr., Suite 104, Wilsonville, OR 97070, 503-682-8669, sharon@rupplaw.com.

RFP 2223-2 Audit Services REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The NW Regional ESD requests proposals from qualified audit firms to conduct the ESD’s annual audit. It is the intent of the ESD to enter into a contract with the selected audit firm for the services that are required to be provided for a specified scope of work as specified in the RFP.

Respondents to this request will be evaluated based upon their qualifications, prior experience, associated fees, and other relevant fac-

CH23-1341

tors. Copies of the Request for Proposal document may be obtained by emailing Tina Mam: tinam@nwresd. k12.or.us. Proposals are due no later than 4:00 P.M. PST Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Proposals received after the specified time will not be considered. All proposers must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Accountancy and must have prior experience with municipal/ governmental auditing. This solicitation does not

obligate the NW Regional ESD to pay any costs incurred in preparation or presentations, or to select any proposer who responds. The ESD reserves the right to reject any proposal not in compliance with all prescribed requirements and may reject for good cause any or all proposals upon a written finding that it is in the public interest to do so. Sherry Ely, Interim Chief Finance Officer, NW Regional ESD

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN The Columbia County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023, at or after 10:00 a.m. at the Courthouse Annex, 230 Strand Street, Room 310, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. The purpose of this hearing is to consider amendments to the Columbia County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance in order to develop a limited protection program for wetland and riparian corridors. This involves amendments to the Comprehensive Plan Articles VIII Fish and Wildlife Habitat, IX Natural Areas, and X Water Resources. This proposal also involves amendments to the Columbia County Zoning Ordinance Sections 1170 Riparian Corridors, Wetlands, Water Quality, and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection Overlay Zone, and 1180 Wetland Area Overlay. The local file numbers for these amendments are TA 22-02 & PA 22-02. This hearing is to afford interested parties an opportunity to be heard on the above-referenced matter.

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Interested parties may appear and be heard. Any comments you wish to provide will be appreciated; however, Oregon law requires that testimony and evidence must be directed toward the decision criteria. You may present testimony at the public hearing or provide written comments to the Board of County Commissioners to jacyn.normine@columbiacountyor.gov prior to 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2023. The Columbia County Board of Commissioners is the final local decision-maker for all County Plan and Ordinance amendments. Applicable decision criteria are contained in CCZO 1606; CCZO 1607; CCZO 1611; the Oregon Statewide Planning Goals; the Comprehensive Plan Parts I and XVI; OAR 660023; and any other statute or ordinance determined to apply. The specific criteria applicable to this request is listed and evaluated in the staff report. This hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. For more information contact Hayden.Richardson@columbiacountyor.

NOTICE OF MEETING

Notice is hereby given, the Columbia County Transportation and Road Advisory Committee (CCTRAC) will hold a virtual and in person public meeting on: Thursday, May 18, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Microsoft Teams meeting. Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of: James Robert Andre, Deceased. No. 23PB03551

NOTICE TO INTERESTED

PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Brock Robert Andre has been appointed personal representative of

this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at 1677 St,

Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights are affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal

Contact The Chronicle at 503-397-0116 or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net to get your garage sale in the classifieds.

here to join the meeting.

Meeting ID: 215 062 066

150 Passcode: TEGgML

Download Teams | Join on the web or you can join the meeting in person: Columbia County Public Works, Healy Hall, 1054 Oregon Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Julie Wheeler, Secretary.

gov; or phone 503-397-1501.

A copy of the application, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicant (including copies of the proposed changes), and the staff report will be available from the Columbia County Planning Department, 445 Port Ave. St. Helens, OR 97051, and at https://www. columbiacountyor.gov/ Hearings,at least 7 days prior to this hearing. Written comments on the issue can be submitted via email to Jacyn. normine@columbiacountyor.gov or you can send comments via U.S. Mail to Columbia County, Board of Commissioners c/o Jacyn Normine, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. You may participate in this hearing in person or virtually. To attend virtually go to https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/357054141 or call United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679. The meeting access code is: 357-054-141. The Board of Commissioners reserves the right to continue the hearing to another date and time. If the hearing is continued, no further public notice will be provided.

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NOTICE OF STATEMENT OF PROCEDURES

The statement of procedures for Columbia County are available for review at the Columbia County Courthouse and https:// www.columbiacountyor.gov/ departments/Finance/Expenditures.

Six candidates running for Port of Columbia County election 2023 ELECTION 2023

Six candidates, including two incumbents, are running for open positions at the Port of Columbia County in the May 16 Election. The Chronicle reached out to the candidates for their insight. The following are the candidates’ responses to our questions. Read the full conversation with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

Nancy Ward Incumbent Port Position 1

Chronicle: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Ward: Fostering and maintaining a positive and attractive environment for both business and people in the port district requires constant awareness of changes in commerce, industry, technology, and recreation. In other words, keeping up with the times is the largest issue. Although Cascades is not a port tenant, their closing in Scappoose and the reduction of their workforce in St. Helens is a loss that affects us all. We are aware how important the economic growth and stability of the Port of Columbia County is in shaping our collective future.

Chronicle: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Ward: I will continue to advocate for new and expanding job creation at each of our properties including our four industrial parks, Scappoose Bay Marina and Scappoose Airport. We have opportunities for a light manufacturing sector to include high tech industries working with the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) as well as increasing our agricultural footprint to utilize the excellent soil available for farming. In order for this new growth to happen efficiently we must also work to improve the overly bureaucratic process currently required of new and expanding businesses.

Paul Langner Challenger

Port Commission Position 1

Chronicle: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Langner: The Port is trapped in the malaise of the post-COVID economy and the uncertainty of where money costs are going. Small business and big business are staying very cautious and are not actively seeking new starts and reinvestment at the rate they were in 2019. This leaves the Port in a more maintenance or caretaking role. For a healthy port, the port needs to be growing and diversifying its customer base. Healthy growth at the Port means a healthier local economy, more local jobs, more local opportunities, and more diversity in the regional tax base. The

Port also struggles with exceeding long resolution of regulatory and environmental issues. Sites such as the Poleyard site off Railroad Avenue, are more than quarter of a century into ‘review and study,’ with millions spent and nothing yet accomplished. Where is the urgency?

Chronicle: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Langner: My top priority is to audit the Port’s property portfolio and ensure that wherever possible, the asset is making the best rate of return. The rate of return is not always in dollars and cents, but also what is best for our community. Some properties may be close to ‘built-out,’ but is there adjacent property, private or public, that can be developed to create more business investment in our community? The Scappoose airport adjoins some industrial and commercial property that could be home to new investment in aerospace and high technology interests. It is time to explore through-the-fence opportunities that can bring different investments. The Port’s Columbia City site needs a hard look. The existing dock infrastructure is old and in need of upgrades. With the proper improvements, Columbia City could be a step towards greater use of the marine highway system.

Chip Bubl Incumbent Port Position 2

Chronicle: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Bubl: I ran and was elected to a four-year term as Port Commissioner in May 2019. Much of the negotiations with the NEXT biofuel group to build the refinery next to the Columbia River near Clatskanie were already completed before I took office. The NEXT lease was voted on two months later. I worked with the other Commissioners to upgrade the lease to provide the Port better project risk protection and to ensure that NEXT would be a “ship-in of raw materials and ship out of finished products” projects. Concerns about increased rail traffic from Rainier to Scappoose drove that compromise with NEXT. Had it not happened, the lease wouldn’t have been approved. I still voted against the lease because many performance and capacity issues were already evident. At this point, it is a waiting game to see if NEXT can engage competent partners with deep enough pockets and deep enough skills to build the facility and get it operational.

The elephant in the room is that NEXT’ s monthly lease payment represents, by far, the largest income stream to the Port. That dependence is significant and if it ends, will create some

tough decisions for the Port Commissioners.

Chronicle: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Bubl: The Port needs to do top-quality background research on our prospective clients. Some mistakes could have been avoided with deeper due diligence. Mistakes can be difficult and costly to undo. We (the Port) have hired a person that should upgrade the Port’s capacity to do the hard work of unraveling the business and technological history and capacity of clients who seek to locate on Port property. This needs to be a top priority going forward, whatever time and money it takes.

Duane Neukom Challenger Port Commission Position 2

Chronicle: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Nuekom: The port’s infrastructure is aging and needs to be updated to meet modern standards. As an example, the Scappoose Bay marina improvement project cost is a blistering $6M for upgrades. This is in addition to the $2M dredging project for the marina. The Scappoose Bay Marina is one of the most popular tourist sites in Columbia County and these upgrades are desperately needed. In order to address these challenges, the port should make investments in modernizing its infrastructure, creating competitive incentives for businesses, developing environmental strategies, and increasing visibility. Additionally, the port should work with local and state governments to create a comprehensive plan that addresses all these issues. This plan should include an investment in resources, (both human and financial), that will help the port to continue to thrive.

Chronicle: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Nuekom: I will be a champion for economic development, job growth, and quality of life in the county. I will work to ensure the port provides transparent, efficient, and accountable services. I will also strive to ensure the port is a respon-

sible steward of the environment and the quality of life of our citizens. My goal is to work collaboratively with the community, stakeholders, and other elected officials to achieve these objectives.

I want to help create a Columbia County that offers economic opportunities, jobs, and resources for its residents, while also promoting sustainability and partnership with its neighboring counties and the state.

Nick Sorber Challenger Port Position 3

Chronicle: Questions for Country Media What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Sorber: The biggest issue facing the Port today is that around the state we are still viewed as somewhat remote. We need to change that. We are not far from the metro area, and we also have, as I mentioned before, the river. The Port needs to be well known that we are open for business, and we are here to help your business and employees thrive in their new home in the Port district. Another challenge is to balance tourism in Scappoose Bay and other areas with the concerns of residents. Tourism may not provide a great deal of good paying jobs yet it is a great ancillary economic opportunity. With that in mind, we must always be mindful that we take into consideration the livability for our local residents in what we do. This includes not only having a beautiful place to live but an environement that local businesses thrive and our schools, cities and first responders have the resources to provide the services our citizens want and need.

Chronicle: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Sorber: My chief priority if elected would be to work towards maximizing the use of Port properties. We have a lot of great opportunities for attracting businesses to multiple properties that provide good paying jobs to come to Columbia County. It would be crucial to work with the existing economic development organizations like Columbia Economic Team and Columbia Pacific Economic Development

District and Business Oregon to help make it easy for those appropriate businesses to locate here. That would include things like improved marketing of the area, assistance with finding funding and permitting and often times even being shovel or move-in ready. This engagement should also be in collaboration with other public entities like the county, cities, and PUDs. By pooling resources, talent, and abilities we will be able to better compete in an ultra-competitive market. I also think we could do a better job of utilizing the river. We have more Columbia River frontage than anyone. I have a great deal of experience in the commerce on the river and can speak firsthand that the marine trades provide excellent jobs and is one of the most efficient methods to move goods.

Greg Pettit Challenger Port Commissioner 3 Candidate

Chronicle: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Pettit: The challenge for the Port is to use its resources including maritime, industrial, and recreational to create and sustain family wage jobs while maintaining the district’s livability and environmental assets. This can be achieved by better understanding what has been working for the port and what has not. The port owns 10 different properties and 2,400 acres. On those properties are 45 commercial/industrial tenants which provide 476 jobs, a $29 million annual labor compensation, and support direct GDP of $66 million. Most of these businesses and jobs are in the five business/industrial parks located between the airport and Columbia City. These diversified and sustainable businesses are the real successes of the port. What has not worked is spending over $75 million tax-payer dollars in the last 20 years on mainly infrastructure improvements at Port Westward that has not resulted in significant new jobs.

Chronicle: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Pettit: I have several priorities. They are interconnected and contribute to each of their successes. Recruit new businesses to available port properties. We can do this by being more proactive in identifying businesses we want to recruit; better marketing the advantages of locating in the port district and addressing misconceptions about our area that may be limiting prospects’ interest.

Improve transparency and citizens’ input and participation in decisions the Commission makes. Create a Stakeholder Advisory Committee like the current Budget, Marine Park, and Airport advisory commit-

tees. The Committee membership should have a broad and balanced representation from all stakeholders including environmental, business, transportation, and agricultural.

Improve coordination between the port, county, cities, and the Economic Development Team. While currently there is good coordination amongst these groups, it can be improved by formalizing the process and developing commonly agreed vision and mission statements for economic development and quality of life in the district.

Successfully develop Port Westward to create jobs and a stronger tax base for the north county while protecting livability and the area’s agricultural heritage and economy.

Use our greatest asset, the Columbia River, to develop a stronger tourism/ recreation-based economy.

Port Commission Position 3 incumbent Chris Iversion is not running for re-election.

About the Port of Columbia County

The Port of Columbia County is a special district in Columbia County, Oregon. The boundaries of the Port District span 51 miles along the Columbia River from the Clatsop County line in the northwest of Columbia County, to the Multnomah County line in the southeast, and includes the cities of Scappoose, St. Helens, Columbia City, Prescott, Rainier, and Clatskanie.

The Port was created in 1940 under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) Chapter 777 to promote economic development opportunities in the Port District, primarily through the lease and development of industrial property. Originally called the Port of St. Helens, the Port was renamed in 2018 to be more representative of the entire district.

Today, the Port of Columbia County owns 10 different property sites and 2,400 acres, including industrial properties with excellent highway, rail, airport, and maritime access. The Port also owns and manages recreational properties at Scappoose Airport, Scappoose Bay Marine Park, and Bayport RV Park & Campground.

Voting deadline

The deadline for voting is 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 16. Ballots must be deposited into an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The following drop sites will remain open until 8 p.m. on election night:

• Columbia County Courthouse

• Scappoose City Hall

• Rainier City Hall

• Clatskanie Library

• Vernonia Library

• Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD

Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day.

Around the bases with SHHS softball

WILL LOHRE

Country Media, Inc.

The softball season is sliding into the home stretch, and the Lions have their eyes on a playoff spot. The Lions are riding high in the midst of a three-game win streak that has seen them beat Astoria and Tillamook twice.

Lions cruising

St. Helens Softball Team, coached by Miranda Little, have hit their stride in a big way as the season reaches its climax. The team has been “cruising,” according to Little, hoping to keep their consistency in the season’s final games.

“Our goal for the season with our last three league games and five games of the regular season is going to keep our consistency. We

want to continue to play our game without major ups and downs,” Little said. “We want to finish in the top half of the league and hopefully earn ourselves a home playoff game!”

At the time of press, St. Helens sits in the second place spot in the 4A-1 Cowapa League behind Scappoose High School. Of St. Helens’ last eight games, they’ve won six, with the only two defeats coming against Scappoose. St. Helens is currently ranked 10th of the 31 teams in the 4A classification.

The Lions’ 8-5 victory against Astoria on May 4 was the first league defeat for Astoria this season. The strong run for St. Helens comes at the perfect time and has Little and the Lions thinking about potential state playoff success. “We should be able to

compete very competitively in the state tournament, and I don’t see why we wouldn’t finish in the top 8,” Little said. “We have upset teams ranked in the top five two different times this season, and that just goes to show what we are capable of.”

Improving defense

The catalyst for their recent success has been an uptick in their defensive play, Little said. Over their last eight games, teams have only scored more than six runs twice. Little said their batting has been good all season, so the defensive improvement has addressed the team’s biggest weakness.

“We are finally coming around and starting to play some solid defense consistently behind our pitchers,” Little said. “We have found

several different combinations that we like and that are working well for the team this year.”

Keeping the fun

As the season wraps up, Little is encouraging her team to keep having fun and maintain the team culture that has gotten them to this point. As far as on-field adjustments, Little wants the team to keep honing in on the little things. With the defense catching up to their offensive output, it’s the nuances of the game that the Lions need to perfect.

“In our final games, we are going to continue to focus on the details of the game and execution of plays as well as having fun while doing it,” Little said. “This group of athletes plays better when they are a little weird and having fun playing the

Courtesy photo from Miranda Little

St. Helens is currently ranked 10th of the 31 teams in the 4A classification.

game we all love. It has been an honor to coach such a great group of hard-working athletes.”

Follow St. Helens High

School sports results at osaa. org and find our feature coverage at thechronicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print editions of the Chronicle.

Drivers, start your engines for Speedway opening

MIKE WEBER Chronicle Guest Article

The River City Speedway’s 39th year opens the 2023 season Saturday at 5 p.m. May 13 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds motorsports facility in St. Helens.

Stock car race fans can arrive at the track when the gates open at 3 p.m.

Local competitors who are considered as top contenders to win a division championship include St. Helens drivers Bob Berg and Lanette Phillips and Dick Gaboury of Rainier.

The Columbia County Racing Association (CCRA) schedule consists of 14 events on the quarter-mile clay oval track, including the second race on May 20. Events are scheduled almost every Saturday throughout the spring and summer, followed by the

Sept. 23 season finale. Drivers will compete in nine classifications that include Sportsman, Four Cylinder, Tuner, Tracer, Pure Stock, Street Stock, Modified, Northwest Dwarf Cars and Micro Sprint. Berg, 58, won the Four Cylinder Division title last year while driving his 1998 Cozy Lawn Maintenance sponsored Dodge Neon to four main event victories.

Berg also won Four Cylinder titles in 2021 and 2016 and he won the 2018 Tuner Division championship which marked the fourth title of his 30-year motorsports career. Berg and Gaboury, 74, are the top drivers in the Four Cylinder class this year.

“I think I’m going to retire after this season and hopefully I will win the championship, which would be my third title in six years, which isn’t too bad,” said Gaboury, who will

compete as a co-driver of the Economy Auto Wrecking sponsored 1992 Nisson Sentra with Longview’s Dan McDonald. “I think Bob Berg and I will probably finish one, two in every race, because we

have the fastest cars. It should be a lot of fun this season and I’m ready to start racing.”

Phillips, 48, drove her Ross Diesel & Auto sponsored 1979 Buick Regal to three main event wins and

two trophy dash victories to propell her to the top of the point standings and win the 2022 Pure Stock Division championship. Phillips recorded top-five finishes in every race last year.

“I had a great season last year and so I’m going to try and win the championship for a second straight year,” said Phillips, a third-year driver who was runnerup in the series standings to Portland’s Tom Zywicki her first season in 2021. “I’m definitely excited about the start of the race season on Saturday. It looks like we’ll have few new drivers this year, so we’ll see how everything turns out, because there’s a lot of talented drivers in this class.”

West Linn brothers and co-drivers Myke and TJ Landis are the defending Tuner Division champions and are considered as the top drivers

in the class again this year with their Tri-Pod Defelopment sponsored 2003 Ford Focus. Anthony Brinster of St. Helens and Vancouver’s Don Jenner are also top returning drivers who are expected to be frontrunners this year two. Jenner was dual division competitor and he won both the Sportsman and Modified Division titles last season. Brinster took fourth place in the Four Cylinder Division last year and he’ll drive a 2012 Nissan Sentra owned by Gaboury in the Tuner Division.

For updated information about the track in case of inclement weather that sometimes results in races being canceled, it’s best to call the speedway office at 503-397-6506. The speedway is located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

Photo courtesy from Mike Weber

St. Helens competitor Bob Berg.