Dear Stranger
Finding a cure Page A7
Page A9
$1.50
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
thechronicleonline.com
$87.5M city budget proposed Serving Columbia County since 1881
of the library and the youth library and what the programs do for the community and I am hopeful that working through the budget committee, we’ll be able to restore that position and still maintain the city’s long-term financial health.”
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A wave of federal pandemic relief cash, police call service demands, costs associated with delivering city services and even the long-term impact of homelessness are driving the 2022-23 St. Helens proposed budget of $87,541,000. St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh is set to present his proposed multimillion-dollar spending plan to the city’s budget committee Thursday evening, May 12. “This is one of the most challenging budgets I had to develop since I’ve been here,” Walsh said. “That is because of the factors of inflation and how that is going to impact us, but also the impacts from all the federal stimulus money.”
Next steps
Big wave In a one-on-one interview, Walsh told The Chronicle that St. Helens received a “big wave” of federal pandemic relief funding. “We have put about half that into infrastructure projects and the other half into social programs,” he said. Those city programs include Makerspace at the library, a position with the city’s parks and recreation program and supporting city police services. “So, we’ve puffed up the budget, but that money goes away in two years,” he said. A large portion of the city’s budget increase is due to grants and loans received from federal and state resources related to the City’s Riverfront Redevelopment Project and the Public Safety Facility Proj-
Metro Creative Connection
Discussions about funding public library services and other city departments will be held during the St. Helens Budget Committee meeting Thursday evening, May 12.
ect, according to Walsh. The proposed citys’ general fund budget is $13.63 million. Library reductions Despite community and social media concerns about proposed funding reductions at the city library, Walsh said he feels confident that the library will be spared budget cuts and the city will be able to enhance public safety. Walsh said that a proposed 21%
cut in the St. Helens Public Library, suggested in Letters to the Editor and on social media, is misleading. “It is actually about eight percent when you net it out,” he said. “The real issue there is about the youth library director’s position.” Walsh said the St. Helens City Council members have been “very vocal” in their desire and need to hire as many public safety officers, police officers as the city can while maintaining fiscal reserves. “We came to the conclusion that
hiring any new officer was going to have an impact on the budget, including overtime, and they wanted two,” he said. “So, we looked at the city positions that were vacant, one in parks and one in the library and we proposed not to fill those positions, just to get the discussion going.” The two positions include a parks maintenance position and the library youth director position. “That has caused a lot of attention.” Walsh said. “I am a big fan
Under Walsh’s budget, no city employee layoffs are proposed. “At the end of the day we are providing services and need to decide what are the most valuable services and public safety is a very important one,” he said. “There aren’t necessarily a whole lot more police calls, but the complexity of those calls is increasing, and those calls take a lot more attention for follow-up and don’t clear as quickly.” Walsh said his role is to deliver a balanced budget to the city council. “Which could include elements for discussion, such as new revenues, cutting expenses, things of that nature,” he said. “This proposed budget does not fill two positions and it adds two positions (police officers). I am pretty confident the budget committee will find a way to bring the youth library director position back.” Restoring the youth library director position could be achieved through additional budget cuts or new revenues or even using funds from the city’s reserves, according to Walsh. “It is really healthy and important to talk about the choices that we make and the impact that those
See BUDGET Page A9
Saving feral cats ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Chronicle photo
Graduate Tyler Roady yells victoriously after receiving his diploma during the 2021 SHHS drive-through graduation at the Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens.
2022 graduation returns to tradition JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic forced seniors at St. Helens High School to stage their graduation as a drivethrough event at the Columbia County Courthouse in the Riverfront District of St. Helens. On Friday evening, June 10, all that will change as the graduation returns to a more traditional
Opinion ..................... A4 Garden Plots ............ A4 Community Calendar A4
Obituaries ................. A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Crossword ............... A6 Legals ....................... A7 Sports ..................... A10
Vol. 140, No. 19
event at the high school’s stadium. “We always plan for about 200 seniors, I think it is just a little under that, we don’t have the solid number yet,” St. Helens High School Activities Director Noelle Freshner told The Chronicle. While Freshner said some enjoyed much of the activities associated with the drive-through graduation, the students’ families have been seeking a traditional ceremony. “Each time we led up to that event we were being fought by parents and community members, so we decided to go back to our traditional graduation,” she said. “We’re going to do everything like it was in 2019 with all of the elements exactly like it was.” Freshner is hopeful the graduates take away the positive from the past two challenging years. “It’s hard because these poor kids have lived through something that is absolutely unimaginable, so I hope that they can reflect back on the positive of the experience and I hope they develop some grit from it and know that whatever they face, hopefully it’s not as complex and complicated as what they just went through,” she said. The St. Helens High School graduation is set for 7 p.m., June 10 at the SHHS Doc Ackerson Stadium. Gates open for the audience at 5:45 p.m. For a listing of the SHHS graduation events, visit the school’s website.
Though her hours are long and unpredictable, though the work never seems to stop and at times reveals the ugly side of humanity, a Columbia County woman has made it her life’s mission to change society’s perception of cats. Mist resident Wendy MacDougall is in charge of Feral Cat Project & Kitten Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to “humanely reducing Columbia County’s feral cat population through trap, neuter and release and maintaining a dedicated kitten rescue.” The program is funded through grants and costs approximately $30,000 to run annually, MacDougall told The Chronicle. MacDougall said she started the program back in 2018 after noticing an increase in missing cat reports and sightings. “The more that cats are freeroaming, whether they’re feral or a pet, the more predators you’re going to have coming in taking those cats out because it’s easy pickings for them,” MacDougall explained. “A lot of our neighborhoods are forested bound. So it became a well, what can we do to reduce the prey for these predators and protect household pets? And really, that was the beginning of it. But once you start working on colonies, you realize it goes a lot deeper than that.” Cat colonies are small groups of female cats and their offspring, according to petplace.com. “It’s a situation where a stray has been rejected, or put outside, or lost, or whatever, dumped, there are all kinds of reasons, and it’s not fixed and it hooks up with another cat that’s not fixed,” MacDougall said. “They find an area where there’s food. They have enough of a relationship with humans to seek humans for food.” An infographic on the Feral Cat Project and Kitten Rescue website shows how large cat colonies can grow. According to the infographic, two unfixed cats can create 2 million offspring within eight years. According to MacDougall, cat colonies are a problem 100% created by people who choose not to get their cats spayed or neutered.
Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle
These twin kittens were rescued by the Feral Cat Project and Kitten Rescue. See more photos with this story at thechronicleonline.com.
Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle
Cat rescuer MacDougall cradles a newborn kitten. See more photos with this story at thechronicleonline.com.
“They’re domestic pets, but there’s this attitude that cats run free, let cats be free, cats aren’t happy until they’re free,” MacDougall said. “That’d be all good and fun until you start seeing that this freedom idea for cats involves not spaying and neutering. And then when you’re not spaying and neutering, you’re witnessing a lot of misery and suffering, abuse.” MacDougall acknowledged while cat colonies are often cared for by reclusive people, those same people often don’t have the resources to provide long-term care. “We’ve taken cats with fatal injuries (and) cats with non-fatal injuries left to die and suffer,” she said. “There’s a lot of suffering by these cats.”
How it works Feral cat trapping cannot be accomplished in one session, according to MacDougall. Instead, it is a weeks-long process that involves multiple steps following the initial phone call. “Once I get a phone interview, I make a plan with them to go visit the colony. I go out there, and I want to see, is it around a home? Is it on rural land? Is it in a neighborhood?” she said, citing examples of the questions she asks herself. “What other kind of factors am I dealing with? If it’s in a neighborhood, am I going to have
See RESCUE Page A7
A2
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Who We Are
Local woman still inspiring at 101 JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A Scappoose woman is marking her 101 years just enjoying her days. Friends and family celebrated with Millie Gobel on her 101st birthday on May 3. Gobel lives at the Brookdale Rose Valley Scappoose Assisted Living Center and said this when asked by The Chronicle what has kept her going for 101 years: “I’ve just been living the life that I lived as a child” “I just kept going day after day doing what has to be done.” Gobel said the most rewarding time in her life has been with her family.
“Just having family and people that you love and that love you and that you know, and they know you,” she said. “The simple get togethers are important as well. Let life be and enjoy life as it is. Live it.” “Grandma has probably been the strongest woman I have ever met in my life,” granddaughter Rachael Bennett said. “She is just resilient beyond any belief and she does just everything.” Gobel’s mother passed away when she was young, according to Bennett, and she took care of all her siblings. “She has had multiple children of her own and doing multiple jobs over her life, it just amazes me all
that she has accomplished in her life. It is very inspiring,” Bennett said. “She’s told me that the secret to life is to keep active, keep moving.”
Let life be and enjoy life as it is. Live it. ~ Millie Gobel
Bennett said the one most important life lesson that she has learned from her grandmother is, “to not sweat the small things.” “That’s something she has always said, and it has definitely carried with me,”
Bennett said. Gobel has been a resident at the assisted living center since 2015. She spent some time back at her family’s home during the pandemic and returned to the center the day after Christmas in 2021. She says her favorite activity is church. “Going to church and worshipping with all the congregation is probably my favorite thing to do,” she said. “Millie is quite the woman – still sharp as a tack,” Brookdale Rose Valley Scappoose coordinator Sash Tinning said. “The staff asked her what her secret to a long life is. Her answer: ‘Keep things simple.’”
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
A young child shares a moment with Millie Gobel during her 101st birthday celebration at the Brookdale Rose Valley Assisted Living in Scappoose.
Agriculture officials warn of bird flu in Oregon The first confirmed case of bird flu since 2015 has been detected in Oregon. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirms the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial, backyard flock (non-poultry) in Linn County. HPAI (H5N1) is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic bird species. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detection does not present an immediate public health concern. “We knew HPAI was coming our way after a bald eagle in British Columbia tested positive in early March,” Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz said. “Since that detection, we have been hard at work communicating with our commercial poultry producers, veterinarians, and the public on how they can protect their flocks. Now more than ever, all bird owners must practice good biosecurity,
prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual deaths so ODA can ensure testing.” A quick response is needed to prevent the spread of HPAI, according to Scholz. Background The owner of the affected backyard flock reported the deaths and delivered at least one of the birds to Oregon State University’s (OSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for initial sample testing. Samples were also sent to APHIS’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). ODA quickly quarantined the affected premises. ODA will humanely euthanize any additional birds on the property to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from this farm were not used for food and will not enter the food system. There are no detections in commercial poultry in the state. ODA and federal partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area, following existing avian influenza response plans.
If you find a sick or dying bird, ODA asks that you do not touch it; report it. For domestic birds, please report by calling ODA at 1-800-3477028 or email npip@oda. oregon.gov. For wild birds, please call and report to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-866968-2600. Resources
For more information about HPAI, visit ODA’s Avian Influenza web page for more information about HPAI to learn more about avian influenza, its signs, symptoms, and ways to protect your birds. APHIS also has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available at Defend the Flock Resource Center. Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. In addition, the USDA updates the latest HPAI detections on its website.
$40M available for farmers, ranchers STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Oregon farmers and ranchers who have experienced financial losses due to various natural disasters in 2021 can apply for the Oregon Disaster Assistance Program’s (ODAP) assistance. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) the applications are now available. Local banks and credit unions familiar with agriculture will administer ODAP throughout the state. For a list of partners and a sample application, visit the ODAP web page. Applications will be available until June 3, 2022. “Oregon’s farmers and ranchers are used to dealing with issues beyond their control,” ODA Director Alexis Taylor said. “But the series of natural disasters, where historic drought condi-
tions were compounded by record-breaking heat, wildfire smoke, early winter storm damage and pest infestation in 2021, was hard for any producer to absorb.” In December 2021, the Oregon Legislature granted ODA the legal authority and $40 million to establish a disaster assistance program. ODA designed ODAP as a forgivable loan with stakeholders and industry partners. The program calculates assistance for eligible farmers and ranchers in Oregon on the loss of Gross Farm Income. ODAP is based on tax filing from 2017, 2018, and 2019 to establish a 3-year baseline of what a producer could have expected in farm income without disaster impacts. Using the producer’s 2021 Gross Farm Income, the difference between 2021 income and the 3-year baseline is considered a loss due to natural disasters. The maximum assistance is $125,000 or 90% of the
three-year baseline. In addition, producers who meet the USDA definition of a historically underserved producer or have less than $350,000 in gross income may qualify for maximum assistance is $150,000 or 95% of the threeyear baseline. Assistance will be forgiven unless the producer receives additional funds under ODAP and certain US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) disaster assistance. USDA FSA disaster assistance will be reported back for redetermination for any repayment or forgiveness. Based on available funds, ODAP may conduct a second round of applications. Taylor thanked the leadership of Oregon Legislature and Gov. Kate Brown for recognizing the immediate need and providing the funding to help producers stay in business and fill gaps left by other federal disaster programs.
Courtesy from the USDA
HPAI (H5N1) is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic bird species. There are no detections in commercial poultry in the state.
Assisted Living At Home Caregiving advice by Nurse Navigator Katie Klem
How do you care from afar when your loved one is chronically ill? Part 5 of 5
This is part 5 of 5 of the long-distance family caregiving series. In the recent weeks we have been covering the story of a lady named Sally who has several health problems, been hospitalized quite a bit, and is at risk for being placed into a long-term care facility. She wants to remain in her home and have care delivered to her instead of moving into a retirement community. Her out of state son does not have a plan for care, and he is too far to be able to manage his mother’s affairs. So far in this series, we have learned the exact steps that I have used to help Sally remain independent in her home, stay out of the emergency
room, manage her chronic illnesses and thrive. I started with a long-term care survey, then I built the caregiving team of professionals and then I created an intensive inhome caregiving program for her. The last step is to create her a long-term care plan. Here are the components of a good long-term care plan. #1. A long-term care survey that identifies the wishes of the care recipient (Sally’s wish is to have care delivered into her home rather than relocate into a long-term care community) #2. A wellness promoting caregiving program #3. A caregiving budget. For her, the cost
of care is $35-$40/hour based on the length of the shifts for the first two to three months where she is receiving intensive nursing-grade type of inhome care. As she regains her mobility the cost of care is reducing to $27$29/hour. #4. A family caregiving toolbox (legal documents, respite plan, emergency preparedness). #5. A milestones care guide that shows the possible healthcare changes and the action plan that the family could take if things change. If someone you love needs care, please call or email. Stay well, be safe and thank you for what you do as a family caregiver.
Katie Klem is a certified elder care consultant and CCO of COMFORT Makers & Comforting Medical Supply. 139 N. 21st St., St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503-369-2460 Email: Katie@comfort-makers.com
3:00 pm SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2022 Presented Live at First Evangelical Lutheran Church 360 Wyeth St, St. Helens, OR
Columbia Chorale of Oregon/River City Singers/River City Children’s Choir is a 501C3 organization. $10 donation suggested per adult at the door.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Paintings by local Artists will be available for purchase
A3
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Election 2022
Columbia City proposes tax increase for police services ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Columbia City Administrator Michael McGlothin is hopeful that voters will consider voting “yes” on a property tax increase to sustain current Columbia City Police services for another five years. Measure 5-287, on the May 17 ballot, would renew the five-year operating levy for Columbia City Police services at $0.90 per $1,000 assessed property value for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The current levy is at $.67 per $1,000 assessed value or $134 annually for homeowners with a property value of $200,000. That levy will expire after the 2021-22 tax year. Levy impact With the proposed change, the median homeowner would see a $47 annual increase, to a value of $181, equivalent to paying $.50 a day.
McGlothlin said that rising costs “compared to 10 years ago, much less 10 months ago,” are among the reasons for the proposed tax hike. “Not only are your personnel costs affected by your Consumer Price Index (CPI) but also your materials and services, fuel equipment, vehicles, all the maintenance is required,” he said. “Another example is retirement contributions and insurance payments for employees within the police department. So we feel those increases are what we’re having to pay out.” McGlothlin added that while his department doesn’t like to stress the negatives, “the reality is that (we) would be reducing current staffing levels of department personnel as much as 160 hours per month.” The figure translates to a 40-hour loss in personnel coverage per week, according to McGlothlin. If nothing changes with the levy, McGlothlin warns Columbia City Police also may be forced to become
Tax base concerns
Metro Creative Connection
The increased police levy of $.90 per $1,000 of assessed property value would go into effect in November.
more “reactive in addressing dispatch calls for service.” “Programs such as the premise check foot patrols, area patrols, and community policing may be eliminated or incur a service fee,” he said. The bottom line, McGlothlin points out, is that a reduction in force will have a dramatic impact on criminal patrols and follow-up in
investigations. The Columbia City Police Department (CCPD) has two full-time, one part-time, and two reserve officers. “We’re looking at about three field training officers (FTE) once you combine all those,” McGlothlin said. In normal years, the CCPD’s annual budget is approximately $400,000.
Columbia City imposes the third lowest permanent tax rate in the state, at $1.13 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Meanwhile, Rainier and Clatskanie, cities with comparable population sizes, are among the top 10 for highest permanent tax rates. The current police levy adds $.67 to the permanent tax rate and puts Columbia City above St. Helens at $1.80 per $1,000 of assessed property value, “keeping in mind that St. Helens also has not only a much larger population base paying property tax value, but they also have a significantly larger exponentially larger commercial industrial tax base,” McGlothlin said. “Where when you combine when you compare services provided to residential areas versus services provided to commercial-industrial, it’s a huge disparity between those.” According to McGloth-
lin, Measure 50 has made it difficult to impose a high enough tax rate to cover basic services. The Oregon State Legislature passed Measure 50 in 1997, which established a permanent property tax rate for each district and limited assessed annual growth to 3% per year. “For small communities like ours, and we’re not the only one, our permanent tax rate was so low, and the fact that we don’t have a vibrant commercial-industrial tax base to help assist in providing government services makes it tough,” he said. “We run on a very tight budget.” Columbia City covers 1.15 square miles and has a population of 2,004 residents. The May 17 Primary Election is a vote-by-mail event. For more information about the ballot, contact Columbia County Elections at 503-397-7214 or email to elections@ columbiacountyor.gov.
County sheriff’s race
Courtesy photos
Brian Pixley, left, is the incumbent Columbia County Sheriff. St. Helens Police officer Terry Massey is the challenger in the Columbia County Sheriff’s race. ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Even though the election is months away, the two candidates in the Columbia Country Sheriff’s race have mounted their campaigns. St. Helens Police Department Officer Terry Massey announced on March 10 that he would run for the position. Since his announcement, he has raised $8,174 for his $60,000 fundraising goal. “We are committed to this campaign and have many people supporting it; we are all in to get the message out,” Massey said. The county sheriff is elected every four years. Voters will cast their ballots for the sheriff’s race Nov. 28. Who is Terry Massey? Massey is a five-year veteran of the St. Helens Police force and a business owner of 20 years. “Being a business owner has allowed me to grow as an individual,” he wrote. “I have developed the essential skills to problem-solve and mitigate conflicts.” In a one-on-one interview with The Chronicle, Massey provides the following example of how being a business owner allows him to navigate conflicts effectively. “An extremely positive attribute (I have) is my managerial skills and ability to bring people together for a common objective, in this case, the safety and needs of our community,” he said. “I was able to go into those new businesses with existing employees, take the time to understand them as people.” “The ability to pull a team of individual entities together relates to my objectives: getting the agencies (city & County) working as a collaborative and cohesive team,” he added. Having grown up in Columbia County, Massey said he “loves the outdoors,” and intends to “embrace our expanded community as we grow and ensure the safety and health of our existing citizens.” Massey’s platform Bringing back 24-hour policing is a cornerstone of
Massey’s campaign. “I find it unacceptable that calls for assistance come in for prowlers, thefts, accidents, and areas outside of St. Helens and there is no one to respond,” he wrote, adding, “I look forward to working with the County Commissioners and creating solutions on addressing funding and other obstacles that may be preventing the resources to provide safer communities to our citizens.” In February, an attorney for the St. Helens Police Association wrote a letter requesting staffing relief from the St. Helens City Council. In part, the letter reads as follows. “SHPA members are often denied vacations, work straight through their weekends, work two weeks straight without a day off, just so our agency can maintain a minimum of two officers on duty 24/7.” Massey said that one of his first agenda items will be getting the city and county to work as a “collaborative and cohesive team.” To raise awareness for his campaign, Massey is holding a series of fun runs throughout Columbia County. The runs are split into 3and 6-mile segments and will begin at 9 a.m. at the designated location. Email terrymassey4sheriff@gmail.com for more information. Massey explained why he is raising $60,000 for his campaign. “Everything costs money - billboards, signs, banners, clothing, booths, entries into events, fees for hosting events,” he said. “We are committed to this campaign and have many people supporting it; we are all in to get the message out. People don’t know what they don’t know! The citizens of our communities pay for safe communities; they should start asking questions to ensure they are getting what they pay for.” Accepting the challenge On Sept. 27, 2021, Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley confirmed his candidacy for re-election. “It has been an honor to serve as the Columbia County Sheriff since my election in 2019 and I am proud to
officially announce that I’ve filed to run for re-election,” he wrote in a social media post. “I have dedicated my career to serving Columbia County and have made great strides in my years as Sheriff. I believe in this work, and there is more still to be done. With your support, I will continue to lead our Sheriff’s Office to improve services to residents as well as steadfastly protect our constitutional rights.” In an interview with The Chronicle, Pixley said he has been fighting for 24/7 policing throughout his term by “making pleas to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners,” and “backing up requests with statistics and studies that highlight the need for additional patrol staff.” “CCSO has been chronically underfunded, and I continue to work toward the goal of around-the-clock patrol staffing,” he said. “However, this funding requires support from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).” According to Pixley, CCSO has successfully added new officer positions each year, adding an officer position in Clatskanie and entering into a partial policing contract with Vernonia. Pixley vows to continue advocating more police staffing if he is reelected. “Securing around-the-clock coverage for CCSO patrol has always been a priority for me and will continue to be until the BOCC provides adequate funding,” he said. Pixley has accomplished many of his objectives over the years. Under Pixley’s watch, CCSO was appointed as the leading agency on the major crimes team. During his tenure, he added K9 Search and Rescue teams to the police force, increased the presence of deputies in Columbia County, implemented a drone program, and with the support of Columbia County Mental Health and the Columbia County Circuit Court, launched the “Bridge the Gap” program, to assist in “reintegrating adults in custody and intervening in the cycle of criminality.” Read more about the two candidates in the Oregon Voters Pamphlet.
May 20, 2022 6 P.M. CLASS
St. Helens Best Western 585 S. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens
CONCEAL CARRY PERMIT CLASS Oregon • Multi-State • Valid in 35 States
Multi-State $80 Oregon Included No Fee Valid in Washington or Oregon only $45 www.FirearmTrainingNW.com
FirearmTrainingNW@gmail.com
360-921-2071
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A4
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Opinion
Garden Plots: Two and a half March months this year CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article
This has been the strangest spring. And as of this writing, we aren’t into “April” yet. There is a lot of concern about fruit tree pollination. For apples and pears there are two things that will help. First, we are two weeks later on the timing of peak bloom compared to the historic average. Second, we had a weak crop last year, so the trees tend to produce more bloom the following year. Finally, with apples and pears, a full crop is about 15-20% of the flowers setting fruit. The more fruit set you have; the more thinning is needed. That is so different from cherries where we want all the flowers to set fruit. Bottom line, I am still cautiously optimistic about fruit set. I am concerned about reports of significant honeybee hive loss. Orchard mason bees are active now. Garden soil is way too
wet to work-up yet unless you have raised beds (sided or not) that drain faster. But on the positive side, this is the first time in about 10 years that our “water year” (which is calculated from October 1st -September 30th) is at or above the 40-year average by ~3 inches in the St. Helens area and more at higher elevations. I had a conversation with one of our avid local gadeners at Spring Fair and he said that his water gauge data showed they had more rain this April than the past three Aprils combined.
Garden soil is also very cold for this time of year. Again, raised beds help, since better soil drainage also raises soil temperatures (it takes less sunlight energy to heat soil, air, and some water and soil, less air, and a lot of water). Clear plastic over soil prior to planting can speed corn germination assuming it dries up enough to plant corn. There still is time to turn this gardening season around. Cloches of row cover or clear plastic can be used to
speed growth of trans-plants. Clear plastic must be opened on sunny days or your transplants can get “cooked.” Row covers don’t have to be opened. Keep baiting for slugs. They are mating and eating with abandon.
The spring rain should be helpful to western red cedars that have been dying from low spring/summer soil moisture. People that transplanted conifers this fall or early spring should lose less than in drier springs. And it may provide more moisture for some of our deeper rooted vegetables. Whether it will
have an impact on our fire season is yet to be seen. The cool, wet spring is likely having an impact on swallows. They usually show up here on a nice spring day. We had one in mid-April (it was 75° on one day) and there they were. But then the weather dove into this cold and wet pattern. Those temperatures slow insect emergence (which I track on our shed that attracts moths under a light), reducing feed for swallows. Our local numbers seem down.
There could be other causes. And there are separate cycles of northward migration along the west coast. So, there is still hope swallows can help with flying insect control. On a brighter note, there is a large group of Vaux’s swifts using a chimney in the old grade school, now Riverside church, in
Rainier. The chimney was purposefully reopened to help swifts which, before Europeans came, sheltered in very large, hollow trees. Our logging practices largely removed those trees. Little brown bats (by far our moist common species) also return in mid-March, though there may be a “groundhog” activity going on where a few test the weather, and if it isn’t up to snuff, hold off the return migration. Bats would have had a tough time getting enough grub the last several months if they indeed returned.
Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https:// catalog.extension.oregonstate. edu/. Click on publications and start exploring. Important notes The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Donate produce and/ or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It is greatly appreciated. The Extension Service of-
fers its programs and materials equally to all people. Have questions? If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-397-3462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate. edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters. Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503 397-3462
Voices of the Community Don Coin Walrod Memorial Scholarship
Community Calendar May 14-15 Latimer Quilt Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday with vendors, bed turnings, food in the Cottage for $5 a day at the Caples House Museum, 1925 First Street in Columbia City. For more details, call 503397-5390.
the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 360 Wyeth Street in St. Helens.
May 14 Vaccination Clinic Columbia County Public Health’s free vaccination/ booster clinic from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the Columbia County Fairgrounds’ 4H Building, 58892 Sausler Rood in St. Helens. First and second doses, and first and second boosters of Pfizer and Moderna brands will be available for adults and children. Masks are required. Bring your vaccination card if available. Wear clothing that you can easily slip your arm out of. No prior registration required. Need a ride to the event or for more information, call 503397-7247.
Sunday May 22 Community Walk and Fair National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Walks Our Way & Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH) Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk starts 10 a.m. at Jordan Center 297 South 1st St. Helens. Easy route around waterfront. Mental Health Fair in Columbia View Park. Please register for walk at https://www. namiwalks.org/northwest. Join CCMH Columbia Walkers https://www.namiwalks. org/team/CCMH Visit NAMI Columbia County Oregon Facebook Event. For more information, contact Judy Thompson at 503-397-6056.
May 14 Arts Guild Event The Columbia Arts Guild invites the community to an elegant evening of fine art, music, appetizers and conversation from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center, 2625 Gable Road in St. Helens. Paintings by local artists will be available for purchase. For more information call 503396-0875. May 15 Joyful Singing The Columbia Chorale of Oregon and the River City’s Children’s Choir present Joyful Singing at 3 p.m. at
May 21 Scappoose Garden Club Plant Sale 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., location is Scappoose Middle School, 52265 Lower Columbia Highway Scappoose.
Ongoing events Farmers Market The 20th season of the Scappoose Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, contact scappoosefm@ gmail.com. 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.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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 503-5600521 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 503397-0116.
The Deer Island Grange is excited to announce the 2022 Don Coin Walrod Memorial Scholarship recipient is Grace Tallman from Clatskanie High School. This scholarship is for $1000 and is awarded to a Columbia County High School senior majoring in agriculture, animal science, forestry, or education. Grace is still in the process of choosing her college but plans to become a teacher with goals to return to Clatskanie after graduation. Scholarship applications for 2022 will be available
from Columbia County High School counselors by November 1st, 2022. Congratulations Grace! Jani D Remsburg Deer Island Grange Scholarship Chairman
Thank you, community The Scappoose Easter Egg Hunt was fun for all this year! We were able to hide thousands of eggs filled with candy and prizes at the Grant Watts School Playground. The Scappoose Kiwanis Club was able to sponsor our local Easter egg hunt because of the support and generosity of our community. The Scappoose Kiwanis Club would like to thank The
Chronicle for your support and donation of candy to stuff in our Easter eggs. Without your generous donation, our event may not have taken place this year… thank you so much! Your continued support has made it possible for this local tradition to continue in Scappoose. Tammy Lukinbeal Secretary, Scappoose Kiwanis Club
Can’t believe it I can’t believe the St. Helens city council is considering cutting the library budget by 21%. If anything, they should increase it 50%. Jim Patterson St. Helens
Weekly Online Poll
Last Week’s Results
Will you be taking part in the Dear Stranger letter writing exchange?
Should city administrators preserve current funding at the St. Helens Public Library?
Yes
No
82.7% Yes 17.3% No
Vote online at thechronicleonline.com Clarification In the May 4 edition, The Chronicle reported that a fourth Run for the Wall, called the Sand Box Run, to Marseilles, Illinois would be held after the Memorial Day Run for the Wall. The fourth Run actually takes place before the Memorial Day event. And a photo stating a veteran at the Memorial Wall was actually a St. Helens Police officer at the National Law Enforcement Wall. We are happy to set the record straight.
The Chronicle The Chronicle (USPS 610-380) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 S. Columbia Blvd., P.O. Box 1153 St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Periodicals postage paid at St. Helens, OR 97051
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chronicle PO Box 1153 St. Helens, OR 97051-8153
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One month in county: $8 One month out of county: $10 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80
CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 Website: www.thechronicleonline.com • Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net ADVERTISE WITH US: Display ads: chronicleads@countrymedia.net Classified ads: chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net FOLLOW US • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them. Letters policy: This newspaper’s letters to the editor are lim-
ited 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).
A5
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Crossword Solution
Obituaries
Solution for the May 4, 2022 crossword puzzle
George Norman Kreman July 24, 1929 ~ May 4, 2022
Come take a tour See our gardens Friday- Sunday, 1-5, $5
George Norman Kreman passed away at the age of 92, on May 4, 2022, in Portland, Oregon. George was born July 24, 1929, to Gladys and Theodore Kreman, in Crawford, Nebraska. He grew up in Glen, Nebraska, but throughout his life resided In Wyoming, Montana, and settled down in Oregon. George served almost four years in the United States Navy, from 1948 to 1952. He worked as a foreman at a few different mills and went on to retire with Weyerhauser. George spent many, many hours in his garden. He enjoyed woodworking, making doll furniture for his girls, birdhouses, lighted stars for Christmas, and other miscellaneous items upon request. He loved going on family
Latimer Quilt Show at Caples May 14, 10-5 May 15, 10-3 Bed Turnings, Vendors, $5/day
Space donated by Columbia Funeral Home • Serving Columbia County since the early 1900’s • 503-397-1154
George is survived by his loving wife Ann Kreman; sons, Bill Kreman and Tom Kreman; daughters, Karen (Rich) Russell, Sharon Kreman, Janice (Nick) Hartman, and Peggy Kreman; grandchildren, Devon (Angie) Russell, Morgan (Werner) Langley, Damian (Kimberlee) Hartman, and Shaunnell Hartman; great-grandchildren, Veraina Langley, Kyle Robertson, Riley Robertson, and Austin Robertson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A service will be held in George’s honor at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Columbia Funeral Home, with a reception to follow at the Best Western in St. Helens, Oregon. Please sign our online guestbook at www. columbiafh.com.
Glenn Dale Stroh
Tea and Sweets Fridays 2-4, $5 in The Cottage
1925 First Street, Columbia City www.capleshouse.com (503) 397-5390
camping trips, clam digging (even though the ocean was not his favorite place to visit) and getting together with extended family on these trips. Most of his traveling involved taking his family to visit other family members who lived out of state.
Almost every summer while the children were young, they would go to Nebraska and Iowa to visit their grandparents. He was an active member of the local Oregon Hunters Association and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. His love of hunting and fishing has been passed down to his children and grandchildren. Traditions still carried on by his grandsons. His grandchildren meant the world to him. He attended ball games, dance recitals, and enjoyed many daily visits. The grandchildren loved going to the farm to hang out. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Theodore Kreman; and brothers, Gene Kreman, Wayne Kreman, and Jack Kreman.
Jan. 17, 1933 ~ May 7, 2022 Glenn Dale Stroh went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 7, 2022 peacefully while he slept in his bedroom. Glenn was born in Bachelor Flat in 1933 to Clifford and Florence Stroh. He attended Bachelor Flat School and St. Helens High School. He graduated in 1951. He served in the Air Force in Korea before marrying Mary Helen Bland, from Bakersfield, California, at Warren Baptist Church on June 30, 1957. Glenn is survived by his wife of 65 years Mary;
daughter Brenda and husband Dean; son Lin-
coln and wife Tracy; sister Jewelldene Berckel; five grandchildren, Sam Schallhorn and wife Melissa; Jessica Stroh, Glenn Stroh II, Allison Stroh and Nicole Nicholas; one great grandchild Memphis Schallhorn. He was preceded in death by his daughter Kim in 2016; older brothers, Clarence and Floyd; younger sister Dorothy; and his life-long friend Joe Blaha. Glenn loved his family and his faith in God, and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, crabbing and the coast. He
worked at various mills in the St. Helens area including Crown Zellerbach, Pope and Talbot, and Boise Cascade, retiring from Boise in 1991 after 24 years as a millwright. Glenn was a good, godly man, loved by his family and friends. He will be missed but only temporarily as he is already with family and friends in Heaven. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Warren Baptist Church. Please join family and friends to celebrate his life.
Violet Elizabeth Aiger Endebo April 4, 2009 ~ April 24, 2022
One stop shopping for your wedding Featuring gowns & tuxedos, for the bride, groom, & your entire wedding party. Tiaras, jewelry, veils, and invitations.
Dianna’s Formal Affair
1811 Columbia Blvd. St. Helens diannasformalaffair.com 503-397-3026
The Chronicle and The Chief are looking for a
Media Consultant
An angel is now at rest. 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.
tears to laughter over her 13 years on earth. After that blessed time came our turn to mourn on April 24, 2022. She leaves behind
Dennis Hart Sr.
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.
Violet was a living stuffed animal, our “bear.” She ran to the hopeless and destitute, street people and sad people. She turned many
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.
March 17, 1954 ~ May 2, 2022 Dennis Hart Sr., a resident of St. Helens, passed away on May 2, 2022.
Come work in a professional setting in a fast paced job that is different everyday. Advertising skills desired. People skills and marketing experience desired. Our new consultant will work to grow an established territory.
2022
Email resume to Jeremy Ruark at jruark@countrymedia.net or call - 503-397-0116 to set up an interview.
Advertise your Memorial Day events and specials in The Chronicle & The Chief’s Memorial Day 2022 special publication.
The Chronicle The Chief
Call 503-397-0116 to advertise or for more information
Quality Bark at Competitive Prices
BEAVER BARK
Sold by yard or Unit for pick up or Delivery
proudly sponsored by
Pet of the Month Meet Birdie Birdie (or Lady Bird) is a 14 month old poodle/pointer. She is dog friendly, kid friendly, but unsure about cats. She has had some training. She’s a total sweetheart and is ready for your love.
urbanpacific REALESTATE Columbia County Division columbiahumane.com
253 S. 1st Street, St Helens, OR 97051 503.329.7269 mobile urbanpacificrealestate.com
• Variety of Fir & Bark Dust • Mulch & Potting Soil • Cedar Chips & Trail Mix
Clean Woodwaste Recycling Yard Debris & Woodwaste Recycling
Yard Debris & Clean Wood Waste Recycling $15 per yd. Clean = No pressure treated, paint or stain Wood Waste = Lumber, branches, small stumps and logs. We do not accept trash, plastic, dirt or sod.
$6 yard with $8 minimum charge
BEAVER BARK
We Deliver 1 Unit Minimum!
54000 West Lane Rd 503-543-3000 Scappoose Oregon Mon-Fri (503) 8-5 543-3000 Call for weekend deliveries
www.beaverbarkllc.com 54000 West Lane Rd. Scappoosethru Friday 8am to 4pm Open Monday
A6
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Classifieds Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com
110
502
502
502
502
702
702
702
Hauling
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Garage Sales
Garage Sales
Garage Sales
We haul scrap and that’s no crap! Dump runs $75 and up. Senior discount. Scrap metal hauled free, including appliances. Call 503-550-3184.
Immediate Opening Shipping/ Receiving/ Sewing Part time 6- Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056
vice skills, detail oriented and reliable. Call or stop by the store. 503827-3900 3055 NW Yeon.
Assistant, Instructional Assistants, 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.
1105, leave message and phone #.
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.
150
Misc Services
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.
301
Health & Nutrition
Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.pdxaa.org
PT Customer Service Associate Yeon MiniStorage NW Postal and Shipping HOURS: Tuesday - Friday 1 PM to 5:15 PM and Sat 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Independently owned shipping store/mailbox center and self storage facility. The duties of this job are diverse - you will not be bored!! We are looking for someone with great customer ser-
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-Unti tled.html St. Helens SD is seeking applicants for the following positions: Senior Accountant, HR
602
Boats & Motors
For sale 15 HP Mercury motor, reconditioned, new seals and brain, $900 or OBO. (503) 369-
Parking Lot Sale! Saturday May 14th 9 to 2. 970 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens. All kinds of items for sale. Come check it out! All proceeds go to the Columbia Pregnancy Center.
Classified Ads & Legal Deadline:
Submit ads by Mondays at Noon.
ASPHALT PAVING Offering Quality Asphalt Paving Services to Columbia County and surrounding areas.
FREE Estimates
VIEW OUR CURRENT RENTAL PROPERTIES AT:
www.therentalcenter.net
River City & Rentals Northwest 503-543-4440 Phone
503-543-7929 Fax
Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL Driveways • Roadways • Subdivisions • Parking Lots • City, County, State Specification Products
Call Jim today at
(503) 509-8657
Quality Workmanship At Affordable Prices
Columbia County
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
www.thechronicleonline.com
Waterman Garage Doors
CCB#204858
SALES, SERVICE INSTALLATION
Scott Waterman Owner
e l a S e g a r a G Special!
503.819.6715 St. Helens, OR 97051
YOUR AD HERE
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!
Get your ad in the paper and reach out to potential customers. Call 503-397-0116 today.
Crossword Puzzle
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: GRADUATION ACROSS
1. Like a bug on windshield noise 6. G-man 9. Type of race 13. Late actor Ledger 14. Waikiki necklace 15. Group of lions 16. Knight’s shiny garb 17. Ensign, for short 18. One to beat 19. *Graduation proof 21. *”School’s Out” singer 23. An indigenous person in Laos 24. 6-shooter 25. Founder of People’s Republic of China 28. Porous rock 30. *MFA or BA 35. Comrade in arms 37. Be inclined 39. Had in mind 40. Was a passenger 41. Ventricular beater 43. Same as ayah 44. ____ Trick, rock band 46. Nicholas II, e.g. 47. Initiation ceremony, e.g. 48. “Pollock” actor Ed 50. Foolish one 52. Ever, to a poet 53. “House of Gucci” star
55. Masters Tournament peg 57. *Mortarboard attachment 60. *”No more ____, no more books” 64. Fancy boat 65. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo” 67. Arm bones 68. Orderly arrangement 69. Granola grain 70. Gustatory sensation 71. Lord Byron’s composition 72. Dashboard unit 73. Weasel’s aquatic cousin
DOWN
1. Herring’s cousin 2. “Frasier” actress Gilpin 3. Bulb holder 4. Coral reef island 5. Neck cavity 6. Pestilence pest 7. Even, to a poet 8. “Saturday Night Fever” music genre 9. Type of coffee maker 10. Gauche or Droite in Paris 11. Month of Purim 12. Styling product 15. For the time being, Latin (2 words) 20. Cave opening
22. Like Hemingway’s certain man on sea 24. Type of rummy 25. *One in “Pomp and Circumstance” series 26. Hello to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole 27. Ahead in years 29. *”You have brains in your head, you have ____ in your shoes” 31. Cleats to soccer player 32. China grass 33. Related on mother’s side 34. Olden days anesthetic 36. *School ____, which is about 180 days 38. No-win situation 42. Old-hat 45. Wilbur’s home 49. *Famous frat house 51. Adjective in sheet music 54. Low light 56. Enthusiastic approval 57. Tropical edible root 58. Land measure 59. A fake 60. Beaten by walkers 61. Research facil. 62. It’s better than never? 63. Tiresias in “Oedipus Rex” 64. Small dog’s bark 66. *Gown’s companion
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A7
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Public Notices
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CH22-1093
NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORUM A hybrid public forum will be held on May 19th, 2022 to collect public feedback and discuss possible service changes. The services that may be impacted would be Line 1 from St. Helens to
Portland. This public forum will take place at the CC Rider Transit Center and virtually beginning at 10:00AM on May 19, 2022. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smart-
phone: https://meet.goto. com/413549733 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (571) 317-3116 Access Code: 413-549-733
CH22- 1095
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The St. Helens City Council will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comments on the possible purchase of used equipment described as a 40-foot boat, licensed to transport 30 passengers. The proposed use of the water taxi is for transporting visitors and equipment to and from Sand Island for tourism events and other possible destinations. The boat is proposed to be paid for by
Tourism event revenues. If you wish to submit written comments, please address them as follows: John Walsh, City Administrator, City of St. Helens, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. Or you may send them via email to kpayne@sthelensoregon. gov. Written comments must be received by 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2022, to be considered. Copies of the comments will be provided to the Council in advance of the hearing. The public hearing will be held via Zoom
and in person in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon, Plaza entrance. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to City Hall at 503-397-6272. The agenda for the public hearing with Zoom details will be posted on or after May 13, 2022.
CH22-1092
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA 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,
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.
CH22-1089
NOTICE OF MEETING TIME CHANGE Regular Meeting Time Change, May 17, 2022, 4:00 p.m. The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors for Columbia River PUD scheduled for May 17, 2022, will begin at 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of strategic planning in a workshop setting, and any other business that may
come before the Board. This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for further accommodations should be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the Administrative Assistant at 503-397-1844. Columbia River PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to
the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome. Please visit our website at https://www. crpud.net/my-pud/board-ofdirectors/board-meetings/ for more information on attending this meeting electronically. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager
CH22-1004
NOTICE OF MEETING
The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.
The Greater St. Helens Aquatic District is holding their board meeting at Eisenschmidt Pool basement at 5 p.m. on May 16, 2022.
Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
Closer to new pancreatic cancer therapy STEVE LUNDEBERG Chronicle Guest Article
Research by Oregon State University (OSU) has uncovered a potential new therapy for pancreatic cancer, whose survival rate is among the lowest of all malignancies. About one person in 64 will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. The pancreas is an abdominal organ that regulates blood sugar and also helps with digestion. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, usually abbreviated to PDAC, is responsible for more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases, said Adam Alani of the OSU College of Pharmacy, who led the preclinical study. Just 11% of PDAC patients live for at least five years after their diagnosis, he said. “PDAC is rarely diagnosed early enough for surgical resection to be a realistic option,” Alani said. “There aren’t markers for early detection. The molecular and cellular features of the tumors are aggressive and have
RESCUE From Page A1
to be trapping pets?” “I have to know the whole neighborhood,” she added. “I have to know how cooperative the people (will) be.” Once MacDougall knows where to implement the traps, she stages them a week before the actual trapping begins. “We’re not setting up the traps to catch the cats,” she explained, “but we want the traps around, and we want them to get used to the traps.” At the same time, she calls a Portland clinic managed
multiple levels of therapeutic resistance. We need new treatments and are very excited by the promise our findings show.” PDAC tumors present myriad challenges to treatment. Like other solid tumors they feature regions of hypoxia, where the concentration of oxygen in the tissue is low; hypoxic cancer cells grow slowly, making them less susceptible to the drugs prescribed to kill or damage them. “The approach that we took in this work is to exploit the physiology of PDAC being a highly hypoxic tumor,” Alani said. “We used a hypoxia-activated drug as a targeting strategy; such an approach can result in a better safety and efficacy profile for PDAC patients. Our findings are a strong foundation for the strategy’s clinical application.” Alani and collaborators at Oregon State and Oregon Health & Science University, including global pancreatic cancer experts Brett Sheppard and Rosalie Sears, used microfluidic cartridges to build a lipid-based nanocarrier into by the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon to set up an appointment to spay and neuter the cats the day following the trapping event. MacDougall showed The Chronicle the remote she uses to trigger the trap mechanism. “If you go in cold turkey, they’re not going to go into that trap, even for food,” she said. Once the procedures are completed, MacDougall and her rescue volunteers release the cats back to their colonies. A ‘big problem’ Feral cats are “a very big problem,” according to
which a PDAC “prodrug” could be loaded. A prodrug is a pharmacologically inactive compound that the body metabolizes into an active drug. In this research the liposome, as lipidbased drug delivery platforms are known, was loaded with the prodrug vinblastine-Noxide, developed by Cascade Prodrug Inc. of Eugene, Oregon. When activated by hypoxia, vinblastine-N-oxide, often referred to as CPD100, converts to the drug vinblas-
tine, a microtubule inhibitor used to kill cancer cells. On its own, CPD100 has less than optimal efficacy because of how fast the body clears it from the system – it has a half-life of less than 30 minutes. Loading it into a liposome, though, can increase its half-life by more than a factor of 10. In this study, the scientists found that liposomal CPD100 outperformed regular CPD100 in cancer cell cultures. The researchers also did
testing in an animal model in which mice with pancreatic cancer were divided into six treatment groups, with mice receiving either regular CPD100; liposomal CPD100; vinblastine; gemcitabine, or GEM, a standard-of-care drug for PDAC patients; liposomal CPD100 plus GEM; or no treatment. The tumor in mice treated with liposomal CPD100 and liposomal CPD100 plus GEM showed a statistically significant decrease in weight compared to the untreated mice, the GEM-only animals and the vinblastine mice. “We have also shown that our approach can remodel the pancreas stroma, which has been correlated with PDAC prognosis and progression,” Alani said. Stroma is connective tissue just below an organ’s surface and helps hold the other parts of the organ together. It consists of cells, many of them a type known as fibroblasts, that give the tissue its strength and shape. Stroma also includes blood vessels that carry nutrients and lymphatic channels that remove waste and excess fluid.
MacDougall. “I think that you don’t see it because feral cats don’t just lay out in the sun in groups and expose themselves to everybody that’s driving by,” she said. “But when you’re up in these hills back in Rainier and Columbia City, everywhere, there is no place in Columbia County where it doesn’t exist. I cannot even put a finger on how many cats we might be talking about, but it’s thousands.” People also have a tendency to “take matters into their own hands,” which may involve shooting the feral cats, says MacDougall. While feral cat colonies may appear to be a rural
problem, they can also affect small towns. On Thursday, April 14, St. Helens Police officers were dispatched to the location of a vacant, boarded-up house in St. Helens. They found four abandoned kittens inside the property. MacDougall said she wishes Columbia County officials would pass an ordinance to address the issue of feral cats. “We have made these (cats) domestic animals. We have made them pets,” she said. “We need to reel this in and make sure that this domestic pet-type animal is living among us everywhere in a humane way.”
A curious kitten wanders inside the sanctuary.
Metro Creative Connection
About one person in 64 will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. The pancreas is an abdominal organ that regulates blood sugar and also helps with digestion.
Stroma’s microscopic appearance changes in response to injury or cancer, taking on an appearance pathologists refer to as desmoplasia. The stroma associated with PDAC has multiple features that makes it a microenvironment in which pancreatic cancer cells can thrive and from which they can easily metastasize; remodeling the stroma has the potential to make life more difficult for those cancer cells. Findings were published in Pharmaceutics. OSU College of Pharmacy researchers Vidhi Shah, Adel Al-Fatease, Yeonhee Woo and Yuliya Bortnyak contributed to the study. The College of Pharmacy, the Oregon Nanosciences and Microtechnology Institute, Cascade Prodrug Inc., the Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care and the Oregon Pancreas Tissue Registry supported this research. Steve Lundeberg is a researcher and writer for Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. He may be reached at steve.lundeberg@oregonstate.edu
Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle
Celebrating the Class of 2022 Show your support for our high school graduates with an ad in our paper. We’ll feature names and photos of all the graduates of St. Helens High School and Plymouth High School.
Call 503-397-0116 to advertise
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A8
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Service project success STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Courtesy photo
Pictured left to right are 2018 Princess Patty St. John of St. Helens, 2021 My Fair Lady Princess Alice Long of Scappoose, Princess Roberta Leuer of St. Helens, Connie Leadham of Scappoose, Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett and Queen Lynn Shaw-Hayes of Vernonia.
Volunteer of the Month Connie Leadham is the Columbia County Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) Volunteer of the Month for April. Leadham is one of many RSVP volunteers that staff the reception desk at the Columbia County Courthouse. “She welcomes visitors with her warm smile, answers questions, and helps direct them where they need to go,” according to a release from RSVP. The 2021 My Fair Lady court assisted in recognizing Leadham, along with
Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett, 2018 MFL Princess Patty St. John, and 2016 MFL Queen Dena Chesney. Leadham said she was very surprised to be recognized. “It’s marvelous! I like to be out in the community and share a smile or a good word,” she said. Leadham shared her advice to other seniors that are thinking about volunteering in their community. “Get out, get dressed, and go meet someone,” she said. “You never know what type of friends you’ll make,” RSVP’s Court House Team Leader Patty St. John said.
Leadham also volunteered for years with Community Meals helping to serve hot meals to anyone that was hungry or lonesome. “Thank you, Connie, for always reaching out to help make others days a little brighter,” the RSVP release states.
Columbia County Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nonprofit senior support organization located at 270 Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens. To reach the office, call 503-3975655, or see RSVP’s Facebook page at, www.facebook. com/columbiacountyrsvp.
Drone decisions still up in the air
parks and along the ocean STAFF REPORT shore. chroniclenews@countrymedia.net Director Sumption paused the process of creating new The Oregon Parks and rules to guide drone use Recreation Department after a conversation with (OPRD) is convening a the Oregon State Parks and workgroup to draft criteria Recreation Commission and for managing drone take-off members of the public during and landing in state parks and an April 13, 2022, commisalong the ocean shore. sion meeting. The decision The process to adopt follows a two-month public formal administrative rules rulemaking process that genstarted in January 2022, and erated much public feedback was paused by OPRD Direcboth in support and critical of tor Lisa Sumption to allow the proposed rules. the group to conduct research “Drones are growing in and suggest ways to develop popularity as a way to get maps, according to a release outside and enjoy parks,” from the department. OPRD Central Resources OPRD invited members Manager Guy Rodrigue, who to the workgroup who reprewill convene the workgroup, sent a wide range of interests said. “This workgroup gives and expertise, including us a chance to hear from a conservation organizations, diverse group of stakeholders drone enthusiasts and trail on the best way to balance users. The workgroup, which providing places for drone will report its results to pilots to capture photos while Director Sumption, is first also protecting wildlife and tasked with drafting criteria park lands.” for where drone take-off and Once the drone criteria landing could be allowed and and maps are drafted and restricted. Then park managdelivered to the Director, ers will apply the criteria OPRD expects to restart the 11-16-11 3x2D Cuts:Layout 1 6/22/12 to create maps showing process of amending3:28 the PM proposed drone take-off and Oregon Administrative Rules 11-16-11 1 6/22/12 3:28 PM Page 1 landing locations in state 3x2D Cuts:Layout (OARS) by reconvening a
Updates about the project and more information about flying drones in state parks are on the Oregon State Page 1 Parks website at https:// stateparks.oregon.gov/index. cfm?do=v.page&id=97.
haircuts
haircuts
Haircuts
Bo
251 S 1ST Street, St. Helens (503) 397-3380 OPEN 7 DAYS
A Helens WEEK... 251 S 1ST Street, St. EVEN SUNDAY & MONDAY (503) 397-3380
Life doesn’t always go as planned. For example, you might think you’ll retire at 65 or later, when you’ll be eligible for Medicare. But if you retire before then, how will you pay for your health care? Without insurance, you risk incurring thousands of dollars of expenses if you are injured or become seriously ill. And if you must pay for these costs out of pocket, you might have to dip into your IRA, 401(k) or other retirement accounts earlier than you had planned – which could result in a less desirable retirement lifestyle than you had envisioned. What, then, are your options? It depends on your situation, but here are four possibilities: • Employer retiree health benefits – If your former employer offers health coverage to retirees, it could well be your best choice, especially if the employer continues to pay a share of the premiums. However, fewer employers are offering continuing health coverage to former employees, and among those who do, they may use certain criteria – such as length of service and position within the company – to limit eligibility. • Spouse’s plan – If you’re
seniors $Adults 10 & Children: $18 $ $ children Seniors: 12 15 (65 yrs+) $ adults 15 $
seniors 10 children 12 and$color adults 15
Prices always include shampoo s & simple style if desired We offer$ perm
OPEN 7 DAYS Tue.-Sat.A WEEK... 8-6, Sun. 11-5 • After hours by appointment Prices always include shampoo EVEN SUNDAY & simple style if desired & MONDAY
Bartsch also arranged with Dahlgren’s Building Supply for donation of materials for the rebuild. Lions Club member Jim Syrstad
supplied a sign recognizing the donation from Dahlgren’s and the efforts of the parks department and of the St. Helens Lions Club.
Retiring early? Know your health care choices married and your spouse still has employer-provided insurance, you may be able to get coverage under this plan or continue this coverage if you have it already. If the employer subsidizes premiums for spouses, this plan could be an affordable choice – if not, though, it might be more expensive than other options. • COBRA – The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to maintain your existing coverage with the same benefits and provider network. However, COBRA is typically only available for a specific time – usually 18 months – after you leave your employer, and coverage can be expensive. Your previous employer subsidized a portion of the premium as a benefit, but once you’ve retired, you’ll likely have to pay the entire premium, plus an additional charge. • ACA Marketplace plan – Through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, you can find a variety of plans from which to choose, possibly including ones that include your existing network. If you qualify for subsidies, the premiums for your coverage may be similar to employersponsored coverage; if not, though, they can be more expensive. For information on ACA Marketplace plans, visit www.healthcare.gov.
If you have options for health insurance, you’ll want to take into account differences in coverage and cost. Check whether your desired health care providers are innetwork and try to determine if your current medications and the benefits you rely on are covered. You may also want to consider a plan that allows you to open a health savings account (HSA), which offers potential tax benefits. To contribute to an HSA, you must be covered by a high deductible health plan (HDHP), so there’s that cost to consider, but if you’re in generally good health and you don’t expect to depend heavily on your health insurance until you’re eligible for Medicare, you might want to consider an HDHP. One final note: Even when you do enroll in Medicare, you will still incur expenses for premiums, deductibles and co-pays, so you’ll want to budget for these costs in your overall financial strategy. In the meantime, explore your health insurance options. The future is not ours to see – so you’ll want to be prepared for anything. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Topher Mood, your Edward Jones financial advisor at (503) 397-1125. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Topher Mood, AAMS® - Financial Advisor
C10012
’s bbie
C11848
Rule Advisory Committee (RAC). The committee will be able to refer to the criteria and maps as part of the process of drafting rules for drone pilots, hobbyists and the general public. Amended rules must be approved by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. Currently, there are no state park rules that specifically prohibit people from flying a drone in an Oregon state park, though Federal Aviation Authority rules apply. However, some park managers have created temporary limits on the places and times a person can use a drone to protect sensitive plants and animals as well as public and private property. OPRD cannot adopt rules specifically related to drones without following the formal public process for amending the OARS, according to the OPRD release.
Courtesy photo
St. Helens Club member Greg Bartsch stands by the newly installed kiosk and the added sign recognizing the contributors.
2504 Sykes Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051 • (503) 397-1125 www.edwardjones.com/topher-mood
C10012
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
One of the many community service projects of the St. Helens Lions Club is maintenance of the eighteen exercise stations at the city’s McCormick Park. Club members make sure the weeds, leaves and fallen branches are cleared off the gravel stations and make minor repairs, as well as picking up litter. Most recently, club member Greg Bartsch arranged for the rebuilding of the kiosk that features instructions for the use of the exercise stations. The original kiosk was in very bad condition and not in a very obvious location in relation to the exercise path. Bartsch worked with the St. Helens Parks Department to have the kiosk rebuilt and installed in a more usable location.
“…it was apparent bea apiano piano concert beyond “…itimmediately was immediately apparentthat thatthis this would would be concert beyond the the norm.“ norm.“ of passion that Hagenpossesses possesses — to experiencing, in- in“…the“…the levellevel of passion that Hagen —when whenit comes it comes to experiencing, terpreting and expressing art — is something quite extraordinary.” terpreting and expressing art — is something quite extraordinary.” “Hagen is one of the most expressive piano players that I have ever seen perform…” “Hagen is one of the most expressive piano players that I have ever seen perform…” The Guardian (Charlottetown)
The Guardian (Charlottetown)
Tickets: $15 Adult, $10 Senior/Student, $8 Child
Tickets: $15 Adult, Senior/Student, $8 Child Tickets available at the$10 door and www.clatskaniearts.orgorg Tickets available at the door and www.clatskaniearts.orgorg
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
BUDGET From Page A1 choices have,” he said. “We have limited resources so, we have to make those investments that pay the biggest dividends.” Fee increases The proposed budget also reflects fee increases for the city’s water and sewer services, what Walsh classified as enterprise funds, which are separate from the city’s general fund. “The increase in sewer and water rates don’t necessarily give you more money in the general fund,” he said. The proposed fee increase is over a five-year period: 7.53% the first year, 7.06% the next year, then 7.33%, 5.01%, and 5.09% the next three years. “This is an increase of about $7.73 for the average utility user the first year,” according to Walsh. During public sessions over the past few weeks, city officials outlined numerous reasons for the rate increase proposal. “We have aging infrastructure, new development that is increasing the demand on our systems, major projects that have been delayed for years as a cost-saving measure, and our operating expenses continue to increase year after year in order to provide clean water on demand to your home or business and to treat wastewater
A9
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022 that we receive,” Walsh said. As a utility provider, Walsh said the city is subject to the same increases for goods and services that the general public experiences. “Those increases mean it costs us more to provide water, sewer, and storm water services,” he said. “In order to be fiscally responsible, plan for future growth, and continue to provide the community with safe drinking water and maintain a sewer system that is effective and does not overflow, rates have to be increased to meet increasing operating expenses and make necessary upgrades.” Listen to the background discussion about the fee increases during city council sessions at the city’s website. Walsh said his budget proposal is based on a fiveyear budget financial model and the city’s reserve is 20% of the general fund. “We are actually OK for the next year without dipping into our reserves,” he said. “I am looking at year two and three out. There are so many growth pressures, so many financial pressures with inflation, retirements, and PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) obligations the budget is challenged to keep up with it.” Homelessness challenges Walsh acknowledged that another growing long-term budget concern is community homelessness. “It is a complex issue,” Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
Community Action Team
Are you a veteran?
You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.
Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org
Walsh said. “Portland just spent a billion dollars and the problem got worse. “We are looking at the federal decision, which talks about cities abilities to regulate diverse populations in public places, saying cities should provide places for people to exist.” Oregon will see such legislation take effect in June 2023, according to Walsh. “There is no magical solution,” Walsh said. “We’re seeing it in town. There are frustrated people that want the livability of the community back. They don’t want people panhandling them and making them feel uncomfortable, you know, sleeping in the park and under the library benches and setting up camp in a trailer.” Walsh said the city is carefully watching how other communities are addressing the homelessness challenges. “We are watching what other cities are doing going head on increasing homeless villages and we are taking a little more watchful approach,” he said. Walsh is on the League of Oregon Cities board of directors, which he said is also monitoring homelessness across the state. “Our strategic plan is to address some of those issues in a more collective sense,” he said. The St. Helens Budget Committee meets at 5 p.m. May 12. The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person in the St. Helens Council Chambers at 265 Strand Street in St. Helens. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. The St. Helens City Council will receive the budget committee’s recommendation and is expected to adopt the budget following council deliberations.
Connecting through letters
Courtesy from Oregon Humanities
Dear Stranger is a letter-exchange project from Oregon Humanities that offers a chance for connection by inviting Oregonians to write letters with someone they’ve never met. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
The isolation of the COVID pandemic and the strident partisanship of national politics have left many Oregonians feeling disconnected and alone, according to Oregon Humanities, an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust. Oregon Humanities brings people together to talk, listen, and learn from one another, according to the organization’s administrators. Dear Stranger is a letterexchange project from Oregon Humanities that offers a chance for connection by inviting Oregonians to write letters with someone they’ve never met. “In good times, bad, and everything in between, sometimes it’s hardest to share our innermost thoughts with those closest to us,” Oregon Humanities Dear Stranger
project director Lucy Solares-Steger said. “Dear Stranger offers a chance to share a fresh perspective with a stranger in the world and receive one in return. It provides an opportunity to reach out and find community, listen to one another, and learn from each other.” The aim of Dear Stranger is to create shared understanding among Oregonians with different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. The premise is simple: Write a letter, get a letter, and make a new connection. Oregon Humanities has operated Dear Stranger since 2014, with each round of the project asking writers to address a different question or theme. In the most recent round this past winter, 69 people from 28 communities across Oregon exchanged letters. This spring’s prompt for writers is about care: “What do you care about, and why? Who do you care for, and who cares for you? Does this feel like a choice or a given?
Where do you see care, and where do you notice its absence? Prompts for writing and instructions for participation are available on the Oregon Humanities website at oregonhumanities.org. Letters are swapped anonymously, and each person receives a letter from the person who received the one they wrote. What happens next is up to the writers. If they’d like to write back, they can do so through Oregon Humanities. Letters should be addressed to Oregon Humanities, Attn: Dear Stranger, 610 SW St., Suite 1111, Portland, Oregon, 97205. Oregon Humanities will exchange letters mailed by June 30, 2022. Oregon Humanities launched a similar letter exchange project in the spring of last year. For more information about the Dear Stranger project, visit programs@ oregonhumanities.org.
Local street closures extended Big River Construction has announced an extension to temporary road closures at Howard Street and Kelley Street in St. Helens. The anticipated dates of temporary road closures are Friday, May
13 to Friday, June 17. The work includes installing underground utilities in preparation for future business developments. Expect single lane traffic control on Kelley Street in-
termittently between Friday, May 13 and Friday, June 17 during normal working hours. Howard Street will be closed to all traffic between Kelley Street and the Columbia Commons Business
Campus from 7 a.m. Friday, May 13 until 5 p.m. Friday, June 17, including evenings and weekends. Please follow detour signs to Commons Drive via Pittsburg Road.
Welcome back to having someone to talk to. If you struggle with mental health or substance use issues, please know you’re not alone. Our providers are ready to help with counseling, substance use and recovery treatment, and more. And if you’re a CareOregon member, it’s free.
Call your provider for an appointment or visit colpachealth.org/care Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A10
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Quilting expo at the Caples House
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Director Noelle Fresher leads the band during a rehearsal. See more photos at thechronicleonline.com.
SHHS Band heads to State JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The St. Helens High School (SHHS) band heads to competition on Friday, May 13 at the OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union Band/Orchestra State Championships in Corvallis, OR. Senior Jayden Roylance plays percussion with the SHHS music program and is a section leader during the classes. “So, I have to lead a lot of the students,” he said. “It is an awesome experience because it allows for communication and order.” Roylance said performing at State is important for the SHHS music program. “Improvement is important and as long we can do better than we did last time, that’s good enough for me,” he said. Senior Sarah Vanderwerf said the last two years facing the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions has been challenging for the school’s music program students. “Yes, it’s been rough, but I think we have come out of it strong,” she said. Vanderwerf said the music program is uplifting for her. “I love it,” she said. “If this wasn’t here I don’t know what I would do. This is my outlet. This is where I go to be happy. So to have us out of quarantine is special.” Vanderwerf plays trumpet
with the music program. “Right when I picked it up in 6th grade and I blew the first note, I knew I wanted to play the trumpet,” she said. Competing at State will be a very special moment, according to Vanderwerf. “We haven’t been able to compete for the past couple of years and I have been looking forward to this moment,” she said. “I am really excited.” SHHS Band Director Noelle Freshner said having the music students reach State competition is an important accomplishment. “It is incredible that we haven’t lost a step,” Freshner said. “All the work that we did over the two years during the COVID pandemic made us in ways strong. We stayed really tenacious and didn’t give up. It is always sweet to go to State, but with a band like this, it is just unbelievable that we are back to where we were.” “I hope they go out there and have the best performance of the year and that they don’t have any regrets,” she said. The 32-member SHHS Band is scheduled to perform four pieces at 3:15 p.m. Friday, May 13, at the state competition at LaSells Stewart Center on the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis. More than 2,500 Oregon high school students will compete for trophies in five
band classifications and string and full orchestra. The competition is scheduled from two days, Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14. State is not the only accomplishment for the SHHS band. The students have been invited to perform at Disneyland May 27-31. “It is a mix of students from our ensemble and our concert band,” Freshner said. “We are forming a marching band and we will be doing the Disneyland Parade.” The trip had been planned for last November but with traveling during the pandemic still questionable, the trip had to be rescheduled for May. “This is important because the kids need to travel, and they need opportunities to get out and to see the world,” Freshner said. “It also allows us to put our name out on a scale bigger than just in the state. Performing in the Disneyland Parade gives people from all over the world the chance to see us.” For Freshner, directing the music program is a rewarding experience. “I get to watch kids make friendships that last a lifetime,” she said. “These are those experiences that do that. School becomes more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. That’s what music is. Opportunities for more depth than just learning. It is about those relationships that you have with each other.”
Courtesy photo
Visitors chat at the center of a quilt spread across a display table. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Latimer Quilt and Textile Museum is bringing back its quilting expo to the Caples House Museum in Columbia City. The expo had been cancelled the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is their first show anywhere in the Northwest for a couple of years,” the Caples House Museum’s Beth Moody said. “We are pleased and excited.” According to Terry Maloney of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the quilts on display at the Caples House Museum were all handmade prior to World War II. “They will also be turnings during the time that they are there,” Maloney said. “The custom of turning
Courtesy photo
An up-close-and-personal view of one of the historic quilts.
started when ladies would put a number of quilts, 7 to 10, on a bed and turn them back one at a time for their guests to enjoy. It was a chance for them to show off their work without being prideful.” According to Maloney, quilting has such a following among young and old alike because it hearkens
back to “a time when life was slower.” “The quilts are beautiful, and they speak to you,” Maloney said. “I am often stopped in airports if I’m working on a quilt, with people who say, ‘oh my grandma used to quilt.”’ Maloney said she quilts for the calming experience. “It is very calming,” she said. “I basically only do hand quilting so it’s very time-consuming but also very calming; a time to think about the person that I’m making the quilt for and perhaps say prayers over it for them.” The quilt show runs from 10 a.m., to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be available both days in the Caples House Museum Tea Cottage.
SHHS Sports Schedule Wednesday May 11 • Equestrian @ State (Redmond) • Tennis B/G Championship day @ Parkrose • Softball @ LaSalle • Baseball @ LaSalle Thursday May 12 • Track & Field NWOC Championships @ Wilsonville
• Equestrian @ State Redmond • Baseball JV & JV2 @ LaSalle Friday May 13 • Track & Field NWOC Championships @ Wilsonville • Equestrian @ State Redmond • Band @ OSAA State
OSU • Softball vs Hillsboro • Baseball @ LaSalle Saturday May 14 • Equestrian @ State Redmond • Baseball JV2 Doubleheader @ Hillsboro • Softball @ Milwaukie vs Parkrose
BX - THE ULTIMATE ONE TRACTOR SOLUTION
BX23STLB • 21.6 Gross HP,† 3-Cylinder Kubota Diesel Engine • Fully Integrated Tractor/Loader/Backhoe • Swift-Tach Loader System • Swift-Connect Backhoe • Heavy-Duty Reinforced Frame • Foldable ROPS
$
0 DOWN, 0% A.P.R. FINANCING FOR UP TO 84 MONTHS*
watkinstractor.com 501 S. PACIFIC AVE • KELSO, WA • (360) 423-7220 • 800-858-7220
100 PORT AVE • SAINT HELENS, OR • (503) 397-1012 • 800-606-1012
* © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2022. Offer valid for residents within states of CA, AZ, NV, UT, WY, ID, OR, MT and WA only. $ 0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 84 months on purchases of select new Kubota BX, L01 Series and LX Series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example: 84 monthly payments of $11.90 per $1,000 financed. Offer expires 6/30/22. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com. † For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. K1026-24-147261-3
Columbia County’s trusted local news source