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Scappoose graduation

13 Nights Riverfront music draws crowd Page A2

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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

thechronicleonline.com

Serving Columbia County since 1881

Salary increases proposed for police

Rep. Witt reprimanded JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

State Rep. Brad Witt of Clatskanie is being stripped of his role as chair of the Oregon House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources following a legislative investigation of allegations of harassment against Witt.

The Oregonian reported Monday, June 7 that Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek had issued the reprimand against Witt. The Chronicle obtained a copy of Kotek’s statement to the Oregon House.

“Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you of the steps I am taking following last week’s meetings of the House Committee on Conduct regarding the Rule 27 complaint against Representative Brad Witt.

“The committee found that Representative Witt, by the content of texts he sent to a fellow member, violated workplace harassment policy under Rule 27. The committee voted unanimously on Friday to recommend that Representative Witt receive coaching and training appropriate for his conduct violation. They also agreed that further action was warranted but were unable to agree on what that action should be. The committee co-chairs both acknowledged that my office has the authority to take further action and requested that I use my discretion to apply additional measures.

“In my authority as Speaker, I am removing Representative Witt as chair of the House Com-

AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net

In recent years, the St. Helens Police Department (SHPD) has noticed a downward trend in its recruitment. Where the department used to receive 200 applications when a sworn officer position opened up, it now only receives 20, according to Lt. Joe Hogue of the SHPD. This trend is concerning to Hogue, who cited growing “antipolice sentiments and police reform” as causes for the downward trend, though he did not expand on how the department is seeking to address anti-police sentiments or enact police reform within SHPD. SHPD is the only police agency in the county that offers 24/7 coverage—a service that Hogue is driven to maintain.

“We’re not going to lower our standards,” he said during a city council work session on Wednesday, June 2. “We want to keep 24 hour coverage. The citizens need it. We need it.”

Independent assessment In 2012, an independent assessment of SHPD revealed that the ­­­­ See SALARY Page A7

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

U.S. Forest Service Emergency Medical Technician Jason Luker administers a COVID-19 vaccination during the drive-thru clinic at Clatskanie City Park in Columbia County.

Oregon’s reopening plans JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Oregon could be fully reopened by June 21, if the state can maintain its current COVID-19 vaccination rate.

That’s the assessment from Oregon Gov. Kate Brown who outlined the state’s plans to reopen during a Friday, June 4 morning news briefing.

As of June 1, 66.2% of Oregonians 18 years old and older have been vaccinated. Brown

earlier had set a 70% vaccination goal statewide to be met by the end of June.

“Thanks to all of you we are getting close to fully reopening our economy and moving out of this chapter of the pandemic. We just need 127,000 Oregonians to take your shot for us to reopen in the next two weeks,” Brown said.

Brown said the vaccinations have led to a sharp decline in COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations.

Reopening outline In Brown’s outline of fully reopening Oregon, she said there would be no more capacity limits for businesses. Masks would largely no longer be required by the state with the exception of places that the federal government has outlined that are still necessary, such as airports, public transit and health care settings, and no more ­­­­ ­­­­

See COVID-19 Page A5

See WITT Page A3

Students christen ‘miniboat’ before it sets sail for Japan

Aurora Biggers / The Chronicle

A student places flags inside the miniboat Second Wind.

AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Visiting Japan might be a distant dream in most of our minds, but for one miniboat, designed and built by a class of Columbia City 5th graders, hitting Japan’s coast is in its near future.

An educational program out of the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, simply dubbed the “Miniboat Program,” is workOpinion ..................... A4 Poll ............................. A4 Obituaries ................. A6 TV Guide ................... A7 Classified Ads ......... A8 Legals .................. A8-10 Crossword .............. A10 Sports ...................... A12 Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 Email: chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051

Aurora Biggers / The Chronicle

Students test the UV-powered lights that will let other ships know of Second Wind’s presence on the water.

ing with students at Columbia City Elementary to send a miniboat across the Pacific to a sister school in Japan, and students in Japan will also be sending a boat to Oregon.

The Miniboat Program, according to the Columbia River Maritime Museum education director Nate Sandel, provides a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity that introduces students to ocean science, international exchange, and the STEAM fields of science, technol-

ogy, engineering, the arts and math, helping to inspire future careers.

But most importantly, the program gives students a chance to practice thinking and making decisions for themselves.

“There’s so many things where adults are telling kids what to do.

And this is a total opposite,” Sandel said. “You know the kids make every single decision about this boat on their own. No adults are telling them what to do, and then they also

Aurora Biggers / The Chronicle

Columbia River Maritime Museum educational director Nate Sandel helps students attach the sail to Second Wind.

choose what job they want. And that way, every kid’s being engaged because some kids love the messy stuff and some kids are like ‘No, I want to write letters on the computer, and I want to study ocean products,” so it has a spot for every type of learner in the program.”

Through the Miniboat Program, students take on roles as quartermasters, sail designers, keel engineers, cargo trackers, and documentarians. Along the way,

they learn real-world skills and make friends overseas while they track their boats online, which are packed with mementos curated by the students.

Miniboat Program’s story Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, debris from ­­­­ See MINIBOAT Page A5

Please join us!

St. Helens Elks Lodge Annual

COMMUNITY FLAG DAY CELEBRATION

Local representatives and dignitaries will be on hand Enjoy Great Food - FREE BBQ hot dogs, chips and soda will be served.

Free Flags Live Music

St. Helens Elks Lodge — 350 Belton Rd. St. Helens, OR - Monday, June 14th, 2020 - 12 pm - 1 pm

Vol. 139, No. 23

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

Riverfront music draws crowd

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Young and not so young dance to the music during the first 13 Nights Concerts at the riverfront in St. Helens.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

He isn’t a performer that just stays on stage.

Saxophone player and singer Patrick Lamb brought his Hit Factory to Columbia

View Park in St. Helens to open the first 13 Nights Riverfront concert series Thursday evening, June 3.

As the music kicked off, Lamb strolled into the audience playing one of his original hits.

Shred Day Saturday The St. Helens DayBreakers Kiwanis have scheduled Saturday, June 12 as the club’s annual Secure Shed Day. The shredding occurs from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. or until the shredding truck is full.

The event takes place behind

the State Farm office on Highway 30 and Sykes Road in St. Helens. The shredding will include sensitive information such as tax files, bank statements and bills.

The Kiwanis ask for a suggested $5 per file box donation. The funds raised

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Patrick Lamb said the purpose of his music is to spread happiness and joy.

Patrick Lamb took his music from the stage into the crowd during the first 13 Nights on the River concert Thursday, June 3 in St.

“I just love the people and it’s about joy and happiness especially in these times when we’ve been stuck inside and quarantined,” Lamb said. “People are crying out to connect to other human beings again and this

here and I think that’s why they (the audience) are here.”

Lamb is originally from Jackson, Mississippi.

The concerts are scheduled each Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. running through Aug. 26. Artists

is showing how important human connection is and that’s what we do with the music. It’s about happiness and goodness. We are her to connect people and make people feel there is hope and happiness. That’s why we are

ranging from classic rock to jazz will be featured.

See the full 13 Nights scheduled attached to this story at thechronicleonline. com and read more about Patrick Lamb at patricklamb. com.

through this event helps further the DayBreakers projects to help the community.

The shredding will follow the CDC pandemic guidelines. Kiwanis members will be available to take boxes from participants vehicles.

Local eyeglass drive wraps up

Little ones cool off

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

These kids found one place in St. Helens to beat the heat. The water splash area at Columbia View Park is adjacent to a small playground with a great view of the river, although it looks like the kids were more interested in the cool off than the river view.

Courtesy photo

The picture shows Columbia City representatives Kim Karber, Laura Markham, Helen Johnson and Lions Club member Jimmy Jeffrey.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

A three month effort to collect eyeglasses for the needy has wrapped up in Columbia City. The eyeglass will soon be distributed to the needy in foreign countries, according to the St. Helens Lions Club.

“We have partnered with the Lions in the past in their efforts to collect plastic and thought this would be another good project,” Columbia City Finance Clerk Kim Karber said. “Citizens here are always really good about pitching in.”

Earlier this spring, a collection box was set up at Columbia City Hall for people to drop off the eyeglasses and details about the project were placed in the city’s regular community newsletter.

Lions Club member Kathy Syrstad said the collected glasses will be sent to the Oregon Lion’s Sight and Hearing Foundation in Portland to be sorted by type, such as sunglasses, readers, and bifocals, and then sent to Coffee Creek Correctional Center where women working in the prison’s optical program clean them and check the prescription. Broken frames are used to harvest parts for making repairs.

“The glasses are then taken to countries around the world, such as Mexico and Peru, by volunteer optometrists and assistants checking patients eyes and distributing the glasses to help people who otherwise couldn’t afford them,” Lions Club representative Kathy Syrstad said. “We are very grateful

to these generous Columbia City ladies for helping collect over 100 pairs of glasses for us.”

The Lions Club has been conducting the eyeglass project for approximately 30 years, according to Syrstad.

The St. Helens Club was founded in 1955.

“This is a typical project that we conduct and it is central to our mission to help people with sight and hearing issues,” she said.

Last year Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation sent glasses to 16 countries.

Anyone wanting to donate glasses can find a collection box at local optometrists’ offices or contact the Lions at lbmccoy4967@ gmail.com

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

A3

Oregon facing dangerous wildfire season

Courtesy illustration from National Interagency Fire Center

This illustration shows the significant wildfire potential for June.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Oregon is moving into a more dangerous and more intense wildfire season complicated by the state’s continued and deepening drought.

That is the overall assessment presented during a media briefing Thursday afternoon, June 3, conducted by Gov. Kate Brown’s staff and that included a number of state agency representatives.

“We are seeing longer duration and more complex fires,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We are looking at fires in a different way this year and there is significant concern of the fires we are seeing and where these fires are.”

Much of Oregon is facing abnormal drought conditions, according to Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Protection Chief Doug Grafe.

“Continued drought conditions persist and weather conditions are complicating the drought,” Grafe said.

“Over the next three months temperatures are projected to be above normal and precipitation below normal through August and September.”

The official May-June-July forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cli-

WITT From Page A1

mittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. I hold all chairs to a high standard of conduct, and Representative Witt failed to meet that standard. Whether he will serve as a chair in the future will depend on his engagement and learning from the coaching and training he will receive. Additionally, I am also reassigning Representative Witt from his current committees to other committees that will not overlap with the complainant.

“As your Speaker, I take Representative Witt’s actions and the work of the House Committee on Conduct very seriously. Our goal is to work together to improve our workplace culture and to ensure that the Capitol is a safe and respectful place for everyone.”

The Chronicle has reached out to Witt for a statement. As of press time Tuesday, we had not received a reply.

mate Prediction Center shows higher chances of abovenormal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for most of the region, which indicates that drought conditions are likely to get worse in the coming months.

The Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook shows higher chances of wildfire potential east of the Cascade crest throughout Oregon and in southwest Washington by June and July, according to NOAA. According to the latest water outlook report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, nearly all reservoirs in the Klamath Basin are storing less than 50% capacity, and basin streamflows are expected to run between 8% to 49% through the summer.

In addition to the worsening impacts already being felt across the region, there is also the potential for dry conditions to impact drinking water, endangered species and wetland ecosystems, and fire danger, the NOAA report states.

Grafe said Oregon has already experienced 300 fires this year which is well above normal.

Comparing the devastating wildfires that spread across the state last year, Grafe said the 2020 event was an aliment of Earlier coverage A state legislative commissioned investigation into a harassment complaint against Clatskanie Democrat State Rep. Brad Witt by Prineville Republican State Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson concludes that perception of harassment against her “was not unreasonable.”

The investigator also states in the report that a text message from Witt “was not invited, or welcome” and that Breese-Iverson “was offended, uncomfortable, shaken and anxious as a result.”

“I also find that the respondent (Witt) did not intend to offer his vote on BreeseIverson’s bill, in exchange for a date or sexual favors, or to comment on sexual matters,” investigator Sarah Ryan writes in the report, outlined in an online Oregonian article.

Breese-Iverson filed an official complaint after she had requested Witt’s support of legislation she was sponsoring concerning an issue in her district.

The investigative report, obtained by The Chronicle, shows screen shots of the

Courtesy illustration from National Interagency Fire Center

This illustration shows the significant wildfire potential for July.

Courtesy photo from the Oregon Department of Transportation

The 2020 Oregon wildfires swept though entire communities leaving a wide path of devastation and destruction.

natural forces that was unprecedented.

“Any weather event that will be close to that, such as dry lightning, will put us at significant risk,” he said.

Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps said the state is quickly ramping up its coordinated efforts for the wildfire season, which includes coordinated responses for transportation, mass care, health and medical, sheltering, law enforcement and military support.

The state has also worked with Oregon counties providing mass communication email exchange in which Witt declined his support. BreeseIverson continued seeking Witt’s backing of the bill and he responded in the email conversation, “we probably need to go for a beer sometime.”

As the conversation continued, Witt responded, “I’m not wedded to beer by any means, Could be dinner... or?

A comment to which BreeseInveson did not reply, and soon after filed her complaint of harassment with the Oregon Legislature.

The Legislative Equity Office commissioned Parker, a Portland investigator, to conduct the investigation.

The Chronicle received a response from Witt as the report was made public.

“I’m gratified that the investigation dealt with the facts at hand and came to a conclusion on that basis,” Witt told the Chronicle. “I am looking forward to the final resolution to this matter in the near term and completing the work that lies ahead in this legislative session including the public’s health, the economic rebuild of our state, wildfire prevention and the reopening of Oregon.”

10th Annual 2021 Columbia County

humans and mechanical systems,” he said. “Every county needs to take that responsibility seriously and make sure their staff are trained for such systems.”

Phelps said every Oregoninan can take steps now to reduce the wildfire risks.

“I am asking every Oregonian to plan being a disaster survivor,” he said. “Disasters are inevitable but there are things that we can do to reduce our individual risks, our families risks and the risks to our communities.”

Using a graphic during the Zoom media briefing, Phelps outlined a plan to be ready.

Reduce risk • Prevention • Prepare Your Home • Know Before You Go Prepare • Have a plan and practice • Pack your go-bag • Know how and where to evacuate

Stay Informed • Sign up for alerts • Follow trusted social media accounts • Community resources Both Grafe and RuizTemple agreed that the Oregon Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) new temporary rules allowing utilities to switch off power during wildfires to protect the public and property are important.

“The power companies are engaging more with the state’s coordination system and the decision to turn off power is the responsibility of the power companies,” Grafe said.

“I see that (the PUC rules) as a good movement,” RuizTemple said. “Senate Bill 762 speaks specially to the PUC response and how they engage.

There needs to be a process.”

Ruiz-Temple said the state has made investments in responses, risk reductions and resilience, including implementing the governor’s wildfire council’s recommendations and 2021 legislation.

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Business

Guide

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PUBLICATION DATES: CHRONICLE: JUNE 23, CHIEF: JUNE 25 AD DEADLINE: JUNE 9

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The 2021 Columbia County Business guide is a full color, glossy magazine that showcases local business and highlights current news events. It is the go-to reference for visitors, newcomers, residents, and potential customers of Columbia County.

The Chronicle

systems to alert the public of emergencies, such as wildfires, and to help coordinate survival efforts. But when questioned by a reporter about the apparent ineffectiveness of such a mass communication system in Jackson County, Phelps acknowledged that no system is perfect.

“These systems rely on

Courtesy illustration from National Interagency Fire Center

This illustration shows the significant wildfire potential for August.

The Chief

For space reservation, contact Amy: 503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net

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www.thechronicleonline.com

A4

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

New chief deputy DA Grilling Season: Good food, fun but also danger

Courtesy photo from Columbia County

Kristen Hoffmeyer is the new Columbia County Chief Deputy District Attorney.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier has announced veteran prosecutor Kristen Hoffmeyer as the county’s newest Chief Deputy District Attorney.

Columbia County Circuit Court Judge Michael Clarke swore in Hoffmeyer June 1.

“Adding Kristen to our office increases our capabilities and will yield results for victims of major crimes,” Auxier said.

Hoffmeyer comes to St. Helens with over 25 years of experience as a prosecutor, according to a Auxier.

Hoffmeyer began her career in Flagstaff, Arizona, working in the Coconino County Attorney’s Office where she was responsible for the prosecution of felony offenses such as sexual assault, homicide, and drug transportation. In 2001, she became the first prosecutor to present STR DNA evidence at trial in the State of Arizona. Three years later, she joined the Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office where she spent 8 years in their homicide unit.

During her career she has taken over 25 murder cases to a jury trial.

Since moving to Oregon

nine years ago, Hoffmeyer has worked as a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the criminal division of the Oregon Department of Justice. In that role she has prosecuted cases throughout the State, focusing on public corruption, internet crimes against children, and homicide cases.

Hoffmeyer served as the interim District Attorney for Columbia County in the spring of 2017 following the retirement of Steve Atchison. Hoffmeyer served in that role until the appointment of District Attorney Auxier, but continued to act as a special prosecutor in Columbia County, serving as co-chair during the Apache Hightower Aggravated Murder prosecution.

Hoffmeyer was selected for the position by DA Auxier and a panel of community representatives, including Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley, Columbia County Trial Court Administrator Crystal Reeves, SAFE of Columbia County Executive Director Ellyn Bell, DA’s Office Manager Dawn Hunt, and Paige Clarkson, the Marion County District Attorney and the President of the Oregon District Attorney’s Association.

“The entire panel was enthusiastic about bringing Kristen to Columbia County,” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “I was impressed we attracted a candidate with her experience and reputation.”

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

As summer arrives, so does the popular grilling season but with the gatherings and good food, fire officials are encouraging grill buffs to take important safety steps.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) data shows that from 2014-2018, fire departments responded to an annual average of 10,600 home fires annually involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues.

This includes 4,900 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires resulted in an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage.

Grill fires occur yearround, but the NFPA reports the peak months for grilling fires are July (18 percent of grilling fires), June (15 percent), May (13 percent), and August (12 percent). Leading causes of grill fires include failing to clean the grill, the heat source being located too close to combustible materials, leaving equipment unattended, and leaks or breaks in

the grill or fuel source.

A yearly average of 19,700 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.

Nearly half, 9,500 or 48 percent, of the injuries were thermal burns, including both burns from fire and from contact with hot objects; 5,200 thermal burns were caused by such contact or other nonfire events.

Children under five accounted for an average of 2,000, or 39 percent, of the contact-type burns per year.

The burns typically occurred when a child bumped into, touched, or fell on the grill, grill part, or hot coals.

“It is important to review basic safety tips to ensure grillers are using equipment properly and safely, especially if the grill hasn’t been used over the winter,” NFPA Outreach and Advocacy Vice President Lorraine Carli said. “Establishing a firesafe location for using your grill is also crucial. It should be a safe distance from your home and other items that can burn.”

NFPA offers the following recommendations for

enjoying a fire-safe grilling season: • For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use in the months ahead. (Watch NFPA’s video on how to check for leaks.)

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill • Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.

• If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid.

Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have or are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

• Never leave your grill unattended when in use.

Contact your local fire department or fire district for more safety information.

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Do you believe more has to be done to educate Oregon Legislators about rules of conduct?

What steps have you taken to prepare for wildfire season?

Yes

No

9% Established and practiced an escape plan 30% Have a Go Kit ready

61% Not worried about wildfire season

Merkley seeks increased Vote online at thechronicleonline.com wildfire prevention funding Letter Crossword Solution A man of many talents

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

As Oregon firefighters brace for another intense wildfire season U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is working to gain more resource funding to help prevent the devastating fires.

ZACK DEMARS worldnews3@countrymedia.net

Critical wildfire prevention funding in Columbia County and across the state is now a top priority for Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley.

The senator hopes to use his post on a powerful senate committee to increase federal spending for wildfire prevention efforts.

Merkley convened a hearing this week of an appropriations subcommittee he chairs to discuss funding forest management. Merkley and the subcommittee questioned U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen about the agency’s fire prevention work.

“The 2020 fire year became a call to action.”

Christiansen told the committee. “We saw the most acres burned on the Forest Service lands since the Big Burn of 1910. In many places, forests will not come back on their own, which impacts the potential for carbon storage and limits the land’s capacity to mitigate climate change,” Christiansen told senators her agency needs more money for fuel management programs and to provide higher pay for wildland firefighters.

“Despite the pandemic,” she said, “the Forest Service sustained our hazardous fuels production work, but we know it’s not enough. We need a paradigm shift.”

Following the hearing, Merkley laid out his vision

for providing those funds through congress.

“Forests of course are absolutely the heart of Oregon’s identity,” Merkley said. “We value the forests.

They’re headwaters of our clean drinking water. They’re the genesis of our salmon runs. They’re the backbone of our recreation in our rural economies. And the Forest Service and the professionals that staff it are critical to our state, our people, our economy.”

One key program Merkley noted to promote resilient forests is the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, which brings together timber, environmental and other stakeholders in certain forests to collaborate on forest management.

“These collaborative have been just an amazing opportunity for folks who’d (been) considered rivals or almost enemies to come together and work out a plan,” Merkley said. “And the result is the plans stay out of court, because the stakeholders were there from the beginning talking to each to each other.”

Merkley said he is hoping congress will approve $80 million for the program in the next budget year, doubling its appropriation.

Merkley sid he also wants the federal government to spend more money on taking care of its forests, by thinning, mowing and burning forests to reduce the risk of the most intense wildfires.

There are 2.3 million acres of forests in Oregon which have received environmental review for that kind of cleanup, Merkley said — but the cleanup has not yet been conducted.

“And yet, we don’t have the money to do the treatment,” Merkley said.

The senator said he wants to see more funding available to support that work, especially in President Joe Biden’s soon-to-be-released jobs and infrastructure package.

Beyond those large programs, Merkley said he’s also supporting other wildfire efforts, like funding for Oregon land and water conservation projects, removing a cap on wildfire suppression spending and establishing year-round firefighting teams to do fire prevention in the offseason.

In all, the senator said forest management will only continue to be more important as the climate continues to change.

“We really have to pay attention to forest management, so that’s why I called this first hearing, ‘The Future of Forest Management,’ and asked the type of questions and pursued these types of programs,” Merkley said.

The complete subcommittee hearing is available on the senate’s website at www. appropriations.senate.gov/ hearings/rethinking-resiliency-budgeting-for-the-futureof-forest-management.

The Chronicle

At 4 a.m. Monday, May 24, my friend Jim Dias died.

Jim was a former USDA Food inspector, FFA (Future Farmers of America) teacher, Farmers Home Administrator, Realtor, and Insurance agent. He was also a military man who served both in the Airforce and the Army (He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel).

Jim was a man of many talents.

I had the privilege of serving in the military with him and I also shared an adjoining USDA office. I worked for NRCS and he worked for FmHA (Farmers Home Administration). While I was there, Jim had the highest number of USDA loans with the lowest default rate of any office in Oregon. Thanks to Jim, a number of people, who might never have had the opportunity, were able to buy a home.

While in the military, he traveled to Europe and Asia and providing training to both American and foreign militaries. He instructed people in the laws of land warfare and how to treat and deal with civilians, refugees, as well as how rebuild a foreign nation’s infrastructure. Even in the military, he was a builder, a helper and a person who did his best to try and make the world a little better place.

Jim Dias will be missed.

He was a great person to know and a wonderful friend.

Solution for the June 2, 2021 crossword puzzle

The Chronicle published the incorrect crossword solution for the May 26, 2021 crossword puzzle in our June 2 edition.

Please enjoy the correct solutions below:

Bill Eagle St. Helens

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www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

MINIBOAT

From Page A1

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

The paving projects include 2,100 tons of asphalt at a cost of approximately $1 million.

County launches paving projects JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Summer officially arrives June 20, but Columbia County Public works crews are already starting the annual summer road paving projects.

The crews launch the first project in the Vernonia area this week, according to Columbia County Public Works Director Mike Russell. That project will include McDonald Road and Apiary Road at Oak Ranch.

Other paving is planned along Nicolai Cutoff, Alston Mayger Road, Tide Creek Road and Meissner Road in Rainier and at Cedar Grove Road in Clatskanie. Paving also will take place at Hale Road, Newkirk Road and Dike Road in the St. Helens area, and at the Scappoose Vernonia slide at Bonnie Falls and EJ Smith Road.

Russell said the specific locations have been determined, in part, by public complaints concerning broken roads and pot holes.

“We use a combination of complaints and our experience about the pot hole areas were we would historically have problems,” he said. “We are trying to get to those before they get worse.”

Columbia County will use about 2,100 tons of asphalt costing approximately $1 million.

“Our crews have been out preparing the roads, peeling back and mowing grass and doing whatever needs to be done to get the road ready,” Russell said. “We have a paving machine with dump trucks going back and fourth to the asphalt plants that are stationed at Lakeside, Longview, Portland and Hillsboro.”

During the paving, a layer of hot mix asphalt is placed

along the county roadway.

“We have two rollers, a breakdown roller and a finish roller, that compacts the roadway following the paving,” Russell said. So, the road ends up nice with a hard and smooth surface when we are done.”

Signage will be placed alerting drivers and residents of the paving projects and asking all to pay attention to flaggers directing traffic, usually over one lane as the paving is conducted in the one lane.

Russell acknowledges that not all the pot holes on all the county roads will be paved this summer.

“We are doing the best we can with the resources we have,” he said.

Read more about Columbia County’s overall annual road improvement projects at thechronicleonline.com.

the country washed up on Oregon and Washington shores. One of those items, a fishing vessel, is now on display at the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

That boat and its journey across the Pacific Ocean became the inspiration for building the Miniboat Program, said Sandel. Since the program’s start in 2017, 1,213 students on both sides of the Pacific Ocean have been involved in the launch of 24 miniboats, traveling a total of 55,236 nautical miles (and climbing daily). These boats are tracked daily and students are still building on the skills they honed to launch them.

The boats contain sophisticated GPS tracking systems, so that Sandel and his team can track the boat’s journey and locate the boat once it hits land (hopefully in Japan).

This is Columbia City Elementary’s second year participating in the Miniboat program, said 5th grade teacher Yvonne Lewis. Lewis taught the class last year, which sent a boat named “Filbert” out to sea. Since its launch last year, the boat has landed on one of the Marshall Islands.

Unfortunately, Sandel said his team has been unable to contact the people who received the boat, but Sandel hopes to make a trip once COVID-19 has subsided and he knows the people on the island are vaccinated.

COVID-19

From Page A1

Assisted Living At Home Caregiving advice by Nurse Navigator Katie Klem Q: In the coming weeks, I want to discuss sundowners syndrome because more than 60% of adults who suffer from cognitive impairment experience a certain set of sundowning (neuropsychiatric) symptoms which makes caring for them even more challenging. So, what is sundowners syndrome?

A: It is neuropsychiatric symptoms that affects many adults who suffer from late-stage Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Symptoms of sundowners syndrome include confusion, disorientation, irritability, restlessness, agitation, suspicious feelings and demanding demeanor. There is no test available to diagnose sundowners. Diagnosis is based off appearance and frequency of symptoms.

Watch your loved one for symptoms, especially during late afternoon. Record

your findings and talk with a doctor about your concerns. There is also no cure for sundowners.

Very often, the symptoms of sundowners syndrome usually intensify as the syndrome progresses.

Symptoms can become more regular and severe and might include delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, fear and anxiety.

Although there is no cure for sundowners, there are five things have shown to help with the symptoms: #1. PROVIDE A WELL LIGHTED ENVIRONMENT. Adequate light can calm those suffering from sundowners and ease fears or confusion around their surroundings. Close window shades as evening approaches and turn on lights. #2. MANAGE PHYSICAL NEEDS. Ensure your loved one eats well and is well hydrated.

Control their pain needs as directed by a doctor. Help

your loved one get more sleep. #3. PROVIDE A CALM AND PEACEFUL LIVING SPACE. Keep noise to a minimum, play relaxing music or do an activity your loved one enjoys. #4. MAINTAIN A DAILY SCHEDULE. This will help your loved one manage expectations of what is happening. #5. CARE FOR YOURSELF FIRST. Caring for yourself reduces anxiety and promotes life balance.

Emotions are attractors and when you are thriving your loved one will do the same. Next week, we will discuss strategies for caring for yourself.

My favorite thing to do is to help families to find customized, affordable and life enhancing caregiving solutions that can transform caregiving into a gratifying experience. In the meantime, if I can be of help, please email or call.

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

Happy Anniversary to me and you!

Celebrating 17 years of business this week

requirements for physical distancing.

“By in large we will be able to return to the activities and traditions we have missed for more than a year, (such as) 4th of July barbecues, eating popcorn in movie theaters, or getting a beer after work at the local brewery with your friends.

Restaurants and bars will be able to have a full house,” Brown said.

The governor also said she expected that K-12 schools will return to full time in-person instruction in the fall and that child care settings will be able to meet the needs of Oregon’s families.

“Because children are not yet eligible for vaccinations, there may be some health and safety measures that need to stay in place for those types of educational settings,” Brown said. “But again, Oregon’s primary school instruction will be in the classroom five days a week this fall.”

State focus shifting Brown said the state is now shifting its focus on emergency response to pandemic recovery to move forward with the support of health care providers, and

A5 Rehearsal On June 4, one week before this year’s boat launch, the Lewis’s class rehearsed the boat’s christening ceremony. True to its aim, the program mimics the real construction and christening of a boat. The ceremony is a “hybrid between America and Japan,” Sandel said—with both American and Japanese boat christening practices.

Before Lewis’s class can launch their boat, named Second Wind, they will perform a ceremony in front of school staff and family—including naming the letters and gifts they will place inside the boat for the students of their sister school. The students have collected Oregon, Columbia City, U.S., and Japanese flags to place inside the boat, alongside state stickers and sea otter themed gifts (an homage to the Columbia City Elementary mascot, the otter).

In addition, the students affixed a wooden otter figurehead to Second Wind’s bow.

The inside of the mast was painted by the sister school’s students, and the outside was painted by the Columbia City students—a tradition, said Sandel.

At the end of the ceremony, the students will officially christen the boat by breaking a Martinelli’s bottle on the side (in lieu of Champagne).

Then Sandel will take the boat out to sea and launch it from whichever location 75 miles off the Pacific coast that the students decide to send it off from. In the past, students have selected coordinates off of Canada or Mexico’s coasts, and Sandel partnered with public health with the resources to manage outbreaks locally.

“I want to be very clear,” Brown said. “We are able to reopen because of the advocacy of the vaccine. For those of you who are vaccinated you have helped us reach this point and you are protected from this virus.”

Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen said Oregonians who have been vaccinated can now move forward.

“The data clearly shows if you are fully vaccinated you can put the pandemic behind you and you’ll have peace of mind if you are exposed to someone who has COVID, you won’t have to be quarantined,” he said.

While Allen said he believes that the state can make the June 30 target date of 70% vaccination, but it is going to take a lot of hard work to get there.

“There are really two pandemics, not one,” he said.

“One is dying out among people who are vaccinated, the other is one that still raging among those who are not vaccinated.”

Columbia County’s status As of press time Tuesday morning, June 8, Columbia County’s COVID-19 vaccination rate was below the goal to move the county out of the High Risk classification, at 40% vaccinated,

the Coast Guard to launch the boats. This year’s launch location was still unconfirmed, as of press time.

Educational experience In addition to learning about oceanography and boat design, the program offers students a chance to learn about Japanese culture.

When asked what they had learned about their sister students in Japan, Lynda Rigdon, one of the students involved in the miniboat program said, “In the beginning of the year we learned a bit about their traditions and what places they like to go, and even what restaurants they like.”

Another student, Hannah Piano, told The Chronicle, “I learned that there’s a lot of cool places and a lot of different cultures.” And Hannah’s classmate Gunnar Hulett echoed her response: “I learned there are a lot of different things you can do in the world. It’s not all the same.”

Second Wind will be christened during a private ceremony on June 10, and students hope to see Second Wind land in Japan as early as November.

The miniboat program was a once in a lifetime experience, but students hope to have more nautical and intercultural opportunities in the future. “I would definitely do this again. I thought it was a lot of fun,” Piano said.

Follow the mini boats adventures at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle. which would eliminate most of state’s health and safety pandemic restrictions.

Earlier this month, Columbia County launched a public awareness campaign in an effort to increase the vaccination rate. A drivethrough clinic was set up last week in Clatskanie and immunizations are continuing at various other locations across the county, including the mass vaccination site at the OHSU Scappoose Clinic.

Workplace requirements Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) said the agency intends to repeal the basic face covering and physical distancing requirements of its COVID-19 rule when the state reaches 70% of its adults vaccinated against the virus with at least one dose.

Oregon OSHA is also convening stakeholders to review its COVID-19 rules in light of the governor’s announcement last week and to determine whether other provisions should be repealed.

Oregon OSHA expects to begin those discussions during the week of June 14.

For more information about vaccinations, contact Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247.

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

Pet

of the Month Meet Mary Contact Columbia Humane Society Website: columbiahumane.com Phone: 503-397-4353

I am very affectionate and love nothing more than to give and get kisses and all the rubs.

I would prefer a family that isn’t going to have young kids as they make me a little nervous.

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www.thechronicleonline.com

A6

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Donuts for first responders

Courtesy photo

The Salvation Army’s Cascade Division was to offer donuts to first responders, including St. Helens and Scappoose Police officers, on June 4. This photo shows how the Salvation Army’s ‘Donut Lassies’ served up warm donuts to servicemen and women during the World War I. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

To celebrate Nation Donut Day and show appreciation for first responders, the Cascade Division of the Salvation Army was scheduled to deliver freshly

baked donuts to police officers and sheriff deputies in Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook Counties June 4.

As Americans celebrate all the gooey goodness of donuts, they may not know that, unlike other fun holidays, Donut Day has a

deeper meaning, according to the Salvation Army’s Major Kelly R. Nolan, who said National Donut Day became a holiday thanks to The Salvation Army’s work during World War I. “In 1938, The Salvation Army in Chicago celebrated the very first National Donut Day, honoring The Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies who traveled overseas to provide emotional and spiritual support, supplies, and other services to our troops on the front lines in France,” Nolan said. “The Lassies also provided fresh donuts and hot coffee to soldiers fighting in the trenches in order to raise their spirits and thank them for their service.”

“So, donuts are special to us, and we got famous for our donut girls,” Nolan said. “The fresh, warm donuts brought a cheer and comforted the servicemen and women and it stated a tradition for comfort food.”

Nolan said each year the Salvation Army brings donuts to members of the community.

“We wanted to focus this year on police and first responders who have had a tough year,” he said. “We wanted to show our appreciation.”

Nolan said he planned to shop locally for the donuts.

Obituaries James Ronald Hansen 1940 ~ 2020

On Dec. 2, 2020 James Ronald Hansen of Apache Junction, Arizona passed peacefully in his sleep at age 80. He was born in Longview, Washington, and grew up in Rainier, Oregon.

In 1956, he married Glenyce Evonne Phelps from Columbia City. Together they raised two children. The family lived in St. Helens, Oregon. Jim worked on tugboats on the Columbia River.

In 1969, the family moved to Kenai, Alaska.

There he worked many years on a Rig Tender Boat that tended several of the oil platforms in Cook Inlet. Eventually, he became captain of the boat.

Jim and his wife enjoyed a beautiful home in Sterling, Alaska. Later, they retired in Apache Junction, Arizona.

They lived there for over 20

years.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, metal detecting, camping, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

In Arizona, he and Glenyce liked to four-wheel drive in their jeep and explore different historical places.

Jim is preceded in death

by his wife Glenyce; his parents, Jenova Marshall and Howard (Pete) Hansen; sister Jean Francis; sister Karen Phelan; and brother Robert Hansen.

Jim is survived by his two children, Tammy Latta and Ron Hansen; daughter-inlaw Charman Hansen; eight grandchildren, Meghan, Erin, Morgan, Ashley, Jordan, Caity, Justin and, Kiley; eleven great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Larry Hansen and Lonnie Hansen.

A graveside memorial will be held at 1 p.m. on June 19, 2021 at Green Mountain Cemetery in Rainier, Oregon.

Friends and family are welcome. Both our parent’s ashes will be laid to rest. You may want to bring a lawn chair. A reception will follow at Hudson Park Pavilion.

Roseanne Mary Winkles May 29, 1951 ~ May 3, 2021 Roseanne “Rose” Winkles (Johnson) passed away peacefully on May 3, 2021 in Longview, Washington at 69 years old. Rose grew up in St. Helens, Oregon. She lived in Kihei, Hawaii for 12 years before moving back to Oregon in 2005. Rose has lived for the last 12 years in Kelso, Washington.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Beth Johnson of St. Helens, Oregon; and her brother

Community Flag Day tribute

Marty Johnson of St. Helens, Oregon.

Surviving Rose are her sons, Terry Casey, and Edward (Tiffany) Winkles; daughter Theresa Winkles; grandchildren, Jake (Elissa), Ashley (Jason), Zach, Trevor, Hayley, Elena, Gabriella, and Zakiya; and great-granddaughters Avalyn and Olive.

A memorial gathering for family and friends was held on Sun., June 6, 2021 at Campbell Park in St. Helens.

Wayne Wilson Welch Oct. 6, 1936 ~ May 18, 2021

Courtesy photo from the St. Helens Elks

The St. Helens Elks Flag Day tribute is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, June 14 at the Elks Lodge, 150 Belton Road in St. Helen.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens Elks 1999 will continue a long-standing tradition of honoring the American Flag on Flag Day, Monday, June 14.

The tribute is schedule from noon to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 150 Belton Road in St. Helens.

Elks representative Dean Lemire said the fraternal organization’s tradition began across the country in 1907.

The Elks petition Congress to have a national observation declared for the flag but it wasn’t until 1949 when President Harry Truman declared Flag Day a national holiday.

Lemire said every Elks Lodges across the nation holds a community celebration on June 14 to honor the flag.

“The American flag glues the whole county together,” Lemire said.

During the St. Helens celebration, Lemire said the Elks will hold a free hot dog barbecue with live music featuring the theme songs of all the branches of the armed forces and a presentation of the history of the American flag. The tribute also will include recognition of local veterans and first responders.

“It really gives people a chance to get together to celebrate,” Lemire said. “We did hold it last year but it was

limited due to the the pandemic and weather related issues. We need this more than ever to get the community back. There is really no other place people an go for this and it is open to people of all ages.”

Lemire said the Monday, June 14 tribute will follow current pandemic health and safety procedures. The event will be held in the Elks parking lot.

“That will allow plenty of distance and people will be able to spread out,” Lemire said.

Wayne passed away at his home in St. Helens on May 18, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was 84 years old.

Wayne Wilson Welch was born on Oct. 6, 1936, a beautiful fall day, in Brookland, Arkansas. He spent his childhood with his four siblings and their mother Florence and graduated from Monette High School in 1955. In 1956 he moved to Oregon to pursue a job opportunity.

Shortly after moving to Oregon he met Gloria Bauer through a mutual friend.

Wayne and Gloria married on May 24, 1958 and together they raised their sons while living in Portland for many years before moving to Columbia County. He worked as a journeyman pipefitter for

Randall Turner Dec. 16, 1962 ~ May 30, 2021

Randall Turner 58, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away in Rainier on May 30, 2021.

over 42 years until he retired in 1999. Wayne and Gloria traveled in their motorhome and enjoyed visiting different parts of the country in their retirement. Wayne loved spending time with his family and friends, camp-

ing, fishing, traveling and sightseeing.

Anyone who met Wayne knew he loved to talk and tell stories - he was friendly and outgoing and could carry on a conversation with anyone he met. He was full of life and stayed active, he enjoyed golfing and daily walks around the neighborhood.

Wayne is survived by his wife Gloria; their two children, David and Steven Welch; daughter-in-law Kathleen Welch; granddaughters, Lyndsay Nesbitt and Laura Stafford; great-granddaughter Lennon Stafford; two of his brothers, Cleatus and Charles Welch; sister-in-law Ramona Welch; nephews, Chuck and Kenneth Welch’ and three great-nieces.

Steven Day

Oct. 30, 1950 ~ June 4, 2021 Steven Day 70, of Clatskanie, Oregon, passed away in Rainier, Oregon on June 4th 2021.

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St. Helens School District Surplus Sale Saturday, June 19, 2021 - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm St. Helens High School 2375 Gable Road, St. Helens, OR The St. Helens School District will conduct a warehouse sale on Saturday, June 19 to dispose of district equipment declared as surplus. Items include furniture and equipment and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Items are sold as-is on-site without representations or warranties. The buyer is responsible for moving items prior to the conclusion of the sale. Cash or Cashier Checks only.

Due to social distancing requirements, access to sale may be limited to a certain number of individuals to conform to State guidelines.

Facial coverings are required.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

A7

www.thechronicleonline.com

SALARY From Page A1

department needed 26 sworn officers, Hogue explained to the council. However, the department has 18 sworn officers currently. In 2023, the department expects six officers to retire.

Obstacles to recruitment are mostly limited to salary, Hogue told the council.

“We’re having a difficult time filling these positions,” he said. “We’ve lost some very successful officers really because of low wages.”

Larger agencies in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Portland have attempted to recruit from within SHPD, Hogue said. While SHPD also enacts recruiting, Hogue said the department has little luck as most officers would take a pay cut to work for SHPD. Hogue’s proposed solution includes a salary raise adjusted over the next few years, in an effort to match or compete with comparable agencies like Beaverton, Hillsboro, and those in Portland.

The proposal would be in a memorandum of understanding (MOU). MOUs are mutually agreed upon understandings between the city and union that require the signature of both city and union representatives to be official, according to the city’s communication director Crystal King.

MOUs are less formal than contracts, and typically include fewer details and complexities, but they are more formal than handshake agreements, sometimes called gentlemen’s agreements.

“MOUs allow both parties to create a formal agreement regarding a change to the union contract currently in effect without having to open the contract for renegotiation,” King said.

The lowest pay raise proposed would make the starting monthly salary for sworn officers $7,100. Currently, the starting monthly salary is $5,943 and will be increasing to $6,121 on June 16.

General fund burden Deputy Administrator Matt Brown told council that a pay increase to $7,100 would cost the city $240,000 each year, though the city can utilize federal funds they received during the pandemic.

“This obviously puts a burden on the general fund,” Brown said, noting that the new public safety facility is already an expensive cost to the fund. “It would definitely tighten our belts.”

In previous years, the department tried incentivizing recruits by offering them $25,000 toward a mortgage on local homes, if they chose to purchase a home within St. Helens. However, the department didn’t have much success with this plan, said Hogue, because most of the officers they were attempting to recruit were from metro areas where they already had homes or plans to commute.

Without the salary increase, Hogue said the department would not be able to maintain their 24/7 coverage.

During the work session, the councilors seemed in agreement to pass the proposal, and City Administrator John Walsh agreed.

“It’s really just a matter of having a safe and healthy community,” he said.

The city council voted unanimously Wednesday night at its regular public meeting to approve the signature of the MOU with the St. Helens Police Association to increase officer salaries. King said the city is still waiting on a few signatures on the MOU. “We anticipate that it will be fully executed soon,” King said.

www.tillamookheadlightherald.com

Page A8

Kasey Jones July 20, 1980 - May 29, 2021

K

asey Joshua Jones was born in Lewiston, Idaho on July 2nd, 1980 to David and Kathleen Jones and passed away in Twin Rocks, Oregon on May 29th, 2021.

Kasey grew up in Rockaway, attended Nehalem Elementary, he briefly attended Mountain View High School in Bend where he was the starting center on the football team before moving back to Rockaway and graduating from Neah-Kah-Nie High School in 1999. He then moved to Northern Virginia and worked at the Pentagon as a systems analyst for the U.S. Army. Kasey was at the Pentagon during the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and was greatly affected by the loss of over half his co-workers and friends.

Kasey returned to Oregon where he and the love of his life, Kimber, shared custody raising their daughter Madison. While He loved spending time with Madison more than anything, he also enjoyed

fishing, riding bikes and just hanging out watching movies with her. He enjoyed watching Nascar races, and when he was younger, he loved riding his dirt bike.

Kasey is survived by his daughter Madison of Tillamook, Madison’s mother Kimber Carver of Tillamook, His father David Jones of Rockaway Beach, brother Todd Brown (Toni) of Beaverton, sister Kassandra Jones-Miller of Stayton, sister Teah Laviolette (Damian) of Rockaway Beach, niece Jessica Cook (Mike) of Hillsboro, niece Ashley Huffman of Las Vegas, NV, nephew Beau Brown of Beaverton, niece Jessica Hamel (Aaron) of Nehalem, niece Bree Randolph of Rockaway Beach nephews Aiden, Henry and Hawk Miller and niece Kindra Miller of Salem, OR, niece Sabrina Laviolette and nephews Robert and Caleb Laviolette of Rockaway Beach, great-nieces Bailey, Ryleigh, Paetyn, Norah and great-nephew Theo, and the Jones and Jungert families of Asotin, WA Kasey was predeceased by his mother Kathleen Vicki Jones.

Memorial services will be held 11am Saturday, June 19th at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkson, WA. Memorial contributions can be made towards Madison’s college fund on Go-Fund Me (https://gofund. me/468fe116).

Stephen Wayne Dana June 23, 1948 – May 26, 2021

S

tephen Wayne Dana was born on June 23, 1948 to Max and Betty Dana in Portland Ore. He was the second of three boys.

He passed away peacefully in Tillamook on May 26, 2021 at the age of 72.

He graduated from Benson Polytechnic in 1966 and from there went on to join the Marine Corps. With an honorable discharge in 1967.

In 1968 he started a career with Northwest Natural Gas, that same year he married Linda Smith.

From 1978 – 1984 he commercial salmon fished off the Oregon Coast.

In 1981 Steve and Linda were blessed with the birth of their only child Ray Dana. In 1995 he moved his family to

Rockaway Beach.

Steve loved spending time with his son so in 1984, he decided to get his captains license and began charter fishing with Ray as his deckhand, he also enjoyed commercial crabbing with his son and grandkids.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Linda in 2003, both brothers and his grandson Jay Dana in 2001.

He is survived by his son Ray Dana and wife April and two grandsons, Ray and Jonathan Dana and granddaughter Rebecca Dana.

A Celebration of Life for Steve will be held at the Old Mill Marina in Garibaldi at 2 p.m. on June 19 for all friends and family to attend.

Carol Sue Young Dec. 17, 1940 - May 27, 2021

C

arol Young of Tillamook passed away May 27th 2021 at the age of 80. Carol was born in Seattle Wa, on Dec 17th 1940 and moved to Tillamook in 1976.

She is survived by her sister June Bramm and husband Roger, daughter Lorie Beeler, grandchildren Mike Rich and his wife Amanda, Alicia Lawrence and her husband Pete, Tony Rich and his wife Leslie, as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

During Carol’s working career she was an office manager for Dr. Kinnie, she also baked pies at the Hadley

House and volunteered with Faith in Action. She retired in the early 2000’s to care for her mother Ruth. She was a devoted member of Tillamook Church of the Nazarene. Throughout her time with the church she served breakfasts Sunday mornings, was the treasurer for Celebrate Recovery and a member of the Prime Time group. Carol loved to bake, crochet, go to the beach and spend time with her loved ones. She also enjoyed traveling, volunteering and helping others whenever she could. She had a bright and optimistic personality and touched many lives with her generosity, caring spirit and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life July 17th 2021 at 11 am at the Tillamook Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Church of the Nazarene.

ment-recommendationsneed-to-be-fixed/ -Pfizer’s former Vice President and Chief Scientist for Allergy and Respiratory, Michael Yeadon discusses COVID-19, mRNA vaccine technology, and censorship…https:// www.bitchute.com/video/ qs9X8Blr4Ucv/ -Dr. Cole/Dr. McCullough give their testimony COVID 19. https:// informedchoicewa.org/ news/mds-give-testimonyin-idaho-and-texas-covid19-vitamin-d-treatmentsand-vaccine-concerns/ -A risk benefit analysis on mRNA vaccines. https://off-guardian. org/2021/02/22/syntheticmrna-covid-vaccines-arisk-benefit-analysis/ -MD, PHD, JD. COVID 19, mRNA vaccines. https://www.flemingmethod.com/ -Immunologist. Peer reviewed scientific study how the spike proteins from these vaccines are distributed all around the body causing severe health impacts for all ages=damaging organs,

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Thomas David (Tom) Blanchard Dec. 8, 1946 - Feb. 5, 2021

T

homas David Blanchard age 75, passed away at his home in Redmond on February 5, 2021, with his wife Betti and his son Keith by his side.

Tom was born December 8, 1946, in Tillamook, Oregon, to Tom & Shirley Blanchard.

He attended Liberty School in Tillamook and Beaver Grade School in Beaver, and he graduated from Nestucca Union High School in 1965.

Tom joined the Navy in 1966 and served on the U.S.S. George Washington Carver submarine as helmsman steering the submarine. After the service he worked in the woods on the Oregon coast, but he really loved driving trucks. Throughout his career he hauled freight to seven dif-

ferent western states, owned a dairy farm and hauled hay from Central Oregon.

In 1968 he married Glenice Wismer. During the marriage four children were born; Aaron, Keith, Melanie and Casey.

In 1994 Tom married Betti Melicek, and they lived in Tillamook County until 2008 when they moved to Redmond, Oregon, to raise cattle and hay.

Tom enjoyed farming, hunting, riding his Harley and most of all his family along with the Lord who he grew closer to as he aged. Tom often prayed the most wonderful prayers as he poured out his heart to the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Betti, of Redmond, and children Aaron & Shawn Blanchard, Keith Blanchard, Melanie & Chris Olson of Tillamook and Casey and Courtney Blanchard of LaCenter, Washington. In addition Tom was grandpa to eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, Tom Blanchard, Sr. of Beaver and now of Tillamook and his sister Kathy & Greg Hanson of LaPine.

A memorial service is pending.

Carrie Mae Petersen 1970 - May 28, 2021

O

n Friday, May 28, 2021, Carrie Mae Peterson, wife, mother, daughter and sister, passed away after a long bout with illness at the age of 51 years. Carrie will be forever remembered by crossing the blood brain barrier, deaths. . https://omny. fm/.../new-peer-reviewedstudy-on.../embed...

-Dr. Seneff MIT research scientist 40 page paper.

Unintended consequences of the mRNA vaccines. https:// ijvtpr.com/index.php/IJVTPR/article/view/23 -Recent 444 page peer reviewed research paper on our response to this virus. https://www.oregoniansformedicalfreedom.com/ -Stanford University Epidemiologist=Dr. Ioannidis Worldwide Infection Fatality Rate 0.15% 1.5-2 billion infections by Feb. 2021 with substantial differences in locations. No worse than the seasonal flu. https:// onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/10.1111/eci.13554 - Attorney Reiner Fuellmich-Crimes Against Humanity. https://breakingnews.ca/the-new-nuremberg-trials-2021-pleaseshare-this-info/ -French virologist and Nobel Prize winner Prof.

her husband and best friend Jason, and their precious children, Phillip (Amelia), Rachel (Justin) and Parker, by her parents Jerry and Linda Crist, and by her sister and brother Tamy (Shawn) O’Neil and Jeff Crist. Carrie will also be forever remembered by her 1 grandchild, 35 nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, June 4, at 10:00 am, at Dallas Cemetery 2065 SW Fairview Ave Dallas, OR 97338.

Followed by a Memorial Service to be held at 11:00am at Grace Community Church 598 E. Ellendale Ave., Dallas, OR 97338. The Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is caring for the family. www. dallastribute.com

Luc Montagnier said that “epidemiologists know but are “silent” about the phenomenon known as “Antibody-Dependent Enhancement”. While it is understood that viruses mutate, causing variants, he contends that “it is the vaccination that is creating the variants There are antibodies created by the vaccine,” forcing the virus to “find another solution” or die.

This is where the variants are created. That the trend is happening in “each country” where “the curve of vaccination is followed by the curve of deaths.” If we look at the curve from the WHO since the vaccinations started in January, the curve showing new infection has exploded, along with deaths. Notably among young people that were not affected by this virus.”

-What should alarm every American is the push for vaccine passports in order to be able to be part of society.

Our governor is forcing businesses to be vaccine enforcers now as she did for masks and social distancing creating a caste system similar to the social credit scores in China. This violates the ADA, the Civil Rights Act, our 4th amendment and the Oregon Constitution. It is discrimination.

This is how Nazi Germany was created through fear, authoritarian rule and people who let it happen.

Robin Kostrikin Pacific City

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

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CH21-1712

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

In the Matter of the Estate of Helen Magdalene ity Beatty, Deceased. Case No. 21PB01513 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Donald Puckett has been appointed and has s qualified as the personal n- representative. All persons t having claims against the ew estate are hereby required to present them, with vouchers

attached, to Donald Puckett, personal representative, at 2005 Saint Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, 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 attorney for the personal representative, Mark J. Lang, 2005 Saint Helens St, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published: May 26, 2021. /s/ Mark J. Lang, Mark J. Lang, OSB#973116 Attorney for Personal Representative, 2005 St Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 410-5238 Published: May 26, 2021, June 2, 2021 and June 9, 2021.

CH21-1738

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ro n ng Public Hearing of the d City of St. Helens City Council, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss IA budget adjustments for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to ce June 30, 2021, will be held on June 16, 2021 at 6:50 PM

online through Zoom meetings. For a link to the Zoom meeting, please refer to the public meetings page on the City of St. Helens website.

Any person may appear online at the meeting to discuss the budget adjustments or

provide written testimony through email to mbrown@ sthelensoregon.gov. Upon conclusion of the public hearing, the St. Helens City Council will deliberate and approve a resolution including budget adjustments.

CH21-1728

NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING McNulty Water PUD Board Meeting will be held June 15, 2021, at 7pm in person. We will be following all COVID guidelines. If you would like to attend, please call 503-397-1301.

CH21-1723

NOTICE OF WORKSHOP

June 15th, 2021 fair board Workshop at 6:30PM in the pavilion at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR 97051.

Virtual call-in number: 1 877 309 2073 Access code: 953534-349.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Public Notices CH21-1729

IN THE CIRUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of: GREGORY LEE ALLEN, Deceased. CASE NO. 21PB03488 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ryan J. Allen has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the

estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Ryan J. Allen, 3200 5th Street, Columbia City, Oregon 97018, personal representative of the Estate of GREGORY LEE ALLEN, 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 lawyer for the personal representative, David B. Herr, 33608 E. Columbia Avenue, Suite 110, Scappoose, Oregon 97056.

Courtesy photo from Columbia County

CH21-1726

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of LESLIE RAY CLARK, Deceased. CASE NO: 21PB03754 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TAMERA CLARK has been appointed Personal Representative in the referenced matter. All persons having claims against the

Estate are required to present them, with proper vouchers, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. Any/all claims should be provided to the Personal Representative, in care of FRANK C. ROTE, III, Attorney at Law, 1692 NE Lynda Lane, Suite C, Grants Pass, Oregon 97256,

541-479-2678, or such claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court or from FRANK C. ROTE, III, Attorney for the Personal Representative.

Frank C. Rote, III, OSBN 893898.

CH21-1733

CH21-1734

CH21-1739

CC Rider Transit Advisory Committee will be holding a virtual meeting on Tue, Jun 15, 2021 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (PDT) Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ join/895411797 You can also dial in using your phone.

United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073 United States: +1 (571) 317-3129 Access Code: 895-411-797

June 14th, 2021 fair board Meeting at 6:30 PM in the 4-H building at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR 97051. Virtual call-in number: 1 877 309 2073 Access code: 825-492-989. This is an updated notice from last week’s edition.

dures for Columbia County are available for review at the Columbia County Courthouse and the following libraries: Scappoose, Clatskanie, Rainier, Columbia City, St. Helens and Vernonia.

NOTICE OF NOTICE OF STATEMENT MEETING MEETING AVAILABLE The statement of proce-

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

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

‘Human caused’ wildfire west of Scappoose JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Scappoose Rural Fire Protection crews rushed to a report of a truck fire near Gunners Lake just after 6:30 p.m. Friday night, June 4.

A release from the fire agency said fire was burning in brush and timber. As crews arrived they found the approximately seven acre blaze in rugged terrain and challenging to reach.

Vernonia Fire, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Forestry were called in to assist Scappoose Fire in suppressing the blaze, which

Courtesy photo from Scappoose Fire

The wildfire was reported in the Gunners Lake area west of Scappoose Friday night.

investigators said was likely human caused.

“This incident was called in by a recreational pilot who observed the flames while flying between Scappoose

and Vernonia.” The release states. “Access to this fire was challenging due to its remote location. When the crews arrived, the fire in the vehicle had extended into the brush in timber.”

The fire crews continued to suppress the fire through the night and into the weekend. There were no reports of any structures threatened or any injuries as a result of the fire.

The Chronicle has reached out to Scappoose Fire for further details about the blaze and to see if the person or persons responsible have been cited. We had not received a response as of press time Tuesday.

Columbia County Corrections work crew member Ross Clark cuts grass beyond a gravestone that dates back to 1919.

Corrections crew cleans up cemeteries STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County’s cemeteries are seeing new life thanks to the efforts of the Columbia County Corrections work crew and the work is having a big impact on the offenders now tending to the grounds, according to those involved in the project.

About five months ago, the Rainier Cemetery District was scrambling to find new ways to keep the grass cut, according to Columbia County Community Service Coordinator David Brooke. The usual landscaper was soon to retire, leaving uncertain the responsibility for maintaining 13 cemeteries and the more than 13,000 gravestones they contain across Columbia County.

“That’s when we stepped in,” Brooke said, explaining a member from the cemetery district’s board reached out after seeing the work crew in action at one of the many parks they help maintain.

“They were in some rough shape.”

Digging in Two-year work crew supervisor Jeremy Kaufman said he found many of the gravestones overgrown.

Debris and garbage littered the cemeteries’ landscape, along with downed tree limbs from high winds and invasive blackberry bushes reclaiming portions of the properties.

The work crew initially pitched in for free as a part of the nonprofit work it is able to do outside of the usual contracts maintaining parks and trails for the City of St. Helens, the Port of Columbia County and other agencies. But, Brooke said, they weren’t able to give the

district enough time for the work that was truly required to bring the cemeteries back into shape.

Kaufman found out about their landscaper retiring and stepped up to ask if this was something they could take off the district’s hands until they found a replacement. Brooke said he thought their crew had impressed the district, and so their newly contracted work began in April.

“We started at the top of Rainier Hill and just slowly worked our way through the rest of the cemeteries of Columbia County,” Kaufman said. “Just cleaning them up and respecting the dead.”

Worker benefits Beyond the benefit to the cemeteries, Brooke and Kaufman both agree the work has had a discernible impact on the offenders themselves.

These offenders are not in custody and come to the work crew through several different streams. Some are paying off court fines, while others have been assigned a certain number of hours by the courts for crimes they’ve committed within Columbia County, perhaps through parole or probation.

Normally, their work sees them maintaining parks and Kaufman said they typically want to come in and get the day over with - it’s menial work to them, he said. But the work at the cemeteries is a bit more consuming because they are more often working with the equipment that requires headphones to protect their hearing.

“So, you can’t hear or see much, and they’re reading the headstones,” Kaufman said.

“They’re noticing families, they’re noticing a lot of these are overgrown and no one is taking care of them - some-

one the other day mentioned seeing a headstone of someone that was three years old and they asked to take a minute and step aside. There’s a lot of recognition of, ‘Oh, we did a good job today. We’re bettering our community.’”

Ross Clark, who came to the work crew by way of probation to pay off supervision fees, said he found the work unexpected.

“We usually clean up overgrown areas like at the Scappoose Airport or McCormick Park,” Clark said. “This is really different. It’s kind of sad. Their names are overgrown. If I had a relative here I wouldn’t even be able to find their gravestone the way it is now. Someone will appreciate this. If I were buried here, I’d appreciate not being buried and forgotten.”

Kaufman said he regularly sees the work crew take extra time to clean moss and other growth away from the gravestones, and none of their work requires the usual motivation the parks do.

Brooke said it’s something they can take pride in while building life skills to prepare them for moving on in life.

“These are all people who have gotten into some kind of trouble in Columbia County,” Kaufman said. “And when you’re at a hard point in your life, it’s easy to get off track.

Things happen quick in life, and this is kind of a reminder of that.”

For more information about the Rainier Cemetery District, visit: www.rainiercemeterydistrict.com.

For more information about Columbia County’s Community Justice Programs for Adults, visit: www. columbiacountyor.gov/departments/CommunityJustice/ community-justice-programsfor-adults.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: SUPERHEROES ACROSS

1. Golf club handle 5. Aviation safety agency 8. Although, for short 11. “Give me your tired, your ____....”

12. Homecoming guest 13. PhD in Great Britain 15. Legendary NFL quarterback Graham 16. Like Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard 17. Propelled like Argo 18. *Batman’s romantic interest 20. Wildebeests 21. Use the other end of a pencil 22. Cherry middle 23. *Thor’s weapon 26. Brays like a donkey 30. Another word for Tokyo 31. Makes a sum (2 words) 34. *Like The Joker 35. Without self-control 37. Black gold 38. Buddy 39. Site of Leaning Tower 40. Canvas ceiling fan 42. *____man, one of original X-Men 43. Comes to the fore 45. *____ Woman, first female in the Justice Society of America

47. “Rub A Dub Dub” vessel 48. Paralysis-causing disease, for short 50. Smoothie berry 52. *a.k.a. the Caped Crusader 55. “Encore!”

56. Pupil’s place 57. Like Arizona in summer 59. *Ben Grimm of “It’s clobberin’ time!” fame, with The 60. Eyeglasses glass 61. Buggy terrain 62. Gingerbread creation 63. *Superhero creator, Stan ____ 64. Eurasian duck

DOWN

1. Government Printing Office 2. Campus military acronym 3. Letter before kappa 4. For the time being, Latin (2 words) 5. Basic drumming pattern, pl.

6. Saints’ crowns 7. End of grace 8. Through, for short 9. Hie, third person singular 10. Not new or borrowed or blue

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

12. “All ____!”

13. Motherless calf 14. *Wakanda’s Black ____ 19. Make havoc 22. Coach’s locker room speech 23. Oodles 24. ____ one, on a pass 25. *Mighty ____ 26. *Known to say: “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry” 27. Steer clear 28. Grimace in pain 29. More cunning 32. Make pretty, two words 33. Break a commandment 36. *America’s title 38. Vienna Boys’ group 40. Public house, for short 41. Devoid of reverence 44. Seeking damages 46. Wondering ones 48. Put through a blender 49. Offer two cents 50. Turkish honorific 51. Jealous biblical brother 52. Perfect houseplant spot 53. Bob ____, famous boxing promoter 54. Cat o’how many tails?

55. Cash dispenser 58. Morning condensation

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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

A11

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The Chronicle

The Chief

10th Annual 2021 Columbia County

Business

Guide PUBLICATION DATES: CHRONICLE: JUNE 23, CHIEF: JUNE 25 AD DEADLINE: JUNE 9

The 2021 Columbia County Business guide is a full color, glossy magazine that showcases local business and highlights current news events. It is the go-to reference for visitors, newcomers, residents, and potential customers of Columbia County.

For space reservation, contact Amy: 503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A12

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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Scappoose Graduation 2021

Photos by Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

The 2021 Scappoose High School graduation was conducted Saturday, June 5 at the school’s football field to provide family and friends an opportunity to attend the event under the state’s pandemic health and safety restrictions. The St. Helens High School graduation is scheduled for noon Friday, June 11 in an outdoor ceremony at the Columbia County Courthouse on Strand Street.

Wrestlers take life lessons off the mat JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The adjusted and abbreviated St. Helens High School winter sports season is winding down as the school year ends.

The Lions wrestling team heads to the mats to host a competition against Rex Putnam High School Wednesday, June 9 as the last regular season meet. St.Helens High School is set to host the District meet June 17.

In the following conversation with The Chronicle, St. Helens High School Head Wrestling Coach Greg Gadbois gives us a glimpse of the team’s challenges and rewards The Chronicle: What do you see as the overall season and competitive challenges

for your wrestling team and how are you helping the students overcome those challenges?

Greg Gadbois: Obviously the biggest challenge this year has been COVID and all of the restrictions involved with a high contact sport, that one could be its own article, but two challenges specifically: • Shortened season Wrestling a six minute match is one of the hardest athletic things you can do in high school and typically we have a couple months to prepare our bodies to take the abuse that three to five matches a day can do, and this year the kids are having to do it in one week.

• Spectators - We usually have a big traveling fan base that normally outnumbers the home teams crowd so

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this year, with no spectators being allowed, we have had to be creative in broadcasting our matches so we have decided to Facebook stream our matches this year. So far, results have been good with 90 people watching our earlier match with Hillsboro.

The Chronicle: What do you see as the strengths and what do you see as the weaknesses of your team this season?

Gadbois: We have a great mix of experience and youth right now. Our older group have been with the program for so long that they are able to help coach and bring along the younger kids showing them what it takes to be successful in high school. We have a real family atmosphere in our room and the kids really work with

and care about everyone getting themselves better and better.

I’m really excited about our girls program this year.

It is at the biggest and most experienced it has ever been with over 10 girls signed up, almost all with at least one year of experience.

The Chronicle: What life lessons do you hope the students take away from high school wrestling?

Gadbois: Wrestling mimics life in so many ways, setting goals, working hard to achieve the goal, battling though setbacks, teamwork, and sacrifice. This is one of those topics I could go on for hours about and is important to both me and the program.

Follow the team competition results at osaa.org.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The St. Helens High School Wrestling Team wraps up regular season this week and will host the District meet June 17.