Seeking reservoir fix
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
thechronicleonline.com
Serving Columbia County since 1881
Done At Last! ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Cars lined the streets and spectators filled the bleachers to watch the St. Helens High School (SHHS) seniors graduate at the football stadium on Friday, June 10 – the first “back to normal” graduation in two years. The graduates, dressed in oversized rain ponchos, shared laughter, hugs, and tears with one another during the emotionladen ceremony, which featured
student speeches, remarks from Superintendent Scot Stockwell and Principal Katy Wagner, and performances from SHHS Choir and the SHHS Band and Guard. The message of this year’s graduation was one of resilience in hard times: Students thanked their teachers for guiding them towards success and commended their peers for overcoming learning disruptions to achieve what was thought to be impossible. See more photos on A12.
Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle
Band members share an embrace as the graduation crowd disperses.
SHHS Seniors turn their tassels marking the completion of the 2022 graduation ceremony.
Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle
No Vacancies
Inside Columbia County’s affordable housing problem out now, so if anyone knows of any openings, I have called every single apartment in St. Helens, and they are all full.” And the problem appears to be getting worse. According to Community Action Team’s Heather Johnson, 157 of the 5,078 people who sought housing assistance from CAT since March 2020 did so within the past month. State, county challenge
Courtesy photo
New developments, such as this 16-acre, 239-unit housing project at 2250 Gable Road, are springing up all over Columbia County to accommodate the growing demand for affordable housing. ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
With high costs for materials and skyrocketing demand, more and more Columbia County
residents are scrambling to find affordable housing. Many would-be renters with full-time jobs have shared their struggles finding housing over social media, citing one of two
issues: They either cannot afford a property, or none are available. “Ted & I are about to be homeless,” one St. Helens resident wrote in a social media post. “We got told (in) October they demand us
Damon Runberg, a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department, shared his assessment of the Oregon housing market heading into 2022 in a guest column published in the May 27 edition of The Chronicle. According to Runberg, home prices in Oregon were up “a blistering 10%” from the previous year for the first quarter of 2022. “Before the pandemic, the statewide housing market was seeing annualized gains of closer to 3%,” he wrote. “The fast growth in home prices the past two years has pushed real (inflation-adjusted)
housing prices in most markets across the state higher than levels in 2007 during the housing bubble.” Johnson said the number of people seeking housing assistance in Columbia County has “increased for sure.” “One caveat to our past month numbers as well as the overall last year, (is) in December of 2021 OHCS contracted with an agency in Washington State to deliver OERAP 2 and 3 for the state,” Johnson said. “There are a number of people who would normally be accessing housing services through CAT who are accessing assistance through the OERAP portal. As a result, our in-house numbers are a bit skewed and not entirely reflective of the current need in our county.” When The Chronicle asked Johnson whether she sees affordable housing as a challenge, particularly in St. Helens, she answered, “Absolutely. It is a challenge throughout our entire county.”
See HOUSING Page A6
Come one, come all to the Kiwanis parade Opinion ..................... A4 Poll ............................ A4 Community Calendar A4
Obituaries ................. A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ..................... A7-8 Crossword ............... A9 SHHS Graduation ... A12
Vol. 140, No. 24
be conducted the day of the parade. Organizers ask that participants read and closely follow the parade rules. There is no registration fee. The parade begins at 2175 Columbia Boulevard across from Emmert Motors and will travel down Columbia Boulevard as it turns into 1st Street and continues past the Dockside Steak & Pasta Restaurant onto the riverfront property and will exit onto Plymouth Street. The St. Helens Kiwanis Community Parade is unique, according to Kiwanis President Janis Knox. “This parade doesn’t depend on a holiday to support it,” she said. “It is all about the community itself, bringing us all together,
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
“Coming Back Together 2022” is the theme of the annual St. Helens Kiwanis Community Parade scheduled for Saturday, June 18. The popular event that attracts thousands to the city has been absent for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade registration and staging begin at 9 a.m. at Emmert Motors, 2175 Columbia Boulevard. Participants are staged on the surrounding blocks off of Columbia Boulevard. Judging starts at 11 a.m. and the parade starts at 12 p.m. Registration packets are available at st.helenskiwanisparade@ gmail.com, or contact Lisa Lewis at 503-407-7916 or Judy Thompson at 503-397-6056. Advanced registration is encouraged but may
See PARADE Page A8
The Chronicle
Previous Kiwanis Community Parades have included marching students with flags.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Columbia River nears flood stage
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The high water had spread to the top of the banks at the St. Helens Marina by Monday morning June 13. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Periods of heavy rain over the several days combined with melting snowpack in the mountains resulted in rising river levels
along the Columbia River. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland issued a Flood Watch over the past weekend for the Columbia River in the following areas: • Columbia River at Longview affecting I-5 Cor-
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
River levels along the Columbia were near flood stage by Monday, June 13.
River users are being advised to watch for floating logs, branches and other debris in the high water.
ridor in Cowlitz County and Lower Columbia zones. • Columbia River at Vancouver affecting greater Portland Metro Area and greater Vancouver Area zones. The advisory was upgraded to a Flood Watch on
monitor rising water levels and be prepared for possible flood warnings. “If you are in the watch area, remain alert to possible flooding,” the NWS advisory states. The Columbia River at
Tuesday, June 14 for the Columbia River at Multnomah County in Oregon and for the Columbia River at Clark County, Washington. The NWS advised that residents and those with interests near the river should
St. Helens also neared flood stage by Monday, June 13, but river levels were expected to recede by mid-week. Follow weather developments at thechronicleonline. com.
Smoke, flames challenge firefighters
Smoke and flames from the fire could be seen from a distance away. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
One person suffered smoke inhalation during a structure fire in remote Columbia County. Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) responded to the house fire on Bedell Road in Deer Island at 1:25 p.m. Thursday afternoon, June 9. CRRF officials described the site of the fire as remote. “This is an extremely ru-
ral location and doesn’t have fire hydrants close in proximity so made getting water to the home more challenging than normal,” CRFR said in a Facebook post. The post also states that one occupant and a dog were home at the time of the fire and both were extremely fortunate to get out of the house unharmed. The woman inhaled a significant amount of smoke and was checked out by medics but ultimately, she was not
Courtesy photo from CRFR
transported to the hospital. Lily, the dog, was taken to a local vet to be checked out, according to the CRFR post. Details about the cause of the fire and estimated damages were under investigation as of early Friday, June 10. Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District, Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD, Oregon Department of Forestry, Columbia County Sheriff and Columbia River PUD assisted.
The fire was in a remote area that lacks hydrants.
Courtesy photo from CRFR
Friday 17th 9am - 8pm:
Plant Safely Near Electrical Equipment
e s u o H n e Op
• Ribbon Cutting @ 11:00am • Car Show 6-8pm (HWY 30 Cruisers with Prizes) • BBQ 11-3pm • Vendors and Manufacture Rep’s Here • Music • Candy/Snack Table • Games: Corn Hole/Basketball/Etc. • Grand Opening Picture Saturday 18th 9am - 8pm: • Father’s Day Gifts at Entry (1st 20 each day) • BBQ 11-3pm • Vendors and Manufacture Rep’s Here • Music • Candy/Snack Table • Games: Corn Hole/Basketball/Etc. • Grand Opening Picture • Horse Rides 11-4 (Sponsoring 4H) Sunday 19th 10am - 6pm:
Friday June 17- Sunday June 19th 58209 Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051, 971(803)7912 Please Come & Celebrate us joining this amazing community!
• Father’s Day Gifts at Entry (1st 20 each day) • BBQ 11-3pm • Vendors and Manufacture Rep’s Here • Music • Candy/Snack Table • Games: Corn Hole/Basketball/Etc. • Grand Opening Picture • Horse Rides 11-4 (Sponsoring 4H)
JOIN US FOR a demonstration downtown St. Helens,
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system safer and more reliable. As a friendly reminder, if you currently have any trees on your property that are growing near our power lines, please let us know. We contract tree crews that trim and remove trees that are encroaching on our lines. This is a service provided at no cost to the customer. You can request tree trimming services at crpud.net/ trees or by calling us at (503) 397-1844. Please remember to call the utility locating service at 8-1-1 before digging to put your new plants and trees in the ground.
followed by a community picnic and celebration at the Fairgrounds! DEMONSTRATION 2-3 pm St. Helens
Ju n
e
25
th
Courthouse Plaza Square Bring your signs and flags!
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It’s a little later than usual, but it seems like spring is finally here. We’re (hopefully) through most of the poor weather we’ve had to endure, which means many of us are itching to get outside. Before you head to the nursery to stock up on plants and trees, please take a moment to consider electrical safety. You can help us maintain a safe and reliable electric system by keeping vegetation away from our electrical equipment. When it comes time for planting, please try to avoid planting anything near overhead power lines if you can. If that’s not possible, please select annuals, perennials, or woody shrubs that will not grow taller than 15 feet to plant near overhead lines. If you strongly prefer trees,
low-growing varieties like Mount Fuji Cherry or Vine Maple are good options for our area. Trees growing near power lines present the risk of sparking wildfires or causing power outages, so we ask that you keep them as far away from our lines as possible. Another way you can help us is by keeping transformers easily accessible for our crews so they can make repairs any time. Please leave sufficient room for plants to grow without encroaching onto the transformer. Allow at least three feet of space around and behind padmount transformers, and 10 feet in front of them. Padmount transformers lower the voltage of electricity so it can be used properly inside your home. Because electricity flows through these transformers, it is important to keep them clear of vegetation. Doing all of these things will help keep our electrical
Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD
Sa tu rd ay
MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content
PICNIC AND CELEBRATION 3.7 pm Columbia County Fairgrounds Music and Fun // All Ages // Free
Get to know your community! Bring a dish or treat to share if you’re able.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Gun threat prompts school lockdown JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
New efforts to keep students and staff safe during a school threat are being considered by the Clatskanie School District. Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz said an enhanced partnership with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) will be key to that effort. “We don’t have a police department in Clatskanie, and we just can’t call on local law enforcement to give us extra security, so we have to rely the sheriff’s office,” she said. The city of Clatskanie, contracts with the CCSO for law enforcement services. The enhanced partnership will include CCSO deputies as part of the regular weekly and monthly CCSD administration meetings with principals. CMHS lockdown The enhanced security follows the mass school shooting in Texas and a school lockdown at Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) Thursday morning, June 9. Hurowitz said the lockdown occurred after one student reported to an adult off campus that there was another student at the school with a gun in their backpack. The adult immediately sent a text message to a CMHS staff member who quickly showed the message to Principal Jeff Williamson. “At that point and be-
cause of all that is going on in the county and the nation, we immediately placed the building in lockdown and we immediately called the sheriff’s office,” CMHS Principal Jeff Williamson said. As the building was placed in lockdown, school officials alerted parents by email, and with phone messages. “Typically, we request that parents don’t come to the school until it is all clear,” he said. During the time of the threat notification, the majority of the students had gathered in the school auditorium, the gymnasium and the cafeteria for the CMHS’s year-end awards presentations. Williamson said he was able to find and isolated the student involved the alleged threat. “I was making sure all the doors were locked and everything was secure and when I found the student, I did a limited pat down and I felt comfortable that the student didn’t have anything (of a threatening nature),” he said. “The student also denied that there was a backpack.” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said as deputies responded to school they were advised there was a student that potentially was armed on campus. “The school went into lockdown as a precaution and we responded to investigate,” Pixley said. “There were no injuries involved and no weapon was located.” As the deputies at the school, they reviewed school security tapes showing that the student alleged to have a weapon entering the building
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Clatskanie Middle/High School was placed in lockdown June 9, following an alleged threat.
and that student did not have a backpack, according to Williamson. “We brought in the student’s parents in and I determined that the student did not pose any threat, Williamson said. “The lockdown was precautionary.” Pixley told The Chronicle the incident was still under investigation as of Monday, June 13. Social media impact Hurowitz said as the lockdown unfolded, she was made aware of disturbing posts on social media. “During this event there were people posting the location of our students on Facebook,” she said. “Had this been a real event they just put all the children and the staff in jeopardy by iden-
tifying their location. It made me feel sick to my stomach. I am was shocked that people were having that conversation on social media.” Under the school district’s policy, when a potential school threat occurs, the school does not publicly disclose where the students and staff are. It is a matter for safety for the students and school staff, according to Hurowitz. Williamson said he was aware of social media chatter in which some people were posting the location of the students in the building during the lockdown. “For the safety of our students, people should never do that,” he said. Williamson said the social media posts impacted the school security. “They need to be cau-
tious,” Williamson said. “Students were at risk. We will do everything possible to maintain safety and we don’t want that jeopardize in any way.” As the lockdown was lifted, a lock-in remained in place at CMHS. “The lock-in allows students to move freely within the building but the staff remains on high alert,” Williamson said. “That gives us better control to release the students to parents.” Approximately 30 students were called to the office to be signed out by school staff and each of the students were released through the front door to their parents. “It is an effective control,” he said. “In my training you never know if there is another risk. That is the
reason the deputies kept the school in a lock-in.” Following the lifting of the lock-in, the remaining students, approximately 160, were released from the school. Thursday, June 9, was the last day of school at CMHS before the summer break. The day had been scheduled as a half day for students, including the awards ceremonies and a school barbeque, which was cancelled due to the lockdown. “It is a terrible way for the kids to end the last day of school,” Hurowitz said. “It was supposed to be a day of celebration with kids saying goodbye. This is the saddest way to end the last day of school.” Williamson said new security measures are being placed at the school during its bond measure renovations, including a new student, staff and visitor checkin system and enhanced camera surveillance. St. Helens, Scappoose School District reaction One day after the Clatskanie lockdown, the Texas mass shooting was one of the focal points during the St. Helens High School (SHHS) graduation ceremonies. A SHHS student speaker condemned the increase in school gun violence as the student spoke before those attending the Friday night graduation at the school’s stadium. On Monday, May 23, the Scappoose School Board considered revising its Weapons in Schools policy and enacting new policy that would restrict the use of firearms on campus.
‘My priority was to get her out’ Gives credit
CRFR Duty Deputy Chief Eric Smythe. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
New details have emerged after a woman with limited mobility was pulled from a burning house. The incident unfolded Friday morning June 3 as fire crews were dispatched to the 30600 block of Brownlee Road in Rainier. The call was reported as a fire in a downstairs bedroom and smoke was filling the rest of the home. It was reported that a woman on oxygen with limited mobility was trapped in the main floor level of the home and she couldn’t get out of the house. Columbia County 911 dispatchers alerted Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) of the emergency. CRFR crews carry pagers and have phone apps to monitor emergency calls and other information. For CRFR Duty Deputy Chief Eric Smythe, off duty at the time of the call, this would become a rescue. First on scene Smythe was first duty officer the day before and as the shift change occurred at 8 a.m. that day, he briefed the incoming duty chief and had forgotten to turn off his pager. As he was getting ready to leave his house with his family to go shopping his pager went off. “There were a lot of tones, and I thought that must be a fire,” he said. “I looked at my phone and the address was just down the street. I decided that I needed to go. I ran out the door.” Smythe jumped in his car and left. “I saw on my phone there was a potential victim and I knew it would take about 15 minutes for the first engine to arrive and I am only 30 seconds away,” he said.
Courtesy from CRFR
As Smythe arrived at the house he saw smoke and he radioed dispatch that there was a working structure fire. “I assumed command and radioed that I was going to attempt a rescue,” he said. Dispatch was still on the phone with the victim and told Smythe that the woman was trapped in the backside of the burning house. Smythe said he went to the back of house and saw the victim half out of a window and heard the smoke alarm still sounding in the house. The rescue “Smoke was blowing out around her,” he said. “It was very dark, very black. She had black around her mouth, so she had been breathing smoke. I thought that I had to get her out of there, so my priority was to get her out and get her fresh air.” The woman was still holding her phone talking with dispatch. “She set the phone down and I told her I was going to help her get down,” Smythe said. The window was adjacent to an unfinished deck of the house and a sliding glass door. Smythe said the deck had poorly built steps with no hand rail. The deck was about nine feet off the ground, he said. “I placed my arms around her and she told me she couldn’t walk, so I half carried her very, very slowly down the unfinished steps and got her to the ground,” he said. Smythe said he knew other firefighters were arriving so if anything happened to him, they would be able to help. Smoke from such a fire could contain a variety of dangerous chemicals, according to Smythe. “It affected me the rest of the day,” he said. “You can hack up a lot of bad stuff. It’s pretty disgusting.”
Smythe credits dispatch for helping save the woman’s life. “They kept her calm and put her in a good spot to allow me to make the rescue,” he said. “They did a fantastic job. I am glad it was a positive outcome.” The woman, who was not publicly identified, did not need to be transported to the hospital. Investigators said the Rainier house fire began in a basement bedroom, but the exact cause was pending as of June 9. Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) dispatched two water tenders, three engines, a duty chief, public information officer and a medical unit to the scene. Clatskanie Fire assisted at the scene. “The quick action by our Deputy Chief ultimately saved the woman’s life,” a CRFR release states. “This was a situation where damages could have been much more significant. Our firefighters’ quick actions and fire knockdown made a big difference in what could have been a much more tragic outcome.” Smythe said the house fire and rescue point out valuable lessons. “It’s important to always have functioning smoke detectors in your home and to have an escape plan,” he said. “Have a plan A, a plan B and a plan C. Just be prepared. The more you plan the better off the outcome will be.” Smythe also recommends that bedroom doors be closed when residents go to sleep at night. “Tons of studies show that keeping the door closed keeps the smoke, fire and gases out of the bedroom, and hopefully long enough to allow someone to escape,” he said. “There is a higher survival rate.” This is the third rescue Smythe has made in his firefighting career. “Unfortunately, of the first two, one did not make it,” he said. “Both of them were house fires. Both persons were in bedrooms. One person succumbed to smoke, the other person barricaded in the bedroom. We made access through a bedroom window and were able to get the person out successfully.” For more information about fire prevention and safety, contact CRFR at 503397-2990, or your local fire department or fire district.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Opinion
Garden Plots: Potatoes ready for harvest? CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article
This has been a tough late spring for most heat loving crops. Potatoes, though, have done fairly well with the cool and wet weather. So have the cabbage family and lettuce, assuming the slugs have been kept down. Some early potatoes may be ready for harvest. Usually, the first sign of flowering on potatoes is the time to start digging those delicious early spuds. Harvest carefully since early potatoes have thin skins and are easily bruised or cut. There may be some immature potatoes amongst others that are fully mature. Eat the immature ones first as they store very poorly. Will deer eat herbs? My sense is that deer visit almost every property in Columbia County. That certainly challenges gardeners to create space deer can’t visit. That often requires some type of garden fence. But there are edible plants that deer generally don’t eat. Most herbs are quite deerresistant. Note I didn’t say
“deer-proof” since there will be a deer that will test the plants. Woody herbs are very attractive plants as well and given well-drained and reasonably full sun, do well in most gardens for years. Some of the most useful in cooking are sage, rosemary, true tarragon (a little finicky), some “culinary” lavenders, thyme, and oregano. Herbs don’t need or like a lot of fertilizing and require just enough water to keep them going. They abhor over-watering. That’s why well-drained soils are important. Some annual weeds like basil and dill are also deer resistant although this is less predictable. Tomato pollination
Tomatoes are self-fertile. The tomato flower has its pollen shedding parts above the pollen receptive organ (the pistil). As bees move into the flower, they carry the pollen from that flower with it to the pistil. But tomatoes are picky about when to set fruit. Too cold, no go; too hot, nothing for the pot. Most varieties, and there are exceptions, set fruit best when temperatures are no colder than 55° F or no hotter than 75° F when the pollen
is being shed. They don’t need bees, though bumblebee activity helps. OSU bred varieties tend to set fruit at the cooler end of the tomato heat preference range compared to other varieties bred in other regions or countries. Super high temperatures like last summer tend to also slow or stop fruit set. Humidity also
the tree. It is generally worse when the tree is injured during the spring when the bark is “slipping” in the spring or when a sap is moving up to the tree canopy. The bark is easily removed in larger pieces at this time. Yong trees are the most vulnerable. An open wound near the base of the tree will usually attract fungi that feed on wood. This leads to a
two fruit-eating insects, the codling moth caterpillar and the apple maggot will take the year off. If you spray to control these insects, the time to start is now and repeat periodically over the summer. The best product for the home gardener is probably those products that contain “spinosad” as the active ingredient. It is found in several trade name products from Monterey, Bonide, and others. Always read and follow label instructions.
nity meals programs. It is greatly appreciated.
• The Extension Service offers 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 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free newsletter
plays a role. If it is too dry, pollen may not latch on to the stigma; too moist and the pollen can glom together leading to less pollination. Picky, picky! This obviously hasn’t been a good tomato season yet. If you see tomatoes that are “cat-faced” on the blossom end of the fruit, they are inevitably larger varieties which demand perfect fertilization. Tomatoes that produce smaller varieties don’t need pollen perfection to set nice fruit. . Mechanical injury to trees Trees are very sensitive to lawn mower or string trimmer injury. This type of injury occurs near the base of
downward cycle for the tree. Eventually, most injured trees will end up being removed. In some cases, a tree can heal over the wound before significant deterioration occurs. The best way to prevent this kind of injury is to keep a two-foot radius grassfree zone around the trunk, especially for young trees. Mulching that starts a six inches out from the trunk can keep weeds down. It also conserves moisture that will help newly planted trees thrive. Apple insects While fruit set is quite low, it doesn’t mean the
Garden notes • The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Many Extension publications are 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. • Donate produce and/ or money to the food bank, senior centers, or commu-
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 503-397-3462 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 Flag Day The St. Helens Lions Club has in the past displayed the US flag on June 14 for Flag Day. However, because Ju-
neteenth has recently been declared a national holiday and since Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, the Lions Club will, from now on, display the US flags on June 19th instead
of on the 14th. Thank you. Bert Mueller Flag Display Committee Chair St. Helens Lions Club
Community Events June 25 Citizens Day in the Park From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities are family-friendly, free, and designed for a wide-age range. The event takes place at McCormick Park, 475 S 18th Street in St. Helens. Citizens Day is an annual community event hosted by the City of St. Helens focused on strengthening community connections by encouraging people to turn off technology and enjoy a day of fun activities in St. Helens’ largest park. Activities include a free barbeque lunch, live music, lawn games, vendors, and more. June 25 Pride Month Celebration 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Plaza Square in the Riverfront District of St. Helens. Bring your signs and flags. Celebration and Picnic from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Music and fun. Bring a dish to share if able. Hosted by Moving Forward Columbia County. June 29 Blood Drive The American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Senior Center, 375 S 15th Street in St. Helens. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sainthelens to schedule an appointment. July 4 Pancake Breakfast The Scappoose Rural Fire
Protection District will hold a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Scappoose Fire Station, 52751 Columbia River Highway. The cost is donation only with the procedures to be used for high school graduation scholarships sponsored by the Scappoose Firefighters Association. For additional details, call 503-543-5026. Ongoing events 13 Nights Annual St. Helens waterfront music concerts at the the Columbia View Park amphitheater. Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Columbia View Park amphitheater. See the concert schedule and feature stories about the performers at thechronicleonline.com. 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. com, or call 503-7899240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www. lowercolumbiariver.org/ events-page.
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Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st St., St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521 or check the Resonate facebook page. Columbian Toastmasters Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome. Meeting virtually via Zoom from 12-1 p.m. every Thursday. • Zoom meeting: https:// zoom.us/j/8222962563/ • Webpage: https://6421.toastmastersclubs.org/ • Soc Media: https://www. facebook.com/ColumbianToastmasters • Phone: 503-369-0329 Overcomers Outreach Meetings are held every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Rd., Scappoose. Call Fred 971757-6389. To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.
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Crossword Solution
Obituaries
Solution for the June 8, 2022 Crossword Puzzle
Audrey Fern Howell Feb. 4, 1932 ~ May 30, 2022
Audrey Fern Howell passed away at the age of 90, on May 30, 2022, at Highlander Place in Longview, Washington. A funeral will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in St. Helens, where she was a long-time member, with a private family interment to follow at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Scappoose, with her husband Kenneth Howell. She was born near Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada on February 4, 1932. Her maiden name was Kinney.
She moved with her family, as an infant, to Onalaska, Washington; they relocated
to St. Helens in 1942. She was a 1949 graduate of St. Helens High School and most of her adult life was spent in St. Helens. She was a homemaker and volunteer with various charities until 1970 when she spent three years working in St. Helens School District office. She then worked as a customer representative for 16 years for Portland General Electric Co in its St. Helens office until her retirement in 1989. Audrey is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Howell; two stepdaughters, Julie Howell, and Nancy Churchill; and grand-
daughter Melina Ross. She is survived by her daughters, Donna Muehleck (Oregon City), Regis Peregrin (Canby), and Roxanne Ross (Oregon City); sons, Gary Ross (Longview, Washington), and Michael Ross (Molalla); stepdaughter Karen Cox; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-greatgrandchild. The family suggests remembrances be donated to First United Methodist Church in St. Helens. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.
Frank Lewis Ziegler Oct. 26, 1929 ~ Oct. 8, 2021
Lewis Ziegler completed his journey and went to be with his Lord and Savior last year on Oct. 8, 2021. He was 92. Lewis was born Oct. 26, 1929 in Cape Town South Africa. He was the son of missionary parents Frank and Dorothy Ziegler. He left home to attend Life Bible College in Los Angeles. While in school, he met and married Arlene. They returned to South Africa where they were missionar-
ies for 35 years. Lewis and Arlene retired to St. Helens in 1989. Here they remained active in their local church and poured themselves into the lives of their friends and family. Lewis was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Arlene Ziegler; daughter Roberta Ziegler; and three sisters and their husbands. Lewis is survived by his daughter Peggy Chiddick (Michael); son Bobby
Ziegler (Dawn); nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Throughout his entire life he demonstrated an unwavering faith in God, touching many lives. He was a member of the Columbia River Foursquare Church for 30 years. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 24, 2022 at the Columbia River Foursquare Church.
Georgine Marie (Deahn) Williamson Feb. 21, 1926 ~ Feb. 21, 2022
Surrounded by family at her home as she celebrated her 96th birthday, Georgine Williamson left the world as she’d lived most of her life, in her own way and on her own terms. Georgine Marie (Deahn) Williamson was born February 21, 1926, in Deer Island, Oregon, to Richard (vonHirschhausen) Deahn and Mary (Kumpula) Deahn. She attended St. Helens High School where she was a cheerleader and prom queen. She then attended Oregon State College (now OSU) where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. A favorite memory from this time was having a featherbed topper to keep her toasty warm as she slept on the chilly sleeping porch at the sorority. When her high school sweetheart, David B. Williamson, returned from the war, he and Georgine married. He remained in the Army, and they spent time in both Georgia and California where he was stationed. She was extremely happy when
they returned to the Pacific Northwest and back to their hometown to live and raise a family. David preceded her in death in 2007. She is survived by children, David Brian Williamson, Peter Kim Williamson and Gina Marie Williamson Harrington; six grandchildren; and 10 greatgrandchildren. In high school, Georgine worked in the County Clerk’s office and in the Sheriff’s office. She worked with her husband, David, when he began his law practice in 1955. She later
Patrick D. McKean July 3, 1950 ~ May 8, 2022
Patrick Dennis McKean born July 3, 1950 in Portland, Oregon, passed away May 8, 2022, at home in Scappoose, Oregon. He was the son of Kendall V. McKean Sr. and Clara Stam. He served in Vietnam in the Marines from 1967 – 1970. After he got married in 1993, he traveled with his family to many different places and worked with his family for many years. He was also a CB operator; he worked on them and hooked them up. Pat is survived by his wife of 29 years, Susan McKean; son Ric McKean; daughter-in-law
Melanoma stands out. Check your skin. You could spot cancer.
Sheila McKean; nephew Jon McKean; step kids, Kaycee Cennamo, and Jody Haney; grandkids, Ivy Urrutia, Lilly, Kyleah Puyear, Talon Puyear, TJ, Devin McKean, Tony McKean, and Oceanna Puyear; great grandkids, Niko Urrutia and Scarlette Urrutia; and sister Kathy Johnston. He was preceded in death by his brother Kendall V. McKean Jr. in 2021. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on June 23, 2022 at Willamette National Cemetery. Please arrive 30 minutes early and meet in the parking lot.
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was active in volunteering and being a member of the following: Cub Scout den mother, (school) room mother, teen-age club chaperone, Mother’s March of Dimes, St. Helens Garden Club and Plymouth Presbyterian Church. Georgine loved entertaining family and friends. After they moved to their house on the river, Christmas ship parties, 4th of July celebrations as well as major holidays were times of great revelry, with the kitchen being the gathering place for lots of joking and laughter before the meal began. Georgine had an extensive collection of cookbooks which she’d read from cover to cover before performing her culinary magic. She contributed recipes to two cookbooks Plymouth Presbyterian Church produced and her recipes are still being made by members of the church. She was an avid reader who was drawn to mysteries and spy novels. She also loved music and kept current with popular artists. In years past,
Michael A. Walker
Nov. 9, 1968 ~ May 31, 2022 Michael A. Walker was born Nov. 9, 1968 and died May 31, 2022, at the age of 53. He was preceded in death by his father John Walker Sr. and his mother Yvonne Walker. He is survived by his son Andrew Walker; stepson Bryce Brewer; brother John Walker Jr.; and sister Gayle Graham. Mike was an avid fisherman, lifelong resident of Columbia County, and liked to go four-wheeling.
Jerry Charles Henderson June 17, 1942 ~ Feb. 8, 2022
A celebration of life for Jerry Henderson will be held from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Sat., June 18, 2022 at the St. Helens Senior Center, 375 S 15th St., St. Helens, Oregon.
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she could be heard humming or singing to her cats and dogs with her lovely, clear voice. Georgine and Dave loved to travel. They went to Europe in the early 70s then did a number of trips to Belize, Mexico and to their favorites, the Oregon and Washington coasts. They would spend weeks in their little Cortez RV up in Chinook, Washington during salmon season. They also spent much time at their condo at the Lanai at the Cove in Seaside. Her other great love was of plants. They planted over 150 rhododendrons at their Sixth Street home. She knew the Latin names of all the plants, shrubs and flowers she had in the yard. Georgine enjoyed having something in bloom at all times of the year, and she loved to be able to look out her window and see her camellias and snow drops blooming throughout the winter. It brought her great joy. A celebration of life will be held later in summer.
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Chronicle Obituaries
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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District (C911CD) is conducting a hiring process for a Chief Financial Officer. Apply online at www.columbia911 . c o m / c a r e e r s . Additional information can be found on our website or by calling 503366-6971. Field Engineer I/II Columbia River PUD A Community-Owned Utility is hiring a Field Engineer I/II Salary: Field Engineer I: $32.21-$45.94/
Immediate Opening Shipping/ Receiving/ Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056
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HOUSING From Page A1
Seller’s market The Chronicle spoke with Peggy Howell, a principal broker at John L. Scott Real Estate in Scappoose, to gain insight into the housing shortage and affordability crisis. Howell told The Chronicle that there are no vacant units in any of the 20 rental properties she manages. Howell also said fewer people are leaving. “I don’t have a lot of turnover,” Howell said. “I’ve got some renters that have been in 20 years.” According to Howell, many brokers also raised their rates, several up to 9%, to compensate for the rising costs of materials and services. “Between property taxes going up and water going up and insurance going up, if
you don’t raise your prices every year, you’re making less every year,” she said. “So it’s a problem, and of course, there’s a moratorium on you cannot raise any more than 10%.” Mick Taylor, a principal broker in Oregon, said that while the supply and demand imbalance is a major factor driving the rental prices up, “we have to talk about materials and supply chains, which are also continuing to keep prices high because materials are more expensive.” Windows and air conditioning units are facing the largest share of shortages and delays, according to Taylor. “If you can sell your windows for more money, then that’s what you do, and I have no problem with that,” he said. “But then the ability to make more windows and be competitive with your prices, all of a sudden it wasn’t just about increasing your profits a
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little bit, it was the fact that hey, we can’t make enough product. So, of course, it’s going to be more expensive, and we’re still struggling with that.” Columbia County’s housing market has seen a 21.5% year-over-year increase, according to the real estate website redfin.com. Renterinsights.com lists the average St. Helens apartment rental at $1,125 per month for a 2-bedroom and $1,350 for a 1-bedroom. The price of a Studio at St. Helens Place, one of three St. Helens properties with current availability, is listed at $1,435 a month - a 19.6% rise since its rental price in July 2021. Silver lining While securing affordable housing in Columbia County still poses a challenge to residents, new developments are taking shape. Olivia Whittaker, social
media and marketing manager for Scappoose Candlelight Apartments, estimates the first building will open to renters in late July or early August. “We don’t have a set date exactly, but (expect) sometime this summer,” she said. Between the two buildings, there are 80 units, and residents will have access to several amenities, including a pool. “There is a waitlist. I don’t believe that it’s full,” Whittaker said. “If anyone is interested, they can always call us.” St. Helens City officials have pledged to address the housing problem by “working closely with developers to facilitate the permitting process so that permits can be issued as quickly as possible,” according to St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King. “The City is also focused on addressing major infrastructure needs as our community continues to grow.”
“We need to ensure that we can meet the growing demands for water, sewer, roads, parks, sidewalks, etcetera,” King said. Scappoose As part of its 50 Year Plan, Scappoose City Council adopted Goal 2D – Develop a Long-Term Comprehensive Community Vision for fiscal year 2021 – 2022 in order to look at land needs over the next 50 years, according to Scappoose City Manager Alexandra Rains. A 2023-2043 Housing Needs Analysis commissioned by the city revealed that nearly a third of Scappoose residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. “To address the affordability issue in Scappoose, the City will be looking at what measures they can take to accommodate future needed housing,” Scappoose City Manager Alexandra
Rains said. Some of these measures include completing a Housing Needs and Economic Opportunities Analysis, updating the Comprehensive Plan and Development Code, and completing an Urban Growth Boundary Analysis to see if an expansion, swap of UGB lands, or establishment of Urban Reserves is warranted. City administration expects the 50 Year Plan will span several fiscal years and be completed by 2024. The Chronicle authored a Facebook post asking for renters to describe their experience renting in St. Helens and Scappoose. The post received 59 comments. Read the comments on The Chronicle’s Facebook page. Community Action Team helps connect people with affordable housing in their community. For more information, go to their website: https://cat-team.org.
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Public Notices
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CH22-1122
CH22-1126
FORM UR-1
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING
A public meeting of the Columbia County Development Agency will be held on June 21, 2022 at 5:00 pm at the Columbia County Courthouse, Annex Meeting Room, located at 230 Strand St., St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 as approved by the Columbia County Development Agency Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at 230 Strand Street in St. Helens, Oregon, between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or online at www.ccdaoregon.org. This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as was used the preceding year. This meeting will be conducted in person, digitally via https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/943843245 and by phone 1-(877)-309-2073 access code 943-843-245
Contact: Louise Kallstrom, Finance and Tax Director
Telephone: 503-397-7252
Email: louise.kallstrom@columbiacountyor.gov
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES Actual Amount
TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS
2020-2021
Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital Federal, State and All Other Grants All Other Resources Except Division of Tax & Special Levy Revenue from Division of Tax Total Resources
Adopted Budget
6,891,403 0 85,761 2,774,070 9,751,234
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION 103,331 756,954 0 0 0 0 860,285
Materials and Services Debt Service Interfund Transfers Contingencies Special Payments Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance Total Requirements
Approved Budget
This Year 2021-2022 8,756,754 0 150,500 140,000 9,047,254
Next Year 2022-2023 100,000 0 100,500 8,240,056 8,440,556
152,500 8,325,873 0 569,381 0 0 9,047,754
152,500 7,861,168 0 426,888 0 8,440,556
FINANCIAL SUMMARY-REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM * Non-Departmental / Non-Program 860,285 9,047,754 FTE 0 0 Total Requirements 860,285 9,047,754 Total FTE 0 0
8,440,556 0 8,440,556 0
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING The fiscal year 2021-2022 budget anticipates paying off the water system and rail system loans.
STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding July 1 $0 $0 $7,569,544 $7,569,544
LONG TERM DEBT General Obligation Bonds Other Bonds Other Borrowings Total
Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1 $0 $0 $0 $0
NOTICE OF VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON PUBLIC MEETING Notice is hereby given, the Columbia County Transportation and Road Advisory Committee (CCTRAC) will hold a virtual and in person public meeting on; Thu, June 23, 2022, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PST). Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// meet.goto.com/140704549 CH22-1128
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to RONALD MILLER that the undersigned will sell the lots located at Account Number: 7197 Map and Taxlot: 3224-BC02400 Owner: MILLER RONALD & COX DAVID STANLEY ALLEN Mailing Address: 11000 SW
NOTICE OF MEETING
CH22-1123
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING
A public meeting of the Meadowview Service District SDL-1 (Columbia County) Board of Commissioners will be held on June 21, 2021 at 5:00 pm at 230 Strand St., Courthouse Annex Conference Room in St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 as approved by the Meadowview Service District SDL-1 Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at 230 Strand Street in St Helens, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as used the preceding year. This meeting will be conducted in person, digitally via https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/831454733 and by phone 1-(866)-899-4679 access code 831-454-733. Contact: Louise Kallstrom, Finance and Tax Director
TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital All Other Resources Except Property Taxes Property Taxes Estimated to be Received Total Resources
Telephone: 503-397-7252
Adopted Budget This Year 2021-22
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION Materials and Services 2,459 Contingencies 0 Special Payments 0 Unappropriated Ending Balance/Reserved Future Expenditure 0 Total Requirements 2,459 FTE 0 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING
Approved Budget Next Year 2022-23 2,670 60 1,300 4,030
0 30 3,800 3,830
2,245 985 0 800 4,030 0
2,245 985 0 800 4,030 0
No change in tax levy from prior fiscal year
LONG TERM DEBT General Obligation Bonds Total
cated at 34240 Millard Road, Warren, Oregon 97053.
CH22-1005
NOTICE OF MEETING The Greater St. Helens Aquatic District is holding their board meeting at
Eisenschmidt Pool basement at 5 p.m. on June 20, 2022.
Email: louise.kallstrom@columbiacountyor.gov
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES Actual Amount 2020-21 3,106 31 1 1,354 4,492
Permanent Rate Levy (rate limit _________ per $1,000) Local Option Levy Levy For General Obligation Bonds
74TH AVE TIGARD, OR 97223 This property may be sold on or after 2nd of July, 2022. Proceeds will go to offset taxes and expenses that have been accrued. David Dennis Cox C/o Jt@jtstudios.com
CH22-1129
McNulty Water PUD Board meeting will be held July 5th, 2022, at 7pm. Lo-
FORM LB-1
You can also dial in using your phone: United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (571) 317-3116 Access Code: 140-704-549 Or you can join the meeting in person: Columbia County Public Works, Healy Hall, 1054 Oregon Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Julie Wheeler, Secretary.
PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed
Rate or Amount Imposed
Rate or Amount Approved
1200
1200
2703
STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1. $0 $0
Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1 $0 $0
CH22-1112
CH22-1130
STATEMENTS AVAILABLE The statement of procedures for Columbia County are available for review at the Columbia County
Courthouse and https.//www. columbiacountyor. gov/ departments/Finance/Expenditures.
CH22-1113
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF CLARK COUNTY In the District Court of Clark County and in the State of Washington Case No. 22N000228 Rebecca Marie Kruger Plaintiff/ Petitioner vs Alexander Timothy Rowe Defendant/ Respondent Public Notice is hereby given that on May 6, 2022, a petition was
filed for change of family name in Clark County Washington. The petition requests that the name of Alistair Isaac Rowe be changed to Alistair Morgan Cooper. Failure to appear may result in a ruling without your participation or testimony.
CH22-1115
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of: Dennis Duane Miller, Deceased. No. 22PB04115 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Ken Stansbury has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present their
claims, with proper vouchers, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights are affected by the proceedings may obtain additional informa-
CH22-1118
tion from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published June 1, 2022. MARK A. GORDON, P.C. OSB No. 812424 Attorney for Personal Representative, 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, 503-397-9066.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of Charles Edward Mueller, Deceased. Case No. 22PB02725 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bryan Keith Mueller has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present them, with vouch-
Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of LLOYD ADELBERT WEGNER, Deceased. Case No. 22PB04987 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
195 Frantz 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 right may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the lawyers for the personal representative, Gary M. Bullock. Dated and first published on June 1, 2022. Sandra Wegner,
Personal Representative. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Sandra Wegner, 195 Frantz Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, Telephone: (503) 320-5043 LAWYER FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Gary M. Bullock OSB #660229, Gary M. Bullock and Associates, PC, 205 SE Spokane Street, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97202. Telephone: (503) 228-6277, Email: gary@garymbullock. com.
1
ers attached, to Bryan Keith Mueller, personal representative, at c/o Mark J Lang, Attorney at Law, 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: June 1, 2022. /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: June 1, June 8, and June 15, 2022
CH22-1117
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of CHARLES AMBLER ROGERS III, Deceased. Case No. 22PB01665 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate.
All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice to the personal representative at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, 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. DATED and first published, June 1, 2022. Sandra Rogers, Personal Representative.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Public Notices
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING
FORM OR-LB-1
A public meeting of the Columbia County 4H & Extension Service District will be held on June 21st, 2022 at 5: 00pm at The Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 as approved by the Col. County 4H & Extension District Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at OSU/Columbia County EXtension Service Office, 505 N. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens, Oregon, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or online at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/columbia . This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as the preceding year. This meeting will be conducted in person, digitally via https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/289007645 and by phone 1-(866)899-4679 access code 289-007-645
CH22-1125
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING Regular Meeting Time Change, June 21, 2022, 5:00 p.m. The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors for Columbia River PUD scheduled for June 21, 2022, will begin at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving a Northwest regional update from Energy Northwest, 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 503-3971844. Columbia River PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public
meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to at-tend is welcome. Please visit our website at https://www.crpud.net/ my-pud/board-of-directors/ board-meetings/ for more information on attending this meeting electronically. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager.
CH22-1124 FORM LB-1
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING
A public meeting of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners will be held on June 21, 2022 at 5:00 p.m at the Courthouse Annex Meeting Room, 230 Strand St., St. Helens, Oregon and on June 22, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Rainier Transit Station at 207 W B Street Rainier, Oregon. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 as approved by the Columbia County Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at 230 Strand Street in St Helens, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as used the preceding year. This meeting will be conducted in person, digitally via https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/357054141 and by phone 1-(866)-899-4679 access code 357-054-141. Contact: Louise Kallstrom, Finance and Tax Director
Telephone: 503-397-7252
TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS
Email: louise.kallstrom@columbiacountyor.gov
Actual Amount
Adopted Budget
Approved Budget
2020-2021
This Year 2021-2022
Next Year 2022-2023
Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital
19,473,675
23,388,926
26,984,376
Fees, Licenses, Permits, Fines, Assessments & Other Service Charges
12,674,388
10,850,099
12,269,071
Federal, State and all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations and Donations
26,938,065
32,766,241
26,726,223
0
0
0
8,510,617
7,873,161
11,992,105
Revenue from Bonds and Other Debt Interfund Transfers / Internal Service Reimbursements All Other Resources Except Current Year Property Taxes
1,790,397
2,109,616
7,069,057
Current Year Property Taxes Estimated to be Received
12,037,522
12,588,323
13,195,185
81,424,664
89,576,366
98,236,017
Personnel Services
22,553,941
28,533,511
32,931,276
Materials and Services
18,969,984
34,434,116
41,774,917
Capital Outlay
1,530,193
9,493,291
5,300,723
Debt Service
1,355,196
1,309,573
2,180,562
Interfund Transfers
4,649,133
2,644,086
2,304,799
0
11,656,358
11,929,401
Total Resources FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION
Contingencies Special Payments Unappropriated Ending Balance and Reserved for Future Expenditure Total Requirements
5,528
5,431
5,393
32,360,689
1,500,000
1,808,946
81,424,664
89,576,366
98,236,017
CH22-1120
Contact: Chip Bubl
Email: chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu
Telephone: 503 397-3462
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS Actual Amount Adopted Budget Approved Budget A public meeting of the Columbia County 4H & Extension Service District will be held on June 21st, 2022 at 5: 00pm at The Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. 2020-2021 ThisbyYear 2021-22 Next Year 2022-23 Helens, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 as approved the Col. County 4H & Extension District Budget Committee.Fund A summary of the Working budget is Capital presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at OSU/Columbia County EXtension 849,893 912,518 Service Office, 505 N. 1,102,518 Beginning Balance/Net Columbia River Permits, Highway, Fines, St. Helens, Oregon, between hours Charges of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or online at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/columbia 5,972 7,000 . This budget is for an 7,000 Fees, Licenses, Assessments & Otherthe Service annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as the preceding year. This meeting will be conducted in person, digitally via Federal, State & all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations & Donations 22,883 3,000 8,000 https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/289007645 and by phone 1-(866)899-4679 access code 289-007-645 9,635 20,000 25,000 Revenue from Bonds and Other Debt 20,000 20,000 15,000 Interfund Transfers / Internal Service Reimbursements All Other Resources Except Current Year Property Taxes Current Year Property Taxes Estimated to be Received 306,303 300,000 350,000 Contact: Chip Bubl Telephone: 503 397-3462 Total Resources 1,214,686 Email: chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu 1,262,518 1,507,518 FORM OR-LB-1
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS Actual Amount Adopted Budget Approved Budget Personnel Services 149,570 199,000 222,000 Materials and Services 130,000 200,000 2020-2021 87,846 This Year 2021-22 Next Year 2022-23 849,893 912,518 1,102,518 Capital Outlay 0 15,000 12,000 Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital 5,972 7,000 7,000 Fees, Licenses, Permits, Fines, Assessments & Other Service Charges Debt Service 0 0 0 InterfundState Transfers 20,000 20,000 15,000 Federal, & all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations & Donations 22,883 3,000 8,000 Contingencies 270,518 243,518 9,635 20,000 25,000 Revenue from Bonds and Other Debt Special Payments 20,000 20,000 15,000 Interfund Transfers / Internal Service Reimbursements Unappropriated Ending Balance andYear Reserved for Future 957,270 628,000 815,000 All Other Resources Except Current Property Taxes Expenditure Total Year Requirements 1,214,686 1,262,518 1,507,518 Current Property Taxes Estimated to be Received 306,303 300,000 350,000 Total Resources 1,214,686 1,262,518 1,507,518 FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM * Name of Organizational Unit or Program FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION FTE for that unit or program Personnel Services 149,570 199,000 222,000 General Fund 1,002,168 1,030,000 1,260,000 Materials and Services 87,846 130,000 200,000 FTE Outlay 2 2 3 Capital 0 15,000 12,000 Building fund 212,518 232,518 247,518 Debt Service 0 0 0 FTE 0 0 0 Interfund Transfers 20,000 20,000 15,000 Name Contingencies 270,518 243,518 FTE Payments Special Name Unappropriated Ending Balance and Reserved for Future Expenditure 957,270 628,000 815,000 FTE Requirements Total 1,214,686 1,262,518 1,507,518 Name FTE FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM * Name Name of Organizational Unit or Program FTE for that unit or program Name Fund General 1,002,168 1,030,000 1,260,000 FTE FTE 2 2 3 Not Allocated Building fund to Organizational Unit or Program 212,518 232,518 247,518 FTE 0 0 0 Name Total Requirements 1,214,686 1,262,518 1,507,518 FTETotal FTE 2 2 3 Name FTE STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING * Name Increasing non-academic staff by 1.0 FTE to provide more support for faculty. With the Pandemic laregly behind us, expect more expenses as our educational FTE outreach grows. Re-filling a vacant faculty position (OSU supported) at the start of the 22-23 fiscal year. Projected poperty tax returns increasing ~5%. Personnel Name FTE(wages, PERS, medical insurance mainly) going up. costs Name FTE Not Allocated to Organizational Unit or Program FTE PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Total Requirements 1,214,686 1,262,518 Rate or Amount Approved 1,507,518 Rate or Amount Imposed Rate or Amount Imposed Total FTE 2 2 2020-21 This Year 2021-22 Next Year 2022-23_ 3 Permanent Rate Levy (rate limit $0.0571 per $1,000) $0.0571 $0.0571 $0.0571 Local Option Levy STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING * Levy For General Obligation Increasing non-academic staffBonds by 1.0 FTE to provide more support for faculty. With 1 the Pandemic laregly behind us, expect more expenses as our educational outreach grows. Re-filling a vacant faculty position (OSU supported) at the start of the 22-23 fiscal year. Projected poperty tax returns increasing ~5%. Personnel STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS costs (wages, PERS, medical insurance mainly) going up. Estimated Debt Outstanding Estimated Debt Authorized, But LONG TERM DEBT on July 1. Not Incurred on July 1 General Obligation Bonds Other Bonds Other Borrowings Total * If more space is needed to complete any section of this form, insert lines (rows) on this sheet. You may delete blank lines. 150-504-064 (Rev. 11-19-21)
1
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM * Name of Organizational Unit or Program FTE for that unit or program 100 General Fund
Actual Amount
Adopted Budget
Approved Budget
2020-2021
This Year 2021-2022
Next Year 2022-2023
19,329,061
FTE
103.87
201 Public Works Fund
23,795,873 106.75
111.44
5,872,048
FTE
24.29
18,553,037 24.14
202 Forest, Parks & Rec Fund 3.00
1,608,400 3.00
203 Community Corrections Fund 22.22
5,047,418 18.82
204 Fairgrounds Fund 0.00
618,200 0.00
207 Solid Waste Franchise Fund FTE
1.85
1.85
3.46
1.93 13,543,837
2.69
209 Corner Preservation Fund 0.70
292,500 0.70
210 Inmate Benefits Fund 0.00
555,629 0.00
211 Courthouse Security Fund 0.00
242,204 0.00
213 Law Library Fund 0.00
67,500 0.00
214 Economic Deveopment Fund 0.00
877,000 0.00
216 Public Transit Fund (CC Rider) 3.00
2,185,484 3.00
217 Land Development-Building Services Fund 8.40
1,110,500 7.60
218 Strategic Investment Program Fund 0.00
1,363,233 0.00
220 Jail Fund 37.12
9,269,910 33.97
230 PERS Reserve Fund 0.00
1,400,000 0.00
231 Risk Mangement Fund 0.00
211,000 0.00
232 Clerk Records Reserve Fund 0.00
56,500 0.00
301 Capital Projects Fund 0.00
1,870,128 0.00
305 Major Projects Fund 0.00
Total Requirements Total FTE
207.91
2,290,500 0.00
328,782
FTE
36,000 0.00
81,410
FTE
324,603 0.00
7,973
FTE
930,000 0.00
178,797
FTE
9,454,149 35.46
0
FTE
1,360,536 0.00
7,220,209
FTE
982,226 6.10
1,782,222
FTE
2,890,829 3.00
1,056,138
FTE
1,050,500 0.00
1,839,072
FTE
66,500 0.00
510,229
FTE
196,500 0.00
49,656
FTE
855,335 0.00
71,993
FTE
371,000 0.70
262,347
FTE
19,317,390 3.19
91,181
FTE
7,672,000
305,050 0.00
467,950 0.00
49,063,975
89,576,366 202.52
98,236,017 206.56
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING * The approved FY2021-2022 budget for the General Fund totals $2.1 million than the FY2021-2022 budget. The increases in all other funds is mostly due to increases in Federal grants, payroll adjustments from settling of union contracts, remaining implementation of the salary study and increasing contingencies. The total approved FY2021-2022 budgets for all other funds is $72.3 million, or $6.5 million more than last year. The increase in General Fund is due to adding staff for Sheriff's office, District Attorney's department, Public Health. This budget maintains current service levels. Almost one-quarter of the budget is allocated to public safety functions. The General Fund makes up more than 26% of the total budget and includes a variety of general government services such as land use planning, public safety services including the Sheriff's Office patrol and the county’s emergency management, and county-wide support services such as Counsel, Finance, Information Technology and Human Resources. The Public Works Fund and the Jail Operations Fund each have budgets totaling more than $16.6 million and $9.4 million respectively, and combined make up 27% of the county's FY2022-2023 operational footprint. PROPERTY TAX LEVIES
Permanent Rate Levy
Rate or Amount Imposed
Rate or Amount Imposed
Rate or Amt Approved
2020-2021
This Year 2021-2022
Next Year 2022-2023
$1.3956 / $1,000
$1.3956 / $1,000
$1.3956 / $1,000
$0.5797/$1,000
$0.5797/$1,000
$0.5797/$1,000
(rate limit 0.5996 per $1,000)
Local Option Levy Levy For General Obligation Bonds STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS LONG TERM DEBT General Obligation Bonds Other Bonds Other Borrowings Total
Estimated Debt Outstanding
Estimated Debt Authorized, But
on July 1.
Not Incurred on July 1
$0
none
$4,940,000
none
$761,860
none
$5,701,860
$0
* If more space is needed to complete any section of this form, insert lines (rows) on this sheet. You may delete blank lines.
Email: jessicapi@sthelens.k12.or.us
Telephone: 503.366.7225
Contact: Jessica Seay
677,167
6,602,963
3,535,175
FTE
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING A public meeting of the Board of Directors of the St. Helens School District #502 will be held on June 22, 2022 at 6:30 PM at 474 N. 16th Street, in St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 as approved by the St. Helens School District #502 Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at 474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens, Oregon between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or online at www.sthelens.k12.or.us/domain/22. Individuals who request a personal copy shall pay a nominal fee of $3.00. This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as the preceding year.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES Actual Amount Last Year 2020-21 $14,538,830 12,138,616 4,082,193 373,038 21,724,731 3,315,695 281,373 64,999,736 $121,454,212
TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS
0.50
3,293,148
208 Grant Fund
4,963,860
CH22-1127
16.90
302,111
FTE
1,711,800 3.20
2,593,310
FTE
16,678,500 24.14
659,113
FTE
25,938,672
Beginning Fund Balance Current Year Property Taxes, other than Local Option Taxes Other Revenue from Local Sources Revenue from Intermediate Sources Revenue from State Sources Revenue from Federal Sources Interfund Transfers All Other Budget Resources Total Resources
Adopted Budget This Year 2021-22 $74,728,124 12,618,611 4,229,270 230,715 23,024,572 7,744,664 738,827 460,000 $123,774,783
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION Salaries $17,916,139 Other Associated Payroll Costs 9,651,533 Purchased Services 6,738,850 Supplies & Materials 1,778,808 Capital Outlay 1,146,338 Other Objects (except debt service & interfund transfers) 397,820 Debt Service 5,575,482 Interfund Transfers 281,373 Operating Contingency Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance & Reserves 77,967,869 $121,454,212 Total Requirements
Approved Budget Next Year 2022-23 $69,936,852 14,686,482 4,196,171 256,200 27,054,052 5,759,441 836,340 460,000 $123,185,538
$21,255,259 10,519,285 10,515,490 3,863,002 32,655,641 684,247 5,758,290 738,830 2,200,000 35,584,738 $123,774,783
$23,950,632 11,062,818 9,235,674 3,202,690 42,431,254 944,184 7,669,204 836,340 3,270,000 20,582,743 $123,185,538
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY FUNCTION 1000 Instruction $21,016,877 $23,927,486 FTE 190.8 196.5 2000 Support Services 11,659,305 16,604,755 FTE 83.4 95.4 3000 Enterprise & Community Service 1,026,093 1,814,339 1 FTE 13.6 14.9 4000 Facility Acquisition & Construction 3,927,213 37,146,345 FTE 5000 Other Uses 5100 Debt Service 5,575,482 5,758,290 5200 Interfund Transfers 281,373 738,830 6000 Contingency 2,200,000 77,967,869 35,584,738 7000 Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance Total Requirements $121,454,212 $123,774,783 Total FTE 287.8 306.8
$26,524,955 210.9 17,524,561 106.1 1,698,236 17.4 45,079,499 7,669,204 836,340 3,270,000 20,582,743 $123,185,538 334.4
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING The 2021-2022 budget was amended to reflect additional State School Fund resources in the General Fund which correlate to an increase in district enrollment. Additionally, the Special Revenues Fund increased primarily due to new Summer Learning Grants administered by Oregon Department of Education. In the 2022-2023 budget, the District will continue to use federal resources related to COVID 19 relief to support students and improve facilities. Additionally, the 2022-2023 budget reflects an increase in property taxes related to an increased levy in taxes to pay principal and interest owed on new general obligations bonds that were approved by voters in 2020. Proceeds from these bonds support renovations at St. Helens High School. PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed $5.0297 $2,490,825
Permanent Rate Levy (Rate Limit $5.0297 per $1,000) Levy For General Obligation Bonds
Rate or Amount Imposed $5.0297 $2,824,085
STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1 $48,745,535 $54,906,718 $15,099,037 $118,751,290
LONG TERM DEBT General Obligation Bonds - 2017 General Obligation Bonds - 2020 Other Bonds Total
Rate or Amount Approved $5.0297 $5,082,255
Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1 None $3,172 None $3,172
The Public Notice deadline for The Chronicle is Fridays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
150-504-073-2 (Rev. 02-14)
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Read more in a special presentation at thechronicleonline.com
J
Kiwanis Community Parade
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showing off what we do what we stand for, why we live here, and what we are proud of. The parade itself offers an opportunity for people to have an idea, organization, be creative, set a goal, and make something from concept to completion.” The parade theme, “Coming Back Together 2022,” is to remember and celebrate what we have in common as a community after being without a parade for two long years, according to Knox. This year’s parade Grand Marshall is Colum-
provided and driven tractors and trailers that have been converted into floats for groups such as the Columbia County Dairy Women, Oregon State Dairy Princess Ambassador, Columbia County Fair Board, RSVP My Fair Lady Court and the Warren Grange. Specific details about the history of the Community Parade are unclear, but the committee members said the event has been called the Salmon Derby, Port o-Fun, and evolved into the St. Helens Kiwanis Community Parade. The 2022 parade is said to be the 107th such event.
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From Page A1
bia County Commissioner Henry Heimuller, a lifelong community member. “Besides a lifetime of participation as a spectator of the Port-O-Fun parade, my actual involvement in helping to organize the parade began in 1979 when I became a member of the St. Helens Jaycees, who at that time organized the St. Helens Port-O-Fun celebration which included the parade, carnival, beer garden, concerts, queen coronation and pageant, among many other activities spanning 3 1/2 days the third weekend of June each year,” Heimuller said. “For two or three of my years as a Jaycee, I was the parade chairman.” Heimuller said over the course of many years he has
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www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Pittsburg Road Reservoir Project moving forward
Courtesy from the City of St. Helens
The city worked with its contractor to determine and repair the source of the leaks. SUBMITTED BY THE CITY OF ST. HELENS
In April 2022, the City of St. Helens reached a settlement with Western Partition, Inc., concerning the 2MG (two million gallon) Water Reservoir Rehabilitation Project on Pittsburg Road. The settlement allows the City to move forward with repairing the reservoir with a goal of putting it back in service by Fall 2023. This time frame will allow the forensic and structural engineers of Walker Consultants to complete their full investigation of the reservoir and provide
the City with recommendations for repair. It will also allow for the development of the repair/rehabilitation construction documents and the public procurement and contracting processes. The City expects to bid and award the contract to repair the reservoir in 2022, but because of the impact of wet weather conditions in the fall and winter, it is not advisable to begin repair of the underground structure until the following year in the drier months. The dispute resolution arose from the installation of a liner membrane in 2017 to address leaks in the 2MG potable-water reservoir owned by the City
Courtesy from the City of St. Helens
Crews conduct specialized testing at the reservoir site.
of St. Helens. The City contracted with Western Partition, Inc., to install the liner. After installation, the reservoir’s leakage rate increased dramatically. What followed was several years of the city, under legal counsel advice, working with the contractor to determine and repair the source of the leaks. Efforts included microscopic and porosity tests of the liner, CCTV and pressure tests of the inlet and discharge pipes, multiple dive inspections, multiple liner repairs, and specialized testing such as Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM). After all efforts to repair the liner failed, it was
finally agreed by all parties that repairing and patching the liner membrane was not likely to result in a successful outcome. The settlement allows the City to move forward with necessary repairs to the reservoir using a new contractor. The new work will be fully funded with the money received from the settlement. The City is currently working with the forensic and structural engineers of Walker Consultants based out of Seattle to determine the best repair alternatives for the reservoir. For more information, contact the City of St. Helens at 503-397-6272.
Courtesy from the City of St. Helens
Efforts to determine and repair the source of the leaks included microscopic and porosity tests of the liner and pressure tests of the inlet and discharge pipes.
Crossword Puzzle
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: AT THE BEACH ACROSS
1. Like a certain eagle 5. *Beach-goer’s protective acronym 8. “To ____ and to hold” 12. Arabian bigwig 13. Indian lentil staple 14. Wild West grazer 15. TV prize 16. Between Illinois and Nebraska 17. Quick and light on one’s feet 18. *Wooden walkway by the beach 20. Not this 21. Unwritten examinations 22. Cherry middle 23. Relating to a rib 26. *Beach suit type 29. Kanye’s genre 30. Pool hall mishap 33. 52 cards 35. *Sunny Dutch Caribbean vacation destination 37. Be unwell 38. Eagle’s home 39. Precedes carotene? 40. Twisted or meandered 42. Chill, with ‘out’ 43. Seat by day, bed by night 45. Modifies 47. *Just out of the water
48. Parallel grooves 50. Arrival times 52. *Wave rider 56. Nitrogen, in the olden days 57. In ____ of 58. Hipbones 59. Parcel of land 60. Et alibi 61. Auctioneer’s exclamation 62. A.C.T. section 63. Tie the knot 64. *Casual beach tops
DOWN
1. British Broadcasting Corporation, colloquially 2. Shells in a magazine 3. Capital of Peru 4. Fungus damage (2 words) 5. *Same as sandbar 6. Catch for a ratchet’s notch, pl. 7. Criticism 8. *Water at its highest (2 words) 9. The largest continent 10. Retired electric Chevy 11. Compass dir. 13. Hindu Festival of Lights 14. Dyed fabric 19. Type of TV show
22. Eating contest staple 23. *Decapod on a beach 24. *Propelled like a paddle board 25. Plural of sputum 26. Type of bin in a grocery store 27. Bundle of axons 28. Slipperier 31. *Building material found at the beach 32. Jack Ryan’s and Jason Bourne’s org. 34. Barrels of beer 36. *Hasselhoff’s beach TV show 38. Improvise 40. Exercise group 41. Upbraiding 44. Annoy 46. Lao Tzu follower 48. Hotel room option 49. Metallica’s “Don’t ____ On Me” 50. Poet Pound 51. To perfection (3 words) 52. A bunch 53. *End-of-day summertime soother 54. Rub the wrong way 55. Pops 56. Cash dispenser
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Port adopts $14.9M budget McNulty Creek Clark also said that the Port is moving forward with the site preparation at the McNulty Creek Industrial Park in St. Helens, preparing it for development. “McNulty Creek is a certified site by the State of Oregon and one of the few shovel-ready industrial sites in Columbia County,” Clark said. “The Port is actively marketing the site for a possible build-to-suit opportunity to businesses looking to locate or expand in the county.” NEXT Renewable Fuels
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Port of Columbia County has adopted a $14.9 million operating budget. The 2022-23 budget is a slight decrease from the previous fiscal year, according to Port officials, who attributed that to a smaller projected capital outlay. The Port of Columbia County Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday, June 8, to adopt the fiscal year budget and to set the port’s annual property tax levy to an assessed rate of zero for the third year in a row. Highlights in the 2022-2023 budget • There are 42 business tenants located on port property sites throughout the district and over 100 individual tenants at each of the Scappoose Airport and Scappoose Bay Marina. • Combined budgeted revenues for all tenant leases, permits, and licenses amount to more than $5.1 million. • Port Westward remains the port’s most profitable property site, accounting for $3.305 million of revenue and 52.8% of the port’s total revenue. • The port intends to spend an estimated $5.6
million in capital projects. Over the past 10 fiscal years the port has invested over $38.4 million throughout the port district. “The port has proven over the years that it can be fiscally sustainable,” Port of Columbia County Executive Director Sean Clark said. “Our strong financial position allows us to leave the tax levy at zero for another year and let that money stay with residents and businesses in the port district.” Clarks outlines developing Port projects in his budget message, including three central projects: Scappoose Airport The Port completed the new 31,500 sq.ft. building at the Scappoose Airport last year. “The Port is currently marketing the new building and anticipates that it will be occupied during the coming year,” he stated. “The addition of the new building and recent infrastructure improvements at the airport are attracting business interest both within the airport fence and the surrounding vicinity, expanding opportunities for the Port and in support of the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC).”
In FY 18-19, the Port approved a lease option for NEXT Renewable Fuels with the intent to build a facility to produce renewable diesel. “Once in operation, this $2B facility will generate upwards of 240 jobs and an additional $4-6 million a year in revenue for the Port,” Clark said. “In September of 2021, NEXT began making lease payments to the Port of $108k per month.” At the time of the budget message printing, NEXT was waiting for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) air quality permit. Clark stated that NEXT has started the Environmental Impact Statement process with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Footprint The Port’s portfolio of about 2,400 acres of land is comprised of six industrial parks, an airport, a marine park with an RV park and campground, and two other property sites. The budget committee consists of the Port Commissioners and an equal number of community members who oversee and approve the annual budget process. View the entire 20222023 Port budget with this story at thechronicleonline. com.
Courtesy from RSVP
Pictured from left to right are My Fair Lady Princess Alice Long (Scappoose), Queen Lynn Shaw-Hayes, Amy Everman, Princess Renee Swartz (Clatskanie), and Princess Rosemary Scandale (Rainier).
RSVP Volunteer of the Month Everyone loves her. She wonderful” about volunteernever stops working. That girl ing. is just perfection in motion.” I look forward to it every According to Jan Rich, week. And what a surprise; Amy Everman is the Director for the Rainier I can’t believe it! I feel honColumbia County RSVP Vol- Senior Center, “Amy is such ored. You surprised the heck unteer of the Month for June. a delight. She just brightens out of me. I was trying to Everman volunteers at the this center whenever she hold the tears back,” she said. Rainier Senior Center serving comes.” In addition to volunteermeals. She also arranges to Everman’s dog, Ollie, ing, Everman said she loves pick up the cans at Trojan often accompanies her at the clamming, crabbing, gardenPark for the center. center. Ollie is very popular, ing – anything outdoors. She is well liked and has according to Rich. She also represented Rainier a very sparkly personality “Sometimes she brings in the 2016 My Fair Lady which draws people in, and in clams for the staff too,” Pageant. makes everyone around her Rich said. “It’s hard to keep Columbia County Retired smile, according to a release her down; she’s always doSenior and Volunteer Profrom RSVP. ing something. She serves gram (RSVP) is a nonprofit “She is so absolutely meals at all of our special senior support organization awesome,” the center’s Carla events like St. Patrick’s located at 270 Columbia Bodenhamer said. “She loves Day, Thanksgiving, etc. She Blvd. in St. Helens. To reach everybody and has a heart always serves at those things the office, call 503-397-5655, of gold. She’s the one you’d 11-16-11 3x2D Cuts:Layout 1 6/22/12 3:28 PM Page because she does such a good or see 1 RSVP’s Facebook want to help – she always has job, and everyone likes her.” page at www.facebook.com/ 11-16-11her 3x2D Cuts:Layout 1 6/22/12 3:28 PM Page 1 your back. You mention Everman said she “feels columbiacountyrsvp. name and people just smile. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
College enrollment declines again in 2021
JESSICA NELSON Chronicle Guest Article
College enrollment among recent high school graduates fell to 61.8% in 2021, a drop of 0.9 percentage point after a larger decline of 3.5 percentage points in 2020. For the past 15 years, the overall share of recent high school graduates that are attending college by October of the year they graduated hovered between 66% and 70%. The 2021 college enrollment rate was the lowest since 2001. While it might make logical sense to think that enrollment rates of recent high school graduates would depend to some degree on the business cycle, in the last couple of decades the decision to attend college immediately after high school doesn’t appear to change much in economic expansions versus recessions. Even the pandemic, which moved so much training online, only caused a dip of a few percentage points in the overall share of recent grads attending college. However, the labor market experiences of recent high school graduates vary considerably with the strength or weakness of the economy, with young people graduating from high school during recessions facing much higher unemployment rates and more difficulty finding work, regardless of college enrollment. Between January and October 2021, 2.7 million young people in the United States graduated from high school. Another 449,000 young people dropped out of high school between October 2020 and October 2021. Of those who graduated, 1.7 million (62%) enrolled in college by October 2021, with 1.5 million enrolling full time. Most enrolled in four-year colleges (1.2 million). These numbers come from the Current Population Survey produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is the same survey that establishes the
The 2021 college enrollment rate is the lowest since 2001.
unemployment rates and labor force participation rates for the nation, states, and local areas. Long-term college enrollment increases plateau Increases in college enrollment rates have plateaued in the last couple of decades. Back in 1960, fewer than half (45%) of recent high school graduates enrolled in college by the fall following graduation. By 1970, just over half of recent graduates were enrolled. The numbers dipped back below the 50% mark through the early 1970s, but by the early 1980s the share rose above 50% and kept on rising. In 1990, the share of recent high school grads enrolled in college reached 60%. It’s stayed between 60% and 70% ever since. In the 1990s, college enrollment averaged 63%. That rose to a range of 66% to 70% from the 2000s through 2019, before retreating to 63% in 2020 during the pandemic, and 62% in 2021. College enrollment rates for recent high school graduates have been pretty steady for nearly 30 years now. Among recent high school graduates, women tend to have slightly higher college enrollment than men, and that’s been the case since the 1990s. The gap has been widening, as
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college enrollment among women has increased in the last decade, while men’s enrollment has been steady. Over the last decade, enrollment in the October after high school graduation averaged 63% among men and 71% among women. The prior decade it averaged 64% of men and 70% of women. In 2021, enrollment among women rebounded, while men’s enrollment declined in both 2020 and 2021. The share of students choosing to attend fouryear colleges and two-year colleges has stayed in a tight range over the past 20 years. Of the 62% to 70% of high school graduates that enroll in college by the fall following graduation, most enroll in four-year colleges. This group tends to make up a little more than 40% of the most recent year’s graduating class. Those enrolling in two-year colleges account for about one-quarter of recent graduates. Dropping out of high school can have long-lasting economic consequences for an individual and their community. But despite the risks, some high school students drop out of school each year. Dropouts make up the smallest share of exits from United States high schools, but their numbers are still sizeable. More young people dropped out in 2020 amid the CO-
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VID-19 pandemic, 575,000 instead of about 516,000 on average over the prior five years. In 2021, fewer high schoolers dropped out, accounting for 449,000 young people in the U.S. Outside of the shock of a global pandemic, the strength of the current job market doesn’t appear to affect a recent graduate’s college enrollment choices, or at least not for most youth. With the much-vaunted value of postsecondary education in the job market, including higher average pay, lower unemployment rates, and increased job satisfaction, the decision to enroll in college is about more than last month’s unemployment rate. Enrollment rates move up or down year by year, but most of the time these moves don’t match up well with times of recession and expansion in the overall economy. For instance, enrollment of recent high school graduates moved very little in the depths of the Great Recession in 2009. Just a few percentage points separate enrollment in 2009 and 2010 from the rates in 2017 and 2018, when unemployment rates were near record lows. Students and their parents likely view the decision to enroll in college, or not to enroll, with a longerterm lens. Business cycle matters While overall rates of college enrollment directly after high school graduation don’t appear to be affected by current strength or weakness in the economy, youth face very different job market outcomes in recession versus expansion. Young workers enjoyed the fruits of a strong economy in the years leading up to the pandemic, with unemployment near record lows. In the pandemic recession, younger workers were heavily affected by job losses and reduced hours, because their employment is more concentrated in lower-wage, entry-level jobs that were the first to go at the onset of the pandemic. We can see these larger trends at work in the details about the experiences of recent high school graduates. Labor force participation doesn’t vary much in times of expansion and recession. About half of recent high school graduates have been in the labor force throughout the last decade. In 2020 and 2021, recent graduates’ labor force participation
dropped to 46%. Men’s labor force participation rebounded in 2021, while women’s rate continued to slip, with the decline concentrated among young women enrolled in college. One-third of college enrolled recent graduates were in the labor force in 2021, compared with 38% prior to the recession. Those who aren’t enrolled in college are far more likely to be in the labor force. In both 2019 and 2021, the share of not enrolled recent graduates participating in the labor force was about double that of recent graduates who had enrolled in college. Among enrolled graduates, students who are going to college part time are much more likely to participate in the labor force than their peers who are attending college full time. In 2021, almost half of students enrolled in two-year colleges were in the labor force compared with 27% of those enrolled in four-year colleges. Labor force participation among graduates who chose twoyear colleges was steady in 2021, while participation decreased among those who chose four-year colleges. This is likely a function of the shift away from campus learning during the pandemic, which was more likely to displace students of fouryear universities from their college towns, whereas many students of two-year colleges are already local residents. Recent high school graduates entering the job market during expansions generally have much better chances of landing a job than those who graduate during recession. Back in 2009, recent high school graduates faced an unemployment rate of 28%. The overall U.S. unemployment rate in 2009 and 2010 was above 9%. In 2018 and 2019, unemployment rates were near record lows across the economy, at about 4%. Recent high school graduates in 2018 and 2019 had a much higher unemployment rate, at 14% and 15%, respectively, but the rate was half the 2009 peak. The pandemic recession caused a slight increase in unemployment among recent graduates, with 17% of recent grads who were in the labor force unemployed in 2020, and the rate retreated to 16% in 2021. While fewer recent graduates who are enrolled in college participate in the
labor force, they seem to have more success in their job searches than young people who aren’t enrolled in college the October after graduation. College enrolled graduates averaged 9% unemployment in 2021, a complete recovery when compared with 11% unemployment in 2019. Unemployment rates were higher for not enrolled recent graduates prior to the pandemic, at 18% in 2019, and increased to 20% in 2020 and 22% in 2021. The gap between not enrolled young men and women is large. In 2019, young men who weren’t enrolled in college by October after graduation had a 24% unemployment rate, which dropped to 20% in 2021. Among young women who weren’t enrolled, the rate increased from 12% in 2019 to 25% in 2021. The number of dropouts declined in 2021 to the lowest level in almost a decade. Labor force participation and unemployment rates among 2021 dropouts are about the same as prior to the pandemic. The pandemic recession was very different from the last recession more than a decade ago. Young people who dropped out of high school in the middle of the Great Recession in 2009 had an unemployment rate of 55% – much higher than unemployment among recent graduates, which peaked that year at 28%. The pandemic upset everyone’s plans these last couple of years. While recent high school graduates in the past two years experienced the least typical conditions possible for starting college, the enrollment rate among recent grads dropped by just a few percentage points overall. Taking a more long-term view, the times of swift increases in college enrollment among recent high school graduates appear to have ended. College enrollment has been pretty steady over the past 20 years. The choice to attend college directly after high school doesn’t appear to be swayed by current economic conditions, which makes sense, as the benefits of a college degree last a lifetime. Jessica Nelson is an economist with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at jessica.r.nelson@oregon. gov,or at 800-262-3912, Ext 71276.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
SHHS Graduation 2022 Photos by Zoe Gottlieb
The SHHS graduation ceremony took place rain or shine at the Doc Ackerson stadium at 7 p.m. Friday, June 10.
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