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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

thechronicleonline.com

K9 Bravo joins the force Serving Columbia County since 1881

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The newest member of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office’s (CCSO) is K9 Bravo.

The Chronicle reached out to Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley for details about the agency’s newest law enforcement agent.

The Chronicle: Where did this K9 come from and what was the cost to the Sheriff’s Office?

Sheriff Brian Pixley: The new K9 came from Adlerhorst Kennels in Southern California. We were able to purchase the K9 using donations from community members and local businesses.

The Chronicle: Tells us a little about K9 Bravo.

Pixley: K9 Bravo is a one-and-ahalf-year-old German Shepherd who was born in Romania in December of 2020 and did his police K9 training in the Netherlands. Bravo has his basic training in police apprehension, tracking, and obedience.

Courtesy from the CCSO

K9 Bravo and handler Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Krueger.

The Chronicle: Who is the K9’s handler?

Pixley: Bravo’s handler is Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Krueger. Deputy Krueger began his law enforcement career in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was hired as a Police Officer with the Klamath Falls Police Department in 2014 and served on the SWAT team as a field training officer, a police reserve coordinator, and a member of the honor guard. Deputy Krueger was hired as an Enforcement Deputy with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2021.

Bravo and handler Benjamin Krueger will be attending six weeks of training before being certified through the Oregon Police Canine Association. After completion of school, Bravo will be assigned to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Division. Bravo’s duties will include suspect apprehension, tracking, article searches, and building searches.

Deputy Krueger said he and Bravo are both very excited to begin their partnership and are honored to be able to service the citizens of Columbia County.

Pixley: CCSO currently has 2 K9s, but K9 Lars will soon be retired for medical reasons.

The Chronicle: How many K9s are currently employed by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office?

Donations can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office, at 901 Port Avenue in St. Helens, or made at any InRoads Credit Union location.

intruder on campus.

“We call it the ‘I Love U Guys’ protocol,” he responded. “It’s called the standard response protocol. And there are five different aspects to it.

Hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, or shelter depending on the situation.”

The “I Love U Guys” Foundation serves the lives of students, administrators, public safety experts, families, and first responders through the development and training of school and community safety and family reunification programs, according to the group’s website.

“Our programs have been implemented by over 30,000 schools, agencies, and organizations across the United States, Canada, and 11 other countries,” the website’s homepage states.

The Chronicle reached out to St. Helens High School Superintendent Scot Stockwell with questions about SHHS’s protocols for ensuring student safety on campus. We had not received a response at press time.

protocols following the Uvalde, Texas school shooting that claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers.

Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Communications Director Marc Seigel said it is up to local school districts, not the ODE, whether they want to adopt policies prohibiting firearms on school grounds.

In 2021, ODE issued new guidelines for local school districts to maximize student safety.

“Families deserve to know our kids will be safe when we drop them off to learn. Every student should have access to an education that makes them feel safe, welcomed, and embraced by their peers and their community,” Seigel said. “Creating a positive school climate, centered around student mental health and well-being, is essential to that goal.”

The ODE website states that one tool utilized by local school districts is the SafeOregon Tip Line, developed by the Oregon Task Force on School Safety and administered by the Oregon State Police.

See a complete list of student safety resources on the ODE website.

The Chronicle: Why is having a K9 important to law enforcement in Columbia County?

Pixley: K9s are an important police tool. K9s assist law enforcement in the apprehension of wanted and dangerous suspects, to clear buildings where it may be too dangerous for law enforcement to enter, and help law enforcement subdue and take into custody violent suspects.

The Chronicle: Feel free to add any other comments you might have.

Pixley: I am so thankful for the way Columbia County has supported the Columbia County Volunteers K9 Program 501c3. Donations from local individuals and businesses were used to bring Bravo to CCSO so we can provide more effective policing to Columbia County.

We are now raising funds for a bullet resistant and stab-proof vest for K9 Bravo.

Firearms policy unchanged at SSD ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Scappoose School Board will not prohibit licensees from carrying a concealed firearm on school grounds after reviewing its firearms policies.

On Monday, June 23, Scappoose School Board (SSB) discussed JCFJ - Weapons in the Schools and proposed policy KGBB: Firearms Prohibited following the first reading of the policies in May. According to Superintendent Tim Porter, JCFJ allows (staff) to carry on campus “if they have a Concealed Carry License (CCL).”

“That policy has been revised because of Senate Bill (SB) 554,” he said.

SB 554, passed in 2021, authorizes local school boards to adopt an ordinance or policy limiting possession of firearms in public buildings by concealed handgun licensees.

“So that’s one part of it,” Porter said before the meeting. “The second part is KGBB, (which) would be if the board chose not to allow permit holders to carry on campus. There (is) a discussion on the agenda for tonight’s work session regarding

that.”

Policy KGBB states that no person on school grounds may possess a firearm unless authorized by the board. The firearm must also be unloaded and stored inside a locked motor vehicle.

According to SB 544, if a local school district chooses to prohibit licensees from carrying firearms on campus, the district must adopt an official policy and post “appropriate” signage at entry points of all schools subject to the policy.

Critics of the bill and its requirements argue that armed intruders will be more inclined to commit violent acts on school grounds labeled as “Gun-Free” Zones.

“Gun-Free Zones, they’re free murder zones is what they are,” Oregon Firearms Federation Columbia County Coordinator Chris Brumbles told The Chronicle.

“These crazy people come in, and they start shooting people up (because) they know they’re going to have no resistance. I think it’s dangerous, and I think it’s going to put kids in danger.”

According to Porter, a staff member must meet certain conditions to

carry a firearm on school property. “(First) they let us know they are going to be carrying,” Porter said.

“They need to be DPSST certified, and then we have to pay an additional premium of $1,500 per year per employee (who) wants to do that.”

Gun-Free Zones, they’re free murder zones is what they are. ~ Chris Brumbles, Oregon Firearms Federation Columbia County Coordinator

At the Monday night meeting, the board members said they do not ask school district employees whether they are licensed to carry a firearm.

District protocols The Chronicle asked Porter what protocol Scappoose School District would follow in response to an armed

State directives School officials across the country are reexamining school safety

Traditional fireworks display in St. Helens JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The City of St. Helens will conduct a fireworks display at approximately 10 p.m. on Independence Day, July 4.

The city had originally hoped to find a nonprofit or other group that could take over responsibility for

Opinion ..................... A4 Poll ............................ A4 Police Reports ......... A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Crossword ............... A6 Legals ....................... A7 Community Calendar A7

Obituaries ............... A10 July 4th .............. A11-12

Vol. 140, No. 26

managing the annual event. As an incentive, the council agreed to provide approximately $20,000 for the effort. The search opened several months ago, but as of Monday, June 27, the city had not entered into a partnership for the fireworks display with any nonprofit or other group.

The Chronicle reached out to St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh for insight into the July 4, 2022 event.

The Chronicle: Specifically, what will folks see with the fireworks demonstration? What time is the fireworks demonstration?

John Walsh: The fireworks will be lit from a barge on the river this year instead of on land. The fireworks display should last about 15 minutes and will take place around 10 p.m.

The Chronicle: What is the city offering for parking and where? Is there a cost?

Walsh: Tailgate tickets are available for the St. Helens riverfront property. This is one of the closest spots to view the fireworks display. All proceeds from the tailgating tickets help fund the fireworks show and Independence Day celebration. The South 1st Street entrance onto the property will open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $35

Courtesy from the City of St. Helens

The fireworks will be launched at approximately 10 p.m. on Independence Day from a waterfront barge in the Riverfront District of St. Helens.

per car and $45 per camper. For complete tailgate information and to purchase tickets, visit https:// cityandtownevents.ticketleap. com/4th-of-july-fireworks-up-closesthelens-oregon/dates/Jul-04-2022_ at_1000AM. The Chronicle: We understand the city will launch the fireworks from Sand Island. Who has the city contracted with for such a service, what is the cost to city, and how is that service being funded?

Walsh: The fireworks will be launched from a barge on the river.

The city contracts with Western Display Fireworks out of Canby, Oregon for the show. This year’s show is $20,000 and comes from the city’s tourism fund. Tourism sponsorships and tailgate ticket sales help pay for the show.

Cascades is the presenting sponsor for the fireworks show. Other sponsors include Cascadia Home Loans, Wauna Credit Union, The Jane Garcia Team, 503 Distilling & Cocktails, Big Food Cart and Brew, and St. Helens Sand Island Campground.

The Chronicle: Has the city

been able to find a nonprofit or other group to take over the annual Fourth of July fireworks?

Walsh: No, the city has not found a nonprofit or other community group to take over this event. The city is still interested in working with a qualified group to take over the Independence Day celebration.

Additional event information may be found at https://discovercolumbiacounty.com/events/4th-ofjuly-2022-mark-your-calendar-andcheck-back/.

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Community Voices

Columbia County celebrates pride discrimination in public accommodations, and were barred from holding political office. U.S. politicians declared homosexuality a “perversion,” and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower passed a law banning gay people from holding federal jobs, History.com reports.

Today, Pride is celebrated worldwide and serves as a reminder of the LGBTQ+ community’s plight to obtain equal rights.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

As firefighters arrived they observed smoke showing.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The Scappoose Fire team investigates the incident.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Crews open an upstairs entrance to check for fire.

Apartment fire JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Fire crews rushed to the 33000 block of East Columbia Avenue to reports of smoke coming from a structure in Scappoose shortly before noon Monday, June 27.

As the crews arrived they spotted smoke coming from windows of one of the units of the Victorian Court Apart-

ments, a senior citizen living facility.

No one was reportedly living inside the unit at the time.

Fire crews located and put out the fire. They also made a careful check of the rest of the unit and an adjacent apartment. The cause was still under investigation and the estimated amount of damage was pending at press time.

THE 6TH ANNUAL COLUMBIA CENTURY CHALLENGE

Thank you to everyone who supported the 6th annual Columbia Century Challenge. Each year the ride continues to grow and showcase the beauty of Columbia County. We were overwhelmed with the gratitude bestowed upon us by the happy participants for hosting this ride and our welcoming volunteers, who were comprised of numerous Columbia County residents.

We could not have hosted our ride without the support of our sponsors, the City of St Helens, our volunteers, the communities of Vernonia, Clatskanie, Rainier, the Columbia County Road Department, and so many others.

We look forward to many more rides and will see you again in 2023!

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A local advocacy group’s first Pride celebration held a special significance over the weekend as the first step towards increasing LGBTQ+ representation in Columbia County.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25, a small crowd gathered in downtown St. Helens’ Courthouse Plaza, toting rainbow flags and colorful signs.

“Love is Love,” one demonstrator’s sign proclaimed in capital letters, surrounded by multicolored hearts.

“The choice I made was to be myself,” read another.

Moving Forward, a progressive group in Columbia County, hosted the demonstration, followed by a picnic celebration at the fairgrounds in honor of Pride Month.

In a conversation with The Chronicle, Moving Forward’s Michael Calhoun explained how he first got involved with the Pride event.

“I’m from Vernonia,” he added. “I grew up there and went away to college.

When I came back, I just was really surprised. I think this was pre-COVID that there had, to my knowledge, never been an official Pride event in Columbia County.”

Calhoun told The Chronicle that as a child, he felt like an outsider due to his sexuality.

“I enjoyed growing up on a farm in Vernonia,” Calhoun said. “I’m proud of my hometown. It was a great place, except if you were a queer kid in the early 2000s.”

While the rest of the country has come a long way, Calhoun argues there is still work needed to increase rural representation.

A ‘big turnaround’

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Demonstrators hold signs at Columbia County Courthouse Square.

“Historically, places like Columbia County have not had any visibility, especially for youth growing up here,” he said. “They’re queer or questioning, and they think they’re alone. I certainly did growing up.

So I think that (made) a big difference, having an event where it’s public, and for those who are still not out, they at least know that they have allies here in the county.”

History of Pride Pride is an annual

celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identities commemorating the Stonewall Riots, a series of violent confrontations that began in the early hours of June 28, 1969, between police and gay rights activists outside the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

In the 60s, gay rights activism was a part of the United States counterculture. Gay people could not legally marry, faced

Calhoun says he is encouraged “by how accepting (people are), especially in a small town.”

“I’d say 15 years ago, the flip side of the coin was you as a gay person in a small town were the minority and treated as such, where(as) now if you’re a homophobic, bigoted person, you’re the minority.”

“So that’s a big turnaround, I think for the better.”

The Chronicle asked Calhoun what he hopes people will gain from this event, to which he answered, “that there are others besides you that live here.”

“When you’re ready to come out, (know) this is a safe environment. You can live and thrive here. You don’t have to move to a big city,” he said.

Moving Forward Columbia County is a grassroots movement dedicated to promoting needed change and equity within local politics.

You can find more information about Moving Forward, and their local activities at: www.movingforwardcolumbiacounty. com or by emailing info@ movingforwardcolumbiacounty.com.

Thank you to everyone who supported us!

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Mortgage support for underserved homeowners STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program is open to applicants eligible for Phase 3, according to Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

This is a federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief program intended to support homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardships due to the pandemic.

It provides funding for past-due mortgages and other housing expenses to a limited number of homeowners with low incomes.

OHCS is working to assist homeowners at risk of losing their home in a phased approach. During Phases 1 and 2, it focused on homeowners who were most at-risk of foreclosure

or who had the fewest options. Program staff will continue to process applications already submitted in Phases 1 and 2. Eligibility information for the different phases is available on the HAF website.

While continuing to serve homeowners eligible for Phases 1 and 2, Phase 3 expands HAF support to homeowners traditionally underserved or less able to recover, including those who are: • Over the age of 62 years • Living with a disability (with proof of benefits) • Rural, as determined

by ZIP Code • Socially disadvantaged individuals (defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury), including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as members of federally recognized

Urban Development (HUD) is the named beneficiary.

This is a very rare situation, where HUD has taken over a loan that is in default.

Homeowners should speak with a housing counselor to determine if this is their loan.

Resources

Metro Creative Connection

The federal program is a temporary emergency relief effort.

Tribes • Limited English proficiency (English is not the applicant’s primary language) • Recovering prop-

erty damage or destruction caused by a natural disaster (with proof of benefits) • Homeowners with mortgages where the U.S. Department of Housing and

Homeowners who have not applied and are eligible may now find a new application link on the oregonhomeownerassistance.org website.

Homeowners eligible for Phases 1 or 2 may now apply using the same link if they have not previously submitted an application.

If homeowners need assistance with their application, the HAF website lists the program’s application intake assistance partners who can help homeowners with online, paper, in-

person, or limited English proficiency applications.

Homeowners with additional questions about HAF can visit the website or call 833-604-0879.

Phase 4, which will apply to all other eligible applicants if funding is still available, will open at a date to be determined.

HAF funding is limited.

The state is prioritizing Oregon households that are at the highest risk of foreclosure. Once the $90 million of funding granted by the U.S. Treasury is gone, the program will close. Even if homeowners are eligible, there is no guarantee their application will be funded.

Other mortgage relief programs are available if homeowners do not meet the HAF eligibility criteria.

Homeowners should contact a housing counselor, mortgage servicer or 211 for more options.

Qualifying Oregonians to receive $600 payments STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Department of Revenue is distributing one-time assistance payments of $600 to more than 236,000 qualifying households A total of nearly $141.8 million is expected to be distributed to 236,287 qualifying recipients in Oregon.

The payments are being made following the direction by the Oregon Legislature through House Bill 4157, which provides the one-time $600 payment as part of a program to address negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Payments will be received by direct deposit or by check by July 1.

To qualify households must have received the Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2020 tax filing and lived in Oregon the last six months of 2020.

The one-time assistance payments will be deposited directly to the bank accounts of 136,640 recipients and checks will be mailed to 99,647 recipients. Households that receive a direct deposit will also be mailed a letter explaining the payment. Households that receive a paper check will include information about the payment on their check stub.

As directed by the Oregon Legislature through House Bill 4157, the Oregon Department of Revenue will begin distributing One-Time Assistance Payments of $600 to more than 236,000 qualifying households later this week.

Payments will be received by direct deposit or by check by July 1, 2022.

To qualify households must have received the Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2020 tax filing and lived in Oregon the last six months of 2020.

The One-Time Assistance Payments will be de-

posited directly to the bank accounts of 136,640 recipients and checks will be mailed to 99,647 recipients.

Households that receive a direct deposit will also be mailed a letter explaining the payment. Households that receive a paper check will include information about the payment on their check stub.

A total of nearly $141.8 million is expected to be distributed to 236,287 qualifying recipients.

Current information on payments being delivered and paid amounts: • Eligible households 236,287 $141,772,200 • Payments by direct deposit 136,640 $81,984,000 • Payments by paper check 99,647 $59,788,200

Metro Creative Connection

The payments are being made to address negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, access the frequently asked questions on the Oregon Revenue Department’s OTAP webpage or email onetime.assistancepayment@dor.oregon.gov

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Opinion

Garden Plots: Intense heat and gardens in the soil. Place a 3- to 5-inch-thick layer of mulch on the soil. Large bark chips or arborist trimmings work best. As these mulch materials decompose, organic matter is added to the soil.

For more information about mulching and gardening, see Mulching Woody Ornamentals with Organic Materials. https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu/ec1629

CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

As we jumped into serious summer, it’s a good idea to evaluate your garden for hot weather management.

The 2021 historic heat dome taught us a lot. Be prepared to help plants through hot and dry weather as the season progresses. This article

by Nicole Sanchez, an OSU Extension Horticulturalist is excellent introduction to prepare your garden for heat and drought. For more, read Heat wave in the garden: how to identify and prevent heat stress in plants by Ms. Sanchez.

Put the right plant in the right place Design your landscape so that your plants won’t compete with each other for shade and water. In other words, group plants with similar re-quirements for light and water together.

Water your landscape strategically

Prepare the soil adequately

Water early in the morning when temperatures are lower. Rather than a little moisture every day, water plants infrequently and deeply prior to and during drought. Saturate the area to a depth of 8 to 10 inches.

For lawns, add one-half to three-fourths-of-an-inch of water per week, or let lawns go brown during the heat of the summer. Don’t forget to water large trees. A soaker hose wrapped around the tree’s root zone works well.

Good quality soil helps retain moisture in times of drought. When you dig in, make sure you can break up the soil easily, a sign that water can penetrate into the soil with no trouble. When air and water can’t move through the soil easily, plants can experience problems with diseases and root growth. To build good quality soil, add organic matter such as composted yard trimmings, composted manure and leaves from de-ciduous trees.

Mulch to conserve water Mulches are like putting a lid on a pot that’s boiling and pre-venting it from evaporating quite as quickly. They’re not a substitute for irrigation, but they do help retain water

Choose plants that don’t get thirsty in the summer Some plants are so drought-tolerant that they

only need winter rains to thrive and no irrigation at all during summer. Coldtolerant varieties native to the Mediterranean region or native plants of the Pacific Northwest are good choices.

For groundcovers, these include Point Reyes ceanothus, also known as Ceanothus gloriosus, and carpet broom, also known as Genista pilosa.

As for

shrubs, we recommend the varieties below, which are followed by their scientific names: • Dwarf strawberry bush (Arbutus unedo ‘Compacta’) • Wild lilac (Ceanothus ‘Victoria’) • Rockrose (Cistus x hybridus) • Sunrose (Helianthemum nummularium) • Flowering currant Ribes sanguineum) • Lavender, (Lavandula spp.)

An Extension information sheet by Neil Bell, retired OSU Extension horticulturist, includes many resources and a plant list. For more

plant ideas, see the article Ten all-around great shrubs for water-wise gardens. If you can’t use these links, call or email me and I will send you the links to your email or smart phone.

Summer watering for landscape trees and shrubs July, August, and often September are very dry

months.

Despite the constant drizzle in May and early June, the total rainfall for this water year is still below normal.

In a few weeks, if you take a post-hole digger to the soil and you will find it very dry.

Trees coming from the nursery may take some time to start vigorously pushing new roots. Dry soil around the tree or shrub makes that process slower. The take home message is that any newly planted tree or shrub cannot cope with such dry conditions without supplemental water. By early July, start watering young trees once a week until the rains start in the fall.

Those pesky earwigs

Important notes

Earwigs tend to gradually increase in well-managed gardens. They must like the variety in a cultivated landscape. Earwigs are opportunists, feeding on mold, decaying vegetation, dying leaves or even healthy leaves and flowers. They also eat other insects like aphids. They actually have some value for the gardener.

Earwigs seek refuge in any tight dark place during the day and come out to feed at night.

For that reason, they are often found in flowers such as dahlias. When they drop from the floral vase onto the table, they aren’t much appreciated.

An old earwig remedy is to leave tightly rolled up newspapers where earwigs are creating a problem. The earwigs crawl inside to hide from the sun. In the morning, you can gather up the newspaper “logs”, put them in a plastic bag, and freeze them.

The logs can be reused. There are several chemicals registered on ornamentals to get rid of the earwigs, but you must be careful that your spraying doesn’t hurt bees visiting the flowers.

Donate produce and/ or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals pro-grams. It is greatly appreciated.

The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https:// catalog.extension.oregonstate. edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-397-3462 or at chip. bubl@oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly.

All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list.

Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

Viewpoints

Defend Small Business PAC LYNN SNODGRASS Chronicle Guest Column

At the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, we believe in helping businesses prosper so our diverse communities can thrive.

Small businesses are the life-blood of our communities. There is no such thing as a “non-essential” small business – or job.

Finally, there is a Political Action Committee (PAC) dedicated solely to protecting small businesses – Defend Small Business PAC. The Defend Small Business PAC is a collaborative effort between Oregon’s local chambers of commerce to protect and support our small businesses, their employees, and our communities.

It is about changing the political culture in Oregon – and replacing the legislature with people who will actually stand up for our small businesses.

Oregon State Chamber of Commerce started this effort because in the past two years, we found out that Oregon politicians and state agencies viewed our small businesses as “nonessential.”

As a result, large multinational corporations stayed open and made record profits. Small businesses were shut down. Small business

employees were called “nonessential” and sent to a broken unemployment agency.

In the meantime, most of our lawmakers and politicians either supported the shutdowns or lacked the courage to do anything about it.

And if that wasn’t enough, the legislature then tried to push through a tax on our federal Paycheck Protection loans. That’s right – after all the indignities suffered at the hands of Oregon politicians – they then wanted to tax your PPP loans.

Our message is simply this …. “Never again.”

Acting alone, it is difficult for a single small business to make a political impact. But together, our collective voice can be powerful.

An easy – and free – way to contribute to the Defend Small Business PAC is to use your Oregon Political Tax Credit. Through our tax system, the State of Oregon gives each tax-paying Oregonian a $50 gift. But you can’t keep it. You have to make a choice, either pay it in state taxes -- or donate it to a qualified PAC. We hope you choose to give it to the Defend Small Business PAC. Each year, thousands of Oregonians contribute their $50 per person, $100 per couple Oregon Political Tax Credit to the PAC of their choice. The Political

Tax Credit is a wonderful benefit as it literally allows you to give critical support to Defend Small Business PAC while costing you nothing!

For specific info: https:// www.oregonchamber.org/ defend-small-business-pac/ join-the-fight.

By giving your Oregon Political Tax Credit to Defend Small Business PAC, you will join a movement to ensure that small businesses and our employees are never again treated as “non-essential.”

For the first time, we will be holding the Legislature accountable to never again abandon their small businesses.

Thank you in advance for whatever you can give, and I’d like to wish you and your family all the best. *There is no limit to what you can choose to donate to Defend Small Business PAC, but the Oregon Political Tax Credit only applies to the first $100/couple or $50/individual.

As of January 2013, the Oregon Political Tax Credit no longer applies to tax filers with incomes exceeding $75,000/individual or $150,000/couple.

Lynn Snodgrass is the Chair of Defend Small Business PAC. The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 503-363-2162.

The Chronicle Jeremy C. Ruark Publisher - Executive Editor

Zoe Gottlieb General Assignment Reporter

Katherine Mace Advertising Sales

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

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Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. We won’t print your street address or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chroniclenews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office.

Letters policy: This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar,

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

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$68M additional benefits for SNAP Oregon STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County residents and those across the state who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will see additional emergency allotments in July.

Approximately 422,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $68 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits in July.

The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health

emergency.

Because the federal government approved these emergency benefits for July, Oregon will also be able to issue them in August. However, the emergency benefits are expected to end when the federal public health emergency ends.

“We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Sequin said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

Current SNAP households

Metro Creative Connection

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

will receive emergency allotments on July 12. Emergency allotments will be issued July 29 or Aug. 2 for households who did not receive benefits

in the first monthly issuance.

SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued

directly on their EBT cards.

More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/ FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/ Emergency-Allotments.aspx.

Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-6999075.

If your household receives SNAP and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits.

It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-todate information.

You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways: • Online at: ONE.Oregon. gov • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309

• By fax at: 503-378-5628 • By phone at: 1-800-6999075 or TTY 711 Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org • Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www. adrcoforegon.org.

• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org • Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/ find-services/ • Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

Roe v. Wade court ruling impact STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A flurry of reaction continues following the United States Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

The court issued the ruling Friday, June 24. The original landmark ruling had been crafted to protect constitutional abortion rights.

Reaction Oregon House Republican Leader Vikki BreeseIverson (R-Prineville) said she applauds the high court’s opinion returning the power to the states protect the lives of the unborn.

“Oregon continues to have some of the most extreme abortion laws in the country,” Breese-Iverson said. “Abortion should be rare. I hope this decision starts a larger conversation in Oregon that includes educated decisions for women. I see this as a good starting place for spirited debate in the 2023 Legislative Session.”

The governors of California, Oregon, and Washington issued a multi-state commitment defending access

to reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, and committed to protecting patients and doctors against efforts by other states to enforce their abortion bans in our states. Read the full Multi-State Commitment attached to this story at thechronicleonline.com.

The governors said the multi-state commitment affirms their commitment in response to the court’s unprecedented decision to strip away a constitutional right that has been in place for half a century, leaving abortion regulation to the states.

“Abortion is health care, and no matter who you are or where you come from, Oregon doesn’t turn away anyone seeking health care, period.” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said. Let me be clear: You cannot ban abortion, you can only ban safe abortions — and this disgraceful Supreme Court decision will undoubtedly put many people’s lives at risk.”

Brown added that the ruling strips away a constitutional right that disproportionately affects women and has been settled law for most of our lifetimes.

“For all the Americans to-

day feeling scared, angry, and disappointed — for everyone who needs an abortion and does not know where they can access safe reproductive health care – please know you are not alone, and the fight is not over,” Brown said.

“The Supreme Court has made it clear – they want to strip women of their liberty and let Republican states replace it with mandated birth because the right to choose an abortion is not ‘deeply rooted in history.’ They want to turn back the clock to a time when women had no right to make decisions about their own bodies, when women had to seek care in the shadows and at great danger, when women were not treated as equal citizens under the law,” California Gov. Gavon Newsom said. “This is another devastating step toward erasing the rights and liberties Americans have fought for on battlefields, in courthouses and in capitols.”

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said the law remains unchanged in Washington state, but the threat to patient access and privacy has never been more dangerous.

“Even in Washington state, Republicans have

introduced about 40 bills in the past six years to roll back abortion rights and access to reproductive care,” he said.

“The right of choice should not depend on which party holds the majority, but that’s where we find ourselves.”

The three governors said over the past several years, Oregon, Washington and California have taken action to expand access to reproductive health care in preparation for just such a decision.

Brown said Oregon led the nation by passing the most comprehensive reproductive health legislation at the time. Brown signed Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act into law in 2017 — a first of its kind bill that expanded access to reproductive health services for all Oregonians and codified the right to an abortion into state law.

Adding to that work, Oregon invested $15 million for community-based organizations to expand access to abortion across the state and provide immediate support to patients, health care providers, and community advocates, with a focus on rural communities, communities of color, and low-income communities to overcome barriers to access.

Oregon Health Authority statement

Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a statement reminding people that abortion remains legal in the state.

• Abortion remains legal, accessible in Oregon in wake of Supreme Court ruling.

• Decision has no effect on Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act that guarantees right to receive an abortion and health care providers’ right to provide it.

The Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) contains multiple provisions to both protect and expand access to the full scope of reproductive health services, including abortion, for all people in Oregon, according to the OHA. RHEA enshrined into state law an individual’s right to receive an abortion, as well as a health care provider’s right to provide an abortion.

“The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade does not change the fact that people in Oregon are guaranteed the right

to receive abortion services, which remain legal in this state,” OHA Director Patrick Allen said. “OHA will continue to implement and promote RHEA to ensure that people in Oregon have access to essential reproductive health services, including abortion, sterilization and contraceptives, without any barriers.”

This includes a legal right for anyone who comes to Oregon for an abortion, not just Oregon residents.

While the abortion rate has declined across the country in the last 30 years, the need for abortion care has recently been on the rise, according to Guttmacher Institute, which found the abortion rate increased by 7% from 2017 to 2020. In Oregon, the abortion rate declined by 21% during this time.

Individuals can access free or low-cost reproductive health services at local health departments, Planned Parenthood clinics, federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics across the state. To find a clinic, visit: healthoregon.org/rhclinics, dial 211, or text HEALTH to 898211.

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

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are

presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

St. Helens Police May 21 • Police arrested a subject in the 500 block of Columbia River Highway on DUII. May 24 • Police arrested a 20-yearold male on Theft II at the 500 block of Columbia River Highway.

May 28 • Police arrested a 58-year-old female on DUI Alcohol at the 300 block of 6th Street.

• Police arrested a 38-year-old

on Driving While Suspended near Columbia River Highway and Millard Road.

May 29 • Police arrested a 46-year-old subject on a fugitive warrant near Columbia River Highway and Sykes Road.

• Police arrested a 26-year-old subject on MCS/DCS within a 100 ft. of School, Unlawful Possession of Drugs II, Felon in Possession of Restricted Weapon, Assault IV, False Info on Cite or Warrant, Interfering with Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Criminal Trespass

II in the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

• Police arrested a 28-year-old on a fugitive warrant at the 200 block of River Street.

May 30 • Police took an assault report at the 100 block of Vernonia Road.

May 31 • Police took an information report at the 500 block of 10th Street.

• Police arrested a 21-year-old individual on Resisting Arrest, Violations of Conditions of Release agreement at the 500 block of Columbia River Highway.

June 4 • Police took a report of forgery at the 700 block of S Columbia River Highway.

June 7 • Police arrested a 29-year-old male on a fugitive warrant at

the 2000 block of Gable Road.

June 9 • Police arrested a 31-year-old male and a 30-year-old female on Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

June 10 • Police took a Theft of Vehicle report in the 2000 block of Gable Road.

June 12 • Police arrested a 20-year-old subject on a fugitive warrant in the 1000 block of Cowlitz Street.

June 13 • Police arrested a 32-year-old subject in the 300 block of 5th Street on Burglary I, Unlawful Use of Weapon, Possession of Burglar Tools, MenacingAggravated Physical or Weapon, Criminal Mischief II, Criminal Trespass II and Disorderly Conduct II.

Crossword Solution Melanoma stands out.

Check your skin.

You could spot cancer.

Solution for the June 22, 2022 crossword puzzle

LEA RN M O R E AT S TA RT S EEI N G M EL AN O M A.CO M

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A6

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Classifieds Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

150

502

502

502

502

502

502

702

Misc Services

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Garage Sales

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

Will pick up.

the Columbia River PUD team, please visit our website at www.crpud.net to view and apply for open positions or call us at (503) 397-1844 to have an application packet mailed to you.

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY The Port is hiring a Data Resource and Projects Specialist.

To learn more and apply, please see our website www. portofcolumbia c o u n t y. o r g / j o b s .

EOE

City Hall, 33568 E. Columbia Avenue or downloaded from our website at http://www. ci. scappoose.or.us// jobs. The City of Scappoose is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

oregon.gov. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.

technology-rich, lean organization built on a spirited history, well-regarded products and a loyal customer base. Email resume to: HumanResources@wfpaperco.com. Learn more at https:// wfpaperco.com

REATION ASSISTANTS 16+ years old.

Temporary Part-time. $14.00 per hour. 3 positions available. See website for details. www.sthelensoregon.gov. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.

NW’S LARGEST Garage and Vintage Sales July 2nd @ Clark County event center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd Ridgefield, WA. 98642. Gen Adm 8-4 $7 Early Bird 7am $20 www. nwgsales.com

301

Health & Nutrition

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

502

Help Wanted

Columbia River PUD A Community Owned Utility is hiring a Field Engineer I/II Salary: Field Engineer I: $32.21-$45.94/ Hr DOQ Field Engineer II: $36.18$51.61/Hr DOQ Deadline: Open Until Filled. If you are interested in becoming a part of

Corrections Technician Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 7/21/2022. Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov Immediate Opening Shipping/Receiving/Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056 Office Coordinator Public Health Columbia County, OR. EOE. Deadline 7/14/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov

Utility Worker The City of Scappoose is accepting applications for a Utility Worker.

SALARY: $20.94 - $35.06 per hour depending on experience.

REQUIREMENT: See full position description at www. ci.scappoose.or.us/ jobs. BENEFITS: The City of Scappoose provides a complete package of employee benefits. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5:00 p.m. on July 11, 2022. Applications can be picked up at Scappoose

The City of St. Helens is hiring a CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Regular, Full-time.

See website for details www.sthelens

Willamette Falls Paper Company is seeking applicants for operating positions in continuous machine operations, raw material preparation, and finishing.

Previous paper making experience is not required. We offer an innovative,

Seasonal Recreation Assistants The City of St. Helens is hiring SEASONAL REC-

Classified Ads Deadline: Mondays by noon.

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

ASPHALT PAVING Offering Quality Asphalt Paving Services to Columbia County and surrounding areas.

FREE Estimates

VIEW OUR CURRENT RENTAL PROPERTIES AT:

www.therentalcenter.net

River City & Rentals Northwest 503-543-4440 Phone

503-543-7929 Fax

Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)

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

Call Jim today at

(503) 509-8657

Quality Workmanship At Affordable Prices

Columbia County

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

www.thechronicleonline.com

Waterman Garage Doors

CCB#204858

SALES, SERVICE INSTALLATION

Scott Waterman Owner

Garage Sale Special!

503.819.6715 St. Helens, OR 97051

YOUR AD HERE

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

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

Email chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net to advertise!

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: CLASSIC CHILDREN’S BOOKS ACROSS

1. Kitchen boss 5. Churchill’s “so few” 8. Epochs 12. “Watch out!” on a golf course 13. East of Java 14. *Pinocchio’s state of being 15. Hard currency 16. Emanation 17. TV and radio 18. *Mr. Popper’s birds 20. Newspaper piece 21. *Like “Goosebumps Classic” 22. “What?”

23. *Richard Scarry’s Things That Go 26. Oxygenate, as in lawn 29. Skin cyst 30. Middle Eastern meat dish, pl.

33. Antonym of “yup” 35. Dispatch boat 37. Female sheep 38. Throat infection 39. Searching for E.T. org.

40. *”I think I can, I think I can...”, e.g.

42. *”____ Spot run!”

43. Accounting journal 45. *The Plaza Hotel resident of kids’ book fame 47. Long, long time 48. Caffeine-containing nut trees

50. Off-color 52. *Ludwig Bemelmans’ Parisian boarding school resident 55. Middle Eastern porter 56. Movie “____ Brockovich” 57. Karl of politics 59. In a cold manner 60. Obscenity 61. Middle of March 62. Fringe benefit 63. *Side for Green Eggs 64. Put in the outbox

DOWN

1. Chlorofluorocarbon, abbr.

2. Obstacle to jump through 3. Great Lake 4. Tiny fox with large ears 5. Two halves of a diameter 6. Like one in isolation cell 7. Evergreen trees 8. *Babar, e.g.

9. Thumb-up catch 10. Full of enthusiasm 11. *”The Little Mermaid” domain 13. Stock exchange, in Paris 14. Affair, to Emmanuel Macron 19. Michael Douglas’

1987 greedy role 22. “For ____ a jolly ...”

23. *Clement Clark Moore’s famous beginning 24. Live it up 25. Join forces 26. Aid in crime 27. Bodies 28. *Athos’, Porthos’ and Aramis’ swords 31. *Corduroy or Paddington 32. Stiff grass bristle 34. *D’Artagnan’s sword 36. *It ends, according to Shel Silverstein 38. North American purple berry 40. ____ at Work, band 41. Give in 44. Worshipful 46. Isis’ brother and husband 48. Cause and effect cycle?

49. Abhorrence 50. RBG’s collar, e.g.

51. Arabic for commander 52. Screen 53. Lymphatic swelling 54. Like certain Steven 55. Senior’s fragile body part 58. New York time

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A7

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Public Notices CH22-1139

CH22-1128

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to RONALD MILLER IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF that the undersigned will sell the lots located at Account Number: 7197 Map and Taxlot: 3224-BC-02400 Owner: MILLER RONALD

& COX DAVID STANLEY ALLEN Mailing Address: 11000 SW 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.

CH22-1136

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department Case No. 22PB02678 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of BOBBY MCCOLM, deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Andy McColm has been appointed as personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to

the undersigned attorney for the personal representative at 10535 NE Glisan St., Ste. 200, Portland, OR 97220, 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. Dated and first published on June 22, 2022. Andy McColm Personal Representative. George A. McCoy, OSB #101256, Warren Allen LLP, Attorneys for Personal Representative, 10535 NE Glisan St., Ste. 200, Portland, OR 97220. Tel (503) 255-8795, Fax (503) 255-8836, mccoy@warrenallen.com.

CH22-1138

PUBLIC NOTICE - INVITATION TO BID UNDERGROUND LOCATING – THREE YEARS COLUMBIA RIVER PUD Notice is hereby given that Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) will receive sealed bids for three (3) years of underground locating services.

Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on Aug 10, 2022, at which time the bids will be

publicly opened. The bids will be available for public inspection at the PUD office after the bid opening.

The bid documents may be examined at the office of the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Electronic copies of the bid documents may be obtained by sending a written request to engineering@crpud.org or by calling

(503) 397-0760. Columbia River PUD reserves the right to reject any and all bids that are not in compliance with the bid documents and prescribed public bidding procedures and to reject, for good cause, any or all bids upon a finding by the PUD that it is in the public interest to do so. Dated: June 22, 2022 at Columbia River People’s Utility District.

CH22-1143

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at or after 7:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for this hearing will be from the plaza side entrance.

Zoom will also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda.

Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. The purpose of this hearing is to consider an application as follows: File No: Subdivision Preliminary Plat, SUB.2.22 Applicant: Ken Sandblast / Westlake Consultants, Inc. Request: 46 lot Planned Development Subdivision Location: Undeveloped property southeast of the intersection of Pittsburg Road & Meadowview Drive Map No: 4N1W-6D-604 and 4N1W-6AD-2600 Testimony from the public in both oral

or written form is invited.

The hearing will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: Subdivision, Preliminary Plat – Chapter 17.136 St. Helens Municipal Code (SHMC) Planned Development standards – SHMC 17.148.080 Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, in this hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action

for damages in circuit court.

The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost.

The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.

A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to City Hall at 503-397-6272.

CH22-1140

PUBLIC LIEN SALE U-STORE SELF STORAGE Auction to be held online at Storageauctions. com. Auction will run from 7/5/2022 10:00 am & end on 7/15/2022 10:00 am.

Unclaimed storage lockers to be sold by competitive

bidding. 1st LocationScappoose 53567 Columbia River Hwy. Brittney Hinkle Y135 Martin Herold G10A. 2nd Location-St. Helens 445 Port Ave, Suite D. Dylan Bigley C-012 Timberly

Kloepfer RV226, Emily Long R-176 Michael Moore G-045, Brandi Simmons M-044. GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION SOLD BY STORAGE LOT. Cash and Credit Cards.

OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of JOSEPH ARTHUR DUBOIS, Deceased. Case No. 22PB04957 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 29, 2022. Lyla D. DuBois, Personal Representative.

CH22-1144

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at or after 8:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for this hearing will be from the plaza side entrance.

Zoom will also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda.

Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. The purpose of this hearing is to consider an applica-tion as follows: File No: Variance V.4.22 Applicant: Steve Paranto Request: Allow wall/fence height greater than normal allowance. This is specific to an ecology block wall along the north property line, more or less, of the subject property Location: Vacant lot just south of 214 N 9th Street Map No: 5N1W-

33DD-9401 Testimony from the public in both oral or written form is invited. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council.

The Planning Commission is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: SHMC 17.108.050(1) Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, in this hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The

application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon.gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.

A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to City Hall at 503-397-6272.

CH22-1145

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at or after 7:05 PM and before the City Council on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at or after 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for these hearings will be from the plaza side entrance. Zoom will also be available to participate.

Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings. The purpose of these hearings is to consider an application as follows: File No: Planned Development (overlay zone), PD.2.22 Applicant: Ken Sandblast / Westlake Consultants, Inc. Request: Establish a Planned Development overlay zone, which allows flexibility for certain development standards Location: Undeveloped property southeast of the intersection of Pittsburg Road & Meadowview Drive

Map No: 4N1W-6D-604 and 4N1W-6AD-2600 Testimony from the public in either oral or written form is invited. The hearings will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.20 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to make a recommendation to the City Council who is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: SHMC 17.20.120 – Standards for Legislative Decision SHMC 17.148.060 – Planned Development Allowed and Disallowed.

Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, at a hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use

Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to each hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon. gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to City Hall at 503397-6272.

are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

Columbian Toastmasters Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome! Meeting virtually via Zoom from 12-1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-3690329 for more information.

Community Events 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.

June 30 Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Board of Directors Regular Meeting The Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Board of Directors Regular Meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Meeting Room/ via Zoom. For instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom, please contact our Administrative staff at 503-

366-6973.

July 4 St. Helens Fireworks Fireworks display at approximately 10 p.m. from a barge on the Columbia River in the Riverfront District of St. Helens. See the story on the front page of the June 29 Chronicle and visit the city’s website for additional information.

July 4 Clatskanie Fireworks Fireworks display to be launched from the Clatskanie City Park at nightfall. Other events include a city parade and food and vendors at the city park throughout Independence Day. 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.

July 13-16 Plant Sale The Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens, is hosting a benefit plant sale from noon until 7 p.m. on July 13, 14, and 15, and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on July 16.

Free admission. For more information or to volunteer contact the Columbia County Fairground’s office at 503397-4231.

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

Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christcentered 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.

Overcomers Outreach Meetings are held every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Rd., Scappoose. Call Fred 971-7576389.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

President calls for gas tax pause

average is $5.548 set on June 15. Over the past two week, gas prices have backed away from record highs and are a few cents lower.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The Chronicle: Currently, what cities have the most expensive gasoline prices in Oregon and why?

Prices for gasoline and diesel continue to rise across the nation. In Columbia County, a gallon of unleaded regular is approaching $6.

President Biden is asking Congress to ease the pain at the pumps by suspending federal gasoline and diesel fuel taxes.

The Chronicle checked with Marie Dodds, the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Oregon/ Idaho public affairs director, for insight into what the tax suspension could mean for Oregon motorists.

The Chronicle: What sort of a price break at the pumps in our region does the AAA see with this presidential action?

Courtesy from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

Law enforcement agents arrest the fugitive in St. Helens.

US Marshal’s Service conducts local arrest STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Details are emerging about a local short chase by law enforcement agents that included the US Marshal’s Service.

The incident happened Wednesday morning, June 22, at Highway 30 and Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens. Witnesses stated police and sheriff’s deputies and a K9 were

involved in the chase and the apprehension of a suspect.

“The Wednesday operation was a US Marshals operation to take a wanted fugitive into custody,” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “We did assist in taking him into custody.”

Specific details about the person and what the fugitive was wanted for had not been released as of press time.

Marie Dodds: The federal gas tax is currently 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24 cents per gallon diesel. But it’s tough to say if the entire amount would be passed on to consumers in savings at the pumps. In addition to the federal gas tax, most states, and some counties and cities also have gas taxes.

In Oregon, the current tax is 38 cents per gallon, plus any local taxes which you can find here: https:// www.oregon.gov/odot/FTG/ Pages/Current%20Fuel%20 Tax%20Rates.aspx.

President Biden wants the temporary gas tax holiday through September and is urging states to take similar action.

According to the Energy Information Administration, federal and state taxes make up approximately 15% of the total price of gas per gallon paid by consumers at the pump. While the federal gas tax has remained at 18.4 cents per gallon since 1993, state gas taxes average about 30 cents per gallon

Metro Creative Connection

A gallon of unleaded gas is approaching $6 in Columbia County.

– ranging from less than 10 cents in some states and over 50 cents in other states.

Most governments, including Oregon, use fuel tax revenues to build and maintain transportation infrastructure. As a result, gas tax holiday proposals can create a funding gap for road maintenance and repairs.

The Chronicle: Overall, how high have prices risen over the past year in Oregon and at what record-setting pace?

Dodds: Gas prices began climbing dramatically in Oregon and every other state in February and March after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russia is one of the world’s major oil producers, and anytime a major producer is involved in a geopolitical conflict, oil prices rise.

The U.S. and other nations announced economic sanctions against Russia including a partial ban on imports of Russian oil.

Supplies of oil were already tight globally as the world’s economies emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the war and the embargo sent oil prices even higher due to

tight supplies.

When crude oil prices rise, so do pump prices, as oil is the main ingredient used to make gasoline and diesel. On average, about 53% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 12% is refining, 21% distribution and marketing, and 15% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A year ago, crude was around $69 per barrel compared to $107 today.

On January 1, 2022, the national average was $3.29, and the Oregon average was $3.80. By March 1, the national average had jumped to $3.61 and the Oregon average to $4.03. In March, both the national and Oregon averages shattered the old record highs, which had been set in 2008 when the national average reached a high of $4.11 on July 17, and the Oregon average reached its high of $4.29 on July 3.

Since March of this year, the national and Oregon averages have set numerous new record highs. The current record high for the national average is $5.016 set on June 14. The current record high for the Oregon

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Dodds: Among larger markets in Oregon, Medford/Ashland has the highest price of $5.54.

Among counties, these tend to have the highest prices: Clatsop, Multnomah, Curry, Josephine, Deschutes, Lake and Grant. Current prices in these counties range from $5.617 to $5.787.

See more at https://info. oregon.aaa.com/2022-oregon-gas-price-news/.

Oregon, Washington response In response to a question from Portland’s KATU News as to whether she would enact legislation to suspend state gas tax, Gov. Kate Brown’s office answered with the following statement: “Governor Brown understands the impact that the rising cost of gas is having on working families and businesses alike.

However, with gas prices having jumped by several dollars per gallon over the last several months, it’s unlikely that Oregonians would see significant savings at the pump under this latest proposal.”

KATU News posed the same question to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, who echoed Brown’s statements.

“Pausing the gas tax provides yet another opportunity for oil companies to pocket more profit while significantly hindering our ability to put people to work fixing and building roads and bridges,” he said.

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com or in Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Digging in! Groundbreaking for turf field ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo from BearWise®

Hungry bears, determined to eat, are digging into residents’ garbage, bird feeders, BBQ grills, pet food, chicken and livestock feed and in some instances, killing livestock.

Watch for bears STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing an advisory about black bears.

A late salmonberry crop means hungry black bears are a problem for many of Oregon’s coastal communities.

Salmonberries are typically ripe in May but the extended cool, wet spring on the Oregon coast slowed or disrupted that process. In many areas, the berries still have not ripened, and in some areas the pollination seems to have failed resulting in few berries available.

Thimbleberries are behind schedule on the north coast although if forecasted clear weather occurs there may be hope for the upcoming huckleberry and blackberry crops.

Hungry bears, determined to eat are digging into residents’ garbage, bird feeders, BBQ grills, pet food, chicken and livestock feed and in some instances, killing livestock.

Bears attracted to humans for food can become a safety concern when they attempt to break into homes or approach people.

ODFW wildlife biologists coastwide have their hands full with bear complaints.

They say the best remedy is prevention, and urge coastal residents to secure food, garbage, and recycling.

Help keep bears wild by following these BearWise tips:

• Never feed or approach bears • Secure food, garbage and recycling • Remove bird feeders when bears are active • Never leave pet food outdoors • Clean and store grills • Alert neighbors to bear activity

Use bearproof garbage cans if they are available from local waste management or keep garbage and recycling secure until collection day. Electric fencing is also an effective deterrent.

A bear habituated to human foods and other attractants may become extremely aggressive defending those food sources and pose a threat to human safety.

When prevention measures fail to deter these bears, they are humanely euthanized, and the meat donated to charities.

Securing attractants around your property is vital to keeping Oregon’s bears safe and where they belong—in the wild.

For more information about black bears and tips for living with them, check the ODFW website at www.odfw.com or look for information about black bears at BearWise.org. The BearWise® program was developed by black bear biologists and is supported by state wildlife agencies.

Construction workers have begun loosening the dirt to make way for a new turf field at Scappoose High School (SHS).

At 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 23, SHS kicked off a groundbreaking ceremony at the SHS Football Field to mark the construction of a brand-new turf field for student-athletes.

In a June 16 project update, Scappoose School District (SSD) said that the district was waiting on approval of two permits: one from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and one from the City of Scappoose before construction could begin.

The turf is expected to be delivered by August 13 and take three to four weeks

Courtesy photo

SSD administrators pose with shovels to mark the beginning of construction on the SHS turf field.

to install, making it likely that incoming freshmen and students returning for fall semester will be the first to benefit from the project.

Work done in preparation for the new turf field includes submitting the field design, ordering goal posts, soccer

goals, and a scoreboard, and coordinating in-kind work.

Necessary adaptation The turf field project, referred to as “Community Turf Project” on the SSD website, outlines the multi-

fold benefits of having a turf field at the high school.

SSD says a turf field will reduce the risk of injury for athletes, encourage all-age student participation in new programs, and promote school pride and positive community perception.

The district has raised $921,471 for the turf field in pursuit of a $1.17 million fundraising goal.

According to an SSD Facebook post, the project is funded through one-time sources not allocated to classroom instruction or school operations.

Donations are tax-deductible. For more information on how to donate, call Scappoose High School at (971) 200-8005.

Follow the progress of the turf field project here: https:// www.teleport.io/feed/fexuvqbxomt.

Governor appoints new county judge STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Governor Kate Brown has appointed Denise Espinoza Keppinger to the Columbia County Circuit Court.

Keppinger is a deputy district attorney focused on treatment courts in the Columbia County District Attorney’s office and will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ted E. Grove. Both appointments are effective immediately.

Brown also appointed Kirk Wintermute to the Clatsop County Circuit Court. Wintermute is currently a criminal defense attorney in Clatsop County. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Cindee S. Matyas.

“Both of these talented individuals bring deep legal experience to the bench, as well as important perspectives on the different ways the justice system can work to protect the community, while at the same time supporting our most vulnerable Oregonians,” Brown said. “I am excited to see the

Courtesy from the Office of Oregon Governor Kate Brown

Denise Espinoza Keppinger is the new Columbia County Circuit Court.

contributions they will make to the Clatsop and Columbia County Circuit Courts.”

Denise Espinoza Keppinger According to a release from Brown’s office, Kep-

pinger was raised in Arizona, earned her bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University, and obtained her law degree from the University of Oregon in 2003.

Keppinger started her legal career at the Marion County District Attorney’s office.

From there, she worked at St. Andrew’s Legal Clinic from 2005 to 2006, and was a deputy district attorney in the Columbia County District Attorney’s office.

For three years, from 2014 to 2017, she operated her own firm that focused on family law, but ultimately returned to the Columbia County District Attorney’s office in 2018. As the Justice Reinvestment Prosecutor for the county, Keppinger has been instrumental in building and working in treatment courts to better serve the public.

Keppinger is very involved in the Columbia County community. Among other things, she is a board member of SAFE of Columbia County, Columbia County Legal Aid, and the Columbia Community Mental Health Board. She is also a member of the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council, Local Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, Oregon Center on Behavioral Health and Justice Integration Steering Committee, and the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association.

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Obituaries

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Making Memories

Helen P. Gahr

June 26, 1932 ~ May 24, 2022 Helen P. Gahr, of Scappoose, passed away on May 24, 2022 after being hospitalized earlier in May. A lifelong resident of Scappoose and Chapman, Helen was born on June 26, 1932 to William and Lida Kammeyer and lived her early years in South Scappoose at the top of Kammeyer Road on her parents’ farm. She graduated from Scappoose High School as part of the Class of ’50.

After high school, Helen met her future husband Theron Gahr. They were married in 1951 and together, they built a home in Chapman. It was here they raised their family and lived for over fifty years.

Helen was a gifted seamstress, carpenter and gardener. She made all of her family’s clothes and served as a 4-H sewing leader. Many of her waterproof stadium blankets are still showing up at Scappoose sporting events.

As a carpenter, she made all the cabinets in her home.

Helen’s gardening skills

created a large yard full of beautiful flowers. Her “Gahr den” was a source of pride.

The park-like yard was full of beautiful flowers and she was always surrounded by flowering plants.

Numerous people will also remember Helen as the long-time mail carrier for the Chapman community and parts of Scappoose.

During retirement, she and Theron enjoyed numerous trips to Hawaii, Australia, the Scandinavian countries, and much of the United States. Many of the trips in the U.S. revolved

around their children and grandchildren’s sporting events and as members of the Fireballs square dancing club.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Theron Gahr.

Helen is survived by her sister LaVelle Means of Scappoose; daughter Kay Sorenson (Dave) of Scappoose; son Larry Gahr (Barbara) of Bend; five grandchildren, Shawn, Alison, Kelly, Kasey and Lisa; as well as eight great grandchildren.

In early June, the family hosted a celebration of life with family and friends.

They shared stories of Helen and Theron’s beautiful gardens and how they often arrived early to many sporting events that their children or grandchildren were coaching or playing in. Some of Helen’s great desserts were created for the get-together.

Interment will be a private family ceremony at the Willamette National Cemetery.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Children and adults took home memories and perhaps a tan after attending Citizens Day 2022 in St. Helens. Citizens Day in the Park is an annual community event hosted by the City of St. Helens at McCormick Park. The celebration is focused on strengthening community connections by encouraging people to turn off technology and enjoy a day of fun activities in St. Helens’ largest park. The celebration was conducted Saturday, June 25 and included a free barbecue lunch and vendor and community group booths. See more photos with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

Melody Davis

March 30, 1961 ~ June 1, 2022 Melody Davis went to Heaven surrounded by family on June 1, 2022 in Longview, Washington.

Melody was born March 30, 1961 to John and Joann Helgeson. Melody grew up in Rainier, Oregon where she attended Alston Corner Assembly of God. She graduated Rainier High School in 1979.

Melody met Allan in 1979, and later married in 1980. They moved to Clatskanie, Oregon and had two children, Joey and Jessica Davis.

She is survived by her husband Al; son Joey (Maggie) Davis; daughter Jessica Davis; granddaughter Lillyana Davis; sisters, Becky (John) Olsen, Cherrie (Eric) Greer, Myrtle (Curt) Wyatt, and Annette (Jim) Molam-

phy.

Melody is preceded in death by her father John Helgeson; mother Joann Helgeson; and many uncles, aunts and friends.

Most people get their wings at passing by Melody earned her wings years ago working with children at her job. Melody worked for

the Clatskanie Elementary School for 24 years and enjoyed every moment. She also gained her wings by raising our kids and granddaughter Lilly. What a kind and beautiful wife, mom and friend. We love and miss you Melody (Odie).

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on July 9, 2022 at Alston Corner Assembly of God Church in Rainier, Oregon. A potluck will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall after.

In lieu of flowers, there is an account set up through Clatskanie Elementary School to benefit students that Melody enjoyed working with so faithfully for so many years. Please mail donations to CES at P.O. Box 327, Clatskanie, OR 97016.

Warren D. Gould

Aug. 20, 1963 ~ June 7, 2022

Warren lived in Panellas Park, Florida, but was a long-time resident of the Salem/Keizer area from 1981 to 2019 and St.

Helens, Oregon from 1973 to 1981. He graduated from St. Helens High School.

Warren was an avid rider of motorcycles,

loved fishing, bowling and golf. Warren was a vocal supporter of the Oregon State Beavers and NASCAR. Warren had a longdistinguished career in the Oregon Department of Corrections from where he retired in 2018. Warren was a friend to all he met and was always willing to lend a hand to those that needed it.

He is survived by his wife Dorece; son Zach (wife Megan and their four children); mother Lovetta; brother Shawn (wife Melissa and their five children); brothers, Brian (wife Precious and their one child) and Zane; sister Talitha Heffner (with husband Michael and their three children); and father John (wife Pegi).

Take steps toward financial freedom • Invest for growth. How much you invest is obviously a key factor in reaching your financial freedom. But how you invest is also important.

If you’re going to accumulate the resources you need to retire comfortably and meet your other financial goals, you will need to devote a reasonable percentage of your investment dollars to growth-oriented vehicles, including stocks and stockbased mutual funds. Of course, these investments will fluctuate in value, so you’ll need to be prepared to accept a certain level of risk. Your individual risk tolerance will help determine how much of your portfolio should be devoted to growth investments.

• Put financial windfalls to work. Whenever you receive a financial windfall, such as a bonus from your employer, a tax refund or even an inheritance, consider putting some of it to work in your investment portfolio.

Over time, these windfalls can add up.

• Reduce your debts.

It may be easier said than done, but try to reduce, or eliminate, as many debts as you can. The less money you have to pay each month on your debts, the more you’ll have available to save and invest. Of course, some debts,

Next week, we observe Independence Day, an opportunity to celebrate all the liberties we enjoy in this country. Of course, there are different types of freedoms – such as financial freedom, which can open the doors to many other opportunities.

What steps can you take to gain your financial independence?

Here are a few suggestions: • Save, invest… and repeat. There’s really no shortcut to achieving financial freedom – you do have to save and invest for many years. And that means you should take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. If you have a 401(k) or similar retirement plan at work, try to put in as much as you can afford each year, and when your salary goes up, increase your contributions. Even if you have a 401(k), you may also be eligible to fund an IRA. Both a 401(k) and an IRA offer tax benefits and an array of investment options, so they are powerful retirement savings vehicles.

such as your mortgage, can’t be easily erased, but if you can find ways to cut down on spending, you may be surprised at how much progress you can make toward debt reduction.

• Prepare for the unexpected. Life is unpredictable – and some unforeseen events could threaten your ability to achieve, and maintain, your financial independence. For example, if you were unable to work for a while due to illness or injury, you might be forced to dip into your savings and long-term investments just to help meet your cost of living.

You can help protect yourself from this risk by building an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. And you may want to consult with a financial professional to learn about other protection strategies.

It will take a concerted effort to reach your financial independence – but, like all freedoms, it offers immense benefits.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Topher Mood, your Edward Jones financial advisor at (503) 397-1125.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Topher Mood, AAMS® - Financial Advisor 2504 Sykes Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051 • (503) 397-1125 www.edwardjones.com/topher-mood

Roger Bullis

Nov. 4, 1941 ~ Dec. 5, 2021 Roger Bullis, 80, of Columbia City passed away on Dec. 5, 2021. A celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on July 17, 2022 at St. Helens Elks Lodge.

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Salute to America 2022

8th Annual Let Freedom Bells Ring Independence Day Events 2022 There are three main Independence Day events happening in the area on July 4. For more event details, visit the Discovery Columbia County website.

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 503-5435026.

Let Freedom Ring Event A community celebration is set for Independence Day, July 4, in St. Helens that will include bell ringing to honor veterans and those currently serving in the United States Armed Services. The celebration will be in the Columbia Courthouse Plaza at 230 Strand St. in St. Helens and will include a flag raising at 1:30 p.m., speakers, and a countdown to 2 p.m. for big bells to ring. The Big Bell ringing locations include the Columbia County Courthouse steps, Warrior Rock Replica behind the courthouse, First United Methodist, St. Frederic Catholic, Plymouth Presbyterian, Christ Episcopal Churches, Columbia River Fire & Rescue St. Helens Station, and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Scappoose. The public is encouraged to attend.

July 4 St. Helens Fireworks Fireworks display at approximately 10 p.m. from a barge on the Columbia River in the Riverfront District of St. Helens.

See the story on the front page of the June 29 Chronicle and visit the city’s website for additional information.

July 4 Clatskanie Fireworks Fireworks display to be launched from the Clatskanie City Park at nightfall. Other events include a city parade and food and vendors at the city park throughout Independence Day.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This large bell at the Columbia River Fire & Rescue Station at 105 S. 12th Street in St. Helens is one of several large community bells that will ring on Independence Day. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A community celebration is set for Independence Day, July 4, in St. Helens that will include bell ringing to honor veterans and those currently serving in the United States Armed Services.

History In a 1963 a proclamation

by President John F. Kennedy to revive “Let’s Ring Freedom Bells” was issued to bring unity to our country and honor those who protect our freedoms, according to local Freedom Bells coordinator Judy Thompson.

In the same year a resolution by the U.S. Senate with the U.S. House of Representatives concurring, declared that the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence should be observed each year by the ringing of bells throughout the United States at the hour

of 2 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, in the afternoon of the 4th day of July, or at such other time on that day as may be determined by local authority, and calls upon civic and other community leaders to take appropriate steps to encourage public participation in such an observance.

“Let Freedom Ring was established to revive the spirit of patriotism and to have importance and meaning for Independence Day,” Thompson said. “This celebration is in accordance with U.S. Congressional Resolution 25 and passed in 1963. Bells across America are rung 13 times at 2 p.m. in honor of the thirteen original states represented by the signers of the Declaration of Independence.”

In 1965 St. Helens participated in the nationwide Let Freedom Ring observance.

“We are unsure of how many years St. Helens continued this nationwide celebration,” Thompson said. “In 2015 a small group

Wishing you a safe & happy

4th of July

Courtesy photo

The 2021 Bell Ringers included members from the American Legion Post 42, Scappoose VFW Post 1440, Post 4362, Scout Troop 106, and community representatives.

of community members discovered this celebration and re-established our own Let Freedom Bells Ring. The St. Helens American Legion Post 42 and Scappoose VFW Post 4362 enthusiastically became our community’s big bell ringers.”

Independence Day event Bell ringers synchronize their watches with the Courthouse Plaza Clock tower for all the participating bells to ring at 2 p.m. and ring 13 times. Scout Troop 106, American Heritage Girls and Trail Life are assisting with celebration to honor veterans, service members, firefighters, law enforcement, those that protect our freedoms, according to Thompson.

The Big Bell ringing locations include the Columbia County Courthouse steps, Warrior Rock Replica behind the courthouse, First United Methodist, St. Frederic Catholic, Plymouth Presbyterian,

Christ Episcopal Churches, Columbia River Fire & Rescue St. Helens Station on Columbia Boulevard, Station, and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Scappoose.

“The July 4 local celebration will be in the Columbia Courthouse Plaza at 230 Strand St. in St. Helens,” Thompson said. “The theme is ‘Salute to America’ and will include a flag raising at 1:30 p.m., speakers, and a countdown to 2 p.m. for big bells to ring.”

Following the big bells event, the Larry Jackson Big River Band with vocalist Ellie Wieneke will kick off an hour of what Thompson described as “robust music.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy the music.

For more information about “Let Freedom Bells Ring,” contact Judy Thompson at 503-397-6056. For a complete schedule of activities visit https://discovercolumbiacounty.com.

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33465 SW Maple St, Scappoose OR 503.730.4554 cell 503.730.4554 / leachitwood@remax.net leachitwood@remax.net

W Maple St, Scappoose OR 4554 cell 54 / leachitwood@remax.net ood@remax.net

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P.O. Box AF • 33485 E. Crown Zellerbach Rd. • Scappoose, OR 97056 Phone: (503) 543-8821 • FAX: (503) 543-7997 Email: scappoosesg@gmail.com Lea Chitwood Principal Broker Lic# 980700011

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Happy 4th of July Located on Rock Quarry Way. off of Hwy. 30 just North of Tide Cr. Rd. 503-397-5180•customerservicetca@gmail.com

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A12

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

State fire marshal issues fireworks caution JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

You may have seen the tents set up shape in Columbia County that house fireworks sales for the Fourth of July.

The 2022 fireworks retail sales season began Thursday, June 23 and runs through July 6 in Oregon.

“Keep it legal, keep it safe” is the message from the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

The agency has issued an advisory about which fireworks are legal, where they can be used, and how to use them safely.

To reduce the risk of starting a wildfire, a variety of local governments in Oregon have put in place regulations and are even banning the sale or use of fireworks.

It is important to check your local regulations and follow them where you live or where you may be traveling to celebrate the 4th of July holiday, according OSFM Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston.

“We ask that those using fireworks be responsible when using them,” Johnston said.

“Every year, we see fires started because of improper use or use of illegal fireworks.

Our message is to keep it legal and keep it safe as people celebrate the holiday.”

Consumer legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations also limit where those fireworks may be used.

Johnson asks people who plan to visit public lands and parks to leave all fireworks at home. The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Courtesy photo

Fire agency officials in Columbia County and across the state are urging caution with all fireworks due to the increasing risk of wildfires.

properties, state beaches, state parks, and in-state campgrounds. The use of fireworks is also prohibited on many private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

For residents who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials encourage everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use: • Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.

• Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.

Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.

• Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait for 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.

• Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

The law Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a

permit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks, commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers, are illegal in Oregon without a permit.

Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.

The OSFM has published FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities. OSFM’s fireworks education materials for sharing on social media also can be found on its website.

from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 12 reported for the previous year.

• About 15,600 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries in 2020. There were about 10,000 ER-treated fireworks injuries in 2019.

Other highlights from CPSC’s report: • Of the 18 deaths, 8 of the victims (44 percent) had used alcohol or drugs prior to the incident.

• Most fireworks-related injuries (about 66 percent) oc-

curred in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday (from June 21, 2020 to July 21, 2020). During that one-month period: • Severe injuries related to fireworks increased in 2020.

More consumers were admitted to the hospital, or were transferred to another hospital for treatment, due to severe fireworks injuries in 2020 (21 percent) versus 2019 (12 percent).

• Young adults ages 20-24 saw the biggest spike in visits to the hospital emergency room for fireworks-related injuries, compared to any age

group last year, 17 injuries per 100,000 people in 2020 versus 2.8 per 100,000 people in 2019.

• Firecrackers were the biggest source of ER-treated fireworks injuries (1,600), followed by sparklers (900).

• The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers, at 30 percent.

The head, face and ears were the second most injured body parts, at 22 percent. Eye injuries were third at 15 percent.

• Burns were the most common fireworks-related, emergency room-treated injury, at 44 percent.

By the numbers A report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a 50 percent increase in deaths and injuries from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 2019.

• At least 18 people died

Join us July 4th at St. Helens City Hall for

Raising of the American Flag Ringing of the Bells 1:30 P.M. - 2 P.M.

The American Legion Post 42 St. Helens invites you to our meetings at the Moose They are 7:00 P.M. the 4th Thursday of the month.

Veterans Breakfast at the Moose 9: A.M. 1st Friday Monthly NO HOST

Don’t miss it!

Moose Lodge #591, 57317 Old Portland Rd., Warren, Oregon For more information call Frank Davis: 1 (503) 936-8539

1925 1st St., Columbia City • 503-397-5390

ST. HELENS LIQUOR STORE 420 Columbia Blvd. • 503.397.1733

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Happy 4th of July from your friends at

The Chronicle www.thechronicleonline.com

503-397-0116 • 1805 Columbia Blvd.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Have great July 4th from your friends at Plymouth Pub 298 S. 1st Street St. Helens, Oregon • 503-396-5108

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4th of July

www.clatskaniepud.com 503 728-2163 • 495 E. Columbia River Hwy.