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Historic Heat
Soaring temps, business and infrastructure impact AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A historic heat wave stretching across Oregon shattered temperatures for the third straight day, Monday, June 28. St. Helens recorded 117 degrees by late Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an Excessive Heat Warning late Friday, June 25, for Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington through Monday night, for high temperates to be at record levels above 100 degrees. NWS Meteorologist Tyler Kranz said the record setting heat wave was historic. “We have never seen temperatures this hot before, at least since records have been kept, so it is clearly a widespread historic event in the Pacific Northwest.” Temperature soared to 109 degrees on Saturday and 111 degrees on Sunday in St. Helens and Scappoose. Portland broke its historical record by hitting 108 degrees on Friday, 112 on Saturday and Sunday and 116 on Monday.
What caused the excessive heat? “We had a very strong upper level high pressure system stall in place over the Pacific Northwest, nighttime temperatures remained warm and the hot air sinking and not rising caused the excessive heat,” Kranz said. Marine influence flowing in from the Pacific Ocean was forecast to bring some cooling to the region by Tuesday and into the rest of the week, Krantz said, with temperatures still above normal but only into the upper 80s and low 90s. As the temperatures soared above 100 degrees, residents who experienced shock from the heat scrambled to find shelter. The latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019 show Seattle has the lowest rate of airconditioned homes of any major American city. Only 44% of the homes in the metro area have air conditioning. In the Portland metro area, that figure was 79% — most Oregonians were not prepared for scorching temperatures, and stores across the state have already reported shortages of air conditioning units as they sell out rapidly. Operators of public spaces across the state and in Columbia
County extended their hours offering relief to residents who were without air conditioning. Cooling centers open On Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the St. Helens, Scappoose, and Vernonia public libraries; the St. Helens Recreation Center, the St. Helens Alamo Club and the Warren Community Fellowship all opened their doors to the public during the day as places to escape the intense heat. The centers provided bottled water and other amenities within air conditioned rooms. The splash pad at St. Helens Columbia View Park also open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the Excessive Heat Warning, providing an outdoor cooling off spot. St. Helens city officials said the cooling centers were temporary. The Chronicle will continue to communicate with Columbia County Emergency Management and Columbia County Public Health for information about any permanent plans to respond to future extreme weather events. Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
See HEAT Page A4
This electronic temperature gauge in St. Helens reads 105 degrees at 11 a.m. Monday morning, June 28. By late afternoon, the temperature had reached 117 degrees.
Oregon’s economy set to reopen today AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Metro Creative Connection /The Chronicle
Even though Columbia County remained below the 65% vaccination threshold this week, allowing it to move from the High Risk classification, it will be allowed to fully reopen June 30 with the rest of the state.
Oregon will reopen no later than June 30 and Governor Kate Brown said she will lift all mandated health and safety requirements, including face masks and social distancing. “As we near the end of June, more than 15 months since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in Oregon, we find ourselves entering a new chapter the pandemic,” Brown said. “More than 2.3 million Oregonians are now vaccinated. And we are quickly approaching the point where 70% of Oregon’s adults have received a first dose.” Brown said the reopening is a pivotal moment for Oregon.
“Brighter days are ahead,” she said. During a briefing with reporters Friday, June 25, Brown signed a new executive order—extending Oregon’s emergency order and repealing the face mask and social distancing mandates. The order was to take effect once the state reaches the 70% mark or on June 30, whichever came first. “As I have detailed before, that means no more statewide mask mandates in most settings, no required capacity limits, and no required physical distancing,” Brown explained. “That means effectively, Oregon is 100% open for business.” Some statewide mask requirements may stay in place in spe-
cialized settings following federal guidance, including airports, public transit, and health care settings. The Governor’s recovery order will remain in effect until December 31, 2021, unless terminated earlier. Over the past couple of weeks, daily vaccination rates have slowed, pushing Brown’s original deadline of June 21. Over 2.3 million Oregonians have received at least one dose of the COIVD-19 vaccine, according to Director of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Pat Allen. “We are on the doorstep of a 70% adult vaccination rate,” Allen said. See REOPEN Page A5
Local woman completing ride of a lifetime JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Garden Plots ............ A4 Police Reports ......... A6 Obituaries ................. A6 TV Guide ................... A7 Classified Ads ......... A8 Crossword ............... A8 Legals ....................... A9 July 4th .............. A11-12
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Tami Garner has returned to Columbia County to take a brief break from her bike riding quest. She came home to attend the June 26 memorial services for her husband, Gary, who passed away in March from ALS. Following his death, Tami decided to launch a mission to ride her bike in 50 states, 50 rides, raising $50,000 for the NW Chapter of ALS as a tribute to her husband. In late April, The Chronicle profiled Tami’s preparations for the journey. “Our team took some time to lay the groundwork since it was such a significant mission and process,” she said in an updated interview conducted this past week. “It was a fast turnaround, no doubt, but May is ALS Awareness month, and we felt that it was a symbolic and solid time to begin.” According to the Mayo Clinic, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive nervous
breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease. More riding ahead
Tami Garner shares a photo from her 50 state journey.
system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. ALS often begins with muscle
Courtesy photo
twitching and weakness in a limb, or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and
Tami said she is on schedule and has just completed her 30th ride in Providence, Rhode Island. “I’ve driven 8,500 miles and over all my bike miles have totaled about 475.” she said. Shortly after arriving in Rhode Island June 23, Tami flew back to Oregon returning to Scappoose to attend her husband’s memorial service. Tami said she will resume her bike ride following other family commitments. “I have two adult children getting married this summer,” she said. “The first one is on July 10. I fly back to Boston on the 11th and
Vol. 139, No. 26
ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247
See GARNER Page A5
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Wednesday, June 30, 2021
St. Helens fireworks July 4
Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens
A previous fireworks display over the Columbia County Courthouse in the Old Town District of St. Helens. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The City of St. Helens Independence Day celebration is set for July 4th, but as of Tuesday, the future of the city’s fireworks display is still uncertain. The July 4th fireworks will be conducted at Sand Island, just east across the Columbia River from the city’s Old Town District. “This is the closest you’ll be able to get to the fireworks along with the best parking location,” a statement reads on the Discover Columbia County website promoting the ticketed event. “Park right by the riverfront in St. Helens. Plan to attend this epic gathering and have some fun with friends and family. This is the best tailgating event of the summer. Enjoy the river views, cook up some food or buy some onsite. Kick back and relax.” Live music is scheduled to be provided by Hit Machine on the Wauna Credit Union Stage at Columbia View Park. Vendors and food booths are also planned and alcohol will be allowed. This includes the onsite sale of alcohol in compliance with Oregon Liquor Control (OLCC) regulations at Columbia View Park and designated areas on the St. Helens waterfront property, where tailgating will occur, according to city spokesperson Crystal King. Tickets for the St. Helens Fireworks display range from $20 for a car load of four to $25 for a car with six people
aboard. Individual tickets for a single adult or child walk-in to the event will be $5 cash. Wristbands come with the ticket purchase. “Every person on the riverfront gravel, asphalt, walking trail area will be required to have a wristband,” the website reads. “Every infant or child is required to have a wristband. Officers will be on duty to ensure you are wearing your wristband. People do not need to all be in the vehicle but you will be required to meet them at the gate so they can put their wrist bands on before entering the area. Extra wristbands are $5 per person with your car ticket.” Pets will not be allowed at the event. The funds collected through the ticket sales will go towards that next group that is selected to operate the fireworks in 2022, the Discover Columbia County website states. Gates open at 11 a.m. Tailgating is permitted. Gates will be locked at 11 p.m. There is no overnight camping. The entry gate is located on 1st Street by The Dockside Restaurant. Both the 1st Street gate and the back gate will be open to exit. As part of this year’s fireworks display, a shell is being specially designed by Western Fireworks, the business the city contracts with to provide the show, to honor Ed Lokken’s legacy, accord-
THE 5TH ANNUAL COLUMBIA CENTURY CHALLENGE
Each year the ride continues to grow and showcase the beauty that is Columbia County. This year’s ride was important to many cyclists as it was their first cycling event in over a year. We were overwhelmed with the amount of gratitude bestowed upon us by the happy participants. We could not have hosted our ride without the support of our sponsors, the City of Rainier, the Columbia County Health Department, our volunteers, and so many others.
We look forward to the many rides to come and we will see you again in 2022!
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
ing to a release from the city. Lokken was instrumental in organizing the St. Helens fireworks show for over three decades. After the fireworks finale, there will a pause of several seconds before the memorial firework is lit in Lokken’s memory. Lokken’s tribute this year signals the City’s desire to return the show’s organization and fundraising efforts back to the community. The show was historically coordinated by residents, with a community providing the funding through fundraiser efforts such as street dances and auctions. In recent years, the City stepped in to take over the event when the St. Helens Community Foundation was no longer able to organize enough volunteers or find sufficient funding to host the show. The annual fireworks show costs an average of $15,000 to $18,000. In March, the City of St. Helens conducted a survey asking the St. Helens community about the fireworks show and the city’s involvement in its future. Approximately 450 people responded indicating that they preferred a community organization to take the event over. The city council agreed and has since been seeking such an organization to embrace the fireworks project. Anyone interested in taking over the Independence Day celebration or wishing to volunteer should contact City Administrator John Walsh at jwalsh@sthelensoregon.gov or 503-366-8211.
Metro Creative Connections / The Chronicle
Under the Oregon Department of Education’s plan, local school districts may make the final decision about resuming in-person instruction.
ODE announces back to school plan JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
“The path is clear for students to return to full time, in-person instruction next year,” Oregon Department of Education Director (ODE) Colt Gill said. The ODE announced Friday, June 25, the Ready Schools, Safe Learners Resiliency Framework for the 2021-22 School Year. The Resiliency Framework helps school districts prepare their staff and campuses for the next academic year. “Working together, we can harness this opportunity to rekindle joy and learning in the classrooms, auditoriums, and playgrounds across Oregon,” Gill said. “Oregon schools are ready to once again be vibrant places for learners, staff, and their families.” As Oregon enters the next chapter of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Resiliency Framework shifts public school districts to a more traditional, local decision-making model, so that communities can make the health and safety decisions that serve students best. The framework also reflects Governor Kate Brown’s announcement Friday of her order lifting all remaining COVID-19 health and safety restrictions issued under Oregon emergency
statutes, including the executive order for K-12 schools. Shortly after the ODE announcement, the St. Helens School District sent an email to district parents saying that the ODE’s Resiliency Framework helps school districts prepare their staff and campuses for the next academic year. “In the weeks ahead, the St. Helens School District will be reviewing the newly-released guidance and engaging in conversations with our leadership team and St. Helens School District Board of Directors about our plans for the upcoming school year,” the email reads. “We will continue to keep you updated with future communications as details about the 2021-22 school year become available.” The key Resiliency Framework pillars are: • Oregon public schools will be returning to fulltime, in-person instruction next school year. • A focus on connecting and relationship building as staff and students move back into full-time, in-person instruction. • Pre-pandemic instructional time requirements will be reinstituted. • School districts and charter schools may continue to offer online programs for students at their discretion. The Department
will engage in an inclusive process to update Oregon’s remote learning quality standards over the next school year. • The vast majority of health and safety protocols, including face coverings and physical distancing in Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance, which are currently mandatory, will move to advisory next academic year. The switch to advisory means school districts, public charter schools and private schools will have the option to implement, as appropriate, relevant advisory guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and the Oregon Health Authority, and may require face coverings, physical distancing and other measures. • Key measures that remain required include: Maintaining a communicable disease plan, maintaining an isolation space in schools and submitting a plan for operation. “Schools have more than a year of practice on how to mitigate COVID-19 and create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for students and staff,” Gill said. “Moving to an advisory framework is a logical progression from emergency state direction to local decision-making for keeping students and staff healthy within each school’s unique context.”
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Oregon legislators wrap up 2021 session STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Courtesy photo
The Oregon Legislature ended the 2021 regular session Saturday evening.
The Oregon State Legislature adjourned its 2021 session at 5:37.p.m. Saturday, June 26. “Oregon has never had a session like this,” Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) said. “The state was on fire. People were out of work. Families were struggling. We were in the middle of a pandemic... but we came in and did the people’s work. We balanced our budget and made big investments in our communities. There were some bitter fights but in the end,we represented
the people well.” The 2021 session was unlike any other in Oregon’s history due to the observance of COVID-19 safety precautions at the Capitol. Legislators worked with staff, infectious disease experts, and public health officials to adjust Capitol operations for the 2021 session to reduce the risk of transmission while expanding ways members of the public could take part in the process. While disrupted by the pandemic, this year’s legislative session saw the passage of groundbreaking legislation and a historic state budget, according to Courtney. Community investments The legislature approved a 2021-23 budget that includes funding for important construction projects and programs in communities across the state. “This is a commitment that the Legislature will be there for every part of Oregon that needs our help,” Courtney said. K-12 Schools Lawmakers approved a state school fund budget that will invest a record $9.3 billion in K-12 schools this year.
Housing and homelessness Legislators continued efforts to increase Oregon’s supply of affordable housing and keep families affected by the pandemic in their homes, including a bill to encourage the development of affordable housing by expanding areas where affordable housing can be built and removing barriers faced by developers, cities, and nonprofits. The legislature also approved a $160 million housing package for affordable housing in cities around Oregon and gave temporary relief to Oregonians struggling to make rent or mortgage payments due to the pandemic. Senate Bill 2009 allowed for an extension of the mortgage foreclosure moratorium until at least September 30, providing foreclosure relief to mortgage holders who do not have a federally backed mortgage. Senate Bill 278 protects tenants waiting on rental assistance from being evicted after the eviction moratorium expires on June 30 and increases relief provided to landlords through the Landlord Compensation Fund. The 2021-23 legislatively
approved budget sent over $35 million toward shelters, temporary housing for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and resources for Oregonians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Health care In addition to fully funding the Oregon Health Plan, lawmakers approved measures to change how healthcare is delivered in the state, including
passing a historic $450 million behavioral health package. Wildfire and water resources In response to the devastating 2020 wildfire season, the legislature approved a $500 million wildfire package to expand wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts, rebuild fire-affected communities, and provide relief to wildfire survivors who have lost everything. This year’s budget also
included a monumental $460 million package to invest in water and sewer infrastructure. Gov. Kate Brown said the 2021 session marked a turning point for Oregon. “We are better positioned to address the key challenges facing Oregonians: the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfire recovery and preparedness, and taking steps to end systemic racism and address racial disparities in Oregon,” Brown said.
Tooling around with prices and fencing LAKEN GORTLER Sponsored content
I just want to start off by saying thank you to everyone who came out to our first petting zoo this month. We brought in some local talent (so to speak) like goats, pigs, and sheep, and the parents and kids had a great time out here horsing around. We were a little overwhelmed with our parking and we also really appreciate our regulars for putting up with it. The petting zoo will definitely be on our to-do list again next year! Well, we’re continuing to see a little price moderation so don’t hesitate to give us a call - we may have some prices coming down a little. Our co-opt, Do It Best, has just come out with a catalogue tool special that we’ll be implementing. We’ll have a wide range of the name brands you recognize in nail guns, saws, drills, the whole bit - see what I did there? We’re working on beefing up our tool selection in general, battery operated and corded, so pay attention to our Facebook and other advertising that we’re doing. There’s going to be some great deals there. Another area we’re doing really well in lately is Tartar gates and fencing. We’re
seeing a bit more supply coming to us, so we’re beefing that up, too. We should see a little price moderation though it’s hard to say right now because steel has been very price sensitive, and it’s moved up quite a bit. But we’ve got a truckload of fence panels and cattle panels coming in so we should be in good shape for
the summer. I’m also on the Columbia County Fair Board, and it’s been a lot of work trying to get ready for the fair next month. I’ll try to keep everyone aware of what we’re doing, but it’s looking like it’s going to go off without a hitch. So, with that, I’m back at it and we’ll talk to you next time!
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DAHLGREN’S 58351 S. Columbia River Highway • Phone: 503-397-0086 • Fax: 503-397-0998 DahlgrensDoitBest.com | Shop our warehouse Free shipping to store Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
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Are you a veteran? You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.
Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org
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ads, classifieds, and legals for the July 7th Chronicle by Noon, on July 1. Late submissions will not make it into the paper.
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Opinion
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Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Garden Plots: Vegetables, other crops in extreme heat
CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Column
High temperatures are common in August but in June? In any case, these extreme temperatures test our watering skills. If you are seeding vegetables, it is a challenge to keep the soil surface evenly moist to support germination. Light surface mulches help, as do the use of soaker hoses or drip systems turned on frequently. Overhead irrigated seeds planted in un-mulched clay soils tended to have a hard time pushing through the soil crusts that form. Crusts develop from the physical impact of water droplets combined with sun baking clay in the soil. If you cover your seeds with potting mix instead of soil, it will generally help germination. Oddly, very high temperatures push some seeds into a prolonged dormancy. I had that experience some years
ago when I tried to seed a cover crop in hot (though not as hot as this) weather. Nothing germinated at all until the following year. In the vegetable garden, many crops are in crucial growth stages. All vegetables that produce bulbs, flowers, fruit, or seed as the edible part (i.e. beans, squash, tomatoes, peppers, corn, broccoli, onions etc.) experience their highest demand as that edible portion is maturing. Even and ample water is a must. Soil moisture evaporates through plant leaves (which is most of the water taken from the soil as the crop canopy matures) and directly from the soil. Normal evapotranspiration averages for vegetables in July/August are about 1.50 inches per week (or about .22”/day). But on very hot days the transpiration rates exceeds .30”/day or about 2.25 inches per week. The chart shows the water demand for winter squash (butternuts,
acorns, Hubbard, etc.) and summer squash (zucchini, patty pans, etc.). The difference between the rainfall received and the crop demand at any point in time is what you have to provide once most of the soil moisture reserves have been used. And basically, we got no significant rainfall in the last two weeks of June and generally almost nothing in July and August. We are entered into this important growth time of our crops with a water-year (October 2020–September 2021) rain deficit of about nine inches. This will also affect some plants we might not normally water like wellestablished fruit trees. There are a lot of crops that flower but don’t produce the desired vegetable if it is too hot. Beans are very sensitive to 92°+ weather and will often drop a lot of flowers until cooler weather returns. Tomatoes are a little more complicated. Some sail through this kind of weather. Other varieties are more like green beans with a drop-off
in fruit set. Squash and peppers are generally fine. All this assumes the plants are adequately watered. If not, all bets on fruit set are off. Lettuce turns bitter quickly in extreme heat (if it survives at all). The only benefit from this heat is that the slugs have
been driven into hiding. They look for cracks in the soil or anything they can wiggle under to keep them from drying out. Other garden topics Garlic should be ready to harvest. Dig and then dry the bulbs with the tops on in a shady, well-ventilated place. They should be ready for storage after a month. They can be eaten anytime. The heat wave this week hastened berry maturity and at the same time sunburned some raspberries, blackberries, and even blueberries. The heat also affected developing apples and possibly damaged the trunks of some young trees. The worst damage is typically on
the southwest side of a tree or berry bush since it gets direct sun at the hottest time of the day. Maintain a good watering schedule on all new woody landscape and garden plants throughout the rest of this summer. You can plant cabbage family, leeks, beans, and other crops for late summer/ fall eating once this extreme heat subsides. Corn planting is still possible though I would use the shortest season corn and hope for an long summer and fall. Poor carrot and parsnip crops (stunted, misshapen, etc.) are usually due to one of the following: failure to thin such that no carrot plant gets enough light to make a good root; rocky or heavy clay soils which cause root distortion and forking; inconsistent watering; and too much nitrogen. Some people have reported hearing cicadas (after all the publicity about them back east) but didn’t know we had them. We do, upwards of 30 species in the PNW, but they aren’t the mass brood emerging types. Male and female cicadas make a very sustained, highpitched sounds to find each other.
397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu.
Have questions?
Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County Address: 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503-397-3462 Email: chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu
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-
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 503-397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at extension.oregonstate. edu/columbia and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Contact information for the Extension office
Amy Trull / The Chronicle
City of St. Helens public works crews rushed to South 1st and Cowlitz Streets late Monday to repair a water main break likely caused by the excessive heat, according to city officials.
Weekly Online Poll What lessons should we take away from the COVID-19 pandemic? Be better prepared Don’t issue mandated business restrictions No face masks, social distancing
Be respectful of others Aurora Biggers / The Chronicle
A family enjoys free crafts, snacks, and air conditioning at the St. Helens Rec Center, one of the local cooling centers opened during the excessive heat.
HEAT
projections based on continuing high carbon emissions suggest Portland could reach 90 degrees or higher some 50 From Page A1 days a year by the late 21st century. Scappoose Library One long-term concern of Director Jeff Weiss said the scientists is the impact on inlibrary’s meeting room will frastructure in places that not continue to be used for a equipped for extreme heat. cooling center when needed. Later Monday afternoon, ”We will offer the meetSt. Helens public works ing room as a cooling center anytime that we are open and crews were dispatched to a water main break at South it is more than 95 degrees 1st and Cowlitz Streets in outside,” he said. the Old Town District of St. Helens. Business impact “We believe the break was due to the extreme heat,” Several local businesses St. Helens Communication closed or limited their hours Director Crystal King said. over the weekend and again “Fluctuations in the water Monday due to the impact of pressure caused the water heat on their air conditionmain to buckle.” ing units and other operating King said the building systems. at 31 Cowlitz Street was McDonald’s, Burgerville impacted by the break. The and the Plymouth Pub resbuilding is the site of two taurants in St. Helens posted small restaurants and several signs alerting customers of apartments. the business closures and delays. “Our crews were able to According to Vivek isolate the break and restore Shandas, a Portland State service to the affected area University professor of urban within about one hour,” King studies and planning who fo- said. cuses on climate adaptation, Public works crews were Columbia County’s trusted local news source
to return Tuesday to patch the concrete cuts that had to be made in order to make the emergency repairs. In Portland, both the streetcar and MAX lines cancelled services for two days, citing safety concerns and heat-caused electrical issues. The streetcar’s Twitter account posted a photo of one of the streetcar’s power cables with a hole in it, which appeared to be caused by heat expansion. The account stated, “In case you’re wondering why we’re canceling service for the day, here’s what the heat is doing to our power cables.” By Monday evening cooler marine air began flowing into Columbia County and the surrounding region dropping temperatures into the mid 60’s overnight. Kranz said more heat waves should be expected in the region through the summer and into early fall. “Chances are very low we’ll see temperatures this hot again,” he said. “I hope not. We won’t know for sure, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Last Week’s Results How are you beating the summer heat waves? 30% Plenty of water, other cool drinks 54% Cranking up the air conditioner 3% Boating
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Wednesday, June 30, 2021
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Gas line break probe under investigation JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The gas line incident occurred just west of Highway 30 on Millard Road. The site is part of a $7.5 million improvement project.
Officials are reviewing a gas line break that forced the closure of Highway 30 at Millard Road. Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) reported a construction crew hit a four inch gas main at the intersection of Millard Road and Highway 30, forcing the closure of the area and buildings within 1,000 feet of the site to be evacuated shortly after 9:30 Wednesday morning, June 23.
Gasoline prices rising again
Oregon State Police troopers and Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies directed traffic off the busy highway as CRFR fire personnel evacuated several buildings near the incident. The event closed a half mile section of the highway both north and south bound for approximately one hour. NW Natural Gas crews arrived on the scene and capped the gas leak and the area was reopened. There were no reported injuries. The site of the gas line break is part of a $7.5 mil-
lion dollar road improvement project that had been paused several weeks earlier due to utility line concerns. The incident occurred after a subcontractor struck a gas line while excavating for electrical conduit installation, according to Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman Lou Torres. Northwest Natural Gas will work to determine fault or no-fault and if any financial penalties should be assessed, Torres said. When asked by The Chronicle if contractors are re-
quired to check before they dig in such construction projects, and couldn’t this incident have been avoided, Torres replied, “Yes, a locate ticket was called. This was an accident.” Torres said additional work is needed to reach the summer 2022 completion date for the road improvement project. “We need to wait on the railroad contractor for the other side of the highway and we still need to accomplish intersection improvements, signal pole installation, ADA upgrades and roadway work,” he said.
Tammi Garner at the start of her national bike journey and on day 50 of the ride.
GARNER From Page A1
Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle
Prices for gasoline are up $1 over last year, according to the AAA, the most expensive since 2014. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Prices at the pumps are on the rise with two significant increases over the past week, increasing in Columbia County by about 15 cents a gallon. In St. Helens, prices were at an average of $3.63 a gallon for unleaded regular and three to five cents higher in outlying areas, such as Scappoose, Rainier and Clatskanie, as of Monday, June 28. Overall, the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) weekly price survey shows pump prices for the Independence Day holiday
REOPEN From Page A1
In the national ranking of states’ vaccination rates, Oregon has the 18th highest percentage of adults with at least one dose of the COVID-10 vaccine, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), said Allen. Columbia County’s vaccination rate is 50.1%. Moving toward reopening and beyond, Allen and Brown said the state will shift power back to county commissioners and their public health agencies— though Brown said county’s need to focus on vaccina-
will be the most expensive since 2014. Gas prices are almost $1 higher than a year ago, when demand plummeted with much of the country under stay-at-home orders. The Oregon average was at $3.49, as of Monday, June 28. The national average is currently $3.07. The AAA survey shows California is the most expensive state for the 23rd week in a row and is the only state in the nation with an average above $4 per gallon. Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon round out the top five. Alaska is seventh. Arizona is 16th. Oregon is fifth for the 16th week in a row. All seven states in the
West Coast region are among the 20 states in the country, along with D.C., that have averages above $3 a gallon. “Drivers can expect pump prices to fluctuate over the next few weeks, depending on supply, demand, the price of crude, and U.S. refinery utilization rates,” AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said. On June 27, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal suspended regulations that prohibit the self-serve of gasoline at retail gasoline service stations until Tuesday evening, June 29, due to the excessive heat wave.
tion drives in rural areas and within Black, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian American communities of color. “We must also recognize that it has been exceptionally difficult for our Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and tribal communities. Disparities that existed before are even wider now,” Brown said, encouraging vulnerable populations and those living in areas with low vaccination rates to consider continuing to wear masks and limiting the kind of activities they engage in. Should the state reach a “dire point” again, Allen said, the state would consider reinstating the restrictions. But a resurgence is unlikely,
as 7 in 10 Oregonians are vaccinated (with the state pushing for an 8:10 ratio), and high vaccination rates (above 70%) will prevent the virus from spreading. “This action will give Oregon the flexibility and access to resources needed to aid in our recovery efforts. Brighter days are certainly ahead,” Brown said. “And we are more determined than ever to make sure that we ground our state in a strong recovery that reaches every single Oregonian as we turn a new page on this chapter of the pandemic. Our work isn’t done. But we can all take a moment to celebrate that by next week. We will all be moving forward together.”
will resume my ride on the 13th. Our schedule is on the website, with only a couple small changes. I’ll ride as per the schedule, barring any unforeseen obstacles, until about the 1st of September, when my final ride will be in Anchorage, AK.” According to Garner, the ride has presented emotional, physical and financial challenges, adding that the mission can be physically and emotionally draining. “I’m alone 95% of the time, and while I don’t mind the solitude, it can take its toll,” she said. “Riding so many trails, hauling the bikes, being constantly on the move can be challenging. At one point I ended up in urgent-care for a minor medical issue, but still managed to complete my ride that day.” Garner said when her team determined this mission, she knew she had to keep moving no matter what. “I purchased an additional bicycle when I was in Texas because the one had was not suitable for riding in the rain or on rough terrain,” she said. “The team and I are pleased that we’ve stayed on schedule in spite of inclement weather and bike repairs.” Making contacts Along the way across the nation, Garner said she has made amazing contacts, some of which have been official, such as the several states in which ALS Chapter representatives have come out to meet and greet her before her ride. “We’ve been able to exchange ideas and experiences, and learn what each state is doing for their respective communities,” she said. “I was invited to speak at a walkathon for an ALS family
near Mobile, Alabama, and it opened my eyes not only to the different ways ALS Chapters reach families, but also how critical it is for families to accept help when it is offered.” Other meetings, Garner said, have been casual but impactful. “It’s remarkable how many people you meet who have had a family member, colleague, or acquaintance die from the disease,” she said. Garner said her approach on each ride in each state has been pretty simple. “I drive to each state, ride 10-20 miles on local bike trails, and stay either with local host families, campgrounds, or hotels.” she said. “I talk with local ALS representatives, meet with community members, and report my rides on social media.” Garner’s team is in charge of scheduling meetings, sending press releases and posting social media updates. According to Garner, the most impactful experience she has seen so far is the lasting impact that ALS has on friends and families whose loved ones are living with, or have died from the diseases. “Even though ALS is an extremely rare disease, with fewer than .02% of the population living with ALS at any one time, almost everyone I have spoken to has known someone who has suffered with this horrible disease,” she said. Garner said her goal remains to raise $50,000 for ALS. “ALS is financially devastating for families living with this disease,” she said. “In addition to funding research, the ALS Association, Oregon and SW Washington chapter support local families with equipment loans, provide support groups, attend medical appointments with persons living with ALS, and much more. We wanted to raise enough money to
Courtesy photo
significantly support their programs.” Garner sites ‘In his Man in the Arena’ speech, in which Theodore Roosevelt said, “..the credit belongs to the man who…spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly” “I believe with all my heart that this is a worthy cause, and that regardless of the outcome, we are already succeeding,” she said. Beginning to end From the beginning, Garner said her mission was twofold. “First, as a new widow, after two years of caring for my husband, I needed to heal,” she said. “This ride was a bucket list item for Gary, so I figured I would ride for him, and the challenge would help my own grief process. Garner added that she and her husband appreciated the outreach, the mentoring and guidance that the ALS Association, specifically the Oregon/SW Washington Chapter, had given to them during the worst trauma of of their lives and the last few months of her husband’s life. “I’ve always believed that giving back was a great way to heal, and this is my way of showing my gratitude to a great organization,” she said. “We all have something to give. We can all work together to make a better, kinder world. I’m just doing what was on my heart and mind where I knew I could make an impact. We don’t have to be young, athletic or affluent to make a change or share support in this world. Sharing information and support is the first step to bringing us all closer together. “ To support Tami Garner’s ride and the ALS, visit teamGary2021.com.
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A6
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 June 16 • Police responded to an injury traffic crash at 2545 Columbia Boulevard. June 19 • A 27-year old male was arrested in the 59000 block of Oak Ridge Drive for an outstanding felony warrant and violation of a release agreement. June 20 • Police responded to the 2400 block of Columbia Boulevard on a report of domestic violence. • A 25-year-old male was arrested in the 300 block of Milton Way for an outstanding warrant. June 21 • A 33-year-old male was arrested in the 2200 block of Gable Road for an outstanding St. Helens Municipal Court warrant. June 22 • Police criminally cited a 41-year-old male at Columbia River Highway and Achilles Road for possession of cocaine. • Police took a report of criminal mischief in the 100 block of North 18th Street. June 24 • A 48-year-old female was cited by police for Theft II following a shoplifting event at Ace Hardware. Scappoose Police June 19 • Police responded to the report of a possible theft in the 52000 block of NW View Terrace. The victim reported that several items were taken from the location. This case has been suspended due to lack of leads. June 23 • Following the report of a traffic complaint, police arrested a 62-year-old Vernonia resident for DUII. It was reported the man was swerving whiling driving and into other lanes
with varying speeds and almost hitting other vehicles. Police conducted a traffic stop and following the investigation, the man was transported to jail where he was booked and released on his charges. June 24 • Police responded to a noninjury accident near the intersection of Columbia River Hwy. and SW EM Watts Rd. Three vehicles were involved and no citations were issued at this time. This case is still pending further investigation. • Police took a report of a stolen vehicle in the 33000 block of SE Santosh St. It was reported that the vehicle was locked and the owner had the keys. This case is pending further investigation. June 25 • Police took a report of a stolen vehicle in the 33000 block of NE Prairie St. The victim told police that the vehicle was unlocked but they had the keys. This case is pending further investigation.
tion and issued citation to one of the drivers. Two vehicles were towed from the scene by Grumpy’s Towing and Drake’s Towing. The other two vehicle were driveable. • At about 4:55 p.m. Trooper responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 30 near milepost 17. When troopers arrived citizens had detained a reckless driver on the ground. The driver was displaying multiple indicators of impairment and consented to performing the standardized field sobriety tests. The driver was subsequently arrested for DUII. The driver consented to breath and blew 0.00%. The driver consented to a blood draw and two vials of blood were seized. The driver was cited and released from the Scappoose Police Department. The vehicle was towed by Grumpy’s Towing.
June 17 • At 5:17 p.m. OSP Troopers responded to NW Reeder Road near Collin’s Beach # 2 for a welfare check. Troopers located a male in the a vehicle intoxicated and passed out with a juvenile female in the passenger seat. The male was issued citations for several crimes and released to a family member. The vehicle was secured and left at location.
June 20 • At about 6:20 p.m. Troopers assisted the Scappoose Police Department with a DUII investigation near milepost 19 on Highway 30. The driver had stopped in the slow lane of the Highway and fallen asleep. The driver showed numerous indicators of impairment and consented to performing the standardized field sobriety tests. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest for DUII and transported to the Columbia County Jail. The driver provided a breath sample resulting in a BAC of 0.18% The driver was booked and released for DUII and Reckless Driving. The vehicle was towed.
June 18 • At approximately 2:40 p.m. a citizen reported that he witnessed a man walk up the dock at the St. Helens Marina with a large sturgeon and put it in his car. Sturgeon retention was closed for the entire state. A Fish and Wildlife Trooper contacted the suspect as he was leaving the area. A consent search of the man’s vehicle was conducted. There was no evidence that any sturgeon had ever been in his car. The suspect admitted to not knowing it was closed and possessing a 56” sturgeon until he accidentally dropped it back into the river on the way to his car. He was cited for the violation. The citizen will be issued a TIP reward in the amount of $100 for his information leading to the issuance of the citation. • At about 2:42 p.m. Troopers responded to a multi-vehicle non-injury crash on Highway 30 near milepost 27.5. Troopers conducted a crash investiga-
June 21 • At approximately 9:04 p.m. Troopers received a driving complaint on a vehicle heading west on Highway 30 near milepost 21, that was reportedly failing to maintain its lane, driving into the median and erratic braking. The vehicle then reportedly drove into oncoming traffic before speeding westbound. The vehicle was located and stopped near milepost 28 on Highway 30. The driver showed numerous indicators of impairment and consented to performing the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest for DUII and transported to the Columbia County Jail. The driver provided a breath sample resulting in a BAC of 0.00% and a consent blood draw was conducted. The driver was booked and released for DUII, Reckless Driving and possession of Methamphetamine. The vehicle was towed.
Oregon State Police
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Crossword Solution June 25 • At 12:58 p.m. Troopers stopped a grey truck for an unsafe load which almost caused five other vehicles to crash on Highway 30 near milepost 24 eastbound when multiple items fell off the truck into the roadway. The male had been stopped two days prior for the same behavior. The male was issued a criminal citation in lieu of arrest. June 26 • At approximately 8:06 p.m. Troopers contacted an intoxicated male on NW Reeder Road near the staircase for Walton Beach #2 on Sauvie Island. The man was very belligerent with the troopers and was insisting on getting a ride to the Sauvie Island Bridge, but refused to ride in the back seat. The man would then stand in the road asking passing cars for a ride and then curse and yell at them when they did not stop. The Troopers were eventually able to get the man, who refused to identify himself or say where he lived, to the bridge. The men continued to go into the roadway and yell at cars, and at one point climbed over the bridges railing and was sitting with his feet hanging over the edge. Once the man came back over the railing, he was advised by troopers that he was under arrest, but resisted when handcuffs were being placed on him. Once in cuffs, the man was placed into the back of a patrol car and transported to Emanuel Hospital where he had to be sedated in order to calm him down. The man was issued a citation-inlieu of custody for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. June 27 • At approximately 11:52 p.m. Troopers were advised of a head on crash near milepost 39 on Highway 30. The occupants of the victim vehicle were transported to the hospital for their injuries. The other involved driver showed numerous indicators of impairment and was subsequently placed under arrest. He was transported to the Columbia County Jail and consented to performing the standardized field sobriety tests. He then refused to submit to a breath test and a blood draw search warrant was conducted. The driver was booked and released for DUII, Reckless Driving/Endangering and Assault IV. Both vehicles were towed due to damage. Investigation is ongoing.
Solution for the June 23, 2021 crossword puzzle
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Obituaries 215 S 1st Street St. Helens • 503-410-5280 • www.2csvendormall.com
Elaine Marie Lease
March 12, 1930 ~ June 21, 2021 Elaine was born on March 12, 1930 to William and Freda Haling in St. Helens where she lived her entire life. Elaine passed away peacefully on June 21, 2021 at the age of 91 with family members around her. Elaine’s passion for life was dancing, which she shared with her many students she taught for more than fifty years. Elaine started teaching in the basement of her home and then moved
her studio to the location on 1st Street in Old Town St. Helens. Please visit www. colcomuseum.org/correspondence/projects to read her memories, watch videos of her dance recitals and share any comments or memories you may have of her. Click on view comments to share your thoughts. Elaine is survived by her daughters, Lori Roub (Rick) and Shawn Hansen (Dean), grandchildren, Greg
Skarberg, Monica Wakeland, Matt Skarberg, Tim Skarberg, Kyle Roub and Lindsay Roub. She also had eight great grandchildren. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, William and Freda Haling; husband of almost 60 years, Ronald Lease; and her sisters, Linda Kroll and Cora Narcisso. At Elaine’s request, there will be no public memorial service.
Terence “Terry” Brian Tanski Sept. 25, 1956 ~ June 18, 2021
Terence “Terry” Brian Tanski passed away June 18th after a valiant fight against Covid-19. Terry was born Sept. 25, 1956 in Toronto, Canada to Boleslaw Wladyslaw Tanski and Vera Christine Schmidt. He and his four siblings Sandra, Sylvia, Craig and Victor grew up in New York. Terry was proud of his work for the City of Portland, first the Forestry Service and then the Water Bureau. He could tell you the Latin name for nearly Columbia County’s trusted local news source
every tree in Oregon. He loved music, the outdoors, fishing, camping, and hunting. He was planning many fishing trips in his upcoming retirement. He loved working out, had a collection of cookbooks, and was very health conscious. He set aside time every day for bible study as his faith was core to his being. He was a fan of old westerns and loved the tv series ‘The Waltons.’ He always wished for those simpler times. Terry is survived by
his siblings; wife Zee; two children, Amber and Taylor; and four stepchildren, Sarah, Habib, Laila and Joseph. As giving tides was a very important part of Terry’s life, the family asks if anyone would like, they may make a gesture to donate in his name to the St. Helens Church of the Nazarene’s project to provide Bibles to troops and missions all over the world to spread His Word. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
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A7
Recycling dropbox relocated
Courtesy photo
The St. Helens Lions Club paper recycling dropbox is now located at this new location, the Lawrence Oil Pacific Pride lot on Highway 30 on the north side of St. Helens. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
With COVID-19 restrictions being eased, the St. Helens Lions Club’s paper recycling dropbox is now open for donations from the general public. The dropbox is at a new location, at the Lawrence Oil Pacific Pride lot on Highway 30 on the north side of St. Helens. The move from the St. Helens High School parking lot was necessary due to the major construction and remodeling project that will take place there. Donations of paper products to the Lions’ paperbox benefit the environment and support the Club’s charities. Providing glasses and hearing aids to those in need, although a primary emphasis of the Club, is only one of the many community services that donations of paper support. The recycler will accept newspapers, magazines, paperback books, and paper mail items. Items that can not be accepted are shredded paper, paper bags, cardboard, brightly colored paper sheets, cereal type boxes or similar material, and of course, garbage. For more information, call 503-369-1005, or email bsmueller01@gmail.com.
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A8
Classifieds
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com
103
150
502
502
502
690
Yard Work
Misc Services
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Need yardwork help Need monthly lawn mowing, deck cleaning, and tidying up of yard. You need to supply lawn mower and other tools. Accepting bids for a contract, please call 503-4101955.
Lace Leafed Maples & ornamental shrubberies, chipping, senior or veterans discount, free estimates. CCB# 217173 Lic., Bonded & Insured. 503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274
GIS Specialist Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District (C911CD) is conducting a hiring process for a full-time GIS Specialist. Log on to www.columbia911. com and click on ‘Careers’. For any questions call 503366-6971.
Road Worker 1 Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 7/29/2021 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov
The City of St. Helens is hiring for RECREATION PROGRAM SPECIALISTS Temporary Fulltime openings. See website for details: w w w. s t h e l e n s oregon.gov/jobs. Open until filled. Equal opportunity employer.
150
Misc Services
Cans and bottles If you have cans and bottles that you would like to get rid of call Steve the Can Man at 971-8139257. Will pick up. Paul’s Tree Service Inc. No bush too small, no tree to tall- Call Paul! Specialized in danger trees, take downs, storm clean-up. Time to prune- pruning
301
Health & Nutrition
Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.pdxaa.org
502
Help Wanted
Cook Wanted Part time to full time. Nights and weekends. 2 years experience required. Pay is DOA. Send resume to 350 Belton Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051. Or apply in person after 4 pm.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT PARTTIME JOB? Become a School Bus Driver for Durham School Services. No Experience necessary. Paid training. Competitive wages. Paid Holidays. Medical, Dental, Vision & 401K Stop by and complete an application or online at : www.Durhamsch oolservices.com/ careers Job Code :201181. We’re loctated at: 540 Milton Way, St. Helens, Or. 503-397-9072
The City of St. Helens is hiring for a WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR II Regular Full-time. See website for details: www.sthel ensoregon.gov/ jobs. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Crossword Puzzle
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE 4TH OF JULY ACROSS
1. Steps to the river, in India 5. Hot springs resort 8. Meal in a shell 12. Driver’s misbehavior? 13. *Grilling technique 14. Medal of Honor descriptor 15. Cracked open 16. What Knave of Hearts stole from Queen of Hearts, sing. 17. Raise one’s rank 18. *July 4th pyrotechnic display 20. Hubble Space Telescope operator, acr. 21. Chip dip 22. i topper 23. *Main Street tradition on the 4th 26. Superlative of fumy 30. Ribonucleic acid 31. Store as fodder 34. Moonfish 35. Rose oil 37. Number cruncher 38. Fairytale garden dweller 39. Indian Lilac tree 40. Extinct type of zebra 42. Steampunk decoration 43. Did 2 + 2 (2 words) 45. Crocheted blanket 47. Swedish shag rug
48. Ancient port city in Israel 50. Smiley face 52. *First President to hold July 4th celebration at the White House 56. Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and ____” 57. Medicinal succulent 58. Hit the bottle 59. Earthenware pots 60. View from a highspeed train? 61. Observer 62. “Glengarry ____ Ross” 63. G, in solfa 64. “The Fountainhead” author
DOWN
1. Former tennis pro Steffi 2. One who’s made the pilgrimage to Mecca 3. Petri dish filler 4. Mother of Calcutta 5. Roebuck’s partner 6. a.k.a. anorak 7. A in B.A. 8. *”No ____ without representation” 9. Unfortunately, exclamation 10. *Drink to wash down burgers and hot dogs? 11. Table scrap
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
13. Steal, past participle 14. What haters spew? 19. Crane or heron 22. Expecting woman’s date 23. Life force in Sanskrit 24. Chipped in 25. What Motion Picture Association of America did 26. *Most popular July 4th decoration 27. Notable period 28. Polynesian island country 29. Feudal lord 32. Fish a.k.a. porgy 33. Beer acronym 36. *Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to Be an ____” 38. Blooper 40. Sine ____ non 41. Old-timer 44. Force units 46. Wedding tossable 48. Jiggly dessert 49. Run _____ of the law 50. Type of sea bird 51. Agitate 52. Kickboxing moves 53. Miso bean 54. U.S. ____ in golf or tennis 55. Egghead 56. Leisurely run
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Wednesday, June 30, 2021
A9
Public Notices CH21-1743
BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of Amending the Fee Schedule for Building, Planning and On-Site Sewage Fees - Effective July 15, 2021 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICATION) TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS l. Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on this matter on July 14, 2021, Wednesday, at or after 10:00 a.m., in a virtually public meeting, held from the Columbia County Courthouse, located at 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Or-
egon. Interested parties may attend the virtual meeting room by: Joining from a computer, tablet or smartphone at: https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ join/357054141 Joining by phone at: United States (Toll Free): 1-866-899-4679 Access Code: 357-054-l4l New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ install/870493693 2. The purpose of the hearing is consider an amendment to the Land Development Services Fee sched-
ule, which includes: Building fees (including Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Manufactured Housing and other miscellaneous fees), Planning fees, and On-Site Sewage fees. The current fee schedule provides for an annual increase in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the Portland-Salem Metro Area. That index has been replaced by the CPI-U West index. The proposed amendment therefore updates the fee schedule to refer to the current CPI-U West index for the annual inflation-
CH21-1745
ary adjustment. Moreover, because of the COVID-I9 pandemic, the County chose not to apply the CPI increase to its fees in 2020. This year’s fees will therefore reflect a 2.7% increase for 2019 and a l.7% increase for 2020, for a total increase of 4.4%. 3. The proposed amendments will become available for viewing at least seven days prior to the hearing at: https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/ BoardofCommissionersOffice/ Hearings or copies of these materials may be obtained at a
reasonable cost upon request at the Board of County Commissioners’ Office, Room 338, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Additional information about the proposed amendments may be obtained from Jacyn Normine at (503) 397-4322 ext. 8400. 4. Comments may be submitted to Board of County Commissioners’ Office, Room 338, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051or by email to Jacyn Normine jacyn. normine@columbiacountyor. gov prior to the hearing. 5.
Columbia County does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and will provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the County’s ADA Policy. To request accommodations or to review the County’s ADA Policy, please contact the Board of Commissioners office at (503) 397-4322. DATED this 11th day of June, 2021. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON By: Jacyn Normine, Board Office Administrator
CH21-1746
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at or after 7:05 PM. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s declared state of emergency (March 8, 2020) and subsequent Executive Order No. 20-16 (April 15, 2020), and the meeting policies of the City Council (August 19, 2020) the public hearing will only be held virtually via a phone-andinternet based application. 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: Site Development Review SDR.9.21 Applicant: Angelo Planning Group for St. Helens School District Request: Addition and renovation of the existing high school Location: St. Helens High School at 2375 Gable Road Map No: 4N1W8-700 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 17.96.180 Site Development Review Approval Standards 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. As City Hall is closed during this pandemic, please contact someone in the Planning Department to make arrangements to review the file. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/meetings as part of the applicable agenda packet. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503397-6272, e-mail: jacobg@ ci.st-helens.or.us, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person (by appointment only) at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.
CH21-1747
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at or after 8:00 PM. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s declared state of emergency (March 8, 2020) and subsequent Executive Order No. 20-16 (April 15, 2020), and the meeting policies of the City Council (August 19, 2020) the public hearing will only be held virtually via a phone-and-internet based application. 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: Conditional Use Permit CUP.2.21 & Variance V.2.21 Applicant: Lower Columbia Engineering, LLC Request: Establish a public facility (major) use on a property with an existing religious assembly use (Sunset Park Community Church) Location: 174 Sunset Blvd. Map No: 4N1W-4BC-1300 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: Conditional Use Permit Criteria SHMC 17.100.040 (1) (a)-(f): (a) The site size and dimensions provide adequate area for the needs of the proposed use; (b) The char-
acteristics of the site are suitable for the proposed use considering size, shape, location, topography, and natural features; (c) All required public facilities have adequate capacity to serve the proposal; (d) The applicable requirements of the zoning district are met except as modified by this chapter; (e) The supplementary requirements set forth in Chapter 17.88 SHMC, Signs; and Chapter 17.96 SHMC, Site Development Review, if applicable, are met; and (f) The use .variance will not be significantly detrimental in its consequence to the overall purposes of this code, be in conflict with the applicable policies of the comprehensive plan, to any other applicable policies and standards of this code, and be significantly detrimental in its consequence to other properties in the same zoning district or vicinity; (b) There are special circumstances that exist which are peculiar to the lot size or shape, topography or other circumstances over which the applicant has no control, and which are not applicable to other properties in the same zoning district; (c) The use proposed will be the same as permitted under this code and city standards will be maintained to the greatest extent that is reasonably possible while permitting some economic use of the land; (d) Existing physical and natural systems, such as but not limited to traffic, drainage, dramatic landforms, or parks, will not be adversely affected any more than would occur if the development were located as specified in the code; and (e) The hardship is not self-imposed and the variance requested
CH21-1750
CH21-1748
NOTICE OF NOTICE OF WORKSHOP AUCTION The Columbia County Fairgrounds will hold a fair board workshop on July 8th, 2021 at 6:30PM in the pavilion at 58892 Saulser Road, St. Helens, OR 97051. Virtual call-in number: 1 877 309 2073 Access code: 312-501-285
Karlan Mini Storage is having an in person auction on July 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. at 33405 SW Fir Lane, Scappoose OR 97056. Ray McKay - Unit 19. Cash only.
is the minimum variance which would alleviate the hardship. 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. As City Hall is closed during this pandemic, please contact someone in the Planning Department to make arrangements to review the file. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings as part of the applicable agenda packet. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503397-6272, e-mail: jdimsho@sthelensoregon.gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person (by appointment only) at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.
that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at or after 7:40 PM. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s declared state of emergency (March 8, 2020) and subsequent Executive Order No. 20-16 (April 15, 2020), and the meeting policies of the City Council (August 19, 2020) the public hearing will only be held virtually via a phone-andinternet based application. 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: Conditional Use Permit CUP.1.21 Applicant: City of St. Helens Request: Establish new location for the city’s Recreation Center in an existing building originally developed for and used as a church. Location: 2625 Gable Road Map No: 4N1W-8BA-1700 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 17.100.040 Conditional Use Permit approval standards and conditions 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. As City Hall is closed during this pandemic, please contact someone in the Planning Department to make arrangements to review the file. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings as part of the applicable agenda packet. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jacobg@ci.st-helens. or.us, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person (by appointment only) at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.
CH21-1744
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA MARILYN M. VANDYKE, Plaintiff, v. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF C.G. COUCH, DECEASED, ALSO ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, Defendants. No. 21CV23229 SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION Date of First Publication June 23, 2021 (response must be filed within 30 days of this date). TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF C.G. COUCH, DECEASED, ALSO ALL OTHER PERSONAS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, The plaintiff Marilyn M. Vandyke
has filed this case in Quiet Title seeking fee title by adverse possession of the real property located in Columbia County, Oregon described in the Exhibit “A” hereto, and also seeking to permanently enjoin the defendants and all those claiming under and through them from interfering with same. NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS READ THIS PAPER CAREFULLY You must “appear” or the other side will win automatically. To “appear,” you must file a legal Response, Answer, or Motion. Forms may be available through the court above or online at www. courts.oregon.gov/forms. Talk to a lawyer about appearing by motion. Your response, Answer, or Motion must be given to the court clerk or administrator within thirty (30) days of the date of first publication noted above
along with the required filing fee (go to www.court.oregon. gov for fee information). It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiff’s attorney or, if the plaintiff does not have an attorney, proof of service on the plaintiff. Service rules are in the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure. If you have questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may contact the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service online at www.oregonstatebar.org or by calling 503-684-3763 (in the Portland metropolitan area) or toll-free elsewhere in Oregon at 800-452-7636. MARK A. GORDON, P.C., Attorney for the Plaintiff, OSB#812424, 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, (503) 397-9066 or mark@markgordonpc.com.
CH21-1749
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of William Hiller, Deceased. Case No. 21PB03574. NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at
1765 6th Street, Columbia City, Oregon 97018; 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 lawyers for the personal representative, Robert J. Sullivan. Dated and first published on June 30, 2021.
Aaron Hiller, Personal Representative. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Aaron Hiller, 1765 6th Street, Columbia City, Oregon 97018, 971-404-7335, email: hillerbug@gmail.com. LAWYER FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Robert J. Sullivan, OSB 833359, 10121 SE Sunnyside Road, Suite 300, Clackamas, Or 97015, 503-780-6319, email: robslaw@RobertJSullivanPC.com.
CH21-1742
PUBLIC LIEN SALE U-STORE SELF STORAGE Auction to be held online at Storageauctions. com. Auction will run from 6/29/2021 10:00 am & end on 7/9/2021 10:00 am. Unclaimed storage lockers
to be sold by competitive bidding. 1st location Scappoose: 53567 Columbia River Hwy. Teresa Kovalsky C003, Austin Yohner D012. 2nd location St. Helens:
445 Port Ave, Suite D. Tasmin Strode R-041, Dana Terry O-017. GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION SOLD BY STORAGE LOT. Cash and Credit Cards.
Independence day ads and legals deadline The Chronicle will not be open on Independence Day. Please submit all ads, classifieds, and legals for the July 7th Chronicle by Noon, on July 1. Late submissions will not make it into the paper.
www.thechronicleonline.com
A10
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
St. Helens High School Wind Ensemble honored JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The St. Helens High School (SHHS) Band Program has been selected as the Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) 5A winner of the Les Schwab Tire Centers Team of the Month. This is the first award for the St. Helens School District and the first time a band program has received the award, according to the OSAA. Specifically, the SHHS Band Programs Wind Ensemble is being recognized, according to the school band program director Noelle Freshner, who said the 31-member wind ensemble is the top band at SHHS. “Many people think OSAA is nothing but sports, but OSAA activities like band and choir work just as hard all year round and are just as competitive in the state,” Freshner said. “So it is great to see a band recognized, let alone our band.” Freshner said the recognition this year is particularly gratifying for her students due to the challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This year these kids pushed through the worst possible situation and came out more successful than I
Courtesy photo
This photo of the St. Helens Band Wind Ensemble has been released by Les Schwab Tire Centers announcing the company’s Team of the Month Award.
responsibility, reliability, communication, organization and leadership. They experience the payoff of work overtime instead of the jolt of instant gratification. No one sits on the bench in the band. Everyone plays and everyone has an important role.” Freshner said each band student is needed and matters and can affect the others. “They develop lifelong friendships and relationships through the shared experiences,” she said. Freshner said she is proud of each of the band members. “It was a hard year but I
could have possibly imagined,” she said. “They were willing to put in extra time and energy when it would have been easy for them to just give up and wait for things to return to normal. That work paid off and has set us up to be a great band next year.” Freshner said the experience each student is offered in school band should help them navigate through life. “Band members get so much out of being in band that is not music-related,” she said. “It teaches them a strong work ethic, dedication,
have no regrets about how we navigated it together,” she said. And for the departing band program seniors, Freshner had this message. “We are going to miss them and we are so thankful they stuck with us through the end,” she said. According to Freshner, the returning band students are excited to get back to a normal year of performances and competitions next school year with the added challenge of the high school’s new renovation project. “The band is in a tem-
Courtesy photo
Members of the St. Helens High School Band’s Wind Ensemble join the rest of the band in a recent outdoor rehearsal. The ensemble has been recognized as the Les Schwab Tire Centers Team of the Month.
porary space until our new room is completed and we will be having all of our usual home concerts, festivals, and even pep band performances off-site this year,” she said. “We are also scheduled to perform in Disneyland over Labor Day weekend.” About the Les Schwab Tires Center Award Throughout the school year, September through May, Les Schwab Tires and the OSAA recognizes a
varsity team of the month for each of the six classifications. Each winning team is chosen based on performance, dedication in the classroom and service to the community. The Les Schwab Tires Team of the Month is selected from nominations. Each winner of the Les Schwab Tires Team of the Month award receives a commemorative trophy and $100 will be donated to the team’s program. The winning teams will also be celebrated by the their local Les Schwab Tires store.
Eisenschmidt Pool to receive $10,000 STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
The Greater St. Helens Aquatic District will receive $10,000 to support free Parent/ TOT swim lessons for children ages three months to three years and their families. The funding is part of a $1.1 million grant investment statewide by the Oregon Community Foundation. “Oregon Community Foundation’s support of the Eisenschmidt Pool means we’ll be able to offer daily Parent/TOT swimming classes, throughout the summer,” Greater St. Hel-
Courtesy photo
The grant will support free swimming programs for children and families.
ens Aquatic District Finance Manager Anne Collson said. “Staff will train and provide water safety knowledge to parents/tots in a fun, safe water environment at no cost to our community members.” Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) administrators announced Wednesday, June 23, that OCF has approved 43 grants totaling $1.1 million to support organizations throughout Oregon offering group-based summer learning and fun, enriching activities for parents and their young children (birth to age 5), with an emphasis on programs
reaching families and communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Oregon Community Foundation Senior Education Strategy and Policy Advisor Mary Louise McClintock said OCF has invested in programs for young children and their families for more than two decades, knowing that experiences in the early years are critically important for children’s healthy development. “We’re thrilled to partner with the State of Oregon to make resources available in communities all over the state
for activities and classes that bring families together after months of stress and isolation.” This funding supports parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher, providing play and learning opportunities that build healthy young brains.” Since late April, OCF has been administering $40 million in state-funded grants for community organizations to provide summer enrichment activities. For more information and schedule details, call Eisenschmidt Pool at 503-397-2283.
Celebrate
4 JULY TH OF
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Save on your next grocery purchase of $50 or more* with your Club Card & this Savings Award.
*Use this Savings Award on any shopping trip you choose at any Oregon Safeway or Albertsons store and S.W. Washington stores serving Clark, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Skamania, Walla Walla and Klickitat counties by 7/6/21. This $10.00 Savings Award excludes purchases of Alcoholic Beverages, Fluid Dairy Products, Tobacco, US Postage Stamps, Trimet Bus/ Commuter Passes, Money Orders, Container Deposits, Lottery, Gift Cards, Gift Certificates Sales, All Pharmacy Prescription Purchases, Safeway Club Savings, Safeway or Albertsons Store Coupons and Sales Tax. One Savings Award redeemable per household. COUPON CANNOT BE DOUBLED. Online and in-store prices, discounts, and offers may differ.
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Fresh Cut Watermelon or Melon Medley Tray 83 oz. Selected varieties. This coupon must be presented at time of purchase at Safeway/Albertsons. Offer valid with Card and Coupon. COUPON CANNOT BE DOUBLED or combined with digital coupon. Coupon valid 6/29/21 - 7/6/21.
Prices in this ad are effective 6 AM Tuesday, June 29 thru Tuesday, July 6, 2021 (unless otherwise noted) in all Safeway or Albertsons stores in Oregon and S.W. Washington stores serving Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, Walla Walla and Klickitat Counties. Items offered for sale are not available to other dealers or wholesalers. Sales of products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine limited by law. Quantity rights reserved. SOME ADVERTISING ITEMS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL STORES. Some advertised prices may be even lower in some stores. On Buy One, Get One Free (“BOGO”) offers, customer must purchase the first item to receive the second item free. BOGO offers are not 1/2 price sales. If only a single item purchased, the regular price applies. Manufacturers’ coupons may be used on purchased items only — not on free items. Limit one coupon per purchased item. Customer will be responsible for tax and deposits as required by law on the purchased and free items. No liquor sales in excess of 52 gallons. No liquor sales for resale. Liquor sales at licensed Safeway or Albertsons stores only. ©2021 Safeway Inc. or ©2021 Albertsons LLC. Availability of items may vary by store. Online and In-store prices, discounts and offers may differ.
PG 1,Common GL158608_063021_POR_ROP_SA_10.737x10.5_StHelensChronicle_Common
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
A11
www.thechronicleonline.com
Stay comfortable and save energy during heat waves MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content
The record-setting heat wave last weekend had many of us trying to find ways to stay cool. For some that meant hopping in the creek or leaving town in search of cooler locations. For others, it meant hunkering down at home. If you’re the type to stay inside once the temperature climbs above 100 – or even 90 – we have some ideas for helping keep your home cool while keeping your electric use down throughout the remainder of what could be a much hotter summer than we’re used to. If you have central air conditioning, try setting your thermostat around 78 degrees. If you’re comfortable with your home a little warmer than that, you can save more energy by setting your thermostat a few degrees higher. Then, use a fan. Just remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room. Fans don’t actually cool the temperature in a room. But by increasing air movement, they make you feel up to five degrees cooler. On hot days it’s important to block out the heat as much as possible. Keep your doors, windows, and blinds closed during the heat of the day. If it cools down at night or early in the morning, open them to let in a fresh breeze. Those are two of the biggest energy savers that come
at little to no extra cost. If your home doesn’t have enough insulation, you may be letting in additional heat. Our partners at Efficiency Services Group can help you determine if your home is properly insulated. If you need to add insulation, you may be eligible for a rebate. We offer rebates to PUD customers who heat their homes with electricity. You can see details about our rebate program at crpud.net/insulation. There are other ways you can keep your home cooler without spending much additional money: • Run your dishwasher at night and skip the drying cycle. Choose the ‘Air Dry’ option instead. • Shade your air conditioner and make sure it has good airflow on all sides. • Clean or replace your air conditioner filter regularly. • Grill outside or use your
microwave. This will cook your food without heating your kitchen. For a long-term solution, you might consider planting deciduous trees that shade windows on the south and west sides of your home. You can also install awnings for the same effect. As we gear up for what looks like a hot, dry summer, it’s important to do all we can to stay comfortable. And make sure to drink lots of water! If you’d like to see additional ways to stay cool in the summertime, please visit crpud. net/staycool.
Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A12
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
www.thechronicleonline.com
‘Keep it legal, keep it safe’
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
These are some of the illegal fireworks previously seized by Lincoln City Police. Law enforcement agencies, including those in Columbia County, will confiscate the illegal devices. Those found using the illegal fireworks can face fines. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
The 2021 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opened June 23 and runs through July 6. Law enforcement agencies are preparing to seize any illegal fireworks and violators could face steep fines. Fire agencies in Columbia County are joining the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), the Oregon Fire Service, natural resource agencies, and Oregon licensed fireworks wholesalers urging Oregonians to “keep it legal and keep it safe” when using all fireworks. By the numbers In 2020, American’s con-
sumed 385.8 million pounds of fireworks, a record 55% increase from the previous year. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nationwide, children 0 to 4 years old are injured by fireworks and treated at an emergency department more than any other age group. (5.3 injuries per 100,000 people). Older teens, 15 to 19 years old, have the second-highest injury rate (4.4 injuries per 100,000 people). Males represent 66% of all fireworkrelated injuries. In Oregon, between 2016 and 2020, Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Lane Counties have had the highest rates of firework-related injuries.
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Fire season concerns With an arid spring, much of Oregon experiencing some form of drought, and concerns over an active wildfire season, the Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal is asking people to be aware of the dry conditions. Always have a bucket of water on hand to drown spent or used fireworks, have a charged hose nearby, and never light fireworks near dry grass or areas that could catch fire easily, Oregon State Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnson said. “We ask that those using fireworks be responsible when using them,” Johnson said. “Every year across the state, we see fires sparked
Courtesy illustration
Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District officials have shared this graph on the fire agency’s Facebook page, produced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, illustrating firework injuries.
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.” In Oregon, residents and visitors can only purchase consumer legal fireworks from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. Fireworks can also start structural fires that threaten lives and property, which has occurred in past years. People who plan to visit public lands and parks for the July 4 holiday are asked to leave all fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife
properties, on state beaches, in state parks, and in state campgrounds. For residents who purchase legal fireworks, the OSFM encourages everyone to practice 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. • 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 and use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.
Under 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 per violation. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.