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Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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K9, police arrest 2 in robbery, assault case

Courtesy from the City of St. Helens

St. Helens Police K-9 Ryder and handler Sgt. Jon Eggers. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A St. Helens Police K-9 and his handler have successfully apprehended two robbery and assault suspects. The case unfolded on at approximately 1:05 p.m. Tuesday,

July 13 as St. Helens Police officers responded to the report of an assault on Macarthur Street. The victim reported that while she was at her vehicle, she was approached by two individuals who assaulted her, stole personal items, and fled the area. Police were unable to locate the suspects at the time of the call. The victim sought non-emergency treatment for her injuries. Later that day, officers were dispatched to Maple Street where the robbery suspects were reportedly spotted. St. Helens K-9 Handler Sgt. Jon Eggers deployed K-9 Ryder, and the team successfully tracked the suspects to a wooded area where they were hiding, according to a release from St. Helens Police. Ana Margarita Steidley, 22, was subsequently arrested and lodged at Columbia County Jail on charges of Robbery I, Assault II, Assault III, and Disorderly Conduct. Tori Bethany Smith, 20, was arrested and lodged on charges of Robbery I, Assault III, multiple counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case should contact the St. Helens Police Department at 503397-1521.

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

City officials in St. Helens are scheduled to receive a report Wednesday, July 21, about how to use the $3,049,921.17 as its share of the American Rescue Plan Act.

City reviewing use of $3M from ARPA JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding enacted by Congress and signed by President Biden, Oregon’s share is approximately $4.2 Billion. Funds are allocated per-capita to each city/county. St. Helens is allocated $3,049,921.17 through the formula. The amount is estimated by the League of Oregon Cities to be used for planning purposes. During its regular 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, work session, the St. Helens City Council is scheduled to receive a staff report on how that federal money can be used.

What the money would be used for in St. Helens The attached shows the proposed uses of the funds in St. Helens, which include $755,000 for city parks and recreation administration assistant, and a program specialist, parks and recreation building renovations and city library activities, including staff and programs. The funding would also include $140,000 Main Street Coordination and Small Business Center Assistance and $945,000 for the city’s general fund. The proposal also would use $1,210,000 for industrial business park development, water and sewer infrastructure, IT specialist and a Broadband Study.

The money must be used in eligible categories related to COVID-19 response and recovery for the period March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024. Eligible uses: • Support public health expenditures: funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff. • Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency: economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, non-profits, impacted See FUNDING Page A4

As Oregon burns, locals called to help JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Courtesy from the Oregon State Fire Marshal

A task force of Columbia County firefighters was sent to this wildfire near Sisters.

As wildfires erupt across the state, local firefighters are being called to distant communities to help save lives and protect structures. Early Tuesday morning, July 13, a task force made up of firefighters from around Columbia County left to assist with the firefighting effort at the Grandview Fire near Sisters. That team continued to assist in the wildfire suppression efforts into the past weekend. As The Grandview Fire is nearing full containment, the Columbia County firefighters and task force have been demobilized and sent to the 16,402 acre Elbow Creek fire

near Troy, Oregon. “Our crews are actively engaged in fire suppression efforts and have been working in an incredibly austere environment,” Scappoose rural Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Pricher said. “Reports from the field include chasing lots of spot fires.” Pricher said because the fire grew so quickly and limited resources were available at the time, crews have had to be self-sufficient until a fire camp can be established. “They are working with limited to no cell service and are about as far away as you can get in northeastern Oregon,” he said. “Thankfully, all the fire agencies in the Columbia County Fire Defense Board have worked together over

the years to build out a trailer that has a cash of food for three days, and other necessities for having a home base in the wilderness.” What the team of firefighters bring back to Columbia County is invaluable experiences that can strengthen local fire responses, according to Pricher. “We don’t have large scale incidents,” he said. “So, these responses help us plan for bigger disasters.” Experienced gained While there is a strain by having the county fire agencies away See FIRE Page A4

Citizens Day returns to McCormick Park STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

After a year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the City of St. Helens is pleased to announce the return of the annual Citizens Day in the Park event. Gather your family, grab your neighbors, and plan for a day of fun at the fourth annual Citizens Day in the Park hosted by the City of St. Helens. The community celebration is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 7 in McCormick Park, 475 S. 18th Street in St. Helens. A grand opening celebration for the newly installed McCormick Park playground equipment will take place at 11:30 a.m. before Citizens Day events begin. Citizens Day in the Park is a day Viewpoints ............... A4

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focused on making and strengthening community connections. It’s an opportunity for people to put down their cell phones, turn off the television, and enjoy a day of fun in a local park with friends and family. Activities are family-friendly and designed for a wide age-range. The day is organized under the direction of the St. Helens City Council. Councilors spend the day cooking and serving food for the free community barbecue and being available to chat with the St. Helens community. Prior to the start of Citizens Day events at noon, the City of St. Helens invites the community to attend the grand opening celebration of the new McCormick Park playground equipment at 11:30 a.m. McCormick Park is now home to one of the largest all-abilities playgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. Improvements were funded through money the City sets aside for park improvements and thanks to a Moda Assist grant won through community voting. The Moda Assist Program is a partnership between Moda Health and the Portland Trail Blazers to bring

Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens

The community celebration is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 7 in McCormick Park, 475 S. 18th Street in St. Helens.

positive outcomes to local communities. The program committed $20 per each Trail Blazers assist during their games to install an all-abilities playground at the end of the 2020

season. Representatives from Moda Health and the Trail Blazers will be at the grand opening ceremony on August 7. Citizens Day in the Park events

start at noon with a car show hosted by the Highway 30 Cruisers. In addition to classic cars, there will also be vehicles from the St. Helens Police Department and Columbia River Fire & Rescue. A free barbecue lunch also starts at noon thanks to generous donations from local businesses, according to a release from the City of St. Helens. Food is available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. The St. Helens Recreation Center will provide lawn game equipment and family activities to enjoy. There will be live music during the event. Vendors, businesses, nonprofits, and community groups are encouraged to set up a booth. Normal vendor and booth fees are being waived for this event. The deadline to apply to host a booth is Friday, July 30. Contact St. Helens Deputy City Recorder Lisa Scholl at lscholl@sthelensoregon.gov or 503-366-8216 to sign up for a booth or vendor spot.

Obituaries ................. A8 County Fair ............. A10 Vol. 139, No. 29

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

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Wednesday, July 21, 2021

City to hold Riverwalk project meeting

Courtesy illustration from the City of St. Helens

The City of St. Helens has released this conceptual drawing of the planned riverwalk development. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The next St. Helens Riverwalk Project meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 4 at 6 p.m. The meeting was originally scheduled to take place during the St. Helens City Council’s July 21 work session as a virtual meeting

and has been changed to accommodate the Council’s transition back to in-person meetings. The August 4 Riverwalk Project meeting will take place in-person at 6 p.m. to accommodate community members who work during the day. This meeting will provide an opportunity to review the preliminary design for the Riverwalk and

Columbia View Park stage. Anyone who cannot attend the meeting on August 4 can watch a recording of the meeting after it is posted to the City’s website at www. sthelensoregon.gov/meetings. Packet materials will be uploaded to the Riverwalk Project’s website by August 4 at www.sthelensoregon. gov/waterfront/page/river-

walk-project. The St. Helens Riverwalk Project was launched in March 2021as a two-phased project to design public access along the Columbia River from Columbia View Park to Plymouth Street and Nob Hill Nature Park, approximately one-half mile in length. Phase 1 includes a complete design and construc-

tion of approximately 300 feet of public riverwalk and a new amphitheater stage, replacing the existing gazebo, in Columbia View Park. Phase 2 will complete preliminary design of the riverwalk, creating a design which extends the completed portion of Phase 1’s work to Plymouth Street. This design will be coordinated with the Road and Utility Extension

Project which will extend South 1st and Strand Streets into the former Veneer Property. Read a series of stories about the City of St. Helens Riverwalk project at thechronicleonline.com. For more information, contact St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King at cking@sthelensoregon.gov.

Port Westward rezone gets tentative approval JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

“For someone who has been involved in agriculture my entire life, this is very personal for me,” Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder said. “It is challenging to continue to make a living with agriculture.” Magruder’s comments followed the commissioners’ deliberations Wednesday, July 14, on an application by the Port of Columbia County for a comprehensive plan amendment, zone change and goal exception to reclassify 837 acres of agricultural resource to resource industrial and change the zoning from primary agriculture to rural agriculture - planned development for the expansion of Port Westward. The staff recommendation states, “the evidence and facts in the record show impacts can be rendered compatible with mitigation measures proposed as conditions of approval to this supplemental

staff report.” Magruder, and Commissioners Henry Heimuller and Casey Garrett each gave tentative approval to the rezone. “I wish and I hope that we find other crops that can be of value and that we can find more agricultural uses because that was the original vision of my grandfather when he reclaimed this land,” Magruder said. “But I am looking forward to agricultural and industry being able to work together because the entire bases of reclaiming was for the betterment of the economy in the lower Columbia and I think that this will improve the economy.” Garrett said the staff report and recommendations provided a thorough job of evaluating the compatibility of the zone change. “So I think the expansion of industrial opportunities out there can work just fine with agricultural and industrial needs,” he said. Garrent said Oregon is one of the most environmentally stringent states and with local,

tiple opportunities for public comment has helped the county carefully evaluate the compatibility issue. “We have gotten further down the road in having good solid due process,” he said. “So, I also support this.” While there has been support for the rezone based on its economic opportunities, there also has been opposition based on concerns about farm land erosion and environmental issues such as flooding and pollution. Courtesy photo from the Port of Columbia County

Port Westward is a deepwater port with existing dock facilities and direct access to the 43-foot navigation channel in the Columbia River.

state and federal requirements someone would have to jump through for future development. “So I feel pretty darn confident that future activities out there will have to go through more of a process than what I would prefer, but that’s the way it goes to ensure future compatibility for future development,” he said. “I am very comfortable with supporting

approval of this.” Heimuller said Columbia County is in a good position to develop base stock oil for renewable diesel through existing agriculture and that would be a favorable mix with the rezone for industrial development at Port Westward. “It is the potential and it is the future we have to look at,” Heimuller said. Heimuller said the mul-

Appeal promised Environmental watchdog Columbia Riverkeeper’s Conservation Director Dan Serres said his group will appeal the commissioner’s decision to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals. “The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has run afoul by not protecting high-value farmland,” Serres said. “The Port of Columbia County’s proposal to trade the county’s prime farmlands for dirty fossil fuel development

like fracked gas-to-methanol refineries and oil-by-rail ignores mounting concerns about health, safety, and impacts to farmland and water quality.” “This decision is a travesty,” said Jim Hoffmann, a blueberry farmer at Hopville Farms, located near the rezone area. “The Port and the County are turning back the clock on Oregon’s land use progress with plans to pave over wetlands on the floodplains of the Lower Columbia River. The Port’s plans will put at serious risk high-value blueberry farms and other high-value crops like peppermint and spearmint.” Serres said the timeline for the appeal will depend on when the county officially publishes the zone change approval and the following process “could play out for months,” he said. The rezone has been an ongoing debate since 2018. See the timeline at thechronicleonline.com and associated materials at the Columbia County website.

Jobless rate declines, challenges continue STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped from 5.8% in May, as revised, to 5.6% in June. Oregon’s unemployment rate has gradually declined each month this year, after ending last year at 6.3%. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate ticked up from 5.8% in May to 5.9% in June. Despite the recent declines in Oregon’s unemployment rate, a large group of the unemployed have had difficulty regaining employment. The number of Oregonians unemployed for 52 weeks or more remains elevated at about 40,000 in June, compared with an average of about 8,000 during the three years prior to the recession. In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment grew

by 7,500 in June, following monthly gains averaging 10,100 in the prior five months. Monthly gains in June were largest in health care and social assistance (+2,400 jobs); other services (+1,700); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+1,000); leisure and hospitality (+1,000); and wholesale trade (+800). Only one major industry shed more than 300 jobs in June: construction (-900). Leisure and hospitality accounts for the bulk of Oregon’s jobs not recovered since early 2020. It employed 169,500 in June, and added only 1,500 jobs in the most recent three months. The industry is still 46,800 jobs (-22%) below its peak month of February 2020, so it accounts for 45% of overall nonfarm payroll jobs yet to recover from Oregon’s prerecession peak. Local government employed 208,900 in June,

which was 21,400 jobs below its pre-pandemic employment level of 230,300 in February 2020. With jobs still down by 9%, this industry has experienced the second largest percent reduction in that time, behind only leisure and hospitality. Manufacturing employed 182,100 in June and remains substantially below its prerecession total of 195,800 in February 2020. The industry was slowly declining in the second half of 2019, then plunged 15,700 jobs at the outset of the COVID-19 recession. The manufacturing industries dropping the largest percentage over the past 24 months include primary metals manufacturing (-3,300 jobs, or 36%), transportation equipment manufacturing (-2,100, or 16%) and fabricated metals manufacturing (-1,500, or 9%). While most major industries still employ fewer workers than in February 2020,

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She is a super sweet, adventurous and playful 3 month old kitten. She will jump in your lap and curl up next to you when you enter the room. She gets along great with other cats and dogs and loves little people.

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two industries increased their employment levels throughout the past couple of years. Transportation, warehousing, and utilities added 4,400 jobs, or 6%, since prior to the recession. Similarly, state government gained 1,500 jobs, or 4%, in that time. Professional and technical services has also grown and now employs 3,100 jobs, or 3%, more than its pre-recession peak.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Despite the recent declines in Oregon’s unemployment rate, a large group of the unemployed have had difficulty regaining employment.

Assisted Living At Home Caregiving advice by Nurse Navigator Katie Klem Q: Last week, the discussion was about the three things that most older adults are most concerned about regarding aging and the challenges of family caregiving with cost containment being a major need. The question was, how can you reduce the cost of inhome care? A: It is worth noting that one reason that in-home care is costly is that most people do not have a caregiving plan for their elderly loved ones. Most older adults don’t have long term insurance, a backup caregiver nor a relationship with a caregiving service, so an unexpected need for care requires major

sacrifices made in time, money, and lifestyles. For every day that an older adult spends in a hospital or rehab, he or she needs three to five days to return to their pre-hospital level of functioning. There are three things that I do to help my clients to lower their cost. The first one is the DANGLE, STAND, PIVOT CAREGIVING ROUTINE. It is a simple set of very effective routines used to help older adults to get back on their feet especially for those who have lost the ability to walk or care for themselves after a hospital or rehab stay. This routine engages the person, nutrition, hydration, sleep, and mobility. The higher the level of care,

the more expensive the care will be. Level of care is defined as the skill and intensity of effort required to diagnose, treat, preserve, or maintain an individual’s physical and emotional health. If your loved one is physically deconditioned and cannot safely and independently transfer from bed to chair, the cost of care will be very expensive. I am the expert in lowering the cost of care so please reach out if I can be of help to you. On July 30th, I am part of a panel of experts offering a seminar titled ONE FALL CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING. If you would like to be invited, please call or email. Stay well, stay inspired and see you soon.

Katie Klem is a certified elder care consultant and CCO of COMFORT Makers & Comforting Medical Supply. 139 N. 21st St., St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503-369-2460 Email: Katie@comfort-makers.com

City addresses park vandalism

Courtesy photo from PCC

At 32,245 square feet, the state-of-the-art manufacturing and training facility is the college’s first permanent physical location in Columbia County and the first building at the college’s newly established Columbia County Center.

PCC Center’s first class schedules

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The Chronicle found this graffiti layered across the McCormick Park public bathroom Thursday, July 15. City officials said much of the park vandalism is cleared or repaired as quickly as possible. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Additional police patrols are now keeping a close eye on city parks in St. Helens following a series of vandalism events. “We’ve had instances of graffiti, broken doors, gutters torn off buildings, fencing ripped down in construction areas, rocks thrown into the restroom toilets, soap dispensers ripped off the wall and soap poured everywhere, litter, and people driving vehicles onto the grass and causing damage at various St. Helens parks,” St. Helens Communications Officer told The Chronicle. “Fortunately, we have been able to repair most of the damage using supplies that we already have on hand thanks to the work of our Parks and Public Works crews.” Since most repairs were made utilizing existing resources, King said specific cost estimates for the repairs was not available. “It was $250 to replace the gutter damage at McCormick Park,” she said. Other repairs, such as replacing damaged doors were pending. King said St. Helens Police have increased patrols at the city parks after the vandalism was discussed during a June city council meeting. “Officers will continue to patrol the parks more closely, and we hope that the additional police presence will help prevent vandalism before it occurs,” King said. Parks staff will be assessing areas that are most frequently vandalized and evaluating ideas to make the parks more visible to the surrounding neighborhoods

and vehicle traffic, according to King. “We hope that the increased visibility will be a further deterrent to vandalism,” she said. “At the end of the day, these parks belong to the community, and we hope that the community takes pride and ownership in helping us to keep them in working order and pleasant for everyone to use. The community can assist us in helping to prevent and stop vandalism by speaking up if they see something suspicious happening.” King said anyone spotting park vandalism can also call the city’s non-emergency dispatch at 503-397-1521 to report something they see happening or if they notice that vandalism has occurred. People can also contact the St. Helens Parks and Recreation Department at 503-366-8208 if they have questions or concerns regarding the parks in St. Helens. While there are vandalism challenges at the city parks, there have been improvements as well, according to the parks annual report presented to the St. Helens City Council in June. Park Projects: • The Dalton Lake Nature Preserve has many new amenities including a kiosk and bike rack all of which have been donated. • Work parties have been held at Dalton Lake, Nob Hill, and the Botanical Garden to remove invasive species, tidy trails, and provide general clean-up work. • The all-inclusive playground installation is almost complete. • Many projects have

been proposed, and some set to be added to the Parks Master Plan. • There has been discussion on expanding the Botanical Garden. It has been suggested that a small parcel of land owned by the city be traded for the small parcel of land adjacent to the Botanical Garden, thereby increasing the size of the park. • A name change is also currently being discussed for the Botanical Garden since it is more of a wilderness area than formal garden. • Nob Hill Nature Park as well as McCormick Park have had new benches added. • The Urban Trail continues to be discussed as to how to move forward with it. • The water shed council got a grant for restoration along the trail, which will benefit Nob Hill Nature Park. • An anonymous donor gave $1,000 to be used toward removing invasive species and planting native species in the parks. It will most likely be used at Dalton Lake and Godfrey Park.

New options are opening for St. Helens students and others across the county looking to further their education. Following years of planning and construction, Portland Community College’s (PCC) Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Training Center in Scappoose opens for classes this summer and credit offerings are planned to start this fall. The training center is the educational arm of the nearby Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) initiative — a collaboration of industry, higher education and government that combines applied research and development and workforce training. PCC’s facility is traditionally known as the OMIC Training Center and is located at the college’s Columbia County Center, 34001 NE Wagner Ct. in Scappoose. The center officially opens on Monday, Aug. 16 with a free, five-week series of “OnRamp to Manufacturing” classes that are designed for people interested in working in advanced manufacturing,

according to a release from PCC. Students have flexibility in attending some of the sections or all three. These courses will be taught in-person pending any unforeseen COVID-19 restrictions. If not in-person, classes will be moved to an online platform. The non-credit, introductory classes help participants make informed decisions about their careers, build skills for success in school or on the job, and access support on their journey to becoming a PCC student, according to the PCC release. The “On Ramp” offerings are funded through the PCC’s Reimagining Integrated Support for Equitable Success (RISES) Project -- a $2.25 million U.S. Department of Education grant to develop student support initiatives and evaluation activities during the next five years to buttress the college’s student completion work.

tunities and connect with industry professionals. It will feature PCC programs like Bioscience, Computer Aided Design and Drafting, Electronic Engineering, Machine Manufacturing, Microelectronics and Welding. On-Board to PCC 10 - 11 a.m., Aug. 23-27 Attendees will receive support as they enter the admissions process at PCC, connect with other students and build skills. Build Skills for Manufacturing ‘ 9 a.m. to noon, Aug. 31-Sept. 17

Explore options 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Aug. 16-20

Students will learn essential skills that will help them succeed in school and on the job. They will get experience drawing to scale, taking measurements and working with a robot to build knowledge and confidence. Classes are aimed at students looking to start in the manufacturing trades or those working professionals who are seeking new skills to advance their careers.

Students look at career paths in manufacturing, learn about educational oppor-

For more information about the “On Ramps” training, call 971-722-2175.

The courses include:

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Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Viewpoints

Thumbs Up - Thumbs Down Several days ago, The Chronicle notified St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King about the tall weeds we had been spotting along the side of Columbia Boulevard, St. Helens Street and adjacent streets in downtown St. Helens. The weeds were beginning to be a distraction and visually deteriorating the downtown beauty. We sent King photos of the weeds following a brief walk along the downtown streets taking pictures of the weeds we spotted. King stated in an email response that the city does take care of weeds and/or tall grass immediately between the curb and street edge as shown in some of The Chronicle pictures. In some locations, the tall grass immediately adjacent to a road may be on private property and the responsibility of the property owner to maintain, she stated. King said the city owns a street sweeper which usually takes care of the weeds shown in some of The Chronicle photos. The city does have a weekly street sweeping schedule and road maintenance plan. However, King explained that the city’s street sweeper has been

broken for several weeks and the city was in the process of fixing the sweeper. New blades and brushes have been ordered, King said, which should be arriving soon. According to King, the city’s public works director looked at the pictures sent by The Chronicle and said that as soon as repairs are made to the sweeper at the city shop, he will make sure these areas are swept. In the meantime, he is working with the public works team to establish a more robust street sweeping plan. Shortly after The Chronicle received King’s response, a city public works crew was seen along Columbia Boulevard taking down the weeds. Since that time, weeds along other city streets have been cleared as well. The weed takedown and having the city use a street sweeper to clear other debris helps keep our city clean and presents our city in a positive way to locals and visitors. As the city moves forward with other beautification plans, we encourage each business and all property owners in St. Helens to embrace the efforts. Together, we all make St. Helens the community that

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This is a photo of the weeds that The Chronicle spotted along streets in downtown St. Helens. Since the photo was taken, the weeds have been removed.

it is. It’s up to each of us to take few moments each day to help keep our city clean and vibrant. St. Helens High School Band The Chronicle recently featured a story about the St. Helens High School (SHHS) Band Program selected as the Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) 5A winner of the Les Schwab Tire Centers Team of the Month. This is significant because it 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. 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 could have possibly imag-

ined,” 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, responsibility, reliability, communication, organization and leadership. They experience the payoff of work over time instead of the jolt of instant gratification. No one sits on the bench in the band. Everyone plays and everyone has an important role.” Thumbs up to the SHHS Wind Ensemble for persevering through the COVID-19 pandemic challenges and capturing this award. We also congratulate all of the St. Helens School District students, teachers, staff, volunteers and administrators for navigating through the pandemic. We hope the new school year ahead will be a bit less challenging.

Thumbs Down Thumbs down to drivers who are not paying attention. Take a test. Stand on any busy street corner in St. Helens and count how vehicles make turns without engaging the vehicle turn signals. Also, count how many vehicles switch lanes without engaging the vehicle turn signals. Not using the required turn signals can result in fines, but they also lead to vehicle crashes and injuries. Also, notice how many vehicles roll through the street stop signs without coming to a compete stop. Stop signs mean stop. Not roll. Traffic rules are in place for a reason. They are important safety guidelines to protect all drivers and pedestrians. The more frequent traffic violations, the more dangerous it is to be out and about in St. Helens. Thumbs Up - Thumbs Down is an column produced by The Chronicle’s editorial team. We welcome your suggestions for future Thumbs Up - Thumbs Down columns. Email your suggestions and comments to jruark@countrymedia.net.

Courtesy photo from Scappoose Fire

The Columbia County task force is made of firefighters from the Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Mist Fire, and Vernonia Fire.

FIRE

From Page A1 from the area, the experience gained is invaluable when it comes to establishing plans, working challenging logistical obstacles, and managing hundreds to thousands of resources with limited communications while in an austere environment, according to Pricher. The fire response teams, including firefighters from Columbia County, set up small cities that have to cover making maps for responders, written plans and objectives for the operations staff to follow, resource tracking and ordering, medical support for the responders, maintenance for the hundreds of vehicles and aircraft, facility build outs, 24-hour food operations to support three meals a day, communication specialists that build out the complex communication repeater systems, fire behavior analysts, weather forecasters, logistics folks that maintain generators and loose firefighting equipment and distribute fuel to all of the responders and aviation specialists to manage the rotor wing, fixed wing and unmanned aircraft involved in the effort. “There are an incredible number of moving parts to these large incidents and

those experiences, translate back to our county when we have our own large fires, critical incidents, or weather emergencies,” Pricher said. “Obtaining these experiences, provides us with the requisite knowledge skills and abilities to effectively work with mutual aid partners, county, state, and other federal responders.” Dangerous assignments Pricher said the local firefighters know there are dangers going into such wildfire suppression assignments. “It comes down to four really important elements,” he said. “Lookouts, escape routes, safety zones and communications. The most important of those is communications. If we don’t have good communications firefighters can get into a bad way.” Pricher said communications, human nature and the fire, which includes weather, topography and fuel, are the three factors that increase the firefighting challenges. According to Pricher, the key is effective planning and knowing what’s coming, so decisions are made in split seconds. Pricher says there is a key difference in fighting wildland fires as opposed to responding to structure fires. “At a structure fire, you go really hard, with a wildland fire it takes a while for you to

organize and bring the team together. Its more of an endurance effort that involves local, state and federal helpers, so it is a huge collaboration.” Local concerns Pricher describes Oregon’s wildfire season as significant and said wildfire conditions in Columbia County are also at dangerous levels. Dry fuels, continued hot weather and no rain in sight has heightened the local wildfire danger. Pricher and fire officials across the county continue to urge public safety and awareness. “We’re seeing fires earlier than we have ever seen before,” he said. “We’re having larger fires in the county than we have ever had before.” Pricher said the Columbia County fire agencies want to thank all the families of the career and volunteer firefighters for allowing their loved ones to participate in protecting the state during the wildfire season. “Notable mention also needs to be made to our local businesses and any business that is allowing their employees who are volunteer firefighters to respond,” Pricher said. “A significant compliment of our county task force is all volunteer.” Pricher said he anticipates that the local crews could return on or around July 26 or 27.

The Chronicle

Weekly Online Poll Are you worried that the COVID-19 variant virus and those not seeking immunizations will lead to new face mask and social distancing requirements?

Yes

Last Week’s Results What is your favorite county fair event

17% Carnival rides, food booths 37% 4H and livestock 39% Rodeo

7% Pies, photos, art exhibits

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com

FUNDING

From Page A1

industries, children and families, and the public sector. • Replace lost public sector revenue: provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic. • Provide premium pay for essential workers: of-

fering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors. • Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure: investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet. Ineligible Uses: • Reducing taxes by

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legislation, regulation or administration. • Deposits into pension funds. • Payments of outstanding debt or costs associated with issuing new debt. • Payments of settlements or judgments. • Replenishing rainy day funds. The St. Helens City Council meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, at St. Helens City Hall, 265 Strand Street in St. Helens.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in county: $8 1 month out of county: $10 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80

CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • Website: www.thechronicleonline.com • Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net Advertising: atrull@countrymedia.net or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net • FOLLOW US • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them. Write to us: We want to hear from you and encourage you to write letters to the editor. Because of space limitations, shorter letters have a better chance of being printed. We may edit your letter for style, grammar and clarity, although we do as little editing as possible. If you don’t want your letter printed under those conditions, just let us know. Thank-you letters are limited to a general thanks and summary of an

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issue or action. We reserve the right to exclude lists of people, organizations and businesses. Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. We won’t print your street address or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. Letters policy: This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and

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

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Wednesday, July 21, 2021

WEDNESDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

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JULY 21, 2021

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Match Game Mario Cantone; Vivica A. Fox. KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live! S.W.A.T. “Hopeless Sinner” KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:13) Expedition Unknown “Treasure of the Warrior Queen” Josh is searching England. Chicago P.D. “Signs of Violence” KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Secrets of the Dead “Hannibal in the Alps” How We Got to Now With Steven Johnson 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens Gabby Duran Sydney to the Max The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy The Big Bang Theory Full Frontal Full Frontal Wipeout

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JULY 22, 2021

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KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bull A pastor is accused of killing his wife. KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:07) Homestead Rescue Good Girls “Nevada” (Series Finale) (N) KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Inspector Morse “The Last Enemy” A body is found in the canal. 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens Gabby Duran Sydney to the Max The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy The Cube “Will They or Won’t They?” The Cube Oksana Masters and Aaron Pike.

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JULY 23, 2021

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Shark Tank (DVS) (:01) 20/20 KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live! Secret Celebrity Renovation “Chris Paul” Love Island (N) Blue Bloods “More Than Meets the Eye” KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert ›› “Jaws 2” (1978) Roy Scheider. Tourist town and police chief dread huge white shark at beach. (:31) Getaway Driver “Crash and Burn” (:31) Street Outlaws KGW Special 2020 Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony. Frankie Drake Mysteries “Ladies In Red” Call the Midwife Professor T Professor T struggles to adjust. A Place to Call Home Jack goes missing. WWE Friday Night SmackDown (N Same-day Tape) 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) ›› “Dumbo” (2019) Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton. (:45) Big City Greens Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Big City Greens 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy ›› “Get Hard” (2015, Comedy) Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Craig T. Nelson. (DVS) (:10) ›› “Money Talks” (1997, Comedy) Chris Tucker, Charlie Sheen.

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JULY 24, 2021

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2021 Humanitarian Awards (N) (:10) Homestead Rescue “Troubled Water” Life in Bloom Love of Quilting Paid Program Paid Program The Basketball Tournament Miraculous: Ladybug New York-Heroez America’s Heartland Biz Kid$ The Cube “Will They or Won’t They?”

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JULY 24, 2021

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JULY 25, 2021

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Family Feud Family Feud Duncanville HouseBroken MLB Baseball: White Sox at Brewers SportsCenter (N) (Live) (:05) “Descendants 2” (2017, Children’s) Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce. Mike & Molly Mike & Molly The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory (5:04) ››› “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) Harrison Ford. (DVS)

The Simpsons The Great North Bob’s Burgers Family Guy 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (:10) “Descendants 3” (2019, Children’s) Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson. (:10) Jessie (:35) Jessie NCIS “She” A 9-year-old girl is found hiding. NCIS: New Orleans “Requital” Paid Program Paid Program ››› “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017) Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher. Luke Skywalker comes to a crossroad when he meets young Rey. (DVS)

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KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Fast N’ Loud “Fleetline Superflip Frenzy” To Be Announced This Old House BBC News 6 O’Clock News (N) MLB Baseball: Blue Jays at Red Sox Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Family Feud Family Feud Family Guy Family Guy “Bigfat”

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KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Deadliest Catch “Extreme Arctic” To Be Announced Ask This Old House BBC News 6 O’Clock News (N) The Basketball Tournament Teams TBA. Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Family Feud Family Feud Family Guy Family Guy

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The Chase Brad Rutter acts as the chaser. To Tell the Truth (N) (DVS) (:01) Love Island (N) (:03) Naked and Afraid (:06) Naked and Afraid “Surthrive” (:05) 2020 Tokyo Olympics Triathlon, Gymnastics, Swimming. Unforgotten on Masterpiece (N) Professor T “Tiger Tiger” Hostage situation.

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Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Street Outlaws: Memphis: Full Throttle

The Bachelorette “Men Tell All” (N) (DVS) The Neighborhood Bob Hearts Abishola Young Sheldon United States of Al Street Outlaws: Memphis (N) (:01) Getaway Driver “Electric Shock” (N)

PBS NewsHour (N) People (N) Family Feud SportsCenter (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Family Guy Family Guy

Antiques Roadshow “Vintage Savannah” Hell’s Kitchen (DVS) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens 8 O’Clock News (N) Family Guy Family Guy

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Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Deadliest Catch: On Deck “Of Ice and Men”

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JULY 25, 2021 5:30

MyDestination.TV Cooking to the MAXX Slim Cycle Conversations KATU News at 5 (N) ABC World News Be Your Best Self Paid Program Open House Raw Travel (N) KOIN 6 News at 5 (N) KOIN 6 News Naked and Afraid “All Falls Down” (:10) Naked and Afraid “The Pain Forest” (:05) Naked and Afraid “Breaking Borneo” KGW Special NBC Nightly News 2020 Tokyo Olympics Triathlon, Gymnastics, Swimming. (N) (Live) Focus on Europe GZERO World To the Contrary Washington Week Firing-Hoover NewsHour Wk The Listener The death of an MMA fighter. Bloodline Detectives 5 O’Clock News (N) Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown MLB Baseball Chicago White Sox at Milwaukee Brewers. (N) (Live) Liv and Maddie Liv and Maddie “Descendants” (2015, Children’s) Dove Cameron, Kristin Chenoweth. ›› “The Shepherd: Border Patrol” (2008) Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins. 2 Broke Girls 2 Broke Girls Miracle Workers (:32) Miracle Workers (:04) “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

Celebrity Family Feud (N) (DVS) Big Brother (N) Naked and Afraid “Alligator Alley” 2020 Tokyo Olympics Secrets of Royal Travel

TUESDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

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