SHC726

July 26, 2023

WILL

Country Media, Inc.

he Lewis and Clark Bridge is fully reopened after maintenance crews replaced two of the bridge’s three expansion joints and a fractured floor beam during a fourday closure.

The repairs were expected to take up to eight days to complete. Still, Combined Construction, Inc. and Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge maintenance crews finished the work in almost half the expected time.

As part of the closure, there was also scheduled to be a 10-hour full closure that would block pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency responders from using the bridge across the Columbia River between Rainier, Ore. and Longview, Wa.

Serving Columbia County since 1881

Kelly Hanahan, WSDOT’s Assistant Communications Manager, said crews were able to finish each part of the work ahead of schedule at every turn.

“What we found was, through every single activity for the contractor, was done ahead of schedule. That compounded effect led to a really early reopening,” Hanahan said. “So, that 10-hour window was shorter. Obviously, this weather was pretty great for curing concrete; sunny and dry. So that process was also sped up, because that was a large part of the closure, was concrete was curing.”

What was fixed?

Replacing the bridge’s expansion joints was a critical piece of the maintenance that was undertaken. Hanahan said that the “finger joints” are critical to the function of the Lewis and Clark Bridge.

This portion of the closure was so that crews could replace the fractured floor beam. While WSDOT handled the bridge maintenance, they worked closely with Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOT) to navigate the closure.

“This originally was going to be a six-day closure for the expansion joints, and then we had to add two days to the project for the bridge deck problem,” ODOT Public Information Officer Don Hamilton said. “They booked a schedule that was going to be as long as eight days, they got it done early. They got the work done quick.”

“If the finger joints are not operating correctly, tension, kinks, and stress go to other parts of the bridge that are not supposed to absorb stress and movement. Example: floor beam,” Hanahan said. “Because those finger joints were not healthy, it actually impacts other parts of the bridge.”

Hanahan said that the bridge is designed to “move a lot” in terms of absorbing the vibration of traffic and extreme weather. Hanahan said that heat and cold cause panels to expand and contract, and the expansion joints help facilitate that movement.

“If you have unhealthy finger joints, they’re not going to expand or contract correctly, and it can actually cause damage to the roadway, the pavement of the bridge,” Hanahan said. “The finger joints being

The Lewis and Clark Bridge is 2,722 feet long and connects Rainier, Ore. and Longview, Wa.

replaced is a huge health upgrade for this bridge. We’re very excited about it.”

Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

the closure made sense because it minimized the impact that the clo sure had on the school districts in the area. WSDOT identified the three most important stakeholder groups through a public survey that received more than 1,400 responses. The “Because of how narrow the

life expectancy of expansion joints is about 15 years, and WSDOT did not want to delay the

‘Significant increase’ in human caused fires in Oregon

C. RUARK

JEREMY

Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) reports a “specific increase in human caused fires” across the state this summer.

“The human-caused blazes range from campfires, escaped debris burning, industrial operations, folks working in the forest, and we are also concerned about vehicles, such as RVs and trailers, dragging chains that can spark a fire,” ODF Public Affairs Officer Derek Gasperini said.

Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage or requiring suppression efforts from a fire agency, may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages, according to the Columbia County Fire Defense Board.

ODF is also anticipating lighting strikes that could result in wildfire starts.

One of the state’s largest wildfires this summer has burned over

Oregon’s summer conditions have heightened the

18,000 near Agnes in southwest Or egon as of this week. The cause of that fire was under investigation and human activity had not been ruled out. Hundreds of fire crews were battling the blaze on the ground and from the air. Public safety restric-

danger

made.

Even with rain earlier this week, fire officials said the conditions continue to worsen as the weather pattern of strong winds and high

temperatures dries out forest fuels.

Be prepared

Fire agency officials said the wildfires can move rapidly and can be dangerous, so visitors and residents need to be aware and pay attention when the fires are close to communities.

“Be aware,” Gasperini said.

“Pay attention to local news outlets. The wildfires are a concern throughout the summer,”

ODF recommends that you have a go-bag with essential supplies for your safety if you are forced to relocated due to a wildfire. If evacuations are possible, Gasperini said it’s important that the public pay attention to law enforcement agencies who will coordinate efforts to get people to safety.

“Know the evacuation routes and the backup routes,” he said. Emergency Management agencies across the state list the following evacuation alert classifications:

Level 1: Means “be ready“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Level 2: Means “be set” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents may

St. Helens Elks Lodge recognizes local graduates

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

The St. Helens Elks hosted a dinner recognizing five outstanding and accomplished Oregon

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Vol. 141, No. 31

students. The 2023 graduates are scholarship and award winners from the local lodge, the Elks North District, or the Oregon State Elks Association.

Sean Williams, the Exalted Ruler of the St. Helens Elks, welcomed the following students and their families to Lodge #1999:

• Daniel Hadi, a graduate of Beaverton’s Mountainside High School. Daniel is the Oregon State Elks Male

Most Valuable Student winner.

• Kyla Zhang graduated from Lake Oswego High School. Kyla won the Oregon State Elks Female Most Valuable Student award.

• Katherine Banz, Scappoose High School’s December of Student of the Month and Student of the Year.

• Kortnie Adams, Vernonia High School, is the St. Helens Elks Lodge

Female Most Valuable Student.

• Case Mann, a St. Helens High School graduate, an Honor Roll student, and the Oregon State Elks Vocational Grant Program First Place winner.

“The Elks are proud to recognize these young people for their accomplishments and having a profoundly positive impact on our world,” said

Don Kielblock, St. Helens Lodge Scholarship Chairman, Elks North District Scholarship Chairman, and Oregon State Elks Scholarship Committee member. “We look forward to watching them continue as community leaders who make a real difference.”

Background

students recognize their aca demic dreams. Each year the ENF awards more than $3 million in college scholarships to at least 850 outstanding, service-minded high school seniors. Service is at the center

Courtesy photo

Elks members and local students who were honored, left to right, Don Kielblock, Daniel Hadi, Betsy Johnson, Kyla Zang, Kortnie Adams, Case Mann, and Sean Williams.

Quick fix at the Lewis and Clark Bridge

The Lewis and Clark Bridge is 2,722 feet long and 93 years old.

Columbia City’s city administrator on the move

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The city government in Columbia City is experiencing changes as its city administrator has taken a new position in Redington Shores, Fl.

Mike McGlothlin was the city administrator in Columbia City from 2019 until his final day in the position, July 21, 2023.

McGlothlin was Chief of Police in Columbia City from July 2009 until January 2019, when he took over as administrator from Lynette Rivers.

“It’s a return to my home state; it’s where I’m a native of,” McGlothlin said.

“We’ve had some slight changes with life, circumstances, health. A warmer environment will be much better, and we’ll actually be much closer to my family.”

McGlothlin said that he and his wife moved to Oregon in 2009 to be closer to her family. While he had nothing negative to say about his time in Columbia City, he said that this opportunity would be the next step in his professional career.

“Nothing negative at all

with Columbia City; it’s a fantastic community, great team, they’re going to be in great hands,” McGlothlin said. “Just a different chapter, and a time to, at least where we are in our lives, to take advantage of that opportunity.”

What’s next Columbia City has not yet started a hiring process to bring in a permanent city administrator yet, and Mayor Suzan Ziglinski said they will focus on that next step after the “City Celebration.”

Karber will fill the role of interim city administrator, and previous city manager Rivers will return under contract to help train Karber for the interim position.

McGlothlin’s move also spurred change in the Police Department, and Ziglinski said that Gerald Bartolomucci would become the new Police Chief in Columbia City.

In a town with a population of about 1,950 as of 2021, finding a permanent replacement will be a big priority once the busy summer months are over.

Courtesy photo

Mike McGlothlin served as city manager from 2019 until 2023.

Lawsuit against CRFR refutes early audit findings

The new board members of the Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) board have taken office, and it comes after months of ongoing turmoil within the fire district, with accusations of financial wrongdoing directed at former employees and the administrative staff.

At the board meeting on July 11, Austin Zimbrick, Ryan Welby, and Rick Fletcher were sworn in as the three new members of the district’s board and, among the proceedings, elected to continue the forensic audit that was ordered on April 28.

Prior to the forensic audit being ordered, a civil lawsuit was filed against the CRFR and Chief Joel Medina on April 7 by former employees Anika Todd and Jennifer Motherway, alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment.

A third employee, Monica Cade, joined the lawsuit on April 28.

On July 12, the former employee’s attorney, Rebecca Cambreleng, amended the original lawsuit with supplemental allegations that allege that the CRFR administration intentionally withheld financial records from auditors Merina+Company (MCO).

“The ‘district personnel’ who produced the records reviewed by MCO purposefully failed to produce all relevant records in order to retaliate against plaintiffs for filing this lawsuit,” the lawsuit states.

The initial findings of the forensic audit were presented to the CRFR board and its command staff at an emergency meeting on June 30. An important distinction MCO Partner Robert

Moody made was that they could not make any conclusions because of the lack of documentation.

The amended lawsuit refutes many of the allegations leveled by the forensic audit, from the PERS misclassifications to the unexplained expenditures.

PERS Classification

In their preliminary findings, MCO outlined that they had discovered that there were former employees, including Cade, Motherway, and Fletcher, that were misclassified under PERS and were receiving incorrect benefits or rate contributions.

The employer decides the classification under PERS; only someone in the district can change this classification. The incorrect classification refers to former administrative staff receiving the benefits that would apply to firefighters and police officers, who gain a higher rate and benefits for doing dangerous work.

The amended suit states that during a meeting on August 10, 2022, Medina was aware that Motherway was misclassified but chose to maintain her classification because she was the Public Information Officer, and “it made sense to him” because of the precedent of PIOs being classified as PERS Fire and Police.

“In the meeting, Chief Medina went on to acknowledge that Plaintiff Motherway had no control over her PERS classification and assured her that he would not attempt to change her PERS classification even if she did not maintain her PIO, because it wouldn’t be fair to her to take away benefits she had earned,” the suit states.

Fletcher, for his part, said that he had no control over his PERS classification and that the decision was up to

the finance director and fire chief. Fletcher also noted that he believes that each mechanic employed at that time had the same classification.

“While I was a mechanic, I also regularly responded to fires at the direction of the fire chief,” Fletcher said.

“I understand that PERS defines a firefighter as a person employed by a district ‘whose duties involve firefighting.’ My job description and my actual job at the time both involved firefighting.”

The amended suit also refuted the audit’s assertion that Motherway had withdrawn all of the funds from her PERS account. The audit had outlined that such an act could indicate knowledge of potential wrongdoing. The suit stated that MCO never reached out to the plaintiffs to confirm whether this was true.

“The MCO Report is incorrect as Plaintiff Motherway has not withdrawn any money from her PERS account since before she began employment with CRFR. The MCO Report does not state what documentation or information it relied upon to make that factually inaccurate statement, as MCO did not reach out to Plaintiff Motherway to confirm that information,” the suit states.

Credit card use

One of the other issues the forensic audit raised was the expenditures made on district cards that could not be verified without documentation. Individuals who had district-issued cards were Cade, Fletcher, Motherway, Marit Nelson, Eric Smythe, Jay Tappan, Ian O’Connor, David Coombs, Jeremy Lehner, Erick Holsey, and Medina.

Between 2016 and 2022, the referenced accounts made purchases amounting to $709,728, an average of $118,288 per year across all cardholders, according to the audit.

For the same period from 2016 through 2022, MCO identified $35,574 in meal expenditures. MCO found that $19,688 of these expenditures could be attributed to the account of Cade and Motherway. The audit said the purchases from these two accounts “appear excessive.”

The amended suit refutes the notion that there was never documentation for these purchases.

“Each and every expenditure by the Plaintiffs was accounted for, and documentation was timely submitted to CRFR in accordance with the appropriate policy governing that expenditure,” the suit states.

Some of the expenditures the audit flagged as potentially fraudulent were airfare and a hair salon visit. One particular charge outlined was from the card under Cade’s name, which was $265 in charges at a hair salon on a single day.

“The “district personnel” who turned over the selected records to MCO failed to include the documentation that the $265 charge on May 22, 2019, was for five senior citizens to have makeovers as part of the “My Fair Lady” event, which was part of a partnership with Avamere who donated funds to cover expenses related to the event.

Documentation that CRFR has in its possession shows that CRFR received donations to cover that charge and others related to that RSVP event ,” the suit states.

As to the air travel, the audit flagged a trip to Ohio that was taken by Motherway in 2021. The audit said there were no supporting food or lodging costs associated with the purchase, which raised suspicion of personal use.

The lawsuit states that not only were these expenses approved, but that Medina sent a letter of recommendation to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) so that Motherway and a volunteer could attend the 2021 NVFC R&R Experience in Cleveland, OH, in September of 2021.

“Not only was Chief Medina fully aware that the travel for Plaintiff Motherway in September 2021 was for business purposes, but he wrote the recommendation letter that allowed her and another volunteer firefighter to attend,” the suit states.

The suit continued by stating that Motherway was often asked to use her credit card to purchase airfare, lodging, and pay conference fees for volunteer firefighters. The suit said that each

expense was approved, and Motherway submitted the receipts in a timely fashion.

The suit also says that it appears that MCO was not provided access to the financial system, Financial Edge, which housed all relevant financial information. This system has been in place for many years, including those subject to audit scrutiny.

The suit also notes that the final approval on expenditures is the fire chief.

“According to their own policy, since January 1, 2021, Chief Medina has been the party accountable for reconciling and reviewing spending on credit cards,” the suit states.

Going forward

After being sworn into office, one of the first matters the CRFR board addressed was electing to continue the forensic audit started by the previous board and extending its scope to include up to June 30, 2023.

At this point, it is unclear who has committed the widescale mismanagement of funds, with both sides pointing fingers at the other. When asked whether the board would put Medina on administrative leave, which was discussed at a meeting with the previous board back in April, board members Zimbrick and Fletcher said they would gather more information before making a decision.

“I can only speak for myself on this matter,” Zimbrick said. “I want to obtain as much information as possible to make an educated decision that will protect the constituents of CRFR.”

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print editions of the Chronicle.

Columbia County Sheriff to hold hiring event

JEREMY C. RUARK

Country Media, Inc.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office will host a one-day hiring event on from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Warren Community Fellowship, 56523 Columbia River Highway in Warren.

“Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to serve and protect our community.

“We will be offering prospective applicants the opportunity to participate in the required written and physical agility testing for free,” the CCSO release states. “There will also be workstations set up to submit applications at the same time.”

The hiring event for is

for Enforcement Deputy positions. At the event you will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

• Free written testing for Enforcement Deputy Positions ($40 value)

• Free physical fitness testing

• Submit job application

• Connect with CCSO recruiters

What to bring/wear

• Driver’s license

• Athletic apparel for the fitness testing

The Chronicle contacted Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley for insight into the hiring process.

The Chronicle: How many deputies are you seeking to hire, what will be the cost to support the deputies, and how will they be funded?

Brian Pixley: CCSO is filling the seven patrol deputy positions funded by the levy that the voters approved last May.

The Chronicle: What is the starting pay with benefits for a CCSO deputy?

Pixley: The pay scale for deputies ranges from $27.92 to $40.90 per hour. CCSO also offers PERS retirement and full health benefits.

The Chronicle: Specifically, what training does the CCSO require that an incom-

ing deputy must have, and what additional training is provided?

Pixley: CCSO requires that applicants have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED to qualify for employment as a deputy. CCSO conducts 12-16 weeks of field training and requires that new deputies attend a 16-week basic police academy in Salem, OR.

The Chronicle: What duties will the new deputy be required to perform?

Pixley: New deputies will provide law enforcement functions throughout Columbia County.

The Chronicle: Where will the new deputies be sta-

tioned in the county?

Pixley: The deputies will patrol the whole of Columbia County. CCSO will station deputies in districts throughout the county during the busiest times of the day, reducing response times, especially in

outlying areas. The Sheriff’s Office will operate visible patrol coverage throughout the county.

For more information. Contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at 503-3664611.

Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

The CRFR Administration building located at 270 Columbia Blvd in St. Helens.

Safe summer food preservation

CHIP BUBL Garden Plots

Chronicle Guest Column

Summer is here and with it comes garden and farm fresh produce! OSU has resources to help you preserve your foods safely.

ing salsa, tomatoes and tuna. OSU Extension offers publications on each: Salsa Recipes for Canning, Canning Seafood, Canning Tomatoes and Tomato Products and Safely Canning Foods: Pressure Canners, Pressure Cookers and Electric Pressure Cookers. (The websites for The Chronicle and The Chief will have these as “hot” links).

All of our OSU Extension Food Preservation recipes and publications can be found online by visiting: Beav.es/4eC.

very common on Douglas fir. Oak tree leaves often die and drop early in a persistent drought and I expect to see it start happening soon in the St. Helens area. This is an oak tree defensive strategy and the trees rebound well the next spring. This is most obvious with oaks on basalt sites where moisture is scarce. You should deep water your most important trees and your most recently planted ones. Apples trees will need water to produce good quality fruit as will pears.

they should be discarded.

Monthly food preservation classes are held at the NEW Columbia Pacific Food Bank building on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Check out all the offerings and register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/ cc/columbia-pacific-foodbank-653559.

As canning season gets underway, the Food Safety and Preservation hotline from Oregon State University Extension Service is taking calls. The toll-free hotline, 800-354-7319, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Oct. 13. When the hotline is closed, callers can leave a message. The hotline is staffed by certified Master Food Preserver volunteers. The volunteers fielded 1,010 calls in 2022.

Most commonly, hotline callers ask about preserv-

July 28 Oregon Rocks

2:30 p.m. in the St. Helens Public Library auditorium. Dig into rocks, fossils, earthquakes and volcanos through hands-on activities and rockin’ specimens, and discover the dynamic forces that have shaped Oregon’s landscape. This program is suitable for ages 5-11. This event is free and you do not need a St. Helens Public Library card to participate.

July 29 Columbia County Geographic Workshop

We test pressure gauges in our Columbia County Extension Office for free. Call Jenny in our office at 503397-3462 for an appointment or drop your canner lid off to be tested and get a call back when it is ready.

Low soil moisture

There is virtually no moisture in our subsoil now unless you have watered persistently. It is only the end of July and we have gotten about half an inch of rain in the last 60 days. It has also been quite warm. That increases the moisture needs of vegetable plants up to landscape trees. Native tree species are generally adapted to dry summers but many of our landscape trees didn’t evolve in a dry summer landscape and may have problems this year.

Even some of the native trees may be in trouble. Often the damage doesn’t show up until next year. This is

3 p.m. at the Scappoose Public Library, 52469 SE 2nd St., Scappoose. Explore your community and tell stories with maps. Fore more information text Marty Marquis at (503) 544-8524 or email mtm8@pdx.edu.

July 29 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) Support Group Meeting 10 a.m. to noon at Elks Veteran Bunker (House), 125 S 13th St., St. Helens. The group’s focus is self care for those who have a loved

Harvesting potatoes

Early potatoes should be ready any day now. When the vines have died, the potatoes are ready for harvest. Dig carefully to avoid bruising or cutting the skins. Potatoes can be brushed off or washed to remove dirt. They should be dried completely before they are put into storage. Potatoes should not be exposed to light. If they develop extensive “greening”,

one with mental illness. Contact Judy Thompson for more information at 503397-6056.

July 30 Rainier All Class Picnic Noon to 4 p.m. at HudsonParcher Park. Bring your favorite buffet dish. Water, coffee and tableware will be provided. Rainier Museum will pay your entry fee into the park, but donations would be appreciated at the sign in table to offset the $300 park rental.

BBB fake customer warning

LOGAN HICKLE Chronicle Guest Column

Since 1912, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has guided consumers in finding honest and ethical businesses, and how to keep bad businesses at bay. Let’s flip the script here and ask, how about businesses needing protection against unethical consumers?

Some customers may set impossible expectations when it comes to getting in touch; some customers don’t want to hear that your business doesn’t offer the product they need. And some customers, well, they may not exist at all.

In recent months, BBB

Great West + Pacific has received multiple complaints from businesses regarding fake customers that have initiated a quote request, provided deposits (often paying more than required), and then requested a partial refund of the deposit due to a personal emergency.

Here’s what happens next: The honest and ethical company grants these refunds as a money order or via payment platforms like Zelle or PayPal. Unfortunately for businesses, the original deposit, often provided via cashier check, is found to be fraudulent, resulting in lost funds by the business after returning money to the fake customer.

These bad actors use many different names in their tactics. However, the name Donna Bass has been used in multiple instances across the United States, including at least twice in the Great West + Pacific service area.

In fact, a roofing com-

pany accredited with the BBB reported losing $4,500 to a customer named Donna Bass. But this was no normal Donna Bass. She claimed to be unable to meet the roofers at her home due to undergoing cancer treatment.

So, the honest roofing company went to the home address, visually inspected the roof, and provided a quote to Donna Bass. Donna paid the full $12,000 via cashier’s check, much more than the required one-third deposit. The following day she requested a partial refund due to a family emergency, and the day after that, needed more funds returned. Donna Bass was still well above the required one-third deposit amount, so the business fulfilled both requests.

A few days later the business’s bank notified them that the original $12,000 cashier’s check was fraudulent. The company suddenly realized they’d been taken advantage of. The home they visited had no connection to this supposed Donna Bass. Trust goes both ways in a business transaction. Customers might not be what they seem in some instances. Look to protect your business and vet your potential customers. The roofing company that was taken advantage of is doing so by now verifying with city public records that the customer who reaches out to them is listed as an owner of the home.

At Better Business Bureau, we encourage all companies to verify who they are interacting with before exchanging any funds, whether the prospective customer came directly

It is difficult to store potatoes for an extended period of time. Our winter temperatures are not cold enough for good storage. I have seen people use small garbage cans with potatoes placed in layers and covered by sand or sawdust. Some store them in a box with a tight fitting lid. The most important advice is to eat the potatoes fairly quickly. They will sprout as the winter progresses. Sprouts from one potato encourage sprouts in neighboring spuds. Check the potatoes at regular intervals to remove sprouts and rotten tubers.

Plan to transplant this fall

Fall is an ideal time to transplant evergreen shrubs and perennial plants. The trick is to get the beds ready now. Remove the existing sod and work the ground. It may help to water the area at least eight hours before you start to till so that the soil isn’t so hard. Amend the soil with organic matter and lime (if the shrubs or plants like lime). The beds can be covered with clear or black plastic to try and reduce the number of weed seeds.

Then, when the weather starts to turn cool and moist and when the leaves fall off the woody plants, transplant them. You can also divide and transplant herbaceous perennial plants like rhubarb or day lilies.

August 4 Free Movie in Heritage Park Scappoose 6 p.m. Come by for live music from Gravel, trash can painting, pizza bingo, and 50 cent hot dogs and burgers. Galaxy Quest will be starting around dusk. Wear a sci-fi outfit and you could win a prize for your costume.

August 12 2023 Goble Warming 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser Event This fundraiser benefits

• Donate extra garden produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It always is greatly appreciated.

• Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly meeting is on August 3. Briane Fakler will talk on what to do in the hive during the low nectar cycle and how to prepare the bees for winter survivability.

Thursday, August 3rd at 7pm meeting at the Saint Helens Extension Office or by Zoom. Please email for the zoom link. All are welcome. Columbiacountyoregonbeekeepers@gmail.com

• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon

the Clatskanie Feral Cat Project. Come by for BBQ ribs, smoked fatties and live bands all day. $5 raffle tickets. Goble Tavern, 70255 US-30, Rainier.

August 12 Run with Neil 1K-6K-10K

This will be held at Scappoose Veterans Park as part of the Scappoose Adventure Festival. Fun for the whole family. For more information and registration go to runwithneil.org.

Metro Creative Connection

397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter

The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Resource Contact

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

August 12 & 13 Scappoose Adventure Festival 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Aug. 12 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 13 at Scappoose Veteran’s Park, 52590 Captain Roger Kucera Way, Scappoose. This is a free community event that celebrates outdoor activities, recreations and the spirit of Scappoose. Come by for live music, delicious food, beer garden, runs, rock walls, as throwing and chainsaw wood carving demonstrations, a kids zone and more.

to their website or from a third-party service. If you’re targeted once, don’t think you won’t be targeted again. Since the Accredited roofing company was targeted, they have since been targeted two more times by individuals using other names.

Businesses may want to be cautious of customers that are not able to meet in person or give an unusual sense of urgency. Pay close attention to individuals that request the business accommodate them for family emergencies or other extenuating circumstances. Keep in mind that some of your real customers may have legitimate family emergencies, but if they are bringing this up on multiple occasions and leveraging it against your business, that’s a warning sign. Also, ensure that any payments from a customer clear your bank before returning any funds to the customer.

Other scenarios in which a business can be taken advantage may include fake invoices and email phishing. Build out a vetting procedure for all staff to follow and review it regularly as tactics and technology change. Ensure employees know what to look for in protecting the business.

Logan Hickle is the Public Relations and Communications Manager at BBB Great West + Pacific. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), a private, non-profit organization, has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. For more information, visit BBB.org.

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502

Help Wanted

Immediate Opening Sewing, taping, etc. Part-time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056.

Assistant Manager

Habitat for Humanity is seeking an Assistant Manager for our St. Helens, ReStore. 20 Hours per week, Saturdays included. $18.00/ hr. Retail experience required. Successful candidate will work well with volunteers and customers. Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass background checks. See job description at: habitatcolumbiacounty. org/employmentopportunities.

Heavy Equipment Operator Eagle Star Rock Products seeking heavy equipment operator, front end loader experience preferred. Position is full time, Monday- Friday. Full benefit package available, including health, eye, & dental insurance; 401K, and vacation time. Call 503-3977861 for details.

GARAGE SALE 45+ YEARS OF ACCUMULATION!

Antiques, Collectables, Household items, Carpentry and Shop Tools

July 28th, 29th and 30th, 9 to 4. 65550 McDermott Rd, Deer Island.

Garage Sale Fri. 7/28 and Sat. 7/29 from 9 a.m - 2 p.m. 2154 Oregon St. #6, St. Helens. No earlies.

GARAGE SALE

GIVE - AWAY

Everything is free! Wide variety of items, book shelves, electronics, some clothes, etc. 52003 SW Johanna Drive, Scap-

BRIDGE

From Page A1

bridge is, when our maintenance crews go out, they tend to have to take a lane. So, for example, there’s 185,000 square feet of bridge deck on this bridge, and we were able to deck seal 115,000 square feet, roughly 70,000 feet left,” Hanahan said. “So over the course of the summer, while the weather is good, our

maintenance crews will go out there and finish some of that deck sealing.”

Hanahan said there is no future closure scheduled associated with the expansion joints or floor beam work.

During the bridge’s closure, Hanahan said there weren’t any notable incidents that were exacerbated due to the bridge’s closure. Hanahan said that there were no requests from Oregon emergency services to cross the

bridge in response to the fire that took place in Longview on July 17.

Hanahan also said that WSDOT was in contact with emergency responders in Oregon, and they “lucked out” because there weren’t many requests for emergency transport over the bridge during the closure.

Respecting the ferry

One thing Hanahan noted

was that WSDOT was impressed with the way people adapted to using the ferry as a source of transport across the river.

The Wahkiakum County Ferry between Cathlamet and Westport, Oregon, ran twice an hour, 24 hours a day, while the bridge was closed. This ferry has extremely limited capacity, and the priority for passage was returning emergency service transports and those with

medical appointments.

Hanahan said they were concerned that there would be hours of wait times and a backlog of people who needed to use the ferries. Hanahan said that people being adaptable with their medical appointments or need for the ferry eased the strain of the project.

“Everyone treated that ferry with so much respect, and a lot of folks really did postpone trips, and that

really really helped the entire project go smoothly as well,” Hanahan said. “I think everyone respecting the process made a lot of folks’ lives easier. We knew of some people who had to take the ferry every single day for radiation, stuff like that. So, that’s probably our biggest feeling moving away from the project, was just how grateful we are of the community and how respectful everyone was.”

CH23-1391

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON

In the Matter of Columbia County Community Action Team, 2023 Community Development (CBDG) Block Grant from Business Oregon NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICATION) 1. NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN; Columbia County is eligible to apply for a 2023 Community Development Block Grant from the Business Oregon. Community Development Block Grant funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grants can be used for public facilities and housing improvements, primarily for persons with low and moderate incomes. 2. Approximately $12 million will be awarded to Oregon nonmetropolitan cities and coun-

CH23-1388

ties in 2023. The maximum grant that a city or county can receive is $500,000. 3. The County is in the process of considering preparing an application for a 2023 Community Development Block Grant from Business Oregon for the Northwest Oregon Housing Rehabilitation Program. The proposed project will provide housing rehabilitation to very-low-, low- and moderate-income families in and around Columbia County, as well as residents within the boundaries of Clatsop and Tillamook counties, including all cities, towns, and unincorporated areas of all three counties. It is estimated that the proposed project will benefit at least 50 persons, of whom 100% will be low or moder

ate income. 4. A public hearing will be held by the Board of County Commissioners at or after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Columbia County Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, 230 Strand Street, Room 310, St. Helens, OR 97051. 5. The purpose of this hearing is for the Board of Commissioners to obtain citizen views and to respond to questions and comments about community development and housing needs, especially the needs of lowand moderate-income persons, as well as other needs in the community that might be assisted with a Community Development Block Grant project, and the proposed project. 6. Written comments are welcome and must be

2023 City of St. Helens Columbia Blvd. Sidewalk and Culvert Projects

TFT Construction Inc. will be working on Columbia Blvd. between Gable Road and Sykes Road starting July 17th and finishing approximately Sept. 29th. During construction we will make accommodations for local traffic to get in and out their driveways every day. As always, we will do our best to minimize the amount of disruption, but some delays should be anticipated. If you have any questions, please call Don Hill @ 503-8603522. We thank you for your patience and look forward to improving the City of St. Helens. CH23-1389 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUM-

CH23-1392

BIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of CHARLES EDWIN PHILLIPS JR., Deceased. Case No. 23PB05445 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Proceedings for this estate have been commenced. Claims against the estate may be presented to the personal representative listed below. Any person who has a claim against the estate must present the claim to the personal representative not later than four months after the date of the first publication of this notice at the following address: 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056. Any claim not presented within this time period may be

barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the estate proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published on: July 19, 2023. Mark Dennis, Personal Representative, 33729 SE Elm Street, Scappoose, OR 97056, Phone: (503) 810-5986. Attorney for Personal Representative: Aaron J. Trukositz, OSB No. 204618, LOWER COLUMBIA LAW GROUP LLC, 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, Oregon 97056, Phone: (503) 543-4800, Fax: (888) 543-4806, Email: aaron@ lowercolumbialaw.com.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER INTO PERMISSIVE COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT FOR INSURANCE AGENT OF RECORD SERVICES

ORS 279.A.215 Pursuant to ORS 279A.215, Columbia County hereby fives public notice of its intent to enter into a contract with Brown and Brown Northwest for the delivery of Insurance Agent of Record services. This contract will be entered through a permissive cooperative procurement administered

by the City of Corvallis. The estimated amount of the contract may exceed $250,000. The County has determined that the solicitation award process for the City of Corvallis contract was substantially equivalent to ORS 279B.060, consistent with ORS 279A.200(2). Written comments related to the County’s intent to enter

a contract pursuant to the Cooperative Procurement may be submitted to Columbia County for consideration and must be received by 5:00 PM on August 3, 2023. Comments must be submitted to Sarah Hanson, County Counsel, Columbia County, 230 Strand Street, Room 20, St. Helens, OR 97051.

received by July 31, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. 230 Strand St. St. Helens, OR. 97051 County Courthouse Room 338, St. Helens, OR 97051 or to Jacyn.normine@columbiaocuntyor.gov Both oral and written comments will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners in deciding whether to apply. 7. The location of the hearing is accessible to persons with disabilities. Please contact the Board of Commissioners department at 503-397-4322 if you will need any special accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting. 8. More information about Oregon Community Development Block Grants, the proposed project, and records about the County’s past use of Community

CH23-1393

Development Block Grant funds is available for public review at 230 Strand St., County Courthouse Room 338, St. Helens, OR 97051 during regular office hours. Advance notice is requested. If special accommodations are needed, please notify the Board of Commissioners department at 503-3974322 so that appropriate assistance can be provided.

9. Permanent involuntary displacement of persons or businesses is not anticipated as a result from the proposed project. If displacement becomes necessary, alternatives will be examined to minimize the displacement and provide required/reasonable benefits to those displaced. Any low- and moderateincome housing that is

demolished or converted to another use will be replaced. 10. All interested parties may appear and be heard, either in person or virtually at: https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/357054141 United States (toll free): 1-866-8994678 Access Code: 357054-141. 11. The location of the hearing is accessible to the disabled. If you need any special accommodations to attend or participate at this hearing, please call the Board of County Commissioners Office at (503) 397-4322 at least two days in advance. Dated this 18th day of July 2023. For the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. By: Jacyn Normine, Board Office Administrator.

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

In the Matter of the Estate of Mark Allen Riseling, Deceased. Case No. 23PB06297 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ena Riseling has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present them, with vouchers

CH23-1389

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of CHARLES EDWIN PHILLIPS JR., Deceased. Case No. 23PB05445 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Proceedings for this estate have been commenced. Claims against the estate may be presented to the personal representative listed below. Any person who has a claim against the estate must present the claim to the personal representative not later than four months

attached, to Ena Riseling, personal representative, at 2005 Saint Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative or

the attorney for the personal representative, Mark J. Lang, 2005 Saint Helens St, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published: July 26, 2023. /s/ Mark J. Lang, Mark J. Lang, OSB#973116 Attorney for Personal Representative, 2005 St Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 410-5238 Published: July 26, 2023, August 2, 2023, and August 9, 2023.

after the date of the first publication of this notice at the following address: 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056. Any claim not presented within this time period may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the estate proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and

first published on: July 19, 2023. Mark Dennis, Personal Representative, 33729 SE Elm Street, Scappoose, OR 97056, Phone: (503) 8105986. Attorney for Personal Representative: Aaron J. Trukositz, OSB No. 204618, LOWER COLUMBIA LAW GROUP LLC, 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, Oregon 97056, Phone: (503) 5434800, Fax: (888) 543-4806, Email: aaron@lowercolumbialaw.com.

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

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

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: FINISH THE LYRICS

ACROSS

1. *”Back in ____ I hit the sack”

6. Lavatory, abbr.

9. Arctic floater

13. Revered Hindu

14. Three, to Caesar

15. Poison ampules, e.g.

16. Neckwear option

17. *”Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman, giving ____ your love to just one man”

18. Most populous country

19. *”It’s going down, I’m yelling ____”

21. *”Sugarpie honeybunch, you know that I ____ ____”

23. Act on IOU

24. Spanish sparkling wine

25. Mel ____, Giant Hallof-Famer

28. Garbage in, garbage out, acr.

30. *”If everybody had an ocean ____ the U.S.A., then everybody’d be surfing”

35. Less than average tide

37. All’s opposite

39. ____, Wind & Fire

40. Gas station brand

41. Bottom-ranking employee

43. *”The future’s not ours to see, que ____”

44. ____ Coffee, whisky drink

46. African river

47. Part of a sweatshirt, sometimes

48. ____-____-tat, drum roll sound

50. Please get back to me, acr.

52. 007, for one

53. Impulse

55. Consume food

57. *”I’m going to ____, I’m gonna mess around”

61. *”And I will ____ love you”

64. Do penance

65. Melvin Purvis’ org.

67. High school balls

69. Goes with shaker

70. Cardinal, color

71. Lock horns

72. Eurasian duck

73. Pop-ups, e.g.

74. Earp of the Wild West

DOWN

1. Undergarment

2. Catalog

3. Fungal spore sacs

4. “____ at the bit”

5. Soldier’s knapsack

6. Pinocchio, e.g.

7. Be unwell

8. Pancho’s last name

9. Like certain print

10. *”Here’s a story of a lovely ____”

11. Assortment

12. Genesis twin

15. Fast and lively, in music

20. Giving a once-over

22. Spermatozoa counterparts

24. Reassert

25. *”Believe it or not, I’m walking ____ ____”

26. Sailor’s cry: “____ firma!”

27. Like an implied agreement

29. *”You’re here, there’s nothing I fear, and I know that my heart will ____ ____”

31. Possible allergy symptom

32. Black and white treats

33. Leather razor sharpener

34. *”Will the real Slim

____ please stand up”

36. Well-mannered Emily

38. Adult elvers

42. Live it up

45. Mooring rope

49. Though, shortened

51. Another name for papaw

54. Below, prefix

56. Be a slowpoke

57. Jellies’ seeded cousins

58. A-bomb particle

59. Sheltered nook

60. Was aware of

61. Gives a hand

62. Lotus position discipline

63. Censor’s target

66. *”I’m friends with the monster that’s under my ____”

68. Salon offering

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

State reopens housing funding program

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will resume accepting new applications for the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program at 10 a.m.

Aug. 2, 2023. The agency estimates there are enough funds to support about 500 additional eligible homeowners. The program offers federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief intended to support homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardships due to the pandemic. It provides funding for past-due mortgages and other housing expenses, as well as ongoing payment assistance, to a limited number of homeowners with low to moderate incomes.

The pause that began on May 31, 2023, allowed

OHCS to assess current applications in its queue and better project the amount of HAF funds remaining for homeowners. As an exception during the pause, the program continued serving the most at-risk homeowners who were in active foreclosure.

“Oregon families that were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are now at risk of foreclosure should review the HAF eligibility requirements and consider submitting an application,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “Any homeowner falling behind should reach out to their mortgage servicer or a free housing counselor at a state-approved homeownership center right away.”

HAF will reopen with a focus on homeowners in active foreclosure and those traditionally underserved by

Courtesy photo

The agency estimates there are enough funds to support about 500 additional eligible homeowners.

mortgage markets. Homeowners can learn more about eligibility requirements and, if eligible, apply online starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 2, 2023, at oregonhomeownerassistance.org.

HAF funding is limited. The state is prioritizing Oregon households that are at the highest risk of foreclosure. Once the $72 million of funding available for homeowners is gone, the program will

close. Even if homeowners are eligible, there is no guarantee their application will be funded. Other loss-mitigation options depend on a homeowner’s mortgage and their servicer. Homeowners should evaluate all their options.

Free help is available

Homeowners can get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about budgeting tools and evaluation of options to keep their homes, such as modifications, adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage, or HAF. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers.

Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer to respond due to high volume or remote working

policies.

In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.

Avoiding fraud

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or

meet with an Oregon housing counselor. There are a number of common warning signs homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can file a report with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General.

To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.

2nd Annual Sanctuary Promise Report tracks violations

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Oregon was the first state in the nation to become a sanctuary state when leaders enacted a law in 1987 prohibiting state and local law enforcement and government agencies from assisting federal authorities with immigration enforcement.

In 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 3265, dubbed Oregon’s “Sanctuary Promise Act” – to further strengthen existing sanctuary laws.

One of the mandates of the new law requires Oregon’s Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) to produce an annual Sanctuary Promise report each July 1, to track violations of Oregon’s sanctuary laws. The CJC annual Sanctuary Promise/HB 3265 report is now online in Englishand Spanish.

Examples of Sanctuary

Promise violations include state or local government officials, including police, asking about, collecting, or

sharing information regarding an individual’s immigration status or national origin; using state or local resources to help enforce federal immigration laws; establishing a traffic perimeter for the purpose of supporting or facilitating immigration enforcement; or granting a federal immigration authority access to an area of a state or local facility not normally open to the public.

“Oregon thrives when everyone can go to work,

send their kids to school, and contribute to their communities, without fear that an interaction with local or state government will result in their deportation,” Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said. “Oregon’s sanctuary laws keep families together and make the fabric of our state stronger. Providing transparency and documenting reports from community members makes Oregon a place where people feel they belong. “

Among the key findings of the just-released report:

• 51 Sanctuary Promise reports of alleged violations were received via Oregon Department of Justice’s (ODOJ) statewide community reporting Sanctuary Promise Hotline or online reporting portal from June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2023.

• 15 reports received did not constitute reports of sanctuary law violations or did not include enough information for the ODOJ to

open an investigation. Those included general inquiries about immigration law, callers in unrelated mental health crises, and calls with limited information that prevented ODOJ follow-up. The remaining 36 reports have open state investigations into the alleged violations.

• Most reports of attempted and alleged violations to the CJC and ODOJ respectively concerned requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

• Twenty-six of the 51 reports were about public bodies cooperating or sharing information with ICE.

• Washington County was the jurisdiction most contacted by ICE, per CJC reporting data.

In addition to the reporting of and response to violations of Oregon’s sanctuary laws, the Sanctuary Promise Act also mandates that Oregon provide traumainformed, culturally responsive support to community members via a reporting

hotline. The ODOJ established the Sanctuary Promise Hotline in April 2022, which is dedicated to assisting victims, witnesses, and other reporters of Sanctuary Promise violations.

Staffed by bilingual and multi-lingual Hotline Advocates who provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive services, interpretation is available in more than 240 languages. Hotline Advocates connect callers to resources, and support them, their families, and any witnesses through an ODOJ investigation into the reported violation.

Hotline staff also connect with culturally specific organizations around the state to promote and offer the Hotline as a point of support for victims as well as provide professional and community presentations regarding Oregon sanctuary law.

In 2022, Hotline staff conducted 184 presentations and tabling events, completed 400 hours of outreach, and connected with and

trained over 10,000 community members on the protections of Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act. In addition, the state’s Public Service Announcement (PSA) regarding sanctuary violation reporting is expected to release in the summer of 2023 on television, radio, and social media in multiple languages.

To dig into the data more deeply, visit the updated CJC dashboard,as well as the DOJ’s dashboard, which is available in English and Spanish.

To contact Oregon DOJ’s Sanctuary Promise Hotline, call 1-844-924-STAY (7829), with interpretation available in 240+ languages; the Hotline accepts all Relay calls. Report online anytime at SanctuaryPromise.Oregon. gov.

For the Spanish direct dial Sanctuary Promise Hotline, call 1-844-6-AMPARO (1-844-626-7276), or report online anytime at PromesaSantuario.Oregon.gov.

Personal experiences help preparedness for wildfires

MOLLY ROSBACH

Chronicle Guest Article

Residents who experienced direct harm from Oregon’s 2020 wildfires are more likely to take steps to mitigate their fire risk in the future, an Oregon State University study found.

They’re also more apt to participate in communityhelping activities like donating to and volunteering with emergency response groups after wildfires. Disaster preparedness actions for wildfire risk may include preparing an evacuation plan, replacing flammable building materials, assembling an evacuation kit, improving air filtration and removing vegetation near the home, among others. The OSU study provides a more comprehensive examination of people’s experience with wildfire than most prior wildfire research, the authors say, because it asked about both mitigation and community-based responses. Researchers also asked detailed questions about the harm caused by the 2020 wildfires to participants directly, to their property, to their finances,

FIRES

From Page A1

have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive.

Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

Level 3: Means “go” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to

to their mental and physical health and to their daily activity.

That level of detail provided researchers more information about why people choose to engage in disaster preparedness and to help their community.

The single most powerful factor was what researchers call “descriptive norms,” which can be understood as a form of peer pressure: When people thought that more of their friends or neighbors were taking wildfire preparedness actions, they were more likely to do more to prepare themselves.

Published in Disasters, the study builds on previous work by co-author Hilary Boudet, an associate professor of sociology at OSU who researches the links between extreme weather events, climate policy and social mobilization around disaster response. The results were based on survey responses from people who lived in rural and urban areas across Oregon at the time of the September 2020 wildfires.

Predictably, people who experienced more severe harm from the 2020 wild-

protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

Be vigilant

The public should stay vigilant this fire season, according to ODF Fire Protection Chief Mike Shaw, who said with dry fuels, higher temperatures, and low humidity, now is the time for Oregonians to actively practice wildfire prevention, “We all need to do our part to prevent wildfires from starting throughout the year, but right now everyone needs to be extremely careful,” Shaw said. “With the current conditions, just one spark, cigarette, or open flame could result in Oregon’s next wildfire. Preventing fires from starting helps protect our firefighters and communities from the health, safety, and

fires were more likely to be proactive with future wildfire preparedness than those who were less affected, but several other factors also influenced individual responses. Women, people in rural areas and people with members of vulnerable groups in their households

economic impacts of wildfires and smoke.”

Actively practice wildfire prevention

• Check your local fire regulations. Public use and industry restrictions are put in place to help prevent wildfires. By following these regulations, you can help reduce the risk of a humancaused wildfires.

• Recreate responsibly. If allowed, only build campfires in approved campgrounds, and make sure your campfire is OUT COLD before leaving. If campfires are banned, consider using a camp stove.

• Check your vehicle.

Servicing your car regularly helps reduce the risk of a faulty part throwing sparks into dry grass while you’re driving. Also, make sure to

were all more likely to engage in more preparedness actions.

Researchers found that people who reported more concern about climate change after the fires were 1.5 times more likely to take at least three wildfire preparedness actions, compared

not park or idle over dry grass if you pullover. The heat from your undercarriage or exhaust could ignite the grass below.

• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand. We recommend keeping one in your car just in case you need it while travelling.

• Don’t burn debris.

Debris burning is prohibited across Oregon during fire season.

Public and industry fire restrictions are placed for a reason. Fires in the outdoors start for several reasons (vehicles, campfires, smoking, cutting, grinding, and welding metal, power saw use, fireworks, electric fences, mowing dry grass, etc). Years of research has found that these activities are prone to start fires when vegetation dries out, humidity

with people whose concern about climate change stayed the same or declined after the fires.

More information also translated into more action.

People who sought out safety information about the 2020 wildfires from official city, county and state websites were 1.7 times more likely to take three or more disaster preparedness actions.

Several of these factors were also associated with higher likelihood of people donating and volunteering to help their community, including severity of harm experienced and concern about climate change. Demographically, households with minors were more likely to engage in community-helping behaviors.

“We call this ‘altruism born of suffering,’ where people who experience harm have a sense of relatedness, of connectedness, with people experiencing similar things, so their likelihood of community-helping behavior increases,” said Usman Siddiqi, lead author on the study and a doctoral student in OSU’s School of Public Policy

Researchers offered

drops, and temperatures rise, ODF said in a release.

Based on these studies, fire professionals impose fire restrictions to alert the public and forest workers of these dangers. Check with your local wildland fire protection agency or rural fire district for restrictions specific to your area.

Currently, the state remains between moderate and extreme fire danger, depending on where you are.

“Remember, humancaused wildfires can be prevented. It only takes a minute to curb your actions before disaster strikes,” ODF states in its release. As of July 24 in Columbia County, the ODF was monitoring a Moderate Fire Danger classification.

The following are restrictions in place for public safety:

policy recommendations based on their findings, focused on how local and state governments can motivate residents to be more proactive. The researchers suggest providing more platforms for local residents to interact with each other, so they can engage in policy discussion and talk among themselves about what mitigation measures they’re taking.

They also suggested that media campaigns should capitalize on the power of “descriptive norms” by highlighting what ordinary people are doing in their daily lives to protect their own homes.

“When people are talking with other people, they are more likely to take action,” Siddiqi said.

Policymakers should also engage with community gatherings to help residents connect their lived experiences with climate change and the need for more action, he said.

Molly Rosbach works at the OSU Department of Marketing and Research. She may be reached at molly.rosbach@oregonstate. edu.

• Debris Burn Permit Required

• Smoking in designated locations

• Campfires in designated location

• Appliances using bottled fuels allowed

• No Fireworks

• No exploding targets, tracer ammunition or sky lanterns

• Equip each power saw with a shovel and fire extinguisher or gallon of water

• Provide a 1-hour fire watch after the use of each power saw

• Cutting, welding or grinding must be done in a clear area with a water supply

Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.

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Disaster preparedness actions for wildfire risk may include preparing an evacuation plan, replacing flammable building materials, assembling an evacuation kit, improving air filtration, and removing vegetation near the home, among others.

Courtesy photo

The new law requires Oregon’s Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) to produce an annual Sanctuary Promise to track violations of Oregon’s sanctuary laws

13 Nights rocks on

State parks now offering same-day online reservations

home, and to give park staff more time to offer interpretive opportunities and maintain park facilities and landscapes and provide a safe camping experience.

“Same-day reservations at the coast give those traveling the peace of mind that there is a place ready for them when they arrive,”

totals eight camper nights.

Tent and RV campers can make a same-day reservation online up until 11:59 p.m. on the day they arrive at the coast by visiting https:// oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

ground registration booths. Look for the reservation signs for login information.

Those who wish to pay with cash or check must find a ranger during booth operat ing hours. Ranger availabil ity is limited depending on time and location.

have a site booked before they leave

OPRD Coastal Region Director Dennis Comfort said. The Oregon Coast is the busiest region in the Oregon State Parks system with an estimated 1.9 million camper nights reserved each year across the 17 campgrounds. A camper night is one camper for one night, so a group of four camping two nights

Yurt and cabin reservations must be made before 6 p.m. the day of arrival due to the staffing required to assist with keys or codes. Visitors can also make a reservation by calling (800) 452-5687 Monday through Friday.

You can also make sameday reservations at the park if there are campsites available. OPRD is installing free limited Wi-Fi for reservation access at all beach camp-

OPRD will waive the $8 reservation fee for all sameday reservations at the coast during the pilot program.

For more information about the new option, visit the OPRD online FAQs. If visitors have any additional questions or concerns about the new option, they can contact the information cen ter at park.info@oregon.gov.

State adds 5,700 jobs, unemployment rate at 3.5%

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Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.5% in June, down from 3.7% in May, according to the Oregon Employment Department. This was the fifth consecutive monthly drop in the unemployment rate, down from a recent high of 4.8% in January. The June rate was near Oregon’s record low of 3.4%, which was reached in November and December 2019.

by 5,700 jobs, following a revised gain of 4,200 jobs in May. June’s job gain was the largest monthly increase since January, when 9,600 jobs were added.

Gains and loses

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There were 2,073,161 employed and 76,363 unemployed in Oregon in June, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

In June, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose

Paid Leave Oregon benefit program begins Aug. 14

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Employees who need to take time off for important life events can apply for benefits for Paid Leave Oregon starting Aug. 14, 2023.

Paid Leave Oregon covers paid family leave, medical leave, and safe leave for working Oregonians. Employees can apply for the following reasons:

• To care for themselves or members of their family during the birth of a child, or to bond with a child after birth, adoption, or placement of a child in their home through foster care

• To care for themselves during a serious health condition

• To care for a family member when they have a serious health condition

• If they or their child experience sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking

To apply for leave, employees will use the Oregon Employment Department’s (OED) new online system called Frances Online.

“We’re excited to give working people the financial support they need to care for

themselves and their families,” Paid Leave Oregon Director Karen Madden Humebaugh said. “Employees can take the time they need without worrying about losing their job, and employers retain their skilled and experienced workers.”

The state Legislature created Paid Leave Oregon in 2019 (House Bill 2005), making Oregon one of 11 states (plus Washington D.C.) to offer paid family and medical leave. Oregon’s unique program also covers safe leave in addition to family and medical leave. Safe leave supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking so they can take time to seek safety. “We did our due diligence, learning from other programs around the country, and we added our own innovations,” Oregon

Employment Department Director David Gerstenfeld said. “Oregon’s paid leave program provides more protection for employees, with additions like safe leave, and offers grants to support small employers.”

In January 2023, employers and employees started contributing to a trust fund that will pay for employee

paid leave benefits. During the 2023 legislative session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 31, which requires OED to make sure the Paid Leave Oregon trust fund is solvent before launching benefits.

Based on current trust fund data and projections, Employment Department leaders have decided the trust fund is ready to launch benefits the week of Sept. 3, as planned. This will be the first week employees can take paid leave, with payments going out within two weeks.

“Just like any new statewide program of this size, we know we will have to adjust along the way,” Humelbaugh said. “SB 31 was good contingency planning, and we will continue to work with the Legislature and other key partners as we monitor the program’s progress after launch.”

Detailed information for employees, including eligibility requirements, tutorial videos, a benefits calculator, and much more, will be available on the Paid Leave website on Aug. 14. Employees can now go to the employee overview page and find many resources, including a guidebook.

Over-the-month job gains were largest in government (+2,400 jobs); other services (+1,800); leisure and hospitality (+1,600); and professional and business services (+1,500). Declines were largest in wholesale trade (-1,300 jobs); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,000); and manufacturing (-1,000).

Payroll employment grew by 2.3% over the past 12 months. Over-the-year job growth decelerated to about 2% in the past five months from 12-month growth rates that were above 3% during the economic recovery period, which included much of the prior two years.

Overall view

Since June 2022, several industries have continued to expand rapidly, while others have been relatively flat or declining.

Construction, which added 6,500 jobs, or 5.7%,

grew at one of the fastest rates of the major industries. In addition, the following three major industries each expanded by close to 4%, while adding close to 10,000 jobs each: leisure and hospitality; health care and social assistance; and government. However, a few industries cut jobs by about 2,000 each in the past 12 months, including manufacturing (-1.1%); wholesale trade (-1.9%); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-3.0%).

The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.6% in June 2023, which was very close to Oregon’s June rate.

When you retire, you hope that you’ll be able to anticipate the events that could cause you financial challenges down the road. For one thing, most retirees are probably aware that, even if they remain healthy, their health care costs may rise, even if they’re covered by Medicare or Medicare Advantage. But there’s another potential risk that can sneak up on retirees: inflation.

However, once they reach retirement, retirees are all too aware of the effects of rising prices. In fact, 63% of retirees think the biggest financial shock in retirement is inflation and the rising cost of living, according to a recent survey by Age Wave and Edward Jones.

As you know, we have experienced mild inflation for some time, up until the past couple of years. But even when inflation subsides again, it can still be a threat to your retirement security. A 3% annual inflation rate can double your cost of living in about 25 years. What can you do to help alleviate the shock of inflation?

Actually, you can take considerable action to help meet this threat. Here are a few steps to consider:

• Try to cut down on expenses. Take a close look at all your discretionary expenses, such as travel, entertainment and so on. You might find areas in which you can cut back somewhat — and every little bit helps. Also, take advantage of all the senior discounts available to you. These days, many businesses and services offer these discounts, but you may have to ask about them. And if you want to look at an area that potentially offers even bigger savings, you might consider downsizing your living space, though this decision involves many factors, not all of them financial.

• Consider part-time work. If you wouldn’t mind doing some part-time work or consulting, you’ll find that the extra income could improve your cash flow and possibly make you somewhat less dependent on your investment portfolio for the financial resources you need to maintain your lifestyle. And the added income could eventually contribute to increased Social Security benefits. (However, if you earn over a certain amount and have already started collecting Social Security but haven’t reached your full retirement age — between 66 and 67 — your benefits may be temporarily reduced.)

• Review your investments

for growth and income opportunities. Understandably, many investors shift their investment portfolios toward a more conservative approach when they retire – after all, they simply have fewer years to recover from the inevitable short-term market declines. Yet, to help stay ahead of inflation, even retired investors need some growth potential in their portfolios, such as stocks and other growth investments. At the same time, it may be a good idea to consider whether you’re getting what you need from your income-producing securities, such as certificates of deposit (CDs), bonds and other fixed-income investments. A financial professional can help review your portfolio to determine if the mix of growth and income is aligned with your particular needs given your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

The past few years have been a wakeup call for many people, especially retirees, on the threat that inflation poses to their financial security. But being proactive can help prevent inflation from deflating your retirement hopes and dreams.

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

Inflation can be ‘shocking’ in retirement

Courtesy photo from the OPRD

The new option is part of a pilot program at the coast.