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St. Helens School band trailer stolen JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

After reports surfaced that the St. Helens Band Patrons trailer had been stolen from the parking lot at St. Helens High School July 13, community members are rallying to help.

The small black trailer and its contents are used for the St. Helens Marching Band and Color Guard competitions and has been the main source of fundraising since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The community support is amazing and greatly appreciated. ~ Ryan Scholl, St. Helens Band Patrons Chair

It included two large marching band and color guard changing tents, a large food tent, tent sidewalls, tent rain drains, spare tent pieces, 100 buckets for students to sit on during performance breaks, shelving, three roaster pans, a microwave, various food service items, bottle and can drive PVC stands, bags, and supplies. The value of the stolen tailer is $10,000.

St. Helens High School Band Director Noelle Freshner said the finance impact of the crime is a new challenge for the participating students and the supporters of the school band program.

“It will financially impact us if we can’t acquire more funds specific to this replacement,” Freshner said.

COVID hit our fundraising efforts hard the past two years. We were already behind in where we need to be to fund the year and this puts us

Courtesy photo from the St. Helens Band Patrons

This message about the stolen trailer has been posted by supporters on Facebook.

further behind.”

To help replace the stolen supplies, the Band Patrons will hold a fundraiser that will include a bottle and can drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 at St. Helens High School parking lot, 2375 Gable Road to help. A GoFundMe Account has also been established and had reached $3,540 by Monday

morning. Those wishing to make a financial donation can do so through the group’s GoFundMe account at: www.gofundme.com/f/st-helensband-patrons-fundraiser.

“There also has been a lot of cans and bottles that I have picked up from people wanting to donate for this weekends bottle and can drive along with PVC pipe to build new

and parents, we need your help and support,” Scholl said. We need volunteers for marching season, uniform fittings, and working fundraising and coming to meetings. Marching camp starts in two weeks and we need to support the kids and program. The kids work and train hard for marching season and they need us to support them and cheer them on.”

Scholl is also encouraging the students involved in the marching band and color guard to move ahead through the camp experience.

“We have a great show this year for marching,” he said. “It will be hard work but it will also be fun.

Kids just work on training and having fun and do your best. We will make sure one way or another that camp will be great as always. “ According to Scholl, investigators have received tips but the stolen van and its contents had not been recovered as of Monday, Aug. 3.

The St. Helens Band Patrons supports the St. Helens Band Program through several fundraisers throughout the year.

The St. Helens Band Patrols is operated by an elected board of directors and is a registered nonprofit organization. This organization is open to band parents, alumni, community members, or anyone who would like to help out, according to a statement on the group’s Facebook page.

can/bottle stands that hold the bags as we fill them,” St. Helens Band Patron Chairman Ryan Scholl said.

“The community support is amazing and greatly appreciated.”

The Band Patrons are reviewing new security for storing the needed supplies and seeking additional community support.

“For the band patrons members

Band Patrons Fundraiser 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 7 St. Helens High School Parking Lot 2375 Gable Road St. Helens

Judge dismisses gun validation ordinance JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County Circuit Court Judge Ted Grove has dismissed the Columbia County Board of Commissioner’s request for review of the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance.

The ordinance is designed to prohibit law enforcement from enforcing most federal gun control provisions.

Grove ruled that a legal decision was not warranted because the request from the commissioners did not show a justiciable controversy.

Columbia County Public Information Officer Mark Pacheco said Grove’s decision to dismiss the petition for validation was unexpected.

“His ruling did not provide us with a resolution to the question of the legality of the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance,” Pacheco said. “Without a definitive answer to the question, we expect that the dismissal of the petition will lead to other litigation, resulting in additional expenses for the county.”

The Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance was adopted by the Columbia County Board of Opinion ..................... A4 Poll ............................ A4 Cartoon ..................... A4 Obituaries ................. A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ....................... A6 TV Guide ................... A7 Police Reports ......... A8 Crossword ................ A8

Commissioners to implement the intent of the voters following passage of the Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance in 2018 and the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance in 2020.

Under ORS 33.710, the Columbia County Circuit Court is authorized to conduct an examination of the ordinance and to provide a judgement as to the legality of the authority of a county governing body to enact the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance, according to a statement from Columbia County.

The County filed the petition in late May to clear up what commissioners said were several important legal questions about what firearm regulations can be enforced in Columbia County.

“To be clear, the county is not seeking to invalidate the ordinance, only to get answers to the many legal questions raised by it,” County Counsel Sarah Hanson said when the request was filed with the court.

“As an example, Oregon law generally does not permit the county to regulate within the city limits without consent. We have asked the court to inform us whether the cites have consented.

Hanson said this and many other questions arising from the two voter-passed initiatives and the ordinance implementing them put the county and its residents in legal “limbo,” so the commissioners sought clarity through the court process.

Columbia County officials said the statutory process enables the county to receive binding decisions from the court, providing the county ­­­­ See ORDINANCE Page A5

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The renovated playground at McCormick Park at 475 S. 18th Street continues to be a family-fun attraction in St. Helens.

Celebrating McCormick Park JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

McCormick Park is now home to one of the largest all-abilities playgrounds in the Pacific Northwest.

A grand opening celebration for the newly installed McCormick Park playground equipment at 475 S. 18th Street in St. Helens is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Aug. 7, before Citizens Day events begin at the park.

Improvements were funded through money the city sets aside for park improvements and 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 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.

City of St. Helens Engineer Sue Nelson said in a release in December, that it was important to ensure the new park was accessible to all children.

“When we re-pooled this

project, we wanted to gear it more toward all-inclusive play equipment, based on the fact that we not only competed, but the community really supported this project and we won the Moda Assist grant,” she said. “That kind of changed the whole outlook on this project and we really wanted to make it as inclusive as possible rather than just replace the play structure that was there in McCormick Park.”

Nelson said there were certain ­­­­

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

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Oregon’s new wildfire approach

Courtesy photo

Crews continue to work for full containment of the 413,762 acre Bootleg Fire in Southern Oregon. The lightning caused blaze has destroyed several homes.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Legislation that provides $220 million to help Oregon modernize and improve wildfire preparedness is now law.

Gov. Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 782 into law Friday, July 30.

The law provides three key strategies by: • Creating fire-adapted communities

• Developing safe and effective responses • Increasing the resiliency of Oregon’s landscapes Brown said the legislation is the product of years of hard work by the Governor’s Wildfire Council, the Oregon Legislature, and state agencies and moves the state toward modernizing its wildfire approach.

“Wildfire is inevitable, but how we prepare for and respond to fires is in our control,” Brown said. “There

The Bootleg Fire has scorched 413,762 as of Monday, Aug. 2 acres. It is the largest wildfire in the nation.

is absolutely no question that Oregon has one of the the best wildfire response systems in the country. But, as we responded to these fires over the last few years from Chetco Bar to the Substation Fire, it was clear we were battling with tools used in the century. We simply were not equipped to fight the fires of this new age, which are faster and more fierce, and fueled by the impacts of climate change.”

The $220 million investment means building

Grinder sparks local fire

fire-adapted communities, improving the state’s wildfire response, and creating healthier and more resilient landscapes, Brown said, adding that for every dollar Oregon spends on fire prevention, the state’s investment is returned elevenfold in saved costs.

“We still have a lot of work ahead of us to implement this bill. However, we are laying the roadmap and devoting the resources needed to transform our approach to meet the challenges

of this new era of wildfire.

Senate Bill 762 exemplifies the proposition that by working together, we can create a safer, stronger, and more fire resilient Oregon.”

The effort to upgrade Oregon’s wildfire preparedness and modernization approach follows devastating wildfires in 2020 and fast moving fires across the state this summer.

Of this summer’s wildfires, the lightning caused Bootleg Fire was reportedly 84% contained at 413,762 as of Monday, Aug. 2.

McCormick Park playground design.

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Photo courtesy of Scappoose Fire

Firefighters spray water on burning tires at the fire scene. Investigators said the blaze was triggered by sparks from a grinding operation in the 3400 block of Honeyman Road. The fire quickly spread to piles of tires.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Thick, black smoke from a fire could be seen from areas surrounding the Scappoose Airpark Thursday morning, July 29.

According to Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Pricher, the blaze was triggered by sparks from a grinding operation in the 3400 block of Honeyman Road.

“I could see the black smoke from the middle of town as I was being dispatched to the fire,” Pricher told The Chronicle.

The sparks rekindled an

old burn pile and that fire spread to several piles of tires.

“The tires are what caused the thick black smoke,” Pricher said. “We advised the Scappoose Airpark tower to alert incoming flights that the smoke was affecting aircraft approaches to the field.”

The flames ignited the vegetation along the west property line, which threatened structures in the adjacent property. The fire was approximately 2,000 square feet.

Fire crews were able to stop the spread of the blaze at the property line.

Two fire engines, a water tender, three brush engines and two chief officers were

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sent to the scene with firefighters from Scappoose, Columbia River Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters.

“We had the fire under control in about 10 minutes,” Pricher said, “but it took a considerable amount of time to break a part all the tires and extinguish any fire in the tires.”

Investigators have classified the fire as accidental.

Pricher is urging anyone working outdoors with equipment to be cautious and aware of the region’s high fire danger.

features the city wanted to be sure to include in the new structure: ramps, musical instruments, something that spun, all-accessible swing sets and slides, all of which are included in the Wildwood Play Structures design.

The design features sections intended for younger kids ages 2 to 5 and for older kids, ages 5 to 12.

There are also 17 wheelchair accessible components in the design and rubber tiling is featured as the base throughout the play areas.

In April, the city competed in, and won, the 2020 Moda Assist Program. The annual competition awards an Oregon city with funding to construct an all-ability playground. This year, St. Helens went up against

Astoria and Sandy and garnered 48,000 votes.

The program teams up with the Portland Trail Blazers to raise money for every assist made by the team. Each assist equates to a $20 donation to the Trail Blazers Foundation which supports the playground construction.

St. Helens received $37,000 from the Blazer program to be used toward the McCormick Park project. The quote for the Wildwood Play Structures design comes to just over $224,000, not including demolition of the current play structure. An additional $65,000 is quoted for the installation of the structures and tiles from A West Pacific Contractors, according to the city release. The City used the remaining money needed through the parks system development charges funding system.

Representatives from

Courtesy photo

Fire agencies in Columbia County said the continued dry, hot weather, the overall drought and gusty winds have heightened the local wildfire danger. The agencies are urging everyone to be aware of the danger, be cautions and have an evacuation plan in place if a wildfire erupts in the area.

Contact your local fire district or fire department for wildfire preparedness information.

Courtesy from City of St. Helens

Moda Health and the Trail Blazers will be at the grand opening ceremony on Aug. 7. The 11:30 a.m. event will be conducted prior to the city’s Citizens Day celebration at the park.

Citizens Day in the Park is a day focused on making and strengthening community connections. Activities are family-friendly, designed for a wide age-range and include a free community barbeque offered by members of the St. Helens City Council who also will be available to chat with community members during the event.

For more information, call 503-397-6272.

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

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Governor orders indoor face coverings at schools

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

Gov. Kate Brown said the face covering rule is necessary for the protection of all students and school staff.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Local school districts in Columbia County and across the state now face a state order to have all students K-12 wear face coverings while inside school buildings when classes resume in September.

Gov. Kate Brown has directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to create a rule to require masks indoors for K-12 schools statewide for the 2021-22 school year.

The governor said the rule is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recently updated guidance, and based on the latest science on the spread of the Delta variant.

“The science and data are clear: the Delta variant is in our communities, and it is more contagious,” Brown said. “My priority is to ensure our kids are able to safely return to full-time in-person learning this fall, five days per week and with minimal disruptions. With

many children still ineligible to be vaccinated, masks are an effective way to help keep our kids safe in the classroom, the learning environment we know serves them best.”

Brown and the OHA late last month recommended that Oregonians statewide mask up in public indoor spaces to help slow the surge in COVID-19 Delta variant cases. State health officials said 88% of the new COVID-19 cases are caused by the variant and the majority of the cases of among unvaccinated Oregonians.

Reaction from the St. Helens School District (SHSD) administration quickly followed Brown’s school face covering order.

“At this time, we still anticipate that all SHSD students will have the opportunity to participate in a regular schedule of full time, in-person learning,” A SHSD statement sent to parents reads. “As a district, we are reviewing the latest recommendations from the Governor, CDC, ODE, as

well as working closely with local health officials and our school board to determine what is best for our students, staff, and community.”

The SHSD statement also thanks parents and students for their patience.

“Please know that we are making every effort to bring all students back to the classroom while continuing to provide safety and security protocols to both our students and staff,” the statement reads. “We will share more details about health and safety protocols as we get closer to the start of school.”

Clatskanie School District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz told The Chronicle her district would have no choice but to follow the state face covering mandate.

Rainier School District Superintendent Joesph Hattrick said the Rainier School District is planning for a return to in-person instruction while remaining responsive to the ODE’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance and the OHA requirements.

“We are in the process of evaluating that information and discussing with stakeholders to make the most responsible and responsive decision possible, Hattrick said.

A parent group called Oregon Moms Union issued a statement critical of Brown’s school face covering order.

“Governor Brown has once again moved the goalposts on Oregon students and parents,” Oregon Moms Union Co-Founder MacKensey Pulliam said. “One month ago, Kate Brown’s OHA Director said it would be up to local authorities to slow the spread of COVID-19. Now she has reversed course yet again.”

Pulliam claims that children are the least at risk from COVID and least likely to spread it.

“They should absolutely not be singled out with a useless mandate,” Pulliam said. “This is simply a way for Governor Brown to give allies on some school boards political cover so they do not have to return schools to normal. These are our kids, not political footballs. Nothing short of a full, normal school year is acceptable.”

Pulliam said Oregon Moms Union, formed earlier in 2021 in the wake of COVID-19 school shutdowns and distance learning, seeks to empower parents to advocate for a student-first K-12 education system. She said the group currently has 45 volunteer school district captains serving in 35 school districts.

Follow the latest daily back to school and pandemic updates at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

Photo courtesy fro the City of St. Helens

K-9 Ryder and his handler Sgt. Jon Eggers.

Police chase ends in arrest STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A 27-year old is facing multiple criminal charges following a police chase in St. Helens that ended as officers and K-9 Ryder captured the suspect.

At approximately 1:09 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, St. Helens Police were dispatched to Wonderly Drive on the report of a violation of a release agreement. Police conducted an area check and located the involved vehicle traveling on Highway 30.

Police initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle fled westbound on Highway 30.

Officers followed the vehicle to Millard Road and Rigdon Road. The driver fled the vehicle on foot after driving through a fence at the end of Rigdon Road. Police set up

a perimeter and police K-9 Ryder was called to conduct a track.

St. Helens K-9 Ryder and officers successfully located the suspect near the abandoned vehicle. Michael Kelly, 27, was arrested and lodged at Columbia County Jail on charges of Violation of a Restraining Order, Harassment, Interference with Making a Report, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (Vehicle), Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (On Foot), Criminal Mischief II, and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver.

K-9 Ryder and his handler Sgt. Jon Eggers were featured in a Chronicle story in mid July after they apprehended a robbery suspect in another police case.

USDA offering financial relief STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing financial relief for industries and businesses in Columbia County, across Oregon and the nation impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires.

The USDA is providing up to $200 million in relief funds to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced losses due to COVID-19.

Loggers and truckers can apply for assistance July 22 through Oct. 15, 2021.

Timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% from Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2020, when compared to Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2019, are encouraged to apply.

The funding is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.

The Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) is administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, and was authorized in the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Wildfire impact relief USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson has announced that USDA is

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making priority funding available for coastal National Scenic Areas that have been devastated by wildfires.

National Scenic Areas are environmentally protected, federally designated locations that have outstanding natural and scenic value.

“Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA is committed to getting help to rural communities that have been impacted by wildfires in many parts of the country,” Maxson said.

“As severe weather and natural disasters continue to threaten the livelihoods of residents and businesses in rural America, we want the communities we serve to know that USDA stands ready to help.”

USDA is reserving $2 million under the Rural Business Development Grants program for eligible projects in rural communities located on a river or ocean coastline. Priority is being given to National Scenic Areas impacted by wildfires.

Projects must be consistent with any USDA Rural Development state strategic

plan, local and area-wide community and economic development strategic plans and support other economic development activities.

Funds may be used to create business support centers, finance job training and support leadership development.

Eligible entities include rural coastal towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, institutes of higher education and cooperatives.

Applications will be scored, reviewed and selected on a competitive basis. They must be submitted to the applicant’s nearest USDA office by July 6, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. local time. Additional information is available on page 27,365 of the May 20, 2021, Federal Register (PDF, 245 KB).

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas.

The assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and highpoverty areas.

For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Supporting local journalism supports this community DEAN RIDINGS CEO, America’s Newspapers

The Local Journalism Sustainability Act (LJSA) was recently introduced in the House and has now been introduced in the Senate – and will benefit every member of this community! Unlike many issues in Washington, this legislation has bipartisan

support and is focused on delivering benefits to local communities across the U.S. by sustaining local news organizations, including this newspaper.

Newspapers are facing significant fiscal challenges due to technological disruption, including Google’s and Facebook’s use of newspapers’ content without compensation. This legislation provides an important, but temporary means of support to help newspapers with needed transition, and it deserves the support of Congressional representatives across the country.

The bill incentivizes the behaviors needed to facilitate changes to the business model. Please join your local newspaper in calling on members of Congress to support this legislation.

The LJSA has been

designed to provide a muchneeded boost to newspapers.

What it isn’t is a permanent handout for local newspapers. Instead, it’s a wellthought-out approach to help sustain local newsgathering efforts through a series of tax credits that expire in five years. And it not only will provide aid to newspapers, but also to subscribers and local small businesses through tax credits that will benefit them directly.

Newspaper subscribers already understand the importance of their local newspaper and that their continued support is critical.

Through this legislation, subscribers will receive a tax credit of up to $250 per year. It’s a win-win for subscribers as this tax credit will cover a significant part of their annual newspaper subscription, no matter if

it’s print or digital.

For local businesses, there’s a direct benefit from the LJSA, as well. When they use the effective print and digital solutions of their local newspaper, they will be eligible for a tax credit up to $5,000 the first year and $2,500 per year for the next four years. Not only will this credit offset some of their advertising investment, it also will help them improve their business by reaching more customers and generating more sales.

It keeps money invested locally and helps maintain jobs and support other local initiatives.

For local newspapers, the LJSA provides a much-needed bridge to continue the evolution toward a digitally-based model. The temporary tax credits for newspapers will

be tied directly to maintaining healthy newsrooms and employing professional journalists committed to producing local news and information. The benefits will be local, not redirected to national media organizations, and provide local readers with continued access to the content that’s most important to their lives.

However, in order for the LJSA to provide these benefits to subscribers, local businesses and newspapers, it needs the support from members of the House and Senate. And the best way for that to happen is for them to hear directly from their constituents and supporters. To support the future of local newspapers, reach out to your representatives and encourage them to support the Local

Journalism Sustainability Act, and – in turn – support the communities they serve. There’s a benefit for everyone.

On behalf of its approximately 1,500 newspaper and associate member companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life.

We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses. Learn more: www.newspapers.org For more information, contact: Dean Ridings CEO, America’s Newspapers dridings@newspapers. org

CRFR partners with community immunizations JOEL MEDINA Chronicle Guest Column

Courtesy photo from CRFR

COVID-19 vaccines being prepared for in-home distribution in a collaboration between Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia County Public Health, Oregon Heath & Sciences University, Family Medicine at Scappoose and CareOregon.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) in partnership with Columbia Health Services administered 54 COVID-19 vaccines between both Rainier Days in the Park July 10 and 11 as well as at Columbia County Fair & Rodeo July 15 through 18.

We will also be hosting an additional clinic at the National Night out at Rainier City Park on August 3, along with Columbia County Fairgrounds on August 17.

We have also reached out to St. Helens High School and Rainier High School along with other local primary care agencies to offer their staff access to the COVID-19

vaccine.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue also provides in-home vaccination services with our Community Paramedic to those members of the community who are immobile and unable to get to a vaccination location.

At this time we do not have an exact tally on how many vaccinations our Community Paramedic has done, however we estimate between 50 and 100 by the use of the vaccine in inventory.

As you know, the time is

critical to continue to support the vaccination efforts in Columbia County and our medical providers are making a difference in that effort.

After an incredibly hard and stressful year, it is extremely important to us to get members of our community vaccinated.

Members of Columbia River Fire & Rescue take pride in their work and have the skill and know how to get vaccines in arms. It has been a huge community effort and has gained invaluable

relationships with external organizations, especially Columbia Health Services, Columbia County Public Health and many of the other fire districts in Columbia County.

The team effort won’t go unnoticed, we have incredible support from our community, and that is what makes our organization stronger.

Joel Medina is the Columbia River Fire & Rescue Chief. He may be reached at 503-397-2990.

‘Pandemic among unvaccinated’ BRAD WITT Chronicle Guest Column

Federal and state health officials are reacting to a disturbing uptick of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta Variant.

Health officials are describing this surge in infections and hospitalizations as a “pandemic among the unvaccinated.”

The Delta Variant is a highly contagious strain of COVID-19, and is now the dominant strain, as tests show that Delta is the cause of 80% of all new COVID-19 infections in Oregon. We have not put the pandemic behind us.

In recent forecasts released by OHSU and the University of Washington, it is predicted that we are heading back to infection and hospitalization levels similar, if not exceeding, last year’s winter peak.

In response to the increasing infections the Oregon Health Authority is recommending universal mask use in public indoor

settings throughout Oregon. This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance that everyone, including fully vaccinated persons, wear a mask in public indoor settings.

The Oregon Health Authority is continuing to call on local community and public health leaders, and businesses to encourage vaccinations and masking to prevent new outbreaks.

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to get fully vaccinated, which means if you get the two-dose vaccine you must get both shots and then wait the recommended two-week period for these shots to take effect.

The vaccination rate goal to achieve “herd immunity” is to get 70% of those eligible to be vaccinated. In Columbia County, we are on the low side, with 51% currently vaccinated.

People who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are the most at risk for infection. If you

would like to schedule an appointment for a vaccination, you can follow this link: COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon Stay engaged Even when I am not in Salem, I’m still working with constituents, community leaders and other elected officials on matters that impact our lives. We check our messages daily, so if you have a concern, comment or need help regarding a state issue or agency, please contact my office. I am honored to represent you in the Oregon House of Representatives, and look forward to hearing from you.

Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt

Voices of the Community Protecting property rights For years my oldest sister and brother-in-law have used the income from their fourplex to pay for their Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Being a fair skin outdoorsman in sunny Eastern Oregon he has struggled with recurring skin melanoma and was diagnosed again before the pandemic started. Two weeks ago my sister suffered a cardiac event which required a stent.

Mounting medical expenses and monthly insurance payments now coming out of their pocket yet with the

eviction moratorium what are their options?

Many rental units in rural Oregon are mom and pop operations, not major corporate political donors and it’s time to level the playing field or the affordable housing shortage will only get worse.

“The Constitution protects property rights through the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments’ Due Process Clauses and, more directly, through the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause: “nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.” There are two basic ways the government can take property: (1) outright, by condemning

the property and taking title; and (2) through regulations that take uses, leaving the title with the owner — socalled regulatory takings.

In the first case, the title is all too often taken not for a public but for a private use; and rarely is the compensation received by the owner just. In the second case, the owner is often not compensated at all for his losses; and when he is, the compensation is again inadequate.”

(CATO Institute).

After the pandemic would you invest in rental property?

Let us know what YOU think EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: CHRONICLENEWS@COUNTRYMEDIA.NET

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Weekly Online Poll Do you believe the state and federal government should mandate COVID-19 vaccinations to help slow the surging cases?

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Last Week’s Results Should all school students attending K-12 classes be required to wear face coverings in the new school year ahead for best health and safety protections?

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

A5

Obituaries Randal “Randy” William Holdner

Bessie “Bess” May Carpenter

Nov. 5, 1959 - July 28, 2021

Randy W. Holdner of Scappoose, Oregon passed away July 28, 2021 at the age of 61.

Randy was born on November 5, 1959 in Portland, Oregon to William and Patricia (Irish) Holdner.

In 1968 the family moved from Portland to Scappoose where Randy grew up and attended Scappoose High School graduating with the class of 1977. As a child he was involved in 4H and became interested in Polled Hereford cattle. Farming became his life and Randy enjoyed growing crops and raising cattle. He was a member of the Oregon Farm Bureau.

In his free time Randy was an avid fisherman, kite flyer and a firework connoisseur. He had a very kind, gentle spirit and enjoyed

Larry Alan Cade

visiting with other members of the community. The pets in his life shared a large part of his heart, and were considered a part of the family. He loved his children, grandchildren, and the time he got to spend with them.

Randy is survived by his wife Deb Fischer Parmley,

Nov. 7, 1928 - July 4, 2021

Children; Jerry (Heather) Parmley, Jenny (Ryan) Rafferty and Emily Holdner, grandchildren; Calista Parmley, Trevor and Justin Smith and James Rafferty, great grandson Oliver Smith, his father William “Bill” (Jane Baum) Holdner, his sister Laurie Holdner-Wilson and his lifetime best friend Leonard Tardif.

He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia (Irish) Holdner and his brother-inlaw Philip H. Wilson.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Warren Community Fellowship.

For those not able to attend in person a livestream will be available on the Warren Community Fellowship YouTube channel. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com

James Lee Dodge Jr.

March 7, 1963 - Jan. 6, 2021

March 13, 1949 ~ Nov. 6, 2020

Larry Alan Cade, a resident of St. Helens, passed away on Nov. 6, 2020.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2021 at the St. Helens Elks Lodge in St. Helens, Oregon

Robert Mitchel Swehla Feb. 15, 1986 July 29, 2021

Robert Mitchel Swehla Passed away July 29, 2021 in Spokane, Washington at the age of 35. Funeral arrangements to be determined at a later date.

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James Lee Dodge, Jr (aka Dodge, Jamie, The Jiminator) born March 7, 1963 at The Saint Helens Hospital passed January 6, 2021 at his home in Mesa, Arizona.

Dodge grew-up in Goble with a love for animals. He participated with 4H in Columbia County and brought home purple ribbons for his work with rabbits, sheep, cows and a giant pig named Cher.

He picked berries at The Crawford’s and bucked a lot of hay; even bucking himself out of the hay truck. He and the Johnson boys had a club called the Tuff guys and they did crazy things. As a young teen in Central Oregon, he moved pipes on Walker’s Farm as well as at home.

Much of his early twenties were spent between the mainland and Maui: after a few seasons on Mt. Bachelor he headed to the islands where he lead donkey excursions in the Maui canyons, bartended and befriended many a loco local.

Teenage Wasteland was a place in Bend. Jim Dodge did road construction with his father James, Sr., and John Hesner. Later, driving oil tankers with Hesner (that’s too scary, Johnnycat). Jim did various forms of construction; special-

izing in flooring and tile work on his own. He raised his young family in Saint Helens and later, in Bend, Oregon where his children graduated. He drove for Gordon Trucking, making up a game called “Guess My Load,” to stay connected with family and friends. He was extremely in love with his wife and proud to have been married for thirty-years.

Jim Dodge left this earth early in the morning of January 6, 2021. He was a son, a brother, a husband and father, a grandfather and a friend.

He is survived by his Mother, Lorraine Dodge; his sister, Sandra Dodge; his son, Matthew/ grandson, Charlie; his wife, Correna and children: Lacey/ grandson Dustin James plus! One on the way; Jamie Lee/ grand-daughters Divina and Xöe; stepdaughter Litney; as well as a list of some of the best people you could ever call a friend.

A brick has been placed at The Enchanted Forest in his memory. Live, Long and Prosper. The end.

Mass of Intention at St. Frederic’s in Saint Helens at 9:30 a.m. September 3 followed by farewell gathering at 2 p.m.m at the Goble Tavern. Join us.

Bessie “Bess” May Carpenter, remembered for her smile and friendly personality, passed away on July 4th, 2021, at age 92 surrounded by family at home in St. Helens. Bess was born to Wayne and Mayme Swart on November 7, 1928, on the family farm near Wilbur, Washington. She grew up in Delena, Oregon, and graduated from Rainier High School in 1946.

Bess married Raymond E. “Gene” Carpenter on July 3rd, 1947. They lived in Rainier, moving to St. Helens in 1956. They had four children and celebrated 74 years together.

Chamber of Commerce, before joining Gene at Gene’s Appliance Service and Sunset Equipment.

Bess is survived by her husband Gene, son Clifford (Cece), daughter Carol, son Clayton (Brenda), son Curt (Debbie), 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Mayme Swart; brothers, Bill and Duane Swart, and sister, Ruth Bader.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. August 21, 2021, at Grace Baptist Church, 58690 Ross Road, Warren, Oregon.

Bess, a member of Grace Baptist Church, volunteered and sang in their choir. She worked at the creamery in Rainier, the St. Helens’

Thomas Allen Weber May 8, 1951 - July 1, 2021

Thomas Allen Weber passed away in his home on July 1st, 2021 at the age of 70.

“Tom” was born May 8th, 1951 in Valley City, North Dakota to Bernard and Mae Weber. In late 1951 his family moved to Portland where he attended St Agatha’s Elementary school until the 6th grade then the family moved to St Helens.

He attended St Helens Junior High then graduated from St Helens High School in 1970.

Tom was lucky enough to find love three times. In 1971 he married Donna Steward and they had two girls Shannon and Brandie. In 1976 he married Danielle Leffler.

Together they had one daughter, Wendy. After Danielle’s death, he married Nancy Zweifel in 2014.

Tom began his career at Boise Cascade working in the maintenance department before moving to the Port-

land Shipyards as a welder.

Always looking to improve he went back to school to become a pipefitter and worked from the union at the Intel Campus until his retirement in 2010.

You may have known Tom by one of his many nicknames: Tom Bucket, Thomasina, Road Kill or GPT. But any way you knew him, you knew he was an

avid hunter and fisherman but loved golf. Of course, you could always talk him into a game of Cribbage.

He is survived by daughters Shannon Weber, Brandie Weber, and Wendy Redmond (Mark), three step children Mindy Pilkington (Charles), Kent Zweifel and Gary Keturakat, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren as well his sisters Dianna Multanen (Cliff), Sandy Parnell (Steve Jenkins) and Mary Lehto (Tom).

He was preceded in death by his parents Bernie and Mae Weber, his wife of 35 years Danielle, his wife of seven years Nancy, his beloved brother Michael, and best friend and brother in-law Russ Parnell.

His celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 8th, 2021, 1 p.m. at the St Helens Elks Lodge. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com

Mary Louise Anderson April 5, 1940 ~ July 30, 2021

Mary Louise Anderson passed away July 30th, 2021, at the age of 81. She was surrounded by her children.

She was born to John M. Correia, Jr. and Mary M. Corriea (Mello) in Los Banos, California.

She is preceded in death by her husband Elroy Anderson; her parents; siblings, John Correia III, Madeline, Manuel, Frank, Joseph, Evelyn, and Albert; as well as her older sister, Mary Louise (the 1st) who’s death preceded her birth; sister-in-law Uldene Anderson; grandson Kevin Jewell; and great-

ORDINANCE

From Page A1

sheriff and district attorney with certainty as to what can and cannot be prosecuted and would safeguard the county in the event of lawsuits.

“This proceeding will

Simple Direct Cremation $795 Simple Direct Burial $995 Church Funeral $2,965

son, Trudy Hobizal, Judy Sprague, Cheryl Kingston, Janice Johnson, Rose Jewell, Mary J. Anderson, and Mark Anderson; as well as 22 grandchildren; and 21 greatgrandchildren.

Mary worked at several Columbia County Care facilities as a support person for 19 years. Retiring at the same time as her husband.

She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, crafting, baking, canning, growing flowers and plants. As well as celebrating with family and taking photos of family at every opportunity.

grandson Zander Hobizal.

Mary is survived by her children, Martin Anderalso inform residents of the county what firearm laws do apply to them so that no one is unwittingly found to violate a federal or state firearm law that they believe doesn’t apply because of the initiative measures,” Hanson said. “We don’t think anyone would want that result.”

Pacheco said the commis-

sioners are currently determining how best to move forward and will provide an update when they have reached a decision.

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

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A6

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

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CH21-1768

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of Sue Ellen Cardwell, Deceased. Case No. 21PB05083 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Tami Dawson

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 attached, to Tami

Dawson, 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

CH21-1769

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: August 4, 2021. /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: August 4, August 11, and August 18, 2021

CH21-1765

In the Matter of the Estate of: WAYNE WILSON IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA WELCH, Deceased CASE NO. 21PB05473 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Gloria Welch has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Gloria Welch, at 33470 SW Chinook

Plaza #203, Scappoose, Oregon 97056, personal representative of the estate of WAYNE WILSON WELCH, 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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the lawyer for the personal representative, Aaron Martin, 272 South 1st Street, Saint Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published on August 4th, 2021.

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of: Terence B. Tanski, Deceased. Case No. 21PB05470 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Zainab S. Priest has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having

claims against the estate are required to present them to the personal representative in care of his attorney David B. Brownhill at: 8555 SW Apple Way, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97225, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below or such claims may be barred. All

persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published July 28, 2020.

Publication Dates: July 28, August 4, August 11, 2021.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

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Nature How big cats survive and thrive.

NOVA “Emperor’s Ghost Army” Home Title Lock Protects Your Title 24/7 ››› “Losing Isaiah” (1995) Halle Berry ESPN Original Documentaries The Owl House Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Paid Program Whacked Out Sports DragonFlyTV Think Big MLB Baseball New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies. (N) (Live)

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Storm of Suspicion “Snow Shoes” Weather Gone Viral “Without Warning” To the Rescue People Weekend (N) The Cube Oksana Masters and Aaron Pike.

The Cube “Will They or Won’t They?” ›› “Overboard” (2018, Romance-Comedy) Eugenio Derbez, Anna Faris. (DVS) (:15) ››› “Mean Girls” (2004, Comedy) Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams.

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

8:30

Good Morning America (N) KATU News This Morning Saturday (N) (Live) (5:00) CBS This Morning: Saturday (N) Lucky Dog (N) (EI) Innovation Nation Mission Unstoppable Hope in the Wild Bass Wrap Up Show Sport Fishing Major League Fishing (N) (5:00) 2020 Tokyo Olympics Volleyball, Handball, Beach Volleyball, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Equestrian, Artistic Swimming. (N) Hero Elementary Molly of Denali Clifford-Dog Sesame Street Pinkalicious Cyberchase Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) Outside the Lines (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Bluey Bluey Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez

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Family Feud Family Feud The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Family Guy Family Guy Bob’s Burgers Bob’s Burgers

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8:00

KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune Holey Moley “Holey Moley Goes Pro!” When Nature Calls With Helen Mirren The Hustler (DVS) KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Big Brother (N Same-day Tape) (:01) Love Island (N) Bull A controversial news commentator.

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert Homestead Rescue “High and Dry” Homestead Rescue “Winter’s Fury” Homestead Rescue “Sweet Homestead Alabama” Young homesteaders in Alabama. (:03) Homestead Rescue “Line of Fire” (5:00) 2020 Tokyo Olympics Skateboarding, Diving, Track and Field, Beach Volleyball. (N) (Live) (DVS) 2020 Tokyo Olympics (:05) 2020 Tokyo Olympics Canoe/Kayak, Women’s Basketball. (N) (Live) Dan Haggerty 2020 Tokyo Olympics Bare Feet-Mick BBC News PBS NewsHour (N) Oregon Art Beat Outdoor Idaho Shakespeare and Hathaway -- Private Inspector Morse “The Secret of Bay 5B” A parking lot murderer leaves two clues.

(5:00) NFL Preseason Football Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers. (N) (Live) 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) (5:00) MLB Baseball Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals. (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Jessie Jessie Big City Greens Big City Greens Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Family Feud Family Feud The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Cube Two new teams enter the Cube.

The Cube Oksana Masters and Aaron Pike.

The Cube “Will They or Won’t They?”

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7:30

KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune Press Your Luck “Oh, My Nervous System!” The $100,000 Pyramid (DVS) Match Game (DVS) KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Big Brother (N) (:01) Love Island (N) S.W.A.T. “Next of Kin” KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert Expedition Unknown Expedition Unknown: Unearthed (N) Expedition Unknown “Ransom in the Sky” (:07) Hunting Atlantis “City Underground” (:10) Expedition Unknown “Finding Fenn’s Fortune” A two-million-dollar treasure.

(5:00) 2020 Tokyo Olympics Beach Volleyball, Track and Field, Women’s Diving. (N) (Live) (DVS) 2020 Tokyo Olympics (:05) 2020 Tokyo Olympics Men’s Volleyball, Semifinal. (N) (Live) KGW News at 11 (N) 2020 Tokyo Olympics Journeys in Japan BBC News PBS NewsHour (N) Nature How big cats survive and thrive.

NOVA “Emperor’s Ghost Army” Secrets of the Dead “Viking Warrior Queen” How We Got to Now With Steven Johnson 6 O’Clock News (N) People (N) Family Feud MasterChef Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Sherry Yard.

10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) (5:00) MLB Baseball Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals. (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Bunk’d Bunk’d Big City Greens Big City Greens Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Family Feud Family Feud The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Full Frontal Full Frontal George Lopez

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7:00

A7

9:00

9:30

AUGUST 8, 2021

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) Sharyl Attkisson KOIN 6 News at 11 (:35) Game On (:06) Naked and Afraid KGW News at 11 (N) The Tunnel: Sabotage

10 O’Clock News (N)

11 O’Clock News (N) Joel Osteen SportsCenter (:05) Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Life Change Church Paid Program Weather Gone Viral Falling into a crevasse.

Love Life (:37) ››› “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)

10:00

10:30

NCIS: Los Angeles “Angry Karen” (:03) Monster Garage “Pulsating Power” The Wall Tammy and Doug take on the wall.

Antiques Roadshow (Part 2 of 3) 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (:05) Big City Greens Big City Greens The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons American Dad (N) Rick and Morty

10:00

10:30

The Goldbergs Home Economics The Conners black-ish To Tell the Truth (DVS) NCIS Girls are kidnapped from a bus.

Love Island (N) FBI: Most Wanted “The Line” Deadliest Catch “First Come First Served” Jake risks a daring entry. (N) (:02) Deadliest Catch America’s Got Talent “Quarterfinals 1” Twelve performers compete live. (:01) College Bowl “Quarterfinals 3” (N) Finding Your Roots With Henry Frontline “In the Shadow of 9/11” Seven men are indicted. (N) LEGO Masters A weather-based challenge.

Fantasy Island (Series Premiere) (N) 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) ››› “Despicable Me 2” (2013) Voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig. Premiere. (:10) Big City Greens (:35) Big City Greens 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Miracle Workers (N)

AUGUST 9, 2021

11:00

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KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:04) Street Outlaws: Fastest in America (N) KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show POV Three friends run away from home.

11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Gabby Duran Sydney to the Max Family Guy Family Guy Tuca & Bertie Go-Big Show

AUGUST 10, 2021

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:03) Abandoned: Expedition Shipwreck KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Eyes on the Prize (DVS) 11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Gabby Duran Sydney to the Max Family Guy Family Guy Miracle Workers Seinfeld

www.thechronicleonline.com

A8

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

3-day COVID-19 case surge tops 2,000 JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports one of the largest three day COVID-19 case surges since the pandemic spread across the state in March 2020.

On Monday, Aug. 2, the OHA reported 2,056 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19, including 21 in Columbia County, bringing the state total to 221,799. The 2,056 cases reported Monday include new infections recorded by counties for the 3-day period between Friday, July 30 and Sunday, Aug.1st.

Oregon reports 1,055 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Friday, July 30, 549 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Saturday, July 31 and 452 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Sunday, Aug.1.

The OHA also reported five new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon on Aug. 2, raising the state’s death toll to 2,863.

Health officials report the majority of new cases are of the COVID-19 Delta variant and among the unvaccinated.

Behind the surge In a published interview in The Chronicle in July, Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul said there are a variety of reasons the unvaccinated are not vaccinated.

“There are some remaining access issues to address to engage those who have been complacent or weary of a mass vaccination site,” Paul said. “We have to continue offering convenient and free appointments in a variety of settings.

Paul also stated that many people still have questions about the vaccine they need to review with a health care provider, some residents have received false information about the virus and the vaccines, and that there are other consumers who resist vaccination solely because they feel it is an infringement on individual liberties.

“Distrust of government is another reason,” Paul said.

“We remind all the community that the virus has caused severe and long-term illness in individuals in all age groups, and we encourage these individuals to have a discussion with their health care provider.”

COVID-19 vaccinations are wildly available at no

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

Health officials continue to state that the most effective way to stop the new surge of COVID-19 cases is for the unvaccinated to get vaccinated.

cost at most pharmacies and medical clinics.

The surge in COVID-19 cases has triggered a return to public restrictions, with the OHA recommending that everyone, vaccinated or not, wear face coverings at all indoor public settings and Gov. Kate Brown has ordered all K-12 students attending classes in the new school year ahead to wear face coverings as a health and safety effort.

Vaccinations in Oregon Oregon has now admin-

istered 2,666,579 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,787,728 first and second doses of Moderna and 182,009 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of Aug. 2, 2,495,082 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,314,786 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have

caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,024,045 doses of Pfizer, 2,302,340 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

The data prepared by the OHA is preliminary and subject to change.

Cases and deaths The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported Aug. 2 are in the following counties: Baker (9), Benton (34), Clackamas (183), Clatsop (39), Columbia (21), Coos (23), Crook (11), Curry (33), Deschutes (105), Douglas (123), Harney (2), Hood River (13), Jackson (132), Jefferson (24), Josephine (116), Klamath (6), Lane (305), Lincoln (17), Linn (100), Malheur (8), Marion (85), Morrow (9), Multnomah (320), Polk (21), Tillamook (15), Umatilla (112), Union (41), Wallowa (1), Wasco (23),

Washington (87), Wheeler (1), Yamhill (37).

Oregon’s 2,859th COVID-19 death is a 59-yearold man from Lane County who tested positive on July 28 and died on July 29 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,860th COVID-19 death is an 81-yearold woman from Jackson County who tested positive on July 21 and died on July 29 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,861st COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive on July 19 and died on July 30 at Mercy Medical. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,862nd COVID-19 death is a 53-yearold man from Clackamas County who became symptomatic on July 22 and died on July 29. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,863rd COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman from Baker County who tested positive on July 8 and died on July 29 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

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

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Scappoose Police July 26 • Police were dispatched to noninjury accident near the intersection of Columbia River Highway

and SE High School Way. It was reported that one vehicle rearended another vehicle as traffic came to an abrupt stop. One citation was issued to a driver for following to close.

July 27 • Police responded to the report of a theft from vehicle in the 52000 block of NE 1st Street. It was reported that the unknown suspects had taken multiple catalytic converters from the location. This case is pending further suspect information and identification.

July 28 • Police took a report of a stolen license plate off of a vehicle in the 52000 block of SE 3rd Street. The license plate was later recovered by an outside agency.

July 29 • Police took a report of a possible child abuse case in the 32000 block of NW EJ Smith Road.

This case has been referred to an outside agency for further investigation.

• Police were dispatched to a report of vehicle theft in the 51000 block of Columbia River Highway.

The vehicle was recovered the next day by the Vancouver Police Department. This case is closed due to lack of suspect information.

• Police took a missing person report in the 51000 block of SE 6th Street. It was report an adult male had not returned home after visiting a friend. The missing person’s phone was tracked to an area in downtown Portland with an unknown female, however the

missing subject was not in the area. The missing person was found the next day at a Portland area hospital. This case has been closed.

then attempted to get into a vehicle, but then ran off towards SW Havlik Drive. This case is pending further identification of the suspect.

July 30 • Police recovered a stolen vehicle in the 51000 block of SW Old Portland Road. The vehicle was reported to be stolen out of Portland. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and advised of the state of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed for safekeeping until it could be returned to the owner.

• Police responded to the report of a theft in progress at Fred Meyer. The female suspect had dropped the stolen merchandise after loss prevention employees tried to stop her. The suspect

Oregon State Police July 25 • At 4:04 p.m. OSP was contacted at the parking area for Collins Beach #5 on Sauvie Island regarding a theft from vehicle.

When the owner of the car returned from the beach, he found one of the windows had been broken out and items stolen from inside. The items taken included a black laptop bag containing a Dell computer and Canon digital camera and a black vinyl purse.

At this time there are no suspect leads in this case.

July 26 • At approximately 2:39 p.m.

OSP Troopers stopped a vehicle near milepost 47 on Highway 30 for speeding. The driver showed numerous indicators of impairment and consented to performing the standardized field sobriety tests. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest for DUII. The driver was transported to the Columbia County Jail and provided a breath sample resulting in a BAC of 0.22% The driver was booked and released for DUII and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

The St. Helens Police, Rainier Police and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office reports were not available at press time.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: TV THEME SONGS ACROSS

1. ____’s razor 6. Credit card-related acronym 9. Goes with rave 13. Garlic mayo 14. “Jack and the Beanstalk” exclamation 15. Echo sounder 16. Beauty shop 17. European Economic Community 18. Falstaffian in body 19. *”Scooby-Dooby-Doo, where are you? We got some work ____ ____ ____” 21. *”So no one told you life was gonna be ____ ____” 23. Pocket watch chain 24. Uncouth one 25. Place to get a massage 28. Boozer 30. Pie nuts 35. Sharpen 37. Orange powder drink mix 39. Tennis-affected joint 40. Bright thought 41. Reputation-damaging gossip 43. Symphony member 44. Famous Beethoven symphony 46. Microsoft browser 47. “Young Frankenstein” leading actor 48. Dines at home 50. Telephoned 52. Up to present time 53. Neat

55. Diamond stat 57. *”Gee, our old ____ ran great, those were the days” 61. *”Let’s ride with the family down the street through the courtesy of Fred’s ____ ____” 65. Loosen laces 66. Opposite of vend 68. Kind of artery 69. One Beatle 70. Recipe amt.

71. Opposite of atonal 72. *”Where the kisses are hers and ____ and his, Three’s company too” 73. Sigma Alpha Epsilon 74. Rosetta Stone, e.g.

DOWN

1. Brewer’s kiln 2. “Ta-ta!” in Italy 3. *”If you’re out on the road feeling lonely, and so ____” 4. Remote in manner 5. S.S. ____ of “Gilligan’s Island” 6. Not many (2 words) 7. *”Movin’ on up to the east side, we finally got a piece of the ____” 8. Right-hand page 9. Schneider and Reiner 10. Afresh 11. Astronaut’s insignia 12. Three pointer 15. Evening party 20. Sad newspaper notices 22. Goes with skip and a jump

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

Having a Garage Sale?

Contact The Chronicle at 503-397-0116 or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net to get your garage sale in the classifieds.

24. Without a trace of moisture (2 words) 25. *”Everybody’s got a special kind of story, everybody finds a way to ____” 26. Podium, pl.

27. Concerning, archaic 29. *”Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your ____” 31. Heidi’s “Magic Wooden Shoe” 32. The Beatles’ “____ Road” 33. Not a soul (2 words) 34. *”Sunny day, sweepin’ the clouds away on my way to where the air is ____” 36. “Good ____” cooking show 38. Lady nÈe Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta 42. Extend subscription 45. Infamous German leader 49. Naught 51. Barley kernels 54. Financial woes 56. Where there’s trouble?

57. Verdant 58. Initial stake 59. Hollywood Walk of Fame honor 60. A snob puts them on 61. Use a keyboard 62. Marine eagle 63. Bibliographical abbr.

64. *”Just sit right back and you’ll hear a ____” 67. *”Oh boy it’s swell to say, Good morning ____!”

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

A9

Gun sales boom sparks ammo shortage CODY MANN Chronicle Guest Article

Wearing blue plastic safety glasses and neon yellow ear plugs, short brown hair pulled back from her teenage face, Vivian Seaholm hefted her shotgun and cracked open the breach. Standing five feet tall, her 28-inch barrel Savage Arms 555E over/under has a specially shortened stock to fit.

Stepping to the firing line, Seaholm reached into her khaki shooting vest for a fresh, red 12-gauge shell and slid it into the shotgun, focusing on the low-framed cement trap house in front of her. Bright orange clay pigeons would soon be flying from that little coop. She’ll shoulder the shotgun, swing it past the target, and squeeze the trigger, hoping to see the clay disc burst into dust at around 30 yards distance.

Experts say booming firearm sales in America are causing an ammunition shortage. New shooters, economic uncertainty, possible legislation, and fear of political unrest have led to skyrocketing background check numbers, a key indicator of gun purchases.

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 21 million firearm sale background checks were completed in 2020, eclipsing 2019’s 13.2 million by 60%.

The previous record was set in 2016 with 15.7 million background checks. An estimated 8.4 million purchases in 2020 were first-time buyers, with significant increases among women and African Americans.

Neil Christensen at Gun & Boot & Gear in Astoria, Oregon, is among the small business owners facing the trend in supply issues for the firearms industry. He’s seen a continuing rise in demand, particularly for popular calibers, during the past decade.

Christensen said turmoil pushes sales on guns and ammo, and this past year was rife with it.

“I would say it all really started with the civil unrest, when there started to be Black Lives Matter protests,” Christensen said. “Then it kind of bled into COVID and it just continued on through.”

While Christensen hasn’t put limits on purchases, many other retailers are restricting how much ammo customers can get, even at big box stores. One problem with supply is so-called ammo scalpers, people who make purchases at brick-andmortar stores and sell online at high markups, artificially inflating the market. With in-store deals as one of the few tactics left to combat the online market, rationing sales is a way to ensure customers keep coming.

Photo courtesy of Cody Mann

Vivian Seaholm carefully loads a shotgun shell.

High school clay shooting team Seaholm’s teammate, eighth-grade student Kennedy Moncrief is a first-year shooter on the Tillamook High School Clay Target Team. She’s been practicing for a couple of months in anticipation of the spring season, but that’s been complicated by a lack of ammo, which also forced a delayed start to the season.

Team members expect to shoot a box or two of shotgun shells for training (25 shells per box, or what competitors call a round), which is typically once or twice a week. Even with a shortened season under the pandemic, Moncrief needs around 250 shells for practice. She hasn’t been able to secure any of it yet, and can’t find anywhere to order it either, just like many of her teammates.

“Every time we go to practice, we just cross our fingers and hope they have it,” said Katie Moncrief, Kennedy’s mom. Kennedy added that she’s missed a few practices to help conserve supplies for the competitive season.

“I’d definitely like to get more practice in,” Kennedy said. “I like seeing my improvements from the first time I ever shot to where I am now … I like seeing my growth in shooting.”

A dancer and volleyball player, Kennedy said shooting compares to other sports in that it requires a level of skill and athleticism, and also frequent practice, in order to advance and compete. There is more to it than swinging up a shotgun and squeezing the trigger.

A returning member of the clay target team, Seaholm is a ninth grader who joined the team at its inception in 2019. She doesn’t recall having any trouble getting her ammo for that first season.

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Until the pandemic, she was still training at home and going to the gun range as well, back when it had ammo.

“Me and my mom look daily to find ammo,” Seaholm said. “It’s definitely been hard; I haven’t been able to practice as I would like to prepare for the season.

I just hope that it won’t set us back any farther than it already has. We’re trying our best.”

Seaholm’s friends are scrambling, too. And they’re relying on each other, the way teammates do. When one of them does find a supply of shells somewhere, they try to tip each other off, so that everyone has a chance to get a little. Competition season is coming up fast, and more training is what they all want.

In light of the ammo shortage, one non-shooting training exercise Seaholm got from her coach is fingertracking falling leaves the way she would follow a clay pigeon with her shotgun. Another one has her practicing opening the weapon, closing it as if during the loading process, and imagining the clay target and subsequent shot.

Coach struggles to supply team Steve Schwend is the head coach for the Tillamook High School Clay Target Team. He said the team budgeted $3,000 for the specific shotgun shells the team needs to train and compete this season, but there was nothing out there to buy, and rules prevent the use of reloaded ammo for safety reasons.

Schwend also attributes the ammo shortage largely to national civil unrest and the fear of a social collapse.

There are some workarounds to training without ammo — dry-firing drills, practice ammo and lasers are increasingly common.

But there is no replacement for the muscle memory and reaction development of live-fire training. Alternatives to shooting come with a cost as well, which is a burden for school teams like Tillamook’s.

“We’ve got orders in with all the local gun dealers and ammunition suppliers, and they just kind of laugh,” Schwend said. “They’re like ‘we can’t even get our hands on it.’”

One of those local gun shop owners (he asked that his name be withheld) said he saw sales spike when the coronavirus pandemic began, which he mostly chalked up to increased unemployment benefits that gave people more money than they would typically earn. It escalated when the protests and riots kicked off, he said.

Just as happened with toilet paper when COVID-19 broke, he said the panic buyers saw ammo shortages trending in the media, inspired by chaos in the cities, and they cleared the shelves

Photo courtesy of Cody Mann

A bucket of shotgun shell castings at the Tillamook High School Clay Target Team range.

everywhere. And it’s not just the recreational shooting enthusiasts who are out of luck, law enforcement agencies are also caught up in the shortage, struggling to find ammo for training.

Law enforcement training is impacted Detective Sgt. Nick Troxel, Tillamook Police Department, ordered 7,000 rounds of 9mm for shooting range practice in August of 2020.

The shipment didn’t arrive until April 2021 — eight months later. He’s been the range master for the department for more than a decade and he’s never had a problem getting ammo orders filled, usually keeping from 6,000 to 10,000 rounds on hand for eight to 10 officers to train.

The department provides all the ammunition for both training and duty, and uses shotgun slugs, buckshot and .223 rifle ammo along with 9mm. Luckily, due to a previous over-order, TPD hasn’t had to order the other types of ammo this year, as they are equally scarce right now.

With the new budget cycle starting in July and no sign of the shortage ending, Troxel is planning to place another order as soon as the funds are available, knowing it could be months before he sees delivery, and that’s if anyone is still accepting orders at that point, as backlogs grow longer by the day.

Troxel said the vendor the department uses for ammo attributes the shortage in part to limits on production stemming from coronavirus pandemic safety mandates that restrict the number of employees allowed in facilities. Troxel questioned if there isn’t a way to adapt and overcome, giving the local school system as an example of problem-solving to reopen operations.

To stretch what they do have, TPD has been discussing training alternatives.

There are a variety of options: lasers that monitor dryfiring techniques, video simulator systems, and simulated ammunition are growing in popularity, for example. In Tillamook, they are considering conversion kits for their pistols that would allow them to fire .22 rounds, which are cheaper and more available.

The drawback is the training isn’t the same, which could affect how prepared officers are in the field.

“Thankfully, we placed this order back in August, otherwise I think we would have been in a whole other world of hurt at this point,” Troxel said.

As it stands, TPD has had to get creative with training scenarios and reduce the frequency of range visits. An April training session would have looked fairly different if that ammo shipment hadn’t finally arrived. Faced with a bare-bones training budget, getting high-tech equipment is unlikely, and there is a long waiting list for state-

owned simulation technology that departments can borrow.

Troxel confirmed that the ammo shortage isn’t affecting what officers carry on duty, which comes from a separate stock that is sufficiently supplied.

“We try to shoot at least once a month, if not every three months we’re out shooting, and just haven’t been able to do it,” Troxel said, adding that the last training occurred this past fall. “We’re way overdue.”

A spokesman for the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office also reported delays in receiving ammunition orders, as did other agencies around the state.

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley is also keeping a close watch on the ammunition supply.

“We were able to buy plenty of ammo earlier this year, so we are not experiencing any ammo shortage, yet,” Pixley said.

Manufacturing issues at root of shortage Perhaps the biggest issue though comes from the top — suppliers are scrambling to fill orders. Christensen said some orders that would normally take two or three months now take upwards of nine months to fill.

Wholesalers fill some gaps, but often with strings attached on purchases, such as buying a certain firearm or other ammo as part of an order. And then there’s the pop-up online businesses including the ammo scalpers. Business owners have to look everywhere these days.

Christensen said he’s gone from having a third of annual sales as backordered ammo to having triple the total sales in backordered ammo.

“It has definitely been a challenge,” Christensen said. “I could pay my house off like 17 times with the amount of ammo I have backordered.”

Manufacturers are battling to keep up, reportedly producing record amounts to feed consumers. But logistical issues with raw materials, such as with black powder produced in Australia — which suffered terrible wildfires this past year, and where dock worker strikes affected shipping — are hitting every aspect of the industry.

From aluminum shortages due to changes in recycling to the regulatory ban on lead foundries in the U.S. (recycled lead must be used), any single thing could jam up the supply chain, let alone the combination of so many hindrances.

Christensen is hopeful the ammo shortage trend won’t last beyond the next two years. He doesn’t think it’s a long-term problem, but extended demand could reshape the economics of the ammo industry. He said the heavy demand should lead to increased supply, but the logistical challenges must be overcome.

Federal, CCI, Speer and Remington President Jason Vanderbrink posted a YouTube video regarding the ammo shortages in December 2020. In the video, he said he was tired of harassment and conspiracy theories, and that his companies were hard at work to produce ammo — an estimated 700 million rounds desired by the market.

“It takes months to train people … you gotta get the raw materials, and on top of that all, we’re dealing with a pandemic,” Vanderbrink said.

“Please squash the rumors; you don’t have to believe everything that’s out on the internet … we are doing everything we can to meet this demand.”

Vanderbrink recently announced the return of a major Remington ammo plant in Arkansas. The lack of production at the plant, one of the largest in the U.S., contributed to the overall supply chain problem, according to American Rifleman.

Jason Hornady of Hornady Manufacturing Company also released a YouTube video this past December. He said the company produced a third more than in 2019 to meet the “over-demand” on ammo. Hornady also denounced conspiracy theories and rumors about the ammo shortage. Hornady said despite efforts to increase capacity, production is simply maxed out.

“We promise we are shipping everything we can,” Hornady said. “The stuff that goes out today was literally put in a box yesterday.”

But some kinds of ammunition aren’t being made at all. In the hustle to keep the popular rounds popping, less used or specialty types are being squeezed. The time it takes to recalibrate machines is money lost. And why gamble on a possible sale when you have a sure thing?

The president of specialty ammo manufacturer Black Hills Ammunition, Jeff Hoffman, recently gave an interview to Outdoor Life in which he noted that the government is among those competing for the limited supply of bullets on the market. Hoffman supplies the government, commercial stores, gun companies, and law enforcement. But the military orders have the ultimate priority.

“We’re not only morally and ethically bound to take care of the military, which I feel we are, but we’re contractually obligated to take care [of those orders],” Hoffman told Outdoor Life.

“The military has preferences along the way. So, there is some level of competition over machines with this stuff.”

While Hoffman said his company, which does the majority of its business with the military, hasn’t seen a surge in military ammo purchasing, he acknowledged that it doesn’t have the capacity to answer the call for more civilian product because Black Hills is dedicated to fulfilling its government contracts, despite the possible temptations of the lucrative commercial market in its present condition. Hoffman also scoffed at rumors that manufacturers are sitting on their supplies to drive up prices.

“I’m not wishing to insult anybody, but people who think that way have never really been in business,” Hoffman told Outdoor Life.

“They don’t understand how economics and capitalism work. We’re in business to sell stuff.”

Meanwhile, back on the range in Tillamook, the student athletes of the high school trap shooting team said they will continue treating every round of ammunition like a precious commodity, and making sure every shot counts.

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Local stock car racers seek division title

Columbia County stock car racers compete in St. Helens.

MIKE WEBER Chronicle Guest Article

After four of 13 events on River City Speedway’s stock car racing schedule a number of local drivers have enjoyed success and are top contenders for a Columbia County Racing Association (CCRA) division title.

A year ago with the strict COVID-19 restrictions, there were not any points awarded for drivers competing on the quarter mile clay oval track at the Columbia County Fairgrounds motorsports facility in St. Helens. There were no fans allowed at the speedway last year either.

However, with new rules

in place this year, drivers are accumulating points in the division standings and they will have an opportunity to win a CCRA championship for the first time since 2019. Fans are also allowed to attend races this season for the first time in two years without any COVID restrictions.

The driver standings Area drivers who are atop the standings include Bob Berg of St. Helens (Four Cylinders), Cody Greer of Rainier (Micro Restricted Sprint Car), Dennis Liebig of Scappoose (Dwarf Cars) and Austin Fox of Rainier (Tracers). Vancouver’s Don Jenner leads

Courtesy photo from Mike Weber

the standings in two divisions (Sportsman, Modified).

Portland’s Tom Zywicki is in first place in the Pure Stock Division with 222 points and Joel Davis of Kelso, leads the Tuner Division standings with 200 points.

Bernie Lujan of St. Helens, is in second place in the Sportsman Division with 192 points, behind Jenner at 230 points. Lujan, 52, recorded a season best fourth place main event finish and he won the heat race June 12 in his Ross Diesel & Auto sponsored 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

These top championship contenders will be hoping to solidify their position in the standings in the CCRA’s fifth

Courtesy photo from Mike Weber

Bob Berg (#0 green neon) of St. Helens leads the Four Cylinder Division standings.

event, which is the JC Miller Memorial Race Saturday at 5 p.m. at River City Speedway.

Berg recorded a sweep of Four Cylinder Division main events June 5 and July 10 as he won the trophy dash, heat race and main event both days and he leads the standings with 333 points. Trenton Brogan of Kelso, is in second place with 315 points with his Economy Auto Parts sponsored 1996 Nissan Altima.

Brogan, 18, won the July 24 main event.

Berg took third in the last race July 24 after maneuvering up from a last place starting position in the 16 car field with his Cozy Lawn Maintenance sponsored 1997

Dodge Neon. Berg, a two-time CCRA champion, is seeking to win the third title of his 29year motorsports career. Berg won the 2016 Four Cylinder championship and the 2018 Tuner Division title.

“Everything has been going pretty good so far this season and my goal is to win the championship,” said Berg, 57. “It’s good to see fans at the track now too, which makes it more fun and exciting and it’s just cool to see people here again. It won’t be easy to win the championship though because it’s going to be very close in the standings all year between me, Trenton and Darin Pilcher.”

Berg’s wife Tiffany also

competes in the Four Cylinder Division while driving the Green Lion/Eaton’s Tire & Service Center sponsored 1995 Neon and she’s ranked 21st in the point standings.

The Berg’s are the only husband/wife duo that competes at the speedway.

Liebig won the July 10 Dwarf Car Division main and heat in his TFT Construction sponsored open-wheel style race car. Liebig recorded a second place main event finish in the June 5 season opener and he won the heat and dash.

Liebig is atop the standings with 227 points.

Greer enjoyed lots of success in the June 5 season opener as he recorded a sweep in the Micro Restricted Sprint Car Division as he won the dash, heat and main event.

Greer leads the series standings with 208 points.

Next racing events After Saturday’s race, the next event will be Aug. 14, followed by the Aug. 21-22 Economy Auto Parts sponsored two-day Iron Giant race. The Potter Memorial Races will be held Sept. 4-5, followed by events Sept. 1718 and the Sept. 25 Skinny’s Texaco season finale.

The River City Speedway is located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

‘Oregon leading the way’ in clean energy STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed into law a comprehensive clean energy bill package that includes House Bill 2021, the 100% Clean Energy bill, which sets the most aggressive timeline in the country for moving to 100% clean electricity sources by 2040.

House Bill 2021, House Bill 2165, House Bill 2475, and House Bill 3141 address the climate crisis head

on by accelerating the clean energy transition in Oregon and centering the needs of Oregon’s most vulnerable communities.

“With these policies, we will create jobs in a 21st Century, clean energy economy,” Brown said. “We will reduce carbon emissions. And, we will make sure the economic, environmental, and health benefits of our clean energy economy reach all Oregonians, especially those who have been disproportionately impacted by climate change

and pollution.”

Brown said the legislation shows that Oregon is leading the way.

“I’m so proud that we have taken steps forward to address climate change and build a more sustainable Oregon,” Brown said. “All the while, growing our economy and creating green jobs. I want to thank the legislative leaders, advocacy groups, community groups, utilities, renewable energy developers, and other businesses who worked tirelessly to see these

bills become law.”

Collectively, these bills will reduce emissions, expand clean energy access, enhance energy efficiency programs, and create good paying clean technology jobs in Oregon, according to a statement from Brown’s office.

“This comprehensive legislative package helps ensure that Oregon achieves its greenhouse gas reduction goals while protecting electricity customers,” the statement reads.

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

“This comprehensive legislative package helps ensure that Oregon achieves its greenhouse gas reduction goals while protecting electricity customers,” a statement from Gov. Brown’s office reads.

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