SHC816

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Sizzling temperatures bake Columbia County

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Temperatures climbed over 100 degrees in Columbia County over the past few days as a new summer heat wave developed in Oregon.

At one point, a Highway 30 electronic temperature board in St. Helens showed 108 degrees Monday afternoon, Aug. 14. National Weather Service (NWS) Metrologist Briana Muhlefien said high pressure stabilized over the region Saturday causing the heat up. A cooling trend is expected by week’s end.

“An onshore flow will move in, reducing the daytime temperatures to the upper 80’s,” she said.

Muhlefien said no rain is in sight over the next several days. The heat, winds and continued dry conditions have heighten the fire danger. Fire agencies in the region are urging everyone to be aware of the danger and to follow burn ban regulations.

Cooling centers open

The heat wave promoted area officials to open cooling centers in Columbia County this week.

The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning effective until 11 p.m. August 15. To accommodate those in need of a place to escape the heat, cooling centers were established.

The St. Helens Senior Center, at 375 S. 15th Street, was scheduled to be open as a cooling center August 14 to 15. The St. Helens Senior Center has air conditioning, water, and restrooms. Pets are welcome upon approval when you arrive. Snacks and food are allowed. You can contact the

cooling center operations.

Other cooling centers were to operate through Wednesday, Aug. 16 during their regular business hours (non-cooling-center locations). Air conditioning, water, and restrooms are available.

St. Helens Public Library

375 S. 18th Street 503-397-4544.

Only registered ADA service animals are allowed at the St. Helens Public Library.

Regular hours

• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday • 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Oregon Trail Lanes 735 S. Columbia River Highway 503-397-1011.

No pets are allowed inside Oregon Trail Lanes. Pets are welcome on the patio with access to cold water.

Regular hours

• 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16

Scappoose Public Library

52469 SE 2nd Street 503-5437123.

Only registered ADA service animals are allowed at the Scappoose Public Library.

Regular hours

• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday,

Vernonia Public Library

At 375 S. 18th Street 503-4291818.

Only registered ADA service animals are allowed at the Vernonia Public Library.

Regular hours

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16

Vernonia Senior Center

At 547 Weed Avenue 503-4293327.

Only registered ADA service animals are allowed at the Vernonia Senior Center.

Regular hours

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16

Other resources

• Columbia County Cooling Centers: For additional countywide information, visit www.columbia countyor.gov/coolingcenters

• Energy assistance for your util ity bill: Contact Community Action Team (C.A.T.) at 503-397-3511

• Dial 211 for information about cooling centers in the region

Follow the City of St. Helens social media pages or visit the City of St. Helens website for any future updates.

The NWS recommends the following precautions:

• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

cooling center details at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of the Chronicle.

Cascades Tissue to close St. Helens plant

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Cascade Tissue Group has announced it will fully shut down operations in St. Helens, a development that comes in the wake of the closure of its plant in Scappoose.

On Aug. 10, Cascades announced the full closure of its St. Helens plant, which will affect 75 employees, according to a release on the Cascades website. The end of operations will be effective at the beginning of October.

“Today’s announcement further simplifies the company’s operational platform by concentrating the majority of its tissue product operating activities at core, geographically well-positioned sites that offer opportunities for future development,” the release said.

Cascades initially announced a partial closure of its St. Helens operations in April in conjunction with its announcement that the

Scappoose plant would be closing starting in July.

While the company had hoped to maintain operating one of its two machines at the St. Helens location, market conditions and a significant decline in demand in this region for brown recycled products specifically manufactured at the facility compromised the long-term financial viability of the plant, according to Cascades’ Vice President and Communications Representative Hugo D’Amours.

The company also dealt with fluctuating production costs in the lead-up to the announcement.

“In the last weeks, we were also forced to take some downtime to compensate for the lack of orders. Our hope of keeping the facility profitable has unfortunately vanished,” D’Amours said. “On top of this, in regard to Scappoose and despite our efforts, we have not found an interested buyer that could have converted the production of St. Helens. Considering our

production is not integrated with the rest of Cascades and considering we don’t believe we can make this facility profitable anymore, we took the decision to close it.”

The annual capacity of the machine in St. Helens is 50,000 short tons of brown 100% recycled tissue paper. These tons are not integrated into the Cascades network, so the closure will have no impact on the company’s other operations, according to the release.

For those who are impacted by the closure, D’Amours said Cascades would be working with the 75 employees and have started to work with the Union to organize the closure and support employees.

Transitioning

Paul Vogel of the Columbia Economic Team (CET) said that the announcement of the St. Helens

See CASCADES Page A4

St. Helens High School football, then to now

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Alot can change in 50 years; the world is constantly adapting and evolving, and so too is the sport of football.

In 1972, The Chronicle wrote a story about how football had developed over the previous half-century. The article featured interviews with the Head Coach of the St. Helens High School Football Team at the time, Dave Kocer, and former coach Jay Austin, who coached the team in the 1920s.

Now, 50 years later, The Chronicle has reconnected with Kocer to get his thoughts on the game’s evolution. The newest member, and current head coach of the St. Helens Lions, Nic Shular, gave his thoughts on today’s game and what he hopes to accomplish with his new group of players.

Then to now

Kocer started coaching in St. Helens at the helm of the junior high school football team. After about three years of coaching the freshman football team, Kocer was called up to be an assistant coach for the high school team. After three years on the staff, Kocer took on head coaching responsibilities.

“We put this offense in; we incorporated the run and shoot. We split two wides and then had two flat backs in there, and then we used a little motion, did things that were totally different at the time,”

Kocer said. “We actually were ranked number 5 for AAA in the state.”

In the ‘70s running a spread offense wasn’t as typical as it is today. Kocer and his team benefited from adding three star players from their basketball team. Kocer and his staff got the athletes downfield and ran a more explosive offense, as opposed to the run-heavy, smash-mouth football that was typical of the time.

One of the biggest changes from

Kocer’s time as a player was the implementation of new equipment. When Kocer was in high school, the padding and helmets were a lot different.

“When I played at Oakridge as a freshman, they handed out the helmets, and you’d fold em up and put him in your back pocket, and walk off to practice,” Kocer said.

“The old leather helmets.”

Kocer mused about the development of the cage and modern suspension helmets that have been

implemented over the years. On the football side, Kocer said that most of the strategy goes in cycles.

Coaching is a game of copycats, and Kocer talked about how he and the coaching staff implemented the single-wing formations that were popular around the time.

“You try to prepare yourself to be the best you can be. Try to get some ideas from other people, copy it, put them out on the field, hope that they help the kids, and make sure that they have some fun at it and that they’re safe,” Kocer said.

Kocer spent 12 years in St. Helens, his last year coaching before taking a job as Athletic Director at Jackson High School in Portland was 1973.

The biggest change that Kocer has seen from his time to now is the preparation and resources students can access in the sport. Kocer said that St. Helens had a disadvantage back then because there was a policy that wouldn’t allow kids to play tackle football until 7th grade.

Kocer said that having kids start playing tackle football put the program behind the bigger schools at the time, which started much earlier.

Victims of Scappoose house fire identified

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The three people who died in a house fire have been identified, according to a release from Scappoose Fire Aug. 9. “At this time, we can confirm that there were three fatalities: Shuri Hahmeyer (age 38), Nevayeh Callaway (age 9), and Zerych Callaway (age 6), as well as the family dog, Dude, and cat, Misschiff,” the release stated. “Shuri’s oldest daughter (age 14) was not at home at the time of the fire.”

What happened

At approximately 3:30 a.m. Aug. 6, Scappoose Fire District responded to a residential fire in the 26000 block of NW St. Helens Road, an unincorporated part of Scappoose.

Cade Greenup is a Division Chief with Scappoose Fire, and was the Incident Commander at the scene of the fire.

“For a residential fire, our

initial response, as usual, out of the first main station is an engine and a water tender, and then it follows up as other folks come into the station with more units,” Greenup said. “Obviously, when they got to the scene, they found a very large working fire.”

As firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the residence 75% involved. As the firefighters began the fire attack, they were alerted that victims were still in a back bedroom.

“There was a family that lived in the house, and then the grandparents lived in a trailer that was also on site. They’re the ones that initially called 911,” Greenup said. “I think the grandfather was out trying to gain access to the structure, to try to get the family members out, when the first arriving engine pulled up.”

Unable to enter the structure through normal entry points, firefighters broke a window in the bedroom and

removed two people and a pet. While they were able to get two of the victims out of the house, one could not be retrieved from the building.

Life-saving measures for the two victims were attempted by medics from Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) and American Medical Response (AMR) but to no avail.

“We would like to express our sincere condolences to the Hahmeyer family for their tremendous loss. We are also humbled by the outpouring of support from the Scap-

impacted by this tragedy, including the family, friends, and first responders. We ask, at this time, to provide privacy to the Hahmeyer family as they grieve and deal with the aftermath of such as horrible loss,” the release stated. The cause of the fire is under investigation by members of the Columbia County Fire Investigation Team, Oregon State Police, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office. The lead agency for the death investigation is the Oregon

State Police.

Through examination of the fire scene, fire investigators have been able to determine the area or origin was in the front living area of the home. Investigators have been able to rule out any incendiary causes and believe the fire cause to be accidental in nature. The fire scene has been released to the insurance company.

Responding agencies included CRFR responded with a Battalion Chief, medic, and engine. Portland Fire & Rescue responded with a Battalion Chief, engine, and water tender. Oregon Department of Forestry responded with a Chief Officer and engine.

How to help

A GoFundMe has been started for the eldest daughter, who in addition to losing her two siblings and mother in the fire, tragically lost her father in April. The GoFundMe donations will contribute to “supporting her with basic

needs, clothing, housing, food, memorial expenses, and education.”

More than $75,000 have already been raised by the community to help support her in this tragic time.

AMR, Columbia 911 Communications District (CCOM), Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office aided in the response.

“Tragedies like these remind us how quickly fire growth can happen. We urge everyone to check their smoke detectors to ensure they have good batteries, are operating normally, and are installed in proper locations including inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. The earlier you can be alerted to a fire, the quicker you, and your loved ones, can get out safely,” the release stated.

To donate, visit: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/hahmeyer-fire-tragedy.

Interim Fire Chief Michael Gorsuch resigns

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Only three days after being appointed interim Fire Chief of Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR), Michael Gorsuch has resigned from his post.

In a resignation letter sent to all CRFR staff Aug. 11, Gorsuch said this week had been the worst of his life. Gorsuch also said that times are about to get “a whole lot rougher at Columbia River Fire & Rescue.”

“It only takes a few bad apples to bring you down. I have been threatened, chastised, and told that I might lose everything I’ve built over a 32-year career. My reputation and integrity have been challenged, and now my livelihood,” Gorsuch wrote.

Gorsuch’s sudden resignation has left the district without a fire chief, interim or otherwise. In the resignation letter,

Gorsuch said he would resign effective immediately, which places the next in command, Deputy Chief Eric Smythe, as the head of the district.

“I’m not the interim fire chief; I’m just the most senior chief left here,” Smythe said. “We have a number of things in process right now that require leadership and require action. Without having direction, the staff is going to maintain the district as it can.”

Smythe could not provide any information about the “bad apples” Gorsuch mentioned in his letter but said that in the two days Gorsuch was in command, Smythe and other administrative staff tried to support Gorsuch in keeping the district functioning.

Gorsuch was appointed as the interim fire chief during the regular board meeting Aug. 8. The meeting began with a surprise addition to the agenda, which included a motion to terminate Fire Chief

Joel Medina with immediate effect and a separate motion to appoint Gorsuch. New board members Austin Zimbrick, Ryan Welby, and Rick Fletcher voted to remove Medina.

“The staff was unaware of any changes to the agenda that the board produced,” Smythe said. “The district itself, the staff was unaware of any changes to the agenda till the night of the meeting, when the board members brought that up.”

Board President Kelly Niles abstained from voting, and Director Gary Hudson opposed the motion. Hudson raised concerns about the board’s preparedness to take the measure and pointed to the fact that they came prepared to appoint an interim fire chief as potential evidence of collusion prior to the meeting, which could be a violation of public meeting laws.

“If you guys think this doesn’t look like collusion,

that you’ve come prepared like this, it’s kind of embarrassing,” Hudson said. “Another nail, but not for me, for the district, and for you all.”

Hudson said that any of the board members who voted to take this action could be liable if Medina chooses to bring litigation against the district regarding his termination.

Due to the stresses he underwent during his short time at the helm of the district, in the letter, Gorsuch said he would be taking time off.

“I am very sorry to write this; I cannot continue to serve as the Interim Fire Chief for Columbia River Fire & Rescue,” Gorsuch wrote. “I will take sick leave/FMLA and possibly Long-Term Disability until further notice due to mental health reasons.”

Treading water

Without a fire chief in place, Smythe said that the

district is “treading water” at this point. Smythe said that the events of the last week have not been good for morale.

Smythe has been employed by CRFR for ten years and said he has never worked in an organization that has been “openly hostile towards administration.” Smythe, who was recently named in the second Vote of No Confidence from the local fire union, said that the administration has been subject to accusations and is being condemned in the eyes of the public.

“Our goal and drive was always to provide the best service to the community by providing the resources necessary for our folks to go out and take care of people who are having the worst day of their life,” Smythe said. “It’s very hurtful to see the comments on social media and at our board meetings without due process.

“Some of the things that are out there are accusations.

And without being able to address those, because they’re in litigation, now folks just throw that up and say these people need to be fired, it’s very disheartening,” Smythe said. “You’re innocent until proven guilty. Clearly, that’s not the case here. Without having the ability to defend ourselves, we’re at the mercy of public opinion, based upon some folks that are saying some horrific things out there.”

Smythe said that the fire district would be sure to keep its units ready for action to keep providing emergency services, but they are without leadership on the administrative side at this time. The appointment of a new interim fire chief awaits a board decision.

The Chronicle has reached out to Board President Kelly Niles for comment on this development. At the time of publication, we have not received an answer from Director Niles.

Get the Support You’re Looking For

Have You Considered a Midwife?

Giving birth is a natural, personal experience — not merely a medical event. Our certified nurse midwives (CNMs) understand this. They provide personalized, wrap-around support — education, physical and emotional — through your pregnancy, labor, birth and beyond. This includes early parenting and ongoing family planning and gynecologic care. And deliver your baby at the world-class Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland.

Besides great medical attention, our midwives provide:

A partner to support you in your birth plan.

24/7 on-call guidance to address urgent medical concerns.

• Advanced clinical expertise with the skill to listen to your unique needs.

Call 503-413-4500 to schedule your free 20-minute consultation with our midwives.

Courtesy photo from Scappoose Fire

The remains of the house at the scene of the deadly blaze.

Marijuana uses, abuse increases among young adults

Oregon legalized medical marijuana in 1998, and in 2015 it legalized recreational use, yet policymakers still know relatively little about the impact of the latter.

A study by Oregon State University researchers and others shows that cannabis use has increased among college-aged Americans in states that legalized recreational use.

“Some people would be surprised that we didn’t already know this,” said David Kerr, a psychology professor at Oregon State and the study’s lead researcher. “There have been a number of studies that have found increases in adults, but not in young adults. So this is new and important information.”

The researchers found that use among those in college only increased 1% after legalization, from 20% to 21%, while use among those not in college rose 5 percentage points, from 23% to 28%. The study, published in the American Journal

of Preventive Medicine, is based on 2008 to 2019 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which conducts an annual survey on drug and alcohol use across the country. The researchers looked at cannabis use for those 18 to 23 years old. They did not single out Oregon data or analyze the reasons behind the increased use.

Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia allow recreational marijuana use, with Colorado and Washington state the first to do so in 2012. A total of 38 states and the District of Columbia allow medical marijuana use, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Previous studies have been mixed on the impact of legalization on young adults, Kerr said.

He speculated that the ready availability of marijuana and growing acceptance of its use could account for the increased use.

“Substance use is very much influenced by what we think other people are doing,” Kerr said. A report on drug use

showed that in 2020, about 20% of young adults believed regular cannabis use could be harmful compared with nearly 60% two decades ago.

With increased use, there has been a rise in frequent use, though not uniformly. The latest study found among non-college students a 2 percentage-point uptick in frequent use, from 12% to 14% after legalization. They defined frequent use as at least 20 times in the past

month. Frequent use did not change among college students – it remained at 7%. They found a similar trend when looking at addiction rates or cannabis use disorder, which they defined as users having difficulty stopping or having marijuana use control their lives. Cannabis use disorder stayed the same among college students – at 10%. But rates increased among non-college participants from 12% to 15%.

“That might not be at

the same level of addiction that we think about when we think about cigarettes or alcohol, but it is showing a pattern of problematic use,”

Kerr said. “I think people should be concerned about that because that does mean someone is using it in a way that’s interfering with their ability to function the way that they would want to function, whether that be in school or home or work.”

Kerr said because there are fewer social consequences to marijuana use now that the study might have underestimated the increases.

The study did not account for the fact that the potency of cannabis is higher in legal states, and has increased dramatically over time, nor did it not look at the effects of overconsumption of marijuana. But Kerr said the data is still useful for policy decisions on advertising, for example, limits on the ability of minors to access marijuana and the density of retail outlets in various communities.

As with any study, this one answered some questions while showing other avenues which need to be

researched. Kerr said he’d like to explore the behavioral impact of cannabis. One question he has is whether increased use of marijuana leads to decreased consumption of alcohol.

“We need to understand how these policies are actually affecting behavior,” Kerr said.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health. The other researchers included Natalie Levy, a Ph.D. student at Columbia University; Harold Bae, an associate professor at Oregon State; and Anne Boustead, assistant professor at Arizona State University.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/08/11/ study-marijuana-useincreases-among-youngadults-after-legalization.

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

AWOL GOP legislators to be disqualified from running in 2024

LYNN TERRY

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Chronicle Guest Article

The Oregon Secretary of State said that Republican state senators who had at least 10 unexcused absences during this year’s session will not be eligible to run in 2024.

LaVonne Griffin-Valade, who was recently appointed secretary, said in a statement Aug. 8, she has directed her office to implement an admin istrative rule making it clear to legislators that Measure 113 will prevent them from running for a subsequent term. The measure was passed by voters in 2022 intending to end the walkouts by minority parties that have dogged the Legislature for years.

“It is clear voters intended Measure 113 to disqualify legislators from running for reelection if they had 10 or more unexcused absences in a legislative session,” said Griffin-Valade. “My decision honors the voters’ intent by enforcing the measure the way it was commonly understood when Oregonians added it to our state constitution.”

Background Almost all of the 12 Republican senators and one Independent joined the walkout over controversial bills, nearly stymying the session as it dragged on for six weeks.

Ten accumulated at least 10 absences: Sens. Tim Knopp, R-Bend; Lynn Findley, RVale; Bill Hansell, R-Athena; Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer; Art Robinson, R-Cave Junction; Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook; Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles; Cedric Hayden, R-Fall Creek; Dennis Linthicum, R-Klamath Falls; and Brian Boquist, I-Dallas.

The Republicans ended their protest after Democrats agreed to water down bills on gender-affirming care and guns and refer a measure to the ballot to allow the Legislature to impeach statewide elected officials.

If those whose terms are ending are excluded from

running next year, it would likely shift the makeup at least in the state Senate, potentially bringing in neophytes without much experience writing and negotiating bills and maneuvering in the Legislature.

It also could widen the majority of Democrats, who fell short in both chambers this year of having a supermajority that would allow them to pass new taxes without Republican support.

The 10 senators who are potentially barred from running represent one-third of the 30-member Senate.

Several Republican senators, including Knopp and Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, have called the measure poorly worded and threatened to sue.

The measure states that 10 or more unexcused absences “shall disqualify the member from holding office as a senator or representative for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.”

Republicans have quibbled with the timeline on when they would be disqualified. They say they’d be excluded from running the term after the next one. That interpretation would mean that those up

for a new term in 2024 could run next year but not in 2028.

Importance of intent

But Griffin-Valade said the explanatory statement in the voters guide on Measure 113, court documents and even news stories back her interpretation. When interpreting ballot measures, the courts have looked at the intent, she said.

“Voters universally understood Measure 113 would prohibit legislators who accumulate 10 or more unexcused absences during a legislative session from holding office in the immediate next term,” the release said.

A secretary of state lawyer, who advised Griffin-Valade on the measure’s language, said in a memo obtained by the Capital Chronicle that “once a chamber has determined that a member has the requisite number of unexcused absences during a legislative session, the provision operates to disqualify that member from the following term of office. Accordingly, the secretary may use her preexisting statutory authority to reject candidacy filings from those persons.”

But Knopp disagreed. In a statement Tuesday, he attacked Griffin-Valade’s decision, saying she was quashing “the free speech of the minority.”

“We believe the plain language of Measure 113 allows for members to run again in 2024 elections,” Knopp said. We disagree with the secretary of state’s determination and will challenge it in court.”

Knopp also lashed out at Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, saying his response to the walkout was “unlawful and unconstitutional” and that Wagner retaliated against Republicans by refusing to accept excuses for absences. The Senate president decides whether an excuse is legitimate.

“Wagner was quick to impose unexcused absences on members who challenged his failed leadership,” Knopp said.

A spokesman for Wagner declined to comment on Knopp’s statement and referred a reporter to the party’s Senate Democratic Leadership Fund, saying it’s an election matter.

That organization also declined to comment.

Wagner denied requests by Sen. Cedric Hayden, R-Fall City, asking to be excused from Senate floor sessions for religious services and to take care of his disabled daughter. He has filed complaints

with the Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Legislative Equity Office against Wagner, saying his denials violated his religious freedom.

Hayden has asked the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for advice on how to legally solicit funds to cover attorney costs without violating ethics laws for a potential lawsuit.

Reporter Ben Botkin contributed to this story. https://oregoncapi-

talchronicle.com/2023/08/08/ secretary-of-state-willdisqualify-legislators-with10-unexcused-absences-fromrunning-in-2024 Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

Courtesy from the Oregon Agriculture Department Oregon legalized recreational use of marijuana in 2015.

Courtesy photo Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 he will sue over the secretary of state’s decision to exclude most Republican state senators from running for a new term.

News and Views

MICHELLE PIERSON YOUNG Chronicle Guest

Column

When my oldest child, now a man, sizzled into teenagerhood, one of his regular quotes was, “I’ll decide!” Now that I know more about human development, this was a powerful and clear way of stating, I’m a fully grown human now, and I’ll be the one in charge of things.

Voyaging into the full range of human consequences as an adult is not as much fun as Hollywood led me to believe. By and large this son, as well as all three of my other brave adventuring children, have done a wonderful transition into adulthood, all things considered.

Starting out his journey declaring to the world, “I decide” was so much more powerful than I realized at the time. He had been deciding for himself from the beginning, as we each do, but this was his moment of declaration.

Whether we realize it or not, we’ve been deciding for ourselves all the way along.

We each decide what a person meant by a compliment, or if they meant it or not. We decide if we are “good” or “bad” students.

While the world is more than willing to give its unvarnished “truth”, we decide which bits and pieces we’ll

receive or not.

In my experience, one of the most dangerous ways of “deciding” in life is when we decide something isn’t what we expected, wanted, or asked for. It’s easy to get distracted when the result we get is different than the one we imagined.

Let’s go to the Restaurant of Life for our example. We look at the menu, order the thing we think will be the most delicious, and then we get what we get.

Maybe it looks like we thought but doesn’t taste like the one gramma made. Maybe it looks absolutely nothing like you’d imagined. If you order a torta at one restaurant of life, you’ll get a sandwich, in another, you’ll get a piece of cake.

What can one possibly decide about this? Is the sandwich good and the cake bad or vice versa? Or is it that they are what they are and you’ve simply had a difficult time making peace with them? And if ordering a snack can be this challenging, how can we possibly imagine life is going to turn out the way we thought? But we do, and then we decide all sorts of things about those results.

What we don’t necessarily understand is when we decide what something is not, we blind ourselves to what something is, or could be.

When I decide I don’t like my job because it’s boring, I’m not currently noticing how much I like paying my bills, or even better, asking myself what it would take for my job to fit me just right?

“It’s not my dream job,” may be a fact, but if we simply decide that’s true, we’re not exploring a possible ending for that sentence which could be, “right now”, and then, asking the question, what would it take to be my dream job? If you’ve decided this job simply isn’t it, and won’t ever be, then you’re free to explore and decide on something more suited to you. My son had it so right, “I’ll decide.” We are not victims of circumstances, we are quirky beings responding to a circus of delights we call life. How we decide to interpret it is entirely up to us. I’ve decided the Universe is conspiring in my favor. It’s my declaration that I’m choosing my life and responding to its outcomes. I’ve decided this foremost on the fact that when I do, I feel happy and hopeful, and suddenly the world responds on that same wavelength. Go on, I dare you, claim it, say it with me, “I decide.”

Michelle Pierson Young is a Lincoln City life coach and may be reached at Michelleatplay.com or at 503-9570821.

New laws to address Oregon’s behavioral health crisis

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has signed six bills passed during the 2023 legislative session to address the behavioral health crisis in Oregon.

To the friends and family who have watched a loved one struggle with an untreated mental health issue or addiction, I recognize your suffering and am moved by your hope.

Know that I am focused on improving outcomes across our state.

Tina Kotek, Oregon Governor

“As your Governor, I’m fighting for a behavioral health system that supports healing and recovery no matter where you live,” Kotek said. “And to the friends and family who have watched a loved one struggle with an untreated mental health issue or addiction, I recognize your suffering and am moved by your hope.

Know that I am focused on improving outcomes across our state. “That’s why today is so important. The bills I am signing mark progress towards building a behavioral health continuum of care that incorporates harm reduction, suicide prevention, stronger tools against substance abuse among youth and adults, and improvements to the implementation of Measure 110.”

CASCADES

From Page A1

machine closure was “unwelcome,” but not entirely surprising.

“We’ve progressively talked with their executive leadership, and this move reflects the marketplace and its impact on the ability to find a new operator for the Scappoose plant they closed in July, as well as declining demand for their product from the St. Helens facility,” Vogel said. “The economics aren’t there, apparently, so Cascades will now turn to Option B, which is selling its property in Scappoose and negotiating a departure from its lease with the City of St. Helens.”

The Quebec-based company spent $64 million on the 284,000-square-foot

Community EvEnts

August 18 Movies in the Park

7 p.m. activities start. Jumanji The Next Level starts at dusk at Columbia View Park in St. Helens.

August 19 Laundry Day

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Scappoose Laundromat, 52494 SW 1st St. #3531, Scappoose. Bring your laundry and St. Wenceslaus’ Laundromat Ministry will supply the rest (laundry pods, dryer sheets and quarters). For more information, please call 503-543-2110.

August 19 Laundry with Love

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Royal Quick Clean Laundromat, 1835 St. Helens St., St. Helens. Quarters, detergent and dryer sheet will be provided. Sponsored by Warren Baptist Church.

August 25 Movies in the Park 7 p.m. activities start. Super Mario Bros. starts at dusk at Columbia View Park in St. Helens.

information visit www. understandingmymedicare. com or contact Beth Moffett at 503-987-1113.

October 7 The Big Halloween Parade

6:30 p.m. Parade starts at Columbia Blvd. at the Chamber office and will end at the intersection of 1st St. and Saint Helens St. To apply to be in the parade email www. thebighalloweenparade.com. Applications due by July 31, 2023.

Ongoing Events

Fridays 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Caples House offers Tea and Sweets: a bottomless cup of tea with a homemade dessert. Cost is $5. In The Cottage, 1925 First Street in Columbia City. Call 503-3975390 for more details.

Below is the list of bills

Governor Kotek signed:

SB 238: Requires the Oregon Health Authority, State Board of Education, and Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to collaborate on developing curricula for school districts related to dangers of synthetic opioids.

SB 1043: Requires hospitals, sobering facilities, and detox facilities to provide two doses of opioid overdose reversal medication and necessary medical supplies to administer medication to specified patients upon discharge or release.

HB 2395: Expands access to emergency short-acting opioid overdose reversal medications, like Narcan and naloxone, including by allowing law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, educators, school administrators and others to store and administer this life saving medication in the event of an overdose.

HB 2513: Strengthens Measure 110 by increasing

Scappoose facility, which is located on a former ranch on West Lane. The plant was completed in 2017.

While Vogel hoped Cascades would find a new buyer who could take over the plant with a smooth transition and continued operations, the facility will ultimately need to be repurposed under a new owner. Finding a new operator for the plant was a point of uncertainty, and Vogel said that the recent full closure in St. Helens gives a roadmap of what is to come.

“There will be a high quality, essentially “new” manufacturing building and land available in Scappoose, for which there already is demand. And the city of St. Helens will have new options open for how it wants to rework or redevelop its industrial park,” Vogel said. “None of us like to see the impact

staffing and improving application processes to speed up approval and get funds out the door, centralizing the support hotline to get people connected to services more efficiently, and improving program data collection and accuracy.

HB 2757: Establishes the 9-8-8 Trust Fund for improving the statewide coordinated crisis system, including maintaining and improving 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline.

HB 3610: Establishes the Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services to study and report on: alcohol addiction and prevention; distribution of resources for alcohol addiction treatment; overall funding for alcohol addiction treatment programs; cost of alcohol addiction to the state; and additional funding options for alcohol addiction treatment.

Kotek signed the bills during a ceremony at the state capital building Aug. 8.

to family wage jobs or the families themselves. And one never likes to see a company close its operations. Obviously, Cascades feels this hit on its company, as well.”

Vogel said that Cascades is working with the CET’s workforce partners to assist former Scappoose employees and those already impacted in St. Helens by reductions.

“Columbia Economic Team will continue to work with Cascades and its representatives in marketing their assets, our workforce partners to assist displaced employees – and then also to develop training and other programs for prospective new buyers and investors, and with our state and local partners to recruit new or expansion investment to bring quality, family wage jobs into our communities to fill this gap,” Vogel said.

August 26 Overdose Awareness

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McCormick Park, 475 S 18th St., St. Helens. This event is to honor the ones who have lost their lives to an overdose, support families and friends affected by overdose, raise awareness and provide resources to families and individuals still in active addiction.

September 19 2nd Annual Columbia County Senior Health Fair

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia River Four Square Church, 555 Commons Dr., Scappoose. Come by and check out the 70+ vendors. This event is free. For more

Fridays - Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Caples House Museum Tours, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. Cost is $5. Stop by and see what has changed. Fopr more information, call 503397-5390.

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council

Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www. lowercolumbiariver.org/ events-page.

Resonate Recovery

Meets at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christcentered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st

Street in St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521, Daniel Grant at 714-7689327 or check the Resonate Facebook page.

Columbian Toastmasters

Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome to visit! Lunch meetings at Warren Country Inn, 56575 Columbia River Hwy, Warren, OR 97053 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-3690329 for more information. Overcomers Outreach Meetings are held every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Call Fred 971-7576389.

Celebrate Recovery

For anyone struggling with addiction, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. the doors open for a free dinner. Yankton Community Fellowship, 33579 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. 503-396-7091. Childcare is available. www.yanktoncommunityfellowship.com.

Watch Spring on Fridays 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Have tea and a sweet in Caples’ Cottage, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. Cost is $5. 503-397-5390.

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

Courtesy photo Gov. Kotek signs the legislation during a ceremony in her state capital building office.

I am an adult so I will make the decision

Oregon prisons lack oversight, critics say, with agency failing to track key data

Inside the secure walls of Oregon’s state prisons, officials keep a mountain of records on the health and safety of the 12,000-inmate system.

Prison security staffers are required to complete a report each time they administer naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication. Reports also are filed when prisons go on lockdown. And when inmates submit grievances and complaints about correctional officers, paperwork is required.

But the Oregon Department of Corrections, with a budget over $1 billion a year, is not tracking the scope of the problems within prisons or able to provide the public and families of inmates meaningful information about some prison conditions, a Capital Chronicle investigation has found.

Corrections officials say they do not have information on the number of complaints filed against corrections staffers, how often a prison goes on lockdown or how often inmates suffer opioid overdoses. In email exchanges over the past two weeks, the agency’s communications staff said it does not track data for those areas.

Asked about the agency’s opaqueness, Elisabeth Shepard, a spokeswoman for Gov. Tina Kotek’s office said: “The governor believes DOC needs more transparency.”

The corrections agency’s inability or unwillingness to track that information is a symptom of a bigger problem: a lack of accountability and meaningful oversight, said Bobbin Singh, executive director of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

“You basically have an agency that has really no oversight at the state level, meaningful oversight, and the conditions are not good,” he said in an interview. “There are staff shortages. There’s resource shortages that are occurring, and that all trickles out to, unfortunately, harm and lack of care for people in custody.”

Women at Coffee Creek detail mistreatment

The nonprofit center recently published a report based upon the accounts of women incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, who say they have been neglected and mistreated. Lifers in the Wilsonville prison, Oregon’s only one for women, say the conditions are the worst they’ve seen, according to the 43-page report about the state’s only female prison in the Oregon Department of Corrections system. The 508,000-squarefoot facility, located on 108 acres, currently has about 870 female inmates.

Staff with the center’s Women’s Justice Project, which works with women in the prison and advocates on their behalf, documented their stories and spoke to them directly in 2022. In their entirety,

the accounts paint a picture of a harsh institution with frequent lockdowns, seemingly arbitrary punishments for minor infractions and women surviving day-to-day surrounded by chaos. The details also show grim conditions even after the fade of the COVID-19 pandemic, which put prisons on lockdowns to slow the spread of the virus.

“I was closer to killing myself this last summer than during the 20 years that I’ve been here,” one woman incarcerated at the prison said in the report. Another woman told advocates that self-harm is the most common type of emergency that causes lockdowns.

“There’s a lot of overdoses, at least one every other week,” one inmate said.

In a statement to the Capital Chronicle, Oregon Department of Corrections acting Director Heidi Steward said she is reviewing the report and that there is always room for improvement.

“We are committed to making prisons safe and secure while humanizing our environment and providing quality treatment and programming,” Steward said.

Steward said employees at the agency work tirelessly.

“We will continue to work towards positive outcomes for all those who live and work in our institutions,” Steward said.

Shepard, Kotek’s spokeswoman, said the governor’s office will work with the Department of Corrections after the state completes an assessment that looks at policies, procedures and conditions at Coffee Creek. In 2022, state lawmakers allocated $500,000 for the project.

“Our office will be collaborating closely with DOC to implement those recommendations,” Shepard said.

Director unwilling to share data

Steward was appointed the agency’s acting director in August 2022, when former director Colette Peters left to head up the federal Bureau of Prisons.

An agency employee since 1996, Steward became a deputy director in 2019. That same year, Steward declined to provide a state lawmaker with data in response to a question, according to allegations in a whistleblower lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021 against the agency by agency employees Gina RaneyEatherly and Merilee Nowak, alleged they faced retaliation when they raised concerns

about the use of grant money and the accuracy of legislative testimony. A Marion County jury found their case credible and awarded them $2.4 million in April.

In one account in the lawsuit, Steward and Peters testified to a legislative committee in March 2019 about the agency’s operations, including treatment programs for inmates. One lawmaker – the late Sen. Jackie Winters –asked whether adults who successfully completed treatment programs stayed out of prison or reoffended and returned. Winters, R-Salem, died of lung cancer two months later in May 2019.

Steward told Winters the agency lacks researchers to provide that data, the lawsuit said. But the next day, Raney-Eatherly, who headed up the agency’s research unit, told Steward they could fulfill Winters’ request, but Steward wasn’t interested, the lawsuit said.

“Ms. Steward stated that she did not want this data provided to Senator Winters, and instead planned to provide a written response describing DOC’s lack of sufficient resources to comply with the request,” the lawsuit said.

A few days later, the department sent lawmakers on the committee, including Winters, a letter that said exactly that, public legislative records show.

“Due to the lack of sufficient resources within our research unit, it has not been possible to conduct an in-depth analysis of our treatment programs to determine program effectiveness,” the letter said, adding that the agency is working on a monitoring tool that eventually would have high-level data.

In a statement to the Capital Chronicle, Steward said: “I stand behind my answer to the Legislature and reject any allegations of misleading the late Senator Jackie Winters.”

Advocates: More accountability and oversight needed

The Oregon Department of Corrections needs more accountability and legislative oversight that digs deeply into the agency, Singh said. The center has pushed unsuccessfully in the past for a legislative subcommittee to focus on corrections.

Singh said the lack of oversight and accountability translates into a lack of meaningful data. His organization put in a public records request to get information about lockdowns after hearing about random and arbitrary incidents.

The agency’s response, he said, was that reports for lockdowns are usually written or paper documents and there’s no way to track them.

“When you talk about lack of oversight, how is it that you can have a situation in which people are being locked in their cells, effectively experiencing solitary confinement, and there’s no way to track how often that’s happening or there’s not even a curiosity by the Department of Corrections to actually want to know that information?” he said. “I think that’s problematic.”

The Oregon Department of Corrections gave a similar reply when the Capital Chronicle asked about the three longest lockdowns at Coffee Creek for May and June.

“That would take an extensive manual search of our files,” Betty Bernt, the agency’s communications manager, wrote in an email. The agency also didn’t provide a total figure for lockdowns.

“This information comes from different sources and (is) not tracked comprehensively,” Bernt said in an email.

Women report rise in overdoses

Women at the prison have reported increases in drug

use, self-harm, discipline and attempts at suicide and other mental health crises, the report said.

“There is a heavy sense that the lows reached during the pandemic have become the new norm,” the report said, adding that the women “share their stories with a sense of urgency and hope that by speaking out, their plight will escape the darkness of prison and somehow spur change.”

The frequency of overdoses resembles a rise of drug addiction in Oregon’s city streets. Oregon public health officials track opioid overdoses, including visits to hospital emergency rooms and clinics for treatment. That information is available: The public can view the number of overdose hospital visits and deaths.

In prisons, it’s a different picture

The Oregon Department of Corrections uses naloxone nasal spray to reverse overdoses. An agency policy since 2019 requires workers who use naloxone spray to complete a report with details that include the data and time, circumstances that led to the overdose and other details, records show.

When the Capital Chronicle asked about overdose figures at Coffee Creek, the agency said: “We don’t have specific data on (the) number of overdoses.”

Officials also did not say how many times staff have completed the agency’s required reports for overdose treatments.

“While each instance of deploying naloxone is recorded and reported, we do not have a data tracking system,” Bernt said in an email. Bernt said data is difficult to produce because the agency doesn’t have electronic health records, but is modernizing its system and expects to be done by mid-2025. A workgroup on corrections health care costs recommended that project.

Senate Bill 843 established that workgroup. That bill passed in 2013 – a decade ago.

Complaints about correctional officers

Women in custody gave accounts of how correctional officers and staff allegedly mistreated them.

Those include:

• Women reported officers pressured them into sex for preferential treatment and intimidated those who reported harassment and inappropriate behavior.

• Officers ridiculed a woman and said she was just trying to get attention when she was upset about the suicide of another person in custody.

• An officer humiliated one woman and ordered her to “eat it all right now” when she put both cream cheese and jelly on her bagel.” She was punished by being sent to her cell.

Like overdoses and lockdowns, the agency did not provide any figures.

When the Capital Chronicle asked for the number of grievances and complaints filed against correctional officers at the prison, Bernt said:

“There is not a comprehensive tracking system of these files.”

Singh, with the nonprofit, said the agency’s lack of transparency is a symptom of its culture – one that has long avoided the necessary oversight and accountability from state leaders.

“That is the culture that they expect,” he said. “They don’t expect to be transparent with their information. They don’t expect to have to share or have to be held accountable for the information about what’s going on in their prison system. And that’s just a cultural phenomenon. That’s an expectation that we’ve allowed to occur.”

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/08/08/ oregon-prisons-lack-oversightcritics-say-as-agency-fails-torelease-overarching-data/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

Courtesy photo from Ron Cooper / Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Department of Corrections needs more transparency, say advocates and the office of Gov. Tina Kotek.

House Cleaning Services

Standard cleaning, deep cleaning, windows and more. Please call 503327-1805 or email abbyware21@ gmail.com.

150 Misc Services DIVORCE

$130. Complete preparation. Includes children, custody, support, property and bills division. No court appearances. Divorced in 1-5 weeks possible. 503-772-5295. www.paralegalalternatives.com legalalt@msn.com

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing

Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with onetime $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-877-3900458.

Choose EarthLink Fiber Internet For speeds up to 5 Gigs, no data caps, no throttling. Prices starting at $54.95. Plus, a $100 gift card when you make the switch. Call 1-866-266-3817.

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-536-8838.

Call LeafGuard and say goodbye to gutter cleaning for good No cleaning. No leaking. No water damage. No more ladder accidents. Get LeafGuard today and be protected for life. FREE estimate. Financing available. 20% off total purchase (Restrictions may apply.) Call 1-844345-1537.

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage: 1-877-557-1912. The Generac PWRcell A solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-844-989-2328.

Switch and save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data

No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. For more information, call 1-877916-0803.

Dish Network Only from Dish- 3 year TV Price Guarantee! 99% Signal Reliability, backed by guarantee. Includes Multi-Sport with NFL Redzone. Switch and Get a FREE $100 Gift Card. Call today!

1-866-373-9175.

DIRECTV OVER INTERNET Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/ mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855602-2009.

Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink

Enjoy speeds from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 866-857-2897.

Are you a pet owner?

Do you want to get

up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-833-975-1626 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/onac.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-839-0752.

Safe Step North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-ofthe-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833395-1433.

The bathroom of your dreams for as little as $149/ month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation.

Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-844-8479778.

Wesley Financial Group, LLC. Timeshare Can-

cellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844487-0221.

Life Line Screening

Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-655-0972. Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-866-695-9265 today!

Donating your vehicle? Get more! Free Towing. Tax Deductible. Plus a $200 restaurant voucher and a 2-night/3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations. Call Heritage for the Blind to donate your vehicle today - 1-844533-9173.

From Page A1

“The biggest changes are that the kids of a younger age are motivated to be better players,” Kocer said.

“These kids get better faster. They’re stronger. They have weight training. They have things that we really didn’t do, or didn’t have time to do.”

Kocer pushed back on the idea that football is better now, but it’s different because of the new era. In a given era, a team adapts to its competition, and while Kocer said there are creative coaching approaches now when Kocer was coaching in ‘73, they were pushing the boundaries in their own way.

“It’s more fun to coach the run and shoot than lining up and trying to blast for

three or four yards; that’s the way we started. So we did both, we were kind of figuring it out,” Kocer said.

St. Helens football this season

Nic Shular is the new Head Coach for the St. Helens Lions this year and is excited to get the new season underway. Shular previously coached in Washington and grew up in Vancouver.

“What kind of interested me in the job is the fact that St. Helens is a one high school, one football team, one town type of place,” Shular said. “Those communities are usually very passionate and supportive, and so that was something that initially piqued my interest.”

Shular is excited about the infrastructure around the team. Shular was impressed with the weight room, the

home field, and the financial support that the program enjoys.

One of the priorities for Shular is to bring a winning culture back to the team after a few down years.

“We have not been experiencing success on the field recently, so it’s a matter of changing that culture, building the correct habits. Getting the kids to believe and trust, because I think there is talent here, but they haven’t experienced that success,” Shular said.

Shular and his team have already started putting in work this summer. They began summer practices in June, but the fall season is approaching.

As a coach in a new program, getting buy-in from the senior members of the team who have been in the program for years can be challenging. Shular said the

seniors on this year’s team are hungry for success and have taken Shular’s appointment in stride. For Shular, building relationships is an essential aspect of his approach.

“I want to build relationships, I want to be someone they can trust in. I’m not going to try and motivate through yelling, fear, intimidation,” Shular said. “I really want to make sure I’m building relationships with these players and get them to understand I truly care about them more than just what they provide on the football field.”

On the gridiron, Shular wants to play an adaptive style that best fits the skill set of his players. Shular said that the team would be playing some spread offense, but they aren’t married to a particular style of play.

Shular played wide re-

ceiver in college at California Lutheran University, and he wants to be sure that his offense can be a threat in the air and on the ground. In his time around the game, Shular said offenses are developing to attack the open field.

“From an offensive standpoint, it’s putting an emphasis on creating and utilizing space. Trying to stretch a defense, whether that’s vertically or horizontally, allow there to be open grass and space on the field, and then let athletes create plays in that space,” Shular said.

This echoes Kocer’s sentiments about getting the basketball athletes out into the field and letting them make plays downfield almost 50 years ago. Another aspect that still holds true 50 years later is the physicality of the game.

“No matter how much the game evolves, it’s still

going to be, at its core, a violent sport. It is a sport of collision,” Shular said. “You go against these teams still to this day that will put all 11 guys in the box, and they will go five yards at a time, and if you can’t stop them, they’ll just continue to do that all game.”

As the new season approaches, Shular wants the St. Helens community to know that the team has been working hard, and the program is excited about bringing football back this fall.

“I strongly encourage everyone in the community to come out and support them because I know the more support and love they feel from the community, the harder that’s going to make them work,” Shular said.

“Everyone’s in it all together, so we’re going to do our part, and I hope the community does their part as well.”

CH23-1405

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of GARY GENE DUNCAN, Deceased. Case No. 23PB05616 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

CH23-1397

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: August 16, 2023. Wendy L. Etienne, Personal Representative, 33392 Wikstrom Road, Scappoose, OR 97056, Phone: (218) 324-0477. 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.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of KATHERINE ANN PAINTER, Deceased. Case No. 23PB05249 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that ALAN R. PAINTER has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the personal representative at: c/o Guyer Law, Attorneys; 5895 Jean Road; Lake Os-

CH23-1408

wego, Oregon 97035 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 attorneys for the personal representative, Guyer Law, Attorneys; 5895 Jean Road, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035. Dated and first published: AUGUST 9, 2023. George H. Guyer,

CH23-1406

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

In the Matter of the Estate of BETTY J. LANEY, Deceased. No. 20PB08574 Notice to Interested Persons Notice is hereby given that TERRY LANEY has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present the same within four months from this date at the office

CH23-1410

OSB NO. 972765 of Attoney for Personal Representative.

PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE: Alan R. Painter 56538 Hazen Road, Warren, Oregon 97053, (503) 833-2887. ATTORNEY FOR

PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE: George H. Guyer, OSB No. 972765, Theodore R. Naemura, OSB 953649, Guyer Law, Attorneys 5895 Jean Road, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035, (503) 6971035 phone, (503) 697-1045 fax, george@guyer.law ted@guyer.law.

SCHEDULED STORAGE AUCTION

Please take notice ORS 87.685 et. seq. K & B Storage, 970 Oregon Street, St. Helens, Or. 97051. Intends to hold a sale of the property stored in the Unit by the occupant at the facility as

CH23-1403

listed below. This auction sale by unit will occur at the facility listed above on the 2nd day of September 2023 at 10:00 am. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms

& conditions apply. Call 971 203-4616. Jeremy Garza Unit #31 10 x 15, Chounlie

Tep Hester Unit #45 5 x 10, Crystal Temple Unit # 56 5 x

10, Sarah Davis Unit # 68 5 x

10. Cash Only.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of DEBRA LEE WITT, Deceased. Case No. 23PB05520 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: August 9, 2023. Franklin Witt, Personal Representative, 31917 Brooks Road, St. Helens, OR 97051, Phone: (503) 396-3071. 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.

of VanNatta & Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon; and if not so presented, they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published: August

16, 2023. Date of second published: August 23, 2023. Date of final publication: August 30, 2023. TERRY LANEY c/o VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, Attorneys at Law P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Attorneys: VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, Telephone: (503) 397-4091.

STATEMENTS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW

The statement of procedures for Columbia County are available for review at the Columbia County Courthouse and https:// www.columbiacountyor. gov/departments/Finance/ Expenditures. CH23-1395 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of Crystal Andre’, aka Crystal L. Andre, Deceased. No. 22PB06296 NOTICE TO INTERESTED

CH23-1407

PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Brock Robert Andre has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at 1677 St, Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons

whose rights are affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published: August 2, 2023. MARK A. GORDON, P.C., Mark A. Gordon, OSB No. 812424 Attorney for Personal Representative, 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, 503.397.9066, mark@markgordonpc.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE - INVITATION TO BID CRPUD

Frontage Improvements – 33655 E Columbia Ave, Scappoose OR Notice is hereby given that Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) will receive sealed bids for CRPUD Frontage Improvements – 33655 E Columbia Ave, Scappoose OR. Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on September 7, 2023, at

CH23-1395

which time the bids will be publicly opened. The bids will be available for public inspection at the PUD office after the bid opening. The bid documents may be examined at the office of the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Paper or electronic copies of the bid documents may be obtained by sending a written request to Columbia River PUD. P.O. Box 1193, St. Helens, Oregon, 97051, or by

visiting the PUD Website at https://www.crpud.net/ my-pud/bid-documents/. Columbia River PUD reserves the right to reject any and all bids that are not in compliance with the bid documents and prescribed public bidding procedures and to reject, for good cause, any or all bids upon a finding by the PUD that it is in the public interest to do so. Dated: August 9, 2023 at Columbia River People’s Utility District.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of Crystal Andre’, aka Crystal L. Andre, Deceased. No. 22PB06296 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Brock Robert Andre has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present

their claims, with proper vouchers, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at 1677 St, Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights are affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from

the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published: August 2, 2023. MARK A. GORDON, P.C., Mark A. Gordon, OSB No. 812424 Attorney for Personal Representative, 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, 503.397.9066, mark@ markgordonpc.com.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL

ACROSS

1. *Medical school entry requirement, acr.

5. *Atlas image

8. Hula dancer’s necklace

11. German money

12. Ready for picking

13. Nerd

15. Like many Brothers Grimm stories

52. *Meal container 55. Emerald or aquamarine, chemically speaking 56. Trans-Siberian Railroad city 57. Venus de Milo’s are missing

59. *Plural of #51 Down 60. Comments from prompt box 61. Do like Ella Fitzgerald

DOWN

1. Actress Ryan

2. Larry David’s “____ Your Enthusiasm”

3. Bizet’s “Habanera,” e.g.

4. Tabby’s mate

5. King with a golden touch

6. Rapidly

7. ____ up, to become more cheerful

8. Spring 9. Morays 10. Abdominal pain cause,

19. Genuflected

22. Letter-writing friend

23. *M in LMC, educationally speaking

24. Circular gasket

25. Big Dipper’s visible shape

26. Biblical gift-givers

27. Propelled a boat

28. Angler’s basket

29. Part of an act

32. Rare bills

33. Chewbacca’s sidekick

36. *Word in thesaurus, e.g.

38. Mennonite’s cousin

40. *Gym class prop

41. *Art class cover ups

44. Old fashioned contests at dawn

46. Lower value, as in currency

48. Plug a pipe, e.g. (2 words)

49. Beginning of ailment

50. Exceedingly

51. Bob of boxing world

52. Bonkers

53. Shamu, e.g.

54. Dec. holiday

55. Capture

58. Porky’s or Petunia’s home

How long has your organization been in the community?

The Clatskanie Arts Commission was formed in 1987 by three local piano teachers who wanted their students to have the experience of performing on a grand piano.

Their first goal was raising money for that piano with the theme, 88 in ‘88. Through various fundraising events like bake sales, they were able to meet their goal and purchased an 8-foot Knabe grand piano, which is now housed at Clatskanie Middle/High School. After completing this goal, the ladies formed an official, all-volunteer commission and began the first Performing Arts Series, which included performances on the piano.

Soon it became evident that the scope of the performances should be broadened to include all types of performances. First, under the umbrella of the City of Clatskanie and then as its own 501-C3 organization, the Clatskanie Arts Commission has continued to meet its goal of “providing a variety of entertaining programs and events which enrich the lives of the people of the Lower Columbia River Region.

The organization is proud to be presenting its 34th Performing Arts Series this year with its free Big Band in the Park concert on Labor Day.

What service do you provide?

In addition to its annual Performing Arts Series, CAC has worked with various groups and organizations in our community to expand artistic experiences. Other activities have included the bare book project in the schools, the Raymond Carver Writing Festival in May, and its corresponding poetry contest in April. It has worked with local artists on the Clatskanie Mural Project and is presently supporting the revival of the Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival, which is scheduled to return to Clatskanie on September 12-15, 2024.

The Clatskanie Arts Commission was very proud to have partnered with the Clatskanie Foundation in the restoration of the Clatskanie Cultural Center (originally the IOOF Hall), which includes the Birkenfeld Theatre, which the commission has the privilege of managing for not only performances but a variety of community events.

What do you want the community to know about your organization?

The Clatskanie Arts Commission has remained an all-volunteer organization whose members include those in their 70s and 80s as well as one who just graduated from high school, present teachers, retired teachers, visual artists, etc.

CAC depends on the support of local businesses and individuals to survive. COVID was a tough time when the theatre was closed for 18 months, but our local support has continued, and we are now strong and excited to continue. We are very grateful for this continued support. Clatskanie has always been a community which supports and enjoys the arts, and we are thrilled to see artistic performances in other venues such as the Library, the Hub, Saturday Market , the CC Stern Foundry, and local restaurants.

August 17, 2023

Highlighting Columbia County’s nonprofits

As part of our spotlight on nonprofits in Columbia County, The Chronicle has sent questions to several nonprofits in the area to find out more about what they do, when they were established, and what they would like the community to know about them. Let’s take a look at the what some of Columbia County’s nonprofits offer the community, from the voices who make it possible.

How long has your organization been in the community?

ShoeString Community Players has been in our community for 41 years.

What service do you provide?

We offer live theater. This may include adult material, family-friendly, or kids’ shows. We have produced a wide variety of musicals, dramas, mysteries, comedies, and originals. We also have shows or

scares for Halloween. We have offered theater workshops for kids, and we are just wrapping up our second week of acting for beginners’ theater camp.

What do you want the community to know about your organization?

Our nonprofit wants our community to know that we are dedicated to keep offering live theater and encouraging participation. We are run by 100% volunteers.

Elsa Wooley, Secretary Treasurer of the Clatskanie Arts Commission

Shannon Vaerewyck President of ShoeString Community Players

Cassie Fellabaum, Development Director lifempowered

How long has your organization been in the community?

We have been a part of Columbia County since 1974. Previously known as Riverside Training Center, we changed our name to lifempowered a few years ago to better align with our mission and vision. We are a not-forprofit organization that focuses on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other related conditions.

What service do you provide?

Our mission is to support people to live the life THEY choose at home, at work, and in their community. The people we support consist of individuals who face unique challenges and vulnerabilities due to limited funding, restricted access to resources, and a lack of social and

St. Helens

community engagement opportunities.

These individuals require specialized support and services to lead fulfilling lives and exercise their right to choose their own path at home, in their workplaces, and within the community. We aim to address the specific needs of this population by providing a range of programs and resources.

These may include assistance with daily living skills, community integration activities, advocacy, and support for individuals and their families. By offering these services, we seek to empower individuals with I/DD to overcome barriers, maximize their potential, and actively participate in all aspects of community life.

What do you want the community to know about your organization?

We are at a very exciting turning point, investing in a capital campaign to replace our current administrative

Garden Club

office with an Empowerment Center. This new space will be fully accessible and will cater to the needs of the people we serve, our staff, and the broader community.

The current non-ADA-accessible building, which is more than four decades old, was built for manufacturing purposes and does not align with our mission/ vision, limiting use by the community.

The Empowerment Center will feature amenities to meet multiple needs, including administrative offices. There will be opportunities for community members to share their skills by teaching and learning alongside those with I/DD. This partnership will create a space for everyone to come together.

We are creating a new space. A space anyone can access. A space to relax, socialize, learn, and grow. A place to be EMPOWERED.

national nonprofit day 2023

Judy Thompson, Chair of NAMI Columbia County

How long has your organization been in the community

NAMI Columbia County had a support group in St. Helens as far back as 1999 when I became part of NAMI. The St. Helens support group then moved to Rainier and was there with two meetings a month, they were together for eight years, and then there was no support group for a couple of years until we started up a St. Helens support group in 2016 to current. We vary where we meet because everyone’s needs and life events are different. Contacting NAMI Oregon 503-230-8009 is the best to find out meeting dates, and they will contact me.

What service do you provide?

NAMI Columbia County serves as an Affiliate for NAMI Oregon. We offer a monthly support group for those who have a loved one (or ones) with mental illness. Our group focus is on self-care.

We serve on Local Behavioral Health Advisor Committee that CCMH facilitates, that brings other local service organizations together and work on prioritizing needs for our community mental health and that follow Oregon Health Authority and Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care funding and policy guidelines.

We are able to give donations/sponsors other local nonprofits that promote mental health & well-being. We donate/sponsor Veterans, Alano Club, Amani Center, Jordan Center, Run With Neil, and Out of the Darkness.

Our biggest giving is we do a Christmas party meal, gift cards, and Santa for CCMH Clients! We help people in making connections to resources.

Black Tie and Blue Jeans

One on our members Kathy Thomas, just made sure six of our County Libraries have a copy of the NAMI book, You Are Not Alone: the NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health, by Kevin Duckworth, MD.

What do you want the community to know about your organization?

That mental illness carries so much stigma and guilt for individuals seeking help and their loved ones seeking help is a very big barrier. NAMI brings support, education, advocacy, and resources to individuals, families, and communities, and there is no cost for NAMI services. It is so important to “You Are Not Alone” with the challenges that come with mental illness.

NAMI saved our family and fighting stigma, and I have been in a place since 2011 to really be open and visible with having a family member with mental illness and to not just survive, we thrive.

Highlighting Columbia County’s nonprofits

These are just some of the nonprofit organizations that operate in Columbia County. For more information on these organizations, visit their websites to find out more.

LOCAL

LOCAL

Vehicle Wash Program

Vehicle Wash Program

Earn $500 for your nonprofit group crpud.net/wash

Earn $500 for your nonprofit group crpud.net/wash

Scan to donate!

P.O. Box 538, Rainier, OR 97048 info@unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com

Big Band in the Park

Monday, Sept. 4, 1-4 p.m., Music from 2-4 p.m. at Clatskanie City park

Black Swan Classic Jazz Band

Sunday, Oct. 22, 3

Sunday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m., Tickets: Adult: $25, Senior/Student: $23, Child: $20

Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, 3 p.m., Tickets: Adult: $25, Senior/Student: $23, Child: $20

Quintet performing modern chamber music, tango, klezmer, Latin and world music

Skamokawa Swamp Opera

Sunday, March 10, 2024, 3 p.m. Tickets: Adult: $20, Senior/Student: $18, Child: $15

Will Martin

Friday April 26, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Adult $25, Senior/Student: $23, Child: $20