Schools remain closed
Pandemic cases stabilizing CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
new restrictions possible
While COVID-19 numbers remain fairly consistent across Oregon, there is encouraging information about the cases in Columbia County. “We’re no longer showing a rapid increase of positive cases,” Columbia County Public Health Director Mike Paul told the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 19.
MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net
On Jan. 21, Oregon established the Incident Management Team to prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 infections in Oregon. Five week’s later the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported Oregon had it’s first case. Since then, Oregon has had over 25,000 cases and 420 COVID-19 related deaths as of Aug. 24. Fortunately, new OHA modeling shows that cases in Oregon are leveling off, but not at the rate needed for Oregon to reopen schools for in-person education, Governor Kate Brown announced today. Brown held a press conference August 21 with OHA Director Pat Allen and Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state epidemiologist and state health officer, to discuss Oregon’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Balancing act “Today, after six months, some say my orders are too restrictive, that the virus isn’t dangerous or even that it’s a hoax,” Brown said. “Others say I haven’t done enough, that we should shut down the entire economy immediately and start from scratch, regardless of the cost to people’s livelihoods. The truth is, those commenting on the far ends of this debate, well… They are missing the point. This has always been a balancing act.” Brown said she and her staff worked hard to follow medical data when making decisions about restrictions and so far, they have been successful in flattening the curve, as Oregon has one of the lowest mortality rates in the entire country. However, Brown said their efforts have not been enough to open schools anytime soon. “Our infection rate is still too high to get all of our kids safely back into our classrooms in most of our schools this fall,” Brown said. “To keep students, teachers and staff safe in our schools across the state, we need to see a much more rapid decline in case numbers, and we need to see it quickly.”
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The extended forecast in Oregon calls for continued warm and dry conditions, resulting in the imminent threat of fire in Columbia County and over a broad area of the state.
Dangerous mix heightens fire danger JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The summer wildfire season is here and Columbia County fire agencies are urging everyone to be cautious of the danger. Drying conditions, the continued heat and winds are adding to an explosive mixture, according to the agencies. “Until we get substantial rain for four, five or six days, we have to be vigilant,” Columbia River Fire & Rescue interim Chief Eric Smythe
said. Outdoor burning is banned in the county and residents should avoid mowing to help prevent wildfires, Smythe said. Much of the state is now in extreme fire danger and red flag warnings are common for hot, dry, windy conditions and dry thunderstorms. On Aug. 19, Governor Kate Brown declared a State of Emergency due to the imminent threat of wildfire across Oregon. Oregon has experienced wildfires this season that have resulted in evacuations, threatened critical
infrastructure, and destroyed homes and other structures. One person was killed while fighting a wildfire on Aug. 24 in Wasco County, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The extended forecast in Oregon calls for continued warm and dry conditions, resulting in the imminent threat of fire over a broad area of the state. Oregon continues to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, which
As of Aug. 24, Columbia County has a total of 124 COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the outbreak. The number includes both confirmed and presumptive cases. Within the county, one zip code, 97048, stands out as having more cases than others. The area includes Rainier, across from Longview, WA, according to Paul. Their case rate is the highest for the county, but still below the state average of 48 per 100,000 in Oregon. However, it is still high for a rural area, according to Paul. “We need to watch that zip code closely,” Paul said. Paul also said there are metrics that need to be met in order for schools to fully reopen, which are put forth by the Oregon Department of Education. There are two metrics that must be met in order to reopen schools, and that is a test positivity rate of less than 5% and a case count of less than 10 per 100,000 people. The county is still meeting one, but not the other metric, according to Paul. Per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data, the county is under the 5% test positivity rate but within the last few weeks has had a case count varying from 15 to 28 cases per 100,000. This means that Columbia County is far off from that metric and being able to reopen schools, Paul said. There are additional indicators set by the OHA that can indicate how well a county is faring with the virus. These indicators include: percentage of emergency department visits per case, trend in positive case results, percentage of cases traced to a known source and percentage of cases that receive follow-up by public health officials within 24 hours of receiving a positive diagnosis. “Statewide numbers show we’re meeting most of those indicators,” Paul said. So far, Columbia County is well below 1.5% for emergency department visits for COVID-19, and there is a slight downward trend in positive results in the
See FIRE Page A10
Local race car driver enjoying his laps
Two paths Oregon is considering two paths to slow the spread to levels where they can safely reopen in-person education. The first option is to call on local communities to step up efforts to greater enforce existing guidelines, such as face covering use, physical distancing, sanitation, contact tracing and compliance with isolation/quarantine. The second option would be to create further business restrictions, as well as creating travel restrictions for people entering Oregon or returning from trips outside the state. “I believe, and the data indicates, that either one of these
See SCHOOL Page A5
Photo courtesy of Mike Weber
St. Helens race car driver Bob Berg shows off his green Neon. MIKE WEBER Chronicle Guest Article
With the unfortunate circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems rather amazing that there is some normal local cultural events taking place such as stock car races at River City Speedway in St. Helens. Despite all the challenges that people have had to endure in order
to compete on the quarter-mile clay oval track, drivers are making the best of the trying circumstances in the pandemic affected season. A few of the competitors have enjoyed tremendous success, such as Bob Berg of St. Helens, who has helped lead his Cozy Lawn Maintenance sponsored race team to three Columbia County Racing Association (CCRA) main event victories. “Everything has been going
pretty good, but with no points and without fans, it’s not really as fun as would be under normal circumstances,” said Berg, owner of Cozy Lawn Maintenance. “Having fans here makes it a more exciting atmosphere for everyone, but all the drivers are still having lots of
See SPEEDWAY Page A10
See PANDEMIC Page A7
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Addressing Oregon’s vaping epidemic CBD device regulations
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Recommendations to address the epidemic of vaping-related illness and youth vaping in Oregon are now public. According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), youth e-cigarette use jumped 80 percent between 2017 and 2019. Gov. Kate brown established the Oregon Vaping Public Health Work Group to establish recommendations to deal with what state health officials call a vaping epidemic. The group’s membership includes doctors and experts in pulmonology, pediatrics, and public health, as well as state legislators and state agency representatives. Over the course of the last eight months, the group met to discuss the health risks of vaping and public policy recommendations for long-term solutions. “In the middle of a worldwide pandemic, it might be easy to forget that less than a year ago, we faced a nationwide epidemic of vapingrelated illness,” Brown said. “Now, though, as we are facing the spread of a disease that attacks the respiratory system, it’s even more important that we take steps to protect the health and safety of Oregon’s youth, who have been using vaping products at increasingly high rates.” “I would like to thank the members of this work group for continuing this important work even as many of them were also on the front lines responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these recommendations, we can take long-term steps to ensure that we do not see another outbreak of vapingrelated illnesses and deaths, as we did last summer.” Among the health experts on the Vaping Public Health Work Group is Dr. Brian Druker of the OHSU Knight
The CBD market is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the cannabis industry. Because they do not contain THC, CBD vaping products are not subject to the same regulations as other cannabis vaping products. As such, no regulations currently prevent youth access to these products. Audit testing of cannabis products
Photo courtesy of Travis Brisbin
This photo shows a crowd vaping. A series of recommendations are now public from a working group established to find solutions to Oregon’s vaping epidemic.
Cancer Institute, a pioneer in the field of precision medicine whose research has helped to revolutionize cancer treatment. Dr. Mary McKenzie, the Director of Pulmonology at Legacy Health, also brought her direct experience working with patients with vaping-related lung injuries to the panel. The recommendations of the Vaping Public Health Work Group include: • Banning the use of flavored e-cigarettes and other flavored vaping tobacco products. Flavored products disproportionately target Oregon youth, young adults, and communities of color. Banning these products is an evidenced-based approach to prevent Oregonians from becoming addicted at a young age. Flavored products are market-entry products, with 75% of Oregon youth choosing flavored products,
compared to only 18% of adults over the age of 25. For decades, the tobacco industry has also targeted people with low incomes and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities with marketing campaigns, leading to harmful health impacts for those communities. • Banning harmful additives, requiring ingredient disclosure for cannabis vaping products, and establishing standards for documentation and verification. Because cannabis is a new industry, additional regulations are needed to ban harmful additives, such as vitamin E acetate, which were strongly linked to the outbreak of vapingrelated illness last summer. Many illnesses were linked to products purchased at licensed retailers. Other additives may also be harmful. Ingredient disclosure will
help consumers and regulators verify what additives are in cannabis vaping products. In addition, there are not yet established federal or state safety standards for the safety of additives when combusted or vaporized. • Increasing the price of tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, through tax and non-tax approaches. As youth have less spending money than adults, they are generally price-sensitive consumers. Raising the price of tobacco products has shown to be the most effective way to reduce youth use, reducing overall tobaccorelated health care costs and deaths. In general, for every 10% increase in the price of e-cigarettes, use can drop by as much as 20%, depending on the type of e-cigarette. E-cigarettes and other inhalant delivery systems are not currently taxed in Oregon.
• Banning online and phone sales of e-cigarettes and other vaping products. Requiring in-person sales of vaping products will help prevent the sale of vaping products to underage Oregonians. While state and federal law prevent the online sale of cigarettes, there is no federal law prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes and other inhalant delivery systems. Tobacco retail licensing Only eight states, including Oregon, do not have a tobacco retail licensing system. Licensure would create a mechanism to help ensure that tobacco laws can be enforced effectively, including laws prohibiting the sale of vaping products to underage Oregonians. Licensure fees would help to cover the costs of vaping-awareness education and enforcement.
A state lab to conduct audit testing of marijuana products would help to prevent the sale of prohibited substances and verify ingredients and additives. Recognizing that a state lab would be a significant expenditure, the work group recommends that the state utilize private, licensed labs to conduct audit testing in the near term. Cessation supports Nicotine is a powerfullyaddictive drug, and making cessation supports like medications and counseling available through health care providers and insurers, as well as non-clinical, culturally-responsive supports, would remove barriers to patients receiving the help and support they need to quit. Availability of a variety of approaches focused on the needs of the patient provides the best chance of cessation success. Public relations campaign Public education efforts have helped to decrease youth smoking and smoking rates generally in the United States, and would also be effective in decreasing youth vaping rates. This would save future health care costs over the long term. Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
Election 2020: Scappoose City Council CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
ELECTION 2020
There are seven candidates vying for four open positions on the Scappoose City Council, including three council posts and the position of mayor. The filing deadline was Aug. 25. Six of the seven candidates will run against each other for the at-large positions, meaning the positions are not assigned to any specific candidate. The seventh candidate, Mayor Scott Burge will run unopposed. Burke has served as mayor since 2006 and had previously served as a Scappoose city councilor for eight years. Burge said his priorities, if reelected, would be to find a comfortable replacement for the city manager who recently left Scappoose, and to continue the work that the city has been doing, “whether it’s adding new parks, economic development, repairing and building sidewalks and roads,” he said. Incumbent candidates Incumbent candidates Megan Greisen, Peter McHugh and Burge each have filed for reelection. Current councilor Pat Kessi is not running for reelection, saying he will soon move to outside of the city limits, making him ineligible for the position. Greisen, who has served on the council for four years, said the reasons she is running for reelection are unchanged from when she first decided to run, which she said were to “serve and give back to our community.”
Greisen’s priorities, if reelected, are to make sure funds raised from the recently passed fuel tax will be spent appropriately and other city projects happen in the right trajectory. “The wastewater treatment plant, sidewalks, other things that need immediate improvement, we’re dedicated to making sure that continues to happen,” Greisen said. “Same with urban renewal agency we created. Those are things that we are committed to making happen.” McHugh said he is running for reelection because he loves living in Scappoose and wants to be part of shaping its future. Livability for all citizens is what McHugh said is his highest priority. “That includes my longstanding commitment to Parks and Recreation, maintaining a well-trained police department whose officers and staff are friendly, professional and genuinely care about the people they serve, fewer trains coming through town each day, and the development of a commercial district that meets the needs of a small city and is something in which we can take pride,” McHugh said. McHugh listed another priority as filling the 300plus acre enterprise zone with businesses to enhance the community and provide jobs. New candidates New candidates that have filed to run include Marty Baldwin, Tyler Miller, Peter Williamson, and Jeannet Santiago. Baldwin is now retired but worked as a police officer and deputy sheriff for 10 years in cities in both Oregon and California. He also served as an executive director of a boy scout council in Reno, Nevada for Boy Scouts, USA. Baldwin is involved with the Scappoose Economic Development Committee.
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Baldwin said what inspired him most to run for council is a community survey the city did from 2018-2019, with most respondents being either 65 and older or people with young families, ages 30-39. Baldwin said that between 2018-19 the survey showed overall satisfaction with the city was on a downward trend. Livability of the city and condition of sidewalks was a big concern for a lot of survey-takers, Baldwin said. “Last election cycle, Scappoose passed a 3% gasoline tax, earmarked toward sidewalk repair,” Baldwin said. “We have places where sidewalks are crumbling and have become a real hazard for senior citizens and people with strollers.” Baldwin also is concerned about the new Portland Community College campus opening and the traffic it will likely generate into and out of Scappoose. “We need to look at a way to divert that traffic or improve the livability of Scappoose as we increase the tax base,” Baldwin said. Williamson said about his desire to run for council, simply, “I just like to serve people.” Williamson, who currently operates his own gardening business, said he has spent the last 20 years in disaster-related volunteer groups, including Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District and Team Rubicon. Due to the current pandemic, Williamson said he has been unable to assist in that way, so he has been looking for ways to serve his community locally. When he saw positions opening on the council, he said he wanted to participate on a local level. “We’re facing two big crises, one economic, one medical,” Williamson said. “Our first priority really is just to make sure the Scappoose City administration is serving the specific needs
of all the people that live in Scappoose.” Williamson said he is also concerned about the lack of outreach coming from local city government to residents to make sure they are getting by. “In these situations, I want to see us focusing on Scappoose, the good economic decisions that make us feel better as a whole,” Williamson said. Santiago works as a procurement specialist for government contracting. She said she has been active in the community since she moved to Scappoose 13 years ago and has been involved in multiple committees in the city, including the budget committee, and a stint as the chair of the Scappoose Economic Development Committee. “For me, it’s getting involved in the community and supporting it,” Santiago said. “What I bring is perspective. I’m a mom, entrepreneur, businesswoman. I’m also Latina. I’d just like to bring my perspective into the community, see it grow.” Santiago said her children, who are grown now, went to school in the city, which she called “a great place to raise [her] children.” Santiago said she is a supporter of keeping residents working locally, and as a commuter herself would like to see more quality jobs to choose from in the area. “Whatever I can do to support that, that’s why I want to be in city council,” she said. ”I’ve worked in other committees around council, so I’m familiar with the team. I want to help and do my part.” Miller was born and raised in Scappoose and currently lives in the city with his partner Camren, his three children, ages 5-11, and their two dogs. Miller said there are three specific areas he would like to work on to
benefit the community. Improving the quality and reach of communication methods from the city to keep residents informed about community events. Develop more community events focused on engaging youth and families in the greater Scappoose community. Miller’s third priority is to take an in-depth look at how COVID-19 is shaping the current climate and how it will shape activities on a long-term basis. “For me, this includes evaluating if our community has what it needs to be supportive of individuals, families and children in Scappoose,” Miller said. Scappoose city councilors serve four-year terms and the mayor serves a
two-year term each election cycle. Ballots for the Nov. 3 General Election will be mailed to voters starting Oct. 14, according to Columbia County Election Official Don Clack. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13. For more election information, contact your city recorder or Columbia County Elections at 503397- 7214. Important Election Dates Oct 13: Deadline to register to vote Oct.14: Ballots mailed to voters Nov. 3: General Election
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Chamber office reopens
Christine Menges / The Chronicle
The South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce office is located at 2194 Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens.
The South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce office is now open to assist chamber members and the public. Hours of operation at the office only are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. The office is located at 2194 Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens. The facility had been closed since March due to the pandemic. Chamber officials ask that
you enter via the side chamber office door entrance. Mask or face coverings are required to enter the office. The chamber building as a whole remains closed to the public. The InRoads community room is available for rent. According to the latest South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce newsletter, the chamber has organized six areas of chamber operations with committees. “Run by the volunteer Chamber Ambassadors, these committees ensures
Courtesy photo
that we are able to continue to offer services and support for chamber members while we are primarily volunteerrun,” the newsletter states, adding that the committees are managed by the board of directors. • Membership • Coffee and Commerce • Marketing • Education • Events • Building Use To reach the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, call 503-3970685.
City survey reveals areas of needed improvement STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
The results are in from the City of St. Helens Community Input Survey, conducted earlier this year, and the biggest area of improvement residents noted is for economic growth in the city. The growth of the city is one of several takeaways from the survey, which began at the State of the City event on Jan. 11 and closed on Feb. 29 of this year. St. Helens Government Affairs and Project Support Specialist Rachael Barry briefed city staff on the other takeaways on the survey at a city council work session on Aug. 19. A memo attached to the survey takeaway presentation notes that city residents have not been surveyed by the city in recent memory. The same memo outlines key areas where the city wanted to know more of residents’ concerns, including community expectations of city leadership, what residents think of city services, whether residents think the city is heading in the right direction, and how residents want to engage with the city government. The survey was conducted through both electronic and physical methods. A poster with a QR code for residents to participate via phone was made available at all city facilities, on utility bills, on the South County Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, the senior center, and other locations. Participants also accessed the survey through the city’s website, on Facebook, Twitter, a newsletter email list, the St. Helens
Recreation Center and the St. Helens School District. Barry said that 645 people responded, which comprises 5% of the population. For the areas of improvement, 49% of respondents had negative views on how the city promotes the economic health of the city. There were also noted areas of improvement in managing for future growth in the city, and for city leaders to listen to and inform residents. During the meeting, Barry said there was an opportunity for the city to lean on its partners to promote the economic health of the city. “We have a lot of work to do and the city council does know that,” Scholl said. “We encourage people to participate. We do try to do a lot of that on social media. We have a lot of planning that people don’t know about. If they started asking or reviewing, they would know a lot more.” Barry said popular channels of communication with residents include social media, the local newspapers, the city’s website and newsletters or brochures. Areas where residents were most satisfied included the quality of police services, with 91% of residents reporting no negative feelings, the St. Helens Public Library, especially the customer service, collection and programs offered, and the recreation program, with Barry reporting residents say that they “feel they get a good value.” Councilor Ginny Carlson said she would like to sit down with Barry on some of the areas and brainstorm ways to approach some of the takeaways.
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Walsh described the survey as a benchmark, that will be more meaningful when done again. “We’re not really measuring it against anything else, this is really just a first cut,” Walsh said.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Possible public service center
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
The St. Helens Police station is located at 150 S. 13th Street and could evolve into a public service center. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Efforts to develop a new police station in St. Helens are now evolving into a larger project. According to a release from the City of St. Helens, the project is now being described as a public service center. “There is now an opportunity to realize community aspirations of improved safety and livability by bringing our station up to current standards, co-locating police and court functions, and incorporating community space in a new public service center,” the city release reads. City officials have been in the process of replacing the existing police station at 150 S. 13th Street, saying it is too small and outdated. “Our current police station was built in 1971, close to 50 years ago, and is 2,200 square feet,” the release states. “The current facility does not have space for training, briefing or confidential interviews. The locker room and evidence storage spaces cannot accommodate current best practices in policing.”
In February, city councilors selected the intersection at Kaster Road and Old Portland Road for the site for a new police station. Costs and designs have yet to be developed and finalized for a new police station. The City of St. Helens release, issued late Monday, Aug. 24, said applications are being taken from interested persons in the community who would like to volunteer to serve on the new St. Helens Public Safety Facility Ad-Hoc Committee. The committee will meet monthly or as needed. The work of the committee will focus on our growing community’s need for a modern public safety facility. A key responsibility will be to solicit and share feedback about current public safety services with the city council and the broader community. The work of the committee will be closely tied to the city’s strategic work plan, specifically Goal 3: A Livable and Safe Community. Read more about the city’s goals and strategic plan at thechronicleonline.com. “It is the desire of the city to recruit individuals who can commit the time and energy to assist in championing
our public safety system and community livability, think critically about financing options for a public facility, represent the City of St. Helens, its police Department and municipal court in a positive and professional manner, and work as a team to accomplish complex tasks,” the release states. The committee was created by the city council, which will appoint the committee members. The committee is tasked with advising the city council in direction and finance pertaining to a new public service center to house the police department and municipal court. Anyone interested in volunteering time to serve on the ad-hoc committee should download an application by going to www.sthelensoregon.gov/forms and return the completed form to City Hall, Attention: Kathy Payne, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. If you have any questions or would like an application mailed/emailed to you, contact Kathy Payne, City Recorder, kathy@ci.sthelens.or.us or call 503-3668217.
Oregon Equestrian Trails volunteers Thank you for the tribute to non-profit organizations (August 12, 2020). Not enough attention is paid to how the citizens of Columbia County fulfill their civic duty not only by voting but also working to make a special place to live and visit. I like horses and horse people, so I have joined the Columbia County Chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET). OET is a 501.C(3) statewide organization with the mission of establishing and maintaining recreational trails and horse camps, working to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational equestrian use, teaching “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics and linking equestrians together. Chapters around the state work with federal, state and county land managers in projects that express that
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mission in dirt, steel, wood and water. Here, the Columbia County Chapter works mainly with the County Parks Department. For more than two decades, the members of this organization have helped maintain trails at the County’s Camp Wilkerson which has downed trees and understory growth every year and some clear-cut tree harvesting along the way. The labor of members’built information kiosks, a picnic shelter, an ADA mounting ramp, corrals, helped with the new bathroom and water system in the camp sites, and built a bridge. Before the establishment of the CZ Trail Committee, OET members patrolled the newly established county trail. The Columbia County chapter of OET has maintained trails and performed clean-up at Dibblee Point even before it became a park. Now this organization is
ready to begin the process of replacing the wooden corrals of 12 years ago with steel fencing and developing horse friendly amenities at Dibblee Point Park. Both these projects are in line with the objective of making Columbia County a stronger economy by attracting recreational travelers. The use of the Horse Camp sites at Camp Wilkerson is documented in the reservation system and host record. For other people who like horses and horse people, the club meets the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Warren, maintains a Facebook page at “Oregon-Equestrian-TrailsOET-Columbia-County-StHelens” and invites everyone to once a month workday. Thank you for helping me applaud the dedication and hard work of this group in our wider community. Susan Wellington is a resident of St. Helens.
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Viewpoints SUSAN WELLINGTON Chronicle Guest Column
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The UK Daily Mail reported on 23 August that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham revealed on Fox’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” stating newly released documents show the “ultimate double standard” exercised by the FBI in treatment of the Clinton Vs. Trump campaigns. Facts now in evidence show that Clinton was clearly advised of a foreign country’s interest in influence through donations and other means so she could protect herself. No such clear warning was offered to Trump. In fact, the suspicion dubbed “insurance policy, crossfire hurricane” was used to get FISA clearance to spy on the inner workings of the Trump campaign morphing into a 3-year probe (which ultimately used up more headline ink than Watergate). For related background, during the 2012 election the IRS crippled fund-raising efforts of Patriot-Tea Party groups by slow walking their requests for 501-c status. The IRS was found guilty and
fined $5 million. Former head of the IRS Lois Lerner who repeatedly took the 5th during sworn testimony was allowed to retire with full benefits. FBI partisans like “agent in charge” Peter Strzok could expect similar nonthreatening treatment should he be caught weaponizing the FBI. The FBI’s “Ultimate Double Standard” was interference far more outrageous than the expected election day initiatives of foreign governments. Where are the indictments? Wayne Mayo Scappoose
Salmon plan concerns The feds’ new salmon plan ignores climate science and hot water caused by the dams. Washington, Oregon, and the Environmental Protection Agency have said the Snake River becomes too hot for wild salmon in the summer and that dams are the biggest contributor to that problem. The federal agencies ignore
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this problem in their “new” Snake-Columbia salmon plan. Hot water in the reservoirs behind the dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers during the summer months is killing salmon. You can see detailed graphing of these rising temperatures, which once surpass over 68 degrees Fahrenheit become increasingly deadly to salmon and steelhead, in Save Our Wild Salmon’s annual Hot Water Reports. With climate change steadily warming the waters in the Columbia and Snake Rivers, we need to provide salmon a cooler, faster journey between their home rivers and the sea. Removing the four Lower Snake dams will allow more salmon and steelhead to return to cold, healthy streams and rivers in the Snake basin. Sadly, the Trump Administration’s salmon plan does not call for real river restoration. We need leadership on this issue. We need Congress to step up, bring stakeholders together and develop a solution to this crisis that can restore salmon and meet the needs of the region. Breanne Lee Pacific City SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in/out county: $8 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80 $3 senior discount for yearly sub
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State jobless rate dips STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Streets get fresh striping Crews are re-painting the white caution lines along streets in St. Helens as annual maintenance work
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
City crews are re-striping the streets as part of the annual summer maintenance. “We re-stripe the roads annually as normal maintenance,” City of St. Helens Communications Director Crystal King said. St. Helens crews keep a five-year running average, but since the new average totals aren’t compiled yet, the average numbers from the last five years are:
• 4” yellow (centerlines, solid lines and “skips”): 94,000 linear feet, about 17.5 miles • 4” white (fog lines, lane divider “skips”): 59,500 linear feet, about 11.1 miles • 8” white (bike lanes): 56,500 linear feet, about 10.5 miles King said the city’s contractor only counts linear footage of the actual painted stripes, not the length of roadway. The roadways are striped annually. “It is paid by the total linear footage painted,” King
said. “This typically costs approximately $18,000.” The painting is specialized for both day and night vision, according to King. “When the paint is sprayed, it is mixed with tiny reflective beads so that the lines show up at night when headlights shine on them,” King said. The while lines are designed to guide drivers and to help traffic move smoothly. The re-striping follows crosswalk maintenance conduced by the city crews in April.
Tossing smokes, reckless burning
Courtesy photo
Throwing away of lighted matches, cigarettes, and other materials is prohibited under Oregon law. STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
As Oregon moves into its second week of a declared wildfire State of Emergency, officials are urging everyone to know Oregon’s laws about fire prevention. Large wildland fires are a part of living in the Pacific Northwest during the summer months. Wildland fires are dangerous, costly, and have a severe impact on air quality, according to a release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. “Our partner agencies in the fire service do a great job of providing public information about burning and outdoor recreation restrictions to keep us all educated and safe, the release reads. “Despite their best prevention efforts, firefighters are still called upon to extinguish human-caused wildland fires all over the state.” Discarded cigarettes are a frequent cause of wildland fires along roadways,
according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Even if the discarded cigarette does not start a fire, throwing them out of the car is still a crime under the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS). Throwing away of lighted matches, cigarettes, and other materials is prohibited under Oregon. ORS 476.715 reads, “No one shall, at any time, throw away any lighted tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, matches or other lighted material, on any forestland, private road, public highway or railroad right of way within this state.” This crime is a Class B misdemeanor and applies year-round. Offensive Littering Oregon also has an offensive littering law. According to ORS 164.805, “Discarding or depositing any rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or other refuse upon the land of another without permission of the owner, or upon any public way or in
or upon any public transportation facility” or “Permitting any rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or other refuse to be thrown from a vehicle that the person is operating.” This crime is a Class C misdemeanor and can apply to the person who threw out the cigarette and to the person operating the vehicle.
Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 10.4 percent in July from 11.6 percent, as revised, in June, according to Oregon Employment Department researchers In July, Oregon’s unemployment rate was very close to the U.S. unemployment rate; the U.S. rate dropped to 10.2 percent in July from 11.1 percent in June. Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 20,500 jobs in July, following a gain of 57,000 jobs in June. Over the past three months, employers added back 38 percent of the jobs that were cut in March and April. Over-the-month job gains in July were largest in leisure and hospitality (+7,300 jobs);government (+5,700);retail trade (+3,600); health care and social assistance (+3,100); and professional and business services (+1,900). Meanwhile, three of the major industries cut a substantial number of jobs in July: construction (-1,900 jobs); manufacturing (-1,500); and information (-1,200). Over the past five months the major industries were impacted differently by
less than a third of jobs lost during March and April. These industries include construction; financial activities; private education; professional and business services; and transportation, warehousing, and utilities. One-time payments
On July 14, the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board approved $35 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Fund money to provide one-time $500 payments to Oregonians facing hardships during the pandemic. The payments were for those qualifying Oregonians who had filed unemployment claims but had not received any, or all the funds they were owned. The financial relief was distributed by several Oregon credit unions beginning Aug. 19 and the payments ended Aug. 21 when the money ran out. “After just two days, the program delivered payments to nearly 40,000 eligible Oregonians,” Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek said. “On the first day of the program, 62% of the $500 payments went to zip codes outside the Portland Metropolitan Area.”
Parents urged to get children immuSTAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Parents are understandably nervous about taking their children and teens to their doctors’ offices right now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, children in Oregon are falling behind on their childhood vaccinations, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the OHA wants to work with families to ensure this pandemic is not followed by an increase in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases or a preventable outbreak. “How students attend school is changing because of COVID-19,” OHA school immunization coordinator Stacy de Assis Matthews said. “We want to make sure students are fully vaccinated, so they are protected in whatever form their school looks like: in a classroom,
SCHOOL From Page A1
Reckless Burning People found reckless burning also face penalties. ORS 164.335 states, “A person commits the crime of reckless burning if the person recklessly damages property of another by fire or explosion.” This crime is a Class A misdemeanor. Despite being a criminal act, discarded cigarette butts detract from the natural beauty of our area. Discarded cigarettes can contain chemicals and carcinogens that are harmful to animals and the environment. Read more about Oregon’s wildfire State of Emergency on page A1.
the pandemic. Leisure and hospitality suffered by far the largest job loss during March and April, shedding 118,700 jobs during the outset of the pandemic-induced drop in business. Then, between April and July, the industry regained half of the loss, as it rebounded by 58,900 jobs over the past three months. Three industries regained more than half of their lost jobs. Health care and social assistance regained two-thirds of its lost jobs, with a rebound of 18,700 jobs over the past three months. During that time, two industries regained nearly two-thirds of their lost jobs: other services (+9,300 jobs, or a 63% rebound) and retail trade (+13,900 jobs, or 62%). However, several key industries experienced substantial job losses in March and April but have not rebounded substantially or have even declined further over the past three months. The following industries shed jobs between April and July: government (-5,200 jobs); manufacturing (-3,100); and information (-1,900). Most of the other major industries have regained fewer than 5,000 jobs each over the past three months while regaining
Courtesy photo
“Our infection rate is still too high to get all of our kids safely back into our classrooms in most of our schools this fall,” Gov. Kate Brown said.
strategies will work,” Brown said. “Either one will drive down the spread of the virus quickly. Either one gives us a fighting chance to open in person instruction in education throughout much of the state later this fall. But one path has a far greater cost than the other.” Brown stated that closing business can control the virus, but also comes at a great cost as Oregonians would
in a small group cohort, or online at home with their family.” Families have the power to protect their children against serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Parents should talk to their child’s doctor or nurse about whether they have missed any routine vaccines, according to the OHA. Before rescheduling any upcoming childhood vaccination or well visit appointments, parents are urged to call the child’s health care provider to find out if the appointment can remain as scheduled and what precautions are in place to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. Many health care providers’ offices are taking special precautions, such as ensuring children who are well are kept separate from sick children. Many providers are limiting the number of people who can go with a child to their appointment and are taking temperatures of
lose jobs, income and create economic costs that may have physical and mental health consequences. The state is instead urging elected officials and business leaders to take the lead. Brown asked local officials to tighten enforcement by completing more business inspections and using creative ways for shutting down large gatherings, where OHA reported they’ve seen sources of infections. “I’m here to deliver a message to local elected officials, local community leaders and business leaders and to every single Oregonian,” Brown said. “Now is the time to step up even further.” Current Transmission Rates For the second straight week, cases statewide have declined, said Allen. OHA has reported a seven percent drop from the previous week and the total number of deaths dropped from 39 to 31. The percentage of positive tests has leveled off at 5.4 percent and hospitalizations dropped from 143 to 115. Allen also noted that the state has secured an agreement to add over 20,000 tests to their weekly capacity. Testing kits will be sent to qualifying laboratories
all family members before allowing them into the building. Some providers are providing drive-up vaccine programs. With so many people out of work and without health insurance, it’s important to know you can still keep your child safe. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers free vaccines to families who cannot afford to pay for their children’s vaccines. Call 211 to find out more about VFC. If your children need health insurance, they may be eligible for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). It is open to all children and teens younger than 19, regardless of immigration status, who meet income and other criteria. Trained community partners across the state can help you fill out an application. It’s free. Visit http://www.OHP. Oregon.gov to find community partners in your area.
across the state, which will speed up results and create more capacity as needed. “We’re making a difference in stemming the tide against COVID-19 in our communities,” Allen said. “But the virus remains prevalent across the state of Oregon and it’s a risk to everyone. We’re on the right track, now we need to step on the gas.” Oregon has stabilized at roughly 300 cases per day, according to OHA. Brown would like to see that number decrease to roughly 60 cases per day in order to open classrooms for childcare and K-12. Sidelinger noted that the current transmission rate is at one, meaning one person is infected per each positive case. The goal is to get the transmission rate down to 0.75 percent, meaning less than one person is infected per each positive case. “While our COVID-19 data shows that we are doing better than many other states, the virus continues to be a significant threat to our communities and we are not close to keeping the infection rate level we need to reopen schools across Oregon,” Sidelinger said. All three state officials stressed the importance of following the health guidelines so further restrictions won’t be necessary. “If we cannot improve our trajectory over the rest of the month by increased compliance of our already existing policies and guidelines, unfortunately, I will need to add more restrictions,” Brown said. “When it comes to controlling the virus, we have the tools. We need you, we need everyone, to use them.” Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com with in-depth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Obituaries Nathan Donald Helwig
Melvin Joseph Setvin
Dec. 12, 1960 ~ Aug. 10, 2020
Nathan Donald Helwig, age 59, died of undefined cancer on Aug. 10, 2020 in his home in Woodburn surrounded by his family. Nathan was born in Portland and was a son of two teachers. He grew up with his older brother Bill in Monmouth, Tillamook, Canby and Milwaukie. He learned many skills working at the Tillamook County Fairground during his high school summers. He played football for his alma mater, Rex Putnam High School, in Portland before attending college (pre-med) at O.C.E. The first week in Monmouth, he met his future wife Tiersa. Nathan pursued a nursing degree from Good Samaritan Nursing School and after he and Tiersa were married Aug 18,1984, he began his career as a Mental Health Specialist at Cedar Hills Hospital. His adolescent psychiatric nursing continued at Holiday Park, Seventh Day Adventist and Legacy Emmanuel Hospitals. The couple moved from Hillsboro to the home they built on Lindsay Lane in Warren. Working nights allowed Nathan to take care of his growing children, Spencer and Kacy. He was an active dad in the school PTAs, helping with field trips, cookie days, lice checks and McBride Fun Runs. His passion for kids, schools, and teachers, lead him to run and be elected twice to the St. Helens School board, twice serving as Chairman. Nathan delighted in team endeavor. He enthusiastically
supported the St. Helens band and was often found at their practices and competitions. He loved designing and building props for marching shows and being the official driver of the band equipment trailer. As his children, Spencer and Kacy pursued Drum Corps, Nathan sat on the board of the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps for several years and drove their cook trailer across country for their 2009 tour. Nathan was a member of the Portland Football Official Association, refereeing high school and junior high football for 26 years for the metro area schools. While he enjoyed being Umpire, he knew all positions, often whitehatted, served as President on the association’s board and was part of the education team coaching new officials. He also was welcomed as a guest official by the Blue Mountain Football Official Association for a season. Nathan loved any kind of construction project, whether his own or those of others. He
remodeled much of his own home, loved designing and building decks and ponds. He also loved crabbing, watching movies, camping, and playing cribbage. Nathan and his wife moved to Woodburn six years ago to be closer to his children, brother and dad. During this time, Nathan continued in his position with Legacy Portland Health as a Principal Trainer Clinical Informatics Specialist. His later career brought him to oversee Epic Training in Silverton, Woodburn and on special assignment in Hermiston. Nathan loved his children fiercely and his biggest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, Corin (4) and Ember (2) - Spencer and Megan’s kids - and Shana, - Kacy and Thad’s one year old. He said that they are what kept him grounded. They were also his biggest heartbreak knowing he was to leave them, as he faced his cancer diagnosis just one month before his death. Nathan is predeceased by both of his parents and was cremated at Omega Funeral and Cremation, in Portland. A ZOOM celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept 12, 2020. Please see Facebook or inquire at NathanHelwigFamily@gmail.com for the specific link and time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers you support a charity of your choice, or your own family in some way with something special and tell them about it at this same email address.
Vernon Clifford Hanson May 21, 1928 ~ July 7, 2020
Vernon Clifford Hanson passed away peacefully, with his son Cortland by his side, at the age of 92 on Tues., July 7, 2020 at Avamere St. Helens. Because of the COVID-19 virus, a private grave side service was held at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery for family and an outdoor Celebration of Life at the home of Cortland and November Hanson. Vernon was born at home May 21, 1928 just outside of Elk Point, South Dakota on the family farm. He was the third child of Herman Hanson and Christine Bottge Hanson. His siblings were Eileen Hanson Donnelly and Russell Hanson. Vernon served in the U.S. Army from 1951 – 1953. He was a Corporal stationed in Austria. He completed his service in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1957. Vernon married the love of his life Mary Elisabeth Ann Kalstad on Jan. 12, 1955 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Elk Point, South Dakota. They were married for 58 years before her passing in 2013. They had eight children between 1955 – 1969 (three
girls and five boys) as follows: Clarinda Hanson White, Cortland Hanson, Charlton Hanson, Creighton Hanson, Corinne Hanson, Craylon Hanson (passed away in June 2019), Cornell Hanson and Carla Hanson Villlatoro. They also had 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In 1956, Vernon and Elisabeth moved to Oregon. During his career Vernon farmed and worked in paper mills while owning and remodeling rental houses. In the last 15 years before retiring, he had his own business as a handyman and doing lawn maintenance. Vernon was active in the
Orlon R. Beem
First Lutheran Church of St. Helens which he attended for 61 years. His church was not only a place of worship, but it is where he made his dearest and closest friends. They gave him great solace after the death of Elisabeth and during his time on hospice care. Vernon wanted to be remembered as a “kind man” who had faith in God. His outgoing personality, desire to have fun and ability to make emotional connections with people made him a wonderful husband, father and friend. Although our hearts are heavy and he is greatly missed, we imagine him joyful and happy in heaven with his wife Elisabeth, his parents, Herman and Christine, brother Russell and sister Eileen and his son Craylon. We like to think of him dancing once again. May he rest in peace and joy. Many thanks to Avamere St. Helens, Signature Hospice Care and his personal care assistant Julie Westwood. The love and tender care that he received in his elderly years is greatly appreciated by his family.
Aug. 24, 1940 ~ July 29, 2020 Orlon R. Beem passed away on July 29, 2020.
Dec. 31, 1924 ~ July 15, 2020 Melvin Joseph Setvin passed peacefully at his home on July 15, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was ninetyfive years old. Born to Joseph and Eleanor Setvin of Scappoose, Oregon, Melvin was raised there with his three older sisters, Lois, Jeanne, and Maryanne. He graduated from Scappoose Union High School in 1942. In 1944 Melvin enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 10th United States Army and stationed in Okinawa Japan during World War II, where he was assigned bugle boy to Lieutenant General Simon Buckner Jr. While in Okinawa Melvin played trumpet in an Army stage band and reminisced often about his experiences playing for the troops with such an accomplished group of musicians in a wartime atmosphere. After his honorable discharge in 1946, Melvin returned to Scappoose where he subsequently met and married Mary Eleanor Murgic in June 1948. Married seventytwo years, they raised three children together in addition to building their own home literally from the ground up.
Melvin attended the University of Portland and received a Bachelor of Science degree in General Engineering in 1950. After a brief stint as a surveyor, he accepted a professorship at the University of Portland teaching in the School of Engineering. In 1956 Melvin accepted a position as a civil engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers, North Pacific Division. He remained with the Corps until his retirement in 1986. Melvin worked on many interesting projects; most notable among his achievements included the design of the Chief Joseph and Bonneville powerhouse structures on the Columbia River, during which time he was the Head of the Structural Section of the Hydro-Electric Design Branch of the Corps. One of his last projects was the design for the sediment retention structure installed in the Toutle River Valley after the Mt. St. Helens volcano eruption. When his schedule allowed, Melvin enjoyed hiking on Mt. Hood and water skiing with family and friends. He purchased a small farm and enjoyed the role of gentle-
man farmer. He never lost his passion for music and could easily be distracted by the sound of a good swing band! His trumpet, almost as old as he was, stayed among his possessions to the end of his days. Upon his retirement in 1986 Melvin became a fulltime farmer. He also enjoyed riding his bicycle several miles a day. He signed up as part time caregiver when needed for his grandchildren and was even known to change a diaper or two! The family is grateful Melvin’s two oldest great grandchildren, Cooper and Adi, were able to know and remember “Papa”. Melvin is survived by his wife Mary; son Gary (Marcy); daughters, Janean (Guy) and Jody; grandchildren, Trevor, Barbara, Erynn and Ben; great grandchildren, Cooper, Parker and Adi; and sisters Jeanne Shoemaker of Scappoose, Oregon and Maryanne Harth of Portland, Oregon. “Life, if well lived, is long enough.” Well lived Melvin Joseph Setvin. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.
Jayson Allen Green
Aug. 27, 1983 ~ July 2, 2020 Jayson Allen Green was born in Portland, Oregon on Aug. 27, 1983 to Bradley A. Green and Carol L. Green. He passed away in Longview, Washington on July 2, 2020. Jayson went to school in St. Helens, Oregon and graduated in 2002. He was a tattoo artist and musician. He worked at several shops and had his own shop in Rochester, Washington. He had played with the band Set in Stone. He enjoyed music (guitar), drawing and gardening.
He was a loving, caring, and outgoing young man. He
was goofy and loved to make people laugh. Jayson was a people person and he would help anyone. He is loved by all that met him. He was preceded in death by his father Bradley Green. He is survived by his mother Carol Green; brother Tyler Green; beloved dog Fender; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins; and many friends. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2020 at 35010 Hankey Rd., St. Helens, Oregon. This will be held outside.
Jeff Humbird
May 30, 1958 ~ Aug. 13, 2020 Jeff Humbird, 62, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a hardfought battle with cancer. Jeff was born on May 30, 1958 in Vancouver, Washington to Bob and Corrine Humbird. He lived in North Portland until 1971 when his family moved to St. Helens. After high school, Jeff moved to Tigard where he met his future wife, Tracey. They were married on Sept. 2, 1977. After their two children were born, their family moved to New Mexico, then back to Scappoose and finally St. Helens. Jeff had a great work ethic, working in the oil fields of Alaska and Texas. He also worked for many years as a millwright at Taylor Made products and finally being an owner of his own dump truck,
before retiring in 2009. Jeff enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and building things. He loved all animals and made sure his dogs, horses, cows, ducks, and chickens all had a good life. Jeff loved spending time with his family and looked
forward to the weekly family night dinners. But he never was more content than when he was with his grandchildren. Jeff loved the Lord and was a member of the Columbia River Baptist Church. He also enjoyed traveling with Tracey, taking several trips to Hawaii and Mexico. Jeff is survived by his wife Tracey; sister Betsy (Mat) Penziol; daughter Amy (Devon) Streed; son Jake (Kirsten) Humbird; grandchildren, Zachary, Colby, Parker and Bailey; and his faithful dogs, Cane, Nadia and Annie. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s name to the Columbia Humane Society is greatly appreciated. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com
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PANDEMIC
From Page A1
last seven days. However, Columbia County has more than 30% of cases not traced to known sources, according to Paul. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with COVID-19 are receiving follow-up from the county health department within 24 hours of being diagnosed, Paul said. Severe cases of COVID-19 are most common in the elderly, but Paul said any person of any age can develop severe symptoms if they have underlying conditions, like chronic kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or pulmonary disease. COVID-19 numbers have also been rising in congregate settings, like colleges and universities reopening and in nursing homes. According to Paul, 75% of colleges and universities are partially or fully online. “In the past week or two, schools have opened and then closed because of outbreaks at residence halls or clusters on campuses,” Paul said. The cases After a decline in cases at nursing homes, there has been a slight rise in cases, according to Paul. “Young people are increasingly driving case numbers, many of them are unaware they have mild or no symptoms and are less likely to mask. Nursing homes have really high death counts, it just takes one infected staff person or visitor. I want to encourage young people to help protect the community by following guidelines,” Paul said. New test On a national level, the Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization to the Yale School of Public Health for a new diagnostic test for COVID-19 which is saliva swab-based. However, according to Paul, the test is not yet available in Oregon. “It’s a step forward to make testing more accessible. Looks like the validity might be just as good as nasal swabs. That’s really good news in making testing more accessible,” Paul said. Recommendations to individuals in preventing infection have not changed in the last couple of months, Paul said. “Keep washing hands, keep your distance, keep masks on. We want people to mask to keep businesses open, the economy open. Learn about resources available on our website,” Paul said. Paul also said that he didn’t want people to delay medical care, and to use telemedicine for needed medical care, and to get needed dental care. More information concerning COVID-19 is available at the county website at: https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/CoronavirusDisease2019COVID19 and also at the OHA website at: https://www. oregon.gov/oha/erd/pages/covid-19-news.aspx. Follow daily pandemic reports at thechronicleonline.com with in-depth updates in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
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TILLAMOOK POLICE DEPARTMENT is accep(ng applica(ons for the posi(on of Police Officer, with a preference for cer(fied or cer(fiable candidates. Salary; $26.37 to $35.94 an hour with compe((ve benefit package. To be considered for this posi(on, applicants must complete a City of Tillamook employment applica(on; including a cover leHer and resume; par(cipate in the Na(onal Tes(ng Network’s wriHen and physical abili(es tests. To be considered for employment all applica(ons, cover leHers and resumes must be submiHed and all test scores must be posted to Na(onal Test Network by close of applica(on deadline. Deadline to submit applica(on packet and scores is September 4, 2020 at 4:00 pm. Applica(on, job descrip(on and current Union Contract are available online at www.(llamookor.gov or available for pick up at Tillamook City Hall, 210 Laurel Avenue, Tillamook, OR 97141 Any ques(ons, please contact Human R e s o u rc e s a t ( 5 0 3 ) 3 7 4 - 1 8 2 8 o r jchristensen@(llamookor.gov Tes(ng online at www.na(onaltes(ngnetwork.com E.O.E.
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Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
view classified ads in the chronicle and online at thechronicleonline.com
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Estate of Virgil & Syble Markus Saturday and Sunday September 29 & 30- 9 AM 59525 W Kappler Rd, St Helens Beginning the liquidation of years of accumulation. This will be the first of several sales. Former auctioneer and collectibles dealer mean a diverse collection of antique to modern stuff. Including:
• 2005 Chevy Tahoe • Hand and Power tools • Shop Shelving & Misc • Industrial Metal Band Saw • Household Furniture • Vintage & Costume Jewelry • Collectible Glass and Pottery • Vintage Picture and Wall Art
• 26’ Storage Trailer • 20’ Triple Axle Equipment Trailer • Hospital Bed • Home Health Medical Equipment • Western & Dressage Saddles • Lots of Misc Collectibles • General Household Items • Way too much to list!
Columbia County
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY www.thechronicleonline.com Waterman Garage Doors
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SALES, SERVICE INSTALLATION
Scott Waterman Owner
503.819.6715 St. Helens, OR 97051
Reach out to local customers Advertise your business in the Business & Service Directory. Call 503-397-0116 for more information
Chronicle and News/Ad Classified Ad Deadline is Monday by noon Ads received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be placed in that week’s issue. Call 503-397-0116 for more information
Get your ad in the paper and reach out to potential customers today. Call 503-397-0116 Classified Ads Deadline: Mondays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
A9
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Public Notices
Crossword Puzzle
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CH20-1477
CIRCUIT COURT OF OREGON FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY Estate of HELEN M. LINDBERG, Deceased. No. 20PB05685 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS ORS 113.155. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in ORS Chapter 115 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the
Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. All persons having claims against the estate must present them within four months after the date of the first publication of the notice to the Personal Representative at the address designated in the notice for the presentation of claims or 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 attorney for the Personal Representative. Date of First Publication: August 26, 2020. WANDA S. CORY, Personal Representative, PO Box 1543, Castle Rock, WA 98611. Attorneys for Personal Representative: MICHAEL A. CLAXTON (OSB #961375) WALSTEAD MERTSCHING PS, Civic Center Building, Third Floor, 1700 Hudson Street, PO Box 15459, Longview, WA 98632-7934, Telephone: (360) 423-5220 CH20-1473
CH20-1470
NOTICE OF CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON WORKSHOP Columbia County Fair COUNTY OF COLUMBIA The Board is holding a workshop on Thursday, September Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of Scott R. Ellarson, deceased. No. 20PB05491 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Sandra K. Ellarson has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four 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 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 August 19, 2020. MARK A. GORDON, P.C. Attorney for Personal Representative OSB #812424, 1677 St. Helens St., St. Helens, OR 97051. (503) 397-9066; mark@ markgordonpc.com
CH20-1479
Notice of Intent for Delivery of Deed of Conveyance ORS 93.285 This is a notice of Intent to enforce the contractual requirement for delivery of a deed of conveyance (“Notice”) for the following real property located in Columbia County, Oregon: Legal Description: see Exhibit A attached hereto Parcel: #8264-011991-19748 Tax Lot: #4N2W34-A0-00900 The Vendor to which this notice applies is Robert Santos Delorie per the Memorandum of Contract of Sale dated August 1, 2002 and recorded August 2, 2002 under fee #0210313 in Columbia County, Oregon. Final payment and performance by the Vendee Shawnda Reszel was
completed as of August 2, 2006. The Vendee wishes to enforce a contractual requirement for delivery of a deed of conveyance from this Vendor. The above Vendor of record, or their successors in interest of assigns, must submit an objection to this Notice within sixty (60) days after the final date of publication of notice required by ORS 93.285 (Z) (a) or within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date of recording of this Notice, whichever is later. An objection to the demand contained in this Notice must be sent to the following address: Shawnda Reszel, 57756 Adams Road Vernonia, Oregon 97064.
3, 2020 to take place at the fairgrounds pavilion at 6:30pm, 58892 Saulser Rd St Helens, OR. The public is invited as we are following social distancing guidelines, please bring a mask. CH20-1478
STATEMENT OF PROCEDURES AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW The statement of procedures for Columbia County are available for review at the Coumbia County Courthouse and the following libraries: Scappoose, Clatskanie, Rainier, Columbia City, St. Helens and Vernonia. CH20-1480
NOTICE OF TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING CCR Transit Advisory Committee will be held via GoToMeeting on Tuesday, Sep 8, 2020 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (PDT) To join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ join/839849765 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (786) 5353211 Access Code: 839-849765
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The Chronicle
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL
ACROSS 1. *Egg-like curve in math class 5. a.k.a. stand-up paddleboard 8. Not in good health 11. Flick part 12. *Roll ____ 13. Aerosol can emanation 15. On the mountain peak, e.g. 16. Arm bone 17. Grind down 18. *Proud jacket owner 20. Trident part 21. “Walking ____ ____” 22. Blazer or Explorer 23. Unit of money in Norway, pl. 26. Semiconductor additives 30. Farm layer 31. Agave alcoholic drink 34. Amos or Spelling 35. Analyze 37. Geisha’s sash 38. South Korean metropolis 39. Capital of Ukraine 40. T.S. Eliot’s “Old ____’s
Book of Practical Cats” 42. Get firm 43. Temporary 45. Table linens 47. Where bugs are snug? 48. Nostradamus and such 50. Type of rich soil 52. *Where one graduated 56. Boatload 57. *Chemistry classrooms 58. Lake in Scotland 59. Arabian chieftain 60. Corset rod 61. Encore! 62. Former Chinese leader 63. “____ the ramparts...” 64. Arctic jaeger DOWN 1. *Type of spoken test 2. *Class president candidate wants it 3. Loads, two words 4. Greek money 5. Game ragout 6. Of #16 Across 7. Architect’s drawing 8. Used to eliminate wrinkles 9. Serve soup, e.g. 10. Sodium solution 12. Arrow poison
13. Establish, two words 14. *As opposed to public 19. Hostile force 22. “La” precursor 23. Shade of Dockers 24. Pine juice 25. Beginning of illness 26. *Valedictorian’s spot 27. Gallows’ rope 28. Comparative form of “true” 29. Muddy or sandy 32. *2020 classroom venue? 33. NCIS network 36. *GPA, technically 38. Ingratiating behavior 40. George Orwell’s Napoleon 41. On pins and needles 44. Grapevine news 46. Part of Old Testament 48. *Olden day notebook 49. Imprison 50. Dharma teacher 51. Three-layer cookie 52. “The Sun ____ Rises” 53. Pippin’s last name, “The Hobbit” 54. Boring hue? 55. Actress Perlman 56. Eric Stonestreet on “Modern Family”
Crossword Answers
www.thechronicleonline.com 503-397-0116 • 1805 Columbia Blvd.
Having a Garage Sale? Contact The Chronicle at 503-397-0116 or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net to get your garage sale in the classifieds. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Riverfront Trail: From dreams to reality
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
This paved path is part of the Rainier Riverfront Trail meandering along the Columbia River with the Lewis and Clark Bridge in the background. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole admits he is a dreamer. And Cole is seeing part of his dream for a natural trail system become reality. The Rainier City Council has also embraced Cole’s efforts to develop a trail system from the senior housing area in the city stretching along the river to the boat tie-up at 3rd Street. “We are in the phase of survey and easement acquisition,” Cole said, “and the next step is Requests for
Proposal (RFP) for the work needed to break ground and pave a walking path. Bank stabilization needs to happen as well.” Cole said his ultimate dream is a trail system that could eventually connect to Clatskanie along the Columbia River. “If we could get this trail to go all the way to Clatskanie and to Astoria that would be something,” Cole said. “These trails add enjoyment to people’s lives and helps their health. People love that kind of stuff. They enjoy the outdoors and
the river, so it’s not as crazy as it sounds.” Cole said such trail systems are also an economic boost to local communities. “It also adds economic value to whole regions if the ultimate project was done,” Cole said. “Right now we are just trying to complete the Rainier portion but nothing is good enough for us, the dreamers. It is all about what can make our region better and what little projects that we can do to add value to our lives.” Cole said the cost of the Rainier Riverfront Trial
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Public information markers have ben placed along the Rainier Riverfront Trail in Rainier.
system is still unknown but that the city would pursue grants and donations as funding options. During the Monday night, Aug. 17 Rainier City Council meeting, members agreed to reduce the number of volunteers serving on the city’s planning commission from seven to five in an effort to streamline the system, according to Cole, who said recruiting and retaining members has been challenging. “Planning is so important,” Cole said. “We want businesses coming into
FIRE From Page A1
Photo courtesy of Mike Weber
Bob Berg (#0 green Neon) and Ryan Potter (#10 Neon owned by Berg) are on their way to a one, two finish in the Aug. 15 Four Cylinder main at River City Speedway in St. Helens.
SPEEDWAY From Page A1
fun and it’s great that we can come out and here and race this year. Berg has an absolutely terrific sense of humor as he’s often seen smiling, laughing and thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere of camaraderie with his pit crew members and other drivers as well. “Earlier this year, I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to race at all,” Berg said “We don’t have as many cars participating as we normally do though because of the state mandated COVID-19 restrictions.” Berg, 56, owns three 1997 Dodge Neons that members of his Eaton’s Tire & Service Center sponsored team drive at the speedway. The father/ son duo of Jim Potter and son Ryan drive Neons in the Four Cylinder Division and also in Tuner Division events at the track. Track record Berg, a 28-year stock car racing veteran, had a terrific start when he won the Four Cylinder main in the July 12
CCRA season opener. Berg’s wife Tiffany also competes in stock car racing and she drove the Neon to a ninth place finish in the opener. In the following race July 18, Jim Potter drove a Neon to victory lane in the Four Cylinder main. A week later, Ryan Potter, 16, recorded his best ever finish by driving a Neon to a runnerup position in the Tuner main. Berg won the 20-lap Four Cylinder main Aug. 15, followed by Ryan Potter and Sharmaine Jobanek Jim Potter’s girlfriend, for an impressive one-two-three finish by the Berg racing team. In the last race Aug. 22, Bob took third place in the Four Cylinder main and Tiffany finished in 12th place. Berg won division titles in 2016 (Four Cylinder) and 2018 (Tuner Division), giving him the proud distinction as a two-time CCRA champion. Berg also won the 2018 Tuner Division Rookie-of-the-Year Award. Berg, a 1982 St. Helens High graduate, has operated his company Cozy Lawn Maintenance, for 29 years. Speedway season
The speedway’s 36th year of stock car racing has certainly been a rather unique and somewhat subdued experience for everyone at the Columbia County Fairgrounds facility. Under Phase 2 of Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s reopening plan, the track can have just a total of 250 people, including drivers, pit crew members and track employees. Unfortunately, no fans are allowed to attend races this year. Drivers will not earn points for any events, which means that for the first time in the track history, there won’t be any division champions this year. Nevertheless, drivers are enjoying some very competitive and exciting side-by-side racing while competing for a cash purse and trophies, which is similar to previous years at the track. An average of over 60 drivers have participated in each of the five CCRA events this year. The shortened season, which began two months later than usual in July, concludes with three more events on Sept. 5 and 6, followed by the Sept. 19 season finale.
adds complexity to wildland firefighting and operations to protect the health and safety of firefighters and Oregonians whose homes or businesses may be threatened by wildfire, according to Brown. “The wildfire season has escalated in Oregon this summer, and fire crews are working in extreme temperatures to keep homes and resources safe during this pandemic,” Brown said. “Given drought conditions and hotter than usual temperatures, Oregonians should be prepared for an intense wildfire season this summer.” Brown said she is committed to making state resources available to ensure crews have the resources they need on the ground and across the state. “I urge the public to use extreme caution and be mindful of fire restrictions to protect the beauty and bounty of our state,” Brown said. Pursuant to ORS 401.165 et seq, Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the imminent threat of wildfire. The Governor’s declaration authorizes the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal, in coordination with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, to
town and we need adequate members to do an efficient job.” The city council also received an update about the ‘A’ Street Improvement Project which is almost done. Cole said he is satisfied that the years-long project is what the city needed. “It totally meets my expectations,” Cole said. “The thing for me has always been safety. Cars and locomotives don’t mix.” Read more about the ‘A’ Street Improvement Project at thechronicleonline.com.
The council also reviewed the latest efforts to stop annual flooding from Fox Creek. “The yearly inspection of the culvert was conducted this past week,” Cole said. “The effort looks for any buildup of sentiment, if the creek still flows smoothly and if there is any blockage or collapse of the pipe.”
utilize personnel, equipment and facilities from other state agencies in order to respond to or mitigate the effects of the wildfire emergency. The Oregon National Guard will deploy firefighting resources as needed and in accordance with Operations Agreement Smokey 2020 throughout the remainder of the fire season based upon threat and resource shortfalls. Read how the Guard prepared for this special assignment at thechronicleonline.com. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s 2020 Fire Statistics as of Monday, Aug. 24, showed:
personnel, from Clatsop, Linn and Marion counties to California late last week. California made the request through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national state-to-state mutual aid system. The EMAC request is sent directly to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. The requests allow for the OSFM to mobilize resources through the OFMAS. The task forces are comprised of Oregon’s structural firefighting agencies, which provide structural firefighting and all-hazards assistance. “The Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System is poised to provide approximately 20 task forces quickly to areas throughout the state,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker said. “Given our current weather and fire conditions, we remain on standby should Oregon need resources; however, given that we are not currently mobilized on a conflagration and the need in California, we feel confident of our ability to provide assistance to our neighbors in this time.” Oregon’s structural firefighters mobilized by the OSFM were last sent to California to respond to multiple fires there in late October and November 2019, including the Burris Fire in Mendocino County, the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County and the Ranch Fire in Tehama County.
• 529 Human-caused fires • Acres burned: 3,333 • 140 Lightning-caused fires • Acres burned: 3,247 Oregon assisting California crews While no fire crews from Columbia County had been dispatched as of Aug. 24, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has mobilizing other Oregon fire resources to assist with the response to California wildfires. The Oregon mobilization follows the statewide emergency declaration on Aug. 18 by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in response to extreme temperatures and wildfires conditions. The OSFM sent strike teams comprising of 52
For more information about the Rainier City Council meetings, contact Rainier City Hall at 503556-7301.