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Fairgrounds shelters evacuees

Photo courtesy of Columbia County

The Columbia County Fairgrounds opened to shelter livestock and people displaced from Oregon’s wildfires.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Wildfires around Oregon have prompted hundreds of thousands of residents to evacuate from their homes and travel to safer locations.

The Columbia County Fairgrounds, located at 58892 Saulser Rd. in St. Helens, which had been serving as a shelter for farm animals, now shelters people as well.

Glenda Irwin and her family, including husband, son, two dogs, and farm animals, were some of those people. However, Irwin said, the Columbia County Fairgrounds is the

second location they had to evacuate to. At first, the family headed to Canby, before it, too, was evacuated.

It was around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8 that Irwin, from Molalla, Oregon knew she and her family, along with their farm animals, had to evacuate their home. Irwin got the evacuation signal on her phone, similar to how Amber Alerts are sent.

“We looked at it and it said Level 3, go now,” Irwin said.

There are three different levels for those facing evacuation in Oregon.

Level 1 means residents should “be ready” for a potential evacuation, monitor local media for further

Christine Menges / The Chronicle

These tents were set up at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens for people forced to evacuate their homes from regional wildfires.

information and start to gather personal items. Level 2 means residents should “be set” to evacuate and can choose to voluntarily evacuate at this point. Level 3 means residents must leave immediately and must not delay evacuating in order to gather personal items or protect their home.

Irwin said it was no time at all before they went from Level 1 to Level 3. Irwin said her husband had messaged her at work to say that they were at Level 1 and thought they were still at Level 1 when she got home.

“I have pictures on my phone of what it looked like going towards my

house and the sky was just so red. It was bad,” Irwin said.

The family had very little time to gather personal belongings. Irwin said they were throwing things haphazardly into the car, like the family’s file cabinet and clothes in a laundry basket. This all happened in 10 minutes, Irwin said.

With some help from Cowgirl 911, an Oregon animal evacuation and assistance group, Irwin was able to get her horses and sheep out of danger and bring them with her to Canby. Unfortunately, she had to leave some chickens and turkeys behind. Irwin still has no idea what has

happened to them, or her house.

“We’re still looking at our phones, trying to see what’s up there. We have friends that go up there every now and then,” Irwin said, but they haven’t heard from those friends in a while.

When the city of Canby went up to Level 2, Irwin was able to call someone to help her transport her farm animals to the Columbia County Fairgrounds the night of Thursday, Sept. 10. She and her family, three pet dogs and farm animals

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State begins road to recovery in wildfires aftermath MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Transportation

The quick moving Oregon wildfires left a path of devastation of over nearly 1 million acres. The latest figures show 10 fire-related fatalities and 22 missing persons.

After a week of fire fighting efforts across the state of Oregon, Governor Kate Brown said Oregonians have been pushed to their limits.

“It’s really hard for all of us to wrap our heads around the devastation that these fires have caused and the pain and the suffering that so many Oregonians endured over the past few days,” Brown said during a Monday, Sept. 14 press conference.

So far, the Oregon State Medical Examiner has reported 10 fire related fatalities and 22 missing persons.

Those statistics will continue to be updated daily.

The only way out of this crisis is through it and we’ll only get through it together. ~ Kate Brown, Oregon Governor

But on a positive note, Brown said fire crews are feeling optimistic with the current forecasted weather, which should provide help to their efforts as temperatures drop and winds subside.

Additionally, calls for assistance are

being answered and resource crews from all over the country and Canada have been coming to help.

“We expect structural fire fighting teams from North Dakota and Michigan to join our response this week,” Brown noted. “Michigan, California and Washington are providing resources to our emergency coordination center. Vermont and Nevada have reached out asking how they can help.”

Also, FEMA is on the grounds of Oregon assisting with response. Gov. Brown said she recently sent a letter

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City releases waterfront redevelopment report STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The City of St. Helens has released a preliminary report as it studies potential redevelopment of its waterfront property along the Columbia River and Multnomah Channel.

The Phase 1 Site Characterization Report for the Central Waterfront Property provides a foundation for continued investigation into the safety, environmental soundness, and economic viability of redevelopment.

The Central Waterfront Property consists of the City’s 50-acre

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wastewater treatment facility and lagoon. The centrally located lagoon discourages development at the waterfront and occupies space that could be used for amenities to support job creation and recreation that would benefit the St. Helens community.

Building on the site is possible but requires filling the lagoon and potentially relocating the wastewater treatment facilities. In 2019, the City began investigating the property in greater detail to assess whether the site could be redeveloped for public benefit in a safe

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See RIVERFRONT Page A8

Wildfire air quality concerns JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s wildfires caused the state to have the worst air quality in the world over the past several days, according to health officials.

Air quality advisories were posted throughout the state and in our area as

a rare east wind event sent the heavy smoke into Columbia County on Monday. The smoke lingered through Tuesday. Health officials encouraged people to take extra precautions to avoid the poor air quality. Forecasters said rain showers this week were expected to help clear the pollution.

The poor air quality forced some

businesses in St. Helens to temporarily close over the weekend and on Moday, Sept. 14, including Dutch Brothers Coffee and Burgerville Restaurant.

For insight into the wildfire smoke

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See AIR QUALITY Page A9

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST HUGE SAVINGS

Vol. 138, No. 38

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This photo shows the thick wildfire smoke along the Columbia River in St. Helens.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Back to School for St. Helens a 24-hour period surrounding a scheduled school day as described, students are reported as absent,” the message states.

Students and parents can expect the school day to look like a regular school day as much as that is possible, including live scheduled lessons and group discussions as well as pre-recorded lessons and activities.

Digital tools will make that all possible. All lessons, activities and communication will be on a single site hosted by a program called Canvas.

Students have also been supplied with Chromebooks.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The first day of school for all St. Helens School District (SHSD) students – including those enrolled only in the St. Helens Virtual Academy – is Wednesday, Sept. 16. This year, school is starting not in the classrooms, but virtually, due to COVID-19 precautions.

Those precautions involve Comprehensive Distance Learning, the label given to learning virtually, at home.

The learning style will be used across the district’s seven schools and 2,554 students – 619 in St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA), 146 in Columbia City Elementary, 276 in Lewis & Clark Elementary, 356 in McBride Elementary, 478 in St. Helens Middle School, 624 in St. Helens High School and 55 in Plymouth High School.

Below are some guidelines from SHSD to students and families from school principals compiled by SHSD Community Relations Specialist Stacey Mendoza.

Elementary School For SHSD elementary schools, students and staff will arrive virtually the first day of school for their daily Morning Meeting. According to a message from elementary school principals, the Morning Meeting is a strategy learned from Responsive Classroom training.

“A Morning Meeting has a particular goal of building community, trust, cohesion and preparation for the day ahead. During the Morning Meeting, students will greet each other by name, learn a little about their classmates and teacher, and set their focus for the day,” the message reads.

When the Morning Meeting is done, students will be allowed to take a short time away from the computer and take a break to refresh so they are ready to start their first lesson of the day.

“Elementary students will have two educational sessions, with a break for lunch and recess, per day that will last up to 2 hours total,” the message states.

During instructional time, teachers introduce new learning, assess current understanding, and provide small group and individual support.

Instructional assistants will also be on hand for small group work.

“Our synchronous learning day will end with a Closing Circle and Exit Ticket. Again, these are essential structures we use in elementary to solidify new learning, quickly fix misconceptions, and finish our learning community work in a positive and supportive way,” the message states.

When the synchronous part of the day is over, students will be able to join music

Photo courtesy of St. Helens School District

Staff at Columbia City Elementary School work on Comprehensive Distance Learning Plans for the upcoming school year.

or PE class and complete independent work assigned during the day, according to the message.

“Although we will not be working in our brick and mortar classrooms, for now, our virtual classrooms will have all of the crucial features of a robust learning environment: community, rigor, support, engagement, and, most importantly, joy,” the message states.

Middle School SHSD middle schoolers will also be in for a different beginning to the school year.

“Initially, our classes will focus on learning how to be responsible and effective distance learners,” the message states. “Teachers will start slow in the first week, being mindful to coach students through the login process, operating in a digital classroom, Zoom etiquette, and all the unique aspects of being involved in a distance-learning program.”

A few weeks later, school will move into more of a routine, according to the message.

“They will be learning new content and developing skills that will be valuable in their future endeavors. There will be successful moments and social struggles during distance learning just as we experience when we are in our school buildings. Our teachers and staff at St. Helens Middle School will be there to guide students and families through it all,” the message states.

St. Helens High School Students who attend St. Helens High School will log into ClassLink and select Canvas to access their courses at 8 a.m. the first day of school.

“Students who are in Cohort A will attend live Zoom class meetings during the first 30 minutes of each class following our Lunch 1 bell schedule. Students in Cohort B will complete classroom assignments online the first day and will have their first Zoom meetings on Thursday, September 17,” the message states.

In addition, SHHS

Leadership students have pre-recorded their Welcome Back Assembly and 9th Grade Assembly in order to encourage a start to the school year with school spirit.

“Links to these assemblies will be in student’s 1st period Canvas courses on Wednesday,” the message states.

Plymouth High School For Plymouth High School Students, the school operates on a quarter system, and during the first quarter, there will be Comprehensive Distance Learning within their Hybrid Plan until it is safe for students to return to school.

“Our students will attend regularly scheduled online classes every day, Monday through Thursday. Each day will have four 60-minute teacher-facilitated classes using Zoom as our platform,” the message states.

Fridays will be reserved for professional development activities for teachers, as well as collaborative staff meetings, updating grades and preparing classes for the coming week, according to the message from the school district.

“While teachers are engaged, students will be given the opportunity to catch up on an assignment from the week, work on a special project or learning activity assigned by their teacher,” the message states.

Counseling staff will also be regularly checking in with students.

St. Helens Virtual Academy Those who attend St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA) will have the most flexible schedule of all students.

“With no rigid bell schedule, one student might start school early, another student may sleep later, while a high school student might even work a job during the day and start school in the afternoon,” the message states.

The schedule allows for students to study subjects in any order and work at a pace that works best for them, the message states.

“Even though students will be working through an estab-

County Unemployment Columbia County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from June.

It was 10.2 percent in July, down from 11.4 percent in June. It was 4.5 percent the year before.

The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,493 unemployed and 22,224 employed in Columbia County in July.

The county’s unemployment rate reached a peak of 14.6 percent during the Great Recession. The statewide unemployment rate was 10.4 percent in July, and the national rate was 10.2 percent.

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 210 in July to 10,830 jobs.

Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes.

A loss of 450 jobs is normal for the month, but the county’s employment fell by only 240. The private sector shed 80 jobs, and government cut 160 jobs.

Private education and health services was down 50 jobs.

Trade, transportation, and utilities dropped 40 jobs.

Local government education shed 170 jobs over the summer break. Other industries had smaller changes.

July’s total nonfarm employment numbers show a loss of 910 jobs compared with one year before, a decrease of 7.9 percent. Most major industries lost jobs over the year, though losses

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

were concentrated in leisure and hospitality, which was down 360 jobs over the year.

Manufacturing managed to add 70 jobs compared with last year.

lished curriculum, parents will be their coach. They are there to help their child with their lessons, guiding them through the activities, helping to reinforce concepts, adding in bits of information, and answering questions as they rise,” the message states.

Students in the elementary years will need more help and guidance from parents, and then eventually learn to be more independent, the message states.

General Expectations School will look very different in the fall than it did in the spring of this year.

“In the spring, school districts were directed to provide pass no/pass grading and be flexible with attendance,” the message from the school district states. “The reasoning was schools and families did not have time to prepare for distance learning on such a short notice and Oregon Department of Education (ODE) did not want adult unpreparedness to impact students.”

That will change this fall.

According to the message, there will be attendance requirements and regular grading. Regular attendance will be required in either the Hybrid or SHVA. Attendance will be seen by participating in a video class, communication from the student to teacher via chat, text message or email, a phone call with the student, posting completed coursework to a learning management system, and turning in completed coursework on a given day.

“When there is no evidence of student interaction during

Challenges This year will come with its fair share of challenges as well. For example, the message states, it is possible not all students have been reached with the appropriate technology and internet access.

“We have supplied Chromebooks and set up digital hotspots throughout the community, yet we know we are not reaching all children.

We are finalizing agreements with Comcast and Verizon to provide internet or personal Wi-Fi hotspots for those that do not have internet access, but equipment is backlogged,” the message states.

To combat the problem, the school district plans to provide the services free or at a reduced rate to those that qualify. There still might be families that live beyond the reach of those measures, and in that case, the message states, the district will provide thumb drives or other digital media that can be transferred without the use of the internet.

Technology is not the only challenge.

“Another challenge we have faced as a district is the rate of change that has come with the pandemic. As the Oregon Department of Education adjusts to changing requirements and directives from Public Health and the Governor’s Office, we are forced to then adjust our school plans,” the message states.

Communication To communicate with students and families, the district will employ various measures, from newsletters, to direct communication from students’ teachers, to

district emails and press releases.

The superintendent will give updates at every board meeting on the district’s reopening status.

Determining whether or not to reopen schools is especially complex given St. Helens’ situation, according to the district message.

“We in Columbia County are considered rural, but Southern Columbia County’s proximity to the Portland Metro area essentially makes the St. Helens School District a suburban school district,” SHSD Superintendent Scot Stockwell said.

“With 80% of our families commuting to the Portland Metro area for work and 40% of our teachers commuting from the Portland Metro area to teach, the St. Helens School District must also monitor and meet the metric requirements for Multnomah and Washington Counties to open schools to in person instruction,” Stockwell said.

Final words The Chronicle also asked district officials to provide some last thoughts before school begins again.

“From our custodians and nutrition service staff to teachers and administrators, we all want nothing more than for school to resume as normal with children filling our schools and back to what we are all familiar with when we think of school,” the message states.

According to the district, staff have worked hard to design the best possible instructional program for students by looking at national models and best practices.

“Yet we know in our hearts that it isn’t what we believe is best,” the message states. “We believe in faceto-face instruction where we can nurture, teach and care for kids. Our staff have all been trained and are very skilled in this type of teaching and learning.”

The message also states that the year will be a learning experience; “School this year is all new to everyone, teachers and students alike, and there are going to be glitches and hiccups as we learn and grow together, yet before long we’ll all be running.”

Customer Appreciation Dinner Tuesday, October 6, 2020 Columbia County Fairgrounds • Drive-Through Dinner Free • Tickets Required • Pick-up Time Shown on Ticket Call (503) 397-1844 and press 8, or visit crpud.net/public-power to request your tickets.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2020

County beginning to meet metrics to reopen schools worth of metrics to reopen “Some people don’t get schools. Two more weeks – tested until they’re really in a row- of that will make it sick, or they learn now that possible to reopen. Paul said someone they were with Columbia County Public the county’s cumulative case over the holiday had a posiHealth Director Michael count remains at 135 cases tive case,” Paul said.

Paul has delivered some as of Sept. 9, with five new Paul said he has witpromising information cases reported in the last nessed during the pandemic concerning the pandemic: week. Paul said there are six that individuals tend to be Columbia County is beginpeople in the county who more vigilant about taking ning to meet the metrics for are currently infectious. steps to combat spread the reopening schools.

(As of Sept. 14, the more they feel the effects of In order to reopen county cases had increased COVID-19 in their commuschools, there are two to 144.) nity. Paul continud to urge metrics that must be met, There are also a few people to be vigilant, espeaccording to Oregon Health dozen people who have had cially going into the fall.

Authority (OHA) guideCourtesy photo a link to a positive case and Paul said he recomlines: a test positivity rate who are quarantining, and mended the usual guidance of less than 5%, and a case the public health department of getting a flu shot around count of less than 10 per provides daily monitoring to this time of year.

100,000. Both metrics must those people, Paul said.

“There are many places be met for three weeks in There has been one death offering free flu shots, Schiding. “We hope to grow a row in order to reopen so far, and eight hospitaliza- schedule now before the this work in the coming year schools. So far, Columbia tions, according to Paul. end of October,” Paul said. by engaging local businesses County has been faring well Other public health To close out his report, and showing them the rich on one metric, but not the indicators show positive Paul said the latest modelresources we have here in other. signs of heading in the right ing report released by the our community.”

According to data direction, Paul said. Of the OHA shows the state is In addition to funding, from the OHA, Columbia five cases that were diagmaking tremendous progPCC, along with other acaCounty’s test positivity rate nosed last week, the county ress in daily case numbers. demic, industry, and comhas always been below 5%. was able to trace all of them “Every new case is munity partners, provided However, the same data to a known case, and the generating one other case the interns with professional reveals that within the last county is also following up right now,” Paul said. “If development tools and five weeks, case count has with 100% of cases within that stays the same, case career and college prepararanged between anywhere 24 hours. The county is also numbers will continue to go tion advising. PCC’s OMIC from 15 to 30 cases per well below one percent of down to less than 150 cases Training Center Director 100,000. The week beginemergency department visits by the end of the month.”

Andrew Lattanner leads the ning Aug. 30, case count with COVID-like illness, college’s efforts in Columbia dropped to nine per 100,000. according to Paul.

Follow daily pandemic County and is on the CoPaul told the county Paul said it is still too updates at thechroniclelumbia Works organizational board of commissioners on early to tell whether or not online.com with in-depth committee.

Wednesday,3x2D Sept. 9, that the Labor 11-16-11 Cuts:Layout 1 Day 6/22/12 3:28have PM Page celebrations reports1 in the Wednes“Columbia Works is about new figures mean Columbia contributed to increased day print editions of The helping students explore County has met one week’s 11-16-11 3x2D Cuts:Layout 1 6/22/12 3:28 PM Page 1 spread.

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The Columbia Works EVEN SUNDAY sponsors are optimistic this & MONDAY summer’s program is only the start of more robust collaboration in the coming years.

“We want to see this program grow bigger for Columbia County, but also other high schools in the region,” Kirby said. “If we do our job right, the students will find inspiration here that will lead them on to further academic and employment opportunities.”

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Miguel Cruz testing the virtual reality software program.

Area students gain a win-win Columbia Works has celebrated the completion of its first cohort.

The pilot internship program allows Columbia County high school students to earn summer experience working at the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) R&D. The eight-week, paid internship is designed to help Columbia County high school students explore their interests and provide careerrelated learning experiences.

Columbia Works, which began on July 6, included nine high school aged students from Scappoose High School and the NAYA Many Nations Academy.

They worked with industry mentors to explore and develop digital tools, including augmented reality and virtual reality technology, robotics, and video production – skills that help provide training solutions to realworld challenges faced by advanced manufacturers.

“Columbia Works is a win-win,” Scappoose High School counselor and Columbia Works organizational committee member Aarin Pinkstaff said. “The students get to explore their interests while gaining hands-on work experience, and community partners benefit from bright local talent eager to contribute and learn.”

Grant Kirby, an associate professor at the Oregon Institute of Technology who also oversees OMIC R&D’s distance learning, helped manage the current Columbia

Works interns.

“The focus is to make a difference in the lives of each of these young women and men,” Kirby said. “We know that we are teaching them advanced skills they cannot yet find in academic settings, which we hope will inspire them to further their learning.”

Scappoose High School senior-to-be Anika Havlik said the internship provided her with mentorship while allowing her to broaden her skill set and prepare for life after high school in a creative and productive atmosphere.

“Developing technology for virtual reality software that can be used in today’s workforce has been such a unique experience that ties everything I’ve learned together,” Havlik said. “I have learned the basics of coding as well as other programs -skills that can be applied in a wide range of jobs.”

Columbia Works is the product of a three-year vision started by Pinkstaff, Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) STEM Hub Director Myronda Schiding, and St. Helens High School Counselor Carissa Chism.

This year’s pilot program was born out of a desire to connect local students with research and development and industry mentors at the OMIC R&D. Initial funding was provided by OMIC R&D, the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP), NWRESD, and the PCC Foundation.

“Our collective mission to inspire and prepare young people for exciting careers is very well aligned,” said

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Renewable fuels plant on track

Courtesy photo from Port of Columbia County

The biofuels plant will utilize this dock at Port Westward in Clatskanie.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

New information is emerging concerning plans to build a biofuels facility at Port Westward in Clatskanie.

NEXT Renewable Fuels President and Director Lou Soumas said it will be two more years before NEXT begins to hire a managing team. This is in line with what Soumas originally promised; that commercial operations would begin in 2022.

Soumas presented new details on the status of permitting, other hiring processes and next steps for the operation, during the Sept. 9 regular meeting of the Port of Columbia County.

According to Soumas, the plant site is properly zoned, but NEXT will have obtain a conditional use permit through the county as a final step before operations can begin.

Hiring is also in process for senior positions in design and engineering, according to Soumas. Next steps for NEXT include releasing a work order for dock evaluation work, which will be done in coordination with the port, according to Soumas.

The port approved the ground lease for NEXT in September of 2019. The

vote was controversial, with three commissioners, Larry Ericksen, Robert Keyser and Chris Iverson in favor of the lease, and two commissioners, Nancy Ward and Chip Bubl opposed.

With the ground lease approval, the port also approved a memorandum of agreement that stated that NEXT would not take advantage of any tax breaks from the Enterprise Zone where the facility is located. The agreement means that NEXT will pay property taxes from the beginning of operations.

NEXT Renewable Fuels is a corporation that turns recycled organic materials into biofuels, with up to 85% less greenhouse gas emissions, according to NEXT’s website.

The biofuels plant at Port Westward in Clatskanie is estimated to be an investment of approximately $1 billion.

Soumas has promised that the facility will result in approximately 200 local jobs.

Soumas also provided an update about the project during a Friday, Sept. 11 Zoom meeting of the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

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Opinion

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Thank you and farewell

Christine Menges CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Dear Columbia County, It has been an honor and a privilege serving all of you over the past one year and eight and a half months.

When I came to this town, I had no idea the community I would be reporting for would be full of so many stories to tell and so many good-hearted people to tell them for. I will forever be thankful to Country Media for taking on a cub reporter and for teaching me so much in the short time I was here.

My news stories have been numerous: from the Columbia County fairgrounds hosting evacuees from Oregon’s wildfires, to the Black Lives Matter protest, to NEXT Renewable Fuels finally signing a ground lease with the Port of Columbia County, to the air quality permits controversy with Global, to COVID-19 coverage, to the PCC Campus opening in Scappoose, to the myriad construction projects coming to St. Helens and the

farmers market in Clatskanie, I have covered so much of what’s been going on in the county. I have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.

My position as “watchdog” for the county has enabled me to become familiar with the various government organizations in the county and the politicians who run them. It’s clear to me that most elected officials here are hard-working and honest people who genuinely care about their constituents. St. Helens, Scappoose, Rainier and Clatskanie residents are lucky to have them.

But what I perhaps have enjoyed most of all has been interacting with all of the county residents and the care each one of you shows for your community. The care can be seen in collective actions, like the thousands of donations that arrived at the fairgrounds during the Oregon wildfires and the residents who turned out for The Columbia Theatre night after night in support when it was forced to shut down for COVID-19. It can also

be seen in individual actions, like the woman who delivered lunches to families when the pandemic began, or the couple who started their own pirate-themed ice cream truck without gaining a profit, or the local seamstresses who volunteered to make masks for businesses.

Excuse the cliché, but for a small community, you all have big hearts.

I hope you have enjoyed my reporting as well. It can be hard work putting together complex stories in a short timeframe, and I have tried my best to be as accurate as possible. I took my job as reporter very seriously, and always double-checked every fact. The articles you’ve read have been trustworthy, accurate, and as objective as possible.

As far as my future plans go, I plan to stay in journalism and take my reporting to even higher levels. Reporting in this community has given me leads, sources and most importantly, ideas for future stories. You may see my byline elsewhere in the near future if you follow other Portland-based media.

No matter where else my career takes me, though, I will always be grateful for my roots. There’s something about reporting for a local newspaper that gives you a firm foundation in journalism in the broadest sense, whether you’re talking about AP style, or how to contact a source.

And maybe someday my path will take me back to where I started: Columbia County and all the stories, large and small, you have to offer.

Sincerely, Christine Menges General Assignment Reporter

Qualifying jobless to receive additional $300 Qualifying unemployed Oregonians receiving state benefits could soon see an additional $300 relief payment.

The Oregon Employment Department has launched online self-certification for the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, a temporary emergency measure that gives an additional $300 per week to people out of work due to COVID-19 and who receive unemployment benefits.

To meet FEMA require-

ments, claimants seeking LWA benefits must certify that they are receiving unemployment benefits for COVID-19-related reasons.

Claimants can self-certify for LWA using the Online Claims System. Soon, certification may also be completed over the phone; however, the Oregon Employment Department officials strongly urge claimants to self-certify online if they can, to avoid long hold times and delays in getting through.

Oregonians automatically

qualify for LWA if they: • Have received unemployment benefits from July 26, 2020, through September 5, 2020; and • Self-certify they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Self-certification is a new step for claimants currently receiving regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Extended Benefits (EB).

programs, do yourself a favor and get a hold of Brad Witt’s office, his office number in Salem is 503-986-1431.

I’m amazed. A politician that actually works for the people.

improve our Oregon Health plan. He is a sports man, outdoorsman, angler, hunter and reloader. And an advocate for animals, wild and domestic.

He worked hard to stop the illegal trade in shark fins.

Brad is a genuine person who supports timber workers, hunters, and the needs of the majority of all Oregonians.

I have always believed that you don’t fix something that isn’t broken. Brad is far from broken; he is active and working hard in Salem for all of us.

His opponents may have signs up to fire him, but you don’t fire a man who works as hard for us as he does.

I’m “glad that we have Brad.” I hope you are as well.

community.

I hope that you will join me in supporting State Representative Brad Witt this November, because we need an advocate in Salem who understands that sustainable resource use and conservation go hand in hand. Brad is not just the co-chair of the Oregon Sportsmen’s caucus, he is an actual sportsman, who has spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and reloading.

As a hunter myself, I can attest to the fact that sportsmen are true conservationists.

He enjoys Oregon’s woods and rivers, and knows how important it is to protect them. When Brad recognized that Oregon had been targeted by poachers, he drafted and passed legislation to protect our wildlife. Brad also supports the 2nd Amendment and gun safety.

We need more level headed, commonsense leaders like Brad in Salem.

Voices of the Community Camp Wilkerson It is with great dismay that I heard of the suggested plan of allowing OHV rallies to be held at Camp Wilkerson.

I am adamantly opposed to such a plan. There are very few equestrian-safe locations remaining in our area.

Oregon Equestrian Trails, of which I am a member, has spent many, many hours and a significant amount of funds over the past twenty years developing and maintain Camp Wilkerson’s equestrian trails.

Those beautiful and peaceful trails will not be able to be returned to their present state once motorized traffic is allowed. Anyone who lives in this area can see how trails are affected by wheels – the deep ruts left cannot be returned to their natural state without repeated filling (as dirt settles again and again).

Once narrow, pristine trails are widened for race use they can’t be “unwidened,” either.

Once two-wheeled races

are allowed at Wilkerson, it will be a bell that can’t be unrung. People will bring their motorcycles there spontaneously on non-official weekends. Who do you expect to police the trails for unauthorized use?

The beauty of Wilkerson is absolutely irreplaceable for the many horseback riders, hikers, horse and non-horse campers and dog-walkers who use it presently. Greed must not be allowed to ruin one of our natural outdoor wonders. Camp Wilkerson’s trails must remain untouched by motorized vehicles.

Nancy Abell Rainier

I am amazed I visited The Chronicle office a couple of months ago to have a conversation with your staff about my complete frustration with the Oregon Employment Department and its lack of interest and dedication as to my attempts to file for unemployment.

I had been going through a challenging process, four and five phone calls a day to the state with nothing but busy or disconnected signals. I also sent emails to the state. I tried to use the online website three times but it kept kicking me out and freezing my computer. I even went so far as to mail registered letters.

Absolutely no response from the state of Oregon in four and a half months.

Your staff suggested I call Brad Witt’s office and see if they could help in some way to expedite the matter. After I called Brad Witt’s office, a representative from the State Unemployment Division called me. About a week later I went to my post office box and it was crammed with letters from the Oregon Employment Division and in those letters were 26 checks.

Brad Witt cares about the people of Columbia County.

If you are having a hard time with your unemployment or any issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as food or other assistance

Charles Schreiner St. Helens

A bit shocked A sign on Highway 30 caught my attention. It said in big red letters “Fire Brad Witt.”

I was a bit shocked and surprised to see the sign.

I have always appreciated Representative Witt and have never had a problem reaching him or people on his staff.

I have been and still am “Glad that we have Brad.” He has been there when people needed him.

Right now, he is working with the Oregon Employment Division to correct their failure to get people needed checks. He is a strong advocate for health care and has worked to protect and

Bill Eagle St. Helens

Support Brad Witt Brad Witt has my vote and has been a real source of support and inspiration for our

Tara Hicks Columbia County

Clarification: In last week’s Chronicle, an article incorrectly listed Tina Curry as the principal contractor of E2C Corp. Curry is the president of E2C Corp., which has a contract with the City of St. Helens. The Chronicle is happy to set the record straight.

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Obituaries Dolly Coddington White Aug. 9, 1933 ~ Sept. 6, 2020

Dolly Coddington White passed away peacefully at her home with her family on Sept.

6, 2020.

Dolly was born on Aug. 9, 1933 in Palco, Kansas where she completed grade school. She then moved with her family to Sandy, Oregon. From there the family moved to St. Helens, Oregon where she graduated from high school in 1951.

Dolly lived her life in St. Helens with her husband of 57 years Jim White, whom she married on Aug. 2, 1963.

Dolly worked many different places, but her favorite was Bill’s Men’s Shop, where she enjoyed social interaction and dressing her son’s and their friends for all of their formal and special events.

Dolly was an incredibly smart, funny, and quick-witted woman who enjoyed being an active part of her son’s lives, including cheering them on

in all of their sporting events and even coaching some! She truly was a team mom. She enjoyed spending time with her husband and family. She loved Christmas and could wrap the most beautiful present that you have ever seen. Dolly was an active lover of music and musical theater, attending many concerts and musicals with Jim

over the years.

Dolly is survived by her husband of 57 years James T. White; sister Judy (Ruben); sons, Scott (Tracey), Kelly, and Jay; grandchildren, Erica, Scotty (Kassy), Ashley, Olivia, and Roger; great grandchildren, Kenzie, Dolly Alison, Evelyn, Ivy, and Lennox; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore Coddington and Olive Fesler Coddington; and her three brothers, Ted, Don, and Joe Coddington.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends to gather and remember Dolly and her place in our hearts. Please sign our online guestbook at www. columbiafh.com.

Gary R. Eaton

Bettelynn Bartlett

April 3, 1936 ~ Dec. 19, 2019

Wayne Lee Bartlett, age 84, passed away in St. Helens, Oregon, on Aug. 31, 2020.

He was born in Minden, Nebraska on Feb. 24, 1936.

His parents were Irene and Fay Bartlett. When he was six years old his family came from Minden to St. Helens.

BetteLynn Bartlett, age 83, passed away in Portland, Oregon on Dec. 19, 2019.

She was born in Clatskanie, Oregon on April 3, 1936.

Her parents were Elma and William “Bill” Kumpula. In her youth, her parents managed bowling alleys in Clarkston and Yakima, Washington, Lewiston and Mullen, Idaho, and in St. Helens after coming here when she was 15.

Wayne and BetteLynn married July 11, 1958 in St. Helens and were married 61 years.

Both BetteLynn and Wayne retired as schoolteachers in St. Helens, Wayne from the Senior High and

June 3, 1930 ~ Sept. 1, 2020 Gary R. Eaton was born on June 3, 1930 in Warren, Oregon. He passed away on Sept. 1, 2020 at his home in Warren.

Gary had lived his entire life in St. Helens and Warren. He was a graduate of Scappoose High School class of 1949. He was a member of the track and basketball team and went to state tournaments in 1949.

He started his career as owner of the Chevron Service Station in St. Helens and later of Eaton’s Tire Service for over 25 years. He was an active member of Plymouth Presbyterian

Church and was a former deacon. He served eight years on the Port Commis-

sion and was the last living charter member of the St. Helens Elks Lodge.

Gary is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley; sons, Rick (Evelyn), and Mike (Karen) of Sun City, Arizona; daughter Julie (Rick) of Lebanon, and son Terry (Diana) of Florence, Oregon; five grandchildren, Chris, Tyra, Corinne, Colin and Michael; two great grands, Kolby and Kylie; and two cousins, Ray Wallis and Linda Mueller.

Plans are being made for a gathering at a later time.

Tammy Gail Matthies

Sept. 5, 1966 ~ July 30, 2020 Tammy Gail Matthies was born on Sept. 5, 1966 and passed away on July 30, 2020. Her celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 19, 2020 at Warren Community Fellowship.

WILDFIRES From Page A1

to President Donald Trump asking to declare a State of Disaster in Oregon, which will free up even more resources for state officials.

Oregon is also working with the National Guard to distribute 250,000 N95 masks to agricultural workers and impacted tribes statewide as soon as possible. The masks will provide a certain level of protection to outdoor workers across the state.

“The smoke blanketing the state is a reminder that this tragedy has not yet come to an end,” Brown said.

Brown is encouraging everyone to donate to Red Cross and the Oregon Food Bank for victims of these wildfires. To assist recovery efforts, the state is asking three foundations:

Ford Family, Meyer Memorial Trust, and the Oregon Community Foundation, to help in the recovery efforts by kickstarting the 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund. Other organizations will also be encouraged to donate.

“We will have a long road ahead, but I’m so heartened by these foundations and all Oregonians that are coming together right now,” Brown said.

“The only way out of this crisis is through it and we’ll only get through it together.”

Fire Update Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Protection Director, Doug Grafe, also provided an update on progress at the Monday press conference. Grafe said the state has passed the east wind event that rapidly moved fires across Oregon and

they have had four days of good fire fighting conditions and continue making progress.

Although ODF was looking forward to forecasted rains early this week, Grafe said they’re now slated to fall sometime on Wednesday into Thursday.

Unfortunately, these rains could bring thunder storms on east side of state, which could cause new fire starts.

“It’s kind of a mixed bag relative to the weather, but overall, compared to what we dealt with, with the east winds, this gives us a lot of opportunity to make good progress,” Grafe said.

Grafe said winds in south central Oregon could provide some challenges this week as well, but they are predicted to be relatively consistent.

Across the Oregon landscape, Grafe said they have made tremendous progress on establishing control lines

&

Wayne Bartlett

Feb. 24, 1936 ~ Aug. 31, 2020

BetteLynn from the Junior High.

Their interests included camping, fishing, reading, genealogy and travel.

Wayne and BetteLynn Bartlett are survived by daughter Lynn (Ken) Riley; son Craig; Wayne’s sister Cynthia; BetteLynn’s brother Ron “Rick;” grand daughters, Brittany (Mike)

and Megan; and great-grandchildren Dakota, Paisley and Sawyer.

A family and friends fellowship for both Wayne and BetteLynn will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 26, 2020 at McCormick Park in St. Helens. Please sign our online guestbook at www. columbiafh.com.

Robert H. Dudley

Oct. 20, 1917 ~ Sept. 3, 2020 Bob was born in Radison, Wisconsin 102 years ago.

The Dudley family moved to Oregon in 1923 and settled on Sauvie Island when Bob was six years old. Bob graduated from Scappoose High school in 1938 and served as class president for all four years and was a member of the future farmers of America. Bob was also a member of the Scappoose Athletic Club called the Order of the “S” and was inducted into the Scappoose hall of fame in 1997.

After high school, Bob attended Benson Polytechnic school to become an electrician. Bob’s first job was at the St. Helens paper mill and after a few years he decided to open his own electric shop, “Dudley Electric.” Bob married on most fires throughout the state. On the coast, fire crews have held lines off the North Bank Lane Fire in Coos county for 4-5 days, which has Grafe “feeling very comfortable on containment there.” At the Echo Mountain Complex, they are holding lines thanks to excellent work from crews. Positive work has also been happening at the Pike Fire in Tillamook County.

“We’re holding lines on all those fires on the coast, I’m very proud of the work,” Grafe said.

“Absolutely immense amount of work, in four days, accomplished. That sets the stage relative to what we can accomplish in another five days.”

Grafe credits their progress on the coordinated effort across all districts and communities.

Lastly, Grafe made note of saying that as they begin to fly aviation crews for examination, the public must refrain from fly-

his high school sweetheart Velma Rathbun in 1938 and they had five children; Phillis Porter Tripplet (passed in 2007), Sharon Howell, Kathren Miller, Shirley Charlton and ing their own personal drones.

National Guard and Emergency Management Major General Mike Stencel said Monday that by the end of today (Sept. 14) the National Guard should have over 700 members mobilized for response efforts. Additionally by the end of the week, Stencel expects to have well over 1,000 guardsmen on duty.

143 guardsmen have been at Traffic Control Points throughout Oregon, including in Lincoln County. Also, 11 aircrafts are in Oregon and available as they wait for the smoke to clear for examination.

“As you can imagine, our pilots are pretty frustrated waiting for this weather to lift,” Stencel said. “But we’re anxious and hopeful that we are going to be able to fly, most likely in

Jack Dudley. Bob and Velma spent 50 wonderful years together until Velma’s passing in 1988. Bob remarried in 1992 to Mary “Mikie” Dawson. Mikie passed away in 2019.

Bob is survived by his sister Betty Smith.

One of Bob’s favorite passions was trap shooting.

He won many state and local championships and Bob was inducted into the ATA and the PITA, the trapshooting hall of fame. Bob was a life member of the Elks Lodge and the Free Masons of Oregon.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

South East Oregon in the next 24 hours.”

Director of the Office of Emergency Management, Andrew Phelps, spoke briefly about the fatality statistics, and addressing rumors and rumor control surrounding the fires.

“Rumors can cost lives,” Phelps said. “We’re relying on government entities, official government sources and our media partners to make sure accurate information is being conveyed responsibly.”

Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com with indepth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

FAIRGROUNDS

From Page A1

have been at the fairgrounds for a full day.

Irwin said the whole incident has been hard on her.

“I’m emotional,” she said. “I broke down a few times.”

However, she said the assistance she has gotten from the community so far has been a big help.

“Everybody around here has been helping. This community is great,” Irwin said.

That help has come in the form of many donations, both cash and material, which had filled the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion the day of Friday, Sept. 11.

From non-perishable food, to water bottles, to blankets, to pillows, to sleeping bags, to diapers, to clothing, to kids’ toys, nearly everything was available to help those in need.

Taylor Fitzgerald, Special Event Coordinator for the Columbia County Fairgrounds, is one of the people coordinating the donations. Fitzgerald said donations started coming in Tuesday night, Sept. 8.

“We got the okay to go ahead and open up our fairgrounds. And within 24 hours we were getting lots of animals, and people donating, and we’ve got thousands of dollars from people willing

to donate, to help out the situation and lots and lots of clothes and food,” Fitzgerald said.

In order to get the word out about needing donations, Fitzgerald said the fairgrounds posted on social media, such as on the Facebook page, Concerned Citizens of Columbia County (4C’s), as well as the “buy, sell, trade” pages and the county website. There was a lot of word-of-mouth as well, Fitzgerald said.

Needed donations were “anything and everything,” according to Fitzgerald. She said she asked for anything that someone might need if they had had to evacuate and didn’t have anything.

Donors have mostly been private citizens, according to Fitzgerald. Their donations have been able to help out the approximately 10 families that are now stationed at the fairgrounds, Fitzgerald said.

If there is a family needing to evacuate, Fitzgerald said they don’t need to do anything more than head straight to the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

“Just show up,” she said.

“We’ll take you.”

Animal shelter

By Thursday afternoon, Sept. 10, the Columbia County Fairgrounds had sheltered sheep, cows, chickens, goats,

hogs, around 30 horses, and several displaced families that are sleeping on the grounds in tents and trailers. The Fair Board reached out to the community for help with supplies for the evacuees.

“A lot of these people had to get out in a hurry,” Columbia County Fair Board Member Laken Gortler said.

“Maybe they didn’t have lead ropes and they just had to throw their horses in and go.

Whatever you have that you think we could use, please bring it.”

The community is asked to pay attention to the Columbia County Fairgrounds

Facebook page for additional needs as they arise.

Relief fund established A Wildfire Relief Fund has been established in Columbia County to more efficiently funnel donations to those affected by the September 2020 wildfires.

The fund has been established through a partnership with United Way of Columbia County, Columbia County Emergency Management and the Columbia County Fair Board.

The Wildfire Relief Fund is live and open for donations

at InRoads Credit Union, and 100 percent of the donations received will go directly to wildfire relief in Columbia County.

“This money will go towards supporting individuals effected by the wildfires, front-line agency needs, and reimbursements for needs that have already been met,” United Way Executive Director Claire Catt said.

Donations will still be accepted at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Office, located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens, and/or through United Way of Columbia County at www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com.

Donations can also be made through InRoads Credit Union by phone or in person: • Account name: Wildfire Relief Fund • Account Number: 747285-26 The Columbia County Fairgrounds is still open and accepting displaced families, as well as acting as a distribution point for supply needs in other areas. The Fairgrounds only has outdoor sheltering space available.

For those in need of indoor sheltering, visit: https://multco.us/air-quality-public-health-problem/ september-2020-wildfire-threat-multnomah-county.

Families in need of supplies may pick up donated items at the fairgrounds, and do not need to be a Columbia County resident to do so. Families in need do not need to call first. Simply enter through Gate 4 and look for a volunteer.

Livestock accommodations are still available for horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens/birds and rabbits.

For more information, call the Columbia County Fairgrounds at 503-3974231. Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com with in-depth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

A7

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH20-1487

NOTICE OF FAIR BOARD GROUP DISCUSSION On September 8, 2020 at 6:39 pm, the fair board, consisting of Jamie, Julie, Laken, Derek and Ingrid had a group discussion regarding opening the fairgrounds to emergency shelter for livestock, which eventually included persons

also. Julie informed the Fair Board that the fairgrounds would be open to provide emergency shelter for livestock and people that have been evacuated or threatened by the Oregon and Washington wildfires.

No one objected. We did

CH20-1489 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET HEARING

not have time to publish an announcement of the meeting to the public and media within at least 24 hours prior to the meeting due to the emergency situation of wildfires and evacuations in Oregon and Washington.

A public hearing on proposed supplemental budgets for St. Helens School District #502 for the current fiscal year will be held online at https://youtu.be/ErbU-QmnN_0. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 6:30 PM. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the supplemental budget with interested persons. Due to the nature of a web-based meeting, members of the public wishing to comment on the budget should e-mail Jessica Seay @ jessicapi@sthelens.k12.or.us to request the Zoom meeting link by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020.

A copy of the supplemental budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after September 15th, 2020 online at www.sthelens.k12.or.us or at the District Office (474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens) between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES

AMOUNTS SHOWN ARE REVISED TOTALS IN THOSE FUNDS BEING MODIFIED

CH20-1488

FUND: Special Revenue (200)

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Columbia County Board of Commissioners will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at or after 10:00 a.m. at the Columbia County Court House, via telecommunication. The purpose of this notice is to notify interested parties that the Board of

Commissioner may consider a Supplemental Budget.

This is a public meeting.

Interested parties may attend via telecommunication and may be heard.

Columbia County does not discriminate on the basis of disability and will provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the County’s ADA Policy. To

Resource 1 State Sources 2 Federal Sources

request accommodations or to review the County’s ADA Policy, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 503-397- 4322.

Dated this 10th day of September, 2020.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. By: Alex Tardif, Chair

Revised Total Fund Resources

information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published September 9, 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

CH20-1475

7,349,131

Expenditure Direct Instruction - Salaries Direct Instruction - Benefits Direct Instruction - Materials Direct Instruction - Other Objects Support Services - Salaries Support Services - Benefits Support Services - Purchased Services Support Services - Materials Community Services - Purchased Services Revised Total Fund Requirements

$

$

Amount 1,550,679 815,174 569,194 128,283 864,789 523,221 289,181 65,587 31,546 7,349,131

Department of Education (ODE) during the summer of 2020 after the budget's adoption in the amount of $680,309. Additionally, a federal award administered by ODE totaling $114,941 to support Comprehensive Distance Learning was made available in August.

FUND: Capital Projects Fund (400) Resource 1 Local Sources 2 Other Sources Revised Total Fund Resources

$

Amount 280,000 75,365,736

$

75,645,736

Expenditure 1 Facilities Acquisition & Construction - Capital Outlay

Revised Total Fund Requirements

$

Amount 14,626,411

$

75,645,736

Explanation of change(s): Voters residing within the St. Helens School District boundaries passed a high school renovation bond in May 2020. The supplemental budget reflects bond proceeds and anticipated interest income for the fiscal year in addition to anticipated expenditures made possible by selling the bonds in August 2020.

CH20-1490

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 Units by the

occupants at the facility as listed below. This auction sale by unit will occur at the facility listed above on the 3rd day of October 2020 at 10:00 am. This sale may

be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms & conditions apply. Call 971 203-4616 Jessica Larson Unit #50 5 x 10 Tabitha Read Unit #51 5 x 10 Cash Only

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

NOTICE OF WORKSHOP The Columbia County Fair Board is holding a workshop on Thursday, September 24, 2020 to take place at the fairgrounds pavilion at

$

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Two new grants have been made available to the District: The Student Investment Act grant's funding was confirmed by Oregon

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON COUNTY OF COLUMBIA 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

Amount 2,118,592 3,019,284

Explanation of change(s):

CH20-1486

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of Maureen M. Lorentz, deceased. No. 20PB05558 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that Mary Ellen Clark has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required

$

6:30pm, 58892 Saulser Rd St Helens, OR. The public is invited as we are following social distancing guidelines, please bring a mask.

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

Garden Plots: Plants, winds, ash CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Column

I have had a number of calls about the impact of ash moved from the regions’ wildfires onto both native and cultivated plants. In general, the ash itself won’t hurt the plants. But ash deposited on ripe strawberries is hard to remove. We learned that when one Mt. St. Helens ash plume blew into Columbia County about two weeks after the big eruption. At the time, we had over 800 acres of strawberries here and it was clear, this ash was very difficult to remove from a strawberry or late season raspberry or blackberry. For a home gardener, brushing the berries lightly with a soft toothbrush worked (and still works) but that didn’t make it for a commercial grower.

There were significant losses. A few other plants like spinach which has an odd type of leaf surface that captures stuff and some lettuces may be harder to clean than normal. But otherwise, there aren’t any precautions about eating them. The only exception would be if your garden was near a house or commercial facility that

burned. There could be toxic components to that ashladen smoke. But, as of this writing, we haven’t experienced the close-up fires.

The wind event just before the fires started in other parts of the state also did less damage here than I feared. With soils very dry, tree toppling was scattered and modest. Highly exposed deciduous trees may have lost leaves but that isn’t of much consequence either. I am watching to see if there will be any impact from the dark days from the smoke swirling around us. It didn’t help our moods. But I am wondering whether it might trigger earlier dormancy in our deciduous trees and shrubs. Their leaves respond to the normal increasing length of the night to initiate shutting down for winter.

Will they be tricked by this event with day mimicking twilight? It may not be easy to tell unless you had kept good records of time of leaf drop in certain trees. But I couldn’t find much in the literature about the impact of this kind of dramatic lowering of the light intensity on their growth and function.

Tomato late blight As this is being written, it appears we will be going into a cooler and rainier cycle. Up to this point, it has been a very good tomato year. But one disease that makes our tomatoes miserable is tomato late blight, a fungus that thrives in cool, moist conditions. If there are good sun breaks between

rain showers, the disease can’t really get going. But if we have several days of back to back to back mistiness, watch out. You might consider getting some copper based fungicide (many forms considered “organic”) and apply it before a

tists have found that onion, garlic, allspice, and oregano all contain powerful bacteria-fighting compounds.

These were the strongest of all the seasonings tried, killing all 30 microorganisms that they were tested against.

Included in the test

rainy weather pattern develops. It won’t save all your tomatoes but enough so that if it warms back up, your harvest will continue.

This is the same disease that caused the Irish potato famine in the mid-1840s. There is little or no resistance to this disease in most tomato and potato varieties.

were Salmonella and E. coli.

Chili and hot peppers were moderately effective.

There are indications that spices used in combination might be even more effective than their use individually. Bring on the curries, harissa, and the wonderful Mexican molés.

Spices and herbs are good for you Cornell University scien-

Bats about to take off

After putting on layer of fat for the winter, our little brown bats are about to make their trek to their hibernation grounds. It is

not really clear where all our bats go. In the Coast Range (Mist and Vernonia), they simply disappear. In the southern end of Columbia County, there is good evidence that they migrate to caves in the Cascades.

There they huddle together in one large semi-squirmy mass. If the wind and cold start to penetrate the cave, they can increase their metabolism to generate more heat. I am told that they get up every two weeks to see if winter is over.

Those of you who found that bats had made your house their home will soon have the chance to patch the cracks and crevices that gave them access. Bats can get into holes about one quarter of an inch in height. If you have an older house, I think you and the bats will stay very close friends. Those houses are almost impossible to tighten. Newer houses can be caulked and screened to reduce entry points. The bats will be gone by midNovember and generally don’t return until March.

Pressure Gauge Testing: Free at the Extension office in St. Helens. Contact for questions and requests for accessibility-related accommodations: by phone (leave a message for Jenny Rudolph) 503-397-3462 or by email at Jenny.Rudolph@oregonstate.edu COVID restrictions are still in place at our office which is located at 505 N. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens, Or 97051.

Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you.

Call 503 397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia and click on newsletters.

Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes?

OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

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

Contact information for the Extension office Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County • 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 • 503 397-3462 • Email: chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu

Having a Garage Sale?

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

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RIVERFRONT From Page A1

and environmentally sound manner. The City is committed to a thoughtful and thorough process, and the Phase I Report represents an early step in evaluating the site.

Phase I reports are a standard and necessary piece of redevelopment projects, and the City of St. Helens is following the normal process.

“Though this is a very technical document, we are sharing it with our community as part of our continued dedication to communication and transparency around waterfront redevelopment and the City’s work in general,” City Administrator John Walsh said. “We’ll continue to share and solicit feedback as we determine whether to move forward with any project.”

In a release, the city officials said they share the vision of the St. Helens community to create a vibrant, mixed-use riverfront that reconnects the city to the Columbia River. City officials said they are committed to thoroughly researching all aspects of repurposing the wastewater treatment lagoon, including engaging with experts, regulators, and neighbors.

“Over the last few years, we’ve heard from folks in the community who felt we were farther along with the waterfront than we are,” said Mayor Rick Scholl.

“We’re making progress but want to make sure everyone understands that this report is a very early step that helps us understand the site better. We have not made any decisions on filling the lagoon or on fill material if the City and community do decide to move forward with a project.”

About the Phase I Site Characterization Report The Phase I Report describes the property and the surrounding vicinity, including natural and historical resources; water resources and rights; property ownership; climate; geology; and hydrogeology. It provides details about the property to inform the City, the St. Helens community, and state partners as options for redevelopment are considered.

City officials said they appreciate the community’s continued interest and involvement in the Central Waterfront Redevelopment project. Through years of public engagement, communications, and surveys, the officials said they know that this is a project of high interest in the community.

Stay Involved The city officials encourage the community to remain involved in this project. More information is available at www.sthelensoregon.gov/administration/ page/central-waterfront-redevelopment. Community members can also call 503-397-6272 to speak with city staff.

The St. Helens City Council meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. These meetings are regular opportunities to hear the latest on City projects and initiatives and provide public comment.

Please note that due to COVID-19, City Council meetings are currently being held electronically via Zoom.

For more information about the Central Waterfront Phase I Report, contact City of St. Helens Government Affairs and Project Support Specialist Rachael Barry, at rbarry@ci.st-helens.or.us.

AIR QUALITY

From Page A1

health issues, The Chronicle contacted Associate Professor Perry Hystad, PhD, at Oregon State University School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences.

The Chronicle: What is it specifically about the wildfire smoke that is hazardous to our health and what does it do?

Perry Haystad: Wildfire smoke is a complete mix of particles and gases, but fine particulate matter, those particles under 2.5 microns is what we are most worried about. PM2.5 is fine particulate matter under 2.5 microns (these are very very small particles that are easy to breathe deep into the lungs.)

While larger particles are easy to notice (think eye and throat irritation), it is the fine particulates that are most dangerous as they can reach deep into the lungs to cause systematic inflammation and even cross into the bloodstream.

Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause serious health impacts, especially for those most susceptible (elderly, pregnant women, individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory diseases).

A study published this year found that increased air pollution exposure during wildfires in British Columbia, Canada was associated with increased ambulance dispatches related to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Importantly, this increase was observed within only one hour of wildfire smoke exposure. https:// ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/ full/10.1289/EHP5792.

The Chronicle: How serious to our health is such prolonged exposure to this smoke?

Haystad: There is strong evidence linking both shortterm air pollution exposures (daily exposure) to triggering of health effects, as well as long-term air pollution exposures (years to decades) and the development of disease.

What is unknown is what weekly periods of exposure to these very high air pollution levels will mean for the development and progression of diseases in the future.

We recently published a global study examining long-term PM2.5 air pollution exposure and cardiovascular disease risk. This analysis included participants residing in very high air pollution areas (India, China), where annual average concentrations can exceed 100 ug/m3.

Ug/m3 is micrograms per meter cubed (measure of the amount of PM2.5).

This analysis showed that ~14% of cardiovascular disease events were attributed to long-term PM2.5 air pollution. https://www.thelancet. com/journals/lanplh/article/ PIIS2542-5196(20)30103-0/ fulltext.

In Oregon, annual average PM2.5 is typically under 10 ug/m3. However, wildfires are now contributing substantially to these annual averages. One day of wildfire PM2.5 levels of 600 ug/m3 is approximately 60 days of normal PM2.5 exposure in Oregon. The increases in wildfire PM2.5 are now offsetting all other PM2.5 emission reductions (e.g. from vehicles, industry, home heating, etc.). https://www.thelancet. com/journals/lanplh/article/ PIIS2542-5196(20)30103-0/ fulltext.

The Chronicle: How can we tell if our health is deteriorating after exposure to this smoke?

Haystad: You should watch for new signs of respiratory effects such as chronic cough and mucus production, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic chest pain. If you have existing heart disease you may experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. If you have existing heart or lung disease, monitor your symptoms and contact your doctor if they get worse or if you have concerns.

The Chronicle: What is your recommendation to lessen the exposure to the wildfire smoke?

Haystad: The best way to reduce exposure is to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed. If available, you

can run your AC with the fan set to recirculate so you don’t draw in polluted air. You can also run a portable HEPA filter to clean the air.

I implemented these recommendations in my home in Corvallis and was able to reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations to 32-50% of outdoor concentrations. When outdoor concentrations are as high as we have experienced over the last week this still meant indoor PM2.5 concentrations were at unhealthy levels.

Individuals who are susceptible to health effects could further reduce exposure by wearing an N95 respirator, or create a clean room, where a portable hepa filter is placed in a small room with limited outdoor air exchange (portable hepa filters work much better at cleaning the air in smaller rooms). N95 are masks that are certified to filter at least 95% of airborne particles.

We also need to remember that not everyone has the choice to stay indoors to reduce exposure or has the financial resources to buy portable hepa filters. Outdoor agricultural workers are a good example. For these individuals, reducing outdoor physical activity levels at work and wearing an N95 respirator is the best way to reduce exposure. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and OSU extension is currently delivering pallets of N95 respirators to counties for distribution to these high exposure groups.

Natural disasters and climate change

The Chronicle: Will wearing face coverings make a positive difference?

Haystad: Masks that filter at least 95% of airborne particles (N95/KN95/P100 respiratory masks) will reduce PM2.5 air pollution exposure.

The tighter the fit the more reductions in exposure. Cloth masks will not reduce PM2.5 air pollution exposures.

Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com with in-depth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

Courtesy photo

Scientists predict that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events will continue to increase.

MOLLY ROSBACH Chronicle Guest Article

Natural disasters alone are not enough to motivate local communities to engage in climate change mitigation or adaptation, a new study from Oregon State University found.

Rather, policy change in response to extreme weather events appears to depend on a combination of factors, including fatalities, sustained media coverage, the unusualness of the event and the political makeup of the community.

Extreme weather events Climate scientists predict that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events will only continue to increase in coming decades. OSU researchers wanted to understand how local communities are reacting.

“There’s obviously national and state-level climate change policy, but we’re really interested in what goes on at the local level to adapt to these changes,” OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences researcher and lead author Leanne Giordono said. “Local communities are typically the first to respond to extreme events and disasters. How are they making themselves more resilient — for example, how are they adapting to more frequent flooding or intense heat?”

For the study, which was funded by the National Science Foundation, Giordono and co-authors Hilary Boudet of OSU’s College of Liberal Arts and Alexander Gard-Murray at Harvard University examined 15 extreme weather events that occurred around the U.S. between March 2012 and June 2017, and any subsequent local climate policy change.

These events included flooding, winter weather, extreme heat, tornadoes, wildfires and a landslide.

The study, published recently in the journal Policy Sciences, found there were

two “recipes” for local policy change after an extreme weather event.

“For both recipes, experiencing a high-impact event — one with many deaths or a presidential disaster declaration — is a necessary condition for future-oriented policy adoption,” Giordono said.

In addition to a high death toll, the first recipe consisted of Democrat-leaning communities where there was focused media coverage of the weather event. These communities moved forward with adopting policies aimed at adapting in response to future climate change, such as building emergency preparedness and risk management capacity.

Community engagement The second recipe consisted of Republican-leaning communities with past experiences of other uncommon weather events. In these locales, residents often didn’t engage directly in conversation about climate change but still worked on policies meant to prepare their communities for future disasters.

In both recipes, policy changes were fairly modest and reactive, such as building fire breaks, levees or community tornado shelters. Giordono referred to these as “instrumental” policy changes.

“As opposed to being driven by ideology or a shift in thought process, it’s more a means to an end,” she said. “‘We don’t want anyone else to die from tornadoes, so we build a shelter.’ It’s not typically a systemic response to global climate change.”

In their sample, the researchers didn’t find any evidence of mitigation-focused policy response, such as communities passing laws to limit carbon emissions or require a shift to solar power.

And some communities did not make any policy changes at all in the wake of extreme weather.

The researchers suggest that in communities that are ideologically resistant to talking about climate change,

it may be more effective to frame these policy conversations in other ways, such as people’s commitment to their community or the community’s long-term viability.

Without specifically examining communities that have not experienced extreme weather events, the researchers cannot speak to the status of their policy change, but Giordono said it is a question for future study.

“In some ways, it’s not surprising that you see communities that have these really devastating events responding to them,” Giordono said. “What about the vast majority of communities that don’t experience a high-impact event — is there a way to also spark interest in those communities?”

“We don’t want people to have to experience these types of disasters to make changes.”

Be Ready National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. Local and state preparedness officials said as the nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved than now. The 2020 NPM theme is, Disaster Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.

The preparedness officials encourage you to talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster.

Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Molly Rosbach can be reached at molly.rosbach@ oregonstate.edu

A10

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Wednesday, September 16, 2020

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