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Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Page A8

The Chronicle Serving Columbia County since 1881

2 arrests in mail theft probe

thechronicleonline.com

Back in custody JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A St. Helens Police traffic stop has led to the arrest of two females and the discovery of a ‘significant’ mail theft operation.

During the police traffic stop shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, St. Helens Police officers discovered significant mail theft from the Columbia County area. The traffic stop was initiated by officers after they spotted multiple traffic violations connected to the suspects’ vehicle.

Jessica Ann Ackerman, 34, was lodged at the Columbia County Jail on charges of mail theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Shanika Leann Rice, 29, was lodged at Columbia County Jail on charges of mail theft and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Further charges are pending.

A large portion of the stolen mail recovered by officers was from the Warren area. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation and is in the process of contacting mail theft victims.

Police said Ackerman and Rice were transients residing in St. Helens.

Investigators said due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and pending charges related to the mail theft, they could not release additional details related to the mail theft at press time.

Officers said the investigation is on going and they are asking anyone with information related to this case to contact the St. Helens Police Department at 503-397-1521.

$1.50

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

These witch figures surrounding a stack of pumpkins are placed at Plaza Square in the Old Town of St. Helens signaling the Spirit of Halloweentown events are close.

The Spirit of Halloweentown JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

You may have noticed the changes taking place in the Old Town District of St. Helens on Monday, Sept. 21.

Crews are preparing for the city’s annual signature event, the Spirit of Halloweentown. The event includes street actors, vendors and family activities, but due to the pandemic, changes are in place to follow the state-required

social distancing and face covering practices.

In a guest column in the Sept.

9 edition of The Chronicle, and posted at thechronicleonline.com, St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl outlined the City of St. Helens reasoning to hold the event during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Rather than taking a reactive approach with no plan in place to accommodate these visitors, the City has worked hard to create a plan that provides a safe environment for both our community and

visitors,” Scholl said. “This plan also creates a valuable opportunity for local businesses to see increased economic activity in this time when many have seen drastically reduced revenue due to the pandemic.”

Crews have placed Halloweenrelated artwork and figures in Plaza Square and along the riverfront in the Old Town District preparing for the annual celebration. Some of

­­­­

See HALLOWEEN Page A6

Oregon’s wildfires ease, smoke clears

The suspect in a shooting investigation in Portland is a former Columbia County man who had been tried for murder in 2009.

Portland Police Central Precinct officers were dispatched shortly after midnight Monday, Sept. 14, to a report of a person shot in the 3000 block of Southeast 9th Avenue. Officers learned that the suspect was believed to be still in the area so they formulated a victim rescue plan.

Officers located a 40-year-old victim with gunshot wounds to the head and torso. At the same time, officers encountered the suspect, a 55-year old male, and he was arrested.

The victim was transported to a hospital by ambulance where he was treated. His wounds are serious but are not believed to be life threatening, according to a release from Portland Police.

Assault detectives responded and are investigating. A gun was recovered as evidence.

Portland Police said the suspect contacted in the shooting, 55-year-old Todd Edward Marchant, formally of St. Helens, was arrested and booked.

Marchant was charged with Attempted Murder I, Assault I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Felon Possessing a firearm and lodged into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

Marchant is a former St. Helens resident who had been tried for murder in Columbia County in 2009.

He had been accused of shooting and killing his neighbor, however, a jury in that case handed down a not guilty verdict on almost all charges.

Follow this developing story here online and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

Photos courtesy of Columbia County Jail

Jessica Ann Ackerman

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The wildfire smoke began to clear along the Columbia River following rain showers Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18 and 19, allowing fishing enthusiast to assemble along the waterway at St. Helens.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Shanika Leann Rice

Following several days of regional wildfire smoke that clouded the Columbia River and much of Columbia County, including St. Helens, rain has cleared away the smoke.

The wildfire smoke triggered health warnings due to the deteriorating air quality. Forecasters are

calling for more rain this week, which could cause flash flooding and slides in the areas of the wildfires.

The Oregon wildfires left nine people dead, five missing, spread across 1 million acres, destroyed 22,268 homes and 1,556 other structures, according to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

The Columbia County Fairgrounds continued to shelter wildfire evacuees, both human and

animals, through last weekend.

“We have 28 people today.

At our peak, we had 36, which included nine families,” Columbia County communications representative Julie Thompson told The Chronicle Thursday afternoon, Sept. 17.

County officials open the fairgrounds, at 58892 Saulser Road in

­­­­

See WILDFIRE Page A4

Photo courtesy of Multnomah County Jail

Todd Marchant

Marchant was found guilty only of unlawful use of a weapon. He was found not guilty on charges of murder, manslaughter and criminal negligence homicide. Marchant was sentenced to five years in the Columbia County jail and was released in 2012.

Marchant was arrested again, this time in 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona for allegedly killing a man during an argument, according to television news reports. The case was eventually dismissed.

Contact The Chronicle

Phone: 503-397-0116 Email: chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051

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JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Maria Trask is being recognized for her efforts to save a traffic accident victim.

On Sept. 9, Trask was returning home from a class at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) in Salem when she spotted a car crash on Highway 30 near milepost 15. Emergency medical personnel had not yet arrived.

Trask evaluated the injuries and applied a tourniquet to an adult male. Once medics and other emergency services arrived, Trask resumed her drive home.

Following the incident, an Oregon State Police trooper informed Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley that Trask’s actions saved the life of the adult male, who had a severe hemorrhage in his left artery.

Trask has worked at the

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we are not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal med Photo courtesy of Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley honored Deputy Maria Trask with a life saving award during a ceremony last week.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for five years and recently transferred to the patrol division. She has been attending the Basic Police Academy at the DPSST. Pixley presented Trask with a life saving award for her actions to save the traffic crash victim.

“Today we honor Deputy Trask for her commitment to helping others and the quick thinking that saved a life,” Pixley said in presenting the award to Trask in front of her training class at the DPSST.

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Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A3

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

COVID-19 Update STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County had a total of 156 COVID-19 cases as of Monday, Sept. 21, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

The county’s only pandemic-related death occurred in early August.

COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 529, and the OHA reported 201 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19, including two new cases in Columbia County, as of Sept.

21, bringing the state total to 30,995.

On Sept. 19, the OHA also released its latest COVID-19 modeling report, showing that the current rate of transmission is continuing a downward trend that began in mid-July, meaning that each case is generating less than one other case.

The model looked at the

following scenarios: If transmission continues at its present rate, then by Oct. 8. daily infections would decrease from 360 to 190. New daily cases would decrease to 80. Severe cases – those requiring hospitalization – would decrease to 6 and the reproduction rate would remain at .87.

If there is a 5-percentagepoint decline in transmission, over the next month there would be 130 daily infections.

New daily cases would decline to 50. Severe cases would drop to four, and the reproduction rate would be .74.

If there is a 5-percentagepoint increase in transmission rates over the next month, the model projects 400 new daily infections with new daily cases rising by 80. Under this scenario, severe cases would double from six to 12.

More importantly, this scenario results in a reproduction rate of 1.0, meaning that the spread of COVID would be increasing, reversing the progress made in recent weeks.

As has been shown since the beginning of the pandemic in Oregon, these trends remain very sensitive to small changes in transmission levels.

Wildfires, which started on Labor Day, are widespread throughout Oregon and have led to evacuations of an estimated 40,000 people and extremely hazardous air quality.

The wildfires and subsequent poor air quality have decreased availability of community COVID-19 testing, but it is unclear what effects the evacuations and the poor air quality might have on COVID-19 transmission and symptoms.

Model results should be interpreted with caution, given these recent reductions in testing and uncertainty behind various COVID-19 model assumptions.

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

Federal disaster funding available JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County will receive a portion of federal disaster funding for emergency protective measures from the federal government, according to the major disaster declaration signed by President Donald Trump.

The declaration also allows local businesses and individuals who suffered losses impacted by the September wildfires to apply for the federal assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Oregon to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on Sept. 7, 2020 and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures including congregate and non-congregate sheltering and direct federal assistance.

Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington and Yamhill counties.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Dolph A. Diemont has

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The state has allocated $10 million from the federal CARES Act funding for the purchase of protective supplies. The state of Oregon is fulfilling orders at no charge until resources are depleted.

Free masks, gloves for small businesses, child care providers MAX KIRKENDALL

newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

Small businesses and child care providers in Columbia County and across the state have access to a new program that is providing face masks, gloves and other protective supplies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Kate Brown, in partnership with the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board, allocated $10 million from the federal CARES Act funding for the purchase of protective supplies. The state of Oregon is fulfilling orders at no charge until resources are depleted.

“We want our businesses to be able to operate in the safest manner possible right now so that we can get out of this health crisis, and get them back to full operations,” Brown said. “Our small businesses are the hardest hit, so we want to help them get the tools they need at no cost to them.”

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are headquartered in Oregon with principal operations in Oregon are eligible. Business Oregon — the state’s economic development agency — and the Department of Administrative Services are collaborating to create the order and distribution process.

Businesses with fewer than 10 employees will receive a box of 200 gloves and 100 masks, with larger businesses receiving up to 500 masks and 800 gloves. For now, businesses are limited to one order, with additional orders possible at a later date depending on availability.

In addition to the small business program, the Early Learning Division (ELD) of the Oregon Education Department is providing supplies such as gloves, disinfecting wipes, masks and more to child care providers around the state as part of the effort.

Brown set aside $1.3 million from the federal Gover-

nor’s Education Emergency Relief Fund to purchase supplies for this critical service. Child care providers have been operating under emergency conditions since March and are following increased safety and health guidelines. Child care providers approved by ELD to operate Emergency Child Care are eligible to order supplies and will need a license/provider number to do so.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, child care providers have been doing critical work to support families and other businesses in Oregon,” ELD Director Miriam Calderon said. “These items will help providers continue operating with a focus on safety for children, parents and their staff.”

The order form is online.

Businesses and child care providers can access order form here: https://supplyconnector.org/states/oregon/ free-ppe/

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The St. Helens Dutch Bros. Coffee kiosk was one Columbia County business forced to temporarily close over the past weekend due to the unhealthy air quality. It has since reopened.

been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response and recovery operations in the affected area.

Designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.

DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362, or 1-800-462-7585 TTY. Gov. Brown’s reaction Following an expedited request to President Trump by Oregon Governor Kate Brown on Monday, Oregon was notified within 24 hours that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on Sept. 7, 2020 and continuing.

“Oregon is resilient, but to fight fires on this scale, we need all the help we can get,” Brown said. “I am grateful for the White House’s swift response in quickly granting a Presidential Disaster

Declaration and the immediate implementation of FEMA’s individual assistance program, which will help bring additional relief to Oregonians impacted by the devastation of these fires.”

“Our office will be working hand-in-hand with FEMA over the coming weeks to ensure that Oregonians know how to apply for assistance,” Oregon Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps said. “This is an important step toward rebuilding the strength of our communities.”

Background The Oregon wildfires burned over 1 million acres, destroyed 1,616 homes and killed eight people, according to state officials, who said 12 people were still missing as of Sept. 17.

Columbia County has not seen major wildfires so far this summer, however, the smoke from the Oregon wildfires caused unhealthy air quality and temporarily closed some local businesses.

The smoke lingered in Columbia County for nearly two weeks. Rain showers Friday, Sept. 18, helped dissipate the wildfire smoke.

Happy 7

0th Birt hday P a t Olson If thin gs rea lly do you are reachin get better wi th you for g being t perfection! Th age, he ligh ank t of ou r l L i v o es. ve, Your fa mily an d f r ie n ds

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A4

Opinion

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Voices of the Community Support for Grant We know Judge Jenefer Grant to be a person of great integrity.

Judge Grant invests long and difficult days on her cases to find individual solutions that protect the public but, at the same time, offer hope for rehabilitation and renewal of the defendants. She expects honest and persistent effort on the part of her caseload.

She truly believes that caring communities are strong communities.

It is important to maintain experience and consistency on the bench. For these reasons we are voting to retain Judge Jenefer Grant.

Nancy Bubl and Chip Bubl Warren

Thanks RBG The world has lost a treasure in the person, life, and contributions of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

She lived her life in true service to this country, as well as to her family and friends.

She exhibited tremendous courage in her fights for those that needed her help – all those suffering discrimination or mistreatment of any kind, racial, sexual, religious, and socioeconomic. She never allowed differences to get in the way of friendships, i.e. her close friendship

with Justice Scalia.

There was no problem or disappointment too big for her to overcome. Her wisdom, courage, and strength, both in her life, illness and career were amazing. An example for all of us. She was fearless and deeply committed to the interpretations of the Constitution that provided equality and justice for all.

She once said she “would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.” And she did.

She was greatly loved and admired and will be deeply missed. Goodbye Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

You will not be forgotten, and I, personally, would love to nominate you for the Nobel Prize.

Ann Morton St. Helens

Support for Alex Tardif Alex Tardif is committed to Columbia County where he was born and raised. He has proposed cutting his own, and the other commissioners’ salaries, to provide resources for an administrator with grant-writing expertise to manage the county’s multiple departments. This would guarantee unified supervision and fiscal responsibility, removing the current three managers operating without

liaison and hampered by public meeting laws. This is commitment.

Alex Tardif’s Accounting degree and experience in taxes has positioned Columbia County strategically in state and county fiscal matters.

It brings to the county solid analytical qualities, financial assessment for sustainable policies, and future planning.

As three-year Treasurer of the Association of Oregon Counties, Tardif has a perceptive grasp of state and municipal financial policies and laws.

His highly motivated innovation, analyses for long term solutions, and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars is notable. This is qualification.

Mr. Tardif thinks outside the box, using innovation and technology to cut costs and improve efficiency. Tardif led the effort to transition from outdated technology to improve interdepartmental productivity, and better interact with the community.

In another practical area, after reviewing the Road Department budget, Tardif suggested that the county crush rock from its own quarry. This effected savings needed for road maintenance and allowed for the development of a five-year plan to prioritize needs. The county created a strategic road map for future financial stability to meet community needs. This is innovation.

Re-elect Alex Tardif for Columbia County Commissioner.

Hal Ritz Scappose

Weekly newspapers carry the news and views of communities reported on by decent people with local passion. “Journalism exists to keep the people informed.

It exists to spread knowledge and, yes, it exists to provide viewpoints from many different perspectives, to provide the fuel that people in a democracy need to take part in their governments.” The staff at The Chronicle have no desire to spread falsehoods. We are your neighbors, friends or maybe even your relatives. We’re local journalist who are dedicated men and women who work hard each and every day to educate

Autumn began Sept. 22.

Are you ready for the change of seasons?

Should the City of St.Helens hold the Spirit of Halloween this year?

No

36% Yes

promote its community and should inform on issues that are relevant to people and the community as a whole.

Understanding and capturing the diverse interests within Columbia County and advocating for good government are things we do not take lightly. We advocate for groups and organizations that disagree to get together and encourage working together.

“Journalism matters because democracy matters.

The two are inseparable.”

This column is written by: Frank Perea, Director of Operations, Country Media, Inc, frankperea@countrymedia.net. Country Media Inc. is the parent company of The Chronicle.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Columbia County residents awoke to rain, along with thunder and lightning, on Friday morning, Sept. 18.

The rain helped clear away wildfire smoke that had lingered in our area for the past two weeks.

WILDFIRE From Page A1

St. Helens, the week of Sept.

7, offering shelter services at first for livestock, then expanding the shelters to human fire evacuees. Dozens of volunteers worked along side local officials in the effort to help the evacuees.

A number of local restaurants also stepped up to provide meals for the volunteers assisting the evacuees.

“The restaurants that have been providing food to our volunteer team on the ground have been absolutely amazing and we couldn’t be more grateful,” Thompson said.

“Their faces visibly brighten when they start talking about what’s for dinner.”

The restaurants and orga-

Local news, every day, online.

Keep up to date on local stories, events, and ads by visiting thechronicleonline.com.

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St. Helens, OR 97051

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nizations who have provided meals are: • El Tapatio • Sunshine Pizza • Deer Island Store • Walking Waffles • Moose Lodge • Community Meals • Domino’s • Bamford Bakery • Walt’s Produce • Dockside Steak & Pasta • Plymouth Pub The Columbia County Sheriff’s office will be providing a ham dinner this weekend.

Thompson said the fairgrounds continues to shelter livestock impacted by the Oregon wildfires.

• 33 horses • 25 sheep • 74 goats • 21 cows • 1 donkey

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• 27 waterfowl • 74 poultry • 41 pigs • 5 alpacas • 2 llamas Donations were being accepted at the fairgrounds during the sheltering process.

“We would really like to thank the community for their continued and unyielding support throughout this situation,” she said. “As each need has arisen, whether it was supplies for evacuees, volunteer time, or monetary donations, this community has been with us every step of the way. We could not have taken such good care of these wildfire refugees without all of you.”

For more information, contact the Columbia County Fairgrounds at 503-397-4231.

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

CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • Website: www.thechronicleonline.com • Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net Advertising: atrull@countrymedia.net or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net • FOLLOW US • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle Write to us: We want to hear from you and encourage you to write letters to the editor. Because of space limitations, shorter letters have a better chance of being printed. We may edit your letter for style, grammar and clarity, although we do as little editing as possible. If you don’t want your letter printed under those conditions, just let us know. Thank-you letters are limited to a general thanks and summary of an issue or action. We reserve the right to exclude lists of people, organizations and businesses. Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. We won’t print your street address or phone

number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chroniclenews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office.

Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

Letters policy: The Chronicle welcomes letters of 250 words or fewer. Letters are subject to editing for length, clarity or grammar.

They should be concise, to the point and original. Letters dealing with

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENT LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255 • suicidepreventationlifeline.org Columbia County’s trusted local news source

disputes or containing criticism of private individuals or businesses will not be published. All letters must be signed (unless emailed) and include the author’s full name, address and daytime telephone number (for verification purposes only). Letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Letters also may be published on our website.

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OREGON YOUTH LINE: 877-968-8491 • Text “teen2teen” to 839863

Nov. 3, 2020 Oregon General Election

Important dates • Last day to mail ballots to Overseas/military: September 19, 2020 • First day to mail ballots out of state: October 5, 2020 • Voter registration deadline: October 13, 2020 • First day to mail ballots to county at-large: October 14, 2020 • General Election: November 3, 2020 General Information / Advisement • Registration deadline is Tuesday October 13.

• Ballots will be mailed to the county at-large beginning October 14, 2020 • Update or verify your registration easily at www. oregonvotes.gov. Do this early, don’t delay. Your

mailing address must be accurate, as ballots are mailed “return service requested” and will not be forwarded with the yellow sticker.

• Voter’s Pamphlets are delivered approximately the week before ballot mailing en masse to each local post office, after which they are distributed one per household. If you did not receive one inquire with your local carrier or visit your local Post Office.

• You can return your ballot any time after receipt via prepaid mail or using an Oregon elections drop box.

Vote early.

• It is advised you do not mail your ballot after Thursday October 29. You should use a local dropbox at that time.

Details provided by Columbia County Elections.

REGISTER TO VOTE November General Election Information

The following is a conversation with Columbia County Elections Supervisor Don Clack concerning the November General Election.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This work of art is sits along the riverfront in the Old Town District of St. Helens as part of the Halloweentown decorations.

Courtesy photo

The Halloweentown pumpkin, stationed in front of the Columbia County Court House in the Old Town District of St. Helens, is scheduled to be lit at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 3.

HALLOWEEN From Page A1

the Halloweentown events begin Sept. 26.

See the full schedule at https://spiritofhalloweentown.com/schedule.

The following is a release from the event coordinator Tina Curry.

Halloween may only come once a year, but in St. Helens you can celebrate it all month long. This year things will look different with festival preparations being made to exceed the current guidelines from the Governor.

Guests need tickets to get into the fenced area of the plaza where in 1998 the small city of St. Helens served as a backdrop to the 1998 Disney Channel Halloween classic “Halloweentown,” and they will also be wearing masks and getting their temperature checked.

Hand sanitizing stations will also be abundant along with beefed up cleaning schedules. Tickets include all activities to cut down on contact and

parking to keep cars out of the neighborhoods.

Inside the fenced area guests are in for a treat that will hopefully put some magic back into life for a snapshot to be remembered later.

This month-long event is geared towards anyone who loves Halloween and has been featured on ABC News, MTV, Vogue, Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, Country Living, Huffington Post and many other recognized news outlets.

Instead of tens of thousands of guests throughout the month St. Helens is gearing up for a more managed gathering that sticks with compliance.

By limiting numbers and engaging regulations the guests will enjoy less lines and an easier pace.

The festival features many attractions including a new Haunted Hotel, updated Museum of Peculiarities & Oddities, and newly designed Alien Experience. The Tiny Parade of Pumpkins will feature many new meticulously carved pumpkins along with other fun

gags. Street performers take the asphalt daily as the audience stands by positioned cones in order to keep a safe distance in the outdoor environment.

With inside attractions, numbers are monitored and the designed for a no contact experience.

For those that enjoy a new adventure experience Sand Island Campground sets the stage for an island boat ride where guests enjoy a fireside story, pumpkins and a captured Sasquatch!

In the vendor area only a parking ticket is needed to enjoy some photo ops and yummy treats and Halloween gear; but distancing and safety are in play with regulations being followed.

For more information, contact tina@e2cproductions.com, or the City of St. Helens, at 503-3976272. Read a series of articles and the Chronicle Guest Column from Mayor Scholl about how the City of St. Helens is addressing Halloweentown activities during the pandemic at thechronicleonline.com.

The Chronicle: With the recent national attention about Oregon’s vote-bymail system, give us the range of protections and safety measures in place for the General Election in Columbia County.

Clack: The national attention seems to be more about widespread mail in voting as opposed to Oregon specific vote by mail. Oregon has a 20 year history of successful vote by mail elections. (See attached statement from State elections regarding recent news regarding USPS operations with this story at thechronicleonline. com).

At a county level, we are utilizing resources and services provided by state and federal agencies to enhance our elections physical and cyber security.

Also, several in-office ballot boxes with outdoor dropboxes that will promote social distancing and also improve voter accessibility.

The Chronicle: What are the most important steps voters need to know to ensure their vote is received and counted in the November election?

Clack: Vote and return ballots early. Do not mail ballots after the Thursday October 29. Use a dropbox after that date. You can follow up and see the status of your ballot by using the

CandidatesMeasures Look for a number of candidates running for local and county government positions.

Local Measures 5-278: Columbia County Gun Sanctuary Ordinance • Initiative Petition 19-3 filed 4/29/2019 • Notice of Ballot Title 5/10/2019 • Approval to Circulate 6/6/2019 • Measure number and Election assigned 3/4/2020 5-283: Five Year Local Option Tax for Cemetery Operations • Referred by Rainier Cemetery District • Notice of Ballot Title 7/21/2020 • Notice of Election/ Measure Assigned • Explanatory Statement

“MyVote” function at www. oregonvotes.gov. However there is a time delay of several days after receipt and visibility here.

The Chronicle: What is the demographic of the most voters?

Clack: There are significantly higher turnout percentages among those 40+ across the board for all types of elections The Chronicle: Could you provide us with a list of ballot drop off locations in Columbia County?

Clack: These are the planned dropbox locations.

They are the same as in the past.

• Columbia County Courthouse • Scappoose City Hall • Rainier City Hall • Clatskanie Library • Vernonia Library • Mist RFPD We are in the process of replacing the Rainier, Clatskanie and Vernonia inside office boxes with outside boxes that are accessible 24/7 and would not be affected by facility closure or COVID restrictions.

The Chronicle: How many ballots will be sent out for the November General Election in Columbia County?

Clack: Current county active voter count is 39900.

So approximately 40k.

The Chronicle: What is the deadline to register to vote, the deadline for the voter’s pamphlet to be sent out, any other critical

deadlines?

Clack: October 13 is the registration deadline for new registrants. Existing voters can update their registration up to Election Day. The voter’s pamphlet distributed by the State normally the week before we mail out ballots (So, the week of October 5-9). They will be drop shipped to each local Post Office and delivered one per household. After this drop ship, surplus copies would be located at the local PO. New registrants can register and existing voters can confirm and/or update their registration by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov.

Ballots will be mailed to the county at large beginning October 14.

Voters should expect to receive their ballots by the beginning to middle of the following week. If a voter had not received a ballot the following week by the 22/23rd they should request a replacement ballot by contacting the elections office by phone or email.

Email: elections@columbiacountyor.gov Replacement ballots will not be mailed out after Thursday October 29.

Arrangements would have to be made to pick one up.

Email: elections@columbiacountyor.gov For a ballot to be counted it must be deposited in an official Oregon drop box or received by an Oregon elections office by 8pm Election day.

For more information, call 503-397-7214.

Oregon’s slow job growth Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The Oregon Employment Department reports 1,911,101 people working and 161,839 unemployed in August across

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.7 percent in August from 10.4 percent in July, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

The unemployment rate was more than double last year’s rate of 3.6 percent in August 2019.

Employment department officials said that the August report covers the Oregon employment situation last month and does not capture the personal and economic disruption caused by the devastating wildfires that occurred over the past few weeks. That impact will likely be seen in the September Oregon counties’ unemployment report, which will be complied and released in the next few weeks.

The numbers Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 11,300 jobs in August, following a revised gain of 17,700 jobs in July. Over the past four months, employers added back 41 percent of the jobs that were cut in March and April.

Over-the-month job gains in August were largest in leisure and hospitality (+4,200 jobs); retail trade (+3,300); construction (+3,200); and government (+3,000). Two industries cut a substantial number of jobs in August: wholesale trade (-1,400 jobs) and health care and social assistance (-1,400).

Leisure and hospitality— which includes restaurants, drinking establishments, hotels, and recreational industries—has added back the most jobs of any of the major industries over the past four months. Despite adding 63,200 jobs during the past four months, leisure and hospitality is only a little over halfway back to its February 2020 peak employment level, prior to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retail trade has bounced back closer to its recent peak employment level. It added 16,100 jobs over the past four months, which was nearly three-quarters of the jobs lost earlier in the year. The third industry to add back more than half of its jobs lost, while also rebounding by more than 10,000 jobs, was health care and social assistance. This industry, despite a 1,400-job loss in August, added 18,000 jobs over the past four months, regaining nearly two-thirds of its March and April job losses.

Not all industries have rebounded with substantial job growth over the past four months. In August, the following industries remained near their low point for the year: manufacturing; government; information; and professional and business services.

Columbia County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 10.2 percent in July, down from 11.4 percent in June. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 8.4 percent in August from 10.2 percent in July.

Fire agency using grants to recruit, retain volunteers JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

At a time when rural fire district are struggling with challenging manpower, Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) hopes to use federal grants to help strengthen its efforts.

CRFR has received a $314,277 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for volunteer recruitment and retention.

The four-year grant will fund firefighter personal protective equipment, fitness equipment, volunteer leadership training, chaplain program training, and a monetary stipend for volunteer response and training attendance, according to CRFR. The fire district said in a Facebook post that over the past three years CRFR has worked hard to receive $1,059,873 in grant funding from FEMA to fund volunteer programs and purchase firefighting equipment to improve

services to the citizens of the fire district.

The Chronicle has reached out to CRFR’ s public information officer Jennifer Motherway, who also oversees recruitment and retention, for the following insight and new details.

The Chronicle: We understand that this grant will be used in part to pay a monetary stipend for volunteer response and training attendance. Why is that important and how much will be offered?

Motherway: The importance of the monetary stipend is to be able to help our volunteers monetarily. Without the stipend from the grant, they respond to calls as they can fit it into their schedules and it is not paid, it is a true volunteer position. We feel with the stipend program it may encourage even more participation. The stipend that will be offered will be worked

out in the coming months.

The Chronicle: What is the current number of CRFR volunteers and paid staff?

Motherway: We currently have 25 volunteers – we are in the middle of a recruitment process that ends on October 29 for our upcoming academy.

We also have three programs offered for volunteers: Firefighter, EMS and Logistics opportunities. With the previous grant we also have a student/ resident volunteer program in place for those who are attending college that we are advertising. We have around 58 paid staff.

The Chronicle: In covering fire districts over the years, we have found that the number of volunteers has dwindled. What has CRFR seen over the past five years and what has led to less volunteers?

Motherway: The number of volunteers always fluctu-

ates. We demand over 100 hours of training to become a volunteer right out of the gates. Once academy is completed we also require attendance at weekly training and generally seek 15 hours of calls and 15 hours of training per quarter.

Living in a bedroom community where many people drive to and from Portland for work and spend hours of their time driving each day makes it a challenge to not only quickly respond to the calls, but leaves little time to spend with their respective families. Volunteerism in the fire service is down throughout the nation, high demands and less time with family are two of the most significant reasons.

The Chronicle: With less volunteers, what is the impact to our fire district and the immediate service protection provided by CRFR? Motherway: We are fortu-

nate to have a combination department and our stations are staffed by career staff daily. We have not only Firefighter/Paramedics but also have an EMS Only program that is staffed full time. We have found that the biggest impact is due to the number of medical calls we go on each and every day, as our ambulances drive to and from Portland or Longview multiple times a day, it puts one or more crews out of service until they return.

Having our volunteers assist with staffing makes a large difference especially due to the medical calls and the drive to and from Portland. We have mutual aid with surrounding fire districts as well, and are fortunate to be able to have that shared resource.

Receiving a federal SAFER grant to support our volunteer program is always so helpful and really gives us the added opportunity

to provide more incentives to those firefighters giving back to their community. We received a funding award in 2012, again in 2019 and another in 2020. The impact of each of these grants have been significant to our district.

The funding allows us to spend more on recruiting efforts, training opportunities and added schooling for our members. We feel very fortunate to be able to provide this extra support to the volunteers and our district.

If volunteering is something you have considered, be sure to reach out to Jennifer Motherway for more information on how you can help your community.

Motherway can be reached at motherwayj@crfr. com, or by calling 503-3972990.

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www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Public Notices

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING on Monday October 5, 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Agnes M. Petersen has submitted an application for a subdivision on Tide Creek Rd. The applicant is proposing a 3.2, 2.8, 2.6, 2.9, 2.7 and 30 + acre parcels.

The property is identified by tax account number 622500-00400.The property is located approximately 1.3 miles up and on the north side of Tide Creek RD. This subdivision was authorized under an approved M37/M49 claim. Continuance of the August 17, 2020 Planning Commission meeting per ORS 197.763 SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Columbia County Planning Commission on Monday, October 5, 2020 in Room 351, Circuit Courtroom, on the Third Floor of the

Columbia County Courthouse Annex, 230 Strand, St. Helens, Oregon, starting at 6:30 p.m. During the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Columbia County Planning Commission will be hosting their public hearing via online webinar. Please use the links below if you wish to participate in the public meeting. Columbia County Planning Commission Mon, Oct 5, 2020 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (PDT). Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ join/760987205. You can also dial in using your phone.

(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.) United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073 - One-touch: tel:

+18773092073, ,760987205# United States: +1 (646) 749-3129 - One-touch: tel: +16467493129, ,760987205# Access Code: 760-987-205.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding access to the meeting or need accommodation, please call the Land Development Services office at (503) 3971501. The criteria to be used in deciding the request will be found in some or all of the following documents and laws, as revised from time to time: Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 197.763; Oregon Administrative Rules; Columbia County Comprehensive Plan; Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. The specific criteria applicable to this request is listed and evaluated

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in the staff report. A copy of the application, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicant, and the staff report are available for inspection at no cost and will be provided at reasonable cost at least 7 days prior to the Commission hearing from Land Development Services, County Courthouse Annex, St. Helens, OR, 97051. If additional documents or evidence are provided in support of the application, any party shall be entitled to a continuance of the hearing.

Unless there is a continuance, and if a participant so requests before the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, the record shall remain open for at least seven days after the hearing.

At each hearing, the applicant has the burden of presenting

substantial evidence showing that the application meets all of the applicable criteria.

Following presentation of the staff report, the applicant and other persons in favor of the application will be allowed to address the commission, explaining how the evidence submitted meets the applicable criteria. Following the applicant’s presentation, any person in opposition to the application may present evidence and argument against the application. The applicant will then have the opportunity to rebut any evidence or arguments presented in opposition.

After the presentation of evidence and arguments, the public hearing record will be either left open or closed by the Planning Commission.

The Commission will then make a tentative decision to be followed by approval of a written order and a statement of findings and conclusions supporting the decision, which will be mailed to all parties at a later date. The Commission may, at its discretion, continue the hearing from time to time at the request of the parties or on its own motion as necessary to afford substantial justice and comply with the law. Additional information about this application may be obtained from the Planning Division of the Land Development Services Department, at (503) 397-1501. September 23, 2020, THE PLANNING COMMISSION, Jeff VanNatta, Chairman

CH20-1491 NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS / INVITATION TO BID CITY OF ST. HELENS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CAMPBELL PARK SPORT COURTS INSTALLATION, PROJECT NO. M-508

Notice is hereby given that Sealed Bids for furnishing all materials, equipment, labor, and services for the Campbell Park Sport courts Installation, Project No. M-508 for the City of St. Helens (City) will be accepted by the City Administrator at St. Helens City Hall, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon until 10:00 am Thursday October 15, 2020. All bids received on or before this date and time and in proper form will be publicly opened and read in the City Hall Council Chambers at the time set forth above as the deadline for receipt of bids, and thereafter bid documents, shall be made available for public inspection. Bids received after this date and time will not be considered. First-tier Subcontracting Disclosure forms, per the instructions to bidders, are due within two (2) working hours after the bid submission deadline.

Prequalification of Contractors and/or Subcontractors is not required.

The General Character of the Work under this Contract is: Contractor to manufacture, deliver, and install three (3) multi-sport courts. A concrete viewing/seating area to be provided between the courts. Seating to be provided by others. Contractor to install concreate slab foundation approximately 250’ (l) x 110’ (w). All basketball hoop systems, tennis and volleyball net systems, surfacing, markings, and other sport components to be provided and installed by the selected contractor. Contractor may include an optional bid for perimeter fencing around the multi-sport net courts (e.g., not the basketball court). This project is funded by an Oregon Parks and Recreation grant.

The Solicitation Schedule And Deadlines Are Generally As Follows: BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE/BID OPENING: 10:00 am Thursday October 15, 2020 Anticipated Notice of Intent to Award: October 22, 2020 Final Completion: August 31, 2021

Contract Documents, including plans and specifications, may be examined after 1:00 pm Friday September 18, 2020, at the following offices: City of St. Helens City Hall 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-6272 Dodge Data & Analytics 3461 NW Yeon Ave., Portland, OR 97210 253-539-9335 Oregon Contractors Plan Center 5468 SE International Drive, Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-650-0148 Daily Journal of Commerce www.djcoregon.com 503-274-0624 SW Washington Contractors 7017 NE Hwy. 99, Suite #214, Vancouver, WA 98665 360-694-7922 Association Premier Builders Exchange PO Box 6731, Bend OR 97708 541-389-0123 Salem Contractors Exchange Plan 2256 Judson St. SE, P.O. Box 12065, Salem, OR 97309 503-362-7957 Center Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce www.plancenter.com 206-219-6481

Copies of Contract Documents, including conceptual plans and specifications may be obtained on or after September 18, 2020 at St. Helens City Hall 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon for a nonrefundable fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per set. If ordered by mail, add a five dollar ($5.00) processing and mailing charge. Documents may also be downloaded at no cost on the City’s website at https://www.ci.st-helens.or.us/rfps.

The City reserves the right to make changes to the Notice to Contractors/Invitation to Bid and the resulting contract by written addenda, prior to the bid submission deadline and date. The City will not mail notice of addenda but shall publish notice of any addenda on the City’s website, https://www.ci.st-helens.or.us/rfps, and post the notice of addenda at City Hall. The addenda may be downloaded or picked up at City Hall. Check website and City Hall bulletin board frequently until the bid submission deadline because City may, in its discretion, provide additional notices.

No bid will be received or considered unless the bid is submitted in writing and received on the prescribed City Offer form, mailed or delivered to the City Administrator, City Hall, City of St. Helens, 265 Strand Street St. Helens, Oregon 97051 in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside of the envelope “SEALED BID” and specifying the project name, Campbell Park Sport courts Installation, Project No. M-508, and bearing the name and address of the bidder, the bidder’s telephone number and the bid opening date. All bids must be prepared and signed in ink by an authorized representative. Facsimile bids will not be accepted. No bid will be received or considered unless the bid contains a statement by the bidder, as part of their bid, that Contractor agrees to be bound by and will comply with the provisions of ORS 279C.838 or 279C.840 or 40 U.S.C. 3141 to 3148 (Davis- Bacon Act), as applicable. This project is for a public work and is subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, the Oregon Prevailing Wage Law. No bid will be received or considered unless the bid contains a statement by the bidder, as part of their bid, identifying whether or not the bidder is a resident bidder as defined by ORS 279A.120.

Bidders are not required to be licensed for asbestos removal under ORS 468A.720.

The successful bidder is required to obtain a City business license.

No bid will be received or considered unless the bidder is licensed by the Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board or the State Landscape Contractors Board.

No bid will be received or considered unless the Offer is accompanied by a certified check, cashier's check, surety bond (bid bond), or irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution as defined in ORS 706.008, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount bid. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a faithful performance bond and a labor and material payment bond each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the contract and show proof that the Contractor has filed a public works bond in the amount of $30,000 with Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Contractor will also be required to furnish evidence of insurance, including workers' compensation insurance before the work shall commence.

The City shall investigate and determine the qualifications of the apparent low responsive bidder prior to awarding the contract. The City shall reject any bid by a nonqualified or disqualified bidder. The City reserves the right to reject any bid not in compliance with all prescribed public bidding procedures and requirements, and may reject all bids for good cause upon a finding that it is in the public interest to do so. Evaluation of bids will be based on minimum requirements established by the specifications and compliance with conditions of the Notice to Contractors/Invitation to Bid and City’s public contracting rules. Additional evaluation criteria are as follows: Contractor shall submit a minimum of 4 (four) examples of successful projects of similar scope completed within the last 3 (three) years.

Pursuant to ORS 279A.120, awards shall be subject to preference for products produced or manufactured in Oregon, providing that price, fitness and quality are equal. In determining the lowest responsible bidder, City shall add a percent increase to each out-of-state bidder's bid price which is equal to the percent of preference given to local bidders in the bidder's home state, as set forth in the chart located at www.oregon.gov/DAS/EGS/ps/Pages/RecipPref/detail_a_main _page.aspx The deadline to file a written protest or request, pursuant to Instruction to Bidders to change contract terms, conditions or specifications is not less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the bid submission deadline. The bid submission deadline may be extended by the City to consider a protest or request.

Project Contacts: Jenny Dimsho, Project Manager, (503) 366-8207 or jdimsho@ci.st-helens.or.us.

The City of St. Helens requires all contractors to comply with the City’s adopted Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Policies, a copy of which can be obtained from the City Project Manager, supra. The City’s programs, services, employment opportunities, volunteer positions and contracts are open to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status or age if the individual is 18 years of age or older.

Contractor shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances applicable to the work under this contract, including, without limitation, ORS chapter 279A-C, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ORS 659A.142, and all regulations and administrative rules established pursuant to those laws, and all other applicable requirements of federal and state civil rights and rehabilitation statues, rules and regulations. Contractor shall certify that the Contractor has not discriminated against minorities, women or emerging small businesses in obtaining any required subcontracts.

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

In the Matter of the Estate of JOAN HOGG JURKIEWICZ, Deceased.

Case No. 20PB05207 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed as co-personal representatives of this estate.

All persons having claims

against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice to the co-personal representatives at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be

affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the co-personal representatives, or the attorney for the co-personal representatives. DATED and first published, September 23, 2020. Robert Jurkiewicz and S. Michael Jurkiewicz, Co-personal Representatives.

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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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of ALBERT ALAN CASSWELL, Deceased.

Case No. 20PB05719 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed co-personal representatives of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate

are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice to the co-personal representatives at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, or the claims may be barred.

All persons whose rights may be affected by the

proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the co-personal representatives, or the attorney for the co-personal representatives. DATED and first published September 23, 2020. Richardmaverick Casswell and Nastassia Martyniuk, Co-Personal Representatives.

CH20-1492

PUBLIC NOTICE COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT

Budget Meetings Tuesday, September 29, 2020 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. The Budget Advisory Committee for Columbia River PUD will hold the first of two Budget Advisory Committee meetings on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. The second Budget Advisory Committee meeting is tentatively set for Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the 2021 Operating and Capital Budget and any other business that

may come before the Board. Consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order and guidance issued by the Oregon Health Authority for individuals to stay at home or at their place of residence to the maximum extent possible, the Budget Advisory Committee Meetings will be conducted virtually. The public is welcome to listen in. To call in, dial 1-253215-8782, enter meeting ID 876-7592-4932# and enter pass-code 563818#.

As a participant, your phone will be automatically

muted. To ensure a quality listening experience for all, please do not unmute your phone. These meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities.

A request for further accommodations should be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the Administrative Assistant at 503-366-9916. The PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager

CH20-1497

In the Circuit Court for the State of Oregon For the County of Columbia Probate Department Case No. 20PB06237 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of LARRY BRUCE PARSONS, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that Mark Russell Parsons was appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to the personal representative in care of 5 Centerpointe Dr., Suite

240, Lake Oswego, OR 97035-8682, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative.

Dated and first published September 23, 2020. Larry Bruce Parsons, Personal Representative. David L. Shawcross, OSB No. 044144 Scarborough, McNeese, Oelke & Kilkenny, PC Attorneys for Personal Representative, 5 Centerpointe Dr., Suite 240, Lake Oswego, OR 97035.

Phone (503) 601-3698, dls@ smoklaw.com

CH20-1496

Columbia River PUD PUBLIC NOTICE Board Vacancy At the September 15, 2020 Board meeting, the Board of Directors of Columbia River People’s Utility District (CRPUD) declared a vacancy for the position of Director of Subdivision Five beginning immediately.

The Board of Directors is inviting eligible candidates to submit letters of interest and/or resumes to fill the vacancy on CRPUD’s board. This is normally an elected office; the term of this appointment will run through December 31, 2022.

The position will be up for election at the November 2022 general election to serve a four-year term beginning January 2023.

ORS 261.405(3) provides

that candidates must be an elector; must reside within the subdivision which they are running for; and must have resided in the district continuously for two years immediately preceding the date of election/ appointment. Those meeting the above requirements, and who desire to serve the public as a CRPUD Director for Subdivision Five, representing Rainier, Prescott, portions of Deer Island, and Columbia City, are invited to submit letters of interest and/or resumes to fill the vacancy.

The letters of interest and/ or resumes should include current contact information and physical address of

residence. It is anticipated the candidate selected could be appointed by CRPUD’s Board of Directors at Special Board Meeting on October 13, 2020. Letters of interest and/or resumes should be addressed to the Board, and must be submitted electronically at www. crpud.net/boardvacancy no later than 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Columbia River PUD currently provides electric service to 19,590 customers in Columbia and Multnomah Counties. The PUD currently employs 44 people and had 2019 total operating and non-operating income of $35.2 million. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager

CH20-1486

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON COUNTY OF COLUMBIA 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

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 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

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Obituaries Joseph “Joe” A. Carpenter

50 Plaza Square recognized

June 15, 1950 ~ Sept. 13, 2020

Joe was born to William and Mae (Streit) Carpenter in St. Helens, Oregon on June 15, 1950. He always chuckled saying he was born in the St. Helens Hospital.

He met his wife, Pam, through an auto accident claim. They later married in 2009 where they lived in Deer Island, Oregon.

Joe’s passion was helping at the local River City Speedway in St. Helens, NASCAR and old cars. He also loved his home and enjoyed sitting on the deck enjoying the view and

watching the wildlife.

Joe was preceded in

death by his father; mother; and oldest brother Bill.

He is survived by his wife Pam Carpenter of Deer Island; stepdaughter Candace (Josh) Shaw of St. Helens; stepson J. Cody Pinson of Portland; step grandchildren, Bradley and Brianna Shaw, and Dylan and Adrianna Pinson; brothers, Jim (tena), Charles (d; Bev), Steve (Charlotte), Jeff (Debbie), Dave (Nancy); and one sister Patricia Delozier (d; Bob).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Noel A. Cunningham

Aug. 9, 1941 ~ July 12, 2020

We are sad to announce that on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 11 p.m. Noel A. Cunningham “Skip” passed away at age 78 in Portland, Oregon with family by his side.

Noel “Skip” lived an extraordinary life, he was born and raised in Bucksport, Maine but he lived and worked as a contractor throughout his life in Connecticut, Alaska, Alabama, Florida and in the Virgin Islands. He was always telling a story, singing a song or reciting poetry. He had a lot of friends all over the United States. He was a great father, grandpa, brother and friend.

He had a passion for the finer things; good food, good booze

and motorcycles! If you knew him, you loved him.

Noel “Skip” was preceded in death by his ex-wife Linda; son Todd; mother and father.

He is survived by his two sons, Noel and David “Matt;” two daughters, Kari and Spraige; brother Neil; and sisters, Norma and Noreen.

Noel “Skip” will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in East Hampton, Connecticut with his son Todd and his ex-wife Linda.

The date this will happen is to be determined.

“Catch you on the flip flop, Adios Amigo, love ya!”

Pamela Jane Erskine LaMont Nov. 19, 1950 ~ Sept. 13, 2020 Pamela Jane Erskine LaMont, a resident of Scappoose, Oregon, passed away on Sept.

13, 2020. She was 69 years old.

Pamela was born on Nov. 19, 1950 in Tillamook, Oregon to Wayne and Jane Erskine.

She married Dwight LaMont on Sept. 5, 1970. He preceded her in death on April 17, 2018. They were married for 48 years.

As a wife, Pamela travelled the world supporting her husband throughout his 37-year military career. As a homemaker, Pamela’s devotion and love

was always for her family. She was a caring and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister.

She is survived by her son Brett; his wife Janet and their two children, Trent and Taylor; daughter Nicole and her husband Eric Reed and their children and grandchildren.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh. com.

decisions on various land use matters. This planning commission also acts as the Historic Landmarks Commission, so an interest in historic preservation is also required.

To learn more about the planning commission, please visit the city’s website at www. ci.st-helens.or.us. If you click on Your Government and then select Municipal Code and go to Title 2, Chapter 8, you can view information on the Commission. If you click on Boards & Commissions, you will be taken to the webpage that lists the current membership information.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, October 16, 2020.

If you are interested in volunteering your time to serve on the planning commission, please go to the city’s website and click on Forms & Applications and download a Boards and Commissions Application.

Print and complete the form and return it to City Hall, Attn: Kathy Payne, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051.

If you have any questions or would like an application mailed/emailed to you, contact City Recorder Kathy Payne at kathy@ci.st-helens.or.us or by calling 503-366-8217.

Planning Commission seeking members The City of St. Helens is currently taking applications from interested persons in the community who would like to volunteer to serve on the St. Helens Planning Commission for the term expiring December 31, 2024.

Generally, the commission meets once per month at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday but may meet more often depending on what projects they are working on and what land use applications are received.

The commission was created and members appointed by the St. Helens City Council. All committees are advisory to the council, however, the planning commission is quasi-judicial and has authority to make

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Pugsley

50 Plaza Square, home to the Jane Garcia Real Estate Company, has won the DeMuro Award for historic preservation.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

A building in St. Helens dating from 1928 that has undergone extensive historic restoration to restore the building has just won a prestigious award: the 2020 DeMuro Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, awarded by Restore Oregon, a non-profit based in Portland.

The building, 50 Plaza Square, located across the street from St. Helens City Hall and next to the courthouse, houses the Jane Garcia Team office for Keller Williams Realty Professionals. Jane Garcia and Jennifer Pugsley are co-owners of the building and brokers on the team. The building had a ribbon-cutting ceremony one year ago after completion of a year-long renovation and historical restoration process.

According to Pugsley, the team bought the building in 2018 as a computer store was moving out. Their initial plan was to rent the building, but the then-owner was so impressed with their plans for restoration that he offered to sell them the building, according to Pugsley. The team set to work with historical reservation soon after.

The award was given after Pugsley filled out an application, which she did earlier this year.

“I filled out a pretty extensive application,” Pugsley said.

“They want to know the scope of your project.”

The scope of the project, as The Chronicle has previously reported, was fairly grand. It required copious amounts of research from Pugsley, who went to the planning commission to dig up historical records of the building. Pugsley also went to the Columbia County Historical Society for further help, especially with finding old pictures of the building.

Puglsey said she found at one point, in the 1940s, the building was split

into two storefronts, one being the Columbia County Tuberculosis Association Office.

The application required professional photos, so Pugsley had David Epperly, a professional photographer come out and take pictures. Then Pugsley set to work telling the story of the building. That, Pugsley said, is what she thinks set their application apart.

“When they called to tell me that I had won, she said, ‘we really fell in love with your story,’” Pugsley said.

The story outlined in Pugsley’s application involves taking a building that Pugsley described as the “ugly duckling” of St. Helens and turning it around. According to Pugsley, the last time the building had been renovated was in 1962.

Since then, Pugsley said nothing had ever been done, except for maybe installing new carpet. One of the first things they did was bring the building up to standard, including insulation, a new roof, high efficiency glass in the windows and all new systems, Pugsley said.

The work also involved a lot of attention to detail on Pugsley’s part, Garcia said, to keep the building as periodsensitive as possible. Part of the attention to detail can be seen in the hand-painted

windows and the handcarved “Real Estate” sign, done in the style of 1920s architecture, according to Pugsley.

The award, which does not come with any monetary value, is something Pugsley described as a “ginormous pat on the back” for the statewide historic preservation community. Pugsley will be able to hang the plaque on her wall, and it is something she said she hopes will bring attention to St. Helens.

Pugsley, whose company also focuses on real estate investing in addition to marketing, said she hopes the award will give her credibility as she approaches her next restoration project. Pugsley said she does not have a project in mind yet, but that she wants to do one in St. Helens.

“I would imagine it would give me some credibility if I needed funding, but it’s not really a monetary award,” Pugsley said.

If anything, the award is further proof that Puglsey’s work paid off.

“I just can’t believe that it’s ours and came together the way it did,” Pugsley said.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Police Reports The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

Scappoose Police Sept. 12, 2020 • Police took a report of vandalism to a neighborhood mailbox station in the in the 33000 block of SW Jenny Ln. This case is pending further suspect information.

• Police took a report of vandal-

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ism to a neighborhood mailbox station in the 51000 block of SE 9th St. This case is pending further suspect information.

vestigation and it was determined that there was nothing suspicious and was deemed a natural causes death.

Sept. 13, 2020 • Police contacted a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of West Lane Rd. and McKay Dr.Police noticed the driver of the vehicle was slumped over the steering wheel and appeared to be sleeping. Following the initial contact, Gerald Richards, 31, of St. Helens, was taken into custody for Unlawful Possession of Meth and Unlawful Possession of Heroin. Mr. Richards was transported to jail where he was booked and released on his charges.

• Police responded to a death in-

Sept. 16, 2020 • Police responded to the report of a stolen vehicle in the 52000 block of NE Porter Ln.It was reported that the vehicle was possibly left unlock. This vehicle was later recovered on September 20th by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

• Police took a report of a criminal mischief at the Scappoose High School. It was reported that unknown suspects had spray painted the walls of the baseball dugout and another building. This case is pending further suspect information.

• Police are investigating the report of a Restraining Order Violation that occurred in 52000 block of West Lane Rd. It was reported that the suspect in the case left a note for the protected person’s mailbox. This case is pending further information.

Sept. 17, 2020 • Police were dispatched to a suspicious person in the 33000 block of E. Columbia Ave. Following the initial investigation, Dennis Ivanoff, 71, of Vancouver, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant out of Clatsop County.

Mr. Ivanoff was transported to and lodged in jail on his warrant.

• The St. Helens Police and Columbia County Sheriff’s reports were not available at press time.

County gains waterway restoration grants Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have announced that over $2 million in grants are headed to Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington to support restoration projects critical to the health of the Columbia River Basin.

Over $800,000 in grants for six organizations and government agencies in Oregon, including Rainier and St. Helens. The grants will be used for a wide variety of projects aimed at assessing and reducing the presence of toxins in the watershed.

“Our rivers and waterways are at the heart of our communities, and if they are dirty and polluted, our homes and schools and businesses are dirty and polluted,” Merkley said. “A clean and healthy Columbia River Basin is good for our health, our environment, and our economy.”

“A healthy Columbia River Basin cleaned of toxins benefits Oregon by protecting our natural treasures so essential to our state’s quality of life and economy,” Wyden said. “These restoration resources now flowing into our state add up to a greener and healthier future for all Oregonians.”

Toxic pollutants can accumulate in water, sediment, and fish tissues—threatening to decimate natural ecosystems and also risking the health of tribal communities and other Oregonians who consume affected fish populations, according to a release from Merkley’s office.

The Oregon’s awardees are: • PNW Pollution Prevention Resource Center, in the Portland metro area, is receiving $88,304 to reduce pollutants from automotive and landscaping industries.

• Salmon Safe in Oregon, eastern Washington, and northern Idaho, is receiving $200,000 to address pesticide and erosion reduction, habitat protection and enhancement, and facilitate farmer certification.

• Multnomah County, in the lower and middle Columbia River, Deschutes, Willamette, Hood watersheds, and southwest Washington, is receiving $174,045 to complete pesticide reduction outreach with a focus on the Latino community.

• Lower Columbia River Estuary Program, in St. Helens and Rainier, Oregon and Longview, Washington, is receiving $67,597 to fund the deployment of Grattix boxes that will reduce zinc and copper run-off to the lower Columbia River.

• Cascade Pacific Resource, Conservation & Development in Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County, is receiving $199,999 to build green stormwater infrastructure to reduce metals, PAHs, and pesticides in run-off.

• Columbia Riverkeeper, in Hood River and Wasco Counties and Klickitat County, Washington, is receiving $91,991 to fund pollution prevention education with a focus on youth outreach.

Missing Man

Photo courtesy of Portland Police

Richard Ritz is a white male approximately 6-feet tall.

The family of Richard Ritz, 74, is seeking the public’s help in locating the Portland resident who went missing Sept. 13.

Portland Police posted a missing person’s alert saying Ritz is considered endangered due to health issues.

Police said Ritz is known to frequent Scappoose, Sauvie Island and the St. Johns area. He may be living out of his vehicle, described as a black 1999 Toyota 4Run-

ner, with Oregon license plates CK65017.

Ritz, a white male, approximately 6-feet tall, with a short mustache, is known to have several tattoos including “LOVE” written on his left knuckles and “HATE” on his right knuckles.

If you know where Richard Ritz is, contact Portland Police at 503-823-0797 or missing@portlandpolice. gov.

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Are you a veteran?

You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.

Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, September 23, 2020

2020 Readers’ Choice Awards PRESENTED BY

The Chronicle &

The Chief

Best in Columbia County Your vote counts. Vote online starting September 14 through October 2 (Vote here)

www.thechronicleonline.com & www.thechiefnews.com

Best Local Food and Drink

Business - Best Local Place For

Bakery__________________________________ Breakfast________________________________ Brewery/Brew Pub_________________________ Chinese_________________________________ Coffee__________________________________ Dessert_________________________________ Dinner__________________________________ Fine Dining_______________________________ Hamburger_______________________________ Happy Hour______________________________ Italian__________________________________ Lunch__________________________________ Mexican_________________________________ Pizza___________________________________ Sandwiches______________________________ Seafood_________________________________ Steak___________________________________ Sushi___________________________________ Thai____________________________________ Vegan/Vegetarian__________________________

A Fun Time_______________________________ Accounting_______________________________ Appliances_______________________________ Art/Gallery_______________________________ Auto Body_______________________________ Auto Service______________________________ Boutique Shopping_________________________ Cannabis Dispensary________________________ Catering_________________________________ Clothing_________________________________ Computer Sales & Service_____________________ Cars & Trucks______________________________ Customer Service___________________________ Date Night_______________________________ Entertainment____________________________ Electrician Service/Install_____________________ Family Night______________________________ Financial Institution________________________ Financial Service___________________________ Fitness/Well Being__________________________ Florist__________________________________ General Contracting/Construction_______________ Gifts___________________________________ Groceries & Sundries________________________ Heating & Air_____________________________ Home Improvement_________________________ Home Furnishings/Decor______________________ Hotel___________________________________ Jewelry_________________________________ Landscaping & Lawn________________________ Live Entertainment_________________________ Pet/Livestock Supplies_______________________ Support Groups____________________________ Senior Services____________________________

People - Best At What They Do Include first and last names of individuals and place of business

Bartender_______________________________ Boss/Manager_____________________________ Esthetician_______________________________ Financial Advisor___________________________ Fishing Guide_____________________________ Food Server______________________________ Hair Stylist_______________________________ Health Professional_________________________ Insurance Agent___________________________ Mail Person______________________________ Manicurist_______________________________ Massage Therapist__________________________ Mortgage Agent___________________________ Pharmacist_______________________________ Police/Fire/EMT____________________________ Real Estate Office__________________________ Real Estate Agent__________________________ Tattoo Artist______________________________ Veterinarian______________________________

The Chronicle The Chief Vote online at www.thechronicleonline.com & www.thechiefnews.com Return ballots to The Chronicle at 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051 or PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97051

Return ballots to The Chronicle at 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051 or mail to PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97051. Votes must be received by Friday, Oct. 2.

Original ballots only, no copies. Please write clearly. Only one ballot per reader.

Enter one person/business per category. Businesses can only be voted for services they provide.

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