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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

The Chronicle Serving Columbia County since 1881

24 COVID cases in 4 days

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thechronicleonline.com

Slow start at Halloweentown

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported Monday, Sept.

28, that Columbia County had eight new cases. Since Friday, Sept. 25, cases in Columbia County have grown by 24.

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

In a briefing to the county Board of Commissioners on Monday, Sept. 28, county Public Health Director Michael Paul said we might see numbers continue to rise.

“We have over 20 currently infectious, those are the cases we know about,” Paul said.

This sharp uptick in cases will push the county further behind in meeting the metrics needed to reopen schools, which require that a county maintain a case rate of less than 10 per 100,000 people for three weeks.

“Based on new cases yesterday and today, we didn’t start off this week in a good spot,” Paul said.

Of the new cases, Paul told commissioners that some have been related to workplaces, holiday gatherings and “more than a couple cases related to church services.” He also said that childcare, and combining households to provide childcare have been linked to cases.

The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from Sunday, Sept. 27 and remains at 547, according to the OHA. On Friday, Sept. 25, the OHA reported the highest daily case count since the beginning of the pandemic in Oregon, 457 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 statewide.

Patrick Allen, OHA director, said Labor Day gatherings, the return of college students to campus and a higher number seeking care following wildfires across the state are all contributing factors to the state’s sharp incline in COVID-19 cases.

“We must rethink the way we socialize and the way we socially interact,” Allen said in a media briefing.

The surge in cases follows a six week decline and presents discouraging numbers, Allen said.

“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “We cannot let up in our collective efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19.”

Across the state, outbreaks have been linked to social gatherings involving groups of people meeting without following health guidelines. Three outbreaks are linked to parties held at the

Management Group presented the board with information about using the construction management process, which he said streamlines the project and provides built-in support from contractors with a wealth of

The city’s annual “Spirit of Halloweentown” celebration kicked off this past weekend to a small crowd.

The event, which has drawn thousands of visitors per day in years past, has been scaled back this year to comply with public health guidelines established to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

Instead of open streets for visitors to roam, the event is ticketed, with a maximum of 250 tickets sold per day. On Saturday, Sept. 26, only a smattering of visitors arrived for the festivities, which included street performers, a haunted house, museum of oddities and witch dance lessons.

Food vendor Roberta Boursaw returned to the festival this year, making it her second year at Spirit of Halloweentown. She said it was her first event of the season due to so many event cancellations from COVID-19.

“It’s kind of nice to be out, I missed it,” Boursaw said. “It’s probably going to be a slower season, but I think it will be fine.”

Even with the reduced number of guests each weekend, and the slim turnout on Saturday, she said she thought it was worth it.

“By the time you figure in the cost for your product and your fee to be here, it’s kind of a gamble now with COVID,” she said. “Today has been a slow day, but I feel pleased with what I’ve done.”

The vendors are spaced out more than in previous years, allowing guests to distance while waiting in line or walking through.

Even with the new limitations on attendance, the event has drawn concerns from county officials. The county, which permits the city to use and decorate the grassy plaza in front of the courthouse, has warned city officials to keep an eye on the event.

“I think this is a terribly stupid idea,” Columbia County Board Commissioner Alex Tardif said at the commissioner meeting Wednesday, Sept. 23. The three commissioners all voiced concerns about St. Helens continuing to hold the event despite climbing COVID-19 case rates in Oregon.

“So help me, if there is an outbreak because of this I will be in your chamber and I will be pissed.

We are working extremely hard to keep this pandemic in check,” Tardif said.

Commissioner Henry Heimuller expressed concern about the ticketed area preventing local citizens from visiting the shops included in the area.

“I think the city is limiting the

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See COVID Page A8

Different First Day Photo courtesy of Brandi Backus

Kindergartener Dominic Backus in front of a computer.

Kindergarten with distance learning

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The first day of school for kindergarten students has long represented one of the first rites of passage encountered by children.

This year, it’s a little different.

Instead of sniffly goodbyes at the door of the classroom, parents are home with their students and the teacher appears behind a screen.

“You’re definitely missing out on

a milestone,” said Brandi Backus, mother of a kindergarten student.

Her son Dominic started school last week, behind a Chromebook instead of behind a chalkboard.

“He doesn’t know any different,” Backus said. While the rite of passage of entering the kindergarten classroom might not be occurring, Backus said it’s clear how hard the teachers are working to engage the students. “It’s kind of fun; he gets into it and I feel like he’s learning stuff.”

Erika Kunders, a kindergarten teacher at McBride Elementary School in St. Helens, said the transition to online education triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has been a learning experience for everyone.

“We are surviving and we are pushing forward and doing the best we can with lots of families using

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See KINDERGARTEN Page A5

High school renovation discussions

This conceptual drawing shows a wide public plaza at the renovated high school.

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

St. Helens School Board is moving ahead with plans to renovate St. Helens High School, utilizing a construction management/general contractor process.

This process allows a contractor

Drawing courtesy of St. Helens School District

to be brought in early in the design phase and stay through construction and completion, rather than the traditional method of going out for competitive bids after design. The district is in the pre-design phase of construction for the new school. Voters narrowly approved a $55 million bond to fund the project in May. Rick Raining of Cornerstone

See RENOVATIONS Page A6

See HALLOWEENTOWN Page A8

Contact The Chronicle

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

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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Local officials outline wildfire preparations JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

New details are emerging from the devastating September wildfires that swept across one million acres.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management’s latest report issued this week shows grim details. Nine people were killed, five left missing, 2,669 people were sheltered and the fires destroyed 2,284 homes and 1,575 over structures.

Entire towns were destroyed, or left with millions of dollars in damages.

The reality of quick action needed when such disaster spreads has been a continuing discussion by first responders, elected officials and community members across Columbia County.

City of St. Helens The City of St. Helens partners with Columbia County Emergency Management along with other jurisdictions in hazard mitigation planning, emergency and disaster response, and communications, according to the city’s communication director Crystal King.

Columbia County Emergency Management would be the lead agency directing such emergency responses, according to King, and the City of St. Helens would coordinate any disaster response under Emergency Management’s lead.

King said the City of St. Helens has many methods of communication available for

contacting residents about necessary evacuations, including sending an emergency message through the Columbia Alert Network, FlashAlert, mass distribution email lists, press releases, radio, the city’s website, social media, amplifying messages through partner agency communications tools, and knocking door-to-door if necessary.

King said evacuation routes would need to be determined on a case by case basis.

King said every household should have an emergency plan in place before a disaster occurs and build an emergency kit.

King urges anyone who lives or works in the Columbia County area, to register their cell phone number with the Columbia Alert Network at member.everbridge. net/453003085613334/login to receive emergency alerts directly: City of Clatskanie Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said his city depends on county and state emergency management agencies to help notify residents and business operators about pending and immediate evacuations.

“They would be the guys to call the shots,” he said.

Hinkelman said the city is a subscriber and participates in the Columbia Alert Network.

“Which is kind of like a reverse 911,” Hinkelman said.

“We have the ability to send out an automated phone message to all residents notifying of any potential emergency.

Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon wildfires swept though entire communities leaving a wide path of devastation and destruction.

We would also coordinate messages with the fire department and the public utility district (PUD).”

Hinkelman said the city has established planned escape routes for emergency evacuations.

“Escape is either Highway 30 or Highway 47,” he said.

“Beaver Falls Road is an alternate along with Swedetown Road. Any evacuation route would be directed by our public works or the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.”

Hinkelman said it is important that residents, business operators and employees have a shelter in place plan and have a “go bag” in the event of evacuations.

“I would also develop a checklist of items to grab if you have the time,” he said. “Things like important documents, medication, the cell phone charger and those must-save valuables, such as photographs probably being near the top of the list.”

The city also has a siren located at Clatskanie City Park as an alert tool that has been used by the Clatskanie Rural Fire

Protection District (CRFPD).

But Hinkelman said the city hasn’t used the siren for quite some time because when there is a fire or other emergency requiring CRFPD crews, most of the firefighters are alerted though their cell phones now as a more effective communications.

“We do participate in emergency and disaster exercises in coordination with the county,” he said. “We have had evacuations in the past due to flooding, but since I have been here from 2008, we had no evacuations due to wildfires.”

Fire agency reaction CRFPD Chief Steve Sharek said his agency maintains the siren at Clatskanie City Park but due to its limited sound range it isn’t used as a primary alert system.

“The last time we used it was when we had flooding,” Sharek said. “We did use it to wake people up and alert them of what was going on.”

Sharek said while his agency crews have conducted wildfire evacuation training,

the actual educations would be done through law enforcement.

“We count on law enforcement to make those notifications and we would participate in a hurry if we needed to,” he said.

Communicating with Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) is also key in such emergencies, Sharek said.

“We would probably be the fist ones to identify the problem or the threat,” he said.

“Law enforcement and fire would then determine what should happen and we would get that message to CRFR’s communication officer.”

Sharek said being prepared is a community wide responsibility.

“It’s all about public and community education,” he said.

Key elements for effective and quick emergency evacuations will be through social media, Facebook, radio and television, according to Sharek, who said first responders, law enforcement and fire agency crews would also travel into neighborhoods knocking on doors and using vehicle loud speakers to alert people of the emergency.

Sharek said before wildfires occur, residents, especially those in the dense forests of Columbia County need to make sure they have a defensible space around their homes and a clear driveway and have an evacuation plan of their own to allow them to escape the danger.

“We’d rather be working immediately on the fire rather that having to move people out of the way,” Sharek said.

“That is where Ready, Set, Go is helping people get to safety.

There will be situations where you have to help people and we will help them if we can.”

City of Rainier reaction Rainier Police Chief Gregg Griffith said fire service personnel are responsible for assessing threat hazards posed by fire, radiological materials, and other hazardous materials.

Griffith said the City of Rainier’s alert and warning system utilizes the local EAS, reverse 9-1-1, police and fire vehicle public address systems, and door-to-door contact.

Griffith said to the greatest extent possible, the city will assist citizens in carrying out the responsibility by providing preparedness and mitigation information and delivering critical public services during a disaster.

“However, a major emergency is likely to damage the city’s critical infrastructure and reduce the workforce available to continue essential government services,” Griffith said. “Knowledgeable citizens prepared to take care of themselves and their families in the early phases of an emergency can make a significant contribution towards survival and community resiliency.”

For more information about emergency preparedness, contact your local fire department or fire agency, Columbia County Emergency Management, or your local city officials.

County fairgrounds back to normal STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

It’s back to somewhat normal operations at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, following three weeks of what county officials call an “epic operation pulled together on the fly to support 40 wildfire evacuees and well over 400 animals.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the fairgrounds, at 58892 Saulser Road, St. Helens, opened as an emergency evacuation site for families fleeing the historic regional wildfires. It took an estimated 4,546 volunteer hours contributed by 550 volunteers to manage the influx of livestock, displaced people and donations from the community, according to a release from Columbia County.

Columbia County Emergency Management helped oversee the operation with other agencies assisting including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and CERT. “We’ve had some excellent volunteers,” Columbia County Fair Board member Julie Pelletier said. “Our fair board has done spectacular work, along with the Grange and all of the local committees and commissions and folks that have helped out. Community support and donations of hay and feed from businesses like Dahlgren’s to Senator Johnson to just a myriad of folks that kicked in and came together on this thing. Our appreciation, 100 percent, goes to the community for their outpouring of support.”

The fairgrounds volunteers provided evacuees with a variety of essential items such

as clothing, hygiene supplies and food. As the local volunteers quickly learned that other evacuation sites were overwhelmed and in need of supplies provided by a generous rally of support from the community, the county site shifted into a distribution center, tapping drivers to ship supplies to other communities in need.

“I have seen carts upon carts come through the doors of the Columbia County Fairgrounds full of supplies, gift cards, and cash donations that are literally life changing for these evacuees,” volunteer Amanda Normine said. “I saw social media do so much good with groups like Cowgirl 911 coming to the aid of animals who otherwise would have perished in the blaze. My mornings have been blessed by coming in to watch volunteers, young and old alike, working side by side to do literally every job imaginable with no complaining.”

United Way of Columbia County donors provided indoor shelter at the Best Western for six family groups who had health conditions that required them to get clear of the hazardous air that hovered in St. Helens for several days. Air filtration systems were provided for two families sheltered at the Fairgrounds with children who were asthmatic. Essential nutrition and health supplies were provided to an evacuee who had recently undergone oral surgery.

By Sunday, Sept. 20, all the evacuees had safely returned home, and the pavilion remained stocked full of donated items and volunteers were still taking frequent calls from vari-

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ous communities who were in desperate need of supplies.

“With the agreement of the team who was volunteering at the time, we made a decision to continue accepting donations once our evacuees went home so that we could continue assisting sites who were in need of additional items,” volunteer Halsey Hendrickson said. “We are one of the only remaining sites where donations are being accepted, and we are now known as a ‘hub’ for making sure that evacuation sites around the state have resources for their families.”

The fairgrounds volunteer team, with the aid of multiple volunteer drivers, shipped supplies to the communities of

Glide, Talent, Phoenix, Otis, Lincoln City and Estacada in Oregon, and to Okanogan County, Washington. Hendrickson said they are still actively working to look for more places that need help, adding the Otis site director has called them a “lifeline.”

Fairgrounds officials estimated they have received 13,500 pounds of clothing donations, 9,000 pounds in diapers, 15,000 pounds of toiletry items, 36,000 pounds of baby supplies, 6,000 pounds in adult hygiene products, 12,000 pounds of bedding, 8,000 pounds of pet food and 9,500 pounds of pet supplies. Many of those donations have already been shipped out to communi-

ties in need.

Local restaurants also rallied to serve both hot meals, snacks and beverages to the volunteers and evacuees, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local donors included El Tapatio, Sunshine Pizza, Rosebud Cafe, Bamford Bakery, Scappoose Bagel, Walking Waffles, Fultanos Pizza, Deer Island Store, Dockside Restaurant, Plymouth Pub, Warren Country Inn, Dominos Pizza, Ixtapa Restaurant, Noi’s Kitchen, Wild Currant, and Oriental Cafe. Local organizations such as the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and Community Meals/First Lutheran Church.

“We were also able to provide meals to the Donald, Oregon Fire Department Firefighters,” volunteer Toni Nelson, who managed the kitchen, said. “We have residents of the Donald, Oregon area that evacuated animals to our fairgrounds. I checked with them daily and they have been able to send leftover meals back with them to provide hot meals for approximately 25 firefighters.”

Operators of the Columbia County Fairgrounds will also be looking towards upcoming fundraising opportunities to help cover the costs of the effort and to make up the potential $42,000 in revenue loss expected.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

State revenue forecast shows encouragement, caution JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Photo courtesy of OSP

Signs, such as this one, are posted along the Oregon ocean cliffs as a warning to hikers.

Hiker dies in coast cliff fall STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon State Police report a 43-year-old Seaside man has died after falling from a cliff at Oswald State park in Tillamook County.

On Sunday, Sept. 27, at approximately 1:48 p.m. OSP Police troopers and emergency personnel responded to a person who fell from a cliff, into the ocean, at Devil’s

Cauldron trail in Oswald West State Park.

Preliminary investigation revealed two people walked down the Devil’s Cauldron trail to take a photograph at a cliff side viewpoint.

Steven Gastelum, of Seaside, climbed a tree on the cliff’s edge to pose for a photograph. A limb broke, on the tree, causing him to fall approximately 100-feet into the ocean.

US Coast Guard helicopter and Nehalem Bay Fire Department jet skis assisted in locating Gastelum and bringing him to shore.

Gastelum was transported to Tillamook Regional Medical Center by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased.

Officials continue to urge beach visitors of the danger and to stay on marked trails along the coastline.

Park, trail improvements ahead

The latest report about how the Oregon economy is doing offers encouragement but also caution.

The Oregon Department of Administrative Services opened its summary statement for the September Oregon Revenue Forecast saying “the economy remains in a Great Recession-sized hole.”

The report, issued Sept.

23, finds lower-income households have borne the brunt of the recession.

“The combination of higher-income households being less impacted to date, and the large federal support means consumer spending and tax collections have held up much better than expected,” the report summary states. “The strong economic growth in recent months is encouraging, as many workers on temporary layoffs are recalled. However, normally it takes a year or two for the recessionary shock to work its way through the economy.”

The report also states that overall, the current state of the economy is much better than feared at the time of the previous forecast. But the economic outlook in the years ahead is only improved modestly. It takes time, even under the best of circumstances to regain lost ground due to recessions. 2020 so far is anything but the best.

Despite the sharp reduction in economic activity, the revenue summary states that Oregon’s primary revenue instruments have continued to grow. Collections of Personal Income Taxes and Corporate Taxes both set record highs over the post-shutdown (March-to-September) period this year.

But state officials also caution that the economic pain has yet to be fully reflected in Oregon’s revenue data.

“In the near-term Oregon’s economy is impacted

by COVID-19 and the wildfires that destroyed our communities,” the summary states. “Over the long-term, Oregon’s ability to attract and retain skilled, workingage households is one of our comparative advantages.

To the extent the pandemic, wildfires, drought, or protests and clashes of violence impact this advantage remains to be seen, but they all represent downside risks to the outlook. On the other hand, should telecommuting and remote work increase as a result of the pandemic and changing business practices, Oregon stands to take advantage.”

Governor Kate Brown’s statement Gov. Kate Brown said the latest revenue forecast is a testament to the resiliency of Oregonians.

“And to how we—as a state—have been able to manage the COVID-19 pandemic by working together,” she said in a statement.

Brown said the pandemic impact has been “massive” on Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Tribal communities and those dependent on the service economy.

“While revenue projections are up for this biennium, the revenue forecast did not balance our upcoming budget, and we must tread lightly,” Brown said. “We still face structural inequities, as well as fluctuations in health care spending related to ongoing COVID-19 response, at the same time we face a serious budget deficit.

In addition, many of our critical pandemic response efforts, from testing to personal protective equipment, have been funded with CARES Act funding, which expires at the end of the year.”

Brown said Oregon urgently needs congressional action to provide direct help to local governments, businesses and families so that we can all continue to provide critical services to Oregonians during this crisis.

“Oregon has a history of being smart with our reserves and saving for a rainy day,” Brown said. “We cannot abandon this approach in the middle of a pandemic, with cold and flu season rapidly approaching. Or while response and recovery efforts to a historic statewide fire emergency continue, and the costs of those efforts to save homes and lives continues to grow. We must prepare for the costs of continuing

to provide critical services in the next biennium––from health care to affordable housing to wildfire readiness and response.

“This year, we must celebrate every piece of good news we can get. But even with the welcome news of increased revenue projections, my commitment remains to make prudent financial decisions and position our state to manage unforeseen economic challenges that may come our way.”

Senate Republican Leader Response Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod (R-Lyons) issued the following statement concerning the revenue forecast.

“Thanks to federal action, Oregon has $1.7 billion dollars in its ending balance, and there is absolutely no reason to raise taxes. The corporate and personal income taxes set new tax collection records.

“Governor Kate Brown’s government overreach during the COVID-19 event has deepened the income inequality in the state and lower-income Oregonians have been hit hardest. Hardworking Oregonians have also been impacted by the wildfires. Cities and counties across the state that rely on tourism for income have been decimated and are not recovering quickly, and the perpetual violent riots in Portland have damaged Oregon’s national image for anyone who thought about relocating here.”

Background The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers in state agencies and private organizations for use in their decision-making processes. The Oregon Revenue Forecast opens the revenue forecasting process to public review. It is the basis for much of the budgeting in state government. The forecast reports are issued four times a year: March, June, September and December.

See the entire report www.oregon.gov/das/ OEA/Documents/forecast0920.pdf.

Photo courtesy of the City of St. Helens

This is the new boardwalk recently placed along the 5th Street Trail in St. Helens.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Nature improvements are planned for Nob Hill Nature Park and the new 5th Street Trail area of St. Helens.

Funding for the projects follows a grant request submitted by the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council and the City of St. Helens to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. The $12,414 grant will be used to hire a

small crew to do invasive species removal and followup chemical spot treatment in Nob Hill Nature Park and along the new 5th Street Trail.

The work will focus on the removal of invasive blackberries and English ivy and planting of native species to maintain this valuable oak woodland and wetland habitat.

The Scappoose Bay Watershed Council’s native plant

nursery will provide native plants, which will be planted by volunteers or a small work crew in the reclaimed areas. Possible native species include oak, Oregon grape, snowberry, douglas spirea, red-osier, dogwood, sedges and rushes, according to information posted on the City of St. Helens website.

For more information, contact the City of St. Helens at 503-397-6272.

KAISER GYPSUM

Courtesy photo

“If the September 2020 forecast proves accurate, not only is the General Fund in very good shape for the current biennium, but there will be additional revenues available to apply to 2021-23,” Summary statement

by Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

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Opinion

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Garden Plots: Skunks, pigweed CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Column

Skunks in your yard (and under your house) I visited with someone from Scappoose and she asked me to write something about skunks. There aren’t many people that like skunks but I happen, generally, to be one of them. In Columbia County, we have both striped (the most common) and spotted skunks. I have found them to be relatively calm unless provoked by a dog, coyote, raccoon, or human. That said, it is not good if they have a den under your house.

Two skunks can get into a tussle as can skunks and their other enemies. The results are all too predictable.

Skunk spray is powerful and impossible to remove from underfloor insulation.

The insulation has to go. Sometimes, harder surfaces can be sprayed with a skunk smell neutralizing mixture I will give below with decent results.

But spraying under the house is a bit risky to you so be careful. People have also had some success with ammonia-soaked rags as a deterrent under a low deck or under structures.

The best approach is to block skunks from denning under your house or low deck. Check your foundation for openings and tighten them up. If skunks start to dig under your foundation (hard to do) or under a manufactured home’s skirting (much easier), you can try to watch when they go out to forage in the middle of the night and put down some tight-mesh metal fencing to force them to leave. Sometimes this works and sometimes it does not. Don’t do this when the babies are still underneath.

At some point in the late summer, skunks usually leave the dens. That is the time to bat-ten down everything.

Skunks are omnivorous (they like fruit, insects, meat, etc.) and do most of their foraging at night. Skunks do some good. They will dig up little patches of lawn looking for crane fly grubs (so will raccoons). They will also dig out ground-nesting yellow jackets and eat the immature larva. They give birth to 3-6 little ones in the spring or early summer.

If your dog or cat gets tagged with skunk spray, here is a formula that will help reduce the smell: • 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide • ¼ cup baking soda • 1-2 teaspoons liquid dishwashing soap Mix together and work into the fur being careful to avoid the eyes. Wash off. You will need double or triple this recipe for a big furry dog. From personal experience, I know this works from our dear beagle’s two-hour encounter with a skunk (both survived just fine) inside our deer fence. It is a long story but, by actual count, the skunk managed to “stand and

deliver” at least 40 times in that period. By approximate tally, Clyde the Beagle barked about 6,000 times. He took the next several days off from barking but, beyond that, was totally fine.

The late summer classics: Pigweed and lambsquarters Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), in the upper picture, and lambsquarters, in the lower one, are the quintessential summer weeds in vegetable gardens. Both weeds need bare ground to germinate. Typically, they emerge before the planted crop emerges. Once the

into the demonstration garden out at the Fairgrounds. She grew it for a salad green mix for high-end restaurants in Portland. It did well in the garden and I found it quite tasty when small. So a little breeding goes a long way.

Garden management of both species includes suppressing seed germination with mulches and drip irrigation, using transplants to get a head start on weeds, and removing emerged weeds so they don’t out-compete your crops and/or deliver a new bunch of seeds to your soil.

Commercial organic farms use the above techniques and sophisticated weeding equipment to protect their crops.

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503 397-3462 or at chip. bubl@oregonstate. edu.

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weeds are in place, they grow rapidly and shade crop seedlings. Without full sun, the crops are suppressed, often to the point of complete failure.

Over the course of a summer, seedlings of both weeds continue to emerge.

If a pigweed top is snapped off during tillage or hoeing, the plant can produce a few short shoots with new leaves and go to seed quickly. I have seen pigweeds less than two inches tall produce viable seed.

These weeds have a relatively short life cycle.

Forty-five days from seed to seed is not uncommon in the summer. While the two weeds are in distinctly different families, both have tiny flowers and seeds borne in clusters where the leaves join the stem, with the largest clusters at the top of the plant. A mature pigweed can be over four feet tall and wide. There is some evidence that such a plant can produce over 175,000 seeds. There is also good evidence that some seeds from both pigweed and lambsquarters can live for 30-40 years, though most deteriorate or are consumed by birds, insects, and slugs well before that.

Botanically, lambsquarters are in the beet family while pigweed is in the amaranth family. Lambsquarters are from Eurasia and came to North America with European settlement. Pigweeds are native to the tropical Americas and are now distributed to the rest of the world.

Both are considered edible by various cultures (leaf and seeds of both). I have tried leaves of both and prefer, by far, lambsquarters. That said, I got some Garnet Amaranth (in the pigweed group) seedlings from a commercial grower and put it

Free at the Extension office in St. Helens on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 14.. Contact for questions and requests for accessibilityrelated accommodations: by phone (leave a message for Jenny Rudolph) 503 3973462 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) writ-ten/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 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 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

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Are you worried about the spike in COVID-19 cases in Columbia County?

Autumn began Sept. 22.

Are you ready for the change of seasons?

Yes

No

73% Yes

27% No

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com

The Chronicle The Chronicle (USPS 610-380) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 S. Columbia Blvd., P.O. Box 1153 St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Periodicals postage paid at St. Helens, OR 97051

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chronicle PO Box 1153 St. Helens, OR 97051-8153

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Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • www.thechronicleonline.com Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net Advertising: atrull@countrymedia.net

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Voices of the Community Integrity I support Brandee Dudzic for County Commissioner.

Brandee doesn’t water down her stance to get money or votes. People may agree or disagree with her position, but you know where she stands, you can take her at her word.

The same is not true of Magruder. Magruder takes money from Global Partners.

Why would a Massachusetts Fortune 500 company like Global give a commissioner money? In the last election Magruder led people to believe she would not support oil by rail through our towns. County residents gave Magruder donations believing this to be true.

During the same campaign Magruder accepted donations from Global, the company behind the push for the oil by rail, and the rezoning of our farmland. Once elected, Magruder voted in Global’s best interests with every vote.

I want a commissioner I can trust. I don’t want a commissioner who takes money from both “sides.” I don’t want a commissioner who puts the interests of corporate oil against the interests of the local farmer.

We can disagree about the advantages/disadvantages of the rezone and fossil fuel trains running through the county, but I think we can all agree you don’t take campaign money in good faith from your local constituents, then take money from a Fortune 500 company and claim to have “misspoken” when asked why you didn’t follow through with your earlier position.

Brandee Dudzic has pledged not to take money from corporations, which means she is not beholden to them, only to us. Integrity.

April Helton Rainier

Tardif for Columbia County Supervisor Alex Tardif’s vision is to diversify the county’s tax base between the large timber interests, agriculture, tourism, and soft industry to maximize county revenues. This would go hand in glove with adequate and affordable housing, living wage jobs, improved transportation and infrastructure including county-wide broadband.

Creative solutions, partnering with private and public agencies, and grant-writing are needed. The county must also support the most vulnerable in the population, and provide recreational opportunities with public safety as an important factor. A strategic plan addresses these essential elements. This is vision.

Tardif’s interest in health and welfare is evident as he

chairs the Columbia Community Mental Health Board.

Oregon recently mandated the county set up its own public health department that he promoted. Following state guidelines, the new department works tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of county residents. They report thrice weekly to commissioners and the public, keeping information current under his guidance. This is empathy.

Tardif brings youthful vitality and progressive perspectives to entrenched business as usual. His ability to expand the envelope for new ideas and resources for a sustainable county future is well known.

His research of tourism/recreation and agri-business development will lead to county job growth with increased taxes plus a more equitable distribution of the tax base currently out of balance.

On September 20, 2020 he posted his participation in the Out of Darkness walk to help people with depression and suicidal tendencies. That is action.

Tardif for Columbia County Supervisor.

Hal Ritz Scappoose

We are all in this together As a teacher at St. Helens High School and President of the local teachers union I just want to express how teachers feel about this school year.

This is not the job we signed up for, we want to see your children and teach them in person, however, that is not possible currently. But we want you to know that we miss them and we are looking forward to when we get to have them back in our classrooms.

We miss that personal connection that comes from being in the room together. We also miss all the learning that takes place when people have opportunities to see each other in real life and see their body language and emotions - it really does matter.

We also want to let parents and the public know that we are really working hard to make this the best we possibly can and will continue to get better at this online teaching model. For me personally, I have not had to learn so much so quickly in a very long time and I imagine that is what is going on at your home too.

We are all in this together and we as teachers will do all we can to make this year a success. We also want to say thanks to all of the parents and supporters of children during this time, your efforts are vital to the success of this school year. Thanks.

Keith Meeuwsen St. Helens

Death Rates Here’s the death data published as of Sept. 1, 2020

by The Oregon Health Authority: In 2018 there were 3016 deaths/month in Oregon. In 2019; 3115.5 deaths/month but get this: In 2020 through Sept. 1 the rate dropped to 2800/month.

During my egg breakfast, news show available here in Scappoose breathlessly lead with the “new cases” of virus and the new death total. I’m trying to sort this out.

It was recently reported that “clean” virus deaths, that would be those without additional causes, such as diabetes, heart-lung disease, obesity, or the like, amounted to only 6% of the listed deaths by virus.

Add to it these facts.

Hospitals gain an additional $36K from the feds if the virus is listed as a co-contributing factor in a death.

The swabs being tested for the virus are being amplified over 30 times, even up to 36.

Among virologists comments on one newscast; “You could find the virus anywhere with that much amplification.”

If the virus is such a killer, why have deaths in Oregon where people are moving in, not out, fallen by 300/month?

Wayne Mayo Scappoose

Cancer Research Must Continue Even Amid Pandemic As the country continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important lawmakers and the public remember research into other diseases must also continue.

That’s why I recently participated in a virtual event to meet with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici as an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer.

I made it clear that people in Oregon are counting on our lawmakers to increase funding for cancer research and prevention. With more than 600,000 Americans expected to die from cancer this year, including an estimated 8,280 in Oregon, now is not the time to take a break. We are at a point where advancements in research are saving more lives than ever. We must keep this momentum going forward and invest in lifesaving cancer research.

By increasing medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health by $3 billion, we can continue to make progress in the fight against cancer.

Margaret (Missie) Kallunki Clatskanie

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

6:00

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Family Guy

Family Guy

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Love Island (Season Finale) (N) Dodgeball Thunderdome (N) KGW News at 6 (N) Inside Edition (N)

9 O’Clock News (N) Seinfeld

8:30

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Conan “JB Smoove”

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48 Hours Suspicion (N) (9:58) Dodgeball Thunderdome To Be Announced

KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (10:58) Expedition Unknown KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show

Hacking Your Mind Hacking for good. (N) 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (:05) Amphibia Big City Greens

NOVA “Human Nature” (DVS) 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens

People (N) 2 Broke Girls

Family Guy Family Guy The Big Bang Theory Full Frontal

The Simpsons (:24) 2 Broke Girls

10:00

10:30

(:01) Match Game (N) (DVS) Star Trek: Discovery (N)

OCTOBER 1, 2020

11:00

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KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert

9:30

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10:30

OCTOBER 2, 2020

11:00

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KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Blue Bloods “Custody Battle” KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:05) Deadliest Catch “Everything Changes” The Cornelia crew fights.

Dateline NBC (N) KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Mrs. Wilson on Masterpiece Professor T “Swansong Part 2” 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Raven About BUNK’D Gabby Duran Gabby Duran Jessie People (N) The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy

›› “Justice League” (2017) Ben Affleck. Batman, Wonder Woman and other heroes unite to battle evil.

9:00

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OCTOBER 3, 2020

11:00

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College Football Baylor at West Virginia. (N) (Live) Pet Vet Dream Team All In With Laila Ali Pet Vet Dream Team Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (N) College Football Dirty Jobs Fish-processing ship.

Dirty Jobs “Dairy Cow Midwife” Dirty Jobs “Dirty Jobs of the Big Apple” A New Leaf (EI) Premier League Soccer Leeds United vs Manchester City. (N) (Live) IndyCar SciGirls Biz Kid$ Garden Smart Garden Home Quilting Arts Love of Quilting College Football Teams TBA. (N) (Live) College Football South Carolina at Florida. (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Jessie Jessie Garden Time Southern Liv Paid Program Paid Program Paid Program Paid Program Everybody Raymond Seinfeld Seinfeld Seinfeld “The Doodle” Fleas force Jerry out of apartment.

2:30

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Coll. Football Dirty Jobs Oil spill; car in lake.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Alaskan Bush People “Beyond the Bush” KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Shetland The Durrells in Corfu on Masterpiece 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (:15) Jessie (:40) Bunk’d (:05) Bunk’d Bunk’d Sydney to the Max Sydney to the Max 9 O’Clock News (N) People (N) The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Conan Seinfeld

›› “Justice League” (2017) Ben Affleck. Batman, Wonder Woman and other heroes unite to battle evil.

6:30

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Dateline NBC (N) The Doctor Blake Mysteries Let’s Be Real (N) Family Guy

8:30

Paid Program MotorWeek

OCTOBER 3, 2020

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Coll. Football College Football Oklahoma at Iowa State. (N) (Live) Extra (N) KOIN 6 News at 5 (N) KOIN 6 News at 5:30 Dirty Jobs “Greenland Shark Quest” Dirty Jobs “Tar Rigger”

Dirty Jobs An Oklahoma wind farm.

(11:30) IndyCar Racing Indycar Harvest GP Race 2. (N) (Live) 145th Preakness Stakes From Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

Fit 2 Stitch It’s Sew Easy Kimball’s Milk Street Test Kitchen Cook’s Country My Greek Table College Football College Extra MLS Pregame (N) MLS Soccer New York Red Bulls at Orlando City SC. (N) (Live) Football Scoreboard College Football Oklahoma State at Kansas. (N) (Live)

Vets Saving Pets Earth Odyssey American Woodshop Woodsmith Shop The Short List Sports Gone Wild College Football Scoreboard (N)

Straight Talk Ask This Old House

KGW News at 5 (N) This Old House NewsHour Wk 5 O’Clock News (N) College Football Auburn at Georgia. (N) (Live)

Gabby Duran Gabby Duran Hall of Villains Jessie Jessie Jessie Jessie Raven’s Home Raven’s Home K.C. Undercover K.C. Undercover Big City Greens Paid Program ›› “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” (2016, Action) Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Laura Linney.

Storm of Suspicion “Blizzard Betrayal” Weather Gone Viral The Carbonaro Effect People Weekend (N) ›› “Evan Almighty” (2007, Children’s) Steve Carell. (DVS) ›› “Due Date” (2010, Comedy) Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis. (DVS) › “Grown Ups” (2010, Comedy) Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock.

Horrible Bosses 2

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(4:30) College Football Oklahoma at Iowa State. (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Weekend News Entertainment Tonight (N)

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Special-News Game Time NCIS: Los Angeles “Human Resources”

9:00

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America This Week (N) NCIS: New Orleans “Waiting for Monroe”

Dirty Jobs The Dirty Potato Chips Factory.

Dirty Jobs “Sheep Castrator” Dirty Jobs Mike catches leeches for fish bait. Dirty Jobs “Mannequin Factory” NBC Nightly News The Champion Within The Voyager The Wall Tiffany and CJ face the wall. (:29) Saturday Night Live Chris Rock; Megan Thee Stallion.

Autumnwatch New England Rick Steves Egypt: Yesterday & Today Frankie Drake Mysteries “Out of Focus” London: 2,000 Years of History ›› “The Medallion” (2003, Action) Jackie Chan, Lee Evans, Claire Forlani.

The Masked Singer (DVS) (:01) I Can See Your Voice (DVS) (4:30) College Football Auburn at Georgia. (N) (Live) UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Aldana (N) (Live) Big City Greens (:20) ›› “Hotel Transylvania” (2012) Voices of Adam Sandler.

Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Pure Outdoor Timbers Pre MLS Soccer Colorado Rapids at Portland Timbers. From Providence Park in Portland, Ore. (5:45) ›› “Horrible Bosses 2” (2014, Comedy) Jason Bateman, Charlie Day. (DVS) Full Frontal ›› “Due Date” (2010) Robert Downey Jr. Seinfeld

6:00

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Good Morning America (N)

KATU News This Morning Sunday (N) (Live)

In Touch With Dr. Charles Stanley (N) Seasons on the Fly World Today KGW News at Sunrise (N) Peg & Cat (EI) Elinor Wonders Why Dog Tales Animal Rescue SportsCenter (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens Good Day Oregon Sunday (N) George Lopez George Lopez

CBS News Sunday Morning (N) Major League Fishing (N)

12:00

Mister Rogers Let’s Go Luna!

Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) Sunday NFL Countdown (N) (Live) Amphibia Amphibia George Lopez

12:30

1:00

8:00

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9:00 Your Voice

Face the Nation (N)

Dinosaur Train

Arthur (DVS)

9:30

1:30

2:00

Sharyl Attkisson

The NFL Today (N) (Live) Expedition Unknown “Temple of Doom” Meet the Press (N) Rick Steves Egypt: Yesterday & Today FOX NFL Sunday (N) (Live)

Ocean Treks

2:30

3:00

Hearts of Heroes (N) Rock the Park (EI)

Jeopardy!

48 Hours (N)

3:30

Wheel of Fortune

10:30

OCTOBER 3, 2020

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) ROH Wrestling KOIN 6 News at 11 Graham Bensinger I Quit “Winner Takes All” (N) KGW News at 11 (N) Saturday Night Live Vienna Blood “Queen of the Night, Part 1” Labor of Love “You’ve Got Babies” SportsCenter (N) (Live) “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” Storm of Suspicion “Doomed By Dew” ›› “Evan Almighty” (2007) Steve Carell.

OCTOBER 4, 2020

11:00

11:30

This Week With George Stephanopoulos (N) World of X Games (N) NFL Football Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (N) (Live) Expedition Unknown “World’s 8th Wonder” Expedition Unknown “Amelia Earhart” NASCAR America (N) Countdown to Green NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500. (N) Islands of Wonder “Hawaii” (Series Finale) NOVA The development of writing.

NFL Football Seattle Seahawks at Miami Dolphins. (N) (Live) College Football Final College Football Final Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Mickey Mouse Bunk’d Paid Program Whacked Out Sports DragonFlyTV Think Big Seinfeld Seinfeld Impractical Jokers Impractical Jokers

4:00

Wild America

10:30

Dirty Jobs Mike visits a chicken farm. (:02) Saturday Night Live (N) Home Fires on Masterpiece 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Amphibia The Owl House Timbers Post-Game Marie Fit The Misery Index The Misery Index

10:00

The Owl House Transylvania Big City Greens Big City Greens FOX NFL Kickoff (N) (Live) FOX News Sunday With Chris Wallace (N) Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Seinfeld Seinfeld

2020 WNBA Finals TBA vs Seattle Storm. (N) (Live)

OCTOBER 4, 2020

4:30

5:00

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NBA Countdown (N) 2020 NBA Finals Los Angeles Lakers vs Miami Heat. (N)

NFL Football Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (N) (:25) NFL Football New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs. (N) (Live) Expedition Unknown Expedition Unknown Expedition Unknown “Viking Sunstone” Expedition Unknown “City of Gold” (11:00) NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500. (N) (Live) Paid Program Lifelock and Norton Great Performances Great Performances Broadway musical.

Art in the Twenty-First Century Focus on Europe GZERO World

Face the Nation (N) Expedition Unknown Football Night in America (N) (Live) To the Contrary Washington Week

KOIN 6 News at 5 (N) KOIN 6 News Alaskan Bush People “Bush Below Zero” NFL Football Firing-Hoover NewsHour Wk

NFL Football: Seahawks at Dolphins NFL Postgame Red Bull Signature Series (N) ›› “Carriers” (2009) Lou Taylor Pucci. Four friends seek refuge from a viral pandemic.

5 O’Clock News (N) College Football Final Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) Blood, Sweat Bunk’d Raven About BUNK’D Raven About BUNK’D Jessie Jessie Jessie Raven’s Home Raven’s Home “Descendants” (2015, Children’s) Dove Cameron, Kristin Chenoweth.

Animal Rescue Dog Tales The Immortals Paid Program Paid Program Paid Program NCIS Gibbs becomes acting director.

NCIS: New Orleans “Mind Games” 2 Broke Girls 2 Broke Girls ››› “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014, Science Fiction) Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt. (DVS) (:15) ›› “Jack Reacher” (2012, Action) Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike. A former military investigator probes a sniper attack. (DVS) ››› “Captain America: Civil War” (2016)

6:00

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2020 NBA Finals: Lakers vs Heat black-ish (DVS) KOIN 6 News CBS Weekend News 60 Minutes (N) Alaskan Bush People “Water to Ice” Alaskan Bush People: Off the Grid (N) (5:20) NFL Football Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers. (N) (Live) Oregon Art Beat Oregon Field Guide The Great British Baking Show “Biscuits” Live from Prov Park Follow Up (N) I Can See Your Voice (DVS) Boxing (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (:05) “Descendants 2” (2017, Children’s) Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce.

Mike & Molly Mike & Molly The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory (5:00) ››› “Captain America: Civil War” (2016, Action) Chris Evans. (DVS)

6:00

6:30

KATU News at 6 (N) (Live)

7:00 Jeopardy! (N)

7:30

6:00

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2020 NBA Finals Los Angeles Lakers vs Miami Heat. (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Homestead Rescue “Trust or Die” Homestead Rescue “Michigan Rescue” (N) KGW News at 6 (N) KGW News at 6:30 The Good Stuff (N) Inside Edition (N) Ask This Old House BBC News PBS NewsHour (N) 6 O’Clock News (N) People (N) Family Feud (N) To Be Announced Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Jessie Jessie Family Feud Family Feud (N) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory (4:00) MLB Baseball Division Series: Teams TBA. (N) (Live) Inside MLB (N)

10:30

To Be Announced To Be Announced 60 Minutes (N) ›› “Old School” (2003, Comedy) Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn.

Alaskan Bush People (N) The Lost Lincoln New image of President Lincoln. (N) Sports Sunday (N) Grant’s Getaways Inside Edition Ellen’s Game of Games Last Tango in Halifax (N) Flesh and Blood on Masterpiece (N) Cobra A solar storm threatens the U.K. (N) The Simpsons (:31) Bless the Harts Bob’s Burgers (N) Family Guy (N) 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (:10) “Descendants 3” (2019, Children’s) Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson.

Hall of Villains (:35) Raven’s Home NCIS Gibbs uncharacteristically unravels.

NCIS: New Orleans (DVS) Paid Program No More Dentures The Misery Index The Misery Index › “Red Dawn” (2012, Action) Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson. (DVS)

8:00

8:30

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10:00

Wheel of Fortune (N) Dancing With the Stars “Top 13” (N Same-day Tape)

KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Street Outlaws “Grudge Night Ohio” (N) Street Outlaws: Full Throttle (N) KGW News at 6 (N) KGW News at 6:30 The Good Stuff (N) Inside Edition (N) This Old House BBC News PBS NewsHour (N) 6 O’Clock News (N) People (N) Family Feud (N) (5:00) NFL Football Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers. (N) (Live) Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Jessie Jessie Family Feud Family Feud (N) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory (5:00) MLB Baseball Division Series: Teams TBA. (N Same-day Tape)

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

7:30

Coll. Football College Football North Carolina at Boston College. (N) (Live) College Football College Football Texas A&M at Alabama. (N) (Live) Dirty Jobs Erosion control; tram repair.

Dirty Jobs “Turkey Inseminator”

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

8:00

Good Morning America (N) KATU News This Morning Saturday (N) (Live) (5:00) CBS This Morning: Saturday (N) Lucky Dog (EI) Innovation Nation Mission Unstoppable Hope in the Wild Bad Chad Customs “Performance Pinto” Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour From Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (N) KGW News at Sunrise (N) Hero Elementary Molly of Denali Clifford-Dog Sesame Street Pinkalicious Cyberchase Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) Big Noon Kickoff (N) College GameDay Previewing the 2020 college football season and the Labor Day matchup of BYU at Navy. (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens Amphibia Amphibia The Owl House Transylvania America’s Heartland Biz Kid$ Big Noon Kickoff (N) Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) George Lopez (:24) George Lopez (:13) George Lopez Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond

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

10:00

Wheel of Fortune (N) Celebrity Family Feud (N) (DVS) Press Your Luck “Still Standing” (N) Ent. Tonight Big Brother A houseguest is evicted. (N Same-day Tape)

7:00

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

9:30

2020 NBA Finals Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers. (N) (Live) To Be Announced KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Extra (N) Ent. Tonight The Greatest AtHome Videos (N) Undercover Boss “TGI Fridays” Bering Sea Gold “Freezer Burn” Bering Sea Gold: Dredged Up (N) Danger Mouse “No More Mr. Ice Guy” (N) (:03) 100 Days Wild (N) KGW News at 6 (N) KGW News at 6:30 Straight Talk (N) Inside Edition (N) American Ninja Warrior “Qualifier 3” Jessie Graff, Najee Richardson and more.

Passion Italy BBC World News PBS NewsHour (N) Shakespeare and Hathaway -- Private Doc Martin 6 O’Clock News (N) People (N) Family Feud WWE Friday Night SmackDown (N Same-day Tape) MLB Baseball Wild Card Series: Teams TBA. MLB Baseball Wild Card Series: Teams TBA. (N) (Live) Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Jessie Jessie ›› “Hotel Transylvania” (2012) Voices of Adam Sandler.

Raven About BUNK’D Family Feud Family Feud The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N)

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

7:30

Full Frontal

Alaskan Bush People “Range Ridin”’ Alaskan Bush People “The Cold” (N) The Good Stuff (N) Inside Edition (N) The Wall Taylor and Keaton face the wall.

PBS NewsHour (N) Oregon Art Beat Oregon Field Guide People (N) Family Feud The Masked Singer (DVS) MLB Baseball Wild Card Series: Teams TBA. (N) (Live) “Zombies” (2018, Adventure) Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly. (:45) Jessie The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

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

Big Brother (N) Expedition Unknown (N) KGW Special Edition News (N)

Alaskan Bush People “Rumble in the Bush” KGW News at 6 (N) KGW News at 6:30 Travel Detective BBC News 6 O’Clock News (N) MLB Baseball Wild Card Series: Teams TBA. Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Family Feud Family Feud Family Guy Family Guy

6:00

9:00

To Be Announced

Jeopardy! (N) Extra (N)

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

8:30

KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News

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

8:00

PBS NewsHour (N) Islands of Wonder “Hawaii” NOVA The development of writing. (N) People (N) Family Feud The Masked Singer (N) (DVS) (:01) I Can See Your Voice (N) MLB Baseball Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers. (N) (Live) Jessie “Toy Con” Jessie Big City Greens (:25) Big City Greens Big City Greens (:40) The Owl House

6:30

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

7:30

Family Feud Family Feud The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Full Frontal Conan “JB Smoove”

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

7:00

2020 NBA Finals Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers. (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Extra (N) Ent. Tonight Expedition Unknown “Mayan Apocalypse” Expedition Unknown: Uncovered (N) (5:00) 2020 Stanley Cup Final Dallas Stars vs Tampa Bay Lightning. (N) (Live) Journeys in Japan BBC News 6 O’Clock News (N) MLB Baseball: Yankees at Indians Raven’s Home Raven’s Home

A5

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Emergency Call “Conductors of Chaos” (N)

Big Brother One Day at a Time One Day at a Time Street Outlaws “The Next Chapter” (N) American Ninja Warrior “Qualifier 4” Meagan Martin, Joe Moravsky and more. (N) Antiques Roadshow “Indianapolis” Oregon Experience “Vanport” L.A.’s Finest “Con Air” (N) (DVS) Filthy Rich “Psalm 25:3” (N) (DVS) (:15) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt (N) (Live) NFL Rewind Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Jessie 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) MLB Baseball Division Series: Teams TBA. (N Same-day Tape)

8:00

8:30

To Be Announced NCIS Gibbs faces the reality of his actions.

Homestead Rescue: Raney Ranch Weakest Link (N) (DVS) The Hispanic Heritage Awards (N) Cosmos: Possible Worlds “Vavilov” (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Bunk’d Bunk’d 8 O’Clock News (N) Conan Seinfeld

10:30

9:00

9:30

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) America This Week KOIN 6 News at 11 (:35) Game On (:01) Alaskan Bush People “The Big Push” KGW News at 11 (N) Greta Van Susteren Poldark on Masterpiece 11 O’Clock News (N) People Weekend (N) SportsCenter Bunk’d Bunk’d Access Hollywood (N) “Braven” (2018, Action) Jason Momoa.

OCTOBER 5, 2020

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Manhunt: Deadly Games “Bombingham” (N) KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert Bad Chad Customs “Mid Engine Madness” (N) (:01) Dateline NBC KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Tell Me More With Kelly Corrigan POV Two young immigrants are arrested. (N) 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt NFL Rewind Jessie Jessie Sydney to the Max Sydney to the Max People (N) The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy

10:00

FBI “Safe Room” Building Off the Grid “Colorado Cliff Home” Ellen’s Game of Games Latino Vote: Dispatches From NEXT “FILE 1” (Series Premiere) (N) SportsCenter With Scott Van Pelt (N) (Live) Bunk’d Raven’s Home 9 O’Clock News (N) Seinfeld American Dad

OCTOBER 4, 2020

11:00

10:30

Jeopardy! (N) Wheel of Fortune (N) The FBI Declassified (Series Premiere) (N) Building Off the Grid Transplant “Eid” (N) Frontline Global medical supply chain. (N) 10 O’Clock News (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Raven’s Home Raven’s Home People (N) The Simpsons American Dad Family Guy

OCTOBER 6, 2020

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live!

KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert Building Off the Grid KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Quakers: The Quiet Revolutionaries 11 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory SportsCenter (N) (Live) Sydney to the Max Sydney to the Max Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy To Be Announced

Photo courtesy of Brandi Backus

Kindergartener Dominic Backus painting with watercolors.

KINDERGARTEN From Page A1

the internet at the same time every day,” Kunders wrote in an email to The Chronicle.

A typical kindergarten class is no stranger to distractions and interruptions to learning, but this year classrooms face a new kind of distraction: internet lags.

“The challenges I have had this year have been trying to support families with the technical difficulties with Zoom meetings and issues out of my control (internet connections, lagging time on live teaching days),” Kunders said.

Backus said she’s noticed how hard the teachers are working to keep students focused, even through the challenges of virtual learning.

“There are a lot of positives. I think the teachers are doing a really good job; [Dominic’s teacher] does a really good job of keeping him focused on her,” Backus said. Sometimes, though, she can see that he gets tired of looking at the screen.

“The first week maybe is a learning curve, but overall they’re getting a lot of lessons out of it,” she said, except for those social interactions with other students, which she said was sad to miss, but necessary.

Kindergarten is a developmentally critical time for students to form connections and begin to learn social skills with each other. While learning online, the teachers are working hard to ensure those skills can still be developed.

“Making friends is always something kindergarteners care about at the beginning of the school year and these first months are key to building trust with friends and celebrating our strengths,” Kunders said.

To help accomplish that goal Kunders has made an effort to make class as interactive as possible, by including social activities and games for the kids to play and get to know each other.

“I have needed to reevaluate the pacing of my curriculum to make sure I am still making time for building a community atmosphere with my online class,” Kunders said.

Staying connected with the families is also important. Despite classes being held virtually, Kunders said she is making home visits as needed and having individual Zoom meetings.

“I also continue celebrating birthdays and mailing letters with encouraging words and letting them know I care about their child and their success in school,” Kunders said.

Within her classroom she has added a bulletin board to display student work and share with families so they know she is invested in and proud of her students, she said.

OPEN for Business SARAH BORDERS Licensed Oregon Broker

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A6

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Classifieds

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

103

111

502

502

502

702

742

808

Yard Work

Landscape Maint

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Garage Sales

Fertilizer

Houses Unfurnished

Lawn Mowing Services Cut grass, edging, trimming, and clean up. Can do large areas. Call Gene at 503-3960885 or 971-8133197.

ATTN! Land Owners WE BUY CEDAR & NOBLE BOUGHS. The season is on!

We do all of the work! Min. of 10 trees. Call now for an appt. Jaime at 360-751-0120 or 360-430-8510.

Freeestimates and references.

$1000 SIGN ON BONUS Columbia Care Center 33910 E Columbia Ave Scappoose, Oregon 97056 — Just a ½ hour drive from Portland!

503-543-7131 We are seeking Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) to join our exciting and friendly, fast-paced team! You will work alongside fellow caregivers to provide high quality patient care. The CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is expected to perform the following duties in caring for residents under the direct supervision of nursing staff.

Current open shifts are Evenings and someone that could work any shift. CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Responsibilities: Provide resident care as directed by Care Plan. Serve and collect food trays and assist residents requiring help. Take and record vital signs.

Maintain a clean and healthy environment. Disinfect equipment.

CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Qualifi-

cations • Current certification as a nursing assistant in Oregon • High school graduate or equivalent. Ability to work under pressure and relate to resident, family and long-term care staff. Ability to work well in teams. No previous experience required, will train the right person. CNA tuition reimbursement program available.

Columbia Care Center is a 100% family owned company. We offer competitive wages, medical, dental, and a 10% attendance premium for on-time attendance. If you are a responsible person who believes that our community’s elderly and infirm are entitled to highquality, individualized care, please send your resume/information to: Director of Nursing Services, P.O. Box 1068, Scappoose, OR 97056 or fax to: 503-543-5220, email, or apply in person at 33910 E. Columbia Ave., Scappoose, Oregon. Job Type: Fulltime Employment.

The City of St. Helens is NOW RECRUITING Reserve Police Officers. See website for details - www.sthelensoregon.gov/ jobs. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.

hold, Books, Art Supplies, Clothes, and much more.

New Stuff Everyday. 2 miles up Pittsburg, 59420 Meadow View Drive in SH. Fri Sun 9 to 3.

FREE COMPOST Horse manure & shavings mix, We load, U Haul.

Please call for Info: 503-543-7406.

Unfurnished House 2 bedroom, 1 bath remodeled manufactured home in Quincy area. Good setting w/ large lawn. Rent $855/ mo. Water/garbage are additional tenant cost. No smoking. Pet negotiable.

Must have verifiable income. 503772-9660 or 503732-9828.

105

Cleaning Services

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Construction Services

NORTHWEST CUSTOM TILE Showers, floors, walls, fireplace, exterior. Up to 20% off if you preorder by Nov. 1st, 2020. CCB# 228991 503-3966714

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150

Misc Services

BIDEN SWAG for sale plus local candidate swag Columbia County Democrat Headquarters For details & set an appointment email: info@ columbiademo crats.org

301

Health & Nutrition

Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.oregonaa district18.org

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Help Wanted

Community Justice Director Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 10/19/2020 Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov

690

Wanted Autos

Ca$h 4 Car$

$Drake’s Towing is now paying TOP Cash$ 4 Junk Cars!!! we buy junk/broken cars,

trucks, vans, heavy equip.

SAVE THE DATE Oct. 9-11 Multi Family Indoor Multi Bay Garage Sale.

New, used, vintage items, canning, housewares, furniture, fishing poles & tackle, cast iron cooking pans, area rugs, too much to list in St. Helens.

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702

Garage Sales

Huge Moving Sale Must Downsize.

Furniture (twin bed, love seat, recliners, bookcases, large corner desk perfect for school/craft/ sewing/office, hidea-bed), Tools, Fishing, Raft, House-

Wanted cedar boughs and noble fir. Willing to pay for branches only.

Do not damage trees. Call Cesar 360-241-6889 or 360-425-0738 Kelso.

Shop Sale with Collectibles, Tools & Hardware New Batch of Items!

check the classifieds online at www.thechronicleonline.com

to find your perfect job offer

842

Pasture & Acreage

ESTATE SALE HELP 30 years experience with references. No money up front. We work on commission.

We can save you work, help sell your items, or buy it out completely. Let us help you do your estate sale. Please call Darlene @ 503-308-2764 or Dan @ 503-3082759.

WANTED TO RENT PASTURE

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Estate Sales

Huge Garage Sale Estate of Virgil & Syble Markus

• Sockets, Wrenches other tools • Craftsman, SK, others • Elec. Cords • New Nuts, Bolts, & Screws • Drills & Bits

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• Old Dolls Priced to Sell • Vintage Glassware All Must Go & Serving pcs

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Reach out to local customers Advertise your business in the Business & Service Directory. Call 503-397-0116 for more information

Chronicle and News/Ad Classified Ad Deadline is Monday by noon Ads received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be placed in that week’s issue. Call 503-397-0116 for more information

Get your ad in the paper and reach out to potential customers today. Call 503-397-0116

Drawings courtesy of St. Helens School District

This view shows a front entrance to the remodeled high school.

RENOVATIONS From Page A1

knowledge in the field.

“They know whats going on and can select the right help. In the case of a remodel this is really a better way to go,” Raining said.

During the Sept. 23 virtual

meeting, the school board also approved a professional services agreement between the district and Soderstrom, Ltd. Architects for work on the renovation project.

Following voter approval of a $55 million bond measure in May to conduct the high school renovations, the St. Helens School District

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

This flyover view conceptual drawing illustrates the overall high school campus vision following the renovation.

released the following statement.

“The work that we do on the high school will result in well planned and carefully built spaces that will serve St. Helens students and the community for many years,” the statement read.

During listening sessions in 2015, school officials listened

to public concerns about the need for modern health, safety and education standards upgrades at the middle and high schools. Over a five-year period, a new middle school and a new options high school building were constructed.

The district then worked with the community to develop a high school improve-

ment plan that would address health, safety, building systems and education programs at the facility. In February, the board of directors referred the proposed bond to voters for the May 2020 ballot.

Following the election, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school board voted to delay the sale of bonds until

2022. The delay would not impact the proposed construction schedule to the high school, according to a release from the St. Helens School District.

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

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

A7

www.thechronicleonline.com

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH20-1500

In the Circuit Court for the State of Oregon For the County of Columbia Probate Department Case No. 20PB06523 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of SHIRLEY JEAN 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 30,2020 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

CH20-1491

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.

CH20-1494

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.

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

CH20-1497

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

CH20-1501

NOTICE OF COUNTY FAIR WORKSHOP The Columbia county fair board will hold a workshop on Thursday, October 1rst at 6:30 p.m. in the Pavilion

on the fairgrounds 58892 Saulser road, St. Helens OR. The Public is invited as we are following social

distancing guidelines, Please bring a mask due to Covid- 19, space may be limited.

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

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

More options for struggling families STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Local families struggling to feed their children now have a new option for assistance.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) have received federal approval to issue Pandemic EBT (PEBT) benefits in September to promote increased food security for families who receive no-cost meals through participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program.

Distribution of the benefits was to have started Sept. 28 for an estimated total amount of more than $35.6 million in federal money. Recipients may see two deposits on their Oregon EBT card – an initial deposit of $100 and a second deposit for all students receiving an amount over $100. Amounts vary by the school district.

“These additional federal funds provide much needed assistance for our families

as they manage the transition back to school,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Dan Haun said.

“We hope these benefits bring some relief to families facing today’s uncertainties.”

“Child Nutrition Programs know that the P-EBT benefit plays a crucial role in supporting students’ nutritional needs during this time of crisis and change,” ODE School Nutrition Program Manager Damasita Sanchez said. “We appreciate the partnership with DHS to provide this critical support for Oregon communities.”

Students must be enrolled in an eligible school for the 2020-21 school year to be

eligible for September PEBT. There is no application process for this benefit.

“We hope these benefits bring some relief to families facing today’s uncertainties.” ~ Dan Haun, ODHS

Eligible students who receive Oregon SNAP benefits, or were mailed an Oregon EBT card with P-EBT benefits in the past, will receive their Septem-

ber P-EBT benefits on their existing Oregon EBT card.

Families who lost their Oregon EBT card can request a new one by calling their local ODHS office. New Oregon EBT cards will be mailed in October.

Many families eligible for P-EBT are also eligible for on-going food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are encouraged to check eligibility and apply at apps.state.or.us/onlineA pplication/#NewClientAc count.

Eligible students will receive up to $176 depending on their school’s start date.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dhs/ assistance/food-benefits/ pages/p-ebt.aspx for details.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately one million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities.

Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance, and Medicaid.

Learn more at govstatus. egov.com/or-dhs-benefits.

For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1.

$25.7 million in cultural grants to be distributed STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County will receive $22,668 as part of the $25.7 million going to statewide cultural organizations.

The Coronavirus Relief Fund Cultural Support (CRFCS) grant awards will be distributed to 621 cultural organizations across Oregon through a partnership between the Oregon Cultural Trust and

its County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions.

The funds, allocated to the Cultural Trust for Oregon cultural organizations facing losses due to the COVID-19 health crisis, were made available through a $50 million relief package for Oregon culture approved by the Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature in July.

“Many cultural organizations and institutions have closed their doors to help keep us all safe during this pandemic,” Gov. Kate Brown said. “These grants will mean that more than 600 Oregon arts and culture organizations across our state’s counties and Tribes will be able to keep up their vital creative work.

Everything from museums

to fairgrounds to the summer events we all know and love can continue to enrich our lives—connecting us to one another and giving us the hope and inspiration we need.”

“These funds are life blood to Oregon’s cultural community,” Oregon Cultural Trust Board of Directors Chair Chuck Sams said. “While they won’t replace all the losses suffered during the pandemic, they will ensure Oregon culture survives this crisis. We are deeply grateful to the Oregon Legislature for making this possible.”

The largest award is $1.4 million to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; the average grant award is $41,458. Just under $90 mil-

lion in requests were received from 751 organizations; 130 organizations were ineligible for awards based on program guidelines.

“Due to the incredible need, we were able to fund a percentage of organizations’ eligible expenses,” Oregon Cultural Trust Executive Director Brian Rogers said.

“Smaller organizations received a higher percentage of their eligible expenses.

The final awards represent a statewide, equitable distribution plan that was approved by our Board of Directors, the Governor’s Office, Business Oregon and our legislative sponsors.”

The organizations to receive funding include cultural institutions, county

fairgrounds, cultural entities within federally recognized Indian Tribes based in Oregon, festivals and community event organizations, in addition to some for-profit organizations that have significant cultural impact in their communities. Awards will be issued directly to the organizations by their local County or Tribal Coalition.

Funding was determined based on eligible request amounts, an award allocation formula that established a base amount of funds per county or Tribe and the organization’s fiscal size. COVID-19 expenses previously reimbursed by other federal CARES Act programs were not eligible.

The intended use of the

CRF Cultural Support funds is to provide financial assistance to cultural nonprofit organizations and community venues that have canceled or postponed public programming because of public health executive orders associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guidelines for the funding are in accordance with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The legislation allows coalitions to be reimbursed for up to 5% of their total grant awards for documented administrative expenses.

Requests from Coalitions for administrative expenses totaled $209,515.

See the full list of grant recipients with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

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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INSIDE

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

The Chronicle Serving Columbia County since 1881

24 COVID cases in 4 days

$1.50

thechronicleonline.com

Slow start at Halloweentown

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported Monday, Sept.

28, that Columbia County had eight new cases. Since Friday, Sept. 25, cases in Columbia County have grown by 24.

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

In a briefing to the county Board of Commissioners on Monday, Sept. 28, county Public Health Director Michael Paul said we might see numbers continue to rise.

“We have over 20 currently infectious, those are the cases we know about,” Paul said.

This sharp uptick in cases will push the county further behind in meeting the metrics needed to reopen schools, which require that a county maintain a case rate of less than 10 per 100,000 people for three weeks.

“Based on new cases yesterday and today, we didn’t start off this week in a good spot,” Paul said.

Of the new cases, Paul told commissioners that some have been related to workplaces, holiday gatherings and “more than a couple cases related to church services.” He also said that childcare, and combining households to provide childcare have been linked to cases.

The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from Sunday, Sept. 27 and remains at 547, according to the OHA. On Friday, Sept. 25, the OHA reported the highest daily case count since the beginning of the pandemic in Oregon, 457 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 statewide.

Patrick Allen, OHA director, said Labor Day gatherings, the return of college students to campus and a higher number seeking care following wildfires across the state are all contributing factors to the state’s sharp incline in COVID-19 cases.

“We must rethink the way we socialize and the way we socially interact,” Allen said in a media briefing.

The surge in cases follows a six week decline and presents discouraging numbers, Allen said.

“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “We cannot let up in our collective efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19.”

Across the state, outbreaks have been linked to social gatherings involving groups of people meeting without following health guidelines. Three outbreaks are linked to parties held at the

Management Group presented the board with information about using the construction management process, which he said streamlines the project and provides built-in support from contractors with a wealth of

The city’s annual “Spirit of Halloweentown” celebration kicked off this past weekend to a small crowd.

The event, which has drawn thousands of visitors per day in years past, has been scaled back this year to comply with public health guidelines established to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

Instead of open streets for visitors to roam, the event is ticketed, with a maximum of 250 tickets sold per day. On Saturday, Sept. 26, only a smattering of visitors arrived for the festivities, which included street performers, a haunted house, museum of oddities and witch dance lessons.

Food vendor Roberta Boursaw returned to the festival this year, making it her second year at Spirit of Halloweentown. She said it was her first event of the season due to so many event cancellations from COVID-19.

“It’s kind of nice to be out, I missed it,” Boursaw said. “It’s probably going to be a slower season, but I think it will be fine.”

Even with the reduced number of guests each weekend, and the slim turnout on Saturday, she said she thought it was worth it.

“By the time you figure in the cost for your product and your fee to be here, it’s kind of a gamble now with COVID,” she said. “Today has been a slow day, but I feel pleased with what I’ve done.”

The vendors are spaced out more than in previous years, allowing guests to distance while waiting in line or walking through.

Even with the new limitations on attendance, the event has drawn concerns from county officials. The county, which permits the city to use and decorate the grassy plaza in front of the courthouse, has warned city officials to keep an eye on the event.

“I think this is a terribly stupid idea,” Columbia County Board Commissioner Alex Tardif said at the commissioner meeting Wednesday, Sept. 23. The three commissioners all voiced concerns about St. Helens continuing to hold the event despite climbing COVID-19 case rates in Oregon.

“So help me, if there is an outbreak because of this I will be in your chamber and I will be pissed.

We are working extremely hard to keep this pandemic in check,” Tardif said.

Commissioner Henry Heimuller expressed concern about the ticketed area preventing local citizens from visiting the shops included in the area.

“I think the city is limiting the

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See COVID Page A8

Contact The Chronicle

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

Opinion: ......................A4 Garden Plots: ..............A4 Cartoon: ......................A4 TV Guide: ...................A5 Classified Ads: ............A6 Legals: ..........................A7 Obituaries: ..................A8

Vol. 138, No. 40

Different First Day Photo courtesy of Brandi Backus

Kindergarten with distance learning

Kindergartener Dominic Backus in front of a computer.

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The first day of school for kindergarten students has long represented one of the first rites of passage encountered by children.

This year, it’s a little different.

Instead of sniffly goodbyes at the door of the classroom, parents are home with their students and the teacher appears behind a screen.

“You’re definitely missing out on

a milestone,” said Brandi Backus, mother of a kindergarten student.

Her son Dominic started school last week, behind a Chromebook instead of behind a chalkboard.

“He doesn’t know any different,” Backus said. While the rite of passage of entering the kindergarten classroom might not be occurring, Backus said it’s clear how hard the teachers are working to engage the students. “It’s kind of fun; he gets into it and I feel like he’s learning stuff.”

Erika Kunders, a kindergarten teacher at McBride Elementary School in St. Helens, said the transition to online education triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has been a learning experience for everyone.

“We are surviving and we are pushing forward and doing the best we can with lots of families using

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See KINDERGARTEN Page A5

High school renovation discussions

Drawing courtesy of St. Helens School District

This conceptual drawing shows a wide public plaza at the renovated high school.

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

St. Helens School Board is moving ahead with plans to renovate St. Helens High School, utilizing a construction management/general contractor process.

This process allows a contractor

to be brought in early in the design phase and stay through construction and completion, rather than the traditional method of going out for competitive bids after design. The district is in the pre-design phase of construction for the new school. Voters narrowly approved a $55 million bond to fund the project in May. Rick Raining of Cornerstone

See RENOVATIONS Page A6

See HALLOWEENTOWN Page A8

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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Local officials outline wildfire preparations JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

New details are emerging from the devastating September wildfires that swept across one million acres.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management’s latest report issued this week shows grim details. Nine people were killed, five left missing, 2,669 people were sheltered and the fires destroyed 2,284 homes and 1,575 over structures.

Entire towns were destroyed, or left with millions of dollars in damages.

The reality of quick action needed when such disaster spreads has been a continuing discussion by first responders, elected officials and community members across Columbia County.

City of St. Helens The City of St. Helens partners with Columbia County Emergency Management along with other jurisdictions in hazard mitigation planning, emergency and disaster response, and communications, according to the city’s communication director Crystal King.

Columbia County Emergency Management would be the lead agency directing such emergency responses, according to King, and the City of St. Helens would coordinate any disaster response under Emergency Management’s lead.

King said the City of St. Helens has many methods of communication available for

contacting residents about necessary evacuations, including sending an emergency message through the Columbia Alert Network, FlashAlert, mass distribution email lists, press releases, radio, the city’s website, social media, amplifying messages through partner agency communications tools, and knocking door-to-door if necessary.

King said evacuation routes would need to be determined on a case by case basis.

King said every household should have an emergency plan in place before a disaster occurs and build an emergency kit.

King urges anyone who lives or works in the Columbia County area, to register their cell phone number with the Columbia Alert Network at member.everbridge. net/453003085613334/login to receive emergency alerts directly: City of Clatskanie

Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said his city depends on county and state emergency management agencies to help notify residents and business operators about pending and immediate evacuations.

“They would be the guys to call the shots,” he said.

Hinkelman said the city is a subscriber and participates in the Columbia Alert Network.

“Which is kind of like a reverse 911,” Hinkelman said.

“We have the ability to send out an automated phone message to all residents notifying of any potential emergency.

We would also coordinate messages with the fire department and the public utility district (PUD).”

Hinkelman said the city has established planned escape routes for emergency evacuations.

“Escape is either Highway 30 or Highway 47,” he said.

“Beaver Falls Road is an alternate along with Swedetown Road. Any evacuation route would be directed by our public works or the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.”

Hinkelman said it is important that residents, business operators and employees have a shelter in place plan and have a “go bag” in the event of evacuations.

“I would also develop a checklist of items to grab if you have the time,” he said. “Things like important documents, medication, the cell phone charger and those must-save valuables, such as photographs probably being near the top of the list.”

The city also has a siren located at Clatskanie City Park as an alert tool that has been used by the Clatskanie Rural Fire

Protection District (CRFPD).

But Hinkelman said the city hasn’t used the siren for quite some time because when there is a fire or other emergency requiring CRFPD crews, most of the firefighters are alerted though their cell phones now as a more effective communications.

“We do participate in emergency and disaster exercises in coordination with the county,” he said. “We have had evacuations in the past due to flooding, but since I have been here from 2008, we had no evacuations due to wildfires.”

CRFPD Chief Steve Sharek said his agency maintains the siren at Clatskanie City Park but due to its limited sound range it isn’t used as a primary alert system.

“The last time we used it was when we had flooding,” Sharek said. “We did use it to wake people up and alert them of what was going on.”

Sharek said while his agency crews have conducted wildfire evacuation training,

the actual educations would be done through law enforcement.

“We count on law enforcement to make those notifications and we would participate in a hurry if we needed to,” he said.

Communicating with Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) is also key in such emergencies, Sharek said.

“We would probably be the fist ones to identify the problem or the threat,” he said.

“Law enforcement and fire would then determine what should happen and we would get that message to CRFR’s communication officer.”

Sharek said being prepared is a community wide responsibility.

“It’s all about public and community education,” he said.

Key elements for effective and quick emergency evacuations will be through social media, Facebook, radio and television, according to Sharek, who said first responders, law enforcement and fire agency crews would also travel into neighborhoods knocking on doors and using vehicle loud speakers to alert people of the emergency.

Sharek said before wildfires occur, residents, especially those in the dense forests of Columbia County need to make sure they have a defensible space around their homes and a clear driveway and have an evacuation plan of their own to allow them to escape the danger.

“We’d rather be working immediately on the fire rather that having to move people out of the way,” Sharek said.

ous communities who were in desperate need of supplies.

“With the agreement of the team who was volunteering at the time, we made a decision to continue accepting donations once our evacuees went home so that we could continue assisting sites who were in need of additional items,” volunteer Halsey Hendrickson said. “We are one of the only remaining sites where donations are being accepted, and we are now known as a ‘hub’ for making sure that evacuation sites around the state have resources for their families.”

The fairgrounds volunteer team, with the aid of multiple volunteer drivers, shipped supplies to the communities of

Glide, Talent, Phoenix, Otis, Lincoln City and Estacada in Oregon, and to Okanogan County, Washington. Hendrickson said they are still actively working to look for more places that need help, adding the Otis site director has called them a “lifeline.”

Fairgrounds officials estimated they have received 13,500 pounds of clothing donations, 9,000 pounds in diapers, 15,000 pounds of toiletry items, 36,000 pounds of baby supplies, 6,000 pounds in adult hygiene products, 12,000 pounds of bedding, 8,000 pounds of pet food and 9,500 pounds of pet supplies. Many of those donations have already been shipped out to communi-

ties in need.

Local restaurants also rallied to serve both hot meals, snacks and beverages to the volunteers and evacuees, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local donors included El Tapatio, Sunshine Pizza, Rosebud Cafe, Bamford Bakery, Scappoose Bagel, Walking Waffles, Fultanos Pizza, Deer Island Store, Dockside Restaurant, Plymouth Pub, Warren Country Inn, Dominos Pizza, Ixtapa Restaurant, Noi’s Kitchen, Wild Currant, and Oriental Cafe. Local organizations such as the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and Community Meals/First Lutheran Church.

Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon wildfires swept though entire communities leaving a wide path of devastation and destruction.

Fire agency reaction

“That is where Ready, Set, Go is helping people get to safety.

There will be situations where you have to help people and we will help them if we can.”

“We were also able to provide meals to the Donald, Oregon Fire Department Firefighters,” volunteer Toni Nelson, who managed the kitchen, said. “We have residents of the Donald, Oregon area that evacuated animals to our fairgrounds. I checked with them daily and they have been able to send leftover meals back with them to provide hot meals for approximately 25 firefighters.”

Operators of the Columbia County Fairgrounds will also be looking towards upcoming fundraising opportunities to help cover the costs of the effort and to make up the potential $42,000 in revenue loss expected.

City of Rainier reaction Rainier Police Chief Gregg Griffith said fire service personnel are responsible for assessing threat hazards posed by fire, radiological materials, and other hazardous materials.

Griffith said the City of Rainier’s alert and warning system utilizes the local EAS, reverse 9-1-1, police and fire vehicle public address systems, and door-to-door contact.

Griffith said to the greatest extent possible, the city will assist citizens in carrying out the responsibility by providing preparedness and mitigation information and delivering critical public services during a disaster.

“However, a major emergency is likely to damage the city’s critical infrastructure and reduce the workforce available to continue essential government services,” Griffith said. “Knowledgeable citizens prepared to take care of themselves and their families in the early phases of an emergency can make a significant contribution towards survival and community resiliency.”

For more information about emergency preparedness, contact your local fire department or fire agency, Columbia County Emergency Management, or your local city officials.

County fairgrounds back to normalP STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

It’s back to somewhat normal operations at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, following three weeks of what county officials call an “epic operation pulled together on the fly to support 40 wildfire evacuees and well over 400 animals.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the fairgrounds, at 58892 Saulser Road, St. Helens, opened as an emergency evacuation site for families fleeing the historic regional wildfires. It took an estimated 4,546 volunteer hours contributed by 550 volunteers to manage the influx of livestock, displaced people and donations from the community, according to a release from Columbia County.

Columbia County Emergency Management helped oversee the operation with other agencies assisting including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and CERT. “We’ve had some excellent volunteers,” Columbia County Fair Board member Julie Pelletier said. “Our fair board has done spectacular work, along with the Grange and all of the local committees and commissions and folks that have helped out. Community support and donations of hay and feed from businesses like Dahlgren’s to Senator Johnson to just a myriad of folks that kicked in and came together on this thing. Our appreciation, 100 percent, goes to the community for their outpouring of support.”

The fairgrounds volunteers provided evacuees with a variety of essential items such

as clothing, hygiene supplies and food. As the local volunteers quickly learned that other evacuation sites were overwhelmed and in need of supplies provided by a generous rally of support from the community, the county site shifted into a distribution center, tapping drivers to ship supplies to other communities in need.

“I have seen carts upon carts come through the doors of the Columbia County Fairgrounds full of supplies, gift cards, and cash donations that are literally life changing for these evacuees,” volunteer Amanda Normine said. “I saw social media do so much good with groups like Cowgirl 911 coming to the aid of animals who otherwise would have perished in the blaze. My mornings have been blessed by coming in to watch volunteers, young and old alike, working side by side to do literally every job imaginable with no complaining.”

United Way of Columbia County donors provided indoor shelter at the Best Western for six family groups who had health conditions that required them to get clear of the hazardous air that hovered in St. Helens for several days. Air filtration systems were provided for two families sheltered at the Fairgrounds with children who were asthmatic. Essential nutrition and health supplies were provided to an evacuee who had recently undergone oral surgery.

By Sunday, Sept. 20, all the evacuees had safely returned home, and the pavilion remained stocked full of donated items and volunteers were still taking frequent calls from vari-

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State revenue forecast shows encouragement, caution JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Photo courtesy of OSP

Hiker dies in coast cliff fall Signs, such as this one, are posted along the Oregon ocean cliffs as a warning to hikers.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon State Police report a 43-year-old Seaside man has died after falling from a cliff at Oswald State park in Tillamook County.

On Sunday, Sept. 27, at approximately 1:48 p.m. OSP Police troopers and emergency personnel responded to a person who fell from a cliff, into the ocean, at Devil’s

Cauldron trail in Oswald West State Park.

Preliminary investigation revealed two people walked down the Devil’s Cauldron trail to take a photograph at a cliff side viewpoint.

Steven Gastelum, of Seaside, climbed a tree on the cliff’s edge to pose for a photograph. A limb broke, on the tree, causing him to fall approximately 100-feet into the ocean.

US Coast Guard helicopter and Nehalem Bay Fire Department jet skis assisted in locating Gastelum and bringing him to shore.

Gastelum was transported to Tillamook Regional Medical Center by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased.

Officials continue to urge beach visitors of the danger and to stay on marked trails along the coastline.

Park, trail improvements ahead

The latest report about how the Oregon economy is doing offers encouragement but also caution.

The Oregon Department of Administrative Services opened its summary statement for the September Oregon Revenue Forecast saying “the economy remains in a Great Recession-sized hole.”

The report, issued Sept.

23, finds lower-income households have borne the brunt of the recession.

“The combination of higher-income households being less impacted to date, and the large federal support means consumer spending and tax collections have held up much better than expected,” the report summary states. “The strong economic growth in recent months is encouraging, as many workers on temporary layoffs are recalled. However, normally it takes a year or two for the recessionary shock to work its way through the economy.”

The report also states that overall, the current state of the economy is much better than feared at the time of the previous forecast. But the economic outlook in the years ahead is only improved modestly. It takes time, even under the best of circumstances to regain lost ground due to recessions. 2020 so far is anything but the best.

Despite the sharp reduction in economic activity, the revenue summary states that Oregon’s primary revenue instruments have continued to grow. Collections of Personal Income Taxes and Corporate Taxes both set record highs over the post-shutdown (March-to-September) period this year.

But state officials also caution that the economic pain has yet to be fully reflected in Oregon’s revenue data.

“In the near-term Oregon’s economy is impacted

by COVID-19 and the wildfires that destroyed our communities,” the summary states. “Over the long-term, Oregon’s ability to attract and retain skilled, workingage households is one of our comparative advantages.

To the extent the pandemic, wildfires, drought, or protests and clashes of violence impact this advantage remains to be seen, but they all represent downside risks to the outlook. On the other hand, should telecommuting and remote work increase as a result of the pandemic and changing business practices, Oregon stands to take advantage.”

Governor Kate Brown’s statement

Gov. Kate Brown said the latest revenue forecast is a testament to the resiliency of Oregonians.

“And to how we—as a state—have been able to manage the COVID-19 pandemic by working together,” she said in a statement.

Brown said the pandemic impact has been “massive” on Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Tribal communities and those dependent on the service economy.

“While revenue projections are up for this biennium, the revenue forecast did not balance our upcoming budget, and we must tread lightly,” Brown said. “We still face structural inequities, as well as fluctuations in health care spending related to ongoing COVID-19 response, at the same time we face a serious budget deficit.

In addition, many of our critical pandemic response efforts, from testing to personal protective equipment, have been funded with CARES Act funding, which expires at the end of the year.”

Brown said Oregon urgently needs congressional action to provide direct help to local governments, businesses and families so that we can all continue to provide critical services to Oregonians during this crisis.

“Oregon has a history of being smart with our reserves and saving for a rainy day,” Brown said. “We cannot abandon this approach in the middle of a pandemic, with cold and flu season rapidly approaching. Or while response and recovery efforts to a historic statewide fire emergency continue, and the costs of those efforts to save homes and lives continues to grow. We must prepare for the costs of continuing

to provide critical services in the next biennium––from health care to affordable housing to wildfire readiness and response.

“This year, we must celebrate every piece of good news we can get. But even with the welcome news of increased revenue projections, my commitment remains to make prudent financial decisions and position our state to manage unforeseen economic challenges that may come our way.”

Senate Republican Leader Response

Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod (R-Lyons) issued the following statement concerning the revenue forecast.

“Thanks to federal action, Oregon has $1.7 billion dollars in its ending balance, and there is absolutely no reason to raise taxes. The corporate and personal income taxes set new tax collection records.

“Governor Kate Brown’s government overreach during the COVID-19 event has deepened the income inequality in the state and lower-income Oregonians have been hit hardest. Hardworking Oregonians have also been impacted by the wildfires. Cities and counties across the state that rely on tourism for income have been decimated and are not recovering quickly, and the perpetual violent riots in Portland have damaged Oregon’s national image for anyone who thought about relocating here.”

Background The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers in state agencies and private organizations for use in their decision-making processes. The Oregon Revenue Forecast opens the revenue forecasting process to public review. It is the basis for much of the budgeting in state government. The forecast reports are issued four times a year: March, June, September and December.

See the entire report www.oregon.gov/das/ OEA/Documents/forecast0920.pdf.

Photo courtesy of the City of St. Helens

This is the new boardwalk recently placed along the 5th Street Trail in St. Helens.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Nature improvements are planned for Nob Hill Nature Park and the new 5th Street Trail area of St. Helens.

Funding for the projects follows a grant request submitted by the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council and the City of St. Helens to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. The $12,414 grant will be used to hire a

small crew to do invasive species removal and followup chemical spot treatment in Nob Hill Nature Park and along the new 5th Street Trail.

The work will focus on the removal of invasive blackberries and English ivy and planting of native species to maintain this valuable oak woodland and wetland habitat.

The Scappoose Bay Watershed Council’s native plant

nursery will provide native plants, which will be planted by volunteers or a small work crew in the reclaimed areas. Possible native species include oak, Oregon grape, snowberry, douglas spirea, red-osier, dogwood, sedges and rushes, according to information posted on the City of St. Helens website.

For more information, contact the City of St. Helens at 503-397-6272.

Courtesy photo

“If the September 2020 forecast proves accurate, not only is the General Fund in very good shape for the current biennium, but there will be additional revenues available to apply to 2021-23,”Summary statement

by Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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Opinion

Garden Plots: Skunks, pigweed CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Column

Skunks in your yard (and under your house) I visited with someone from Scappoose and she asked me to write something about skunks. There aren’t many people that like skunks but I happen, generally, to be one of them. In Columbia County, we have both striped (the most common) and spotted skunks. I have found them to be relatively calm unless provoked by a dog, coyote, raccoon, or human. That said, it is not good if they have a den under your house.

Two skunks can get into a tussle as can skunks and their other enemies. The results are all too predictable.

Skunk spray is powerful and impossible to remove from underfloor insulation.

The insulation has to go. Sometimes, harder surfaces can be sprayed with a skunk smell neutralizing mixture I will give below with decent results.

But spraying under the house is a bit risky to you so be careful. People have also had some success with ammonia-soaked rags as a deterrent under a low deck or under structures.

The best approach is to block skunks from denning under your house or low deck. Check your foundation for openings and tighten them up. If skunks start to dig under your foundation (hard to do) or under a manufactured home’s skirting (much easier), you can try to watch when they go out to forage in the middle of the night and put down some tight-mesh metal fencing to force them to leave. Sometimes this works and sometimes it does not. Don’t do this when the babies are still underneath.

At some point in the late summer, skunks usually leave the dens. That is the time to bat-ten down everything.

Skunks are omnivorous (they like fruit, insects, meat, etc.) and do most of their foraging at night. Skunks do some good. They will dig up little patches of lawn looking for crane fly grubs (so will raccoons). They will also dig out ground-nesting yellow jackets and eat the immature larva. They give birth to 3-6 little ones in the spring or early summer.

If your dog or cat gets tagged with skunk spray, here is a formula that will help reduce the smell: • 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide • ¼ cup baking soda • 1-2 teaspoons liquid dishwashing soap Mix together and work into the fur being careful to avoid the eyes. Wash off. You will need double or triple this recipe for a big furry dog. From personal experience, I know this works from our dear beagle’s two-hour encounter with a skunk (both survived just fine) inside our deer fence. It is a long story but, by actual count, the skunk managed to “stand and

deliver” at least 40 times in that period. By approximate tally, Clyde the Beagle barked about 6,000 times. He took the next several days off from barking but, beyond that, was totally fine.

The late summer classics: Pigweed and lambsquarters Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), in the upper picture, and lambsquarters, in the lower one, are the quintessential summer weeds in vegetable gardens. Both weeds need bare ground to germinate. Typically, they emerge before the planted crop emerges. Once the

into the demonstration garden out at the Fairgrounds. She grew it for a salad green mix for high-end restaurants in Portland. It did well in the garden and I found it quite tasty when small. So a little breeding goes a long way.

Garden management of both species includes suppressing seed germination with mulches and drip irrigation, using transplants to get a head start on weeds, and removing emerged weeds so they don’t out-compete your crops and/or deliver a new bunch of seeds to your soil.

Commercial organic farms use the above techniques and sophisticated weeding equipment to protect their crops.

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503 397-3462 or at chip. bubl@oregonstate. edu.

Pressure Gauge Testing

weeds are in place, they grow rapidly and shade crop seedlings. Without full sun, the crops are suppressed, often to the point of complete failure.

Over the course of a summer, seedlings of both weeds continue to emerge.

If a pigweed top is snapped off during tillage or hoeing, the plant can produce a few short shoots with new leaves and go to seed quickly. I have seen pigweeds less than two inches tall produce viable seed.

These weeds have a relatively short life cycle.

Forty-five days from seed to seed is not uncommon in the summer. While the two weeds are in distinctly different families, both have tiny flowers and seeds borne in clusters where the leaves join the stem, with the largest clusters at the top of the plant. A mature pigweed can be over four feet tall and wide. There is some evidence that such a plant can produce over 175,000 seeds. There is also good evidence that some seeds from both pigweed and lambsquarters can live for 30-40 years, though most deteriorate or are consumed by birds, insects, and slugs well before that.

Botanically, lambsquarters are in the beet family while pigweed is in the amaranth family. Lambsquarters are from Eurasia and came to North America with European settlement. Pigweeds are native to the tropical Americas and are now distributed to the rest of the world.

Both are considered edible by various cultures (leaf and seeds of both). I have tried leaves of both and prefer, by far, lambsquarters. That said, I got some Garnet Amaranth (in the pigweed group) seedlings from a commercial grower and put it

Free at the Extension office in St. Helens on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 14.. Contact for questions and requests for accessibilityrelated accommodations: by phone (leave a message for Jenny Rudolph) 503 3973462 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) writ-ten/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 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 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

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Voices of the Community Integrity I support Brandee Dudzic for County Commissioner.

Brandee doesn’t water down her stance to get money or votes. People may agree or disagree with her position, but you know where she stands, you can take her at her word.

The same is not true of Magruder. Magruder takes money from Global Partners.

Why would a Massachusetts Fortune 500 company like Global give a commissioner money? In the last election Magruder led people to believe she would not support oil by rail through our towns. County residents gave Magruder donations believing this to be true.

During the same campaign Magruder accepted donations from Global, the company behind the push for the oil by rail, and the rezoning of our farmland. Once elected, Magruder voted in Global’s best interests with every vote.

I want a commissioner I can trust. I don’t want a commissioner who takes money from both “sides.” I don’t want a commissioner who puts the interests of corporate oil against the interests of the local farmer.

We can disagree about the advantages/disadvantages of the rezone and fossil fuel trains running through the county, but I think we can all agree you don’t take campaign money in good faith from your local constituents, then take money from a Fortune 500 company and claim to have “misspoken” when asked why you didn’t follow through with your earlier position.

Brandee Dudzic has pledged not to take money from corporations, which means she is not beholden to them, only to us. Integrity.

April Helton Rainier

Tardif for Columbia County Supervisor Alex Tardif’s vision is to diversify the county’s tax base between the large timber interests, agriculture, tourism, and soft industry to maximize county revenues. This would go hand in glove with adequate and affordable housing, living wage jobs, improved transportation and infrastructure including county-wide broadband.

Creative solutions, partnering with private and public agencies, and grant-writing are needed. The county must also support the most vulnerable in the population, and provide recreational opportunities with public safety as an important factor. A strategic plan addresses these essential elements. This is vision.

Tardif’s interest in health and welfare is evident as he

chairs the Columbia Community Mental Health Board.

Oregon recently mandated the county set up its own public health department that he promoted. Following state guidelines, the new department works tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of county residents. They report thrice weekly to commissioners and the public, keeping information current under his guidance. This is empathy.

Tardif brings youthful vitality and progressive perspectives to entrenched business as usual. His ability to expand the envelope for new ideas and resources for a sustainable county future is well known.

His research of tourism/recreation and agri-business development will lead to county job growth with increased taxes plus a more equitable distribution of the tax base currently out of balance.

On September 20, 2020 he posted his participation in the Out of Darkness walk to help people with depression and suicidal tendencies. That is action.

Tardif for Columbia County Supervisor.

Hal Ritz Scappoose

We are all in this together As a teacher at St. Helens High School and President of the local teachers union I just want to express how teachers feel about this school year.

This is not the job we signed up for, we want to see your children and teach them in person, however, that is not possible currently. But we want you to know that we miss them and we are looking forward to when we get to have them back in our classrooms.

We miss that personal connection that comes from being in the room together. We also miss all the learning that takes place when people have opportunities to see each other in real life and see their body language and emotions - it really does matter.

We also want to let parents and the public know that we are really working hard to make this the best we possibly can and will continue to get better at this online teaching model. For me personally, I have not had to learn so much so quickly in a very long time and I imagine that is what is going on at your home too.

We are all in this together and we as teachers will do all we can to make this year a success. We also want to say thanks to all of the parents and supporters of children during this time, your efforts are vital to the success of this school year. Thanks.

Keith Meeuwsen St. Helens

Death Rates Here’s the death data published as of Sept. 1, 2020

by The Oregon Health Authority: In 2018 there were 3016 deaths/month in Oregon. In 2019; 3115.5 deaths/month but get this: In 2020 through Sept. 1 the rate dropped to 2800/month.

During my egg breakfast, news show available here in Scappoose breathlessly lead with the “new cases” of virus and the new death total. I’m trying to sort this out.

It was recently reported that “clean” virus deaths, that would be those without additional causes, such as diabetes, heart-lung disease, obesity, or the like, amounted to only 6% of the listed deaths by virus.

Add to it these facts.

Hospitals gain an additional $36K from the feds if the virus is listed as a co-contributing factor in a death.

The swabs being tested for the virus are being amplified over 30 times, even up to 36.

Among virologists comments on one newscast; “You could find the virus anywhere with that much amplification.”

If the virus is such a killer, why have deaths in Oregon where people are moving in, not out, fallen by 300/month?

Wayne Mayo Scappoose

Cancer Research Must Continue Even Amid Pandemic As the country continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important lawmakers and the public remember research into other diseases must also continue.

That’s why I recently participated in a virtual event to meet with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici as an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer.

I made it clear that people in Oregon are counting on our lawmakers to increase funding for cancer research and prevention. With more than 600,000 Americans expected to die from cancer this year, including an estimated 8,280 in Oregon, now is not the time to take a break. We are at a point where advancements in research are saving more lives than ever. We must keep this momentum going forward and invest in lifesaving cancer research.

By increasing medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health by $3 billion, we can continue to make progress in the fight against cancer.

Margaret (Missie) Kallunki Clatskanie

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

A5

www.thechronicleonline.com

Photo courtesy of Brandi Backus

Kindergartener Dominic Backus painting with watercolors.

KINDERGARTEN From Page A1

the internet at the same time every day,” Kunders wrote in an email to The Chronicle.

A typical kindergarten class is no stranger to distractions and interruptions to learning, but this year classrooms face a new kind of distraction: internet lags.

“The challenges I have had this year have been trying to support families with the technical difficulties with Zoom meetings and issues out of my control (internet connections, lagging time on live teaching days),” Kunders said.

Backus said she’s noticed how hard the teachers are working to keep students focused, even through the challenges of virtual learning.

“There are a lot of positives. I think the teachers are doing a really good job; [Dominic’s teacher] does a really good job of keeping him focused on her,” Backus said. Sometimes, though, she can see that he gets tired of looking at the screen.

“The first week maybe is a learning curve, but overall they’re getting a lot of lessons out of it,” she said, except for those social interactions with other students, which she said was sad to miss, but necessary.

Kindergarten is a developmentally critical time for students to form connections and begin to learn social skills with each other. While learning online, the teachers are working hard to ensure those skills can still be developed.

“Making friends is always something kindergarteners care about at the beginning of the school year and these first months are key to building trust with friends and celebrating our strengths,” Kunders said.

To help accomplish that goal Kunders has made an effort to make class as interactive as possible, by including social activities and games for the kids to play and get to know each other.

“I have needed to reevaluate the pacing of my curriculum to make sure I am still making time for building a community atmosphere with my online class,” Kunders said.

Staying connected with the families is also important. Despite classes being held virtually, Kunders said she is making home visits as needed and having individual Zoom meetings.

“I also continue celebrating birthdays and mailing letters with encouraging words and letting them know I care about their child and their success in school,” Kunders said.

Within her classroom she has added a bulletin board to display student work and share with families so they know she is invested in and proud of her students, she said.

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Classifieds www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

Lawn Mowing Services Cut grass, edging, trimming, and clean up. Can do large areas. Call Gene at 503-3960885 or 971-8133197.

ATTN! Land Owners WE BUY CEDAR & NOBLE BOUGHS. The season is on!

We do all of the work! Min. of 10 trees. Call now for an appt. Jaime at 360-751-0120 or 360-430-8510.

Freeestimates and references.

BIDEN SWAG for sale plus local candidate swag Columbia County Democrat Headquarters For details & set an appointment email: info@ columbiademo crats.org

NORTHWEST CUSTOM TILE Showers, floors, walls, fireplace, exterior. Up to 20% off if you preorder by Nov. 1st, 2020. CCB# 228991 503-3966714

Hosting a

garage sale?

Let everyone know with an ad in The Chronicle.

Call 503-397-0116.

Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.oregonaa district18.org

Community Justice Director Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 10/19/2020 Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov

$1000 SIGN ON BONUS Columbia Care Center 33910 E Columbia Ave Scappoose, Oregon 97056 — Just a ½ hour drive from Portland!

503-543-7131 We are seeking Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) to join our exciting and friendly, fast-paced team! You will work alongside fellow caregivers to provide high quality patient care. The CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is expected to perform the following duties in caring for residents under the direct supervision of nursing staff.

Current open shifts are Evenings and someone that could work any shift. CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Responsibilities: Provide resident care as directed by Care Plan. Serve and collect food trays and assist residents requiring help. Take and record vital signs.

Maintain a clean and healthy environment. Disinfect equipment.

CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Qualifi-

cations • Current certification as a nursing assistant in Oregon • High school graduate or equivalent. Ability to work under pressure and relate to resident, family and long-term care staff. Ability to work well in teams. No previous experience required, will train the right person. CNA tuition reimbursement program available.

Columbia Care Center is a 100% family owned company. We offer competitive wages, medical, dental, and a 10% attendance premium for on-time attendance. If you are a responsible person who believes that our community’s elderly and infirm are entitled to highquality, individualized care, please send your resume/information to: Director of Nursing Services, P.O. Box 1068, Scappoose, OR 97056 or fax to: 503-543-5220, email, or apply in person at 33910 E. Columbia Ave., Scappoose, Oregon. Job Type: Fulltime Employment.

The City of St. Helens is NOW RECRUITING Reserve Police Officers. See website for details - www.sthelensoregon.gov/ jobs. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Huge Moving Sale Must Downsize.

Furniture (twin bed, love seat, recliners, bookcases, large corner desk perfect for school/craft/ sewing/office, hidea-bed), Tools, Fishing, Raft, House-

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New Stuff Everyday. 2 miles up Pittsburg, 59420 Meadow View Drive in SH. Fri Sun 9 to 3.

FREE COMPOST Horse manure & shavings mix, We load, U Haul.

Please call for Info: 503-543-7406.

SAVE THE DATE Oct. 9-11 Multi Family Indoor Multi Bay Garage Sale.

New, used, vintage items, canning, housewares, furniture, fishing poles & tackle, cast iron cooking pans, area rugs, too much to list in St. Helens.

Address next week in ad.

ESTATE SALE HELP 30 years experience with references. No money up front. We work on commission.

We can save you work, help sell your items, or buy it out completely. Let us help you do your estate sale. Please call Darlene @ 503-308-2764 or Dan @ 503-3082759.

Unfurnished House 2 bedroom, 1 bath remodeled manufactured home in Quincy area. Good setting w/ large lawn. Rent $855/ mo. Water/garbage are additional tenant cost. No smoking. Pet negotiable.

Must have verifiable income. 503772-9660 or 503732-9828.

Need a job? check the classifieds online at www.thechronicleonline.com

to find your perfect job offer

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Columbia County

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

t h s

Chronicle and News/Ad Classified Ad Deadline is Monday by noon

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Reach out to local customers

Advertise your business in the Business & Service Directory. Call 503-397-0116 for more information

Ads received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be placed in that week’s issue. Call 503-397-0116 for more information

Getyouradinthepaperandreachouttopotentialcustomerstoday.Call503-397-0116

Drawings courtesy of St. Helens School District

This view shows a front entrance to the remodeled high school.

RENOVATIONS From Page A1

knowledge in the field.

“They know whats going on and can select the right help. In the case of a remodel this is really a better way to go,” Raining said.

During the Sept. 23 virtual

I

meeting, the school board also approved a professional services agreement between the district and Soderstrom, Ltd. Architects for work on the renovation project.

Following voter approval of a $55 million bond measure in May to conduct the high school renovations, the St. Helens School District

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

This flyover view conceptual drawing illustrates the overall high school campus vision following the renovation.

released the following statement.

“The work that we do on the high school will result in well planned and carefully built spaces that will serve St. Helens students and the community for many years,” the statement read.

During listening sessions in 2015, school officials listened

to public concerns about the need for modern health, safety and education standards upgrades at the middle and high schools. Over a five-year period, a new middle school and a new options high school building were constructed.

The district then worked with the community to develop a high school improve-

ment plan that would address health, safety, building systems and education programs at the facility. In February, the board of directors referred the proposed bond to voters for the May 2020 ballot.

Following the election, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school board voted to delay the sale of bonds until

2022. The delay would not impact the proposed construction schedule to the high school, according to a release from the St. Helens School District.

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

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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www.thechronicleonline.com

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

In the Circuit Court for the State of Oregon For the County of Columbia CH20-1500

Probate Department Case No. 20PB06523 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of SHIRLEY JEAN 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 30,2020 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

CH20-1491

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.

CH20-1494

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

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

CH20-1497

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

CH20-1501

NOTICE OF COUNTY FAIR WORKSHOP

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.

eligible for September PEBT. There is no application process for this benefit.

Distribution of the benefits was to have started Sept. 28 for an estimated total amount of more than $35.6 million in federal money. Recipients may see two deposits on their Oregon EBT card – an initial deposit of $100 and a second deposit for all students receiving an amount over $100. Amounts vary by the school district.

“These additional federal funds provide much needed assistance for our families

as they manage the transition back to school,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Dan Haun said.

“We hope these benefits bring some relief to families facing today’s uncertainties.”

“Child Nutrition Programs know that the P-EBT benefit plays a crucial role in supporting students’ nutritional needs during this time of crisis and change,” ODE School Nutrition Program Manager Damasita Sanchez said. “We appreciate the partnership with DHS to provide this critical support for Oregon communities.”

Students must be enrolled in an eligible school for the 2020-21 school year to be

its County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions.

The funds, allocated to the Cultural Trust for Oregon cultural organizations facing losses due to the COVID-19 health crisis, were made available through a $50 million relief package for Oregon culture approved by the Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature in July.

“Many cultural organizations and institutions have closed their doors to help keep us all safe during this pandemic,” Gov. Kate Brown said. “These grants will mean that more than 600 Oregon arts and culture organizations across our state’s counties and Tribes will be able to keep up their vital creative work.

Everything from museums

to fairgrounds to the summer events we all know and love can continue to enrich our lives—connecting us to one another and giving us the hope and inspiration we need.”

“These funds are life blood to Oregon’s cultural community,” Oregon Cultural Trust Board of Directors Chair Chuck Sams said. “While they won’t replace all the losses suffered during the pandemic, they will ensure Oregon culture survives this crisis. We are deeply grateful to the Oregon Legislature for making this possible.”

The largest award is $1.4 million to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; the average grant award is $41,458. Just under $90 mil-

The Columbia county fair board will hold a workshop on Thursday, October 1rst at 6:30 p.m. in the Pavilion

on the fairgrounds 58892 Saulser road, St. Helens OR. The Public is invited as we are following social

distancing guidelines, Please bring a mask due to Covid- 19, space may be limited.

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

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

More options for struggling families STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Local families struggling to feed their children now have a new option for assistance.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) have received federal approval to issue Pandemic EBT (PEBT) benefits in September to promote increased food security for families who receive no-cost meals through participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program.

Eligible students who receive Oregon SNAP benefits, or were mailed an Oregon EBT card with P-EBT benefits in the past, will receive their Septem-

ber P-EBT benefits on their existing Oregon EBT card.

Families who lost their Oregon EBT card can request a new one by calling their local ODHS office. New Oregon EBT cards will be mailed in October.

Many families eligible for P-EBT are also eligible for on-going food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are encouraged to check eligibility and apply at apps.state.or.us/onlineA pplication/#NewClientAc count.

Eligible students will receive up to $176 depending on their school’s start date.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dhs/ assistance/food-benefits/ pages/p-ebt.aspx for details.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately one million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities.

Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance, and Medicaid.

lion in requests were received from 751 organizations; 130 organizations were ineligible for awards based on program guidelines.

“Due to the incredible need, we were able to fund a percentage of organizations’ eligible expenses,” Oregon Cultural Trust Executive Director Brian Rogers said.

“Smaller organizations received a higher percentage of their eligible expenses.

The final awards represent a statewide, equitable distribution plan that was approved by our Board of Directors, the Governor’s Office, Business Oregon and our legislative sponsors.”

The organizations to receive funding include cultural institutions, county

fairgrounds, cultural entities within federally recognized Indian Tribes based in Oregon, festivals and community event organizations, in addition to some for-profit organizations that have significant cultural impact in their communities. Awards will be issued directly to the organizations by their local County or Tribal Coalition.

Funding was determined based on eligible request amounts, an award allocation formula that established a base amount of funds per county or Tribe and the organization’s fiscal size. COVID-19 expenses previously reimbursed by other federal CARES Act programs were not eligible.

The intended use of the

CRF Cultural Support funds is to provide financial assistance to cultural nonprofit organizations and community venues that have canceled or postponed public programming because of public health executive orders associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guidelines for the funding are in accordance with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The legislation allows coalitions to be reimbursed for up to 5% of their total grant awards for documented administrative expenses.

Requests from Coalitions for administrative expenses totaled $209,515.

“We hope these benefits bring some relief to families facing today’s uncertainties.” ~ Dan Haun, ODHS

Learn more at govstatus. egov.com/or-dhs-benefits.

For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1.

$25.7 million in cultural grants to be distributed STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County will receive $22,668 as part of the $25.7 million going to statewide cultural organizations.

The Coronavirus Relief Fund Cultural Support (CRFCS) grant awards will be distributed to 621 cultural organizations across Oregon through a partnership between the Oregon Cultural Trust and

See the full list of grant recipients with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

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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A8

Obituaries Patricia Rae (Young) Willsey Nov. 7, 1955 ~ Sept. 18, 2020

Monique Merrill / The Chronicle

Street performer Leapin’ Louie kept children entertained with a cowboy comedy routine Saturday.

Monique Merrill / The Chronicle

Performer Stefano Iobani kept the audience giggling with his physical comedy and miming act.

HALLOWEENTOWN From Page A1 number of citizens who live in the city from participating,” he said. “I think access to our local area, especially in a COVID year, is important. I hope the city takes that into account.”

The permit signed between the city and the county will hold the city liable for the event even though portions take place on county property. The event has historically brought in visitors from around the world, which is a concern during this pandemic.

Alexa Adams flew from Florida to visit her friend Lauren Spector who studies in Portland. The two decided to check out the event on Saturday because they are both big Disney fans, they said.

“There’s way less people than I thought there would be and it’s nice,” Spector said.

Milling around the event were also visitors from Montana, California and Alaska.

“I’m concerned about the health and safety of our citizens and visitors. We’re in the middle of a pandemic, I certainly don’t think we should be encouraging the pandemic to grow in our

COVID From Page A1

University of Oregon and Oregon State University.

Another outbreak is linked to a prayer group meeting.

All the gatherings had attendees without masks.

“We’ve all worked too hard in beating the tide of this virus,” said Oregon State Health Officer Dean Sidelinger. “We’ve flattened the curve before, we can do it again.”

Sidelinger and Allen

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

www.thechronicleonline.com

county,” Commissioner Margaret Magruder said at the meeting Wednesday. “But this is a city issue, as long as our properties are covered fully, I think the city has made its choices. Perhaps it will be successful, perhaps not.”

In replying to The Chronicle’s inquiries in early September about public concerns with having such an event during the pandemic, St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl outlined the reasoning behind going forward with the Spirit of Halloweentown.

“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.”

The spirit The St. Helens annual “Spirit of Halloweentown” festivities follow the 1998 Disney movie filmed in St. Helens. Titled “Halloweenreiterated the importance of following best health practices moving ahead.

Wearing face coverings when outside or around others, restricting the size and location of gatherings and keeping physical distance from others are all effective ways to reduce transmission of the virus.

It’s also especially important to prepare for flu season this year, Sidelinger said.

“It’s important to get your flu shot. It’s important every year, but it’s important more this year than

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

town,” the movie stars Debbie Reynolds as a witch named Aggie.

One of the climax moments of the film occurs inside the Columbia Theatre in the Old Town District of St. Helens. Another major scene in the movie is reenacted each year in St. Helens, the lighting of the bigger than life jack-o-lantern in the plaza in front of the courthouse.

It is a replica of the original pumpkin from the movie.

The kickoff to St. Helens Halloweentown is held annually with the lighting of the large pumpkin at St. Helens Plaza Square. That event is slated for Saturday, Oct. 3.

See the entire event schedule at www.discovercolumbiacounty.com, www.spiritofhalloweentown.com and www. instagram.com/spiritofhalloweentown.

According to the Spirit of Halloweentown ticketing website, three Saturdays (Oct. 10, 17 and 24) have already sold out.

Join the conversation.

Post your comments on this story at thechronicelonline. com and on the Chronicle’s Facebook page and follow developments online and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle. others,” he said. Preparing against the flu season can help keep communities healthier as they battle COVID-19, which there is not a vaccine available for yet.

Oregon Health Authority reported 181 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 32,994, as of Sept. 28.

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

Patricia Rae (Young) Willsey, beloved wife, mother, and grandma passed away peacefully in her home on Sept. 18, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones. She was 64 years old.

Patty was born in Portland, Oregon on Nov. 7, 1955 to Stephen J. and Lillian (Housley) Young. She lived in Columbia County her whole life and worked at MTC as an eligibility specialist for 27 years where she enjoyed helping others.

Camping, going to the beach, family gatherings, watching her favorite television shows, taking pictures, and stopping to view wildlife were a few of her favorite pastimes, but her most trea

sured activity was spending time with those she loved.

Patty is survived by her husband of 34 years, Don Willsey; daughter Jenni (Minyard) Townsend and son-in-law Rich; grand-

sons, Bowen and Dallas Townsend, and Coltin Pope; mother Lillian Beaston; siblings, Pam Coddington and her husband Steve, Robert Young, Everett Beaston, Jeff Young, Dan Young and Sara Young; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father Stephen J. Young; stepfather Delbert R. Beaston; brother Delbert W. Beaston; daughter Angela R. Willsey; stepson Daniel R. Willsey; grandparents Stephen and Pauline Young, and Harlan and Mae Housley.

No services will be held at Patty’s request. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.

Wildfires and Wild Times at the Columbia County Fairgrounds LAKEN GORTLER Sponsored content

What a month it’s been!

And what a time to be a newly appointed Columbia County Fairboard member. We’ve had a busy few weeks with the fires, evacuations, and getting the Fairgrounds up and running. We took in so many animals, a couple hundred at least, and it was definitely crazy out there. We filled the horse barns, pretty much filled the swine barn, filled the goat barn and sheep barn, and a ton of pens out in the arena. We also had about 40 people who evacuated there that we needed to take care of.

I am so proud of Columbia County and how they stepped up. I think we became known as one of the largest donation hubs out of all of them. We stepped up and started shipping some of that stuff out to the communities that didn’t get as much and thank God we didn’t get any fires here.

As for Dahlgren’s, we contributed some grain, hay, and let them borrow some of our livestock water tanks.

We also sent some staff out there to help with traffic and loading for a couple of days, and we were happy to do it.

I’d really like to thank the Fairboard, all the volunteers, and especially the

4-Hers. I had some of those kids out there all night and all day. I think they barely went home.

They didn’t balk or complain. If I said I needed a stall cleaned or some feed unloaded, it was “Okay!”

And off they went. There are still some of them down there taking care of animals that haven’t quite made it

home.

If there’s one thing I know for sure now, it’s that when we get hit with a problem, this community will rally to get it taken care of. They’ll need some more support as we wind down from things, so keep an eye on social media for any needs that might come up.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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Oregon’s top 20: Greenhouse and nursery products

Greenhouse and nursery products remain Oregon’s leading agricultural commodity with an estimated value of production of nearly $1 billion ($955,166,000) in 2019.

When it comes to what’s tops in Oregon, the state’s greenhouse and nursery products industry are the number one agricultural commodity.

According to the latest estimated data, greenhouse and nursery products lead the agricultural commodity list with an estimated value of production of nearly $1 billion ($955,166,000) in 2019. Hay became the second top grossing commodity at $674,280,000 for 2019 value of production, up from $590,414,000 last year.

Cattle and calves ranked third, recording value of production at $625,158,000.

Milk and grass seed round out the state’s top five spots.

The state is home to more than 37,200 farms and ranches and with the commercial fishing industry, the state produces more than 220 commodities, generating about $5 billion in annual

farm gate sales and services a year.

The data used to create the state’s top 20 agricultural commodities list is gathered using several sources of estimates including, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistic Service (USDA NASS), Oregon State University, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Oregon Wine Board.

Note that cannabis (hemp and marijuana) is not included in the agricultural commodities list. Before the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was not federally recognized as a legal agricultural commodity. For crops such as hemp, survey data is collected by USDA NASS. It is anticipated that hemp will be added to the list of crops surveyed by USDA NASS in the next couple of years.

There is also no farm gate value available for marijuana at this time.

executive director.

Vogel has been leading CCET and its COVID-19 response since April as the interim director since the retirement of former director Chuck Daughtry earlier this year.

“Paul has proven his worth as a dynamic and innovative leader during the recent challenging months,” CCET Board President Robert Blumberg said in announcing the appointment. “He has the skills to work productively with businesses and industries of all sizes, as well as local and state elected leaders. We are excited to have him at CCET’s helm as Columbia County’s businesses rebound from the pandemic, and move into a brighter, more

tions and communities is as important as business recruitment – another part of our job.”

Vogel said CCET is focused on balance in the local economy, recovering, building resilience and coming out of the pandemic different and stronger.

Vogel has instituted a daily email update with information and links to COVID-19 resources and other news of interest to businesses and industries.

According to the CCET, with the participation of Columbia County, the county fair board, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and others, Vogel is

administering a program in which local businesses may obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) at cost.

More information is available at smallbizhub.columbiacountyoregon.com.

“The impact of COVID to businesses, workers, families and lives is enormous,” Vogel said. “All the more important that we come through this stronger and even better positioned, leveraging the advantages we have here to thrive in the evolving normal.”

Comprised of businesses of all sizes operating in Columbia County, representatives of public entities, and other economic develop-

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo by Image Source

Oregon’s Top 20 Agricultural Commodities 2019

• 1- Greenhouse & nursery $955,166,000 • 2 - Hay $674,280,000 • 3 - Cattle & calves $625,158,000 • 4 - Milk $552,096,000 • 5 - Grass seed $517,406,000 • 6 - Wheat $282,948,000 • 7 - Grapes for wine $237,784,000 • 8 - Potatoes $198,889,000 • 9 - Blueberries $134,254,000 • 10 - Pears $108,774,000 • 11 - Onions $108,409,000 • 12 - Christmas trees $104,451,000 • 13 - Hazelnuts $84,480,000 • 14 - Cherries $75,221,000 • 15 - Hops $71,628,000 • 16 - Dungeness crab $67,671,967 • 17 - Eggs $56,798,000 • 18 - Mint for oil $40,536,000 • 19 - Apples $38,746,000 • 20 - Sweet corn $38,103,000

Vogel appointed CCET executive director

Photo courtesy of John Valls

Paul Vogel.

Paul Vogel is now the Columbia County Economic Team’s (CCET) full-time

prosperous future.”

Blumberg said CCET has a responsibility and mission for business retention, expansion and economic growth.

“There is a lot of economic opportunity here.” ~ Paul Vogel, CCET Executive Director “Business retention takes on a whole new meaning during a health and economic pandemic,” Vogel said.

“Right now, helping uplift businesses, local organiza-

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

ment advocates, Vogel said CCET provides services that support the creation, growth and retention of Columbia County businesses. CCET also oversees the enterprise zone program, the “Keep It Local” campaign, and the Columbia County Tourism Initiative.

“There is a lot of economic opportunity here,” Vogel said. “Certain effects of the pandemic even enhance opportunities. I’m looking forward to Columbia County having less opportunity and more actualization.”

To reach the Columbia County Economic Team, call 503-410-1061.

A9

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

2020 Readers’ Choice Awards PRESENTED BY

The Chronicle &

The Chief

Advertise in the readers’ Choice awards Publishing October 28

Say ‘Thank you’ to your voters and show off your Best of Columbia County Badge!

Ad Package that includes Print, Website promotions, Best of Columbia County certificate for display Embedded E-Edition links, Social Media spots and graphic design services are always included!

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Return paper ballots from the weekly newspaper or this ballot to The Chronicle office at 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051. Original ballots only, please no copies. Write clearly and include a separate sheet of paper for your nominations. One ballot per reader will be accepted. Enter one business/person per category and they can only be voted for the service they provide. Online voting is also open now until October 2 at www.thechronicleonline.com/ballot.

CONTACT AMY TRULL

503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net

Your vote counts. Vote online starting September 14 through October 2 (Vote here)

www.thechronicleonline.com/ballot

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 ___________________________ Promotional Marketing _____________________ 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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A10

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Oregon’s top 20: Greenhouse and nursery products STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo by Image Source

Greenhouse and nursery products remain Oregon’s leading agricultural commodity with an estimated value of production of nearly $1 billion ($955,166,000) in 2019.

When it comes to what’s tops in Oregon, the state’s greenhouse and nursery products industry are the number one agricultural commodity.

According to the latest estimated data, greenhouse and nursery products lead the agricultural commodity list with an estimated value of production of nearly $1 billion ($955,166,000) in 2019. Hay became the second top grossing commodity at $674,280,000 for 2019 value of production, up from $590,414,000 last year.

Cattle and calves ranked third, recording value of production at $625,158,000.

Milk and grass seed round out the state’s top five spots.

The state is home to more than 37,200 farms and ranches and with the commercial fishing industry, the state produces more than 220 commodities, generating about $5 billion in annual

farm gate sales and services a year.

The data used to create the state’s top 20 agricultural commodities list is gathered using several sources of estimates including, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistic Service (USDA NASS), Oregon State University, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Oregon Wine Board.

Note that cannabis (hemp and marijuana) is not included in the agricultural commodities list. Before the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was not federally recognized as a legal agricultural commodity. For crops such as hemp, survey data is collected by USDA NASS. It is anticipated that hemp will be added to the list of crops surveyed by USDA NASS in the next couple of years.

There is also no farm gate value available for marijuana at this time.

Oregon’s Top 20 Agricultural Commodities 2019 • 1- Greenhouse & nursery $955,166,000 • 2 - Hay $674,280,000 • 3 - Cattle & calves $625,158,000 • 4 - Milk $552,096,000 • 5 - Grass seed $517,406,000 • 6 - Wheat $282,948,000 • 7 - Grapes for wine $237,784,000 • 8 - Potatoes $198,889,000 • 9 - Blueberries $134,254,000 • 10 - Pears $108,774,000 • 11 - Onions $108,409,000 • 12 - Christmas trees $104,451,000 • 13 - Hazelnuts $84,480,000 • 14 - Cherries $75,221,000 • 15 - Hops $71,628,000 • 16 - Dungeness crab $67,671,967 • 17 - Eggs $56,798,000 • 18 - Mint for oil $40,536,000 • 19 - Apples $38,746,000 • 20 - Sweet corn $38,103,000

Vogel appointed CCET executive director

Photo courtesy of John Valls

Paul Vogel.

Paul Vogel is now the Columbia County Economic Team’s (CCET) full-time

executive director.

Vogel has been leading CCET and its COVID-19 response since April as the interim director since the retirement of former director Chuck Daughtry earlier this year.

“Paul has proven his worth as a dynamic and innovative leader during the recent challenging months,” CCET Board President Robert Blumberg said in announcing the appointment. “He has the skills to work productively with businesses and industries of all sizes, as well as local and state elected leaders. We are excited to have him at CCET’s helm as Columbia County’s businesses rebound from the pandemic, and move into a brighter, more

prosperous future.”

Blumberg said CCET has a responsibility and mission for business retention, expansion and economic growth.

“There is a lot of economic opportunity here.” ~ Paul Vogel, CCET Executive Director

“Business retention takes on a whole new meaning during a health and economic pandemic,” Vogel said.

“Right now, helping uplift businesses, local organiza-

tions and communities is as important as business recruitment – another part of our job.”

Vogel said CCET is focused on balance in the local economy, recovering, building resilience and coming out of the pandemic different and stronger.

Vogel has instituted a daily email update with information and links to COVID-19 resources and other news of interest to businesses and industries.

According to the CCET, with the participation of Columbia County, the county fair board, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and others, Vogel is

administering a program in which local businesses may obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) at cost.

More information is available at smallbizhub.columbiacountyoregon.com.

“The impact of COVID to businesses, workers, families and lives is enormous,” Vogel said. “All the more important that we come through this stronger and even better positioned, leveraging the advantages we have here to thrive in the evolving normal.”

Comprised of businesses of all sizes operating in Columbia County, representatives of public entities, and other economic develop-

ment advocates, Vogel said CCET provides services that support the creation, growth and retention of Columbia County businesses. CCET also oversees the enterprise zone program, the “Keep It Local” campaign, and the Columbia County Tourism Initiative.

“There is a lot of economic opportunity here,” Vogel said. “Certain effects of the pandemic even enhance opportunities. I’m looking forward to Columbia County having less opportunity and more actualization.”

To reach the Columbia County Economic Team, call 503-410-1061.

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No liquor sales in excess of 52 gallons. No liquor sales for resale. Liquor sales at licensed Safeway or Albertsons stores only. ©2020 Safeway Inc. or ©2020 Albertsons LLC. Availability of items may vary by store. Online and In-store prices, discounts and offers may differ.

PG 1,Common GL141149_093020_POR_ROP_SA_10.737x10.5_StHelensChronicle_V01_Common

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source