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A passion and love for singing

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Scappoose resident and singer Ellie Wielleke performs with the Larry Jackson Big River Big Band during the 100-year anniversay celebration of the St. Helens Railroad Station Sept. 19.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Scappoose resident Ellie Wielleke is using her voice to propel her dream.

Taking center stage on Sept. 19 with the Larry Jackson Big River Big Band during the 100-year anniversary celebration of the St. Helens Railroad Station, Wielleke performed

a variety of historical songs.

“I have been singing since I was three years old when my grandmother started giving me voice lessons,” Wielleke said. “And I wouldn’t sing for anybody else.”

That changed, Wielleke said, when she was 15 and conducted her first public performance.

“My grandmother had just passed away, so I dedicated the performance to her and sang her favorite songs,”

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Ellie Wielleke said since she was a child, she has always wanted to be a singer.

she said.

Following that performance, Wielleke said she gained confidence to sing at other public events.

“I knew from the time I was a little girl that singing was what I was supposed to be doing,” she said.

“It was just part of me. When I was little, I would climb up onto my bed and sing. My hairbrush, or whatever was microphone-shaped was my microphone and I would sing to all

of my mom’s 45s (records).”

Wielleke said she comes from a musical family.

“Both of my grandparents could sing, and they were an amazing inspiration,” she said.

When it comes to what kind of music she likes, Wielleke said she has one real idol.

“I have loved Celine Dion since I was a kid,” she said. “She was my first real idol and I started styling my

voice to sound like her and then I fell in love with Adele, but there are so many more that I love and consider an inspiration.”

Wielleke said a family relative recently encouraged her to enter an online musical event in which the public votes for the winning performers. ­­­­ See WIELLEKE Page A10

Boulevard Trick-or-Treat Oct. 29 more year. That being said, we are a group that thoroughly enjoys Halloween and working with other businesses so we wanted to find a way to still keep some of that going this year.

A lot of towns do or have done business trick-or-treat events, and so we reached out to our neighboring small businesses to put this together. We felt this event would help two-fold: a great trick-ortreating opportunity for our local kids of all ages as well as to help support our fellow local small businesses.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The annual Big Halloween Parade held in St. Helens each October was cancelled last year and again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but a local group hopes they have found a traditional way to continue the Spirit of Halloween with a safer event.

The Columbia Boulevard Trick-or-Treat is set for Friday, Oct. 29 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. To find out about this event, The Chronicle contacted key organizer Betsy Stephens of the Heather Epperly’s American Family Insurance in St. Helens.

The Chronicle: Why do you believe this sort of event is a positive approach in celebrating Halloween?

Betsy Stephens: Several of our team members make up the

The Chronicle: What do you hope those participating take away from this event?

The Columbia Boulevard Trick-or-Treat will be held Oct. 29 from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

committee that plans, sponsors and runs The Big Halloween Parade. We very much wanted to hold the traditional parade this

year and while things are not as closed down as they were last year at this time, we were having a very hard time sorting a way to

Courtesy photo

keep all of the amazing supporters of the parade safe and socially distanced. We thought it best for our community to hold off one

Stephens: Our hope is that we will be another great opportunity for parents and kids to get out and enjoy some Halloween fun as well ­­­­ See HALLOWEEN Page A8

Individual responsibility needed to end pandemic JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Gov. Brown and state health and education officials say they are encouraged by the declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, but they also acknowledge that individual responsibility is necessary to ‘put the pandemic behind us.’

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“I want to start with some promising news,” Brown announced at an electronic Zoom media briefing from her office in Salem Tuesday afternoon, Sept.

28. “Our hospitalizations are declining with 822 as of today.

Cases are slowly declining as well.”

Brown said she and state officials had hoped that by the end of June communities across the state would have been free of COVID-19.

“Unfortunately, Delta changed everything,” she said. “The good news is that while we still have a long way to go it appears things are slowly getting better and everyday there is renewed hope as we see more people get vaccinated, progress on vaccines for our 5 to 11 year olds, and now, the beginning of boosters for some of our most vulnerable.”

Booster shots

Vol. 139, No. 40

Brown also confirmed that booster shots will now be available for some of Oregon’s most vulnerable.

“Thank you to everyone who is getting vaccinated and wearing your mask,” she said. “Your efforts are truly saving lives. Vaccines continue to be key to putting this pandemic behind us.”

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

State officials said while COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are declining and limited booster shots are available, more people need to be vaccinated to help end the pandemic in Oregon.

Brown said those Oregonians now eligible to receive the PfizerBioTech booster shots include, seniors, people living in longterm care facilities, people with underlying medical conditions

and people who are at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission, due to occupational or institutional settings. She said anyone in those groups can schedule a booster shot appointment

immediately. The vaccines are free and readily available across the state, according to Brown. ­­­­ See COVID-19 Page A4

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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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Rain ease fire danger in Columbia County STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has determined that Columbia County’s wildland season 2021 is over as of October 1, according to Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR).

The recent rainfall and th fall weather are allowing local fire districts to terminate the burn ban in the county.

CRFR said that debris burning is now allowed with a valid burning permit as decided by local fire districts.

CRFR asks that any outdoor burning is conducted as safely as possible. Recreational campfires, fire pits, and backyard debris burning is now permitted on Oregon Department of Environmen-

tal Quality (DEQ) approved burn days. Yard debris and open burning is allowed only in permitted areas.

Yard debris and open burning is only permitted in the City of St. Helens and the City of Columbia City on given burn days. CRFR asks that anyone preparing to conduct yard debris and open burning check the regulations in their specific area before burning. Burning household garbage, plastics, petroleum products and rubber products are not allowed.

CRFR asks that the public use caution when burning debris piles. Any open burning must be attended by a nonimpaired, responsible adult.

A water source and hand tool to suppress any escaped fires should also be kept on site during any open burning, ac-

cording to CRFR. “The public is encouraged to remain vigilant for changing weather conditions and use caution when burning,” CRFR states in the release.

It is the individual property owner’s responsibility to check daily to ensure it is a burn day by dialing the fire district’s burn line as listed on your burn permit, CRFR said. Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage or requiring suppression efforts from a fire agency,may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages caused.

For additional information regarding 2021fire season, visithttps://www. oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/ Restrictions.aspx

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

The recent rainfall and fall weather are allowing local fire districts to terminate the burn ban in the county, according to CRFR.

Billions for wildfire response, drought relief recovery through uses like workforce training or small business loans.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced the passage of critical legislation for wildfire and drought relief affecting Oregon and the West Coast.

The legislation includes billions of dollars in funding for wildfire disaster response, drought relief, public lands restoration, and other critical needs for Western states that have been hit hard by record wildfires and drought in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Both the US Senate and the US House have approved the legislation, which is tied into appropriations to fund the federal government.

Wyden and Merkley said the wildfire and drought relief is expected to be signed by President Biden.

Merkley serves as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, one of the key subcommittees directing the funding.

“Today’s passage of this legislation is a major victory for Oregon and the entire Western United States,” Merkley said. “Our communities should not be left on their own to struggle with the aftermath of historic disasters, and this funding will go a long way in helping rebuild now and prevent devastating wildfires in the future. I

$200 million for the Bureau of Reclamation to assist with drought relief, including in the Klamath Basin and Central Oregon.

This funding comes as many areas of Oregon are experiencing yet another year of record drought, putting severe strain on farmers, ranchers, and entire communities.

Courtesy photo from Scappoose Fire

Fire crews carefully navigate along this road during the Alder Creek wildfire near Scappoose in late September.

have been looking for every possible avenue to deliver this disaster relief, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to make sure Congress does right by Oregon as we deal with fires, smoke, and drought, and to make sure the U.S. does our part to tackle the root causes of our climate crisis.”

“Oregon and the West have been hit hard by the climate crisis, with temperatures soaring into the stratosphere, drought drying up our waterways and melting our mountain tops, and mas-

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sive infernos devastating our communities,” Wyden said.

“The funding passed today is much-needed in helping to rebuild our communities and make them stronger against future disaster. I’m going to keep fighting tooth and nail to make sure Oregon has the resources it needs for its continued recovery and keeping Oregonians safe from the effects of the climate emergency with climate action.”

The two senators said the funding addresses many areas of critical need in helping Oregon communities recover, including:

$5 billion for Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR).

This funding is critical for recovery from the 2020 Labor Day fires and can be used for a variety of communities pressing needs hit hard by fires—including towns burned to the ground.

The funds be used to help recover from the physical damage of fires, by rebuilding destroyed homes or repairing local infrastructure, and help in economic

$10 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide relief to agricultural producers impacted by drought, wildfire, smoke, and heat.

This will help family farms and ranches stay afloat after an extremely difficult two years, providing direct payments to cover qualified losses. Producers will be able to apply directly to the USDA to receive assistance.

Merkley said he also fought to include funding to help prevent future wildfire disasters and was able to secure $230 million for hazardous fuels reduction.

Hazardous fuels reduction is critical to making forests more resilient to wildfire and preventing wildfires from spreading out of control, according to Merkley.

Merkley said he also used his position and his subcommittee chairmanship to ensure that wildfire recovery on public lands would not be left behind— supporting jobs in the outdoor economy, protecting drinking water supplies, and restoring habitat for salmon and other species.

These investments include: • $1.545 billion for badly needed repair and recovery work, including debris removal, hazardous materials clean-up, and recovery and restoration of natural resources.

• This will include invasive species management, revegetation, critical habitat protection, burned area recovery, and watershed restoration, all of which must occur to restore these public lands to their previous state and to prevent further damage.

• Funding will also be used for the repair and rehabilitation of federal facilities, roads, bridges, trails, levees, and visitor areas.

These funds specifically include $1.185 billion for the Forest Service, $229.5 million for the National Park Service, $58 million for the Fish and Wildlife Service, and $26 million for the U.S. Geological Survey.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

A3

City launches community survey

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

SNAP is an assistance program designed to help approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities, with emergency food allotments and other benefits.

The City of St. Helens is asking for community feedback about how community members feel that their local government is doing and how it can better serve the St. Helens community.

The results of this survey will help align city priorities and shape the future of St. Helens.

To take the survey, visit the city’s website at www. sthelensoregon.gov or go to www.surveymonkey. com/r/2021COSH. Hard copies are available by contacting St. Helens Government Affairs and

Courtesy from the City of St. Helens

The survey is open from Monday, Oct. 4 through Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Participants who complete the survey can opt in for cash prize drawings.

Project Support Specialist Rachael Barry at 503-3668214 or rbarry@sthelensoregon.gov.

The survey is open from Monday, Oct. 4 through Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.

Participants who complete the survey can opt in for cash prize drawings.

Survey questions cover a variety of topics, including community satisfaction with public safety, library resources, public works infrastructure, parks and trails, the recreation program, and city leadership.

Follow results of this city survey at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

SNAP: Increases to continue permanently STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County resident and other Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a permanent average increase of about $36 per month, per person to their regular SNAP benefits.

The permanent increase took effect Oct. 1, and is the result of federal changes to the Thrifty Food Plan.

In addition, most SNAP recipients in Oregon will continue to receive additional emergency SNAP benefits in October.

The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In October, approximately 408,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $64 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to increase regular SNAP benefits and to provide additional emergency benefits to most SNAP households in Oregon,” Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS),

Self-Sufficiency Program Director Dan Haun said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

Emergency food benefits will be available on Oct. 12 for current SNAP households. New SNAP households will receive the emergency allotments Oct. 29 or Nov. 2.

SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards.

More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/ FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/ About-SNAP.aspx.

Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-6999075.

If you are a SNAP household and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits.

It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-todate information.

You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways: • Online at: ONE.Oregon.gov • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309 • By fax at: 503-3785628 • By phone at: 1-800699-9075 or TTY 711 Resources to help meet basic needs Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www. adrcoforegon.org.

Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org Oregon Department of Human Services Resources

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For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855673-2372.

Port announces 2 resignations The Port of Columbia County Board of Commissioners announced today that Executive Director Douglas Hayes has resigned his position with the Port, effective immediately, according to a release from the Port, which did not state a reason for the resignation.

Hayes has been with the Port since 2017.

The board has appointed Deputy Executive Director Sean Clark to the role of Interim Executive Director. He has been with the Port since 2014 and became Deputy Executive Director in May. Port commissioners will determine a path to find its next Executive Director at the October port commission meeting, the release states.

“We’re fortunate to have someone as qualified and experienced as Sean to take the reins at the Port during this time of transition,” Port of Columbia County Board President Nancy Ward said.

“We’re confident that his leadership will only strengthen our vision of being a leading, innovative port focused

Courtesy image

The Port of Columbia County announces that its executive director and a board member have submitted their resignations.

on economic opportunities for today and the future.

In a separate change, Larry Ericksen, current vice president of the board, is resigning his position, effective Oct. 17. A second-term commissioner in Position #3, Ericksen is moving to Tennessee to be closer to his family.

The board will vote on Oct. 13 at the next meeting on an individual to fill the remainder of Ericksen’s term.

The board has suggested Chris Iverson as a possible candidate to fill the position

vacated by Ericksen, and will take comment prior to the vote. If approved, Iverson would finish out Ericksen’s term, which runs through 2023. At that time, the position will be open to all candidates in the May 2023 election.

Prior to this role, Iverson served as a commissioner with the Port over three terms, the last of which ended earlier this year.

“We’re thankful for Larry’s excellent service to the Port over the years,” Ward said. “While he leaves big shoes to fill, we’re pleased to have a well-qualified volunteer in Chris willing to rejoin as a port commissioner.”

The Port of Columbia County is the port authority for Columbia County, Oregon, United States. The port is a municipal corporation formed under state law to engage in economic development activities.

The Port of Columbia County operates offices in Columbia City and can be reached at 503-397-2888.

Grants for Artisticand and Cultural Projects Projects Grants for Artistic Cultural 2022 CCCC Grant Application Now Online 2022 CCCC Grant Application Now Online Application Application forms and guidelines can be found at: can columbiacultural.org/contact forms and guidelines be found at: Apply – Columbia County Cultural Coalition (columbiacultural.org)

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Opinion

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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Viewpoints

St. Helens celebrates the spirit of Halloween RICK SCHOLL Chronicle Guest Column

Happy October! Fall is a special time in St. Helens.

It’s when our city transforms into the Spirit of Halloweentown and we see a steady stream of visitors coming to discover a little of the magic that makes our city so special.

Celebrations for the Spirit of Halloweentown have grown and changed over the years, recently adapting during the pandemic. It was important to keep the pumpkin lit last year. It gave us a small reminder of something normal and became a symbol of resilience through dark times.

In the face of the pandemic during 2020, we made a difficult decision and changed the format of the event. With the celebration’s overwhelming rise in popularity since 2015, we knew that visitors would come regardless of COVID-19 restrictions, so we went ahead cautiously and deliberately, planning for the people that we knew would be here. We proactively took steps and made a plan to keep people safe while visiting. Of course,

changes can be uncomfortable. We understand this, and we asked our residents to give extra grace and shine as the wonderful, welcoming community that we are.

As the pandemic continues and responses change, we are adapting this year while keeping health and safety central in the event’s production. One example of this is the cancellation of the big Halloween parade in 2021. While this event has been a huge success the last few years thanks to the community partners who plan and put this event on, there was no way that we could safely plan for the huge crowds that always show up for the parade.

The important part to me is that we continue to bring people together and offer a chance for people of all ages and backgrounds to discover our wonderful community.

As locals, we sometimes forget about one of our biggest assets: the Columbia River. I am someone who uses the river often; you can find me fishing every spring and fall. But many people who live in St. Helens forget about how lucky we are to have the river. We are reminded of that when visitors

Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens

St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl poses with the big pumpkin, a centerpiece of the city’s Halloween celebration, at Courthouse Plaza Square.

come to our city and see our riverfront. They comment about how beautiful it is and how amazing it must be to live in St. Helens with the river right on our doorstep.

The same is true of Spirit of Halloweentown. While there may be residents and community members who don’t like the event, there

are people from all over our region, the state, and even the country and internationally that love Halloween.

They happily make the long trip for a unique experience that only we can offer.

Spirit of Halloweentown is an asset that we are lucky enough to have in our own backyard, and the visitors

who come from all over to experience a little bit of that magic remind us of that.

I was walking around the Riverfront District during Spirit of Halloweentown a couple years ago and met a group of three adults and two children outside the haunted house. They were from Florida and asked me

about places to eat. While we have a lot of great restaurants on our riverfront, since they were a family with kids, I encouraged them to visit Sunshine Pizza near the highway so they could see a different part of our city. It’s interactions like this that show the real benefits that are possible for St. Helens businesses and the community because of Spirit of Halloweentown.

We now welcome visitors every year from across the country and the world.

They see our community groups and non-profits involved as vendors and volunteers during Spirit of Halloweentown. They see the beauty of our riverfront.

They go into our shops and eat at our restaurants. They are thrilled to be visiting a place that we are lucky enough to call home.

October is our community’s chance to show the amazing potential of our city and the magic of our community members who make St. Helens a great place to live.

Rick Scholl is the mayor of St. Helens. He may be reached at www.sthelensoregon.gov.

Dear Reader: The Chronicle adds more local news Dear Reader, In our many conversations with our readers in the past year, we’ve learned a lot about what content people value the most. Time and time again, readers tell us

COVID-19 From Page A1

“Everyone who is eligible for a booster will get one,” she said.

Brown said booster shots for those that have received the Moderna and J&J vaccinations will have to be patient and wait for federal guidance before those boosters can be administered.

Oregon’s deputy state epidemiologist Dr. Tom Jeanne said COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are declining because more people are being vaccinated and people are wearing masks in public places.

“We cannot drop our guard and risk a resurgence that would overwhelm our health care system.” he said Oregon’s health care workers and the state resources have been severely strained for too long, according to Jeanne. He also urged those who are not vaccinated, to get vaccinated.

“If you’re unvaccinated, you’ve never been more vulnerable to being stricken by the virus, passing the virus on to your loved ones, getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19,” Jeanne said.

they value local news above everything else in the paper.

We have also discovered that the majority of our readers do not need the TV schedules printed in the paper. Most have either

digital cable, satellite TV, or streaming services and do not find the TV guides useful.

Beginning with the last issue, we have discontinued publishing the TV schedule

Schools impact

or someone in the state made a mistake to allow the event, Brown replied that Oregon has some of the strongest safety protocols in the nation and that the state requires masks indoors in public places and masks are required in outdoor locations.

“At some level, particularly in large events, like the Pendleton Roundup or a U of O Duck football game, it has got to be an individual responsibility,” she said. “I have asked Oregonians time and time again to be considerate and kind to their fellow Oregonians. It is so incredibility important for Oregonians to wear masks and to get vaccinated if they haven’t done so already.”

Brown added that she is “very gravely” concerned about the rural area COVID-19 spikes.

“We know that rural communities are more medically vulnerable and may not have the health care capacity that we have in metro Oregon,” she said.

Brown said efforts to provide support to hospitals and health care centers around in the state, including rural Oregon are continuing.

Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Director Colt Gill said out of the 13,000 schools in Oregon, only four have gone entirely to distant learning for a short period of time due to the pandemic impact.

“Quarantine is one of the great challenges this year,” Gill said. “We have school staffing challenges that we are trying to overcome. Vaccinated staff do not have to be quarantined.”

Gill said the keys to keeping schools open and students safe are for eligible students and school staff to get vaccinated, wear masks and practice social distancing.

Gill said the ODE is working with school districts to help them develop appropriate quarantine protocols. Brown added that the state also is expanding COVID-19 testing.

Jeanne pointed out that due to supply chain shortage issues, conducting the testing has been challenging.

Individual responsibility When pressed by a reporter suggesting a spike in COVID-19 cases in Eastern Oregon may be the result of the popular Pendleton Roundup and asking if she

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

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You can call 503-397-0116, email chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or go to thechronicleonline.com to sign up.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Jeremy C. Ruark Publisher/Executive Editor The Chronicle

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Is time for Oregon to discontinue the current face cover mandates for indoor public places and large outdoor public gatherings?

Are you attending any o the Halloweentown events in St. Helens?

Yes

No

23% Yes

77% No

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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

A5

Coast razor clamming returns STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announce the opening of all razor clam harvesting from Tillamook Head, south of Seaside, to the California border.

Recent shellfish samples taken from this area indicate levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid have fallen below the alert level.

Razor clamming remains closed from Tillamook Head north to the Columbia

River, including inside the Columbia River. This area of the north coast includes the popular Clatsop beaches which remain closed under the annual conservation closure.

Mussel, bay clam and crab harvesting remain open along the entire Oregon coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by biotoxin closures when only the adductor muscle is eaten. ODA does not recommend eating whole scallops. Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumers.

Paralytic shellfish toxin and domoic acid toxin are

produced by algae and originate in the ocean. ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit.

Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.

For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at 800-4482474, the Food Safety Division at 503-986-4720, or visit the ODA Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage.

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules and limits.

Courtesy photo

Clamming has resumed from Tillamook Head, south of Seaside, to the California border but remains closed from Tillamook Head north to the Columbia River, including inside the Columbia River.

Community Calendar Oct. 4-17 Get There Challenge • The event is designed to build skills, stay active, and make Oregon a better place. The ninth annual Get There Challenge participants can take actions to unlock a variety of experience, knowledge, and skill-building achievements. Anyone age 18 or older who lives and/or works in Oregon can join the Get There Challenge at any time by visiting GetThereOregon.org.

Oct. 9 Fall Native Plant Sale • The Scappoose Bay Watershed Council presents the annual sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind Scappoose High School, 33700 SE High School Way in Scappoose. Proceeds help local restoration projects.

For more information, visit www. scappoosebay-wc.org.

Oct. 29 Boulevard Trick-or-Treat • Local merchants are encour-

aged to take part in a Halloween Trick-or-Treat event along Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Participating businesses are being asked to have something family-friendly to hand out either in front of, or just inside, the business.

Local businesses are also being encouraged to decorate the exterior of their locations in the spirit of Halloween. For more information, contact Betsy Stephens, at Heather Epperly Agency, American Family Insur-

ance or email rstephens@ amfam.com.

Oct. 31 Drive Through Trunk-or-Treat • The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Columbia 911 Communications District will host a Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat from 4 p.m.-7 p.m, at 58611 McNulty Way in St. Helens. The agencies are currently seeking any small businesses or community partners that would like to host a trunk. For more

information and to reserve your spot by Oct. 15, contact Malinda Duran at malinda.duran@columbiacountyor.gov Nov. 6 Nature Park Work Party • Community members are invited to join a volunteer work party rain or shine at Nob Hill Nature Park from 9 a.m. to noon, for easy planting in the wetland near the boardwalk, and from 1 to 4 p.m. for pulling ivy and replanting near the lower

bridge. Dress for the weather, including rain gear if needed.

Bring gloves, tools, water and snack items. Masks and social distancing are required.

Meet at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, 451 Plymouth Street, in St Helens. Pre-registration is requested by Friday, Nov. 5 by calling Scappoose Bay Watershed Council at 503-397-7904. Or e-mail to: info@scappoosebay-wc.org.

For day of event, please call 503-349-8586.

Obituaries Betty Louise Sexton

Feb. 8, 1935 ~ Sept. 12, 2021 Betty Louise (Patterson) Sexton, age 86, passed away September 12 at her home in Warren, Oregon. Betty was born Feb. 8, 1935 in Portland, Oregon to Mabel and Carl Patterson. At the age of 17, Betty met Ivan Sexton on a blind date and married shortly after on June 3, 1952.

Betty and Ivan were married for 55 years before Ivan passed away in 2008.

Betty lived in nearly every city of Columbia County with most of her life spent in the rural communities. Betty attended the Canaan school and Trenholm school, before finishing her education at the St. Helens High School.

Betty was primarily a homemaker. Raising kids came naturally to her. In addition to her six children, her love and compassion was also extended to 18+ foster children that Betty and Ivan selflessly cared for in their home. Later in life Betty began work at a nursing home as a Certified Nurse Assistant

which she continued at the Columbia District Hospital in St. Helens for 10+ years until they closed in 1990.

Betty then spent many years volunteering at her church’s community service center, also known as “Dorcas,” at the Scappoose Seventh-day Adventist Church, where food, clothing and household items were given to those in the community in need.

Betty loved washing dishes by hand, weeding

the garden, playing with her grandchildren, and playing Chinese checkers. Betty touched many lives with her kind smile and easy laugh.

She was notorious for feeding a hot homemade meal to anyone who stopped by (especially her homemade bread).

Betty is survived by two sons, Darrell Sexton of Scappoose and Terry Sexton of Gresham, Oregon; and two daughters, Kimberley Miller and Karen Sexton (both of Warren, Oregon). Betty had 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ivan Sexton; two sons, Rick Sexton and Randy Sexton; and a grandson Jonathan Sexton.

A memorial service was held for Betty on September 19 at her lifetime church and her cremains were laid to rest next to her husband, Ivan, on September 24 at the Columbia Memorial Gardens in Warren, Oregon.

Michael Gordon Klein Aug. 15, 1943 ~ July 27, 2021

Michael Gordon Klein, age 78, of St. Helens Oregon, passed away July 27, 2021 in his sleep due to medical complications.

Mike, as most people knew him, was born in St. Helens on August 15, 1943, to Helen D. and Edward L. Klein. Mike grew up in St Helens and spent a good part of his life there. He entered the US Navy in 1962 where he proudly served on the USS Rainier as a boiler tender in the engine room.

He also received his GED while in the Navy. Mike was honorably discharged and returned home in 1964, where he went to work at the Kaiser textile mill. He later went to work for Lockheed, at the shipyards in Portland. After he retired, he moved from St. Helens to Gold Beach,

Oregon and lived there for many years.

Mike loved custom classic cars, especially Chevrolet.

He spent many hours restoring his 1954 Chevrolet. He also enjoyed taking his kids fishing, and on excursions to Rockaway Beach. When

he moved to Gold Beach, he spent most of his time gardening, taking care of his koi pond, painting, and taking his sidekick, “Tuna” (Petunia), his Jack Russell terrier for walks on the beach. Mike had many close friends in Gold Beach, and they would often help each other with projects. Mike was an avid reader and quite knowledgeable on many subjects.

Mike is survived by his brothers, Bruce and Patrick; sister Kathy; children, Mikey, Eddy, and Mackinzie (Jackie); several grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, James, Gene, and Joe; and his youngest son Ben. A military burial will be held at a later date.

Kenneth Attwood Bergman March 11, 1953 ~ July 25, 2021

Kenneth Attwood Bergman, a former resident of Rainier, Oregon, passed away on July 25, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2021 at Rainier Senior Center, 48 W 7th St., Rainier, Oregon. Reception to follow at El Tapatio in Rainier, Oregon.

Homeschool Parents student tours between Wednesday thru Saturday & Sunday’s after 1pm

1925 First Street, Columbia City www.capleshouse.com (503) 397-5390

“Open for Tours Until Oct 31” Fri- Sat 1-5pm Adults $5 Tea and Sweets Fri 2-4pm Book us now for Holiday Events and Weddings

This space donated by Columbia Funeral Home • Serving Columbia County since the early 1900’s • 503-397-1154

Gordon Dickie Gortler Aug. 4, 1938 ~ Oct. 2, 2021

Gordon Dickie Gortler, 83, of Columbia City, died on Oct. 2, 2021, in Portland, Oregon. Gordon was born two months early on Aug. 4, 1938, in his aunt’s home near Yankton, Oregon. He was the third of five children born to Richard and Ada (Riggs) Gortler. His early years were spent in Yankton and Columbia City, and he attended schools in both places before graduating from St. Helens High School in 1957. During his school years he picked berries and was a member of the Future Teachers of America Club, National Honor Society, and was a member of the Student Council. He enjoyed dancing and spending time outdoors.

He received a scholarship to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and financed his way through school, working summers at the Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in secondary education and completed ROTC and went into the Air Force as a 2nd Lt. The next few years found Gordon in Mississippi and South Dakota where he met a beautiful nurse in training. After a brief courtship, he and Phyllis Jean Reed were married in the Salt

Lake LDS Temple Dec. 13, 1966.

Gordon’s military assignments took the couple and their six children to Alabama and North Dakota where he was involved with the Minuteman Missile Program. He spent over a year overseas in Turkey before returning home and being assigned to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California where he was the Missile Operations Officer. They spent the next fourteen years there, where Gordon was promoted to Lt. Col. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent much time in Church service, including six years as bishop of the Lompoc 3rd Ward in California.

After retiring from the military in 1989, Gordon returned to Columbia City and remained there the rest of his life. He was a substitute teacher for the St. Helens and Scappoose School Districts and oversaw a credit recovery program. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids, playing the piano, organ and accordion, working in the yard, garage saling, and family history.

He will be missed by his six children, Aleen (Rob) Fuelling of Sandy, Utah, Lynette (Bruce) Bradford of Layton, Utah, Kevin (Julie) of Logan, Utah, Kurt of St. Helens, Tiffany Gortler and Shawn Gortler of Columbia City; and sister Dottie Weitzel of Westport. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Phyllis in 1995; his parents; and siblings, Theodore, Jannette, and Dennis.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 9, 2021 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Helens and interment will take place at Columbia Memorial Gardens.

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

Thomas Joseph Oliveri Sept. 29, 2021 ~ Sept. 18, 2021

Thomas Joseph Oliveri waws born Sept. 29, 1948 to Vonda Mather and Sam Oliveri in Painsville, Ohio. He passed away on Sept. 18, 2021 in Portland, Oregon with his wife Susan and daughter Brenda by his side.

Tom was a former owner of two Italian restaurants and a party center in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

He loved to cook, and Italian food is what he loved to cook the most. He had a party center and loved catering for all occasions especially for weddings, birthday parties and social events. He was quite the social butterfly.

After retiring, Tom moved to Oregon to be

closer to his daughter and grandkids.

He is survived by his wife Susan; daughter Brenda Oliveri (Pablo); stepdaughter Jennifer Meabe (Ruben); stepson

Jacob Bishop; grandchildren, Pablo Francisco, Gustavo Francisco (Gabrielle), Kendall Hall, Jacqueline Meabe, Luis Meabe, Alejandro Meabe, Miasol Meabe, and Braxton Bishop; great grandchildren, Natana Francisco, Gianni Francisco and Kai Francisco; brother Sam Oliveri; and sisters, Judy Flannery, Sandy Ford, Laurie Bousquet, and Connie Wooton.

He is preceded in death by both his parents; and brothers, Robert Oliveri and Tony Owens.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2021 at the Columbia City Community Center with a potluck to follow.

A Neighborhood Store with a Bit of Everything Molly Matchalk Owner 290 First Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 503-396-5479 * mmmatchak@gmail.com Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A6

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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Get your ad in the paper and reach out to potential customers.

Call 503-397-0116 to place your ad in the newspaper and online.

CH21-1798

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the date at the office of VanEstate of CHARLES DEAN Natta, Petersen & Anderson, CARPENTER, Deceased.

P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, No: 21PB07582 NOTICE Oregon 97051; and if not TO INTERESTED PERso presented, they may be SONS NOTICE is hereby barred. All persons whose given that the undersigned, rights may be affected by Michael D. Carpenter, has the proceeding may obtain been appointed personal additional information from representative of the above the records of the Court, the estate. All persons having personal representative or claims against the estate are the attorneys for the personal required to present the same representative. Dated and within four months from this first published September 22, Columbia County’s trusted local news source

2021. Date of final publication October 6, 2021. Michael D. Carpenter, Personal Representative. Personal Representative: Michael D. Carpenter c/o VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, OR 97051. Attorney for Personal Representative: Mary Anne Anderson, VanNatta, Petersen & Anderson, P.O. Box 748, St. Helens, OR 97051, Phone: (503) 397-4091.

CH21-1806

CH21-1808

PUBLIC LIEN SALE U- NOTICE STORE SELF STORAGE OF BOARD Auction to be held online at Storageauctions. com. Auction will run from 10/5/2021 10:00 am & end on 10/15/2021 10:00 am.

Unclaimed storage lockers to be sold by competitive bid-

ding. St. Helens 445 Port Ave, Suite D. Asbell Brandon R-50, Clinefelter Edward RV-129, Turner Staci M-035. GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION SOLD BY STORAGE LOT. Cash and Credit Cards.

WORKSHOP October 18th, 2021 fair board Workshop at 6:30 PM in the 4H Building at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR 97051.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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Library Makerspace celebration

503-397-4544, email SHPLmakerspace@sthelensoregon. gov, or visit the library’s circulation desk in-person to make arrangements.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

For years, the St. Helens Public Library has gradually expanded its offering of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs to the community.

This has allowed hundreds of kids, teens, and adults the chance to use their creativity and problemsolving abilities in hands-on projects to make something and learn new skills.

The St. Helens Public Library’s latest such project, a dedicated makerspace that is free for all ages, will be presented from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 9, during a St. Helens Public Library Makerspace grand opening celebration at the Library, 375 S. 18th Street, St. Helens.

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new space, see the equipment in action, and enjoy a hands-on activity for themselves.

History In 2017, the St. Helens Public Library began offering afterschool STEM and maker programs to youth. These programs have been recognized as innovative in the St. Helens tri-county region and used as a model for other organizations to launch their own programming, according to the library staff. Building on this success, in 2019 the library launched its ‘Library of Things’ to allow borrowers the opportunity to take home maker equipment and continue their educational and creative pursuits outside the library.

“All along, we also

Generous donations

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

This space has been dedicated for the St. Helens Library’s Makerspace.

The Makerspace inside the St. Helens Library is designed to offer community members a spot to create.

wanted to offer more advanced maker opportunities to a broader range of ages in a more open-ended way and make deeper community connections to other learning and making organizations,” St. Helens Librarian Gretchen Kolderup, who is leading the St. Helens Public Library Makerspace with the assistance of fellow library staff and outside organizations.

With the dream of a dedicated space for the entire community to create and connect, the library staff drafted a proposal that was presented to the St. Helens City Council and approved in January 2020. According to Kolderup, along with acceptance from the Columbia Learning Center Board, the library staff began the hard work to develop the new space. Columbia Learning Center offices were consolidated, including the former computer lab space from when the center first opened, to make the Makerspace possible.

Kolderup said. “A dedicated space also makes it easier for us to build a multigenerational community of creative learners.”

The Makerspace is for all ages and open to anyone.

Visitors do not have to have a Library card or live in St. Helens to use the Makerspace, according to library staff. The space is free to use, although some projects will require users to pay for the cost of materials, such as filament for the 3D printer.

Children under 10 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

Minors ages 11 to 17 may use the space independently with a signed waiver by a guardian.

While STEM and maker programs in the past have largely focused on youth, Kolderup said the new Makerspace has truly been created for all ages to use.

Equipment includes a laser cutter, 3D printers, digital cutter, heat press, sewing machine, laminator, a printer,

“Twenty-five years ago, innovative thinkers inspired the construction of the Columbia Center which provided a library, computers, and internet service,” St. Helens Public Library Director Margaret Jeffries said. “Today, the Makerspace also provides a similar opportunity to support knowledge creation in the community. It is thrilling to see this proposal come to fruition.”

Funding The City of St. Helens provided $40,000 in funding to refurbish the space. New flooring was installed, data and electrical upgrades were made, furniture was purchased, and a sink, sidewalk, and door upgrades were made to allow Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) access.

“Having the Makerspace in a newly available part of the building lets us offer the community high-end, permanently installed equipment,”

scanner, copier combo, computers and tablets with stop motion and coding apps and Adobe Creative Cloud products (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.), hand tools such as wire strippers, soldering station, and bike repair kit, die cut machines with assorted dies, photo scanner, drawing tablet and pen, light boxes, 3D pens, sticker and button makers, rotary cutter and mat, ring lights, comb binding machines, saddle stapler, hot glue guns, and a folding lighted studio box.

The library is currently in the process of hiring a library technician through City of St. Helens American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds distributed by the federal government. The library technician will assist with expanding open hours for the Makerspace, conducting equipment training, and leading classes.

Anyone who would like to use the Makerspace before then can call the library at

The St. Helens Public Library Makerspace was made possible thanks to generous donations, grants, and partnerships with various organizations. In addition to $40,000 from the City of St. Helens and allocated ARPA funding, the St. Helens Public Library received $20,000 from the Columbia Community Foundation, a $20,000 grant from Northwest STEM Hub along with an additional $9,500 in smaller grants from the same organization, a $3,000 grant from the Friends of the St. Helens Public Library, and a $2,500 private donation of equipment and money.

The project was also made possible through nonmonetary support from the Columbia Community Foundation, Northwest STEM Hub, the Friends of the St. Helens Public Library, the St. Helens Library Board, St. Helens Public Works Department, Columbia Learning Center Board, and St. Helens City Council.

Initial partnerships for the Makerspace include Portland Community College’s OMIC Training Center, OMIC R&D, and the St. Helens School District. Kolderup said the library will work with these groups to create future projects and offerings.

The St. Helens Public Library is located at 375 S.18th Street in St. Helens and may be reach at 503-397-45344.

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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

SOLVE reports success in statewide cleanup STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

From Sept. 18 through Oct. 3, Oregonians are participating in SOLVE’s 38th annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup in partnership with the Oregon Lottery.

The volunteer event is aimed at improving the health of waterways through litter pick-up and restoration work. While this event spans three weekends, most volunteer projects occurred Saturday, Sept. 25.

Since the event began, over 2,000 volunteers have come together and collected 26,815 pounds of litter and marine debris from Oregon’s coast, rivers, waterways and neighborhoods, according to a release from SOLVE. “For many Oregonians there was an even greater drive to participate in a statewide cleanup and restoration event this year,” the release state. “Droughts have persisted in western states through the summer months, sounding the alarm on the importance of taking care of our water as a precious natural resource.”

According to SOLVE, by removing litter anywhere,

volunteers prevent pollution everywhere. Each piece of garbage or debris that is not properly disposed of poses a risk to the surrounding environment, wildlife and water quality. Litter is most easily transported by the wind into storm drains or waterways.

From there, it can flow downstream, adding to our international marine debris crisis.

Volunteers gathered at more than 100 projects across the state to demonstrate their commitment to keeping Oregon’s waterways clean.

Along the Oregon Coast, the Heart of Cartm, a recycling and reuse organization, a new SOLVE beach captain in Nehalem Bay, collected more than 400 pounds of litter and marine debris from their project site. Jessi Just, the executive director of Heart of Cartm, then sorted through the collected items, looking for things that are on her organization’s “wish list.” These items will find new life in upcoming repair workshops and art classes, according to SOLVE. The non-profit Washed Ashore also helped divert other collected items from

couches, and river rafting equipment.

According to SOLVE, each volunteer made a direct difference in Oregon’s water quality and environmental health. SOLVE supports volunteer projects year-round.

To view upcoming volunteer opportunities, please visit solveoregon.org.

The Beach & Riverside Cleanup is held in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, with additional support from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Metro, Subaru of Portland, Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, Chevron, NAVEX Global, Fred Meyer, Facebook, Clean Water Services, Bamboo Sushi, The CocaCola Company, and Tillamook County Creamery Association.

Courtesy photo

Large bags, such as these from a previous statewide cleanup, are used in the volunteer environmental effort.

the waste stream from three beach cleanups. As they have done for several years, members of the Washed Ashore Team drove along the Southern Oregon Coast, collecting items that can be reused in their nationally

P.E.O. launches poinsettia sales

recognized art sculptures.

In Portland, more than 400 volunteers participated at various cleanup projects throughout the city. The project located in Portland’s Central Eastside saw more than 80 volunteers who

HALLOWEEN From Page A1

as see some of the businesses on the upper boulevard and have a great time celebrating.

The Chronicle: Describe how this event will work and what you are suggesting the participating businesses have ready to give to the children.

Stephens: We have a route established starting at our office, Heather Epperly’s American Family Insurance, and working the way up the boulevard.

Sunshine Pizza and Mailboxes Northwest will be the last stop on the climb up the boulevard and the route then crosses over to Christina’s Chest and heads back down Columbia Boulevard.

Currently we have 14 businesses who are participating, in addition to our office we have: Family Vision Clinic, Route 30 Liquidators, Ryan Moore’s Farmers Insurance Mailboxes Northwest, Sunshine Pizza, Christina’s Chest, Bertucci’s Chocolates, Richardson’s Furniture, Wiggle Butz Pet Bakery,

removed 1,230 pounds of litter in just two hours. This cleanup targeted litter that if left uncollected would have a strong possibility of entering the nearby Willamette River. Among the items recovered were crab pots, John L Scott, Rock-it- Salon, Diana’s Formal Affair, The Amani Center and The Chronicle.

We have asked each business to be ready to hand out family friendly items for trick-or-treaters of all ages and we encouraged them to decorate their businesses. Our office is going with a Disney villains theme for both our decorations as well as our costumes. We have heard some great ideas from some of the participating businesses, but don’t want to spoil any surprises.

The Chronicle: Due to the current pandemic, what health and safety steps are you asking participants to follow?

Stephens: Our community is still working to find ways to celebrate with all the changes COVID-19 has brought to our world. We will be encouraging participants to stay in their household group and to leave at least six feet between themselves and others.

The Chronicle: What are you suggesting to businesses who decide not to take part in the event to help the trick or treaters not

About SOLVE SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization established in 1969 to improve the state’s environment and build a legacy of stewardship.

The Tillamook Headlight Herald contributed to this report. approach the shop?

Stephens: While we would love to have every business along the route participate, we understand that is not practical or possible for everyone.

We have been speaking to most of the businesses along the route, those who are not able to participate are aware of the event. We will be marking the route with signs in the participating businesses windows as well as considering some larger markers for the day of. We will be handing out a small map with a list of the participating businesses at the first stop as well.

We also are looking into having a volunteer(s) at the cross walk at N 21st Street to help ensure the trick-ortreaters have a safe opportunity to cross the boulevard.

We hope that both the participating businesses as well as the trick-or-treaters have a great time.

Stephens added more information about the Boulevard Trick-or-treat can be found on Facebook Trick-or-Treat the Boulevard | Facebook, text/call her office at 503-397-2033, or email rstephen@amfam. com

Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

Courtesy photo

St. Helens residents Kathy King, left, and Sue Branch, deliver large poinsettias to El Tapatio Restaurant in St. Helens in 2019. The sale was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-`9 pandemic.

The St.Helens chapter of The P.E.O. Sisterhood is taking orders for lush, locally grown poinsettias now through Oct. 25.

P.E.O. members will deliver the plants to Columbia County residents and businesses the week of Nov. 30.

The poinsettias come in red, white, pink and marble. Fourinch pots are $8. Six-inch pots

are $15 and large eight-inch pots are $30.

The Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) an international non-profit group dedicated to providing scholarships, grants and loans to graduating seniors and older women seeking to further their careers through higher education or vocational training.

All proceeds from the sale go

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toward the scholarship fund.

This year, $15,100 in local awards were given to three Columbia County graduating seniors and six other Columbia County women attending college.

For more information, or to place an order, contact Cyndy Miller at 503-4380654.

Community Action Team

Are you a veteran?

You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.

Need a job?

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

check the classifieds online at www.thechronicleonline.com to find your perfect job offer

Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580

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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

A9

Red Cross experiencing ‘emergency shortage’

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Blood donor turnout has reached the lowest levels of the year as many delayed giving amid a return to the workplace and in-person learning, as well as a recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country due to the delta variant.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood and platelet shortage and must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month for the blood supply to recover and meet hospital and patient needs.

Donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now and in the weeks ahead to overcome the current shortage, according to a release from the American Red Cross.

Blood donor turnout has reached the lowest levels of

the year as many delayed giving amid a return to the workplace and in-person learning, as well as a recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country due to the Delta variant. As cases spiked in August, blood donor participation decreased about 10%, but blood product distributions to hospitals have remained strong, significantly outpacing blood donations in recent weeks.

Historically low inventory levels The national Red Cross blood inventory is the lowest it’s been at this time of year since 2015, with less than a

day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks, the release states. The supply of types O positive and O negative blood, the most needed blood types by hospitals, dropped to less than a halfday supply at times over the last month − well below the ideal five-day supply.

“Fall is typically a time when the blood supply rebounds as donors are more available to give than during the busy summer months, but this year has presented a unique and serious challenge,” Red Cross Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pampee Young said.

“While it’s clear the pandemic continues to weigh heavily on our minds, the Red Cross asks

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The American Red Cross used this mobile donor van during a blood drive at the InRoads Credit Union in St. Helens.

the public to remember donating blood and platelets is essential to the many patients that rely on lifesaving transfusions every day.”

Young encourages donors not to wait. People across the country depend on the generosity of blood donors, she said, asking that anyone eligible should make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood. org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood drive safety Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center

follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

InRoads Random Act of Kindness connection As part of its monthly Random Acts of Kindness, InRoads Credit Union hosted the Red Cross bloodmobile on Sept. 28, at its St. Helens administration

building. Thirty participants, including InRoads employees and their family members, gave blood during the workday.

InRoads Credit Union President/CEO, Brooke Van Vleet said the credit union and its employees look for opportunities to give back to the community, so hosting a blood drive made perfect sense.

“They say that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood,” Van Vleet said. “Lifesaving care can start with just one person making a donation. This blood drive helped make that happen.”

Crossword Solution AAA issues roadside danger advisory Solution for the Sept. 29, 2021 crossword puzzle

Courtesy photo from AAA Oregon

AAA service techs often do their work within inches of traffic speeding by.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

You may spot them from time to time, along the roadways in Columbia County, someone pulled to the side of the road with their vehicle’s emergency flashing lights on.

The recent deaths of three AAA tow providers, killed while assisting drivers, show just how dangerous it is for those who work along the roadside, according to an advisory issued by the Oregon chapter of the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Raymond Mitchell,33, was killed Sept. 22 on I-5 southbound near Kalama, WA when a log truck hit him on the side of the freeway.

Washington State Patrol says the driver who hit Mitchell was speeding. An investigation is underway and charges are possible.

Glenn Ewing, 32, was killed July 4 near Cincinnati, OH, while placing a disabled vehicle on the back of a flatbed on the side of the road.

He leaves behind a fiancée and two children.

Only three weeks later, 30-year-old David Meyer was assisting a driver on the left-hand shoulder in Castle Rock, CO, when he was also struck and killed. As of August of this year, 14 tow providers have been killed while helping others at the roadside in 2021.

“Deaths like these can be avoided if drivers just slow down and move over.

AAA service techs and other emergency responders are often only just a few inches away from speeding vehicles as they do their jobs. Please slow down, move over, and give them space,” AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said. “AAA is committed to raising awareness of the dangers associated with working or being stranded at the roadside.”

In Oregon, 12 people were killed while outside a disabled vehicle from 2015 through 2019. Nationwide, 1,622 were killed in that same timeframe, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

Every year, about 24

emergency responders including tow providers lose their lives at the roadside— meaning someone in this line of work is killed every two weeks. Hundreds more are injured while tending to disabled vehicles.

AAA and other traffic safety advocates have helped get Slow Down Move Over laws passed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In Oregon, drivers must move over to another lane or slow down at least five miles per hour below the posted speed limit when approaching police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, road maintenance, and utility vehicles, as well as any vehicle that is stopped and is displaying warning or hazard lights, or a person is indicating distress by using emergency flares or posting emergency signs. The fine for a violation is $265 or $525 if within a safety corridor, school zone or work zone. (ORS 811.147) https://www.oregon.gov/odot/safety/pages/ enforcement.aspx Unfortunately, many drivers don’t comply with Slow Down Move Over laws, and others aren’t even aware that these laws exist. A new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has some startling data: • Among drivers who don’t comply with Slow Down Move Over laws, 42% thought this behavior was somewhat or not dangerous at all to roadside emergency workers. This demonstrates that drivers don’t realize how risky it is to be along the side of the road close to fastmoving traffic.

• Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) are unaware of the Slow Down Move Over law in the state where they live.

• Among those who are aware of their state’s Slow Down Move Over laws, about 15% report not understanding the potential consequences for violating the law at all.

“If you see a vehicle, a person or warning lights on the shoulder ahead, slow down and move over,” Dodds said. “You could literally be saving someone’s life.”

The reality is that drivers

Courtesy photo from AAA Oregon

This AAA worker attempts to remove a vehicle while heavy traffic, including this large semi truck, is passing extremely close along the highway.

Courtesy photo from AAA Oregon

AAA Oregon Fleet Technician Dan Gamble works on the shoulder of I-5 southbound in Portland south of the Terwilliger curves.

are increasingly distracted when behind the wheel. Previous AAA Foundation research has found that drivers are up to four times as likely to crash if they are talking on a mobile phone while driving and up to eight times as likely to be in a crash if texting. Impairment is another factor which greatly reduces a driver’s judgment and reaction time.

AAA has tips for drivers to protect emergency responders, roadside workers and drivers with disabled vehicles: • Remain alert, avoid distractions and focus on the task of driving.

• Keep an eye out for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.

• When you see these situations, slow down and if possible move one lane over and away from the people and vehicles stopped at the side of the road.

• If you are driving, don’t get impaired. If you’re impaired, don’t drive.

About Slow Down, Move Over

Move Over law was implemented in 2010. In 2017, the law was expanded to include non-emergency vehicles (Senate Bill 34) and went into effect Jan. 1, 2018.

Additionally, AAA clubs have participated in educational and advocacy initiatives, creating public service announcements, and reaching out to state officials.

But there is more work to be done. AAA is committed to raising awareness of the Slow Down Move Over laws and the dangers associated with working at the roadside.

Fast Fact In Oregon, drivers must move over to another lane or slow down at least five miles per hour below the posted speed limit when approaching police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, road maintenance, and utility vehicles, as well as any vehicle that is stopped and is displaying warning or hazard lights, or a person is indicating distress by using emergency flares or posting emergency signs. The fine for a violation is $265 or $525 if within a safety corridor, school zone or work zone.

Since 2007, AAA has been instrumental in passing Slow Down Move Over laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including advocating for those laws to cover tow providers and other emergency responders.

Oregon’s Slow Down Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechronicleonline.com

A10

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Lions seek victory at North Salem JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The St. Helens High School (SHHS) football team heads to North Salem High School for competition Friday, Oct. 8.

The SHHS Lions will be hungry for victory following a 12-41 loss last Friday against Forest Grove and a 1-3 overall season record.

In the following conversations SHHS Head Football Coach Cory Young gives us insight about the team.

The Chronicle: What do you see as the strengths and the weaknesses of the 2021 SHHS football team so far this season?

Cory Young: Strengths in numbers and depth.

We have a good number of athletes and there is great competition at every position. Which leads to very competitive practices throughout the week.

Weaknesses- Large group of Sophomores with

limited varsity experience.

We have a good sophomore class that will be asked to play some big varsity minutes throughout the year, on the positive side that are eager and hungry to prove they should be on the varsity field on Friday nights.

The Chronicle: What are the team’s challenges this season and how are you, your coaches and the students, working to overcome those challenges?

Young: Maintaining all the team bonding activities we have done in the past. We did not go to team camp and have been limited on how much we can bring back some of our non football team activities. Good news is we have some creative parents who are eager and willing to find ways to continue to host team dinners/make sandwiches for road games/etc.

The Chronicle: What

do you hope the student athletes take away from their experience this season?

Young: That being part of our football family allows students athletes the life lessons to become better students and individuals moving forward.

The Chronicle: What is the reward you take away from being coach?

Young: Seeing them mature into respectful and hardworking student athletes who have the ability to celebrate life’s victories while being strong enough to see failures as a chance to grow and improve.

The SHHS football team finishes regular season play hosting Wilsonville at home Oct. 15, McKay Oct. 22 and on the road against Scappoose Oct. 29.

Follow the SHHS football team competition results at OSAA.org.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The St. Helens High School football team is sporting a 1-3 overall season record.

St. Helens High School Sports Schedule Wednesday, Oct. 6 • 4 p.m. Cross Country Trojan Relays • 4:15 Girls Junior Varsity II Volleyball vs La Salle Catholic College Preparatory • 5:30 p.m. Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball vs La Salle Catholic College Preparatory • 6:30 p.m. Boys Junior Varsity Soccer vs Putnam • 6:45 Girls Varsity Volleyball vs La Salle Prep Friday, Oct. 8 • 7 p.m. Coed Varsity Cheerleading @ North Salem High School • 7 p.m. Varsity Football @ North Salem High School Saturday, Oct. 9 • TBA Girls Junior Varsity II Volleyball Wells Tourney Away • TBA Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball Oregon City Tournament

WIELLEKE From Page A1

“I did enter, and I thought it was such a late entry that they probably already picked their finalists, so when I got an email the next day saying I had made it to the semifinals I was so excited,” she said. “I was crying.”

Finalists will be announced in late October for a YouTube concert in which they will perform, and 10 winners will be selected by public vote.

Wielleke said she has been spending lots of time rehearsing for the online event and also for her audition Dec. 7 to appear on the nationally televised program ‘The Voice.’

“I subscribe to their channel, and I got an email that said they were opening auditions back up, so I schedule one,” she said.

Even if she doesn’t make the finals in the online competition or qualify to appear on ‘The Voice,’ Wielleke said she will continue to sing.

“Yeah, I am going to continue to sing,’ she said.

“Working with the Big Band is so much fun and if that’s all that I do for the rest of my life, I’ll be happy. As long as I am using my voice and I am having fun.”

When she isn’t singing, Wielleke is employed as a massage therapist. She has been off work during the pandemic but was scheduled to return to that occupation in late September.

Wielleke also had the following advice for any aspiring your singer.

“If it is something that you want, you have to go for,” she said. “You can’t be scared. Join the choir at school. Find somebody, either in your family or your friends circle at school that you can count on to support you and to coach you. Never give up.

Keep learning. You can’t strop learning. I am 44 and I am still learning.”

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Learn more at MyTruePlans.com/shc or call (866) 713-2186 (TTY: 711) or (503) 574-8411 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific Time), every day.

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