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Lassoing in Halloweentown profits Businesses report success ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Businesses in St. Helens are still counting up profits following the city’s signature fall event, Spirit of Halloweentown.

The events were centered in the city’s Riverfront District. The Chronicle reached out to a selected number of local businesses throughout the city to assess the impact of the fall event.

Molly’s Market

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Leaping Louie participates during the 2021 Spirit of Halloweentown.

Molly’s Market Owner Molly Matchak said Halloweentown attracted a variety of shoppers.

“All over,” she said. “From Kansas, to Florida, to London, a lot of people from San Diego, Utah, Arizona. Cause we ask them, where are you from? We have one couple from London that just came for Halloweentown.”

The market, a store situated in the Riverfront District, supplies a range of items from coffee and hot breakfast to grocery staples.

Matchak said her store was spared from the economic downturn during the pandemic. “(Molly’s) is only two years old.

I’ve seen a Halloweentown before the pandemic and I actually opened the day of the parade,” she said.

“I did really well last year in the pandemic because I was essential, whereas the restaurants only got to

see so many people and for me, my rules were much different. Anyone could come in here as long as I was being safe, wearing masks and social distancing.”

The influx of customers, combined with steady growth over the years, allowed Molly’s Market to close out Halloween with increased profit margins.

“Business was fortunately really good,” she said. “I did even better this year, 33% more than last year, and the year before I did 10 times better than the first year I opened.

I’m increasing all the time.”

Molly said that looking ahead, she is optimistic about the future of Halloweentown.

“I think Halloweentown is going forward. It’s just something that should always happen,” she said.

week thinking festivities were all week long, so they were a bit disappointed,” Uwujiye said.

Oak Meadows Inn

2Cs Vendor Mall Owner Mitzi Ponce said her store has experienced a windfall in sales, coinciding with Spirit of Halloweentown festivities.

“This year was really rather remarkable,” she said. “I gotta tell you, we were all just kind of shaking our heads at how well we did this year. We had an 84% increase over the prior year, which for anybody keeping track at home, we almost doubled last year.”

According to Ponce, visitors flowed in from nearly every state in the country.

At Oak Meadows Inn, a Best Western Hotel along Highway 30, bookings rose by 60% Friday and Saturday of Halloween weekend, according to Anna Uwujiye, the hotel’s general manager.

“We figure it’s due to Halloweentown as we cater to a lot of contractors, and businessmen and women working in the area. Those weekends were like our July and August weekends,” Uwujiye said.

The buzz of Spirit of Halloweentown 2021 was ever present, something Oak Meadows Inn employees discovered firsthand.

“Some guests came during the

Plymouth Pub Plymouth Pub Owner Brad Rakes said that he hasn’t noticed any changes in revenue since Spirit of Halloweentown began, but that the state’s decision to lift COVID-19 capacity restrictions ushered more customers into the business.

“As far as income goes, it’s been the same as last year,” Rakes said.

This has been steady every Saturday and Sunday it’s fall in here. There’s actually more people this year than last year, because this year we (can) finally have parties of six.”

2Cs Vendor Mall

­­­­ See HALLOWEEN Page A4

ODOT to receive $1.2 billion for projects JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

St. Helens, Scappoose and other cities across Columbia County and the state will likely see the impact of a major financial boost in transportation funding.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will receive over $1 billion in additional transportation funding as part of the federal infrastructure package, according to Oregon Transportation Commission Chair Bob Van Brocklin.

“This past weekend Congress completed work on the largest infrastructure finance bill in history,” Van Brocklin said. “Once signed by the president, the $1.2 trillion bill will allow ODOT to address a number of major challenges in our state.”

The money will go toward projects around the state that will benefit drivers, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians, help maintain roads and bridges, and address climate change, according to Van Brocklin.

“We’re still analyzing the legislation to determine exactly how much funding ODOT will receive and where it will spend the money,” Van Brocklin said. “Many projects are ready for construction, and others are in the final stages of planning so we should be able to move quickly.”

ODOT plans to conduct a media briefing this week to release additional details. The specifics about that event were pending as of early Monday morning. Nov. 8.

Van Brocklin said the Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT will direct the funds, combined with state funding from the Oregon Legislature to “make real progress” on Oregon’s transportation priorities.

A portion of the $1.2 billion will be allocated over the next five years for highway and bridge construction and maintenance, safety improvements, mass transit investments, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions from

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

A portion of the $1.2 billion will be allocated over the next five years for highway and bridge construction and maintenance, safety improvements, mass transit investments, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions from transportation sources.

transportation sources, according to Van Brocklin.

“These resources will help us address congestion, which is increasing in our urban areas as the state’s population continues to grow; freight mobility, earthquake recovery preparedness, passenger rail, and other elements of the comprehensive mo-

bility system we seek to create,” Van Brocklin said. “All of this work will focus on improving our economy, our environment, and the quality of life of all Oregonians. Working together, we can attain this vision.”

In anticipation of this major new commitment at the federal level, beginning in 2020, the Oregon Trans-

portation Commission and ODOT began working on a number of changes to create a modern transportation system that prioritizes equity, climate, safety, and the delivery of reliable transportation options to serve the diverse need of citizens and businesses across the state, according to Van Brocklin.

“These early efforts position us to quickly invest the federal funds we receive and additional funds we will seek from new and continuing federal grant programs authorized by the bill Congress passed last weekend,” he said. “The Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT are deeply grateful for the hard work of our federal delegation to make this historic legislation a reality. We look forward to putting these new resources to work to build a better future for the people of Oregon.”

Read how this funding will impact transportation projects in St. Helens with this story at thechronicleonline. com.

Raising the bar for Toy N Joy campaign ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

In their 39th year of operation, organizers of the annual Merchants’ Toy N Joy Auction are raising the goal.

“Our goal for this year, since it’s the 39th year, is to gross $39,000,” auction volunteer Susannah Sass said.

Last year, the fundraising team responded to the pandemic by facilitating an online event, along with raffles and opportunities for cash donations. The three-pronged approach to fundraising yielded more donations than ever before.

Opinion ..................... A4 Obituaries ................. A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ....................... A6 Garden Plots ............ A8 Crossword ............... A8 Veterans Day .... A10-12

“I think we ended up having our best year ever,” Sass said. “Obviously we had two events, but we grossed just over $50,000 last year.”

The auction will still be held virtually this year according to Sass, but Toy N Joy organizers have updated their engagement strategy to make the event livelier and keep regular donations rolling in.

“We’ve started utilizing a lot more social media time to get more people aware, build awareness, and educate people on what we do,” Sass said. “It’s been a little different the past few years, because we really don’t have a need for actual boots on the ground if we’re not having a physical event.”

Sass said that Toy N Joy fundraisers intend to make the bidding process as close to normal as possible.

“We’re going to set up a Face-

book Live so people can see the items (displayed) instead of just the photos on the website,” she said.

Sass said that an auction held online allows the fundraiser to reach a wider audience. “(There) are a consistent 300 people every year, and a lot of the time it can be the same 300 people,” Sass said. “Switching to online has really broadened our audience, adding things that anybody can donate cash to. We have a lot of people that asked us about donating toys, and we can just direct them straight down to the fire station.”

Unwrapped new toys may be dropped off at Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) stations.

Some of the items up for bid this year include sunglasses, acupuncture Courtesy photo

­­­­ See TOY N JOY Page A4

A large crowd of just over 300 guests gathered for the 37th annual Merchants’ Toy N Joy Auction in 2019.

Vol. 139, No. 45

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Teacher shortage impacting local schools ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Scappoose School District Board voted Monday night, Nov. 8, to remove Nov. 12 from the school calendar, cancelling in-person school for students.

In a letter sent to Scappoose parents Thursday, Nov. 4, Scappoose School District Superintendent Tim Porter said currently the district is down a “significant number” of substitute teachers and classified substitutes and also continues to have several classified openings.

Referring to it as a “statewide and nationwide issue,” Porter said that substitute teacher shortages

are not limited to his school district.

“In December 2019, Oregon had 8,290 licensed substitute teachers,” he told The Chronicle. “On September 18, 2021, we had 4,738 licensed substitute teachers.

We are seeing the consequences of having basically half as many substitutes this year compared to two years ago.”

In his letter to parents, Porter said the teacher shortage is putting a considerable strain on the district’s entire system.

“Teachers are forgoing planning time to fill in for absent colleagues: principals are spending their days in classrooms as teachers, and district administrators

are filling in throughout the district. In short, our staff is overextended,” Porter wrote.

Currently, the school district does not have enough teachers or substitutes to cover all the district classes or duties on November 12.

“Therefore, safely holding school will be exceedingly difficult if not impossible,” he said.

Porter proposed that the school board change November 12 to a non-contact day for students. That day will continue to be a workday for staff, but students will not attend school.

Porter said the result of the calendar change is one less instructional day.

“While this change may pose a challenge for some,

I hope you will agree that focusing on student safety is important,” Porter states in his letter to parents.

In a St. Helens School District board meeting earlier this school year, principals spoke of adjustments and challenges they faced with fewer teachers and less substitutes.

The Chronicle also has reached out to St. Helens School District administrators for specific comments about the impact of the teacher shortage on that district. We had not received a response by press time.

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

Courtesy photo

Scappoose School District Superintendent Tim Porter said currently the district is down a “significant number” of substitute teachers and classified substitutes and also continues to have several classified openings.

Oregon children receiving COVID-19 vaccine STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the vaccine for 5 through 11-yearolds on Oct. 26 after a Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee review that found it’s safe and effective for the age group.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for youth 5 to 11 years of age.

That is the finding from the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup following its review of the federal process of the vaccine.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) began informing health care providers Wednesday, Nov. 3, that vaccinations for 5 to 11-year-olds can begin in Oregon.

“This is great news for Oregon children, parents, and families,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said. “Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

With the review by leading doctors, pediatricians, and health experts, Oregon parents and children can be confident

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the vaccine for 5 through 11-year-olds on Oct. 26 after a Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee review that found it’s safe and effective for this age group.

in the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds.”

Brown said it is completely normal for parents and children to have questions about vaccines.

“I urge you to reach out to your family doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist and get your questions answered today,” she said.

“We are excited to be able to start immunizing school-age children against COVID-19,

which should bring relief to many parents and guardians, and those who work in education and child care,” OHA Director Patrick Allen said. “We hope vaccinating kids will help our communities continue to build population immunity that will protect our children, help keep them in school and ultimately bring this pandemic to an end.”

The federal government has a standard allocation system across all states. Roughly

120,000 initial, pre-order doses are coming to Oregon and have been ordered by vaccination providers. Delivery was anticipated to start last week with the supply going to approximately 350 provider sites across the state.

Every county has sites receiving pre-order shipments, and every enrolled provider that filed a request for doses was offered the vaccine.

In addition, 60,000 doses were offered to pharmacy

chains by the federal government. Those were allocated via a federal process with orders going to 87 pharmacy sites in the state.

OHA estimates the 180,000 total Pfizer doses are likely a four to six-week supply of vaccines. The state has been informed it will have access to tens of thousands of doses to order for shipment on Nov. 9, again on Nov. 18 and thereafter on a periodic basis.

Allen said it may take a few days before the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine will be widely available.

“We strongly recommend you contact your healthcare provider, community health center, clinic or local pharmacy before bringing your child in to be vaccinated,” Allen said.

OHA is also working with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), local public health authorities, the health care industry, communitybased organizations and additional vaccine providers to make doses readily available at public and private schools, child care facilities, community sites and other locations easily accessible to families

and education providers.

“Your child should be able to be vaccinated within the next few weeks,” Allen said.

“It is extremely important that all eligible children have equitable access to the vaccine and we appreciate your patience as we go through this process.”

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup thoroughly reviewed safety data for the vaccine, including the absence of any severe adverse events among vaccine recipients in the clinical trial.

Reactions were mild and similar to those seen in adolescents and adults and with other vaccines routinely recommended for children and were less common at ages 5-11 years than at 16-25 years.

Washington, Oregon, and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October.

The workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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Car Fire Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

Oregon Gov. Brown was scheduled to discuss the impacts of climate change on Oregonians, as well as to highlight the actions Oregon has taken to reduce carbon emissions, transition to clean energy.

Oregon voices climate concerns STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Gov. Kate Brown and a Congressional delegation that includes Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici have traveled to Glasgow, Scotland for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

During the conference this week, Brown planned to discuss the impacts of climate change on Oregonians, as well as to highlight the actions Oregon has taken to reduce carbon emissions, transition to clean energy, and ensure that Oregonians disproportionately impacted by climate change are not left behind. Other U.S. governors were scheduled to join Brown to highlight the state-level actions that can be taken around the world to address the climate crisis.

“I have been Governor since 2015, and it was about that time that Oregon took a front row seat to climate change,” Brown said. “Nearly every year the extreme weather has been worse than the last. We are a warning for

the rest of the world.

“We must continue to move urgently and with focus—and we can tackle climate change and grow our economy at the same time.

These goals are not mutually exclusive. Oregon is a shining example of how it can be done.

The time is now, we can’t afford to wait. ~ Oregon Gov. Kate Brown

“What is clear is we cannot leave behind our historically underserved communities. In Oregon, we have worked to ensure that our communities hardest hit by climate change due to structural racism and systemic disparities are not left behind.

“Future generations will judge us not on the fact of climate change, but on what we have done to tackle it.

The time is now, we can’t afford to wait.”

In the two years since the last UN Climate Change Conference, climate change has become an even more undeniable part of the daily lives in Northwest Oregon and around the country, according to Bonamici.

“We have experienced devastating and deadly consequences from more frequent and severe extreme weather events, wildfires, drought, and ocean acidification; it is past time for action,” Bonamici said.

“My colleagues and I are traveling to Glasgow at a pivotal moment.

Bonamici said she was optimistic that the U.S. Congress can make the investments needed to address the climate crisis by passing the Build Back Better Act and reducing emissions, reaching America’s clean energy targets, and protecting frontline communities.

“Failure is not an option, and we have science, public opinion, and momentum on our side,” Bonamici said.

Courtesy from CRFR

One person was taken to a Portland hospital for treatment following a car fire on Millard Road and Highway 30 in St. Helens. A Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) crew responded to the incident late Wednesday night, Nov. 3. Traffic was slowed while the crew extinguished the fire and tended to the victim. According to a CRFR Facebook post, details about what caused the car fire and the identity and condition of the victim were not immediately available.

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Opinion

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Viewpoints

LJSA a critical piece of legislation ZACHARY RICHNER Chronicle Guest Column

I was disheartened to read in last week’s opinion page that Matt Walsh, CEO of Observer Media Group, opposes the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. Before I explain why the LJSA is a critical piece of legislation, allow me to provide some background on the LJSA and to make some factual corrections to Walsh’s column.

The LJSA is a stand-alone piece of legislation with tremendous bipartisan support — from Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Val Demings on the left to Rep. Lee Zeldin and Rep. Vern Buchanan on the right.

As Walsh noted, the LJSA proposes three tax credits: one

TOY N JOY From Page A1

sessions, wine baskets, gift cards to local businesses, and a Christmas tree with decorations inspired by last year’s theme: The Ultimate Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

“When we finally meet in person, we’ll be doing an ugly sweater contest. But for this year, we have a tree that we usually decorate and auction off fully decorated. The Christmas sweater will be the theme for the decoration for the tree,” Sass said. “We tried a virtual online ugly sweater contest last year and it didn’t really get a lot of participation.”

Toy N Joy also offers more cost-effective ways of participating, such as the

HALLOWEEN

From Page A1

“(I think) we had people from every state represented.

I don’t remember anyone going ‘Hi, I’m from Vermont,’ but we know Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Utah, Alaska, Hawaii, and tons of people from California,” she said. “And that’s pretty typical, but we also get – and this is what’s important to me as a local business owner – we also get a lot of people from Portland and a lot of them have never heard of our store. They’ve never been in it.”

Ponce said she is confident the increase in customers will translate to greater visibility and ultimately, more regulars coming through her doors.

“People, a number of them will become loyal to these (stores),” Ponce said.

“I had a lady who was in here with her daughter. They wanted to buy something that didn’t have a tag on it.

They called me on Monday, we got the price for them, did the transaction over the phone and shipped it out to them.”

“We’re going to see things like that continue to happen. People will show up. When we get to Small Business Saturday, they’ll

for local journalism organizations, one for citizens and one for small businesses.

The draft of Congress’ reconciliation bill, however, only includes one of these three tax credits: the credit for local journalism organizations. This tax credit provides a 50% credit in year one and a 30% credit in years two through five against the first $50,000 of a local journalist’s salary.

It is not an automatic $25,000 credit per journalist.

Walsh also asks: “Why not credits for small retailers?

Restaurateurs? Small grocers?

Construction companies?”

What a great idea, Matt! To provide some support to the small businesses that are the engine of our local economies during an unprecedented global pandemic! Luckily,

that’s exactly what the LJSA’s tax credit for small businesses does. It provides a tax credit to small businesses to market themselves and spur local commerce.

Importantly, as Walsh correctly implies, the national media and local media are very different beasts. The former seems to be as much about entertainment as anything else, whereas the latter provides communities with the objective reporting and information needed to function.

In other words, local news organizations provide truth.

That’s why a recent Poynter poll found that Americans trust local news more than any other media channel by far.

And for good reason.

There is now empirical data showing that communities

raffle, where ticket prices run as low as $5.

“We’re going to be raffling off a generator, KitchenAid mixer and other items that I haven’t picked up yet, a few gift baskets,” Sass said. “We (also) have tickets to Hillsboro Hops games, Portland Thorns games, a signed soccer ball from the Portland Timbers to pick up and gift certificates mainly to the local places.”

The funds benefit CRFR Volunteers’ Toy N Joy Program, Scappoose Care & Share, the St. Helens Kiwanis Holiday Hope program, Community Action Team and the Columbia Pacific Food Bank. The projects by these groups are designed to assist local families in need.

Sass has been involved with the program for over 20 years and her daughter Susannah Sass has followed

her lead and joined her in organizing the event.

“It’s fun for me to help try to make every Christmas the best Christmas for other people in our community, especially this year when everything is so unscrewed and just crazy,” she said. “I am just a sucker for Christmas.”

Bidding for the online auction runs from Thanksgiving to 7 p.m. Dec. 4.

The annual event has raised over $600,000 in the last 37 years, according to Mindy Sass, mother of Susannah and president of the auction.

Businesses can donate gift cards up until Nov. 16.

Businesses can donate items to be auctioned, and anyone is welcome to make a cash donation.

Those who prefer to donate cash or directly to CRFR can refer to the link: www.crfr.com/toynjoy.

remember us, and they’ll be coming back looking for gifts for Christmas.”

ence, and a brand that has built expectations and reputation over time,” he said.

“The community and economic value are in getting people here on the streets, visiting attractions, businesses dressed up for the celebration, having fun – and knowing you can put it on the calendar year after year. When a person sees visitors in full costume walking around taking pictures at 3 p.m. on Thursday the 28th – not the 31st, it’s pretty clear that Halloweentown is why they’re here.”

Overview St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh said he attributes the event’s success to a combination of nostalgic draw, uniqueness, and Spirit of Halloweentown’s ability to spark a dialogue.

“While there are plenty of pumpkin patches and haunted houses to visit in our area and across the United States, Spirit of Halloweentown offers traditional Halloween activities but then adds to it with unique events such as the giant pumpkin lighting ceremony, celebrity guest appearances, street performances, costume contests, and more,” he said. “Many people are also drawn to the festival because of word-of-mouth from others who enjoyed attending in the past and because of the widespread coverage of the event in the media and online.”

Spirit of Halloweentown is one piece of St. Helens’ larger tourism strategy, according to Columbia Economic Team Executive Director Paul Vogel.

“Our tourism strategy calls for more destination development – reasons to visit places, spaces, and businesses here. Halloweentown has history, an audi-

without a source of local news experience increased political polarization, increased public corruption, increased cost of municipal borrowing and increased toxic environmental emissions. These communities also experience decreased voter turnout, decreased civic engagement, and decreased transparency and accountability of elected officials and business leaders.

I was also disappointed to see Walsh call local news organizations a “special interest.” Nothing could be further from reality. In fact, it is the role of local news organizations to keep special interests in check, and local news organizations do a damn good job of it. Just last month, for instance, the Observer broke a story about illegal land

development, leading to the director of the building department’s resignation. There are countless more examples like this. Local news is all about getting as close to the truth as possible on the issues that affect the daily lives of you and your neighbors.

Yet, sadly, one-quarter of all newsrooms have shuttered since 2004, and 60% of U.S. counties now have zero or only one source of local news. If this trend continues, the consequences to our local communities and to our democracy writ large will be devastating.

The LJSA would provide the temporary support to local news organizations that is needed to reverse this trend. The LJSA’s clear-cut eligibility standards mean

there is no ability for government officials to weaponize this legislation, and perceived “right-leaning” and “left-leaning” local media outlets will benefit equally. The biggest beneficiaries, however, will be our great nation’s citizens through the preservation of our democracy.

Matt Walsh believes that Milton Friedman is the answer for everything. News flash: Profit might respond to free-market libertarianism, but truth does not.

Enact the Local Journalism Sustainability Act today.

Zachary Richner is an American tax payer and concerned citizen. This guest column was first published Oct. 29 by the Observe Media Group.

Community Calendar Nov. 13-14 Holiday Bazaar Look for over 25 local artists and craftspeople to will help you prepare for the holidays. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday at the Caples House Holiday Bazaar.

See a wide variety of gift items at one place, including framed nature photography, Native American art and regalia, quilts, jewelry, ceramics, dried gourds, baskets, leather bags, glassware, metal art, candles, soaps, toys, and so much more. Free admittance.

Snacks and lunch for sale in the Tea Cottage. Silent auction with stuffed Thanksgiving and

Christmas baskets. Caples House Museum is located at 1925 First Street in Columbia City. For more information, call 503-397-5390 or email CaplesHouse@comcast.net.

Nov. 18 Garden Club Meeting Everyone is welcome to come to Scappoose Garden Club meeting at the St Wenceslaus Catholic Church Parish Hall, 51555 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Social time before meeting 11 a.m.

The meeting starts at 11:30 a.m. Program will be crafting with Margaret Jeppesen. For more information, email Scap-

poose garden club@gmail. com.

Dec. 6 Holiday Concert A holiday concert featuring Michael Allen Harrison is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Columbia City Community Hall, 1850 Second St. in Columbia City. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased at Columbia City Hall, 1840 Second St. in Columbia City.

Seating is limited. Masks will be required at all times.

All proceeds will benefit the Columbia City Community Library. For more details, call 503-397-4010.

History of Spirit of Halloweentown In 1998, St. Helens served as a backdrop to the Disney Channel Halloween classic Halloweentown, and each year thereafter the city transforms the Riverfront District into Spirit of Halloweentown, a celebration of all things spooky. The town becomes a month-long event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year and offering “family friendly” attractions.

Occasionally, Halloweentown is host to special guests like the cast of the movie, which reunited in St. Helens for the event in 2017. The event has grown with each year, but in 2020, Halloweentown had to downscale a bit due to COVID-19.

The Chronicle

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Do you plan to contribute to a local charity this holiday season?

Because of the worldwide supply chair disruption, are you holiday shopping earlier this year?

Yes

No

33% Yes

67% No

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com 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

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

A5

Crossword Solution Thousands of jobs forecast for Oregon Solution for the Nov. 3, 2021 crossword puzzle

It’s all Pumpkin Spice Up in Here !

215 S 1st Street St. Helens • 503-410-5280 • www.2csvendormall.com

Oregon’s total employment is projected to grow by 317,600 jobs between 2020 and 2030, according to new projections from the Oregon Employment Department.

The projections point to historically high job growth between 2020 and 2030 and accounts for recovery from low employment levels in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated recession. In addition, many job openings are expected due to the need to replace workers who leave their occupations.

In 2020, there were 1,998,400 jobs in Oregon. The projected 16% increase in employment between 2020 and 2030 includes private-sector gains of 283,500 jobs, growth of 25,700 jobs in government, and an additional 8,300 selfemployed Oregonians.

Beyond gains associated with the economic recovery from the COVID-19 recession and anticipated economic growth, another 2,197,200 job openings will be created by 2030 to replace workers who retire, leave the labor force for other reasons, or make a major occupational change. Together, the number of job openings due to economic recovery, job growth, and replacements will total 2,514,800.

All sectors in Oregon are expected to add jobs by 2030.

Leisure and hospitality is

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projected to increase the fastest and add the largest number of jobs. The projected gain of 73,800 jobs (46% growth) in leisure and hospitality is mainly driven by the recovery from the pandemic, as restaurants, hotels, and arts, cultural, and recreational establishments are expected to see increased demand as in-person and recreational activities resume.

Because of the loss of jobs in leisure and hospitality in 2020, many of the fastestgrowing occupations are associated with jobs in this industry. In fact, 10 of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations are in leisure and hospitality. They include cooks, chefs, bartenders, waiters and waitresses, fast food workers, exercise trainers and fitness

instructors, and amusement and recreation attendants.

The private health care and social assistance sector is projected to add the secondlargest number of jobs, with 51,000 jobs (19% growth) over the 10-year period. This growth is attributed to the aging of the state’s population, longer life expectancies, and continued population growth.

Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and massage therapists are among the fastest-growing occupations statewide.

A broad variety of career opportunities will be available across all sectors, as well as all job types. One-third of all job openings will require education or training beyond high school at the typical entry-

More information about the 2020-2030 industry and occupational projections for Oregon and sub-state areas can be found at www.qualityinfo.org/projections.

Obituaries

Friday Tea and Sweets, In The Cottage, 2-4 pm, $5

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

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

In 2020, there were 1,998,400 jobs in Oregon. The projected 16% increase in employment between 2020 and 2030 includes private-sector gains of 283,500 jobs, growth of 25,700 jobs in government, and an additional 8,300 self-employed Oregonians.

level education. To meet more competitive education requirements, more than half of job openings require at least some training beyond high school.

Occupations with the most job openings, typically requiring a high school diploma or less, include fast food workers, retail salespersons, cashiers, stockers, and order fillers.

Those requiring a postsecondary certification or associate’s degree include truck drivers, bookkeepers, and medical and nursing assistants. Occupations with the most total openings requiring at least a bachelor’s degree vary from general and operations managers to registered nurses, software developers, and accountants.

All areas of Oregon expect to see job opportunities due to both economic recovery and growth, and to replace workers leaving the labor force in the coming years. The two regions projected to grow at the fastest rates are Central Oregon (18%) and the Portland area (17%). Northwest Oregon is projected to grow at the same rate as Oregon statewide – 16%. All other areas are projected to have slower growth.

James Basdon Smith III July 8, 1944 ~ Oct. 21, 2021

James Basdon Smith III was born July 8, 1944 to James Smith II and Louise in Marlow, Oklahoma. “Jim” died October 21st after a series of complications following surgery that resulted in a heart attack. He was surrounded with the loving presence and support of his family during his final days.

Jim attended Scappoose High School prior to serving in the U.S. Navy. Later, he attended the University of Akron and graduated from Nazarene Bible College. He was ordained as an Elder of the Nazarene Church in 1983.

Jim served the church and his congregation for 45 years as a pastor including 32 years at St. Helens Church of the

Nazarene. Throughout his life, Jim supported his family as a Journeyman Carpenter Contractor. His great passion for horses was present throughout his life and has been passed on to his children through many trail rides and horse shows. Jim played the guitar and tennis, was a licensed pilot, served on the Sheriff’s Posse, led 4-H youth groups and enjoyed western movies.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sandy and Linda; and brother Ron. He is survived by his wife Kami Smith; six children, Jim Smith IV, Wendy (Jeff)

Coffman, Scott (Jeanne) Smith, Toni Carney, Tamra (Chris) Christensen, and Nathan (Alicia) Smith; stepmother Jewel Smith; aunt Helen Smith; brothers, Phil Smith and Mike Williams; sister Pam Short; many grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends.

Family, friends and parishioners are invited to attend the memorial service at 2 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 20, 2021 at the Columbia River Receptions & Events Center, 1070 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, Oregon.

Loren Oliver Lewis Ragan May 26, 1934 ~ Oct. 31, 2021

Loren was born May 26, 1934 to Oliver Lewis and Gladys (Kanavle) Lewis on the family farm in Nelson, Nebraska. Loren started his education going to a one room schoolhouse just outside of Nelson.

In 1948 he moved to Portland with his mother and younger sister Lilian. Loren began attending Portsmouth Middle School where he “informally” changed his name from Oliver Loren Lewis to Loren Ragan, as Ragan was his mother and stepfather, Mike’s, last name. Loren attended Roosevelt High School where he graduated in 1953.

After graduating he served in

2006. They had three children, Lorrie, Michael and Timothy.

The family moved from Portland to Scappoose in 1976. Loren resided there until his death. Loren worked for Pacific Resin Company as a machinist for many years before going to Beall Pipe and Tank, which later became NW Tank and Casing where in retired in 1996. Loren was an amazing mechanic and was known for his ingenuity and craftsmanship. His passion was restoring old Fords, but was featured in a Hot Rod Magazine article, From Rust to Rod, for the work he did on his 1934 Oldsmobile. Loren

the Army and later attended Portland State University. In 1960 Loren married Deanna Peters, they were married for 46 years until her death in

restored a dozen or so cars and trucks ranging from 1926 to 1946. Loren loved going to car shows, cruise-ins, and showing his favorite cars off in parades around the state.

He is preceded in death by his mother; father; and wife Deanna.

He is survived by his children Lorrie (Burns) Ragan, Michael Ragan, and Timothy Ragan; sister Lilian Carner; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will take place at a later time.

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

Robert Lee Wenner

June 18, 1930 ~ Oct. 30, 2021 Robert Lee Wenner was born on June 18, 1930, in St. Helens to Henry and Pauline Wenner.

After high school Bob joined the National Guard reserve as a cook for 12 years. He worked full time at Boise Cascade papermill for 43 years doing various jobs, working his way up to Storeroom Foreman. He enjoyed teasing and joking with people at work, and in his life.

Robert married his high school sweetheart who was also “the girl next door,” Muriel Scott, on March

Chronicle obituaries

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Please submit obituaries and death notices to The Chronicle at chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net or in office at 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR. Call 503-397-0116 for more information

23, 1951. Bob and Muriel had one son, Dennis Lee Wenner, who preceded him

in death in 2015.

Bob’s hobbies during his life included racing stock cars with his son at the local fairgrounds. He enjoyed square dancing, deer hunting, and clam digging while at their beach house. Bob could fix anything that was broken.

He loved working on restoring his 1971 red Chevy pickup back to “like new” condition. Bob and Muriel enjoyed traveling around the United States in their van and later traveling with friends in their RVs to Alaska. Bob also built the

Terri Jo Nunn

home that he and Muriel have lived in for 60 years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Muriel Wenner; grandson Rodney Wenner; and great-grandson Rylan Wenner.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 12, 2021 at the Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Dementia Research.

Bob was 91 years old when he passed away. He had a good life filled with happiness, fun times, and a loving family.

July 29, 1962 ~ Oct. 29, 2021 Terri Jo Nunn, 59 years old, of St. Helens, Oregon passed away on Oct. 29, 2021, in the comfort of her home. Terri was born on July 29, 1962 in Boone, Iowa to her parents, Roy and Shirley Nunn.

Terri worked as a senior case manager in senior care and disability for 30 years.

She enjoyed horseback riding, spending time with her

children and grandchild, planting flowers in her garden, and going shopping.

Terri is survived by her son Jonathon Wagner; daughter April Wagner; and granddaughter Isabelle Wagner.

There are no services, but there is an online guestbook that can be signed at www.columbiafh. com.

A6

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE CH21-1831

Notice is hereby given that Columbia NW Self Storage located at 75764 Heath Rd. Rainier, OR 97048. Will sell to satisfy lien of the owner, by public sale via on-line auction @

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

www.thechronicleonline.com

storageauctions.com. The following storage units, F11 Dana McDonald misc. boxes and Furniture. C15 Domenika Galpern misc. bags of clothing, boxes.

F34 Kari Hollander large

totes, boxes and safe.

Auction dates are set for 11/5/21 thru 11/19//21.

Bidder must comply with storageauctions.com rules of sale stated on the website.

CH21-1830

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA (Probate Department) Case No. 21PB08134 NOTICE TO INTERpresent their claims, with ESTED PERSONS In the vouchers attached, within Matter of the Estate of Joe four months after the date Frank Gipson Jr., Deceased. of the first publication of NOTICE IS HEREBY this notice to the Personal GIVEN, that the underRepresentative at 66783 Ansigned has been appointed liker Rd, Deer Island, OR, Personal Representative 97054, or the claims may be of this Estate. All persons barred. All persons whose having claims against rights may be affected by the Estate are required to the proceedings may obtain Columbia County’s trusted local news source

additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative.

Dated and first published on this 3rd day of November, 2021. Personal Representative: Dusti Coulter, 66783 Anliker Rd, Deer Island OR 97054.

CH21-1832

NOTICE OF MEETING McNulty Water PUD Board Meeting will be held November 16, 2021, at 7pm in person at 34240 Millard

Road, Warren Oregon. If you would like to attend this meeting, please call Shannon at 503-397-1301.

CH21-1596

NOTICE OF MEETING The Greater St. Helens Aquatic District board meeting will be held on November 15, 2021 at 5:00 pm at Eisenschmidt Pool,

1070 Eisenschmidt Lane, St. Helens. Due to COVID restrictions, please call 503397-2283 prior to attending the meeting.

CH21-1829

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS IN THE ESTATE OF DAVID CHARLES KORSMO Deceased, late of Clatskanie, OR who died on September 21, 2021. Take notice that all persons having claims upon the estate of the above named must file with the undersigned

Estate Trustee by December 15, 2021, a full statement of their claims and of securities held by them. Kitty Korsmo, 76645 Delena Mayger Rd., Clatskanie, OR 97016, 503-728-4655.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

A7

Traffic crash sends 1 to hospital ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

One person was sent to the hospital following a crash on Highway 30.

Eight firefighters, three police officers, and an ambulance arrived on scene of a crash on the highway between Wyeth and Howard Streets in St. Helens.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Gorsuch said that a car entering a turn collided with a motorcycle going

westbound on Highway 30.

According to Gorsuch, the motorcyclist was sent to the hospital after being ejected 50 yards from the vehicle. The passenger and driver of the car were evaluated at the scene.

Gorsuch said there was little hazmat risk, no vehicle extrication was involved and there were no signs of a fire.

The area of the highway between Wyeth and Howard was closed for a short time while the vehicles were cleared from the scene.

First responders cleared the scene of the accident between Wyeth and Howard Streets on Highway 30.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Rail safety, mobility community meeting JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Railroad crossing delays and safety impact all communities, businesses, residents, and visitors across Columbia County, a new study states.

The Port of Columbia County has scheduled a virtual community question and answer session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, to discuss the Columbia County Rail and Safety Mobility Study. The session will be held online through Zoom with phone in options.

Zoom meeting details • Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89153811055 • Dial by your location +1 253 215 8782 • Meeting ID: 891 5381 1055 Background Columbia County has grown and developed alongside the existing Portland & Western Railroad (PWR) rail line, which lies between and generally parallel to Highway 30 and the Columbia River throughout much of the 55-mile length of the County. From Dike Street in Scappoose to Woodson Road in Westport (west of the Clatsop/ Columbia county line near this Clatsop County community), the PWR operates nearly 49 public at-grade crossings in Columbia County.

The Port of Columbia County and its partners, City of Scappoose, City of St. Helens, City of Columbia City, City of Clatskanie, Columbia County, Colum-

bia Economic Team, Teevin Bros., Global Partners, and NEXT Renewable Fuels, have commissioned a study to conduct an evaluation of the existing conditions of the at-grade crossings within the Columbia County rail corridor from both the roadway and railroad perspectives.

The Port and its partners seek to build on prior studies to develop a list of top priority crossings and improvement concepts that can be funded for future design and construction.

The study provides stakeholder and community outreach to help facilitate acceptance and endorsement of the top-tier priority at-grade crossings and to guide funding decisions by the Port or its partners across Columbia County.

Priority improvements, potential solutions During the preparation of the port’s report, stakeholders offered a wide array of potential solutions for specific crossings and system improvements. The following are a few of the suggested solutions. See the full list with this story at thechronicleonline.com Help make acquiring rail crossing permits easier, less costly, and less timeconsuming.

Work with the railroad and other agencies to install a local or regional contact in the Pacific Standard Time Zone to assist in the rail crossing permit acquisition process.

Develop a new siding in the unincorporated county outside of city limits.

A new siding or yard will eliminate the need to use the undesirable sid-

Courtesy photo from the Port of Columbia County

This Rail Safety and Mobility Study will be the focus of a community meeting Nov. 16.

ings or yard in Columbia City, Scappoose, and most importantly St. Helens.

Discontinuing use of the St. Helens yard would alleviate most of the issues with the Gable Road crossing. Longer trains would no longer block the crossing when stopped, and trains would be able to move more quickly through St. Helens, decreasing waiting time at crossings.

Locating a new yard or siding in the county away from residents in the cities will reduce conflict as a result of noise, fires, mechanical works, and odor related to fuel or commodities.

Invest in better longrange planning.

Develop better traffic forecasting for 20-and 30year planning horizons so appropriate infrastructure

investments can be made early on.

Plan for the economy of the future and the future of freight transportation.

Investigate the development of commuter rail from Columbia County into Portland.

Build a pedestrian bridge in Scappoose.

A pedestrian bridge in Scappoose was identified as critical by most stakeholders. The bridge should be located at High School Way and extend over both the railroad crossing and U.S. Highway 30 connecting to the west side of the highway.

Build at least one gradeseparated crossing in both Scappoose and St. Helens.

Grade-separated crossings were widely discussed by all the stakeholders as

necessary for long-term viability of the railroad in the community.

An underpass was suggested at Columbia Avenue in Scappoose. Other crossings identified by stakeholders as top priority for potential grade separation are Crown Zellerbach Road, High School Way, and Maple Street in Scappoose, and Gable Road in St. Helens.

Install better freight route and directional signage.

Multiple stakeholders advised that large freight trucks are frequently using less than ideal routes (like Old Portland Road in St. Helens) because their GPS or smartphone is directing the drivers without the understanding of difficulties on the ground.

Install more crossing gates and lights in rural locations.

Complete a safety audit for rural crossings.

Install gates and lights on Graham Road in Prescott. It is home to an aging population.

Address the congestion related to school buses around the High School Way and Maple Street crossings in Scappoose.

This was mentioned by stakeholders as one of the most urgent needs. This would address the stopping of school buses at the tracks, not necessarily pedestrian crossings (stakeholders prefer a pedestrian bridge for those movements).

Lead in community-first programs.

Investigate the establishment of a quiet zone around the schools in Scappoose.

Multiple stakeholders expressed concern over the consistent disruption to students and their academic success. Train noise in the middle school was described as “deafening.”

Initiate a public education campaign on “How to be Good Neighbors with the Railroad.” This would include multimedia education on the value of the railroad to the community and how to live with and cross the railroad tracks safely.

Hold the railroad accountable for cleanup of commodity spills and environmental degradation where they are responsible.

What’s next The estimated cost of the rail safety and mobility improvements and the funding options are pending, according to the port’s report.

SNAP extended benefits increasing this month Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments this month.

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

In November, approximately 398,400 SNAP house-

holds will receive approximately $63 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide emergency benefits to most SNAP households in Oregon,” said Dan Haun, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Program.

“We also know that many Oregonians are still strug-

gling 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 allotments will be available on Nov. 11 for current SNAP households.

New SNAP households will receive the emergency allotments Nov. 30 or Dec. 2.

SNAP recipients do not

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We would not have been able to put on this event without the help of our donors

have to take any action to receive these supplemental 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:

Resources to help meet basic needs

Courtesy photo

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.

• Online at: ONE.Oregon. gov • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309 • By fax at: 503-378-5628 • By phone at: 1-800-6999075 or TTY 711

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 COVID-19 help center 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-OREADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

OHCS provides $120 million in rental assistance ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is granting $120 million in rental assistance to families in need.

According to OHCS, 18,203 applicants received a total of $119.9 million in federal emergency rental assistance, up from $110.5 million and 16,877 applicants last week.

In the past week, close to 700 applications have been processed, exceeding the agency’s 500-applica-

Applications in review

tion target.

OHCS has accomplishments: • Paid $119,942,913 to landlords and tenants to help 18,203 Oregon households, over $20 million in the past two weeks.

• Processed and obligated an additional $35.8 million in funds for 3,963 households.

• Received more than $343.2 million in funding requests via applications.

• Received more than 44,861 completed applications.

OHCS says that 18,630 applications are currently under review, with the agency tracking when a tenant completes an application and the number of applicants that have not been paid outside of the 60-day window.

According to OHCS, the 60-/90-day window of protection begins when a tenant shows proof they applied for the program.

For more information about rental or landlord assistance, call 503-986-2000.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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A8

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Garden Plots: Winter planning with containers CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

Winter planning: Containers

Plants in landscape containers have particular issues in winter. If cold temperatures last for several days, roots in containers may be killed. It takes really cold weather, normally around 1020 degrees Fahrenheit or less, to see this happen. Gardeners are surprised that plants that should be able to tolerate those temperatures, based on “zone” ratings, are often affected. However, the zone hardiness ratings assume that the plant is in the ground and the roots are protected by a mass of soil. Roots of a given plant are generally not as hardy the trunk, branches, and leaves (if evergreen) of the same plant. When you put the roots into a more exposed situation in a pot, the plant may not survive temperatures that wouldn’t have killed the same plant with its roots in the ground.

Think ahead to where you temporarily move container plants if really cold weather shows up. Some gardeners put them into unheated but enclosed garages. That

is generally sufficient to keep them from damage. If you had a large sawdust or mulch pile, the pots could be sunk deep into the pile and the insulation provided by the mulch would shelter the roots. Plants can also be grouped close together with a blanket, row cover, or other insulating material thrown over them for a short time.

This is standard practice in nurseries where you see large acres of containers covered in heavy “frost blankets,” which are basically very thick row covers.

Finally, you can hope for snow before temperatures drop. Snow is excellent insulation if it is deep enough around the container.

If you have Zone 8-9 plants and we get a Zone 5 winter, plan on replacing some of your less hardy plant material, even those planted in the ground.

Winter planning: Roses I have been following Rich Baer’s fine columns in the Portland Rose Society monthly newsletter. Rich is a great observer of plants and a student of rose biology and genetics. He points out most modern roses were bred to have repeat blooms. To get

that response, breeders have used species, which do not have a strong “photoperiod” response to the shorter days of fall. As a result, leaves do not drop consistently, and these newer roses can enter winter with fairly full leaf canopies. What does this mean for hardiness, dis-ease, and other issues? Should you pull the leaves off?

If I have not misread Rich, I believe he has concluded the following: • The muting of a standard fall dor-

mancy response (e.g. leaf drop due to changing day length) may affect hardiness of some of these rose varieties but there is not a consistent correlation.

• The best reason to remove leaves is to reduce the disease potential for next year and the leaves should be clipped rather than pulled to reduce wounds on the stem/bud area. If the leaves freeze like they do in some years, you don’t need to remove them.

You can still high prune

your roses this month and finish pruning next February.

The benefits of brush piles (and rotting logs) Nature is neither tidy nor simple. The cycle of growth and decomposition requires a myriad of actors. Microorganisms, fungi, insects, mammals, and many intermediate species play parts in the cycle. Columbia County is part of a temperate rain forest and has one of the most diverse flora and fauna in all of

North America.

Science is beginning to more fully understand the benefits of rotting logs and piles of brush to forest health. First, the piles return nutrients to the forest as they rot. More importantly, they provide shelter for important amphibians and mammals.

It is now well known that forest dwelling voles (field mice) and deer mice help to spread the fungal spores that are important for mushroom spread. They find shelter in the piles.

Many species of salamanders rely on logs and piles for winter cover. Larger piles may actually provide nesting sites and/or cover for some birds.

Planning for an OSU Master Gardener class next spring We are actively planning for an in-person OSU Master Gardener class starting next February. The class would most likely be held in St. Helens on Monday, during the day, for about ten weeks. If you think you might be interested, let us know. Call Sonia Reagan or myself, Chip Bubl, at 503397-3462. Your statement of interest doesn’t commit you to anything but will give us some idea if people are ready to return to in person classes. If COVID mutates again, it might have to be a digital only class.

Important notes • The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened.

Masks are still required inside.

• Donate produce and/ or cash to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It is greatly appreciated.

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

Have questions?

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 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

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

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

Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu/. Click on publications and start exploring.

Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

DEQ offering septic tank fix, replacement loans

Courtesy from the DEQ

The affordable loan program provides flexible financing for homeowners to repair or replace their failing septic system.

An affordable loan program is again available for homeowners and small businesses in Oregon to repair or replace failing septic systems.

Fixing or replacing failing septic systems benefits Oregonians by protecting public health and addressing threats to water quality, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) states inn a release.

The DEQ and regional nonprofit lender Craft3 are teaming up to make Craft3’s Clean Water Loans available throughout the state.

The Oregon Legislature

approved $2 million for the program in the last session and Craft3 began accepting loan applications on Nov. 1, 2021.

“By supporting those struggling to repair failing septic systems, we can not only prevent damage to homes and property but also improve public health outcomes for all Oregonians,” Oregon Rep. Ken Helm said.

The affordable loan program provides flexible financing for homeowners to repair or replace their failing septic system. The program is also available to

many small businesses that use septic systems, such as restaurants, convenience stores, and small manufactured home or RV parks.

Properly functioning septic systems treat sewage to minimize groundwater and surface water pollution.

A malfunctioning system can cause sewage to surface onto the ground or spill into waterways creating a health hazard and harming natural resources.

These affordable loans not only cover all eligible costs for permitting, design and installation, but they also provide for ongoing

maintenance when needed.

The loans have variable low rates based on income of the borrowers and are designed to be accessible to borrowers who may not have perfect credit.

The Oregon Legislature established the program in 2016 (ORS 454.770), and DEQ entered a partnership with Craft3 to administer these loans from 2016-2020.

Funding for this popular program was exhausted in 2020 and Craft3 stopped taking applications for loans in Oregon in June 2020. The new funding will restart the program this month.

Before the program’s pause in Oregon, Craft3 provided more than $3.6 million in loans to 187 Oregon residents and small businesses to improve or install septic systems with previous funding from the legislature. Loan recipients were in 92 cities and 28 out of Oregon’s 36 counties.

Of the total loans closed, 32% of households were low income, or 80% of Area Median Income.

Oregon residents interested in learning more about the program and applying can do so by visiting Craft3. org/CleanWaterOre.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THANKSGIVING ACROSS

1. “If all ____ fails...”

5. *Male Thanksgiving bird 8. Yoko’s last name 11. Indian restaurant bread 12. Carhop’s carrier 13. *”Kiss the Cook” garment 15. Homer’s “The Odyssey”, e.g.

16. *Grandpa or Grandma, often 17. Moolah or dough 18. *Pilgrim’s colony 20. Allah’s cleric 21. Arranges into categories 22. Chance’s genre 23. *”Plains, Trains and Automobiles” star 26. Woven containers 30. Kimono sash 31. Aristotle’s school 34. Part of ideal 35. Hurricane feature, pl.

37. Comedian Schumer 38. Teen worry 39. Side of a ruler 40. Left over 42. *When will the guests be here?, acr.

43. Rejuvenate 45. Expression of agreement (2 words)

47. *What Turkey Trot participants did 48. Outdoor entertainment area 50. Messy substances 52. *It makes Thanksgiving wishes come true?

55. Half of diameter, pl.

56. Flu symptom 57. Accompanies relief 59. Leaves out 60. More than a talker?

61. Isaac’s firstborn 62. Skin cyst 63. “____ my party, and I’ll cry if I want too...”

64. Confederate or Union, e.g.

DOWN

1. Compass dir.

2. Arctic native 3. Go yachting 4. Become enclosed in a cyst 5. Freshwater fish 6. Hop-drying kilns 7. *Pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving, e.g.

8. Sea World’s performer 9. “Cheers” regular 10. Top seed 12. Like a rosebush 13. Spy name

14. *Kind of squash 19. Toils 22. Truck brand motto: “Guts. Glory. ____” 23. Lawn trimmer 24. Toe the line 25. Designs on lemur’s tail 26. Purchases 27. #39 Across, pl.

28. T in Ferrari TR 29. Thai restaurant chicken staple 32. Elder’s support 33. Flightless bird 36. *Thanksgiving football game host city since 1934 38. Impromptu 40. Big coffee holder 41. Choice word 44. Desert mirage 46. Makes less tight 48. Lace loop 49. “Angela’s _____,” memoir 50. *Raiders vs. Cowboys, e.g.

51. Scandinavian war god 52. Dry riverbed 53. Not final or absolute 54. Exclamation of surprise, archaic 55. Propel your boat!

58. Color wheel feature

Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chronicle.

Advertise in The Chronicle. Email Katherine at chronicleads@countrymedia.net for info and rates Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

A9

Oregon hunters raising the stakes on poachers JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Four poaching and unlawful take cases, including two in Columbia County in late October, have Oregon State Police (OSP) investigators seeking public help in solving the incidents, while Oregon hunters have raised reward amounts to $3,500 for information leading to resolution of the cases.

OSP discovered the incidents after alert members of the community reported hearing shots fired or finding a carcass. The Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) is offering $500 for reports that lead to an arrest or citation in the deer case, and $1,500 for each of the elk cases. Or reporters can opt for four Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) hunter preference points instead of cash.

The cases On Oct. 23, OSP responded to the report of a bull elk shot near Mist. Troopers located what was left of a bull elk carcass, near Lane Creek

Mainline off the Columbia River Mainline. They estimate the elk had been poached between Oct. 22 and the morning of Oct. 23. The incident occurred near milepost 21 on a Weyerhaeuser drive-in permit area in Columbia County. Four quarters of meat were taken but the rest was left to waste.

The reward for information that leads to an arrest or citation stands at $1500 from the OHA Columbia and Tualatin Valley chapters or four ODFW hunter preference points.

On Oct. 28, Oregon State Police received information about a deceased deer that was observed by a citizen approximately 150 yards North of Euchre Creek Road, in Newport.

On Oct. 28, around 2:30 a.m. neighbors in the Fernhill Road area in Columbia County heard shots fired. They reported the incident to OSP. The following morning troopers located a bull elk that had been shot on private property and left to waste in a field near Fernhill Road and Cook Road.

The carcass was located about fifty yards from Fernhill Road.

The reward for information that leads to an arrest or cita-

Courtesy from OSP

OSP investigators said the unlawful take happened between Oct. 22, and the morning of Oct. 23 near Mist.

tion stands at $1500 from the OHA Columbia and Tualatin Valley chapters or four ODFW hunter preference points.

On Oct. 30, a caller notified 911 to report someone was shooting at a deer from Interstate 5, in Douglas County, near the crest of Roberts Mountain. The incident happened on the east side of the freeway, at about 5:00 p.m.

The man then pulled over, retrieved the deer, put it in his

truck, and left the scene traveling northbound on I-5 about 15 minutes later.

Troopers were able to retrieve a photo of his pickup and would like to hear from anyone who might know the driver. It is a newer model burgundy or maroon GMC Sierra (or similar model) 4-door truck with black rims and a black step bar. The truck left the area northbound on I-5 at about 5:15 p.m. The reward for information that leads to an arrest or citation stands at $500 from OHA or four ODFW hunter preference points.

Rewards In 2020, OHA distributed more than $20,000 in rewards from the Turn In Poachers (TIP) fund. ODFW gave out 135 hunter preference points for those who preferred hunting opportunity over financial reward. Cash rewards and hunter preference points can offer that nudge to action for people who might not otherwise report, according to Stop Poaching campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw.

“We rely on members of

the public to call the TIP Line if they see or suspect illegal activities,” Shaw said, “We have a better chance of catching poachers when law enforcement and the general public work as a team. We thank the members of the public who called OSP when they heard shooting and urge anyone with more information to step forward and provide information on these cases.”

There are 128 Fish and Wildlife troopers across the state; not nearly enough to patrol more than 90,000 square miles of Oregon land, as well as inland and marine waterways, according to a release from OSP. OHA Vice President Steve Hagan said he is enthusiastic about the move to increase reward amounts.

“We want to catch these guys,” Hagan said. “Columbia County and Tualatin Valley chapters are contributing $1,000 each for these two elk to try to catch whoever did this.”

Be engaged If you know of or suspect

other crimes against fish wildlife or habitat, report to the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line. 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Or email: TIP@osp. oregon.gov between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Stop Poaching Campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. The campaign is a collaboration among hunters, conservationists, landowners, and recreationists. The goal is to increase reporting of wildlife crimes through the TIP Line, increase detection by increasing the number of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers and increase prosecution.

Oregon Hunters Association manages the TIP Fund. The campaign helps to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

For more information, contact Stop Poaching campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw at Yvonne.L.Shaw@ odfw.oregon.gov.

City seeks budget committee members

$0 Rx deductibles Get more from Providence Medicare Advantage Plans.

The City of St. Helens is currently taking applications from interested persons in the community who would like to volunteer to serve on the St. Helens Budget Committee. Terms are for three years. The committee is composed of the five city council members and five appointed city residents.

The city’s fiscal year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30. The budget preparation for a new fiscal year usually occurs over a five-month period prior to the July 1 start of the new fiscal year. Generally, the St. Helens Budget Committee has a kickoff meeting in March for orientation of the budget process, followed typically by one - three meetings to hear the budget presentation. The budget process culminates with the final budget adoption in mid-June by city council.

The committee is governed by state and federal financing laws of accountability. Please visit the city’s website at www.sthelensoregon.gov and click on Your Government then Boards & Commissions, Budget Committee, and you will be taken to the webpage that lists the current membership information.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.

If you are interested in volunteering your time to serve on the Budget Committee, please visit https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ forms to download a Boards and Commissions Application. Print and complete the form and return it to City Hall, Attn: Kathy Payne, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051.

If you have any questions or would like an application mailed/emailed to you, please contact Kathy Payne, City Recorder at kpayne@sthelensoregon. gov or by calling 503-3668217.

Don Coin Walrod Scholarship

The Deer Island Grange is now accepting applications for the Don Coin Walrod Scholarship.

The scholarship is created for a Columbia County high school senior. Applicants may attend a trade school, community college, or university of their choice, Enroll now at MyTruePlans.com/shc or call (866) 713-2186 (TTY: 711) but must major in agriculture, education, forestry, or or (503) 574-8411 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific Time), every day. animal science.

Applications are available from each of the Columbia County high school Providence Medicare Advantage Plans is an HMO, HMO-POS and HMO SNP with Medicare and Oregon Health Plan contracts. Enrollment in counselor offices and must be post marked by April 1, Providence Medicare Advantage Plans depends on contract renewal. Providence Health Plan and Providence Health Assurance comply with 2022. Mail applications to: applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, Don Coin Walrod Scholargender identity, marital status or sex. H9047_2022PHA62_M ship, 64556 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054.

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A10

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Veterans Day Honoring our heroes on Nov. 11

‘Thread in the Rope’: Veteran recalls service ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Three-war veteran Warren resident Gordon Driscoll has been all over the world, seen extreme poverty, witnessed the deaths of friends, and to this day, he still thinks the best of humanity.

Driscoll’s background Driscoll was born in the former home of American West artist Charles Russell in Great Falls, MT. He was raised six miles west of Goble with his parents and two sisters, squeezed together in a three-room shack, as he described the home.

Driscoll grew up in the midst of the Great Depression — an era of food and financial insecurity. He said that despite their troubles, the people around him lead happy lives.

“We didn’t know any different,” he said. “That’s the way life was.”

At times, Driscoll said, schoolkids had such little funds that they took to selling strawberries and blackberries to buy school supplies. “I threw a few at the girls,” he added with a laugh.

In his generation, people were generally more apprecia-

tive of what they had, according to Driscoll.

“If something falls on your lap, you’ll never appreciate that, buy if you have to get out there and work. You’ll appreciate it. You take care of it. Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s the way we’re taught,” he said.

After his elementary years, Driscoll attended Beaver Homes Grange School and later, Rainier High School.

He was 14 when World War II (WWII) broke out, and at 16 he began working for Swan Island Shipyard, an area where T2 tankers were developed for the war effort.

“We looked like Kentucky racehorses,” he said, recalling the boom in productivity at the onset of WWII. Driscoll volunteered for his first B-29 mission before joining the U.S. Merchant Marines which, according to him, had the most casualties than any other military branch during the war. He was what he calls a “scrub boy” for a time and played the role of peacekeeper among his fellow troops.

“I saved three people’s lives,” he said. “The first one was going to jump out the porthole. He drank too much.”

According to Driscoll, the soldier was out the porthole at

We honor those who gave their lives.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Gordon Driscoll shows off a photo of himself in uniform in his younger years. Driscoll spent 25 years of life in service to the U.S. Military.

nighttime and went right into the ocean.

“All I could see was two legs and his butt sticking out,” Driscoll said. “I grabbed him, and I pulled on the leg. There was another fella in there, Lug Lug. And I said ‘Lug Lug!

Grab him! You got to help me.’ We put him to bed. The next day I told him, and he said, ‘Gordon, I don’t remember a thing.’”

Following his stint with the U.S. Merchant Marines, he joined the U.S. Army and

D.R. Garrison, CPA, PC

completed his basic training at Camp Roberts before serving in the Korean War. His deployment lasted two years.

“It was close combat back then,” he said, describing the war environment. “You learned to either kill or get killed.”

Driscoll served in the military for 25 years total, and for seven-and-a-half of them, he was deployed at sea on 23 different ships, making stops in Japan, Los Angeles, Tahiti and New Zealand, among many others. Despite his long history of service, Driscoll said he has never killed anybody.

Driscoll considers himself fortunate to have traveled the world, and also to have experienced such a wide array of cultures.

The Chronicle asked Driscoll why he enlisted in the military service.

“I certainly don’t go blabbing about service and all that,” he said. “I just knew it was my job.”

Takeaways from the war The dangers of war didn’t do much to deter Driscoll from enlisting, he said, citing an example.

“When you drive down the road, you’re only three or four

Those who serve, gratitude they deserve.

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feet from eternity. I just felt like it was my job,” he said.

Despite having witnessed the atrocities of war, including the death of one of his dear friends, Driscoll said he maintains his optimistic perspective on humanity.

“There’s so many people in this world that are good people,” he said. “Most Americans are good people.”

Driscoll said he gained a multicultural perspective from his war travels and that perspective changed his outlook on life. “(War) had changed me, I don’t think a whole lot but my world traveling – all the people I’ve met, the hunger, the difference in environment where we grew up, (made) me believe that going through tough times makes a better personality.”

Driscoll also said he worries about our future, given the current state of our country.

“During the war, we all held hands. We had victory gardens. It was safe,” he said. “(Now) it is so divided.”

On Nov. 14, 2009, Congress recognized Driscoll with a certificate of honor to commemorate his years of service.

“I’m no hero,” he said.

“I’m just a little thread in the rope.”

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

A11

We said we’d never forget, will we?

JOSEPH REAGAN Chronicle Guest Column

On November 11, 1918, Ralph Lindsey wrote from his hospital bed in France “Armistice signed at 11 o’clock.

Grand celebration all over France. War is at last over and I am still alive!”

Later in life if you asked him about the scars on his chest he would simply respond with a shrug and say, “I zigged when I should have zagged.” Ralph was my Great Grandfather, and now, nearly 103 years after he wrote those words our nation once again finds ourselves celebrating the contributions of our Veterans during a period where their sacrifices may be less visible than they have during the past 20 years of war.

After returning from WW1, like many others from his unit, he found tremendous success, he took over the family business, and raised a family. His friends H.A. Durkee and Fred Mower, both former Infantrymen, started a small company based on a unique marshmallow confection.

Another from his unit, Walter Brennan, is one of

only three men to win three academy awards, his distinct voice the result of the same gas attack that wounded my Great Grandfather. Take a moment to look at Brennan’s accomplishments – IMDb lists nearly 250 film credits and called him “In many ways the most successful and familiar character actor of American sound films.”

To be clear, the end of the United States’ involvement in the Afghan war doesn’t mean our Service Members are serving without risk. Our military will continue to execute missions across the globe in support of our national security, some of those more sensitive missions, may never be known to us. That aside, superficially this Veterans Day will be much like years past with parades, speeches, and free meal deals in honor of the nearly 19 million Veterans living in our communities. Unfortunately, for many Veterans – especially those who served in combat – may see this acknowledgement as at best, shallow and at worst, patronizing.

Even before the fall of Kabul, many Veterans complained that while they believed Americans were

genuinely grateful for their service, few cared enough to actually learn about the sacrifices our all-volunteer military makes on their behalf.

This civil-military divide is not only impacting the military’s ability to recruit new troops, but also our Veterans’ ability to find meaningful post-service careers.

A few years ago, I was traveling from a conference in D.C. in uniform, I was seated next to a young man who was wearing a sweatshirt from a very prestigious college in the D.C. area. He was clearly bright, affable, and I was enjoying our pre-flight conversation when he turned to me and said, “so you’re in the military, did you not get a chance to graduate high school?”

This is just one of the many, many cringeworthy stories demonstrating the real-life challenges of this civil-military divide. This divide is even more pronounced in Congress where in the 1970s, nearly 80% of the members of Congress had served in the U.S. Military; today, less than 20% of the 117th Congress have ever worn a uniform. When my Great Grandfather, and

Grandfather returned from WW1 and WW2, respectively, they entered a job market that was saturated with fellow Veterans, who understood them and the value they bring to our communities as did our elected representatives.

A congressional study in the late 80’s looked at the return on investment on Veterans programs (e.g., the GI Bill) found that for every dollar spent on Veterans’ benefits, nearly $7 came back to the community through some form of economic output.

Having worked with numerous Veterans’ groups since leaving active duty I can tell you, this figure is an understatement.

The truth about our Veterans since the end of the draft in the 70’s has become increasingly diverse as individuals saw (and continue to see) the military as a way to achieve economic mobility. They are smart, driven, resilient, and entrepreneurial – words that most Americans like my seat mate – don’t always associate with a Veteran. After WW2 nearly 50% of Veterans owned their own business, like my Great Grandfather; and most Veterans outperform their non-mil-

Commissioner

itary peers in the long run.

There is still work to do, while many Veterans thrive in their post-service years others struggle. Veterans continue to be over-represented in the homeless population, court system, substance misuse disorders, and suicide deaths.

These are hard problems, but they are solvable ones. For the past 20 years Americans have claimed we support our troops, but how we choose to treat our Veterans over the next few years will be the measure of whether we meant it or not.

As a nation we put an impossible burden on a small group of men and women who volunteered to serve – fully knowing the hazards of their chosen profession.

If we are truly a grateful their service, we will invest in those individuals who have invested so much in our freedoms. Each generation of Veterans have shown time and time again, that when they thrive, our communities, and our nation thrives as well.

About Joseph Reagan Joseph Reagan is the Director of Military and Veterans Outreach for national

nonprofit Wreaths Across America. He has over 10 years’ experience working with leaders within Government, nonprofit, and Fortune 500 companies to develop sustainable strategies supporting National Security, and Veterans Health. He served eight years on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army including two tours to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. He is a graduate of Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the country.

About Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

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A12

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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Reflect and take stock KELLY FITZPATRICK Chronicle Guest Column

For me, like many of my fellow veterans, Oregonians and Americans, it is a time to reflect and take stock. One year ago, we “gathered” for a Veterans Day unlike any before it, in a virtual environment that gave us some flexibilities that we never had before, but we had to forego the warmth of being with other people.

Now, as we cautiously return to an environment more closely resembling normalcy, it’s appropriate to take stock of all that we have to celebrate.

We as a country have much to be thankful for, and much of it is thanks to our veterans who fought for freedom and stood guard over our peace, and to our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We remember our World War II veterans, the sadly dwindling “Greatest Generation,” who have much still teach us about the importance of self-sacrifice to a greater cause. Some 80 years ago, these brave men and women left their homes and families to answer the call — not only for their own country, but the world.

We honor our Korean War veterans, who fought in the “Forgotten War,” which came so soon after the Second World War that it is often overlooked.

In a foreign land, they endured freezing conditions and disease in addition to an unrelenting enemy, often against impossible odds, and made a lasting contribution to world peace and prosperity.

We thank our Vietnam War veterans, who, regrettably, did not receive the heroes’ welcome that they deserved upon returning home from battle, and this remains a painful stain on our national memory that we must work hard to erase.

Yet, these remarkable men and women refused to turn their backs on their fellow veterans.

Courtesy photo

Kelly Fitzpatrict is the director of the Oregon Veterans Affairs Department

Vowing that another generation of service members would never face what they had to endure, many of them remain engaged in serving their fellow veterans.

We remember our veterans who represent the peacetime era, serving under the nearconstant specter of the Cold War and prepared to confront any enemy that might threaten national security around the globe. Many of them engaged in so-called “small wars” in Grenada, or other military operations in far-flung nations such as Bosnia, Somalia and a host of other nations on the African continent.

And, we honor our veterans of the conflicts of the Middle East and Afghanistan. Many of these veterans entered the Armed Forces in the wake of the terrible attack on September 11, 2001, and fought and sacrificed to ensure that the United States would not experience similar attacks.

Thankfulness, gratitude, honor and remembrance: This is the duty and responsibility of all Americans who have not worn the uniform — and it is these principles that are embodied in the more than 75-

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year tradition of Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day, the occasion celebrated the Allied victory in World War II. It was motivated by a simple, two-word phrase from the heart of our country: “Thank you.” Gratitude is a simple yet powerful thing. It has a way of humbling us, bettering us and reminding us of what’s most important.

We have much to be thankful for: The freedoms and way of life that we have long enjoyed, the peace that has been secured for our children and grandchildren — it is our veterans and service members we have to thank for that: Brave men and women who answered the call, ready to face the fire and, if necessary, pay the ultimate price on our behalf.

That’s my message this Veterans Day, and every day, to all who wore the uniform, regardless of branch, era, rank, duties, race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, religion, creed or ability: Thank you for your service.

Please consider joining me and ODVA for our Oregon Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony, which will take place at 2 p.m. Nov. 10 — the day before Veterans Day — at Oregon State Capitol Park, directly across from the front entrance of the Capitol Building.

The event will take place in person and outdoors, with social distancing and mask requirements in place. It will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at facebook. com/odvavet.

Kelly Fitzpatrick is the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Governor Kate Brown’s policy advisor on veterans’ issues. She is a retired Army officer. Her military awards and decorations include multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Army Parachutist Badge.

Veterans honored

Courtesy photo

Tribute markers to local veterans have been placed at McCormick Park in St. Helens and Veterans Park in Scappoose.

DOUG WALKER Chronicle Guest Article

A small but heartfelt Thank You to Veterans Past, Present and Future began to appear at Veteran’s Parks all over Columbia County.

The Hometown Heroes

of Columbia County found this way to not only thank but to also honor all those who have signed a contract with the American people to defend our country and our unique way of life from all enemies foreign and domestic.

Whether serving at home

or on foreign soil these patriots have been, and are, willing to give their all for our greater good. Fewer than 1% of our population have agreed to put their life on the line so that the other 99% can enjoy doing what we do.

For around 250 years our service men and women sacrifice so the rest don’t have to. Our Thank You message extends to those who, at some time in the future, will don the uniform and sign that contract. God Bless All Veterans and God Bless America.

Doug Walker represents the Columbia County Hometown Heroes.