SHC1116

High School Swim Season

Public urged to take precautions against flu, RSV

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media,

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has issued an executive order in response to a surge of pediatric cases and hospitalizations of respiratory viruses, including Re spiratory Syncytial Virus — com monly known as RSV — across Oregon.

The executive order will give hospitals additional flexibility to staff beds for children, allow them to draw on a pool of medical volunteer nurses and doctors, and take other steps to provide care to pediatric patients.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging Oregonians to take precautions against influenza and RSV.

Respiratory viruses are ex pected to circulate this season at higher levels than Oregon has experienced over the last two years as people gather indoors for the holidays, OHA Deputy Health Officer and Deputy Epidemi ologist Tom Jeanne said. But it’s unknown whether two of those vi ruses – RSV and influenza – will be more severe than pre-pandemic seasons.

“Nationally, we are seeing some alarming trends of early – and, in some cases, very high – circulation of both viruses,” Jeanne said. “Given this concern ing picture, we need to work together to protect hospital capac ity so that all of us have access to critical care when we need it.”

Jeanne explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has “placed incredible strain” on our health care system, with RSV further straining systems. Influenza will only add to this burden.

COVID-19 update

COVID-19 transmission is expected to increase as people gather indoors and immunity from vaccination and previous infec tions wanes. The seven-day mov ing average of new confirmed and presumptive cases has hovered be tween 350 and 400 cases, accord ing to Jeanne. The Oregon Health & Science University forecast predicts that COVID-19 hospi talizations – now at 229 as of

Wednesday, Nov. 9 – will increase slightly and peak at about 280 by early December.

Oregon also is seeing slow increases in the proportion of new Omicron subvariants with muta tions of concerns, such as BQ.1 and BQ.1.1. These new subvari ants account for less than 10% of variants circulating in Oregon; BA.5 still accounts for about 80%.

“We don’t expect that this winter’s COVID-19 wave will be as severe as last year’s Omicron

wave,” Jeanne said. “We antici pate far fewer peak hospitaliza tions than we saw during the Omi cron and Delta surges, thanks to high levels of population immuni ty. But there are other respiratory viruses we’re concerned about.”

One of them, RSV – the most common cause of severe lower re spiratory infection among infants and young children – will see increasing activity over the com ing weeks, as has been the case in other parts of the country. The

virus has caused pediatric hos pitalizations to more than triple between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5.

The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems President and CEO Becky Hult berg said Oregon is seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses among children.

“These increases come at a time when the number of avail able hospital beds remains lim ited,” she said.

Hultberg said meeting the needs of all patients is the number one priority of Oregon’s commu nity hospitals and clinics despite the current and anticipated spike in hospitalizations.

“Our hospitals stand ready to care for everyone in need, and we plan for an increase in respiratory illness each year as we approach the fall and winter seasons,” she said. “While there is no vaccine for RSV, we recommend that par ents ensure that children are cur rent on recommended vaccines.”

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of severe lower respiratory infec tion among infants and young children, according to the OHA.

• Symptoms of illness include fever, runny nose, cough and wheezing. When children are first infected with RSV, 25-40% of them will have symptoms of bronchiolitis or pneumonia and up to 2% of children will require hospitalization.

• In addition to infants who

Scholl, Pixley, Kotek look to future following election

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, inc.

humbled by

“I

turnout, and

thank

citizens of St. Helens for voting me into another term,” St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl told The Chronicle fol lowing the Tuesday, Nov. 8 General Election. “I’d like to attribute the win to the collaborative effort with the entire city council in moving the city forward.”

Priorities

Scholl said the city’s top priority is finding a new finance director. The effort follows the separation from city service of former finance director Matt Brown.

“Finances are our key and the framework of our city budget,” Scholl said.

Scholl’s second top priority is to continue the city’s waterfront development. The project will

redesign other streets and intersec tions, extend Cowlitz and South 1st Streets onto the Riverfront property, create a plaza for pedestrians and vendors above Columbia View Park, add a trail on the west side of the Riverfront property, and extend underground utilities. It is expected to take two years to complete.

“The biggest hurdle of that redevelopment,” Scholl said, “is going to be the traffic. That is the number one thing with every person working in administration and even the city councilors, is that we want to be the least disruptive as we can do the businesses downtown.”

A blessing

Scholl said he believes the rede velopment is “a blessing” because it will clear away aging infrastructure in the whole downtown area.

“We are blessed to be able to it all in one shot,” he said.

Scholl said a third priority is to

work with neighboring cities and the Port of Columbia County to start advertising the city’s industrial property.

“That property could be mar keted quite a bit better,” he said. “The Port is actually the leader when it comes down to industrial property in the county, but we have to have a buy in from all the cities, including Scappoose, Rainier and Clatskanie.”

Scholl said the city already has a plan developed that breaks the existing land into two-to-five-acre parcels that could include 10,000 square-foot buildings and adequate parking for light industry business es, such as machine manufacturing and high-tech companies.

“Those type of companies are fairly solid, and they have they niche and if they are out-growing their current location, those are ide

Indoor skatepark could open in spring

HERB SWETT Country Media, inc.

park is expected to open in St.

according to the grandmother of a

The boy, Andre Arreola, is a fifth-grader at Sauvie Island School. His grandmother, Marie Baldridge, heads a group that is preparing to buy the vacant building on Columbia Boulevard and South 13th Street. The indoor skatepark will be built inside the former Accumulation Resale building, next to the Columbia River Fire & Rescue station on Columbia Boulevard in St. Hel ens.

Baldridge said the plan is to remove the walls of the structure and combine it with the building behind it. She said the building is undergoing a seismic assessment.

“The goal is to build a safe, family-friendly space for the community,” Baldridge said In a published interview with The Chronicle last March.

Andre’s indoor skateboarding

Metro Creative Connection

Oregon health officials caution that Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are expected at higher levels this sea son.

inc.

Andre Arreola is working to open an indoor skate park in St. Helens.

am

the

I want to

the

Courtesy photo

Mayor Rick Scholl has won his re-election bid.

ELECTION

Prescription drug prices public hearing

Residents in St. Helens, Scappoose, Rainier and Clatskanie have the opportu nity to share concerns about prescription drug prices.

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services will host a public hearing about prescription drug prices from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, via Zoom.

Be engaged

Share your stories. The Oregon Department of Con sumer and Business Servic es is asking for the public’s help before the 2022 public hearing on prescription drug prices. The department has

set up a brief survey for consumers to share their stories about rising pre scription drug prices. Drug prices play a major role in health care decisions of Oregonians, and the cost of prescription drugs have steadily increased.

The department wants to hear your stories about the increase in prescription drugs and how it has af fected you and your fam ily. You are encouraged to report on price increases you have experienced. You can find previous testimoni als here.

Attend the hearing. The department is hosting the public hearing via Zoom. There will be opportuni ties for public comment,

prices, pharmaceutical sup ply chain, and PBM rebate transparency.

The Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act (ORS 646A.689) directed the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Ser vices to establish a trans parency program to accept reports and disclose certain information from prescrip tion drug manufacturers, health insurance carriers, and consumers on drug prices.

The goal of the program is to provide accountability for prescription drug pric ing through the notice and disclosure of specific drug costs and price information from pharmaceutical manu facturers, health insurers, and consumers.

Health officials alerting people eligible for 2nd Monkeypox vaccine

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Oregon public health of ficials will be calling people who received the first dose of the monkeypox virus (hMPXV) vaccine to encour age and assist them to get their second dose.

The calls were scheduled to begin this week, according to the Oregon Health Author ity (OHA).

The OHA’s senior health adviser for monkeypox response, Tim Menza, M.D., Ph.D., said the calls will be from state public health staff and are legitimate.

People who receive the calls are encouraged to share any questions or concerns with public health staff, then get the second dose as soon as they can.

“Completing the mon keypox vaccine series is so important to maximizing your protection against this virus,” Menza said.

Those who have received a first dose are eligible to get a second dose if it has been at least 28 days since the first dose.

As of Monday, Nov. 7, 16,267 doses of the Jynneos

vaccine have been given to people in Oregon, accord ing to OHA figures. That includes 10,993 people who have received at least one dose, of which 5,199 have received both recommended doses. That means 5,794 are eligible to receive the second dose but haven’t gotten it yet.

Monkeypox spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact. Most commonly during the cur rent outbreak, this has been

creasing slowly. Statewide test positivity was 2% last week; 5% positivity is considered a threshold for significant influenza circu lation.

are premature, low birth weight, or with congenital or chronic cardiopulmo nary disease, most suscep tible are infants from 2 to 4 months when maternal antibodies drop off. By the second year of life, about 90% of children will have been exposed to RSV.

• No vaccine or effec tive therapy is available for RSV. Infants and children at risk for severe RSV infec tion can receive immune prophylaxis with monthly doses of a humanized mu rine anti-RSV monoclonal antibody during the RSV season.

Influenza

Health officials also are closely monitoring influ enza activity throughout Oregon. Although influenza activity remains relatively low in Oregon, it is in

“We expect to surpass [5% positivity] within two weeks,” Jeanne said. “Influenza will add to pres sure that will be placed on hospitals and health systems already dealing with the in creases in other respiratory viruses, including RSV.”

Protection

But according to Jeanne, Oregon has reliable tools for combating COVID-19, RSV and flu.

“First, everyone should get a flu shot and make sure they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations,” Jeanne said. “That means a bivalent COVID-19 booster for those who haven’t re ceived one yet, or if you are still unvaccinated, the twoshot primary COVID-19 vaccine doses – followed later by the booster.” Plus,

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through intimate or sexual contact. Infection has also occurred during close, skin-to-skin contact with the lesions of an individual with monkeypox through a care giving relationship, such as a parent caring for a child or an adult caretaker of another person.

Much less often, mon keypox could spread through contact with towels, cloth ing or other objects that have been in contact with monkeypox lesions. Large

getting the booster and flu shot as soon as pos sible means they will have protection for Thanksgiving and winter gatherings.

And even though an RSV vaccine is not yet available, people can protect themselves through respiratory hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning hightouch surfaces, practicing good hand hygiene and masking indoors.

“Masking, particularly in indoor settings, is a power ful tool for reducing the spread of all respiratory vi ruses,” Jeanne said. “When respiratory virus activity is high, everyone should consider masking indoors when they are with people from outside their house hold. And those at increased risk of severe illness should consider masking indoors even when virus activity is lower.”

The OHA held the medi cal briefing with reporters Thursday, Nov. 10.

respiratory droplets or oral fluids that might come from prolonged face-to-face con tact could also transmit the virus, but it is uncommon.

Most people can receive their second doses intrader mally, or just under the skin. Those who have gotten their first dose this way may expe rience discoloration, itchi ness, tenderness and swelling at the site of the vaccination. The shot may even leave a small hard bump. These side effects, especially the

discoloration and the bump, may last for weeks.

People concerned about these side effects can get the vaccine at a less visible site, such over the upper back or over the shoulder, or in the tissue between the skin and the muscle – also known as subcutaneous. This method is usually given in the back of the arm.

Subcutaneous vaccines are always available for people younger than 18. They are also available to

those with a history of scar ring or who may be more likely to form severe scars called keloids.

Menza notes that the vaccine may be given before, after or at the same time as most vaccines, including the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccine is also safe for people with compromised immune systems, pregnant and breastfeeding people, and people with chronic skin conditions.

People who suspect they have monkeypox should contact their health care provider to let them know before going in to be seen. The provider may recom mend testing for monkeypox. Those who don’t have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 or their local public health authority to get help finding a clinic or health care provider.

For more informa tion about monkeypox and Oregon’s response to the outbreak, visit OHA’s mon keypox (hMPXV) website. Vaccine clinics can also be searched by ZIP code with a “Monkeypox Vaccine Loca tor” tool available at https:// mpoxvaxmap.org.

Pedestrian killed on Highway 30

proximately 6:36 p.m.,

The

Scappoose Share

Care

in the donation ticket below and send it with your special gift today. Thank you!

and Oregon legislators will serve as moderators for panel presentations. We en courage you to testify at the

hearing or provide written testimony. Those who want more information about the hearing should contact the

department at rx.prices@ dcbs.oregon.gov. Some of the topics this year will include insulin

Metro Creative Connection

The state public hearing about prescription drug prices is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, via Zoom.

Courtesy photo

Monkeypox spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact.

the Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a vehicle vs pedestrian crash on US Highway 30, near mile post 82.

preliminary investi gation indicated the pedestri an, 25-year-old Hannah Jean Olson of Astoria, attempted crossing Highway 30 at the

Remington Fay Toristoja of Naselle, Washington, who was traveling eastbound on Highway 30.

Olson was struck and killed as she entered the eastbound lane of travel, ac

remained on scene and pro vided statements.

OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Department and the Oregon Department of Transporta tion.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle OSP said the fatal crash claimed the life of a 25-year-old pedestrian.

Iconic Oregon white oak trees under attack

A non-native bug is now causing increasing damage to the state’s iconic Oregon white oak trees (Quercus

Although the oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) has been in Oregon since 2015, the damage they cause has been particularly notice able this year, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).

Native from southern Canada to the eastern, cen tral and southern U.S., this insect in Oregon is mostly a pest of urban oaks, although it can also infest related trees. Oak lace bug adults are an eighth of an inch long and transparent.

They look similar to nonnative azalea lace bugs that have been attacking azaleas and rhododendrons in recent

They suck plant juices from photosynthetic cells that contain chlorophyll and thus cause leaf yellowing. On the underside of yellow-stippled leaves you can see adults, cast skins of nymphs and black droplets of excrement.

Treatment of this insect is generally not advised because they are typically only an aesthetic pest that is not persistent year after year. Despite damage from this and other foliage pests, white oaks will drop their leaves in the fall and reflush the next year as normal.

It’s fairly common in fall to see yellowing and browning leaves on Oregon white oak. The color change can also be due to normal attacks from other insects, such as gall-making flies and wasps, leaf-mining caterpil lars and flies, which come to an end when cold weather arrives. Brown leaves can

our other trees, oaks are also being stressed by ongoing droughts and hot weather. This causes their leaves to turn brown earlier than normal.

Fertilizing will not “green up” damaged, yel lowing or browning leaves and is not advised as it provides more nutrients not only to the tree but also the insects that attack it.

It should also be noted that this insect can bite al though it does not typically do damage beyond a mild sting, the ODF release states. Although oak lace bug does not seek out humans specifi cally, it can fall from trees onto humans and may give a bite as it tests to see if we are suitable hosts; it then becomes disinterested and crawls elsewhere in search of oak leaves.

For more information, contact the Oregon Depart ment of Forestry at 503-9457200.

$4.2M to study stressors facing Dungeness crab, other marine life

MICHELLE KLAMPE Chronicle Guest Article

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded Or egon State University (OSU) and its research partners $4.2 million to investigate how multiple climate change-re lated stressors are impacting marine ecosystems off the coast of Oregon, Washington and Northern California.

The researchers will focus on two key species: Dungeness crab, which plays a significant economic and cultural role in Indigenous and other coastal communi ties and is considered the most valuable single-species fishery in Oregon; and krill, which are tiny crustaceans that play a critical role in the ocean’s food web and serve as a bellwether for ocean health.

Both species are facing threats from multiple stress ors, including ocean acidi fication; low oxygen condi tions, also known as hypoxia; marine heatwaves; increasing

ocean temperatures; and harmful algal blooms.

The goal of the new proj ect is to better understand the direct and indirect impacts of those stressors and help com mercial fisheries and state and Tribal resource manag ers prepare for the changes ahead, said Francis Chan, the principal investigator. Chan is a marine ecologist and director of the Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosys tem and Resources Studies at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Sci ence Center in Newport. “We know that the climate is changing, and it is impacting our marine resources,” Chan said. “This work is all about how we can best position the Dungeness crab fishery to be more resil ient to these changes. At the conclusion of this work, we hope to have answers to help fishermen and managers get to a climate-ready fishery.”

The work will focus on the Northern California Current, the span of waters along the West Coast from Washington to Northern Cali

fornia, including NOAA’s Olympic Coast National Ma rine Sanctuary and longstand ing Tribal fishing areas.

existing and new ocean data, ocean and climate models, laboratory experiments and fisheries management evalua tion techniques to learn more

What’s ahead for St. Helens Police

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

The Chronicle has been tracking St. Helens Police Department services and we have had a reader inquire about a possible reduction in the current 24-hour public police services.

The Chronicle contacted St. Helens Communication Officer Crystal King for the following insight.

The Chronicle: Is the St. Helens Police Department planning to reduce its 24-hour services? If so, why?

Crystal King: No.

The Chronicle: What is the future coverage goal of the police department?

King: The St. Helens Police Department hopes to increase police staffing as needed to meet increased ser vice call volume and popula tion growth.

The Chronicle: How many police officers from Chief down are currently employed at the St. Helens

Police Department?

King: We are authorized for 22 sworn officers, and we currently have 18 sworn of ficers employed.

• 2018: 17 officers

• 2019: 19 officers • 2020: 19 officers

• 2021: 19 officers

• 2022: 22 officers autho rized

The Chronicle: Is that number below or above compared to previous years and why?

King: Over the last several years, we have slowly increased the number of bud geted sworn officers to meet increasing call volume and population growth.

The Chronicle: What is the annual operating budget for the St. Helens Police Department this year and into next year, is that up or down compared to previous years and why?

King: The budget for this fiscal year (2022-2023) is $ 5.2 million. The budget has

increased from previous years to keep pace with the increas ing cost of labor and materials and services.

The Chronicle: Is the City planning any efforts, such as asking voters for funding, to stabilize and enhance police services in St. Helens? If so, what and when?

King: No, the City is not currently exploring a levy option.

King also gave The Chronicle the following update concerning the city’s efforts to build a public safety facility that would house the St. Helens Police Department.

Mackenzie Inc. is the City’s consultant for this project.

“They are currently work ing on construction drawings, bid documents, and a financial analysis of the current cost of the project,” King said. “With the election now over and changes to the St. Helens City Council, it’s likely that an update from the consultant will wait until after January 2023 when the new Council is sworn in.”

art climate models,” said Jack

tive and an oceanographer in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.

A key component of the project is the integration of Traditional Ecological

Knowledge, which is the ac cumulation of Indigenous sci ence, including information, practices and beliefs about relationships and environ mental functions, including all elements, species and processes within ecosystems.

Siletz Tribal member and TEK specialist Samantha Chisholm Hatfield, an as sistant research professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences in OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will lead that aspect of the project.

The work will include interviews with Tribal members to better understand changes to shellfish popula tions and ocean patterns that Tribal members have orally documented over multiple generations.

Michelle Klampe is a writer-news researcher at Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. She may be reached at michelle. klampe@oregonstate.edu or at 541-737-0784.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

The oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata).

“We are connecting the dots on key pieces of innova tive ocean research, including observations from undersea autonomous vehicles, AIdriven analytics of ocean

Courtesy from OSU

OSU will lead the research program to study what factors are stressing the Dungeness crab fishery.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

St. Helens Police administrators continue to seek new patrol officers.

Container plants, mushrooms and disappearing bats

Don’t eat anything that you are not totally sure of.

Fertilize your lawn if you haven’t already. This will help maintain a high-quality lawn and will reduce the number and vigor of lawn weeds. Also, keep weeds raked. Lawns need sun and leaves on the lawn for extended periods will weaken turf grasses. The leaves can be used for mulches in landscape beds or cover for vegetable gardens.

Outdoor container plants should now be put in a protected location. Plants which survive quite cold weather when planted in the ground will often be injured when exposed to the same temperatures in containers or pots. Roots in pots often die when temperatures drop be low 18-20°F. You can protect the container roots by piling sand or sawdust around them or putting them in protected location next to the house. Row covers can also be used to protect potted plants. Re member to water those plants that are under house eaves periodically.

Mushrooms are finally growing. Chanterelle reports are slowly coming in. Forest ground is still on the dry side at this point, so harvest may be less than normal. The mushroom guide I find to be very useful is All the Rain Promises and More: A Field Guide to Western Mushrooms by David Arora. If you can, learn from someone who really knows mushrooms.

Garden products (fertil izers and pesticides), be they organic or conventional, need to be stored in a place that is above freezing and dry. Some products lose effectiveness if al-lowed to freeze. Fertil izers will “cake” in moist storage. Pesticides more than five years old should prob ably discarded at a hazardous waste collection day when we start having them again next spring. See the Colum bia County Solid Waste web site for 2023 schedules.

With the dry set of days, we are having right now, some gardeners are tilling their gardens to incorporate this year’s crop residues, weeds, and landscape leaves. If you are doing this, it is a great time to add lime if you haven’t for a while. Normal rate for Columbia County soils is 100 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet. This one lime application will keep your soil “sweet” for the next four years. Some gardeners are following the practices of some of our

local farmers who cover the tilled ground with tarps for winter until they want to use the space in the spring. This keeps the weed germination down and reduces the soil moisture so the ground can be used earlier next spring. You may discover that field mice like the space, but they will race for cover when you pull the tarp off.

Speaking of field mice (voles), they do like cover from grass and other weeds. Keep areas around young trees and some shrubs cut tight 2 feet out from the trunk over the winter. This keeps the mice nervous and they are less likely to chew the bark off your young woody trees. Most of this damage occurs from now until late spring.

Slugs are very active now. They are mating and produc ing eggs that will be prob lems for next year’s tender spring transplants. Bait or chop them (put boards out that they think they can hide under) if you aren’t tilling the garden now as mentioned above.

community eVents

November 16 Community

Gathering for Crystal Heil’s Battle with ALS (Lou Geh rig’s Disease)

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Helens Elks Lodge 350 Belton Road in St. Helens. Fundraiser to help provide Crystal with transportation and commu nication equipment. Crystal’s artwork and other items will be available for purchase. Hors d’oeuvres, Crystal’s birthday cake and no-host bar will be available. For more information, contact Diane Dillard at 503-3971244, diane@dillardpr.com or Judy Thompson, at 503397-6056, or at judyann2@q. com.

November 17 Columbia 9-11 Communications Meeting 9 a.m. Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Joint Board of Directors and Advisory Committee Meet ing. 9-1-1 Meeting Room/Via Zoom. For instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom, contact the adminis trative staff at 503-366-6973.

November 17 Garden Club meeting

11 a.m. at 51555 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Event includes a garden book exchange, “show and tell” your favorite garden book. Horticulture presenta tion and business meeting. New members or guests are encouraged.

November 19 St. Helens

Senior Center Christmas

Bazaar

Scheduled to be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Helens Senior Center, 375 S. 15th Street in St. Helens.

November 20 Harvest Tea

The theme is Autumn Friend ship, so bring a friend, or family, or a loved one from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. High tea and lots of fun. The Caples House staff have been taking reservation since this sum mer, so call now and get your seat. Caples House, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. For more details, 503-397-5390. $30 by reservation.

December 3 Sunset Park

Community Church Annual Bazaar Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 174 Sunset Boulevard in St. Helens.

December 3 and 4 Columbia City Elementary PTO Holiday Bazaar

The Holiday Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbia City Elementary School, 2000 Second Street in Columbia City. Stop by for holiday décor and gifts.

December 3 McBride Holiday Bazaar

The McBride School Holiday Bazaar will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission is free. There will be activities for kids, raffles, and more.

December 5 Holiday Concert 6 p.m. Michael Allen Harrison Holiday Concert at Columbia City Community Hall, 1850 Second Street in Columbia City. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds from this event will go to Michael’s Snowman Foundation. Tickets are $20 and will be sold at Columbia City Hall, 1840 Second Street. Food and beverages will be sold at this event.

December 10 St. Helens Band Patrons Lions Holiday Bazaar

The bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Helens High School Com mons.

December 17 Spirit of Christ mas in Scappoose

The Christmas market will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Scappoose annex gym. Santa and the Grinch will be there throughout the day.

December 17 and 18 Holiday Bazaar for Columbia River Fire and Rescue Scholarship Fund

The Columbia River Fire & Rescue Volunteer Association Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Door prizes on Saturday and a visit from the Grinch from noon – 2 p.m. on Sunday.

December 17 to 18 Fund

raiser for the St. Helens High School Class of

2023

Safe & Sober Party

This Holiday Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Columbia City Community Hall, 1850 2nd Street in Columbia City. Lots of vendors. Breakfast and photos with Santa on Satur day, with raffles throughout the weekend.

Ongoing Events

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held elec tronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/ events-page.

Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christcentered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compul sive behavior at 220 S. 1st Street in St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. Free childcare available. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521 or check the Resonate Facebook page.

Columbian Toastmasters Promoting positive learn ing and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome! Meeting virtu ally via Zoom from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-369-0329 for more information.

Overcomers Outreach Meetings are held every Sat urday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Road in Scap poose. Call Fred 971-7576389.

Celebrate Recovery

For anyone struggling with addiction, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. The meet ing starts at 7 p.m. The first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. the doors open for a free dinner. Yankton Community Fellowship, 33579 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. 503-3967091. Childcare is available. www.yanktoncommunityfel lowship.com

To list an event in the Com munity Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to jruark@countrymedia. net or chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

The bats are gone

Many Columbia County families have wonderful older homes which delight the eye. But common to many of these houses are colonies of little brown bats. They find easy access to the nooks and crannies that allow them into attics and sometimes wall voids. Often the chimney/roof connection provides them with the ½ inch gap they need to get in and out.

The secret to bat removal is to wait until they leave on their own. It is almost impos sible to scare bats out. The little brown bats (our most common house using spe cies) have left or will shortly. They hibernate somewhere

else though exactly where is a bit of a mystery. Best infor mation is in higher eleva tion caves in the Cascades or coast range. They huddle together in a great mass and wake periodically to see what the situation outdoors is. They won’t return until mid-March.

So, this is the time to inspect your attic spaces from the inside to look for light that indicate cracks that they might use. Also inspect air vents for damaged screening. Careful atten tion paid to chimneys and where wall and roofs join is often helpful. If there are attic windows as well, they can provide “edge” access.

Caulk and/or add screening as necessary.

Food Preservation: You can get up-to-date and accurate answers to your food preservation questions by calling our office at 503 397-3462 and ask to speak to Jenny Rudolph.

Important notes

The OSU Extension Of fice is fully open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

• Columbia County Bee keepers. 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 the CCOB will have the annual honey tasting and seed exchange at the OSU Extension Office in St. Hel ens. It will only be in person (no Zoom). For infor-mation email ColumbiaCountyOre gonBeekeepers@gmail.com.

• Donate extra garden

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

• The Extension Service offers its programs and mate rials 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. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter

The Oregon State Uni versity Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming top ics (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 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on news letters.

Contact information

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

Voices of the community

Pushed to the brink

Since 2019, the number of people who face acute food insecurity has almost tripled from 135 million to 345 mil lion.

Food prices have been on the rise since the start of the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine only made matters worse. These factors, coupled with a historic drought, have pushed millions of people to the brink of famine in Soma lia, where a child is hospital ized for acute malnutrition every minute.

The US has stepped up

to provide emergency food relief, including specific resources for the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya), several times this year. But, as a whole, this urgent crisis has not received the international response it merits. We can, and must, do more.

That includes passing the Global Food Security Reau thorization Act of 2022. Since it was passed in 2016, the bipartisan GFSA has played a key role in addressing the root causes of food insecurity and, through the Feed the Future program, has helped lift millions of families out of hunger. But the bill is about

to expire, putting those vital resources and programs at risk. The House of Repre sentatives has already passed a bill to reauthorize GFSA–now, it’s the Senate’s turn. Senator Merkley and Sen ator Wyden, you can show your support for the fight against hunger by co-spon soring S. 4649, the Global Food Security Reauthoriza tion Act! We have the tools to help lessen the severity of this crisis and, with millions knocking at famine’s door, we cannot afford to wait. Thank you.

Craig Rottman Portland

Elks Student of the Month selected

afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes to be right.”

St. Helens High School (SHHS) is pleased to an nounce that Vanessa Wallace is the Elks Student of the Month for October.

Vanessa is an outstand ing student, musician, and leader who exemplifies the traits of leadership, charac ter, academics, and commu nity service.

“Vanessa is heavily in volved in the band and choir programs at St. Helens High School,” SHHS teacher Noelle Freshner said. “She is the Drum Major of the Marching Band, plays Alto Sax in the Wind Ensemble, and Bari Sax in the Jazz Band. She is the Alto Sec tion Leader in Choir Leonis,

president of the Environ mental Club, and is intern ing with the SHMS band 2-3 days a week. She is passion

ate about the environment and wants to pursue a career in environmental science. She is a leader who is not

“I feel that my best quality is my desire to be a leader,” Vanessa said. “I have always felt inclined to take the lead in order to guide my peers to success, and I am constantly find ing new ways to be the best leader I can be.”

St. Helens High School administrators and teachers said they are proud of the work that Vanessa has done and the impact she has had on the school, student body, and community.

Congratulations, Van essa!

The Student of the Month is a partnership between the St. Helens Elks and St. Helens High School designed to highlight the achievements of local students.

Local student scholarship opportunity

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

This is a scholarship cre ated for a Columbia County High School senior. Ap plicants may attend a trade school, community college, or university of their choice, but must major in agricul ture, education, forestry, or animal science.

Applications are available from each of the Columbia County High School coun selor offices and must be postmarked by April 1, 2023.

The applications should be mailed to: Don Coin Walrod Scholarship, 64556 Colum bia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054.

Don Coin Walrod Biography

This scholarship was created by the Deer Island Grange to honor the achieve ments of Don Coin Walrod.

Don graduated from Colo rado Agriculture and Mining College in 1941 with a degree in agriculture. After being a pilot in WWII, he returned to Colorado to start his career as an extension agent. In 1953, he moved to St. Helens and became the Columbia County Extension Chairman.

He received his master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1960 and was a dedicated advocate for agriculture and forestry until he retired in 1978. He later moved to Deer Island, where he was known for growing

amazing fruits and veg etables.

Don was very involved in our community and received the Chamber of Commerce citizen of the year award in 1974. He was president of the Kiwanis and founder of the Columbia County Small Woodlands Association. He was also a member of the Plymouth Presbyterian Church, St. Helens Masonic Lodge, Portland Scottish Rite, American Cancer Soci ety, Rhododendron Society, Native Plant Society, Silvies Club, Warren and Deer Is land Granges, and the Photo graphic Society of America.

Members of our Grange remember Don for his incite into agriculture in our county and were often treated with many delicious samples from his garden. The Deer Island Grange is honored to provide the following scholarship.

Application guidelines

This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Colum bia County High School se nior. Applicants may attend a trade school, community college, or university of their choice but must major in ag riculture, education, forestry, or animal science.

obituaries

Eric Sven Joseph Dahlgren 1953 ~ 2022

Application packets must be post marked by April 1, 2023.The scholarship winner will be announced at their school’s graduation award ceremony. The money will be sent to the recipient’s college upon verification of enrollment.

A complete scholarship packet must contain the fol lowing parts:

• Scholarship application

• Essay

• Two letters of recom mendation

• High school transcript

Essay question

Please describe in 1000 words or less, why you have chosen to pursue a career in agriculture, education, forestry, or animal science. Essay will be evaluated for correct spelling, grammar, word count, and appropriate response to above question.

If any part of the scholar ship packet is incomplete, the application will not be considered. Mail completed packets post marked by April 1, 2023 to: Don Coin Walrod Scholarship, Deer Island Grange, 64556 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, Oregon 97054.

If you have questions regarding eligibility or about the application, please con tact Jani Remsburg, Scholar ship Committee Chairper son, at 503-396-3287, or Julie Wheeler, Deer Island Grange Master, at 503-3690332.

Eric Sven Joseph Dahl gren died peacefully at his home in Columbia City on Nov. 8, 2022.

He was born in Richland, Washington, in 1953, the son of Mary Ann Kehiler Dahlgren and Sven Olaf Dahlgren. In 1955 his family moved to St. Helens, Or egon. He was the grandson of Swedish immigrants who settled in the Scappoose area in 1914 and of Irish/Eng lish immigrants from Los Angeles.

He attended St. Fred eric’s Catholic School, St. Helens Junior and Senior High, where he graduated

the youngest elected official in the State of Oregon. He remained Port Commissioner for 28 years. Eric graduated from Portland State Univer sity in 1975 with a degree in Business. He then started his own construction company.

In 1978, after his fa ther suffered an injury, he took over the operation of Dahlgren’s Builders Supply, which he actively ran until his death. He was heavily involved with many other projects throughout Co lumbia County during his

He married Christine Kenyon in 1982 and they

Deanna Ruth (Plouff) Norred July 9, 1938 ~ Nov. 5, 2022

had just celebrated their 40th anniversary.

He is survived by his wife; two sisters, Ann Louise Dahlgren of Portland, and Rosemary Dalhgren Brock man of Eugene; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thurs day, Dec. 1, 2022 at the St. Helens Elks Lodge, to which the community is invited.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Amani Center or to the Columbia Pacific Food Bank. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbi afh.com.

Courtesy from the St. Helens School District

Vanessa Wallace

Metro Creative Connection

Part-time bookkeeper

With a working knowledge of Quik books desktop and online. Candidate should be knowl edgable in basic financial account ing and general ledger principles. Salary depends on experience. To ap ply send resume to scaptax1@scap tax.com

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY

The Port is hiring for the following positions: Finance Manager Property Manager To learn more and apply, please visit our website www.por

tof columbiacounty. org/job. EOE

Police Officer

The City of St. Helens is hiring a POLICE OFFICER Lateral & Entry Level. Regular Fulltime. See website for details www. sthelensoregon. gov. Open Until Filled. First Review: 1/- 3/23. Equal Op portunity Employer

Financial Director

The City of St. Helens is hiring a FINANCE DIREC TOR Regular Fulltime. See website for details www. sthelensoregon. gov.Open Until

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH22-0002

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at or after 10:00 a.m. at the Courthouse Annex, 230 Strand Street, Room 310, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. The purpose of this hearing is to consider an amendment to the Columbia County Zoning Ordinance to develop land use standards in response to Measure 109 and ORS 475A related to psilocybin production, pro

CH22-0006

cessing, and service centers. This involves amending ex isting sections of the Zoning Ordinance as well as devel oping a Special use Section 1804 for psilocybin related uses. Local file number TA 23-01. This hearing is to af ford interested parties an op portunity to be heard on the following matter. Any com ments you wish to provide will be appreciated; how ever, Oregon law requires that testimony and evidence must be directed toward the

decision criteria. You may present testimony at the pub lic hearing or provide writ ten comments to the Board of County Commissioners to jacyn.normine@colum biacountyor.gov prior to 5:00 p.m. on November 29, 2022. The Columbia County Board of Commissioners is the final local decisionmaker for all County Plan and Ordinance amendments. Applicable decision criteria are contained in ORS 475A; ORS 215.495; CCZO 1606;

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of EUGENE G. HOFF MAN, Deceased. Case No. 22PB09413 ORS 21.170

LIMITED JUDGMENT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF INTESTATE ESTATE AND APPOINTMENT

OF PERSONAL REPRE

SENTATIVE WITH FULL POWERS On petition of George G. Hoffman for administration of the abovenamed decedent, the Court finds the allegations of the petition to be true. There is

CH22-0000

no just reason for delay in entering judgment. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that: (a) The estate is admitted to administration. (b) George G. Hoffman is appointed as personal representative of the estate with full powers; and (c) The bond of the personal representative is waived, and Letters of Administrarion will be issued forthwith to the personal representative in the manner provided by law. DATED: 10/25/2022 Circuit Court Judge Cathleen

B. Callahan PETITIONER: George G. Hoffman, P.O. Box 503, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, 503-369-4940. AT TORNEYS FOR PETITION ER: Jakob O. Seegmuller, OSB No. 174622, Kayleigh E. Lindemuth, OSB No. 200295, 1003 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661, Ph: (360) 975-7770, Fax: (360) 838-1123, jake@nwlegacyl aw.com, kayleigh@nwlega cylaw.com Of Attorney for Petitioner. Submitted by: Kayleigh E. Lindemuth, At torney for Petitioner.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of KAREN LOUISE TWEED, Deceased.Case No. 22PB009277 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSON SNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the under signed has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons

having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice to the personal representative at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scap poose, OR 97056, or the claims may be barred. All

persons whose rights may be affected by the proceed ings may obtain additional information from the re cords of the Court, the per sonal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. DATED and first published, November 9, 2022. Angelica J. Hunter, Personal Representative

CCZO 1607; CCZO 1611; the Oregon Statewide Plan ning Goals; the Comprehen sive Plan; and any other stat ute or ordinance determined to apply. The specific criteria applicable to this request is listed and evaluated in the staff report. This hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. For more information contact Hayden. Richardson@columbiacoun tyor.gov; or phone 503397-1501. A copy of the

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application, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicant, and the staff report will be available for at https://www.colum biacountyor.gov/Hearings at least 7 days prior to this hearing. Written comments on the issue can be sub mitted via email to Jacyn. normine@columbiacoun tyor.gov or you can send comments via U.S. Mail to Columbia County, Board of Commissioners c/o Jacyn Normine, 230 Strand Street,

St. Helens, OR 97051. You may participate in this hear ing in person or virtually. To attend virtually go to https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/357054141 or call United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679. The meeting access code is: 357-054-141. The Board of Commis sioners reserves the right to continue the hearing to another date and time. If the hearing is continued, no further public notice will be provided.

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

Probate Department Case No. 22PB09715 NO TICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of CYNTHIA ANN CARTER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jeff Carter has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate. All persons hav ing claims against the Es tate are required to present them undersigned attorney for the Personal Repre

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sentative at 6400 SE Lake Road, Suite 440, Portland, Oregon 97222, within four months after date of first publication of this Notice, as stated below, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceed ings in the Estate may obtain additional informa tion from the records of the Court, the Personal Rep resentative or the attorney

for the Personal Repre sentative. Dated and first published on November 16, 2022. Jeff Carter, Personal Representative. Jonathan Bacsalmasi, OSB #170830, Fitzwater Law Of Attor neys for Personal Repre sentative, 6400 SE Lake Road, Suite 440, Portland, OR 97222, (503) 786-8191, jonathanb@fitzwaterlaw. com.

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

Probate Department No. 22PB09260 Notice to Interested Persons In the Matter of the Estate of Patrick Slevin, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that Michael Slevin has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are requested to present them to the undersigned

personal representative in care of the undersigned at torney at: 1400 SW Mont gomery St., Portland, OR 97201, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, or such claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceed ings in this estate may obtain additional informa

tion from the records of the Court, the personal repre sentative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published on November 2, 2022. Mi chael Slevin Personal Rep resentative Steven Parker, OSB #020839 Law Office of Steven Parker Attorney for Personal Representa tive 1400 SW Montgomery Street Portland, Or 97201.

Senior center auction raises $8,000

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

The St. Helens Senior Center raised $8,000 at last week’s auction, which is planned as an annual event. A first-time event for the center, the auction was held to promote the cen ter’s support of people most vulnerable to food insecurity. Proceeds will go toward

ELECTION

From Page A1

al companies that we want to find to bring,” he said.

Affording housing is also a concern for the city, ac cording to Scholl, specifical ly, he is troubled by what he calls the lack of state agency attention to the intersection of Gable Road and Highway 30, adjacent to a major af fording housing project cur rently under construction.

“We are familiar with the concerns of that intersec tion, which is a state-funded project, and the city does not have any say in that,” he said. “It meets all the zon ing requirements. We knew that intersection was going to be a problem and we are concerned about it. It has to do with the alinement of the road. The intersection is bad. The housing project is good.”

Scholl said the actual housing project is a positive because it is adding to the city’s housing supply, but he said the state’s efforts to deal with the overall homeless ness crisis is concerning.

“It does seem that there is a big emphasis by the state to try to ram down laws and

sponsoring the Senior Nutri tion & Pleasure Program and the Congregate and HomeDelivered Meals Programs.

The center serves over 160 families through the cit ies of St. Helens and Scap poose and is growing, Senior Center activities coordinator Lynda Heller said.

“Participating and bidding on these fantastic high-class items in the auc

regulations to the cities,” he said. “I will always be lob bying for affordable housing in St. Helens, but I really see the market slowing down with inflation. People are strapped. It is concerning.”

election results

Other

Voters also re-elected Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley. Following his victory, Pixley answered the fol lowing questions from The Chronicle.

The Chronicle: What do you believe led to your reelection victory?

Brian Pixley: The resi dents of Columbia County heard my message – experi ence, safety, service and integrity. But I couldn’t have done it without a supportive team behind me. I have a wonderful wife, family and friends, plus I lead an amaz ing group of people who are passionate about law enforcement and community safety. Their support was the fuel in the engine that kept me driving forward. I am honored to continue serving our community for another four years.

tion will aid in the Senior Center’s ability to proceed with this important work, granting our local seniors and serviced customers to well-balanced and nutritious meals,” she said. “Together we can continue to enhance all-around community-based food security.”

The St. Helens Senior Center is located at 375 S 15th Street in St. Helens.

The Chronicle: What will be your top three priori ties during your new term as Sheriff?

Pixley: My top prior ity will be to locate stable, long-term funding for the Sheriff’s Office. Providing 24-hour law enforcement coverage in the unincor porated areas of Columbia County will only be pos sible with sufficient funding and, in the end, the safety of residents has been, and will remain to be, my top priority.

In addition, the imple mentation of the Street Crimes Unit is an important step in eradicating the illegal marijuana market in Colum bia County and all related crimes, including human trafficking, narcotics, guns and more.

Lastly, training is key in maintaining a skilled staff. I will focus on bringing na tionally-recognized training courses including those ad dressing active shooter and mental health situations. In addition, my staff of trainers will continue to be available to pass on our expertise and provide education for other law enforcement agencies and businesses in Columbia County.

Kotek elected Oregon Governor

The Associated Press has declared Tina Kotek the winner in the race for Oregon Governor.

Kotek had been in a three-way race with Repub lican Christine Drazan and Independent candidate Betsy Johnson.

In a statement Wednes day, Kotek said Oregon faces major problems and that she looks forward to solving them.

“I promise to be a Gov ernor for all of Oregon,” she said.

Kotek said her priorities will be housing and homeless ness, access to mental health and addiction treatment,

helping students succeed, and supporting small businesses.

“I ask Oregonians, no matter who you voted for in this election, to believe in our state, to stay engaged, and to help figure out solutions together,” Kotek said. “I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve Oregon, and I will strive every day to be a force for positive change in our state.”

Election 2022

Key Race results

Columbia County Sheriff

• Terry Massey Jr. 8,679

• Brian Pixley 12,186

Columbia County Commissioner Position 2

• Kellie Jo Smith 11,508

• Stephen R. Topaz 990

City of St. Helens City Council (Vote for 2)

• Mark Gundersen 2,169

• Michael Zienty 295

• Brandon Sundeen 2,298

• Jessie Lagers 567

• Steve Toschi 1,643

City of St. Helens Prohibits Psilocybin-Related Businesses Within St. Helens For 2 Years

• Yes 2,717

• No 2,207

City of Scappoose Mayor

• Joe Backus 1,432

• Brandon Lesowske 882

City of Clatskanie Mayor

• Jean Sampson 256

• Bob Brajcich 466

City of Clatskanie Prohibits

Psilocybin-Related Businesses Within Clats kanie For 2 Years

• Yes 459

• No 286

The 2022 November General Election results are slated to be certified in early December.

Columbia County’s trusted local

Will Chappell / Country Media, Inc.

Tina Kotek listens to members of the audience during a campaign visit in Newport.

Herb Swett / The Chronicle

St. Helens Senior Center Activities Coordinator Lynda Heller showed items that were donated for the auction.

SHHS swim coach sees drive to succeed, strong numbers

“We

So said Amy Stobbe, St. Helens High School (SHHS) swimming coach, of a team that last year had the girls’ 200-yard relay go to state and several top swimmers in their strokes

SKATEPARK

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idea started when he was 9 and his father bought him and his siblings skateboards to let them know what was available to them besides electronics. Skateboarding for him soon went from a hobby to a lifestyle. He and his grandmother started a campaign for funding the project.

“I wanted to have a private skatepark,” An dre said, “but Grandma wanted a public one. For two months, I thought she was joking, but she told me, ‘We’re getting all these grants.’”

The group, which is going to nonprofit status, will have a 4,000-squarefoot building. Aldridge said total development cost is expected to be about $110,000. Contributions have included $25,000 from Columbia Ridge Communi ty Care, $15,000 from MK Diversity Group, $5,000 from an anonymous donor, and $500 from InRoads Credit Union.

Baldridge provided some of the funds by selling pumpkins she had grown. She said that pump kins that remained at the

go to district. The boys’ team was small and had to face teams with 20 boys.

This season, the SHHS team has 11 girls and eight boys at this writing.

“Our team will be utiliz ing both dry land practices and pool time,” Stobbe said. “We will work for

sportsmanship and com munity.”

The dryland workout is for building muscle and strength. It includes body weight exercises, physio band (a resistance device) strength training, timed sprints, extended distance drills for stamina, and kick

Stobbe sees all the schools in the A/3A/2A/1ASD3 Special District 3 as competition. The first meet will be a Dec. 10 home in vitational. Meets and indi viduals, including districts, will total 10.

Stobbe tells her swim mers walking in the door is

you in the pool and pushing for more.”

Showing up, Stobbe says, is a gift to her because it shows her the students want to work for success. She wants the swimmers to know the power of the word “yet,” telling them “You may not have that

“a

Fast Fact

always an adult present. Monitors will be high school students who can skate.”

The nearest indoor skatepark is in Northeast Portland, she said.

The City of St. Helens operates an outdoor skate park at McCormick Park on 18th Street.

Herb Swett may be reached at chronicle1@ countrymedia.net.

last year. Stobbe called him

phenomenal swimmer with talent in each stroke.”

Follow the SHHS swim teams’ meet results at osaa. com.

HERB SWETT Country Media, Inc.

Herb Swett / The Chronicle

Andre Arreola and his grandmother Marie Baldridge pose at the site of the indoor skatepark in St. Helens.

Herb Swett / The Chronicle Andre Arreola mounts his skate board.

Herb Swett / The Chronicle

Coach Stobbe gives instructions to her swimmers. Assistant Coach Pletch is in the center wearing the dark t-shirt.

Herb Swett / The Chronicle St. Helens swimmers in the water in their first pre-season practice this week.