State-issued 2-week freeze now in effect MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
In response to rising COVID-19 cases statewide, Gov. Kate Brown has issued a two-week freeze across Oregon. Starting today, Nov. 18, the state will enter a two-week freeze on social gatherings and certain business operations to curb the spread of the disease, Brown announced in a press conference Friday. Certain counties, like Multnomah, will be frozen longer. In Multnomah’s case it will be frozen for at least four weeks, and Brown said the freeze may be extended for other areas as well. The freeze comes one week after Brown announced a two-week pause on social activities in counties with high rates of cases. “Unfortunately, since then we’ve
seen an alarming spike in both cases and COVID-19 hospitalizations,” Brown said. “Today we top over 1,000 cases again.” On Thursday, Nov. 12, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported the highest one-day case count since the pandemic began, at 1,122 cases. On Friday the OHA announced 1,071 new cases. The high-count trend continued through the weekend, with daily numbers hovering around 1,000. Columbia County reported its highest number of new daily cases on Saturday, at 11. The previous record was eight. “The dreaded winter surge is here,” Brown said. The freeze is intended to reduce transmission of the virus and prevent more people from needing hospital services, which are at or nearing capacity in metropolitan areas, she said.
and medical spas) will remain open under strict guidelines and schools that continue to meet the metrics required to open will be allowed to stay open. Business:
gatherings) • Faith-based organizations are limited to 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors • No indoor visitation in longterm care facilities
“This isn’t just about COVID-19 patients,” Brown said. “The next time you need urgent care, the last thing you want to hear is the ambulance has nowhere to go.” What it means The key differences between this freeze and the stay-at-home order issued in March are that parks and playgrounds will remain open, personal services (like physical therapy
Must close:
• Work-from-home to the greatest extent possible • Restaurants and bars are delivery and take-out only • Grocery stores and pharmacies are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pick up • Retail stores and malls (both indoor and outdoor) are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pick up Social gatherings:
• Gyms and fitness centers • Indoor recreation facilities, museums, indoor and outdoor entertainment activities • Sports courts, indoor and outdoor pools, gardens • Aquariums, zoos, venues that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events The two-week period includes Thanksgiving, and people are asked to modify their Thanksgiving plans to follow the new restrictions,
• Limited to no more than six people total, from no more than two households (indoor and outdoor
See COVID-19 Page A4
City reviews size, cost of new public safety facility public safety facility, but that the needs assessment will help determine the size of the building. “From the size of the building, as of right now, we can only use construction estimates based on square footage,” Brown said. “Those estimates can range widely because of the type of structure and purpose of the building. So we are not ready to put a price on the building at this time. The next step is for Mackenzie to use their engineering team to put an engineering estimate on the building and that is the number the City will use to move forward with funding strategies.” The city also established a 21-member ad hoc committee which began meeting in October
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
New details are emerging concerning the City of St. Helens’ effort to build a public safety facility that would include the city’s police department, municipal court, city council chambers, a community room and a backup emergency operations center. In February, following a review of land for the project, the St. Helens City Council selected property at the intersection at Kaster Road and Old Portland Road for the site of the new facility. St. Helens Assistant City Administrator Matt Brown said the city has conducted a needs assessment to design a facility that will serve the long terms needs of the growing community.
Drawing courtesy of the City of St. Helens
This is a conceptual drawing of what the new St. Helens Public Safety Facility could look like. It would contain the city’s pubic safety departments, including the police department, municipal court and city council chambers.
“Based on this assessment, the facility will require a 21,000 square foot single-story building,” Brown said.
The City of St. Helens contracted with Mackenzie Architecture, a Portland-based engineering, design and planning
company, to conduct the needs assessment. Brown said the city has not yet determined the cost of the new
Small tornado hits St. Helens
See FACILITY Page A8
ing across the earth,” Macke said. While there have been no reports of injury, the tornado did cause damage to local homes in the path of the weather event. Two trees fell on Laurie and Gary Hallaian’s property off of Pittsburgh Road. One fell in the front, and the other toward the back side of the house. Both narrowly missed the house itself, but one destroyed part of the back deck. “Both windows are plastered in debris,” Laurie Hallaian said. A patch of fence dividing the Hallaians’ property with their neighbors was blown down as well, marking the storm’s trail. Neighbors in the area said they heard debris hitting their homes and saw a flurry of leaves swirling down, through the neighborhood. It’s thought the storm blew in from down toward McBride Elementary School where another tree was knocked over. NWS meteorologist David
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
A small tornado damaged nearby homes as it touched down in northwest St. Helens Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 10, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Shortly after the weather event, NWS Meteorologist Rebecca Muessle told The Chronicle that her agency had received video from a citizen that shows the tornado touching down and flying debris in the area. “Based on that video and reports from first responders on the scene, it appears that it has the characteristics that are looked for in a tornado,” she said. “We ask that if you see these rotating clouds, especially if they start to head to the ground, that you head indoors due to the possible danger.” Columbia River Fire & Rescue and the Columbia County Sher-
Monique Merrill / The Chronicle
The tornado sent trees down narrowly missing the home of Laurie and Gary Hallaian but damaging their deck off of Pittsburgh Road in St. Helens. See more photos and video at thechronicleonline.com.
iff’s Office also received reports of the tornado and respond to the scene. The NWS conducted a storm survey of the tornado following
the event and rated it as an EF-0, with a path length of 1.7 miles. NWS meteorology technician Gerald Macke said the tornado had wind speeds of 60 to 65 miles
per hour in the funnel cloud. “It was on the ground for an estimated six minutes and we are estimating 15 to 20 miles an hour is how fast the tornado was mov-
See TORNADO Page A8
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Migration: Who’s coming, who’s going?
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connections
Columbia County’s estimated annual in-migration from 2014 through 2018 was about 4,645. About 46% came from outside of Oregon. ERIK KNODER Chronicle Guest Article
Fewer people seemed to move to Northwest Oregon in 2019 compared with one year before. Population estimates from Portland State University indicate net in-migration of about 2,177 people to our region in 2019. This was down from 2,652 in 2018, and it mirrors the drop in net in migration that happened statewide. However, people are still moving in and out of Northwest Oregon. Where are these people are coming from and where are they going? The U.S. Census Bureau provides some answers for the years that Northwest Oregon was recovering from the Great Recession. Columbia County Migration Columbia County’s estimated annual in-migration from 2014 through 2018 was about 4,645. About 46% came from outside of Oregon. Washington and Multnomah counties each supplied more immigrants than any other single place. This is not surprising considering the large number of Columbia County residents who commute to jobs in those two counties.
Cowlitz and Clark counties in Washington are across the Columbia River and are part of Columbia County’s commute shed and important sources of migrants. Parts of Columbia County function as bedroom communities for the metro job market. Metro workers move to Columbia County to find affordable homes and more relaxed, small-town lifestyles. The distribution of people leaving Columbia County was dominated by people moving to surrounding counties. Clatsop, Multnomah, and Cowlitz counties were top destinations. Clatsop County Migration About 3,840 people per year moved into Clatsop County from 2014 through 2018. Roughly 54% of these people came from outside of Oregon, which is not too surprising considering Astoria’s appeal as a retirement destination. But most of the largest source counties were in nearby metro counties or in neighboring Washington State. Columbia and Washington counties were the top sources for people moving into Clatsop County. Nearby counties were popular destinations for people leaving Clatsop County, top destinations were two Portland metro area counties
– Washington and Multnomah counties. Roughly two-thirds of people who left Clatsop County also left the state. Lincoln County Migration Lincoln County had about 4,031 in migrants on average per year for the years 2014 through 2018, with 47% coming from out of state. Although Multnomah County was by far the largest single source, Lincoln County had a good variety of inmigration sources. Lincoln County attracted people from up and down the western U.S.: Washington, Texas, and California contributed a significant number of migrants to Lincoln County. About 3,252 people left the county annually from 2014 through 2018. About 35% of the out-migrants moved out of Oregon. Portland and nearby metro areas were common destinations, as were nearby states. Tillamook County Migration Tillamook County has a smaller population than the other counties in Northwest Oregon, and its migration is correspondingly smaller. Total in-migration was about 1,537 on average per year
from 2014 through 2018. About 63% of those Tillamook County immigrants came from other counties within Oregon and 37 percent came from other states or countries. Nearby counties contributed most to the county’s in-migration. Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon, and nearby Clark County in Washington were the top three sources for migrants. Tillamook County had the highest share of migrants coming from within the state out of all the Northwest Oregon counties. The distribution of people leaving Tillamook County was also directed mainly to other Oregon counties; only 30% of people leaving moved out of state. The most popular destination was Clackamas County, but other Portland metro counties and adjacent Clatsop County were popular as well as some out-of-state counties. From 2014 through 2018 an estimated 1,247 people left Tillamook County each year. Benton County Migration As the biggest county in Northwest Oregon, and home to Oregon State University, it is no surprise that Benton leads in migration. About 12,500 people per year on average moved
into the county from 2014 through 2018. Somewhat more surprising to many people may be that Asia was the third-largest single source of immigrants to the county. It would not be a surprise to Oregon State University administrators who know that 3,461 foreign students were enrolled in fall of 2019, with 1,390 of them from mainland China. About 800 people per year sacrificed their loyalty to the University of Oregon Ducks and moved from Lane County to their rival’s turf – home of the Beavers (Go Beavs!). Portland metro counties supply many of OSU’s students and that is reflected in the in-migration data; Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah were all major sources of migrants. Migration from Benton County was more typical; most people moved to nearby counties and metro areas. Adjacent Linn County was the top destination by a wide margin. About 1,760 people moved there in an average year. Nearly 9,400 people in total moved from Benton County annually from 2014 through 2018. A Little Salt Migration estimates at the county level should be
taken with a grain of salt. For many county-to-county estimates the margin of error is slightly larger than the estimate. This can lead to some questionable estimates, especially for the out-of-state counties. It would be quite surprising if 272 people moved every year from Lincoln County to DeKalb County, Missouri as the estimates report. It is more probable that a group or family moved one year and they all got included in the sample, and skewed the results, especially since the margin of error on this particular estimate is 282. Still, the results generally show that adjacent counties and nearby metro areas are most important when examining migration patterns. One clear value of the migration data is that it serves as a reminder of how mobile our society is. And more specifically, how mobile our workforce is. See more the migration graphs for Clatsop, Benton, Lincoln and Tillamook Counties with this story at the chronicleonline.com. Erik Knoder is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He may be reached at 541-351-5595.
COVID ‘Grinch’ on Christmas tree sales JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The COVID-19 impact will affect the estimated multi million Oregon Christmas tree sales and operations, according to Oregon State University Extension Service Christmas tree specialist professor Chal Landgren. “COVID will have an impact on both retail and U-cut sales this year,” Landgren said. “Impacts, like so many issues related to COVID, will really only be known after the season. Fires may impact seedling availability down the road as so many nurseries are growing trees to reforest burned areas.” Landgren said statewide there has been drop in the number of Christmas tree growers. “Those who remain are finding that prices are up and the supply is down,” he said. According to the latest figures from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, In 2015, Oregon Christmas tree growers cut and sold 4.7 million trees, down 26% from 2010. The gross sales for 2015 totaled $84.5 million, and the average price per tree was $17.90. This is the first time this study was repeated since 2011. There were 41,223 acres growing Christmas trees, down 28% from 2010, with nine counties making up the majority of the acres. The two largest counties growing trees were
Clackamas County with 11,512 acres growing trees and Marion County with 10,571 acres. At the Landgren Christmas Tree Farm in Warren, co-owner Sue Landgren said the farm will not be open for u-cut service this holiday due to the pandemic. “We regret that we won’t have the u-cutting available because of COVID,” she said. “We have many u-cut customers and we love them but this is not a safe year for the u-cutting.” Jerry Reinhold owner of Trenholm Tree Farm, at 62313 S. Canaan Road in St. Helens, said he was undecided about the specifics of his 12-acre noble tree sales, but he said he was considering a plan that would closely follow the state’s pandemic health and safety guidelines. “I likely will sell them pretty cheap,” he said. “One price at $50. The COVID rules have to be strictly followed. It’s not about the money.” Reinhold said the sales would begin the day after Thanksgiving and closely follow social distancing requirements and guidelines. Darlene Marquardt owner of Marquardt Farms, at 53680 McKay Drive in Scappoose, said she will be offering both u-cut and lot trees. “But we have changed things up due to COVID,” she said. “We normally offer hot chocolate and cider with the tree sales but this year we Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
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The sale of Christmas trees, at local lots, and from cut-your-own farms begin in earnest the day after Thanksgiving. But the operations will be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
are not doing that and we are following social distancing.” Tree customers can pay in person as well as through a self-paid station as well at the Marquardt farm and the gift shop will be open with
limited customer access due to social distancing requirements. Marquardt said pre-cut tree prices will range from $25 to $70 depending on the tree and its size. U-cut pric-
es will be $25 for Douglas firs and $35 for other trees. Oregon Christmas Tree Growers Association President Tom Norby, of Trout Creek Tree Farm in Corbett, said the most popular Christmas tree sought by consumers continues to be the noble fir. “It has great long term keep-ability in a home,” he said, “and it also has very good needle retention.” Growing in popularity is the Nordman fir, or it’s nearly identical cousin the Turkish fir. Both have the same qualities as the noble, according to Norby. “They take about another year to get to maturity but there are some other positive grower aspects to the species,” he said. “They are starting to do a lot more research on this tree, so look for its presence to grow in the marketplace.” The Douglas fir, while not sustaining the keepability, has a very distinctive scent and will be available at a much lower price point, Norby said, adding that
Oregon’s grand fir is losing favor with many tree farmers due to particular aspects to growing it and its lower profit margin. Norby said a few growers this year reported having some interior needle issues on some of their noble fir trees. “My guess is it is mostly related to the trees being stressed by a long and mostly dry summer,” Norby said. “At this point it does not look like this will effect supply as there are enough good trees to fill customers orders.” As to why Christmas trees have such appeal, Norby gave The Chronicle this response. “Christmas trees have their roots in pagan history when they would use greenery in their mid-winter celebrations,” he said. “In modern times, I think it has to do with bringing a little green and life into the home in the depths of winter that makes us feel good. It is a reminder that spring will come again.”
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020
In-person classes set to resume in January JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The St. Helens and Scappoose School Districts have announced that in-person instruction is expected to resume in January under the state and local pandemic safety guidelines. “The call is out for Columbia County to come together (by way of social distancing) to make it our collective priority to get our kids back to school by January 4,” St. Helens School District Superintendent Scot Stockwell and Scappoose School District Tim Porter said in a join letter to parents issued Thursday, Nov. 12. Stockwell and Porter said they are closely following the Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) planned guidance and metrics review process, which includes updated metrics Columbia County must meet to return to in-person instruction. According to the ODE, a key lesson from the review
of national school data is that Oregon school districts can help protect student and staff health and well-being during in-person instruction when community spread is sufficiently low and when school districts strictly adhere to the health and safety protocols now in place in Oregon. While Oregon has experienced a recent spike in COVID cases, the metrics set forth by the ODE, working closely with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), have set goals that each county has met previously. Work conducted by public health authorities across the state, including Columbia County’s own Public Health Department, has learned many of these cases and contacts were tied to small gatherings, where practical COVID-related safety measures were too relaxed, the superintendents’ letter reads. “The current spike appears to be driven more by social and family gatherings where people let their guard down because they
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connections
Columbia County School Districts are moving to resume limited inperson instruction.
are comfortable with those they are around,” St. Helens School District Superintendent Scot Stockwell said. “We are all feeling COVID fatigue at this time, yet if we don’t maintain good social distancing and wear masks, we put all of the sacrifices we’ve already made at risk of being worthless.” Columbia County Public
Health Director Michael Paul said he and his department have heard from people in all age groups and walks of life who had admittedly failed to appreciate how contagious COVID-19 is. Others have had a household member bring the virus home. The superintendents’ letter also states that the two
school districts will continue to monitor local COVID-19 metrics and keep students, families and the community updated about the reopening plans. “We draw a significant portion of our staff from Washington County and Multnomah County, in addition to a majority of our community commuting to these counties for work, so we are required to monitor metrics from those counties as well,” Porter and Stockwell wrote. “Our public health department monitors neighboring counties’ testing and hospital capacity to help us decide whether or not it’s safe to open since we rely on these regional systems.” Clatskanie School District Superintendent Kathy Hurowitz had announced last week that the district would resume K-3rd grade in-class instruction on Monday, Nov. 16, but on Friday, Nov. 13, Hurowitz announced on the elementary school’s Facebook page that the school will be respecting the state’s two-week freeze
and not open. The school will continue to do distance learning and district officials will revisit the decision on Dec. 2, when the freeze is scheduled to be lifted. “We will follow the guidance of the governor, Oregon Department of Education, and our local health authority,” Hurowitz wrote. “We are very saddened by this change of course. We know that students and families have been looking forward to returning to school soon.” The Chronicle also raced out to the Rainier School District for a response about the governor’s pause and any new details about that district’s in-class instruction plans, but not receive a reply at press time. For more information about the “Ready Schools, Safe Learners” guidance, visit: www.oregon.gov/ode/ students-and-family/healthsafety/Pages/Planning-forthe-2020-21-School-Year. aspx.
Elks donate $14,500 to local groups STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Courtesy photo
St. Helens Senior Center donation from left to right is St. Helens Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Naomi Mikesell, St. Helens Senior Center Executive Director Kathy Innocenti, and St. Helens Elks Lodge Grant Coordinator Randall Culver.
The St. Helens Elks Lodge has announced $14,500 in local grants approved by the Elks National Foundation for donations in support of nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A $2,000 grant and one for $3,500 have been approved to support the St. Helens Senior Center. The St. Helens Senior Center usually provides free lunches to about 163 senior citizens living in the community, this includes approximately 25 veterans. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the center has been forced to postpone its
lunch services and other activities until guidance changes on social gatherings. However, center’s staff and kitchen volunteers have been busy preparing meals for home delivery to seniors and veterans. Two other grants, one for $2,000 and one for $2,500 will assist in operating expenses of the Elks Veterans Bunker dedicated to support and assist local veterans. Another Elks grant for $2,000 will assist with purchasing farm equipment for a project coordinated by the Elks Veterans Bunker, called Farming for Freedom. The project hopes to provide outreach and education to veterans in Columbia County’s rural
areas through the unique platform of small-scale sustainable agriculture. From all produce grown, 20% will be donated to local area food banks and the St. Helens Senior Center to support meals for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Farming for Freedom offers veterans of all eras the opportunity to learn a variety of new skills, build strong community and interpersonal relationships, bring awareness to veteran’s issues, and build a sense of belonging, accomplishment, and camaraderie that comes with working the dirt with your hands. Elks Lodge Grant Coordinator Randy Culver wrote and submitted the grants.
Courtesy photo
Elks Veterans Bunker donation from left to right are Janette Schwartz (volunteer), Randall Culver (St. Helens Elks Lodge Grant Coordinator), Alta Lynch (Elks Veterans Bunker Director), Naomi Mikesell (St. Helens Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler), and Eddie Querner (volunteer).
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Electricity restored following outages Electricity has been restored following power outages triggered by the windy weekend weather in areas of Columbia County. Columbia River PUD reported a large tree falling through power lines in the Dalton Lake area on Saturday afternoon, causing a power outage to 206 customers. Windy weather also triggered outages for 281 customers in the Fern Hill area. The large tree caused substantial damage, breaking wire and cross arms. It fell in an area not accessible by vehicle, so PUD linemen carried in their gear by hand and climbed power poles to replace the cross arms and splice the wire. Before they could begin repair work, they first had to cut up the large tree to remove it from the power lines. “Given everything they
were dealing with, they got the power back up really fast,” PUD Operations Manager Kurt Nasshahn said. Power was restored to customers in St. Helens and Columbia City around 12:45 a.m. on November 15. The size and location of the tree made restoration a lengthy process. It also made identifying the cause of the outage a simple process. Determining a trouble spot along Fern Hill Road was not as easy. PUD crews patrolled the lines in heavy fog and never found any trees or wire that had come down. There were lots of branches on the ground, however. One of them likely fell onto a power line and stayed there long enough to cause the outage. When crews attempted to re-energize the area, the fuses were overloaded, causing the power to go back out. Crews ultimately isolated sections of line and were able to successfully restore power in
intervals. Power was restored to 189 customers at 1 a.m., and the remaining 92 customers had power at 2:35 a.m. The wind that blew through the area caused two other outages in the PUD’s service territory. Eighty-six customers on Beaver Springs Road were without power for a little more than two hours, and 12 customers on Larson Road were without power from 4:35 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. All five outages were initially reported between 4:14 p.m. and 4:35 p.m. on November 14.
COVID-19
will suffer for weeks, if not months; many will wind up in hospitals.”
too late to make a difference,” Brown said. “We can substantially reduce spread of the virus and flatten the curve.” The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems issued a release voicing support for the new measures, written by President and CEO Becky Hultberg. “With COVID-19 cases soaring across the state, it is imperative that we act now to preserve hospital capacity,” Hultberg said. “If we are not able to slow the spread of COVID-19 now, hospital capacity for all Oregonians could be threatened as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to grow, jeopardizing the availability of care for us all. Cancer patients need treatments; those with injuries need physical rehabilitation; those in chronic pain need surgery.” She acknowledged the difficulty on further limiting social interactions with friends and family this far into the pandemic, but said the measures are essential steps toward reducing the spread and bringing back normal life.
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
From Page A1
which permit gatherings of only six people from two households total, Brown said. In a departure from earlier restrictions, Brown said she has instructed the Oregon State Police to collaborate with local police departments to enforce the gathering limitations. She said it is up to the officers’ discretion, but a violation is a Class C misdemeanor, which can carry a fine of up to $1,250 and 30 days in jail. “We have not previously chosen to engage law enforcement, but at this point in time unfortunately we have no other choice,” she said. Unlike the first time restrictions were imposed to combat the spread of the virus in Oregon, this time around there are no federal benefits to support an influx of people on unemployment, nor are there any payroll assistance programs for businesses. By the numbers The state saw 5,177 new cases last week, which State Health Officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger said is a 46% increase over the previous week’s record high count of just over 3,500 cases. “COVID-19 is spreading at an escalating and alarming rate,” Sidelinger said. The percent of positive cases also jumped to a record high of 11.9%, he said. In a one-week span (from Monday, Nov. 9, to Sunday, Nov. 15) there were 45 cases of COVID-19 reported in Columbia County. As of Thursday, Nov. 12, there were 30 people considered currently infectious in the county. The total number of cases reported in the county is 357 as of Monday. Two pandemic-related deaths have occurred in the county, one in early August and the other in early October. Statewide, there have been 56,880 cases since the pandemic began and 761 deaths. The root of the spread is traced back to social gatherings in many cases, Sidelinger said. Large and small informal gatherings, like house parties or at-home hang outs spread the virus to households and workplaces at a rate that state health organizations are having trouble keeping up with. Continued spread will cause a continued and increased strain on the state’s hospitals, he said. “While it’s true that many recover quickly, some do not,” Sidelinger said. “Some
Hospital capacity The concern heading into the winter is that hospitals will not be able to keep up with the growing demand, as many have already neared capacity. “We know that slightly less than 20% of these Oregonians diagnosed today will become ill enough to require hospitalization in the next two to three weeks. Some will die,” said Renee Edwards, chief medical officer (CMO) at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). “ As a state we are now on an exponential upward slope that has been seen in COVID-19 surges around the country and around the world.” There are four intensive care units (ICUs) at OHSU and all are operating at greater than 90% capacity, Edwards said. It means there are limited additional ICU beds available to care for patients, including many who are are critically ill with conditions aside from COVID-19. “OHSU is not alone in this struggle. Every ICU in the Portland metro area is either full or nearly full,” she said. Some hospitals had already started to voluntarily reduce elective surgeries to save beds for COVID-19 patients, like Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria. Dr. Jeff Grebosky, CMO of Asante Hospital southern Oregon, said the hospital has seen a 162% rise in cases/ hospitalizations over the past few weeks at a Nov. 10 press conference. Hospitals in central Oregon are growing concerned as well, said Dr. Jeff Absalon, CMO of St. Charles Hospital in Bend. Absalon said case counts and hospitalizations are doubling and the hospital is reaching the highest level of patients since the pandemic began, which is putting a strain on staff. “If you do your part to slow the spread of this virus, you are directly helping our frontline healthcare workers,” Absalon said. “Many of these workers are balancing full time work with parenting and teaching responsibilities in this current environment. We need them rested, we need them available to help you and all of those in need when care is necessary.” The surge of cases around the country means that Oregon will not be able to look toward other states to share staff and beds, Brown said. “We’re asking everyone to take action now. It’s not
About Columbia River PUD Columbia River PUD provides electric service to 19,590 meters in Columbia and Multnomah Counties. The PUD currently employs 44 people and had a total operating and non-operating income of $35.2 million in 2019.
Tri-state travel advisories Prior to Brown’s twoweek freeze announcement, she and the governors of California and Washington issued travel advisories urging visitors entering their states or returning home from travel in these states to selfquarantine to slow the spread of the virus. The advisories urge against non-essential, out-ofstate travel ask people to self quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country, and encourage residents to stay local. “COVID-19 does not stop at state lines. As hospitals across the West are stretched to capacity, we must take steps to ensure travelers are not bringing this disease home with them,” Brown said. “If you do not need to travel, you shouldn’t. This will be hard, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner. But the best way to keep your family safe is to stay close to home.” The advisories define essential travel as travel for work, study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security. For local business reactions see page A7. Follow daily pandemic updates at thechronicleonline. com and in-depth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.
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Voices of the Community Appreciate the president’s support I served along the Iron Curtain in Germany from March 1978 to November 1980 and my wife lived under Soviet Socialism for 41 years until 1991 when the Soviets left Latvia. While Latvia has struggled to rebuild its economy and nation, it has managed to pay it’s 2% GDP NATO fund requirement since joining while Germany, the EU’s richest country, has barely paid 1% and also received millions from the U.S. for the use of its military bases. Under President Trump’s leadership Germany has been forced to pay a larger share and more U.S. forces have been deployed to the eastern countries of the EU, i.e. Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. While this leadership goes under reported by the national media in the U.S. it means a great deal to those who call these countries home. My wife still owns her flat in Riga, which we consider our second home, where the Russian border is only 151 miles to the east and the border with Belarus is only 136 miles southeast. We may not like President Trumps’s style of
communication (i.e. trash talking, name calling and tweets) but we truly appreciate his support for our family and friends who live in these countries. Currently there is political upheaval in Belarus which endangers all of eastern Europe but not much is being reported here at home, sad. Joe Turner Columbia City
Donations needed for foster care We are gearing up for another holiday season here in Child Welfare. We need your help to pull this off. Our amazing community partners are coming together to help us make the holidays a little brighter for children and families impacted by foster care here in our community. Riverside Community Outreach along with St. Helens Elks, Scappoose High School’s Dude Be Nice Group and ODHS will be filling a holiday box full of holiday cheer and delivering it to foster youth in Columbia County. This year due to COVID-19 restrictions and closures we are doing virtual trees. Riverside Community
Outreach and Every Child NW Oregon are hosting a virtual giving tree for families impacted by foster care in Columbia County. Each item listed on this wish list is for a specific child or teen. Thank you for helping us make this holiday season special for families impacted by foster care in our community. We need your help to get the word out to our community that our trees have gone virtual for 2020. Here is what you can do: • Share this link on your social media: www. amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/28JH8AGGO4DDD ?ref_=wl_share • Forward this link to your friends, relatives and community partners: www.amazon. com/hz/wishlist/ls/28JH8 AGGO4DDD?ref_=wl_share • Purchase a gift from the list: www.amazon.com/hz/ wishlist/ls/28JH8AGGO4D DD?ref_=wl_share Please note: All gifts purchased from this list must have a delivery date of Dec. 14 so that we can get them in time to deliver them by Dec. 19. Columbia County Child Welfare
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Obituaries Mildred Winger Mickey Mildred Winger Mickey, age 99, passed away Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 in St. Helens, Oregon. Mildred was born in Kearney, Wyoming on Aug. 5, 1921 to John and Mabel Songer. She was the third of the four daughters born to the Songer’s. Around the age of ten years old Mildred moved to Arizona with her mother and three sisters, Katherine, Gertrude and Helene. At the age of 16 she married Robert G. Mickey and the following year had their daughter Florence. Soon after Florence was born, they moved to St. Helens, Oregon. Mildred and Bob had three more children together, Don, John, Ann Marie, and a son, Phil that Bob had from a previous marriage. Mildred was a very loving mother to all five of the children. She was a stay-at-home mom until the death of her husband. Family and friends have countless memories of her cooking wonderful meals on the wood burning cookstove, anything from the Thanksgiving turkeys that she would steam for hours on top of the cookstove and then later brown in the oven, to the
bacon for breakfast, fresh vegetables from her bountiful gardens, and breads and cinnamon rolls. Her grandchildren cherish the memories of sitting on the stool next to the cookstove eating toast while grandma worked her magic on the cookstove. Mildred always had a bountiful garden, it produced enough for her to be able to can enough food for her family to last until the following year, frequently even more. Mildred enjoyed canning, she would often leave her canned goods on the kitchen counter for a few weeks just to admire her hard work, it was also pretty to look at. For Mildred being a stayat-home mom also meant taking care of the family farm. Milking her Jersey cow daily, feeding and caring for the chickens (which were another fond memory for many), the goats, rabbits, and Ma cat, as well as many others. Once those morning chores were done, she would then use the milk to make things like butter and cottage cheese that the family would eat at their meals together. While caring for the chickens if there was a broody hen
Aug. 5, 1921 ~ Nov. 2, 2020
that had abandoned her nest, she would gather the eggs and keep them warm by the cookstove until they hatched. There was always laundry to be done and this was a very time-consuming process because she washed all of the laundry by hand with a wringer washer and then would hang to dry. After the passing of her husband Bob, Mildred became the cook at the local Yankton School for several years. Many children passed through her lunch line and remembered her kind words and warm smile. Mildred was an avid seamstress; she would sew and mend for her family.
Susan L. Riley
March 9, 1956 ~ Nov. 12, 2020 Susan L. Riley passed away peacefully in her sleep early on Nov 12, 2020. She was born on Mar. 9, 1956, in St. Helens, Oregon. She graduated from St. Helens High School in 1975. Susan proceeded to study accounting at PCC, graduating with an associate degree in 1978. While in college, she met her future husband, Jerry Riley, marrying him on Dec. 17, 1977. As a military family they traveled the world together. In her free time as
a 4H leader she helped raise rabbits and train dogs. She also volunteered at the library at St. Helens High School. Proceeding her in death was her daughter Crystal; son James; and her mother and father Sylvia and Lewis Halstead. Surviving Susan in life is her loving husband Jerry Riley; son Jason Riley; and daughter-in-law Kimberly Riley. A graveside service will be held on Nov. 23, 2020.
Mable Wolfe
Aug. 5, 1931 ~ Nov. 9, 2020
Mable Wolfe, 89, of Rainier, Oregon passed away on Nov. 9, 2020 in Beaverton, Oregon.
Monthly she would join a local group of ladies for what they called the “Stitch and Chatter Club” where they would gather to do just that. Not only was she an avid seamstress, but she loved to read books, magazines, and her favorite flower catalogs where she would spend many hours choosing and ordering the perfect irises to add to her large iris collection in her front yard. It was not uncommon to find her working and tending to the row upon row of irises that she meticulously planted and cross pollinated to create new types and colors. Every Sunday you would find Mildred at the First Methodist Church in St. Helens. She was a very involved member there for most of her life. She especially loved to listen to the music and sing with the others while enjoying listening to the sermon. Often you would find Mildred working in the booth that the church had at the Columbia County Fair or helping to serve and cook the BBQ chicken at the Salmon Days parade in St. Helens. She enjoyed attending the monthly potluck after church
service as well as meeting fellow members at the Kozy Korner for soup on nonpotluck days. Grandchildren were a very important part of her life, she tried to be as involved as she could. She was the type of grandmother that would give her grandchildren rides on her back as if she was a horse when they were little. She took pride in teaching them how to raise and care for chickens and other animals to show at the Columbia County Fair with the hope of winning ribbons, taught them to garden, and when they were older enjoyed sitting by the fireplace sipping black coffee visiting with them about their lives. One of the things that Mildred enjoyed the most was going to the Sunshine Pizza restaurant in town and treating the kids to lunch. She would heap her plate and tray as high as she could with the fresh fruits and veggies at the salad bar, one of her favorites though was the breadsticks! Other favorite family memories were the delicious homemade ice cream that she would make for the 4th of July picnics
and the feel of her silkysmooth floral blouses on your skin when she would give you a big hug. She was the grandmother who never forgot a birthday, she would always send a card with $5. Mildred was a wealth of information that she enjoyed sharing with those she loved. Her friends and family will always remember her loving ways and her kindness towards others and animals. Mildred is survived by her son Phil Mickey; daughter M. Florence MacWilliams; grandchildren, Sherroll Yurs, John Mickey, Cindy Lambert, Bobby Usher, Jim Usher, David Usher, Lisa Stanley, Lori Bailey, Sherry Mickey, Catina Mickey, Jessie Carter, Bobbi Mickey, Salina Daughtery, and Colt Davis; many great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Mickey; sons, John and Don Mickey; daughter Ann Marie Mickey; and grandsons, Ricky Usher, Kelly Usher, and Jordy MacWilliams. A celebration of Mildred’s life will be held at a later date.
William “Bill” Walker On Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 Bill passed away at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland at the age of 85, with his wife Carolyn by his side holding his hand. Bill was born on May 6, 1935, in Warren, Ohio to Ray and Dorothy Walker. His family soon relocated to St. Helens, Oregon, and he graduated St. Helens High School in 1954. A few years later Bill met and married his wife Carolyn, and they had recently celebrated 63 years of marriage together. Together they had two children, Terri and Julie.
May 6, 1935 – Nov. 9, 2020
Bill was employed at Boise Cascade for 34 years. He loved to travel and go on cruises with his wife, collect antiques, and
took great pride in maintaining and mowing his yard, and even his neighbor’s yard! He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Dorothy Walker; sister Jean Loggan; and brother John Walker. Bill is survived by his wife Carolyn; daughters, Terri Steinert of White Salmon, Washington; Julie Hannigan of Phoenix, Arizona; and grandson Jake Hannigan of Washington D.C. As a life-long resident of St. Helens, Bill will be missed dearly by many. No services will be held.
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Classifieds Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com
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502
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tal shrubberies, chipping, senior or veterans discount, free estimates. CCB# 217173 Lic., Bonded & Insured. 503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274
tenance Supervisor at St. Helens” on Craigslist. You can also send your resume to opportu nity@crrealestate. com.
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Perform such other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager and/or Board of Directors from time to time. Knowledge and Skills: Strong administrative skills, recreational aquatic programming skills, leadership and managerial skills, pool maintenance and water chemistry skills and good public relation skills are a must. Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures and equipment used in daily outdoor pool operations helpful. Work with pool related chemicals and be familiar with state and Federal regulations regarding outdoor pool operations. Experience and Training: Experience preferred. Or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between applicant and Board of Directors to obtain the required and suggested certifica-
tions for the position; First-Aid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can pick up an application at: 365 S Nehalem St., Clatskanie OR (offices of Dennis R. Conner, CPA). Or you can request an application by phone at 503-728-2038 or by email at cyndi@ dconnercpa.com. If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 503-728-2038. Applications with resumes will be accepted until Monday, November 30, 2020 at 3:00 pm.
Cleaning Services
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C&R Real Estate Services is looking to hire a Maintenance SUPER for St. Helens Place Apt Homes! The On-Site Maintenance SUPER will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance staff, physical assets, general maintenance repairs, safety issues and more! To learn more about this position or to apply, search “Main-
Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is looking for a POOL MANAGER. Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications and resumes for a Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Train, manage and evaluate approximately 20 lifeguards; beginning in February and continuing into September. Plan, organize and schedule programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Be responsible for scheduling adequate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, water chemistry and mechanical operation of the pool for youth and families in our District. Maintain pool and employee records.
Wanted Autos
The City of St. Helens is hiring a POLICE CORPORAL. See website for details: www.sthelens oregon.gov/jobs. Open Until Filled. First Review Deadline: 11/18/20. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Ca$h 4 Car$
$Drake’s Towing is now paying TOP Cash$ 4 Junk Cars!!! we buy junk/broken cars,
trucks, vans, heavy equip. top $$ paid to $200
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ESTATE SALE HELP 30 years experience with references. No money up front. We work on commission. We can save you work, help sell your items, or buy it out completely. Let us help you do your estate sale. Please call Darlene @ 503-308-2764 or Dan @ 503-3082759.
Wanted: Looking for Room for Rent. One bedroom for rent wanted. $400/ month. Ask for David at 503-397-6800.
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Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY www.thechronicleonline.com Waterman Garage Doors
CCB#204858
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Scott Waterman Owner
503.819.6715 St. Helens, OR 97051
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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CH20-1535 UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON In re: Chapter 11 PNW HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS, LLC, et al., Lead Case No. 19-43754-MJH Debtors (Jointly Administered) NOTICE OF HEARING ON CONFIRMATION OF CHAPTER 11 PLAN PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Debtors in the above-captioned chapter 11 cases are: PNW Healthcare Holdings, LLC; North Auburn Health, LLC dba North Auburn Rehabilitation & Health Center; Sequim Health, LLC dba Sequim Health & Rehabilitation; Bremerton Health, LLC dba Bremerton Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center; Crestwood ConvalescentPort Angeles, LLC dba Crestwood Health & Rehabilitation Center; Fir Lane Health-Shelton, LLC dba Fir Lane Health & Rehabilitation Center; Forest Ridge Health-Bremerton, LLC dba Forest Ridge Health & Rehabilitation Center; Meadow Park Health-St Helen, LLC dba Meadow Park Health & Specialty Care Center; Cherrywood Place-Spokane, LLC dba Cherrywood Place; Riverside Nursing-Centralia, LLC dba Riverside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; PNW Master Tenant I, LLC (9824); Franklin Hills Health-Spokane, LLC dba Franklin Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center; Aldercrest Health-Edmonds, LLC dba Aldercrest Health & Rehabilitation Center; PNW Master Tenant II, LLC; Gardens on University-Spokane Valley, LLC dba The Gardens on University; Puget Sound Healthcare-Olympia, LLC dba Puget Sound Healthcare Center; Care Center East HealthPortland, LLC dba Care Center East Health & Specialty Care Center; LaCrosse Health-Coeur d’Alene, LLC dba LaCrosse Health & Rehabilitation Center; Ivy Court-Coeur d’Alene, LLC dba Ivy Court; Cornerstone Healthcare Services, LLC; and CRN Pool, LLC. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT the above-listed Debtors are seeking confirmation by the Bankruptcy Court of their Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, the Debtors’ First Amended Plan of Reorganization Dated November 10, 2020 (as modified, amended, or supplemented from time to time, the “Plan”) PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT, on November 10, 2020, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington (the “Court”) entered an order (the “Disclosure Statement Order”) approving the Disclosure Statement to Accompany First Amended Plan of Reorganization Dated November 10, 2020 (the “Disclosure Statement”) with respect to the Plan. Copies of the Plan and Disclosure Statement are available on the Debtors’ chapter 11 case website at https://omniagentsolutions.com/PNWHealthcare/. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT objections to confirmation of the Plan or proposed modifications to the Plan, if any, must (i) be in writing, (ii) state the name and address of the objecting party and the amount and nature of the claim or interest of such party, (iii) state with particularity the basis and nature of any objection or proposed modification to the Plan, and (iv) be filed, together with proof of service, with the Court and served so as to be actually received by counsel for the Debtors, Foley & Lardner LLP, 555 S. Flower St., 33rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 (Attn: Ashley McDow), and counsel for the Creditors’ Committee, Troutman Pepper LLP, 3000 Two Logan Square, Eighteenth and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Attn: Francis Lawall and Don Detweiler), no later than December 7, 2020 (the “Objection Deadline”). PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT the deadline to vote on the Plan is December 7, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. (PT) (the “Voting Deadline”). If you believe you should be entitled to vote on the Plan and did not receive a Solicitation Package, including a Ballot, you may request a solicitation package and Ballot by: (i) writing to PNW Healthcare Holdings, LLC, PNW Ballot Processing, c/o Omni Agent Solutions, 5955 De Soto Avenue, Suite 100, Woodland Hills, CA 91367; (ii) emailing at: PNWHealthcareBallots@OmniAgnt.com; and/or (iii) calling Omni at (866) 662-2072. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT the hearing (the “Confirmation Hearing”) to consider the confirmation of the Plan shall be held on December 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (PT) before the Honorable Mary Jo Heston, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington. Telephonic Hearing Dial-In Information: Dial: 1-888-363-4749, Enter Access Code: 5635947#, Press the # sign, Enter Security Code when prompted: 3887#, Speak your name when prompted PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the claim or claims of any potential creditor or claimant, whose claim or claims were not scheduled and who has not filed a proof of claim, may be barred unless the creditor or claimant acts prior to the Objection Deadline. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT Article XII of the Plan contains Release, Exculpation, and Injunction provisions. Thus, you are advised to review and consider the Plan carefully because your rights might be affected thereunder. BINDING NATURE OF THE PLAN: IF CONFIRMED, THE PLAN SHALL BIND ALL HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH HOLDER WILL RECEIVE OR RETAIN ANY PROPERTY OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY UNDER THE PLAN, HAS FILED A PROOF OF CLAIM IN THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES, OR FAILED TO VOTE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN OR VOTED TO REJECT THE PLAN.
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CH20-1527
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of DONALD GILBERT URIE, SR, Deceased. Case No. 20PB07506 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Gina Louise Matney has been appointed
and has qualified as the personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Gina Louise Matney, personal representative, at
2005 Saint Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional
information from the records of the court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative, Mark J. Lang, 2005 Saint Helens St, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published:
November 11, 2020. /s/ Mark J. Lang, Mark J. Lang, OSB#973116 Attorney for Personal Representative 2005 Saint Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 410-5238 Published: November 11, 18, and 25, 2020.
CH20-1518
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of: MICHAEL KEELER, Deceased. Case No. 20PB06860 LIMITED JUDGMENT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF INTESTATE ESTATE AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE WITH FULL POWERS On the
Petition of Terrence Keeler for the administration of the above-named decedent, the Court finds the allegations of the Petition to be true. There is no just reason for delay in entering judgment. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that: (a) The estate
is admitted to administration; (b) Terrence Keeler is appointed as personal representative of the estate with full powers; and (c) Letters of Administration will be issued to the personal representative in the manner provided by
law upon the filing and approval of a bond in the amount of $310,000.00. CERTIFICATE OF READINESS (UTCR 5.100) 4. Service is not required pursuant to subsection (3) of this rule, or by statute, rule, or otherwise. DATED: October 1, 2020. Chris
Burnett, OSB No. 992311, Attorney for Personal Representative chris@burnettlawpc. com. Personal Representative, Terrence Keeler. Burnett Law, P.C. 1915 NE Stucki Avenue, Suite 400 Hillsboro, OR 97006 Phone: 503-3524272.
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Public Notices CH20-1533
CH20-1531
PUBLIC NOTICE – INVITATION TO BID 55’ DOUBLE NOTICE OF WORKSHOP BUCKET TRUCK COLUMBIA RIVER PUD The Fair Board will hold The workshop will be in Notice is hereby given that Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) will receive sealed bids for the purchase of a 55’ Double Bucket Truck. Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on December 7, 2020, at which time the bids will be
publicly opened. The bids will be available for public inspection at the PUD office after the bid opening. No bids will be received after 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on the 7th day of December, 2020. All bids shall include a statement that those parties named in the bid are the only parties with an interest in the bid and that the bid is made without
any collusion with any other bidder, official or employee of the PUD. The bid documents and specifications may be examined at the office of the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Electronic copies of the bid documents may be obtained by sending a written request to bstaehely@crpud.org or by calling (503) 366-
3244. Columbia River PUD reserves the right to reject any and all bids that are not in compliance with the bid documents and prescribed public bidding procedures and to reject for good cause any or all bids upon a finding by the PUD that it is in the public interest to do so. Dated: November 12, 2020 at Columbia River People’s Utility District.
CH20-1534
Notice to Interested Persons, In the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Columbia County, No. 20PB07535 In re Daniel Philip Horine deceased. All persons having claims against the estate must present them within 4 months after the date of first publication
of this notice or they may be barred. The address for presenting claims is: Annette Louise Coyle, Pers. Rep. c/o Nell Hoffman Bonaparte, Attorney, Bonaparte &
Bonaparte, LLP, 620 SW Main Street, Suite 310, Portland, OR 97205. All persons whose rights may be affected by this proceeding may obtain additional
information from the records of the court or from the personal representative or their attorney. Date of first publication November 18, 2020.
a workshop on November 19, 2020 in place of the November 26th, 2020 workshop due to the holiday.
the Pavilion at 6:30 pm and has limited seating due to COVID-19, masks are required inside the building.
CH20-1532
SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENTS The Board of Commissioners for the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority is seeking public comments on its proposed Five (5) Year and Annual Plan. Written comments must be received no later than 2:00 pm PST on January 5, 2021. The Board will convene a public meeting on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 9:00 am, where the written comments will be introduced as well as verbal comments
accepted. Due to COVID-19, the meeting will be held virtually. A copy of the plan and a link to the meeting are posted at www.nwoha. org. To receive a printed copy of the plan, please contact us at (503) 8610119, (800) 927-9275 (TTD) or receptionist@nwoha.org. Copies of the plan have also been provided to all public library branches in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties.
The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.
Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
Local businesses restricted again MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Local businesses are again under restrictions following Gov. Kate Brown’s announcement of a twoweek freeze across the state to control the spread of COVID-19. Restaurants are limited to providing takeout only and for Plymouth Pub owner Brad Rakes, the restriction was a disappointing turn of events. “It’s disheartening,” he said. “But, we did it before and we can do it again.” In an interview prior to Brown’s announcement, Rakes said he had learned a lot from the first time his business was forced to close its doors to the public. When the first wave of restrictions took place back in March, he said it was a learning curve and he wasn’t sure what to do at first. He tried to do takeout for the first two days, which he said was slow, and then decided close for a week to figure out the next step. When he decided to reopen for takeout only, business took off. “It made me feel so good because you just don’t know how the community really feels until something like this happens,” he said. “It’s like ‘Wow, they do like us.’ Makes me feel good.”
When Columbia County moved to Phase 2 of the state’s three-phased reopening plan, and Rakes could bring diners back— both indoors and outside— he said business kept picking up. Plymouth Pub had more in sales this October than last year, which Rakes attributes in part to increased weekday visitors to the Spirit of Halloweentown display one block down at the county courthouse plaza. He said the addition of outdoor seating, which the pub didn’t have last year, likely also helped. Both takeout and inhouse dining were above the previous year, Rakes said. Now he’s limited to only provide takeout again and said he hopes it will go as well as it did before, but still has doubts. “It’s disappointing for sure. I wasn’t expecting to be shut down again,” Rakes said. With the holidays looming, Rakes is worried about the impact the freeze will have on some of his employees. Prior to the two-week freeze, Rakes had increased staffing to keep up with demand and increase sanitation and cleaning processes. Now, the front of house staff are laid off until the restaurant can open dining up again. “I just hope it’s two weeks,” he said. “Last time
it was two months. That’s what worries me.” The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) of Oregon issued a response to the two-week freeze announcement, expressing frustration that businesses are adversely affected by the restrictions which should be targeting the number one cause of spread: small, informal gatherings. “It simply doesn’t make any sense to further impose restrictions on businesses that provide safer, regulated spaces for Oregonians to engage in economic and social activities in masked and socially distanced atmospheres,” said Anthony Smith, state director of NFIB. “This approach will only prompt more Oregonians to seek out the same informal social gatherings that are driving the recent spread of the virus.” Jon Martin, owner of both the Clatskanie and St. Helens Anytime Fitness locations, said he too was disappointed to hear of the shutdown, but not surprised. The two-week freeze requires gyms to close completely, much like the earlier restrictions. “We were hoping it did not have to come to this, but we are understanding and supportive of this decision,” Martin said. Since the last shutdown,
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle
Anytime Fitness Gyms in St. Helens and Clatskanie will be forced to close under the governor’s twoweek pause.
the clubs have had about a 30% decrease in both usage and revenue, he said. During the first forced closure, the Paycheck Protection Program helped keep employees working and landlords were able to provide rent relief, this time it’s less certain what relief will be available. “The clubs will survive the next two weeks but a prolonged shutdown without government intervention will be difficult for us,” Martin said. Martin froze members bills during the first closure, but will keep billing as
usual during the two weeks unless specifically requested. He said if the closure continues past two weeks he will probably freeze all billing. “Many of our members have already expressed that they are not worried about the next two weeks and are happy to help us out,” Martin said. He said it’s rare for more than five people to work out at the same time in one center, and that the vast majority have followed the safety guidelines. “Exercise is such a great benefit both physically and
mentally for our members,” he said. “We will certainly miss them during any shutdown.” Rainier City Hall and library will be closed to the public during the freeze period, City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said. Staff will be present and can be made available by appointment if needed, he said. City buildings and offices in St. Helens, Scappoose, Columbia City and Vernonia remain closed to the public as well. Columbia County facilities are also closed to the public. Appointments can be arranged.
Oregon’s COVID-19 workplace rule Courtesy photo from Oregon OSHA
The rule is intended to further improve the current structure for reducing risks in the workplace by requiring several measures many employers have voluntarily implemented.
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) has adopted a temporary rule that combats the spread of coronavirus in all workplaces by requiring employers to carry out a comprehensive set of risk-reducing measures. The rule took effect Nov. 16, with certain parts phased in, and is expected to remain in effect until May 4, 2021. It is a continuation of the guidance produced by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and enforced in the workplace by Oregon OSHA, including physical distancing, use of face coverings, and sanitation. The rule is intended to further improve the current structure for reducing risks in the workplace by requiring several measures many employers have voluntarily implemented. For example, it requires employers to notify employees of a workplace infection and provide training to workers on how to reduce risks. Likewise, employers must formally assess the risk of exposure,
develop infection control plans and address indoor air quality within their current capability. “We believe compliance with this rule will help reduce the serious threat to workers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood said. “It does so by establishing a clear, practical, and consistent set of measures for employers.” Those measures – along with more requirements for exceptionally high-risk jobs, such as direct patient care – are part of Oregon OSHA’s ongoing enforcement and educational efforts to help protect workers from the coronavirus disease. Beginning in late June, the process to develop the temporary rule included more than a dozen virtual forums dealing with specific issues and industries before the first of four stakeholder review drafts was even developed. And each subsequent draft incorporated changes resulting from Oregon OSHA’s discussion with a large number of employer and worker representatives, as well as feedback from the public at large. Adoption of the temporary rule brings the requirements within the existing rulemaking authority of the Oregon Safe Employment Act. The law governs workplace safety and health in Oregon, including protections for a worker’s right to raise on-the-job health and safety concerns free from retaliation.
In the weeks ahead, Oregon OSHA will provide educational resources to help employers and workers understand and apply the requirements. Already, the division offers consultation services that provide no-cost assistance with safety and health programs and technical staff, who help employers understand requirements. The COVID-19 Hazards Poster – provided by the division and required by the temporary rule to be posted – is now available in both English and Spanish. And the division is providing a user-friendly overview table of the temporary rule, summarizing the requirements and how they apply, and showing the effective dates of the phased-in provisions. Oregon OSHA encourages a careful reading of the temporary rule, which includes an appendix that contains provisions for specific industries and workplace activities. The temporary rule requirements include: Physical distancing Employers must ensure six-foot distancing between all people in the workplace through design of work activities and workflow, unless it can be shown it is not feasible for some activities. Masks, face covering, or face shields Employers must ensure that all individuals – including employees, part-time workers and customers – at
the workplace, or other establishment under the employer’s control, wear a mask, face covering, or face shield in line with the OHA’s statewide guidance. Employers must provide masks, face coverings, or face shields for employees free of cost. If an employee chooses to wear a mask, face shield, or face covering – even when it is not required – the employer must allow them to do so. When employees are transported in a vehicle for work-related purposes, regardless of the travel distance or duration, all people inside the vehicle must wear a mask, face covering, or face shield. This requirement does not apply when all people in the vehicle are members of the same household. Ventilation Employers must maximize the effectiveness of existing ventilation systems, maintain and replace air filters, and clean intake ports providing fresh or outdoor air. The temporary rule does not require employers to purchase or install new ventilation systems. Exposure risk assessment Employers must conduct a risk assessment – a process that must involve participation and feedback from employees – to gauge potential employee exposure to COVID-19, including addressing specific questions
about how to minimize such exposure. Infection control plan Employers must develop an infection control plan addressing several elements, including when workers must use personal protective equipment and a description of specific hazard controls. Information and training Employers must provide information and training to workers about the relevant topics related to COVID-19. They must do so in a manner and language understood by workers. Notification, testing, medical removal • Employers must notify affected workers within 24 hours of a work-related COVID-19 infection. • Employers must cooperate with public health officials if testing within the workplace is necessary. • If an employee must quarantine or isolate, the employer must follow proper work reassignment and return-to-work steps. The rule requires more measures for exceptionally high-risk jobs. Such jobs include direct patient care or decontamination work; aerosol-generating or postmortem procedures; and first-responder activities. The additional measures include: • Detailed infection control training and planning
• Sanitation procedures for routine cleaning and disinfection • Robust use of personal protective equipment • Operation of existing ventilation systems according to national standards • Use of barriers, partitions, and airborne infection isolation rooms • Screening and triaging for symptoms of COVID-19 An executive order issued Oct. 23 by Gov. Kate Brown extended COVID-19 protections for agricultural workers in employer-provided housing through the off season. Following adoption of its temporary COVID-19 rule for all workplaces, Oregon OSHA continues to pursue permanent rulemaking that would provide a structure for responding to potential future disease outbreaks. More information is available on the division’s infectious disease rulemaking page and on its COVID-19 resources page. Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov. The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www. oregon.gov/dcbs/.
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TORNADO From Page A1
Elson said the weather conditions in the region at time included wind sear and unstable air, a mix he said could produce such small tornadoes. “It is not an everyday occurrence but maybe once or twice a year well see something like this on average.” he said. How tornadoes are rated NOAA’s National Weather Service fully implemented the Enhanced Fujita (EF) in early 2007, to rate tornadoes, replacing the original Fujita Scale. The EF scale rates tornadoes on a scale from zero to five, but ranges in wind speed will be more accurate with the improved rating scale, according to a post at NOAA’s website. The Fujita scale was developed in 1971 by T. Theodore Fujita, Ph.D., to rate tornadoes and estimate associated wind speed based on the damage they cause. The EF scale refines and improves the original scale. It was developed by the Texas Tech University Wind Science and Engineering Research Center , along with a forum of wind engineers, universities, private companies, government organizations, private sector meteorologists, and NOAA meteorologists from across the country. The less severe tornadoes are rated EF-0 with wind speeds from 65 to 110 miles an hour. The most severe tornadoes, with winds from 166 to 200 miles an hour are rated EF-5. See video of the tornado and more photos and follow the latest weather developments, advisories and alerts at thechronicleonline.com.
FACILITY From Page A1
to review the proposed project and how it could be funded. Options include general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, full faith and credit bonds. Another option is a residential and businesses utility fee, which cities such as Oregon City, Medford and Gresham have used for such projects. The St. Helens ad hoc committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the city council late this year or in early 2021. City officials have said the current St. Helens Police station, at 150 S. 13th Street, is too small and outdated and more room is needed for other city service, such as the municipal court. Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle. See the city’s background report at: sthelensoregon.gov/administration/page/new-publicsafety-facility.
www.thechronicleonline.com
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
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Air National Guard night training
Photo courtesy of Tech. Sgt. Steph Sawyer
A 142nd Fighter Wing F-15 taxis onto the runway for night flying, September 11, 2019, Portland Air National Guard Base.
Effort launched to reduce waterway false alarms STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
It’s not uncommon to see kayaks and even canoes slowly navigating along the Columbia River in St. Helens. Occasionally, there are reports of those small crafts going adrift, or being unmanned. The U.S. Coast Guard and its Washington and Oregon boating safety agency partners are urging the labeling of paddle craft and owner responsibility on the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Reports of unmanned and adrift paddle craft divert federal, state and local response boat and air crews on hundreds of dangerous and costly searches that turn out to be false alarms, according to a Coast Guard release. Since 2016, 13th Coast Guard District aircraft and vessels have launched on 746 individual cases of vessel reported capsized and adrift. All were unmanned and adrift, not resulting in an actual distress. Each case represents a minimum cost of approximately $40,000 to the taxpayers to respond and conduct searches for possible persons in the water. For the 13th District,
this accounts for an operational cost of approximately $29,840,000.00. The Coast Guard treats every distress call and report of an unmanned paddle craft as if a real life is at stake. “Unmanned adrift vessel search and rescue responses are the No. 4 response activity in the Coast Guard nationwide,” 13th District recreational boating program specialist Dan Shipman said. “By properly securing your small craft, on the beach, dock or your vessel from being set adrift, you’re not only saving taxpayers’ dollars, you are helping protect your property, the environment and possibly the life of someone who is actually in need of assistance.” The Coast Guard urges the public to take the following three steps: • Mark it. Take responsibility for your paddle craft by labeling with an ‘If Found’ sticker. This label allows responders to confirm if someone is actually in trouble and collect information to help search efforts. • Take responsibility for recovering your paddle craft. Unmanned and adrift kayaks, canoes, dinghies and rowboats often cause hazards to navigation in the
waterway and increase the level of risk and fatigue on response crews tasked to find the owners associated with the unmanned paddle craft. • Do your part to prevent false alarms. First responders deployed in search of unmanned paddle crafts divert resources away from actual lives in distress. For more information about paddle craft labeling, contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary and visit iffoundsticker@d13cgaux. net to get free “If Found” stickers to help label your paddle craft. To get a free vessel safety check – “I want a vessel safety check”- go to wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=VDEPT&category=i-wanta-vsc.
The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing is conducting routine F-15 Eagle night training missions through November 19. “Night flying is particularly important for Oregon because the 142nd Wing provides 24/7/365 top-cover for the entire Pacific Northwest,” Wing Commander David Unruh said. “The night training ensures our pilots maintain the highest level of readiness. Night flying, with its additional challenges, hones the tactical edge to razor sharpness.” Unruh said the night train-
ing allows the citizen-airmen pilots based at the Portland Air National Guard Base to stay current with mandatory Air Force requirements. Night flying is conducted as an essential training requirement for nighttime maneuvers. Training flights will be completed each evening before 10:30 p.m. About the 142nd Wing The Portland Air National Guard Base employs approximately 1,400 airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $130 million to the region. The 142nd Wing de-
fends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from Northern California to the Canadian border, as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community, according to a statement from the Portland Air National Guard Base.
Tree trimming efforts help keep CRPUD customers safe MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content
Trees and power lines do not mix. Trees are one of our leading causes of power outages. They also create risk for potentially starting wildfires. Since the beginning of 2018, more than one out of every four outages at Columbia River PUD has been caused by trees. A recent outage affecting all of our customers served by the Goble Substation was caused by a tree that didn’t even fall onto a power line. It landed on a guy wire, causing the insulators on our transmission line to break away from the pole and cause a large fault. That left 947 customers in the dark for varying lengths of time as we worked to restore power. After about four hours, all customers had their power back on. As we head into the winter storm season, wind and snow bring with them the potential to drop trees onto our power lines. However, trees pose a different threat in the dry summer months. A tree or branch falling onto a line can cause a spark or an electrical arc. In dry weather, this can create a big risk for wildfires like the ones we have seen in our region the last couple of years. We are doing everything in our power to decrease the risk of wildfires. For the sake of public safety and to reduce the frequency of tree-caused outages, we aggressively trim and remove trees that are close to our power lines.
Courtesy photo
These two insulators broke away from a pole after a tree fell onto a guy-wire, causing a large fault.
We ask all customers to call us if you have trees in the vicinity of our power lines. Even if they are outside of our right-of-way, we may still want to trim or remove these trees. Our tree trimming and removal service is provided at no additional cost to the customer. If you have trees on your property growing near power lines, we may remove them for you as part of our outage and fire mitigation efforts. You can request tree trimming or removal by calling us at 503-397-1844 or by filling out an online form at crpud.net/trees. Please do
not trim trees that are growing near your service line yourself. This is very dangerous and puts you at risk for deadly electrical shock. We want to keep our customers and our community safe, and we want to keep your lights on. That’s why we’re asking you to contact us if you see trees encroaching on our power lines.
Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Local crew returns from California wildfires
FREEYARD DEBRIES RECYCLING SAT.,APRIL20!
Photo courtesy of Scappoose Fire District
The August Complex is the largest fire in California state history at 1,032,648 acres. A crew from Scappoose Fire has returned from assisting California firefighters at the complex.
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Qualified workers receive a $120 per-day payment for up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time they need to quarantine or isolate.
STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Oregon continues to accept applications for the COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program. “It’s essential to reduce community spread by managing workplace outbreaks,” Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek states in her Nov. 12 weekly newsletter. “This means when you’re feeling sick and think you have the virus, you need to stay home and quarantine. We know this is really hard to ask people to do when they need the work hours for financial security, so this program is here to help.” Kotek said the state’s COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program supports workers who need to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 exposure but can’t otherwise qualify for COVID-19-related paid sick leave or don’t have access to COVID-19-related paid time off.
Qualified workers receive a $120 per-day payment for up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time they need to quarantine or isolate. Qualifications include confirmation that the applicant is: • Working at a business or job site in Oregon at the time of application. • Expected to earn less than $60,000 individually or $120,000 jointly in 2020. • Not able to work (including telework) because of the need to quarantine or isolate. • Not seeking or using benefits from similar COVID-19 quarantine relief programs, unemployment insurance, or workers’ compensation in Oregon or another state. • Not seeking or using other forms of employer-provided paid for the same time period. • Not laid off or furloughed at the time of application; and has notified their employer of the need to quarantine or isolate. For more information or to
apply, go to oregon.gov/covidpaidleave or call 833-685-0850 (toll-free) or 503-947-0130 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The also has an eligibilwebsite Cedar Chips ity quiz (available in English, Spanish, Russian,Mulch Vietnamese, Garden and Simplified Chinese) to Fir &who Hemlock help people are not sure if Cedar Chips they qualify.
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STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Team members from Scappoose Fire District are back home following their work at the August Complex wildfire in California. The Scappoose firefighters and their equipment were sent to the complex on Monday, Sept. 28, and returned home Friday, Nov. 6. During the deployment the team executed three crew swaps to assist the California firefighters. The August Complex is the largest fire in California state history at 1,032,648 acres. The Scappoose crew served as a Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS).
REMS is a rescue and medical resource that has the sole function of providing Advanced Life Support and rope rescue capabilities while working in an austere environment, according to a Facebook post by Scappoose Fire. “Crews slept on the
ground, lived in tents, ate Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s) and lived out of the equivalent of a suitcase,” the post reads. “They trained for two hours every day and had to use all of their skills on several occasions during the 40 day assignment.”
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Showcase your business
In our calendar Showcase your business for an entire month in households throughout the county by being a part of this 14-month Calendar. The Calendar will include local photos of our surrounding areas and its activities submitted by locals and will be inserted into The Chronicle, The Chief, and sold separately. Pick a month, and showcase your business! Only 14 spots available, call your sales representative today! COSTS OF ADS:
• Full-page sponsorship banner: $500 2” height x 10.5” wide
• Date listing: $50 each • Date listing: $40 each for 5+ listings • Only one listing per date so act fast!
DATES:
Space deadline: November 25 Publishing: The Chronicle on December 16 and The Chief on December 18
Contact Amy to advertise: atrull@countrymedia.net or at 503-397-0116
Attention Columbia County Photographers We are publishing a full-color glossy calendar displaying the beauty of our county, and we want to showcase YOUR photography! Only 14 photos will be chosen. Submit your photo to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net for consideration. If selected, you will receive five free calendars along with recognition on the calendar page.
Deadline to submit your photography is Nov. 27, 2020 Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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