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Christmas Ships Parade returns to St. Helens

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

The Columbia River will shine bright in early December as the annual Christmas Ships Parade returns to the St. Helens waterfront with a dazzling display of holiday lights Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Christmas Ships Parade is operated by Christmas Ships, Inc., a non-profit organization. The parade started in 1954 and is an annual holiday tradition on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

The event draws both first time and past parade participants. Organizers said participants tend to return each year – several have been parading for over 40 years and several have made this a multigen erational tradition, with the children of previous participants returning with their own boats and families to parade.

History

The Christmas Ships Parade began with one decorated sailboat in 1954 and has since grown to over 70 participating boats. The entirely volunteer operated event runs for 15 nights during Decem ber and travels the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in the Portland Metro area providing opportunities for communities to view it from the river front, restaurants, parks, neighborhoods and waysides along the rivers.

According to the Oregon Heritage Commission member and former chair Chelsea Rose the designation of the parade as an

Governor pardons 45,000, forgives $14M in pot possession cases

Governor Kate Brown has an nounced a pardon for prior Oregon offenses of simple possession of marijuana.

The act that will impact an estimated 45,000 individuals across the state and forgive more than $14,000,000 in associated fines and fees.

The pardon will remove 47,144 convictions for possession of a small amount of marijuana from individual records, eliminating barriers for thousands of people seeking employment, housing, and educational opportunities who have otherwise been ineligible, according to a release from Brown’s office.

The pardon applies to electroni cally available Oregon convictions

for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana, in pre-2016 cases in which the person was 21 years of age or older, where this was the only charge, and where there were no victims. This pardon does not apply to any other offense related to marijuana or other controlled substances. More information can be found here.

“No one deserves to be for ever saddled with the impacts of a conviction for simple possession of marijuana — a crime that is no longer on the books in Oregon,” Brown said. “Oregonians should never face housing insecurity, em ployment barriers, and educational obstacles as a result of doing some thing that is now completely legal, and has been for years. My pardon will remove these hardships. And while Oregonians use marijuana at

similar rates, Black and Latina/o/x people have been arrested, pros ecuted, and convicted at dispropor tionate rates.

“We are a state, and a nation, of second chances. Today, I am taking steps to right the wrongs of a flawed, inequitable, and outdated criminal justice system in Oregon when it comes to personal mari juana possession. For the estimated 45,000 individuals who are receiv ing a pardon for prior state convic tions of marijuana possession, this action will help relieve the collater al consequences arising from these convictions.”

Following the Governor’s pardon, the Oregon Judicial Department will ensure that all court records associated with these pardoned offenses are sealed, as required by law.

told The Chronicle.

Following several days of an intense manhunt, a wanted felon described by law enforcement as ‘armed and dangerous’ is in custody.

Deputies captured Kevin James Reynolds without incident around noon Thursday, Nov. 17, according to the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office. Specific details of the arrest were pending at press time.

The search began Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Rainier area last week after Cowlitz County noti fied the Columbia County Sher iff’s Office that Reynolds was possibly in the area of Heath Road and Old Rainier Highway.

Reynolds was wanted on mul tiple criminal charges in Cowlitz County including robbery, assault, vehicle theft and witness intimida tion.

During the Tuesday manhunt, Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said the Oregon State Police SWAT responded to the location and used distractionary devices, loudspeakers, and drones equipped with Forward Look ing InfraRed (FLIR). The search included K9’s from St. Helens Police Department and Longview Police Department.

“The suspect did fire his gun at a passing car that was hit. The driver was not injured,” Pixley

He later told KATU News that the suspect had taken a woman hostage, fired a weapon and fled the scene. Deputies freed the woman and got her medical treat ment, KATU reported.

As the search intensified Tues day, the Columbia County Sher iff’s Office posted a Facebook alert to residents in the area.

“Reynolds is considered to be armed and dangerous. Residents in the area are asked to secure their homes and stay inside. If you spot Reynolds, call 9-1-1,” the Facebook post stated.

Pixley issued a statement shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday night, stating that law enforce ment had completed a search including buildings, homes, and property west of Rainier in an attempt to locate Reynolds, but he was not found. The search was suspended that night but was resumed Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 16.

Search resumed

“Someone believed they saw a male subject matching the sus pect’s description via a security camera,” Columbia County Sher iff Brian Pixley said. “We covered the area between Apiary Road to Elk Creek Road and from Cannon Road to Highway 30.”

The Columbia County Sher iff’s Office, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Washington

from approximately 12 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Due to the manhunt, law enforcement advised the Rainier School District to go into a lockin. The district remained closed Thursday. Rainier School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick posted a message on the district’s

webpage about the incident.

“We were contacted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department to go into a lock-in,” the message stated. “A lock-in is where nobody is permitted to en ter or leave the building due to a situation outside. Our students and staff were safe and there was no immediate threat to the students.”

In his message Hattrick said that at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, the district began to release students to parents/guardians.

“The Rainier School District was in continual communication with law enforcement and we were informed at approximately 4 p.m. that the search perimeter had been removed and the suspect was not located,” Hattrick said. “We understand the stress this has placed on our students, staff, families, and community. Addi tionally, we do not have clear in formation about the whereabouts of the suspect. As a result of the unknown whereabouts of the suspect and in an effort to keep people in their homes, the Rainier School District will be closed Thursday, November 17, 2022. All activities will also be cancelled.”

The Rainier School District was expected to resume normal operations Friday, Nov. 18, but due to a staffing shortage, the schools remained closed.

Courtesy from the City of St. Helens

The Christmas Ships Parade begins at 6 p.m., Dec. 10 at the St. Helens City docks.

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Metro Creative Connection

The pardon applies to electronically available Oregon convictions for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana, in pre-2016 cases in which the person was 21 years of age or older, where this was the only charge, and where there were no victims.

County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police Scappoose Police, St. Helens Police Rainier Police, Kelso Police and Vernonia Police were involved in the Wednesday search

Courtesy from the CCSO

felon Kevin James Reynolds was captured Nov. 17.

City adds more days for open burning

The City of St. Helens has authorized an addition al fall burn period for open burning inside St. Helens city limits.

The authorized burn period began Friday, Nov. 18 and extend through Sun day, Dec. 4. The purpose of the new dates is to address any confusion about the authorized burn period this fall and allow residents an additional opportunity for outdoor burning.

Burn periods are estab lished for residents to burn yard debris. Burn periods do not apply to activities such as using a charcoal barbecue or recreational

outdoor fire pit. Before burning anything in your yard, a burn permit must be obtained through Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR). Resi dential burn permits are available through CRFR’s website at https://www.crfr. com/burn-information or in person at the St. Helens Fire Station, 105 S. 12th Street, St. Helens. This is an alternate location while CRFR’s administration office is closed for remod eling.

Due to low rainfall and high temperatures over the last several years, it is extremely important that

anyone wishing to start an outdoor fire check the burn line each day that they plan to burn. Burn bans may still be in effect even if you have obtained a burn permit. Always check the burn line at 503-397-4800 to find out if it is an open burn day.

Burn permits last for one year from the date of issue. However, there are only two authorized burn periods within St. Helens city limits. These dates are normally on the first Saturday in May for 16 consecutive days and the third Saturday in October for 16 consecutive days.

Burning grass clippings, plastics, household gar bage, petroleum products and rubber products is not allowed. Burning may only be conducted during day light hours.

For further information regarding burn permits, please contact Columbia River Fire & Rescue’s Administration Office at 503-397-2990.

During the month of November, Hudson Gar bage Service will pick up yard debris bins on a weekly basis at no addi tional charge to customers who live inside St. Helens city limits.

CRFR brings on new firefighters/EMS/paramedics

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Columbia River Fire

& Rescue welcomes sev eral new firefighters to the district.

“These gentlemen have spent the past eight weeks training extremely hard,” a CRFR Facebook post states.

“They will all spend the next 12 months as probationary firefighters and continue to work hard to keep up their training and skills, all while serving the community in an

emergency services capacity. Their hard work and dedica tion has been undeniable and we are so proud of our new est members. Congratulations class 22-3, well deserved!”

The firefighters/EMT/ paramedics are all career members who have been going through extensive training with the fire agency since August.

CRFR held a gradua tion and pinning ceremony Thursday evening Nov. 10 at the Warren Community Fel lowship Church for the new members.

Waterfront area restaurant has new owners

S. 1st St. in Street Helens changed ownership Oct. 1.

The pub, named in honor of the “Plymouth” the former name of St. Helens, offers traditional American pubstyle food, including burgers, sandwiches, fries, soups, salads, and a host of appetiz ers.

Chris Ruch, who man aged the restaurant before she and her husband, David Gressett, bought it, contin ues as manager. Both have long-time experience in restaurants.

“The staff,” she said, was

the main reason for their decision to buy the Plymouth Pub. “We love the people in this challenge. We enjoy working with customers. We’re just looking at chang ing things a little bit.”

She said the staff is what sets the Plymouth Pub apart from other restaurants.

unavailable for comment. In a published interview with The Chronicle in July 2020 celebrating the first year of operation, Rakes describes his restaurant is a familyfriendly place, with a sports theme. Pictures of athletes and other sports memora bilia are carefully positioned

along the walls, and nine large flat screen TV’s are placed throughout the pub.

The couple said they are keeping the restaurant as a sports pub. Some of the memorabilia was part of the deal with Rakes, others were placed there by customers.

Ruch said he and his wife are making plans to add a breakfast menu with service Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings as soon as possible.

The Pub’s current operat ing hours are 11 a.m. to

10 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Gressett said that although the restaurant is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays at this writing, it will be open seven days a week as soon as there are enough staffers.

Ruch said of the chal lenge in finding and retaining staff, “I think we are luckier than most at finding employ ees.”

The restaurant’s staff numbered 16 earlier this month and has now grown to

27 employees. Asked how he and his wife felt about the City of St. Helens plans to develop the St. Helens waterfront details this month during a ground breaking along S 1st Street, Gressett said, “We’re excited about it. It will mean more revenue for the businesses here.”

Read full details about the waterfront development plans in a series of stores at thechronicleonline.com.

HERB SWETT Chronicle Guest Article

Photo courtesy of Herb Swett

Plymouth Pub staff from front, left: Roberto Bruce, Chris Matthews, Hunter Bryson, Shamon Scott, and Alisha Murphy. Rear, from left: James Wilson, Rus Barber, Riley Gardner, Matthew Montoya, Hannah Snow, Makenna Hardin, Kenzie Dawson, Dane Peterson, Kayla Winkelhake, Jessie Collins, Matt Shaw, Chris Ruch, and David Gressett.

Chronicle photo

The Plymouth Pub is located at 298 S 1st Street in St. Helens.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Courtesy photo from CRFR

From left to right, Tim Hennigan, Lieutenant Brendan Guiles, Dustin King, Steven Raichel, Ryan Denfeld, Toren Anderson, Joshua Jacobs, Cory Mackay, Jeremy Mendola, Division Chief of Training.

Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens

Burning

conducted during daylight hours.

State Revenue forecast predicts ‘mild recession’

from a historical perspec tive,” McMullen said.

After months of record revenue growth, Oregon economists now expect the state to enter a “mild” reces sion next summer.

State economists have told a legislative panel that economic forecasters in Oregon and around the country anticipate a recession within the next year because inflation remains higher than the Federal Reserve wants it to be, with the Fed expected to continue raising interest rates. In a quarterly report released Wednesday, officials from Oregon’s Office of Eco nomic Analysis likened the interest rate hikes to slam ming on a car’s brakes.

“Slamming on the brakes of a speeding car will cause it to skid and even fishtail,” the report said. “The question is whether the driver is able to pull out of it or end up in the ditch. Most economists today believe a recession is likely, even if the exact path of the economy is uncertain.”

The forecasted reces sion envisions losing about 24,000 jobs, primarily in construction, manufactur ing and related industries including finance and trans portation. It would likely be rougher in the Portland suburbs and central Oregon, where rapid population growth means a significant portion of the local economy is tied to construction.

State economist Mark McMullen told lawmakers the signs of an upcoming re cession are different this year than they have been in the past. It will be driven by a decline in housing and busi ness investment due to high interest rates, he said. The current forecast calls for em ployment rates, which have risen quickly and steadily since plummeting in the early days of the pandemic, to dip in late 2023 and begin rising again the following year.

“It’s rather mild, at least

There are three reasons to expect a mild recession, he said. First, businesses, financial markets and people expect inflation to slow.

Second, the labor market has been so tight that employ ers aren’t likely to let go of workers even if their sales slow. And finally, many people still have higher savings from wage growth, stimulus payments and limited spending during the pandemic – though those savings are concentrated in higher-income households.

Some of the state’s urban areas are most at risk, forecasters said. Clackamas, Columbia, Deschutes, Jack son and Washington coun ties, along with rural Crook and Gilliam counties, are at highest risk because much of their economies depend on construction, manufacturing or transportation and ware housing. The Portland sub urbs, Bend and Prineville are growing quickly with many jobs in housing construction, while 10% of Gilliam County jobs are in transportation or warehousing. That county’s largest employers are land fills.

Other rural counties used to have more volatile economies when they relied on the timber industry and mills would regularly shut down and reopen, McMul len said. Now, those rural counties don’t experience the same economic booms as the rest of the state, but they also don’t see the same downswings in bad economic times.

Meanwhile, Oregon lawmakers will begin draft ing the state’s next two-year budget in a couple of months, and they’ll have about $3 billion less to work with than they did during the current two-year budget cycle. That’s because many wealthy Or egonians cashed out capital gains in 2021 and federal stimulus checks increased the amount of money collected in state income taxes.

Record ‘kicker’ credit

The state will also pay out in 2024 a record “kicker” tax credit, which is triggered when the state collects more in personal income taxes than it budgeted. Oregonians who paid taxes in 2022 and 2023 will receive credits to taling $3.7 billion when they file their tax returns in 2024, with larger credits for those who paid more in taxes.

“We’ve never seen kick ers like this,” McMullen said.

Lawmakers can reduce or eliminate the tax credit with a two-thirds vote – 20 senators and 40 representa tives. They did so in the early 1990s, when the nation faced a recession tied to the Gulf War, and progressive groups have long pushed for legisla tors to reduce or reform the kicker.

But such a vote seems unlikely next year. Demo crats will still have a major ity in the Oregon House and Senate, though they lost their supermajorities in both chambers. Getting enough votes to suspend the kicker would require not just every Democrat but multiple Republicans in the House and Senate to vote for it, and GOP legislative leaders have consistently pledged to protect the kicker as is.

“Before we all run away thinking we can quickly spend that kicker on some

thing else or hold it, that’s a high bar and a pretty big lift and there’s probably better things to spend your time on,” Sen. Lynn Findley, RVale, warned his colleagues.

Rep. Nancy Nathanson, D-Eugene, asked whether pandemic-induced changes to consumer spending will affect how Oregonians spend their extra money from the kicker. More people pur chased goods online than from local brick-and-mortar stores, and it’s unclear how much of the money returned to taxpayers will make it to Oregon businesses.

McMullen said much of the tax rebate already goes to people who may not spend it. People who pay more in tax es receive higher kickers, and while people living paycheck to paycheck spend nearly ev ery dollar they have, people with more money might save their rebates.

Oregon’s lack of a retail sales tax has also made it hard to track spending trends, McMullen said, but the state will have more data because of the corporate activity tax passed in 2019. The tax applies to businesses’ gross receipts and effectively func tions as a hidden sales tax because businesses pass the costs on to consumers.

“One place that’s pretty darn clear is that when we give out a big kicker, video lottery sales go through the roof,” McMullen said.

Legislative leaders respond

Legislative Democrats and Gov. Kate Brown responded to the forecast by saying Oregon is wellpositioned to weather economic challenges. In a statement from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where she is traveling on a trade mission, Brown praised the state’s “continued fiscally respon sible decisions.”

“Because we have made prudent financial decisions, the state has the ability, if needed, to invest in re sources to help Oregonians who may feel its impacts,” she said. “With this forecast, the Legislature should also be prepared, as they enter the upcoming session, to respond to economic chal lenges and take meaningful action to benefit Oregon’s working families.”

House Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, agreed that Oregon’s almost $1.8 billion in cash reserves leaves the state in a good position. It still would take a three-fifths majority – 18 senators and 36 represen tatives – to tap into the reserves.

“The state has historic cash reserves and is set up better than ever to handle any potential economic downturn thanks to years of responsible budget manage ment by Democratic leader ship,” Rayfield said. “We are poised to take advan tage of the upcoming 2023 legislative session, soften the impacts of any potential downturn, make our commu nities safer and focus invest ments on working families and communities of color.”

And Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, pledged that Demo crats will continue recent spending on health care, housing and other sectors.

“We will continue to build on our recent historic investments in health care, housing, jobs and educa tion,” Wagner said. “Due to the fiscally responsible lead ership of Oregon Democrats,

our state’s budget reserves are currently the strongest they’ve ever been in Or egon’s history.”

His counterpart in the House, Rep. Julie Fahey of West Eugene, said spending by the Oregon Legislature and recent federal money from the Biden-Harris ad ministration made the state’s economy strong. She called for continued spending to address the state’s ongoing affordable housing crisis, provide support for mental and behavioral health and drive down the cost of living.

“We also know that should a global recession hit, Oregon is prepared to mitigate its impact because of the work Democrats have done to set aside historic lev els of reserves,” Fahey said. “This work will allow us to continue supporting our most vulnerable communities.”

Legislative Republican leaders, meanwhile, issued a joint statement saying it was a time to be cautious and prepared.

“Hard-working Orego nians continue to pay the price of high inflation and take the brunt of the cur rent recession,” said Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend. “The upcoming legislative budget and policy decisions made around the economy must be focused on relieving their burden, not adding to it.”

Rep. Vikki BreeseIverson, R-Prineville and the House minority leader, added that legislative Repub licans will oppose any new taxes.

“Oregonians spoke in the recent election by break ing the supermajority in the Legislature,” she said. “Republicans will respond in the upcoming legislative session by holding strong against growing government or taxes.”

Read the full Oregon Revenue Forecast with a previous story posted earlier this month at thechronicle online.com.

Metro Creative Connection

Inflation and a worker shortage add up to a mild recession, accord ing to the report. However, taxpayers should still expect a $3.7 billion kicker. The projected corporate kicker is $1.1 billion which will be retained for educational spending.

Action by Congress needed to support Oregon children

192,000 Oregon children risk falling into poverty or greater hardship if Congress fails to expand the Child Tax Credit.

Congress has a real chance in the Lame Duck session to prevent greater hardship for the 192,000 Oregon children who lost out after a recent expansion of the Child Tax Credit lapsed, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).

Last year’s American Rescue Plan Act temporar

ily expanded the Child Tax Credit, giving millions of low-income families with kids a boost and driving child poverty down to a record low. But Congress allowed the Child Tax Credit expansion to lapse this year, and if it fails to act now,19 million children across the country risk being pushed into poverty or facing greater hardship. Children from Black, Latino, and American Indian families are dispro portionately likely to risk falling behind.

Yet, as Congress consid ers its priorities for the endof-year spending package,

special interests are pushing for more tax breaks for prof itable corporations — even as Oregon families face ris ing costs. The Oregon Center for Public Policy is urging Oregon’s congressional delegation to put kids and families first, not corporate tax breaks.

Rising costs have coin cided with rising profits for corporations, while families with low incomes struggle to keep up. said. Congress must put families first by expand ing the Child Tax Credit.

The Child Tax Credit helps families with children by putting more money in

Community EvEnts

December 1 Columbia 9-1-1

Communications District Radio System Work Session

9:30 a.m. at Columbia Center, 375 S 18th St. A, St. Helens, OR 97051.

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 Colum

bia 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 17 Spirit of Christmas 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 Holi day Bazaar

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

December 17 - 18 Fundrais

Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christ-cen tered spiritual recovery meet ing for those struggling with addictions and compulsive 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 virtually via Zoom from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-369-0329 for more information.

their pocket when they file their taxes. Census Bureau data showed that families with low incomes used the expanded Child Tax Credit to pay for basics, such as housing, food, clothes, and school supplies.

But a flaw in the credit’s design leaves kids in the lowest-income families behind by giving them only a partial credit or no credit at all, even as children in wealthier families receive the full benefit. By correct ing this flaw, the American Rescue Plan lifted millions of the poorest children out of poverty.

Poverty and the hardships that come with it, such as unstable housing and hunger, can take a heavy toll on chil dren, such as lower levels of educational attainment and poorer health and reduced incomes in adulthood.

“The success of the 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion showed us that high child poverty rates are a policy choice, not an inevitability, according to Chuck Marr, CBPP’s Vice President for Federal Tax Policy and author the report. “All kids deserve a fair shot at suc cess, no matter their race or parents’ income. The choice

before Congress this year is simple: They can act, or they can see millions of children fall back into poverty.”

The Oregon Center for Public Policy (www.ocpp. org) is a non-partisan, nonprofit institute that does indepth research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues. The Center’s mis sion is to achieve economic justice for all Oregonians through research, analysis, and advocacy.

Alejandro Queral is the Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy.

inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters con taining details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to one published letter per month.

print your street ad dress or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chroniclenews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office.

Letters

policy: a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and

blatant

Paid Leave Oregon launches new campaign

to make contributions, but they can choose to par ticipate in coverage as a benefit to their employees.

Paid Leave Oregon has launched a statewide cam paign aimed at notifying Oregon employers about their role and responsi bilities in the new program, which begins in just six weeks, on Jan. 1.

To make sure employers are ready to participate in the program, the statewide campaign includes social and digital advertising fea turing Oregon employers.

Paid Leave Oregon also has a new online employer toolkit, a one-stop place for employers to find all the resources they need to pre pare. The toolkit includes the required notice poster, an employer guidebook, a new video, and sample social posts that employ ers and partners can use to share information with their employees and networks, and much more.

Resources for employ ers are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Rus sian, simplified Chinese, and traditional Chinese.

“Paid Leave Oregon is here to support employ

ers so they can help their employees prepare for this new program,” Paid Leave Oregon Director Karen Madden Humelbaugh said. “We are excited to share all of these new resources with employers, who we know are still learning about the program and how it will help Oregonians.”

Paid Leave Oregon al lows employees to take paid time off for some of life’s most important moments. It covers leave for the birth or adoption of a child, for serious illness or injury, for taking care of a seriously ill family member, and for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment.

The new campaign

targets employers, because all employers, regardless of size, will collect contribu tions from employees start ing Jan. 1.

Both employers and employees fund Paid Leave Oregon with a total contri bution rate of 1 percent of gross payroll. Employees will pay 60 percent, and large employers will pay 40 percent, of the 1 percent contribution rate. For exam ple, if an employee makes $5,000, the employee will pay $30, and the employer will pay $20.

However, only employ

“Paid Leave Oregon will make it easy for business owners like us to support employees, and that helps keep trained folks on our team,” said Kathryn Weeks of Peoria Gardens in Linn County.

Peoria Gardens is one of the local Oregon employers featured in the Paid Leave campaign.

“Without this program we could not afford such comprehensive coverage, and we know that our work ers are also contributing,” Weeks said. “The state will confirm a worker qualifies, and of course pay for the leave itself out of the fund. This is a real service, both for us and for our employ ees.”

Paid Leave Oregon will administer the program, including paying employees while they are on leave and determining their eligibility for benefits. Benefits will in September 2023. Another

Gordon Phillip Driscoll

April 5, 1927 ~ Nov. 15, 2022

Duane Washington

July 31, 1931 ~ Nov. 10, 2022

Florence Eidem

July 11, 1927 ~ Nov. 13, 2022

Roger Welliver

June 29, 1946 ~ Nov. 15, 2022

Vickie Ann Espinoza

Jan. 2, 1961 ~ Nov. 18, 2022

and friends he made along

He is survived by his twin Gordon’s funeral will be on Dec. 6, 2022, at St. Fred

Tony Richard Crawford

Duane Washington, 91, of Scappoose, Oregon, passed away on Nov. 10, 2022. He was born on July 31, 1931, in Chanute, Kansas. There will be a celebration of life held at 12:30 p.m. on Mon., Nov. 28, 2022, at Eastside Imago Dei Community Church, located at 3130 SE 148th Ave., Portland, OR 97236. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., the same day, at Wil lamette National Cemetery.

Florence Eidem, a resident of Columbia County since 1979, passed away on Nov. 13, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 2, 2022 at Warren Baptist Church in Warren, Oregon.

Roger Welliver, a resident of St. Helens for over 50 years, passed away on Nov. 15, 2022. A service will be held at a later date.

Vickie Ann Espinoza, 61, of Scappoose, Oregon, passed away on Nov. 18, 2022. She was born on Jan. 2, 1961, in Portland, Oregon. A graveside service will be held for her at 1 p.m. on Fri., Dec., 2, 2022, at Yankton Hillcrest Cemetery in St. Helens,

Courtesy photo

Paid Leave Oregon allows employees to take paid time off for the birth or adoption of a child, for serious illness or injury, for taking care of a seriously ill family member, and for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment.

Classifieds

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

Alcoholics Anonymous

Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.pdxaa.org 311

Announcements

$1000 REWARD

For information leading to arrest and conviction of hit and run driver, on 10/21/2022 at approximately 10:30 pm involv ing a motorcycle. Anyone with in formation contact: St. Helens Police Department 503397-3333, case # 220044551.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District (C911CD) is conducting a hir ing process for a Chief Financial Offi cer. Apply online at www.columbia911. com/- careers. Ad ditional information can be found on our website or by calling 503- 3666978.

Police Officer

The City of St. Helens is hiring a POLICE OF FICER Lateral & Entry Level. Regu lar Full-time. See website for details www.sthelensore gon.gov. Open

Until Filled. First Review: 1/3/23.

Equal Opportunity

Employer

Finance Director

The City of St. Helens is hiring a FINANCE DIREC TOR Regular Fulltime. See website for details www. sthelensoregon. gov.Open Until Filled. First Re view: 12/1/22.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Public Works

Utility Worker

The City of St. Helens is hiring a Public Works Utility Worker I Regular Full-Time. Apply online at

www.sthelens oregon.gov. Dead line to apply: 12/22/22. Equal opportunity em ployer.

Engineer

The City of St. Hel ens is hiring an Engineer I. Regu lar Full-Time. Ap ply online at www. sthelensoregon.g ov. Deadline to ap ply: 1/20/23. Equal opportunity em ployer.

708

Bazaars

Christmas Bazaar

Sat Dec 3, 9 -2. Buccini Hall, St. Frederic Catholic

Church,

Acreage

For sale (Texas Best Buy) Just released (3) 20 acre prime parcels. Now only $495 per acre, $150 per month. Call 1-800875-6568.

Public Notices

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CH22-1002

certain

to TICOR TITLE INSUR ANCE COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRA TION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for USA DIRECT FUNDING, NMLS: 3240, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of August 5, 2020 and recorded on August 7, 2020 as Instru ment No. 2020-07824 and the beneficial interest was assigned to CMG MORT GAGE, INC. and recorded April 6, 2022 as Instrument Number 2022-03299 of of ficial records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN:

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THE SOUTHEAST ERLY 14 FEET OF LOT 15 AND THE NORTHWEST ERLY 46 FEET OF LOT 16, BLOCK 96, CITY OF ST. HELENS, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. Com monly known as: 175N -177 11TH ST, SAINT HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Benefi ciary, CMG Mortgage, Inc., and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 11/01/2021 to 11/30/2022 at $27,264.32 Monthly Late

Charge(s): 300.65 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $356,677.68 together with interest thereon at the rate of 2.75000% per annum from October 1, 2021 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums ad vanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on March 21, 2023 at the hour of 01:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, Front Entrance, Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Monday December 5, 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that Michael George, represented by Geoff Mc Mullen, has submitted an application for a site design review. The scope of the project is to develop a selfstorage facility. The property is identified by tax-map num ber 7314-A0-01200, is Zoned Existing Commercial and Rural Residential and located off of Old Rainier Rd. DR 23-05 NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that we will have a land use training session for the Planning Commission, provided by the Department of Land Conservation and Development. SAID PUB

LIC HEARING will be held before the Columbia County Planning Commission on Monday, December 5, 2022, starting at 6:30 p.m. During the COVID-19 global pan demic, the Columbia County Planning Commission will be hosting their public hearing via online webinar. Please use the links below if you wish to participate in the public meeting. Mon, Dec 5, 2022 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (PST) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// meet.goto.com/531488261 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073 United States: +1 (571) 3173129 Access Code: 531-488261 Get the app now and be ready when your first meet ing starts: https://meet.goto. com/install If you have any questions or concerns regard ing access to the meeting or need accommodation, please call the Land Development Services office at (503) 397-

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Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of MARGARET E. BROWN, Deceased. Case No. 22PB09973 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed per sonal representative of this estate. All persons having

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1501. The criteria to be used in deciding these requests will be found in some or all of the following documents and laws, as revised from time to time: Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 197.763; Or egon Administrative Rules; Columbia County Com prehensive Plan; Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. The specific criteria appli cable to this request is listed and evaluated in the staff report. A copy of the applica tion, all documents and evi dence relied upon by the ap plicants, and the staff reports are available for inspection at no cost and will be provided at reasonable cost, at the Land Development Services office, at least 7 days prior to the Planning Commission hearing. Written comments on the issue can be submit ted via email to Planning@ columbiacountyor.gov or you can send comments via U.S. Mail to Columbia County, Department of Land Development Services, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. If additional documents or evidence are provided in support of the applications, prior to or dur ing the hearing, any party shall be entitled to a continu ance of the hearing to allow review of the new evidence.

If a participant requests a continuance before the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, the record shall re main open for at least seven days after the hearing. The “hearing will be held in ac cordance with the provision of the Zoning Ordinance” At each hearing, the appli cant has the burden of pre senting substantial evidence

showing that the application meets all of the applicable criteria. Following presenta tion of the staff report, the applicant and other persons in favor of the application will be allowed to address the commission, explaining how the evidence submitted meets the applicable criteria. Following the applicant’s presentation, any person in opposition to the application may present evidence and argument against the ap plication. The applicant will then have the opportunity to rebut any evidence or argu ments presented in opposi tion. After the presentation of evidence and arguments, the public hearing record will be either left open or closed by the Planning Com mission. The Commission will then make a tentative decision to be followed by approval of a written order and a statement of findings and conclusions supporting the decision, which will be mailed to all parties at a later date. The Commission may, at its discretion, continue the hearing from time to time at the request of the parties or on its own motion as neces sary to afford substantial justice and comply with the law. Additional information about this application may be obtained from the Plan ning Division of the Land Development Services De partment, at (503) 397-1501 or you can go to the County website www.columbia countyor.gov/departments/ LandDevelopment/Planning. November 23, 2022 THE PLANNING COMMISSION Dan Magnia, Chairman

County of Columbia, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execu tion of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obliga tions thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reason able charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceed ing dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by pay ment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of

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said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tender ing the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warran ties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing metham phetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospec tive purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the

Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: November 10,2022 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-2528300 Order Number 87223, Pub Dates: 11/23/2022, 11/30/2022, 12/7/2022, 12/14/2022, CHRONICLE

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Pursuant to ORS 87.162, the undersigned lien claim ant has perfected a pos sessory lien in the below described property and will be selling the property at public sale to satisfy the amount due under its lien and its recoverable expenses incurred. The following information is provided with respect to the sale: Property Description: 1979 20”0” Sea Ray Fiberglass Pleasure Boat HIN SE RA5890A0579, Title # TITL. 0588429.0; Vessel ID OR354AEL. Name/Last Known Address of Reputed

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Owner: Daniel R. Young (Owner), 32456 Tide Creek Road, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Raymond L. Barger (Reputed Owner/Slip Les see), 34922 Canaan Road, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Amount Due on Lien: Moor age fees of $895.00 due as of November 1, 2022, and thereafter accruing at rate of $155.00/mo. or $5.71/day; plus costs of certified post age and Notice publication. Time and Place of Sale: December 30, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. Marina Office/General Store Doorway/Entrance, St. Helens Marina, 134 N. Riv

er Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Person Foreclosing Lien: St. Helens Marina, LLC (Lien Claimant), 134 River Street, P.O. Box 1034, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Questions concerning the sale may be directed to: Brad Hendrickson, Manager, St. Helens Marina, LLC, 134 River Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Telephone: 503-397-4162. All bids must include a 24 hour removal plan. If the vessel is not then timely removed, the bid can be invalidated and the next bid in succession will be deemed the successful bid.

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

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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

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Es tate of KATHLEEN RAE STRANDBERG, Deceased. Case No. 22PB09931 NO TICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been ap pointed personal representa tive of this estate. All per

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claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers at tached, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice to the personal representa tive at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose

rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. DATED and first published, Novem ber 23, 2022. Stephen W. Brown, Personal Represen tative

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

Probate Department Case No. 22PB09715 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PER SONS 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 having claims against the Estate are required to present them undersigned attorney

for the Personal Representa tive at 6400 SE Lake Road, Suite 440, Portland, Oregon 97222, within four months after date of first publica tion of this Notice, as stated below, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in the Estate may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal

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

sons 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 rep resentative at 52490 SE 2nd Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056, or the claims may be barred. All per-sons

whose rights may be affected by the proceedings 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, November 23, 2022. Ken neth L. Strandberg, Personal Representative.

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

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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 Administration will be issued forthwith to the personal representative in the manner provided by law. DATED: 10/25/2022

Circuit Court Judge Cathleen

McNulty Water PUD Board meeting will be held Decem ber 6, 2022, at 7pm. Located at 34240 Millard Road, Warren, Oregon 97053.

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.

Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon. Call 503-397-0116 for more info

Reference is made to that

Trust Deed made by, JOSEPH SATCHELL AND KASEY SATCH-ELL, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY. as Grantor

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

Federal funding legislation proposed for public defenders

Oregon U.S. Congress woman Suzanne Bonamici has introduced legislation to support public defend ers and address the public defense shortage.

The Ensuring Quality Access to Legal (EQUAL) Defense Act would im prove access to counsel by providing $250 million in funding for public defense grants. The bill will also help to address workload limits, establish pay parity between public defenders and prosecutors within five years, and more.

Currently, public de fenders across the country are overwhelmed with mas sive caseloads. Many lack access to adequate resourc es, technology, and training programs, and they are not paid commensurate with their abilities and responsi bilities. The American Bar Association estimates that Oregon’s public defense system alone is short nearly 1,300 attorneys.

“Public defenders are an essential part of our criminal justice system, and people accused of a crime have a right to counsel,” Bonamici said. “Right now, we have a dangerous short age of public defenders and the public defenders we do have are struggling under burdensome caseloads and conditions. My former

colleague, Congressman Ted Deutch, previously led this legislation to improve access to counsel nationally and limit unnecessary incar ceration costs. I’m leading the EQUAL Defense Act to finally secure the resources that our public defenders and people in the criminal justice need and deserve.”

“Absent counsel, crimi nal prosecutions cannot move forward” Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said. “Vic tim and defendant’s rights are equally essential to the administration of justice. When there is a lack of existing public defenders

Quality Access to Legal (EQUAL) Defense Act seeks to remedy all of these issues, for safer more just communities.”

The EQUAL Defense Act is supported by the Na tional Legal Aid & Defend er Association (NLADA), National Association of Criminal Defense Law yers (NACDL), Gideon’s Promise, National Asso ciation for Public Defense

Oregon to receive $1.49 million for beginning farmers/ranchers

farmers with a new, more diverse generation of farm ers who are ready to take the reins. This USDA grant will provide much-needed resourc es to facilitate this intergen erational transition work, at a time when beginning farmers face huge barriers to entry.”

The awards are part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Begin ning Farmer and Rancher De velopment Program (BRDDP) that supports a wide range of professional development activities across an array of important topics for new farmers and ranchers, such as managing capital, acquiring and managing land, and learn ing effective business and farming practices.

will help states to finally meet the promise of equal justice,” National Legal Aid & Defender Asso ciation President and CEO April Frazier Camara said. “People who have been accused of crimes have the right to representation. We essentially undermine due process and compro mise the ability of people to seek true justice when public defenders are forced

with too few resources. The

receive the best represen tation possible. We are grateful to Congresswoman Bonamici for her leadership in sponsoring the EQUAL Defense Act.”

“The right to counsel is the right from which all other protections in the Constitution flow,” Consti tution Project at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) Director Sarah Turberville said. “The dra matic disparity in resources

and capacity faced by defender systems through out the country must be ad dressed and this legislation takes a very important step forward to close that gap. POGO is very grateful for Congressman Bonamici’s leadership on this critical issue.”

The Ensuring Quality Access to Legal (EQUAL) Defense Act would:

• Create a $250 million grant program to help fund public defense, which will limit workload for full-time public defenders

• Establish pay parity between public defenders and prosecutors within five years

• Collect data on public defender workloads, includ ing the number of hours worked per month and the percentage of hours worked per month on a range of tasks

• Provide $5 million for non-profit and government organizations to provide comprehensive training for public defenders

• Require Byrne-JAG re cipients to provide data on the extent to which the state is providing public defend ers for indigent people in the criminal justice system

• Reauthorize the stu dent loan program, increase the overall authorization amount from $25 million to $75 million, and increase per borrower repayment limits

Oregon will receive $1,493,897 to support educa tion and land access programs for beginning farmers and ranchers.

The federal funding is designed to provide beginning farmers with the tools and resources to succeed.

The awards go to:

Oregon State University $749,997 to support the Oregon State Univer sity (OSU) Extension Small Farms Program housed within the OSU Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems, which is develop ing innovative programs that effectively support the launch and success of beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs).

Oregon State University Director of the Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems Garry Stephen son said the grant allows his center to continue its work supporting Oregon’s begin ning farmers as they build profitable businesses that contribute to and diversify Oregon’s farm and ranch economy.

“This grant includes a special focus on adapting to

and developing resilience in a changing climate. We do this work by collaborating with our extensive network of farmers on cutting edge online and in person education, mentoring through farmer networks, and hands-on demonstration and training,” Stephenson said.

Rogue Farm Corps

$743,900 to support Transitioning Oregon’s Farmland: Access, Planning, and Assistance for This Gen eration and the Next (TOF), which is working to establish Oregon’s first regional hub for land access and will provide one-on-one land access sup port through individualized planning, skill-building, and connections with service providers.

Rogue Farm Corps Project Director and Executive Director Abigail Singer said the average age of farmers in Oregon is 60, and nearly twothirds of the state’s farmland is expected to change hands in the next 20 years.

“When this land gets put on the open market, it’s at risk for development, real estate investment, and being taken out of agriculture,” Singer said. “But in this moment of transition we also have an opening to connect retiring

The awards were an nounced by Oregon U. S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden.

“Agriculture is deeply in grained in Oregon’s econo my,” Merkley said. “These awards to OSU and Rogue Farm Corps will ensure that Oregon’s new farmers and ranchers are able to thrive and make Oregon’s economy even stronger in the future.”

“This federal investment in the next generation of farm ers and ranchers in our state will help ensure a bright fu ture for these traditional Ore gon enterprises,” Wyden said. “I’m glad OSU and Rogue Farm Corps have earned these grants, and I will keep battling to secure similar investments that provide opportunities to grow farming and ranching throughout Oregon.”

Take a hike during Green Friday

Oregon Parks and Rec reation Department invites Oregonians to head outside the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25.

Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving has become a tradition in recent years. Oregon state parks will once again waive day-use parking fees in the 24 parks that are open and charge for parking on that day.

“We’re proud to pro mote this tradition and offer Oregonians an alternative to the busiest shopping day of the year,” Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption said.

Parking is free yearround at almost all state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge $5 daily for parking. Fee parks include popular destina tions such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stew art, Smith Rock and Milo McIver.

A complete list of parks that require day-use parking permits is available online at stateparks.oregon.gov Fall Creek is listed, but closed for the season.

The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 25, except at Shore Acres State Park, where it expires

at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

Use #OptOutside and #OregonStateParks on social media to share your adven tures.

Metro Creative Connection

The legislation would improve access to counsel by providing $250 million in funding for public defense grants.

Courtesy from OPRD

Metro Creative Connection

The federal funding is designed to provide beginning farmers with the tools and resources to succeed.

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

“The Christmas Ships Parade ties into the impor tance of the river to Oregon’s heritage and Oregon’s iden tity,” she told The Chronicle in a 2020 interview. “It is an event enjoyed by many as the ships travel the Willa mette and Columbia Rivers and is a long-standing tradi tion for those who view it each year.”

Parade organizers said the Christmas shippers spend countless hours on the chilly river waters to bring smiles to young and old alike.

Volunteers dedicate over 3,000 hours in trainings, meetings, outreach, logis tics, and the actual time in the parade. They host up to three meet and greet events at different locations where community members can see the boats up close, meet the boat owners, and learn about boat safety, according to the

parade organizers.

The Christmas Ships Parade will launch from the St. Helens City docks.

Parade organizers list the following outdoor view ing locations in Columbia County for the Christmas Ships parade:

• Columbia Courthouse - Above the St. Helens City docks

• Columbia View Park - South of the courthouse parking lot

• Sand Island - Access the river from St. Helens

• Caples House Museum1925 First St., Columbia City

• Pixie Park - Columbia City

Plaza events

A holiday celebration also will take place in the Colum bia County Courthouse Plaza in the Riverfront District of St. Helens.

The Dec. 10 activities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a walk and wave Santa event with his elves. There will be photo opportunities with live holiday alpacas and festive decorations in the Plaza.

The Christmas Ships Parade launches from the City docks at 6 p.m. The full schedule includes:

• 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Walk and Wave with Santa and his Elves at Plaza Square.

• 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. photos with the holiday alpacas at Plaza Square.

• 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. live holiday music with Tom Grant and Alyssa Schwary at Plaza Square.

• 6 p.m. Christmas Ships Parade at the St. Helens City docks.

This event is hosted by the City of St. Helens through tourism sup port from Cascadia Home Loans (Matt McHugh, NMLS#116407), Wauna Federal Credit Union, The Jane Garcia Team of Keller Williams, Big Food Cart and Brew, 503 Distilling, Best Western Oak Meadows Inn, and Sand Island Camp ground.

More information about the parade can be found at www.christmasships.org/.

Thank You, CRPUD Customers

MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content

This time of year is a time to reflect on the things you’re thankful for. Here in Columbia County, we have plenty for which to be grateful.

At Columbia River PUD, we are most thankful for our great customers. Without you, we would not exist.

On November 18, 1939, 65 local residents met at Bea ver Homes Grange Hall and initiated the formation of the PUD. The following Novem ber, CRPUD was voted into existence.

I am thankful for those residents getting together all those years ago. I’m also thankful for their patience, as it would be another 40-plus years before the PUD began providing power in this area.

Much has changed since 1939 – but one thing has remained the same: CRPUD would not exist without its tremendous customers.

I’m thankful that we were able to sit down with many of those tremendous customers for our Customer Apprecia

tion Dinner this year. After being forced to hand boxes of spaghetti through car windows at the Fairgrounds the last two years, it was my pleasure to be able to sit in the same room with all the folks who joined us last month. It was great to be able to see your smiling faces.

Thank you for attending our Customer Appreciation Dinner. It’s an event we truly enjoy.

As a public utility in the Pacific Northwest, we are fortunate to be blessed with abundant low-cost hydropow er. All the power we provide comes from the Bonneville Power Administration.

BPA provides that power at rates lower than those of Oregon’s private utilities. That allows us to keep our electric costs well below the state and national averages. Our resi dential rates are 25% lower than the statewide average in Oregon and 38% lower than the national average. I think that’s something we can all be thankful for.

Our utility and our employ ees do the best we can to help our local economy. We have held several fundraisers this

year to support local nonprof its like the Columbia Pacific Food Bank, United Way of Columbia County, the Amani Center, and many more. We’re grateful to be able to partner with agencies that have such an impactful mission.

As the General Manager, I am grateful for our out standing staff and a fantastic Board. I’m thankful to see the number of our employees who are active and engaged in the community. Our employees donate their time to coach youth sports, to volunteer with service organizations, and to do their part to make this a wonderful place to live.

As I stated earlier, there is plenty to be grateful for in this community. Thank you for helping make it that way, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

SHHS’s new coach looks for team’s best

Helens and Scappoose will always make for a tough game.”

St. Helens High School’s new girls basketball team head coach Jillian Ross leads a team that went 4-20 last season.

“Throughout open gym, I have loved how willing the athletes are to learn and grow as basketball players,” she said at a recent team practice. “They listen and implement corrections well.”

As the Lady Lions start their new season in the Cowapa League, Ross’s has this early impression.

“We will get to play each team three times, so it will give us a lot of chances to compete against these teams,” she said. “I believe the rivalry between St.

Scappoose Share & Care

CRIME

From Page A1

Crime insight

Following the capture of Reynolds, The Chronicle reached out to Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley for insight into this case and what appears to be a rise in violent offenders in the area.

The Chronicle: It seems Columbia County is seeing more and more dangerous felons fleeing to our area from Cowlitz County and other surrounding areas. Specifically, this case with Reynolds, the case with the suspect that hit the OSP pa trol car injuring the trooper, and the suspect that was fatally shot at Grumpy’s Towing. Why do you be lieve that is?

Brian Pixley: There

Ross played for St. Helens for four years and at Pacific University. She is in her first year as a head coach. Ross is eager to help each player develop to their best abilities.

“I hope each athlete

grows not only as a basket ball player but as a person as well,” Ross said. “I hope they have a positive ex perience when they grow together as a team and start to create a new culture for St. Helens girls’ basketball.

Her rewards as a coach are “the continued growth I get to see with each player” and “the positive impact and role model I get to be with each athlete.”

Ross’ assistant coaches are Rianne Tupper and Ken dall Keierleber.

The SHHS girls basket ball team has a 24-game schedule this season. The first competition, a non league contest, is set for Nov. 30 at Estacada. See the full team schedule and fol low game results at the osaa. com.

appears to be an increase in crimes statewide. There are many reasons for this increase, including the decriminalization of major drug classifications, a lack of mental health care, bail reform that requires early release for some crimes and lack of proper resourc es for law enforcement.

The Chronicle: How are these incidents helping to strengthen the partner ships between the CCSO and other law enforcement agencies?

Pixley: CCSO has a strong partnership with many local law enforce ment agencies. We are all limited on funding and already rely heavily on one another, but working major incidents together develops stronger personal and pro fessional relationships

The Chronicle: Over all, what would be your

suggestions to residents and business operators about this sort of danger that can happen anywhere, anytime. And your spe cific recommendations to anyone who might find themselves in such an incident?

Pixley: My suggestion to businesses and residents is to get involved. Make sure your voices are heard at the local level. Speak with your city council members and your board of county commissioners to ensure law enforcement and mental health are prop erly funded. Also, speak to your state and federal legislators to ensure they understand what is im portant to the people they represent. Together, we can accomplish great things.

Join the conversation. Post your comments with this story at thechronicle online.com.

When family caregiving follows you to work

Part 5 of 9: I have been answering a list of ques tions that have come via email to the weekly virtual seminar that I cohost.

This Holiday Season We Can Make a Difference. Your donation will help provide a Christmas food basket to local Scappoose and Warren families in need.

Christmas baskets include a turkey or ham, potatoes, stuffing, bread, soups, milk and other canned goods. Please fill in the donation ticket below and send it with your special gift today. Thank you!

This Holiday Season We Can Make a Difference. Your donation will help provide a Christmas food basket to local Scappoose and Warren families in need. Please fill in the donation ticket below and send it with your special gift today. Thank you!

Q: My parents will not admit that they are having issues, or genuinely do not feel that they have issues, so they refuse to accept hired help or even sched ule doctor appointments. Any advice for convincing them to accept help before a crisis?

In the last article, we discussed how to get help. For today, how do we get care into the home through the doctor?

A: Nurses have been voted the most trusted professionals for several years straight. I think doc tors are not too far behind.

The good thing is that many older adults respect and trust their doctors. Here is how to get care into the home through the doctor. First, be sure to call the doctor’s office ahead of time to tell the doctor that you need his or her assistance to get a caring professional into the home.

If the doctor has a nurse practitioner in their prac tice, that would even be better, because nurse prac titioners have a different and unique way to doing patient education. Second, ask the doctor to use two old fashion prescription pads and on one write “physical therapy evalu ation for gait disturbance and home safety evalua tion” and on the other one write “home caregiving assessment.” Medicare

will pay for the physical therapy assessment partly because 82% of the people who need care in the home have some form of demen tia, and with dementia, some patients suffer with spatial difficulties and depth perception. Very often when the physical therapist comes, they will find something to work on. If the therapist finds a need for teaching, such as a new medication, a nurse will be sent in under Medi care. Through the nurse, it would be easier to start the discussion for a home caregiving assessment. If I can help you get care into the home, please call or email anytime.

Columbia County’s trusted local

Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD

Courtesy from the City of St. Helens

The Dec. 10 activities include a Walk and Wave with Santa, photos with alpacas and live music at Plaza Square.

Oregon Heritage Tradition recognizes those traditions that have helped define the character of the state.

Courtesy from Herb Swett

St. Helens High School girls basketball players prepare for drill.

HERB

I have loved how willing the athletes are to learn and grow as basketball players.

~ Jillian Ross, Head Coach

Shop Local

Small Business Saturday

Think, be, act local – to the power of six

PAUL VOGEL Chronicle Guest Article

What do you think of Keep it Local Columbia County? Do you even think of Keep it Local, or are you just so used to seeing the posts, small business and non-profit promotions, and more, that you just expect it without having to think? We’d like you to think about Keep it Local for just a min ute, to remind yourself why it even exists for us all here.

Keep it Local is a Columbia County-centric small business and commu nity promotion and market ing program hosted by the Columbia Economic Team (CET) – now for seven years. It fits naturally into CET’s economic development role – because of the effect it has on our economy. That “effect” is the local multi plier effect -- which is the additional economic ben efit accrued to an area from money being spent in the local economy. That effect plays an important role in our larger regional economy.

Many studies have been conducted and continuously updated on the perspective of the local multiplier effect on the greater local economic return generated by money spent at locally owned independent businesses, compared to corporate chains or other absentee-owned businesses. Localization underscores the multiplier effect as one reason of many for consumers to do more of their business locally. We would add, Keep it Local is localization that also makes

it easier for small, indepen dent businesses to encourage consumers to do more of their business locally.

The reason for localiza tion – and for Keep it Local – is how that effect benefits our communities, neighbors, and ourselves by keeping dollars here, where they fuel our economy with a ripple, or multiplier, effect. $100 spent on local products and services is an economic contribution that circulates six times – and thereby mul tiplies that $100 in the local economy to $600. The more times this process repeats, the more the local economy thrives and grows.

Imagine that you spent $100 at local shops and restaurants. The same $100 is then recirculated back into other local goods and ser vices to the six times before it leaves the local market through external purchases.

That’s exactly what Keep it Local is all about. En couraging, promoting, and facilitating a more robust economy by making it easier for businesses to sell lo cally, and easier for you to buy locally, and to magnify your economic power to the power of six.

But there are other Keep it Local multipliers, too. Just this fall, Keep it Local presented the Marketing for Success series of classes on everything small businesses need – from marketing plans to branding to tutorials on social media. Thirteen local experts and from afield led sessions that helped local business owners refresh or learn new marketing and pro

motion techniques to locals, and to attract visitor spend ing locally. More than 79 individual business owners participated in 169 sessions –and many of them have now registered for certified small business assistance through the new Columbia County Small Business Development Center, or SBDC, which CET also hosts. Stronger businesses make for stronger communities, and economy.

Keep it Local’s contribu tion to the multiplier effect doesn’t stop at dollars or helping businesses improve, it extends to helping them get found in the first place.

In Q1 of 2023, Keep it Local will launch a new website that will be a search engine and directory that includes every business in Columbia County. Mobile activated, even anyone traveling in or through Columbia County will be able to find what they want and need to buy, locally. And as we know, for every dollar spent, the effect multiplies – to the power of six.

But before the new web directory launches, Keep it Local is rolling out its signature Keep it Local for the Holidays campaign. The remodeled 2021 Holiday campaign generated nearly $400,000 (multiply that by six!) in local purchasing last year and there are new twists for 2022. More than 88 businesses are participating in the “31 Days of Deals” scratch card promotion that provides more than $900 in savings for each $10 card –in addition to the traditional Wonderland cards, by which

each $10 spent moves the buyer one step closer to winning $1,500 or one of 25 other prizes.

The punch cards and scratch-offs are available at businesses and holi day events throughout the county. The purpose: make it easy as well as beneficial to taste, shop & play locally during this holiday season.

Local businesses are spon soring these programs and chambers of commerce are collaborating because they understand the multiplier effect, too. Go to keepitlo calcc.com/holidays/ or Keep it Local on Facebook to find out more.

Whether or not you consciously think about Keep it Local – the program – every day matters less than thinking about keeping it local every day and at every opportunity. It may be easier to shop online, we get it. But there’s no place online

where you can multiply your dollars six times in your own community, supporting jobs, schools, parks, services, and the businesses that sell what you want and need. That’s why to keep it local. And

Open Nov. 25th – Dec. 20th

that’s why there’s Keep it Local.

Paul Vogel is the ex ecutive director of Columbia Economic Team. He may be reached at 503-805-5139.

The big promotion for doing business in the area during the holiday season includes many prizes available.

The South Colum bia County Chamber of Commerce, in partner ship with Keep It Local Columbia County, is bringing back its Winter Wonderland Cards for the sixth year, along with a new program, the 30 Days of Deals Scratch-In Calendar.

Promoting local busi nesses has been the aim of Winter Wonderland, which both organiza tions say has been growing from the time it started.

“There’s a wonder land of businesses and organizations here in Columbia County,” the Chamber said in a re lease, “and a fun way to explore them is with our Wonderland Card. From Nov. 18 through Jan. 8, come grab a Wonderland card at a participat ing business. Then, for every $10 you spend at these businesses, you get one square stamped off your card. When your card is complete (after

20 squares), you can turn in your card(s). You can enter the grand draw ing -- your chance to win $1,000 and other prizes. Turn-in locations are on the back of the card. Cards are due Jan. 8.”

Keep It Local Di rector Sierra Traff said Winter Wonderland has been increasingly suc cessful for several years. She said it began as a Clatskanie promotion, soon became county wide, and last year gen erated $311,600 of local spending.

“This year, we’re excited to do it again,” Traff said. “There are 87 participating businesses countywide.”

The Scratch-It Cal endar, which costs $10, gives the customer ac cess to 30 deals with 30 businesses in Columbia County and can be paired with the Winter Wonder land Card for additional savings. For each day in December, the customer scratches off a tile to reveal the deal of the day, good for one-week, one-time use.

For more details, call the South Colum bia County Chamber of Commerce at 503-3970685.

What does ‘Shop Local’ mean to you?

Shopping and eating local ensures my local economy. When I spend at local businesses, with local artists, and local makers, I know I am helping provide for a family and cause. Money spent here, stays here. There is no better feeling than that.

STAFF

Amara Liebelt St. Helens Main Street Alliance

We shop within our community to support our neighbor’s dreams and family.

Hayley Starkey Beyond The Forest

What shop local means to me is I am supporting my friends, neighbors and colleagues in their dream to having a successful business. It means I am helping to keep their hopes and dreams alive. It means I am helping to grow my community. It means the world to me to be able to support and shop local.

Christina

Rice Christina’s Chest

Support your local economy. Our artist and sewists live here, work here and shop here.

Heather Clark Alterations By Heather

“Shop Local builds meaningful personal interactions, supportive relationships, and creating sustaining community businesses!”

Meagan Kelsey

Fairy Cove Silks + Secret Gardens

Small local businesses are the character of the community. Supporting small business grows the community and keeps dollars in the community.

Shannon Vaerewyck Bertucci’s Chocolates

Building True Health Together