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Local teens star in production

St. Helens girls Basketball

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City receives $100,000 for Riverwalk project STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

T

he City of St. Helens has received $100,000 for its Riverwalk Project Phase I. The funding comes from Travel Oregon’s 2023 Competitive Grants Program to fund accessible and inclusive tourism projects across the state.

The Travel Oregon grant will supplement two additional Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) grants supporting the construction of the City’s Riverwalk Project Phase, according to city officials.

The Riverwalk Project is designed to connect the project to accessible walking paths in the surrounding neighborhoods and the Riverfront District.

First phase The first phase of the project will develop and improve 420 feet of accessible public access to the Columbia River inside and near Columbia View Park. It includes a cantilevered overlook with views of the Columbia River, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and Sand Island.

An accessible path along the river bank will include a lighted railing system, benches, and concrete seat walls for resting. An interpretive signage plan has been developed for cultural interpretation at key areas along the Riverwalk.

The Travel Oregon grant will be used to create ADA access near the north entrance to Columbia View Park. The project will create an accessible connection over the banks of the Columbia River between the public docks, the new Riverwalk in Columbia View Park, and the Columbia County Courthouse’s

riverfront walking path in its lower parking lot.

“We are grateful to the Columbia Economic Team (CET) for their partnership and support in making this application a success,” St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh said. “CET serves as our local Destination Management Organization (DMO) through Travel Oregon.

CET’s in-depth knowledge of our Riverwalk Project and ongoing efforts to welcome people of all abilities to our community made the difference in this application. This is one small example of the value of CET membership for our city.”

Four projects in Columbia County were awarded Travel Oregon grant funds. In St. Helens, the St. Helens Main Street Alliance also secured an award for an elevator to serve The Klondike Tavern.

Travel Oregon awarded a total of $3.6 million to 56 recipients statewide. See the full list of awardees with this story at thechronicleonline.com. Projects funded by the competitive grants program in 2023-2025 will be completed by April 14, 2025.

Funding for the current competitive grants program was limited to local government, port districts, federally recognized tribes and nonprofit entities registered with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Awardees must demonstrate direct work in support of improving the economic impacts of Oregon’s travel and tourism industry. As such, eligible projects must clearly show alignment to tourism infrastructure that is accessible/inclusive or accessible/inclusive tourism promotion.

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

This sky-high view shows the planned area of the St. Helens Riverwalk along the Columbia River.

Courtesy photo

CRFR appoints new board member WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Mark Gundersen is sworn in by CRFR Board President Kelly Niles on Nov. 29.

Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

At a recent special meeting of the Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) Board of Directors, the directors interviewed two candidates for the vacancy on the board and selected a new member.

The two candidates interviewed on Nov. 29 were former Columbia County Commissioner Joel Yarbor and current St. Helens City Councilor Mark Gundersen. Following an interview process, Gundersen was sworn in as the newest member of the CRFR board.

Amid the myriad of issues facing the board, Gundersen comes in with an outside perspective, as he’s never been involved with the fire service. Gundersen said that the catalyst for his wanting the board position was when interim Chief Eric Smythe approached the city council to inquire as to whether any of the councilors would like to become more involved with the CRFR

at a board level.

“At least the majority of the council, myself included, thought it was kind of a good idea for us to have more communication. This would be a good way to start that,” Gundersen said. “It wasn’t a goal of mine to get on the board. It was more of a need, and they asked me to come down and interview. I interviewed, and they accepted me.

I’m happy to help. I like to give back to the community.”

As he settles into his new position, Gundersen said that his top priority is to ensure that services are maintained at the same level in the district. Gundersen noted that there are issues facing the district, but after speaking to the chiefs about the budget, he believes they can overcome the financial issues facing the district.

“After meeting with those guys, they’re doing everything they can

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See CRFR Page A9

Yankton Community Fellowship hosting shoe drive WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Yankton Community Fellowship is hosting a shoe drive to help community families in need this holiday

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season.

Jamie Griffin is the Family Ministry Director for Yankton Community Fellowship, and she discussed what sparked the December shoe drive. Griffin said the liaison from the Family Resource Center for the school district reached out to her about the needs of the community.

“She said that there’s a very high need for families in our community for shoes in general this winter season,” Griffin said. “So we threw it out to the congregation and see what we could collect. We are doing an open drive for the month of December, trying to collect gently used, or new shoes for all ages.”

The resource center serves all ages, not just students. While Griffin said there’s probably a need for more than just shoes, they focused on that component so they can “knock that one thing off their list.”

While they initially opened the drive up to their congregation, having members of the public get involved will only bolster the yield that the drive provides.

Griffin is a member of Connect St. Helens, which is a grassroots effort to recreate the culture and community of St. Helens.

A photo of some of the compiled shoe donations.

“I am part of Connect St. Helens. Ultimately, our goal is to not necessarily have churches working on their own, schools working on their own, or businesses in the community working on their own, but everyone working together to sup-

Courtesy photo from Jamie Griffin

port eachother,” Griffin said. “The main idea behind that is simply that we can all spin our wheels in a thousand directions, but if we all spend them together, we’re going to make a lot more progress.”

Griffin said that giving back

in the holiday season is not just a priority for the school district or churches but that issues facing the community affect everyone in the town.

Another giving back initiative Griffin said they are involved with is gathering gift cards for unaccompanied youth in Columbia County through the Daybreakers Kiwanis Teen Support Program. Whether supporting through donations of clothes, food, or other resources, Griffin said it’s important to support these initiatives if people can.

“I would encourage people to, if they can’t give on this drive, to give somewhere else because there’s a lot of areas that they can donate in town,” Griffin said. “Some of us can give our time, and some of us can give different items. Anyway that people can get involved, I feel like, supports not only that organization but your own mental health.”

To donate, people can drop off donations at the Yankton Community Fellowship at 33579 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. They can also donate directly at the Family Resource Center, located at 474 North 16th Street.

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Christmas Ships return to St. Helens WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The St. Helens riverfront will be alight with holiday spirit as the annual Christmas Ships Parade returns to the waters of the Columbia on Dec. 9.

The parade will start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Christmas Ship Parade website.

Ships will arrive at St. Helens City Docks throughout the day leading up to the event. Once the fleet is assembled, they will head downriver to Columbia City. If weather and river conditions permit, they will cross over to the Washington side of the river near Woodland before returning to St. Helens. The fleet will be out for about 2 hours.

St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King

Courtesy from Christmas Ships Parade, Oregon Heritage Commission and Stephen Cridland

The colorful ships line the docks at a previous Christmas Ships Parade event in St. Helens.

detailed what having the Christmas Ships Parade return to St. Helens means to the community.

“Annual events help foster a sense of community by bringing people together in celebration. When we ask people what they like about living in St. Helens,

one of the top responses that we always receive is that people like the smalltown feel,” King said.

“Community events are one part of creating that sense of genuine connection and community identity that our residents enjoy.”

to the residents of Columbia County and make our county a safer place to live, work, and recreate.”

In May 2023, Columbia County voters approved a Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Levy. The $7.9M 4-year levy was proposed

by Pixley and aimed to add seven new sheriff’s deputies. In an interview in the lead-up to the May 16 election, Pixley said that hiring seven deputies would fill the gaps in their coverage and reduce their call loads, overtime, and response times.

The four-year option levy passed with 7,049 votes for and 6,481 against.

The passage of the levy allowed CCSO to hire additional staff with the goal of providing county-wide patrol coverage 24 hours per day/seven days a week.

The Sheriff’s Office has hired four deputies since the levy passed, and two additional deputies have completed their Field Training for a net gain of six new deputies patrolling the roadways of Columbia County, according to the

View the parade

Upon returning, the ships will remain overnight at St. Helens City Docks and leave Sunday for the trip up the Multnomah Channel.

This is the 69th year the holiday fleet has set sail, with some of the skippers in the fleet participating for over 40 years. The Christmas Ships Parade started in 1954 and is the longest continuously operating illuminated boat parade in the United States, according to a Christmas Ships Parade news release.

On average, the combined Willamette and Columbia County fleets are made up of between 55 and 60 ships. Boats in the Parade range between 14 and 65 feet and include motor and sailboats. All fleet members are volunteers, paying all their own expenses.

The Christmas Ships website suggests the following locations as the best places to view the parade: • Columbia Courthouse - above the St. Helens City Docks • Columbia View Park

- [south of courthouse parking lot] • Sand Island - Access by boat only • Caples House Museum - 1925 First St, Columbia City (6-8 p.m. Cookies and hot chocolate w/donation) • Pixie Park - Columbia City

CCSO statement.

“I was thrilled to hear that Sheriff Pixley has been successful in his objective to begin providing aroundthe-clock coverage to the county,” Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder said in the release. “The voters were clear that public safety and 24/7 patrol coverage is vital to them.”

The statement said that CCSO will continue to hire additional patrol deputies until the Sheriff’s Office is fully staffed.

The Sheriff’s Office has hired four deputies since the levy passed in May of this year.

CCSO to provide 24-hour county coverage STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Columbia County will see 24-hour patrol coverage by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) beginning Dec. 15, according to Sheriff Brian Pixley.

“This will be the first time in over 25 years that the Sheriff’s Office has had the resources to deliver 24/7 patrol coverage in Columbia County,” Pixley said in the statement. “The Sheriff’s Office will be able to provide better service

Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

Nelson’s Market provides Thanksgiving meals

Courtesy photo from Shalayna Pense

The Thanksgiving meal provided by Nelson’s Neighborhood Market and Deli, located at 33666 E Columbia Ave. WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

In an effort to help folks out on Thanksgiving, Nelsons’ Neighborhood Market and Deli gave out about 108 special Thanksgiving meals to those in need.

Kym and Brandon Nelson are the owners of Nelson’s, and the initiative has developed over the last five years.

It started with the owners trying to develop a food special for Thanksgiving. After hearing from the community that it was something people wanted, they decided to offer a special meal.

“We have a lot of either elderly people, or single people, or just low-income who aren’t gathering with family,” Kym Nelson said. “[Initially] we were going

to charge for it. When we posted that we were going to do it, we had community members who said I’d like to donate a meal to someone. People started calling or coming in and paying for a meal, paying it forward basically.”

After getting quite a few donations, Nelson said many of the meals provided in the first year were provided for free. Since that first year, they have provided Thanksgiving meals free of charge.

Nelson said that the participation from the community has grown year after year. She said that they serve an average of about 120 meals each year. They start at 9 a.m. and said they don’t usually run out until 4 p.m., so everyone who wants a meal gets one.

OSP Fish & Wildlife seeks assistance to identify poacher

Courtesy photo from OSP

Deceased bull elk with its antlers removed on the morning of Nov. 29, 2023.

SUBMITTED

The Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify a person of

interest related to a Roosevelt Bull Elk that was unlawfully taken and left to waste sometime between 5 p.m. Nov. 28, and 7 a.m. Nov. 29.

The large bull elk was left to waste on Dutch Canyon Road near Scappoose with no effort to remove any meat.

This bull was well known and considered to be part of the Miller Herd.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Sr. Trooper Scott Bernardi through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (mobile) or contact Sr. Trooper Bernardi at 503-4104165 or scott.bernardi@osp. oregon.gov.

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“It’s been pretty awesome. And we do get community donations. We’ll have customers come in and say, ‘I want this to go toward the meals,’ or even other businesses give us money and say, ‘Buy a couple turkeys with this,’” Nelson said.

“That’s been great to get the help from other people.”

The meal consists of the classics: turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, a roll, and pumpkin pie.

Nelson said that the most gratifying part of the project is making sure that people get a meal on the holiday rather than fast food or a small meal at home.

“That’s just one less thing that they have to worry about. Even if they’re not gathering with family, they’re at least getting the meal. Just one less thing to take away from their stress and their worries,” Nelson said.

Nelson said it’s not just low-income families or people. Nelson said that every walk of life that wants or needs a meal can get one.

She said it’s been “wonderful” to make sure that people can get something on the holiday.

Nelson said they appreciate the donations of the community and shouted out Lea Chitwood for her contribution to making sure the meals can be provided each year.

“Being a part of this community has been amazing, and just knowing that everyone around here supports each other to make sure everyone is taken care of, and that’s pretty great,” Nelson said.

Premier Restoration Partners expanding Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc. Premier Restoration Partners hosted a ribbon cutting from the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the expansion of their facilities at 58430 Kavanaugh Street in St. Helens.

Premier Restoration Partners focuses on restoring or rebuilding people’s property after disasters such as fires or floods.

“Having it here meant more than just putting it in a random city. We’re able to stay here, stay local. I would say about 50% of my employees are local from Scappoose and St. Helens, so I’m able to bring jobs here,” Owner Tylor McVey said.

“What makes me whole, and what makes me feel great about this, is everyone shoots for one goal in life, and that goal is to buy and own their house. This is some people’s only investment. I get to put that investment back together after a disaster and put them whole again.”

Flood Advisory issued STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Heavy rain storms are moving into Oregon, swelling local streams and rivers and challenging drivers.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 5, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7.

What Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

Where Much of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon, including Columbia County, excluding the high Cascades, mid-Columbia Gorge and Hood River Valley.

Impacts

Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Ponding of water is expected later tonight and Wednesday.

Areas most likely to see such flooding will be the coast, coast mountains, and throughout the I-5 corridor.

Additional details Rain will gradually spread to the east and southeast through Wednesday morning. Another three to six inches of rain are expected along the coast and coast mountains, with one to three inches for the interior lowlands.

Rainfall more variable in the Cascades, with one to four inches expected, heaviest being north of Santiam River basin. This will cause urban and small stream

flooding.

With already saturated soils, this new rainfall will cause many smaller streams and culverts to run full, and cause minor flooding. In addition, areas with poor drainage, such as railroad crossings and underpasses, will quickly see standing water.

Rainfall will gradually ease later Wednesday afternoon. http://www.weather.gov/ safety/flood.

Precautionary and preparedness actions Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

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Local teens star in Portland production About the show

SUBMITTED

St. Helens teen Aidan Pulito and Scappoose teen Emma Degerness will be acting in a production of Ludlow Ladd: The Poor Little Orphan Boy at Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre.

Pulito will be performing in the starring role for the production.

Location and showtimes: Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theater is located at 711 SW 14th Avenue in Portland. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16. There will also be matinee shows at 2 p.m. on December 10 and 17.

Ludlow Ladd is the new, fully realized version of the 1977 Off-Broadway musical written by Michael Colby and Gerald Jay Markoe.

Ludlow Ladd (libretto

by Michael Colby; music

by Gerald Jay Markoe) has had an illustrious history. In December 1979, it began as an elaborate, staged reading written expressly for off-off Broadway’s Lyric Theatre of New York. Framed as an allsung, all-rhymed operetta, its screwball plot unfolds entirely in the style of Christmas songs, with overtones of Charles Dickens and Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

This presentation was so successful, that most of the same cast performed a radio version on WBAI-FM

the following year (1980, repeated in 1981). In 1982, Colby and Markoe wrote a sequel, Charlotte Sweet.

It won raves as an off-offBroadway showcase, moving on to an off-Broadway run that garnered three Drama Desk Award nominations (including “Outstanding Lyrics” and “Outstanding Music” for Colby and Markoe). Charlotte Sweet has just been optioned for revival.

The first regional production of Ludlow Ladd in December 1982 was at the New American Theatre (Rockland, IL). It was so popular it returned there the following December in repertory with Charlotte Sweet. Subsequently, there have been various versions, often in concert, featuring

such future TV and Broadway stars as Kristin Chenoweth and Donna Lynne Champlin.

The musical itself has evolved from an hour-long original version to a fulllength edition, with many new songs and an expanded second half. A lauded concert version of the expanded Ludlow Ladd was presented two years ago at Urban Stages in NYC. The Bridgetown Conservatory will premiere the first complete production of what Michael Colby describes as the fully realized new version.

products, with an eye toward offering nutritional food that aligns with the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of Oregonians.

“Being able to partner with local fishers and ranchers and farmers and other growers really has been advantageous to supplying fresh produce to our communities,” Dewey said. “You know, this is not a warehouse where you walk in and it’s just all Ramen.”

Salinas, a Democrat, is sponsoring the bill with U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-California.

“The pandemic caused higher rates of food insecurity in Oregon and across the country, and food banks have struggled to keep up with the increased demand,” Salinas said in a statement.

“The Farmers Feeding America Act will address this problem by providing more funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, ensuring our local food banks are fully stocked.”

The bill also would double the federal funding for the program, which was about $20 million for Oregon in 2022.

“With increased funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program and new resources for food distribution and storage, this legislation will help our communities procure fresh produce and dairy products and address food deserts – especially in under-resourced and remote areas,” Oregon Food Bank President Susan-

Tickets are available at: https://www.simpletix. com/e/ludlow-ladd-thepoor-little-orphan-boytickets-145335.

Courtesy photo

Aidan Pulito will be starring in Ludlow Ladd: The Poor Little Orphan Boy.

Demand for food spikes in Oregonians over past year

BEN BOTKIN Oregon Capital Chronicle Chronicle Guest Article

After the pandemic ended, the demand for food continued to increase in Oregon, with the need for millions more pounds of produce, pasta and other staples at meal sites and food pantries.

The Oregon Food Bank distributed more than 104 million pounds of food in the fiscal year from July 2022 through June 30, an 11% increase from the prior year. High housing and fuel costs coupled with inflation have contributed to the hunger of tens of thousands of Oregonians.

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, who represents Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, has noticed the surge in demand. Earlier this month, she introduced a bill that would double the amount of federal funding for the program that keeps Oregon pantries stocked with items.

Growing demand The Oregon Food Bank, which distributes food to more than 1,400 locations throughout Oregon and southwest Washington, has seen demand grow over the past three years.

Before the pandemic, about 860,000 people annually visited the food bank’s partners in Oregon and

southwest Washington, said Morgan Dewey, a spokesperson for the nonprofit food bank. This year, the food bank is on track to serve more than 1 million people, Dewey said.

“We’re just continuing to try to keep up with how much food folks are needing on the ground,” Dewey said.

The needs have increased as extra pandemic-related food benefits from the government have stopped.

During the pandemic, most families received 70% more in their monthly allotment of federal food aid, called the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP. The extra aid ended in March, with the average household allotment falling from $450 a month to about $300. The state also paid out the last of the pandemic-related extra food benefits for low-income families with young children in October.

“Those supports – when they ended it – really, really put folks in a dire situation,” Dewey said.

The food bank has five warehouses throughout the state that deliver to 21 regional food banks and more than 1,400 other points, including meal sites, delivery programs and pantries.

Those sites are critical for rural and frontier areas in Oregon with food insecurity that are not near a large regional pantry, Dewey said.

The operation puts out fresh produce and dairy

Efforts in Congress Oregon’s congressional members are looking for ways to keep produce in pantries. Earlier this month, Salinas announced she has introduced a bill to help food banks and local farmers by allowing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase more food directly from producers, including Oregon farmers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture purchases food products that are sent to the Oregon Food Bank as part of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Essentially, the bill would cut back on red tape and allow the federal government to consider other factors beyond simply the lowest price when considering bids from food producers. This, in turn, would set the stage for smaller family farms to get more contracts that put their products in Oregon pantries.

nah Morgan said in a statement. “No one should be hungry, and this investment will have a resounding impact for millions of people facing food insecurity.”

Long term

For the long-term, it’s important to look for ways to address the economic circumstances driving hunger, Dewey said. Those can include unaffordable housing and a lack of access to health care.

“We can serve everyone who is standing in line for a meal or standing in line to get a grocery bag full of food,” Dewey said. “We can serve all those people today, but hunger still won’t go away tomorrow.” https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2023/11/28/demandfor-food-spikes-in-past-yearas-many-oregonians-struggle-with-hunger/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news

bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

The Oregon Food Bank, state agencies and other organizations, including pantries and churches, provide food for hungry Oregonians. For help: • Go to needfood. oregon.gov • Find a food pantry at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org • For seniors and those with disabilities, call 855-673-2372 or go to www.adrcoforegon.org • Dial 211, or text your Zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org • For local resources, go to www.caporegon. org/find-services/

Police Reports The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

St. Helens Police November 18 • Police investigated a domestic assault near Crouse Way and Columbia Boulevard.

• Police arrested a 26-yearold male subject on a felony warrant and domestic assault at the 500 block of 9th Street.

November 19 • Police took a report of theft at the 300 block of First Street.

November 22 • Police arrested a 46-year-old male subject for reckless driving near Pittsburg Road and Columbia River Highway.

• Police arrested a 24-year-old for DUll-Intoxicants, attempting to elude, and reckless driving near Oregon Street and Deer Island.

November 24 • Police responded to an agency assist in the arrest of a 37-year-old male subject and a 34-year-old male subject on larceny from vehicle at the 800 block of Columbia River.

• Police arrested a 32-year-old female subject for criminal trespass I at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

November 26 • Police responded to a death investigation at the 300 block of Belton Road.

• Police responded to a death investigation at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

November 27 • Police responded to a theft call of stolen road/park and traffic signs in the St. Helens area.

• Police took a report of larceny- stolen mail at the 300 block of North 16th Street.

November 28 • Police arrested a 31-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Police contacted a male subject and determined he was out of compliance for failing to register as a sex offender requirements near old Portland Road, • Police responded to a cold theft report at 5000 Firway Lane.

November 30 • Police investigated a sex offender failure to register near St. Helens area.

• Police arrested a 28-yearold male subject on criminal trespass II at the 200 block of Columbia River Highway.

Planning commission applications open SUBMITTED BY THE CITY OF ST. HELENS

The City of St. Helens is currently taking applications from interested persons in the community – citizens or business owners - who would like to volunteer to serve on the St. Helens Planning Commission.

There is one vacancy, and the term expires December 31, 2025.

Full terms are for four (4) years. There is also an anticipated second vacancy.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, January 19, 2024.

Generally, this Commis-

sion meets once per month on the second Tuesday at 6:00 P.M. They may meet more often depending on what projects they are working on and what land use applications are received. The Commission was created, and members are appointed by the City Council.

All committees are advisory to the Council; however, the Planning Commission is quasi-judicial and has authority to make decisions on various land use matters. This Planning Commission also acts as the Historic Landmarks Commission, so an interest in historic preservation is also preferred. Their next meeting

is Tuesday, December 12, at 6:00 P.M. To learn more about the Planning Commission, please visit the City’s website at https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/bc-pc. If you are interested in volunteering your time to serve on this Commission, please complete the Application for City Boards and Commissions web form available on our website.

If you would like a paper application mailed/emailed to you, please contact Kathy Payne, City Recorder, kpayne@sthelensoregon.gov or 503.366.8217.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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News and Views

Addressing the child care crisis JEFF MERKLEY Chronicle Guest Column

Welcome to the first edition of the “Merkley Monthly!” In this column, I’ll address topics in Oregon’s rural and coastal communities served by Country Media Newspapers.

Coming from rural Douglas County, myself, I know how essential local newspapers are for speaking to the unique needs of your communities and keeping folks connected. So, I’m excited for this opportunity.

Every year, I host town hall meetings for all 36 Oregon counties. I’ll use this monthly column as an extension of that town hall spirit and the “Oregon Way” to answer questions and address issues that have come up in the town hall meetings in your communities, which means these topics will be relevant and local to you.

One topic I hear about in every rural and coastal community is the lack of affordable, quality child care.

If it feels more difficult to find child care than it used to be, that’s because it is. Since 1999, the total number of child care slots in Oregon has dropped by about 6,600. Oregon State University estimates that, for families of infants and toddlers, 35 of 36 counties qualify as child care deserts where there can be as many as 10 children competing for the same child care spot.

The numbers are stark.

Up north, at the mouth of the Columbia River, Clatsop

Sen. Jeff Merkley

Courtesy photo

County has child care for only 8 percent of its infants and toddlers. Farther south, it drops to 6 percent in Lincoln County. And, down in Curry County, there’s only child care for 3 percent of their infants and toddlers.

Even if that spot becomes available, families may not be able to afford it. In Oregon, the average cost of child care is nearly $13,700 a year – or more than in-state tuition at Portland State University.

As one mother put it, “A day care bill is a mortgage right now.”

Parents who can’t find afford child care options often are forced to use up their paid time off or drop out of the workforce altogether. In Clatsop County, it got so bad that two hospital systems donated funding for local child care services because of staffing shortages.

Child care workers need

to be paid a living wage, too. The average child care worker in Oregon makes about $12.90 an hour, and the profession has high burnout and turnover rates.

What can we do about it? During the pandemic, Congress created Child Care Stabilization Grants that sustained approximately 220,000 child care providers, saved an estimated 9.6 million child care slots, and protected more than 1 million child care jobs across the country. Oregon received nearly $250 million to sustain more than 3,000 child care programs and support more than 80,000 children. But those funds expired on September 30.

We need to pass the Child Care Stabilization Act to restore this successful and needed program.

Then we need to build on it by passing the Child Care and Working Families Act so eligible families pay no more than 7 percent of their income on child care.

Middle-class families deserve a break. This legislation is a start, and I will continue to fight to expand and improve child care in Oregon and across the country.

Do you have a topic or issue important to your community you want to hear more about from Senator Merkley? Email dcurrie@countrymedia.net.”

Jeff Merkley represents Oregon in the U.S. Senate.

This Thing Called Life: Winter’s coming MICHELLE PIERSON YOUNG Chronicle Guest Column

A cold slap from the winter wind can be enough to steal oneself for the coming months. In the Pendleton Store, I bated the sales associate. “Do you want to know what I hate more than being cold?” I asked. Her quizzical look was enough response for me to continue. “Nothing,” I declared.

Her laugh was my payoff.

We’ve been stealed even more against the winter of our lives. As a woman, I’m clear the best years were supposedly in my twenties and thirties. This is disappointing since I spent those years working myself to death and suffering. Both were optional, if only I’d known.

It’s my opinion that not only have we been misled regarding aging and what it holds, but we’ve idealized being young, putting pressure on people who, we are forgetting, don’t have as much context and experience. Maybe they have tighter bums, but with significantly less life experience, there’s less context, perspective and hope.

I was a shotgun who believed I’d hit the bullseye if I shot enough stuff.

Maybe I obliterated some

of those targets, but I could have done so with less ammo, more elegance, and less collateral damage. It’s rough not having a history of, “everything is going to be okay, even if it takes some time.” With real world/real years experiences under our belt, this “knowing” is the peace we’ve earned.

I’ve seen some long, cold and dark seasons that seemed they’d never end.

I’ve felt deep loss thinking of the time consumed by those seasons. The ones where its not that much fun to go outside, but you really want to go outside, but you’re stuck with the weather.

I respect the coming season. I don’t have control over what’s coming, but I can prepare and even make the season a generous and, in the best of times, a gentle experience, warm and protected from harsh winds.

It’s dreamy to imagine living in the summer sun forever. But I’ve known the breathtaking pleasure of a cold that sucks your breath away in small clouds. Tears have stung my eyes watching snowflakes wisp down, insulating the forest floor.

Fat, cold snowflakes and the dark days on which they fell, remind me of sum-

mer and the contrast feels like joy. There is no warm without the cold.

Winter’s coming and man does his topsy turvy, looped-dee-loos through history. We long for the ease of peace and the comfort of the warm sun that keeps us safe and easy.

But we know from experience that these seasons are ancient and necessary patterns. We need remember the path to spring is to trod through winter. In truth, we also remember too-long summers when we begged for relief.

Winter’s coming. When we see it in the long view it’s a beautiful dance and a delight to participate in the waxing and waning of energy.

May the coming winter be one of peace for you.

If your memory doesn’t stretch through a long history of cold times, I hope you’ll entertain for a minute that we’re all in the natural dance and neither can we escape the rhythm nor would we wouldn’t want to. Eternal summer is not natural and there is at least a peace in surrendering to that truth.

Michelle Pierson Young is a Lincoln City life coach.

She may be reached at Michelleatplay.com.

Voices of the Community Christmas decorations Has anyone noticed how lame the Christmas decorations are in the town plaza.

It’s a bunch of plastic figures and strings of nonworking lights. I don’t know if some gets paid for doing

the display if they do the city clearly got cheated. Where is the big Christmas tree and the cool lights that hung from the trees a few years ago.

The current display is actually an embarrassment.

The month-long Halloween town event surely generated enough money to purchase some nice decorations to put in the plaza. Something

seems a bit fishy about the whole deal. Perhaps someone is pocketing money that should have gone to decorating the plaza.

This needs to be looked into. Volunteers could have done a much better job.

Patrick Klein, St. Helens

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Have you started Christmas shopping yet?

When will you put up Christmas decorations?

Already done!

I have most of it done.

I’m waiting till the last minute!

Nobody’s getting gifts this year.

41.8% Already did!

25.5% Thanksgiving just happened, give me a break.

32.7% I’m not decorating this year

Vote online at thechronicleonline.com Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Community Events Dec. 9 Scappoose Garden Club Holiday Sale 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Scappoose Grocery Outlet, 52115 Chinook Way in Scappoose.

Floral mugs, succulents, holiday decor and more.

Dec. 9 Cans, Can Help!

At Grumpy’s Towing in conjunction with Columbia Pacific Food Bank and Pacific North West Martial Arts Academy Noon - 4 p.m. Grumpy’s will be taking donations of nonperishable food to give back to the community.

They will also be collecting pop cans to help support the competition team. Fore more info please call 503369-0657 or email www. pnwmaa.com.

Dec. 9 A Candlelight Service of Remembrance 2 p.m. at Columbia Funeral Home, 681 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, Oregon 97051.

They will be honoring your loved ones with a Candle Lighting Ceremony and reading of the names, words of comfort by Justin Bruner and a keepsake ornament that may be taken home.

Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. For questions call, 503-3971154.

Dec. 9 Santa Clause is coming to Caples House Museum 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Bring the kids to visit Santa. Stay and watch the Christmas Ships go by. There will be cookies, cocoa, and singing.

This is a free event. Ships start at 6:30 p.m. Lots of parking. 1925 First St., Columbia City, 503-397-5390.

Dec. 9 Christmas Ships Parade 5 p.m. Festivities begin.

Christmas ships will launch at 6 p.m. from St. Helens.

Dec. 16 4th Annual The Spirit of Christmas Parade in Scappoose 4 p.m. Starts at NE 2nd St. and Crown Zellerbach. They

will be collecting nonperishable food do-nations curbside along the parade route.

All donations go to Columbia Pacific Food Bank. For more information find the event on Facebook or contact Angela Wayman at 971-757-0271.

Dec. 16 Holiday Market 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Scappoose Annex Gym, 52265 Columbia River Hwy. Holiday craft and gift ven-dors. Santa and the Grinch will visit from noon - 2 p.m. Suggested donation of two cans of food for Columbia Pacific Food Bank.

Dec. 17 4th Annual The Spirit of Christmas Parade in St. Helens 4 p.m. Starts at Sixth St. and Columbia Blvd. They will be collecting nonperishable food dona-tions curbside along the parade route. All donations go to Columbia Pacific Food Bank. For more information find the event on Facebook or contact Angela Wayman at 971-757-0271.

Ongoing Events Fridays 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Caples House offers Tea and Sweets: a bottomless cup of tea with a homemade dessert. Cost is $5. In The Cottage, 1925 First Street in Columbia City. Call 503-3975390 for more details.

Fridays - Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Caples House Museum Tours, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City.

Cost is $5. Stop by and see what has changed. For more information, call 503-3975390.

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christcentered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st Street in St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed.

For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521, Daniel Grant at 714-7689327 or check the Resonate Facebook page.

Columbian Toastmasters Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome to visit! Lunch meetings at Warren Country Inn, 56575 Columbia River Hwy, Warren, OR 97053 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-369-0329 for more information.

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

Celebrate Recovery For anyone struggling with addiction, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. the doors open for a free dinner. Yankton Community Fellowship, 33579 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens.

503-396-7091. Childcare is available. www.yanktoncommunityfellowship.com.

Tea and Sweet on Fridays 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Have tea and a sweet in Caples’ Cottage, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. Cost is $5. 503-3975390.

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

The Chronicle The Chronicle (USPS 610-380) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 S. Columbia Blvd., P.O. Box 1153 St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Periodicals postage paid at St. Helens, OR 97051

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chronicle PO Box 1153 St. Helens, OR 97051-8153

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One month in county: $8 One month out of county: $10 One year in county: $70 One year out of county: $90 One year online only: $60

CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 Website: www.thechronicleonline.com • Editorial: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net ADVERTISE WITH US: Display ads: chronicleads@countrymedia.net Classified ads: chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net FOLLOW US • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

Letters policy: This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and blatant

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

All submissions must include the author’s full name, local

street address and telephone number (only the name and city of residence will be published).

By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online.

Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country Media, Inc.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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The Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) reports a significant milestone in sustainable tourism — funding approval for 82 new electric vehicle (EV) charging ports along the Oregon Coast and in Columbia County.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Community Charging Rebates Program ran its first funding round from June-October this year and awarded $1.75 million towards 370 new charging ports statewide.

A total rebate amount of $364,971 was allocated for projects spanning the Oregon Coast.

“This is exciting news that demonstrates a strong commitment locally and statewide towards goals of sustainability and resiliency in Oregon Coast tourism,” the OCVA states in a release.

Key highlights The ODOT Community Charging Rebates Program will result in the installation of 82 new EV charging ports throughout the Oregon Coast.

Of the total rebate funds, $364,971 (24%) was dedicated to supporting coastal initiatives, ensuring that the Oregon Coast remains accessible and welcoming to electric vehicle users.The full statewide list of awards can be viewed here.

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Shirley Helen (Cook) Eaton, 92, was born in St. Helens, Oregon on May 24, 1931 to William and Sophia (Bertelsen) Cook and went to be with the Lord on Nov. 22, 2023 in Scappoose, Oregon.

Shirley was one of nine children and graduated from St. Helens High School in 1949. She married Gary R. Eaton on June 23, 1950.

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maker and loved cooking, baking and gardening and caring for her four children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She and Gary loved working puzzles and spending time with friends and family at their cabin in Ocean Park, Washington and digging razor clams. She was an active member of Plymouth Presbyterian Church for the majority of her life and

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Shirley Helen (Cook) Eaton

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loved sharing her gift of music singing in the choir.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Gary Eaton on Sept. 1, 2020 and daughter Julie Eaton (Richard) Salisbury on Dec. 16, 2021.

She is survived by her sons, Richard G. (Evelyn) of St. Helens; Michael j.

(Karen) of Sun City, West Arizona; and Terry L, (Diana) of Florence, Oregon; grandchildren, Chris Eaton, Tyra (Ryan) Holm, Corinne Parke, Collin Salisbury and Michael Salisbury; and her great grandchildren, Kolby Holm and Kylie Holm.

The family is planning

a celebration of life and private family graveside service to place her ashes in the coming summer months.

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Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Classifieds www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

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Need a job?

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New details about bird flu in Oregon STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been circulating in wild birds in North America since December 2021 and continues to be detected in waterfowl in Oregon, according to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department (ODFW).

More detections are expected during this fall and winter as waterfowl migrate through Oregon or spend the winter here.

An increase in cases and mortality, especially among cackling geese, is already being seen at Staats Lake in Keizer, Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove and multiple wildlife refuges and locations where geese are congregating in the Willamette Valley.

The current strain of the virus (H5N1) was first detected in Oregon in May 2022. Unlike previous outbreaks of HPAI in 2005 and 2014-15, this strain of the virus did not disappear by the following spring. The H5N1 strain continues to circulate in wild birds and is also infecting backyard poultry flocks. Waterfowl are the

natural host of avian influenzas and increased spread is occurring during waterfowl migrations. the ODFW states in a release.

During fall 2022, most mortality in wild waterfowl occurred in cackling and snow geese, however the virus is also commonly detected in wild ducks that had been harvested by hunters.

Although many Low Pathogenic strains of Avian Influenza naturally occur in wild waterfowl, detections of Highly Pathogenic strains in wild birds are less frequent.

Typically, HPAI does not cause large-scale mortality in wild waterfowl or other groups of wild birds but often causes severe illness and death in domestic chickens and turkeys.

However, the current H5N1 strain has caused increased mortality for wild waterfowl (especially geese), shorebirds, raptors and scavengers such as vultures, the release states.

Currently, there have been 7,476 confirmed detections in 136 species of wild birds throughout the U.S. This strain has also been detected in 15 mammalian species including scavenging carni-

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vores such as coyotes, foxes and skunks that have likely fed on infected birds.

Wildlife managers continue to monitor for the disease by testing birds found dead and sampling live birds and birds harvested by hunters for presence of the virus.

What to do if you encounter groups of sick or dead birds ODFW asks that members of the public report groups of sick or dead wild birds to the Wildlife Health lab at 866-968-2600 or wildlife.health@odfw.oregon. gov.

ODFW staff are monitoring and tracking continued mortalities. Samples may be collected in cases of large groups of dead birds or when multiple different species are involved.

Typical symptoms in wild waterfowl include cloudy eyes, head shaking, swimming in circles, and incoordination. However, HPAI can occur in dabbling duck species that show no signs of disease. These are the carrier host species that spread the virus to other birds and wetlands. Infected wild

mammals may be found sick, dead or acting neurologically abnormal after consuming an infected bird and should also be reported.

ODFW veterinarians recommend that you do not handle wildlife that is sick or found dead. If it is necessary to dispose of a carcass, use a shovel or wear impermeable gloves, wash hands with soap and water and change clothing before having contact with domestic poultry or pet birds.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, humans appear to be at low risk for infection with the current H5N1 strain. More info can be found at https://www.cdc. gov/flu/avianflu/avian-inhumans.htm What hunters need to know Hunters may come in contact with infected waterfowl during the hunting season and should always practice the following safe bird handling and cooking techniques, especially this season due to HPAI: • Do not harvest birds that are obviously sick or found

dead.

• Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling and cleaning game birds.

• Do not eat, drink, smoke or touch your face when handling birds.

• Keep the game bird and its juices away from other foods.

• Thoroughly clean knives and any other equipment or surfaces that touch birds. Use a solution of one third cup of chlorine bleach per one gallon of water.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling birds (or with alcohol-based hand products if your hands are not visibly soiled).

• Cook all game meat thoroughly (up to at least 165° F) to kill disease organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Use a food thermometer to ensure the inside of the bird has reached at least 165° F. • Do not feed dogs raw meat, organs or other tissue from harvested waterfowl.

Falconers are advised to avoid hunting waterfowl and other waterbirds during the HPAI outbreak because of the risk it presents to

raptors. HPAI is killing raptors that come into contact with infected avian prey or carcasses.

Danger to domestic poultry This strain of HPAI (H5N1) is also deadly to domestic birds (chickens, turkeys, Guinea fowl). The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) strongly encourages backyard poultry producers to prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Any sick domestic birds should be reported to the State Veterinarian’s office at 1-800-347-7028 or AHHotline@oda.oregon.gov.

ODFW is part of the State of Oregon’s multi-agency response to HPAI, along with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Health Authority and the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDAAPHIS).

For information about avian influenza in domestic birds, visit ODA’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/ programs/animalhealthfeedslivestockid/animaldiseases/ pages/avianinfluenza.aspx.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH23-1485

CH23-1486

NOTICE OF PUBLIC LIEN SALE

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET HEARING • For supplemental budgets proposing a change in any fund's expenditures by more than 10 percent.

Public Lien Sale Rainier Mini Storage LLC, 323 W B St., Rainier, OR unit

A public hearing on a proposed supplemental budget for Columbia County for the current fiscal year will be held at 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon Room 310 The hearing will take place on December 13, 2023 at or after 10:00 a.m. in person and via teleconferencing

by Go To Meeting

by Phone

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/357054141 United States: +1 (866) 899-4679 Access Code: 367-054-141

NOTICE OF ANNUAL BOARD MEETING

A copy of the supplemental budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after November 22, 2023 at 230 Strand Street,

McNulty Water PUD will be holding their Annual Workshop Board meeting December 9, 2023, at 8pm.

St.Helens, Oregon or on website at https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/Finance

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES

AMOUNTS SHOWN ARE REVISED TOTALS IN THOSE FUNDS BEING MODIFIED

1 2 3

Resource

Amount

Expenditure - indicate

Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.

0

0

1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service

Amount (453,346) 0 453,346

Revised Total Fund Requirements

0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 201-Public Works Fund Resource

Suppl #2 Expenditure - indicate

Amount

Revised Total Fund Resources

Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.

Amount (112,366) 0 112,366

Revised Total Fund Requirements

0

1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 202-Parks & Recreation Fund

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Amount (13,636) 0 13,636

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0

1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 203-COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FUND

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Amount

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Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.

Amount (96,389) 0 96,389

Revised Total Fund Requirements

0

1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 204-COUNTY FAIR

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Suppl #2 Expenditure - indicate Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.

Amount

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1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Amount (1,922) 0 1,922

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0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 207-SOLID WASTE TRANSFER STATION FUND

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Amount

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Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.

1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Amount (5,591) 0 5,591

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0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 208-RESTRICTED GRANT FUNDS

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1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Amount (20,760) 0 20,760

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0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 209-CORNERSTONE PRESERVATION FUND

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Amount

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1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Amount (3,875) 3,875

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0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 216-PUBLIC TRANSIT FUND

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Amount

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1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Amount (42,082) 42,082

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0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment Suppl #2 Expenditure - indicate

Amount

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0

(30,356) 30,356

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Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 220-JAIL FUND

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Amount (197,825) 197,825

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0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment FUND: 231-Internal Service Funds

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Resource

2023, Agenda, or the link for Zoom to attend the meeting please contact me at 503397-1301.

Suppl #2 Expenditure - indicate Org. Unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object Class.

Amount

Revised Total Fund Resources

CH23-1481

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE AUCTION Rainier Storage Place, LLC will hold a foreclosure auction at 29098 Dike Rd., Rainier OR 97048 of

1 Personal Services 2 Materials and Services 3 Debt Service 0

Revised Total Fund Requirements

Amount (155,650) 155,650 0

Explanation of change(s): To provide for correct activity for PERS bond payment

Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

the contents of the following storage unit: A3 (10x28) James Spaulding, A6 (10x13) & B8 (10x13)

Amanda Calhoun. Auction is at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16th, 2023.

CH23-1484

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That Steven Ray Gump has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of Lyle Timothy Gump, Deceased, by the Columbia County Circuit Court of the State of Oregon, probate file number 23PB10134. All persons having claims against

the Estate are required to present them, in due form, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice to the Personal Representative at this address: c/o Steven R. Gump, 60869 Columbia River Highway, St. Helens, Oregon,

97051, 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 or the Personal Representative.

Dated and first published December 6, 2023.

Kotek to seek $600m for homelessness JULIA SHUMWAY Oregon Capital Chronicle Chronicle Guest Article

Gov. Tina Kotek plans to ask the Legislature to spend another $600 million on housing and homelessness next year, building on record investments over the past few years as the state continues to grapple with a housing crisis.

She laid out some of her budget priorities during a Tuesday, Nov. 28, press conference in Salem, a little more than two months before lawmakers return to the Capitol for a 35-day dash to pass new laws and allocate money.

Kotek and legislative leaders from both parties generally agree that housing, homelessness, addiction and public safety are top priorities.

Kotek’s biggest request, $500 million, will be tied to housing production. She set a goal of building 36,000 homes each year – nearly double the average number of homes built in Oregon in recent years. A 2022 state report estimates that Oregon needs to build more than 550,000 homes in the next 20 years to make up for years of underbuilding and keep pace with population growth.

“I’m really urging the legislators to be bold with one-time money to make sure we can move forward on our housing production goals here in the state,” Kotek said.

By the numbers

FUND: 217-LAND DEVELOPMENT FUND

Resource

The meeting will be located at 34240 Millard Road, Warren Oregon 97053. If you would like the November 7,

Suppl #2

Revised Total Fund Resources

1 2 3

public auction cash in hand bid.

CH23-1480

The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the supplemental budget with interested persons.

FUND: 100-GENERAL FUND

#69 Dacian Neubauer at 1 pm on 12-30-23 @ Rainier Mini Storage LLC onsite

The state’s most recent point-in-time count indicates that at least 18,000 Oregonians are homeless. Shrinking that number will require not only more homes, but also more affordable housing, experts say.

Members of her Housing Production Advisory Council have suggested using state funding to train construction workers and create or expand loans, tax rebates and grants for developers building homes for low-income and middleincome families. Cities have also indicated they’ll need state help with infrastructure funding to build the streets, sewers, sidewalks and other infrastructure necessary to build new homes across the state.

Along with money to spur housing production, Kotek said she’ll ask for about $65 million to keep existing homeless shelters open and another $33 million for rent assistance to keep Oregonians who fall on tough times from losing their homes.

Lawmakers allocated almost $34 million this spring to help nearly 9,000 households avoid homelessness. By Sept. 30, the most recent date

Julia Shumway / Oregon Capital Chronicle

Gov. Tina Kotek, pictured talking about housing in July 2023, plans to ask the Legislature to approve hundreds of millions in new spending for housing, homelessness, child care and summer learning.

for which data is available, Oregon Housing and Community Services had spent a little more than $11 million and helped more than 3,800 households.

Kotek also plans to ask for money for summer learning, child care and road maintenance. Districts scaled back summer learning programs this summer after the Legislature failed to provide funding ahead of an April deadline.

The $50 million Kotek will ask lawmakers to provide for summer learning this spring is far below the $240 million lawmakers approved in 2021 and the $150 million provided in 2022, when federal funding tied to the COVID pandemic gave the state and school districts more money to spend.

She’ll seek $59 million to maintain the state’s Employment Related Day Care program, which helps lowincome families pay for child care and now has a waitlist.

The program, which is facing a $123 million shortfall and indefinite waiting lists, allows families earning up to twice the federal poverty level – just less than $40,000 annually for a single parent with one child or $60,000 for a family of four – to have most of their child care costs covered and pay only a small monthly copay.

Other priorities Kotek is also asking legislative leaders to commit to spending $19 million for the Oregon Department of Transportation to schedule overtime and equipment to meet winter road maintenance needs. The department announced in October that it planned to cut back on plowing and sanding this winter because of staff shortages, inflation and decreased revenue from gas taxes related to more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Legislature will take up a large transportation funding package in 2025, eight years after passing a $5.3 billion transportation package that was intended to cover needs for the next decade.

And other spending proposals could be coming.

Kotek said she’ll work with lawmakers to review and revise the state’s methodology for providing school funding, as well as come up with a plan to provide funding for minimum teacher salaries. A teachers’ strike just wrapped up in Portland and other large districts, including Bend-La Pine and Salem-Keizer, are in negotiations as school districts around the state face budget shortfalls.

Kotek, who opposed the city of Salem’s failed payroll tax that she and about 21,000 other state employees based in Salem would have paid, also said she was open to legislation that would have the state make payments in lieu of taxes for state property within city limits. The capital city faces an estimated $15 million budget shortfall by 2026, and city officials estimate the untaxed state property within city limits would generate about $7.25 million annually if it were taxed.

Other capitals, including Olympia, Washington, receive such payments from their state governments. Kotek said she would likely sign such a bill if it arrived on her desk.

“Having state government in Salem is a benefit, and there are also costs to provide public safety services,” Kotek said. “I think there is a place for the state to do more to support Salem because of the number of properties we have here, but it will be up to the city of Salem and Salem legislators to bring something in the session.” https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/11/28/ oregon-gov-tina-kotek-plansto-seek-600-million-morefor-housing-homelessness-in2024-session.

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

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Games and Puzzles Solution for the Nov. 29, 2023 crossword puzzle

Answers

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Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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Two Columbia County logging firms earn Award of Merit SUBMITTED

St. Helens-based logging firm Pelham Cutting, Inc. and Big O Logging of Birkenfeld have each earned an Award of Merit this year from the Oregon Board of Forestry (ODF).

The two companies were honored earlier this fall by a regional advisory committee to the Oregon Board of Forestry. That committee gave top honors in the Northwest Region of Oregon to Ron Staley of Ron Staley Enterprises, Inc., of Lebanon, OR., in Linn County.

“Ole” Berg is owner of Big O Logging, Inc. His company was chosen for an Award of Merit for helping thin overcrowded forestland during ongoing road repair work, according to a release from the Oregon Board of Forestry.

Greg Pelham of Pelham Cutting, Inc., garnered an Award of Merit for his firm’s consistently high performance in harvesting and reforestation, with care to avoid high landslide-risk areas and identify and leave important old-growth wildlife trees.

Other top regional honors went to: Eastern Oregon – Leigh Ann Vradenburg with the Klamath Watershed Partnership in Klamath County Southwest Oregon- Wally Plikat of Plikat Logging,

CRFR From Page A1 to make sure services aren’t limited,” Gundersen said. “I just want to make sure that we’re well served. These services are important, and I want to make sure that we’re doing the best we can, with the resources that we have, to provide for the community.”

Splitting time between the council and the CRFR board, Gundersen said he has the “bandwidth to do it.”

With less than a week on the board under his belt, Gundersen said getting up to speed on the full scope of his role in the district is still a work in progress.

Gundersen said that it’s a “team effort,” but said that trust throughout the district will be critical to the district’s success going forward.

Gundersen emphasized that he feels that Smythe and the administration are going to

Courtesy photo

“Ole” Berg is owner of Big O Logging, Inc. in Birkenfeld.

Inc., based in Roseburg, OR. The Operator of the Year and Merit Awards recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, protect natural resources at a level that consistently meets or goes above and beyond requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act. That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to re-

plant forests after harvesting.

Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and all five Merit Award winners can be viewed at the ODF website at https://www. oregon.gov/odf/Working/ Pages/default.aspx.

Ron Staley was recognized for working with conservation-minded landowners to protect forested buffers around fish-bearing streams while minimizing soil compaction and distur-

bance.

Staley was singled out for use of new tools and technologies to enhance harvests and protect resources to the highest standards of the Oregon Forest Practices Act*, such as high-end custom drones to fly rigging lines over buffers, a safer and more efficient method.

The selection committee was also impressed that Staley protected buffers by moving his yarding rig from one side of a protected buffer to the opposite side in order pull logs up and away

keep the district “heading in the right direction.”

“This isn’t a political thing. I’m just trying to help out. If we’re asked and, I can do it, then I’m trying to help out,” Gundersen said. “If there’s any issues, then I’ll step down.”

situation and the outcome of arbitration.

“The informal talks with President Schrotzberger, VP Petersen, and Secretary Strolis were productive and laid the groundwork for beginning negotiations next week. The direction given by the CRFR Board of Directors was to balance the Fiscal Year 23/24 budget as required by Oregon law (ORS 294.100),” Smythe said in the release.

Smythe outlined what has contributed to the district’s overspending and current financial woes. Smythe said some of the changes have been legal issues, investigations, the hire and subsequent removal of a new fire chief, and financial challenges caused by “some combination of harmful choices/bad acts under audit and criminal investigation.”

“The consequence was overspending and eliminating our $4.5 million reserve fund and a current fiscal year deficit that now requires cuts

to balance the budget. The district must identify savings from reducing expenses to incorporate in a mid-year supplemental budget,” Smythe wrote.

Smythe said that the acquisition of the administration building and the hiring of several positions they couldn’t afford contributed to the overspending of the $4.5 million of reserve funds.

Smythe cited the inattention of CRFR’s previous finance manager, the Scappoose chief arrangement, and the failure of an outside audit firm as causes for the financial mismanagement.

At the Nov. 29 meeting, the board directed legal representatives to assess whether they can assert claims and recover funds due to the failure of former district auditors Pauly Rogers & Co. to notify the board of irresponsible spending.

“It is too soon to know whether we can recover some part of the $4.5 million spent without the benefit of

A message from CRFR In an information release addressed to the CRFR board and the media on Dec. 1, Smythe outlined the direction the district is going.

The release was compiled by IAFF Local 3215 President Schrotzberger and Smythe.

Smythe said the arbitrator has come back with a ruling on the disputed labor contract. The ruling has compelled the administration and the union back to the bargaining table. Smythe said that negotiations will begin at once. In a preliminary meeting, Smythe met with union representatives for an informal discussion of the district’s financial

Northwest Oregon

from the buffer, thus avoiding any chance of damage to the buffer. He was also praised for excellence in logging road construction and clean up, and for his crew’s willingness to shut down during heavy rainfall to avoid possible runoff of sediment to streams.

“Of all the operators I have worked with, this company consistently does by far the best job of post-harvest cleanup of the road system,” said Jerrin Robbins, an ODF Stewardship Forester familiar with Staley’s work.

“Examples include shaping of roads to minimize runoff, cleaning ditches and catch basins and pulling any temporary crossings.”

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said this year’s honorees harnessed innovative technology and techniques to protect water quality, and helped small landowners improve the health of their forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire through careful planning and coordination.

“In challenging harvesting sites, they have shown extraordinary care and diligence to protect resources and meet landowner objectives,” Barnard said.

“We’re proud to recognize the community spirit and leadership these operators have shown.”

Merit Awards were also

given to three other companies in eastern and SW Oregon

proper financial statements and audits, which should have informed the board correctly,” Smythe wrote.

In the release, Smythe said that the solution to the financial issues is not going to be solved by quick fixes, such as selling assets like the administrative building.

Smythe detailed that the best-proposed solution they have is to reduce staff without affecting line staff. The district will not fill a total of the nine projected vacancies that are upcoming or have already occurred. They will also reduce another chief officer (a total of 4) and eliminate the fire marshal position.

“We hope to restore the fire marshal position soon. In addition to not filling current and anticipated additional vacancies, we must tighten our belts in other ways,” Smythe wrote.

Examples Smythe gave of some of the ideas that the administration will bring to the union bargaining team are:

• Ensuring that sick leave and overtime expenses are incurred only properly and are not abused by anyone.

• Curtailing some components of wage increases and/or wage premiums.

• The Chief officers and I will take a reduction in salary comparable to the loss encumbered by our line fire personnel beginning December 2023.

Eastern Oregon Tim Rude of Rude Logging based in John Day for protecting waters of a fish-bearing stream while harvesting in steep forests needing thinning to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire.

Southwest Oregon Butte Falls-based Don Hamman of Don Hamman, Inc. in Jackson County for assisting small landowners in urban-adjacent, highvisibility areas with thinning to reduce wildfire risk.

Austin Weber of Weber Logging and Construction, Inc., based in Roseburg for consistent employment of innovative logging technology in steep-slope areas to protect fish-bearing streams and minimize soil disturbance and erosion.

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management.

Smythe ended the release by saying that the district must keep serving and upholding the traditions of the fire service and by serving the community through adverse times.

“Ideally, we will balance the budget as the law requires by tightening our belts, avoiding layoffs, and correcting past mistakes.

And we will develop plans to protect both the community and our firefighter and paramedic families,” Smythe wrote.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: HAPPY HOLIDAYS ACROSS

1. Bag holder 6. P in mpg 9. Eye part 13. Dog 14. ____ Gershwin 15. *Eggnog ingredient 16. Hold the floor 17. ____ Mahal 18. Anti-elderly one 19. *Breaking news, to a caroler 21. *Coming, in Latin 23. ____’easter 24. “Begone!”

25. Parent-child divide 28. Fur-dwelling parasites 30. Lacrosse stick 35. Kiln for hops 37. Feline vibration 39. Little Richard’s “____ Frutti” 40. Cream-filled treat 41. *Number of candles in kinara 43. Mountain goat terrain 44. *”Prancing and pawing of each little hoof,” e.g.

46. Carpenter’s joint 47. Drug-induced state 48. Make lovable 50. “Cheers” regular 52. *Max to #57 Across 53. Overwhelming defeat

55. Thailand native 57. *Dr. Seuss’ spoilsport 60. *Santa chute 64. Water border 65. “What?”

67. D in LED 68. Carved 69. Stars and Stripes land 70. Astronomer ____ Hubble 71. Hitler’s sidekick 72. Joaquin Phoenix’ 2013 movie 73. Crows’ homes

DOWN

1. Dick’s and Jane’s dog 2. Famous Amos 3. Cormac McCarthy’s “The ____” 4. Join the cast of (2 words) 5. Carbolic acid 6. Deodorant target 7. Pitcher’s stat 8. Indian prince 9. More than suggest 10. Blood tunnel 11. 90 degrees, on compass 12. Invoice qty.

15. Romp around 20. Key ___ on a movie set, pl.

22. Med school grad 24. Passepartout to Phileas

Fogg 25. *Popular traditional holiday entree 26. Home run hero 27. Impostor 29. Prompted 31. “That hurts!”

32. Vegas’ main drag 33. Coach-and-four 34. *Number of days in Hanukkah 36. Muscle quality 38. Word processor command 42. *Like Santa’s pole 45. Repaired, as in socks 49. Mythical giant bird 51. Unmarried woman, archaic 54. Affirmative interjection 56. What timidest and polyimide have in common 57. Clarified butter 58. Theater seat arrangement 59. Wraths 60. Burn to a crisp 61. “____ your chance..,” contraction 62. Make changes 63. Yearnings 64. “Be quiet!”

66. Don’t waste

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

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Sports

St. Helens girls basketball back in season

The St. Helens girls basketball team playing against Estacada.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The St. Helens Lions are back on the basketball court, and the girls program is looking to continue to hone their fundamentals to build off of last year.

Head Coach Jillian Ross is back at the helm for her second consecutive season, and she is looking forward to the prospect of working with the squad again.

“This is my second year being head coach, so I am excited to carry over what we started last year,” Ross said. “I am excited to see

continued growth in all athletes and believe that will translate into more wins this season at the varsity level.”

Last season, the Lions finished with an overall record of 7-18. The Lions’ league record was 4-8, and they ranked fourth of the five teams in the 4A-1 Cowapa League. Despite the below .500 record, the team had some close losses.

Seven of their 18 losses were by less than 10 points.

In the early going, the Lions have gone 1-2 in their first three preseason games.

The win came against Estacada, who they trounced

Courtesy photo from Katy Wagner

44-13. Their two losses to Pendleton and La Grande in tournament play were by scores of 44-50 and 44-55, respectively.

Ross hopes that this season, through the growth of her players, they will be able to come away with more wins in the close games.

“My goal for this year is to continue to emphasize fundamentals in our program so we can see that continued growth off of what we built last year,” Ross said.

“We played in a lot of close games last year, and small mistakes put us on the losing end of those games. I am

hoping the continued focus on fundamentals will lead to more wins this season.”

The team this year has a good balance of experience.

There are five juniors and four seniors on the squad.

No freshmen are on the team, but three sophomores round out the roster.

Ross is expecting big contributions from sophomores Devan Lee, D’aye Davidson, senior Maisy McDole, and junior Michaela Dueck this season.

“All were either allleague or honorable mention last year, and they contributed a lot to our team on both the offensive and defensive end,” Ross said.

While Ross is expecting a lot from each of those players, she said she expects each player on the team to contribute in their own way. Whether it’s through “energy, defense, or communication,” she believes each player on the roster will have an impact.

Stylistically, Ross is hoping the team will play a more uptempo brand of basketball to keep the defense on their heels and get easy baskets.

“This year, I am hoping we can exhibit a quicker style of play and look to push in transition a little

Student selected for All-Northwest Choir SUBMITTED BY THE ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) announces Bridget West, an 8th-grade student at St. Helens Middle School, has been selected to perform with the All-Northwest ACDA Middle School Honor Choir.

“I’d already planned to be in choir for many years already, but just having these good experiences will help me have more potential to do more things in the future, and I really enjoy that,” West said.

Bridget is the only student from Columbia County to be selected for this honor and will represent the St. Helens School District. 1,039 auditions were received from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming to perform with the All-Northwest Honor Choirs, with only 553 students selected.

Bridget has been a member

Bridget West.

of the St. Helens Middle School choir since 6th grade.

She has always been drawn to visual and performing arts, dancing since she was 3, and putting on musical shows for her family and friends.

Bridget is also a three-sport athlete (volleyball, aikido, and swimming) and an honor roll student. She recently was honored as St. Helens Middle School Athlete of the Month in

Courtesy photo from Katy Wagner

Volleyball.

“I’m incredibly proud of her. She puts herself out there, and is willing to try new things, and she’s an incredibly talented singer and I’m really glad that she’s found something she’s really passionate about,” mother Katy Wagner said.

ACDA recognizes passionate and talented students from across the Northwestern region

to perform in a supportive choral community. Singers will be transformed through an experience with diverse and inspiring conductors from across the United States. Dr. Rollo Dilworth, prolific choral composer and Vice Dean of Music Education at Temple University, will be the conductor.

Bridget will perform with the ACDA All-Northwest Middle School Honor Choir at their performance in Spokane, Washington, on January 27, 2024.

For more information about ACDA, visit https:// www.nwacda.org.

About ACDA

The mission of the American Choral Directors Association, formed in 1959 by choral directors around the United States, is to inspire excellence in choral music through education, performance, composition, and advocacy.

Warming Center now available SUBMITTED BY COLUMBIA COUNTY

Due to staffing shortages, the Columbia County Warming Center will operate only as a Severe Weather Center from December 1, 2023 through March 15, 2024.

CAT staff will continue to work with all unsheltered individuals in order to help them explore housing and shelter options.

CAT staff will monitor weather conditions using the

National Weather Service.

Days and hours of operation will be updated on the Columbia County Warming Center Facebook page.

The Severe Weather Center will open as needed when any of the following conditions are expected to persist for four (4) hours or more, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.

• Forecasted temperature of 25° F or below.

• Forecasted snow accu-

mulation of 1.0 inch or more.

• Forecasted temperature at or below 32° F (0° C) with rain of 1.0 inch or more overnight.

During severe weather events, the center will operate as following: • Open - 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

• Check in - 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• Location – 1775 St. Helens St., St. Helens OR. • Phone – 503-369-4889.

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!

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When severe weather thresholds are not met but when overnight temperatures are forecasted at 32 degrees or below for roughly four (4) hours or longer - CAT will work in conjunction with other service providers to conduct additional focused outreach.

The goal will be to identify vulnerable houseless individuals, triage the situation, and distribute cold weather gear as needed.

more than we did last year,” Ross said.

With eight more preseason games left before the team gets into league play, the Lions will have time to adjust to their new style of play before they start their regular season campaign.

Upcoming games:

December 8 Home game vs. Stayton: 5:30 p.m.

December 11 Away game vs. Milwaukie / Milwaukie Acad. of the Arts: 7 p.m.

December 13 Home game vs. Mountain View (WA): 7 p.m.

Holiday Bazaar Clatskanie Tiger Tournament Bazaar

Sunday, December 10, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

471 SW Belair Dr., Clatskanie, OR 97016 Proceeds go to: Individuals of the Educational school sponsored trip to Peru 2024

“Come Experience the Love of the Newborn King, Jesus Christ” St. Frederic Catholic Church Christmas Mass Schedule 2023 • Christmas Eve Family Mass- December 24th 5:00pm/Children’s Pageant at 4:30pm.

• Midnight Mass- December 24th celebrated at 10:00pm/Christmas Carols 9:30pm.

• Christmas Day Mass- December 25th: ONE Mass only at 10:00am.

• New Year’s Day Mass- January 1st, 2024 10:00am.

All are welcome!

We are located at 175 S, 13th St., St. Helens, OR Contact the Office for further information at 503-397-0148

Join Christ Episcopal Church for Christmas services Sunday, Dec. 24, Morning Prayer at 10 a.m.

Christmas Eve with music Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Monday, Dec. 25, Spoken Eucharist at 10 a.m.

35350 E. Division Road St. Helens christchurchsthelens.org

If your church would like to be apart of the Faith Directory, contact The Chronicle at 503-397-0116 or email chronicleads@countrymedia.net

Join 17,000+ Urge Congress to Restore Federal Recognition for the Chinook Indian Nation