SHC1214

Large American flag presentation made in St. Helens

F ormer State Sen. Betsy Johnson has donated a United States flag to Columbia County.

“This is a giant flag, so it was important to me to find a sizeappropriate flagpole where it can be properly flown and honored,” Johnson said during the presenta -

The flag measures 15 feet by 25 feet.

Johnson presented the flag to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners during a public, outdoor ceremony. The ceremony concluded with the unfurling and hoisting of the flag to the top of the flagpole, which stands behind

Office Search and Rescue, and Columbia County’s Emergency Management Department were present.

“We are overwhelmed by

The

to half-

Johnson

Oregon Supreme Court issues ruling on Ballot 114

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The Oregon Supreme Court has rejected a request from Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to “immediately” review a temporary restraining order by Harney County Judge Robert Raschio, which prevents enforcement of Measure 114.

The high court’s action late Dec., 7, means that Measure 114 is still in limbo and would not take effect Dec. 8.

Judge Raschio ruling Tuesday, Dec. 6, came just hours after Federal Judge Karin Immergut in Portland allowed the measure to continue, though she put a hold on the provision in the measure that would require a permit to purchase a firearm.

According to court documents, Judge Raschio placed a temporary restraining order on the measure until December 13, when the courts will decide whether a further injunction is necessary.

As the basis for his ruling, Judge Raschio ruled that the measure does not enable Oregonians to exercise their Second Amendment rights to purchase a firearm or bear a magazine capable of holding ten or more rounds.

“Deprivation of fundamental

constitutional rights for any period constitutes irreparable harm,” The judge ruled.

Background

Measure 114, which seeks to make sweeping gun control regulations, narrowly passed in Oregon by a 50.7% majority.

The measure would require a permitting process to purchase a weapon; ban the sale, manufacturing, and transfer of magazines holding more than ten rounds; and background checks that must be completed before a gun may be sold or transferred. Part of the permit process would require safety training and a demonstration in the presence of a police chief or sheriff.

OSP Statement

Oregon State Police released the following details late Wednesday, Dec. 7.

“An injunction has delayed the implementation of Ballot Measure 114. With that new information, we wanted to give you an update on what it means here at the Oregon State Police.

The OSP’s Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) unit will continue to work to process and resolve the pended/delayed FICS transactions. This delay of implementation will allow firearm sales to continue being processed under

the current law.

OSP continues to work with our partners to set up the Oregon Permit to Purchase program with our partners at the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) and the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). OSSA and OACP are still working through the training requirement portion of the application process.

At this time, Permit Agents are not able to accept or start process ing Permit to Purchase applica tions. On December 8, 2022, OSP will be launching a “Permit to Purchase” webpage with prelimi nary information such as the Permit to Purchase Application, a descrip tion of the steps for acquiring a permit, as well as other information including answers to questions that we are anticipating.”

Gun sales surging

Firearm sales are skyrocketing at the Electronic Super Store in Lincoln City.

“This makes the pandemic look like a walk in the park,” Store operator Bruce Polvi said. “It is crazier than we have ever seen it.”

Polvi said public concern over Ballot Measure 114 is driving the sales. Firearm permit approval requests through the state system have also skyrocketed since the measure passed, according to Polvi.

According to Polvi, people aren’t just purchasing one firearm.

“Usually people were purchasing one firearm, but now we are seeing people buy 12 to 24 firearms at a time,” he said. “A lot of them are thinking that this is shutting it off and so it is a panic situation.”

Pulvi said he is hearing from gun and sporting good stores from around the starte.

“We’ve been contacted by multiple gun and sporting good stores that are closing, or that have closed, and they are trying to get

rid of their inventory, so that are asking us to buy their inventory because they didn’t what to get stuck with merchandise they couldn’t sell,” Polvi said. “They’ve been told that as of Dec. 7 at 10 p.m. the system that processes background checks is going to close down.”

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

Respiratory viruses, hospitalization surge, precautions urged

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) advises Oregonians to take precautions against respiratory illnesses in the wake of a flood of hospitalizations.

Oregon health officials said that hospitalization rates have skyrocketed due to the combined impacts of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID variants.

“The combination of surging flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases is pushing hospitals past their current ICU bed capacity, which never happened during the darkest days of our COVID-19 Pandemic in Oregon,” Sidelinger said during a media briefing Dec. 8.

The panel included the state epidemiologist for OHA, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, and three clinicians who

could speak to the severity of the crisis. According to Sidelinger, between Oct. 23 and Nov. 13, Oregon saw a “fivefold” increase in child hospitalizations. While that number peaked during the week of Nov. 19, the current hospitalization rates remain higher than any previously recorded number.

Influenza in Oregon communities doubled weekly for five consecutive weeks from Oct. 18 to Nov. 28. Hospital visits due to the flu have increased rapidly since late October and affect people 65 and over the most.

“This year’s influenza season has begun earlier than it normally does, and we are seeing high levels of influenza nationwide,” Sidelinger said. “We will keep monitoring the influenza situation and its effect on hospitalization, but we do expect flu activity to maintain its upward trajectory into the winter, particularly as the holiday season and the gathering with loved ones continues.”

COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19

Metro Creative Connection

Gun sales are surging across the state following the passage of Ballot Measure 114.

hospitalizations to peak Monday, Dec. 12 with about 408

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Metro Creative

The governor’s executive order gives Oregon hospitals additional flexibility to meet current needs.

tion Wednesday, Dec. 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, at the Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens.

the Courthouse Annex Building. A multiorganizational group of volunteers raised the flag during the ceremony. Personnel from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Saint Helens Police Department, Columbia River Fire and Rescue, Columbia County Sheriff’s

Betsy’s generosity,” Columbia County Commissioner Henry Heimuller said. “We accept this flag as a symbol of Betsy’s commitment to the people of Columbia County and all of Oregon. It will warm a special place in our hearts each time we see it.”

flag was raised

staff in accordance with Gov. Kate Brown’s order for all flags at public intuitions be lowered for National Pearl Harbor Re -

membrance Day on Dec. 7. Johnson was born in Bend, raised in Redmond, and served in the Oregon House and Senate for over 20 years. She most recently mounted a campaign for Oregon Governor as an Independent candidate against Republican Christine Drazan and Democrat Tina Kotek.

said the flag was the backdrop at her election night watch party last month.

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Kelli Nicholson / Country Media, Inc.

The flag was presented by Betsy Johnson, in the vest, by the flag pole and conducted on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in St. Helens.

OLCC issues mandatory marijuana products recall

cartridges to an ingestible form of THC known as Rick Simpson Oil (RSO).

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) has issued a mandatory recall for several marijuana products due to the potential presence of pesticides.

The possible marijuana product contamination is a result of failure to follow OLCC and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) rules for tracking and isolating marijuana products where the presence of pesticides has been detected.

This recall has been issued for 9,300 units that were still on the market and affects 13,600 units that were sold to consumers. The recall is being issued to ensure that licensees do not sell, and customers do not consume the effected products, because OLCC investigators cannot determine if the potential contamination is isolated or is widespread through the product lines.

The recalled products are concentrated forms of psychoactive THC; they range from inhalable items including jars of THC extract and THC vape

The recall is for the marijuana products identified below. These products were manufactured by OLCC licensees under the trade names Bobsled and Quantum Alchemy.

Bobsled products

• Product Name: Bobsled

– Dolato Cured Resin Vape Cartridge | Manufacture Date: 9/12/2022 (Label Id 5368) | Sold starting 10/4/22

• Product Name: Bobsled

– Larry OG Cured Resin | Manufacture Date: 8/29/2022 (Label Id 5326) | Sold starting 9/15/2022

• Product Name: Bobsled –Larry OG - Dabs Sugar Sauce

| Manufacture Date: 8/29/2022 (Label Id 5326) | Sold starting 9/26/2022

• Product Name: Bobsled – Stardawg Cured Resin | Manufacture Date: 9/12/2022 (Label Id 5326) | Sold starting 10/10/2022

• Product Name: Bobsled

– Frostbite Cured Resin| Manufacture Date: 6/13/2022 (Label Id 5326) | Sold starting

9/21/2022

• Product Name: Bobsled – Sunburn Cured Resin| Manufacture Date: 6/13/2022 (Label Id 5326) | Sold starting 9/22/2022

• Product Name: Bobsled –Sunburn Sugar Sauce Extract| Manufacture Date: 6/13/2022 (Label Id 5326) | Sold starting 11/23/2022

Quantum Alchemy products

• Product Name: RSO Raspberry GMO | Manufacture Date: 11/29/21 (Label Id 5764) | Sold starting 11/28/22

• Product Name: HTE Distillate R#ntz | Manufacture Date 11/30/21 (Generic Label) | Sold between 12/10/21 and 1/6/22

• Product Name: HTE Distillate McR#ntz | Manufacture Date 2/21/22 (Generic Label) | Sold starting 9/23/22

• Product Name: Cart 1g HTE Distillate Milo | Manufacture Date 2/21/22 (Generic Label) | Sold starting 9/23/22

The OLCC has notified cannabis retailers about the recall, advising that these products are under a mandatory recall with instructions on how the products must

be destroyed or returned to a licensed supplier for destruction. The OLCC utilized the state’s Cannabis Tracking System (CTS) to detect the potentially tainted products, contact the licensees that produced the impacted brands and locate all the questionable items distributed and sold through Oregon’s regulated market.

OLCC inspectors will follow up with licensees in possession of the affected products to ensure they are removed from sale, isolated from other inventory, and then ultimately destroyed according to OLCC rules. Customers who have purchased this product can either return it to the OLCC-licensed retailer they purchased it from or destroy the product.

The OLCC has not identified any fault by the laboratory that conducted the pesticide analysis. The items identified as subject to the mandatory recall are related to batches that originally failed testing for pesticides.

Under OHA rules, manufacturers must follow certain procedures to retest any failed batches, and may only remedi-

ate the suspect product under certain circumstances. The manufacturers of the products identified did not follow proper procedures in tracking, retesting, and isolating the affected marijuana products.

The OLCC started its investigation on November 29, 2022. The companies that produce Bobsled products (Bobsled, LLC) and Quantum Alchemy products (Happy Hollow Farms, Inc.) are cooperating with OLCC in the isolation and destruction of the affected items. Although the discovery of these incidents occurred simultaneously, OLCC is investigating them as separate incidents.

Consumers with health-related concerns about a recalled product should contact the Oregon Poison Center at 800222-1222, or their medical provider.

If consumers have other product related complaints related to this recall, they should notify the OLCC at olcc.recalls@oregon.gov and include any information they have, including the consumer’s name and phone number, or alternative means of contact.

Oregon shares $10.7B in opioid-related settlements

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Oregon has reached a national agreement with CVS and Walgreens for the pharmacies’ conduct in fueling the opioid epidemic.

Walgreens operates the second largest pharmacy store chain in the United States, behind CVS. Under the agreements, CVS will pay $5 billion and Walgreens will pay $5.7 billion, totaling $10.7 billion.

A certain number of states will need to sign onto the agreements for the full amount to be distributed, Oregon Attorney General Rosenblum said in announcing the agreement Dec. 12.

“Pharmacies were a key link in the supply chain that contributed to the greatest drug-induced public health

Highway 30 reopens

landslide was likely due to rain and strong winds on trees with roots deep in rocky hillside.

“This section of US Highway 30 crosses an area where landslides have long been part of the geology, often triggered by heavy rainfall,” ODOT stated earlier. “So, this part of the road has long had landslide warning signs.”

ODOT crews have been working on repairs since the event, to ensure that the roadway is safe for travelers and the crews.

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The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reopened Highway 30 between Astoria and Clatskanie at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 to one lane during daylight hours.

The highway has been open to a single flagged lane from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. nightly since Sunday, Dec. 4 following a massive landslide. Because the hazardous rock scaling work must be done in daylight, ODOT had been closing the highway 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. all last week.

“We expect to continue that at least into next week with no change,” ODOT spokesman David House told The Chronicle Tuesday, Dec. 13.

House urges drivers to expect delays at the site and to watch for flaggers.

“We will flag traffic in alternating directions and occasionally stop traffic for crews and equipment during work,” House said. “There is no estimated date when we can reopen additional lanes due to the amount of material that needs to be removed. We are continuing to scale large sections of loose rock that are on the verge of falling, as well as the debris from the original landslide.”

The slide started at approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, about 100 feet above the roadway, according to ODOT. It was about 110-feet wide and sent at least 1,800 cubic yards of mostly rock onto the highway. The

The work included crews scaling down the cliff side of the highway to remove large sections of loose rock left by the landslide. The hazardous rock scaling work must be done during daylight and coordinated with cleanup at the highway surface to keep crews safe, ODOT stated.

ODOT urges drivers before travel, to visit TripCheck. com. That online system offers timely updates on Highway 30 – and all Oregon highways.

crisis in modern America,” Rosenblum said. This may seem like a lot of money— and it is— but compared to the harm caused by America’s largest pharmacy chains, it barely scratches the surface.”

This now makes three settlements with a national pharmacy chain in the last month; A $3 billion settlement with Walmart was announced in November. In the Walmart settlement, all states have until the end of 2022 to join, which Oregon has recently done.

In addition, each of these agreements will need sign-on by Oregon’s counties and cities to maximize the amount of money the state will receive. Oregon

stands to receive up to $173,150,000 over time as a result of the settlements with CVS ($65,430,000) Walgreens ($70,860,000) and Walmart ($36,860,000).

“Too many have died and too many families are broken by virtue of — plain and simple — corporate greed, and that includes pharmacies. Americans place their trust in their pharmacy, and certainly do not expect it to cause them harm,” Rosenblum said. “I appreciate that 100 percent of Oregon’s counties and cities signed onto our previous settlements with Johnson & Johnson and the three major opioid distributors. I hope they will sign onto these settlements, as well,

in order to maximize how much Oregon can receive.”

In addition to the financial settlement, CVS and Walgreens have agreed to court-ordered injunctive relief that requires the pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. This court-ordered injunctive relief will help ensure a crisis like this does not happen again.

The terms of these agreements will now go to the states for their review. Each state will have until the end of 2022 to join, after which the Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS agreements will go to local governments around the country for sign-on dur-

ing the first quarter of 2023. A sufficient percentage of states and local governments must join the settlements for them to go into effect.

Most of Walmart’s amount will be paid during the first year; CVS’s payments will be spread over 10 years; Walgreens’ payments will be spread over 15 years. If there is sufficient sign-on, payments will begin during the second half of 2023.

Additional information about the previous settlement with Johnson & Johnson and the three largest distributors of opioids is online at https://www. doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/officeof-the-attorney-general/ spotlight-opioid-abuse/.

Courtesy photo from OLCC

One of the recalled products.

Courtesy photo In addition to the financial settlement, CVS and Walgreens have agreed to court-ordered injunctive relief that requires the pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.

Courtesy photo from ODOT

The massive landslide occurred Nov. 29 and sent at least 1,800 cubic yards of mostly rock onto the highway.

Public reception set for retiring council president

JEREMY

The City of St. Helens is inviting the public to a reception for outgoing City Council President Doug Morten at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21.

The reception will occur before the before the regular 7 p.m. city council meeting at the Council Chambers in St. Helens City Hall, 265 Strand Street, Plaza Entrance.

“On behalf of the City, the staff would like to thank Doug for his 16 years of dedicated public service to our community,” city officials state in a release about the reception.

In a one-on-one interview, The Chronicle gains insight from Morton about his dedicated city service.

The Chronicle: When did you first become a St. Helens City Councilor and why did you seek that position?

Doug Morton: Prior to the 2006 election a citizen wide survey was conducted regarding effectiveness of city government. The negative results were humiliating, disgraceful, and revealed an overwhelming lack of trust, transparency, communication and stewardship, which fell on the shoulders of city leaders. I was confident, that with my past experience with respectable leadership roles in the US Army (‘66‘68), Timberline Ski & Ride School (‘68-present), Portland Public Schools - Lincoln High School as coach and teacher (‘70 - ‘2001), various professional and service organization boards; Columbia Learning Center Director, Columbia County CASA Director, Columbia County Rotary Director & Scholarship Chairman, My directorship with the Alameda Neighborhood Association (10 yrs) and the Northeast Coalition of

Neighborhoods, as director (2 yrs., along with the Alameda Neighborhood Association, as land use chairman - which reported to the Portland Planning Commission. Additionally, I was a director (3 yrs) and cochairman (1 yr) of Clear Hills Condominium Association in Welches, Oregon along with developing property and restoring residential and commercial buildings. The experience yielded me skill sets with the private residential and commercial sectors as well as in the municipal arena. I had confidence that I had the experience and the passion to address the issues that plagued the city and restore confidence in the local government for the people it served.

My experience in team building with athletics at Lincoln HS yielded me national, regional, state and district honors. That experience opened up opportunities to for me to teach and coach workshop clinics internationally, nationally and locally. I gained valuable experience in working amongst a diversity of people in facilitating group presentations with teachers, coaches, students and parents.

I was a presenter at The National High School Coaches Association annual meeting in Miami in 1994.

I was also a presenter at the annual meeting of the National Education Journalism Association in Portland in 1996. I presented sports clinics in Russia when I was participating as an exchange coach/educator with the Gorbachev-Reagan Educator Exchange program. With that, I had gained confidence in my public speaking skills addressing large audiences. My delivery was consistent throughout the years in encouraging collaborative methods with effective communication.

The Chronicle: What

has been most rewarding and the most challenging for you during your time on council?

Morton: As President of the council, I feel that I have been very effective. One example is that early on, I authored a compromise to a split council regarding our method of governing - a pure ‘commission form’ of government (like Portland uses and which St. Helens traditionally used) versus a ‘manager’ form as most cities use throughout the nation. My hybrid compromise was adopted and is effectively used today with satisfaction.

My idea was rather than a counselor overseeing, or running a department, he or she would simply become a liaison between the department head, the city administrator, and to the council. In the making of major in-house decisions, the councilor, the department head and the city administrator must all agree, or the issue at hand, goes to the full council for deliberation and final decision. The hybrid form allows the counselor to be a part of the decision-making process without full authority. This system offers appropriate checks and balances between council and staff. It is utilized effectively in disciplinary action and limited emergency department expenditures. It has become our governing policy with success and effective outcomes.

While overseeing the Parks Commission, 14 of my 16-year tenure, we expanded waterfront property for the

proposed a Kayak launch at Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park, while making access and parking improvements. An updated restroom facility, with adequate security, was added by the vehicle turn around.

We recently expanded waterfront property at Columbia View Park to the south by adding an access turn around and an updated performance stage with additional playground area for children. The expansion is a key component and first step for the expansive Riverwalk Project, which opens up the entire waterfront of the acquired mill property.

I proposed Nob Hill Nature Park out of surplus property over a decade ago. From that, Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park has kept the park up with their dedicated volunteer work. Recently, we added a boardwalk through Nob Hill Nature Park’s Wetland that connect to the numerous trails, along with a kiosk and benches. At the same time, I spearheaded efforts to obtain an Inner Government Agreement with the state (IGA) for use as a nature park. Since then, a friends group has developed it into a preserve. Dalton Lake Nature Preserve has been enhanced to be an effective salmon smolt holding refuge during their migration. It offers informational kiosks, benches and improved trails along the Columbia River waterfront.

I lead the way with the city’s efforts in constructing St. Helens Veterans Memorial Plaza at McCormick Park. It has turned out to be an effective point for public gatherings and Veteran’s ceremonies. In addition, an up-dated playground facility was recently added next to an additional covered shelter. An 18-hole, world class disc golf course was constructed on the west side of the park. An off-leash dog park (a fenced dog park was recently

added to Heinie Heumann Park) was developed to the north along with a skateboard facility and a BMX track. Lights were added to the two upgraded softball fields. The Lions Club has maintained the exercise trail and the St. Helens Garden Club maintains beds in the park. Parking areas and roadways were paved, and restrooms were updated. Most importantly, camping became prohibited because of safety issues.

I also lead efforts to privatize the concession camping on Sand Island Marine Park. The manager of the camping area provides shuttle transportation to and from the island by boat. Camping spots are maintained, and the property is kept clean to State Park standards. The city has been relieved a tremendous liability in maintaining the island and has saved thousands of dollars with the agreement. Boaters have access to the island’s sand beaches and areas away from the camp sites. The city now makes money with Sand Island Marine Park rather than it being a major expense.

All the previous improvements mentioned above have been made on limited budgets and limited staff.

Grants were obtained for the majority of the monetary improvements. Volunteer involvement has been a huge asset to the parks program. We developed an insightful Master Plan early in my tenure which is now ready to be updated with collaborative visions. I feel proud of the fact that we have accomplished so much with such a lean budget.

While overseeing public works, I lead the efforts to rid the city of the embarrassment, that the ridiculous, constructed volcano was causing with the citizens. It was situated on the divide of St. Helens Street and Columbia Blvd. It was to serve as an icon for the city.

Oh My! What a hideous site; looking like a giant third grade papier-mache project,

constructed of concrete, with story book images painted on the surface. Not at all representative of our commercial sector sitting in the heart of our city. It had to come down immediately. Shortly after, I gave the garden club a call and in short time we had a beautifully constructed landscaped garden that replaced the obnoxious volcano. That’s one example of the familiar cliche, “our citizens deserve better.”

Overseeing public works was extremely satisfying. So much was accomplished with our sanitation issues regarding wastewater and storm water run-off. Many miles of gravel streets were paved as well as efforts were made for additional sidewalks. I lead the way for ‘safe passage,’ especially for children, seniors and the handicapped. One example on Gable Road, that serves the high school and retirement facility, finally came to fruition most recently. The aprons of our city along highway 30 are now well kept and presentable to passer-byes, with a future design concepts in place.

I’m very proud to have been a part of public works and parks for the past 16 years. I have tremendous respect for the dedicated crews and their supervisors that keep our city safe and functional. It is a winning team with good work ethic and positive attitudes that foster good relations with our citizens and positive outcomes. I could not have had a better experience with those workers over the years.

The dedicated city staff, which represent various departments, have been so inspiring with their enthusiasm and team building. I could not have been surrounded by a friendlier group - that handles many tough situations with our citizens on a day-to-day basis. They are personable, friendly with

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Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties have gained $30.5 million in forest funding.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) latest report from the Tillamook State Forest highlights social, economic and environmental accomplishments in fiscal year 2022, including distributing $30.5 million to Tillamook, Washington and Columbia counties along with local service providers.

At over 357,000 acres, the Tillamook State Forest is Oregon’s largest state forest.

Tillamook County and local taxing districts with state forestland received $14.9 million in fiscal year 2022, while Washington County and local districts received $13.3 million.

Additionally, a portion of state forestland in Columbia County managed out of ODF’s Forest Grove District generated $2.2 million for the county. In addition to county governments, some revenue flows to local service providers such as schools, rural fire districts, recreation and transportation districts, and other public agencies Oregonians use and value.

ODF recently released its Council of Forest Trust Land Counties annual report, which highlights the array of social, economic and environmental contributions from approximately 729,000 acres of actively managed state forestland. It includes a recap of timber sales and revenue distribution, conservation and forest health activities, and recreation use, including popularity and number of visitors, among other statistics.

Statewide, counties and local governments received revenues of $61.8 million in fiscal year 2022, collected from timber sales on stateowned forests. Revenues are distributed based on timber sales within a particular jurisdiction. Other highlights include replanting more than 3.6 million trees, hosting

more than 26,000 campers at ODF campgrounds, and maintaining hundreds of miles of motorized and nonmotorized trails.

Counties and local service providers receive approximately 64 percent of net revenues from timber harvests on state forests. The remaining revenues finance most aspects of state forest management, including ODF’s recreational offerings, environmental enhancement projects, replanting after timber harvest, and forest road maintenance.

The state’s share of revenue was approximately $35.5 million in fiscal year 2022. The agency also receives a portion of all-terrain vehicle operating permit fees.

“Oregonians have a lot to be proud of when it comes to their state forestlands,” State Forester Cal Mukumoto said. “These working lands provide so much to so many, including funding for vital local services, places to connect with nature, clean water, and habitat for some of Oregon’s most rare and sensitive species.”

On the Tillamook State Forest, one environmental highlight included replacing a failing culvert on Whitney Creek with a bridge. The new bridge reinforces the connection to the Kilchis River, restoring fish passage and reconnected natural stream sediment transport processes.

State forests managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry are distributed across 15 counties, with the largest being the Clatsop and Tillamook state forests on the north coast, the Santiam State Forest in the northern Cascade Range, and the Gilchrist and Sun Pass state forests in Klamath County. Other scattered tracts can be found throughout western Oregon. Many State Forests employees also are part of Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system, providing critical resources and expertise during fire season.

The ODF report now goes to the state forest trust land counties.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

$30.5 Million for Columbia, Tillamook, Washington counties

Courtesy photo

Doug Morton

Here are December gardening thoughts

• Peach leaf curl finds its way into the buds on your peach tree this month and in January. Prevent the problem by spraying completely and often with lime sulfur (harder to find now) or copper. Four separate sprays are ideal. Temperatures should be well above freezing when you spray. Two to three hours of drying time is ideal. With copper fungicides, use a spreader-sticker if the label calls for one. While you’re at it, spray your apples, cherries, blueberries, and boysen/ marionberries. Both sprays are considered “organic.”

• Although there are conflicting opinions on this topic, many gardeners feel that there is benefit to fertilizing rhododendrons and evergreens with a slow-release nitrogen and sulfur product, such as your “long-lasting” lawn fertilizers. Put on about a pound per 100 square feet of garden bed. You will be rewarded with a deeper green foliage color by early spring. You could use some of the organic nitrogen sources which tend to be naturally slow release.

• While you are out there with the fertilizer, consider an application to your lawn, if you haven’t already put on any in the late fall.

• While there aren’t a lot of plants that bloom in the winter, those that do are richly appreciated. You might search out nurseries for their Hellebore, Witch hazel, and Sarcococca varieties.

• Shrubs and other plants under eaves may dry out during the winter. When that happens, they may either perish directly from lack of moisture or may be more susceptible to damage from cold weather.

• Give your houseplants lukewarm showers periodically throughout the winter. Your plants will really appreciate a vacation under banks of fluorescent lights at intervals through the dark days of winter.

• Protect outdoor container plants. Containers don’t provide the root protection to plants that regular garden planting provides. Temperatures in the low 20’s can damage the roots of plants that would have done fine in the ground. If there is a forecast of low temperatures, group the containers close together and wrap the pots in old blankets or insulation.

Placing the plants under an eave next to the house may provide some protection as well.

• High prune roses to about eighteen inches so that they won’t be toppled by wind or snow.

• Fall/winter weeds are off and running. While they are small, winter annual weeds can be hand-pulled, hoed

to

on dry days, spot sprayed or mulched. Mulching may be effective on some species, but others will grow through the mulch. Mulch will slow new seed germination.

Giant pumpkin contest

Giant pumpkins have become an obsession for a select group of gardeners. These fanatics hold an annual weigh-off at various points in North America and Europe for both bragging rights and considerable cash.

The Pacific Northwest test site has been, for the last few years, at Bauman’s Farm near Gervais.

Some years ago, I was asked to inspect the pumpkins to see that they weren’t diseased in any way. If they were, the pumpkin was disqualified. This is not easy when you are dealing with 1,000+ pounds (at that time) pumpkins. The regional winner that day was from Tenino, Washington. His entry topped the scales at 897.5 pounds. The North American winner was Bill Greer of Picton, Ontario, Canada who coddled his pumpkin to an obese 1,006 pounds. In fact, the top three finishers were all from Ontario. The speculation was that the long summer days of this northerly latitude combined with the continental heat give this region a leg up on the competition. The Canadians, of course, credited their skill and beer, not necessarily in that order.

Adventist School’s Green Gala

On November 13, Scappoose Adventist School (SAS) held their first gala fundraising event, The Green Gala at The Pavilion at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, which was enjoyed by a crowd of about 150 people.

The elegant event added a total of $100,000 to the $300,000 already collected through a variety of fundraising events and donations.

The event included entertainment supplied by students of Scappoose Adventist School with song, interpretive motion and musical instruments; a beautiful harp instrumental by Melia Hernandez, the school’s kindergarten teacher; from numerous guests who traveled from across the US and Canada; and Toni Renner, the school’s office manager who gave a moving sign language accompaniment to the song “Thank You” by Ray Bolts.

A delicious dinner was enjoyed as well. There were also wonderful testimonials given by parents, students, and a school board member. Grace Martin, a former student of principal Girlie

Aguilar and now a registered nurse, flew from Georgia to attend and testify to the impact on her life of a Christian education and her 8th and 9th grade teacher, Mrs. Aguilar, who encouraged and believed in her. Silent and live auctions, and raffle prizes were part of the event. The event was attended by many friends of SAS including parents, church members, Oregon Conference of SDA superintendents and principals from other SDA schools, as well as members of the community.

Special thanks to SAS Home and School leaders Olivia Logue and Dawn Piekut for their vision, and coordinating with donors of auction items; Auctioneer Gale Crosby, former VP of Education (Oregon Conference of SDA); JenniferWoolf, Simply Pictures, for donating her time to take the entry photographs, Artist Don Estocada, along with the help of wife, Riza, and Gamaliel and Jae Valencia, who spent countless hours decorating the elegant event; and Stephen Appleby, Custom Creations and Restorations, for his support and beautiful woodworking donations. Also thank you to the following community businesses

for contributing to the gala’s success:

Art with Hope, Beaver Bark, Bertucci’s Chocolates, Bodak Beauty, Columbia Acupuncture, Flora Designs, Gigi’s Pâtisserie, Hudson Garbage Service, Les Schwab Tires Scappoose, Longfellow Inn, Massage Northwest LLC, Scappoose Library, Stan’s Refrigeration & Appliance, The Columbia Theater and Warren Country Inn.

Scappoose Adventist School, a member of the Scappoose community since 1935, offers pre-K through 8th grade education committed to empowering every child to their highest potential.

With nearly 80 students, SAS’s goal is to build a new, larger school in phases (total cost of $6.3 million), to meet the needs of the community, and eventually include higher learning. SAS is one of more than 30 Adventist schools in Oregon operated by the Oregon Conference of Seventh Day Adventists.

Scappoose Adventist School is located at 54285 Columbia River Highway in Scappoose. The school may be reached at 503-543-6939.

about winter gardening

Well, times, genetics, and techniques have really changed. This year’s giant pumpkin, a world record, came in at 2,656 pounds! It was grown by Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England. A United State grower from Minnesota had the number two monster, weighing a not at all shabby 2,560#s. The biggest Pacific Northwest pumpkin came from Pleasant Hill, near Eugene, and weighed 2,425 pounds which was the eighth largest in the 2022 Giant Pumpkin universe.

These maniacal growers are pretty generous, sharing most of their techniques and seed sources. They are very talented and plant savvy. In the end, after the prizes have been awarded, most of the pumpkins in NW Oregon go to the zoo where the elephants look forward to this feast every year. Some of the smaller ones are carved into round boats and used in a race on the Tualatin River.

Food preservation

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

Important notes

• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Columbia County Bee-

keepers event 6 p.m. Jan. 5 Thursday, January 5th at the OSU Extension Office in St. Helens. The meeting will also be Zoomed. Educational topics to be determined. For more information and Zoom link email ColumbiaCountyOregonBeekeepers@ gmail.com.

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

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

Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-3973462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu. The office is

open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter

The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503-397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension.oregonstate. edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Resource contact

Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503397-3462

well.

Light refreshments will be served.

obituaries

current partner, Patty Olson, he became the proud father of Patty’s children, Kelli and Eric, and grandfather to their children, Amalie, Eland, Noa and Ira. He loved being a grandfather again to young children. His influence on them was evident as they all came to love racing. They and Devon will greatly miss his spirit, laughter and love. Dave did whatever it took to support his family, even if it meant having

drafted during the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry with the 82nd Airborne Division until he was honorably discharged on Nov. 21, 1972. He had an 11-year career with Chief Aircraft where he fell in love with the aeronautics world. Dave relocated to Columbia County after Oregon Aero called to offer him his dream job. He recently retired following 19 proud years traversing the country,

too late, was a man with many passions – notably he loved everything from an older time, telling a good story from his pastime, and all things racing. It started when his father got Dave and his brother racing Quarter Midgets until they no longer fit into the cars. He attended races from coast to coast and watched all he could on TV. His home was a reflection of his passions, his shelves and walls were covered with autographed prints, cars, books, airplanes and models. Dave’s passion for racing ultimately led him to be part of two Oregonbased race teams. When not tending to the track or catching an episode of Gunsmoke or Perry Mason, Dave could

He is survived by his partner Patty; former spouse Debbie; two children, Darrin and Dustin; grandchildren, Devon, Amalie, Eland, Noa and Ira; brother Kenneth; many cousins; and a list of friends that would fill the entirety of this newspaper.

He will be remembered for the joy he brought to everyone with his smile, volumes of jokes, and for the volume of his laughter. His heart was pure, his soul was kind. People didn’t have to earn his friendship; he gave it freely.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., on Sat., Jan. 14, 2023, at the St. Helens Elks Lodge. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.

Community invited to Wreaths Across America event

Columbia Memorial Gardens will host a wreathlaying ceremony at 54490 Columbia River Highway in Scappoose at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.

The event will join more than 3,600 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America (WAA) Day.

Coordinated and led by

local volunteers, fundraising groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of 136 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest there. This annual event seeks to further the WAA mission of Remember, Honor, Teach, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures.]

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley, Hometown Heroes of Columbia County and veterans, active service

members and families, are scheduled to attend the event.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreathlaying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992.

The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part

each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 2,500 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas

All Wreaths Across America Day events are, non-political/religious events, open to all people.

For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, visit www. WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/ OR0082P.

State parks offering holiday gift tags

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is encouraging the public to give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the state parks 12-month parking permit sale.

The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran.

Holiday shoppers can buy

the annual parking permits for $25, which is a $5 savings through Dec. 31. The pass is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.

To purchase the tags, buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store. Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends’ group stores and select local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks. oregon.gov.

Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12-or 24-month parking permit or a sameday camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

Pet of the Month

Meet Jewel

Courtesy from Wreaths Across America

SUBMITTED BY THE COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Courtesy from OPRD

Portland artist El Tran has placed whimsical designs on the tags.

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

Pool Manager

Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications and resumes for a Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Train, manage and evaluate approximately 20 lifeguards; beginning in February and continuing into September. Plan, organize and schedule programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Be responsible for scheduling adequate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, water chemistry and mechanical operation of the pool for youth and families in our

District. Maintain pool and employee records. Perform such other duties as assigned by the District Manager and/or Board of Directors from time to time. Knowledge and Skills: Strong administrative skills, recreational aquatic programming skills, leadership and managerial skills, pool maintenance and water chemistry skills and good public relation skills are a must. Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures and equipment used in daily outdoor pool operations helpful. Work

with pool related chemicals and be familiar with State and Federal regulations regarding outdoor pool operations. Experience and Training: Experience preferred. Or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between applicant and Board of Directors to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; FirstAid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator)

certifications. You can request an application by phone at 503- 728-2757, by email at csp@ cni.net or on our website www. clatskanieparksandrecreation.com. Applications and resumes can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni.net. If you have any questions, please leave message at 503728-2757. Applications with resumes will be accepted through January 31, 2023.

Immediate Opening Sewing Part-time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coord. Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 1/11/2023 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov

Dental Assistant St. Helens Dental Care is looking for a Full Time Dental Assistant to join our team. Qualified applicants must have their X-Ray and EFDA license. Applicants must be

willing to work Monday through Friday. We are a state- ofthe-art practice and offer a positive working environment. Please drop off your resume in person Monday through Wednesday to our office at 575 S. Columbia River Hwy. in St. Helens, Oregon 97051.

The City of St. Helens is hiring a Public Works Utility Worker I Regular Full-Time. Apply online at www.sthelensore gon.gov. Deadline to apply: 12/22/22. Equal opportunity employer.

Bargain Corner FREE good condition, electric recliner chair, fits smaller adult, color is blue/ grey. For sale: Commercial pipe ladder for $150. Fiber glass, two sections, plus or minus 20 feet, working length 30-36 feet. Please leave a message at 503429-0115.

Hosting a garage sale?

Let everyone know with an ad in The Chronicle. Call 503-397-0116.

spontaneous humor and they always get their work done with quality and on time. It’s a great team - that’s out front! It has felt so good to be associated with them!

I would also like to acknowledge our various volunteers that serve on our boards and commissions.

Their immeasurable work has such positive impacts

with the city. For example, the Parks Commission has been my baby for the past 16 years. We’ve had exceptional leadership on that team with the chairmanship rotating on an annual basis. And what a team it has become. Each commissioner looks after a park and reports accordingly. Consequently, each park gets special attention from the commission throughout the year. I find that each commissioner is dedicated and truly cares about the parks as if it was their front

yard. They team with one another for clean-ups and work parties. They have a passion and a vision for the city parks that has yielded wonderful outcomes. This is my team and I’m so proud of how effective this team has become. A remarkable group that has definitely made a difference in our city. I’m going to miss being associated with this team.

And finally, I’d like to acknowledge our present council and past councils that I have served on. I am a

team builder with a decorated past of doing just that. It’s a ‘we’ process rather than the ‘I’ concept. For the most part, I’m proud of what the council has become, but it has encountered its fair share of hick ups and anyone knows that those go away as fast as they come on.

We don’t look back on negative trivia but move forward with a passion for positive outcomes with the city. Each newly elected council members can make a difference. A big difference,

but it takes the entire team to accomplish that. I surely will be remembered for my initiative and perseverance in promoting the Riverfront Development. It was an idea that caught gained traction once the city obtained the property from Boise Veneer. What has emerged in such a short time has been remarkable and unheard of in the circles of city developments. Thank you, John Walsh!

We are now shovel ready - a dream turning into reality; thanks to so many

stakeholders and concerned citizens. Whatever emerges on that property needs to be sustainable and meet the needs of environmental, commercial and residential concerns on a equal basislike a three legged stool. So much is happening because the council is functioning like a winning team… something that I know about, and deeply care about. So, I salute the new council and the mayor with these three words: “Go Team St. Helens!”

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

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Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, JOSEPH SATCHELL AND KASEY SATCHELL, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY. as Grantor to TICOR TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION 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 Instrument No. 2020-07824 and the beneficial interest was assigned to CMG MORTGAGE, INC. and recorded April 6, 2022 as Instrument Number 202203299 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon

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to-wit: APN: 10043 THE SOUTHEASTERLY 14 FEET OF LOT 15 AND THE NORTHWESTERLY 46 FEET OF LOT 16, BLOCK 96, CITY OF ST. HELENS, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. Commonly known as: 175N -177 11TH ST, SAINT HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Beneficiary, 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 advanced 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

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of DONALD THOMAS SWANSON, Deceased. Case No. 22PB09279 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned 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, 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, November 30, 2022. Nancy K. Huffman, Personal Representative.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA, PROBATE DEPARTMENT. CASE NO. 22PB09609

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of Sharon Haan, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that Barbara Shriver has been appointed personal representative. All persons having a claim against the estate are required to present them, to the undersigned personal representative in care of the undersigned attorney at: 1915

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In the Matter of the Estate of MARY L. SCOTT, Deceased. No. 22PB09699

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS

HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having

NE Stucki Avenue, Suite 400, Hillsboro, OR 97006, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and

first published: December 14, 2022. Personal Representative: Barbara Shriver, 1550 3rd Street, Columbia City, OR 97018, 503-887-3756 Attorney, for the Personal Representative: Chris Burnett, OSB No. 992311, Burnett Law, P.C., 1915 NE Stucki Avenue, Suite 400, Hillsboro, OR 97006, Phone: 503-3524272, chris@burnettlawpc. com.

Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 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 execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable 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 proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion

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of 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 tendering 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 warranties, 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 methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective 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

PUBLIC NOTICE COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT PUBLIC HEARING – 2023 BUDGET

Tuesday December 20, 2022 6:00 p.m. The Board of Directors for Columbia River PUD will conduct a Public Hearing on December 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Columbia River PUD Headquarters in Deer Island, Oregon, to receive public testimony

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regarding the proposed 2023 Operating and Capital Budget. Interested parties may get more information by contacting the PUD office, either by telephone or in person. All interested parties are invited to attend. This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. A

request for further accommodations should be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the PUD at 3971844. The PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

Oregon House Bill 2788 (2011), requires State Agencies, Boards, Commissions, and Education Service Districts (ESDs) to post notices of public meetings. The Board of Commissioners for the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority will meet for its regular monthly business meetings on the first Thursday of each month. Meetings are convened at 10:00 am and may be conducted either in person or virtually. Until further notice, all NOHA board meetings will be

conducted virtually and the meeting link will be posted at www.nwoha.org at least one (1) business day prior to the scheduled meeting. The schedule for Calendar Year 2023 follows. • January 5, 2023 • February 2, 2023

• March 2, 2023 • April 6,2023 • May 4, 2023 • June 1, 2023 • July 6, 2023 • August 3, 2023 • September 7, 2023 • October 5, 2023

• November 2, 2023 • December 7, 2023. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to participate in the NOHA Board Meet-

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NOTICE OF MEETING

ings. Regular meetings will include an opportunity for public comments. The Board of Commissioners reserves the right to convene in Executive Session during any board meeting. Executive sessions are held in accordance with all applicable Oregon regulations and laws. Typically, the board will discuss matters related to staffing or personnel, real estate and/or legal matters in Executive Session. No official actions will be taken during the Executive Session.

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claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at the address below, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may

be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first pub -

lished December 14, 2022.

NANCY J. THOMAS

Personal Representative c/o Lucas & Associates, LLC, Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 519, Rainier, OR 97048. Phone 503-556-3741, FAX 503-556-0708, Lucasatty@ yahoo.com.

The Greater St. Helens Aquatic District is holding their board meeting at Eisenschmidt Pool basement at 5 p.m. on December 19, 2022.

Ison Transportation and Roger Ison are no longer responsible/affiliated with Clay Jonak with Aksarben Maritime as of Dec. 7, 2022.

Avian influenza detected

Centers for Disease

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) confirmed the state’s first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a noncommercial flock in Columbia County.

The affected flock included approximately 20 chickens.

ODA personnel, in partnership with the USDA humanely euthanized the birds on the property to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system. There is no immediate public health concern due to the avian influenza virus detection.

According to the U.S.

Christmas at the Castle Christmas at the Castle open houses from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the newly restored Flippin Castle, home to the Clatskanie Senior Citizens and the Clatskanie Historical Society. The public is invited to visit and tour the 1900-era Victorian mansion, a National Historic Preservation Site, which includes the local history museum. Santa Claus will be in attendance from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both open house days to hear Christmas wishes. Parents are urged to bring their cameras. There is no charge for admission for the Dec. 17 to 18 open houses, but donations are appreciated. The Castle is located at 620 SW Tichenor Street in Clatskanie. Additional parking is available in back of the Castle off of SW Bryant Street.

domestic flocks is the best way to protect domestic birds from this disease.

Death or illness among domestic birds should be reported to ODA. Please report by calling 503-986-

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, 52256 Columbia River Highway in Scappoose. Santa and the Grinch will attend the event throughout the day.

December 17 and 18 Holiday Bazaar

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

December 17 - 18 Fundraiser for the St. Helens High School Class of 2023 Safe and Sober Party

This Holiday Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sports schedule

• 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15 Girls Basketball, at Mountain View WA

• 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 Girls Basketball vrs. Parkrose • 7:15 p.m. Dec. 16 Boys Basketball at Parkrose.

For more information, call St. Helens High School at 503-397-1900 and follow results at osaa.com.

4711 (ALT phone 1-800-3477028.) Please contact the Oregon Department of Fish and

Community events

Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Columbia City Community Hall, 1850 2nd Street in Columbia City. Several vendors. Breakfast and photos with Santa Saturday, with raffles throughout the weekend.

December 17 Wreaths

Across America

Columbia Memorial Gardens wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at 54490 Columbia River Highway in Scappoose. This is part of the National Wreaths Across America Day. Fundraising groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of 136 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of fallen service members laid to rest there. The public is invited to attend.

December 22 Vaccination Event Columbia Health Services

(CHS)/Oregon WIC to host a COVID and Flu Vaccination Event from 1 to 3 p.m. across the street from the St. Helens Post Office, 1560 Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens. Families can call CHS at 800-244-4870 to schedule immunization needed before the school exclusion Feb. 15.

Ongoing events

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

or Wildlife. Health@odfw.oregon.gov. For more tips to protect

Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday to Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting 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 learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome! Meeting virtually via Zoom from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-369-0329 for more information.

Overcomers Outreach

Meetings are held every 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

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 jruark@countrymedia.net or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia. net, or call 503-397-0116.

your backyard flock, visit ODA online at Avian Influenza or en Espańol at the Avian Influenza – Spanish.

• 4 p.m. Dec.

in

HPAI (H5N1) is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic bird species.

December 17 and 18

Letters to Santa

Christmas is a special time for

children and The Chronicle is proud to partner with our advertisers to present the following Letters to Santa presentation.

The letters come from McBride Elementary School third grade teacher Kari Stewart’s class. Each letter is written by a local child, representing their wish for Christmas. Please join

to wish these kids, their families and our community a safe and happy holiday!

From St. Helens: Follow Pittsburg Rd. to Yankton School, stay on Pittsburg Rd., follow signs 7 miles to Trenholm Valley, Rt. On S. Canaan, 200 yards on left.

From Deer Island: Up Canaan Rd., 7 miles, first left after Pinkney Rd on S. Canaan – 2-1/2 miles on the right.

Letters to Santa

Letters to Santa