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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

thechronicleonline.com

Serving Columbia County since 1881

CRFR gets 2 new fire trucks JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) is sporting two new fire trucks that are designed to add increased efficiency to the fire agency’s overall operations.

The Chronicle spoke with CRFR Division Chief of Operations Eric Smythe to find out specific details about the new rigs.

The Chronicle: Specifically, please describe what these two trucks carry, what they offer the community and where they will be stationed and why those station locations?

Courtesy photo from CRFR

Crews push in the new fire truck at the fairgrounds station in St. Helens. The push is a fire service tradition that dates back to the 1800s.

Eric Smythe: The Rosenbauer/ Freightliner Fire Apparatus offers our firefighters access to any location in our district or county regardless of weather or road conditions. The fire engines are 4-wheel drive and have the ability to traverse unmaintained roads, trails, and steep terrain.

These fire engines carry a full complement of fire hose, supply

hose, tools, self-contained breathing apparatus, and have the ability to fight fire while driving. This ability to pump (fight fire) and roll (drive) gives our firefighters the ability to attack moving forest fires at a speed faster than we can deploy hose.

CRFR has not purchased new fire engines in 20 years, the last engines we purchased was in 2003 and we still operate and maintain those vehicles in our fleet. One of the new engines will be stationed at our Fairgrounds Station 472, next to the Columbia County Fairgrounds and surrounding areas. The other engine will be stationed at our Rainier Fire Station 476, allowing utilization for the Goble, Fernhill, Rainier, and the east end of the Clatskanie Fire District.

The Chronicle: What was the cost of the two fire trucks and how have they been funded?

Smythe: The purchase cost per apparatus was approximately ­­­­ See CRFR Page A8

Toy N Joy spreads spirit of the season ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Dedicated community members are making sure families in need are able to open gifts this Christmas.

According to a 2019 report from Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization, 13% of Columbia County residents are below the poverty level.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) hosts the annual Toy N Joy Program, which is supported by a network of volunteers and the fire agency employees. The mission is to bring Christmas presents to families in need all over Columbia County, through community donations.

On Dec. 14, volunteers used

Courtesy photo from Jennifer Motherway

Volunteers stand in front of the Toy N Joy community collections, bagged and ready to be delivered to local families.

yellow plastic bags supplied by Les Schwab Tire Center to package the collected toys and other gifts at the Lee Broadbent Training Center, 58577 McNulty Way, in St. Helens.

Organizers earlier had reached out to families that qualify as toy drive recipients to let them know that the gift bags would be distributed from the training facility on

Omicron concerns heighten

­­­­ See TOY N JOY Page A6

Permanent mask proposal ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

“We are in a race against the clock,” Gov. Kate Brown said as she and state health officials described the imminent threat of another COVID-19 surge following the arrival of the Omicron variant in Oregon.

The Friday, Dec. 17 press conference carried with it a sense of urgency, as Brown, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Patrick Allen, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Renee ­­­­ See OMICRON Page A2 Opinion ..................... A4 Poll ............................ A4 Obituaries ................. A5 Crossword ............... A5 Classified Ads ......... A9 Legals ....................... A9 Season’s Greetings A11

Friday, Dec. 17, and at the Rainier Fire Station, Saturday, Dec. 18.

CRFR Public Information Officer Jennifer Motherway explained the process CRFR uses to select

items for families.

“For instance, if there’s a family that has three kiddos, they can essentially ask for specific things for their kids,” she said. “We do our best to fulfill those. If their kid asks for something a little bit more high-dollar we can’t always fulfill that, but if they say hey, we need clothes for a size 5T, or we need toys that are Hot Wheels or Legos, we do our best to fulfill the specific requests.”

Funds for Christmas shopping to supplement the toy donations come from the annual Merchants’ Toy N Joy Auction led by Columbia County small-business owner Susannah Sass and supported by

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

This six-page proposed rule change would make Oregon’s indoor mask mandate indefinite.

Oregonians may soon face an indefinite indoor mask mandate.

As the expiration of the state’s temporary indoor mask rule draws near, a permanent replacement is under review by state health officials.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) filed a proposed rulemaking notice Dec. 10 with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, requesting changes to the current rule which expires Feb. 8, 2022.

The proposed permanent rule, if effected, would replace the current 180-day temporary rule with one of “indefinite” duration.

“This is necessary to control COVID-19, reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and provide general health protection to people in Oregon,” the proposed rule change states.

The rule generally applies to all businesses in Oregon. The OHA is also proposing a civil penalty of $500 per person per day for noncompliance with the rule.

In addition, the rule change would grant the Oregon State Public Health Director or the Oregon State Health Officer “the authority to rescind and reinstate all or parts of the rule,” according to the notice.

The rule can be repealed by the OHA if “on the ground” conditions approve, which are currently

not tied to any metrics, according to State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger.

Additionally, any person can petition the Oregon Court of Appeals to challenge the rule’s validity under ORS 183.400, which shall only be declared invalid if the rule violates constitutional provisions, exceeds the agency’s statutory authority, or was adopted without compliance with applicable rulemaking procedures.

Before the filing, an administrative rules advisory committee met Thursday, Dec. 2 to review the need for the OHA’s proposed rule and receive the input of small businesses and organizations, the notice states.

The proposal comes shortly after the Omicron variant’s arrival to the United States on Dec. 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Through Dec. 8, the OHA reported that 22 U.S. states had detected at least one COVID-19 case attributed to the Omicron variant. Among 43 cases with initial follow-up, one hospitalization and no deaths were reported.

As of Monday, Dec. 20, there were four confirmed cases of Omicron in Oregon and state health officials believe more of the variant cases will surface.

At a virtual press conference held Friday, Dec. 17, Gov. Kate ­­­­

Vol. 139, No. 51

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

See PROPOSAL Page A6

www.thechronicleonline.com

A2

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

2 Portland men indicted in local car break-ins JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Chronicle first reported on Dec. 3, that St. Helens Police had launched an investigation into multiple reports of car break-ins and thefts in five local neighborhoods.

Suspects indicted On Thursday, Dec. 16, a Columbia County Grand Jury indicted Shane Gaddert and Zachary Moist on charges related to the St. Helens Police investigation into the numerous thefts from vehicles that occurred on Nov. 27-28.

Zachary Moist, 18, of Portland, was indicted for two counts of Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Identity Theft, Theft III, Fraudulent

Use of a Credit Card, Unlawful Entry to a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.

Shane Gaddert, 27, of Portland, was indicted for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming, according to a release from the St. Helens Police Department.

Background On Sunday, Nov. 28, at approximately 4:14 a.m. St. Helens police responded to a suspicious vehicle report in the area of Edna Barr Lane.

The reporting party told police that five suspects had exited a white SUV and proceeded to test vehicle door

handles in the neighborhood.

Officers conducted an area search but were unable to locate the suspects or the vehicle. St. Helens police continued to receive theft from vehicle reports over the same weekend from the Elk Meadows neighborhood, Parkwood neighborhood, Crestwood Village, Noble Road neighborhood, and Charming Way neighborhood.

St. Helens police investigators worked with surrounding law enforcement partners and were able to identify Moist and Gaddert as suspects involved in the thefts.

The investigation is ongoing. If you have any additional information related to this case, please contact St. Helens Corporal Smith at 503-397-1521.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Two Portland men have been indicted following a police investigation of multiple car break-ins and thefts in several neighborhoods in St. Helens.

Police seek public help in cash register theft STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo from SHPD

Video shows three suspects fleeing from this vehicle near Sherwood Lane and South Bachelor Flat Road in Warren.

OMICRON

From Page A1

Edwards, State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger, and OHSU Lead Data Scientist Peter Graven discussed the latest COVID-19 projections and next steps for the state.

“While we are all still learning about this new variant, it is clear from the experiences of the United Kingdom and other countries that we have only weeks to prepare before Omicron hits our communities and health care systems in full force,” Brown said.

The data of concern comes from a Dec. 17 forecast published by OHSU, which indicates immunity, whether natural or acquired through the vaccine, is less effective against Omicron

than the Delta variant.

“Today’s forecast is a warning we can’t ignore,” OHA Director Patrick Allen said.

The Omicron variant was first detected in Africa in November and has since traveled to various U.S. states. As of Monday, Dec. 20, four cases of Omicron were identified in Oregon.

Omicron appears to have a higher rate of transmission coupled with a decreased hospitalization rate, studies show.

In addressing the media, the governor shared what she believes to be the next logical course of action.

“Today I am calling on one million Oregonians to step up and get their booster dose by the end of January,” she said. “Boosters are our best protection against Omicron. The state will be taking important

steps to make sure our most vulnerable Oregonians have access to booster shots and to make sure we are ready to support our hospital systems for another surge.”

“If you aren’t yet vaccinated, now is the time,” she said. “This is a matter of life and death.”

Brown also emphasized the importance of Oregonians uniting to slow the spread of the virus.

“A big part of that plan will depend on each and every one of you,” she said.

The news appears to conflict with OHSU findings published a little over two weeks earlier, projecting that COVID-19 hospi-

The St. Helens Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects who reportedly stole a cash register from a St. Helens business and fled the area.

On Thursday, Dec. 16, at approximately 4:51 p.m. a St. Helens officer observed a gold Chevy Tahoe traveling eastbound on Highway 30 at a high rate of speed and then running a red light near 555 S. Columbia River Highway.

The officer initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle did not stop and fled at high speed. The officer terminated talizations would fall below 200 around Feb. 1.

82% of Oregonians either have immunity to the COVID-19 virus, and 85% is the threshold where Delta is less likely to spread readily among the population, according to Graven.

At the Dec. 17 press conference, Graven had a different message to deliver.

“I’d hoped to be able to share better news today, but today’s forecast is going to anticipate another surge of severe illness in Oregon,” Graven said. “While the severity is less, it is not low enough to prevent us from

the traffic stop and did not pursue the vehicle for safety reasons.

About the same time, St. Helens officers received a report from dispatch of a theft at the Oriental Cafe at 555 S. Columbia River Highway, in St. Helens. The caller stated that an individual came into the business wearing a ski mask, grabbed the cash register at the counter with an undisclosed amount of money inside, and fled the business.

During the investigation, officers learned that the individual fled in a gold Chevy Tahoe. An area search was conducted, but police did not locate the SUV. A short time later at

approximately 5:54 p.m. officers received a report of an abandoned SUV parked on the side of the road near Sherwood Lane and South Bachelor Flat Road in Warren.

Neighborhood surveillance footage showed three individuals exiting the vehicle and fleeing the area on foot.

St. Helens police conducted an area K-9 track with the assistance of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office but were unable to locate the suspects.

The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding this case, contact the St. Helens Police Department at 503-397-1521.

seeing hospitalizations.”

A reporter asked Brown about how we might deal with a variant with risks that surpass both Delta and Omicron.

“All options are on the table,” she said.

Brown concluded her speech with a key message for her constituents.

“If you take one thing away from this press conference, let it be this: Get your booster shot,” she said.

are partnering to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot clinics from Jan. 6 through Jan. 16 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

No appointment is necessary. First, second does, and boosters of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available for adults and children (ages 5+), according to the OHA website.

Call the Columbia County Public Health Department at 503-397-7247 to request information or schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment outside of the free clinics.

Where to get vaccinations, boosters The OHA and Columbia Public Health Department

Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

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Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

A3

Unemployment nears historic low

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The state employment department reports 2,096,482 employed and 72,834 unemployed in November in Oregon. Last year during the same time, there were 2,003,430 employed and 129,959 unemployed.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in November, down from 4.4% in October.

The unemployment rate has declined rapidly over the past six months, according to the Oregon Employment Department. It was close to 6% throughout the first half of the year. Now the rate is close to the state’s historically low unemployment rates, which averaged 3.9% during 2017 through 2019, the three calendar years at the end of the prior economic expansion.

Nonfarm payroll employment in Oregon rose by 10,000 in November, following a revised gain of 6,400 jobs in October. In November, gains were largest in leisure and hospitality (+4,100

jobs), construction (+1,800), professional and business services (+1,600), and retail trade (+1,100). These gains were partially offset by a loss of 1,100 jobs in health care and social assistance.

Several industries added enough jobs to reach all-time highs. Construction employed 113,800 in November, which was 500 jobs above its prior record reached in February 2020 during the peak of Oregon’s prior economic expansion. Similarly, wholesale trade, which added 400 jobs in November, reached 77,400, enough to boost it to a record high for the first time since February 2020.

Professional and business services rose to 257,500 jobs in November, which was 100 jobs above its pre-COVID record.

Leisure and hospitality added 4,100 jobs in Novem-

ber, following a gain of 3,600 in October. Despite these gains, leisure and hospitality still accounts for a large share of Oregon’s jobs not recovered since early 2020, with 25,400 jobs left to recover to reach the prior peak month of February 2020.

The industry has regained 77% of jobs lost early in the pandemic.

Education and health services was 16,000 jobs — or 5% — below its pre-recession peak. Within this broad industry, nursing and residential care facilities was 6,900 jobs below its pre-recession peak, and private educational services was down 3,900.

Employment in hospitals was down 2,700 jobs, and ambulatory health care services was down 1,200.

The U.S. unemployment rate was also 4.2% in November.

One Day Strike Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 hold signs along Highway 30 at the entrance to the Scappoose Fred Meyer store Friday morning, Dec. 17, as the strike against Fred Meyer began. A tentative contract agreement was reached late Dec. 17. “We are pleased that Fred Meyer and QFC have recognized the ongoing hazard to its workers, with a settlement agreement that provides significant wage increases, added workplace protections, a secure retirement, and quality healthcare,” the union stated in a release. Specific details were pending ratification by both union and management.

‘We have a voice’ Student advocates for medical freedom

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

Scappoose High School senior, Matthew Kreins criticized school mask mandates during his speech at the Scappoose Public Library.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Position: Patient Care Coordinator Position Summary:

In our practice, our Patient Care Coordinators are often the first person our patients see when they enter our office. The Patient Care Coordinator represents the practice in all facets of patient services which include, greeting patients, coordinating recall, scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records and coordinating patient flow.

About Us and Who We Want to Join Our Team:

Healthy Smiles of Scappoose is a fixture of the local community. We have been serving patients for over 50 years throughout the area. Our patients know us, and we know them.

We are recognized as the go-to family dental practice because of our loyal team and our commitment to health.

Due to growth and expansion, as well as retirement of one of our long-term employees, we are looking for a Patient Care Coordinator to join our cohesive team. This is a full-time position (4 days/week, ~32 hours/week) working Monday through Thursday.

We have long-term employees at our practice. The newest hire has been here for 3 years. Some of our employees have worked for us for decades. This demonstrates our commitment to our employees. This is not just “a job” but rather a livelihood. We are committed to employee appreciation, kindness, understanding, and a positive mindset.

A modest-sized conference room inside Scappoose Public Library was filled with the buzz of conversation as the speaker readied himself to address the small crowd, among them a prominent organization leader, a candidate for state representative and a former school board member.

All sound in the room dissipated as he entered into the first phrase of his speech.

The speaker was Matthew Kreins, a high school senior at Scappoose High School (SHS) and a selfproclaimed advocate for medical freedom. According to Kreins, 15 to 20 students representing about 5% of the student population, support his stance. Others, he said, are afraid to do so.

“People don’t like to start waves,” he said. “The thing is, (that’s) the mentality you’ve got to have.”

Kreins was joined by President of Free Oregon Ben Edtl, Candidate for State Rep. (HD 31) Drew Layda, and former Scappoose School District Board Member Lisa Maloney during the gathering Wednesday Dec. 15, to voice their opposition to mandates they view as government overreach.

“We’re going to start do-

Our overriding goal is to first find a person who will enjoy being a member of our team, both as part of the organization as a whole and specifically with our incredible team of dental professionals. Characteristics that we are looking for include: • Team collaborative outlook, • Patient-centric and solutions/problem solving approach, • Fun-natured and a sense of humor, • Good communication skills (written and verbal), • Self-motivated attitude, • A desire to make a difference We are committed to each employee’s success. As such, we invest time, energy, and money in onboarding and training to ensure competency and confidence with the type and kind of patients we serve. This, combined with your qualifications, represents a winning formula for long-term professional success.

Additional Information:

Our practice offers a relaxed work environment, places a high value on work/life balance, and located in Scappoose.

This position offers an excellent benefit package that includes: PTO, paid holidays, medical insurance, dental services for you and your immediate family, and a retirement plan. Starting salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

If you believe this opportunity represents a fit for you, please send a cover letter and an up-to-date resume to: jessica@healthysmilesofscappoose.com

ing small steps,” Kreins said.

“We’re going to start holding rallies outside the school every Monday, and it’s going to (go) local, county, regional, state, (and) federal.”

According to Kreins, the nonpartisan movement includes a network of student supporters in school districts throughout the state and anyone who wants to join is welcome.

We’re not going to let those voices go unheard.

-Matthew Kreins, SHS student “We just want people that believe in freedom, in the Constitution, in the rights that we hold. That is what matters,” he said.

Kreins underscored the dangers of what he interprets as a blind allegiance to mask mandates.

“It starts with a mask,” he said. “The point of this is to make us look like we are no longer human.”

“The state thinks it owns you, the state thinks it owns your children,” Layda said.

“By proxy, the state thinks it owns your future. And there is never a more dangerous situation than that.”

Following Kreins’

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speech, The Chronicle asked him what changes he would like to see specifically within the school district.

“I wish what they would do is allow us to have an option,” he said. “If they want to wear a mask because they felt like it was their responsibility, or their safety, go ahead. But if you don’t want to wear a mask because you’re not worried, then go ahead and we’re not going to stop you.”

Free Oregon President Ben Edtl said the vaccines do not work.

“We know that (vaccines) don’t stop you from getting COVID-19,” he said. “By definition, it’s not a vaccine.”

Free Oregon is a statewide organization formed over the last six months in reaction to the state government’s response to COVID-19. There are currently 4,000 members in the organization, and the numbers continue to rise, Edtl said.

The organization has filed multiple lawsuits against the state of Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and school districts for civil rights infringement, according to Edtl, some of which have worked their way up to the federal courts system.

“We have a voice,” Kreins said. “And we’re not going to let those voices go unheard.”

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Opinion

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Garden Plots: Last minute gift list for gardeners CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

If you have a gardener on your gift list this holiday season, you’re in luck. Garden accessories are popular items in many stores and nurseries. Here are some lastminute gift suggestions for your green-thumbed family and friends. And to all my Garden Plots and Clatskanie Grows readers, may you have the happiest of holidays.

• A gift certificate for plants or tools from a favorite nursery, garden center, hardware, and/or feed and seed store. With only days left, this is quick and practical.

Also, a gift certificate from a favorite seed or fruit tree company.

gernails clean and hands dry; • A soil thermometer is very useful. So are moisture meters with ~12-inch probes.

Both are inexpensive gifts.

• Q Knot reusable cable ties are handy for staking tomatoes or trellises. Get them from a local hardware store.

• Rolls of re-useable Velcro tape cut-to-length that can also hold tomatoes, apple shoots, or other garden plant parts onto structures.

• Manual or electric water hose timer. This device can be attached to any faucet, and automatically shuts off water after a set amount of time. Get a single or dual model from a hardware store.

• Water bubbler with flow control or other interesting sprinklers.

• High-quality pruning loppers or hand pruners to make winter pruning a pleasure; Folding pruning saws are great for pruning but also handy for camping or backpacking. Fiskers, Barnel, or Corona are good brands.

• Gardener’s journal to

record planting dates, varieties, successes (and failures) from year to year; • Leather gardening gloves to prevent injury and chapped, rough skin; • Flexible, rubberized cotton gloves that keep fin-

• Corona Quick Tool Sharpener. A pocket-sized tool for sharpening pruners, shears and blades.

• Well-made spading fork (a personal favorite) or specialized hoes and shovels;

• Floating row covers are lightweight blankets to put over vegetables that help capture warmth and protect plants.

May be available from the Extension office in February/ March.

Call us.

• Heavier row covers for pot protection from cold winter weather: We have some now at the Extension office at a sale price.

• A Hori Hori Knife is a transplant knife from Japan, that’s part trowel and part knife. Also, good

for dispatching slugs. It is a great tool.

• LED headlamp is handy tool for gardening or locating slugs at night (if you are so inclined). If you have close neighbors, warn them of your new hobby.

Also good for looking for carpenter ant evidence under your house.

• Lithium batterypowered chain saws, pole pruners, and weed whackers. There are a number of new types and the quality is greatly improved over the ones sold even a few years ago. For casual users of these tools, they work well and do not have the

maintenance challenges of gas–fueled versions.

• Insect, Mushroom, Weed, or Native Plant identification book.

• Easy grip hand tools for gardeners with arthritis; • Long spouted watering container for easy house-plant care;

• Ever-sharp garden scissors for snipping herbs and flowers; • Large sturdy garden cart to carry tools and soil amendments to the garden in one trip; • Knee-pads or gardening stool to make weeding and low work less of a strain; • A heavy apron with pockets to keep gardening tools handy or a caddy with pockets for your garden bucket; • Aluminum plant tags (write on them with a pencil) to hang or attach to woody plants; Important notes • The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened.

Masks are still required inside.

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

• The Extension Service offers its programs and 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 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@

oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Colum-bia 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.

Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes?

OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

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

VFW and Auxiliary honors students

Courtesy photo

Pictured left to right are Post 1440 Auxiliary Treasure Sherry Belden, Joshua Nonamaker, Brooke Van Arsdall, and Post 1440 Quartermaster and Scholarship Program Chairman David Nelsen.

Post 1440 Veterans of Foreign (VFW) and Auxiliary have presented its annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen Awards for 2021.

This year’s recipients are Gresham’s Sam Barlow High School, freshman, Joshua David Nonamaker awarded, in recognition of excellence in the “Voice of Democracy” Audio Essay Competition.

St. Helens Middle School 6th grade student, Brooke Van Arsdall and home school 7th grade student, Olivia M. Fantus were both awarded in recognition of excellence in the “Patriot’s Pen” Youth Essay Competition.

The Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen Essay scholarship programs are facilitated by local chapters of the VFW nationwide. The essay competition is an opportu-

nity for students to convey their feelings and views on given patriotic themes. The Voice of Democracy Theme for 2021 was ‘America: Where Do We Go From Here?’ The Patriot’s Pen theme was ‘How Can I Be a Good American?’

VFW Post 1440 Quartermaster and scholarship program chair David Nelsen joined VFW Auxiliary Treasurer Sherry Belden in presenting the awards during a ceremony at the St. Helens Elks Lodge Dec. 13.

Post 1440 VFW and Auxiliary each provided a $250 scholarship to award recipients.

“Joshua and Brooke read their impressive essays leaving no doubt to the depth of thought and passion of their words expressing the costs of

our freedoms, insight of past, present, and future of what it means to be an American,” a VFW release states.

Olivia Fantus was not able to attend the presentation of scholarships.

“For decades, the VFW and Auxiliary have understood our youth of today will be our leaders of tomorrow,” the VFW releases reads.

“The VFWs and Auxiliaries are remaining dedicated to establishing programs designed for youth, communities, educators, and much more.”

For more information about the scholarships, call 503-438-0359. To learn more about the VFW and Auxiliary programs, grants and scholarships, visit www. vfw.org.

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Corrections • In the story, The future of swimming in St. Helens in the Dec. 15 edition of The Chronicle, the front page photo cutline incorrectly said the meet was Scappoose High Schools’ home meet, when

in fact it was the St. Helens High School home meet. We are happy to set the record straight.

• In the Dec. 8 edition of The Chronicle, in the story The hunt: Finding the perfect

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

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Christmas tree, we incorrectly identified Oregon Christmas Tree Growers Association President and Trout Creek Farms Founder Tom Norby as Tom Nordy. We are happy to set the record straight.

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

A5

Crossword Solution

Obituaries

Solution for the Dec. 15, 2021 crossword puzzle

Jean Runyan

April 19, 1949 ~ Dec. 7, 2021 Jean “Jeanne” Runyan was born April 19, 1949 in San Bernardino, California to Marshall and Thelma Kent. She died Dec. 7, 2021 in Rainier, Oregon from cancer.

She married Edward Mendenhall in 1967 in Bloomington, California.

They had two daughters.

Jeanne drove school busses in Rialto, California where they lived.

In 1981, they moved to Clatskanie, Oregon. Jeanne worked for several years at

the Plympton Creek Inn in Westport, Oregon. She was most known as co-owner of the Alston Corner Feed Store in Rainier, Oregon with her sister, Joan Holm.

She enjoyed reading, leading a 4-H group, rockhounding, gardening, and square dancing.

Her husband Edward passed in 2000. She married Bart Runyan in February 2005. She died peacefully in their home in the woods.

Jeanne was preceded

in death by her parents, Marshall and Thelma Kent; husband Edward Mendenhall; brother Edward Kent; and her sisters, Diana Foster and Joan Holm.

She is survived by her husband Bart Runyan; brother Dana Kent; daughters, Carrie Long and Heather Gulickson; 10 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Yankton Cemetery in Oregon at a later date according to her wishes.

William “Bill” Nathan Jauron Feb. 4, 1949 – Nov. 25, 2021

After a long battle with ALS, Bill lost his fight on Nov. 25, 2021.

He is survived by his wife Irene, of 54 years; three daughters, Susan Jauron, Shelly Hagood, and Stacy Brandt; grandchildren, Wyatt Dingman, Alex and Rachel Hagood, and Madison and Cydney Brandt; brother Philip; sister Tricia; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, Ray and Mary Jauron; brothers,

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go to Nepal to help build a church with a local group.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his family. He spent many hours working on the property with his wife Irene, participating in many Hood to Coast and traveling together. In lieu of flowers please donate to donate.als. org.

A Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2022 at St. Frederic Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at Yankton Grange.

Julie Ann Eaton Salisbury April 15, 1957 ~ Dec. 16, 2021

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Julie Ann Salisbury (nee Eaton) was born April 15, 1957 and passed away on Dec. 16, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.

Julie graduated from St. Helens High School and PCC with her degree in music. She taught music for four years in the Rainier School District. She then

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taught private piano for six years in Lebanon.

Julie leaves behind her husband Dr. Rick Salisbury; two sons, Colin and Michael; mother Shirley Eaton of Warren; brothers, Rick of St. Helens, Mike of Sun City, Arizona, and Terry of Florence, Oregon; niece Tyra Holm; nephew Chris

Eaton; and many other relatives in St. Helens.

Julie was a member of Lebanon Church of the Nazarene. She played the piano for services, sang in the choir and sang many solos.

Services for Julie will be held sometime after the holidays in Lebanon, Oregon.

Crossword Puzzle

• • •

Paul and Larry; and sisters, Caroline Young and Francis Pickens.

Bill retired from Boise Cascade Paper Mill in 2008, where he worked as a Millwright. He then started his own company, William Jauron Construction Co., where he worked until 2015.

He was very generous with his time, helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity.

He was part of Rope Rescue SMART. In 2016, while fighting ALS, he was able to

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47. Cup alternative 48. Bird-made fertilizer 50. Sketch 52. *”On the Waterfront”: “I coulda been a ____” 56. El Dorado-related 57. Tabernacle Choir’s home state 58. Contributed 59. Star Wars attacker 60. Unidentified aircraft 61. Prep for publication 62. Ladder step 63. Tropical American cuckoo 64. Part to play

1. THESE 5. General Services Administration 8. Ex-Miami Heat player Dwyane 12. Pomegranate seed 13. Actor Chris O’____ 14. Pacific Crest Trail walker 15. Country dance formation 16. Wished undone

17. Popeye’s sweetie 18. *”Sudden Impact”: “Go ahead, ____ ____ ____” 20. Arm part 21. Gold unit 22. Parabola, e.g.

23. San Joaquin Valley city 26. Hangs out with 30. Unit of electrical resistance 31. *”Star Wars”: “Stay in ____ formation”

34. Mr. Jinx’s (of “Meet the Parents”) cry 35. Clay and silt deposit 37. Camel debris 38. Japanese sword fighting 39. Was aware of 40. Come into sight 42. *”Independence Day”: “I belong in the ____” 43. *”The Dark Knight”: “Why so ____?”

45. Common allergen

1. Precedes storm?

2. Soprano’s song, e.g.

3. *”Mean Girls”: “On Wednesdays, we wear ____” 4. Makes smooth, as in hair 5. Dutch cheese 6. *”Darkest Hour”: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and ____” 7. ____ Walker, American Girl doll 8. *”Field of Dreams”: “If you build it, he ____ _____” 9. Related 10. Deity, in Sanskrit 11. “... ____ he drove out of sight” 13. Fungus damage (2 words) 14. Meryl Streep’s “The ____” 19. Supernatural life force, pl.

22. Query 23. *”Who Framed Roger Rabbit”: “That’s all, ____!”

24. CÙtes du ____, wine region 25. Mideast V.I.P. 26. Soreness 27. Kidney-related 28. *”Princess Bride”: “You killed my father. Prepare ____ ____” 29. Bound by oath 32. “Lights out” tune 33. Nile reptile 36. *”Finding Nemo”: “Just keep ____” 38. Danish money 40. Two before Oct 41. Lack of enthusiasm 44. 1/16th of a pound 46. Not two years but three, e.g.

48. Coped (2 words) 49. Freshwater eel, in Japan 50. Comics character Little ____ 51. Fe 52. Caribbean island country 53. Carpenter’s joint 54. Like a fairytale stepmother?

55. Network of nerves 56. Acronym, abbr.

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

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A6

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Elks select Teen of the Month

Courtesy photo

Megan Brown is the Elks Teen of the Month for November.

ST. HELENS ELKS Chronicle Guest Article

Megan Brown has been selected as the Elks Teen of the Month for November.

Megan is described as an outstanding student, leader and volunteer at St. Helens High School.

The main reason for selecting Megan as our Elks Teen was her leadership in class. In her civics class she had always been a voice of reason and a very willing participant in class discussions and group activities which put her

TOY N JOY From Page A1

community groups and businesses.

The auction raised “somewhere in the realm of $41,000” this year, according to Motherway.

“The Toy N Joy Program is through the fire district and that’s essentially done through all of our volunteers,” Motherway said, and she named local businesses actively supporting the volunteer-driven event, specifically Kiwanis, Richardson’s, Northwest Plumbing, Dutch Brothers, and Walmart. “(Kiwanis) works pretty closely with the merchants’ group and they have help(ed) to collect funds so we can provide meals for the families,” she said.

“All of those meals are in the form of a gift voucher through the IGA market here in town. When they pick up

PROPOSAL From Page A1

Brown reaffirmed the importance of responsible masking practices amid news of the new variant.

“As Omicron is spreading, more states are starting to follow Oregon’s lead in reinstating mask requirements,” she said. “Thank you to every Oregonian who continues to mask up. You are making a difference.”

“Science shows that masks work,” OHA Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie told The Chronicle. “They save lives.

That’s why OHA issued the temporary rule requiring indoor mask use and why OHA plans to issue the permanent rule with this requirement.”

Modie said the OHA’s decision to move forward with the proposal was data-based.

“OHA reviewed several

on a list of possible Elks Teens, but what really set her apart was her idea for class. Her civics class was doing a unit on politics and Megan really got into what was being discussed and thought it would be a good idea to have a class election. She emailed her teacher to propose the idea, worked with other teachers to develop the idea and then with the help of her civics teacher watched the plan turn into a great success. The students ran for a kind of class president/representative to the their bag of toys on Friday, if they asked for a meal as well, then they’ll get a food voucher to go pick up their food from the market, which will essentially help with their holiday meal.”

Just knowing that we’re able to do that and have such solid group members who have huge hearts that really push and care to drive this program is fantastic. ~ Jennifer Motherway, CRFR

A full list of the businesses supporting Toy N Joy can be found on the CRFR website.

Families who have previously benefited from the dostudies related to COVID-19 transmission and masking, including national data on the effectiveness of masks in preventing the transmission of the virus,” Modie said.

“OHA continues to monitor scientific data with regard to masking and control of COVID-19.”

Data from the CDC shows a 1-2% reduction in COVID case growth and death rates associated with state-issued mask mandates in a study of 2,313 U.S. counties up to 81-100 days after implementation.

Oregon is one of eight states to retain a mask mandate nearly two years into the pandemic, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Modie said the OHA’s approach is to continue to look at the impact of the virus on Oregonians and Oregon’s health care system.

“And make recommendations based on what we see on the ground, and

legislature in Salem. Kids were nominated or nominated themselves and then got up in front of class and explained why they were the best candidate. Megan was one of those candidates and even though she did not win in the primary, she certainly gave it a good try.

After the primary came a general election in which candidates had to field questions from students and then vote and decide the winner. This was the best of the year and it is too bad it was not live streamed as it would have shown just how smart, well spoken, interested in important issues and how capable our students are. It was an unbelievable success and Megan was the reason.

Megan is also a competitive cheerleader and is a volunteer coach for the special abilities team called the Monarchs.

Megan plans on attending school at the College of Southern Idaho to major in nursing next fall.

Megan is an outstanding young person who really tries her best to learn and get the most out of every school day. Our school and class are better due to Megan being a part of it.

The Teen of the Month is a partnership between the St. Helens Elks Club and St. Helens High School designed to recognize student achievement. nation drive often volunteer to help others in need.

“One year a family may not need as much as they do another, and you’ll see that cycle back in,” Motherway said. “They’ll want to help out in future years because they were told to try the program at one point in time.”

For Motherway, the dedication and behind-thescenes work of volunteers is gratifying.

“They give their weekends, nights with their families so that they can go shopping, organize toys, (and) have meetings to determine what’s going to be the best way to go about these programs,” she said.

“Just knowing that we’re able to do that and have such solid group members who have huge hearts that really push and care to drive this program is fantastic.”

Visit the CRFR website or the CRFR’s Facebook page for more information. either increase control of the pandemic because things are getting worse or relax the current precautions we have in place because the disease rate has gone down significantly,” he said. “We want hospitals to be at a point where they are able to handle the volume of patients they see from COVID-19 and other conditions without needing the tremendous additional staffing they have in order to provide that quality of care to all Oregonians.”

Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposal, according to Modie.

The OHA is accepting comments on the proposed rule until Jan. 24, and a public hearing will be conducted from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 20 The location of that meeting was pending at press time.

Email publichealth. rules@dhsoha.state.or.us to be added to the interested parties list and to submit a comment.

Merry Christmas From your friends at The Chronicle

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Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Courtesy photo

State Sen. Betsy Johnson poses with a plaque presented to her by Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole honoring Johnson for her 20 years as a legislator.

Sen. Johnson resigns JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Betsy Johnson is charting a new path for her public service.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 was Johnson’s last day in office following her resignation to focus on her run for Oregon governor.

“Serving in the Senate has never been a part-time job for me, but neither is running for governor. Northwest Oregon deserves a full-time senator and running for governor is a full-time job,” Johnson said in a video release announcing her resignation.

Johnson, 70, announced in October that she is running for Oregon Governor, “as an independent leader unaffiliated with any party and loyal only to the people of Oregon.”

Sen. Johnson served Senate District 16, which includes the cities of Clatskanie, Rainier, St. Helens, Tillamook, Astoria, and Seaside.

In a letter announcing her candidacy to her district in October, Johnson outlined her path.

“The decision to run independent of any party, by law, requires me to give-up my Democratic Party registration by next Spring,” she wrote in the letter. “Rest assured, my bedrock values will not change. I was raised in a moderate Republican family and became a Democrat because the Republican Party had moved too far to the right. For twenty years, I’ve been an independent-minded, pro-choice, pro-jobs Democrat proudly serving the people of Northwest Oregon.

This is who I am.”

The race Several others have also announced to run as a candidate for Oregon Governor in 2022, including Democrats Oregon Speaker of the House Tina Kotek, State Treasurer Tobias Read, former Portland Park Bureau superinten-

dent John Sweeney, Patrick Starnes and former journalist Nicholas Kristof.

Sandy Mayor Stan Pulliam, who brought an exploratory effort to St. Helens earlier this year, Baker City Mayor Kerry McQuisten, Bud Pierce, State Rep. Christine Mrazan, Medford businesswoman Jessica Gomez and Bridget Barton, a political consultant are running as Republicans.

See a complete list of the current candidates who have announced with this story at thechronicleonline.com.

The filing deadline for the office is March 8.

Under Oregon’s term limits, current Governor Kate Brown cannot seek an additional term.

During the Rainier Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday, Dec. 15, Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole presented Sen. Betsy Johnson with a plaque honoring her 20 years of service to the people of Rainier in the Oregon Legislature.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Storage Shed Fire Courtesy photo from CRFR

A Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) crew make sure the fire is out inside a space used for storage at a residential property in the area of 57000 Fisher Lane in St. Helens. Firefighters reported the building was in flames as they arrived. No injuries were reported during the Dec. 14 incident. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

A7

Columbia River Sunrise Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

A quiet early morning glimpse of the Columbia River.

ODOT outlines $52M for EV stations STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

There are two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in St. Helens and more may be on the way as Oregon’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is about to get supercharged.

The state is set to receive $52 million of additional funding over the next five years for EV charging infrastructure, according to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials. The money is part of the $1.2 billion in additional transportation funding from the recently passed federal infrastructure package.

The federal government makes the initial decisions on how that $52 million can be spent. ODOT officials said they should receive the first set of federal guidelines in February 2022.

ODOT Climate Office Director Suzanne Carlson said her office expects the federal guidelines will steer the funding to Alternative Fuel Corridors, which are national highways that are eligible for federal grant

funding to add public EV charging and other alternative fuel infrastructure. The program is overseen by the Federal Highway Administration.

Oregon has seven corridors designated under the program that include Intestates 5, 84 and 82, and U.S. Highways 26, 101, 20 and 97.

Partnerships Forming public-private partnerships to award the funding may be a key component, based on past rounds of federal funding, which ODOT officials said they have experience with such partnerships. Earlier this year, ODOT invested $4.1 million to support EV Charging Solutions’ upgrades to Oregon’s slice of the West Coast Electric Highway.

The agency also partnered with local firms Forth, Kittelson & Associates, and Rocky Mountain Institute to complete a future electrification needs study in 2020-21, which examined Oregon’s EV charging needs over the

Courtesy photo

There are two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in St. Helens and more may be on the way as Oregon’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is about to get supercharged.

next 15 years.

Forth’s Executive Director Jeff Allen said he is optimistic about Oregon’s EV future.

“Oregon’s early leadership and hard work means we are extremely wellpositioned to make good use of this federal funding to build out a charging network that will make it easy for Oregonians to drive electric wherever they go across the state,” Allen said.

Prepared for future charging needs According to ODOT data, Oregonians are adopting EV’s at a swift rate. New EV registrations in 2021 are on track to increase by about 70 percent compared to 2020.

It’s a similar story with electric bicycles: the New York Times reported national e-bike sales jumped 145 percent from 2019 to 2020.

That increased adoption

rate coincides with results from ODOT’s future electrification needs study, which presents a clear roadmap for ODOT and partners to follow to electrify the system for multiple types of vehicles.

“With the study’s findings, we can be more strategic and keep up momentum on EV adoption rates,” Carlson said. “Our role will be to make targeted state investments, secure more federal

grant funding, and make sure public EV charging is equitable and practical.”

Transportation electrification is high on the agency’s list of strategic priority outcomes, and is a key component in state government’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. About 40% of the state’s total GHG emissions come from the transportation sector, including freight and aviation.

“Moving quickly to electrify transportation is just one piece of Oregon’s emission reduction plan,” Carlson said. “Together with other ongoing investments in bike and pedestrian programs, public transit, and climate resiliency, we’ll be able to make strong progress on our work to address climate change in Oregon.”

ODOT has released an infographic and recorded a webinar that describes what Oregon expects to receive from the federal funding package in more detail. Those materials can be found at https://www. oregon.gov/odot/Pages/IIJA. aspx.

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A8

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Please prepare for winter power outages MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content

With winter weather comes the threat of power outages.

Heavy rains and high winds are common culprits. Sometimes we are just at the mercy of Mother Nature.

With that in mind, it’s important to know what to do during a power outage.

Below you’ll find some pointers to help keep you safe and comfortable during an outage, as well as a couple of ways you can help our crews as they work to restore your power.

If your power goes out, we ask that you call us at (503) 397-1844 to report the outage.

During a widespread outage, it is possible you may have to wait on hold. We apologize for this inconvenience but ask for your patience. Your call helps us determine the extent and location of an outage.

There are times, however,

CRFR

From Page A1 $463,000. CRFR maintains an apparatus replacement plan that allowed for the purchase of one of the engines with funds from our apparatus capital line-item, the remaining cost was financed over a threefive year period. At the end of the term or sooner the second engine will be paid for out of our general fund account.

We are looking to replace the fire engine at St. Helens Station 471 once we complete the payment of the second Rosenbauer fire apparatus.

This will ensure our front-line fleet of fire engines will serve the communities for decades to come.

The Chronicle: What other equipment needs are being considered by CRFR and why?

Smythe: CRFR maintains a fleet of seven fire engines, one ladder/squirt aerial apparatus, two heavy brush

when it’s not necessary for you to call. If your power blinks off momentarily, comes back on, and stays on, you don’t need to call. When this happens, it means our equipment – specifically, reclosers – are doing their job.

A recloser de-energizes the power lines if a limb falls on the line or if there is some other disruption. After a few moments, the recloser will try to re-energize the line.

That way, for example, if a branch has fallen onto the line and then falls back off, your power will come back on. If the branch is still there, the recloser will de-energize the line again.

After you have called in your outage, it’s helpful for you to turn on a porch light switch and a light switch inside your home. The porch light will help alert our crews when power is restored. By having a light turned on inside the home, you’ll know easily fire engines, two light brush engines, four water tenders, eight ambulances, one heavy rescue/extrication vehicle, and a host of support vehicles from our eight strategically located fire stations.

We maintain a staff of up to 12 firefighters and two single role Emergency Medical Services (EMS) only members per shift. Currently, CRFR responds to approximately 7,000 incidents per year and continues to increase. We have approximately 30 volunteers fire and EMS personnel to respond and assist our career staff members on a daily basis.

The district has an apparatus replacement plan that monitors and maintains our fleet, we are constantly assessing our community needs and selecting equipment that provide the best service to our citizens.

CRFR maintains our own mechanic shop, with two of the best emergency vehicle technicians in Columbia County. These certified Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) trained-mechanics are versed in the latest repair and

Courtesy photo

PUD Serviceman Chuck Long installs a GenerLink transfer switch.

as well.

Safety is a big concern during power outages. If you see a downed power line, always assume it is energized. Even if it’s not sparking and might look like it’s not energized, it very well could be.

Always stay away from downed power lines. That

means don’t drive over them either. If you see a downed power line, please call us right away at (503) 397-1844.

If you see our crews working to restore power, we ask that you please keep a safe distance. Their job is dangerous enough as it is without any distractions. While I know it is

tempting to stop and ask them for updates, interruptions may slow down their restoration efforts. I assure you that when the power goes out, they are working as quickly as they can to safely restore power to as many people as possible.

Oftentimes, power outages coincide with cold weather.

Please do not use a gas range to stay warm. Similarly, don’t use camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors.

Instead, stay cozy by dressing in layers of warm clothing and using blankets.

If you have a fireplace, please use it safely.

If you have a generator, please operate it safely. Never run a generator indoors.

Instead, operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated area and be sure to keep the generator dry.

We recommend using a GenerLink transfer switch, which automatically disconnects your home from the power grid and connects it

to your generator during an outage. We offer GenerLink service for $11 a month.

During an outage, you’ll want to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. This will keep the cold air inside. If you keep your fridge closed, it should keep its contents cold for about four hours. Your freezer should keep food cold for two days if it’s full, and about a day if it’s half-full.

During major outages, we post updates to our Facebook and Twitter pages. If you have battery and service available on your smartphone or tablet, you can stay up to date by following us on social media.

Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD CRFR is evaluating and moving forward with replacement of several older non-off road capable ambulances. The goal is to ensure our entire emergency medical fleet is all weather capable. The district is also looking at replacing some of our aging water tender apparatus with newer, all weather/off road capable equipment to meet the needs of not only our district but our mutual aid partners as well.

Ceremony

Courtesy photo from CRFR

The Rainier CRFR crew ease in the fire truck at the Rainier station. The push is a fire service tradition that dates back to the 1800s.

maintenance systems to keep our vehicles ready to respond at all times.

Our maintenance facility offers support to other fire districts, law enforcement, and city vehicle fleets throughout Columbia County.

We are proud of the men and women that serve our communities, we provide the apparatus necessary to ensure

we can get to any location in timely, efficient, and professional manner.

The Chronicle: What would be the next steps in obtaining the additional needed equipment?

Smythe: CRFR operates an apparatus committee made up of administrative, career

firefighters, and volunteers that reviews, researches, and makes recommendations for future apparatus/equipment needs. Decisions are not made in a vacuum, but through a careful process that identifies the needs of our citizens and district personnel in order to ensure we can respond to all emergencies with the appropriate resources.

In a ceremony conducted at the CRFR Fairgrounds Station at St. Helens and at the Rainier Station in Rainier, crew members pushed the new engines into their station bays.

Smythe said its been a fire department tradition since the 1800s.

“Horse drawn wagon‘s that had fire equipment had to be disconnected from the horses and pushed back into the bays after a response,” he said.

“The tradition was transferred to gasoline or diesel power equipment to maintain our connection to the past.”

Protege a quienes nos protegen.

Vacúnate.

colpachealth.org/vax Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Tras dos años de pandemia de COVID-19, es importante seguir repitiéndolo: gracias a los miles de trabajadores de la salud que arriesgan su vida para mantenernos a salvo. Vacunarte es la mejor forma que tienes de cuidarlos y de demostrar gratitud. Protégete a ti, a tus seres queridos y a todos los trabajadores de la salud. Vacúnate hoy mismo.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

CH21-1853

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING As per ORS 221.725, the St. Helens City Council will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to receive written and public comments on the sale of City-owned property described as the following: · Tax Account No. 28878, Map No. 4N1W04-DA-01200, Block 83, Lots 4 & 5, St. Helens, 11,600 square feet total Located on S. 10th Street The proposed use of

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www.thechronicleonline.com

the properties is for residential use. The reason why the City Council considers it necessary or convenient to sell the property is to promote the expansion of housing opportunities in the city limits of St. Helens. If you wish to submit written comments, please address them as follows: John Walsh, City Administrator City of St. Helens, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051.

Written comments may be submitted in advance or at

the hearing. If submitted by 12:00 p.m., Monday, December 27, 2021, copies of the comments will be provided to the Council in advance of the hearing. The public hearing will be held via Zoom and in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 265 Strand Street, Plaza Entrance, St. Helens, OR 97051. The facility is handicap accessible. If you need special accommodation, please contact City Hall at (503)397-6272, at least 48 hours before the hearing.

CH21-1844

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of LLOYD H. PELLHAM, Deceased. No. 21PB10082 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative.

All persons having 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 published December 8, 2021. JENI NOELLE FORD Personal Representative c/o Lucas & Associates, LLC Attorneys at Law P.O. Box 519 Rainier, OR 97048. Phone 503-5563741. FAX - 503-556-0708 Lucasatty@yahoo.com

CH21-1849

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING City of St. Helens URA Budget Committee Public Hearing Fiscal Year 20222023 Biennial Budget Public hearing of the Budget Committee of the City of St. Helens Urban Renewal Agency, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1,

2022 to June 30, 2024, will be held on January 5, 2022, at 5:00 PM at City Hall Council Chambers located at 265 Strand Street St. Helens OR 97051 and online via Zoom Meeting. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the budget

committee. Upon conclusion of the public hearing, the Budget Committee will deliberate and approve the budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon, by appointment or online at the City’s website.

CH21-1855

The Public Notice deadline is Thursdays by noon.

Please submit notices early for the holiday season. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE The statement of procedures for Columbia County are available for review at the Columbia County Courthouse and https:// www.columbiacountyor.gov/ departments/Finance/Expenditures.

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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s ’ n o s a s e g S reetin G Photo by Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

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May your holidays be joyous and filled with love. Best wishes for a bright future in 2022!

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Season’s Greetings Who We Are

Faith in the face of uncertainty ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Christmas worshipping at local churches may look a little different again this year as local churches continue to take different approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Helens Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church is fully operational, according to Pastor Joseph Burkhardt.

“We have continued our services throughout the entire pandemic,” he said. “We have never stopped if that means anything.”

Additionally, the congregation is not requiring attendees to wear masks or show proof of vaccination, leaving personal protective measures up to the individual.

“We don’t want our people deprived of hearing the word of God. Just really as simple as that,” Burkhardt said.

Burkhardt also shared why he disagrees with mask and vaccination mandates handed down by the government.

“I’m not at all happy with the thought of imposing or extending the masking mandate.

I think people are done with that,” he said. “I don’t have a problem with people that want to get the vaccine (either). The problem is that it is imposed upon members of my congregation in order for them to continue working.”

According to Burkhardt, his congregation members, can, and have filed for religious exemptions.

Burkhardt said the public response to the open approach of his church has been mostly positive.

“A year and a half ago,

Courtesy from Kimberly Lemen

Youth worshippers at Scappoose Foursquare Church participate in an ugly sweater Christmas party and contest.

when the pandemic first hit, our church posted a sign that said we’re open and almost within a week or so we had one response from somebody that sent over the local health people and wanted to know what we were doing,” he said.

“I told him we’re a small congregation, and they kind of backed off and we never had any problems since.”

While at the same time acknowledging his church’s role to make the services inclusive, he said congregation members do offer alternative services for those with health risks or underlying conditions.

“If they feel that it is too dangerous for them, then that’s fine, I minister to them in another way,” he said. “But for the most part, we’ve kept everything open for our members. We do have one family in particular, they’re elderly. And they’ve chosen not to attend, but I send them my sermons week by week. And I’m on the phone with them week by week.”

Ascension Evangelical

Lutheran Church is located on 1911 Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens. Mass is held 9:30 a.m.

Sundays, followed by Sunday Bible class at 11a.m. The ministry will be commemorating the Christmas Day with a service at 9:30 a.m.

Scappoose Congregation services are on the rebound, according to Pastor Charles Wood at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Scappoose.

“We don’t have to have people sign in, simply we still require people wearing masks which we had to have people sign up ahead of time.

But slowly with been getting almost I would say at least maybe 70 to 80% of pre-pandemic numbers,” he said.

The church restored its ser-

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Clatskanie Faith Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Anthony said church services are currently operating in a hybrid format.

The Faith Lutheran ministry will be holding their candlelight service Christmas Eve at 7 p.m., and a reading and carols service Sunday, Jan. 2 at 10 a.m.

Faith Lutheran Church, located on 1010 NE 5th St. in Clatskanie, is open for inperson or Zoom worship on Sundays at 10 a.m. Masks are required, and hand sanitizer is provided. Contact Pastor Anthony at (503) 975-9436 for the meeting ID number and password.

Rainier Alston’s Corner Assembly of God in Rainier is still holding its services on Facebook live, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

The church holds Sunday morning services at 10:30 a.m. each week on Facebook Live and will lead a virtual candlelight service on Dec. 19 in celebration of Christmas Eve. The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal church organization founded in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Today, there are nearly 13,000 churches in the U.S. with over 3 million members and adherents, the denomination’s website states.

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vices back in August 2020 with recommended COVID safety measures in place, such as masks and physical distancing, and has been gaining increased participation as the COVID-19 situation has improved.

“We have around 200 really active households,” Wood said. “Around over 200 people spread out church services, but if you multiply by two or three, that’s 1000 people.”

Wood expressed gratitude in being able to host a Christmas Pageant event this year, which was conducted Tuesday, Dec. 16.

“By last year we just (were) having to maintain physical distancing, and our church is so small, we would hardly find anybody to be in place,” Wood said.

The Christmas Pageant, complete with costumes and

student performances, remains a treasured tradition of the church.

“We do a reading about the and Joseph and Mary making their way to Him and then the angels and children and high school(ers), they act it out,” Wood explained.

St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church is located on 51555 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Family Mass will be held on Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. and Night Mass at 11 p.m. Worship will also take place Christmas day at 9 a.m.

Visit stwenceslaus-scappoose.com for more information.

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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Season’s Greetings Christmas tree recycling for the season ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

As the New Year arrives and Christmas trees begin to lose their luster, many of us are looking for simple solutions to discard them.

There are a number of ways you can recycle your Christmas tree this year, according to Kanale Tumlinson, Site Manager of Hudson Garbage Service in St. Helens.

Tumlinson advises Christmas tree owners to cut their trees down to three pieces and deposit them curbside for waste management to collect.

Tumlinson recommends calling Hudson Garbage at 800-422-9988 to speak with a customer service representative about scheduling a pickup time for your Christmas tree.

Hudson Garbage Service will continue to accept Christmas trees well into the new year, according to Tumlinson.

“Usually we get a really heavy call load of picking up these Christmas trees, usually two weeks from Christmas Day, two weeks after,” he said. “We’ve seen a few

go into the spring depending on what people do with their trees. But yeah, the service is available typically up to a month after Christmas.”

Tumlinson also gave pointers for those new to the task of breaking down Christmas trees.

“If you’ve got a six-foot tree, cut that down into three sections, about two-foot pieces and then put that into yard debris cart,” he said.

“The driver then picks it up on the same Monday and then he’ll bring it back to the Columbia County Transfer Station (to) dump out into our compost and yard debris pile. That material ends up going to Beaver Bark Scappoose and they turn it into compost and fertilizer.”

A community endeavor Recycling your Christmas tree has benefits for the community as well as the environment.

Hudson Garbage Service utilizes Christmas tree recycling as a means to collect donations for the Boy Scouts.

“I try to encourage a lot of customers to utilize the Boy Scout program because it helps the Boy Scouts and

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35 years. American Legion members will be picking up Christmas trees from porches around Columbia City, Scappoose, Warren and St. Helens in exchange for a $7 donation to the Boy Scouts. All proceeds will be used to support their Hot Meal program for families in need.

If you would like to opt in to the Christmas tree pickup service, call 503410-9644, email karenhilburn2@gmail.com, or mail a request to P.O. Box 216 in Columbia City, 97018.

Additional tips Metro Creative Connection

The National Christmas Tree Association recommends placing a plastic bag underneath your tree stand for easy, mess-free disposal after the holidays.

all the boys there with their Christmas Day. efforts,” Tumlinson said.

“They ask for donations, “Whatever reason they can’t but if you say you can’t domake it there, we have no nate anything but still need problem picking it up, but to get rid of your tree or it at least helps get a lot of want to recycle them they’ll community little partnertake it from you no probships going.” lem,” Tumlinson said.

Boy Scouts will be stationed in the parking lot of Boy Scout Troop 106 Lawrence Oil at 845 N Columbia River Highway in St. Staff Lead Bill Reese 12-21-11 2x3DupSunshine:Layout 1:16 Helens to pick Christmas said1he 12/14/11 has managed the PM trees up to two weeks after tree recycling program for

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The National Christmas Tree Association compiled a list of eco-friendly options for recycling your Christmas tree post-holiday season.

• Soil erosion barriers: Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially for lake and river shoreline stabilization and river delta sedimentation management.

• Fish feeders: Sunk into private fish ponds, trees Page 1 an excellent refuge make and feeding area for fish.

• Bird feeders: Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter.

(Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands are removed). Eventually (within a year) the branches will become brittle and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in a chipper.

• Mulch: A Christmas tree is biodegradable; its branches may be removed, chipped, and used as mulch in the garden.

• Paths for hiking trails: Some counties use shredded trees as a free, renewable and natural path material that fits both the environment and the needs of hikers.

• Living, rooted trees: Get a rooted (ball and burlap or containerized) tree and plant it in your yard.

(It’s a good idea to dig the hole in the late fall while the soil is still soft, then plant the tree into that hole immediately after Christmas.) Living trees have a better survival rate in mild climates.

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A14

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Season’s Greetings

Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

A volunteer hands out candy canes during the Christmas parade in Scappoose.

Chronicle photo

Holiday window display at Harrington’s Clothing in St. Helens.

Chronicle photo

Dianna’s Formal Affair in St. Helens has their window decorated for the holidays.

Happy

Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

The Columbia Pacific Food Bank float picked up food donations during the parade.

Chronicle photo

Christina poses with Santa at Christina’s Chest in St. Helens.

Chronicle photo

Eaton’s storefront is hand painted for the Christmas season.

s at..

ur friend

from yo Holidays

ike Road D 1 9 1 9 2 om vinbros.c e e .t w w w 410 503.556.0

Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

Santa waves to the crowd during the Christmas Parade in Scappoose.

Festive stores line Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens.

Chronicle photo

Chronicle photo

Becki of Becki Bozart Cruise Planners is pictured here at the Frankfuter Hotel while hosting a Christmas Market river cruise in Germany.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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