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Pandemic Vaccines Update

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

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Police evacuate homes, find explosives

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Legislators approve relief bills for COVID, wildfires MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Those affected by wildfires and COVID-19 have some relief coming their way.

Following a call to legislators from Gov. Kate Brown to review a proposed $800 million relief package, the Oregon Legislature met for special session Monday and passed four bills to address those who have been affected by the early fall wildfires and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The bills address housing, schools, restaurants and wildfire recovery.

Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

Law enforcement closed off this area of Sequoia Street in Scappoose during the investigation. Richard Gumdy Hampton was arrested at the scene.

Bill summaries

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A 29-year-old man faces multiple criminal charges, including manufacturing explosive devices, after police evacuated several homes in Scappoose.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) a trooper stopped a vehicle operated by Richard Gundy-Hampton in the 33000 block of Sequoia St. in Scappoose on Dec. 18 The stop occurred next to the residence where Gundy-Hampton lived. Gundy-Hampton was a subject of interest in a domestic violence incident that occurred in Clackamas County, OSP said.

During the contact with GundyHampton, OSP troopers discovered evidence of methamphetamine possession, weapons possession and that he had been potentially manufacturing a destructive/explosive device.

Detectives from OSP criminal investigative division responded to the scene and obtained a search warrant for the residence and vehicle.

Soon after beginning their search, investigators located suspicious items in the garage indicating that Gundy-Hampton had been manufacturing highly explosive materials inside the garage of the residence, according to the OSP release. The search of the scene stopped and explosive experts from OSP, the FBI, Portland Police Bureau and Gresham Police Department responded to the scene to assist.

Explosive experts and investigators continued their investigation Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19 and 20, identifying six items containing explosives, which were disposed of on scene. Numerous other items were also transported from the scene by the OSP explosives unit for later disposal off site.

The safe disposal of the items discovered in the residence required approximately 10 neighboring residents to be evacuated from their homes during the day Saturday and Sunday, OSP said. In addition to the explosives, investigators seized a large number of firearms, illegal firearms parts and illegal drugs from the scene.

Gundy-Hampton was lodged Dec. 18, at the Columbia County Jail. His bail was set at $5,000,000.

On Dec. 20, all the residents displaced by the investigative activities and explosives disposal were allowed to return to their homes. On Dec. 21, OSP said the investigation was ongoing.

Garden Plots................A4 Poll: ..............................A4 Cartoon: ......................A4 Church News: .............A4 Obituaries: ..................A7 TV Guide: ...................A8 Classified Ads: ............A9 Legals: ..................A10-11 A Year in Photos: A12-14

Vol. 138, No. 53

2020 Year in Review in Photos A year of challenges, changes

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Through photography, The Chronicle takes a look back over the past 12 months to the challenges, the changes, the celebrations and the rewards that we, as a community, shared and endured together. See this special photo spread with a chronological review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on A12-14.

Whale Watching: Changes, but still a chance for viewing

Courtesy photo

The near-shore migration of the whales has spawned a popular whale-watching industry along the Oregon coast that in 2009 was worth an estimated $29 million – a figure likely higher today, according to researchers.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

From mid-December to mid-January, a tradition takes place along the Oregon coast that has intrigued and fascinated thousands for years.

Nearly 20,000 gray whales make their migration south from Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja, Mexico.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department usually sets up its annual Whale Watching Week, utilizing volunteers at several key viewing points along the Oregon coast to help people spot and learn about the whales. But this season, the usual whale watching event is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the following conversation,

The Chronicle gains insight about the 2020 whale migration from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Chris Havel.

shore as they head north. We have 200-400 whales that more or less stay off the Oregon coast around year-round.

The Chronicle: What is the background of this event?

The Chronicle: What changes have been made to this popular winter activity due to the pandemic and why?

Chris Havel: Gray whales migrate along the Oregon coast twice a year. In winter (December–January), they head south from the Gulf of Alaska headed for the Baja peninsula to mate and take advantage of the calving grounds.

We can expect 20-25,000 to pass by, peaking at about 30 an hour.

Headed south, they tend to be 3-5 miles offshore.

In spring (March-May, even into June), adults and their young head north to feed in the Gulf of Alaska.

They tend to travel a little closer to

Havel: Whale Watch in Oregon usually involves 24 stations along the coast staffed by a big crew of volunteers guided by a few state park staff. We would set up spotting scopes and share binoculars, and manage one visitor center in Depoe Bay to help people enjoy our marine friends. To reduce the

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• House Bill 4401 extends the eviction moratorium through June 30 if renters can’t pay their rent due to the impacts of COVID-19. It also provides $150 million in funding to cover overdue rent payments and aid eligible renters from falling further behind and compensate landlords.

• House Bill 4402 provides temporary liability protections for schools complying with COVID-19 emergency rules, adding incentive for schools and school authorities to follow health directives. It also provides whistleblower protections to third-party contractors like bus drivers, custodians and food service providers.

• Senate Bill 1801 provides restaurant relief by allowing the sale and delivery of mixed drinks to-go if the drink is sold in a sealed container.

It also puts a cap on fees charged by third-party delivery services, only allowing a 15% fee.

• Senate Bill 5731 includes $600 million to allow the state to fund pandemic-related programs and make up for the federal CARES Act funding that expires at the end of this year.

It also provides more support for residents affected by this year’s wildfires, and $150 million for the Landlord Compensation Fund and $50 million for rental assistance, as seen in House Bill 4401.

Over two dozen states have adopted similar policies allowing restaurants to provide to-go mixed drinks, as passed in Senate Bill 1801, to help restaurants recoup some of the loss of not allowing in-house service.

Alcoholic drinks, like cocktails and wine, are where restaurants typically see their highest profit margins.

“Despite our success today, I’m frustrated that we couldn’t do more, including an extension of foreclosure protections that expire next week,” House Speaker Tina Kotek said in a release. “We need to do all we can to avoid the mistakes of the Great Recession and keep people housed.

This means recognizing that income inequality has been magnified by the pandemic, especially for communities of color and low-income workers.”

Brown said the special session was called to provide more resources for residents who have made sacrifices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“These funds are critical to protect Oregon families and small businesses,” Brown said in a release. “I am so glad they took up critical, COVID19-related policy bills that will provide relief for tenants and landlords, extend the eviction moratorium and

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marketfreshonline.com Curbside service, with same day ordering.

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Merkley calls for climate emergency declaration STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley is urging the incoming Biden administration to declare a national climate emergency, he said would unlock powerful tools to address the climate crisis.

Merkley outlined his recommendations in an op-ed published Dec. 21 by The Washington Post.

“Too many Americans are experiencing the wrath of climate-related disasters firsthand,” Merkley wrote.

“These disasters are killing our citizens, bankrupting businesses, endangering our national security and threatening to leave our children a world of growing scarcity and conflict. The climate crisis is an emergency, and Presidentelect Joe Biden needs to treat it that way. That means using every tool available to him, including declaring a national

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Sen. Jeff Merkley signs an autograph and meets with citizens during a previous Oregon town hall meeting.

climate emergency and using emergency powers to take unilateral executive action.”

According to Merkley, declaring climate chaos a national emergency under

the National Emergency Act (NEA) would unlock powers that would allow the United

Instead of receiving 40,950 doses of the Pfizer vaccine this week, the state only received 23,350 doses.

Gov. Kate Brown tweeted on Dec. 17 that the state’s allocation of doses for the week of Dec. 20-27 had been cut by about 40%.

Jonathan Modie, lead communications officer for the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), said it was because the CDC provided states with allocation numbers in advance of the actual doses being made available to them by manufacturers. The initial numbers given to the state on how many doses to expect were always subject to change, he said, and this week’s allocation was adjusted to “ensure consistent availability of vaccine.”

Shipment of the Moderna vaccine is expected this week as well. The Moderna vaccine was granted emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Friday, allowing it to be distributed and used in the U.S. The vaccine was also reviewed by the Western States Scientific Review Workgroup on Saturday, which concluded concluded that the vaccine is safe and efficacious, according to a release from the governor’s office.

The workgroup is made up of scientists with expertise in immunization and public health.

“After thorough scientific review, here is what the doctors and health experts have told us: the Moderna vaccine is safe. It is effective.

And, it gives us the ability to reach communities across rural Oregon and the west that don’t have easy access to cold storage,” Brown said in a statement released Sunday.

“This last week has made clear that we also need accurate information from our federal partners about vaccine distribution. With these first vaccinations comes a great

sense of hope, but we still have a long road ahead before we’re out of this pandemic.”

The state is slated to receive 23,350 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 31,700 doses of the Moderna vaccine this week. Next week the state expects to receive 48,750 doses of the Pfizer and 31,700 of the Moderna, though those numbers are subject to change.

Modie said it is important to understand the numbers can change at any time.

“The reduction in this week’s Pfizer allocation is proof of the volatility of these data,” he said. “That said, even with the reduction, if estimated allocations for Oregon are received, we expect health systems in Oregon will have a sufficient amount of vaccine to provide first doses to more than 100,00 health care workers and longterm care facility residents by the end of the month.”

Despite the reduction in Pfizer doses this week, vaccinations at long-term care

States to take significant, concrete actions, regardless of congressional gridlock.

Specifically, the declaration would allow the president to redirect spending to build out renewable energy systems, help put large-scale clean transportation solutions in place, and finance distributed energy projects to boost climate resiliency. Each of these steps would help safeguard communities across America and slash the harmful pollution that continues to drive the climate crisis.

Merkley also explained in his op-ed that the Defense Protection Act (DPA) would help address the national security threats posed by our climate crisis and strengthen emergency preparedness in America by supporting the construction of resilient energy infrastructure and mobilizing domestic industry to ramp up the manufacturing of clean energy technologies. These are necessary steps to protect

Americans from the coming deluge of violent storms and extreme weather events on the horizon, and can also spawn a robust clean energy industry can generate millions of high-quality American jobs vital to rejuvenating our postCOVID economy, according to Merkley.

Over 500 environmental, health, faith and labor groups have also called for a climate emergency declaration. Earlier this month at the summit marking the fifth anniversary of the Paris climate agreement, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on every country to declare a climate emergency.

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change.

Merkley serves on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and is a member of the Senate Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and the Environmental Justice Caucus.

facilities began Monday.

According to the OHA, an estimated 22,425 vaccine doses are planned for nursing facilities due to the increased likelihood that older adults and people with underlying health conditions will suffer life-threatening health consequences if they contract the virus. Additional doses will be allocated to the facilities as vaccine rollout continues.

The facilities are receiving vaccinations as part of the Oregon Department of Human Services and the federal human services department’s Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, which sets up on-site vaccination clinics through Consonus Pharmacy, CVS and Walgreens.

The first phase of distribution includes the state’s 130 nursing facilities.

County. Of those 73, all but four were confirmed with testing and the remainder were presumptive cases. A case is presumed when the person presents COVID19-like symptoms and has had close contact with a confirmed case.

There were 74 people considered currently infectious in the county as of Dec. 16, meaning it has been less than 10 days since the onset of symptoms. During the week from Dec. 9-16, there were also eight new hospitalizations, according to data from the Columbia County Public Health Department.

As of Monday, the number of cumulative cases in the county totaled 755 with a death toll of nine. Across the state, the total number of cases was 103,755 and the death toll was 1,347.

Cases in the county

Follow daily pandemic updates at thechronicleonline. com with in-depth reports in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

State vaccine allocation cut by 15,000 this week MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Metro Creative Connection /The Chronicle

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced that 4,475 health care workers had been vaccinated in the first week of the state’s COVID-19 immunization program.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

From Dec. 9-16, there were 73 new COVID-19 cases reported in Columbia

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

A few ideas for conserving energy this winter MICHAEL J. SYKES Sponsored content

Winter is here. Typically, that means higher electric bills. Longer nights mean that both lights and heaters stay on longer. Holiday festivities usually mean more time using the oven to bake or cook meals. And, of course, we all love our Christmas lights.

All of these things can increase the amount of electricity you use. But the biggest driver of higher electric bills this time of year is the weather. The colder it is outside, the longer your heating system has to work to keep your house comfortable.

At Columbia River PUD, we’re here to help you keep your costs down. We provide free home energy evaluations to find ways you can reduce your heating costs. There are a number of ways you might be losing precious heat to the outdoors: • Your home may not have enough insulation.

• Single-pane or aluminum-framed windows let heat escape.

• Air may be leaking out around windows, doors, or plumbing and electrical boxes.

• Underfloor heating ductwork may be loose and leaky or poorly insulated.

Identifying these trouble spots can help you keep the heat you pay for inside your home. Our partners at Efficiency Services Group will work to find these and other issues. Best of all, it’s a service we offer our customers for free.

Courtesy photo

Once you have an energy evaluation completed, you may be interested in taking advantage of one of our many rebate programs.

Check our website or with Efficiency Services Group about our rebate options before upgrading your insulation, windows, or even your heating system.

There are plenty of other ways you can reduce your winter energy use. Here are a few simple tips: • Turn your thermostat down a few degrees. Instead of turning up the heat, grab a sweatshirt or a blanket. Turn your heat down a few degrees when you leave the house or before you go to bed.

• Keep your curtains or blinds open if the sun is shining onto your windows.

Otherwise, close them to add a layer of insulation.

• Check your furnace filter. If it’s dirty, either clean it or replace it. Dirty or clogged filters make your furnace system work more, which increases your bill.

• Put your Christmas

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lights on a timer. If you have older, incandescent Christmas lights, consider upgrading to energy-efficient LEDs. There may be other factors that contribute to high bills. Keeping a portable space heater on in your garage or RV could make a significant impact. Running a 1,500-watt portable heater eight hours a day for 30 days adds about $25 to your monthly bill. If you keep more than one on, that can add up quickly.

Finally, please remember that if you are struggling to pay your bill, we are here to help. Call our Customer Accounts Department at (503) 397-0590 or email info@ crpud.org to find out if you qualify for GLOW assistance.

Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD

Tip from mayor leads to suspect arrest STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Following a tip from St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl, the police made a stolen vehicle arrest last week.

According to details released by city officials, the incident unfolded shortly after 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16 as St. Helens Police officers responded to the report of a stolen vehicle at the Ace Hardware store at 155 S. Columbia River Highway.

Dispatchers advised officers that a white unmarked Amazon delivery van loaded with packages had been taken from the store parking lot while the driver was making a delivery at the location. A white male in his mid-30s was seen driving away in the vehicle. He was last seen traveling westbound on Highway 30.

Officers, along with Oregon State Police troopers and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies, began searching for the stolen vehicle. Officers

Photo courtesy of Columbia County Jail

Police said Adam Graham faces charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, and violation of his release agreement.

had to stop their search after they were dispatched to a high priority call in another area of the city.

After police finished responding to the high priority call, they investigated a

tip received from St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl of a suspicious vehicle parked in the area of Crestwood Village, 2154 Oregon S. Officers located the vehicle and confirmed with the Amazon driver that it was the stolen delivery van. The vehicle was returned to the Amazon driver who confirmed that no packages were stolen.

While in the area, officers were flagged down by an individual regarding an alleged violation of a release agreement. Officers took Adam Graham, a 37-year-old white male, into custody for the violation. Further investigation by officers revealed that Graham had also stolen the Amazon delivery vehicle, according to city officials.

Graham was lodged at Columbia County Jail on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, and violation of his release agreement.

The investigation was ongoing as of Dec. 21.

Arrest follows shots allegedly fired

ing their arrival. Police made contact with Brewer at the front of the residence. Brewer was given verbal commands

by St. Helens Police officers and safely taken into custody without any use of force.

Officers recovered two knives that the suspect was barred from possessing, two rifles, and shell casings from the scene. Officers searched the area but did not find anyone injured or damage to property.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding the shooting, they are asked to contact the St. Helens Police Department at 503-397-1521.

Brewer was lodged at Columbia County Jail on multiple charges of a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of a felon in possession of a restricted weapon, three counts of menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, Disorderly Conduct 2, Criminal Mischief 1, and interfering with making a report.

At approximately 3 p.m.

Saturday, St. Helens police discovered a stolen vehicle while on regular patrol.

The vehicle was unoccupied. During the investigation, police discovered the suspected driver at a nearby residence on Crouse Way. When police made contact with Anthony James Pastorino, he ran from officers, according to a release from St. Helens Police.

Pastorino was last seen running from the residence.

Hillsboro Police assisted in the search with a K-9 tracking unit. The track was unsuccessful. St. Helens Police Department

was also assisted with the search by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Scappoose Police Department, Rainier Police Department, and Columbia City Police Department.

Pastorino has active felony warrants for his arrest. He is 41 years old, approximately 180 pounds, bald, with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, and a black hat.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Pastorino, please contact the St. Helens Police Department at 503397-1521.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

On Friday, at approximately 2 p.m., St. Helens Police officers were dispatched to a disturbance in the 300 block of South Seventh Street.

The caller reported that Bryce Brewer, 28, was not allowed at the residence and he was causing damage inside the house. Officers arrived on scene and were told by witnesses that immediately prior to police arrival, Brewer had fired a rifle near the front of the residence toward the surrounding neighborhood, according to a release from St. Helens Police.

Officers also learned that Brewer knew that officers had been called and was anticipat-

Courtesy photo from Columbia County Jail

Bryce Brewer

Search for stolen auto suspect STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Photo courtesy of St. Helens Police

Anthony James Pastorino

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Garden Plots: Seeds, hero of Bordeaux CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Column

Vegetable seeds in 2021

The Pandemic has taught us a lot but at a terrific cost in lives and economic stability. When the first shutdown came in mid-March, there was panic buying of staples like toilet paper, flour, sugar, meat, and beans. Soon it became clear that supply chains for almost everything that wasn’t digital were under stress. Meat prices spiked as packing plants slowed or had to close as their labor force got COVID. In response, farmers killed hogs and chickens because they couldn’t sell them and they cost too much to feed.

By early April, people started to become seriously concerned about food. Many decided that, with more time on their hands and room for a garden, this was the year to get serious about home grown and preserved food. Almost overnight, vegetable seeds disappeared from most stores. The stores found that they couldn’t restock because there were more important items to be transported. That amplified the perception that this was a serious crisis. Vegetable starts disappeared equally fast. And again, nursery businesses were unable to get more seeds to quickly grow extra starts.

But eventually many gardens got planted. It turned

out to be a relatively good gardening year. Parts of May and early June were a cooler than was good for peppers and tomatoes but ultimately, harvests were abundant.

So, what about seed supply for 2021? After talking to people in the vegetable seed industry, seed should be plentiful this year. Transportation infrastructure is back up. The U. S. Postal Service is rapidly recovering from the holiday rush. That said, ordering seed early will ensure you get your first choice of the vegetable varieties you want. Seed catalogs for 2021 are either out or will be out soon. Almost all are online. It is time to think about what you want to grow more of or less of and what new crops and/or varieties you might like to try.

If you have seed left over from last year, put them in the refrigerator (in a tightly closed container so they stay really dry) or freezer. That will prolong their value by slowing their loss of vigor.

But don’t use seed that is more than two years old if it hasn’t been stored cold. It may germinate but the vigor of the seedling won’t be as good as it should be.

You might think about saving some seeds from your 2021 garden. Tomatoes, peppers, green beans, peas, and lettuce are easy to save, assuming that the variety you grew wasn’t a hybrid (check the seed packet or go on line to be sure). Chard, beets, and spinach can be saved if they aren’t blooming at the same time. The cabbage family is a challenge since many types can readily cross with each other. Same with winter squash.

But if you do get in the seed saving mode and there was another seed shortage, you would at least have the basics of a good garden already.

Underutilized native plants

Some years ago, the Digger, the magazine of the Oregon Association of Nurseries polled its members about which native plants deserved wider planting. I think the list still holds.

The following were their selections: Bulbs: Iris tenax (Oregon Iris) – grows 12-14 inches tall with purple flowers with yellow and

white accents.

Lilium parryi (Lemon lily)native to California but does very well in the planted landscape in the Pacific Northwest. Bright yellow and fragrant flowers.

Perennials: Asarum caudatum (wild ginger)- can function nicely as a shade ground cover. Evergreen heart-shaped foliage and very exotic flowers in the spring. Tellima grandi-

flora (fringe cups) – another shade-loving evergreen ground cover with small urn-shaped white flowers that extend above the foliage. Tiarella trifoliata (foam flower) – not evergreen but a pretty ground cover in the shade with interesting leaf variations.

Shrubs: Philadelphus lewsii (mock orange).

Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub 4-10 feet tall with highly scented white flowers (see picture). Holodiscus discolor (oceanspray).

Deciduous 4-8 foot multistemmed shrub that is common on drier sites in the St. Helens area and tolerates a mix of sun and shade with nice panicles of flowers in mid-summer. Symphoricarpos albus (snowberry) – maybe it is too common in the wild but it grows 3-4 feet in most settings with tiny flowers and large

white longlasting berries. Deciduous. Physiocarpus capitatus (ninebark) -hardy deciduous shrub with peeling bark and both green and purple leaf forms. There have been some disease issues with the purple forms.

Trees: Pinus ponderosa – Ponderosa pine. Maybe more adapted than Douglas fir and tolerant of many soil types.

The hero of Bordeaux

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.

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The most famous fungicide in the world is the Bordeaux mixture. It was discovered when a French botanist in the late 1880’s noticed that certain grape vines weren’t suffering from powdery mildew, a devastating disease of wine grapes. He questioned the farmer and was told that the grapes, which had a bluish tinge on their leaves, had been sprayed with a mixture of copper sulfate (“bluestone”) and lime to cut down on fruit pilfering that, apparently, was a problem in his neighborhood.

The copper in the mix was toxic to downy mildew and the lime helped hold it on the vine and also reduce any chance of copper toxicity to the leaves. The Bordeaux mix is still an excellent fungicide and bactericide and is considered an “organic” spray. Peach tree certainly benefit from such a spray this month and the next. If you don’t want to mix your own (bluestone can be hard to find) fixed copper sprays like “Microcop” and others will work reasonably well.

Millardet has a statue in his honor in a park in Bordeaux, France. He was a great scientist and one of the first plant pathologists.

And he became a hero to all those that enjoy wine.

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 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 catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

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

Contact information • Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County • Address: 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 • Phone: 503-397-3462 • Email: chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu

Area Churches ST. HELENS

Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church 1911 Columbia Blvd., 503-312-1072 Pastor Burkhardt Calvary Lutheran Church 58251 Division Rd. 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service 503-397-1739 Pastor: Mark Dennis Columbia River Foursquare Church 555 Commons Drive 503-397-0069 Senior Pastor Mike Cooke Christ Episcopal Church 35350 E. Division Rd. 503-397-1033 Rev. Jaime Sanders Columbia Christian Center 235 S 15th St., 503-366-8028 Pastor Terry Luttrell St. Helens Community Bible Church 35031 Millard Rd. Pastor Max Snook www.sthelensbiblechurch.org Christian Church 185 S. 12th St. 503-397-2151 Pastor Justin Bruner First Lutheran Church 360 Wyeth St. 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship on Zoom Go to firstlutheransh.org for link 503-397-0090 Interim Pastor Randy Sinn First United Methodist Church 560 Columbia Blvd., 503-397-0061 Pastor Jared Maddox Plymouth Presbyterian Church 2615 Sykes Rd. 503-397-0062 Pastor David Hutchinson St. Frederic Catholic Church 175 S. 13th St. 503-397-0148 Father Nicolaus Marandu The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2755 Sykes Road St. Helens 1st Ward Bishop Kent Dery 971-225-8727 St. Helens 2nd Ward Bishop Paul Erickson 971-8134000 Scappoose Ward Bishop Lorin Fielding 503-987-2179

Sunset Park Community Church 174 Sunset Blvd.

Pastor Aaron Hiller St. Helens Church of Christ 295 S. 18th St. Pastor Ivan Bissell 503-366-0967

SCAPPOOSE

Grace Lutheran Church 51737 Columbia River Hwy. 503-543-6555 Joshua Wiley Scappoose Foursquare Church 33404 SW JP West Street 503-543-5069 Pastor Daniel Schmoll St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church 51555 SW Old Port Rd. 503-543-2110 Chuck Wood

WARREN

Bethany Lutheran Church 34721 Church Rd. 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Outdoor Service. Bring a blanket, chair, flashlight, coffee or hot chocolate.

Some canopies will be available.

503-397-2050 Pastor Ingrid Alderhold Grace Baptist Church 58690 Ross Rd. 503-397-0405 Pastor Dean Christensen Warren Baptist Church 56799 Columbia River Highway 503-397-1005 Pastor Randy Thomas Warren Community Fellowship 56523 Columbia River Highway 503-397-4387 Pastor Cary Wacker

GOBLE

Cornerstone Baptist Church 70024 Goble Rd. 360-562-6201 Pastor Fred Mathews

RAINIER

Alston’s Corner Assembly of God 25272 Alston Rd. 503-556-1961 Pastor Steve Berry Nativity Of The Blessed Virgin 204 C St., E Rainier 503-556-5641 Rainier Assembly of God 74950 Rock Crest St., 503-556-8211 Pastor Jeff McCraken

Rainier Community Church of God 321 W C St., Rainier, 503-556-5661 Rainier United Methodist Church Corner of 1st & ‘C’ St., 503-556-3440 Pastor Michele Holloway Riverside Community Church 305 West C Street, Rainier 503-556-1216; Pastor Paul Rice Columbia Bible Church 407 East Second St, Rainier, OR 97016 Heritage Bible Church Rainier Senior Center, 48 W 7th St., Rainier, Oregon 97048

VERNONIA

Nehalem Valley Bible Church 500 North St., 503-429-5378 Pastor Gary Taylor Vernonia Christian Church 410 North St., 503-429-6522 Pastor Sam Hough St. Mary’s Catholic Church 960 Missouri Ave., 503-429-8841 Father Dale Waddil, Father Luan Tran

CLATSKANIE

Clatskanie Baptist Church 415 South Nehalem St., 503-728-2304 Senior Pastor Kirk Bennett Clatskanie Presbyterian Church 215 South Nehalem Street Clatskanie, OR 97016 Phone: 503-728-2300 Clatskanie Presbyterian Church is a community of Christian faith that expresses a relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit for everyone individually and collectively.

Faith Lutheran Church 1010 N.E. Fifth Street 7 p.m. Christmas Worship Call Church for Zoom link 503-728-4604 Pastor Mary Anthony Mayger-Downing Community Church 80071 Life Lane, 503-728-2305 Pastor John Thomas St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 100 SW High Street 503-556-5641

Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

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A5

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

St. Helens appoints new public works director JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Mouhamad Zaher is the new City of St. Helens Public Works Director.

According to city documents, the salary range for the public works director position is on a five-step scale and ranges from $7,846 to 9,633.

Zaher has over 10 years of combined experience from the private and public sectors, has in-depth experience overseeing all phases of multi-million-dollar projects, including infrastructure, commercial facilities, semiconductor, civil and construction engineering, and enterprise technology projects, according to a profile posted on the City of St. Helens website.

His background includes public works, project management, site improvements, transit systems, transportation engineering, and tenant improvement projects of both occupied and unoccupied spaces.

Zaher is a graduate from Portland State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Engineering and Technology Management.

In the following conversation with The Chronicle, Zaher outlines his priorities as the new city public works director.

The Chronicle: So far, what do you see as the most urgent public works projects facing St. Helens in the next few years and why those projects?

Mouhamad Zaher: The following are some of the most important projects for the City of St. Helens in the next few years: • Riverwalk Project • First Street/Strand St. Road and Utility Extension Project

Mouhamad Zaher

Courtesy photo

• St. Helens Industrial Business Park – Parcellation and Utility Extensions Project • Central Waterfront Project • Public Safety Facility Project • Playground installation at McCormick Park • Campbell Park Improvements Project All these projects have a positive impact on the economic welfare of the St. Helens community in the short term and long term.

These projects also provide employment opportunities, safety and security, access to nature and recreational activities for youth, and much more.

seen risks or improper risk management. For example, no one would have ever predicted the COVID-19 virus, which has had massive impacts on any project. Finally, poor communication and impossible deadlines.

I plan to overcome project challenges by prioritizing projects based on business value, community impact, and resources availability. I set my priorities by identifying urgent and important projects in coordination with the city leadership team, city council, and citizen participation. Most importantly, being flexible with the project prioritization process and adapting to management best practices is key to the successful execution of high priority projects.

The Chronicle: How would you define your dally work strategy? Delegation, hands-on, a combination?

The Chronicle: What do you see as the challenges in successfully completing those top priority public works projects and how do you plan to overcome such challenges?

Zaher: My daily work strategy is a combination of delegation, hands-on activities, and leadership through partnering with department supervisors, city council and the city leadership team. The duties are different and vary every day.

That’s what makes this job challenging, but rewarding at the same time. One of the most important work strategies for this position is the ability to be flexible, delegate effectively, and be ready at all times to respond to emergency situations.

Zaher: Some of the challenges that could play a role in the successful execution of public works projects are undefined, unclear project goals. This will impact the scope of a project and trigger changes which could lead to inadequate skills for the project. Other challenges are dealing with unfore-

When he is not working, Zaher said he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family and the beauty and nature of the Pacific Northwest.

Zaher replaces former public works director Dale Goodman who has left for another position, according to a city spokesperson.

Volunteers are helping efforts to preserve and enhance Columbia County’s Dalton Lake.

Dalton Lake: A community project JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Chronicle first reported in the fall of 2019 that the Dalton Lake area had been designated as the Dalton Lake Nature Preserve after a series of public meetings.

The preserve is bordered by the Columbia River and the Rutherford Parkway between St. Helens and Columbia City.

The area has been overseen by the St. Helens Parks and Trails Commission, the City of St. Helens, and the Oregon Department of Transportation under a cooperative management agreement since 2009.

There are new developments in the preservation and enhancements of the lake.

Most recently, the St. Helens Lions Club partnered with the groups to install two benches at the lake.

Lions Club member Kathy Syrstad said the Lions got involved in the project following discussions with St. Helens Parks and Trails Commission Dalton Lake Nature Preserve Advisory Committee Chair Lynne Pettit about the planned projects by Friends of Dalton Lake Nature Preserve to make the area a little more user friendly, while still leaving the area natural.

Two years ago the Lions Club launched a recycling project through TREX, a company that makes composite decking.

“TREX offers a beautiful 4-foot bench with arms, free of charge, in exchange for 500 pounds of plastic bags,” Syrstad said. “The Lions work with other community groups to collect the bags, sort, bag and weigh them and turn them in at a collection site. When we reach 500 pounds, a bench is shipped to us.”

According to Syrstad, the club looks for public places in

the community where a bench would be useful and then donates them. The benches aren’t dedicated to any one person, but all have a small plaque that says the bench is a service project of the St. Helens Lions Club.

The donated benches can be found at all schools in the St. Helens District, the St. Helens Senior Center, the fairgrounds, and now at the entrance to Dalton Lake.

Syrstad said at least two more benches will be installed in the Dalton Lake Preserve at spots overlooking the Columbia River.

Community partners Dalton Lake Natural Preserve Advisory member Debra Brimacombe said the partnership with the Lions Club will benefit the lake preservation and enhancement efforts.

“This is a way for the Lions Club to join our effort at the preserve by adding resting places where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings so close to their homes, but it’s also a great partnership because their project repurposes many plastic bags to make the benches,” Brimacombe said.

The preservation work is being conducted in phases, with the first phase currently underway.

“With the efforts of the St. Helens Public Works Department, we have a newly installed kiosk, bench, bike rack at the north entrance, with signs added to the kiosk and a sign designating the entrance to the preserve at the beginning of the Rutherford Parkway in St. Helens,” she said.

According to Brimacombe, there is very little funding in the parks budget, so the partners are relying on the generosity of volunteers. The donated materials include

On December 28 through January 15

the Boy Scouts of Troop 106 will be PICKING UP CHRISTMAS TREES in Columbia City, Scappoose and St. Helens.

For a $7 donation you can have yours collected at your door. $6 if you drop you tree off at Lawrence Oil Drop Box. Monies will benefit the Troop 106.

To arrange for pickup, Please complete the information below and/or do one of the following:

Mail to Troop 106

P.O. Box 216, Columbia City, OR 97018

Email info to Bill Reese at

foresttoday@outlook.com

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Courtesy photo

Phone info to Bill Reese at 971-328-2344

Fee can be either pre-paid or donated at time of collection

Name: Phone: Address: Preferred Pickup Date:

the Lion’s bench donations; kiosk materials from Eric Dahlgren of Dahlgren’s Do It Best, and built by local citizen Ron Youngberg; a bike rack supplied by Cycle Columbia County through Paul Barlow of Barlow Bikes and Bill Blank and built by Artist Jeremy Furnish.

Work parties “We started regular work parties to cut invasive species like ivy and blackberries, open up trails to the Columbia River, and collect and haul out trash,” Brimacombe said. “The trail, plant identifier, bird species signs and interpretive markers are in progress.”

Future plans for the lake include an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) parking spot, one of two planned at the north entrance; bird blinds; swallow and bat houses for mosquito control; a split rail fence at the overlook for safety; viewing platforms and boardwalk; and construction of additional trails.

“Additionally, we have a bee observation nest that would need to be installed on the west side of the lake that would include interpretive signs that point out insect life cycles taking place around the lake,” she said. “Debra Brimacombe has an insect collection to date, and hopefully next year can provide methods of quickly linking people to more information through a QR coded icon.”

Lake future Brimacombe said the projects and the cooperative management agreement are important elements of the lake preservation and enhancements.

“Besides the legal requirements imposed by the Oregon Department of Transportation’s mitigation agreement, we are fortunate to have an area within our community, with such unique geological and botanical attributes,” she said. “Establishing this preserve now protects and enhances the livability of our community and provides aesthetics, recreational, and educational opportunities for our current and future citizens.”

Brimacombe said she and the preserve partners are encouraged about the long-term future of Dalton Lake.

“We hope that by making it a preserve, the lake does have a long term future and that the community will come to enjoy it as much as we do and want to help keep it pristine and available for generations to come,” she said. “We also invite people to get involved and join us on clean-up days when we tackle the blackberries and ivy.”

For more information, contact the St. Helens Parks and Trails Commission at 503-397-6272.

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A6

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

New park play structure design

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

The attorneys general coalition argues that because the guns are unregulated and untraceable, they put the public’s safety at risk.

AG presses for ‘ghost gun’ regulations STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum wants the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to properly regulate untraceable, partiallyassembled ghost guns.

Rosenblum has joined has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general urging a New York federal court take action.

The coalition argues that, since 2015, the agency has relied on an improper reading of the Gun Control Act to allow unlicensed online retailers to sell nearly-complete firearm kits that are easily converted into fully-functioning firearms.

Because the guns are unregulated and untraceable, they put the public’s safety at risk in the amici states and hamper the ability of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute criminal activity, according to the attorneys general coalition.

“Untraceable, easilyassembled ghost guns make it too easy for people prohibited from having guns to skirt the law,” Rosenblum said. “They pose a grave danger to our communities. It’s time to require the federal government to regulate these lethal weapons.”

From the 1980s through the early 2000s, the federal firearm bureau classified the core components of handguns and rifles — frames and receivers — as “firearms” subject to federal regulation if the components could be quickly and easily converted into functioning guns. In 2015, however, the agency reversed course without explanation

and issued an interpretive rule stating that these rifle receivers and handgun frames were not considered firearms under the Gun Control Act. The about-face has spawned an unlicensed and unregulated online industry in which these ghost guns, so-called because they have no serial numbers and leave no identifying marks on bullet casings, can be sold to any consumer without a background check.

Untraceable, easily-assembled ghost guns make it too easy for people prohibited from having guns to skirt the law. They pose a grave danger to our communities. ~ Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon Attorney General On Aug. 26, Everytown for Gun Safety and four cities filed a suit against the federal bureau and the U.S. Department of Justice alleging that the agencies’ interpretation of the Gun Control Act is unlawful. In their amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs’ claims, the AG coalition asserts that: Ghost guns are prohibited by federal law: The Gun Control Act requires “firearms” to include serial numbers and purchasers of those weapons to pass a background check, among other requirements. Specifically, the statute defines “firearm” as “any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projective by the

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action of an explosive” or “the frame or receiver of any such weapon.” This clearly describes the nearly assembled guns these companies are selling – unmarked, and with no required background checks.

Untraceable weapons threaten public safety: ATF’s unexplained interpretation emboldened the ghost gun industry and allowed it to rapidly expand across the country. Ghost guns were virtually absent from many jurisdictions prior to the adoption of the new interpretation.

Now, according to a recent report, there are 80 online sellers of partially unfinished frames and receivers, and the increase in ghost gun sales is readily apparent on the local level.

Ghost gun dealers are using the ATF’s rule to mislead consumers: Companies that sell ghost guns have pointed to the ATF’s rule to bolster their claim that they are selling a legal product, disregarding numerous state laws that specifically ban the sale of these firearms.

In filing the amicus brief on Dec. 17, Rosenblum was joined by the attorneys general of the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Join the conversation.

Should there be tighter regulations against ghost guns?

Post your comments with this story at thechronicleonline. com.

Photo courtesy of City of St. Helens

This is a conceptual drawing of the new design for the McCormick Park play structure by Wildwood Play Structures.

MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

A new play structure for McCormick Park has been selected and approved by the St. Helens City Council, inching the community closer to an all-inclusive park play area.

The council met Dec. 16 to approve the play structure recommended by the Parks and Trails Commission.

The design is from Wildwood Play Structures and features a 90-foot-long zip line, several ramps, seesaws, climbing attachments, slides and other play equipment.

Sue Nelson, city engineer, said it was important to ensure the new park was accessible to all children.

“When we re-pooled this project, we wanted to gear it more toward all-inclusive play equipment, based on the fact that we not only competed, but the community really supported this project and we won the Moda Assist grant,” she said in a park commission meeting last week. “That kind of changed the whole outlook on this project and we really wanted to make it as inclusive as possible rather than just replace the play structure that was there in McCormick Park.”

Nelson said there were certain features the city wanted to be sure to include in the new structure: ramps, musical instruments, some-

thing that spun, all-accessible swing sets and slides, all of which are included in the Wildwood Play Structures design.

The design features sections intended for younger kids ages 2 to 5 and for older kids, ages 5 to 12. There are also 17 wheelchair accessible components in the design and rubber tiling is featured as the base throughout the play areas.

In April, the city competed in, and won, the 2020 Moda Assist Program. The annual competition awards an Oregon city with funding to construct an all-ability playground. This year, St. Helens went up against Astoria and and Sandy and garnered 48,000 votes.

The program teams up

with the Portland Trail Blazers to raise money for every assist made by the team.

Each assist equates to a $20 donation to the Trail Blazers Foundation which supports the playground construction.

St. Helens received $37,000 from the program to be used toward the McCormick Park project. The quote for the Wildwood Play Structures design comes to just over $224,000, not including demolition of the current play structure. An additional $65,000 is quoted for the installation of the structures and tiles from A West Pacific Contractors.

Specific installation dates have not yet been selected, but the city has previously said that work is expected to begin in the spring.

A7

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Returning to historic splendor Obituaries

Photo courtesy of Columbia County

Columbia County Director of General Services Casey Garrett, Jim Mask of Storyline Fabrication, and Bob Ekstrom of The Door Works, stand in front of the newly refurbished Columbia County courthouse doors constructed from white oak.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

A new set of doors at the front entrance of the courthouse, at 230 Strand St., have been installed marking the building’s original historic splendor.

The installation follows a two-year discussion when Columbia County Director of General Services Casey Garrett had local Bob Ekstrom of The Door Works, come to look at the aluminum doors that had been in place at the courthouse for some time, but did not fit the building aesthetically.

“We thought, ‘Why don’t we just get rid of this stuff that’s really inappropriate for the building and get the doors back on here that are more historically accurate?’”

Ekstrom said.

They then tapped local builder Jim Mask, of Storyline Fabrication, and with the help of the Columbia County Historical Society and Museum Association, set about determining what the original courthouse doors would have looked like when the building was

first constructed. According to Garrett, the museum unearthed some old photos to send to Mask so he could get started on the designs.

“We couldn’t tell from the pictures if the doors were made from fir or oak, so we actually went and looked at some of the older buildings that were original around town and found that oak was not abnormal,” Garrett said. “It’s a much stronger material, so we decided to go with the oak.”

Mask and Esktrom said they mimicked the old photos to the best of their ability. They wanted to ensure the hardware looked as close to the photos as possible, and Mask was able to locate door handles from a building in Portland constructed during the same time period.

Additionally, the shelf on the door and the weather strips on the front are from a tree Mask cut down himself.

“The current requirements for security and access control, you know, the fob card and the door locks release electronically – that all had to be set into the door pretty much to the ultimate capacity of what the

door even allowed,” Mask said. “So, we have something that looks like it’s back in 1906 and works for 2020 with access control. They’re pretty high-end locks.”

Mask said he’d visited the building six or seven years prior and thought the doors didn’t fit the building and it had been bothering him ever since. So, the endeavor became a true passion project for each of them. Mask and Ekstrom donated all of the man-hours they contributed to the project, and Ekstrom was able to spec out the hardware so that the county didn’t have to pay a markup, which Garrett said saved the county thousands of dollars.

“They’re highly skilled craftsmen” Garrett said.

“The main cost was the technology for the locks. There are four magnets now that keep the door locked, and when you walk down the stairs, a censor recognizes you and unlocks the door.”

Garrett said when the county returns to normal operating hours, the doors are designed to automatically lock and unlock for business hours.

The project became a passion for Ekstrom and Mask.

“We live in Columbia County, and we think the county should have first-rate everything and those doors were definitely not firstrate,” the two said. “Now things are as good as we can see they should be.”

In the future, Garrett said there are more plans to restore the Columbia County Courthouse to a more authentic, historically accurate design. The next project will be to open the original ceiling back up in the main lobby of the courthouse, where the original millwork will be restored to look as it did when the building was first constructed.

Follow the courthouse projects at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

State unemployment falling STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 6% in November from 6.8%, as revised, in October.

This put Oregon’s rate below the U.S. unemploy-

ment rate which dropped to 6.7% in November from 6.9% in October.

“On Nov. 18, Oregon implemented a ‘freeze’ to combat the rise of COVID-19 in the state,” Oregon Employment Department Economist Gail Krumenauer said.

“This employment press

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release covers Oregon’s employment situation just prior to the ongoing freeze, which has affected employers and tens of thousands of workers in recent weeks.”

Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,200 jobs in November, following a revised gain of 9,800jobs in October.Oregon employers added jobs in each of the past seven months, and the state has recovered 46% of the jobs cut in March and April.

Over the past five months the rate of job growth slowed. Monthly growth averaged 9,600 jobs in September and October, while more rapid gains averaging 17,000 per month occurred in July and August.

Over-the-month job gains in November were largest in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+3,100 jobs); professional and business services (+2,600); manufacturing (+1,700); and health care and social assistance (+1,500).

Monthly losses were concentrated in construction (-2,300 jobs); government (-1,800); and retail trade (-1,100). Transportation, warehousing, and utilities added the most jobs in November and was the only major industry to add jobs since November 2019.

Online shopping is booming and the industry has hired thousands of workers to keep up with demand in warehouses and for delivery drivers. The industry is up 7,500 jobs, or 10.3%, since November 2019. Leisure and hospitality added 300 jobs in November, following a revised gain of 3,300 in October.

However, these gains recovered only a fraction of the 110,500 jobs cut in March and April. The industry—which includes restaurants, bars, motels, and arts, entertainment, and recreation employers—has been the hardest hit industry due to the pandemic.

In November, it employed 161,300 in Oregon, nearly 25% fewer than in November 2019 when it employed 214,900.

Barry Michael Woolstenhulme Jan. 28, 1959 ~ Dec. 11, 2020

Barry M. Woolstenhulme of St. Helens, Oregon died on Dec. 11, 2020 at his residence at the age of 61. He was born Jan. 28, 1959 to William and Margaret (Stansbury) Woolstenhulme in St. Helens, Oregon.

Barry was a lifelong resident of St. Helens, he graduated with the class of 1977 from St. Helens High School. He worked many years for Boise and was one of the employees that continued to work there after it became Cascade. He held many positions with the company working his way up into management. After leav-

ing the papermill he got a job with Columbia County Sheriff’s Department and worked

there until his retirement.

Barry was a member of the Clatskanie Rifle and Pistol Club, he enjoyed target shooting and driving UTVs. He also had a lifelong passion for anything aviation.

Barry is survived by his children, Christopher, Donald, Malisa and Jessica; brother Ron; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Phil and Gary; and his grandson Levi.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.

Victorico Eleazar Sánchez De La Torre Aug. 23, 1961 ~ Dec. 16, 2020

“God has required your presence, but your example of strength, goodness, sweetness, love for your family and others along with all the moments that we had the joy of living with you will be with us forever. We will remain united by the immense and deep love we feel for you dear Grandfather, Father and Husband “ On Dec. 16, 2020 Victorico Eleazar Sánchez De La Torre passed away at the age of 59.

Although we are profoundly saddened by his passing we celebrate and are very grateful for having shared his joy for life and his greatest treasure, his beautiful family.

Don Victor, as many affectionately called him, was a loving, sweet and hardworking person who always fought for others and gave us the best example of life.

Born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, at a young age he emigrated from Mexico City to San Diego where he found the love of his life with whom he formed a dream life full of love and dedication always guided by God. He was a dedicated father and cherished spending time with his family. He had four great children who are the reflection of their amazing and loving parents.

Don Victor studied accounting as a young man and always enjoyed learning about technology and space.

He enjoyed boxing, music

and dance and travel very much and was truly a joy to be around.

His support for the church and the community were constant in his life. Much of his time was dedicated to his family and his business. Along with his brother Rodolfo, he built a large chain of restaurants and employed hundreds of people. Don Victor was the great founder of Victorico’s Mexican Food, where his sons and wife will continue the great legacy he has left.

He was always ready to lend you a hand. He was honest and always lead by example. His employees were like his family. He really liked inventing new items and making sure that in his restaurants there was always something for everyone, especially for students.

For more than 20 years he offered so much joy to the St. Helens community where his restaurant became a hometown favorite

and where local residents created memories that will last a lifetime. He constantly donated food, especially to church events. He sang in his church choir and he volunteered whenever he could.

Don Victor was beloved by many people from near and far. Different generations of families got to feel that great affection and warmth that he offered always.

His wife, Mrs. Paula Sánchez, his children, Victor, Yesenia, Eleazar and Alejandra Sánchez, as well as their brothers, grandchildren, nephews and friends appreciate the affection received and ask a prayer for his soul. He will be deeply missed.

Due to current restrictions, we will have a limited space for mass, rosary and funeral. Those who cannot join us will be sent an electronic invitation to be able to be with us from their home.

A Rosary will be held at 5 p.m. on Dec. 22 at St. Frederic Catholic Church, 175 S 13th St., St. Helens, OR 97051. Mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 23 also in St. Frederic Catholic Church, 175 S 13th St., St. Helens, OR 97051. The committal will be held at the end of Mass at the following address: Columbia Memorial Gardens, 54490 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.

Jeffry Richard Carroll

Feb. 17, 1958 ~ Dec. 11, 2020 Today we honor a loving, devoted husband; protective, caring father; son, brother, mentor, leader and friend: Jeff Carroll. He was born on Feb. 17, 1958 in Porterville, California to Dorwin Carroll and Maryanne Gervais. As a child, Jeff possessed a free spirit and a love for adventure that he carried with him throughout his life.

Graduating at the top of his class from Righetti High School in 1976 as Class Valedictorian and MVP Allstar California State Champion, Jeff went on to serve his country in the US Navy.

From there he graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor’s in business.

He married Pamela Hodson and became a proud father of two beautiful girls.

After Pamela’s passing, Jeff went on to marry Shelley Fitzgerald. They had a son in addition to Shelley’s two daughters. Together they raised five children in Saint

Helens, Oregon where Jeff notably worked at Sunshine Pizza.

In 2004, Jeff became a joyful grandfather. With their family growing, Jeff and Shelley relocated to Ocean Park, Washington where they built their retirement home. He loved sports, especially the NY Giants, traveling, the sea, playing video games, drinking coffee out of the biggest mug, politics, celebrating and spending time with his family.

He gave the best hugs, was hardworking and had the most infectious laugh. Jeff always retained his sense of humor no matter what life handed him.

On December 11th, Jeff passed away from complications of COVID-19. He is survived by his wife Shelley Carroll; father Dorwin Carroll; brother Kris Carroll; sisters, Renee Greenwood and Michelle Stallkamp; five children, Rena Van Meter, Heather Chance, Helen Pierce, Darren Carroll and Julie Gillis; grandchildren, Lexx and Jasper Chance, Mathew and Christine Meyers, Tyler, Caleb and Jaxon Pierce, Bradley, Taylor, Keegan, Zachary and Chelsea Carroll, Ellise Kravetz and Elijah Sanders; and many cherished friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be made at: https://gf.me/u/zcj4xi or sent to PO BOX 704 Ocean Park, WA 98640.

Patricia Ruth (Lambert) Fritz Aug. 6, 1930 ~ Aug. 28, 2020

Pat was born on Aug. 6, 1930 in St. Helens, Oregon to Kathryn and Edward Lambert. She passed away at age 90 in Newberg, Oregon on Aug. 28, 2020.

In 1949 Pat married LeRoy C. Fritz also of St. Helens.

For most of her life, she lived in Lebanon, Oregon where she was a loving mother to her five children, Karen Grant (Bob), Kurt Fritz (Terri Jean), Patty Zolotoff (Terry), Jan Harris (Rick) and JoAnn Kingston (Steve). She also has 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

She is survived by all of her children and one brother Dennis Lambert (Sue).

While living in Lebanon, for many years, she worked at

the Seven Oak Middle School library. She loved books and the library and was a collector on her own of children’s books, readers and young adult literature. She especially loved books with beautiful

illustrations and lots of color.

She had many prints of this artwork and illustrations in her home.

Pat also had many other interests and hobbies including knitting, art Nouveau, cats, classical music, Halloween, British television, old tile tables, OSU Beavers, bread baking and collecting antiques. She instilled in her children and appreciation of her love of art, collections and interests.

In Pat’s memory, donations may be sent to Seven Oak Middle School Library Fund. Mail to 550 Cascade Dr., Lebanon, Oregon 97355.

Add the words, “Library Fund” in the memo line.

Thank you.

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A8

North coast crab season delayed

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

These empty crab pots sit idle until the commercial crabbing season begins from Cape Falcon to the Washington border along the North Oregon coast.

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

The opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season from Cape Falcon northward to the Washington border is further delayed until at least mid-January, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

The area, which stretches along the North Oregon coast at Nehalem to Washington, will remain closed to commercial crabbing to coordinate an orderly start with the Washington coastal Dungeness crab fishery.

Results from recent domoic acid testing of crab viscera (guts) conducted by the state of Washington continue to be elevated, and Washington delayed their coastal fishery until further testing is conducted. The rest of the Oregon coast opened to commercial crabbing on Dec. 16.

All crab tested from all Oregon’s crab harvest areas have been well below alert levels and all Oregon crab product on the market is safe to eat. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will continue to regularly test crab and shellfish to ensure levels in all areas remain below alert levels.

For more information about Oregon’s shellfish marine biotoxin monitoring, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448‐2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page.

Commercial Dungeness crab is Oregon’s most valuable fishery. The 2019 season opening was delayed to Dec. 31 and still brought in the second highest ex-vessel value ever ($72.7 million) with just under 20 million pounds landed, about 12% above the 10-year average.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

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Community bids farewell to councilors MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Members of the community were invited to join the 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. St. Helens City Council meetings Dec. 16 to bid farewell to departing members Keith Locke and Ginny Carlson.

Locke has served on the council for 20 years and Carlson for eight.

“Ginny and Keith have been a very positive force for our community,” community member Jeanne Crawford said.

“Pro small business and very supportive of our youth. As a former small business owner, I appreciate the support you have

RELIEF From Page A1

create avenues to support restaurants and bars.”

Protest Oregon State Police (OSP) declared an unlawful gathering during a protest at the capitol building in Salem on Monday, Dec. 21, and arrests were made.

OSP issued the following release concerning the protest.

shown. My daughter joined youth council with the suggestion from both. Love you both.”

Locke and his wife purchased a second home in Salem and he initially planned to leave the council at the end of 2018, but decided to split his time between Salem and St. Helens to carry out the rest of his term.

He will be replaced on the council by Patrick Birkle, who joined the meeting Wednesday to wish both departing council members goodbye.

“As an incoming council member, I am excited to build on a foundation that they have worked on these last several years for the city to finally, perhaps, reach its potential in On Monday, Dec. 21, at approximately 8:30 a.m. a group of people attempted to enter and protest inside the Oregon State Capitol. The Oregon State Capitol is closed due to COVID precautions.

The Oregon State Capitol had set up televisions outside of the building for people to monitor the proceedings inside. Oregon State Police troopers had checked and secured the doors to the capitol building. A door on the northwest corner of the building was opened by a person exiting the building.

terms of some of our development on the waterfront and different properties,” Birkle said. “I just want to thank them so much.”

With Locke leaving the

area, Carlson said the loss of not having him around as much will be felt by the community.

“In the last eight years I’ve buried my mom and survived cancer twice and had my hus-

band walk out of my life. Keith has taught my kids to drive, held my hand through cancer and has reached out to me in ways that I can’t measure,” Carlson said. “Not because it was politics, but just because that’s what kind of a guy he is.

If he sees the need and he can help them, that’s who he is.”

Carlson will be replaced on the council by Jessica Chilton.

Mayor Rick Scholl thanked both Locke and Keith for their contributions to the city, and for helping him learn the ropes when he was first elected four years ago.

“You have a big heart, you definitely care about everybody,” Scholl said about

Several protesters entered the vestibule area. There they were contacted by troopers and asked to leave. As troopers attempted to keep them from entering the main area of the capitol, the altercation became physical, which included pushing. A protester sprayed some kind of chemical irritant (mace /OC / bear spray) into the vestibule.

Troopers used inert pepper balls to keep the crowd back.

The pepper balls are essentially a paint ball filled with an inert powder. Salem Police officers were able to keep

the crowd contained in the vestibule.

OSP troopers and Salem Police officers gave everyone in the vestibule several warnings to leave or they would be arrested for trespassing.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. a protester again sprayed a chemical irritant at police.

Police arrested Ryan Lyles, 41, for felon in possession of body armor and unlawful use of mace. Protesters also deployed a device, which emitted smoke during the engagement.

Two people remained in

the vestibule and were arrested, Ronald Vanvlack, 75, and Jerry Dyerson, 53, and charged with Criminal Trespass and Disorderly Conduct.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. the crowd again attempted to gain entry through a door on the west side of the Capitol. The window to the door was broken, but the building was not accessed.

Police arrested Jeremiah Pruitt, 35, for Criminal Mischief and Disorderly Conduct.

Jeremy Roberts, 40, was also identified as a person that attempted to gain access

Photo courtesy of the City of St. Helens

St. Helens City Councilors Keith Locke and Ginny Carlson.

Carlson. “You’re always willing to fight and look at the other side of things just to make sure we’re not overlooking. the inclusivity that you brought to our council and eight years of experience is going to be missed.”

Scholl said Locke’s longtime experience with the council will also be missed for the history he provided on issues coming before the council and for his ability to accomplish goals.

“It truly has been an honor to serve with you guys for four years,” Scholl said. “Just looking at the last four, we got a lot of stuff accomplished and set in motion.” through the west door and an attack on two reporters.

Troopers were attempting to locate Roberts and he was not currently in custody at the time of the OSP release.

All arrested were lodged at the Marion County Jail and charges will be referred to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office for consideration.

According to OSP, the third special session of the 80th legislative assembly was able to continue and conduct legislative business throughout the day.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Public Notices CH20-1553

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Wetland To: All interested Government Agencies, Groups and Individuals. This is to give notice that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/ Responsible Entity (City of St. Helens) under Part 50/58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11990, “Protection of Wetlands”, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C, Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed development action is pursuing funding under the HUD Section 8 Program and utilization of ProjectBased Vouchers (PBV) Program consisting of new construction. The proposed action, to be known as CDP St. Helens Housing, is located at 2285 Gable Road in St. Helens, Columbia County, Oregon; however, an address change will be made once the project is completed. The subject property consists of approximately 16.17 acres of vacant paved land, undeveloped grassland, and undeveloped wooded land designated as municipal parcel numbers 4N1W08AA-00200 and 4N1W08AA-00301. The subject property is the proposed location of a 238-unit affordable apartment complex featuring ten (10) structures (157 units to be targeted to families and 81 units to be targeted to 55+ seniors) and one (1) clubhouse building. One freshwater emergent/forested wetland and two freshwater emergent wetlands totaling 4.31 acres are located on the subject property. The wetland boundaries were approved through concurrence with a Joint Individual Permit between the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL), confirming that the wetland areas located on the subject property are jurisdictional freshwater wetlands.

Wetlands provide natural and beneficial values by acting as

carbon sinks, natural filters, providing water storage, and recharging ground water aquifers. They can also provide habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The dominant canopy (tree) species observed in the forested wetland is the Oregon ash. Herbaceous species in the wetlands include reed canary grass, cattail, small-fruited bulrush, water parsley, soft rush, and spreading rush. According to Turnstone Environmental Consultants (Turnstone), the subject property contains highly altered and significantly disturbed wetlands. The majority of the subject property was logged approximately 10 years ago; however, the present freshwater forested wetland located on the eastern portion of the property was not logged, hosts mature Oregon ash trees, and is listed as a wetland of local significance in the City of St. Helens natural resource inventory.

Turnstone utilized the Oregon Rapid Wetland Assessment Protocol to assess wetland functions and values which include hydrology, water quality, carbon sequestration, and habitat for flora and fauna.

The forested wetland offers the highest-functioning wetland on the subject property. Additionally, the on-site wetlands do not contain any archaeological, historic, or recreational value of public interest. As currently designed, the proposed action is anticipated to result in new construction within 3.0 acres of the emergent wetlands due to grading and placement of fill for apartment buildings, a roadway, parking spaces, and stormwater areas. The construction of the proposed development within the onsite wetland would alter the wetland functions of hydrology, water quality, carbon sequestration, and habitat. HUD/the Responsible Entity has considered the following factors, alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse

impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values of the wetlands: (i) Based on the demand for this type of development in the area, proximity to commercial and community services, appropriate zoning designation, the fact that there are no recognized environmental conditions associated with the subject property that would impact the health and safety of future occupants, and the fact that the proposed action meets housing recommendations of the Columbia County Comprehensive Plan policies to provide housing for the elderly and to keep housing affordable for county residents, the subject property has been identified as the ideal location for the proposed development.

Buildings, parking spaces, roadways, or stormwater detention areas would need to be reduced/eliminated in order to reduce impacts to wetlands; however, these impacts are unavoidable. The number of buildings has been designed to meet the demand projections and designed to meet their maximum allowable zoned height in an effort to both accommodate the existing zoning and to reduce impacts to wetlands. The need to provide efficient traffic circulation due to traffic flow/safety concerns makes removal of the road loop impracticable and the number of parking spaces provided is dictated by municipal requirements. The internal thoroughfare is unavoidable as the need for direct access provides needed route efficiency due to safety vehicle concerns and efficient traffic flow.

Finally, the stormwater detention basins are needed to collect/detain runoff.

Additionally, due to the irregular shape of the on-site wetlands, the site would be considered undevelopable without wetland impacts. (ii) Alternatives to constructing the proposed development within the identified floodplain and wetland areas

were investigated for the proposed development, including the “no action” alternative. The proposed multi-family development is needed to address the growing demand for housing in this area and would increase the real estate tax base. The alternative sites were ultimately deemed unsuitable due to a variety of factors, such as infrastructure, topography, or the need for more substantial impacts to floodplains and/or wetland areas. In addition, the proposed development is compatible with HUD’s mission to provide safe and attractive housing options for people of all income levels.

The no-action alternative would not achieve any of these benefits and thus, would not serve the same purpose. (iii) To comply with the Executive Order, the Sponsor has entered consultation with registered engineers who have prepared development plans that minimize the effects of the impacts to the wetlands located on the subject property. Though the design does not fully remove the need to impact the on-site wetland area, it does limit the impacts to only the significantly disturbed wetlands; the highfunctioning forested wetland will be preserved.

Additionally, the establishment of a 50-foot wetland buffer will preserve the remaining unimpacted on-site wetland. The layout of the proposed apartment complex is designed to prevent development within this buffer to ensure maximum preservation of wetland habitat for flora and fauna, hydrologic function, and water quality. In order to prevent a loss of available water storage capacity and water quality, a stormwater management system is proposed. Four separate stormwater treatment trains will be designed to provide water quality and quantity attenuation to predevelopment rates. The treatment trains will be comprised of stormwater planters that will discharge

to a water quality detention basin with an overflow that discharges to on-site wetlands. Further, addition of the detention basins will increase infiltration capabilities, thus aiding groundwater recharge.

Ultimately, all wetland discharge will flow to McNulty Creek. The proposed action received Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on July 30, 2019.

Erosion and sediment control measures, including silt fencing, slope matting, hydroseeding, temporary diversion berms/ditches, temporary sediment basins, and culvert inlet and outlet protection, will be conducted in accordance with all applicable regulations to ensure the protection of the wetlands during construction. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Individual Permit, NWP2012-477-1, was verified on October 2, 2019 and remains valid for a five-year duration.

This permit authorizes the placement of 3.0 acres of fill material into jurisdictional wetlands/Waters of the United States and verifies that the proposed activity will result in minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects and is not contrary to the public interest. A Compensatory Wetland Mitigation (CWM) Plan was approved by the USACE as part of the Joint Permit Application. The CWM Plan prescribes a combination of on-site preservation at the development site and off-site wetland creation and restoration. To offset the proposed filling of wetlands on the subject property, wetland impacts will be mitigated by restoring 0.17 acres of wetland, creating 4.25 acres of wetland, and creating 0.64 acres of riparian area at Scappoose Creek. Additionally, a City of St. Helens Sensitive Land Permit, No. SL.2.18 was issued for the project on September 18, 2018. HUD/ the Responsible Entity has

reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and wetlands and has determined that it has no practicable alternative.

Environmental files that document compliance with Executive Order 11990 are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in wetlands, and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will consider actions taking place in wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by Mr. Jacob Graichen, City Planner with the City of St. Helens, acting as the Responsible Entity on behalf of HUD, within eight calendar days of publication at the following address: City of St. Helens Planning Department, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. As many offices are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and employees are teleworking, written comments should be received via email at jacob@ ci.st-helens.or.us within 7 calendar days after the date of this publication. Hard copies may be mailed to the above address, but this should be in tandem with an email. Office hours are 8:30 am through 5:00 pm Pacific.

Date: December 23, 2020.

CH20-1555

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING on Monday January 4, 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Columbia 9-1-1 Communication District has submitted an application for a site design review and conditional use permit for expansion of their emergency communication facility located on Lookout Rd. The property is zoned PF-80 (Primary Forest) and contains approximately 11.63 acres.

SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Columbia County Planning Commission on Monday, January 4, 2021.

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Columbia County Planning Commission will be hosting their public hearing via online webinar. Please use the links below if you wish to participate in

the public meeting. CC Planning Commission on Mon, Jan 4, 2021 at 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (PST).

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ join/370357909 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (571) 317-3116 Access Code: 370-357-909 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting. com/install/370357909 If you have any questions or concerns regarding access to the meeting or need accommodation, please call the Land Development

Services office at (503) 397-1501. The criteria to be used in deciding the request will be found in some or all of the following documents and laws, as revised from time to time: Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 197.763; Oregon Administrative Rules; Columbia County Comprehensive Plan; Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. The specific criteria applicable to this request is listed and evaluated in the staff report. A copy of the application, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicant, and the staff report are available for inspection at no cost and will be provided at reasonable

cost at least 7 days prior to the Commission hearing from Land Development Services, County Courthouse Annex, St. Helens, OR, 97051. If additional documents or evidence are provided in support of the application, any party shall be entitled to a continuance of the hearing. Unless there is a continuance, and if a participant so requests before the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, the record shall remain open for at least seven days after the hearing.

At each hearing, the applicant has the burden of presenting substantial evidence showing that the application meets all of the applicable criteria.

Following presentation of the staff report, the applicant and other persons in favor of the application will be allowed to address the commission, explaining how the evidence submitted meets the applicable criteria. Following the applicant’s presentation, any person in opposition to the application may present evidence and argument against the application.

The applicant will then have the opportunity to rebut any evidence or arguments presented in opposition. After the presentation of evidence and arguments, the public hearing record will be either left open or closed by the Planning Commission.

The Commission will then

make a tentative decision to be followed by approval of a written order and a statement of findings and conclusions supporting the decision, which will be mailed to all parties at a later date. The Commission may, at its discretion, continue the hearing from time to time at the request of the parties or on its own motion as necessary to afford substantial justice and comply with the law.

Additional information about this application may be obtained from the Planning Division of the Land Development Services Department, at (503) 397-1501. December 23, 2020 THE PLANNING COMMISSION Linda Hooper, Chairman

CH20-1557

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of the Application by the Port of Columbia County for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zone Change and Goal 3 Exception to Reclassify and Rezone Property from Primary Agriculture (PA-80) to Resource Industrial Planned Development (RIPD) for an 837 Acre Expansion of Port Westward on Remand from the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.

NOTICE OF REVISED SCHEDULE FOR REMAND PROCEEDINGS (PUBLICATION) 1. Notice is hereby given the Board of County Commissioners (the “Board”) has revised the schedule for remand proceedings in this matter.

2. The Board will conduct remand proceedings on the Port of Columbia County’s application for a Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment, Zone Change and an Exception to Statewide Planning Goal 3 for an 837-acre expansion of the Port Westward Rural Industrial Area (Port

Westward) (see County File No. PA 13-02 and ZC1301). The subject property is located at the Port Westward Industrial Site in Clatskanie, Oregon. It is identified in the County Assessor’s records as Tax Map Nos. 8N4W1600500; 8N4W2000 200, 300; 8N4W2100300, 301, 400, 500, 600; 8N4W2200400, 500, 600, 700; 8N4W2300900; and 8N4W23B0400, 500, 600, 700. 3. The applicant seeks to change the Comprehensive Plan Map designation of the expansion area from Agricultural Resource to Resource Industrial and to change the zoning from Primary Agriculture (PA-80) to Resource Industrial Planning Development (RIPD).

An exception to Goal 3, which provides for the preservation of agricultural lands, is required to change the Comprehensive Plan designation from an agricultural use to an industrial use. The County approved the Port’s original application in 2014. The

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County’s decision on the Port’s original application was appealed to LUBA, which affirmed parts of the decision and remanded others (see LUBA Final Order 2014-17/18). In response to the remand, the Port modified its application.

The County approved the modified application in 2018 (see Ordinance No. 2018-1). The County’s decision on the modified application was appealed to LUBA, which affirmed parts of the decision and remanded on a single issue (see LUBA Final Order 2018-020). LUBA remanded Ordinance No. 2018-1 for the County to “adopt more adequate findings, supported by substantial evidence, regarding the compliance with the requirement of OAR 660-004-0020(2) (d).” 4. The purpose of this remand proceeding is for the County to determine whether the proposed uses are compatible with other adjacent uses or will be so rendered through measures designed to reduce adverse

impacts pursuant to OAR 660-004-0020(2)(d). 5.

Written evidence, arguments and testimony shall be limited to the single issue of whether the proposed uses are “compatible with other adjacent uses or will be so rendered through measures designed to reduce adverse impacts” pursuant OAR 660-004-0020(2)(d).

Any evidence, argument or testimony not related to this issue will be rejected and not entered into the record. 6. The Board has extended the period for submission of written evidence, arguments and testimony, as follows: a. The open comment period for interested parties to submit written evidence, arguments and testimony is extended to January 27, 2021. b.

Interested parties may submit written evidence, arguments and testimony in rebuttal of evidence beginning January 28, 2021 and submitted no later than February 17, 2021. c. Unless waived by the applicant, the applicant shall have until

March 3, 2021 to submit final written arguments in support of the application.

7. All evidence, argument and testimony must be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners’ Office, Room 338, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or by email to Jacyn Normine by email at jacyn.normine@ columbiacountyor.gov on or before the applicable deadline identified in paragraph 6, above. 8.

Failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the Board and the parties an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to LUBA based on that issue. 9.

Failure of the applicant to raise constitutional or other issues relating to proposed conditions of approval with sufficient specificity to allow the Board to respond to the issue precludes an action for damages in circuit court. 10.

The staff report is available at this time. 11. A copy of the staff report, applicable

criteria, applicant’s request for remand proceeding and compatibility study, and written materials will be available for inspection at no cost. Copies of these materials will be provided at a reasonable cost upon request. Additional information about this application may be obtained from Jacyn Normine at (503) 397-4322 ext. 8400.

12. Following the period for the applicant to submit final arguments, the Board will schedule a meeting to deliberate towards a decision. The Board may announce a tentative decision at the meeting or carry over the matter for consideration to a later date.

The decision will not be considered final until it is put in writing and notice of the decision is sent out to all of the parties to the proceeding. Dated this 18th day of December, 2020.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. By Alex Tardif, Chair.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Public Notices CH20-1554

CH20-1551

PUBLIC NOTICE – INVITATION TO NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Estate of Gail Marie Engen claims against this estate claims may be barred. All BID 2021 LINE CONSTRUCTION Case No. 20PB04860 In the are required to present persons whose rights may be Court of the State of Oregon them to the undersigned affected by the proceedings MATERIALS COLUMBIA RIVER PUD for the County of Columbia personal representative in in this estate may obtain In the Matter of the Estate of care of the undersigned at: additional information from Notice is hereby given that Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) will receive sealed bids for our 2021 line construction materials. Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on January 20, 2021, at which time the bids will be publicly opened.

The bids will be available

for public inspection at the PUD office after the bid opening. The bid documents may be examined at the office of the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054.

Paper or electronic copies of the bid documents may be obtained by sending a written request to Columbia River PUD. P.O. Box 1193, St. Helens, Oregon, 97051, email to

bstaehely@crpud.org or by calling (503) 366-3244.

Columbia River PUD reserves the right to reject any and all bids that are not in compliance with the bid documents and prescribed public bidding procedures and to reject, for good cause, any or all bids upon a finding by the PUD that it is in the public interest to do so. Dated: December 16, 2020 at Columbia River People’s Utility District.

CH20-1558

CITY OF ST. HELENS (EXEMPTION FROM COMPETITIVE BID REQUIREMENTS) Written comments due before 5:00 pm January 5, 2021. Hearing date and time: January 6, 2021 6:45 pm. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The St. Helens City Council will hold a public hearing electronically via Zoom on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, beginning at 6:45 p.m. The purpose of the public hearing is to exempt the Campbell Park Sport Courts Installation Project (Project) from competitive bidding requirements and to approve the use of a direct solicitation and negotiation method to retain a contractor for the construction. The

Council will take oral and written comments on the City’s draft findings in support of an exemption from competitive bidding under ORS 279C.335 for the construction of the Project. The City is requesting the exemption from competitive bidding to allow the use of a direct solicitation and negotiation method to retain a contractor for the construction. The City has twice attempted to solicit bids using the usual procurement methods.

Despite increasing advertisement and directly inviting competent contractors to bid, no

bids have been received.

If you would like to attend the public hearing, please visit the City’s website after January 1 at www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings to view the agenda for the public hearing which contains the Zoom meeting details.

Written comments should be submitted to Jenny Dimsho, 265 Strand St., St. Helens, OR 97051, or by e-mail to jdimsho@ci.sthelens.or.us no later than 5:00 pm January 5, 2021.

Copies of the draft findings are available at www. sthelensoregon.gov/rfps or you may call 503-397-6272 to obtain a copy by mail.

CH20-1550

Gail Marie Engen, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that Kerry Dale Engen has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having

PO Box 85 (420 NW 5th St.), Clatskanie, Oregon 97016 within four months after the date of first publications of this notice, as stated below, or such

the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published December 16, 2020.

CH20-1548

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of Norman E. Parsons, deceased. No. 20PB08156 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS. Notice is hereby given that Johnny D. Parsons has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required

to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at: 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate 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 16, 2020. MARK A. GORDON, P.C. Attorney for Personal Representative OSB #812424, 1677 St. Helens St., St. Helens, OR 97051, (503) 397-9066; mark@markgordonpc.com.

CH20-1549

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of HARRY LEE FISHER, Deceased. Case No. 20PB02887 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons 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 December 16, 2020. Ronda Melton, Personal Representative.

Clarke Griffin L.L.C., 52490 SE 2nd St. Ste. 100, Scappoose, OR 97056.

(503) 543-4800.

CH20-1552

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE In the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Columbia, Probate Department OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF Case No. 20PB06860 at: 1915 NE Stucki Avenue, first published: December COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT NOTICE TO INTERESTED Suite 400, Hillsboro, OR 16, 2020. Personal In the Matter of the Estate of RONALD GENE PARKS, Deceased. Case No. 20PB06447 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons 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

CH20-1559

NOTICE OF STATEMENT OF PROCEDURES AVAILABLE The statement of procedures for Columbia County are available for review at the Columbia County Courthouse

and the following libraries: Scappoose, Clatskanie, Rainier, Columbia City, St. Helens and Vernonia.

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. DATED and first published, December 16, 2020. Kendell Nelson, Personal Representative.

Clarke Griffin L.L.C., 52490 SE 2nd St., Ste. 100, Scappoose, OR 97056.

(503) 543-4800.

PERSONS In the Matter of the estate of Michael Keeler, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that Terrence Keeler 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

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

Representative: Terrence Keeler, 8943 N. McKenna Ave., Portland, OR 97203, 503-866-6414. 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. Fax: 971-327-4001. chris@burnettlawpc.com.

The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by noon.

Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

Photo courtesy of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The migrating whales attract many to the Oregon ocean shoreline during whale watching week.

Photo courtesy of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Photo courtesy of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

A whale rises out of the ocean along the Oregon shoreline.

WHALES From Page A1

risk of transmission between visitors and from visitors to staff and volunteers, the whale watch season is DIY this year: no staff, volunteers, shared equipment, or indoor whale watch center.

The Chronicle: Describe locations Where should folks go, safely, and following social distancing requirements, to get a good view of the whale migration?

Havel: First, travel only with a group of people who live with you in your household. Travel the short-

est distance necessary to reach a good viewing spot (more on that below). If there are other people from outside your household at the viewpoint, wear a mask if you can’t keep 6 feet away from them.

Check the weather and road conditions before you leave. Bring the food/drink, weather-appropriate clothing, and personal cleaning supplies with you so you are as self-contained as possible.

If it’s sunny, the best viewing is before mid-day so you’re not staring into the sun. Wide binoculars or a spotting scope are useful, but you can also just go with your eyeballs. Most people who spot a whale are just looking around without magnification, they spot a

Photo courtesy of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

A whale dives down into the blue pacific along the Oregon Coast.

plume, and then they use binoculars or a scope to zoom in. Higher is better, so look for parking areas and viewpoints that are elevated, rather than down on the beach.

to emerge and take its next breath a couple minutes later. If you’re really lucky, the whale will jump out of the water, but seeing its breath is way more common.

The Chronicle: What should we look for as the whales swim by?

The Chronicle: From your insight, why is whale watching such a popular event in Oregon?

Havel: The first this most people see is the cloud-like puff from a whale’s blowhole as they surface and take a deep breath. It kind of looks like an old steamengine train, except it just happens once or twice.

This time of year, you’ll see that plume, and then the whale dives again and keeps heading south, so start looking to the left for the beastie

Havel: Most people are drawn to the wildlife they don’t get to see every day.

When you see a wild animal that isn’t part of your daily routine, you feel like you’re traveling to a new, exciting world. It transports you out of your own, well-known routine life and into that exciting, dramatic and unknown existence.

Your imagination can

kick into high gear. It’s wild and unpredictable and novel and you feel connected somehow to the greater whole. There’s a second, deeper level when we talk about whales. When we’re talking about 30 tons fullgrown, you can’t help but lose yourself in awe.

The other way to answer that question is, why do people like to see whales in Oregon? Our public ocean shore makes it one of the best places on the planet to pick your front-row seat.

You don’t need to get the key to a gate, or buy a ticket on a cruise (those can be fun if you have the means).

You need yourself and some patience.

Nothing rivals the easeof-access to 363 miles of the

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has posted this map of the whale watching sites along the Oregon Coast.

Oregon coast.

What’s next?

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department also lists information on its website about spring whale watching, which begins in late March as the gray whales travel north on their way towards Alaska. The first surge swims by around the end of March and the migration continues until June.

Summer and fall brings whales that feed along the Oregon Coast from June to mid-November.

For more information, visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department website.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

The Chronicle presents Moving forward together The Chronicle has compiled a selection of photos taken throughout the year to give readers a chance to look back and reflect on 2020. Despite a year mostly defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbia County and the many communities within it, found ways to celebrate the big and small and move forward together.

Local children perform “Cinderella” - Jan. 22

The Missoula Children’s Theater, a touring children’s theater company, came to St. Helens in January to turn local children into stars of the stage in “Cinderella.”

Cocoa with cops - Feb. 19

Officers from the St. Helens Police Department, Columbia City Police Department and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office visited with community members on Feb. 12 at an event held at the St. Helens Burgerville as an opportunity for community engagement and trust building.

Valentines for veterans - Jan. 29

Teen support program - Feb. 12

Robotics teaches life skills - March 18

Distance learning launched - April 8

Veterans throughout the county received handmade valentines made by community volunteers.

The St. Helens High School Robotics and Engineering Club was geared up for a regional competition in March, but it was indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The club helps prepare students for careers in engineering.

The Teen Support Program was launched in 2015 and helps connect local teens with resources and helps meet basic needs.

Teachers and staff at Clatskanie Middle/High School carry containers full of distance learning materials onto school buses to be distributed to students. Similar pickups and deliveries were conducted at St. Helens schools while the pandemic shut the doors of schools across the state.

Happy birthday procession - April 22

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley launched a program to help celebrate local children’s birthdays (ages 3-13) during the pandemic in the form of processions. Tristan Pomazal waved to the sheriff deputies during a procession for his 10th birthday.

Who We Are: Locals maintain Memorial Day Traditions - May 27

Bert and Sue Mueller joined other St. Helens Lions Club members to place 232 American flags along the city’s main streets May 25, Memorial Day. “It’s nice to see the town decorated and it’s a patriotic gesture,” Bert said.

Celebrating 10 years!!

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a year in photos 2020 Graduation drive-thru - June 10

St. Helens High School seniors were driven up to the side of Plaza Square and walked the steps of the Columbia County Court House to receive their diplomas on June 5 in lieu of a traditional ceremony.

Voices of unity - June 10

An estimated 700 people participated in a Black Lives Matter march and rally in St. Helens on June 3. The peaceful protest featured the voice of 18-year-old Savannah Manning who addressed the crowd to speak about racial injustice.

Honor convoy - June 24

A long line motorcycles cruised through St. Helens on June 22 to honor resident Martin Scheer, a 94-year-old World War II Naval veteran on his birthday. The riders were members of the Patriot Guard Riders and traveled down 18th Street past Scheer’s house in a convoy parade.

County residents donate to reservation - July 29 Elements Dance Studio teaches students of all ages the ins-and-outs of dancing. The studio had 200 children and adults taking classes over the summer.

After hearing about a need for water and other items at the Warm Springs Reservation in central Oregon, the Woodland Cottage Handpicked Boutique in St. Helens and local politcal action committee Moving Forward Columbia County teamed up to collect donations from community members to send to residents of the reservation.

Local couple launch family farm - Aug. 19

Fairgrounds shelter evacuees - Sept. 16

A passion for dancing - July 8

Matthew Feinkind and Panthea Bishop started a two-acre family operated farm in Warren to grow vegetables for area residents and Portland restaurants.

Tents were set up at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens to shelter people forced out of their homes from regional wildfires.

Senior Center rebounding - Aug. 12

The financially-struggling St. Helens Senior Center turned to fundraising events to stay afloat amid constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virtual kindergarten - Sept. 30

The first day of school was a little different this year. Students of all grades and ages logged on to their computers instead of boarding school buses to attend virtual classes. Dominic Backus spent his first day of kindergarten in front of a laptop.

Sand Island - Oct. 14

Married couple Andrew and Becky Barnard have the unique job of care taking Sand Island, a roughly 42-acre dredged island across the St. Helens Marina. The city-run campsite on the island employs the Barnards to shuttle campers back and forth and keep the grounds cared for.

A Neighborhood Store with a Bit of Everything Molly Matchak Owner 290 First Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 503-396-5479 * mmmatchak@gmail.com 12-21-11 2x3D Sunshine:Layout 1 12/14/11 1:16 PM

Bravo Company soldiers recognized - Oct. 21

Oregon Army National Guard soldiers of the Bravo Company, 741 Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team were recognized during a demobilization ceremony Oct. 17 in St. Helens after a nine-month deployment to the United Arab Emirates.

Local man survives boat explosion - Nov. 4

Chris Ostling survived the explosion of the boat he lived aboard on the St. Helens marina in late October. The explosion was triggered by a mishap with a marine-grade propane heater he kept aboard.

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The Chronicle Presents a Year in photos 2020

Tornado hits St. Helens - Nov. 18

Christmas decorations - Nov. 25

Christmas ships - Dec. 2

Drive-thru covid testing - Dec. 9

A small, low-rated tornado touched ground in St. Helens on Nov. 10 and traveled an estimated 1.7 miles. The tornado caused some property damage and downed trees.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Christmas Ships Parade along the Columbia was held, bringing a fleet of decorated and lit boats along the St. Helens Marina.

PUD workers used utility trucks to decorate the telephone poles in St. Helens with festive holiday tinsel designs.

Columbia County’s Public Health Department launched free, drive-thru testing at St. Helens High Schools on Wednesdays in December. The drivers self-administered tests with nasal swabs.

A year of COVID-19

STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

As the end of 2020 draws near, and the pandemic wages on, The Chronicle has compiled a timeline tracing the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon.

The Chronicle’s first coverage of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, was on Jan. 18. At that time, just over 170 people had died from the virus— mostly in China— and there were just six cases reported in the U.S. One of the first cases in the U.S. was just north of Oregon in Seattle. By Jan. 21, the state had established the Incident Management team to prepare for possible outbreaks in the state.

The Chronicle asked readers in the Feb. 7 edition of the newspaper if they were concerned about the coronavirus, to which 75 people responded ‘yes’ and 76 responded ‘no.’

Feb. 25: The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) began weekly updates about people under monitoring or investigation in connection to the disease. At that point, the OHA was monitoring 76 people who had exhibited symptoms n the state.

Feb. 28: The OHA reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the state: A resident of Washington County had started to experience symptoms on Feb. 19 and a sample was collected and sent to be analyzed which confirmed that the person had the virus.

March 3: a second case of COVID-19 was reported in Oregon, and a third was reported the next day. Oregon

received $500,000 from the CDC to battle the virus, announced March 4.

March 8: Gov. Kate Brown declared a state of emergency when the total number of cases in the state rose to 14. By declaring a state of emergency, the OHA was given more ability to expand its virus response.

March 10: The OHA and the Department of Human Services issued restrictions to protect longterm care facilities from outbreaks.

Visitations were limited to only essential individuals, screenings to all visitors for symptoms were required and virtual visits were encouraged.

March 11: The World Health organization announced that COVID-19 is a global pandemic.

March 12: Mayor Rick Scholl declared a state of emergency in St. Helens and closed city offices. At that time there were 24 cases in the state, and none yet in the county.

“We are taking this step as a proactive approach,” Scholl told The Chronicle. “I am not trying to send people in a fear factor, but I want people to know this is happening.

The city is still running. We are still providing services.”

The declaration was made to free up resources to respond to the health crisis.

Brown orders all K-12 schools close starting March 16.

March 13: COVID-19 outbreak declared a national emergency by the president.

March 14: The first Oregon resident with COVID-19 died, a veteran in Multnomah County with underlying health conditions.

March 17: Brown issued an executive order to cancel all events and gatherings larger than 25 people, restrict restaurants and bars to providing take-out only with no on-site consumption. She also extended the closure of K-12 schools to April 28.

March 23: Brown issued a “stay at home” executive order, directing residents to limit time with others outside of their household as much as possible and temporarily closing additional businesses.

March 27: Columbia County reports its first case of COVID-19. The state total number of cases was 414.

April 10: The Oregon Employment Department reports it received 269,900 claims for unemployment benefits in three weeks time.

By comparison, net job losses in Oregon totaled 147,800 for the duration of the Great Recession. Federal aide started to pay an additional $600 per week to those eligible for unemployment.

April 24: Non-urgent medical procedures are reallowed by state.

May 1: The statewide state of emergency is extended through July 6.

May 5: Brown reopened certain outdoor recreation facilities and some state parks.

May 8: Brown announced her Oregon reopening framework, starting with Phase 1 allowing counties with few or no COVID-19 cases to enter Phase 1 starting May 15. Phase 1 allowed certain businesses to reopen.

May 13: Columbia County was approved to enter Phase 1 of the state’s three-phased reopening plan, starting May 15.

June 5: St. Helens High

School seniors graduate via a drive-thru ceremony held at the Columbia County Courthouse in lieu of a traditional commencement ceremony.

June 6: Columbia County, and 25 other counties in the state, entered Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan, allowing the return of recreational sports, indoor and outdoor entertainment, faith services and pools.

June 30: Columbia County hit 30 total COVID-19 cases. The governor extended the state of emergency through Sept. 4.

July 1: Brown issued new restrictions requiring face coverings to be worn in indoor public spaces statewide.

July 15: New state mandates ban social indoor gatherings larger than 10 people and require masks to be worn in outdoor public settings as well.

July 24: Brown issues new restrictions limiting indoor capacity to 100 for all venues and restricting restaurants and bars to close at 10 p.m. statewide. Face coverings are also required for people ages 5 and older in indoor and outdoor settings.

Aug. 9: The first pandemic-related death occurred within the county.

Aug. 12: Columbia County surpassed 100 cumulative COVID-19 cases.

Sept. 1: The statewide state of emergency was extended through Nov. 3.

Sept. 21: First day of school is held online for students at the St. Helens School District.

Oct. 5: The county surpasses 200 total COVID-19 cases.

Oct. 6: Second COVID-19 death occurs in the county.

Oct. 27: Brown extended the state of emergency through Jan. 2.

Oct. 30: State eases backto-school metrics across the state, requiring certain case positivity rates to be met by each county and sustained for three weeks.

Nov. 11: A COVID-19 outbreak was reported at Columbia Care Center with 17 total cases.

Nov. 17: An executive order was issued to enact a two-week, statewide “freeze” across the state in response to growing COVID-19 case rates. The freeze put limits on in-home social gatherings, capacities for stores, restricted all dining establishments to provide take-out only, required workplaces to mandate work-from-home as much as possible and closed certain businesses.

Nov. 18: An outbreak was reported at Brookdale Rose Valley Scappoose care facility, with 33 cases.

Nov. 19: A third pandemic-related death occurred in the county.

Nov. 25: Brown released a new framework for countyby-county restrictions based on case rates and test-positivity rates. The framework separates counties based on risk levels: extreme risk, high risk, moderate risk and lower risk. Columbia County was categorized as high risk and under continued strict restrictions.

Nov. 27: Both a 75-yearold Columbia County man who tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 22 died and a 97-year-old man in Columbia County who tested positive on Nov. 22 died.

Dec. 1: A 68-year-old Columbia County woman

who tested positive on Nov. 20 died on Dec. 1. The county death toll rose to six.

An outbreak was reported at Meadow Park Health and Specialty care, with 38 associated cases.

Dec. 2: Columbia County Public Health launched drive-thru COVID-19 testing to be held weekly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays in December (except Dec. 23) at St. Helens High School.

Dec. 4: State death toll surpassed 1,000 and the statewide case count topped 80,000. Within the county, the case count totaled 552 and a 64-year-old county man died.

Dec. 5: Columbia County reported its highest-to-date single-day case count at 25.

Dec. 12: A 52-year-old Columbia County man who tested positive on Dec. 11 died. The county death toll rose to eight.

Dec. 14: The first doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Oregon.

Dec. 15: An 83-year-old man in Columbia County who tested positive on Nov. 12 died and the county death toll rose to nine.

Dec. 16: The first COVID-19 vaccinations were administered to frontline health care workers in Oregon.

Dec. 17: The statewide state of emergency was extended through March 3, 2021.

Dec. 19: The FDA granted emergency use authorization of the Moderna vaccine, with Oregon expected to receive 103,800 doses by the end of the month.

Dec. 20: The state’s Pfizer vaccine dose allocation was cut by 40%. (Read more about this on A2)

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