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Serving Columbia County since 1881

Winter takes hold in Columbia County

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Snow topped branches of this tree along Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

More snow possible Snow and very cold temperatures will continue to challenge Columbia County residents and visitors this week, according to

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

A bicyclist slowly navigates ice- and snow-covered Columbia Boulevard early Sunday morning.

the latest update from the National Weather Service (NWS). NWS Meteorologist Rebecca Muessle in Portland expected another burst of snow Tuesday followed by a drying period. “Some flurries are likely Wednesday, but overall it should be dry and warmer.” Muessle said temperatures

will dip into the low to mid 20s overnight warming a bit into the weekend. Daytime temperatures should range in the mid to upper 30s. “The cooler temperatures are likely to linger through the weekend,” she said. “It’s still uncertain whether we will see more snow next week.”

Year in Review 2021 in review The Chronicle presents the following top 12 local stories of 2021 in this special edition. Our team carefully reviewed the Chronicle’s front-page editions during the past 12 months of 2021 and we have found the following stories to be the most impactful and of the most interest to our readers. The Chronicle team is committed to presenting not only developing stories that impact our readers, but we strive to find the stories showing how people in our community are making a positive difference. Look for our exclusive in-depth features, Who We Are and Where We Live, as well as special news reports and special advertising sections in upcoming editions this New Year. Follow daily news at thechronicleonline.com with in depth reporting here in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle. Jeremy C. Ruark Publisher / Executive Editor

In Memoriam ............... A2 Opinion ......................... A4 Poll ................................ A4 Community Calendar .. A4 Crossword ................... A7 Classified Ads .............. A8 Legals ........................... A9 Don’t Drink and Drive A14

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Snow covered a layer of ice along 18th Street in St. Helens following the winter storm.

Snow totals in Columbia County after the storm overnight Sunday ranged from four point three inches in St. Helens to seven inches in Rainier by Monday morning. The adverse weather challenged drivers and pedestrians since Saturday as the snowstorms moved across the county. The

Oregon Department of Transportation and local law enforcement agencies urge drivers to slow down and be prepared for icy conditions this week. For the latest road conditions, visit TripCheck.com or dial 511. Follow weather developments 24/7 at thechronicleonline.com.

Year in Review - Jan. 6

Mayors look ahead to 2021 MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of special reports you’ll read only in The Chronicle in the weeks ahead providing insight from members of our community into what we might expect in 2021. Our first report focuses on viewpoints from city hall at St. Helens and Scappoose. As the year draws to a close, the mayors of Scappoose and St. Helens have taken the time to reflect on 2020 and look ahead to the new year. St. Helens St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl said there are a lot of things on the city’s horizon to look forward to in the new year. “Hopefully, we will be able to transition back to more normalcy,” he said. Two new city council members will join the city council starting in January. “With the new councilors, I am looking forward to new ideas and input on current city projects. There has been a lot of planning occurring the last several years and people have joined the council.” As far as projects go, St. Helens residents can look ahead to the construction of two park projects. Scholl said Campbell Park is getting new sports courts, additional parking and improved storm drainage. McCormick Park will have a new all-abilities playground installed, partially funded through the Moda Assist Program competition the city won in April. The New Year will also launch the first phases of the waterfront redevelopment project. “[The waterfront project] hope-

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Enhancement of public walkways along the Columbia River in 2021 continue to be a top priority for St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl.

fully will include the start of construction on a riverfront boardwalk, expansion of Columbia View Park, and a street expansion at S First Street and Strand Street,” Scholl said. “Site preparation will start at the St. Helens Industrial Business Park to attract new business to the area.” One of the most important upcoming projects, Scholl said, will be increasing community support for the city’s aging police station. “We will be engaging the community and letting them know about our need for a new building,” he said. “Our current station is 50 years old and very small.” Scholl said the police department has outgrown the space and a new facility is needed to help the community as it continues to grow. In that vein, he also said one of the city’s constant top priorities is public safety. “We hope to improve overall safety by finding funding for a new public safety facility to allow us to better meet the safety needs of our officers and the community,” he said.

Two other priorities include communication and public engagement. The city wants to inform the public about what is happening and how staff and elected leaders are working for them. “We encourage people to reach out to us and engage,” Scholl said. “We want to hear from you. We are adapting to increased growth. If you have ideas, please reach out to us. Your thoughts are important to us.” Scappoose In his state of the city address, Scappoose Mayor Scott Burge said the city has a few projects in the works for the next year, including park projects and multiyear planning to shape how Scappoose will look over the next 50 years. This year, 2021, is the 100 year anniversary of the city of Scappoose and the 50th commemoration of the dedication of the World Peace Candle in Scappoose, which he said will be unaltered by the new development forming around it. Also in the works is the expansion of the parks system. The goal is to have every citizen within a

10-minute walk of a city park and provide safe access to quality parks and green spaces, Scholl said. As it is now, 63% of the community is within that goal, he said. “The most recent acquisition was the Grabhorn Property,” Burge said in his address. The Grabhorn Property abuts Veterans Park and South Scappoose Creek, and he said the city council is in the process of updating the conceptual park plan by incorporating public comment. “The next step in the process is adding the conceptual plan to our master plan,” he said. The city also plans to address aging infrastructure by updating several master plans and improve sidewalks throughout the city. “The city remains committed to serving the public through these challenging times,” he said. “Even through it has been a difficult year, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city has overcome the obstacle and remains agile and responsive to the needs of the public by finding new and innovative ways of achieving its goals and providing the best public service possible.”

Vol. 139, No. 52

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IN MEMORIAM 2021 The Chronicle • Deborrah Lee Oliver • Norma Jean (Naugle) Christie • Lonnie Dean Pisha • Frank Joseph Knusel • Florent Clyde Rheault • George Randall Williams Jr. • Mary June Burnham • Virginia Rose Erickson • Philip Lyman Chamberlain • Kymberly Capek • Glenn Richard Keudell • Lloyd William Ebert • James Lee Dodge • Melody Cooper Seaton • Evan E. Kjornes • Robert Phillip Mickey • Bertha Sherlock • Thomas William Hudson • Darreld Heck • Ruth Mattinen • Alice DuBois • Linda Jean Becker • Ronald Gene Hilsinger • Kevin Charles Kent • Leslie “Bob” Henderson • Marian Farrell • Janis Fletcher • John Unversagt • Jon Gillman • Sam Tift • Jauncey Leo Perrizo • Joann P. Burge • Rodney Jack Hansen • Juanita Steward Shearer • Peter Snell • Myrna C. Brasmer • JoAnn Burge • Suzanne Joan O’Connell (Henderson) • William “Sam” West • William Carter Frey • Doris Irene Wallin • Ardis M. Ross • Florence Anicker • Phyllis Marion Rowley • Jerry Orran Riley • Alexander Jeffery Riley • Autumn Duren • Craig Kimberly Talent • Shirley Jeanne Foey • Merwin “Bud” McMullen • Leona Brooks Brown

• Doreen Jaksha • Mary Lou Briggs • Jerald Canning • Ethan David Zarate • Marian R. Calnon • KC Taylor • Shirley Ann Tomanka • Karen Marie Jensen • Gregory Allen • Jamie Rae Hammond Vacknitz Willey • Gary Gene Garner • Deborah Dian Lenzen • Charles Arthur Welter • Robert William Wallace • John Stennick • Douglas Scheider • George G VanDolah • Larry Rose • Judith Richardson Klein • James Ronald Hansen • Elizabeth “Betty” Huser • Randy Michael Hagedorn • John Blankenship • Kenneth Brown • Joshua Watson • Fay Fournier • James Moris Felix Sr. • Jennifer E. Paul • Corinne “Connie” Marie Hile • Robert Laverne Rasey Sr. • Charles Arthur Harbison • Patricia Charlotte Skinner Smith Loosli • Patricia Ann (Erickson) Horn • Brandon Craig Little • Kathleen Brown • Wayne Wilson Welch • Roseanne Mary Winkles • James “Jim’ Otis Dias • Randall Turner • Steven Day • Duane Lee Ezzell • Pat Ann Hughson • Tammy Jean Pierce • Ardis May Ross • Terence “Terry” Brian Tanski • Elaine Marie Lease • Rowena Ann Tetz • Julian Liberado Ribera • Jim Lewis • Clarice H. Sweet

• Jennifer “Jenn” Lynn Pillar • Stanley Payne • Edna Irene Van Winkle • Selma Louise McNeely • Kendall Vance McKean Jr. • Lloyd William Ebert • Larry Alan Cade • Robert Mitchell Swehla • Mary Louise Anderson • Thomas Allen Weber • James Lee Dodge • Bessie “Bess” May Carpenter • Randal “Randy” William Holdner • Daniel Paul Romiti • Carl Pellham • Charles Carpenter • Lois Ball-Sprowl • Bill Edward Allshouse • Connie Irene Grabhorn • Ida “Liz” Smith • Clarence Nickel • David Warner Swan • Louis Patrick Hanset • Charles “Chuck” William Nolte • Ruth Mae Bell • Craten Lewis Sanders • Russell Clair • LaMarr Colleen Meadow • Mark Edward Burgess • Daryl Donald Braught • Jack Howard Lee • Daniel Henry Kukkonen • Barbara Louise Mosher • Lois Jean Snyder • Machell Marie Offley • Connie Waite Oswalt • Walter L. Anderson • Ann P. McConnell • Jim Paterson • Charles Carlton Rigdon • Edith Overstreet • James Comstock • William Bryan Hutton • Fred Neilson • Thomas Joseph Oliveri • Betty Louise Sexton • Kenneth Bergman • Gordon Gortler

• Michael Gordon Klein • Robert Wesley Terry Jr. • Lee Patrick Harries • Esther Margaret Chalmers • Clifford Jimmie Nelson • Dale Eugene Yeager • Megan Elizabeth Clark • Charlotte Della Jones • Karen Marie Wendt • Debra Lea Matthews • Jean Ann Mullins • Isabelle Wooden • Betty Templin • Karen Oyler • Dayton Ray Thorp • Khrystaline “Desi” Larson • James Basdon Smith • Robert Lee Wenner • Terri Jo Nunn • Loren Oliver Lewis Ragan • Margaret Kane • Sandra Lea Berg • Karen Elizabeth Olsen • Jon Elmer Burchell • Thomas J. Lomnicky • Carol L. (Brooks) Hymas • Lloyd Adelbert Wegner Jr. • Thomas Allen Burke • Lorraine Coopersmith • Helen Beryl Graves Wakefield • Kenneth England • Steven Daniel Cade • William “Bill’ Gerald Wilson • Luzia Helena Muller • Patricia Ellen Leffler • Roger Eston Bullis • Carol Ann Tutt • Fred Steinmetz • Jean Runyan • William “Bill” Nathan Jauron • Julie Ann Eaton Salisbury

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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Year in Review - Feb. 17

Snow, ice storm blankets region JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Kinsley Nicholson jumps on a snowy trampoline.

Kelli Nicholson / The Chronicle

Snow blanketed neighborhoods in Columbia County and throughout the region.

National Weather Service (NWS) Meteorologist Clinton Rockey acknowledged that the latest winter storm that ushered in snow, winds, ice and freezing rain across the region was a bit unusual. “What made it a bit more unusual is that this was a widespread impact storm event,” he said. “One of this magnitude definitely doesn’t come through this often.” Rockey said the series of systems, classified as prolonged weather events in the NWS’s advisories and warnings, combined a portion of a larger arctic air mass moving down into the United States with east winds traveling through the Columbia River Gorge and precipitation flowing in from the Pacific Ocean. “It was a perfect setup for the snow and ice,” he said. “The cold air was stationary and not moving and the continued rounds of pacific precipitation from Friday through Monday morning caused the snow and ice.” Rocky said points across the

Columbia River east into Washington saw 10 to 13 inches of snow. On the west side, snow accumulations ranged from 8 in downtown St. Helens to 12 inches in Scappoose and more in the higher elevations surrounding Clatskanie and Rainier. Temperatures dipped into the teens and upper 20s for much of Columbia County. Several local businesses closed Sunday due to the adverse weather. Most reopened Monday. Due to the Presidents’ Day holiday, city, county and state offices were closed. The weather transition began shortly after 8 a.m. as the east winds through the gorge lessened and warmer air from the Pacific Ocean began flowing into Western Oregon. “We are now back to what’s more normal for our region this time of the year, mild temperatures with rain showers,” Rockey said. Into the weekend and next week, he said we can expect more mild conditions with the snow level above 4,000 feet. Across the region and in the Portland area, thousands were without electrical service, disrupted by the ice, winds and snow.

At Columbia River Planned Urban Development, which serves much of the local area, spokesman Kyle Boggs told The Chronicle Monday morning that the utility had been receiving customer calls concerning power outages. “Calls have been coming in all morning and continue to,” he said. “We had about 20 different outages that affected around 1,400 customers.” On Monday, Columbia PUD was working to restore power to approximately 1,000 customers following about 40 separate outages. “They have pretty much all been caused by trees or tree limbs coming down and knocking out power lines,” Boggs said. “We are continuing to receive calls from throughout the area, so the current numbers are fluid.” According to Boggs, all of the PUD’s crews had been working throughout the night to restore power. “Typically, this involves identifying the trouble spot and then removing any limbs or debris from the line,” he said. “From there, they can go to work reconnecting power.” To reach Columbia River PUD, call 503-397-1844.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Navigating the hills became challenging during the storm in Columbia County.

A large plow clears the snow along Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

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Opinion

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Viewpoints

Happy Holidays, St. Helens Community! RICK SCHOLL Chronicle Guest Column

Despite the many challenges that we all continued to face on a local and global scale in 2021, I want to take a minute to wish everyone happiness and the very best as we wrap up the year. The spirit of this season is about focusing on what matters most: togetherness, love, joy, and hope. Along those lines, I have worked with the St. Helens City Council and City staff this year on projects that will make St. Helens stronger, safer, and more resilient. Excellent progress In 2021, we made excellent progress on several projects to bring economic development to the St. Helens riverfront. The St. Helens Riverwalk Project is working to design and partially build public walkways, a boardwalk, and overlooks along the edge of the Columbia River. A Street and Utility Extension Project is designing infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, additional parking, and utilities to extend onto the former Boise Veneer property. The City is exploring the best ways to utilize the Central Waterfront Property and provide connection between Highway 30 and our beauti-

ful Riverfront District. The City Council has invested heavily in parks and recreation program improvements this year. With COVID restrictions partially lifting, we have recently been able to bring back in-person recreation activities and opened our new Community Center on Gable Road. I hope you join me in taking pride in our Recreation Program and the activities that it brings to the community to help enrich our lives. McCormick Park has a brand-new all-abilities playground thanks to a partnership with the Moda Assist Program and Campbell Park is in the middle of receiving new sports courts. Technology use is raising concerns about the lack of face-to-face connections, social media related mental-health issues, and kids having too much screen time. These park improvements offer the community a needed alternative to unplug from technology and create connections in person. The new Makerspace at our Library also provides a way for everyone to exercise their creativity, use their hands to make something, and learn a little about science, art, math, engineering, and technology in a fun environment. Visit the Library and check this space out if

you haven’t done it yet. Growth and uncertainty Part of planning for future growth is planning to keep the community safe. This year we made large steps toward building a new public safety facility so that your St. Helens officers have the tools that they need to keep our community safe. This will also help us attract and retain quality law enforcement professionals and provide space for us to grow with our growing community. I am proud of the progress we have made this year. These projects represent an investment in our future success as a community. Looking ahead, one of the main challenges that I see facing our community in 2022- and almost everyone else – is uncertainty. We are facing global supply chain issues, the newly coined “Great Resignation” hiring difficulties, the unknown of Covid developments and state and federal mandates, rocketing costs of construction, food, and other industries, and increased threats of wildfires, heat waves, and other natural disasters. We can meet these challenges by making St. Helens as resilient as possible. This starts with the St. Helens City Council setting priori-

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl serves a community member during the Citizens Day celebration at McCormick Park this past summer.

ties and making policies that guide our City staff in positive directions that help meet the needs of our community. Future planning Right now, we are working to update our citywide strategic plan for the next two years. This plan guides what we prioritize as a city. We are also working on updates to many of our Public Works master plans to ensure we have sufficient public infrastructure (roads, sewer,

water, etc.) to meet future growth. We will continue to focus on riverfront development. This will help attract industry and other businesses to our community and provide living-wage jobs and a stable tax base. Stay engaged As always, our meetings are open to the community to attend. We have several community boards and commissions to help you connect and be involved in the future

of St. Helens. Explore the City’s website (sthelensoregon.gov), follow us on social media, watch our meetings on Zoom, sign up for our community newsletter, and stop by City Hall if you have questions. Stay informed about what we are doing. It is important that we hear from you so that we can make St. Helens the best community possible. St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl can be reached at 503-397-6272.

Community Calendar Dec. 30 Open House -Canceled Farewell and Hello Open House from 3 to 5 p.m. at 125 N 19th Street in St. Helens. Say farewell to the owners of Paulson Printing and hello to the new owners of the business. For more information, contact 503-397-1224. Don Coin Walrod Scholarship The Deer Island Grange is now accepting applications for the Don Coin Walrod Scholarship. The scholarship is created for a Columbia County high school senior. Applicants may attend a trade school, community college, or university of their choice, but must major in agriculture, education, forestry, or animal science. Applications are available from each of the Columbia County high school counselor offices and must be post marked by April 1, 2022. Mail applications to: Don Coin Walrod Scholarship, 64556 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054.

On going events • Lower Columbia River Watershed Council meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom info: Events Page — LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL. • Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group meets from 2 to 3 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/ Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070. • Resonate Recovery meetings from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with ad-

dictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st St. in St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information, contact Bert at 503-475-3586, Debbie at 503-560-0521, Bill Bradley at 503-4106273 or check the “Resonate” Facebook page. • Columbian Toastmasters Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome! Meeting virtually via Zoom from 12-1PM every Thursday. Zoom meeting: https://zoom. us/j/8222962563/ Webpage: https://6421. toastmastersclubs.org/ Soc Media: https://www. facebook.com/ColumbianToastmasters Phone: 503-369-0329 To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Year in Review - March 17

SHHS multi-million dollar renovations underway JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Design work is underway in earnest with demolition and construction beginning soon for a multi-million dollar renovation project at St. Helens High School (SHHS). Soderstrom Architects, Cornerstone Project Management and Hoffman Construction are working to renovate the entire high school, located at 2375 Gable Road in St. Helens. Key aspects of the updates include: • Connecting buildings A, B and C • Upgraded HVAC system • 21st century science classrooms • Improvements to Career Tech programs including a medical professional pathway • State-of-the-art technology • Larger band and choir classrooms • Renovating and expanding sports fields • Redesigned school layout for easier access of community use “The design of the school has slightly changed over the past few months, but the overall plan remains the same and true to community goals,” St. Helens School Superintendent Scot Stockwell said. “The Soderstrom Architect group has spent countless hours meeting with teachers and other staff

at the high school to design the best school possible that meets the needs of St. Helens students.” According to Stockwell, a team of teachers has toured several newly-renovated high schools to help develop ideas for the local renovation. “The hope is that the building will feel like a new school and not as if it has had multiple additions,” Stockwell said. Timeline The planning, design and permitting process is expected to take anywhere from nine months to a year to complete depending on the complexity of the project. Due to the fact that it is a renovation, Stockwell said extra time is required for design to determine what is salvageable of the old buildings and assure new construction aligns with existing construction. Stockwell said construction is expected to begin sometime in June or July and Building “A” demolition could begin before the summer. Class connections Under the current plan, Stockwell said connecting all three of the high school buildings addresses a major safety concern and allows students to move between classes without going outside. The only exception will be when students attend classes in Building “D” for Career Tech Education

(CTE). The nature of the classes being taught and the large open bays required for the woods, metal and auto shop do not lend themselves to connecting Building “D” with the main school building, Stockwell said. Although students attending shop classes will need to walk outside between buildings, the district plans to improve the security of those routes. The antiquated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system will be completely replaced. “The need for a new system has only been highlighted by the smoke created by late summer and early fall wildfires and the pandemic,” Stockwell said. “Increased ventilation not only improves health and comfort, fresh air and oxygen help students maintain focus and stamina throughout the day. Studies indicate that students in properly ventilated classrooms are less prone to getting tired in the afternoon.” The current SHHS science classrooms have not been updated since 1980 and there have been significant changes to science and technology over the past 40 years, according to Stockwell, who added that classrooms will be significantly larger with access to more equipment and space for labs and hands-on experiments. According to the school district, St. Helens High School has some of the best Career Tech Education (CTE)

programs in the state, gaining national recognition as top programs. “The shop classes are well designed, but are in need of freshening with some minor changes to improve storage and instruction,” Stockwell said. “One addition to our career tech program is for a Medical CTE pathway.” A new classroom is being added for students interested in the medical career field, he said, and the program is being designed so students will receive college credit and a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) license upon completion of the program. All classrooms will be equipped with the latest technology that allows flexibility as well expandability as new technology emerges. Upgraded WiFi with a larger bandwidth will allow for access to the internet and alleviate dead spots in the school, according to the renovation design. Stockwell said as the SHHS band and choir program enjoyed years of success and thrived, the programs have outgrown their current classrooms and storage. The new classrooms are being designed by acoustical engineers to optimize the classes for student musical performance. Increased storage and accessibility to the classrooms has also been a priority so students have an easier route to the auditorium free of stairs and other obstacles that are challenging to move large instruments past.

Sports fields, common areas

Additional turf sports fields will be added to the high school allowing for use during the rainy season and address Title IX equity concerns. The current plan is to add a turf baseball and softball field with a soccer pitch in their outfield. “The addition of the fields will also be utilized by our city’s Park and Rec program increasing the community accessibility,” Stockwell said. The renovation design shifts SHHS’s new commons area next to the gyms and auditorium. “All three venues are utilized by the community on a regular basis and the move allows for greater flexibility in use while not interfering with academic classrooms,” Stockwell said. “One new addition is a courtyard off the commons. The addition will allow students a safe place to eat outside and also serve as an amphitheater for performances.” The renovation designs are subject to change. “It is important to note that the current drawings will continue to change and be adjusted as the design process is completed,” Stockwell said. “At this time most adjustments are minor as they change to meet the needs of our school programs and fit within our budget.”

History

Last May, following voter approval for a $55 million bond to fund the project, the district released a statement saying the work will result in “well planned and carefully built spaces that will serve St. Helens students and the community for many years.” During public sessions in 2015, school officials listened to public concerns about the need for modern health, safety and education standards upgrades at the middle and high schools. Over a five-year period, a new middle school and new options high school building were constructed. The district then worked with the community to develop a high school improvement plan that would address health, safety, building systems and education programs at the facility. In February, the board of directors referred the proposed bond to voters for the May 2020 ballot. Following the election, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school board voted to delay the sale of bonds until 2022. The delay would not impact the proposed construction schedule to the high school, according to a release from the St. Helens School District. Follow the SHHS renovations at thechronicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

Year in Review - April 14

Historic Warren cemetery vandalized JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Courtesy from Chad England

This overhead photo shows tire mark damage at the historic Bayview Cemetery along Old Portland Road in Warren.

“Whoever did this shows a lack of respect,” Bayview Cemetery Board member Barbara Thompson said after she learned that the historic grave yard in Warren was vandalized. Photos show tire tracks circulating through the newer portion of the cemetery directly over grave markers. Thompson said her grandparents are buried at Bayview

and the vandalism is hurtful. “The hurt isn’t to the gravestones,” she said. “The hurt is to the families whose relatives are buried there. We go there to remember our families and to see that damage is like a kick in the stomach.” Dell McBride reacted to the vandalism through a post on the Concerned Citizens of Columbia County Facebook page. “My cousin was laid to rest this week. His sister had to come clear from Florida. Not easy to tell her of what she

would see. They drove over my grandparents, aunt and uncle, a cousin and my heart,” McBride said. Thompson said the cemetery was established in 1895. “It is strictly run by volunteers and maintained by contributions,” she said. Bayview has been the target of other vandalism over the years, according to Thompson. “But we had not seen anyone going through the cemetery with their hot rod,” she said.

Year in Review - May 12

Topaz facing council disciplinary action

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Councilor Stephen Topaz questions the city council’s plans to reprimand and censure him.

AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net

After an investigation into Councilor Topaz’s conduct, the city declares the findings accurate and sustained Following an investigation into St. Helens City Councilor Stephen Topaz, conducted by Portland attorney Jill Goldsmith on behalf of the city, the city council will likely publicly reprimand and censure Topaz. Goldsmith’s investigation levels several accusations against Topaz, including that he behaved in an inappropriate and discriminatory manner, used derogatory and racist language, and bullied city staff. In a regular city council meeting, which took place on May 5, St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl and City Council President Doug Morten asked Topaz to resign. “I work for the same citizens that voted for you, Councilor Topaz,” Scholl said in the meeting. “We are constantly trying to move this city forward, and you continue to interject half-truth and deception into everything that we are doing.” Morten said a city councilor being investigated for al-

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Bill Monahan, one of the city’s attorneys, explains the drafted resolution to the council.

City Council President Doug Morten gives his support of the resolution.

leged harassment misconduct was “unprecedented.” “As it becomes public, more things will surface,” he said. “It’s, to me, going to be a dark shadow that is going to also be very costly and financially, and it already has been very costly financially to the taxpayers of our city and to the council, who has a due diligence to resolve this issue … I would like to be done with this right now.” When asked by The Chronicle if he planned to resign, Topaz said, “The answer is definitely not … I am not going to resign.” Topaz also leveled accusations in turn against the city and the council. “They don’t want me asking questions,” he said. Among the allegations against Topaz, according to Goldsmith’s summary of the investigation, is that he “routinely refers to a local canyon as ‘Nxxxxx Creek,’” wrote Goldsmith, censoring the n-word. Topaz conceded that this allegation was correct when he spoke to The Chronicle. “Another [allegation] I get a kick out of … is that I called [the canyon] n-word creek And indeed I did.” The Chronicle censored the n-word in Topaz’s statement as well.

Topaz claims his term for the creek is appropriate because that was the historical nomenclature for the creek. “You’ve got to find out who’s sayin I’m racist because I’m far from that,” he said. “They said I say bad things about the Chinese. Do you realize that I’ve worked with a group of the Chinese through University of Kentucky, in the Republic of China, and in Indonesia?” Topaz also refuted the claims that he has been discriminatory and biased towards female employees in City Hall. “I’ve got a history of fighting for women on the workforce … and I’ve gotten a whole lot of Blacks and American Indians jobs and job training,” he said. “I’ve been keeping people alive of all kinds of funny shapes and colors for a long time … I’ve been keeping woman-types alive for a long time,” he said referring to his invention of the fetal heart monitor. According to the city charter, the city council cannot vote to remove another council member. The council inquired at their April 20

See MAY 12 Page A6

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MAY 12 From Page A1

hearing about disciplinary actions that would be permitted, and one of the disciplinary measures the council could consider was public censure. Under Oregon law, residents or the council may petition for a recall election, but the petitioners must file a prospective petition with the state and collect signatures numbering 15% of the votes cast for Governor Brown in Columbia County’s district, the first congressional district. The city council and Goldsmith gave Topaz an opportunity to speak about the

allegations on eight different occasions over a three-month period, but Topaz never addressed the allegations to council or Goldsmith. On Monday, the city council reconvened in a special public session to discuss the language for a resolution which would reprimand and censure Topaz and to address how the council can develop a process for holding the entire council accountable and addressing future issues. The resolution was drafted by the city’s lawyers and will be voted on at the council work session on May 19. Jessica Chilton, a newer council member, was not in attendance. The drafted resolution

has four parts: The first part addresses the council’s belief that the findings of the investigation are correct and that Topaz violated the City Code of Ethics, the city’s diversity statement, and personnel policies. The second drafted policy states, “The City Council of St. Helens hereby finds that because of Councilor Stephen Topaz’s behavior, he has negatively affected members of the city staff and brought discredit to the city.” The third statement directly states St. Helens City Council’s formal censure and reprimand of Topaz, and the fourth states when the resolution becomes effective, which will be once council decides to pass the resolution, if they

choose to do so. Councilor Patrick Birkle said, “I think this resolution as it stands is good,” after reading the resolution. Scholl and Morten also affirmed the resolution, though the resolution will likely see some changes before it’s voted on. During the meeting, the council discussed adding restrictions to Topaz’s accessibility to City Hall in order to protect employees, such as requiring Topaz to notify City Hall before attending inperson meetings, only allowing him to interact with staff members that he is scheduled to speak with, and providing an additional staff member in any meeting he has. St. Helens City Administrator John

Wednesday, December 29, 2021 Walsh will also begin receiving all of Topaz’s emails and communications to City Hall staff and deal with Topaz’s questions directly. Though Topaz argued that these restrictions would impede his work, the city’s lawyers assured the council that the proposed restrictions did not infringe upon Topaz’s rights or ability to serve in his elected position. Before the meeting closed, the councilors agreed to vote on the resolution at the May 19 meeting. “I would like to have that taken care of sooner than later,” Birkle said. Scholl also offered his affirmation of the resolution and proposed additions, “Let’s move forward with these disciplinary

actions.” Scholl also stated his hope that the resolution could help the council discuss how to create better accountability among the councilors and develop a procedure for handling misconduct committed by a city councilor. Scholl also suggested that city council have broader power in disciplining a councilor, and even the mayor. The city’s attorneys encouraged the council to have a retreat, in which they discussed how to address misconduct within their council. Until then, the council will continue to consider the resolution and reconvene with Councilor Chilton on May 19 to vote.

Year in Review - June 30

Historic Heat: Locals gather at cooling centers, some businesses close

Aurora Biggers / The Chronicle

A family enjoys free crafts, snacks, and air conditioning at the St. Helens Rec Center, one of the local cooling centers opened during the excessive heat.

Aurora Biggers / The Chronicle

One resident’s dog, Lucy, sits under a table at the St. Helens Rec Center, where her owner said he hopes she’ll be comfortable out of the heat. AURORA BIGGERS chronicle2@countrymedia.net

A historic heat wave stretching across Oregon shattered temperatures for the third straight day, Monday, June 28. St. Helens recorded 117 degrees by late Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an Excessive Heat Warning late Friday, June 25, for Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington through Monday night, for high temperatures to be at record levels above 100 degrees. NWS Meteorologist Tyler Kranz said the recordsetting heat wave was historic. “We have never seen temperatures this hot before, at least since records have been kept, so it is clearly a widespread historic event in the Pacific Northwest,” he said. Temperatures soared to Cedar Chips 109 degrees on Saturday and 111 degreesMulch on Sunday Garden in St. Helens and Scap & Hemlock poose. Portland broke its Fir Cedar Chips historical record by hitting Bark Dust GardenonMulch 108 degrees Friday, 112 on Saturday and Sunday and FirTrailmix & Hemlock 116 on Monday. Bark What the excesDust Soilcaused Blends sive heat? •Trailmix Fir “We hadShavings a very strong

upper level high pressure system stall in place over the Pacific Northwest, nighttime temperatures remained warm and the hot air sinking and not rising caused the excessive heat,” Kranz said. Marine influence flowing in from the Pacific Ocean was forecast to bring some cooling to the region by Tuesday and into the rest of the week, Krantz said, with temperatures still above normal but only into the upper 80s and low 90s. As the temperatures soared above 100 degrees, residents who experienced shock from the heat scrambled to find shelter. The latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019 show Seattle has the lowest rate of airconditioned homes of any major American city. Only 44% of the homes in the metro area have air conditioning. In the Portland metro area, that figure was 79% — most Oregonians were not prepared for scorching temperatures, and stores across the state have already reported shortages of air conditioning units as they sell out rapidly. Operators of public spaces across the state and in Columbia County extended their hours offering relief to residents who were without air conditioning.

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Cooling centers open On Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the St. Helens, Scappoose, and Vernonia public libraries; the St. Helens Recreation Center, the St. Helens Alamo Club and the Warren Community Fellowship all opened their doors to the public during the day as places to escape the intense heat. The centers provided bottled water and other amenities within air conditioned rooms. The splash pad at St. Helens Columbia View Park also open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the Excessive Heat Warning, providing an outdoor cooling off spot. St. Helens city officials said the cooling centers were temporary. The Chronicle will continue to communicate with Columbia County Emergency Management and Columbia County Public Health for information about any permanent plans to respond to future extreme weather events. Scappoose Library Director Jeff Weiss said the library’s meeting room will continue to be used for a cooling center when needed.

Aurora Biggers / The Chronicle

The St. Helens Library extended its hours to 7 p.m. to offer a cooling center to residents during the peak heat hours.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This electronic temperature gauge along Highway 30 in St. Helens reads 105 degrees at 11 a.m. Monday morning, June.

”We will offer the meeting room as a cooling center anytime that we are open and it is more than 95 degrees outside,” he said. Business impact Several local businesses closed or limited their hours over the weekend and again Monday due to the impact of heat on their air conditioning units and other operating systems. McDonald’s, Burgerville and the Plymouth Pub restaurants in St. Helens posted signs alerting customers of the business closures and delays. According to Vivek Shandas, a Portland State University professor of urban studies and planning who focuses on climate adaptation, projections based on continuing high carbon emissions suggest Portland could reach 90 degrees or higher some 50 days a year by the late 21st century. One long-term concern of scientists is the impact on infrastructure in places not equipped for extreme heat. Late Monday afternoon, St. Helens public works crews were dispatched to a

water main break at South 1st and Cowlitz Streets in the Old Town District of St. Helens. “We believe the break was due to the extreme heat,” St. Helens Communication Director Crystal King said. “Fluctuations in the water pressure caused the water main to buckle.” King said the building at 31 Cowlitz Street was impacted by the break. The building is the site of two small restaurants and several apartments. “Our crews were able to isolate the break and restore service to the affected area within about one hour,” King said. Public works crews were to return Tuesday to patch the concrete cuts that had to be made in order to make the emergency repairs. In Portland, both the streetcar and MAX lines cancelled services for two

days, citing safety concerns and heat-caused electrical issues. The streetcar’s Twitter account posted a photo of one of the streetcar’s power cables with a hole in it, which appeared to be caused by heat expansion. The account stated, “In case you’re wondering why we’re canceling service for the day, here’s what the heat is doing to our power cables.” By Monday evening cooler marine air began flowing into Columbia County and the surrounding region dropping temperatures into the mid 60’s overnight. Kranz said more heat waves should be expected in the region through the summer and into early fall. “Chances are very low we’ll see temperatures this hot again,” he said. “I hope not. We won’t know for sure, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Year in Review - July 14

Columbia County tradition returns

The popular rides are always an attraction at the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Columbia County Fair and Rodeo opens a five-day run on Wednesday, July 14. The event had been cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, as preparations have been underway at each of the fairgrounds buildings from herding in the livestock to setting up the tents and vendor booths, it has been a flurry of activity. Columbia County Fair Vice President and Vendor Coordinator Julie Pelletier said she expects attendance will surpass the 2019 fair. “Because everybody is ready to get out and put smiles or their faces and relax and enjoy it,” Pelletier said. “And

that is our goal. People want to get out of the house and see everybody again.” What’s new More shade and water will be available at the fairgrounds. “We are really focusing on areas where families can rest and to get out of the sun,” Pelletier said. “We have bigger pop-up shades that will be placed all over. We will have a little water area for kids to cool off, so instead of getting overheated and heading home, we are offering more to keep them here and to help make their experience as enjoyable as possible.” The popular carnival rides and rodeo will also be in place as well as an entertainment stage.

Chronicle photo

Fair economy Pelletier estimated that in 2019 the fair brought in about $200,000, money that sustains the fair and fairgrounds annually. “This year I believe it is going to give us a muchneeded financial boost to keep us moving forward, doing the upkeep, the repairs and to be able to make things even better,” she said. Pelletier said thanks to a financial infusion from the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, needed improvements have been made over the past several weeks, including new building gutters, restroom repairs, a waterline update and a new roof on the shop building is

Chronicle photo

The popular rodeo will return to this summer’s Columbia County Fair & Rodeo.

planned. “We still have to be self-sufficient,” Pelletier said, who added that she expected the attendance and fair gate profits for this summer’s event to match and even be over what occurred in 2019. In a published interview with The Chronicle in March, Columbia County Fair President Jaime Carr said the county fair and rodeo is a tradition that helps sustain the local economy and one that should never fade away. “For me a fair just doesn’t represent watching a rodeo and getting an elephant ear,” he said. “It’s the full meal deal. You are supporting local businesses, allowing them the oppor-

tunity to interact with the public, and we are giving the community a local event and a place to gather. We are creating jobs and we are building relations.” Health and safety precautions Pelletier said the fair is also following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. “If you are vaccinated you don’t need to wear a mask,” she said. “For those people who are not vaccinated, we are asking that they follow the CDC guidelines, social distancing and to wear a mask, however we are not going to ask for the vaccine card, so

hopefully everyone will be self-accountable and selfresponsible. We just have to be careful.” Pelletier, a long-standing volunteer at the fair, said the return of the event is heartwarming. “Seeing people coming in with a smile on their face and knowing that we are presenting a place to forget about any issues that are going on personally and worldwide and just relax and have a good time,” she said. “There are so many smiles and I absorb all those smiles.” The Columbia County Fair is located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. To reach the fair office, call 503-397-4231.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FOOD & DRINK ACROSS

48. Jawaharlal’s last name

19. All worked up

50. *Driest type of sherry

22. *Granola serving

5. Drivel

52. *a.k.a. black treacle

23. Téa Leoni’s “____ Sec-

55. Softly-softly, loris’ cousin

retary”

1. *Lettuce variety 8. *Café alternative 11. *Cantina cooker 12. *Waldorf salad ingredient 13. Animal trail 15. Radio knob 16. Hurry up, acr. 17. One who accepts the offer 18. *Anise-flavored spirit 20. “Happily ____ after”

56. A Flock of Seagulls’ 1982 hit (2 words) 57. *Cabbage amount 59. Alexandre Dumas’ “The Black ____” 60. What seekers do 61. Consequently 62. Everything 63. Temporary craze

24. Old World lizard 25. Unicellular organism 26. Stroke on a green 27. Lithograph, for short 28. Japan to U.S. in WWII 29. *Stuffed grapevine leaf 32. *Flageolet or azuki 33. *Popular breakfast cereal 36. *Type of #34 Across

21. Operatic solos

64. Swedish shag rugs

22. ____ Air in L.A.

DOWN

40. One little piggy?

2. Pelvic bones

words)

3. Spill the beans

44. One clean one?

4. Certain fir

46. *Betty Crocker fruit

5. *Fusilli or ziti

snack

6. Same as #39 Across, pl.

48. Waterwheel

7. Supreme pontiff

49. Serengeti grazer

8. Puff

50. Unplayable baseball

23. Hairy vertebrate 26. Freed 30. In the past 31. Small type of drum 34. *Wine in Italy 35. Charleston, e.g. 37. Chow down 38. a.k.a. honey badger 39. Wet nurse 40. Hervé Villechaize on “Fantasy Island” 42. Expression of doubt 43. Founding Father 45. City in Japan 47. Shock and ____

1. Physique, informally

9. Field worker 10. Be off base 12. Capital of Philippines 13. Be at the helm 14. *Ballerina-inspired dessert

38. Lion sounds 41. Easily available (2

51. It will, contraction 52. Irk 53. Like a ghost 54. Long novel 55. School support org. 58. Opposite of don’ts

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

Having a Garage Sale? Contact The Chronicle at 503-397-0116 or chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net to get your garage sale in the classifieds. Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Fire agencies issue burn ban HILARY DORSEY

headlightreporter@countrymedia.net

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County has moved to Extreme Fire Danger, and all outdoor burning is now closed, according to the Columbia County Fire District Board, which issued the burn ban Aug. 12. All open burning is prohibited, even in Columbia County parks, including recreational campfires, portable propane/patio fireplaces, and charcoal BBQs. “Anytime we go to an extreme fire danger, it is definitely serious,” Columbia River Fire & Rescue District’s Rainier Station Battalion Chief Jerry Cole said. “We know this inconveniences people with recreational fires, but it is for the best.” According to Cole, everyone needs to be vigilant during such extreme fire danger. “If you see smoke, or see a fire, call 9-1-1 and we will Courtesy of Oregon Forestry Department respond to check it out,” he Fire agencies in Columbia County continue to urge everyone to be aware of the extreme wildfire danger. said. Fire officials warn that District and the Vernonia Fire Complex near Canyonville resulting in property damage even tossing a cigarette or District. or requiring suppression efand the Middle Fork Comparking your vehicle in tall forts from a fire agency, may plex near Oakridge. grass can lead to wildfires Statewide wildfire danger result in fines and individual Oregon Department of that will spread fast due to financial responsibility for Forestry Forester (ODF) the extreme dry conditions Statewide, lightning over damages caused. Nancy Hirsch said fire condiand afternoon winds. the weekend has caused a The Columbia County tions continue to worsen from “Carelessness is the series of new wildfires. Five Fire District Board includes drought and high temperabiggest cause of wildfires,” major wildfire complexes Columbia River Fire & tures. according to a release from erupted following lightning Rescue, Clatskanie Fire “One single spark can start the fire district board, “so it is District, Mist-Birkenfeld Fire strikes over the past few a fire that can spread quickly,” everyone’s responsibility to days, triggering 100 fires, District, Oregon Department Hirsch said. practice fire safety.” including the Skyline Ridge of Forestry, Scappoose Fire Firefighters continue to Escaped fires of any kind Columbia County’s trusted local news source

face challenges with the pace of the current fire season. “We can’t control the weather or fire starts from lightning,” Hirsch said, “We can and we must prevent how many human-caused fires we add to the landscape.” ODF’s Chief of Fire Protection Doug Grafe said the mix of heat, lightning and low humidity continues to heighten the danger. “We have, along with the challenging temperatures, likelihood of lightning,” Grafe said. “That’s a difficult forecast for us with lower humidity on top of the ongoing drought.” Fire agency officials said the days ahead mean everyone must be wildfire aware. “We as the general public are probably the number one helper in this,” Oregon Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We have a role.” Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps said every Oregonian was in some way impacted by last year’s wildfire season, whether they were evacuated or experienced poor air quality from smoke. “We need to use these experiences of our past emergencies and disasters to inform and strengthen our statewide preparedness,” Phelps said. “Too many of us in Oregon are underprepared. We need to work together to change that.” Phelps said residents and businesses should have and practice an emergency evacuation plan, which includes

having copies of critical documents ready to take with them at a moments notice. Oregonians are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts in their county at OR-Alert. gov. OR-Alert is an effort to ensure statewide access to receive alerts, warnings, and notifications (AWN) systems, enabling real-time sharing of hazard information across Oregon’s 36 counties and tribal governments, according to the OR-Alert website. The technology also allows county emergency managers to access notification tools including the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Alerts and Warnings System which is capable of issuing messaging to all cell phones in a geographic area. The fire agencies officials also urged Oregonians to know what the critical evacuation levels are: • Level one means get ready • Level two is get set • Level three is go Phelps said when there is an emergency that requires evacuation, homeowners might get a knock on the door from the fire department, receive a message, or may receive no notification at all. “People should take time to prepare now,” Phelps said. Fire officials discussed Oregon’s ongoing wildfire season, fire prevention and preparedness during a media briefing Thursday, Aug. 12.

www.thechronicleonline.com

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CH21-1852

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at or after 7:00 PM and before the City Council on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at or after 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for these hearings will be from the plaza side entrance. Zoom will also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda.

Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https://www. sthelensoregon.gov/meetings. The purpose of these hearings is to consider an application as follows: File No: Annexation A.5.21 Applicant: Jeanne Morain Request: Annexation of property to the City of St. Helens Location: Southeast of the intersection of Pittsburg Road & Meadowview Drive Map No: 4B1W6D-604 & 4N1W-6AD-2600 Testimony from the public in either oral or written form is invited. The hearings will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development Code

(SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to make a recommendation to the City Council who is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: St. Helens Municipal Code 17.08.040, 17.28.030, and 17.112.020 As part of this Annexation proposal, the city will address related amendments to its Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map for this approximate 12-acre site. The anticipated Comprehensive Plan designation

CH21-1861

upon annexation is Suburban Residential (Incorporated) SR. The zoning that could be applied upon annexation area the Apartment Residential (AR), General Residential (R5), Moderate Residential (R7), and/or Suburban Residential (R10) zones. Whether the site will be annexed as an established or developing area (if applicable) as provided by SHMC 17.112.020 will also be determined. Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, at a hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue

accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to each hearing. There is no cost to inspect the

file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www. sthelensoregon.gov/meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503397-6272, e-mail: jdimsho@ sthelensoregon.gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. Anyone needing special assistance should contact City Hall at least 72 hours in advance to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The Council Chambers are fully accessible.

CH21-1854

PUBLIC LIEN SALE U-STORE SELF STORAGE PUBLIC NOTICE - INVITATION TO BID Auction to be held online competitive bidding. 1st Cindi Attaway RV231, Randy METAL CANOPY WITH CONSTRUCTION at Storageauctions.com. Auc- Location: Scappoose 53567 Burghart RV602, Michael tion will run from 1/4/2022 Columbia River Hwy. Jacob Smith R-170. GOODS OF AND FOUNDATION COLUMBIA RIVER PUD 10:00 am & end on 1/14/2022 Abbott CY37 Alysia Bailiff EVERY DESCRIPTION Notice is hereby given that Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) will receive sealed bids for a Metal Canopy with Construction and Foundation. Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 2:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on February 8, 2022, 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 22, 2021 at Columbia River People’s Utility District.

CH21-1857

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of Don Ross Alexander, Deceased. No. 21PB05582 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the above entitled estate. All persons having claims against the estate are

hereby required to present the same, with proper vouchers, within four months of the first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the personal representative, at 52300 SW 4th Street, Scappoose Oregon, 97056, or they 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 of the personal representative if one has been assigned to the estate. Dated and first published. December 29, 2021. Nicole Conley, Personal Representative 52300 SW 4th Street, Scappoose, Oregon 97056.

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CH21-1856

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of LOREN OLIVER RAGAN Deceased. Case No. 21PB10607 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 29, 2021. Michael Ragan, Personal Representative.

CH21-1859

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of DENNIS MICHAEL BAILEY Case No. 21PB10605 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims

CH21-1858

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of the Applications by NEXT Renewable Fuels Oregon, LLC for a Use Permitted Under Prescribed Conditions, Site Design Review and Variance for a Renewable Diesel Production Facility at Port Westward (DR 21-03; V 21-05) and a Conditional Use Permit for a Rail Branchline near Port Westward (CU 21-04) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICATION) 1. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at or

after 10:00 a.m., at the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. 2. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the applications by NEXT Renewable Fuels Oregon, LLC, for a renewable fuel facility at Port Westward. NEXT has submitted two applications, which the County has consolidated for review: (1) Application DR 21-03 and V 21-05, for a Use Permitted Under Prescribed Conditions in the Resource Industrial – Planned Development (RIPD) Zone, Site Design

Review and a Variance. The proposed development includes the construction of a renewable diesel production facility with multiple buildings (office, laboratory, warehouse, maintenance, process control etc.), parking, private roadways, storage tanks, processing equipment, gas flare, wastewater treatment facilities, outdoor laydown yards, electrical equipment, landscaping and security fencing. The variance is for fence height and screening requirements. The approximately 109-acre site

is located at Port Westward, near Clatskanie, Oregon, identified as Tax Map ID Nos. 8422-00-00100, 842200-00200, 8422-00-00300. The site will be accessed from a driveway to Hermo Road with an emergency secondary access to Kallunki Road. (2) Application CU 21-04 for a Conditional Use Permit to establish a “rail branchline” to connect the site to Portland & Western Railroad’s facilities, which would pass through land zoned Primary Agricultural Use (PA-80) adjacent to Port

CH21-1839

CH21-1860

OF MEETING NOTICE OF WORKSHOP NOTICE The Columbia Soil & The meeting will be held The next Fairboard Workshop is on January 3rd, 2022 at 6:30 PM in the 4H building. The next fair board

meeting is on January 10th, 2022 at 6:30 PM in the 4H building. Call in Number: 503-560-2671

Water Conservation District will be holding their Annual Meeting on January 19, 2022 at 4:00 PM.

at the SWCD office, 35285 Millard Road in St. Helens, OR 97051 and via Zoom.

Westward near Clatskanie, Oregon, identified as Tax Map ID Nos. 8421-00-00600, 8422-00- 00400, 8422-0000500, 8422-00-00600, 8423-B0-00700 and 8423B0-00800. 3. All interested parties may appear and be heard virtually by: Computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/357054141 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when the meeting starts: https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ install/870493693 Phone: United States (toll free):

1-866-899-4678 Access Code: 357-054-141 4. If you are in need of any special accommodations to participate at this hearing, please call the Board of County Commissioners Office at (503) 397-4322 at least two days in advance. 5. The hearing will be held according to the procedures in the Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. Dated this 22nd day of December, 2021. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. By: Margaret Magruder, Chair.

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

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A10

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Year in Review - Sept. 22

Klondike restaurant, hotel to reopen JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

It is an iconic site along the Riverfront District in St. Helens but for the past few years, the 8,600-square foot big yellow Klondike Hotel and Restaurant has been sitting idle. Former owners Dave Wuollet and Roni Bartlett closed the restaurant and bar in late summer of 2018, citing economic pressures and differences in negotiating the lease. The building was then listed on the market for $799,000 by Sadaka Realty LLC. After visiting St. Helens in April, Portland resident Holcombe Waller discovered the Klondike. “I was looking at property and I had always dreamed of retiring one day as a boutique hotel owner,” Waller said. “When I saw this building I thought maybe I should advance that dream, I am 46, but I thought maybe I could get this building running again.” Following several months of research, Waller acknowledged that purchasing and renovating the building would be complex, but with the support of friends, associates and investment partners, he decided to purchase the Klondike. “I brought this building for $650,000 to try to restore the hotel and the restaurant but that is going to take some doing,” Waller said. The restoration The hotel has been unoccupied for several years and Waller acknowledge that the building has to be brought up to code. Waller estimated that his restoration of the Klondike could cost “well over a million

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

expectation of people in the community. This town was made by individuals, like small businesses, small property owners. The fabric reflects that and gives it its personality and local flavor. I want to bring that right here at this structure and hopefully extended that in the riverfront development direction.” Waller said he wants to be a part of the city’s successful redevelopment. “There is so much enthusiasm by the local businesses and property owners here,” he said. “It is individuals working together, so I am trying to participate in that whole experience, beautifying the downtown as a local.” Originally from California, Waller is a performing singer and songwriter. He moved to Portland 17 years ago. He also has background in renovating buildings. “I really enjoy hosting and I find that performing is kind of like hosting,” he said.

The 8,600 square foot Klondike Hotel and Restaurant is located at 1st and Cowlitz Streets in the Riverfront District of St. Helens.

dollars.” “But I have done similar restorations before and to me I think it is worth doing,” he said. Waller hopes to open the restaurant with limited weekend operations Oct. 1. He said as the building reopens, it will be an experiment to see what fits best. “The focus is on right now will be a kind of Halloweentown weekend through the month of October,” he said. “Just sprucing up the spaces, partnering with EAT George’s food truck for food and doing some kind of highly-themed and fun performing things on the patio and inside on the first floor. We’ll be serving beer, wine, cocktails and we will

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

A worker paints the ceiling in the bar area as part of the new restoration of the Klondike.

have live piano music. Then we will explore the idea of opening for the weekends in November or early December.” While the specific menu is still in the works, Waller said his vision for the restaurant is dinner concerts. “Because I come from a music and performance background, so doing small promoted dinner concerts using local and regional artists with a very focused dinner menu around ticketed attendees,” he said. “Restaurants are really hard, so we are focusing on events for the time being to see what works.” Waller said he is working to get the Klondike’s kitchen

relicensed with the health department and planning re-plumbing that’s needed. He also wants to add a coffee cart to the building’s front patio area within the next few months. He said the Klondike’s patio that faces both 1st and Cowlitz Streets will be opened up to become an important element of the restoration. The patio “I want the patio to connect to the restaurant with a porch so that when customers walk into the restaurant they can walk to the patio,” he said. “With a coffee cart on the corner on the patio facing the street so that all the folks that

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The new owner of the Klondike Building is Portland resident Holcombe Waller.

come walking here can have a place to stop in the morning for coffee and later for lunch. I want to work the coffee cart and get to know everybody.” Overall, Waller hopes to have the restaurant and an 18room hotel fully operational in two years. He said he would like to restructure the entrances into the restaurant and to the hotel and have a functional lobby. Waller said he will be closely following local, state and federal permitting standards and requirements in his restoration efforts. “This is a super iconic area,” Waller said of the St. Helens Riverfront. “Especially with the plans for redevelopment. This building should set a certain standard in the

Klondike history The Klondike originally served as a 1910 boarding house for local workers in the nearby logging mill and boat docks where McCormick Steam Company constructed steam ships, according to Sadaka Realty LLC. The three-story hotel has a colorful history. “It seems that behind the hotel were bath houses where ‘working girls’ entertained customers,” Sadaka Realty LLC states in the web page entry listing the hotel for sale or lease. The hotel was closed in 1961. A fine dining restaurant and saloon later opened on the first floor of the Klondike but eventually was closed.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

This framed photo is one found inside the Klondike showing what the building looked like many years ago.

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A11

Year in Review - Oct. 20

Out of stock: Supply chain disruptions ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

A supply chain shortage, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, has rattled Oregon. With global shipping container prices rising and transport moving at crawl speed, the nation, its businesses and consumers are challenged by unprecedented goods and service delays. Local impact

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

A representative of the St. Helens Ace Hardware store said his store is only receiving about 50% of its normal warehouse orders.

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The Chronicle reached out to several local businesses to find out how the supply chain shortage has affected daily operations and its customers. St. Helens Ace Hardware Operations Manager John Ketels said that his store is experiencing large warehouse shortages almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. “One-hundred percent of our business is based on product that we can get from our Ace Hardware warehouse that is located close to Yakima, Washington,” he said. “We’re dependent on what they’re able to get for suppliers. Right now, we’re running about fifty percent of what we ordered that we’re getting.” St. Helens Ace Hardware General Manager Melissa Peterson said that some of these delayed items include sealant, plumbing tools, electrical breakers, paint, propane, and canning jar lids. “We want to serve our community,” she said. “If they don’t have it, they don’t have it. We’re doing the best with the cards we’re given.” According to Ketels, maintaining inventory was most challenging in the first few months of the pandemic. “We order twice a week. Normally it just takes two or three days to get back in stock on something,” he said. “But during the pandemic and then with a certain category being out

Dear Friends and Valued Customers, It’s been over 38 years for us, and it’s time to retire as of January 1, 2022. It’s with a bit of nostalgia that we relinquish our ownership of Paulson Printing. We feel we are putting it in the capable hands of Jordan Hicks of Scappoose, Oregon as the new owner. Paulson Printing was established in 1935 by our grandfather Paul S. Paulson; we have been in the same building since 1943. The business will continue to be located at 125 N. 19th St. Helens. One of the reasons we decided to sell to Jordan is he is local, and we know that he will treat every customer just like we have; with respect. We are excited that Jordan will be adding new items and services to complement our product offering in the months ahead. You can count on the same outstanding service, the same mantra of “No job too big or too small”, and reach us at the same contact info; 503-397-1224 and printing@paulsonprinting.com. We look forward to seeing Paulson Printing continue to succeed for years to come. Our family wants to thank you for the support and friendship for all our years in business. Sincerely, Paul & Chris Stansbury, Ken & Kristi Stansbury

My family and I are so incredibly humbled to take ownership of Paulson Printing, an institution born and tempered on excellent customer support and caring devotion to high-quality service to the community. I have been intimately involved in all aspects of the print world for over 12 years. From running presses, creating artwork to servicing clients, it has always been my dream to have a shop of my own. My wife and I raised our children here in Scappoose, Oregon. We are very active with the communities in our county. I have been the president of a charitable nonprofit in Columbia County for years. Service and dedication run through my family’s veins.

of stock, we’ve been out of certain products for three or four months.” Columbia River Auto Glass Owner Tricia Stockwell said that pandemic shutdowns created invisible supply chain backups that weren’t realized in her St. Helens-based company until much later, when production resumed. “We continued throughout COVID and ultimately what happened was over time, we depleted the stock that was in all the warehouses and when the (glass) manufacturing plants reopened, most of them, reopen at 25 or 50% capacity. They’re having a hard time getting caught back up,” she said. According to Stockwell, the company has never seen its inventory this low. “We really didn’t realize it until about April of this year that was when we first started having supply chain issues. Initially, I was starting to go, ‘What, there’s no glass for this?’ It’s kind of strange, you know, there’s always a ton of these types of vehicles out there,” Stockwell said. “It’s something we’ve never seen in our 13 years of business.” St. Helens EMS personnel came to Stockwell for repairs, making it critically important for her business to stay operational. As the pandemic spread across the state, it was unclear if her company would be qualified essential under state health and safety guidelines. “We weren’t sure if we were open, and customers didn’t really know or call. But I got calls that both the sheriff’s office and the fire department medic’s windshields got broken and at that point, we realized okay, I guess we’re essential,” Stockwell said. St. Helens Market Fresh Manager Scott Simpson said that although his store hasn’t been hit quite as hard overall, certain commodities are difficult to come by. “Right now, cat food is a big one, and then there were Gatorade and water shortages,” he said. “There’s been strikes that have happened with different companies like Nabisco, for instance, which has since been solved, but for a little while Oreos weren’t coming in. There’s a lot of sporadic and random things like that.” The Chronicle asked Simpson what he would like customers to know about his store’s efforts to keep goods well-stocked. “We go down multiple avenues and get something on the shelf at the very least, just so they have something that fits what they’re looking to purchase,” he said. Breaking down the numbers According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) freight mobility data, 60% of goods leaving and 70% of goods coming into Oregon are transported across state lines. Oregon Office of Economic Analysis Economist

Josh Lehner breaks down the figures with a simple analogy. “If you go to Home Depot, a lot of the wood you’re going to buy is locally made wood, right? But if you go to the grocery store and you buy bananas, you know none of the bananas are grown,” he said. “It’s a measure of what do we make and buy here versus what do we buy here that we have to import.” Lehner said he believes a 14% spike in U.S. consumer spending, based on projections from 2017-2019 data, is responsible for the supply chain disruption. Lehner wrote in an Oct. 5 blog post that although U.S. production is returning to pre-pandemic levels, COVID-related supply chain issues, such as workers on sick leave, warehouses and factories operating at or near capacity, or a lack of employees can’t be resolved fast enough to keep up with customer demand. “We’re doing that over time, right? We’re adding more truck drivers, more warehouse workers and delivery drivers (in Oregon). All those are increasing,” Lehner told The Chronicle. “Those can’t increase 15% overnight, but consumer spending can increase 70% overnight.” In Lehner’s blog, he states that although supply chains are breaking down all over the nation, Oregon is protected, to a certain degree, from more severe downstream consequences. “Here in Oregon we have good and bad news. Our manufacturers rely on imported intermediate goods less than most other states,” he said. “Additionally, the movement of freight is relatively smaller in Oregon than most other states. This means the supply chain problems disrupt a somewhat smaller slice of the regional economy than is the case in the Midwest, for example.” When will the disruption end? According to Lehner, a full recovery from the supply chain disruption could take several months. “From an economic growth perspective what matters isn’t just when things normalize, but when do things stop getting worse. It is possible that we are currently at or near peak supply chain problems, but still quarters away from any return to normal,” he wrote. Lehner also said there is a silver lining. “The silver lining today is vendor delivery times are no longer worsening economy-wide — they’re terrible but not getting worse in recent months — and business investment is strong,” he wrote. “Supply chain improvements should be coming, but we’re a long way from normal.” In an online Chronicle poll, we asked readers if they were worried about the increasing consumer product supply disruption. Of those who responded as of Monday, Oct. 18, 65% said they were worried, 35% said they were not worried.

Crossword Solution Solution for the Dec. 22, 2021 crossword puzzle

This wonderful opportunity to run an iconic business in my home community is something that I treasure. I will endeavor to stay consistent with the very high standards that Ken and Paul have left for us. We are thankful for the business and loyalty that you have given Paulson’s over the years. I want you to know that we will continue to provide the same level of excellence for many more years to come! Respectfully, Jordan, Tara, Erica & Eugene Hicks

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A12

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Year in Review - Nov. 17

Trooper critically injured following pursuit, crash

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The OSP patrol vehicle, heavily damaged, rests on the side of the road following the crash. See more photos with this story at thechronicleonline.com. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper John Jeffries remained in critical condition as of late Monday, Nov. 15, following a pursuit and crash along Highway 30 four miles north of St. Helens. According to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) investigators, late Thursday afternoon Nov. 11, OSP troopers, CCSO deputies, and Rainier Police had been engaged in a short pursuit with a suspect fleeing from a criminal incident in Longview, Washington. That pursuit was later terminated. Shortly after the pursuit was terminated, OSP Trooper John Jeffries was struck on Highway 30 milepost 31 west of St. Helens. The suspect vehicle rammed an OSP patrol car, which then struck Trooper Jeffries. Investigators said no shots were fired

during the pursuit or the crash. The trooper suffered critical injuries and was taken by ground ambulance to Emanuel Hospital in Portland. The extent and severity of Jeffries’ injuries were being determined at the time of his hospitalization, according to the OSP. “Jefferies’ medical team will continue to monitor, evaluate and treat his visible injuries and the internal trauma caused as a result of the incident,” an OSP release states. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital, where he was treated for injuries he sustained as a result of the crash. As of late Nov. 15, CCSO reported the suspect was still hospitalized. Specific charges against the suspect and his identity were pending at press time. Details about the crimi-

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Trooper John Jeffries

nal incident that led to the pursuit also have not been immediately released by authorities. History Jeffries started with the Oregon State Police in March of 2021, after retiring from the FBI after 20 years of service. Jeffries is currently stationed at the OSP St. Helens worksite.

Jeffries and his wife have spent the last 25 years in Portland, where they raised their two sons, according to the OSP. Jeffries has spent his life in service to the public,” the OSP release reads. “The Oregon State Police asks that you respect the family’s privacy at this time. We also ask for your prayers for Trooper Jeffries, his family, his friends as well as the entire OSP family.” OSP Superintendent Terri Davi said all troopers recognize the risk they face each time they don their uniforms and report for duty. “But accepting that risk does not make the fight Trooper Jeffries is currently battling any easier,” Davi said. “As minutes, hours and days go by, our prayers and support are with Trooper Jeffries and his family.”

FBI Statement The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said that 25 years ago, Jeffries took an oath of office as FBI Special Agent Jeffries. The following is the FBI release. “As a young man, he joined the FBI with a mission to serve his country. As a case agent, pilot, firearms instructor, and SWAT team member, John served with honor. He was an agent’s agent – first in the door and always doing the right thing in the right way. He was a respected leader, and his retirement in 2016 was a loss for the FBI. “John’s call to service didn’t end there, though. This year, John was driven by a sense of duty and purpose to join OSP as a new trooper, completing Oregon’s law enforcement academy alongside men and women who were as much as 30 years his junior.

“There are only two things John loves more than his law enforcement service – his family and his faith. Today and every day, OSP and the FBI will care for John and his family as he has cared for us. We are extremely grateful to the OSP, their leadership, and the OSP family, as they circle around Trooper Jeffries. The FBI joins OSP in asking the public for their love and support for John and his family as he recovers from these serious injuries. Please also give this family the privacy and space it needs to nurture his recovery.” The investigation is ongoing and being handled by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, the Washington County Major Crimes Team, and the Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team.

Protege a quienes nos protegen. Vacúnate.

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

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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

A13

Year in Review - Dec. 15

The future of swimming in St. Helens

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

The St. Helens High School Swim team held its first home meet at Eisenschmidt Pool last week. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The growth of the sport of swimming in St. Helens is moving ahead one lap after another. St. Helens High School (SHHS) Head Swim Coach Chelsie Orr is leading the effort to open swimming up to younger students. How it began During the past summer, Orr conducted a free swim camp for St. Helens youth from second to eighth grade. “We had all 56 spots filled and an average of 42 a day,” Orr said. “High-school swimmers served as volunteer junior coaches and taught drills, starts, turns, and more. Each participant received a free shirt, cap,

and goggles.” Orr said the younger student event was made possible by an Oregon Department of Education (ODE) summer learning grant. Earlier, Orr successfully presented a proposal to the St. Helens School District to add a middle school swim program, which will debut this spring under coach Amy Stobbe. “This will provide an earlier chance for student athletes to try out a new sport and will, in turn, feed the high school program and contribute to more success,” Orr said. Currently the only option for competitive swimming below the high school level in the community is the Sea Lions Club team, according to Orr. “This is similar to other club sports where it involves

more of a financial and time commitment,” Orr said. “The middle school swim program would be eight weeks of swim training and this year is completely free,” Orr said. “The only sports without options below high school besides club level are swimming, tennis, and golf,” she said. “I was motivated to change that to provide more options to the community. Even more than that I hope to continue a youth program each summer to further the availability.” Lifelong skills According to Orr, competitive swimming is a sport unique from others because it’s the only one that also combines a life-saving skill. “Many of our high school swimmers become

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

St. Helens High School Swim Team Coach Chelsie Orr meets with members of her team on the pool deck.

lifeguards and swim lesson instructors at Eisenschmidt Pool,” she said. “I feel our sport has been in the background for a long time and I would like to see it have some time to shine!” Orr said swimming helps students learn life skills and gave an example that currently many kids participate in swimming lessons and become ‘water safe’ at a young age through the lesson programs at Eisenschmidt Pool. “When there are more ways for athletes to improve and build on their skills as well as increase their endurance in the water they become not only safer for themselves when swimming but could assist if someone were to need help,” she said. “Competitive swimmers are used to being able to swim 2,000-5,000 yards in a prac-

tice, so if they are in a body of water with friends and someone is struggling, they would have the endurance to help them. This is a lifelong skill.” Timing system Orr said the new state-ofthe-art swim timing system also is funded through the ODE grant. The system includes touch pads and was scheduled to be used at the SHHS swim team’s first home meet last week. “The timing system will be utilized by our high school team and has been offered to the Sea Lions Club team for use as well at Scappoose High School,” she said. “It will also be used for future swim camps we can offer through the school district. Installation was

made possible by Andrew at Lower Columbia Engineering.” Orr said the new timing system helps move Eisenschmidt Pool into the future. “I believe this system brings our community pool facility up to the level of other pools in our league such as Shute Park and Parkrose who have similar systems,” she said. “It will also be a draw for the pool to have the ability to host bigger events much like the Artman Invitational swim meet because of the accuracy of the times from the touch pads.” Eisenschmidt Pool is located at 1070 Eisenschmidt Lane in St. Helens. The pool may be reached at 503-3972283. For more information about the St. Helens High School Swim Team, call SHHS at 503-397-1900.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle

The new state-of-the-art swim timing system is positioned along the wall at the end of Eisenschmidt Pool in St. Helens and relies on underwater touchpoints.

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A14

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANPORTATION Chronicle Guest Article

In the United States, drunk driving is the number one cause of death on our roadways. Every two minutes, someone is injured by a drunk driver and every 51 minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver. In 2019, Oregon experienced 2,336 substanceinvolved crashes in which 318 people died and 334 people sustained life-alerting injuries. From 2018- 2019, substance-involved fatalities increased 1%, of note is for the first time since 2014, drug-only fatalities saw a decrease of 17%, alcohol-only involved fatalities (fatality is one person rather than one crash) saw a 5% increase and fatalities involving either alcohol or drugs decreased 9%. Poly-substance fatalities, which have increased every year since 2014, saw a 30% increase from 2017-2018. In Oregon, overall substance involved crashes (the table above is people) increased 1% from 2017-2018. Fatal and serious injuries (people) as a result of substance-involved crashes increased 6%. From 2017-2018, substance involved crashes that resulted in a fatal or serious injury increased from 15% to 17% and of note, substance involved fatal and serious injury crashes account for 25% of all fatal and serious injury crashes. The public may not be aware but Under Oregon DUII law, a person commits the offense of driving while under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) if the person drives a vehicle, upon a premise open to the public, while the person: • Has 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood of the person as shown by chemical analysis of the breath or blood of the person; OR • Is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, cannabis, a controlled substance or an

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Impaired driving in Oregon

inhalant; OR • Is under the influence of any combination of intoxicating liquor, an inhalant, cannabis, and a controlled substance. If you are using prescribed medication that impacts your ability to drive you can be arrested for DUII. If a person in Oregon is driving under the influence of drugs there is no legal limit. In addition, a person may be arrested for DUII even if they are below the legal limit. • Over 21 - .08 BAC • Under 21 - .01 BAC • Commercial Drivers - .04 BAC Effects of commonly misused drugs on driving Marijuana affects psychomotor skills and cognitive functions critical to driving including vigilance, drowsiness, time and distance perception, reaction time, divided attention, lane tracking, coordination, and balance. Opioids can cause drowsiness and can impair cognitive function. After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found in the blood of drivers involved in crashes. Tests for detecting marijuana in drivers measure the level of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana’s mind-altering ingredient, in the blood. But the role that marijuana plays in crashes is often unclear. THC can be detected in body fluids for days or even weeks after use, and it is often combined with alcohol. The vehicle crash risk associated with marijuana in combination with alcohol, cocaine, or benzodiazepines appears to be greater than that for each drug by itself. Several studies have shown that drivers with THC in their blood were roughly twice as likely to be responsible for a deadly crash or be killed than drivers who hadn’t used drugs or alcohol. However, a large NHTSA study found no significant increased crash

risk traceable to marijuana after controlling for drivers’ age, gender, race, and presence of alcohol. More research is needed. Along with marijuana, prescription drugs are also commonly linked to drugged driving crashes. In 2016, 19.7 percent of drivers who drove while under the influence tested positive for some type of opioid. https://www.drugabuse. gov/publications/drugfacts/ drugged-driving Penalties for DUII in Oregon The average cost for a firsttime DUII in Oregon is $4,500; however, it can be as much as $10,000 and even more if someone is injured or killed. In the State of Oregon, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) is either a Class A misdemeanor or a Class C Felony. Misdemeanor DUII is punishable by a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine of $6,250. Felony DUII is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $125,000. In Oregon, DUII is a misdemeanor crime unless you have three or more prior DUII convictions in the past 10 years. If convicted of misdemeanor DUII, your Oregon driving privileges will be suspended for one year, three years, or revoked for life, depending on your driving record. If convicted of felony DUII, your driving privileges will be revoked for life. In addition to the charge of DUII, many face additional charges arising out of the same incident. Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Criminal Mischief, and other charges often accompany a DUII charge, and heighten the risk you are facing. Violations such as Careless Driving, Violation of the Basic Rule, Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Failure to Drive Within Lane, and other violations are punishable by a fine only and very rarely a license suspension.

If someone is injured or killed by an impaired driver that driver may also face manslaughter and assault charges. The below are examples of penalties for DUII; however, keep in mind that penalties depend on a variety of circumstances, such as prior offenses and driving record. First DUII Offense – Conviction Misdemeanor • Fines: minimum of $1,000 fine • Jail Time: minimum two days in jail • Driver’s License Suspension: One year driver’s license suspension (ignition interlock hardship driving permit may be available after first 30 days of suspension) • Ignition Interlock Device: ignition interlock restriction for 1 year upon driver’s license re-instatement • 80 hours community service may be given instead of jail or fine if courts think this appropriate • Complete alcohol / drug screening interview and treatment program • Possible attendance at victim impact treatment sessions • Mandatory alcohol evaluation • OR SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement Second DUII Offense Conviction Misdemeanor • Fines: minimum of $1,500 fine • Jail Time: Two days to one year in jail • Driver’s License Suspension: Three years driver’s license suspension (ignition interlock hardship driving permit may be available after first one year of suspension) • Ignition Interlock Device: ignition interlock restriction for two years upon drivers license re-instatement • Complete alcohol / drug screening interview and treatment program • Possible attendance at victim impact treatment sessions

• Mandatory alcohol evaluation • OR SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement Third DUII Offense Conviction Misdemeanor • Fines: minimum of $2,000 fine • Jail Time: Two days to one year in jail • Drivers License Suspension: drivers license permanently revoked (may file a petition in the county circuit court to have driving privileges restored after a period of 10 years) • Ignition Interlock Device: ignition interlock restriction for two years upon drivers license re-instatement • Complete alcohol / drug screening interview and treatment program • Possible attendance at victim impact treatment sessions • Mandatory alcohol evaluation • OR SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement In addition to the above penalties you may be required to attend a Victim Impact Panel and hear from victims how an impaired driver impacted their lives. Also few people realize that DUII convictions impact insurance rates, and can impact your ability to even obtain insurance. If convicted of a felony, that conviction stays on your record for life and can affect your ability to find employment. Finally, the choice to drive impaired can impact you the rest of your life, if you kill or injure someone you may be ordered to pay restitution in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some people convicted of DUII never get out from under their debt and it impacts their financial future, forever. How to prevent drinking and driving With all the ride shares and alternatives available it

is difficult to understand why impaired driving still remains such an issue; however, drugs and alcohol impair judgement so the best way to avoid drinking and driving is to have a plan, and to stick to it, prior to going out to drink or prior to using drugs. Making a plan before you party is the best way to avoid putting yourself in a situation where your judgement is already impaired. Other ways to prevent drinking and driving are: • Always choose a nondrinking designated driver — every time you go out. Uber, Lyft and taxis are all good choices. • If you go out alone, do not drink alcohol. Order a non-alcoholic beverage such as a soft drink or water. Or if you are going out alone consider taking alternative transportation to and from your destination. • Never feel pressured to drink alcohol. If you do plan on drinking, eat plenty of food and drink water. • If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi or car-sharing service for a ride like Uber or Lyft. • Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking. • If you can safely do so, protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. They may be mad at you, but the alternative is much worse. Remember choosing to drive impaired is a choice that can have consequences for the rest of your life. Resources • National Highway Transportation Safety Administration - https://www.nhtsa.gov/ campaign/drive-sober-or-getpulled-over. • Traffic Safety Marketing Materials from NHTSA https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials. • MADD - https://www. madd.org/the-problem Cate Duke – President of MADD Oregon – (541) 343 – 8115, or.state@madd.org.

Enjoy your drinks in moderation Drink responsibly.

ST. HELENS LIQUOR STORE 420 Columbia Blvd. • 503.397.1733

298 S. 1st Street St. Helens, Oregon • 503-396-5108

SCAPPOOSE Sand & Gravel Co.

Don’t drive while under the influence. 2015 COLUMBIA BLVD | 503.397.1329 WWW.RICHARDSONSFURNITURE.COM

Don’t wreck your holidays. Don’t drink and drive 150 S. 13th St, St. Helens 503-397-1521 www.sthelensoregon.gov/police

P.O. Box AF • 33485 E. Crown Zellerbach Rd. Scappoose, OR 97056 Phone: (503) 543-8821 • FAX: (503) 543-7997 Website: www.scappoosesandandgravel.com • Email: scappoosesg@gmail.com

503.397.1744 mcmullenwater.com A full service water treatment and water pump company.

- Family owned and operated since 1977 -

Be safe. Be smart. Be safe on the road. Columbia Funeral Home & Cremation Center Columbia Memorial Gardens 681 Columbia Blvd. St Helens, OR • 503.397.1154 • www.columbiafh.com

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503-397-5180•customerservicetca@gmail.com Located on Rock Quarry Rd. off of Hwy. 30 just North of Tide Cr. Rd.

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District When Seconds Count.

Please make smart choices. Don’t drink and drive. P.O. Box 998 St. Helens, OR 97051 Administrative Office: (503) 397-7255

Non-emergency Dispatch: (503) 397-1521 or 1-800-696-7795 www.columbia911.com

Don’t drink and drive

Live to enjoy the memory. Don’t Drink and Drive. 1620 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, OR 97051 | (503) 397-0123

The driver is safer when the roads are dry; the roads are safer when the driver is dry.

(503) 556-4120

612 W B Street, Rainier, OR 97048

16245 Hall Rd, Clatskanie, OR • 503-728-9116

503 728-2163 495 E. Columbia River Hwy. www.clatskaniepud.com

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Rainier Liquor Store

75928 Rockcrest , Rainier OR • (503) 556-6321