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Meet the voice of the Indians, Collin Haahr, Page A12

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Tribe toughs its way to fourth place, A12

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Taking care of business Theater to Nonprofit group ready to support area businesses BY SHARI PHIEL The Chronicle

If you are business owner in Columbia County, you might be surprised to learn there is nearly $200,000 available in the form of grants and loans. The funding is available through Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon, better known as MESO, which is a nonprofit, 501(c )(3) based in Portland. According to the organization, it seeks to “improve the economic opportunities of underserved individuals through empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship for the benefit of families in the greater community.” Just one of the types of funding available through MESO is Individual Development Accounts, which will be the focus of an upcoming information session. MESO will host an “Access to Capital” orientation on Thursday, Jan. 24, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Oregon State University Extension in the lecture hall. “We will be discussing Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) which are matched savings programs funded by the federal government and the state, which are designed to encourage savings and asset building,” said Sanford Maddox, executive director of the nonprofit. “To participate your household income cannot be greater than 80 percent of the median income for the local area and your net assets – exclud See SUPPORT, Page A4

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Live from St. Helens!

offer music and comedy performances BY SHARI PHIEL The Chronicle

ST. HELENS — It’s a weekday night, you’re looking for something to do besides renting a movie or hanging out in a bar. You have If you’re not willing to head to Portland or Longview, that’s doesn’t leave a lot of choices. Bu that’s about to change. Beginning in late February, the Columbia Theatre in Olde Towne will be offering live entertainment that will include comedy performances and live music. For the past several months, owner Jim Svoboda has spent countless

hours and about $60,000 renovating the interior of the historic building. “Our opening act will be Tom Grant,” said project manager and local real estate agent Susie Wilson. “We are planning to start with live music two nights a month and comedy two nights a month and see how it goes from there.” To accommodate the live performances, many changes had to be made. “We built out a stage and we had to buy all new sound equipment. Up in each corner are 6,000-watt speakers worth $8,000 or $9,000 each,” said Svoboda. Svoboda also installed a state-of-

the-art lighting system to complement the live performances and add a little drama. Along with getting ready to offer live entertainment, Svoboda is also in the process of getting a liquor license. Theater patrons will be able to order from a full bar menu, including beer and wine. The concession stand will have additional food choices besides the usual movie-fare offerings. “This used to be a vaudeville house,” said Svoboda. “In fact, my brother saw Roy Rogers and Trigger on the stage here. So we’re kind of back to vaudeville.” See THEATRE, Page A4

SHARI PHIEL / The Chronicle

Columbia Theatre owner Jim Svoboda hopes live music and comedy performances will provide a boost to Olde Towne’s redevelopment efforts.

Drug court offers hope for a new life BY SHARI PHIEL The Chronicle

For many, it’s a last chance at life without being behind bars and a last chance for a life without drugs. Columbia River Partnerships for Change operates three drug court programs: adult treatment; juvenile treatment and families restored. All three programs are seeing tremendous success. “All three programs are voluntary, they can quit at anytime but by completing the program, they are avoiding a possible prison sentence or charges hanging over their head,” said Russell Cross III, program coordinator for the partnership. “By quitting, they take the chance that the prison time, if they have some, could be reinstated. Everyone that is in the program had to apply to be in here and as long as they qualify, they will be approved, saying that we have enough space for them (we do have a waiting list from time to time).” According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, illegal drug use has been steadily on the rise for the past decade. In 2011, nearly 9 percent (more than 22.5 million) of all Americans had used an illegal drug or abused a prescribed medication in just the past month. That’s up from 8.2 percent in 2002. The NIDA notes that increase reflects a recent rise in the use of marijuana, the most commonly used illegal drug. Many of those going through one of the three drug court programs will tell you that not only is marijuana use on the rise in the county, but so is the use of heroin and

SHARI PHIEL / The Chronicle

Each week, supervisors from the Columbia River Partnerships for Change drug court program meet with mental health and addiction counselors, Circuit Court Judge Steven Reed and others to review the progress of the programs’ participants.

methamphetamines. But the drug court programs are helping to win the battle against drug use, at least one person at a time. What makes the program so successful? “It’s because they focus on every area of your life. When you go into treatment, they’re pretty much only focused on your drug or alcohol problem, getting you in and out,” said Jennifer Chapman. “With the drug court program I was in for 18 months and it wasn’t just about staying clean and sober. It was turning your life around and becoming a productive member of society.”

“

Chapman completed the adult drug court program more than a year ago. “I went through other inpatient and outpatient treatment programs,” said Chapman. “Drug court is a lot different… It’s more life changing.” Participants in each of the programs are required to spend several days each week at the drug court offices (located in the old courthouse) attending counseling sessions, group meetings, parenting classes, teen classes, nutrition classes and more. They’re also required to take random drug test-

ing and go before Judge Steven Reed each week. Those who miss their appointments, or fail to meet the requirements of their probation will quickly find themselves headed back to jail. “Federally, they have a lot of what they call evidence-based treatment curriculum. So there are groups that focus on specific needs each client may have. CCMH (Columbia Community Mental Health) counselors are trained on how to teach that curriculum,” said program manager Bryan Farrell. See COURT, Page A4

Oregon DMV now accepting deferred action applicants BY SHARI PHIEL The Chronicle

Following a directive issued by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano last June, the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles is now accepting driver’s license, instruction permit and identification card applications from Oregon residents approved for the federal “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) program. DMV began accepting the applications on Jan. 16. DACA applicants must have been issued immigration Form I-766 and must also meet all of Oregon’s requirements for the application.

We were thrilled to hear this news last week, and applaud the DMV and the governor for their roles in finding a workable solution for the DACA youth.” Amanda Aguilar Shank Rural Organizing Project

This includes proof of identity, age and residence address. Currently, the DMV electronically verifies Social Security numbers and federal immigration documents. Also, applicants

must pass all required tests and pay any related fees. The state agency had come under fire late last year when it began denying DACA applicants despite a June 15, 2012 memorandum from Napolitano authorizing Homeland Security to grant deferred action to “certain in-

dividuals who had entered the United States illegally as children.” According to Napolitano, these individuals “do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country or from entering into removal proceedings.” The DACA program allows eligible individuals to apply for and receive deferred action status. Deferred action under the DACA program means the person is not subject to immigration removal proceedings for two years, which may be renewed, and may be granted authorization to See DMV, Page A4

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Tax processing delayed The Oregon Department of Revenue announced its tax processing season will get a later start than usual this year, due to late tax law changes made by Congress to resolve the “fiscal cliff” crisis. The Internal Revenue Service’s 2013 filing season will start Jan. 30, eight days after its originally planned kickoff date of Jan. 22. That’s when the IRS will begin processing individual income tax returns filed electronically and on paper. Since Oregon can’t start processing electronically filed returns until the IRS opens its electronic filing system, the Oregon Department of Revenue will start its 2013 filing season on the same day, said Theresa Schuh, manager of

Revenue’s Personal Income Tax Program. “The amount of time it takes us to process each return will be the same. We typically don’t receive very many returns in January, so we should catch up quickly,” Schuh said.

The delay stems from the Jan. 2 enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act. The final law required that the IRS update its forms and instructions, as well as make critical processing system adjustments.

McGettigan to be crowned

Taxpayers can spend the time between now and the start of the tax season preparing their paperwork to help prevent delays in processing their return. Revenue recommends that people: Wait until you have your W2 before filing your tax return. Filing a return without including a copy of your W2 can hamper processing and delay your return. Find out what your bank routing numbers are, so you can use direct deposit for your refund. Make sure you have appropriate proof of expenses for all your claimed deductions and credits. Complete your federal tax return first, since you will need information from it for your state return.

Teri Jo McGettigan, of Warren, will be crowned as the 2013 Tillamook County Rodeo Queen. McGettigan is a 2010 graduate of Scappoose High School and is currently attending Oregon State University, where she is studying agricultural business management. Her past activities include: Columbia County Fair and Rodeo Flag Team Captain and the 2011 Columbia County Dairy Princess Teri Jo McGettigan Ambassador. An active volunteer in Columbia County, McGettigan volunteers her time as a 4-H Horse Club co-leader and with Columbia County Dairy Women.

Public hearing scheduled for Sauvie Island landfill The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will hold a Jan. 29 information meeting on the ESCO Landfill solid waste permit renewal. The meeting begins 6:30 p.m. at the Sauvie Island Academy. DEQ and ESCO will share information and answer questions about the solid waste permit renewal application for the ESCO Landfill on Sauvie Island. DEQ is seeking feedback before beginning to draft the solid waste renewal permit. DEQ will request public comment and hold a public hearing on the draft permit. The ESCO landfill is an industrial waste landfill. Since 1977, ESCO has disposed non-hazardous solid waste including baghouse dust, foundry sand and steel slag in this landfill. ESCO has constructed and operated the landfill in four discrete sections referred to as Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4. Areas 1, 2 and most of Area 3 are closed and unlined. ESCO is constructing Area 4, the

Flu vaccine today will reduce risk While the rate of Oregonians reporting flu-like symptoms is on the rise, heralding an early start to the 2012-13 flu season, state health officials say this year’s flu activity level remains moderate across the state, and effective vaccine is available. Statewide, 2.8 percent of outpatient visits were for flu symptoms, infectious disease experts in the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division are reporting. Symptoms include fever of more than 100 degrees, plus cough or sore throat. When the percentage tops 1.5 percent of visits, flu season has started. Looking at Portland tri-county sentinel information, there have been 65 hospitalizations in the metro area attributed to the virus since Oct. 1. Most of the flu has been seasonal type A, which matches this year’s vaccine. The elderly have been hit the hardest so far this year; 46 percent of those hospitalized were 65 and older. There have been 20 pediatric deaths attributed to the flu this season around the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but none in Oregon. The Public Health Division does not usually track adult flu deaths, except in the case of a pandemic, but it is currently in contact with counties to assess the situation. “While we are seeing some uptick of flu, particularly H3N2, we are not seeing the rates that other states, particularly those on the East Coast and in the South, are experiencing,” said Richard Leman, M.D., public health physician in the division’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. “We can make sure things don’t get worse by taking action now. People can protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated and washing their hands regularly.”

Oregon’s 2012-13 rate of influenzalike illness hasn’t approached that of 2009’s H1N1 pandemic, which reached about 10 percent of outpatient visits in Oregon, but much of the 2012-2013 season is still to come. So far, flu vaccine manufacturers have shipped more than 1.1 million doses to Oregon during the 2012-13 flu season. More than 700,000 doses have been administered, according to data reported to Oregon’s ALERT Immunization Information System, but many more have likely been given and not yet reported. “People can still get their flu vaccination if they haven’t done so already, and we encourage everyone to do so to protect themselves, their friends, family members, and co-workers. It’s not too late,” said Leman. It is estimated that less than half of Oregon’s population has been vaccinated. The vaccine also is reported to be a good match for the flu viruses that are circulating so far this year: More than 90 percent of viruses tested so far match the vaccine strains. “This tells us that this year’s vaccine is pretty effective against the majority of virus strains out there,” Leman said. While there’s no guarantee those who get vaccinated won’t get the flu, they dramatically reduce their risk of get-

ting the flu and spreading it to others if they’ve been immunized. There are other prevention steps Oregonians can take to reduce the spread of the virus: • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. • Stay home if you become sick. • Clean work and household surfaces often. • Wear a mask if you have a weakened immune system. • Ask your family, friends and health providers to get a flu vaccination. • Get plenty of sleep. • Exercise and eat well. • Manage any chronic conditions. • Call your doctor to see if you should be seen in the clinic, or if a prescription for anti-viral medication is needed.

A world of possibilities

An unforgettable experience awaits. Qualified high school students are offered the opportunity to spend four or six weeks during the summer holiday in Europe, Asia, South America or Australia. Strengthen a language you have been studying or begin learning a new one. Language knowledge is very helpful but not required to qualify. These programs are for students ages 15-18. Any students unable to go abroad, may consider hosting a foreign exchange student instead. Go to www.assehosts.com, call 1-800-733-2773 or email AsseUSAwest@asse.com for more information.

Severe flu symptoms needing an emergency room visit: • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. • Sudden dizziness. • Confusion. • Severe or persistent vomiting. • Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and worse. For more information about flu prevention, visit flu.oregon.gov; to find a flu vaccination site near you, call SafeNet at 211.

Local realtors elected to state board SCAPPOOSE — Local realtors Karen Blades, Julie Curry and Molly Hruska, of Prudential Northwest Properties in Scappoose, have been elected to fill the state director positions on the 2013 Board of the Columbia County Association of Realtors. Each of these awardwinning real estate professionals share a commitment to providing exceptional service and a history of professional excellence in Columbia County and the surrounding market region. Curry is a principal broker and holds the Accredited Buyer’s Represen-

tative, Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate Realtor Institute, Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource, and Earth Advantage STAR Professional Broker Certified designations. She has been a licensed real estate professional since 2006. Blades, a principal broker licensed since 1990, joined the Prudential Northwest Properties Scappoose team in 2009. She serves on the RMLS Service Advisory and Forms Committees, and is a past Columbia County Board of Realtors director and vice president. Hruska has been a fulltime realtor since 1990, is

a past Columbia County Realtor of the Year, served on the RMLS Technology Committee, and holds a long list of professional designations including Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate Realtor Institute, eCertified, and Earth Advantage STAR

active part of the landfill, in phases. As each phase is developed, it will have an engineered bottom liner and a landfill runoff collection system to protect groundwater. As part of ESCO’s development of Area 4, DEQ required ESCO to install an additional monitoring well. ESCO conducts regular groundwater monitoring to document the levels of heavy metals and other landfill-related contaminants in the groundwater. ESCO must continue to monitor groundwater to verify that groundwater quality trends are improving. Actions and requirements like these are typically included in ESCO’s permit to protect the environment and public health. For more information, see the public notice or contact Project Manager Tim Spencer at (503) 229-5826 or send an email to Spencer. Tim@deq.state.or.us. Sauvie Island Academy is at 14445 NW Charlton Road, on Sauvie Island.

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Chronicle

Deer emergency relocation workshops scheduled Jan. 23

Courtesy photo

OET installs 2013 officers Retiring vice chair Gene Baker installed the Columbia County Chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails 2013 officers during the group’s January meeting. Jeramy Lehner will take over from Rory Hammond as chair. Jeremy will preside over the monthly meeting and guide the members in accomplishing the chapter mission of establishing and maintaining trails. Conley Phelps is the new vice chair, who will fill in as

needed as chair and will arrange for the roster of speakers at the monthly chapter meetings. Kate Lehner will serve as the new secretary and Rebecca Bleifernich continues as treasurer. Keith Weber has been selected as field services representative. He will schedule work parties and work with Columbia County Parks department and other agencies as needed. Oregon Equestrian Trails is a statewide organization

that takes the mission to establish and maintain trails very seriously. The Columbia County Chapter has worked extensively with the county parks department in maintenance and development of facilities and trails at Camp Wilkerson Park and the Crown Zellerbach Trail. OET’s monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Moose Lodge on Old Portland Road in Warren. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Oregon has highest rate of vaccine-exempted kindergartners In 2012, Oregon schools had the highest rate of non-medical vaccine exemptions for students of kindergarten age. This past year also saw the highest rates for pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the U. S., for the past 50 years, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Washington and Oregon also had higher incident rates than in previous years. “During the past 10 years, Oregon has doubled in non-medical immunization exemption rates for children, and it’s worrisome that this high exemption rate could increase the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough,” said pediatrician Jay Rosenbloom, M.D., co-chair of the Oregon Partnership to Immunize Children. Rosenbloom is a leading voice in the Oregonians for Healthy Children coalition, which recently introduced legislation aiming ultimately to curtail non-medical vaccine exemptions in Oregon’s school-age and daycare-age children. Senate Bill 132, if successful, will require parents who request a non-medical exemption from immunization requirements to either complete an online educational video or obtain a signed form from their health care provider, in an effort to educate parents about the risk of opting out of immunizations, and about vaccine-preventable diseases and community immunity. Current law requires children enrolled in child care and school to submit a form verifying they have received required vaccines. Parents who choose not to vaccinate

their children currently submit a form stating their exemption. In 2011, Washington passed similar legislation resulting in a 25 percent decrease in immunization exemptions in that state. “It’s important to take this action now, as the rate of non-medical exemptions has doubled here in Oregon in the past decade,” said Anne Stone, executive director of the Oregon Pediatric Society, which is convening the effort and gaining support to tighten the state’s current exemption policies. Stone said recent research from the Oregon Immunization Program found that in 2012 alone, Oregon had more than 800 cases of pertussis, the state’s highest rate since the 1950s. Added Rosenbloom, “Oregon’s kindergarten non-medical exemption rates are coming in at nearly 6 percent, but in some schools, the exemption rate has exceeded 75 percent. Although, most parents understand the importance of immunizing their children, the exemption rates for non-immunized children are still increasing.” Rosenbloom said that as state and local outreach over the past several years has increased, it has also shown, “parents will be helped by having more reliable, accurate access to medically-based information about immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases.” “Immunizations are an effective way to keep our children, families and communities safe and healthy, and they are the smartest prevention we can employ,” he said.

D.R. Garrison, cpa, pc

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host the second of two public information workshops Jan. 23 to discuss its emergency plans to relocate up to 50 Columbian white-tailed deer from the Julia Butler Hanson (JBH) Refuge for Columbian Whitetailed Deer near Cathlamet, Wash., to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge near Ridgefield, Wash. Columbian white-tailed deer are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act as an endangered species. The first public workshop was held on Jan. 22 at the Ridgefield Community Center, in Ridgefield, Wash. The Jan. 23 workshop will be at the Sauvie Island Academy, 14445 NW Charlton Road, on Sauvie Island. There will be two information sessions, with the first being from 3–5 p.m. and the second from 6–8 p.m. The emergency translocation of the endangered deer is driven by the erosion and likely failure of the Steamboat Slough dike on the JBH Refuge. The dike, owned and maintained by Wahkiakum County Diking District No. 4, runs along the Columbia River boundary of the JBH refuge. It is eroding and engineers have said it could fail at any time. A dike breach would inundate the JBH Refuge mainland unit and place the approximately 100 Columbian white-tailed deer on the refuge at extreme risk. Managers believe that in the event of a breach and subsequent flooding many of these deer will be displaced or die, which would set back recovery efforts significantly. The proposed emergency

Courtesy photo

translocation is an attempt to minimize loss of deer and maintain efforts toward recovery under the ESA. The deer that are not moved from JBH would likely seek higher ground on the refuge but there is not enough habitat to support the entire population of 100. Engineers have said that repairing the failing dike would be expensive and temporary, given the geology of the riverbed at that location. Construction of a set-back dike by the US Army Corps of Engineers behind the failing dike is being considered but has not been approved by the Diking District or Wahkiakum County. Construction of this setback dike would also not be completed in time to prevent a potential dike breach this winter. Columbian white-tailed deer are unique to western Washington and Oregon. Ridgefield NWR is within their historical range and contains suitable habitat. As part of the emergency effort, the Service has developed a Draft Environmental Assessment, which can be found on the

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COURT: there are currently about 35 in the program

THEATRE: live acts about $10

Some of those needs may be simple, such as filling out a job application, writing up a resume or even completing the requirements for a GED. For others, help is more complicated. “A lot of it is education; getting to know what the drugs do to you. And a lot of it is criminal thinking. So they focus on how to change their criminal thinking,” said Farrell. Combined, there are currently about 35 individuals going through the drug court programs. While applicants must be referred to the program through the Department of Human Services, CCMH, district attorney’s office or a circuit court judge, the programs are voluntary and not courtordered. If you had asked longtime St. Helens resident Chris McCoy a year ago if he would now be living his life clean and sober, he would have laughed. But after using and selling methamphetamines for nearly two decades, McCoy said he finally reached the point he was ready for a change. “It just got old. I was tired of going to jail and I

Svoboda hopes the changes he’s made to the theater will help continue the Olde Towne revitalization efforts being made by groups like the St. Helens Economic Development Corporation. “Hopefully this will provide the community with something it needs and help the theater compete better,” he said. Despite all the changes, that doesn’t mean the Columbia Theatre won’t be offering the type of entertainment it is known best for – movies. Svoboda plans to continue offer firstand second-run movies, a summer matinee program for kids, and maybe even a discounted movie night. Built in 1928, the Colum-

From PAGE A1

lost my two-year-old,” McCoy said. With another jail sentence hanging over his head, McCoy said he realized he needed help. “Drug court just changed my life,” he said. “They’re really good people.” It’s now been seven months since McCoy entered the program and his life has definitely taken a turn for the better. McCoy said he no longer worries about being pulled over by the police or being on the run. He works at his own business on a regular basis, has started a crystal meth support group at CCMH and is even looking forward to bringing his son home within the next few months. McCoy realizes the program isn’t for everyone and that you have to be ready to change your life – completely. “You have to be open, honest and willing or it isn’t going to work,” said McCoy. “It’s not easy but what’s 18 months [in exchange] for the rest of your life?” Like others in the program, Keila Lavoie had a long history of drug use and arrests. She had also lost her children to the Depart-

ment of Human Services. “I started using drugs when I was 12 or 13,” said Lavoie. “I was 16 when I started using meth.” Many of those in the drug court programs believe the use of illegal drugs in Columbia County, especially in St. Helens, is much greater and far more widespread than most realize. Estimates range as high as 75 percent. “There’s really not much to do in this town. Because it’s so prevalent, there are a lot of kids that just grow up with that lifestyle and they just don’t know any different,” said Lavoie. “That’s something I don’t want for my kids.” Lavoie has been in the families restored drug court program, a multi-disciplinary program divided into five phases, for nearly five months. “I’m in a fish bowl. They know my every move, they know where I go, what I do, who I’m with. They know everything,” Lavoie said. But she also knows that close supervision helps keep her, and others in the programs, clean and sober. Now that she has two of her daughters back at home, staying clean and sober is her primary focus.

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Lavoie said the length of the program is also a key to its success. “They work with you. They don’t enable you but they give you the tools and resources you need,” she said. “They do genuinely care,” said Chapman of the drug court staff. “They come back to us for feedback on how to make things better. It breaks their hearts when someone doesn’t succeed.” Chapman is now sharing her success and experience in the drug court programs to help others. She has her daughter back living with her and works with CCMH as an addiction recovery peer mentor. “I’ve become a success story and a productive member of society. It makes my whole past come full circle,” Chapman said. A non-profit 501(c)3,the Columbia County drug court programs run entirely on donations and grants and recently kicked off its annual fundraising drive. This year, the group is selling See’s Candies. For more information about the program or about making a donation, contact Farrell or Russell Cross at (503) 397-2327.

DMV: 120,000 undocumented workers currently live in Oregon From PAGE A1

work in the United States legally. If approved, a person is issued an immigration document Form I-766 (Employment Authorization) or Form I-797 (Notice of Action) by the U.S. Custom and Immigration Service. In areas like Columbia County, where many people commute to Portland or Longview for work, having a driver’s license is critical. “We were thrilled to hear this news last week, and applaud the DMV and the governor for their roles in finding a workable solution for the DACA youth,” said Amanda Aguilar Shank, of Scappoose-based Rural Organizing Project. “When the federal government granted relief to these youth, then the state started denying drivers licenses, it sent a mixed message to them, essentially saying, ‘you can stay, you can work, but you can’t drive.’ This puts youth into a difficult position – especially in rural areas where public transportation is weak or nonexistent.” Aguilar Shank went on to say these you want to

SUPPORT: MESO program comes from Portland metro area From PAGE A1

diate family,” said Maddox. “The basic requirement, other than the financial, is that you be able to save at least $85 a month; you attend a financial awareness training session and complete a business plan and MESO does offer business plan training.” Maddox notes that MESO’s loans are through the U.S. Small Business Administration. As an intermediary lender, it can make loans up to $50,000 depending on the borrower meeting certain underwriting criteria. “We have done about four loans and have about nine individuals participating in the IDA program,” he said. Heather Clark, owner of Alterations by Heather, turned to MESO when she was ready to grow her busi-

ing your main residence and a car – can not exceed $20,000.” That means you can live in a mansion and drive a Mercedes and that will be excluded – but everything else cannot exceed $20,000. Under the IDA program, there are three levels of savings: (a) save $1,000 over six months matched with $3,000 for a total of $4,000; (b) save $2,000 over 13 months matched with $6,000 for a total of $8,000; or (c) save $3,000 over 25 months and have it matched with $9,000 for a total of $12,000. “Funds can be used for most any legitimate business purpose as well as for education for anyone in the imme-

ness. Instead of an IDA, which is included in the grant program, Clark opted instead for a small business loan. “I haven’t gone through the grant process with them yet but I know several people who have,” said Clark. “But it is absolutely something I want to look in to.” Based on her own experiences with MESO’s loan program, Clark said she would absolutely recommend the nonprofit group to other businesses. “You have to put in the hard work, but the return is there,” she said. “The loan process was very easy to go through. But they are very careful about extending money to people who don’t have a good business. But they help you develop your

bia Theatre has long been a landmark for the city. It’s also been part of Svoboda’s family history. His father purchased the building in 1963 The seats, in classic Hollywood red, came from the Lloyd Center and a Universal Studios executive screening room. More than two dozen speakers and a digital sound system were installed to make every seat the best seat in the house. “Every seat in the house gets the same sound,” said Svoboda. “There’s not a bad seat in the house.” Ticket prices for will remain at $5–6.50 for movies. Ticket prices for live acts will be around $10. For more information, call the theater at (503) 3979791 or visit their website at TheColumbiaTheatre.com.

business plan, they help you develop all aspects of your business so it’s stable.” Although MESO has been around since 2005, their efforts – until recently – have been focused primarily on the Portland metro area. But Clark said MESO came to her when it was time to expand her business. “They came to me. They didn’t make me work around their schedule, they made theirs work around me. Sanford even came to my store. And now he’s a customer, too, and he supports my business,” said Clark. For more information about MESO or the upcoming orientation, go online to MESOPDX.org, send an email to smaddox@mesopdx.org or call (503) 841-3351.

participate in society. “They want to contribute – and it is in all of our interests that they have the tools they need to do that. In rural Oregon, a driver’s license is one of those tools,” she said. But the decision to grant licenses, learner’s permit or ID cards to the 17,000 youth in Oregon that qualify for DACA is only the beginning. “Behind them are their mothers, fathers and older siblings who do not meet the narrow requirements to get temporary status under DACA and a driver’s license. The larger question here is how are we going to find a solution for the other 120,000 undocumented immigrants in Oregon who are living in limbo,” Aguilar Shank said. DMV will accept a valid immigration Form I-766 as proof of lawful presence in the U.S., and the Oregon driver license or ID card’s expiration date will match the expiration date on the person’s Form I-766. For more information about DACA, visit the DHS website at DHS.gov/ deferred-action-childhoodarrivals.

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A5Opinion

Opinion

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Chronicle

Letters Don’t be fooled Concerned citizens throughout the Northwest have heard mixed messages about coal exports since the proposals were first announced. Some fringe groups have used scare tactics and misinformation in an attempt to derail the projects. I encourage you to evaluate each of these projects and decide for yourself based on the facts. Let’s take a look at what we know is true. First, Asia will not stop burning coal any time soon. If Powder River Basin (from Wyoming and Montana) coal is not shipped to Asia from the Northwest, it will be shipped from Louisiana and Texas. Second, new technologies in the transportation of coal have virtually eliminated coal dust from trains and barges. Third, tax contributions would help fund our schools and other public services. Lastly, our region is facing very high unemployment. These projects would create thousands of much needed family wage jobs in our communities. Don’t be fooled by scare tactics. The facts paint a clear picture of what coal export projects will mean for the Northwest: good jobs and strong communities. Jodi Guetzloe Parker, Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council Standing up Thank you, Sheriff Dickerson. Finally, we have an elected official that is not afraid to stand up for the people’s constitutional rights! Fred Yauney, Scappoose Idol hands I’ve been looking over what once was. I’m wondering why we’ve let what once was go. What would it take to build new into the old? Take a long, good look at where St. Helens lies on this old Columbia River. In the past there was a paper mill, three saw mills, creosote pole plant, a plywood plant and a working dock. I’ve been looking across the river at a small town that never gave up, Kalama. The

Speedbump

port has taken on yet another silo, building again more for its business community. So I ask you, why can’t St. Helens have its past by sharing the new, maybe some work on the river? This river, as in the past, could build an interest for shopping locally. St. Helens, as the county seat, has a responsibility to leadership by setting an example toward the new. The need to update the old in down “towns” throughout our county has been set aside. I am seeing the same as the abandonment of the gold or oil boom towns, we call the ghost towns of past. I took time to discover our downtown area. Besides the county courthouse, there is the St. Helens City Hall. Also, I discovered a wide variety of imaginary, those specialty stores. Find restaurants, and some with drink. The show theater, boat moorage, hair salon, even wall climbing, title company, a much needed computer repair, insurance company, fireworks for the Fourth of July. This and setting up music, “13 Nights on the River.” I just hope I didn’t miss someone in my quest looking for the new that is there. Oh yes, there is the island too and the Pirates. It always seems there’s a need to measure so much by the dollar amount. But this is why we move forward so we can grow reaching for the stars. This got me wondering what could invite more decent public family entertainment for us all. The knowledge of entertainment can help public spirit for those in an economy of our time. But our community needs all to help not just a few, a few can’t do it all. I keep thinking of the saying: idol hands are the devil’s playground. There also could be an outdoor, uptown amphitheater in between St. Helens Street and Columbia Boulevard. With seating facing east having the sun shining in doing double purpose, on the performers as a spotlight while warming their backs. Parking wouldn’t be much of problem by having on-street parking. If need be, close off one lane of traffic, this way cars could still pass. A downside is the need to build

Dave Coverly

public restrooms. So what do you think, could this be a guess-so, or not? Dean Ebert, St. Helens Good for one, good for all City leaders, I would like to know why you want all trailers off the city streets but yet allow trailers that haul vehicles and boats still there. Isn’t what’s good for one should be good for all? There have been a lot I have seen that have been sitting on the street with flat tires, and not used for a long time. I would like to know if there is something on the books banning them like you did the trailers. If so, maybe we should get someone to help with code enforcement. Linda Ginther, St. Helens Intervention “Take up the White Man’s Burden,” was the command of Rudyard Kipling back in the 1800s, and this proud declaration of his pretty well summed up the attitude of both European and American colonialists of that time. White folks, armed to the teeth with both guns and self-righteousness, would put the globe’s savage corners to rights. Kipling’s words managed to encapsulate rather perfectly the spirit that placed enormous stretches of what we now call the Third World under the control of European colonialism. So-called Western and Christian civilization would uplift these hordes of heathens, and the end result would be marvelous indeed. We know, of course, that things turned out rather differently. This may be the year 2013, but France’s intervention in the Republic of Mali seems almost like something out of the 1880s or 1890s. Paris and its Western partners certainly are right to want to stamp out al-Qaida’s terrorist nests in that country, but at the same time we have to wonder if there are additional motives behind this particular military campaign. Is the French-led incursion into Mali purely about “anti-terrorism,” or can we safely assume that

bottom-line concerns of business people were also a factor in the decision to send in troops? The French have a long history of propping-up African despotisms perceived as friendly to French (and other Western) interests. Is this latest Malian intervention simply a large-scale repeat of what Paris has done so many times before in Africa? Frank Goheen, Camas, Wash. Still honest people This is an open letter of thanks to one of your community’s citizens: Travis Armstrong, of Armstrong Trucking. On the weekend after Thanksgiving, I was at the Texas welcome center on Interstate 20 and the Louisiana border. I left my iPad on the bedrail of my truck and drove off, forgetting it. One hour later I discovered that I had lost it and remembered what I had

done. I called the welcome center and they searched but did not find it. I was thinking, “How stupid of me.” On the day before New Year’s, I received a call from Travis inquiring if I had lost an iPad. “Yes,Yes and Yes!” Travis informed me that he had picked it up where I lost it. He and his wife had been on the road since finding it and had just gotten home. They took measures to find me, and returned it to me. This is a testimony to the fact that there are still honest people in this world. Would someone please see that a copy of this letter finds its way to Travis Armstrong and his wife. P.S. I did reward Travis for his efforts. Jim Roberts Gilmer, Texas American father Iran is testing American resolve using the life of a young American. According

to published reports including the Huffington Post (Jan. 10) and the American Center for Law and Justice, Rev. Saeed Abedini, 32, was setting up an orphanage in his native Iran intending to meet with government officials. Upon last returning he was arrested, beaten and charged with a catch all, “Acting against the security of Iran.” This is nothing more then a probe by the Mullahs testing American resolve. He is a citizen of America and deserves nothing less then our immediate demand for his release. Anything less tells Iran they are in the driver’s seat and have little to worry about except the discomfort of the new sanctions. Saeed Abedini is more than a bargaining chip. He is an American father. Outrageous. The President should demand his release immediately. Wayne Mayo, Scappoose

It’s still important to stay between the lines From the Columbia County Traffic and Safety Commission

As children we were taught that it was important to “Stay within the lines.” That is a basic principle adult drivers have apparently forgotten. Traffic safety engineers design roads to be safe for everyone, and as part of that design, vari-

ous types of lines are painted on the roadways to separate bicycles, pedestrians, and other vehicles from each other. They are various colors, widths, continuous, and even broken. All these lines have meanings for drivers. Broad, solid white lines are similar to concrete barricades and are meant to separate lanes and not to be crossed.

These include lines such as bike lanes, lanes marking transitions such as coming off the 405 at the Fremont Bridge, in certain construction zones, and crosswalks. The very wide white lines at intersections are stop lines. Drivers should not stop beyond the leading edge of that line. These stop lines help to keep vehicles back from the

crossing lane of traffic and also large vehicles that are turning to do so safely. Narrow white and yellow lines on highways and streets are traffic separators. If the lines are solid, drivers are not to cross them. If the lines are broken and in your lane, passing is allowed with proper visible clearance. Broken lines at intersec-

the left turn lane of Highway 30 to merge. Rather they should wait for traffic to clear and then enter the flow of traffic in the closest travel lane. Yes, this may be difficult, but it is much safer. As drivers, please stay within the lines. It was a good rule of thumb as children, and should be for adult drivers as well.

CASTROPHONY (F) I was brought to the Columbia Humane Society back in February 2010, because my owner lost her home and wasn’t able to keep us. I became very stressed from being kenneled up. I was also was very unhappy about being in the same room with a bunch of cats I didn’t know. CHS staff decided that I need a break from a shelter environment so I was living in foster care for a month. I was doing much better in foster care. My foster mom says that I was a totally different cat outside the shelter. I did not scratch or bite my foster mom, even though I will give you a piece of my mind if I’m unhappy about something. I’m not really a lap cat, but I do enjoy being near people and enjoy attention; I will repay your kindness with a happy and grateful purr. I have good litter box manners and I’m not scratching furniture – I’m using my scratching post. All I need now is a special someone who will welcome me into their heart and home.

Columbia Humane Society

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tions that curve from one street or lane to another are lines that delineate where drivers should be and should not be crossed. Also, lanes that designate a left turn refuge should not be used as merge lanes. An example of this is at Bennett Road and Highway 30. Traffic turning left from Bennett to Highway 30 should not use

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Contact Us • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • www.thechronicleonline.com • Follow Us • facebook.com/sthelenschronicle or twitter.com/shchronicle Editorial: news@thechronicleonline.com or sports@thechronicleonline.com • Advertising: advertising@thechronicleonline.com or classified@thechronicleonline.com Write to Us We want to hear from you and encourage you to write letters to the editor. Because of space limitations, shorter letters have a better chance of being printed. We may edit your letter for style, grammar and clarity, although we do as little editing as possible. If you don’t want your letter printed under those conditions, just let us know. Thank-you letters are limited to a general thanks and summary of an issue or action. We reserve the right to exclude lists of people, organizations and businesses. Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address

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Obituaries Obituaries received after noon on Monday may not be in time for that Wednesday’s paper. Obituaries may be emailed to news@thechronicleonline.com, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. We also accept obituaries written by funeral homes. Please include the address and daytime phone number of the person who submitted the obituary, so we can verify information as necessary.

A6 Obit

Obituaries Robert M. Sleightam Robert M. Sleightam, better known as “Cowboy Bob,” was born on Jan. 18, 1944, in Portland to Donald and Madeline (Norine) Sleightam. Robert Sleightam He died at his home in Scappoose on Jan. 14, at the age of 68. Robert graduated from Scappoose High School. He lived in the area all of his life, with the exception of his time served in the U.S. Navy. He was a steamfitter for Local No. 290, retiring in May of 2000. Robert was a member of the Alano Club, donating his time and playing pool. He is survived by his children, David and Roger of Scappoose, Robert of Kalama, Wash., and Katherine Grau of Powell, Wyo.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. at Columbia Funeral Home, 681 Columbia Blvd., in St. Helens. Online condolences may be left for the family at ColumbiaFH.com. Arrangements are by Columbia Funeral Home. Frances O. Ahlborn Frances O. Ahlborn, 95, of St. Helens, died Tuesday, Jan. 15, in St. Helens. Frances was born the daughter of Albert and Nettie (Mayberry) Ridenour Frances Ahlborn in Adair County, Okla. She was raised in Oklahoma and graduated from Muskogee High School in 1935. She was married to A. J. Ahlborn on Nov. 19, 1936, in Albuquerque, N. M. They moved to St. Helens in 1952.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013Wed

The Chronicle

For several years she worked with her husband as a flagger for his logging business. She later operated “Frances Fancies,” a boutique in St. Helens. She enjoyed various clubs in St. Helens including the Zenith Club, the Quarter Club, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Garden Club. With the garden club, she helped with the beautification projects along Columbia Highway, of which the club won awards. She attended the Grace Baptist Church. She loved playing cards, especially Pinochle, and raising her Boston Bull Terriers, “Patty” and “Cricket.” She was also a big supporter of her granddaughter’s high school activities. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Thalene and John Hebeisen of Columbia City; granddaughters Judy and Alan Wyatt of Johns Creek Ga., Kimberly and H. Freeland of Scappoose and Kellie and Curt Scholl of Keizer; great-grandchildren John, Michael and Will Wyatt, Alyssa and Harrison Freeland, Taylor, Joe, AJ and Katheryn Scholl; and also by “Cricket,” her Boston Bull Terrier. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1993. Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 21, at Columbia Funeral Home with vault interment following at Columbia Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be left for the family at ColumbiaFH.com. Memorial contribution may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Virginia A. Wirfs Virginia Amanda Ann Wirfs, 95, of Scappoose, died on Monday, Jan. 14. Virginia was born the daughter of Michael and Elva (DuHaime) Briggs on July 17,1917. She moved to St. Helens as a youth and graduated from St. Helens High School in 1935. Virginia was married to Cecil Wickman and worked at the United States Postal Service and at the bag factory for many years. Cecil preceded her in death in 1960. She was then married to George Wirfs, and he preceded her in death in 1969. She especially enjoyed

Wedding playing bingo. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Claudia Wickman, of Port Angeles, Wash. Online condolences may be left for the family at ColumbiaFH.com. A private inurnment will be held at Bethany Cemetery. Clarence E. Bradford III Clarence E. “Clancy” Bradford III was born on April 25, 1949, in Portland to Clarence E. Bradford II and Florence (Pryor). He died at his mother’s home in Milwaukie, Ore., on Jan. 16, at the age of 63. Clancy graduated from Beaverton High School in 1967. As an adult he lived in Hawaii, California, Washington and – until his illness – in Scappoose. He was a truck driver for John L. Jersey Sand and Gravel Company for six years. He was semi-retired. Clancy was a self-taught musician, starting at age 10 and playing many instruments. He is survived by his mother, Florence Wagner; sisters Karen Marble and Diane Cronk; son Cody Bradford and grandchild Caroline Bradford. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. at Columbia Funeral Home, 681 Columbia Blvd., in St. Helens. Committal service and vault interment will follow at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Scappoose. Online condolences may be left for the family at ColumbiaFH.com. Arrangements are by Columbia Funeral Home. Robert M. Brown Robert M. Brown, 83, of St. Helens, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Jan. 20. RobRobert Brown ert was born the son of Glenn and Hazel (Clark) Brown on Sept. 21,1929, in Kadoka, S. D. He was raised in southern Oregon and in northern California and then moved to southern California where he graduated

from high school in San Diego in 1947. On Aug. 29,1948, he was married to Gwendolyn Oliver. They had four children together and they later divorced. On May 27, 1967, he married Judy Hoppe in Las Vegas, Nev. Bob Later adopted her three children. They moved to St. Helens in 1968 where he owned and operated a custom cabinet shop for many years. He later expanded his business to included building custom homes in the Columbia County area until he retired in 1988. He was an active volunteer with the Scappoose and St. Helens senior centers and was the treasurer for the Scappoose Senior Center for over five years. He was also a member of the St. Helens Moose Lodge. He especially enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing. He also had his private pilot’s license and owned and flew a Piper Cherokee for many years. He enjoyed square dancing with Judy and was a dance caller for many dances. He is survived by his wife Judy, of St. Helens; son David (Karen) Brown of Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughter Terry Brown of Scottsdale; son Jerry (Kendal) Brown of Scottsdale; daughter Artis (Dennis) Rice of Warren; son Kenny Brown of Scottsdale; son Jim of Scappoose and daughter Tyra (Steve) Schroeder of Columbia City; brothers Clark Brown of Georgia and Dale Brown of Kennewick, Wash.; and 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, one sister and a granddaughter. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. at Columbia Funeral Home with a reception to follow at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in his memory to Longview Hospice. Online condolences may be left for the family at ColumbiaFH.com.

Stites-Kraemer Rebecca Stites and David Kraemer said their vows on Dec. 29, 2012, at the First United Congregational Church in Portland. Their parents, Ron and Jan Stites and George and Elaine Kraemer, from St. Helens, along with family and friends, attended the celebration. The happy couple will be moving to New Mexico in February, where David will be stationed at the

Stites-Kraemer

Holleman Air Force Base working in fuel and water systems. Rebecca plans on furthering her career as a certified medical assistant.

Birth Abigail Elizabeth Cross Abigail Elizabeth Cross was born on Jan. 14 at Saint Johns Peace Health Hospital in Longview, Wash., to proud parents Mica and Russell Cross, of St. Helens. Abigail weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces at birth and was 19 inches long. She joins her brother, 2 ½-yearold Andrew Cross, at home. Paternal grandparents are

Abigail Elizabeth Cross

Russ and Connie Cross. Maternal grandparents are Cisi Cave Lires and Joe Lires.

Military News David G. Kraemer Air Force Airman David G. Kraemer graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Kraemer completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through

David Kraemer

the Community College of the Air Force. Kraemer is the son of Elaine Kraemer of St. Helens. He is a 2010 graduate of St. Helens High School.

Scappoose Library Cabin Fever Book Sale Sat., Jan. 26, 2013

Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a Kindle Fire

10am-4pm

Raffle tickets available at the library front desk. Drawing held at 3pm Prices: $1 a ticket or $5 for 6 tickets All proceeds support Scappoose Library.

*17 or under are eligible to receive 1 FREE book

C10757

This space donated by Columbia Funeral Home • Serving Columbia County since the early 1900’s • 503-397-1154

A7Out & About

Out&About

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Chronicle

Wine-Down Downtown walk-through Weekly Meetings The second Wine-Down Downtown will be held on Feb. 16. Start at any of the four participating businesses: Houlton Bakery, Bella Maison, ReWork ReStore ReSale, Scandalous Hair Design. At each of these businesses, there will be a check-in table. Either pay for a ticket or turn in your pre-bought ticket, get your wristband, wine glass and map with all locations participating in the walk and head out for the walk through. Participants will walk to two or three businesses consecutively. All of the businesses will be next to each other or have a small walk between them. At the last stop, a trolley will pick up the participants and take them to the next set of two to four businesses. This will continue four times, and the customer will be taken to a total of more than 10 businesses. Ticket holders are free to hop on and off the trolley as they choose. Everyone will end up back at the business where they originally parked their car. The first Wine-Down Downtown was held on Dec. 7. Oregon State student and local resident Abigail Dahl is organizing the events. Dahl said her OSU team, Enactus, was recently awarded the Wal-Mart Women’s Economic Empowerment Project Partnership grant and the Sam’s Club Step Up For Small Business

grant, totaling $3,000. “After obtaining the grants, we did a needs assessment on some small businesses in town and picked four businesses to work with one-on-one,” said Dahl. “I have a team that will be coming to Columbia County soon to meet with them and determine what they need most for their business.” Dahl said the events are intended to help the community as a whole. “Being from St. Helens myself, I know that help is needed,” she said. “I have an emotional tie to the businesses growing up with them, so I would like to give back in any way that I can.” According to Dahl, the first WineDown Downtown had a strong turnout of about 60 people and she’s hoping to see that number grow. The businesses participating in the Feb. 16 event include: Houlton Bakery; Alterations by Heather; Belleza Day Spa; Bella Maison; Miyako; Harrington’s; ReWork ReStore ReSale; Granary Girls; Vinnie’s Chicago Sandwich Shop; Scandalous Hair Design; Dockside Steak and Pasta and the Klondike restaurant. Tickets can be purchased at any of the participating businesses and are $25 per person. The ticket includes a wine glass, wine samplings, appetizers and

Mondays • Columbia City Community Library – 11 a.m., storytime for preschoolers. • St. Helens Lions meets every first and third Monday at 6:30 p.m., at America’s Best Value Inn. Call (503) 397-0407 for information. • The MS Support Group of Columbia County meets the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at Dairy Queen in Scappoose. For more information, call Susan at (503) 543-2517. • The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Friends and Family Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of each month downstairs at the Rainier United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Teri at (503) 556-9135. Tuesdays • Kiwanis Daybreakers meets at 7 a.m. at America’s Best Value Inn. Call (503) 397-2696. • Warren Community Fellowship – Job Club, 10–11 a.m. room 201, 56523 Columbia River Highway, in Warren. Free and open to the public. • St. Helens Public Library holds baby lapsit storytime for 6 months to 2 years at 10:15 a.m., storytime for preschool 3–5 years at 11:15 a.m. Call (503) 397-4544 for more info. • Overeaters Anonymous at the St. Helens Alano Club, 215 N. 6th St. St. Helens, 5:45–7 p.m. Call Sheri at (503) 369-4607. No dues or fees. • The Columbia County Democratic Central Committee meets the last Tuesday of every month at Kozy Korner, St. Helens. Meetings start at 7 p.m.

trolley service. The final Wine-Down Downtown will be held on March 9, from 3–7 p.m. For more information, contact Dahl at (503) 369-7660 or by email at dahlab@onid.orst.edu.

Public Meetings Wednesday, Jan. 23 9:30 a.m. – Columbia Health District meeting, in the commissioners’ meeting room, room 308, Columbia County Courthouse. 10 a.m. – Columbia County Board of Commissioners holds its regularly scheduled board meeting in the commissioners’ meeting room, room 308, at the Columbia County Courthouse and its regularly scheduled staff meetings at 1 p.m. in the commissioners’ office, room 331, at the Columbia County Courthouse. 5 p.m. – Port of St. Helens commission work session, at the port offices in Columbia City.

6:30 p.m. – St. Helens School District board of directors regular meeting in the boardroom at St. Helens School District Office, 474 N. 16th St., St. Helens. Thursday, Jan. 24 9 a.m. – Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District board of directors regular meeting in the Meeting Room. 6 p.m. – The City of Columbia City regular city council meeting at city hall 7 p.m. – St. Helens Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission regular meeting. Council Chambers at City Hall, Plaza entrance. 6:30 p.m. – The City of St.

Helens Bicycle and Pedestrian meeting in the city council chambers. Friday, Jan. 25 10 a.m. – The City of Columbia City Audit Committee meeting at city hall. Monday, Jan. 28 6:30 p.m. – Scappoose School District board work session, in the district office boardroom. 5 p.m. – Port of St. Helens Airport Advisory Committee meeting at the port office 100 E St., Columbia City.

Tuesday, Jan. 29 6 p.m. – St. Helens Arts and Cultural Commission holds a special meeting in city council chambers, 265 Strand St. Wednesday, Jan. 30 10 a.m. – Columbia County Board of Commissioners holds its regularly scheduled board meeting in the commissioners’ meeting room, room 308, at the Columbia County Courthouse and its regularly scheduled staff meetings at 1 p.m. in the commissioners’ office, room 331, at the Columbia County Courthouse.

Community Calendar Wednesday, Jan. 23 · Scappoose Public Library 10:30 a.m. story time for ages 5 and under. The theme and craft is trains. Thursday, Jan. 24 · Scappoose Public Library children’s Valentine’s craft day for grades K–6 at 4 p.m.

child 17 and younger. Books for all ages and interests, videos, CDs, DVDs. Coffee and donuts too. · Lost and Found Youth and Family Outreach, St. Helens Middle School from 7–10 p.m., come and join in for free food, fun, music and more. Sponsored in part by the St. Helens Community Foundation.

Saturday, Feb. 2 · Family History Classes taught by Hal and Barbara Hovorka. “Immigration / Naturalization / Census” – An Index to the Index of the Index, at 9:30 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, 2755 Sykes Road, St. Helens.

Wednesday, Feb. 6 Saturday, Jan. 26 · PGE retirees meet the first · Cabin Fever used book sale Wednesday, Jan. 30 Wednesday of each month at · Scappoose Public Library, sponsored by the Friends of the Scappoose Public Library, in the 10:30 a.m. story time for ages 5 and under. The theme and craft6/22/12 library basement from 10 a.m.–4 07-13-11 2x2.5D Copies:04-26-08 2X2.5D Copies.qxd p.m., one free book for every is snakes.

America’s Best Value Inn (formerly the Village Inn) at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 · Family History Classes taught by Hal and Barbara Hovorka, “Court / Land / Wills & Probate.” The hows and whys of American pedigrees, 9:30 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, 2755 Sykes Road, in St. Helens.

Wednesdays • Scappoose Public Library – storytime for ages 5 and under at 10:30 a.m. Call (503) 543-7123 or go to scappooselibrary.org. • Alzheimer’s Support Group, second Wednesday of Project4:Layout 1 6/28/12 each month from 3–4 p.m. at

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Sundays • Overcomers Outreach – a spiritually-based, 12-step recovery program for substance abuse issues – meets at 6 p.m. at Sunset Park Community Church, 174 Sunset Blvd., in St. Helens. Call (503) 397-0535 or visit www.sunsetparkchog.org. • Yankton Recovery Group meets at Yankton Grange, Pittsburg Road, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Call (503) 397-1473 or 11:42 AM Page 1 (503) 366-0667 for more info.

St Helens Chronicle

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Saturdays • Weight Watchers meets at Grace Baptist Church at 9 a.m. Weigh-ins start at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call (503) 543-4802 or email dromjue@comcast.net.

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Fridays • American Legion meets the first Friday of each month at the Moose Lodge, 57317 Old Portland Road, in Warren, at 7 p.m. Call (503) 369-1313 for more information.

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Thursdays • Weight Watchers meets at Scappoose Foursquare Church at noon and 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (503) 543-4802 or email dromjue@comcast.net. • Free fitness classes, 7–8 p.m. at the Best Western in St. Helens. Call Cheryl Capwell, independent beachbody fitness coach at (503) 396-2834, or send an email to jppfitness@yahoo.com. • The Columbia County Commission on Children and Families meets the third Thursday of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the OSU Extension office, 505 N. Columbia River Hwy., in St. Helens.

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Avamere at St Helens, 2400 Gable Road. Call (503) 3668070 for information. • Columbia County Stroke Support Group – fourth Wednesday of each month from 2:30–3:30 p.m. Avamere at St Helens, 2400 Gable Road.

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