SHC61417

St. HelenS HigH ScHool

St. Helens man charged with arson in house fire

A St. Helens youth was arrested for arson resulting from a fire that destroyed an RV trailer and heavily damaged a home.

According to St. Helens Police Department, at about 9:40 a.m. June 9, Jason Zweigart, 18, of St. Helens was allegedly “playing” with a handheld torch in a trailer parked next to his mother’s home when the fire got out of hand.

The resulting fire consumed the trailer and heavily damaged the home located at 275 South 15th Street as well as a vehicle parked next door. Ian Conner, spokesperson for Columbia River Fire and Rescue said one of the home’s occupants suffered smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene. Damage to the home and trailer is estimated at $75,000.

Zweigart was charged with firstdegree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, reckless endangering and reckless burning. He was lodged in the Columbia County Jail with bail set at $106,250.

Police Chief Terry Moss said Zweigart was intentionally setting things on fire. “I think we know now that his intent wasn’t to burn the whole place down, but his intent was to set fires inside the trailer,” Moss said. He added that the suspect spoke about the incident to officers during the course of the investigation.

There was some outcry on social media regarding the seriousness of the arson charge, questioning if it fit the alleged actions of the accused. “We believe there is room in the statute to suggest that arson did occur,” Moss said.

Ready to serve: Oregon Army National Guard

BY CODY MANN cmann@countrymedia.net

Three Columbia County men recently answered the call of duty and enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard.

Spec. Matthew Renwick is a 30-year-old Scappoose native who enlisted in January and shipped out to basic training in May. Renwick earned a degree from Oregon State University while working as a commercial truck driver. Though originally he had an interest in sports and physical education, Renwick found his home in the psychology department.

As a somewhat older recruit,

portion, of the photos. At around 3:40 p.m. on June 1, OSP responded to a report of a vehicle being shot at on Highway 30 near milepost 33 just west of Columbia City. The victim vehicle was a white Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup being operated by Mindy Griffith, 36, of St. Helens. Griffith and her passenger, Raymond Griffith, 40, also of St.

Renwick said while life experience may be a factor, he expects to be challenged at basic training. Attending drills in the lead-up to basic, he sharpened his physical and mental tools for the test of a lifetime. “The more you put into it without overexerting yourself, the better,” Renwick said. The key is to train hard, but to rest well, too.

Renwick is training to become a Cavalry Scout, primarily a reconnaissance role that provides “eyes and ears” for commanders on the battlefield. He was drawn to the military occupational specialty (MOS) with some curiosity, and his research led him to an interest in the work, which is known to be dangerous and difficult.

“I like to go towards things that might challenge me physically,” he said. “I knew going into it I wouldn’t be sitting behind a desk.” Renwick said he was met with a strongly positive reaction from family and friends when he chose to enlist. With international tension as tight as ever, he understands he may find himself at the tip of the spear if a conflict emerges. He said he would rather be in a position of preparedness and ready to stand and fight if the time comes. With a family tradition of military service and an interest as a young man, Renwick said

See NATIONAL GUARD Page A6

Helens, reported they were traveling eastbound on Highway 30, approaching Columbia City, when they observed a maroon, single cab, fullsize pickup, unknown make/model/ license, traveling westbound with the driver pointing a black, semiautomatic pistol in their direction.

The victims reported their vehicle was struck by one round in the front windshield directly in front of Min-

Photos courtesy of Oregon State Police

dy Griffith. She was struck in the face by glass fragments and suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by a relative for treatment and to have possible glass fragments removed from her eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Luke Schwartz by calling OSP at (800) 452-7888

Jason Zweigart.

Don Patterson/The Chronicle

Cody Mann/The Chronicle

Matthew Bringman moved aggressively during simulated urban warfare.

Three receive theater arts scholarships

Shoestring Community

Players awarded three graduating seniors scholarships to help them pursue their interest in theater arts.

Mandy Mason of St. Helens High School, Savanna Smiens from Scappoose High School and Kerrisa En-

gen a graduate of Clatskanie High School each received the Cheri Adams Theater Arts Scholarship. These students intend to major or minor in theater arts at a 2-year or 4-year college. The scholarship is funded by a portion of the proceeds

from Shoestring Community Players performances and by generous donations from patrons. Adams taught drama and theater arts at St. Helens High School. She is credited with developing theater arts into a top state program.

Suspect flashes police during stop

Motorcyclist killed in wrong lane crash

Evidence discovered during a search.

A suspect allegedly exposed his genitals to police during a traffic stop that led to the arrest of two people for drug possession.

At around 7:08 p.m. on May 17, officers with the Scappoose Police Department (SPD) conducted a traffic stop near NW 1st and NW Laurel Street. SPD said the driver, Kent Senef, exposed his genitalia while an officer was speaking to him. Further investigation into the traffic stop revealed a hidden pipe containing methamphetamine.

On May 24, further investigation ensued and more drugs and paraphernalia were discovered. Senef and his

passenger, Bethany Cannard, were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession

of heroin. A statement from Scappoose Police Department said the two “admitted to the drugs.”

A St. Helens man was killed when his motorcycle crossed into the opposing lane of traffic and struck a car head-on. According to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, a motorcyclist moving at a high rate of speed in the wrong lane crashed headon into a car traveling the opposite direction, killing the motorcyclist and sending the driver of the car to the hospital.

At 6:48 p.m. on June 7, deputies responded to West

Kappler Road near Old Bunker Hill Road after receiving report of the crash. They arrived to find the motorcyclist, 21-year-old Brandon Brissett of St. Helens, deceased from injuries sustained in the crash. The car’s driver, 20-year-old Tyson Singlestad of St. Helens, was taken by ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Investigators said Brissett was riding the motorcycle at a “very high rate of speed” and traveling southbound in

the northbound lane of West Kappler Road when his 2013 Suzuki crashed directly into Singlestad’s 1996 Honda Civic. An Oregon State Police crash reconstructionist assisted in the investigation. Columbia River Fire & Rescue also assisted after their emergency response to the scene. St. Helens Police Department assisted with the notification of the next of kin for the deceased.

In the June 7 issue of The Chronicle, photo of flags on display accompanied the article St. Helens Annual Flag Day Celebration. The flags in the photo were unrelated to Elks Club Flag Day activities and were placed with others along the main streets of St. Helens by Lions Club members with the assistance of Cub Scout Troop 250.

Mandy Mason and Merle Pence

Savanna Smiens Kerrisa Engen and Shannon Vaerewyck

Cody Mann/The Chronicle

St. Helens resident Brandon Brisset, 21, died in the crash.

Kent Senef.

Courtesy photo

Bethany Cannard.

Courtesy photo

Jayne Sawyer and Pam Rensch from Windermere Real Estate collected food donations from shoppers at Dollar Tree on June 9. Windermere Foundation also donated a $500 shopping spree.

St. Helens awarded $300,000 in brownfields assessment grants

Program helps return blighted properties to productivity

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected the City of St. Helens for two brownfields environmental site assessment grants totaling $300,000. With the funding, St. Helens will assess seven brownfields sites as an initial step towards cleaning up and redeveloping vacant and underutilized properties, transforming them into an asset for both the community and the local economy while protecting public health and the environment.

“EPA’s Assessment and Cleanup grants target communities that are economically disadvantaged and include places where environmental cleanup and new jobs are most needed,”

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said.

“These grants leverage considerable infrastructure and other investments, improving local economies and creating an environment where jobs can grow. I am very pleased the president’s budget recognizes the importance of these grants by providing continued funding for this important program,”

Pruitt said.

St. Helens was selected

for community-wide hazardous substances grant funds totaling $150,000 that will be used to conduct seven environmental site assessments and prepare one cleanup plan. In addition, it was selected for communitywide petroleum grant funds of $150,000 to conduct the same tasks at sites with potential petroleum contamination. Grant funds also will be used to support community involvement activities, and expand and prioritize the city’s inventory of brownfield sites.

City of St. Helens was hit especially hard by economic downturn beginning in 2008, dramatically increasing the number of families living below the poverty line. Characterizing the contamination at key brownfield sites will help prepare them for investment and redevelopment, which will stimulate the regional and local economy and encourage much-needed local job growth.

According to the EPA, St. Helens is now growing quickly, experiencing 23 percent growth in population since 2000. So far,

Counterfeit cash and drugs found during traffic stop

much of the development to accommodate this growth has involved urban sprawl that utilizes greenfields and demands new infrastructure. Brownfields funding provides the opportunity to bring development back into the central business district and reconnect residents with the waterfront.

Brownfields assessment and cleanup grants target communities with significant distress. These communities are economically disadvantaged -- neighborhoods where environmental assessment, cleanup and new jobs are most needed for residents that have historically been left behind.

St. Helens is one of 172 communities selected nationally for new brownfields assessment and cleanup funding in 2017. Across the country, $56.8 million in funding will be granted.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici offered congratulations to the City of St. Helens on the EPA grant. “This federal funding will benefit public health and the environment, and help the vibrant, growing City of St. Helens reach its potential,” Bonamici said.

CRFR responds to head-on crash

Crash response coincided with woman trapped in car

Three people were seriously injured in a head-on crash and one woman was freed from her car in what was busy Sunday morning for local emergency responders.

At around 5 a.m. on June 11, Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) firefighters were dispatched to a report of a head-on car crash on Highway 30 west of the Lewis & Clark Bridge. At the same time, firefighters from the CRFR Rainier station were responding to a woman locked in her car in the 74000 block of Laurelwood Road near

Rainier.

The crew responding to the occupant locked in her car came across a head-on crash on Highway 30 near milepost 46. It was determined that the crash was the same one that had been reported earlier. The crash resulted in three people being transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. St. Helens Clatskanie medics also were dispatched to the scene and transported patients.

A rescue unit with volunteer firefighters from the St. Helens station who were originally dispatched to the crash

scene were diverted to the person trapped in her vehicle. The occupant was advised to unlock the door as vehicle door locks can be operated from the interior of the vehicle. CRFR said she was able to operate the lock and safely exited the vehicle thanks to coaching from firefighters.

A GoFundMe account was established to help the crash victims with medical expenses. It can be found by searching for the “Brenda Havlik Accident Fund.”

Scappoose police arrested a woman after she was caught with drugs and a counterfeit $100 bill.

At around 1:58 a.m. on May 27, officers with the Scappoose Police Department conducted a traffic stop with the assistance of Oregon State Police near SE Maple Street. The driver, identified as Cerena Barros, had a suspended driver’s license and a felony warrant from Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

An investigation ensued and various drug paraphernalia, drugs and packaging materials were located. Additionally, a counterfeit

$100 bill, a checkbook, ID and credit cards were located that did not belong to the driver. Barros was taken into custody for possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a forgery instrument, probation violation and the felony warrant.

In May of 2015, Barros was arrested by US Marshals Service for custodial interference when she and a Longview man violated a court order and eluded law enforcement with a Washington child for whom they had been named non-custodial parents.

Local students on Dean’s List at Gonzaga

is a humanistic, private Catholic

University providing a Jesuit education to more than 7,500 students. Situated along the Spokane River near downtown Spokane, Wash

Cerena Barros.

Courtesy photo

A counterfeit $100 bill, a checkbook, ID and credit cards were found.

Photo courtesy of CRFR

Opinion Letters

ViewPoints Tackling woes on the roads

REP. BRAD WITT

House District 31

Driving on today’s roads has become an endurance contest: Dodging potholes and estimating drive time in the Portland Metro area because of congestion has added another layer of aggravation to our work and school day. Lack of funding during the recession forced Oregon to put many transportation projects on hold. The scope of the problem was amplified by a statewide tour, conducted by the Oregon Transportation Commission in 2016, to identify local transportation needs. Farmers and merchants from the Coast to Ontario complained about the inability to move their products, particularly in the congested Portland area. Last week, the Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization released an ambitious $8.2 billion ten-year plan to address the woeful state of our roads and bridges.

Needless to say, our state has grown over the last

dozen years, adding almost half a million people. At the same time, in a state dependent largely on the gas tax for revenue, vehicles have become more efficient, electric cars are more affordable and popular, and mass transit use continues to grow. The money to build and repair our transportation infrastructure has continued to decline, and the gas tax, currently at 30 cents per gallon, has only been raised once in the last 20 years. In order to facilitate the movement of both people and freight, from all parts of the state, the Committee is working on a broad-based combination of taxes and fees. Here is a preliminary look at the plan, but be forewarned that the Committee is meeting every day the week of June 5th, and it is very much subject to change:

· Gradual gas tax increase from 30 to 44 cents by 2025

· Increases in title and registration fees based on the type of vehicle

· Surcharge on electric vehicles of $100; $15 for

Deny new subdivision

other vehicles

· Statewide payroll tax of .1% for public transit projects

· A .75% tax on new and used vehicle sales

· A 3% tax on new adult bicycle sales · Possible tolls on I-5 and I-205

The transportation plan, a whopping 298 pages long, identifies some specific projects to ease congestion, but the Oregon Transportation Commission will be responsible for identifying others. It’s encouraging to know that of the revenue raised, half will pay for state projects, while 30% will be allocated to counties and 20% to cities. Good news for local projects waiting to happen.

Finally, as we are nearing the end of Session, we are seeing other major budgets roll out of the Ways and Means Committee. The Education Budget has been released, so stay tuned for more information on that budget and how it might affect our local school districts.

I am one of the many residents who would be seriously impacted by the proposed Emerald Meadows Subdivision (John Chambers’ letter of 5/24/17). I adamantly oppose this development moving forward as currently designed.77 “low cost” homes on this parcel of approximately 12.47 acres is a travesty for the existing neighborhood. There is no ingress/egress from this entire proposed subdivision except through two small side streets that would direct all traffic into the existing neighborhood bordered by Helens Way and Oakwood Drive. Additionally, the proposal includes recommendations for street(s) that are so narrow as to allow for NO parking, which would further negatively impact the existing area. The existing neighborhood already has traffic and parking issues caused by density which would only be compounded by this addition. Finally, this design has the very real potential of putting lives and/or property at risk when emergency services are needed by reducing accessibility and causing delays in response times.Despite the St. Helens Planning Department review and subsequent decision to NOT recommend a proposed zoning change for this parcel of property, the City Council changed the zoning to accommodate this high density development. This proposal goes against everything contained in the stated City of St. Helens Mission.”The City of St. Helens’ Mission is to provide quality, effective and efficient service to our citizens. By doing so we will: • Develop and preserve the highest quality of life for our residents, businesses and visitors. • Provide a safe and healthy environment within a sound economic framework. • Provide leadership which is open and responsive to the needs of the community and works for the benefit of all.”This appears to be nothing more than a money

grab by the City to increase their tax revenues and current residents be damned! No consideration has been given to the impact that this massive development will have on existing neighbors/neighborhoods.I am not opposed to thoughtful, reasonable development that enhances or complements existing areas of residential use. This proposed subdivision is none of those things and should be denied.

Kathleen McGuire St. Helens

Oregon House of Representatives passes HB2927

Last week, the Oregon House of Representatives on a straight party-line vote passed HB 2927 which is a bill that, if it becomes law, would assign Oregon’s Electoral College votes (currently 7) to the presidential candidate who is the winner of the national popular vote. On the surface, this idea seems pretty common sense but in reality, the Oregon House has voted to abdicate Oregon’s presidential vote to large-population states such as California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, and New York.

What do I mean by abdicate? Let’s use the 2016 presidential election (which HB 2927 is a knee-jerk reaction to) for a little scenario demonstration. Last November, Hilary Clinton won the popular vote by 2.9 million votes. In Oregon, she beat Donald Trump by approximately 219,000 votes. In the Electoral College, Trump won 304 to 227 exceeding the 270 threshold necessary to become president. So, what would have happened in Oregon if HB 2927 were the law of the land and Trump had won Oregon by 219,000 instead of Hillary? The answer is even though Oregon voted by a majority to have Trump as president, the Electoral College votes would be forced to go to Hillary. By Oregon voting for Trump, Hillary’s national

popular vote margin of victory would be reduced to 2.68 million but still winning the popular vote. However, Oregon’s majority vote for Trump is negated and our electoral vote is forced to go for Hillary. It would not matter that the majority of Oregonians wanted Trump, we, by virtue of HB 2927, have to bow to the whims of California and have our electors vote contrary to what the majority of Oregon voters wanted. So how do you feel now Oregon? Thanks to your legislature, your majority vote doesn’t count, the state has to, Electoral College speaking, vote opposite of what you wanted.

I would like to suggest to those in the Oregon House who voted for HB 2927 to refamiliarize themselves with the following documents: the Constitution of the United States, specifically Article 2, section 1; the 12th Amendment; and while you are at it, Federalist 68. Also, under the “Law of Unintended Consequences” that ultimately results from knee-jerk legislation that will come back to haunt us, for years we have been hearing about how evil the Citizens United decision has been and the need for campaign finance reform. If all states adopt HB 2927 and we move to a defacto popular vote for the presidency, you think the ramifications of Citizens United are bad now, just wait to see what happens when presidential campaigns shift focus from battleground/swing states to a focus on population states. Under HB 2927, California will decide the presidency from here on out. And let’s not get into other draconian scenarios where son-of-HB 2927 would require Oregon’s electoral votes to only go to the nominee of a political party of the legislature’s choice or other like evil reasons.

I strongly urge the Oregon Senate to reject HB 2927. It is a very bad knee-jerk bill that is ultimately dangerous and blatantly unconstitutional and should not proceed any further.

Greg Hinkelman Clatskanie, Ore.

Don’t cut O&C funds

California Railroad Revested Lands (commonly known as O&C land) timber receipts.

Eighteen Oregon counties rely on O&C timber receipts to fund vital services like schools and public safety. However, those payments are currently under attack.

That is why this week, I wrote to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke asking him to support the Association of Oregon Counties’ request to analyze cuts to Oregon and

Currently, the federal government is shrinking the timber receipts that Oregon counties are receiving, arguing that these receipts should be subject to acrossthe-board spending cuts that Congress passed in 2011.

But as the Association of Oregon Counties has pointed out, those across-the-board cuts were intended to shrink government spending-- and timber receipts don’t come

from government spending. Rather, timber receipts come from a long-standing agreement between counties and the federal government to share the hard-earned profits from timber production on O&C lands. Oregon communities with O&C lands are depending on these receipts to help educate their future leaders and keep their families safe. We must keep working to support vital services for these Oregon counties.

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JEFF MERKLEY United States Senator

Out & About

Blind man to bike across nation

Host families needed for students

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE), in cooperation with local high schools, is looking for local families to host boys and girls between the ages of 15 and 18 from a variety of countries: Norway, Denmark, Spain, Italy and Japan.

ASSE students are enthusiastic and excited to experience American culture while they practice their English. They also love to share their own culture and language with their host families.

Host families welcome these students into their family, not as a guest, but as a family member, giving everyone involved a rich cultural experience.

Chris Mairs, who is blind, is assisted by a teammate as he rides a tandem bicycle.

A blind cyclist will travel across the U.S. on a tandem bike to raise funds and awareness for sight restoration. The route will pass through St. Helens on June 19. SEE International, a California-based ophthalmological nonprofit, recently announced “A Line of Sight,” an inspirational fundraising campaign. Chris Mairs, CBE, a tech entrepreneur from the United Kingdom, will ride a bicycle for 3,653 miles across America with the goal of raising funds for sight-restoring eye surgeries worldwide.

Mairs, who lost his sight at the age of 18 to a rare degenerative eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, will pedal in the rear of his tandem bike, while his co-rider will steer and also pedal.

Mairs, recently turned 60 and hopes to raise funds for 60 eye surgeries each day, over the span of 60 days, and averaging 60 miles a day. In total, he plans to generate $144,000, which would restore sight to 3,600 men, women, and children suffer-

ing from impaired vision.

“Cataract surgery undertaken by the highly qualified SEE volunteers is one of the most cost-effective medical interventions in the world. I am incredibly excited to be helping them with this amazing work,” Mairs said. Mairs’s commitment to preventing blindness has gained national recognition. In 2014, he was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He is a lifelong athlete, having led the British Disabled Waterski team to victory in 3 world championships. He undertook his first long distance cycle ride in 2012 from Lands End to John o’Groats (end to end across the UK) covering 100 miles a day for 10 consecutive days.

Mairs co-founded the voice technology company Metaswitch Networks, and is now a Partner at Entrepreneur First. He is also a dedicated advocate for digital skills education, and serves as a trustee of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, putting the power of digital making into the hands of people all over the world.

Sizzling Summer

Alastair Heggie will be piloting the first half of the tour over the Rockies from Astoria to Sioux Falls. Heggie is currently meandering his way through a PhD in Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. In addition to cycling, he is an occasional fell runner, rock climber and sailor.

Heggie inherited a love of cycling from his father (whether he liked it or not). When he was 14 he went on a tour with his family from Gloucestershire to North Wales. Not put off by this experience, Alastair has since toured thought the UK, but this will be his first ride outside the island. On another trip through the mountains of Wales Alastair developed a healthy respect for oncoming vehicles on narrow roads after a fall from his bike. For this reason he is looking forward to the wide roads of America.

James Owers is currently studying for his PhD at the University of Edinburgh on Machine Learning and its application to Music. He will be the fresh legs taking the front seat on the second half

of this epic tour. Bar cycling, Owers has also run the London Marathon, swum the Serpentine, and rock climbed in Kalymnos.

His first experience piloting a tandem was with Mairs, sleepily navigating the streets of London on the 100km ‘Nightrider’ in 2013, but Owers has toured many times. His favorite tour was a 6-day anticlockwise loop of the beautiful Scottish Highlands, from Inverness to Fort William in beautiful sunshine. He caught the cycling bug a decade ago when challenged to cycle from London to Edinburgh whilst raising funds for the charity Chennai Challenge.

Throughout his journey, Mairs will be blogging daily, documenting his ride, and educating the public about blindness, interspersed with amusing anecdotes from his ride and his life.

The ride begins in Astoria on June 18 and finishes it in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on August 7. For more information, or to donate, visit https://www. seeintl.org/a-line-of-sight

Lawyer in the law library

A free workshop on Wills and Trusts is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 14t from 6-8 p.m. at the Columbia County Law Library, located at 270 S. First St. in St. Helens. Your attendance and questions will be welcome.

Local attorney Maddy Sheehan will be the guest speaker. The workshop is open to the public and there is no cost. No registration is required. The workshop marks the seventh in the Lawyer in the Law Library series hosted by the law library.

For more information, contact Columbia County Law Librarian Pam Davis at 503-396-5344 or davis12000@aol.com.

Columbia Theatre

The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance. ASSE students are selected based on academics and personality, and host families can choose their student from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries and personal interests.

To become an ASSE host family or to find out how to become involved with ASSE please call the Western Regional Office at 1-800-7332773 or go to www.host.asse. com to begin your host family application.

VBS scheduled

“Welcome to Operation Arctic,” is the theme for Vacation Bible School at St. Helens Bible Church. School runs 6:30 – 8:55 p.m. on June 26 – 30 at the church, 35031 Millard Road in St. Helens. For more information contact the church at 503-397-1495 or webmaster@sthelensbiblechurch.org

St. Helens School District Summer Meal Program

Photo courtesy of SEE International

March 27, 1972 – June 8, 2017

Celestino “Tino” Mendoza III, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 8 2017 at the age of 45 in Richland, Washington. Tino was born in San Antonio, Texas and lived there until he entered the United States Navy at the age of 19. He later moved to Oregon to work for Armstrong World Industries, Norpac, and then went on to work for Bonneville Power Administration. Tino enjoyed hiking, working out, classic cars, and spending time

December 10, 1922 - June 10, 2017

with his family. Tino is survived by his daughter, Isabelle Mendoza, son Vincent Mendoza and ex-wife Stacey Mendoza. He is also survived by his mother, Minerva Mendoza, father,

Celestino Mendoza Jr. brother, Danny Mendoza, brother Jimmy Hernandez, nieces, Amber Mendoza, Danielle Mendoza and Laura Mendoza. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 7:00pm at Warren Community Fellowship (56523 Columbia River Hwy). A benefit fund has been set up for his children at Wauna Credit Union (#151958).

Margaret Isabel (Shipler) Frost September 27, 1920 - May 27, 2017

Margaret Isabel (Shipler)

Frost passed away May 27, 2017 in Coushatta Louisiana with her daughter, Jeannie singing her to Heaven.

She was born September 27, 1920 in Salem, Or to Thomas and Eulena (White) Shipler. She spent most of her growing up years on a farm out of Salem with her two sisters and brother. She attended the University of Oregon and received a degree in Physical Education. She was one of a number of PE teachers who worked hard to get mandatory physical education in the state of Oregon’s high schools.

She married G. Burton

Frost November 27, 1952. They were both educators and spent years in Gates, Portland, Scappoose, John Day and Arlington Oregon. They resided in Scappoose from 1958 to 1966 while G. Burton was Principle of Scappoose High School and Superintendent of Scappoose Schools. They retired to Tigard Oregon. Margaret stayed in Tigard after her

Brandon Thomas Brissett, 21, of St. Helens was taken from us on June 7, 2017 due to a tragic motorcycle accident.

Brandon was born to Robert (Bob) and Patty Brissett on May 1, 1996 and resided in St. Helens his entire life. He graduated from St. Helens High School in 2014.

Upon graduation, Brandon followed in his dad’s footsteps in learning the trade of floor installation.

Brandon started working for his Dad’s company, Die Hard Flooring as soon as he was old enough to do so, and also went on to work at Big Floors. This family trade became one of Brandon’s many passions, even installing new flooring in his high school offices for his senior project. Brandon had a reputation as being a very

husband passed away and then moved to live with her daughter and son-in-law in Arlington. The last 3 years of her life she spent with her family in Coushatte Louisiana.

She was an individual who was very interested in other people. She was the person the managers at her Senior Living complex would introduce the newcomers to as she was so good at making people feel welcome. She was always walking around the complex leaving notes and cards of encouragement for the other residents.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Burton, her son Jack Frost and her two sisters. She leaves behind her brother, Thomas Shipler and wife Betty of Salem, daughter-

May 1, 1996 - June 7, 2017

hard worker and always giving everything he did 110% Brandon was also known as the kid with the big smile and positive outlook. Always the one to lighten up the room and brighten your day. Brandon had a love for life and certainly lived life to the fullest. Some of his many passions include camping, hiking, playing football, boating, 4-wheeling, and riding motorcycles. But most of all, Brandon loved working on cars with his dad and spending time with friends and family.

Kjellaug Hansen-Sandbu

in-law Eva Frost of Scappoose, daughter JoAnn and husband Jim Griffin of Keizer, daughter Jullie and husband Neil Mikkalo of Coushatta, LA and daughter Jean and husband Rick Carlton. She is survived by 8 grandchildren; Cindy and husband Alan Becker, Kim and husband Bennie Bitz, Mike and wife Jennifer Griffin, Matt and wife Kathy Griffin, Josh Carlton, Paige and husband Jason Bell, Stephen and wife Ubah Carlton, and Cori Mikkalo; 16 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held in Arlington Oregon Saturday, August 5th at the Arlington United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations in Margaret’s name go to, the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (10725 SW Barbur Blvd, Suite 50 Portland, Or 97219) or Churches of God, General Conference (PO 926 Findley, OH 45839, in memo put CC2737-Carlton support).

Brandon is survived by his parents, Patty and Bob Brissett, His Sisters, Lacy Chamberlain (and spouse, Erick Chamberlain), Allysia Brissett, his brother, Bobby Brissett, his nephews, Dallyn, Gage, Braylon, and Easton, his grandmother, Sylvia Thomas, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as the love of his life, Carissa Maxwell.

Brandon is preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald and Marlyn Brissett, and his recently deceased grandfather, Robert (Bob) Thomas.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 19th at 1pm at the Columbia Memorial Gardens located at 54490 Columbia River Highway, Scappoose, OR 97056. May Brandon rest in peace, ride free, and live forever in our hearts.

September 3, 1929 – June 7, 2017

Kjellaug Hansen-Sandbu was born in the village of Favang, Norway on September 3rd, 1929 the first child and only daughter born to Olga Hansen Sandbu & Theodor Bull Hansen Sandbu. She passed away at her long time home in St. Helens on June 7, 2017 with family by her side. She was 87 years young. Kelly and her children made Columbia County their home in 1963. A few years later she met her best friend and love of her life, Ben Chamberlain. The two married in 1968 and went on to live life to the fullest.

Kelly had so many interests, passions, hobbies and experiences it will be impossible to name them all. Traveling (especially to Norway), cooking, fishing, entertaining, boating, camping…the list goes on! Without a doubt, however her biggest source of pride and greatest treasure was always her family. She was truly “Ev-

eryone’s Grandma Kelly”.

Kelly was a well known and loved member of the community. She gained her skills and knowledge in the restaurant industry while employed by the Kozy Korner for many years, until opening her very own restaurant loving referred to as “Kelly’s Kitchen” (and later “Kelly’s Kitchen Again”). This is where people gathered in Old Town St. Helens to get some of their all time favorites such as: chicken and dumplings, clam chowder and apple pie and milkshakes.

Kelly is survived by her son Harold Brecht (Cindy Brecht), Daughters Lila Lapman and

Mary Marjolaine Bruer

Truedson, known by many as Marge, several by Granny T, some by Auntie M, and five by Mom, died in her sleep June 10, 2017 in Seaside, Oregon. She was born to Faye and Henry Bruer in a logging camp in Kerry, Oregon on December 10, 1922, the wedding anniversary of her soon to be favorite uncle, Uncle Bill.

Uncle Bill left his young wife that stormy night to drive a railroad handcar up the line to fetch the doctor in a driving snowstorm.

Marge grew up, diving her time between Clatsop and Columbia Counties. She had one brother, Wesley Bruer who preceded her in death in 2013. She graduated from St. Helens High School in 1940 where she was well known for her art and roller-skating skills. She lived through the Great Depression learning the value of waste not wants not. She married Carlton Purvis and together they had three

children: Carla, Marcia, and Mel. The marriage ended and later she married Donald Truedson and they had two more children: Patti and Paul.

Mary and Donald made their home in St. Helens. Donald worked at “the papermill.”

Besides being a wife and mother, Marge painted, drew, sewed, crocheted, and even worked for Carl Bradenfel of Bradenfels Baldness Scalp

Hair Care Health Beauty

Toiletry. Marge didn’t work for the infamous hair care division, she worked for Oregon Holly, gift baskets and parcels. She made everything from “Kissing Balls” made from pine cones and mistletoe to elaborate swags and baskets.

She even made a few designs of her own. She and he coworkers often came away from work giggling “probably from the glue.”

After the last five children graduated from St. Helens High School and Donald retired, they sold their house

NATIONAL GUARD

From PAGE A1

he encourages others explore the opportunities enlistment offers.

“This is something that lets people contribute and help our community,” he said.

Spec. Matthew Bringman, 20, hails from Vernonia. An early graduate from high school, Bringman is currently a firefighter intern in Netarts (near Tillamook) and has already completed his basic and advanced training. He was recognized at basic training as being in the top 10 percent of recruits and earned the highest physical training score in his unit. Bringman said he was always interested in military service and is ready to go wherever he is sent.

Bringman, who has a brother entering service as well, said those around him have greatly supported his decision to enlist. He was trained as Combat Medic and assigned to a unit stationed in the Portland area, where he will train one weekend a month and two weeks a year, the standard for National Guard drills. He is considering a career in the military.

and moved to Seaside where Marge devoted a great deal fo her time to painting. She took classes, joined the Trail’s End Art Guild, and even had a small room in a co-op where she sold paintings, cards, rock people, and sand dollar Christmas ornaments, among other things. She loved oil painting with brushes the best.

The couple traveled by air, rail, ship, and car all across the United States mainland, Mexico and the Hawaiian Islands. Donald preceded Marge in death in 2006.

Marge is survived by her five children, and several grand children, great-grand children and even a couple great-great grand children.

No funeral is scheduled. Any memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Hughes-Ransom Mortuary & Crematory Astoria/Seaside is handling the arrangements. http://www.hughes-ransom. com

Melody Solum, her daughter in laws Carol Reynolds and Jana Brecht, her brother Torbjorn Hansen Sandbu, 5 grand children, 10 great-grand children and 5 great-great grandbabies, as well as 100’s of friends and family members (there was no such thing as an extended family to Grandma Kelly – we are all family).

Kelly was preceded in death by her husband Ben Chamberlain, son Theodore Brecht, and her brothers Odd Hansen Sandbu, Arne Handsen Sandbu and Havard Hansen Sandbu.

God looked around his garden and saw an empty space, then looked down to earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. His garden must be so beautiful, since he only chooses the very best.

Please join us as we celebrate a life well lived, by one of the VERY BEST this Saturday June 17th, St. Helens Elk Lodge at 5:00p.m.

Benefiting from a rapid enlistment process, Bringman moved quickly into the service. Training alongside newer recruits during a recent drill, Bringman said Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) provides a level of insight to military service that puts soldiers ahead of the game when they arrive to basic training. “It makes it a little easier, so you’re not getting hit with as much information all at once,” he said.

Preparing for basic train-

ing, Bringman maintained a solid training regimen, but the mental preparation was necessary as well. He said despite the stress of months of basic and advanced training, he managed to get through without letting anything bother him. “It was fun,” Bringman said. “The hardest thing is having limited contact with people.”

Bringman hopes to enroll in a paramedic school within a year and continues to pursue his career as an emergency responder while serving in the Oregon Army National Guard. He hopes after completing his fire station internship he will advance to a bigger station.

Pvt. Jordan Martin, 17 years old, grew up in St. Helens and will graduate from St. Helens High School next year. He enlisted to serve his country, and he chose the Guard because it allows him to serve from his home community. Martin chose diesel mechanics as his field of training, learning skills he could transfer to the civilian world.

Martin has friends who have joined other branches of service and he said they were ‘all for it’ when he told them about enlisting. His civilian friends also encouraged the move to do something significant with his life. Martin said his family has supported his enlistment as well, and his parents met with the recruiter to discuss the future.

At 16, Martin tested very highly for mechanical ability on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Staff Sgt. Melissa Fleming said Martin had one of the highest scores she has ever seen.

“I’ve always been inter-

ested in cars,” Martin said. “Ever since I was little I’d help my dad with his truck or something.”

Preparing for basic training, Martin partly focused on his mental toughness, telling himself the challenging experience is temporary and will not be as bad as some say. He is mindful of his nutrition and is building himself up physically. Martin is an auto mechanic student at St. Helens High School, so he brings professional knowledge with him.

Mechanics may not be first in the mind when thinking about the military, but the MOS is crucial in many respects due to the wide range of vehicles in use by our armed forces. If a truck full of soldiers breaks down and cannot reach its objective, it will be the mechanics saving the day and putting them back on the road. “I’m the guy who fixes it,” Martin said.

Awaiting his basic training ship-out date, Martin has been participating in RSP drills to prepare, which includes activities such as classroom instruction, simulated airsoft battles, rappelling, working with weapons, etc. The experience lessens the shock when soldiers arrive to basic training.

Martin will be assigned to a unit that is stationed in the Portland area, but he will be attached to the unit stationed in St. Helens for his mechanic duties. That is the essence of Oregon Army National Guard, serving your nation by directly serving the local community. Martin said if a person feels the call to service but wants to stay with their family and community, the Guard is the branch of service to join.

Celestino “Tino” Mendoza III

Brandon Thomas Brissett

Mary Marjolaine Truedson

Courtesy photo

Spec. Matthew Bringman moved aggressively during simulated urban

Wade Dale Marshall September 9, 1948 - June 11, 2017

Rough roads, economic growth and property tax payments were some of the highlighted topics discussed at Hump’s Restaurant Wednesday night.

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners held a special budget hearing and open house that started at 5:30 p.m. and continued well after 6 p.m. About 10 Clatskanie residents attended the meeting.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Margaret Magruder, Columbia County commissioner and lifelong Clatskanie resident, said to the room of guests. “I am just thrilled to see this interest in our community.”

The approved Columbia County budget is more than $58.6 million, which is an increase of nearly $4 million from last year. About 37 percent is set to go toward public safety resources.

The general fund makes up about 40 percent of the county budget and includes government services such as land use planning, sheriff’s office patrol and emergency management, information technology and

human resources.

Mayor Bob Brajcich and City Manager Greg Hinkelman were among other residents in the discussion.

Rough roads ahead

Several citizens brought up concerns about roads around Clatskanie. One example was a rough dip and potholes located on Olson Road. At one point the conditions were described as being like “a washboard.”

County Commissioner Henry Heimuller said that residents could get roads on a list or call the county road department to look into projects that have repairs under way.

He said it’s a struggle across all counties in Oregon because of a lack of resources and workers.

“We’re losing resources all the time,” he said. “Even if we had all the money in the world, we don’t have enough personnel.”

Heimuller acknowledged that there was a “tremendous amount” of issues along the county’s 600 miles of roads, but that shortfalls in road department funding and the loss of two additional county road

workers were a challenge. An additional $5,000 was given to the road department as a way to help catch up, Heimuller added.

The county also services roads based on the need for roads that large trucks and emergency vehicles frequent often.

“We applied for FEMA dollars to get federal help with those (roads) and we were denied,” Heimuller said. “We had to struggle … we have to try to pave as many miles as we can a year and chip seal as many miles as we can a year.”

Magruder also addressed concerns that roads such as Olson Road may not be in the scopes of the road department.

“It is on their radar,” Magruder said. “They are monitoring it.”

Property tax neglect a ‘small portion’

Former Clatskanie Mayor Diane Pohl asked about issues with residents who cannot or choose not to keep up with their property taxes.

In the case of long-term non-payers, Pohl described the situation as a “theft of services.”

“The rest of the taxpayers are paying for the services these folks get,” Pohl said.

She requested that the commissioners look into reviewing current policies in place.

The county’s listed property tax revenue is $3.7 million in the 2018 budget, compared to $3.6 million in 2017. Columbia County’s permanent property tax rate is $1.396 per thousand.

Jennifer Cuellar-Smith, Columbia County finance director, added that the county had one of the lowest delinquency rates in the state.

She acknowledged that revenue from property taxes have not been as high as they were in previous years, but that it’s still in the top half of other counties in the state in terms of people paying on time.

“The dollars aren’t significant,” Cuellar-Smith said. “It’s a very small portion of the property tax.”

Heimuller said it’s a bigger deal in cities and special districts than some folks may realize, but placed emphasis on the complications involved with property foreclosures in the county.

“We’re not in the property owning business,” Heimuller said. “We don’t buy old houses that have been let go because typically these are not the best

properties in town.”

In the case of foreclosure, Heimuller said that Columbia County often works with families to get properties back to residents who have been foreclosed on, so long as the property was not a center for illegal activities.

“We will work those folks as best as we possibly can to find a path moving forward so they can repurchase that house from the county,” Heimuller said.

County revenue, economic growth

Hinkelman asked the commissioners about the increase of revenue in the current year’s budget.

Cuellar-Smith mentioned their 3 percent incline in property tax revenue but said there were no other larger increases that she could note.

“There hasn’t been a significant increase in any revenue stream,” Cuellar-Smith said. She said these amounts could also depend on relief funds from federal disasters, which flow from cities back to the county. One example she used was when about $15 million was provided for relief of the Vernonia flood a few years back.

When asked about economic development,

County Commissioner Henry Heimuller said he hoped to see more opportunities such as the Strategic Investment Program (SIP) funds that come from Port Westward. He also said that the county sees additional revenue come from lottery funds.

Another budget hearing was scheduled to take place June 7 in St. Helens.

County Commissioner Alex Tardif said he was glad to see residents attend the meeting at Hump’s.

“We encourages residents to talk with us about this year’s budget,” Tardif said in an email prior to the meeting.

“We want to hear directly from our citizens about what they feel is most important, whether they think the budget satisfies needs and if they feel it is balanced.”

He further encouraged residents to get involved with local politics and join committees if they were not yet serving on them.

Brajcich said he thought the hearing went very well after the fact.

“We have good representation,” Brajcich said. “They’re doing the best they can with the resources they have.”

The entire Columbia County budget can be found online at www.co.columbia. or.us/departments/finance.

Sean Bassinger/The Chronicle Columbia County Commissioners Alex Tardif, Margaret Magruder and Henry Heimuller address Clatskanie residents at a special county budget hearing at Hump’s Restaurant on June 6.

Sean Bassinger/The Chronicle Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich and City Manager Greg Hinkelman were among other residents who attended the Columbia County commissioners’ budget hearings at Hump’s Restaurant Wednesday, June 6.

SEAN BASSINGER chiefnews@countrymedia.net

My Fair Lady court announced

Grange awards scholarship

Deer Island Grange announced Angelina McLain as the winner of the 2017 Don Coin Walrod Scholarship. The scholarship is $1,000.

McLain is a Senior at Scappoose High School and will be attending Portland Com-

munity College where she will study animal science. Applications for the 2018 scholarship will be available from high school counselors in February 2018, according to grange scholarship chairman Jani D. Remsburg.

Scappoose woman recognized by Lawrence University

Molly Reese, daughter of John and Anne Reese of Scappoose, was recognized by Lawrence University at its recent annual honors and awards dinner.

Reese received the $1,000 Gervais E. Reed Award for off-campus study in Francophone countries. It recognizes a student who excels in

French studies. She is a 2016 home school graduate. Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education.

Columbia River People’s Utility District has announced the members of the 2017 My Fair Lady Court. This year’s princesses are: Margaret Brady, representing Rainier; Penny Dean, representing Vernonia; Ruth Donaldson, representing Clatskanie; Claudia Eagle, representing St. Helens; and Alta Lynch, representing Scappoose.

The My Fair Lady Pageant is held during the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo each year to recognize senior women for their outstanding service in our community. This year’s pageant will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, as part of Senior Day. Columbia River PUD and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program are sponsors of this year’s pageant.

memory has been watching her grandchildren be born.

Margaret Brady, Rainier

Margaret was born and raised in Devils Lake, North Dakota. She moved to Columbia County in 1976. She is married with five sons, four daughters, and eight pets, or as Margaret refers to them, “fuzzy people.” She has 18 grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren - with two more pending. She went to school in Webster, North Dakota, and Fargo, North Dakota. She has volunteered with Beaver Homes Grange since 2004, with the St. Helens Moose since 2013, and with the Red Cross. She’s been involved with the sewing club and the Ralph Painter Dinner. She has worked as a wife and mother since 1962, as a bus driver in Rainier from 19771987, and at Trojan Nuclear Plant from 1985-2004. She enjoys jewelry making, sewing (blankets and such), gardening, cooking, and spending time with her kids and grandkids. Her most treasured

Penny Dean, Vernonia

Penny Dean was born and raised in Vernonia. She spent some time living in Springfield and in Dexter, Oregon. Penny was widowed. She was the mother to a daughter and a son, and a grandmother to two boys and one girl. She went to school in Vernonia. Her hobbies included crafts, camping, trips to the beach, family, volunteering, and church. Her most treasured memory was growing up in Vernonia and seeing the changes that have come to this community. She volunteered for the Vernonia Cares Food Bank from 1996 to 2017. She worked for the Vernonia School District for 30-plus years before retiring in 2000. She also worked in production for Viewmaster. After accepting her nomination as a My Fair Lady Princess, Penny passed away. Her daughter, Tina, is participating on her behalf. When asked about Penny’s most treasured memory, Tina recalled her mother’s laugh and smile.

graduated from Clatskanie High School. She lived in Colorado for two years. Ruth and her husband have four sons, 16 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, genealogy, sports, cooking, and volunteering. She has been involved with Clatskanie Baptist Church since 1951, teaching Sunday School, serving on the Christian Education Board, leading bible study, and hosting women’s ministry. She has volunteered as a Head Start state and regional representative, with Clatskanie Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, the Boosters, and the Senior Center. Beginning in 1979, she has been a foster parent to more than 75 foster children. She’s worked as a dairy farmer, owned and operated a day care, owned a restaurant, owned a vintage shop, and was the center manager for Head Start. Her longest-tenured job has been as a wife, mother, and grandmother, beginning in 1965. She says her most treasured memory is split between two days: Her wedding day in 1965, and her 50th wedding anniversary in 2015.

2001, and was the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis District Young Children Priority One Chair from 2009-2013. Claudia also started volunteering with the Columbia County Transit Citizens Advisory Committee last year. She was one of Oregon’s first elementary school counselors. She’s served on the Presbyterian Church USA Committee on Ministries, and was one of six delegates on the Presbyterian Church USA General Conference in 2012. Her most treasured memory was meeting her husband, Bill, and getting to know him.

Trent Hunter Preheim, nephew of Brady Preheim, seems have had his thumb up his whole life. Preheim received a special recognition award during his graduation, along with a plaque and a check for $450. His mother said he is planning to be a union iron worker in the immediate future.

Alta Lynch, Scappoose

Ruth was born in Longview and raised in Clatskanie, where she has lived almost all her life. She attended Clatskanie Elementary and

Claudia Eagle, St. Helens

Claudia was born in Seattle and raised in Northeastern Washington. She has lived in many places in Washington and Oregon, moving to Columbia County when she married in June of 1967. Claudia and her husband have one daughter and one son, with three grandchildren. She graduated from Warrenton High School, then attended Willamette University, Pacific University, Portland State, and OHSU. She enjoyed teaching, loves music, enjoys meeting people and listening to their experiences. She has volunteered with her church her whole life, with Kiwanis since

Alta Lynch was born in Clintonville, Wisconsin. She moved to Oregon at age 11. She graduated from Redmond High School and moved to Columbia County in the early 1980s. If she had to choose her most treasured memory, she’d choose spending time with her dad after school training horses under his guidance. Growing up, Alta wanted to be a truck driver at a time when women were not in that field of work. Her dad told her she could do it, and she started doing so in 1977. She owned and operated her own trucking company until 2016. Earlier jobs included training reindeer for Operation Santa Claus, moving brahma bulls, and delivering papers on her Shetland pony in Prairie City. For the last 10 years, she has been devoted to helping veterans and their families. Currently, she volunteers with VFW Auxiliary, the St. Helens Elks Lodge, and the Elks Veterans Bunker. She was awarded the 201415 Elks National Veterans Volunteer of the Year Award, and the 2016 South Columbia Chamber of Commerce Com munity Impact Award.

New app connects citizens with SHPD

St. Helens Police Department launched a new smartphone app to provide the community with a free and modern method of communicating and connecting with the Department.

The app includes the latest police press releases, alerts and upcoming events where people can meet and connect with local police officers.

Once the app is downloaded and push notifications are enabled, it also allows the St. Helens Police Department to send alerts to users’ phones in the event of an emergency situation.

The app includes a See and Say feature that gives residents the ability to report code enforcement issues or

suspicious activity from their phone. Select the See and Say button in the app and a list of reporting categories will appear. People can report an abandoned vehicle, suspicious person or vehicle, drug information, a tip on an unsolved crime or wanted person, make a nuisance complaint, or submit a barking dog complaint. App users have the option to provide information anonymously and can attach pictures and a detailed message with their submission. Once information is submitted, a notification is forwarded to the appropriate police department staff member for follow up. Certain reporting categories will

connect the user directly with non-emergency dispatch on their phone.

To download the free app, open Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS) on your smartphone and search for “St. Helens Police Department” or “St. Helens PD.” Download the app from LogicTree IT Solutions. This app is a work in progress, and new reporting categories will be added as the need arises. If you have a suggestion about a feature that you would like to see included in the app, please contact St. Helens Police Chief Terry Moss at terrym@ ci.st-helens.or.us or 503-3973333, extension 219.

Photo courtesy of City of St. Helens

Ruth Donaldson, Clatskanie

Courtesy photo

Front Row: Tina Brewington holding a photo of her mother Penny Dean, Alta Lynch. Back Row: Claudia Eagle, Ruth Donaldson, Margaret Brady.

Grace Baptist is seeking a fulltime Pastoral Assistant/Bookkeeper to provide executive support to the Pastors and ministry leaders of Grace and manage office systems to further ministry objectives. In addition, this person will help to manage accounts payable and payroll for the organization. The successful candidate will be an able communicator, be creative and yet have an attention to detail, and enthusiastically embrace the vision and ministry of Grace Baptist Church. Starting salary is $15-17 per hour DOE. Application packets are available at 58690 Ross Road or on our website at www.gracebaptistcc.com/about-us/join-our-team/.

POLICE OFFICER

The St. Helens Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Both entry-level applicants and Police Officers currently certified by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (or equivalent) are encouraged to apply.

Details and the City application form is available online at www.ci.st-helens.or.us

or you may pick up a packet at City Hall, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens. The successful candidate will be

required to pass an extensive background check.

Application packets must be received at City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2017. The City of St. Helens is an equal opportunity employer.

Sauvie Island Academy Public Charter School is searching for a Program Specialist/PM Care (Part-time)

The PM Care Specialist is responsible for overseeing the PM Care Program. Salary DOB. Hours 2.5/day. Start Date: TBD.

For more information visit http://www.sauvieislandacademy.org/careers/

To apply please send your completed application, cover letter and resume to You may email or mail your application.

Email: info@sauvieislandacademy.org

Fax # 503-621-3384

Mail:

Sauvie Island Academy 14445 NW Charlton Road, Portland, OR 97231

Small yarn company seeking production worker. Needs to be able to lift 40 pounds. Stand for long hours for rinsing, bundling yarn. Ability to read, take

direction & be a team player.

Contact: info@bluemoonfiberarts.com for more info.

Training Manager

Riverside Training Centers is excited to be hiring for an awesome position where you can utilize your leadership skills, assist others to develop personally and professionally, as well as be a key part in a 40-year tradition of excellence.

The core responsibilities of this position is to ensure that agency employees are consistently and effectively trained in all required areas, that best practices are the guiding principle and that all training is provided in a manner that all employees have an ongoing opportunity for growth and professional

development.

Ability to create training curriculum and materials, as well as adept to how people learn. Review, revise and implement orientation process that engages newly hired employees, clarifies agency expectations, and outlines philosophical as well as performance expectations ensuring the best chance of success for the individuals supported, the employee and the agency.

We prefer a Bachelor’s degree or 3 years structured training experience in the developmental disabilities, social service or mental health field.

Competitive Wage ($16-$19 hourly DOE) and Excellent Benefits

Current valid driver’s license

and eligibility for insurance under Riverside Training Centers, Inc. policy. Successful Criminal Background Check and Drug and Alcohol Screening.

We are looking forward to meeting you - please apply in person at:

Riverside Training Centers, 105 Port Avenue, St. Helens, OR. You are welcome anytime, Monday - Friday, between 8:0012:00 & 1:00- 3:30

Application Deadline June 30th Riverside Training Centers

Vonita

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH17-0678

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

No. 17PB02673

NOTICED TO INTERESTED

PERSONS

In the Matter of the Estate of Mary Esther Smith, Deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present

CH17-0683

them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at Law Office of Amanda G. Proujan, PLLC, 1315 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain

CH17-0681

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

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the lawyers for the personal representative, Amanda G. Proujan. Dated and first published on May 31, 2017.

KRISTI CALHOUN

Personal Representative

PUBLIC NOTICE COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT

Rate Advisory Committee Meeting

June 22, 2017 5:00 p.m.

The Rate Advisory Committee for Columbia River PUD will hold a Rate Advisory meeting on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the cost of service study, the October 1, 2017 Bonneville

CH17-0687

Power rate increase, the retail rate design for all customer classes and any other business that may come before the Board. This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for further accommodations should be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting

the Administration Clerk at 397-1844. The PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome.

By: John Nguyen, General Manager

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON

In the Matter of the Rate Adjustments for Solid Waste Curbside Collections Services in Unincorporated Columbia County

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICATION)

1.The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at or after 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 308, at the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon.

2.The purpose of this hearing is to consider proposed rate adjustments for curbside garbage and recycling serices for residents and businesses in rural Columbia County (i.e., outside city limits), effective July 1, 2017.

The Columbia County Solid Waste Advisory Committee is recommending that the Board

adopt a rate increase for rural Clatskanie of 10% and an 8% increase for the commercial drop box service in rural Rainier. This area is serviced by Waste Connections, dba Hudson Garbage Service. Residents and businesses in all collection franchise service areaswithin the County will be subject to a Transfer Station disposal rate CPI pass-thru adjustment calculated as provided in Section 5.04B of the Columbia County Solid Waste Ordinance. The CPI for 2017 was 2.1%. The proposed rate adjustments also affect drop box services in the aforementioned areas.

3.This is a public hearing. Interested parties may appear and be heard. Columbia County does not discriminate on the basis of disability and will provided reasonable accommodations in

accordance with the County’s ADA Policy. To request accommodations or to review the County’s ADA Policy, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 503397-4322.

4.The hearing will be held according to the procedures established in the Columbia County Solid Waste Ordinance. 5.For additional information regarding the proposed rate adjustments, please contact Kathy BoutinPasterz, Solid Waste Program Coordinator, at 503-397-7259 or by visiting the County’s website at www.co.columbia .or.us/lds/.

Dated this 1st day of June, 2017.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON

By: Henry Heimuller, Chair

TO DEFENDANT:

READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY!

A lawsuit has been started against you in the aboveentitled Court by Selene Finance LP, Plaintiff. Plaintiff’s claim is stated in the written Complaint, a copy of which is on file at the Columbia County Courthouse. You must “appear” in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer.” The “motion” or “answer” must be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiff’s attorney or, if the plaintiff does not have an attorney, proof of service on the plaintiff. The object of the complaint is to foreclose a deed of trust dated September 18, 2009 and recorded as Instrument No. 2009-009483 given by Kari

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H. Hansen and Randall C. Hansen on property commonly known as 13950 Highway 202, Clatskanie, OR 97016 and legally described as:

A tract of land in the Southeast Quarter of Section 15, Township 6 North, Range 5 West, Willamette Meridian, Columbia County, Oregon, being more particularly described as follows:__

Beginning at a 5/8” x 30” iron rod marked “Keenon Land Services Inc.” on the South line of Nehalem Highway No. 202, said point being South 27° 42’ 26” West 642.32 feet from the Northeast corner of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 15; thence South 02° 15’ 12” West 237.15 Feet to a 5/8” x 30” iron rod marked “Keenon Land Services Inc.”, thence North 89° 21’ 57” East 230.79 feet to a 5/8” x 30” iron rod marked “Keenon Land Services Inc.”; thence North 00° 12’ 00” West 161.50 feet, more or less, to the South line of the Nehalem Highway No. 202; thence Northwesterly along the South line of said Highway to the point of beginning.

The complaint seeks to foreclose and terminate all interest of Randall C. Hansen and all other interests in the property.

The “motion” or “answer” (or

“reply”) must be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days of the date of first publication specified herein along with the required filing fee. The date of first publication of the summons is May 31, 2017.

If you are in the active military service of the United States, or believe that you may be entitled to protection of the SCRA, please contact our office. If you do not contact us, we will report to the court that we do not believe that you are protected under the SCRA. If you have questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may contact the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service online at www.oregonstatebar. org or by calling (503) 684-3763 (in the Portland metropolitan area) or toll-free elsewhere in Oregon at (800) 452-7636.

Attorneys for Plaintiff, SHAPIRO & SUTHERLAND, LLC /s/ James A. Craft James A. Craft #090146 jcraft@logs.com 1499 SE Tech Center Place, Suite 255 Vancouver, WA 98683 (360) 260-2253; Fax (360)260-2285

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH A CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH A CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE OF RAUSCH MAINLINE CCTV PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM THROUGH AN INTERSTATE COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT ADMINISTERED BY HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL (HGACBuy)

The City of St. Helens (hereinafter City), hereby gives notice of its intent to establish a contract to purchase a Rausch mainline CCTV pipe inspection system using HGACBuy Contract SC0115. The estimated dollar amount of the procurement is

$150,000.00 after application discounts and trade-in totaling $63,767.00. Comments on this procurement may be made in writing and submitted to Kathy Payne, City Recorder, by mailing said comments to PO Box 278, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or by delivering such comment to Ms. Payne at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051.

Regardless of the delivery method, comments shall only be considered if they are physically received by Ms. Payne not later than the 21st day of June, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Vendors who would have otherwise been prospective bidders or proposers on the contract or price agreement,

if the procurement were competitively procured under ORS chapter 279B, are hereby given notice of their opportunity to comment on the City’s intent to establish a contract or price agreement through this interstate cooperative procurement. If timely written comments are received, the City shall, prior to entering into the contract or price agreement for the trailer, shall make a written determination of whether it is in the City’s best interest to enter such an agreement or not, and shall provide a copy of the written determination to any vendor that submitted comments.

REAL NEWS, REALLY LOCAL!

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Monday June 19, 2017

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a request from Vonda Bitikofer, who has submitted an application for a Major Variance to the Setback Requirements established in the Zoning Ordinance Section 622.4 and Section 213.1 for property line setbacks applicable for an accessory structure. The applicant is proposing to construct a 40’ X 80’storage shop within 10 feet of the north property line adjoining Slavens Way. The Ordinance requires 30 feet setback from property line along a street. The subject property is zoned Rural Residential (RR-2), and is identified by Tax Map No. 4N2W25-A0-03000; and is located at 33699 Slavens Road.

CH17-0692

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a request from Lower Columbia Engineering, representing Michael Taylor, who has submitted an application for a Site Design Review for the construction of an approximate 10,700 sq ft Manufacturing Building adjacent to the existing building. The subject property is at 50644 Birch Ave, located near the intersection of Bonneville Drive and Hwy 30, south of Scappoose. The site is identified as Tax Map Lot Nos. 3224-AC-01100, 01200 and 01300; the site is 2.26 acres and zoned Existing Commercial (EC)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a request from Kevin Theobald,

Notice of Private Sale

Notice of Private Sale

Pursuant To ORS 90.675

This is a notice of private sale of personal property (a mobile home) pursuant to ORS 90.675.

1. The personal property is abandoned.

2. The former tenant’s name is Paul Kersley and all others.

3. The address where the property (mobile home) is located is 74866 Doan Rd., Space #60, Rainier, OR 97048.

4. The mobile home is identified below: Newport manufactured home Serial # PA2746G51481 Home ID# 150578 X PLATE: 61597

5. The sale is a private bid sale.

6. The landlord is accepting private sealed bids. The last date on which such sealed bids will be accepted is June 23, 2017. Please submit bids to Cornelius Manor, C/O Mark

G. Passannante, 1001 SW 5th Ave., Suite 1220, Portland, OR 97204

7. Please contact Cornelius Manor/Michael Werner or Denise Werner at (360)2535603 to inspect the home. This notice is provided to the lienholders pursuant to ORS 90.675.

Columbia County Assessor

Columbia County Assessor & Taxation

230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051

Columbia Tax Collector 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051

Estate Administrator Department of State Lands 775 Summer St. NE, Suite 100 Salem, OR 97301-1279

Mr. Glenn Bannert PO Box 567 Hillsboro, OR 97123

who has submitted two applications for a Marijuana Operating Permit for Growing/ Producing, and a Site Design Review to Build Structures in an Industrial Area, for growing marijuana for sale. The applicant is seeking to grow cannabis inside two 60’x132’ pre-fabricated general-purpose industrialrated metal buildings. The subject property is zoned Light Industrial (M-2) and is identified as Tract 16 of Tax Map No. 7207-C0-00500, approximately 10.0 acres, and is addressed at 76412 Ege Road, Rainier SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Columbia County Planning Commission on Monday, June 19, 2017, at 230 Strand, St. Helens, Oregon, starting at or after 6:30 p.m., at which time proponents and opponents of

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the proposed application will be heard.

The criteria to be used in deciding the request will be found in some or all of the following documents and laws, as revised from time to time: Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 197.763; Oregon Administrative Rules; Columbia County Comprehensive Plan; Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. The specific criteria applicable to this request is listed and evaluated in the staff report. A copy of the application, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicant, and the staff report are available for inspection at no cost and will be provided at reasonable cost at least 7 days prior to the Commission hearing from Land Development Services, County Courthouse Annex, St. Helens, OR, 97051. If additional documents or evidence are provided in

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of St. Helens received a grant for $12,500 through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, administered by Oregon State Historic Preservation Offices. The funds will be used to repair the St. Helens City Hall façade at 265 Strand Street. This notice serves to make the public aware of the project and solicit comments pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The comment period is open for 14 days from the date of this announcement. To provide comments or

learn more information about this project, please contact Associate Planner Jenny Dimsho at jdimsho@ ci.st-helens.or.us or by phone at (503) 366-8207. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and in Oregon, is administered through the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.

Grand Old Tribute: Clatskanie Legion Hall finds, frames 48-star American flag

There’s now a little more red, white and blue on the backdrop of the stage wall in the American Legion Hall in Clatskanie.

Several officers from Post 68 managed to find and then frame a classic 48-star flag, which flew for decades.

“It was our nation’s flag for several years,” said Gerry Simmons, American Legion Post 68 commander. “It’s just our little tribute to our country.”

The 48-star flag was first implemented on July 4, 1912 after the addition of New

Mexico and Arizona as states, according to USFlag.org. It had a 47-year run, ending once the 49-star flag was implemented.

Presidents who served under the flag include William Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. Simmons and Rick Rowland, post commander of Clatskanie Veterans of Foreign Wars, said they found the flag during a visit to the Legion Hall in Tigard.

Officers from the hall there had several flags that were given to thrift stores in the area. They offered them to anyone

who might want them.

That’s when Rowland, Simmons and the others knew they wanted to do something with the 48-star flag they recovered.

“This is what the ‘something’ ended up being,” Rowland said, pointing at the newly framed flag.

Simmons and Rowland had help from other legion members, including Harold Bowles and Dick Winders, getting the project together. They also got help from other community members.

“Fortunately, one of our members is taking care of it for us,” Simmons said.

Legion member Phil Ross contacted Elvin Sherman, who

support of the application, any party shall be entitled to a continuance of the hearing. Unless there is a continuance, and if a participant so requests before the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, the record shall remain open for at least seven days after the hearing. At each hearing, the applicant has the burden of presenting substantial evidence showing that the application meets all of the applicable criteria.

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

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in opposition. After the presentation of evidence and arguments, the public hearing record will be closed.

The Commission will then make a tentative decision to be followed by approval of a written order and a statement of findings and conclusions supporting the decision, which will be mailed to all parties at a later date. The Commission may, at its discretion, continue the hearing from time to time at the request of the parties or on its own motion as necessary to afford substantial justice and comply with the law. Additional information about this application may be obtained from the Planning Division of the Land Development Services Department, at (503) 3971501.

June 14, 2017

THE PLANNING COMMISSION

VanNatta,

Jeff

Chairman

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice of Public Hearing St. Helens High School

June 28th, 2017, 6:30 PM –District Office St. Helens School District Board, acting in the capacity as the District’s Local Contract Review Board, will conduct a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 28th, 2017 beginning at 6:30 PM PST to hear and take testimony on the adoption of exemptions from the competitive bidding and sealed bid requirements for St. Helens School District’s 201617 bond program, including

construction of St. Helens Middle School and Columbia County Education Campus (CCEC), an option high school. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM in the St. Helens School District’s Board Room located at 474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens, Oregon (97051). The draft findings are available for public review at the St. Helens School District Office, 474 N. 16th Street, St. Helens, Oregon and on the District website. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

helped donate time to construct the frame. Ross also covered expenses for the acrylic glass and supplies to build the frame.

Total costs were around $1,500, according to Simmons.

In the future, Bowles said they have plans to add more decorations around the flag on the stage wall, which could include plaques or name plates featured as a “wall of honor.”

Simmons and Rowland said they were thankful for everyone who helped with the project. They further reflected on what it meant to them.

Simmons said that the flag was used during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the Nicara-

The recently framed 48-star flag now sits secured on the back stage wall of the American Legion Post 68 Hall in Clatskanie.

gua conflicts, to name a few.

“There’s a lot of people who were buried under that flag,” Simmons said.

Rowland described the project as the ultimate tribute to the red, white and blue.

“I think the reason that we

put it up there was to honor servicemen who did die by fighting under that flag in honor of the United States,” Rowland said. “It’s a piece of America that we won’t go back to.”

Your home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make; and whether you’re a first time homebuyer or you’ve been through it before, the home inspection is an essential part of the experience. I provide an inspection that helps you purchase with confidence.

•

cameras used for a superior inspection •

SEAN BASSINGER

Sean Bassinger/The Chronicle

Police and Fire rePorts

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

St. Helens

Police Department

April 17 – Dale Herren, 40, of Portland was arrested for driving while suspended at 8:52 a.m. at Gable Road and McNulty Way.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

June 5 – A warrant service at 11:18 a.m. in the 5600 block of Old Portland Road led to the arrest of Brandon McKay, 22, of Warren for a warrant.

June 5 – Jessica Fleury, 26, of Deer Island was arrested for a warrant at 4:04 p.m.

June 6 – A prowler was reported at 2:47 p.m. in the 58000 block of Nehalem Highway South.

June 7 – Roy Wall, 57, of Rainier was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender at 2:18 p.m. in the 70000 block of Columbia River Highway.

June 7 – Burglary in-progress was reported at 11:34 p.m. in the 76000 block of Barton Road.

June 7 – Burglary was reported in the 26000 block of Old Rainier Road.

June 8 – A commercial burglary was reported at 6:30 a.m. in the 30000 block of Brownlee Road.

June 8 – A traffic stop at 7 p.m. in the Meissner Road and Apiary Road led to the arrest of Timothy Ellis, 26, of Deer Island for a warrant.

June 9 – Theft was reported in the 15000 block of River Front Road.

June 10 – A fireworks complaint was reported at 8:48 p.m. in the 64000 block of Hawks Run Lane.

June 11 – Burglary was reported at 1:16 a.m. in the 34000 block of Sykes Road.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office – Clatskanie Station

June 5 – A suspicious vehicle was reported at 11:30 p.m. at Delena Road and Beaver Falls Road.

June 6 – A traffic stop at 12:01 a.m. at Highway 30 and Beaver Falls Road led to the arrest of Brendon Rose, 23, of Clatskanie for a warrant.

June 7 – Burglary was reported at 7:55 p.m. in the 600 block of NE Poplar Street and at 11:51 p.m. in the 2600 block of Old Rainier Road.

June 8 – A restraining order violation in-progress was reported at 9:07 p.m. in the 300 block of NE 6th Street.

June 9 – A disturbance was reported at 11:46 a.m. in the 200 block of NE 6th Street.

June 10 – A domestic incident was reported at 12:36 a.m. in the 19000 block of Beaver Dike Road.

June 11 – A suspicious vehicle was reported at 11:06 p.m. at Clatskanie City Park.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue

June 5, 7:46 a.m. – St. Helens firefighters responded to 1300 Kaster Road for a commercial fire with smoke coming from the roof. A fire in paper machine #3 had spread to the roof thru a ventilation duct but was quickly contained by workers and firefighters.

June 5, 8:01 a.m. – St. Helens and Deer Island firefighters responded to a vehicle fire in the 64000 block of Columbia River Highway. The fire was extinguished by a nearby business owner prior to arrival of firefighters which prevented the spread of fire to neighboring businesses.

June 6, 6:04 a.m. – St. Helens

Firefighters responded to the 500 block of S. Columbia River Hwy for a broken water line just outside a structure. St. Helens Public Works also responded and turned the water off to the building. The building owner was advised to contact a plumber for repairs.

June 6, 7:01 a.m. – St. Helens

Firefighters responded to the 500 block of Commons Way for a bark dust fire.

June 6, 10:45 a.m. – St. Helens

Firefighters responded to the 500 block of N. Columbia River Hwy for a smell of natural gas. Occupants of the structure were evacuated from the building. Firefighters worked with NW Natural Gas to check the building and area for gas with no detection of Natural gas found. Building occupants were allowed back inside and advised to call 911 again if the smell returned.

June 6, 5:51 p.m. – St. Helens firefighters responded to the 1600 block of Columbia Blvd for a report of a vehicle vs pedestrian crash. A car struck a person on a skateboard. The skateboard rider had minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital

June 6, 6:01 p.m. – Fairgrounds firefighters responded to the 300 block of S. 15th Street in St. Helens for a report of a grass fire. Upon arrival a small smoldering grass fire was found and quickly extinguished by firefighters.

June 7, 2:49 p.m. – Rainier Firefighters responded to the intersection of Doan Road and Ferncrest Road in Rainier for a report of a possible motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival a vehicle was near the intersection with damage to it from a crash that had happened several days prior.

June 7, 6:47 p.m. – Fairgrounds and St. Helens firefighters responded to the 59000 block of West Kappler for a motor vehicle crash. A motorcycle and passenger vehicle were involved in a crash resulting in one fatality and one patient trans-

ported to a Portland area hospital.

June 8, 9:32 a.m. – CRFR and Scappoose Firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of S. 15th Street in St. Helens. Upon arrival a travel trailer was found fully engulfed in flames and had spread to the neighboring home next to the trailer. All the occupants of the home had safely evacuated. Firefighters were able to stop the spread of the fire but not before significant damage occurred to the exterior and interior of the home. One home occupant suffered from smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene but did not require transport to a hospital. Damage loss is estimated at $75,000 including trailer, structure and contents. Red Cross assisted the victims of the fire. St. Helens Public Works and Police also assisted at the scene.

June 8, 9:40 a.m. – A medic unit from the Rainier station moved to the St. Helens station for coverage due to high call volume.

June 8, 12:16 p.m. - While crews were still on scene of the structure fire on 15th Street a dump truck working nearby pulled a power line down. CRPUD power crews responded to disconnect the power and make repairs.

June 8, 8:38 p.m. – Rainier firefighters responded to the area of Nick Thomas Road and Neer City Road for a report of a downed power line. On arrival firefighters found a limb hanging on powerlines arcing. CRPUD responded to fix the problem.

June 8, 9:04 p.m. – A medic unit from the Rainier station moved to the St. Helens station for coverage due to high call volume.

June 9, 1:35 a.m. – A medic unit from the Rainier station moved to the St. Helens station for coverage due to high call volume.

June 9, 9:28 a.m. – Rainier firefighters responded to the intersection of Laurelwood Road and Highway 30 for a two-car crash. On arrival one vehicle was found blocking the road and the second vehicle had left the scene. One patient was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

June 11, 12:13 a.m. – St. Helens and Fairgrounds firefighters responded to a single car rollover crash in the 34000 block of Pittsburgh Road near St. Helens. A single patient was transported to a Portland-area hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.

June 11, 4:58 a.m. – Rainier firefighters were dispatched to a report of a female locked in her car in the 74000 block of Laurelwood Road near Rainier. At the same time firefighters were also dispatched to a report of a head on car crash on Highway 30 west of the Lewis & Clark Bridge. The crew responding to the occupant locked in her car came across a head on crash on Highway 30 at about milepost 46. It was determined that the reported

crash west of the bridge and the crash east of Rainier were the same incident. The head on crash resulted in 3 patients being transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. A St. Helens and Clatskanie medic were also dispatched to the scene and transported patients. A rescue with volunteer firefighters from the St. Helens station who were originally dispatched to the crash scene were diverted to the person locked in her vehicle. The occupant was advised to unlock the door as vehicle door locks can be operated from the interior of the vehicle. She was able to operate the lock and safely exit the vehicle thru the coaching of firefighters.

Scappoose Police Department

May 29 – Police responded to an audible alarm in the 33000 block of SW Havlik Drive.

May 29 – Following a traffic stop in the 52000 block of Columbia River Highway police impounded the vehicle Jamathon Munoz Jr, 20, was driving. Munoz was cited for driving uninsured.

May 30 – Following a traffic stop on Columbia River Highway near SE Maple Street police arrested Adam Weisler, 34, for endangering a person protected by a restraining order, reckless driving and two counts of reckless endangering. Weisler was also cited for fail to drive within lane and unlawful/unsignaled lane change.

May 30 – Police responded to a non-injury hit and run traffic crash in the 33000 block of SW Havlik Drive.

May 31 – Following a traffic stop on Columbia River Highway near SE High School Way the vehicle Jenna Graham, 30, was impounded. Graham was cited for driving while suspended and driving uninsured.

June 1 – Police assisted Department of Human Services in the 33000 block of NE Ellington Court on a Welfare Check.

June 1 – Police responded to the 52000 block of SE 4th Street and arrested Michael Senn, 46, for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant out of the Clackamas County Circuit Court. Senn was booked and lodged in the Columbia County Jail.

Rainier Police Department

May 27 – Matthew Nguyen, 29, of Longview, was taken into custody on charges of forgery and possession for a forged instrument.

May 28 – A vehicle was reported as stolen from a residence on West C Street. The vehicle was later found and recovered by Hood River Police Department.

May 29 – A young girl had snuck out of her house and was found wandering on C Street. A good Samaritan picked up the child, called 911, and sat with the child at Cornerstone Restaurant. The frantic mother was found and the pair was reunited.

May 29 – A female juvenile was reported as a runaway; she later returned.

May 31 – An officer responded to a disturbance on Fir Street. Occupants of one of the residences had been having a party and they were reportedly lifting their shirts exposing themselves. A verbal altercation ensued. The parties were separated and peace was restored.

June 1 – Sarah Short, 46, of Rainier, was taken into custody for interfering with a police officer.

June 1 – A stray yellow lab was picked up and transported to the humane society.

June 1 – A small stray dog was running amok near Teevin’s Lumber Yard. The wiley canine was able to avoid being caught.

June 2 – An officer responded to a two-vehicle, non-injury accident on Highway 30 near milepost 46. No citations were issued.

June 2 – An officer was dispatched to an accident involving a SUV and a train. The accident occurred at the intersection of West A and West 2nd Street. A vehicle that was parked on West A blocked the view of the oncoming train. No one involved sustained any injuries.

June 2 – A caller reported that her dog was attacked by a loose dog at the park. Her dog did not have any injuries and she did not want to press charges. The owner of the loose dog was given a verbal warning.

Don Patterson/The Chronicle Firefighters from CRFR responded to a blaze on South 15th Street Tursday. See story on page 1

Moles aren’t easy to love

Chief Guest Column by CHIP BUBL Oregon State University Extension Service - Columbia County

Moles aren’t easy to love. They exist largely out of our view, tunneling underground, pushing up excavated soil into volcanic-shaped mounds in our lawn and gardens. They don’t eat plants. Mole have beautiful fur that allows them to go backwards or forwards in their tunnels.

But their tunneling damages plants in several ways. Tunnels create zones of excessive aeration where roots dry from poor soil contact. Some woody plants with shal-low root systems like blueberries and rhododendrons are especially damaged by tunnel-ing. Many other woody plants with deeper root systems are not affected at all. Some might even be helped in our denser clay soils with the improved drainage. Lawns tun-neled by moles will show dried out areas as well as the mounds.

But vegetables and moles do not play well together.

Tunneling under germinating seeds or transplants can cause rapid wilting which, if not caught in time, can quickly kill plants. Ironically, as we target our watering more precisely with drip or soaker hoses, we create a great environment for earth-

worms. And moles live for earthworms. They tunnel up one row and down another, eating happily, unaware of the damage they are causing.

Earth-worms constitute more than 75% of their diet. Centipedes, slugs, ants, spiders, various pupa and larva, and other juicy insects fill out their menu.

Moles aren’t conge-

sary. They have waxy secretions that define their territories and other moles who miss the no-tice are attacked. Breeding is a brief togetherness experiment but raising mole babies (one litter of 2

or 3 per year) is done by the female alone. At about 38 days, she kicks her ba-bies out of her runway system to find their own home. Most moles lose their life to predation in this very dangerous above ground adventure. Once underground, they are quite protected (except from rubber boas, which we have but are in short supply,

Garden Plots

“voles”) will readily use mole runways for protection and ease of movement. Unfortunately, voles love to eat plants. They have a wide culinary range including the roots of some weeds (good) and roots of some crops like

carrots, beets, potato tubers, etc. (bad). Voles also gnaw stems and roots of woody plants (apple and other fruit trees as well as a number of ornamental trees) which can kill or weaken them. Reducing mole numbers will eventually reduce vole numbers as well.

Mole management will be the main subject of the next column. Just so you know, it isn’t easy. If you have any tricks, email them to me at chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu or call me at 503 397-3462.

Weed management and identification class at the Oregon State Univer-sity Extension office in St. Helens

There will be a Weed Management and ID class held at the Oregon State University Ex-tension office in St. Helens on Monday, June 19th from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm. The class will focus on garden and landscape weeds and some of the techniques, tools, and herbi-cides that can help you manage them. Participants are encouraged to bring some weeds for identification. There will be ample time for questions. The class is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Extension office at 503 397-3462.

OSU 4-H Adventure Evenings!

From our 4-H Agent, Woody Davis: This summer we are starting something NEW, 4-H Adventure Evenings. They will be held on Friday evenings in a local park and will have some type of theme. Each evening will have an “Open Grill”, you bring the meat/main course for your family and a second dish to share with others. The first one will be June 16th at McCormick Park in St Helens. Theme: Friday Nite Flights (Disc Golf). You are welcome to bring your own Disc or I will have some that you can borrow. The grill and food will be ready at 6pm’sh and Disc Golf will begin about 7:15pm, we will be done by 8:30pm. Please

bring your own dinner service and condiments for your food. The pur-pose is to have FUN with your family and to bring a friend to enjoy the 4-H Program. So, mark your calendar, invite a friend and plan to attend. Call 503 3973462 for more infor-mation.

2017 OSU Extension Canning Classes

Come learn how to safely preserve foods from your garden this season! Participants will practice making and canning recipes in the kitchen, and will process a jar to take home. Space is limited, so call soon to reserve your spot! Pre-registration is required.

Where: Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District 35285 Millard Road, St. Helens, OR 97051

When (all classes 9 a.m.12 p.m.)

Friday July 7th ~ Canning Fruits and Pie Fillings

Friday July 21st ~ Pickling Vegetables and Fruits

Friday August 4th ~ Pressure Canning Vegetables and Meats

Friday August 18th ~ Canning Tomatoes and Salsa

Cost: $25 per class or $80 if you register for all 4 classes Scholarships are also available

Registration: Call the OSU Extension Service: 503397-3462 , or register online at: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/columbia

Clatskanie veterans honored with ‘Quilts of Valor’

SEAN BASSINGER chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Two local veterans received a special surprise during the June 1 American Legion breakfast.

Representatives on behalf of Clatskanie quilters presented veterans Arnie Sundberg and Phil Hazen with special “Quilts of

Community

EvEnts

Wednesday, June 21

• Financial Planning Session, Presented by Adam Sommers of Sommers Financial Management. Light snacks and refreshments served. 5:30 –6:30 pm at Columbia Center - Auditorium 375 S. 18th St. Saint Helens. To Reserve your spot call 503.397.1545 or email info@sommersfinancial.com

Monday, June 26

• Scappoose School Board Work Session will be held at Warren Elementary School

Wednesday, July 12

• Columbia County Parks Advisory Commission Meeting, Courthouse Annex Room 12 at noon

Sunday, July 30

• The Rainier High School AllClass Picnic/Reunion will be held at Hudson-Parcher Park, areas 1 thru 10 Begins at 11:00 AM. This is a potluck; so bring your favorite dish to share. Tables with seating are limited; it is a good idea to bring a chair

To add your organization’s community event to The Chronicle’s Out & About section please email: chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net or call the office at 503-397-0116.

Valor” early in the morning. Each quilt featured red, white and blue patterns along with a special patch that had their names embroidered on them.

“It’s something that the ladies there do for the veterans and I think it’s nice,” said Gerry Simmons, Clatskanie American Legion Post 68 commander. Quilts of Valor is also a

national organization that focuses on appreciation for veterans throughout local communities. The organization started in 2003 after founder Catherine Roberts’ son, Nat, was deployed in Iraq, according to the foundation’s website.

The first “QOV” was awarded in November of 2003 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It

was given to a young soldier who lost his leg.

“It’s kind of appropriate for the military type guys that have served,” said Jeff Horness, whose wife, Debbie, helps craft quilts in the area.

Horness said that a few hundred women in the area, who are associated with Clatskanie quilting groups and The Quilted Dandelion,

Preschool applications available for fall

Head Start is recruiting low-income preschoolers and their families for the 2017-18 school year. Parents

of a child who will be three or four before Sept. 1 are asked to call for an application. Parents in the rainier

and Clatskanie area may call Sherrie at 503-728-2940. St. Helens families may call 503-397-4114.

often come together for retreats to make quilts. Their last retreat was at the American Legion Post 68 Hall. Several quilts were also donated to local senior citizens last month.

“We’ve got a huge quilting community here in Clatskanie,” Horness said.

Hazen and Sundberg both served in the Vietnam War. Hazen served as a

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Courtesy photo

Local veterans Arnie Sundberg and Phil Hazen were recently honored with Quilts of Valor (QOVs) from a group of Clatskanie quilters. They received the QOVs during the monthly American Legion breakfast on June 1. Courtesy photo

Arnie Sundberg stands with quilters Joy Green, Patti Salo and Debbie Horness.

Weekly Meetings

Mondays

• Al-Anon Meetings, held weekly on Mondays (baby sitting offered) and Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, 360 Wyeth St., St. Helens, OR 97051. For more information visit: www. al-anonportlandoregon.org or call 503-369-1195 or 504-5437191.

• Recovery Fellowship –Struggling with addiction? You don’t have to do it alone. There is hope. Please join us Mondays from 6:45-9 p.m., Yankton Community Fellowship, 33579 Pittsburg Rd., St. Helens. Need a ride? Call 503-397-3880. Childcare available.

• 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.

• St. Helens Lions meets every first and third Monday at 6:30 p.m., at the America’s Best Value Inn. Call 503-397-0407 for more information.

• Columbia County Fair Board meets the second Monday of each month, 6 p.m. in the 4-H Building at Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road, St. Helens.

• Community Action Team Board of Directors Meetings, take place on the fourth Monday of every month unless the meeting would fall on a holiday, from 2-4 p.m., in the CAT boardroom, 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens.

Tuesdays

• Kiwanis Daybreak meets at 7 a.m. at the America’s Best Value Inn. Call 503-397-2696.

• Toastmaster Meetings, at Avamere in St. Helens, third floor, 2400 Gable Road from 6:30-8 p.m. For more information contact Ronda Holdridge at 503369-1195.

• Columbia Community Mental Health Board of Directors Meeting, 4 p.m., on the first Tuesday of each month, at the Creekside Center – 58646 McNulty Way, St. Helens.

• McNulty Water People’s Utility District Board meeting 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at 34240 Millard Road, in Warren.

• Lower Columbia Watershed Council meetings, second Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., at the Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District office, 35285 Millard Rd., St. Helens.

• Northwest Regional Spinners Association invites knitters, crocheters and spinners to informally meet and share their craft on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-9 p.m. at Plymouth Presbyterian Church, 2615 Sykes Road. For more information, call Audrey Sinner at 503-366-0981.

• The PUD Board Meeting is at 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month in our Columbia River PUD Community Room –64001 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, Or.

• Cub Scouts Monthly Pack Meeting, 6:30 p.m., every month on the third Tuesday, through May 16, 2017, at St. Helens Middle School. Cub Scouts is open to boys in first-fifth grade. Pack 250 focuses on family activities. Registration is open year round, for more information contact Francis Brownell, 503369-5426 or fjbrownell@gmail. com.

• The Columbia County Democratic Central Committee meets the last Tuesday of every month at Kozy Korner, St. Helens, meetings start at 7 p.m. For more information call 503320-2050.

• The PUD Board Meeting is at 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month in our Columbia River PUD Community Room –64001 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, Or.

• The PUD Board Meeting is at 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month in our Columbia River PUD Community Room –64001 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, Or.

Wednesdays

• LeTip of Columbia County, 7-8:30 a.m., at the Warren Country Inn. LeTip is a professional networking group that focuses on passing business tips/referrals to other members. For more information contact Tal Carbone 503-543-3624.

• Rotary Club of Columbia County – St. Helens meeting, noon, at the Elks Lodge, at 350 Belton Road. For more information call 503-397-2341.

• Columbia County Board of Commissioners board meeting

10 a.m., in room 308 at Columbia County Courthouse. Staff meeting at 1 p.m. in room 331.

• Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets the first Wednesday of each month at Avamere, 2400 Gable Road in St. Helens, for more information contact Jenny Hicks at 503-3668070.

• Port of St. Helens Commission meets for regular session 8:30 a.m. every second Wednesday of the month at the port office, 100 E Street, Columbia City.

• Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 3-4 p.m. at Avamere at St. Helens, 2400 Gable Road. Call 503-366-8070 for more information.

• St. Helens School District Board work session, second Wednesday of the month – work session, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, in the Board Room at 474 N. 16th St.

• Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District Board meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Columbia SWCD office, 35285 Millard Road.

• Columbia County Stroke Support Group meets every fourth Wednesday of each month, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Avamere at St. Helens, 2400 Gable Road. Contact Jenny Hicks for more information 503366-8070.

• Port of St. Helens Commission work session 5 p.m. every fourth Wednesday of the month at the port office, 100 E Street, Columbia City.

• Trying to quit smoking? Come to Sunset Park Community Church, 6:30-7:45 p.m. 174 Sunset Blvd., for more information call 503-997-9878 or drop in.

Thursdays

• Toastmasters at America’s Best Value Inn, 535 S. Columbia River Hwy, from 12:05-1:05 p.m., every Thursday. For more information contact Dennis Hills at 503-3691859 or Janine Norris at 619861-5155.

• Kiwanis Club of St. Helens meets at noon at the Elks Club. For more information call 503397-6503.

• Al-Anon Meetings, held weekly on Mondays (baby sitting offered) and Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, 360 Wyeth St., St. Helens, OR 97051. For more information visit: www. al-anonportlandoregon.org or call 503-369-1195 or 504-5437191.

• NAMI’s Support Group – New Meeting Times, National Alliance on Mental Illness Columbia County Affiliate meets the first and third Monday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m., downstairs at the Rainier United Methodist Church, 101 East C St., Rainier, OR 97048. Cowlitz County residents are welcome; drop-ins are also welcome to attend. For more information call Teri at 503-5569135.

• Clean Columbia County meets the second Thursday of the month, at the Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District building, 35285 Millard Road, at 6:30 p.m.

• The VFW Ladies Auxiliary meets the second Thursday of each month at the senior center. Call 503-397-2147 for more information.

• River City Singers meets for rehearsals. New singers are

always welcome, for more information call 503-875-4611.

• The St. Helens Economic Development Corporation (SHEDCO) meets the last Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. For more information and monthly meeting location, please visit SHEDCO Facebook or contact the Main Street Coordinator, 503-366-8232.

• Writing Workshop: all ages, all interest, no charges, no requirements, just come for fun. Located at 1271 Columbia Blvd in Saint Helens a way to help support My Next Step. Bring an open mind, paper, pen or laptop and be ready to write. 9:00-10:30. Begins May 11, for six weeks. Any questions please call Rosemary Jeffrey (503) 4109508.

• Please add the Columbia River PUD Board Meeting to your Public Meeting section: The PUD Board Meeting is at 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month in our Columbia River PUD Community Room –64001 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, Or.

Fridays

• The St. Helens Sports Booster Club meets at the Kozy Korner, at 7 a.m., every Friday that there is school in the St. Helens School District.

• American Legion meets the first Friday of each month at America’s Best Value Inn, 535 S. Columbia Highway, St. Helens. The meetings are held in the meeting room behind the lounge. Meetings start at 8 a.m.

• Republicans Meet Up, every second Friday of the month at the Village Inn, 535 S. Columbia River Highway, in St. Helens. Dinner at 6 p.m., followed by meeting at 7 p.m., for more details visit: www.columbiagop. org.

Saturdays

• Weight Watchers meets at Grace Baptist Church at 9 a.m. Weigh-ins start at 8:30 a.m. for more information call 800651-6000 or email dromjue@ comcast.net

• The Art Hive at Deer Island Manor is open to the public the first Saturday of each month from noon-4 p.m. An Art Hive is a community-based art studio that provides an inclusive environment where everyone is considered an artist. Art supplies are provided and vary each month. Join us at 64535 Columbia River Highway, in Deer Island. For more information contact Diane Dunn at arthivedeerisland@gmail.com.

• St. Helens Writers’ Guild Meeting hosted by the St. Helens Library, second Saturday of each month, 12-2 p.m., Armstrong Room. Open to all writers.

• Oath Keepers Columbia County Chapter meets at the Kozy Korner, 371 Columbia Blvd., in St. Helens, at 6:30 p.m., every third Saturday of the month.

• Writing Workshop: all ages, all interest, no charges, no requirements, just come for fun. Located at 1271 Columbia Blvd in Saint Helens a way to help support My Next Step. Bring an open mind, paper, pen or laptop and be ready to write. 9:00-10:30. Begins May 11, for six weeks. Any questions please call Rosemary Jeffrey (503) 4109508.

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, on Pittsburg Road, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., every Sunday, open discussion. Call 503-397-1473 or 503-366-0667 for more information.

• Worship service at Calvary Lutheran Church (LCMS), 10:30 a.m., 58251 S. Division Road, in St. Helens, for more information call 503-397-1739.

Scappoose woman kidnapped, threatened

A man was arrested after police said he stalked and kidnapped a Scappoose woman.

At around 5:30 p.m. on June 2, Scappoose Police Department responded to a suspicious circumstance call in the 52000 block of Sheena Place. The reporting party claimed his roommate, Elisa Paasche, left the residence in a white Pontiac with her ex-boyfriend, and he felt she was in danger.

A Columbia 911 Communications dispatcher called Paasche on her cell phone because Scappoose Police was advised Hernandez does not speak any English. Paasche told the dispatcher she was not safe and was on I-84.

Paasche was transferred to Portland-area dispatchers in an attempt locate her. At about 8:26 p.m., Portland Police Bureau contacted the Scappoose Police Depart-

ment and reported they had Hernandez in custody and Paasche was safe in the 700 block of SE 106th Avenue in Portland.

Scappoose officers responded to the Portland address. Officer said their investigation found Hernandez forced his way into Paasche’s residence on Sheena Place in Scappoose about 2:45 p.m. He was allegedly armed with a handgun and forced her to leave her residence without her permission. Hernandez also was accused of threatening to kill Paasche if she didn’t leave with him, and threatening to cut off her finger if she didn’t open her phone so he could see whom she had called.

Investigators said Hernandez was stalking Paasche at her residence and around the Scappoose area for almost a week. Hernandez was transported to the

Columbia County Jail where he was lodged on charges of first-degree kidnapping, coercion, menacing, stalking, harassment and first-degree burglary.

Misael Hernandez-Feria.

Courtesy photo

The suspect allegedly armed with a handgun and was accused of threatening to cut off the victim’s finger.

Military News

U.S. Air Force Airman

Deanna M. Lynch graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman 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 also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Lynch is the daughter of Suzette and Derrick Lynch of

Scappoose, Ore. She is a 2016 graduate of Connections Acadamy, Scappoose, Ore.

U.S. Air Force Airman

Kyle A. Gates graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman 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 also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree

Kyle A Gates.

through the Community College of the Air Force. Gates is the son of Larry J. Gates and Stephanie M. Cox, and husband of Breanna E. Gates, all of Rainier, Ore.

He is a 2016 graduate of Rainier High School, Rainier, Ore.

Graduates Two area students will graduate from Marylhurst University in Marylhurst, Oreg. this June.

Blaine Butcher of St. Helens graduates from Marylhurst University with a Master in Business Administration. Warren resident, Sarah Miller will also graduate with a Master of Business Administration, Health Care Management.

Dean’s List

Aimee Piercy from Rainier and Avery Jones from St. Helens attained the Deans List for spring term 2017 at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. To attain the Deans List, students must earn a 3.5 to 3.84 grade point average.

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