TCC17

School Health Advisory

Employment bright spot Page A3

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

VOL. 130, NO. 35 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

“A perfect storm” - Snow challenges bus routes ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy from Barbra Moberly

On Tuesday morning, a FedEx driver stopped to free a stuck school bus carrying elementary school students.

As winter weather envelops Columbia County, some students are facing delays in school bus transportation, much to the frustration of pandemic-weary parents with few options and limited access to childcare.

Rainier’s Hudson Park Elementary purportedly sent out a memo on Tuesday, Jan. 4 to parents 10 minutes before the first bell rang, informing them school buses would arrive two hours later than scheduled due to snow conditions.

According to Rainier School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick, the snow impacted all bus routes leading to and from Rainier School District.

“Big round of applause for our brilliant school district leadership,”

one Facebook user commented in response to the update on the school district website. “How much are we paying these people anyway?”

“I have no idea what that means for our family,” another wrote.

Hattrick was quick to address parents’ complaints, responding to the thread with the following statement. The statement in part reads: “At 5 this morning, when the maintenance team arrived on campus, conditions were wet and there was no ice, but the team spread salt and de-icer,” he wrote. “At 6:40 it was noticed that ice began to form in the parking lot. This is also when it was determined that we needed to pivot and move to snow routes.

“When there are changing conditions, we will always do our best to predict and plan, but we cannot predict last-minute freezes and

will instead do what we can to increase safety on the campus. When school is closed due to conditions we send out messaging through our robocall/text system as well as notify through Flash Alert and Facebook.

“When there are snow routes, the daily schedule remains the same, and snow routes can be found on our website. In the event there is a two-hour delay, everything gets moved back two hours (bus pick up times, school day start, etc.) but the end time remains the same.

“As always I am happy to discuss concerns and answer any questions the community has but would hope that we can all remain respectful. Our district has very ­­­­ See SNOW Page A6

Clatskanie’s mayor looks to a 2022 rebound

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The redevelopment of the former Humps Restaurant could attract new visitors to Clatskanie, according to City Mayor Bob Brajcich.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Despite the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Clatskanie’s mayor believes 2022 will be a bright rebound for his city.

Clatskanie has three leading development projects that could significantly boost the city’s economy over the next few years, according to Mayor Bob Brajcich.

The former Humps Restaurant that sits squarely in the middle of the city’s downtown, the proposed NEXT renewal diesel plant and the city’s new wastewater treatment facility should provide new job opportunities and new business growth, according to Brajcich.

The reimagination of Humps The sale of Humps was pending at the end of 2021 after being

idle since Dec. 2018. The building’s transformation into what reportedly will be a mixed-use facility would include retail and wholesale operations and potentially recreational activities.

The structure is nestled on the banks of the Clatskanie River. The building offers a 12,000-square-foot interior in a two-story building which includes a basement. Brajcich said he’s hopeful a new family restaurant would also be located in the building.

“That could be sustainable, and I have heard rumors that they want to do kayak rentals there,” he said.

“Kayaking has become more popular even during the pandemic and would fit into the natural environment along the river.”

The Humps redevelopment and the developing RV park at the city’s south end would offer a really good halfway point between the coast and Portland that could attract new visitors.

Courtesy photo

Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich said the proposed NEXT renewable diesel plant would provide a significant boost to the city’s economy and the county’s tax base.

We are slowly moving ahead. ~ Bob Brajcich, Clatskanie Mayor

NEXT plant “We also are looking forward to NEXT Energy and that will bring in a lot of construction workers,” Brajcich said. “That would be a real boom for our local grocery stores and restaurants.”

NEXT would produce renewable diesel at Port Westward.

Brajcich wrote in a Dec. 31 Chief guest column that renewable diesel is a carbon reducing fuel, that has no soot or odor and is very clean in both its production and use.

“It is tank ready, meaning it requires no engine changes,” Brajcich’s column states. “It is a renewable fuel that can have a positive effect on our timber and farming. A carbon tax could have devastating effects on local business.”

While Brajcich acknowledges that there have been concerns about the fuel plant on local farming, but he said he is hopeful that NEXT and local farmers can be “helpful partners.”

In the interview with The Chief, Brajcich added that if the plant is permitted at Port Westward there could be an opportunity in the city area for new local housing development for the workers.

Brajcich said the plant would be the largest tax payer in the county and would benefit the city and local school district.

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a virtual public hearing at 10 a.m. Jan.

19 to consider NEXT’s land use and rail line applications for the project.

Read more about the NEXT proposal at thechiefnews.com.

EV station, transit center, murals Redevelopment of the former Chevron gas station on the east side of Highway 30 in Clatskanie is also a top economic priority for the city, Brajcich said.

“We are working with the county and have been pushing for a electric vehicle charging station for that location,” he said. “We’d also like to see a formal transit station built there, similar to what has been developed in Rainier and possibly a discharge location for motor homes.”

Brajcich said the challenge with that property, owned by the county, ­­­­

Clatskanie Grows .... A4 Viewpoints ................ A4 Community Events A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Sports.........................A6 Obituaries ................. A6

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See BRAJCICH Page A2

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Friday, January 7, 2022

SNAP Benefits to increase in January STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Supplemental food benefits are available this month for qualifying families in Clatskanie, Rainier, across Columbia County and Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) said approximately 382,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $61 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular

SNAP benefits.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide emergency benefits to most SNAP households in Oregon,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Program Director Dan Haun said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

The federal government has approved emergency monthly allotments since March 2020, according to the ODHS. SNAP households will be able to collect the allotments on Jan. 11 while new households will have funds available at the end of the month.

For more information about SNAP, visit https:// www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/ index.aspx.

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•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the Dec. 31, 2021 crossword puzzle

Metro Creative Connection

SNAP is an assistance program designed to help approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities, with emergency food allotments and other benefits.

COVID-19 vaccinations, booster clinics STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Columbia County Public Health Department has scheduled additional free COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinics.

The drive-thru clinics

will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through January 16, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

First doses, second doses, and boosters of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson &

Johnson vaccines will be available for adults and children (ages 5+).

Those seeking the vaccinations and boosters will need to bring their physical or digital vaccination card, if possible, and wear clothes that you can easily

slip your arm out of. Participants do not need appointments, and pre-event registration is not necessary. Masks are required.

If you need a ride to the clinics or have questions, call Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247.

‘Critical, urgent’ School Health Advisory gon.com.

Schools and other organizations should pause extracurricular activities or ensure they follow the same layered mitigation safety protocols practiced during the school day (use of face coverings, screening and diagnostic testing, encourage vaccination, frequent handwashing, etc.).

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

School districts in Clatskanie and Rainier are closely monitoring the rise in COVID-19 cases and making necessary health and safety adjustments to help students safely remain in in-person instruction at local schools.

Clatskanie Middle/High School Athletic Director Ryan Tompkins issued an advisory to parents this week stating that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) strongly recommends school districts pause extracurricular activities/athletics until the end of February.

“School districts can choose to continue the activities as long as they offer the same level of COVID precautions that are used in our schools,” Tompkins said. “We want to avoid pausing our activities if at all possible. Our number one goal however, is to keep our school doors open for instruction.”

Tompkins said Clatskanie School District, Clatskanie Elementary School and Clatskanie Middle/High School, have a variety of protocols that the district follows to keep students and staff safe that include:

Metro Creative Connection

School districts in Columbia County are closely monitoring the rise in COVID-19 cases and are working with local and state health officials to keep students in school and safe.

sent out to parents, Rainier School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick laid out the obstacles Rainier School District 13 must surmount to keep extracurriculars open for students and implement a test-to-stay program, reducing quarantine for unvaccinated, asymptomatic students.

“At our December board meeting, I presented the testto-stay program which would greatly decrease COVIDexposed students’ quarantine time,” his letter reads. “The challenge, however, is we are not authorized to implement this program until our district has higher compliance with the mask mandates set forth by the Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s Office.

None of us enjoy being • Masking indoors when required to wear face masks not eating but encouraging others to be • Temperature checks non-compliant (which some upon entering the building will propose to your student) • Barriers in our cafeterias/ will not improve the situation commons when students are in which we find ourselves.” eating According to Hattrick, • Maintaining three feet despite being more than two of distance in classrooms and years into the pandemic, cafeterias teachers in the school district are having to constantly “In order to keep our remind students to wear their extracurricular activities/ masks correctly. athletics from pausing or not However, Hattrick said allowing spectators we must his district is not in favor of immediately implement our eliminating extracurriculars.

COVID safety protocols,” “We saw throughLLC the ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE Tompkins said, listing the pandemic the negative impact following. s students,” he said.

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access to in-person instruction is under serious threat.

While early data indicates that the Omicron variant may result in less severe disease than previous variants, it is increasingly clear that the Omicron variant spreads much more quickly and easily than all previous variants.

• Layered mitigation safety protocols (including vaccinations, boosters, face coverings, physical distancing, ventilation, frequent handwashing) are more critical now than at any other time during this pandemic.

• Based on the emerging experience of other countries, states and school districts, we expect rapid transmission of the Omicron variant in indoor settings in which people do not adhere with purpose and intention to masking requirements and other layered mitigation safety protocols.

Current modeling from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) shows that Oregon will likely experience a significant COVID-19 surge, driven by the Omicron variant, beginning in January and continuing through February. This surge is likely to be much steeper than the Delta variant surge we have experienced. We expect impacts on workforce stability in schools, hospitals, and other sectors. Hospitals may be impacted even more severely than they were in the fall.

Schools should consider implementing additional layers of protection such as increased airflow and circulation, implementing free COVID-19 testing programs, retraining staff on all protocols, and educating staff, students and families about COVID-19 symptoms.

Schools should work with health partners to offer vaccination clinics and encourage eligible students and staff to get their vaccinations and boosters. More information about vaccinations can be found at GetVaccinatedOre-

• If schools and other organizations proceed with extracurricular activities, especially as these activities move indoors and individuals are unmasked, they should expect rapid transmission of COVID-19 that will prevent students from participating in in-person learning due to isolation for those that contract COVID-19 and lengthy quarantines for those that come into close contact with infected individuals.

• This risk should be clearly communicated to families participating in these extracurricular activities.

Schools should hold events (parent/family conferences, fundraisers, etc.) online, rather than in-person.

If events are held in-person, make every effort to hold the events under covered areas outside, ensure all participants wear masks, and maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet between individuals from different households.

School advisory for families and community members If your child has COVID-19 symptoms, do not send them to school. Seek a COVID-19 test.

• Get vaccinated now if you’re not. Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19 and reduces spread of the disease. GetVaccinatedOregon.com.

• Get boosted if you’re not. If you’re eligible for a booster, make your appointment today. Boosters provide an extra layer of protection needed to slow spread of the Omicron variant.

• Families with schoolage children and educators should limit gatherings and non-essential activities with people from other households to the extent possible throughout January and February. Before getting together with family, friends and loved ones, ask if attendees have received their COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and consider postponing visits if many attendees are not up to date with recommended doses. If you are visiting people from another household, you should wear a mask, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet, and keep activities outdoors as much as possible.

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BRAJCICH

From Page A1

is that there has been a small amount of contamination from the former gas station and that would have to cleared before any redevelopment takes place.

“Trying to get the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) permitting will be a slow process,” he said.

“So, we are working with the county and DEQ in partnership with that process.”

The mayor also said new murals taking shape in the downtown are also an economic enhancement for Clatskanie.

“It adds a little class and art to the city,” he said. “I think it’s wonderful and they are something that is a point of interest.”

Brajcich said he would like to see a mural on the side of the city’s cultural center as well.

“That would be an excellent place for maybe a historical mural,” he said. “We have some wonderful local artists, and Jeremy Furnish (the city’s mural originator) has been fantastic.”

Brajcich said the Chev-

ron property redevelopment, Humps project and the NEXT plant would enhance the attraction of the city.

“It would give folks reasons to stop and shop at our local businesses and enjoy our restaurants,” he said.

In addition, the City of Clatskanie is moving ahead with building a new multimillion-dollar wastewater plant, which Brajcich said will be funded through grants and save local taxpayers a large sum of money. The plant will be designed to offer modern and more efficient operations.

“That will be a good asset for our city’s infrastructure,” he said. “We are very happy with the work City Manager Greg Hinkelman and his staff have done to get the needed $10 million for the plant. It’s a good chunk of money and without their work, it would be coming out of our pockets.”

Brajcich said the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the city’s economy and adversely impacted local school sports competitions that would have brought people to the city. But he said he is hopeful this New Year will be better.

“Things are inching upwards,” he said. “We are slowly moving ahead.”

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Oregon Public Utility Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $24.00 per month and business services are $38.00-$40.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone or broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families.

Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs.

The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify.

A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1-800-201-4099 or visit centurylink. com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, January 7, 2022

A3

2-city incident leads to arrest JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

An Oakridge man faces numerous criminal charges following a two-city incident involving a reported stolen vehicle taken in Clatskanie and located in St. Helens.

According to a release from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the incident unfolded late Wednesday, Dec. 22, as CCSO took a stolen vehicle report from the parking lot of Fultano’s Pizza just off Highway 30 in Clatskanie.

The vehicle was taken between 8:20 and 8:30 p.m.

Deputies later learned there was a shotgun in the tool box when the white 1986 Ford F-150 was taken.

The stolen truck was seen at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23 going over the Longview Bridge. Deputies responded to the area but could not find the vehicle. The vehicle was involved in a hit and run on the bridge, according to the release.

At about 4:33 p.m. C-Com dispatch center received a call that the stolen vehicle was

by MOD Pizza in St. Helens.

CCSO Deputies located the stolen vehicle by Safeway and attempted to stop it.

The vehicle eluded deputies and assisting officers. The vehicle stalled on N. 6th Street. The male driver, later identified as 38-year-old Mathew Martinez of Oakridge, refused to follow commands and was observed holding the shotgun.

He also made statements that he wanted the police to shoot him, according to the CCSO release.

Martinez was able to get the vehicle started again and continued to elude law enforcement. A short time later the vehicle was located near 7th Street and Lamont Street.

Martinez fled on foot but was

located and arrested on West Street near 6th Street in St. Helens, CCSO Deputies transported and lodged Martinez for the following: • Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle • Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle • Poss. of Stolen vehicle • Attempt to Elude - Vehicle • Reckless Driving Oregon State Police, St. Helens Police and Scappoose Police assisted CCSO during the incident investigation.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

One person has been arrested following a stolen vehicle investigation that began in Clatskanie and ended in St. Helens.

NW Oregon’s employment bright spot

Metro Creative Connection

Courtesy from the Oregon Employment Department

ERIK KNODER Chief Guest Article

Fast Fact The construction industry does not make up an unsustainable share of the economy in Northwest Oregon.

Instead, the industry is growing moderately in response to a real and sustained increase in housing demand.

Northwest Oregon has had its share of bad news in 2021 as businesses have struggled to find customers or staff, or both,

but the construction industry has been a bright spot for the region.

In Clatskanie and Rainier, you can spot a number of building projects that are adding to the employment levels and to the city’s overall economic growth.

By the numbers Construction employment in Columbia, Clatsop, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties climbed to around 3,100 jobs during the summer of 2021 and seemed to be having just a small seasonal drop as the industry headed into winter. The last time employment was this high was during the housing

•

boom of 2006 to 2008. This time the growth looks much more sustainable.

From about 2005 through 2015 the construction industry experienced a classic boom and bust fueled by speculative investment followed by financial collapse. Since then the industry has seen solid but not explosive growth in employment.

House prices themselves may be increasing faster than they can sustain in the long run, but construction employment growth has been more moderate. Over the last 20 years from November 2001 to November 2021 construction employment increased in 23% in Columbia County,

Construction employment in Columbia, Clatsop, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties climbed to around 3,100 jobs during the summer of 2021 and seemed to be having just a small seasonal drop as the industry headed into winter.

54% in Clatsop County, 88% in Lincoln County, and 45% in Tillamook County. (Comparable figures are not available for Benton County because the construction industry is combined with mining and logging.)

Employment growth This growth in construction employment has been faster than comparable overall employment growth and faster than population growth.

Overall growth in nonfarm payroll employment was 18% in Columbia County, 21% in Clatsop County, 3% in Lincoln County, and 17% in Tillamook County. Population growth

from 2001 through 2021 was 19% in Columbia County, 16% in Clatsop County, 13% in Lincoln County, and 13% in Tillamook County.

Does this mean the construction industry is heading for another boom and bust?

Probably not, at least in the foreseeable future. Not only are lending standards more strict than during the boom of the mid-2000s, but the construction industry’s share of total employment in the four counties is pretty typical.

Statewide the construction industry comprises 5.9% of total nonfarm payroll employment. It has the same share in Columbia and Clatsop counties and is below this share in

Lincoln County (4.6%) and Tillamook County (4.7%).

Additionally, these shares have grown only slowly over the past 20 years.

Bottom line In summary, the construction industry does not make up an unsustainable share of the economy in Northwest Oregon.

Instead, the industry is growing moderately in response to a real and sustained increase in housing demand.

Erik Knoder is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He may be reached at 541-3515595.

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: AMERICAN AUTHORS ACROSS

1. Cause for a duel 5. Nelson Mandela’s org.

8. “____ in the shade” 12. Andean people’s chew 13. “White Wedding” singer 14. Like a haunted mansion 15. South American tuber, pl.

16. Type of cotton fiber 17. Desired forecast?

18. *”The Underground Railroad” author 20. Like West Wing office 21. Not silently 22. “When We Were Kings” subject 23. Hand over (2 words) 26. Barbecued 30. The Jackson 5 1970 hit 31. Repressed 34. “Alice Doesn’t ____ Here Anymore” 35. State of dishonor 37. Three, to Caesar 38. Brightest star in Cygnus 39. Performer’s time to shine 40. “No.1 Ladies Detective ____” book series 42. African migrator 43. *”The Night Watchman” author

45. *”Little Women” author 47. Poor man’s caviar 48. Analyze 50. Canter or gallop 52. *”A Farewell to Arms” author 56. Latin dance 57. Club on the links 58. Kind or courteous 59. Los ____, CA 60. Round feed storage 61. Not odd 62. Colonial times laborer 63. Band performance 64. Theodores, to friends

DOWN

1. Flat-bottomed boat 2. Scottish lake 3. Antioxidants-rich berry 4. Popular primo dish in Italian restaurant, pl.

5. Bye, to Edith Piaf 6. Wanderer 7. Garbed 8. *”Moby Dick” author 9. Length times width 10. Call someone, in the olden days 11. Poetic “ever” 13. Apple invention 14. Food contaminant

19. Run off to wed 22. Jean of Dadaism 23. Out of style 24. Find repugnant 25. Burn with coffee, e.g.

26. *Ursula K. Le ____ 27. Jargon 28. It happens at a certain time and place 29. First novel, e.g.

32. Near in space or time 33. Not a win nor a loss 36. *”Song of Solomon” author 38. *”Chronicles” author and songwriter 40. *NY Times bestselling author Atkins or playing card 41. Gambling venue 44. Smidgins 46. Young swan 48. Eagle’s nest 49. Young salmon 50. *”Miss Lulu Bett” author 51. Highest adult male singing voice 52. Snake’s warning 53. Take as a wife 54. Got A+ 55. Desires or cravings 56. Sticky substance

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

A4

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Friday, January 7, 2022

•C latskanie G rows • •

Clatskanie Grows: After the snow storm CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

The snow last week really shook up the trees. It is frightening to think what might have happened if the wind had hit when the trees were covered with all that semi-frozen snow.

Toppled small trees (under 20 feet in height) can sometimes be saved. First, remove the soil on the uprooted side so the root mass can fit back in the hole. Straighten the tree with power equipment, winch, or ‘come-along’ being careful not to break additional roots. Don’t attach your cable directly to your truck – you can bend the frame. Protect the bark where cables are attached. Attach guy wires at a point one-third of the way up the tree. Tamp down surrounding soil and water as needed.

Damaged branches or limbs should be pruned. In many cases, you may want to remove limbs opposite damaged ones both for aesthetics and to maintain a good center of gravity.

When pruning, don’t cut

totally flush with the trunk but rather cut just outside the branch collar.

Trees that have split can sometimes be cabled or bolted together. I wouldn’t do this for a marginal tree. But if you had one of fine landscape value and it looked to have a pretty clean break, it may be worth considering. There are several trees around town that have had that treatment ~35 years ago and are doing just fine now.

Unsalvageable trees can be cut for firewood.

Build a cold frame this month

Here are a couple of websites on cold frame construction: https://powderriver.msuextension.org/documents/generalgardeninfo/ MT199803AG.pdf. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=b75RoDmE9qY. Chilling requirement satisfied, some buds are swelling You will soon notice how many woody plants show signs of active bud swelling. We have had enough cold

plants in trouble. There is not much we can do about it.

As a reminder, winter isn’t over. Plants in containers are less hardy than plants in the ground. Protect them with covers or a place in an unheated garage until the any super cold weather passes.

Root pruning indoor plants Most houseplants evolved in the tropic rainforest understory and thus can handle the lower light intensities of a home.

And many of these plants can survive for

Cold frames can do much of the work of greenhouses at a fraction of the cost. A cold frame is a four-sided structure, lower in the front, with a clear glass or plastic covering on top. The top can be opened or lowered as temperatures change.

Cold frames are best used for starting seeds and growing out small transplants.

They are less useful for developing larger plants unless they are big structures.

Clatskanie Grows weather to satisfy their chilling requirement (an amount of time exposed to temperatures below 42°).

Given a shot of warmer weather (55°+) and they could get really enthused about growing. Then if we get a serious cold snap (15° or less) there could be a lot of

years without re-potting. We have several clivias that thrive pot-bound. But if you have a plant that seems determined to outgrow its pot and/or its assigned place in the indoor landscape, some judicious root and stem pruning may be needed. The two best times to prune are in fall (well, we just

missed that) or late winter (say March).

The process is straightforward. Slide the root ball out of the pot. Then with a sharp knife, remove about 15% (by width) of the roots around the sides and bottom. You may want to remove some of the larger circling roots as well.

Loosen the remaining roots as best as you can. Then, after adding new potting mix to the pot, return the plant to the pot and water. Some thinning of the foliage can reduce the plant size if needed. Start watering with some dilute fertilizer for the next month or so.

Important notes The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened. Masks are still required inside.

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

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

Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-397-3462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu.

The office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly.

All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list.

Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https:// catalog.extension.oregonstate. edu/. Click on publications and start exploring.

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

Clatskanie School District Bond CLATSKANIE SCHOOL BOARD Chief Guest Column

Again, a big thank you to all the Clatskanie School District (CSD) voters that voted YES to pass our $10M bond last May. The bond sale took place in August and because of the beneficial conditions that existed at that time, we were able to realize $12M for our $10M debt. Passing our bond also qualified CSD for an Oregon Department of Education grant of $4M. Thus, we have a total of $16M to spread out over the many needs we hope to address.

We have partnered with McKinstry Company, home office Seattle, but we’ll be working mostly with people from their Portland office.

If you’d like to know about McKinstry you can check them out at www.mckinstry. com. We are excited to be working with McKinstry as well as their contracted architects, BLRB architects (www.blrb.com). Both bring a great deal of school building and remodel experience to the table.

The oversight of the bond and communication with the McKinstry team and BLRB is the responsibility of Mark Bergthold, CSD Bond Project Director. Joining Mark in oversight is Cathy Hurowitz (Superintendent), Kathy Engel (Board Member) and Megan Evenson (Board Chair). We meet via ZOOM with McKinstry and BLRB every two weeks. Unfortunately, like with many remodel projects, we are finding more than

•

$16M worth of work that needs doing so prioritizing is our constant challenge. An example of this is the unexpected need for exterior repair to CMHS that includes the need to regrout each seam where the upper-level wall panels come together. Not a very exciting expenditure of funds, but necessary to retain the integrity of our building.

One of our main goals in the remodel process is to physically divide the middle school from the high school within CMHS. To start this process a design committee was formed that included school board members, educators, and administrators.

After lengthy collaboration with the architects, it was agreed that the upstairs will house the high school, and the downstairs the middle school, with some shared spaces such as the commons for lunch (different schedules), auditorium and gym. There has also been input from teachers, classified staff, and administrators to address changes that might be needed to existing classrooms, the front office, and student services areas. All other projects are repairs and upgrades to our existing buildings, such as roof repair and HVAC. The middle school and high school have already been divided by staff assignments and scheduling as much as possible. It is our hope that the divided building will go into effect with the start of school in September 2023.

Some of the projects currently planned for the summer of 2022 are: • CES – Exterior siding, roof, and parking lot paving.

All other items, such as HVAC upgrades and front entry security, are still TBD with regard to scheduling.

• CMHS – Roof, parking lot redesign & paving, track replacement, HVAC upgrade (Phase I of the HVAC control system was actually started in December 2021), restroom modifications, front office reconfiguration, surveillance system, and fire alarm. There are still many work items that are TBD regarding scheduling so more may be added to this 2022 list.

The expected completion of the entire project is the end of 2023 with some major projects scheduled for that summer. Some of those are the addition of an elevator, expanding the student services into the current atrium, and creating an atrium on the 2nd floor along with a reconfiguration of the ‘upper commons’, auditorium upgrade, fresh paint, carpeting and some wall board and floor repair. Most work that may be disruptive to classrooms is being done during the summers.

It is very exciting for the remodeling, upgrades, and repairs to be starting after all the planning and finger-crossing that got us this far.

Thank you again for making it possible to provide our students with buildings that are safe, secure, and maintained to make them last.

Respectfully, Clatskanie School Board Megan Evenson, Chair Kara Harris, Vice-Chair Katherine Willis Ian Wiggins Kathy Engel

•C ommunity E vents • •

Jan. 29 The Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) Arts Department presents an Art Show and Concerts. The Art Show is open from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The show will feature art from about 50 high school art classes students. The CMHS Jazz Band will play in the auditorium at 1 p.m. and the CHS Choir will perform at 2:30 p.m.

The events are free. Donations are welcomed. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Hope to see you there.

Don Coin Walrod Scholarship The Deer Island Grange is now accepting applications for the Don Coin Walrod Scholarship.

The scholarship is created for a Columbia County high

school senior. Applicants may attend a trade school, community college, or university of their choice, but must major in agriculture, education, forestry, or animal science. Applications are available from each of the Columbia County high school counselor offices and must be post marked by April 1, 2022.

Mail applications to: Don Coin Walrod Scholarship, 64556 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054.

Ongoing • Lower Columbia River Watershed Council meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator

Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@ whitingenv.com, or call 503789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom info: Events Page — LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL. • The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum is open from noon - 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). It is located inside Rainier City Hall on the 3rd floor. Go in side entrance and take the elevator to the 3rd floor. For more information, all 360-751-7039.

If you have an event you’d like posted on the Chief’s Community Calendar, send details, including a contact name and phone number/emai,l to jruark@countrymedia.net.

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Do you agree that extracurricular activities at Oregon schools should be canceled due to the spike in COVID-19 cases?

Yes

No

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

17% Yes

83% No

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

The Chief

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All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number (only the name and city of residence will be published).

By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online. Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country Media, Inc.

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

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Friday, January 7, 2022

A5

Marketplace

It’s easy to place a classified ad in The Chief

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Listings are updated daily at www.thechiefnews.com 301

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Tai Chi for Health Beginner Clatskanie Wed & Fri Jan. 12 - 28 Special Offer $30 (Regularly $50) Reserve your spot for 9:00 AM OR 10:00 AM: (650) 823-8471. lanay.eastman@ exercisesos.fitness

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To help extend the life of Clatskanie PUD power poles, Davey Resource Group has been contracted to conduct ourispole test and treatproposals program for 2021.

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Proposals Grove Rd, Lindberg Rd, Cedarby Grove Rd, & LostPST, Creek. must be received 2:00 pm ForJanuary questions or12, concerns, call 503-728-2163.

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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC21-1549

TS No. OR08000140-18-7S APN 11353 TO No OR08000140-18-8 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, BARRY L EVANS as Grantor to TICOR TITLE COMPANY OF OREGON as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for USA DIRECT FUNDING, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of August 1, 2017 and recorded on August 4, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-07168 and the beneficial interest was assigned to The Money Source Inc. and recorded October 15, 2018 as Instrument Number 201808781 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 11353 LOT 1, BLOCK 119, CITY OF ST. HELENS, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON.

Commonly known as: 496 S 15TH ST, ST HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Beneficiary, The Money Source Inc., and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 9 Monthly Payment(s) from 05/01/2019 to 01/30/2020 at $971.54 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2020 to 02/28/2020 at $957.59 14 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2020 to 04/30/2021 at $948.94 7 Monthly Payment(s) from 05/01/2021 to 11/30/2021 at $970.86

Total Late Charge(s): 333.85 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $166,236.35 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.37500% per annum from April 1, 2019 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on April 6, 2022 at the hour of 12:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the west entrance to the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., Saint Helens, OR 97051

County of Columbia, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not

then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic.

Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In

CC22-1560

construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 11/19/2021 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-2528300 Order Number 78848, Pub Dates: 12/17/2021, 12/24/2021, 12/31/2021, 1/7/2022, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF CC22-1565

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING CLATSOP COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clatsop County Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, via GoTo Meeting to consider the following: 1.

Amendments to the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan, revising Goal 7: Areas Subject to Natural Hazards 2. Amendments to the Clatsop County Com-

prehensive Plan, revising Goal 9: Economic Development 3. Amendments to the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan, revision Goal 13: Energy Conservation. To join the meeting: https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/717331381 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1-877-568-4106 United States: +1 (312)757-3129 Access Code:

717-331-381 An agenda will be posted seven days prior to the hearing at: https://www.co.clatsop. or.us/calendar. Those wishing to provide testimony on public hearings or provide oral communication at the designated time must register in advance by calling 503-325-8611 or email comdev @co.clatsop.or.us.

Once registered, you will be notified when it is your

opportunity to speak for a three-minute presentation. The public may also submit comments via email to be read to the Planning Commission at the designated time. Please send submissions to comdev@ co.clatsop.or.us. All documents will be available for inspection by appointment at the Clatsop County Planning Division at 800 Exchange St, Suite 100, during

CC22-1563

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING The regular meeting of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District board of directors will be held on, Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 7:00pm at the Port of Columbia County offices, 555 SW Bryant Street, Clatskanie. ANY AND

ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES IN PLACE FOR IN PERSON PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING WILL BE FOLLOWED. Items on the agenda, but not limited to: Updates on daily Fire

and EMS operations. Board President, Robert Keyser. A workshop of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District board of directors will be held on, Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 6:00pm (before the regular monthly meeting) at

the Port of Columbia County offices, 555 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie, OR; the purpose of this workshop will be to discuss updates on the District’s stations. No public comment and no action will be taken at this workshop.

normal business hours (M-F 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) at no cost.

Paper copies may also be obtained at reasonable cost.

The full agenda packet will be posted seven days prior to the hearing at: https:// www.co. clatsop.or.us/calendar. If you have questions about this matter or need more information, please contact the Planning Division at (503) 325-8611 or at comdev@co.clatsop.or.us.

NOTICE OF MEETING

The regular meeting of the Rainier Cemetery District will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 5:00pm at the Rainier Cemetery Office, 24952 Alston Rd, Rainier, OR. Items on the agenda include but are not limited to: Monthly updates on cemetery operations.

Janice Carstensen, Board Chairman

CC22-1564

NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING The Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold a Board meeting, Monday, January 10, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please see our website at www.csd.k12. or.us on the main page for

directions to join the meeting. The agenda includes but is not limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, financial report, policy updates and the consent agenda. The public is encouraged to attend.

CC21-1557

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of KAREN ELIZABETH OLSEN, Deceased. No. 21PB10412 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representa-

tive of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months

after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred.

All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal

representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published December 31, 2021.

Patricia D. Richard, Personal

Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., ATTORNEY AT LAW, P.O. BOX 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

A6

SNOW

From Page A1 unique weather patterns and they were being monitored closely and unfortunately, an alternate decision had to be made right away.”

Mid-Columbia Bus Company, Inc. is the transportation company contracted with Rainier School District 13. Region Vice President Brian Shuldberg said the company works with the school district to determine the road conditions during route times and communicates delays via telephone as they occur.

“We strive to work closely with each campus as issues arise,” he said.

Shuldberg also said parents’ concerns can be directed either to Midco or the District, adding, “We work together on resolving the issue, following district policy, Oregon Department of Education policy and other state and local regulations.”

Barbra Moberly had concerns of her own after

dropping her preschooler off Tuesday morning at the bus stop near her residence on Doan Road.

Cold, dry temperatures and clear roads suggested improvements in the weather from weeks prior, however, the guise of safety soon vanished as the bus began its descent down the hill leading away from Moberly’s home and towards Hudson Park Elementary.

“Our hill’s steep, and it looked like there was a little bit of snow on top of the ice,” she said. “I don’t think (the driver) realized how deep the ice was. She has to stop in the middle of the hill where it’s super steep.

Right after she stopped, she kind of just let go of the brakes and the bus slid off the road.”

“It got stuck in the grass.

Then she got a little further up and that’s when she just started sliding towards the cars and stopped and then that’s when the FedEx driver saw that she was stuck.”

Moberly wasn’t alarmed at first.

“She slid the first time and I was like, ‘oh, she’ll

•

get out of it,’ and then she turned the corner and it slid again,” she said.

After assessing the situation, Moberly pulled her daughter off the bus.

“I was scared,” Moberly said. “I felt so bad because the bus driver was really nervous, and I didn’t want her to think like she did something wrong.”

The Chief asked Moberly whether she was aware of any delays related to the snow routes.

“No,” she said. “There was no delay, and I think that’s what made all the parents so mad because there should have been.”

Upon seeing the stalled bus, Rusty Pudelko, a FedEx driver, immediately took out a shovel from his van and began chipping away at the ice.

“There are so many people out there that are so mad and angry at everybody and wouldn’t even take a second look, they would just go along with their day,” Moberly said. “He took time out of his route to stop and help people that he didn’t really need to help.”

Friday, January 7, 2022

While Moberly was quick to praise the good Samaritan, she was less impressed with the school district’s response.

“We didn’t get the alerts for the snow routes until we were literally at the bus stop,” Moberly said. “That was frustrating.”

According to Moberly, the scene that unfolded Tuesday was chaos.

“Once the buses got up to the school, they were sliding all over the road,” she said.

Moberly added that she had heard the school bus drivers dropped students off halfway down to the elementary school to avoid icy road conditions.

“All of the cars were getting stuck, and the buses were stuck and sliding,” she said. “The superintendent made it seem like he was doing everything he could and that things were taken care of before the buses got there, and they weren’t, so that was really frustrating.”

“Yesterday was just a perfect storm of bad timing,” Hattrick said. “It was a mess.”

•O bituaries • •

•

•S ports • •

Clatskanie Middle/High School Sports Schedule The following sports schedule has been provided by Clatskanie Middle/High School.

Times and locations may be adjusted.

Friday Jan. 7 • HS Girls Basketball vs. Castle Rock: JV at 5:30 p.m. Varsity at 7 p.m.

• HS Girls Wrestling @Kelso. Start at 3:30 p.m.

4:30. JV2 at 6:00. Varsity at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Jan. 11 • HS JV Boys Basketball @Warrenton. Start at 3 p.m.

• HS JV Girls Basketball @ Warrenton. Start at 4:30 p.m.

• HS Boys Basketball @ Warrenton. Start 6 p.m.

• HS V Girls Basketball @ Warrenton. Start at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Jan. 8

Friday Jan. 14

• HS Boys Wrestling @ Castle Rock. Start at 10 a.m.

• HS Girls Wrestling @ Kelso. Start at 10 a.m.

• HS Girls Basketball vs. Astoria. JV start at 4:30. Varsity at 6 p.m.

• HS Boys Basketball vs. Astoria: JV start at

• HS JV Boys Basketball vs. Taft. Start at 4:30 • HS JV Girls Basketball vs. Taft Start TBD • HS V Boys Basketball vs. Taft. Start at 6 p.m.

• HS V Girls Basketball vs. Taft: Start at 7:30 p.m.

Melvin Leslie Vanderford July 14, 1957 ~ Dec. 12, 2021

Melvin Leslie Vanderford, 64, of Clatskaine, Oregon., passed away Dec. 12, 2021 at St. Johns Medical Center. He was born in Longview, Washington July 14, 1957, to John L. Vanderford and Edna J. (Harrison) Vanderford.

Melvin grew up in eastern Oregon and graduated from Fossil High School.

After graduation he moved to the Delena area and lived with his aunt and uncle. After completing Portland Community College he began working as a mechanic for a shop in Rainier.

He married Sheila Anderson July 12, 1980.

After returning from their honeymoon, Melvin began working for J H Kelly in Longview. He retired from J H Kelly in 2020

to pursue his love of farm life, raising calves, haying, traveling and continued working on his equipment as a mechanic. He enjoyed helping others and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Melvin enjoyed the lawn mower races in Clatskanie during

Clatskanie Days, and motorcycle trips. Melvin was an active longtime member of Newlife church of God in Longview.

Melvin is survived by his wife Sheila; sons, Jack (Lexi) and John; grandsons, Preston, Tate and Aiden; brothers, John, Carl and Larry; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Melvin was preceded in death by his father; mother; step-father; and two brothers, Ronald and Robert.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2022 at New Life Church of God, 2441 42nd Ave., Longview, WA 98632. No food. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to New Life Church of God or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Tidewater Contractors, Inc. is looking to hire a

Shop Supervisor to join its Brookings, Oregon crew.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years supervision experience • At least 5 years work experience in a heavy equipment/truck repair role

Apply with resume: Tidewater Contractors, Inc. 16156 Hwy. 101 S., PO Box 1956 Office: 541-469-5341 • Fax: 541-469-5543 Email: info@TWContractors.com Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

Community Action Team

Tidewater Contractors is an

EOE Employer

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