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The cars of Clatskanie Back in time

LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest Article

Clatskanie is known primarily for its namesake river which empties into the great Columbia. But it is also known for something else… vintage cars.

Yes, the vintage car collectors are among us and their collections are magnificent.

Denny Welters came by his love of cars early. His father owned a Studebaker dealership where the Clatskanie Chevron stands today.

“I was in grade school,” Denny said. “And it was so fun to be able to walk to Francis Welter Studebaker after school.”

Turns out Clatskanie was quite a car town back in the day. At one time, in the 1950s, there were four major car dealerships. Denny remembers the cars coming in double decker on a train.

Denny worked at many of the dealerships, washing cars and pocketing his hard-earned money for a long-desired purchase.

“A bunch of us went in together and bought an old Model A,” he said. “It was twenty-five dollars, a 1930 model.”

Problem was, he was only 14 and not allowed by law, or by his father, to purchase a vehicle.

“We had to hide it,” Denny laughed. “We had such good times, until we wrecked it!”

Denny’s favorite car is his Studebaker, a 1951 model. It has

a bullet nose, patterned after the World War II B-47 and complete with a hood ornament replicating a gun.

It was purchased in Paradise, California after the great fire they had in 2018. Called the Camp Fire, it proved to be the costliest disaster in the world in terms of insured losses. There wasn’t much left standing, save for a few houses and buildings. But a garage which stored the Studebaker

was left intact, and Dennis soon acquired the car.

Don Crenshaw

Don Crenshaw and his wife, DeAnn, recently made their forever home in Clatskanie after living near Everett, Washington where Don worked as an engineer for Boeing.

His first love was a 1969 Pontiac Firebird that originally

belonged to this mother. Like all the cars seen, it is pristine and still shines with its gorgeous root beer color.

One of Don’s most beautiful acquisitions is a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain, which has 30,000 original miles! It also has the driver’s manual and all other pertinent information relating to the car.

Don’s favorite car is his 67 Firebird. It is also very fun for him to drive.

“Sometimes it’s just nice to drive a car with a lot of power,” Don said.

Michael Tillson

Michael Tillson is another Clatskanie car collector whose fleet of cars, and motorcycles, is awe-inspiring. Michael is very careful not to call his cars classic, rather they are vintage, he said.

According to Oregon.gov, classic cars are defined “as those that are 25 or older and sanctioned as special interest: i.e. a street rod or a multipurpose wheeled vehicle. Special interest car registration is permanent and only one plate is issued.”

Michael has been collecting cars for decades, but his favorite is a 1934 Hudson convertible.

“Yes, she is queen of the fleet,” Michael said. “She also has a rumble seat.”

The story of how Michael acquired this beauty is an interesting one. He first spied the Hudson at an auction in Las Vegas he was attending. Years later he saw it at the prestigious Barrett Jackson Auctions in Scottsdale Arizona, which, according to their website “has the world’s greatest car collection auction.”

That day’s auction had just ended, but Michael stuck one of his business cards in the Hudson’s ashtray. Serendipity occurred because shortly thereafter he got a

Gov. Kotek declares homeless state of emergency

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O regon Governor Tina Kotek declared a homeless state of emergency as she took office this week.

Kotek recited the Oath of Office in a swearing-in ceremony before the Oregon Senate and House of Representatives at the state capitol building in Salem Jan. 9.

In her speech to the joint assembly, she expressed a desire to address issues with housing, behavioral health and addiction, and education. Kotek began by acknowledging that this election cycle had the highest voter turnout in the state’s history. Though Kotek was elected as a Democrat, she emphasized the need to serve all Oregon’s people, regardless of political affiliation.

“Governing is about serving Oregonians. All Oregonians. And I have heard from people loud and clear the status quo is not working, and for many Oregonians, it has never worked,” Kotek said. “I believe that for most of us, this is not a partisan issue or, frankly, a criticism of any one leader. This

concern transcends party lines, and county lines, and cultural divides.”

Homelessness state of emergency

In her speech, Kotek declared a state of emergency regarding homelessness in Oregon and announced an executive order to establish a housing production target of more than 36,000 new homes per year.

“I am declaring a homelessness state of emergency. Our state’s response must meet the urgency of the humanitarian crisis we are facing,” Kotek said.

Kotek proposes a $130 mil lion investment to help “at least another 1,200 Oregonians” move off the streets within a year. State legislators, who were also sworn in on Monday, still need to approve this spending. Kotek urged legislators to take up this package as soon as possible. This package would be just the first step in what Kotek labeled a “comprehensive housing and homeless package.”

Strengthening community ties

Kotek also invoked the message of Republican Governor

issues the people have directly from the source.

“We can only deliver results on our complex problems by listening, digging into the details, and forming solutions together, and

State accountability

In Kotek’s final major point, she promised to make state agencies more accountable in the coming years. This week, Kotek said she would deliver a “new set

of expectations” to leaders of state agencies. She emphasized the need for better customer service.

“That means being more efficient, more effective, and creating systems that will empower the state’s 42,000 public servants to deliver for Oregonians. So many state employees are working incredibly hard to do their jobs but struggle because of unnecessary bureaucratic barriers or outdated systems that do not meet the challenges of the day,” Kotek said.

Kotek takes over the governorship from Democratic Governor Kate Brown, who could not run for reelection due to term limits. Brown became governor in 2015 and dealt with various crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rampant fires across Oregon.

Kotek is the third female governor of Oregon and joins newly elected Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey as the first lesbian governor in United States history. In addition to Governor Kotek’s inauguration, the legislature also reelected Corvallis Democrat Dan Rayfield as House Speaker, and Rob Wagner, a Democrat from Lake Oswego, was elected Senate

Funding for small businesses affected by COVID-19

8, 2019.

Business Oregon has partnered with the CCD Business Development Corporation to offer $3 million in CDBG-CV Statewide Small Business and Microenterprise Grant Assistance (SBMA).

The program is funded with federal grant funds from the Oregon Community Development Block Grant program CARES Act funding for communities affected by COVID-19.

SBMA grants will be awarded between $2,500 to $30,000 per business. Microenterprises whose owner meets who meet low- and moderateincome (LMI) criteria can qualify for up to $10,000 in grant funding. Small businesses can qualify for $2,500 per LMI employee retained up to $30,000 in funding.

Eligibility Requirements: A microenterprise (five or fewer employees) or small business (more than five employees) that:

• Was in business prior to March

• Can document COVID-19 impact (lost revenue, mandated closures, workforce issues, supply complications, etc.).

• Was generally stable/strong prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Has an owner and/or employees who meet low- and moderateincome (LMI) criteria.

Limited time

The program will launch 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, and will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Applications for this grant program will be processed on a lottery basis. At the time of application closure, all submitted applications will be randomized and processed. To register and apply, visit www.ccdbusiness.org/oregonsbma.

Technical assistance is available to assist with completing the application process. You may use Google Translate on the application registration and program webpages for non-English languages or please

contact CCD Business Development Corporation at 1-888-263-0971 or oregonsbma@ccdbusiness.com for additional assistance. Video tutorials for both small business and microenterprise applications, including helpful tips, are also available. The link to the YouTube playlist for the video tutorials can be found at on the CCD’s website.

Business Oregon, in partnership with CCD Business Development Corporation, will be hosting two vir-

tual Q&A meetings about this grant opportunity on Friday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Register for the virtual Q&A meetings using this online form. The SBMA grant award selections are expected in February 2023 and the funding is expected to be distributed to selected grantees in March 2023.

For more information, visit www. oregon.gov/biz.

Courtesy photo from Jerome White

Dennis Welter and his wife, Kathy, and their Studebaker.

Vic Atiyeh, who decided to visit each Oregon county to strengthen connections between Oregonians across the state and the government. Before the joint assembly, Kotek vowed to visit each Oregon county so she can listen to the

by advocating for better results at every level of government. That’s why I pledge to visit every county in Oregon within my first year of office,” Kotek said.

Courtesy photo

Tina Kotek takes the Oath of Office as Oregon’s Governor during her inauguration Jan. 9.

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The program will launch 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, and will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Applications for this grant program will be processed on a lottery basis.

Utilities watchful for attacks on power grid systems

In the past two months, utility providers in Oregon and Washington have experienced deliberate attacks on substations within their power grids.

There were incidents in the Puget Sound area, Clackamas, Oregon, Eastern Washington, and others.

By the numbers

Doug Johnson is a media spokesperson for Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and detailed that they and other utility providers have seen an uptick in incidents since November.

“We’ve had multiple utilities in the Northwest experience attacks, and there have been about 20 such events since late November,” Johnson said.

While Johnson said that the rise in attacks may not be a “trend” yet, the current volume of incidents is a departure from the norm. The most significant attack that BPA experienced was on Thanksgiving Day in Clackamas, Oregon. While the attack did not cause substantial damage to the power grid, Johnson warned of the potential dangers of these attacks.

“When people are able to turn off the lights and stop the electricity from flowing when this happens, people in the general public are affected,” Johnson said.

“Streetlights don’t work.

Medical devices can’t work for people that need them at home. The lights are out, so

the potential for serious injury, even death, is incredibly escalated when something like this happens.”

With these attacks seemingly on the rise, utility providers are closely guarding details about the specific nature of the episodes to prevent potential assailants from having a “roadmap” for future incidents.

Law

enforcement and local PUDs

According to Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley, there have not yet been any attacks on substations within Columbia County.

The Chief checked with

“It is concerning to see what’s happening to some of the other utilities; luckily, we have not had any attacks on our substations,” Sarah Johnson said. “But we have reevaluated and updated some security measures and things, I wouldn’t really want to go into details on what those updates are because of security, but it is concerning to see that this has become something nationwide that several utilities have experienced direct attacks on their substations.”

“We haven’t had attacks on any of our substations,”

ners and law enforcement to monitor the situation and will apply any emerging threat information to evaluate against our security measures. As always, protecting the grid and ensuring a reliable and affordable supply of energy are top priorities for the energy industry and Pacific Power.”

men told police that they attacked the substations to aid in a burglary. After the power was down, the two men allegedly broke into a local business affected by the outage and robbed the register. The damage to the substations is estimated to be at least $3 million. According to media sources in Washington state, the Christmas Day attack also left more than 15,000 customers without power. Conspiracy to attack energy facilities can carry up to a 20-year sentence in prison.

Public watch

While utility providers and law enforcement are increasing their security at their assets, Johnson of Bonneville Power Administration and Pacific power also implore citizens to be aware of any suspicious activity around substations in their area.

The

“The only thing I might add is to request that if your readers see something suspicious, to let us know.”

Pacific Power is a utility provider for larger parts of Oregon and serves Lincoln City and the Lincoln County area. In response to The Chief’s inquiries about incidents within Lincoln County, Pacific Power released the following statement:

“We have security measures in place to protect our assets and keep our customers and employees safe and secure. We are working closely with industry part-

In response to questions regarding when, where, and who may have carried out attacks, Pacific Power media representatives referred to the initial statement. While specific information is unavailable, Pacific Power and BPA did say security measures are in place to protect the substations. They are working with authorities to investigate the source of the incidents.

Arrests

Earlier this month, authorities arrested two men in Washington state in connection to the vandalization of four power substations around Tacoma on Christmas Day. According to media outlets in the area, the two

“We would hope that individuals who live near, work near, or are doing anything recreational near an electric substation, if they see something suspicious, report it. We’re certainly in a ‘see something, say something’ posture right now,” Doug Johnson said.

“And we just hope that the individuals who would want to perpetrate something like this understand the danger that they’re putting people in when they do something like this.”

Follow developments at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

More Oregon families qualify for affordable child care

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The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Early Learning Division (ELD) of the Department of Education announce expanded eligibility for affordable child care through the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program.

The expansion took effect on Jan. 1 and is among the provisions of House Bill 3073 of the 2021 Legislative Session, which also creates the new Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).

“For many families the cost of child care can be a barrier to meeting their educational goals and entering and staying in the workforce,” ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said. “By expanding access to the ERDC program, Oregon is significantly enhancing the support it provides to families to strengthen their well-being.”

The primary changes to the program mean that students—in high school, a

GED program, or college— no longer need to work to qualify for the child care assistance. Plus, all students will receive additional child care hours each week for study time. Additionally, many families will qualify for more child care hours due to a change in the way part-time and full-time coverage is calculated.

The ERDC program, currently administered by ODHS, will move to DELC on July 1, 2023, when the agency is officially established. Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee shared her excitement about the expanded eligibility and the program’s transition.

“Continuing one’s education is a full-time job, and I am excited that individuals pursuing their education in Oregon will have access to affordable child care,” ELD Director Alyssa Chatterjee said. “This, along with the change to part-time and full-time hours, are critical steps toward making ERDC more accessible and more advantageous for families. I look forward to the program officially

joining DELC alongside our other early learning and child care resources.”

Other provisions in the expansion include:

• All ERDC families are now eligible for sleep hours when a caretaker works a night shift

• Caretakers on medical leave for their own condition or their child’s can receive ERDC benefits

• ERDC participants can continue to use their child care benefits when on leave to care for someone outside of their household

To help meet the increased demand for child care slots, ODHS and ELD are partnering to expand provider capacity by recruiting licensed child care providers who do not accept ERDC into the program.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own com -

About the Early Learning Division

New national health support for rural communities

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A new national effort to assist rural communities, such as those in Columbia County, with health care is now in place.

The Office of Rural Health (ORH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been established, according to Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Mississippi U.S. Senator Cindy HydeSmith.

The ORH will enhance the CDC’s rural health portfolio, coordinate rural health efforts across CDC programs, and develop a strategic plan for rural health at the agency, according to a release from Merkleys office.

The new office will accelerate innovation, making scientific and communication resources tailored to current rural public health needs, build and improve public health functions, and provide public health infrastructure leadership.

After both Merkley and Hyde-Smith advocated for the formation of the office, language establishing the ORH was included in the

Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus signed into law by President Biden last year.

“Folks living in rural communities deserve national policy makers’ attention to the problems they face,” Merkley said. “I’ve been pushing for action on this with my bicameral Rural Health Equity Act. Too often, we rely on one-size-fitsall solutions for our national health challenges, instead of specific plans to address the unique challenges to provid ing and accessing health care in rural communities. With the establishment of this center, I’m thinking of my House partner on the Rural Health Equity Act, Congressman Donald McEachin, who passed away last fall. This is yet another piece of his long and lasting legacy of making sure that every member of our communities can access the resources they need.”

“The COVID pandemic highlighted the health care disparities in rural areas, especially, in rural states like Mississippi where the public-health response to the virus was less effective than in more urbanized regions,” Hyde-Smith said. “Senator Merkley and I fought to establish a CDC Office of

Rural Health because people living and working in rural areas need to know their health care needs are not secondary to more urban areas. This new office should be empowered to look across CDC programs to ensure the agency’s work properly addresses the needs of the 57 million Americans who live in rural communities.”

In November 2021, Senator Merkley introduced— alongside the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin (D-VA-04)—his bicameral

Rural Health Equity Act, a piece of legislation to establish a new Office of Rural Health within the CDC and to help address the unique health care challenges and inequities faced by rural communities across America. This vision has now been fulfilled by the provisions included in the omnibus legislation.

To strengthen their previous calls to action, Merkley then teamed up with Hyde-Smith and they led 11 lawmakers in a biparti-

san, bicameral letter to the Appropriations Committee chairs urging for the creation of the ORH to address the health care service needs of rural communities and to work with public health practitioners in these areas. Their letter called for a designation of the ORH to identify and improve health disparities and challenges faced by rural communities. They also urged using the office to serve as the primary contact within the CDC on matters pertaining to rural health, and to coordinate within the agency to develop and promulgate policies, programs, and initiatives to improve health care and services for rural populations.

National reaction

“The National Rural Health Association applauds Congress for establishing an Office of Rural Health within the Centers for Disease and Control in the FY 2023 appropriations bill,” CEO of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Alan Morgan said. “We appreciate the leadership and dedication exhibited by Senator Merkley, Senator Hyde-Smith and Representa-

tives McEachin and Guest in getting this important provision across the finish line. Given the devastating impact of COVID-19 on rural areas and the CDC’s extensive role in managing the health and disparities of distinct populations, it is essential that rural America’s voice is well-represented within the agency moving forward. NRHA looks forward to working closely with the new office to address the unique health challenges affecting rural Americans.”

Oregon reaction

“The establishment of the ORH in the CDC is moving us in the right direction,” Oregon Office of Rural Health Care Interim Director Robert Duehmig said. “This office will assist the CDC in addressing the disparities and challenges facing rural Oregonians and rural Americans. It will give the CDC the ability to play a pivotal role in supporting our rural public health agencies in responding to and preparing for public health emergencies while identifying and improving health disparities in rural communities. This is a win for rural Oregon.”

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Sarah Johnson, the Customer Relations and Service Manager for Clatskanie PUD.

Kyle Boggs, Columbia River PUD Community and Public Relations spokesman told

Chief.

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Attacks on power grid systems in Oregon and across the Northwest have increased since November.

We

would hope that individuals who live near, work near, or are doing anything recreational near an electric substation, if they see something suspicious, report it.

~ Doug Johnson, BPA

munities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

The ELD is a division within the Department of Education that is responsible for oversight of a statewide early care and education service delivery system. It is responsible for the administration of state and federal early care and

education programs as well as the design and implementation of Oregon’s child care work. ELD values equity, dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom in making a positive impact to benefit Oregon’s children and families.

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The affordable child care expansion took effect Jan. 1.

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The ORH will enhance the CDC’s rural health portfolio, coordinate rural health efforts across CDC programs, and develop a strategic plan for rural health at the agency.

Property tax deferral program for disabled and seniors

If you are a senior citizen or disabled and a homeowner in Columbia County, you may be eligible to participate in the State of Oregon’s Property Tax Deferral program.

Qualifying for this program allows you to delay paying the property taxes on your residence by borrowing from the Oregon Department of Revenue. The State will pay your property tax bill from a revolving fund, then record a lien on your property to become a security interest holder.

The Oregon Department of Revenue recoups its loan when a participant’s property is sold or changes ownership.

Loans accrue interest at 6 percent annually. To participate, you must apply before the April 15 due date for personal tax returns or file late from April 16 to December 1 and pay a fee.

You can find more information on the Property Tax Deferral program at the Oregon.gov website at https://www.oregon.gov/dor/ programs/property/pages/ deferral.aspx.

Download the instruction booklet, which includes the application and instructions, https://www.oregon.gov/dor/ programs/property/SiteAssets/Pages/deferral/deferraldisabled-senior_490-015-1. pdf.

About Columbia County’s Property Taxes

The Columbia County Tax Assessor, an elected official, regulates property taxes and bases them on the most recent property value assessment for homes, businesses, and land.

For more information about your Columbia County property valuation, or if you believe your property tax assessment was unfair, contact the County Assessor’s office at 503-397-2240. All tax appeals are due to the County Clerk no later than January 3, 2023.

Sheriff’s tip: Secure that load

Unsecured loads contributed to 50,000 traffic crashes, 9,800 injuries and 125 deaths, in a four-year

according to the AAA.

Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that road debris played a role in more than 50,000 crashes each year in a four-year period. These resulted in over 9,800 injuries and approximately 125 deaths.

Law enforcement agencies across Oregon continue to find drivers hauling items to local landfills not securing the loads. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has released the following advisory.

Tie it down

If you are thinking of making that annual or semi-annual trip to the dump? Ridding your home of unwanted items and trash is a great way to keep it a healthy, safe, and clutter-free place.

Remember also, that we want to keep our environment and fellow motorists healthy and safe. So, take a moment to inspect your cargo. Are there any light, loose items that can scatter and become unsightly litter or pollution along the roadway? Or worse, unsecured larger items that may fall out and cause another drive to swerve or crash?

The National Sheriffs’ Association Traffic Safety

Committee is working to raise awareness of the problem with unsecured loads.

To be secured, loads should be:

• Tied down with rope, netting or straps

• Tied directly to the vehicle or trailer

• Covered entirely with a sturdy tarp or netting

• NOT overloaded

• Packed with lighter weight items at the bottom and evenly distributed to prevent them from sliding.

For more information and tips, visit: www.lincolncountysheriff.net.

State issues flood insurance advisory

There are ways you can be ready

Most Oregonians with flood coverage have it through the National Flood Insurance Program. You can also purchase private flood insurance through your insurance company. Typical homeowners or renters policies do not cover flood damage. If your insurance company does not offer flood insurance, you can shop different companies that do.

DFR has resources available on its website about flood insurance. It is important to be prepared before flooding takes place. One way to do that is to build a financial first-aid kit and inventory. You can do this by:

• Saving account numbers – Have a safe place where those are stored and accessible.

• Having an inventory of your belongings – Take pictures or videos of your items and write down a record of what you have.

• Backing up computer files – Consider backing up your information to a secure cloud storage service or keeping an external device with important information backed up somewhere other than your home.

• Securing important documents – It is critical to keep important papers in a water-tight fire safe or a bank deposit box.

The division also has additional storm damage resources available.

“Water damage from flooding can be devastating to your home,” Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services Director and Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi said. “Much like a fire, flooding and storm damage can destroy your home and the items you care most about inside it. Being prepared will make dealing with the aftermath much easier.”

DFR suggests if you do have coverage and need to file a claim, immediately contact your insurer or agent. Also, save any receipts from repairs, housing, food, mitigation (sandbags, pumps, etc.) because reimbursements may be part of your coverage. If you don’t have flood insurance, DFR suggests you consider purchasing it. Even those who don’t live in flood zones are susceptible under certain conditions. Contact your agent or the National Flood Insurance Program.

Before going back into your home, make sure it is safe to do so. Flood damage can make buildings insecure and unsteady. Also, you want to be careful of gas leaks and electrical wires in flooded areas, according to DFR.

About Oregon DFR

The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

Ruth Ann House Oct. 27, 1961 ~ Dec. 23, 2022

Ruth Ann House was born on Oct. 27, 1961 to Carl and Hazel Robbins in San Pedro, California. She graduated from Sammamish High School in 1979.

Ruth is survived by her husband of over 20 years, Wes House; daughters, Charlotte (Jeremy) Delashmit in Forsythe, Georgia, and Breanna (Matt) House in Longview, Washington; stepson Michael (Sarah) Dellamonica of Rainier, Oregon; stepdaughter Melissa House of Longview, Washington; stepson Travis (Katie) House of Clatskanie, Oregon; brother Larry (Kim) Robbins of Arizona; sister Terry Kal-

lio

death by her parents, Hazel and Carl Robbins; son Michael Robbins Friece; and her first blood grandson Bradley Louise Linden.

Ruth’s personality was best described as kind and loving. She loved kids, and any kid she met and got close with called her “Grandma Ruth.” She was very excited about meeting her first grandson Bradley. Ruth loved playing cards with her cousins and friends as well as playing bingo every Wednesday night at the Clatskanie Legion Hall.

Ruth passed away at home on Dec. 23, 2022 in St. Helens, Oregon.

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of Arizona; and grand dog Niko Delashmit of Forsythe, Georgia.

Ruth was preceded in

Winter in Oregon brings rain – and lots of it. This year is no different and the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is encouraging people to be prepared.

Courtesy photo

Flooding in Oregon can occur frequently and can be disruptive.

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period,

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After the cold snap, soggy soils, inner clocks

CHIP BUBL Clatskanie Grows Chief Guest Column

I think we dodged a bullet as the cold temperatures were in the mid 20 degrees rather than in the teens as had been predicted by some forecasts.

It does not appear that Marionberry floral buds were hurt, so fruit crop, if the weather stays vaguely normal, should be ok. Fuchsias died back to the soil line but will return next year. This happens about every third winter so wasn’t a surprise. Kale seemed to make it through as did undersized chard and semi-mature parsley.

Most root crops still outside in the garden are fine (and probably sweeter) unless the voles (field mice) have found them. But soon, they will start the flowering process and that changes the quality of the root for the worst in both texture and taste. Carrots get quite bitter. So plan on using them soon.

The ice on Friday before Christmas was nasty for driving but not quite thick enough to cause major tree toppling or breakage here. That was not the case further south down the Willamette valley where tree damage was more intense.

I think dahlias with a bit of covering are ok (though field mice/voles may feed on them) as is garlic which only the rare field mouse likes. But winter isn’t over.

The Inner “Clocks” of Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Trees know when it is time to go dormant by measuring the daily darkness in the fall. There is a compound in the leaves that changes “form” as darkness increases. That signals the leaves to export all their goodies to the root or other permanent parts of the plant. The leaves turn colors as the chlorophyll is recycled and eventually they drop. Not long after that, the tree or shrub goes more or less dormant and they are able to survive extreme cold temperatures without damage.

Soggy soils

Our soils are water saturated now. It is a poor time to work soil or even mow the lawn unless your soil is better drained than most. The damage to lawns is due to soil compaction from your weight and the weight of the mower. But really, it isn’t necessary to mow or fertilize now anyway. That can wait until mid-February or later.

But what happens when it time to “wake up”? There are no leaves to measure daylight/darkness. So what do they do? They measure how may hours of temperatures below a certain degree threshold, usually in the mid-40° F range the tree has experienced since it became deeply dormant. Here is a simplified version of what happens: the winter buds are kept dormant by a growth regulator compound (hormone).

But each hour of temperatures below a critical amount for that species (and it varies a lot between species and even within species like apples), degrades some of that hormone until it can no

oices of the c ommunity

Say ‘thanks, but no thanks’

This letter is to all those who said, and continue to espouse the wonders of Next Energy developing a plant in Port Westward near Clatskanie, Oregon.

I would like to bring everyone’s attention to the Jan. 7, 2023 edition of the Oregonian. The article, in the business section, details the recent bankruptcy and foreclosure facing the biofuels

refinery in Southern Oregon; Red Rock Biofuels

Please keep in mind the southern Oregon plant was completed while making all the same promises Next Energy has made to the citizens of Clatskanie and Columbia County.

Not only is the Red Rock Biofuels in foreclosure but it could be sold off in parts at auction.

I encourage everyone to Google and read the Oregonians well written and researched article concern-

ing Red Rock Biofuels. It is uncanny the similarities and pie in the sky promises the small Oregon town of Lakeview, Oregon was given in comparison to Clatskanie and Columbia County.

It seems that the bond holders, the taxpayers and finally the town of Lakeview, Oregon are now SOL.

It’s time for everyone in Clatskanie to just say thanks but no thanks to Next Energy.

Russell Spaulding Landowner/ Rancher

ommunity e V ents

January 17 Caples House Event

Tuesday Night at Caples House Becki Bozart and How to Travel Now. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Caples House, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. The cost is $5. For more details, call the Caples House Museum at 503-397-5390.

January 26 Spaghetti Feed for the Rainier Historical Museum

The event is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rainier Schools Briacliff Commons Cafeteria. Dinner will be available during the Rainier basketball game with Warrenton. Tickets are on sale at the museum on Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and youth over 12 yrs., $5 for children 5-12; children under 5 yrs. old are free. To purchase tickets, call Sherry Evans, at 503-3698595. Tickets will also be available at time of the event.

Ongoing

Caples Evening Programs

The cost for this evening and all our Fireside Chats will be only $5. Caples will be offering a different program the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1925 First Street in Columbia City. For more information, call 503-397-5390.

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 Henry Franzoni ar 360-353-0937 or email to hjfranzoni3@gmail. com. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www. lowercolumbiariver.org/ events-page.

The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM) is open from

Editorial policy

Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chief views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

Letters policy

This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to one published letter per month. All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number (only the name and

noon - 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). ROHM is located inside Rainier City Hall at 106 W B Street. For more information, call 360-751-7039.

The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

longer keep the bud dor mant. The tree has passed the “chilling requirement” and the bud starts to “wake up”. The awakening goes in stages and is accelerated by warmer days, slowed by colder ones.

The challenge is that the now perky buds and in fact, an overall much perkier tree from root to top, are in grave danger if deep cold weather comes. There is nothing you can really do to protect them unless they are very small. Fortunately, this combination of some unusually warm January days followed by extreme cold at the end of the month or into early February doesn’t happen often.

But it did in about 1990 when we had 50-60-degree temperatures toward the end of January and temperatures at 10 degrees or lower in early February. A number of trees and shrubs died and other were really wounded.

Since then, I have never trusted that time of the year and nervously watch longrange forecasts.

Important notes

The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

Food preservation

You can get up-to-date and accurate answers to your food preservation questions by calling our office at 503397-3462 and ask to speak to Jenny Rudolph.

Donations

Donate extra garden produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs.

It always is greatly appreciated.

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. to 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.

Resource contact details

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

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.

Guest commentary

We welcome all variety of community viewpoints in the newspaper. These longer, guest opinions might be columns written by newsmakers, public officials or organization representatives. Or you might just have interesting thoughts to share and a penchant for writing. If you’d like to submit a guest column for publication, contact us at (503) 397-0116 or chiefnews@

countrymedia.net. All columns are subject to editing for style, grammar and clarity. However, views expressed in guest columns are independent and do not represent those of The Chief, its staff or 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.

Metro Creative Connection

Photo courtesy of

Public Notices

The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors has scheduled the next regular Board meeting for Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm in the community room of the District’s administration building located at 495 E Columbia River

Highway, Clatskanie. A Board Workshop will be held at 5:30 pm. An executive session may be called at the workshop and/ or meeting, pursuant to: ORS 192.660 (2) (h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to

current litigation or litigation likely to be filed. AGENDA CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT BOARD WORK-SHOP Wednesday, January 18, 2023 5:30 P.M. I. POLICY REVIEW: 103 Budget Payment Plan Policy and 319 Record

Retention Policy II. STAFF REPORTS UP-DATE CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING Wednesday, January 18, 2023 6:00 P.M. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS II. CONSENT AGENDA · Minutes of Board

Workshop, December 21, 2022 · Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, December 21, 2022 · Review payment of bills for December 2022 III.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA CONSTANCE D. BUDGE,

Ryan O. Flori No. 20CV02279 Summons To: RYAN O. FLORI You are hereby required to appear and defend the Complaint filed against you in the above-entitled action within THIRTY (30) DAYS of

the date of service of this summons upon you, and, in case of your failure to do so, for want thereof, plaintiff will apply to the court for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE TO THE DE -

FENDANT: READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY!

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 THIRTY (30) DAYS of the date of first publication specified herein, 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 upon the plaintiff. The date of first publication of this

CC23-1718

The

Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold a Work Session meeting on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 at 5:30 PM at the Clatskanie

Elementary

Library (in person only) to select committee members for the Clatskanie School Superintendent Search Screening Committee.

AT

summons is January 13, 2023. If you have any questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer

Referral Service at

(503) 684- 3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 1-800-452-7636.

Stephen D. Petersen, OSB#73235

Attorney for Plaintiff. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. P. O. Box 459 Rainier, OR 97048 (503) 556-4120.

SUPERMARKET

24. Railyard worker 25. Gabbana’s partner 26. Relating to bees 27. Edward Teach’s facial feature 29. *Prepared food department 31. Contributes 32. Get ready to drive (2 words) 33. Type of wheat 34. *Ricotta and eggs section 36. Semiaquatic tetrapod, for short 38. Sips from a flask? 42. Bar by estoppel 45. Novelist HonorÈ de 49. Blackbird dessert 51. Paragons 54. Galactic path 56. Pomp 57. Be unsuccessful 58. Dramatic part 59. Sportscaster Andrews 60. JFK or ORD postings 61. Japanese alcoholic beverage 62. Tiny amount 63. Not in favor of 64. Lecherous look 67. *O in BOGO

Mustola Subdivision #3 and Don Hooper Subdivision #4 · Board of Directors Officer Selection IV. DISCUSSION / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS · Board Comments & Calendar V. EXECUTIVE SESSION VI. ADJOURNMENT 52. Meddle 53. Largest share owner 55. “____ to Joy” 57. *Coldest display 61. *”What’s on ____?” 65. Main artery in the body 66. Feathery neckwear 68. Isolated 69. Hipbone-related 70. Octopus’ defense 71. Espresso plus steamed milk 72. Eye contact 73. Word from #32 Down 74. Goes up or down DOWN 1. D.E.A. agent 2. On a deck, perhaps 3. Pad 4. Gem State 5. Depended on 6. From a distance 7. *Reusable one 8. Hacienda brick 9. Cleopatra’s necklace 10. Moonfish 11. Boundary line 12. Looker or ogler 15. Capable of movement 20. One of the Muses 22. Shoshonean

SPORTS SCHEDULES

Boys Basketball

• 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Mannahouse Academy Portland

• 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 vs Portland Christian

• 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Vernonia

Girls Basketball

• 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at Mannahouse Academy Portland

• 6 p.m. Jan. 18 vs Portland Christian

• 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at Vernonia

Wrestling

• TBD Jan. 27 SD1 Pre District Week 2 at Waldport

• TBD Feb. 11 District Tournament at Knappa Rainier Jr/ Sr High School

Boys Basketball

• 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at

Yamhill-Carlton

• 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at Riverdale

• 6 p.m. Jn. 20 vs. NeahKah-Nie

Girls Basketball

• 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at YamhillCarlton

• 7:30 p.m. at Riverdale

• 7:30 p.m. vs. Neah-KahNie

Wrestling

• 4 p.m. Feb. 1 3A Special District Regional Duals at Dayton High School

• 10 a.m. Feb. 4 Sherwood Wrestling Invitational at Sherwood High School

Swimming

• 4 p.m. Jan. 19 Rainier vs. Tillamook Dual BSW Meet at Tillamook YMCA

• 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31 Last Chance at Lincoln City Community Center Pool

Rainier Jr/Sr High looks ahead to 2023

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

With the new year in full swing, it’s time to reflect on how 2022 looked for Rainier High School. What were the triumphs and challenges, and what are some goals heading into the future? Athletic Director Greg Miller outlined how he thought the year went and what he’s hoping to accomplish into 2023.

“Rainier High School has had a successful year in athletics over the past year,” said Miller.

Rainier is looking at ways to build participation numbers at all levels of our athletics program.

~ Greg Miller, Athletic Director

Success on different fronts

For Rainier High School, 2022 had a variety of highlights. There were strong teams across many of the sports, and there were also some notable individual performances.

“Our school has qualified teams and individuals for the OSAA state playoffs in girls

basketball, track and field, and baseball,” Miller said. “We have also sent a handful of athletes on to compete at the collegiate athletics level.”

One of the most significant accomplishments was the cheer team winning the 3A/2A/1A State Championship last February. It was the first time that the cheer program qualified for nationals.

Challenges building participation

A challenge that Rainier High School faced this year was looking for ways to get participation numbers up, especially coming out of the last two COVID embroiled years.

“As with many schools around the country, Rainier is examining ways of getting more students involved in

Recreational crabbing opens for most of Oregon Coast

Oregon coast. However, razor clamming is still closed coast wide.

ODA tests for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.

It is recommended that recreational crab harvesters always eviscerate crab before cooking. This includes removing and discarding the viscera, internal organs, and gills.

For more information, call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at (800)4482474, the Food Safety Division at (503) 986-4720, or visit the ODA shellfish biotoxin closures webpage.

the challenge of working with new schools through the OSAA reclassification process. While Rainier High School remained in the Coastal Range League, there has been upheaval.

“There has been an adjustment period as we work with the new schools in our league,” Miller said.

Looking ahead

In 2023, Miller hopes the school can start addressing the issue of fewer students participating in athletics, not just in one area but across the board.

“Rainier is looking at ways to build participation numbers at all levels of our athletics program,” Miller said.

give younger athletes more opportunities before stepping up to the varsity level. One of Miller’s goals is to strengthen ties with the community, and he wants the sports programs at the school to work together with Rainier at large.

“We will be communicating with our community members to ensure that the athletics programs are meeting the needs of the community,” Miller said.

As with any year, there will be ups and downs, but Rainier High School will look to take its triumphant season from last year into 2023.

Follow the Rainier Jr/ Sr High School sports team results at osaa.com.

From

call saying the Hudson did not sell. He made an offer, and the car was his.

All these men have collections they are very proud of, and rightly so.

Bob Behm

A different example of the cars of Clatskanie is Bob Behm’s “Crown Princess.”

Along the line of the famous Johnny Cash song, “I Built It One Piece At A Time,” this stylish lady is a real headturner.

To say it’s a modified 1951 Mercury would be an understatement. Yes, much of the

car resembles a Mercury, but the car features elements from a variety of unique sources and has been featured in the West Coast Customs display at the Portland Roadster Show for many years.

The Princess started her life in Nashville, Tennessee in the late 1980s or early 90s and Bob acquired her after one of the builders put it up for sale in Canada. After a month-long effort to bring her into the US, she now graces our locality on a frequent basis.

After placing the Mercury on an Oldsmobile Toronado frame, the builders started to work on the modifications. The top of the car was removed and replaced with a ’56 Crown Victoria roof (power skylight added) and chopped down at front and

Recreational bay clam and mussel harvesting also remain open along the entire

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules and limits.

back, resulting in a glamorous shortened windshield and side glass windows, all custom made.

Then for the makeover at the front, a stylish Buick front grill and headlights were added. Not to be overlooked are the rear bumper and tail lights from a 1977 Cadillac that extended the car two feet longer. The interior is from a 1985 Buick Riviera, and other parts are from GM and Ford.

Maintaining this hybrid of automotive ingenuity is not without its challenges.

“The fun part is when you have to repair it,” Bob said.

Keeping the Princess looking good and driving beautifully is Bob’s pleasure. He will be showing her off at this year’s Portland Roadster Show in March.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) have reopened all recreational crabbing (ocean, bays, and estuaries) along the entire

Oregon coast, except for areas from Bandon to the California boarder. Those areas still have elevated levels of marine biotoxin domoic acid. Two consecutive tests

show domoic acid levels are under the closure threshold along the rest of the Oregon Coast.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo from Jerome White

The Don Crenshaw vintage car.

Courtesy photo from Jerome White

The Michael Tillson Hudson.

Courtesy from Jerome White

The Bob Behm Crown Princess.

Clatskanie Middle/ High School

Courtesy photo

Rainier Cheer Team poses with its trophy alongside 4A State Champions Glad Stone.