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Income limits rise

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

VOL. 130, NO. 37 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

From the Heart: Valentines for veterans for their service to our country,” RSVP Director Monica Cade said.

“Jenny Hicks from Avamere Living put together bags of candies to give to veterans along with the valentines.”

The 2022 My Fair Lady court will help deliver the valentines to veterans throughout Columbia County the first two weeks of February.

“Thank you to all who participated and gave from the heart to show appreciation to our veterans,” Cade said.

In the following conversation, Cade gives us insight into the project.

Oregon’s graduation rate JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Chief: When did this project first start and why?

The statewide graduation rate for the class of 2020-21 is 80.6 percent, the second highest graduation rate ever recorded in Oregon, according to data released today by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

The 80.6 represents an uptick from the most recent, pre-pandemic rate of 80.0 for the class of 2018-19, but a 2 percent decrease from last year.

“The data released today both demonstrates the tremendous resilience of Oregon’s youth and makes it clear that COVID-19 not only had a disproportionate impact on the health of Oregon’s communities of color, it also had a far greater impact on students of color,” ODE Director Colt Gill said. “We know districts continue to work hard to help those students still making progress towards graduation.

Gill said that over the summer, districts spent $24 million in funds allocated by Gov. Brown and the Oregon Legislature to help more than 18,000 high school students earn credits towards graduation.

Districts are also using funds from the Student Success Act to improve access and opportunities for students who have been historically underserved in the education system.

“Through unprecedented engagement with their communities, every district has their own plan to address student achievement,” Gill said.

In the following conversation, Clatskanie School District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz describes the numbers at Clatskanie Middle/High School.

Courtesy photo from Monica Cade

These hand-crafted valentines will be delivered to local veterans in February.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Local veterans will be receiving special “from the heart” valentine greetings in February.

Over 25 volunteers gathered at Rainier Senior Center Tuesday, Jan. 17 for RSVP’s 7th annual ‘Valentines for Vets.’

The service project is designed to honor the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service. Co-

lumbia County RSVP is an AmeriCorps Seniors project sponsored locally by Columbia River Fire & Rescue.

“The Rainier volunteers handcrafted 231 beautiful valentines from the heart to thank veterans

Monica Cade: Valentines for Vets first started in 2015 as an idea for a service project to honor MLK Day National Day of Service. Because of the day being close to Valentine’s Day, we decided to host an event to make valentines for veterans, and to provide a fun day for seniors to get creative and give back to others.

Volunteers at this first event created beautiful one-of-a-kind valentines designed to thank veterans for their service. Every single one ­­­­ See VALENTINES Page A3

Pause lifted for emergency renter assistance STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has announced that the agency will begin accepting new applications again for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) starting Wednesday, Jan. 26.

The state paused accepting new applications in early December due to dwindling funding and the need to make system improvements. This will be a limited reopening for three to five weeks, depending on availability of funds. The agency estimates to have sufficient funding to pay between 6,700-9,300 additional applications. Households with the most need will have priority in accessing these resources, not a first-come, first-served basis.

OHCS is first processing applications received before the Dec. 1 pause. Applications received on Jan. 26 will be pro-

Metro Creative Connection

Tenants who apply on Jan. 26 or after may receive safe harbor protections that prevent landlords from evicting tenants until their application is processed.

cessed after applications received before Dec. 1. Tenants who apply on Jan. 26 or after may receive safe harbor protections that prevent landlords from evicting tenants until their application is processed. However, those tenants should expect a delay prior to

processing and payment.

Other rental assistance is available in many localities in Oregon through local programs that are operating independently from OERAP. Tenants applying for these programs will likely qualify for the safe harbor eviction protections. People can contact 211 or Community Action Agencies in their area.

As of Jan. 12, OHCS and local program administrators (LPAs) have paid $235.4 million in federal emergency rental assistance to 33,770 households, up from $222.4 million and 31,816 applicants last week, through OERAP. Information for renters who apply on or after Jan. 26 when the portal reopens Tenants who apply on Jan. 26 or after can receive safe harbor eviction protections that prevent landlords from evicting tenants until their application is processed. Tenants must show proof to their landlord that they applied for the program to receive the protections. Tenant applications

will be paid based on remaining funding available and are not guaranteed.

Applications still awaiting landlord/tenant response at the time of closure are subject to funds remaining when application is finalized and approved, and prioritization scoring is applied and are not guaranteed for payment.

Tenants at immediate risk of eviction should apply for rental assistance right away to access safe harbor protections and should contact a legal organization.

• Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project: 888585-9638 or evictiondefense@ oregonlawcenter.org • Oregon State Bar: 503-6843763 or legalhelp@oregonstatebar.org

The Chief: What is the Clatskanie School District graduation rate, is that up or down over the past year, and why?

Tenants should expect a delay prior to processing and payment but can count on accessing their safe harbor eviction protections immediately.

Cathy Hurowitz: Our fouryear graduation rate is down significantly from the year before.

We had a four-year graduation rate of 84.91 in the 2019-2020 school year. Last year our fouryear cohort rate is 67.16. ­­­­ See GRADUATION Page A6

Obituaries ................. A3 Community Events A3 Viewpoints ............... A4 Letters ....................... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Clatskanie Grows .... A8

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Friday, January 21, 2022

Income limits rise for food, child care assistance The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has increased the income limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program to 200% of the federal poverty level, or $2,147 a month for an individual or $3,660 for a family of three.

The previous income limit for these programs was 185% of the federal poverty level, or $1,986 a month for an individual or $3,386 for a family of three.

This change took effect in Oregon on Jan. 1, 2022, and approximately 18,000 new households are expected to be eligible to enroll in SNAP. Approximately $25 million in additional food benefits will be issued to Oregonians annually.

“Coming into the COVID-19 pandemic, life was difficult for many Oregonians, especially people of color, Oregon Tribal Nations, people with disabilities and older adults,” ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said. “As COVID-19 continues to impact our communi-

ties, we know that many are struggling to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families. This increase will provide critical food support to thousands of Oregonians.”

The ERDC program has two income limits to participate in the program, for when a family applies to participate in the program and when a family renews their participation in the program.

The entry income limit to enroll in the program has increased to 200% of federal poverty level. Families can continue to participate in the program until their income is above 250% of the federal poverty level, or $5,303 a month for a family of three.

“It’s encouraging to see child care prioritized with other critical benefits to support Oregon families,” Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee said. “This change will help more families access child care at a pivotal time – one that’s brought uncertainty and challenges.”

Oregonians can apply for medical, food, cash, and child care assistance in

Courtesy photo

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.

one place online at ONE. Oregon.gov, over-the-phone at 800-699-9075, or inperson at a local office. Due to COVID-19, Oregonians are encouraged to call ahead before their local office.

ODHS offers these tips to Oregonians to help them as they apply for benefits: • Before you begin an application, compile all documents you think you might need ahead of time.

This can prevent your application from being held up

and taking additional time.

These documents could include: Identification, proof of income, social security numbers or other documents to determine eligibility for anyone in the household who is applying for benefits.

• If you have already submitted an online, inperson or over-the-phone application, you do not need to reapply. ODHS has your application and will process it as quickly as possible.

• If you applied through the ONE online application,

you can track your application’s status using the same system you used to apply. Log in to one.oregon. gov to start tracking. Note: This website is accessible on computers, tablets and phones, but it is not optimized for mobile viewing.

• If you prefer to apply over the phone, the ONE Customer Service Center is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Currently hold times are lowest in the morning from 7 until 8 a.m.

• If you are only applying for medical benefits, you can get free application help from an OHP-Certified Community Partner. Community Partners are trained and certified to help clients understand and use their health coverage options, including helping them complete eligibility and enrollment forms. Find a Community Partner at https://healthcare.oregon. gov/Pages/find-help.aspx Resources to help meet basic needs Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org

Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.

Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org.

Locate a child care provider by texting ‘children’ to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org.

Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon. org/find-services.

Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

Armitage selected for state senate position

A local collaboration has resulted in the musical composition Wisdom of Columbia County.

Metro Creative Connection

Wisdom of Columbia County JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo

Rachel Armitage is the new State Senator for District 16.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Rachel Armitage is the new state senator for Oregon’s District 16.

Armitage was appointed during a meeting Friday, Jan. 14, of the Columbia, Clatsop, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill County Commissioners.

She will fill the position left vacant after the resignation of long-time State Sen. Betsy Johnson, who resigned in December to run as an independent candidate for Oregon governor.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of Senate District 16 and to the county commissioners for casting their votes in my favor,” Senator-designate Rachel Armitage said. “I look forward to bringing my perspective as a rural Oregonian to Salem.

Our communities deserve action on the everyday issues that affect our way of life, such as access to rewarding jobs and stable, affordable housing.”

As the appointee from Senate District 16, Senatordesignate Armitage will serve on the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government.

“We are tremendously excited to welcome Senatordesignate Rachel Armitage as the newest member of the Oregon Senate Democrats,” Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) said. “Given her professional experience in the Legislature, she will bring an effective skillset to her role in the Senate as we continue to help guide Oregon through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all very

fortunate for her decision to serve with us and I look forward to working with her during the upcoming Legislative Session.”

Oregon law requires that a legislative vacancy be filled by county commissioners representing the district in which the vacancy exists.

Senate District 16 includes voters in Columbia, Clatsop, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill Counties.

Armitage lives in Warren, with her husband and stepdaughter. She previously worked as a legislative assistant in the 2016 and 2017 legislative sessions, focusing on constituent service and issues such as education, and rights for foster youth.

Armitage said her legislative experience will allow her to hit the ground running with a focus on jobs and housing.

“As a lifelong Oregonian and the daughter of a teacher and a pastor, I know that community is often what gets us through hard times,” Armitage said in release prior to her selection. “That’s why I’m seeking this appointment. Our community needs a leader in Salem who brings us together even when we have strong disagreements— who will be an independent voice for rural Oregonians.”

Armitage is scheduled to be sworn into office at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, by Chief Justice Martha Walters. The ceremony will take place in the Senate Chamber of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

The event will be livestreamed at this link: https://olis.oregonlegislature. gov/liz/mediaplayer?clie ntID=4879615486&event ID=2022011052.

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Poems and music have been combined to create The Wisdom of Columbia County, an original long form musical composition about the history of the county.

The effort is a collaboration between composer Kevin Bryant Lay, lyricist Margaret Trenchard-Smith and the Artistic Director of the Columbia Chorale of Oregon-River City Singers, and the choir’s Board Chair Marilyn Allen.

In the following conversation, the Chief gets insight into the project from Margaret Trenchard-Smith.

The Chief: Why was this project developed?

Margaret TrenchardSmith: I joined the Columbia Chorale of Oregon-River City Singers late in 2017, was inspired by its talented Artistic Director, Alice Rice Boyer, and volunteered to assist her. Over her dining room table, we discussed her plans for the choir. When I’m comfortable with someone, I recite poetry-Gerard Manly Hopkins, on that day.

Alice and I both wished we

could commission original music for the choir to Hopkins’ poetry. We took this idea to the Board in March of 2018. The Board said, “Great idea-but we’d like the poetry to be about Columbia County” and charged me to find a poet.

That May, fires in Chapman caused me to write a poetic fragment. I took this to the Board and asked if they’d approve the poet. The Board said “Yes,” and I said, “Well, I’m the poet.” I offered a concept called The Wisdom of Columbia County on the history of the county told through characters.

Alice requested that it move through the Native American past to the present. I carried this out. In March of 2019, composer Kevin Bryant Lay (of LOOP’s We Met in Moscow and other works) agreed to take on the project, by fortuitous circumstance.

The project was formally commissioned in January of 2020 and is now virtually completed.

The Chief: Describe this project and its elements?

Trenchard-Smith: In form, the project is a cantata in seven poems interpreted

Crossword Solution Solution for the Jan. 14, 2021 crossword puzzle

musically, each framed by prose. It takes the history of Columbia County through seven stories involving “wisdom” that is sometimes straightforward and at other times tongue-in-cheek or tragically overturned, taking the audience from the Native American past through the early navigators and others to the present. I don’t want to give too much away! Kevin Bryant Lay has written a sublime score for voices and instruments.

deep contentment from conceiving the project and carrying out its literary aspect, and a much deeper awe of the creative capacity of the composer and gratitude that he has put so much work and talent into this at a time which has been personally and collectively challenging.

Gratitude to my husband, too, who took on the cost of the commission when a large grant which was sought for the project failed to be awarded.

The Chief: What do you hope people take away from listening to The Wisdom?

The Chief: How did the collaboration for this project come about?

Trenchard-Smith: The collaborators hope to convey a love of the county and an appreciation of the chief elements of its storied past, the desire to draw people together in our shared identity, and the resolve to preserve its natural beauty through the ages. This work was written for the present and for posterity.

Trenchard-Smith: The desire to commission an original work came about through a conversation between Alice Rice Boyer and myself, and the project became centered on Columbia County at the request of the Board of the Columbia Chorale of Oregon-River City Singers.

The Chief: What do you take away from your involvement in this project?

Trenchard-Smith: A

The collaborators presented a section of The Wisdom of Columbia County during the Kiwanis Club of St. Helens Thursday Zoom meeting.

Read the news online

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Friday, January 21, 2022

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•O bituaries • • Kennith Humphrey

Sept. 7, 1961 ~ Dec. 20, 2021 Kennith (Kenny) Leon Humphrey unexpectedly passed away on Dec. 20, 2021, leaving behind mourning loved ones who will forever cherish their time with him. Born Sept. 7, 1961, Kenny spent childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood in Rainier, Oregon.

He later lived in Fruitland, Idaho, where he raised his son and passionately watched high school sports.

Kenny’s love for high school football and baseball was the stuff of legend, and his reputation earned him Fruitland High’s Fan of the Year award. In addition to sports, Kenny collected Hot Wheels, unique salt and pepper shakers, and enjoyed fishing with his cousin Mike.

As a well-known community member, Kenny volunteered his free time to help others, always insisting those he

helped to, “Pass the good deed forward,” rather than accepting gratuities for his hard work. Kenny’s livelihood consisted of working for the Ontario School District as a Head Start bus driver and custodian, where colleagues respected him, and children loved him.

Preceding Kenny in death are his parents, Ivan and

Patricia Humphrey.

Surviving Kenny includes his son Michael Humphrey (Kayla); and his grandchildren, Bradly, Sara, and an unborn little one scheduled to arrive in August 2022; siblings, Ivan Humphrey (Pam), Teresa DeBois (John), Brenda Bush (Verlo), Linda Humphrey-Trumble, Darla Derrick (Roger), Mary Humphrey, Christine Humphrey (Javier), and Carolyn Samples (Roger); along with several nieces and nephews who will longingly miss his youthful spirit that taught them to love the great outdoors.

Services will occur at 1 p.m. inside the Highway Worship Center on Feb. 5, 2022, with a potluck fellowship afterward. Highway Worship Center is located at 100 South Whitley Drive Fruitland, Idaho 83619.

Martha Cramer

Jan. 4, 1935 ~ Jan. 4, 2022 Martha Cramer, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away on Jan. 4, 2022, of natural causes. She died on her 87th birthday.

She was born on Jan. 4, 1935 to Pedro and Pabla Ramon in Runge, Texas. She lived with an aunt and uncle from age twelve and moved with them to Oregon when she was seventeen.

She graduated from Woodburn High School in 1955 where she was salutatorian.

She met Earl Cramer in

1958, and they married on July 4, 1959. They had five

children, Paul, Audrey, Dean, Glenn, and Matthew.

She was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholic Church, in Rainier for over 62 years. Besides her family, her primary interests were gardening and cooking.

She was predeceased by her husband, Earl, who died in 1996.

She is survived by all her children and their respective spouses. She had ten grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Mike Arthur

March 11, 1944 ~ Jan. 17, 2022 Mike Arthur was born on March 11, 1944 and passed away on Jan. 17, 2022.

Mike Arthur loved his community and had a heart of a Saint. He was always ready to give a hand no matter what it was. He was a faithful Kiwanian, Arts Commission Member, helped out Turning Point and many, many other businesses and projects.

He will be missed greatly by his wife Lydia Arthur of 47 years; daughter Noel Turner; two grandkids; and eight great-grandchildren.

April 5, 1939 ~ Nov. 10, 2021 A committal service will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to noon at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 Southeast Mount Scott Boulevard, Happy Valley, Oregon 97086. Masks are required.

From Page A1

was unique and made with love. What started out as simply a fun event to make valentines, ended up taking us on a meaningful journey of love and compassion. We had no idea a simple act of kindness would have such an impact on those we honored, and ourselves. Since 2015, we have distributed over 2000 valentines. This year, volunteers made an additional 300+ that we will be distributing.

The Chief: What would you want the community to know about why this project is so important for the veterans?

Cade: Each year since 2015, the My Fair Lady court plus other RSVP volunteers have helped deliver valentines locally during the two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. We have distributed as many valentines as we could to veterans throughout the county at assisted living facilities, and attended various civic organizations, VFW meetings, etc. where we thought veterans might gather. We’ve sent valentines to city, county and police/sheriff veterans working in Columbia County. We’ve mailed additional valentines to veterans. When we have had extra valentines in the past, we’ve spent the day visiting residents, and decorating the dining

room at the VA Medical Center in Vancouver. We’ve also provided some to the Hometown Hero’s project that sent valentines to active military with our local National Guard unit.

Along the way, our volunteers have had the opportunity to meet veterans serving during peacetime and various wars dating back to WWII, from every branch of service and Special Forces, and some that were POW’s. Everywhere we went, we shook veterans hands, gave them a hug, a valentine & candy, and thanked them for their service and the freedoms we enjoy today in this country.

Some were confined to their beds, were unable to speak, or had serious injuries and health concerns. Some told us their story, some were quiet, and some got choked up, but all accepted our gifts with pride. Many of their stories touched our hearts and we were overcome with emotion. We all came out of it feeling proud to be Americans and committed to remembering these brave men and women in the future. Every volunteer that has participated in this project has expressed to me how meaningful it was for them. Most of them have spouses and other family members that have served, and this was a great opportunity for them to give back. It’s possible it may be more difficult to deliver valentines this year due to many organizations not

Drive-by shootings, pursuit STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Four suspects in a series of drive-by shootings are in jail following a high-speed chase from the Kelso, Washington area into Columbia County, ending at Rainier.

The incident unfolded early Sunday morning, Jan.16, as Kelso Police received a report of several gunshots heard in the 900 block of Cedar Street in South Kelso. A light-colored four door sedan, believed to be associated with the event, was observed leaving the area. Kelso officers arrived on scene and discovered evidence of gunfire and property damage to an occupied dwelling. A description of the vehicle believed to be associated with the event was broadcast to surrounding agencies.

Just before 2 a.m. Kelso Police received a second report of multiple gunshots heard near Long Ave and West Cowlitz Way where two vehicles were seen speeding away from that location.

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Kelso Police located additional evidence of gunfire in that area. The second vehicle from that incident was later located and officers found two bullet holes in the vehicle.

At 2:23 a.m. Cowlitz County Sheriff (CCSO) deputies received a report of gunshots fired at another occupied dwelling in the 4100 block of Ocean Beach Highway. A light-colored passenger car was also seen fleeing from that scene.

As CCSD deputies and officers from Longview Police Department responded to that area, they intercepted what they believed to be the suspect vehicle in all three shooting events traveling westbound on Industrial Way. When CCSO deputies and Longview Police officers initiated a traffic stop on the suspected vehicle, the driver of the vehicle failed to stop then attempted to elude officers by driving over the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Oregon at a high rate of speed. The driver then attempted to enter Highway 30

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

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

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

On going Lower Columbia River Watershed Council meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday.

Courtesy from Monica Cade

Volunteers gathered at the Rainier Senior Center to hand-craft valentines for local veterans.

meeting in person or hosting events we have attended in the past due to COVID-19, but we will do our best to let our local heros know we appreciate them.

Due to COVID-19, we were not able to host Valentines for Vets in 2021. But because of increased interest in this program, we decided to host two events this year to give more opportunities for volunteers to participate.

We took as many safety precautions for COVID-19 as possible to make it a

in the wrong direction, further endangering the public, according to Kelso Police.

To prevent further risk to the public and to pursing officers, the pursuing CCSO deputy employed a pursuit intervention technique designed to disrupt the forward movement of a fleeing vehicle. That effort was successful, according to investigators.

The male driver and three male passengers, all ranging from 18-20 years of age, were arrested at the scene of the traffic event and transported to Columbia County Jail in St. Helens.

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said his deputies assisted in the arrest at Rainier of the suspects who are identified as Riki Aron Vasquez-Braken, 20, Andres G. Gonzalez, Peterson P. Kasa, 18 and Mateo E. Chavez, 18. The suspects face multiple charges, including Unlawful use of a Weapon and four counts of Attempted Assault I. There were no reported injuries during the law enforcement incident.

•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. at CMHS, 471 Bel Air Drive in Clatskanie. 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.

The events are free. Donations are welcomed. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Edward Cash

VALENTINES

Courtesy photo from Kelso Police

Four suspects have been arrested in a series of drive-by shootings and a pursuit that began in Kelso, Washington and ended at Rainier, Oregon.

safe event for seniors with cleaning our hands, wearing masks, wearing gloves when selecting craft items, and social distancing. Thirtyfive volunteers participated this year; many of them have come year after year to help.

The Chief: What other projects does RSVP conduct during the year and why those projects?

Cade: We have many other projects during the

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. tion desk at the courthouse welcoming and directing guests where they need to go. In the past, RSVP volunteers have volunteered in local schools helping kids read; since COVID-19 they have pivoted to other projects to help our students succeed - Volunteers have recorded 101 video book ‘read alouds’ for teachers to use. RSVP volunteers host the Summer Lunch Book Exchange with the St. Helens School District to encourage kids to read during the summer. RSVP also partners with the Day Breakers Kiwanis for our Teen Support Program and works with the school district to help teens with the highest needs throughout the year. On the 20th anniversary of 9-11, RSVP collected letters of appreciation from the community and presented them to local police, fire, sheriff and 911 departments for a 9-11 Day of Remembrance project.

Columbia County Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nonprofit senior support organization located at 270 Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens. It is associated with AmeriCorps Seniors. RSVP has been sponsored locally

by Columbia River Fire & Rescue for over 20 years.

year we also work on.

RSVP partners with various local organizations such as food banks and senior centers to support volunteers 55 and older. RSVP hosts the Free lunch for seniors and veterans at the Columbia County Fair, along with the My Fair Lady pageant honoring outstanding senior ladies throughout Anyone interested in beColumbia County. We host coming involved with RSVP other volunteer recognition should contact Directo events throughout the year Monica Cade at cadem@ for volunteers too. RSVP crfr.com, or call 503-397volunteers sit at the recep5655.

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Friday, January 21, 2022

•V iewpoints • •

Support NEXT: For the love of Clatskanie DEBORAH STEELE HAZEN Chief Guest Column

In February of 1942 almost exactly 80 years ago - and just two months after the United States entered World War II, the federal government claimed approximately 900 acres at the point of land on the Columbia River now known as Port Westward (PW).

Most of that acreage was originally wetlands that were drained and diked for agricultural purposes something that would never be allowed today.

About a dozen farm families were given only weeks to move off the property in early 1942 so that the U.S. military could use the land and its natural deep-draft port as the Beaver Army ammunition storage and shipping point.

Over the course of World War II, hundreds of tons of ammunition were brought by rail to Beaver and loaded onto ships destined for the Pacific Theatre.

During the Korean War in the early 1950s, the Beaver Base or “The Depot” as it was known to locals, was used again as an ammunition storage and shipping point. In the succeeding years it was scaled back and eventually shut down as a military installation.

It was declared surplus by the federal government in 1964, and turned over to the General Services Administration in January, 1965 for disposal. The Port of St. Helens (now Port of Columbia County), with bonds approved by voters of the district, purchased the property for $700,000 in 1966 for the purpose of developing industry to create jobs for local citizens and tax revenues to provide Columbia County residents with the services they desire and need.

In 1967, the Port commission leased the property to Westward Properties Inc., a California corporation, and that’s how it got the name “Port Westward.”

Without fulfilling its promise to develop the property for job-creating industry, Westward Properties transferred the lease to Kaiser Aetna which did not build

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•V oices

Prime farmland Enough of this crap about Port Westward being prime farmland.

With exception of only a few crops, prime farmland faces the east and south and has an unobstructed access to direct sunlight of which Port Westward faces the northwest and has limited sunlight even during the crop growing months because of the hills.

Prior to moving to Colum-

an aluminum plant there.

It was subleased in 1972 to Brady Hamilton, which conducted a log-loading operation for two years. Portland General Electric (PGE) assumed the lease in 1973, completing construction of the Beaver generating plant in 1975. That was the only industry at PW until PGE completed construction of its PW Generating Plant I in 2007. PW Generating Plant II went online in 2015.

A start-up company, Cascade Grain Products LLC completed an ethanol plant in 2008, but, with massive debt, some operational problems, and an unfavorable market by the time it finally was completed after an almost decadelong permitting process, the plant went into bankruptcy and shut down in 2009. J.H. Kelly, the major contractor which constructed the plant, bought it for pennies on the dollar, brought in more experienced personnel and updated the technology and design. Global Partners purchased it in early 2013, and continues to operate there.

PW is the largest maritime industrial site left on the lower Columbia River.

It has been dedicated to industry for 66 years. For the past 80 years, it has operated either as a military base or an industrial site surrounded by farms and rural residences.

Between PGE and Global, PW currently provides about 100 familywage jobs, while the two companies combined pay over 20 percent of all the property taxes paid in Columbia County. They also have paid the lion’s share of the taxes collected by the Columbia County Development Agency’s PW Urban Renewal District. Those taxes have paid for road and infrastructure improvements for increased industrial development. That assessment will disappear from our tax bills as soon as the Port of Columbia County and the county government resolve a difference of opinion about railroad and water tariffs.

In the meantime, the Clatskanie area has experienced an overall loss of jobs over the past 30

of the

years. The largest employer and lifeblood of the local economy since 1965, the Georgia-Pacific Wauna Mill, located in Clatsop County, has scaled down over the years from the original 1100 employees to about 850.

With the change 30 years ago in the way Oregon funds its schools, the Clatskanie School District, the second largest employer in our area, lost roughly half of its employees. The fact that a tax-supported district is the second largest employer speaks volumes about the state of the local economy - officially designated as “blighted” by the state of Oregon.

Meanwhile, Clatskanie’s once vital small business community is all but dead.

At last week’s special meeting of the Clatskanie city council, called to allow NEXT Renewable Fuels the opportunity to respond to questions and concerns, several opponents of the project accused supporters of being concerned only about money, rather than the global environment and/ or the simple agrarian or meditative lifestyle they prefer.

It’s interesting to note that the many of these opponents moved to the area long after PW was dedicated as an industrial site by the citizens of Columbia County and their elected leaders.

Most of us don’t have farms on which to grow our own food, and most of us need and want family-wage jobs (NEXT will start at $90,000 per year), and good schools, well-equipped and staffed fire department and ambulance service, sheriff’s office, emergency communications district, library, park and recreation district, etc. If the $2 billion-plus NEXT project successfully locates here it will become the largest property taxpayer in Columbia County and will triple the tax revenues for the local tax-supported districts. As a customer of the Clatskanie PUD, it will also help keep our electrical bills lower than most.

Some of the opponents seem to confuse Port Westward, the property

• The NEXT project will not put any local farms out of business.

• Most of the 115-acre NEXT site is part of the PW industrial site. About 25 acres of it adjoins PW and is being purchased from a willing seller - Teevin Brothers Land and Timber Company - which bought it from another willing seller.

• The project must meet all of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) air and water standards, some of the strictest in the nation, as well as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rules.

• Under Oregon’s laws, NEXT will be required by the Department of State Lands (DSL) to mitigate the acreage it is using on an almost four to one ratio.

Consequently, it is purchasing a 430-acre site that has been used for grazing (not mint or blueberries or other high value farming) for the past 60 years. To meet the DSL requirements this property must be returned to a pristine wetlands state, as close as possible to what it was originally, with no non-native species.

It would seem that

environmentalists would like this. After all, turning the Lower Columbia River Estuary back into wetlands is the goal of several environmental organizations. The Columbia Land Trust has just purchased over 500 acres of former hybrid cottonwood farm on the Marshland Drainage Improvement District to turn back into wetlands, with nary a peep of protest.

Similarly, a former Webb District acreage was turned back into wetlands a decade ago as mitigation for a Port of Portland industrial development.

NEXT mitigation consultants are working with the board of directors of the Beaver Drainage Improvement District trying to meet both their concerns and the requirements of the DSL. The fact remains, however, that opponents of the project are throwing mud in every direction hoping some of it will stick. The most vocal of these opponents are against any industrial project at Port Westward ever.

• NEXT’s project will cut carbon emissions equal to one million cars per year.

• It will bring 240 good jobs to our community.

When people work locally they are more likely to have the time and energy to serve as the community volunteers upon which Clatskanie depends for many of the programs and projects that enhance the life of our community.

• NEXT’s property taxes will exponentially improve the financial situation of our schools, as well as our local and county-wide public services. The cost of those services go up every year with inflation, employee compensation, and retirement benefits.

Try asking our teachers, firefighters, paramedics, police, and county road crews to work for less.

The benefits of NEXT Renewable Fuel far outweigh any disadvantages.

The best of life isn’t about money, but try living without it.

My support for NEXT is about sustaining and enhancing the quality of life in the community I love.

A 5th generation resident of Clatskanie, Deborah Steele Hazen was the third generation of the Steele family to own and operate The Clatskanie Chief, serving as a reporter, editor, publisher and owner from 1968 to 2014 when she retired and sold the newspaper to Country Media.

She currently serves as a volunteer on the board of directors of the Columbia Economic Team, the Clatskanie Foundation, the Clatskanie Historical Society, and the Clatskanie Senior Citizens. She is a volunteer manager of the Clatskanie Cultural Center, and the chair of the Castle Capital Improvements Committee.

C ommunity • •

bia County, I spent 27 years in Umatilla County living and working around small and large corporate farming operations. You don’t have to be a genius to see first-hand the successful farming in the hills of Yankton and Warren, facing east, and the farms and vineyards on the hills facing south and southwest below Skyline Drive.

Seely Mint is extremely successful not because of prime farmland but the type of crop they produce; because mint grows like a weed and is not dependent on how much

direct sunlight it has access to.

Columbia County’s attempts to develop and diversify itself are swamped by environmentalists both local and from the Portland metro area; many have never lived around or worked in the agriculture industry.

If this is prime farmland, why haven’t any of them paid the premium and started farming the land themselves?

Joe Turner Columbia City

The Chief

Jeremy C. Ruark Publisher - Executive Editor

used as a military/industrial complex for the past 80 years, with the Beaver Drainage Improvement District, which borders it and contains thousands more acres of farmland - much of it under-utilized and still available for more agriculture.

Zoe Gottlieb General Assignment Reporter

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Friday, January 21, 2022

A5

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Public Notices

502

Events

Help Wanted

PippinDoc, Clatskanie’s Veterinarian Our next Dog & Cat Vaccination Clinic is Wednesday, January 26th, 9:00 to 11:00 am, and then 1:30-3:30 pm at Johnson Feed Store, 905 NE Van St. in Clatskanie. Follow us on Facebook.

our website or by calling 503-3666971.

CC22-1568

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

860

Storage

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of MARY JUNE BURNHAM, Deceased. No. 21PB09444 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

502

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OPERATIONS MANAGER Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District (C911CD) is conducting a hiring process for an Operations Manager. Apply online at www.columbia911. com/careers.Additional information can be found on

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additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published January 21, 2022.

Peggy A. Swanson, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

CC22-1553

Reach out to potential customers. Get your ad in the paper today.

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CC22-1561

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CLATSOP COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION / COUNTYWIDE CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clatsop County Planning Commission and Comprehensive Plan Update Countywide Citizen Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, via GoTo Meeting. The committee will be discussing the following Statewide Planning Goals: Goal 11 – • Public Facilities and Services • Goal 12 – Transportation • Goal 14– Urbanization.

Other Goals and policies

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

related to these goals may also be discussed. To join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// global. gotomeeting.com/ join/836196197. You can also dial in using your phone.

United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (669) 224-3317 Access Code: 836-196-197 An agenda will be posted seven days prior to the hearing at: https://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ calendar. All documents are available for inspection at

the Clatsop County Planning Division at 800 Exchange St, Suite 100, during 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 is posted 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 LOCAL WORK GROUP AND PUBLIC INPUT MEETING Columbia County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Local Work Group and Public Input Meeting When: February 10, 2022. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Location: Virtual Zoom online Meeting Please contact Hannah Isaacs at hannah. isaacs@usda.gov for Zoom

passcode and login information. The purpose of the meeting is to receive public input from farmers, ranchers, foresters, agencies, and groups to help guide the conservation efforts of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Columbia County. Due to COVID restrictions, our meeting

will be virtual via Zoom online. For questions or to request accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact Hannah Isaacs with the USDANRCS at (503) 438-3146

by February 3, 2022. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

CC22-1567

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of JOSEPH HENRY MUSTOLA, Deceased. No. 22PB00044 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against

the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of 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 addi-

tional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published January 21, 2022. Gregory C. Mustola, Personal Representative.

STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: WINTER OLYMPICS ACROSS

1. Sleeps in a tent 6. Horror movie franchise 9. Varieties 13. Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” 14. Road crew supply 15. Moron 16. Workman’s cotton, once 17. Exclamation of surprise 18. Monte Cristo’s title, in French 19. *Olympic Athletes from ____, 2018 hockey winners 21. *Figure skating jump (2 words) 23. Capone’s ilk, e.g.

24. Attention-getting sound 25. Eminem’s genre 28. Cashier’s call 30. Hit-or-miss 35. It will 37. *Triple one in figure skating 39. Hustle and bustle 40. German Mrs. 41. A mile racer 43. a.k.a. horse mackerel 44. Jargon 46. Workbench holding device 47. Health club offering 48. Diner, e.g.

50. Latin for “and others”

52. ____ Aviv 53. Ill-mannered one 55. Curiosity’s victim?

57. *2022 Winter Olympics location 61. *Torch Relay starting point 64. “____ ____ the Family” TV series 65. Refrigerator sound 67. Poppy seed derivative 69. Bitterly regretting 70. Egyptian cobra 71. Part of a stair 72. Seedy source of Omega3s 73. More, in Madrid 74. Changes to a manuscript

DOWN

1. Cape ____, MA 2. Copycat 3. Carte du jour 4. Spectrum maker 5. Delilah’s lover 6. Roofed colonnade 7. Expression of satisfaction 8. Angry 9. Revered one 10. Fancy ride 11. Japanese zither 12. Pas in ballet 15. “Freezing” Marvel character

20. Letter-shaped girder 22. “____ the land of the free...”

24. Designer’s studio 25. *Biathlon gear 26. Skylit lobbies 27. Manufacturing site 29. *2022 Winter Olympics number 31. Like Curious George 32. Monocot’s alternative 33. “Killers of the Flower Moon” Oklahoma location 34. *Olympic award 36. *Olympic sled 38. For fear that 42. Respond 45. Circling 49. Far, old-fashioned 51. Capital of Punjab 54. Early Irish alphabet 56. Sort of warm 57. Vomit 58. Twelfth month of Jewish year 59. Pelvic bones 60. Put a hex on 61. Concert units 62. Not yet final 63. Edible fat 66. *Miracle on Ice winner 68. Not Miss or Ms.

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

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A6

Friday, January 21, 2022

State Capitol building gets metal detector In order to better ensure the safety of the public, staff, and elected officials, Oregon State Capitol officials are implementing new security measures for anyone entering the building in Salem.

The Oregon State Capitol building has been the site of various citizen protests, including one in Dec. 2020, in which armed protesters stormed the building, broke windows and assaulted police officers, according to media reports. Arrested were made during that incident.

Beginning Jan. 27, all

visitors, employees, and elected officials will be required to pass through a metal detector upon entering the building. Bags and other items will pass through an X-ray machine or visual bag search. Trained security personnel situated at these entrances will check for any weapons or other dangerous items, similar to security practices at county courthouses throughout the state.

Oregon joins 33 other states across the nation that utilize metal detectors at state capitol entrances, according

to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. The new security measures will be put in place to ensure compliance with ORS 166.370.

Due to the ongoing Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety project, certain areas in and around the Capitol are under active construction, including the front steps and State Street entrances. Visitors can use the northwest and northeast Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) entrances to enter the building.

Courtesy photo

Oregon joins 33 other states across the nation that utilize metal detectors at state capitol entrances.

OSP audit released with recommendations More comprehensive data analytics could help the Oregon State Police (OSP) Patrol Services Division better project future staffing needs, deploy current resources, and project overtime needs, according to a just-released OSP audit by Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan.

The Oregon Secretary of State’s Audits Division focused on whether OSP’s workforce planning efforts adequately consider public needs and trooper safety.

The audit contains four recommendations to the OSP to improve the law enforcement agency’s ability to identify staffing needs when developing future budgets, ensure consistent and efficient deployment of trooper

resources, and better project overtime needs for budget requests.

“OSP’s presence on state highways is vital to the safety of motorists and their passengers,” Secretary of State Shemia Fagan said.

“Better information and a more comprehensive approach could help build trust with Oregonians and improve public safety.”

OSP currently analyzes existing data to determine the impact its troopers can have on public safety but uses a method that primarily focuses on population — which experts say is one of the least effective methods. Auditors identified a more comprehensive approach considering OSP’s workload allowing the agency to identify actual staffing needs when developing future budgets and better

leverage existing troopers.

The Audits Division also recommends OSP account for the changing law enforcement environment within its staffing strategy and methodology including assessing whether all current duties are aligned with the evolving nature of state policing public policy.

GRADUATION

and continuing through high school.

ment program which provides staff and students with data about student academic proficiency, allowing the district to plan for necessary interventions at a student level to support additional growth.

“One of the greatest challenges our students faced was pandemic-burnout and virtual learning models,” Hattrick said. “I commend our students for their determination and grit as they have addressed some of the challenges brought on by the pandemic and am confident we will continue to see students experience greater levels of academic growth as students are learning in-person.”

The Chief has reached out to the Clatskanie School District for details about that district’s overall graduation rate, which was reported by the ODE at 67.16% down from the previous year’s report at 84.91%. We had not received a response by press time.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said the state has made progress in helping boost student learning.

“When I became Governor, Oregon’s graduation rate was 72%. Today, it is 80%, as we have made significant investments and reforms to help ensure all students, regardless of their zip code, are prepared for lifelong success,” Governor Kate Brown said. “But there is so much more work to be done to address the needs of Oregon’s students, particularly given the impacts the pandemic has had on them––not only on their academic and career readiness, but on their mental, social, emotional, and behavioral health.

Brown said she remains committed to working with school leaders and legislators to assess what resources will be necessary to meet the needs of students this school year and into the summer months.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

From Page A1

The good news is that our five-year graduation rate is up by about six points. During the 2019-2020 school year our five-year graduation rate was 81.48 and last year we had 86.79.

What these numbers tell us is that although we declined in our four- year rate we were able to get students graduated in that 5th year.

During the pandemic, while most students were taking online classes we had many students that were not making progress with course completion. When we have those students for a 5th year many more graduate.

The Chief: From your vantage point, what hurdles are seniors facing that might prevent them from graduating?

Hurowitz: Our biggest hurdle is reaching the 24 credits needed for a HS diploma. During this pandemic, and especially when students were on distance learning we had/have many students who did not make progress in their courses for a variety of reasons. Schools across the state have, for lack of a better term, lost students. We have lost track of some of our students and are working very hard to find them and offer support.

Hurowitz added that Clatskanie expects 61 seniors will graduate this year.

The Chief: How does your district use this data from ODE to best help students reach state graduation bench marks?

Rainier schools Rainier School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick said like many rural school districts, Rainier schools experienced a decrease in graduation rates last year. The overall rate was 59.72 % down from the previous year’s report at 88.42%.

Hattrick said Rainier High School administrators are evaluating the ODE data and developing a plan to address the challenges faced by many of the district’s students.

“Graduation rate considers on-time graduation if a student graduates four years from entering high school,” Hattrick said. “As we all know, the pandemic presented many challenges for our students; one of the most prevalent being the requirement of remote learning in spite of access issues for some in our community.”

According to Hattrick, the Rainier School District has attempted to increase staffing though it continues to face staff shortages, the district also provides tutoring and intervention programs to support student learning.

Over last summer Rainier also provided summer school for many students to recoup lost credits and the district has adopted a new internal assess-

Hurowitz: Our goal is to have all of our students graduate in either four or five years. This information allows us to look at our overall data and analyze our subgroups; we are then able to identify areas in need of improvement. We are a small enough district that we can drill down to the individual student and support them to attain a diploma.

The Chief: What programs has your district put into place that ensure individual students graduate, especially now in the COVID era and what programs are in place or needed to reach students falling behind and struggling to meet grad standards?

Hurowitz: We have a variety of additional supports that we offer our students and families during these times. We have our Family Academy Program that offers: alternative education, homeschool, and a temporary program for families that want their students to return to the classroom when the pandemic is over. We have also implemented intervention beginning in kindergarten

Audit recommendations To improve trooper staffing analyses, promote public safety, and make the best use of budgeted resources, OSP should: 1. Use available timebased data to analyze the Patrol Services Division’s workload and include the results when presenting budget requests to the Legislature.

2. Continue working with

Key findings from the ODE Graduation Rate data • Students participating in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course of study significantly exceeded the statewide average, graduating at a rate of 92.9 percent.

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the Legislature to appropriately fund administrative support positions and fill vacant trooper positions.

3. Create a standardized methodology and process for conducting workload analyses at the area level, train the appropriate staff to conduct them, and incorporate them into the Patrol Services Division’s scheduling plan.

4. Develop processes to regularly analyze overtime usage for improved efficiency.

are aligned with the evolving nature of state policing public policy.

The state audit division listed the following reasons why this audit is important.

While not within the audit’s scope owing to the fluid and evolving nature of police reform and accountability efforts, OSP should account for the changing law enforcement environment within its staffing strategy and methodology including assessing whether all current duties

• OSP is a law enforcement agency with a broad set of duties that includes responsibility to patrol Oregon’s 7,000 miles of highways and support local sheriffs and city and Tribal police.

• OSP has eliminated 24-hour coverage across the state due to changes in its funding source in 1980 from the state highway fund to the state general fund.

• OSP has worked with the Legislature and the Department of Administrative Services to increase resources and restore trooper positions, yet still holds posi-

• Students who have successfully completed English Learner programs in Oregon graduated at 84.2 percent, 3.6 percentage points higher than the statewide average.

• Black/African American students’ graduation rate of 73.5 percent was down from 76.3 percent the year before, but still higher than the 70.4 percent graduation rate for the Class of 2019.

• Hispanic/Latino stu-

dents’ graduation rate of 77.0 percent was down from 79.5 percent the previous year, but still higher than the 76.2 graduation rate for the Class of 2019.

• American Indian/Alaska Native students had one of the smallest decreases of any student group, just 0.2 percentage points down to 67 percent.

• The Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander student group

tions vacant to cover other costs.

• OSP troopers experienced additional service demands during the 2020 wildfires, protest response, and COVID-19 pandemic.

• Police reform has been a topic of national conversation in recent years and numerous bills have been passed on the subject in Oregon.

This is the second audit Fagan has released pertaining to law enforcement and police accountability. The Secretary of State issued a performance audit examining the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) in December 2021.

Read the full OSP audit at the Oregon Secretary of State’s website. saw the largest decrease, down from 76.6 percent two years ago to 69.8 percent last year.

• The graduation rate for students experiencing homelessness dropped five percentage points to 55.4 percent, the same rate as the Class of 2019.

See specific school district graduation rate information at the ODE website.

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Friday, January 21, 2022

A7

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A8

Friday, January 21, 2022

Clatskanie Grows: Looking toward spring gardens CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Article

Soon, it will be time to start vegetable plants in your greenhouse, cold frame, or even a sunny indoor room.

Trays for vegetables started indoors need to be moved outside when possible during the day to keep them from getting “leggy.”

Vegetables are started at different times depending on the species tolerance to cool conditions and light frosts.

For example, cabbage family plants are generally tolerant of temperatures down to 28° F once they have gotten to a certain size and have been hardened off. They can be started now in a warm space.

Hardening off means taking your transplants out of the greenhouse environment for several hours per day prior to transplanting. They are placed in indirect light and allowed to adjust to cooler conditions. Plants develop a thicker leaf cuticle and resistance to wind. A week of hardening is often enough.

After transplanting, vegetables can be protected by hot caps, floating row covers (a gauzy fabric that traps some heat – see below) or plastic cloches. Plastic cloches add more heat but

must be opened and closed to avoid “cooking” the transplants on sunny days. That is not necessary with row cover cloches.

Tomatoes and other subtropical vegetables require more care. They cannot stand frosts and need more heat.

Peppers are very intolerant of cold soils. Tomatoes are usually started in late-March for transplant out by mid-May. Peppers should be started two weeks later for early June transplanting.

It helps to preheat the soil before transplanting (or seeding for that matter) by putting clear plastic over the soil. This can raise the soil temperature from 45° to 65-70° in a matter of two or three days.

Spring frost date planning Location

Average last date (90%) 24°

28°

32°

Portland

2/27

3/19

4/19

Hillsboro

2/28

4/17

4/30

Vernonia

4/7

4/21

5/29

Astoria

2/15

3/24

4/30

These averages represent the 90% certainty that the last spring temperatures will occur by that date. These dates do not represent climate change data that indicates the last spring frost date should be eight days earlier and the first fall frost date (not shown) eight days later.

material this year is lighter (1 oz. vs. 2oz.) than what we had over the last several years. The width is seven feet and will be cut to 50- or 100-foot lengths (or more on request). Cost will be $28/100 feet. Row covers are used in vegetable production on farms and home gardens.

Many people use the 50% average which usually backs the last spring Events 32° temperature about three weeks earlier or the first fall Master Gardener Training one also about three weeks earlier. I think the We are still unsure St. Helens and whether it is Scappoose possible to area track hold a live well class this with spring. the It won’t Portstart in land Februstaary tion but but might as get we started Clatskanie go midGrows into March the or later. higher It will be locations, in St. Helens Hillsboro data if we have it. becomes more accuCOVID is so challengrate. Vernonia is significantly ing. Call (503-397-3462) or different on both ends of the email us for updates or to growing season, i.e. later be on a notification list if last spring frost and earlier interested. first fall frost. Clatskanie is generally cooler overall Grafting workshop but with frost dates between Astoria and Portland.

The class will be held in person at the OSU ExtenRow covers available again sion office in St. Helens on Saturday, Feb. 26. Cost is Interest in row covers $20 for five apple rootcontinues to increase. For stocks and scions to graft those of you that missed the onto them. Most people end buzz, row covers are made up with four and often five from a gauzy fabric. Our new apple trees. Time will

be from 9 a.m. until noon.

Class will be limited to the first 15 people that contact us due to safety issues with knives used in grafting.

Masks will be required.

Columbia County Small Woodlands Association tree sale On Saturday March 12, Columbia County Small Woodlands Association will hold its 23rd annual tree sale. The sale begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Lawrence Oil (Pacific Pride) parking lot in St. Helens at 845 N Columbia River Highway.

Twenty-two different species of deciduous and conifer trees will be available for purchase. Prices range from $1.50 to $6. We will also have bags of Douglas fir, noble fir, western red cedar, and coast redwood available for purchase. Cash and checks will be accepted for payment. As always buyers are advised to come early for best selection.

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 503397-3462 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 503-397-3462 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

Struggling: Job openings ‘hard to fill’ ANNA JOHNSON Chief Guest Article

The Oregon Employment Department’s (ODE) latest results from the Job Vacancy Survey shows Oregon’s private employers reported 103,000 job vacancies between October and December 2021.

While that’s a slight decline (-4%) from the recordhigh 107,000 job openings reported in summer 2021, employers are still actively recruiting for 88% more job openings than they were at the end of 2020.

Hiring demand between October and December 2021 was widespread across Oregon’s economy. Five different sectors had at least 10,000 job vacancies. They included health care and social assistance; construction; retail trade; leisure and hospitality; and manufacturing.

Employers were also reporting near-record difficulty filling vacancies.

Three out of four job openings (76%) were identified as hard to fill in the fall. In both Oregon and the U.S., there are more job openings than there are unemployed people. For every seven unemployed workers, there are 10 job openings. There just aren’t enough workers for this near-record high number of job openings.

Oregon’s private health care sector reported even greater difficulty, with nine out of 10 job openings (87%) identified by employers as hard to fill between October and December.

Oregon’s health care sector has both the largest number of job openings (16,000), and the largest number of hard-to-fill vacancies (13,900) in the state. Personal care aides, nursing assistants, and registered

Illustrations courtesy from the Oregon Employment Department

nurses accounted for the majority (57%) of difficultto-fill vacancies in health care.

Each quarter, the ODE surveys private employers from all industries and areas of the state to ask about the job vacancies they are actively trying to fill. Oregon businesses reported almost 102,900 vacancies in fall 2021(fourth quarter). Total job openings decreased 4% from the summer and increased 88% from fall 2020.

The large volume of openings in the fall follows two record quarters: 107,000 vacancies in summer 2021 and 97,800 in spring 2021.

Pre-pandemic, the record high was 66,600 vacancies in summer 2017. The high level of job vacancies is not unique to Oregon right now. The number of privatesector job openings in the U.S. totaled 8,995,000 in April 2021, 10,700,000 in July, and 10,600,000 in October, beating the previous high seen in October 2018 (7,055,000) significantly.

The unemployed-tovacancy ratio reached record lows in fall 2021, as the economy continued to recover from the COVID-19 recession. The number of unemployed has declined Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

swiftly since surging in spring 2020 with layoffs related to the pandemic, both in Oregon and across the United States. Nationally, unemployment increased by 17 million between January 2020 and April 2020, when the number of unemployed in the U.S. reached 23.1 million.

The number of privatesector job openings in the U.S., as measured by the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, fell by 2.3 million between January 2020 and April 2020, resulting in a ratio of more than five unemployed people for every job opening.

As pandemic spikes and restrictions have eased, by October 2021 job openings in the U.S. rose to 10.6 million and the number of unemployed sank to 6.9 million, resulting in a ratio of 0.7 unemployed people per job opening.

In Oregon, the ratio shot even higher in spring 2020 as the number of unemployed surged, resulting in

5.8 unemployed people for every job vacancy, similar to the ratio measured in early 2013 as the state was recovering from the Great Recession. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was very swift, rapidly spreading across the labor market and taking the economy essentially from full employment to deep recession in just a couple of months.

The ratio has steadily improved since the initial spike in spring 2020. By October 2021, the number of unemployed Oregonians dropped more and the number of job vacancies rose significantly, leaving 0.7 unemployed persons per job opening, down from the 1.3 unemployed persons per job opening in spring 2021 and 1.0 in summer 2021.

Most openings in the fall were for full-time, permanent positions. Education beyond high school was required for 32% of fall vacancies. Health care and social assistance topped the

Are you a veteran?

Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

tants (3,000).

The average starting wage reported in summer was $21.22, a 14% inflation-adjusted increase from fall 2020. Total vacancies were up 88% from the level last fall. The number of vacancies offering a starting wage below $15 per hour decreased 16% over the year. The number of vacancies offering between $15 and $25 per hour increased 213%, and vacancies paying above $25 per hour increased 252%.

Fall vacancies were distributed across the state, with the Portland tri-county area accounting for about 42%. Vacancies increased over the year in every region of the state, with the largest gains in Northwest Oregon and Lane County.

Anna Johnson is a senior economic analyst with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at 503-991-2110, or at anna.l.johnson@ oregon.gov.

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industry list in fall, with 27,700 vacancies. This has been the sector with the most vacancies 22 of the past 24 quarters. The construction industry had the second most vacancies of any industry, with 11,100 job vacancies.

Hiring demand was widespread throughout industries and occupations.

Five industries had more than 10,000 vacancies in the fall: health care and social assistance; construction; retail trade (10,800); leisure and hospitality (10,600); and manufacturing (10,500). A majority of employers in every industry reported their vacancies as difficult to fill. Overall, 76% of vacancies were considered difficult to fill.

Employers reported vacancies in 270 different occupations. The occupations with the most vacancies in fall 2021 included retail salespersons (5,100 vacancies), personal care aides (4,400), truck drivers (3,900), and nursing assis-

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