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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022
VOL. 130, NO. 39 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Proposed housing development gets first approval JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
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n 8.1-acre site along Canyon Road in Clatskanie has been the focus of neighbors’ concerns over the past several weeks. City review In December, the Clatskanie Planning Commission sent the rezone proposal to the Clatskanie City Council recommending denial of the proposal, citing safety concerns. The first reading of an ordinance rezoning the property from R-10 (10,000 sq. ft. lots) to R-5 (5,000 sq. ft lots) and a portion to MFR (multi-family residential) was conducted during the Jan. 5 city council session. “Concerns expressed were road capacity, for Canyon Road and safety of children as it is near the high school and also the Conyers Creek Road that leads to Canyon Road and its safety,” Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman told The Chief. “Concerns were also expressed about the possible density of the housing and the impact that would have on the area.” Council members also expressed concerns that the developer, Midnight Development LLC of Vancouver, Washington, had not provided any site plan designs of the proposed housing showing how many homes would be constructed and a design of the overall development. The developer wanted to obtain the rezone approval before having the architecture and engineering cost extended, according to Hinkelman’s discussion at the
Jan. 5 council meeting. He also pointed out that the developer would be required to conduct a land use study and provide a Geotech report to mitigate any issues associated with the adjacent wetlands. Councilor Jim Helmen, also an administrator with the Clatskanie School District, said the housing development would have considerable effect on traffic at the adjoining high school property. A resident of the area expressed concerns about traffic navigating around what he called dangerous corners in the area. Another neighbor cited increased traffic and vehicles parked along the roadway during sporting events at the high school. Approval with conditions During the Feb. 2 Clatskanie City Council meeting, the developer presented a preliminary site plan to better illustrate the housing development. Both opponents and supporters voiced their opinions about the project. “Traffic concerns and safety of the children going to and from the high school continue to be concerns from those opposing the plan,” Hinkelman said. “They also expressed concerns of dangerous corners on Conyers Creek Road.” Councilor Jean Sampson expressed concerns of the safety of the children associated with the traffic in the area. Those in favor argued that Clatskanie needs more affordable housing. One couple spoke of the high home prices currently and the need for quality homes at lower prices.
Renter assistance resumes STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Courtesy photo
The agency estimates as of Jan. 12 that more than 36,000 Oregon households had received over $256 million in rental assistance relief due to hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is again accepting new applications for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP). The agency said it will be a limited reopening of at least three weeks, based on availability of funds. The agency estimates there are enough funds to support 6,700-9,300 additional renters, who will be prioritized based on those who have the most need, not on a first-come, first-served basis. OHCS was forced to pause the intake of applications on Dec. 1 because the agency did not have
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Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
sufficient federal funds to serve additional renters. As of Jan. 12, the the agency estimates that more than 36,000 Oregon households had received over $256 million in rental assistance relief due to hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are grateful that the Oregon Legislature and Gov. Brown came together to provide more resources for rental assistance and eviction prevention programs, which will keep thousands more Oregonians stably housed during this critical time,” OHCS Executive Director Margaret Salazar said. “During the pause in accepting new applications, several OERAP system improvements were also implemented that we hope will make the application process and payments more accessible to renters, community partners and landlords. We appreciate the time and energy partners spent in providing valuable feedback that helped bring along these improvements.” To serve the most households, applications are being offered for first-time assistance only, and the program will not be offering utility assistance. Tenants seeking utility assistance may access additional Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) resources at the local level from community action agencies. Renters who submit new applications can access protections from eviction for nonpayment of rent while their application is being reviewed and processed. OHCS will begin processing these new applications and paying out funds in about three to five weeks. Applications for tenants who applied before the OERAP application pause on Dec. 1, 2021, will be processed before applications See OERAP Page A8
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
This hillside along Canyon Road in Clatskanie is a portion of the proposed housing development that would be constructed on both sides of the road.
Following the public testimony, the city council unanimously approved the rezone ordinance. “This is just the first step,” Hinkelman said. “The Geotech report will have to be conducted and a traffic impact study done and as the development takes shape, the fire district and the public utility district will have to review the makeup of the design to see if there are any issues.” The Oregon Land Conservation and Development Department
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is also required to review the rezone ordinance. “That generally takes about 30 days,” Hinkelman said. “I feel confident that the state will adopt the ordinance.” Those still opposed to the housing development have the option of appeal to the Oregon Land use Board of Appeals. It is unclear when construction would take place if all the necessary steps are taken by the developer.
Hinkelman said the last time such a housing development was constructed was in 2006. About 25 homes were built at Clatskanie Woods in northeast Clatskanie. “Affording housing is a huge issue in Oregon and in this area, and hopefully this new development will help alleviate that a little bit,” he said. Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
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Homelessness in Columbia County ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Tents, sleeping bags, and shopping carts litter the sidewalks of downtown Portland, drawing attention to the homelessness crisis with everything but neon signs. In Columbia County, the homelessness is much more of an understated problem. City perspective Homelessness is a pervasive problem in Rainier, with transients sleeping out of boats, in RV’s, and cars, according to Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen. “The citizens are obviously concerned,” he said. “We’ve gotten a number of comments about the highway homeless (and) tents on the Riverfront and city limits.” Jorgensen said a significant proportion of Rainier’s homeless population comes from Longview, Washington. “It’s not very difficult to walk across that bridge,” he said. In a December city council session, city councilors updated the city’s Moorage Space Lease Agreement prohibiting overnight camping and sleeping on docked boats, after receiving numerous complaints from boat owners. “We’ve gotten complaints from some of them about people camping and sleeping on their boats,” Jorgensen said. Amid problems at the docks, city officials are facing the issue of homeless people setting up camp in RVs parked around the city. Rainier City Planning Commission Chair Erin O’Connell said the old RV park by the wastewater treat-
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City officials and law enforcement in Columbia County are seeking solutions to prevent the homeless issues that are challenging Portland, Salem and Eugene.
ment facility was originally intended to support fishing along the Columbia River before homeless encampments took over the region. “What we saw was that people that were homeless or appeared to be living in an RV were coming and setting up shop in the RV park, but not actually paying for the right (to be) there, which is what was supposed to happen,” O’Connell said. “So the city ended up closing that park down.” Rainier Public Works Director Sue Lawrence said when the weather turns, the homeless tend to seek the warm shelter of public restrooms. Rainier Parks, Recreation and Education committee members met in October to discuss issues the city has been having with lock tampering and after-hours trespassers in Rainier Riverfront Park’s restroom facilities.
“You can have your police move them along, maybe to a place that has resources. But then you’re also just kind of shifting the problem,” Jorgensen said. “So it has to be a comprehensive, larger statewide issue.” O’Connell said she believes the majority of the homeless in Columbia County are not addicts, but citizens who cannot afford the high cost of living in the Portland metro and have connections in the area. “We also have properties, probably in and outside (of) Rainier, where there’s a real drug problem and they’re squatting somewhere illegally. But what I see even more is families not being able to afford an See HOMELESSNESS Page A2
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Friday, February 4, 2022
Car crashes over highway embankment STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
A female driver appeared to have escaped serious injury after her car veered off Highway 30 and went over an embankment just north of Rainier. The vehicle came to rest upright in a small creek. First responders and Oregon State Police troopers rushed to the scene minutes after the crash during the noon hour Tuesday, Feb. 1. The woman was helped out of the vehicle and remained at the scene during the OSP investigation. According to OSP, the woman was traveling too fast and unable to navigate a turn. She was cited for failing to drive within the lane. Traffic was slowed in the southbound lanes along Highway 30 during the police investigation.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
OSP investigators said this car veered off Highway 30 and over the embankment.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
An Oregon State Police trooper takes a photo of the crashed vehicle during the investigation.
Council reviews another nuisance property JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
City officials in Rainier are moving to clear a property that has been deemed a public nuisance and a neighborhood blight. Neighbors surrounding the property along West 8th Street have complained about people coming and going from the property over the years and many disabled vehicles, furniture and garbage spread throughout the property. The house on the property was eventually made uninhabitable but the
HOMELESSNESS From Page A1 actual house and so they get an RV and go to their family member’s house and set up,” she said. Oregon’s housing insecurity challenges were exacerbated by the pandemic, media reports show. With statewide shutdowns and business restrictions resulting in lost jobs, the Oregon State Legislature announced tenants who applied for emergency rental assistance by Dec. 31, 2020 have a safe harbor from termination or eviction due to nonpayment of rent until June 30, 2022. The pandemic also brought to light some of the unforeseen circumstances surrounding homelessness. “It’s not always a byproduct of them doing something wrong,” O’Connell said. “Sometimes things happen to people.” Police response Rainier Police Chief Gregg Griffith said he personally hasn’t witnessed many homeless in city limits. “It’s been fairly minimal, he said. “Most of them are just passing through. We’ve had probably more in the way of boats come through, the people that are living on their boats and docking up.” The homeless who do drift into Rainier appear to have a destination, either from Longview to Portland or Portland to Longview and occasionally Astoria, Griffith said. Rainier police officers have protocols they follow in working with city regulations, according to Griffith, and the responsibility falls on them to negotiate enforcement with a compassionate approach. “It generally depends on what the property owner wants to do,” he said. “If we can just ask them to wake up and remove themselves from the private property that’s what we would do. That would probably be the best solution. Obviously, (if) they want the person charged with something we would have to honor that.” Griffith recalled a situation in which a homeless person asked one of his officers for help. “Maybe a year ago, somebody needed money to take the bus to Portland. The officers here will just get money in their pocket. It’s two or three bucks to go to Portland,
eyesore remains, according to the complaints. Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said the property had been scheduled for a sheriff’s office auction Jan. 5 but attorneys representing the bank that owns the property requested that the auction be postponed until Feb. 9. Council President Mike Kreger said the property has been discussed by council for years. “The nuisance is an issue and the city needs to be diligent in resolving it,” Kreger said during the council’s January public session. Councilor Scott Cooper agreed. Mayor Jerry Cole concurred and said the prop-
erty is a blight on the area. Kreger moved to declare the property a nuisance. That motion was seconded by Cooper and adopted unanimously by the city council. Jorgensen told The Chief he didn’t think nuisances are becoming more frequent in Rainier, referring to a burnt house left unattended for several months at 516 East E Street. The city finally had that property, also deemed a public nuisance, cleared last fall. “It’s just that we’re taking a more responsive approach to handling them,” he said. “We’re also still continuing to look into our options for code enforcement.”
so they just pay for it if that’s what they want to do.” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley, whose deputies are the law enforcement agency in Clatskanie, maintained that homeless encampments are not a new problem, he noted “somewhat of an increase” in homeless encampments cropping up around Columbia County. More encampments translate to more trespassing, illegal dumping, and mental health calls, Pixley said. In Pixley’s view, many of these encampments come in the form of abandoned boats along the Multnomah Channel and Columbia River, which Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Lt. Shaun McQuiddy reported as putting a significant strain on resources for the sheriff’s office back in November.
find areas that would be appropriate, I think that’s part of it. I think that jurisdictions need to have that conversation.” O’Connell was emphatic in her responses that turning a blind eye to homelessness in the region is not a viable solution. “I think it’s really easy for us citizens to say, ‘Well, I just don’t want to hear it,’ ‘I don’t want it,’ or ‘why can’t it be in another neighborhood,’ right?” she said. “I don’t feel like it’s something (where) we could just kick the can down the road. These people are part of our community as well, so how can we sort of recognize that and help them to maybe create a better situation?” According to a 2020 release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are 35 homeless for every 10,000 people in Oregon. Oregon has the third-largest population of unsheltered homeless in the nation. Sometimes things happen While the main causes for to people. homelessness are poverty and lack of affordable housing, ~ Erin O’Connell, Rainier City Planning Commission according to the National ETERSENCoalition LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE LLC for the Homeless, addiction and mental health AA tt tt oo rrdisorders nn ee yy sswere also included as major factors of the home(503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) “Each of these abanlessness epidemic. doned boats can cost between Hinkelman said he sees the Columbia County’s Premier $10,000 and $30,000 to task of addressing homelessColumbia County’s Premier remove from the water and ness at a state level as multiPersonal Injury Attorneys Attorneys dispose of,”Personal Pixley said. “WeInjury faceted. sedd in in OOrreego gonn && W Waash shin ingto gtonn LLi icceennse are typically able to recoup “Addiction and mental most of the cost of the removal health outreach needs to conthrough our partnership with tinue to happen, but how do the Oregon State Marine you curb addiction, or people Board, but those funds run out starting down the path of adquickly every year.” diction, when possession of illicit drugs has been decrimiDispersing the encampments presents a challenge nalized in Oregon?” he said. due to resource constraints, “Things aren’t right when the according to Pixley, and he penalty for an 18-year-old in ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE LLC said the CCSO is only charged possession of a pack of cigathan having a with responding to criminal AA tt tt oo rrrettes nn ee yisy greater ss complaints. small amount of methamphet(503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) amine on them. Affordable The search for solutions housing and its availability, and in that same vein, Death the state Accidents •Personal Injury •Wrongful Death Accidents •Personal Injury •Wrongful O’Connell said she has of Oregon needs to get out of seen a steady rise in homeless- the way to allow the developNo Fee Until Recovery No Recovery ness in Rainier over theFee past Until ment of affordable housing, is four years and would like to a significant issue.” gonn && W Waash shin ingto gtonn OOrreego see city officials come up with “The final thing is family solutions. FREE wage jobs. There are probFREE INITIAL INITIAL CONSULTATION CONSULTATION “It’s a hard thing, because ably other things involved in when you are homeless, where the homeless equation, but are you supposed to go?” these are to me, the significant O’Connell said. “Trying to factors.”
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Jorgensen said the city has conducted a community survey and there are different options that Rainier could put into place by the beginning of the fiscal year in July to address such public property nuisances. “You go to the east side of Portland, and you have zombie houses all over the place,” Jorgensen said. “Some of them are right next to houses that people own that they maintain, and it just looks awful. We don’t want that here.” According to Jorgensen, the council has been concerned about the cost to the city to clear such nuisance properties. What’s changed now is that with the West 8th
Street property, the city’s public works department could clear the property without the expense of contracting out the needed work. “Typically, when you’re evading a nuisance, it’s a home that is occupied, (that) a person owns as opposed to an entity and the big nature of the complaint is the pile of debris and garbage in the backyard,” he said. “It appears to be mostly household waste. But it’s been out there for a very long time and the biggest barrier to its move. The complaints are about the garbage in the backyard, not necessarily about the house or the structure itself.”
Jorgensen said the bank is requesting a minimum bid from the property auction at approximately $160,000. “There has to be due process for the property owner,” Jorgensen said. “That was one of the issues with the burned house. You have to give them the right to respond. Otherwise, you don’t want to create a situation where a city can just up and declare something a nuisance and take someone’s property or put liens on it.” In 2021 alone, police officers have performed 7,040 premise checks and filed 61 property reports, according to a release from the Rainier Police Department.
Gunfire erupts during home invasion
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
A suspect was shot during a home invasion in Rainier. STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
A home invasion in Rainier resulted in gunfire and sent one person to the hospital. Rainier Police officers responded to a report of burglary in progress early Sunday morning, Jan. 30 at a residence on the 600 block of West C Street in Rainier, according to information from law enforcement officials.
Officers’ arrived on scene and confronted an armed suspect who was eventually detained without incident. Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect committed a home invasion robbery and the suspect exchanged gunfire with the home owner. The suspect was shot in the exchange of the gunfire. The home owner was uninjured. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his
injuries. The condition of the suspect and names of those involved in the shooting had not been released by authorities as of Thursday morning, Feb. 3. Rainier Police Department and the Oregon State Police are leading the investigation with assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.
2022
Friday, February 11 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Saturday, February 12 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.
AN EXHIBIT OF LOCAL QUILTS OLD AND NEW Featured Quilter: Cathy Lundberg, member of Columbia River Piece Makers Quilt Guild
Enjoy a lunch of homemade soups, sandwiches and pies for a donation or nominal fee for take out. Browse used books, puzzles and take home delicious baked goods.
EXHIBITORS
Bring your quilts to display Thursday, February 10 from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Call Chris Mollenhour at 503-888-7540 for more information.
34721 Church Rd. Warren, OR, 97053 (1/4 mile off Hwy 30)
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County establishes new COVID-19 test site JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Columbia County Public Health Department announced that it has improved local access to COVID-19 testing. The department said it is now hosting a convenient testing site at the Columbia County Rider Transit Center located at 1155 Deer Island Road in St. Helens. The testing site is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday until March 31. The testing site uses shallow, self-collected nasal PCR tests with no out-ofpocket cost to those being tested. Test results will be delivered in approximately one to two days from the time the sample is received at the lab. A similar temporary testing site had been established by county and state health offices at the St. Helens High School parking lot on Gable Road last year. To schedule an appointment, visit cur.tv/sthelens. Residents without internet access can call 888-7020942 or public health, at 503-397-7247 for assistance scheduling an appointment. According to the Centers
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Columbia County Public Health established a temporary COVID-19 testing site at St. Helens High School last year.
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the testing is very important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The CDC website states reasons to be tested include: • If you have COVID-19 symptoms • After known or suspected exposures to COVID-19 • For screening (schools, workplaces, congregate settings, etc.) • Before travel • When asked by a healthcare professional or
public health official Viral tests A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests. Viral tests use samples that come from your nose or mouth. Rapid tests can be performed in minutes and can include antigen and some NAATs. Laboratory tests can take days to complete and include RT-PCR
Courtesy from the CDC
and other types of NAATs. Some test results may need confirmatory testing. Self-tests are rapid tests that can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results. COVID-19 self-tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19. Antibody tests An antibody test (also
known as a serology test) can detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to help fight infection and protect you from getting sick in the future. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection, but may indicate if you had a past infection. Antibody tests help scientists learn about how human immune systems defend against the virus, as well as learn about population-level protection. Antibody testing is not
currently recommended to determine: • If you have a current infection. • If you have immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following COVID-19 vaccination. • Whether you need to get vaccinated if you are not fully vaccinated. • Whether you need to quarantine after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19. You should always discuss your test results with your healthcare provider.
COVID cases cresting, mask mandate decisions The OHA will monitor criteria such as COVID-19 transmission rates, hospitalizations and deaths, and CDC guidance in deciding whether to overturn the rule. Additionally, the order specifies school districts found to be in non-compliance with the rule will face a $500 penalty. The OHA was expected to decide on masking and vaccination requirements in healthcare settings Jan. 31.
ing home if you are sick or if you test positive. In late January, the OHA held three separate public hearings to address three proposed rules, including masking and vaccination requirements in healthcare settings, K-12 settings, and
the adoption of a permanent indoor mask rule in Oregon. As of Jan. 31, the OHA reported 19 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, including a 92-year-old Columbia County resident raising the state’s death toll to 6,086. The OHA also re-
corded 7,222 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 620,652. Follow developments at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
Renewed challenges
Metro Creative Connection
A decision to make Oregon’s indoor mask mandate permanent was pending as of Thursday morning, Feb. 3 ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) had not released its decision as of Thursday, Feb. 3, to make permanent the state’s indoor mask mandate. The temporary rule expires Feb. 8. The face covering mandate has generated public protests in Columbia County and across the state. State officials have said wearing face coverings, getting vaccinated and practicing social distancing is still the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. Masks at school Masks will continue to play a role in K-12 education after the OHA filed a permanent rule requiring students to wear masks for an undefined period in Oregon. The OHA filed the per-
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manent administrative order with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office on Jan. 28, the official expiration date of the 180-day temporary rule. School staff also must show proof of vaccination under the new order, except for those with a medical or religious exemption. An explanation for the rule reads in part as follows. “Two of the most important tools the state has to control COVID-19 are vaccination and masking,” the rule text reads. “Children are required to attend school, which is a congregate setting where COVID-19 can spread easily if precautions are not taken. To protect students who are not eligible to be vaccinated, and those with underlying health conditions, as well as to minimize the disruption of student education, requiring universal use of masks or face coverings in schools is necessary.”
State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger issued the following statement explaining the renewed challenges and silver linings in the fight against Omicron, the predominant COVID-19 variant. “We may be starting to see a slight slowing of Omicron’s momentum,” he said. “True to the recent modeling, statewide daily cases appear to have crested from the pandemic highs, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak pandemic landscape. But even if cases have leveled, it will take weeks for hospitalizations to peak and then return down to levels that are not stressing our hospital system.” Public health officials continue to identify stressed healthcare systems as a primary reason for the renewal of COVID-19 restrictions. As Omicron infections wane, Sidelinger also stressed actions people in Oregon can take over the next several weeks to ensure the state’s hospitals have enough capacity, such as getting primary and booster vaccines, continuing to wear masks, keeping gatherings small and stay-
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Feb. 11 - 12 Quilt Show Bethany Lutheran Church’s 41st annual Quilt Show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 34721 Church Road in Warren. Call Chris Mollenhour at 503888-7540 for more information. COVID-19 Testing The Columbia County Public Health Department is hosting a COVID-19 testing site at the Columbia County Rider Transit Center located at 1155 Deer Island Road in St. Helens. The testing site is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday until March 31. To schedule an appointment, go online to cur.tv/sthelens. Residents without internet access can call 888-702-0942 or public health
at 503-397-7247 for assistance scheduling an appointment. Don Coin Walrod Scholarship The Deer Island Grange is now accepting applications for the Don Coin Walrod Scholarship. The scholarship is created for a Columbia County high school senior. Applicants may attend a trade school, community college, or university of their choice, but must major in agriculture, education, forestry, or animal science. Applications are available from each of the Columbia County high school counselor offices and must be post marked by April 1, 2022. Mail applications to: Don Coin Walrod Scholarship, 64556 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054.
Ongoing Lower Columbia River Watershed Council The council meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@ whitingenv.com, or call 503789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom info: Events Page — Lower Columbia River Watershed Council. If you have a community event, let us know and we’ll place it in our online and in print calendars. Send calendar items to jruark@ countrymedia.net.
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Friday, February 4, 2022
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Oregon Legislature facing tight timelines BRAD WITT Chief Guest Column
The 2022 Legislative Session got underway this week, with the election of Representative Dan Rayfield as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. This leadership change begins a new era, as former Speaker Tina Kotek, the longest serving Speaker in state history, resigned from the Legislature to focus on her campaign for Governor. Speaker Rayfield has served in the House of Representatives since 2015 representing the Corvallis and Philomath communities as part of House District 15. During his time in the House, he has shown his abilities as a successful negotiator finding bipartisan solutions to complex issues. I was pleased to support him as Speaker of the House and am looking
forward to working with him as we move forward. Timelines Legislative sessions held in even-numbered years are constitutionally mandated to be limited to five weeks. Which means things will move quickly between now and the ending date of March 7, 2022. Each Representative and Senator was able to introduce a maximum of 2 bills this session, and each committee 3 bills. As of this week, there are over 250 proposed measures that will be under consideration. In order to be approved, a bill must go through the committee process and be approved by a floor vote in both the House and Senate chamber. Timelines are tight, and we will be very busy over the next five weeks.
This session I am serving on four committees: • House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, and Water • House Committee on Behavioral Health • House Committee on Business and Labor • House Committee on Economic Recovery and Prosperity Each of these committees address a variety of topics. For example, this week the Agriculture, Land Use and Water Committee will discuss bills relating to reporting on a framework for preventing, monitoring and responding to zoonotic (animal to human) diseases such as rabies, West Nile virus, Lyme disease and others. We will also be considering legislation establishing licensing for persons using pesticides.
Sports place Clatskanie on Oregon map LARRY HERMO Chief Guest Column
Small towns throughout the state make it difficult for people to locate each other with many cities on the outer region of the state. Clatskanie, being in the Northwest corner makes it difficult for people to locate this small city. Basketball and softball have made it possible with games from throughout the state to know Clatskanie’s location. The 1945 boys basketball team won the small school state championship just a few months before the ending of World War II. Milt Philbrook, Don Erickson and Allen Van were stalwarts on the team. In the fall of 1952 Westport High School consolidated with Clatskanie. With good players from each school, there were some amazing things to happen. During the 1952-53 year, the team went 14-0 even with St. Helens and Seaside in the league. During that period of time, there were only two divisions of schools. One hundred fifty students and under were in B Division-150 above and up were in A Division. With 225 students, Clatskanie had to play in the big school state tournament at the U of O. The bracket showed Clatskanie would play the winner of Marshfield or Reedsport. Number one ranked Marshfield was to be our first game opponent. Coach Sempert took three of us to watch Marshfield win. After the game, Coach Sempert was talking to some people, we three players were standing by the gym entry. A young man was standing near and asked who they were going to play at state. His comment was some Indian school. At state, we were leading Marshfield and the second half we lost our shooting eye and lost. Next was Roosevelt. Portland City Camps-we won. Next game Medford. We won.
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And last Hillsboro for fifth place and lost and finished eighth in state. Pretty good for an Indian School. The 1953-54 team generated a tremendous following after losing one league and a two-year record of 27-1. Nearly all of the league schools had small gyms, if you did not arrive by 5:30, you did not get to see the game. Our games at state were broadcast over the radio and Canham Appliancce put speakers on the downtown street for people to hear the state games. Game one at state we beat Grants Pass by 15 points. Game two played Roosevelt Portland City Champs and won by two. In two years, Clatskanie beat Portland Schools four times. The third game was now the semi-finals with the number one ranked Milwaukie. With five minutes to go we were tied, but the tall boys wore us down and we lost by nine. The next day we played Madras for third and won. Third in the big school tournament was great. This small school against the big boys received enormous publicity in two Portland papers. Lew Harrison and Larry Hermo were the mainstay on the team. Old timers around Clatskanie said this was the best boys team in the history of the school. The best Clatskanie sports fan, Evie Arder, can verify as he saw the two WestportClatskanie teams play. In most recent times, the Clatskanie girls accomplished something that was unbelievable for any school in Oregon by winning three consecutive state championships in basketball and two in softball. It is difficult to win one state championship, but five is a landmark that may never be broken by any school in Oregon. John Blodgett and Kevin Sprague are two local guys that were not trained in college for coaching but achieved the
•C rossword S olutions • •
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ultimate. Coaching at any level takes special people to achieve what they did. I did not see Kevin coaching softball, but I was around John and his girls some and in some cases offered my two bits worth. Having coached 30 years on the high school level, I was impressed the first time I attended John’s practice with how he conducted things with efficiency. Both guys did a great job that should get big, big thanks. Both teams played girls from various locations in the state and those people found out where Clatskanie is located. The memories of what these girls did will always be life-lasting and that never can be taken away from them. Shelby Blodgett and Olivia Sprague were two super stars on both teams. As established by the boys to bring notoriety some years ago, they did honors well-earned for our small school in Clatskanie. Along came the girls who left state to say, Clatskanie did a job to be proud of in the history of Oregon High School Sports. Be proud Clatskanie residents and don’t forget during your life what these sports did. As a comment about coaches of the WestportClatskanie teams Year 53-54 Dean Sempert was the coach. He left to coach in California and later to coach at Lewis and Clark College for many years. 1953-54 Bob McCullough was the coach and later in his career became the basketball coach at Western Oregon College for many years. Clatskanie was lucky to have such quality coaches. Larry Hermo is a 1954 graduate of Clatskanie and a 1959 graduate of Linfield College. He was also inducted into the Clatskanie Hall of Fame in 1990 and into the Oregon High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998.
The Behavioral Health Committee meeting agendas are packed and will include discussion of grants for behavioral health treatment providers, and modification of targeted financial incentives in the field of behavioral health. In addition, that committee will take up bills that specify the evaluation that must be conducted when a person is taken to a hospital or non-medical facility due to mental illness or in need of treatment. Another measure we are looking at would permit parents or guardians to admit a child for certain mental, emotional, behavioral health or substance use disorder for treatment. Business and Labor issues this week include requiring registration of businesses that collect, store or transfer personal data, amend worker compensation laws relating to beneficiaries, and adding
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•V oices
NEXT Energy predictions I predict if NEXT ENERGY is allowed to move forward the following will be the result: 1. NEXT ENERGY will be Clatskanie’s Enron. 2. NEXT ENERGY chairman Christopher Efird will be Clatskanie’s Bernie Madoff. Russell Spaulding Clatskanie
Hectic pace Oregon lawmakers will continue to work at a hectic pace in the weeks to come as we work through these and many other issues of importance to Oregonians. Due to the Covid-19 health protection restrictions, committee work is being done remotely, the Capitol building is open, but masks are required for entry and while you are in the building. Another change in Capitol access procedures, is that
of the
everyone must pass through a metal detector when entering. Stay engaged If you have concerns or comments about proposed legislation, state issue or agency, please contact my office. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of the Representatives, and I look forward to hearing from you as we undertake this important work together. Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • 900 Court St. NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt
C ommunity • •
Repeat offenders and vitamins Concerning the increase in the rate of recidivism among criminal offenders, the public in general ought to be given to understand that a direct correlation exists between ex-offenders who take up a vitamin regimen, and their lower rate of
recidivism. This was pointed out at least fifty years ago by Alexander Schauss. Here is a link to his credentials: https://isom.ca/profile/ alexander-schauss/ What the point is concerning crime is that a proper, very healthy diet, lowers the impulse to commit a crime. David Doerr Rainier
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Public Notices CC22-1569
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING CLATSOP COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clatsop County Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, via GoTo Meeting to consider the following: 1. Case #21-000591: Jose Antonio Velazquez-Silva and Susana Huanosta have submitted a request to legalize an existing home occupation on property they own in unincorporated Clatsop County. The property address is 34074 W Campbell Loop, Seaside, further identified as Township 5N,
Range 10W, Section 14DC, Tax Lot 1103. The proposal includes storage and office space to support a homeimprovement contracting business. Activities would be contained within an existing 2,400-square-foot accessory building on the east side of the property. The subject property is located in the Residential-Agriculture-1 Zone (RA-1), which permits home occupations under a Type II permit procedure subject to applicable review criteria and development standards. 2. Case #21-
000664: Comprehensive Plan Update a. Amendments to the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan, revising Goal 7: Areas Subject to Natural Hazards b. Amendments to the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan, revising Goal 9: Economic Development c. Amendments to the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan, revision Goal 11: Public Facilities and Services d. Amendments to the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan, revision Goal 12: Transportation e. Amendments to the Clatsop County Compre-
CC22-1567
hensive Plan, revision Goal 13: Energy Conservation f. Amendments to the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan, revision Goal 14: Urbanization To join the meeting: https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/717331381 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1-877-568-4106 United States: +1 (312)-7573129 Access Code: 717331-381 An agenda will be posted seven days prior to the hearing at: https://www. co.clatsop.or.us/calendar. Those wishing to provide
testimony on public hearings or provide oral communication at the designated time must register in advance by calling 503-325-8611 or email comdev@co.clatsop. or.us. Once registered, you will be notified when it is your opportunity to speak for a three-minute presentation. The public may also submit comments via email to be read to the Planning Commission at the designated time. Please send submissions to comdev@co.clatsop. or.us. All documents will be available for inspection by
appointment at the Clatsop County Planning Division at 800 Exchange St, Suite 100, during normal business hours (M-F 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) at no cost. Paper copies may also be obtained at reasonable cost. The full agenda packet will be posted seven days prior to the hearing at: https://www.co.clatsop. or.us/calendar. If you have questions about this matter or need more information, please contact the Planning Division at (503) 325-8611 or at comdev@ co.clatsop. or.us.
CC22-1568
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA 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
CC22-1570
NOTICE OF AUCTION Riverside Self Storage will be holding auctioning a unit on Feb. 12th, 2022. Auction will be held on site at 917 W B St
Rainier OR, 97048. Unit 52 rented by Mark Molnaa are the units to be auctioned at 10am on Saturday, Feb. 12th, 2022.
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. Gregory C. Mustola, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.
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
estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain
additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published January 21, 2022. Peggy A. Swanson, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.
The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
Pandemic impact: High levels of depression, anxiety among disabled people MOLLY ROSBACK Chief Guest Article
A new study from Oregon State University confirms what many in the disabled community already know: People with disabilities have been experiencing high levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation was the main predictor for both depression and anxiety, said Kathleen Bogart, co-author on the study and an associate professor of psychology at OSU. “We know that people with disabilities were more socially isolated before the pandemic, so for a variety of reasons, the pandemic has amplified that disparity,” she said. People with disabilities are often immunocompromised or have comorbidities that would cause more severe infection from COVID-19, requiring more strict isolation at home to avoid exposure to the virus. The study, published in Rehabilitation Psychology, examined survey responses from 441 adults between October and December 2020 who self-identified as having
a disability. In total, 61% of participants met the criteria for probable major depressive disorder and 50% for probable generalized anxiety disorder. That’s much higher than the pre-pandemic baseline among people with and without disabilities, Bogart said. Previous research in the field has found that about 22% of people with disabilities are diagnosed with depression during their lifetime. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, in an average year, roughly 7% of all U.S. adults have major depressive disorder and 3% have generalized anxiety disorder. Stigma was also a major predictor for depression and anxiety, particularly from conversations and policies around medical rationing where disabled people were essentially deemed a low priority for life-saving COVID resources. This translated into greater fear of catching the virus and needing medical care that might not be available, and therefore more social isolation, Bogart said. “Especially early on in the beginning of the pandemic, there were explicit policies in place that disabled people would not be
Metro Creative Connection
The OSU study found that social isolation was the main predictor for both depression and anxiety.
given priority to receive a ventilator or to receive even COVID tests when those were scarce,” she said. Medical practitioners
were directed to focus resources on patients who were likely to have a “good quality of life” after COVID, but the health care system
frequently underestimates the quality of life among disabled people, whether it be someone who uses a wheelchair or someone who has an intellectual disability, she said. “Some of those policies thankfully got removed, though I think some are still in place,” Bogart said. “But even when those policies don’t exist, there are a lot of other more implicit ways that health care was difficult to access.” For example, at different points during the pandemic, hospitals and health care centers have delayed or canceled all “non-essential” health care to limit transmission of COVID within their facilities. This means that disabled people cannot access their regularly scheduled health care, including physical therapy or surgery, which can exacerbate their conditions. Despite the surge in mental health issues, Bogart sees some hope in the study’s findings: Social isolation and access to health care are points that can be addressed fairly easily, such as by connecting via Zoom and capitalizing on telehealth visits when possible. Several large disability organizations
have been organizing virtual community events as well, which may be more accessible to some people than in-person events, depending on their disability. “We know that social support is really beneficial; what’s interesting is perceived isolation or perceived social support is much more important than the actual concrete number of friends in your social network,” she said. “It’s all about whether someone perceives their support to be adequate.” Home visits and in-home assistance are also crucial for making health care accessible and safe for people with disabilities when the practitioner needs to physically treat or examine them, Bogart said. And within telehealth, Bogart said health care systems can improve accessibility by providing automatic captioning for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, providing sign language interpreters and making platforms that blind patients can navigate, as well. Molly Rosbach works at the OSU Department of Marketing and Research. She may be reached at molly. rosbach@oregonstate.edu.
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Clatskanie Grows: The kindest cuts of all CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Article
Gardeners prune trees and shrubs to restrain growth, remove diseased or damaged limbs, to improve fruiting and flowering and to develop better air circulation within the plant. This year, snow damage may require that some renovation pruning be done. A couple of concepts will help you prune more successfully. First, get a good book on the subject. Many shrubs are grown for their flowers and you have to know on what “age” of wood the flowers are produced. Spring flowering shrubs are not pruned now but right after they have bloomed. Some may need a good mix of two and threeyear-old wood to produce fruit or flowers. The best cut is one that ends just before another branch. This is called a thinning cut. It can result in fewer buds “breaking” and therefore less “sucker” pruning the following year. In contrast, a heading cut (which ends in the middle of a stem) tends to force a lot of suckers. On large cuts, try to locate the branch collar.
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This is a slight swelling where the branch joins the main trunk. Cut just to the outside of the collar. The wound should heal much faster. Most shade trees should only be pruned to accentuate their natural shape. Some trees, like dogwoods and hawthorns tend to get brushy inside. Thinning out excess foliage will contribute to the health of the tree. Fruit trees, however, are pruned for fruit and ease of picking. Their shape is not natural at all. Finally, get some sharp tools and keep them sharp. We generally don’t worry about wound dressings on cuts less than 1” and larger cuts are best treated with exterior white latex paint if you feel the need to do something.
Row covers available again Interest in row covers continues to increase. For those of you that missed the buzz, row covers are made from a gauzy fabric. Our material this year is lighter (1 oz. vs. 2 oz.) than what we had over the last several years. This should be very useful for most gardeners.
More light will go through these covers for faster plant growth underneath the cover. It will still provide at least four to six degrees of frost protection. The lighter weight will allow it to be installed directly over most transplants or emerging seeds without any frame. But you can also build hoop houses (cloches) to support it. The row cover will need to be held down on the edges to keep
wind from blowing it off. Row cover width is seven feet and will be cut into 50- or 100-foot lengths (or more on request). Cost will be $28/100 feet and $14/50 feet. Row covers are used in vegetable production on farms and home gardens. Events Master Gardener Training We are still unsure whether it is possible to hold a live class this spring. It won’t start in Febru-
ary but might get started mid-March or later. It will be in St. Helens if we have it. COVID is so challenging. Call 503-397-3462 or email us for updates or to be on a notification list if interested. Grafting workshop The class will be held in person at the OSU Extension office in St. Helens on Saturday, Feb. 26.
hold its 23rd annual tree sale. The sale begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Oil (Pacific Pride) parking lot at 845 N Columbia River Highway. 32 different species of deciduous and conifer trees will be available for purchase. Prices range from $1.50 to $6. They 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.
Clatskanie Grows
Cost is $20 for five apple rootstocks and scions to graft onto them. Most people end up with four and often five 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
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
Important notes The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened. Mask 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
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
•O bituaries • • Hazel White
Jan. 29, 1941 ~ Jan. 29, 2022
Hazel White formally of Clatskanie, Oregon died peacefully on her 81st birthday, in her daughter, Holly’s home in Gresham, Oregon, after a two-year battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She was raised in Rapid City, South Dakota, and moved to Oregon where her parents, Larry and Rose Morehouse, owned restaurants and hotels. The last being the Do-Re Café in St. Helens, Oregon. She married Allen White of Pilot Rock, Oregon in 1955. They raised their six kids on a “dirt farm” on McKay Creek until 1969, moved to California and then to Clatskanie where Allen secured a position at Wauna Paper Mill. The Whites started “White’s Worm Farm” in 1975, at Port Westward, raised and shipped red worms to China to be processed into baking flour that was pure protein. Hazel and Allen were featured for their worm business a Local TV magazine
named “Faces and Places,” interviewed by Mary Starrett. They also created a business of delivering earth worms to numerous bait shops, and mini-marts along the Oregon and Washington coast. Allen proceeded her in death. She moved to Prineville, Oregon and lived there until her death. Hazel was well known in Prineville for her love of line dancing, teaching several hundred students to dance. She taught when she could until after her 80th birthday while on chemotherapy. She stopped only because of Covid. She had a beautiful fenced garden that she loved to spend time in with her cats, and of course, her friends and family. She was an incredibly loving mother to Cathy Ortiz (Posiden), Anna Connor (Gene), Larry White (Jenny), Jack White (Mylene), and Joseph Anthony “Tony White” Merkwan, (Pam). She had a combination of 48 grand and great-grandchildren. Donations in Hazel’s honor may be made to: Calvary Baptist Church, 2241 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754, Attn: Clara, for Hazel’s great-grandchildren to attend a youth outreach this summer, or: Dayspring Christian Center, 7801 N. 7th St., Terrebonne, OR 97760, for the orphanage, or Global Outreach.org. A celebration of life, open to the public, will be held in February in Clatskanie.
Ron Jenks Sr.
Oct. 8, 1942 ~ Jan. 18, 2022 Ron Jenks Sr. was born in Redondo Beach, California on Oct. 8, 1942 and moved to the Clatskanie area in 1955. He passed away on Jan. 18, 2022. He graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1960 and entered the Air Force directly after. He married Maria Teresa Gomez Gil on July 2, 1962 in Seville, Spain. After the Air Force, he returned to Clatskanie and began working at Wauna Mill in 1968. He worked there for 53 years.
Ron was a member of the Catholic church and was a contributing member of both the Westport Heights Water and Westport Water Systems. He was also a member of both the NW and National Pinzgauer Associations. He received his Amateur Radio licenses in 1996. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, and above all, his family. He was a true family man and a good Samaritan. He would offer help to anyone at a moment’s notice.
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OSHA proposes new climate change protections through mid-March. The proposed heat rule will have three virtual public hearings at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23; 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24; and 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25. The proposed wildfire smoke rule will have three virtual public hearings at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 2; 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3; and 10 a.m. Friday, March 4. Details are below on how to sign up for the hearings – as well as other options for making comments – are now available for heat and wildfire smoke. See specific public imput opportunities with this story at thechiefnews.com. “We welcome public input on these rule proposals, which are intended to increase protections for workers while creating greater clarity, practicality, and predictability for employers as they move forward,” Oregon OSHA Interim Administrator Lou Savage said. “These proposals reflect Oregon OSHA’s longstanding mission to advance safety and health for all Oregon workers.” The division anticipates adopting the rules in April 2022, ahead of the grow and wildfire seasons. The rulemaking efforts are part of Oregon’s larger and ongoing work – initiated by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown – to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace, according to a ODCBS release. That includes the right to raise concerns free from retaliation and to file a complaint with Oregon OSHA, which advances safety for all Oregon workers through enforcement, consultation, technical, and public education and training services. The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers, an independent advocate, offers workers help in understanding their rights within workplace safety and health rules, and their rights within the workers’ compensation system. The ODCBS Multicultural Communications Program provides outreach to commu-
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Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing rules that would strengthen protections for Oregon workers against health and safety hazards linked to the impacts of climate change: extreme heat and wildfire smoke. The rules would provide the strongest such protections in the nation. The proposed heat illness prevention rule encompasses a variety of protective measures, including access to shade and cool water, work/ rest schedules, information and training, and other preventive actions and plans. The proposed wildfire smoke rule includes an array of exposure assessments and controls, and training and communication steps. Both rule proposals encompass protective measures for workers who rely on employer-provided housing, including as part of farm operations. Development of the rule proposals – which build on temporary emergency rules adopted in summer 2021 – included extensive input and review by rule advisory committees, and employer and labor stakeholders. The rule development process also featured worker and community stakeholder listening sessions. “These rulemaking efforts demonstrate our commitment to bolstering Oregon’s ability to protect workers – especially vulnerable workers who work outdoors – from extraordinary hazards that have been worsened by climate change,” Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (ODCBS) Director Andrew Stolfi said. “The dangers of extreme heat and wildfire smoke are not going away. That is why we must continue to build up our safeguards against them.” Be engaged Oregon OSHA is seeking public input on the proposed rules in a variety of ways
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equals or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit – and work schedules and controls such as air conditioning do not reduce worker exposure below that level – then employers must engage in certain practices, including: • Effective communication that puts workers in contact with supervisors as needed. • Designation of one or more employees and equipment to call for emergency services. • Implementation of a heat illness prevention work/ rest schedule that is adjusted for effective protection. • Written plans and procedures to gradually adapt employees to working in the heat. Known as acclimatization, this preventive measure would include such considerations as personal and environmental risk factors, and workers’ activity levels. • A written heat-illness prevention plan that spells out what will be done to protect employees and is made available to employees. • Annual training and information for all employees and supervisors in a language that is readily understood.
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The proposed wildfire smoke rule includes an array of exposure assessments and controls, and training and communication steps.
nities with limited English proficiency. That outreach includes information about on-the-job safety and health. The program includes a toll-free phone number for Spanish-speaking Oregonians: 800-843-8086. Oregon OSHA encourages careful readings of the heat and wildfire smoke rule proposals. The following are summaries of each rule proposal: Proposed heat illness prevention rule The heat illness prevention rule would apply to any workplace – outdoors and indoors – where heat dangers are caused by the weather
and where the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It would exempt, for example, incidental heat exposures where an employee is not required to perform work for more than 15 minutes in any 60-minute period. The requirements for employers would include: • Sufficient shade that is immediately and readily available to employees. • An adequate supply of cool drinking water – immediately and readily available to employees – with plenty of opportunities to stay hydrated. • When the heat index
Proposed protection from wildfire smoke rule The wildfire smoke rule applies to employers whose employees are – or will be – exposed to wildfire smoke where the ambient air concentration for fine particulate matter (also known as PM2.5) equals or exceeds an Air Quality Index (AQI) 101, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with lung and heart problems; children younger than 18 and adults older than 65; pregnant women; and people with diabetes. Exemptions include, for example, enclosed buildings in which the air is filtered by a mechanical ventilation system and the employer ensures certain exterior openings are closed, except when it is necessary to briefly enter or exit.
The requirements for employers would include: • Determining and monitoring employee exposure at the start of each shift, using certain methods, to gauge the appropriate exposure controls. • Providing annual training and information for all employees who may be exposed to wildfire smoke. • Developing and implementing a system to communicate wildfire smoke hazards before exposure occurs. • Using engineering or administrative controls to reduce employee exposure to less than an AQI of 101. Engineering controls include enclosed buildings or vehicles where the air can be adequately filtered. Administrative controls include relocating work to another outdoor location with better air quality or changing work schedules. • Providing employees filtering facepiece respirators – approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) – for voluntary use when exposure equals or exceeds an AQI 101. Such respirators include what is commonly known as an N95. • Ensuring employees wear NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators when exposure is at or above AQI 251. For respirators used exclusively for wildfire smoke, employers may implement the Wildfire Smoke Respiratory Protection Program – as outlined in the rule proposal’s appendix, instead of conducting medical evaluations and fit-testing under the Respiratory Protection Standard. • Ensuring employees wear NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators when exposure is at or above AQI 501. For respirators used exclusively for wildfire smoke concentrations at or above this level, employers must implement a complete respiratory protection program in line with the Respiratory Protection Standard.
•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: VALENTINE’S DAY ACROSS
1. Fantasy sports data 6. Accounting acronym 9. Stark daughter on “Game of Thrones” 13. Branch of economics 14. All talk, no action type of service 15. Relating to symmetry, in geometry 16. Base-8 numeral system 17. “____ the land of the free...” 18. Lots and lots 19. *Actor Ryan of “Blue Valentine” 21. *Desdemona’s suspicious husband 23. Big fuss 24. Nose-in-the-air type 25. Uber alternative 28. One on a pedestal 30. Moderately wide 35. Eye layer 37. Twelfth month of Jewish year 39. Cheese-covered chip 40. Popped relief? 41. *”Love, ____” movie 43. Splints site 44. Muhammad’s teachings 46. Orchestra instrument 47. Past of heave 48. Avoids work, in British slang
50. Give off 52. Dose of sunshine 53. Back seat 55. Hair-raising product 57. *____ valentine, an opposite of love note 61. English author perhaps best known for “The Canterbury Tales” 65. Like Mary-Kate and Ashley 66. Pooh’s “wise” friend 68. Bring to an end 69. Potassium nitrate 70. Farm sound 71. Arm bones 72. Back talk 73. Uniting conjunction 74. Imposter
DOWN
1. Smoke plus fog 2. Comes in hard or soft shell 3. Parts of a play 4. ____-____-la 5. Plural of solidus 6. Heidi’s shoe 7. *Sweetie follower 8. Cook’s cover 9. Wheel holder 10. Cambodian money 11. Two-masted vessel 12. “The Sun ____ Rises” 15. Trash can for fireplace (2 words)
20. Source of lymphocytes, pl. 22. Pull along 24. Dormant state 25. *Famous archer 26. Dispatch boat 27. “____ and whistles” 29. Hodgepodge 31. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible’s son 32. Blood of the gods, Greek mythology 33. Seven days postmortem 34. *Hive-related endearment 36. Unfortunately, exclamation 38. Rumpelstiltskin machine 42. Stallion’s cry 45. Business combination 49. Old Man’s turf, according to Hemingway 51. Darjeeling server 54. Smell, usually pleasant 56. Calms 57. Ford Transit and such 58. Pelvic parts 59. Lice eggs 60. Augments 61. Oaf 62. Scoop holder 63. Biblical twin 64. Donna or Lou 67. Got a blue ribbon
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chief.
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OERAP From Page A1
received on or after Jan. 26, 2022, as directed by the Oregon Legislature. Important information for tenants • Tenants can apply for OERAP at oregonrentalassistance.org or contact a local community action agency. Applying for OERAP is now easier because the application has been streamlined and simplified based on feedback. • Tenants can use OERAP’s simple checklist to gather their documents in advance. • During testing, we have identified sections in nonEnglish applications where the translation from English is not complete. We are working with the vendor to correct this issue. All applications are fully functional and can be submitted, but applicants may see phrases that are not fully translated. Paper applications in languages other than English are fully translated and can be found on our wesbite. • Applications received on or after Jan. 26, 2022, will be paid after prioritiza-
tion criteria has been applied based on remaining funding available and are not guaranteed. • This will be a limited reopening of at least three weeks, based on availability of funds. • Tenants who submit new applications can access protections from eviction for nonpayment of rent while their application is being reviewed and processed. Tenants must show proof to their landlord that they applied for the program to receive the protections. • OHCS will begin processing and paying out new applications in about three to five weeks. • Tenants at immediate risk of eviction should apply for rental assistance right away to access safe harbor protections and also contact a legal organization. Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project: 888-585-9638 or evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter. org Oregon State Bar: 503684-3763 or legalhelp@ oregonstatebar.org OHCS announced that as of Jan. 25, 2022, OHCS and local program administrators (LPAs) have paid $256.3 million in federal emergency rental assistance
(ERA) to 36,632 households, up from $243.6 million and 34,900 applicants last week, through the OERAP. OHCS has spent out 88% of all federal ERA dollars available for rental assistance. OHCS and its processing partner, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), have made significant strides in the past several weeks to speed up application processing. Currently, 265 PPL staff are focusing on processing applications. In the past week alone, PPL paid 1,891 applications. This is in addition to the applications processed by LPAs working across the state to finish paying out ERA 1 funds. OHCS and LPAs to date Paid $256,339,282 to landlords and tenants to help 36,632 Oregon households, which is 88% of ERA 1 and 2 funds. Supported an estimated 94,676 people in households served. • Are currently reviewing 5,543 applications for payment. • Need applicant or landlord response for 5,676 applications. Visit the OERAP dashboard for more data.
Kristof remains hopeful HILARY DORSEY
newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net
Oregon Democratic candidate for governor Nicholas Kristof said he remains confident the Oregon Supreme Court will approve his plea to stay in the race. Secretary of State Shemia Fagan announced in late January, that her office was rejecting Kristof’s bid to run for governor because he does not meet the state’s threeyear residency requirement. Kristof appealed that decision to the state supreme court. Kristof, 62 years old, was a journalist for The New York Times for many years, moved back to Oregon and launched his bid for governor. Kristof grew up on his family’s sheep and cherry farm outside Yamhill. In Yamhill schools, he said he discovered a love for journalism, reporting in the county for the News-Register in McMinnville and later interning at the Statesman Journal and The Oregonian. After college and graduate school, he worked at The New York Times, winning two Pulitzer Prizes. Kristof said he decided to run for governor because he wants to fix the problems he sees around Oregon, including homelessness, house affordability, better education from preschool to higher education, and a lack of medical health services. He said he saw devastation in his hometown of Yamhill when good jobs left, and opportunity declined. He sees this parallel between Yamhill and the Oregon coast. He said he wants to make sure other kids have the opportunities he had. “I’m doing a tour of the North Coast,” Kristof said of visiting Lincoln City. “We started in Astoria, visited Warrenton, Manzanita. We’ve
Photo by Hilary Dorsey
Nicholas Kristof
been stopping place after place.” Kristof said he is trying to get a sense of the challenges on the coast and how to address them. One of the major challenges he said he has seen so far is the need for more workforce housing, which the lack of can lead to homelessness. “It’s a problem along the coast,” Kristof said. Kristof said affordable housing, child care, addiction
treatment and mental health services are also issues he would focus on as Oregon Governor. Through his experience writing for The New York Times, Kristof said he has experience standing up for people who have been left behind. “Too often, state government doesn’t listen,” Kristof said. “We need a governor who can offer a vision for Oregon. I think we need some fresh blood and a new perspective.” The Supreme Court has taken Kristof’s case for running for governor. He said he appreciates the court’s acknowledgment. The final brief was due Wednesday, Jan. 26. Kristof hopes to hear a decision on whether he can run early this month. He remains confident that he will be on the ballot in May. To learn more about Kristof’s campaign, visit https://www.nickfororegon. com/about and follow Election 2022 at thechiefnews. com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief. Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
Friday, February 4, 2022
Local man wins $50,000 in Powerball STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Little did Rainier resident Jimmy Wilburn Jr. know he’d been sitting on a $50,000 Powerball prize for six months. “I don’t play much, but I knew I had some Powerball tickets in my billfold, and I thought I should check them,” he said. On Jan. 20, 2022, Wilburn went to the store to see if he had any winners. Indeed, he did, as one of those tickets Wilburn bought way back on Aug. 12, 2021, was a $50,000 winner. After a half-year of unknowingly carrying around a $50,000 prize in his billfold, he claimed his prize at Oregon Lottery headquarters in Salem after making an appointment for Jan. 21. Wilburn’s $2 quick pick Powerball ticket was one number off from hitting the $258 million jackpot for the August 14, 2021 Powerball drawing. He bought the winning ticket at the Alston Country Store in Rainier with the quick-pick numbers 6-21-49-65-66 and the Powerball number of 18. The winning numbers drawn for the Aug. 14 Powerball drawing’s $258 million jackpot were the same as Wilburn’s except for the last white ball number. The number drawn was 67. The number on his ticket was 66. “I feel so blessed to have won $50,000,” Wilburn said. “I am just fine with this prize.” Wilburn said he plans to add some tools to his wood working business and pay some bills with his winnings. The Oregon Lottery’s Chuck Baumann said as part of the contract all lottery retailers have with the Oregon Lottery, they receive a 1% selling bonus for prizes over $10,000. The maximum selling bonus amount a retailer can receive is $100,000. “In the case of the Alston Country Store, they will receive a $500 selling
Courtesy photo
Rainier resident Jimmy Wilburn Jr. has won $50,000 from Powerball.
bonus (1% of Mr. Wilburn’s $50,000 prize),” Baumann said. “There are no restrictions on how a Lottery retailer can use their selling bonus.” Wilburn was one of three people in Oregon who had $50,000 winning tickets for the Aug. 14 drawing, joining 27 $100 winners and 789 $7 winners across the state. There were also more than 9,000 Oregonians who won $4 in the drawing. The process Last summer the Oregon Lottery released a new appointment system on its website, www.oregonlottery. org/prize-appointments/, where players can schedule a time to come and pick up their prize. Lottery officials said the new system provides players with a fast and easy way to schedule their visit to one of the two payment centers - either the Salem headquarters or the Wilsonville Payment Center. Oregon Lottery players with winning tickets of $50,000 or more are asked to make an appointment to
come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503540-1000 for help. The Lottery also offers a drop box at the Lottery office in Salem. Players can use the drop box to submit prize claims and will receive their winnings in the mail once the claim has been processed. Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $13 billion for economic development, public education, Outdoor School, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements, according to a release from the Oregon Lottery. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
SAVE THE BEAVER DRAINAGE DISTRICT & my farmland from Corporate Greed.
Community Action Team
Are you a veteran? You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.
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
Tactical Ordnance Gun Show Columbia County Fairgrounds, Pavilion Bld. 58892 Saulser Rd, St. Helens, OR Saturday, Feb. 12, 9am - 5pm Sunday, Feb. 13, 9am - 3pm Door Prizes, Raffle, Ammo, Brass, Reloading Equipment, Outdoor Supplies, Knives, Custom T-Shirts & Sweatshirts, Optics, Parts, Air Rifles, and of course... FIREARMS!
Do not allow Next Energy to pollute our farmland and ecosystem. 200 jobs can never replace what is pristine habitat for farming, deer, fish and a peaceful way of life. Never.
Christopher Efird, Executive Chairman of NEXT Renewable Fuels, Inc., invites the public to call him personally and express support or opposition to the proposed facility at the Port of Columbia County’s Port Westward Industrial Park in Clatskanie. His office number is (503) 867-8100.
We are a ‘Family Friendly Event’ welcoming all ages to our shows! Admission $8. Children 12 and under, free with Accompanying Adult.
Questions: Please Call Our Show Manager, Julie: 253-381-6686 Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Paid for by Russell Spaulding, P.O. Box 1459, Clatskanie, OR 97016