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COLUMBIA TO COAST Real Estate • Homes • Land • Commercial

Property Magazine

Columbia to Coast

Storm damage

Property Magazine Inside

Selling opportunities in Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, & Lincoln Counties

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Land yourself a deal on real estate and home services Spring 2021

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021

VOL. 129, NO. 41 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Fall sports underway at CMHS JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

This week student athletes and coaches at Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) began preparing for fall sports which were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic setbacks.

CMHS Athletic Director Ryan Tompkins said football, soccer, volleyball and cross-country teams will start competitive play in March.

Low participation Tompkins said statewide there has been low participation in the school sports programs.

“Some of the kids are still maintaining online learning and some kids are in the building, so there has been a lot of inconsistencies, but the kids that are coming out and that feel comfortable, and their families feel comfortable with them participating, we are going to provide the best opportunities for them,” he said.

Tompkins said league structures and state tournaments are yet to be set.

“We are slowly stepping back into things,” he said. “We have a lot of adults and coaches that are putting in the work and willing to wear the mask and to the safety protocols to provide the kids with these op-

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Members of the Clatskanie Middle/High School volleyball team workout during drills at the school Wednesday afternoon.

portunities.”

The fall competitive season begins March 1 and runs through the first week of April.

“We’ll have five to six football games, 12 to 14 volleyball contests, 10 to 12 soccer games, and five to seven cross country meets,” Tompkins said. “There will be a lot of variations because some schools will be playing only in their county, some schools are saying they will do everything they can to participate in competition. It’s changing every day, so there has to be a lot of flexibility.”

We are slowly stepping back into things. ~ Ryan Tompkins, CMHS Athletic Director

Limitations Tompkins said CMHS faces bus limitations and pandemic safety requirements.

“Occupancy is limited to 24 students, so we’ll have one student per seat,” he said. “We are running a lot of bus runs for regular classes right now for both grade school and the high school, that means busing will definitely be stretched. We are currently seeking bus drivers.”

Tompkins says because of the limitations, CMHS will focus on close county sports competitions, including Columbia and Clatsop counties.

“We are currently building schedules and we will stick to that range as much as possible,” he said.

The challenge for football, Tompkins said, will be the number of kids that turnout.

“We have some flexibility if we don’t have enough players to play 11-man football,” he said. “We may end up playing 9-man or 8-man football, maybe some flag football.

We are basically opening the barn door wide open, and schools are being really flexible to allow the kids to play. Because there isn’t a league championship, there is not a need to stick to classifications.”

This season, CMHS football is expected to face Warrenton, Rainier, Corbett, Yamhill-Carlton, and Blanchet Catholic. Other CMHS sports team’s competition schedules were in the works as of Thursday morning, Feb. 18.

Overriding principal “Our overriding principal is to just create opportunities for the kids, so we are going to do everything we can to create opportunities, knowing that there will be uncertainties,” he said. “Starting next Monday, we will have all grades back in the building again, so we are excited to see that consistency.”

Tompkins and CMHS administrators are closely following county ­­­­ See SPORTS Page A5

RV Park development set for April 1 1500 feet of river frontage, will be a highlight.

This stretch of river has been deemed a great spot. Our clubhouse is in the planning but will be equally impressive. It will include a community area, the office, showers, laundry, etc. We expect a beautiful project, one that the community should be proud of.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

An economic development project designed to boost the Clatskanie economy and that has been in the works for a decade could become a reality this year.

Site development of the River’s Edge RV Park just off Highway 30 at Swedetown Road is expected to be begin April 1.

In the following conversation, Clatskanie River RV, LLC, Project Manager Patti Rathbone shares insight of the project.

The Chief: What is the specific address and how many acres are proposed for the RV park footprint?

Rathbone: The project is on Highway 30 and Swedetown Road.

We are in the city limits, on the east end of town. The park parcel is approximately 12 acres.

The Chief: City officials tell us that the addition of the RV Park would be a significant economic advantage for Clatskanie. Could you give us details of the proposed park and what we might see?

The River’s Edge RV Park will be nestled along the Clatskanie River just off Highway 30 in east Clatskanie.

The Chief: What would be the dollars and cents value of the RV park at Clatskanie?

Patti Rathbone: They are absolutely correct. This project will bring tourism to town and not just through town. RV Parks across the nation are of limited supply even as the RV industry is booming.

For many, RV’ing has become an

alternative lifestyle. RV Parks also, provide needed housing for traveling workforces. The anticipated occupancy of the finished park will inject significant revenue sources into the City. We plan to complete approximately 100 RV pads within the project.

Rathbone: Once the project is completed, it could retail close to $4,000,000. Clatskanie River RV, LLC will remain the owners of the park, so this isn’t a project that will be built and sold. Our #1 goal is to “Get It Built.”

Courtesy photo

We will have paved streets and concrete pads. Each pad will have water/power/sewer hookups and WiFi. Sites will have individual grassy areas. We’ll be planting trees and landscaping. Planning includes a community area for recreation and group gathering. Fishing from our

The Chief: We understand you have been working hard over a period of years to make this project happen. What have been the challenges and what do you see as the rewards with this project?

Rathbone: The vision of this park, at this location, began in approximately 1998. My dad, Fred Rathbone, became involved about two years later. I joined the project in 2005. There have been a number of obstacles over the years, from planning to economic downfalls to personal tragedies.

However, we have persevered in our dream to see this come to fruition. We never give up. It takes much planning, money, time and patience to get a project like this off the ground.

The stars have to line up, so to speak, in order to be successful.

2021 is our year. We have a great team and can’t wait for the ribbon cutting. My dad will celebrate 93 years young in May.... it will be truly an honor for me to see this ­­­­ See RV PARK Page A2

County COVID-19 case rate continues to decline MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Columbia County’s COVID-19 case rate continues to fall. The case rate allowed the county to move to high risk last week (bringing back indoor dining, and other indoor activities) and the case rate continues to fall.

“The nation, state and region all continue to have good news regarding case numbers,” Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul said.

The average number of new

Obituaries ................. A4 Opinions ................... A4 Police Blotters...........A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Sports.........................A6

daily COVID-19 cases in the county has stayed at around five and the test positivity rate is below 5%, all better numbers and trends than seen in the county only a month or two ago.

“We do still need to be vigilant, we’re still in the high risk category,” Paul said. “In order to continue going the right direction we’re going to have to continue masking and distancing.”

In the two-week period from Jan. 31 to Feb. 13, there were 63 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the county, which equates to a case rate of 119.4 per 100,000 and a test positivity rate of 3.9%. The previous two week period (Jan. 24-Feb. 6) had a case rate of 1 per 100,000 people.

The next goal is to move down to ‘moderate risk’ which would expand the indoor dining, indoor recreation and indoor entertainment capacities to 50% occupancy or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower. ‘Moderate risk’ would also allow retail stores to increase capacity to 75% occupancy and allow a maximum of 150 people for outdoor recreation, outdoor fitness and outdoor entertainment.

In order to transition down to moderate risk, there would need to be a case rate of less than 100 new cases per 100,000 people over a 14day period, or roughly only 50 new cases in the county over a two-week period.

Vaccines The county still has the lowest vaccination rate in the state, largely due to the absence of a hospital, but the recent snowstorm did not help speed up vaccinations. Paul said 600 residents were scheduled to receive vaccines over the weekend, but the appointments had to be postponed due to the conditions.

The vaccine shipment for this week was also delayed this week, further slowing the county’s progress. As the vaccine roll out lags, vaccine eligibility expands. People age 75 and older became eligible on Feb. 14 and people age 70 and older become eligible on Feb. 21.

Pharmacies around the state have started to receive vaccines, but so far none in Columbia County. Paul said this is due largely to the low vaccine allocations the county receives from the state.

“The hold up is on the supply end,” Paul said. “The county can also opt to share any vaccine it has allocated, we just don’t have enough supply to do that yet.”

People interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can sign up for the county’s interest form and be notified when they become eligible to receive a vaccine and how to schedule an appointment.

Sign up at form.jotform.com/ColumbiaCountyPHD/vaccinationinterest.

Metro Creative Connection / The Chief

“We do still need to be vigilant, we’re still in the high risk category,” Michael Paul, Columbia County Public Health Director said.

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Friday, February 19, 2021

3 trees fell onto Rainier house STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The latest winter storm has left damage to a home in Rainier.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) crews responded to a tree that fell on a house at 6:10 a.m. Saturday morning, Feb. 13, in the area of Hale Lane and Fernhill Road in Rainier.

First reports stated the occupant couldn’t open his front door to exit. Upon arrival, CRFR crews found two trees on the house. Another tree came down on the house while firefighters were inside with the owner investigating the damage.

The home owner and the firefighters were not injured. The CRFR lieutenant on scene reported they were experiencing 40 to 50 mph winds and ice blowing sideways while they were at the damaged home.

Courtesy photo from CRFR

This is one of the three trees that fell into a house in Rainier during the storm Saturday, Feb. 13.

No injuries have been reported after trees slammed into this home in Rainier.

Courtesy photo from CRFR

Timber tax revisions could earn county $5.8 million MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net

A group of citizens are lobbing Oregon legislators to take a look at state timber taxes.

The argument is to reverse the timber tax cuts that were imposed in the 1990s.

Representatives from the group, Tax Fairness Oregon, came before the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 10 to explain the effort and seek support.

Investigation The move largely follows an Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) and Pro Publica investigation into Oregon’s timber taxes. Part of the investigation estimated each of the state’s western county’s revenue loss since the severance tax was taken away in 1991. For Columbia County, the estimate federal payment loss came to $29.9 million and the estimated severance tax loss came to $134.5 million, according to data from Pro Publica.

The timber tax cuts are estimated to have cost counties over $3 billion over the past 30 years, the news agency reported.

The Endangered Species Act reduced logging on federal land in an effort to protect the northern spotted owl. Private forestland owners, large timber owning companies like Weyerhauser, used to pay severance tax on harvested timber at a rate of 6.5% which was lowered to 3.2% in 1992.

Tax Fairness Oregon founder Jody Wiser estimated that the county could expect $5.8 million in revenue if the harvest tax was brought back at 6% and assuming a similar level of logging today as there was in 1997 with a 60% return in tax rate. She also said that Oregon is behind its neighboring states in timber tax, like Washington.

“Oregon has more forestland with more trees harvested, but severance tax—harvest tax— collects one third of

what Washington does,” Wiser said.

A group of citizens came together with a legislative timber tax concept and gathered enough signatures to take it to the legislature for it to be written up. Senate Bill 288 is the result, and if enacted would return 60% of the tax to counties as property tax. Five percent of the collected tax would go toward funding the Department of Environmental Quality to protect drinking water in logged forests; 20% would go toward water infrastructure, treatment facilities, watershed improvements and land acquisition; and 15% would go toward community emergency preparedness Ecological impact Catherine Thomasson, retired director of Physicians for Social Responsibility and a climate change activist, said the new timber tax bills being introduced will also help protect local drinking watersheds for communities, some which have been threatened by current logging practices.

“Forests are so great at capturing water, storing water and releasing it over time,” Thomasson said. “Roads cause the most persistent damage to drinking water sources. Landslides add silt to water sources which can be expensive and unhealthy to filter out with chemicals.”

Logging laws require a 20 foot tree buffer around streams, but Thomasson said the buffer is insufficient as the trees are vulnerable to wind and can fall into the water source, adding silt and removing shade. Removing shade warms the water, which can cause algae blooms.

By imposing a severance tax, Thomasson hopes the tax incentives will protect some of the older trees which require less water.

Follow the proposed timber tax legislation at oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/ Pages/Find-a-Bill.aspx.

Courtesy photo

The River’s Edge RV Park construction is expected by April 1 at this site in East Clatskanie.

RV PARK

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through together, with him and our team.

The Chief: When do you hope to break ground for this project?

Rathbone: We will be breaking ground no later than April 1, 2021 and hope to be open for business by the 1st of October 2021.

City reaction Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said development of the RV park will be a plus for the city.

“The great thing is it

would bring in a lot of people and tourists, which will be a big-time aide to the local economy. People filling the park will want to eat at local restaurants and shop at local businesses,” Hinkelman said.

The city has taken steps to make sure such a project would fit the livability of the community, according to Hinkelman.

“We have an RV park ordinance, so we would not have to worry about a transient population,” he said.

“The ordinance puts time limits on the length of stay.

There are provisions that would allow extended stays for workers to come in.”

Follow developments of this project here online and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

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Friday, February 19, 2021

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USGS announces earthquake preparedness system Starting March 11, ShakeAlert-powered earthquake early warning alerts will be available for delivery directly to wireless devices in Oregon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

In May 2021, Washington state will follow suit and complete the ShakeAlert public alerting rollout across the entire West Coast. California enabled ShakeAlert-powered alerts in October 2019.

As massive slabs of Earth squish into and grind past each other off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, many people may wonder when they will feel ensuing earthquakes, according to the USGS, which cannot predict where and when future earthquakes will occur, but the bureau, along with a team of organizations, has created a system to provide vital seconds of warning that an earthquake is happening and shaking is imminent.

How it works The ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system is a network of sensors that collects and shares real-time information about the magnitude, location and expected shaking from earthquakes on the West Coast to distribution partners who then deliver alerts via cell phones and the internet. Partners can also

initiate automatic protective actions such as stopping trains to prevent derailments and closing water valves to protect infrastructure.

ShakeAlert can save lives and reduce injuries by giving people time to take protective actions, such as moving away from hazardous areas and making sure to drop, cover and hold on, according to the USGS. Oregon will be the second state to “go live,” with the ShakeAlert system. California enacted the system on Oct. 17, 2019. Washington state will activate the system in May, which will complete the wireless alert delivery rollout across the entire continental West Coast.

For more than two years, a growing number of ShakeAlert technical partners in all three states have been using the ShakeAlert system for triggering automated actions to support public safety. Although ShakeAlert is operational in all three states, the USGS and its university and state partners are working to finish building the seismic network to support prompt earthquake detection. The network is now 70% complete for the West Coast, with 1,132 out of 1,675 seismic stations installed as of Jan. 31, 2021.

“The rollout of public alerting for ShakeAlert in the

Courtesy photo from Marc Biundo

Karl Hagel and Pat McChesney, field engineers with the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network team at the University of Washington, install earthquake monitoring equipment on the slopes of Mount St. Helens, with Mount Hood in the distance.

Pacific Northwest is a major milestone in the evolution of this critical system and has the potential to provide users with life-saving warnings seconds before they experience damaging shaking in future earthquakes,” USGS’s Gavin Hayes said. “This represents a major achievement for the USGS, the ANSS and for our state and regional partners.”

ShakeAlert Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) demonstration in Washington On Thursday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. PST, the Washington

Emergency Management Division (WEMD) and the USGS will jointly deliver a ShakeAlert-powered WEA test message through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alerting and Warning System across wireless devices in King, Pierce and Thurston counties. This test coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Feb. 28, 2001, Nisqually earthquake, which was Washington’s most recent damaging earthquake.

ShakeAlert-powered alert delivery in Oregon Leading up to March 11, Oregon, in collaboration with

USGS and other partners, will use various methods to announce the availability of alerts powered by the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system to be delivered to wireless devices.

The delivery date coincides with the 10th anniversary of the magnitude-9.1 Great Tohoku earthquake in Japan, which took about 20,000 peoples’ lives, triggered a tsunami that produced waves up to 132 feet high and caused the meltdown of three nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

After traveling across the Pacific, the tsunami rose to more than 26 feet in Hawaii and more than 6.5 feet in California and Oregon, causing debris to wash up on the Oregon coastline. A task force made up of state and federal agencies, along with non-governmental organizations, worked together for three years to coordinate nearly 900 clean-up events during which an estimated 40,000 volunteers picked up more than 446,000 pounds of debris on the Oregon coast.

Alert delivery using the WEA system will go live on March 11, with a WEA demonstration for educational purposes planned for July 2021 to allow time for

Oregon, USGS and partners to broadly promote the system and effectively train the public on how to opt into the test and participate in a statewide alert experiment.

“Oregon is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the continental United States, and over the years, we have had many earthquakes – large and small,” Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo said. “Warning resources such as ShakeAlert can help to mitigate loss of lives, severe injury and devastating damage to infrastructure.”

ShakeAlert on social media Various organizations’ social media accounts will be sharing the latest updates and news about ShakeAlert in the Pacific Northwest using #ORShakeAlert and #WAShakeAlert. Visit these accounts to learn more: • @USGS_ShakeAlert on Twitter • @OregonOEM on Twitter • @WAEMD on Twitter • @PNSN on Twitter • @WashEMD on Facebook Read more about earthquakes at thechiefnews.com.

Governor declares abnormal market disruption due to storm STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Gov. Kate Brown has issued Executive Order 2103, declaring an abnormal market disruption as a result of the severe winter weather emergency in nine Oregon counties.

The order is in response to reports of unusual increases in lodging rates for Oregonians who have sought temporary stays until power can be restored at their homes.

“During a time when so many Oregonians have been without power for days, it is absolutely unacceptable to price gouge those who are seeking a warm, safe place to stay until power is back on in their homes,” Brown said.

“This order empowers the Attorney General and the Oregon Department of Justice to investigate these instances and take appropriate action if businesses are found to be in violation.”

“We appreciate Oregon’s lodging businesses that have provided warmth and shelter to families without power due to the President’s Day weekend storm that hit much of the state,” Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum

said. “However, price gouging is illegal. Please consider this a clear message to businesses that you may not raise the price of lodging, or any other goods or services, due to increased demand from this storm. If anyone feels they have been the victim of price gouging, please contact our Consumer Protection Hotline right away.”

Oregonians who believe they have been subjected to excessive prices for lodging or essential consumer goods and services due to this disruption can report these instances to the Oregon Department of Justice through the agency’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 877877-9392.

Oregonians can also visit www.OregonConsumer. gov for more information.

The Oregon Department of Justice has the authority to investigate unlawful trade practices.

The executive order is in addition to, and does not replace, Executive Order 2015 or Executive Order 20-57, which declared an abnormal market disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Labor Day wildfires. These orders remain in effect.

Symphony scholarships available

Metro Creative Connection / The Chief

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County students are eligible to apply for scholarships offered by the Southwest Washington Symphony for private music students based on need. Applications are due on March 1, with scholarships distributed April 1.

Applicants must have had some prior musical training, either in school or through private study. Accordingly, instrumental applicants must be enrolled in grades five through 12. Vocal music applicants must be in grades eight through 12 due to concerns about the physical development of children younger than 13 or 14 years of age.

A major consideration in considering a student’s application will be the extent to which they have demonstrated a commitment to consistent practice. The symphony will request that the applicant supply contact information for a person, such as a school music teacher or private instructor, who can attest to the seriousness of the applicant’s commitment.

In the future the scholarships will be offered on a yearly basis from September through August. Students must re-apply every June to receive the year-long scholarship.

For more information visit the Southwest Washington Symphony website at www. swwasymphony.org.

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Friday, February 19, 2021

•V iewpoints • • United Way reflects on 2020 •

this powerful program to our children that yields so many positive short and long-term benefits to the child, their family and to society.

Show the love

CLAIRE CATT Chief Guest Article

As they reflect on the 2020 giving year, The United Way of Columbia County’s board and staff are feeling prideful of the variety of impacts they were able to make thanks to the wonderful donors and partners through a pandemic plagued year.

Generous support Starting with the establishment of its COVID-19 Relief Fund in March 2020, seeded by a generous donation from the Oregon Community Foundation, United Way has raised over $25,000 to support local non-profit urgent and emergent needs related to the pandemic. Ten project requests were funded through this fund supporting a range of things from personal protective equipment, food, basic necessities, utility assistance, virtual education equipment for low-income youth, home delivered meals for seniors and much more.

Another area United Way has been able to help this past year is its regular role in

facilitation and administration of federal funds to local food and shelter agencies via the Emergency Food and Shelter Program under FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.

Three funding phases have been conducted during the pandemic, and with United Way’s help, $78,507 has been awarded to Columbia Pacific Food Bank.

Imagination Library program In addition to supporting critical needs in the community during these challenging times, one area United Way has been proud to champion is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, ensuring our early learners, ages zero to five receive their free book in the mail every month until they turn five. Since the local program establishment in 2018, it has gained 1,632 early learner participants in Columbia County, and has distributed over 19,000 books.

United Way has received overwhelming positive feedback from families, businesses, and citizens for providing

United Way is profoundly grateful for its generous founding sponsors and partners. For the month of February, United Way is doing a “Show the Love” campaign to raise money for the program that needs community support to achieve sustainability. Twenty-five dollars is the ask and covers one year of books for one local child.

No admin fees are taken from United Way, as the program is run in the goodwill spirit for our children.

United Way continues to support local partner agency non-profits, with annual grants to support specific programs in the health, education and financial stability silos that drive progress towards our vision: Columbia County will have thriving communities with opportunities for a better life for all.

United Way continues to listen to and act on the everchanging community needs and is here as a cornerstone resource for our community.

Legislative process

Work at the Capitol was disrupted this week due to the severe winter storm that blanketed the Pacific Northwest with ice and snow, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power, internet and disrupting travel across the region.

Back on track House District 31 saw heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and black ice creating treacherous conditions. Salem was hard hit as well, with power outages and storm damage resulting in the closure of the state Capitol on Monday and Tuesday. Things are slowly getting back on track with power restoration, but even when there is electricity there is not always internet service, so remote committee work is even more challenging.

Oregon voters adopted annual sessions in 2010 and mandated that the legislature would meet for a maximum of 160 days in odd numbered years and 35 days in even numbered years. This year’s session began January 19, and by law must end no later than June 28 at 11:59pm. In order for a bill to become law it must work through the committee process in both the House and Senate chambers.

For instance, if a bill is introduced in the House, it is then assigned to a House committee where a public hearing and work session may be held.

The bill and amendments are considered, and then if the bill is voted out of committee it moves to the chamber floor where it is read three times before a floor vote. If approved, the bill then moves to the Senate and repeats the process.

If the bill is amended in the second chamber it must come back to the first chamber for concurrence. After that it moves to the Governor’s office for consideration. Every step takes time, and often there is not enough time for a bill to make it through the process.

Some bills are then introduced in multiple legislative sessions before they become law.

This year there are more than 3,000 bills that are being introduced for consideration, and even before the stormcaused shut down, we knew we did not have enough time to get to all of them during the 2021 Legislative session. We are working hard to prioritize and hear the bills that have the greatest impact and benefit for the people of Oregon.

Addressing massive problems This has been a challenging year with school closures and economic slowdowns

Last Week’s Results

Did you enjoy the snow?

As the county moves to high risk, will you dine indoors or get takeout from restaurants?

Yes

No

•

To make donations, visit www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com or mail to PO Box 538, Rainier, OR, 97045.

Claire Catt is the executive director of Columbia County United Way. She may be reached at clairec@unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com or at 503-556-3614.

caused by the pandemic, an unprecedented September wildfire conflagration, and record unemployment.

Legislators need to address these massive problems, and it means that some pieces of legislation will have to wait for another session. There are difficult decisions ahead and I’m hoping to hear from you on issues under consideration.

Due to the COVID-19 health protection restrictions, the Capitol building remains closed to the public. Committee work is being done remotely, and the public is still able to weigh in on bills and other issues. This can be done in writing, by phone or by computer link-up. It has never been more important to be a part of the process.

Be engaged If you have concerns or comment about a state issue, agency or proposed legislation, please contact my office. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of Representatives 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: 503-986-1431 • 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt

The Chief

44% Dine indoors 56% Takeout

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

Be engaged

Working through 3,000 bills BRAD WITT Chief Guest Article

Weekly Online Poll

•B lotter • •

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

St. Helens Police Department

rested for theft III, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, interfering with a peace officer, and probation violation in the 1700 block of Old Portland Road.

• Police responded the 400 block of Port Avenue on a report of a burglary.

Feb. 10 • A 59-year-old was taken into custody on active felony warrants near the intersection of Deer Island Road and West Street.

Feb. 8 • Police responded to the 200 block of Columbia Boulevard for a welfare check.

• An 18-year-old man was issued a citation for criminal trespass in the second degree following an incident at 1111 Columbia Boulevard.

• Police arrested a 20-year-old man at the intersection of West Street and N 11th Street for an outstanding warrant.

• A 52-year-old man was ar-

Feb. 11 • Police responded to the intersection of N Columbia River Highway and Pittsburg Road on a report of a non-injury hit

•

and run traffic accident.

• Police responded to the 400 block of South First Street on a report of theft.

• A 33-year-old was arrested on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant on South 18th Street.

Feb. 12 • Police cited and released a 42-year-old woman in the 2200 block of Gable Road for theft III. • Police investigated a stolen vehicle at the intersection of McNulty Way and Gable Road.

Feb. 15 • Police cited and released a 27-year-old for an outstanding warrant out of the Multnomah County Circuit Court in the 100 block of Wonderly Drive.

Other law enforcement reports were unavailable at press time.

•O bituaries • • Fredric (Fritz) Henry Youra Feb. 28, 1934 ~ Feb. 14, 2021

Fredric Henry Youra was born on Feb. 28, 1934 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

He died on Feb. 14, 2021 in Clatskanie, Oregon.

He was raised in Denmark, Wisconsin and loved fishing and hunting early on.

In high school and college, he excelled in baseball as a pitcher and in basketball with recognition in Green Bay and Omaha newspapers.

He attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska where he met his wife,

The Chief (USPS 116-360) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051

Janice Moen in 1954. They were married in 1956 and he went on to become a Lutheran Minister. He was pastor of several churches in Wisconsin, Alaska and Oregon. He was a marriage and family counselor. He was also a commercial fisherman in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Fritz and Janice had three children, Cathy, Karen and Neil. They have three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

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Marketplace

Friday, February 19, 2021

A5

www.thechiefnews.com

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

Just call 503.397.0116

Listings are updated daily at www.thechiefnews.com

Paul’s Tree Service Inc. No bush too small, no tree to tall- Call Paul! Specialized in danger trees, take downs, storm clean-up.

Time to prune- pruning Lace Leafed Maples & ornamental shrubberies, chipping, senior or veterans discount, free estimates. CCB# 217173 Lic., Bonded & Insured.

503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY the Port is seeking a talented Operations Manager. For more information and to apply, please visit our

website www.port ofcolumbiacounty. org/jobs EOE Clatskanie Park & Recreation District Is Looking For a Pool Manager.

Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications and resumes for a Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Train, manage and evaluate approximately 20 lifeguards; beginning in February and continuing into September. Plan, organize and schedule programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool.

Be responsible for scheduling adequate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, water chemistry and

mechanical operation of the pool for youth and families in our District.

Maintain pool and employee records.

Perform such other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager and/or Board of Directors from time to time.

Knowledge and Skills: Strong administrative skills, recreational aquatic programming skills, leadership and managerial skills, pool maintenance and water chemistry skills and good public relation skills are a must. Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures and equipment used in daily outdoor pool operations helpful. Work with pool related

chemicals and be familiar with State and Federal regulations regarding outdoor pool operations.

Experience and Training: Experience preferred. Or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between applicant and Board of Directors to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; First-Aid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can pick an application at: 365 S Nehalem St, Clatskanie OR (offices of Dennis R. Conner, CPA) Or you can request

an application by phone at 503728-2038 or by email at cyndi@ dconnercpa.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 503-728-2038.

Applications with resumes will be accepted until Monday, November 30, 2020 at 3:00pm.

The Clatskanie Library District Board is seeking a Library Executive Director The Library Executive Director performs responsible and varied administrative and professional work related to planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of library services for the Clatskanie

Public Library.

They work extensively with staff, volunteers, the Clatskanie Library District Board, Friends of the Clatskanie Public Library, and others in and outside the library to ensure that the library continually evolves to meet community needs. The Clatskanie Library District Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To Apply A complete job description and application can be accessed through the Clatskanie Library District website at clatskanielibrary. org. All applicants must provide a cover letter, current resume and a completed Clatskanie Library em-

ployment application.

Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Mail, email, or fax your application, cover letter, and resume to: Clatskanie Public Library CED Application, c/o Jim Gibson, Board Chair, PO Box 577, Clatskanie, OR 97016.

Jim Gibson, Board Chair, jgibson @ clatskanielibrary. org, Fax # 1-888313-0650. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday, March 5th, 2021.

ESTATE SALES

by JANET janetestatesales@ gmail.com 971-645-3320

Hosting a

garage sale?

Let everyone know with an ad in The Chief.

Call 503-397-0116.

Climate change will increase flooding MICHELLE KLAMPE Chief Guest Article

The Columbia River basin will see an increase in flooding over the next 50 years as a result of climate change, new modeling from Oregon State University indicates.

The magnitude of flooding – the term used to describe flooding severity - is expected to increase throughout the basin, which includes the Columbia, Willamette and Snake rivers and hundreds of tributaries. In some areas, the flooding season will expand, as well.

“The flood you’re used to seeing out your window once every 10 years will likely be larger than it has been in the past,” said the study’s lead author, Laura Queen, a research assistant at OSU’s Oregon Climate Change Research Institute.

The significance The findings are based on natural river conditions and do not take into account potential flood control measures, including dams, but the increases are significant nonetheless, said study co-author Philip Mote, a professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and dean of the Graduate School at OSU. “We don’t know how much of this increased flood risk can be managed through mitigation measures until we study the issue further,” Mote said.

“But managing a 30% to 40% increase, as is predicted for many areas, is clearly beyond our management capabilities.”

The findings are published in the journal Hydrology and Earth System Science.

Co-authors are David Rupp of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute and Oriana Chegwidden and Bart Nijssen of the University of Washington.

The study emerged out of Queen’s work on her honors thesis as an undergraduate in the University of Oregon’s Robert D. Clark Honors College. Queen, a Corvallis

native, continued the work at OCCRI and is now enrolled in a doctoral program at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.

Climate change impact

The goal of Queen’s research was to better understand how flooding in the Columbia River basin might change as the planet warms.

The Columbia River drains much of the Pacific Northwest, including portions of seven states and British Columbia. It has the fourth-largest streamflow volume in the United States.

The Pacific Northwest has a history of costly and disruptive flooding. The largest flood in modern history occurred in late spring 1948 when flooding from the Columbia River destroyed the city of Vanport, Oregon, displacing more than 18,500 people. Floods on the Chehalis River in 2007 and 2009 closed Interstate 5 in Washington and floods along the Willamette River in 1996 and 2019 caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

Queen ran simulations using hydrology models and a previously collected set of streamflow data for 396 sites throughout the Columbia River basin and other watersheds in western Washington. The data included a 50-year window from the past, 1950-1999, as well as a 50-year window of expected streamflows in the future, 2050 to 2099, that was developed using several different climate models.

Previous studies predicting future streamflows showed mixed results, but the results of this new analysis were clear and surprising, Mote said.

“This was the best and most complete set of data,” he said. “It shows that the magnitude of one-, 10- and 100-year floods is likely go up nearly everywhere in the region.

These are profound shifts.”

The Willamette River and its tributaries are expected to see the biggest increase in flooding magnitude, with 50% to 60% increases in 100-

year floods. The streamflows are expected to be smaller downstream and grow larger upstream.

On the Snake River, streamflows will grow larger as they move downstream until they reach the confluence of the Salmon River tributary and then will drop abruptly.

Parts of the Snake River will see a 40% increase in 10-year floods and a 60% increase in 100-year floods. But below the confluence with the Salmon River on the Oregon-Idaho border, the increase drops to 20% for 10-year floods and 30% for 100-year floods.

The model also suggests a significant increase in the flood season on the Snake River, which is largely concentrated in late spring now but could start as early as December or January in the future, Mote said.

One of the drivers of the change is warmer winters that will see precipitation fall more as rain instead of snow. Lower spring snowpack will lead to earlier spring streamflows in many rivers. The cold upper Columbia River basin in Canada is projected to experience little change in snowpack volume, but the snow will melt faster.

Policy impact The study’s findings could have implications for flood management policy in the coming decades, Mote said.

A logical next step in the research is to run the models again and include existing dams to see the role they may play in mitigating flooding.

“This work provides information and impetus for the people who manage flood risk,” he said. “We’ll need to know how much of this can be mitigated by existing flood control.”

Michelle Klampe is a writer-news researcher at Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. She may be reached at michelle. klampe@oregonstate.edu or at 541-737-0784.

SPORTS From Page A1

and state pandemic safety metrics that are designed to allow more of a normal school schedule, based on two-week notices.

“The schedules will be built on that two-week window, he said. “You have to make adjustments. We are hoping that the trend of the metrics is stable and that things improve. Still, we are excited to get started.”

The majority of the CMHS sports competitions will be held with no fans permitted under the state health and safety requirements.

Tompkins has scheduled a Zoom virtual meeting for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22,

CC21-1377

CITY OF CLATSKANIE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Clatskanie Middle/High School football coach Judd Stutzman, right, hands a helmet to one of the student athletes getting ready for team practice.

with parents to review safety protocols, schedules, facilities and to answer questions.

For more information, email Tompkins at rtompkinsQcsd. k12.or.us, or call CMHS at

503-728-2146.

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

The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Clatskanie Cultural Center Ballroom, 75 South Nehalem St. (Clatskanie CC21-1378

Cultural Center, 2nd floor) with social distancing practices being observed.

Agenda items include, but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the November 18th, 2020 regular meeting;

NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING The Rainier School Board will hold its regular board meeting Monday,

a Public Hearing will be held to review a request for a Home Occupation Permit for a quilting business at 1201 Hwy 47. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by February 19th, 2021.

Public Notice deadline: Wednesdays by noon.

February 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Late submissions may not Please see District website make it into the Chief for details.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

A6

Friday, February 19, 2021

Rainier grad scoring high for PSU MIKE WEBER Chief Guest Article

Because of the circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s certainly created a very unfortunate situation for numerous local athletes, while often preventing them from competing in sports.

Athletes in Oregon’s elementary schools, middle schools and high schools and have been unable to play sports since March of last year when Oregon Gov. Kate Brown implemented a statewide shutdown of athletic events to help prevent the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.

For local student athletes attending college though, sports participation has improved dramatically.

Adjustments have been made recently to safely allow them to compete for the teams that they love and that’s exactly what Rainier’s Desirae Hansen is doing.

Fabulous season Hansen, a 2017 Rainier High graduate, is having a fabulous season playing on the NCAA Division 1 Portland State University Vikings women’s basketball team.

Hansen, a 6-0 junior guard, leads the Vikings in scoring with an average of 14 points a game and is their second leading rebounder with an average of seven per game.

“I think we have some more things to work on and obviously, I think we can do better,” said Hansen, who scored a season high of 22 points in 61-60 win over the Montana Grizzlies (8-7 overall, 5-5 Big Sky Conference) Feb. 4 in Missoula, Montana.

“I don’t feel like there’s pressure on me to score. Obviously, I can’t score without the help from my teammates.

I just go out there to play basketball and do whatever I can to help my team. It doesn’t matter where the points come from and whether it’s from me or from my other teammates is just fine.”

Hansen scored eight points in a recent Vikings game against Montana, which the Vikings won 76-63 in Missoula. Because of the strict COVID-19 rules, no fans are allowed to attend home games at PSU this year.

“Because of the precautionary rules regarding COVID-19, everything is so much different this year,” Hansen said. “We couldn’t participate in a regular practice schedule like we had under normal conditions in previous years.

Our practice time was limited when we were preparing for the season, so we were just trying to take every moment that we were given and just do the best with what we have.

We’ve just been trying to continue practicing as much as we possibly can.”

The loopholes Due to the pandemic, the Vikings were not allowed to have ordinary spring and summer practice’s and workouts as in previous seasons. So it was certainly unprecedented circumstances that the Vikings had to deal with prior to the season and it wasn’t something that anyone on the team was accustomed to.

“We went through quite a few loopholes just to be able come to the campus back in September,” Hansen said. “We didn’t even get to start practicing until Nov. 25. There were no high five’s allowed during the first month of practice and we had to limit our contact with each other. We could only have one person shooting at a basket. It didn’t even seem like we were practicing together because we had to stay so far apart from each other, which made it difficult to build team chemistry.”

Hansen earned the Big Sky Conference Co-Top Reserve during her freshman year, averaging 8.3 points per game in the 2018-19 season. She was selected to the All-Big Sky Third Team last season when she led the Vikings in scoring with an average of 14.3 points per game.

Hansen said a career high-

a team-high nine rebounds.

Coach insight

Courtesy photo from Mike Weber

Rainier’s Desirae Hansen scores two points in the first quarter play for the Portland State Vikings.

light came during her freshman year when she scored the game-winning basket in the Vikings 61-59 win over Eastern Washington in the Big Sky Conference championship game Mar. 15, 2019 in Boise, Idaho.

PSU (6-7 overall, 4-6 Big Sky), guided by sixth-year coach Lynn Kennedy, started the season Dec. 16 with a 6453 road win over Dixie State of St. George, Utah. Hansen led the Vikings in scoring with 18 points and she also grabbed

“We knew that Desirae was a special player, she’s uniquely skilled and everyone from her home town knows that, but we just want everyone in the Big Sky Conference to know that too,” Kennedy said. “Coming from a small town and doing things on a big stage like this is really an exciting experience for her.”

Kennedy said Hansen can take over games with her offensive skills, shoots very well and she’s one of the team’s best three point shooters.

“She’s more of a complete player now with having another year of experience, which has helped her improve and she just really loves to play basketball,” Kennedy said. “She’s also a great person to be around, all of her teammates love her and she has enjoyed having a leader-

ship role too since she’s one of our team captains along with Tatiana Streun and Kylie Jimenez.”

Other local athletes Other local athletes who have also been competing in college sports this year include Tevin Jeannis and Colton Beisley. Jeannis, a 2018 Scappoose High grad, is a sophomore reserve wide receiver on the University of Oregon Ducks football team that won the Pac-12 championship this year. The Ducks (4-3) concluded the season with a 34-17 loss to Iowa State in the Jan. 2 Fiesta Bowl.

Beisley, a 2017 St. Helens High grad, is on the Oregon State University Beavers wrestling team. Beisley, a redshirt junior, began the wrestling season Jan. 3 and he’ll compete in the Beavers next match Feb. 14 against Oklahoma in Fresno, California.

RECYCLE COMPUTERS, TV’S, PRINTERS, PAINT, MOTOR OIL & MORE AT THE COLUMBIA COUNTY TRANSFER STATION 1601 Railroad Ave, St Helens. Open Monday – Saturday 8am - 5pm

The following items are accepted for recycling at no charge, place in designated bins • Commingled Recyclables Bin – same items as your curbside cart • Cartons: milk and juice • Newspaper • Paper: brown paper bags, magazines and catalogs, scrap paper, cereal boxes, junk mail • Plastic Jugs, Bottles & Tubs: no styrofoam, take out containers, or bags • Metal: aluminum, steel, tin cans • Cardboard Bin: all corrugated cardboard – flattened • Glass Bin: Only bottles and jars - NO WINDOW GLASS, dishware, cookware, porcelain or ceramics • Metal Bin • Scrap Metal • Appliances - Metal dishwashers, water heaters, clothes dryers, clothes washers, stoves only.

• Appliances with refrigerant will be charged a fee for refrigerant recycling, see scale house.

• Electronics Recycling Area: Computers, monitors, printers, TV’s – place into designated boxes • Motor Oil Bin by the electronics recycling area – Leave container on the shelf by the oil bin • Cooking Oil Bin by the electronics recycling area – Pour cooking oil into bin • Architectural Paint: go across scales, alert scale house staff, drive to paint recycling area. Staff will unload.

Interior and exterior architectural paint: For more information on acceptable paint products: http://productcare.org/Oregon-collection-sites.

The following items are accepted for recycling for a fee during normal operations • Antifreeze • Fluorescent Tubes • Appliances with Refrigerant - Refrigerators, Freezers, A/C units • Car Batteries • Tires

FREE DISPOSAL of Medical Sharps in sealed OSHA approved container BRING containers to the SCALE HOUSE, containers must be sealed Consider participating in the sharps exchange container program: https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/SolidWaste/medical-waste-and-sharps

The Columbia County transfer station does NOT accept: • Radioactive Materials • Vehicles • Asbestos

Questions?

• For garbage/recycling, contact the Transfer Station Information Line: 503-397-9811 • For hazardous waste or recycling, contact Columbia County Solid Waste: 503-397-7259 Columbia County’s trusted local news source