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New cookie shop opening in Clatskanie

LAUREY WHITE

latskanie will soon be welcoming a new bakery, Cryptid Cookies.The shop is owned and operated by Jason and Joyce Palm, high-school sweethearts who have four daughters. The store is located in the small business plaza off Bel Air Drive at 225 East Columbia River Highway.

The name cryptid refers to those animals who may exist but are not recognized by scientists.

Examples of cryptids include Bigfoot, Yeti and the Loch Ness monster.

Joyce began baking in earnest in 2019, when the word spread that she was great at baking. She has always been a baker, but now she specializes in her mouthwatering cookies.

Higher costs have caused some difficulties for the startup, according to Joyce.

“Rising inflation has made things tricky,” she said. “For example, eggs and powdered sugar have doubled.”

The couple is also concerned with supply chain issues, but no major hurdles so far in that area, they said.

Both Joyce and Jason think

Oregon’s key economic indicator, the quarterly revenue forecast for March, shows significant revenue growth.

The forecast, released Wednesday, Feb. 22, by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, states that the unexpected revenue growth in the current biennium has left Oregon with unprecedented balances, followed by a record kicker in 2023-25.

• The projected personal kicker is $3.9 billion, which will be credited to taxpayers when they file their returns in 2024.

• The projected corporate kicker is $1.5 billion, which will be retained in the General Fund for K-12 educational spending.

“Once the 2023-25 biennium is behind us, Oregon’s major revenue sources are expected to bounce back quickly,” the Forecast Summary reads. “However, growth over the extended horizon will continue to be

that word of mouth will be the biggest factor in helping the business grow.

“And we are optimistic the store will bridge that gap between retail and wholesale, which will also be available,” Joyce said.

Shipping will also be available, and Joyce intends to quickly honor all orders. Wholesale cookies, such as those that feature a

company’s logo, promise to be a hit.

Joyce’s cooking rack has five shelves which on a busy day will be full. Joyce has been baking the cookies in a regular oven at her home, but now she now has a certified bakery oven, which she said will be very advantageous.

“We will go from seven quarts to 30 quarts of batter,” she said. “I

will be able to easily make eight times as many cookies at a time.”

Joyce uses a printer regularly when baking cookies. She can do cookies with a company logo, any cryptid figure, Christmas items; just about anything that can be printed. The printer she uses is an Eddie, or an edible ink printer. The Eddie can print one cookie in 19 seconds or 12 in two minutes,

according to their website. It prints logos, photos and images directly on the cookie. The Eddie prints full color photographs and text directly onto the surface of the cookie.

Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkleman said he’s always

Oregon taxpayers to see $3.9B kicker

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constrained by demographics, with the baby-boom population cohort earning and spending less.”

Executive Summary

March 2023

Either the economic storm clouds have parted, or we are in the eye of the hurricane. Any near-term recession fears are fading with each month of somewhat lower inflation and the continued economic boom. However, the Federal Reserve must still navigate the choppy waters of a tight labor market, fast wage growth, easing financial conditions, and strong household finances and consumer spending. All of these are likely to keep the underlying trend in inflation above the Fed’s target for the foreseeable future.

Last quarter our office made a late 2023 mild recession the most likely outcome for the Oregon economy, primarily due to the fact there had been zero slowdown in inflation at that time. Today, there have been a few months of somewhat lower inflation. Even as the underlying trend in inflation remains twice as fast as

vest and gather has been introduced at the Oregon Legislature by Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Sen. David Brock Smith (District 1- Port Orford). If passed by the legislature, HJR 5 would be referred to voters to consider on the 2024 November ballot. If voters approve the proposal, it would make Oregon the 24th state to have a Right to Hunt and Fish constitutional amendment.

“Oregonians, who have long prioritized a strong connection with their food sources, should have the ability to vote this type of protection into the state constitution” Sen. Brock Smith said. “The ability of Oregonians to supplement their diets with wild and foraged foods is an integral part of our self-reliant heritage.”

“The Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) represents the interests of Oregon’s 940,000 sportsmen and women from all parts of the state,” Oregon Hunters Association Policy Director Amy Patrick said. “Our members regularly utilize fishing, hunting, harvesting, and gathering to supplement their food sources and provide natural, healthy foods for their families.” If passed, the Right to Fish, Hunt, Harvest and Gather would only protect against an outright ban on these methods of food procurement, and does not circumvent wildlife management, private and public property rights, or the conservation goals of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

the Federal Reserve’s target, this is a noticeable slowing from much of last year. The Fed is also starting to ease off the brakes and wait for the impact of past interest rate increases to cool the economy in the months ahead.

Read the full forecast with this story at thechiefnews.com.

What this means for the forecast is that the potential recession dynamics, while still very real, are likely pushed further out. The current baseline

forecast no longer calls for a recession this year, but for the economic soft landing and continued expansion. While every month of slower inflation increases the probability of a true soft landing, it is likely that the Fed has more work to do. Additional interest rate increases and holding them higher for longer are likely need to cool demand and inflation.

However, the clear near-term strength in the economy in terms of jobs, income and spending, along with the uncertainty of the exact timing of any

potential recession makes forecasting one so far in advance challenging, if not impossible. As Oregon heads into the upcoming 2023-25 biennium, the inflationary economic boom continues. Personal and corporate tax collections continue to outstrip expectations. When combined with an improved economic outlook, policymakers are expected to have additional General Fund revenues during the current legislative session as they craft the 2023-25 budget. Although the recent news has been good, there remains a significant amount of uncertainty as the biennium winds down. The 2023 tax filing season has yet to truly begin. Much more will be known when the May 2023 forecast is produced, which will determine the Close of Session forecast and be used to set the thresholds for the balanced budget and any potential kicker calculations. Along with uncertainty surrounding the tax season, there is also the

Courtesy photo To follow this proposed legislation and other bills at the Oregon Legislature, visit https://www.oregonlegislature.gov. Winter Blues Activities for You 2023 The Chief The Chronicle Inside Winter Blues Activities for You

“There is a currently an initiative petition that has been filed for the 2024 ballot that would ban Oregonians’ ability to procure healthy and local food through fishing and hunting,” Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Pacific States Manager Keely Hopkins said. “HJR 5 is an important counterpoint to those efforts by providing voters the opportunity to protect Oregonians’ ability to harvest and gather organic, sustainable foods for ourselves and

our families, while also contributing to conservation efforts through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.”

Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation, Fur Takers of America, HOWL for Wildlife, National Wild Turkey Fed-

Chief Guest Article

See COOKIES Page A6

These are examples of the Cryptid Cookies.

Forestry Board continues habitat conservation plan

Work on the habitat conservation plan for Western Oregon’s state forests will continue as planned.

The follows a motion to start a new, duplicate process narrowly failed to pass at the latest Oregon Board of Forestry meeting.

Future remains murky

Despite the motion’s failure, the future of the habitat conservation plan, or HCP, remains murky after downward adjustments to harvest projections late last year have drawn concern from the board and the counties and special districts that rely on timber revenues.

The virtual special meeting on February 15 was called at the request of two board members. They wished to discuss progress on the HCP after harvest projections in the transitional implementation plan set to be rolled out in July have drawn consternation.

ODF’s State Forest Division Chief Mike Wilson started the meeting by giving

the board an update on a new transitional implementation plan and work on the habitat conservation plan. While not the final HCP, the transitional implementation plan that is set to be enacted on July 1, is a good predictor of the harvest yields that would be allowed under the HCP. The implementation plan is designed to transition from the old forest management plan to the new one scheduled to be rolled out in conjunction with the HCP in July 2025.

Interim projections presented to the board last summer predicted harvest levels around 225 million board feet annually, down slightly from the 247 million board feet averaged between 2000 and 2021.

However, projections released in January following model solution review last fall that are being used in the transitional implementation plan cut harvest projections drastically further, to between 165 and 182.5 million board feet annually. Wilson said that the cuts came based on more detailed consideration of the conditions

in specific groves, mentioning Swiss needle cast and off-site seed as examples of limiting factors in Tillamook State Forest.

Wilson stressed that the harvest projections from the implementation plan were not the final projections for the HCP. He said that those final projections would be presented to the board with a variety of conservation and harvest options at their June meeting.

The balance

Board Member Joe Justice followed the presentation by saying that he believed the newest harvest estimates did not achieve a balance between conservation and financial viability, the dual goals the board had set for the HCP.

Justice said that he believed that a harvest closer to the 225 million board feet presented last summer was more equitable for rural communities and counties. Justice asked Wilson if he thought the revised projections due in June would project a harvest level close to that and Wilson said that he did not.

Considering the latest

The Oregon Board of Forestry has voted to continue developing its current habitat conservation plan.

estimates as well as the 70year term of the plan, Justice said that he was proposing a motion for ODF staff to begin work on a second HCP draft that would allow larger harvests.

When asked, Wilson said that doing so would set the HCP development process back at least two years. The draft of the plan is already with federal regulators for review under the National Environmental Policy Act, so it is too late to amend that document.

Wilson said that the agency also lacked the staff to

begin work on a second HCP concurrently with the ongoing work on the already-submitted draft.

The board members discussed the proposed motion, with two groups coalescing as the meeting went on.

While both agreed that the projections were alarmingly low, one favored allowing the process to run its course before essentially restarting the process. They argued that the decision should wait until after the board receives updated projections in June and a final draft of the plan in September.

The other group argued

Metro Creative Connection

that the already released figures represented too drastic a change from what they had discussed previously, making a new process inevitable. Justice’s motion failed by a vote of 4-3 during the Feb. 15 meeting. Board Members Justice, Liz Agpaoa and Karla Chambers voted aye, while Board Chair Jim Kelly and Board Members Ben Deumling, Chandra Ferrari and Brenda McComb voted nay. Follow development at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

State again offering limited homeowner funding assistance

Oregon Housing and Community Services

(OHCS) will resume accepting new applications for the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program on March 8.

The agency estimates there are enough funds to support about 700 additional eligible homeowners. The program offers federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief intended to support homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardships due to the pandemic. It provides funding for past-due mortgages and other housing expenses, as well as ongoing payment assistance, to a limited number of homeowners with low to moderate incomes.

The pause that began on Nov. 30, 2022, allowed OHCS to assess current applications in its queue, complete minor system

maintenance and upgrades, and better project the amount of HAF funds remaining for homeowners. As an exception during the pause, the program has continued serving the most at-risk homeowners. OHCS is accepting new applications submitted by housing counselors on behalf of homeowners who are in a judicial action or have a verified foreclosure sale date.

“Keeping families in their homes has been a collaborative effort with Oregon’s housing counseling agencies, which provide advice and advocacy for struggling homeowners across the state,” Homeowner Assistance Programs Assistant Director Ryan Vanden Brink said. “If you are a homeowner falling behind, don’t delay, reach out to a state approved homeownership center right away.”

HAF will reopen with a focus on homeowners in active foreclosure and those traditionally underserved by mortgage markets. Home-

Clatskanie winter

owners can learn more about eligibility requirements and, if eligible, apply online starting March 8, at oregonhomeownerassistance.org.

Limited funds

HAF funding is limited. The state is prioritizing Oregon households that are at the highest risk of foreclosure. Once the $72 million of funding available for homeowners is gone, the

program will close. Even if homeowners are eligible, there is no guarantee their application will be funded. Other loss mitigation options depend on a homeowner’s mortgage and their servicer. Homeowners should evaluate all their options.

Free help is available

Homeowners can get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about budgeting tools and evaluation of options to keep their homes, such as modifications, adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage, or HAF. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers. Search the full list of free certified housing counselors by county. Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer to respond due to remote working policies.

In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.

Avoiding fraud

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or meet with an Oregon housing counselor.

There are a number of common warning signs

homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can file a report with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General.

To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.

More Details

To learn more and to apply, visit oregonhomeownerassistance. org

Crossword Solution

Solution

Courtesy photo OHCS is accepting new applications submitted by housing counselors on behalf of homeowners who are in a judicial action or have a verified foreclosure sale date.

Courtesy photo from Jerome White Snow blanketed the region Thursday morning, Feb. 23, forcing the closure of school districts in Columbia County and challenging drivers. The National Weather Service forecasts colder temperatures into next week. There is a chance of more snow for the area.

Aleesha Heidmann

Nov. 22, 1996 ~ Jan. 26, 2023

Aleesha Heidmann, beloved daughter of Ralf Heidmann and Brandee Eiche, sister to Kyle, Everett, and Weston Heidmann, and best friend to Auntie, passed away on Jan. 26, 2023. She was a cherished resident of Quincy group home.

Aleesha was an angel among us, who made the weary strong again and the sad silly with joy. Being around her softened your soul and enriched your life. It would be an injustice to mourn her passing, instead, let her live on in every flower that springs beauty, in every rainbow that promises luck, and every sunrise that

Barbara Begleries

3 perish in 2 separate traffic crashes

inspires hope in the days that feel hard to keep on going, for that was the spirit of this sweetest heart and what she would have wanted for you. If she found you down, she would pat you on the back and tell you “it’s okay” or make your day by greeting you with a “BOO” and an unforgettable smile. She leaves behind so many friends and family who adore her.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 25, 2023 at 930 NE Fifth St., Clatskanie, OR 97016.

Nov. 26, 1930 ~ Feb. 2, 2023

Barbara Begleries passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 2, 2023, with family members nearby. She was born in Bend, Oregon to parents Miriam Salmi Coombs and Elias John Coombs on Nov. 26, 1930.

The family moved to Marshland, Oregon when Barbara was a baby. She grew up in the area and graduated from Clatskanie High school. She got her first job at the Humps Restaurant in Clatskanie. She also worked evenings at the Avalon Movie Theater where she met her future husband, Nicholas Begleries. Later, she became a typist for the Commanding Officer of the local Army base during WW2.

She married Nick Begleries on May 24, 1952. They moved to Clifton, Oregon. In 1961, they moved to Astoria, Oregon when Nick took a management position with Bumble Seafoods. In 1969, the family moved to Paramaribo, Suriname SA with Nick’s job. Barbara loved living there and had wonderful memories. They returned two years later when Nick was once again promoted to a Vice President position with

Thomas “Tom” Budge, of Vernonia Oregon, passed away on Feb. 14, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Dec. 24, 1939 in Moose, Wyoming to Edward “Ned” and Mae (Chambers) Budge. He joined older brother Dennis, with sister Mary, and younger brothers, Jim and Henry followed to complete their family.

His family relocated to the Shiloh Basin area, near Rainier, Oregon, where he attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse.

He graduated in 1958 from Rainier High School. He met the love of his life, Judy, in 1957. On June 25, 1960, they were united in marriage. They made their home in Longview, Washington, where they welcomed three boys into their family, John, Jerry and Joe.

While living in Longview, he began his career with Longview Fibre. He started on the bull gang and in 1964 he transferred to the Timber Department. The transfer included a move to Vernonia, where Tom and Judy welcomed three girls, Julie, Jill and Jenny.

In 1979 Tom and Judy

Castle & Cooke and moved to California from 1975 to 1979. They once again returned to Astoria when Nick semiretired. Nick passed away on Dec. 29, 1982.

Barbara continued to have a busy life. She was a charter member of the Elk’s Emblem Club, a member of the Finnish Brotherhood Society, and member of the Red Hat Society. She was known for hosting wonderful, themed parties at her home. She also loved to travel especially on cruise ships. Her frequency on the Princess Cruise Lines got her an invitation to sit at the Captain’s Table.

She loved to dance and took lessons in Portland. Her

final recital went so well that she joked about having the video of it played at her funeral. Barbara also kept busy with part time jobs. She was a court recorder for the disability claims department. She was also a volunteer driver for the State of Oregon. After a fall, Barbara became bedridden and was cared for by her devoted daughter, Alexis. For her 92nd birthday, Alexis arranged an at home celebration where all her family and close friends were able to attend.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Nick Begleries.

She is survived by her stepson Leon Begleries; children, Marie Begleries, Chris Begleries, Alexis Begleries, Linda Begleries-Eliott and Nicholas Begleries; grandchildren, Kayla Eliott, Chelsea Eliott and Eliyas Begleries; and siblings Phillips Coombs and Laura Coombs-Nyberg.

Barbara had a long and interesting life and left this world as she had wanted, at home, with family nearby and peacefully in her sleep.

A burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Sat. Feb. 18, 2023 at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton.

One person has died, another is hospitalized, after a crash along Highway 30 in Columbia County.

Oregon State Police (OSP) Troopers were dispatched to the traffic crash near milepost 60 at approximately 6:23 p.m. Feb. 19.

According to OSP, the preliminary investigation indicated a military convoy traveling westbound on Highway 30 had stopped on the westbound shoulder to address an unknown mechanical issue.

A Humvee style vehicle associated with the convoy traveling eastbound had stopped in the eastbound passing lane.

A National Guardsman and a U.S. Army Active Duty Solider exited the stopped Humvee to aid the convoy in addressing the mechanical issue.

The active duty solider, 29-year-old Gonzalo Martinez III of Cleveland, TX was struck by an eastbound 1997 Chevrolet pickup, operated by 72-year-old Richard L. Erickson of Clatskanie, who was also traveling in the left lane. The Chevrolet then crashed into the parked Humvee.

The driver of the Chevrolet pickup and the military member were transported to St. John’s Hospital in Longview. The driver of the Chevrolet pickup remains in stable condition and the military member, Martinez III, was pronounced deceased.

The highway was closed

for approximately six hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriffs’ Office, Clatskanie Fire, and ODOT.

Vernonia-area fatal crash

In another fatal crash, OSP report two people died following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 47 near Vernonia. Troopers and emergency responders were called to the site of the cash at milepost 74, north of NW Nowakowki Road, just after 3 p.m. Feb. 17.

According to OSP, the preliminary investigation indicated a green 1999 Subaru Legacy wagon, operated by 26-year-old Destanie King, of Vernonia, was traveling northbound on Highway 47 when for unknown reasons the Legacy crossed into the

oncoming lane, with the passenger side now facing north, while in the southbound lane, colliding with the front of a southbound red 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon.

King, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The operator of the 2014 Subaru Outback, 65-year-old Claire Colburn-Collier and her passenger, 66-year-old Michael Collier both of San Pablo (CA), were transported by air to Legacy Emanuel with life threatening injuries. Michael Collier was pronounced deceased from his injuries on Feb. 18. The highway was closed for approximately three hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Banks Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted OSP at the scene of the crash.

Astoria Police warn of phone fraud

Astoria Police have received reports today that people posing as a law enforcement officer from the Astoria Police are calling asking for personal information and for money.

The callers will “spoof” or fake the Astoria Police Department phone number so the call appears to be coming from the Astoria Police Department, the warning states.

Police warning states. “Other common tactics in these types of Government Impersonation Fraud involve scammers attempting to get the call recipient to send money. These calls are fraudulent; any legitimate law enforcement officer will not demand cash or gift cards from a member of the public.”

What to do if you receive such a fraud call

not recognize.

• Do not send money or gift cards to anybody you do not personally know and trust.

• Never give out your personal information, including banking information, social security number or other personally identifiable information, over the phone to individuals you do not know.

purchased Sunnyside Service. For 20 years they served memorable food and provided jobs for many local youth.

Tom enjoyed his time with Longview Fibre and felt lucky to have an office” in the woods. He retired in 2004 and was able to spend quality time on his farm. He loved his cows, hay in the barn, tractors, gardening and wood in the shed.

Most of all, he loved his family. His wife Judy, his children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the absolute joy of his life.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and his older brother Dennis.

He is survived by his wife Judy of Vernonia; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Angie Budge of Vernonia, Jerry and Cassandra Budge of Vernonia, and Joe and Rebecca Budge of Woodburn, Oregon; daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and John Bernards of Hillsboro, Oregon; Jill and Kelly Griffin of Mist, Oregon; and Jenny and Joel Glass of Vernonia; sister Mary Horn of Forest Grove, Oregon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Karen Budge of Rainier, Oregon, and Henry and Lorene Budge of Scappoose, Oregon; sister-in-law Karen Crandall of Vernonia; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. for family and close friends on Sat., Feb. 25, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 960 Missouri Avenue in Vernonia, Oregon. Following the Mass, all are welcome to the celebration of life to be held at 2 p.m. at Vernonia Schools Commons, 1000 Missouri Avenue in Vernonia.

To sign the online guest book or to send a condolence go to fuitenrosehoyt.com.

“Recent calls have involved the caller claiming a person failed to appear regarding a legal issue and the caller asks for personal information,” the Astoria

• To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, be wary of answering phone calls from numbers you do

Call your local police of sheriff’s department if you believe you have received such a fraud call. Read a series of stories about telephone scams at thechiefnews.com.

Thomas “Tom” Budge Dec. 24, 1939 ~ Feb. 14, 2023

Courtesy photo from OSP

The fatal crashes occurred on Highway 30 near Clatskanie and on Highway 47 near Vernonia.

Gardening-related events in February, March

CHIP BUBL Clatskanie Grows Chief Guest Column

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 25

Take your left-over solvents, brake fluids, anti-freeze, fluorescent lights, house-hold cleaners, batteries, miscellaneous chemicals, and household and garden pesticides to the hazardous waste collection day at the St. Helens/ Columbia County Transfer Station, 1601 Railroad Avenue in St. Helens. These are great events that can help keep our wonderful state cleaner. See link for more information: https://www. columbiacountyor.gov/ media/Public%20Works/ HHW%20Schedule%20 2023.jpg.

Columbia County Bee School 2023

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 1,2,6

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8 (April 15 if weather is bad April 8)

Columbia County Oregon Beekeepers will hold a class for beginning beekeepers. First, you need to become a member of the club ($25 individual or $30 family) and then Bee School is $25. It includes three two-hour online classes March 1, March 2, and March 6. Then an afternoon in the hive educational

visit will be held on either April 8 or 15 if the weather is bad on the eight in the St Helens area address to be announced to participants. Contact Linda Zahl to register 503-799-7073.

Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly Meeting

7 p.m. March 2

OSU Master Beekeeper Judy Scher will present a talk about Winter into Spring a Honeybee Colony Perspective. We will meet in person at the Columbia County Extension Office in St. Helens and by Zoom. Contact columbiacountyoregonbeekeepers@gmail. com for Zoom info.

Columbia County Small Woodlands Tree Sale 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 11.

The Columbia County Small Woodlands Association has an annual tree sale in St. Helens. You can purchase a variety of trees in very small quantities. The sale this year will be at the Lawrence Oil parking lot, 845 N. Columbia River

Highway, in St. Helens.

The association sells forest tree seedlings, some native shrubs, and some ornamental tree seedlings. Get there early for the best selection. It is very well attended.

actually quite attractive, especially the red-stemmed types. So are artichokes, though those plants can get quite large. But in the right place they also look very attractive. Both these vegetables are generally not eaten by deer.

Garden short takes

• Some very cold weather is heading our way again. Protect planted containers as best you can. Take caution doing any garden work if it is icy or really cold.

• Fertilize your garlic, rhubarb, and asparagus beds. Repeat in mid-April.

• Plan your garden by drawing a map of what you might plant where. This helps rotating areas, so you don’t plant the same family of plants in the same place as you did last year. This helps reduce disease issues. Making the map will also encourage you to try a new vegetable this year.

• Prune all that needs it this time of year – apples and all the other tree fruits; blueberries; and cane berries; and many others.

• You can incorporate some vegetables into a landscape. Rhubarb is

The value of our city manager

There is a Proverb that states, “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forth to question him.”

The purpose of this letter is to question the veracity of Russel Spaulding’s recent allegations concerning Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman’s perceived disregard for “fiscal responsibility” and need to “evaluate his priorities and put the people of Clatskanie first…”

Our city manager is often maligned and rarely recognized for the value he and his staff bring to the table.

Does not act independently

Let me begin by stating that Mr. Hinkelman does not act independently from the Mayor and City Council.

The Council are the policy makers and Mr. Hinkelman implements the policies and decisions of the Council. Regrettably, he often incurs the disfavor and even malice of some citizens, which would be more appropriately aimed at the Council.

tom.” You can treat the bottom piece with a rooting hormone if you wish. It generally improves rooting success. Label them and put them in a container that won’t get water-logged with moist peat moss, sawdust, or other potting media in a cool, unheated area. Only a small section of the top should show above the media. Then leave them alone. Chances are decent that some, though probably not all, will root. In the late spring, they can be planted in place or put in pots to grow more for planting next fall.

New plants from winter cuttings

Quite a few plants are possible to root from cuttings taken this time of year. They include honeysuckle, spiraea, some roses, figs, quince, grapes, blueberries, currants and quite a few others. You want shoots that grew last year. Cuttings are usually 10 to 12 inches long with two bud “nodes” on them. If it is hard to tell up from down on the cutting, cut one end at an angle and the other straight across. Write down which cut meant “top” which meant “bot -

Some plants can be layered. That involves taking a limber woody shoot found near the ground, digging a small trench, bending the shoot into the trench, holding it down with heavy U-shaped wire, and covering the trench with soil. Rhododendrons are often quite amenable to this technique.

Important notes

• You can get up-to –date and accurate answers to your food preservation questions by calling our office at 503 397-3462 and ask to speak to Jenny Rudolph.

• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

programs. It always is greatly appreciated.

• The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503 397-3462 or at chip. bubl@oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter

The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 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.

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

audit is handily passed each year.

I would like to highlight just two examples of our Manager’s fiscal conservatism and consideration for “single mothers with children” and “people of Clatskanie” noted in Mr. Spaulding’s letter to the editor.

Diligence and foresight

As to his “fiscal responsibilities”, the city manager is responsible to present an Annual Budget proposal each year, which is reviewed by the seven-member Council and an additional seven lay persons from the city at large before being passed.

Moreover, we are required to have an annual audit of the city finances done by an independent entity. Thanks to Mr. Hinkelman and staff, the

CONTACT

The first concerns the PERS crisis facing nearly every city in Oregon. Our PERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability (unfunded liability versus payroll) debt was big enough to effectively stall any Capitol Improvement Projects (used to maintain city infrastructure) and possibly send the city deeply into debt over the next 20 years. The debt and the possible consequences were staggering. Through our manager’s diligence and foresight, he proposed that we participate in the State’s Employer Incentive Fund. He scheduled an open meeting with a state representative to answer all our questions and concerns about the program. In short, with a one-time balloon payment matched 25% by the state, the city will save $1,204,900. in payments over the next 20 years. Money that will be available to maintain and continue services in the community.

Secondly and most recently, the city is long overdue for a new wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Hinkleman’s desire to keep our utilities as affordable as possible for the citizens compelled him to seek federal and state funding for this major expenditure.

(As opposed to going in debt and passing the costs on to the rate payers.) Conservatively, our sewer and water rates would have doubled and then some. Through his ongoing efforts of lobbying, both in person and via e-mail and phone, he landed $10 million dollars of Federal monies passed through the state for our new plant. Not content with that, he spent numerous hours applying for a State Community Block Development Grant in the amount of $720,000 to pay for the design and engineering of the new plant.

A tightwad

To put it in the vernacular, our city manager is a tightwad. He is committed to keeping our utilities as up to date and affordable as possible and to keep the city out of debt.

In closing, in the Dance of Life we have here on earth, there will always be personality conflicts, disagreements, misjudgments and even mistakes made.

• •V iewpoints • • Vote online at thechiefnews.com 79.2% Yes 20.8% No What is your favorite outdoor activity? Weekly Online Poll Last Week’s Results Are you ready for Spring? Daily walks Camping Fishing Golfing

Collectively we are an imperfect lot. Mr Hinkelman, the Mayor and the Council included. But as to Greg Hinkleman’s “fiscal responsibility” and “putting the people of Clatskanie first”… We find him and his staff valuable assets to the City of Clatskanie.

On behalf of the Clatskanie City Council

Gary Jones

Gary Jones is a Clatskanie City Councilor. He may be reached at 503-728-2622.

The Chief

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Editorial policy

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

Letters policy

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

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

Guest commentary

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

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net

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

Obituaries

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 District 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 ob-

tain the required and suggested certifications for the position; FirstAid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can request an application by phone at 503-728-2757, by email at csp@ cni.net or on our website www. clatskanieparksandrecreation.com.

Applications and resumes can be returned by mail to:

Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@ cni.net. If you have any questions, please leave message at 503-7282757. Applications with resumes will be accepted until the position has been filled.

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY

The Port is hiring the following positions: Finance Manager. Facilities Maintenance full-

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC23-1728

TS No. OR06000057-22-1

Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, JEFFREY L HAMMANS as Grantor to TICOR TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for EAGLE HOME MORTGAGE, LLC, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of September 15, 2009 and recorded on September 30, 2009 as Instrument No. 2009-009189 and the beneficial interest was assigned to LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC and recorded November 9, 2020 as Instrument Number 2020-011758 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 19015 PARCEL 2 OF PARTITION PLAT NO. 1998-14,

CC23-1715

APN 19015 TO No 220445422-OR-MSI

RECORDED MARCH 18, 1998, FEE NO. 98-02859, IN COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. TOGETHER WITH A 25 FOOT EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS OVER PARCEL 1 OF PARTITION PLAT 199814, AS DISCLOSED ON THE FACE OF THE PLAT MAP. Commonly known as: 72695 APIARY ROAD, RAINIER, OR 97048 Both the Beneficiary, Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly

Payment(s): 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 12/01/2021 to 02/28/2023 at $23,520.75 Late Charge(s): 1 Monthly Late Charge(s) 188.16 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $182,497.10 together with interest thereon at the rate of 5.37500% per annum from November 1, 2021 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on June 27, 2023 at the hour of 12:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the west

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

In the Matter of the Adoption and Change of Name of DESTINY LEE NICHOLS, a Minor Child.

No. 23AP00011 To: CLARISSA MCATEE You are hereby required to appear and defend the petition for adoption and change of name filed in Columbia County, Oregon, United States, involving your child within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the date of service of this summons upon you, and, in case of your failure to do so, for want thereof, petitioner will apply to the court for the relief demanded in the petition

CC23-1726

for adoption and change of name. NOTICE TO THE RESPONDENT: READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY! You must “appear” in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer”. The “motion” or “answer” (or “reply”) must be given to the court clerk or administrator within THIRTY (30) DAYS of the date of first publication specified herein, along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the petitioner’s attorney

entrance to the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., Saint Helens, OR 97051 County of Columbia, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary

CC23-1734

or, if the petitioner does not have an attorney, proof of service upon the petitioner. The date of first publication of this summons is February 3, 2023. If you have any questions, you should see an attorney immediately.

If you need help in finding an attorney, you may call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at (503) 684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 1-800-4527636. Stephen D. Petersen, OSB #73235 Attorneys for Petitioner. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, (503) 556-4120.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of GERALD CARVER, Deceased. No. 23PB00328

NOTICE TO INTERESTED

PERSONS NOTICE IS

HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against

time. Scappoose Bay Marina summer parttime staff. To learn more and apply, please visit our website www. portof columbiacounty.org/jobs. EOE.

702

Garage Sales Basement sale March 3-4, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., clothing, home goods, and more. Stay for lunch and cinnamon rolls. Rainier Church of God, 321 West C street, Rainier OR.

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

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

CC23-1733

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published February 17, 2023. Linda Burleson, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE

of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid

for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any.

Dated: 2/8/23 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Order Number 89327, Pub

Dates: 2/24/2023, 3/3/2023, 3/10/2023, 3/17/2023, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF.

CITY OF CLATSKANIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE

The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). Agenda items include but

CC23-1729

are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the Feb. 1st, 2023 Council meeting, a presentation regarding the 4th Street Dike Road, a public hearing on liquor license renewals for 2023, and approval of a contract with MIG for City Plan -

ning Services. Access to the meeting on ZOOM will be posted on the city website, www.cityofclatskanie.com. Please call City Hall (503) 728-2622 at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.

NOTICE OF FINANCIAL REPORT

The 2021-22 fiscal year financial report for the Rainier Economic Development Council has been prepared and is on file with the City of Rainier. The information contained in the report is available to all interested persons. REDCO received approximately $292,997 through the division of taxes from

CC23-1731

Columbia County Special Districts during that fiscal year. Of that, $275,000 was expected as a debt payment. An estimated $292,997 is expected to be received during the current 2022-23 fiscal year. REDCO has an annual debt payment for the USG Project of $275,000 on a total loan with $1,630,287 remaining in principle as of

January 2023. REDCO has committed all its TIF from Special Districts towards the repayment of the USG loan. No other projects are planned. Any affected taxing districts are advised to direct any questions to City Administrator W. Scott Jorgensen at 503-556-7301 or sjorgensen@cityofrainier. com.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of HOWARD DEAN TAYLOR, Deceased. No. 22PB06792 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 February 17, 2023. Judy Greiner Personal Representative STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law P. O. Box 459 Rainier, OR 97048.

Feb. 25 Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Take your left-over solvents, brake fluids, antifreeze, fluorescent lights, house-hold cleaners, batteries, miscellaneous chemicals, and household and garden pesticides to the hazardous waste collection day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Helens/ Columbia County Transfer Station, 1601 Railroad Avenue in St. Helens.

February 25 Columbia County Bridal Expo

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Meriweather Place, 1070 Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens. Presented by Dianna’s Formal Affair. Stop by for photography, event planning, wedding cakes, accessories,

TAXES

From Page A1

heightened risk of recession next biennium. Given the currently elevated levels of taxable business and investment forms of income, an economic downturn would result in large losses of General Fund revenues. While Oregon’s General Fund is volatile over the business cycle, the state’s overall revenue system has become less so in recent

COOKIES

From Page A1

thrilled when a new business comes to Clatskanie, and Cryptid Cookies is no exception.

“I am thrilled,” said Hinkleman. “It is always great when a new business opens here. I am looking forward to sampling their cookies!”

The couple will hold a soft opening for the business in mid-March. Joyce and her family are the only employees, but they say the number will grow along with the business. The shop’s colorful

catering music, flowers, giveaways, samples and more. For more information, contact 503-3973026 or ColumbiaCountyBridalExpo.com.

March 4 Rodeo Fundraiser Join the Columbia County Rodeo Committee for dinner, dancing, and a live auction at the Columbia County Fairgrounds at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Tickets are $35 per person or reserve a corporate table for eight people for just $300. Contact any Rodeo Committee member or call 503-397-1800. Tickets are limited. 5 p.m. Social Hour. 6 p.m. Dinner. 7 p.m. Live Auction. 8 to 11 p.m. Live Music.

years. The increases in consumption- based taxes should help reduce overall volatility in Oregon’s tax system as consumer spending is more stable during downturns than is taxable income.

Governor response

Governor Tina Kotek made the following statement in response to the first state revenue forecast of 2023.

“As inflation continues to slow, this revenue forecast shows that we can anticipate

cookie bags are printed with phrases such as “Treat Yo Self,” “We’re So Extra” and “Keep Calm and Eat a Cookie,” printed on their colorful cookie grab bag, residents here are in for a lot of good cookies! Joyce says her four daughters keep asking their mom and dad when the opening will be. She laughed and said, “They are more excited than we are.”

Once the shop is open in March, Cryptid Cookies hours will be 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. You can reach the couple at email address is cryptidcookiesbyjoyce@gmail. com.

March 21 Ladies

Motivational Night Out

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Clatskanie Library. This event is free. Toni Dowrey is the guest. Dowrey is a motivational speaker, published author and certified life coach.

March 25 – April 15

Columbian Artists Associations 45th Annual Spring Art Show

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St., Kelso, Washington. Eileen Thompson is the featured artist. Admittance is free. For questions, contact www. columbianartists.org or columbianartists/ longviewwa on Facebook.

having more predictability and stability for the coming budget cycle. While this is encouraging news, the legislature still has some tough choices to make. We will have to keep focused and stay the course in order to make much-needed investments in Oregonians’ most urgent shared priorities: housing and homelessness, behavioral health, and education.”

Republican response

House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-

There will be opportunity to purchase original art from local artists, starting at $35.00.

Ongoing

Caples Evening Programs

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

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by

Prineville) issued the following statement upon the release of today’s quarterly revenue and economic forecast:

“The quarterly revenue forecast revealed our state’s economy and revenue influx is stable. However, we must not forget the reality Oregonians are experiencing on a daily basis – inflation at a rate of over 8 percent, gas at nearly 4 dollars a gallon, and a dozen eggs which cost even more than that ($5.22).

“The State of Oregon experienced a historic infu-

Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Henry Franzoni ar 360-353-0937 or email to hjfranzoni3@ gmail.com. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/eventspage.

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

The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues -

sion of federal funding, but Oregonians and the Legislature must face the reality that these funds have ended. For the remainder of the 2023 Legislative Session, we must pursue fiscal responsibility which includes leaving our Education Stability Fund (ESF) and rainy-day funds (RDF) alone.

“We must return Oregon’s ‘kicker’ back into the hands of hardworking Oregonians. While my Pendleton friends would say “let er’ buck,” I say “let er’ kick.”

days, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503-3668070.

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

Background

The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers in state agencies and private organizations for use in their decision making processes. The Oregon Revenue Forecast opens the revenue forecasting process to public review. It is the basis for much of the budgeting in state government. The forecast reports are issued four times a year: March, June, September, and December.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: BOARD GAMES

ACROSS

45. Dairy farm glands

47. Relax, or ____ out

48. Brooke or John Jacob, of New York

50. USPS delivery

52. *Cards against what?

55. Medicinal plant with purple berries

56. Bug-eyed

57. Tiny bottle

59. a.k.a. jumping bone

60. Plucked string instrument

61. Makes a mistake

62. *”____ Day,” desirable square in The Game of Life

63. Bard’s before

64. Rip apart

DOWN

1. Govt. property org.

13. Be at the helm

14. *Not chutes

19. #39 Across, pl.

22. Is no longer

23. *Trade, build, settle this island

24. Oenophile’s concern

25. Curtain fabric

26. *Connect how many?

27. Theater passage

28. Asparagus unit

29. Written works

32. Hipbones

33. Butterfly catcher

36. *Like pursuit of no vital importance

38. “____ ____ a high note”

40. A Camel, for short

41. Result of equipment failure

31. Threatened Asian or African odd-toed ungulate

34. Ready for picking

35. Reasons to sue

37. Romanian money

38. English county

39. Popular Arabic name

40. Lemon, in Paris

42. Latissimus dorsi, for short

43. Angola’s southern neighbor

2. Fabled fliers

3. Mine passage

4. India’s Chennai, pre1996

5. Flooring choice, pl.

6. Hose woes

7. 100 centavos in Mexico

8. Rum cake

9. Particle in A-bomb

10. What’s-old-is-newagain prefix

12. Somewhat late

44. The beauty of the ball?

46. Morgan Freeman in “Driving Miss Daisy,” e.g.

48. Sign of bad news

49. Inflict a blow

50. Supernatural life force

51. Drunkard, slangily

52. Exhibiting good health

53. Swing seat, sometimes

54. Knitter’s supply

55. Tree fluid

58. Dropped drug, acr.

Courtesy photo from Jerome White

The new business is located at 225 East Columbia River Highway.

Clatskanie Tigers moving on to sate playoffs

February brings playoff season for winter high school sports in Oregon, and the Clatskanie High School Girls Basketball Team is still battling it out with the best in the state. After an 11-10 regular season, the Tigers have won two 2A-1 Northwest League playoff games to qualify for the state tournament.

Their 43-33 win over Fath Bible/ Life Christian set the Tigers up for a 29-25 win against Vernonia, which propelled the team to the next round in the tournament.

Their next game will occur Friday, Feb. 24, against Salem Academy. After the win against Faith Bible, Head Coach Mary Sizemore was ecstatic with the CMHS team’s performance.

“They came together as a team, dug in, and got the job done. They were disciplined, and it showed; they probably had one of their best 4th quarters so far all year last night,” Sizemore said. “They never gave in, even when behind in points. They played a tenacious defense, and they were patient and worked their offense to cre-

Wrestlers at State

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Clatskanie High School will have five wrestlers competing in the state tournament this weekend. Head Coach Zach Davis and his wrestlers will battle it out with the best in the state over the next few days.

On the girls side, Joss Pember and Natalie Baker. Pember won her 1a-4a regional tournament, and Baker placed second. For the boys, Senior Ernesto Rojas-Bautista, junior Taylor Crawford, and sophomore Ben Blackwood will be representing the Tigers in the competition.

Rojas-Bautista finished third in his regional qualifier, and Crawford finished second in his weight division. Blackwood was a late addition to the field, as he nabbed a wildcard berth after finishing fourth at his regional qualifier.

The OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union Wrestling State Championships will be held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in the Rose Quarter. While the tournament was slated to start Thursday, February 23, inclement weather shut down the Rose Quarter campus, delaying the start date. Organizers are working on a revised schedule for the event.

The tournament is a double elimination bracket, with ten participants in each division. There are 14 different weight divisions in the competition. For updates on the status of the tournament and to follow the results, visit www.osaa.org or follow the OSAA Social Media accounts for the latest information.

ate high-percentage scoring opportunities, which gave all of our players on the floor scoring opportunities. It was hard for Faith Bible to shut down all of our players; they couldn’t key in on just one. The girls did awesome.”

Carrying that momentum into their matchup with Vernonia was critical for the team, and they managed to stymy Vernonia’s offense throughout the game. All of this success is coming in the midst of a growing season. One of the challenges they have faced this year is their lack of experience. “We are low in numbers of experienced players. We had a great turnout of girls this year, but many did not have a large number of years of experience,” Sizemore said.

The team has responded to adversity this season with the philosophy of digging in, working on the things that need improving and the mentality of we will do better next time. You couldn’t ask for better from a group of young ladies

~ Mary Sizemore, CMHS Girls Basketball Team Head Coach

Despite this, the team has seen success on and off the court. A contributing factor to this success has been the mindset and resilience of the program.

“The team has responded to adversity this season with the philosophy of digging in, working on the things that need improving and the mentality of we will do better next time,” Sizemore said. “You couldn’t ask for better from a group of young ladies.”

Some of the standouts on the team have been seniors Kylie Thomas, Maya Helmen, Bekah Hagen, and freshman Joey Sizemore. However, while the individual players have made a difference, the team’s group mentality and performance have driven its success.

“The growth both in physical and mental skills of all of our players in the program is huge,” Sizemore said. “We have girls

that haven’t played in a couple of years come back out and have worked very hard to up their “game” and step into key roles on varsity. Girls also worked hard on a community service project to raise funds for the Senior Center at The Castle to help with hams and other goodies for meals at Christmas. “

As well as excelling on the court, the team has worked hard off the court to give back to their community. For Sizemore, giving the team opportunities to get out into the community and the court is a way to encourage personal growth and teach life lessons. Sizemore hopes her athletes will take away two main things from their experience with her.

“One: that the challenges (whether big or small) both on and off the court are lessons that will help you throughout your life. And two: regardless of how hard or impossible something may seem, just dig deep and keep pushing forward,” Sizemore said.

Clatskanie High School will take on Salem Academy and keep its run going Friday, Feb. 24. They played Salem Academy at a non-league tournament in December and lost 30-50. The Tigers will look to avenge that loss and keep their season alive.

Follow Clatskanie High School Sports at osaa.com and see our coverage of winter sports at https:// www.thechiefnews.com.

Your household hazardous waste must be in your vehicle’s bed, trunk, or hatchback - not the passenger compartment. Unloading may take a few extra minutes as extra safety measures will be in place. Please be patient, and please remain in your car. Columbia County, OR (February 17, 2023) – The first Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event of the New Year will be held at the Columbia County Transfer Station on Saturday, February 25, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Transfer Station is located at 1601 Railroad Avenue in St. Helens. If you are a Columbia County resident, you can drop off various toxic and unsafe materials at no cost.

Items must be in containers not larger than five (5) gallons and should be secured safely during transport.

Trained household hazardous waste technicians will unload materials from your vehicle. Examples of acceptable items:

• fireworks and flares

• gas / diesel / fuels / motor oil / antifreeze

• lawn and garden chemicals

• herbicides and pesticides

• pool and spa chemicals

• light ballasts—must be removed from light fixtures

• fluorescent tubes

• art and hobby chemicals

• solvents and thinners

• items containing mercury

• propane and compressed gas cylinders

• batteries – all types and applications

• cleaners and detergents

• poisons

• paint and paint products (latex and acrylic paint, oil-based paint, enamel, stains, lacquers, shellacs, varnishes, primers, etc.)

• cooking oil

• medical sharps in OSHA-approved, puncture-proof containers

• ammunition

The Transfer Station’s normal disposal fees for automotive batteries, antifreeze, and fluorescent tubes are waived during HHW Collection events. Unwanted paint, used motor oil, and used cooking oil are always free to dispose of at the Transfer Station during regular business hours.

Medical sharps in a sealed, self-closing, puncture-proof, OSHA-approved container are received, at no cost, at the Transfer Station Scale House during business hours. Columbia County residents can enroll in the FREE Sharps Containers Exchange Program at the Transfer Station Scale House.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office accepts expired or unwanted medication at 901 Port Ave., St. Helens. They are open 7 days per week, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Place items in the MedReturn collection box.

The county will host six more household hazardous waste events in 2023, the next three events are April 22nd in Vernonia, May 20th in Rainier, and June 10th at the Transfer Station in St. Helens. Please check the Columbia County website for further updates https://www. columbiacountyor.gov/departments/SolidWaste/hhw-schedule

For more information, contact Jacob Anderson by phone at 503-397-7259 or by email at jacob.anderson@columbiacountyor.gov.

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Courtesy photo from Mary Sizemore

Members of the CMHS Girls Basketball Team in uniform.

Courtesy from Mary Sizemore

Members of the CMHS Girls Basketball Team delivering hams and other goodies to the senior center for meals at Christmas.