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Millions more for SNAP

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

VOL. 130, NO. 42 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Indoor mask mandate lifting March 19

Courtesy photo from OHA

The OHA said Oregon’s high vaccination rate is a key contributing factor to the early lift date. STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Oregon will lift mask requirements for indoor public places and Oregon’s schools on March 19, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced today, as hospitalizations drop and are projected to reach levels below those at the start of the Omicron surge. Earlier this month, OHA an-

nounced that the general indoor mask requirement would be lifted by March 31, with the option of lifting it sooner if conditions improved enough. Originally, OHA announced that the K-12 indoor mask rule would lift on March 31. Feedback from school districts around the state indicated that preparations for the transition could be completed earlier. By that date, it was expected, 400 or fewer people per day in Oregon would be hospitalized with the virus, a level the state experienced prior to the arrival of the Omicron variant. A recent modeling report by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) predicted the state would reach that total around March 20. Daily COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined 48% since peaking in late January. Over the past two weeks, hospitalizations have fallen by an average of more than 30 a day. Yesterday, there were 579 people hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state. Reported COVID-19 infections also have dropped precipitously in recent weeks. Over the past month, new infections have declined by more than 80%. The seven-day moving average for new cases is 84% lower than at the peak of the Omicron surge. “We are able to take this important step, earlier than anticipated, because of the collective diligence and the shared sacrifice that people in Oregon have demonstrated in getting vaccinated, wearing masks and limiting their gatherings,” said State epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger. “Based on the feedback from local leaders and communities, OHA and Oregon Department of

Education (ODE) are partnering to develop practical updates to safety protocols for quarantine, contact tracing, and testing that meet the current conditions of the pandemic,” Oregon Department of Education Director and deputy superintendent of public instruction Colt Gill said. “These guidelines will continue to support our North Star goal of providing in-person learning for every student, all day, every school day and will focus on specific supports for students, staff, and families that may be at more risk from COVID-19 than others in the school population.” The March 19 date continues to give local communities time to prepare for the transition, and it allows district and school leaders to take necessary actions to ensure students can safely remain in their classrooms, according to the OHA. High risk concerns State officials highly recommend that people in high-risk groups continue to wear masks in indoor public settings even after the restrictions are lifted. They include people who are at higher risk because they are unvaccinated; immunocompromised; have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications; are 65 or older; or who live with someone in one of those categories. State officials also continue to strongly recommend universal masking in K-12 settings where children are required to attend, which bring together vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, as well as individuals who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness.

Gov. Kate Brown

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Emergency Declaration over, Gov. announces The state of emergency declaration for COVID-19 is coming to an end in Oregon. Earlier this morning, Governor Kate Brown announced that she will be lifting Oregon’s COVID-19 emergency declaration, effective April 1. as COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases continue to drop rapidly and the Omicron variant recedes. “Over the past six months, as Oregon weathered our worst surges of the pandemic, I’m proud of the way Oregonians have worked together to keep each other safe,” Brown said. “Lifting Oregon’s COVID-19 emergency declaration today does not mean that the pandemic is over, or that COVID-19 is no longer a significant concern. But, as we have shown through the Delta and Omicron surges, as we learn to live with this virus, and with so many Oregonians protected by safe and effective vaccines, we can now protect ourselves, our friends, and our families without invoking the extraordinary emergency authorities that were necessary at the beginning of the pandemic. “COVID-19 is still present in Ore-

gon, and we must remain vigilant. We must continue to get vaccinated and boosted, wear masks when necessary, and stay home when sick. That is the only way we can achieve our shared goals of saving lives and keeping our schools, businesses, and communities open.” The state of emergency declaration was slated to end June 30, this year unless rescinded by the governor. Most of the Governor’s executive orders regarding COVID-19 were rescinded on June 30, 2021. In responding to the subsequent Delta and Omicron surges of COVID-19, the Governor for the most part did not use her executive authority to issue new emergency orders, instead taking other steps such as activating the Oregon National Guard to help support hospital workers and coordinating with the OHA to bring skilled healthcare workers to Oregon to support hospital and long-term care facility staff, according to a statement from the Governor’s Office. Since June 30, the emergency declaration has provided the state with flexibility and resources for the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, including allowing for the use of State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon (SERVOR) volunteer medical providers in hospitals, providing flexibility around professional health licensing, and ensuring Oregon could access all available federal disaster relief funds available, such as enhanced SNAP benefits. Current safety requirements in place regarding masks, vaccinations for K-12 educators and staff, and vaccinations for healthcare workers do not rely on the state of emergency declaration––instead, they are covered by state or federal agency administrative rules issued under existing non-emergency state or federal authority, the release states.

Nuisance house sells, work remains ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The nuisance house that has long been a problem along W Seventh Street has sold, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). CCSO Sheriff Brian Pixley served a notice on the property informing the owner that the property sold Feb. 9 for a value of $160,465.57 to Nationstar Mortgage LLC doing business as Champion Mortgage Company based in Portland. Jorgensen said the bank requested a minimum of $160,000 bid for the property. “There has to be due process for the property owner,” Jorgensen said. “That was one of the issues with the burned house. You have to give them the right to respond. Otherwise, you don’t want to create a situation where a city can just up and declare something a nuisance and take someone’s property or put liens on it.” According to the notice, the owner has the right to buy back the property, subject to taxes, expenses, and interest until Aug. 9, at which point the deed will be transferred to the purchaser. As of Wednesday, Feb. 23, the property had yet to be cleared of debris. City officials indicated that the property will be cleared as soon as possible. Obituaries ................. A3 Opinions ................... A4 Community Events .. A4 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ....................... A6 Sports.........................A7

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Background The West 7th Street property has fallen under the scrutiny of neighbors, who say the property is littered with garbage, disabled vehicles, and furniture. Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said the property had been scheduled for a sheriff’s office auction Jan. 5 but attorneys representing the bank that owns the property requested that the auction be postponed until Feb. 9. Council President Mike Kreger said the property has been discussed by council for years. “The nuisance is an issue and the city needs to be diligent in resolving it,” Kreger said during the council’s January public session. Councilor Scott Cooper agreed. Mayor Jerry Cole concurred and said the property is a blight on the area. Kreger moved to declare the property a nuisance. That motion was seconded by Cooper and adopted unanimously by the city council. Responsive approach In a February edition of The Chief, Jorgensen said he didn’t think nuisances are becoming more frequent in Rainier, referring to a burnt house left unattended for several months at 516 East E Street. The city finally had that property, also deemed a public nuisance, cleared last fall. “It’s just that we’re taking a more responsive approach to handling them,” he said. “We’re also still continuing to look into our options for code enforcement.” Jorgensen also said in a previous interview with The Chief the city has conducted a community survey and there are different options that Rainier could put into place by the beginning See HOUSE Page A6

This photo shows the debris on the property as of Wednesday, Feb. 23.

Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

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Friday, February 25, 2022

Indoor farmers market introduced in Clatskanie Jasmine’s tips: Being a thoughtful consumer

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

The Clatskanie Food Hub is located at 80 NE Art Steele Street. ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Farm-to-table initiatives are taking off like never before, and two Clatskanie residents are leading the local movement. Clatskanie Farmers Market board members Jasmine Lillich and Brandon Schilling are moving forward on their plans for the Clatskanie Food Hub, Clatskanie’s first indoor yearround farmers market located on 80 NE Steele Street. “We’re hoping to provide people with all the ingredients for their plate,” Lillich said, “right, so protein and all of the components that make up a complete plate of food from local and regional sources.” With this project, Schilling and Lillich aim not only to promote sustainable agriculture but also to shift the locus of control back to local vendors. As Schilling puts it, “The models just need to change.” The two conducted a survey in December, asking Clatskanie residents if they

would like to see a year-round farmers market developed in the city. Of all 150 responses they received, 100 community members personally offered to lend support to the project, she said. Lillich and Schilling report vendor interest “throughout the Highway 30 corridor,” and said they have been approached by “too many to count.” The future Clatskanie Food Hub is modeled after the facility in Astoria, according to Lillich. The Clatskanie Food Hub will accept electronic benefits transfers (EBT) and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Lillich said, and the couple plans to install a Double Up Food Bucks program to ease any financial burden associated with buying healthy, sustainably-grown foods. “Say somebody that has EBT comes in, EBT or SNAP, and they run their card for $20,” she explained. “Double Up Food Bucks matches that

Vendors at the outdoor Clatskanie Farmers Market pose for a group photo.

$20, so they instantly get another $20, and then our program would match that again so that (when) somebody swipe(s) their card for $20, they get another $40 on top of that.” In addition to easing financial pressures on consumers, Lillich and Schilling said the food hub will allow vendors to sell their goods on 20% consignment, increasing their profit margins between 20 and 40% from what they would normally make selling to big box stores. Operational costs The pair has so far relied on recycled products such as repurposed wood and insulated panels for a walk-in cooler to build out their indoor farmers market. She and Schilling are hoping to raise an additional $15,000 to fund cooling storage, shelving displays, chest freezers, administrative support, and building upgrades, or “basic startup, (which) gives us

a foundation to show grantors that we have some skin in the game, that we’re invested in this project and our community as well,” she said. In addition to the capital campaign, Lillich and Schilling are applying for three grants, including a grant from Columbia Pacific (Colpac) to fund the cost of onboarding two employees, as well as the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant and the Oregon Community Foundation Grant, created to support marginalized communities. “We applied specifically for marketing for specialty crops, which specialty crops are anything like corn and soy and canola, right?” Lillich said. “Grains, vegetables, honey, berries, and everything that we find (at) our farmers market down here and what our producers are growing in northwest Oregon.” Lillich said she expects the food hub will be up and running by January. In the meantime, there are many

Courtesy photo

ways for the community to get involved. “First of all, donate,” she said. “Anything helps our Bread and Butter campaign found on our website under the Clatskanie Food Hub tab. We’ll be sharing it on Facebook as well on our Facebook account. It’s always great to follow the Clatskanie Farmers Market on Facebook and the Clatskanie community garden. (Or) just come and volunteer with us. We have all kinds of different fun jobs for volunteers to do.” The Clatskanie Farmers Market, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit open-air market, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June through September at Copes Park. Donations can be mailed to Clatskanie Farmers Market Po Box 1501, Clatskanie, OR 97016. All donors will receive a tax deductible receipt. For more information about the Clatskanie Food Hub or the Clatskanie Farmers Market, visit https://www.clatskaniefarmersmarket.com.

Lillich estimated her diet consists of 95% locally-grown foods, which she explained is her way of showing commitment to local farmers. “A lot of suffering went into (the) food that we buy from big box stores and in these grocery stores, whether people weren’t getting their fair share wage for growing that food or becoming sick from all of the toxic chemicals that went into growing that food, or the farmers that have lost their lands because of those toxic chemicals,” she said. According to Lillich, there are simple things you can do to support your local farmers and achieve a more nutrient-richer, chemical-free diet. She recommends that consumers change their habits in two ways: Buy in bulk and buy seconds from farmers. Seconds are the produce that is less attractive-looking and often gets thrown away, which offer the same nutritional value as their more attractive counterparts.

$100 million to help Oregon’s rural communities DAVID RUPKALVIS

worldnewseditor@countrymedia.net

Small rural communities in Columbia County and across the state could soon see new financial assistance. A proposal to invest $100 million in rural Oregon is moving through the Oregon Legislature, and House Speaker Dan Rayfield said he expects the package to be approved. Rayfield said announcements about several big packages were expected this week, as the state legislature rushes

to get bills approved in the short session. “We will start to release a few of our packages that will hit some of those issues we’ve been talking about,” Rayfield said. The legislation includes a climate investment package, the $100 million investment into infrastructure and economic development in rural Oregon, housing, efforts to support teachers and schools as well as a package to address community violence. Rayfield said the package for rural Oregon will benefit

communities represented mostly by Republicans, and the Republicans in the Legislature led the effort to write the bill. “We allowed Republicans to lead the charge because they know their communities best,” Rayfield said. “That was an exciting, fun thing.” Rayfield said as speaker and leader of the Democratic Caucus he often has disagreements with his Republican colleagues, but he said looking out for all the state is the right thing for the Legislature to do. “It’s value driven from the

get go,” he said. “It’s about looking at the entire state. Rural Oregon was an area we looked at. The focus was let’s get people who live in these communities, know what’s on the ground and let them lead the way.” While the Democrats leading the Legislature have complained about Republicans repeatedly forcing bills to be read fully before votes, Rayfield said proposing money for rural Oregon was not a way to stop the GOP protests. He said if the roles were reversed, he expects the Democrats would

find ways to protest, too. “There’s absolutely no strings attached,” Rayfield said. “This is about making meaningful changes across the state. I think our philosophy is to allow Republicans to protest by reading bills. What I want to do is be able to respect them.” Rayfield said in the 35-day session, there is a rush to get bills done. He explained some bills take eight days just to get out of a single committee, so there is a time crunch. But, he added, there will be time to read every bill if needed and

still get the work done. He also said he expects many of the packages to have bipartisan support, at least in specific elements. Rayfield said as a weekend of violence in Portland showed, there is a great need for an investment in community safety. One of the goals in the package will be to invest in proven organizations and plans that work to stop violence before it happens. “How can we really break the cycle in the front end,” he asked.

Pandemic impact on our leisure activities MOLLY ROSBACH Chief Guest Article

As folks in Columbia County, across the state and the nation turned to hobbies like reading and outdoor recreation to fill their days during the COVID-19 pandemic, research from Oregon State University (OSU) finds that engagement in leisure activities can help lower the risk of depression and improve mental wellbeing. Xiangyou Shen, lead author on the study and an assistant professor in OSU’s College of Forestry, said leisure is crucial to our mental health. “Despite all the disruptions to daily life, physical distancing, movement restrictions and closures of indoor leisure facilities, we found that people continue to use leisure to help

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them cope with stress and as a way to navigate life during COVID-19,” Shen said. For the study, researchers surveyed 503 participants from Feb. 3-15, 2021, a time when vaccines were slowly rolling out in the U.S. and before the Delta and Omicron variants had emerged in full force. They measured participant stress, depressive symptoms, general health and well-being, and asked participants to list their favorite leisure activity and how frequently they were able to engage in it. They also asked participants how their engagement with that activity had changed since COVID, and how their current level of engagement compared with their ideal level. The study sample was representative of the overall U.S. population in terms of

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the Feb. 16, 2021 crossword puzzle

gender, age, race and vaccination status. Researchers grouped respondents’ activities into 19 categories under three broad domains. Home-based offline activities were most popular, with 43.4% citing a favorite within this domain; then screen-based digital/online activities, with 32.1%; and lastly physical or outdoor activities, with 24.5%. The study revealed a general increase in at-home activities like reading, writing, and computer or video games, but a decrease in most physical and outdoor activities, with the exception of walking and gardening. On the mental health side, 24% of respondents reported major depressive symptoms, 13% reported severe or extremely severe stress, and 7% reported poor mental wellbeing.

The results showed that changes in engagement level compared with pre-COVID engagement, as well as the gap between respondents’ current engagement in that activity and their ideal engagement, were significantly associated with mental health, more so than the frequency of their activities. The results suggest that people lean more heavily into their preferred leisure activity in response to stress. “We see that people who reported higher stress also reported increased engagement in their leisure activity. But if they were able to increase their engagement or maintain it, they did not report more depressive symptoms,” Shen said. “It’s OK if you experience higher stress, if you also maintain or adapt what you do in leisure time as a protective buffer. Failing to maintain or make adaptive changes, you

are at higher risk for depression.” The key takeaway here is that leisure matters, said Megan MacDonald, co-author and an associate professor in OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences. “It’s a reminder for all of us that it really is important to take time for yourself and make sure that you’re engaging in those activities and don’t beat yourself up for taking that time,” she said. “We need rest and relaxation as well, but leisure and play can be more engaging and redirect in a different way, one that’s helping us take a breath away from some of that other stress.” But the results also show that leisure is not equally accessible by all. For example, parents reported significantly lower leisure participation than non-parents. And this study found a much lower rate of en-

gagement in outdoor activities than previous COVID leisure studies, raising questions about how accessible outdoor recreation is in different parts of the country and at different times of the year. “This pandemic exposes some of the social problems we already have and the disparities in how much time people have for self-care,” Shen said. “Parents, especially women, as caregivers who don’t have enough childcare support and are also working full-time — these people are among the most vulnerable.” Funding for the study came from OSU’s Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families. Molly Rosbach works at the OSU Department of Marketing and Research. She may be reached at molly.rosbach@ oregonstate.edu.

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Friday, February 25, 2022

Household waste collection events The first Household Hazardous Waste Collection event of the New Year will be held at the Columbia County Transfer Station from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1601 Railroad Avenue in St. Helens. Various toxic and unsafe materials can be dropped off at no cost. Items must be in containers of less than five 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—please remove from light fixtures • fluorescent tubes • art and hobby chemicals • solvents and thinners • items containing mercury • propane and compressed gas cylinders • batteries - automotive, rechargeable, button, alkaline batteries • cleaners and detergents • poisons • paint and paint prod-

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Courtesy photo

Columbia County is offering seven household waste collection events this year, with the first Saturday, Feb. 26 in St. Helens.

ucts (latex and acrylic paint, oil-based paint, enamel, stains, lacquers, shellacs, varnishes, primers, etc.) • cooking oil • medical sharps in OSHA-approved, punctureproof containers • ammunition Unwanted paint, used motor oil, and used cooking oil can be disposed of free of charge at any time during the Transfer Station’s regular business hours. The normally-charged disposal of automotive batteries, antifreeze, and fluorescent tubes at the Transfer Station is also free during this event. 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. Free sharps containers are available

from the Transfer Station Scale House. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office accepts expired or unwanted medication at 901 Port Ave., St. Helens. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Place items in the MedReturn collection box. Extra safety measures will be in place. Transfer site employees and volunteers ask that those participating in the collections be patient, unloading may take a few extra minutes. Those dropping off unwanted materials are asked to have all the household hazardous waste in the truck bed or trunk or hatchback of the vehicle, not the passenger compartment. Participants are also asked to remain in their vehicle. The county will host six more household hazardous waste events in 2022, the next three events are April 23 in Vernonia, May 14 in Rainier and June 11 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 Kathy Boutin-Pasterz at 503-397-7259 or by email at kathleen.boutinpasterz@columbiacountyor. gov.

•O bituaries • • Beverly Ann Palm

Oct. 27, 1931 ~ Feb. 15, 2022 Beverly Ann Palm of Clatskanie, Oregon, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on the night of February 15th at 90 years of age. Born Oct. 27, 1931 in Astoria, Oregon, Beverly was the only child of Frances and Forester Parks. Beverly married the love of her life, Johnnie Palm in Clatskanie, Oregon on July 18, 1953. She lived the majority of her years in Clatskanie, raising, and spending time with her seven children: Donald Drayton, Vicki (Palm) Remick, Richard Palm, Gary Palm, Bruce Palm, Karen (Palm) Nolan and Cheryl Palm. Beverly loved spending time with family and friends. Her happiest times were when we could all get together. Beverly enjoyed participating in many clubs and activities over the years, including: Constructing parade floats with the Clatskanie Fire Bells, square dancing with the Clatskanie Promenaders, clamming, fishing, hunting, league bowling, pinochle club and pursuing her love of flowers through the Clatskanie Garden Club. She loved to travel and had

the opportunity to visit many different countries including Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Finland and Sweden. She also traveled to most, if not all, of the 50 United States. Beverly was a strong and loving mother, raising seven equally strong and loving children. Our Mom was our biggest cheerleader and our constant supporter. Our family would not be where it is today if we didn’t have her as a mother and grandmother. She was the center of the family, and thanks to her, we all have many fond memories. Beverly was preceded in death by her father Forester;

mother Frances; husband Johnnie; daughter Karen; and son Donald. She leaves behind her five remaining children; fourteen grandchildren: Patrick Drayton, Lisa (Drayton) Boullester, Travis Remick, Deanna Remick, Charity Remick, Kelly (Palm) Niemela, Crystal Palm, Jennifer Palm, Daneille (Palm) Cram, Jason Palm, Megan Palm, Samantha Nolan-White, Jonathan Nolan and Alina (Kyser) Fischer; 29 great-grandchildren; and six great-greatgrandchildren. Services will be held on Saturday, February 26th at Columbia Funeral Services, 1105 Maple Street, in Longview, Washington. Viewing begins at 10 a.m. and service commences at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Murray Hill Cemetery in Clatskanie, Oregon. Celebration of life will be held immediately following at the Clatskanie Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Beverly’s name to one of her favorite organizations: Community Home Health and Hospice in Longview, Washington.

Courtesy photo

SNAP is an assistance program designed to help approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities, with emergency food allotments and other benefits.

$62 million in emergency PETERSEN ETERSEN C LARKE P food allotments forCLARKE March LLC LLC

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Qualifying families in Clatskanie and Rainier, and across the state struggling to make ends meet will see additional food allotments next month. Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in March. The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, approximately 386,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $62 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits. “We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Sequin said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

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Current SNAP (503) housemost up-to-date information. (503) 556-4120 556-4120 holds will receive emergency You can report any allotments on March 11. changes to your income or Columbia County’s Premier Columbia Emergency allotments will County’s householdPremier in many ways: be issued March 31 or April Personal Injury Attorneys Attorneys Personal Injury 2 for households Lwho did not go n •&Online at: ONE.Oregon. sedd in in OOrreego Waash shin ingto gtonn L i icceennse n & W receive benefits in the first gov monthly issuance. • By mail at: ONE SNAP recipients do not Customer Service Center, have to take any action to PO Box 14015, Salem, OR receive these supplemental 97309 benefits as they will be is• By fax at: 503-378-5628 sued directly on their EBT • By phone at: 1-800cards. 699-9075 or TTY 711 More information about emergency allotments is Resources to help meet ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE LLC available at https://www.orebasic needs AA tt tt oo rr nn ee yy ss gon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/ FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/ • Find a food pantry: (503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) Emergency-Allotments.aspx. foodfinder.oregonfoodbank. Questions about your org SNAP benefits should be di- Injury • Learn about government Accidents •Personal Injury •Wrongful Death Accidents •Personal •Wrongful Death rected to the ONE Customer programs and community reService Center at 1-800-699- sources for older adults and No Fee Fee Until Untilpeople Recovery No Recovery 9075. with disabilities: AgIf your householdOOrreego ing and Disability Resource gonn && W Waash shin in gton n gto receives SNAP and your Connection of Oregon at income or the number of 1-855-673-2372 or www. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION people in your household adrcoforegon.org. has changed, it could impact • Dial 2-1-1, or text your benefits. It is important your zip code to 898-211, to make sure ODHS has the www.211info.org

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James “Jim” Henry Rinck Sr. July 10, 1928 ~ Feb. 12, 2022

On Feb. 12, 2022, James H. “Jim” Rinck Sr. ended his 93-year, seven-month, two-day stay on this plane of existence. He was born in Banks, Oregon in July 1928 to Frank and Gladys Rinck, and was the youngest of three children. He also lived in Deer Island before moving to Rainier as a child, where he remained for the rest of his life. Although he always thought of himself as a farmer, Jim worked in a sawmill for a short time, then was a self-employed horse logger before joining the

Laborers Union and working in construction until his retirement. He was preceded in death

by his wife of 70 years, Valancia “Deedee” (Devine) Rinck; son David Rinck at one year of age; brother Robert Rinck; and sister Anna Marie Clausen. He is survived by his children, Elaine (Dick) Watkins, Jim (Kathy) Rinck Jr., Kathy (Bob) Kennedy, Linda (Mike) Johnson, and Steve (Kristi) Rinck; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A funeral was held on Feb. 19, 2022 at Alston Corner Assembly Church in Rainier, Oregon and he was buried at Hudson Cemetery in Rainier, Oregon.

James Dudley McClenny 1944 ~ 2022

James Dudley McClenny was born in Clatskanie in 1944 to parents James and Georgella (Hill) McClenny. James graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1962 and married his lovely wife Elisa (Quintero) McClenny in 1965. They moved back to the area in 1966. He was an Army veteran and served from 1963

to 1966. James worked at the Mill for over 40 years before retiring. James is survived by his wife Elisa; sisters, Rayella Oppenlander, Margaret McClenny, Kathy Akrom and Janita Tronnes; children, James McClenny, Jonathon McClenny, Michelle Pasetto and Joseph McClenny; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.

James was described by his children as a loving father, caring, giving husband who would open his door to whoever needed it. He will be deeply missed, especially his quirky sense of humor. There will be a service open to the public at 10 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 26, 2022 at St. John Baptist Catholic Church in Clatskanie, Oregon.

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Friday, February 25, 2022

•V iewpoints • •

Support for small businesses, childcare providers BRAD WITT Chief Guest Column

During this short Oregon Legislative Session, we have been working on legislation to support Oregon small businesses and working families, while taking steps to drive down the cost of living. Small businesses Small businesses and working families are the backbone of Oregon’s economic prosperity, and we need to build an economy that works for them by investing in skills training, while reducing barriers to people starting and expanding small business. HB 4015 changes the Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund program administered by Business Oregon by raising the loan amount cap for individual businesses from $100,000 to $1 million. This business development fund helps with financing for business

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“Do-Pass” recommendation and was in the Full Ways and Means Committee awaiting a work session. Childcare provider support HB 4005 provides immediate support for childcare providers and continued work on building the Department of Early Learning and Care. Access to childcare is essential for working families. Over the years, reliable access to quality, affordable childcare has emerged as a critical issue facing families across Oregon. It has become even more apparent due to the pandemic that childcare is essential so parents can contribute to the overall economy while providing financial security for their families. Testimony in favor of this legislation came from parents, providers, Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, the Oregon Pediatric Society, Family First Parent Resource Centers, SEIU, AFSCME, the Urban League of Portland and many others.

HB 4005 received a “Do Pass” recommendation on a unanimous, bi-partisan vote in the House Committee on Early Childhood. It was scheduled for a work session in Ways and Means. Winter weather As we continue our February legislative session, Oregon’s temperatures have been plummeting, and the forecast for below-freezing overnight temperatures this week has caused Washington and Multnomah Counties to open warming shelters to the public. Anyone seeking to get out of the elements can call 211 for shelter information in their area. The immediate need for warming shelters brings up the issue of homelessness, and legislation that has been introduced this session regarding this problem. HB 4123, another bill from Rep. Jason Kropf, funds a coordinated regional response to homelessness in communities across the state. HB 4123 would provide

funding to streamline the work of local organizations working to address the rapid increases in housing instability and houselessness in Oregon. This legislation seeks to coordinate the work of cities and counties, by providing the means to develop a regional approach of unified governance and leadership. This would then be used to coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders, including service providers, faith-based organization, business partners, local government, state advocates and agencies to yield the best possible impacts. The House Committee on Housing unanimously approved a “Do-Pass” recommendation on HB 4123, and it is now in the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development. A work session was scheduled this week. Moving quickly We are now halfway through the 2022 legisla-

tion session and things will be moving quite quickly in the next few weeks. In order to provide for an orderly move toward adjournment, the rules requiring 48 hours’ notice for an initial public hearing and 24 hours’ notice for all other meetings has been suspended by House Speaker Dan Rayfield. This means if you have concerns or comments about proposed legislation I need to hear from you as quickly as possible. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of the Representatives, and I look forward to your input as we undertake this important work together. Brad Witt represents House District 31. He may be reached at • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Phone: 503-986-1431 • Address: 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: http://www. oregonlegislature.gov/witt

•C ommunity E vents • •

COVID-19 Testing The Columbia County Public Health Department is hosting a convenient testing site at the Columbia County Rider Transit Center located at 1155 Deer Island Road in St. Helens. The testing site is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday until March 31.The testing site uses shallow, selfcollected nasal PCR tests with no out-of-pocket cost to those being tested. Test results will be delivered in approximately 1-2 days from the time the sample is received at the lab.To schedule an appointment, go online to cur.tv/sthelens. Residents without internet access can call 888-702-0942 or public health at 503-397-7247 for assistance scheduling an appointment. Feb. 26 Volunteer Opportunity, Workshop Join the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership from 9 a.m. to 12

•

start-ups while they develop new products and markets to grow a healthy, innovative economy. These funds can be used by businesses to purchase or build new facilities, purchase equipment and provide working capital. HB 4015 received support from Oregon Business and Industry and the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network and the bill passed in the House on a 53-1 vote and is now awaiting a floor vote in the Senate. Another piece of legislation to support small business is HB 4075 which was introduced by Rep. Jason Kropf, would make it easier for small businesses that are burglarized to receive restitution. The legislation puts victims first in line for restitution. After the victims are paid in full, convicted criminals would then pay court fines, instead of the current procedure which equally splits any payments between the court and victims. HB 4075 moved out of the House Committee on Judiciary on a unanimous

•V oices

I have said it before Last week I received a written letter from Mark Farmer, Clatskanie’s PUD manager. Mr. Farmer was responding to my voicemail concerning NEXT ENERGY. In my voicemail, I expressed my concern that

p.m. at Veterans Park to plant native trees and shrubs along the bank of South Scappoose Creek to create healthy habitat for salmon. A workshop to make willow and dogwood cuttings for restoration projects will also be conducted. To participate in the cutting workshop, please arrive at 8:45 a.m. at Veterans Park, located at 52590 Captain Roger Kucera Way in Scappoose. Current health guidelines at the time will be followed and may include face coverings and social distancing. New volunteers are required to fill out a waiver at the event. Children and teenagers under 18 will need a parent signature and supervision. Registration is required for this event. For more information, contact Emily Martin at emily@scappoosebaywc.org or call 503-298-5440. Feb. 26 Free Vaccination/ Booster Clinic Columbia County will be hosting a free vaccination/booster

of the

clinic from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the County Fairgrounds in the 4H Building, 58892 Saulser Road in St Helens. First doses, second doses, and boosters of Pfizer and Moderna brands will be available for adults and children (ages 5+). Don Coin Walrod Scholarship The Deer Island Grange is now accepting applications for the Don Coin Walrod Scholarship. The scholarship is created for a Columbia County high school senior. Applicants may attend a trade school, community college, or university of their choice, but must major in agriculture, education, forestry, or animal science. Applications are available from each of the Columbia County high school counselor offices and must be post marked by April 1, 2022. Mail applications to: Don Coin Walrod Scholarship, 64556 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054.

C ommunity • •

the PUD would publish a magazine expressing such a glowing review concerning NEXT ENERGY. In Marc’s response he assured me the article was not an endorsement but rather a “human interest” story; really? Mr. Farmer felt in his letter the PUD article was not “an endorsement nor was it a supportive article.” Really, then why would the magazine

front cover feature Christopher Efird instead of a picture of the Odessa superfund site he was involved in? I have said it before and I will say it again, Next Energy is the next ENRON and Chrisopher Efird is the next Bernie Madoff. Russell Spaulding Clatskanie

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Friday, February 25, 2022

Columbia County’s economic performance tied to growth ERIK KNODER Chief Guest Article

The population of Northwest Oregon, including Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, and Benton counties fell by 86 people (-0.03%) to an estimated 266,949 in 2021. How is it possible that counties that normally grow actually lose population? Since the loss occurred solely in Benton County, the answer is probably related to Oregon State University and its restrictions during the pandemic. The average annualized growth rate for the region since 2010 has been 0.83%, much slower than the 1.5% annual growth during the 1990s but similar to rate of the 2000s. Growth in the region will probably return to a more normal trend in 2022. The link Population growth seems tied to economic performance in the region. The region grew by 2,000 or more people each year from 2005 through 2007. It slowed as immigration slowed during the 2007-2009 recession and early recovery. In 2014 population growth jumped by 1,900 and had been that much or more every year until 2020. The 2020 Census provided an opportunity to reset the level for annual population estimates, and the result was

a significant increase in the estimated population of Clatsop, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties. Columbia County In 2020, Columbia County’s population was estimated to be lower than expected and Benton County’s population estimate seemed to be pretty much in line with the previous trend. Since the pre-Census estimates are not revised, these changes can be clearly seen in the chart above. The line markers for 2020 (the second from the right side end) show noticeable increases for Lincoln, Clatsop, and Tillamook counties; a slight decrease for Columbia County; and a continuation of the trend line for Benton County. The sharp drop in Benton County’s population is evident by the marker for the 2021 estimate. Columbia County saw its estimated population drop ever so slightly (-2 people) due to the 2020 Census. In reality, the population estimates from 2010 through 2019 were just higher than the real growth, and the total adjustment was made in 2020. Columbia’s population growth is fueled by its proximity to the rest of the Portland metropolitan area. Housing in the county is typically much less expensive than in adjoining Washington County, which is attractive to

commuters. The county’s estimated population grew again in 2021 by 266 to 53,014. Benton County Benton County (aka the Corvallis Metropolitan Area) provided 35% of the area’s total population and more growth than any other county in the region since 2010. The county’s resident population decreased by 1,340 (-1.4%) in 2021, probably due in large part to the pandemic and the subsequent reduction of in-person classes at Oregon State University in 2021. The county’s estimated population was 93,976 in 2021. Clatsop County Clatsop County added 291 residents in 2021, which was comparable with growth in recent years prior to the pandemic. The county gained 1,807 people the previous year courtesy of the 2020 Census, and it grew by about 1.0% per year from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population is older on average than Columbia County and relies more on migration for population growth. The estimated population was 41,428 in 2021. Lincoln County Lincoln County also relies heavily on migration

Courtesy from the Oregon Employment Department

for population growth. The county added an estimated 516 residents in 2021, the most since 1997 except for the 2020 Census year. Lincoln County got a bump of 2,127 people in 2020, meaning that the precensus estimates had been low. Growth from 2010 to 2020 was about 0.9% per year. The county’s population passed 50,000 in 2020, and was estimated at 50,903 in 2021. The county attracts retirees, and the recovery of the stock market

and national housing prices have probably helped people who want to retire to Oregon’s beautiful coast. Slow job growth, lower wages, and high housing prices still challenge Lincoln County. Tillamook County Tillamook County’s population is nearly as old as Lincoln County’s. Deaths often outnumber births and the county relies on migration for growth. The county’s popula-

tion increased by 181 in 2021. Tillamook County gained 947 people in 2020 due in large part to the 2020 Census. The county typically grows by about 200 people per year. Growth averaged about 0.8% per year from 2010 through 2020. The county had 27,628 residents in 2021. Erik Knoder is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He may be reached at 541-3515595.

Scholarships for Clatskanie grads now available The Clatskanie Foundation announced that applications are now available for seven scholarships administered by the Foundation, which total approximately $42,000 this year. The scholarships are available to Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) 2022 graduates and alumni. The Russell and Viena Fluhrer Scholarship This scholarship is for CMHS graduates and CMHS alumni. The Fluhrer Scholarship must be used at a fouryear college in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The Scott Evenson Memorial Scholarship This scholarship honors Scott Evenson and will be awarded to a CMHS graduate with priority given to applicants pursuing a degree in forestry or a related field. The scholarship is limited to

CMHS graduates/alumni and may be used at any two or four-year school and may be renewable for up to total of five years. The Scott Blecha Memorial Scholarship This scholarship honors the life of Scott Alan Blecha. Two scholarships will be awarded- one to a 2022 CMHS graduate and one to an alumnus of CMHS who have attended Clatskanie schools for at least four years. Special consideration will be given to those attending Oregon Tech, have served in the military, and have participated in student government and sports. The Clatskanie Memorial Scholarship This scholarship will be awarded to a 2022 graduate of CMHS and may be used at a two-year, four-year, vocational or technical school.

•

The Palmrose Family Scholarship

April 8, 2022 to be accepted for review. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

An achievement-based scholarship, this will be awarded to a 2022 graduate of CMHS to attend a four-year college in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree during their sophomore year.

About the Clatskanie Foundation

The Lower Columbia ABATE of Oregon Scholarship Awarded to a 2022 graduate of CMHS, this scholarship may be used at a two-year college, trade school or an accredited apprenticeship program. The Mike Jubinville Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is in memory of Mike Jubinville and will be awarded to a graduate of CMHS who has successfully completed at least one year at Oregon

Metro Creative Connection

$42,000 in various educational scholarships are now available for Clatskanie Middle/High School graduates.

State University studying in the field of engineering or business. How to apply For more information about these scholarships and an application to apply, visit The Clatskanie Foundation website at www. clatskaniefoundation.com under the scholarship tab or

by emailing Kathy Engel at kathy.r.engel@gmail.com or Hallie Parker at hallie. parker@icloud.com. For details about how to make tax-deductible donations or create new scholarships through the Clatskanie Foundation, contact Hallie Parker at hallie.parker@ icloud.com. Applications must be postmarked no later than

The Clatskanie Foundation was established in 1998 by a group of local citizens with the mission of enhancing the economic growth and quality of life in Clatskanie by establishing and supporting local programs, with and emphasis on those in education, and providing scholarships to deserving applicants to attend accredited educational institutions. Since that time it has served as a vehicle through which tax-deductible donations have benefited our local community in many ways including: local scholarships, Heritage Days, the Booster Club and more, according to the Foundation’s website.

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE 1940s ACROSS

1. Decree 6. *U.S./U.S.S.R.’s cold one 9. Harry Potter’s mark 13. Syrup flavor 14. ____ Khan 15. Bird of prey’s nest 16. Lieu 17. H+, e.g. 18. Bashful or Happy 19. *”1984” author George 21. *Best-selling pop artist Bing 23. Writer ____ Monk Kidd 24. Genghis or Kubla 25. Cranberry habitat 28. Not nice 30. Saddle holders 35. *Boris Karloff’s movie “The ____,” pl. 37. Actress Barrymore 39. Asian goat antelope 40. Supernatural life force 41. Seethes 43. South African antelope 44. Cook from above 46. Rotisserie part 47. Not odd 48. Italy in Italian 50. What snob puts on 52. .0000001 joule

53. Sound of a dropped tome 55. Beer acronym 57. *____ Doctrine, U.S. foreign policy 60. *”How Green Was My ____” 63. Another word for nutria 64. Ciao in the U.S. 66. Trip guide 68. Surveyor’s maps 69. Afflict 70. Will alternative 71. Additionally 72. Nucleic acid 73. Term of endearment

DOWN

1. Emergency acronym 2. *1949 international org. 3. Copycat 4. Chicken feet 5. Christian hymn (2 words) 6. Graveside sound 7. Gone by 8. TV’s Yellowstone, e.g. 9. Uses a Singer 10. Underwater hermit 11. Ethereal 12. Gridiron official, for short 15. Apollo Creed’s son

20. City in northern England 22. Old towel, e.g. 24. Rollerskater’s protector (2 words) 25. *Disney’s 1942 orphan 26. Abstractionism using optical illusion 27. Kind of salami 29. Crafts’ companion 31. Network of nerves 32. Treasure collection 33. Dreamer? 34. *Popular music style 36. Ship canvas 38. *1939-1945 42. Parallel grooves 45. Acid turns it red 49. “Bingo!” 51. Daryl Hannah’s 1984 movie 54. Open up 56. In spite of the fact, arch. 57. Church sound 58. Swedish shag rugs 59. Plotting 60. Velum, pl. 61. Zeal 62. New Haven University 63. IRS employee? 65. Yang’s opposite 67. Canny

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Friday, February 25, 2022

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502

Announcements

Help Wanted

City of Clatskanie (City) is seeking Proposals from qualified firms for design, engineering, and environmental assessment services to build a build a Sequencing Batch Reactor Waste-water Treatment Plant that will replace the existing WWTP (the “Project”). For further information, please visit www. cityofclatskanie. com or contact City Hall at 503-7282622. Work under this contract will be funded in its entirety with grant funds from the Oregon Community Block Grant Program.

Head Lifeguard Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is accepting applications for the position of Head Lifeguard. Required: At least 2 years Lifeguard/ CPR/AED experience. WSI certified desirable. You can request an application by phone at 503-728-2757, by email at csp@cni. net or stop by the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). Applications can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@ cni.net or in person at the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). If you have any questions, please contact Charity Lickfold at 503-728-2757 or Cyndi Warren, 208249-7144. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

and continuing through September assist the Pool Manager with training, managing and evaluating approximately 20 lifeguards. In addition, this position helps in planning, organizing, scheduling and teaching programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Knowledge and Skills: Experience in pool management, supervising employees, administration, leadership and good public relation skills is highly desirable. Knowledge in pool maintenance, water chemistry testing and related is helpful. Experience and Training: Experience preferred or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between the applicant, Pool Manager and District Manager to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; FirstAid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard and Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can request an application and a copy of the full job

description by phone at 503-7282757, by email at csp@cni.net or stopping by the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). Applications can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni.net or in person at the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 208-249-7144. Applications will be accepted until 3:00pm on Monday, March 14, 2022.

can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni. net or in person at the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). If you have any questions, please contact Charity Lickfold at 503-728-2757 or Cyndi Warren, 208249-7144. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

independently. The position is available immediately. Please email your resume to: warren. cyndi@yahoo.com. Please send your resume to: Rainier Cemetery District, PO Box 307, Clatskanie, OR 97016. If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren at 208-2497144. Resumes will be accepted until 5:00pm on Monday, March 7, 2022.

312

Events

Annual ASTORIA AUTOMOTIVE SWAP MEET

Vendors Wanted!

Clatsop Fairgrounds Saturday, March 12TH 8 A.M. - 2 P.M. Call Fred (503) 440-9481 or Dorothy (503) 468-0006

Assistant Pool Manager Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications for an Assistant Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Beginning in February/March

Lifeguard Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications for the position of Lifeguard. Required: Applicants must meet the requirement of being 15 years of age by the last day of the Lifeguard Training/Certification Course. Training dates to be provided. You can request an application by phone at 503-728-2757, by email at csp@ cni.net or stop by the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). Applications

Part-Time Office Manager The Rainier Cemetery District is looking for a Part-Time Office Manager (approximately 25-30 hours per week). Must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass a background check. Duties are, but not limited to; sell and locate plots, plan and schedule burials, record keeping, answer phones, meet with families, and work closely with maintenance crew. Skills required for this position are, but not limited to; Strong Excel and Word, data entry, attention to detail, customer service and the ability to work

860

Storage

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

Hoarder’s Paradise! 20 sizes, Inexpensive RV Storage, Carports, Hand trucks, Locks, Fully-lined, Insulated, Condensation free, all units lit. On-site Manager

503 728-2051 503 369-6503 Visa/MC/Amex

Classified Ads Deadline: Wednesday by noon. Late submissions may not make the paper.

Head Start Needs YOU! Community Action Team Head Start is hiring in Columbia County!! We provide: • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits • Personal and sick leave • Balanced work schedules • A culturally respectful work environment We have career opportunities for a Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Cook, and Custodian. Contact JoAnne Dodge at 503-397-4114, jdodge@nworheadstart.org; or Dawn Crawford at 503-556-3736, dcrawford@nworheadstart.org

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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC22-1581

CC22-1580

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FO THE STATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of SANDRA E. TEIR, Deceased. No. 22PB00739 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 25, 2022. Tanya Fadden, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

CC22-1579

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA In the Matter of the Estate of MICHAEL L. ARTHUR, Deceased. No. 22PB01096 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers

HOUSE From Page A1

of the fiscal year in July to address such public property nuisances. Jorgensen was adamant in his responses that he does not want to see the City of Rainier succumb to the same problem of what he calls “zombie houses” all over Portland. “Some of them are right next to houses that people own that they maintain, and it just looks awful,” he added. “We don’t want that here.” According to Jorgensen, the council has been concerned about the cost to the city to clear such nuisance properties. What’s changed now is that with the West 7th Street prop-

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of MELVIN LESLIE VANDERFORD, Deceased. No. 22PB01013 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims

against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain

CC22-1582

NOTICE OF MEETING The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022, 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 are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the February 2nd, 2021 regular meeting, a presentation from the

attached, to the undersigned personal representative at the address below, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, 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 representa-

tive, or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published February 23, 2022. FRANK CHANDLER, Personal Representative c/o Lucas & Associates, LLC Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 519, Rainier, OR 97048, Phone: 503-556-3741, FAX: 503556-0708, Lucasatty@ yahoo.com.

erty, the city’s public works department could clear the property without the expense of contracting out the needed work. “Typically, when you’re evading a nuisance, it’s a home that is occupied, (that) a person owns as opposed to an entity and the big nature of the complaint is the pile of debris and garbage in the backyard,” he said. “It appears to be mostly household waste. But it’s been out there for a very long time and the biggest barrier to its move. The complaints are about the garbage in the backyard, not necessarily about the house or the structure itself.” In 2021 alone, police officers have performed 7,040 premise checks and filed 61 property reports, according to a release from the Rainier Police Department.

Legal notices are posted on the front door of the structure at the 313 W Seventh Street house.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

Lower Columbia Watershed Council and a presentation of the capital improvement projects planned for fiscal year 2022-2023. An updated meeting agenda will be available at City Hall by Feb. 25th, 2022. The facility is ADA compliant. Please call City Hall at 503-7282622 at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published February 25, 2022. Sheila D. Vanderford, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048. CC22-1586

FINANCIAL REPORT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW Rainier Economic Development Council Financial Report for year ending June 30, 2021 is available for review at Rainier City Hall, 106 W B St. Rainier, OR 97048.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

These items were among the debris spotted along the 313 W Seventh Street house.

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, February 25, 2022

New research: extreme autumn fire weather increased 40% STEVE LUNDEBERG Chief Guest Article

The likelihood of hot, dry, windy autumn weather that can set the stage for severe fires in California and western Oregon has increased 40% due to human-caused climate change, new computer models show. The study led by Linnia Hawkins, a postdoctoral researcher in the Oregon State University (OSU) College of Forestry, covered 2017 and 2018 and looked at the role climate change may have played in extreme fire weather conditions that accompanied recent large September, October and November fires in those states. The collaboration that included David Rupp of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute examined the weather conditions during big fires driven by strong offshore winds such as California’s Santa Ana and Diablo winds and western Oregon’s East wind. The modeling found that human influences on climate actually reduced the frequency of those winds in the two years studied. But higher temperatures and drier fuels mean the four study

areas were nevertheless much more likely to have extreme autumn fire weather than they would have had without human-caused increases in atmospheric aerosols and carbon dioxide. “Over the last handful of years, California and western Oregon have experienced their largest and most destructive wildfires ever recorded,” Hawkins said. “The rapid and extensive growth of many of the fires was driven by strong, dry, offshore, downslope autumn winds blowing across fuels that had become very parched over the summer and stayed that way into fall.” For this research, the scientists focused on conditions like those seen during recent catastrophic fires, including Northern California’s Wine Country fires in October 2017, the Camp Fire in November 2018 and the North Complex Glass fires in September 2020; Southern California’s Woolsey Fire in November 2018; and western Oregon’s Lionshead Fire in September 2020. “Anthropogenic climate change has increased the likelihood of extremely hot, dry and windy weather in autumn, but it has not neces-

sarily increased the likelihood of fire, nor did these fires occur because of climate change,” Hawkins said. “But those fires provided archetypes of extreme offshorewind-driven autumn fire weather for us to study.” To model a climate absent human activity, the scientists set the atmospheric CO2 and aerosol concentrations to mid-19th century levels. They performed thousands of simulations with present-day CO2 and aerosol concentrations and thousands more simulations with CO2 and aerosol concentrations set to pre-industrial levels. The researchers then compared the likelihood of extreme autumn fire weather conditions – defined as conditions that, absent human influence, would occur once every 20 years – between the two ensembles of simulations. “We found that when CO2 and aerosols from human activity were included, the chance of extreme conditions was 40% higher in those areas of California and Oregon where recent autumn fires have occurred,” Hawkins said. “The jump was mainly because of an increase in temperature

Courtesy photo from OSU

The research focuses on conditions similar to recent catastrophic fires in Oregon and California.

and fuel aridity and not an increase in wind speeds. In fact, we found anthropogenic climate change slightly decreased the frequency of strong, dry, offshore winds.” Hawkins emphasizes that the 40% increase in likelihood is the average across the western United States, and that the increase is smaller or larger in specific regions. She also stresses that this study examined extreme fire weather conditions as opposed to average conditions and only in one season of the year.

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“What our research demonstrates is that anthropogenic climate change has already increased the likelihood of autumn wind-driven extreme fire weather conditions in the West,” she said. “Together with non-climatic factors like biomass accumulation and more and more people living in the wildland urban interface in fire-prone lands, that means overall fire risk is going up. Approaches such as we used here can guide fire risk assessments and fire adaptation efforts.” The National Science

Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration supported this research. Findings were published in Geophysical Research Letters. Sihan Li of the University of Oxford and John Abatzoglou of the University of California, Merced, also took part in the study. Steve Lundeberg is a researcher and writer for Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. He may be reached at steve. lundeberg@oregonstate.edu

•S ports • •

Slam Dunk!

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Vehicle tire prints in the snow marked the wintery scene early Thursday morning in Columbia County.

Winter challenges return to Columbia County across Columbia County, challenging drivers and forcing many schools to delay normal starting times. The Clatskanie, Rainier, St.Helens and Scappoose Districts began the morning with an announcement that they were operating on a two-hour delay, but as the adverse weather conditions

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

An arctic cold blast sent frigid temperatures into Columbia County with lows into the single digits warming into the upper 30s this week. Light snow fell early Thursday morning, Feb. 24

continued, the districts were closed. First responders urge drivers to prepare for slick travel conditions and drive accordingly. The National Weather Service is forecasting a transition over the next few days with warming temperatures and rain showers.

Baby formula recalled Oregon WIC warns of contamination The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is warning Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program participants to be on the lookout for powder infant formulas that may be contaminated with Cronobacter or Salmonella bacteria. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week announced a voluntary recall of certain powder formulas manufactured by Abbott at its Sturgis, Mich., facility due to the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella newport bacteria. Products included are all sizes of these powdered formulas: • Similac Advance • Similac Sensitive • Similac Alimentum • Similac Total Comfort • Similac for Spit up • EleCare Infant • EleCare Junior Oregon WIC, which is among state WIC programs across the country that have contracts with Abbott for infant formulas, recommends participants check Abbott’s

The Clatskanie Tigers defeated the Rainier Columbians to advance to State.

Clatskanie, Rainier girls teams head to State ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo

The recall comes after reports that certain powder formulas manufactured by Abbott at its Sturgis, Mich., facility contained Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella newport bacteria.

website at www.similacrecall.com or call 1-800-9868540 to see if their formula is affected. Participants can take affected products to the store where they bought them for exchange or refund. OHA officials advise those concerned about their infant’s health immediately contact their health care providers. Oregon WIC also recommends parents and caregivers never dilute infant formula or make or feed homemade infant formula to infants. Oregon WIC is working

with vendors and stores, so participants can purchase Mead Johnson, Gerber, and store brand formulas with their eWIC card. The WIC Shopper App that participants use to purchase supplemental foods includes all information about the recall in multiple languages. The WIC Shopper App is available in the Apple Store or Google Play: https://ebtshopper.com/ download/. WIC participants can contact their local WIC agency for assistance.

Saturday

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April 23 10am - 5pm

Sunday

April 24 11am - 3pm

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The Chronicle The Chief

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief