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Isolation takes toll on seniors ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

As our communities attempt to rebuild from the pandemic, one group appears to have gotten lost in the shuffle. The senior community has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic with a near-total ban on communal gatherings, fewer visitors, and scarce opportunities for socialization. “As far as activities go, everything came to a screeching halt,” Rainier Senior Center President Jan Rich said. “I can’t imagine (that) the isolation requirements to stay in your home hasn’t taken a toll on people.” Rainier Senior Center, located on 47 Seventh Street, was a central gathering place for local seniors up until the COVID-19 outbreak. Under pressure from state and local public health authorities, nursing homes across the country, including Rainier Senior Center, shut down many services to prevent mass hospitalizations and deaths. Rich said she and her staff of mostly volunteers have tried to bridge the gap by routinely checking in on seniors that lost access to the center for two years. Their efforts include checking in with seniors over the phone and delivering meals to their homes. “We make sure they have masks and hand sanitizer, and all of the food that we deliver are in bags,” Rich said. “The driver will go sit in their car and wait for the individual to get to the door and take the food. If they don’t, then we take the food back,” adding, “The rules and regulations that we have to work under are very strict.”

As Oregonians, comforted by high vaccination rates and promising data, begin to venture out and lead what resembles their pre-pandemic lives, seniors, on the other hand, have reason to be cautious. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates immune response decreases substantially in the six months following vaccination among the immunocompromised and the 65 and older subgroup.

Many times, you walk away with tears in your eyes. ~ Jan Rich, Rainier Senior Center

Additionally, the risk of death or hospitalization from COVID-19 increases fivefold for seniors ages 65-74 and eightfold among those ages 75-84, according to the National Institute for Health Care Management. Federal mandates dictate seniors are unlikely to experience the benefits of changing guidelines on indoor masking and social distancing. “Our center isn’t guided by the state mandates,” Rich said. “It’s guided by the Agency on Aging mandates, which is federal. Even though Governor Brown is dropping inside mask mandates, that

doesn’t apply to the senior center, which is really disappointing, but that’s what we have to abide by to keep our funding.” What’s been particularly difficult for Rich is seeing the impact of isolation on those in their final life stages. “It’s troubling for everybody,” she said. Rich described one example of a frequent center guest who experienced isolation after being transferred to a memory care unit across the Columbia River. “To visit him, we have to let the building know that we’re coming, and then they wheel him to a window (where) we can talk through the window,” she said. “That’s hard on him. It’s hard on us. Many times, you walk away with tears in your eyes.” The Rainier Senior Center has also suffered a loss of volunteers. “I know one lady who isn’t coming back because she doesn’t like the mask mandates,” she said, clarifying, “We don’t have a say (in that).” According to Rich, the Rainier Senior Center is mostly volunteerrun and relies solely on donations. Amid pandemic strain, management has adapted by reducing employee hours and applying for grants, and donations and food banks have helped keep the center afloat. “Without the volunteers, I don’t know what we would have done,” she admitted. Clatskanie Senior Center staff face a similar predicament, according to Joy Green, director of

Courtesy photo from Columbia County RSVP

See PANDEMIC Page A3

Alan King sits in front of his food donations supporting food-insecure teens in the throes of the pandemic.

What masks off means in Columbia County JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The Clatakaine City Council session inside city hall was disrupted by pornographic images and blaring music.

Pornographic images disrupt council meeting JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

A surprising and unexpected event disrupted the regular month meeting of the Clatskanie City Council, Wednesday evening, March 2. As the council proceeded through its in-person meeting and conducting its first Zoom meeting, pornographic images and blaring offensive music popped up on the screen in the council chambers, according to Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman. “We tried to disconnect the images and the music, but they continued to appear about every five seconds,” he said. “We had to stop the Zoom portion of the meeting.” Hinkelman said he believes that the incident was caused by someone who accessed the Zoom link for the

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intent of disrupting the meeting. “There are people out there that search and find these links and they go in and disrupt whatever is live,” he said. “This Zoom meeting was our first attempt and we are now discussing how to prevent this from happening again. It is a learning process.” Housing concerns During the public comment portion of the council meeting, there was more discussion from opponents of a city-approved new housing development along Canyon Road. One person asked about the appeal process. City officials said such appeals can be made through the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). CIP presentation Hinkelman also presented a proposal for capital improvements (CIP) that included improvements to the city’s lift stations so that they will be adequately operational when the city’s new wastewater plant is built. A phased-in $30,000 plan to replace street light poles and adequate funding for a paving project were also part of Hinkelman’s presentation.

2022 Columbia County

As Oregon moves to lift its indoor mask mandate, Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul said the elimination of the universal indoor mask mandate is a result of decreases in new infections, and more importantly, severe disease. “The overall statewide transmission rate continues to decline because of the combination of vaccinations and prior infections, which means there is a lower risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19,” he said. “Even though we should expect new cases, hospital care will be available to those who need it, and we can restart, or safely continue in-person activities, such as school.” Paul said the new date to lift the indoor mask mandate as of March 12 is significant. “It’s a significant moment in the pandemic timeline, but it doesn’t mean risk entirely disappears. Individuals and families will need to assess their risk based on their health status and transmission in our community,” Paul said. “Our local public health surveillance will continue to focus on our oldest citizens, people who are immunocompromised, and people with disabilities.” Caution urged According to Paul, the decision to remove masks doesn’t eliminate concern about a new variant that evades the immunity provided by vaccination or previous infection. “The expectation is that the recommendations could return if another variant with the potential to significantly disrupt our health care systems emerges,” he said. People at increased risk, and those who live or visit with them, should continue to take precautions, according to Paul.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Even though the state will lift the indoor mask mandate March 12, Columbia County Public Health urges caution and to keep the masks handy.

with information about testing, vaccination, masks, treatment, and other recommendations,” Paul said. “Many of these agencies also have convenient locations so we partnered with them to provide access to vaccination, testing and distribution of resources. We can’t emphasize enough how enormously important these close, bidirectional partnerships are to our response.” The response required resources that Columbia County Public Health Department did not have, according to Paul, which meant the health agency often had to reach out to other county departments and local agencies. “We also received confirmation that we identified the right priorities in our pre-pandemic community health improvement plan,” he said. “The last two years showed us that we need more access to all types of health care. Not only did many of our residents have to travel too far, and wait too long, for testing and vaccination and other COVID-related care, many residents had to delay other important care appointments.”

“Masks are still recommended for people over the age of 65, unvaccinated individuals, individuals with some chronic conditions, and immunocompromised individuals,” he said. “Many of those individuals live in local congregate care settings so mask requirements for employees and caregivers continue in those settings. We recommend that everyone have access to a highquality mask in the event of another surge of cases.” In addition to masks, Paul said individuals should stay informed about vaccination recommendations, as well as when and where to get testing and treatment. Lesson learned According to Paul, Columbia County Public Health has learned that the local response to such medical crises depends on strong partnerships with local agencies, healthcare providers, schools and child care providers, communityserving organizations, and congregate settings. “In order to reach the greatest number of residents, we need to keep those organizations updated

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investment decisions around the supply, regulation, and market readiness of industrial lands. As the economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and demand increases due to business growth and investment, additional strategies to increase the supply of land ready for development will be needed. This study is intended to inform policy makers and the economic development practitioners on the current supply of land ready for development, and some of the challenges to maintaining a supply of land ready

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c i for development. In order to a provide land supply to meet a projected population and f industrial growth within the county, create industrial jobs, m and achieve a sustainable o tax base critical to public services, state and regional a policymakers must work t for an accurate and practi- a cal industrial land inventory h and prioritize policy actions e and investments to address S industrial site readiness. F U See the full Columbia County Industrial Land S Inventory Project report with w this story at thechiefnews. w com. t w

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the inventory accordingly. The experience of economic development practitioners in Columbia County indicates that accomplishing the county’s industrial retention, expansion, and recruitment goals depends in part on the availability of an adequate supply of industrial sites that is appropriately located, priced, and developable. The inventory can be used as a reference for monitoring and tracking changes of absorption of industrial land in the county and can also be used by the public sector as the basis for making informed land use and

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development constraints and challenges facing industrial development. • Inform discussion on future tools and policies to maintain a market-ready inventory of industrial sites. • Inform regional service providers on the location and size of County’s industrial land supply and their utility deficiencies.

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Friday, March 4, 2022

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•C risis

U kraine • •

Exchange student reveals invasion experience JOE WARREN jwarren@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo from Mike Sears

Lena Lysenko holds her pet cat as she flees to safety from the bombing in Ukraine with her two children.

Pacific City resident Mike Sears has a very special tie to Ukraine. He hosted a Ukrainian exchange student, Lena Lysenko, in 2005 in his home for a year and a special bond was created. They consider each other family. She is now caught in the middle of the Russian attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Lysenko says she lives about 60 kilometers from the capital city where bombs are going off and shooting is happening as she shared her experience via FaceTime on Sears’ phone on Thursday, Feb. 24 around noon, 10 p.m. Ukraine time. The former Nestucca High School exchange student is worried. She doesn’t know what her next move is going to be and is trying to figure out where to find safety. “We have bombing and shooting happening around us all the time,” she said via FaceTime. “People are hiding and running to basements or hiding in bathtubs when they hear the sound of guns and bombs.” She said even though she

has heard cries of support from other countries, the only help is coming from the Ukraine army at this time. “Only the Ukraine soldiers are fighting right now,” she said. “Our airport was hit at 4 a.m. in the morning as was other strategic places.” Lysenko said they are grateful she and a friend were able to escape the city (Kyiv) but getting out of Ukraine may prove to be an issue. “I was woken up at 5 a.m. and told to take kids and important documents and run,” she said. “It’s impossible to reach any banks or ATMs, but our cards are still working, stores are closed, so we can’t buy food.” Lysenko said she has supplies ready to move when officials will allow that. “All the countries around us say they support us, but no one is helping, people are dying right now,” she said. “It’s 10 p.m. and no one is asleep, they told us to keep our light off, so that’s what we are doing.” She said when she is able to leave, she wants to go to Slovakia or Holland, but Ukraine is her home. “We have to cross Kyiv, but it’s restricted and too dangerous right now,” she said. “Even if we go there, there is no confidence it will be safe, I have no idea, Ukraine is on fire.” She and her friends are ready to move when they can. “We have no idea what to do,” she said. “We are hoping for a special green corridor where they let people leave the country, but right now things are too dangerous.” Lena is also worried for her mother who is also about 60 kilometers away and also is hearing bombs and shooting. She says she has spoken to friends who are hiding in bathrooms and bathtubs, basements and underground.

“Right now, we are in our shelter, we keep food, water and blankets underground in our basements, and we are ready in case we have to run and hide,” Lysenko said. “We have heard from friends from all over the world and are so happy for all the prayers and words of support.” She warns that all of the information out there is fake. She said she has friends in Russia who called and told her that they want the invasion to stop. When they started to announce that publicly, special cops came and graabbed them. “People on both sides want this to stop,” she said. “They are against this and are frightened of their government that they will be taken away.” She believes that at this point, not much help is on the way. “It’s my personal position that many have promised to help, but they are afraid because they have business interests,” she said. “Nobody knows what to do, we are all afraid they will not stop.” Sears said in a phone interview Friday morning that when Lena came to Oregon 17 years ago to live with he and his wife Pam, after she got settled and got to know some other students, she came out of her shell and really flourished. It didn’t take her long to adapt to a much freer country. “She was very stern to begin with but after a little while she blossomed,” Sears said. “And she’s taken that with her into her adult life.” Lysenko was selected by to be a part of the program because she tested in the top two out of 600 other students at the time. Mike and his wife had hosted other exchange students but didn’t have the great experience they had with Lysenko. Mike said he’s even visited Lena in Ukraine and keeps in contact with her all the time.

“As long as there is internet available, I’ll be able to contact her,” he said. Sears may set up a GoFundMe site but is waiting until he is sure he can even wire money to her. Lena said that she misses her time in Tillamook County and still thinks of this as her home. She only hopes she will be able to see it again sometime. “It’s my home, I love Oregon,” she said. “My Dad’s home is my home, my heart is there my dearest person is there, my Dad.”

Courtesy photo from Mike Sears

Lena Lysenko and her two children hunker in a shelter as Russia invades Kyiv, Ukraine.

Feds approve county hazards plan The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Columbia County’s MultiJurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (MJNHMP). “The approval of the county’s MJNHMP is an important milestone in Columbia County being eligible to participate in major federal/FEMA hazard mitigation grant programs,” Columbia County Deputy Director of Emergency Management Shaun Brown said. “These funds will help to implement programs that will enhance our community coordination and integration during mitigation activities.” Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation begins with local governments and special districts assessing the community’s risks and

Courtesy photo

vulnerabilities to natural hazard events such as earthquakes, flooding, and wildfire that are common in their area. After identifying these risks, they develop longterm strategies to reduce or eliminate the risk posed to people and property from similar events, according to a release from Columbia County. The Hazard Mitigation

Plan is a framework that guides the community in making decisions and developing policies to reduce risk to life and property. The plan identifies the types of hazards that threaten our community, evaluates our vulnerability to those threats, and outlines a strategy to reduce or eliminate the risk posed by those threats to break the cycle of repeated destruction by natural hazard events, the release states. Columbia County has maintained a Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan for the last nine years, combining the planning efforts of the county and all seven of the incorporated cities. The new Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan will be relevant for the next five years.

PANDEMIC From Page A1

Clatskanie Senior Center’s dining room. Green listed off some of the restriction’s kitchen staff face in preparing meals. “We couldn’t have salt and pepper on the table,” she explained. “We’d have to have individual packets if we did that. The juice and milk we used to pour and put in containers. We can’t do that anymore.” Drivers are also limited in their contact with elderly clients, as they have been for the past two years. As a result, Green’s husband, the delivery drivers coordinator, can no longer do odd jobs for seniors who otherwise wouldn’t have help. “When he would deliver, he would say to you that he could change a lightbulb,” Green said. “(Now) we can’t go in the house.” Other difficulties include keeping the donations coming and retaining staff. “Board members Claudia and I, we’ve been cooking for our Meals on Wheels because when we shut down, we didn’t have a cook,” Green said. “So, we’ve been cooking, not knowing really if

Courtesy photo from Columbia County RSVP

While pandemic isolation continues to be a struggle, two seniors share a moment during a recent RSVP event.

we’re going to get the income there.” Clatskanie Senior Center is located at 620 W Tichenor Street in Clatskanie. Silver lining As the COVID-19 situation eases, there is a silver lining: The Rainier Senior Center will reopen on March 17 after being closed for two years. The center’s library has already reopened, and bingo nights and card games have resumed. Starting on St. Patrick’s Day, Rainier Senior Center

will host congregate meals once again. Rich said the center is fully booked for the March 17 celebration. Clatskanie Senior Center continues to deliver meals with no plans to reopen. Rich stressed the community can support seniors in simple ways by “just checking on them, making sure that they, especially during the wintertime, have the food they need.” “We’ve lost some seniors,” she added. “I don’t know if that’s due to age, loneliness, (or) lack of contact, you know? I don’t know.”

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Clatskanie Grows: Seed starting made easy CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Article

Seeds are not difficult to start. If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, you won’t have to worry about added light. But if you are starting seeds inside, you will need a waterproof seedstarting table with fluorescent shop lights or some LED lights with reflectors that can be lowered and raised as the plants grow. You don’t need expensive grow lights. The lights need to be set as close to the growing seedlings as possible. Two inches is not too close. This will create a strong, stocky plant. Too little light produces “leggy” weak plants. A fan that produces a gentle breeze around the seedlings can also improve the stoutness of the transplant.

Some people grow seeds in flats with enough space between seeds to allow them to be directly transplanted out into the garden. Others sow seeds are more thickly in starting flats and then transplant them into individual pots or “cell” trays after they develop their first set of true leaves. This process takes a little more time but will generally produce a stronger transplant. Seeds are often sown too early. Then they are held in

pots past the point that they should be. You can plan your seeding dates by counting backwards from when you want to put transplants out. For example, it takes about two to three weeks to grow seedlings of lettuce and greens for direct transplant or three to four weeks if you move the seedling first into individual pots or cells. For cabbage and broccoli, it is four to five weeks by the first method or five to six weeks by the second. Tomatoes need five to seven weeks by the first method or six to eight weeks by the second. Peppers are slightly longer. Squash, pumpkins, cucumbers and melons should only be sown directly in individual pots and they need 10-21 days to transplanting. And despite many people’s perception, green beans also transplant well within a similar time frame as squash. Seedlings need good air circulation (the fan mentioned above) and attention to watering – neither too much nor too little. Vegetable transplants need to be hardened off by exposing them to outside temperatures, sun and wind gradually. Put them outdoors for short periods of time in indirect light and then for a few more days (for short periods) in more direct light. When transplanting, continue to protect them from low or high temperature extremes. Bait for slugs and consider drenching the transplants with a good water-soluble fertilizer. April and May transplants like (or need) additional heat. Floating row covers or plastic mini-greenhouses can help to keep the vegetables

growing rapidly. If you are using plastic covered hoop structures, be sure to open them up in the morning to avoid excessive heat buildup. It is easy to cook your tender seedlings if you are not paying attention. Master Gardener Training: We are still unsure whether it is possible to hold a live class this spring. It won’t start in February but might get started mid-March or later. It will be in St. Helens if we have it. Call 503 397-3462 or email us for updates or to be on a notification list if interested. Local Bee Group meeting: Randy Oliver, author of the website Scientific Beekeeping, will present “Reading the Combs.” At 6 p.m. March 3, 2022. To get the Zoom link, email columbiacountyoregonbeekeepers@ gmail.com.

Foraging Wild Foods presentation: This program by Chip Bubl, OSU/Columbia County Extension Agent, will be on March 16th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Scappoose Library. It will also be streamed on Zoom. For information on the Zoom link, email staff@scappooselibrary.org.

Clatskanie Grows

Columbia County Small Woodlands Association tree sale is back!

On Sat-urday March 12th, Columbia County Small Woodlands Association will hold its 23rd annual tree sale. The sale begins at 8:30 am and ends at 1:30 at the Lawrence Oil (Pacific Pride) parking lot in St. Helens on Hwy 30. The address is 845 N Columbia River Hwy. Twenty-two different species of deciduous and conifer trees will be available for purchase. Prices range from $1.50 to $6. They will also have bags of Douglas fir, noble fir,

western red cedar, and coast redwood available for purchase. Cash and checks will be accepted for payment. As always buyers are advised to come early for the best selection. Scappoose Bay Watershed Council’s Native Plant Sale Saturday, April 9 Join the Watershed Council at their Spring Native Plant Sale Saturday, April 9th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SBWC nursery, located behind Scappoose High School. Look for signs – go east on SE High School Way and turn into the parking lot between the high school and the school ball field areas. This is their semi-annual event to get you ready for spring and summer planting. They have lots of new plants at great prices – all native to our area. Staff and volunteers are available to help chose plants suggest gardening ideas, and provide information on establishing and maintaining native vegetation. For more in-formation see https://www.scappoosebay-wc.org/native-plantnursery. Important notes • The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened. Masks are still required inside. • Donate produce and/ or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It is greatly appreciated. • The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

Have questions? If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-397-3462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate. edu. The office is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online

Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https:// catalog.extension.oregonstate. edu. Click on publications and start exploring. Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

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The Georgia-Pacific Wauna Mill has contributed $4,500 to Westport Fire & Rescue to be used towards the purchase of mobile data computers for use in their response vehicles. “We don’t have the funds readily available to purchase new technology to support our residents, so we appreciate this donation from the Georgia-Pacific Wauna Mill,” Chief Greg Brody said. Westport Fire & Rescue is located at 91177 Westport Ferry Road in Clatskanie. Wauna Mill is located at 92326 Taylorville Road in Clatskanie and employs approximately 725 team members.

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Assistant County Counsel 1-2 or 3 Columbia County, OR EOE. Deadline: 3/31/2022. Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov. 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 503728-2757 or Cyndi Warren, 208-2497144. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

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Help Wanted

Pool Manager Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is hiring a Pool Manager Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications and resumes for a Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Train, manage and evaluate approximately 20 lifeguards; beginning in February and continuing into September. Plan, organize and schedule programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Be responsible for scheduling adequate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, water chemistry and mechanical operation of the pool for youth and families in our District. Maintain pool and employee records. Perform such other duties as assigned by the 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 obtain the required and suggested certifications for the

position; First-Aid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can request an application by phone at 208-249-7144 or by email at warren. cyndi@yahoo.com Applications and resumes can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to warren. cyndi@yahoo.com. If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 208-249-7144. Applications with resumes will be accepted until 5:00pm on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

frame between the applicant, Pool Manager and District Manager to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; First-Aid, 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.

trict, 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 503728-2757 or Cyndi Warren, 208-2497144. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

3/31/2022. Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov.

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 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.

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

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 can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation Dis-

Full-time Dispatchers Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District (C911CD) is conducting a hiring process for fulltime Dispatchers (Communications Specialists). Additional information and job description can be found on our website at www.columbia911. com/careers or by calling 503366-6978. Online applications will be accepted until 11:45pm on March 31st, 2022. Director, Land Development Services Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline:

Enforcement Deputy -Lateral Columbia County, OR EOE. Deadline: 3/29/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov Maintenance Contractor Quincy Water Association is currently seeking a maintenance contractor to operate Quincy Water System. Contractor must be able to obtain and maintain ‘ Small Water Operator’ certification with the state of Oregon and adhere to DHS-OHA Small Water System manual and all state regulations for small water systems. Email for details: cmalisch@ q u i n c y w a t e r. o r g Interviews/system tours will be conducted during the month of March/ April. Accounts Payable Clerk 1 or 2 Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 3/24/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov

We’re Back! Annual Basement Sale at Rainier Community Church of God, 321 West C Street, Rainier. March 4 & 5 from 9 am - 4 pm. Clothing, household items, furniture, etc. We also serve homemade soup, pie, and cinnamon rolls.

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

WE’RE HIRING! TFT construction Inc. has multiple openings we are looking to fill. We offer competitive pay, Health insurance and 401K. Please stop by the office at 53990 West Lane Road in Scappoose, or email your resume to jason@tftconstruction.net. Asphalt Paving Division: Laborers, Asphalt Raker, Roller Operator Excavation Division: General Laborers, Heavy Equipment operators, Pipe – Layers, Pipe – Laborers Trucking Division: Dump Truck Drivers – Truck & Pup and Super solos https://tftconstruction.net

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

Public Notices

CC22-1587

CC22-1579

CC22-1590

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Notice is hereby given Notice is further given that Notice is hereby given further given that all proxTHE STATE OF OREGON FOR that the annual meeting for all proxies must be in writing that the annual meeting for ies must be in writing and the landowners and Board and signed by the owner. The the landowners and Board of signed by the owner. The meeting is to elect a director, Directors of the Clatskanie meeting is to elect a director, THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Members of the Clatsop Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Friday, March 18th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Port of Columbia County’s Office located at 555 SW Bryant Street in Clatskanie, OR. Notice is

adopt a budget and any other business that comes before the landowners. Dated this 28th day of February, 2022. Sean P. Clark President Clatskanie Drainage Improvement Company Board of Directors.

CC22-1588

NOTICE OF MEETING The regular meeting of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District board of directors will be held on, Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 7:00pm at the Port of Columbia County offices, 555 SW Bryant Street, Clatskanie. ANY AND ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING

RULES IN PLACE FOR IN PERSON PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING WILL BE FOLLOWED. Items on the agenda, but not limited to: Updates on daily Fire and EMS operations. Board President, Robert Keyser.

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 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 representative, 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: 503-556-0708, Lucasatty@ yahoo.com.

CC22-1580

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR CC22-1591 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE COLUMBIA THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY INDUSTRIAL LAND INVENTORY PROJECT The Port of Columbia County is hosting a Virtual Open House to share the results from the Columbia County Industrial Land Inventory Project. The project examined the supply of industrial sites that are available to accommodate the expansion of existing employers and recruitment of new employers through-

out Columbia County. The Virtual Open House will be held online through Zoom on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 6:00 pm, with phone-in options available. The Zoom meeting information is listed on the event calendar at www.portofcolumbiacounty. org. Please contact the Port office with questions or concerns (503) 397-2888.

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 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.

#15 Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia and Clatsop County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. at the Poplar Tree Nursery Office located at 91151 Old Mill Town Rd in Westport, OR.

adopt a budget and any other business that comes before the landowners. Dated this 28th day of February, 2022. Kathy Haiby Secretary/Treasurer Clatsop #15 Drainage Improvement Company, Inc. Board of Directors.

CC22-1589

NOTICE OF WORKSHOP A workshop of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District board of directors will be held on, Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 6:00pm (before the regular monthly meeting) at the Port of Columbia County offices, 555

SW Bryant St, Clatskanie, OR; the purpose of this workshop will be to discuss upcoming projects and District needs for the 2022-2023 budget. No public comment and no action will be taken at this workshop.

CC22-1581

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FO THE STATE OF 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.

www.thechiefnews.com

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•W here A re T hey N ow ?• •

Local grads receive college sports recognition

Courtesy photo from the Cascade Collegiate Conference

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Friday, March 4, 2022

•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. 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. March 4 Museum Tours Caples Museum will open its doors for regular tours FridaySundays through October 30. Step back into the Victorian Era and see how the first doctor in Columbia County lived. Visit the home he shared with his wife, Lucinda, and five children, their work shed, and Orchard. While you are there visit our Children’s Museum of Victorian and other antique toys. $5 Adults $4 Children. The Caples House Museum is located at 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. Call 503-397-5390 for scheduling details. March 10 Port Open House The Port of Columbia County with hold a Virtual Open House at 6 p.m. to share the results

from the Columbia County Industrial Land Inventory Project. The project examined the supply of industrial sites that are available to accommodate the expansion of existing employers and recruitment of new employers throughout Columbia County. The Zoom meeting information is listed on the event calendar at www.portofcolumbiacounty.org. March 12 Dinner at the Museum 6 p.m. St. Patricks’ Day Dinner with all the trimmings including song at Caples House. $25 for Adults, with adult beverages. $5 For Children. Reservations only. The Caples House Museum is located at 1925 1st Street in Columbia City and may be reached at 503-397-5390. For more information, call 503-3975390 or email CaplesHouse@ comcast.net. April 1 Sheriff’s Sale The Columbia County Sheriff’s Sale is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Columbia County Justice Facility at 901 Port Ave. in St. Helens. Countyowned, tax-foreclosed properties will be sold to the highest bidder by oral auction. Additional details can be found by visiting https://www.columbiacountyor. gov/surplus-property

Don Coin Walrod Scholarship The Deer Island Grange is now accepting applications for the Don Coin Walrod Scholarship. The scholarship is created for a Columbia County high school senior. Applicants may attend a trade school, community college, or university of their choice, but must major in agriculture, education, forestry, or animal science. Applications are available from each of the Columbia County high school counselor offices and must be post marked by April 1, 2022. Mail applications to: Don Coin Walrod Scholarship, 64556 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Ongoing • Lower Columbia River Watershed Council meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv.com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom info: Events Page — LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL.

Return from the national stage Courtesy photo from Oregon Tech

Oregon Institute of Technology displayed this photo of Clatskanie Middle/High School senior Olivia Sprague following her signing with the school. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Congratulations to Oregon Institute of Technology’s (Oregon Tech) Shelby Blodgett and Olivia Sprague, former sports stars

MASKS From Page A1

School districts response Clatskanie School District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz said her district will have masks as an optional choice beginning March 12. “Our community and our staff filled out a survey and 91% of staff and 88% of the community responding agreed to allow masks to be optional in the school,” she said. “So,

and graduates from Clatskanie Middle/High School. Blodgett has been named the 2021-22 Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Women’s Basketball Freshman of the Year. Olivia Sprague made “All Conference Honorable

Mention.” Both Sprague and Blodgett are members of the Oregon Tech basketball team. Oregon Tech is a public university based in Klamath Falls and the Portland metropolitan area.

we are leaving it up to family and students to decide if they want to continue wearing the masks or not. We don’t think we will have any push back from our kids. It’s going to be up to the parent. Our teachers are not going to be the mask police.” Hurowitz said while the pandemic has been challenging, the district and the community are taking away positive lessons. “It has been a tough two years,” she said. “We had so many people responded to the new learning by force. We

have learned that the community really supports our schools and that our teachers want the best for kids. Even through the hard times, there has been a lot of positivity that has come from this. We made it through. Our community has supported us. We are eager to get back to normal, whatever that is.”

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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The Chief has reached out to the Rainier School District for comments. We will post what we receive concerning what that district is doing about the new mask guidelines.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

On Friday morning, Feb. 25, while other students sat in classrooms across the U.S., the Rainier Cheer Team took the stage at the USA Spirit Nationals competition in Anaheim, CA. Head Cheer Coach Lori Schimmel gave The Chief a recap of the girls’ performance against some of the top cheer teams in the country. “In our division, Intermediate Small Varsity Show, we placed in the top 20,” Schimmel said. “We did not place high enough (top 10) to go onto day 2 but are so happy that we performed well and have had a fantastic experience!” Although they did not qualify to advance, Schimmel is nonetheless proud of her girls. “We competed this morning and did a great job,” she said. “We ‘hit

Courtesy photo from Lori Schimmel

The Rainier Cheer team shows off their building skills at the national competition.

zero’ (no deductions) for the first time all season and it was an amazing feeling!

We had no expectations other than going out and doing our best.”

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MARCH MADNESS ACROSS

1. In ill humor 5. Like a ship? 8. Repeating word on South Pacific map 12. Man-eating fairy tail giant 13. Newspaper piece 14. Pertaining to the ear 15. Family group 16. Not the life of the party 17. Andean animal 18. *Like Sunday, the day of announcements 20. Bodily disorders 21. 19th century Robber baron Jay ____ 22. Architect’s software, acr. 23. Articulates 26. Soak up 29. Cuban dance step 30. Auditory canal, e.g. 33. Needlefish, pl. 35. “Star Wars” creator 37. Swindle 38. March edition, e.g. 39. Rest or settle 40. Johnny Cash’s “Get ____” 42. *It never ends this way 43. Another word for acety-

lene 45. High or hilly land 47. Grazing spot 48. Copying machine 50. ____ code 52. *Those remaining in last weekend (Two words) 56. Gives off 57. Afghanistan’s western neighbor 58. Beginner 59. Send in payment 60. Halfway around links 61. Besides 62. Biz bigwig 63. *D-___ schools only 64. Swedish shag rugs

DOWN

1. ____ Brown and “What’s Up, ____?” 2. Gawk at 3. River in Orenburg, Russia 4. Weasel out 5. Go bad 6. Massacre of the Innocents king 7. “I Dream of Jeannie” star 8. *Last year’s runner-up from Washington 9. Like word of mouth 10. Those born under Aries

11. Chicken ____ ____ king 13. Between 90 and 180 degrees 14. Spy’s cover 19. Crocus bulbs, e.g. 22. *Network 23. *School with most titles 24. Car rack manufacturer 25. Like an implied agreement 26. Your mom’s sister 27. Haile Selassie’s disciple 28. Boston hockey player 31. Heart pain 32. Ken or Barbie, e.g. 34. *Placement 36. *First A in NCAA 38. Motivate 40. Biology class acronym 41. Benevolent 44. Leavening agent 46. Another word for golf club 48. Rice wine 49. Lacking sense 50. NYSE MKT, formerly 51. Frost design on a window 52. Porto____, Italy 53. Like acne-prone skin 54. Bear constellation 55. Fish eggs, pl. 56. Before, archaic

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