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FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

Spring Whale Watching

Regional food bank campaign

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The Chief

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VOL. 128, NO. 44

Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Helmen leaving CMHS

Coronavirus concerns JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Since the 2018-19 school year, Jim Helmen has been the lead as principal at Clatskanie Middle/High School. On July 1, that will change.

Helmen will embrace the newly created position of the Clatskanie School District’s Director of Education, Innovation, and Improvement / Federal Programs.

The new position was developed in December following conversation Helmen had with Clatskanie School District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz.

“Providing additional supports and working and developing systems is something that I thoroughly enjoy,” he said According to Helmen, the new position is designed to support all federal programs linked to the school district.

“It is to design, develop and support education programs that are to improve the outcomes of the school district academics, graduation, 9th grade outcome, and career and education options,” he said. “So I hope to develop systems across the district that support all these areas, connecting and improving and helping all our students.”

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The Clatskanie Middle/High School Girls Varsity Basketball team stand proud with a large image of the OSAA State 3A Bracket with their path to victory.

Victory at State!

Clatskanie girls basketball 3A Title champs JOHN GUNTHER For The Chief

Clatskanie’s girls were known this year for finishing games strong.

But in the Class 3A championship game against Sutherlin Saturday night, March 7, it was a first-half run that made the difference as the Tigers repeated their 2019 title with a 51-40 win.

“We played them before and we know they are a good team,” said Clatskanie’s Shelby Blodgett, referring back to an overtime win over the Bulldogs at a neutral site in January. “Normally, we are a second-half team. We were a firsthalf team tonight.”

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The teams played even through the first period Saturday, but Clatskanie opened the second on an 18-5 spurt to take control.

Olivia Sprague, who, like Blodgett, has been the team’s scoring stars throughout their three years with the Tigers, had three 3-pointers in the spurt and also fed Kaity Sizemore inside for a hoop.

Blodgett added a bucket and two free throws and what had been an 11-11 tie turned into a 29-16 Clatskanie edge.

Eventually the Tigers led by as many as 18 points.

Sutherlin cut the lead to six late, but couldn’t erase all of the big lead.

“The team that played better tonight won,” Sutherlin coach Josh Grotting said. “Blodgett made some huge plays tonight. Sprague hit some big 3s.”

Seemingly every time Sutherlin got momentum, Blodgett would have a steal and hoop (she had seven thefts in the game) or score off an offensive rebound (nine of her 15 total boards came on offense) on the way to 18 points. Sprague finished with four 3-pointers and 16 total points.

“They just shot the ball really well tonight — props to them,” said

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Governor orders climate change action

Clatskanie Middle/High School principal Jim Helmen will leave July 1 for a new position in the school district.

Hurowitz said Helmen is the right fit for the new position.

“Jim is one of the most knowledgeable professionals in our State in the area of special education and related services,” she said.

“Jim is also a gifted educator and has implemented many systems and supports for the students and staff at CMHS. With Jim’s talents and skills the greater good of the district will be served as he has influenced K-12. Jim is the perfect person to marry general education, special education, and student improvement. He is innovative, does

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Directs the Environmental Quality Commission to set and enforce sector-specific caps on climate pollution for three of the largest sources of emissions in our state:

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Gov. Brown promised she would take executive action at the state capitol after the Oregon Legislature failed to pass cap and trade legislation.

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed an executive order to aggressively lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The order reflects Democraticbacked legislation that failed during the Oregon Legislature’s short session that adjourned on March 5.

Brown’s order, signed on Tuesday, March 10, allows Oregon to set caps on transportation fuels, natural gas and industry pollution emissions.

Brown said her order sets new science-based greenhouse gas emissions goals and directs state agencies to put new measures into effect to lower the state’s greenhouse gas emissions to meet Oregon’s climate goals.

“I’ve heard it loud and clear

from our young people in Oregon: climate action is crucial and urgent,” Brown said in a statement at the signing ceremony. “If we adults don’t take action right away, it is the next generation that will pay the price. We owe it to them to do our part to ensure that the globe they inherit is on a better trajectory than the one it’s on today. Immediate and comprehensive efforts are needed to tackle this scourge that is devastating the Oregon we know and love, and a smart approach can both protect the environment and grow our economy.”

Brown said the executive order is extensive and thorough, taking the boldest actions available to lower greenhouse gas emissions under current state laws.

“As a state, we will pursue every option available under existing law to combat the effects of climate

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Governor Kate Brown conducts a news conference in Portland concerning the coronavirus. “ It will have an impact on our lives and our livelihood,” Brown said.

The Governor said her strategies, listed below, are based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon public health experts, epidemiologists, and health professionals.

Large gatherings: All large gatherings over 250 people will be canceled statewide effective immediately for four weeks. A gathering is defined as any event in a space in which appropriate social distancing of a minimum of three feet cannot be maintained.

Schools: In addition to previous guidance issued on March 8, 2020 to keep schools open, all non-essential school-associated gatherings and group activities should be canceled — such as group parent meetings, field trips and competitions.

Workplace: Recommended implementation of distancing measures including an increased physical space between employees in offices and worksites, limited in-person meetings, limited travel, and staggered work schedules where possible.

Long-Term Care and Assisted Living: Strict limitations announced this week by the Oregon Health Authority and Department of Human Services remain in place.

As the number of positive cases increases across Oregon, public health resources will be directed toward implementing the guidelines and policies in this statewide mitigation plan, and reducing focus on aggressive contact follow-up on each individual positive case.

“Nobody is immune to this virus, it can touch everyone,” Brown said. “We can’t let fear and anxiety stigmatize people. We are seeing cases across multiple counties and age groups, and in people exposed

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Opinions...............A4 Meetings...............A5 Market Place........A6 Public Notices......A6 Obituaries............A7 Church News.......A7 Police Blotters.....A8 Sports..............A9-10

“If you are an older Oregonian or in the target range of this virus, you should stay home as much as possible. I can’t emphasize how dangerous this is.”

-Patrick Allen, Oregon Health Authority Director “We have not seen anything like this in our lifetime. It is an extreme concern.”

-Gov. Kate Brown As of Thursday, March 12, there were 21 presumptive cases of coronavirus in Oregon and officials said they expected that number to increase in the days ahead.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said the coronavirus in Oregon is an unprecedented public health crisis and the state’s focus is now on preventing a mass outbreak among the elderly and people with underlying health conditions, who are at most risk for the virus.

During a news conference in Portland Thursday morning, surrounded by state, county and city health officials and others, Brown announced urgent new rules to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon.

“We must act now,” Brown said.

“Coronavirus is in our community.

We should be prepared. It will have an impact on our lives and our livelihood. We are all facing this together. I will do everything in power to keep Oregonians healthy and safe.”

change and put Oregon on a path we can be proud to leave behind for our children,” she said.

The executive order updates the existing state carbon emissions goals to reflect the current science, setting a standard of 45 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2035, and an 80 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2050. The order also outlines a variety of means to reach the new goals, including: Sector-specific caps on climate pollution

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See VIRUS Page A8

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Friday, March 13, 2020

Spring Whale Watching

Photo courtesy of Oregon Parks

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Spring Whale Watch Week event returns to the Oregon Coast March 21 29 to celebrate the more than 25,000 Gray whales expected to migrate north past Oregon over the next few months.

Trained volunteers will be stationed 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. each day at some of best whale watching sites on the coast, ready to help visitors spot the whales and to answer questions about the animals. A map of the whale watching sites is available online on the official whale watch webpage on the Oregon State Parks website.

Due to lower volunteer turnout this year, not all sites will be staffed by volunteers or park rangers.

Check the Whale spotters can also visit the newlyrenovated Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay; it will be open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. The center features interactive whale exhibits and panoramic ocean views.

A live stream of whale activity in Depoe Bay returns this spring too; watch it on the Oregon State Parks YouTube channel each day during the event, or catch the archived streams throughout the week.

In light of the evolving COVID-19 situation, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is prioritizing visitor health and will not provide shared binoculars at viewing sites. Visitors are encouraged to stay home if they are feeling sick.

More information about the agency’s response to COVID-19 is on the official FAQ page on the Oregon

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The 2020 Columbia County Jobs Fair is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 13 at the Columbia River Four Square Church, 555 Commons Dr. in St Helens.

Struggling: Employers seeking employees JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Photo courtesy of Oregon Parks

Coast visitors, including those from Columbia County, can find good locations along the Oregon Coast to watch the whales swim along the coastline.

State Parks website.

Gray whales migrate north along the coast annually during spring, following a route to Alaskan waters after spending the winter in the warm lagoons off the coast of Baja, Mexico. Many of the Gray whales will be accompanied by their new calves,

born during the winter. The first large groups of whales swim by Oregon mid-March and the migratory stream typically continues into June.

For more information about parks and campgrounds on the coast, visit oregonstateparks.org.

The 2020 Columbia County Jobs Fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, March 13, at Columbia River Four Square Church, 555 Commons Drive, in St Helens.

It is designed to give job seekers a one-stop shopping opportunity with local employers and give business operators a chance to find needed workers. Recruiting and retaining employees has been a struggle for many businesses countywide according to Oregon Employment Department workforce analysts Shawna Sykes who said the range of open positions varies daily in Columbia County.

“We currently have 99 jobs listed in our system,” she said. “This however, is not a count of all the jobs which are available within the county. Not all employers post their jobs with the Oregon Employment Department. They may use other means to recruit, so I would not say this is an all-inclusive number of jobs available.”

According to Sykes, with the current seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.6 percent most employers are having difficulty finding workers.

“According to our 2019 Job Vacancy Survey of Oregon businesses, the jobs

which are most difficult to fill are those that require five-plus years of experience and education beyond high school, even though they are the highest wage category, paying $25/hour and up.”

Sykes said statewide, the health care and social assistance industry had the largest number of job vacancies in 2019 with 11,223 openings, followed by leisure and hospitality at 7,740 vacancies, retail trade with 7,443, and construction at 4,982.

The industries with the most job vacancies in Northwest Oregon are the same as those statewide, according to Sykes. These positions include personal care aides, retail salespersons, maids and housekeeping cleaners, cashiers, cooks, fast food and counter workers, and carpenters, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators, registered nurses, and construction laborers were the occupations with the most vacancies in the fivecounty Northwest Oregon area which includes Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Lincoln and Benton counties.

Sykes said the businesses she had visited with recently are using a number of strategies to find good workers.

Most businesses are making sure that they post the jobs in multiple ways including agencies like ours, their own website, local job boards and Facebook groups, industry associations, along with sites

like Indeed, Monster, Glass Door and others.

“Some of the businesses offer monetary incentives like higher wages, sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses (after a period of time like 6 months), and referral bonuses for current employees who refer people they know to the company’s jobs,” she said. “Some are relaxing rules that may have been important before, like rules prohibiting tattoos or piercings from public view or dress codes that may have been more stringent in the past.”

Sykes said other businesses may be offering benefits such as tuition reimbursement, free Spotify accounts, free food typically at restaurants/grocery stores, bus passes, fitness club membership, or even free beer mostly at brew-pubs.

“Our research team tries to make it easier for businesses to be competitive in the labor market by providing current wage information for a large variety of occupations and links to active job listings so that employers can compare their wages and benefits with those currently offered for similar jobs by other local employers,” Sykes said.

Businesses can also find industry-specific research and other labor trends data at the Oregon Employment Department web site at www.QualityInfo.org.

New transit director STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

A gray whale rises out of the ocean near the Oregon shoreline.

Benefit Stew Feed cancelled An Irish Stew Feed, sponsored by the Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc., set Sunday, March 15, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Clatskanie Cultural Center ballroom, 75 S. Nehalem Street, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled due to the concerns about

coronavirus.

The benefit is for the on-going capital improvements at the Flippin Castle senior center and museum.

A bluegrass concert prior to the stew feed is also cancelled and tentatively rescheduled for May 3.

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Photo courtesy of Oregon Parks

John Dreeszen has been appointed by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners as the interim director for CC Rider Transit operations.

Commissioner Margaret

Magruder told The Chief that Dreeszen will take his new post on Monday, March 16.

Dreeszen is currently the CC Rider Transit coordinator.

Magruder said at this time, the Commissioners are not planning any further searches for a transit director.

“We are just going to

evaluate the situation and make a decision on how we will move forward,” she said.

Former CC Rider transit director Todd Wood left the position on March 6 to take a similar job in Canby.

CC Rider serves Columbia County as its public bus agency.

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Friday, March 13, 2020

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Regional food bank capital campaign

Photo courtesy of Heidi Timmons Photography

Runners, walkers and even dogs take off at the start of the Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s fun run/walk.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

One of the main sources of food donations that flow into Clatskanie comes from the Columbia Pacific Food Bank based in St. Helens.

An effort is now underway to help the regional food bank be more efficient in helping Clatskanie clients and those across Columbia County.

A little foot power is helping the Columbia Pacific Food Bank raise needed money to renovate the former feed and seed building on Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens, where the race/ walk started and ended on March 7.

The regional food bank purchased the 12,500 square-foot building for $350,000. It will use a $1.5 million grant from the City of St. Helens and a capital campaign to transform the structure into the new location for the food bank, which is currently located at 474 Milton Way in St. Helens.

The Saturday event drew approximately 95 participants and is one of several fundraisers to be held through the food bank’s capital and awareness campaign, according to Columbia Pacific Food Bank development director Megan Fawcett.

“Our goal is to raise $400,000 to outfit the inside of the building,” Fawcett said.

Fawcett said transforming the building will be

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transportation fuels, natural gas, and large industrial polluters. Caps will decline over time in order to meet the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

done over the next two years. The building will be gutted and revamped and the new location will include a re-pack room.

“That means we will be able to buy food in bulk and repackage that for use by our clients,” she said.

“We will also have a more organized location to accept cans and we will be operating a pantry, which is unique to us because we are a regional food bank and we are the only one in the state that offers that.”

Fawcett said the renovations will mean more space, better organization and improved efficiency and for the food bank. It will also be a better community connector, offering more volunteer service opportunities and food and lifestyle classes for families.

“We will have an education kitchen to offer food to supper classes, teaching people about how to start a garden and how to cook,” she said.

Fawcett said she is hopeful the building renovations will begin this summer and that the new food bank would be open sometime in 2021.

The Columbia Pacific Food Bank employs a full time director, three part time employees, including Fawcett, and 60 volunteers.

According to the food bank’s capital fund campaign release, during 2019, the Columbia Pacific Food Bank provided over 1 million meals in Columbia County, fed 31,135 people, served 11,164 families and

educated 90 individuals about healthy cooking.

According to Fawcett, the food bank continues to see demand increase, especially among area seniors. Statistics from the food bank show one in five families and one in four children are food insecure in Columbia County.

The food bank distributes 12 tons of food a week to outlets in the county, including locations in St. Helens, Clatskanie, Rainier, Mist-Birkenfeld, Scappoose and Vernonia.

“We are working to help people understand that anyone can be suffering from hunger and it is important to get families in events, and even in volunteering, to understand about how hunger is on the rise and how we need to support and help one another,” Fawcett said.

In August, the food bank will host a Farm to Table dinner at the Lake House in Scappoose, which will include a silent auction and local farmers and chefs creating a six course meal to help raise funds for the capital campaign. Fawcett said she hopes to coordinate the fun run/walk again next year. It is scheduled to be held on March 6. Additional fundraisers to help continue the food bank’s operations include the Empty Bowls event in April and a golf tournament in September.

Department of Transportation (ODOT) to create a statewide public electric charging plan to accelerate the usage of electric vehicles across the state.

SeQuential Biofuels and E2 Pacific Northwest member said Brown’s executive order represents a critical opportunity for Oregon’s economy and a commitment to action on behalf of Oregonians threatened by the fires, droughts, flooding, and other catastrophic impacts of escalating climate change.

“The long-term health of our economy is predicated on ambitious climate action and we are excited that the Governor’s leadership has resulted in this critical action,” Hill said.

“By setting new goals and advancing programs to reduce climate emissions and expand the state’s clean energy economy, Gov. Brown is setting the path for new jobs, new investments, and new opportunities throughout Oregon,” Andy Wunder, E2 Western States Advocate Andy Wunder said in the release. “Unfortunately, Republican lawmakers’ continued refusal to take this issue seriously and engage in the legislative process necessitated this important executive action. Gov. Brown’s order is the type of real leadership we’ve needed for a long time.”

Oregon GOP lawmakers and other opponents said the cap and trade restrictions will adversely impact Oregon’s economy and greatly hurt small, rural communities. The GOP lawmakers walked out of the legislative session in late February over the cap and trade issue. They returned on Sunday, March 8, to sign budget bills.

Emissions-conscious transportation spending

Doubles the Clean Fuels Program To reduce climate pollution from cars and trucks by 20 percent by 2030, and 25 percent by 2035, the state will more than double the Clean Fuels Program. This is the most ambitious goal for clean fuels in the country, and it will substantially reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector, using a model proven to reduce pollution at a very minimal cost. At the same time, it will create new jobs in the biofuels sector and expand investment in transportation electrification.

Higher energy efficiency for buildings, appliances Directs the state’s building codes division to move rapidly to increase energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and directs the Oregon Department of Energy to make Oregon’s appliance efficiency standards equal to the most stringent in the country.

Strategic plan to accelerate usability of electric vehicles: Directs the Oregon

Directs ODOT to develop a tool to evaluate all future transportation spending, including road expansion, through the lens of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and requires regional transportation planning organizations in the state to follow suit.

Accelerates transition to clean energy resource Directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to help utilities achieve the new emission reduction goals, and directs the PUC to implement the recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Wildfire Response to safeguard our grid from the growing risks and severity of wildfires.

Adds climate action as a top priority for agency decision making Directs state agencies to add climate action as a lens for all of their work, which will lower carbon emissions across current agency activities, including as agencies spend the state’s budget on goods and services.

In a release, Ian Hill, co-founder of Oregon-based

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The former feed and seed building along Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens will be transformed into the new location of the Columbia Pacific Food Bank that helps serve clients in Clatskanie.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Supporters of the Columbia Pacific Food Bank have signed their names along a wall inside the former feed and seed building.

See more details about the events at the Columbia Pacific Food Bank website at www.cpfoodbank.org.

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Friday, March 13, 2020

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School Safety Town Hall CATHY HUROWITZ Chief Guest Column

Clatskanie School District held a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the safety and security of our students, staff, and buildings on Feb. 27 in the Middle/High School Commons.

We had a great turnout of community and family members concerned with the safety of our students and staff.

School Board Members, City Counselors, Sheriff Deputies, First Responders, and staff were all in attendance.

Those present worked through areas of concerns in the following categories: communication, safety and facilities. Concerns and suggestions were posted and have been reviewed. Many of the concerns around communication is the need for accurate and timely information with follow-up.

As a District we are currently working on a system to inform our community of any threats and provide follow-up information.

Unfortunately, we are often not at liberty to share all of the details but we will make

a greater effort to provide as much information as possible given a situation.

Safety concerns and possible solutions included everything from hiring an officer to patrol the halls to metal detectors. All of the suggestions will be taken into consideration as we develop a comprehensive safety plan.

There were many concerns and possible solutions for our schools and grounds including such things as fencing, automatic locking doors, additional security cameras, remodeling of our buildings to name a few.

On Friday, Feb. 28, Jim Helmen and I met with Steve Pegram - Director of Columbia County Emergency Management, Dan PorterTraining Coordinator Columbia County Emergency Management, and Jonathan Baker- Emergency Preparedness Consultant. We shared information provided from our Town Hall and began to map out a plan to develop our safety plan.

Jonathan Baker shared that the first step was to have a community meeting and develop a core group of

volunteers to work on the plan. We have accomplished the first step! We had 14 participants from our Town Hall step up to volunteer to develop a safety plan for Clatskanie School District.

Along with the development of a safety plan, Columbia County Emergency Management Staff will analyze all of our buildings using the Department of Homeland Security protocols and provide us with a detailed report of each of our buildings’ security risks and advantages.

On Friday, March 6, a district committee met with the two engineers from McKinstry Engineering that attended our Town Hall to discuss a long range plan for our facilities.

All of the suggestions from the Town Hall were taken into consideration and many of the suggestions will be included in our long range plan. Our long range plan will be available by the April Board Meeting.

Cathy Hurowitz is the Clatskanie School District Superintendent. She may be reached at 503-728-0587.

Abrupt end of session BRAD WITT Chief Guest Column

Science-based future On February 26, I was appointed to the House Committee on Water, and have found the committee meetings to be interesting and informative.

I also serve on three other committees, I am Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources and am a member of both the House Committee on Economic Development and the Joint Committee on Transportation. Wednesday’s Water Committee meeting focused on Columbia River Salmonids, and how the species are reacting to warmer water temperatures. ODFW is continuing their research and monitoring of fisheries and species health, while implementing conservation planning, habitat prioritization, and infrastructure resiliency.

The department’s vision towards climate and ocean change will be sciencebased management, to understand impacts, determine the most appropriate action, and work collectively to enhance river health.

The goal is for Oregonians to have healthy natural areas that provide clean air and drinking water, food, abundant fish and wildlife, and natural resources that support a thriving economy.

Abrupt end of session The Legislative session came to an abrupt end on Thursday afternoon, when it became apparent that the walkout had left insufficient time to process the backlog of bills that were waiting for floor consideration.

While we began the short session with high expectations, in the end only three bills were approved by both Chambers and signed by Governor Brown.

Concussion legislation HB 4140 requires the Department of Education to develop a form for public education programs to use when a student has been diagnosed with concussion

or other brain injury.

This is a voluntary tool to guide schools and educators in their efforts to accommodate students whose concussion or brain injury may have educationsetting implications. Early diagnosis and interventions for traumatic brain injury are critical for the recovery process, and HB 4140 creates an action plan for teachers to use when faced with a student’s return to school after a brain injury, a time when the student’s educational and emotional needs may be very different than before the injury and make them vulnerable to falling behind their normal academic trajectory.

I was happy to co-sponsor this important legislation to benefit student learning and success, it received overwhelming bi-partisan support in the House, and a unanimous vote in the Senate and was signed by Governor Brown February 27, 2020 and takes effect August 1, 2021.

License plate fee increase HB 4061 increases the fee on Cultural License Plates and will result in more money transferred

by ODOT to the Oregon Cultural Trust when Oregonians choose to pay extra to receive a Cultural Trust plate.

Currently $15 is the extra fee per plate one can voluntarily pay for original issuance and at each registration renewal. HB 4061 increases that voluntary fee to $25.00 and will help the Trust for Cultural Development Account going forward.

I signed on as a bill sponsor to support the Cultural Trust, and because this fee is strictly voluntary, and only impacts those people who want to buy the license plate to support the cause. The bill received unanimous support in both the House and Senate, was signed by the Governor and takes effect January 1, 2021.

Correcting an unintended consequence HB 4106 allows the withdrawal of the City of Happy Valley in Clackamas

County from the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation district. This is the type of legislation that is very specific and applies only to one area, correcting an unintended consequence of the formation of a parks and recreation district.

For the past two years, the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Board of Directors for the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD), and the City of Happy Valley have been involved in a legal dispute over parks and recreation services. The parties have recently come to a comprehensive agreement that will resolve all legal claims between them.

The agreement is contingent upon the successful passage of HB 4106 in the 2020 legislative session.

This legislation received unanimous votes in both Chambers and was signed by the Governor February 27th, and because of the emergency clause, took effect upon its passage.

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Clatskanie teens named All-League

Legislature’s next steps It is hard to predict the Legislature’s next steps, leadership has indicated that we will be called back into Special Session sometime in the next month to deal with the budget bills that are awaiting approval.

In the interim, my office is here to assist my constituents. If you need help on a state issue or have a concern regarding a state agency, contact my office and we will see what can be done.

Due to the Coronavirus, we are cancelling our “inperson” Town Halls for the immediate future, instead, I invite you to view a Live Facebook Town Hall March 21, from 10:30-11:30 am.

Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reach at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • Capitol Building: 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt.

The Chief

Courtesy photo

Clatskanie Middle/High School seniors Dawson Evenson and Jonathan Moravec, described as the 6’5” “twin towers” of the school varsity basketball team, have both received

All-League honors.

Evenson was named to the first team, and Moravec received second team status.

Evenson has signed as a pitcher for Linn-Benton Community College’s

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baseball team next year.

Moravec will attend Oregon State University, studying engineering.

The two received the AllLeague honors at the recent district championship event.

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Friday, March 13, 2020

A5

Oregon’s top consumer complaints STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Photo courtesy of ODOT

The project has been concentrated along an eight block section of downtown Rainier where an active rail line bisects the city’s main street and operates closely with vehicle traffic, pedestrians and bicycles, creating a variety of safety hazards.

Rainier street project STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Oregon Department of Transportation officials report the $11.1 million “A” Street Rail Safety Project in Rainier is making “excellent progress” and is on schedule to be completed by mid-July.

ODOT and the City of Rainier said the project is expected to significantly improve safety in the downtown area by separating the rail line from vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, and creating one-way roads on either side of the tracks.

The project has been concentrated along an eight block section of downtown Rainier where an active rail line bisects the city’s main street and operates closely with vehicle traffic, pedestrians and bicycles creating a variety of safety hazards.

ODOT’s Lou Torres said the project is over 60 percent complete.

What has been completed includes the: • Realignment of the rail

•

tracks, including “day-lighting” the tracks to eliminate the asphalt road surface over the track and exposing the railroad ties and aggregate base.

• Construction of a new curb and gutter to physically separate the rail line from all other modes of travel.

• Construction on the north side of “A” Street that includes base paving, and new storm drains, sidewalks, curbs, ADA compliant ramps, illumination conduits and pole bases.

During the week of March 16, work will begin on the south side of the street where most of the same features constructed on the north side will be added. That work will continue through May. “In June and July, the project will wrap up with final top lift paving and the railroad installing new crossing arms and signals,” Torres said.

In a related but separate project, the city of Rainier had earlier completed the A Street Parking Plaza and is improving freight movements on Veterans Way.

The project is using multiple contractors working in close cooperation with the Portland & Western Railroad (PNWR), ODOT and the City of Rainier.

Including the new A Street Plaza and upgraded city utilities, the total cost of the project is $11.1 million with funding coming from nine different sources including a Connect Oregon grant and PNWR required match, ODOT’s Rail and Public Transit Division, Oregon Legislatively approved Regional Solutions funds, Business Oregon and City of Rainier.

Access for pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will be available and identified through or around the work zones.

To learn more about the project, visit the web site at https://www.oregon.gov/ odot/projects/pages/projectdetails.aspx?project=19462.

Read a series of articles about the project at thechiefnews.com. For updates about traffic, go to www.TripCheck.com or call 511.

The Chief often receives calls from our readers and website viewers about scams circulating in Columbia County.

Oregon’s Justice Department investigators track the fraud when they know about the scams.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum compiles the information and annually releases the Oregon Department of Justice’s annual list of Top Ten Consumer Complaints.

The 2020 edition is just out.

The number one complaint is Telecommunications, followed by Imposter Scams, Auto Sales and Repair, Financial, Credit and Lending Medical Services, Travel Services and Products, Real Estate and Property Management, Towing, Construction Contractors and Insurance.

“Scammers, and unfortunately even some businesses, try to find new ways to take advantage of Oregonians,” Rosenblum said. “They may constantly change their tactics, but it doesn’t make a scam less shocking or violating. We don’t care if somebody was ripped off for $15, or $1,500 — no consumer should be taken advantage of by a business. Fortunately, we have an entire team who can contact the company on your behalf, request more information, and if necessary, open a case to help you get your money back.”

For the first time ever,

complaints about “construction contractors,” made the AG’s list. The category that includes home repairs, construction companies, cleaning and restoration services, and swimming pool and hot tubs sales made the list. In total, the Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline received 36,000 phone calls, resulting in more than 6,500 written consumer complaints.

“For most people, the home you own in is your largest and most valuable investment, Rosenblum said.

“That’s why Oregon law requires contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured.

If you do not feel that a construction contractor or home repair service has played by the rules, please contact our office.”

Rosenblum urges consumers before hiring a contractor to visit the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) website (http://www. oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/index. aspx), or call 503-378-4621, to learn what to look for in a contractor, recognize red flags and more.

To commemorate National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7, Oregon DOJ and AARP Oregon are partnering together on Thursday, March 5 for an event where 25 trained staff and volunteers will call Oregonians who have previously been victimized by a fraud or scam to give them information about imposter and telemarketing scam calls.

The one-day call center is designed to target Oregonians who may be vulnerable to fraudulent telemarket-

ers and make sure they have accurate information about imposter phone scams, and how to know when a phone call is fake.

In 2019, the Oregon Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Section recovered more than $1.29 million for consumers and small businesses throughout the state.

According to a release from the Oregon DOJ, one example of a success story involved in the state’s efforts to get victims’ reimbursements includes one consumer in Astoria. That person received $2,500 back for a service plan.

In May 2019, the consumer contacted the Oregon Department of Justice complaining about a company she had purchased a service plan who failed to provide the service, but then refused to reimburse her according to the plan. The Oregon DOJ contacted the company and within days they agreed to refund the consumer $2,500.

Upon receipt of the check, the consumer wrote to the Department and said, “I am grateful that the Consumer Protection Division exists. This was the second time I have had to file a complaint about a business, and you have helped resolve both issues.”

If you think you have fallen victim to a fraud or scam, contact the Oregon Department of Justice online at www.oregonconsumer.gov or call our hotline at 1-877877-9392. Read more about fraud and scams at thechiefnews.com.

Highway project planning

•C ommunity M eetings • •

Mondays: • Oregon Hunters Association Columbia County Chapter membership meetings are held the second Monday of each month at the Kozy Korner Restaurant in St. Helens.

Meetings start at 7 p.m. or come early at 6:30 p.m. for some good food and visiting.

• Community Action Team Board of Directors meetings take place on the fourth Monday of every month unless the meeting would fall on a holiday, from 2 – 4 p.m. in the CAT boardroom, 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens.

• The American Legion Post 68 meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall, 930 SE 5th St., Clatskanie.

Tuesdays: • The VFW meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at 960 SW 5th St., Clatskanie.

• The Columbia County Law Library will be holding Court Forms Clinics every Tuesday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (weather permitting). Get help filling our court forms commonly used in the Columbia County courthouse. The forms are free and the clinic is free. Sign up is required and is available at the courthouse Mon. – Fri. from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or at

the Law Library Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.

– 3 p.m. 270 S. First St., St. Helens. Questions: 503-3965344 or ccll@columbiacll.org or davis12000@aol.com.

Wednesdays: • Rotary Club of Columbia County – St. Helens meeting is held at the Warren Country Inn at 12 p.m. For more information, call 503-397-2341.

• Columbia SWCD meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., 35285 Millard Rd., St. Helens. December’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m.

• Lawyer in the Law Library is a series of talks about common legal problems. Meeting are on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. A lawyer will provide basic information and answer your questions about the topic of the evening. Columbia County Law Library, 270 S. First St., St. Helens. Call 503-396-5344 with questions.

• Port of Columbia County Board of Commissioners hold meetings at 8:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Port of Columbia County office, 100 E St., Columbia City.

Thursdays: • The Veterans breakfast is held the first Thursday of the month

at 10 a.m. at the Legion Hall, 930 SE 5th St., Clatskanie.

• The regular monthly Rainier Chamber of Commerce meeting is held on the second Thursday of every month at 12 p.m. at the United Methodist Church. Lunch is provided for a suggested $6 donation.

Fridays: • Veteran’s Breakfast at the Village Inn in the Banquet Room the first Friday of every month. Doors open at 7 a.m. and the meeting starts at 8 a.m.

Guest speakers will discuss topics that are important to local Veterans and their families. All veterans are welcome to attend.

Saturdays: • NAMI Columbia County Support Group, National Alliance on Mental Illness, meets on the second Saturday of every month from 12 p.m.

– 2 p.m. at the Elks Veterans Bunker, 125 S. 13th St., St Helens, Oregon. For more information, contact Judy Thompson 503-397-6056 or contact NAMI Oregon at 503230-8009.

• The Rainier Historical Museum is open every Saturday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

It is located inside Rainier City Hall. Please enter the side entrance and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.

Courtesy photo

The Oregon Transportation Commission is accepting public comments on the proposed transportation projects in person and, for the first time, through an online open house.

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Transportation officials are putting together statewide plans for highway projects in Columbia County and across the state.

Officials are encouraging residents to comment on the list of upcoming highway projects that make up the Oregon’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, or STIP. The STIP is the Oregon Department of Transportation’s to-do list for capital improvements for state and federally-funded highway projects. The three-year, 2021-2024 draft list is developed by state planners working with local partners, prioritizing the needs of the transportation system.

The Oregon Transportation Commission is accepting public comments on the pro-

posed transportation projects in person and, for the first time, through an online open house.

In Region 2, which includes Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, Yamhill, Polk, Marion, Linn, Lincoln, Benton, Lane and Western Washington counties, people can comment at upcoming scheduled public meetings.

The first meeting was held Thursday, March 12 by the Northwest Oregon Area Commission on Transportation in Tillamook.

The next meeting is set for 3:30-5:30 p.m. April 2, by the Mid-Willamette Valley Area Commission on Transportation Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments, 100 High Street SE, Suite 200 in Salem.

If you cannot attend one of the meetings, this year marks the first time that an online open house is available for you.

On the online open house you can read about the proposed projects and submit comments at: http://openhouse.oregondot.org/openhouse/oregon-draft-stip.

The online open house index allows you to easily search through all active open houses: https://openhouse.oregondot.org/. Use the index and key word search to find projects in your area of interest.

Officials said your feedback helps answer important questions, such as: • Will a project impact something that you think we should know about?

• What projects do you support?

• Are there projects that concern you? What are those concerns?

The online open house and public commenting period runs from now through Friday, April 10.

Also, try our new bone in deep fried wings!

Luigi’s pizza taco Tuesday!

Taco pizza $1 off any size and 1/2 off

deliveryyour every Tuesday 4 pm to 8 pm.

Meet friendsfrom and relax Offer good until March 31st at this classic neighborhood watering hole!

Good times ROLL at the

Join us for Historic

Live Music Cloudshine Goble March 14 at 8 p.m.

Tavern and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

The Dreamers

Music & Magic • Fridays & Saturdays Cold Beer • Micro-Brews • Good Food Video Poker • Keno Scratch-Its • Pool • Darts

March 21 at 8 p.m.

503-556-4090

Milepost 41 on Hwy 30

70255 Columbia River Hwy • Rainier, OR

Wednesday’s 1/2 off delivery fee Large pepperoni pineapple pizza for $18.

Good every Wednesday thru 3/25/20

Open 11 am daily • 503-556-4213 119 First St E • Rainier 11 Beers on Tap • Cocktails & Wine OREGON LOTTERY • Shuffleboard • Pool

Alston pub grub

25196 Alston Road • Rainier, OR Open daily at 11AM • 503-556-9753

Live music by Avi March 21st at 8 p.m.

Good times ROLL at the

Historic

Goble Tavern

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Music & Magic • Fridays & Saturdays Cold Beer • Micro-Brews • Good Food Video Poker • Keno Scratch-Its • Pool • Darts

Milepost 41 een! ff Gr Happy 60th Je 503-556-4090 on Hwy 30

You are greatly loved by your family and the senior citizens of Clatskanie.

70255 Columbia River Hwy • Rainier, OR

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A6

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, March 13, 2020

Marketplace

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

Just call 503.728.3350

Listings are updated daily at www.thechiefnews.com

J.J. LANDSCAPING Gardening needs, lawn maintenance, clean ups, bark, soil, planting, pruning, aeration, fertilization, weed control, plant trees, blackberry removal, free estimates and I have references.

360-241-6889 or 360-425-0738.

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Misc Services

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

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

503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274.

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Announcements

Announcements

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

An acount has been set up at Wauna Credit for RIVER LARSON on behalf of her mother, Andrea Larson passing suddenly Nov. 15, 2019. For anyone who wishes to help River, please donate to the account at Wauna Credit Union. We truly appreciate anyone who wishes to help her.

Amy to reserve your booth 503397-0116 or atrull@country media.net

HEAD LIFEGUARD Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications for Head Lifeguard positions.

You can obtain and turn in the application at the following locations: Clatskanie Middle/ High School Office, Dennis R. Conner, CPA, 365 S. Nehalem St. and Clatskanie Elementary School office. Required: At least 2 years Lifeguard/CPR/ AED experience.

WSI certified desirable. Any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 503-728-2038 OR Becki Horness, 503-308-2363.

Applications will not be accepted after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

LIFEGUARD Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications for Lifeguard positions. You can obtain and turn in the application at the following locations: Clatskanie Middle/High School Office, Dennis R. Conner, CPA, 365 S. Nehalem St. and Clatskanie Elementary School office. Required: Applicant must meet the requirement of being 15 years of age by the last day of the Lifeguard Training/Certification Course. Training will be provided. Any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 503-728-2038 OR Becki Horness, 503-308-2363.

Applications will not be accepted after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Assistant Pool Manger: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, Clatskanie Swimming Pool is now accepting applications for an Assistant Pool Manager position Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent, Minimum one (1) year pool management, swimming instruction and lifeguarding experience; two (2) years of experience preferred, General management preferred, Ability to obtain National Swimming Pool Foundation certifications for Certified Pool Operator within three (3) months of hire date, Ability to obtain Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR certification within three (3) months of hire date, Knowledge of swimming pool maintenance

VENDORS WANTED 2020 Home & Garden brought to you

by InRoads Credit Union and presented by The Chronicle and Don’s Rental.

Show Dates SaturdayApril 18th 10am5pm, Sunday-April 19th 11am-3pm.

Location: Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens.

Contact

312

Events

28th Annual ASTORIA AUTOMOTIVE SWAP MEET

Vendors Wanted Clatsop Fairgrounds Saturday March 14th 8AM - 2PM Contact Fred 503-440-9481 or Dorothy 503-468-0006

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Landscaping

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Storage

Acreage

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

(Texas Best Buy) For sale by owner/broker Just released (3) 20 acres prime parcels. Now only $370 per acre, $100 per month.

Financing available. Call 1-800875-6568.

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Hoarder’s Paradise!

20 sizes, Inexpensive RV Storage, Hand trucks, Locks, Fully-lined, Insulated, Condensation free, all units lit. On-site Manager

Real Estate Wanted

503 728-2051 503 369-6503

Hosting a

Visa/MC/Amex

Need a job? check the classifieds online at www.thechiefnews.com to find your perfect job offer

I buy houses and land. in any condition.

360-261-4700.

garage sale?

Let everyone know with an ad in The Chief.

Call 503-728-3350.

Public Notices

CC20-1170

TS No. OR07000143-19-1 APN 11750 TO No 191135548 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE

Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, CESAR ORLANDO ALFARO as Grantor to FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE CO. OF OREGON, AN OREGON CORPORATION as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for NEW PENN FINANCIAL, LLC, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of May 13, 2018 and recorded on May 14, 2018 as Instrument No. 2018004106 and the beneficial interest was assigned to NEW PENN FINANCIAL, LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING and recorded December 11, 2018 as Instrument Number 2018-010255 of official records in the

Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 11750 LOT 3, BLOCK 4, SHERMAN`S ADDITION, TO THE CITY OF ST. HELENS, COUNTY OF COLUMBIA, STATE OF OREGON Commonly known as: 124 MACARTHUR ST, SAINT HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Beneficiary, NewRez LLC FKA New Penn Financial, LLC DBA Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, and the Trustee, Tony Kullen, Esq., OSB #090218, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became

due Monthly Payment(s): 6 Monthly Payment(s) from 08/01/2019 to 01/01/2020 at $1,895.38 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2020 to 02/01/2020 at $1,893.33 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $277,478.67 together with interest thereon at the rate of 4.37500% per annum from May 1, 2019 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on June 16, 2020 at the hour of 01:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon

CC20-1190

CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT MEETING NOTICE The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors has scheduled the next regular Board meeting for Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the community room of the District’s administration building located at 495 E Columbia River Highway, Clatskanie. A Board Workshop will be held at 5:30 pm. An executive session may be called at the workshop and/or meeting, pursuant to: ORS 192.660 (2) (i) to review and evaluate the performance of an officer, employee, or staff member if the person does not request an open meeting. AGENDA

CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT BOARD WORKSHOP on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. I. PRESENTATION: Metering Safety & Reliability, Mark Woodriff Substation Wireman II. POLICY REVIEW: #216 Voting by Directors, #217 Abstaining from Voting, #218 Conflict of Interest, #219 Board Calendar, #220 Board Compensation and #109 Public Records Request III. STAFF REPORTS CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING on Wednesday, March 18,

2020 at 7:00 P.M. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS II. CONSENT AGENDA · Minutes of Board Workshop, February 19, 2020 · Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, February 19, 2020 · Review payment of bills for February 2020 III. ACTION ITEMS · New Policy #112 Distribution Facility Overload Policy · Voting Delegate & Alternate for NWPPA Annual Meeting IV. DISCUSSION / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS · Board Comments & Calendar (Date Change for May Meeting) V. EXECUTIVE SESSION VI. ADJOURNMENT

CC20-1173

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to ORS 477.250, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held at the Forest Grove District Office, 801 Gales Creek Road, in Forest Grove, Oregon, on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 3:00 pm, to receive from any interested persons suggestions, advice, objections or

remonstrance’s to the proposed budget for the forest protection district.

A copy of the tentative budget for the Forest Protection District may be inspected during normal working hours. To ensure the broadest range of services to individuals with disabilities, persons with

disabilities requiring special arrangements should contact Renae Shippey, at 503-3597424 or renae.shippey@ oregon.gov at least two working days in advance of the scheduled hearing.

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, PETER DAUGHERTY, STATE FORESTER

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

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

Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential

CC20-1184

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LANDOWNERS OF THE BEAVER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT COMPANY, INC Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the Landowners and Board Members of the Beaver Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Monday, March 16, 2020,

at 5:00 p.m. in the Port of Columbia County’s Business Center located at 555 SW Bryant St in Clatskanie, OR. Notice is further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the owner.

The meeting is to elect a

director, adopt a budget and any other business that comes before the landowners.

Dated this 28th day of February 2020. Warren Seely, President Beaver Drainage Improvement Company, Inc. Board of Directors

CC20-1186

CSD BUDGET COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED The Clatskanie School District 6J Board of Directors is accepting applications from patrons interested in serving on the budget committee. Two-two year positions (expiring 6/30/21) and two-one year positions (expiring 6/30/20) are available. You can pick up an application form at the Clatskanie School District

Office, 471 SW Bel Air Dr, or on-line at csd.k12.or.us .

Please return applications to the District Office by 3:30 pm on April 3, 2020. The budget committee meeting dates are April 13, May 4, and May 11(if necessary).

Selected candidates must be qualified voters of the district. Officers, agents, or employees of the district are

not eligible. Applications may be submitted to Tami Burgher, Clatskanie School District 6J, PO Box 678, Clatskanie OR 97016 or email tburgher@csd.k12. or.us . Questions regarding services required in terms of time and responsibility may be directed to Tami Burgher at 503-728-0587, ext. 2003, or to any board member.

CC20-1191

CC20-1181

CC20-1189

The City of Clatskanie is seeking a Request for Proposal from qualified firms to conduct a Facility Master Plan for the Wastewater Treatment plant. RFP information packets are available on the City web-site at www.cityofclatskanie.com.

Deadline for submissions is close of business, Monday March 30th, 2020.

Rainier Storage Place, LLC will hold a sale at 29098 Dike Rd., Rainier OR 97048 of the contents of the following storage units belonging to: 8x40 storage containers Jack Miller CY53 at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21st, 2020.

SEEKING REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE OF BOARD

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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

Dated: 01/30/2020 By: Tony Kullen, Esq., OSB #090218 Successor Trustee Tony Kullen, Esq., OSB #090218 c/o Wright, Finlay & Zak, LLP 121 SW Morrison, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97204 (949) 477-5050Order Number 69655, Pub Dates: 03/13/2020, 03/20/2020, 03/27/2020, 04/03/2020, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

MEETING

The Rainier School Board will hold a Special Board meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rainier School District Board Room, 28168 Old Rainier Rd.

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, March 13, 2020

•

•O bituaries • •

Sharon “Sharri” Ann Poorman Oct. 7, 1950 ~ March 2, 2020

Sharri Poorman passed away at home in Rainier, Oregon after battling cancer after six years on March 2, 2020.

Her hobbies included working in the garden, fishing and hunting, family and grandkids. She retired from the Rainier Eagles as a club manager in December of

2013.

She leaves behind a loving husband Michael; two sons Clinton Cole and Justin (Dawn) Cole; daughter Kiersten (Nick) Temanson; three stepsons Greg (Stephanie) Poorman, Chris (Michele) Poorman and Eric Poorman; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren;

sister Kathlene; niece Dezarae; and a nephew Josh.

A celebration of life will be held at the Rainier Eagles at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Longview in honor of Sharri.

Gwen Hummels Pellham Feb. 26, 1930 ~ March 7, 2020

Gwen Hummels Pellham passed away on March 7, 2020 at the age of 90.

She was born in Hildreth, Nebraska to William and Margaret Hummels and was one of seven children.

Moving from Nebraska to Gaston where she spent her younger years before moving to Woodland and meeting her husband of 71 years, Carl Pellham. They raised their four children in the Quincy and Rainier area where Gwen drove a school bus and was a row boss for Luttrell’s berry fields for many years, she was beloved by all.

In later years Carl and

Gwen moved to St. Helens to be near the grandkids to watch their sports. They were longtime members of

Mayger Downing Community Church and Grace Baptist Church.

She is survived by her sister Gerry of Vancouver, Washington; son Carl of Rainier; daughter Roxanne (Lonnie) Hadlock of Sumpter; son Steve (Joanne) of St. Helens; son Bill (Colleen) of St. Helens; five grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Carl.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you donate to her favorite organization the Columbia County Food Bank.

Jan. 16, 1946 ~ Feb. 12, 2020

Place an obituary or death notice in the paper Contact The Chief at 503-728-3350 or chiefnews@ countrymedia.net

the local Christmas Parade in Longview, Washington. In 1989 Sharon decided to get back into the workforce and was employed by Employers Overload where she performed dictation duties and later became a secretary at Boise Cascade Pulp Mill in St. Helens, Oregon and PGE. In 1991 Sharon became employed at Cowlitz County as a secretary for the building and planning division.

In 1995 Sharon and Dean divorced.

In 1996 Sharon won the talent competition at Beaver Valley Grange #306 in Rainier, Oregon, where she played the accordion. She went on to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to compete in 1997 after her son Daniel graduated from high school. Sharon moved to Kelso, Washington until 2003 where she retired from Cowlitz County in Long Beach, Washington. Her retirement was short lived as she became a freelance writer for the local newspaper, The Chinook Observer and also became the secretary for the Surfside H.O.A. in 2005.

Sharon became a grandmother to her granddaughter Cassidy in 2005.

•Area Churches••

• CLATSKANIE

Clatskanie Baptist Church 415 South Nehalem St., 503-728-2304 Senior Pastor Kirk Bennett Clatskanie Presbyterian Church 215 South Nehalem Street Clatskanie, OR 97016 Phone: 503-728-2300 Clatskanie Presbyterian Church is a community of Christian faith that expresses a relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit for everyone individually and collectively.

Pastor Erik Huget Old Testament reading: Proverbs 3: 1-12. New Testament reading Romans 6:1-14.

Sermon: “Trust in the Lord.”

Adult Bible Study Sunday morning at 9:15 am in the Fireside Room.

Sunday morning worship is 10:30 and in the Sanctuary Room.

Mayger-Downing Community Church 80071 Life Lane, 503-728-2305 Pastor John Thomas St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 100 SW High Street 503-556-5641 Great Vow Zen Monastery 79640 Quincy-Mayger Road, Clatskanie, Oregon 97016 Sunday Morning Program 10am 503-728-0654 Faith Lutheran Church 1010 5th Street, Clatskanie, Oregon 97016. 503-728-4604 Pastor - Mary Anthony

RAINIER

Sharon Jean White

Sharon Jean white, 74, born Jan. 16, 1946, passed away Feb. 12, 2020.

Sharon was born in Portland, Oregon to Emma and William White. She was the youngest of five; Carl Bounds, Barry Bounds, Barbara Bodin and Bill Bounds.

Sharon graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland, Oregon in 1964 with honors. She went on to attend college at Portland State University where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in English.

After school Sharon began teaching high school in Rainier, Oregon. She accomplished a lot while being an English teacher. She taught gifted kids, headed the yearbook committee and chaperoned. In 1977 she went to the UK and Europe with the high school students for the entire summer.

Upon her return from the trip, Sharon met Dean Rundell, a local resident and neighbor in Rainier, Oregon.

Dean worked at Reynolds Metals in Longview, Washington. Later that year Sharon and Dean married on December 10, 1977. Following that year, Sharon gave birth to her son, Daniel. Sharon continued to teach.

Sharon was involved in the teacher’s union and part of the negotiating committee.

In 1985 due to management changes, Sharon decided to quit teaching and only do substitute teaching in order to spend more time with the family and take care of her ailing mother until 1988.

She also taught accordion lessons. Due to the quantity of students she taught, Sharon was able to have a float in

A7

Sharon finally retired to spend more time with her son and granddaughter and became a member of the Red Hats and Moose Lodge #2362 in 2012.

Sharon was involved with many groups Toastmaster Inteal, Bedver Valley Grange, Red Hats and Moose Lodge, Who’s Who and Portland State University Alumni.

Sharon was so happy when her family grew a little bit bigger, when her son Daniel got married to Amanda Hungerford and step-son Dayton Boursaw. On a sad note, Amanda passed away in 2016.

In 2015 Sharon left Long Beach, Washington and moved back to Portland, Oregon where she moved in with her sister-in-law, Pat Bounds to help out. In 2016 Sharon moved to Vancouver, Washington to live in the Knights of Pythias Retirement Center.

In February 2020 Sharon fell ill and passed away at Peace Health Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington with her son Daniel by her side.

Surviving are her son Daniel Rundell and granddaughter, Cassidy of Rainier, Oregon. Step-grandson, Dayton Boursaw of Longview, Washington and longtime friend Ivar Paavola, Vancouver, Washington. Niece and nephews Keith and sue Bounds of Portland, Oregon, Craig Bounds of Portland, Oregon and Karen and Rob Ogorman of Washougal, Washington.

A memorial will be held at 12 p.m. on Sat., March 14, 2020 at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oregon.

A burial will be held at 1 p.m.

Norma R. Shulda

June 11, 1921 ~ Feb. 21, 2020 Norma R. Shulda, 98, of Clatskanie, Oregon, passed away on Feb. 21, 2020 at Canterbury Gardens in Longview, Washington.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sat., March 28, 2020 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1010 NE 5th St., Clatskanie, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Clatskanie Swimming Pool, c/o Clatskanie Park and Recreation, PO Box 737, Clatskanie, Oregon 97016.

The Chief ONLINE

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Alston’s Corner Assembly of God 25272 Alston Rd. 503-556-1961 Pastor Steve Berry Nativity Of The Blessed Virgin 204 C St., E Rainier 503-556-5641 Rainier Assembly of God 74950 Rock Crest St., 503-556-8211 Pastor Jeff McCraken Rainier Community Church of God 321 W C St., Rainier, 503-556-5661 Rainier United Methodist Church Corner of 1st & ‘C’ St., 503-556-3440 Pastor Michele Holloway Riverside Community Church 305 West C Street, Rainier 503-556-1216; Pastor Paul Rice

Columbia Bible Church 10:30 a.m. Sunday 407 East Second St. Rainier, OR 97016 Robert Klukas 360-501-4060 Heritage Bible Church, Rainier Senior Center, 48 W 7th St., Rainier, Oregon 97048

ST. HELENS

Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church 1911 Columbia Blvd., 503-312-1072 Pastor Burkhardt Calvary Lutheran Church 58251 Division Rd., St. Helens 503-397-1739 Pastor: Mark Dennis Columbia River Foursquare Church 555 Commons Drive, St. Helens 503-397-0069 Senior Pastor Mike Cooke Christ Episcopal Church 35350 E. Division Rd., St. Helens 503-397-1033 Rev. Jaime Sanders Columbia Christian Center 235 S 15th St., 503-366-8028 Pastor Terry Luttrell St. Helens Community Bible Church 35031 Millard Rd., St. Helens Pastor Max Snook www.sthelensbiblechurch.org Christian Church 185 S. 12th St., St. Helens 503-397-2151 Pastor Justin Bruner First Lutheran Church 360 Wyeth St. 503-397-0090 Interim Pastor Randy Sinn First United Methodist Church 560 Columbia Blvd., 503-397-0061 Pastor Jared Maddox Plymouth Presbyterian Church 2615 Sykes Rd., 503-397-0062 Pastor David Hutchinson St. Frederic Catholic Church 175 S. 13th St., 503-397-0148 Father Nicolaus Marandu The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2755 Sykes Road, St. Helens St. Helens 1st Ward Bishop Kent Dery 971-225-8727 St. Helens 2nd Ward Bishop Paul Erickson 971-8134000 Scappoose Ward

Bishop Lorin Fielding 503-987-2179 Sunset Park Community Church 174 Sunset Blvd, St Helens Pastor Aaron Hiller St. Helens Church of Christ 295 S. 18th St., St. Helens Pastor Ivan Bissell 503-366-0967

SCAPPOOSE

Grace Lutheran Church 51737 Columbia River Hwy., Scappoose 503-543-6555 Joshua Wiley Scappoose Foursquare Church 33404 SW JP West, Scappoose 503-543-5069 Pastor Daniel Schmoll St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church 51555 SW Old Port Rd., Scappoose 503-543-2110 Chuck Wood

WARREN

Bethany Lutheran Church 34721 Church Rd., Warren 503-397-2050, Ingrid Aderhold Grace Baptist Church 58690 Ross Rd., Warren 503-397-0405 Pastor Dean Christensen Warren Baptist Church 56799 Columbia River Highway, 503-397-1005 Pastor Randy Thomas Warren Community Fellowship 56523 Columbia River Highway, 503-397-4387 Pastor Cary Wacker

VERNONIA

Nehalem Valley Bible Church 500 North St., 503-429-5378 Pastor Gary Taylor Vernonia Christian Church 410 North St. 503-429-6522 Pastor Sam Hough St. Mary’s Catholic Church 960 Missouri Ave., 503-429-8841 Father Dale Waddil, Father Luan Tran

GOBLE

Cornerstone Baptist Church 70024 Goble Rd. 360-562-6201 Pastor Fred Mathews

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Clatskanie Middle/High School principal Jim Helmen listens to those gathered at the school during a recent school safety town hall.

HELMEN From Page A1 his research, and practices what he preaches.”

In his new role, Helmen will receive an annual salary of $110,000, a boost from his current salary at $98,000.

Accomplishments In preparing to leave as principal, Helmen said he credits his accomplishments to his staff, students and parents.

“I am extremely proud of the student success,” he said.

“In the last two years myself and my staff developed systems that have increased our graduation rate average from 73 percent to 87 percent. Our 9th grade is on track, rising from 76 percent to 88.6 percent, which is another indicator of success under the Oregon Department of Education’s standards.”

Helmen said the district’s dropout rate has declined from 7.72 percent to 3 percent and the absenteeism rate has improved to 11 percent higher than the past two years.

“We also have developed a comprehensive mental health system of support for students, a middle school and high school Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program, a robotics program and we have created a skill-building manufacturing program,” he said.

That manufacturing pro-

gram includes an industrial level plasma cutter, which Helmen described as an electro mechanical device allowing students to use computer designs of any type of shape, cut the shape out and create it with medal, wood or other materials.

“This is critically important because this is the machine that is being used in manufacturing now and this class is enabling students to build soft and hard manufacturing skills,” he said.

Challenges With the accomplishments at the high school as principal, Helmen acknowledges that there have been challenges.

“The most difficult aspect of this job is that you go home at night and the things you worry about are whether the decisions made are the best decisions possible to prepare students for life after high school,” Helmen said.

“Making sure all the decisions that are being made are for the betterment of kids. They are not always the most popular decisions, but they are the best decisions because we are paid to make good decisions to support our kids.”

Helmen said he also has worked to provide the support necessary for the school staff to have resources available to meet the needs of the students.

“The most positive part of this position is seeing the success that is happening

around me and knowing that it has occurred because of the 37 staff members that we have here at this high school,” he said.

Insight and advice What would Helmen’s insight and advice be to the person who takes over as principal at CMHS? “Understand that we have a tremendous staff and we have amazing kids,” he said.

We have solid systems in place to continue to move in the positive way that we are moving through collaboration, not only with the students and staff, but also with the community.”

As to parting words as he leaves this July for his new district post, Helmen told The Chief: “This was a really difficult decision for me to make because of how much I love my staff and students here, but I am also excited about the opportunities ahead, my new opportunity, and being part of the community in Clatskanie.

So, I don’t believe there are parting words.”

The Clatskanie School District is currently advertising for a new principal at the middle/high school. The Chief will keep you posted on the results of that search.

Next week in The Chief, Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz has agreed to a new three year contract with the district. Read about her priorities and what’s ahead for Clatskanie schools.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A8

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Friday, March 13, 2020

Vagrants causing disturbance

Christine Menges / The Chief

The City of Rainier has posted a sign on this building condemning the property.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Growing frustration regarding a group of vagrants is impacting several Rainier residents, who claim the vagrants have been causing a nuisance in the city.

The group in question has resided in the city for two years, first occupying a house near C Street and Fern Hill Road, then moving from that house to a large parking lot next door.

Disturbances One such resident, Ashley McClatchey, who lives next door to the lot, said she has heard several disturbances, including a recent incident where one of the members of the group ran a generator all night. There have been other

•

instances, too, she said, like an incident where someone shot off a gun, loud arguing, and screaming at all hours of the night.

“People are waking me and my children up, they’re trashing the neighborhood.

I want to list my house, but I can’t do it with trash in the neighborhood, and all of their drama and drug traffic.

I have two kids, I don’t need that,” McClatchey said.

According to McClatchey, this has been going on since the group moved into a since-abandoned house two years ago. The title company of the house has reported that the property was owned by an older gentleman, who got a reverse mortgage and has since passed away.

While he was living there, his son moved in and started bringing in people who were engaging in activities like

illicit drug use and harvesting rain water to flush toilets when water was shut off because of failure to pay bills.

At one point someone broke the sewer line and sewage started flowing in to neighboring property, according to McClatchey.

The group has since moved out, and a large orange sign now rests on the house, stating that no one may reside there. While the group may have moved their belongings out, they are still bothering neighbors, according to a Facebook post, dated March 5 on the Facebook group, Concerned Citizens of Columbia County.

More than 100 people have commented on the post, voicing their frustrations.

One person wrote he recently saw people in the lot working on their cars when he got off work at 3 a.m. Several

Rainier Police Department March 1 • An officer responded to a two-vehicle, non-injury accident on the bridge. No citations were issued.

March 2 • A caller requested a welfare check on a subject. The person was found to be intoxicated.

• A woman was reportedly wandering around, yelling at people and kicking buildings. An officer contacted her to check on her well-being and gave a courtesy transport per her request.

• A reportedly suspicious vehicle checked out okay.

• An officer responded to a disturbance at a residence on West 7th. Several people were reportedly there without permission and were trespassed from the premises.

March 3 • A caller reported seeing a driver spin around on the highway and hit the barrier.

The driver then fled the scene.

Officers were unable to locate the suspect vehicle.

March 4 • Walter Hughes, 46, of Rainier, was cited storing property in the city right of way on West 7th Street.

• A man sleeping in a vehicle at the boat launch was given a warning.

• A caller reported seeing a person trespassing at the East end of A Street on ODOT property.

The subject was unable to be located.

• Officers responded to a report of a disturbance. The disagreement was verbal in nature and peace was restored.

• A bullet was found at the skate park and was turned in as found property.

March 5 • An officer responded to an alarm at a tavern. The building was found to be secure.

• An officer assisted two motorists involved in a non-injury accident on the on ramp to the bridge.

• A resident reported that some neighbors were running genera-

• March 13 • Columbia County Job Fair: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Columbia River Four Square Church, 555 Commons Dr. St. Helens.

March 15 • Canceled St. Patrick’s Stew Feed: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Clatskanie Cultural Ballroom, 95 S. Nehalem St. Bluegrass Concert starts at 3 p.m.

Beef Stew, garlic bread and dessert for $10 per person. All proceeds benefit the Clatskanie

people wrote they noticed the garbage strewn on the ground at both the vacated house and the lot. Some of the commenters were urging others to have compassion for the homeless, stating that eviction is a long and sometimes difficult process, while others noted their concern that the mess and noise would bring housing prices down and impacts their quality of life.

No easy solutions While the police have been involved in citing people and have made several arrests, they do not have permission to trespass the people occupying the lot.

The lot is private property, owned by local city attorney, Bob Lucas.

Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said the city is working with

VIRUS

•B lotters • •

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

Vagrants are camping out in this parking lot.

From Page A1

tors and working on vehicles disrupting the peace. The parking lot ‘mechanics’ were given a verbal warning.

March 7 • A resident reported unwanted persons were walking through their yard.

• Robert Lucas, 81, of Rainier, was cited for storing rubbish in a parking lot on West C Street near West 7th.

March 8 • An insulin kit was turned in as found property.

March 9 A customer leaving a store n • oticed a woman yelling at his vehicle. When he got in the vehicle, she threw an object breaking out a window. When contacted by an officer, the woman was yelling that the people in the van had been hosing the pavement making it icy and told the officer that his boots were ugly and had been talking to her. She was issued a citation for criminal mischief and was voluntarily transported to a medical facility for evaluation.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s logs were not available at press time.

through different circumstances. It’s time for us all to do what we can to slow its spread and take care of one another.”

Brown submitted an updated request to Vice President Pence today outlining Oregon’s urgent needs from the federal government to support coronavirus response efforts in Oregon, as well as anticipated needs moving forward.

The Oregon Health Authority announced new steps to expand access to COVID-19 testing. State epidemiologists have updated COVID-19 testing guidelines to emphasize that outpatient clinicians can order a test for the virus from a commercial laboratory, at their discretion, without OHA authorization.

In addition, the procedure for collecting a COVID-19 sample is no longer classified as a high-risk, airborne testing process, requiring N95 masks. Under the recommendations, health care providers will only be required to wear a regular mask, gown, gloves, and eye protections, making the procedure for safely collecting samples simpler to

Christine Menges / The Chief

multiple entities to solve the problem. Several steps have been taking, like the city working with the county and declaring the home a nuisance property. The police have also been working on it, but Cole said he did not feel comfortable with saying much more, because it is a police matter.

“We would love to expedite the process, but our hands are tied. We have to go through the legal process, we can’t just bag up their stuff and kick them out,” Cole said.

According to Cole, if property owner Lucas gave the police department permission to trespass the individuals, it would be easier to remove them. Cole said that process hasn’t been as successful as everyone hoped it would be.

Complicating matters is

that the former vacant house is a bank-owned property, and the bank resides on the East Coast, Cole said.

“We are addressing the situation, and it is moving forward, the county is moving forward, the police department’s involved, the city’s involved. I’d love to see it cleaned up too. I don’t like it any more than anybody else,” Cole said.

The Rainier City Council has scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. March 16, to discuss the property and possible solutions.

administer for health care workers and easier to obtain for patients.

State health officials announced that they have agreements with five hospital systems to conduct COVID-19 testing. State health officials and hospital administrators urged anyone considering a COVID-19 test to consult with your health care provider before seeking a test at a local clinic or hospital.

The Chief reached out to city officials throughout Columbia County to discuss their potential plans should the county receive a COVID-19 case and in light of the new state restrictions.

City officials said they were monitoring the situation.

Clatskanie City Manager Grek Hinkelman said the city would work in cooperation with Columbia County Emergency Management and Columbia County Health.

“We’re taking a very close watch on what’s going on,” Hinkelman said. “It’s difficult to get 250 people all together in Clatskanie.

Right now, we’re just watching and monitoring, we’re not taking any action.”

Other city officials will participate in a conference call about novel coronavirus through the League of Oregon Cities Friday, March 13. The call is intended to

give updates and provide resources for cities to manage COVID-19, according to Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole.

“I plan on calling in, seeing what’s going on, what we can do to keep our citizens safe,” Cole said.

According to Cole, Rainier is taking precautions, such as posting signs on the entrances to Rainier City Hall requesting people who may feel sick to conduct any city business they might have over the phone or through emails rather than in person at city departments.

In St. Helens, city officials conducted a risk management meeting the morning of March 12, to discuss whether or not to cancel city council meetings. City Communications Officer for St. Helens, Crystal King said that decision was to be made by day’s end and was not available at press time.

Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce President Monica Hastings said most local business owners in the city are conducting business as usual and taking the situation on a week-by-week basis.

The Chief contacted Rainier Police Department and attorney Bob Lucas for this story and had not heard responses by press time.

Follow this developing story online at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

Reporter Christine Menges contributed to this report. Follow the latest coronavirus developments at thechiefnews.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chief.

•C ommunity C alendar • •

Senior Citizens’ Castle Capital Improvement Project.

Thompson at 206-949-9811 or webster9821@comcast.net.

April 4 - 13 • 44th Annual Spring Art Show: Call to Artists - The Columbian Artists Association presents the 44th Annual Spring Art Show at the Red Lion Inn, Kelso, Washington. This event is open to artists in 2-D and 3-D medial. All work will be juried at entry. Prospectus available at: columbianartists.org. For questions, contact Eileen

April 14 • Columbia County Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. at 58611 McNulty Way, St. Helens.

April 18 • Home and Garden Show: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Rd., St. Helens,

OR 97051. Come by and enjoy the Master Gardeners presentations, hear music from the St. Helens Public Library Ukulele Orchestra and see many other vendors. Get your free tickets at The Chronicle, InRoads, Clatskanie PUD and Don’s Rental. $3 admission at the door.

April 19 • Home and Garden Show: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892

Saulser Rd., St. Helens, OR 97051. Come by and enjoy the Master Gardeners presentations and see many other vendors. Get your free tickets at The Chronicle, InRoads, Clatskanie PUD and Don’s Rental. $3 admission at the door.

April 25 • 10th Annual Rainier Revisited: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Beaver Homes Grange, 31105 Beaver Homes Rd., Rainier. A

SPONSORED BY

2020 CHRONICLE

VENDORS WANTED Contact Amy at 503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net April 18th and 19th. Booth reservation deadline: April 8

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

living history reenactment of Rainier and Northwest History.

Step back in time to the year 1853. Hosted by the Rainier Jr./Sr. High School History Club- A chapter of the National History Club. Admission is donation based or a can of food for HOPE (local food bank). For more information contact a club member or, Rainier J./Sr. High School history club advisor Andrew Demko, or email andrew_ demko@rsd.k12.or.us

PRESENTED BY

The Chronicle

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Friday, March 13, 2020

A9

2020 3A State Champions 2019-2020 Clatskanie Middle/High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team Overall Record 23-2 League Record 7-1 OSAA Rank #1

Photo courtesy of Ed Glazar, The World, Coos Bay

Photo courtesy of Ryan Tompkins

The Clatskanie Middle/High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team.

Clatskanie’s Olivia Sprague drives Friday against Brookings-Harbor’s Sidney Alexander during a state 3A semifinal game at Marshfield High School. Clatskanie beat Brookings and will play for the state title against Sutherlin at 5:45 on Saturday at Marshfield.

Photo courtesy of Ed Glazar, The World, Coos Bay

Photo by Ed Glazar, The World, Coos Bay

Clatskanie players celebrate Friday after the win against Brookings-Harbor’s in a state 3A semifinal game at Marshfield High School. Clatskanie went on to beat Sutherlin in the championship game.

BASKETBALL From Page A1 Sutherlin’s Kiersten Haines.

Haines did her best to give Sutherlin a chance, making five 3-pointers and finishing with a game-high 19. But the Bulldogs didn’t have enough firepower to overcome the offense of the Tigers, who also got 12 points and 10 rebounds by Sizemore inside.

“Kaity Sizemore — I can’t even describe how well she did,” Sprague said. “She was working her butt off.”

The result was a second straight title for the Tigers, who were understandably

elated after the game.

“My emotions are everywhere,” Sprague said while she watched her teammates snip off parts of the net.

“I am over the edge — ecstatic.”

“I think it’s awesome,” Blodgett added. “Back to back — it doesn’t get much better than that.”

What made this year’s title different was the Tigers were the favorites all year.

“We had all the pressure,” Sprague said. “We had these targets on our back.”

Just like in all but two of their games this year — losses by three points at Class 4A La Grande and one point at league rival and sixth-place finisher Willami-

na — the Tigers came out on the winning side Saturday.

And with just one senior starter and Blodgett, Sprague and Sizemore all returning, the target will be that much bigger next winter.

Sprague said they will aim to stay on top with hard work.

“We’ve always said we’re going to run more than the other team,” she said. “Next year, we’re going to go one step harder at practice — one step farther. Push ourselves even more.”

Sutherlin, which was at the final site for the first time since winning during Haines’ freshman season, would love to spoil the

Brookings-Harbor’s Lexi Schofield drives Friday against the Clatskanie defense during the state 3A semifinal game at Marshfield High School. Clatskanie went on to beat Brookings-Harbor and played for the state title against Sutherlin inn which the Lady Tigers won.

Tigers’ dreams of another crown. They also return a strong cast.

“We’ve got a great group coming back,” Grotting said, adding that the team’s comeback to make it a close game late showed the group’s heart.

“I love our kids,” he said.

“Win or lose, you want to give yourselves a chance, and they did that.”

Haines admitting losing stung, but also said the team played well.

“Obviously, we could have done a little better,” she said. “But I’m proud of how we’ve done. I’m super thankful that I got to be part of such a great team.”

Following the team’s title

Congrats Champs!

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the 285 mile journey in full force and the student section (plus Willamina and Brookings Harbor) were energized and on their feet the whole game. Altogether it makes scholastic-athletics special and helps create memories that last a lifetime for a small town, like ours.”

A community celebration planned for the team and coaches Friday, March 13, at Clatskanie Middle/High School’s gym has been postponed due to the new restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Great Job to the Clatskanie Girls Basketball Team.

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victory, Tompkins summed up the Lady Tigers 2020 season.

“After winning the championship last year, there were a ton of expectations on this years’ team, additionally, every team you play is trying to play the role of spoiler,” Tompkins said.

“This can be a lot to put on the shoulders of such young kids and that’s why I think winning this year, under those conditions, makes this year’s season that much more impressive.”

Tompkins said it’s been “a blast” to follow the team.

“And win/lose we would have been incredibly proud of them,” he sad. “The Clatskanie faithful travelled

The Chronicle

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The Chief

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A10

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•

Friday, March 13, 2020

•OSAA F inal B racket • •

Team roster Shelby Blodgett Cloee Mcleod Olivia Sprague Bekah Hagen Annabelle Martin McKenna Leloff Lilly Boothe Maya Helmen Kaity Sizemore Alexis Smith

Champs.

Congratulations Clatskanie Girls

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Way to go Tigers!

Community celebration postponed

Courtesy photo

The Clatskanie Middle/High School Girls Varsity Basketball team stand proud with the title plaque after winning the OSAA State 3A champion game.

A community celebration honoring the Clatskanie Middle/High School Varsity Girls basketball team, that had been planned for Friday, March 13 in the CMHS gymnasium, 471 Del Air Dr. in

Clatskanie, is now postponed due to new state restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Clatskanie Middle/ High School varsity girls basketball team defeated

Sutherlin 51-40 on Saturday, March 7, to win the title in the OSAA / OnPoint Community Credit Union 3A State Basketball Championship.

The Chief will keep the

public informed on the new date of the celebration when it is publicized.

For questions or comments, contact rtompkins@ csd.k12.or.us

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