TCC325

Prepare for flu season

New school superintendent Page A3

Page A3

$1.50

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

VOL. 130, NO. 46 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

A diver carefully enters the Clatskanie sewer plant’s wastewater area to inspect the plant’s seal.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The diver returns to the surface with debris pulled from the plant’s seal below the wastewater.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The diver is hosed down following the sewer plant event.

Clatskanie’s sewer plant is operating normally following an unplugging episode.

The plant failed Friday, March 11. As a result of the failure, the plant was unable to properly treat the wastewater causing the E.coli levels being discharged into the Clatskanie River to be above permitted levels.

Signs were step up at the boat ramps on the Clatskanie River alerting people to avoid the contaminated waterway adjacent to the plant. The signs have since been removed since the contamination danger has passed.

The City of Clatskanie commissioned a dive team from Klamath Falls to seek the root cause of the latest plant failure.

On Thursday, March 17, a crew from Liquivision Technology positioned a ladder into the area of the sewer plant’s clarifying system allowing their diver to enter the wastewater to inspect the clarifier seal, the origin of the clogged system. The seal is designed to contain effluent during the sewage treatment process.

During the inspection the diver pulled handfuls of debris from the seal returning to the surface and placing the debris into large plastic buckets hanging from the plant’s walkway deck.

Pending test results, the sewer plant will be back online and the signs prohibiting water activity along the Clatskanie River boat ramps will be removed.

The project’s cost was not finalized as of March 17. Hinkelman said the cost of the dive and repairs to the plant will come from the city’s sewer funds.

History The last wastewater plant failure occurred in January after debris contaminated the clarifier causing a gasket/seal to be compromised. To resolve that failure, the city was able to drain the sewer plant, inspect the seal, remove debris and fix the seal.

The March 17 process required a diver, Hinkelman said, because the wastewater plant had effluent still within the system, not allowing the plant to be drained.

The plant is reaching the end of its service life and the city is currently in the process of contracting for the engineering and design of a new plant. Until the new plant is built, the city continues to make repairs and perform maintenance on the plant to keep it running, according to Hinkelman.

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

County launches hospital feasibility study JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County is moving forward with a hospital feasibility study.

A request for proposals from contractors to conduct the study was published in The Chief March 11.

The significant need for a hospital located within the county has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Columbia County Public Information Officer Mark Pacheco.

“County residents need to travel to a neighboring county or out of state to access emergency medical care or visit hospitalized friends and family.” Pacheco said.

History

In October 2021, The Chief published an interview with Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul asking a series of questions about the need for a hospital in the county.

Paul explained that several decades ago the Oregon State Legislature established a health planning program within the Oregon Heath Authority, and it directed the Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules specifying criteria and procedures for making decisions as to the need for new healthcare facilities, including hospitals. The primary goal of the program is to assure that health services are adequately distributed around the state, without

unnecessary duplication of services or excessive costs to patients.

“In 2009, the Oregon Health Authority denied an application submitted by Columbia Health District to build a 12-bed hospital in St. Helens,” Paul said.

In the 2021 article, The Chief also asked Paul if he thought the time is right for Columbia County to open discussions about citing a hospital in the county, and if so, why?

Paul said that periodically evaluating access to all levels of care is an important governmental function, whether it leads to the development of a hospital or not.

­­­­

Metro Creative Connection

See HOSPITAL Page A8

Columbia County is launching a hospital feasibility study to determine if such a medical center should be built.

Historic castle renovations nearly done ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Aided by the essential ingredients of dedication, collaboration, and perseverance, renovations to Clatskanie’s iconic Thomas J. Flippin House, known as the Clatskanie Castle, are nearly complete.

On Wednesday, March 23, Deborah Hazen, vice president and fundraising chair of the Clatskanie Foundation, presented her case for additional renovation funding to the Columbia County Board

Opinions ................... A4 Community Events A4 Crossword ............... A5 Classified Ads ......... A6 Legals ....................... A6 Sports.........................A8

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

of Commissioners. Following Hazen’s presentation, the commissioners unanimously voted to approve a $20,000 grant for kitchen improvements on the main floor of the castle.

According to Hazen, renovating the kitchen on the building’s main floor will serve a dual purpose, aiding in events catering and cementing the historical structure’s reputation as an asset for tourism.

Pending the project’s successful wrap-up, Hazen said the grand opening of the Thomas J. Flippin House, at 620 SW Tichenor Street, is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.

The Thomas J. Flippin House serves multiple functions, according to Hazen. Clatskanie Senior Center acquired the Thomas J. Flippin House in 1979, and in 2017, the Clatskanie Historical Society moved into the second floor of the castle.

“We’ve been in four different places, none of them permanent.

Since this was already kind of a museum, the senior citizens allowed the historical society to move our artifacts and archives into this building,” she said.

Hazen explained that the renovations project stemmed from

and the community as a whole to experience the history of the area.”

According to Hazen, Clatskanie Senior Center relied mainly on private donations to complete a long list of renovations, beginning from basic foundation repairs to upgrading old equipment.

One of the project’s key emphases was to preserve as much of the historical integrity of the building as possible.

Funding

For the Ages Courtesy photo

Construction workers are seen working on the roof of the Thomas J. Flippin House.

the collaborative effort of the Clatskanie Senior Center and the Clatskanie Historical Society.

“Then the two organizations combined in 2017 to get a strategic

plan, and to get fundraising to start carrying it out,” she said. “The goal was to preserve this house for history, a place to come together for special events, and for seniors

Saturday only!

2022 Columbia County

Free Shred Day April 23, 10-1 SPONSORED BY

Hazen said she had received upwards of $500,000 for the project, a combination of private donations plus an additional $2,000 from the Columbia County Coalition Grant and $9,800 in federal CARES Act funding.

“We have so far done this project with very little government money,” she said, adding, “Our ability to get grants was negatively affected by COVID-19.”

Hazen said she secured the largest donation by far, $250,000, from the C. Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust.

­­­­

See CASTLE Page A5

Saturday

Sunday

10am - 5pm

11am - 3pm

April 23 April 24 58892 Saulser Rd., St. Helens, OR 97051 Special Guest!

Shannon Quimby PRESENTED BY

The Chronicle The Chief

SPONSORED BY

DIY $3 Admission At The Gate with

A2

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, March 25, 2022

Stronger together

After the fire ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo

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

SNAP increasing by $65 million

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in April.

The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April, approximately 399,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $65 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.

“We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” said deputy director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Seguin said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

Current SNAP house-

holds will receive emergency allotments on April 12.

Emergency allotments will be issued April 29 or May 3 for households who did not receive benefits in the first monthly issuance.

SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards.

More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/ FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/ Emergency-Allotments.aspx.

Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-6999075.

If your household receives SNAP and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-to-date information.

You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways: • Online at: ONE.Oregon. gov • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309

• By fax at: 503-3785628 • By phone at: 1-800699-9075 or TTY 711

Resources to help meet basic needs Find a food pantry at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank. org.

Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities at Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or at www.adrcoforegon. org.

Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org.

Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency at www.caporegon. org/find-services/ or at the Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center.

Learn more at https:// govstatus.egov.com/or-dhsbenefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-OREADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

One-time assistance payments

Metro Creative Connection

The one-time payment will be sent by July 31, 2022.

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The one-time payment will be sent by July 31, 2022.

If you filed a 2020 Oregon tax return by December 31, 2021 and received an Oregon EITC, no action is required on your part, and you will automatically receive your payment by direct deposit or check. The payments are not taxable for Oregon

and will not be applied to state and federal debt owed by eligible households.

Taxpayers who were eligible for EITC in 2020 but did not claim it on their return can amend their 2020 federal and Oregon returns

by April 15, 2022 to claim the EITC and still be eligible for the one-time assistance payment. Taxpayers who miss this deadline, and did not receive an Oregon EITC, will not receive a payment.

For more information on

the one-time assistance payments and amended returns, visit the Oregon Revenue Department’s One Time Assistance Payment webpage.

You can visit www. oregon.gov/dor to get forms, check the status of your tax refund, or make payments.

Call 503-378-4988 or 800356-4222 (toll-free) or email questions.dor@oregon.gov for additional assistance. For TTY (hearing- or speechimpaired), we accept all relay calls.

Kindness is contagious, and Rainier just proved it.

Through an outpouring of community donations, eighteen Rainier families received the opportunity for a fresh start after a devastating fire destroyed their homes.

On Saturday, Nov. 20, Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) firefighters responded to a fire outbreak at Vance Apartments complex on W. C Street.

Despite firefighters’ best efforts, two units sustained heavy fire damage, and sixteen more suffered heavy smoke and water damage, according to CRFR. First responders recovered a deceased dog from the building and treated two fire victims for minor injuries.

Rainier’s nonprofit Turning Point’s Executive Director Kelly Miller told The Chief she “immediately went into action,” launching a community-wide effort to support those affected by the fire.

“The day after the fire, I put out a Facebook post, letting people know that I would be the central person asking for and receiving donations specifically for those families,” she said. “I had people stopping by the food pantry, bringing cash, bringing in checks. When all was said and done, I had raised over $2,595, which paid for a month-long stay in two different hotels for those families until they were able to find housing.”

A positive communitywide reception was an added benefit, but what humbled Miller was how far-reaching her call to action was.

“Not only our local community, but folks from Washington State and across the nation opened their pocketbooks to help our community members during their time of crisis,” she said. “We even had a $100 donation from a gentleman in Indianapolis, Indiana.”

Miller’s efforts didn’t stop there, however.

She said she “not only helped monetarily but coordinated with businesses locally,” to mobilize in support of the fire victims.

Miller named Cornerstone Restaurant, El Tapatio, and Hometown Pizza as examples of local businesses that offered gift cards to feed displaced families.

As donations flowed in from perfect strangers, Miller described the affected families as being touched beyond words.

“Lots of tears. Very grateful. Unbelievable,” she said.

Fire victims Wayne Barrett and Margot Johnson described their situation as “much better” since the November incident.

“We were lucky to be able to move back into our original home,” they said.

“Our building recently sold in January, and we are supposed to have full renovations done soon.”

They were also steadfast in their praise of Miller.

“She is a blessing!” They said. “(Kelly) is the only

Courtesy photo

A fire crew conducts the investigation following the November fire.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

Inside one of the damaged apartment units during renovation.

one who continues to check on us.”

Miller said she wants the community to know community members can reach her through HOPE of Rainier or Turning Point “not only in this time of need, but in any time of need.”

Call HOPE of Rainier at 503-556-0701 or Turning Point Clatskanie at 503-7283126 for more information.

As of press time, investigators had yet to determine the cause of the fire, and estimated damages were still pending.

Contractor Eow Con-

•

struction LLC is rebuilding the damaged apartment complex for Equity West Capital Group, a California-based company who acquired Vance Terrace following the fire devastation.

Project Manager John Newhouse said he expects six units to be move-in ready in three months’ time, dependent on the availability of supplies.

The new apartments will feature all new appliances and include in-unit washers and dryers. With the upgrades, they will be the “nicest apartments in Rainier,” Newhouse said.

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the March 18, 2022 crossword puzzle

Invite our readers in your celebration of Easter

Deadline is April 8th. Publishes week of April 13.

Prices start at $45.

For churches, organizations and businesses.

(503) 397-0116 chronicleads@countrymedia.net

The Chronicle

The Chief

news/advertiser

LIVE YOUR

ADVENTURE

Shooting Sports & Blade Expo

by taking the road less traveled in a new venture vehicle with rates as low as 2.49% APR* + no payments for 90 days

(Formerly - Rose City Show/Wes Knodel Gun Shows)

Sat. Mar. 26, 9-5, Sun. Mar. 27, 9-3

Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr. Portland, OR General: $12.00, Children 12 & under FREE with Adult Parking: $12.00 Daily or $24.00 for weekend This is one of the largest exhibitions of shooting sports related brands and products.

OR

Tactical Ordnance Gun Show Sat. Apr. 2, 9-5, Sun. Apr. 3, 9-3 Columbia County Fairgrounds 58892 Saulser Rd., St. Helens, OR General: $8.00, Children under 12: Free Free Parking

*APR-Annual Percentage Rate. The 2.49% APR is offered for qualifying motorcycle, ATV (including quads) and watercraft loans. Other rates and terms also available. Qualifying loans also include 90-Days No Payments (loan interest will continue to accrue). Some restrictions may apply. Rates & terms offered based on applicant’s credit worthiness and term of loan. Affordable financing also available for boats, campers, trailers, and motorhomes. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Membership with Wauna CU required. Federally insured by NCUA.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

NO MASKS REQUIRED AT EITHER SHOW

waunafcu.org | 800.773.3236

Questions OR to be a Vendor, Contact - Julie Zielke @ 253-381-6686 Email: tacticalordnanceshow@gmail.com

A3

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, March 25, 2022

Helmen selected as Vernonia school superintendent JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

During his role as Clatskanie Middle/High School Principal, Jim Helmen gives security directions to an arriving Columbia County Sheriff’s deputy during a February 2020 school lockdown.

The Vernonia School Board has selected Dr. Jim Helmen of the Clatskanie School District as the new superintendent of the school district effective July 1.

“Dr. Helmen is a very competent and talented individual that embodies the skills and character traits our district desires in a superintendent, to propel our district forward into its next phase of growth,” Vernonioa School District Board Chair Stacey Pelster said. “We are extremely excited to be joining in partnership with him as we take this step for the future of the Vernonia School District.”

“It is an honor to be selected as the Vernonia School District Superinten-

dent and becoming a part of the Vernonia community,” Helmen said. “I look forward to serving our students, staff, and community in building on the current progress of the district. I am excited to work together to ensure that all students are prepared for life, post-secondary education/ training, and career paths they may choose. I strongly believe a quality education is the key to success for all of our students and our community. Go Loggers!”

Clatskanie School Board member Kathy Engel said Helmen’s departure from the Clatskanie School District was not unexpected.

“He applied for the job several months ago and (Superintendent) Cathy Hurowitz has been mentoring Jim toward this end,” Engel said. “Jim’s interaction with students, his management

of the academy (alternative school and online students), and Special Ed are his strengths as well as his commitment to our community.

We are very happy for Jim. We congratulate Jim in this achievement!”

Engel said the Clatskanie School Board is currently reorganizing and budgeting, so it is unclear if Helmen’s position will be continued.

Helmen has served as the Director of Student Services and Innovation for the Clatskanie School District since July 2020. Prior to his current position, Helmen held the positions of middle/ high school principal and assistant principal from 2015 to 2020.

Helmen received his Educational Specialist (EdS) degree from Lewis and Clark college in Educational Leadership.

available.

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them.

• Avoiding getting coughed and sneezed on.

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills • Cough • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle or body aches • Headaches • Fatigue (tiredness)

Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly, the CDC states. People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Oregon flu cases rising, vaccines urged

Metro Creative Connection

Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

This month’s lifting of state mask requirements put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic is prompting many Oregonians to remove their face coverings.

Oregon health officials are now urging people to seek vaccinations against another circulating virus: influenza.

Oregon is seeing a late-season rise in flu cases – flu season generally peaks around late January or February – as mask requirements for public indoor spaces and schools fall away, making it easier to spread the virus from person to person, ac-

cording to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) communicable disease experts.

“The 2020-2021 flu season was virtually nonexistent as public health restrictions, such as stayhome orders, mask requirements, and limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings, kept flu cases down at record-low levels,” OHA’s Public Health Division Medical Director for Communicable Diseases and Immunizations Paul Cieslak, M.D. said. “Now we’re seeing more cases at a time when the season is usually coming to a close.”

During the week of March 6 to March 12, Oregon reported that 3.1% of influenza tests were positive, compared with 2.5% the

week of Feb. 27 to March 5, 1.6% the week of Feb. 20 to Feb. 26, and .6% the week of Feb. 6 to Feb. 12. During the same week of the 2020-2021 season, a scant .1% of flu tests were positive. The vast majority of flu cases have been influenza A. Cieslak emphasizes that it’s still not too late to get a flu vaccine, and getting it now, as indoor and outdoor gatherings become more common, can help reverse the surge. Getting vaccinated can also reduce the severity of flu illness even if you get infected.

Anyone ages six months and older should get the flu vaccine, particularly young children, older adults and those who have chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease or metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Pregnant women should get vaccinated since children younger than six months can’t get the flu vaccine.

When a pregnant woman gets the vaccine, it means she not only avoids serious complications during pregnancy, but she also transmits, through the placenta, precious flu antibodies for her unborn child.

The Flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19.

That’s why it’s important to get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine, both of which are available from healthcare providers, local health departments and many pharmacies in Oregon.

The flu vaccine is free or low cost with most health insurance plans. To find a flu vaccine clinic, visit www.flu. oregon.gov and use OHA’s flu vaccine locator tool.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu, according to health officials.

Additional ways Oregonians can help prevent the spread of flu include: • Staying home from work or school when you are sick and limit contact with others.

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water; use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not

For more information, visit OHA’s flu prevention page. Also, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s FluView page for updates on influenza activity around the country.

Congressional town hall March 29

PETERSEN ETERSEN C CLARKE LARKELLC LLC P AA tt tt oo rr nn ee yy ss

(503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) Columbia County’s County’s Premier Premier Columbia

Personal Injury Injury Attorneys Attorneys Personal sedd in in OOrreego gonn && W Waash shin ingto gtonn LLi icceennse

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Sen. Jeff Merkley signs autographs during one of his previous in-persona Oregon town hall meetings.

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley will hold a town hall for constituents in Columbia County.

The town hall will be accessible by computer, mobile device, or telephone.

The senator will update constituents on his work in Washington, D.C., and answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America, according to a release from Merkley’s office.

“Hearing from Oregonians across the state is critical to doing my job. In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to hear directly from folks,” Merkley said. “The ideas and priorities I hear about in town halls inform the solutions that I fight to get

into federal law, like the his 497th as a U.S. Senator projects for Oregon passhis 29th town hall this ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSENand LARKE LLC ing into law this weekend year. Details are below. to fight wildfire smoke, AA tt tt oo rr nn ee yy ss invest in infrastructure and How to be engaged (503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) jobs, and address housing shortages. I look forward to Columbia County Town theseAccidents discussions—whether Hall Accidents •Personal Injury •Wrongful Death Death •Personal Injury •Wrongful they’re in person, online, on 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, mobile devices, or on the March 29 No Fee Until Recovery Recovery telephone—aboutNo howFee weUntil can strengthen our state and Remote go Waash sh ingto gtonn and Telephone OOrreego nn && W in our nation.”

Connection FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Since joining theINITIAL SenFREE CONSULTATION ate in 2009, Merkley has Dial: 669-254-5252 held a town hall in each of Meeting ID: 160 882 Oregon’s 36 counties every 4912# year. This town hall will be Participant ID: #

P P

C C

PETERSEN ETERSEN CLARKE LARKE P C Stephen D. Petersen Petersen llc Stephen D. llc A tt tt oo rr nn ee yy ss Aattorney attorney

LLC LLC

(503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) Specializing in in Accident Accident Injuries Injuries Specializing gonn && W Waash shin ingto gtonn IInn OOrreego

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A4

www.thechiefnews.com

•

Friday, March 25, 2022

•V iewpoints • •

Visitor Destination Development PAUL VOGEL Chief Guest Column

As folks start gearing up for spring break, warmer sunny days are increasing and the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions appear to be decreasing, it’s pretty natural to begin thinking about travel and visiting other places especially those places and people we haven’t seen for a couple of years. For people elsewhere, visiting our communities and their friends and families here fits right along with that.

Travel trends Recent travel data show that more than 77% of the travelers to Columbia County stay overnight with family or friends, and May, June and September are our highest volume visitor months. On average, these travel parties are 2.3 people, and they spend an average of $140 per day per person when they stay overnight. If they’re staying with family and friends, they’re spending that money on something besides lodging - from food & beverage to shopping and fuel and that means virtually any kind of retail business can be in the visitor or tourism business.

Since more often than not locals are the hosts, they’re likely to take their visitors to places and to do what they enjoy doing themselves.

That underscores the belief

that quality goods, services, events, and destinations that people who live here want - are the best foundational attractions for visitors as well.

In the time since Columbia Economic Team (CET) became the tourism “DMO” (Either Destination Management Organization or Destination Marketing Organization, or both) in 2018, our strategy has been to capitalize on the natural and assets strengths we have here, to enhance and develop them for everyone: locals and visitors or tourists, alike.

The collaborative Tourism Initiative strategy process identified “Outdoor Recreation” - especially around water and natural activities as the top priorities among the people who live here. That strategy is the driver behind all our activity ever since - developing destination assets that build, enhance, or accentuate advantages we already enjoy. Of course, then COVID-19 hit, and visiting just to visit became difficult or nearly impossible. Places like Vegas, Orlando and “manufactured” destinations struggled mightily. Travel to Oregon even dropped by nearly half. Interestingly enough, daytrips by Oregonians to Columbia County experienced increases - because we live in a place with fantastic outdoors, we’re close by the state’s largest population center - and there were a lot of reasons to want to get out of the house and even Portland for a while.

•

Good human beings Two members of the best Clatskanie boys basketball team in school history of 1954 have passed away.

Both were good players around the basket as both were 6’2” rebounders.

Lew Harrison was AllState player who continued his playing at Lewis and Clark College. Very little is known

•

Enhancing potential

CET kept moving forward, by placing new interpretive signage along the entire length of the 25mile CZ Trail, accomplished in collaboration with County Parks and Facilities, the CZ Trail Advisory Committee, and local companies like Pacific Stainless and Dahlgren’s Lumber. As a result, traffic on the trail which has a lot of capacity - has increased and the Trail has been featured by Travel Oregon and even the Oregon Tourism Commission.

Then we partnered with the city of Vernonia, local activists and volunteers, and the Portland Street Art Alliance to create seven new building wall murals, refresh downtown and turn dead spaces into pocket parks and gardens. It’s not coincidental that Vernonia is the collecting point for CZ Trail travelers of all types, developing destinations means tying things together.

And we partnered with the cities of Clatskanie, Rainier, Scappoose, Vernonia and the County again - to place full-service bike stations in each community, and create four new family friendly rides available on Ride with GPS https://ridewithgps.com/ for you, your visiting friends and family, and anyone searching for a fun ride that connects our communities.

All three of these destination development projects

•V oices

about his career that took him to the state of Washington and into Germany.

Don Baisley attended Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) to prepare for a career in business machines.

Don started his career with Bouroughs Business Machines. His career took him to various locations in the United States. The latter part of his career was spent with Unisytems as a troubleshooter to repair major computer systems

of the

around the world.

Don resided in Michigan.

Don’s wife, Mary Lou, is a Clatskanie graduate.

Both guys have left our society and particularly Clatskanie should be proud of what they accomplished in their careers. Both were great players and good human beings.

Larry Hermo Captain of the 1954 Clatskanie Team Milwaukie, OR

May the force be with you

were funded through more than $100,000 in grants we went out and earned from Travel Oregon. And they’re all principally focused on outdoor upland, inland, and in-town assets - which benefit communities first, and visitors second.

Most recently we got one of eleven state project awards for “Destination Ready” development.

This process, led by Travel Oregon, includes a variety of local stakeholders with existing interests, assets and capacity. This initiative is focused entirely on improving access to the water - namely the Columbia River - in various and versatile ways. Once our priorities are decided, Travel Oregon’s commitment is to work with us hand-in-hand to secure funding to get the work done.

You may have noticed that all this work is grantfunded. Our county doesn’t receive very much in State Lodging Tax revenue due to population size and our relatively small number of lodging properties. This makes successful grant-getting, and relationship building with Travel Oregon and our regional partners Job #1. If you want to know how that’s working, check three consecutive years of successful grants, and the fact that CET’s Wela Negelspach is being recognized this week at the Governor’s Tourism Conference as The Rising Star in state tourism.

CET isn’t, can’t and shouldn’t be the only driving force behind destination development. And for that matter, a “visitor destination” can be a lot of things: A big event or a series of them - like summer concert series, community markets, festivals, parades, county fairs and rodeos; historic, unusual or notable community landmarks -- history can be a huge reason to visit places -- so can hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking and paddle boarding.

The 62 magnificent miles of the Columbia is among the greatest destination assets we could ever hope for, now helping people access and enjoy it even more means visitors - and business - in every community along the shore can benefit from hat we already have. River-related or not, makers, farmers, producers, sellers of all types can be visit-worthy if they want to, and work together to collectively create critical mass and become a thing.

There’s visit-ability in every community and corner of our county. Restaurants are recovering, tasting rooms are springing up, so are indoor skateboard parks (with a bistro), new event spaces and state-of-the recreational vehicle parks, and Scappoose Bay is under re-development.

Or if you want, just walk outdoors and watch, listen, and breathe -- just ask Wild Columbia County.

We are blessed with a

lot to love, which is why so many love living here. Sharing that with visitors provides an economic injection that benefits, literally, every business, worker, and resident in our county. Regardless of all the work to develop destination assets, the best and most sustainable draw for visitors, and new visitor dollars, is seeing healthy, fun, interesting, successful businesses of any type. St. Helens Main Streets and City of Scappoose are helping provide funding for storefront and business upgrades and beautification.

Face it, if it catches our eye and looks loved and well cared for from the highway or the street, people are far more likely to stop. Downtown Portland’s current challenges underscore that point, though combined efforts are beginning to improve things.

Bottom line Columbia Economic Team is in the tourism business for Columbia County and everyone who lives here.

But we’re all in the tourism business, in the sense of drawing economic value from the people who pass through, the ones who stay a few days, or the ones who actually come looking for us as their destination.

Paul Vogel is the executive director of the Columbia Economic Team. He may be reached at 503-410-1061, or at paulvogel@columbiacountyoregon.com.

C ommunity • •

Diplomacy over war

pressure” approach has been a disastrous nonstarter, as Iran resumed enriching uranium and is closer to a nuclear weapon now than it ever was. A new deal will show that the U.S. is serious about restoring our credibility on the global stage and committed to solving foreign policy challenges through diplomacy—not war.

I am thankful that Sens.

Jeff Merkley and Ron

With a war raging in Ukraine, it’s heartening that the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) talks are winding down with a hopeful return to the deal that was established in 2015 by a diverse group of international diplomats.

Trump’s “maximum

Wyden, and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici supported the deal in 2015 and I’ve urged them to support the JCPOA renewal.

Despite complex pathways to peace in the region, this one is a no-brainer that will help reduce the threat of nuclear war now and in the future.

Alison Weeks Scappoose

•C ommunity E vents • •

COVID-19 Testing The COVID-19 testing site at the Columbia County Rider Transit Center at 1155 Deer Island Road in St. Helens is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday until March 31.

Schedule an appointment online at cur.tv/sthelens or by calling 888-702-0942 (Curative) or 503-397-7247 (Public Health).

March 26 Sheriff’s Office Hiring Event From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office will host a hiring event for the position of Corrections Deputy. For details, visit the Columbia County website.

March 30 Music at Birkenfeld Clatskanie Arts Commission presents Sundae + Mr. Goessl at 3 p.m. at the Birkenfeld Theatre in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 S. Nehalem in Clatskanie.

Ticket prices are Adults $15, Seniors (60+) and Students $10, Children 12 and under $8. Tickets are available online at clatskaniearts.org or by calling Elsa at 503-7283403 (leave message). Tickets are also available at the door the day of the performance. The box office opens at 2:30 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased for the Karen Carpenter Tribute Band, performing at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3 and for pianist Sarah Hagen, performing at 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 22.

April 1 Sheriff’s Sale The Columbia County Sheriff’s Sale is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Columbia County Justice

Facility at 901 Port Ave. in St. Helens. County-owned, taxforeclosed properties will be sold to the highest bidder by oral auction. Additional details can be found by visiting https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/surplus-property.

April 2 Shred Day 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the InRoads Administration Building located at 1720 St. Helens Street in St. Helens.

InRoads Credit Union will help protect your credit and identity with a fast and free shred day event. Bring your sensitive mail and other papers that need to be shredded, up to two boxes or bags of paper per vehicle, to Shred Day and we’ll chop it up into itsy-bitsy pieces for free. For more information, contact InRoads at 503-3972376.

April 3 The Karen Carpenter Tribute Band The Clatskanie Arts Commission presents The Karen Carpenter Tribute Band at 3 p.m. at the Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem in Clatskanie. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors (60+) and students; $8 children under 12. Tickets may be purchased online at clatskaniearts.org, or by calling Elsa at 503-728-3403.

April 9 Bulk Waste Cleanup Day 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Clatskanie City Park. Televisions, dishwashers, stoves, water heaters, washers and dryers, microwaves, furniture, car batteries, scrap metal, computers, printers and monitors will be accepted. $10 per vehicle. Cash only.

Sponsored by Wauna Credit

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Union, For more details, call 503-728-2622.

April 23-24 Columbia County Home and Garden Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion Building located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. The Columbia County Home and Garden Show is presented by The Chief and The Chronicle and sponsored by InRoads Credit Union. See details at thechiefnews.com.

May 14 Arts Guild Event The Columbia Arts Guild invites the community to an elegant evening of fire art, music, appetizers and conversation from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center, 2625 Gable Road in St. Helens. Paintings by local artists will be available for purchase. For more details call 503-396-0875.

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results What are you most excited about to see at the former Humps building?

What is your favorite spring activity?

Ongoing

Taking walks or hiking

Church Suppers Warm up to Easter with Soup Suppers Wednesdays 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church located at 34721 Church Road in Warren.

Seeing the cherry blossoms

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver. org/events-page.

Planting a garden Playing outdoor sports

16% Rock and gem shop

16% Kayak and paddleboard rentals 12% Tattoo parlor

56% Snack/sandwich/juice bar

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

The Chief

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chief PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97051

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in county: $8 1 month out of county: $10 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80

A5

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, March 25, 2022

Oregon’s recovery, risks, challenges • Rising wages also allow some people who worked a second job in order to make ends meet now to work just one.

• Lack of available and affordable childcare may keep some parents at home.

AMY VANDER VLIET Chief Guest Article

Courtesy photo

The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,099,958 employed and 86,900 unemployed in February. That compares with 1,982,664 employed and 143,174 unemployed in February 2021.

Jobless rate lowest since pandemic outbreak STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4% in February, from 4.2%, as revised, in January.

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped rapidly from its peak in April 2020 through late 2021 and is now at its lowest level since prior to the pandemic-induced recession in March 2020 when it was 3.5%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8% in February and 4.0% in January.

In February, 59,000 Oregonians had been unemployed for less than six months, which was near the lowest number in two decades. Meanwhile, 24,000 Oregonians had been unemployed for more than six months, as the number of longterm unemployed decreased rapidly since hitting a recent peak of 65,000 in April 2021.

In February, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment rose by 12,300 jobs, following a revised gain of 5,100 jobs in January. This was the largest monthly gain since July 2021 when 34,800 jobs were added.

In February, gains were largest in leisure and hospital-

CASTLE From Page A1

Birkenfeld, a descendant of pioneers and Hazen’s second cousin, dedicated $500,000 to the Clatskanie Foundation to specifically be used for a “bricks and mortar project.”

Upon his passing in 2005, Deborah Hazen applied a portion of the funding to developing what is now known as the Clatskanie Cultural Center, a community events hub, located on Nehalem Street, and the meeting place for the Clatskanie City Council.

As one of Oregon’s 2,000 buildings included on the National Register for Historic Places, Hazen said she and many other com-

ity (+3,500 jobs), construction (+2,300), health care and social assistance (+1,600), and professional and business services (+1,200). Eight other industries each added between 200 and 900 jobs. None of the major industries had a substantial job loss in February.

Leisure and hospitality rapidly added jobs all of this year and last year. It added 51,700 jobs, or 34.4%, since February 2021. Despite these gains, leisure and hospitality still accounts for a large share of the jobs Oregon has not recovered since early 2020, with 14,600 jobs left to recover to reach the prior peak month of February 2020. The industry has regained 87% of jobs lost early in the pandemic.

Construction reached another record high of 116,100 jobs in February. Mild weather in mid-February allowed roofers and other contractors to get jobs done that may have been postponed in more inclement winters.

Professional and technical services employed 106,000 in February and continued its rapid expansion. It added 4,700 jobs, or 4.6%, since its pre-recession peak in February 2020. munity members believe the Thomas J. Flippin House is worth the preservation effort.

Historical significance A pamphlet for the historical building traces the history of Thomas J. Flippin, from his humble beginnings as a skid greaser to a logging industry tycoon. He and his wife Florence commissioned the Thomas J. Flippin house, also known as “The Castle,” in 1898.

In her explanation of the building’s rich history, Hazen added that the castle changed hands multiple times over the century and once served as a boarding house.

The structure draws on stylistic elements of the Victorian Era and the

•

After plunging into a deep recession in 2020, Oregon added a record number of jobs in 2021 and is on track to make a full recovery by the end of 2022, according to the latest forecast from the Office of Economic Analysis (OEA).

All broad industries will add jobs this year due to a combination of pandemic rebound and underlying economic expansion. Growth rates will vary considerably depending, in part, on the status of each sector’s recovery.

Leisure and hospitality (e.g. restaurants, bars, hotels) will grow by a booming 14%; nearly four times faster than the overall economy. This industry was hammered by the pandemic, losing nearly half of total jobs. As of January 2022, it was still 17,500 jobs (8%) shy of pre-pandemic highs, so much of the projected growth falls under the ‘rebound’ category. Although OEA forecasts historic highs in the years ahead, they point out that structural changes will keep growth below what we would typically expect given a growing population.

Public and private education will be the secondfastest growing industry (5%) as schools continue to staff back up following a prolonged period of remote learning and limited school activities. However, this sector still has a ways to travel down the road to full recovery and despite strong forecasted growth, the year will end with employment still below prepandemic levels. Schools are struggling to find workers and college enrollments are down.

French Renaissance, Hazen said, adding that its furnishings are a combination of artifacts and replicas.

Pocket doors, bedroom alcoves, and intricately patterned rugs are among the structure’s features unique to the period.

A grandiose vision “A man’s home is his castle, so I built mine to look like one,” Flippin famously said.

Flippin stayed true to his word.

During a tour of the castle by this reporter, Hazen pointed out various interesting features of the building’s exterior, including a moat and elaborate designs inscribed into the castle walls, two eye-catching features he commissioned.

As the pandemic eases and savings shrink, more people will return to the labor force and search for work.

That said, OEA expects the labor market to remain tight in the foreseeable future as firms continue to hire and Baby Boomers retire.

Metro Creative Connection

Oregon’s leisure and hospitality industry, including restaurants, bars and hotels, will grow by a booming 14%; nearly four times faster than the overall economy, according to the new report.

Professional and business services, a large and sprawling industry that includes temporary help, legal and accounting firms, and other office-type jobs, will be the third-fastest growing industry in 2022. As this industry is nearly fully recovered from pandemic losses, which were relatively mild, OEA attributes much of the gain to economic expansion.

Health care and social assistance is still in recovery mode and will see above-average growth this year. Employment returns to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, after which growth resumes tracking demographics.

Transportation and warehousing suffered just a single month of pandemic job loss that was quickly erased as Oregonians turned to e-commerce, and to buying goods as opposed to services.

This sector is clearly in the ‘economic expansion’ category, and growth will continue

as more distribution centers are set to open or expand.

Challenges OEA believes the biggest challenge facing Oregon’s economy today is on the supply side. Not just overloaded supply chains but, more importantly, labor. Businesses are struggling to find workers and vacancies are at an alltime high. Employers have responded by raising wages, especially in lower-paying occupations.

Potential workers are sitting on the sidelines for a few main reasons: • Strong household finances in the form of accumulated savings, growing assets, and lower debt provide a cushion if people cannot, or do not want to, return to work quite yet.

• Rising wages lessens the need for a second wage earner in the household.

Risks Note: OEA produced their forecast prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing economic fallout.

The biggest risk to the economic outlook is persistent inflation. Last year inflation was largely linked to semiconductor shortages and the reopening of the economy and considered transitory. Since then its reach has broadened. The risk is that Federal Reserve policy will be unable to walk the fine line between tightening too much and not enough, resulting in a boom/bust cycle and possible recession. For now, OEA anticipates the Fed will be able to engineer a soft landing.

The OEA’s complete report is available at www. oregon.gov/das/OEA/Pages/ forecastecorev.aspx.

Amy Vander Vliet is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at amy.s.vandervliet@employ. oregon.gov or at 971-8042099.

“(The castle) has this very eclectic shingle work done by Will Flippin, Thomas Flippin’s brother,” Hazen said, gesturing towards the roof. “Here we have a comet, star, and a man on the moon. H.G. Wells was a science fiction writer of that period, and he wrote books called the comet, the star, and the man on the moon. So, I have this theory that they (Flippins) were science fiction fans.”

Flippin’s fascination with castles led to the development of yet another structure that adds a layer to Clatskanie’s rich history as a bustling logging town.

Read previous articles about the Clatskanie Flippin Castle at thechiefnews. com.

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

This is the restored playroom inside the Thomas J. Flippin House.

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: GARDENING ACROSS

1. Betting probability 5. Once headed by J. Edgar Hoover 8. Formally surrender 12. Gravy holder 13. Nile dweller, for short 14. More certain 15. Tiny bit 16. a.k.a. Bruce Banner 17. One who plies one’s trade 18. *”Days to ____,” on a seed packet 20. Big-ticket ____ 21. Apartments, e.g.

22. *Plumerias are often used in this Hawaiian greeting 23. Scrooge’s visitors 26. Digging into 30. What Carl Lewis did 31. Bestow 34. Month before Nisan 35. Dress with a flare 37. Choler 38. On a store tag 39. Central points 40. Paul Reubens’ Herman 42. Mother lode stuff 43. African bloodsucking pests 45. Salty dogs 47. Current tense of #30 Across

48. Retches 50. Bovine cries 52. *Like an aggressive weed 55. Frustration, in a comic book 56. *Holds a plant stem to a support 57. Type of hot sandwich 59. One born to Japanese immigrants 60. Urban legends, e.g.

61. Check out 62. Shakespeare’s “at another time” 63. “The ____ Who Loved Me” 64. *Flower’s location after a garden?

DOWN

1. Kimono closer 2. Banish to Hades 3. Crunched numbers 4. Facebook’s update feature 5. *Seed plant’s harvest 6. *Goes to seed 7. Rotten and stinky 8. *Plant variety 9. Famous canal 10. Hold as a conviction 11. Make a blunder 13. Church service oil 14. Salesman’s speech, e.g.

19. Loosen laces 22. Tennis do-over 23. *Splice, to a gardener 24. Nimbi on ikons 25. In the cooler (2 words) 26. Former Saint Brees 27. “Pulling my leg,” e.g.

28. Mother-of-pearl 29. *Kind of thumb 32. Pizzeria output, pl.

33. “____ you kidding?”

36. *N in N-P-K 38. Sneaked glances 40. Slammer 41. “The Shawshank Redemption” theme 44. Served raw 46. Isaac of science fiction 48. This Dogg can rap 49. What Elton John tickles, sing.

50. Street in Anytown, USA 51. Guesstimate phrase (two words) 52. Bodily disorders 53. Lope de ____, Spanish playwright 54. Building extensions 55. Nurses’ org.

58. ____ time in golf

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

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Marketplace

A6

www.thechiefnews.com

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

Friday, March 25, 2022

Just call 503-397-0116

Listings are updated daily at www.thechiefnews.com

502

502

502

502

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

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

Be responsible for scheduling adequate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, water chemistry and mechanical operation of the pool for youth and families in our District.

Maintain pool and employee records.

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

Knowledge and Skills: Strong administrative skills, recreational aquat-

ic programming skills, leadership and managerial skills, pool maintenance and water chemistry skills and good public relation skills are a must. Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures and equipment used in daily outdoor pool operations helpful. Work with pool related chemicals and be familiar with State and Federal regulations regarding outdoor pool operations.

Experience and Training: Experience preferred. Or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between applicant and Board of Directors to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; First-Aid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can request an ap-

plication by phone at 208-249-7144 or by email at warren. cyndi@yahoo.com Applications and resumes can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to warren. cyndi@yahoo.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 208-249-7144.

Applications with resumes will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 31, 2022

details: cmalisch@ q u i n c y w a t e r. o r g Interviews/system tours will be conducted during the month of March/ April.

Maintenance contractor Quincy Water Association is currently seeking a maintenance contractor to operate Quincy Water System.

Contractor must be able to obtain and maintain ‘Small Water Operator’ certification with the state of Oregon and adhere to DHS-OHA Small Water System manual and all state regulations for small water systems. Email for

860

Storage

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

WE’RE HIRING! TFT construction Inc. has multiple openings we are looking to fill. We offer competitive pay, Health insurance and 401K. Please stop by the office at 53990 West Lane Road in Scappoose, or email your resume to jason@tftconstruction.net.

Asphalt Paving Division: Laborers, Asphalt Raker, Roller Operator Excavation Division: General Laborers, Heavy Equipment operators, Pipe – Layers, Pipe – Laborers

Hoarder’s Paradise!

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

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

MILLIONS $$$ AVAILABLE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE LOANS

$$$

PURCHASE / REFINANCE / CONSTRUCTION

CALL SALEM 971-600-4327

Trucking Division: Dump Truck Drivers – Truck & Pup and Super solos https://tftconstruction.net

Head Start Needs YOU! Community Action Team Head Start is hiring in Columbia County!!

We provide: • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits • Personal and sick leave • Balanced work schedules • A culturally respectful work environment We have career opportunities for a Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Cook, and Custodian.

Contact JoAnne Dodge at 503-397-4114, jdodge@nworheadstart.org; or Dawn Crawford at 503-556-3736, dcrawford@nworheadstart.org

Local county news online Keep up to date on local stories, events, ads, and council news by visiting thechiefnews.com.

The Chief

503-397-0116 thechiefnews.com 1805 Columbia Blvd.

St. Helens, OR 97051

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC22-1598

In the Matter of Directing the Sale of Real Property Acquired by Columbia County NOTICE OF SALE BY AUCTION OF COUNTY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY Pursuant to Order No. 6-2022, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners for Columbia County on March 2, 2022, I will offer certain real property acquired by Columbia County for sale on Friday April 1, 2022, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Columbia County Justice Facility located at 901 Port Ave, in St. Helens, Oregon. Exhibit “A” provides general information about the properties or groups of properties (the “Properties”) being offered at the sale, including location, the County Assessor’s real market values, and the

required mini-mum price. The specific terms and conditions for the sale (the “Terms and Conditions”), along with other sale information, including tax maps, Assessor information summaries and earnest money agreement forms, can be viewed at the Board of Commissioners Office, Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St. Room 338, St. Helens, Oregon, or electronically at https://www. columbiacountyor.gov/departments/BoardofCommissionersOffice/surplus-property a link to the County’s Surplus Property page. Prospective

buyers should review all sale information carefully. The sale Terms and Conditions must be accepted by anyone bidding on a property. Sale staff will be available from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the sale location to receive signed Terms and Condition acceptance forms.

Key Terms and Condition of the sale include, but are not limited to: 1. The Properties will be offered through oral auction in the order listed on Exhibit “A”, with no certainty as to the timing of a propertyspecific sale. 2. Properties will be sold to the highest qualified bidder for cash in accordance

CC22-1593

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to ORS 477.250, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held at the Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Grove District Office, 801 Gales Creek Road, in Forest Grove, Oregon, on Monday, April 4, 2022, at 3:00 pm, to receive from any interested persons sugges-

tions, 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 503-530-0271, or by email at renae.shippey@ odf.oregon.gov at least two working days in advance of the scheduled hearing. OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, CAL MUKUMOTO, STATE FORESTER

CC22-1596

with a non-negotiable earnest money agreement that will be required for each sale. 3. All Properties offered for sale by the Sheriff will be sold AS-IS without covenants or warranties of any kind, subject to any municipal liens, easements and encumbrances of record. Conveyance will be by standard County quitclaim deed, which can be viewed at the County offices or online as provided above. The quitclaim deed will contain specific reservation to the County that should be reviewed carefully by prospective buyers. 4.

Apparent High Bidders must

deposit 15% of the minimum bid amount on the day of the sale, with the remainder due

by April 21, 2022, or as otherwise specified in the applicable earnest money agreement.

Deposits must be submitted in the form of cash, money order or cashier’s check.

5. No elected or appointed County office or employee, their family members, or intermediaries may purchase from the County, directly or indirectly through this auction.

6. In the event that there is a conflict between anything in this notice and the Terms and Conditions, the Terms

and Conditions will prevail.

Pre-sale questions should be directed to Jacyn Normine, County Board of Commissioners Office & Lands Administrator at jacyn.normine@ columbiacountyor.gov. Land use or code violation questions related to the Properties should be directed to: Land Development Services at 503-397-1501 for Properties outside of city limits or to applicable city planning departments for Properties located within city limits. Dated this 3rd day of March, 2022. By: Brian E. Pixley, Columbia County Sheriff

CC22-1597

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of TERESA L. AMACHER, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate.

All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their

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

the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published: March 25, 2022. Carson Clark, Personal Representative.

STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

SEEKING APPLICANTS FROM PATRONS CC22-1600 TO SERVE ON BUDGET COMMITTEE SEEKING TO FILL BOARD POSITION 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 6/30/24) and one-one year positions (expiring 6/30/23) are available.

You can pick up an application form at the Clatskanie School District Office, 660

Bryant Dr, or on-line at csd. k12.or.us. Please return applications to the District Office by 3:30 pm on April 14, 2022. The budget committee meeting dates are May 9, May 23, and June 13(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 Shannon Emerson, Clatskanie School District 6J, PO Box 678, Clatskanie OR 97016 or email semerson@csd.k12. or.us. Questions regarding services required in terms of time and responsibility may be directed to Shannon Emerson at 503-728-0587, ext. 2003, or to any board member.

The Clatskanie Park & Recreation District Board of Directors is seeking someone to fill Board position ‘Director, Position 2’ Requirements: Must reside within the District boundaries and be a registered voter. Duties are, but not limited to: attending regular monthly meetings, the third Thursday of each month

at 6:00pm. The position is available immediately.

You can get an application on our website: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District (clatskanieparksandrecreation.com) You can request an application by emailing: warren.cyndi@yahoo.com or calling 208-249-7144.

You can email you completed application to: warren.

cyndi@yahoo.com. You can mail you completed application to: Clatskanie Park and Recreation District PO Box 737, Clatskanie, OR 97016.

All applications must be received by 5:00pm on April 5, 2022. Applicant interviews will be held during the regular meeting of the board of directors on Thursday, April 21st at 6:30pm.

CC22-1599

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING 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 Tuesday, April 5th, 2022, at 5:00

p.m. at the Quincy Grange #321 located at 78314 Rutters Road 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, review

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

financials and discuss any other business that comes before the landowners.

Dated this 21st day of March, 2022. Warren Seely President Beaver Drainage Improvement Company Board of Directors.

Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

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

A7

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, March 25, 2022

New protection for snowy plover STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Beachgoers are urged to help recovery efforts of the threatened western snowy plover by staying on the wet sand at snowy plover beaches during nesting season, March 15 – Sept. 15.

Beachgoers will see ropes that identify sensitive plover nesting areas, as well as signs that identify restrictions to protect the small shorebirds during this period.

Plover beaches remain open to foot and equestrian traffic on wet, packed sand throughout the nesting season. All other recreation on plover beaches is off limits on both wet and dry sand, including walking your dog (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, camping, burning wood or other materials, and flying kites or drones.

“We appreciate everyone’s help, it’s making a difference,” Siuslaw National Forest Wildlife

Biologist Cindy Burns said.

“Research shows us that humans play an important role in the long-term success of the western snowy plover; if we can minimize our impact, this species has a greater chance of thriving.”

These small birds nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young.

Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators, or people.

Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: small stretches of beach along the entire coastline where plovers are nesting or could potentially nest. These areas collectively comprise about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.

“Visitors will have access to hundreds of miles of beaches that have no

maps at go.usa.gov/xdwYQ to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.

New plover activity

Courtesy from OPRD

Nehalem Bay snowy plover.

seasonal restrictions,” Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Ocean Shore Specialist Laurel Hillmann said. “By planning your trip, you can enjoy the coast and help keep these special birds safe.”

Detailed maps can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/ plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (go. usa.gov/xEh2h). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review

The increase in plover numbers in recent years has resulted in nesting occurring in new or historical nesting sites, including at Sand Lake Recreation Area. Like last year, visitors to Sand Lake may see roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by limiting recreation activities to wet sand areas near the water’s edge, staying out of roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out, and keeping dogs on leash.

Plover protections The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when

officials counted only 55 breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then, from 107 in 2003 to 604 in 2021.

Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline.

The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, saveoregondunes.org, is working with land managers to develop and implement a restoration strategy as well as to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for snowy plover, rare plants and animals, and the unique recreation opportunities offered here.

2022 Columbia County

Special Gu est!

Shannon Quimby

Catch live DIY with InRoads d emonstrations the Columbia C at ounty Home & Garden Show.

Learn more at inroadscu.org/d iy.

DIY with

Saturday

Sunday

Saturday only!

April 23 April 24

Free Shred Day

Columbia County Fairgrounds:

SPONSORED BY

10am - 5pm

11am - 3pm

58892 Saulser Rd., St. Helens, OR 97051 Free Parking

April 23, 10-1

$3 Admission At The Gate

Free tickets available at The Chief office at 1805 S Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, Oregon and at InRoads Credit Union locations

NOW BOOKING VENDORS! To be a vendor: Contact Katherine at 503-397-0116, chronicleads@countrymedia.net, or visit www.thechronicleonline.com/2022_columbia_county_oregon_home_and_garden_show PRESENTED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPEAKERS & DEMOS BY

The Chronicle The Chief Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A8

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, March 25, 2022

•

•S ports • •

Clatskanie Middle/High School Sports Schedule

Courtesy photo

Music event at Birkenfeld The Clatskanie Arts Commission presents The Karen Carpenter Tribute Band at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at the Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem in Clatskanie.

“When you close your eyes and listen to the Karen Carpenter Tribute Band it’s as if you were in the presence of Karen Carpenter,” a

release from the Arts Commission reads.

Rebecca Hardiman, along with her Karen Carpenter Tribute Band, will take you on a nostalgic walk down memory lane as they perform the hits and lesser-known songs of the Carpenters.

The band will perform favorites that include,

‘Close to You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Rainy Days and Mondays,’ and many more.

The band includes vocalist Hardiman, pianist Ray Hardiman, bass player Whitney Moulton, Kurt Deutscher on drums; and Laird Halling playing synthesizer, sax, and flute.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors

(60+) and students, and $8 children under 12. Tickets may be purchased online at clatskaniearts.org, or by calling Elsa at 503-7283403.

The Clatskanie Arts Commission’s final program of the season is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22 with pianist Sarah Hagen at the Birkenfeld Theatre.

HOSPITAL

because of the location of hospitals.”

According to Paul, the pandemic has also brought additional scrutiny to certificate of need laws and some experts argue these laws actually limit access to healthcare services because they favor large, established health systems.

“Several states are considering reforms,” Paul said.

“I do believe the time is right to have those tough conversations. Our local governments need to weigh the secondary effects, both positive and negative. It’s very clear that healthcare systems and hospitals play an important role in local economies and are often the largest employers in the communities

they serve. Hospitals are known as anchor institutions because of their significance to community and economic development.”

Following the published article with Paul in October 2021, the Chief conducted an online poll asking readers if they believe it is time to build a hospital in Columbia County. In the responses published in The Chief’s Nov. 5 edition, 76% said yes, 24% said no.

according to Pacheco.

“A feasibility study is a multi-phase project that can be a significant undertaking,” Pacheco said. “The first step is to complete a market and financial feasibility study to see if the project can move forward. With favorable results, the Board of Commissioners can look into other factors such as the type of hospital, possible locations, cost, and funding.”

Pacheco added that county residents will receive updates at weekly Columbia County Board of Commissioner meetings, through traditional and social media updates, and from the Columbia County website concerning the hospital study.

“Community feedback

From Page A1

“As we move into the rescue and recovery phase of COVID-19, it’s important for local and state agencies to undertake a critical review of our systems and evaluate continuity and availability of care,” Paul said. “Health equity is a key component of public health modernization; it means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

In this context, it means that hospitals should be located strategically so that specific communities are not suffering worse health outcomes than other communities

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

The next steps To explore the viability of a county hospital, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners needs to examine the data provided by a hospital feasibility study,

Metro Creative Connection

The following information is provided by Clatskanie Middle/High School and is subject to change. Check the school’s website or Facebook page for updates.

March 28 • High School Junior Varsity Baseball @Knappa 4:30 p.m.

• High School Varsity Softball vs. Astoria 5 p.m. is welcomed during public meetings and via phone or email.,” Pacheco said.

“Regular town hall meetings will be scheduled, providing community input opportunities if the project gets positive forward movement.”

The Chief also reached out to Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder asking the following question.

Given what we understand was a failed effort to establish a hospital district in Columbia County a few years ago and public concerns about millions of dollars allegedly “unaccounted for,” how will you help county residents and businesses operators understand how the county will careful-

March 30 • High School Varsity Baseball @Amity 4:30 p.m.

• High School Varsity Softball @Amity 4:30 p.m.

March 31 • High School Junior Varsity Baseball vs. Knappa 4:30 p.m.

April 1 • High School Track @ Molalla 4 p.m. ly manage this latest effort in a transparent approach?

“The Board of Commissioners is currently gathering information to see if there is a pathway to siting a hospital within Columbia County,” Magruder said.

“The feasibility study is a very preliminary step in the overall process of securing a hospital for our county.

If the process does move forward, the Board will take the appropriate steps to ensure that the community is involved, has oversight, and is provided with transparency.”

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