Recreation danger
Tracking the money
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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022
VOL. 130, NO. 47
‘Hang up and call us’
Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
PUDs issue phone fraud alert JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Officer-involved shooting Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
An officer-involved shooting occurred Thursday morning, March 31 at Grumpy’s Towing, at 53279 Columbia River Highway, in Scappoose, according to a statement from Columbia County’s public information officer. The shooting involved a Columbia County Sheriff’s deputy. “No officers were injured, and the incident is currently under investigation. Traffic along Highway 30 is not impacted,” the statement reads. See more photos and read updates at thechiefnews.com.
Columbia County Public Utility Districts (PUDs) are warning customers of a renewed and threatening telephone scam. “Over the past week we have had several customers alert us that someone is calling them, saying they had 15 minutes to pay the money demanded or their power would be shut off,” Clatskanie PUD’s Sarah Johnson said. “It is very threatening.” Columbia River PUD’s Kyle Boggs said his agency is also taking calls from customers about the phone fraud. “We hear about scam calls going around pretty regularly. In fact, we received a handful of reports just yesterday (Tuesday),” he said. According to Boggs, the scam calls have continued to become more sophisticated. “One customer said she was told by the scammer that she’d be transferred to an automated system where she could punch in her credit card information,” he said. “Scammers also use Caller ID to
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The callers say a customer’s electricity will be shutoff if immediate payment isn’t made.
their advantage. They have spoofed our name, so that when their call appears on a customer’s phone it shows up as Columbia River PUD from a local phone number.” Boggs agrees with Johnson’s description that the current fraud calls are threatening. “Typically, scammers will threaten customers with immediate
disconnection of their power if they don’t make a payment,” he said. “Sometimes they request prepaid credit cards or gift cards, which is something we do not do.” In fact, both PUDs issue letters and work closely with customers
See FRAUD Page A6
Russian invasion ‘a scary moment,’ says Sen. Merkley ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
“I am concerned,” Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley said of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “This is a scary moment because Russia’s protocols talk about escalating to tactical nuclear weapons if it’s needed to reinforce conventional efforts. That means it’s probably a policy option the Russian command and President Putin are talking about, which is very scary.” Merkley made the comment in a one-on-one interview with The Chief Tuesday, March 29, just before conducting a virtual town
hall for Columbia County. Merkley also applauded President Biden for his decision to withhold sending U.S. troops to Russia by drawing a couple (of) “bright lines.” “One is we don’t put soldiers on the ground in Ukraine so that we don’t have American soldiers battling Russian soldiers,” Merkley said. “Second of all, we do not put American aircraft over Ukraine shooting down Russian aircraft. Those (lines), in my estimation, are correct. We think that keeping that line and keeping from getting in direct conflict with Russia makes it quite unlikely that they would escalate in that matter.”
Supreme Court Alongside foreign policy decisions, Merkley said he supports the confirmation of Biden’s nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson, a Washington D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals judge, to serve on the Supreme Court. “Judge Jackson will bring much-needed diversity of lived experience and professional background to the Supreme Court,” Merkley said in a release before The Chief’s interview. “Importantly, she also shares a commitment to defending our founding constitutional values and to ensuring that the law is enforced evenhandedly to
serve all of the people.” “The role of a judge is to apply the law impartially, without driving a partisan or ideological agenda at a time when our nation’s legal system is under assault from special interests seeking to make the rich richer and the powerful more powerful.” In the Chief’s one-on-one, Merkley said, “I think she (Jackson) brings an important perspective as someone who worked as an attorney for those who are accused. We often have attorneys who worked as prosecutors, but the legal system doesn’t approach anything about fairness unless there is both good representation for the accused as well as the prosecution.”
Support for Columbia County While acknowledging his limited knowledge on “local complexities” regarding the NEXT Renewable Fuels plant development at the Port Westward, Merkley said he supports a fast transition to renewable energy. “It’s six or seven times cheaper to run on electricity,” he said. “We really have some advantages to move to electricity both in terms of reducing carbon pollution in the atmosphere driving climate chaos, and in terms of cheaper energy.”
See INVASION Page A6
Oregon 6th in nation for domestic terrorism STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Over the past decade, Oregon witnessed the sixth-highest number of domestic violent extremism incidents in the nation, according to a new report issued by Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and the Oregon Audits Division. “The troubling increase of domestic violent extremism in recent years, both in Oregon and nationwide, indicates a clear risk to Oregonians that requires a strategic, informed response,” Fagan states in a release. The report addresses the risks of domestic terrorism and violent extremist attacks and identifies efforts Oregon state agencies can undertake to thwart such risks. “Oregon must be an inclusive place where everyone is and feels
Obituaries ................. A3 Community Events .. A3 Opinions ................... A4 Clatskanie Grows .... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5
Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
safe.” Fagan said. “The rise in domestic terrorism is an immediate threat to Oregonians and we cannot simply wait for the next incident to occur. We can and must take immediate steps to prevent individuals at risk from being radicalized and becoming violent.” Auditors found the state lacks some of the tools present in the governance framework of other states. Key findings include: • Oregon is one of only 16 states that does not have any legislation defining or criminalizing domestic terrorism or domestic violent extremism at the state level. Such legislation may provide the state with mechanisms to mitigate future risk. • The Oregon Homeland Security council is set up to govern the challenges, but it can do more to focus on domestic violent extremism by establishing a specific statewide strategy, with measurable outcomes, for countering violent extremism risks. • Identifying individuals at risk of becoming violent is critical to threat management. Current law enforcement and state employee training is limited. Increased opportunities for training statewide may increase effectiveness in identifying potential threats. “Ultimately, Oregonians continue to be at risk from the trauma caused by these incidents,
2022 Columbia County
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The report addresses the risks of domestic terrorism and violent extremist attacks and identifies efforts Oregon state agencies can undertake to thwart such risks.
which can have lingering effects and may have a greater impact on communities already suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic or racial injustice,” Fagan said. “This continued trauma can impede the ability of individuals and communities to succeed, thrive, and enjoy their economic, social, and
cultural rights.” While today’s report is not technically an audit under government auditing standards, it has undergone the same quality assurance process as an audit from the Oregon Audits Division, according to Fagan. “Issuing an advisory report
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allowed for a timelier project to recognize the impact on state agencies and other involved entities as other emergency events were being addressed,” Fagan said. Read the full report with this story at thechiefnews.com.
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Friday, April 1, 2022
Armitage holds town halls
Sen. Rachel Armitage. STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
State Sen. Rachel Armitage (District 16) will hold meetings in Scappoose, Rainier, and St. Helens Saturday, April 2. The first public session, dubbed a casual conversation, will be held at the Scappoose Library at 9 a.m. The senator’s second event will be a town hall at Rainier City Hall at 1 p.m. followed by a meet-and-greet at Running Dogs Brewing at 5 p.m. Residents of Columbia County are encouraged to attend any of the three events.
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The Senator hopes to discuss the recently concluded legislative session and address the district’s concerns. “I hope you’ll join me on Saturday for a casual conversation about how the work we do in the Oregon Legislature affects your family,” Armitage said. “Doesn’t matter if your politics lean blue, red, green, purple, or something else—all are welcome. See you there.” Armitage was appointed earlier this year to the District 16 Senate position following Betsy Johnson’s resignation. Johnson resigned to run for Oregon governor.
Animal rescue operator faces federal charges STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The operator of a Portland area animal rescue, rehabilitation, boarding, and adoption company is facing federal charges for her role in a conspiracy to defraud customers and for illegally dispensing animal drugs. The company had operations in Columbia and Multnomah counties, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Tori Lynn Head, 26, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and dispensing animal drugs without proper labeling. According to the U.S. Attorney DOJ release, in November 2019, Head and others started Woofin Palooza, an animal rescue business with facilities in Multnomah and Columbia Counties. Head and others are alleged to have obtained pets
with medical and behavioral issues from out-of-state and made them available for adoption to paying customers. Between December 2019 and January 2021, on more than 280 occasions, Head and others made material misrepresentations about the health and behavior of the animal offered for adoption. Based on these misrepresentations, customers paid Woofin Palooza more than $82,000 in adoption fees. During this same time period, Head sold customers mislabeled animal drugs in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Head appeared in federal court March 28 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo and was released pending further court proceedings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau investigated the case.
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Tracking the Money Metro Creative Connection
$75 million will be used to repair damaged and unsafe roadways in Oregon.
$412 million in unallocated fed funds STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Officials in Columbia County and cities such as Clatskanie, Rainier, St. Helens, and Scappoose, remain hopeful for a fair share of needed transportation funding through the 2021 federal government infrastructure package. The federal package allocated $1.2 billion in additional transportation funding for the entire state of Oregon over the next few years. Approximately $800 million of that spending is directed to specific purposes. The remaining $412 million was not specifically allocated. The Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) has formally directed that the $412 million in flexible funds be invested in the following ways: • $95 million for improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. • $30 million to fund new Safe Routes to Schools projects that make it safer for children to walk or roll to school. • $15 million to assist local governments to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions by planning climate-friendly communities. • $50 million to transform state-owned arterials in urban areas to reflect their status as community main streets and to make them safer to use for people walking near and traveling on these roads. • $50 million to complete a number of highway and
interchange improvements to streamline the movement of goods. • $40 million in matching funds to help Oregon compete effectively for billions of dollars in competitive federal grant opportunities that will be awarded in the coming years by the U.S. Department of Transportation. • $75 million to repair damaged and unsafe roadways in Oregon. • $7 million for business and workforce development to help grow small construction contracting firms and to increase the size and diversity of the construction workforce. • $10 million to fund a new mobility program that will work directly with community-based organizations to fund micro-mobility efforts with equity as a central priority of this pilot project. • $40 million to fund maintenance and operations activities which have become increasingly underfunded. With the commission’s investment decisions, combined with the federal funds directly allocated to other transportation investment categories, Oregon’s share of the federal infrastructure package will be divided as follows: • Sustainable and equitable transportation investments – 34 percent. • Highway, bridge, and other maintenance and repair projects – 36 percent. • State and local safety investments – 18 percent. • Americans with dis-
abilities improvements – 8 percent. • Highway enhancements – 4 percent.
“With today’s decisions, the Oregon Transportation Commission has directed investments that address some of the critical needs of our transportation system while also approving expenditures in areas focused on a more equitable, safe, resilient, and sustainable transportation system,” Oregon Transportation Commission Chair Robert Van Brocklin said. “We are grateful to our federal delegation for securing this funding. This isn’t the end of the conversation by any means. We’ll need additional funding to truly build a network that delivers greater safety and resiliency, supports a strong economy, and protects our livability and natural environment. Our actions today are an important step toward reaching that goal.” Today’s decision comes after months of public outreach and input. Legislators, mayors, city and county commissioners, and members of the public from across the state have testified before the commission, submitted written comments, and participated in online open houses sharing their perspectives and the extensive range of investments needs throughout Oregon. Many of the comments focused on investing in public and active transportation, preserving road and bridge safety, improving congestion bottlenecks, addressing the
needs of urban arterials, and ensuring a statewide distribution of funds. During its meeting Wednesday, March 30, the OTC provided approval to invest the federal funds. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) staff are determining the details of how the money will be distributed. ODOT will provide further details on the process for making specific expenditures in the coming weeks and months. About the OTC The Oregon Transportation Commission establishes state transportation policy. The commission also guides the planning, development and management of a statewide integrated transportation network that provides efficient access, is safe, and enhances Oregon’s economy and livability. The commission meets monthly to oversee department activities relating to:
• Highways • Public transportation • Rail • Transportation safety • Motor carrier transportation • Drivers and motor vehicles The governor appoints five commissioners, ensuring that different geographic regions of the state are represented. One member must live east of the Cascade Range; no more than three members can belong to one political party.
•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: ROMANTIC COMEDIES ACROSS
1. “We all fall down” preceder 6. Zedong of China 9. W of gridiron’s WR 13. Short for betwixt 14. Second-largest bird, by height 15. *”The Taming of the ____” 16. Godfather’s family 17. Make a choice 18. Bridal veil fabric 19. *Like Rock Hudson’s and Doris Day’s talk 21. *Katherine Heigl wore 27 of these 23. Dumbo’s big one 24. Gift for the naughty 25. *”I Was a Male ____ Bride” starring Cary Grant 28. Inauguration ball, e.g. 30. Eyelid drooping 35. Half of binary code 37. Ruptured 39. PayPal money 40. Part of colliery 41. Avoid, as in taxes 43. “The Sun ____ Rises” 44. “Colorful” announcement 46. Fifty-fifty 47. Bit of slander 48. Rookie 50. Tolstoy’s Karenina Columbia County’s trusted local news source
52. Hitherto 53. Hammer part 55. Canada’s neighbor 57. *Sleepless in which city? 61. *Drew Barrymore has never been what? 64. Don’t mention it 65. Akira Kurosawa’s 1985 movie 67. Erasable programmable read only memory 69. Seize a throne 70. Gold medalist Nathan Chen’s turf 71. Smooth transition 72. Post-deductions 73. “But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas...” 74. Sound like Wilbur
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1. 20s dispenser 2. Type of meet 3. Sound reproduction quality 4. Expatriate 5. German POW camp, slangily 6. Garfield’s cry 7. Unit of electric current 8. One up 9. “____ Afraid of Virginia Wolf?” 10. Novelist Murdoch
11. Expunge 12. Bo Peep’s females 15. Gracefully slender 20. Perform on a dais 22. Eminem’s genre 24. Wagon train, e.g. 25. *Julia Roberts played a pretty one 26. Old and feeble 27. Extend subscription 29. *It’s crazy and stupid? 31. South American tubers 32. *Who did Harry meet? 33. Question in dispute 34. Like small distance 36. Belgrade native 38. *She starred in “I Dream of Jeannie” 42. Boredom 45. A-one 49. Slippery reef dweller 51. Appraise 54. Like a haunted mansion 56. Colorado skiing destination 57. Render speechless 58. Facilitate 59. Adjoin 60. Suit material 61. Leg joint 62. “Cogito ____ sum” 63. Brooding 66. Acronym, abbr. 68. NYC art museum’s nickname, with the
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chief.
• Maurinda Souther
Jan. 27, 1928 ~ March 8, 2022 Maurinda (Min, Mindy) Belle Byers was born in Portland, Oregon on Jan. 27, 1928. She was the fifth child of Virgil Aldine Byers and Maude Ruth Brinley. Mindy died on March 8, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. Mindy attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon. While teaching a 2nd grade class in Burbank, California, Mindy went to Costa Rica with eighteen missionaries to learn Spanish. Then she moved to Guatemala, becoming a dorm mother and teaching English, Spanish, and Bible classes. In Guatemala, Mindy followed her heart and started a home for homeless children, adopting-out eighteen children to quality families.
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In 1974, Mindy married Paul and they built their dream home on 40-acres in Clatskanie. They moved to Arizona in 2000 and enjoyed many years of retirement in the friendly community of Leisure World. Their home became “doggie day-care” to their neighbors’ dog ShyAnn. Shy was referred to as Mindy’s personal therapy dog. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul; sisters, Elnora Ruth and Belva Lucille; and brothers Melvert and Donald. She was much-loved by her sixteen nieces and nephews. Mindy was active in the University Street Church of God in Mesa. She truly loved the Lord!
•C ommunity E
April 1 Sheriff’s Sale The Columbia County Sheriff’s Sale is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Columbia County Justice Facility at 901 Port Ave. in St. Helens. Countyowned, tax-foreclosed properties will be sold to the highest bidder by oral auction. Additional details can be found by visiting https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/surplus-property.
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 Union. For more details, call 503-728-2622.
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. Free. 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.. For more information, contact InRoads at 503-397-2376.
Clatskanie Easter Egg Hunt The Clatskanie Kiwanis Club’s annual event at 10 a.m. at the Clatskanie Middle/High School athletic field.
April 2 Legislative Town Hall Oregon Sen. Rachel Armitage (D-Warren) representing State Senate District 16 will conduct a town hall meeting from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Rainier City Hall Council Chambers. For more information, contact the City of Rainier at 503-556-7301. 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 503-7283403. April 9 Bulk Waste Cleanup Day 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Clatskanie City Park. 2022 Columbia County
April 16 Easter Egg Hunts
Rainier Easter Egg Hunt Rainier Eagles City Wide Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. at Rainier City Park. Call 503-556-7301 for more information. mEGGa Egg Hunt Columbia County’s annual Easter season event from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Columbia County Fairgrounds at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Call 971-312-4743 for more information. Scappoose Easter Egg Hunt The Scappoose Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. at Grant Watts School playground, 52000 SE 3rd Place in Scappoose. For more details, call 503-504-2793. 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.
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•O bituaries • •
Michael Warren Easter June 16, 1957 ~ March 15, 2022
Michael Warren Easter was born on June 16, 1957. He passed away on March 15, 2022. There are no funeral arrangements at this time.
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vents • April 23 Rainier Revisited Step back in time to the year 1853 through a living history reenactment of Rainier and local history from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Beaver Homes Grange, 31105 Beaver Homes Road in Rainier. Cost is one can of food or donation to the nonprofit HOPE of Rainier. For more information, contact Rainier/Senior High School History Club or Mr. Demko at 503-556-4215. May 14 Arts Guild Event The Columbia Arts Guild invites the community to an elegant evening of fine 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. Ongoing 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. 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. To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published, to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.
•C rossword S olutions • •
Solution for the March 25, 2022 crossword puzzle
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Friday, April 1, 2022
Walter Posch
Nov. 20, 1960 ~ March 5, 2022 Walter Posch was born Nov. 20, 1960 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Elmer and Ethel Posch. He passed away March 5, 2022 in Rainier, Oregon. Walter graduated from Rainier High School in 1979. He was a dedicated father, soldier, and community member. He served in the Army National Guard for 29 years. This part entwined many parts of his life. He was always willing to help his neighbor regularly lending a hand anyway he could whether it be cutting firewood or cleaning up flood damage. Walter loved country music and fancied himself
a guitar player and vocalist. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing the six string or knocking back a few cold ones with
those he loved. His passing leaves a hole in this world and will be greatly missed by many. Walter is survived by his sister Donna Jackson of Conrad, Montana; five children, Jessica Tatum of Hillsboro, Oregon, Joyce Palm of Clatskanie, Oregon, Zachary Posch of Rainier, Oregon, Lorili McDowell of Bremerton, Washington and Angela Badsch of Yakima, Washington; as well as his 16 grandchildren. Walter was preceded in death by his brother Bill. His services will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 8, 2022 at Alston Corner Assembly of God in Rainier.
Mark Edward Thompson Jan. 21, 1960 ~ March 14, 2022
Mark Edward Thompson was born Jan. 21, 1960 in St. Helens, Oregon. His father is Charles Gary Thompson and Karen Nelson. Mark attended school in Longview, Washington. Mark was a tree planter in Washington, Oregon and Alas-
ka for several years. He loved to fish and caught his fair share in the Columbia River. His siblings include Mike Thompson of Long Beach, Washington; Doug Thompson of California; Kenny Thompson of Astoria, Oregon; Julia Thompson of Bremerton,
Washington; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Mark passed away March 14, 2022 in Longview, Washington. He will be missed dearly by many. There are no services planned.
Robert W. Teschner Jr. & Joanne Teschner Moody Robert spent his career as a lumber grader at the local Weyerhauser sawmill. Joanne was a homemaker and daycare provider. She spent her last 18 years working in multiple Albertsons locations
in Portland. We lost these siblings within a few months of each other this past year. Please join family and friends to share food and memories. There will be a celebra-
tion of life for Robert “Bob” Teschner Jr. and Joanne Teschner Moody, (Rainier High School graduates, class of ’63 & ’64) at noon on Sat., April 16, 2022 at Beaver Valley Grange, Rainier.
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Friday, April 1, 2022
•C latskanie G rows • •
Clatskanie Grows: Spring garden topics CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column
It has been wet. This is the first time in a number of years we have actually exceeded our “rain year” average. Gardeners are discovering seeps and springs where none had ever been seen before. The new wet areas could be a natural process since water moves mysteriously underground. But you also should consider if anything has been done to affect the drainage patterns. Are gutters carrying water to an appropriate discharge place? Is a drainage ditch not functioning as well as in the past? Is there a septic tank and/ or field issue? Has a new house been built above you and changed the larger scale drainage patterns? Drainage concerns can be complicated to assess and fix, but now is the right time to make notes and begin to consider solutions if they are needed. There are plants that thrive in low areas. Some “seep tolerant” native plants include all the small willows, red osier dogwood, and western red cedar. Many of these plants are for sale at the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council’s native plant sale noted below. The migratory hummingbirds have returned. There are some plants in bloom for them, but we are behind normal bloom times this year, so a bit of hummingbird nectar would help get them past any cold period. The formula for a quart of nectar is three cups of water and ¾ cup of white
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sugar. I microwave the water to just below boiling and then add the sugar and stir to dissolve. It needs to be cooled before using and refrigerated between uses. Also, clean the feeders often. Consider painting the trunks of newly planted trees white. When buying a tree, we think about where it is best suited in relation to ultimate size, shade tolerance, and soils it prefers. Then we make every effort to develop a good planting hole (much wider than deep) to encourage rapid root development. But one thing easy to forget is that young trees are very susceptible to sun scald (winter) or sunburn (summer). Their bark at this stage is thin and vulnerable. In summer, direct sun on the southwest side of the tree in the late afternoon of a very hot day can “cook” the cambial tissue under the bark. We will be seeing the results of last year’s end of June heat bomb this year as young trees crack along the afternoon exposed side. A similar event can happen in the winter on very cold, clear days when there is snow and the sun reflects off the snow and onto the bark in late afternoon. The warmth causes the tissues to break dormancy, which are then are damaged when the temperatures drop rapidly at sunset. The classic symptom for both scald and sunburn is split bark on the south/southwest side. The best way to prevent this problem is to coat the trunk with white latex paint. It will redirect both the snowreflected winter sun and the
direct summer sun. The paint will last several years or more and can be reapplied.
beekeepers and as a sideline commercial beekeepers. To get the Zoom link, email columbiacountyoregonbeekeepers@gmail.com. Scappoose Bay Watershed Council’s Native Plant Sale April 9
Events Local Bee Group meetings On Saturday, April 2, the Bee Group will host a full-day Bee Class from 9
Join the Watershed Council at their Spring Native Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the SBWC nursery, located behind Scappoose High School. Look for signs – go east on SE High School Way and turn into the parking lot between the high school and the school ball field areas.
This Clatskanie a.m. is Grows to their noon semiindoors annual at the Exevent to get tension office you ready for in St. Helens and spring and sumin the afternoon with bee mer planting. They have hives. Cost is $50 which will lots of new plants at great also give you a year member- prices – all native to our ship in the group. Register at area. Staff and volunteers are columbiacountyoregonbeeavailable to help chose plants keepers@gmail.com. suggest gardening ideas At 6 p.m. Thursday, April and provide information on 7 there will be a free Zoom establishing and maintaining event with Paul Stromberg, native vegetation. For more President of Portland Metro information see https://www. Beekeepers. He will talk on scappoosebay-wc.org/nativequeen rearing for backyard plant-nursery.
The Columbia County Home and Garden Show The Columbia County Home and Garden Show presented by The Chief and sponsored by InRoads Credit Union returns April 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. There will be guest speakers, vendors and many displays. See more at thechiefnews.com The Columbia County Master Gardeners™ Spring Fair This event will also return after two years. It will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30. There will 3,000 tomato plants, peppers, and garden related items by other vendors. It will be at the Columbia County Fairgrounds since St. Helens High School is undergoing major renovations. Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring. Important notes • The OSU Extension Of-
fice is fully open. • Donate produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It is greatly appreciated. • The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Have questions? If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on newsletters. Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462
•V iewpoints • •
Allow reusable food containers ISABELLA COHN Chief Guest Column
Ever since the pandemic began, takeout from restaurants has soared. That means that waste and pollution from plastic takeout containers has soared, too. In an effort to do my part, I tried taking a reusable container to my favorite eatery when I picked up my takeout order, but I was told by the restaurant that it was against the law for them to use my container. I got the same response when I tried to use a reusable salad box at the grocery store’s salad bar. Oregon has adopted U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules that ban customers from bringing their own
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•V oices
Taxpayers beware The last St. Helens hospital feasibility study and following subsequent egregious mismanagement cost local taxpayers millions of dollars (some additional millions allegedly “unaccounted for,” Chronicle, March 23 and Chief March 25, entrapped property owners through assessed property taxes on land over 20 miles away, and was legitimacy rejected at the state level. Hospitals are very expensive to build, manage, staff, and equip. Just because Hospital is on the door front does not mean the medical facility is fully staffed, has trained specialists, modern equipment, a group of highlytrained medical laboratory employees, a trauma center, functional 24 hours a day, etc., etc. This is very unlikely in rural Columbia County? Why would a person with a Rainier address object? This writer is still festering over
containers to grocery stores and restaurants in an attempt to curb plastic waste. The rationale for this rule is to avoid “cross-contamination.” In adopting this rule, Oregon has failed to take into consideration the huge environmental impact that single-use plastics like take-out containers has. In 2019, a workgroup began to examine this rule and consider alternatives, to allow consumers to do their part to reduce the pile-up of tons of plastic waste by bringing their own reusable containers. That effort was derailed by the pandemic, but it is now back up and running. Beginning this year, the workgroup is again considering recommendations to
of the
modify or eliminate this rule. I want to encourage anyone who has ever gotten take-out and is as horrified as I am by all of the garbage that it generates to write to your state legislators and urge them to support any efforts to reject this rule and allow reusable food containers. Taking this step won’t require restaurant patrons and grocery store customers to bring their own containers – but it will give them the option to do so. This, to me, seems like an easy way to make a potentially big difference in the amount of plastic waste that we use and throw away every single day. Isabella Cohn is an Oregon City resident.
C ommunity • •
being identified as a property owner within the previous hospital boundary. Were we notified? No. Our property tax statement was our first acknowledgment. Why would we be interested in a hospital more than 20 miles away accessible on a very rural narrow county road when a comprehensive hospital is less that 12 miles from our residence? The County Commissioners may be asked to conduct such a feasibility “fiasco.” Stop the waste of our hardearned money. Paul Nys Rainier
Time for energy independence Frankly, I’m a little spooked with fuel prices and immediate effect they are having on our economy. At the risk of sounding
Clarification
provincial, this puts a clear and immediate focus on our need for more local and renewable energy sources. We can do our part in reducing our reliance on foreign oil, now and in the future, making renewable energy and alternative fuels a priority. And we can do it right here in the Pacific Northwest. The NEXT Renewables Diesel facility planned at Port Westward presents a domestic solution our energy needs. This innovative and forward-thinking facility will mitigate climate impacts and has an onsite wetland improvement project to enhance our local environment. The quality of our future depends on sustainable fuel solutions and a move towards energy independence. Embracing the NEXT Renewables project will help us get there. I hope you will join me in supporting important and timely opportunity. Tony Hyde Vernonia
In the Stronger Together After the Fire article in the March 25 edition, The Chief identified HOPE of Rainier Executive Director Kelly Miller as the director or Turning Point. In fact, Miller is the director of both HOPE of Rainier and of Turning Point in Clatskanie. We are happy to set the record straight.
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Call to artists! Spring into Art May 14, 5-8 P.M. Entries accepted May 14, 9-11 A.M. at St. Helen’s Community Center. See website for details: Columbiaartsguild.com or call 503-369-1081. MILLIONS $$$ AVAILABLE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE LOANS
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PURCHASE / REFINANCE / CONSTRUCTION
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Storage
Corrections Deputy - Entry Columbia County, OR. EOE. Deadline 4/29/2022. Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov.
OR. EOE. Deadline 4/29/2022. Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov.
CLATSKANIE Mini Storage
Corrections Deputy - Lateral Columbia County, OR. EOE. Deadline 4/29/2022. Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov.
BEAVER VALLEY GRANGE Spring Sale April 7 & 8; 10 AM- 4 PM Clothing, Housewares, Furniture, Lunch Counter 75942 Larson Rd, Rainier.
Enforcement Deputy - Entry Columbia County,
CALL SALEM 971-600-4327 Wednesdays by Noon Late submissions may not make the paper.
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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
Old Middle School Gym current fiscal year, will be held at ___________________________________________.
a.m.
April 11th 6:00 p.m. The hearing will take place on ________________________________________________________ at _____________________. (Time)
(Date)
The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the supplemental budget with interested persons.
April 5, 2022 A copy of the supplemental budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after ____________________________________ a.m.
(Date)
of the minutes of the March 2nd, 2021 regular meeting, a presentation from Kelly Niles, Candidate for County Commissioner, a presentation from Hudson Garbage, a public hearing on liquor license renewals for 2022 and discussion on a database upgrade. An
updated meeting agenda will be available at City Hall by April 1st, 2022. The Zoom meeting notice will be posted on the city website, cityofclatskanie. com. Please call City Hall at 503-728-2622 at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.
at 6:00pm. The position is available immediately. You can get an ap-plication 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.
CC22-1601
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING for the following: Ordinance 1082- An Ordinance Pertaining to Flood Damage Pre-vention In The City of Rainier. Ordinance 1083- An Ordinance Of The City Of Rainier, Oregon, Regarding The Annexation Of Contigu-
ous Properties And Annexation Of Properties That Are A Danger To Public Health. Ordinance 1084- Repealing Ordinance 1055 Flood Plain Ordinance. Hearing Regarding Waterfront Mixed Use Text Amendment.
CC22-1597
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA 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 rep-resentative. 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.
CC22-1599
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING 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 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.
a.m.
4:00 7:00 District Office, 660 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie p.m. and ___________________. p.m. at _________________________________________________, between the hours of ________________________ (Location)
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES AMOUNTS SHOWN ARE REVISED TOTALS IN THOSE FUNDS BEING MODIFIED
221 IDEA Grant FUND:____________________________________________________________________________ Expenditure–indicate Resource Amount Org. unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object class.
SEEKING TO FILL DIRECTOR, POSITION 2
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
(District name)
(Location)
Visa/MC/Amex
CC22-1600
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 es-tate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their
Oregon Department of Revenue
Clatskanie School District 6J A public hearing on a proposed supplemental budget for _____________________________________________________________, for the
1.
Intergovernmental Grant
$ 28,995
2.
3.
3.
$ 151,067
Revised Total Fund Resources Explanation of change(s):
Amount
1. CMHS/Instruction/Sal & Ben
2.
$ 28,995
$ 151,067
Revised Total Fund Requirements
Additional Revenue over projected/Additional Educational Assistant for Classroom
222 Title IA Grant FUND:____________________________________________________________________________ Expenditure–indicate Org. unit / Prog. & Activity, and Object class. Resource Amount 1.
Notice is hereby given that on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., Public Hearings will be held before the City of Rainier City Council at 106 W ‘B’ St., Rainier, Oregon 97048 to receive public testimony
Notice of Supplemental Budget Hearing
• For supplemental budgets proposing a change in any fund’s expenditures by more than 10 percent.
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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
Clear Page
FORM OR-ED-SBH
CC22-1603
The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, April 6th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). Agenda items include but are not limited to: approval
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CC22-1606
702
Garage Sales
Breaking news online
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Public Notices
Intergovernmental Grant
$ 29,803
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
$ 154,584
Revised Total Fund Resources
Amount
CES/Instruction/Sal & Ben
$ 29,803
$ 154,584
Revised Total Fund Requirements
Explanation of change(s):
Additional Revenue over projected/Additional for Classroom Summary Educational of ProposedAssistant Budget Changes (continued)
FUND: 231 ESSA D&SI Engagement Grant Resource Amount 1. Intergovermental Grant 19-20 $45,947 (Rev. 11-05-21) 2.150-504-061 Intergovermental Grant 20-21 $29,715 3.
Expenditure 1. CMHS/Prof Dev/Conf 2. CMHS/Instruction/Textbooks 3.
Amount $35,000 $40,662
Revised Total Fund Resources $121,432 Revised Total Fund Requirements Explantion of change(s): 19-20 Never allocated, allowed to carryover unspent FUND: 251 Student Investment Account Resource 1. Intergovermental Grant 2. 3.
Amount $67,766
Expenditure 1. CFA/Instruction/Supplies 2. CES/Resource Room/Cont Serv 3.
$121,432
Amount $30,000 $37,766
Revised Total Fund Resources $588,678 Revised Total Fund Requirements Explantion of change(s): Additional Funds received over projected amount FUND: 258 Summer Academic High School Grant Resource Amount 1. Intergovermental Grant $15,166 2. 3. Revised Total Fund Resources Explantion of change(s):
$15,166
Amount $12,225 $1,318 $1,623
Revised Total Fund Requirements
$15,166
Expenditure 1. CES/Summer School/Sal & Ben 2. CES/Summer School/ Sup & Mat 3. CES/Grounds/Play Equip 4. Bus Garage/Transport/Equip Revised Total Fund Requirements
Amount $11,521 $2,933 $66,450 $40,693 $121,597
New Allocation
FUND: 259 Summer Enrichment K-8 Grant Resource Amount 1. Intergovermental Grant $121,597 2. 3. Revised Total Fund Resources Explantion of change(s):
Expenditure 1. CMHS/Summer School/Sal & Ben 2. CMHS/Food Serv/Sal & Ben 3. CMHS/Summer School/ Sup & Equip
$588,678
$121,597 New Allocation
FUND: 260 Student Body Elementary School Resource Amount Expenditure Amount 1. Intergovermental Grant $23,607 1. CES/Outdoor School/Fees $19,550 2. Student Fees $2,200 2. CES/Classes & Clubs/Sup & Mat $27,835 3. Misc Rev, Donations $6,192 3. $0 4. Beg Fund Balance $26,015 $0 Revised Total Fund Resources $58,014 Revised Total Fund Requirements $58,014 Summary of Proposed Budget -no Changes (continued) Explantion of change(s): Budget only had Outdoor School Salaries expenditures for fees or other classes or clubs FUND: 265 ASB Middle/High School Funds Resource Amount 1. Club Fundraising $13,747 2. Beg Fund Balance $56,253 3.
Expenditure 1. CMHS/Clubs/Sup & Materials 2. 3.
Amount $63,565 $0 $0
Revised Total Fund Resources $70,000 Revised Total Fund Requirements Explantion of change(s): Revenue/Expenditures were too high FUND: 266 ASB Sports Funds Resource 1. Donations/ Fundraising 2. 3.
Amount $63,094 $0 $0
Expenditure 1. CMHS/Sports/Sup & Materials 2. 3.
$63,565
Amount $58,015 $0 $0
Revised Total Fund Resources $63,094 Revised Total Fund Requirements Explantion of change(s): No beginning fund balances and only budget of $741 , Received some large donations
Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon. Please notices to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
FUND: 270 Transportation Equipment Resource 1. VW Bus Replacement Program 2. 3.
Amount $82,728 $0 $0
Expenditure 1. Bus Garage/Transporation/Buses 2. 3.
$58,015
Amount $82,728 $0 $0
Revised Total Fund Resources $199,880 Revised Total Fund Requirements Explantion of change(s): Part of Oregon's share of VW Settlement for Bus Replacement/Down Payt 2 buses
$199,880
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Marine patrols urge waterway safety JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Marine patrol members across Oregon and the Oregon Marine Board (OMB) are urging safety as people head to local waterways for recreation this spring and summer. In the coming weeks more people will be pulling out their boats from winter storage in preparation for launch in Oregon’s waters. Rivers and the Pacific Ocean (even the surf zone) are the most inherently dangerous, according to the OMB. It’s important to always scout ahead, mind the tide, decide on the safest route and expect the unexpected, OMB states on its website, adding that most accidents and fatalities are due to falling overboard, collisions, and operator error/misjudgment, and reckless behavior. The state marine board urges boaters and watercraft users to ask the themselves the following questions.
• Think about what you would do if you fell overboard. Could you self-rescue? • What do you do if you’re caught in a snag? • What do you do if your boat swings around and the anchor line is near the prop? “Thinking is a necessity in boating. Act with intention. Be smart about your activity and understand how your activity impacts those around you,” OMB website reads. The OMB contracts with 32 county sheriff’s offices, including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police to enforce boating laws and help patrol Oregon’s waterways. The Marine Board provides state-ofthe-art, hands-on training for marine law enforcement and provides equipment, gear, and funding for patrol boats. The following are suggestions from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office which can contribute to your safety and add to your boating pleasure.
Courtesy from the OMB
Most accidents and fatalities on Oregon’s waterways are due to falling overboard, collisions, operator error/misjudgment, and reckless behavior, according to the Oregon Marine Board.
• Know the legal requirements for your size vessel. Safety equipment must be accessible and in working condition. • Wear your life jackets. 85% of the boating fatalities could be avoided by wearing a personal floatation device. Remember it won’t save your
life if you don’t wear it. • Have children and nonswimmers wear a personal floatation device. Each device should be of suitable size for the intended wearer and fit securely. 90% of those who die in boating accidents drown. • Be prepared and carry extra equipment such as a
bailer (bucket), anchor, first aid kit, visual distress signal, tool kit, flashlight with extra batteries, and a cell phone. • Don’t overload your boat. Follow the recommendations on the capacity plate of your boat. • Capsizing, sinking, and falling overboard account for 70% of boating fatalities. • If your boat should capsize, your best chance for survival and rescue is to stay with the boat. Pull as much of your body out of the water as possible to preserve body warmth. • Hypothermia can be a killer; keep your body dry and warm as possible. • It is illegal to operate any boat while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Use the designated driver concept; a sober skipper is a must. • Stressors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold water, vibration, noise, and alcohol all affect your ability to react. • Don’t run out of fuel. Practice the 1/3 rule: 1/3 for
trip, 1/3 for return, and 1/3 for spare. • Fuel vapors are heavier than air and collect in the bilge. Never fill gasoline cans in the boat. • When anchoring, use a line that is several times longer than the depth of the water and never anchor by the stern. • File a float plan. Let someone know where you’re boating and when you’ll be back. • You’re responsible for damage or injury caused by your wake. Exercise caution around other boaters and docks. • By state law, all persons operating a motorboat greater than 10 horsepower are required to carry a Boater Education Card. The card shows that the operator has passed an approved boater education course or equivalency exam.
have recovered somewhat,” Rumrill said. “Other species of sea stars have not recovered at all.” There has been a 90 percent coastwide decline of sunflower sea stars after Sea Star Wasting Disease. “NOAA Fisheries is currently considering a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity to place them on an Endangered Species List, pending a decision in 2022,” Rumrill said. Existing ODFW rules allowed the take of 10 sea stars per person per day, Rumrill added. “This is a prudent management action at this time to demonstrate the commitment to conservation,” Rumrill said of the action. European green crabs are a recent aggressive invasive species with the potential to disrupt communities of native shellfish. The mid-sized
shore crab inhabits the midregion of estuaries. They can be green, brown, yellow, red or blue in color but are easily identified by three prominent bumps between their eyes and five spines along the side of their carapace. “[They were] first observed in Coos Bay in 1997,” Rumrill said. The commission voted to increase the daily bag limit for non-native European green crabs to 35. Additional regulations for commercial bay clam fisheries were also approved at the meeting, including the requirement for electronic, rather than paper, fish tickets and designation of a harvest area and annual landing cap for the commercial gaper clam dive fishery in Yaquina Bay. The changes approved at the meeting are now in effect.
For more information about boating in Oregon, visit the OMB web site: www. boatoregon.com.
ODFW prohibits taking of sea stars HILARY DORSEY
newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net
They are a popular attraction along Oregon’s coastline and now sea stars have additional protection under new state regulations. Sea stars, or starfish, are a part of the phylum Echinodermata and are related to sand dollars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, according to the Smithsonian Science Education Center. “Echinoderms are found in nearly all marine habitats and constitute a major proportion of the biomass,” the center’s website states. “Starfish belong to the class Asteroidea, derived from the Greek words “aster” (a star) and “eidos“ (form, likeness, appearance). There are more than 1600 species of starfish alive today, and they have an important role in the com-
FRAUD From Page A1
to deal with any payment issues. “We have a very definite process with letters and a reminder phone call,” Johnson said. “And we ask that they call back to our main phone number. We would never call and say you need to pay us immediately,” Johnson said. “If a customer is actually facing disconnection, we will reach out to them multiple times in different ways before actually disconnecting their power,” Boggs said. “We do not disconnect someone immediately. We offer ways to work with our
munity structure of the ocean floor.” The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Commission has voted to change shellfish regulations to prohibit harvest of the sea stars. During the meeting conducted March 18, ODFW’s shellfish program leader Stephen Rumrill presented a package of four proposed changes. Proposed changes to shellfish rules include prohibiting the taking of sea stars, increasing the daily catch limit of European green crab, requiring electronic fish tickets for bay clam fisheries, and establishing a landing limit for gaper clam for the dive fishery in Yaquina Bay. “Oregon’s shellfish fisheries are diverse,” Rumrill said. “First with regard to the recreational fisheries, we allow harvest of a diverse group of about 30 different species.”
customers to make payment arrangements as well.” Both Boggs and Johnson urge customers to not to be deceived by the fraud calls. “Any time a customer has the slightest bit of doubt about the authenticity of a call, they should hang up and call us directly,” Boggs said. “We won’t take offense if they hang up on us inadvertently in an attempt to stay safe from a scammer.” Johnson said the scam calls “come in spurts.” “It’s been about six months since the last one,” she said. “They target different areas. There will be a big rash of calls and then it dies down and then there are more such fraud calls.” According to Johnson, there have been custom-
PETERSEN ETERSEN C CLARKE LARKELLC LLC P
Courtesy photo
The sunflower sea star is among those now under new protection from the ODFW.
These groups include Dungeness crab, Red Rock crab, clams and more. Sea stars and European green crab are also included in recreational fisheries. Rumrill said multiple species of sea stars have ers who have lost money through the fraud calls. “In the past, there have been times that people have paid the scammers and there could be more who have just not admitted they were victims,” she said. Johnson and Boggs urge customers to call law enforcement if they have been an actual fraud victim. The fraud calls aren’t limited to public utility companies. In February 2020, the St. Helens Police Department (SHPD) issued a warning about persons making similar threatening phone calls. For more safety information visit www.crpud.net/ scams<http://www.crpud. net/scams>.
experienced mass mortality along the West Coast since 2013 due to Sea Star Wasting Disease. This is coincident with changing ocean conditions. “Some species of sea stars, like the ochre star,
Engagement announcement
Courtesy photo
Doug and Dawn Johnson of Birkenfeld, Oregon are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Holleigh Cavett to Thomas Velasquez III of Camarillo, California. Holleigh and Tommy were engaged in Hawaii on March 4, 2022 and are in the process of planning their October wedding.
AA tt tt oo rr nn ee yy ss Rainier(503) Senior Center (503) 556-4120 556-4120 Volunteer of the Premier Month Columbia County’s County’s Premier Columbia could Attorneys want,” the center’s Personal Injury Injury Attorneys Personal newsletter states. “There is sedd in in OOrreego gonn && W Waash shin ingto gtonn LLi icceennse no job or project she can’t handle.” Kelley has been a member since 2013. Kelley is a board member currently serving as treasurer and was a past secretary. She also represented the center as a Princess. Together with her husband, ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE LLC Clint, they decorate the cene yyholidays AA tt tt oo rrter nn efor ss and special occasions. (503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) “Kelley is a sous-chef to our cook, Wendy, the newsletter reads. “She organizes Accidents •Personal •Personal Injury Injury •Wrongful Death Accidents •Wrongful Death all the sales, bazaars, and holiday meals. She does it No Fee Fee Until Recovery Recovery No Until Courtesy photo all and with a smile on her Rachel Kelley face no matter the chalgonn && W W shin in gto OOrreego aash gto nn lenge. Thank you, Rachel, The Rainier Senior Cen- CONSULTATION for all you do.” FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION FREE INITIAL ter’s April Volunteer of the The Rainier Senior CenMonth is Rachel Kelley. ter is located at 48 W 7th “Rachel has been and is Street in Rainier and may be the best volunteer the center reached at 503-556-3889.
P P
INVASION From Page A1
C C
Courtesy from Sen. Jeff Merkley’s office
Sen. Merkley chats with Supreme Court nominee Washington D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
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Merkley also said he backs legislation making childcare more affordable for working families in Columbia County. “Childcare is an absolutely critical part of our Build Back Better bill,” Merkley said. “The idea is that no family should have to pay more than 7% of its income towards childcare, which would be just a revolution in America for families that struggle to meet those high childcare costs and would help us rebuild our childcare system across the country.” As to what he will do to ensure the bill’s passage,
Merkley said, “We may be able to have it as part of a smaller package, (or) we might be able to have it as a standalone bill that colleagues across the aisle would join us on.” In other words, “We’ve got a couple of possibilities, so we’re not giving up on it.” According to Merkley’s description of the bill, Build Back Better will provide financial support to families spending more than 7% on childcare and aid in training and development for childcare centers. Merkley has held a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year since 2009. The March 29 Columbia County town hall marked his 497th town hall as a U.S. Senator and his 29th this year.
Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org
Deadline is April 8th. Publishes week of April 13. Prices start at $45. For churches, organizations and businesses. (503) 397-0116 chronicleads@countrymedia.net
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