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The Chronicle & The Chief

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FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021

VOL. 129, NO. 47 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Local man uses chainsaw to create art MAX KIRKENDALL

newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

Art comes in many forms.

In Lincoln City, one resident is about to be the owner of a oneof-a-kind piece that professional chainsaw carver and Rainier resident Robert Tidwell said he’s never seen before.

About a month ago, Lincoln City resident Howard Ochsner called his friend Robert with an idea for a project in his front yard.

Instead of chopping down and hauling out an old tree, Ochsner thought it might make the perfect canvas for Tidwell.

Tidwell has been carving for over 20 years. What started as a hobby has turned into a career and he now runs a wood carving shop in Rainier called Knot Just A Bear.

“I went fishing with a buddy one day and he said he was carving a bear,” Tidwell said of how he got started on wood carving.

“I laughed at him until I saw it and thought it was really cool.

He made me a fish with my name on it, but it didn’t look good, so I decided to try it myself and people liked it.”

Tidwell began carving things for family and friends and was making more and more every week, so he started to take it more seriously and entered into competitions. He used to compete in sev-

eral competitions and specialized in the quick carving events.

“I can carve a bear in five minutes,” Tidwell said. “I started doing competitions to learn from other people and just ran with it and started working for myself.

I’ve just had the knack and didn’t know it. I try to polish the talent and make the best of what I can, because that’s the fun of it.”

Ochsner presented Tidwell with the idea to convert a double tree (splitting at the top) into a totem pole that incorporates elements of his family. Tidwell loved the concept and ran with it.

“It’s a really unique piece,” Tidwell said. “I’ve never seen anything like it done. It’s basically two totems, one for the mountains and one for the ocean.”

Tidwell is tentatively calling it ‘Sea and Shore,’ and has about eight days of work into it so far.

Ochsner said the individual animals on the totem pole represent members of his family, that include a snake, bear, eagle, whale and more.

“I wanted just a regular totem pole, but he’s given me way more than I could have imagined,” Ochsner said. “I’m really going to enjoy it.”

Tidwell estimates the piece ­­­­

Courtesy photo

Rainier chainsaw artist Robert Tidwell busy carving a totem pole in Lincoln City.

See CHAINSAW Page A6

OSU panel discusses post-COVID future ZACK DEMARS worldnews3@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

As Oregon’s vaccination pace quickens, Columbia County is now receiving more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Columbia County Public Health Administrator Michael Paul said the county had fewer doses than expected as the COVID-19 vaccines were made available over the past several weeks but now as the supply increases, more people can be vaccinated.

“Now we are developing a plan to administer the vaccines as efficiently as possible,” he said.

Paul noted that Columbia County

has a mix of providers, including eight pharmacies, five medical clinics and three emergency medical services to help distribute the COVID-19 vaccines. Anyone seeking a COVID-19 vaccination must have an appointment from the providers.

“The county’s plan is to utilize the additional vaccines to make the process as easy, convenient and acceptable to people as possible,” he said.

Paul said the county is sending weekly messages to individuals who have sent in their vaccination interest form provider earlier by the county (see the story at thechiefnews. com). The weekly messages provide information about how people can schedule their vaccination.

As of Monday, March 29, Columbia County had vaccinated 5,436 individuals, with another 5,199 people in

the process of being vaccinated. Paul said there is approximately 41,000 adults living in Columbia County.

Paul cautions that Columbia County COVID-19 cases are again rising and the public needs to remain vigilant by wearing face coverings, practice social distancing and frequently washing hands so that the county’s risk classification does not increase. Columbia County moved from High Risk to Moderate Risk last week.

State officials announced on Friday, March 26, plans to open vaccine appointments to more groups sooner than originally planned, making frontline workers and other groups Courtesy photo from OHSU

­­­­ See COVID-19 Page A4

The newest vaccination timeline gives state and local health officials time to vaccinate higher-risk populations before vaccinations open to the general public by May 1.

Clatskanie Public Library takes new path STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo

Clatskanie Library District Interim Director Becky White points the way to the Story Book Trail, a new spring time project to engage children and families in reading.

Crossword ................ A3 Viewpoints ................ A4 Letters ....................... A4 Classified Ads .......... A5 Legals ........................ A5 Blotters ..................... A5 Obituaries ................. A6

The Clatskanie Library District is taking a new path to encourage children and family reading.

A Zoom Story Time on March 31 marked the end of a whole year of virtual programming for the staff of the Clatskanie Library.

Beginning with very spontaneous stories and crafts using Facebook Live last year; progressing to the Summer Reading Program, Fall, Winter, and Spring Story Times on Zoom webinars, and a year of book club meetings using Zoom meetings, the staff of the library hasn’t skipped a beat while continuously offering live stories, crafts, and other activi-

ties to preschoolers, children, and teens.

“Maintaining routines for kids seemed like an important way to offer stability and connection during the pandemic,” Clatskanie Library District Interim Director Becky White said. “They have enjoyed seeing each other, and we definitely enjoy seeing them on a regular basis.”

While White has said she has noticed virtual programming to offer certain advantages like the ability for families to join from as far as Texas and California, or to watch recordings any time that fits their schedules, she has also noticed that both participants and staff are exhibiting signs of burn out and fatigue associated with excessive screen time.

Switching gears “It is time to switch gears, and to take advantage of the nicer weather and decreasing COVID risk in Columbia County,” she said.

White said that with excellent safety protocols in place, the library opened its doors to the public by appointment on March 1, and so far, all is going well.

“It is so nice to have patrons back inside a building that has been too quiet for too long,” she said.

According to White, while indoor meetings and activities in the library’s limited space still seem like a long way off, the staff have begun to plan programming that will encourage ­­­­ See LIBRARY Page A4

10th Annual 2021 Columbia County

Business

Guide The 2021 Columbia County Business guide is a full color, glossy magazine that showcases local business and highlights current news events. It is the go-to reference for visitors, newcomers, residents, and potential customers of Columbia County.

The Chronicle

The Chief

PUBLICATION DATES: CHRONICLE: JUNE 23, CHIEF: JUNE 25 AD DEADLINE: JUNE 9

For space reservation, contact Amy: 503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net

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Friday, April 2, 2021

Business challenge: finding enough workers

Metro Creative Connection / The Chief

Some business operators continue to seek employees to allow them to open fully as the pandemic limitations are eased.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County is now classified Moderate Risk under the state’s pandemic county classifications. That means employers face less restrictions, but at the same time some business operators say they don’t have enough employees to fully open their operations.

Oregon Employment Department Regional Economist Eric Knoder said the pandemic created significant job losses last spring, but now the local and state economies are recovering.

“It seems likely that many of the people who lost jobs during the pandemic recession (job losses peaked in April 2020) have found jobs,” he said. Payroll employment in Columbia County increased by 460 from April to January, by 2,510 in Clatsop, and by 500 in Tillamook. It is likely that many of those new jobs were filled by people who had just lost them.”

Knoder has complied a detailed report showing that Northwest Oregon had approximately 2,255 job vacancies in the private sector on an average day in 2020.

This was a decrease from an average of 3,357 vacancies

in 2019.

The industry with the most vacancies was health care and social assistance; it had an average of 528 job vacancies on any given day. These estimates for job vacancies came from a survey of 1,400 private-sector employers with two or more employees in Northwest Oregon during the year.

The 2,255 vacancies are estimated from point-in-time surveys. The survey is mailed to employers each quarter and respondents are asked about vacancies they have at that time. The responses from the four quarterly surveys were combined to make an estimate of the average number of vacancies during the year.

To put the average of 528 vacancies in health care and social assistance in more context, Knoder said the industry in Northwest Oregon had an estimated average annual employment of 13,227 in 2019, the most recent full year of data. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 1,793 people were hired in the industry in 2019, the most recent full year of data, an average of nearly five hires per day.

Two other large industries in Northwest Oregon were also near the top of the list for having the most job vacancies. Leisure and hospitality and retail took the number two and number three positions. Leisure and hospitality averaged 380 openings throughout 2020.

Retail trade averaged 287 openings. These industries are among the largest in Northwest Oregon, so it’s no surprise that they had the most job vacancies in 2020.

The survey also revealed that the occupations with the most vacancies were maids and housekeepers (mostly in lodging); heavy and tractortrailer truck drivers; nursing assistants; and meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers (think seafood processing).

Most job vacancies were for relatively low-paying positions. Employers were offering $15 or less per hour for 47% of all vacancies.

Only 13% of vacancies were offering $25 per hour or more.

Fully 66% of job vacancies had either no educational requirement at all or required only a high school diploma.

These vacancies also tended to offer lower pay.

Vacancies that required postsecondary training showed the importance of getting some education or training beyond high school.

The average wage for vacancies requiring postsecondary

Courtesy of the Oregon Employment Department

training was nearly $25 per hour, essentially all were permanent positions, and 82% were for full-time jobs.

According to Knoder, the 2020 vacancy survey reinforces other research that shows that Northwest Oregon job seekers can benefit by getting additional education and training at local com-

munity colleges, Jobs Corps Centers, and through apprenticeships.

To find out what local jobs are currently available, visit the Oregon Employment Department St. Helens website at: oregon.gov/EMPLOY/ jobseekers/Pages/Find-a-Job. aspx.

mEGGa Egg Hunt still offering treats, but no hunt JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

It has been a spring tradition for Clatskanie and Rainier area families to journey to the Columbia County Fairgrounds for the annual Easter mEgga Egg Hunt.

But the Saturday, April 3 event will be much different this year.

Organizers said they have altered the annual mEGGa Egg Hunt to closely follow COVID-19 pandemic health and safety requirements. The event won’t include the traditional hunt allowing children to quickly scamper across the grassy fairground’s fields collecting plastic eggs filled with candy.

Instead, this year’s mEGGa Egg event is scheduled as a drive-thru from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

In the following conversation, Heather Epperly, the president of the mEGGa Egg Hunt board of directors, gives us a look at the event.

The Chief: Give us the history of this event. Who started the original egg hunt, when, why and where?

Heather Epperly: Evelyn Hudson is the founder of the mEGGa Egg Hunt.

The first hunt was held in 2000 making this our 20th event, since no event was held last year due to the pandemic. It has always been held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

The Chief: From your insight, why do you believe it has become a local popular family tradition?

Epperly: It’s a free family event that has grown with our community.

The Chief: Since this hunt will be conducted as a drive-thru due to the pandemic, specifically how will it work and what do drivers need to know?

Epperly: We have decorated the path the families will drive. Outside the gate we will form two lines. Our fair board members will be going down the lines to get required COVID tracing information from the drivers. The drivers will enter through the main gate, by the pavilion and stop at the table by the pavilion for their goodie bags. Families inside their vehicles will have the chance to wave at the costumed bunnies and our local fire department, and proceed out the gate.

The Chief: Briefly describe how the egg hunts have been held in the past.

We understand the start and finish is pretty quick.

Epperly: The hunt has always started at 11 a.m. and ends very quickly but, most families come early and stay later to visit the petting zoo, face painting area, to enter the coloring contest, visit with robotics team and other fun activities.

The Chief: We understand that the children will receive treat bags. How will they get the bags, who will hand them out, and what will the bags contain?

Epperly: The bags will be handed out near the pavilion as families drive

through. Each bag will be filled with Easter goodies.

The Chief: Certainly, this event must require volunteers to help. How many volunteers, who are they and what will they be doing at the event?

Epperly: This year we will have a lot less volunteers than normal due to COVID. The volunteers helping this year include our board members, committee, fair board and some of our sponsors.

Courtesy photo

The traditional mEGGa Egg Hunt has attracted thousands of people to the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens each Easter season. The hunt won’t happen this year, but children will still receive treat bags handed out by volunteers during a drive-thru event April 3.

The Chief: Who are the event sponsors?

Epperly: Columbia County Fair, State Sen. Betsy Johnson, Guild, American Family Insurance, InRoads, Remax Power Pros, Dr. Auto, Grange, Cornerstone Café, Dyno Nobel, Wauna, Clatskanie River Inn, Xfinity, and Scappoose Business and Tax. The Chief: Feel free to add any other comments you might have.

Epperly: I would add that we are asking people to please be patient as this is a first-come first-serve event and we are trying to make this fun for all the kiddo’s. We also would like to thank everyone who made this event possible.

All the hard work modifying our original event to figuring out a way to continue this wonderful family activity.

For more information, call the Columbia County Fairgrounds at 503-3974231.

COVID COMMUNITY OUTREACH TESTING OHSU IS OFFERING COVID TESTING AT NO COST TO YOU!

Location: Columbia County Fairgrounds located at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR Dates: Wednesdays Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sign up: www.ohsu.edu/COVIDVans

SIGN UP TO GET YOUR TEST AT THIS LOCATION How do I get tested?

- Go to URL to sign up for your timeslot.

- Please carefully follow registration and scheduling instructions.

What else do I need to know?

- This is an outdoor testing event, so please dress for the weather.

- Testing is for those older than 2 months.

- If you tested positive before and do NOT have symptoms, you must wait 90+ days before getting another test.

- COVID vaccine will not be provided at these events.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, April 2, 2021

A3

State issues rabbit disease advisory STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Ed Glazer / The World

RHDV2 is a viral disease that causes sudden death in rabbits. The virus is highly contagious among rabbit populations. RHDV2 poses no human health risk, according to Oregon officials.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has confirmed rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in a feral domestic rabbit found dead in Milwaukie, a suburb of Portland.

RHDV2 is a viral disease that causes sudden death in rabbits. The virus is highly contagious among rabbit populations and can spread through contact with infected rabbits, meat, fur or materials coming into contact with them. RHDV2 poses no human health risk. The virus only infects rabbits.

On March 14, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) received

a report from a veterinarian in Portland that eight domestic or feral rabbits were found dead in Milwaukie. Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon’s State Veterinarian, was immediately notified and had one of the rabbit carcasses delivered to Oregon State University for further testing. On March 24, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the rabbit tested positive for RHDV2.

“At this point, we are confident that all eight of the rabbits died from RHDV2, and the virus has taken hold in the feral rabbit population,” said Dr. Scholz.

To prevent the virus from spreading further into the domestic rabbit population, the state will be collecting

and testing feral rabbits in the vicinity where the eight deceased rabbits were found.

ODFW is concerned about this disease spreading to wild rabbits such as cottontails because infections in other states have caused high mortality in wild rabbits and hares. Wild rabbits and hares have an important role in the ecosystem.

ODA and ODFW are asking the public to report rabbit mortalities to track the virus’s presence and movement.

Please call 1-800-347-7028 or visit oda.direct/RHD to report domestic or wild rabbits which are suspected to have died from RHDV2. Domestic rabbit owners should contact their veterinarian for more information on preventing RHDV2.

How to prevent the spread of RHDV2 • Wash and disinfect hands, clothing, gloves, footwear, cages, and equipment between rabbits from different sources.

• Quarantine new rabbits away from existing ones for 30 days.

• Keep pet rabbits inside to avoid exposure to environments potentially contaminated by wild/feral rabbits or by people, vehicles or implements that can spread the disease.

• Immediately contact ODA (800-347-7028) if you suspect RHD or have sick or freshly dead rabbits.

If you have animals not freshly dead, double plastic bag them and dispose the bag in a landfill.

Rainier Ladies make ‘Dream come true’ JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Brenda Tschida said establishing Rainier Ladies is a dream come true.

“I wanted a group for other women to encourage and support each other and make friends along the way,” she said. “There were a lot of women here looking for friends.”

Tschida said the groups

was established in November and in March Rainier Ladies became a nonprofit.

“The mission of our group is to help wherever we can and when we can,” she said. “We help each other as well as the community. We have done meal trains for each other and cried and laughed on each others shoulders.”

According to Tschida, the group is involved in the community by conducting a wide

•

range of the service projects.

“We have helped people without food have a Thanksgiving or just a meal, we have bought groceries for families in need, we have given Christmas presents to children who otherwise would not have had any,” she said. “We are starting meals in the park and hopefully movies in the park soon. We will fundraise and give back to the community.

Tschida said her group

is also considering holding a community ball to take place in Rainier.

“We are now over 408 members and we have enough people to make a significant impact on a small community and that is what we intend to do, so being a nonprofit allows us to implement more charitable acts,” Tschida said.

Women interested in joining the Rainier Ladies can visit the following Facebook

link: www.facebook.com/ groups/1002281120109988.

“There are no requirements and anyone within Columbia County can join,” Tschida said. “We have a free membership and a membership that is $35.95 for the year that comes with perks.”

Tschida said she is grateful to Denise Watson in helping develop Rainier Ladies and Michelle Ellsworth for developing shirts and attire for

events.

“I also want to thank all the ladies who have made a dream come true,” Tschida said. “I have met so many kind hearted wonderful women in this group. We allow no drama and we have had none. It’s a positive vibes group only. It truly is a special group of women.”

For more information, email Tschida at Rainierladies@gmail.com

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: SCIENCE 101 ACROSS

1. Type of tide 5. Sin over tan 8. Schooner pole 12. Part of temple floor plan 13. Made a basket 14. *Main artery in the body 15. *____-carotene 16. Swear, not curse 17. Reputation-damaging gossip 18. *Physicist of theory of relativity fame 20. Salty drop 21. Turn upside down 22. Mark on Pinterest 23. *Everything around us 26. Porch in ancient Greece 30. Not St. or Blvd.

31. Percussion instrument 34. “Aim High... Fly-FightWin” org.

35. Walks like Long John Silver 37. “Dog ____ dog” 38. Like TV or phone in 2021 39. Measuring roll 40. Catch in a net 42. Gorilla or orangutan

43. Pull-over parkas 45. *One of B-vitamins 47. Anger 48. Open disrespect 50. Full of excitement 52. *Explanations that can be tested and verified 55. Words to live by 56. Sword handle 57. Large West African republic 59. “Encore!”

60. Unrivaled 61. From a second-hand store 62. Cleopatra’s necklace 63. Second solfa syllable, pl.

64. Makes stitches

DOWN

1. Pick up a perpetrator 2. Dueling weapon in “The Three Musketeers” 3. ____ Spumante 4. Treat for Dumbo 5. Witches’ get-together 6. Egg-shaped 7. Made with stitches 8. *Product of mass and velocity of an object 9. *Equals length times width 10. *Alpha Centauri A., e.g.

11. Toni Morrison’s “____ Baby” 13. Like rheumy eyes 14. On the move 19. Four-eyes’ gear 22. Short for “politician” 23. Tiny European republic 24. Type of flu 25. Moderato, e.g.

26. ToupÈe spot 27. *Scientist Newton 28. *Wrist bones 29. More than occasional 32. Department store department 33. “Pow!” 36. *Mendeleev’s ____ table 38. Bake, as in eggs 40. Make bigger 41. Persnickety 44. *Ar, inert gas 46. Bad blood 48. Use a shoe polish 49. *Smallest units of life 50. Jason’s ship 51. Wheel inside old clock 52. God of thunder 53. Alleviate 54. Boatload 55. Tom of “Tom and Jerry” 58. Dog tags

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

•

•C rossword A nswers • •

Solution for the March 26, 2021 crossword puzzle

10th Annual 2021 Columbia County

Business

Guide PUBLICATION DATES: CHRONICLE: JUNE 23, CHIEF: JUNE 25 AD DEADLINE: JUNE 9 The 2021 Columbia County Business guide is a full color, glossy magazine that showcases local business and highlights current news events. It is the go-to reference for visitors, newcomers, residents, and potential customers of Columbia County.

The Chronicle

The Chief

For space reservation, contact Amy: 503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

A4

•

Friday, April 2, 2021

•V iewpoints • •

Oregon Legislature moves ahead BRAD WITT Chief Guest Article

Another confirmed COVID-19 infection caused the cancellation of the Oregon House Floor session on Monday, but we continued our remote committee work, and resumed floor sessions on Tuesday.

Bills are still being read in their entirety, and a computer program is now being used to read hundreds of pages of legislation. On Tuesday, the reading of HB 2111, a housekeeping measure to change the name of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, to reflect its administrative authority, took the entire day and continued on Wednesday.

There are nearly 100 bills waiting for their third reading in the House Chamber.

House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee We had a very productive committee meeting on Tuesday as chair of this committee, I’m happy to report we continue to work in a bipartisan manner to move some legislation through the process.

HB 3173 removes the requirement that Oregon Lottery proceeds for Oregon County Fairs be capped at $1.53 million annually. I signed on as a regular sponsor because county fairs play an important role in the community, providing a social framework, but also as an economic driver bringing in over $80 million in a normal year.

This past year typical events like fairs, trade shows, concerts, fundraisers, and festivals were not held due to the pandemic. Instead fairgrounds throughout the state filled many important functions, including emergency centers, sanctuary for people and animals escaping wildfires, mass testing centers, makeshift hospitals, and mass vaccination sites.

Support for HB 3173

•

•V oices

Restroom restrictions Sure, there is a pandemic going on. But despite the constant dangers of living with this, we should treat people as people, being kind and considerate of their rightful

•

came from county fairs from all parts of Oregon, the Oregon Fairs Association, 4-H, FFA, the Oregon Agriculture Teachers Association and many individuals. This bill received unanimous support and now moves to the Joint Ways and Means Committee by prior referral.

HB 2068 makes the provisions regarding issuance and use of landowner tags permanent by removing the sunset on the legislation.

The landowner preference program provides a means for landowners experiencing damage from deer to use these tags to address the damage. This wellestablished program has been successfully implemented

by ODFW for the past 38 years, and while this legislation makes it permanent, it will continue to be reviewed by the legislative assembly in the future on an as needed basis.

This bill is supported by The Rocky Mt. Elk Foundation, the Oregon Hunters Association, County Commissioners from Wallowa and Jefferson, and many individual landowners. HB 2068 received unanimous support from the committee members and moves to the House Floor with a “DoPass” recommendation.

HB 3163 changes the definition of residency for wildlife licensing and tags.

This legislation came from an anti-poaching workgroup through discussion with law enforcement officials. Poaching in Oregon has become an epidemic and district attorneys find it difficult to prosecute wildlife offenders with dual state residency.

HB 3163 requires that an individual physically reside in Oregon not less than 6 months prior to applying for a resident hunting or fishing license and tag. The person cannot merely own property or pay property taxes in Oregon, or claim resident privileges in another state or country for any purpose.

As chief sponsor of this bill, I was pleased to have it receive unanimous support from committee members

of the

and have it move out of committee with a “Do-Pass” recommendation.

House Bill 3305 I’ve heard from many constituents about HB 3305, which isn’t a bill that I’m supporting. The bill would phase out the sale of petroleum diesel (with an exemption for agriculture equipment) over the next few years, to be replaced with renewable diesel. Additionally, the bill would require the Oregon DEQ and the State Department of Agriculture to determine if there is an adequate supply of renewable diesel.

The idea for the legislation came from the owner of a trucking company that successfully replaced their petroleum diesel with renewable fuel, with no need for retrofits. The company saved money and got better performance from the trucking fleet after making the switch.

While I applaud the goal of cheaper, renewable fuel that works well with existing equipment, I believe the study should be completed first, along with data that shows emission results and a market analysis to ensure there is adequate renewable diesel available at a reasonable cost.

Be connected As always, please remember that I can best serve your interests when I hear from you. If you have a comment or concern about pending legislation, please reach out to my office. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, email is probably the best way to have your opinions recorded.

If I can help you navigate an issue or problem with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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

C ommunity • •

needs.

So it is offensive to see people treat others poorly as was done to me at the DMV office in St. Helens. I was standing in line waiting for permission to enter the building. I asked the DMV employee at the door if I could use the restroom inside. He said I could not. So I asked if

I could pee in the parking lot.

He said I could not.

I am 77-years-old. When I say I need a restroom, I really mean it. No kidding.

Let’s respect each other.

Yes, you can use the restroom.

Ray Horn Scappoose

•C ommunity E vents • •

• Clatskanie’s Chapter T P.E.O. bouquets of farm-fresh tulips sales from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 2, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, in front

LIBRARY

From Page A1

families to celebrate books and reading together in non-traditional ways.

Walk the trail The first event the library is planning in partnership with Clatskanie Parks and Rec is a Story Book Trail to celebrate National Library Week. Beginning on Friday, April 2, families are invited to wind their way along the walking path across from the library as they read “Silly Sally” by Audrey Wood.

The trail will begin at the book pavilion across from

of Hi-School Pharmacy and Farmhouse Coffee in the Evergreen Shopping Center in Clatskanie Proceeds from the sale benefit scholarships for women.

• River’s Edge RV Resort and Camping groundbreaking 10:30 a.m. Saturday April 3, at the site located at 1309 Swedetown Road in Clatskanie.

the library and end in Cope’s Park, with instructions to visit the library’s curbside window to pick up a special treat at the end. The trail was originally envisioned by Naomi Fisher, who served as the library’s Director from December 2020 to February 2021.

Fisher helped set up the first trail.

“These outdoor, literacybuilding, family-oriented activities are popular across the nation right now and are a much-needed way to connect families with their libraries and community spaces,” Fisher said.

“In Clatskanie we’re lucky to have a library, and a beautiful adjacent space, so we are going to run with

it,” said White, “or walk, or hop, or jump ... you’ll have to read Silly Sally to get the full effect.”

The Story Book Trail will be set up in the park across from the library, which is located on the corner of Conyers and Lillich Streets in Clatskanie, from 12 p.m. on Friday April 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday April 10.

To collect a treat at the end of the trail, families can visit the curbside window, or make an appointment to check out books during the library’s usual operating hours.

For more information about current services, visit the library website at www. clatskanielibrary.org, or call 503-728-3732.

The Chief

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Weekly Online Poll What is you favorite spring season activity?

Gardening

Fishing

Barbecue

Walking

Last Week’s Results Have you received your 3rd federal stimulus relief check?

47% Yes

53% No

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

COVID-19

An annual vaccine?

From Page A1

eligible for the vaccine starting April 5. Read more at the chiefnews.com.

As vaccines spread across the globe and cities around the country thaw from under virus restrictions, one topic has been top of mind: What does a post-pandemic future look like?

A panel of experts from Oregon State University took up pieces of that question Tuesday in a forum addressing questions about the next steps for getting the population vaccinated, what it might take to travel internationally this summer and what lessons we can all take away from the COVID-19 crisis.

Summer fun?

International travel might be a possibility this summer — but it’ll be important for travelers to be vaccinated and aware of their surroundings, according to Chunhuei Chi, the director of OSU’s Center for Global Health.

“Even before vaccination, there’s a component of travel that’s safe, and there’s a component of travel is not so safe,” Chi said Tuesday.

According to Chi, airplane flights are actually safer than some might expect: With planes constantly filtering the air, that regular scrubbing can make them cleaner than other indoor spaces.

But areas outside the plane can be more challenging: Security check areas and other common spaces in airports can promote higher risks if they’re not adequately spaced apart or cleaned regularly, Chi said.

And since each country has had a different virus response, every corner of the globe faces a slightly different state of the virus.

Chi said some regions are still experiencing significant virus spread and mutation, while others are living life close to normal after strong lockdowns all but kept out the virus.

“I would suggest, look at the destination,” Chi advises travelers. “You want to see the country you’re traveling to be relatively safe, and there’s no new variants ....”

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

The first round of COVID-19 shots might not be the last, according to Gaurav Sahay, an associate professor of pharmacy who’s an expert in vaccine development.

Since the virus won’t be going away even when many more people are vaccinated, continued mutations could reduce the effectiveness of already existing vaccines, Sahay said. That could make it necessary to get a new shot every year, just like for the flu.

“There is an assumption that perhaps this might be an annual event, because the virus will still be around,” Sahay said. “But having said that, new technologies are being built and the hope is that this would really go down. So they are working on basically doing a booster shot.”

And according to Brett Tyler, who directs the university’s project to sequence and catalogue variants of the virus in Oregon, making sure populations across the globe are vaccinated could help reduce variants in the future.

That’s because the more the virus spreads, the more it mutates — meaning there’s a higher likelihood it’ll mutate in a way that makes it less susceptible to the vaccine.

“It’s going to be very important to help countries all around the world control the virus,” Tyler said. “If we vaccinate all Americans but the virus is running unchecked elsewhere in the world, that creates the possibility of more and more variants appearing and returning back onto our shores, and this is one of the challenges that China is facing right now.”

Public health failures?

Tuesday’s experts agreed: The response to COVID-19 has exposed plenty of cracks in public health systems across the country and state that can be improved before future crises.

“It’s also laid bare the systemic inequities in our healthcare system — the lack of access particularly for persons with disabilities, the lack of access for vulnerable and minority communities and special populations,” said Courtney Campbell, who’s researching the prioritization

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of vaccine distribution.

Since some groups already have more difficulties getting access to health care — like those with lower incomes, those who aren’t as mobile or those without internet — the stress the pandemic has put on the system has made it even harder.

Campbell points to vaccine distribution as an example, and how the state’s Latino population has made up a larger share of Oregon’s virus cases but a smaller share of its vaccinations.

The distribution’s also shown how struggles in public health staffing can stymie vaccination efforts, said Joseph Agor, who studies vaccine supply chains.

“I can have millions or trillions of pounds of supplies, but if I don’t have the people to distribute it, then really it’s just going to create longer lines, waits and inefficiencies that really weren’t planned to be there to begin with,” Agor said.

And the hesitancy among some groups to get vaccinated has shown the impact systemic healthcare challenges, according to Daniel López-Cevallos, an associate professor of ethnic studies.

“It takes a consistent, thoughtful, conscious effort to reach out to those communities, so if those systems haven’t been there in the past, it makes it that much harder,” López-Cevallos said.

Or reasons to cheer?

But an analysis of the public health response to the virus shouldn’t be all doom and gloom, according to Marion Ceraso, an associate professor who studies public health communication.

The fact that experts have gotten effective vaccines onto the market in less than a year is something to celebrate, Ceraso said — and something that celebrating might actually encourage more people to get vaccinated.

“I think as that community experience grows, the resistance to accepting the vaccine will get lower,” Ceraso said.

“These vaccines are an incredible, amazing public health success story, and I think we need to share that information with the public to really fully inform them of this picture.”

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

Friday, April 2, 2021

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Oregon State Police March 31 • At approximately 11:23 a.m. an OSP Fish and Wildlife trooper noticed a vehicle parked on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area at the entrance to Collins Beach #2 that he knew belonged to a man who was not supposed to be there as perthetermsofhisprobation.The manrecentlypleadguiltytoapublic indecencychargefromanincident thatoccurredatthesamelocation in March of 2020. The man was contactedandadmittedtoknowing he was violating his probation by beingonthewildlifearea.Theman wassubsequentlyissuedacitationin-lieu of custody for a probation violationandformallytrespassed from the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area.

• At 3 p.m. Oregon State Police receivedadrivingcomplainteastboundonHighway30frommilepost 42. Oregon State Police stopped thevehicleforreasonablesuspicion of DUII and fail to drive within the laneoftravel.Thedriverdisplayed signsofimpairmentandconsented toSFST’s.Thedriverwasimpaired to a noticeable and perceptible degree and was arrested.

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www.thechiefnews.com

March 27 • At 1:18 p.m. Oregon State Police assisted Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputiesatthepropertyof19061 NW Rocky Point Road. The lock from the gate had been jarred open and the owner lives out of the country. OSP contacted the ownerandherequestedthepropertybechecked. A backhoetractorwasstolenfromtheproperty.

MCSO is handling the theft.

• At 7:27 p.m. Oregon State Police responded to a death investigationonHighway30near milepost 50.The investigation is on-going.

March 28 • At 1:20 p.m. OSP troopers responded to a single vehicle non-injury crash on Highway 47 nearmilepost57.Whentroopers arrived the unknown driver had left the scene. Troopers were unable to identify the driver.The vehicle was towed by Grumpy’s Towing.

• At 1:49 p.m. OSP received an instagramphotofromsomeone who had seen the post of a man holdinganativechinooksalmon he had caught the day before.

Themanwasabletobeidentified and contacted at his home in St. Helens. The man admitted to catching the native salmon in the Columbia River on March 27, while fishing with his dad, but thoughttheColumbiawasopen for retention of native chinook, though they did not check the regulationsbeforegoingout.The man still had the carcass of the salmon, which was confirmed to be a native. The man was subsequentlyissuedacitationfor take/possessionofnon-adipose fin clipped Chinook salmon.

• At approximately 7:30 p.m.

OSP troopers responded to a single vehicle crash on Nicolai Road near Beaver Homes Road.

The vehicle had gone off the northbound shoulder and was stuckinaditch.Thedrivershowed numerous indicators of impairment.AttheColumbiaCountyJail thedriverconsentedtoperforming the standardized field sobriety tests.Thedriverprovidedabreath samplewhichresultedinablood alcohol content of 0.16% The driver was booked and released for DUII. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

March 25 • At approximately 12:16 p.m.

OregonStatePolicerespondedto asinglevehiclecrashatmilepost 43 on Highway 202. The vehicle washeadingwestboundwhenit droveacrossbothlanesandoffof theeastboundshoulderresultingin propertydamage.Informationwas exchangedbydriverandproperty owner.Therewerenoinjuriesand driver made arrangements for a tow. ODOT was on scene.

March 24 • At about 5:39 p.m. Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle,non-injurycrashonHighway30westboundnearmilepost 32 at the railroad crossing. Unit #2(blueHonda)waswestbound on Highway 30 approaching the railroadcrossingnearmilepost32.

BothUnit#1andUnit#2observed atrainthatwasnearthecrossing.

The driver of Unit #2 thought the trainwascrossingthehighwayand the railroad gate arms were not activating.WhileUnit#2attempted tostop,Unit#1(WhitePUDtruck) rear-endedUnit#2.Accordingto bothdrivers,therailroadgatearms activated and came down, just after impact. The Oregon State

PolicecontactedP&Wrailroadand requested someone inspect the railroad arms.

March 23 • At about 11:30 p.m. OSP Troopers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on SW 4th St in Scappoose. The driver showed numerous indicators of impairmentandrefusedtoperformthe standardizedfieldsobrietytests.

Thedriverwasplacedunderarrest for DUII and transported to the Columbia County Jail where he refused a breath test. A consent blood draw was conducted. The driver was booked and released for DUII, and Reckless Driving.

The vehicle was towed.

March 22 • At approximately 3:20 p.m.

Troopers responded to a two vehicleinjurycrashonHighway30 nearmilepost41.Whentroopers arrived they conducted a crash investigation and all occupants weretransportedtolocalhospitals forinjuries.Theinvestigationisstill ongoing.Thevehiclesweretowed

by Grumpy’sTowing and Drake’s Towing due to damage.

March 20 • OSP Fish andWildlifeTrooper was checking anglers along the Columbia River at Willow Bar on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area when he came upon an older Subaru wagon stuck in the sand.

When the driver of the vehicle was identified, it was found his driver’slicensewasmisdemeanor suspended for DUII and he admittedtodrivingouttherefrom Portland. The driver was subsequentlyissuedacitation-in-lieuof custody for DWS misdemeanor andadvisedtohavesomeonewith a valid license come and get him and the car.

March 19 • At about 1 a.m. Oregon State police conducted a traffic stop on a Subaru passenger car on Highway 30 westbound near milepost 27 for traveling at 84 mphinaposted50mphconstruction zone. During the traffic stop thedriverdisplayedindicatorsof impairment.Thedriverconsented to voluntary standardized field sobriety tests where the driver continued to display indicators of impairment. The driver was arrested for DUII. The driver providedtwovalidbreathsamples at the Columbia County Jail with a BAC of .08%. The driver was issued a citation for VBR and DUII. The driver was booked and released at the jail without incident.The vehicle was towed

by Drakes Towing.

• At about 2:11 p.m. Oregon State Police received a driving complaintaboutavehicleunable to maintain its lane as it was eastbound on Highway 30 near milepost50.Troopersstoppedthe vehicle and the driver displayed signs of impairment. The driver refused SFST’s and was read the ROHRS Admonishment.

The driver refused FST’s and was arrested for DUII. The driver wastransportedtotheColumbia County Jail. The driver’s BAC was .00%. The driver did not to doaDrugRecognitionEvaluation butconsentedtoablooddraw.A phlebotomistfromVenaCareNW respondedtothejailandtwovials of blood were obtained.The vehicle was secured at the Rainier Assembly of God Church.

• At abut 4:30 p.m. Oregon StatePolicerespondedtoatraffic complaintonasilverDodgeChallenger traveling westbound on Highway30nearmilepost17.The

callerreportedthevehiclefailing to maintain its lane and speeding. The vehicle was last seen pullingintotheparkinglotofthe Rosebud Bar, located at 50316 ColumbiaRiverHighwayinScappoose. OSP located the vehicle unoccupied and waited for the drivertoreturn.Thevehicleeventuallypulledoutofthebarparking lot and proceeded to travel eastboundonHighway30,fasterthan thepostedspeedlimit.Duringthe trafficstopthedriverdisplayedindicatorsofimpairment.Thedriver refused to perform voluntary standardized field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested.

The driver provided two valid breath samples with a BAC of .00%. A local DRE was contacted and unavailable. A warrant was applied for and granted for the driver’sblood.Twobloodsamples were obtained. The vehicle was towed by Grumpy’sTowing.The rental company was notified.

March 18 • At about 3:18 p.m. Oregon State Police responded to a call of a single vehicle crash. Unit 1, loaded with dirt was driving eastbound on Highway 30 near milepost 67. Unit 1 experienced a tire blow out and drove off the roadway into the mud embankment on the shoulder. Unit 1 crashedintothesloppinghilland rolled over onto the drivers side.

Driver was treated on scene by medicalpersonnelandUnit1was towedfromthescenebyHillsboro towing.

See the Columbia County Sheriff’s law enforcement reports attached to this blotter at thechiefnews. com. The Rainier Police reports were unavailable at press time.

www.thechiefnews.com

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Friday, April 2, 2021

•S ports • •

Baseball: New season, new challenges provide the opportunity to play. There will be a lot of rust and inexperience, but in the grand scheme of things, we are simply excited to get out and play some baseball.

Tompkins: Fundamentals and basics will be the priority. Throw strikes, make the routine defensive plays, and make good swings at good pitches.

The Chief: What do you hope would be the strengths of the team and what do you see as the weaknesses?

The Chief: What teams would you expect the most challenges from this season, and why?

The Chief: As you prepare for the new season, how do you plan to help guide the players and what are you telling them to expect with the abbreviated season due to the pandemic?

Tompkins: We are a full year removed from organized baseball and will ultimately have a lot of inexperience and unknowns.

From the kids returning, there are a bunch of great kids that have great attitudes and a strong work ethic. We expect to make great strides as a team in a short amount of time.

Tompkins: I think every team in our league will have solid clubs this year. Due to the time away from playing, there will definitely be a lot of new faces around the league.

Ryan Tompkins: Our whole goal with the abbreviated season is to just to

The Chief: What will be the key training you’ll stress at practices and why?

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) players and coaches are preparing for the 2021 spring sports season that begins in mid April.

CMHS Athletic Director and Varsity Baseball Coach Ryan Tompkins said the pandemic-related abbreviated season will be challenging.

In the following conversation, Tompkins gives us his insight into the new season.

CMHC hosts Seaside April 16 in the season opener.

Follow CMHS sports competition results at osaa.com and look for sports features in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

Metro Creative Connection / The Chief

The Clatskanie Middle/High School varsity baseball season is set to begin April 16.

Peeps time! Marshmallow art creations JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Who would have thought that using marshmallows could be a learning tool in school and a community connector?

That’s just what the Clatskanie Middle/High School Art Class is using for its latest learning lesson and show. The Chief checked in with class instructor Jamie Erwin to find how this sweet assignment got started.

The Chief: Who came up with the idea of using Peeps marshmallows for a student art project, when and why?

Jamie Erwin: I am not sure. I just know that the

Peeps Company has been holding the diorama competition for a while now. I think it started when Peeps went on sale after Easter.

The art teacher at my last school always had the kids do this and it was so fun.

So I stole that idea and brought the idea here.

The Chief: What are the range of Peeps decorations that have been and are currently being used in the production of this event?

Erwin: Right now, the class is in the works of making theirs and a lot are being super-secret about it! But I will tell you they range from TV shows, to scenes from books, to game shows, and to video games.

The Chief: What do you hope the kids take away from such a project?

Erwin: First, fun! I hope they enjoyed creating this. It’s fun to dive into a project that is just meant to bring joy.

The Chief: What do you hope the community understands about this sort of educational tool?

Erwin: I hope this brings joy to the community, too. That’s the point.

Students develop the idea themselves, create all the parts, and use their artistic eye to make sure it looks good.

The Chief: What happens to the Peeps when this

CHAINSAW

competition is over. Are they eatable?

Erwin: No! Gross! They are painted and glued. The class did get one Peep of their choice to eat, outside, before we started using them as art.

The art class has assembled its Peep art and public viewing and voting can take place at the school from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 3. School student voting takes place Monday, April 5 with the winners to be announced on that day. Prizes include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places and CMHS Teacher’s Choice.

For more information, call CMHS at 503-7282146.

Courtesy photo from Jamie Erwin

Here is a photo of the 2019 Peeps Art from the Clatskanie Middle/High School Art class.

Night streak

From Page A1

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Rainier chainsaw artist Robert Tidwell made this wood sculpture showing two cubs reaching for a honeycomb.

Rainier chainsaw artist Robert Tidwell carved this fish sculpture and placed it on display along Highway 30 near the bridge crossing into Washington.

would cost roughly $30,000 normally. However, you can’t put a price on friendship, and this is a project the two are working on together.

“Once it’s done and we get all the oils and sealants on it, that’s when it’ll look gorgeous because all the colors will come together,” Tidwell said. “This is the first double (tree) I’ve done.

It’s definitely an original.”

With his over 20 years

of experience, Tidwell has carved totems, bears, sasquatchs, eagles, dragons and much more. All of which typically take a single session or two of carving.

“I can carve just about anything, except for the Mona Lisa,” Tidwell said.

“If I need to get something done, I can get it done quickly, especially if it’s fishing season.”

Tidwell said he does a

lot of custom orders and has done carving projects all over the United States.

Each year, he says he travels to Hawaii for a few months to do some carving work and fishing of course. It has become a perk of his trade.

“Carving has really given me the freedom to go anywhere in the world,” he said.

For more information, visit knotjustabear.com

Courtesy of David McFarland

An unusual event over the Pacific Northwest skies lit up social media with photos and video postings on Thursday, March 25, triggering all sorts of speculations. This is a screen shot of the streak of light video in St. Helens. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell at the Center for Astrophysics, tweeted saying the ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE LLC streak was debris from a rocket re-entering the atmosphere after 22 days in orbit.

Later reports supported McDowell’s rocket debris explanation.

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