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Nature group for kids

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

VOL. 130, NO. 49 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Raymond Carver Writing Festival returns

Background

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Each year starting in 2007, the Clatskanie Arts Commission and Clatskanie Library hosted the Raymond Carver Writing Festival in honor of the short-story writer and poet, known as one of the “most important contributors to American literature,” famousauthors.org writes.

Clatskanie Arts Commission organizer Elsa Wooley said the event was formed by Friends of the Clatskanie Library and discontinued in 2012 after the volunteer group disbanded.

“I think it just kind of ran its course,” she said.

In honor of National Poetry Month, The Clatskanie Arts Commission and Clatskanie Library will revive the famed Clatskanie festival that attracts fans and biographers from across the globe.

The Raymond Carver Writing Festival returns to the Clatskanie Cultural Center at 75 Nehalem Street on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21.

The two-day event is sponsored by the CC Cultural Coalition and the Oregon Cultural Trust.

Courtesy photo from Jeremy Furnish

This is the conceptual drawing of the Nehalem Street mural depicting Raymond Carver.

Wooley said a conversation with Clatskanie mural artist Jeremy Furnish inspired the arts commission to bring back the festival.

“Furnish approached us and asked if (we) would be willing to take on the continuation of the mural project, which we were very interested in doing. So we were working with him, and the next mural of course is the Raymond Carver mural,” Wooley said.

Calling it “the perfect marriage of two activities,” she added, “We became very interested in Raymond Carver and figuring out ways that we could educate our community about

who Raymond Carver is, and why our community should be very proud of him.”

Event organizers convened Tuesday, April 5, to discuss plans and preparations for the poetry contest and activities for the upcoming event.

Community connectors Clatskanie Library Director Maryanne Hirning said she’s already begun informing library patrons about the Raymond Carver Writing Festival.

“What I have mostly done is created a lot of the platform on our website, the library website,” she

said. “A lot of the information regarding it, I embedded over that gorgeous presentation and uploaded it to Vimeo and made it available on our website, as well as created a little RSVP document that we’re hoping will give us a clue about how many people are going to be involved.”

The Friday reception from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. will be followed by an informative presentation from Clatskanie Historical Society’s Deborah Hazen and remarks from Peninsula College professor and Raymond

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See CARVER Page A6

NEXT rail yard plan challenged April 13, roughly two-thirds of those who testified to Columbia County’s Board of Commissioners stated strong opposition to the project’s location and impacts.

“I see extraordinary opposition to this project from my neighbors and the Beaver Drainage District, all of whom may be severely impacted by NEXT’s deeply flawed plan,” Seely said in the release. “NEXT would have to relocate sensitive infrastructure that supports 5,600 acres of active working farmland, including 300 acres of blueberries, 600 acres of mint, and numerous other crops and livestock. NEXT’s proposed refinery should be a non-starter, particularly where it proposes a

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Environmental groups have filed a legal challenge opposing approval of a 400-car rail yard for the proposed NEXT renewable diesel refinery at Port Westward.

The challenge has been filed

by Columbia Riverkeeper, 1000 Friends of Oregon, and local mint farmer Mike Seely.

In early February, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved local land use permits for the NEXT Renewable Fuels’ $2 billion clean fuels project. Since that approval, the project has been moving through state and federal permitting processes.

According to a release from Columbia Riverkeeper issued

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See NEXT Page A7

Courtesy photo

The $2 billion NEXT Renewable Fuels plant is proposed for Port Westward at Clatskanie.

Graduation 2022: ‘Light at the end of the tunnel’ ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) seniors graduating in June this year will have the opportunity to celebrate more than just the end of their high school careers.

“Most seniors are excited to graduate, but this group has been through a lot with the pandemic, (and) they’re now seeing that their hard work is paying off,” CMHS

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Principal Jeff Williamson said.

There are more than 300 students in the CMHS student body. Of these students, 42 are seniors, and 40 are on track to graduate, Williamson told The Chief.

Switching from Google to Canvas online learning in fall 2021 was one of several challenges putting strain on CMHS seniors who, along with other students across the country, had spent roughly two years adjusting to a brand-new educational landscape.

“That (fall) semester was rough,” CMHS Registrar Chris Boothe said.

“That probably was our biggest struggle, was getting students over that hump of distance learning. (The challenge of) knowing that platform and being successful at it is probably where most of our hiccups came from.”

Williamson explained how the

2022 Columbia County

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The 2021 CMHS graduation was held outdoors to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

school’s administration overcame the challenge by developing a system to monitor student progress.

“At the beginning of the year, Chris ran all the reports for us to show the credits that students needed,” he said. “So we’ve worked very hard with every senior to meet with them and go over their schedule to

make sure they’re hitting everything they need to graduate.”

Other actions taken by the school to ensure student success included “almost daily” check-ins with high school seniors, lessons in college and career readiness, and developing CMHS’ Freshman Success Framework.

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“At the beginning of the year that was one of our frustrations because we meet with (seniors) and say you need to do this, this, and this,” Williamson said. “They were successful at it, and we proved that they would be successful. Then they began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Due to a lifting of COVID-19 regulations, 2022’s ceremony will take place inside the high school gymnasium as opposed to last year’s, which was entirely outdoors.

Williamson characterized the school’s atmosphere leading up to June as full of excitement, with seniors anticipating their lives after graduation.

“Whether they’re going on to trade school, college, (or the) mili-

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Friday, April 15, 2022

Local woman launches nature group for tots ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Once a week, a Columbia County group allows kids to be in charge of their own adventure.

“Especially when there are more than ten kids, it’s hard to keep everyone engaged on the same thing all the time,” Licorice Fern Friends Founder Sarah Hawkins said. “We really do let the kids take the lead.

They run ahead of us. If I spot something of interest, such as an edible plant, or a plant that has a certain something that engages one of the five senses, I point it out and I talk about it. I let them smell it or taste it if their parents are okay with that.”

Licorice Fern Friends is a nature walking group for kids in Columbia County, according to the group’s Facebook description. Created March 19, the group has swelled to 66 members in just a few short weeks.

Hawkins’ background as a plant educator and having spent the past two years living under COVID-19 played a significant role in her idea to start Licorice Fern Friends.

“I have studied plants and herbalism for the last ten years,” she said. “During the pandemic, I became a little bit more invested in learning, as we all had a little bit more

downtime. I have kids within that age range that we host for, and I was looking for a way to get them outdoors in a way that was safe with all the COVID rules.”

“I was really hoping that our community could have something that engaged kids that way. So, I just thought, ‘Well, why don’t I do it myself?’”

Engaging with nature has psychological benefits for children and adults, studies show.

Courtesy photo

Being in nature just promotes a happier mentality and healthier well-being. ~ Sarah Hawkins, Licorice Fern Friends founder

University of Chicago psychologist Marc Berman, Ph.D., and his student Kathryn Schertz found that green spaces near schools promote cognitive development in children, and green views near children’s homes promote self-control behaviors, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

Children lead the way on a hike through the forest loop of McCormick Park in St. Helens.

Adults additionally showed better attentional functioning when they were located near green spaces, according to the study.

A growing body of research indicates that even making associations with nature through sounds or images can benefit the human brain.

“Being in nature just promotes a happier mentality and healthier well-being,” Hawkins said. “Today, most American children are exposed to five or seven hours of screen time a day when you add up televisions, cell phones, (and) computers.

Children who get outdoors have more confidence than those who do not play outside

as much because the outdoors has more unstructured risks.”

Beyond boosting happiness, Hawkins adds that connectedness to nature can foster socio-emotional learning in young children.

“When we encourage our children to have a relationship with our environment, we are also teaching them to have empathy for wildlife and our natural resources,” she said. “That way, if you go out to the playground or you’re having a picnic (and) your trash misses the trash can, you can pick it up and put it back because of how it can affect our landscape.”

As an added benefit, Hawkins noted that Licorice Fern Friends helped trans-

by the commission. A public hearing is set for the May city council session to review the proposed ordinances.

Jorgensen informed the city council in March that he had submitted written and oral testimony at the Oregon Legislature in early February supporting a bill to form a task force to examine Oregon’s land use laws and how they might be improved in assisting cities with their urban growth boundary (UGBs) adjustments.

Jorgensen earlier told The Chief the city has identified a minimum of 500 acres of land that is undevelopable due to steep cliffs and flood zone concerns within the city’s UGB that could be swapped for land in the west end of the city to enable future growth.

Since the state legislature’s land use task force bill failed to pass during the February session, Jorgensen said the city is moving forward with another option to allow the land swap.

“It is a process that is currently allowed under state law,” Jorgensen said. “So, it is doable.”

niors Jenna Kamppi, Arianna Ojeda Ronan, Chloe Crawford, Emmalee Melvin, Jamie Knox, Jiri Antonu, Jeremiah duPlessis, Kalli Budge, and Aubrey Sorensen for their involvement with Rho Kappa.

Kandence Stout and Savanna Cook were also honored for being History Cub officers of the year, and Clayton Orman was honored for being History Club member of the year.

On Thursday morning, April 14, Jorgensen informed The Chief that the city is planning a grand opening of the Riverfront Trail from 2 p.m. to

Courtesy photo

A Licorice Fern friend gets up close and personal with nature.

form her relationship with her children.

“Now, me and my kids have a shared interest. We go outside and talk about the animals we see, the plants we see, and how seasonally these things change,” she said, adding, “It gives us extra things to talk about.”

Licorice Fern Friends meets at McCormick park at 10 a.m. “rain or shine” to do the forest loop every Saturday.

“With this age group of kids, I found this is a good distance because it keeps them active, but they make it the whole way,” Hawkins said.

As she jokingly puts it, “I haven’t had a parent yet have to carry a kid.”

While everyone could benefit from a little time with nature, Hawkins said she truly believes a group like this is needed for Columbia County.

“I want (Licorice Fern Friends) to create a sense of community. I want parents to feel safe to turn to each other and ask for support, whether it be venting or asking, ‘Hey, do you have any hand-medowns in this size?’ I want it to be a safe space for parents to learn to trust their child’s judgment,” she said. “And I think for Columbia County, we simply need more outlets like that.”

4 p.m. May 29 at Rainier City Park. Look for more details in an upcoming edition of The Chief.

The Rainier Riverfront Trail is a new trail that starts at the city’s downtown plaza area and once the new bridge is in place the trail will connect to the city’s park allowing improved public access to the area.

agency’s efforts to convert customer’s garbage containers.

The company is using trucks equipped with specialized container lifts to pick up the garbage carts and empty them into the truck. Hudson is providing new containers free to allow for the new pickup to each customer during the transition effort.

A Hudson representative said the transfer is being done primarily for safety and convenience to customers and eliminates customers having to buy or pay to replace their own cans.

To connect with the nature walking group, visit Licorice Fern Friends on Facebook.

Banners for downtown beautification

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The Rainier City Council is reviewing beautification efforts.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The City of Rainier may soon be sporting banners highlighting the history behind each of the city’s districts.

During the Rainier City Council’s April 4 meeting, city councilors discussed the possibility of the banners as part of a city beautification initiative.

The banners would cost an estimated $10,000 and be included in the city’s next fiscal budget, according to the council minutes.

At the meeting, Rainier City Mayor Jerry Cole suggested that Rainier could honor the city’s veterans with banners on Veterans Way. “I think sometimes it helps to have neighborhoods have their kind of identity

and character,” Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen told the Chief following the city council meeting.

There are several light poles in Rainier that can host banners, including 20 in the plaza area, 12 along A street, seven by Veterans Way, 16 along B Street, seven by the boat launch, 10 by the park and six from West A Street to the boat launch, according to Rainier Public Works Director Sue Lawrence.

The banner discussion will be part of the Rainier Parks Committee meeting April 25.

Annexation ordinance discussed During the April 4 session, Jorgensen told the council that the Rainier Planning Commission has passed an ordinance, which will set forth a clear policy on annexation. The annexation is one of several proposed ordinances approved

Students recognized During the Mayor’s announcements at the April 4 council meeting, Mayor Jerry Cole read a proclamation into the record declaring April as HOPE month and presented several student awards.

Among those honored were Rainier High School se-

April P.E.O. Tulip Sale

Courtesy photo from Deborah Hazen

Celebrating their upcoming annual Easter Tulip Sale April 15 and 16, members of Clatskanie Chapter T P.E.O. gathered on the staircase at the Flippin Castle. Outgoing president Margaret Magruder (front row center) was honored with a bouquet of tulips. On her left is incoming president Connie Sims, outgoing vice president Janet Willey is front row right. Other members pictured are, middle row from left, Nichole Engel, Janice Gillespie and Elva Groskopf; back row from left, Pam Sigler, Betty Palmrose, Megan Evenson, Kathy Engel, Sara Tallman, Estrella Brown, Becki Horness and Lynné Svenson.

The annual Chapter T P.E.O. sale of tulips will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday April 15 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, in front of Hi-School Pharmacy

and Farmhouse Coffee at the Evergreen Shopping Center in Clatskanie.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit scholarships for women sponsored by the philanthropic

educational organization.

The farm-fresh tulips will sell for $7 per bunch.

Those wishing to order in advance may call Megan Evenson at 503-728-0545.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Clatskanie Council The Clatskanie City Council met Wednesday, April 6 and received a presentation

by Hudson Garbage about the

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Friday, April 15, 2022

Moments during deadly shooting revealed ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley is sharing his experience in a deadly shooting.

Pixley was one of two law enforcement officers who shot and killed a murder suspect on March 31.

In an April 11 Facebook post, Pixley issued the following statement.

“Many of you know by now that an OSP Sergeant and I were involved in the incident at Grumpy’s Towing, a Scappoose towing business,” he wrote. “This was the first time in over 19 years of law enforcement that I have been placed in this type of situation.”

“It is a complex and difficult experience to process but I find some comfort in knowing that we were able to defend the lives of our citizens and both the sergeant and I were able to go home safely to our families.

“My wife Annette and I are humbled by the outpouring of support from the many friends, colleagues and citizens who have reached out. We deeply appreciate your kindness as we, and the rest of the community, begin to move forward from this event. It is an honor to serve you.”

Pixley declined to answer The Chief’s specific questions about his involvement in the deadly shooting, saying he could not comment until the investigation was completed.

The Washington County Major Crimes Team took the

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Investigators at the deadly shooting scene in Scappoose.

lead in the investigation and identified the two officers involved in the deadly shooting as Pixley and Oregon State Police (OSP) Sergeant Chad Drew.

As officers arrived on

scene, witnesses said they ordered the armed suspect involved to put down his weapon, according to a KOIN report.

The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Michael

Stockton, fired multiple shots at two law enforcement officers, and the officers returned fire, hitting Stockton, according to investigators. No officers were injured during the gunfire.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including St. Helens and Scappoose Police also responded to the incident. Officers at the scene rendered aid to Stockton until medical personnel could take over. Stockton was later pronounced deceased.

Following the shooting, investigators located two different handguns in Stockton’s possession confirming he fired multiple shots in the direction of the law enforcement officers, according to Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Detective Shannon Wilde.

During the investigation, officers learned that Stock-

ton was wanted by Gresham Police for the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man at a storage facility in Gresham, according to Wilde. Investigators said the shooting in Scappoose is unrelated to the Gresham homicide case.

Stockton had served 60 months in prison in 2014 after his conviction of two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of being a felon in possession of a gun, according to The Oregonian.

Pixley and Drew were placed on critical incident leave, which is standard protocol following an officerinvolved shooting.

Beyond serving the county, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office serves Clatskanie as its only regularpresence law enforcement through a contract with the City of Clatskanie.

Critically injured OSP trooper returns home

Oregon State Police Trooper John Jeffries.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper John Jeffries is now back at his Portland home recovering from criti-

Courtesy photo from OSP

cal injuries suffered in a pursuit and crash.

The incident occurred along Highway 30 near St. Helens on Veterans Day 2021.

Longview Police officers attempted to pull over

John Thralls, an alleged robbery suspect, who failed to yield to law enforcement. Officers originally had terminated the pursuit due to concern for public safety.

But as Thralls’ vehicle was spotted heading over the bridge from Longview into Rainier, Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement were notified of the vehicle’s direction.

On Highway 30 near St. Helens, Jeffries and a second officer had exited their patrol car to deploy spike strips, when Thralls drove directly towards them at a “high rate of speed,” court records show.

Jeffries warned the second trooper of the oncoming vehicle before it plowed into the second trooper’s patrol car, the impact of

which pushed the car back 20 feet, striking Trooper Jeffries and causing him to be thrown into the air landing a distance away, suffering a head injury, according to court records.

Jeffries was critically injured and quickly transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland for treatment.

“The remarkable skills and perseverance of the medical professionals saved John’s life,” according to an update released Friday, April 8 by OSP. In January 2022, several OSP team members and Portland FBI Agents lined the ambulance bay sidewalk of Emanuel Medical Center as Jeffries and Trisha, his wife, were escorted from the hospital to the Portland Airport to be flown to a trauma center

in another state where they were greeted by state troopers and FBI agents from that state and escorted to the trauma center. The OSP release does not disclose what state the trauma center is in.

According to OSP, while at the out-of state-trauma center, Jeffries received state-of-the-art treatment that included a comprehensive system of care and a rigorous rehabilitation program where specialists in various fields worked with him. His care was centered around his physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges and recovery, the release stated.

After spending 105 nights in various hospital beds, John told OSP Superintendent Terri Davie, “nothing felt better than my own bed,” according to the

OSP release, which added that each day that passes allows Jeffries to get stronger and each task becomes a little easier for him to complete.

“John’s survival and his return to his family is a reminder for all of us about how precious life is and how quickly it can change,” Superintendent Davie said in an email to OSP staff.

“John is an encouraging example of resiliency, determination, stamina, and positive thinking and he was a recipient of so many positive prayers.”

The Chief continues to track the suspect involved in the OSP crash, John Thralls, who remains lodged at the Columbia County Jail in St. Helens pending court proceedings.

Thralls’ bail is listed at $5 million.

Rare snowstorm blankets Columbia County A cold low-pressure system ushered in a mix of slush, snow and ice that layered streets and roadways throughout Columbia County early Monday morning, April 11.

On Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Monday alerting of the rare pending snowstorm.

Snow accumulations overnight Sunday into Monday ranged between two to six inches depending on the elevation.

The NWS also issued a Winter Storm Warning for

Monday, April 11, above 1,000 feet for up to a foot of new snow with winds up to 35 mph for the Northwest Oregon Coast range until 2 p.m.

Area transportation crews reported several roads closed due to the wintry conditions that caused trees and tree limbs to fall, including the well-used Cornelius Pass in Multnomah County and Highway 47 near Clatskanie in Columbia County. Drivers were urged to be cautious, slow down and watch for downed trees, power lines and other debris.

Columbia County road crews worked through the week to reopen several roads

learning, the situation has improved.

“The return to in-person classes has been helpful for students to receive the needed attention to regroup and to get back on track,” he said.

Blue concluded his statements with a piece of advice for graduating seniors.

“Students need to stay focused and not lose track during these last couple of months. They will go by quickly,” he said. “They should be checking in with

the counselor and teachers to make sure that they are meeting all the necessary deadlines.”

The school’s administration is helping seniors stay on task by “closely monitoring each of the seniors to make sure they have the needed support,” Blue said.

Rainier Jr./Sr. High School will release more details about the upcoming high school graduation ceremony and its location at a future date.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Streets and roadways in Columbia County were layered with a slushy mix of snow and ice on April 11.

GRADUATION From Page A1 tary, they’re very excited for their future,” he said. “We’re happy to be part of that.”

Clatskanie High School will hold its graduation ceremony on June 4 at the CMHS gymnasium, located at 471 SW Bel Air Drive. For more information, visit the Clatskanie School District website.

Rainier Jr./Sr. High School Principal Graden Blue also shared his insight on this year’s high school graduation.

There are currently 65 seniors on track to graduate, Blue said, noting that with the pandemic, they have had to “work diligently” to stay on track.

As with other schools, remote learning has challenged Rainier Jr./Sr. High School seniors. However, Blue said with a return to in-person

2022 Columbia County

that were cluttered with down trees and limbs.

The weather conditions also closed the Clatskanie and Rainier Schools and others across the county and forced a slow start at city, state and county government offices Monday morning.

In a Wednesday, April 13 Facebook post, parents praised Rainier School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick for ensuring students whose homes were without power still had access to basic services.

“I just wanna give a shout out to our Rainier Superintendent Joseph Hattrick for opening up the school early for kids still without power to

be able to take showers and get a warm breakfast,” one Facebook user wrote. “These are the leaders we need right now and I am so thankful that our future leaders have him as a role model.”

Showers at Rainier Jr./Sr. High School were expected to remain open to students through Friday, April 15.

According to forecasters, temperatures will warm over the next week into the 50s during the day and the 40s at night with frequent rain showers.

During adverse weather events you can find realtime updates about closures, delays and weather details at thechiefnews.com.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Rainier High School graduates standing in place in the 2021 graduation.

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Kaya’s Kritters comes to Home & Garden Show ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedona.net

The 2022 Columbia County Home and Garden Show presented by The Chief and sponsored by InRoads Credit Union is set for April 23 and April 24 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens.

A local teenage entrepreneur is eager to take her business to the next level and is scheduled to be one of several vendors at the show.

Kaya Metzger, a senior at Scappoose High School, began making beaded spiders when she was just 8-yearsold.

After landing first place in Scappoose Summerfest’s Kid Biz competition, Kaya came up with a name for her product: Kaya’s Kritters. She began setting up shop at different grocery outlets to raise money for Oregon Health and Science University’s Doernbecher Hospital.

In the following interview with The Chief, Kaya explains how her business came to be and what she hopes to accomplish.

The Chief: What got you interested in making these crafts?

Kaya Metzger: My aunt knew I had a fascination for bugs. She was watching me

at my grandma’s house one day, and she brought down all this beading equipment and taught me how to make the plain spiders.

I’ve always loved crafts; I love just working on things, and it was bugs, so it automatically caught my attention. It kept growing, and my dad helped me make new kinds of them.

My aunt started all of it, my dad helped me further it, and I’ve just continued loving it.

The Chief: What has it been like running your business so far, going into different spaces and selling some of your creations? How do you organize that, and where have you sold them so far?

Metzger: I started with the Kids in Biz (which) was the first time we really tried it because my mom wanted me to start talking to people. It was a good experience to get out there and be able to talk about something I enjoyed.

When I heard about the Doernbecher fundraiser, I decided this was my moment.

We started at Walmart and set it up (like) how a Girl Scouts group would - get a time, get your booth, and wait for a while for someone to find it interesting. (We would) sit out there for hours, multiple times a week (and) on the weekends.

•

Courtesy photo

Kaya Metzger fundraising for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

The Chief: Can you tell me what you plan on studying (in college?)

Metzger: I plan to go to college for forensics. I want to work specifically in forensic entomology.

The Chief: How much have you been able to save through selling your creations?

Metzger: I’m pretty sure my profit has been zero because all of the funds I’ve raised for the last four years were specifically for Doernbecher. The garden show will be the first time I’m doing it

as a profit for myself.

The Chief: I’m imagining that your peers in school might be doing other things like sports, dance or other activities, maybe the school band. What separates you from your peers to where you’re motivated to be a young entrepreneur? Why do you do this?

Metzger: I think one of the biggest drives for me is that I don’t like being bored.

Beading has given me a time that I can work and feel productive while I’m just watching a movie I want to watch or a show. Sometimes I’m on a call with my friends,

and I need to do something with my hands, so I’ll start beading.

would you give somebody your age wanting to start their own business?

The Chief: What do you hope to get out of the Home and Garden Show?

Metzger: The main thing I would tell someone is to make sure you enjoy what you’re making. If I didn’t have such a fascination (with) bugs and didn’t enjoy my creativity, I would not have a lot of fun, and I would think of this as a job.

When you make a product, you have to know that you enjoy it.

The 2022 Columbia County Home and Garden Show is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 24, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Sausler Road in St. Helens.

Metzger: I think of doing Kaya’s Kritters as just getting myself out there and communicating with people because I’ve always struggled with conversation, especially faceto-face. Now, I’m able to talk to someone who comes up about something I enjoy. I use it as a method of helping my communication.

It’s (also) getting my name out there to start networking for the future.

You never really know who you can meet and who will randomly enjoy what you’re doing.

The Chief: Would you say that going out and selling your product has improved your communication skills?

Do you feel more confident now that you’ve been out there?

Metzger: Oh, yeah.

Before I did Kaya’s Kritters, I would hide behind my mom. She’d have to talk for me. Now, I’m doing all these different things. I’m able to introduce myself and talk to people.

The Chief: What advice

The show is presented by The Chief and sponsored by InRoads Credit Union. There is still time to become a vendor. Contact Katherine at 503-397-0116 or at chronicleads@countrymedia.net.

2022 Columbia County Home & Garden Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 24 Columbia County Fairgrounds 58892 Sausler Road St. Helens

•C latskanie G rows • •

Clatskanie Grows: Spring weather concerns CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

The cold, rainy weather has helped with droughtcaused low soil moisture and fire concerns. For that, we are thankful. But it couldn’t have come at a worse time for some plants. I am concerned about pollination. As I write this, apples are starting to bloom, plums and cherries are at peak bloom and my quince trees are just getting started. Between the rain and cold temperatures, our mason and honey bees will have to show a lot of fortitude for us to have a good fruit crop.

There could be a lot of June fruit drop due to incomplete pollination and/or fruit disease pressure.

As plants leaf out, the fungi and bacteria that attack them multiply. The only thing that might hold them back a bit is that temperatures are so low. Many need 50-degrees or more daily average to really get going. That isn’t in the current forecast with night temperatures below 40°F. If the rainy pattern persists and average

daily temperatures get warmer, we will see black spot on roses, apple scab, dogwood anthracnose, and numerous other disease problems. Roses and apples/pears/cherries will benefit from preventative spraying. Herbaceous plants are not immune. Witness peony botrytis blight and iris leaf spots. The ideal spring weather is a day of rain and two or three dry days. That slows the disease pressure but maintains soil moisture.

In addition, don’t get too excited about planting vegetables unless you have raised beds.

With soil temperatures in the 45-degree range, seeds and/or transplants will need special heat-retaining row covers to get them off to a good start. Clear plastic minihoop structures can work but if is sunny, transplants can “cook” if not fully opened up for that day. Row covers do not need to be removed.

Finally, be alert for slugs and field mice. They can do a lot of damage to young seedlings or transplants in one night. Bait for slugs and put out mouse traps for voles under the plant protecting structures. Vole numbers continue to be quite high.

Transplanting root-bound trees This is the month when volumes of plants are moved from nurseries to yards.

Most woody plants (trees and shrubs) are sold in containers. The plant you buy may have been in the pot anywhere from two to four years. It is not uncommon to

find plants that are quite root bound. Those plants have circling large roots or perhaps roots with big kinks.

Unfortunately, root-bound plants may take a long time to move into the surrounding soil that you want them to live in.

As their tops develop but the roots do not, they can be

killed during periods of warm weather.

A surprising number of trees that fail to thrive are found to have never grown into the soil at all.

Can you re-invigorate a root system before you plant the tree or shrub? You can, if you follow this advice: take the plant out of the container and then washing all the soil or planting media off the roots. This can be done in a

wheelbarrow. Straighten as many roots as you can. Then take a look at all the roots.

Look for roots that are circling or kinked and try to cut back to places where you can straighten the growth out.

Keep the roots moist as you do this and try to be in the shade. As much as 70% of a root system can be thoughtfully cut and still have the tree perform nicely.

Before you start the root pruning, dig a nice hole for the tree that is wide but not deep. Once the tree is ready to go in, create a mound in the center of the hole onto which you can place the plant and distribute the roots around the mound.

Backfill the hole with the soil

from the Clatskanie site.

Grows Firm the back-filled soil with your hands or by gentle watering to remove air pockets. Mulch the tree and hole with four inches of good compost and any of the potting mix you removed from the roots earlier. Keep the mulch at least six inches from the trunk of the tree to reduce vole (field mice) damage.

You can add a little nitrogen to the surface. Remem-

ber to control any invading weeds and especially keep the planting watered throughout the summer and into fall.

Events The Columbia County Home & Garden Show The Home and Garden show returns to the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 24.

There will be guest speakers, including a number of garden speakers, and many displays.

The Columbia County Master Gardeners™ Spring Fair This spring fair will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 30 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds this year. There will 3,000 tomato plants, peppers, and garden related items by other vendors.

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

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

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Vote online at thechiefnews.com

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North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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

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

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Announcements

Cat and Dog Vaccine Clinic We are having our monthly cat and dog vaccine clinic April 20th at the Clatskanie Johnson Feed Store! We will begin seeing patients at 9:00 until 11:00 AM then again at 1:30 until 3:30 PM. Grab your leashes and carriers as we cannot wait to meet you!

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

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Events

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Garage Sales

600 Indoor Garage and vintage sales on April 16th.

Northwest largest garage sale and vintage sale at the Clark County Fairgrounds and event center.

17402 NE Delfel road, Richfield Washington, off I-5, exit 9, 15 minutes north of Portland.

General admission: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., adults: $7, early bird admission: 7 a.m., $20. Kids under 12: free. www. nwgsales.com or call 360-907-5919.

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.

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Help Wanted

Hiring Classroom Specialists to serve the Quest Academy in Longview, WA. 32 hrs/wk, school year schedule. $20.68/ hr with benefits. www.esd112.org/ takeroot

ASPHALT PAVING

Houses Furnished

Offering Quality Asphalt Paving Services to Columbia County and surrounding areas.

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

FREE Estimates

The OSU Extension Service in St. Helens, Oregon invites applicants for an Administrative Office Manager position.

This position will work as a member of a collaborative team providing administrative office support for the Extension office.

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Public Notices

mbia 911 Voter Precinct Map

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Columbia Columbia911 911 911Voter Voter VoterPrecinct Precinct PrecinctMa M M Columbia

Columbia 911 Voter Precinct Map

CC22-1612 CLATSKANIE

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CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITYZONE DISTRICT 1 MEETING NOTICE 30 HWY

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CLATSKANIE Kevin Nordt, Chief Resource Officer II. NW RIVERPARTNERS REQUEST: Kurt Miller, ExZONE 1 ecutive DirectorZONE III. 2 STAFF REPORTS UPDATE CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISCOLUMBIA CITY TRICT REGULAR ZONE 3 BOARD MEETING ST HELENS on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS II. CONSENT AGENDA · Minutes of Board Workshop, March SCAPPOOSE ZONE 4 16, 2022 · Minutes of VERNONIA ZONE 5 Regular Board Meeting, March 16, 2022 · Review payment of bills for March 2022 III. ACTION ITEMS · Policy ReN McNulty Scappoose 1 view:SNMcNulty #305 Warren Contract Scappoose 2 Scappoose 3 Law Vernonia ·S Warren Resolution 1 Legend Scappoose 4 2 22-01Vernonia Disposal of S Scappoose Vernonia 3 E Scappoose Vernonia 4 Surplus Equipment W Scappoose Vernonia 5 Island · Amendment No.Sauvie Chapman Canyon E Chapman 5 to Employment N Mist S Mist Agreement · Voting Delegate & Alternate for NWPPA Annual Meeting IV. DISCC22-1605 CUSSION / INFORS Milton Goble N Milton MATIONAL ITEMS Clatskanie 1 Rainier 1 St Helens 1 Clatskanie 2 Rainier 2 · Board Comments & St Helens 2 N Clatskanie There will be a W Rainier meeting will take3 St Helens S Clatskanie Calendar V. EXECUE Rainier St Helens Delena public Smeeting of Yankton place on the 28th 45of TIVE SESSION VI. St Helens N Delena the Budget Commit-S Deer Island April 2022StatHelens 3:006 Marshland ADJOURNMENT N Deer Island St Helens 7 Quincy tee of the Columbia p.m. The purpose Prescott St Helens 8 Apiary St Helens 9 9-1-1 Communi- ColumbiaofCItythe meeting is to St Helens CC22-1613 cations district, receive theSbudget Columbia County, message and to IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF State of Oregon, to receive comment THE STATE OF OREGON FOR discuss the budget from the public on the budget. This is a THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 through public meeting where Probate Departtive at P.O. Box 459, June 30, 2023. This deliberation of the ment In the MatRainier, OR 97048, meeting will be held Budget Committee ter of the Estate of or the claims may be at the Columbia will take place. Any PEGGY J. JOHNbarred. All persons 9-1-1 Communicaperson may appear SON, Deceased. No. whose rights may tions District, 58611 at the meeting and 22PB01975 NOTICE be affected by the McNulty Way, St. discuss the proposed TO INTERESTED proceedings may Helens, Oregon. The programs with the PER-SONS NOTICE obtain additional IS HEREBY GIVEN information from CC22-1604 that the undersigned the records of the has been appointed Court, the personal personal representarepresentative or The Clatskanie 20th and Thursday, tive of this estate. the attorney for the Rural Fire Protection April 21, 2022. WaAll persons having personal representaDistrict with assister at your residence claims against the tive. Dated and first tance from the City may be discolored estate are required to published April 15, or have a milky appresent their claims, 2022. Ernie Johnson, of Clatskanie will be flow testing hydrants pearance. There is with vouchers atPersonal Represenin various pressure no hazard associated tached, within four tative. STEPHEN zones throughout the with this but you months after the date D. PETERSEN, city. The first day should refrain from of first publication L.L.C. Attorney at of testing will be on washing light colof this notice to the Law, P.O. Box 459, Wednesday, April ored articles because personal representaRainier, OR 97048.

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Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District is seeking ZONE ZONE222 candidates interested in filling an elected boardZONE position in Zone 2. Candidates must live within Zone 2; there is no minimum residency requirement.

ZONE ZONE4 44 submit a letter of interest to ZONE Interested persons must Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District, Attn. Mike ZONE ZONE ZONE333 Fletcher, PO Box 998, St. Helens, OR 97051 or by email to: mfletcher@columbia911.com. Deadline: Monday, April 25, 2022.

The current Board of Directors will review candidates at their April 28, 2022 meeting where an appointment is expected to occur. The appointed board member will sit on the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Board until ZON ZON ZO the Zone 2 term expires 6/30/23.

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The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors has scheduled the next regular Board meeting for Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 6:00 pm in the community roomZONE of the District’s 4 administration buildVERNONIA ing located at 495 E Columbia River Highway, Clatskanie.

A Board Workshop will be held at 5:30 pm. An executive session may be called at the workshop and/ or meeting, pursuant to: ORS 192.660 (2) (f) information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection.

ORS 192.660 (2) S Milton Goble Milton (i) toRainier review and StNHelens 1 1 Rainier 2the perforSt Helens 2 evaluate W Rainier St Helens 3 E Rainier mance of an officer, St Helens 4 Yankton St Helens 5 employee, S Deer Island or staff St Helens 6 N Deer Island St Helens 7 member Prescottif the person St Helens 8 Columbia 9 does notCIty request SStStHelens Helens an open meeting.

AGENDA CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT BOARD WORKSHOP on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 5:30 P.M. I. GRANT COUNTY PUD PRESENTATION:

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PO Box 998 - St. Helens, OR 97051 Administrative Office: 503-397-7255 Non-emergency Dispatch: 503-397-1521 www.columbia911.com

June 2014

CC22-1609

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING N McNulty S McNulty N Warren S Warren Vernonia 1 Vernonia 2 Vernonia 3 Vernonia 4 Vernonia 5 Chapman E Chapman N Mist S Mist

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Budget Committee.

A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after the April 28th meeting at the District office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This notice is also published on the District’s website at www.Columbia911 .com. Nancy J. Edwards, Budget Office. Publish April 8, 2022.

NOTICE OF HYDRANT TEST

of possible staining until the water clears.

Normally, water color returns to normal in a very short time.

Running a couple of faucets will facilitate the process. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Legend NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to ORS 294.401, that a public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Northwest Regional Education Service District, Washington County, Oregon, will be held virtually on the 10th day of May, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget.

This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee STREETS

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will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss proposed programs with the Budget Committee. This meeting will be held virtually. Please see the website to register for the meeting.

Public comment will be taken in written and virtual formats. Written comments received by 5 pm on May 6, 2022 will be read during the public comment section of the meeting on May 10, 2022.

Public comments will be subject to a three-minute limit per community member. For more information on

public comment, please provide your name, phone number, and address to the Board Secretary via phone message at 503-614-1253, or email to budget@nwresd.org. A copy of the budget document may be viewed online at www.nwresd.org on or after May 6, 2022 or via email request to budget@ nwresd.org, or via phone message at 503-614-1253. A copy of this notice is also posted on the Northwest Regional ESD website at www.nwresd. org. Dan Goldman, Budget Officer and Lori Baker, Chief Financial Officer

Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

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

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Friday, April 15, 2022

Public Notices NOTICE OF REFERENCE TO TRUST DEED CC22-1602

Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, JEFFREY J. MOBERLY AND LAURA A. MOBERLY, AS TENANTS BY THE EN-TIRETY as Grantor to TICOR TITLE COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of HOME CAPITAL FUNDING as Beneficiary dated as of September 21, 2006 and recorded on September 29, 2006 as Instrument No. 2006-012801 and the beneficial interest was assigned to WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB NOT IN ITS CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE ASPEN G3 TRUST, A DEL-AWARE STATUTORY TRUST and recorded October 07, 2021 as Instrument Number 202111582 covering the following described real property situated in the above-mentioned county and state, to wit: APN: 17087/4N1W08CC-02500 PARCEL 1: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF TRACT 14, MOUNTAIN VIEW AS PER PLAT ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE CLERK`S OFFICE, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON IN SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, COLUMBIA COUNTY. OREGON; THENCE SOUTH 68°55`00” EAST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID TRACT 14, A DISTANCE OF 417.58 FEET TO A 5/8” IRON ROD WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP

MARKED “REYNOLDS LAND SURVEYING, INC.” AND THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED TRACT; THENCE NORTH 21°05`00” EAST A DISTANCE OF 104.31 FEET TO A 5/6” IRON ROD WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP MARKED “REYNOLDS LAND SURVEYING, INC.” ON THE NORTHERLY LINE OF THE CRAIG A. CARLSEN AND CAROLYN L. CARLSEN TRACT AS DESCRIBED IN INSTRUMENT NO. 96-02621, CLERK`S RECORDS, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON; THENCE SOUTH 68°55`00” EAST, ALONG SAID NORTHERLY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 222.42 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID CARLSEN TRACT; THENCE SOUTH 21°05`00” WEST, ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID CARLSEN TRACT, A DISTANCE OF 104.31 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE NORTH 68°55`00” WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID TRACT 14, A DISTANCE OF 222.42 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. PARCEL 2: AN EASEMENT FOR THE LOCATION, USE AND MAINTENANCE OF A PUM-PHOUSE AND WELL BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHWEST

CORNER OF TRACT 14, MOUNTAIN VIEW AS PER PLAT ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE CLERK`S OFFICE, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON IN SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON; THENCE NORTH 21°05`00” EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID TRACT 14, A DISTANCE OF 104.31 FEET TO THE SOUTH-WEST CORNER OF PARCEL 1 OF THE LEO R. GALLENTINE AND PATRICIA A. GALLENTINE TRACT AS DESCRIBED IN BOOK 269, PAGE 521, DEED RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON; THENCE SOUTH 68°55`00” EAST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL 1 OF THE GALLENTINE TRACT, A DISTANCE OF 341.60 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THERE-OF; SAID POINT ALSO BEING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PARCEL 2 OF SAID GALLENTINE TRACT; THENCE CONTINU-ING SOUTH 68°55`00” EAST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2, A DISTANCE OF 91.40 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED EASEMENT; THENCE CONTINUING SOUTH 68°55`00” EAST, ALONG THE

SOUTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2, A DISTANCE OF 9.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 21°05`00” EAST A DISTANCE OF 3.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 68°55`00” WEST A DISTANCE OF 9.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 21°05`00” WEST A DISTANCE OF 3.00 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. Commonly known as: 58007 FISHER LANE, SAINT HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Beneficiary, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB NOT IN ITS CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE ASPEN G3 TRUST, A DELAWARE STATUTORY TRUST, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes.

The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: THE INSTALLMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST WHICH BECAME DUE ON November 20, 2011 AND ALL SUBSEQUENT INSTALLMENTS, ALONG WITH LATE CHARGES, PLUS FORE-CLOSURE COSTS AND LEGAL FEES, IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS PER THE DEED OF TRUST, PROMISSORY NOTE AND ALL RELATED LOAN DOCUMENTS.

125 Delinquent Payments $26,394.90 Accrued Late Charge(s) $926.90 Unpaid Charges $951.92 TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE $28,273.721 Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trus-tee will on AUGUST 19, 2022 at the hour of 12:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the west entrance to the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., Saint Helens, OR 97051 County of Columbia, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the exe-cution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the

Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphet-amines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic.

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

Dated: March 24, 2022 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o Special Default Services, Inc. 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 (949) 225-5945 Order Number 81170, Pub Dates: 4/8/2022, 4/15/2022, 4/22/2022, 4/29/2022, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

CARVER

April 30, and judges will grade the poems based on specific criteria, including poetic elements, grammar, attention to theme, and creativity.

As far as timing goes, Hirning said, “I think it’s such a great time with it being Poetry Month. If you’re a homeschooling family or if you’re in the school district itself, it’s a great way to have that hands-on ability to create as you’re learning about different types of poetry.”

Judges will announce the winners of the poetry contest at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at the Birkenfeld Theatre, where each winner will have the opportunity to read their poem on stage.

There will be two winners selected from four different age groups. A $50 prize will

be awarded for first place and a $25 prize will be awarded for second place.

Poetry contest submissions may either be sent through email, dropped off, or mailed.

See the Clatskanie Library District website for detailed information.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Love (1981), and Cathedral (1983).

Carver’s stories reflect his understanding of the lowermiddle-class reality, according to The Poetry Foundation website. “[Their surroundings are] not for them a still unspoiled scenic wonderland, but a place where making a living is as hard, and the texture of life as drab, for those without money, as anywhere else,” literary critic Thomas J. Edwards wrote in his analysis of Carver’s writings.

Though Carver passed away from lung cancer in 1988, his memory lives on in Clatskanie.

One of the most visible examples is the Clatskanie mural painted along the former

hospital building on Nehalem Street. The mural was started in April 2021 by Clatskanie mural artist Jeremy Furnish who issued a call to artists/request for design proposals for his project.

The winning submission, created by Seaside resident Dylan Eckland, depicts a larger-than-life Carver alongside Beaver Falls and a quote from Carver’s poem, “Where Water Comes Together with Other Water.”

The quote reads, “I’ll take all the time I please this afternoon before leaving my place alongside this river.”

Another visual Carver sighting is a sculpture, located at the Clatskanie Library Park, that pays homage to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, commissioned by Friends of

the Clatskanie Library.

While Carver’s birthplace attracts visitors from all over the world, bringing valuable tourism to Clatskanie, Wooley identified what she believes is a more powerful driving force behind the writing festival.

“Raymond Carver, in all of his bios, comments, and interviews, always said he was born in Clatskanie, Oregon.

He was proud of that, even though he didn’t live here for a very long period,” Wooley said.

“He always recognized that this was where he was born,” she added. “So I think that he deserves that recognition from us.”

From Page A1

Carver podcaster Michael Mills.

On day two of the event, Mills will give an overview of Raymond Carver, followed up by a presentation from poet Elaine Nussbaum.

Lyricist Dr. Margaret Trenchard-Smith and composer Kevin Bryant Lay will also share the spotlight at this event.

See the Clatskanie Library District website for the full schedule of events.

The library is also holding a poetry contest for youth ages 8 to 18 within the Clatskanie School District. The last call for submissions is 5 p.m.,

•

Carver and Clatskanie Raymond Carver was born in Clatskanie and relocated to Yakima, Washington, where he spent his childhood. He studied at Chico State University in Chico, California, with John Gardner and earned his BA at Humboldt State College in 1963.

Some of Carver’s critically acclaimed short story collections include Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? (1976),

For entry information visit clatskaniearts.org or clatskanielibrary.org.

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

1. In the Queen of Hearts’ oven?

6. Indiana Jones’ quest 9. Dance with leis 13. Sheikh, alt. sp.

14. Opposite of paleo 15. Hedgehog of movies and video games 16. Toilet, to a toddler 17. Pilot’s estimate acronym 18. One deserving of respect?

19. *Like submarine 21. *Abbey Road location 23. Lobe location 24. Per person 25. To the ____ degree 28. *”Twist and Shout” endearment 30. English confection 35. Wraths 37. Swarm like bees 39. Not taken and taken 40. Skiing helmet manufacturer 41. Homework assignment 43. Kamakawiwo’ole’s strings, pl.

44. Thermonuclear weapon 46. Type of list 47. Frost residue 48. “God, We Praise

You” (2 words) 50. Redecorate, e.g.

52. What Carl Lewis did 53. Doctor’s order 55. December 31st, e.g.

57. *”Whisper words of ____” 60. *”Please ____ Me,” 1st album 63. Amusement 64. Rage 66. Scary movie consequence 68. ____ del Carmen, Mexico 69. Corn spot 70. Reach a goal (2 words) 71. Unit of heredity 72. Cry of alarm 73. Wipe out

DOWN

1. Cough syrup amt.

2. Greeting at sea 3. Blood vessel network 4. Ownership document 5. NASA’s first space station 6. All over again 7. Retired, abbr.

8. Aussie bear 9. *”I want to ____ your hand” 10. Editing arrow 11. Bank holding 12. Acronym, abbr.

15. Mister in Brazil 20. Speak from a podium 22. Month X 24. Hideous sight 25. *”It’s been a hard day’s ____” 26. Social group 27. Roman king of Judea 29. *Starr’s predecessor 31. *Fabulous number 32. Faquir, alt.sp.

33. Swelling 34. Ruhr’s industrial center 36. Not all 38. Like a full-fledged Mafia man 42. Cry of the Alps 45. The enlightened one 49. Barn sound 51. Nervous (2 words) 54. Inflict a blow 56. Truth or Dare player?

57. ____ E. Coyote 58. Persian Gulf country 59. Eye infection 60. Peephole glance 61. ____ ____ good example 62. Chows down 63. Frugal driver’s acronym 65. Fish eggs 67. Unidentified Jane

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

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

•

A7

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, April 15, 2022

•

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the April 8, 2022 crossword puzzle

•C ommunity E vents • •

Easter Egg Hunts April 15 Easter Egg Hunt 2-3:30 p.m. Egg Hunt for children, families and seniors at the Amber Assisted Living Senior Community, 728 SW Belaire Dr. in Clatskanie. Call 728-2744 for more information.

April 16 Clatskanie Easter Egg Hunt The Clatskanie Kiwanis Club’s annual event at 10 a.m. at the Clatskanie Middle/High School athletic field.

April 16 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.

Loren Staeffler

July 30, 1938 ~ April 11, 2022

Loren Staeffler of Rainier, Oregon passed away at home on April 11, 2022 at the age

of 83.

He was born July 30, 1938 in Rock County, Minnesota.

Loren moved with his wife and children to the Delena area in 1971. He was employed by Weyerhaeuser R-W paper mill for 30 years.

Loren is survived by his wife of 61 years JoAnn; daughter Lori Farmer (John); son Brent Staeffler (Sherri); three grandchildren, Alissa, Rachel (Christopher) and Mitch (Charity); and one great granddaughter Lily.

Groulx Family Mortuary in Rainier is in charge of arrangements. No service.

Michael Danchok

Sept. 7, 1966 ~ April 5, 2022

Michael Danchok, 55, of Rainier, Oregon passed away April 5, 2022 in Rainier, Oregon.

Robert Erickson

Nov. 27, 1939 ~ March 28, 2022

Robert Erickson 82, of Clatskanie, Oregon passed away at home on March 28, 2022.

Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

Community Action Team

April 16 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.

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

Get Reliable Financial Advice Breta Grumbois, Tracy Aalvik, & Scott Thompson are Financial Advisors with Fibre Financial Group located at Fibre Federal Credit Union. They’re available to consult with you at no initial cost!

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.

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.

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.

April 30 Master Gardener Spring Fair Columbia County Master Gardener Association Spring Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Tomato and pepper plants, tomato and general gardening information, vendors and displays, raffle tickets and prizes. Please wear a face mask indoors. Free admission. For more information, call 503-397-4231.

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.

April 23 Rainier Revisited Step back in time to the year 1853 through a living history reenactment of Rainier and

May 14 Arts Guild Event The Columbia Arts Guild invites the community to an elegant evening of fire art,

April 16 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.

Oregon’s 911 emergency operators and dispatchers answer nearly 2 million emergency calls annually for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services.

Over the past two years, these dedicated professionals have additionally served on the front line through unprecedented disaster response efforts across the state.

In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 10-16, Governor Kate Brown has issued a proclamation recognizing the critical role the state’s 911 operators and dispatchers play in keeping our communities safe and secure.

“Oregon’s 911 telecommunicators are heroes devoted to public safety and helping others. They work long hours, remaining calm in all types of situations and quickly constructing plans of action based on limited information,” State 911 Program Section Manager

From Page A1 major rail yard on agricultural land.”

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) also criticized NEXT’s proposal, noting its “controversial nature” and deficiencies in NEXT’s application to build a rail facility, the Columbia Riverkeeper release states.

“The County’s decision fails to follow Oregon’s land use planning program, which requires an analysis of this proposed use and its potential impacts on specific farming practices used in the surrounding area,” 1000 Friends of Oregon Deputy Director Mary Kyle McCurdy said. “We have heard the significant concerns of area farmers. The County’s failure to address these puts at risk many acres of irreplaceable farm land.”

Opponents raised concerns about the track record of NEXT’s backers and the dramatic increase in the size and use of its proposed rail yard.

Courtesy photo

Since early 2020, Oregon’s 911 professionals have had the added responsibility of serving throughout a pandemic, historic wildfires, heatwaves, winter storms, floods and severe staffing shortages, according to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

Frank Kuchta said. “They are lifelines in an emergency, and this observance honors their skills, dedication and commitment to helping Oregonians.”

911 call takers, dispatchers, and technicians work behind the scenes to help citizens during emergencies ranging from mental health crises, car accidents, missing person reports, burglaries and domestic violence disturbances. Since early 2020, Oregon’s 911 professionals have had the added respon-

sibility of serving throughout a pandemic, historic wildfires, heatwaves, winter storms, floods and severe staffing shortages.

“On any given day, our public safety dispatchers have an incredibly stressful job; during the last two years, that’s been compounded as they’ve responded to unprecedented disasters in which they were the first to answer the call,” Kuchta said. “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week brings

well-deserved attention and recognition to these invaluable professionals.”

The critical work of Oregon’s professional communicators directly supports operations of federal, state and local government agencies including emergency management, highway safety, and search and rescue.

The state 911 program was established by the 1981 Oregon Legislature and is managed by the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

“NEXT Energy’s proposed 400-car rail yard is a major bait-and-switch for a company that once promised to avert long trains and only use marine shipping for its feedstocks,” Columbia Riverkeeper Conservation Director Dan Serres said. “NEXT’s plan is reckless: destroying wetlands, building on liquefiable soils, exacerbating diesel spill risks, and relocating sensitive drainage infrastructure against the wishes of the Beaver Drainage Improvement District. This diesel refinery proposal relies on the wrong site, poor planning, and company backers with a checkered past.”

The Columbia Riverkeeper release also states that NEXT company officials have a troubling track record, including involvement in a failed biofuels facility in Odessa, Wash., that resulted in a $400,000 Superfund cleanup.

Under Oregon law, the appeal will be decided by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals, which would likely issue a ruling in several months.

NEXT response

County Board of Commissioners stating, “The department believes this proposed renewable energy project is sited appropriately, and it is consistent with the department’s climate goals.”

The Oregon Department of State Lands submitted a letter to the County confirming that the industrially-zoned land proposed for development is of low wetland value, and that NEXT is going beyond typical commitments to restore nearly 500 acres of wetlands. This commitment to the environment will result in one of the largest ecosystem restoration efforts in Oregon’s history, and will create vital habitat for local flora, fauna and pollinators, benefiting the regional ecosystem.

NEXT is ecstatic to have approvals from the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and from the Oregon Department of State Lands as we continue moving successfully through state and federal permitting processes. We are thankful for the overwhelming support from local community leaders, business owners, skilled workers and champions of a healthier environment, Hinrichs wrote.

360.414.4223 360.575.5705 Fibre Financial Group Retirement & Investment Services financial professionals are registered representatives of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/ SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment professional, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/ NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee.

Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty States of the United States of America. FR2290725.2-1120-1222

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 503789-9240. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

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Ongoing

Honoring 911 emergency operators, dispatchers

Are you a veteran? NEXT

You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.

Call 971-312-4743 for more information.

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The Chief has reached out to NEXT officials for reaction to the legal challenge. The following is the response from NEXT Director of Communications Michael Hinrichs.

This legal challenge is counter to the expertise of land use and environmental specialists that have thoroughly evaluated NEXT’s proposal for more than two years. The public review and technical assessments were robust and considered opponents’ claims. Ultimately, these third-party and state-appointed experts concluded that NEXT is a well-sited project, the facility design helps protect the environment, the wetland restoration will not adversely impact surrounding agricultural operations, and the project adheres to local and state regulations.

More than that, the key output of the proposed facility, renewable diesel, is a necessary and immediate ingredient to solving the climate crisis. Challenging NEXT’s project slows the replacement of and perpetuates the reliance on fossil fuels.

Susan Barnes, Regional Wildlife Conservation Biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife submitted public testimony to the Columbia

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

You are invited to a Farewell Potluck Luncheon for Pastor Tim and Blossom Teele At the Westport Community Church

on April 24th at 12:30 pm. Open house till 4 pm.

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A8

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, April 15, 2022