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County’s first female firefighter celebrates retirement

The first paid female fire fighter in Columbia County celebrated her retirement from the force with friends and family at El Tapatio Mexican restaurant in Rainier.

Amy Frigaard, who was hired by the Rainier Fire Department in 1998, retired in May of 2022 and the celebration was held on April 17. After Rainier and St. Helens fire districts merged in 2002, she continued her work at the thennewly formed Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR).

Serving the community

Before being hired, Frigaard was a volunteer for five years, and her time in the service amounted to more than 25 years. Serving the community meant a lot to Frigaard during her time with the Rainier Fire Department and CRFR.

“Being able to help a lot of people, I mean, we kind of get called when it’s the worst possible moment, and to be able to help and get them to the hospital, or take care of them, it’s a pretty big honor

Magruder inducted into Agricultural Achievement Registry

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

AColumbia County resident is among Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences inductees to the 2023 Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Achievement Registry.

Clatskanie resident Margaret Magruder is one of the 12 inductees.

She is a third-generation farmer who has followed her family tradition and devoted countless hours to the sheep industry in Oregon and the United States. As owner and manager of Oregon Shepherd, a wool insulation company, she has worked closely with OSU Extension, notably on research surrounding selenium, an essential micronutrient for animals.

Magruder’s family was always active in 4-H and her lifelong interest in livestock production has resulted in her helping improve the quality, economic impact, and natural resource management of animal agriculture.

Magruder has a history of service in industry and government, including the Oregon Sheep Growers Association, the Ameri-

can Lamb Board, and the Oregon Board of Agriculture. In 2008, Margaret was given special recognition by the Oregon Leadership Summit for her efforts to achieve sustainable solutions that benefit

rural communities, the environment, and the economy. Currently serving as an elected Columbia County Commissioner, Magruder brings the same practical skills found in good farming to the

Courtesy from OSU

larger Columbia County community, according to a release from OSU.

About the registry

The Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Achievement Registry was established in 1983 when the College of Agricultural Sciences celebrated its 75th anniversary. Since then, the College has honored the significant lifetime contributions to agriculture, natural resources, Oregon State University, and the people of our great state.

This year’s inductees include:

• Connie Cyrus – Sisters

• Keith Cyrus – Sisters

• Mike Darcy – Lake Oswego

• Dennis Glaser – Tangent

• Conrad Jones – Bandon

• Margaret Magruder – Clatskanie

• Dr. Carol Mallory-Smith –Albany

• Dr. Stella Coakley – Corvallis

• John Nyberg – Newberg

• Kenneth Thompson – Tigard

• Juanita Wilson – Monmouth

• Lou Ann Wolfe – Hermiston

The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State celebrated the lifetime contributions of the 12 new inductees to the Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Achievement Registry during a gathering April 13.

Effort launched to clear abandoned, derelict vessels

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

You can see them cluttering rivers and lakes in Columbia County and other waterways across Oregon.

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Contact The Chief

Phone: 503-397-0116

Fax: 503-397-4093

chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051

Now, the State Land Board is urging continued action to address the impacts of abandoned and derelict vessels on public waterways and public schools.

Abandoned and derelict vessels seriously threaten waterway health and safety, creating both environmental and navigational hazards, according to the State Land Board and marine patrol deputies across the state.

Penalties

The penalties for vessel abandonment range from $440 on the low end to thousands of dollars on the high end. If the vessel becomes submerged, it becomes an even greater expenditure to remove the vessel that, for one boat owner, came out to a total of $55,000, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

The most common types of offenders of abandoned vessels range from people living on their boat, to scrappers and owners of “fixer uppers,” but larger vessels, such as abandoned cargo and ships are also causing concern. For years, the Department of State Lands has worked with state, federal, and local partners to remove the most hazardous vessels.

doned

program with dedicated funding has resulted in the Common School Fund spending millions removing vessels, while hundreds more pile

County resident inducted into Agricultural Achievement Registry

See FIREFIGHTER Page A6

Courtesy of Amy Frigaard Frigaard, pictured on the left, fights a blaze at the CRFR training grounds.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Vernonia man honored for planting peace tree

If Vernonia has felt more peaceful over the last year, it may be because a Hiroshima Peace Tree was planted in Ora Bolemeier Park.

In March, Oregon Community Trees and the Oregon Department of Forestry awarded Vernonia Resident Michael Calhoun with the annual statewide 2023 Oregon Urban & Community Forestry Award for planting the Hiroshima Ginko peace tree in the Vernonia park.

Calhoun decided to bring the peace tree to Vernonia when he learned about a program created by Hideko Tamura-Snider that aimed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 by spreading Ginko trees across Oregon.

“There is a survivor of World War 2, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing lives in Southern Oregon,” Calhoun said. “She brought seeds of these trees, mainly Ginko trees, that survived the bombing of Hiroshima, and they were germinated in Oregon and then distributed to different communities. And I, starting about two years ago, wanted to bring that to my hometown of Vernonia; I thought it was an incredible story.”

The work to get the tree to Vernonia took work, according to Calhoun. There was a lot of behind-the-scenes work that was needed to get the project done. Calhoun worked with city officials in addition to Tamura-Snider. Calhoun first needed approval from the Vernonia Parks Committee and then needed approval from the Vernonia City Council.

“It wasn’t just, ‘hey let’s do this,’ its the whole channel. And that’s a lot of what slowed it down, was all the personalities in every department, one by one making sure they

Vote of no confidence

During the Board Meeting on April 11, the Chief, while presenting his “Chief’s Report,” sat glaring at the audience and seemingly attempting to threaten employees of the Fire District and their families in words, concerning some investigation by the Columbia County District Attorney.

When I attempted to ask the Board President, Feige, why this was allowed, I was basically told to shut up.

One volunteer Firefighter told of how the Chief talked to his employer regarding some fire department issue.

There’s no point in doing this with me as I retired from TVF&R in 1993 and they probably won’t remember me.

The Board should have been closing the purse strings for this Chief in 2021 when he was hired. If as alleged in the $822,217.92 sexual harassment lawsuit now in Columbia County Circuit Court, it would have been investigated and action taken immediately in 2021 when reported to Finance Director and Human Resources Director Manager Merit Nelson.

Can we as taxpayers guess where any settlement money would be coming from?

The obvious conclusion

is the CRFR Board condones/approves all of the actions thus far done by the Chief both past and during the meeting on April 11.

Also obvious, is the fact that the CRFR Board has bought into the Dog and Pony Show by total complete inaction. Director Feige “reviewing and looking through” doesn’t cut it. This board appears to have no control, whatsoever, on operations of the Fire District. It seems to be one-man, 9-Chiefs group mismanaging 39 firefighters and medics. It is unconscionable that this is taking place. Perhaps the time for recall of Board Members has already started.

agreed,” Calhoun said.

Some of the limiting factors were that the tree needed to be displayed in a publicly available place, outside of flood zones, and where it wouldn’t affect other trees.

In August 2022, the city held a ceremony to dedicate the tree, and a consulate representative from Japan gave a presentation during the ceremony. Oregon Department of Forestry worker Jim Gersbach presented Calhoun the award at a Vernonia City Council meeting Monday, April 10.

The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Community Trees have been recognizing individuals with awards since 1994. The award recognizes people who “demonstrate outstanding accomplishments and leadership in urban and community forestry,” according to the email announcement of the award Calhoun received.

The annual Oregon Urban & Community Forestry Awards Program celebrates Oregonians who “understand that healthy urban and community forests foster thriving communities,” Calhoun’s

award letter reads. Ironically, Calhoun did not know that he was up for the award until he received it in his email.

“For this award, it was a surprise to me, but I’m honored, and I’m a proud Vernonia and Columbia County resident, so I wanted to highlight the community that I’m from,” Calhoun said.

Calhoun was born and raised in Vernonia and has a passion for conservation. Calhoun chairs the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District and the Upper Nehalem Watershed Council. One of the things that inspired Calhoun was the resiliency of the Vernonia community.

“A reason to get this tree was Vernonia also experienced a tragic event that people had resiliency to bounce back from. Two flood events, we didn’t know after the second one, what’s the future of our town,” Calhoun said. “And then this tree from Hiroshima, and their story of resiliency, so I thought the both the United States, Vernonia, Oregon, and Hiroshima share that story and then that’s one of the reasons I brought it to Vernonia.”

County to receive a share of $25.6M

for sustainable timber harvests. These forests are also home to valuable fish and wildlife habitat, world-class recreational opportunities, cultural and historic resources, and wild and scenic rivers.

Resource Advisory Committee is available at: www.blm.gov/get-involved/ resource-advisory-council/ near-you/oregon-washington/western-oregon-rac.

Courtesy photo Columbia County will receive $518,257.14.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces that it has distributed more than $25.6 million in payments to 18 western Oregon counties under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.

Columbia County will receive $518,257.14.

The payments are made based on a formula set by Congress using a combination of timber harvest revenue and appropriated funds.

The payments are distributed directly to the counties to support local services including emergency response and education.

What the act is designed to do

Under the Oregon and California Revested Lands Sustained Yield Management Act of 1937, each county receives a payment based on the amount of Oregon and California Revested Lands in that county. The BLM manages these multiple-use forests

“We’re committed to creating healthy, resilient forests and supporting strong, vibrant communities,” BLM Oregon/ Washington State Director Barry Bushue said. “Our multiple-use and sustained yield mission provides family-wage jobs for our neighbors, and the funds we receive from timber harvests help support critical services like education and public safety.”

Cooperative project funds

In addition to the $25.6 million payments, roughly $2.3 million will also be available for cooperative projects designated under the Secure Rural Schools Act. Authorized by the Western Oregon Resource Advisory Committee, these are projects meant to improve the health of public lands, and can include wildfire hazard reduction, stream and watershed restoration, forest road maintenance, road decommissioning or obliteration, control of noxious weeds, improvement of fish and wildlife habitat, and opportunities for youth training and employment.

Additional information about the Western Oregon

WILL LOHRE

Country Media, Inc.

Courtesy of Michael Calhoun

Michael Calhoun planted the Hiroshima Ginko peace tree at Ora Bolemeier Park.

Courtesy of Michael Calhoun

Michael Calhoun cradles his 2023 Oregon Urban & Community Forestry Award.

Governor marks 100 days in office

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has marked her 100th day in office by highlighting the progress made – and the investments that are needed this session – to deliver on her top three priorities:

• Housing and homelessness

• Mental health and addiction

• Early literacy

“Our 100-day sprint has laid the foundation to improve the lives of all Oregonians,” Governor Kotek said during a media briefing April 19 in Salem. “We have an abundance of people in our state who are willing to try things they have never done before to solve our greatest challenges, all because they believe in Oregon’s potential.”

Kotek praised the work legislators have done so far to support her executive order declaring a homelessness state of emergency, which aims to keep nearly 9,000 people from becoming homeless, move at least 1,200 people into permanent housing, and add at least 600 more shelter beds by the end of this year.

She called the Housing Emergency Response Package a “down payment on an

investment that Oregonians are owed,” highlighted the work the state and local leaders are already doing to deliver specific outcomes and said “more must be done going forward.”

Kotek is urging the Legislature to approve at least another $1.3 billion before this session is over: $1 billion in

bonding to build and preserve more affordable housing, and at least $300 million in general funds to continue work on housing and homelessness.

Oregonians also need a stronger, more accessible behavioral health system, she said, reiterated her commitment to disrupt the harmful and expensive homeless-

ness-jail-hospital pipeline, decrease preventable deaths related to a person’s substance use or mental health issue, and stabilize and support the behavioral health workforce.

“We need to make sure if you are suffering or you are addicted, that you have a place to go (for treatment),” Kotek said in her One Oregon Listening Tour in Lincoln City in late March.

Education progress

Kotek highlighted the progress on the Early Literacy Success Initiative outlined in House Bill 3198. The bill has bipartisan support to develop students’ reading and writing skills, with funding going to schools, communitybased organizations, and Tribes to do this work.

While her recommended budget targeted $120 million for this investment, she said that Oregon’s early literacy rates are “intolerable,” and $120 million is the minimum that the state should invest this session.

Kotek had outlined her concerns about the state’s education system during the March visit to Lincoln City.

“So, part of my job is to make sure that all the money that we do have is working and going in the same direction so we can help people. Sometimes it is about coordi-

nation. Sometimes it is about resources,” she said

Community engagement

Kotek also spotlighted the direct conversations she is having with Oregonians across the state. She is visiting all 36 counties in Oregon during her first year in office as part of her One Oregon Listening Tour. She has visited six counties so far: Yamhill, Douglas, Columbia, Benton, Lincoln, and Polk.

“I’ve met with families in Yoncalla, educators in Vernonia and students in Philomath who are determined to build success in their communities,” she said. “I’ve heard from behavioral health providers in Newport and housing providers in Dallas who are dedicated to helping their most vulnerable neighbors in their time of greatest need. I take these stories home with me to Salem, to enrich and refine our shared vision for the Oregon we know is possible.”

Columbia County visit

During her One Oregon Listening Tour in Columbia County March 22, Kotek was not able to visit Clatskanie or Rainer, but she did meet with St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl, who said the two discussed the city’s 2019 Housing Needs Analysis results

and the infrastructure projects that are identified and are needed to support housing.

“St. Helens is growing,” Scholl said. We have available, buildable land, but we need state partnerships to build sufficient infrastructure to support growth.

Scholl said Kotek also listened as he described the city’s efforts to redevelop the St. Helens waterfront.

“We had an open and honest conversation with the Governor about our needs as a community,” Scholl said. “The Governor’s recommended budget is in line with our community’s priorities.”

During her Columbia County visit, Kotek led a roundtable discussion with school administrators and teachers. The discussion centered on efforts she is making to fund summer education and enrichment programs, with a focus on improving childhood literacy, and the increased mental health challenges facing students.

She also toured Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH) and a crisis stabilization center being developed on the organization’s campus in St. Helens. Earlier that day the governor visited Vernonia Elementary School.

Follow developments here online and in the print editions of the Friday print editions of The Chief.

Deadline approaching for RCWF Poetry Contest

Poets of all ages are reminded that they have until 5 p.m. Sunday, April 30, to submit their entries in the Raymond Carver Writing Festival (RCWF) Poetry Contest.

The contest is part of the writing festival, set May 19 and 20 at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, which celebrates Clatskanie’s connection with Raymond Carver, the worldrenowned short story writer and poet, who was born in the brick building on North Nehalem Street on May 25, 1938.

The Poetry Contest is

open to youth living within the Clatskanie School District boundaries and adults from throughout the Lower Columbia region and will be judged in the following categories:

• Youth: (Ages 8-10, 1112, 13-15, 16-18)

• Adults: Published and non-published

• Haiku: Open to both youth and adults.

Entries are limited to two poems per poet. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Entries may be dropped off at the Clatskanie Library,

emailed to admin@clatskanielibrary.org, or mailed to Clatskanie Library, PO Box 577, Clatskanie, OR 97016.

The contest kicked off April 4 when poets gathered at the Clatskanie Library for “Poetry and Pie,” including the reading of Carver’s poem, Happiness, which contains this year’s contest theme: “Happiness. It comes on unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really, any morning talk about it.”

Also read at the event was a poem by Oregon’s Poet Laureate, Anis Mojgani, who will be the special guest at

the RCWF on May 19-20, and a Haiku by local resident Estrella Brown, who will be offering a workshop during the Festival.

Those attending the April 4 event enjoyed homemade pie - Raymond Carver’s

favorite dessert - and several read their own poetry.

Winners of the poetry contest will be announced on May 20 during the closing hours of the two-day RCWF.

For more information about the poetry contest, and

the May 19-20 RCWF events visit https://www.clatskanielibrary.org/raymond-carverwriting-festival-2023

Read more about Raymond Carver with this story at thechiefnews.com.

El Niño impact on our weather

STAFF REPORT Country Media,

Columbia County’s weather, and that of Oregon’s, will likely be impacted in the coming months by El Niño.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center has issued an El Nino Watch.

A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of El Nino within the next six months. While we are still in an ENSO-neutral phase – when no El Niño or La Niña is present – there is a 62% chance El Niño will develop sometime between May and July. This comes after nearly two continuous years of a La Nina.

El Niño: What it is and why it matters

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (or ENSO) is a climate pattern defined by sea surface temperature and precipitation departures from normal across the equatorial Pacific Ocean that can influence weather and climate patterns across the U.S. and around the world. El Niño is the warm phase of ENSO when ocean

Courtesy from NOAA

This world map shows sea surface temperature anomalies during one of the strongest El Nino events on record in 2016. The red areas indicate warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, while blue areas represent cooler-than-average temperatures.

temperatures are warmer and precipitation is greater than normal in the area spanning the central to eastern Pacific Ocean.

NOAA scientists will continue to monitor the potential development of El Nino and will issue the next monthly update on May 11.

History

The origin of the name

“El Niño” dates to the 1800’s, when fishermen on the Pacific coast of South America would notice that a warm ocean current would appear every few years. Fish catches would drop drastically, negatively affecting

the food supply and livelihood of the communities of coastal Peru. This warm water would arrive around Christmastime. Referring to the birth of Christ, they named the warm ocean waters, El Niño, which means “the boy” in Spanish. Fishing in this region is best during La Niña years when cold upwelling ocean water brings rich nutrients offsite link from the deep ocean, resulting in an increase in the number of fish caught.

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

Courtesy photo

The contest is part of the writing festival, set May 19 and 20 at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, celebrating Clatskanie’s connection with Raymond Carver, who was born in Clatskanie May 25, 1938.

Inc.

Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, inc.

“Our 100-day sprint has laid the foundation to improve the lives of all Oregonians.” ~Tina Kotek. Oregon Governor

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Clatskanie Grows: Wow! It is cold!

gently squeeze it. If it isn’t at least a little crumbly when released, it is too wet!

I described the cold spring last year as one of three consecutive months of March.

This year is even colder!

Bud break on a number of crops like blueberries are behind even last year, which was quite late. Mason bees are confused about when to come out. Since they need flowers to feed from, it is a life-or-death decision. Hummingbirds are demanding immense amounts of nectar. And if you keep domesticated beehives, you are still having to feed them. Even our winter annual weeds are behind schedule, with some of them just beginning to get going.

Early transplants of the cabbage family can be put in now where the soil is not too wet. They are frost tolerant.

Look for strong, young plants of good color and plant them up to their first set of true leaves. Spacing for broccoli is about 12 inches in any direction, cauliflower about 14”, and cabbage between 14” to 16” depending on variety. They like full sun though will do alright with a modest amount of shade. Lettuce can be planted (watch for slugs!) and quite a few other frost tolerant vegetables. It is going to be awhile before corn, squash, and beans can be planted unless it starts warming fast.

Fertilize garlic with a healthy dose of nitrogen containing fertilizer.

Row covers can be used to insects away from crops like chard, spinach and beets (the leaf miner), the cabbage family (the cabbage butterfly caterpillar and root maggots), and carrots (root maggots). Row covers also add heat and spur growth of these crops.

year. That turned out to be wrong. It was a great pepper year, once it got started. July through almost the end of October were warmer than usual and peppers thrived! Of course, once the rains stopped (which is normal in the summer), both peppers and tomatoes needed a lot of attentive watering to do their best.

summer once they are fully established, which might take a year. With water costs rising if you don’t have a well, this can provide a great landscape with far less water usage. Try to place where they thrived, i.e., sun lovers in the sun, shady lovers in shade, ones that stand “wet feet” in slower drained soils, and those that hate boggy conditions, plant where there is excellent drainage.

hazel; Indian plum; Pacific wax myrtle; Rhododendron; Red flowering currant; Salal; Oregon grape; Nootka/bald hip rose; Wild strawberry (they will eat the berries); Lupine; Sword fern; Native columbine (?); Iris tenax; Oxalis oregano; Trillium; Wild ginger; Pacific yew; Ceanothus (? but antler rubbing); Oceanspray; Mock orange; Manzanita; and Bearberry.

again this year.

May 5 Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly meeting.

7 p.m. The group meets in person at the Columbia County Extension Office, 505 N. Columbia River Highway, in St. Helens and by Zoom. Contact columbiacountyoregonbeekeepers@gmail.com for Zoom information.

Important Notes

• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Donate extra garden produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It always is greatly appreciated.

Food Preservation

Garden soil is so soggy, again like last spring.

Avoid digging or rototilling now unless you have very well-drained soil or raised beds. A lot of people learned last year about how hard it is to fix soils that were rototilled up too early. Some used tarps this year, which does help keep the soil a little drier. The classic way to judge whether soil is safe to till is to put a baseball sized lump of soil in your hand and

Ongoing

Caples Evening Programs

The cost for this evening and all our Fireside Chats will be only $5. Caples will be offering a different

We are a long way from being able to transplant tomatoes and peppers. Wet soils are cold soils.

Tomatoes are slightly better on marginally cold soils than peppers. A pepper plant goes into a funk when planted too early and it takes a long time and lots of heat to bring them back to pepper happiness. Last year was interesting for peppers. It took a long time to get the soils warmed and worked. I was concerned that it was going to be a poor pepper

Clatskanie Senior Center lunches Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches now served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon at the Castle Cafe, 620 SW Tichenor.

Why you should grow some native plants

Interest in native plants is increasing. There are several reasons to plant them in your garden and landscape.

First, since they evolved in our wet winter, dry summer climate they are generally far better at going through our season with little attention. That means they

The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Satmajor holidays weekends).

Another reason to grow native plants is that you are supporting the insects, birds, and other creatures that depend on them. Many pollinators (bees of various types and some birds) simply don’t like relatives of some of our native species that evolved a long way from Oregon. So, providing this food source is important to their survival.

One thing that is also clear is that our deer friends love some native plants and avoid others.

Since deer are at least occasionally found on every block in Columbia County, here are a list of native plants that generally, they won’t eat to oblivion: Sitka spruce; Grand fir (?); Cascara; Vine maple; Red elderberry; Wild

You can get up-to-date and accurate answers to your food preservation questions by calling our office at 503397-3462 and ask to speak to Jenny Rudolph. She also does pressure gauge testing. You may need to leave the canner top with the gauge for several days since her days in the office are limited and do vary from week to week.

Gardening-Related Events

April 29 The Columbia County Master Gardeners™ Spring Fair

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will 3,000 tomato plants, 700 pepper plants, and garden related items by other vendors. It will be at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens,

• 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.

Contact Resource Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to one published letter per month. All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number

sifieds@countrymedia.net,

Website: www.thechiefnews.com

(only the name and city of residence will be published). By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online. Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country

Guest commentary

We welcome all variety of community viewpoints in the newspaper. These longer, guest opinions might be columns written by newsmakers, public officials or organization representatives. Or you might just have interesting thoughts to share and a penchant for writing. If you’d like to submit a guest column for publication, contact us at (503) 397-0116 or chief-

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Editorial:

news@countrymedia.net. All columns are subject to editing for style, grammar and clarity. However, views expressed in guest columns are independent and do not represent those of The Chief, its staff or Country Media, Inc.

Obituaries

Obituaries received after noon on Wednesday may not be in time for that Friday’s paper. Obituaries may be emailed to chiefnews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. We also accept obituaries written by funeral homes. Include the address and daytime phone number of the person who submitted the obituary, so we can verify information as necessary.

9-1-1 COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District (C911CD) is conducting a hiring process for fulltime Dispatchers (Communications Specialists). Additional information and job description can be found on our website at www. columbia911.com/ careers or by calling 503-366-6978. Online applications will be accepted until 11:45 pm on April 28th, 2023.

Summer Youth EmploymentCity of Clatskanie, OR

The City is seeking applications for temporary, parttime, youth summer employment. Work will be supervised by the Public Works Department and includes but is not limited to various manual labor tasks to maintain rights-of-way and city facilities. Additional consideration will be given to candidates who are 18 years of age or older with a valid Oregon driver’s license. Employ-

required and may be obtained at City Hall or at www. cityofclatskanie. com. The deadline for application is 3:00 pm, Friday, April 28, 2023. EOE.

Parole and Probation Officer I or II Columbia County, OR EOE Open

Until Filled Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov.

Deputy District Attorney I or II Columbia County, OR EOE Open Until Filled Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov.

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC23-1761

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of IRENE RUTH GIBSON, Deceased. No. 23PB02909

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate.

All persons having claims against the estate are

CC23-1763

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published April 21, 2023. James, W. Gibson, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

NOTICE OF PUBIC MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the City of Clatskanie, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 will be held at City Hall, 75 S Nehalem St., Suite D. The meeting will take place on May 4th, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom. The purpose of the meet-

CC23-1762

ing is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after April 28, 2023 at 75 S Nehalem St., Suite D, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place.

Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A link to attend the meeting on Zoom will be posted on the website. Any person having special needs should contact the City Manager by May 4, 2023 to make arrangements. For more information visit the city website at www. cityofclatskanie.com.

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 9th day of May, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. 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 will take place. Any person may appear at the

CC23-1765

meeting and discuss proposed programs with the Budget Committee. This meeting will be held in person at Scappoose School District Offices, 33589 SE High School Way, Scappoose, OR 97056, there will also be a virtual option available. Please see the website to register for the virtual option. Public comment will be taken in written and virtual formats. Written comments received by 5 pm on May 5th, 2023 will be read during the public comment section of the meeting on May 9th, 2023. Public comments will be subject to a three-minute limit per community mem-

ber. 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 5th, 2023 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 Sherry Ely, Interim Chief Financial Officer.

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING

The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, upstairs in the Clatskanie Cultural Center. Agenda items include

but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the February 21st, 2023, regular meeting; a Public Hearing will be held to review a request for home occupation permit and a temporary housing permit,

both at 1000 Jeff Court. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by April 21, 2023. Please go to the city website, www.cityofclatskanie.com to access the link to attend the meeting on Zoom.

VESSELS

From Page A1

the south coast and $150,000 to remove a float home drifting down the Multnomah Channel in Portland.

The largest recent project, removal of the former military vessels Sakarissa and Alert from the Columbia River in Portland, cost more than $4 million, with Metro contributing $2 million. The U.S. Coast Guard spent an additional $2.3 million to raise the sunken vessels and remove oil.

“When irresponsible owners abandon vessels in waterways, our schoolkids pay the price,” DSL Director Vicki L. Walker said.

FIREFIGHTER

From Page A1

to be able to do that,” Frigaard said.

This responsibility is what makes the job so worthwhile, but it also is one of the most challenging aspects.

You know, it was a job I’ve wanted for a long time. I mean, ever since I was a kid, it was something that I wanted to do.

~ Amy Frigaard, Firefighter

“Sometimes you’re able to help, and sometimes, unfortunately, you can’t. You know, and, I don’t know, it’s got its highs, and it’s got its lows, that’s for sure,” Frigaard said.

Having retired a year ago, Frigaard has had time to reflect on what her time in the service meant to her. Some of the things she’ll miss most are the people she worked with and the outreach components of the job. Having spent “a third of her life” with her coworkers, Frigaard described the fire service as “a second family.”

Community Outreach

When she left the service, she worked as an engine boss

$18.8 million proposed for vessel removals

The 2023-25 Governor’s Recommended Budget for DSL includes $18.8 million to remove ADVs accumulated in public waterways. Removing those vessels will address current hazards and risks, with the ADV Program Workgroup simultaneously seeking long-term solutions. The ADV Program Workgroup will explore all elements of a statewide ADV program, with work culminating in a report to the State Land Board no later than April 2024. The report would include a program framework addressing prevention, response, enforcement, education and outreach, and potential long-term funding needs and sources, as well

as recommendations for legislative action in the 2025 Legislative Session.

Walker said DSL will immediately convene the ADV Program Workgroup, which is anticipated to include stakeholders with varying perspectives, interests, and expertise, such as local governments, ports, marinas, waterway user groups, environmental organizations, vessel insurance, vessel salvage, and public safety, as well as relevant federal agencies, other coastal states, and Oregon state agencies.

“Working with partners and stakeholders has been essential to our ADV efforts thus far,” Walker said. “Continued collaboration will be critical to the success of the ADV Program Workgroup and, ultimately, to

implementation of Oregon’s statewide ADV program.”

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands

The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund.

The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

to 5th or 6th grade about fire prevention,” Frigaard said. “Probably that’s what I’ll miss the most because I’ve really enjoyed working with the kids.”

Frigaard also took a lot of joy from spearheading the “Toy N Joy” program for the Rainier community, which helps get gifts and toys for families in need.

“I ran the Toy N Joy program for the fire department for 22 years,” Frigaard said. “We provided food for the families along with toys for each of the kids. That is something I will miss.”

Working with the CCSO

While Frigaard has retired from the fire service, she continues to serve the public and has taken a job at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) as a Control Technician. She works in the control room at the jail, and she controls the movement of people throughout the facility.

While the job is different from her work in the fire service, she still sees some similarities to her previous job. Walking away from the fire service, Frigaard feels she accomplished everything she wanted, and her time there fulfilled a longtime dream.

and was certified to be an officer on the fire rigs, though she wasn’t paid as an officer for the department, according to Frigaard. She also worked as the Juvenile Fire Center Intervention Officer, which is a role that speaks to

children about the dangers of playing with fire on behalf of concerned parents. One of the roles she also enjoyed was fire prevention education.

“Going into the classes and talking to all the kids from preschool all the way up

“You know, it was a job I’ve wanted for a long time. I mean, ever since I was a kid, it was something that I wanted to do. You know, I’ve always liked the public service jobs,” Frigaard said.

Courtesy of Amy Frigaard

Putting her training to use, Frigaard was deployed to help fight wild lands fires.

David Wayne Austin April 14, 1965 ~ March 30, 2023

David Wayne Austin, a resident of Clatskanie, Oregon, passed away on March 30, 2023.

David was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and son. He was passionate about motorcycles and loved to go on rides all over the west coast on his Harley-Davidson. He was employed with RSG Forest Products for 37 years.

David is preceded in death by his mother Mary

June was born in Baudette, Minnesota to Milton and Carrie Moorhead.

The family later moved to Bend, Oregon, and then to Clatskanie, Oregon. June attended Clatskanie High School. In 1949, June met and married Harold John Lampsa, son of John and Emma Lampsa, longtime residents of Clatskanie.

Austin; father Montie Austin; brother Phil Austin; and brother Russell Austin.

David is survived by his daughter Amber Forsythe; son Aron Austin; sister Ann Austin Richards; and grandson John Wayne.

The family would like to invite you to join in a celebration of life for David from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on May 6, 2023 at Colvin’s Pub in Clatskanie.

June Louise Lampsa

June 1, 1931 ~ April 4, 2023

missed!

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Kenneth and Glenn; sister Betty Cox; and son-in-law Johnny Marble.

Oregon gains 2,400 jobs

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.4% in March, down from 4.7% in February.

For the past 20 months since August 2021, Oregon’s unemployment rate has remained relatively steady and near historic lows. The unemployment rate averaged 4.3% in that time, while ranging between 3.5% and 4.8%.

In March, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 2,400 jobs, following a revised loss of 2,700 jobs in February.

Gains and losses

In March, gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,600 jobs) and professional and business services (+1,200). The only major industries to cut a substantial number of jobs were retail trade (-900 jobs) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-500).

June and Harold lived in Portland along Hwy. 30 where they raised their four daughters. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary before Harold died in 2015.

June loved family, friends, laughter, flow -

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Frank) Al-Dhahi, Susan (Robert) Dietrich, Roxanne Marble and Linda (Steve) Kelly; many grandchildren; greatgrandchildren; nieces; and nephews.

The service will be held at 4 p.m. on April 30, 2023 at St. Johns Church in Port -

Lowell Onen Bentley

July 26, 1948 ~ April 1, 2023

Lowell Onen Bentley was born on July 26,1948, in Longview, Washington, to Pearl Josephine (Otterson) Bentley and Onen Linvingston Bentley of Rainier. He passed away suddenly at home in Rainier on April 1, 2023.

Lowell grew up in West Rainer where he spent his time fishing, hunting, and trapping. He attended Rainier Union High School and entered the U.S. Army shortly after graduation in 1966. Following two years of service, Lowell went to

work at Longview Fibre Company where he worked for 37 years.

Lowell’s love for the outdoors continued into adulthood and he spent many years deer and elk hunting in Eastern Oregon and Montana. His favorite outdoor activity was waterfowling with his successions of his faithful black labs.

He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Teresa; his other best friend LucyLu (black lab); sister Joanne Bernard (Duane) of Rainier;

Cory Johnson

godson Gary Linley of Colorado; several nieces and nephews; and many life-long friends.

Lowell was preceded in death by both parents; and sister Colleen Gottwig of Vancouver, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HOPE of Rainier, PO Box 448, or the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum building fund, PO Box 762.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on May 13, 2023 at the Rainer Eagles.

May 20, 1996 ~ April 13, 2023

Nolan Shefstad

Jan. 16, 1948 ~ April 13, 2023

Health care and social assistance added jobs at a rapid pace over the past year. Since March 2022, it added 8,300 jobs, which was a 3.1% increase. Nearly all of the gains over the year were in social assistance, which added 5,400 jobs since March 2022 and is now 2,500 jobs above its pre-pandemic high. Hospitals added 800 jobs in March, following little gain during the prior 11 months.

Professional and business services grew rapidly over the past three years. It added

Metro Creative Connection

In March, 2,071,776 people were employed, 79,061 were unemployed statewide, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

8,900 jobs, or 3.4%, since March 2022. One of its component industries, administrative and waste services, was a primary driver of jobs expansion lately, as it added 4,400 jobs, or 4.2%, in the past 12 months. Employing

110,400 in March, this large industry makes up one in 20 nonfarm payroll jobs in Oregon. It includes firms such as temporary help services, janitorial services, landscaping services, and telephone call centers.

Retail trade hovered close

the past two years, with a slightly downward trend over the past year. Since March 2022, the broad retail trade sector lost 1,600 jobs (-0.8%). Most retail components cut between 100 and 600 jobs. The only published component industry expanding in that time was food and beverage retailers, which added 900 jobs. The state unemployment rate is a key economic indicator of the Oregon economy.

die in Highway 30 crash

Oregon State Police (OSP) report two people died in a two-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 30 near Astoria.

OSP responded to the crash at 1:17 p.m. April 18, near milepost 76, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation revealed a westbound tan Kia Rio sedan, operated by 22-year-old Claudia Elizabeth Bell of Oregon City, lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve during inclement weather.

The Kia Rio turned sideways in an uncontrolled slide, completely entering the eastbound lanes where it was struck in the passenger side by an eastbound red Kenworth log truck, operated by 22-year-old Dominic Enzo Rizzo of

Astoria.

The operator of the Kia, Claudia Bell, and her passenger, identified as 19-year-old Monelle Jun Lumapas of Portland, were found deceased at the scene, according to OSP.

Rizzo, the operator of the log truck, was transported by ambulance for suspected injuries but was determined to be uninjured. Rizzo fully cooperated with

law enforcement during the investigation. A diesel leak was identified by incident responders and U.S. Ecology responded to contain and remove the hazardous waste from the scene.

The Knappa Fire District, the Astoria Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted OSP at the scene of the crash.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: FILL-IN-THE-BLANK

22. Feline

24. Fissure

25. *Silly ____ or ____ down

26. Church part, pl.

27. Antiquity of the past

29. *Southwest ____ or

____ Minor

31. Lou of The Velvet Underground

32. Rainbow swimmer

33. *Free ____ or ____ hour

34. Glorify

36. Weighted weapon

38. Nevada Wolf Pack’s home

42. Cuban dance

45. 1.094 of a yard, pl.

49. *Doctor ____ or ____ knows?

1. On behalf of

2. “Fine by me”

3. *Basket ____ or ____ study

4. *Adam’s ____ or ____

pie

5. Finely-spun cotton threads

6. Eagle’s foot

7. Workout unit

8. Slightly drunk

9. “Doggone it!”

10. College drilling org.

11. 1/36th of a yard

12. “____, humbug!”

15. #15 Down, pl.

20. Come to pass

Solution

51. Description of a fool

54. Give qualities or money

56. More eccentric

57. Theatrical performance

58. Previously mentioned, acr.

59. Hair styling products

60. Annoying biter

61. Irish name of Ireland

62. Very bright star

63. *Easter ____ or ____ salad

65. *Dry ____ or ____

cream

67. Part of tennis match

Cory Johnson, 26, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away in Rainier, Oregon on April 13, 2023.

Nolan Shefstad, 75, of Clatskanie, Oregon, passed away April 13, 2023 in Longview, Washington.

Courtesy from OSP

The crash occurred on Highway 30 near Astoria.

Batter up! Clatskanie baseball update

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Clatskanie Middle High School’s baseball team is gaining momentum amid a seven-game win streak, with each of the victories being against league opponents.

Things are going well. We have had a bunch of firsttime varsity players, and they have been improving with each passing day.

- Ryan Tompkins, Head Coach

Their 5-3 win against Nestucca was just the most recent success in a string of triumphs, and Head Coach

Ryan Tompkins is feeling good about where the team is and their progression.

“Things are going well. We have had a bunch of firsttime varsity players, and they have been improving with each passing day,” Tompkins said. “Like everyone, the weather has been one of the main challenges. We ended up missing out on quite a few preseason games and are almost now to the midpoint of the league year.”

League success

Clatskanie’s schedule

sees them play each league opponent in three consecutive games, and they won all three matches against Portland Christian and Gaston. Against Portland Christian, they won their games 17-7, 13-0, and 17-0. Against Gaston, they beat their opponent by scores of 7-4, 12-2, and 7-1. While they’ve been playing well, Tompkins isn’t taking their success for granted.

“Most of our team goals are centered around league play. So every league win that we come away with, we don’t take for granted,” Tompkins said. “We know as the year progresses, everyone else will be improving, and games will come down to one or two big innings or moments.”

One of the significant strengths of the team has been their steady pitching and solid team defense. They have outscored their league opponents thus far by a count of 78-17.

“Our biggest strength is that our pitchers are consistent strike throwers, and our defense makes routine plays,” Tompkins said. “Our pitchers are averaging nearly 2.5 strikeouts per walk, and our team fielding percentage is around .915.”

While their defense has been the center of their success, Tompkins wants to improve the team’s play at the plate. Despite their impressive score differential, the team’s mentality at the plate needs to improve. As

they play stiffer competi tion late in the season, their current numbers at bat may not cut it.

“Overall, we struggle at the plate. Our team batting average is under .220. We attribute most of that to our approach at the plate,” Tompkins said. “That will be one of our main focuses as the season progresses and give us an opportunity to score more runs.”

After beating Nestucca in their first game,

All-terrain Electric chairs expanding to coast

next two games against them on April 21 in an away doubleheader. In the 2A/1A-SD1 Special District 1, Clatskanie sits first of the seven teams in their league, according to OSAA.org.

Going forward

Having played Gaston and Portland Christian, the two bottom teams in the league, the most challenging competition is yet to

faces Knappa on April 25 and 28, that will be a test between the top teams. Knappa is also undefeated in league play, boasting a 6-0 record. Until then, Clatskanie will try and keep their winning ways going. Overall, in the 2A/1A baseball rankings, Clatskanie is ranked 17 of the 51 teams in that classification. If the team can convert more at-bats and keep its defensive pres-

ence, Tompkins hopes that the team can qualify for the state playoffs.

“Our overall goal is to be playing our best baseball at the end of the year when games matter the most. We have a league playoff with an opportunity to qualify for the state playoffs,” Tompkins said. “Our goal is to give ourselves an opportunity to make it to the state playoffs and, if successful, give ourselves a chance to make a playoff run.”

Courtesy from Oregon Parks Forever

The all-terrain mobility chair id designed to give the impaired the ability to navigate outdoors in Oregon parks.

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Efforts are underway to help the mobility challenged enjoy time along the beach at the Oregon Coast.

One of the most popular uses for these chairs is to get out on the beach, hence our desire for host locations along the Oregon Coast.

~ Oregon Parks Forever

Starting in early May, electric all-terrain track chairs will be located at the Manzanita Visitor’s Center, 31 Laneda Avenue in Manzanita, and at the Seaside Elks Lodge, 324 Avenue A, in Seaside, and can be reserved through davidschair. org.

These chairs will provide a new freedom for a mobil-

ity challenged park visitor - to get off the pavement and out into nature, according to a release from Oregon Parks Forever.

“With increased accessibility to the beach, mobilityimpaired visitors will be able to participate in activities never-before possible,” the release states. “By being able to get on the beach, all the way down to water’s edge, these all-terrain chairs will invite many new people to share the wonders of fresh air, sunshine and sea breezes with family and friends instead of being limited to paved walkways and parking lots.”

Anyone with mobility impairment, requiring the assistance of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, or crutches, will be able to use these chairs. See these chairs in action at https://youtu.be/Yryz48ijMuc

Over the next couple of years, Oregon Parks Forever and its the partners are working to locate hosts at American Legion, VFW, Elks and tourism related

entities along the Oregon Coast and the I-5 corridor where a chair and trailer can be stored and made available for free use by visitors with mobility challenges. The goal is to find locations for a total of 10 chairs.

“We are doing this to provide easier access to these chairs to a wider number of people,” the release states.

Oregon Parks Forever said under the current operating model for David’s Chair, anyone wishing to borrow one of their seven current chairs (for free) must bring a trailer hitch-enabled vehicle to Medford or Tigard and pick up a chair and trailer to take where they would like to use it.

“This severely limits access to other parts of the state.” the release reads.

“One of the most popular uses for these chairs is to get out on the beach, hence our desire for host locations along the Oregon Coast.”

Reservations for free use can be made at, www.davidschair.org.

Country Media, Inc.

Clatskanie baseball is out to a sizzling 7-0 start in league play.

Earth day 2023

A love letter to humanity from the depths of our oceans

absorb so much of our pollution and hate. Every drop of excess heat and waste is taken in and accumulated despite how insignificant we think it is.

Think of a teapot of boiling water. There are signs that things are heating up, but we ignore it until it’s

Our ocean will reach a tipping point too, and her wrath and fury will strip away our security. Water will wash away our cities on the coast and rain down and cleanse our mess on land. She’ll call on Fire to burn down the areas she can’t reach, while Earth and Air will accelerate the process.

And every one of us will feel the effects because we are all connected.

It has already begun. The warning signs are there. Our climate is changing. Our storms and wildfire seasons are worse and more frequent. Sea levels are rising. The last nine years are among the hottest ten years in the 143-year record (NOAA NCEI). It is damaging our food security. People are being displaced or relocating in response. It is

see it or believe it. We must see the signs now before it all boils over. Please don’t wait to take action in any way you are called to. Let our imagination run wild with ideas of sustainability, mutual aid, and community building. Revolutionary ideas are already out there! What matters most to you? Start locally, find groups, talk to friends and family, find inspiration from nature, listen to your heart,

(like literally mend the hole on your sleeve and keep wearing that sweater!). We have the internet; we can learn from each other.

Don’t wait until you have things figured out. Let these ideals and moral compass guide you through the challenges of life rather than our current mindset which has and always will be inadequate. There will never be a better time in the future. The time is now.

It’s a difficult and painful

process but inaction will only bring more pain and suffering. We have to trust that there is a brighter future that we are collectively working toward, otherwise what are we living for?

You can count on me to do everything I can, to constantly evolve and be a better person. Talk to me! Can I count on you?

Emy Syrop is an artist, marine biologist, and mother residing in Newport.

Oregon to receive $4M to tackle climate pollution

Country Media, Inc.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced $3 million in grant funding to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies across Oregon. The Portland metro area was allotted $1 million.

Strategies

Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act provides an investment of $5 billion to support efforts by states, municipalities, air pollution control agencies, and tribes to develop and implement strong, local greenhouse gas reduction strategies. This two-staged grant program provides funding of $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants.

The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Clear message

“This funding sends a clear message that everyone deserves a seat at the table as we tackle the climate crisis,” EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller said. “This effort builds on an aggressive climate strategy already underway in Oregon, providing additional resources to the state to engage urban and rural com-

munities, and develop climate solutions.”

We have to do all we can to combat it. These funds will help communities in Oregon, both rural and urban, reduce the global warming gases driving that chaos.

~ Jeff Merkley, Oregon U.S. Senator

The EPA announced the availability of the funds through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program earlier this month. Oregon submitted the state’s intent to participate in the new program on March 14.

to update its existing climate action plan.

“Prioritizing climate action is essential to conserving the natural beauty of our state,” Gov.Tina Kotek said. “Oregon’s environmental priorities require continued and urgent action – especially in the face of a worsening climate crisis, which disproportionately impacts communities of color and rural communities. Oregon thanks our federal partners for recognizing the growing need for resources to states to combat climate change and build climate resilience.”

“Climate chaos is wreaking havoc on our forests, our fishing, and our farming. We have to do all we can to combat it,” Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley said. “These funds will help communities in Oregon, both rural and urban, reduce the

that chaos.”

“These federal resources for Oregon represent the latest solid example of how the Inflation Reduction Act is supporting our state’s transition to a green economy – generating jobs and cleaner air,” Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said. “I’m proud to have worked to pass this landmark legislation and will keep battling to ensure Oregonians get our full share of its transformational and generational investments.”

“I am pleased that funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act is being rapidly deployed to fight climate change,” Oregon U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer said. “The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program will help Oregon’s communities and Tribes develop strategies and tools to reduce climate pol-

lution and accelerate our clean energy transition.”

“This funding to reduce climate pollution is great news for Oregonians,” Oregon U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici said. “The Inflation Reduction Act will help our state cut emissions and other harmful air pollution while growing the clean energy economy.”

“This grant will help bring Oregonians together to strengthen the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Oregon Department of Energy Director Janine Benner said. “As recent analysis by the Oregon Global Warming Commission shows, the programs and policies we have in place put us on a path to achieving our emission reduction goals and transitioning to an equitable clean energy future. This funding will support bringing all voices to the table as we build upon existing plans and ensure that the programs deliver on their goals. The

Oregon Department of Energy looks forward to partnering with the EPA and our fellow state agencies to support this important work.”

“Oregon already is a leader on climate protection and these grants will help further Oregon’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all Oregon communities,” Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Director Leah Feldon said. “At DEQ we are tackling climate change through our Clean Fuels Program, which lowers the amount of carbon emitted by cars and trucks, and our Climate Protection Program, which puts a cap on emissions from burning fossil fuels and lowers that cap each year. These are proven methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and they already are having an impact in Oregon.” EPA Region 10 expects to award and administer the state funding agreements in summer 2023.

Courtesy from Emy Syrop

Artwork by Emy Syrop.

Courtesy from Emy Syrop

Artwork by Emy Syrop.

Courtesy from Emy Syrop

Emy Syrop

Metro Creative Connection

Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act provides an investment of $5 billion to support efforts by states, municipalities, air pollution control agencies, and tribes to develop and implement strong, local greenhouse gas reduction strategies.

The Amani Center gives services to children in need

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States. While just one month does not adequately represent the importance of drawing awareness to victims of child abuse, it is a time when the cause comes to the forefront.

The Amani Center, located at 1621 Columbia Boulevard in St Helens, is a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) with services available to children in Columbia County who are victims of abuse.

The Amani Center is a non-profit organization where alleged child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and/or domestic violence and witnessing violent crime can receive forensic and medical evaluations and support services in a child-friendly setting.

the overarching agency in the country that advises children’s advocacy centers on best practices and sets standards for facilities to meet.

On April 21, the Amani Center will host a “ribbon cutting” ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce to unveil new renovations and celebrate its accreditation status. Development Manager Beth Pulito gave some details on the upcoming event.

“So we’re kind of ribbon cutting a physical space that was renovated by volunteers and local efforts, but we’re also ribbon cutting the title of NCA Accredited Center,” Pulito said.

medical exam, by a nurse practitioner or doctor who’s been medically trained in recognizing signs of abuse, paired with a child forensic interview by an interviewer that’s been trained in child development and trauma sensitive interviewing. In addition Victim Advocates/ Community Health Workers meet with victims and families/caregivers to provide support, referrals to services and resources, help them navigate the criminal justice process and ensure they have what they need to start on the path to healing.”

Qualified interviewers

medical provider on staff, we had only had part-time up until last September; she saw 30 kids in two months, which was equal to half of what we saw last year in just medicals. Last year we provided services for 224 children.”

According to Pulito, the state mandates that each county must have a designated CAC. This doesn’t mean that each county must have a CAC, but it must have one that its citizens can access. This can result in less populated counties not having their own CAC but still having access to one that is near geographically.

In October of 2000, the Amani Center was established by local grassroots efforts in response to a community need, to develop and operate a community-based center to help children suspected to be victims of abuse and or domestic violence.

Accreditation with the NCA

This year’s exciting development for the Amani Center is its National Children’s Alliance (NCA) accreditation. The NCA is

The Amani Center has long been an affiliate of the NCA, and its new accredited status is the highest level of NCA membership and denotes excellence in service provision. The services the Amani Center and Columbia County Investigative partners provide are now certified at the highest level.

“The Amani Center exists to provide forensic child abuse assessments to kids who are suspected victims of abuse and neglect in Columbia County. We’re obviously situated in St. Helens, but we serve all of the kids of Columbia County,” Pulito said. “What that means is we provide a head-to-toe

Interviewers go through a process with the state of Oregon called Oregon Child Forensic Interview Training, which specializes in forensic interviewing. Oregon Child Abuse Solutions runs the program. Each of the Amani Center’s four interviewers has graduated from these programs, with a fifth finishing up their observation training.

Intake numbers for the Amani Center “shift a lot,” according to Pulito. This is primarily related to mandatory reporters, as many of the children seen in the facility come through referrals. Before COVID, in 2019, the Amani Center handled about 350 cases. The caseload dropped during the COVIDladen year of 2020 and into 2021.

“It went down in 2020 significantly, with COVID, because kids didn’t have eyes on them from mandatory reporters. They didn’t have teachers, coaches, church, daycares, any of that. So those numbers plummeted,” Pulito said. “They’re starting to pick back up. And now that we have a full-time

“That’s actually why we exist, because before we existed, kids had to go to Portland for these types of services,” Pulito said. Services in Portland were limited, with very few children able to receive services and it was a barrier to justice and medical care for many victims as transportation is often difficult, travel and wait times were long and stressful for families, according to Pulito.

Mitigating trauma

At times, Columbia County children still need to go to Portland if a higher level of medical care is needed due to the lack of a hospital in Columbia County. When this happens, kids will be referred to the Amani Center if necessary. If possible, the Amani Center will coordinate cases from the beginning, to limit the trauma of the whole process.

“We do everything we can to have a child come to us initially because the whole reason that a children’s advocacy center exists is to reduce trauma and provide services to a child in a continuous space

that is comfortable and less threatening than a hospital or a police department,” Pulito said. “You know, before kids were able to come see an agency like ours, they would have to see multiple people and tell their story multiple times. To the first responding officer, then the detective, then a CPS worker, then a councilor, then a medical provider, then the DA, the jury. We do that all here, one time, one interview, and, all of our work is admissible in court. And so our staff can speak on behalf of that child on the stand if that is what is agreeable between the defense and prosecuting attorneys so that a child doesn’t have to get up and tell their traumatic stories again and again.”

This piece protects children from the “subsequent trauma” of the legal process. The Amani Center acts as a “hub” for people needing to connect with community partners and access services. During COVID, this was especially true. Some of these partners are law enforcement, child protective services, schools, healthcare professionals, and mental healthcare professionals.

During April, the Amani Center receives support from the NCA to bring more attention to child abuse. While this month is an important observance of this issue, Pulito emphasized that it is a year-round issue.

“Child abuse isn’t selective about the children and families that it impacts. Because it’s so wide spread, some of it’s neglect, some of it’s sexual abuse, some of it’s physical abuse. And all of those things impact different families in different ways,” Pulito said.

The Amani Center is funded through a variety of

channels. They see support through medical insurance reimbursements, grants, fundraising projects, Child Abuse Multi-disciplinary Intervention funds grant, private donations, Crime Victims Compensation reimbursements, volunteers, community support, and inkind donations.

“We want people to know, we’ve been here for over 20 years,” Pulito said. “Yet not everybody knows who the Amani Center is or what the Amani Center is because, frankly, Amani Center doesn’t really say what we are... A lot of times, people don’t know who we are unless they’ve had some sort of involvement with us or they are already our supporters. And so, we are trying to educate our community that we exist that, we’re out here, we are providing this service locally at a national level of excellence and, we provide these services at no charge to children and families.”

Upcoming events

Along with its upcoming ribbon cutting, the Amani Center has other events to raise funds and get out into the community. There is a karaoke night fundraiser sponsored by Columbia Theatre and open to families and kids on April 25 from 6-9 p.m. It’s $5 per person and $10 per family. There is also a 5k, 10k, and a 1-mile family walk fundraiser on April 29. The 5k and 10k are both $50 to join, and participants will receive a t-shirt. The 1-mile walk is $25. All proceeds will help support the Amani Center and its services. Registration is still open at the Amani Center’s website and you can use FORTHEKIDS23 for a discount.

The Amani Center exists to provide forensic child abuse assessments to kids who are suspected victims of abuse and neglect in Columbia County.

~ Beth Pulito, Development Manager

Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

The Amani Center is located at 1621 Columbia Boulevard. Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

The newly renovated family room will be unveiled on Friday, April 21.