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Home & Garden Show snapshot

Timber ruling overturned Page A3

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$1.50

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

VOL. 130, NO. 51

Bark dust for Heritage Days Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

The Chief: How much has been raised over the years and where does that money go?

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The annual Clatskanie Bark Dust Sale is set for May 10 at Clatskanie City Park.

Heritage Days Committee Chair Debi Smiley said the sale is a fundraiser by the Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce to help support the city’s annual Heritage Days Fourth of July Community Celebration.

Smiley: We have raised on average $3,000 per sale over the years.

All the proceeds go directly to the Heritage Days event.

Heritage Days background

product donation arrangements, set up, coordinate, take orders, and run the event.

• Clatskanie City Park and Recreation - This agency assists with this fundraiser by allowing us to use their parking lot by the pool to stage the bark dust pickup and delivery.

During the Fourth of July weekend, Clatskanie City Park fills with food booths, including the popular local homemade pie selling booth, family games, vendors and displays.

A popular fireworks display above the park is held at dusk on Independence Day. The Heritage Days signature beginning is the annual car show conducted the last Saturday of June that fills the city park with a variety of vintage vehicles. There is also the All Class Reunion to be held at Clatskanie City Park the Sunday following the car show.

Smiley said this year’s Heritage Days will include other popular traditions, such as a softball game, basketball tournament and ice cream eating contests.

Having a local location for people to come to and pick up the bark dust in their pickup or trailer is so valuable and they provide the perfect site to do just that.

Read more about Heritage Days at thechiefnews.com. For more information about the annual Bark Dust Sale, call Smiley at 503-3388436.

The Chief: When and why did this sale begin and why bark dust?

Debi Smiley: We have conducted an annual bark dust fundraiser since 2016. A Bark Dust fundraiser had been conducted for a number of years in the past as a successful fundraiser. But it had been discontinued for a number of years. So, we elected to try it again in 2016 and it was successful. So, we have continued this annual fundraiser for the past six years. This will be the seventh year.

It is an opportunity to provide beautiful bark to local residents at a reasonable price along with free delivery for those who otherwise would not be able to get bark dust as desired. It is a nice opportunity to serve the community and raise funds to support Clatskanie Heritage Days, the 4th of July annual community event.

Courtesy photo

A previous Clatskanie barkdust sale.

The Chief: Where does the bark dust come from?

Smiley: We receive product contributions from Stimson Lumber/ Swanson Bark and RSG. These generous donations equal two semi-truck loads for a total of approximately 170 yards of product.

The Chief: Specifically, how does this sale work and how much does the bark dust cost? All the product is donated.

Smiley: We have a number of local community members who volunteer their time and equipment.

They are as follows: • Mark Kynsi - Provides the loader and runs the equipment to load the trucks.

• Bob Olson - Provides a delivery Dump Truck and serves as a driver.

• Chris Marin - Provides a delivery dump trailer and serves as a driver.

• Greg & Debi Smiley - make

Date set for Fox Creek Bridge dedication ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Fun runs, a bike parade, and a coloring contest are all on the itinerary for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Rainier, closing out the final chapter of a project that began in earnest last February.

“We figured this was a good way to kick off Memorial Day weekend and the summer at the same time,” Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said. “If it goes well, it might become an annual event.”

At the April 25 Parks Committee meeting, Rainier Parks and Recreation Committee members finalized plans to host a May 29 celebration marking the completion of the Fox Creek Bridge, the third and final phase of the Riverfront Trail project.

When Parks committee mem-

bers convened March 28 to workshop ideas for the celebration, they agreed on three routes for the fun run: one for children ages five and under, another for older kids, and a third for teens and adults.

The committee also decided that Mayor Jerry Cole and committee member Rosemary Scandale would judge the bike parade and award trophies for most creative, most original, and Rainier spirit.

According to Jorgensen, the event will feature booths and guest speakers Oregon Senator Rachel Armitage and State Representative Suzanne Weber.

Work on the Fox Creek Bridge began in August, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Riverfront Trail earlier that year.

Jorgensen said the bridge, afforded by an $85,000 grant, will tie A Street Plaza to the city park, enhancing both ADA accessibility and the walkability of the city.

“By the time it’s done, somebody, in theory, will be able to take a wheelchair from the senior center all the way downtown,” he said.

The ‘ultimate goal’ To Jorgensen, the Fox Creek Bridge dedication is about more than just celebrating the fulfillment of one of his personal goals stepping into office more than one year ago.

“It was important that we make it a family friendly event for kids of all ages,” he said.

Beyond the family component, Jorgensen said he hopes to put Rainier on the map by holding this event.

“What I really want, and the ultimate goal here is for people who have just always driven through Rainier to have reasons to stop,” he said. “I’m just really excited to be a part of that.”

This photo shows the current status of the Rainier Fox Creek Bridge.

The Rainier Fox Creek Bridge dedication will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 29.

The next Rainier City Council

Courtesy photo

meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 2 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Rainier City Hall, 106 W B Street.

Nonprofit kicks off regional turtle survey ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

“Turtles are amazing creatures,” said Jonathan Hakim, turtle surveyor and co-founder of nonprofit Wild Columbia County. “They’re the only reptile in our area that spends a significant portion of its time in the water, and they’re one of the neatestlooking animals around.”

Columbia County Reptiles and

Clatskanie Grows ........ A4 Opinions ....................... A4 Classified Ads .............. A5 Legals ........................ A5-6 Home & Garden Show A8 Obituaries ..................... A8

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

Amphibians is a large-scale project led by Hakim and Wild Columbia County co-founder Matt D’Agrosa to document reptile and amphibian species, or “herps” across the region.

The pair, in partnership with Scappoose Bay Watershed Council and Oregon Native Turtle Working Group, invites the public to join them on their turtle scouting expeditions, by land or by kayak, this spring and summer.

Registration for these events are free. Volunteers will commit to visiting a potential turtle locality for 30 minutes on three different occasions during ideal conditions (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it is 65 to 75 degrees air temperature), according to the Wild Columbia County website.

Waterways included in the search are Nehalem River, Rock Creek, Sauvie Island, Scappoose Bay, Deer Island, Sandy Island, Crims Island, Wallace Island, Clatskanie River, and the sloughs of Westport.

The second mandatory training session for surveyors took place Saturday, April 23, at Trojan Park in Rainier.

The turtle surveys will run from April to September.

Background Hakim, from St. Helens, and D’Agrosa, from Scappoose, first became interested in the world of reptiles and amphibians growing up together as children.

Together, Hakim and D’Agrosa went on expeditions through the woods of Warren to observe the biodiversity around them. Later, new developments in technology presented a new way for the two to

Courtesy photo from Jonathan Hakim

Western Painted Turtles, a species native to Columbia County, and a non-native Red Eared Slider (center) perch on rocks at Trojan Park.

catalog their observations.

“Then there was a database that we started putting our finds (in), taking pictures that would record everything,” D’Agrosa said.

“As we started entering (our findings) into these public databases, people started telling me Columbia County doesn’t have any records,” Hakim explained, of the motivation for launching the project.

In the following one-on-one interview with The Chief, Hakim explains the purpose and goals of the turtle survey.

The Chief: Why survey turtles?

In other words, what is their importance to Columbia County’s ecosystem?

Hakim: Because they move about in the water column, they (turtles) play an important role in the food chain and nutrient cycles - they eat up insects and scavenge detritus from the bottom of ponds, which cleanses the water, and then distribute it as manure in both land and water, which spurs plant growth.

Studies have shown that when turtles live in a wetland, the water becomes cleaner while plants on both land and water become more nutrient-rich.

Unfortunately, turtle populations have not been healthy in Columbia County for a long time. In many parts of the county, their wetlands were drained or made impossible to inhabit. In other spots, their babies got eaten by invasive species like

bullfrogs or they couldn’t dig nests anymore because of invasive plants onshore. We’re surveying turtles because we’re trying to find out where they’ve been able to hang on the best.

The Chief: What kinds of turtles are native to Columbia County?

Hakim: We have two native turtle species - the Western Pond Turtle and the Western Painted Turtle. The painted turtle is recognizable by its yellow-striped head and often has a red bottom to its shell.

It is most common in sloughs and

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Friday, April 29, 2022

Oregon’s rising healthcare costs STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

A new report shows average healthcare costs in Oregon totaled more than 23% of family expenditures in 2019.

The Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Healthcare Cost Growth Target Program report showing impacts of rising healthcare costs on Oregon families and individuals found personal spending for healthcare rose by 34% from 2013 to 2019, outpacing national averages.

Between out-of-pocket costs and rising premiums, high healthcare costs are jeopardizing the financial stability of people in Oregon, as 10% of people in Oregon reported using up all or most of their savings because of medical bills, according to the OHA report.

This report fleshes out with data a troubling picture of the impacts of rising healthcare costs on Oregon families. ~ Jeremy Vandehey, OHA “This report fleshes out with data a troubling picture of the impacts of rising healthcare costs on Oregon families,” OHA Director of the Health Policy and Analytics Division Jeremy Vandehey said. “While we’ve known for a long while that the rate of cost growth was unsustainable, COVID showed us in stark relief how important access to affordable care was to Oregon families.”

According to Vandehey, high costs not only cause poor

health outcomes, but they also do real financial harm to people in Oregon.

“The data in this report reinforces the need in our state for our cost growth target, which aims to limit annual increases in healthcare costs statewide to 3.4% over the next several years,” he said.

“And even as the pandemic destabilized so many things, we still know Oregon families cannot sustain further healthcare cost burdens.”

An illustration of the impacts of the unsustainable healthcare cost that the report quantifies include people: • Delaying care • Unable to pay medical bills in the past year • Experiencing difficulty paying medical bills over time • Using up savings to pay medical bills • Incurring significant medical debt • Declaring bankruptcy A hearing of the Cost Growth Target Committee focused on real stories of people’s struggles with high medical costs, according to an OHA release. Testimony highlighted the difficulties Oregonians face with high medical costs and the resulting life quality impacts.

During the hearing, a small business owner described the business’s high deductible health plan which covers nothing until an $8,000 deductible is met.

“I pay nearly $500/month for what really is catastrophic coverage,” the business owner stated. “I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay out of pocket for all of my healthcare expenses. This is a formidable barrier to healthcare. I find myself “going without” because of the high cost of accessing any type of healthcare.”

“I’m paying the equivalent of another mortgage, without having income other than my fixed retirement that needs to

Metro Creative Connection

Between out-of-pocket costs and rising premiums, high healthcare costs are jeopardizing the financial stability of people in Oregon, according to the OHA report.

last for years,” another person commented at the hearing. “It is also difficult to plan what the amount I will pay for medical care (is) before the deductible is met.”

According to a summary of the report by the OHA: Commercial health insurance premiums in Oregon have increased by 22 percent between 2013 and 2019, for both single and family plans.

In 2019, the average family premium was $19,405 and the average single premium was $6,651. On average, people in Oregon pay between a quarter and a third of their premium costs for family plans, and less than a quarter for single plans; employers pay the rest. However, the employer share of health insurance premiums is often considered part of total compensation and employees often experience these increasing health insurance costs through lower wages.

In addition to paying health insurance premiums, many individuals must also pay a deductible as part of their health insurance plan.

A deductible is the amount that an individual pays for their care before their health

$66M in new SNAP benefits

Metro Creative Connection

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

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in May. The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency.

Because the federal government approved these emergency benefits for May, Oregon will also be able to issue them in June. However, the emergency benefits are expected to end when the federal public health emergency ends.

In May, approximately 406,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $66 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.

“We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Seguin said. “We also know that many Oregonians are

still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

Current SNAP households will receive emergency allotments on May 11.

Emergency allotments will be issued May 28 or June 2 for households who did not receive benefits in the first monthly issuance.

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

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

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

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

Resources to report any changes to your income or household: • Online at: ONE.Oregon. gov • By mail at: ONE

Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309 • By fax at: 503-378-5628 • By phone at: 1-800-6999075 or TTY 711 Resources to help meet basic needs • Find a food pantry at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank. org • Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities at Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon by calling 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.

• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org • Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon. org/find-services/ • Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, childcare, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://www.oregon. gov/dhs/benefits/Pages/index.aspx . For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855673-2372.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

insurance starts to pay. Unlike health insurance premiums, the deductible is only paid when people seek healthcare services. Nine out of 10 people in Oregon with commercial health insurance have a deductible. Between 2013 and 2019, deductibles for commercial insurance family

plans grew by 40 percent to an average of $3,634, and deductibles for single plans grew 51 percent to an average of $1,958.

These cost increases are crowding out other expenses in families’ budgets. Healthcare and health insurance spending represented 23% of all household spending; the next largest household spending category was housing, utilities, and fuels at 19.8%.

“As a state, we’ve made a choice to begin to tackle these rising costs, which are putting pressure on families and are increasingly forcing difficult choices between healthcare and other necessities like housing and food,” Vandehey said. “Given the trends and the dire impacts, we must contain healthcare cost growth in ways that do not impact people’s health, the quality of health services, or exacerbate health inequities.

Working collectively, we can achieve sustainable healthcare costs – so that families can get the care they need and

budget for things other than healthcare.”

For more details and report methodology visit: https://www.oregon.gov/ oha/HPA/HP/Cost%20 Growth%20Target%20 documents/Impact-of-HealthCare-Costs-on-Oregonians. pdf.

Oregon’s Sustainable Healthcare Cost Growth Target Program The Oregon Legislature established the Sustainable Healthcare Cost Growth Target Program in 2019, which sets a statewide target for the annual per person growth rate of total healthcare spending in the state. The program is designed to monitor and publish reports on healthcare cost increases and factors driving these trends.

For more information visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ HPA/HP/Pages/SustainableHealth-Care-Cost-GrowthTarget.aspx.

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Friday, April 29, 2022

$1 billion timber ruling overturned

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Court of Appeals has overturned a $1.1 billion verdict in a case involving 13 counties, taxing districts and the state, County of Linn v.

State of Oregon, over how the state manages timber harvests on state forest lands.

In the decision issued Wednesday, April 27, the court found that Oregon did not violate a state and local agreement over timber harvests when the state balanced the financial benefits of timber production with other benefits like water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities.

“The Court of Appeals decision today is a victory for Oregon’s environment as well as for sound forest management,” Oregon Attorney General Rosenblum said. “The court agreed with the state’s legal position in recognizing that Oregon’s forests serve a full range of environmental, recreational, and economic

TURTLE From Page A1

ponds close to the Columbia River. The pond turtle is a much drabber species, mostly brown. It used to live close to the river like the painted turtle and also inland through the creeks and rivers in the interior county. However, the pond turtle is almost never seen in our county anymore.

The Chief: How long will the survey take, and what will you do with it?

Hakim: We’re planning to run surveys from April through September. If we find turtles on any property, the first thing we do is immediately share the information with the landowner. People are often excited to find out what turtles they have (if they even knew they had turtles) and often ask what they can do to ensure that the turtles can continue to lay their eggs and have babies that will survive. We’re also sharing the information with the Oregon Native Turtle Working Group, and when the project is over, we’re going to publish a report that shows how well both species

Metro Creative Connection

A group of counties originally sued the state in 2016, arguing that the “greatest permanent value” of more than 700,000 acres of state forest land is by maximizing timber production revenue, revenue that by state law gets shared with the counties.

uses that the Department of Forestry has authority to balance in order to secure the greatest value to all Oregonians.”

“In Oregon, we manage our forests not only for the benefit and prosperity of this generation but those to come,” Gov. Kate Brown

said. “Today’s decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals is a validation of the fact that a balanced, science-based approach to public forest management will produce the greatest long-term outcomes for all Oregonians, including the counties and taxing dis-

of turtle are doing in Columbia County.

Aggressive, threatening fraud calls

The Chief: Please explain the training involved in the surveying.

state forests to “secure the greatest permanent value of those lands to the state.”

In 1998, the Board adopted a rule explaining what the “greatest permanent value” of the state forests means, agreeing that the Oregon Department of Forestry would balance multiple

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Hakim: The training is simple - we help people learn how to look at a site and figure out where the turtles will be, how to approach the turtles and get pictures without spooking them, and how to record the data on iNaturalist. The actual surveys begin whenever the weather warms up to 65-75 degrees. Each volunteer picks out their own place to survey, and then they visit the site three times on dates of their own choosing, just so long as the temperature is in the correct range. iNaturalist is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature, according to iNaturalist.org.

94,676,605 observations of 344,034 species have been recorded on iNaturalist to date.

The Vancouver Washington Police Department (VPD) has issued a scam alert concerning a threatening fraud attempt following citizen concerns.

The VPD has received reports that citizens have received a phone call or text from someone claiming that one of their family members or co-workers has been injured and they need to send money, or they will kill the person.

This is a scam, according to (VPD) Facebook post.

“There were no injuries to any of the family mentioned in the calls,” The post reads. “This is a reminder to never send money or disclose personal information over the phone or by text to anyone you don’t know.”

See wildcolumbia.org for more information on the Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians project. To become a volunteer, email to wildcolumbia112@gmail.com.

Earlier this month, The Chief reported that local public utilities were receiving calls from customers concerned about similar threatening phone fraud attempts.

“They told us that some-

•

tricts that receive revenue from state forests. Working together, I am confident the state and the counties can find a sustainable approach to supporting critical services for Oregonians.”

State law has long required the Oregon Board of Forestry to manage the

values and uses of the forests. The rule also said that although environmentally sound timber production was important, it was not exclusive of other uses that provide a full range of social, economic, and environmental benefits to the people of Oregon.

A group of counties originally sued the state in 2016, arguing that the “greatest permanent value” of more than 700,000 acres of state forest land is by maximizing timber production revenue, revenue that by state law gets shared with the counties.

They sought more than a billion dollars in damages based on what they claimed was the difference in how much timber would have been and would in the future be harvested if revenue-maximization was the rule and how much was and was projected to be harvested under the 1998 rule.

A Linn County jury agreed with the counties, and awarded them $1.1 billion, including more than $160 million for attorney fees.

PUD alert

Vancouver Police advise that this latest fraud attempt is threatening.

one is calling them, saying they had 15 minutes to pay the money demanded or their power would be shut off,” Clatskanie PUD’s Sarah Johnson said. “It is very threatening.”

Columbia River PUD’s Kyle Boggs said the scam calls continue to be sophisticated.

“One customer said she was told by the scammer that she’d be transferred to

an automated system where she could punch in her credit card information,” he said.

“Scammers also use Caller ID to their advantage. They have spoofed our name, so that when their call appears on a customer’s phone it shows up as Columbia River PUD from a local phone number.”

Police advise that if you receive an unexpected call demanding immediate pay-

Courtesy from Vancouver Police

ment or personal information, hang up the phone. You can always call the company, agency, or person back at a number that you know to be genuine to verify if you owe money.

If you suspect a scam, but aren’t sure what to do, call your local police or the county sheriff’s office’s nonemergency dispatch and ask to speak with an officer.

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MOTHER’S DAY ACROSS

1. Wild onion 5. Standardized testing acronym 8. Accounting degree 11. Hunted by hunter 12. Don Johnson’s TV role, 1996-2001 13. Run ____ of the law 15. Mercantile establishment 16. Chemistry Nobelist Hahn 17. *Deborah Guarino’s “Is Your Mama a ____?”

18. Manner of controlling yourself 20. Tiny bit 21. Willow twig 22. Nutcracker’s distinguishing feature 23. Like a longer route?

26. German white wine 30. *Mom’s little one 31. Bear the expenses of 34. Knock about 35. Dodge 37. “____ the fields we go” 38. Binary digits code 39. Bear den 40. Northern peat bog 42. Modern address 43. Analyst in a chemical lab 45. Smooth, as in surface of the lake 47. Gangster’s pistol

48. Eyelid infections 50. Wafting emanation 52. *”Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 1” portrays this artist’s mother 55. Evil one 56. Simmering feeling 57. Prepare for publication 59. Give benediction 60. Heston’s foes in 1968 sci-fi movie 61. Boundary 62. Communism or Taoism 63. P in #1 Down 64. Do like a model

DOWN

1. Dashboard acronym 2. Kuwaiti or Saudi 3. *Maman alternative 4. Kaa of “The Jungle Book” 5. French composer Erik Alfred Leslie ____ 6. He made his fortune in fur trading 7. *Jord is mom to this hammer-wielding mythic thunder god 8. Chesterfield or ulster 9. Feline-inspired shoe brand 10. ____ ____ mode 12. Not quite a nun 13. Spy’s cover

14. *Popular Mother’s Day gift 19. Cast somebody there 22. Almond-induced state?

23. Type of monument 24. Pepsi and Coke 25. Tiny purses 26. Actor Wahlberg 27. Loci, sing.

28. #39 Across, pl.

29. *Lorelai Gilmore’s mother 32. *How many children does Queen Elizabeth have?

33. Hi-____ 36. *Daenerys Targaryen’s “babies” 38. End of a shoelace 40. *”How I ____ Your Mother” 41. Knights’ breastplates 44. Gridiron measure, pl.

46. In the Land of Nod 48. Guillermo del Toro’s “The ____ of Water” 49. *Amy Chua’s “Battle Hymn of the ____ Mother” 50. Rembrandt’s paints 51. Regard 52. Sandwich alternative 53. Edible root of taro plant 54. Semis 55. Hoover’s agency 58. Casual attire

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

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Friday, April 29, 2022

•C latskanie G rows • •

Clatskanie Grows: Spring slug management spring through mid-fall.

Breeding takes place now and during cool rain cycles through the growing season. When it gets hot, slugs retreat to places where they won’t dry out like cracks in soil, under boards, or in areas with lots of irrigation, succulent plants, and shade.

Breeding starts again in earnest with the fall rains.

Your job as an alert gardener is reduce numbers of all these species. You can go out to your garden at night with a flashlight or a headlamp (warn your neighbors) to count and/or chop slugs.

It will give you some idea about how many slugs you have. The small ones are far less visible. You need to look for signs around your lettuce and other succulent greens.

The large ones are arrogantly obvious. Get busy.

Natural predators: Garter snakes will eat (very slowly from personal observation) even fairly large slugs. The large black ground beetles that we see in gardens will eat slug eggs and perhaps just hatched slugs. Some native birds may eat slugs, but evidence is sparse except for ducks.

Non-native chickens will also eat slugs and slug eggs.

Baiting: Baits are very effective if used properly.

Read and follow all label instructions. The iron-based baits are effective and less toxic to pets and possibly other animals. The metaldehyde baits are effective and maybe a bit faster acting

CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

Slugs are very active right now. The cool, wet weather is perfect for them. So are the delicious vegetable transplants and/ or seedlings that they will devour with gusto. To make matters worse, slugs are actively breeding in an effort to keep your garden supplied with new slugs from spring through fall. This has to stop.

We have three dominant destructive slug “groups.”

The large brown to orange to red slugs (two species) and the much smaller grey/ brown slug (which we now also have several species).

None of these are native to Oregon or North America.

But they really like our climate. We have had a few small outbreaks of the European garden snail which, can also be a problem.

Our native slugs and snails rarely do any garden damage. Leave them alone.

All the non-native species do significant damage.

The smaller ones are the most active now but are also much harder to control. But the big ones are starting their engines.

Damage is most significant on young seedlings.

Control is mostly done from

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but pose more of a pet risk.

Baiting needs to start early in the spring and be repeated as needed.

Chopping: Slugs hide under boards and other places. When you turn the board over, slugs are revealed. A sharp eye, a sharp hoe or knife, and good reflexes can eliminate a lot of slumbering slugs fast. This is much more effective on the larger species. One rather horrible fact is that uncut slugs will

for an identification.

Drowning in soapy water works but is a little “icky”.

Same with the “drowning in beer” technique (which doesn’t need beer, just water, yeast, and some sugar) in a modestly deep pan that they can crawl into but not easily escape from.

Dowsing: Quite a few gardeners like to sprinkle slugs with salt, ammonia, or a few other products.

This can work but is te-

Clatskanie feed Grows on dious the cut and ones as rarely soon as useful with you leave. the smaller Smashing the slugs.

European Garden Snail Sharp sand surshells (but not our native faces may repel slugs from snails) will work. See picture garden beds until the sand of the non-native one. If you gets “packed”. Light raking think you have some, call me may keep it sharp enough to deter the slugs. Pumice can work. Thin copper strips rarely do (slugs quickly slither or jump over them).

But in general, it is better to eliminate the population rather than sending them to another part of your garden or to your neighbors.

For more technical in-

formation on slugs, you can go to the OSU slug portal: https://agsci.oregonstate. edu/slug-portal There is a lot of information (much of it for farmers who also have major slug problems in some crops) and lots of excellent pictures.

Events

The Columbia County Master Gardeners™ Spring Fair will return after two years. It will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. There will 3,000 tomato plants, peppers, and garden related items by other vendors.

• The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

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

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.

Free newsletter

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.

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.

Important notes

Contact information

• The Oregon State University Extension Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and is located at 505 N. Columbia River Highway in St. Helens.

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

Many Extension publications available online

•V iewpoint • •

‘Wokeism’ run amuck DEBORAH STEELE HAZEN Chief Guest Column

The decision of the Oregon School Athletics Association (OSAA) to place Clatskanie Middle/High School on probation for alleged “racist slurs” during a girls’ basketball game in December despite the lack of evidence and based only on unfounded accusations by the De LaSalle High School community is an appalling example of “wokeism” run amuck.

Film of the game clearly shows that it was a De LaSalle player harassing a Clatskanie player, not the opposite. Two De LaSalle players were oust-

ed from the game because of rough play and bad sportsmanship. There was nothing said about racial slurs at a meeting of coaches and referees immediately following the game, which ended with 30 seconds left on the clock because of the behavior of De LaSalle players. The allegations against the Clatskanie girls team, the winner of three consecutive state championships, didn’t surface until the next day, when a De LaSalle parent went before the TV news cameras.

The De LaSalle community specifically targeted by name one Clatskanie player, who was the victim of reverse racist slurs by a De LaSalle

player, and who subsequently was traumatized by hundreds of “hate” emails containing death threats. Ironically, that player has a mixed-race family heritage.

The Clatskanie community has been slandered and libeled by these false allegations. The decision announced this week by the OSAA amounts to further defamation. The OSAA, the De LaSalle administration and community ought to be ashamed. Our society as a whole needs to be awakened to the truth and to the existence of racism that runs both ways.

Deborah Steele Hazen is a Clatskanie resident.

••C ommunity E vents •• April 29 Judge Grove Retirement The community is invited to attend a retirement celebration for Columbia County Circuit Court Judge Ted Grove. The celebration is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Columbia View Park, 3 Strand Street in St. Helens.

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, pepper plants, 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.

May 10 Clatskanie Bark Dust Sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clatskanie City Park, 300 Park St. in Clatskanie. PreOrder Free delivery at 503-338-8436. This is an annual fundraiser for the Clatskanie Heritage Days

Fourth of July Community Celebration.

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

Ongoing • Lower Columbia River Watershed Council meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday.

Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240 Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

• The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum is open from noon - 4 p.m.

Saturday (except major holidays weekends). It is

located inside Rainier City Hall on the 3rd floor. Go in side entrance and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.

For more information, all 360-751-7039.

Weekly Online Poll Do you think the OSAA’s investigation into the Clatskanie Middle/High School girls basketball game was fair?

Yes

• Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

No

Have you checked to make sure you are registered to vote in the May 17 Primary Election?

76.5% Yes 23.5% No

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

• Rainier City Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• 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 Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

No more than six patrons will be allowed inside the library at any given time.

Last Week’s Results

•

•V oices

Not allowed to vote Oregon law stipulates that parties conduct closed primaries, meaning only registered party members can participate in a political party’s primary election.

In January 2016 Oregon enacted the Oregon Motor Voter law in which all residents who obtain or renew an Oregon Drivers License or Identification Card are automatically registered to

of the

C ommunity • •

vote. Those not choosing a political party are automatically registered as a Non Affiliated Voter.

Over time, those not interested in the political process or dissatisfied with the extreme politics of the main parties have become the majority. The Oregon Secretary of State’s April 2022 report shows that 1,027,139 are Non Affiliated while only 1,018,350 are Democrats and 725,055 are Republicans.

My question of the week: why are the majority of

Oregon taxpayers paying for a primary election in which they are not allowed to vote?

This year Alaska is implementing a 4-tier rating open primary system in which all the candidates are on the same ballot and all the voters get to vote. During the primary the least favorite are eliminated, and then the next until the winner has more than 50% of the vote. Maybe it’s something to consider.

Joe Turner Columbia City

The Chief

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

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

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

Marketplace

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

Just call 503-397-0116

Listings are updated daily at www.thechiefnews.com

502

502

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702

Help Wanted

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Help Wanted

Garage Sales

Assistant or Associate Planner Columbia County, OR. EOE Deadline 5/25/2022. Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov

Landscape and maintenance crew The Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is looking for seasonal parttime landscape and maintenance crew member(s).

Must be at least 18 years of age and able to pass a background check.

Duties are, but not limited to; mowing, landscape maintenance, trimming and general park maintenance and

upkeep.

May through September: 25-30 hours per week (approximate) You can download an application from our website: clatskanieparkandrecreation.com Or you can contact Cyndi Warren @ csp@ cni.net or by phone at 208-249-7144 to request an application. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on Wednesday, May 18th.

Pop-Up Sale Follow signs, Hwy 30 up Nicolai Rd 2 miles to Beaver Homes Rd, 1 mile, you are there. We have toaster ovens, motorcycle bags, table saw, dishes, home made items, tie blankets and lots more! So come and see us. May 13 & 14 from 9-4. 31340 Beaver Homes Rd.

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

Advertise in The Chief newspaper and online Email Katherine at chronicleads@countrymedia.net.

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

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www.thechiefnews.com Daily local news, events, and alerts

Call

The chief at 503-397-0116 to place your ad today!

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC22-1621

CC22-1616

NOTICE OF BUDGET MEETING NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A budget meeting of the Budget Committee of REDCO – www.redco-or. org, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 will be held at Rainier City Hall, 106 West B Street, Rainier, OR 97048.

The meeting will take place on May 16th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place.

Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 9, 2022 at 106 West B Street, Rainier, OR between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

CC22-1622

NOTICE OF BUDGET MEETING A budget meeting of the Budget Committee of the City of Rainier, www. cityofrainier.com, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 will be held at Rainier City Hall, 106 West B Street, Rainier, OR

97048. The meeting will take place on May 16th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place.

Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 9, 2022 at 106 West B Street, Rainier, OR between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

CC22-1625

NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETING The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, May 4th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom of the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). Agenda items include but are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the April 6th, 2022 regular meeting, a presentation from the Clatskanie PUD on street light upgrades, a presentation from Columbia County

Health and Erik Davis of Stimson Lumber will discuss the States’ Habitat Conservation Plan impact. An updated meeting agenda will be available on the website and at City Hall by April 29th, 2022. The Zoom meeting access will be posted on the city website, cityofclatskanie. com. Please call City Hall at 503-728-2622 at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance. The Council will

also conduct an Executive Session and return to regular session following. Following the regular meeting, the Clatskanie City Council will meet for: Executive Session per ORS 192.660 (b); To consider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent who does not request an open hearing.

CC22-1623

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LANDOWNERS OF THE WOODSON DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, INC. Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the Landowners and Board Members of the Woodson Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, May 10th,

2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Poplar Tree Nursery Office at 91151 Old Mill Town Rd in Westport, OR. Notice is further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the owner. The meeting is to elect a direc-

tor, adopt a budget, and any other business that comes before the landowners.

Dated this 26th day of April 2022. Andrew Warnock, President, Woodson Drainage Improvement District, Inc.

CC22-1624

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LANDOWNERS OF THE WESTLAND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT COMPANY, INC Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the Landowners and Board Members of the Westland Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at

1:00 p.m. at the Poplar Tree Nursery Office 91151 Old Mill Town Rd in Westport, OR. Notice is further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the owner. The meeting is to elect a director, adopt

a budget, and any other business that comes before the landowners. Dated this 26th day of May 2022. John Karamanos IV, President Westland Drainage Improvement Company, Inc. Board of Directors

CC22-1626

NOTICE OF SESSION BOARD MEETING The Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold an Executive Session Board meeting, Tuesday, May 3rd, 7:15 p.m.

at the District Office, located at 660 SW Bryant St. ORS 192.660(2i): To review and evaluate the employmentrelated performance of the

chief executive officer of any public body, a public officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing.

A public meeting of the Columbia County 4-H and Extension Service District, Columbia County, State of Oregon to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 will be held on Thursday, May 12th, 2022 at 10:15 am at the Courthouse, Room 310, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to

receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place.

Any person may attend to ask questions or comment on the budget document. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 12th, 2022 at https://extension. oregonstate.edu/ columbia or email chip.

bubl@oregonstate.edu or call 503 397-3462 and leave a message to have a copy sent. Notice: The meeting will be conducted in person and digitally over Go To Meeting: https://meet.goto. com/289007645 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 289007-645. Information about the hearing process will be placed on the Extension Service web-site above.

CC22-1617

IN THE CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of JAMES H. RINCK, SR., Deceased. No. 22PB02911 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 required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published April 22, 2022. Valancia E. Watkins, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D PETERSEN, L.L.C., Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

CC22-1618

NOTICE OF PUBLIC 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, 2022 to June 30, 2023 will be held at City Hall, 75 S Nehalem St., Suite D. The meeting will take place on May 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom.

The purpose of the meet-

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 29, 2022 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 5, 2022 to make arrangements.

For more information visit the city website at www. cityofclatskanie.com.

CC22-1619

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE The Budget Committee of the City of Clatskanie will hold a Public Hearing at City Hall on May 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom, regarding the

proposed use of approximately $20,000 in State Revenue Sharing Funds in the fiscal year 2022-23 budget. A link to attend the meeting on Zoom will be

posted on the website at www.cityofclatskanie.com.

Any person having special needs should contact the City Manager by May 5, 2022.

CC22-1613

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of PEGGY J. JOHNSON, Deceased. No. 22PB01975 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 required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published April 15, 2022. Ernie Johnson, Personal Representative.

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

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Public Notices CC22-1602

REFERENCE IS MADE TO TRUST DEED made by, JEFFREY J. MOBERLY AND LAURA A. MOBERLY, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, JEFFREY J. MOBERLY AND LAURA A. MOBERLY, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY 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 DELAWARE 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 PUMPHOUSE 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 SOUTHWEST 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, ORE-GON; 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 THEREOF; SAID POINT ALSO BEING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PARCEL 2 OF SAID GALLENTINE TRACT; THENCE CONTINUING 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 FORECLOSURE 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 Trustee 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 execution 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 de-fault 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 methamphetamines, 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

CC22-1614

TS No. OR07000022-21-1 APN 011482 TO No 210502829-OR-MSI TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, DONALD EMERY as Grantor to FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE COMPANY OF OREGON, AN OREGON CORPORATION as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for AMERICAN ADVISORS GROUP, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and as-signs, dated as of July 18, 2019 and recorded on August 5, 2019 as Instrument No. 2019-06202 and the beneficial interest was assigned to REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC and recorded January 26, 2022 as Instrument Number 202200693 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 011482 PARCEL 1: A PARCEL OF LAND BEING AND LYING IN THE FRANCIS PERRY DONATION LAND CLAIM IN SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, AND SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 5, RANGE 1 WEST OF THE WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF THE ANGELO PASERO PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED IN DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 20 PAGE 84, DEED RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON; SAID POINT BEING WEST 833.9 FEET AND NORTH 09 DEGS. 05` WEST 819.5 FEET FROM THE SOUTH-

EAST CORNER OF THE FRANCIS PERRY DONATION LAND CLAIM IN SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST OF THE WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA AND STATE OF OREGON; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGS. 15` WEST A DISTANCE OF 244.1 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEGS. 45` WEST A DISTANCE OF 213.0 FEET; THENCE EASTERLY TO A POINT ON THE SAID WESTERLY LINE OF THE SAID ANGELO PASERO PROPERTY, THAT IS SOUTH 09 DEGS. 05` EAST 136.90 FEET FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 09 DEGS. 05` WEST A DISTANCE OF 136.90 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. EXCEPTING THEREFROM THAT PORTION CONVEYED TO DAVID V. OLIVER AND SHARON A. OLIVER, IN DEED RECORDED APRIL 2, 1998, AS FEE NUMBER 98-03489, DEED RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. PARCEL 2: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF THE ANGELO PASERO TRACT AS DESCRIBED IN BOOK 20, PAGE 84, DEED RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON, SAID POINT BEING WEST 833.9 FEET AND NORTH 09 DEGS. 05` 00” WEST 682.59 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE FRANCIS PERRY DONATION LAND CLAIM IN SECTION 5, TOWR SHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, COLUMBIA

COUNTY, OREGON, SAID POINT ALSO BEING IN THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE GARY R. ESHELBY AND PAULA J. ESHELBY TRACT AS DESCRIBED IN INSTRUMENT NO. 97-13249, CLERKS RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON; THENCE SOUTH 75 DEGS. 31` 17” WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID ESHELBY TRACT A DISTANCE OF 168.89 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED TRACT; THENCE CONTINUING SOUTH 75 DEGS. 31` 17” WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID ESHELBY TRACT A DISTANCE OF 112.14 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; SAID POINT ALSO BEING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PARCEL 1 OF THE DAVID V. OLIVER AND SHARON A. OLIVER TRACT AS DESCRIBED IN INSTRUMENT NO. 91-5291, CLERKS RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGS. 15` 00” EAST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF PARCEL 1 OF SAID OLIVER TRACT, A DISTANCE OF 1.05 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PARCEL 2 OF SAID OLIVER TRACT, THENCE SOUTH 00 DEG. 26` 51” EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF PARCEL 2 OF SAID OLIVER TRACT, A DISTANCE OF 15.70 FEET; THENCE NORTH 86 DEGS. 59` 53” EAST A DISTANCE OF 107.56 FEET; THENCE NORTH A DISTANCE OF 38.13 FEET

TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO A NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHT OF WAY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING TEN FEET ON EACH SIDE OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED CENTERLINE: BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID PERRY DONATION LAND CLAIM, WHICH IS WEST 1281 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID PERRY DONATION LAND CLAIM IN SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA AND STATE OF OREGON; THENCE NORTH PARALLELING THE WEST LINE OF THE EDMOND BLANCHETTE PROPERTY, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED FROM GEORGE W. PERRY AND WIFE, RECORD AUGUST 7, 1942, IN BOOK 70, PAGE 496 OF DEED RECORDS, 825.1 FEET Commonly known as: 59974 BONNEY LN, SAINT HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Beneficiary, Reverse Mortgage Funding, LLC, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, 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: Failed to pay the principal balance which became all due and payable based upon the failure to pay taxes and/or insurance, pursuant to paragraph 7(C)

(III) under the Note, and pursuant to paragraph 10(C) (III) of the Deed of Trust. By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $0.00 together with interest thereon from November 21, 2020 until paid; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed.

Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on August 16, 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 execution 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 methamphetamines, 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 31,2022 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Order Number 81620, Pub Dates: 4/29/2022, 5/6/2022, 5/13/2022, 5/20/2022, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

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Friday, April 29, 2022

Wildfires and public utilities STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved the 2022 Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) for PacifiCorp, Portland General Electric (PGE), and Idaho Power and recommended the utilities collaborate with PUC staff to improve the information to be included in their 2023 plans.

Idaho Power’s 2022 plan was approved with conditions, requiring a compliance filing to address identified deficiencies in their plan by June 28, 2022. The WMPs are the first to be filed since Senate Bill 762 passed during the 2021 legislative session.

Senate Bill 762 established formal standards for electric utility wildfire mitigation plans, including the information utilities are required to include in their plans.

Plans must include identification of high-risk areas within the utility’s service territory and actions to minimize those risks, as well as protocols for implementing public safety power shutoffs.

Utilities also need to describe

•

how they determined which risk reduction strategies to pursue. The bill required the three investor-owned utilities to submit their plans to the PUC by the end of 2021 and the PUC to approve them within 180 days after their submission.

PacifiCorp, PGE and Idaho Power all filed their WMPs on December 30, 2021, as required by the bill.

PUC staff and an independent evaluator reviewed each plan to ensure they met the statutory requirements established in the bill and to make recommendations to continue evolving the plans to further address future risk.

Both PacifiCorp and PGE’s plans met the requirements, leading to an approval by all three Commissioners of their WMPs and instruction to work with the PUC and interested stakeholders to address recommendations made by the PUC in their 2023 plans. Plans must be updated and filed annually with the PUC no later than December 15, going forward.

Idaho Power’s WMP was also approved, but with conditions by the PUC. Idaho Power was directed to resubmit their WMP by June 28, 2022 with an explanation

ment leadership from various agencies to share perspectives and approaches to the changing wildfire risk and its impacts on the utilities, their customers, and the communities they serve,” PUC Commissioner Letha Tawney said. “That collaboration complements these written plans, enabling rapid peer-topeer learning across Oregon between planning cycles.”

The 2022 Wildfire Mitigation Plans for PacifiCorp, PGE, and Idaho Power are available online.

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The wildfire mitigation plans must include identification of high-risk areas within the utility’s service territory, actions to minimize those risks, and protocols for implementing public safety power shutoffs.

of their cost/risk mitigation assumptions and analysis that was completed but not described in their 2022 plan, their strategy to address these gaps in their 2023 plan, additional data relating to specific risk areas in their Oregon service territory, as well as projects to be pursued in Oregon, and the costs associated with those projects.

Idaho Power was also instructed to work with the PUC and interested stakeholders to ensure they address recommendations made

by the PUC in their 2023 plans due December 15.

“Although some of Oregon’s regulated utilities have been developing wildfire mitigation plans for years and reporting to the PUC informally, this is the first formal filing to the Oregon PUC,” PUC Chair Megan Decker said. “We recognize the enormous progress Oregon utilities have made and largely approved the plans, but also acknowledge that they need to continue to improve and adapt to meet the needs of communities and

keep pace with the changing risks.”

Prior to the passage of Senate Bill 762, Governor Brown’s Executive Order 20-04 directed the PUC to formally evaluate wildfire protection plans and activities of regulated electric utilities to improve safety, reduce risks, and promote electric system resilience.

“The PUC launched the Oregon Wildfire and Electric Collaborative to facilitate conversations between all electric utilities across the state, experts, and govern-

The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including PGE, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregon utility customers have access to safe, reliable, and high quality utility services at just and reasonable rates.

For more information about the PUC, visit oregon. gov/puc.

China’s COVID cases impact pump prices

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the April 22, 2022 crossword puzzle

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The recent dip in gas prices has reversed as crude oil prices remain stubbornly elevated, according to the latest American Automobile Association (AAA) price survey.

Upward pricing pressure on concerns that less Russian oil will enter the global market is countered by fears of a COVID-induced economic slowdown in China, the world’s leading oil consumer.

These opposing forces are causing the oil price to remain near $100 per barrel.

For the week, the national average for regular adds three cents to $4.13 a gallon. The Oregon average holds steady at $4.67. Prices in Columbia County remain a few cents higher than the state average.

“Pump prices will struggle to fall as long as the price of oil remains elevated.

While pump prices have slipped from record highs set in March, consumers shouldn’t expect any dramatic drops this spring,” Oregon/ Idaho AAA Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said.

The national and Oregon averages are both a bit lower than their record highs set last month. The national average peaked at $4.331 on March 11 while the Oregon average peaked at $4.739 on March 11. These prices eclipse the old record highs set in 2008 when the national average peaked at $4.11 on July 17, and the Oregon average peaked at $4.29 on July 3.

On average, about 53% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price

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H ome & G arden S how

Friday, April 29, 2022

snapsots Photos by Zoe Gottlieb, Kelli Nicholson and Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The 2022 Columbia County Home & Garden Show drew hundreds of adults and children Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24. Dozens of vendors displayed and sold their products. The Chief and The Chronicle presented the show sponsored by InRoads Credit Union. The event was held at the county fairground’s pavilion in St. Helens. See more photos with this story at thechiefnews.com.

4 teens rescued in 2 separate coast events JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

First responders are urging anyone from Columbia County and across the state heading for the Oregon Coast to be aware of the dangers.

Since this past weekend, four teens have been rescued

by Coast Guard helicopters in two separate incidents along the North Oregon Coast.

The latest rescue oc-

•

curred Monday, April 25, from a coastal cliff in Manzanita.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received an initial request for assistance from Tillamook County dispatch at approximately 7:22 p.m. that two hikers reportedly became stranded by the rising tide after venturing down from a higher, roadside vantage point.

A Sector Columbia River MH-60 Jayhawk helicop-

ter aircrew diverted from a training mission to respond and arrived on scene at 7:44 p.m. A Tillamook Bay Fire Department high-angle rescue team, Manzanita Police and other first responders arrived on scene first and assisted in locating the hikers.

A Coast Guard rescue swimmer was lowered from the helicopter and completed hoisting the hikers at 8:30 p.m.

The aircrew transported the two from their stranded

•O bituaries • • Marie J. Bellingham

Aug. 26, 1923 ~ May 14, 2022 Marie J. Bellingham, 98, a lifelong native of Birkenfeld, Oregon, died Saturday evening, April 16, 2022 at the Walker House Adult Foster Care Home in Longview, Washington.

A celebration of life service will be held at noon on May 14, 2022 at the Birkenfeld Community Church, 11249 Highway 202 in Birkenfeld, with Dan Cano officiating.

Marie Julie Bellingham was born Aug. 26, 1923, in Birkenfeld, Oregon, the daughter of the late Leonard Richardson and Elsa (Birkenfeld) Richardson. She was raised and received her education in the Birkenfeld community, having been a graduate of Winema High School Class of 1940.

She was united in marriage to Arthur Guy “Art” Bellingham on March 5, 1941 in Vancouver, Washington.

Following their marriage, they resided in the communities of Hood River, Albany, and Scio. When Arthur returned from WWII, they returned to the Birkenfeld community in 1947, where she had resided since.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Art on Dec. 15, 2015, after celebrating over seventy-five years of marriage together.

They co-owned and operated the Birkenfeld Country Store and Post Office from 1947 to 1964. Marie later

served as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Vernonia, from 1966 to 1985, when she retired.

Marie and Arthur were active members of the Birkenfeld Community Church, as well as members of Flying Farmers traveling to Australia and New Zealand.

Among her special interests, she enjoyed gardening, fishing, clamming, league bowling in Vernonia and traveling. They wintered in Yuma, Arizona and Palm Springs, California for thirteen years. Marie and Art also enjoyed cruising, including the last Panama Canal Cruise in 1999, before the United States relinquished ownership of the Panama Canal to the Central American country of Panama.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Elsa Richardson; and her brother George L. Richardson.

Survivors include her two sons, Douglas Bellingham of Birkenfeld, Oregon and James Bellingham and his wife Cherie of Birkenfeld, Oregon; daughter-in-law Diana Dair Meyer of Freeport, Florida; three grandchildren and their spouses, Derek and Deanna Bellingham of Kirkland, Washington, Dia Layo of Roseville, California, and Christine and Todd Wilkinson of Horton, Oregon; seven great-grandchildren and their spouses, Dylan Bellingham of Kirkland, Washington, Dr. Khloe and Brandon Kaufmann of Reno, Nevada, Madisyn Layo of San Francisco, California, Cooper Layo of Roseville, California, Rebecca Wilkinson of Portland, Oregon, Ciara and Zack Clark of Horton, Oregon, and Hayden and Ashley Wilkinson of Horton, Oregon; six greatgreat-grandchildren, Eljin Song, Elizabeth and Jackson Clark, and Aria and Oliver Wilkinson, and Paisley Kaufman; nephews, Joe Richardson, Monte Bellingham, Marty Bellingham, Kyle Trenholm, Loren Trenholm, Greg Bellingham, Brad Bellingham, Jeff Bellingham, and Ross Bellingham; and nieces, April Viet, Sandy Taylor, Sherel Stosik, and Teri Holm.

To sign the online guest book or to send a condolence to the family go to www. fuitenrosehoyt.com.

Richard Roberts

June 5, 1955 ~ April 13, 2022

Richard Roberts 66, of Longview, Washington, passed away April 13, 2022 in Longview, Washington.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

position to awaiting emergency medical personnel at nearby Neahkahnie Beach.

No injuries or medical concerns were reported.

In another rescue, two teens had been swept into the ocean from the rocks along Depoe Bay Saturday.

As the tide increased a witness spotted the two teens in trouble and called 9-1-1.

The Coast Guard responded to the scene and was able to use a helicopter to rescue the two teens.

First responders urge beach visitors to avoid taking any unnecessary risks while along the coastline and to be especially mindful of steep cliffs and the timing of high tides.

Courtesy from Cannon Beach Fire & Rescue

A Coast Guard helicopter moves close in to the rescue site with a crew member on the side of the craft.