TCC55

2023•

A closer look at the proposed Sheriff’s Levy

The $7.9M 4-year Columbia County Sheriff’s Levy Mea sure 5-290 proposed by Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley will add seven new sheriff’s deputies.

The new tax to support the levy would be 29 cents per $1,000 in assessed value. This means a home taxed on a $400,000 assessed value would add $116 to its yearly property tax bill.

City council supports levy

Both the Clatskanie and The Rainier City Councils voted to sup port the levy on May 1, following a presentation by Sheriff Pixley.

At a work session on April 19, the St. Helens City Council decided not to publicly support the sheriff’s levy. St. Helens has a city police department offering 24-hour cover age within the city limits. The council members’ consensus was that they did not feel they could ask city residents to pay more without more information about the measure.

“I’m a little bit uncomfortable with the levy because I haven’t looked at their finances; I know they’ve been struggling for years now to have 24-hour service; I’m surprised it wasn’t campaigned better,” Mayor Rick Scholl said at the meeting on the 19th. “I wish there would have been more campaigning done at the county level, and there would have been more of an open transparency to their budget needs for the levy. And I have not seen enough there.”

On May 4, the St. Helens City Council heard a presentation from Sheriff Pixley about the levy at their work session. At the conclusion of the presentation, the council discussed their concerns over the measure with Pixley.

St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl began by raising issues of the county commissioners’ budget, saying that he had been unable to review that information to do “due diligence” about the fiscal need for the levy. Scholl then asked Pixley whether he had been guaranteeing student resource officers in schools in the county. Pixley said that notion is “absolutely preposterous” and that he has only had preliminary discussions

with school districts about what the process of getting School Resource Officers would look like.

Council President Jessica Chilton raised the question of how the success of the levy will be measured. Pixley said it would ultimately come down to the voters. Pixley also denoted that there will not be “overnight success” because the process of getting officers trained and out in the county could take up to a year and a half.

Councilor Patrick Birkle raised the concern of compression due to passing multiple levies and whether the sheriff’s levy would put the county past the compression threshold. Ultimately, it was decided that an assessor would be needed to analyze how close the levy would take the county to the compression point. The council had concerns about what the burden of this levy, in addition to potential future levies, could have.

Councilors Mark Gundersen, Brandon Sundeen, and Birkle expressed that they would support the levy as county members but said they would leave the decision up to the voters. Mayor Scholl emphasized his concerns with the budget.

“I’m more so challenging the budget and the fiscal means, and the campaign that was behind it in order to get where we are,” Scholl said. “And I hope that anybody in opposition or in favor of this can at least appreciate my asking about fiscal responsibility of our tax dollars.”

At the regular council session on May 4, the council voted on whether they would support the sheriff’s levy. Councilor Birkle motioned to approve a letter of support for the levy, and Councilor Sundeen seconded it. Scholl reiterated the comments he made at the April 19 meeting when the council did not support the measure.

Councilors Birkle, Sundeen, and Gundersen said they felt the pros of the levy outweighed the cons. Sundeen, Gundersen, and Birkle all voted in favor, while the mayor voted no. Councilor Chilton was not present at the meeting. When The Chief asked Pixley why the people of St. Helens should vote yes on the levy when they already receive 24-hour coverage,

Pixley said it would be a proactive approach to stopping crime.

“What the need is is we do help St. Helens with cover requests. There have been times where St. Helens has been tied up, so we have handled calls for the city of St. Helens,” Pixley said. “I’m a big proponent of whatever happens in the county comes to the cities. So if we can provide proactive patrols around St. Helens, or around Scappoose, or around any other city, that is going to inherently, I think, lessen the crime rates within the cities as well.”

Why now?

The current base tax rate for county operations is $1.39 per $1,000. Pixley wants to retain the base tax, allowing the levy to supplement the existing tax revenue. County residents already pay another Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) levy which funds jail operations at 58 cents per $1,000 in assessed value. This means that taxpayers would pay around 87 cents per $1,000 on both levies.

The proposed measure has been long overdue, Pixley said, because the CCSO has been understaffed and underfunded since he became sheriff in 2019. Pixley said he has been petitioning the county commissioners each year for enhanced staffing and has sought the levy because the commissioners have not made the needed funds available year after year.

“I’ve been making pleas to them,” Pixley said. “Multiple pleas since 2019 to enhance our staffing. I ask them for two additional positions

See LEVY Page A3

State investigates County GOP fundraisers

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Apair of fundraisers by the Columbia County Republican Central Committee is under state review after the events appear to flout Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) regulations.

According to a report by the Oregonian, the fundraisers featured auctions on rare bottles of whiskey, including Pappy Van Winkle. These events were called ‘Bourbon in the Barn’ by the organizers, and the Oregonian report suggests that they may have violated state regulations

in a variety of ways.

The Oregonian report states that Columbia County Republican Central Committee Chair Traci Brumbles owns Rainier Liquor Store and may have had access to the rare alcohol and used the bottles for the fundraiser without placing the alcohol on the shelf for customers. While state policies don’t prohibit liquor store owners from purchasing items in their inventory, they are required to sell limitedsupply liquor immediately upon acquiring it. The fundraisers are now part of a “broad criminal investigation” by the OLCC, according to the Oregonian.

This development comes after an internal investigation last year at the OLCC revealed that top employees used their access to the state’s liquor supply to keep some of the rare bourbons for themselves. Following that investigation, the executive director of the OLCC Steve Marks, resigned.

In their most recent article, the Oregonian noted that Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley had attended one of the fundraisers in March of 2022. In the months after the event, the article says that Pixley received $3,750 in campaign donations from the Republican committee.

When asked about the event by The Chief, Pixley offered the following response:

“As a private citizen, I attended a fundraiser called Bourbon in the Barn in 2022. At a later date, the Republican Committee decided to support my re-election campaign. The two events are unrelated,” Pixley said. “Regarding the organizers allegedly not being compliant with OLCC regulations, I will have to defer to OLCC and event organizers.”

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

Student Council recognized with Gold Council Award

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Association of Student Councils (OASC).

able leadership and professional skills that they can take with them outside of school.

About the Oregon Association of Student Councils

C

latskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) is one of 22 high schools and four middle schools in the state receiving recognition as a high achieving leadership program.

CMHS has receive a Gold Council Award by the Oregon

The award, sponsored by OASC, sets high standards for student councils and leadership programs, and honors them if they can reach or exceed these goals.

How the leadership programs work

The leadership programs begin by setting goals in the fall and actively participate in leadership activities and events throughout the year.

In order to receive the award, programs must create and encourage activities that promote inclusivity among all students at the school and provide a series of events that include a variety of different areas/disciplines in the school. Along with involvement in the school, they must also demonstrate that they are gaining valu-

“One of the most important lessons we’ve learned supporting our youth leaders is that leadership is not an exclusive attribute–our student leaders are in every corner of Oregon’s schools,” OASC Executive Director Miles Palacios said. “They directly affect the climate and culture of their schools, often extending their influence into the community and beyond. The programs awarded this level of recognition have exhibited how their student leaders show an incredible level of commitment to servant leadership. They have included their peers in school activities, developed and implemented impactful events for their community, and maintained a positive and creative approach to improving their school environment.”

The OASC founded in 1949 and sponsored by The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) and the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA).

The nonprofit serves middle and high school students and advisers from around the state. They provide conferences, workshops, online newsletters and summer leadership camps designed to heighten student leadership development and improve school culture.

In the last few years, OASC has also added a Capitol Ambassador program and has begun organizing with affinity groups. The association is guided by their mission statement: Committed to leadership development with a vision for service, involvement and action.

Conference May 1.

Courtesy photo

The award to Clatskanie Middle/High School was presented during the OASC Spring Leadership

The award, sponsored by the Oregon Association of Student Councils (OASC), sets high standards for student councils and leadership programs, and honors them if they can reach or exceed these goals.

Courtesy photo

Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc.

Voters are being asked to approve the $7,999,685 Sheriff’s Levy in the May 16 election.

CRFR Board orders internal audit

The turmoil at the Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) district continues to unfold as the CRFR board of directors approved a forensic audit of the district’s finances by a certified public accountant.

The district’s attorney, Akin Blitz of Bullard Law, brought documents before the board at an emergency board meeting on April 28 that included an engagement letter for legal services of Bullard Law to address issues facing the district and a litigation services engagement agreement between Bullard Law and accounting firm Merina+Company. Fire Chief Joel Medina requested Blitz’s services.

These documents were presented to the board in the interest of beginning an investigation into financial abnormalities raised by former employees and the local firefighters union against Medina, as well as investigating financial misdoings that Medina believes took place at the district before he arrived by current and past employees.

Blitz said that the audit he would direct would seek the truth between the oppos-

ing views of those who filed the civil lawsuit and the local union and the chief’s findings. The board voted unanimously to allow Blitz to hire an independent CPA to audit the district’s finances.

“The outcome of that will be, with respect to all of the financial concerns that are being raised by the chiefs, there will be clarity. Numbers like physics tend to be fairly objective,” Blitz said. “So there’s not going to be shades of grey, and there’s not going to be any subjective interpretation, such as what we’re seeing in the civil complaint that was recently filed in circuit court, and some of the union points of view that have been articulated on social media and other places.”

This motion comes amid ongoing controversy at the fire district. A civil lawsuit was filed against the CRFR and Chief Medina on April 7 by former employees Anika Todd and Jennifer Motherway, alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. A third employee, Monica Cade, joined the lawsuit on the same day as the CRFR emergency board meeting.

On April 10, the St. Helens Professional Fire Fighters

Association, IAFF Local 3125, delivered a unanimous vote of no confidence in Chief Medina, and asked the board to remove him, partly due to their view that he was mismanaging district funds.

~ Mark Kreutzer, CRFR Board Member

In a regular board meeting on April 11, Medina stated that he had presented documents to Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier that showed financial irregularities on the part of current and past employees and their family members before his arrival. Medina announced that Auxier is investigating these irregularities.

“Back in February, I took all the information and all the documents to the Columbia County District Attorney. The Columbia County District Attorney we have met with them three times already. He has found that the information

in the documents that we gave him were not just credible but had merit, to the degree that he believes there are serious, serious things going on,” Medina said at the meeting.

During the emergency meeting on April 28, the board also discussed placing Medina on administrative leave. Board member Kelly Niles raised this notion. Niles equated putting the chief on leave to a police officer being put on leave following an officer-involved shooting. He referred to a past investigation within the district related to former CRFR division chief Ron Youngberg being put on administrative leave. Youngberg was investigated for policy violations and harassment but retired in 2016 before disciplinary action resulting from the investigation was taken.

Board President Hans Feige and board members Gary Hudson and Mark Kreutzer disagreed with the motion to place Medina on leave. Blitz also contributed that he did not believe an administrative leave would be necessary.

“The charges that are made in the circuit court complaint, and the allegations that were otherwise directed at the chief, have been investigated either by this board or an outside

investigator, and those investigations and determinations are over,” Blitz said. “What we’re dealing with today is an audit based on circumstances which Chief Medina has brought forward, dealing with his concerns and considerations about public funds and public moneys. Most of which, if true, occurred before he got here.”

Blitz said that this isn’t a situation where the district is presented with any greater risk by the chief continuing on in his current position. Kreutzer said putting Medina on administrative leave would be “premature.” He also said that the district is being put in a bind by the investigation being conducted by the District Attorney.

“This board is pretty well handcuffed in what we can say about these investigations that are ongoing. You know, we’ve been told by the District Attorney, ‘Please don’t say anything to disrupt the investigation,’” Kreutzer said. “I understand that; I agree with it. Unfortunately, members of the community don’t necessarily understand that, and they think we’re just hiding stuff.”

There is no current timetable on when the forensic audit will be complete, but Akin said that Merina+Company

could be in St. Helens as early as Monday, May 1.

Grievance meeting

The CRFR board of directors held a special meeting Monday, May 1, to address a grievance filed by the firefighters union, which relates to a dispute on the agreed wages for firefighters and firefighterparamedics at CRFR.

The meeting lasted just under an hour, with the board resolving to begin exploring avenues toward arbitration.

The union is basing its argument on an appendix that outlines the pay that union members would receive, while the board says they signed the contract based on the written component of the agreement.

As a result of the miscommunication, the union said its members have been garnished wages they believe they’re entitled to under the contract.

The board says it was basing its pay on the written component of the contract, not on the appendix. Both the board and the union are seeking ways to resolve the dispute.

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

Rainier School District seeking bond

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

The Rainier School District (RSD) is asking voters to consider a $49.4 million bond on the May 16 ballot. The bond would cover necessary improvements to the existing facilities, removal of modular buildings, and the addition of a new elementary school which would provide learning spaces that can accommodate all students.

The projects main areas of focus are the addition of a new elementary school which will allow the current Hudson Park Elementary School to be updated to serve students in middle school, student services departments, the community health center, and other

programs, according to Rainier School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick.

“The bond is the culmination of nearly two years of study and review of our facilities,” Hattrick said. “Additionally, the bond would address the most critical of the issues that have been identified by our school and community including providing unique learning spaces for students in elementary, middle school, and high school. It would also address critical safety improvements to the campus, improve exteriors, upgrade mechanical systems, perform site improvements, enhance Career-Technical Education (CTE) options, and would remove all twelve modular classrooms, placing all students inside the walls of

a caring, learning environment.

“The students of our district need our community to come together to support their education” RSD Zone 1 Director Elizabeth Richardson said. “The passage of this bond is crucial to providing our students a safer environment conducive to a quality education. School Districts in Oregon are not provided funding for capital improvements and this bond measure is a critical step in making necessary improvements to programs and facilities”

With the passage of this bond, the Rainier School District would also receive a $4 million matching grant provided by the Oregon Department of Education.

“This is an exciting

time for the Rainier School District” RSD Zone 6 Board Member Dr. Elaine Placido said. “Over the past few years we have seen a great deal of effort placed on improving the programs and conditions for students to learn. The bond, while a big ask to the community, is our opportunity to show our students that they are important, they matter, and that this community stands behind our kids!”

“Education is the pathway to a better future for our kids,” Rainier School Board Vice Chair Christina Hendricks said. “The Bond would provide necessary funding to construct an Elementary School, create a Jr. High School, refurbish the High School, expand trade course’s, provide

a security system and an opportunity for growth in a safe modern classroom environment. In 1978 voters approved a Bond to construct the Rainier School District Campus. My family benefited from previous generation’s support to provide New Schools. Let’s join together as a community so that K-12 can have the opportunity to learn in a modern teaching environment built and refurbished with age groups in mind. I understand the price tag is high, but it will never be lower, and this is an issue that is not going to go away. Let’s be proactive and vote yes so future generations will thank us 40 years down the road!”

“From the time I became part of the Rainier School District 20 years ago, I have

Jane 53. Summit location

Like tuna tartare

*Rory Gilmore’s mom

*Hilary and Carlton

mom

Motionless

Actress Thompson

Island off Manhattan

Skeleton, archaic

Lt.’s subordinate

Yemeni’s neighbor

Marines’ toy recipients

Banned insecticide,

DOWN

1. Basin, without vowels

2. Last piece of a loaf

3. Lowest female singing voice

4. Evis’s blue shoes

5. Harrison Ford or Jason Segel in “Shrinking”

6. Bud holder

7. *Rhoda Morgenstern’s mom

8. “That is” in Latin

9. Wedding cake layer

10. Famous Allen Ginsberg poem

11. Away from wind

12. Skilled in deception

15. G. Orwell’s “______ Farm”

gone from being a school volunteer and now part of the school board,” Zone 4 RSD Board Member Noel Hisey said. “The bond will address many of the growing issues the district faces as a result of aging facilities. With the passage of this bond, we can improve the school environment which impacts our kids’ education. As the director for Zone 4, I fully support this bond.”

Voters are encouraged to access information about the bond, the proposed project scope, and the other grants that the District is able to leverage with passage of the bond, on the District’s webpage https://www.rainier.k12. or.us/bond.

20. Valentine, e.g.

22. Bottom line?

24. Inner circle

25. Old enough (2 words)

26. Neutered rooster

27. Influencer’s creation

29. *Meg, Chris and Stewie Griffin’s mom

31. Egghead

32. “____ like the plague”

33. Canvas primer

34. *Alex and Mallory Keaton’s mom

36. Pasta option

38. Virgo and Libra mo.

42. ____ Lewis, Lamb Chop puppeteer

45. By word of mouth

49. What catastrophe and ratatouille have in common

51. Wear (2 words)

54. Treated with EVOO

56. *Pebbles Flintstone’s mom

57. Law school entry requirement, acr.

58. First name palindrome

59. Civil disorder

60. They’re on Freddy’s street

61. Widespread

62. Relating to armpit 63. 3 squared 66. Tight one in football 68. Bro’s counterpart

This board is pretty well handcuffed in what we can say about these investigations that are ongoing.

Youth suicides decreasing in Oregon

Country Media, Inc.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that 2021 was the third year in a row that suicide deaths among Oregon youths had decreased.

This marks a 26% decrease in the number of suicide deaths among youth and young adults 24 and younger, from a peak in 2018, when 129 youth died by suicide. In 2021, 95 Oregon youth died by suicide. Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among people ages 5 to 24.

“For too long, far too many Oregon families and communities have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide,” said Jill Baker, youth suicide prevention coordinator at Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “While new data show some promise in our collective efforts to lower our state’s youth suicide rate, we rely heavily on local partners to continue doing the important work of increasing safety and wellness in their communities. We hope people in Oregon hear this news as a call to action: we all have a role in preventing suicide and we can make a difference. It will take our sustained efforts as a community to ensure that this promising trend continues. ”

The CDC data also show that death by suicide among all ages in Oregon increased in 2021, with 889 total deaths. Oregon has the 17th highest rate of suicide in the U.S., at 19.5 per 100,000.

While youth suicide figures by race and ethnicity in Oregon cannot be statistically analyzed due to small numbers, national trends show significant

From Page A1

every year till we can get up to what’s considered full staffing so we can go 24-7 law enforcement coverage. After going on five years now of not being able to do that, the commissioners have told me that money’s just not in the county budget to provide for that.”

Pixley said the proposed May 16 levy is the next best option if he can’t get funding directly from the county commissioners. According to the CCSO website, there is a total staff of 15 deputies, one detective, and 1 K-9. Enforcement’s patrol unit traverses the county’s network of over 550 miles of roads, responding to calls outside city limits and assisting the various city police agencies as requested.

Pixley said that two of those positions are designated to cover enforcement along the Columbia River. Three positions are funded through the city of Clatskanie and must stay within Clatskanie due to the CCSO contract with the city of Clatskanie. The CCSO also receives $150,000 from PGE to provide “enhanced coverage” for them, so they only have eight employees designated to patrol the county.

Call volume

Pixley says that the levy to hire seven deputies will fill the gaps in their coverage and reduce their call loads, overtime, and response times

increases in youth suicide for Black/African American youth, American Indian/Alaskan Native youth and Latino/a/x youth.

“When interpreting demographic data, it is important to remember that many of these populations have been disproportionately affected by systemic racism, socialeconomic-political injustices and bias,” Baker added. “These inequities can worsen health outcomes and increase the risk of suicide.”

Most effective suicide prevention

Since launching the statewide Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan in 2016, and updating the plan in 2021, suicide prevention champions across Oregon have worked together and learned what it takes to support youth and decrease suicide.

OHA invests in several youth suicide prevention, intervention, treatment and postvention programs, and collaborates with other state agencies, counties, Oregon Tribal nations and Tribal partners, communities and advocacy groups to prevent suicide in Oregon. Key legislation such as Adi’s Act (2019), which requires school districts to have suicide prevention plans and added requirements for suicide prevention training for behavioral health providers, has also contributed to increased protection against youth suicide in Oregon.

Local leaders train everyday Oregonians to recognize warning signs, help providers follow best practices for suicide care, develop and support school district and health care policies and identify local

at the “minimum expense” to taxpayers. When asked whether the CCSO had checked whether their coverage was optimized to provide maximum coverage, Pixley said there’s no formalized process they conducted to check that but said that his deputies respond to an average of 1,613 calls per service per year. That is an average of 4.4 calls per day over a 365-day year.

“We’re quickly working our deputies to death, and at some point, we have to stop doing that,” Pixley said.

suicide prevention champions. One promising practice that focuses on building protective factors and destigmatizing mental health issues is Sources of Strength, which has been implemented in more than 200 K-12 schools statewide, reaching at least 125,000 students in 2022 with “messages of hope, help and strength.”

“Strengths-based suicide prevention is not only important for how I relate to my students, but also deeply impacts me as a parent,” said Judy Fuentes, a visual arts teacher at Sisters Middle School who went through the training.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed this or how much this program was going to affect me as a person.”

Rene Kesler, vice chair for the 30-plus-member Malheur County Prevention Coalition and a suicide prevention champion at Lifeways Inc., also helps train fellow community members on suicide “postvention” – how to respond when suicides do occur. Kesler is working to recruit faith leaders, law enforcement and peer support volunteers to get trained in

Public concerns have also centered on the CCSO call load. On April 21, Pixley took questions during a KOHI joint radio show between Setting The Record Straight and Odd Friday.

Hosts took turns asking the sheriff questions about the levy. Brady Preheim, an Odd Friday host, asked the sheriff about a discrepancy in calls that CCSO reported in their annual reports from 2020 and 2021 and the records from the Columbia 911 dispatch for those years. Initially, Preheim asked about a discrepancy of

postvention, which increases a community’s resilience and hope.

“As a suicide loss survivor, my bottom line is always going to be focused on looking for ways to pay it forward,” said Kesler. “In Malheur County, we find ways to help each other. There are all these misunderstandings about what grief is, and what it looks like. Learning as a community about traumatic grief is part of the process we can focus on to mitigate harm together.”

What can you do to help others?

We all have a part to play in reducing stigma and ensuring people have hope, feel safe asking for help, and can get access to community-based support. You can:

• Get involved in the work of suicide prevention in your area. Learn about local efforts on the website of the Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide.

• Get trained in suicide prevention. OHA recommends the Question, Persuade, Refer

“about 6,000 calls.” Pixley asked him to explain.

“For example, in 2020, your report says that you got 14,764 calls, but 911 says you got 10,448, a difference of 4,316 calls, what explains that difference,” Preheim asked.

Pixley responded that the difference could be a result of CCOM, the dispatch center,

training for anyone in Oregon. It is a 1.5-hour course for those looking for a starting point to understanding their role in preventing suicide and feeling empowered with the skills and tools to help. Register for a free virtual class.

• Equip your system with broader skills. Check out our menu of suicide prevention trainings for all skill levels.

Know that it’s OK to ask for help

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline makes it easier for individuals and their loved ones to access compassionate care and support from trained crisis counselors, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition to being easier to remember than the 10-digit existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988 is now also available via text and chat. 988 also offers specialized support for veterans (press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or text 838255), Spanish speakers (press 2) and youth younger than 25 who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ (press 3 or text Q to 988).

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also has 988 social media shareables and other resources for partners to help promote 988.

Summary of data; notes on data sources

The CDC data come from the Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research, or WONDER, system, which can be found at http://wonder.

not including calls for service to Clatskanie.

“I can’t think of what, I can’t remember exactly that far back, but I typically include our Clatskanie calls within the county because we respond to Clatskanie as well. That’s probably the difference you’re talking about Brady, would be my guess,” Pixley

cdc.gov/. In previous years, OHA has analyzed data from the CDC’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). The 2021 data from WISQARS have not yet been released by the CDC. For this reason, exact comparisons with past OHA reports may result in slight data variations.

• The new CDC data confirm a three-year decrease in youth suicides (24 and younger) in Oregon, with both fewer total deaths and a lower rate in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

• The 2021 data show that Oregon had the 22nd highest youth suicide rate in the U.S., down from the 11th highest in 2018.

• Oregon’s rate of youth suicide in 2021 was 12.4 per 100,000. In 2018, Oregon’s rate was 16.9 per 100,000. This remains above the national average (11.0 per 100,000).

• While Oregon has seen a 26% decrease in the youth suicide rate from 2018-2021, analysis shows those decreases were primarily for youth who identified as white. The number of youth deaths by race and ethnicity remained similar or have increased since 2018.

• Preliminary data for 2022 (which will not be official until spring 2024 when the CDC releases finalized data) indicate that Oregon will not see an additional decrease in youth suicide rates. More work needs to be done to ensure our progress continues, as risk for youth suicide continues to be a concern in Oregon.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org.

responded.

Join the conversation. Take The Chief’s online poll. Will you vote yes or no for the proposed Sheriff’s Levy in the May 16 Election?

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

CRFR Board

Sponsored content

This Board has been unresponsive to complaints about the tactics/ actions of the Chief. This is a dereliction of duty and operates as a “Good Old Boys”club.

A citizen notified Director Niles concerning the Fire Chief and staff actions at a local restaurant of 27 December, 2021. He assured this person he would address the matter. (Read the letter along with the civil lawsuit against CRFR at St. Helens

Professional Firefighter’s Facebook page)

The inaction of the

Board has produced the Following:

1. Continued employment of a Chief with a record of past investigations that Director Hudson stated in the Spotlight of 4/21/23:

“His communication style is loud and aggressive, which is perceived to be antagonistic and threatening.”

2. Hostile working conditions resulting in high employee turnover and poor morale that impacts an already extremely stressful job.

3. A $1,247,114.32

complaint filed against the CRFR Board.

If proper audits had been conducted/completed in past years, any alleged wrongful fiscal actions would have been found and the Chief’s “Hail Mary” smoke screen with the County D.A. would not have been initiated.

I implore you to vote for Austin Zimbrick, Ryan Welby and Richard Fletcher.

Sponsored content paid for by Chuck Custer of St. Helens.

Metro Creative Connection

Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among people ages 5 to 24.

Encouraging lady beetles and dealing with hungry crows

CHIP BUBL

Clatskanie Grows

Chief Guest Column

Research shows that purchased lady beetles fly a considerable distance after release. They are gathered in the Sierra Mountains of California and kept cold. In their native locale, they are primed, when the temperatures warm, to fly ~40 miles to where the aphids are in the San Joaquin valley. We think they largely do that here as well once released.

Several studies show that lady beetles can be attracted by several methods: they are attracted to tubes painted chrome yellow and mounted around the garden; sugar solutions sprayed on plants (about one-half cup of sugar dissolved in a quart of water) encourage them; and flowers that produce lots of pollen and nectar, such as angelica, catnip, yarrow, marigolds, roses, dahlias, daisies, aster, and dill are attractive to the adult lady beetles.

Crows Love Corn, Bean, Squash, and Pea Seeds

Corn-eating crows peri-

odically challenge rural Columbia County gardeners. If crows have lived around your garden for very long, they watch for you to plant. The most curious of them will poke their beaks into the soil to find the kernels the day you plant. They have quite an ability to locate seeds with few false stabs. Other crows wait until seedlings emerge and methodically remove the new green shoots and what is left of the seeds. It is apparently considered to be the height of gourmet dining in the crow world. They are fond of most large seeds and even have pulled up my garlic cloves in the fall to see if they would fit into their diet.

very effective. It will speed corn emergence and then, when seedlings are 4 inches tall, the cover can be safely removed. Crow confusion and possible therapy ensues.

One old technique is to soak corn seed in turpentine overnight or kerosene more briefly and then plant. A few gardeners tell me that it really works and there is no impact on the corn itself. It must taste bad to the crows.

would gag on the horsehair and thus be conditioned to avoid your corn when you really plant.

Apples Near Full Bloom

about a month after fruit set, which this year, looks like late May into early June. It would also be the time to start treating for codling moth and the apple maggot. Products containing “spinosad” are the best bet for home gardeners and some formulations are considered organic. Monterey Garden Insect Control and Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew are the most widely available for home gardeners.

Food Preservation

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 503-3973462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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So what can a gardener do? One dubious solution is to plant lots of seed and hope the crows leave you a few. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t and in corn challenged cool summers, losing growing weeks to crows isn’t helpful. If you don’t grow huge blocks of corn, covering the newly planted seeds with row (crow) covers is

I can’t recommend this technique since it has never been tested to see if there are any adverse consequences, especially with the supersweet corn varieties that we have now. One very odd old technique from back when more people had horses and apparently much more time, was to drill tiny holes in some corn seed and tie a large loop of horse hair in each kernel. Then plant these seeds about a week before you really planned to plant. Accord -

Jean M. Wolfenbarger

May 3, 1931 ~ April 20, 2023

Jean M. Wolfenbarger passed away on Thurs., April 20, 2023, peacefully at home.

Jean was 91 years old and lived in Clatskanie, Oregon since 1976. Jean’s husband, Jim L. Wolfenbarger, preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 2019.

Jean was very proud to be a military wife for almost 20 years and enjoyed gardening, Eastern Star, playing bingo, and spending time with family. She is survived by her

daughters, Susan Murray (Rex) and Sara Griffith; two grandchildren, Melissa Dunbar (Brian), and Ryan Winters; two great-grandchildren, Spencer Dunbar (Chelsea), Nick Dunbar, and Penelope Dunbar; and son-in-law Ralph Winters. A memorial will be held at 1 p.m. on May 13, 2023 at the Clatskanie Presbyterian Church. A potluck will be held after the service at the Masonic Hall across the street from the church.

Margaret Louise Geier

March 2, 1947 ~ April 12, 2023

Margaret Louise Geier died April 12th in Longview, Washington. Margaret was born March 2, 1947 to Bob Winton Ellis and Fern May (Saddler) Ellis.

Margaret is survived by husband Richard Geier; sons, Robert (Michelle) Keyser and Joseph (Karen) Keyser; and sister Elizabeth Evans.

Margaret married John Keyser and later worked as a teacher’s aide in Clatskanie schools. Margaret pursued a college degree and graduated in May 1982 in Education from University of Portland.

In 1986 Margaret was hired at Hudson Park Elementary in Rainier, Oregon and taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.

Margaret loved working

special bond with many of her students.

In 1995 Margaret married Rick Geier and helped raise his two children, Katherine

and Evan. In 2008 Margaret received a liver transplant at OSHU and retired from teaching the same year. Margaret was a bright intelligent lady who had many interests. She raised prize winning guinea pigs, cooked, gardened and made beautiful quilts which she gave away to family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on May 6, 2023 at Steele Chapel, Longview, Washington. See the Steele Chapel website for more information. Donations can be made to Cowlitz County Child Advocates, 1024 Broadway, Longview, Washington, 360-414-5212. https://childadvocatescc.org/ donate.

Keith Allan Bunn June 27, 1942 ~ April 27, 2023

Keith Allan Bunn, 80, of St. Helens, Oregon, passed away April 27, 2023 at home in St. Helens, Oregon. There will be no service at this time.

After a very poor fruit set last year due to cold weather, there are a lot of blooms this year. It is normal for apple trees to bounce back with a big crop, weather permitting, after a small one the previous year. And the weather looks like it will be better for pollination this year. The mason and honey bees are getting active.

The trees could set a big fruit crop, in some cases, much more than the trees can carry. A heavy fruit load can break limbs. That is one reason why we thin. Thinning will also produce larger fruit and the practice will tend to even out the fruit set from year to year.

Thinning should be done

Vote for a better Columbia County

For more than three decades The Columbia Port Commission has been promising money and jobs to our community, but all we have gotten are broken promises and misappropriated funds. Our Port Commission has spent millions on legal fees in a battle against the State of Oregon and the BDIC for Port Westward, an area that is zoned for agricultural use. That money could have been spent on expanding the Scappoose Bay Marina, adding more waterfront access along Hwy 30, and upgrading their many other properties. We need real solutions. We need a commission that will work with our communities to improve our way of life, not line their own pockets with industrial corporate

You can get up-to-date and accurate answers to your food preservation questions by calling our office at 503-397-3462 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.

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.

• The Extension Service

dollars and leave us by the wayside.

A vote for Nancy Ward, Greg Pettit, and Chip Bubl will do just that.

Envision where you would like to live. Do you want recreation, wildlife and farming or do you want an industrial wasteland?

Vote for a better Columbia County.

Wendy Schmidt Clatskanie

Support for Port candidates

According to its website, the mission of The Port of Columbia County is to “Foster local opportunities to create and sustain jobs; Diversify regional economy; Provide improved financial return; Use maritime, aviation, industrial, recreational sites, and Port resources to

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 503-397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Contact Resources

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

support local and international commerce; and maintain environmental assets in the Port District.”

Three candidates for Port Commissioner, two of whom are incumbents, are well qualified to help the Port to achieve its mission: Chuck Bubl, Greg Pettit, and Nancy Ward.

I have had the opportunity to know all three in various roles. Each of them is thoughtful, hardworking, and committed to improving the quality of life in all of our communities. They believe that we can do this with economic development that is sustainable and that will preserve and enhance the characteristics that make Columbia County a great place to live.

Vote for Chip Bubl, Greg Pettit, and Nancy Ward for the Port of Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

Patrick Birkle St. Helens

What sports have you been watching this spring?

CC23-1781

NOTICE OF INVITATION TO BID:

Abandoned property of The Estate of William Grabow, Jr. and All Others. For Sale, a 1976 RIDGE, Serial #L0S1419XUA and Serial #LOS1419XUB, Home ID #140537. The mobile home is located at 25228 Alderbark Street #31, Rainier, OR 97048, in Deer View Cooperative. This will be a private sale with

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a minimum bid of $9,116.00. Bids accepted until May 19, 2023. Send/submit bids to 18150 SW Boones Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97224, Attn: Sarah. Please call the Deer View Cooperative Board at: 503556-3337 for an appointment to see home. Please confirm receipt of this information and running dates. Reference P.O.

#DVC31 on your invoice and provide pricing to our office. Send invoice to Deer View Cooperative, c/o Commonwealth Real Estate Services, 18150 SW Boones Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97224. Once running time is complete, please forward a copy of the Affidavit of Publication to my attention at sarah.smith@cwres.com.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of BRADLEY E. CLOSSEN, Deceased. No. 23PB03066

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

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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

NOTICE OF MEETING

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LAND-

OWNERS OF The Woodson Drainage Improvement District

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the Landowners and Board Members of the Woodson Drainage Improvement District, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Poplar Tree Nursery

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published April 28, 2023. Christine Pruett, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

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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 director, adopt a budget, and any other business that comes before the landowners. Dated this 25th day of April 2023. John Karamanos IV, President Woodson Drainage Improvement District.

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the ______________________________ _______________________, State of Oregon, to discuss the

CC23-1779

NOTICE OF INVITATION TO BID:

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

Abandoned property of Coleen Weza and All Others. For Sale, a 1978 BENDIX, PARA-MOUNT, Serial #MC1594A and Serial #MC1594B, Home ID #309343. The mobile home is located at 25228 Deerfield Street #37, Rainier, OR 97048, in Deer View Cooperative. This will be a private sale with a minimum

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bid of $6,796.00. Bids accepted until May 19, 2023. Send/submit bids to 18150 SW Boones Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97224, Attn: Sarah. Please call the Deer View Cooperative Board at: 503-556-3337 for an appointment to see home.

Please confirm receipt of this information and running dates. Reference P.O.

#DVC37 on your invoice and provide pricing to our office. Send invoice to Deer View Cooperative, c/o Commonwealth Real Estate Services, 18150 SW Boones Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97224. Once running time is complete, please forward a copy of the Affidavit of Publication to my attention at sarah.smith@cwres.com.

copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after __________________________________________________ at ____________________________________________, between the hours of ______________________ and __________________________.

NOTICE OF INVITATION TO BID:

of $10,116.00. Bids accepted until May 19, 2023.

NOTICE

OF MEETING

Midland Drainage Improvement Co. Annual Meeting Tuesday, May 9th, 5:30pm, Kynsi Construction Meeting Room, 14193 Midland District Rd., Clatskanie, OR. 97016.

150-504-073-1 (Rev. 10-14)

Abandoned property of Sheena Mertens and All Others. For Sale, a 1975 SHELBY, Serial #14X602FLRLS5709, Home ID #201765. The mobile home is located at 25228 Alderbark Street #12, Rainier, OR 97048, in Deer View Cooperative. This will be a private sale with a minimum bid

CC23-1761

Send/submit bids to 18150 SW Boones Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97224, Attn:

Sarah. Please call the Deer View Cooperative Board at: 503-556-3337 for an appointment to see home.

Please confirm receipt of this information and running dates. Reference P.O.

#DVC12 on your invoice and provide pricing to our office. Send invoice to Deer View Cooperative, c/o Commonwealth Real Estate Services, 18150 SW Boones Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97224. Once running time is complete, please forward a copy of the Affidavit of Publication to my attention at sarah.smith@cwres.com.

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

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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

NOTICE OF MEETING

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LANDOWNERS OF The Westland District Improvement Company Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the Landowners and Board Members of the Westland District Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 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 25th day of May 2023. John Karamanos IV, President Westland District Improvement Company, Board of Directors.

additional information from 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.

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NOTICE OF MEETING

Clatskanie School District

6J invites all Native American, Aleut, Eskimo, secondary Native American Students, and interested persons to an open public meeting regarding the 2023 - 2024 school year Title VI Indian Education Project. The meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Clatskanie School High School Commons, 471 SW Bel Air Dr.

CMHS Tigers clawing to the top

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Clatskanie Middle/High School’s softball team is in sizzling form right now, propelling themselves to the top spot in the 2A/1ASD1 Special District 1 off the back of a six-game win streak.

As of press time, the Tigers have a 10-2 record within their league and a 13-6 record overall.

Throughout their winning streak, Clatskanie has bested Vernonia and Knappa and won doubleheaders against St. Paul and Portland Christian.

Their largest margin of victory was a 21-1 victory against Vernonia on April 25. The highestscoring game was a blowout slugfest against Portland Christian, where they won 27-11. In our last article, we said that offense might be the focus for Clatskanie, and they have answered the call in a big way. During the six-game streak, they’ve outscored their opponents 106-19.

Their defense has been resplendent. Outside of allowing 11 runs to Portland Christian in their blowout

victory, the Tigers held their opponents to under six runs during the streak, including two shutouts.

The recent success has also seen the Tigers climb the OSAA rankings. Clatskanie currently sits ninth in the OSAA’s standings of the 52 teams in the 2A/1A classification. Willamina is still ranked higher overall on OSAA, despite Clatskanie surpassing them in the

league standings. The end of the season is fast approaching, with

only four more games on the schedule. Results of Clatskanie’s game against

the third-place team in their league Nestucca on May 4 were pending at the time

of press. Next, they play Knappa at home on May 8, Gaston away on May 10, and finally, Faith Bible / Life Christian at home on May 11.

They beat each of their four final opponents earlier in the season, so they will have the confidence of knowing they can beat them going into the games. The previous games against Gaston and Nestucca were decided by one run, so there’s potential for sparks to fly in those games as the season’s end draws near.

All indicators point toward a playoff berth to compete at the State Championships for the Tigers, but they will need to keep their focus over these final games.

Follow Clatskanie softball at osaa.org and follow our coverage at thechief news.com and in the Friday print editions of the Chief.

Courtesy photo from Amy Mustola

The Tigers have been batting well during their winning run outscoring their opponents 106-19 in six games.