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‘Have a plan,’ wildfire preparedness urged

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Gov. Tina Kotek is urging Oregonians to be prepared for the approaching wildfire season.

“No surprise, but wildfires will forever impact our region and much of our country,” Kotek said. “The threats will continue to grow as we grapple with hotter, dryer conditions due to climate change. But we have choices, and how we prepare and respond to the situations.”

During a media briefing May 9, Kotek detailed several key points that experts have shared with her about the challenges Oregon faces this fire season.

Effective responses

Kotek discussed creating fireadaptive communities and developing safer and more effective responses to support fire personnel.

Drought intensity across the state is less than it was at this time last year. While Kotek said that many regions have benefited from high volumes of spring rain and strong snowpack, some areas are affected by persistent severe drought.

The large amounts of winter moisture and precipitation in May and June will likely cause a “delayed wildfire season,” Kotek said. Despite the late onset of wildfire season, Kotek emphasized the need for preparedness.

“Wildfire prevention efforts, including public information campaigns, early fire detection, leveraging aviation and ground assets for early deployment for a safe and aggressive initial attack, are all key to our successes this year,” Kotek said.

Fire indixes indicate that there will be an above-average fire season in Eastern Oregon, Kotek said.

Deploying to these remote areas will be a challenge for Oregon’s response system.

Kotek outlined the challenges ahead:

• Capacity to respond in rural areas that rely on volunteer firefight ers.

• Competition for natural resources as fire seasons become more complex.

Oregon will continue to rely on the fire mutual aid system, which deploys local fire departments across the state to protect communities, Kotek said.

Using the lessons from past fire seasons, Kotek said that agencies have become better at technological efficiency, expanding the monitor ing network, localized forecasting, streamlined smoke coordination calls, and simplified templates for air quality advisory.

“Leveraging our statewide wild fire coordination system, utilizing technology and advanced firefight ing equipment to our advantage, and taking early and aggressive action will be key,” Kotek said. “But it’s going to be up to every single one of us, every Oregonian, to do our part to prevent human-caused fires before they start.”

Kotek ended her address with ways Oregonians should prepare for fire season as the weather becomes hot and dry.

“Prepare your yard. Have an evacuation plan. Have a to-go kit. Have a plan if there’s smoke in your community,” Kotek said. “Above all, do everything you can wherever you are to prevent fires from starting in the first place.”

To learn more about wildfire preparedness, contact your local fire district or fire station.

Six candidates running for Port of Columbia County

JEREMY C. RUARK

Country Media, Inc.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Six candidates, including two incumbents, are running for open positions at the Port of Columbia County in the May 16 Election. The Chief reached out to the candidates for their insight. The following are the candidates’ responses to our questions. Read the full conversation with this story at thechiefnews. com.

Nancy Ward Incumbent

Port Position 1

The Chief: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Ward: Fostering and maintaining a positive and attractive environment for both business and people

in the port district requires constant awareness of changes in commerce, industry, technology, and recreation. In other words, keeping up with the times is the largest issue. Although Cascades is not a port tenant, their closing in Scappoose and the reduction of their workforce in St. Helens is a loss that affects us all. We are aware how important the economic growth and stability of the Port of Columbia County is in shaping our collective future.

The Chief: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Ward: I will continue to advocate for new and expanding job creation at each of our properties including our four industrial parks, Scappoose Bay Marina and Scappoose Airport. We have opportunities for a light manufacturing sector to include high tech industries working with the Oregon Manufac-

turing Innovation Center (OMIC) as well as increasing our agricultural footprint to utilize the excellent soil available for farming. In order for this new growth to happen efficiently we must also work to improve the overly bureaucratic process currently required of new and expanding businesses.

Paul Langner Challenger Port Commission Position 1

The Chief: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Langner: The Port is trapped in the malaise of the post-COVID economy and the uncertainty of where money costs are going. Small business and big business are staying very cautious and are not actively seeking new starts and reinvestment at the rate they were in 2019. This leaves the Port in a more maintenance or caretaking role.

For a healthy port, the port needs to be growing and diversifying its customer base. Healthy growth at the Port means a healthier local economy, more local jobs, more local opportunities, and more diversity in the regional tax base. The Port also struggles with exceeding long resolution of regulatory and environmental issues. Sites such as the Poleyard site off Railroad Avenue, are more than quarter of a century into ‘review and study,’ with millions spent and nothing yet accomplished. Where is the urgency?

The Chief: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Langner: My top priority is to audit the Port’s property portfolio and ensure that wherever possible, the asset is making the best rate of return. The rate of return is not always in dollars and cents, but also what is best for our community.

Some properties may be close to ‘built-out,’ but is there adjacent property, private or public, that can be developed to create more business investment in our community? The Scappoose airport adjoins some industrial and commercial property that could be home to new investment in aerospace and high technology interests. It is time to explore through-the-fence opportunities that can bring different investments. The Port’s Columbia City site needs a hard look. The existing dock infrastructure is old and in need of upgrades. With the proper improvements, Columbia City could be a step towards greater use of the marine highway system.

Chip Bubl Incumbent Port Position 2

The Chief: What are the largest

See CANDIDATES Page A6

Oregon lifts COVID response measures

Obituaries ................. A3

Letters ...................... A4

Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A6 Sports.........................A8

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

In alignment with the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ending May 11, state health officials today announced the lifting of healthprotective measures that helped reduce COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, and expanded access to services during the pandemic.

The changes affect a wide range of programs and services. Some changes

are effective May 11, and others will take effect in the coming weeks. Other changes put in place during the COVID-19 emergency will continue after the end of the federal emergency.

“These changes are an acknowledgement of the progress we’ve made over the last three-plus years,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “However, we know COVID-19 will remain a part of our lives for years to come, so we need to continue taking steps that prevent its spread, such as staying up to date with vaccinations. My thoughts go out to those sick with COVID-19, mourning a loved one, or still suffering

with symptoms following their acute infection.”

Highlights of the changes resulting from the ending of the federal public health emergency are as follows:

Vaccination requirements

Effective Thursday (May 11), workers in health care settings will

See COVID-19 Page A3

It came from below

Freaky fanged fish found along coast

JEREMY C. RUARK

Country Media, Inc.

A puzzling event is occurring along Oregon’s Coast. Several lancetfish have washed ashore on Oregon’s beaches over the past few weeks from Nehalem south to Bandon, and no one is sure why, according to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

“These deep-sea fish live in tropical and subtropical waters and can migrate as far north as the Bering Sea to feed,” OPRD stated on the agency’s social media page.

From the Twilight Zone

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries provides details about this aquatic animal, stating on the NOAA website that the “lancetfish really are creatures from the Twilight Zone.” Lancetfish look like they swam out of prehistoric time.” The NOAA website site reads. The fish features include

gaping fanged jaws, enormous eyes, a sail-like fin, and long, and a slithery body. Lancetfish are scaleless fish, with smooth skin and pores along the lateral line. Their dinosaur-worthy scientific genus name, Alepisaurus, means “scaleless lizard.”

Growing to more than 7-feet long, lancetfish are one of the largest deep-sea fish, according to NOAA Fisheries. These fish swim to depths more than a mile below the sea surface.

“Lancetfish live mainly in tropical and subtropical waters, but they migrate as far north as subarctic areas like Alaska’s Bering Sea to feed,” the NOAA Fisheries website states. “Since 1982, our groundfish surveys have found 2 in the Gulf of Alaska, 4 near the Aleutian Islands, and 10 in the Eastern Bering Sea.

Fish history

Lancetfish are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female sex organs simultaneously. NOAA Fish-

eries said very little is known about lancetfish reproduction and development, but scientists have found that Lancetfish flesh is watery and gelatinous and generally not appetizing to humans. However, other large predators like sharks, tuna, and fur seals — and other lancetfish — don’t mind.

Gelatinous muscles are not built for long chases. Because of this, scientists suspect lancetfish are ambush predators. This means they hunt by floating quietly camouflaged in the water until unsuspecting prey swims near enough to strike.

In 2018, NOAA scientists examined the stomach contents of lancetfish.

“This helped us understand the midwater food web and impacts of marine debris extend through the water column,” the NOAA website states. “Food in lancetfish stomachs is often found in a nearly pristine state. Based on the lack of digestion, scientists speculate that lancetfish may bulk feed.

This means they eat as much as they can whenever they find food, then digest it later when they need it.”

According to NOAA, lancetfish are notorious cannibals. They also feed voraciously on many other fish and invertebrates. Many new species descriptions of fish, squids, and octopuses are based on specimens from lancetfish stomachs.

The cold, dark midwater depths where lancetfish hunt are known as the twilight zone or mesopelagic zone.

OPRD is seeking photos of the lancetfish that are washing onshore. If you see one, take a photo and post with the tags Oregon State Parks NOAA Fisheries West Coast.

Find more informa tion about the lancetfish at https://www.fisheries.noaa. gov/feature-story/11-strangetrue-facts-about-lancetfish?

Lewis and Clark Bridge to close for up to eight days

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

The Lewis and Clark Bridge between Rainier and Longview, Washington will close for up to eight days beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 16 for bridge deck repairs, according to a release from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Washington State Department of Transportation.

During the closure, crews from Combined Construction, Inc. will replace two bridge expansion joints and a fractured floor beam. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency responders will be able to cross the bridge during the closure except during a small window when the floor beam is being replaced.

Closure of the only bridge across the Columbia River between Astoria and Portland may create hardships for communities along the Columbia River and require residents to reschedule medical and other important appointments.

The bridge must be closed to ensure a long-lasting repair and for the safety of travelers and construction crews in the work zone. To set the new expansion joints in place, crews will pour concrete which needs four days to cure and strengthen, without movement and disturbance from moving traffic, according to the release. The replacement of the floor beam also requires no traffic on the bridge.

“There is no good time to close a bridge, and the vital importance of the Lewis and Clark Bridge to Washington and Oregon communities cannot be overstated,” WSDOT Southwest Region Administrator Carley Francis said. “Our goal is to do this repair work right and re-open the bridge to travelers as soon as safely possible.”

Construction work taking

place before and after the closure will be done at night using single-lane closures and alternating traffic across the bridge. The five-week construction schedule of nighttime lane closures and a bridge closure of up to eight days shortens the construction timeline for this $1 million preservation project. It also avoids months of daytime single lane closures that would create congestion throughout Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.

On April 12, bridge inspectors discovered a fractured floor beam resulting in an emergency 12-hour closure. Prior to that discovery, the bridge was scheduled

and travelers should expect traffic delays or detours for approximately five weeks.

The full closure of the Lewis and Clark Bridge for up to eight days begins at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 16. Emergency vehicles –including only ambulances with active critical medical needs or law enforcement

emergency response – can use

Due to safety, no park and travel across the bridge to one lane each night beginning at 8 p.m. and alternate traffic through the work zone. There will be no single lane closures during the Fourth of July holiday weekend -Friday, June 30 – Tuesday, July 4.

For the safety of travelers and the construction crew, the work zone will have reduced speed limits.

Plan for longer travel times during the following times travelers should expect longer delays and congestion due to nighttime single lane closures:

• 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Friday.

• 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday to Saturday.

• 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday to Sunday.

Plan ahead for lengthy detours

During the closure, all traffic crossing the Columbia River will detour to either U.S. 101 Astoria-Megler Bridge between Astoria and Megler, WA or the Interstate Bridge on Interstate 5 between Vancouver and Portland.

Ferry service

The Wahkiakum County Ferry between Cathlamet, Washington and Westport, Oregon will run twice an

hour 24 hours a day while the bridge is closed. This ferry has extremely limited capacity. Its use should be reserved for urgent matters that do not require an ambulance. Travelers should also be prepared for lengthy wait times and long lines.

Medical access

Depending on where people begin and end their travel, using the detour routes can add upwards of two and a half hours of travel time. People who use the SR 433 Lewis and Clark Bridge to access scheduled medical services should plan their travel time with this in mind and contact their providers to confirm or reschedule their appointments. The best way the traveling public can stay up-to-date about news and closure dates is to subscribe to email alerts for this project. For real time traffic updates in Oregon, go to [www.TripCheck.com.] TripCheck.com.

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

fbclid=IwAR224EoSCHcfR SWcq1rtOf7BmS8cjT9NcAc B93Y2M0uLtMyMmPZWX4Uezz4.

Courtesy photo from NOAA Fisheries

The fish features include gaping fanged jaws, enormous eyes, a saillike fin, and a long slithery body.

Courtesy photo from the OPRD

The lancetfish shown here was found alive and helped back to the ocean and it swam off.

Courtesy from ODOT

The Lewis and Clark Bridge between Rainier and Longview, WA will close for up to eight days starting July 16.

COVID-19

From Page A1

Albert Murl Parker

April 23, 1938 ~ April 27, 2023

Albert Murl Parker was born on April 23, 1938 to Myrtle L. “Wolfe” Parker and James “Jim” Leroy Parker in Blanchard, Oklahoma. He passed from this life on April 27, 2023 at his home in Rainier, Oregon.

Al went to live with his grandmother (Zella Wolfe) and grandfather (George Wolfe) in Alex, Oklahoma when he was six years old. His Wolfe uncles all helped raise him and he was very close to them. He also spent a lot of time at Deffeene and Tol Moore’s home. She was always making sure he had enough to eat. Al thought the world of them. He was very good friends with all the Moore Boys. Al attended Alex schools until he went into the Navy in 1955. After serving in the Navy, he moved to Washington state and married Nancy Sullivan. Al was very close to John and Olive Sullivan (his in laws), he thought of them as parents. Al and Nancy had four children together. After 37 years of marriage, they divorced.

After attending a childhood friends (Wayne Moore) 50th birthday celebration, he was reacquainted with Venita (Chatman) Glass who was a childhood friend and high school sweetheart. They were married the next year.

Lawrence Cataline was born on Jan. 23, 1933 to James and Grace (Raffle)

Cataline in Hubbard, Ohio.

After working 38 years at Longview Fibre Company, Al retired and he and Venita moved back to Chickasha, Oklahoma where he lived until Venita passed. Last July he moved back to Rainier, Oregon to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Al spent many years hunting, but his real love was team roping and rodeoing. He was a radio man in the Navy on a mine sweeper. He still continued to do morse code and type in his sleep. Al loved spending time with his kids when they were growing up and with his grandkids before moving back to Oklahoma. His horses were always a source of pride for him. They were treated just like they were his kids.

Lawrence Cataline

Coffer Wolfe; grandfather George W. Wolfe; mother Myrtle Wolfe Walton; father Jim Parker; infant sister Anna May Parker; father-inlaw John Sullivan, motherin-law Olive Sullivan; Nancy Sullivan Parker; Venita Chatman Parker; and stepson Randall Glass.

Loved ones left to remember him are a brother JM Parker of Chickasha, Oklahoma; children, Alton Wade Parker of Kelso, Washington, Shay Lynn Benson (Bruce) of Rainier, Oregon, Chad Ames Parker of Rainier, Oregon, and Tina Marie Cramer (Glenn) of Rainier, Oregon; grandchildren, Jared Benson (Kaylee), Devan Parker (Stephanie), Mellissa Parker, Brandon Cramer (Andrea), Megan Benson, and Whitney Cramer (Junior); great grandchildren, Braden, Addie, Damian, Everly, Willie Mae, Titus and Albert Henry due June 12, 2023. Al was thrilled that he was having a great grandson named after him. Stepchildren are Sheldon Glass and Russell Glass. He also has numerous nieces and nephews that were very special to him as well as brother and sisters-in-law. He has many cousins as well. Al also leaves behind a special friend

Jan. 23, 1933 ~ April 4, 2023

Lawrence left school at the age of 15 to work on the family farm, joining the Air Force shortly after, he was in Korea for the conflict.

Lawrence married his wife Beulah (Adkins) on March 2, 1956. Lawrence and Beulah moved to the area in 1975 where he worked for the city of Rainier, Oregon for 20 years, retiring in 1995. Lawrence and Beulah loved to go metal detecting, joining the Columbia River Searchers where they met lots of lifelong friends.

Oct.

Donna was born on Oct. 28, 1938 and passed away on Nov. 25, 2022.

Gerald Carver was born on July 8, 1935 and passed away on Nov. 30, 2022.

The celebration of life service has been rescheduled and will be held at 2 p.m. on June 10, 2023 at Westport Community Church.

John Deere Model A Electric Start. He also raised his own Italian garlic which he passed his love of growing and sharing this very special garlic to his grandson Gabriel.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife Beulah in 2017. He is survived by his daughters, Karen and Shelly; brothers, Donald and Thomas; grandchildren, Gabriel (Christina), Heidi (Jen), Darien (Amber), and Breanna (Adam); and greatgreat-grandchildren, Autumn, Vincent, Ella, Karlie, Kenlie and Sadie. There is no service scheduled.

~

NEW TO THE CHIEF

no longer be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 under state rules, OHA announced today. A similar vaccination requirement for teachers and school staff in private and public education settings will lift June 17, the end of the last week of school, to support consistency in student instruction through this school year.

Exposure, isolation guidance

A five-day period of isolation for those infected with COVID-19 also will no longer be recommended for the general population, including people in K-12 education settings. Oregon public health officials believe widespread population immunity due to vaccination and repeated infections means many COVID-19 infections are now likely asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, and the five-day isolation period is doing little to reduce transmission.

Instead, officials say, the recommendation for the general population will be to stay home until fever free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving; avoid contact with individuals at increased risk for severe disease, including older adults and those with underlying medical conditions; and consider masking for 10 days.

School testing

Diagnostic testing resources for students and staff with symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 in schools will remain available through July 31, 2024. iHealth self-tests will remain available for K-12 schools to request and distribute to their school communities until current stock is depleted. Weekly opt-in “screening” testing for K-12 students and staff without COVID-19 symp -

toms will end July 31 as funding for the effort wraps up.

The endings of the vaccination, isolation and some testing measures are among a spate of impending changes over the coming weeks as Oregon, and the nation, continue the long, careful transition out of the pandemic. A number of “flexibilities” put in place during the pandemic will remain in effect.

The following are among the COVID-era activities and requirements that will continue after May 11:

An extension of a 90day “reasonable opportunity period” for non-citizens to verify citizenship or immigration status to 180 days so they can enroll in Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

A requirement that OHP providers, including coordinated care organizations, continue to cover COVID-19 vaccinations and treatment without cost sharing, and that commercial health insurers cover vaccinations without cost sharing. In Oregon, vaccinations are covered no matter where someone gets a shot. Oregonians should contact their health care provider about where they can get vaccinated.

A requirement that Oregon health care providers be reimbursed for language interpreter services (spoken or signed) provided during an office visit.

A requirement that OHP providers offer access to telehealth services.

In addition, state officials are currently implementing previously announced changes in access to Medicaid coverage and other human services programs administered by the state and federal governments.

The following are among many other changes taking effect May 11:

COVID-19 reporting

A change in how OHA monitors COVID-19. Epidemiologists will transi -

tion to a more sustainable and effective model that focuses on measures that indicate transmission, and continue monitoring for severe outcomes, including hospitalizations and death. Case data, which is based on individual laboratory test reporting and is heavily biased, will be retired.

The changes align with CDC recommendations and mirror how influenza is monitored.

A change in how OHA reports COVID-19 data. Epidemiologists will streamline data reporting to a smaller number of dashboards updated weekly. Data visualizations will include graphs showing statewide percent positivity, wastewater levels and trends, distribution of variants, hospitalization rates and capacity, death counts, emergency department visit and vaccination trends. Dashboards with case counts and county data will be archived.

Health coverage, supports

The end of extended health coverage, services and supports for people with disabilities and older adults, and extra food benefits that were provided during federal emergency.

Continuous coverage for Medicaid also is ending. Oregon began a “redetermination” process April 1 to help people renew their OHP membership and other Medicaid benefits, and stay on the plan, and is encouraging members to keep mailing addresses, phone numbers and email addresses current to ensure they receive information about their benefits in the coming months.

More information about the renewals process and options for updating contact information is at oregon.gov/oha/phe. Those with questions can reach out to the ONE Customer Service Center at 800699-9075 (TTY 711) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Jane Carver & Gerald Carver

Bitterly disappointed

To say that I am bitterly disappointed concerning the inactions of Columbia River Fire & Rescue’s current Board of Directors is an understatement.

To ensure public safety, minimum staffing is in place at every station, St.Helens Station (four personnel), Rainier Station (four personnel) and Fairgrounds Station (two personnel). However daily minimum staffing is not being met. The board is now allowing the district to run short of contracted minimum staffing.

They recently staffed Rainier station with only three personnel, enough to handle one transport. When a second alarm is dispatched additional personnel and apparatus comes from St. Helens, 20 minutes away. If it’s critical you or your loved one may not have 20 minutes.

CRFR had 33 firefighter/paramedics when Chief Joel Medina was hired, currently there are 24. A reduction of 27%. Did the chief reduce staffing because he remodeled the Administrative Offices at cost of $500,00.00?

What is taking place under the leadership of Chief Joel Medina is not only unprofessional, he is putting every individual who lives in the CRFR response

area at risk. It’s time for a change, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard, please vote in the upcoming May election.

Mark your ballot, elect Ryan Welby, Austin Zimbrick and Rick Fletcher as new board members for Columbia River Fire and Rescue.

Captain David DePriest, Retired Columbia River Fire and Rescue

Supports Measure 5-292

I am writing in support of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD), levy, Measure 5-292. CRFPD is asking the community to renew its operating levy for another five years. The first levy came about in 2013 and there was no proposed increase for the current levy request. Our community needs Measure 5-292 to be passed to insure our safety far and wide and your support and mine are required to get the job done.

CRFPD Chief Steve Sharek said the funds are needed primarily to maintain response levels for fire and emergency calls, and would be budgeted for costs related to personnel, training, equipment and operating expenses. According to CRFPD,

the permanent tax rate alone is insufficient for ensuring adequate fire and ambulance services. It was established many years ago at $1.7198 per $1,000 of assessed value, and that amount alone cannot support the community’s increasing number of calls for service.

“Combining the permanent tax rate with this fiveyear levy will allow us to provide staffing and equipment so we can respond to the increasing number of calls for service,” CRFPD Board Secretary James W. Gibson said in an explanatory statement.

It’s the right thing to do for a safer Clatskanie area. Please join me and vote yes on Measure 5-292.

Ernest Carman Clatskanie

Supports Neukom

I am writing in support of Duane Neukom Columbia County Port Commissioner position #2. He is a local business owner with a life time of practical endeavors and experience. He served our country and now wants to continue to serve locally bringing new visions and ideas.

CLUE on stage at CMHS

The Clatskanie Middle/ High School Drama Department proudly presents CLUE on stage, the High School version. The play will be presented at the school, 471 Bel Air Drive in Clatskanie. Show dates are May 12, 19, and 20 at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Saturday May 13. Cost is $8 general admission, $5

for students and seniors. Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie, which was inspired by the Hasbro board game, CLUE is a hilarious farce meets murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party, where murder and blackmail are on the

menu. CLUE is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out who, where, and what manner of death.

The Chief

Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chief views and are solely those of the writers expressing them. Letters policy

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

Bart Grabhorn Scappoose

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

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

Guest commentary

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

1. Prickle on a fence

2. Equal to pi times r squared

3. Cheap form of payment?

4. Insect in adult stage

5. Dar es ____, Tanzania

6. Traveled on a horse

7. Not amateur

8. Hajj destination 9. Like kittens’ mittens 10. “The Sun ____ Rises” by Hemingway 11. Thailand, once 12. Tofu bean, pl. 15. Walkways

20. “Peer Gynt” composer Edvard ____

22. Dot-com address 24. Wrestling match, e.g. 25. *Air traffic control feature 26. Fully informed

Army doctor

Traffic sign

____ of measurement

Rock bottom 33. Search blindly

Island off Manhattan

Vegas cube

H or O in H2O, e.g.

Opposite of cathode

Knightly title

Slash’s instrument

Make believe

Cause for food recall

Attention-getting sound 58. Gym class test? 59. *Captain’s announcement, plural acronym

Porter order 61. June 6, 1944 62. Type of #14 Across

Grannies, in UK

Please note that this production is rated PG-13. For more information, call 503-728-2146. Editorial policy

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

Obituaries

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

Should Oregon legislators be expelled from the session if they walk out to boycott?

Public Notices

INVITATION TO BID:

Abandoned property of Coleen Weza and All Others. For Sale, a 1978 BENDIX, PARAMOUNT, 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 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

CC23-1783

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.

INVITATION TO BID:

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 of $10,116.00. 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: 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.

CC23-1784

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 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: 503-556-3337 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.

RFP 2223-2 Audit Services REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The NW Regional ESD requests proposals from qualified audit firms to conduct the ESD’s annual audit. It is the intent of the ESD to enter into a contract with the selected audit firm for the services that are required to be provided for a specified scope of work as specified in the RFP. Respondents to this request will be evaluated based upon their qualifications, prior experience, associated fees, and other relevant fac-

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tors. Copies of the Request for Proposal document may be obtained by emailing Tina Mam: tinam@nwresd. k12.or.us. Proposals are due no later than 4:00 P.M. PST Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Proposals received after the specified time will not be considered. All proposers must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Accountancy and must have prior experience with municipal/ governmental auditing. This solicitation does not

obligate the NW Regional ESD to pay any costs incurred in preparation or presentations, or to select any proposer who responds. The ESD reserves the right to reject any proposal not in compliance with all prescribed requirements and may reject for good cause any or all proposals upon a written finding that it is in the public interest to do so. Sherry Ely, Interim Chief Finance Officer, NW Regional ESD.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

A public meeting of the budget committee of the Clatskanie School District, Clatsop & Columbia Counties, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, will be held at the Clatskanie Elementary School Library, 815 SW Nehalem Street, Clatskanie, OR. The meeting will take place on May 22, 2023, beginning at 5:30pm. 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 19, 2023, at Clatskanie School District Office, between the hours of 7:00am to 3:30pm. A copy of the budget document may also be inspected or obtained on or after May 19, 2023, by visiting the district website at https:// www.csd.k12.or.us. A copy of this notice may also be found at https://www.csd. k12.or.us.

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Memorial honoring fallen law enforcement officers

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Oregon has paid tribute to 193 fallen law enforcement officers, and their families left behind.

The Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to host each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police

CANDIDATES

From Page A1

issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Bubl: I ran and was elected to a four-year term as Port Commissioner in May 2019. Much of the negotiations with the NEXT biofuel group to build the refinery next to the Columbia River near Clatskanie were already completed before I took office. The NEXT lease was voted on two months later. I worked with the other Commissioners to upgrade the lease to provide the Port better project risk protection and to ensure that NEXT would be a “ship-in of raw materials and ship out of finished products” projects. Concerns about increased rail traffic from Rainier to Scappoose drove that compromise with NEXT. Had it not happened, the lease wouldn’t have been approved. I still voted against the lease because many performance and capacity issues were already evident. At this point, it is a waiting game to see if NEXT can engage competent partners with deep enough pockets and deep enough skills to build the facility and get it operational.

The elephant in the room is that NEXT’ s monthly lease payment represents, by far, the largest income stream to the Port. That dependence is significant and if it ends, will create some tough decisions for the Port Commissioners.

The Chief: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Bubl: The Port needs to do top-quality background research on our prospective clients. Some mistakes could have been avoided with deeper due diligence.

Mistakes can be difficult and costly to undo. We (the Port) have hired a person that should upgrade the Port’s capacity to do the hard work of unraveling the business

Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and Oregon’s various statewide law enforcement associations, according to a release.

The memorial honors 193 fallen Oregon law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies who have served as law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and parole and probation officers. The name of one fallen

and technological history and capacity of clients who seek to locate on Port property. This needs to be a top priority going forward, whatever time and money it takes.

Duane Neukom Challenger Port Commission Position 2

The Chief: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Nuekom: The port’s infrastructure is aging and needs to be updated to meet modern standards. As an example, the Scappoose Bay marina improvement project cost is a blistering $6M for upgrades. This is in addition to the $2M dredging project for the marina. The Scappoose Bay Marina is one of the most popular tourist sites in Columbia County and these upgrades are desperately needed.

In order to address these challenges, the port should make investments in modernizing its infrastructure, creating competitive incentives for businesses, developing environmental strategies, and increasing visibility. Additionally, the port should work with local and state governments to create a comprehensive plan that addresses all these issues. This plan should include an investment in resources, (both human and financial), that will help the port to continue to thrive.

The Chief: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Nuekom: I will be a champion for economic development, job growth, and quality of life in the county. I will work to ensure the port provides transparent, efficient, and accountable services. I will also strive to ensure the port is a responsible steward of the environment and the quality of life of our citizens. My goal is to work collaboratively with the community, stakeholders, and other elected officials to achieve these objectives.

Oregon law enforcement officer was added to the state memorial and honored at this year’s ceremony; Sergeant Brian J. Gaunt of the Beaver ton Police Department, End of Watch (EOW)10/24/21.

Gaunt died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Gaunt was a United States Coast Guard veteran who served 21 years with the Beaverton Police Department and had been assigned as a patrol officer, detective, and canine handler. He is survived by his wife and

I want to help create a Columbia County that offers economic opportunities, jobs, and resources for its residents, while also promoting sustainability and partnership with its neighboring counties and the state.

Nick Sorber Challenger Port Position 3

The Chief: Questions for Country Media What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Sorber: The biggest issue facing the Port today is that around the state we are still viewed as somewhat remote. We need to change that. We are not far from the metro area, and we also have, as I mentioned before, the river. The Port needs to be well known that we are open for business, and we are here to help your business and employees thrive in their new home in the Port district. Another challenge is to balance tourism in Scappoose Bay and other areas with the concerns of residents. Tourism may not provide a great deal of good paying jobs yet it is a great ancillary economic opportunity. With that in mind, we must always be mindful that we take into consideration the livability for our local residents in what we do. This includes not only having a beautiful place to live but an environement that local businesses thrive and our schools, cities and first responders have the resources to provide the services our citizens want and need.

The Chief: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Sorber: My chief priority if elected would be to work towards maximizing the use of Port properties. We have a lot of great opportunities for attracting businesses to multiple properties that provide good paying jobs to come to Columbia County. It would be crucial to work with the existing economic

Tina Kotek. The event took place outdoors, at the state memorial located at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

The Oregon memorial is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C. so that family members and co-workers can attend both memorial ceremonies.

development organizations like Columbia Economic Team and Columbia Pacific Economic Development District and Business Oregon to help make it easy for those appropriate businesses to locate here. That would include things like improved marketing of the area, assistance with finding funding and permitting and often times even being shovel or movein ready. This engagement should also be in collaboration with other public entities like the county, cities, and PUDs. By pooling resources, talent, and abilities we will be able to better compete in an ultra-competitive market. I also think we could do a better job of utilizing the river. We have more Columbia River frontage than anyone. I have a great deal of experience in the commerce on the river and can speak firsthand that the marine trades provide excellent jobs and is one of the most efficient methods to move goods.

Greg Pettit Challenger Port Commissioner 3 Candidate

The Chief: What are the largest issues that the Port of Columbia County is facing?

Pettit: The challenge for the Port is to use its resources including maritime, industrial, and recreational to create and sustain family wage jobs while maintaining the district’s livability and environmental assets. This can be achieved by better understanding what has been working for the port and what has not. The port owns 10 different properties and 2,400 acres. On those properties are 45 commercial/industrial tenants which provide 476 jobs, a $29 million annual labor compensation, and support direct GDP of $66 million. Most of these businesses and jobs are in the five business/industrial parks located between the airport and Columbia City. These diversified and sustainable businesses are the real successes of the port. What has not worked

More than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty are honored on the national memorial.

The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund

The effort has raised funds to build the state memorial more than 20 years ago and hosts the annual ceremony.

For more information about the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund and the statewide license plate

is spending over $75 million tax-payer dollars in the last 20 years on mainly infrastructure improvements at Port Westward that has not resulted in significant new jobs.

The Chief: What is your top priority you hope to address if you are elected?

Pettit: I have several priorities. They are interconnected and contribute to each of their successes. Recruit new businesses to available port properties. We can do this by being more proactive in identifying businesses we want to recruit; better marketing the advantages of locating in the port district and addressing misconceptions about our area that may be limiting prospects’ interest.

Improve transparency and citizens’ input and participation in decisions the Commission makes. Create a Stakeholder Advisory Committee like the current Budget, Marine Park, and Airport advisory committees. The Committee membership should have a broad and balanced representation from all stakeholders including environmental, business, transportation, and agricultural.

Improve coordination between the port, county, cities, and the Economic Development Team. While currently there is good coordination amongst these groups, it can be improved by formalizing the process and developing commonly agreed vision and mission statements for economic development and quality of life in the district.

Successfully develop Port Westward to create jobs and a stronger tax base for the north county while protecting livability and the area’s agricultural heritage and economy.

Use our greatest asset, the Columbia River, to develop a stronger tourism/recreationbased economy.

Port Commission Position

3 incumbent Chris Iversion is not running for re-election.

that is available to honor fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters, visit: https:// www.oregon.gov/dpsst/BD/ MFB/Pages/Oregon-LawEnforcement-Memorial-TrustFund.aspx

For more information about the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial, visit: https://www.oregon.gov/ dpsst/Memorials/LawEnforcement/Pages/default.aspx

For more information about National Police Week, visit: https://lnkd.in/ g8U4r9nY.

About the Port of Columbia County

The Port of Columbia County is a special district in Columbia County, Oregon. The boundaries of the Port District span 51 miles along the Columbia River from the Clatsop County line in the northwest of Columbia County, to the Multnomah County line in the southeast, and includes the cities of Scappoose, St. Helens, Columbia City, Prescott, Rainier, and Clatskanie.

The Port was created in 1940 under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) Chapter 777 to promote economic development opportunities in the Port District, primarily through the lease and development of industrial property. Originally called the Port of St. Helens, the Port was renamed in 2018 to be more representative of the entire district.

Today, the Port of Columbia County owns 10 different property sites and 2,400 acres, including industrial properties with excellent highway, rail, airport, and maritime access. The Port also owns and manages recreational properties at Scappoose Airport, Scappoose Bay Marine Park, and Bayport RV Park & Campground.

Voting deadline

The deadline for voting is 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 16. Ballots must be deposited into an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The following drop sites will remain open until 8 p.m. on election night:

• Columbia County Courthouse

• Scappoose City Hall

• Rainier City Hall

• Clatskanie Library

• Vernonia Library

• Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD

Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day.

The memorial honors 193 fallen Oregon law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. See more photos with this story at thechiefnews.com.

Courtesy photos from the DPSST

Drivers, start your engines for Speedway opening

MIKE WEBER

Chief Guest Article

The River City Speedway’s 39th year opens the 2023 season Saturday at 5 p.m. May 13 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds motorsports facility in St. Helens.

Stock car race fans can arrive at the track when the gates open at 3 p.m.

Local competitors who are considered as top contenders to win a division championship include St. Helens drivers Bob Berg and Lanette Phillips and Dick Gaboury of Rainier.

The Columbia County Racing Association (CCRA) schedule consists of 14 events on the quarter-mile clay oval track, including the second race on May 20. Events are scheduled almost every Saturday throughout the spring and summer, followed by the Sept. 23 season finale.

Drivers will compete in nine classifications that include Sportsman, Four Cylinder, Tuner, Tracer, Pure Stock, Street Stock,

Modified, Northwest Dwarf Cars and Micro Sprint. Berg, 58, won the Four Cylinder Division title last year while driving his 1998 Cozy Lawn Maintenance sponsored Dodge Neon to four main event victories. Berg also won Four Cylin -

der titles in 2021 and 2016 and he won the 2018 Tuner Division championship which marked the fourth title of his 30-year motorsports career. Berg and Gaboury, 74, are the top drivers in the Four Cylinder class this year.

Bowl

“I think I’m going to retire after this season and hopefully I will win the championship, which would be my third title in six years, which isn’t too bad,” said Gaboury, who will compete as a co-driver of the Economy Auto Wreck -

ing sponsored 1992 Nisson Sentra with Longview’s Dan McDonald. “I think Bob Berg and I will probably finish one, two in every race, because we have the fastest cars. It should be a lot of fun this season and I’m ready to start racing.”

Phillips, 48, drove her Ross Diesel & Auto sponsored 1979 Buick Regal to three main event wins and two trophy dash victories to propell her to the top of the point standings and win the 2022 Pure Stock Division championship. Phillips recorded top-five finishes in every race last year.

“I had a great season last year and so I’m going to try and win the championship for a second straight year,” said Phillips, a third-year driver who was runnerup in the series standings to Portland’s Tom Zywicki her first season in 2021. “I’m definitely excited about the start of the race season on Saturday. It looks like we’ll have few new drivers this year, so we’ll see how everything turns out, because there’s

a lot of talented drivers in this class.”

West Linn brothers and co-drivers Myke and TJ Landis are the defending Tuner Division champions and are considered as the top drivers in the class again this year with their Tri-Pod Defelopment sponsored 2003 Ford Focus.

Anthony Brinster of St. Helens and Vancouver’s Don Jenner are also top returning drivers who are expected to be frontrunners this year two. Jenner was dual division competitor and he won both the Sportsman and Modified Division titles last season. Brinster took fourth place in the Four Cylinder Division last year and he’ll drive a 2012 Nissan Sentra owned by Gaboury in the Tuner Division.

For updated information about the track in case of inclement weather that sometimes results in races being canceled, it’s best to call the speedway office at 503-397-6506. The speedway is located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

North Columbia County’s

Courtesy photo from Mike Weber St. Helens competitor Bob Berg.