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FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023

Family Stones rock the town

LAUREY WHITE

Chief Guest Article

Anew business has opened in town, and it is just a stone’s throw from the Clatskanie River.

The Family Stones LLC, located at 50 East Columbia River Highway, now occupies the long-shuttered Humps Restaurant, a family favorite in Clatskanie for several years. The nearly 6,000 square foot building now is home to the first local lapidary, the brainchild of local resident John Cooke.

A lapidary is related to stone and gems and the work involved in engraving, cutting or polishing the stones. Lapidary dates to prehistoric times when humans began making tools and weapons from stone. While fashioning the stones, early man discovered that some rocks were harder than others, making them more difficult to cut. Since the very beginning of discovering the precious gemstones, they have also served as adornment, according to the American Gem Society.

Cooke said he came by his love of rock collecting organically.

“I grew up in Goble,” said Cooke. “My dad was a logger and I used to go with him to work and I started rock collecting as a kid.”

Oregon sports many semiprecious gemstones, making it a go-to destination for rock collectors, or rockhounds. Oregon’s state gemstone is a sunstone, native only to the state. It originated from lava

flows in South and Central Oregon.

Other gemstones found in Oregon are the agate, the opal, the amethyst and quartz. Gold has even been discovered. Hunting for these precious beauties, is best on the Oregon Coast but can also be found elsewhere, according to oregongeology.org website.

Cooke also owns an agate mine, the Polka Dot Agate Mine, at Ashwood, in Central Oregon. The polka dot agate is named for the agate beds that produce gorgeous orbicular polka dot patterns of varying colors.

According to Cooke, The Family Stones sees most of its business online and hosts live Facebook shows for “rough rocks” from Sunday - Thursday every week. The shows are alternated with Facebook Live “finished goods” shows.

A lot of work has gone into opening the shop. The amount of merchandise is spectacular and quite plentiful. Assembling and displaying the massive collection was a formidable job and each task had to be reviewed carefully to efficiently maximize space.

And Cooke said he has big plans for the rest of the building.

“Lately we have been rebuilding the docks, and plan to use the inviting outdoor space for kayak and paddle boarding,” he said.

The rock shop hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The website is thefamilystonelapidary.com.

Oregon taxpayers to see $5.5B kicker

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has issued the latest revenue forecast, projecting an additional $1.96 billion in state revenue. The outlook for personal and corporate income taxes has risen by $1.5 to $2 billion over the forecast horizon due to the updated model methodology. The 2021-23 personal kicker is now estimated to be $5.5 billion, and the corporate kicker is estimated to be $1.8 billion.

The kicker tax credit goes into effect when the actual state revenue exceeds the forecasted revenue by at least 2%. An amount is then returned to the taxpayers through a credit on their tax returns.

Inflationary economic booms have not traditionally ended well, meaning not without a recession.

As such it is easy to be pessimistic about the outlook for the economy,

according to the Oregon Revenue Forecast Summary.

“Economic developments like last year’s goods recession, and the banking turmoil earlier this year add more fear to the outlook. However, a near-term recession is far from a slam dunk. The reasons include some nascent signs that inflation is cooling and the Federal Reserve

is looking to pause its interest rate increases which limits the potential for overtightening. Furthermore, the economy is showing some signs of renewed strength as housing and manufacturing stabilize, and income growth is again outpacing inflation.

All of these indicate a sudden stop in the economy in the short- term is unlikely,” the Oregon Economic

Forecast Summary states.

The Forecast’s Revenue Outlook states:

“Available resources are expected to be up sharply relative to what was assumed in the March 2023 forecast, both in the near term and over the extended horizon. The upward revision in the outlook is based both on a stronger than expected tax filing season, as well as methodological changes made in light of fundamental shifts seen in recent years.”

Reaction

Gov. Tina Kotek said the Oregon Legislature must use the incoming revenue to address the pressing spending needs of the state.

“Oregonians have clear expectations for legislators to address our housing crisis, ensure that our behavioral health system is accessible in every part of the state, and set up our youngest students for success,”

Kotek said. “The revenue forecast lays the path for bold leadership. We cannot afford to squander this opportunity, and I look forward to a continued partnership with legislative leaders to deliver results for all regions of the state.”

The Governor restated her call for focusing on the state’s top priorities:

• $316 million to continue and expand on the state’s response to homelessness prevention and unsheltered homelessness, and $1 billion in bonding to build and preserve more affordable housing.

• $280 million dollar investment to address the behavioral health crisis playing out across Oregon communities and support a more accessible, better staffed system of care no matter where people live.

• $120 million to improve early

See REVENUE Page A8

Poet Laureate to be featured at Writing Festival

The Raymond Carver Writing Festival (RCWF), a free celebration of the art of writing and of one of its greatest practitioners, is set for Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, in Clatskanie, Oregon where the world-renowned poet and

Phone: 503-397-0116

Fax: 503-397-4093

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

short story writer was born 85 years ago. Centered at the Clatskanie Cultural Center (CCC), 75 S. Nehalem Street, the RCWF’s guest of honor will be Anis Mojgani, Oregon’s Poet Laureate. He will read poetry during Friday’s evening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. in the CCC ballroom. The reception also will feature presentations on Carver and his connection to Clatskanie, informational displays by the Writer’s Guild of Astoria, Salal Review, Columbia River Writers, and C.C. Stern Type Foundry.

Those attending will have the opportunity to visit with RCWF presenters and purchase their books. Refreshments will be served. Posters and shirts will be available for sale along with a small selection of Raymond Carver books. Saturday morning, May 20, Mojgani will speak on “Collaboration with oneself - between the finding and the creating” from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the ballroom. With one exception, all RCWF events are free and open to the public.

A dinner on Saturday, May 20, is open to the public, but there is a $20 charge. Reservations may be made at www.raymondcarverwritingfestival.org. The festival will begin Friday, May 19, with “Parking Lot Poetry” in the Safeway parking lot alongside Highway 30 in Clatskanie. That event is inspired by what Raymond Carver (19381988) and his wife Tess Gallagher did on Carver’s only visit back to

his birthplace in August of 1984. Available at the outdoor poetry reading will be festival information, maps for a self-guided walking tour of Carver’s birthplace, mural and sculpture, the Clatskanie Library, and the Clatskanie Historical Museum at the Castle where Carver memorabilia is on display. Also available for purchase will be keepsake posters and t-shirts, while supplies last. “Short Cuts,” a movie based on Carver’s works, will be shown beginning at 2 p.m. in the Birkenfeld Theatre at the CCC. There is no charge for admission to the movie, and free popcorn will be available. “Short Cuts” is rated R. Following Mojgani’s presentation Saturday, RCWF participants are invited to attend workshops offered by Pacific Northwest writers including: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., “Carver: Beyond Short Fiction,” presented in the CCC’s Birkenfeld Theatre by Michael Mills, a professor at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Wash., or “Beating Writer’s Block and Generating New Ideas,” presented in the ballroom by Longview author K.A. Ralston; 1:30-2:30 p.m.”Beginning Haiku,” presented in the ballroom by Clatskanie poet Estrella Brown, or “That Elusive Thing Called Voice,” presented in the theatre by Astoria author Marianne Monson. 2:45-3:45 p.m.: “How to Get Published,” presented in the theatre by poet Joseph Green, professor emeritus of Lower Columbia College in Longview, or “Mini Zines for Writers,” presented

in the ballroom by Cathlamet poet Dayle Olson.

Winners of the RCWF youth poetry contest, held during the month of April, will be announced and presentations of awards made in the Birkenfeld Theatre at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by the dinner in the ballroom at 5:30 p.m. The closing event of the 2023 RCWF will be the presentation of awards for the adult and Haiku poetry contests in the ballroom at 7 p.m., followed by a Poetry Jam, at which an open mic will be offered to those wishing to share their poetry.

Sponsors of the RCWF are: the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon

Humanities, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Historical Society, State Historical Preservation Office, Columbia County Cultural Coalition, Oregon Cultural Trust, Clatskanie Foundation, Clatskanie Library, Wauna Credit Union, Writer’s Guild of Astoria, C.C. Stern Type Foundry, Clatskanie Arts Commission, Jerome White, Clatskanie Friends of the Library, Clatskanie Historical Society, Portland General Electric (PGE) - Port Westward and Beaver Plants.

More information is at https:// www.raymondcarverwritingfestival. org.

Courtesy photo from Laurey White

The rock shop is located inside the former Humps Restaurant in Clatskanie.

Courtesy photo from Laurey White

The 2021-23 personal kicker is

State to pause Homeowner Assistance Program

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will pause accepting new applications for the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program at 4 p.m. May 31. This pause will allow OHCS to process current applications in its queue and better project the amount of federal HAF funds remaining for homeowners. The state previously paused at the end of 2022 for the same reasons and has been reopened to accepting applications since March.

“HAF is pausing again to make sure there are enough funds for qualifying homeowners who’ve already applied,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “The program will likely reopen once we process additional applications already in the queue. If you are a homeowner falling behind, we encourage you to reach out to a state-approved homeownership center right

away.”

Homeowners who are most at risk of foreclosure and housing displacement, socially disadvantaged individuals (as defined by U.S. Treasury), or otherwise meet one of the additional eligibility criteria listed at oregonhomeownerassistance.org are encouraged to apply for HAF assistance before 4 p.m. PST May 31.

If a person has previously applied or begun an application, the pause will not impact them. Those who started their applications will still be able to access and complete them, and those applications that were previously submitted will still be processed. Applicants can continue to log on to the HAF portal to check the status of their application or scheduled payments. They can opt in to email alerts as their application advances. To serve the most at-risk homeowners, as an exception to this pause, OHCS will continue to accept new applications submitted by housing counselors on behalf of homeowners who are

in a judicial foreclosure or forfeiture action or have a verified foreclosure sale date. If a person is in a judicial action or in a nonjudicial foreclosure and can provide documentation of a pending foreclosure sale date, they should apply before the pause or work with a free housing counselor to submit their application.

OHCS planned its HAF program to operate as a safety net for the most at-risk eligible homeowners who have no viable workout options, and it will continue to operate HAF this way during the pause. As of May 12, 2023, OHCS approved 1,027 applications, totaling over $30

Delinquent taxpayers names to be published

The Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) will publish a list of delinquent taxpayers on the department’s website.

The list is scheduled to be published July 14.

DOR will post the names of people and businesses who owe at least $50,000 in unpaid taxes to the state. Taxpayers can avoid appearing on the list by paying their balance in full or making payment arrangements. Affected taxpayers will begin receiving notifications during the week of May 22 and will have nearly eight weeks to resolve their status to avoid being on the list.

“Affected taxpayers should contact us as soon as they receive a notice to resolve the debt,” DOR Collection Division Administrator Deanna Mack said. “Publishing this list will support our efforts to collect the revenue that our state counts on.”

The list focuses on individuals and businesses who owe at least $50,000 in delinquent tax, penalties, and interest to DOR. Taxpayers meeting these criteria will be notified by mail that their names may be posted online.

A qualifying taxpayer’s name, business name, the name of any person held personally liable for business debt, the current city

and state of residence, lien identification number, type of debt, and current amount due will be available on the department’s website. Taxpayers who don’t want their information shared can pay their tax debt in full or enter a department-approved payment plan or agreement to resolve their debt by the deadline in their notice.

In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 523, authorizing DOR to post information online about delinquent taxpayers whose tax debt topped $50,000. Many states already post information publicly about delinquent taxpayers as part of their efforts to promote greater tax compliance and collect state

revenue.

The department initially planned to launch the program in March 2020 but postponed its implementation out of concern for possible financial hardships for taxpayers created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue:

Taxpayers who owe are encouraged to contact DOR promptly to make arrangements to resolve their debt by going to the department’s online services portal, Revenue Online, or by phone. Individual taxpayers can call 503-945-8200 to resolve their accounts. Business taxpayers can call 503-945-8100.

million of the $72 million budgeted for homeowners. In addition, 1,301 applications are currently being reviewed and 1,320 applications have been started but not completed for processing. At least 219 of the submitted HAF applications were or are in active foreclosure. The average award disbursed is nearly $30,000 per application.

Free help is available

During this pause, homeowners who have fallen behind or are at risk of missing a payment on their mortgage can continue to get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about budgeting tools and evaluation of options to keep their homes, such as modifications, adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage, or HAF. HAF may not be the best option for everyone, and it may prevent homeowners from servicer options available for different types of loans. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals

who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers. Search the full list of free certified housing counselors by county. Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer to respond due to the holidays and remote working policies.

In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.

Avoiding fraud

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged

not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or meet with an Oregon housing counselor.

There are a number of common warning signs homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can report it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General. To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.

May 16 Special Election unofficial results

key unofficial election results from the May 16 Special Election in Columbia County.

The Columbia County Elections Department has been notified of a printing error on the May 16 Rainier School District area Special Election ballots. In the Rainier School District 13, Director, Zone 2 (2-year term) contest, the text and line denoting where voters can supply a write-in candidate’s information were not printed. Though the text and line were missing, there was sufficient space to write a candidate’s name in the provided area. The approximately 6000 affected ballots in the Rainier School District area remain valid for this election, according to county elections.

See the complete May 16 Special Election results at: https://results.oregonvotes. gov/ResultsSW.aspx?type =CTYALL&cty=35& map=CTY.

Stolen SNAP benefits to be replaced

Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Department of Human Services will replace Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for victims of electronic theft who have had benefits stolen from their Electrotonic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Electronic theft includes card skimming, card cloning and other similar methods.

The replacements to replace SNAP benefits that were stolen electronically on or after Oct. 1, 2022, is scheduled to begin May 22.

After May 22, people in Oregon whose SNAP benefits were stolen should request replacement benefits immediately.

People who know their SNAP benefits were stolen between Oct. 1, 2022, and May 22, 2023, must request replacement benefits by June 21, 2023. ODHS cannot replace benefits that were stolen before Oct. 1, 2022.

People who discover their SNAP benefits were stolen after May 22 will have 30 days from the date they discover the theft to request replacement benefits.

“We know that many individuals and families in Oregon rely on the food assistance they receive through their EBT

cards to meet their basic needs and to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Interim Director Claire Seguin said. “We are glad to be able to replacement benefits that were stolen due to EBT card skimming fraud and we encourage people to take steps to protect their benefits.”

ODHS officials said the replacements can be conducted following the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.

How to request replacement SNAP benefits

• Visit the ODHS website at https://www.oregon.gov/ dhs/assistance/food-benefits/ pages/replacement%20-benefits.aspx for information on how to request benefits via email or mail.

• Visit a local office. Find an office near you at https:// www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/ Pages/one-services.aspx

• Call the ONE customer service center at 1-800-6999075

If your Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are stolen you can request replacement benefits by contacting:

• Your family coach

• The ONE customer ser-

vice center at 1-800-699-9075

• Local Self-Sufficiency Programs Office, find an office online at https://www.oregon. gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/SelfSufficiency.aspx.

How to protect your EBT card information:

• Freeze your card immediately after each use and unfreeze it before making purchases. This can be done in the “Freeze Card” section under “Account Services” by visiting Cardholder.ebtEdge.com or using the ebtEdge mobile app.

• Block purchases made outside of Oregon and online purchases. These blocks can be removed by you when necessary. This can be done in the “Protect My Account” section under “Account Services” by visiting Cardholder.ebtEdge. com or using the ebtEdge mobile app.

• Keep your PIN secret. Do not share your PIN with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.

• Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you notice any, cancel your card immediately.

How to cancel your card:

Outside of business hours: Call the 24-hour toll-free customer service line at 1-888-

997-4447 to cancel your card and protect your benefits. Then call the replacement card line below during business hours to get a new card and PIN.

During business hours: Call the toll-free replacement card line at 1-855-328-6715 to order a replacement card. The replacement line is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You will get a replacement card by mail, usually within five business days.

Check card reading machines to make sure there’s nothing suspicious overlayed or attached to the card swiper or keypad. The overlays can be difficult to detect but are often bigger than the original machine and may hide parts of the machine. Sometimes scammers use text messages to obtain EBT card numbers and PINs, and steal SNAP benefits. These are known as phishing scams and are a type of fraud. ODHS will never send a text message to request your information. Do not provide your EBT card number or PIN by phone or text.

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: oregonfoodbank.org • 211info.org or text your

SNAP

zip code to 898-211

• Oregon Department of Human Services Resources

Find food resources in your community: oregon.gov

• Find a food pantry: oregonfoodbank.org

Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or adrcoforegon.org.

Find local resources and

Courtesy photo

support by contacting your local Community Action Agency:

• caporegon.org/findservices/

• Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

Learn more at https:// govstatus.egov.com/or-dhsbenefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855673-2372.

Clatskanie Library District – Not just for reading anymore

LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest article

The Clatskanie Library District (CLD) administrators said they are making great strides with their innovative programs, which should capture the imagination and are designed for children and adults alike.

“To enrich lives and communities through universal access to knowledge, lifelong

learning and literacy,” The mission statement of the Clatskanie library states. “And within those walls, there is something for everybody, is addition to reading great books, whether they be classics or the newest arrivals, there are many other activities one can engage in.”

Digital reading platforms are increasingly popular, and to that end, the library has introduced the Libby app,

which is the easiest way to get started with digital books, audiobooks and magazines from the library. You will need your current library card to sign in. You can access the app by visiting libbyapp. com in your browser, such as Firefox, Chrome, Safari or Edge.

Library administrators also have designed a variety of interesting programs for youth and adults. One popular offering is the Passport Program. And the CDL is a participating Passport Program Library. With a CLD card, allows users to obtain a library card at any participating library across the state. Obtaining a CLD card is simple. Just display a current Oregon driver license and your regular library card. With the passport program, you can check out up to five items for 21 days, place three holds on books, and utilize other library offerings.

One CDL program that has garnered much interest is the Spice Society. The program, designed for those 15 and up, introduces patrons to exotic spices from around

the world.

“We had more than 130 people pick up the packets,” CDL Librarian Maryanne Hirning said. “Every week we introduce them to different spices. They have made fantastic recipes, many of which are available on Facebook.”

Tea Time is another popular adult event the library has sponsored. Each participant is given a packet, which includes the history of tea and several samples of unusual teas.

And of course, for the kids, there are always LEGOS! The building blocks are more popular than ever, according to Hirning. Invented in 1931 in a Danish workshop, the versatile blocks continue to attract a huge following. For example, in 2012, 45.7 billion LEGO blocks were made. Youth library patrons are always building something that is awe inspiring and such a good time, according to Hirning. And every Friday, from 3-5 at the library is free LEGO play.

Another collaborative and project-based activity is

Letting Off STEAM de-

signed for ages 8 and up. The SLIME event allows children to executed a SLIME, which they make. SLIME is just that - a gooey mess where fun ensues.

Other events designed at the CLD to make summer more fun for youth include Storytime, Music and Movement, and Explorytime, which is where stories, rhymes and processing art are implemented. Process art is when the children are given different materials and encouraged to use their imagination to create a piece

Gerald “Jerry” Harley Atkins

Jan. 30, 1936 ~ May 4, 2023

of art. Hirning said the CLD’s Summer Reading program is also always a popular program. “And we are expanding it,” said Hirning.” It is going to be fun and we will be giving away prizes. Whatever your age, come and check out all our library has to offer. We have something for everyone and if we do not, come by and talk to me and maybe we can include it.”

For more information about the Clatskanie Library District, call 503-728-3732.

Gerald Harley Atkins (Jerry) went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2023.

Jerry was born Jan. 30, 1936, to Esther Hugo and John Atkins. He had two brothers, Darrell Atkins and Bert Wilson, and a sister Jan Alexander. Jerry came to the region as a young man stationed at Beaver Falls. He came to love the region and made this home.

He married Kay Mari lyn Eckholm and had four children, Peter Atkins, Heidi Gestson, Eric Atkins and Amy Schubert. After the death of his first wife, he married Jan Sigmund and

became the stepfather to Christine Sigmund. He also has nine grandchildren, one step grandson, eight great grandchildren, and was a beloved uncle to many.

Jerry was a skilled carpenter and worked at the Wauna Plant for over 30 years as a Millwright. He loved to fix anything he could find that was broken and enjoyed spending time with family and friends’ gold panning and skiing. Jerry skied past the age of 70 and he was so excited as the price of lift tickets went down with

age. In addition to helping others with their construction needs, he volunteered at Westport Cemetery, which brought him joy.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John Atkins and Esther Conley; wife Kay; wife Jan; son Eric; and brother Bert Wilson.

There will be a memorial potluck at 11 a.m. on May 20, 2023 at Westport Community Church and there will be a graveside service at 3 p.m. on May 30, 2023 at Mt. Solo Cemetery in honor of his military service.

Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc.

The Clatskanie Library District is located at 11 Lillich Street and can be reached at 503-728-3732.

What a leap! Winter ends, summer starts

CHIP BUBL Clatskanie Grows Chief Guest Column

Winter ended and we jumped straight to July. Soil temperatures are warming fast, and the longterm forecasts are for many more days of mind-80s or warmer.

Farmers are cutting some great hay.

Gardeners can transplant tomatoes and even peppers and eggplants, which prefer 60+ degree soils to get off to a good start. With the heat forecast, we will likely need to start watering earlier than normal.

Basil, which shivers below 55°, should be very happy. Basil transplants need to be “pinched” to get the plants to branch and provide you with all the wonderful aromatic leaves used in cooking.

Speaking of herbs, most herbs are generally deerproof. Many also support pollinator insects and some good insect predators as well. The woody, perennial herbs need sun and good drainage. Some that are proven here include thyme, rosemary, sage, lavender, and bay laurel. All need sun and good drainage.

Tarragon, an herbaceous perennial, also seems deerproof. Same with oregano and marjoram. Deer will eat parsley and some of the carrot family herbs like dill. Spittlebugs will be showing up soon. There are quite a few spittlebug species. We most often see the Meadow

Spittlebug, one of the most widely found across North America. Your first clue will be when their “spit” globules show up on herbaceous plants like tarragon and strawberries. The overwintering eggs emerge in the late winter and one stage of their transformation into an adult is the spittle master. They pierce the targeted plant, suck desirable protein and energy rich “sap,” and use what they don’t need to build their house of spit, which protects them from predators. Very clever.

Heavy feeding in commercial farms can result in yield or quality loss. For the gardener, some targeted blasts of water will dissolve the spittle blob and make them easy targets for their predators. Spittlebugs have been known to spread plant diseases. In the drawing, the upper picture is of the nymph (who you would find in the spittle) and lower, the adult. The adults come in many colors.

Weeds go Crazy

Given a little heat and some decent soil moisture, the summer annual weeds have sprung to life. Seeds of these summer annuals can stay in the soil for a really long time. Some for over 40 years. The most significant damage they do is to outcompete and suppress your germinating vegetable seeds.

Their quick growth creates a weed canopy that grabs the sunlight that your vegetable seedlings need.

seed are two examples. They are easily overcome by a weed onslaught. One of the worse summer annuals is crabgrass. It starts small, but quickly builds a big root system. As they get bigger, it becomes difficult to pull them out without pulling up your seedlings. So be alert and stay focused on your emerging seedlings well-being by persistent close weeding. The time you spend in the first three weeks after planting will be well-rewarded. Some other summer weeds you should learn to recognize are pigweed, lambsquarter, and purslane.

had a large outbreak about 10 years ago, so we may be due. One thing to remember is that they rarely kill trees. They may feed on the leaves of a tree and actually defoliate it. But there is a bud where the leaf joins the stem that will start to push out a new leaf in its place.

Four weeks after defoliation, you can hardly see the damage. So don’t cut down tree limbs because there is a tent. Don’t feel you have to get high in a tree to spray them. Let nature take its course. There is a disease that keeps the western tent caterpillar population largely in check (until it doesn’t).

Food Preservation: 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.

Gardening-Related Events

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 offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

Have Questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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It is very important to learn how to distinguish your crop from your weeds. As your vegetables seeds emerge, start weeding carefully at least 3 inches on either side of the seed row. That give your seedling a head start and allows you to how between your seed rows for more efficient weeding. Some seeds are very slow to emerge and/or very slow in their initial growth stages.

O mmunity e vents

May 20

Rainier Jr/Sr High School

Car Wash for Washington, D.C. Educational Trip 2023 at Grocery Outlet on Highway 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

May 20 Columbia County

Home & Garden Show

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Presented by The Chief and The

liferefuge.wildapricot.org/

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/

willapa, Email: info@friendsofwillaparefuge.org Event website: https://friendsofwillapanationalwildliferefuge. wildapricot.org/Wings-Over-

Willapa

Ongoing

Historical Museum (ROHM) is open from noon - 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). ROHM is located inside Rainier City Hall at 106 W B Street. For more information, call 360751-7039.

The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30

Will we have the Western Tent Caterpillar This Year?

I can honestly say I have no idea. We have two tent caterpillars, the one that shows up soon (the western tent caterpillar) and the other that shows up in the late summer (the fall webworm). The western tent caterpillar loves alder, apple trees, and a few other select but common tree species. We

Columbia County Home & Garden Show Saturday, May 20 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 from 11a.m.-3 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

Important Notes

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

The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Resources Contact

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

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Public Notices

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NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING

The Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold their monthly Board meeting, Monday, May 22, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Clatskanie Elementary Library, 815 Nehalem or via Zoom. Following the regular board

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meeting there will be an executive session ORS 192.660 (2)(i) To review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer of any public body, a public officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open

hearing. Please see our website at www.csd.k12.or.us for a zoom link. The agenda includes but is not limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, financial report, policy updates and the consent agenda. The public is encouraged to attend.

A public Budget Hearing for the Rainier School District No. 13, Columbia County, State of Oregon, on the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, will be held in the boardroom at 28168 Old Rainier Rd, Rainier, Oregon or viewed online at: https:// www.youtube.com/channel/UCbFVOfhXU51si2QLRy8ZyVA . The hearing will take place on June 5, 2022 at 6:30pm concurrent with the regular school board meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to receive public comment. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Rainier School Board will take place. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained at 28168 Old Rainier Road, Rainier, Oregon, between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. For information please visit our website at: https://www.

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Oregon’s multiple jobholders in 2022

ANNA JOHNSON

Chief Guest Article

In 2022, 97,000 Oregonians held more than one job in addition to their primary job and were considered multiple jobholders.

By the numbers

The multiple jobholding rate – the proportion of multiple jobholders among all employed workers 16 years and older – was 4.6%, a record low for the series, which goes back to 1994. Oregon’s multiple-jobholding rate reached a record high of 8.7% in 1995. The national multiple jobholding rate in 2022 was 4.8%, an increase from 4.6% in 2021. This is the first year since 2004 that Oregon had a lower rate the U.S.

Multiple jobholding has generally become rarer in Oregon and the U.S. since 1995. Research shows that people are less likely to take on a second job than they were in the past. The pandemic recession and the recovery in 2021 and 2022 have shown a decrease in the multiple jobholding rate in Oregon. Data in this article comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Population Survey.

Oregonians less likely to work multiple jobs in 2022

Oregon workers were more likely to hold more than one job at a time than our national counterparts, a trend dating back at least two decades.

Oregon’s multiple jobholding rate has been higher than the U.S. every year since 1994, with the brief exceptions of 2004 and 2022. Both the U.S. and Oregon’s multiple job holding rates decreased in 2020. Since then, the U.S. and Oregon have experienced different trends: Oregon’s multiple job holding rate has decreased, while the U.S.’s has increased.

Economic conditions can certainly affect whether or not an individual wants or needs to work more than one job, but there is no clear association between the multiple-jobholding rate and the business cycle. That is because fewer jobs are available during recessions, right when more people need a second job to help meet their expenses. During expansions, increased income and looser credit constraints mean fewer people need a second job to meet expenses. These factors seem to cancel each other out on the whole, which is why multiple jobholding rates don’t rise or fall significantly with the business cycle.

Reasons for working more than one job

Most people working more than one job say they are doing so in order to earn extra money (38.1%), to meet expenses, or to pay off debt (25.6%). Another 17.6% of multiple jobholders report that their main reason for working a second job is because they enjoy it, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in an article about Multiple Jobholding Over the Past Two Decades. So working more than one job is thought to serve both economic and noneconomic purposes.

Working two or more jobs tends to be a temporary situation for most workers. Every month, more than 30% of multiple jobholders return to working just one job at a time.

Changes in latitudes, changes in multiplejobholding rates

Northern states generally have higher multiple jobhold-

ing rates than southern states, as shown in the map. Maine had the highest multiple jobholding rate at 8.1% in 2022, followed by Montana at 7.7%. Florida had the lowest multiple job holding rate at 3.3%.

Multiple jobholding among Oregon’s neighboring states ranged from a high of 6.1% in Idaho, to 5.3% in Washington, to just 4.2% in California and 4.1% in Nevada.

Who are the multiple jobholders?

Demographic information about multiple jobholders isn’t available at the state level, but there is more detailed information about people who hold more than one job at the national level.

When looking at multiple jobholders by age groups, those in the “prime working age” group (25 to 54 years old) had the highest multiple jobholding rate, at 5.0% in 2022. Younger workers (16 to 19 years old) had a multiple jobholding rate of 3.3%, the lowest of any age group.

Those 55 and older had rates of multiple jobholding at 4.6%. Workers 20 to 24 years old had a multiple jobholding rate of 4.4%.

In 2022, those of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity had a multiple jobholding rate of 3.3%. Black or African Americans held multiple jobs at a rate of 5.6%, white people had a multiple jobholding rate of 4.8% and Asians had rate of 3.4%.

In 2022, women’s multiple jobholding rate was 5.2% and men’s was 4.4%. When this series of data began in 1994, the multiple jobholding rate for men and women was essentially equal, hovering around 6.0%. However, as multiple jobholders decreased for men and women in the late 1990s, women began consistently having a higher multiple jobholding rate than men.

Anna Johnson is a Senior Economic Analyst with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at anna.l.johnson@employ. oregon.gov, or at, 503-9912110.

Oregon adds 1,600, jobless rate falls

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.0% in April, down from 4.4% in March, according to the latest report from the Oregon Employment Department.

For the past 21 months since August 2021, Oregon’s unemployment rate has remained relatively steady and near historic lows. The unemployment rate averaged 4.2% in that time, while ranging between 3.5% and 4.8%.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.4% in April and 3.5% in March.

Gains and losses

In April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,600 jobs, following a revised gain of 1,300 jobs in March. In April, gains were largest in other services (+1,700 jobs) and health care and social assistance (+900). Declines were largest in construction (-1,000 jobs) and manufacturing (-600). Since April 2022, Oregon has added 38,400 nonfarm payroll jobs (+2.0%).

Other services is an industry made up of a variety of service establishments, such as repair, maintenance, laundry, religious organizations,

and social advocacy organizations. Employment in this broad industry rose to 66,000 in April, reaching a record high, and for the first time surpassing its prepandemic peak of 65,500 in February 2020. Other services employment has recovered at a fairly steady pace over the past two and a half years. Health care and social assistance continued its recent rapid expansion. It added 11,500 jobs (+4.3%) during the past 12 months, which was the most jobs added of the major industries in that time. Social assistance, at 73,400 jobs in April, expanded rapidly in recent months, adding 7,300 jobs since April 2022. Nursing and residential care facilities also grew rapidly, adding 2,800 jobs in that time. Both durable goods manufacturing and nondurable goods manufacturing have cut slightly more than 1,000 jobs each in the first four months of the year. Durable goods industries declining in that time include computer and electronic products, wood products, fabricated metal products, and transportation equipment. Within nondurable goods, food manufacturing has cut jobs this year, and is down 1,000 jobs since April 2022.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: THE 1990s

ACROSS

all

74. Find new tenant

DOWN

1. *”____ Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus

2. Highlands hillside

3. Raise the roof

4. Leopard marks

5. Bungle (2 words)

6. Part of a hammer

7. “____ the land of the free...”

8. Heathrow craft

9. Type of missile, accr.

10. Aquarium organism

11. Indian bread

12. “____ Kerenina” by Tolstoy

15. Breadcrumb, e.g.

20. Contain the ashes

22. Pen juice

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31. Front or back one

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33. Quick and nimble

34. *First cloned mammal’s name

36. Swarm like bees

38. Don’t go

42. Pertaining to the ear

45. Pertaining to reign

49. Motion of assent

51. Bewitch

54. Port city in Japan

56. *Christian Dior’s “J’____”

57. Mass of particles 58. Of low density 59. Pupil controller 60. December 24 and 31 61. Bald eagle’s nest

62. Two-fold 63. Same as island 64. *TV show “Empty

67. *”____ and Juice” by Snoop Dogg

CMHS baseball and softball qualify for State

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The Clatskanie Middle High School baseball team has finished their regular season with a record of 11-4 and beat Vernonia in the NWL District Playoff to qualify for the first round of the 2023

OSAA / OnPoint Community Credit Union 2A/1A Baseball State Championship.

The softball team has also qualified for the 2023 OSAA / OnPoint Community Credit Union 2A/1A Softball State Championship after going 13-3 in league play and ending their season on a 9-1 run.

Basbeball

The accomplishment of qualifying for state marks the fulfillment of one of the team’s goals, and Head Coach Ryan Tompkins is excited about the team’s progress from past seasons.

“In March, the students set individual and team goals for the season.

Every student put ‘make it to state’ as one of their goals,” Tompkins said. “So the team was excited to accomplish one of our goals. We feel that we are playing our best baseball of the year right now and are excited to test that against some of the best teams in the state.”

The regular season ended on a high note, with Clatskanie winning three games in a row against Vernonia before their playoff victory. Clatskanie ended the season as the second-place team in 2A/1A-SD1 Special District 1, behind only Knappa, who has a 14-1 record. In their three games against Knappa this season, the Tigers went 1-2. Going forward, Tompkins

From Page A1

literacy by delivering the science of reading across all 197 school districts in Oregon to help our students learn to read and write.

In addition, the forecast provides the opportunity to address a range of other urgent issues that are impacting Oregonian’s daily lives. The figures below are in addition to those originally proposed in the Governor’s Recommended Budget:

• $64 million to address urgent water quality and infrastructure issues in communities, particularly those that are small and rural, across the state.

• $207 million to continue advancements in the state’s wildfire protection system.

• $6.3 million to open more training slots so more officers can move through the academy at the Department of Public Safety Standard and Training.

• $6.7 million to address the backlog at the Oregon Board of Parole for updating the state’s sex offender

and the Tigers are looking forward to the challenges of the state tournament. To play their best, the team is focusing on execution over results.

“In playoff time, we know the stakes of each game. We are less focused on the outcome of the game, and more concerned with playing to the standard we expect from ourselves,” Tompkins said. “If we can do this, we think the results will be in our favor.”

According to Tompkins, the strength of the team this year has been their pitching and their ability to make routine plays on defense. During the regular season, the team’s seven wins came in games where they held teams to seven runs or less. Conversely, the only games they have lost have seen their opponents score more than 10.

On offense, the Tigers haven’t been the most

registry.

Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) released the following statement:

“We have an incredible opportunity this session to fund access to health care, stronger public schools, job training and behavioral health treatment that will improve the lives of people all across Oregon. It is critical all 30 state senators are here to have a say and vote on how we invest this money to the maximum benefit of Oregonians. Senate Republicans must return so we can seize this momentous opportunity.”

Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) issued the following statement after the release of a healthy revenue forecast:

“We were elected to address the top issues Oregonians care about most: homelessness, behavioral health, education, community safety, and access to healthcare. Today’s revenue forecast affirms our plan to move a responsive, sustainable budget that prioritizes these key issues.

“Despite today’s forecast, we know that working families are still struggling with the lingering effects of

consistent hitting team, but Tompkins credited some of his players for getting on base and working the base paths. Tomkins said that the team’s heads-up baserunning has allowed them to score consistently, even without many base hits.

the players this season and their ability to battle through adversity to achieve their end goal.

“The last few years, we have been a below .500 team. There’s been a great sense of accomplishment, seeing the improvement in these kids and their ability to ‘turn the corner.’” Tompkins said. “We’re optimistic that we can take another step and try to make a run in the state playoffs.”

Playoff games begin May 22, and Clatskanie’s opponent in the first round has not been announced at the time of writing. The Tigers will look to keep their season alive, as each game is now a “win or go home” match.

Softball

for their big season, and the growth after they finished 3-9 in the league last year has been substantial.

“We went from having a 3-9 league record last season to a 13-3 record this season,” Hughes said. “I think the biggest factor in this year’s success up to this point has been the girls coming together as a team. ‘Playing for the girl next to you rather than for yourself.’”

hitters,” Hughes said. “There were multiple position changes throughout the year, and the girls’ ability to adapt has been remarkable.”

As the team moves on to state, Hughes wants the team to take the postseason an inning at a time. After such a successful season, Hughes wants to rely on their experience and discipline to drive them to a deep playoff run.

For the Tigers, this season’s success is a breath of fresh air after a few down years for the program. Tompkins credited the mentality of

inflation. It’s more critical than ever that we use state dollars wisely and in a way that leads to real outcomes.

“We have to stay focused on a budget that maintains existing services, and invests in housing, healthcare, good-paying jobs, and education–while at the same time, setting ourselves up well for future needs. I look forward to continuing our work to finalize a budget that responds to the priorities Oregonians sent us here to deliver on.”

Background

The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers in state agencies and private organizations for use in their decision-making processes.

The Oregon Revenue Forecast opens the revenue forecasting process to public review. It is the basis for much of the budgeting in state government. The forecast reports are issued four times a year: March, June, September, and December.

Read the full Oregon Revenue Forecast May 2023 with this story at thechiefnews.com.

NEW TO THE CHIEF NEWS

Head Coach Teauna Hughes credits the Tiger’s team mentality as the catalyst

The defense has been the backbone of the team. During their league games, Clatskanie only allowed 4.2 runs per game, and they shut out teams in three games. They only allowed opponents to score in double figures twice. They currently rank as the 7th best team in the 2A/1A classification.

“We have had very strong pitching this year, as well as, an aggressive defense, and a tremendous amount of strong

“As we move forward into playoffs, we want to be in the moment. We want to focus on one pitch at a time - one play at a time,” Hughes said. “We have a lot of experience on this team, and I believe if we all play together and for each other, we can go far into the bracket.”

Follow CMHS results at osaa.org, and find our coverage at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of the Chief.

Courtesy photo from Ryan Tompkins.

CMHS All League winners from left to right: Ayden Boursaw, Finn McDonnell, Brendan Schroll, Chris Knaus, Topher McDonnell, Ben Blackwood, Ernesto Rojas-Bautista.

Courtesy photo from Amy Mustola “We have had very strong pitching this year, as well as, an aggressive defense, and a tremendous amount of strong hitters,” said Head Coach Teauna Hughes.

There’s been a great sense of accomplishment, seeing the improvement in these kids and their ability to ‘turn the corner.’

~ Ryan Tompkins, Head Coach