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FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020

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VOL. 129, NO. 2

Primary Election results JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County voters have cast their ballots in the 2020 Oregon Primary Election conducted Tuesday, May 19.

Voters approved a renewal of the Columbia County Jail. The unofficial vote tally is 10,624 yes votes, or 58.88 percent to 7,420 no votes, or 41.12 percent.

The following is insight from Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley about what the levy renewal means to the jail operations and to the county.

The Chief: What do you attribute the passage of this renewal levy to?

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The Clatskanie Farmers Market is at located at Copes Park, 11 Lillich Street in Clatskanie. It is set to open on June 20 with options to follow social distancing requirements.

Social Distancing options included CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The Clatskanie Farmers Market, in its seventh year, is still on for the summer season.

However, there will be several changes, some done in light of the COVID-19 situation, and one change that has been in the works for a while.

The market, set to open June 20 of this year, was going to move from its current location at Copes Park to Conyers Street, right off of Highway 30. Coronavirus restrictions have halted those plans, and now the market will still operate at Copes Park.

The reason for the move was to increase visibility in the hopes of further growing the market, accord-

ing to Darro Breshears-Routon, a founding member of the Farmers Market board.

“For six years we were at Copes Park, right in the middle of Clatskanie. It’s great, but we realized we weren’t growing like we wanted to,” Breshears-Routon told The Chief in an interview earlier this year.

Although the board wants to grow the market, current restrictions regarding social distancing have made it impossible to do so on Conyers Street.

According to a release from the board, there will be two options available for those who want to purchase food at the market.

Option 1 will be a socially distanced farmer’s market in Cope’s Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through September.

“After much deliberation, the Market Board, in conjunction with City staff and the parks and recreation department, has decided the best course of action is to return

to the expanses of Cope’s Park.

Our community loves its artists and makers,” the release states. “Moving to this larger venue will allow us to safely include them with the prescribed social distancing.”

The farmers market board of directors also plans to work closely with both the Oregon Farmers Market Association and the Oregon Governor’s office in order to adapt the market to fit their best practice recommendations.

Option 2 is a pickup option, stationed on Conyers Street, from 10 a.m. to noon through September.

Shoppers will be able to order online through the website clatskaniefarmersmarket.com, and follow the link on the page for WhatsGoodhttps://sourcewhatsgood.com/.

Prepaid online orders will be able to be picked up at the HUB located in the public parking lot, behind Colvins and Conestoga on NE Conyers Street, where a volunteer will bring the order out to the

customer’s vehicle.

The farmers market will also be able to accept food vouchers from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP).

“Many of our vendors have been inspired by the challenge of these times and have upped their production,” the release reads. “New greenhouses and vegetable beds have been pressed into production to meet what we see as a basic community need. We are honored to be of service.”

While a move may be possible in the future to grow the market, the Clatskanie Farmers Market board of directors has chosen to stay put in Copes Park for the time being.

For more information, visit the Clatskanie Farmers Market website at, https://clatskaniefarmersmarket. com/.

$10.5 billion pandemic hit JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Oregon is expect to see a $10.5 billion dollar revenue loss over the next five years triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, according the latest state revenue forecast released by state administrators on Wednesday, May, 20.

“It is clear that Oregon is in a recession and that the downturn will be severe,” the Revenue Outlook reads.

“Although there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the outlook, the forecast represents an attempt to tear the proverbial Band-Aid off all at

Out & About..........A3 Viewpoints.............A4 Poll..........................A4 Market Place..........A6 Public Notices....A6-7 Obituaries..............A7 Memorial Day........A8

once by reflecting the full severity of the revenue downturn.”

See the Oregon Revenue Forecast and slide show presentation with this story at thechiefnews.com.

The Chief reported earlier that school districts, cites, counties and state agencies were preparing for a significant loss of funding triggered by the pandemic that caused a sudden stop of the Oregon economy.

Local reaction Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said the financial hit is concerning for his city, which depends on state gas tax revenues.

“We put in for next year’s budget a reduction in that revenue,” Hinkelmen said. “We had budgeted for this FY (2019-20), $125,000, but it looks like we are only going to get $118,000. For the FY coming up (2020-21), we estimated $112,000 for the budget.”

Hinkelman said he was uncertain how the revenue loss would affect grants, specifically the Small Cities Allotment that Clatskanie requests annually from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

“The only other huge revenue to watch is what will happen to property taxes,” Hinkelman said. “Will the assessments stay the same, will they go down like they did in 2008, we will have to wait and see.”

“I can’t begin to guess what the exact amount of financial impact to Rainier is,” Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole told the Chief. “Although I do know that it is there. Restaurants closed for over two months will take years to recover. Right or wrong several food establishments rely on the State lottery to help their bottom line. That was also down adding to the negative financial impact of businesses.”

According to Cole, Rainier-based Bell studios took a big financial hit to their business.

“Taking in to consideration a big

part of their business income model is school sports pictures throughout the region, with no sports means no pictures,” Cole said. “The hit they took alone is several thousand dollars.

Other businesses impacted include barbers, beauty parlors, churches, stores, the list goes on. I anticipate it taking years to fully recover.”

State Representative Brad Witt who represents the local area, is calling for a special session of the Oregon Legislature to deal with the steep state revenue decline.

“I strongly believe that a Special Session of the Oregon Legislature needs to be convened to take up these important budgetary issues,” Witt said. “Oregon has received $1.39 billion through the federal CARES act, and we have $1.6 billion in reserves.

The decisions on how to best allocate these billions of dollars and determining the necessary budget cuts in the interest of our state and citizenry should now go to the people’s elected representatives… the sooner the better.”

The state report does give a glimmer of hope.

“While this recession is extremely severe - the deepest on record in Oregon with data going back to 1939 - it is expected to be shorter in duration than the Great Recession. The health of the economy should return by mid-decade,” the economic forecast report reads.

Governor’s statement Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement about the State of Oregon Revenue Forecast.

“From the outset of this pandemic, it has been clear that the need for critical state services would far outstrip our resources as a state. Working Oregon families are counting on us to deliver COVID-19 emergency response efforts, while also ensuring public health, public safety, housing assistance, food assistance, unem-

ployment insurance, and so many more essential state government functions continue uninterrupted.

“The latest forecast for state revenue makes it clear that we have tough choices ahead. We will need to tighten our belts. I am working with legislative leaders to preserve critical state services, find efficiencies, and prepare for potential budget cuts.

“Make no mistake, the budget gap created by this pandemic is too large to bridge without additional Congressional action. I am thankful for the work of our congressional delegation to secure federal funding for Oregon in the relief packages Congress has passed so far. But those funds only address a fraction of our current need, especially since we are not permitted to use the funding we have received so far to address state budget shortfalls.

“As a state, we took action to shutter our economy in order to save lives in the middle of a once-in-a-century crisis. Now it’s time for Congress and the President to step up and provide once-in-a-century support for important state services, including schools, health care, and public safety.”

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) released the following statement concerning the Oregon Revenue Forecast.

“Oregon families are hurting and have been forced to make significant budget cuts. Now the state must take reasonable actions to bring the budget in line with declining revenues. The best approach going forward is for the legislature to do all we can to support a full economic recovery for hardworking Oregon families across this state, who were disproportionately harmed by the governor’s executive shutdown orders.”

The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems CEO and

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Sheriff Brian Pixley: The passage can be directly attributed to the hard work of each and every employee at CCSO. They have all worked hard to ensure we provide the best services to the public. This renewal goes to show the community trust and support we have been able to gain and keep.

The Chief: Specifically, and to be clear, how much money will the levy raise and what will that funding pay for at the jail?

Pixley: It is expected to raise $13,374,459 over four years. This will continue to support jail operations, capital improvement projects, etc.

In an earlier interview with The Chief, Pixley outlined the projects, which include replacing the facility’s 20-year-old roof; obtaining the jail’s full-body scanner; retrofitting the control room; CERT gear; replacing the freezer and cooler in the kitchen; new windows for the B pod, located in the maximum security portion of the jail; a new transport van; new ceiling tiles and heating table in the kitchen; additional parking spaces as the staff expands; additional attorney visiting rooms for inmates to meet with their attorneys; a remodeled control room; and an added carport charging station for electric vehicles.

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“The renewal means we can focus on the future and continue to build a great jail and a great team for another four years. More than that though, it shows our employees they are supported by the community they serve.” Brian Pixley, Columbia County Sheriff.

The Chief: How does the passage of this levy help stabilize the overall Columbia County Sheriff’s Office operations?

Pixley: The renewal means we can focus on the future and continue to build a great jail and a great team for another four years. More than that though, it shows our employees they are supported by the community they serve.

Other election details Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder was leading in Position 1, over close challenger Brandee Dudzic. The two will meet in a November runoff election, as will challenger Casey Garrett and incumbent Alex Tardif in Position 3. The final election printout of unofficial results shows Magruger with 6,529 votes or 37.24 percent and Dudzic with 4,351 votes and

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www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, May 22, 2020

Counties receive nearly $300,000 for rent relief

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Oregonians in need should contact their local CAA directly. The Columbia County Community Action Team can be reached at 503-397-3511.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

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The Oregon Supreme Court was expected to review Oregon’s Stay Home order on Friday, May 22.

Stay Home Order in court JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Supreme Court temporarily upheld Governor Kate Brown’s Stay Home Save Lives Order earlier this week.

The ruling that came late Monday, May 18, followed Baker County Judge Mathew Shirtcliff’s decision that tossed out Brown’s coronavirus restrictions.

In issuing his ruling, Judge Shirtcliff said Brown’s restrictions were “null and void” because Brown did not have emergency orders approved by the Oregon Legislature following 28 days, according to the Associated Press.

The ruling follows a lawsuit that had been brought by churches who said the social-distancing directives were unconstitutional.

Brown issued the following statement following the

Oregon Supreme Court’s emergency ruling late Monday, May 18, in the Elkhorn Baptist Church vs. Katherine Brown lawsuit.

“Following swift action by the Oregon Supreme Court, my emergency orders to protect the health and safety of Oregonians will remain in effect statewide while the court hears arguments in this lawsuit.”

“From the beginning of this crisis, I have worked within my authority, using science and data as my guide, heeding the advice of medical experts. This strategy has saved lives and protected Oregonians from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“There are no shortcuts for us to return to life as it was before this pandemic.

Moving too quickly could return Oregon to the early days of this crisis, when we braced ourselves for hospitals to be overfilled and ventilators in

short supply.”

“The science remains clear: by physically distancing, wearing face coverings, staying home as much as possible and only gradually reopening our communities we can save lives and keep Oregonians safe.

“We all look forward to visiting our loved ones in nursing homes, sending our children to school, and going to the grocery store without fear of spreading this disease.

But the simple fact remains, COVID-19 is here in Oregon, and lives are at stake.”

Attorneys for the churches said they are disappointed with the Oregon Supreme Court ruling.

The Oregon Supreme Court could issue a formal longer-lasting decision on Friday, May 22.

Follow new developments in this story at thechiefnews. com.

Oregon’s record unemployment JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Public health measures implemented in March to combat the rapid spread of COVID-19 are having an unprecedented economic impact on Oregon and the United States.

Oregon’s unemployment rate rose from a near-recordlow 3.5 percent, as revised, in March to a record- high 14.2 percent in April, as COVID-19 business closures shut down a large portion of the economy, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

This is the highest rate and the largest over-themonth increase in the history of the series (comparable data are available back to 1976). The number of unemployed Oregonians rose by 227,530, to reach 300,420 in April. These sharp increases reflect the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to contain it.

“266,600 jobs were lost in the first two months of this pandemic and the unemployment rate has reached 14.2 percent,” Oregon Employment Department Senior Economic Analyst Anna Johnson said. “While these numbers make for shocking historical records, they cannot totally capture the economic trauma so many Oregonians are experiencing at this time.”

April is providing the first full month of data measuring the initial impact on businesses and the unemployed.

Across the country, the U.S. unemployment rate rose from 4.4 percent in March to 14.7 percent in April.

Oregon’s payroll employers shed 253,400 jobs in April, following a loss of 13,200, as revised, in March.

In April, one out of every eight jobs in Oregon was idled or lost. Leisure and hospitality took the brunt of the impact of pandemic-in-

duced closures. The industry lost more than half of its jobs (-54.6%) in one month.

Job losses were widespread throughout the economy though. No sector in Oregon gained jobs in April.

Other industries that were hardest hit in April were health care and social assistance (-26,800 jobs), retail trade (-22,500), professional and business services (-19,200), government (-13,100), other services (-12,900), construction (-12,000), and manufacturing (-11,600).

processing claims. Claims processing continues seven days per week. The Employment Department also continues to make thousands of call-backs every day to Oregonians who need to have their claims processed.

Read a series of reports about the local impact of COVID-19 at thechiefnews. com.

Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties Community Action Teams (CAT) have received $299,610 of $8.5 million in state funding to assist families in paying their rent.

The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has left many Oregon families without resources to pay rent, buy food, make utility payments, and provide other necessities. Oregon Housing and Community Services’ (OHCS) HCS’ COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provides much needed rent assistance for people who have experienced a loss of income and are at risk of homelessness due to COVID-19.

“Through no fault of their own, many Oregonian families are facing an abrupt loss of income and find themselves unable to pay their rent during this pandemic,” Governor Kate Brown said.

“Through Oregon Housing

and Community Services, we can deliver immediate rent relief so that more families can stay housed as we work to build a safe and strong Oregon.”

Many Oregonians are struggling to pay rent, and low-income Oregonians and communities of color are more likely to be rent burdened than their white counterparts. OHCS allocated these funds through a needs-based formula to regional Community Action Agencies (CAAs). The formula weighed severe rent burden data, poverty data, homelessness data, and unemployment claims. The $8.5 million was allocated statewide to local communities as detailed below: CAAs will begin taking applications in the coming days. Oregonians in need should contact their local CAA directly. The Columbia County Community Action Team can be reached at 503397-3511.

A spokesperson for the Columbia County CAT said the funds are expected to

arrive within the next week and would be distributed to qualifying families.

Tenant income loss documentation and other materials are required to access this program. Rent payments will be made directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.

“The last two months have been trying for many in our communities,” CCA Director Margaret Salazar said, “Oregonians were already struggling to find a safe, stable and affordable place to call home. As families grapple with lost wages, the need is even greater. I am so grateful to get this assistance in the hands of our friends and neighbors in need, including farmworkers and their families who are facing unique housing challenges.”

The $8.5 million was allocated by the Oregon Legislature through the Joint Emergency Board. OHCS anticipates additional resources from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will be made available in the weeks ahead.

Rainier man charged in abduction JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

A Rainier man faces multiple criminal charges following his arrest in what authorities are calling an abduction.

At approximately 9:10 a.m. Monday, May 18, a caller to the 911 dispatch center reported an adult female who was abducted, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s investigators. The caller stated that the victim had stated that she was forcibly taken her from her home in Ilwaco, Washington, and had been physically abused.

Columbia County Sheriffs deputies and Oregon State Police troopers responded to the reported

scene of the incident at 67865 Andy Thomas Road in Rainier.

When deputies arrived they located the male suspect, later identified as James Donald Cooley, 58, of Rainier, in a trailer on the property with the victim.

Investigators summoned medical assistance for the female victim.

During the law enforcement investigation, deputies were able to confirm the victim’s statements and Cooley was subsequently arrested on charges of Kidnapping I, Attempted Assault I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Violation of a Restraining Order, Stalking and Menacing.

Cooley was lodged in the Columbia County Jail with a bail of $185,000.

Photo courtesy of the Columbia County Jail

James Cooley faces charges of Kidnapping I, Attempted Assault I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Violation of a Restraining Order, Stalking and Menacing.

Negative and positive The greatest number of initial unemployment claims continued to come from the accommodation and food services sector, with 68,400 initial claims filed in the industry since March 15. Other sectors with the largest number of initial claims totals since March 15 include health care and social assistance (43,100) and retail trade (36,400).

However, every sector of the economy has seen increased claims activity.

The record-level claims processing by the Employment Department continues to help communities across Oregon as the economy transitions to re-opening. If measured by dollars paid, Unemployment Insurance would now be the largest paying subsector of Oregon’s economy. By comparison, unemployment benefits would have ranked 37th by payroll prior to the COVID-19 closures.

Still, tens of thousands of unemployment claims remain unprocessed, and some have been waiting for benefits for six or seven weeks.

Oregon Employment Department officials said the agency continues expanding its capacity, with a new contact center now open, and a total of 690 employees

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Vacationing in ‘New Normal’ STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

This Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start of the summer vacation season.

But in St. Helens, around the state and across America, the summer travel season looks very different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This year, Memorial Day travel volume is likely to set a record low because of the pandemic.”

Travel restrictions remain in place to domestic and international destinations, according to the Oregon/ Idaho AAA. In Oregon and other states, non-essential travel is still discouraged or not allowed. As of May 15, 31 of Oregon’s 36 counties, including Columbia County, have entered the state’s Phase 1 reopening.

Most of the counties administrator and businesses say they’re not ready for an influx of tourists.

Memorial Day is usually considered to be unofficial start of the summer travel season. But most Americans will be staying home this year.

For the first time in 20 years, AAA will not issue a Memorial Day travel forecast due to COVID-19. The annual forecast – which estimates the number of people traveling over the holiday weekend and provides data on people’s trips – will return next year.

This summer, AAA expects to make travel projections for the late summer and fall, assuming states ease travel restrictions and businesses reopen.

“Last year, 43 million Americans including 557,000 Oregonians traveled for Memorial Day Weekend – the second-highest travel volume on record since AAA began tracking holiday travel volumes in 2000,” Oregon/ Idaho AAA public affairs director Marie Dodds said.

“This year, Memorial Day travel volume is likely to set a record low because of the pandemic.”

While Memorial Day travel will be put on hold, Dodds said many people still want to plan future vacations.

Bookings at AAA Oregon/ Idaho and online at AAA. com/travel show slow and steady increases since midApril.

“After weeks of staying at home, people are sure thinking about how and when they’ll be able to travel again,” AAA Oregon/ Idaho senior vice president of travel Doreen Loofburrow said. “Domestic travel and the great American road trip will be some of the first post-coronavirus outings.

Many are making plans to visit family and friends they haven’t been able to see while in quarantine–Grandma and Grandpa want to see their grandkids!”

Driving vacations to local and regional destinations are expected to pick up later in the summer. National parks, state parks and locations that provide an escape from crowds are of great interest.

With gas prices about $1 a

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Oregon/Idaho AAA says more people will take vacations closer to home this summer due to COVID-19.

gallon lower than last year, a driving vacation is relatively budget-friendly. The current national average is $1.86 and the Oregon average is $2.39.

AAA officials said now can be an excellent time to book trips for later this year and into 2021 and beyond.

“You can find incredible travel bargains now—prices are slashed on everything from flights to Vegas to that bucket-list dream destination,” Loofburrow said. “With many travel providers easing or waiving cancellation policies, you’ll be able to change your plans if necessary. However, be sure to read the fine print to know exactly what the cancellation policies are.”

“You have to do your homework before you leave since many restrictions are still in place. Gone are the

days when you can pack the kids in the car and just take off,” Dodds said.

The AAA encourages travelers to plan ahead.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that Americans stay home and avoid nonessential travel. Americans should heed all official warnings and refer to the latest updates from the CDC and U.S. Department of State to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Many states, counties, cities and countries still discourage non-essential travel, or have travel restrictions in place. Some places require visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days. Check with each destination in advance.

Book your lodging, camp-

ing and rental car in advance and check on the cleaning standards. Many hotels and rental car companies offer enhanced cleaning policies. See more information below on AAA’s Best of Housekeeping badge. Oregon has 181 properties from Albany to Yachats that are honored with the AAA Inspector’s Best of Housekeeping award. Here’s the complete list of Oregon properties.

Consider working with a travel professional to help plan your trip. They can help you sort through all of the pandemic-related restrictions and help you get the biggest bang for your vacation dollars.

Check with any museums, parks, attractions, etc. you want to visit. Many will have reduced operating hours and

limit the number of visitors at a time. Many also require face masks. Consider purchasing tickets in advance.

Bring snacks, beverages and non-perishable foods with you. Grocery stores may have limited hours. Check to see if restaurants are open, and if they offer dine-in service, take-out and/or delivery.

Pack hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting products such as face masks, hand sanitizer, soap, wipes, sprays, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, etc. as these items may be difficult to purchase while you’re on the road.

Memorial Day 2009 currently holds the record for the lowest travel volume at nearly 31 million travelers, according to AAA. That holiday weekend came toward the end of the Great Recession and the H1N1 flu pandemic was spreading across the U.S. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ pandemic-resources/2009pandemic-timeline.html This summer and fall, AAA expects vacationers will gravitate to road trips and family bookings including air, car, hotel and activities to destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For now, though, the borders to Mexico and Canada remain closed to non-essential travel until at least May 20.

Later this year and beyond, assuming international travel restrictions are lifted, AAA officials said they expect to see more demand for tropical destinations and a wider range of international travel.

For more information, visit AAA.com/Travel.

New family food assistance STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Families in need of food assistance in Clatskanie, Rainier and across the state, are expected to see additional benefits in the next few weeks, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

DHS and ODE announced on May 5, that more than 351,000 students receiving free meals from Oregon schools will get additional food benefits for groceries during the school closure.

Households will receive food benefits equivalent to the cost of one lunch and one breakfast for each eligible student – $5.70 per normal school day for the months of March, April, May and June.

Beginning in June, these additional benefits will be automatically deposited for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households to their existing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts on their regular issuance date.

Benefits are sent out from the first to the ninth of the

For more information about food assistance, visit needfood.oregon. gov or call 2-1-1.

month, based on the last digit of the clients Social Security number.

Students who get free school meals but do not receive SNAP benefits will automatically receive an Oregon Trail Card in the mail in the months of June and July. Parents do not need to apply if their children are part of a school where all students receive free meals.

Families whose children attend participating schools and have experienced significant income loss may have become eligible for free school meals, and there is still time to apply.

Apply online at https:// www.ode.state.or.us/apps/ FRLApp/Default or contact

your local school. To find out if your school participates in this program, visit https://www.oregon.gov/ ode/students-and-family/ childnutrition/Pages/COVID-19.aspx.

Benefits will be retroactive to March 16, 2020 for students who received free and reduced-price meals when schools closed.

For newly eligible free or reduced-price students or SNAP households, benefits will start at the beginning of the month they become eligible. Eligible students will receive the following: • $69 for March • $126 in April • $120 in May • $69 in June

Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm Call 503-397-1329 to schedule an appointment 2015 ColuMbia blvd., St. helenS, oregon www.riChardSonSfurniture.CoM “where ColuMbia County haS bought with ConfidenCe SinCe 1959.”

Photo courtesy of PGE

Trojan Park, south of Rainier and Clatskanie along Highway 30, offers a picturesque and natural area for locals and visitors in Columbia County.

Trojan Park reopening Portland General Electric (PGE) reports that three of the popular parks and recreation areas it operates in Columbia, Clackamas and Jefferson counties will reopen on Friday, May 22, in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

PGE’s parks were closed March 23 to support mandatory public physical distancing orders issued to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.

The company is aligning plans for individual parks and recreation sites with operators of nearby local, state and federal recreation PGE Parks.

Details will be posted on portlandgeneral.com/parks as they become available, so visitors should check for updates before planning an excursion to any of PGE’s 14 sites. Parks scheduled to open on May 22 include,

• Trojan Park day-use area, near Clatskanie • Promontory Park day-use area, campground and marina, on North Fork Reservoir near Estacada • Pelton Park day-use area, campground and marina, on Lake Simtustus near Madras Guests at the parks will be asked to practice physical distancing from visitors outside their immediate party.

Other steps PGE has taken to help protect visitors’ health and safety include closing campground showers and large-group communal areas, extra facilities cleaning and disinfecting, signage to promote physical distancing, and additional staff support.

The company is also working with the store and marina operators at Promontory Park and Pelton Park to help them follow Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

tion safety guidelines.

PGE’s other campgrounds and day-use areas remain temporarily closed, including sites at Timothy Lake and Lake Harriet on the Mt. Hood National Forest, boater access sites on the Clackamas River, and the Perry South and Monty campgrounds on the Deschutes National Forest. These sites are subject to broader U.S. Forest Service closure orders, so PGE is working with the Forest Service to coordinate reopening schedules.

Prospective campers may still make reservations with start-dates after May 29 for PGE campgrounds that remain closed. If closures extend past their reservation start date, campers will receive cancellation notices with instructions on how to make alternative reservations or receive full refunds.

ELECTION

Grant with 6,742 votes, also triggering a runoff in November.

Voters approved the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection measure. The Rainier Cemetery Maintenance District measure was defeated.

The unofficial county returns also show voters approving a $55 million bond measure to renovate St. Helens High School.

Voter turnout was at 48 percent. There are 39,250 registered voters in Columbia County.

The Columbia County Elections office has 21 days from the Primary to certify the election.

From Page A1

24.82 percent. Garrett with 7,149 votes, or 43.22 percent and Tardif with 6,747 votes, or 40.79 percent.

In the Circuit Court District 19 race, the unofficial results show Michael Clarke with 6,876 votes, and Jenefer

See the entire unofficial Columbia County Primary Election results at thechiefnews.com.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Friday, May 22, 2020

•V iewpoints • •

Importance of Tradition who put on a military uniform and died in defense of freedom and democracy.

And that is still the tradition that matters most today. That is the tradition that no virus or other disaster can take from us.

It may change how we observe our traditions, but it cannot in itself end those traditions. And it does not, and cannot, change the enormity of the sacrifices that we honor and remember today.

KELLY FITZPATRICK Chief Guest Column

In these unprecedented times, I have found myself reflecting more and more on the importance of tradition.

Our great nation is rooted in many wonderful traditions.

They bind us together, they strengthen us. They provide structure to our lives. They give meaning to the sacrifices that have been made to preserve our freedoms and our way of life.

In normal times, many Oregonians would be taking part in their own time-honored traditions on this Memorial Day. Thousands would line the streets or fill the parks in their home communities, coming together for parades, ceremonies and other solemn events to observe this important day.

Instead of standing alone in front of the Oregon AfghanIraqi Freedom Memorial, recording a speech for our virtual ceremony, as I recently did, I would have the privilege of seeing hundreds of honored veterans and family members at our Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony gathered at that Memorial, a tradition we have faithfully observed for almost 15 years.

Not normal times But these are not normal times. We can’t gather together in the normal way. Yet this doesn’t mean that we can’t observe these traditions, it just means that we must find a new way to observe them.

In fact, in this time of great uncertainty and loss, it’s more important than ever for us to hold observances in honor of heroes of all types, but especially those who died fighting for the values and institutions of our American way of life.

I would include the untold number of veterans who lost their lives in a very different kind of battle – fighting this insidious coronavirus. It is more than ironic that these incredibly strong individuals survived military conflicts against human enemies only to succumb so tragically to an unseen enemy.

Virtual ceremony So that is why ODVA’s Memorial Day tradition will continue on Monday with our first-ever Virtual Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony. The virtual ceremony, which will

Kelly Fitzpatrick

Courtesy photo

include a number of messages reflecting on the importance of our great nation — and the generations of proud veterans that have safeguarded it.

I invite all Oregonians to join us for this meaningful and one-of-a-kind event, which you can tune into on ODVA’s Facebook page at 10 a.m.

Monday, or anytime thereafter.

Our partners at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are also offering new ways for the public to pay tribute to our honored veterans including a new online initiative called the Veterans Legacy Memorial.

The site, which contains a memorial page for each veteran and service member interred in a national cemetery, has been available since 2019, but this week that the VA is introducing a new way to observe Memorial Day by permitting online visitors to leave a comment of tribute on a veteran’s page.

The tribute allows visitors to voice memories and appreciation for a veteran’s service.

You can visit today at www. vlm.cem.va.gov.

Our nation’s greatest traditions have always started small. Long before there were parades and speeches, long before there were memorials and national cemeteries, Memorial Day began with a very simple tradition.

Families, and small communities, still reeling in the wake of the American Civil War, would visit the local graves of fallen service members, decorating them with flowers picked by their own hands.

This tradition eventually became formalized as a national holiday called Decoration Day, and more recently, Memorial Day. But it was always the tradition that really mattered — the simple act of pausing, honoring and remembering those brave individuals

Be thankful In a time of great uncertainty and loss, we must remember that we have so much to be thankful for. We are thankful for the service of all of our veterans, from the most recent conflicts to World War II — the 75th anniversary of which we recognize this year. Thank you for fighting to keep our great nation safe and free.

We are grateful for our many veterans across the state of Oregon, who continue to serve and sacrifice in these unprecedented times. They are nurses and doctors and other health care workers; they are firefighters, police officers and first responders; they are mail carriers, grocery clerks and other essential workers, continuing to serve on the front lines of the critical response to COVID-19 and in so many other ways that help keep our society healthy, safe and strong.

And, we are forever grateful to those who paid the ultimate price in service to our country, all those who gave the last full measure of devotion.

Our nation is stronger, and our future is brighter, because of them. We will never forget their service and sacrifice.

Finally, thank you for taking time out this week, wherever you are, to continue this important tradition of honoring, remembering and celebrating our nation’s heroes. I look forward to the day that we can once again be together in person to honor our veterans. Until then, please stay safe and well.

Kelly Fitzpatrick is the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Governor Kate Brown’s policy advisor on veterans’ issues.

She is a retired Army officer. Her military awards and decorations include multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Army Parachutist Badge.

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The Chief

Oregon’s Revenue Forecast shortfall, Governor Brown asked all state agencies to reduce their budgets by 17%. These across the board budget cuts would help bring state spending in line with the revenue shortfall, but the unilateral approach is arguably not the best way to accomplish this goal. We need more targeted cuts and spending to meet the needs of our agencies and the citizens they serve.

BRAD WITT Chief Guest Column

State lawmakers have now received the June 2020 Economic and Revenue Forecast.

By the numbers Due to the pandemic, we are looking at a $2.7 billion shortfall the 201921 biennium. Oregon is in a COVID-19 caused economic recession, and it is expected to take years to fully recover. In all, the state economists project a loss of $10.5 billion over the next five years.

With the Phase One reopening in most Oregon Counties, people are beginning to go back to work, but until there is an effective treatment or vaccine for the novel coronavirus, the economy will not return to normal. Initially, with the reopening of the economy we will see a strong but incomplete rebound in consumer spending.

This will result in slower growth over the next year, or until effective medical treatment is widely available. After that, we should see stronger economic growth, with projections having the state’s economy return to health by the middecade.

Volatile outlook This is a world-wide pandemic, with the greatest impacts in the United States.

The federal government has stepped up with stimulus checks, which provided $4 billion to Oregon households. Expanded unemployment benefit programs, provided another $7 billion to displaced workers, and the Paycheck Protection Program funneled another

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

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Brad Witt

$6.83 billion into businesses in the state. These programs are slated to end this summer.

Oregon’s revenue outlook is volatile due to our state’s reliance on personal and business income taxes.

Video lottery terminals were also shut down for eight weeks, but are now coming back on line for counties in the Phase One reopening.

Oregonians are demonstrating their pent up demand for gaming, and lottery terminals are already at about 60% of normal play. Due to the economic uncertainty and limited incomes, lottery revenue is not expected to reach pre-recession levels anytime soon.

Normally, state economists would have a clearer picture of income tax revenue by now, but the filing deadline was pushed from April 15th to July 15th to match the federal 90-day tax filing extension. Not surprisingly, people who will be receiving refunds have been filing their forms, and those who owe money are waiting to file. Oregon’s record $1.7 billion personal kicker is being distributed, $1 billion is already sent and the rest will be expended with the later filings.

In anticipation of the projected multi-billion dollar

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chief PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97053

Calling for Special Session I strongly believe that a Special Session of the Oregon Legislature needs to be convened to take up these important budgetary issues.

Oregon has received $1.39 billion through the federal CARES act, and we have $1.6 billion in reserves. The decisions on how to best allocate these billions of dollars and determining the necessary budget cuts in the interest of our state and citizenry should now go to the people’s elected representatives….the sooner the better, in my opinion.

As is the case with many public spaces, the Capitol Building remains closed to the public, but my office staff and I monitor our email and phone daily, and we are working to assist constituents. If you need help or have an issue or concern please feel free to contact my office.

Please take care of yourself and each other. Be Safe.

Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • Capitol Building: 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: http://www. oregonlegislature.gov/witt.

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Because of space limitations, shorter letters have a better chance of being printed. We may edit your letter for style, grammar and clarity, although we do as little editing as possible. If you don’t want your letter printed under those conditions, just let us know. Thank-you letters are limited to a general thanks and summary of an issue or action. We reserve the right to exclude lists of people, organizations and businesses. Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. We won’t print your street address or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chiefnews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office.

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Letters Policy The Chief welcomes letters of 250 words or fewer. Letters are subject to editing for length, clarity or grammar. They should be concise, to the point and original. Letters dealing with disputes or containing criticism of private individuals or businesses will not be published. All letters must be signed (unless emailed) and include the author’s full name, address and daytime telephone number (for verification purposes only).

Letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Letters also may be published on our website.

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.

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

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Friday, May 22, 2020

A5

Library slowly reopening

Courtesy photo

Preliminary clinical testing by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease shows that some patients treated with the drug experienced faster recoveries.

COVID-19 treatment Courtesy photo from Clatskanie Library

Though it may be weeks before the public is granted free access to the interior of the building, Clatskanie Library administrators said services are slated to resume in limited ways beginning Friday, May 22. The Clatskanie Library is located on Lillich Street near Copes Park.

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Chief has received the following details from the Clatskanie Public Library.

In late February, while the Clatskanie Library staff paid attention to the arrival of the first COVID-19 cases in the United States, they began to take additional steps inside the building to ensure the safety of patrons and sanitation of materials.

By March 13, as cleaning and disinfecting products began to disappear from shelves and supply chains, the American Library Association was recommending that most libraries, which are not inherently set up for social distancing and present the unique challenge of sanitizing many shared resources, close their doors to the public.

On March 19, the Clatskanie Library Board of Directors held an emergency meeting at which it was

decided the Library would close to the public, two part time staff would be placed on paid leave, and two staff (the Director and one clerk) would continue to work inside the building from 10 a.m. to noon daily, to answer phones, facilitate electronic services, receive check-ins and work on other administrative tasks.

When the Governor of Oregon issued her “Stay Safe, Stay Home” order on March 23, sanitation supplies were fast dwindling and the book drop was closed completely.

While the library has been quieter than normal even by most library standards, a lot has been going on inside the building.

Director Elizabeth Kruse and clerk Becky White have been hard at work facilitating online services, hosting online Story Times, planning budgets, writing grants, expanding Wi-Fi access outside the building, hosting Zoom book club meetings for

Youth Book Club members, the Board of Directors and Budget Committee, planning the transition to a virtual format for the Summer Reading Program, upgrading the ventilation system and yes- gathering supplies and drafting a plan for a phased re-opening. The plan will emphasize creative ways to offer all of the traditional services, even if they are sometimes in non-traditional ways. All phases will follow guidelines provided by state and national health authorities and library organizations and will prioritize the safety of staff, patrons and the community.

Though it may be weeks before the public is granted free access to the interior of the building, library services are slated to resume in limited ways beginning on Friday, May 22.

The very first step is to open the book drop and begin to receive back the materials that patrons have been keeping safe at home.

Beginning May 22, the book drop will be open from noon to 10 a.m. daily and all materials will be checked in free of fines. Staff will follow a special process that includes sanitizing and briefly quarantining materials to ensure that they can be re-circulated safely.

Part time staff will return to the building on Tuesday, May 26 and if all goes well, Library patrons will be able to check out up to two items per week by placing holds and picking up outside the building by the following week.

Specific details about the multiple ways to do that will be released on May 28. In the meantime, free public Wi-Fi continues to be accessible outside the building 24 hours a day, and staff is available to help with online services or answer questions at (503) 728-3732, or by contacting ekruse@clatskanielibrary.org or sending a message to their Facebook page.

Council denies garbage rate boost JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Rainier City Council has denied, for the time being, a rate increase request by Hudson Garbage.

“Hudson asked us for a two percent rate adjustment for residential and commercial customers, citing significant business revenue losses of 17 percent due on the commercial side to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said. “The council felt it was necessary to deny the request at this time. It just seems to be bad timing.”

Cole said the additional financial burden on customers still facing the pandemic impact would be difficult.

“It does not mean that the rate request can’t be reevaluated at a later time,” Cole said.

“We completely understand that they want to back away from that at this time and we absolutely respect that,” Hudson Garbage District Manager Nathan Smith told The Chief. “We have seen many of our customers struggling through the pandemic, so we suspended all late fees and stop-service orders.”

Smith also made a rate presentation before the St. Helens City Council Wednesday, May 20, and was scheduled to do so before the Clatskanie City Council in June.

Chief photo

City Council discussions at Rainier City Hall this week included developing a new parks master plan, moving forward on the Riverfront Trail and Fox Creek projects, and denying a rate increase request from Hudson Garbage.

“Each year in June we look at a rate adjustments,” Smith said. “But for now, we are going to postpone the requests to give our customers the opportunity to get back to work and back on their feet.

We will revisit the requests in the fall it if is warranted.”

The Rainier council did approve a resolution offering city customers COVID-19 utility bill relief for water and sewer of one half of their May water/sewer bill up to a maximum of $300.

“This is to help take the edge off of the customers struggling through the pandemic and who need some help,” Cole said.

During the Rainier City

Council, meeting held by phone on May 18 due to social distancing requirements, the city staff presented a next step in resolving flooding issues linked to Fox Creek.

Cole said the next phase of the project could be a study to review options, which could include opening up the creek and what size of additional piping would be needed.

“The study would tell us exactly what options we have, what we need to do and help us justify spending the public’s money,” Cole said.

The city council also discussed moving ahead with enhancing the Riverfront Trail that runs along the

banks of the Columbia River in Rainier and seeking grant funding to update the city’s park master plan.

“We will apply for a $40,000 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant,” Cole said. “That would help us add more amenities to the city park.”

The council discussion also included restarting the search for a city administrator.

“We had a search about a year ago but we really didn’t have candidates that the council was happy with so now we are revoking at our options,” Cole said. “We don’t favor spending money for a consultant, so we are going to look at other options.”

Debbie Dudley, the former Rainier City administrator who retired last year, has been working part time as the city’s finance director. Cole said he and Dudley would review options for the search and report back to the city council in late June.

According to Cole, the city administrator’s position salary is approximately $90,000 annually, plus benefits.

“The council knows it has it may have to spend more to attract a qualified professional candidate,” Cole said.

Follow the Rainier City Council decision here online and in the Friday print editions of The Chef.

Oregon has received its first shipments of remdesivir, an experimental drug that has been used to treat patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19.

On May 12 and May 15, Oregon received allotments of the drug, which has not been formally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but is being used under a federally issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

The EUA allows health professionals to use the drug to treat some severely ill COVID-19 patients who meet clinical criteria.

Remdesivir was developed by Gilead Sciences Inc. and has been tested in patients with various diseases, such as Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

According to Gilead’s website, “it is not known if remdesivir is safe and effective for the treatment of COVID-19.”

Preliminary clinical testing by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease shows that some patients treated with the drug experienced faster recoveries.

“The Oregon Health Authority is committed to distributing Oregon’s allotment of remdesivir to Oregon hospitals for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 in accordance with the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization,” Oregon Health Authority Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dana Hargunani said. “Because of the experimental nature of the drug, shared decisionmaking between patients and providers is paramount, and informed consent must be obtained prior to its use.”

Preliminary results,

released in April, showed that individuals with advanced lung disease who received the drug recovered 31% faster than patients who did not. The study included 1,063 patients. Differences in the mortality rate were not statistically significant. Full study results have not been published.

Providence St. Vincent and Providence Portland medical centers have been approved for clinical trials of the drug. More than 30 patients have been tested.

“Clinical observation by providers across the board has been that overall clinical improvement and in particular fever resolution, is sped up by the drug’s administration,” Providence Medical Center infectious disease physician Dr. Tobias Pusch said. “It has varied by the stage of the patients’ degree of illness at time of presentation. Those findings were confirmed in the recent preliminary data release by Gilead last week – patients were able to discharge four to five days sooner with drug therapy.”

The allotments received

by OHA included enough remdesivir for 80 patients to receive a 10-day treatment course. As of May 16, this is enough to treat all currently hospitalized COVID-19 patients who meet eligibility criteria. OHA anticipates additional allotments in the future, although the amount and timing are not known.

The drug will be distributed to hospitals immediately upon notification of an eligible patient and under specified terms of the EUA. As of May 16, at 8:30 a.m. there were 56 people hospitalized with confirmed COVID 19. Among those 25 are being treated in an intensive care unit.

REVENUE

a chance to support local hospitals by prioritizing health care funding. We are committed to being strong partners with policymakers as we work together to solve our shared challenges.”

Why the forecast critical 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 in March, June, September, and December.

From Page A1 president Becky Hultberg released the following statement concerning the forecast.

“Today’s state revenue forecast presents grim news, as the public health crisis gripping the state has rippled through our economy and decimated state revenue. As the Governor and Legislature grapple with this budget reality, now is not the time to reduce investments in health care. Rather – because hospitals drive positive health outcomes and promote economic activity – the investments we make now in our hospitals, health care workforce, and coverage for vulnerable Oregonians will help lead our economic recovery while we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our community hospitals have been there for Oregon, and state leaders now have

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Public Notices CC20-1236

CITY OF CLATSKANIE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 27th, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Clatskanie Cultural Center Ballroom, 75 South Nehalem St. (Clatskanie Cultural Center, 2nd floor) with social

distancing practices being observed. Agenda items include, but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the November 20th, 2019 regular meeting; A Minor Partition. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by May 22, 2019.

CC20-1237

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the REDCO, Columbia, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, will be held at the Masonic Lodge, 301 East 3rd Street, Rainier, OR. The meeting will take place on June 1, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on

the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 28, 2020 at 106 West B Street, Rainier, OR, by appointment between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

CC20-1238

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the City of Rainier, Columbia, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, will be held at the Masonic Lodge, 301 East 3rd Street, Rainier, OR. The meeting will take place on June 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the

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

Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 28, 2020 at 106 West B Street, Rainier, OR by appointment between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

CC20-1239

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Westport-Wauna RFPD, Clatsop County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, will be held at 91177 Westport Ferry Rd., Westport, OR 97016. The meeting will take place on 5/27/2020 at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment

from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after 6/1/2020 at Westport Fire Station, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

CC20-1231

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LANDOWNERS OF THE CLATSOP #15 DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT COMPANY, INC. Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the landowners and Board Members of the Clatsop #15 Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia and Clatsop County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at GreenWood Resource’s Nursery Office located at 91151 Old Mill Town Rd in Westport, OR. Notice is

further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the owner. The meeting is to elect a director, adopt a budget and any other business that comes before the landowners. Dated this 11th day of May, 2020.

Kathy Haiby, Secretary/ Treasurer, Clatsop #15 Drainage Improvement Company, Inc. Board of Directors

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CC20-1201

TS No. OR01000008-19-1 APN 24452/ 5N4W23-BC-00900 TO No 8758606 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by Richard D Taylor, a single man as Grantor, to Kelly D Sutherland, Attorney at Law as Trustee, in favor of Westar Funding, Inc. as Beneficiary, dated as of October 23, 2007 and recorded October 26, 2007 as Instrument No. 2007-013552 and Extension Agreement October 31, 2016 covering the following described real property situated in the above-mentioned county and state, to wit: APN: 24452/ 5N4W23-BC-00900 TRACTS 15, 16, 19 AND 20, FIRST SUBDIVISION OF PITTSBURGH, IN THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA AND STATE OF OREGON; EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL MINERALS AS RESERVED BY INSTRUMENT MARCH 25, 1946 IN BOOK 89, PAGE 78, DEED RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. Together with all buildings, improvements, and tenements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all heretofore or hereafter vacated alleys and streets abutting the property, and all easements, rights, appurtenances, rents (subject however to the assignment of rents to lender herein), royalties, mineral, oil and gas rights and profits, water, water rights, and water stock appurtenant to the building, all materials, appliances and goods of every nature whatsoever now or hereafter located in, or on, or used or intended to be used in connection with the property, including, but not limited to, those for the purposes of supplying or

distributing heating, cooling, electricity, gas, water, air, and light; and all elevators, and related machinery and equipment, fire prevention and extinguishing apparatus, security and access control apparatus, plumbing, bath tubs, water heaters, water closets, sinks, ranges, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, disposals, washers, dryers, awnings, storm windows, storm doors, screens, blinds, shades, curtains and curtain rods, mirrors, cabinets, paneling, rugs, attached floor coverings, furniture, pictures, antennas, trees and plants; all of which, including replacements and additions thereto, shall be deemed to be and remain a part of the real property covered by this instrument; and all of the foregoing, together with said property are herein referred to as the “property” Commonly known as: 62419 Nehalem Hwy N, Vernonia, OR 97064 Both the Beneficiary, Dennis L Swanson and Carolyn A Swanson, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Delinquent Payments: 11 monthly payment(s) from May 1, 2019 at $666.25 $7,328.75 Total Late Charge(s) $2,403.32 Extension Fee $924.25 Foreclosure Fee/Cost(s) $2,011.00 TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE: $12,667.32 By

this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $50,000.00 together with interest thereon at the rate of 15.99000% per annum from May 1, 2019 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on August 27, 2020 at the hour of 12:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the west entrance to the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., Saint Helens, OR 97051 County of Columbia, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due

(other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic.

Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any.

Dated: MARCH 30, 2020 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o Special Default Services, Inc. 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 (949) 225-5945Order Number 71605, Pub Dates: 05/08/2020, 05/15/2020, 05/22/2020, 05/29/2020, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

CC20-1233

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids for the City of Clatskanie, SW Howard Drive Pavement Overlay, will be received by the City of Clatskanie until 3:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

Bids shall be addressed to Mr. Greg Hinkelman, City Manager, 75 South Nehalem Street, P.O. Box 9, Clatskanie, OR 97016.

At 3:00 PM. Bids will be opened and read aloud in the City Hall Council Chambers, Clatskanie, OR. The project consists generally of selected areas of asphalt grinding and repair and pavement overlay on SW Howard Drive for the City of Clatskanie, in Columbia County, Oregon.

Plans and specifications are available for review at the City of Clatskanie’s

administrative offices, located at 75 South Nehalem Street, Clatskanie, Oregon 97016, telephone number: (503) 728-2622. No bids shall be considered unless the Bidder is registered with the Construction Contractors Board as required by ORS 671.530. To be considered, bids must follow bidding instructions including but not limited to completion of bidding forms provided, and accompanied by a 10% bid security in favor of the City of Clatskanie. Each bidder must indicate in the space provided on the Bid Proposal whether they are a Resident or Non-Resident Bidder, pursuant to ORS 270.029. The successful bidder will be required to

possess a current Clatskanie City Business License before finalizing the Contract Agreement with the City.

No bid shall be received or considered unless the bid contains a statement by the Bidder that the provisions of ORS 279.350 and Oregon Prevailing Wage Rates will be complied with if the amount of the bid equals or exceeds $50,000. Oregon prevailing wage rates, published by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, are available on-line at www. oregon.gov/BOLI. Within two (2) working hours after the date and time of the bid opening, the bidder shall submit to the City of Clatskanie a disclosure of

the first tier subcontractors, pursuant to ORS 279C.370.

Failure to submit the first-tier subcontractor list will constitute a nonresponsive bid. If there is no first-tier subcontractors mark “NONE” on the submittal. The City of Clatskanie reserves the right to reject any or all bids not in compliance with all prescribed bidding procedures and requirements, may reject for good cause any and all bids upon a finding of the agency it is in the public interest to do so, and may waive all informalities. No bidder may withdraw or modify his bid prior to the lapse of thirty (30) days after the bid opening.

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, May 22, 2020

Public Notices

Oil tank deal nixed

CC20-1240 FORM LB-1

A7

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

A public meeting of the Columbia River Fire & Rescue Board of Directors will be held on June 9, 2020 at 7:00 pm at Lee Broadbent Training Center, 58555 McNulty Way, St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 as approved by the Columbia River Fire & Rescue Budget Committee. Due to health concerns, the public may attend virtually. Call-in information is found on the District's website: www.crfr.com A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at 270 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m or on the District's website: www.crfr.com This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as used the preceding year. : Telephone: 503-3972990

Contact: Marit Nelson

Email: nelsonm@crfr.com

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS Actual Amount FY 2018-19 Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital 2,656,343 Fees, Licenses, Permits, Fines, Assessments & Other Service Charges 2,251,114 Federal, State and All Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations and Donations 309,988 Revenue from Bonds and Other Debt 0 Interfund Transfers / Internal Service Reimbursements 350,000 All Other Resources Except Property Taxes 152,025 Property Taxes Estimated to be Received Total Resources

Adopted Budget FY 2019-20 2,977,921 2,727,000 564,063 0 1,025,000 358,575

Approved Budget FY 2020-21 4,112,500 1,962,900 1,207,364 0 573,100 336,800

7,367,252

7,331,000

7,542,000

13,086,722

14,983,559

15,734,664

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION Personnel Services

7,641,751

8,869,663

10,090,644

Materials and Services

1,084,948

1,579,575

1,433,320

Capital Outlay

726,562

1,081,500

1,438,757

Debt Service

216,612

282,000

323,500

Interfund Transfers

576,406

1,025,000

573,100

0

375,000

375,000

Contingencies

0

0

0

860,854

1,770,821

1,500,343

11,107,133

14,983,559

15,734,664

Special Payments Unappropriated Ending Balance and Reserved for Future Expenditure Total Requirements

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM * Name of Organizational Unit or Program FTE for that unit or program Retired Senior Volunteer Program

70,508

68,934

1.00

1.00

1.00

452,813

490,629

1,297,830

FTE

1.00

2.00

8.00

FTE

10,583,812 51.50

14,423,996 52.00

14,355,700 52.50

11,107,133 53.5

14,983,559 55.0

15,734,664 61.50

FTE Special Revenue-Grants

Non-Departmental / Non-Program Total Requirements Total FTE

81,134

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING * Columbia River Fire & Rescue is funded primarily by property tax revenues and ambulance transports. Tax anticipation notes are secured to cover the period of expenses from July 1-November 15.

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate/Amt Permanent Rate Levy (rate limit _2.9731__ per $1,000) 2.9731 Local Option Levy 0 Levy For General Obligation Bonds 0 STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1. $0 $0 $2,105,000 $2,105,000

LONG TERM DEBT General Obligation Bonds Other Bonds Other Borrowings Total

•

Rate/Amt

Rate/Amt 2.9731 0 0

2.9731 0 0

Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1 $0 $0 $0

•O bituaries • • Phil White

March 7, 1961 ~ May 12, 2020 Phil White, 59, of Clatskanie, Oregon passed away on May 12, 2020 in Portland, Oregon.

Photo courtesy of the Port of Columbia County

Global Partners operates its Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery at Port Westward.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Global Partners will no longer be buying oil tanks from Portland General Electric (PGE) due to the termination of the Purchase and Sale agreement made between the two parties in 2017.

Global owns and operates the Columbia Pacific Bio Refinery (CPBR) at Port Westward.

“While subsequently approved by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon, the transaction was subject to additional conditions agreed to by the parties in the purchase and sale agreement,” the termination notice from the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) states.

Reaction One Columbia County Environmental group is calling the cancellation of the agreement good news.

“That means 400,000 barrels of oil storage are no longer available,” Riverkeeper Conservation Direction Dan Serres said. “That’s a significant change.”

“We hope that Global recognizes the deep-seated

unease along the rail line with potential oil train shipments, and makes a firm commitment to public safety by amending its permit applications to DEQ to remove crude oil transloading from its plans altogether,” Serres said.

Global Partners has used trains to carry crude oil to its facility at Port Westward, which has unsettled Columbia Riverkeeper and concerned citizens. The most recent controversial action regarding the company was in December of 2018 when the Port of Columbia County approved heavier oil shipments via train.

The transaction is outlined in the application for approval of the sale of property from March of 2017.

“The agreement states that PGE will sell to CPBR the nine storage tanks that comprise the PGE Tank Facility, along with a twenty-inch pipeline to the Port Westward dock, and CPBR will sell to PGE the two storage tanks that comprise the CPBR Tank Facility,” according to the application for approval.

Agreement Void The PGE / Global Purchase and Sale Agreement is

no longer viable, according to the PGE, because conditions that had to be met were not met by the specified time period.

There were two different sets of conditions, including five conditions regarding insurance and access rights between PGE and CPBR as well as three conditions regarding approvals from different government entities.

According to Global vice president of communications Catie Kerns the facility is no longer in need of the storage tanks.

“Currently we are working on adding renewable diesel, a cleaner-burning fuel derived from plant oils and animal fats,” Kerns said.

“Driven by state and federal climate policy there is a large demand for renewable diesel.”

Global is still allowed, under its Oregon Department of Environmental Quality permit, to transload crude oil and ethanol. That permit is up for renewal and is currently in the public comment period. All comments due by 5 p.m. on June 5.

The permit renewal will include a modification that would allow CPBR to transload renewable diesel.

The Chronicle

The Chief

9th Annual

2020 Columbia County

Business Guide Publication dates: Chronicle: June 24, Chief: June 26

Ad Deadline June 11

This full color, glossy magazine showcases your business and is the premier local source. As a go-to reference to the area’s business community for visitors, newcomers, residents and potential customers.

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A8

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, May 22, 2020

Wishing Students & Teachers a Great School Year!

Memorial Day Observances

MAY 25, 2020

RAINIER APPLIANCE Sells used appliances

Veterans get

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the traLOWER COLUMBIA ditional day Memorial Day observations INC. in ColumbiaINSURANCE County have been scaled back or cancelled.

Our office is in Rainier but we In Clatskanie, American Legion Presialso do business in Clatskanie... dent Lori Sherman said the the traditional veteran’s andseveral the Memorial Day We writebreakfast policies with companies: service areLiberty, canceled.

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Highway 30 on Friday, May 22, and taken down on Tuesday, May 26 by Piercing Arrow Private School. Volunteers are welcome to help. The Clatskanie Legion will be placing flags at the cemeteries as well.

In Columbia City, the annual Veteran’s Park ceremonies are canceled, but Columbia City representations are planning to post American flags at the site on

To those who fought, to those who tried, to those who gave their very lives.

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Memorial Day morning, May 25.

The Oregon Military Department will conduct flyovers in parts of Oregon to honor veterans, hospital workers, and those on the frontline dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the flyovers will not be conducted over Columbia County. See the locations with this story at thechiefnews.com.

& Gratitude Please giveremember us a call or stop by the office we so we can discuss your options.

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WE WILL NEVER FORGET

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Honoring those who have fallen so that we may be free.

The Chronicle & The Chief

The Chronicle

9th Annual

The Chief

2020 Columbia County

Business Guide Publication dates: Chronicle: June 26, Chief: June 28

Ad Deadline June 5

For space reservation contact Amy: 503-397-0116 or atrull@countrymedia.net Columbia County’s trusted local news source