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At the end of their ropes

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

VOL. 131, NO. 4 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Batting Bonanza!

First annual Derby kicks off

Courtesy from Rainier Little League

A Rainier Little League batter gears up for a pitch.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The player takes time to ready himself in the batter’s box. He shimmies his gloved hands up the metal bat until he is satisfied with the grip and drops his eyes to the pitcher.

Standing at 4 feet 10 inches, he bends his knees and becomes even smaller.

His height doesn’t limit him. If anything, it will impress the crowd that much more when he sends the ball soaring into the outfield.

The pitcher hurls the first ball in

his direction, and the player swings with all his might. A crack as loud as a thunderclap sounds as the bat connects with the ball. The ball rockets into the air.

“It is repetitive,” said Grant Bergenson, president of Rainier Little League. “You are pushed. It’s 90 seconds. You hope your pitcher gives you good pitches, and that’s just it. Just go out and have fun.”

Home run Derby Batters ages 9-12 will step up to the plate Friday evening, June 10, for Rainier’s first annual Stasie

Chase Wellington Memorial Home Run Derby and have 90 seconds to hit as many home runs as possible.

“Our outfield fence is set at 206 feet, so it takes a pretty good hit to hit a legit home run,” Bergenson said. “But with the T-Mobile home run rules, they want us to make a mock fence at 170 feet to allow for more home runs, more excitement.”

Rainier Little League has partnered with T-Mobile to sponsor this year’s event and will set the rules for the game, according to Bergenson.

“As each round progresses, the

top two or three will progress to the next round,” Bergenson said. “And then you have your final round.

Whoever at the end of the final round has the most home runs has the chance to advance to a regional competition.”

The next step after Regional is the Little League World Series final Home Run Derby held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, August 24.

Bergenson noted that Derby will be held right around the Tournament of Champions, where Scappoose, St. Helens, Rainier, and Clatskanie Little League baseball

teams compete against each other and “battle it out to see who’s the best of the best.”

The Tournament of Champions begins Saturday, June 4, and concludes Wednesday, June 8.

Background The idea of bringing a Home Run Derby to Rainier was first introduced to Bergenson by Jeremiah Cameron, a volunteer umpire for Rainier Little League.

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See BATTING Page A6

NEXT permitting process at the DEQ

Courtesy photo

Edan Bocanegra holds up an envelope containing his $150 donation to Clatskanie Public Library.

An ‘incredible donation’

Fifth grader brings LEGOs to kids ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

In a world dominated by negative headlines, news of a local boy’s generosity has resonated with the community and across Oregon.

“I think people are hungry for good news and positivity, and Edan’s donation delivered that in a big way,” said Maryanne Hirning, director of the Clatskanie Public Library.

Earlier in May, Clatskanie Public Library authored a social media post recognizing fifth-grader Edan Obituaries ................. A3 Opinions ................... A4 Clatskanie Grows .....A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5

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

Bocanegra for his $150 donation to the library to support a LEGO club.

“This young man, Edan Bocanegra, surprised the library with a $150.00 donation of funds he raised through collecting & returning cans!” the post reads. “Per his request, the library will be purchasing LEGOs to start a weekly LEGO club!! We can’t thank Edan enough for his incredible donation!!”

News of Bocanegra’s good deed quickly spread beyond Clatskanie.

The State Library of Oregon and the Oregon Library Association shared the Clatskanie Public Library’s post on their own Facebook pages, recognizing him for making the public library a better place.

Taking initiative When Bocanegra learned of the library’s intention to start a Lego club, he sprang into action.

“The librarian had told him that they were maybe going to start one in the fall, and he came home and

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Courtesy photo

The $2 billion NEXT Renewable Fuels plant is proposed for Port Westward at Clatskanie.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Officials at NEXT Renewable Fuels have issued a release about its permitting process with the state in the company’s efforts to build a $2 billion plant at Port Westward in the Clatskanie area of north Columbia County.

In the May 31 release, NEXT states that more than 7,000 public comments and letters were submitted to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) urging the agency to approve the company’s air permit.

According to the NEXT release, in its draft permit, DEQ stated “NEXT Renewable Fuels Oregon, LLC is not a major source of EPAlisted hazardous air pollutants,” and “DEQ has concluded the potential emissions meet health risk standards for the community and do not require additional controls to be

protective of public health.”

NEXT said it has already received all county land use approvals and its Oregon Department of State Lands Removal Fill permit.

NEXT’s proposal is currently under federal environmental review.

The DEQ review More review of the required permits by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is underway, according to the DEQ’s Public Affairs Specialist Lauren Wirtis, who told The Chief that no permits have been issued by her agency yet.

“The public comment period closed on the draft air quality permit (what was published on the website) and DEQ is reviewing those comments,” she said. “After reviewing and responding to those comments, DEQ will issue a permit decision.”

Wirtis said the air quality permit is the first permitting action DEQ is evaluating for the proposed

NEXT Renewable Fuels facility.

Other required permits/certifications include: • DEQ stormwater permit coverage for controlling stormwater during construction.

• DEQ 401 water quality certification to ensure the project will not violate state water quality standards.

• DEQ industrial stormwater discharge general permit that regulates stormwater in the long-term.

Supporters have said the proposed fuels plant will add new jobs, boost sustainable tax resources and offer a clean energy source.

Opponents have voiced concerns about the refinery’s impacts on the Columbia River estuary and neighboring farmlands.

Follow this developing story here online and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

SAFETY AVAILABILITY UNITY & TRUST Paid for by Terry Massey for Columbia County Sheriff

SERVICE BEFORE SELF

terrymassey4sheriff.vote

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Friday, June 3, 2022

Local firefighters take specialized rope training JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Firefighters in Columbia County must be prepared for any situation as they respond to emergencies.

Often the firefighters must repel up and down steep cliffs, tall buildings and waterways to conduct lifesaving operations.

In late May, seven members from Scappoose Fire Rural Fire Protection District (SRFPD) were joined by members of Clatskanie Fire, Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR), and the Banks Fire District, conducting dedicated practicing

and perfecting rope rescue techniques.

“Learning and maintaining these skills is not only critical for vertical hillside rescues, but also in swift water/river rescue, and the rapid extrication module that Scappoose has for technical rescues in the wildland fire environment,” A SRFPD Facebook post states. “Rope rescue has also been utilized with large animal and cattle rescue and recovery efforts.”

Crux Rescue conducted the course instruction and providing realistic scenarios to test the firefighters skills at the Broadbent Training Center in St. Helens.

Courtesy photo from Scappoose Fire

The teams of firefighters used the Broadbent Training center in St. Helens for the rope exercise.

Courtesy photo from Scappoose Fire

Local firefighters make a steady climb to the top during the rope training.

State issues wildfire evacuation information STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

As temperatures warm up, summer approaches, and Oregon continues to deal with extreme drought, local and state fire agencies are bracing for an intense wildfire season.

Over the past few months, fire agencies in Columbia County have issued public advisories detailing how property owners can take preventive actions before the wildfire season begins and how local firefighters are preparing for the season.

“In the past we normally did not see any natural cover/wildfires in our district until late May or early June,” Columbia River Fire

& Rescue Division Chief of Operations Eric Smythe told The Chronicle in a published report in March.

“Over the last several years we have seen fires in March and April. This is outside the normal fire season, so we are adjusting our responses and equipment staffing to meet the earlier starts to our wildland season.”

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is now offering what it describes as simple actions and resources all Oregonians can take to stay safe during wildfire season.

The actions include evacuation best practices.

OEM is encouraging everyone to know Oregon’s three-level evacuation system:

• Be ready • Be set • Go now “With impacts ranging from the tragic loss of lives, homes and businesses, to safely evacuating when threatened by wildfire, to poor air quality caused by smoke, as well as road and trail closures— most Oregonians are all too familiar with our state’s steady increase in wildfire activity over the past decade,” OEM Director Andrew Phelps said.

Wildfire Awareness Month is a time when state agencies and partners come together to ensure the public has access to resources to prepare for wildfires while supporting those still

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recovering from previous events, according to the OEM. “Our shared goal is to help Oregonians plan so they know what to do before, during and after a wildfire and take actions to keep themselves and their communities safe,” Phelps said. “Evacuation readiness is a key component to staying safe when wildfires strike.”

Oregon’s evacuation notification system is structured around the readiness need and threat level, broken down into three tiers.

Level one, coded green, means be ready to evacuate.

Older adults, families with children, people with disabilities, livestock and pet owners, and those with limited access to transportation should consider evacuating at Level One. This is also a good time to check with neighbors and share information. Oregonians should be aware of fire risk in their area, stay informed, and actively take steps to prepare themselves to reduce their risk from wildfire, including: • Signing up for local emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov • Enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on cell phones • Having a family emergency plan • Assembling a disaster supply kit • Making a plan for shelter, including animal.

• Mapping out evacuation routes Level two, coded yellow, means be set to evacuate.

Evacuation readiness is a key component to staying safe when wildfires strike. ~ Andrew Phelps, OEM Director There is significant danger in the area and people should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Voluntary evacuation at level two is recommended, especially if people need extra time or have livestock. Individuals should: • Continue to stay informed and alert, checking for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV and radio • Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information • Consider relocating to a safe place outside of the affected area • Inform loved ones of plans and destinations.

Level three, coded red, means Go now – leave immediately.

Level three indicates there is extreme danger in the area and remaining threatens the safety of indi-

viduals as well as emergency responders, who may not be available to help those who choose to stay. Do not stop to gather belongings or protect the home. Now is the time to act: • Grab the go-kit • Follow the emergency plan • Leave as fast as safely possible.

• Upon evacuating, drive carefully; turn on headlights and follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities.

OEM urges Oregonians to evacuate any time they feel unsafe, as conditions can change rapidly. Individuals should always make the best decision for their safety. OEM states that following an evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials announce it is safe.

“OEM is supporting our local partners in providing equitable and accessible information to help everyone do their part to proactively address existing vulnerabilities and take actions to reduce risk,” Phelps said.

“We encourage all Oregonians to connect with their local community. Knowing what to do when receiving an evacuation notification will help individuals and communities stay safe when faced with the threat of wildfire or other disaster.”

Find more information and resources at wildfire. oregon.gov.

Worker heat, smoke protections STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is adopting rules to protect workers from the hazards of high heat and wildfire smoke. The heat rule addresses access to shade and cool water, preventive cooldown breaks, and prevention plans, information and training. The wildfire smoke rule includes an array of exposure assessments and controls, and training and communication.

Both rules encompass initial protective measures for workers who rely on employer-provided housing, including as part of farm operations.

The rules, which take effect June 15 for heat and July 1 for wildfire smoke, are the most protective of their kind in the United States.

The rules reflect the need to strengthen protections in the workplace against the extraordinary hazards of high heat and wildfire smoke while focusing on the needs of Oregon’s most vulnerable

Protecting workers against high heat, wildfire smoke

communities.

“As we enter what we expect will be another hot and dry summer, all workers, including Oregon’s hard-working agricultural and farmworkers, deserve health and safety protections from extreme heat and wildfire smoke,” said Gov. Kate Brown. “With these new rules from Oregon OSHA, I am proud that Oregon will be a national model for heat and wildfire smoke protections for all workers, regardless of income-level, occupation, or immigration status.”

Oregon OSHA – part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) – adopted the rules, which were proposed in February. Proposal of the rules followed a development process that included worker

and community stakeholder listening sessions, input and review by rule advisory committees, and input from employer and labor stakeholders. The rules build on temporary emergency requirements that were adopted in summer 2021 following several months of stakeholder and community engagement.

The rules are part of Oregon’s larger and ongoing work – initiated by Gov. Brown in her March 2020 executive order 20-04 – to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“We know the threats posed by high heat and wildfire smoke are not going away,” said Andrew Stolfi, director of DCBS. “These rules reflect that reality, and they bolster our ability to prepare for those hazards in the workplace.”

“As we move forward with these rules, Oregon OSHA will continue to offer free training and education resources to help employers achieve compliance,” said Renee Stapleton, acting administrator for Oregon OSHA.

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Friday, June 3, 2022

$517 million investment in behavioral health services The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has announced a plan to distribute a package of $517 million in investments aimed at improving behavioral health services in Oregon.

This includes $132 million which will flow to treatment providers.

The investments will be used to bolster the behavioral health workforce and expand treatment services. The state also will distribute funds to provide housing and other support services to people with mental health and substance use issues.

Key elements of the new grants are designed to eliminate health inequities.

The funding includes: Approximately $132 million in one-time grants to stabilize a behavioral health workforce that was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are currently being distributed to treatment providers.

Approximately $155 million in behavioral health provider rate increases to sustain and support behavioral health services, some of which would begin to take effect July 1, 2022 (pending legislative and federal approval).

Approximately $230 million for supportive housing and residential treatment programs, which they will begin to receive later this summer.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Legislature and to Governor Brown for providing these critical investments,” OHA’s behavioral health Director Steve Allen said.

“These resources are intended to provide immediate support to behavioral health workers and give programs a sustainable base of funding they can count on to make behavioral health treatment more accessible and equitable in Oregon,” he said.

Workforce OHA is issuing grants to 159 organizations across the state to recruit and retain employees for behavioral health service providers.

These funds are beginning

to be distributed directly to treatment programs. The funds were allocated by the Legislature through House Bill 4004 to supplement staffing losses exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The median award is approximately $334,000.

Providers must use at least 75 percent of the funding for wages, benefits and bonuses and the remainder for non-compensatory forms of retention or recruitment.

To ensure accountability and that these dollars are spent on bolstering the behavioral health workforce, OHA will get reports about how and where these dollars will be spent. Lean more about the workforce stability grants.

“Rarely does an email bring tears, but this one did,” Deschutes County Health Services Behavioral Health Director Janice Garceau said in response to receiving notification of the workforce investments for programs in her county. “This will make a meaningful difference.”

Rate increases OHA is also proposing increasing provider payment rates to better coordinate access to care, incentivize culturally and linguistically specific services, invest in workforce diversity and support staff recruitment. The legislature allocated $42.5 million last year, which is expected to bring approximately $112 million in matching federal Medicaid funds.

The $155 million in rate increases will not only increase funding for treatment programs, it will also increase access for people who need mental health and substance use treatment. In total, this increase would put an extra $109 per Medicaid member into the behavioral health system.

Under the proposed fee-

for-service rate increases for providers: Programs providing children with intensive psychiatric treatment would receive rate increases of approximately 37 percent.

Substance use disorder residential treatment services would receive rate increases of approximately 32 percent.

Adult residential mental health treatment programs would receive rate increases of 30 percent.

Some providers will receive an over 20 percent bump for providing culturally and linguistically specific services.

Adult outpatient mental health treatment programs would receive rate increases of approximately 28 percent.

OHA is working on getting federal approval for these increases, and providers that bill OHA directly through Medicaid on a fee-for-service basis this summer.

These fee-for-service increased payments will be retroactive to July 1, 2022.

In addition to the fee-forservice increases, OHA will be providing increases to coordinated care organizations that should be passed along to behavioral health providers beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

Supportive housing and residential treatment The funding for supportive housing and other residential options includes $100 million in direct awards to Oregon’s counties which will be issued by the end of summer. In addition, a competitive grant program totaling $112 million will expand housing and residential services for mental health treatment and substance use disorders.

These grants follow two earlier rounds of funding.

In the fall of 2021, OHA awarded $5 million in plan-

ning grants to 100 community organizations and four Tribes. In addition, OHA awarded $10 million earlier in 2022 to projects that could expand residential treatment capacity in the short-term, resulting in the availability of 70 additional beds.

The $112 million grant program will support longerterm projects, including new construction and renovation to further expand licensed residential and supportive housing services.

The remaining $20 million has specifically been identified to support Oregon’s federally recognized Tribes for funding housing and residential treatment projects. Qualifying programs will receive awards in late summer and funding would continue through spring 2023.

The county funding will be used to develop housing options, expand residential treatment capacity and increase access to low and no-barrier shelter options.

The goal of the competitive grants is to create substantially more capacity in Oregon’s continuum of community-based residential and housing services for people with behavioral health needs, offering culturally responsive, person-centered programming.

This will ensure that people are supported in settings that best meet their needs and will create more equitable and effective housing alternatives for people with serious and persistent mental illness, requiring a higher standard of care.

New funds are separate from M110 grants These investments are separate from, and in addition to, the Measure 110 grants that are currently being awarded to Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) around the state to expand substance use treatment.

To date, the Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council has approved BHRN applications in 29 Oregon counties. Last week, OHA funded the first BHRN in Harney County.

$60,000 to be awarded to local students SUBMITTED BY COLUMBIA COUNTY LEARNING CENTER

High school students in Columbia County are now considering their future educational plans whether it is a trade school or public/ private college.

Since 2000, the Columbia Learning Center has been making the costs of higher learning a bit easier by awarding $5000 “Chance to Become” scholarships to 288 graduating seniors from Columbia County’s five high schools. Over the 22 years of assisting students, these scholarships are valued at $1,400,000.

This year, Columbia Learning Center is awarding twelve $5,000 Scholarships to 2022 graduates in Columbia County’s five county high schools including five for St. Helens, two for Scappoose High School,

The scholarship fundraising event drew a large crowd in 2017.

one for Rainier, three for Clatskanie, and one for Vernonia.

This scholarship is one of the most unique in the nation. Students are chosen by their schools with very non-traditional criteria, with grades playing a minor role in the process. A student may have a special talent or skill, overcame challenges,

or may simply try their best at whatever they do.

In short, this scholarship is intended to include a wide range of students.

“The Chance to Become” scholarship made all the difference in the world for me,” Columbia Learning Center Board Member Patricia Galvan said. “It made it possible for me to

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OFFICIAL SEASON KICK OFF: SOCCER JAMBOREE, SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 Contact Judi Brackin – Judi Brackin 503-438-9368, email: judi@brackincpa.com for more information

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continue and specialize my studies at institutions of higher learning!”

Galvan is a Columbia County’s Sheriff’s Office deputy corrections officer.

Columbia Learning Center’s main fundraiser is the Black Tie Blue Jeans Summer Social & Auction held at the Deer Island Stock Ranch. Due to the pandemic, the event was cancelled and has been rescheduled for August 3, 2023, at the Ranch.

Many anonymous donors contribute regularly. Many do so with the belief that they were given “a chance to become” and wish to return that good fortune by helping students with a jump-start in life. The Clatskanie Kiwanis Club also partners with The Columbia Learning Center to raise money for additional scholarships in their community.

To help support “The Chance to Become Scholarship” your tax-deductible donations can be sent to The Columbia Center, P.O. Box 1094, St. Helens, Oregon 97051.

For more information, visit www.chancetobecome. org.

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•O bituaries • • Warren Calvin Levecke Oct. 17, 1924 ~ April 11, 2022

Warren Calvin Levecke passed away on April 11, 2022 at the age of 97 in Mt. Angel, Oregon. He was born Oct. 17, 1924 in Warren, Oregon (hence his first name) to Max Emil and Teckla Levecke.

Warren had one brother Theodore and two sisters, Louise and Elise. All have passed on. His wife Audrey Havens Levecke preceded him in death in 2010 after 56 years of marriage.

He is survived by two children, Jerry of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Connie of Moscow, Idaho; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

When Warren was two his family moved to Clatskanie.

He attended Hazel Grove Grade School -12 pupils, one teacher, one room – until the school was consolidated with the Clatskanie Grade School.

During his teenage years, he was a member of the Clatskanie Drum and Bugle Corps and the local Sea Scout Ship Westwaun, both sponsored by American Legion post 68.

After graduation in 1943 he joined the Navy and spent time in the South Pacific during WWII. Following his discharge, he spent two years at Multnomah College – the only accredited junior college in the Pacific Northwest at that time. Warren is a graduate of Seattle University with a BS in Science degree. He later attended OHSU (formerly UOMS) in Clinical Laboratory Science.

After Warren’s formal education he received a commission in the Army Reserve, Medical Service Corps (Allied Science Branch) as a First Lieutenant and retired after twenty years of combined active and reserve military service. His assignments were the 6th Army Medical Laboratory, San Francisco and Army reserve units 124 General Hospital and later downsized to the 45th Station Hospital, both at Vancouver Barracks, Vancouver, Washington.

He was employed by the Silverton Hospital for 35 years and retired in 1989. His retirement as Chief of Labo-

ratory Service freed Warren to seek adventure on the high seas. He served two tours with Navy’s Military Sealift Command, one tour in the South Pacific and another in the far east during the Persian Gulf War. Audrey and Warren loved flying their Cessna 172 to various locations around the country. Their high was flying a C172 an Australian outback air safaris. They also flew the Oregon Trail Flight during Oregon’s sesquicentennial celebration. Warren loved boats and was active in several national boating organizations including the United States Power Squadron and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Both deal with boating education and public boating safety.

He was a charter member of the Silverton Kiwanis, a member of Silverton Lions, Silverton Masonic Lodge 45, Salem Scottish Rite, American Legion Post 68 of Clatskanie, VFW Post 2994 of Clatskanie and a member of the Silverton Methodist Church.

In 2011, Warren met a lovely lady, Dr. Joyce Clearihue of Victoria BC. Joyce a medical doctor and Warren, Chief of a hospital’s laboratory service, had many similar interests and traveled to many places together. Warren spent much of his time in Victoria, BC and Joyce at Mt. Angel.

Death can be a beautiful thing if we allow nature to take its course. Warren was buried in the Valley View Cemetery next to his wife Audrey. A private family memorial will be held later this summer.

Naomi Amanda Mohning Jan. 7, 1930 ~ May 22, 2022

Naomi Amanda Mohning passed peacefully on May 22, 2022 at the age of 92 surrounded by love. Naomi was born in Menno, South Dakota to Emil and Emma Langholz and siblings Verna and Ken. The family moved to Macksburg, Oregon in the 30s, later settling in Canby, where she graduated from Canby High School. Naomi attended beauty school and continued in that career until 2020 when her health led to retirement. She loved socializing and working with her clients and the girls at “the shop.”

In 1948 Naomi caught the eye of a handsome young man and she and Ron were married at Zoar Lutheran Church in Canby on March 13, 1949. In 1962 they were excited and blessed to become parents to Steve and then their family was complete when Mark was born.

Being a mom, grandma and great grandma was very special to Naomi and she loved her family beyond measure.

In 1996, they moved to Westport, Oregon.

Naomi loved to dance, bowl, gather with family and friends, attend plays and musicals, camp and travel.

Whenever there was an event, you could count on Ron and Naomi to be there.

She was a vivacious woman with a beautiful voice. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and sang in the choir for many years.

Naomi also loved to give gifts and was always on the lookout for just that “perfect” gift for friends and family.

Naomi is survived by her loving husband of 73 years

Ron Mohning; sons, Steve and Mark; grandson Tyler (Caroline); granddaughter Kaylie Bergerson (Grant); great grandchildren Nixon, Riley and Brenna Bergerson and Hanna Mohning; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents and siblings.

Ron would like to thank their niece Andrea (Langholz) Pikkarainen for her personal and loving care in Naomi’s final days at her home in Beavercreek.

Special thanks to Mark and Steve for everything that enabled Naomi to be at home for as long as possible.

Services will be in Clatskanie on June 11, 2022.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. at Murry Hill Cemetery. Memorial service at noon followed by reception/celebration of life at 1 p.m. at Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 S. Nehalem St., Clatskanie, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, PO Box 447, Clatskanie, OR 97016.

Marilyn Kent

April 1, 1970 ~ May 21, 2022 Marilyn Kent, 52, of Longview, Washington, passed away May 21, 2022 in Longview, Washington.

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Friday, June 3, 2022

•C latskanie G rows • •

Clatskanie Grows: Rain gods show no mercy CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

This has been one wet spring. Many of our upland soils are still too saturated to rototill as this is being written. That is slowing many garden activities and will make the prospect of knee-high corn by the Fourth of July a disappearing dream for many. Those gardeners with raised beds and/or better drained soil are quite happy.

If this weren’t a significant break from the spring pattern over the last 10 years (which had less than normal rainfall, sometimes far less) I would suggest investing in some heavy tarps that can be put over some of your garden area to reduce soil saturation and allow earlier gardening.

They are being used by commercial vegetable and flower growers, especially those working small plots. I plan to look into which kinds of tarps might be most effective and cost efficient for the home gardener.

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•V oices

I am appalled In 2014 the Onion ran a story after a school shooting that read “No way to prevent this, says Only nation where this regularly happens.”

I am appalled when I hear about mass shootings. A shooting on May 14th in Buffalo NY, Killing 10; followed by a school shooting in Texas. In Texas 21 people were killed, 19 of them children.

The kid that shot up the 4th grade class in Uvalde Texas was only 18 years old. He had a semiautomatic rifle.

It would appear that the Republicans on the Supreme Court would like to make semi-auto weapons like this available to everyone. They seem to think that the 2nd Amendment allows large magazines and automatic assault weapons. This amendment was written at a time when repeating weapons and loadable cartridges didn’t even exist. It was written to protect slave owners from possible slave uprisings. Would you believe, the 2nd Amendment was written to help slavery?

I hope that this last shooting is a wakeup to the right wing to pass some reasonable gun laws. The sad thing is that the gun lobby has spent millions of dollars in buying politician’s votes. Buying their votes just so that they will not vote for safe and reasonable gun laws.

According to NPR there have been 213 mass shootings, so far this year. There is no reason for this sort of thing. America has more guns than people. No other country in this world has this many shootings.

Bill Eagle St. Helens

The Carnage Party Where is the anger? Where is the rage! Why do we let our children be murdered in a place of learning by madmen who wish to slaughter them?

They kill because they have the means to purchase a weapon of war.

We have a party that is more than willing to defend their right to murder these young children with a weapon meant to be used only in war.

The Republican Party just bows down before the NRA and the right wing in this country that is their base. Why are we so sick that we continue to allow this to happen? At the moment, it looks like there will be no change to the numbers of dead children that the future will bring.

Maybe people in this region will start to think otherwise

One good thing about all this rain is that reforestation trees planted this spring (Douglas fir and others) should get off to a good start with all this moisture.

The only thing to watch for (besides deer and field mice) is that the vegetation around the young trees is also lush and may compete with the fir seedlings for the water. In that situation, especially in the first spring of planting, the fir seedlings can be hurt.

Hand weeding can be helpful if your re-planted area isn’t too large. That also reduces vole (aka field mice) feeding.

Protect the leaders of your trees with Vexar tubes, “bud caps” or something similar.

Readjust them when the deer or more likely the elk start to play with the tubes. Attention paid to these seedlings will get your new trees “free to grow” on a much shorter schedule.

bend their starts so that most of the stem is in the ground.

Some new studies indicate that both tomatoes and peppers benefit by being buried (unbent) up to their first true leaves. Overall yields were improved, and the number of extra-large fruits rose as well.

There is some question how well this will work in western Oregon if soil temperatures are not very warm when the plants are put out.

It would seem to be

worth pursuing in raised beds. Research indicates that the technique works well for cabbage too.

Bitter squash

Deep planting tomatoes It is common practice for many tomato growers to

of the

The squash family is prone to bitterness when stressed. Bitter cucumbers are usually the result of cool temperatures, powdery mildew, or water stress, alone or in combination. It is more

common in pickling cucumbers that the salad types. But all can be affected in tough growing conditions (cool and wet for these hot season crops). That said, most summers, it doesn’t show up.

Several years ago, there was one a local case of a person eating a tiny amount of a very bitter squash and suffering nausea, diarrhea, and severe cramps. The incidence of this type of food poisoning is extremely low.

Re-

Clatskanie Grows

search that looked into some past incidents showed that plants can spontaneously mutate to produce a gene responsible for this particular bitter compound.

Zucchini, straight-neck and Delicata-type fruits have, on rare occasions, exhibited this problem. In these cases, the environment had nothing to do with bitterness, rather the very rare aberrant gene.

Hazardous waste collection day June 11

Take your left-over solvents, brake fluids, anti-freeze, fluorescent lights, household cleaners, batteries, miscellaneous chemicals, and household and garden pesticides to the hazardous waste collection day on Saturday, June 11 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will be held at the St. Helens/Columbia County Transfer Station, 1601 Railroad Avenue, St. Helens.

These are great events that can help keep our wonderful state cleaner.

Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

Important notes The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m.

- 5 p.m.

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

Free newsletter 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.

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

C ommunity • •

when another madman with an AR-15 or some other type of semi-automatic bursts into St. Helens High School and slaughters as many students as possible, or maybe instead that person will pick McBride Elementary where the targets to pick from will be even younger, like the ages of those destroyed in Texas and Connecticut.

What “well regulated Militia” did these murderers belong to? Is this really what George Washington, Ben Franklin and the other writers of our constitution had in mind? I really don’t think so. Obviously, the extremists on the right and the NRA would disagree.

What a wonderful future our children can look forward to.

David Bernstein St. Helens

I must respectively disagree In terms of my comments in last week’s Chief being out of line, I must respectfully disagree with Mayor Bob Brajcich. Our mayor made it a point that I live outside the city. This is true, I live on the Spaulding Ranch my father started in 1968 which is approximately 1.7 miles outside of Clatskanie.

What many residents may not know is that I am the last customer on Clatskanie’s city water line running along Erickson Dike. The Mayor pointed out I do not live within the city limits of Clatskanie; to which I must pay double the water and meter reading fee that a Clatskanie resident pays.

One thing many residents of Clatskanie may not know is just before the water rates were doubled for out of town residents the city boundaries were changed. Our current city manager and former Mayor Diane Pohl annexed the Beaver Mill site into the city and in doing so conveniently included Diane Pohls home into the annexation.

This is typical small-town corruption. The old saying goes, “not for me, but for thee,” Residents of Clatskanie, it is no wonder our city officials are running this town into the ground. I am a cheerleader for the revitalization of Clatskanie. I brought back hundreds of thousands of dollars to this community by totally transforming my father’s ranch. Over the last 10 years I have taken down the farm house I grew up in and built a new home, barns and fences. In doing so, I hired

only local contractors. I have bought all my cattle and hay from local residents and sell my yearly calf crop each year to local residents.

I could have made my home just about anywhere within a 30-mile radius of my job but I chose to bring my money back to the community I grew up in. Lasly, I encourage all individuals to attend or zoom in on all city council and budget meetings. The old saying goes, “you can’t fight city hall.” Well guess what; this is still a free county and I say; Oh yes we can.

Russell Spaulding Clatskanie City Water Customer

Affordable housing What is affordable housing?

Using simple high school math my dad described it as a house payment plus property taxes and home insurance totaling no more than 25% of monthly income.

If a person makes $4,000 a month an affordable home cost is $1,000. For example, home insurance of $50 per month and property taxes of $225 per month leaves $725 a month for a house payment. A 30 year home loan at 3.27% at $725 per month buys a $165,500 house.

My wife and I bought our retirement home in 2010 in which the bank offered us $250,000 rather than an affordable $175,000, why? Because it was more profitable for the bank’s bottom line. It was our responsibility to refuse and ask for an affordable amount to maintain our lower cost of living.

Many of today’s financial issues are because consumers are blindly following the advice of lenders rather than setting their own budgets.

While I limit myself to 25% for housing, 12.5% transportation and 10% for savings/investment; financial institutions are allowing consumers to borrow over 35% for housing and over 18% for transportation which I feel is financially unsustainable.

As a result America is the wealthiest nation on earth yet more citizens are living paycheck to paycheck. Little Johnny and Suzie are going to school hungry because mommy and daddy bought a house that the bank found profitable rather than family affordable.

High school math anyone?

Joe Turner Columbia City

Weekly Online Poll

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Vote online at thechiefnews.com BOCANEGRA From Page A1

delivered the proceeds to the Clatskanie Public Library.

‘Big dreams’

was excited about it,” mom Angela Bocanegra said. “(He) wanted to do it sooner.

So magically, it’s all come together where it (is) now.”

Bocanegra went door to door, asking neighbors and community members whether they had any cans they could give.

Angela told The Chief she was doubtful at first.

“As a parent, I wanted to say, Oh, don’t go bother people, but I didn’t say anything negative,” she said. “I was like, Well, you do whatever you want to do, you know, and I couldn’t believe it.

He came back with a whole clipboard of addresses that he had them fill out before.”

Bocanegra collected around 1,000 cans in all and

Bocanegra’s donation was impactful for several reasons, according to Hirning.

“LEGO Clubs are a pretty standard STEM programming option at libraries today; many Columbia County libraries have well-established and incredibly popular clubs,” Hirning said. “With the monetary donation from Edan, the library was able to purchase several foundational Lego sets that will start the club off on the right foot.”

“Additionally, the social media posts and newspaper publicity gets the word out to a much larger audience than usual, so the library has so much potential to offer a variety of programming that supports lifelong learning,” she added.

The Clatskanie Public Library LEGO Club will be a once-a-week offering for kids ages 6 and over, Hirning said.

The LEGO Club, which debuts at the library on June 24 and is free to attend, will be held every Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.

“We are so thankful to Edan for getting this program off the ground!” Hirning said.

Angela expressed pride in her son moving forward with this initiative despite her initial reservations.

If there is anything to take away from this story and the community response, “it’s the power of positivity,” Angela said.

“It was all him. He spearheaded the whole thing,” Angela said. “So I think that’s what it is - the big dreams that a kid can have, that adults should never shut those down.”

The Chief

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CC22-1645

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC22-1656 FORM OR-ED-1

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

A public meeting of the Claskanie School District #6J will be held on June 13, 2022 at 5:30 pm at Old Middle School Gym, 660 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 as approved by the Clatskanie School District #6J Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at the District Office, 660 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie, Oregon between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., or online at https://www.csd.k12.or.us/. This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as the preceding year.

Telephone: (503) 728-0587

Contact: Maeve Mitchell, Business Manager

Email: mmitchell@csd.k12.or.us

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES Actual Amount Last Year 2020-2021 $1,132,334 4,159,486 0 786,634 140,410 5,791,479 1,199,186 644,479 189,876 $14,043,884

TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS Beginning Fund Balance Current Year Property Taxes, other than Local Option Taxes Current Year Local Option Property Taxes Other Revenue from Local Sources Revenue from Intermediate Sources Revenue from State Sources Revenue from Federal Sources Interfund Transfers All Other Budget Resources Total Resources

Adopted Budget This Year 2021-2022 $1,047,298 4,326,793 0 870,638 83,381 11,175,373 1,294,963 363,357 12,186,228 $31,348,031

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION $5,242,654 Salaries Other Associated Payroll Costs 3,534,773 914,262 Purchased Services 765,656 Supplies & Materials 163,583 Capital Outlay Other Objects (except debt service & interfund transfers) 189,703 916,169 Debt Service* 644,479 Interfund Transfers* 0 Operating Contingency Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance & Reserves 0 Total Requirements $12,371,279

Approved Budget Next Year 2022-2023 $10,743,128 4,461,585 0 639,733 181,216 11,712,379 1,058,462 419,344 0 $29,215,847

$6,012,896 3,652,628 1,854,868 1,205,544 15,683,890 396,718 870,576 363,357 50,922 1,256,632 $31,348,031

$6,191,619 3,796,495 2,189,162 1,495,972 12,718,500 251,918 922,449 466,168 51,663 1,131,901 $29,215,847

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY FUNCTION $6,290,529 $7,363,482 1000 Instruction 64.2959 74.3751 FTE 4,252,516 5,006,024 2000 Support Services 33.3794 40.3047 FTE 3000 Enterprise & Community Service 392,993 548,450 5.5626 6.2502 FTE 4000 Facility Acquisition & Construction 658 16,042,009 FTE 0 0 5000 Other Uses 0 0 5100 Debt Service* 790,104 758,185 5200 Interfund Transfers* 644,479 322,327 6000 Contingency 0 1,307,554 7000 Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance 0 0 Total Requirements $12,371,279 Total FTE 103.2379 * not included in total 5000 Other Uses. To be appropriated separately from other 5000 expenditures.

$7,975,474 74.0626 5,289,293 34.0315 535,725 5.2189 13,054,710 0 0 757,737 419,344 1,183,564 0

$31,348,031 120.93

$29,215,847 113.313

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING ** We have received an increase in SIA funds for the new budget year and we will continue spending them on the community suggested activities. 2022-23 will be our last year for spending our ESSER II allocation. Due to extreme cost increases in products and supplies, we are expecting to spend more in that area. We will also be providing Occupational and Physical Therapy services to our students through the ESD. This year we also have a large curriculum adoption for English Language Arts. We continue to work on our school facilities with the proceeds of the bond sale.

Permanent Rate Levy (Rate Limit __________ per $1,000) Local Option Levy Levy For General Obligation Bonds

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed 4.6062 0 $703,680

Rate or Amount Imposed 4.6062 0 $700,000

Rate or Amount Approved 4.6062 0 $720,000

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding Estimated Debt Authorized, But on July 1 Not Incurred on July 1 $9,645,000 $0 General Obligation Bonds $273,115 $0 Other Bonds $346,344 $0 Other Borrowings $10,264,459 $0 Total ** If more space is needed to complete any section of this form, insert lines (rows) on this sheet. You may delete blank lines.

LONG TERM DEBT

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

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

•

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FABRICS ACROSS

1. Ingratiating behavior 6. Testing site 9. Mix together 13. Veranda on Moloka’i 14. Lennon’s widow 15. Pilaff, to some 16. Neural transmitters 17. Stumblebum 18. Renter’s paper 19. *Plaid weave 21. *Cozy pajama fabric 23. Thanksgiving side?

24. Sign up 25. ____ Francisco 28. 100 centavos 30. *Woven reversible patterned fabric 35. Tucked in at night 37. Unwelcome mail?

39. Italian alternative 40. Brazilian indigenous people 41. Give out 43. Eye part 44. Violinist Perlman or violinist Stern 46. Toy flyer 47. Clickable text 48. Lady Hamilton’s lover 50. Become puddle from icicle

52. Hula dancer’s necklace 53. Bloody 55. Cuban dance step 57. *Popular prom dress choice 61. *Namesake of a lemon cake 65. Approximately 70% of Earth 66. Daniel ____-Lewis 68. City in Belgium 69. Not slouching 70. Khan’s honorific 71. Viva voce exams 72. Expunge 73. Actor/director Howard 74. Boundary lines

DOWN

1. Smelting waste 2. Longer than midi 3. Any day now, formerly 4. Long-limbed 5. Unfortunate outcome 6. *Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver 7. Saint Anne, or Santa ____ 8. Resoundingly successful 9. Demeanor 10. Slovenian ski maker 11. Cut with a beam 12. Matt Damon/Adam Driver movie “The Last ____”

15. 2-dimensional 20. Single-cell protozoan 22. Manhole cover 24. Joviality 25. *”Nights in White ____” 26. Bullying, e.g.

27. Katmandu country 29. *Eurasian trade route namesake 31. Stake driver 32. Blacksmith’s block 33. Part of a play 34. *Chinos fabric 36. “Buenos ___” 38. Adverse 42. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “____ Your Children” 45. Powerfully persuasive 49. 1990s negation 51. Formerly, formerly 54. “M*A*S*H” character 56. FlambÈ 57. Three-____ sloth 58. 0.405 hectare 59. Perceive by touch 60. *A wedding veil covers it 61. Blue hue 62. Notable achievement 63. Eye amorously 64. Scotland’s famous lake 67. Gone by

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

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A6

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, June 3, 2022

Fun, but caution urged

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

As the summer season opens in Oregon, popular waterways in Columbia County and across the state are expected to be crowded.

State and local marine patrol crews and the U.S. Coast Guard have issued advisories about the dangers that come with the enjoyment of waterway recreation.

River safety Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said it is critical that boaters on the Columbia River use common sense and pay attention.

“They may not be aware of the local boating rules and regulations,” he said. “It’s important for boaters to always wear their life jackets when on the water and be aware of their surroundings, especially in high traffic areas. Be watchful for swimmers and kayakers. They could be easy to miss.”

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol uses education first as a key to keeping everyone on the Columbia safe.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Lt. Shaun McQuiddy said the most common violations made by boaters include safety equipment, navigational, and registration type violations, with fines ranging from $110 to $440.

Pixley said some boaters may be influenced by pent up emotions triggered by the pandemic restrictions, and less mindful of the impact of alcohol and other intoxicants.

“Alcohol can affect people quicker and stronger during the summer weather,” he said.

“We urge people operating boats not to do so under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicants.”

The fine for boating under the influence is $6,250 and up to one year in jail.

According to Pixley, speeding on the river is also a frequent violation.

“We see a lot of people violating the No Wake Zone, so boaters need to be aware of that zone between the city docks and Sand Island and in the Coon Island area,” he said.

“We do not confiscate their boat when violators are arrested. The Oregon Marine board could revoke the boaters’ card.”

Courtesy from the Oregon Marine Board

Kayaks and canoes along the Columbia River often mix with speed boats, jet skis and commercial ships.

Pixley said his marine patrol deputies are seeing the same violations with jet skiers.

“It is more difficult for people under the influence to operate a jet ski because of the balance required,” he said.

Under Oregon law, only those over 16-years-old are allowed to operate a jet ski.

Oregon Marine Board Communications Director Ashley Massey agreed with Pixley that lifejackets are essential on Oregon’s waterways.

Danger areas McQuiddy emphasized that boaters need to be prepared for the dangerous areas of the Columbia River. He said during the summer, one of the most dangerous areas are the densely populated areas near Sauvie Island and Sand Island.

“In these densely populated areas, operators need to be on alert and cautious as they are operating boats in close proximity to others,” he said. “Most importantly, boaters need to know and be aware of the waterways and the hazards that may be there.

As a boater you need to know how the tide affects the water, know the current, and other known hazards above and below the water.”

For those heading to Sand and Sauvie Island for swim-

ming, Pixley urges precautions.

Swim precautions “The water gets very deep, very fast,” he said. “Swimmers need to be mindful of the current and of boats along the waterway. Out in the weather, the effect of alcohol and other intoxicants intensifies and swimmers need to be conscious of that.”

Pixley urges parents engaging in activities along the waterway to be watchful of their children.

“A child can be in danger playing on the docks and not being supervised and running into the water,” he said. “The tide is pretty fast and pretty strong. The water is still cold.

People typically aren’t aware of how cold the water can be and that can lead to hypothermia.”

Anticipating thousands to converge on the Columbia River this summer, Pixley offers this safety summary.

“People need to be boating and swimming safely,” he said. “It is terrible when we have to respond to a drowning and a boating accident, so we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.”

Bridge Dedication ‘huge for our community’ ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo

BATTING From Page A1

“MLB Network’s got a Home Run Derby associated with Major League Baseball,” Cameron said.

“I looked into that as, Oh, that would be cool if I was twelve and got a chance to do that. So, I got with Grant and asked him about his interest, and he agreed to proceed.”

At seven years old, Cameron was a tee-ball player, and he became a Little League player from age 8-12.

As to why he volunteers, Cameron said it is his way of giving back.

“My whole baseball career has been here in Rainier,” he said.

According to Bergenson, the League’s prime motivation for hosting this event is to “get people excited about baseball again.”

“Right now, we don’t have any other baseball leagues other than the spring season that we’re currently in,” Bergenson explained.

“There are teams in Scappoose and in the Portland area where their kids are

playing upwards of 60 games a year. All that Rainier has to offer is just the spring Little League season.”

“We’re just trying to get more kids excited, the community excited, to hopefully get more people out here to play,” he said.

COVID challenges The Rainier Little League grew from 95 to 135 members this past year, “which is huge,” said Bergenson.

“It was a good learning year,” Bergenson said. “We have a lot of first-time kids coming out this year, which is fantastic.”

Rainier Little League, one of many put on pause during the pandemic, is just now bouncing back after COVID-19, and while Bergenson acknowledged the season’s tough losses, “(Players) had great coaches and improvements from the beginning to the end,” he said.

Bergenson hopes that holding this Derby will encourage Little League players to continue to sharpen their baseball skills.

“Part of creating this exciting atmosphere, this

the dedication event help at Rainier City Park.

Other activities included fun runs and a coloring contest. Senator Rachel Armitage, Oregon State Representative Suzanne Weber, and Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder delivered remarks at the event.

In a previous interview with The Chief, Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said he always viewed the Riverfront Bridge not as a bridge to nowhere but “a bridge to future opportunity.”

“I never gave up hope to finding a way to get it done,” he said.

By the numbers “Life jackets are the most important piece of equipment and significantly improve your chances of survival,” she said. “In 2021, there were 19 recreational boating fatalities. Eight of the victims were wearing life jackets however, the conditions involved extenuating circumstances in the ocean and whitewater rapids.

It is likely that 11 of the victims would have survived their incidents had they been wearing a life jacket.”

This year National Safe Boating Week took place May 21 through May 27. National Safe Boating Week promotes safe boating practices for recreational boaters in order to reduce preventable accidents and deaths. The Coast Guard cautions that as air temperatures rise with the arrival of summer, water temperatures in the Pacific Northwest remain dangerously cold.

First responders that have jurisdiction along the Oregon

•

Coast also urge beachgoers to be aware of the hiking dangers along steep slopes and cliffs. They also urge parents to keep a close watch on youngsters digging in the sand. Sand holes can easily collapse and trap children.

An 11-year-old died from such a sand hole collapse in Lincoln City in 2017. Most recently, a teenage boy died in a sand hole collapse at a New Jersey beach May 18.

Safety funding The Columbia County Marine Patrol is funded though the Oregon Marine Board (OMB).

Columbia County received $217,469 for the current fiscal year (2021-2022) and for the next fiscal year as well (20222023), according to the OMB. The funding is dedicated to marine law enforcement and related activities, such as program administration.

Oregon’s funding is entirely provided by recreational boaters – the Marine Board gets no general fund tax dollars. Funds come from boat registration and titling, motorboat fuel tax, and federal dollars distributed by the US Coast Guard.

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the May 27, 2022 crossword puzzle

Pleasant weather and family fun marked Rainier’s long-awaited bridge dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony over the weekend on Sunday, May 29.

In a photo shared over social media, a child wears a prize-winning grin as he holds up his trophy for Most Creative and Original bike display.

“We had a really great entry for the trike and bike parade,” Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said. “The kid was dressed up as Mario from Mario Brothers. He got the award ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE LLC Read our previous covand definitely deserved it.” erage of the Riverfront Trail A t t o r n e y s A t t o r n e y s The Bike and Trike project and see more photos Parade was one of (503) several 556-4120 (503) 556-4120 with the story at thechiefactivities on the itinerary at news.com.

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This boy received the Most Creative and Original Award for his costume and bike display at the bridge dedication event.

Courtesy from the Oregon Marine Board

Most accidents and fatalities on Oregon’s waterways are due to falling overboard, collisions, operator error/misjudgment, and reckless behavior, according to the Oregon Marine Board.

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Columbia County’s County’s Premier Premier Columbia

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Accidents •Personal Injury •Wrongful Death Death Accidents •Personal Injury •Wrongful ages 9-12, according to the Kids must be League age Little League Baseball and Until 9-12 and be active parNo Fee Fee Until Recovery No Recovery Softball Association. ticipants in the Clatskanie, The parameters ofOOthe Rainier, St. gonn && W W shin ingto gton n Helens, and rreego aash game are set according to Scappoose Little League.

FREE Division INITIAL CONSULTATION CONSULTATION INITIAL the division. FREE Major uses a 60-foot diamond and Follow this developing a pitching distance of 46 story at thechiefnews.com feet. and in Friday print editions Little League Baseball of The Chief.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Courtesy from the Oregon Marine Board

Children are naturally attracted to water and keeping a sharp eye on them at all times is very difficult. Having children wear life jackets helps remove some of the worry.

Proceeds benefit Clatsop Community College “Automotive Technology Program” and other local youth education programs.