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2020 Graduation Wrap Clatskanie High School • Rainier High School • Willamette Connections Academy • Piercing Arrow Private School • Oregon Virtual Academy

The Chief

FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020

VOL. 129, NO. 4

Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Congratulations Clatskanie

Superintendent’s Message Dear Clatskanie Class of 2020, March 13th was a day when education as we know it changed. Our lives changed but our expectations for you, the graduates of the class of 2020, have not. The pandemic may have disrupted our system but it has not impacted our values and commitment to our students, especially you graduating seniors. Graduating from high school is a turning point in your life. You have worked hard for the past 13 years to get to this point and you deserve to celebrate. Unfortunately, circumstances have prevented the traditional celebrations. This year we celebrate your accomplishments in new ways, from displaying yard signs to social media posts to local newspaper articles; as a community we honor your accomplishments and salute you. Your teachers, staff, prin-

cipal, School Board, and Superintendent understand your loss. We also celebrate your resilience. You are stepping forward during a time of uncertainty, yet you continue to plan for life after high school. Whether it is college or university, work, or trade school you are bravely and confidently moving on. We congratulate you. This is not what we envisioned for our seniors. You, the Class of 2020 are our future and we count on you to do great things as you move forward with your lives. “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” – Neil Postman. You, class of 2020, are our messages to the future! Stay strong, stay in touch, be resilient, and GO TIGERS!!!!

Chase Baker

Trent Berntsen

Jackson Boothe

Aaron Boyd

Oscar Boyd

Jordan Brown

Nickolus Calliham

Grant Carleton

Anton Christen

Anthony Coats

Evan Coe

J’Kari Combs

Emily Crape

Isabella Cueto

Ian Davidson

Cassidy Donaldson

Dawson Evenson

Hannah Gibbens

Tianna Gorley

Kameryn Gressett

Cathy Hurowitz is the superintendent of the Clatskanie School District. She may be reached at 503-7280587.

Daniel Hahn

Anya Hamilton

Trinity Hamm

Colton Hanson

James Helmen

Mitchell Hopstad

Gabriel Katon

McKenna Leloff

Gina Limon

Jayden Makinson

Annabelle Martin

Jordin Mattix

Caitlin McKinney

Cristofer McWhorter

Jonathan Moravec

Reece Newton

Noah Patterson

Alvin Roberts

Erika Samson

Samuel Shockley

Faith Sterba

Cheyenne Volk

Cade Warren

Timber Zea

Congratulations 2020 Graduates The Chief Keepsake Edition

www.thechiefnews.com

Page 2

Friday, June 5, 2020

Congratulations Rainier Class of 2020 Rainier School District

Congratulations members of Rainier High School and the North Columbia Academy Class of 2020. It has been a challenging year to say the least and yet you have overcome this adversity and you are ready to move forward to the next chapter of your life. Your family, loved ones, classmates, teachers, administrators, support staff, school board, and I are so very proud of your accomplishment. I have had the distinct pleasure of being your superintendent in the Rainier School since you entered kindergarten. I have had the opportunity to observe each of you grow and become the individual that you are today ready to enter society as a contributing adult in our great country. What a blessing it will be to have such talented and passionate new citizens enter into this challenging world that we all currently find ourselves in with the COVID-19 virus. I know that the class of 2020 will have a huge impact on the world as they move forward, and I’m very optimistic that this class will help lead the world to a better future. It will be fun to watch each of you work your magic as you make our society a better place. As you move forward I offer each of you some advice to take along with you on your journey. • I hope that you remember that the people in your lives are the most valued asset that you have, and that you always operate from the position that, “I have the time for you” and not return to our pre COVID-19 position of, “I don’t have the time for you.” Family and loved ones matter. • The value of kindness is priceless and timeless. The world needs more kindness. • How you treat others should be grounded in true empathy. • Remember the power of your words: Your words can either be positive and build up, or negative and destroy. “Your words do matter.” • That problems are inevitable, and

Rosario Guadalupe-Barrera

a good life is a life with good problems. Life’s problems afford each of us the opportunity to grow, improve, and to increase our tolerance of various situations and the other people that we interact with. • Always look toward the future while enjoying the present. We evaluate the past in order to avoid prior mistakes or mishaps. • Healthy relationships are antifragile because when life happens and there is misfortune, suffering, pain these events can make relationships stronger rather than weaker. Learn from the events that life presents and grow from each of them. Remember life is a system and the stressors in life make things grow. “No Pain No Gain.” • There are timeless practices that never go out of style, and you should work to have these in your life: Joy, Love, Patience, Forgiveness, Laughter, Peace, and Self-control. • A great quote to remember from C.S. Lewis as you move forward. “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start from where you are and change the ending.” • Remember to not just live your life, but to take the time and effort to design your life. Class of 2020 It has been an honor. While we can’t deliver the traditional graduation ceremony and send-off that we all wish we could, please know how proud everyone is of your accomplishments. I send a special shout out to all the parents of the graduates, and the Rainier School District thanks each of you for your partnership over the years, and congratulations for a job well done! Always remember to “Keep the Big Picture Burning Brightly.”

Jaedan Abel

Miya Adams

Isaiah Bamford

Jack Bauguess

Steven Bembenek

Kevin Boursaw

Joshua Brittain

Ashley Buss

Makenna Calhoun

Dominic Cameron

Xavier Clark

Easton Crape

Gracie Crape

Sydney Crawford

Joslyn Darr

Damion Dean

Kye Degraffenreid

Darian DucharmeFischer

Robert duPlessis

Makayla Ellis

Spencer Evans

Hannah Farrell

Alicia Finley

Zyla Fowler

Nathan Gaines

Jaedyn GaroutteLarsen

Shastine Giberson

Sheyenne Graham

Alex Grail

Alexander Green

Yarkin Hasret

Kenadie Hawkinson

Aunaka Horton

Kolten Humbert

Sara Iturralde-Lobera

Sincerely, R. Michael Carter Michael Carter is the superintendent at the Rainier School District #13. He may be reached at 503-5563777.

Mikayla Hansen

Shrilana Harrison

Congrats Class of 2020

Call

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(503) 366-0399 FOR COMPLETE PROF

March, rally draws hundreds

Rainier Fire Page A2

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FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020

The Chief

VOL. 129, NO. 4

Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Live Burn Exercise

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The old house before and during the live fire exercise. See more photos at thechiefnews.com. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Giving back to the community Clatskanie and Knappa fire district crews got up close and personal training during a live fire exercise on Saturday, May 31. A older, vacant house along Beaver Creek Road was used for

the burn-to-learn. Fire crews spent the morning with six different burn lessons during the exercise before allowing the house to be completely engulfed in flames. Tami Rook owns the property and donated the old house to the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District for the live burn exercise. “We brought the house and property here three years ago from the bank,” Rook said. The home was constructed in 1912 at 2,000-square-feet, but the former owners had made several

editions to the home. Rook said at first she wanted to restore the structure. “We sat on it for almost three years, trying to determine what to do with the house,” Rootksaid. “I’ve redone many houses, but unfortunately this one was let go too far.” Rook said the estimated cost of restoring the house would be quite expensive. “The roof itself would cost about $50,000 to repair,” she said. “The house itself has 120 windows and everyone of them needs to be

replaced and there is a lot of dry root along most every window. So, it would be an unbelievable amount to put it back together.” Rook said after carefully considering her options, she decided to donate the house to the fire district. “I believe in giving back to the community,” she said. “I did a lot of research and determined that fire districts very seldom get an intact house that is not condemned. This house was not condemned. So, training for them was amazing.”

Rook made the donation in early February allowing the fire crews to conduct several training sessions before the major burn May 31. Rook said she cherishes the 20 acre property were the house stood before the burn and said she will build a new home. “I love this property,” she said. “There is beauty no matter what way you turn. This is my dream.” The site, surrounded by trees and flowers, includes several natural ponds. “This is life,” Rook said.

‘Pomp’ but unexpected ‘Circumstances’ JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) will hold its annual gradations ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 6. But as the Chief reported earlier, the 2020 senior class will have a very different graduation. Instead of assembling inside the school gymnasium, the ceremony will be conducted in the front of the building outside of the school due to the state’s social gathering requirements. The graduation will be “DriveUp” style in front of CMHS. This graduation style will allow up to 25 people together while each student receives his/her diploma. In the following conversation, District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz talks act the graduation and gives us a glimpse of what the next school year will look like. The Chief: Due to the significant change in how the graduation ceremony will be conducted, what is the most important element of conduct that you, and Principal Jim Helmen, want parents and students to know as they participate in the actual graduation? Cathy Hurowitz: Jim and his team considered many options to hold

Grad............Page 1-4 Obituaries............A3 Opinions...............A4 Poll........................A4 Market Place........A5 Public Notices..A5-6

a ceremony that would allow as many family members as possible to enjoy the ceremony. The team came up with a plan that I believe is the best option. We know that the ceremony is not what anyone expected or wanted but it is the best for our community. I am really proud of the time and effort that was put into the plan.

ing social distancing, and planning protocols for the health and safety for staff and students. We are also gathering information from our families regarding their preferences in sending students back to school, we are asking about brick and mortar vs. online vs. hybrid models.

The Chief: What is the significant of the caravan planned for Friday evening and what do you hope it provides the graduates and the community?

The Chief: How and when will the District communicate the changes expected for the new school year and what should parents and students be doing now to be prepared for the changes?

Hurowitz: Typically our high school graduation is a huge community event. We have family members, friends, coaches, neighbors, staff and students participate in the celebration. The caravan through town will provide an opportunity for the community to come out and congratulate and celebrate our graduates. It is my hope that the community will come out to honor their achievement.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The 2020 Clatskanie Middle/High School graduation ceremony will take place in front of the school to follow the state’s social distancing requirements.

that our graduates had an opportunity for family to participate.

The Chief: Give us the range of challenges you, the administrators, teachers, staff, students and parents have faced in preparing for this different graduation ceremony.

The Chief: Looking ahead, we understand all the elements have not yet been completed yet for what the new school year will be like this fall, but what preparations are you anticipating and that students, teachers, staff and parents could look for about how classes will be constructed and how teaching will occur? Also, would Distance Learning still

Hurowitz: The biggest challenge was how can we be as inclusive as possible. The team wanted to ensure

be part of that? Hurowitz: Right now we are planning for multiple scenarios for returning to school in the fall. What we know is that we will begin school in the fall. What we don’t know is what that will look like. We are waiting on guidance from the Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). We are also gearing up to keep our building sanitized, implement-

Hurowitz: We will send out regular communication to families as we know what the ODE and OHA are expecting of schools. One thing to note. As our counties begin to open in the three phases, schools are not included. The State has been divided into regions according to the OHA. The region boundaries reflect medical and hospital capacity. When the OHA deems it safe then schools will begin to open under their guidelines. Our region includes the greater Portland Metro area. We will open schools as a region. See a special presentation with photos of the graduating CMHS seniors in the Friday, June 5 print edition of The Chief and at thechiefnews.com.

Reopening Columbia County Phase 2 have been able to start the reopening process.” “Any reopening comes with risk. That’s just a fact of life right now. So we need to reduce the risk that comes with reopening. So, fellow Oregonians, you have another chance to shine. A chance to show that you are looking out for your friends, family, and neighbors.” The Oregon Health Authority is reviewing the COVID-19 metrics and data for counties that have applied for Phase 2, and on June 4 the Governor’s Office will announce the initial counties entering Phase 2.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County is one of several in Oregon planning to enter Phase 2 of the state’s reopening framework. Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said following Phase 2 gives his city more options to reruns to normal. “Should we go into Phase 2, we will open City Hall back up,” Hinkelman said. “The skate park is now back open. Hopefully, there can be return of church services and other gatherings as long as they meet public safety criteria.” Governor Kate Brown has announced details about Phase 2 of reopening, under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. There are 31 counties that can apply now to enter Phase 2 on Friday, June 5. “I want to say thank you to each and every Oregonian who has made sacrifices to protect the health and safety of our communities,” Brown said. “Your leadership––you choosing to be both kind and smart––is why we

Criteria for entering Phase 2

Phase 2 continues the county-bycounty approach to reopening. Counties can be approved to enter Phase 2 only if they have been in Phase 1 for at least 21 days and are succeeding in controlling the spread of the virus. Counties approved to enter Phase 2 must continue to meet Phase 1 metrics, See PHASE 2 Page A3

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Clatskanie City Hall could reopen under the Phase 2 state guidelines.

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, June 5, 2020

New funding to help COVID-19 tracing CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Columbia County will use new funding to effectively track cases of COVID-19. Columbia County Public Health Administrator Michael Paul said $214,000 is proposed, but had not officially be award to the county as of June 3, to help with contact tracing. “It’s a proposed amount that comes through from the state to counties based on formula developed by the Oregon Health Association for contact tracing and support services,” Paul said. The state program also works with community-based and culturally specific organizations to track cases and ensure language access for individuals who might not speak English, according to Paul. On the local level, the funding will help the county health department with monitoring, contact tracing, case investigation, supporting people in quarantine, infection control in various congregate settings in the county, and providing wraparound support and education for the community. For regional monitoring, the program element will provide $94,657 will help with regular communication between counties, via sharing regional data, staff, research support and epidemiological support. The counties included are Clatsop Tillamook, Clackamas and Columbia, Paul said. The funding will ensure regular communication between counties and establish a memorandum of understanding to provide epidemiological and surge capacity needs, Paul said. Contact tracing and case investigation are key parts in reducing the spread of COVID-19, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The tracing means identifying those infected with the disease and ensuring they do not interact with others who are not exposed, the CDC states on its website. Public health officials in charge of contact

tracing will need to assess an infected individual’s ability to stay home and maintain social distance from others, meaning they need to reside in a safe environment with necessary supports, according to the CDC. “To be successful, a community will need public awareness, and understanding and acceptance of case investigation and contact tracing and the need for contacts to separate themselves from others who are not exposed,” he CDC stated. Paul said the public health department continues to field questions about its testing availability. He said county residents could go to the county webpage and find all of the testing sites available in the county. The county health department is conducting testing assessments continually, figuring out how many tests each testing center can complete per week, what their availability is, and ensuring they have the supplies they need to be able to test, according to Paul. Privacy concerns are common complaints coming from the community, Paul said, and he reiterated that all information collected is kept confidential. “All of our staff receives privacy training, training in interviewing and collection of information and protecting it,” Paul said. “And we don’t disclose any information except to the extent that is outlined in statute.” Contact tracing is not new to public health, Paul said, the only element that is new now is how frequently the tests are conducted. Paul said county health is also receiving various public complaints about mask usage, glove usage, hand-washing and similar matters, according to Paul, who said depending on the situation, the information is relayed to the appropriate county agents. During a meeting with the Columbia County Board of Commissioners May 27, Paul gave the example that if it was a restaurant that was violating the state’s COVID-19 safety requirements, the complaint

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would be relayed to the county health inspector, who would handle the situation through education. Commissioner Margaret Magruder asked Paul if he had any advice to give to the public as the county moves to reopen. “Our advice hasn’t really changed from the beginning,” Paul said. “We do know that the primary way to transmit the disease is through droplet spread.” Paul added the coronavirus is a highly contagious disease and there have been many of cases of transmission of COVID-19 in indoor settings with

stagnant air and people with close contact with each other. He advised people to stay home if they feel ill and talk to their health care provider about testing. “If you have symptoms, providers have a lot of discretion to order testing,” Paul said. “Testing has become much more widely available, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider.” The latest information posted on the Columbia county Health Department’s website on May 29, shows no COVID-19 related deaths and the number of cases continues to hold at 16.

Courtesy photo

Columbia County is in line to receive a share of $214,000 in state funding to help in COVID-19 contact tracing.

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Friday, June 5, 2020

•

•O bituaries • •

Raising barns the easy way

Brent Owen Rockwood

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Aug. 13, 1958 ~ May 2, 2020

Brent Owen Rockwood was born in North Bend, Oregon on Aug. 13, 1958 to parents Donald Rockwood and Mildred Miller. He passed away at his home in Clatskanie surrounded by his family on May 2, 2020 after a two year battle with cancer. Brent attended Roosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon, where he took first in State with the baritone saxophone. He also attended truck driving school. He was the owner of Brent Rockwood Trucking and most recently worked for Teevin Brothers. On Jan. 1, 2010, he married Denise Rockwood in Seaside, Oregon.

Brent loved restoring classic cars, attending car shows, wood working, visiting the beach and family get togethers. He was also a member of the Clatskanie Cruisers.

He was a hardworking man that was always quick with a joke. He is survived by his wife Denise Rockwood; sons, Jeremy Rockwood, Jason Rockwood and Brent Rockwood all of Vancouver, Washington; daughter Angela (Greg) Taylor of Rainier, Oregon; stepsons, Scott Laurent of Kalama, Washington and Jeremiah Sawyer of Vancouver, Washington; and stepdaughter Jewell (Damien) Strowger of Longview, Washington. He was preceded in death by his stepson Christopher Sawyer; father Donald Rockwood; mother Mildred; and brother Barry Glazier.

Eino Willard Kahilainen Feb. 23, 1947~ April 22, 2020

Eino Willard Kahilainen, 73, passed away at Peace Health Hospital in Longview, Washington on April 22, 2020. Eino was born in Wadena, Minnesota to Lauri and Wilma (Sinnlo) Kahilainen. They moved to Oregon when Eino was very young. He attended Mayger Grade School and Clatskanie Union High

School. He worked as a security guard at the Beaver Generating Plant from 1983 – 1999. He was unable to continue working due to this diabetes. He loved to fish for salmon at Jones beach, raise a garden and chickens and work with his tractor. He was a big help to his mother since his dad passed away while he was

still young. Eino is survived by his stepsister Ilene Jenkins (Paul) of Centerville, Tennessee; cousin Don Holtti and family of Bluffton, Minnesota; and neighbor and friend Colleen Erickson and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Peggy Wallace

Dec. 27, 1933 ~ May 11, 2020 Peggy J. Wallace passed away at her home where she and her loving husband raised three above average children. Peggy worked as a bank teller in Waldport, Oregon where she met her husband working at the local butcher shop. Larry took one look at this amazing woman and decided she was out of his league. With some encouragement from his boss, Larry asked Peggy out for a date. They had been married for 63 years. Peggy enjoyed working in her yard and garden. She was a skilled seamstress. She loved animals but hated slugs.

Peggy was highly creative and volunteered countless hours at her church and community.

Peggy, otherwise known as Peg, Mom, and Mop, was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband Larry; son John (Carolyn) Wallace; daughters, Pam (Greg) McCormick and Joy (Scott) Anderson (Joy was her favorite child); six grandchildren, Kieryn (Rebeca), Taylor, Kylar (Tenesha), Alex, Kian, and Kaidyn; three sisters; and her three cats who would often be found lounging on top of her. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made at your local Humane Society.

Well, here we are with my second column in The Chief and The Chronicle. We hope you’re enjoying the information! Today I’d like to acquaint you with one of the programs here at Dahlgren’s Do-It-Best that I’ve been working on ... pole barns. A pole barn is a large building, usually a little more open, that has large poles going up to secure it. You can put sides on it, though some people leave them open. You can pretty much do anything. It can be a garage, a shop, a horse stall - they’re great utility buildings. The best thing about them is that it’s a super easy process to set it all up. If you’re in Columbia County, head down to the city and let them know where you’ll be setting up your pole barn. We’ll provide you the plans to take to your local city council, free of charge, so you can get your building permit. We have five sets of plans that run anyone from 24x24 feet to 36x60 feet, and they’re already engineered by the State of Oregon. We’ll give you a guesti-

mate for how much it’s going to run you. Prices vary a bit, but they start out around $2,800 and go up to about $9,000, depending on size and the materials you want to use. We also have financ-

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Steven Roy Moilanen

July 30, 1952 ~ May 22, 2020 Steven Roy Moilanen, 67, a.k.a. “Moe” or “Mole,” passed away peacefully at home in Clatskanie, Oregon on May 22, 2020 after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his sister Sandra Moilanen of Clatskanie; spirit daughter Reyna Bianca Reid of Rainier; “little brother” Jeff Arbon of Lincoln, Nebraska; and dozens of cousins. For those who knew Steve, you know he loved to laugh. He said he was born to Roy and Martha Moilanen in Astoria, Oregon on July 30, 1952. “Then I blinked, and it was over!” I grew up in Clatskanie where I went to grade and high school sometimes. I was in a three-man band

when I realized I had some kind of talent for playing drums – well, that’s what the screaming girls thought! My dad said, “not bad, son!” I helped my dad with the shell oil business delivering fuel to the locals. From there, it was kinda busy helping and caring for people that needed it. It’s all about helping your fellow man. I have heard I am a hell of a storyteller, poet and songwriter. I have helped raise most of the children in Clatskanie. Children are new. They don’t know the bad until us grown-ups mess them up. Once again, I didn’t get things my way. That’s been the story of my life:

- No buildings named after me - No monuments erected in my honor But I did have a chance to know and love each and every one of my friends as well as my family. How much more blessed can one person be? If you want to look for me in the evening sunset or the earliest spring daffodils, you know I’ll be there. One more piece of advise: Never change a hot lightbulb naked in the dark (not a good idea). - Moe A celebration of life and old hippy party will be held July 4, 2020 at his sister Sandy’s property near Quincy, Oregon.

Charles Mueller

Jan. 16, 1938 ~ May 29, 2020 Charles Mueller of Rainier, Oregon passed away on May 29, 2020 in Longview, Washington at the age of 82.

PHASE 2 From Page A1 including: Declining disease prevalence • Having an adequate number of contact tracers, including people reflective of the communities they serve • Establishing adequate testing, isolation and quarantine facilities, sufficient hospital surge capacity, and sufficient personal protective equipment supply • Counties must also meet additional prerequisites, including: • Demonstrating that they are able to trace new cases within 24 hours • As counties see new cases, they must be able to identify where they are coming from at least 70% of the time • Counties cannot be experiencing a significant increase in cases New Guidance for Phase 2 Counties that enter Phase

2 will be able to continue with the reopening process, following updated health and safety guidance: • Gathering limits will be raised to 50 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors. • Indoor and outdoor venues, including theaters and churches, with 6 feet of physical distancing and other measures in place, can reach a COVID-19 occupancy limit of up to 250. • Offices can begin reopening and employees can return to workplaces with physical distancing and other measures in place, though remote work is still strongly recommended whenever possible. • Increased travel will be allowed throughout Oregon, though staying local is still recommended to prevent overloading county health systems. • Restaurants and bars will have curfews extended to midnight. • Pools and sports courts will be allowed to reopen under new guidance. • Indoor and outdoor activities such as bowling, batting cages, and mini golf, will be allowed to reopen under new guidance.

• Recreational sports can resume in a limited form, under strict physical distancing guidance. Additional Statewide Guidance For all counties, including those remaining in Phase 1 or on baseline status: • Zoos, gardens, and museums can reopen in a limited fashion. • Professional and collegiate sports teams can return to training in their facilities with physical distancing and health and safety measures in place. Updates to sector-specific guidance will be made available at coronavirus.oregon.gov. The Governor’s Office staff said they continue to work with the Oregon Health Authority to update health and safety guidance for the reopening process. Members of the public with questions about the reopening process are encouraged to visit coronavirus.oregon.gov. Read more about COVID-19 and its impact in Columbia County at thechiefnews.com.

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Friday, June 5, 2020

•V iewpoints • •

More than others JERRY COLE Chief Guest Column

For these past few difficult months, it is often said that “we are all in this together.” Yet, given the recent actions by Governor Kate Brown, it appears some of us are more in this together than others. It appears she and her administration are not in this with Oregon’s small business community and the smaller towns and rural areas where those same family businesses are the lifeblood of the community. When Congress overwhelmingly, and with bipartisan support, passed the massive CARES Act, and got the swift approval of the President, it looked like many in our communities would have a cushion to help us all get past this unprecedented disruption to our lives. There were direct payments to families and individuals, grant and loan programs for businesses, and money for states, counties, cities, and tribes. It is not perfect and there were issues with delivery and execution, but it was a start. For state and local government, the US Treasury sent out specific guidelines and forms with the money going to governors for disbursement. Much of the money was meant as reimbursement in broad categories

that included payment for protective equipment, overtime of first responders and healthcare workers, paying the costs of food delivery and quarantine, and the costs of keeping government running, including sick leave, should revenues run dry. Those are good goals. and in Rainier, from March 1 to May 15, we requested about $3300 in expenses for protective equipment and staff costs. We are appreciative. But we were stunned when we saw the town of Kalama, Washington, across the Columbia River, was giving grants to local businesses to help keep them operating until better times. I was asked by a citizen why we do not do that. I investigated it and discovered that Governor Brown and her administration, contrary to federal guidelines, had deleted that line from the forms we were required to file for those other costs. Nearly every other state and territory was making loans and grants to small businesses through local governments except Oregon. We are not given a mechanism to help those family operated businesses that are often our economic engines and producers of jobs. I was angry, hurt, and bewildered. It was unbelievable to me that in the worst crisis to hit our community in over a century, our governor

had turned her back on us. Rainier is not unique. We are like dozens upon dozens of communities that are in many Oregon counties. We are restaurants, shops, and offices that are locally owned and staffed by our neighbors. Many of those businesses have been effectively closed since March and many people have struggled with job loss or dramatically reduced hours. A program like that one in Kalama can make a difference not only to those small businesses, but to how well our small communities and rural areas across the state survive once the virus threat is past. Shame on you, Kate Brown, for making the burden heavier for hard working Oregonians. We are strong and we are proud—not ones to be easily seeking assistance. But when times are tough, we do expect our government to respond—just as Congress and the President mandated with the CARES Act. We deserve better—not just in Rainier, but across the state. It does not matter if we are Republicans, Democrats, or Independent—we are all Oregonians. Again, shame on you for playing politics with our communities. Jerry Cole is mayor of the City of Rainier. He may be reached at 503-556-7301.

Make Facebook and Google pay for local news, just like you DEAN RIDINGS Chief Guest Column

If you are a newspaper subscriber or you pick up a copy at a local retailer, you pay for the news and information you receive in your paper’s print edition or digital outlets. But it may surprise you to learn that the multi-billiondollar digital behemoths Facebook and Google don’t pay for the enormous amounts of news content they scoop up from newspapers every second. Facebook doles out a little bit of money through grants and funds to a few publishers — and Google provides some small grants through its News Initiative. While these are positive steps, they in no way make up for the use of the news content they are using for free. Newspapers’ original reporting, especially on the community news and information that only local papers can provide, drive traffic to Facebook and Google, keeping people on their sites longer and attracting advertisers. And news is a rich source of revenue for the Big Tech platforms. A 2019 study conducted by the News Media Alliance concluded that news publishers’ content makes up 16-39% of Google’s search results, which goes largely uncompensated. That figure doesn’t include the more intangible benefits that news content, and the data that comes with it, provide the search giant, such as using it for new product development. The irony is that the news

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and content that newspapers pay journalists to provide is used by Google and Facebook to steadily drive advertising revenue away from newspapers, and into their coffers. The two digital giants now gobble up 60% of all online advertising in the United States — an amount certain to increase with the cratering of newspaper ad revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Facebook and Google don’t have reporters or the associated expense. They rely on small and large newspapers to feed their search results. Here’s why this patently unfair situation should concern you and your community: It now threatens the existence of some local newspapers, the source of news and information that underpins democracy and civic life itself. It’s long past time for Google and Facebook to do what newspapers and their subscribers do: Pay for the local news that benefits them so richly. There are ways for that to happen. Ideally, Google and Facebook would take the responsibility and voluntarily propose a method to share revenue with newspapers and other news organizations. They already pay licensing fees to music publishers, for instance Realistically, though, the two behemoths will have to be forced to a solution. America’s Newspapers, an association of some 1,500 newspapers including many operated by families for multiple generations, along with the News Media Alliance and other media associations

have urged Congress to pass the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, allowing newspaper publishers as a group to negotiate rates with Big Tech. Other nations around the world have taken notice of the ill effect the market dominance of Google and Facebook has on the viability of independent journalism. Australia is now developing a code that would require Google and Facebook to compensate news organizations when their content is used in the digital giants’ news products. Similarly, France just ordered Google to negotiate with news publishers over pay for news content. This public health crisis has demonstrated the importance of the reporting of local newspapers, even as it has wreaked economic havoc on them, forcing layoffs and even silencing printing presses on some days. Requiring Google and Facebook to pay their fair share for news would go a long way to restoring the long-term health of your local newspaper. On behalf of its approximately 1,500 newspaper and associate member companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses. Learn more: www. newspapers.org

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Public Notices CC20-1246

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LANDOWNERS OF The Westland Drainage Improvement Company, Inc. Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the Landowners and Board Members of the Westland Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at

1:00 p.m. at the GreenWood Resources Nursery Office 91151 Old Mill Town Rd in Westport, OR. Notice is further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the owner. The meeting is to elect a director,

adopt a budget, and any other business that comes before the landowners. Dated this 26th day of May 2020. Gerald Carver, President, Westland Drainage Improvement Company, Inc., Board of Directors

CC20-1245

Rainier Cemetery District MEETING NOTICE The regular meeting of the Rainier Cemetery District will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2020, at 5:10pm at the Rainier Cemetery Office, 24952 Alston Rd, Rainier,

OR. (Immediately following the budget committee meeting). Items on the agenda include, but are not limited to: Monthly updates on cemetery operations. ALL

SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING WILL BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED. Janice Carstensen, Board Chairman.

CC20-1261

PUBLIC NOTICE The Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold regular Board meeting at 6:30 pm, Monday, June 8th, 2020, at CES Library, 815 S Nehalem St. Social distancing will be required. The board agenda includes but is not limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, financial report, and consent agenda, followed by an executive session. The public is encouraged to attend.

CC20-1260

CC20-1259

The Clatskanie Library District Board of Directors will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 immediately following the regular board meeting at 7:10 pm via GoToMeeting. The purpose of this meeting is to enact resolutions, adopt the 2020-2021 budget, make appropriations, and declare the tax levy. Jim Gibson, Chairman

The Clatskanie Library District Board of Directors will hold a regular monthly meeting immediately following the Budget Hearing at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 via GoToMeeting. Items on the agenda include but are not limited to the following; approval of the minutes, approval of the monthly financial report and payment of the bills, library director update, Phase 2 of the library re-opening and any other business brought before the board. Jim Gibson, Chairman

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

NOTICE OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

CH20-1244

Clatskanie Park & Recreation District NOTICE

CC20-1249

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING regular meeting of the ) at 555 SW Bryant St, and pool operations. Board THE LANDOWNERS OF The Woodson The Clatskanie Park & Recreation Clatskanie, OR, Port of Chair, Andrew Mustola. ALL District will be held on Columbia County Offices SOCIAL DISTANCING Drainage Improvement District, Inc. Thursday, June 18, 2020 at (the Old Middle School). RULES IN PLACE AT THE Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the Landowners and Board Members of the Woodson Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, June 9th at 10:30

a.m. at the GreenWood Resources Nursery Office at 91151 Old Mill Town Rd in Westport, OR. Notice is further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the owner. The meeting is to elect a director,

CC20-1252

adopt a budget, and any other business that comes before the landowners. Dated this 26th day of May 2020. Gerald Carver, Board of Directors, Woodson Drainage Improvement District, Inc.

7:10PM (IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE BUDGET HEARING

Items on the agenda include, but are not limited to: General park maintenance

TIME OF THE MEETING WILL BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED.

CC20-1255 FORM ED‐1

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

A public meeting of the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) will be held as a virtual meeting in Zoom on June 16, 2020 at 6:15 pm, refer to the District's webstite for meeting login details. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 as approved by the NWRESD Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at NWRESD Regional Office, 5825 NE Ray Circle, Hillsboro OR between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or online at nwresd.org. 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)614‐1253

Contact: Tami Montague 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

FINANCIAL SUMMARY ‐ RESOURCES Actual Amount Last Year 2018‐2019 $26,204,898 11,855,082 37,531,141 1,644 57,323,663 7,238,621 44,679,931 0 $184,834,980

Email: tmontague@nwresd.k12.or.us

Adopted Budget This Year 2019‐2020 $18,976,856 12,191,400 0 39,815,955 0 66,264,578 8,511,661 46,394,432 0 $192,154,882

FINANCIAL SUMMARY ‐ REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION Salaries $34,063,913 Other Associated Payroll Costs 18,786,969 Purchased Services 32,678,939 Supplies & Materials 4,398,171 Capital Outlay 984,617 Other Objects (except debt service & interfund transfers) 29,101,041 Debt Service* 777,851 Interfund Transfers* 44,679,931 Operating Contingency 0 Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance & Reserves 0 Total Requirements $165,471,432

Approved Budget Next Year 2020‐2021 $14,604,309 12,364,400 42,350,497 0 75,233,281 7,970,869 48,794,712 0 $201,318,068

$36,726,651 22,458,586 36,130,555 9,503,061 320,363 36,839,516 781,718 46,394,432 500,000 2,500,000 $192,154,882

$40,202,257 24,572,520 37,622,770 6,880,146 393,350 39,072,548 779,765 48,794,712 500,000 2,500,000 $201,318,068

FINANCIAL SUMMARY ‐ REQUIREMENTS AND FULL‐TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY FUNCTION 1000 Instruction $52,197,664 $58,855,295 FTE 365.20 374.99 2000 Support Services 39,209,133 45,736,228 FTE 164.73 181.63 3000 Enterprise & Community Service 2,536,926 3,959,690 FTE 6.50 10.50 4000 Facility Acquisition & Construction 0 122,000 FTE 0 0 5000 Other Uses 26,069,927 33,305,519 5100 Debt Service* 777,851 781,718 5200 Interfund Transfers* 44,679,931 46,394,432 6000 Contingency 0 500,000 0 2,500,000 7000 Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance Total Requirements $165,471,432 $192,154,882 536.43 567.12 Total FTE * not included in total 5000 Other Uses. To be appropriated separately from other 5000 expenditures. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING **

$61,911,991 388.51 51,563,586 198.45 1,913,093 9.50 200,000 33,154,921 779,765 48,794,712 500,000 2,500,000 $201,318,068 596.46

Education service districts in Oregon are funded through multiple funding sources. General Fund resources primarily come from the Oregon State School Fund Formula, allocated based on ADMw (Average Daily Membership weighted). This amount consists of property taxes (at a permanent rate of .1538 per $1,000 of assessed value), state timber tax receipts and the State of Oregon’s State School Fund. For 2020‐21 the local funding (property taxes and state timber receipts) amount per ADMw is projected to be $106.94 and the state funding is projected to be $304.92 per ADMw, for a total of $411.87. Proposed General Fund expenditures totaling $58,572,758 for 2020‐21 represent an increase of $1.1 million over the prior year’s budget. The decrease in Supporting Services is primarily due to reduced available resources in our regional services state contract and reductions in our school programs. The $1.9 million increase in transfers represents an increase in service credits and core services which support our component districts. For fiscal year 2020‐21, the proposed budget for the Special Revenue Fund of the Northwest Regional ESD is $81,300,616. About 55% of the revenue to support this fund is generated with state contracts and grants, primarily through ODE. A $1.8 million increase in local revenue is projected based on a 12.5% increase in rates charged to districts. The $7 million increase in State Revenue is primarily due to an increase in our EI/ECSE contract for the second year of the biennium, and tech assistance grants for services provided to districts to plan for their use of SIA allocations. District allocations are transferred from the General Fund to each district’s individual Agency fund. Districts then pay for ESD services accounted for in the Special Revenue Funds. The increase in Transfers In represents ESD allocations for the two largest component districts. Their entire allocation will be transferred to their individual agency accounts from the General Fund, giving each district the option of buying ESD services or receiving a cash distribution. In summary, the Administration is proposing a budget that allows the NWRESD to continue important services to students and move toward our continuous improvement efforts based on existing estimates. At the same time, staff have worked tirelessly to plan for reductions to staff and programs should we face reductions in the State School Fund, as well as in the many grants and contracts required to enact this budget as proposed. Steps taken to date include a hiring and discretionary spending freeze, agreements with our employee unions to limit expenditures associated with professional leave requirements, and forecasted savings in utilities, facilities, transportation and other expenditures related to not having children or staff physically in schools and service centers as a result of Governor Brown’s Stay At Home order.

Permanent Rate Levy (Rate Limit $0.1538 per $1,000) Local Option Levy Levy For General Obligation Bonds LONG TERM DEBT General Obligation Bonds Other Bonds Other Borrowings Total

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed 0.1538

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1

Rate or Amount Imposed 0.1538

0.1538

Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1

$2,643,426 $2,643,426

CC20-1264

NOTICE OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING The Rainier School Board will hold a Regular Board meeting and Budget Hearing on Monday, June 8, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. A livestream will be available on the

district website. The Interim Superintendent Search Committee will hold a public meeting with executive session on Tuesday, June 9, at 5:30 p.m. via livestream.

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper. Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

A6 CC20-1256

Friday, June 5, 2020

CC20-1258

FORM LB-1

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

Contact: Robert F. Gadotti, Executive Finance Manager

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

FORM LB-1

A public meeting of the Port of Columbia County will be held on June 10, 2020 at 8:30 am at the Port of Columbia County boardroom 100 E St. Columbia City, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 as approved by the Port of Columbia County Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at 100 E. St Columbia City, Oregon, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. or online at Port of Columbia County website (www.portofcolumbiacounty.org). 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.

Email: gadotti@portofcolumbiacounty.org

Telephone: (503) 397-2888

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS Actual Amount 2018-2019 6,170,632 Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital 4,377,527 Fees, Licenses, Permits, Fines, Assessments & Other Service Charges Federal, State & all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations & Donations 3,731,627 Revenue from Bonds and Other Debt 0 Interfund Transfers / Internal Service Reimbursements 0 All Other Resources Except Current Year Property Taxes 637,461 Current Year Property Taxes Estimated to be Received 382,996 Total Resources 15,300,243

Adopted Budget This Year 2019-2020 6,065,066 4,950,071 290,000 6,735,000 0 166,759 385,817 18,592,713

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION Personnel Services 1,585,181 Materials and Services 1,514,187 Capital Outlay 6,635,528 Debt Service 347,502 Interfund Transfers 0 Contingencies 5,217,845 Special Payments 0 Unappropriated Ending Balance and Reserved for Future Expenditure 0 Total Requirements 15,300,243

Approved Budget Next Year 2020-2021 6,081,977 4,720,646 23,800 5,430,000 0 324,646 0 16,581,069

1,809,144 1,926,698 10,460,000 950,117 0 3,446,754 0 0 18,592,713

1,914,403 1,849,429 8,935,000 818,456 0 3,063,781 0 0 16,581,069

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM * Name of Organizational Unit or Program FTE for that unit or program Executive 557,770 548,367 516,929 FTE 2 2 1 Business Development and Planning 338,317 526,139 523,717 FTE 2.5 3 3 Finance and Administration 345,792 377,546 561,053 FTE 2.5 3 4.5 Facilities and Property Management 7,980,481 11,403,865 9,795,878 FTE 6 6 6 Terminal Services 379,338 1,268,733 1,240,834 FTE 2 2.5 2 Not Allocated to Organizational Unit or Program 5,698,545 4,468,063 3,942,658 FTE 0 0 0 Total Requirements 15,300,243 18,592,713 16,581,069 15.0 16.5 16.5 Total FTE

A public meeting of the Columbia County 4H & Extension Service District will be held on June 16th, 2020 at 5:00 pm at the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, Annex Meeting Room, 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 Col.Co 4H & Extension Service District Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be obtained by writing to OSU Extension, 505 N. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens, Or 97051, leaving a message at 503 397-3462, or online at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/columbia .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. This meeting will be conducted in person, digitally, and by phone. Email chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu for the links to the meeting.

Email: chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu

Telephone: 503 397-3462

Contact: Chip Bubl

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - RESOURCES Actual Amount 2018-19 647,423 Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital 43,506 Fees, Licenses, Permits, Fines, Assessments & Other Service Charges Federal, State & all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations & Donations Revenue from Bonds and Other Debt Interfund Transfers / Internal Service Reimbursements 20,000 All Other Resources Except Current Year Property Taxes Current Year Property Taxes Estimated to be Received 284,681 Total Resources 995,610 TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS

Adopted Budget This Year 2019-20 725,518 23,000

FINANCIAL SUMMARY - REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION Personnel Services 123,481 Materials and Services 99,391 Capital Outlay 10,918 Debt Service Interfund Transfers 20,000 Contingencies Special Payments Unappropriated Ending Balance and Reserved for Future Expenditure 741,820 Total Requirements 995,610

Approved Budget Next Year 2020-21 812,518 34,000

20,000

300,000 1,068,518

280,000 1,146,518

178,200 135,000 12,000

165,000 139,000 12,000

20,000 245,518

20,000 261,518

477,800 1,068,518

549,000 1,146,518

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING * Modest reduction in personnel costs with a decrease in faculty FTE that was greater than a modest increase in Program Assistant FTE. CORVID-19 costs and cost savings are hard to predict at budget time.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING *

Permanent Rate Levy (rate limit 0.0886per $1,000) Local Option Levy Levy For General Obligation Bonds

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed 2018-2019 0.0886

Rate or Amount Imposed This Year 2019-2020 0.0886

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1. $0 $0 $4,603,163

LONG TERM DEBT

Rate or Amount Approved Next Year 2020-2021 0.0000

Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1

General Obligation Bonds Other Bonds Other Borrowings Total * If more space is needed to complete any section of this form, insert lines (rows) on this sheet. You may delete blank lines.

$6,780,000

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed 2018-19 $0.0571 0 0

Permanent Rate Levy (rate limit $0.0571 per $1,000) Local Option Levy Levy For General Obligation Bonds

Rate or Amount Imposed This Year 2019-20 $0.0571 0 0

Rate or Amount Approved Next Year 2020-21 $0.0571 0 0

150-504-073-2 (Rev. 11-18)

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1 on July 1. $0 $0 General Obligation Bonds $0 $0 Other Bonds $0 $0 Other Borrowings Total $0 $0 * 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

CC20-1257

150-504-073-2 (Rev. 11-18)

CC20-1263 Clear This Page

FORM LB-1

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

June 10, 2020 Westport-Wauna RFPD will be held on ______________________at 6:30 A public meeting of the ____________________________ ________ (Date)

(Governing body)

a.m. at_______________ p.m.

Westport Community Center, Westport __________________________________________________________, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the (Location)

20 as approved by the_____________________________________ Westport-Wauna RFPD fiscal year beginning July 1, 20______ Budget Committee. A summary of (Municipal corporation)

✁

91177 Westport Ferry Rd the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at _________________________________________ (Street address)

Westport, OR 97016 NA 8 5 ________________________between the hours of _______ a.m., and _______ p.m., or online at _______________________________ This budget is for an

annual;

biennial budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is:

the same as;

✁

different than the preceding year. If different, the major changes and their effect on the budget are:

Contact

Telephone number

E-mail

Stephanie Weldon

( 503 ) 791-6228

steph.rae83@hotmail.com

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Adopted Budget Approved Budget 21 20 20 Next Year: 20____–20____ 19 This Year: 20____–20____

Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital ........................................ 92,977.00 83,359.00 30.00 Fees, Licenses, Permits, Fines, Assessments & Other Service Charges ... 8.00 977.00 0.00 Federal, State & all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations & Donations ........... 0.00 0.00 Revenue from Bonds & Other Debt ......................................................... 0.00 Interfund Transfers/Internal Service Reimbursements ............................ 0.00 3,000.00 2,862.00 All Other Resources Except Current Year Property Taxes ....................... 62,228.00 62,322.00 Current Year Property Taxes Estimated to be Received.......................... Total Resources—add lines 1 through 7 ................................................ 148,711.00 159,052.00 FINANCIAL SUMMARY—REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION

7,786.00 26,741.00 23,141.00 224.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,000.00 67,892.00

Personnel Services .................................................................................. Materials and Services ............................................................................ Capital Outlay .......................................................................................... Debt Service ............................................................................................ Interfund Transfers ................................................................................... Contingencies .......................................................................................... Special Payments .................................................................................... Unappropriated Ending Balance and Reserved for Future Expenditure .... Total Requirements—add lines 9 through 16 ........................................

80,408.00 10.00 0.00 30.00 0.00 3,328.00 63,454.00 147,230.00

18,600.00 43,200.00 32,300.00 35,400.00 75,221.00 43,330.00 300.00 300.00 0.00 0.00 12,900.00 15,000.00 0.00 0.00 10,000.00 Clear This10,000.00 Page 148,711.00 147,230.00

Name FINANCIAL SUMMARY—REQUIREMENTS AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OR PROGRAM* FTE Name of Organizational Unit or Program FTE forUnit UnitororProgram Program Not Allocated to Organizational

✁

CC20-1262 FORM ED‐1

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES AND SOURCES OF FINANCING*

FTE Name The incease FTE financing. Name FTE

Contact: Scotti Erickson

150-504-073-2 (Rev. 10-01-19)

Telephone: 503‐556‐3777 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

Email: serickson@nwresd.k12.or.us

FINANCIAL SUMMARY ‐ RESOURCES Actual Amount Last Year 2018‐2019 $1,607,065 3,602,021 0 1,985,476 432,449 7,942,148 874,450 392,500 0 $16,836,109

Adopted Budget This Year 2019‐2020 $1,390,882 3,475,000 0 1,903,281 416,500 5,948,128 1,018,376 305,595 0 $14,457,762

FINANCIAL SUMMARY ‐ REQUIREMENTS BY OBJECT CLASSIFICATION Salaries $5,730,663 Other Associated Payroll Costs 3,045,053 Purchased Services 2,181,711 Supplies & Materials 1,024,762 Capital Outlay 2,386,770 Other Objects (except debt service & interfund transfers) 139,615 Debt Service* 672,270 Interfund Transfers* 392,500 Operating Contingency 0 Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance & Reserves 1,262,765 $16,836,109 Total Requirements

Approved Budget Next Year 2020‐2021 $1,306,276 3,800,000 0 1,817,535 370,441 6,726,999 1,173,357 281,800 0 $15,476,408

$5,877,528 3,332,107 2,070,761 1,178,787 0 131,225 695,500 305,595 125,000 741,259 $14,457,762

$6,169,282 3,812,999 2,002,718 1,162,939 57,379 209,543 734,294 281,800 327,500 717,954 $15,476,408

FINANCIAL SUMMARY ‐ REQUIREMENTS AND FULL‐TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES (FTE) BY FUNCTION 1000 Instruction $6,758,613 $7,298,311 $7,111,887 FTE 75.50 75.44 75.05 2000 Support Services 7,019,883 4,616,092 5,557,189 FTE 25.40 25.70 31.10 3000 Enterprise & Community Service 730,078 676,005 745,784 FTE 9.62 7.56 7.88 4000 Facility Acquisition & Construction 0 0 0 FTE 0 0 5000 Other Uses 0 0 0 5100 Debt Service* 672,270 695,500 734,294 5200 Interfund Transfers* 392,500 305,595 281,800 6000 Contingency 0 125,000 327,500 7000 Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance 1,262,765 741,259 717,954 Total Requirements $16,836,109 $14,457,762 $15,476,408 110.52 108.7 114.03 Total FTE * not included in total 5000 Other Uses. To be appropriated separately from other 5000 expenditures. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES and SOURCES OF FINANCING ** Given the economic downturn caused by the Covid‐19 pandemic, we are expecting a significant shortfall in state revenue. This shortfall will have a major impact on the budget this coming year impacting many current programs and future improvement plans. At this time the shortfall is unknown and there are many uncertainties as to the level of the economic impact and the level of decline is uncertain; however, the general consensus is that the shortfall will be at least $2 billion at the state level in ALL revenue sources. We are building the budget at the state $9.0 Billion level with plans for cuts for every $100 million change in state funding. In Rainier for each $100‐million‐dollar shortfall, that affects Rainier $140,000. The Governor has some options to the process and she has already announced an 8.5% allotment reduction, but she does not have the authority to prioritize these funds. The Oregon legislature has the real authority to make budgetary changes and they are required to balance the budget by June 30th, 2020. The legislature can backfill certain funds using the states Rainy Day Fund, or the Education Stability Fund, and the legislature has the ability to prioritize programs like the (SSF, SSA, Measure 98, and Grant in Aid funds) so it is important to get the message to our legislators that we can’t reduce the revenue to Oregon School Districts.

Permanent Rate Levy (Rate Limit $4.8580 per $1,000) Local Option Levy Levy For General Obligation Bonds LONG TERM DEBT General Obligation Bonds Other Bonds ‐ PERS UAL Other Borrowings

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed $ 5.4360 ‐

Rate or Amount Imposed $ 5.4360 ‐

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1 3,450,000 1,200,000 $4,650,000

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Rate or Amount Approved $ 5.4360 ‐

Estimated Debt Authorized, But Not Incurred on July 1

0.00 0.00 0

FTE None Name Total FTERequirements Total NameFTE

A public meeting of the Rainier School District Board of Directors will be held on June 8, 2020 at 6:30 pm in a virtual format. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 as approved by the Rainier School District Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at the Rainier School District Office, 28168 Old Rainier Rd, Rainier Oregon between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or online at www.rainier.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.

Total

FINANCIAL SUMMARY—RESOURCES Actual Amounts 18 19 20____–20____

TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS

0.00 0.00 0

of Personnel Services is due to hiring a part-time employee. No other changes to activities or sources of

Clear Page Form LB-1This (continued on next page)

Name FTE Not Allocated to Organizational Unit or Program FTE Total Requirements 0.00 Total FTE 0 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACTIVITIES AND SOURCES OF FINANCING*

0.00 0

The incease of Personnel Services is due to hiring a part-time employee. No other changes to activities or sources of financing. PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed Permanent Rate Levy ............ (Rate Limit___________Per $1000) 1.9226 Local Option Levy ....................................................................................... Levy for General Obligation Bonds ............................................... Long Term Debt

1.9226 0 0

*If more space is needed to complete any section of this form, use the space below or add sheets.

PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Rate or Amount Imposed Permanent Rate Levy ............ (Rate Limit___________Per $1000) 1.9226 1.9226 Local Option Levy ....................................................................................... 0 Levy for General Obligation Bonds ............................................... 0

1.9226 0 0

*If more space is needed to complete any section of this form, use the space below or add sheets.

Estimated Debt Authorized, but not Incurred on July 1

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Rate or Amount Imposed

Rate or Amount Approved

1.9226 0 0

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1

General Obligation Bonds .............................................................. Other Bonds ................................................................................... Other Borrowings ........................................................................... Total ...............................................................................................

150-504-073-2 (Rev. 10-01-19)

Rate or Amount Approved

1.9226 0 0

STATEMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS Estimated Debt Outstanding on July 1

Long Term Debt

Rate or Amount Imposed

Estimated Debt Authorized, but not Incurred on July 1

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Form LB-1 (continued from previous page)

Get your ad in The Chief

Contact Amy at atrull@countrymedia.net 150-504-073-2 (Rev. 10-01-19)

Form LB-1 (continued from previous page)

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Friday, June 5, 2020

Employment director resigns CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Following a backlog of thousands for unemployment claims and long delays for payments, Oregon Employment Department director Kay Erickson has resigned. Governor Kate Brown announced Sunday, May 31, that she asked for and has received Erickson’s resignation. David Gerstenfeld will serve as interim Director of the Department. “In the middle of this pandemic, the continued delays from the Oregon Employment Department in delivering unemployment insurance benefits to thousands of out-of-work Oregonians are unacceptable,” said Brown in a statement. “This is an unprecedented crisis, and the problems at the department demand an urgent response. I’d like to thank Director Erickson for her years of service to the State of Oregon, but it is clear that new leadership is needed.” Brown said she has directed the Oregon Employment Department to address the current backlog in unpaid claims, and to clearly communicate the status of any unpaid claims to

Oregonians. “In these incredibly stressful times, Oregon families are counting on these benefits,” Brown said. “We will make this right. Oregonians will receive the benefits that they are owed.” Gerstenfeld has served as the Oregon Employment Paid Family and Medical Leave Division Director since September of 2019. Prior to that, he had served as Unemployment Insurance Division Director since 2011. He has worked for the State of Oregon since 1997, and received a law degree from Lewis and Clark. County jobless soars Joblessness in Columbia County is at 15.3 percent, triggered by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. That is a rate higher than at the peaks of the Great Recession, according to state officials. During a South County Chamber of Commerce Zoom electronic meeting Friday, May 29, Oregon Employment Department Workforce Analyst/ Economist Shawna Sykes gave key community members specific statistics about unemployment in Columbia County and the state.

She also provided the latest information about the backlog of unemployment claims and what is expected following the pandemic. The numbers Sykes said the statewide unemployment rate soared as the pandemic in March. “Statewide, our unemployment rate rose from a record low of 3.5 percent, to a record high in just one month’s time, 14.2 percent, with the COVID business closures,” Sykes said at the meeting. The jobless rate is as severe at the county level, Sykes said, with 15.3 percent of Columbia County workers currently unemployed, one percent greater than the peak of the Great Recession, of 14.4 percent in February of 2010. The county’s unemployment rate has more than tripled since the same time last year, where the figure was approximately 4.7 percent, Sykes said. Hardest hit The largest job losses are in Oregon’s leisure and hospitality industry, personal care businesses, information, construction, professional and business services and mining and log-

ging, Sykes said, adding that each of those economic sectors has experienced anywhere from a 56.3 percent decrease to a 15 percent decrease since April of last year. The losses have led to an enormous surge in unemployment claims, at both the state and county level, Sykes said. The Employment Department is facing a 38,000 claims backlog, according to an earlier release from the department director Kay Erickson. “We were processing about 4,800 claims per week statewide within the state of Oregon to a point where we’ve processed 429,000 unemployment claims within the past eight weeks,” Sykes said. Resolving the claim backlog To deal with the influx, the state employment department has gone from a claims processing staff of 110 to about 700, Sykes said. Many of those employees are not new, and were shifted from other departments, and will be shifted back when the pandemic crisis abates. The Oregon Employment Department also has opened a new call center to handle the claims surge, Sykes said.

Out of Oregon’s 36 counties Columbia County ranks somewhere in the middle regarding the severity of the pandemic-triggered unemployment, according to Sykes. Counties with a high number of leisure, hospitality and retail jobs have suffered the hardest economic hit, she said. The most popular industries in Columbia County in the private sector are trade and transportation, manufacturing and health care, according to Sykes. The Employment Department has processed approximately 3,300 unemployment Columbia County jobless benefit since COVID-19 began. Claimants in Columbia County span all industries, but are most common in accommodation and food services, health care, construction, manufacturing and retail, according to Sykes. Breaking down the demographics In Columbia County, the most severe impact of the job losses are among people 25 to 45 years old with 35 to 44 year olds a close second, Sykes told the chamber gathering. Twothirds of Columbia County’s claimants have a high school

diploma or less education. Ninety-seven percent of the county’s unemployment claimants identify as white. Before her resignation. Ericsson announced a plan to deal with the sever backlog. “For two weeks, from May 29 to June 12, we will increase our outbound calls to resolve claims for those that have been waiting the longest. To do this, our most experienced employees will take time away from answering the phones. We will also temporarily reassign job center employees to take incoming calls to help resolve questions, in all languages, relating to: • Address/Phone number changes • Looking up customer ID (CID) numbers • Re-setting PIN numbers • Issues with claiming a week of benefits online, including taking weekly certifications • Filing a new claim or processing an internet initial claim (except those with military, federal, or out-of-state wages) • Re-starting a claim • Checking the status of a claim (if unable to use the online claim system) Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com

$16.6 million Port budget DMV head apologizes JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Port of Columbia County Budget Committee has unanimously approved recommendations for the proposed $16.6 million 2020-2021 fiscal year budget. At $16.6 million, the port’s proposed budget for 2020-2021 is a decrease of $1.6 million from the 20192020 budget. Port officials said the decrease is attributed to the potential reduction in revenues due to the current economic conditions and a smaller capital outlay. The budget committee’s recommendation includes reducing the port’s property tax levy to zero for residents and industry within the port district in 2020. The Chief spoke with Port of Columbia County spokesperson Gina Sisco for insight about the port budget and the plan of reducing the port’s property tax levy to zero for residents and industry within the port district. The Chief: To clarify, is then the port relying on its tenant leases, permits, and licenses fees to replace the property tax revenue? Sisco: The Port’s revenue forecast is broken down in the attached graph. The property tax revenue, if left steady at $.0886 per thousand of assessed value, would make up approximately 2.4% of the Port’s total budget. A copy of the 2020-2021 Proposed Budget is available on our website (https://www. portofcolumbiacounty.org/ finance/page/2020-2021-proposed-budget) and provides more detail. The Port identified a few proposed capital investments listed in the proposed budget that may be deferred to offset the suspension of the tax levy for one year. These deferred projects include renovation at the

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Page courtesy of The Port of Columbia County

The Port Commission is scheduled vote June 10 to adopt the proposed 2020-2021 budget.

Clatskanie Business Center ($100,000), Trestle Beach Survey ($10,000), a new Port maintenance building ($87,000), the Bayport RV Park Phase II expansion ($100,000), and a modular addition to the Port’s main office building ($100,000). The Chief: How much revenue is generated by the property taxes for the port? Sisco: The Port’s property tax levy in 2019 was $.0886 per thousand of assessed value, and if left steady for 2020, would generate an estimated $396,730 in revenue for the Port. The Chief: What are the range of capital projects and their budgets that are part of this overall port budget and ones we will see emerging? Sisco: A list of all potential projects by site is included in the 2020-2021 Proposed Budget and is available on our website (https://www.portofcolumbiacounty.org/finance/ page/2020-2021-proposedbudget). A few significant projects

include the completion of a $3.25 million, 31,500 sq. ft. building at the Scappoose Industrial Airport for a new port tenant Devinaire LLC; $1.25 million for an addition to an existing building and the construction start of a new building for current port tenant Composites Universal Group at Multnomah Industrial Park; and a potential for a $4.1 million, 35,000 sq. ft. building at McNulty Industrial Park in St. Helens. The Chief: How will those capital projects benefit communities in Columbia County? Sisco: Additional buildings and infrastructure improvements will assist in attracting new economic growth and opportunities within Columbia County. Capital projects will also support local business development efforts both around the Scappoose Industrial Airpark and in support of the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC). The Port Commission is scheduled to adopt the proposed 2020-2021 budget on June 10.

Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Administrator Tom McClellan is apologizing for long delays at the state agency. “We apologize for the wait Oregonians have already endured due to the COVID-19 crisis, and the wait ahead as we begin working the pent up demand,” McClellan said. “We don’t know how long it will take to catch up with a backlog this huge, but we think it will take months especially with health and safety protocols in place. Please continue to see if you can get what you need online or by mail, and please be patient.” In an effort to reduce your wait time at the DMV, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has developed a web-based request form for limited inperson services at DMV field offices. The form will temporarily replace a phone scheduling process that was overwhelmed by more than 18,000 calls in one hour on Monday. DMV normally gets about 8,000 in a day. The new form will be in place at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, or sometime Tuesday afternoon, according to a release from ODOT. How it works When it is available at www.OregonDMV.com, a simple tool will ask you a short series of questions to determine whether you can do your business online or need an in-person visit. If you qualify, you can fill out a form with your name and contact information. A DMV agent will contact you to schedule the in-person appointment. Please remember, once you submit the online form it will take some time for DMV to respond to the historically high demand.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office is located at 500 N. Columbia River Highway, Suite 400 in St. Helens.

The new web-based form to request an appointment, plus an online index of services that can be done by mail, not just online, will make it easier for you to do business with us from home, according to an ODOT release. The DMV is also expanding its call center capacity. As of Wednesday, only these services will be available at about two-thirds of DMV’s offices by appointment: Driver licensing and ID cards – originals, renewals and replacements, including passenger car and commercial licenses, and instruction permits • Driver knowledge tests • Driving privilege reinstatements with a license issuance • Disabled parking placards • VIN inspections for new-to-Oregon vehicles previously titled elsewhere • Farm endorsements The law enforcement grace period for expired li-

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censes, permits, and registration is still in effect. “As we begin offering inperson services we’ll closely monitor how quickly we’re able to work through the backlog and will work with law enforcement to determine when the grace period will end,” the ODOT release states. “For now, schedule an appointment only if absolutely necessary to leave appointment slots for priority transactions. We will provide ample notice and communication before the grace period is set to end.” There are now many services you can do online. Find out more at DMV2U.Oregon. gov or get forms and a mailing address at OregonDMV. com. When you do visit a DMV office, expect to follow safe social distancing and other measures in place for customers and employees. The DMV office in St. Helens is located at 500 N Columbia River Highway, Suite 400.

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Friday, June 5, 2020

March, rally draws hundreds

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

St. Helens High School senior Savannah Manning holds her fist up while speaking to the marchers gathered in front the Columbia County Courthouse following the Black Lives Matters march in St. Helens. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Several of those who took part in the Columbia County Black Lives Matter march and rally say they believe they are making a positive difference in stopping racism in America. An estimated 700 people participated in the event late Wednesday afternoon, June 3. The march began just a few blocks east of

Highway 30 along Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens and slowly moved toward the Columbia County Courthouse in Old Town along the riverfront. As the marchers gathered in front of the Courthouse, St. Helens High School senior Savannah Manning, a black teen, spoke to the crowd and read her thoughts. “I do feel like I have accomplished what I came here to do today,” she told The Chief after reading her

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Marchers carried and displayed their thoughts on colored signs during the Black Lives Matter march and rally in St. Helens.

A police officer station on top of city hall (top left) watches the Black Lives Matters rally in front of the Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens.

speech that called for the community to come together to settle differences. “My voice has been heard and I hope it continues to be heard through the community and our county.” Manning will join her senior classmates at Friday’s St. Helens High School graduation. So what’s next for this inspiring young lady? I hope to audition for the Portland Trailblazer Dancers and attend Portland Com-

Chief just after his speech. We need reform and we need to continue to talk but it and we are getting things changed.” Police on the scene of the march and rally said there were no major incidents of looting or business vandalism. The St. Helens march and rally followed those across the state and nation after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while being restrained by police in

munity College to become a dental hygienist,” she said. Scappoose Mayor Scott Burge spoke to the audience as the crowd moved to the waterfront park behind the Courthouse urging those attending to step up and help local and state government find solutions. “I hope that they feel empowered to work with our cities, the counties, the state and federal government to make the changes that are necessary,” he told The

Minnesota. On Thursday morning, June 4, Oregon Governor Kate Brown ordered all State of Oregon flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff in honor of George Floyd, who died on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Join the conversation. Make your comments about the march and rally on this story on The Chief’s Facebook page.

Proposed river area closures STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

You have the opportunity to comment about several Columbia River locations that would close to camping, campfires, and overnight use under a new rule proposed by the state. The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is seeking public comment on potential restrictions in the North Portland Harbor area, on the north end of Hayden Island including Oregon Slough (also known as the North Portland Harbor Channel), and on the Columbia

River at the Sandy River Delta. Temporary restrictions on camping, campfires, and use between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. were enacted in August 2019 to address ongoing damage to public lands, extensive littering and dumping, reckless burning, and other health and safety issues. If the proposed rule is adopted, the camping, campfire, and overnight use restrictions would become permanent. The riverbanks would remain open for recreational use during daytime hours. Public comment sought via Zoom hearing, written comments

A public hearing on the proposed rule will be held June 17, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the DSL website for hearing details, to request the meeting link and to review the draft rule. The public comment period will be open until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Comments must be received by this date and time to be considered. Written comments may be submitted on the DSL website by online form, by email to rules@ dsl.state.or.us, or by mail to DSL Rules Coordinator, 775 Summer St. NE, Suite 100, Salem, Oregon 97301.

Security Artwork

Support our local businesses, schools, non-profit organizations, and service clubs

Courtesy photo

This artwork at the Clatskanie Liquor store front door is part of a new security system produced by local artist Jeremy Furnish. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Sometimes, a negative can be turned into a positive. An example of that is at the Clatskanie Liquor store, 233 E. Columbia River Highway. The store operators, Chris and Joelle Ouellette, reported that approximately 3:30 a.m. Saturday May 2, two males broke into the store by shattering the glass entry door. After contacting the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and cleaning up the

debris and broken glass, the Ouellettes decided to install security bars on the store’s front door and surrounding windows to prevent further crime. Not wanting to have bars resembling a jail cell, the Ouellettes contacted local artist Jeremy Furnish and “let him go with his own design ideas.” “The results are stunning and we could not be happier,” the Ouellettes said. “Turning an unfortunate situation into an opportunity for something fun and positive was what we were looking for.”

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Friday, June 5, 2020

Page 3

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Friday, June 5, 2020

Willamette Connections Academy (WillCA) Class of 2020 is the first for the statewide tuition-free, full-time, public virtual charter school. The school is authorized by the Scio School District and utilizes the nationally recognized Connections Academy program, combining Oregon-certified teachers, a high-quality curriculum, technology tools, and community experiences to create a safe, supportive environment for families seeking a personalized, flexible approach to education. To learn more call 888-478-9474 or visit WillametteConnectionsAcademy.com

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