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FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2022

VOL. 131, NO. 6 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Brodey Chamblee

Damian Halverson

Jordan Harrel

Lexus Holmes

Arianna Levendoski

Danielle Patton

Odyssey Porter

Mercedez Swearingen

Ian Thompkins

Olivia Workman

Congrats class of 2022

Columbia County’s affordable housing problem Seller’s market

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

With high costs for materials and skyrocketing demand, more and more Columbia County residents are scrambling to find affordable housing.

Many would-be renters with full-time jobs have shared their struggles finding housing over social media, citing one of two issues: They either cannot afford a property, or none are available.

“Ted & I are about to be homeless,” one Columbia County resident wrote in a social media post.

“We got told (in) October they demand us out now, so if anyone knows of any openings, I have called every single apartment in St. Helens, and they are all full.”

And the problem appears to be getting worse. According to Community Action Team’s Heather Johnson, 157 of the 5,078 people who sought housing assistance from CAT since March 2020 did so within the past month.

State, county challenge Damon Runberg, a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department, shared his assessment of the Oregon housing market heading into 2022 in a guest column published in the May 27 edition of The Chief.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

This rezoned plot of land on Canyon Road in Clatskanie is to be developed as part of the city’s efforts to increase affordable housing.

According to Runberg, home prices in Oregon were up “a blistering 10%” from the previous year for the first quarter of 2022.

“Before the pandemic, the statewide housing market was seeing annualized gains of closer to 3%,” he wrote. “The fast growth in home prices the past two years has pushed real (inflation-adjusted) housing prices in most markets across the state higher than levels in 2007 during the housing bubble.”

Johnson said the number of

people seeking housing assistance in Columbia County has “increased for sure.”

“One caveat to our past month numbers as well as the overall last year, (is) in December of 2021 Oregon Housing & Community Services contracted with an agency in Washington State to deliver OERAP 2 and 3 for the state,” Johnson said. “There are a number of people who would normally be accessing housing services through CAT who are accessing assistance through the OERAP portal. As

a result, our in-house numbers are a bit skewed and not entirely reflective of the current need in our county.”

The Chief asked Johnson whether she sees affordable housing as a challenge, and she answered, “Absolutely. It is a challenge throughout our entire county.”

Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen concurred. “It is a challenge everywhere in Oregon,” he said.

The Chief spoke with Peggy Howell, a principal broker at John L. Scott Real Estate, to gain insight into the housing shortage and affordability crisis.

Howell told The Chief that there are no vacant units in any of the 20 rental properties she manages.

Howell also said fewer people are leaving.

“I don’t have a lot of turnover,” Howell said. “I’ve got some renters that have been in 20 years.”

According to Howell, many brokers also raised their rates, several up to 9%, to compensate for the rising costs of materials and services.

“Between property taxes going up and water going up and insurance going up, if you don’t raise your prices every year, you’re making less every year,” she said.

“So it’s a problem, and of course, there’s a moratorium on you cannot raise any more than 10%.”

Mick Taylor, a principal broker in Oregon, said that while the supply and demand imbalance is a major factor driving the rental prices up, “we have to talk about materials and supply chains, which are also continuing to keep prices high because materials are more

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See HOUSING Page A5

Gun threat prompts school lockdown JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

New efforts to keep students and staff safe during a school threat are being considered by the Clatskanie School District (CCSD).

Obituaries ..................... A2 Community Events ...... 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

Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz said an enhanced partnership with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) will be key to that effort.

“We don’t have a police department in Clatskanie, and we just can’t call on local law enforcement to give us extra security, so we have to rely on the sheriff’s office,” she said.

The city of Clatskanie contracts with the CCSO for law enforcement services. The enhanced partnership will include CCSO deputies as part of the regular weekly and monthly CCSD administration meetings with principals.

CMHS lockdown The enhanced security follows the mass school shooting in Texas and a school lockdown at Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) Thursday morning, June 9.

Hurowitz said the lockdown occurred after one student reported to an adult off campus that there was another student at the school with a gun in their backpack. The adult immediately sent a text message to a CMHS staff member who quickly showed the message to Principal Jeff Williamson.

“At that point and because of all that is going on in the county and the nation, we immediately placed the building in lockdown and we immediately called the sheriff’s office,” Jeff Williamson said.

As the building was placed in

Clatskanie Middle/High School was placed in lockdown June 9, following an alleged gun threat.

lockdown, school officials alerted parents by email, and with phone messages.

“Typically, we request that parents don’t come to the school until it is all clear,” he said.

During the time of the threat notification, the majority of the students had gathered in the school auditorium, the gymnasium and the cafeteria for the CMHS’s year-end awards presentations.

Williamson said he was able to find and isolate the student involved the alleged threat.

“I was making sure all the doors were locked and everything was secure and when I found the student, I did a limited pat down and I felt

comfortable that the student didn’t have anything (of a threatening nature),” he said. “The student also denied that there was a backpack.”

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said as deputies responded to school they were advised there was a student that potentially was armed on campus.

“The school went into lockdown as a precaution and we responded to investigate,” Pixley said. “There were no injuries involved and no weapon was located.”

As the deputies at the school, they reviewed school security tapes showing that the student alleged to have a weapon entering the building and that student did not have a back-

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

pack, according to Williamson.

“We brought in the student’s parents in and I determined that the student did not pose any threat,” Williamson said. “The lockdown was precautionary.”

Pixley told The Chief the incident is still under investigation.

Social media impact Hurowitz said as the lockdown unfolded, she was made aware of disturbing posts on social media.

“During this event there were people posting the location of our

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See LOCKDOWN Page A5

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Friday, June 17, 2022

‘Highly contagious’ horse virus in Oregon JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) reports one case of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) is confirmed in Clackamas County.

The EHV-1 virus is highly contagious and spreads via aerosolized secretions from infected coughing horses, direct and indirect contact with nasal secretions, and fetal fluids.

There are currently nine known EHVs, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). EHV-1, EHV-3 and EHV-4 pose the highest disease risk in the U.S. horse population. EHV-1 and EHV-4 can cause upper respiratory disease, neurological disease, abortions, and/or neonatal death. EHV-3 causes a venereal disease called coital exanthema.

The ODA reports that one

horse from Clackamas County tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1). After exhibiting neurologic symptoms, the owners called a private veterinarian to examine the animal and collect a sample for testing. The horse was later humanely euthanized. A California Laboratory confirmed EHV-1 on May 31.

EHV-1 is a reportable disease, and veterinarians are legally responsible for immediately reporting all suspected cases to the ODA. The horse owner reports the animal recently traveled to the 2022 State Oregon High School Equestrian (OHSET) Teams Championship. OHSET was held at the First Interstate Bank Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, from May 12-15. A second horse from the same ranch who also traveled to OHSET is doing well, recovering from initial respiratory symptoms. However,

an ODA District Veterinarian placed a quarantine on the farm following state and national guidelines.

ODA said its state veterinarian is working with OHSET to evaluate the potential exposure risk at the state event, and event coordinators are working to contact exhibitors. All horse owners who believe that their horse may have been exposed to EHV-1 should monitor their animal’s temperature twice daily and call their veterinarian if they see any symptoms.

EHV-1 typically has an incubation period of 2-10 days.

Respiratory shedding of the virus generally occurs for 7-10 days but may persist longer in infected horses.

Following basic biosecurity practices is an essential factor in reducing the risk of exposure to all contagious equine diseases. Basic biosecurity measures to follow to decrease potential disease spread at

Multiple undersea quakes

equine events include:

• Limit horse-to-horse contact • Limit horse-to-human-tohorse contact • Avoid the use of communal water sources • Avoid sharing of equipment unless thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses • Isolate new or returning horses from others for 30 days • Monitor your horse for clinical signs of disease and report any temperature over 102°F to a veterinarian.

Find more information about EHV-1 at ODA online: https://oda.direct/EquineHerpesvirus.

Sign up for equine news from ODA at: https://oda.fyi/ EquineNews.

•

Metro Creative Connection

The virus is highly contagious and spreads via aerosolized secretions from infected coughing horses, direct and indirect contact with nasal secretions, and fetal fluids.

•O bituaries • • Elsie Louise Anderson

Nov. 20, 1934 ~ May 11, 2022

Courtesy from the USGS

The undersea quakes are in a region off the Oregon Coast that has seen such activity over the past several years.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports several small earthquakes struck off the Oregon coast Wednesday morning, June 15.

Eight quakes measuring from 3.8 to 5.6 rumbled beneath the Pacific Ocean west of Newport and Coos Bay. No tsunami warnings have been issued.

State geologists said the June 15 quakes occurred in a region where similar small

tremors have occurred over the past several years.

In early December 2021, nearly 90 tremors were recorded approximately 200 to 300 miles west of the Newport-Coos Bay area and approximately 10 kilometers deep, according to the Office of Oregon Emergency Management (OMI).

The June 15 quakes also were reported to be 10 kilometers deep.

Following the December 2021 undersea quakes, Oregon Emergency Man-

agement Geological Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo described the activity.

“The Pacific Plate is pushing past the Juan de Fuca Plate and this causes frequent fairly small earthquakes,” she said. “We are in a time of increased activity, but these earthquakes don’t pose a risk to Oregonians. The area of seismicity is very far away from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, so there is no increased risk from a Cascadia event.”

School to share $2M for safety

Born into a tough cold world in Filbrook, Minnesota on Nov. 20, 1934, Elsie Louise Anderson was the first child of Donald Smart and Alice Fisher. Both came from good sized families of seven and three kids, and later came the resultant cousins. She passed away at home on May 11, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones.

Mom had a sister, Marjorie to pal with in 1936. The family came to Oregon in 1938. The second sister was born in 1948, Linnea.

The family lived in Clatskanie where Mom went through all 12 grades of school and developed many lifelong friendships. She worked at Humps Restaurant and met Donald E. Anderson, Dad, when she was 19. They were married on December 20, 1953 and were rumored to hold Valentine’s Day in high regard, as Michael was born on November 10th, 1954 followed by Crystal on November 25th, 1955 and then Randy on November 25th, 1956! One child miscarried, the next year Robin was born September 27th, 1960. It was a full house, full of mischief and never-ending activity.

Mom loved to bake and not a breakfast, lunch or dinner can be remembered without dessert of some kind.

Cookies, maple bars, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, cakes, doughnuts and pies! Pie was her forte and every person she worked with or that her children worked with, or extended family never turned down a pie she made!

She had a pie crust that was taught to her by Grandma Anderson, who she looked up to for many things.

Her lifelong friends came from the neighborhood and her work at the 5J School System, where she cooked for several years and then became the Secretary at

the new Quincy School the year it was built. She loved the job, her co-workers and the students. Even as late as her last few months, if a child’s name came up, she would remember a story or a triumph or something that child did well, or humorously, or something they had overcome.

Vivacious, industrious, engaging, thoughtful, funny, loyal, complex, and simple.

She went out of her way for many families in the community that had less to live off of. Food, money, transportation, or an hour spent over coffee, were shared with anyone needing a hand up.

But no one got the gifts piled up like her family! Dinners, desserts, clothes, mended, quilts, veggies from the garden, gas money, school money, walking around money, whenever she was aware of it, she found a way to give.

The Anderson family was fairly large with mom having two sisters with three kids, and Dad having five brothers and sisters with 25 kids! The get togethers were always fun and exciting and happened regularly. Mom reveled in the family chaos and would manage any size of party. Dad called her the Chief Cook and bottle washer as a little funny dig, but she did dishes and cleaned

with the same enthusiasm as creating a quilt or greeting an old friend. No one outworked her, until she was 75 or so. Too much energy to keep up with.

Upon retirement she got to see more of the things that time and money denied earlier. Colorado, Alaska, Iowa, Arizona, and the beaches of Oregon which were her favorites.

Mom was known for her Signature Whistle as she approached any house, door, or room to alert others she was coming. The whistle turned into a constant hum in later years, that was almost like a cat purring. Her hum was a reassuring contented sound to those around her and was just her singing to herself.

The little hum continued until the last bit of energy was expended and the room dimmed with her exit.

The remainder of the family of Don and Elsie Anderson would like for any and every one who knew them to join us for the celebration of the life and times of Elsie Anderson at 1 p.m. on July 1, 2022 at the Clatskanie Legion Hall. There will be someone to read written remembrances, stories, and crazy times for those not wanting to read their own.

Potluck, BYOB. Hope to see you there, Mike, Crystal, Randy, Robin

Steven Roy “The Mole” or “Mo” Moilanen July 30, 1952 ~ May 22, 2020

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Clatskanie Elementary School will receive $2,182,945 for seismic improvements to the school’s gym.

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Business Oregon has awarded 36 seismic rehabilitation grants for an overall 2022 award total of $80,851,799.

The grants include funding for Clatskanie Elementary School and the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District.

According to Business Oregon, the Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program is a competitive grant program from the state of Oregon that provides funding for the seismic rehabilitation of critical public buildings, particularly public schools and emergency services facilities.

This is the eighth round of funding from the Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program to provide improvement funding for buildings that communities depend on in the face of a seismic disaster stronger and safer.

It is one of the infrastructure programs that Business Oregon administers to create livable and prosperous communities, in addition to the agency’s business development work.

Public K-12 school districts, community colleges, and education service districts are eligible for this grant program. For emergency services facilities, the emphasis is on first responder buildings including hospital buildings with acute inpatient care facilities, fire

stations, police stations, sheriff’s offices, and 9-1-1 centers.

This year’s grants bring the award total to 299 schools and 133 emergency services buildings that have been awarded funding for improvements since the program’s first awards in 2009.

The program was created by the Oregon Legislature in 2005 and transferred to Business Oregon in 2014.

The current round of projects awarded includes $2,182,945 for Clatskanie Elementary Schools gymnasium and $2,330,610 for Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District – Station 5.

See the full list of projects with this story at thechiefnews.com.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Have you ever laid down on a dying man’s bed, thought about what’s going on in his head About all his dreams all his fears, all his conquests and all his years Now it’s coming to an end, all that he held and tried to defend all his triumphs are at an end Did he matter or do any good, was he wrong or misunderstood, Did he lift you up or let you down, did he ever laugh or did he only frown This poem was written by Steven Roy Moilanen and submitted by Sandy Moilanen in memory of her brother.

Chief Obituaries

Please submit obituaries to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net or call 503-397-0116.

Obituary deadline is Mondays by Noon. Late submissions may not make it into the paper.

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Friday, June 17, 2022

Oregon’s leisure, hospitality industries add 3,200 jobs Gains and losses

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

A key economic report shows Oregon’s leisure and hospitality sector is helping restore large job gains across the state.

The Oregon Employment Department reports nonfarm payroll employment grew by 6,200 in May, following gains averaging 6,000 jobs in the prior six months.

Monthly gains in May were largest in leisure and hospitality (+3,200 jobs); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+1,300); wholesale trade (+900); and manufacturing (+800). Construction (-1,100 jobs) was the only major industry that shed a substantial number of jobs.

Over the past 12 months, nonfarm payrolls rose by 82,700 jobs, or 4.4%. Leisure

• June 18 Parade St. Helens Kiwanis Community Parade at 12 p.m. along Columbia Boulevard to the Riverfront District in St. Helens.

June 18 Summer Reading Program The Clatskanie Library District is scheduled to host author and illustrator Vera Brosgol at 2 p.m. at the Clatskanie Cultural Center Ballroom, 75 S Nehalem Street in Clatskanie. Brosgol’s visit will be the official kick-off of the library’s eight-week summer reading program, which will feature a variety of events for all ages. All of the events during the summer reading program are free. For more information, call the Clatskanie Library at 503-7283732.

June 25 Heritage Days Events Quincy Grange Car Show 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the

and hospitality accounted for more than a third of these gains, growing by 29,400 jobs, or 17.2%. Private educational services grew by 3,000 jobs, or 9.3%, which was the second fastest growth rate of the major industries.

Several industries grew by close to 5% since May 2021, including construction; wholesale trade; professional and business services; and manufacturing. None of the major industries declined a substantial amount over the

past 12 months.

Durable goods manufacturing growth accelerated, as the industry added 8,800 jobs, or 6.9%, during the past 12 months. All of its component industries added jobs in that time. Computer and electronic products (+4,200 jobs, or 11.2%) added the bulk of jobs in durable goods manufacturing. Primary metals manufacturing (+800 job, or 12.3%) grew at the fastest rate, while three other component industries each added close

to 1,100 jobs—machinery, fabricated metals, and wood products.

Job participation rate rising In May, the participation rate rose to 63.5%, its highest reading in 10 years. This measure of how many people are working or looking for work has risen rapidly since reaching a low of 59.2% in April 2020 during the worst of the COVID recession.

Oregon’s labor force participation rate of 63.5% in May was well above the comparable U.S. figure of 62.3%.

Oregon’s unemployment rate edged down to 3.6% in May, from 3.7% in April, reaching its lowest level in more than two years. The rate is close to Oregon’s record low of 3.4%, which occurred in each of the four months of November 2019 through February 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.6% in both April and May 2022.

•C ommunity E vents • •

American Legion Hall at 930 NE 5th Street in Clatskanie.

Heritage Days Car Show at Clatskanie City Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chapter T PEO Pie in the Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food, music and vendors at Clatskaine City Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Farmers Market Pollinator Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Copes Park in Clatskanie. Free swim from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Clatskanie Pool.

June 25 Family Scavenger Hunt The event is a fundraiser for the Amani Center for Children’s Advocacy. The hunt begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. at Copes Park, 11 Lillich Street in Clatskanie.

Open to all ages. Families are encouraged to join the fun. Teams only play. No team limits. Free ice pops.

Grand prize is a two night stay at Great Wolf Lodge.

For more details, call 971889-1268.

June 25 Pride Month Celebration 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Plaza Square in the Riverfront District of St. Helens. Bring your signs and flags. Celebration and Picnic from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Music and fun. Bring a dish to share if able. Hosted by Moving Forward Columbia County.

June 29 Blood Drive The American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Senior Center, 375 S 15th Street in St. Helens. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sainthelens to schedule an appointment.

July 1 Heritage Days Strut Your Mutt and More at 6 p.m. at Clatskanie City Park.

July 2 Heritage Days Hypnotist Michael Cain, Dr. Feel Good at 7 p.m. at Birken-

feld Theatre. Movie Night in the park at dusk in Clatskanie City Park.

July 3 Heritage Days All Class Reunion at noon at Clatskanie City Park. Reunion in restaurants along Nehalem Street in Clatskanie during the evening.

July 4 Heritage Days 4th of July Parade. Line up at 10 a.m. at Nehalem and NE 5th Street. City parade begins at 11 a.m. and proceeds to Clatskanie City Park. See more Heritage Days 4th of July events at the Heritage Days Facebook page.

July 9 Wabanang Chapter #127 Celebration Order of the Easter Star 105year celebration at 11 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 82 SE Second Street in Clatskanie. A potluck reception at Alston’s Pub and Grub at 25196 Alson Road in Rainier follows the celebration. Call 503-6655257 for more information.

Ongoing Farmers Market Clatskanie Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through September 24 at Cope’s Park in downtown Clatskanie.

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240.

Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum is open from noon - 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). It is located inside Rainier City Hall on the 3rd floor. Go in side entrance and take the elevator to the

3rd floor. For more information, call 360-751-7039.

Rainier City Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/ Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published, to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

RSVP Volunteer of the Month

Courtesy from RSVP

Pictured from left to right are My Fair Lady Princess Alice Long (Scappoose), Queen Lynn Shaw-Hayes, Amy Everman, Princess Renee Swartz (Clatskanie), and Princess Rosemary Scandale (Rainier).

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Amy Everman is the Columbia County RSVP Volunteer of the Month for June.

Everman volunteers at the Rainier Senior Center serving meals. She also arranges to pick up the cans at Trojan Park for the center.

She is well liked and has a very sparkly personality which draws people in, and makes everyone around her smile, according to a release from RSVP. “She is so absolutely awesome,” the center’s Carla Bodenhamer said. “She loves everybody and has a heart of gold. She’s the one you’d want to help – she always has your back. You mention her

name and people just smile.

Everyone loves her. She never stops working. That girl is just perfection in motion.”

According to Jan Rich, Director for the Rainier Senior Center, “Amy is such a delight. She just brightens this center whenever she comes.”

Everman’s dog, Ollie, often accompanies her at the center.

Ollie is very popular, according to Rich.

“Sometimes she brings in clams for the staff too,” Rich said. “It’s hard to keep her down; she’s always doing something. She serves meals at all of our special events like St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, etc. She always serves at those things because she does such a good job, and everyone likes her.”

Everman said she “feels

wonderful” about volunteering.

I look forward to it every week. And what a surprise; I can’t believe it. I feel honored.

You surprised the heck out of me. I was trying to hold the tears back,” she said.

In addition to volunteering, Everman said she loves clamming, crabbing, gardening – anything outdoors. She also represented Rainier in the 2016 My Fair Lady Pageant.

Columbia County Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nonprofit senior support organization located at 270 Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens. To reach the office, call 503-397-5655, or see RSVP’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/columbiacountyrsvp.

Oregon Judicial Department

Citizen Review Board Oregon’s Foster Care Review Board VOLUNTEER Citizen Review Board members are needed in Columbia County.

You can help children and families in your community by volunteering to serve on the CRB.

Every Day Counts

in the life of a child in foster care.

For information on becoming a volunteer contact: Volunteer Resource Coordinator Citizen Review Board Volunteer Resource Coordinator Toll Free: (888) 530-8999, ext. 70352 Citizen Review Board E-mail: crb.volunteer.resources@ojd.state.or.us, www.courts.oregon.gov/crb

Toll Free: (888) 530-8999, ext. 70352 E-mail: crb.volunteer.resources@ojd.state.or.us www.courts.oregon.gov/crb

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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•

Friday, June 17, 2022

•V iewpoints • •

City responds to Letter to the Editor CLATSKANIE CITY COUNCIL GREG HINKELMAN Clatskanie City Manager

In the June 3rd edition of The Chief, Russell Spaulding accused city manager Greg Hinkelman and former mayor Diane Pohl of corruption and “running this town into the ground.”

He states, as fact, that “…just before the water

rates were doubled for outof-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 (sic) home into the annexation.”

Mr. Spaulding continues to write, “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.”

Stated best by the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” Here are the facts regarding the outside-of-city-limits waterrates, the annexation of the old Beaver Mill site, and the Pohl’s property. In chronological order, the actions taken by the City Council

and the residents of Clatskanie are as follows:

1. June 2, 1999; Resolution 1999-19, passed by the Clatskanie City Council; set water rates to include raising the outside-of-city-limits water rates from 150% to 200%.

2. February 20, 2002; Ordinance 612, passed by the City Council; annexed the property commonly known as the “Beaver Mill”

property into the city.

3. April 22, 2002; Ordinance 614, passed by the City Council; annexed the property owned by Ray and Diane Pohl into the City.

4. November 2, 2004; Diane Pohl was elected Mayor of Clatskanie taking office January 5, 2005, serving six terms.

5. June 30, 2008; Greg Hinkelman was hired by the City Council to be its City Manager.

Mr. Spaulding’s statements are verifiably not accurate. The change in water rates, annexation of the Beaver Mill property, and the annexation of the Pohl home occurred separately and years before Diane Pohl served as Mayor and Greg Hinkelman was hired as City Manager.

The Clatskanie City Council and City Manager Greg Hinkelman may be reached at 503-728-2622.

•C latskanie G rows • •

Clatskanie Grows: Potatoes ready for harvest?

CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

This has been a tough late spring for most heat loving crops. Potatoes, though, have done fairly well with the cool and wet weather. So have the cabbage family and lettuce, assuming the slugs have been kept down. Some early potatoes may be ready for harvest. Usually, the first sign of flowering on potatoes is the time to start digging those delicious early spuds.

Harvest carefully since early potatoes have thin skins and are easily bruised or cut.

There may be some immature potatoes amongst others that are fully mature. Eat the immature ones first as they store very poorly.

Will deer eat herbs?

My sense is that deer visit almost every property in Columbia County. That certainly challenges gardeners to create space deer can’t visit. That often requires some type of garden fence.

But there are edible plants that deer generally don’t eat. Most herbs are quite deer-resistant. Note I didn’t

•

•V oices

Renewable fuel or toxic fuel?

The chemicals and toxins in renewable and biofuel production have been linked to cancer. Heavy industrial areas in the United States have the highest rates of cancer in the nation.

The air quality of Clatskanie would change for the worse. Local residents closest to the NEXT facility will suffer the most. And there will be no recourse for any damages this facility will cause to our health and well-being.

Everyone is touting all the great Green jobs that NEXT will be providing in our community. According to The National Labor Board, biofuel green jobs are extremely toxic, requiring special handling permits. Chemicals used in biofuel production can cause explosions, fires and acute exposure can cause death.

Chemicals, such as cobalt, nickel and aluminum would be heated under pressure and combined with plant oils and animal tallow to produce a syn-

say “deer-proof” since there will be a deer that will test the plants. Woody herbs are very attractive plants as well and given well-drained and reasonably full sun, do well in most gardens for years.

Some of the most useful in cooking are sage, rosemary, true tarragon (a little finicky), some “culinary” lavenders, thyme, and oregano.

Herbs don’t need or like a lot of fertilizing and require just enough water to keep them going. They abhor over-watering. That’s why well-drained soils are important. Some annual weeds like basil and dill are also deer resistant although this is less predictable.

when the pollen is being shed. They don’t need bees, though bumblebee activity helps.

OSU bred varieties tend to set fruit at the cooler end of the tomato heat preference range compared to other varieties bred in other regions or countries. Super high temperatures like last summer tend to also slow or stop fruit set.

Humidity also plays a role. If it is too dry, pollen may not latch on to the stigma; too

to lawn mower or string trimmer injury. This type of injury occurs near the base of the tree. It is generally worse when the tree is injured during the spring when the bark is “slipping” in the spring or when a sap is moving up to the tree canopy. The bark is easily removed in larger pieces at this time. Young trees are the most vulnerable. An open wound near the base of the tree will usually attract fungi that feed on wood.

This leads to a

Apple insects While fruit set is quite low, it doesn’t mean the two fruit-eating insects, the codling moth caterpillar and the apple maggot will take the year off. If you spray to control these insects, the time to start is now and repeat periodically over the summer. The best product for the home gardener is probably those products that contain “spinosad” as the active ingredient. It is found in several trade name products from Monterey, Bonide, and others. Always read and follow label instructions.

nior 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

Tomato pollination Tomatoes are self-fertile.

The tomato flower has its pollen shedding parts above the pollen receptive organ (the pistil). As bees move into the flower, they carry the pollen from that flower with it to the pistil. But tomatoes are picky about when to set fruit. Too cold, no go; too hot, nothing for the pot. Most varieties, and there are exceptions, set fruit best when temperatures are no colder than 55° F or no hotter than 75° F

of the

moist and the pollen can glom together leading to less pollination. Picky, picky!

This obviously hasn’t been a good tomato season yet.

If you see tomatoes that are “cat-faced” on the blossom end of the fruit, they are inevitably larger varieties which demand perfect fertilization. Tomatoes that produce smaller varieties don’t need pollen perfection to set nice fruit.

Mechanical injury to trees Trees are very sensitive

Clatskanie Grows

downward cycle for the tree.

Eventually, most injured trees will end up being removed.

In some cases, a tree can heal over the wound before significant deterioration occurs.

The best way to prevent this kind of injury is to keep a two-foot radius grass-free zone around the trunk, especially for young trees. Mulching that starts a six inches out from the trunk can keep weeds down. It also conserves moisture that will help newly planted trees thrive.

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

• Many Extension publications are 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.

• Donate produce and/or money to the food bank, se-

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 503-397-3462 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 • •

thetic fuel. This fuel would be combined with a petroleum counterpart to create the finished product. This facility would produce over 1 million tons of carbon pollution and toxic emissions each year, poisoning surrounding farmland.

The idea that this facility will be compatible with the surrounding farming community is false. NEXT would put our local farmers out of business.

The damage this facility will cause to the quality of our air, water, food supply, life and health would be catastrophic. The long-lasting environmental impact would be unthinkable.

We deserve better. Protect your family and say No to NEXT. Wendy Schmidt BDIC and Clatskanie

Dear business owner or manager As you have probably heard, the annual Clatskanie Heritage Days celebration is back. After this two-year break many volunteers are stepping up

The Chief

to help get this fun, family event going.

The Strut Your Mutt and More pet show will be part of the Heritage Days celebration. This is a fun pet show like no other.

Strut Your Mutt and More gives anyone who has a four-legged pet of any kind the opportunity to show off their furry friend. It doesn’t even have to be your pet.

The animals are judged on a wide variety of silly categories such as longest tail, longest ears, best costume, owner look-alike and more.

It’s all just good fun.

Here’s how you can help: We need prizes. Any donation you can make is appreciated and helpful.

Some suggested prize items are pet toys, treats, leashes, collars and pet store gift certificates. Literally anything for a pet is wonderful.

Of course, money is always welcome, too, and the Strut Your Mutt committee will be able to buy prizes to fill any gaps.

We are the Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie and we appreciate your help. To donate and for more information, call 503-728-4248.

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Public Notices CC22-1664

CC22-1665

CC22-1667

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING CC22-1666

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, upstairs in the Clatskanie Cultural Center. Agenda items include

but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the April 27, 2022, regular meeting; a Public Hearing will be held to review a request for a rezone on SW Bel Air Drive Tax lots 7408-CA05700, 7408-CA-01801,

and 7408-CA-01701. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by June 17th, 2022. Please visit our website, www. cityofclatskanie.com to access the link to attend the meeting on Zoom.

we can meet the growing demands for water, sewer, roads, parks, sidewalks, etcetera,” King said.

In their efforts to increase affordable housing access, Clatskanie City Council unanimously approved a rezone ordinance to classify an 8.1-acre property along Canyon Road from R-10 (10,000 sq. ft. lots) to R-5 (5,000 sq. ft lots) and a portion to MFR (multi-family residential).

The Chief reached out to Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman for more specifics on how the city will address the affordable housing shortage. We had not received a response at press time.

the kids to end the last day of school,” Hurowitz said. “It was supposed to be a day of celebration with kids saying goodbye. This is the saddest way to end the last day of school.”

Williamson said new security measures are being placed at the school during its bond measure renovations, including a new student, staff and visitor check-in system and enhanced camera surveillance.

kanie lockdown, the Texas mass shooting was one of the focal points during the St. Helens High School (SHHS) graduation ceremonies. A SHHS student speaker condemned the increase in school gun violence as the student spoke before those attending the Friday night graduation at the school’s stadium.

On Monday, May 23, the Scappoose School Board considered revising its Weapons in Schools policy and enacting new policy that would further restrict the use of firearms on campus.

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Marshland Drainage Improvement Company has

been called to be held on June 28, 2022 at 6:30 PM at the home of Margaret Magruder, 12589 Hwy. 30,

for the purpose of electing one director and transacting such other business as may come before the meeting.

HOUSING

that,” he said. “But then the ability to make more windows and be competitive with your prices, all of a sudden it wasn’t just about increasing your profits a little bit, it was the fact that hey, we can’t make enough product. So, of course, it’s going to be more expensive, and we’re still struggling with that.”

Columbia County’s housing market has seen a 21.5% year-over-year in-

crease, according to the real estate website redfin.com.

While securing affordable housing in Columbia County still poses a challenge to residents, new developments are taking shape.

Jorgensen said the Rainier Planning Commission is looking at a land swap within the city’s urban

growth boundary (UGB) for more developable land outside the UGB. Other Columbia County officials have pledged to address the housing problem by “working closely with developers to facilitate the permitting process so that permits can be issued as quickly as possible,” according to St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King.

“We need to ensure that

for safety for the students and school staff, according to Hurowitz.

Williamson said he was aware of social media chatter in which some people were posting the location of the students in the building during the lockdown.

“For the safety of our students, people should never do that,” he said.

Williamson said the social media posts impacted the school’s security.

“They need to be cautious,” Williamson said.

“Students were at risk. We will do everything possible to maintain safety and we don’t

want that jeopardize in any way.”

As the lockdown was lifted, a lock-in remained in place at CMHS. “The lock-in allows students to move freely within the building but the staff remains on high alert,” Williamson said. “That gives us better control to release the students to parents.”

Approximately 30 students were called to the office to be signed out by school staff and each of the students were released through the front door to their parents.

“It is an effective con-

trol,” he said. “In my training you never know if there is another risk. That is the reason the deputies kept the school in a lock-in.”

Following the lifting of the lock-in, the remaining students, approximately 160, were released from the school.

Thursday, June 9, was the last day of school at CMHS before the summer break.

The day had been scheduled as a half day for students, including the awards ceremonies and a school barbeque, which was cancelled due to the lockdown.

“It is a terrible way for

From Page A1 expensive.”

Windows and air conditioning units are facing the largest share of shortages and delays, according to Taylor.

“If you can sell your windows for more money, then that’s what you do, and I have no problem with

LOCKDOWN From Page A1

students on Facebook,” she said. “Had this been a real event they just put all the children and the staff in jeopardy by identifying their location. It made me feel sick to my stomach. I am was shocked that people were having that conversation on social media.”

Under the school district’s policy, when a potential school threat occurs, the school does not publicly disclose where the students and staff are. It is a matter

Silver lining

St. Helens, Scappoose School District reaction One day after the Clats-

Community Action Team helps connect people with affordable housing in their community. For more information, go to their website: https://cat-team.org.

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

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

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Friday, June 17, 2022

Climate change impact on youth STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The impacts of climate change are affecting the mental health of Oregon’s youth, according to a new study by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

The impacts include: • Increasing extreme weather events • Climate-related disasters and climate stressors such as water and food insecurity • Slow progress from leaders • Increased awareness of the negative impacts of climate change The OHA report said these impacts are leading to feelings of hopelessness, despair, anxiety and frustration among young people.

The Climate Change and Youth Mental Health in Oregon report also found that youth feel dismissed by adults and older generations in society, and are angry that not enough is being done to protect their future.

“They recognize that vulnerability to climate change is closely linked with systemic racism and structural oppression, and that both need to be simultaneously addressed,” the report states.

Why the report was developed The OHA Environmental Health Assessment Unit prepared the report in response to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s

•

Executive Order 20-04, which directs state agencies to take actions to reduce and regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The report shares research on how climate change affects mental health.

It includes results from a literature review, youth focus groups, key informant interviews, and learnings from youth story circles.

Students voice concerns

“It is a huge weight… just really overwhelming and I already have generalized anxiety. So now I have to also deal with the climate crisis.

It’s just really scary and frustrating. I just wish I could be ignorant and not care.” “(Adults have) already lived their futures, if that makes sense. But I still don’t know what mine’s gonna look like because of this existential threat. And so it’s like yelling at the wall about like, this really scary thing, but not really hearing anything back.”

“It’s like a constant thing. And it’s like it affects all things and includes the wildfires on top of the settlers on top of their violence. And then thinking more broadly and globally, because I’m also indigenous to the islands of Tonga, a lot of our people are climate refugees and are no longer able to return home to the islands because it’s sinking and cemeteries are underwater. And that’s also settler induced climate change… I feel like climate change cannot be talked about without talking about settler colonialism, white

supremacy and, like, genocide…”

For others, like Eliza Garcia, a 21-year-old University of Oregon student, the pressure of wanting to do more but knowing it may not be enough can be overwhelming.

“I feel this constant pressure to save the world from climate change,” Garcia said. “It’s the fear for our future and the guilt that I’m not doing enough if I’m not constantly working to fight climate change. It’s not fair, and I wish more was being done so that I don’t have to feel like this all the time and so people much younger than me don’t have to grow up with these feelings as well.”

Saraya Lumberas, 16, a Crater High School student in Medford, agrees. “I want people in power to know that this is our future. Our world.

We don’t want to live with the consequences of their actions because they ignore the climate crisis and they ignore youth,” she said.

Ukiah Halloran-Steiner, 17, who lives in Yamhill County, said OHA’s report “proves something that young people have long known. The psychological weight of climate change is constantly upon us and the hopelessness of the crisis is inescapable if the adults in power continue with ignorance and inaction.”

Julie Early Sifuentes, M.S., with OHA’s Climate and Health Program and the report’s lead author, said the report demonstrates the link between worsening climate events and growing climate-

related distress.

“As climate effects get worse, youth are becoming very worried about their future and the future of their younger siblings,” Sifuentes said. “I hope this report gets more conversations going in communities across the state, about how we can join with youth in confronting these crises.”

Meg Cary, M.D., M.P.H., child and adolescent psychiatrist and senior health advisor at OHA, who served as an adviser to the study, said the report and the conversations and actions that follow represent the “first step to promoting youth emotional health during this time of uncertainty, fear and dismay.”

“Youth have spoken to what they need to move forward, including stronger connections with community, culture and nature, better access to mental health services and participation in policy making,” she said. “Protecting youth mental health is a state and national urgency.

Collective and coordinated investments in these priorities is the next step in fostering youth well-being.”

youth in decision-making about climate and mental health policy and solutions to increase youth’s sense of hope, belonging and agency.

• Educating themselves about the connection between climate change and youth mental health including healing centered approaches to engage with youth.

• Increasing investments in school and community mental health services. These investments are needed to meet increasing demands to support youth, family, and community well-being.

“Youth need to feel a sense of control and empowerment when it comes to climate change,” Sifuentes said.

“Addressing these needs will build their confidence and resilience as they help society

•

develop meaningful solutions to take on these environmental effects into the future.”

An important takeaway for parents, other family members, educators, and mental health therapists is that they need to listen to, and not dismiss, youth who are experiencing climate anxiety, according to Cary.

“Listening means creating a space where the young people in your lives can express their full range of emotions, and it also means to join youth in engaging in actions and solutions,” Cary said. “For youth, I hope that they when they read this report, they feel heard and that they are not alone.”

See the full report attached to this story at thechiefnews.com.

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the June 10, 2022 Crossword Puzzle

Report conclusions The report concludes with a call to “decision-makers, educators, mental health professionals and environmental professionals” who have “opportunities to support youth mental health and resilience in the face of climate change …” These opportunities include: • Sharing power with

•C rossword P uzzle • •

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: AT THE BEACH

ACROSS

1. Like a certain eagle 5. *Beach-goer’s protective acronym 8. “To ____ and to hold” 12. Arabian bigwig 13. Indian lentil staple 14. Wild West grazer 15. TV prize 16. Between Illinois and Nebraska 17. Quick and light on one’s feet 18. *Wooden walkway by the beach 20. Not this 21. Unwritten examinations 22. Cherry middle 23. Relating to a rib 26. *Beach suit type 29. Kanye’s genre 30. Pool hall mishap 33. 52 cards 35. *Sunny Dutch Caribbean vacation destination 37. Be unwell 38. Eagle’s home 39. Precedes carotene?

40. Twisted or meandered 42. Chill, with ‘out’ 43. Seat by day, bed by night 45. Modifies 47. *Just out of the water 48. Parallel grooves 50. Arrival times 52. *Wave rider 56. Nitrogen, in the olden days 57. In ____ of 58. Hipbones 59. Parcel of land 60. Et alibi 61. Auctioneer’s exclamation 62. A.C.T. section 63. Tie the knot 64. *Casual beach tops

DOWN

1. British Broadcasting Corporation, colloquially 2. Shells in a magazine 3. Capital of Peru 4. Fungus damage (2 words) 5. *Same as sandbar 6. Catch for a ratchet’s notch, pl.

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7. Criticism 8. *Water at its highest (2 words) 9. The largest continent 10. Retired electric Chevy 11. Compass dir.

13. Hindu Festival of Lights 14. Dyed fabric 19. Type of TV show 22. Eating contest staple 23. *Decapod on a beach 24. *Propelled like a paddle board 25. Plural of sputum

26. Type of bin in a grocery store 27. Bundle of axons 28. Slipperier 31. *Building material found at the beach 32. Jack Ryan’s and Jason Bourne’s org.

34. Barrels of beer 36. *Hasselhoff’s beach TV show 38. Improvise 40. Exercise group 41. Upbraiding

44. Annoy 46. Lao Tzu follower 48. Hotel room option 49. Metallica’s “Don’t ____ On Me” 50. Poet Pound 51. To perfection (3 words) 52. A bunch 53. *End-of-day summertime soother 54. Rub the wrong way 55. Pops 56. Cash dispenser

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

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Melanoma stands out.

Check your skin.

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