FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020
Governor calls for special session
Backin’ the Blue
PPE for small businesses
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The Chief
Police reform
Brown is also asking legislators to review the state’s pandemic policies. “Several pandemic-related policies that I have implemented via executive order, including the temporary eviction moratorium and protecting CARES Act payments from garnishment, should be codified in statute,” Brown said. Brown is convening the special session under her authority pursuant to Article V, section 12, of the Oregon Constitution. “It’s imperative that the Legislature take action on these issues right away,” Brown said
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Pandemic cases surge JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
“We are in a unique moment in America,” Oregon Governor Kate Brown said as she announced a special session of the Oregon Legislature for June 24. Brown said she wants lawmakers to take up proposed legislation to improve police accountability and address the COVID-19 pandemic.
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JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
“The public’s call for significant police reform is too urgent to wait until the next regular legislative session,” Brown said. State Rep. Brad Witt said there are three areas of reform that will likely be discussed during the special session. In his Chief Guest Column on Page 4 of this edition, Witt said the legislation may include provisions that would reduce the ability of an arbitrator to lessen disciplinary action against a law enforcement officer who has committed misconduct. “There has been opposition when this has been proposed in the past but there is now bi-partisan support for its passage in both Oregon chambers,” Witt said. “Lawmakers are also interested in forming a bi-partisan workgroup to evaluate and suggest changes to state law regarding the use of physical force by law enforcement.” The workgroup’s report and proposed legislative amendments would be considered in the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session, according to Witt. Other legislation that could be considered at next week’s special session would be requiring the Oregon Attorney General to investigate and prosecute any death or serious physical injury at the hands of police. “Some people think that the Oregon Department of Justice is the most appropriate agency for these independent legal examinations into cases where law enforcement kills or seriously injures civilians,” Witt said.
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Elizabeth Kruse is well know throughout Clatskanie, often participating in various community events.
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Library Director retiring CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Clatskanie Library District Director Elizabeth Kruse will retire on June 30 after more than 30 years on the job. Kruse started working at the library in November of 1987 and became the library director in December of 1995. Shortly after, Clatskanie experienced a major flood that many local residents still remember. Kruse will now be leaving in the middle of a pandemic. “That’s what I’ve been telling the patrons,” Kruse said. “I’m ending my career here with a bang.” For the past 30 years, Kruse has operated the rather small library in Clatskanie – 2,500 square feet, according to Kruse. A small space can yield a lot of opportunities to connect with the community. As she retires, Kruse said she’ll miss the library’s patrons the most. “It’s our patrons we meet and get to know and help them look for information, items, books, what they’re trying to find, and being able to help them,” Kruse said. “With this whole COVID thing, it’s been really hard. We haven’t seen our patrons, we miss
them so much.” Connecting with others has been a big part of the job for Kruse. She said she finds a lot of joy and fulfillment in watching people appreciate books, whether it’s a parent telling their children to take care of their books because of how special they are, or a parent coming in to check out a book
“It’s multi-generational for all people, and that’s what’s really important, is that libraries are for everyone.” ~ Elizabeth Kruse, Library Director they read in their childhood so they can share the book with their child. “It’s multi-generational for all people, and that’s what’s really important, is that libraries are for everyone,” Kruse said. The library’s small space has forced Kruse to be creative over the years. Four or five years ago, Kruse said she read an article about problems with small libraries in order to find out better ways to serve the patrons of the Clatskanie library. “A good thing to do is to have e-books because there’s no shelf
In Columbia County and across the state, the number of confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases has risen sharply over the past few weeks. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported 278 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, June 16. That is the highest one day case record since the pandemic began in March in Oregon. The OHA counted 122 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the total to 6,218 virus cases as of press time Thursday, June 18. Columbia County Health Department reported a total of 26 cases this week. The county’s COVID-19 case count had been holding steady for several weeks at 10 cases and began to increase as more testing became available and more counties reopened. Columbia County Health officials told The Chief in an earlier published article that because of Columbia County’s comparably low rate of COVID-19 cases, there may be public complacency. That is especially concerning, they said, because there is a large number of people, an estimated 70 percent, who regularly move back and forth between Columbia County and Washington and Multnomah counties, two of the areas with the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases. “Our biggest fear is that people feel a false sense of security,” Columbia County Health Officer Joe Skariah said. “The virus does not recognize county or state lines.”
required,” Kruse said. So Kruse had the Clatskanie library get right down to it. The Clatskanie Library District is now part of a consortium offered through the state of Oregon, through which they have a subscription to e-books as well as audio books. “Now with COVID-19 and looking at virtual platforms we are anticipating more of a change that way for our library,” Kruse said. Kruse has seen other changes regarding the library’s physical building as well. There’s a grassy strip outside that extends beyond the building that eventually reaches Copes Park. “A grant was written by a local person here, and it just made it into a beautiful green space,” Kruse said. “That was wild land that nothing was being done with, and it turned into a beautiful green space.” Because the library doesn’t have a meeting room, Kruse will sometimes have groups, such as a knitting group, meet in the evenings in the library. For other events, like recognition of children’s completion of the library’s summer reading program, other building space in the city is used,
The Chief asked Columbia County Health Director Michael Paul if there is a significant spike in COVID-19 confirmed and presumptive cases in Columbia County, would that mean another step back and another shutdown? Paul said the Oregon Health Authority is reviewing several public health indicators to ease restrictions. “The same indicators would be used to pause reopening and/or impose restrictions again,” Paul said. Columbia County Health is closely monitoring the following indicators: • Percent of emergency department visits for COVID-like illness • Trends in the percent positivity of COVID-19 tests • Percent increase in incident COVID-19 cases, there should not be greater than a 5% increase in
“Our biggest fear is that people feel a false sense of security.” ~ Joe Skariah, Columbia County Health Officer
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Job gains, but still high unemployment There are new details this week about the overall economic impact of COVID-19 across Oregon. The Oregon Employment Department has released the latest unemployment report showing that, although Oregon experienced job gains due to the limited resumption of economic activity in May, over the past three months of the COVID-19 pandemic job losses have totaled 243,500. “Historically, this loss is unprecedented and currently thousands of Oregonians are still suffering the economic realities of being unemployed,” Oregon Employment Department Senior Economic Analyst Anna Johnson said. The significant numbers Oregon’s unemployment rate declined to 14.2 percent in May from 14.9 percent, as revised, in April. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 13.3 percent in May from 14.7 percent in April. Oregon’s April unemployment
The Oregon Employment Department reports 291,933 unemployed in May and 1,818,599 employed.
rate is the state’s highest since comparable records began in 1976, according to Johnson. Oregon total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 22,500 jobs in May, following a loss of 252,800 jobs in April. In May, employers added back nearly one in 10 jobs that were cut in April. Over-
the-month job gains in May were largest in leisure and hospitality (+15,900 jobs); health care and social assistance (+8,400); construction (+5,600); and retail trade (+3,200). These gains were countered by substantial monthly losses in manufacturing (-4,900 jobs) and government (-9,900).
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Adding back During May, statewide and county-specific guidelines for reopening businesses fostered increases in customer demand within
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Friday, June 19, 2020
PPE collaboration to help small businesses Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) purchased in bulk will be available for small businesses to order and pick up starting Friday, June 19 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. The program is a collaborative project between the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and Columbia County Economic Team (CCET). According to CCET interim executive director Paul Vogel, CCET had been approached by the county commissioners to develop a PPE program in response to small business owner challenges obtaining PPE in order to operate safely. CCET is a a member of the county’s Emergency Management Economic Recovery working group. The availability of PPE is imperative for implementing good protective measures in order to reduce COVID risk since Columbia County was allowed to re-open under Oregon’s Phase 1 and 2 guidelines, Vogel said. “Our county has been for-
tunate to maintain a very low COVID-19 case impact rate relative to other counties,” Vogel said. “Especially with re-opening, businesses and the public need to keep doing what we’re doing: being safe and careful, controlling what we can – and that means using masks, gloves, good practices and following state public health guidelines.” CCET will be stocking only basic supplies, such as face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and gowns intended for the personal services sector. Medical grade supplies are being made available by Columbia County Emergency Management throughout the COVID outbreak and that continues. As the small business PPE program operates for the foreseeable future, needs may change to different or additional items, which CCET will consider. Disposable masks may also be available for customer use at a future date. PPE will be available for pick-up at the Columbia
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Face masks similar to this one, and other personal protection equipment will be made available to local small businesses following a partnership between the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and the Columbia County Economic Team.
County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Rd. in St. Helens, each Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. PPE orders should be placed in advance so that they may to prepared for pick-up, to reduce waiting time and help maintain
proper physical distancing. Order forms can be downloaded from CCET’s small business website beginning Wednesday, June 20. Order forms submitted by email will be prepared and available in turn during the Friday
pick-up. PPE may be purchased without pre-ordering, but purchasers should expect longer wait-times. Access to the fairgrounds and the PopUp is through Gate 2, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Purchasers must wear masks and adhere to public health guidelines that are in place, including registering all parties for potential future contact tracing. Businesses should limit their orders to what they need for one to two weeks. All orders must be paid and signed for with a check or cash. In addition, purchasers must sign a commitment not to resell the products, which are being made available at cost. Hosting the PPE Pop-Up is one of many new initiatives the Columbia County Fair Board is pursuing to stimulate activity and use of the fairgrounds since county fairs have been cancelled by state directive. “We thank the Columbia County Fair Board for their tremendous cooperation in providing this valuable
service to small businesses,” CCET Board of Directors President and President/ CEO of Wauna Credit Union Robert Blumberg said. “We have heard horror stories of price gouging by suppliers and even refusal to ship small orders to individual businesses. This program will stop that, protect our small businesses, and help them and their customers successfully re-open and stay open, helping get our economy and communities moving again. That is CCET’s primary mission right now.” Blumberg said when available county funds can be put to direct use in helping small businesses re-open, recover and stay open. “It’s a win for our communities and our county,” Blumberg said. “The fact that we can purchase some PPE for local businesses, also putting people to work makes this even better. Affordable, smart safety practices enabled by local workers, companies and jobs is a win-win for Columbia County during a very challenging time.”
Red Cross now testing all donors STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to the coronavirus. The testing began June 15 and will be conducted for a limited time. At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that require blood products. Antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. COVID-19 antibody test results will be available
within 7-10 days in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The test has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “As an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross is pleased to provide more information about COVID-19 to our valued donors,” Red Cross Dr. Erin Goodhue said. “If you are feeling healthy and well, please schedule an appointment to not only help saves lives but also learn about your potential exposure to COVID-19.” The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. Donation appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Thanks to Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon. com Gift Card via email.
Blood drive safety precautions To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. Local Blood Drive St. Helens 7 p.m. June 24 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2755 Sykes Road
Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross
The Red Cross said the antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.
About blood donation All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by
state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next
donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Foundation recognizes local students Supreme Court OK’s Stay Home Order The Clatskanie Foundation has awarded $46,500 in scholarships to Clatskanie area students pursuing postsecondary educations. Some of the scholarship winners are members of this year’s high school graduating class, and others graduated in prior years. The following are the scholarships, administered by the Clatskanie Foundation: • Russell and Viena Fluhrer Scholarship: Hallie Blodgett $2,000, Jacob Moore $2,000, Rachel Haas $4,000, Katherine Jolma $4,000. • Clatskanie Memorial Scholarship: Anya Hamilton $1,000, Jack Boothe $1,000, James Helmen $2,000, Sam Shockley $2,000, Dawson Evenson $2,000. • Scott Evenson Memorial Scholarship: Tony Simmons $2,000 (renewal), Brandyn Brownfield $2,000
(renewal), Jacob Moore $2,000 (renewal), Jonathan Moravec $2,000 (new award). • Palmrose Family Scholarship: Jonathan Moravec $2,500 (for use during college sophomore year). • A.B.A.T.E. Scholarship: Trent Berntsen $2,000. • Scott Blecha Memorial Scholarship: James Helman $1,000, Brandyn Brownfield $1,000. • Coastal Family Health Center: Crew Blodgett $1,000, Cooper Blodgett $1,000. • Mike Jubinville Memorial Scholarship: Gavin Thorud $2,000. The Clatskanie Foundation is a private, non-profit, 501(c)3, tax-exempt Oregon corporation established by local citizens in 1998. Since that time it has awarded approximately $350,000 in scholarships to local stu-
dents with funds donated by individuals, families, and local businesses. The Foundation also owns and operates the Clatskanie Cultural Center, and serves as a vehicle through which tax-deductible donations have benefited the local community in many ways. Gifts, contributions and bequests of any size are welcomed. They may be designated for a particular purpose, or applied to various programs and projects as decided by the Clatskanie Foundation Board of Directors.
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71,700. Accommodation, which includes hotels and motels, added 1,600 jobs in May, but is still below half of its employment level of 26,500 reached in May 2019. Additionally, as restrictions were lifted on elective and routine medical procedures, ambulatory health care services responded with a gain of 8,300 jobs. Totaling 86,900 jobs in May, the industry was still 7,300 jobs below its May 2019 total.
6,300 jobs in May. Much of these cuts were concentrated in primary metal manufacturing (-1,300 jobs) and in computer and electronic product manufacturing (-2,500 jobs). The portion of government with a big job change in May was local government education, which dealt with pandemicinduced school closures from kindergarten through universities, resulting in job cuts totaling 8,300.
leisure and hospitality. Fullservice restaurants added back 8,500 jobs in May following steep job cuts in the prior two months. The leisure and hospitality industry employed 29,900 in May, which was still down more than half from its year-ago total of 72,700 jobs. Limitedservice eating places, which includes fast-food establishments, saw its employment rebound by 5,400 in May to reach a total of 49,600. That was still nearly a third below its year-ago headcount of
Down side According to Johnson, on the down side, durable goods manufacturing cut
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For more information about the Clatskanie Foundation and its programs and scholarships, contact Deborah Hazen, fundraising chair, 503-338-8260, dshazen13@gmail.com, or Kathy Engel, scholarship chair, 503-728-2217, kathy.r.engel@gmail.com.
Read more about the economic impact of COVID-19 locally and across the state in a series of daily reports at thechiefnews. com.
The Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that Governor Kate Brown’s Stay Home order is valid and the state’s coronavirus restrictions should remain in place. This follows Baker Circuit County Jude Matthew Shirtcliff’s ruling on May 18, that Brown’s Stay Home order to slow the spread of COVID-19 was “null and void” because Brown did not have emergency orders approved by the Oregon Legislature beyond the 28 day limit. The lawsuit which triggered the lower court action had been brought by churches who said the socialdistancing directives were unconstitutional.
The Oregon Supreme Court included this statement in its ruling issued June 12. “The Court determined that the circuit court had erred when it granted the requested preliminary injunction on the theory that the Governor’s executive orders were subject to the statutory time limit set out in ORS 433.411(5). In light of that error, the Court concluded that the preliminary injunction must be vacated, and it ordered the immediate issuance of a peremptory writ of mandamus to that effect.” Read the full Oregon Supreme Court ruling with this story at thechiefnews.com.
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The Oregon Supreme Court determined that the circuit court judge had erred when he granted the requested preliminary injunction against the Stay Home order.
Clatskanie People’s Utility District is requesting proposals (RFP) for electric vehicle charger installation at one site in the District’s territory. Sealed proposals must be received by 2:00 pm PDT, June 23, 2020 at the District office - 495 E. Columbia River Hwy, Clatskanie, OR, 97016. Complete RFP details, including the scope of work, can be viewed at clatskaniepud.com.
Interested parties may also contact: Brian Fawcett 503-308-4575 or bfawcett@clatskaniepud.com
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Health director urges caution CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
COVID-19 cases are still on the rise across the state, and the public is still urged to exercise caution, according to Columbia County Public Health Director Mike Paul. However, Paul said that as time progresses, he will focus less and less on case numbers, mostly due to shortage of testing. “Unless there’s a lot of widespread testing, it’s hard to grasp what these numbers mean,” Paul said. “We’re really looking more at percentage of positive test results.” Paul said the numbers will focus on the overall positive percentage of tests out of a portion of tests given. During a briefing before the Columbia County Board of Commissioners Wednes-
day, June 17, Paul outlined key state trends concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the more than 6,000 cases that have been reported since the beginning of the outbreak, more than half have recovered, Paul said. According to a weekly report from the Oregon Health Authority, the average length of illness is about 20 days, and 25 days for cases that required hospitalization. Across the state, there have been different workplace outbreaks, Paul said, which is defined as five or more cases from one workplace. There have also been more than a dozen longterm care facility outbreaks, which is defined as three or more cases at a long-term care facility. Oregon broke a record for most cases recorded in one day week. That included more than 270 cases in Union County related to
church services, according to Paul. “So when you look at all the data,” he said, “I think it’s increasingly clear that indoor settings and indoor workplaces, long-term care facilities, where people are close to each other, there’s a lot of spread in those environments.” Paul said Columbia County Public Health gets many questions about risks and what people can do to lower their risk against COVID-19. “You want to look at your
age, whether you have an underlying condition, where you work, where you’re traveling to, what kind of environment you’re going to be in with other people,” Paul said. “Certainly in outdoor environments the risk is not as high.” Paul said his agency is working to enforce public complaints related to facilities licensed by the county. “So, restaurants, hotels, schools, any facility that we licensed, we will be following procedures, starting with education and letter
explaining the guidance,” Paul said. “And if needed, we can move beyond that to increased-level enforcement, other complaints related to facilities that we don’t license at that local level, like grocery stores, which are licensed by the department of agriculture or retail. Those complaints are forwarded. We are referring those to the state.” Paul said the county health department does have the authority to enforce rules on the local level, but he said he hopes the agency doesn’t
have to reach that level. This week, Gov. Kate Brown announced that she has called a special session of the Oregon Legislature for June 24 to address COVID-19. The governor’s office has also sent a letter to correctional facilities to release likely-vulnerable inmates to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Read daily COVID-19 updates at thechiefnews.com and follow extended reports in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
2020 graduates received honors, scholarships Five members of the Clatskanie Middle/High School graduating class of 2020, all of whom earned straight A, 4.00 grade point averages, throughout their high school careers, served as valedictorians during the June 6 special graduation ceremonies, observing COVID-19 requirements. Valedictorians, in alphabetical order, are: Dawson Evenson, Trinity Hamm, Jonathan Moravec, Samuel Shockley, and Cade Warren. All five were also recognized as honor graduates and members of National Honor Society. Named class salutatorian,
with the second highest GPA, was Trent Berntsen. Gina Limon is also an honor graduate. Other graduates who are National Honor Society Members are Anya Hamilton and Jackson Boothe, who also served as Associated Student Body President and as a student speaker in the senior graduation video. Other student speakers on the video were Evan Coe and Isabella Cueto. Principal Jim Helman is also featured on the video. Recipients of scholarships announced in conjunction with graduation include:
• Chase Baker: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $1,000. • Trent Berntsen: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $4,000; A.B.A.T.E. Scholarship, $2,000. • Jackson Boothe: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $2,000; Clatskanie Foundation Memorial Scholarship, $1,000; Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) Chapter #53 Clatskanie Certified Union Scholarship, $500. • Jordan Brown: Chance to Become Scholarship, $5,000. • Dawson Evenson: Clatskanie Foundation Me-
morial Scholarship, $2,000. • Kameryn Gressett: Chance to Become Scholarship, $5,000. • Anya Hamilton: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $3,000; Clatskanie Foundation Memorial Scholarship, $1,000; Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie Scholarship, $2,500. • Trinity Hamm: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $5,000. • James Helmen: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $4,000; Scott Blecha Memorial Scholarship, $1,000; Clatskanie Foundation Memorial Scholarship, $2,000; Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie
Scholarship, $2,500. • Mitchell Hopstad: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $1,000. • Gabriel Katon: Wauna Federal Credit Union Scholarship, $500. • Gina Limon: Chance to Become Scholarship, $5,000, Wauna Federal Credit Union Scholarship, $500, Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship, $5,000. • Annabelle Martin: OSEA Chapter #53 Clatskanie Certified Union Scholarship, $500. • Jonathan Moravec: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $3,000; Palmrose
Family Scholarship, $2,500; Scott Evenson Memorial Scholarship, $2,000; Wauna Federal Credit Union Scholarship, $500. • Samuel Shockley: Thomas S. Colvin Scholarship, $2,000; Clatskanie Foundation Memorial Scholarship, $2,000. • Faith Sterna: Chance to Become Scholarship, $5,000. Members of the CMHS class of 2020 also received various scholarships from colleges and universities they plan to attend, as well as academic and citizenship recognition at a Senior Awards presentation June 1.
CCMH announces new director STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH) Board of Directors has appointed Todd Jacobson as the behavioral health agency’s executive director. Jacobson will take over the position in July from current interim executive director Linda Pritchett. According to a released from CCMH, Jacobson is a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience directing operations and corporate
compliance at the Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI). Prior to his directorship with GOBHI, Jacobson served as Clinical Services Manager of Mid-Columbia Center for Living. Jacobson has a background in behavioral health as well as experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The release states that Jacobson steps into his new role with proven skills to develop policy and procedure that fosters inclusion, stability and integrity. CCMH believes Jacobson will bring his talent
of strategic planning and transparent communication to our community. Prichett was appointed in mid February as interim executive director. Her appointed followed the board’s decision to dismiss executive director Julia Jackson on Feb. 5 and appoint an interim, collaborative leadership team of four to oversee agency operations and support staff. The board had not provided specific details about why it separated employment with Jackson. She had been hired in July 2018 as the CCMH executive director.
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Friday, June 19, 2020
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Applying the 4 Rs PAUL VOGEL Chief Guest Column
Whether the COVID-19 pandemic and economic upheaval are a once-in-ageneration occurrence, or the sign of similar things to come remains to be seen. But the impacts throughout Columbia County mirror those around the globe. Many like to say “We’re all in this together…” which may be the case at some level. The truth is, “We’re all in this together differently…” may be more accurate, and “different” takes on a lot of meanings, especially in semi- to rural Oregon, which includes Columbia County and its communities. The impacts of Stay at Home and the phased re-opening have hit us hard here, but we also are fortunate in many respects. We are close to a large metropolitan area but our public health and confirmed cases have been fractional compared to our urban neighbors. That means we were among the first counties to begin phased re-opening, and so far, so good. The 4 Rs What will enable us to successfully re-open and stay open may all hinge on four Rs: Re-opening, Recovery, Resilience and Respect. Re-opening is allowed and encouraged, and many eligible businesses and organizations have done just that – under physical distancing and health and safety guidelines. Yet other businesses are reluctant to re-open out of caution for employee and customer safety, and recognition that a second coronavirus spike or wave and re-closing could be economically catastrophic. We should respect their decisions, even while we work together to sustain local business and community Recovery and Resilience – with an abundance of caution. Recovery necessitates change – in nearly every way we’re used to doing business. From restaurants to recreation, salons to saloons, manufacturing to mowing – we may never do business the same. At the
very least, we need to adapt in order to be Resilient for the foreseeable future. There is no “new normal,” there’s only an “evolving normal” for which there is no roadmap, no playbook, no proven method except persistence, Resilience and adaptation. We’re seeing that play out in innovative ways all across our county, from the north to the south. Chambers of Commerce have gone all-volunteer and online to stay connected and Keep It Local for small business. High school students began 3D printing face shields; an entire sector – the INSEAM Consortium of sewers and makers throughout the county has pivoted to make masks and other protective gear by hand or by the truckload. A local theatre provides a drive-by rather than drive-in experience. Collaborations have taken on new looks, new focus, or morphed into yet new collaborations altogether. Our leaders and small businesses have influenced state policies and guidelines by advocating local interests. Local governments are working together to ensure federal and state money comes to local project investments. Community leaders are teamed with Emergency Management to help shape what Recovery will look like. Public agencies are adapting and helping with direct, impactful changes. The Port of Columbia County will collect zero taxes for the next fiscal year, keeping money in taxpayer pockets. Cities are changing ordinances, turning sidewalks and streets into dining and business space. We’ve collaborated with the County Commission to stand up a small business grant fund and PPE program to provide money for businesses to operate -- and affordable gear to operate safely – and stay open. Portland’s backyard As a wonderful region blessed with foothills, mountains, streams and trails nestled against the beautiful Columbia River, our county will take on more importance as Portland’s backyard, where people can come to recharge and play. But how we manage that, and
ourselves, will be important too, in order to protect our own communities, generate outside economic infusion, and also maintain good public health and safety practices – and Respect for those who practice them -- in order to keep our children and families, friends and neighbors, our businesses and organizations safe. And open. CCET, or Columbia County Economic Team, is fortunate to be comprised of local governments and private businesses that drive countywide collaboration to retain and grow our businesses, and also recruit new companies that will feed a balanced economy. By necessity, CCET is right at ground-level during this pandemic: focusing on small business with our daily news and resource posts, smallbizhub website, collaborations throughout the county, accessing grant, material and loan funds, and more. With our regional and state partners, we’re actively recruiting businesses that even now are looking to use this historic disruption to make even more change by expanding or relocating, positioning their company for the new and forever-altered future in a new place that we’re fortunate to already call home. What’s next We have quality, highly livable communities and ample opportunities to grow and flourish. And though we have been fortunate to experience lesser public health impacts from COVID, it’s not easy; it’s really hard. It’s not over by a long way and things will likely never be the same. But we have begun to Re-open, Recover, benefit from our natural and self-made Resilience, and to Respect that the collective effort it takes to evolve for the future is based upon the qualities we already have right here. Paul Vogel is the CCET Interim Executive Director. CCET can be reached at info@columbiacountyoregon. com, on www.smallbizhub@ columbiacountyoregon.com, or on Facebook.
Police reform, pandemic impact BRAD WITT Chief Guest Column
Oregon Governor Brown has called a Special Session for June 24 to address community policing and how COVID-19 has affected you, our communities and businesses. Police oversight Police oversight will be one focus of the session and legislation may include provisions that would reduce the ability of an arbitrator to lessen disciplinary action against a law enforcement officer who has committed misconduct. There has been opposition when this has been proposed in the past but there is now bi-partisan support for its passage in both Oregon chambers. Lawmakers are also interested in forming a bi-partisan workgroup to evaluate and suggest changes to state law regarding the use of physical force by law enforcement. The workgroup’s report and proposed legislative amendments would be considered in the 2021 Legislative Session. Another related bill we may be considering would require the Oregon Attorney General to investigate and prosecute any death or serious physical injury at the hands of police. Some people think that the Oregon Department of Justice is the most appropriate agency for these
independent legal examinations into cases where law enforcement kills or seriously injures civilians. Pandemic impact Governor Brown also wants to see some of her COVID-19 Executive Orders codified into Oregon Law. This could include moratoriums on residential and commercial evictions, protections against foreclosure, and protections to ensure federal CARES Act payments are safe from garnishment. The state is expecting a $2.7 billion drop in anticipated revenues during this two-year budget cycle which ends on June 30, 2021. Currently, the legislature is looking at strategies to close that funding gap, including cost cutting, spending down reserves, Federal Aid and other options. The Governor plans on calling another Special Session to deal with the budget later this summer. There will be some challenges to this special session because the Capitol is located in Marion County, which is currently in the Phase One reopening. This means that gatherings are restricted to no more than 25 people and physical distancing is required. The Capitol Building will remain closed to the public but public participation will still be encouraged. Some measures to allow this include asking people to submit written testimony
via email and having them register with the committee staff in advance so they can provide personal testimony by computer or phone. In addition, a laptop will be set up in front of the Capitol to allow for walk-up testimony. As always, video streaming is available via the Oregon Legislative Information System, and a monitor will be set up outside the Capitol for open viewing. Very busy interim This has been the busiest interim period on record. My staff and I have been working with constituents and state employment officials on a daily basis to resolve unemployment issues. If you are still having problems, we want to help and are willing to do our best to help you obtain the benefits you are owed. If you would like our assistance, please reach out to me by email, supply your contact information, and we will then channel your requests to the appropriate person to best address your needs. Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • Capitol Building: 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: http://www. oregonlegislature.gov/witt
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•V oices
Will CRF&R Disappear? Are we the citizens in CRF&Rs facing our own “Brexit?” I have attempted to find information on future operations after 7/1/2020, when the agreement with Scappoose RFPD is terminated. I was told at the office of Columbia River Fire & Rescue that I should contact Scappoose for answers to my questions. I am a citizen of St. Helens and do not appreciate having to contact another service district to respond to questions concerning my fire department. I did however uncover the following by other means. 1. Effective July 1 CRF&R will not have a Fire Chief. 2. It would appear that no Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention, Education, Inspection or Arson office will be staffed. The duty crews have not been informed of future plans, but have, in fact, stated they will gladly work with a temporary Chief from the ranks until a permanent Chief is appointed or hired. I’m sure all employees of this district will continue to do all that is required of them during this transitional period. Hopefully, more citizens included in the 200 square miles of CRF&R will attend the next Board of Directors meeting scheduled for July 14. Chuck Custer St. Helens
Take Advantage I would like to publicly thank State Representative Brad Witt and his office for helping me navigate the Oregon unemployment system. Like everyone else, I was having serious issues, but couldn’t seem to find anyone who would help.
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Rep. Witt’s office called and asked me how I was doing and if they could be of any help during this difficult time. I was completely surprised when they actually did help. Caleb, from his office, tracked down someone who could connect me with someone, who connected me with someone who fixed the issues on my account. I received a check within a week of connecting with the last person. As someone who is self employed and had most of my business disappear, this was a complete miracle! The bottom line for me is that I didn’t actually expect any help from any politicians. In fact, some of my least favorite people are politicians, but Brad Witt seems to be different. His office reached out, made a commitment to help and kept that commitment. No other politician reached out and offered to help even though there are several in my area. I encourage other Columbia County residents to reach out to Brad Witt’s office for help if needed. These guys are the real deal! You can call them and they will take the time to listen and help if they can! They can be reached at 503-986-1431. Take advantage of the advantage that we have with Brad Witt and his office! Terri Voshell Scappoose
Meat Products Business If you own a residence on Howard Drive or Orchard Street or Korsmo Street in Clatskanie, you may not be aware that a permit has been approved by Columbia County for a commercial business to cure and smoke meat products on a property at the west end of Howard Drive.
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The allowances in the permit are generous to the applicant. Type I: up to 20 customer vehicle trips to the business property per week (Howard Drive residents: let that sink in and be ready to monitor); he can be an absentee business owner (will he vote for local bond measures); he can enlarge his business (Type II) for more vehicular traffic later. Columbia County has a history of failing to monitor these home businesses. You will do the monitoring; just don’t expect results. An appeal was filed because the permit omits enforceable plans on how smoke, odors, and effluent will be handled to prevent pollution of the air, soil, natural springs, creeks, and a neighbor’s well water. A conditional use permit (CUP) is permanent until the recipient sells the property. Based on the petitioners’ past experiences, the county lacks the resources and the will to enforce the CUP. The Planning Commission hearing on CU 20-03 will begin at 6:30P on July 20, 2020. Interested persons should call 503-397-1501 for written instructions on how to participate, including accommodations for people without computers, tablets, or smartphones. A CUP is a subtle zone change. Someone could buy property near your home and apply for a CUP that entices Columbia County, desperate for revenue, to “throw you and your neighbors under the bus.” Sharon Eskola Coates Clatskanie
Numb feeling Where is the numb feeling in shooting each other on our streets? Look at Hong Kong? John Werderber Warren
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One Year Columbia County & Eastern Clatsop County: $52/year One Year Out of County: $72 $3 senior discount for yearly sub
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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA LANDOWNERS OF THE BEAVER DRAINAGE Probate Department In the estate are required to additional information from the Matter of the Estate present their claims, with the records of the Court, the IMPROVEMENT COMPANY, INC. of DONNA ROZANN MASSEY, Deceased. No. 20PB03100 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against
vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publications of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain
personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published June 12, 2020. Kimberly A. Dalley, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the Landowners and Board Members of the Beaver Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Monday, June 22nd, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. via a Zoom
Conference Meeting due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please e-mail full name, tax lot number and acreage to Columbiadistricts5@yahoo. com for meeting ID and Password. Notice is further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the
owner. The meeting is to elect a director, review financials and discuss any other business that comes before the landowners. Dated this 8th day of June, 2020. Warren Seely, President Beaver Drainage Improvement Company, Inc. Board of Directors
Too Close! Traffic advisory issued STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
As Oregon slowly reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic what might be a pent up demand to be back out and moving around could lead to increasing traffic congestion and vehicle crashes. Following too closely rates number six in the top ten driver errors in Oregon, as of the last complete year of data in 2017. Law enforcement officials say following too closely often leads to rear-end crashes that can cause injuries and even death. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) maintaining a safe following distance can prevent everything from fender benders to tragic fatal and serious injury crashes. How do you know what’s safe?
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Elizabeth Kruse said a big part of her job has been connecting with others. Here she reads to local children during a story time at the library.
LIBRARY From Page A1 such as Colvin’s Restaurant banquet room, the upstairs ballroom at the Birkenfeld Theater, or the former Hazen Hardware building. That is something that Kruse’s replacement will have to be aware of, she said. “I think that’s one thing about working here, you have to be able to be creative and work out something,” Kruse said. “And it always does work out somehow.” Becky White, who just
took over as Acting Director of the library, has been working there for five years. In that short time, she said Kruse has made an impact on her. “She is absolutely a much-loved person in the community,” White said.” She grew up here. She knows everybody. Honestly, I think there’s going to be a lot of people who are in disbelief that she’s leaving.” White also had something else to say about Kruse, who has a petite stature: “Whoever fills that position, I like to say they’re going to be filling the biggest pair of tiny shoes in the library,” White said.
After she retires, Kruse, who has young grandchildren, said she doesn’t have any major plans except for helping with family. She said she will also return to the library every once in a while to water the plants she has planted there. “I brought many down here over the years,” Kruse said. “I prefer the living plant versus the silky. I know I’ll be coming down here. I won’t be checking on things, I’ll just be enjoying it.” The Clatskanie Library District is located at 11 Lillich Street in Clatskanie. To reach the library, call 503-728-3732.
The speed at which you drive determines how much time you have to act or react and how long it takes to stop. The higher the speed you are traveling, the less time you have to spot hazards, judge the speed of other traffic, and react to conditions. A safe following distance is defined as 2 to 4 seconds. For speeds greater than 30 mph, a safe following distance should be 4 seconds or more to allow you time to make a decision and take action. Always maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. You will have a better view of the road to watch for problems and more time to react. How to determine if you are following too closely Watch for when the rear
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Following too closely rates number six in the top ten driver errors in Oregon and often leads to rear-end collisions.
of the vehicle ahead passes something like a sign or pole. Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot. You are following too closely if you pass the mark before you finish counting at least 2 to 4 seconds, depending on your speed. If so, increase the space between you and the vehicle ahead and count again at another spot to check yo Repeat until you are no closer than 2 to 4 seconds behind the other vehicle. When stopping behind a vehicle, make sure you can see where the rear tires of the vehicle in front meet the road. After traffic starts to move, return to your safe following distance. You may need more space There are situations, such as those listed below, when you need even more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. In all of these situations, you should increase your following distance: • On wet or slippery roads. You need more distance to stop your vehicle. • When the driver behind
you wants to pass. Slow down to allow room in front of your vehicle for the passing vehicle to complete the pass. • When following bicycles or motorcycles. You need extra room in case the rider loses control or stops suddenly. • When following drivers who cannot see you. The drivers of large vehicles may not be able to see you when you are directly behind them. These vehicles also block your view of the road ahead. • When you have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer. The extra weight increases your stopping distance. • When it is hard for you to see. In bad weather or darkness, increase your following distance to make up for decreased visibility. • When stopped on a hill. The vehicle ahead may roll back when it starts to move. • When you are learning to drive. The extra room provides you time to make critical decisions as you learn. • When approaching or in a work zone. Traffic may slow or stop unexpectedly in these areas.
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Virtual art show replaces in-person event JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Columbia Arts Guild Annual Spring Show is usually held each spring, giving folks an up close and personal in-person look at a variety of artwork by local artists. But the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the event. “Watching the world events we knew we would not be able to host our annual spring show as we’ve done on location in the past,” a release fro the Guild states. “We put our heads together and decided to change the format to go entirely virtual for the first time.” Artists in the community responded with 53 entries. The virtual show features pieces in oil, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, graphite, mixed media, photography, sculpture, modeling in bottles, textile, fine woodworking and something we would normally never have been able to include before – digital art and video. The public is invited to see the virtual show in tow parts online at the art guild’s website, at http://www. columbiaartsguild.com. The art guild is asking those who view the show to fill out a brief survey. “The survey includes four questions that will take less
than one minute to complete to give us invaluable feedback that will help us improve future shows,” according to the release. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVJXF57 to participate in the survey. The Gallery at the Courthouse Guild members show their artwork on a dedicated wall across from the assessors office rotating their work once a month. Each artist has a bio posted and business cards available on-site. The courthouse is located at 230 Strand St. in St. Helens. The gallery is open whenever the courthouse is open. About The Guild
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“Community” by Joan Youngberg - mixed media on wood.
The Columbia Arts Guild is a diverse group ranging from professional and hobby artists to those who simply appreciate art. We sponsor a variety of activities throughout the year including pop-up show opportunities, workshops, seminars and field trips. Classes and field trips are temporarily paused. The Columbia Arts Guild may be reached at PO Box 546, Columbia City, OR 97018, or by email at, colartsguild@gmail.com
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“Recursive Forms” by Margaret Trenchard-Smith - photography.
”Owl” by Michael Brundage - colored pencil.
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Supporters rally for Backin’ the Blue caravan
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
This county resident stationed himself at the corner of Gable Road and Highway 30 to show his support to those taking part in the Backin’ the Blue procession that traveled from Scappoose to Rainier and back to St. Helens. See more photos with this story at thechiefnews.com. CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Following state and national movements to defund police because of violence against black Americans, locals are rallying and finding creative ways to show their support for law enforcement. In one such effort, held Saturday, June 13, the Columbia County Rednecks brought together supporters through a vehicle caravan and car show. “The purpose of this event is to show support to the community, our law enforcement officers, and that not every police officer is bad
or corrupt or against you in some way and that these riots are unnecessary,” an information sheet from the Columbia County Rednecks posted on the Facebook event page for “Backin’ the Blue Highway 30 Cruise” states. Participants were encouraged to decorate their vehicle in any way, such as with flags or stickers, to show support for law enforcement. Several of the vehicles sported large American flags as the caravan traveled along Highway 30 from Scappoose High School, through St. Helens to Rainier and then circled back to the parking lot of St. Helens High School for the car show.
SESSION From Page A1 State budget Brown said she also expects to call a second special session later in the summer to rebalance the state’s budget. “I will continue pressing Congress to support the state and local governments that are reeling from the economic downturn,” she said. Unless the federal government takes action, Brown said states like Oregon could be forced to make significant cuts to schools, health care, and senior services. “In the meantime, I am finalizing a list of $150 million General Fund savings for this biennium as part of my efforts to put Oregon’s budget on better footing,” Brown said. Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod (R-Stayton) issued a statement following Governor Brown’s special session announcement: “I fail to understand why
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Governor Brown said the special Oregon legislative session will address efforts to improve police accountability and the COVID-19 pandemic.
the Governor is calling the legislature in for a special session, an expensive undertaking for taxpayers, in the middle of a pandemic, when it is not intended to address the state budget deficit.” The intent of this special session should be to balance the state budget, which is the fundamental job of the legislature, and provide relief to Oregonians suffering
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First place winner Paul Deshaizer stands with his certificate in front of his vehicle designated “Most Supportive Vehicle of Law Enforcement” following the Saturday event.
Despite a pelting rain drenching much of the area, approximately 100 vehicles took part in the caravan, according to Columbia County Rednecks president and event organizer Cameron Sisco. “Representatives from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Troopers also attended the procession and car show.” “This event was much appreciated by first responders across the county,” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “It was heartwarming to see a large group of local citizens come together to support law enforcement.” At the car show in St. Helens, three winners were
chosen for five different prizes. The first-place winner, Paul Deshaizer, received a Law Enforcement (Blue Line) flag, an American flag, an award for most supportive vehicle of law enforcement and $1,000 in cash, according to Sisco. The second-place winner, Tammie Osborn, received $300 in cash. The third-place winner, Travis Straayer, received $200 in cash. The cash donations were made possible through anonymous donors from community members and businesses, according to Sisco. “[They] really wanted the event to happen,” Sisco said. “I never asked once
for anyone to donate and that’s what I found amazing. People wanting to support a good cause because they wanted to, not because they were asked to.” Above all else, Sisco said, the event remained peaceful, a goal Sisco said he wanted to accomplish. “We want people to see that we are completely peaceful and only wish the best for the law enforcement of America that gives real meaning behind their badge,” Sisco said. Sisco also said the event was important to support law enforcement. “We are aware that some officers do not give great
honor to their badge, and we are not here to support those individuals,” Sisco said. “We hope that people will understand that the cops’ lives matter too, because in a world without proper law practicing, it is indeed scary.” According to Sisco, the event was successful. “I feel the event went amazing,” Sisco said. “I had amazing feedback and people already want another one.”
from the ongoing COVID-19 economic disaster. Instead, the Governor is prioritizing policy bills.” “Marion County is still in Phase 1, and by Governor Brown’s own rules, gatherings of more than 25 people are not permitted. The legislature alone, without support staff, is comprised of 90 people. Why not address the budget, the legislature’s first priority, instead of opening the door to costly follow-up sessions?” “The Oregon Supreme Court recently upheld the Governor’s executive orders during the pandemic, giving her unrestricted power and the ability to make almost any of the policy bills slated for the special session into law without the legislature. The legislature is needed to balance the budget, and failing to make that the priority is disastrous for the state and Oregonians.”
PANDEMIC
tant to clean and disinfect surfaces that you often touch, such as doorknobs, handles, phones, keyboards, countertops. Stay at least six feet away from people who you do not live with. Wearing a face covering is still recommended when going out in public in proximity to people, and when going to work; many workplaces are now requiring them, according to Bell. “Much of the Governor Brown’s reopening plans address businesses and public places, and once those are open, people can then start accessing them,” she said. “In doing so, generally speaking, the smaller the group the better; the more outdoor activities vs indoor activities with others, the better; the more local the area, the better.”
have are masks, social distancing and good hygiene. These are important both for the citizen’s health and the public.” Skariah said county heath is also optimistic that a cure for COVID-19 can be found. “We pay attention to the news and are excited about the prospect of the vaccine,” he said. “However, there is still going to be a significant amount of time before a vaccine is widely available. At this time, the only thing we know that works to keep people safe is social distancing, masks, and good hygiene.” Governor Brown has called a special session of the Oregon Legislature for June 24 to address the COVID-19 pandemic and police reform.
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From Page A1 incident cases over the past 7 days • Percent of COVID-19 cases traced to a known source • Trends in COVID-19 hospital admissions • Percent of COVID-19 cases with follow-up initiated within 24 hours. Prevention Columbia County Community Health nurse Heather Bell said everyone should be continuing prevention and social distancing practices to slow the spread of the virus. “Personal hygiene and safety recommendations remain much the same as it has been,” Bell said. “Wash hands frequently, before and after going outside, eating or drinking, as well as the usual before and after using the restroom, changing a diaper, sneezing or coughing. Bell said it is also impor-
Hard Reality “The hard part here is that there is no other way out of the situation,” Skariah said. “The only solution we
For more information about the Columbia County Rednecks, visit the Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/ groups/890649918078355.
Read more about the COVID-19 pandemic on Page 3 and follow daily developments at thechiefnews.com with extended reports in the Friday print editions of The Chief.