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Independence Day 2022 events

$109M Cocaine bust Page A2

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022

VOL. 131, NO. 8 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Addressing city code violations

Strengthening the force JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Following citizens’ complaints, the City of Clatskanie is moving forward to hire a code compliance officer as part of the newly adopted city budget.

There are several areas around the city where property, which includes dwelling and vehicles, are not following city code or ordinances, according to Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman.

The citizens complaints include people not mowing their lawn, vehicles or RVs parked in the streets for weeks at time, yards with a lot of debris, and residents that don’t have garbage service, according to Hinkelman.

“The purpose of the officer will be to follow up with the citizens’ complaints regarding residence and other matters that need to be enforced,” he said. “The officer will take a burden off the sheriff’s office so that deputies may concentrate on law enforcement matters instead of code enforcement.”

Clatskanie contracts with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement services in the city.

“The public complaints are steady, and the current issue is having staff time by law enforcement to address the complaints,” Hinkelman said. “Sometimes we don’t get things corrected in a timely manner because of law enforcement priorities. It is a matter of health and safety of everyone in our community.”

Enforcement and education Code violators could face fines for not complying.

“The city has the authority to fine violators $100 per day, per violation,” he said, “but that is the last resort. The purpose of the code enforcement officer will be to work with the violator to bring them into compliance and a fine would be the last resort.”

The code enforcement officer will also look for any issues that could be addressed in the city codes, and the city council will review such issues for any adjustments that may be needed, according to Hinkelman.

Depending on experience, the city will pay the code enforcement officer $15 to $25 per hour. The officer would not be armed, according to Hinkelman, who said the position will be a year-round job, offering flexible hours. The highest amount of code compliance complaints usually come to the city’s attention during spring and summer, he said.

Clatskanie employed a code enforcement officer in July of 2018.

The individual left in 2019.

“We were starting the recruiting process again, and then COVID hit, so the process was temporary halted,” he said.

The process to hire a new code enforcement officer could wrap up by the end of this month. Hinkelman said he is hopeful the new person will start after that process is finalized.

Opinions ................... A4 Calendar ....................A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Obituaries ................. A6 July 4th .................A7 - 8

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

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The Heritage Days Parade moves from Clatskanie Elementary School, down Nehalem Street to Clatskanie City Park.

Community tradition returns JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Clatskanie Heritage Days 2022 Parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. Monday, July 4.

The parade will stage at Nehalem Street and 5th Street and will travel down Nehalem Street to Clatskanie City Park.

The community parade has been a Clatskanie Independence Day tradition for years, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the event had been cancelled the past two years.

“After two years of COVID it allows the community to gather

once again to celebrate our community and being together in person,” Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said. “It also brings citizens in from outlying communities to celebrate the Fourth and brings people into our community to patronize our local businesses and restaurants, which gives those businesses a needed boost.”

Clatskanie Chamber President Sarah Johnson said the Clatskanie Chamber and Heritage Days Planning Committee are excited to be able to bring back the Heritage Days Parade.

“After two very long years of

COVID restrictions and being apart, it is wonderful to be able to provide family friendly events in the park and have an entertaining parade for our community,” Johnson said.

“Creating a strong sense of community and caring for each other really helps our well-being and can take away some of the loneliness many have felt during COVID. People need interaction with each other, and our Clatskanie Heritage Days Parade is a perfect way to get involved by joining in the parade

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See PARADE Page A5

Hospital study moves ahead

Metro Creative Connection

The market analysis will provide insight into the viability, future capacity, utilization, correct distribution of services, and growth potential of a new hospital in Columbia County, according to Jensen Partners.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has directed Columbia County Health Director Michael Paul to enter into contract negotiations with Jensen Partners to conduct a hospital feasibility study.

Columbia County currently does not have such a medical center.

The county board made the decision during its regular public afternoon meeting Wednesday, June 29.

Read the full Jensen Partners study proposal with this story at thechiefnews.com.

The county issued a request for proposals (RFP) to conduct a hospital feasibility study on March 7.

The county received expert assistance in drafting the proposal, according to a memo sent to the board of commissioners from Columbia County Health Director Michael Paul.

The proposal content requirements included: • References • Proposer’s experience and qualifications • Key persons and their resumes • A project implementation plan • A price proposal

The deadline for submission of proposals was extended to April 4 in response to questions.

Next step The county received five proposals from reputable sources and qualified teams. All of the proposals addressed the criteria outlined in RFP, according to Paul’s memo.

A committee of three county representatives and three external experts reviewed and scored the proposals independently, and then met to discuss the proposals on June 16.

Each committee member reviewed, signed and submitted the county’s conflict of interest form.

The committee members unanimously recommended the proposal submitted by Jensen Partners, according to Paul’s memo.

The following is information from the Jensen Partners Columbia County Public Health Feasibility Study proposal.

demographics and the population in the new hospital’s primary, secondary, and target service areas. Utilizing existing data and layering in our understanding of national market trends, the Jensen Partners team will create a blueprint for future capacity needs and long-term competitive positioning.

The use of both demographics and psychographics provides a comprehensive picture of the community served, how the population is expected to grow, and the ways residents are likely to access and use proposed services. Market psychographic segments identify the common personalities, values, opinions, attitudes, interests, and lifestyle traits within a ZIP code.

Utilizing the team’s extensive experience developing market assessments for feasibility studies, the demographic and psychographic analysis for Columbia County will focus on identifying healthcare use trends, demand for inpatient services, and the optimal distribution of service lines.

Deliverables

• Definition of Service Area • Service area demographics and psychographics • Inpatient, Outpatient, and Emergency Department Service Line Market Share • Volume Projections & growth analysis compared to proprietary Jensen Partners’ & national benchmarks • Community Needs & Service Demand Evaluation • Development of future care model • Gap analysis Financial feasibility & development of alternatives

The market analysis The market analysis will provide insight into the viability, future capacity, utilization, correct distribution of services, and growth potential of a new hospital in Columbia County.

Jensen Partners will analyze existing and projected changes to

The primary goal of this project is to determine if there is a viable

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See HOSPITAL Page A6

The Rainier Police Department is adding a new, third patrol officer.

Phillip George was sworn in as the newest Rainier Police Department officer during the Rainier City Council’s June 27 meeting.

George, 31, joins the department after a yearlong recruitment process by the city of Rainier. He grew up in Rainier and attended high school locally before graduating from Newberg High School in 2009.

From there, George joined the U.S. Army and conducted two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a medic with the airborne infantry.

He concluded his military service in 2016. His post-military career included stints doing armed security at Boeing’s Seattle facility, as a wildlands firefighter in Kalama and with the Transportation Security Administration at Portland International Airport. Most recently, George worked as a metal trade journeyman with the Pipefitters Local 290.

George has deep roots in the community. His great grandfather was a doctor in Clatskanie, and his father, Russ, served as an officer with the Rainier Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.

“The thing I’m most excited about is continuing my father’s legacy,” George said. “I know the community and I understand its people and its history.”

Law enforcement Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said the city plans to send George to the police academy from October to February.

“We’re happy to have Officer George joining our police department,” Jorgensen said. “His lifelong familiarity with Rainier will serve its residents well for years to come.”

Courtesy photo from City of Rainier

Phillip George

“Officer George will be a great addition to the dedicated staff that we currently have,” Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said. “To see him carry on his father’s legacy in Law Enforcement is remarkable. His father would be proud.”

The starting salary for an entry level recruit police officer is $4,302 a month. The top pay step for a Rainier patrol officer is $5,491 a month.

A chief, sergeant and two other officers currently serve the Rainier Police Department.

K9 Bravo joins CCSO The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) currently serves Clatskanie as its contracted law enforcement agency.

And the force countywide is now one more K9 stronger with the agency’s newest member, K9 Bravo.

The Chief reached out to Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley for details about the agency’s newest law enforcement agent.

The Chief: Where did this K9 come from and what was the cost to the Sheriff’s Office?

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Sheriff Brian Pixley: The new

See POLICE Page A3

SAFETY AVAILABILITY UNITY & TRUST

Paid for by Terry Massey for Columbia County Sheriff

OVER 25 YEARS COMBINED BUSINESS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE/LEADERSHIP

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Friday, July 1, 2022

Celebrating Pride ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Courtesy from the US Coast Guard

The Steadfast deployed its mission with an MH-65E Dolphin helicopter and aviation crew from Air Station Port Angeles, Washington.

$109M in cocaine seized STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The United States Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast (WMEC-623) is back at its homeport in Astoria, following a 55-day counter narcotics deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Cocaine bust During that mission, Steadfast crew worked with Mexican law enforcement assets on two occasions, to locate, track, and interdict fast-moving drug smuggling vessels, resulting in the seizure of 2,747 kilograms of cocaine by Mexican authorities, valued at $109 million.

The 210-foot medium endurance cutter and crew covered more than 11,000 miles conducting law enforcement and search-and-rescue opera-

tions in international waters off Central America from Mexico to Costa Rica.

The Steadfast deployed with an MH-65E Dolphin helicopter and aviation crew from Air Station Port Angeles, Washington, and with additional Coast Guard members from the Tactical Law Enforcement Team Pacific, Electronics Support Detachment Detroit, Base Galveston, and three Coast Guard Academy cadets.

Rescue mission

While transiting south of Mexico, Steadfast’s bridge team sighted a disabled and adrift open-hull vessel with two Mexican adult males waving life jackets. Steadfast approached the vessel to investigate and determine the nature of distress. The imperiled mariners stated that they were fishermen who had

been adrift for 23 days after their vessel had been beset by weather. Steadfast embarked both persons, provided meals and medical care, and returned them safely back to Mexico.

This was the last patrol for Cmdr. Craig Allen Jr., who has served as the Steadfast’s commanding officer since July 2020. A change-ofcommand ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 22 in front of the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Steadfast is a 54-year-old Reliance Class cutter that has been homeported in Astoria since 1994. Previously, Steadfast was homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she earned the nickname “El Tiburon Blanco” (‘the White Shark’), from drug smugglers for her notoriety in counternarcotics operations in the Florida Straits and Caribbean Sea.

2-state chase ends in 1 arrest STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

A 29-year-old faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, following a twostate law enforcement chase from southwest Washington into Oregon, and ending in Knappa.

The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) reports that the incident began at approximately 1:45 p.m. Sunday, June 26. CCSO Sgt. Rob Stumph was traveling on Maple St. in Kelso, Washington when he spotted 29-year-old Dakota Carras sitting in a vehicle. Carras had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Stumph activated his

emergency lights and gave Carras commands to exit the vehicle. A female standing near the car also told Carras to get out of the vehicle several times. She told Stumph that her children were inside the car. Carras then fled in the vehicle. The female subject stated that she was dating Carras, but he was not the children’s father and he did not have permission to take her children. The female subject was also the owner of the vehicle.

Stumph relayed this information to responding units and learned via radio that Clark County Sheriff’s Office held probable cause to arrest Carras for robbery and another kidnapping unrelated to the current

incident. Deputies said Carras drove recklessly through the Lexington and Columbia Heights areas at speeds up to 90 miles per hour before he crossed the Rainier Bridge into Oregon.

Washington and Oregon law enforcement officers pursued Carras until he was taken into custody near Knappa. The children, a 5-year-old and a 22-monthold, were returned to their mother unharmed. Carras was booked into Columbia County Jail on his outstanding warrants.

Carras faces multiple charges, including two counts each of kidnapping, reckless endangerment, and attempt to elude a law enforcement officer.

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 North Columbia County’s trusted local news source www.courts.oregon.gov/crb

A local advocacy group’s first Pride celebration held a special significance over the weekend as the first step towards increasing LGBTQ+ representation in Columbia County.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25, a small crowd gathered in downtown St. Helens’ Courthouse Plaza, toting rainbow flags and colorful signs.

Voices “Love is Love,” one demonstrator’s sign proclaimed in capital letters, surrounded by multicolored hearts.

“The choice I made was to be myself,” read another.

Moving Forward, a progressive group in Columbia County, hosted the demonstration, followed by a picnic celebration at the fairgrounds in honor of Pride Month.

In a conversation with The Chief, Moving Forward’s Michael Calhoun explained how he first got involved with the Pride event.

“I’m from Vernonia,” he added. “I grew up there and went away to college. When I came back, I just was really surprised. I think this was pre-COVID that there had, to my knowledge, never been an official Pride event in Columbia County.”

Calhoun told The Chief that as a child, he felt like an outsider due to his sexuality.

“I enjoyed growing up on a farm in Vernonia,” Calhoun said. “I’m proud of my hometown. It was a great place, except if you were a queer kid in the early 2000s.”

While the rest of the country has come a long way, Calhoun argues there is still work needed to increase rural representation.

“Historically, places like Columbia County have not had any visibility, especially for youth growing up here,” he said. “They’re queer or questioning, and they think they’re alone. I certainly did growing up. So I think that (made) a big difference, having an event where it’s

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Demonstrators from around the county centered the event in front of the Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens.

public, and for those who are still not out, they at least know that they have allies here in the county.”

History of Pride Pride is an annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identities commemorating the Stonewall Riots, a series of violent confrontations that began in the early hours of June 28, 1969, between police and gay rights activists outside the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

In the 60s, gay rights activism was a part of the United States counterculture.

Gay people could not legally marry, faced discrimination in public accommodations, and were barred from holding political office. U.S. politicians declared homosexuality a “perversion,” and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower passed a law banning gay people from holding federal jobs, History. com reports.

Today, Pride is celebrated worldwide and serves as a reminder of the LGBTQ+ community’s plight to obtain equal rights.

A ‘big turnaround’ Calhoun says he is encouraged “by how accepting (people are), especially in a small town.”

“I’d say 15 years ago, the flip side of the coin was you as a gay person in a small town were the minority and treated as such, where(as) now if you’re a homophobic, bigoted person, you’re the minority.

“So that’s a big turnaround, I think for the better.”

The Chief asked Calhoun what he hopes people will gain from this event, to which he answered, “that there are others besides you that live here.”

“When you’re ready to come out, (know) this is a safe environment. You can live and thrive here. You don’t have to move to a big city,” he said.

Moving Forward Columbia County is a grassroots movement dedicated to promoting needed change and equity within local politics.

You can find more information about Moving Forward, and their local activities at: www.movingforwardcolumbiacounty.com or by emailing info@movingforwardcolumbiacounty.com.

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Friday, July 1, 2022

Mortgage support for underserved homeowners STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program is open to applicants eligible for Phase 3, according to Oregon Housing and Community Services.

This is a federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief program intended to support homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardships due to the pandemic. It provides funding for past-due mortgages and other housing expenses to a limited number of homeowners with low incomes.

OHCS is working to assist homeowners at risk of losing their home in a phased approach. During Phases 1 and 2, it focused on homeowners who were most

at-risk of foreclosure or who had the fewest options. Program staff will continue to process applications already submitted in Phases 1 and 2.

Eligibility information for the different phases is available on the HAF website.

While continuing to serve homeowners eligible for Phases 1 and 2, Phase 3 expands HAF support to homeowners traditionally underserved or less able to recover, including those who are: • Over the age of 62 years • Living with a disability (with proof of benefits) • Rural, as determined by ZIP code • Socially disadvantaged individuals (defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury), including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as members of

federally recognized Tribes • Limited English proficiency (English is not the applicant’s primary language) • Recovering property damage or destruction caused by a natural disaster (with proof of benefits) • Homeowners with mortgages where the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the named beneficiary. This is a very rare situation, where HUD has taken over a loan that is in default. Homeowners should speak with a housing counselor to determine if this is their loan.

Resources Homeowners who have not applied and are eligible may now find a new application link on the oregonhomeownerassistance.org website.

Homeowners eligible for

Phases 1 or 2 may now apply using the same link if they have not previously submitted an application. If homeowners need assistance with their application, the HAF website lists the program’s application intake assistance partners who can help homeowners with online, paper, in-person, or limited English proficiency applications.

Homeowners with additional questions about HAF can visit the website or call 833-604-0879.

Phase 4, which will apply to all other eligible applicants if funding is still available, will open at a date to be determined.

HAF funding is limited.

The state is prioritizing Oregon households that are at the highest risk of foreclosure. Once the $90 million of funding granted by the U.S. Treasury is gone, the

Metro Creative Connection

The financial support is a federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief program.

program will close. Even if homeowners are eligible, there is no guarantee their application will be funded.

Other mortgage relief programs are available if

homeowners do not meet the HAF eligibility criteria.

Homeowners should contact a housing counselor, mortgage servicer or 211 for more options.

$68M additional benefits for SNAP Oregon STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

Columbia County residents and those across the state who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in July.

Approximately 422,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $68 million in extra food benefits in addition to their

POLICE From Page A1 K9 came from Adlerhorst Kennels in Southern California. We were able to purchase the K9 using donations from community members and local businesses.

The Chief: Tells us a little about K9 Bravo.

Pixley: K9 Bravo is a oneand-a-half-year-old German Shepherd who was born in Romania in December of 2020 and did his police K9 training in the Netherlands. Bravo has his basic training in police apprehension, tracking, and obedience.

The Chief: Who is the K9’s handler?

Pixley: Bravo’s handler is Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Krueger.

Deputy Krueger began his law enforcement career in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was hired as a Police Officer with the Klamath Falls Police Department in 2014 and served on the SWAT team, as a field training officer, a police reserve coordinator, and a member of the honor guard.

Deputy Krueger was hired as an Enforcement Deputy with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2021.

Bravo and handler Benjamin Krueger will be attending six weeks of training and before being certified through the Oregon Police Canine Association. After completion of school, Bravo will be assigned to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Division. Bravo’s duties will include suspect apprehension, tracking, article searches, and building searches.

Deputy Krueger said he and Bravo are both very excited to begin their partnership and are honored to be able to service the citizens of Columbia County.

regular SNAP benefits in July.

The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency.

Because the federal government approved these emergency benefits for July, Oregon will also be able to issue them in August. However, the emergency benefits are expected to end when the federal public health emergency ends.

“We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Sequin said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

Current SNAP households will receive emergency allotments on July 12.

Emergency allotments will be issued July 29 or Aug. 2 for households who did not

receive benefits in the first monthly issuance.

SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards.

More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www. oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/ Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.

Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800699-9075.

If your household receives SNAP and your income or the number of

people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-todate information.

You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways:

• Online at: ONE.Oregon.gov • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309 • By fax at: 503-3785628 • By phone at: 1-800699-9075 or TTY 711 Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank. org • Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www. adrcoforegon.org.

• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org • Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/ • Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

sion of wanted and dangerous suspects, to clear buildings where it may be too dangerous for law enforcement to enter, and help law enforcement subdue and take into custody violent suspects.

The Chief: Feel free to add any other comments you might have.

Pixley: I am so thankful for the way Columbia County has supported the Columbia County Volunteers K9 Program 501c3. Donations from local individuals and businesses were used to bring Bravo to CCSO so we can provide more effective policing to Columbia County.

We are now raising funds for a bullet resistant and stabproof vest for K9 Bravo.

Donations can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office, at 901 Port avenue in St. Helens, or made at any InRoads Credit Union location.

Courtesy photo from CCSO

K9 Bravo and handler Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Krueger.

Melanoma stands out.

Check your skin.

You could spot cancer.

The Chief: How many K9s are currently employed by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office?

Pixley: CCSO currently has 2 K9s, but K9 Lars will soon be retired for medical reasons.

The Chief: Why is having a K9 important to law enforcement in Columbia County?

Pixley: K9s are an important police tool. K9s assist law enforcement in the apprehen-

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Friday, July 1, 2022

•C latskanie G rows • •

Clatskanie Grows: Intense heat and gardens CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

As we jumped into serious summer, it’s a good idea to evaluate your garden for hot weather management.

The 2021 historic heat dome taught us a lot. Be prepared to help plants through hot and dry weather as the season progresses. This article

by Nicole Sanchez, an OSU Extension Horticulturalist, is excellent introduction to prepare your garden for heat and drought. For more, read Heat wave in the garden: how to identify and prevent heat stress in plants by Ms. Sanchez.

lid on a pot that’s boiling and preventing it from evaporating quite as quickly. They’re not a substitute for irrigation, but they do help retain water in the soil. Place a 3- to 5-inch-thick layer of mulch on the soil. Large bark chips or arborist trimmings work best. As these mulch materials decompose, organic matter is added to the soil.

For more information about mulching and gardening, see Mulching Woody Ornamentals with Organic Materials. https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu/ec1629.

Put the right plant in the right place

Design your landscape so that your plants won’t compete with each other for shade and water. In other words, group plants with similar requirements for light and water together.

Prepare the soil adequately Water your landscape strategically Water early in the morning when temperatures are lower. Rather than a little moisture every day, water plants infrequently and deeply prior to and during drought. Saturate the area to a depth of 8 to 10 inches.

For lawns, add one-half to three-fourths-of-an-inch of water per week, or let lawns go brown during the heat of the summer. Don’t forget to water large trees. A soaker hose wrapped around the tree’s root zone works well.

Mulch to conserve water Mulches are like putting a

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only need winter rains to thrive and no irrigation at all during summer. Coldtolerant varieties native to the Mediterranean region or native plants of the Pacific Northwest are good choices. For groundcovers, these include Point Reyes ceanothus, also known as Ceanothus gloriosus, and carpet broom, also known as Genista pilosa.

As for

Good quality soil helps retain moisture in times of drought. When you dig in, make sure you can break up the soil easily, a sign that water can penetrate into the soil with no trouble. When air and water can’t move through the soil easily, plants can experience problems with diseases and root growth. To build good quality soil, add organic matter such as composted yard trimmings, composted manure and leaves from deciduous trees.

Choose plants that don’t get thirsty in the summer Some plants are so drought-tolerant that they

July 2-3 Castle Holds Open House The Thomas J. Flippin House “Castle” will be open for tours from 1-5 p.m. each day.

A National Historic Preservation Site, the Castle is owned by the Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc., and also houses the Clatskanie Historical Society’s museum. A four-year, $600,000 restoration of the Castle to 1900-era authenticity is nearing completion. The tours will be on a donation basis. For more information, or to schedule a private tour, call Deborah Hazen at 503338-8268.

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

shrubs, we recommend the varieties below, which are followed by their scientific names: • Dwarf strawberry bush (Arbutus unedo ‘Compacta’) • Wild lilac (Ceanothus ‘Victoria’) • Rockrose (Cistus x hybridus) • Sunrose (Helianthemum nummularium) • Flowering currant Ribes sanguineum) • Lavender, (Lavandula spp.)

An Extension information sheet by Neil Bell, retired OSU Extension horticulturist, includes many resources and a plant list. For more plant ideas, see the article Ten all-around great shrubs for water-wise gardens. If

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 503-665-5257 for more

information.

Ongoing

July 12 Reopening of Briarcliff Pool and Ribbon Cutting Rainier School District, the Rainier School Board, and the Rainier Chamber of Commerce invite the public to celebrate the reopening of the Briarcliff Pool from 5 - 8 p.m. at 28168 Old Rainier Road in Rainier. At 5 p.m., please line up at the outside double doors. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. followed by a free swim from 6 p.m. 8 p.m. During the Reopening event, staff will be available to assist you with registering for season/summer passes, swim lessons, and answer all of your questions. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult for this event. Follow the district Facebook page to stay up to date or call Rainier School District #13 at 503-556-3777 Ext. 409.

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.

July 13-16 Plant Sale The Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens, is hosting a benefit plant sale from noon until 7 p.m. on July 13, 14, and 15. And from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on July 16.

Free admission. For more information or to volunteer contact the Columbia County Fairground’s office at 503397-4231.

July 19 Rail Freight Movement The Port of Columbia County 6 p.m. meeting to discuss rail and freight movement with Columbia County. Guest is Toss Lane of Geness & Wyoming INC. The meeting will be held at the Port of Columbia County office, 100 E St. in Columbia City.

The Zoom link is available at www.portofcolumbiacounty. org. For more information, call 503-397-2888.

landscape. Earwigs are opportunists, feeding on mold, decaying vegetation, dying leaves or even healthy leaves and flowers. They also eat other insects like aphids. They actually have some value for the gardener.

Earwigs seek refuge in any tight dark place during the day and come out to feed at night. For that reason, they are often found in flowers such as dahlias.

When they drop from the floral vase onto the table, they aren’t much appreciated.

An old earwig remedy is to leave tightly rolled up newspapers where earwigs are creating a problem.

The earwigs crawl inside to hide from the sun. In the morning, you can gather up the newspaper “logs”, put them in a plastic bag, and freeze them. The logs can

Summer watering for landscape trees and shrubs July, August, and often September are very dry months. Despite the constant drizzle in May and early June, the total

Clatskanie Grows

•C ommunity E vents • •

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

you can’t use these links, call or email me and I will send you the links to your email or smart phone.

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 503789-9240. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

rainfall for this water year is still below normal. In a few weeks, if you take a post-hole digger to the soil and you will find it very dry.

Trees coming from the nursery may take some time to start vigorously pushing new roots. Dry soil around the tree or shrub makes that process slower. The takehome message is that any newly planted tree or shrub cannot cope with such dry conditions without supplemental water. By early July, start watering young trees once a week until the rains start in the fall.

be reused. There are several chemicals registered on ornamentals to get rid of the earwigs, but you must be careful that your spraying doesn’t hurt bees visiting the flowers.

Many Extension publications available online

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

The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-397-3462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu.

The office is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

of the

Apology to the city

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

C ommunity • •

make a public apology. This is my public apology for offending anyone on the city council, Greg Hinkelman and lastly our former mayor Diane Pohl.

The last time I checked, we live in a free country with free speech. I again apologize for any hurt feelings Greg Hinkelman and

I received an email from Clatskanie city attorney that I must retract my statements in the letter to the editorial board or face legal action.

In the letter I was told to

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 503-3973462 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

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://

Earwigs tend to gradually increase in well-managed gardens. They must like the variety in a cultivated

•V oices

Important notes

Free newsletter

Those pesky earwigs

•

catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

the council have.

I encourage all citizens reading my letter to attend the monthly city council meetings. The dog and pony show at city hall needs to end.

Russell Spaulding Columbia County

The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM) is open from noon - 4 p.m.

Saturday (except major holidays weekends). ROHM is located inside Rainier City Hall at 106 W B Street. For more information, call 360-7517039.

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.

The Chief

Weekly Online Poll What is your favorite summertime activity?

Relax at home Spend time with family Family cookout Swimming

Travel

Last Week’s Results Do you think Gov. Brown should suspend the state gas tax?

60.7% Yes 39.3% No

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chief PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97051

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in county: $8 1 month out of county: $10 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80

CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • Website: www.thechiefnews.com Editorial: chiefnews@countrymedia.net ADVERTISE WITH US: Advertising Email: chronicleads@countrymedia.net • Classified email: chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net

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Friday, July 1, 2022

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Just call 503-397-0116

Listings are updated daily at www.thechiefnews.com

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Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC22-1668

NOTICE OF PUBLIC ONLINE MEETING The Rainier Clatskanie Youth Soccer Club will be holding a public online meeting on July 12th 2022 at 7pm to vote to change

from a Member Club to a Non-Member Club. Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom. us/j/73377558080?pwd=F

m00K0w5R7vxhzON-bNwWaZQaf7njS.1 Meeting ID: 733 7755 8080 Passcode: 7nX7Hf

CC22-1669

ACCEPTING REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The City of Rainier, Oregon, hereafter called (city), is accepting Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals for LIBRARIAN (Contractor) services for 32 hours per week. All interested parties are invited

to respond to this Request for Proposal by providing two written proposals no later than 3 p.m. on July 20 to: Scott Jorgensen, City of Rainier, PO Box 100, 106 W B Street, Rainier, OR 97048. All inter-

ested parties are invited to make arrangements for a pre-proposal meeting.

Please address any questions concerning this RFP to: Scott Jorgensen, City Administrator sjorgensen@ cityofrainier.com.

CC22-1670

NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETING The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 75 South Nehalem St. (Clatskanie Cultural Center, 2nd floor).

Agenda items include, but are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the June

1st, 2021 regular meeting; a presentation by TetraTech regarding the design of the new sewer plant, a presentation by Sherrif Brian Pixley, a resolution to award a paving contract, a resolution to award various electrical contracts, and the first reading of an ordinance for a property

rezone. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall

by July 1, 2022. Access to the meeting on ZOOM will be posted on the city website, www.cityofclatskanie. com. Please call City Hall at 503-728-2622 at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

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

Treasure hunt to celebrate Oregon’s Bottle Bill SUBMITTED BY OREGON BEVERAGE RECYCLING COOPERATIVE

The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) is hosting the 2022 Hidden Bottle Hunt from July 6 - 10 by hiding six commemorative bottles in parks and trails throughout the state.

Clues for the statewide hunt will be posted daily on the Oregon BottleDrop website leading treasure hunters to the final hiding places.

“Last year’s Hidden Bottle Hunt was the first of its kind, hosted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Oregon Bottle Bill,” OBRC External Relations Director Eric Chambers said. “It was so much fun and was so successful at raising awareness about the legacy of Oregon’s Bottle Bill that we decided to do it again.”

Like last year, the 2022 Hidden Bottle Hunt will comprise six separate, simultaneous hunts, geographically dispersed in parks and trails across Oregon. OBRC will release one clue per bottle per day, leading hunters to

PARADE From Page A1

or lining up along Nehalem and 5th Streets to watch their friends and family in the parade.”

The Heritage Days Committee announced last August that the annual Independence Day celebration and parade would return in full force.

“We want to bring as much of Heritage Days back to the community as we

the final hiding spots.

The lucky winners will get to keep the commemorative bottle and select a BottleDrop Give nonprofit partner to receive a $1,000 donation through BottleDrop’s Containers for Change program. Over 5,000 nonprofits across Oregon raise funds for their organizations through BottleDrop’s Give program.

July marks the 51st anniversary of the Oregon Bottle Bill, which Governor Tom McCall signed into law on July 2, 1971.

The Oregon Bottle Bill established the nation’s first beverage container redemption system, and it has helped keep Oregon clean and litter free for over five decades, according to Chambers.

Oregon’s Bottle Bill is also among the most successful in the nation. In 2021, OBRC’s redemption rate was 83.9%, with Oregonians returning nearly two billion containers for Grade-A domestic recycling.

“Our Hidden Bottle Hunt will be a fun opportunity for individuals and families

to get outside and connect closely with the Bottle Bill’s mission of protecting public spaces,” Chambers said.

“Best of all, the winners get to ‘redeem’ their bottle for a nice donation to one of over 5,000 participating nonprofits serving communities across Oregon.”

can,” Heritage Days Committee Chair Debi Smiley said in a published interview with the Chief in August.

The popular community celebration includes the citywide parade, a car show and a fireworks display.

During the Fourth of July weekend, Clatskanie City Park fills with food booths, family games, music, vendors and displays, and the fireworks display above the park at dusk on Independence Day. See the full schedule at the Heritage

Days Facebook site.

What is the Bottle Bill?

On July 2, 1971, Oregon became the first state in the nation to pass a Bottle Bill – a system that provides a redemption value to Oregonians, incentivizing recycling and keeping bottles and cans out of our natural areas. It remains a groundbreaking approach to addressing the issue of litter in our forests, rivers, beaches, scenic byways and other natural areas.

Over time, Oregon’s system has grown and innovated, and it has become a national model of beverage container redemption and recycling, inspiring national and international delegations to visit Oregon to learn about its unique and effective system.

Heritage Days history The passion and drive to continue Heritage Days is part of Clatskanie’s community tradition, according to Smiley.

“It has been a community activity for over 63 years,” she said. “It has gone through different phases. It is the strength of the community. It is one of those things that always comes back no matter what. I see a lot of

About BottleDrop and the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative

The OBRC is the industry steward of Oregon’s nationally recognized beverage container redemption system and operator of the BottleDrop network.

Headquartered in Clackamas, Ore., OBRC is a statewide, not-for-profit cooperative, formed by the beverage industry to serve as the operational steward of Oregon’s Bottle Bill. OBRC helps keep Oregon beautiful by providing outstanding services to partners, distributors, retailers and the public for the recovery, reuse and recycling of beverage containers.

Through OBRC’s BottleDrop Redemption Centers and container pickup service for more than 2,000 retail partners, the co-op recycles nearly two billion beverage containers annually, protecting the Oregon we love, supporting the causes we cherish, and inspiring innovation beyond our borders – all without any taxpayer funding.

Winners may keep the commemorative bottles and select a BottleDrop Give nonprofit partner to receive a $1,000 donation through BottleDrop’s Containers for Change program.

my classmates that I went to high school with continue to participate.”

Heritage Days began in 1959 following drownings in the Clatskanie River.

“It was a sad loss for the community,” Smiley said.

Soon after the drownings, a fundraiser was held on July 4 with a community barbecue to raise money to build a city swimming pool.

“They raised enough money to build the pool and the event went over so well that they began holding Heri-

tage Days each summer,” Smiley said. “Now it is a celebration of the community.

The Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce took it over and has been organizing it since the 80s. It has always been a community function under different groups.”

Smiley and her husband have been involved in Heritage Days for years.

“It is important to us,” she said. “I am a fourth generation of the community. It was an event that was important to me as a

Courtesy from Tanya Partem

child. I enjoyed it and now I just wanted to do my part to give back. My husband and I work hard with a great group of people to make it all work.”

Smiley said the work to produce Heritage Days each year is rewarding.

“I do it to see the people enjoy themselves and it has always been a time for us to come back to the community and see the kids enjoy themselves,” she said. “The fireworks is a nice grand finale to the event.”

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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•

Friday, July 1, 2022

Watch for bears

•O bituaries • • Melody Davis

March 30, 1961 ~ June 1, 2022 Melody Davis went to Heaven surrounded by family on June 1, 2022 in Longview, Washington.

Melody was born March 30, 1961 to John and Joann Helgeson. Melody grew up in Rainier, Oregon where she attended Alston Corner Assembly of God. She graduated Rainier High School in 1979.

Melody met Allan in 1979, and later married in 1980. They moved to Clatskanie, Oregon and had two children, Joey and Jessica Davis.

She is survived by her husband Al; son Joey (Maggie) Davis; daughter Jessica Davis; granddaughter Lillyana Davis; sisters, Becky (John) Olsen, Cherrie (Eric) Greer, Myrtle (Curt) Wyatt, and Annette (Jim) Molam-

phy.

Melody is preceded in death by her father John Helgeson; mother Joann Helgeson; and many uncles, aunts and friends.

Most people get their wings at passing by Melody, who earned her wings years ago working with children

at her job. Melody worked for the Clatskanie Elementary School for 24 years and enjoyed every moment. She also gained her wings by raising our kids and granddaughter Lilly. What a kind and beautiful wife, mom and friend. We love and miss you Melody (Odie).

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on July 9, 2022 at Alston Corner Assembly of God Church in Rainier, Oregon. A potluck will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall after.

In lieu of flowers, there is an account set up through Clatskanie Elementary School to benefit students that Melody enjoyed working with so faithfully for so many years. Please mail donations to CES at P.O. Box 327, Clatskanie, OR 97016.

brother Jonathan Wicklander and sister-in-law Auna of

Kelso, Washington; stepsister Chloe Hogan of Longview, Washington; nephew Oliver Wicklander of Kelso, Washington; aunt Cindy Wicklander and cousin Russ from Troutdale, Oregon; grandma Betty in Longview, Washington; and his grandpa George and grandma Ethel Wicklander of St. Helens, Oregon.

A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on July 9, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Longview, Washington. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook, go to www.montgomerystryker.com.

an approach that includes market analysis, health care industry trends, competitive positioning, healthcare service supply and demand, and a financial assessment, including an assessment of funding sources, as components to assist in the decision on

whether to pursue a CON for the proposed new hospital in Columbia County.

The development of the Financial Feasibility Study will include an impact assessment focused on how distribution of services and market share will affect volume and capacity at

hospitals in the region.

The feasibility study will consider the long-term sustainability and viability of the proposed hospital in the context of community growth, care redesign, and population health initiatives.

The Jensen Partners pro-

March 22, 1985 ~ June 12, 2022

HOSPITAL From Page A1

opportunity for inpatient services in the form of an acute care hospital in the Columbia County market.

Jensen Partners will apply

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is issuing an advisory about black bears.

A late salmonberry crop means hungry black bears are a problem for many of Oregon’s coastal communities.

Salmonberries are typically ripe in May but the extended cool, wet spring on the Oregon coast slowed or disrupted that process.

In many areas, the berries still have not ripened, and in some areas the pollination seems to have failed resulting in few berries available.

Thimbleberries are behind schedule on the north coast although if forecasted clear weather occurs there may be hope for the upcoming huckleberry and blackberry crops.

Hungry bears, determined to eat are digging into residents’ garbage, bird feeders, BBQ grills, pet food,

Ryan Wicklander

Ryan William Wicklander, 37, passed away on June 12, 2022, in Laramie, Wyoming Fondly known as “Hawaiian Ryan,” he was born on March 22, 1985, to George W. Wicklander and Helena Culver in Portland, Oregon.

He is preceded in death by his grandpa ‘Bob’ Robert Culver from Portland, Oregon.

He is survived by his mother Helena Hogan and stepfather Matthew Hogan from Silverlake, Washington; father George Wicklander III in Longview Washington;

Courtesy photo from BearWise®

Hungry bears, determined to eat are digging into residents’ garbage, bird feeders, BBQ grills, pet food, chicken and livestock feed and in some instances, killing livestock.

chicken and livestock feed and in some instances, killing livestock. Bears attracted to humans for food can become a safety concern when they attempt to break into homes or approach people.

ODFW wildlife biologists coastwide have their hands full with bear complaints.

They say the best remedy is prevention and urge coastal residents to secure food, garbage, and recycling.

Help keep bears wild by following these BearWise tips: • Never feed or approach bears • Secure food, garbage and recycling • Remove bird feeders when bears are active • Never leave pet food outdoors • Clean and store grills • Alert neighbors to bear activity Use bearproof garbage cans if they are available posal also discloses its timeline and cost of the hospital feasibility study: The schedule • 12 weeks • Anticipated June through August 2022

from local waste management or keep garbage and recycling secure until collection day. Electric fencing is also an effective deterrent.

A bear habituated to human foods and other attractants may become extremely aggressive defending those food sources and pose a threat to human safety. When prevention measures fail to deter these bears, they are humanely euthanized, and the meat donated to charities.

Securing attractants around your property is vital to keeping Oregon’s bears safe and where they belong—in the wild.

For more information about black bears and tips for living with them, check the ODFW website at www. odfw.com or look for information about black bears at BearWise.org. The BearWise® program was developed by black bear biologists and is supported by state wildlife agencies.

Professional services & reimbursable fee • $119,700 Read more and follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print version of The Chief.

Clatskanie Heritage Days 2022 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Clatskanie Heritage Days of 2022 Tentative Schedule Events TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Clatskanie Heritage Days 2022 DATE Saturday, June 25 Saturday, June 25 Saturday, June 25 Saturday, June 25 Saturday, June 25 Saturday, June 25 Saturday, June 25 DATE

EVENT Quincy Grange Car Show Breakfast Hertiage Days Car Show Chapter T PEO “Pie in the Park” Food, Music, and Vendors Farmers Market Pollinator Festival Amani Center Family Scavenger Hunt Free Swim EVENT

TIME 7 a.m -10 a.m.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

1 p.m - 4 p.m.

TIME

LOCATION American Legion Hall Clatskanie City Park Clatskanie City Park Clatskanie City Park Cope’s Park Cope’s Park Clatskanie Pool LOCATION

Quincy Grange Car Show Breakfast 7 a.m -10 a.m.

American Legion Hall Strut Mutt StruttYour Your Mutt 6 p.m.

Clatskanie Hertiage Days Car Show 9 a.m.

- 3 p.m.

Clatskanie City City Park Park HypnotistMichael Feel Good 7 p.m.

Birkenfeld Theatre Chapter T PEO “PieCain, in theDr. Park” 9 a.m.

- 3 p.m.

Clatskanie City Park Movie Night in theVendors Park Dusk Clatskanie Food, Music, and 9 a.m.

- 3 p.m Clatskanie City City Park Park All ClassMarket Reunion Noon Clatskanie City Park Farmers Pollinator Festival 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m.

Cope’s Park Reunion in theFamily Restaurants Evening Nehalem Amani Center Scavenger Hunt 11 a.m.

- 3 p.m.

Cope’sStreet Park Free Swim 1 p.m - 4 p.m.

Clatskanie Pool 4th of July Parade (Line up at 10 am) 11 a.m.

Nehalem/NE 5th streets Music in the Park Dennis Harris 12:30 2:30 p.m.

Clatskanie Strut Your Mutt 6 p.m.

ClatskanieCity City Park Park Food and Vendors All Day Clatskanie City Park Hypnotist- Michael Cain, Dr. Feel Good 7 p.m.

Birkenfeld Theatre Magician/Balloon Clowns 12:30 p.m.

Clatskanie Movie Night in theArtist/Astoria Park Dusk Clatskanie City City Park Park Kiwanis Bingo Starting at noon Clatskanie City All Class Reunion Noon Clatskanie City Park Park Kids Center Activities (Bounce house, etc) 12:30 - 5:30 pm Clatskanie CityStreet Park Reunion in the Restaurants Evening Nehalem 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament 12:30 p.m.

Clatskanie City Park Free Swim 1 p.m.

4 p.m.

Clatskanie Pool 4th of July Parade (Line up at 10 am) 11 a.m.

Nehalem/NE 5th streets Life Flight Demonstration 1 p.m.

2 p.m.

Clatskanie City Park Music in the Park Dennis Harris 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Clatskanie City Park CMHS Forestry Program Demonstration 1 p.m.

3 p.m.

Clatskanie Food and Vendors All -Day Clatskanie City City Park Park Ice Cream Eating Contest 1:30 p.m.

Clatskanie City Magician/Balloon Artist/Astoria Clowns 12:30 p.m.

Clatskanie City Park Park Softball 2:30 p.m.

Field along 5th Kiwanis Game Bingo Starting at noon Clatskanie CityStreet Park Petting Zoo Activities (Bounce house, etc) 212:30 p.m. -- 4:30 Clatskanie Kids Center 5:30 p.m. pm Clatskanie City City Park Park Donkey Races Tournament 3 p.m.

Clatskanie 3 on 3 Basketball 12:30 p.m.

Clatskanie City City Park Park Rubber Ducky Race TBD Clatskanie Free Swim 1 p.m.

- 4 p.m.

ClatskanieRiver Pool Button Raffle Drawings 4:30 -p.m.

OnClatskanie the stage: City Life Flight Demonstration 1 p.m.

2 p.m.

City Park Park New Romeo Loafers BandDemonstration 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

OnClatskanie the stage: City CMHS Forestry Program 1 p.m.

- 3 p.m.

City Park Park Featured Band: Ted Boursaw Band 7 p.m.

10 p.m.

On the stage: City Ice Cream Eating Contest 1:30 p.m.

Clatskanie City Park Park FIREWORKS When is Dark Skies over5th theStreet Park Softball Game SPECTACULAR 2:30itp.m.

Field along Petting Zoo 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Clatskanie City Park ClatskanieHeritageDays@clatskanieheritagedays Monday,clatskaniechamber.com July 4 Donkey Races 3 p.m.

Clatskanie City Park Monday, July Any 4 changes or additions to events, times, or locations will be announced ASAP. Rubber Ducky Race TBD Clatskanie River Monday, July 4 Button Raffle Drawings 4:30 p.m.

On the stage: City Park Monday, July 4 New Romeo Loafers Band 3:30the - 5:30 p.m.

On the stage: City Park Monday, July 4schedule For full and more information check clatskaniechamber.com Featured Band: Ted Boursaw Band 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

On the stage: City Park Monday, July 4 website and Clatskanie Heritage Days Facebook page FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR When it is Dark Skies over the Park Monday, July 4

Saturday, June 25 Friday, July 1 25 Saturday, June Saturday, July Saturday, June225 Saturday, Saturday, July June225 Sunday, July 3 25 Saturday, June Sunday, July 3 25 Saturday, June Saturday, June 25 Monday, July 4 Monday, July Friday, July 14 Monday, July Saturday, July 42 Monday, Saturday, July July 42 Monday, July Sunday, July 34 Monday, July34 Sunday, July Monday, July 4 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44 Monday, Monday, July July 44

clatskaniechamber.com

ClatskanieHeritageDays@clatskanieheritagedays

Any changes or additions to events, times, or locations will be announced ASAP.

Set up in the Clatskanie City Park to get the best view of the fireworks.

No personal fireworks will be allowed in the park due to the safety concerns.

Perks: These will be available to the button wearer(s) ONLY and not to the entire party. Offers are good from June 25 through July 4, 2022

Button Perks & Prizes

Alston Pub & Grub – 10% off food (Excludes Alcohol) Big Guy – 20% off food (Dine in or take out Excludes alcohol) Bundy’s – Free small cone with combo purchase Clatskanie Builder’s Supply – 20% off all Milwaukee and Diablo tools Colvins Pub & Grill – 10% off food (Excludes Alcohol) Conestoga – 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages (Excludes Alcohol) Flowers N Fluff – $1 off 16 oz iced or hot coffee, any way you want it.

Fultano’s Pizza – $2 off large pizza or $3 off family pizza, pick up or dine in only.

Ixtapa – $2 off guest meal (Excludes Alcohol) Scotty’s – 10% discount

Raffle prizes: Berry Patch – Gift Basket Clatskanie River Inn – One night Stay Clatskanie Fire Department – Family Pool Party Package Clatskanie PUD – Emergency Kit Clatskanie Tan LLC and Wellness Salon – 5 tanning or red light sessions Farmhouse Coffee – Gift Basket Finn’s Custom Tackle & Cafe – Gift Basket High School Pharmacy – Gift Basket Tom Poor Auto Detail – Bucket of Detailing Products Umpqua Bank – Gift Basket Wauna Credit Union – Gift Basket Drawing will be held on July 4th in the park.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Friday, July 1, 2022

Independence Day Events 2022

Heritage Days celebrates with mutts and vintage vehicles

There are three main Independence Day events happening in the area on July 4. For more event details, visit the Discover Columbia County website.

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

July 2 Heritage Days Hypnotist and Movie Night Hypnotist Michael Cain, Dr. Feel Good at 7 p.m. at Birkenfeld Theatre. Movie Night in the park at dusk in Clatskanie City Park.

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

July 4 Heritage Days Parade and Fireworks 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. Music, food, vendors and more will be offered at the park on Independence Day. A fireworks display is planned at dusk. See more Heritage Days 4th of July events at the Heritage Days Facebook page.

July 4 Pancake Breakfast The Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District will hold a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Scappoose Fire Station, 52751 Columbia River Highway. The cost is donation only with the proceeds to be used for high school graduation scholarships sponsored by the Scappoose Firefighters Association. For additional details, call 503-5435026.

July 4 Let Freedom Ring Event This community celebration will include bell ringing to honor veterans and those currently serving in the United States Armed Services. The celebration will be in the Columbia Courthouse Plaza at 230 Strand St. in St. Helens and will include a flag raising at 1:30 p.m., speakers, and a countdown to 2 p.m. for big bells to ring throughout the city. The public is encouraged to attend.

July 4 St. Helens Fireworks Fireworks display at approximately 10 p.m. from a barge on the Columbia River in the Riverfront District of St. Helens.

Courtesy photo from Kelli Puzey

Strutt Your Mutt takes place at 6 p.m. July 1 at Clatskanie City Park.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Dogs of all shapes and sizes and their owners are invited to the annual Heritage Days Strutt Your Mutt that will take place at 6 p.m.

Friday, July 1 at Clatskanie City Park.

The Chief reached out to the Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie event chairperson Debi Borgstrom to find out more about the Strutt Your Mutt project.

The Chief: Tell us what this event is all about and how it will work?

Debi Borgstrom: It is a fun event. A strictly fun family event oriented with both children and adult categories.

We give the children an opportunity to participate and to win.

The Chief: Describe the different categories.

Borgstrom: Longest tail.

Waggest tail. Longest ears.

Longest nose. Owner lookalike. Best costume. Best smile. Best trick. Best kisser.

Shortest legs. Grayest mussel. Ball Find.

The Chief: Is there a registration fee?

Wishing you a safe & happy

4th of July

Courtesy photo from Jerome White

Vintage vehicles lined Clatskanie Park for the annual car show.

Borgstrom: No. Get there at 5 p.m. to register.

The Chief: This sounds like it would be a good family event to participate in or to watch. What is it about this event that you think will be fun and an attraction for families?

Borgstrom: It’s a longtime tradition and so it is something that people look forward to. It’s not a fancy event. It is just fun. People come from a distance for this and for Heritage Days itself.

Heritage Days Car Show The annual Heritage Days

Car Show was held June 25 at Clatskanie Park.

After the two-year activity halt due to COVID, townsfolk were more than ready to gather and celebrate the 2022 Heritage Days in Clatskanie.

The event kicked off with a breakfast at the American Legion Hall, fortifying attendees with hearty food and conversation. Then it was on to the Pie in the Park and the car show. Hundreds showed up, undaunted by the heat, to view the vehicles in their splendor.

Correspondent Laurey White contributed to this story.

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State fire marshal issues fireworks caution JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

You may have seen the tents set up shape in Columbia County that house fireworks sales for the Fourth of July.

The 2022 fireworks retail sales season began Thursday, June 23 and runs through July 6 in Oregon.

“Keep it legal, keep it safe” is the message from the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

The agency has issued an advisory about which fireworks are legal, where they can be used, and how to use them safely.

To reduce the risk of starting a wildfire, a variety of local governments in Oregon have put in place regulations and are even banning the sale or use of fireworks.

It is important to check your local regulations and follow them where you live or where you may be traveling to celebrate the 4th of July holiday, according OSFM Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston.

“We ask that those using fireworks be responsible when using them,” Johnston said.

“Every year, we see fires started because of improper use or use of illegal fireworks.

Our message is to keep it legal and keep it safe as people celebrate the holiday.”

Consumer legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations also limit where those fireworks may be used.

Johnson asks people who plan to visit public lands and parks to leave all fireworks at home. The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Courtesy photo

Fire agency officials in Columbia County and across the state are urging caution with all fireworks due to the increasing risk of wildfires.

properties, state beaches, state parks, and in-state campgrounds. The use of fireworks is also prohibited on many private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

For residents who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials encourage everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use: • Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.

• Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.

Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.

• Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait for 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.

• Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

The law Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a

permit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks, commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers, are illegal in Oregon without a permit.

Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.

The OSFM has published FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities. OSFM’s fireworks education materials for sharing on social media also can be found on its website.

from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 12 reported for the previous year.

• About 15,600 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries in 2020. There were about 10,000 ER-treated fireworks injuries in 2019.

Other highlights from CPSC’s report: • Of the 18 deaths, eight of the victims (44 percent) had used alcohol or drugs prior to the incident.

• Most fireworks-related injuries (about 66 percent) oc-

curred in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday (from June 21, 2020 to July 21, 2020). During that one-month period: • Severe injuries related to fireworks increased in 2020.

More consumers were admitted to the hospital, or were transferred to another hospital for treatment, due to severe fireworks injuries in 2020 (21 percent) versus 2019 (12 percent).

• Young adults ages 20-24 saw the biggest spike in visits to the hospital emergency room for fireworks-related injuries, compared to any age

group last year, 17 injuries per 100,000 people in 2020 versus 2.8 per 100,000 people in 2019.

• Firecrackers were the biggest source of ER-treated fireworks injuries (1,600), followed by sparklers (900).

• The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers, at 30 percent.

The head, face and ears were the second most injured body parts, at 22 percent. Eye injuries were third at 15 percent.

• Burns were the most common fireworks-related, emergency room-treated injury, at 44 percent.

By the numbers A report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a 50 percent increase in deaths and injuries from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 2019.

• At least 18 people died

Join us July 4th at St. Helens City Hall for

Raising of the American Flag Ringing of the Bells 1:30 P.M. - 2 P.M.

The American Legion Post 42 St. Helens invites you to our meetings at the Moose They are 7:00 P.M. the 4th Thursday of the month.

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