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FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022

VOL. 131, NO. 10 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Coast Guard’s multi-million-dollar expansion Tongue Point project could benefit Clatskanie

Clatskanie economic impact

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

A $30 million development project is in the works to ready Oregon’s north coast shoreline for new ships and could help boost Clatskanie’s economy.

The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a contract to “GWWH A Joint Venture” to expand Coast Guard shoreside facilities at East Tongue Point in Astoria.

The $30 million contract provides design-build improvements at the facility to accommodate the homeporting of fast response cutters (FRCs).

The facilities are planned to include a fixed pier, two floating docks, gangways between the docks and pier, cutter shore tie utilities on the pier, underground utilities on the shore, new pavement and parking and a security fence around the site. Additionally, the contract includes dredging 96,500 cubic yards of sediment and an additional 18,000 cubic yards of clean sand fill.

Critical step “The expansion of the facilities at Tongue Point is the first critical step in bringing the newest class of cutters to the Oregon Coast,” Sector Columbia River Commander Captain Scott Jackson said. “The Fast Response Cutters that will be stationed in Astoria will ensure that future generations of Coast Guard men and women continue to provide

The expansion is slated for facilities at the Coast Guard’s East Tongue Point location.

expert service to the people of the Pacific Northwest for many years to come.”

FRCs are the newest class of ships currently being produced for the Coast Guard. At 154 feet in length and a maximum speed of more than 28 knots, the FRC is designed for multiple missions including drug interdiction; ports, waterways, and coastal security; fisheries law enforcement; search and rescue and national defense.

Each ship is slated to have a

crew of 24 crewmembers and will be augmented by shoreside personnel. Forty-five of these vessels are currently in service throughout the nation and abroad.

Named after Coast Guard enlisted heroes, FRCs are replacing the aging island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The FRC project delivers vital capability to the Coast Guard, helping to meet the service’s needs in the coastal zone and adjacent waters.

The FRCs feature advanced

Courtesy photo from the U.S. Coast Guard

command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping.

The first FRC to arrive in Astoria at the updated East Tongue Point facility is currently expected to arrive in March 2024.

Maintenance and sustainment personnel will begin arriving in summer of 2023.

Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said the Coast Guard project and having new ships arrive along the north Oregon coast could have a trickle-down impact for Clatskanie.

“There may be a trickle down, especially during construction,” Hinkelman said. “We could see a benefit with perhaps construction workers staying at the new RV park once it is open. I don’t know what impact the expansion will have once it is open, it is a little too far to the west of us for a direct impact.”

The RV park under construction just off Highway 30 at the south end of Clatskanie will be an important economic factor for the city, according to Hinkelman.

“The RV park should have a significant impact on local restaurants and retail stores, especially Safeway,” he said.

Clatskanie is also preparing to build a multi-million-dollar sewer plant to replace the city’s exiting aging facility. Overall, Hinkelman said his city is positioned well for strong economic growth over the next few years.

“Yes, we are poised for economic development that will be beneficial to the area once the Port is finished with the re-zone and the permits for NEXT get issued.”

Follow the development of these projects at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

‘Nail in the coffin,’ hospital project crumbles Special Report ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Editor’s Note: In our first special report published last week, we outlined the questions that The Chief would answer, raised by our investigation into the Columbia Health District (CHD) hospital project.

The following report explains the inception of the CHD, the feasibility study that led to the hospital project proposal, and the process to obtain state approval to build the hospital.

Warren resident Thelma Bonar thinks it is time for a hospital in Columbia County. But it needs to be done “the right way,” she said.

The Chief sat down with the woman behind Measure 5-209, an initiative to repeal the CHD hospital tax, in her home Monday, April 25.

In her home, Bonar pointed The Chief to a box of records,

Obituaries ................. A2 Crossword ................ A3 Opinions ................... A4 Community Events ... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Rainier Days ............ A6

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

Courtesy photo

The proposed hospital in St. Helens would have been named Columbia River Community Hospital, had it been built.

thousands of pages on the CHD from beginning to end, propped against the wall in her living room den.

“My husband, he was sick,” she said. “At that time, he had cancer. And I was guilty because I was putting all my time (into it).

People were coming to the house.

It was busy.”

History of the CHD According to CHD records obtained by The Chief, the Columbia Hospital District was formed with five members to oversee operations of a hospital on 4th Street in St. Helens.

In 1954, that was facility was sold. In 1955, another hospital was

built along Pittsburg Road in St. Helens.

The new hospital was sold to the Sisters of St. Joseph and closed in 1990 due to financial losses.

Late in that period, the district board was renamed Columbia Health District.

In 2003, the CHD Board of Directors commissioned a study to determine whether a 12-bed, critical access hospital was financially feasible in St. Helens.

A year later, the results of the feasibility study led the Board to pass a resolution to dissolve and liquidate Columbia Health District contingent upon the formation of a new district. The new district board members proposed to voters Ballot Measure 5-123, which would raise a tax of $0.38 per $1,000 assessed property value to support building a critical access hospital.

The permanent tax rate would affect taxpayers in St. Helens, Scappoose, Columbia City, and nearby areas, according to a 2004 ballot measure description.

Early criticisms Although the initiative ulti-

mately passed with 9,275 votes in favor and 6,763 votes against, Measure 5-123 was not without reproach.

On Oct. 18, 2004, Christopher Armstrong-Stevenson, former Oregon Public Health (OPH) employee and Certificate of Need (CN) coordinator in Oregon, criticized the measure as “premature.”

“Seeking the permanent tax levy before the proposal is approved by the state is unfair and improper,” he wrote.

Armstrong-Stevenson argued that the results of the feasibility study revealed three concerns: the proposal hadn’t been “critically analyzed or reviewed,” “was substantially flawed in its findings,” and was adopted by the CHD “without sufficient knowledge of hospital administration.”

Based on the results of the feasibility study, Armstrong-Stevenson added that the state would likely deny the project a CN. CN programs are regulatory programs designed to discourage unnecessary investment in health

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See HOSPITAL Page A5

‘Back in the Saddle Again’ county rodeo returns ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Grab your horse, hat, and cowboy boots: It’s time to get “Back in the Saddle.”

That is the theme for the 2022 Columbia County Fair and Rodeo.

The July 20-24 celebration is set to offer a rodeo extravaganza this summer: “Rascal Rodeo,” an all-inclusive rodeo for entrants with diverse abilities, will accompany the JR Rodeo and Columbia County NPRA Rodeo this summer season.

Columbia County NPRA Rodeo The Columbia County Northwest Professional Rodeo Association (NPRA) Rodeo kicks off 7 p.m. Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23.

Entrants will compete in several categories, including Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, and Breakaway Roping, said Julie Sandstrom, spokesperson for the Columbia County Rodeo Committee.

Rodeo participants are eligible for more than $11,300 in prize winnings, divided by top placers within each event category.

About the NPRA The NPRA is the largest Regional Rodeo Organization in the Western United States.

Each year, the NPRA selects several top placers from NPRA rodeos throughout the Northwest region to participate in the NPRA finals.

Beyond seizing the opportunity to show off their skills, participants will be eligible for “year-end saddles awards, year-end awards, (and) probably up to fourth place yearend awards,” NPRA Secretary Lori Newman said.

The NPRA finals take place September 23 and 24 in Salem, OR. According to Newman, Columbia County has had a “long-running” NPRA rodeo, at one time receiving an award for the (best) barrel racing

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The Chief

See RODEO Page A3

Brett Hale of Olympia, Washington, executes his calf roping run at a previous NPRA Rodeo at the Columbia County Fair.

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www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, July 15, 2022

Open debris burn ban in effect JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Due to the increasing fire danger, an open debris burn ban is in effect in Columbia County.

The ban was imposed at 1 a.m. Monday, July 11 by fire districts in the county that include Clatskanie Fire District, Mist-Birkenfeld Fire District, Vernonia Fire District, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Scappoose Fire District, and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The burn ban affects private, county, state, and local government lands within the fire districts of Columbia County’s boundaries.

“It is anticipated that summer weather patterns will dry wildland fuels and increase the risk for fire spread, these weather patterns also bring the risk of lightning and increase fire activity in the area,” according to a release from the fire agencies. “The burn ban is intended to reduce human fire starts by restricting some activities related to forest operations and open burning.”

Recreational fires will be allowed within the landscaped footprint of a residential yard as long as recreational fire regulations are followed. Recreational fires must be in designated fire pits: • Can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter with flames not to exceed 2 feet in height and should be a minimum of 25 feet from any combustible material.

• Only clean, natural wood that is short enough to fit within the fire pit is allowed to be burned.

• Recreational fires must be attended at all times by

Courtesy photo

The burn ban affects private, county, state, and local government lands within Columbia County’s fire district boundaries.

a responsible, sober, nonimpaired adult with suitable onsite fire extinguishing equipment such as a working garden hose.

• Burning of garbage, yard debris, construction material including processed wood is not considered recreational burning.

• Backyard barbecues including charcoal and propane power units are allowed.

Open burning of yard debris will be prohibited as of July 11, and until further notice. Open burning within the city limits of the fire districts are regulated by those

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local government entities.

“We are encouraging the public to avoid recreational fires on dry, windy days when fires are more likely to escape,” the fire agencies’ release states. “Fine fuels such as green grass can easily ignite when the humidity is low, and winds are strong.

When drier weather conditions result in a more significant fire hazard, recreational burning may be more tightly regulated or banned completely.”

The penalties for violating the open debris burning ban will vary by the authority having jurisdiction, according to Scappoose Rural

Fire Protection District Fire Chief Jeff Pricher.

“If the fire occurs on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands, ODF may impose a penalty based on ORS and their policies,” he said. “If the fire occurs in fire district protected areas, the penalty will most likely be up to the fire district’s ordinance. This could be in the form of a violation fee or a cost recovery fee.”

Cost recovery means the actual costs of suppressing the fire, including the fire apparatus costs, water, foam usage, administrative time preparing the bill, and damage to equipment and employee costs of all the employees suppressing the fire and involved with the response.

Depending on the severity of the fire, both the fire districts and ODF may jointly impose a penalty, according to Pricher.

Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage may result in fines and individual financial responsibility. Commercial burning such as slash burns regulated by the ODF will be closed.

Resources For more information regarding campfires, recreational burning and debris burning visit websites at:

• Clatskanie Fire: https: // www.clatskaniefire.org/ • Columbia River Fire & Rescue: www.crfr.com • Mist Birkenfeld Fire: https://www.mistbirkenfeldrfpd.org/ • Oregon Department of Forestry https://www.oregon. gov/odf/aboutodf/pages/mapoffices.aspx • Scappoose Fire District: https://www.srfd.us

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Courtesy photo

May and June rains have helped to offset the wildfire danger this season.

Oregon’s wildfire season All Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are now in fire season.

The fire season took effect July 11, which includes a ban on open debris burning in Columbia County.

Public use restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan on recreating to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

Compared with previous years, the ODF said this is a slightly delayed start to the season for the state. The heavy rains in May and June of this year have helped in that. However, ODF urges Oregonians to remain vigilant in preventing human-caused wildfire.

“Don’t be lulled into complacency because of the weather,” ODF Fire Protection Division Chief Mike Shaw said. “July and August historically have higher fire activity, and ODF is ready to respond, but we need the cooperation of Oregonians so we don’t strain our resources on fires that could have been avoided.”

Shaw said a major concern for the agency are the ground fuels, like grass, that grew tall due to the spring rains but will dry out quickly, becoming a greater risk for human-caused fires.

“Those ground fuels will be able to catch fire easily and will then burn and spread quickly,” Shaw said. “There-

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fore, it is extremely important for Oregonians to continue to practice wildfire prevention this summer.”

Wildfire prevention for Oregonians means: • Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat.

• Go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.

• Don’t park your car over dried grass and make sure it is regularly maintained in order to reduce the risk of sparks.

• Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a grass fire.

• Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land from wildfire. Most districts start their fire season around May or June, and the season ends around the end of October.

This year, the Southwest Oregon district was the first to declare on June 1, and the Northwest Oregon district was the last to declare on July 11.

For more information about how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org.

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the July 8, 2022 crossword puzzle

Harry Gilbert Abeyta

April 15, 1933 ~ June 29, 2022 Harry and his wife, Sally, began retirement life in Clatskanie taking over the old Conyer’s Homestead. The family would like to thank the many friends and acquaintances that welcomed and shared their lives in the Clatskanie area. This was a time they will always treasure.

Harry was born in Fruita, Colorado to Andrew Abeyta and Dora Gomez. He was the fifth of eleven children.

The young family moved to Dragerton, Utah now called East Carbon, Utah where they enjoyed the magic of electric lights, indoor plumbing, local stores for shopping and stable employment for his father, Andy at the nearby coal mine.

Harry excelled in athletics; his numerous awards, medals, and trophies for football, basketball and track is telling of his talent, but he wouldn’t bore you with those details. He spent his life showing interest in others and deferring his own accomplishments; he excelled in humility. Harry served in the Army during the Korean conflict from 1952-1954; attained the rank of Sergeant

Marguerite Kleger July 7, 1943 ~ June 23, 2022

Margy was born on July 7, 1943 and passed away on June 23, 2022.

She is survived by her sister Ruth and Ruth’s children, Rick and Marcie. She is also survived by her lifelong friend Marilyn Edmunds.

Margy was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Helen Kleger and brother David.

A memorial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on July 30, 2022 at Hillsdale Community Church in Beaverton, Oregon.

Submit obits to The Chief Call 506-397-0116 or email chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net

and was the preferred barber for his squad. Harry studied at the University of Utah where he played football, earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, but more importantly met his lifelong love and partner, Sally Anne Bires; a dance major at the time. They married in July of 1956 and had their first child, Kent Matthew Abeyta.

Harry worked as a teacher specializing in physical education. Coach Abeyta was one of the favorites of students and faculty. Harry and Sally had a total of four boys, Kent, Bill, Gary and Danny and

with all of that responsibility he worked two jobs; leaving the house at 6:00 a.m. and not returning home before 10:00 p.m. Harry was an avid trout fisherman and summers with his boys were spent camping and fishing or gardening. He made countless sacrifices for his sons and they knew how important they were to him.

After retirement, Harry and Sally moved to Clatskanie where they bought a turn of the century farmhouse on some acreage. The farm begged for attention and Harry delivered; always working on improving and exploring their new land. Sally was the town librarian. These were perfect retirement years. They made many dear friends and explored the Oregon coast.

Harry learned to salmon fish, raise sheep and goats and he and Sally always had cats and dogs to love. Eventually, the property became too much for them and they moved to a smaller house in the beautiful coastal town of Bandon, Oregon. Harry learned to fish for Dungeness crab and shared with everyone. Too soon, it became necessary to

return to Utah and be near their eldest son. They settled in West Haven, Utah. Harry spent his final months at the George Wahlen Veterans Home. The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to all those who cared for him there. Harry passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Harry and Sally were married 65 years, 11 months.

Harry is survived by his wife Sally; sons, Kent (Cynthia), Bill (Daijiro), Gary, and Danny (Stephanie); brother Chuck (Carolyn); sisters, Loretta Jewkes (Tom), Margaret Alves (George) and Carol. He had six grandchildren, one great-grandson and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Dora Abeyta; sisters, Pearl, Jenny and Patsy; and brothers, James, Manuel and David.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington, Utah where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Harry online at www.mitchellfuneralhome. net.

MAYGER COMMUNITY SALMON BARBECUE Saturday, July 16 Lunch 12 noon - 1:30p.m.

Visiting: 1:30 - 3p.m.

Melanoma stands out.

Check your skin.

You could spot cancer.

at Mayger-Downing Community Church 80071 Life Lane, Clatskanie Learn about the history of Mayger area COME ENJOY - FOOD, FRIENDS, FUN! BRING A SALAD, FRUIT OR DESSERT, Questions? Please call 503-728-4542

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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Friday, July 15, 2022

Oregon’s newest invasive species ‘Most destructive, costliest forest pest ever to invade North America’ STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

A new invasive species in Oregon could threaten urban forests, wetlands and streams.

“Since it was first found in the Detroit, Michigan area in 2002, the emerald ash borer (EAB) has become the most destructive and costliest forest pest ever to invade North America,” Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams said.

In Oregon The EAB was first discovered at Forest Grove in Oregon June 30 and sharpens impact concerns, according to the ODF and Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA).

The insect is only half an inch long and an eighth of an inch wide and has spread to 35 states and five Canadian provinces, killing up to 99 percent of their ash trees in some locations, according to Williams.

“At least five ash species native to the central U.S. have become critically endangered as EAB spreads across the country killing hundreds of millions of urban and wild ash trees,” he said. “Within a decade of EAB’s arrival in an area, most ash trees will be dead or dying. The concern in Oregon is for Oregon ash because of the important ecological role it plays along streams and in wetlands.”

Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) is a deciduous hardwood tree found most

Courtesy from the ODF

ODF Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams points to a tiny exit hole made by an emerald ash borer as it emerged from an ash tree in Forest Grove.

commonly in wetlands and along streams.

“It’s an ecologically vital tree as it shades water, keeping it cooler for fish.

The roots stabilize streambanks, reducing erosion,” Williams said. “And lots of animals, birds and insects eat the seeds and leaves.

Losing it will likely have a huge impact on those ecosystems.”

According to Williams, ODF has used the advance notice that EAB was heading west to gather up seed from throughout Oregon ash’s range in the state.

“The first goal is to try and preserve as much of the tree’s genetic diversity as we can before it’s lost,” Williams said.

The U.S. Forest Service’s Dorena Genetics Resource Center in Cottage Grove stores the ash seeds and is sharing them with re-

searchers. The researchers will test for any resistance to EAB. If any is found, ODF might then be able to breed resistance into local strains and replant streambanks, according to Williams.

RODEO

day, July 12. You must be an NPRA cardholder to register.

From Page A1

JR Rodeo

person. Participants who register before 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 will receive free entry into the fair.

No entries are accepted after noon on Thursday.

ground, “which is a big deal for barrel racing.”

“St. Helens happens to be one of the committees that pays a lot of attention to that,” she said.

Individual events are capped at 12 entrants. Overflow entrants will compete at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.

Registration opened Tues-

The JR Rodeo is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, July 21.

There are four age divisions for the JR Rodeo this year: Small Fry (under 6 years old), Big Fry (7-10 years old), Junior Division (11-14 years old), and the Senior Division (15-18 years old).

The entry fee is $30 per

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Protecting urban forests Ash species from the central and eastern United States and Europe are commonly planted as ornamentals in Oregon, according to ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program Manager Scott Altenhoff.

“The state has been warning communities for years to prepare for this pest and have plans in place for dealing with the loss of ash trees,” Altenhoff said.

ODF also has been advising cities and towns to take three important steps

County Fair Traditional county fair events returning to the fairgrounds for the 2022 event include the My Fair Lady Pageant, Senior and Veterans Day, Western Kids Costume Contest and Parade, and Wild Cow Milking, the popular

ties to prioritize removal of ash trees that are already in poor health or growing in spaces too small for them.

“Starting to steadily replace ash will spread out the costs and impacts better than waiting for a massive die-off,” Altenhoff said. “Fortunately, there are many alternative tree species, including Oregon white oak, incense cedar and Chinese pistache, that might be more heat and drought resistant than ash.”

The infested ash trees in Forest Grove were cut down and chipped within 48 hours of discovery. ODF and ODA are now working closely with industry partners, including urban foresters and nursery producers, to provide information and resources as Oregon launches a response to the discovery of EAB. The state is using the Emerald Ash Borer Readiness and Response Plan for Oregon as a guide in its response. The plan was finalized in March 2021 and created through the collaborative efforts of a diverse group of stakeholders and state agencies.

The state will be consulting with local and federal governments and providing updates to the public and industry as it moves through its response efforts.

To report sightings of emerald ash borer, make a report online at the Oregon Invasive Species Council hotline.

this summer if possible to counteract the species invasion.

“First, if it hasn’t been done already, inventory trees to see how vulnerable the local urban forest is to losses from emerald ash borer,” Altenhoff said. “We have a common software called TreePlotter that’s free for communities to use. As data come in from around the state, it will give us a common picture of where all the vulnerable urban trees are.”

Second, Altenhoff said now is a good time to remove ash trees from approved street tree lists as has been done in Portland.

Olive trees, which are in the same family as ash, can also be vulnerable, he said.

“Finally, consider how wood from ash trees that die from emerald ash borer might be used locally,”

Altenhoff said. “There may be opportunities to help local woodworkers and artists and keep the wood from going to waste. But it is crucial that people not move ash or any other wood beyond their local area. That avoids people accidentally spreading wood-boring pests faster than they would otherwise.”

While the beetle doesn’t bite or sting and is otherwise harmless to people, pets, and animals, it has proven deadly in another way.

“Research revealed that where the tree canopy was dominated by ash, the rapid removal of all those trees led to higher than expected deaths among residents. So loss of urban trees is harmful to people,” Altenhoff said.

He advises communi-

carnival rides and several food and beverage vendors.

The Columbia County Fair and Rodeo is located at the Columbia County Fairgrounds on 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Rodeo Tickets Tickets for the rodeo are available online at columbiacountyfairgrounds.com, or in person at the Columbia County Fair office, 58892 Saulser Rd. in St. Helens

$6, adults $10

• Wednesday: Seniors and Vets are free, youth

• Sunday: Everyone $5.00

For more information about the Columbia County Fair and Rodeo, call 503397-4231.

For more information about impacts of EAB to Oregon’s urban forests and the risks to native ash trees, visit ODF’s Forest Health page.

• Thursday: Youth are free, seniors and vets $6 adults $10 • Friday-Saturday Youth, seniors and vets $6, adults $15

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: ANNUAL TRADITIONS ACROSS

1. Verdant 5. Vietnamese neighbor 8. “Before” prefix 11. Curved molding 12. *It rings at midnight on Christmas Eve at church 13. Yarn store unit 15. Relating to armpit 16. Criminal’s surprise 17. Nephew’s sister 18. *4th of July spectacle 20. 1952 Olympics host 21. 1,000 kilograms 22. Meat sauce 23. Vacation location 26. French painter of “La Danse” fame 30. Menu words (2 words) 31. Lean 34. Wine valley 35. Impertinent 37. *Annual Assumption tradition blesses it 38. #2 Down, pl.

39. Highest volcano in Europe 40. Puppies 42. Bit of binary code 43. Dean’s official residence

45. Small stream 47. Wine quality 48. Bilbo Baggins’ land 50. Windsor family’s sport 52. *Popular New Year’s libation 56. Stored by bees 57. ____-de-camp 58. “On the ____” by Jack Kerouac 59. Make laugh 60. Tear 61. Tibetan priest 62. Woolen cap 63. Banned insecticide 64. Big Bang’s original matter

DOWN

1. Bakery serving 2. Tangelo 3. Scorch 4. Regarding this point 5. “Live and ____” 6. Description for twins 7. Auto pioneer 8. Banana remnant 9. Puerto ____ 10. Compass bearing 12. “Jane Eyre” author 13. Pig part 14. *Action under mistletoe

19. Like a damaged apple, possibly 22. Jam container 23. Torn down 24. Fill with optimism 25. Sweating room 26. *Thanksgiving’s main event?

27. Beauty parlor 28. Chiropractor’s concern 29. Painting holder 32. Light gray 33. “Wow!” 36. *Birthday cake decorations 38. Seize the throne 40. Kind of humor 41. Ready 44. Deteriorate 46. Just about 48. Jumped aside 49. Lacked 50. Type of cotton 51. Female gamete 52. *Valentine’s Day tradition 53. *New Year’s resolution weight or savings target 54. One in a roster 55. Red-encased cheese 56. *Graduation flyer

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

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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www.thechiefnews.com

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Friday, July 15, 2022

•C latskanie G rows • •

Garden Plots: Summer weather couldn’t be better CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

After a terrible cold, wet spring, we are now having some very nice weather, not too cool and not too hot. Just right. Tomatoes and peppers are setting fruit, lettuce isn’t getting bitter from the few hot days, garlic is ready for harvest, and onions are looking good.

It is worth noting that we have largely worked our way through the soil moisture that the wet spring provided. Since we rarely get much rain in July and August, attention to watering is important. Crops like onions require very uniform watering and need up to nine inches per month. That is a lot. But if onions dry out significantly after they start bulbing, the bulbs stop getting bigger and rarely start again.

Most other vegetable crops have similar requirements. Even soil moisture produces the best vegetables. Mulches and attention to watering pays big dividends. If you have moved

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•V oices

The Earth’s magnetic poles Recently, a mummified baby woolly mammoth in an outstanding state of preservation was discovered in Yukon, Canada.

It was reported that it is believed that this creature died 30,000 years ago during the last ice age. However, there are other theories concerning the demise of the Pleistocene fauna that are more credible and based on solid science.

The fact that these elephants have, at times, been found at great depths, across the extent of Siberia - found

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here from the east coast or the Midwest where there is a lot of summer rain, our lack of summer rain may come as a surprise.

Moles, of course, make keeping even moisture around vegetable roots challenging. Trapping is the best solution but it isn’t easy.

Despite the fact the summer weather is really less than a month old, it is time to start planning for fall vegetables. You hear talk about “winter gardening” but the key to eating well from the garden in October and November is to plant the winter hardy crops by early August.

Crops you might consider are kale, arugula, lettuce, turnips, radishes (succession planted), turnips, carrots, possibly rutabagas, bush beans (soon), leeks (soon), beets, chard, or spinach.

Their growth will slow compared to summer as days get shorter and weather is cooler.

All will withstand a frost.

To get the best from vegetables that are more frostmarginal like lettuce, think about having mini-hoop houses with clear plastic covering over the beds as fall temperatures start to drop.

Potato topics Protect your tubers from “greening” by keeping mulch or soil cover over potatoes growing near the

of the

surface.

When potatoes start to die down, withhold water and fertilizer, especially if you want them for longterm storage. It will, at least marginally, help them to stay dormant in storage for a long period of time.

There is no perfect storage plan for potatoes. We don’t have cold enough fall weather to convince potatoes that winter is really here, so they have a tendency to

sprout.

Periodic removal of the sprouts will help. The best storage practices are debated amongst gardeners but most

July 16 Salmon Barbecue The Mayger Community Salmon Barbecue lunch will be held from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visiting from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at MaygerDowning Community Church, 80071 Life Lane in Clatskanie.

Enjoy food, friends, fun. Bring a salad, fruit or dessert. For more details, call 503-7284542.

July 17 Ice Cream Social The old-fashioned ice cream social is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Caples House Museum, 1925 1st St. in Columbia City. Music will be performed by the Yankton Singers. For more information, call 503397-5390.

July 19 Rail Freight Movement Meeting 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.

Master Gardener™ class signups being taken for 2022-23 class in St. Helens The OSU Extension office in Columbia County will be offering the Master Gardener™ training starting this fall Clatskanie at the OSU Grows Extensikon office in St. Helens. This year, we are trying a new schedule that allows people that work to attend. The classes will be

held on alternate Saturdays from 9 a.m. - noon starting on September 10 through Thanksgiving. Then there will be a winter break.

The classes will start again in early February and go through the end of April. Cost of the program is $100 which includes a large resource book. Some scholarships are available.

OSU Master Gardeners™ are responsible for providing volunteer gardening education to the community as partial payback for the training. If you might be interested in the program, call the Extension office at 503-3973462 for more details.

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

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

- 5 p.m.

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

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

Have questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you.

Call 503-397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension.oregonstate. edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters.

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

C ommunity • •

completely buried in gravel and loam, and then quickly frozen, (and preserved for millennia), suggests that something else caused so many genera of prehistoric fauna to be totally destroyed.

A number of nineteenth century paleontologists took issue with the ice age theory of destruction, and the hunting-to-extinction theory, and instead – after careful study spanning years – concluded that a catastrophic disturbance to the crust of the Earth, resulting in unimaginable continenttransiting tidal forces, was the cause.

This event has been remembered in cultural tradi-

tions across the globe and is the basis for the story of the Noachian Deluge, that was a Divine judgment in response to mankind’s propensity to commit violent acts (Gn. 6.13). Prof. Robert C. Michelson notes the possibility – among others -- that the crust of the planet had slipped, owing to a weakening of the magnetic field.

As the Earth’s magnetic poles are migrating and weakening at an increasing, and alarming rate presently, Prof. Michelson posits that a crustal slip is a possibility – perhaps a purification.

David Doerr Rainier

•C ommunity E vents • •

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.

use dry sawdust, dry sand, or nothing in light proof containers.

If you grow a number of varieties, keep track of when they are planted and then harvested and how they do in storage compared to others with the same growth history. There are genetic differences in storage capacity. Finally, don’t store potatoes with apples nearby unless there is a lot of air space between them. Apples give off ethylene which encourages sprouting in potatoes. A big garage will help dilute it.

portofcolumbiacounty.org.

For more information, call 503-397-2888.

July 20-24 Columbia County Fair and Rodeo The Columbia County Fair and Rodeo opens at 10 a.m. to 10 p.m, July 20 with events including Senior Citizens and Veterans Day, Seniors and Veterans Lunch and the My Fair Lady Pageant. Jr. Rodeo 6 p.m. July 21. NPRA Rodeo at 7 p.m. July 22 and July 23.

The fair is held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. See the full schedule and lineup at columbiacountyfairgrounds.com.

July 21-23 Quilt Sale Scappoose Community and Senior Center Quilt Sale on July 21 from noon to 5 p.m., July 22 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and July 23 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Scappoose Middle School, 52265 Lower Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, Oregon. All proceeds from this sale benefit the Scappoose Community and Senior Center. For questions, please call 503-543-2047.

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

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other

second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically

by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv.com, or call 503-789-9240. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www. lowercolumbiariver.org/ events-page.

The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (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 360-751-7039.

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

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

Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m.

For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070.

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

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Do you think Clatskanie should have more summer events?

How important do you believe local pools are to our communities?

Yes

No

60% Very important 17.5% Important 5% Somewhat important 17.5% Not important

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

The Chief

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

Editorial policy Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chief views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

Letters policy This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to one published letter per month. All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number (only the

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

name and city of residence will be published). By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online. Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country Media, Inc. Guest commentary We welcome all variety of community viewpoints in the newspaper. These longer, guest opinions might be columns written by newsmakers, public officials or organization representatives. Or you might just have interesting thoughts to share and a penchant for writing. If you’d like to submit a guest column for publication, contact us at (503) 397-0116

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

or chiefnews@countrymedia. net. All columns are subject to editing for style, grammar and clarity. However, views expressed in guest columns are independent and do not represent those of The Chief, its staff or Country Media, Inc. Obituaries Obituaries received after noon on Wednesday may not be in time for that Friday’s paper.

Obituaries may be emailed to chiefnews@countrymedia. net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. We also accept obituaries written by funeral homes. Include the address and daytime phone number of the person who submitted the obituary, so we can verify information as necessary.

Marketplace

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Friday, July 15, 2022

It’s easy to place a classified ad in The Chief

Just call 503-397-0116

Listings are updated daily at www.thechiefnews.com

502

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Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Assistant Director, Public Works Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 8/9/2022. Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov

Enforcement Deputy - Lateral Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline: Open until filled.

Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov.

8/1/2022. Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov

Deputy District Attorney I or II Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 8/10/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov Enforcement Deputy - Entry Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline: Open until filled.

Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov.

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY The Port is hiring a Data Resource and Projects Specialist.

To learn more and apply, please see our website www. portofcolumbia c o u n t y. o r g / j o b s .

EOE Support Services Clerk Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline

Medicolegal Death Investigator Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 8/10/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov

831

Office Space

Space for rent Professional office space for rent in Clatskanie/Hwy 30 frontage. $350/ month.

503-3960973.

860

Storage

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

Email chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net to advertise

ASPHALT PAVING Offering Quality Asphalt Paving Services to Columbia County and surrounding areas.

Hoarder’s Paradise!

20 sizes, Inexpensive RV Storage, Carports, Hand trucks, Locks, Fully-lined, Insulated, Condensation free, all units lit. On-site Manager

503 728-2051 503 369-6503 Visa/MC/Amex

Clatskanie People’s Utility District is requesting proposals (RFP) for Equipment Testing at the Wauna Substation. Sealed proposals must be received by 10:00 am PST, August 15, 2022 at the District office - 495 E. Columbia River Hwy, Clatskanie, OR, 97016. Information concerning RFP details and the scope of work can be viewed at clatskaniepud.com.

To help extend the life of Clatskanie PUD power poles, Davey Resource Group has been contracted to conduct our pole test and treat program for 2021. They will be working on our poles on the following roads and the surrounding areas: Swedetown Rd, Olson Rd, Alder Grove Rd, Lindberg Rd, Cedar Grove Rd, & Lost Creek.

For questions or concerns, please call 503-728-2163.

Advertise your garage sale in the paper and online for only $10 for up to 14 lines

Interested parties may also contact: Brian Taylor. P.E. - 503-308-4591 or btaylor@clatskaniepud.com.

FREE Estimates

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL Driveways • Roadways • Subdivisions • Parking Lots • City, County, State Specification Products

Call Jim today at

(503) 509-8657

Quality Workmanship At Affordable Prices

COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM, INC. “Building Bridges to Self-Sufficiency”

Head Start Needs YOU! Community Action Team Head Start is hiring in Columbia County!!

We provide: • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits • Personal and sick leave • Balanced work schedules • A culturally respectful work environment We have career opportunities for the following positions: Cook – Vernonia Head Start: $15.10/hr Prep Cook – St. Helens Head Start: $14.41/hr Floating Aid – St. Helens Head Start: $14.41/hr

We are looking for a Media Consultant to join our team in the advertising department

Contact JoAnne Dodge at 503-397-4114, jdodge@nworheadstart.org; or Dawn Crawford at 503-556-3736, dcrawford@nworheadstart.org

Email resume to jruark@countrymedia.net or call 503-397-0116 to set up an interview.

Submit classifieds to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net. Please submit by Wednesday at Noon. Late submissions may not make it into The Chief.

The Chief The Chronicle

Classified Ads Deadline:

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC22-1674

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of SHEILA JOYCE MCCALLISTER, Deceased. No. 22PB06168 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate.

All persons having claims

against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication 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

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published July 15, 2022.

Larry McCallister, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

CC22-1673

NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL POSITIONS The Clatskanie City Council has three (3) councilor positions and one (1) Mayor Position that are up for re-election/election. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor and six (6) Councilors, who serve as volunteers and are appointed or

elected at-large. To qualify, a candidate for this position must be a registered voter, a Clatskanie city resident for one year prior to appointment, and be able to attend one (1) or two (2) evening council meetings per month.

To apply for the volunteer

position of Clatskanie City Mayor or Clatskanie City Councilor, please pick up an election packet at City Hall.

The filing deadline is 5:00 pm August 24th, 2022. The qualified candidates will be on the November 8th, 2022 ballot.

HOSPITAL

“Use of the ‘swing bed’ theory today, in this instance, is simply a wrong planning theory and appears to ignore the fact that private licensees already in the service area are providing long-term care (LTC) beds,” he writes.

“St. Helens Hospital (SHH) would therefore be competing with the livelihoods of owners of those private nursing homes.”

Armstrong-Stevenson was also skeptical that the St. Helens Hospital (renamed Columbia River Community Hospital) would attract doctors from other service areas.

directors submitted a state application to build a new hospital.

In October 2009, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), which oversees OPH, denied the CHD’s application for a CN, stating that the board failed to sufficiently justify the viability of and the need for a hospital.

CHD responded by submitting an amended application to address deficiencies in the original document and to make provisions for a rural health clinic.

The state remained unconvinced that the CHD sufficiently justified a need for a hospital in St. Helens and for a second time, denied the board a CN on Sept.

20, 2010.

“The state’s review of this project found it to be financially marginal,” ODHS spokesperson Grant Higginson said. “The district failed to establish the need for this facility or show it is the most effective and least costly

From Page A1 care facilities, technology, and services, according to Oregon Health Authority Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie.

Thirty-six other states besides Oregon, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia adopted CN programs to avoid duplicating hospital services, which would have the ultimate effect of “higher costs and disruption to the health care system,” Modie told The Chief.

One of the more specific problems of the study that Armstrong-Stevenson mentioned in his online letter was an overreliance on swing beds, or beds used interchangeably for acute or post-acute care, according to the 2020 CMS interpretive guidelines for swing beds in Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs).

Public response When the old CHD dissolved and reformed in 2004, five new members were elected to serve on the board: Jay Tappan, Paul Becks, Gary Heide, Karen Punch, and Laura Tomanka.

Despite concerns that the state would not grant a CN, in 2008, the new board of

CC22-1675

CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT MEETING NOTICE The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors has scheduled the next regular Board meeting for Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 6:00 pm in the community room of the District’s administration building located at 495 E Columbia River Highway, Clatskanie. A Board Workshop will be held at 5:30 pm.

An executive session may be called at the workshop and/or meeting, pursuant to: ORS 192.660 (2) (f) information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection; and/or ORS 192.660 (2) (h) to consult

with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

AGENDA CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT BOARD WORKSHOP on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 5:30 P.M. I. EXECUTIVE SESSION II. GRANT COUNTY PUD PRESENTATION: Kevin Nordt, Chief Resource Officer III. POLICY REVIEW: 113 Service Location Technical Standards Policy and 313 Financial Policy IV. STAFF REPORTS UPDATE CLATSKANIE

PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS II. CONSENT AGENDA · Minutes of Board Workshop, June 15, 2022 · Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, June 15, 2022 · Review payment of bills for June 2022 III. ACTION ITEMS · Policy Review: #315 Short Form Investment Policy and #113 Service Location Technical Standards IV. DISCUSSION / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS · Board Comments & Calendar V. ADJOURNMENT

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon.

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

alternative.”

In response to the CHD board’s appeal, OPH held a hearing on August 25, 2010.

“We [The Columbia Health District] proved we were financially viable and a needed service to this community in every way we possibly could, two and three times over,” said Pam Powell, Hospital Coalition coordinator for the CHD. “We are devastated.”

With order CN #658a, OPH denied the Columbia River Community Hospital for the final time, on the following grounds: “(OPH) found that the proposed facility would have replaced a portion of the current inpatient spectrum of care that was being served outside of Columbia County and that the proposal would have duplicated services that were being offered.”

‘Nail in the coffin’ Columbia County Commissioner Henry Heimuller

was one of three county commissioners that were charged with overseeing the dissolution of the CHD after it failed.

Looking back, Heimuller told The Chief in a oneon-one interview that what really killed the hospital project was when the federal government changed the definition of critical access in November 2005.

“Once the CAH designation changed, (that) was just the nail in the coffin,” he said. “That made it to where there was no possible way that the hospital could financially survive,” he said.

According to Section 485.610(c) of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, CAHs must be located more than a 35-mile drive (or, in the case of mountainous terrain or in areas with only secondary roads available, a 15-mile drive) from a hospital or another CAH. Before the critical access rule change took effect Janu-

ary 1, 2006, rural hospitals that were designated by their state as a “Necessary Provider” could be exempt from the distance requirements.

The Chief also sat down with former CHD Chair Gary Heide, who conceded during that interview, that the hospital project should have stopped right then and there.

“Looking back on it now, I think it probably would have been best if we just trashed the thing when they changed the rules,” Heide said.

Our third investigative report will cover the citizens’ initiative to repeal the hospital tax, the steps taken to dissolve the hospital district, and internal emails exchanged between board members during the time of dissolution - the foundational piece of evidence and basis of two lawsuits filed against the former CHD board.

Look for the report in the July 22 edition of The Chief.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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•R ainier D ays

in the

P ark C elebration 2022• •

Photos by Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

Children could be seen plucking candy off the ground as their parents stood back, cheering on a brigade of cars, trucks, and emergency vehicles parading down W A Street in Rainier during the Rainier Days community parade Saturday, July 9. Musical performers accompanied thrill rides, carnival games, and food vendors in celebration of Rainier Days in the Park.

The traditional three-day celebration was held

Friday, July 8 to Sunday, July 10 at the city park.

The events attract thousands of attendees each year. This year’s Rainier Days included a wrestling match between Rainier City Mayor Jerry Cole and his challenger, Gentleman George, a fireworks display, and a Sunday worship service. The 2022 celebration represents a return to the classic events and attractions that first gave the event its notoriety.

Courtesy photo from Pnwasa

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Friday, July 15, 2022