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Castle renovation project update

It’s in the bag Shoppers donate to HOPE Page A2

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

The Chief

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VOL. 129, NO. 10

Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Reopening schools:

New mandates to stop COVID-19 MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

A work in progress

New mandates to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Oregon began Wednesday, July 15.

The new steps come as the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports the state’s COVID-19 death toll at 247 and 13,081 confirmed or presumptive cases of the virus as of July 15. Columbia County Public Health reports 58 COVID-19 cases and still no deaths associated with the virus.

Over the past week, the state of Oregon reported more confirmed cases of COVID-19 than it did in all of the month of May.

We are at risk of allowing this virus to spiral out of control. ~ Kate Brown, Oregon Governor

Governor Kate Brown said that this is cause for concern, and she has decided to take more action to try to slow transmission of the virus.

“We’re here today to sound the alarm,” Brown said. “The COVID-19 disease is spreading rapidly across the entire state of Oregon and each and every one of us needs to take action, immediate action to slow the spread of this disease.”

During a news briefing on Monday, July 13, Brown pointed out other statistics, including the fact that Oregon has not reported less than 100 cases in the Oregon Health Authority’s daily report in over a month. Brown stated that half of all cases are people under the age of 40 and one-third are under 30.

“We have done so much, we have come so far, we have sacrificed so deeply… we cannot let this virus get the best of us,” Brown said. “We are at risk of allowing this virus to spiral out of control.”

Brown cited the rapid spread in several states across America, such as New York and Texas. She alluded to the fact that Oregon may be heading toward that trend.

State health officials have stated COVID-19 is extremely contagious and can spread even before an individual starts to show symptoms.

This is why Brown said people should always remember the three W’s: Wear a face covering, Watch your distance and Wash your hands.

The OHA has identified several hotspots through contact tracing.

These include: Workplaces, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, prisons and social gatherings.

The mandates

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To address these trends, Brown announced two new steps to slow the spread. First is a stated ban on indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people.

“I am mandating that social get togethers like pot lucks, dinner parties, birthday parties and book clubs that take place indoors cannot exceed ten people,” Brown said.

The new rule does not impact businesses or churches at this time, Brown stated. There has been growing concerns of transmission at bars and restaurants nationwide.

However, Oregon health officials have not seen a significant source of transmission in those businesses at this time, but Brown said they will be watching closely.

See COVID-19 Page A5

Police Blotters.....A4 Opinions...............A4 Market Place........A5 Public Notices......A5 Obituaries............A5 Rainier Parade .....A6

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Specific plans for the new school year at the Clatskanie and Rainier schools are currently being carefully assembled by district officials under the state’s health and safety guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Celebration

Everyone loves a parade!

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

2020 Columbia County Fair and Rodeo Queen Jessica Lincoln gives a smile as she participates in the Rainier Days Parade on Saturday, July 11. Dozens of others in decorated vehicles and on foot took part in the modified parade that traveled down the east hills of the Rainier to the waterfront park. Spectators gathered along the streets with social distancing and face coverings to view the event. See more photos on Page A6.

Library services continue despite pandemic

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

With only a few weeks before classes are set to begin for the new school year, district administrators in Columbia County and across the state are carefully assembling policies and procedures under the Oregon Education Department’s (ODE) Ready Schools, Safe Learners Blueprint.

The blueprint is a project designed to provide a framework for schools for the 2020-21 school year that ensures the health and safety of all students and staff and the families they return to each day in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the following conversation Clatskanie School District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz outlines what’s ahead for the new school year.

Our top priority is the health and safety of students and staff. ~ Cathy Hurowitz, Clatskanie Superintendent The Chief: Please give us a snapshot of what the plan involves and what students and parents should expect?

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The Clatskanie Library District facility is located at 11 Lillich Street has been closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but operators are continue to offer public library services online.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The Clatskanie Library District has been closed since March 16 because of COVID-19, but the library operators have found creative ways to continue services despite the pandemic.

Located at 11 Lillich Street in Clatskanie, the 2,500 square foot building has been closed to the public for a few months. Since March 16, not even book returns have been allowed, with the book drop slot taped shut, according to Interim Library Director Becky White. Throughout most of the closure, there have only been two staff members working, former Library Director Elizabeth Kruse and White, until Kruse retired at the end of June.

Since then, the facility has hired one full-time clerk, Melanie Simmons and one part-time clerk, Terrie Neubauer. They, along with interim director White have been serving the public in a myriad of ways even though the building itself is closed.

Services now available Avid readers in the community can still pick up books from the library. Starting June 1, patrons have been allowed to place holds online and pick up physical copies of their books. Patrons can browse the library’s card catalogue online at www.clatskanielibrary.org. The website leads to a portal to the card catalogue as well as a portal to the e-book library.

Once they’ve received the order, library staff call patrons ahead of time to inform them that their books

are ready and available to pick up.

Patrons can pick up their books from noon to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday outside the library.

According to White, the library will begin public computer use on Monday by appointment. Appointments will be very limited, at 30 minutes per person. Fax and copy services will also be made available by appointment only, which will involve library staff completing the fax or copying for the patron and taking the finished material out to the patron when completed, White said. There will be a modified fee system for the service, according to White.

Library programs go virtual Summer is also usually a time for the library to have special programs, like the kids’ and teens’ summer reading programs, which usually last six to eight weeks, White said. Wednesdays at 1 p.m. is the kids’ summer reading program. The teen program, which is new this year, is Friday nights around 8 p.m. Both of them are being hosted via zoom webinars, White said.

Zoom is a communications technology company that enables users to speak to each other in real time via video. It is also the reason why the teen summer reading program was able to exist this year, White said.

Both programs revolve around the theme of “imagine your story” and feature concepts from fairy tales to mythology to fantasy, according to White.

The teen summer reading program is a combination of watching movies together and reading books, White said.

There have also been presentations

and activities, such as a virtual Magic the Gathering night, and a virtual Dungeons and Dragons night which is happening this Friday.

On Friday, July 31, the club will be doing a Harry Potter themed night called “What did Hedwig Eat?” where participants will be dissecting owl pellets through Zoom, under the guidance of White.

“We’re hoping to have a presentation or guest speaker from someone from North Coast Wildlife Rehab.

Participants can get owl pellets from the library ahead of time during curbside pickup hours,” White said. White got them from a science company which specifically deals with owl pellets and makes owl brand discovery kits.

One of the positives to having virtual book club sessions rather than in-person ones is that it enables White to have guest speakers she otherwise would not have been able to have. One of those guest speakers was a presenter from North Carolina, Katherine Leslie, who was the author of a bilingual children’s book, Gracie.

The book, written in English, was translated into Spanish, French and German.

“The reason we had them read it is because it won an award for best bilingual children’s book,” White said. “It was wonderful. It was very fun. She was able to read her story and take kids through the process of imagining a story board.”

There have also been presentations from puppeteers, from a traveling theater company on Greek mythology, and from Wolf Haven, which

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See LIBRARY Page A4

Cathy Hurowitz: The plan, approved by the school board, is to open schools next year for all students who wish to return to school. Elementary students will attend Monday -Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday will be reserved for planning and working with students that choose our on-line option. Middle/High School students will attend from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

The split schedule will allow for social distancing on our school buses and time to sanitize the buses between runs. We will continue with our academy that we began last year.

Students whose families are choosing to not send their children to school will have an online option that will allow students to keep up with their grade-level peers. The District has invested in additional technology as well as a comprehensive K-12 online curriculum. The technology and curriculum will allow our teachers to continue rigorous instruction if schools must move to distance learning or if cohorts of students are quarantined.

The Chief: How will the District handle health and safety of students riding buses to and from the schools?

Hurowitz: We will have two different start times for elementary and secondary students. This allows us to implement the best practice recommendations for distancing on school buses as well as protect our drivers.

Drivers will be given face shields for protection.

The Chief: What about school sports and other student activities, such as assemblies?

Hurowitz: We have not received firm guidance on school sports. We are expecting guidance within the next couple of weeks.

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See SCHOOLS Page A2

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www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, July 17, 2020

Shoppers boost HOPE donations

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Bags of nonperishable food donations destined for HOPE of Rainier’s food bank fill this SUV in front of the Rainier Grocery Outlet Store. In all, 2,611 pounds of food items have been donated so far this month in the campaign.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Organizers at HOPE of Rainier have sorted and filled the shelves at the food pantry with two large donations conducted through the local Grocery Outlet.

HOPE of Rainier is a branch of the Columbia County Pacific Food Bank.

The donations are critical to fill the increasing public need to help feed lowincome families and the elderly, according to the food bank operators.

The HOPE board of directors gave Grocery Outlet a list of food items that they needed. Grocery Outlet launched the donation drive in late June, putting togeth-

SCHOOLS From Page A1 The Chief: How is the District communicating the new school year plan to students and parents?

Hurowitz: The plan will be posted on our website. I will be sending a letter home to all families with our plan and a link to the details. We will also use social media to get our information out.

The Chief: When is the

er bags of food that cost a little more than $5 each.

Customers can purchase the bags of food to be donated and receive a coupon for $5 off their next shopping trip, or they could choose to give a cash donation at the checkout.

So much non-perishable food items have been donated through the Grocery Outlet campaign, it took HOPE of Rainier Board Chair Lisa Soule and her husband two trips in their SUV to the store at 215 W. B Street in Rainier to collect the items. The first load, picked up on July 1, netted 1,354 pounds of food. For the second load, picked up on July 6, the couple received 1,257 opening date of the new school year and what is the projected student attendance?

Hurowitz: We will begin educating our students on Sept. 8. As of now we have our reopening plan but if things change we will move to distance learning. I don’t see much change in our student attendance across the district.

We will accommodate our families needs for either in class or online or a combination of the two.

Our top priority is the health and safety of students and staff. The District is

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

pounds in donations.

The 10th annual Grocery Outlet food drive, ‘Independence from Hunger Campaign,’ continues this month at the Rainier store and the chain’s 350 outlets in the region, as well as through online donations.

Those who wish to participate donate $5 or more in-store to the campaign.

In return, the donator receives a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more.

Participants can also buy food in-store and donate it directly.

Donations from the campaign stay local and are donated to area food banks, according to the Grocery Outlet’s website.

In addition to canned and boxed food for the pantry to be used on a regular basis, the pantry is looking ahead to Christmas food box item donations. The items needed for that effort include canned vegetables, fruit, pie filling, cranberries, yams, cake mixes, stuffing, gravy packets and more.

HOPE of Rainier also conducts a school backpack program offering area children meals that include items such as tuna, fruit cups, granola bars, mac and cheese, chili, and ravioli.

To donate, or for more information, call HOPE of Rainier at 503-556-0701.

The food bank is located at 404 E. A Street in Rainier. purchasing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for all staff, hand washing stations, additional building sanitizers, and lucite barriers to keep students and staff safe. We will be implementing the 6’ social distancing requirements for all staff and students following best practices. We are working with the Columbia County Health Authority to develop protocols for health and safety if there is an outbreak in our schools.

Our initial survey to our families indicated that they want their students to return to school in the fall. The plan

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Work continues along Rainier’s ‘A’ Street this month. The project is now slated to be completed in August.

‘A’ Street project challenges JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Work on Rainier’s $12.2 million ‘A’ Street improvement project, originally planned to be completed by this month, will continue into August.

“The project is proceeding well despite a couple of challenges,” Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman Lou Torres said.

In late June, the contractor completed installation of the storm trunkline on the south side of the tracks. Early this month crew began installing manholes, inlets, and connecting pipes from E 2nd to E 5th.

Curb and sidewalk grading and paving for the remaining section of roadway from E 2nd to 6th St. on the south side of the tracks was also in the works.

“The base paving that was planned for mid-July, will likely be completed in early August.” Torres said.

“The completion date has been moved out due to work that we currently have is in response to community needs.

Please keep in mind that this is a very fluid environment and the plans we have now may change to meet the needs of our community.

Rainier School District plans “Our top priority is the safe opening of the schools,” Rainier interim school Superintendent Dr. Joseph Hattrick told The Chief. “Just ensuring that the district continues to be a healthy, positive leaning environment for students in

added at the request of the City and unanticipated challenges encountered during spot repairs of the sanitary sewer lines on 3rd and 6th.

It is good that the city came up with the added work now while we have the road open and before final paving.”

Torres said it is not unusual to encounter unanticipated work.

“Especially when you are tearing up old infrastructure,” he said. “You never know what you may come across when you start digging deep holes into old streets and sidewalks.”

The ‘A’ Street Improvement Project is designed to improve safety along the main street of the City of Rainier, where previously the rail line had bisected the community without any safety barriers.

‘A’ Street project improvements • “Daylighting” the rail tracks, moving and realigning them to expose the tracks whatever capacity that is.”

Hattrick said his leaderships team is closely following the ODE blueprint. He said the Rainier schools plan is still a work in progress and will involve much participation by families and the community.

“Right now we are looking at every option, including Distance Learning and limited in-classroom teaching,” Hattrick said. “The challenge that I want to assess is how Rainier addressed that this spring and see if there is any way to improve it. I want to be sure that we have multiple options available for parents so that no

and eliminate the asphalt road covering of the tracks • Upgrading city utilities • Installing curbing to maintain separation between vehicles and rail tracks • Adding new crossing gates at the intersection of the railway and the road The project has been in the works for approximately 13 years. Torres said the total cost of the project, $12.2 million, includes the new A Street Plaza and upgraded utilities.

Funding is from nine different sources including a Connect Oregon grant and PNWR required match, ODOT’s Rail and Public Transit Division, Oregon Legislative approved Regional Solutions funds, Business Oregon and City of Rainier.

Read more about the ‘A’ Street improvement project in a series of stories at the chiefnews.com and follow new developments in the Friday print editions of The Chief. matter people’s situation, we can meet their needs.”

Hattrick said he hopes to have a draft of the new school year plan before the ODE deadline of Aug. 15.

Hattrick was appointed the interim superintendent in June. He replaces Michael Carter who left for a similar position at the Lake County School District 7 in southeast Oregon.

Follow the new school year plans at thechiefnews.com with in-depth reports in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, July 17, 2020

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Small business, jobless to share of $200 million

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Over the past two months, employers added back nearly one-third of the jobs that were cut in March and April.

State jobless rate improving STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

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The E-Board allocations include $35 million to fund $500 Emergency Relief Checks to Oregonians who are still waiting for unemployment benefits.

STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board has approved more than $200 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars.

The money is to provide further economic support for Oregonians and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek said the legislature has taken significant additional steps to assist vulnerable Oregonians whose lives have been turned upside down over the last few months.

“This funding will bring much-needed help to those who are facing the disparate impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, including Black Oregonians, frontline workers, struggling small businesses, and laid off workers who’ve been waiting months for unemployment to come through, Kotek said. “But I know that these dollars won’t go nearly far enough.

Without additional support from the federal government, our state and her people stand on the brink of catastrophe.

Congress must act to pass urgently needed relief funds so we can weather this storm together.”

“We have dedicated over $200 million to help Oregonians still feeling the impacts of this virus,” Senate President Peter Courtney said. “Our communities are hurting. It’s our job to do what we can.”

Allocated Funding • $25.6 million in emergency assistance for small businesses facing financial shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This supports businesses with no more than 25 employees that have not received support under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or other provisions of the federal CARES Act. • $50 million to support music, culture, and community venues and organizations that have been closed,

cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic.

• $62 million to the Oregon Cares Fund for Black Relief and Resiliency to provide economic relief to Black individuals and businesses.

National and state data show that the Black community is one of the communities experiencing a disproportionate share of negative economic and health effects due to COVID-19.

• $30 million to the COVID-19 Leave Fund for workers who contract or have been exposed to the virus but do not qualify for traditional sick leave.

• $35 million to fund $500 Emergency Relief Checks to Oregonians who are still waiting for unemployment benefits.

The Emergency Board also allocated $3.58 million in general funds for emergency water infrastructure to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs as the tribe faces an ongoing water crisis.

The E-Board made the allocations Tuesday, July 14.

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 11.2 percent in June from 14.3 percent, as revised, in May, according to the latest report from the Oregon Employment Department.

Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 56,600 jobs in June, following a gain of 26,100 jobs in May. Over the past two months, employers added back nearly one-third of the jobs that were cut in March and April.

Over-the-month job gains in June were largest in leisure and hospitality (+31,400 jobs); retail trade(+6,800); health care and social assistance (+6,200); and other services (+5,700). None of

the major industries cut a substantial number of jobs in June.

Several major industries have regained around half the jobs they lost in March and April. Leisure and hospitality added a total of 47,600 jobs in May and June, which was 39 percent of the 121,500 jobs the industry cut during March and April.

Health care and social assistance added 15,700 jobs in May and June, recovering 59 percent of the 26,800 jobs it lost the prior two months.

Similarly, retail trade bounced back by 11,500 jobs, or 49 percent, in the past two months, from the 23,300 jobs it shed in March and April.

However, many of the larger industries haven’t seen a substantial rebound in the past two months, including

professional and business services, which cut 20,200 jobs in March and April, but has only regained 1,900 jobs during May and June. Faring even worse were the several industries that have shown no net jobs recovery over the past two months.

Manufacturing employed 181,000 in June, which was 2,400 jobs below its April total. Also in the past two months, government cut 9,100 jobs between April and June, during which time management of companies and enterprises cut 1,000 jobs and information cut 600 jobs.

In June, Oregon’s 11.2 unemployment rate was very close to the U.S. unemployment rate; the U.S. rate dropped to 11.1 percent in June from 13.3 percent in May.

Columbia Community Mental Health is now accepting applications for available Board positions!

Applications will be accepted through July 24th, 2020 Interested candidates must reside in Columbia County to be considered.

Board positions are voluntary; meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month with possibility of “special session” meetings added when necessary; Board retreat annually Anyone interested in completing an application may contact the Human Resources Department at humanresources@ccmh1.com or 503.438.2227

Clatskanie Swimming Pool (503) 728-2757 clatskaniepool@cni.net

Morning

July 20th through 24th

6:00 - 7:00 AM: Deep End (6) & Shallow End (4) Water Exercise 7:15 - 8:15 AM: Deep End (6) & Shallow End (4) Water Exercise 8:30 - 9:00 AM: Level 6 (4) 9:15 - 9:45 AM: Levels 2, 3, and 5 (4) Things to remember: 10:00-10:30 AM: Levels 2, 3, and 4 (4)

Afternoon/Evening

3:30-4:00 PM: Level 4 4:15-4:45 PM: level 5 5:00-5:30 PM: Level 6 5:45-6:15 PM: Family Lesson 6:30-7:00 PM: Family Lesson

Prices

Water Exercise: Daily Fee: $3.00, Weekly: $10.00 Family Lessons*: 2 children: $35.00 Each additional child is $5.00 Lessons*: $20.00 per child

• Register only by phone or email • Enter through lobby only • 1 person (family) in lobby at any time • Lockers are not in use • Take a cleansing shower • Take your belongings on pool deck • After program, exit through side gate, no showers.

All this is very new for us. Please be patient and don’t hesitate to ask questions about our new protocols.

*A family member is required to be in the pool with each child for Levels Tots through 3.

Please note that the weekly/daily schedule is subject to change at any time.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, July 17, 2020

Castle renovation project update

Photo courtesy of Dick Winders

The Castle, located at 620 SW Tichenor Street, is a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is owned by the Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net

A $500,000 renovation of the historic Clatskanie Castle could be completed by the end of the year.

The Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. (CSC) project to restore and update the Thomas J. Flippin House, known locally as the “Castle,” has received what organizers are calling generous donations from Steve and Janice Oliva, owners of Hi-School Pharmacy; Pacific Stainless Products of St. Helens, and the Samuel S. Johnson Foundation, in the effort.

The Castle, located at 620 SW Tichenor Street, is a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is owned by the Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. According to the Castle Capital Improvement Project fundraising chair Deborah Hazen, the building project is well-underway with Rickenbach Construction and sub-contractors working, as COVID-19 requirements allow, on a complete remodel of the commercial kitchen and dining room in the basement, and interior painting and repairs in the upper two stories.

The Olivas recently donated the former Hazen Hardware/Clatskanie Chief building in downtown Clatskanie to the CSC, and it has subsequently been leased by the CSC to Scott Hadlock.

Hadlock is currently using the building as a warehouse for his flooring business while he is remodeling the building. Eventually, he plans to open a sporting goods store in the building.

“Apparently, there have been some false rumors going around about the change of ownership of the building,” Hazen said. “The extremely generous donation from the Olivas was finalized in mid-June, and we signed the lease agreement with Scott shortly thereafter. This donation and lease agreement resulted in much-needed cash and in-kind work for the remodeling project, and in the future it will ensure some long-term maintenance funds for the Castle.”

Castle future Hazen said as it has for the past four decades, the Castle will continue to house the senior citizen meal program, including congregate meals and the preparation

of home-delivered meals, as well as other senior activities.

Exactly when the congregate meals will resume is contingent upon the completion of the remodeling of the basement commercial kitchen and dining room, and the COVID-19 situation, according to Hazen, who said The congregate meals cannot be reopened until Columbia County enters the Phase 3 COVID-19 recovery.

The home-delivered meal program is continuing with the meals being prepared at the Rainier Senior Center, and staged and delivered by volunteers from Faith Lutheran Church in Clatskanie.

The Castle kitchen project is getting a big boost with the donation of stainless steel countertops. “Jeff Kemp, president of Pacific Stainless Products in St. Helens, has been incredibly generous to our project,” Hazen said.

A recent $5,000 grant from the Samuel S. Johnson Foundation brought the total donated for the project from State Sen. Betsy Johnson’s family foundation to $15,000. Contributions by individuals, including those in memory of the late Willard Evenson and Leon Tweet, have also substantially helped the campaign.

Tours, overnight rentals Since 2017, the Castle has housed the Clatskanie Historical Society Museum as well as the senior citizen programs and activities. That will continue after the restoration of the top two floors is completed, Hazen said. The 120-year-old National Historic Preservation site will also be open for tours and special event rentals. Two suites are being prepared for overnight rentals. Tour fees and facility rentals will help pay the costs of insurance, utilities, and senior citizen programs.

“The mission of the Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc., in cooperation with the Clatskanie Historical Society, is to operate the Flippin Castle as a place for seniors and the community to come together for senior outreach, social activities, educational opportunities, and historical insight,” Hazen said.

To accomplish that mission, Hazen said the Castle Capital Improvement Project was launched to address all the physical issues with the building.

Comprehensive work The original campaign goal had been set at

$500,000, but additional work necessary for the project caused organizers to raise the goal to $550,000 earlier this year.

“This is by far the most comprehensive remodeling and restoration undertaken in the history of the Castle,” Hazen said. “Since launching the fundraising campaign two years ago, the project and the costs have expanded as we have delved more deeply into the structure, and especially since we began pre-construction demolition, rewiring, re-plumbing, etc. late last year. We recently had to unexpectedly reframe exterior walls in the basement kitchen and the turret storage areas, because of previously unknown damage.”

Rickenbach Construction of Astoria is the general contractor for the majority of the work, but CSC vice president/maintenance head Bob Horness and treasurer Beki Fisher have led the volunteer effort to accomplish preliminary work and oversee some of the sub-contractors.

“When the entire project is completed - hopefully by the end of the year - the Castle will be more structurally sound and beautiful than ever before in living memory,” Hazen said. “It will also be much more sustainable as a senior center, museum, special event venue, tourism destination, and historic asset for many years in the future.”

Depending upon the outcome of an application for a grant to be decided this fall, the fundraising campaign is expected to reach the $550,000 goal. However, contributions are still welcome and needed for miscellaneous costs not included in the original budget such as storage of furnishings during the construction, periodappropriate lighting fixtures, furnishings, landscaping, etc.

Be engaged Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc., PO Box 383, Clatskanie, OR 97016. Any funds not needed for the remodeling/restoration project will be put into a long-term maintenance/ operation fund.

For more information, contact Hazen at dshazen13@gmail.com, or at 503-338-8268. Read more about the renovation project at thechiefnews.com and follow developments in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

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•

•B lotters • •

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

Rainier Police July 4 • Officers responded to several complaints of fireworks. Verbal warnings were given and no accidents were reported.

LIBRARY From Page A1 looks after wolves in the wild, and did a presentation on how wolves are important to nature, White said. There is also an upcoming presentation from a local Salish tribal elder who lives in Clatskanie, Scott MacGregor, according to White.

All of these presentations have been made possible by an approximately $2,000 grant from the Columbia County Cultural Coalition, and the ability to host on Zoom, White said.

At the end of the summer reading program, White said she hopes to have a socially distanced costume parade at Copes Park, where participant will receive goody bags and certificates. Participants will be

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

July 6 • An officer checked on a report of a suspicious person. The person checked out okay and was having a solo conversation.

July 7 • A subject was trespassed from a local business after he refused to wear a mask, did not leave when requested, and was suspected of passing out marijuana to people in the parking lot.

• An officer assisted in getting a person to a facility who was having a mental health crisis.

July 9 • An officer was able to establish peace for a family that was having a heated disagreement. invited to dress as their favorite fantasy, fairy tale or mythology character, White said.

Overall, watching movies together has enabled the kids to still connect with each other, even though they’re socially distancing, White said.

“We turn off our microphones so we’re not talking, but they’re able to chat with each other during the movie.

It’s like getting together and watching a movie with your friends. That’s our goal, to help these kids connect with each other in a way that’s safe,” White said.

Library upgrades While the library has been closed, work has been done on the inside of the library, mainly with having a special air cleaning system installed, White said. They have also

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chief PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97053

July 10 • David Hamilton, 56, of Kelso, was taken into custody and lodged at the jail on an outstanding warrant.

• An officer assisted a person who was having issues with their neighbor and his stereo.

July 11 • Several officers responded to a report of a fight. Two roommates reported being in a physical harassment with one another. Neither party suffered injuries nor wished to press charges.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement reports were unavailable.

upgraded library software, have done a thorough cleaning of the ventilation system and have catalogued loads of new books, according to White.

“We obtained 96 new children’s books in April, as a grant from The Pilcrow Foundation and Friends of the Library,” White said.

When the library finally does open back up, staff and patrons will be required to wear masks, White said.

All fines are waived for the moment.

Overall, it will be a slow process, according to White.

“Given that numbers are rising pretty dramatically, we feel comfortable moving slowly,” White said.

The Clatskanie Library District is located at 11 Lillich Street in Clatskanie. To reach the library, call 503-728-3732.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One Year Columbia County & Eastern Clatsop County: $52/year One Year Out of County: $72 $3 senior discount for yearly sub

Contact Us • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • Website: www.thechiefnews.com Editorial Email: chiefnews@countrymedia.net • Advertising Email: atrull@countrymedia.net

Write to Us We want to hear from you and encourage you to write letters to the editor.

Because of space limitations, shorter letters have a better chance of being printed. We may edit your letter for style, grammar and clarity, although we do as little editing as possible. If you don’t want your letter printed under those conditions, just let us know. Thank-you letters are limited to a general thanks and summary of an issue or action. We reserve the right to exclude lists of people, organizations and businesses. Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper. To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. We won’t print your street address or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chiefnews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office.

Send Letters To: The Chief Attn: News Editor PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97051 Email Letters To: chiefnews@countrymedia.net

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Letters Policy The Chief welcomes letters of 250 words or fewer. Letters are subject to editing for length, clarity or grammar. They should be concise, to the point and original. Letters dealing with disputes or containing criticism of private individuals or businesses will not be published. All letters must be signed (unless emailed) and include the author’s full name, address and daytime telephone number (for verification purposes only).

Letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Letters also may be published on our website.

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.

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

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, July 17, 2020

A5

Marketplace

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

Just call 503.397.0116

Listings are updated daily at www.thechiefnews.com 150

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DENTAL HYGIENIST Part-time, fulltime, temporary and permanent position(s) available now.

NORTHWEST FAMILY DENTAL’S wonderful team seeking hygienist to assist with the oral health care for our awesome community. Please send resume to kdole@nwfdent al.com

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Highway Maintenance Specialist ODOT Clatskanie maintenance is seeking a highway maintenance specialist.

Salary $2,990-$4,514/ month + excellent benefits. For details please visit www.odotjobs.com and search for REQ-44134 to apply.

Opportunity closes 11:59 PM, 07/22/2020.

ODOT is an AA/ EEO Employer, committed to building workforce diversity.

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY The Port is seeking a part time Administrative Assistant professional. Competitive salary with a great work environment.

Please see our website for more information and to apply. www. portofcolumbia c o u n t y. o r g / j o b s EOE

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www.thechiefnews.com • 503-397-0116 • 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051

Public Notices

CC20-1279

CC20-1280

NOTICE OF ELECTION OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS (Amended) Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, an election will be conducted by mail for the purpose of electing board members (positions/zones and terms) to the following districts: CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT • • • •

Director, Subdivision 1 (4 Year term): N Clatskanie-Marshland (excepting a portion of Hwy 47), Portion of Clatsop County Director, Subdivision 2 (4 Year term): City of Clatskanie Director, Subdivision 3 (2 Year term): S Clatskanie and Quincy Director, Subdivision 5 (4 Year term): Portions of City of Rainier

COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT • •

Director, Subdivision 3 (4 Year term): Portions of: Milton, City of St. Helens 6, Yankton, Deer Island Director, Subdivision 4 (4 Year term): City of St. Helens 1 and 4

Director, Subdivision 1 (2 Year term): Director, Subdivision 3 (4 Year term): Director, Subdivision 4 (4 Year term): Director, Subdivision 5 (4 Year term):

Portions of: McNulty, N Warren, City of St. Helens 6 Portions of McNulty, N Warren, Yankton Portions of Milton, McNulty, City of St. Helens 6, Yankton Portions of: Milton, City of St. Helens 6, Yankton

Each candidate for an office listed above must file a declaration of candidacy (SEL190) with the Elections Department of Columbia County within the period beginning on July 16, 2020 and ending no later than 5:00 p.m. August 25, 2020.

Each filing must include a filing fee of $10.00 or a petition of nomination (SEL121) signed by at least 25 registered voters residing in the electoral district for the office.

Filing information, forms and Voters Pamphlet submission packets are available on-line on the County Elections page at the Columbia County website www.co.columbia.or.us or available in person at the Columbia County Elections Department, 230 Strand St., St. Helens, OR. This legal notice is to be published, pursuant to ORS 255.075 by Elizabeth E. Huser, Columbia County Clerk

COVID-19 From Page A1 The second mandate is an expansion of the face covering requirement, which is already in place for indoor public spaces in Oregon. Starting July 15, face coverings will be required outdoors as well when an individual cannot maintain a six foot physical distance in public from others.

Brown said that failure to comply with the new requirements would lead to more outbreaks of COVID-19 and more restrictive closures with greater impact on Oregon’s economies, communities, health care systems, and families.

Brown said enforcement will continue to be reliant on businesses for the indoor face covering use order and that the state has set up a statewide enforcement task force for assistance.

“Throughout the reopening we’ve been concentrating on an education first approach, helping businesses across the state to follow these rules,” Brown said. “Unfortunately not everyone is willing to work with us and sometimes our team needs to intervene in order to make sure all Oregonians are safe.”

Enforcement of other mandates The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) along with the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) visited 800 businesses over the Fourth of July weekend to make sure businesses were following the Governor’s guidelines.

For businesses not following the rules there will be

Contractors are invited to bid on one or all phases of the construction of a maintenance shop building (Project) for Clatskanie Fire District (District). The Project will be located at 280 SE 3rd, Clatskanie, OR 97016. The Project consists of: 1) site work preparation, foundation and ground work; 2) erection of CMU block wall; 3) erection of the fire maintenance shop structure and windows/door insulation; 4) installation of

garage doors; 5) electrical; and 6) natural gas and plumbing work. District reserves the right to award one or more phases of the Project to any one Bidder, based on individual phase or aggregate bid amounts.

Sealed bids will be received

by Steve Sharek, Fire Chief at 280 SE 3rd, P.O. Box 807, Clatskanie, OR 97016 at or before 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2020. Bids will be publicly opened immediately following this closing. This

contract is for a public work subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, relating to the payment of prevailing wages.

No prequalification will be required for this Project.

The terms, conditions, and specifications for this Project (Project Documents) may be examined at the District office located at 280 SE 3rd, Clatskanie, OR 97016, until closing. The Project Documents will be available at this location from the date of this Notice until closing.

CC20-1281

McNULTY WATER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT • • • •

CLATSKANIE FIRE DISTRICT INVITATION TO BID

‘serious consequences,’ said Brown.

Consequences will include citations, fines and ultimately closing down a business.

The state is also working to develop additional safety protocols for businesses.

“We need to do absolutely everything we can to reduce transmission in ways that do not require us to close down businesses again,” Brown said. “The proof here will be in the numbers. Either people will adhere to this requirement and become a positive force for stopping COVID-19 or I will be forced to take more restrictive measures… no one wants that.”

In her closing statements, Brown thanked Oregonians who have been following the current guidelines and encouraged them to continue doing so.

Rising cases Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen and state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger were on hand for the press conference and each spoke on new modeling that was released last week. The newest modeling shows the continuation of a concerning trend of rapidly spreading COVID-19 throughout Oregon. Cases are rising at a rate so high, that even a 10 percent reduction in cases would not slow the rise in cases.

Allen noted that cases are expected to triple in the next six weeks at the current rate.

“This means more people will get sick, more people will become seriously ill and our healthcare system is at risk of becoming overwhelmed,” Allen said.

Allen and Sidelinger each advised Oregonians to

continue limiting the size of gatherings; move activities outdoors, maintain six feet of physical distance between people; wear a face mask; practice good hand hygiene and stay home if you are sick.

“Reopening the state does not mean going back to the way things were before, it means doing more things than we could during shut down, but having to do them differently,” Allen said. “We all want life to return to normal… but we cannot let COVID-19 get out of control in Oregon and overwhelm our healthcare system in the way we’ve seen it happen in other states.”

On Friday, July 10, Allen and Sidelinger held a news briefing to ask everyone in the state to limit voluntary indoor social gatherings to fewer than 10 people, for at least the next three weeks.

“It is critically important for Oregonians to understand that gradually lifting the Stay at Home, Save Lives order does not mean going back to doing the things the way we did them before the pandemic,” Allen said at the Friday news briefing.

He said the rise in cases comes from a mix with outbreaks at the workplace and clusters of social gatherings.

“Up to 50 percent of the cases are sporadic,” he said.

“People are gathering together, feeling safe, laughing and enjoying themselves and they are letting their guard down.

It is perfectly normal behavior but behavior that is more dangerous now. So returning to normal and people’s behavior is leading to this.”

Follow daily developments at thechiefnews.com and in-depth reports in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

CITY OF CLATSKANIE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE

The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Clatskanie City Council Chambers, 75 South

Nehalem St. (Clatskanie Cultural Center, 2nd floor).

Agenda items include, but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the May 27th, 2020 regular meeting;

Conditional Use for Used Car Sales on Tax Lot 7N4W08-DB-00100, 469 N. Nehalem Street. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by July 17, 2020.

CC20-1272

Scappoose Bay Marine Park Advisory Committee Vacancy The Port of Columbia County is seeking to fill a recent vacancy on the Scappoose Bay Marine Park Advisory Committee.

The committee undertakes projects and advises the Port’s staff and the Board of Commissioners

•

on a variety of matters relating to the marina.

The meetings take place every other month at 5:30 p.m., on the first Tuesday of the month, at the Port Office. Interested persons can obtain an application by visiting the

Port’s website at www. portofcolumbiacounty.org or by contacting Miriam House at 503-928-3259 or by e-mail house@ portofcolumbiacounty.org.

The deadline to submit an application is July 27, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.

•O bituaries • • Betty Langworthy

Oct. 24, 1930 ~ July 6, 2020 Betty Langworthy (Hassenfritz) passed away quietly at Longview Hospice Care Center on July 6, 2020.

She was 89 years old.

Betty Mildred Hassenfritz was born on Oct. 24, 1930 in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. Her parents were William T. Hassenfritz and Julia M. Johnston.

She graduated from Penn Township High School in 1948. Soon after she left for Washington D.C. to work for the F.B.I. There she met and married Richard E. Davison who was serving in the Army and happened to also hale from Penn.

After divorcing Dick, she met and later married David E. Langworthy. They left

P.A. and went west to California where they resided for approximately 10 years.

In 1970 the family moved north to Rainier, Oregon and have since resided in the Alston Corner area.

Betty was an adventurous soul. She loved travel, camping, horseback riding and gardening. There was seldom anything she wouldn’t try. She was also always busy with activities such as 4-H, PTA, scouting and assisting with community events.

Betty is survived by her children, Marilyn Petrovich, Sandra Davis, Troy Langworthy, Tim Langworthy, Judd Langworthy, David Langworthy and Jeff Langworthy; 16 grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Family and friends gathered in memory and to celebrate her life on July 14, 2020 at her home.

Mary Sue Rauch

Sept. 27, 1935 ~ March 15, 2020 Mary Sue Rauch, 84, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away March 15, 2020 in Longview, Washington. A service will be held at noon on Sat., July 18, 2020 at Hudson Cemetery.

Glenora Heber Congrove Aug. 29, 1940 ~ July 1, 2020

Glenora Heber Congrove passed away peacefully at the Thanksgiving House in St. Helens, Oregon on July 1, 2020.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A6

www.thechiefnews.com

•

•P arade

Friday, July 17, 2020

celebrating community

••

Rainier Days Parade Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole tosses candy to spectators as he walks the parade route.

Photos by Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Community members and others gathered to participate in a modified Rainier days Parade designed to celebrate the community. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade replaced the annual three-day Rainier Days held along the city’s riverfront the weekend following Independence Day. The

parade traveled down the east hills of the city to the riverfront park.

“It went well,” Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said.

“Everybody is respecting social distancing guidelines. People watching are also respecting the guidelines too. It is just a great way to celebrate Rainier.”

Volunteers carry flags as the parade marches down the hill in Rainier.

A young girl holds an American flag as she rides a small horse in the parade.

A pair of dogs enjoy the view from a vehicle taking part in the Rainier Days parade.

A decorated car drives the route in the Rainier Days parade.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source